Ariba Implementation at MED X Managing Earned Value Essay Example

Ariba Implementation at MED X: Managing Earned Value Essay It is estimated that implementation of the Arabia e-procurement system will save the company $200 million annually and also reduce spending streamline the recurrent process and expedite user adoption. An additional benefit of the project is going to be nationwide compliance with negotiated agreements, maximizing the companys purchasing power and reducing processing costs and cycle times. The implementation will also allow tracking of purchasing behavior and retrieval of historical information and help MED-X realize a significant return on investment. The project plan involves rolling out Arabia Buyer 7. 0 to establish an enterprise-wide e-procurement solution and support System by first rolling out a common baseline solution to 250 people t the home office by October 1 . Critical success factors for the project include a plan for organizational change effectiveness, quick resolution for business decisions affecting policy and establishment of clearly defined project objectives. Another critical factor is to understand MED-Axs business to business (BIB) strategy and its current BIB projects underway. It is end of September and CIO has been told that the project cannot be finished on time. This project has ;o critical paths Technical Infrastructure Plan and Software Customization plan. The Technical Infrastructure plan is over budget and behind schedule. The project manager does not understand why the project is delayed given that the overall project progress shows that the project is on schedule and under budget so far. Since both activities are equally critical the project success, a delay in either one will delay the entire project. We will write a custom essay sample on Ariba Implementation at MED X: Managing Earned Value specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Ariba Implementation at MED X: Managing Earned Value specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Ariba Implementation at MED X: Managing Earned Value specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer A separate earned value analysis of the individual plans showed us that the Software Customization plan is ahead of schedule and under budget and is, therefore, overshadowing the fact that the Technical Infrastructure Lana is not performing well and is delayed and over-budget. The project is actually delayed by 9 days at the current time. Our teams recommendation is that Chris either ask the management for an extension on the project or request 5 extra workers to be able to finish the project on time. Statement Of the Problem When managing a project, one might easily focus on the whole process and ignore important details necessary for project completion. Any unexpected delay in critical activities can harm the planned schedule and cause delays of certain tasks and even the entire project. As a result, many project managers utilize the Earned Value Method as a tool to keep their projects on track. Terry Baker, CIO of MED-X Inc. Never found anything wrong with the project while reviewing the budget variance and combined earned value reports; hence her surprise when she was informed that the project will not be delivered on time. Martin, the project manager for this project is an expert in technical development, with very little experience in Earned Value Method. Our purpose is to help Martin find out which components are underperforming according to the plan, and make recommendations to avoid the same mistake from happening again. The key tasks are to review the budget and earned value data for each task and figure what can be done to finish the project on time. We will also discuss the different options available to MED-X Inc. For this project. Background All discussions about this analysis are based on a case from Kellogg School of Management: Arabia Implementation at MED-X: managing Earned Value. The main idea and strategy is using Earned Value Management Method to solve problem stated in the case. Most of the background knowledge comes from case itself while our solution is mainly based on the technologies of cost control which are introduced during lecture 4 by Professor Jose. By determining if cost (AC), schedule (UP), and work accomplished (EVE) are progressing as planned, we created an integrated performance report which uses consistent, numerical indicators (like C.V., SF, ICP, SIP, etc. ) to evaluate Arabia Implementation project and compare its process with the estimated plan. Methodology In this case, we need to investigate the status of the MED-X implementation project. The method we adopt is FEM., Earned Value Management. Earned Value Management is a project management technique for measuring project performance and progress. We measure the project performance not only as a whole, but also by performance of its components. We used UP (planned Value), AC (actual cost), and EVE (earned value) to calculate SIP (schedule performance index), SF (schedule variance), ICP (cost performance index), and C.V. (cost variance). Among these indicators, SIP and SF show whether a project is behind schedule or not, and ICP and C.V. indicate whether a project is under budget. Therefore, the statuses of the schedule and cost of technical infrastructure, software customization, and combined projects can be easily and clearly checked, respectively. MS Excel is the main software we used in this analysis, and all the information came from the case. Result In order to understand why the project could not be delivered on time, we did an earned value management exercise as shown in the tables below. First We decided to focus on the technical infrastructure and software customization components of the project because they were on the critical path. Table 1 2 low summarized the earned value exercise for the technical infrastructure and the software customization portion of the project respectively. As you can see in table 1 , the technical infrastructure component of the project is underperforming compared to the software customization. The cost variance (C.V.) and schedule variance (SF) for the technical infrastructure are both negative: C.V. is which indicate that it is over budget and SF is which indicate that it is behind schedule. This can be confirmed by the fact that both the cost performance index (ICP) and schedule performance index (SIP) are under 1 Table 1: Earned value activity for the technical infrastructure component of the project On the other hand, when looking at table 2, we realize that the software customization component of the project is well ahead of schedule and under budget. The cost variance and schedule variance are both positive, C.V. is $1 59,250 and the SF is $1 17,250. This is confirmed by the fact that the calculated cost performance index and schedule performance index are above 1 Table 2: Earned value activity for the software customization component of the project After doing the analysis for the separate components of the reject, we decided to do the earned value exercise for the combined components (table 3) in order to understand the surprise reaction of the CIO Terry Baker when she discovered that the project could not be delivered on time. When looking at the earned value analysis for the combined critical component in the project, the project appears to be on track to be delivered on time. According to table 3, the calculated cost variance (C.V.) and schedule variance (SF) for the combined projects are both positive, which indicate that the project should be ahead of schedule and under budget. Those conclusion re supported by the Schedule Performance Index (SIP) and Cost Performance Index (Cup) value being above 1; confirming that the project should be delivered on time or even before the due date. Table 3: Earned value analysis for combined projects After the analysis of the two activities both separate and together, we determined that it will take an extra 9 days to complete the project as calculated in the table 4 below. We calculated the percent completion for the technical infrastructure component of the project using the rolling earned value and estimated budget at completion for September (5 months). We hen calculated the needed time to complete 100% of the activities and deducted the extra time needed assuming 30 days in a month. Table 4: Extra time needed to complete the technical infrastructure part of the project Conclusions and recommendations In general, based on the combined rolling ratios, the MED-X implementation project was not out of control and was performing well on the whole. According to the overall results, it was still under budget and ahead of schedule. However, when our team examined the components in details, we found that the technical infrastructure setup was the main reason that undistributed to delaying and over-budgeting in terms of its negative schedule variance (SF) and cost variance (C.V.). The project completion at the time was 97. 22% and still needed extra 9 days to complete their objectives. Moreover, the control ratio (CRY) less than one also implies the underperforming of technical infrastructure component in the project. In spite of knowing the standard implementation technology earned value analysis template, to figure out what was going wrong, Martin should have kept checking the individual earned value in detail so that he could monitor which components or activities) had exactly influenced or delayed the project and had immediate reactions toward the problems. For instance, he could have put more resources on the underperforming components right as soon as the initial problems appeared. To prevent this from happening Martin and his team should have implemented the following measures in the earlier phase Of the project: 1) managed workflow with reviews and approval Of project deliverables, including milestones 2) focused more on project issues/risk management, and 3) designed FAME early and consistently in the placement cycle so that his team could identify actions to mitigate the potential failures. What should Martin do going forward? Our team suggests that he ask for an extension or discuss the project scope with the CIO to determine whether there can be some compromises as a remedy. Otherwise, to meet the completion date, Martin can ask for more resources. For instance, our team assumes that 4. 5 current staffers were involved in the technical infrastructure setup component (as shown in exhibit 4). Five extra full time workers will be needed in order to complete the project on time.

Free Essays on James Madison

James Madison was perhaps the hardest working & most widely respected man of his day. Commonly hailed as the Father of our Constitution, Madison had more to do with its Conception than did any other man. A strong Republican, he was later elected President of the United States. Born in to an aristocratic family in Port Conway, Virginia, he was the eldest of 12 children. He entered the College of New Jersey in 1769. He graduated in 1771, Completing a four-year degree in two years. He then studied theology, history, & law, both at The college & on his own. His public career began in 1774 when he was appointed a member Of the King George County Committee for Public Safety in Virginia at the age of 23. Madison spent the rest of his life in service to his nation. He was a member of the Virginia constitutional committee. Madison supported religious toleration for the separation of church & state. In this work he found a life-long partner & friend in Thomas Jefferson. In 1779 Madison was elected to represent the state of Virginia to the Continental Congress. Washington & Madison organized the Alexandria Conference in order to settle commercial dispute between Virginia & Maryland concerning the Potomac River. The conference was a great success. When the Maryland suggested to include representatives from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, & Virginia in order to uniform the commercial system, Madison saw a larger possibility for scheme. He felt that a meeting of all the states should follow in order to explore all concerns & to amend the Articles of Confederation. The Annapolis Convention met in 1786 with a lot of arguing & little result. Only five states attended.They later persuaded the Continental Congress to modify the Articles of Confederation. This became the Constitutional Convention, & though George Washington was appointed by Virginia, James Madison wo... Free Essays on James Madison Free Essays on James Madison James Madison was perhaps the hardest working & most widely respected man of his day. Commonly hailed as the Father of our Constitution, Madison had more to do with its Conception than did any other man. A strong Republican, he was later elected President of the United States. Born in to an aristocratic family in Port Conway, Virginia, he was the eldest of 12 children. He entered the College of New Jersey in 1769. He graduated in 1771, Completing a four-year degree in two years. He then studied theology, history, & law, both at The college & on his own. His public career began in 1774 when he was appointed a member Of the King George County Committee for Public Safety in Virginia at the age of 23. Madison spent the rest of his life in service to his nation. He was a member of the Virginia constitutional committee. Madison supported religious toleration for the separation of church & state. In this work he found a life-long partner & friend in Thomas Jefferson. In 1779 Madison was elected to represent the state of Virginia to the Continental Congress. Washington & Madison organized the Alexandria Conference in order to settle commercial dispute between Virginia & Maryland concerning the Potomac River. The conference was a great success. When the Maryland suggested to include representatives from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, & Virginia in order to uniform the commercial system, Madison saw a larger possibility for scheme. He felt that a meeting of all the states should follow in order to explore all concerns & to amend the Articles of Confederation. The Annapolis Convention met in 1786 with a lot of arguing & little result. Only five states attended.They later persuaded the Continental Congress to modify the Articles of Confederation. This became the Constitutional Convention, & though George Washington was appointed by Virginia, James Madison wo...

The Impact Of Technology On Modern Warfare Research Proposal

The Impact Of Technology On Modern Warfare - Research Proposal Example In this respect, it will be critical to highlight the history of modern technology in modern warfare. After exploring the history of technology in warfare over time, transitions from one technology to another will be considered. Computer and the internet era, information technology, surveillance, intelligence, weapon accumulation, and fire volumes (Singer 77) will be explored in detail. Use of different sources will provide key insights in this section. Following massive technological developments, it is evident that modern warfare practices are more effective and efficient compared to both World War I and II (Chakrabarti 57). This section will consider current state of affairs as far warfare activities are concerned. Command and control of modern warfare is an intensive and extensive exercise. This exercise encompasses the use of computer, surveillance, information, target acquisition, and communication systems (Loo 91). For successful, effective, and efficient execution of contemporary warfare, it is critical to integrate these systems. This section will explore strategies, actions, and policies that aid in the integration of the aforementioned systems. The continued use of advanced technologies in warfare comes with a number of advantages. Primary advantages of technology in warfare include faster, quicker, and more destructive combat, nuclear weapons, employment of information war as opposed to physical combat, relieving soldiers of heavy load during combat, use of drones, communication anytime anywhere, and global communication and surveillance among others (Howorth 106). Amid the above-highlighted advantages of technology in modern warfare, critical technological vulnerabilities are evident. Privacy and security of software used by military and related agencies could be in jeopardy if massive caution and protection are not in place (Percy 83). Hacking and other forms of cybercrimes are also critical to the prospects of

AT&T Cooperate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

AT&T Cooperate Social Responsibility - Essay Example The current changing legal, economic, and social settings require ethics programs with the aim of protecting the corporation and its stakeholders, including customers, employees, stockholders, among others which can be achieved by proper corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) may be defined as the â€Å"legal, economic, ethical, and discretionary outlooks that society has on organizations at a given time" (Carroll and Bocholt, 36). The model of corporate social responsibility implies that organizations have philanthropic, ethical, and moral responsibilities as well as their responsibilities to make a fair return for stockholders and comply with the legal system. A traditional understanding of the corporations proposes that its principal, if not exclusive, responsibility is to its stockholders, or owners. However, CSR obliges organizations to adopt a wider view of its responsibilities which includes not only stockholders or owners, but many other communities as well, including suppliers, customers, employees, the local community, environmental groups, state and federal governments, and other notable concerned groups (Carroll and Bocholt 13). ... AT&T remains committed in making the sphere a better place by the implementation of proper corporate social responsibility, and they evidently get recognized for their corporate citizenship. At AT&T, hundreds of thousands of staffs have long held their principal value that they do not simply support their communities but they remain members of them, too. That is why for over a century, they have helped shape these communities though their philanthropic efforts by volunteerism and giving to make their people â€Å"make a difference†. For over 26 years, the AT&T Foundation remains fundamental in enriching and consolidation the diverse communities they serve. The Foundation supports non - profit organizations and programs that nurture inclusion and create opportunities for the diverse population (Carroll and Bocholt 51). AT&T diversity supplier program and its commitment to minority owned industries stand recognized nationally. The organization remains among the leading companies globally when it comes to realizing and doing business with different suppliers. Since 1968, the company Global Supplier Diversity body connects certified diverse minority, disabled and women veteran - owned business initiatives (MBE, DVBE and WBEs) businesses with opportunities to make available products and services to AT&T organization around the world. AT&T Global Supplier Diversity Program started in 1968 with the foundation of AT&T MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) Program. In addition to this MBE Program, the WBE (Women Business Enterprise) Program got launched in 1980 and the Enterprise DVBE (Disabled Veteran Business) Program in 1993. These 3 programs have enabled the beneficiaries to

Identity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Identity - Essay Example In this variegated world the human beings simply could not avoid the unavoidable and intimate process of socialization that gives way to what is called the individual and collective identity. Thereby, the individual identity is not merely the product of one’s specific self concept, but is rather a concept that is shaped and formed by an array of forces that tend to be economic, legal, social and many a times historical in their ramifications, which scratch and etch the human consciousness and continue to shape, control and define the entity that is called identity. Identity is a notion that happens to be multi-faceted, open and perpetually evolving in its content and scope. As far as I could peek into my childhood days, I could distinctly notice the fact that during the nascent stages of the human life, the development of the individual identity is governed a lot by what an individual thinks about oneself. When I was an infant, my parents where the only outside force that to a large extent shaped my identity (Gielen & Roopnarine 213). The very helplessness and dependence of my child hood state saved me from an early exposure to the multifarious social forces that I had to deal with at a more mature stage. My home and family was the cocoon that not only allowed me to shape my identity in a relatively benign and loving environment, but also protected me from more potent and political outside influences. I was totally oblivious of the fact that in the times to come, forces like ethnicity and color will pervade my inner world and shape my identity in varied ways and forms. Hence, the only god that governed the shaping of my identity was I and my parents. Thereby, I am happy to say that I had quite a happy childhood and this allowed me to develop a positive self concept of myself that shaped an identity that was open, gregarious, happy and confident. The positive reinforcements from my family further ossified this sense of invulnerability and mirth. However, this identity related complacence was not to last forever. As I grew up and my sense of self evolved, I realized that my parents and my family were not only a source love and affection, but also happened to be social individuals who belonged to a specific class, race, ethnicity and culture. It is not that my parents predominantly tried to introduce me to these sometimes hard to acknowledge, but valid facts, but I gradually picked up these facts about my family and hence about myself through eavesdropping into their unsuspecting daily interactions. These socio-economic attributes assigned to my family gradually began to become a part of my identity. Hence, I got a very basic idea of the society and my place in it through this primary socialization with my family (Gielen & Roopnarine 63). Thereby, I could certainly say that my family circumstances largely selected my mother tongue, religion, social class and nationality. It will be true to say that I had a very basic idea about my ide ntity as I entered the mature world. Yet, I was curious to not only test the validity of these identity attributes I inherited, but to practically see as to where I stood in the outside world. In that context I could distinctly identify my young adulthood period

Study On Hand Hygiene In Optometry Nursing Essay

Study On Hand Hygiene In Optometry Nursing Essay Hand hygiene is a term used to describe any act of hand cleansing. There are various methods of decontamination each with their own level of efficacy (Lucet et al., 2002; Kampf, Là ¶ffler and Gastmeier, 2009). It is an essential practice among health care workers (HCWs) to prevent the transmission of microorganisms and spread of nosocomial infections in a clinical setting. Despite this knowledge, compliance among HCWs remains low averaging 40% which increases the risk of patients contracting hospital acquired infections (Boyce and Pittet, 2002). The World Health Organisation (2005) recognise hospital acquired infections as being a major cause of death and mortality in hospital bound patients, averaging 5000 deaths a year in England. Improving hand hygiene practice among HCWs is the cornerstone in reducing nosocomial infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcis aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. diff.). However, implementing this change in behaviour is complex and difficult to achieve. An integral factor for improved hand hygiene compliance relies on HCWs educational training and the introduction of motivational programmes designed specifically to influence behaviour. Monitoring and encouragement will be necessary for these procedures to be successful (Boyce, 2008; Saint et al., 2009). 1.2 Hand hygiene in Optometry There is an apparent lack of research into hand hygiene practice in a primary and community care setting; optometric practice included. Currently there are no evidence based studies directly linked with Optometry to support the recommended guidelines set out by The College of Optometrists. Instead these guidelines are based on expert opinion with little conclusive evidence of efficacy in primary care. The importance of effective hand hygiene in the prevention and control of infection is stressed. They have adopted recommendations set by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE 2003), which are for the use of professionals in primary and community care. A minimum standard of hand hygiene practice would be to decontaminate hands before each and every episode of patient contact and after any procedure or contact that would cause hands to become contaminated. The College of Optometrists (2009) expand upon this stipulating that there is no set regularity in hand was hing episodes and that instead it should be adhered to in circumstances such as contact lens insertion and removal, after going to the toilet, when hands appear visibly unclean, before and after contact with ocular surfaces or the adnexa, before and after administering topical ointments or drops, after any possible microbial contamination, after handling soiled or contaminated materials and before wearing and after removing gloves. Furthermore, an instruction of appropriate hand hygiene technique in clinical practice is suggested: Wet hands under running water. Dispense soap/antiseptic into cupped hand (N.B. bar soap should not be used). Rub hands vigorously and thoroughly for 10-15 seconds without adding more water. Ensure all surfaces of the hands are covered. Rinse hands thoroughly under warm running water. Dry hands with a disposable paper towel. The use of non disposable towels is not good practice. Advisory recommendations for optometrists regarding hand hygiene in the community setting remains at a robust level. To improve standards, further research must be conducted as it is widely regarded that sound clinical practice requires conclusive clinical evidence (Smith, 2009). Optometrists in a primary care setting could benefit from adopting higher standards of hygiene expected in hospital environments. 1.3 Hand hygiene guidelines and technique Due to the clinical and economic implications of health-care associated infection the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have formulated guidelines to promote improved hand hygiene adherence among health care workers (Boyce and Pittet, 2002; Pittet, Allegranzi and Boyce, 2009; Sax et al., 2009). These guidelines include specific indications for hand washing and hand antisepsis episodes. A detailed description of appropriate hand hygiene technique is also included. The recommendations are categorised on the basis of published scientific data, theoretical knowledge, applicability in a clinical setting and economic involvement. The CDC/HICPAC created a system for categorising hand hygiene recommendations. These categories are shown in Table 1 Table 1 showing the CDC/ HICPAC categorisation of guidelines (Boyce and Pittet, 2002) Category Criteria IA Strongly recommended for implementation and strongly supported by well-designed experimental, clinical or epidemiologic studies IB Strongly recommended for implementation and strongly supported by certain experimental, clinical, or epidemiologic studies and a strong theoretical rationale. IC Required for implementation, as mandated by federal or state regulation or standard II Suggested for implementation and supported by suggestive clinical or epidemiological studies or a theoretical rationale or a consensus by a panel of experts. No recommendation Unresolved issue. Practices for which insufficient evidence or no concensus regarding efficicacy exist. Sections 1, 2 and 6 of the CDC/HICPAC recommendations advise specifically on handwashing and hand antisepsis indications, hand-hygiene technique and other aspects of hand hygiene. Each guideline is given a classification category relevant to Table 1. These recommendations are as follows: 1. Indications for handwashing and hand antisepsis A. When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with proteinaceous material or are visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, wash hands with either a nonantimicrobial soap and water or an antimicrobial soap and water (IA). B. If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely decontaminating hands in all other clinical situations described in items 1C-J (IA). Alternatively, wash hands with an antimicrobial soap and water in all clinical situations described in items1C-J (IB). C. Decontaminate hands before having direct contact with patients (IB). D. Decontaminate hands before donning sterile gloves when inserting a central intravascular catheter (IB). E. Decontaminate hands before inserting urinary catheters, peripheral vascular catheters, or other invasive devices that do not require a surgical procedure (IB). F. Decontaminate hands after contact with a patients intact skin (e.g., when taking a pulse or blood pressure, and lifting a patient) (IB). G. Decontaminate hands after contact with body fluids or excretions, mucous membranes, nonintact skin, and wound dressings if hands are not visibly soiled (IA). H. Decontaminate hands if moving from a contaminated-body site to a clean-body site during patient care (II. I. Decontaminate hands after contact with inanimate objects (including medical equipment) in the immediate vicinity of the patient (II). J. Decontaminate hands after removing gloves (IB). K. Before eating and after using a restroom, wash hands with a non-antimicrobial soap and water or with an antimicrobial soap and water (IB). L. Antimicrobial-impregnated wipes (i.e., towelettes) may be considered as an alternative to washing hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water. Because they are not as effective as alcohol-based hand rubs or washing hands with an antimicrobial soap and water for reducing bacterial counts on the hands of HCWs, they are not a substitute for using an alcohol-based hand rub or antimicrobial soap (IB). M. Wash hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water or with antimicrobial soap and water if exposure to Bacillus anthracis is suspected or proven. The physical action of washing and rinsing hands under such circumstances is recommended because alcohols, chlorhexidine, iodophors, and other antiseptic agents have poor activity against spores (II). N. No recommendation can be made regarding the routine use of nonalcohol-based hand rubs for hand hygiene in health-care settings.(Unresolved issue). 2. Hand-hygiene technique A. When decontaminating hands with an alcohol-based hand rub, apply product to palm of one hand and rub hands together, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers, until hands are dry (IB). Follow the manufacturers recommendations regarding the volume of product to use. B. When washing hands with soap and water, wet hands first with water, apply an amount of product recommended by the manufacturer to hands, and rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off the faucet (IB). Avoid using hot water, because repeated exposure to hot water may increase the risk of dermatitis (IB). C. Liquid, bar, leaflet or powdered forms of plain soap are acceptable when washing hands with a nonantimicrobial soap and water. When bar soap is used, soap racks that facilitate drainage and small bars of soap should be used (II). D. Multiple-use cloth towels of the hanging or roll type are not recommended for use in health-care settings (II). 6. Other Aspects of Hand Hygiene A. Do not wear artificial fingernails or extenders when having direct contact with patients at high risk (e.g., those in intensive-care units or operating rooms) (IA). B. Keep natural nails tips less than 1/4-inch long (II). C. Wear gloves when contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, and nonintact skin could occur (IC). D. Remove gloves after caring for a patient. Do not wear the same pair of gloves for the care of more than one patient, and do not was gloves between uses with different patients (IB). E. Change gloves during patient care if moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site (II). F. No recommendation can be made regarding wearing rings in health-care settings. Unresolved issue. These guidelines were developed for the use of health care professionals in a clinical setting and were not specifically designed with optometric practice in mind. However, many of these recommendations remain highly relevant when adopted to an optometric environment and are strongly supported by The College of Optometrists. The World Health Organisation have extended the recommendations on hand-hygiene technique and produced a visual publication poster detailing the hand hygiene technique for use with alcohol-based formulations and the handwashing technique for use with soap and water. These are shown in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. Figure 1 showing recommended hand hygiene technique with an alcohol-based formulation (World Health Organisation 2006) ***online access reference 2 Figure 2 showing recommended handwashing technique using soap and water (World Health Organisation 2006) **online access reference 1.4 Hand hygiene practices among health care workers Hand hygiene practice among health care workers is poor with many observational studies reporting low compliance rates in a number of indicative areas. Hence, understanding current trends among health care workers is critical in planning and implementing the necessary modification in behaviour (Allegranzi and Pittet, 2009). Hand hygiene adherence can be investigated over a range of parameters such as duration spent cleansing or disinfecting, frequency of hand washing episodes over a given time and observing the variations in performance with regard to clinical setting, physician status and gender (Boyce and Pittet, 2002). Employing the appropriate hand hygiene technique is essential. Consider the situation in which hand hygiene episodes per hour compliance is high. If insufficient hand hygiene technique is being performed e.g. inadequate coverage of hand surfaces and a short cleansing time, then the overall standard of compliance will decrease. This confirms that hand hygiene practic es among health care practitioners involves both multimodal strategies and multidisciplinary approaches to improve adherence (Pittet, 2001; Dierssen-Sotos et al., 2009). Multiple factors are associated with the suboptimal hand hygiene performance among health care practitioners and they vary in relation to resources available and the setting involved. For example, the lack of appropriate infrastructure, equipment and materials will hinder good hand hygiene practice, the cultural background and perhaps even religious beliefs can also affect performance (Ahmed et al., 2006; Allegranzi et al., 2009). The most commonly reported causes of poor hand hygiene compliance are: (i) physician or nursing status, (ii) clinical care setting e.g. ICU, AE, surgery units (iii) understaffing and overcrowding (iv) male (rather than female) gender and (v) inaccessible hand hygiene supplies (Pittet, 2000). (Erasmus et al., 2010) conducted a systematic literature review of studies based on observed or self-reported hand hygiene compliance rates in hospital practice, mainly intensive care units. The median compliance rate was low at 40%. Physician status was found to be a factor affecting adherence, lower among doctors (32%) than nurses (48%). In general, a lower compliance rate was found in physicians reporting a high level of activity in clinical practice. Compliance rates improved in situations whereby physicians or nurses associated the task as being visibly dirty or unhygienic, alcohol-based hand rubs or gels were available, feedback performance was introduced and when materials and facilities were easily accessible. Hand hygiene compliance among optometric practitioners is an area yet to be investigated. Opticians are encouraged to follow the recommended guidelines set by organisational bodies such as the World Health Organisation and The College of Optometrists. 1.5 Hand hygiene behaviour Hand hygiene behaviour can be investigated in relation to factors such as social cognitive determinants. A number of situations trigger a hand cleansing episode to occur and therefore affect compliance e.g. knowledge and perception of the risks associated with cross contamination, social expectations for adequate hygiene, self evaluation of the perceived advantages against the existing hindrances and the initial motivation to perform the hand hygiene action (Pittet, 2004; Whitby et al., 2007). This cognitive behavioural response falls into two categories (Whitby, McLaws and Ross, 2006). Inherent hand hygiene behaviour arises in circumstances when individuals deem hands to be visibly soiled, sticky or gritty. This type of intrinsic hand washing behaviour is initiated when a task is recognised as being unhygienic or has a potential risk factor involved to the individual concerned. The other component of hand hygiene behaviour is denoted as elective hand hygiene behaviour. This type of behaviour is represented in situations such as tactile social contact e.g. shaking hands to greet someone. This will not induce a response for many individuals to wash their hands and instead it becomes an elective response. Similarly, health care workers may partake in non-invasive impersonal contact with patients when taking pulses or touching inanimate objects in their surroundings. This type of social contact is not perceived to be a danger and does not drive a hand cleansing episode to take place. Instead an elective response has to be made. However, hand cleansing or disinfection after such contact in a hospital setting is crucial, because failure to do so may lead to microbial hand contamination, with the increased risk of cross-infection. 1.6 Relation of hand hygiene with the acquisition of nosocomial infections Hand hygiene reduces the transmission of microbial contamination and the spread of health-care associated pathogens from one patient to another via the hands of health care workers (Pessoa-Silva et al., 2007; Pittet et al., 2007; Allegranzi et al., 2010). Hand hygiene is the cornerstone in securing adequate patient safety. Failure to comply with this standard prolongs duration of hospitalisation, causes unnecessary suffering, increases costs as well as mortality rates (World Health Organisation, 2009). Thus, to raise awareness and combat the problem of health care associated infections, (Sax et al., 2007) produced an evidence-based, user-centred design to promote improved hand hygiene adherence termed My Five Moments for Hand Hygiene, shown in Fig.3. This highlights the five most common routes of transmission which HCWs are exposed to in daily clinical practice. The model is based on the World Health Organisations hand hygiene guidelines. It recommends hand washing episodes to occur before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after a body fluid exposure risk, after patient contact and after touching patient surroundings. Although designed specifically for HCWs in a clinical setting, this model could be adopted for use in community practice to include an optometric environment. Optometrists should be aware of the risks of cross contamination and demonstrate an understanding of appropriate infection control methods (Lakkis et al., 2007). Figure 3- My 5 moments for hand hygiene model 1.7 Infection control in optometry Modern optometric practitioners are offering an expanding area of services and care with regards to the treatment and management of eye diseases and eye injuries. Therefore, more specialised procedures and techniques are being carried out in the primary care setting which have the potential to spread infection and disease via blood borne and air borne transmission. Hence, practitioners have an obligation to carry out adequate infection control measures to ensure a high standard of patient safety and protection (Tyhurst and Hettler, 2009). The majority of optometric procedures are considered low risk for the spread of disease and infection. However, in a few occasions the risk increases e.g. when instruments come in direct contact with an infected patient and when blood, cuts or abrasions are exposed (AOA Primary Care and Ocular Disease Committee, (1993). Other procedures which have the potential for infection include the collection of eye culture samples, foreign body removal, contac t lens fitting, lacrimal lavage and the treatment of patients exhibiting ocular trauma. 1.7.1 Hand hygiene and protective barriers to infection A basic measure of infection control begins with effective hand hygiene. Many eye diseases and infections are spread manually, and it is the responsibility of the optometrist to minimise this transmission to patients by adhering to appropriate hand washing techniques before and after examinations and procedures. Appropriate hand hygiene technique refers to the standard described in section 1.2. In addition, the use of protective barriers such as disposable medical gloves, gowns, masks and protective eyewear has been suggested in specialised circumstances as a precautionary control to minimise the transmission of microorganisms (Lakkis et al., 2007). 1.7.2 HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Diseases can be spread by direct contact between individuals, via blood or other bodily fluids and as a result of airborne transmission. Considerable awareness has been directed towards the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the Hepatitis B and C viruses, (HBV) and (HBC). HIV has been isolated from tears, contact lenses and ocular tissues, but there is no evidence to support transmission of the disease through these medians (Cantrill et al., 1988; Tillman, Klotz and Maino, 1992). Studies have reported the detection of the hepatitis B surface antigen in tears and aqueous humour, suggesting that optometrists must take all necessary precautions in clinical practice (Temel, Seber and Gunay, 1990; Tsai et al., 2009). Although these are areas of concern, the risk of transmission in an optometric setting is remote. 1.7.3 Influenza A (H1N1) virus In 2009, the emergence of the influenza A (H1N1) virus in humans has led to the first global pandemic in 41 years. It is more commonly referred to as swine flu and is made up of porcine, avian and human genes. Although a potentially fatal disease, the mortality rate is expected to be less than previously known influenza pandemics and is more likely to cause harm to young people and individuals with compromised health (CDC 2009). In order to contain the spread of this infection, health care personnel were advised to heighten infection control measures. (Kiely et al., 2009) discussed specific infection control guidelines applicable in an optometric environment. A basic measure of infection control begins with frequent handwashing. Due to the close proximity to patients throughout the eye examination, in a more extreme guideline, it was recommended that optometrists should wear personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, goggles, gowns and gloves when treating a suspected infe ctious individual. It was indicated that influenza A (H1N1) should be treated like any other form of influenza. 1.7.4 Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease The theoretical transmission of prions, implicated in Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease (CJD) and variant Creutzfeldt Jacob Disease (vCJD) is an area of concern in optometric practice (Lakkis et al., 2007). These diseases are degenerative neurological conditions that are incurable and invariably fatal. Reusing ophthalmic devices such as RGP trial lenses and contact tonometer heads has been identified as a possible risk factor in spreading this disease from one patient to another but has been described as highly improbable (Armstrong, 2006). 1.7.5 Summary of infection control in optometric practice Due to the potential risk factors in an optometric environment, practitioners must abide by the recommended guidelines in order to control the spread of infection and disease. Lack of motivation and insufficient knowledge of expected protocol will lead to non-compliance among optometrists. Hence eye care personnel are advised to develop and implement a suitable infection control policy within practice (Seewoodhary and Stevens, 1999; Stevens, 2008). 2.0 Aim The purpose of this survey was to examine the typical hand hygiene practice among optometrists in a primary care setting. It investigates the level of compliance among practitioners to include the type of hand products used, hand hygiene technique and the hand hygiene facilities available in various optometric environments. 3. 0 Method 3.1 Survey design In order to determine the role of hand hygiene in optometric practice, a questionnaire was designed to gain an insight into hand hygiene product use, hand hygiene technique, facilities and general compliance among practitioners. The questionnaire was split up into three sections, All About You, Facilities and Hand Hygiene Technique. It consisted of 28 questions, the majority being mandatory to answer. The format of questions was either on a yes-no basis, multiple choice, tick box and rating of answers using a scale based response. Questions were designed on the basis of international guidelines regarding hand hygiene. A detailed literature review was conducted to ascertain appropriate hand hygiene technique, hand hygiene facilities and reported barriers to hand washing. The questions from the survey are shown in the Appendix. 3.2 Survey circulation The questionnaire was launched using Bristol Online Surveys. This is a site used by over 200 UK organisations in order to develop, distribute and analyse web-based surveys. It was sent to volunteers via e-mail using a webpage link. 3.3 Volunteers A total of 124 individuals responded to the survey which included optometrists working in university, hospital, multiple, franchise and independent optometric practice around the UK. If an individual worked in a combination of practices, they were instructed to answer questions based on the place they worked most of the time. All participants were asked to answer honestly as the survey would remain anonymous. 3.3 Survey analysis Results were recorded online within the Bristol Online Surveys (BOS) site. Key features of the BOS results section included the option of statistical investigation, cross tabulation of answers, looking at individual responses and the export of data to a spreadsheet document on Microsoft Excel. The data was analysed and arranged into a variety of tables, graphs and pie charts for easier interpretation of results. 4.0 Results 4.1 All about you A total of 124 optometric practitioners took part in the study. An almost even distribution of gender was found totalling 61 males and 63 females, with an average age  ± SD of 41.4  ± 15.5. The majority of individuals who responded to the questionnaire were Cardiff University graduates totalling 26%, followed by City University, Aston University , The University of Bradford , The University of Manchester and Glasgow Caledonian. The remaining sector of individuals were grouped in the category other and included graduates from Auckland University, Bradford College, Dublin Institute of Technology, Northampton Polytechnic, Rand Afrikaans University, Southern College of Optometry, University of Durban and the University of Ulster. This is shown in Figure 4. Figure 4. University attended by each participant The number of years qualified as an optometrist was investigated and is shown in Fig. 5. Most respondents have been qualified for 21-30 years, followed by participants who have been practicing for less than 5 years. A small minority of individuals have been qualified for more than 40 years. Figure 5. Years qualified as an optometrist Over half of respondents work in independent practice, with a smaller proportion working in a variety of practices such as multiples, hospital based settings, a combination of practices and franchises. The minority fall into the category named other e.g. domiciliary practitioners, retired optometrists and University based optometrists who no longer practice. This is shown in Fig. 6. Figure 6. Type of practice participants work in Figure 7. Gender related response regarding hand washing or disinfection between each patient episode Fig. 7 illustrates that more females than males wash or disinfect hands between each patient episode. 71.1% of the male and female optometrists who wash or disinfect hands between each patient episode, do so in front of the client. Table 2. Reasons for not washing or disinfecting hands between each patient episode Reasons Male response as a % Female response as a % Busy clinic 24 57 Forget 20 43 Unnecessary 48 76 Lack of facilities 4 5 Sore skin 8 19 Other 12 14 Practitioners who do not wash or disinfect hands between each patient episode (25 males and 21 females) were asked their reasons for not doing so. More than one answer could be selected and is shown in table 2. The majority of these individuals deemed hand washing or disinfection an unnecessary practise. Twice as many females compared to males report that the busy clinic prevents such behaviour occurring, they forget or blame sore skin as reasons for not washing hand between each patient episode. Refer to Table 3 for Other responses. Table 3. Other reasons for not washing or disinfecting between each patient episode Other responses from optometric practitioners: Never been part of routine Was never stressed during University or Pre-reg Only recently became an issue Wash hands for each contact lens patient, but not all refraction patients Hand wash during the appointment and not between Figure 8. Practitioner response as a percentage regarding patient greeting with a handshake Fig. 8 illustrates that just under half of respondents do not greet patients with a handshake. The remaining individuals answered yes or sometimes to this form of patient contact. 39.5% of male optometrists and 44% of female optometrists who greet patients with a handshake, wash or disinfect their hands after this contact. Figure 9. Satisfaction of hand hygiene practises The vast majority of individuals have a high level of satisfaction with the hand hygiene practices currently employed at the practice where they work. Collectively, 8.9% of individuals are fairly unsatisfied or unsatisfied with current hand hygiene practises. Results are illustrated in Fig. 9. 4.2 Practice facilities and structure The questionnaire investigated the number of staff members in each individual practice to include optometrists, locum optometrists, dispensing opticians, optical assistants and receptionists. These results were calculated as a median function to include the range and are shown in Table 4. The frequency of patient appointments in an average working day were investigated and appointment duration. Practice facilities were reported upon such as number of consulting rooms and number of bathrooms. Results were averaged or calculated as a median function to include the range and are illustrated in Table 5. Table 4. Number of staff members in practice Position held (Median, range) Optometrist (1, 1-20) Locum Optometrist (0, 0-5) Dispensing Optician (1, 0-6) Optical assistant (1, 0-35) Receptionist (2, 0-8) Table 5. General practice statistics and available facilities Average ±SD (Median, range) Number of patients seen per day per optometrist 13.8 ±3.74 (14, 10-25) Appointment length (in minutes) 30.7 ±6.21 (25, 15-60) Number of consulting rooms (2, 1-12) Number of bathrooms (1,1-5) In regard to practice facilities, greater than half of all participants are assigned to their own personal consulting room and report that the hand washing facility is separate from the toilet Three quarters of individuals said that there is at least one wash basin in each consulting room. Fig. 10 illustrates these findings. A large proportion of individuals reported that the practice they worked in did not display a poster detailing official recommendations on the hand washing and hand rubbing technique. Just under half of participants were aware of the poster being displayed in practice. The minority were unsure and this is shown in Fig. 11. Figure 10. Practice facilities Figure 11. Guidance poster detailing the advised handwashing and hand rubbing technique 3.3 Hand hygiene products Figure 12: The gender related practitioner response as a function of hand hygiene product use. A variety of hand hygiene products were listed. Participants rated how often they used each product in relation to the scale provided (always, most of the time, occasionally, very rarely or never). Results were plotted as a function of gender. Fig. 12(a) illustrates that the majority of male

Power Relations in Melville’s The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids :: Comparison Compare Contrast Essays

Power Relations in Melville’s The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids In the mid-nineteenth century, the United States heralded the coming of the â€Å"new industrial order.† With the advent of railroads, industrialization went into full swing. Factories and mills appeared and multiplied, and the push for economic progress became the grand narrative of the country. Still, there was a conscious effort to avoid the filth and poverty so prevalent in European factory towns. Specifically, the town of Lowell, Massachusetts, was held up as an exemplary model of industrial utopia. The mill town included beautiful landscaping and dormitories for the women workers. Indeed, it looked much like a university campus (Klein 231). Nevertheless, this idealized vision eventually gave way to the reality of human greed. The female factory workers worked long hours for little pay as their health deteriorated from the hazardous conditions (238). (Specifically, Carson’s Mill in Dalton, Massachusetts, served as the model for Melville’s short stor y [Melville 2437].) In this way, industrialization (and the subsequent desire for economic wealth) became incompatible with democratic principles. Originally, the prevailing consciousness was that industrialization would further democracy and the two would become a complimentary pair. However, the reality was that these societal changes brought economic divisions; the boundaries were drawn more clearly between the privileged class and the working class. Industrialization finally results in the separation of the classes and the subsequent dialectical tension of production and consumption. This dualistic separation is made possible through the machine, the integral element that cements the unequal distribution of power. In his moral diptych, Melville questions industrialization by exploring these class divisions and the power relations within them. Ultimately, he concludes that it results in an exploitative system that thrives on both connection and isolation. Although the two spheres are physically and emotionally separated, they depend on each other for their continuation. Melville’s â€Å"The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids† expertly shows this interrelationship between the owners of the means of production (the bachelors) and the workers (the maids), and how it finally results in the oppression of the workers. The first part of the tale illustrates the paradoxical life of the industrial class; they are gluttonous consumers and yet live out an empty existence. This wealthy class is represented in the form of bachelor lawyers.

Assignment Web or Mobile System Paper Essay

Mobile applications have become essential to every business seeking to remain relevant in the face of a world filled with people who are constantly on the move. The evolution of technology and the dynamic nature of telecommunication industry has made communication become a significant part of everyone’s life. IPhone is the most versatile communication gadgets that have been created lately. Smartphone’s have become popular these days, and they offer fun filled entertainment. iPhones have become successful and a marvel device which changed the mobile technology with multi-touch interface with powerful features a full-featured web browser, large screen, web browser, email, voice messaging, video calling, thrilling games, beautiful look, and instant messaging. The new wave of the future in the world of technology and businesses are reaping benefits out of their iPhone applications. IPhone apps are design to enhance the experience of the users, engage the customers and build the mobile brand. There are eight generations of iPhone models and can connect too many cellular networks and has WIFI. You can play music, browse the web, shoot video, send and receive email, take photos, record notes, send texts, do mathematical calculations, GPS navigation, and receive visual voicemail. Audio conferencing, caller id, call merging, and call holding is allowed by iPhone. The media library can be sorted by artist, videos, genres, podcast, songs, albums, composers, and audiobooks. The large front on iPhone gives users room to touch their selection and to purchase and downloads songs from the iTunes store that goes directly to their iPhone. With the virtual keyboard on the touch screen and the option to predict what word is needed to be written or correction for any accidental pressing of the keys. There are corrections and spell checking, dynamic dictionary, predictive word capabilities. That learns new words. There are features to support HTML email and gives users the option  to embed photos in your email message. Mail messages can viewed on the phone in words, PowerPoint, pdf, and excel attachments. Some future changes will be the cheap onetime cost foe apps will be replaced by a subscription fee, or a recurring revenue based on usage. The customer expectation, business models and transformations have evolved with the application sophistication and customer experience grows. One of the most fun and innovative things to do is travel and now iPhone offer information about your current location with the touch of a button. The software is developed to know your travel preferences and tastes that is custom tailored to you There are apps in development to prevent texting while driving and apps that can prevent any cell phone use while the vehicle is in motion. Texting while driving has become too dangerous and too many people are having and causing accidents. There have been many deaths and serious injuries cause by texting while driving and many feel the best way to eliminate it is to an app on phones that will not allow cell phone usage while vehicles are in motion. One of the most innovative businesses and one of the most fun things we do in life is travel. With the touch of a button, information about your tastes and preferences are up to date for you. Having that sudden information will benefit you no matter where you’re traveling. IPhones have become important to its users and some could not function on a day-to-day basis without it and some would even feel lost without it. IPhones have given its customers instant access to everything from bills to banks to email to insurance policies and credit cards. The technology of iPhones have advance the way everyone from businesses to the common man or woman. The world of mobile phone technology started changing when iPhone managed to merge the power of smartphones with an attractive design, easy-to-understand and universal style that most people want from a phone. As technology advances and improves, iPhones will only improve and become more helpful. As they become more helpful, people will come to depend on them more. IPhones have been a great benefit, the distraction of all the features have become dangerous and put many at risk.

malaysia essays

malaysia essays Geography is the different feature of the land terrain all of the mountains and the rivers that is has within its the borders of Malaysia. Malaysia has a mountains regions and an ever-decreasing forest but like most countries, Malaysia is not that big and still it has all different characteristics that a bigger country would have. Malaysias total area is 329,750 sq km, which is composed of 1,200 sq km of water and 328,550 sq km of land. Malaysia is compared to as being slightly larger than New Mexico. Malaysias terrain is describable to be like coastal plains riding to hills and mountains and it has a coast line is 2,068 km for peninsular Malaysia and for east Malaysia that is 2,507 km and all together is 4,675 km. Malaysia is divided in two major landmasses and the one which is a peninsula is called Sabah and the other which is part of Borneo a combination of Malaysia and Indonesia is called Sarawak. The highest point in Malaysia is Mount Tahan at an elevation of 2,187 m. Mal aysia also includes small islands including Langkaw and Pinang of the north east coast and Tioman, which is a popular tourism destination. East Malaysia has the countrys largest river the Rajang in Sarawak and Kinabatangan in Sabah they are each 560km long and very navigable. Most of the rivers in Malaysia are steep, descents, and mostly in Sarawak. Malaysias largest lake is Lake Bera and it is in West Malaysia. Malaysias climate is hot and humid all year round with average daily temperatures of 70 degrees to 90 degrees and has an annual rainfall of about 100 inches. The exposed northern slopes of Malaysia can receive up to 200 inches of rain. Its land has land divided into There are also monsoons that effect the southwest from April to October and the northeast from October to February, which leaves only march the month with no monsoons. In Malaysia have several natural disasters that occur which are flooding, landslide...

hemophilia essays

hemophilia essays Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder. People who have hemophilia have a deficiency or an absence of a coagulation protein. A blood clotting factor is deficient or absent. Bleeding is most often into joints, such as the knee, elbow, or ankle, but bleeding can occur anywhere in the body. People with hemophilia bleed longer, not faster. The severity of hemophilia varies greatly. Hemophilia A and Hemophilia B are the most common genetic bleeding disorders. Hemophilia A is observed in 80 percent of hemophiliacs and is a deficiency or absence of Factor VIII. It can also be referred to as "classic" hemophilia. In the second most common, hemophilia B, factor IX is missing. This is also known as the "Christmas Disease" because of the surname of the first patient studied. Hemophilia was identified as early as biblical times. Doctors in medieval times were familiar with it as well. In 1803, a Philadelphia doctor published the first description of hemophilia in the United States. But it was not until 30 years later that hemophilia became widely recognized. Hemophilia later developed a reputation as the "royal disease" because it passed from Queen Victoria of England to her descendants throughout the royal houses of Europe. About eighty percent of all cases of hemophilia have an identifiable family history of the disease; in other instances, it may be attributable to a spontaneous mutation. Researchers recently discovered that the spontaneous mutation of the factor VIII gene in two children was due to the attachment of a foreign "jumping gene" that disrupted the blood-clotting ability of the factor VIII gene. Inheritance is controlled by a recessive sex-linked factor carried by the mother on the X chromosome. A probability of one in two exists that each boy born to a normal male and a carrier female will be hemophiliac and the same chance that each girl of this union will be a carrier. Of the children of a hemophiliac mal...

Spa Industry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Spa Industry - Essay Example With globalisation, the trade and business has experienced tremendous growth. It is the backbone of an economy’s growth and success and hence, the government regulatory always aim to develop trade and business by enhancing industrialization. Besides, the lifestyle of modern people has changed as there have been major improvements in their economic conditions and through process. The entrepreneurs have identified opportunities with the changing time and preferences, and they have commercialized their creative mind for business purposes. Due to emerging demands, necessity and innovations, there are a number of new industries have emerged in recent years for example spa industry, higher education industry, medical tourism industry etc. These industries have successfully identified the potential necessities in existing market and the companies in these industries are able to generate higher profitability. This high profitability also attracts a number of potential investors for in vestments purposes in these emerging industry and business opportunities (English, 2001, p.70). This paper will attempt to analyse the global spa industry and its market for UK. The spa industry is a new emerging industry, and due to its increasing demand of spa treatments, the industry growth rate is high. The primary of aim of this industry analysis is to assess the investment opportunities in spa industry. The industry will be analysed using various business analytical models like PEST, Porter’s five forces and SWOT analysis. Next, the prevailing industry trend and its strategies used by its major companies will be explained followed by an analysis for the industry’s present financial attractiveness. Then, a brief report will be presented showing the future outlook of this industry. Finally, based on analyses and findings proper recommendations will offered for making investments in this industry. Brief Overview of Spa Sector The hospitality and leisure industry are one of the booming industries. The increasing disposable income of people and their changing lifestyles has led to bring significant developments in this industry. Hospitality and leisure industry includes a number of sectors like tourism, medical tourism, hotel, spa and other entertainment sectors. As this paper will deal with spa sector, this section will provide a brief introduction of spa sector. Spa is an emerging service industry that provides body and beauty care treatments. Spa treatments includes non-medical measures like for aromatherapy, hot tub treatment, various types of massages and baths, yoga, meditation etc. These treatments are meant to provide relaxation to human body for increasing the physical wellness. The increasing popularity of these services raises the innovations in this sector and many spa companies are now introducing multiple medical treatments (Ellis, 2009). The following chart shows the different services categories that are included in Australian sp a industry. Figure 1: Structure of Australian Spa Industry (Source: Smith and Puczko, 2008, p.123) As per industry life cycle, this industry is at its growing stage and profitability of this industry is expected to increase at higher rate. Generally, the major players in hotel industries have taken forward integration strategies and offer spa services. However, the increasing popularity has led to develop retail spa sector. This industry targets large group consumers including

Critique of Research Studies Part-3 Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Critique of Studies Part-3 - Research Paper Example The research had two groups, with one on the self-management services program while the other one was Non-SMS. The researchers assumed that the differences between the two groups were the result of the self-management services program. The research used Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows (version 16; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) as the main statistical analysis tool. Comparison of the two groups in the study relied on the v2 test and variance analysis. In order to estimate the time and ratings of the dialysis process, the researchers opted for the Kaplan–Meier method. These methods successfully helped control for the occurrence of confounding variables. The researchers minimized the occurrence of both type 1 and 2 types of errors by ensuring a careful calculation of a significant p-value that served as a guide in the rejection of either the null and the alternate hypotheses. The nurses charged with the role of data collection and entry did a diligent job because th ere was no issue of missing data since data was available for the 54 patients. Findings The researchers present comprehensive finding from the two groups with emphasis accorded to the statistical significance. In all cases, the p-value is provided and there is evidence of effect size as the researchers focused on establishing the differences between the two groups of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. There is good user of tables and figures in the representation results. The confidence intervals seem reasonable in addressing the parameters for an unknown population. Moreover, the presented findings from both groups and variables considered suffice to allow a meta-analysis in comparison to different sets of data obtained from related studies. Discussion Interpretation of Findings It is evident that the researchers embarked on an extensive process of interpreting the presented results. There is an elaboration of the meaning and significance of measuring all the variables highlighted in the report. Apparently, the researchers have discussed the results within the framework described in the introduction. Therefore, the discussion exhibits relevance to the context of chronic kidney disease and the effect of the self-management services. The researchers have made a point of justifying all the causal inferences inherent from their findings. Evidently, all interpretations provided in the discussion section have a good basis contextually, making them well founded. In addition, there is evidence of consistency of the discussions offered and the research limitations. As expected, the research presented its unique limitations especially in definition of the effect size that highlights the difference between the SMS and Non-SMS groups. The researchers also paid attention to the generalizability of the findings to a greater population. Implications/recommendations The researchers highlight the implications of their study in accordance to the presented findings . It becomes apparent that the self-management services program designed to address the issues that the patients consider as critical effective in reducing the rate at which the