Angels Demons Chapter 9-12 Free Essays

9 The corpse on the floor before Langdon was hideous. The late Leonardo Vetra lay on his back, stripped naked, his skin bluish-gray. His neck bones were jutting out where they had been broken, and his head was twisted completely backward, pointing the wrong way. We will write a custom essay sample on Angels Demons Chapter 9-12 or any similar topic only for you Order Now His face was out of view, pressed against the floor. The man lay in a frozen puddle of his own urine, the hair around his shriveled genitals spidered with frost. Fighting a wave of nausea, Langdon let his eyes fall to the victim’s chest. Although Langdon had stared at the symmetrical wound a dozen times on the fax, the burn was infinitely more commanding in real life. The raised, broiled flesh was perfectly delineated†¦ the symbol flawlessly formed. Langdon wondered if the intense chill now raking through his body was the air-conditioning or his utter amazement with the significance of what he was now staring at. Angels Demons His heart pounded as he circled the body, reading the word upside down, reaffirming the genius of the symmetry. The symbol seemed even less conceivable now that he was staring at it. â€Å"Mr. Langdon?† Langdon did not hear. He was in another world†¦ his world, his element, a world where history, myth, and fact collided, flooding his senses. The gears turned. â€Å"Mr. Langdon?† Kohler’s eyes probed expectantly. Langdon did not look up. His disposition now intensified, his focus total. â€Å"How much do you already know?† â€Å"Only what I had time to read on your website. The word Illuminati means ‘the enlightened ones.’ It is the name of some sort of ancient brotherhood.† Langdon nodded. â€Å"Had you heard the name before?† â€Å"Not until I saw it branded on Mr. Vetra.† â€Å"So you ran a web search for it?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"And the word returned hundreds of references, no doubt.† â€Å"Thousands,† Kohler said. â€Å"Yours, however, contained references to Harvard, Oxford, a reputable publisher, as well as a list of related publications. As a scientist I have come to learn that information is only as valuable as its source. Your credentials seemed authentic.† Langdon’s eyes were still riveted on the body. Kohler said nothing more. He simply stared, apparently waiting for Langdon to shed some light on the scene before them. Langdon looked up, glancing around the frozen flat. â€Å"Perhaps we should discuss this in a warmer place?† â€Å"This room is fine.† Kohler seemed oblivious to the cold. â€Å"We’ll talk here.† Langdon frowned. The Illuminati history was by no means a simple one. I’ll freeze to death trying to explain it. He gazed again at the brand, feeling a renewed sense of awe. Although accounts of the Illuminati emblem were legendary in modern symbology, no academic had ever actually seen it. Ancient documents described the symbol as an ambigram – ambi meaning â€Å"both† – signifying it was legible both ways. And although ambigrams were common in symbology – swastikas, yin yang, Jewish stars, simple crosses – the idea that a word could be crafted into an ambigram seemed utterly impossible. Modern symbologists had tried for years to forge the word â€Å"Illuminati† into a perfectly symmetrical style, but they had failed miserably. Most academics had now decided the symbol’s existence was a myth. â€Å"So who are the Illuminati?† Kohler demanded. Yes, Langdon thought, who indeed? He began his tale. â€Å"Since the beginning of history,† Langdon explained, â€Å"a deep rift has existed between science and religion. Outspoken scientists like Copernicus – â€Å" â€Å"Were murdered,† Kohler interjected. â€Å"Murdered by the church for revealing scientific truths. Religion has always persecuted science.† â€Å"Yes. But in the 1500s, a group of men in Rome fought back against the church. Some of Italy’s most enlightened men – physicists, mathematicians, astronomers – began meeting secretly to share their concerns about the church’s inaccurate teachings. They feared that the church’s monopoly on ‘truth’ threatened academic enlightenment around the world. They founded the world’s first scientific think tank, calling themselves ‘the enlightened ones.’ â€Å" â€Å"The Illuminati.† â€Å"Yes,† Langdon said. â€Å"Europe’s most learned minds†¦ dedicated to the quest for scientific truth.† Kohler fell silent. â€Å"Of course, the Illuminati were hunted ruthlessly by the Catholic Church. Only through rites of extreme secrecy did the scientists remain safe. Word spread through the academic underground, and the Illuminati brotherhood grew to include academics from all over Europe. The scientists met regularly in Rome at an ultrasecret lair they called the Church of Illumination.† Kohler coughed and shifted in his chair. â€Å"Many of the Illuminati,† Langdon continued, â€Å"wanted to combat the church’s tyranny with acts of violence, but their most revered member persuaded them against it. He was a pacifist, as well as one of history’s most famous scientists.† Langdon was certain Kohler would recognize the name. Even nonscientists were familiar with the ill-fated astronomer who had been arrested and almost executed by the church for proclaiming that the sun, and not the earth, was the center of the solar system. Although his data were incontrovertible, the astronomer was severely punished for implying that God had placed mankind somewhere other than at the center of His universe. â€Å"His name was Galileo Galilei,† Langdon said. Kohler looked up. â€Å"Galileo?† â€Å"Yes. Galileo was an Illuminatus. And he was also a devout Catholic. He tried to soften the church’s position on science by proclaiming that science did not undermine the existence of God, but rather reinforced it. He wrote once that when he looked through his telescope at the spinning planets, he could hear God’s voice in the music of the spheres. He held that science and religion were not enemies, but rather allies – two different languages telling the same story, a story of symmetry and balance†¦ heaven and hell, night and day, hot and cold, God and Satan. Both science and religion rejoiced in God’s symmetry†¦ the endless contest of light and dark.† Langdon paused, stamping his feet to stay warm. Kohler simply sat in his wheelchair and stared. â€Å"Unfortunately,† Langdon added, â€Å"the unification of science and religion was not what the church wanted.† â€Å"Of course not,† Kohler interrupted. â€Å"The union would have nullified the church’s claim as the sole vessel through which man could understand God. So the church tried Galileo as a heretic, found him guilty, and put him under permanent house arrest. I am quite aware of scientific history, Mr. Langdon. But this was all centuries ago. What does it have to do with Leonardo Vetra?† The million dollar question. Langdon cut to the chase. â€Å"Galileo’s arrest threw the Illuminati into upheaval. Mistakes were made, and the church discovered the identities of four members, whom they captured and interrogated. But the four scientists revealed nothing†¦ even under torture.† â€Å"Torture?† Langdon nodded. â€Å"They were branded alive. On the chest. With the symbol of a cross.† Kohler’s eyes widened, and he shot an uneasy glance at Vetra’s body. â€Å"Then the scientists were brutally murdered, their dead bodies dropped in the streets of Rome as a warning to others thinking of joining the Illuminati. With the church closing in, the remaining Illuminati fled Italy.† Langdon paused to make his point. He looked directly into Kohler’s dead eyes. â€Å"The Illuminati went deep underground, where they began mixing with other refugee groups fleeing the Catholic purges – mystics, alchemists, occultists, Muslims, Jews. Over the years, the Illuminati began absorbing new members. A new Illuminati emerged. A darker Illuminati. A deeply anti-Christian Illuminati. They grew very powerful, employing mysterious rites, deadly secrecy, vowing someday to rise again and take revenge on the Catholic Church. Their power grew to the point where the church considered them the single most dangerous anti-Christian force on earth. The Vatican denounced the brotherhood as Shaitan.† â€Å"Shaitan?† â€Å"It’s Islamic. It means ‘adversary’†¦ God’s adversary. The church chose Islam for the name because it was a language they considered dirty.† Langdon hesitated. â€Å"Shaitan is the root of an English word†¦Satan.† An uneasiness crossed Kohler’s face. Langdon’s voice was grim. â€Å"Mr. Kohler, I do not know how this marking appeared on this man’s chest†¦ or why†¦ but you are looking at the long-lost symbol of the world’s oldest and most powerful satanic cult.† 10 The alley was narrow and deserted. The Hassassin strode quickly now, his black eyes filling with anticipation. As he approached his destination, Janus’s parting words echoed in his mind. Phase two begins shortly. Get some rest. The Hassassin smirked. He had been awake all night, but sleep was the last thing on his mind. Sleep was for the weak. He was a warrior like his ancestors before him, and his people never slept once a battle had begun. This battle had most definitely begun, and he had been given the honor of spilling first blood. Now he had two hours to celebrate his glory before going back to work. Sleep? There are far better ways to relax†¦ An appetite for hedonistic pleasure was something bred into him by his ancestors. His ascendants had indulged in hashish, but he preferred a different kind of gratification. He took pride in his body – a well-tuned, lethal machine, which, despite his heritage, he refused to pollute with narcotics. He had developed a more nourishing addiction than drugs†¦ a far more healthy and satisfying reward. Feeling a familiar anticipation swelling within him, the Hassassin moved faster down the alley. He arrived at the nondescript door and rang the bell. A view slit in the door opened, and two soft brown eyes studied him appraisingly. Then the door swung open. â€Å"Welcome,† the well-dressed woman said. She ushered him into an impeccably furnished sitting room where the lights were low. The air was laced with expensive perfume and musk. â€Å"Whenever you are ready.† She handed him a book of photographs. â€Å"Ring me when you have made your choice.† Then she disappeared. The Hassassin smiled. As he sat on the plush divan and positioned the photo album on his lap, he felt a carnal hunger stir. Although his people did not celebrate Christmas, he imagined that this is what it must feel like to be a Christian child, sitting before a stack of Christmas presents, about to discover the miracles inside. He opened the album and examined the photos. A lifetime of sexual fantasies stared back at him. Marisa. An Italian goddess. Fiery. A young Sophia Loren. Sachiko. A Japanese geisha. Lithe. No doubt skilled. Kanara. A stunning black vision. Muscular. Exotic. He examined the entire album twice and made his choice. He pressed a button on the table beside him. A minute later the woman who had greeted him reappeared. He indicated his selection. She smiled. â€Å"Follow me.† After handling the financial arrangements, the woman made a hushed phone call. She waited a few minutes and then led him up a winding marble staircase to a luxurious hallway. â€Å"It’s the gold door on the end,† she said. â€Å"You have expensive taste.† I should, he thought. I am a connoisseur. The Hassassin padded the length of the hallway like a panther anticipating a long overdue meal. When he reached the doorway he smiled to himself. It was already ajar†¦ welcoming him in. He pushed, and the door swung noiselessly open. When he saw his selection, he knew he had chosen well. She was exactly as he had requested†¦ nude, lying on her back, her arms tied to the bedposts with thick velvet cords. He crossed the room and ran a dark finger across her ivory abdomen. I killed last night, he thought. You are my reward. 11 â€Å"Satanic?† Kohler wiped his mouth and shifted uncomfortably. â€Å"This is the symbol of a satanic cult?† Langdon paced the frozen room to keep warm. â€Å"The Illuminati were satanic. But not in the modern sense.† Langdon quickly explained how most people pictured satanic cults as devil-worshiping fiends, and yet Satanists historically were educated men who stood as adversaries to the church. Shaitan. The rumors of satanic black-magic animal sacrifices and the pentagram ritual were nothing but lies spread by the church as a smear campaign against their adversaries. Over time, opponents of the church, wanting to emulate the Illuminati, began believing the lies and acting them out. Thus, modern Satanism was born. Kohler grunted abruptly. â€Å"This is all ancient history. I want to know how this symbol got here.† Langdon took a deep breath. â€Å"The symbol itself was created by an anonymous sixteenth-century Illuminati artist as a tribute to Galileo’s love of symmetry – a kind of sacred Illuminati logo. The brotherhood kept the design secret, allegedly planning to reveal it only when they had amassed enough power to resurface and carry out their final goal.† Kohler looked unsettled. â€Å"So this symbol means the Illuminati brotherhood is resurfacing?† Langdon frowned. â€Å"That would be impossible. There is one chapter of Illuminati history that I have not yet explained.† Kohler’s voice intensified. â€Å"Enlighten me.† Langdon rubbed his palms together, mentally sorting through the hundreds of documents he’d read or written on the Illuminati. â€Å"The Illuminati were survivors,† he explained. â€Å"When they fled Rome, they traveled across Europe looking for a safe place to regroup. They were taken in by another secret society†¦ a brotherhood of wealthy Bavarian stone craftsmen called the Freemasons.† Kohler looked startled. â€Å"The Masons?† Langdon nodded, not at all surprised that Kohler had heard of the group. The brotherhood of the Masons currently had over five million members worldwide, half of them residing in the United States, and over one million of them in Europe. â€Å"Certainly the Masons are not satanic,† Kohler declared, sounding suddenly skeptical. â€Å"Absolutely not. The Masons fell victim of their own benevolence. After harboring the fleeing scientists in the 1700s, the Masons unknowingly became a front for the Illuminati. The Illuminati grew within their ranks, gradually taking over positions of power within the lodges. They quietly reestablished their scientific brotherhood deep within the Masons – a kind of secret society within a secret society. Then the Illuminati used the worldwide connection of Masonic lodges to spread their influence.† Langdon drew a cold breath before racing on. â€Å"Obliteration of Catholicism was the Illuminati’s central covenant. The brotherhood held that the superstitious dogma spewed forth by the church was mankind’s greatest enemy. They feared that if religion continued to promote pious myth as absolute fact, scientific progress would halt, and mankind would be doomed to an ignorant future of senseless holy wars.† â€Å"Much like we see today.† Langdon frowned. Kohler was right. Holy wars were still making headlines. My God is better than your God. It seemed there was always close correlation between true believers and high body counts. â€Å"Go on,† Kohler said. Langdon gathered his thoughts and continued. â€Å"The Illuminati grew more powerful in Europe and set their sights on America, a fledgling government many of whose leaders were Masons – George Washington, Ben Franklin – honest, God-fearing men who were unaware of the Illuminati stronghold on the Masons. The Illuminati took advantage of the infiltration and helped found banks, universities, and industry to finance their ultimate quest.† Langdon paused. â€Å"The creation of a single unified world state – a kind of secular New World Order.† Kohler did not move. â€Å"A New World Order,† Langdon repeated, â€Å"based on scientific enlightenment. They called it their Luciferian Doctrine. The church claimed Lucifer was a reference to the devil, but the brotherhood insisted Lucifer was intended in its literal Latin meaning – bringer of light. Or Illuminator.† Kohler sighed, and his voice grew suddenly solemn. â€Å"Mr. Langdon, please sit down.† Langdon sat tentatively on a frost-covered chair. Kohler moved his wheelchair closer. â€Å"I am not sure I understand everything you have just told me, but I do understand this. Leonardo Vetra was one of CERN’s greatest assets. He was also a friend. I need you to help me locate the Illuminati.† Langdon didn’t know how to respond. â€Å"Locate the Illuminati?† He’s kidding, right? â€Å"I’m afraid, sir, that will be utterly impossible.† Kohler’s brow creased. â€Å"What do you mean? You won’t – â€Å" â€Å"Mr. Kohler.† Langdon leaned toward his host, uncertain how to make him understand what he was about to say. â€Å"I did not finish my story. Despite appearances, it is extremely unlikely that this brand was put here by the Illuminati. There has been no evidence of their existence for over half a century, and most scholars agree the Illuminati have been defunct for many years.† The words hit silence. Kohler stared through the fog with a look somewhere between stupefaction and anger. â€Å"How the hell can you tell me this group is extinct when their name is seared into this man!† Langdon had been asking himself that question all morning. The appearance of the Illuminati ambigram was astonishing. Symbologists worldwide would be dazzled. And yet, the academic in Langdon understood that the brand’s reemergence proved absolutely nothing about the Illuminati. â€Å"Symbols,† Langdon said, â€Å"in no way confirm the presence of their original creators.† â€Å"What is that supposed to mean?† â€Å"It means that when organized philosophies like the Illuminati go out of existence, their symbols remain†¦ available for adoption by other groups. It’s called transference. It’s very common in symbology. The Nazis took the swastika from the Hindus, the Christians adopted the cruciform from the Egyptians, the – â€Å" â€Å"This morning,† Kohler challenged, â€Å"when I typed the word ‘Illuminati’ into the computer, it returned thousands of current references. Apparently a lot of people think this group is still active.† â€Å"Conspiracy buffs,† Langdon replied. He had always been annoyed by the plethora of conspiracy theories that circulated in modern pop culture. The media craved apocalyptic headlines, and self-proclaimed â€Å"cult specialists† were still cashing in on millennium hype with fabricated stories that the Illuminati were alive and well and organizing their New World Order. Recently the New York Times had reported the eerie Masonic ties of countless famous men – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the Duke of Kent, Peter Sellers, Irving Berlin, Prince Philip, Louis Armstrong, as well as a pantheon of well-known modern-day industrialists and banking magnates. Kohler pointed angrily at Vetra’s body. â€Å"Considering the evidence, I would say perhaps the conspiracy buffs are correct.† â€Å"I realize how it appears,† Langdon said as diplomatically as he could. â€Å"And yet a far more plausible explanation is that some other organization has taken control of the Illuminati brand and is using it for their own purposes.† â€Å"What purposes? What does this murder prove?† Good question, Langdon thought. He also was having trouble imagining where anyone could have turned up the Illuminati brand after 400 years. â€Å"All I can tell you is that even if the Illuminati were still active today, which I am virtually positive they are not, they would never be involved in Leonardo Vetra’s death.† â€Å"No?† â€Å"No. The Illuminati may have believed in the abolition of Christianity, but they wielded their power through political and financial means, not through terrorists acts. Furthermore, the Illuminati had a strict code of morality regarding who they saw as enemies. They held men of science in the highest regard. There is no way they would have murdered a fellow scientist like Leonardo Vetra.† Kohler’s eyes turned to ice. â€Å"Perhaps I failed to mention that Leonardo Vetra was anything but an ordinary scientist.† Langdon exhaled patiently. â€Å"Mr. Kohler, I’m sure Leonardo Vetra was brilliant in many ways, but the fact remains – â€Å" Without warning, Kohler spun in his wheelchair and accelerated out of the living room, leaving a wake of swirling mist as he disappeared down a hallway. For the love of God, Langdon groaned. He followed. Kohler was waiting for him in a small alcove at the end of the hallway. â€Å"This is Leonardo’s study,† Kohler said, motioning to the sliding door. â€Å"Perhaps when you see it you’ll understand things differently.† With an awkward grunt, Kohler heaved, and the door slid open. Langdon peered into the study and immediately felt his skin crawl. Holy mother of Jesus, he said to himself. 12 In another country, a young guard sat patiently before an expansive bank of video monitors. He watched as images flashed before him – live feeds from hundreds of wireless video cameras that surveyed the sprawling complex. The images went by in an endless procession. An ornate hallway. A private office. An industrial-size kitchen. As the pictures went by, the guard fought off a daydream. He was nearing the end of his shift, and yet he was still vigilant. Service was an honor. Someday he would be granted his ultimate reward. As his thoughts drifted, an image before him registered alarm. Suddenly, with a reflexive jerk that startled even himself, his hand shot out and hit a button on the control panel. The picture before him froze. His nerves tingling, he leaned toward the screen for a closer look. The reading on the monitor told him the image was being transmitted from camera #86 – a camera that was supposed to be overlooking a hallway. But the image before him was most definitely not a hallway. How to cite Angels Demons Chapter 9-12, Essay examples

Impact of Bottlenecks on Manufacturing Facility Free Samples

Questions: 1) What did you learn about the Impact of bottlenecks on the Process Metrics of the Manufacturing Facility? 2) As the Operations Manager, what changes are you going to make for Maximising the Capacity per hour? Answers: Introduction A bottleneck is a process in which its limited capacity retards the whole chains capacity. This assignment provides a reflective view of learning regarding bottlenecks impact on process metrics of the manufacturing facility. Changes requires as an operational manager for maximizing capacity per hour are also identified without purchasing additional workstations. 1.Impact of bottlenecks on process metrics of the manufacturing facility Amaral (2014) stated that Bottlenecks are usually constraints that take the longest time in a supply for a particular demand. In the simulation three-step model, workstation B assigned to Bob is the bottleneck of the supply chain process. Due to the bottleneck, I have learned that workstation A is blocked and as a result, workstation C is blocked too for additional 5 minutes. Workstation A assigned to Alice and workstation C is assigned to Charlie having different task time in units, which are 3 minutes for workstation A, 5 minutes for workstation B and 2 minutes for workstation C respectively. Using the simulation, no matter where the bottleneck is used that is the workstation B with 5 minutes times is placed, overall capacity per hour remains same at a constant rate of 12. A total utilization percentage of 66.67% is calculated. However, when the bottleneck is placed at mid position after workstation A and before workstation C, the task at workstation A is delayed during processing of workstation B. Hence, it is recommended to place workstation B at starting of the supply chain followed by workstation B and workstation C respectively. With such arrangement I have learnt that the throughout process was increased. However, process metrics was not influenced significantly. The bottleneck working at 100% utilization increased the capacity per hour and overall utilization although the other two workstations were not working at 100% utilization but at 60% (Workstation A) and 40% (Workstation B) (Kjellsdotter Ivert 2014). Overall utilization remains to be an average value of 66.67%. The cycle time remains 5 minutes because as a task is assigned to Alice, it takes 3 minutes to process, then after it is passed to Bob, it takes around 5 minutes to process when the task at A is blocked. Hence, I have learnt that cost per hour on a bottleneck is numerically equal to loss of an hour for the entire supply chain and equal to the loss of throughout for the supply chain as a whole (Rotaru 2014). When I recognized the bottleneck, incurred a total cost of 0.1% of the total cost, rest of the 99.9% can be used for spending in increment of the throughout without any extra cost to be incurred (Cb.hbsp.harvard.edu 2017). 2.Maximizing the capacity per hour As an operation manager, first I would like to rearrange the workstations. According to Costas et al. (2015), if the task time is constraints then it will be difficult to obtain a higher capacity per hour. However trying to decrease the task time in minutes will increase the production per hour dramatically. If the utilization percentage of each workstation is to increase, I need to find a way to decrease bottlenecks time duration. Since the bottleneck is working at 100% efficiency, other workstations are providing maximum utilization (Stadtler 2015). If the workstation Bs task time is decreased to 2.5 minutes, the utilization is decreased to 83% and hence the workstation A gets a full utilization of 100%. Simultaneously, workstation B has a comparatively lower utilization of 67%. The capacity per hour in this scenario is increased to 20 and a total utility of 83.33% is achieved hence an improvement of 16.66% extra from initial condition is achieved. Cycle time is also decreased to 3 minutes as well as minimum throughout cycle is 7.5 minutes. Most importantly maximum utilization will be achieved if all the workstations are made to have an equal task time of 3.33 minutes as average working time for Alice, Bob and Charlie are 3.33 [(5+3+2)/3 = 3.33]. Therefore, 100% utilization is achieved due to removal of bottlenecks and a min throughout time of 10 minutes is achieved. Capacity per hour is also improved to 18 with a total utilization percentage of 100% (Cb.hbsp.harvard.edu 2017). However if the task time cannot be changed or altered and there is only option to interchange the position of workers in workstation, I would prefer Bob the slowest to start the chain followed by next slowest Alice and finally Charlie the fastest. This will ensure that no goods are retained in the factory process chain and are delivered to logistics as soon as they arrive at workplace (Roehrich 2014). If the task times cannot be changed and workstations cannot be interchanged, I would decrease the input to bottleneck steps. Moreover, I would ensure that everything provided to the bottleneck is free from any sort of defect. As stated by Kerzner (2013), valuable bottleneck resources will not be used up in this way to process materials, which will be discarded later on. Any activities, which can be done by other machinery or personnel, will be removed from bottlenecks. I will also assign most productive member to the bottleneck process and reinforce it with latest technology. I will also add capacity to the bottleneck process. Adding capacity to bottlenecks will ensure that the supply-chain management process is enhanced to maximum proficiency level increasing production output. Conclusion It can be concluded that by simply shifting the work, process efficiency can be improved significantly without the application of additional cost. Specialized job roles if assigned will however create problems, as the job cannot be shifted. In the above simulated process, if the work is possible to be shifted from one workstation to another workstation, it is recommended to keep the bottlenecks at the initial step or provide finished product to the bottleneck so that no resource of the bottleneck is used. In addition, if the shifting is not possible, it is recommended to use efficient machine and worker for the bottleneck task. Most importantly if bottleneck task is used is not scheduled properly will delay the entire process. It is also seen that as an operational manager I will try to resource and level time of each workstation that will cause to obtain a greater production rate and increase utilization percentage. References Amaral, T.M. and Costa, A.P., 2014. Improving decision-making and management of hospital resources: An application of the PROMETHEE II method in an Emergency Department.Operations Research for Health Care,3(1), pp.1-6. Cb.hbsp.harvard.edu, 2017, Process Analytics Simulations, Available at: https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/context/coursepacks/61182556 [Accessed 1 April 2017]. Costas, J., Ponte, B., de la Fuente, D., Pino, R. and Puche, J., 2015. Applying Goldratts Theory of Constraints to reduce the Bullwhip Effect through agent-based modeling.Expert Systems with Applications,42(4), pp.2049-2060. Roehrich, J., Grosvold, J. and U. Hoejmose, S., 2014. Reputational risks and sustainable supply chain management: Decision making under bounded rationality.International Journal of Operations Production Management,34(5), pp.695-719. Kerzner, H., 2013.Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley Sons. Kjellsdotter Ivert, L. and Jonsson, P., 2014. When should advanced planning and scheduling systems be used in sales and operations planning?.International Journal of Operations Production Management,34(10), pp.1338-1362. Rotaru, K., Churilov, L. and Flitman, A., 2014. Can critical realism enable a journey from description to understanding in operations and supply chain management?.Supply Chain Management: An International Journal,19(2), pp.117-125. Stadtler, H., 2015. Supply chain management: Supply chain management and advanced planning. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

The Travels of a T

The Travels of a T-shirt in the Global Economy focuses on the impact of globalization and free trade. Pietra Rivoli recounts her fascinating adventure around the world in order to find out the origin of her T-shirt. Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More She travels from a cotton field in Texas to a Chinese factory and from there goes to a used clothing market in Tanzania, and in the process describes the transformation of raw cotton into a T-Shirt. She analyses the international trade through the story of a simple product and gives her perceptions of the workings of a global economy. She resolves that, without blatant efforts by protestors and NGOs, free trade would lead into exploitation of disfavored workers in the factories of developing countries. This essay gives a critical examination of the Travels of T-shirt in the Glob al Economy by looking at its purpose, the impressions it creates, how it could be improved and finally, its relation to economic geography. In telling her story, Rivoli used a simple concept to find out the globalization of world trade. She randomly purchases a t-shirt while on vacation then talks to the shop proprietors to discover where they initially bought it from. She then tracks down the persons and factories that probably had a direct influence upon her t-shirt. Her story commences at George Town University in Washington where she encountered a student demonstration about the sweatshop that produced their t-shirts. She becomes concerned and decides to investigate how the process worked, and so, she buys a T-Shirt which sets out the whole story. The story begins right at the cotton fields where the farmers encounter several challenges and from there, hops from country to country as it undergoes different processes (Rivoli, 2005). The story is recounted in an interesting and e fficacious way to attain its objective of educating on global economy. She explains that cotton farmers in America are MBAs in entrepreneurship in the sense that they are moving toward their vision of earning wealth to themselves and to the whole community as well. This is achieved through cutting off the foreign and domestic competitors. As Rivoli states, Texas cotton remains the lead as a result of placing limits to competitors instead of competing. She describes the cotton industry using an imagery; the Texas cotton industry as a lion and its competitors as gazelles. This finely illustrates her idea of the Texas cotton industry quickly destroying its opponents so as to avoid competition. This way, she helps in elaborating on the reasons for continuous success of Texas cotton (Rivoli, 2005).Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moreover, she also sheds light on the benefits incurred by farmers as a result of cotton farming. The farmers of the United States are subsidized by the government, and the American textile industries are made to buy the cotton from the farmers which in turn, subsidize the difference in price. Programmes for compensating farmers of the losses, developing new technologies and for loaning are also available. On the contrary, other countries as India and Pakistan cannot even afford to compensate their farmers. This is quite the opposite of America. Farmers in such countries are depressed as seen in the example of an Indian cotton farmer who decided to drink pesticide as a way of expressing his fate in farming. Through this, the economic situations of different countries are depicted. Protectionist policies are what the American government has applied in order to prevent imports, and though this might be viewed as a short-run resolution of imports to any nation, it does help in preserving domestic products and the jobs of dozens (Rivoli, 2005). When drawing the cotton processing in Chinese factories, Rivoli reveals the inhuman conditions in the sweatshop. She mentions the condition of workers and especially women who work for long hours at the factories for little pay. She provides an example of a young woman, Jiang Lan, whose work is to tie strands of broken yarn. She works for six days per week, eight hours a day, and all what she gets is $100 per month. This is surely a low pay considering the fact that she works for long hours and only has one day to rest in a week. Quite to the contrary, these women are willing to work on the factory as it frees them from the donkeywork and arranged marriages in the countryside China. This reflects the poor political governance that does not protect the workers’ rights. China’s communist policies that socially classify people such as the hukou are unnecessary and unfair to many as it prevents people from becoming who they want to be. This is a m atter that the Chinese government needs to look into (Rivoli, 2005). Nevertheless, Rivoli’s writing creates such an important realization that the need for new clothing has made cotton a necessity. This is deduced in the section concerning the Salvation Army where she says that â€Å"There are nowhere near enough poor people in America to absorb the mountains of castoffs (clothing), even if they were given away† (p.176). Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essentially means that, there is unlimited desire for new clothing in and outside America. The used garments are taken to Tanzania trading markets where they are sold as second hand garments. Used clothes have become an issue of controversy and some African countries have banned the importation of castoffs as a way of protecting their local textile indust ries (Rivoli, 2005). Her opinion on economic policy is something that I agree with. Her sentiment pertaining to the agreement on free trade between China and the United States is that, the two states should stop competing and instead let the market determine the best product. Through this, it is made clear that free trade might not be the best line in the short-term after all (Rivoli, 2005). Moreover, another similar problem occurs when Rivoli talks about the unintended outcomes of congress legislation that proposes to affirm the occupations of America. A particular case is that of CBTBA and the â€Å"yarn forward† requisite that deters American yarn spinners from exporting their yarn to the Caribbean and from changing production to a cost-effective location. One asks themselves whether the legislations being passed are of any assistance since they prove not to be working to begin with. Instead of wasting time and money maintaining disused jobs, it could be better put to use in other places like funding educational programs and educating dismissed workers (Rivoli, 2005). Finally, the book touches on several issues of globalization which are informative. Rivoli though, can further improve the book by discussing the matters of political and economic subversion. In addition, environmental impacts of the garment industries should also be more dwelt on. The textile industry nowadays illustrates the issues faced by the global economy. Owing to its globalization, the textile industry moves around boundaries, connecting governments, industries and economies of underdeveloped and developed nations. As seen, the garments move from a developed country to a less developed country as they get old. This explains the economic situations of these countries. Americans are able to afford new clothing and as they get old they are transferred to a less developed country as Tanzania who may not afford new garments due to high charges imposed on them. This is a very inter esting book as it elaborates on various matters pertaining to the economies of different nations (Rivoli, 2005).Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This book looks at the cycle of a T-shirt transformed from a cotton field in Texas to a fabric and finally sewn to a T-shirt in Chinese factories. The T-shirt is then taken back to United States, Florida, where it is printed and sold in the streets of Washington. As a used T-shirt it is eventually discarded and thus encounters a free market. On its way to Tanzania, it may pass through china again for sorting, and that is how the T-shirt as she analyzed, travels. This book expresses approval of the business individuals involved in global trade together with their antagonists who assist in ensuring that trade does not at all cause dehumanization to those that it may serve to assist. Pietra Rivoli hence recounts a story that deserves its success. She has done deep research, written well, argued well and even largely elaborated on the turbulent complexness of the global economy. Rivoli though should elaborate more on the economic and political corruption. Reference Rivoli, P. (2005). The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy: An Economist Examines the Markets, Power, and Politics of World Trade. New York: John Wiley Sons. This critical writing on The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy was written and submitted by user John Porter to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Investigate a possible relationship between self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in the undergraduate student population Essays

Investigate a possible relationship between self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in the undergraduate student population Essays Investigate a possible relationship between self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in the undergraduate student population Essay Investigate a possible relationship between self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in the undergraduate student population Essay Essay Topic: We Real Cool The present research was carried out in order to investigate a possible relationship between self-esteem and levels of satisfaction in the undergraduate student population. The aim was to identify a possible correlation that may illustrate that people with high self-esteem are generally more satisfied than those with low self-esteem. The survey instrument used as the means to test the hypothesis was a self-complete questionnaire containing both closed and open questions. This was piloted and then administered to an opportunity sample of 21 first year undergraduates at West Suffolk College. The quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS computer package. The results reveal a correlation coefficient of r=.816 indicating a strong positive correlation, which was then statistically tested and shown to be significant at the 0.01 level. The qualitative data was analysed and found to support the quantitative data. The results and findings in both cases support the hypothesis and so it can therefore be concluded that there is a significant correlation between levels of self-esteem and levels of undergraduate satisfaction. This study is interested in self-esteem in relation to satisfaction in the undergraduate student population. It seeks to investigate how high or low self-esteem affects the way a person sees their world. The aim was to identify a possible correlation that may illustrate that people with high self-esteem are generally more satisfied than those with low self-esteem. Self-esteem is one of the most studied aspects of individual difference in personality. Humanist, psychodynamic, social psychological and cognitive theorists have emphasised the importance of self-esteem. The impact on the individual of having either high or low levels of self-esteem may not simply affect their life expectations but also impact at a societal level. There is a belief, supported by Baumeister (1999), that low self-esteem is responsible for a broad assortment of personal and social problems. There is a dearth of evidence that suggests that school programs aimed at raising childrens self-esteem produce a reduct ion in crime, delinquency, drug abuse and underachievement in school. (Baumeister 1999). Curry and Johnson (1990) describe high self-esteem as a secure sense of identity and an ability to acknowledge and value ones own efforts and achievements. They stress a connection between high self-esteem, confidence, energy and optimism and argue that these traits have their roots in early years. Baumeister, Rice and Hutton (1989) discuss self-esteem in terms of motivational orientation, with high self-esteem giving a self-enhancing orientation. In other words a person considered to have high self esteem is more likely to seek to capitalise on their good traits and pursue successes even under risky conditions. On the other hand people with low self-esteem have a self-protecting orientation and avoid failures and set backs. (Baumeister 1999). The importance of understanding more about self-esteem in relation to education is clear. A suitable means of doing this is in the guise of a straightforward satisfaction questionnaire the process of which students are quite familiar with. With the focus of self esteem and student satisfaction in mind the following experimental hypothesis has been drawn up. Experimental Hypothesis There is a significant correlation between levels of self-esteem and levels of undergraduate satisfaction Null Hypothesis Any correlation between levels of self-esteem and levels of undergraduate satisfaction is due to chance factors. Method The survey instrument used in this study was a self-complete questionnaire, which was developed for the purpose of identifying levels of satisfaction and self esteem. The self esteem indicators were based on the Rosenberg (1965) self esteem scale (see appendix 5). The main reason for the use of a questionnaire as opposed to semi-structured interview or any other method was for practical reasons and speed. The questionnaire uses a mix of open and closed questions allowing for the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data. One of the drawbacks of using this method is that it does not allow for probing, prompting or the collection of additional data. It is however quick to administer, relatively cheap and convenient for respondents. The questionnaire was broken into 3 short sections in an attempt to avoid respondent fatigue. The first section was made up of 3 qualitative questions, which were deliberately positioned at the start in order to capture the students comments while fresh. The second section was made up of a bank of quantitative questions with a 4 point Likart scale. These questions required the respondent to read a statement and then mark whether they strongly agreed, agreed, disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement. The answers were coded and given a score, ranging from strongly agreed = 4 and strongly disagreed = 1. Finally section 3 called for demographic information and more general questions probing long term goals. (Bryman 2004). A pilot study was performed and the questionnaire re designed accordingly. The resulting questionnaire was then administered. The quantitative data was analysed in order to establish the correlation coefficient, the strength of the correlation, which was then statistically tested for significance. The qualitative data was analysed and findings compared to the quantitative data. An opportunity sample of 21 participants made up of 20 females and 1 male agreed to take part. The group consisted of first year students on degree programs within the West Suffolk College. Eleven of the participants were Humanities degree students and 10 were Behavioural Studies and the ages ranged from 19 41+. Standard forms (appendix 1-3) were produced in order to make replication of the survey possible. These included an information/consent form (appendix 1), a request for further information form (appendix 2) and a self-complete questionnaire (appendix 3). A group of 1st year undergraduate students were approached within designated lecture time and invited to take part in a student satisfaction survey. An ethically approved information/consent form was issued and the students were asked to read through and sign it to give their consent. An additional form was provided to collect the details of those who wanted further information on the survey or a copy of the research findings. The respondents were informed that the whole process would only take about 10 minutes and their responses would remain entirely confidential. The purpose of the survey was explained briefly although no mention was made with regard to the self-esteem aspect of the questions. Participants were also informed of their right to withdraw at any time and asked if they had any questions prior to proceeding. Results Descriptive statistics Table 1 PPT No Course Sex M/F Age Satisfaction Score Self-esteem score Positive word score Long term goal 1 B/S F 19-21 14 11 5 Degree then job 2 H F 32-41 16 16 2 teaching 3 B/S F 42+ 12 12 4 Ed Psych 4 H F 42+ 14 14 4 Gain degree 5 B/S F 19-21 12 10 0 Get a job 6 H F 22-31 13 12 4 teaching 7 H F 22-31 14 13 3 No long term goal 8 B/S F 22-31 11 9 2 Not sure if I will even complete course 9 B/S F 42+ 13 13 5 Open minded 10 B/S F 22-31 13 10 1 unsure 11 B/S F 22-31 16 15 5 MA Psych 12 B/S F 42+ 15 16 5 Teaching primary 13 B/S F 32-41 12 12 3 Ed Psych 14 H F 32-41 15 14 3 Achieve best grade 15 H F 42+ 11 11 4 Teach primary 16 H M 42+ 13 13 2 Teach 17 H F 22-31 16 15 3 1st Class Hons 18 H F 32-41 12 12 4 Teaching 19 H F 19-21 13 14 3 teaching 20 B/S F 32-41 14 12 5 Rewarding career/independance 21 H F 22-31 12 10 2 Teach Not sure if good enough Total 281 264 Mean 13 13 St Dev 1.6 2 Table 1 lists the program of study, age group and gender of the 21 respondents. It also lists the total scores for satisfaction and self-esteem taken from the quantitative part of the questionnaire together with the mean and standard deviations. The table also includes the individual respondents positive word scores, which were derived from the qualitative data collected. The final column details the respondents long-term goal, which was part of the demographic section of the questionnaire and shows that 8 out of the 21 respondents aim to go into teaching, 3 respondents hoped their degree would lead onto a job but did not specify the type of job. 3 respondents said they would like to undertake a Masters degree and/or go into Educational Psychology. 3 respondents reported that gaining a degree was their long term goal, 1 of whom is aiming for a first class honours degree. The 4 remaining respondents said they were unsure, open-minded or had no long-term goal. Generally satisfaction sc ores tended to be high with a mean score of 13 (the lowest possible score being 4 and the highest 16). Deviation from the mean was minor with a standard deviation of 1.6 for satisfaction and 2 for self-esteem. SPSS was used to calculate the correlation, which is illustrated in the scatter gram in appendix 4. Correlation measures the extent to which the self esteem and satisfaction scores tend to change together or co-vary. Appendix 4 illustrates the strong positive correlation found with the self esteem and satisfaction scores. Regression analysis estimates the best fit of the line through the scatter of related pairs. SPSS generated descriptives showing the scores, mean and standard deviations for both self esteem and satisfaction broken down into age groups can be seen in appendix 17. Fig. 1 Breakdown of Scores by Age Fig 1 Compares the means scores for self-esteem and satisfaction and breaks them down into the separate age groups. See appendix 16 for SPSS generated age, score summary. Self-esteem scores vary from mid to high. The greatest difference in scores can be seen in the 22-31 age group. The scores were also analysed in terms of the program of study in order to see if there was any difference between the responses of the behavioural studies and humanities students (see appendix 7) in which case little difference was found. Inferential statistics In order to determine any significance in the correlation, Pearsons Product Moment parametric test was applied. This test was selected, as it is the most appropriate for use with the interval data generated by the self-esteem and satisfaction scales used in this study. SPSS was used to calculate the level of significance. (See appendix 6) The results displayed in table 2 below, show the correlation to be significant at the 0.01 level thereby confirming that the null hypothesis may be rejected. (Coolican, 1999). Table 2 Sample size (N) Correlation coefficient (r) Hypothesis Significance 21 .816 2 tailed 0.01 Analysis The qualitative data discussed below has been taken from the responses to three questions. In the first, respondents were asked to list 5 words, which they felt best describe the person they are. See appendix 8. The words were then analysed and common themes drawn out. Appendix 9 is a table showing the chosen words in order of most frequently used. The words were broken down into the following categories, positive, negative and neutral, low self-esteem and high self-esteem. Appendix 10 includes a bar chart showing the resulting breakdown. Of the 105 words in total used by the 21 respondents, 51 words were classified as positive and only 4 were classified as negative. The two pie charts in appendix 10, illustrate the breakdown of high self-esteem and low self esteem words used. These findings clearly reflect a high level of positive self-description by respondents and a very low negative self-description. Friendly, confident and content were the most frequently used high self-esteem w ords and self-conscious was the most frequently used low self-esteem word. The comparison between the number of high and low self-esteem words in the bar chart (appendix 11) serves to further illustrate the strength of self-esteem in the respondents. The second question focused on the best and worst things about college. Transcripts of the respondents comments can be seen in appendix 12. Common themes were drawn from the transcript and detailed in the table shown in appendix 13. It was observed that the number of positive comments, which totalled 40, far outweighed the negative comments which totalled 25, thus further supporting the view that students are generally satisfied with their college experience. Two bar charts were created to illustrate the findings. See appendix 14. Finally, the third question was-What do you hope to have achieved on completion of the course? Transcripts may be seen in appendix 15. Respondents comments fell into 2 main categories, that of achievement of the degree course and secondly that of self-fulfilment. Further analysis is required in order to identify any possible meaning behind this. In reviewing the qualitative data sets and comparing them with the individual scores for satisfaction and self-esteem a common theme is revealed. The 4 respondents with the highest scores for self-esteem and satisfaction, (respondents nos. 2,11,12 and 17 highlighted in yellow on table 1), tended to have more specific and ambitious long-term goals. For example, respondent 11s long-term goal is to go on to achieve a Masters in Psychology and respondent 17s goal is to gain a first class honours degree. In contrast the 4 respondents with the lowest scores (nos. 5, 8, 10 and 21 highlighted in green) had much less ambitious and specific long term goals. Respondent 8 who scored the lowest out of all the respondents for self-esteem replied not sure if I will even complete the course. From this it is possible to argue that those with higher esteem tend to be more ambitious and more specific in their goals. This would concur with the findings of Baumeister, Rice and Hutton (1989) in regard to motivational orientation. Discussion The intention of this research was to address the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between levels of self-esteem and levels of undergraduate satisfaction. Statistical testing has demonstrated a significant correlation between these two variables and this has been further supported by the more descriptive data provided by each respondent. The strengths and weaknesses of the method, sample and application will now be reviewed. The method of accessing the sample was efficient in terms of response rate. The aim was to obtain 20 completed questionnaires. 25 questionnaires were issued thus allowing for up to 5 spoiled or withdrawn question sheets. 21 completed questionnaires were returned along with their corresponding information/consent forms correctly signed. The high rate of respondents may have been affected by an element of conformity pressure. The lecture theatre location and timing were conducive to the high response rate and the fact that the lecturer introduced the researcher and clearly gave her approval further encouraged co-operation. It also meant that all the respondents were subject to the same external conditions. Despite the possible pressure to take part, the respondents may have felt uneasy about writing their answers in the close proximity of their classmates; this could alter the responses given and t hus the reliability of the study. By capturing an audience in this opportunist way, one inevitably ends up with an unrepresentative sample. In this case a group of students from a limited no of courses namely Humanities and Behavioural Studies Degree programmes. They were all first years and all but one, female. These imbalances are bound to bias the results. The program of study a particular student may be studying is likely to have an effect, however little difference in responses could be identified between the Humanities and Behavioural Studies students. It would however be dangerous to assume that this would be the case across all undergraduate subjects. It can argued that Humanities and Behavioural studies subject may attract similar types of students and the views or experiences of an undergraduate engineering group for example, may vary considerably. The focus of the study is concerned very much with general overall satisfaction with college experience. It has deliberately steered away from specifics such as satisfaction with individual modules, methods of delivery and course content. The open ended questions have however highlighted a host of factors affecting satisfaction which have not been fully analysed in this case. The findings have simply been used to indicate general levels of satisfaction. The self esteem aspect of the study has revealed that in this research sample levels of self-esteem scores range from mid to high with no scores indicating low self-esteem. A possible explanation for this may be that few people with low self-esteem would even consider attempting a degree course in the first place. Further investigation may shed more light on this possibility. It has proved useful to have a mix of data in order to gain a more balanced view. There was a tendency for some respondents to tick the same response column to all quantitative questions. This happened in 4 cases. This could mean that the respondent felt that the same answer applied to all questions or they were just arbitrarily ticking the same box with little thought. Bryman (2001) describes this as acquiescence, the tendency for people to consistently agree or disagree. One way to identify if the respondents are really reading the questions and answering accordingly is to include the odd reversed score question. The option to split the order of questions to avoid possible order affects was considered, should the study be taken further this may well be worth consideration. A minor level of deceit was employed in that respondents were not informed about the self-esteem aspect to the study. This was considered to be of minimal ethical consideration and acceptable in order to prevent any affects resulting from the participants knowing that their self-esteem was the subject of the study. This study also notes that 13 respondents completed the further information form requesting a copy of this report. Conclusion and Implications This study has established a relationship between satisfaction and self esteem in that those with higher self-esteem have reported greater satisfaction with their college experience compared to those with lower self-esteem. This has been demonstrated through a significant, strong, positive correlation of the variables supported by qualitative data. It must however be noted that the correlation of these factors does not imply cause and effect. In other words it can not be concluded that one has an effect upon the other. It is also impossible to state with any authority that those with higher self-esteem tend to be more satisfied with their college experience across education as a whole. The sample in this study is too narrow to make that assumption. The possibility that college life only appeals to those with higher self-esteem can not be ignored either. It may be the case that Higher education may not attract those with low self-esteem. It has been established through the literature that self-esteem is a useful trait to possess. Baumeister (1999) suggests that raising self-esteem could bring about dramatic improvements to both the individual and society as a whole. Inclusion and lifelong learning are driving forces throughout education today. Watson and Taylor (1998). Perhaps by attempting raise levels of self esteem from an early age access to higher education may be increased.

CORPORATE FINANCE - ASSIGNMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

CORPORATE FINANCE - ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example mpany is evident and the company has declared a relatively high dividend of 57p per share in the year 2008 which is a significant improvement as far as last 3 year dividends declared are concerned. All in all, our mathematical method of computing WACC suggests that GSK is highly inclined towards debt financing, which is a prime reason behind the increment in WACC. We also conclude the fact that floating interest rate due to the current economic condition reduces the WACC and also consider the company’s performance which reflects on the net income which ultimately reflects on the dividends declared. It is prime evidence of the fact that the management takes all necessary measures to reduce the cost of doing business which is a major consideration for any and every business. The operating, investing and financing activities of a company are very handy and useful information for the users of financial infrmation, such as creditors, investors, financial analysts, etc, because these activities change the financial position of the company. Let us now look upon some of the important activities that make some impression on GSK’s financial position. GSK’s management has adopted sound business strategies in order to ensure smooth and efficient running of its operational activities. These strategies have expanded the cash generation from operations to  £ 9,055m in the year 2008 in comparison to previous years. The reason behind this high figure of  £9,055 million are the two reclassifications; the cash generated from operations is  £106 million lower than that given in GSK’s unaudited or projected accounts issued on 5th February 2009. Also keeping in view that drop-off in liquid investments for the current year has been reclassified from financing activities to investing activities. Some accounting heads that create changes in the trade payables may have been a result of the growth of products that the company introduced. GSK management computes inventories on a

H5N1 Avian virus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

H5N1 Avian virus - Essay Example Moreover, this virus also has the ability to undergo antigenic drifts and antigenic shifts. The emergence of new strains of Avian influenza virus is of major public health concern because of the impending threat of a pandemic that it poses. Currently, the virus does not possess the ability of being transmitted amongst humans and it has been postulated that one this quality is acquired it would lead to potentially devastating consequences in the form of a pandemic. Till date, no vaccine for the prevention of H5N1 infection amongst humans exists. Moreover, the treatment options for infection are also limited viz. oseltamivir and zanamivir. Therefore, further research needs to be undertaken in order to develop new vaccines against these organisms and better medications to combat the infection if once contracted. Moreover, vigilant surveillance of outbreaks and epidemics of bird flu is also imperative. Avian Influenza or Bird Flu, as it commonly referred to, is an infection which is caused by the H5N1 virus. The natural hosts of this virus are wild birds, in particular water fowls, who carry these viruses in their intestines while themselves remaining asymptomatic (Auewaraku 404). The transmission of this virus to domesticated birds such as ducks, chickens and turkeys, can lead to outbreaks and epidemics of infection amongst these birds, causing a large number of them to be killed (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Recently, H5N1 virus is not only leading to an increasing number of epizootics, but has also been implicated in several epidemics in humans. The mode of transmission of this virus has been described as being feco-oral amongst birds, whereas humans contract the disease via contact with airborne particles from infected poultry or while contact with the poultry or their fecal matter e.g. during food preparation (Fleming 1066). The first human infection with H5N1 was

Closure of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Closure of Business - Essay Example The promotion of the welfare of the working class is a recognized policy but an employee’s tenure is not a perpetual right intended to destroy or oppress the employer. The employer, therefore, has the prerogative to exercise in good faith the right to close the operation of the business, either totally or partially. The employer cannot be compelled to continue to operate its business but must nevertheless comply with legal processes before it can implement the cessation of its business or reduction of its operations. To manifest good faith, the employer must define the criteria in an objective and fair manner on who will be retained and who will be let go through the redundancy plan and thereafter, notify the employees affected in writing. It is not enough though to notify the employees, the issue must be explained to them individually. It is further required for the employer to consult and listen to the suggestions of the employees to forestall termination. And, if other alte rnatives or options are available then the same must be explored as opposed to the implementation of redundancy or termination phase.There are two options presented by Sally thus it shall be discussed separately.The first scenario is to close the shop completely due to losses. The lack of business transaction validates the severance of employment. Since it is within the discretion of Sally to cease business operation, she cannot be compelled to continue operating at a loss due to misplacing sympathy to the employees.... It is not enough though to notify the employees, the issue must be explained to them individually. It is further required for the employer to consult and listen to the suggestions of the employees to forestall termination. And, if other alternatives or options are available then the same must be explored as opposed to the implementation of redundancy or termination phase. There are two options presented by Sally thus it shall be discussed separately. The first scenario is to close the shop completely due to losses. The lack of business transaction validates the severance of employment. Since it is within the discretion of Sally to cease business operation, she cannot be compelled to continue operating at a loss due to misplace sympathy to the employees. However, she must pay redundancy payment to the dismissed employees who have rendered continuous service at least two years reckoned at the date of the dismissal. If an alternative work offer is made to the employee that is of similar conditions, pay, status and other benefits to the employee’s present position, he is free to accept or reject the offer. However, if it is shown that the offer is unreasonably rejected the employees can no longer demand redundancy pay and worse consequence of such refusal shall exempt the employer from paying the same. Applying the foregoing standard, Greg shall not be entitled to redundancy payment as he can be re-assigned to Sally’s other business offices pursuant to his contract. If the offer to be re-assigned is refused by Greg, he cannot make a claim for redundancy payment. Nevertheless, Greg can fight the re-assignment on ground that it is a diminution of his present status not to mention that his salary is substantially reduced. In all