Measuring Customer Satisfaction at ImageStream Essay

ImageStream Internet Solutions, Inc. is a privately held company in its 9th year of operation. ImageStream engineers, manufactures, and distributes Linux-based routing products for network and Internet applications. ImageStream products are used by Internet service providers (ISPs), governments, schools, and businesses in more than 75 countries around the world. As ImageStream moves toward its next decade, market forces require it, like most high technology companies, to be fast and responsive. The company faces constant change in demands and needs along with the pressures of mission creep in the face of limited resources. It is against this backdrop that ImageStream started its ISO 9000:2000 certification process. This process requires not only the implementation of quality processes, but measurement of their efficacy as well. ImageStream conducts key manager meetings twice monthly, and a company-wide review on a semi-annual basis. During these managerial and company reviews, the senior executives identify key metrics driving the success of the company’s mission, including those metrics that would benefit most from significant improvement. This proposal outlines the use of a customer satisfaction survey and seeks to answer the management question: What is the current customer satisfaction with the level and type of customer service provided by ImageStream? The study will explore the conceptual framework of service quality, the positive and negative impacts of service quality on ImageStream, and the effect of favorable and unfavorable customer intentions on perceived quality using survey research. Armed with the statistical analyses outlined below, the operations management team will identify current trends in customer satisfaction in a proactive attempt to resolve to any issues. Background and Literature Review The study and development of customer service techniques and customer  retention management programs has blossomed into its own industry. This increasing focus on customer satisfaction is not surprising, given the positive correlation between happy customers and successful companies illustrated in countless marketing research studies. This study will outline the relationship between customer satisfaction with service and customer retention at ImageStream. To support the findings, we will conduct an empirical study focusing on the relationship between perceived service quality and customer intentions. Weinstein and Johnson (1999) recommend that companies like ImageStream should spend â€Å"75% of its marketing budget on customer retention strategies† and to strengthen these relationships. Once customers commit to a product platform, and the longer they use and deploy that platform, the more profit ImageStream can realize. Longstanding, satisfied customers will generally continue, or often increase, purchasing, require less operational and customer service support, and be more willing to pay price premiums to remain with the company–all without incurring new customer acquisition costs (Pine, Peppers, and Rogers, 1995). This paper will analyze how ImageStream’s service relationship with its customers produces customer behaviors indicating whether or not a customer will remain an ImageStream customer. The methodology used will follow Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman’s study on this topic (1996). Since replacing lost customers requires new customer acquisition costs, customer retention should be a fundamental performance measure for ImageStream’s executive staff and a key component of the company’s incentive programs (Zeithaml et al., 1996). According to the American Management Association, acquiring a new customer can require five times the investment needed to keep an existing customer (Weinstein et al., 1999). Literature Review Customer service, not surprisingly, has been researched extensively: from the conceptual framework of service quality, to the positive and negative impacts of service quality, to the effect of favorable and unfavorable  customer intentions on perceived quality. We review these concepts in recent literature, and investigate an empirical study focusing on the relationship between service quality and customer behavioral intentions (Zeithaml et al., 1996). Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman (1996) offer a conceptual model of service quality. The researchers postulate that the quality of customer service will determine whether a company retains its customers or loses them to defection. Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman (1996) highlight seven key points: 1.Customer defection has a negative relationship with an organization’s profitability. 2.Retaining current customers costs less than acquiring new ones. 3.Customer retention should be a fundamental component of incentive programs. 4.Companies must advertise not only to attract new customers, but to replace lost customers. 5.Advertising, promotion, and sales costs are required expenses when attracting new customers. 6.In general, at the beginning of a customer/vendor relationship, the customers do not generate a profit for the company. Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman estimate that acquisition cost recovery can take as long as four years. 7.Positive customer assessments of service quality lead to positive behavioral intentions, strengthening the relationship between the customer and the company. Negative assessments, on the other hand, create unfavorable customer behavioral intentions. The unfavorable conditions weaken the customer/vendor relationship. Based on their research and observations, Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman  (1996) believe that expressed or observed behavioral intentions can indicate whether or not customers will remain with an organization. Reinartz and Kumar (2000) challenge Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman’s assertions that customer retention always leads well-managed companies to profitability. Reinartz and Kumar (2000) argue that long-term customers are not always the most profitable customers, and dismiss research assuming that loyalty equates with profitability as a gross oversimplification. Reinartz and Kumar (2000) contend that managers should not automatically assume increased lifetime spending, decreased costs of service, and decreased price sensitivity for long-term retained customers. Reinartz and Kumar (2000) go further in also disputing the idea that long-term retained customers require lesser marketing investment by companies. Their research concluded that long-term customers often have inactive purchasing periods unrelated to their retention by an organization (Reinartz and Kumar, 2000). During these dormant periods, these customers are at best a break-even proposition for organizations, and often consume marketing and service resources resulting in net losses during periods of inactivity. Reinartz and Kumar (2000) found that short-term customers may be as significant to customers as longtime clients. Other research indicates that organizations struggling with a single approach to satisfy all customers can end up with â€Å"inefficient and inappropriate levels of service† (Cohen, Cull, Lee and Willen, 2000). Cohen, Cull, Lee and Willen (2000) conclude that organizations must customize their service to meet each customer’s individual needs. Superior service generates favorable behavioral intentions in customers, including increased future spending, acceptance of price premiums, â€Å"word of mouth† referrals, and, ultimately, customer retention (Zeithaml et al., 1996). Research suggests that most employees have a â€Å"true customer orientation† in that they understand their customers’ needs, and possess empathy and respect for their customers (Bitner, Booms and Mohr, 1994). Quality service builds customer faith in the organization, and â€Å"is essential for maintaining competitive advantage† (Berry, Parasuraman and Zeithaml, 1994). Since quality customer service can generate positive behavioral intentions, quality service strategies are effectively profit strategies for organizations. Research illustrates this link between service and profitability, as Keaveney (1995) found that customer defections can cost an organization future revenue stream. As customers’ intentions toward a company improve, the results include new customers, increased business with existing customers, fewer lost customers, and added pricing power (Berry et al., 1994). Berry and Parasuraman (1997) stress the creation of customer feedback channels as a component of quality service. Listening and responding to the customer’s needs in a quality way has a â€Å"direct effect on the quality of service provided† (Berry and Parasuraman, 1997). This focus on customer feedback drove the purpose of this series of papers. Evidence, such as Keaveney’s study, highlighting the role customer loyalty plays in making an organization more profitable makes it imperative that companies quickly and proactively address concerns, complaints and other unfavorable behavioral intentions among their customers (Tax, Brown and Chandrashekar, 1998). Tax, Brown and Chandrashekar’s point also applies in a comparative sense as well. Organizations can potentially provide satisfactory service that nonetheless lags other competitors’ service offerings. In these cases, customers may defect because of the attraction of comparatively superior service offerings from a competitor. Managers of service departments and service companies must recognize this comparative measure, and realize that some customers will defect even when they are satisfied with a former provider (Keaveney, 1995). Customers display favorable intentions such as praising the company, expressing a preference for the company to the company or to other consumers, continuing and/or increasing purchasing volumes, paying price premiums, and making recommendations to others based on their satisfaction with the company (Zeithaml et al., 1996). Satisfied customers stay loyal to an organization longer, pay less attention to competitive products, exhibit less price sensitivity, offer service improvement or expansion ideas to the organization and cost less to service over time than new customers (Weinstein et al., 1999). When dissatisfied, customers display unfavorable intentions such as expressing an eagerness to leave the organization, decreasing purchase patterns, voicing complaints to the vendor, complaining to others, or taking legal action against the organization (Zeithaml et al., 1996). When customers do leave an organization, many choose to do so quietly with the intention of â€Å"getting even by making negative comments† to others about the organization (Tax and Brown, 1998). Since defecting customers can impact current and future revenue streams, properly identifying dissatisfied customers and understanding why customers defect can be valuable tools in improving customer retention management programs. Companies must implement strategies to overcome potential customer defections. Retention efforts should begin as soon as organizations acquire new customers. The organization should proactively attempt to learn and address customer needs and resolve any complaints or concerns quickly (Weinstein et al., 1999). Weinstein et al. (1999) suggest several ways to build loyalty and increase favorable behavioral intentions in customers. They suggest that organizations could embed sales staff at the offices of their best customers, participate in their customer’s events or promotional efforts, interview their customer’s customers, conduct retreats with major customers to share best practices and to train customers on company products and services, develop a preferred customer pricing strategy, reward customers for referring new business, solicit feedback on product development roadmaps, and even partner with key accounts on industry research projects (Weinstein et al., 1999). SERVQUAL Among the most popular assessments tools of service quality is SERVQUAL, an instrument designed by Berry, Parasuraman, and Zeithaml (1994). Through numerous qualitative studies, they evolved a set of five dimensions ranked consistently by customers as central to service quality, regardless of the  service industry. Berry, Parasuraman, and Zeithaml (1994) defined these dimensions as: *Tangibles: the appearance of physical facilities, equipment, personnel, and communication materials; *Reliability: an ability to perform the promised service dependably and accurately; *Responsiveness: a willingness to help customers and provide prompt service; *Assurance: the knowledge and courtesy of employees and their ability to convey trust and confidence; and *Empathy: the caring, individualized attention the firm provides its customers. Based on the five SERVQUAL dimensions, the researchers also developed a survey instrument to measure the gap between customers’ expectation for excellence and their perception of actual service delivered. The SERVQUAL instrument helps service providers understand both customer expectations and perceptions of specific services, as well as quality improvements over time (Berry, Parasuraman, and Zeithaml, 1988). Analysis of customer responses to a SERVQUAL questionnaire presents numerous potential practical implications for companies and their customer service teams. Scope We will conduct a study of all ImageStream customers (the â€Å"population†) by e-mailing or mailing a questionnaire to companies listed in ImageStream’s internal records. The study will take less than one month to complete. We will contact all customers and direct them to the on-line survey, and follow up with customers who have not responded after two weeks. We will end the study after four weeks, and expect 25%-30% participation. We base this estimate on the response rate of similar studies mentioned above. A response  rate of at least 10% will yield a significant sample, enabling us to make conclusive findings and recommendations. Methodology We identify three determinants of customer satisfaction with ImageStream: service quality, solution quality, and price (through a measure of perceived value). Data on customer satisfaction, service quality, solution quality and price will be collected through the attached questionnaire survey. The questionnaire adapts the SERVQUAL instrument developed by Berry, Parasuraman and Zeithaml (1998) and uses a combination of Likert-scaled, dichotomous and unstructured questions. The use of both bipolar Likert/dichotomous and unstructured questions allows us to benefit from the strengths of both quantitative and qualitative research. The use of quantitative questions allows us to obtain a high degree of reliability and validity using the scientific method, and enables others to more easily repeat or replicate our study. The qualitative questions provide background for customer responses, and help to identify any underlying issues highlighted by the quantitative research. Triangulation, in this case the combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, allows us to overcome the weakness of using only one research technique. We do not assume that there is only one reality and believe that different research methods will reveal different perspectives. Using quantitative and qualitative triangulation allows us to use different sets of data, different types of analyses, different researchers, and/or different theoretical perspectives to study customer service. The quantitative question results will provide data that we can subject to complex statistical analyses. We will combine the quantitative question responses to determine central tendencies and dispersion of the data, including measures of mean, standard error, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, kurtosis, skewness, and range. We will analyze the  results of each question and of the study as a whole. Based on the results of the analysis above, we will develop regressions to identify potential relationships between past service experiences, perceived quality, future purchasing behavior, and loyalty. A possible research design for the regression analysis follows. H1: There is a positive correlation between the level of superior customer service and positive future customer behavior. H2: There is a negative or no correlation between the level of superior customer service and positive future customer behavior. H3: There is a positive correlation between the level of inferior customer service and negative future customer behavior. H4: There is a negative or no correlation between the level of inferior customer service and negative future customer behavior. Using these results, we can make conclusions about the management problem defined above. Development of these findings will include the use of anecdotal evidence from the qualitative questions in the survey. We will use the responses to the qualitative questions to support the quantitative findings, and to highlight key issues not covered by the quantitative portions of the survey. Possible Findings Following Zeithaml, Berry and Parasuraman (1996), we believe that a positive relationship exists between quality service and positive customer behavior as defined above. Additionally, we believe that our research will show that favorable customer behavioral intentions will be higher among customers experiencing no service problems. Customers who have experience problems, but received service to resolve them will show the next highest level. Customers with unresolved service problems will show the least favorable  behavioral intentions. Conclusion Customer service and its effect on customer retention in an organization is a growing area of research, and one that is vital to maintaining quality at ImageStream. This paper examined customer retention and defection from an organization in the context of customer service quality, exploring four areas: 1.A conceptual framework of how service quality affects particular customer behaviors and the consequences for ImageStream, establishing the purpose for this study, 2.Empirical studies that focused on the relationship between service quality and customer behavioral intentions, 3.A triangulated quantitative and qualitative survey to study perceived service levels among ImageStream customers, 4.Follow-on research based on the survey results and statistical analysis, including a summary of expected findings Customer retention branches off into many other significant areas such as value-added services, supply chain relationships, use of information systems to service customers better, and very importantly perceived and expected performance. Organizations have a chance to learn from their customers. The more customers teach the company the more effective it becomes at providing exactly what they want and the more difficult it is for competitors to lure them away from the organization (Pine II et al., 1995). Learning about customers is what this whole retention topic is about. The customers tell the organization what to do to keep them. The strategy is for the organization to learn how to listen and respond. References Anton, J. (1996). Customer Relationship Management: Making Hard Decisions with Soft Numbers. New York: Prentice Hall. Berry, L., Parasuraman, A. and Zeithaml, V. (1988). A Conceptual Model of Service Quality and its Implications for Future Research. The Academy of Management Executive, 8, 32-52. Berry, L. and Parasuraman, A. (1997). Listening to the Customer: The Concept of a Service-Quality Information System. Sloan Management Review, 38, 65-76. Berry, L., Parasuraman, A. and Zeithaml, V. (1994). Improving Service Quality in America: Lessons Learned. The Academy of Management Executive, 8, 32-52. Bitner, M., Booms, B. and Mohr, L. (1994). Critical Service Encounters: The Employee’s Viewpoint. Journal of Marketing, 58, 95-106. Chase, R. and Stewart, D. (1994). Make Your Service Failsafe. Sloan Management Review, 35, 35-44. Cohen, M., Cull, C., Lee, H. and Willen, D. (2000). Saturn’s Supply-Chain Cooper, D. and Schindler, P. (2002). Business Research Methods (6th ed.). Burr Ridge, IL: Irwin/McGraw-Hill. Cronin Jr., Joseph J. and Taylor, S. (1992). Measuring Service Quality: A Reexamination and Extension. Journal of Marketing, 56, 55-68. Heskett, J., Jones, T., Loveman, G., Sasser, W., and Schlesinger, L. (1994, March-April). Putting the Service-Profit Chain to Work. Harvard Business Review, 164-174. Innovation: High Value After-Sales. Sloan Management Review, 41, 93. Joppe, M. (n.d.). The Research Process. Retrieved January 12, 2004 from http://www.ryerson.ca/~mjoppe/rp.htm Keaveney, S. (1995). Customer Switching Behavior in Service Industries: An Exploratory Study. Journal of Marketing, 59, 71-82. Pine II, J., Peppers, D. and Rogers, M. (1995). Do You Want to Keep Your Customers Forever? Harvard Business Review, 73, 103-114. Pitt, L., Watson, R., Kavan, C. (1997). Measuring Information Systems Service Quality: Concerns for a complete canvas. MIS Quarterly, 21, 209-221. Reinartz, Werner J. and Kumar, V. (2000). On the Profitability of Long-Life Customers in a Noncontractual Setting: An Empirical Investigation and Implications for Marketing. Journal of Marketing, 64, 17. Tax, S. and Brown, S. (1998). Recovering and learning from service failures. Sloan Management Review, 40, 75-88. Tax, S., Brown, S.and Chandrashekar, M. (1998). Customer evaluations of service complaint experiences: implications for relationship marketing. Journal of Marketing, 62, 60-76. Van Dyke, T., Kappelman, L., and Prybutok, V. (1997, June). Measuring Information Systems Service Quality: Concerns on the use of the SERVQUAL questionnaire. MIS Quarterly, 21, 195-208. Weinstein, Art and Johnson, W. (1999). Designing and Delivering Superior Customer Value: Concepts, Cases, and Applications. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Whyte, G., Bytheway, A., and Edwards, C. (1997). Understanding User Perceptions of Information Systems Success. Journal of Strategic Information Systems, 6, 35-68. Zeithaml, V., Berry, L. and Parasuraman, A. (1996). The Behavioral Consequences of Service Quality. Journal of Marketing, 60, 31-46.

The extensive records Essay

As technology continues to advance, computers are becoming more part of everyday life. Computers are everywhere at work, at school, and at home .Many daily activities either involve the use of or depend on information from a computer. This maybe because computers are used in almost every field and profession like education and office works to perform large number of computer application .It also the best solution for providing information and a way of communications in every individual and gives better understanding of some event s that can arouse the interest of some particular subject matter. The computerized world is a highly efficient one, which processing the big quantities of data and keeping .The extensive records will not be a problem to a post industrialized society, likewise the unreliable and slow processing and preparing student record and enrollment summary of report. At Mabitac National High School (MNHS) Mabitac, Laguna there are five hundred three students taking several year levels. The populations of the student in mentioned School are continued to grow which means also that an increase of records are handled by the Guidance Councilor. Clearly the manual system of enrollment and student record keeping are too much time consuming task. Computer can be considered as another instrument for developing a system like enrollment in every school. This can be a great help to those students, teachers and school who are handling many task from providing easier and faster access. The Problem and its Background Computer as part of the innovation in technology manifests bigger changes in world, economies, banks and other manufacturing centers flourished due to the catching power of computers in the field of education, not all school can afford to have numbers of computer to update the school manual system, which somehow caused a lot of inaccuracy and inefficiency in the data processing records, rules and regulations, profiles, and programs. The present system of Mabitac National High School is done manually such as the enrollment system, and record keeping. From the time it was started to operate, they use the manual system. Even nowadays, that they have computers, still they use it for proration of memos and letters. Mabitac National High School is a public School which is located at Brgy. Maligaya Mabitac, Laguna. And this School was started and established in the year 1970 known as Alas-as Brgy. High School. And it was found by Mrs. Lydia R. Carpio one of the famous people in Mabitac at that time .As the year fast this School became Mabitac National High School in the year 1987. Like some School, Mabitac National High School is using the old system, the manual system for enrollment. Theoretical Framework Theoretically, the main purpose of the system is to create an efficient, fast and reliable Computerized Enrollment and Permanent Record Keeping System of Mabitac National High School. A Database Management System (DBMS) consist of collection of interrelated and set of function to access the data. DBMS provides an environment that is both convenient and efficient to use in retrieving and storing information. It is also consist of programs for storing, retrieving and manipulating large amount of data. With DBMS software the user can compile huge list of data and manipulate, store and retrieve it without having touched single file cabinet of folder. Local Area Network (LAN) is a collection of interconnected computer that are separated by distance up to a few kilometers and typically used in office. Networking really helps establishment in a way of providing simultaneous process. Conceptual Framework In this study, the software that is being used DBMS and Visual Basic is window based programming language. It is the simplest and the easiest way to create an application in Microsoft Windows. Also this study is based and focuses not only on the process of enrollment in Mabitac National High school but also in other information about the school This is also aiming an effective means of processing information and retrieving data aside from being orderly used in almost all aspects in our daily lives. This Visual Basic and DBMS will serve as a powerful tool in keeping analyzing our records. And also this language is very effective, easy to use and friendly any one can adapt to this system. ProblemOutcomes/ Solution System Figure 1. The Conceptual paradigm of Computerized Enrollment and Permanent Record Keeping System of Mabitac National High School Statement of the Problem The present enrollment system of Mabitac National High School is done manually. Manually system of enrollment caused a lot of inaccuracy and efficiency in processing the record and data of the students. Too much time and effort are consumed and cannot give on time. Different Problems are as follows: 1. How to lessen the time of the students in paying their fees of Mabitac National iHHHHhhhH High School? 2. How the Mabitac National High School can manage an easy way of securing student record? 3. How to speed up the process of generating enrollment report in a short period of time? Significance of the Study The computers provide convenience to its user through the easier and faster way of transactions. Population of students in almost all-educational institution is rapidly increasing so great demand in teaching force is also becoming higher. Fortunately, today’s generation of high technology machine and tools can substitute these workers. This proposed â€Å"Computerized Enrollment and Permanent Record Keeping System of Mabitac National High School† will provide a high technology way of retrieving and managing student’s data. The study will be a great help to the following: Principal and Faculty Teachers. This study will help them to process records and keep the grades of students in a fastest and accurate way. It will help to keep and handle essential information of the students for the convenience of the students and the personnel assign to enrollment in this education institution. Students. The students can easily access and retrieval information regarding with the process of enrollment the effort and time and help to minimize the effort and time they exert. Mabitac National High School. It provides easy and fast approach in registration and enrollment. Scope and Limitation The study will be limited only to the boundaries of (Computerized Enrollment and Permanent Record Keeping System of Mabitac National High School). The researchers focused in getting relevant data including data of the students and computation of necessary fees, the system will able to print receipt and class list. It has an ability to save, record, and edit those data and important information about the students, teachers and school. The study covers the computerization of the activities, the enrollment system including student registration class list, principal’s report of total enrolment of students and receipt. Definition of Terms These terminologies were gathered by the researcher for better and clearer understanding about the study. Client. Does not share any of its resources that request a server’s content or service function. Computer. Machine capable of the following the instruction to alter data, programmable electronic device that can perform calculations and processing information. Database. Is a container to store your tables in. Enrollment. It is a process in which a student is being admitted to the institution. This includes the listing of information or data about the student and subject he/she will be enrolled. Information. Knowledge given or received of some fact or circumstances. Program. An algorithm that a computer can both follow directly and follow the translated version. Record. It is the collection of related field with information that usually pertains to only one subject. Server. A computer on a local area that is running software for controlling access to all or part of the network and its resources and shares its resources with client. System. It is a group of interrelated components working together toward a common goal by accepting input and producing output in an organized transformation process. Software. It is a system utility or application program expressed in complete readable language. User. The person who uses a computer for word processing, communications, and other application. User–Friendly. A program easy to use even though an individual is not knowledgeable about the system. Visual Basic 6.0. Scripting language or programming language that is used to design the system. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The chapter states the different literature and studies that were conducted for the research to gain familiarity that are relevant and similar to the present study. Related Literature Tinn (2001) stated that the computerization responded to the call the office or any workplace to help their daily operation. Malolos et.al (2002) stated that the study of automation is important in the sense time that minimizes the time and effort normally exerted in manual process. Janes (2001) stated that computers are extremely reliable device and very powerful calculators with some great accessories applications like word processing problem for all of business activities, regardless of size, computers have three advantages over other type of office equipment that process information because computer are faster, more accurate more economical. Reyes (2005) task would be time consuming to accomplish manually and more practical with the aid of computers field in cabinet. According to Flores (2002), the automation is described simply as the substitution of machine control of human. Dioso (2001) stated that computer assist careful intelligent planning, organizing, actuating and controlling .This maybe observed from the past that they monitor production activities, solve scientific problem and help arrive in tentative answer to a multitude of involve conditions. Ralph M. Stair (1999) emphasized that the development of technology through the years have enabled us to do more with less effort. From the orientation of the light bulb to the industrial revolution and beyond, we have continuously tried to in a more efficient means of doing tasks. Lewis (2002) stated that the reason for using computers vary from person to person. Some of the computers in business are to perform accuracy, to be as productivity, to decrease bottle necks or hassles to alter cash flows or to simples elevate your status. Sybex Inc (1999) stated that visual basic provide a graphical environment in which the users usually designed the forms and control that become the building block of tour application . Visual Basic support many useful tools that will help the user more productivity. Gold Chager et al (2003) said that computer as a device for processing information knew computer plays a significant role in their lives, but few are aware of just how pervasive role is. Mane (2000) mentioned that the creation of the computer made the easier to accomplish that by doing it manually, to have the direct access on straightforward answer just monitoring record where in the needs of computer make possible for everyone to get data in a particular need. We can consider that the computer is necessary and its productive tool for individual. Gurewich (1999) stated that the database system makes the work faster for every institution. For the mere fact that instead of doing things manually, with the use of computer technology everything is done fasters. Halili, M.C.N. (2004) that man’s actions are t just involuntary movements especially when time allow to plan his next action. These responses pass through the process of reasoning and analysis. Huntchinson et.al (2001) stated that file is a collection of related records. Examples are the entire student’s courses card for Anthropology 101 or the transcript of all courses in the register’s office. Bryan (2006) emphasized the information system is a set of people, procedures and resources that collects, transforms and disseminates information in an organization to do’s ends rely on many types of information system (IS). They might include simple manual information system and informal system and also computer based information system that uses hardware, software telecommunication and other forms of information technology (IT). Sander (2002) computers are an intelligence amplifier that can free human to use their time effectively. Because a computer is a fast and accurate electronic symbol or data manipulating system that design automatically accept and store input data process and procedure output results under the direction of the stored program or instruction. Towsand (2005) stated that database is structed collection of data. The data may be about people, product events in short, any type of information is to manage the collection of data for reporting and making decision. Adamski(2007) give some advantages of database processing first economy of scale getting more information from some amount of data, sharing data balancing conflicting requirement, enforcement of standard, controlled redundancy consisting integrity security ,flexibility and responsiveness ,increase programmers productivity, improve program maintenance and data independence Perkins (1999) stated that computer has an impressive impact upon business, governmental organization; bank and all sorts of organization and on how they are operate and manage. Alcaria (2004) explained that the use of computer are continue to grow, the need for a more timely information and data processing comes on demand keeping the records of any manual operations need the application of computer because handling it manually will only be conflicting. Kroenke (2002) in the early 1970’s database processing was considered an esoteric subject of interest only to the longest corporation with the largest computer. Today, database processing is becoming an information system standard. Silberschatz (2006) in his book â€Å"Database System Concept† the goal of database system is to simplify and facilitate access to data. Ahitud et.al (2007) Mentioned that information system are more collection of hardware, software and people. They should be constructed to fit the organization’s strategy and structure so that it could easily be adapted to the information they needed. Asumbra (2002) Access to information is the best way to. In line with technology access to information within fingertips is the easier way to be equipped in the future. Hammer (2003) Said that computer could eliminate the need for copying and rearranging information, which was entered into system. They also perform mathematical computation; in short computer can eliminate most of the paper works. Microsoft Corporation (2002) Explained that computer network are collection of computer and intelligent peripheral equipment that are inter connected by telephone lines, micro wave relays and other high-speed communication links of the purpose of exchanging data and sharing equipment. Related Studies Conde (2007) in his study entitled â€Å"Network-bases Enrollment System of Paete National High School cited that the manual process of enrollment and manual handling of information and reports of the students is very laborious one. The proponents developed a network based system enrollment system to the said school to solve the huge amount of task. Garcia (2002) created the â€Å"LSPC Enrollment System†, the study can be a great help to persons concerned during the enrollment period, the registrar, instructor of the students as they retrieval necessary information when needed and lessen the burden manually browsing over enrollment slip for record purposes Saayo et.al (2008) developed the system â€Å"Network based automated Enrollment and grading system for Morong National High School. Due to increasing population of the institution, and the school currently implementing the manual system, every student spends a lot of time during enrollment period, such as paying their tuition fees a nd processing the school requirements. Valina et.al (2009) entitled â€Å"Network-based student Permanent Record keeping and Enrollment System of Balian National High School†. This System was made to lessen the time and effort exerted by both student and school employees. It is also made to give accurate reports and keep records of every students every students and for easy and fast way of enrollment. Soria et.al. (2006) constructed a system entitled â€Å"Network-based Computerized inventory System for the supply office o the LSPC main campus. With the advancement of technology, devices and machines were improve , developed and inverted to cope up with the need of new world. There are different systems designed for reliable, efficient and very useful to the user. Cabang et.al. (2003) developed the ‘computerized Students Record Monitoring System of Siniloan National High School†, Computerized Student data will be exceedingly helped to the user through continuous management of the School. It could help the registral for a less effort services in he institutions specially in updating, printing and deleting students record. Velasco (2002) Study entitled â€Å"Maulawin National High School Student Information System† cited that maintaining students, records manually is a very difficult task and time consuming. In that case, computerization system that can help and handle this data needed to speed up the process of student’s record keeping and to promote and reliability. Cura et.al. (2004) Designed system entitled â€Å"computerized inventory system of office of the supply in LSPU† is capable of handling voluminous data about the flow of item insurance and reply to the flow of items’ issuance and return in supply office Torres et.al. (2002) conducted a study that resolves around the importance computerization of student information. This study was conducted with the hope that it would help minimize time and effort in processing student’s information in Maulawin National High School. The basic feature of this study is after the storage and access of retrieving and updating the data. Alcaira (1999) Stated that the using of computer are continue to grow, the need for a more timely information and data processing comes on demand keeping the record of any manual operations need the application, because handling it manually will only be conflicting. Aravia et.al. (2002) Show the growing importance of computers in the society. The significance of the study revolves the automation of student permanent record keeping. Garnace (1999) Developed application software for the computerized information system of a commercial piggery using the concept of the database and implemented it in database. Gumitao (2001) System is designed to provide reports of the list of enrollment per school year, periodical grade of students, and list of new, old and transferees Revalla (2005) created an Automation Enrollment System for the computer Science Department of the Laguna College business and Arts. The study was conceived because of the need to update the current registration system of LCBA, which is done manually. Her study, was based on the special problem of Mr. Bonifacio E. Bacani, Jr. about â€Å"Student Record information System†. Kampitan (2000) developed an Enrollment System of Liceo De Victoria that is designed to keep the students records. This is used to provide an effective and faster of providing information of the student and also the accounting purposes’ Liceo De Victoria Enrollment was developed and implement using relational database and designed in clipper 5.3. Earlier, Encila (1999) Introduced the Enrollment System for the computer Science Department of LCBA and traders, designed of enrollment System is advantageous to the school because it speed up the process and with only a minimum amount of power and resources. Cacao (2002) designed the â€Å"Morning Star Montessori School incorporated form 137implemented in Fox Base. Solomon (2002) developed Enrollment and Record keeping System, to know how to read sign the data that is used to be kept the record files of students and also that, it could be mange more efficiently in computer with his project. Quiver (2001) developed a program using database III which capable of retrieving, access in manipulating of data in easy way. A computerized system to minimized the lost of record and burden of work was designed by Pajarillo in 2002. Monsalve and Ilagan (2005) developed a program and designed using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 and Microsoft access. The system is capable of receiving access, searching items, providing adequate information and data gathering. IPizzara and Veridiano (2001) this system was done using Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0. This conducted system goes along the trend of computerization to be in the field of competitiveness and survive to the complicated works. Relayo (1999) this study will assist the researcher regarding to the use of database and Visual Basic. This system have been designed in order to speed up the access and retrieval information and to lessen manual effort involve in the library routine of transaction. Magalang (2003) he proposed this to developed software that will help the management of the school â€Å"lyceum’ in giving good service to its student in speeding of the process involve in monitoring account acquired during the enrollment & other payment transaction. Lazaro (2004) this study entitled â€Å"Liceo de Los Banos record monitoring system† password was created for the protection and was designed to be user-friendly by only authorized persons and to ensure security of data basic information. Lumbers (2002) stated in her study entitled â€Å"a systematic enrollment process using database system in Saint John academy. Calamba, Laguna† that the application of database system to the enrollment process will greatly increase its efficiency; automation of enrollment process will upgrade the quality of the services provided for the qualified enrollees.

Evolution of Management Accounting Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Evolution of Management Accounting - Term Paper Example Since then, there has been gradual development and implementation of changes in managerial approaches to match the new business requirements (Riahi-Belkaoui, 54). However, the business environment has been undergoing tremendous developments both in nature and scope over the last six decades (Bhimani, 76). This is due to emerging innovations and increase in operations as a result of globalization. Therefore, each business should be aware of its goals and develop strategies for accounting to achieve its goals of production more effectively and efficiently. As a result of 1980s innovations, there is an increase in competition for the businesses which requires a change in the way businesses use to make their financial reports and regulate their operations (Kaplan, 399). Due to poor stock market performances of 1920s, business directors started focusing on creating financial report as a financial reporting requirement at that time hence limiting the growth of management accounting strateg ies. As a result of emerging competitions among the world nations, Automobile manufactures of Japan forced Americans and European nations to establish broader view of business performance based on value and service as opposed to assessment based on efficiency of output (Kaplan, 394). The business performance has been undergoing a lot of changes aimed at improving their operations and increasing the managerial efficiency. The ancient strategies are inadequate to match the modern requirement for effective business operations (Riahi-Belkaoui123). This is because in the modern period business are focusing on cost reduction and profit maximization through technology and advancement. There is no room for errors in the current period since a slight defect could make... As a result of 1980s innovations, there is an increase in competition for the businesses which require a change in the way businesses use to make their financial reports and regulate their operations (Kaplan, 399). Due to poor stock market performances of the 1920s, business directors started focusing on creating the financial report as a financial reporting requirement at that time hence limiting the growth of management accounting strategies. As a result of emerging competitions among the world nations, Automobile manufacturers of Japan forced Americans and European nations to establish a broader view of business performance based on value and service as opposed to assessment based on an efficiency of output. The business performance has been undergoing a lot of changes aimed at improving their operations and increasing the managerial efficiency. The ancient strategies are inadequate to match the modern requirement for effective business operations. This is because in the modern pe riod business is focusing on cost reduction and profit maximization through technology and advancement. There is no room for errors in the current period since a slight defect could make the business to lose its entire operations to the competitors. Furthermore, businesses are focusing on minimization of the expenses through reduction of inventory. Therefore, businesses have to develop production strategies to ensure they meet daily client’s needs without surplus or deficit as a result of a deficiency of inputs.

Prompt 4 - Gentiva Health Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Prompt 4 - Gentiva Health Services - Essay Example This would ensure that the activities of the company remain profitable in both short-term and long-term basis. The company recorded a noticeable decrease in revenue in 2012. Previously, the company has made several acquisitions and dispositions. This is likely to have been one of the main attribute that led to this loss amidst other factors. This paper explores the financial trend in Gentiva for 2011 and 2012. Financial Performance In the past two years, Gentiva has experienced significance changes in its financial performance. This is largely dependent on the strategic changes that the organization has decided to implement. Considering the financial results of the 2011 and 2012 periods, the following analysis can be reached. The company registered a 6% decrease in revenue for the third quarter of 2012 compared to the same period 2011(from $449.7million to $424.4 million). The loss from continuing operations decreased tremendously from $15.82 per diluted share in 2011 to $0.02 in 201 2 third quarter. The company recorded $19.1 million non-cash write-off in connection with a rebranding of its operations into one name. For the same period in 2011, the company registered a $643.3 million for a non-cash impairment of a failed test of its goodwill. The company sold 9 health branches and closed 25 home health branches as well as 9 hospice branches, all in different locations. This move was reached after a comprehensive structure analysis aimed at responding to challenging Medicare reimbursement rate environment. Moreover, the company closed four more home health branches in 2012. In response to these closures and sales, the financial results of the second quarter and the first six months decreased by approximately $22 million and $41million respectively in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Though, the first quarter of 2012 represented 182 (29 days in February 2012) working days compared to 181 working days in 2011, the company revenues went down significantly in 2012 (Gentiva Health Services Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results). The company has maintained a good cash balance for the year 2011 and 2012. Its total assets reduced due to the sale of the 34 branches in 2011 and 10 branches in 2012. It is evident from the revenues accrued in first six months of 2011 and 2012, that the company has instituted measures to manage its costs. The sale and closure of the various branches has enabled the company to significantly cut-down its expenditures. With the reduced expenditures, the company has moved ahead to make more acquisitions to counter the reduction in revenue arising from the closure of the hospice and health care branches that took place in 2011 and early 2012. Its ability to record capital gains and huge profits is also an indication that the business has been able to control its costs. Nevertheless, the health care reform is a forceful measure that may affect many health service providers, Gentiva included. Thus, it is not satisfactor y to say that the company is able to totally manage its costs before the health care reform comes into force in 2014. Emerging Changes in 2011 And 2012 The Company received earnings amounting to approximately $5.9 million in the second quarter and recognized a receivable of about $0.5 million in 2012. In the second quarter of 2012, 8 home health branc

Lebanon's Confessional System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lebanon's Confessional System - Essay Example To bring together Lebanon's diverse religious and political groups into an organized political system that could equally distribute power as well as harmonize with the system of the neighboring Arab countries is definitely a pain. The forces pulling Lebanon apart seemed to be stronger than those of holding it together. Initially, the objective of the French commander, General Henri Gouraud in proclaiming the creation of Greater Lebanon is to safeguard the Maronite community. These are Christians that has the largest religious community in the state. The self-proclaimed protector of the Christian communities in Lebanon wanted to make sure these Maronites won't be absorbed into a Syrian Muslim state. And to ensure they will be dependent of France, several predominantly Muslim areas were added to this new state. Hence, the Maronites do not compose the majority of the population. Political power was based on sectarian affiliations. The Maronites, dependent on French backing to keep their political dominance, assumed political and economic supremacy in their homeland and accepted the Franco-Mediterranean cultural orientation in consequence turned their back to the Arab world. On the contrary, the Sunni Muslims wanted unity with Syria and looked upon the Arabs for their source of cultural identity. The conflict appeared to be endless. Lebanon, dependent of France, does not have good relationship with the Arabs.

The Role Of Contemporary War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Role Of Contemporary War - Essay Example They were also employed as air raid wardens, members of the fire service and also in various voluntary jobs helping their community to get through the war. The services of women are not required only during the war but even after an armed conflict, as they frequently play a key role in the rebuilding of the communities. Usually, in rural areas, they are the chief beneficiaries of the supply of tools, seeds, and livestock to support economic security in the wake of a war. Women also play a significant part in preventing injury from and raising awareness of, landmines, which may continue to cause harm and death to children after the end of hostilities. There is growing acknowledgment that women and children play multiple roles during the conflict. They are not only victims who face violence at the hands of the enemy and sometimes their own people, but can also be active participants in the war, directly as combatants, or indirectly, by facilitating fighting through fundraising or stirr ing their male relatives to commit acts of bravery required at the times or wars. During the war, women often become heads of households; women and children learn new skills and play a part in rebuilding local economies and communities and peacemaking (Lindsay, n.d.). There has always been a need for women to assist with the war efforts. But historically, they were never allowed to join the military. Women helped as nurses and cooks; in short, they were never at the forefront but assisted the men behind the scenes.

Thesis-driven essay supported by close reading Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Thesis-driven supported by close reading - Essay Example is also a social and political commentary on the historical position of black people in the United States at that time and as such the book offers a wider commentary beyond the personal experience of one boy. The social commentary talks to us about racism, inequality, slavery, violence and oppression. The personal commentary tells us about hunger, the human spirit, coming of age and the development of strategies to find a way to survive as a black boy growing into a man in the racist America of the time. At the time of writing â€Å"Black Boy† Wright was also influenced by other writers such as James Joyce (1922), who also used their writing as a means for self-analysis. In an atmosphere of awareness of Freud and Freud’s thinking around the human condition and behavior, Wright shows us much of his inner world through symbols in the external world and the other characters in his wider life, that is, beyond his immediate family. â€Å"Black Boy† has many central themes including coming of age, rites of passage, violence, oppression, morals, values and loneliness to name a few. However, in this paper I am focusing on the theme of hunger, Wrights personal experiences of hunger, hunger on an emotional level, and educational level and a physical level. To quote: "Once again I knew hunger, biting hunger, hunger that made my body aimlessly restless, hunger that kept me on edge, that made my temper flare, hunger that made hate leap out of my heart like the dart of a serpents tongue, hunger that created in me odd cravings" (Wright. 119). Holding in mind the influence of Freud in Wrights accounts I am curious about the symbolism surrounding food and nurturance and the lack of food and nurturance. This leads me into a consideration of Wrights relationship with his mother and father. I am aware this paper is to focus on relationships beyond the immediate family but it is essential to offer some beginning to his early relationships in order to look at the meanings and

Family theory use for the dementia Disease Essay

Family theory use for the dementia Disease - Essay Example ortant that nurses continue to improve their care services beyond that of re-establishment of family balance to encompass that of family health support and health protection through extensive awareness. The capability of families to reveal self-care skills is crucial to advance mental and physical health within the family and curb the mortality and morbidity that persists to transpire as an outcome of chronic health problems (Doane, 2004). Being a service-oriented profession, nurses working with families in illness and health have an obligation to enhance individual health but the health of the entire family. The objective of this paper is to explore some of the features of the family system theory. Primarily, the repercussions of an organismic family systems model to dementia will be taken into account. Then, consistent with the principles of a competence theory, there will be an exploration of the features of the family systems theory. And lastly, based on research on family systems, several dimensions of family systems will be discussed with regard to their relevance to nursing practice with vulnerable families of dementia patients. The family systems theory was conceptualised by Murray Bowen which maintains that understanding of an individual is impossible in separation from one another, but instead understanding of an individual as a member of their family. The family, as espoused by the theory, is an emotional entity. In the family systems approach, the family is viewed as a system of interrelated and mutually dependent individuals. Moreover, the theory stipulates that families are systems in which all of its members had tasks to fulfil and rules to obey. System members are anticipated to respond to each other in a definite manner in accordance to their responsibility, which is established by relationship agreements (Titelman, 2003). Within the system boundaries, trends emerge as behaviour of a particular member of the family is attributable to and sources

Organization changestrategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organization changestrategy - Essay Example Some of the employees are even fearing for their jobs if they complain about the work environment. Employees are also concerned that management is not adhering to company policies, yet forcing the employees to follow company policies. Employees feel resentment over this . Because of the overwhelming production schedule, Frontline Supervisors are not training employees properly and they leave a lot of the decision- make up to the hourly employees. Some of the employees are voicing concerns that because of the lack of communication, professional development and leadership from management, they are concerned for their personal safety. However it comes to the attention that Frontline Supervisors are not happy, either. Their concerns are that no one from upper management will back them up when it comes to making technical or managerial decisions. Here the only solution to the problem that we can see is that there is no communication among the employers and the employees. There needs to be a communication between the employers and the employees so that the problems are solved and sorted out. In the case study we see that there are many issues among the employees that they are afraid to discuss with the higher authorities having the fear in there minds that they will get fired consequently. Here the authorities also seem to be in trouble. ... Decision making as a process is recognized all over the world for its importance. It is the process which is the result of thinking processes that go on which in the need leads to the final action implemented as the result of the thinking process. Every decision-making process always ends in a final selection. The output can be an action or a judgment of choice. In this case the upper authorities need to define and clarify the issue and need to see if they deserve any action or any implementation. If the implementation is needed than when is it needed. It deals with the urgency or not. By the upper management all the facts should be gathered and understand their causes. The higher authorities should be thinking about the options and solutions. The pros and cons of each option should be properly considered (Ullman, 2006, p.23). Proper consultation should be done in the case where it is necessary. After all the consultation process the best option should be selected. Any possible vagueness should be or 'foot in both camps' compromise. The authorities should make there employees aware of the decision that has been made as they are the stakeholders and they are the ones who ill be affected by the decision in the end. In any company the stakeholders are those who are the ones directly effected by the decisions that the authorities make so they are the ones who need to know the decisions that have been implemented in nay case that have been made by the authorities. In this case study we see that there is no communication between the employers and the employees which is basically leading to many problems ands confusions in the lower

Reflexivity, central tenet of qualitative inquiry Assignment

Reflexivity, central tenet of qualitative inquiry - Assignment Example In the quest to carry out any form of research by the individuals, the individual is bound to be inclined to one position or another in the quest to validate their form of research carried out by the individual. According to Cousin (pp.10) it is vital that the researcher comprehends that biases and assumptions that may come along with the kind of research they may be undertaking. An understanding of the biases and assumptions allows the researchers ensure that their work is valid and reliable. This essay shall undertake an initiative to highlight the assumptions that may implicate the validity of a research as well as articulate an epistemological orientation in the case of scientific research. The case of scientific inquiry entails the extent in which the researcher is able to set the research problem as their own problem then undertake measures to solve the problem. In the case of Science Education, the concept of subjectivity cannot be alienated from the fact that research has to be proven by some facts behind it. Cousin (pp.11) indicates that it is the responsibility of the researcher to find out the truth from an array of fallacies that may exist in the concerned area of study. This concept turns down to the fact that reflexivity is inescapable in the case of a researcher. After conducting research, the researcher must employ proper use of language in presenting their findings. In the context of Science Education, the ‘self’ is crucial in the research process.

Case Vignettes in Acid-Base Balance Essay Example for Free

Case Vignettes in Acid-Base Balance Essay Choose three of the four vignettes and BRIEFLY answer the questions that follow. Normal Levels of Substances in the Arterial Blood: pH 7.40 + 0.05 pCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) 40 mm Hg pO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) 90 100 mm Hg Hemoglobin O2 saturation 94 100 % [HCO3-] 24 meq / liter Vignette #1: A 14-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis has complained of an increased cough productive of green sputum over the last week. She also complained of being increasingly short of breath, and she is noticeably wheezing on physical examination. Arterial blood was drawn and sampled, revealing the following values: pH 7.30 pCO2 50 mm Hg pO2 55 mm Hg Hemoglobin O2 saturation 45 % [HCO3-] 24 meq / liter Questions: 1. How would you classify this girls acid-base status? 2. How does cystic fibrosis cause this acid-base imbalance? 3. How would the kidneys try to compensate for the girls acid-base imbalance? 4. List some other causes of this type of acid-base disturbance. Vignette #2:  A 76-year-old man complained to his wife of severe sub-sternal chest pains that radiated down the inside of his left arm. Shortly afterward, he collapsed on the living room floor. Paramedics arriving at his house just minutes later found him unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. CPR and electroconvulsive shock were required to start his heart beating  again. Upon arrival at the Emergency Room, the man started to regain consciousness, complaining of severe shortness of breath (dyspnea) and continued chest pain. On physical examination, his vital signs were as follows: Systemic blood 85 mm Hg / 50 mm pressure Hg Heart rate 175 beats / minute Respiratory rate 32 breaths / minute Temperature 99.2o F His breathing was labored, his pulses were rapid and weak everywhere, and his skin was cold and clammy. An ECG was done, revealing significant Q waves in most of the leads. Blood testing revealed markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels of cardiac muscle origin. Arterial blood was sampled and revealed the following: pH 7.22 pCO2 30 mm Hg pO2 70 mm Hg Hemoglobin O2 saturation 88 % [HCO3-] 2 meq / liter Questions: 5. What is the diagnosis? What evidence supports your diagnosis? 6. How would you classify his acid-base status? What specifically caused this acidbase disturbance? 7. How has his body started to compensate for this acid-base disturbance? 8. List some other causes of this type of acid-base disturbance. Vignette #3: An elderly gentleman is in a coma after suffering a severe stroke. He is in the intensive care unit and has been placed on a ventilator. Arterial blood gas measurements from the patient reveal the following: pH 7.50 pCO2 30 mm Hg pO2 100 mm Hg Hemoglobin O2 saturation 98% [HCO3-] 24 meq / liter Questions: 9. How would you classify this patients acid-base status? 10. How does this patients hyperventilation pattern raise the pH of the blood? 11. How might the kidneys respond to this acid-base disturbance? 12. List some other causes of this type of acid-base disturbance.

Sense Perception Essay Example for Free

Sense Perception Essay Maurits Corneluis Echecher (1898-1972) is one of the most famous graphical artists. He used to use maths in his art to trick peoples senses. Some of his paintings are used for atmosphere ideas in movies, for example inception. Magicians also play with our senses and trick us. The method they use is known as smoke and mirrors. The expression smoke and mirrors has now entered our everyday language in English it refers to deceptive behaviour, actions or information. What does red mean? Love, dangeretc. But it can also be a corporate symbol (vodaphone), a political symbol (like communist flag) communists were called the reds. Red can also be an artistic symbol, symbol of danger, sports team, red can take the significance of health (red cross). Iconoclastic when you cannot have use any religious symbols, like in Islam. In the mosque there are no statues, just quotes from the Koran. Whenever we perceive something the meaning changes depending on the context, the meaning depends on the context. What makes up this context ? * The history of the people. * The culture of the people. * The political views of the people. * Emotions. * The environment surrounding us (if were in a museum, class etc.) John Locke was the founder of the school of Empiricism he said that the human mind is born as a tabula rasa (clean slate). He believes we are born with nothing and no skills, he thinks that we gain ideas, skills and knowledge throughout our lifes. This means that context that provides the meanings to the things we perceive is not something were born with, but something we learn. Gestalt psychology (school of thought), it argues that we shouldnt understand perception as an individual phenomena, but as a whole because the result is more than the part of it. This theory may be applied to many things ex. a movie or a painting. This applies to the way we interpret other individuals and human actions, this is what we call social perception. Social perception is also related to the we dress up. Social perception also leads to racism, think of Germans and Jews.

Bone Growth And Remodeling

Bone Growth And Remodeling Ossification and osteogenesis are two processes deemed necessary in bone. Bone growth, maintenance, repair and remodelling are a continuous process, even throughout early adulthood. Compact bone tissue provides support and protection in attempt to resists the stressors we place upon them. As we grow or encounter a traumatic experience our bones deteriorate allowing new bone tissue to be replaced (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). The metaphysis (mature bone region) is where the bone shaft and the distal or proximal ends of the bone join. A layer of hyaline cartilage is within each growing bone to allow the diaphysis (long bone) to grow in length (Walker, Lovejoy, Bedfford Yee, 2006). When the length of the bone has fulfilled its length, the cartilage is replaced by a bony epiphyseal (bony structure). With its thin layer the articular cartilage reducing resistance to absorb joints that have free movement. The repair of articular cartilage is minimal because it lacks irregular tissue, perichondrium (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). If the articular cartilage is not covering bone surface, the periosteum is put in replacement. The periosteum, acting as a tough sheath of dense irregular tissue is able to serve as an attachment point for ligaments and tendons. This gives them the ability to also assist in bone tissue nourishment and assist in fracture repair (Tortora, 2005). Bone Growth The extracellular matrix is where cells, collagen fibre and crystallised mineral salts are held. Crystallisation is where minerals combine to create the tissue hardness, the beginning of bone formation (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). Within the microscopic spaces of collagen fibres, an abundant amount of inorganic mineral salts such as calcium phosphate, magnesium hydroxide, fluoride and sulphate are deposited. An amalgamation of minerals allows crystallisation to occur within the framework formed by collagen fibres, initiated by osteoblasts. This is the process of calcification. A profuse amount of mineral crystals surround the collagen fibre creating the hardness and characteristics of bone. The hardness of a bone is dependent on the crystallisation formation whereas collagen fibres are responsible for the flexibility (Walker et al., 2006). Mesenchyme stem cells are the foundation of bone formation during embryonic development and have the capability of transformation into a range of cells: osteogenic, osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts cells. Osteogenic cells are located within the periosteum and within bone containing blood vessels. Their only role is to undergo cell division resulting in osteoblasts (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). Osteoblasts synthesize and secrete collagen fibres in combination with organic components to build extracellular matrix of bone tissue, also responsible for calcification (Tortora, 2005). Plasma proteins bring new bone formation via the synthesis of osteoid, a non-mineralised bone matrix. When osteoblasts trap themselves with an excess amount of extracellular matrix, they are then called osteocytes. Within the Osteoblasts, many receptors are found in bone marrow assisting in regulating osteoclastic bone remodelling. The amount of osteoclast formation is determined by the level of receptor activator of nuclear factor KB-ligand (RANKL). If there is a defect of RANKL, a patient may suffer Paget Disease. This is when bone abnormality can occur; both resorption and formation (Walker et al., 2006). Osteocytes, also known as mature bone because of their function are located in a hardened bone matrix (lacuna). They are the key cell in bone tissue, maintaining daily metabolism (exchange nutrients and waste in blood) and secrete protein such as sclerostin to reduce bone formation (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). They have the capability to communicate with each other to exchange nutrients from capillaries containing nutrient-rich fluids. Osteocytes also communicate with osteoblasts and osteoclasts, signalling both when and where to resorb and form new bone (McGee-Lawrence, Westendorf, 2010). Osteoclasts are the major resorptive white blood cells containing lysosomes or digestive vacuoles filled with hydrolytic enzymes. The release of enzymes digests protein and mineral components in the extracellular matrix of bone, as part of the maintenance, repair and growth of bone. This process is called resorption. Once completed, they revert to their parent cell or become inactive (Walker et al., 2006). Bone remodelling Bone remodelling is an ongoing procedure from new bones at with to healing period of fractures. The strength of a bone is determined by the stressors placed upon it whilst in the remodelling phase. The most common fractures paramedics face on road is:  · Compressed most common in old age, osteoporosis  · Spiral ragged break, mostly seen in sports injuries  · Depressed pressed inwards, skull fracture  · Greenstick Incomplete break, most common in children First action to take place in a fracture is formation of hematoma. Blood vessels are broken, resulting in a leakage from the torn ends (Walker et al., 2006). A blood clot around the site of the fracture usually within 6 to 8 hours following the injury is called hematoma. As clotting continues and fracture hematoma forms, blood flow to the site of injury becomes minimal, causing bone cells to die. Swelling and inflammation is the result of dead bone cells, producing additional cellular debris. This allows phagocytes and osteoclasts to eliminate damaged tissue. This process should take 2 to 3 weeks to conclude (Tortora, 2005). The help of new blood capillaries in the fracture helps growing connective tissue called procallus. Fibroblasts (producing collagen fibres) and osteogenic cells attack the procallus to assist in connecting ends of the broken bones. Osteogenic cells transform into chondroblasts where healthy bone cartilage are developing and become fibrocartilage. Within 3 weeks, signs of bone tissue repair begin to show. This action is successful when the procallus is transformed into a fibrocartilaginous. Whiles this is occurring, phagocytes continue to remove any debris surrounding the fracture (McCance, Heuther, Brashers Rote, 2010). Osteogenic cells are later converted into osteoblasts to produce spongy bone trabeculae, a microscopic tissue. Trabeculae join the living and dead portions of the bone. After 3-4 months, Fibrocartilage changes into bony callus, a spongy bone (McCance et al, 2010). The final phase of bone repair is remodelling. Osteoclasts gradually resorb original fragments of broken bones as compact bone replaces spongy bone. If all cells are working in a healthy patient, detection of fracture line under radiograph is unseen. As the stressor on the bone increases, signs of thickness may later show (McCance et al, 2010). Bone remodelling is a slow process of removing old tissue and producing new bone tissue. As we grow, bone tissue goes through maintenance, repair and development in order to cope with the stressors. The remodelling of bone tissue only occurs when a patient has gone through a traumatic injury; this is where the housekeeping phagocytes are active and inflammation to ensure bacteria do not enter blood vessels, causing further damage.

Light and Dark in Joseph Conrads Heart of Darkness Essay -- Heart Dar

Light and Dark in Heart of Darkness  Ã‚      Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness is a tragic tale of the white man's journey into the African jungle. When we peel away the layers, however, a different journey is revealed - we venture into the soul of man, complete with the darkness of depravity as well as the wonderful. In this essence Conrad uses this theme of light and darkness to contrast the civilized European world with the savage African world in Heart of Darkness. As aforementioned, within Heart of Darkness, Conrad uses light and dark to symbolize good and evil, respectively. "It is whiteness that is truly sinister and evil, for it symbolizes the immoral scramble for loot by the unscrupulous and unfeeling Belgian traders in ivory and human flesh; the whiteness of ivory is also contrasted with the blackness of the natives whose lives must be destroyed for its sake" (Gillon 25). In other words there is a perversion of light and dark and what they represent.   The characteristic of ivory is its colour of white, but rather then being associated with purity and all that it is good, it re... ... of Darkness. Middlesex, England: Penguin Publishers, 1983. Gillon, Adam. (1982). Joseph Conrad. Twayne's English Author Series: Number 333. Kinley E. Roby, ed. Boston: Twayne. "Joseph Conrad." The Encarta 1998 Encyclopedia Online. Microsoft, 1998. Kunitz, Stanley J. "Joseph Conrad." Twentieth Century Authors: Vol. T. New York: H.W. Wilson Company, 1942. 307-9 Stape, J.H.. The Cambridge Companion to Joseph Conrad. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Taylor, Derek. Conrad's Heart of Darkness. The Explicator. No.4 Summer 1998: 195-8.

Analysis of the Electronic Cigarettes Market Essay -- E-cigarette Marke

Introduction This report explores E-cigarettes. First, it introduces E-cigarettes, their market information, and their special characteristics. Second, the report will state their market structure, market competitions and government regulations. Then, the report will explain why E-cigarettes should be normal goods and how the suppliers could increase demand. Next, the report will analyse the development of this market, its opportunities for new entry and whether it is sensible to open a new business. Finally, it will make the conclusion about them. The report will introduce what is E-cigarette first. Introduction of E-cigarettes In 2003, E-cigarettes were developed in Beijing, China by a 52 years old pharmacist, inventor and smoker named Hon Lik. (The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association, n. d.). According to Knight (2013), ‘E-cigarettes look like real cigarettes and usually consist of a battery, a cartridge containing nicotine (the addictive ingredient in tobacco), a solution of propylene glycol or glycerine mixed with water, and an atomiser (a device that turns the nicotine solution into a fine mist or vapour)’. Then, the report will state the market of E-cigarettes in details. Market details of electronic cigarettes In this part, it will talk about geographical location first and describe some special characteristics of E-cigarettes. The report will state them through key facts about E-cigarettes. About the geographical location, the report concentrates on China because it is the origin of E-cigarette, and there are many Chinese smokers which will be mentioned below. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2013), smoking is harmful for almost each organ and causes many dis... ...lth Guide, (n. d.). Electronic Cigarette and Its Advantages. (Accessed 14/11/2013) http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11595/1/Electronic-Cigarette-and-Its-Advantages.html R. Lipsey & A. Chrystal, (2011). Economics Twelfth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. S. Simon, (2013). Study Compares E-Cigarettes to Quit-Smoking Aids. (Accessed 14/11/2013) http://www.cancer.org/cancer/news/studycomparese-cigarettestoquit-smokingaids. The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association, (n. d.). E-cigarette History. (Accessed 14/11/2013) http://casaa.org/E-cigarette_History.html. Vapestick, (n. d.). E-cigarettes The Perfect Tobacco Cigarette Replacement. (Accessed 17/11/2013) http://www.vapestick.co.uk/cigarette-replacement.html. Wise Geek, (n. d.). What Is Market Share? . (Accessed 19/11/2013) http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-market-share.htm.