Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of DSM-IV TR Essay

DSM-IV TR, which stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition), Text Revision was published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2000 and serves as a guide book for many health professionals to diagnose a patient with a mental disorder. It also helps health professionals to determine what types of treatment could be carried out to help the patient. The latest DSM is widely used, especially in the USA and many European countries.1However, it may not be completely followed by health professionals as they know that there are some weaknesses of the latest version of DSM as well. This essay will discuss the strengths and the weaknesses of the latest DSM and new changes for the DSM-V, which is expected to be published in May, 2013. DSM’s strength would be that it standardizes psychiatric diagnostic categories and criteria2, making the diagnosis of a mental disorder relatively easier than it was in the past. It allows health professionals to diagnose a patient, use the DSM to give them possibly the best treatment and overall, help them to cure the patients if the disorder is curable. DSM also has statistical data such as the prevalence of a certain disease in different genders, age of onset of diseases, etc. This allows health professionals to have a very wide range of knowledge which may be very useful for diagnosis and treatments. Besides, the DSM allows a common language for discussing diagnosis. It provides clear criteria for certain disorders so that every clinician would come up with the same diagnosis. This makes sure that a person is not diagnosed with different types of disorders in different clinics.Thus, treating patients more efficiently. Compared to the older versions of the DSM, the latest DSM also has more subtypes and specifiers which increases the diagnostic specificity. As I mentioned before, this increases the chance of diagnosing a patient with the same disorder in different clinics, assuring that they are diagnosed with the correct disorder as misdiagnosing them could possibly lead to serious damage. For some disorders, such as bipolar disorder, there are severity indicators such as mild, moderate and severe as well. This helps clinician to decide the course of the treatment according to the severity of their disorder. This is one of the strength of DSM as using the same treatment for different severity of the same disorder will not be very appropriate or efficient. However, this severity indicator is absent in some disorders such as manic episodes which is one of the weaknesses of DSM-IV TR. These were some of the strengths of DSM-IV TR. However, we know that another edition of DSM, DSM-V is expected to be published soon. This is obviously because there are some, or many weaknesses in the current DSM with which people are not satisfied. One of the major weakness of the current DSM and probably all the older editions is â€Å"Cultural Bias†. DSMs are mainly published by anglo-Americans and most of the behaviour that is considered as â€Å"normal† in the DSM is actually what is considered normal by the anglo-Americans. That is, some of the behaviour that is considered as abnormal in the DSM might be considered as normal in other cultures. For example, in some cultures, people tend to put a lot of emphasis and values filial piety and due to that, they would behave in a way that might not be considered as normal by the anglo-Americans. Would that classify them as abnormal? What exactly is normal anyways? According to the DSM, it it, I believe, what is considered as normal by the anglo-Americans. This is one of the weaknesses of the DSM which is well-known and I think it is because of this reason that DSM might not be as popular in countries where the culture is much different compared to countries like the USA and many European countries. Another weakness would be that DSM promotes a mechanical approach to mental disorder assessment. The clinicians may focus excessively on the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and they might not put much emphasis on a more in-depth understanding of the clients/patients problems. This problem have improved but it is still a problem caused by the DSM. DSM-IV TR also does not consider patients subjective experience of a disorder. That is, the  approach is not a dimensional approach as there is no first-person report but rather, observations are usually carried out which may neglect the more somatic and psychological processes that underlie the symptoms (Flanagan, Davidson & Strauss, 2007).3 Also, DSM causes most clinicians to be primarily concerned with the signs and symptoms of a disorder rather than the underlying cause by giving a list of certain criteria for diagnosis. Another weakness and debate about the DSM is that it is an unscientific system and it is the opinion of a few powerful psychiatrists. This has raised a lot of questions and have caused people to question the validity and reliability of the diagnostic categories as well. The validity and reliability were especially questioned after the Rosenhan experiment in the 1970s in which it was concluded that the sane could not be distinguished from the insane in psychiatric hospitals. Thus, even though the reliability and validity has improved now when compared to the 1970s, it is still a weakness which I believe could not be entirely fixed. However, validity problems of the diagnostic criteria especially arise when children or adolescents are involved. For example, the DSM-IV TR criteria for bipolar and manic disorder were originally developed for adults but right now, after a few changes, it is used for children as well. This increases the chance of misdiagnosing children with bipolar disorder. This information is supported by the fact that in the last 10 years, there has been a 40%4 increase in the number of children diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It is believed that there is not a sharp increase in the number of children with bipolar disorder but rather that the clinicians have been applying the diagnostic criteria (which were originally developed for adults) much more aggressively to children.5This is one of the weakness of DSM-IV TR that needs to be improved in the future as the effects could be devastating. One of the weakness, which I believe is not very significant but still is a problem and which is actually questioned by people is the definition of the mental disorder. This was also mentioned in the lectures. According to DSM-IV TR, a mental disorder is â€Å"associated with present distress or disability or significant increased risk of death, pain, disability and important loss of freedom†. This raises the question.. what about those  individuals who engage in activities that threatens their lives but they actually enjoy it? Such as mountain climbers, scuba divers, etc. Obviously they are no considered as abnormal but according to the definition of the DSM, they are considered as having a mental disorder. But we know that this is not correct. Thus, there is a problem with the definition of the word ‘mental disorder’. There are many other weaknesses as well such as with Personality Disorder diagnosis. It is believed that the description of symptoms is very broad. This means that patients diagnosed with the same disorder could actually have very different clinical presentations. For personality disorders, DSM uses a categorical approach6. However, it would be better to use a dimensional approach so that the different types/ degree of disorder could be distinguished and thus, could be given different and more efficient treatments. Another major weakness of the Axis II personality disorder is that there is a very high degree of overlapping or co-occurence with each other. This is also a problem for Axis I mental disorders.7 There are many other weaknesses with specific disorders of DSM especially about the diagnosis criteria and some other issues such as whether ‘Paraphilias’ should be included or not. Most of the major ones has been discussed above. Now, the new changes for DSM-V will be discussed. There are many new changes for the DSM-V. I will mainly mention those that are related to the weaknesses mentioned above. However, the new changes are discussed, the 4 principles behind the current process for revising DSM should be discussed. (Obtained from APA DSM-V Development’s official website) 1) Clinical Utility- the manual should be useful to those who diagnose and treat patients with mental illnesses 2) Recommendations should be guided by evidence 3) DSM-V should maintain continuity with previous editions whenever possible 4) No priori restraints should be placed on the level of change permitted  between DSM-IV and DSM-V From these 4 principles, it becomes clearer to us why DSM-IV is being revised and what changes should be expected. One of the changes is that in order to better assess the severity of symptoms, a dimensional assessment will be included. For example, other factors such as sleep quality, mood, etc will be considered regardless of the diagnosis. This will help to reduce the problem of â€Å"mechanical approach† as mentioned before. They will also help to address symptoms that are not included within the diagnostic criteria for specific illnesses (e.g. the problem of insomnia for patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia). DSM-V might also include something that could solve the problem of how to handle patients with co-occuring disorders, which is a major weakness of DSM-IV TR. Besides that, DSM-V will also have improved diagnostic criteria that are not precise in DSM-IV TR. Also, a few words would be changed as well in the new DSM. For example, the word â€Å"Mental Retardation† would be changed to â€Å"Intellectual Disability†.   Another change that would also be included would somehow, indirectly address the problem of cultural bias. In the new DSM, careful consideration would be given to the gender, race and ethnicity. This, I believe could help to lessen the severity of the cultural problem as mentioned before. Besides that, another ‘proposal’ is that, the criteria should be more stringent for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children. This also addresses one of the weakness mentioned earlier. This is a very important proposal as I believe it is not very humane to misdiagnose children with â€Å"Mental Disorders†. It could affect their life significantly. Another major changes is in the assessment and diagnosis of personality disorders. As mentioned before, a dimensional approach will be used rather than a categorical approach. This can help to determine the different severities of disorders and determine the ‘subtypes’ more accurately. Overall, it would make the diagnosis much more accurate and thus, more  efficient treatment could be used. These changes were mainly in response to the weaknesses mentioned above. Other changes include creating a new category called â€Å"Behavioural addiction†. This category is solely based on gambling. Internet addiction was also proposed. However, due to the lack of research in that field, it was rejected. This shows that they somehow followed principle 2 which emphasizes on the importance of evidence. Another category called the â€Å"Risk Syndromes† is also being considered. This will help clinicians identify earlier stage of mental disorders. The category of substance abuse and dependence will be removed and it would be replaced by a new category called â€Å"Addiction and Related Disorders†. This is done to help clinicians distinguish between similar types of disorders more easily and lower the chance of misdiagnosis (e.g. dependence is often confused with compulsive drug-seeking behaviour addiction). 8Another change is that the criteria for some eating disorde rs such as Anorexia Nervosa has been improved. Overall, the diagnostic criteria for many disorders has been improved and a dimensional approach is being used in DSM-V rather than the categorical approach used in the previous editions. All of these changes, together with many other minor ones, aim to improve the diagnosis process and thus, ensures that people are saved from misdiagnosis (which could lead to devastating effects) and so that they can receive better treatment which would increase their chances of being cured (if the disorder is curable). Bibliography Berman, J. (n.d.). Understanding the DSM-IV TR. Retrieved on 15th March, 2013, from http://www.ceuschool.com/librarydocs/SOC222.pdf Dombeck, M., Hoermann, S., Zupanick, E.C. (2011). Personality Disorders: Problems with current diagnostic system. MentalHelp. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=569 Flanagan, E., Davidson, L. & Strauss, J. (2007). â€Å"Issues for DSM-V: Incorporating Patients’ Subjective Experiences.† Am. J. Psychiatry, 164(3), 391 – 392. Kleinplatz, P.J., Moser. C. (2005). DSM-IV-TR and the Paraphilias: An Argument for Removal. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://www2.hu-berlin.de/sexology/GESUND/ARCHIV/MoserKleinplatz.htm Kronemyer, D. (2009). Phenomenological Psychology. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://phenomenologicalpsychology.com/2009/06/how-can-dsm-iv-be-improved-as-it-transitions-to-dsm-v/ American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC. Bipolar Disorder in Children. Wikipedia. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder_in_children Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Wikipedia. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders DSM-5. Wikipedia. Retrieved on 14th March, 13 from http://en.wikipe dia.org/wiki/DSM-5 DSM-5 development: Frequently Asked Questions. American Psychiatric Association.Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://www.dsm5.org/pages/default.aspx Rosenhan Experiment. Wikipedia. Retrieved on 14th March, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosenhan_experiment

Tweet Less, Kiss More

â€Å"Techno Tyranny† Bob Herbert explains in his article â€Å"Tweet Less, Kiss More† (published July 16th, 2010) how technology has grown so much throughout the years and how we have made more time for our â€Å"gadgets† than for people close to us. Instead of being with our families and friends we send them a quick email or text message when we should be cherishing moments together. We are so warped in our own lives and blinded by technology that we are missing out on the real world and wasting precious time we cannot get back. These days we can’t seem to take ourselves away from a computer for less than a day or drive to and from the grocery store without sending a text or calling a friend while on the road. We’re â€Å"tweeting† our private lives on the internet but won’t take time to be with our families. Cell phones have only been introduced to humans recently and we’ve survived without them for decades, so why can’t we manage to walk out the door without them today? The advances in technology over the past few years are incredible, and all very convenient, but as Herbert described it, â€Å"The blessed wonders of technology are overwhelming us. We don’t control them; they control us. † These different means of communication are beginning to tear relationships and friendships apart. More and more people are revealing their personal feelings behind computer screens and finding themselves unable to do so face-to-face. More and more romances are started and ended through texting. Chat rooms are being created for meeting others and starting long distance relationships. Children and adults are struggling more with public speaking and are experiencing anxiety due to relying on keyboards instead of verbal communication. With humans relying more and more on technology, we are wasting valuable time communicating through electronics and affecting our relationships with others by trying to sustain them through texting or instant messaging. It’s time for humans to put their cell phones away, close their laptop screens and â€Å"Tweet Less, Kiss More†. Submitted by: Olivia Gowan Date: July 28th, 2010

Definition of a Football Fan

Definition of a Football Fan 1st draft Football fans are by definition crazy. They behave insanely; they are insane about the past, and they are insanely loyal. If their team gives away something free, the fans rush to the stadium to get the hat or watever. Football fans just plain behave insanely. Baseball fans go similarly nuts when their favorite teams give away some attractive freebie. But football fans are even worse. Football fans freeze themselves in order to watch their favorite game. In addition, football fans decorate their houses with football-related items of every kind.When they go to a game, which they do as often as possible, the true football fans make themselves look ridiculous by decorating themselves in weird team-related ways. At the game, these fans do the â€Å"wave†more than they watch the game. Football fans love to talk about the past. They talk about William â€Å"Refrigerator† Perry’s 1985 Super Bowl touchdown as though it had happened last week. They still get all exicited about 1988’s â€Å"Fog Bowl†. They talk about John Elway’s final game as though it’s today’s news, though it happened in 1999.They think everyone should be as excited as they are about such old stories. Last of all, football fans are insanely loyal to the team of their choice. Football fans never wear their team T-shirts and warm-up jackets everywhere, even to work. Of course, if they have to dress up in business clothes, they can’t do that. Should their beloved team lose three in a row, their fans may begin to criticise their team. They still obsessively watch each game and read all the newspaper stories about it.This intense loyalty makes fans dangerous. To anyone who dares to say to a loyal fan that another team is better, or, God forbid, to anyone wandering near the home cheering section wearing the jacket of the opposite team, physical damage is a real possibility. Incidents of violence in football stadium have increased in recent years and are a matter of growing concern. Football fans really act as if they’er crazy. They behave insanely, they are crazy about the past, and they are too loyal. Final version What is a football fan?The word â€Å"fan† is an abbreviation of â€Å"fanatic†, meaning â€Å"an insane or crazy person†. In the case of football fans, the term is appropriate. They behave insanely, they are insane about the past, and they are insanely loyal. Football fans wear their officail team T-shirts and warm-up jackets to the mall, the supermarket, the classroom, and even—if the yon can get away with it—to work. If the team offers a giveaway item, the fans rush to the stadium to claim the hat or sports bag or water bottle that is being handed out that day.Baseball fans go similarly nuts when their favorite teams give away some attractive freebie. Football farns just plain behave insanely. Even the fact that fans spend the c oldest months of the year huddling on icy mental benches in places like Chicago proves it. In addition, football fans decorate their houses with football-related items of every kind. To them, team bumper stickers belong not only on car bumpers, but also on fireplace mantels and front doors. When they go to a game, which they do as often as possible, they also decorate their bodies.True football fans not only put on their team jackets and grab their pennants but also paint their heads to look like helmets or wear glow-in-the dark cheeseheads. At the game, these fans devote enormous energy to trying to get a â€Å"wave† going. Football fans are insanely fascinated by the past. They talk about William â€Å"Refrigerator† Perry’s 1985 Super Bowl touchdown as though it had happened last week. They describe the â€Å"Fog Bowl† as if dense fog blanketed yesterday’s game, not 1988’s playoff match between the philadelphia Eagles annd the Chicago Bear s.They excitedly discuss John Elway’s final gamebefore retiring. — when he won the 1999 Superbowl and received MVP honors— as if it were current news. And if you can’t mange to get excited about such ancient history, they look at you as though you were the insane one. Last of all, football fans are insanely loyal to the team of their choice, often dangerously so. Should their beloved team lose three in a row, fans may begin to react negatively as a way to hide their broken hearts.They still obbsessively watch each game and spend the entire day afterward reading and listening to the postgame commentary in newspapers, on TV sports segments, and on sports radio. Further, this intense loyaly makes fans dangerous. To anyone who dares to say to a loyal fan that another team has better players or coaches, or, God forbid, to anyone wandering near the home cheering section wearing the jacket of the opposite team, physical damage is a real possibility. Bloody noses , black wyes, and brooken bones are just some of the injuries inflicted on people cheering the wrong team hae fans are around. In 1997, one man suffered a concussion at a game in Philadelphia when Eagles fans beat him up for wearing a jacket with another team’s insignia. From February through August, footbalal fans act like any other human beings. They pay their taxes, take out the garbage, and complain aboput the high cast of living. But when September rolls around, the colors and radios go on, the record books come off the shelves, and the devotion returns. For the true football fan, another season of insanity has begun.

Transferable Skills - FINAL ASSIGNMENT 2009 Essay

Transferable Skills - FINAL ASSIGNMENT 2009 - Essay Example This was magnificently exemplified by our rescue operations leader, Giwrgos Antwniou, whose leadership and decision making played a key role in saving the lives of many people and the town from flames in the least time possible. Contrary to the old emphasis on leader as the boss, today’s leadership is more of partnership with their people. Certainly, leadership has moved from ‘command-and-control’ role of judging and evaluating to a role of ensuring accountability through support, coaching, and cheerleading. In a situation of fire crisis, the practice that ultimately helped in saving the town and the lives of people was approach adopted by our leader in guiding and monitoring the activities after delegating tasks to each of the rescue team members including the fire men. The charge that the leader took, though was that of authoritative and commanding, received absolutely no retaliations or resentment from any of the people around. The leader assumed the most desirable role of a situational leader in this context. Situational leadership is, indeed, endured as an effective approach to managing and motivating people because it fosters a partnership between the leader and the people that the leader supports and depends upon. In other words, situational leadership is not something that is done to people, but it is something done with people (Blanchard, K 2001; p 3). The leader, Giwrgos Antwniou, helped people work in time of crisis through his guidance and motivation ensuring each of the members is self-reliant achiever. His leadership style helped harness others’ emotions, heart, energy, and skills in support of the crisis situation and their individual goals of saving the lives of people. The leadership adopted by the leader opened up communication with all team members, who initially were strangers to most of the other team

Friedrich Nietzsche on Nihilism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Friedrich Nietzsche on Nihilism - Essay Example This essay discusses that every emotion, every act and every move that a man attains to complete is null or does amount to nothing. Hence, this particular thought defines the process by which the individuals today are able to simply believe on what they think is right or factual; other things not happening accordingly with these particular personal notions that they have may be considered null and unimportant. This particular idealism about human existence and the source of human belief on the basis of non-moral thought is called nihilism. Nihilism, as noted, is one particular belief that opens the thought to the possibility of humans succeeding without the particular assistance of moral principles. It primarily focuses on the proof that could be attested as related to the possibility by which human elements for existence such as emotions, dreams, and aspirations are plain abstract creations of the human mind. Through his writings, Friedrich Nietzsche has actually noted the different phases of Nihilism as particularly the real explanation for human existence. Among the said phases of the philosophy of nihilism are to be noted as follows: (a) Anti-moralism: Nietzsche strongly believes that Christianity has blinded the entire society in believing that there are different guidelines to be followed to be able to attain the assurance of being a rightful individual. It has been noted though this particular phase of nihilism that Christendom has actually created a notion that people are absolutely confused with regards the importance of free will and being subjected to moral rules that they must continuously give attention to. The two contradicting issues about personal authority on one's self, according to Nietzsche, is a complete confusion that the belief of Christendom has actually implied upon the human society today. (b) Perspectivism: According to the writing of Nietzsche entitled the Gay Science that God is dead. Likely, this notes the fact that he believes that with God gone, the basis of human morality would also be gone. Hence, through this, people would be able to completely decide on their own and realize their full capacity to be the best individuals that they really could be. It is through this that the nothingness of men could actually become a source of being for everyone. (c) The will to Power: Nihilism implies the need of being truly free of obligation to complete anything or to confide so as to submit to certain laws. By being free, one would be able to know the real essence of the will to power. The need of each individual to become powerful in the real sense shall wipe the nothingness out of human lives. Conclusion If carefully examined, Friedrich Nietzsche's thoughts and has been provoked by the fact that Christianity during his time has actually made it certain that the philosophies and traditions which they preferred to make the human individuals follow were particularly unconventional at some point.

Office Art Memo Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Office Art Memo - Assignment Example The paper "Office Art Memo" focuses on the six pieces of art. Impressionists interplay of lights and shadows form an important premise of these paintings. Another characteristic is its unfinished smudged brushstrokes compared to following lines and contours in traditional painting. Included among the foremost of these painters are Claude Monet, Camille Pissarro, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Paul Cezanne, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot and Andrew Sisely. The first painting I have chosen from the 19th century Impressionist Era is a replica of Camille Pissarro’s ‘The Garden of Pontoise’. It is oil on canvas. This painting I feel is very true to life, as all of Pissarro’s work was, and shows a young woman being entertained by a small child as she sits in the shade of her umbrella on a bench in a garden. Nothing could be a more simple expression of the glory of nature as a mother enjoying the antics of her child. The bond between mother and child, the pride and the glory of motherhood and nurturing is embodied in this work, but so elegantly set in the backdrop of this colorful garden that no one could help looking at it. The bright hues and colors of the early evening are evident here. The glory of the colorful garden in bloom takes one away from the business of life and helps one appreciate the value of leisure. No wonder Pissarro is regarded as among the founding fathers of Impressionism. The second piece of Impressionist painting I have selected is a replica of the Portrait of Charles and Georges Durand-Ruel., which the artist Pierre Auguste Renoir painted in 1882. In the portrait painting, both father and son are seated on a garden bench with greenery in the backdrop. The features of both are unmistakably alike, and the father is dressed more elegantly in an open three piece suit, with his left arm around his son. The son Georges is attired in a purple closed suit, and is also shown sporting a cigarette in his left hand. The father does not see m appalled at this circumstance and it shows his open-mindedness and confidence in his son. I am hoping here that the selection of this painting will signify

Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work best for Bipolar I or Bipolar Research Proposal

Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work best for Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder - Research Proposal Example Other aspects that were found to be common among bipolar II patients include interpersonal conflicts, breakdown of families and instability in marriage (Marneros and Goodwin, 2005, p. 95). What a psychotherapist is supposed to realize is that, people who have a high risk of falling from grace are those with a bi-polar disorder. They are also most likely to get into problems because of failing to adhere to advice or due to the state of their moods. This may lead them into several behaviors that may be risky. It is however paramount for any given psychotherapist to realize that some patients may be required to fail for quite a while before learning from their mistakes and acquiring mastery. Therefore, important nuances for management are being able to leave the door open for the patient to come back at another stage or showing a certain level of leniency in the course of psychotherapy. This is suitable rather than doing away with psychotherapy to someone who seems not to be compliant ( Yatham, 2010, p. 350). Nonetheless, since a bipolar disorder may be progressive with the accumulation of episodes, and it may readily show response to interventions been done at a period early enough during the sickness, attempts to engage patients in treatment early enough are of paramount importance. Moreover, a set of problem strategies that are family based, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal have been detailed to apply to those who have the condition of bipolar II (Yatham, 2010, p. 350). Arguments have been put forth in support of the well being plans for patients with bipolar II disorder. The axiom ‘knowledge of power’ is the underlying one for the strategies. It is observed that the often-used strategies are ensuring enough sleep, being able to manage stress, being aware of early warning triggers and signs, taking suitable medication and seeking relevant professional support (Yatham, 2010, p. 350). It is therefore in the scope of this research to establish whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works well for Bipolar I or Bipolar II. Research Questions There are three research questions in this study: The first one is what is the comparison between bipolar I and bipolar II disorders; the second one is how does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work for bipolar I and bipolar II; and lastly, between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder, which one appears to have Cognitive Behavioral Therapy working better for? Research Hypothesis The first hypothesis reveals that using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will lead to significant outcomes for the case of bipolar I than bipolar II. On the other hand, according to the null hypothesis, there will be no significant difference between the outcomes of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in bipolar I and bipolar II. Basis and Purpose of the Research The basis of this research is to ensure that answers have been provided for the above hypotheses to the extent of the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on bipolar I and bipolar II disorders. The research is particularly intended to find out whether Cognitive

Heat Transfer Equipment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Heat Transfer Equipment - Essay Example Within the real environment, the operational requirements include flexibility and maintainability of the equipment, in an economically viable manner. Economic and operational viability considerations should ensure the sustainability of the equipment in the real environment. The operation of the equipment in the real environment relies heavily on the adaptability of the equipment to the environment, and the closeness of the idealized and real situations. The designing should consider the implications presented by the processes of transferring heat between different mediums. The heat-transfer coefficient could be utilized to calculate the changes expected during transferring of heat from the equipment to the environment. This coefficient could be utilized in establishing the heat losses experienced during transfer from heating elements to the required environment. The overall coefficients remain totally related to the specified film transfer coefficients and resistances. The coefficien ts of the materials sometimes contain a significant variance, and during designing, engineers should take care to ensure the variance does not become large. The engineers ought to utilize proper equations in establishing the coefficients and ensuring correctness of mean temperature difference. The mean temperature difference always varies between different points of the exchangers and correctness of these calculations remains fundamental in ensuring development of a properly, functioning heat-transfer equipment. Though engineers could make numerous assumptions when calculating the mean temperature difference, they should note that the accuracy of the figure in the real environment always varies following inclusion of assumptions when performing calculations. These assumptions only provide assistance in establishing a possible value fro mean temperature difference. The exchangers utilized in heat-transfer equipment have different flows ranging from countercurrent to concurrent flow, and a cross-flow combining both of these flows. In calculating the mean temperature difference in exchangers having cross-flow, a correction factor must be established to ensure accuracy of the calculation. The correction factor remains essential in establishing the functionality of equipment as measures compatibility of the exchanger flow. A correction factor below 0.8 remains unacceptable as it implies inefficiency of the chosen exchanger. Designing of the exchanger includes consideration of the requirements of the equipment in terms of quantity of heat transferred. The design of double-pipe heat exchangers remains simplified and reserved to natural-convection heat-transfer. These exchangers normally appear in complex series of pipes, running parallel to one another, either horizontally or vertically. On the other hand, baffled shell-and tube exchangers consist of a pipe inserted inside another, with the outer pipe acting as a shell to the inner pipe. This exchanger remains ideal for cross-flow situation within exchangers. The calculation of baffle spacing in these exchangers utilizes exact values and not estimates. This makes the functioning of these exchangers accurate from the calculations and deficiencies could be established during designing of the exchanger. The calculation of the various exchanger parameters remains accurate owing to the utilization of actual figures, as opposed to estimated figures. Thermal

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

Recycling - Research Paper Example Integrating recycling into K-12 educational system has become a goal for many educators. Usually it is integrated into science or social studies classrooms. This is due to its inclusion in the national education standards for both of these subject areas. Common areas that recycling is integrated into the curriculum include areas such as the study of natural resources, general environmental units, soil units, water units, community units, economic units, and geography units. Although interest is growing, major textbook publishers do not always include recycling in a textbook so teachers are left to supplement the textbooks with outside curriculum to meet the national standards. For example, in a unit about trees or natural resources teachers could include supplemental curriculum about recycling because in the textbook it is never explicitly covered. Non-profit organizations as well as governmental organizations have created supplemental curriculum for teachers to fill this void. Recycling involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from land filling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. Although similar in effect, the composting or other reuse of biodegradable waste - such as food or garden waste - is not typically considered recycling. Materials to be recycled are either brought to a collection center or picked up from the curbside, then sorted, cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials bound for manufacturing. Most people don't think twice about what they put in the garbage. The average American produces from 3-5 pounds of trash per day, which adds up to 50 tons per year. That means over 200 million tons of trash are produced by everyone in the U.S. every year! Up to 70% of this trash is buried in landfills. The scary thing about this is that even though landfills are getting tons of new trash every day, more and more are closing down because they are too expensive to maintain. This is becoming a widespread problem across the U.S. as states struggle to find alternative ways to reduce the amount of trash accumulation. Only about one-tenth of U.S. garbage actually gets recycled every year, when in reality over half of it can be recycled into new products. Recycling is one of the most important acts to follow in our daily lives because it can reduce the amount of waste in our landfills, sustain our natural resources and provide better air and water quality. On average, each person throws away eight dry-cell batteries each year. A dry cell battery is the type of batter used to power small household items like clocks and radios. Double and triple A batteries, C, D, and 9-vot batteries are all dry-cell batteries. Batteries are powered by heavy metals that interact with chemicals, so simply discarding batteries can cause a horrible impact on the environment, especially when old batteries leak and mixed with rain water pollute the soil and into

The Changing Role of National oil companies in the international Dissertation

The Changing Role of National oil companies in the international energy Market - Dissertation Example Oil prices increased in recent years from about $20 to about $100 per barrel, thereby expanding profits for many national and international oil companies. With decreasing supply and increasing demands for oil, oil companies have been competing with each other to seek more substantive oil sources. The fact that majority of oil reserved are under government control is giving a major advantage for national oil companies on access to oil sources. Having control over these oil reserves has also brought about greater pressure for oil companies, mostly pressure in relation to their national roles and responsibilities, especially those which relate to supply and demand, globalization challenges, physical security, and international oil competition. 1.2 Background of the problem National oil companies are oil companies which are partially or wholly owned by national governments. Recent surveys from the United States Energy Information Administration indicate that about 52% of oil companies ar e nationally owned; and about 88% of oil reserved is controlled by national oil companies (Energy Information Administration, 2009). National oil companies (NOCs) have become dominant in recent years and in relation to international oil corporations, including ExxonMobil, BP, and Royal Dutch Shell, their dominance has gained much momentum. These NOCs have also increased their investments outside their borders. Some corporations have even abandoned their investments in various countries, as was the case for ExxonMobil abandoning its million dollar investments in the Orinoco basin in Venezuela (Mommer, 2001). This decision was caused by the breakdown of negotiations between the international oil companies on one side and President Hugo Chavez and Petroleos de Venezula (PDV) on the other (Kalicki and Goldwyn, 2005). Other international oil companies, including Total SA of France, Statoil of Norway, BP from Britain, and Chevron from the US agreed to raise the PDV share in the Orinoco pr ojects from 40% to 78% (Oil Daily, 2007). Under these conditions, ConocoPhillips found this decision very much unfavourable to their interests. The company was able to detect about 1.1 billion barrels of reserves from their interests in Venezuela and this represented about 10% of their total reserve holdings, and their Venezuela interests was equivalent to 4% of their total crude oil reserves (Oil Daily, 2007). ConocoPhillips suffered $4.5 billion dollar write-off under these conditions and was unable to meet its targets; as a result, its shares suffered a beating in the stock market (Oil Daily, 2007). On the part of Venezuela, PDV was able to increase its reserves and its production activities; as a result, it gained more power in the international oil market (Pirog, 2007). Venezuela has a major share in the crude oil imports of the US and their oil flow is not directly controlled by their government (Pirog, 2007). These conditions however, may not allow the crude oil market to fol low and be influenced by economic market dictates. The ranking of oil companies can be determined through various considerations. Various standards have to be used in order to evaluate the changing qualities of oil companies. In addition, investments in explorations and development are major considerations linking the present to the future, ensuring significant expansions for the company and preventing the depletion of reserves

Proessionals Responsibility To The Society Essay Example for Free

Proessionals Responsibility To The Society Essay Professionals should not restrict their work to their work place only. Instead they should extend it to the community in which they operate. Professionals can be involved in the society in many ways which include education, economic empowerment and creation of international links. Professionals have a wider understanding of the contemporary affairs. This knowledge can be used to educate the society on its civil rights, how to respond to social challenges and enlightening them on the national and international affairs. The society expects the professionals to use their knowledge and understanding of these matters to help them to be better braced to face challenges in the society. Education can be done through seminars, awareness meeting and mobilizations in order to enable the people to live together harmoniously. The society needs awareness in matters of gender parity, respect for religious and racial differences within the community and other social matters as may be violated in the society. Another area of education is how to utilize the natural resources sustainably since ignorance of such a serious matter can cause drastic effects on people. Â  Professionals can also contribute to the economic empowerment of the society through many ways. They can either directly or indirectly take part in activities aimed at developing people economically in the society. They can do this by proving the necessary conducive environment that can enable people in the society to realize their full potential. In empowering people, professionals have the obligation to enlighten the society on the factors of production available to them and how to look for market for their goods. They can also contribute directly by building schools, factories and medical facilities where people in the community can access them easily. Professionals are in a better position, due to their experience and knowledge, to identify talents in the society. Such talents can be developed and promoted in order to enable be people to live to their potentials. Organization of sporting activities and meet people campaigns are some of the activities which can be used to achieve this. At the same time professionals can use their knowledge to provide carrier counseling for students within the community in which they work. This can help them in choosing their carriers hence empowering them economically in future. Â  Professionals can help to link the society with the outside world. Since they have a better understanding of the culture, believes and economic activities of other people, they can enlighten the society not only on how to interact but also areas of interaction that can realize maximum returns out of such interactions. They can be involved in exchange programs in fields of education, business and culture to mention but a few. This can promote international understanding and cooperation among different countries. Â  Journalists are supposed to provide information to the society. However, this can be difficult in societies where the living standards are low. It becomes difficult for people to access the information due to poverty levels. At the same time some in some countries there is lack of freedom to journalists. They are limited on what they can report. While fighting for their rights, they should fight for the rights of the society as well. Â  Teachers on the other hand are supposed to reduce illiteracy level in the society but this is made difficult by the fact that education is expensive in some countries. Cultural reasons also water their efforts to lighten the society through education. Â  Lawyers can be of benefit to the society by promoting civil rights in the society but their work is hindered mostly by cultural and reasons. Some practices which violate human rights are in most cases valued highly by people in the society. Failure to report of injustices committed in the society also contributes to the difficulties the lawyers face in carrying out their responsibility to the society. Â  Reference: 1). www.internews.org/global/gov/default.shtm 2). www.americanpressinstitute.org/pages/resources/2005/07/

Methods in Computer Security Essay Example for Free

Methods in Computer Security Essay One of the negative impacts of technological advancements is the advancement of criminal methods. As one of the widespread progression in the whole world today, computerization has been made an instrument for criminal offenses, and this has alarmed many computer experts since the millennium bug had emerged, and was fortunately solved. Knowing the things that must be observed in computer software and hardware investigation is important to flourish as a computer forensics expert. Current investigations usually dwell on individual category, but still it can be expanded to a more general sense in analyzing the patterns and motives of maybe not just individuals, but groups or organizations (Anderson, 1996). First, in either hardware of software, all protective procedures must be known by the investigator. Security for the reliability of the source of information is of an utmost importance in fishing evidences towards solving a crime. The computer itself is the first place that must be secured. A way to secure them is to label them to avoid possible damages and interchange of the computer parts. Keeping the original state of the machine whether it is turned on/off, or maintaining connections at the back of the CPU or a laptop, is also a requirement for in the case of transportation, there might be a need to disassemble the parts, and knowing the original positions of the connections is relevant to restore the computer for investigation after transportation (Barba, __, p. 19). Second is the acquisition of electronic information. This can be obtained from the hard disk or other disk drives attached to the computer and to e-mails, where possible records of computer manipulation that the offender had done to the systems before and after completion of the act are present. Looking at the deleted and hidden files is also a very crucial step, which might lead to the identification of the possible objectives of the criminal in deleting those data fragments, or what data he needed so as to complete his purpose (Barba, __, p. 24). Upon identification of the important data files that are removed from the system, and if there exists any system transactions that can be done through those files, like for example bank transactions, it would be the initiative of investigator to warn the potential persons that can be damaged when the transactions have been completed. The third thing that is important to consider is the recovery of the lost information that the client needs. It may also be possible to identify log-in passwords and usernames to monitor the users of the computer which can be associated with time of deletion of information, thus identifying the criminal. They can also look at the possible system protection measures to secure information and to avoid access again to the system. The log and registry of the computer may trace this necessary information and identify changes on the computer codes (Sunblocksystems. com, 2007). Fingerprints may also be looked at in the case of a criminal act done at the place of the client itself. Identification of the criminal would be much more specific at this case. References Anderson, K. E. (1996). International Intrusions: Motives and Patterns Retrieved July 14, 2008, 2008, from http://www. aracnet. com/~kea/Papers/paper. shtml Barba, M. (___). Computer Forensic Investigations [Electronic Version]. Retrieved July 14, 2008, from http://www. computer-forensic. com/old_site/presentations/ASIS_Presentation. pdf Sunblocksystems. com. (2007). Computer Forensics. Retrieved July 13, 2008, from http://www. sunblocksystems. com/forensics. html

Inter Organizational Information Systems Information Technology Essay

Inter Organizational Information Systems Information Technology Essay In these decades, most of the businesses rely on Information systems in each every aspect. As a result of globalization not only all the countries but also the companies in the world try to adjust with new technology as well as with the electronic systems such as information system. Nowadays businesses like to outsource their company activities rather than bind with same industries. But there is an out sourcing cost which has to be born when the tasks of the company are outsourced. There are so many advantages as well as so many disadvantages can be seen like secret information can be spread all over the industry by outsourcing of such systems such as salary systems, financial systems, HR systems, manufacturing systems in an organization. There are so many information systems are found in companies as payroll systems, accounting systems like AC pacc packages, Accounting spread sheets, Oracle, SAGE and so on. They are providing a value added advantage to the business by minimizing manual errors, frauds etc. But in outsourcing of manufacturing functions of an organization; core-competencies, improving in production as well as the quality must be considered before outsourcing. Inter organizational information system is an important tool to carry-out organizational activities more than above mentioned information systems. These kinds of systems are supporting to enhance telecommunication technology among the business units. It is a good sign for future markets. The inter-organizational systems are also built as result of e-business as well as globalization. Importance of the Study This kinds of system are very important in so many hands like, can share information as well as decision from top to bottom by using information systems. With the help of such systems organizations can address each and every kind of people not only the managerial people but also in normal employees such as clerks, peons and so-on. Information system actually plays a wide role in business world not only by providing information to the organization body but also by gathering facts, data, information from out -side which are useful to the company. Exchanging sharing ideas among the business units is very helpful to survive in the business world, hence inter-organizational business acts major role to fulfill such circumstances. As an example, if in such company divided in to business units as manufacturing unit, human resource unit, finance unit and so-on, this inter organizational information system is very much essential to make co-ordination among these units and achieve specific goals within a minimum time period. In present we can see so many accounting information packages as mentioned earlier to build inter-organization relationship between accounting divisions of same organization. Most recently, businesses like to out-source their functions with out-side companies who provide out-sourcing facilities; in such situations inter-organizational information system act as a connector of the main business as well as the out-sourcing units. This also can be used to get the competitive advantages by understanding the threats and opportunities. Inter organization information system is one of the system tools which helps to make efficient in business in modern world since most of the companies addicted to practice such systems more than earlier decades as a result of new technology. IOS dependencies and its significance Todays world is well known for the technical computer oriented world. Renewed organizations totally depend on the E-business (Electronic Business). E-Business proves a very good source for the advertising of product. E-Business is very good example of inventions and innovations as well as improved skills of technology of a company. So there can be seen a strong relationship between IT and Inter-organization system. An industry has many branches like firms but each industry has its own IT (Information Technology). Each company has a desire to spread its business in worldwide area such as multinational company. So there can be seen a desire to make profit, attract consumers, offer facilities to its own clients. There is a trend of international trade as well as strong relationship between an industry and outside partners. When a companys will is on global, then there will be major point of outsourcing. For the uprising of the industry and the whole firms of an industry tries to offer a high quality production to its customers, IT proves a major aspect for the advancement of the organization. When a company make a product then it has to spend a large time to see gain profit, improve quality, consumers, competitors, price, substitutes, demand, supply chain, stock, as well as internal and external suppliers. For example when an organization produces a product the major points will be demand for the product, price of the product and status of competitors among the industry, when demand increases for a product then automatically output and input of the product increases according to supply and price. Substitutes are also involving for the production of the product. Demand is flexible, so production is also flexible. A product is always built to order (BTO). It requires order, demand, outsource, employed etc. There can be seen long term demand as well as short term demand such as the demand for warm clothes increases in winter not in summers but on the other hand patrol is all ways needed. When the price of the product will decrease then demand will be increased. The effective policies permitted by law prove beneficial for the further development of the organization. Each organization concentrates on social, economic condition as well as cultural, policies, suppliers and buyers teach it how to manage in society. Inter-organization system is related with suppliers and buyers performance. Planning and decision making process is also related to supply chain management. Inter-organization is also related to market such as shareholders, stock, demand factor. To improve supply chain management there is a system of Quick Response System (QRS) in this way an organization can improve its relationship with suppliers/buyers and between two parties. Supply chain management can improves itself by offer a high quality of product as well as good quality of raw material. A high quality of the product will have ability to provide satisfaction of its customer. The three well known level of communication is micro, meso and macro. Micro related to individually, Meso related to group and Macro related to broader aspect communication. Senior management makes decisions for organization to make product, to gain profit as well as investment. RESEACRCH CONTRIBUTION I have analyzed the higher level of external co-operation shared towards advancement process efficiency where inter organizational systems allows firm to gain sourcing trust over their suppliers. Higher level of Information system may not be useful for gathering information from the market and compare with the different available options. Information system also provides the facts that the firm produces standardized and good facing cut throat competitors by process efficiency by working enhancement higher level of corporation. IOS allows the organization to achieve all the aim target process oriented suppliers and buyers. Mangers should be very careful to check the processes which are fulfilled by the employees on the base of IOS. It is controversial that using ISO and gives advantage for transactional needs. It can help organization in the use of electronic system to target market as well as valuable suppliers. Were as all the process can be achieved only when the electronic system is established through integrated system. Suggestions helps the managers to identify the different facts of inter organizational system and making a decision and implementation and the use of inter organizational systems in different sections, the findings done by various researchers in the field of knowing the impacts in relation to the adoption of the impact of Inter organizational system. When needed to widen and the classification related to IOS concepts. Which also helps to include much wider scope in the enhancement latest website based processing data system and suppliers in co-operation or interrelationship with the management system. This will advance and increase the analyzing the various processes and facts of ISO and it will also need to have more spectacular internal and external perspective implementation. For example by analyzing done by Hard and Saunders(1998) he found out that one process of EDI can determine or find out factors of different processes. Thus we can explore and determine the performance and functionality of impact on inter organizational system. Theoretical processes and its functions INTER-ORGANISATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS PROCESS INTERGRATION AND FUNCTIONS Direction of inter organizational information systems in the role of system to human and system to system in the process of effective system function for the various process carried on by the instructions from the computer to computer and then to the process of the human understanding interface. This can be understood by the following Mainly there are 2 most important parts in an inter organizational information systems that determines the correct and effective functioning of the programmed automated information dispensation in field of system integrations are broadly classified into 2 parts they are system to system and system to human incorporation. The system to system incorporation mainly causes the transformation of data between the inside of the information systems of the executing data for an organization is fully automatically done, there is no need for the human mind to be applied or not needed to input computerized functions to processes the information systems. It is designed to make the process outcome automatically with accurate results with in a less period of time. For example as the electronic data interchange carries out the main classical automated data to compile and execute the data for the user for the directed desired outcome of result by the various amounts of transactions done and carried out by the implementation of EDI. (Matthew K. McGowan, 1996) Now lets pass on to system to human incorporation. Under this the data which is been transacted is semiautomatic by this term we come to know that the human intervention is included as well as the system process the data from one person through the inner information systems to and is send in a form of electronic system design layout to another person and then the receiving person collects the data and then processes it physically or by hand. Mainly this type of method is done in supply chain electronic incorporation where the internet based technologies have provided this in order to avoid very expensive system to system functioning costs this is done by even providing web gateway most commonly known as web portal. In order to gain fast functions to be carried on and less errors to be caused and more of accuracy in short period of time that would cause in best time management in information systems then the implementation of inter organizational information systems should be done. J ouni Kauremaa, mikko karkkainen, Timo Ala Risku , Helsinki University of technology, Finland RESEARCH MOTIVATION Under this a broadly classified impacts were studied and various researches were conducted on the influence and impacts of inter-organizational information systems for miniature company suppliers. At the first earlier analyzing were only done in an organization or company depending on the observation of the company executives and mainly the data that was in process in operational stability and measurable performance data was not taken into consideration and was not composed in order to know the impacts of inter organizational information systems. And at the second the studies on internet based electronic data interchange was concentrated in order to carry out purchases and also processes like one technology and one function was applied and later on other internet technology like e mail and various websites caused a presence. What I feel is that the clear comparisons on the intensity of inter organizational information systems and the impact on SMEs is not there in various articles. Research planning and its appropriateness Inter Organizational Information System contribute a lot towards their businesses and other organizations. Information used in organizations is for various functions like planning, controlling decision- making and organizing. The planning of information systems is done to support the activities of organizations information needs by recognizing the apt portfolio of applications that are computer based. Due to recent changes in the external business environment, Inter-organizations relationships have become an important part, which makes a need for organizations to interact, share information and technology, and even cooperate in a healthier way with each other. If theres a balanced approach between Business and IT, it is expected that business opportunities and advanced IT technologies are able to innovative essential plans. It can help the organizations to achieve their business goals. An organization needs to select a planning approach based on the management culture and business environment of the other organization. Its not an easy task to plan this system because of the stakeholders involvement, which means that organizations should be very careful in planning. There is also a possibility of using other organizations strategy, which is a negative impact. Success in the planning of Inter Organizations Information System has become difficult and a bit critical. It is been studied that a planning based on evolution and learning is more relevant and successful, builds a level of being adaptive and flexible in the process of coordinating and control activities. People in organization may differ in levels of IT skills and knowledge, it helps them to learn to understand and implement the challenges and benefits of the cooperating through an Information System. It is much difficult for an organization to cooperate in Inter-Organizational Information System if the Intra -Organizational infrastructure is still not maintained. The knowledge gained through this relates to building of Inter-organizational information system and issues like effects in the technologies. The plan of using IOIS has increased as theres a modification in the process of business, so that the organizations can respond well towards their opportunities, trading partners and even the needs of the customers. Thus, by planning IT system has enabled an organization to bring changes in its activities. The system helps in creating competitive advantage and also improves the economic performance of each organization. It helps in managing better relations with buyer-suppliers. By the process of planning to use the information system, organizations become dependent on each other and a mind-set of trust is increased among partners. For the development of cooperation between organizations, they need to assure that there is continuous flow of information between the cooperating partners. The main purpose of this system is to share data, information, business applications to make available the electronic transactions about buying and selling of goods and services for the business partners. It has also been recognized as a key or major factor for the growth in their business. So, there should be proper planning before implementing it, the organizations needs to be very careful, as its useful and at times a harmful for the organization. Key findings and limitations LIMITATIONS OF INTERNAL AND INTER ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS: In this context we will a have wider look on the merits and demerits of internet based internal and inter-organizational Information system for an Organization: As in this cut-throat competitive world of business, organizations have set up internal and inter organizational information system to run their business in a more efficient way.To begin with, first of all, we will discuss the merits of IOIS. Firstly Internal IT gives a wonderful chance to employees to understand the business strategies in a broader way. IOIS is also familiar for its business name Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), as it is an easier and comfortable way of interchanging data for organizations. Moreover Internal Information system helps employees up to a great extent to save their precious time, as they can collect data for their work sitting at one place only and it can be very helpful for organization in terms of gaining more profit. Furthermore, Inter-organizational information system is a boon in field of business for all organizations, as it gives comfort to them to collect and interchange their data while communicating via internet only, by using this indispensable tool of IT, it gives golden opportunity to organizations to place electronic order for goods, confirming their collection time and share number of other documents instantly with their business partners world wid. In addition, reduction in cost of communication, labor and paper work are other inevitable benefits are given by IOIS.IOIS gives chance to firms to improve their relations with their business partners and supply chain as well, as lots of problems and conflicts can be sorted out with far-away places trading partners with the introduction of this system and which gives a mutual benefit in business. In contrast, as each prospect involves pros and cons. So IOIS has few negative features as well. First grey area of IOIS is its additional expenditure to Value Added Network (VAN) reaches up to $5000-$7000 per month (Bartholomew 1997). Consequently, adoption of this system is not that much easy specially for small companies because of its expenditure, so it can be unaffordable to bear its cost for small scale organizations. As well as, for a successful Implementation of IOIS, a compatible hardware is must at both the ends, for instance, on one hand, one company is having a compatible set up for IOIS, however it is not the same with its trading partner on the other side, so it is obvious to arise difficulties while communicating and data interchange, so undoubtedly these hurdles due to poor hardware will affect the business financially as well as the relations personally in future. Moreover, one major drawback of this system is, as it is an internet designed system. So business strategies and policies, scheduling goods of various firms are available online such as financial reports and so on, So gathering and misusing data that is just childs play for a person who has full command on computer operations and that thing can be damaging for companies, as their secrecy can be leaked and misused by any other organization for their own benefits. Not surprisingly, IOIS is not reliable enough in terms of Security, as authentic informations and companys unwanted plans can be revealed and altered or adopted easily by any other company, which can harm the company in a harsh way. References Robert B Johnston, Kai Reimers, Stefan Klein, bled Slovenia june 21 23,2004 The Shaping Of Inter-Organisational Information Systems: Main Design Considerations Of An International Comparative Research Project http://www.wi.uni-muenster.de/wi/forschen/veroeff/Shaping_of_IOIS.pdf Jouni Kauremaa, Mikko Karkkainen, Timo Ala Risku, Helsinki university of technology , http://legacy-tuta.hut.fi/logistics/publications/IOIS_SME.pdf Stefan Klein, Stefan schellhammer, Kai reimers, Kai remer University of Munster, http://www.kai-reimers.net/Evolutionary%20Paths%20of%20Inter-organizational%20Information%20Systems.pdf Donatella Sciuto, bled Slovenia, June 6.8.2005 exploring the role of inter organizational information systems within SMEs aggregations, http://www.bledconference.org/proceedings.nsf/0/02d5f171ae4576e8c1257014004a2af8/$FILE/29Ravarini.pdf Nicholas Berente, Ryan Baxter, Case Western Reserve University, USA, supporting knowledge creating through inter-organizational information systems; pragmatic collaboration between object worlds, http://www.bledconference.org/proceedings.nsf/0/02d5f171ae4576e8c1257014004a2af8/$FILE/29Ravarini.pdf   Aurelio Ravarini, Federico Pigni, Giacomo Buonanno,1Università   Carlo Cattaneo, Italy 2005, Exploring the Role of Inter-Organizational,Information Systems within SMEs Aggregations London School of Economics and Political Science Stakeholder identification in inter-organizational systems:  gaining insights for drug use management systems Information Systems Department, Kenneth C.Laudon, Jane P.Laudon, Hardcover Edition, 2003. Management Information Systems, Deanna J. Richards, Braden R. Allenby and W. Dale Compton,  National Academy of Engineering ,2001, Information systems the Environment Source:www.ebrc.comAvailable http://www.ebrc.fi/kuvat/Makipaa_paper.pdf Source: www.bledconference.org http://www.bledconference.org/proceedings.nsf/0/02d5f171ae4576e8c1257014004a2af8/ $FILE/29Ravarini.pdf .khalid S.Soliman Hosfstra University (2000),http://www.wi.uni-muenster.de/wi/forschen/veroeff/Shaping_of_IOIS.pdf Brian D. Janz The University of Memphis (2000). Scala,S.and McGrath,R.,Advantages and disadvantages of Electronic data interchange, Information Management,Vol.25,no.2 August 1995,PP.85-91. Lacovou,C.L;Benbasat,I.;and Dexter,A.S. quarterly,Vol.19.No.4,December 1995,PP.465-485 ,Electronic data Interchange and small organizations : adoption and impact of technology ,MIS Khawaja A. Saeed1,*,  Manoj K. Malhotra,Varun Grover Article first published online: 2 AUG 2005 DOI:  10.1111/j.1540-5414.2005.00077.x, Examining the Impact of Interorganizational Systems on Process Efficiency and Sourcing Leverage in Buyer-Supplier Dyads Donald r greer, Laura, Richard j. Adams leadership and the dynamic of inter-organizational communication and development www.greerblackcompany.com/la1_2006_abstract.pdf Auther, chen, injazz, paulraj, antonym, lado Augustine, 2008, 2004 competency-antecedents-and-performance-outcomes-i-html,www.faqs.org/abstracts//inter-organizational-communication-as-a-relational Stanley e. Fawcett, Gregory magnan, Sergio g. lazzarini, Fabio r. chaddad , michall cook (2002) the rehetoric and reality of supply chain integration integrating supply chain and networking analysis: the study of net chains www.ssrn.com zu zhi xing wei xue- john r schermerhorn 2004 perspectives on organizational communication terrence l garinlo, ebrary, inc-2005, the strategic use of stories in organizational Organizational behavior CONCLUSION By this study we can examine to know that inter organizational information systems is the main factor for the connection of buyers and suppliers, to be in connectivity so that they can carry out all the transactions between them smoothly. We come to understand the concept and depth of inter organizational information systems in the merit to large and small enterprises, that information systems plays a main role in an organization for various processes and functions such as accounting, data transfer, emailing, recording data, secured transaction data and semi manual organized data. This type of functioning helps the organization to do its work and transacting of details to the computer and to the party with in a small period of time which makes the work of an organization even faster. Thus this even helps in building good relationship with buyers and sellers. This type of software is expensive most commonly termed as system to system. But various small companies or outlets need infor mation systems so semi automatic, system to human interface is provided thus this software is not expensive also and is effective for such data transfer. The term information system means handling or providing information about a particular subject from one party to another party in the mutual understanding between them. System to system and system to human integration has helped the buyers and sellers to resolve the problem of leaving back the barriers of electronic business but it is only partly resolution only if total efficient benefits are the aim. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS 1. Research limitations on organizations whose business processes carried on by inter organizational information system tasks are mainly outsourced. 2. When needed the concepts relating to practical narrow area can be applied. 3. The reliability and sustainability in IOIS is a bitter experience for various organizations due to its inflexible electronic intend. 4.For doing various research on organizations researchers are not free to get important documents from the firms due to its secrecy, this documents could help researchers to find out a way around to provide solutions for various problems relating to IOIS impacts on SMEs. RECOMMENDATION In todays world of computer oriented functioning it is possible for information systems to get hacked by various hackers who do this to destroy ones organization and to steal money. I recommend that security measures should be taken by providing such strong software that can avoid unauthorized entry in the information systems of an organization. Inter organizational information systems effective functions depends on the management of the organization to implement effective procedures to resolve the errors caused in the information system and to keep an eye on the employee of the information technology department for their delay or miss input of data for transactions from system to system, that would cause in heavy loss to the organization. The study on comparisons between the intensity of inters organizational information systems and the brunt on small medium enterprises is not done or found in various books and articles. To determine the study on brunt on small medium enterprises should be taken into consideration. I recommend that small and medium sized enterprises should be taken into consideration because they have been departed from the co operated networks provided by inter organizational information systems. System to system integration is very expensive in comparison to system to human. In order to make all small, medium and large organizations to use this facility of software they should price the software in fluctuation comparison between both the data processing systems, depending to their customer needs and motives. REFERENCES University of Bedfordshire handbook, 2010-2011 Group report-6, 12.12.2010 inter organizational information systems 3. University of Bedfordshire BREO Conclusion Each every aspect Inter-organizational information system is an essential system to any kind of organization since it has been providing facility to run the organization in a smooth manner. Not only technological industries but also manufacturing, production kind of businesses need information systems to faster their functions within the organization. Not like earlier decades, now all organizations carry their activities based on e-business, computerized systems informational systems as a result of globalization. In our selected study it explains about how the inter-organizational information system acts in such a business which out-sources their activities. In here it shows the connectivity with out-sourcing divisions using information systems. If information systems is used by any kind of company, Organizational activities, business functions, customer relationships, industrial relationships can be maximized. It provides information which is relevant to decision making, build -up relationships among the organizational divisions within short time period; since Electronic systems are faster than the manual systems. Last not least we can say Information systems plays a wide role within the inter organizations by providing relevant details within a short time period by minimizing manual and technical errors. So every organization must incline to practise such systems for development of their business tasks in a proper manner. Research Limitations Mainly focuses on the business whose tasks are out-sourced. Concepts applied to narrow area when concerned It is not good for small scale companies Data relevant to decision making and other activities can be spread all over the sectors as well. It is a disadvantage to the organization. This mainly happens due to the company out sources their activities with external parties Recommendations Before practising of Information systems; company should aware of the system and must know about the information which are generated from the system which is being used to decision making within the industry. Cost to benefit analysis must be needed when company hopes to rely on such electronic system This system should be in a method of exchanging information in divisional levels and industry level in a trust worthy manner. Also this kind of information systems should be updated according to time to time; otherwise facts generation of such systems may be out-dated when taking decisions. Also decision taking based on out-dated information may leads to wrong picture about the organization in the industry. Inter-organizational information system is an important element to carry-out organization activities in business world since all the activities based on electronic systems such as internet business and so on. All the employees in the industry should be given a proper training in how to use such electronic internet based system in a proper manner. These kinds of systems should have some features like time saving, faster, proving proper facts related to activities, etc. All the systems which are based on internet systems to be in user friendly, otherwise it will be a difficult task to feeding and gaining of information by the users. References Kenneth C.Laudon, Jane P.Laudon, Hardcover Edition- 2003, Management Information Systems Deanna J. Richards, Braden R. Allenby and W. Dale Compton,  National Academy of Engineering  -2001, Information systems   the Environment CONCLUSION In my opinion, IT (Information Technology) refers to E-Business (Electronic Business) as well as EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). But all these aspects are very good source to spread business in the world wide area as well as to achieve smart goals for business. The new technology is well known the excellent result of inventions and innovations. Strong relationship between IT and IOS related to internal and external suppliers but it also depends on suppliers and buyers behavior. A high ability of management system of an organization spread it as a multinational company in the worldwide environment. But there can be seen two major aspect S2S (system to system) and S2H (system to human). S2S is an automatically (electronic) process and there is no need for the human mind. On the other hand, S2H is linked to internet as well as web portal because by the way of internet, data goes one person to another person. It is related to internet technology, e mails, and web-sites. The processes of business are based on IT and IOIS of the organization. Communication is also become a major aspect of busines

BUSINESS METHODS Essay -- essays research papers

BUSINESS METHODS PEST (Political, Economical Social and Technological environment ) Analysis The external environment of any organisation / university / faculty / department etc. can be analyzed by conducting a PEST analysis. The acronym PEST (sometimes rearranged as STEP) is used to describe a framework for the analysis a range of macro environmental factors including the Political, Economical Social and Technological environment. A PEST analysis fits into an overall environmental scan including the SWOT analysis and McKinsey’s 7S Model, which is briefly discussed below and also referred to in the document ‘Preparing a SWOT Analysis. For a unit (referring to any area under review be it an academic department, a research unit, an administrative unit or a support service unit), a PEST analysis should relate to: 1. The external environment outside of the unit but within UCC, and 2. The external environment outside of UCC, given the national and international profile of the office The PEST analysis provides the following simple framework: Political FactorsPolitical factors can have a direct impact on the way business operates. Decisions made by government affect the operations of units within the university to a varying degree. Political refers to the big and small ‘p’ political forces and influences that may affect the performance of, or the options open to the unit concerned. The political arena has a huge influence upon the regulation of public and private sector businesses, and the spending power of consumers and other businesses, both within UCC and outside of UCC. Political factors include government regulations and legal issues and define both formal and informal rules under which UCC and units must operate. Depending on its role and function within the university a unit may need to consider issues such as: †¢ How stable is the internal/external political environment? †¢ Will government policy influence laws that regulate third level educ ation? †¢ What is the government's policy on the education? †¢ Is the government involved in trading agreements such as the Bologna Agreement? †¢ The impact of employment laws †¢ The impact of environmental regulations †¢ Trade restrictions and tariffs †¢ Political stability (internally and externally †¢ Decision-making structures Economic FactorsAll businesses are affected by economical factors nationally and globally. Whethe... ...mple measures? †¢ A bias for action: a propensity to act, even in the light of incomplete information, rather than to engage in extensive discussion and analysis †¢ Close to the customer: listening to, learning from, and providing exemplary service for their customers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 5 †¢ Autonomy and entrepreneurship: fostering leaders and innovators throughout the organisation/department; encouraging practical risk taking and tolerating failure †¢ Productivity through people: respect for and validation of staff; recognition that staff are the source of quality and productivity gain †¢ Hands-on, value driven: led by executives that are ‘in touch’ with the essential aspects of the organisation; paying explicit attention to promulgating the organisations core values †¢ Stick to the knitting: operating primarily in fields of established expertise †¢ Simple form, lean staff: characterised by few administrative layers, and uncomplicated systems †¢ Simultaneous loose tight properties: a combination of centralisation and decentralisation; promoting individual autonomy within the boundaries of the organisations core values.

Conflict in the Emerald Isle Essay -- Ireland Politics Political Gover

Conflict in the Emerald Isle The island of Ireland is known for many things: St. Patrick’s Day, its green landscape, music, beer, and discord. The heart of this conflict began centuries ago, when Britain came over and forced Protestantism on the Irish Catholic inhabitants. There has always been hatred between the Irish Protestants and Catholics. The island is broken up into to distinct regions. The Republic of Ireland consists of 26 counties, which make up the southern region. This area is predominantly Roman Catholic. Northern Ireland is made up of the 6 northern counties, which are under British rule. This area is predominately Protestant. The conflict between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is based on both religious and political views. Ireland is a relatively small island off the coast of Great Britain; its land area is 32,424 square miles (Delaney 2). When you think of Ireland you most likely think of shamrocks, St. Patrick, and Guinness beer. Another thing that may come to mind is the struggle between the Catholics and Protestants. The tension between these two religions goes back to the seventeenth century when William of Orange defeated James of England on July 12, 1690, hereby ensuring a Protestant ascendancy in Ireland (Coogan 4). This date is very important to the Protestants in Ireland and is celebrated annually. This was not accepted by many of the Catholic inhabitants. This was their home and Dodd 2 Catholicism was their religion and they didn’t like Great Britain coming in and forcing Protestantism on them. Then parliament passed The Act of Union in 1800, which ... ...onal interview. 5 March 2002. Coogan, Tim Pat. The IRA: A History. Niwot, Co: Roberts Rinehart Publishers, 1994. Delaney, Mary Murray. Of Irish Ways. New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1973. Fraser, T.G. Ireland in Conflict 1922-1998. London: Routledge, 2000. Golway, Terry. For The Cause of Liberty. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000. Ito, Tim and Aileen Yoo. â€Å"Ireland’s Troubled History†. The Washington Post.Com. 1998. The Washington Post Company. March 12, 2002 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/nireland/overview.htm O’ Malley, Padraig. The Uncivil Wars: Ireland Today. Boston: Houghton Millflin Company, 1983. Wolf, Dr. Charles. â€Å"1908-16 Sinn Fein Propaganda Labels†. Rare Books and Special Collections. 2000. University of Notre Dame. March 12, 2002 http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/stamps/irish/set4L/set4L.html

Paintball :: essays research papers

Paintball! A fast-paced, adrenaline pumping, game...paintball is a world renowned sport and is growing popularity faster than several other top sports. Paintball is non-contact, making it very safe when played right. According to the Sports Data Inc. surveys, paintball has the lowest injury rate of ANY sport, at only .31 injuries per 1000 participants. Paintball is viewed several different ways by people that have not experienced it for themselves. A lot of people think paintball is only for "gun crazy" maniacs. Well that is an incorrect statement, mainly because paintball "guns" are not guns at all. The definition of "gun" is, "Any weapon that discharges shot, shells, or other bullet by the explosion of gun powder or some other explosive from a strait tube." Paintball markers operate in a VERY different way. Paintballs are propelled out of the barrel by air, not any type of explosive, and paintball markers are NOT weapons. No one has ever got killed by a paintball marker from getting shot. Even without a mask on. Although eye injuries have been reported, this is due to the fact that an unsafe game was played. Most likely someone decided that they were superman and took off their goggles in the middle of a game and no ref was there to stop him. All goggles worn during paintball should and are approved by the government and you are not supposed to shoot above a speed of 300 feet per second. Yes, paintball leaves welts, but most people can stand them. The pain of a paintball welt is surely not any worse than getting tackled by a 200 lbs football player. If safety is what people are worrying about, why do we have football, wrestling, or basketball? They are all in the top ten for highest injury rates. Paintball is also growing in popularity, games for paintball are getting released and selling way better than the majority of other games. The most popular of any paintball game is called "Greg Hastings Tournament Paintball" and is exactly the type of paintball that we would like to play at the school, speedball. Speedball is a game of paintball played on a paintball field that is exactly symmetrical to through the middle, a speedball field is usually about 100 feet long and 40 feet wide and the bunkers are usually made of a durable and flexible plastic that holds air, most commonly called â€Å"air bunkers†.

America culture and society in the 1920s

Lynn Dumenil's account of the era commonly referred to as the â€Å"roaring twenties† in The Modern Temper: American Culture and Society in the 1920s there is an intentional emphasis placed on the effort to dispel the popular notion that the new, revolutionary transformations in culture and society that took place at this time in history were direct results of the First World War.In the stead of this less insightful means of analyzing the 1920's in America by assuming that the post war era was a direct creation and consequence from the war, the author offers the suggestion that the seeds of the twenties were planted much earlier during the industrial revolution and through the effects of a culture †¦ Showed first 120 words of 1136 Size (words) †¦ Continuing with another 115 out of 1136 Size (words) †¦ are aspects to this period that I feel this particular text does not give proper acknowledgement to.Dumenil does a good job of showing the prevailing winds of the time and analyzing the forces that pushed society forward into what it is today; however, little is said about the opposing forces that tried to collectively pull back the reigns of capitalism, secularism, and urbanization. These forces, which came in the form of the Industrial Workers of the World, William Jennings Bryan, and many others who attempted to retain the Victorian way of life also played an instrumental role in shaping society through their broad range of dissent from the path of urbanizationWhen most of us take a backward glance at the 1920s, we may think of prohibition and the jazz age, of movies stars and flappers, of Harold Lloyd and Mary Pick ford, of Lindbergh and Hoover–and of Black Friday, October 29, 1929, when the plunging stock market ushered in the great depression. But the 1920s were much more. Lynn Dumenil brings a fresh interpretation to a dramatic, important, and misunderstood decade.As her lively work makes clear, changing values brought an end to the repressive Victorian era; urban liberalism emerged; the federal bureaucracy was expanded; pluralism became increasingly important to America's heterogeneous society; and different religious, ethnic, and cultural groups encountered the homogenizing force of a powerful mass-consumer culture. The Modern Temper brings these many developments into sharp focus. Praise â€Å"The Modern Temper is an engaging, stimulating, and thoughtful re-creation of one of our most interesting and complex decades.†Lynn Dumenil's The Modern Temper provides an exciting and original synthesis of a crucial decade that few of us really understand. She makes the insights and confusions of the women and the men of the twenties come alive. This is an important book. â€Å"–Ellen Dubois, University of California at Los Angeles â€Å"Dumenil offers wealth of fresh insights on a fascinating decade. This illuminating study subtly recasts our understanding of an era whose tensions and stresses oft en uncannily parallel those of our own day. â€Å"–Paul Boyer, University of WisconsinSynopsis: when most of us take a backward glance at the 1920s, we may think of prohibition and the jazz age, of movies stars and flappers, of Harold Lloyd and Mary Pick ford, of Lindbergh and Hoover–and of Black Friday, October 29, 1929, when the plunging stock market ushered in the great depression. But the 1920s were much more. Lynn Dumenil brings a fresh interpretation to a dramatic, important, and misunderstood decade. As her lively work makes clear, changing values brought an end to the repressive Victorian era; urban liberalism emerged; the federal bureaucracy was expanded; pluralism became increasingly important to America'sheterogeneous society; and different religious, ethnic, and cultural groups encountered the homogenizing force of a powerful mass-consumer culture. The Modern Temper brings these many developments into sharp focus. Turning to the flip side of the '20s' flap per image, Dumenil looks at the darker side of the decade forming the â€Å"central motifs that have shaped the modern American temper. † Between the end of WWI and the stock market crash, the aura of get-rich-quick prosperity overshadowed tensions resulting from the highly skewed distribution of wealth.The unfettered capitalism of the time is reflected by Calvin Coolidge, who said, â€Å"the man who builds a factory builds a temple. The man, who works there, worships there. † In 1920, for the first time, half the U. S. population lived in cities. While life grew more organized, complex and sexually liberated, the reaction increased, too. Capitalists fanned a Red Scare following the 1919 Bolshevik Revolution, forcing American reformers to confront this inflated fear along with homegrown poverty and racism.Dumenil points to the mass consumer culture, corporate mentality, job structure that eroded individual autonomy, assembly lines, intense special-interest lobbying in Washington and the fusion of sexuality with consumption as among the decade's legacies to later American culture. Readers may wish that Dumenil spent more time on countervailing radical forces (Rand School of Social Science; Scott Nearing; Max Eastman's The Masses; Industrial Workers of the World, the IWW) that contributed to the ferment of this formative era.Even so, she has captured the fire of this volcanic time and weaves together scores of social and political threads into an insightful overview. American culture in the 1920,s and beyond has had a great significance up to date. The culture invented in those days is still in place and most people and groups still practice and keep the souvenirs so that they can pass from one generation to another. Religious influence is also to be seen in situations where new migrants have made residential decisions. polarizations of ethnic religious groups in the 1920’s to present day America the major division is that of protestants and Catholics.Social interaction within the city is often on the basis of these broad religious groupings which can over ride ethnic divisions. For example, the Dutch immigrant community is more likely to mix the Swedish immigrant community than with Italian because of religious affiliations. The third major religious group is that of the Jewish community and has a strong sense of territory and strong social processes internal to the community but with relative loose connection with other communities. Agricultural practices where practiced by farmers in rural areas.Most farmers began to drift from the highlands and into the lowland alluvial plains. They had been attracted by the greater agricultural fertility of the soil but what is certain is that the move led to profound changes in agrarian practice. Most farmers favored as an independent originator of agriculture, appears the most prolific. Among the crops which first emerged in the Americas where maize, potatoes, manioc, cacao, squ ash and tobacco, and among the animals where the llama, the turkey, and the guinea pig.Industrial revolution was latter invented which affected agriculture, transport, social organizations and urbanization. In fact there were few facet of life left untouched by them. in addition to this, it maybe argued that the changes which took place during the period conventionally recognized as that of industrial revolution had the origin sometimes many centuries earlier. In that sense the period was not one of revolution, but one in which there was a marked quickening of the processes already begun and underway. But few would deny that the industrial revolution marks one of the major transformations in history.it is important in this context because as well as its social and economic impact, it had profound geographical consequences. The social structure or political opinion of neighborhood influences the individual voting decisions. the neighborhood effect is similar to a diffusion process in that political attitudes spread within a district in several cities in U. S. A individuals of relatively low socio-economic class living in middle class neighborhoods are less likely to vote democratic (the traditional party of lower class voters ) than if they live in a lower class neighborhood.The individuals are affected in their voting behavior by the information and political environment of their area of residence. The degree of this influence is termed the neighborhood effect The process underlying the neighborhood effect depends on the probability of contacts of the voter with someone who will provide political information. This probability of contacts depends not only on social groupings in the neighborhood. Lynn dumenill’s account on all this issues is discussed in dept and formed the core values of the American culture.although a lot as borrowed from the past years and history the incorporation of it in the 1920’s made a strong cultural impact and the Americ ans also tend to keep their culture but due to intermarriages and new inhabitants heading to America. Most people doesn’t follow or know their past culture well unless they read from books References: Richard Marchand, 1985. Advertising the American Dream: Making Way for Modernity, 1920-1940. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.