Royal Mail Essay Example

Royal Mail Essay Principles of providing administrative services Assessment You should use this file to complete your Assessment. †¢ The first thing you need to do is save a copy of this document, either onto your computer or a disk †¢ Then work through your Assessment, remembering to save your work regularly †¢ When you’ve finished, print out a copy to keep for reference †¢ Then, go to www. vision2learn. com and send your completed Assessment to your tutor via your My Study area – make sure it is clearly marked with your name, the course title and the Unit and Assessment number.Please note that this Assessment document has 9 pages and is made up of 9 Sections. Name: Section 1 – Understand how to make and receive telephone calls 1. Complete the table below with descriptions of at least two different features of a telephone system and how / when they would be used. |Feature |How / when used | |1.On hold |This feature is used to hold incoming calls | | |This fea ture will be use while the correct recipient of the call is | | |located | | |This feature is used by pressing the hold button while getting the | | |right person extension number and check if the person is available | |2. Transfer |This feature enables you to transfer a call to another extension | |This feature will be use when someone doesn’t know the extension | | |they are after | | |This feature is used by pressing the transfer button. | 2. Prepare a brief report advising people on: †¢ How to follow organisational procedures when making and receiving telephone calls †¢ The purpose of giving a positive image of yourself and your organisation when making and receiving telephone calls.Making phone calls: being polite in all circumstances, remembering that you represent your organisation, , identify the caller, identify the caller’s needs ensuring that the messages for others are passed on as soon as possible, recording and supplying information accurately, giving the caller the best information possible . Receiving phone calls: answering quickly within 3 rings , introduce yourself and the organization, recognising information that must be kept secure and confidential, specify the outcome you want to achieve, identify who you are and the business you’re calling from. Even though the person at the other end of the line cannot see you, the manner in which you communicate presents an impression of you, your team and the business as a hole.It is important that you create a positive impression by: Speaking clearly Introducing yourself and greeting the person in an acceptable way Nor using slang Not being abrupt Making the caller feel that their call is important Ensuring that your tone of voice makes you sound positive and interested not bored or tired Presenting yourself in this way will create the impression that you are professional and customer-focused. This in turn will create a similar impression of the business. The cons equences of not doing so will be to lose potential or existing customers or clients. If possible, use specific information from procedures in your own organisation (or one that you are familiar with).Section 2 – Understand how to handle mail 1. Explain the purpose of correctly receiving, checking and sorting mail and packages (both incoming and outgoing). It is important to sort incoming mail in the manner that your business require will help not to lose any mail and every item will reach the correct person, it is important to date stamp and record any mail received if in case of a conflict you can prove. With the outgoing mail it is important to make sure that any enclosures are in the mail before sending, check the name , address on the mail , before sending need to ensure that the mail is dispatched according to its degree of urgency to reach on time.If mail and packages are not received and dispatched correctly : Information may be lost or send to the wrong person, items could be damaged, confidential information may be seen by unauthorised people, urgent enquires or request may not be dealt with in time, work could be delayed by incorrect franking, the organisation could lose potential and current customers or clients. 2. Complete the table below with the following information: †¢ At least two examples of internal mail services that are available to organisations †¢ At least two examples of external mail services that are available to organisations |Internal mail services |External mail services | |1. Reusable A4 envelops – this is what internal mail is circulated |1. Standard postal services and commercial couriers used for speed | |that are nsealed unless the contents is confidential marked as such|and security with Royal Mail | | | | | | | | | | | | | |2. Robust documents holders – in some legal business this containers |2.Packages and pallets some business are using this service for | |are used to provide more protection for the contents |local, national and international delivery with DHL, DPD, APC | | |overnight , Parcel Force, Fedex | | | | | | | | | | 3. Describe two methods that you can use to calculate postage charges for mail and / or packages. Postal charges for mail/packages are calculated according to a combination of the following : Weight – the staff at post office will weigh the parcel for the correct charge Size – size doesn’t affect you as long as you weight and pay the correct amount the staff at post office will tell you to place the parcel in a special bag or if is to big they will take it . Destination – national or international Urgency – first class, second class, courier delivery Value of the contents – recorded or registered delivery If your role involves sending mail you must ensure that postal charges are correct. Incorrect charges will affect the efficiency and profitability of the organization. Bering in mind any cost restrict ions imposed by the business organization you can compare two, three providers, use a comparison site. It helps to calculate postage charges by asking questions about the mail/package you sending out. After you can choose the best method for you and work out the cost of the postage. You can look at the delivery option available and select the most appropriate one.Section 3 – Understand how to use different types of office equipment 1. Describe the main types of equipment found in offices and how they are used. Include examples of at least three different types of office equipment. Computers are used for different purposes in different parts of the organization for example as word processors, for manipulating database, for publishing or computer modelling -Shredders – used for shredding paper work that is non useable follow guidelines about what should be shredded and when -Photocopiers – used to photocopy what is needed 2. Explain the purpose of following manuf acturer’s instructions when using equipment.If you do not follow instructions and damage occurs, the manufacturer’s warranty could be invalidated, you could endanger your health and safety and that of other people if you use equipment incorrectly, you are legally bound to follow training instructions provided by the employer, following manufactures ‘instructions will make efficient use of the machine, thereby saving money and minimising waste. 3. Explain the purpose of keeping equipment clean, hygienic and ready for the next user. If the equipment is left in an unfit state you will upset colleagues who use it next, you are legally obliged to maintain work equipment in a proper condition according to your employer’s instructions, if people have to spend time after you the efficiency and productivity of the business will be reduced, leaving equipment in an unfit state may put other people’s health and safety at risk, if you leave the equipment out of peration because of a fault , you should leave a note on the equipment so that other users will not try to use it and report what has happened straight away. Keeping the equipment hygienic will stop the spread of infections and the performance will be better than dirty equipment. The business will run smoother and everyone will be happy. Section 4 – Understand how to keep waste to a minimum in a business environment 1. Explain why waste should be kept to a minimum in a business environment. Wasted materials are a cost to the business so reducing waste saves money , by law waste materials as a result of making a product or delivering a service have to be stored and disposed of safely.Reducing waste therefore saves the cost of storage and transportation, minimising waste reduces the impact of the business on the environment by using fewer resources and reducing the environmental damage when disposing of it, there are legal requirements on all businesses to manage waste efficien tly to reduce environmental damage. A great deal of money will be spend on dealing with waste such as sorting moving and disposing of it, decreased competition comparing to other business, potential need to raise prices or look at reducing margins , delays causes by having wasted time and materials. Business that reduces waste will be more efficient, be more able to satisfy customers , be more likely to have a long term future. When using equipment it is important to keep it clean and hygienic which means free from dirt, germs, bacteria.For example food and drink should be kept well away from any equipment in case anything gets knocked over and causes damage. If you spill something on or near a piece of equipment you should clean up the spillage straight away. Make sure you know where cleaning products are located in your office and are familiar with the correct way to use them. 2. Identify at least two main causes of waste in a business environment. It is sometimes felt that office work has little impact on the environment because it is unlikely to pose a direct risk of pollution – unlike some manufacturing work. Nevertheless any business environment uses considerable amounts of resources.Main cause of waste in a business environment are stationery , energy and heating , human error , lack of training, failing to learn about what customers really want , over supply or under supply. One of the causes is ink and toner they are used up every time you print or photocopy a document so resume to print and copy essential documents . One other cause is electricity being used up all the time any electrical equipment is turned on . Leaving equipment running when nobody is using it, especially overnight is wasteful. Many types of electrical equipment have power-saving modes which can be set to activate as soon as a machine is idle for any time. Computer monitors should always be turned off at the end of the day as they use a large amound of energy. 3.How can you keep waste to a minimum in a business environment? Describe at least two ways of doing this. Printing or photocopying on both sides, reusing envelopes for internal mail, installing energy-efficient lighting, using electricity efficiently for equipment, minimising any transport cost. Using electricity efficiently – switching off lights and plugs before leaving, minimising any transport cost – having more than one person travelling by car and using public transport where possible. Section 5 – Know how to make arrangements for meetings 1. Complete the table below listing at least two different types of meetings and describing the main features of each type of meeting. Type of meeting |Main features | |Team, staff meetings |Involve business members assigned to a project who meet on regular | | |basis to discuss the progress of the project. In addition to team | | |members management often sits in the meeting keeping tracks of the | | |project progress. This can be w eekly monthly or on as needed basis. | |Management meetings |Administration and management get to discuss problems and situations| | |needing management attention.In the event that the only management | | |personnel attending of the company board of directors this meeting | | |is considered a board meeting. | |Briefing meetings |An informal meeting to update staff about a particular issue | | |attended by staff and the senior who does the update. | | | | 2. When arranging a meeting: †¢ What sources and types of information are typically needed? †¢ How should meetings be arranged?The sources of information needed for arranging a meeting are: Date time and duration The venue – where it is to be held Delegates – how many people are expected to attend What type of meeting it is – for example AGM, team meeting, conference or executive committee. This will determinate how the room is set out for example formal informal classroom boardroom or theatre. Wh at the agenda is Details of any proposed speakers and what equipment they might need if any. Any special requirements – for example disabled access or dietary Catering requirements – tea coffee , food Whether there is a budget allocated for the meeting Main Features |Type of meeting or committee | |Usually held every year to inform members or shareholders of |Annual general meeting | |previous and future activities | | |Has the power to take decisions that are binding on the organization|Executive committee | |Gives advices or makes recommendations |Advisory committee | |Is permanently in existence |Standing committee | |Is formed for a particular task and then disbanded |Ad-hoc committee | |Is part of a larger committee |Sub-committee | |Co-ordinates the activities of two or more committees |Joint committee | |An informal meeting to update staff about a particular issue |Briefing committee | |Regular meetings of the same group of staff who work in the same |Team m eeting | |area of the business | | Before the meeting you will need to: confirm the information you have already gathered such as the date, time and duration, prepare documentation needed such as the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting, send out notice of the meeting, including date, time, duration and venue to delegates, along with the agenda and minutes.If any delegates are travelling to the meeting you may need to send travel information and directions, book the room or venue, taking account of any special requirements such as disabled access, or need for power points for equipment, Arrange any catering that is required, arrange seating in a way that is appropriate for the type of meeting, book any audio-visual or other equipment that is required and ensure that it is set up correctly and functions properly, ensure computer access if required. What you do during the meeting will depend upon your job role. It may include: taking the minutes, meeting and greeting delegat es, dealing with any special requirements, providing any sets of materials required by the delegates, attending to health safety and security issues, operating equipment, overseeing catering requirements.After the meeting it may include: distributing materials for delegates to take away, writing up the minutes or records of the meeting, delivering information to delegates by post or by hand. Section 6 – Understand procedures for organising travel and accommodation arrangements 1. Explain the purpose of confirming instructions and requirements for business travel and accommodation. If it is part of your job to arrange travel and accommodation for others in the business, you must always confirm instructions and requirements before making bookings. If instructions are not confirmed you might make bookings that are inappropriate not required or too expensive and you waste the business time.The purpose of confirming instructions and requirements for business travel and accommodati on is that you make sure there are no mistakes. 2. Complete the table below with an outline of the main types of business travel and accommodation arrangements that may need to be made and the procedures that should be followed when doing this. |Travel and accommodation arrangements |Procedures | |Train |Follow the organization policy and procedures, stick to the budget, | | |book tickets, onfirming times places names(make sure you ask for | | |the spelling of the place so you don’t make any mistakes , date of | | |birth, check distance to train station , 1st/2nd class, arrange | | |complimentary drinks lunch, wifi for extra work , is there necessary| | |a taxi from the train station to the destination, limit for spending| |Airplane |Follow the organization policy and procedures, book tickets, | | |passport details, insurance, confirming times places names, taxi | | |from and to airport, if the passenger has any food restrictions in | | |order to order the right meal, spendin g limit, stick to the budget | |Car |Follow the organization policy and procedures (different business | | |different procedures) find out the distance the cost of petrol if is| | |necessary to travel by car and if this version is cheaper. |Taxi |Follow the organization policy and procedures, confirming times | | |places names you can even compare two three taxi companies for the | | |cheapest one so you can be in the budget limit. | 3. Explain the purpose of keeping records of travel / accommodation arrangements in a business environment. Travel and accommodation arrangements that will need to be recorded are :the requirements of the staff members, research into different options, bookings, expenditure, discounts and refunds received, feedback. Keeping records of travel and accommodation bookings is important because they may e required : for future audit and accounting purposes, so that the whereabouts of staff is known, to enable expenses claim to be checked and paid , for future reference in relation to value for money, as a source of information for future bookings. This shows that the business is well organized. By keeping good records you will have an accurate financial information that can determinate future travel costs, the information can be easily access by different members of staff even if the person who did the bookings are not available, the organization can rely on the information they store for future reference regarding quality, cost etc. Section 7 – Understand diary management procedures 1. Briefly explain the purpose of using a diary system to plan activities at work. Give at least two reasons.In any business environment, no matter how big or small, diaries need to be used so that people know what they have to do and where they have to be at certain times. It is necessary to use diaries in a business environment because: the business cannot rely on people remembering meetings and appointments in their heads because there could be so much that needs to be done, arrangements are often made through other people such as secretarial staff, so the person concerned will not be aware of the arrangements unless it has been written down, diaries ensure that times and dates of meetings or appointments do not clash, diaries make sure that people’s activities are co-ordinated and do not overlap or duplicate – therefore enabling an efficient use of time and human resources . 2.Identify the information needed to maintain a diary system in the workplace. Information needed to maintain a diary system in the work place (always have in mind the 5W’s – who, what, when, where, why) are: who is coming to the meeting, people involved, what is the meeting about subject or type of appointment, when is the meeting dates and times, where is the meeting venue or place, why are you having the meeting. You may find that the diary systems are maintained by making new entries, inserting repeated appointments, and deleting or amending entries if there are changes. It is important that diaries are maintained correctly and kept up to date or the system will break down and planned activities will be disrupted.If it is part of your job role to manage diaries for other people, you must ensure that you inform them of the entries to the diary so that they can plan their activities. You must also ensure that any changes are communicated to the people who are affected so that their time is not wasted by turning up for an event that has been changed to a different time, date or place. The diaries of some people may be confidential. If you have to manage such a diary you will need to know security features such as passwords and observe procedures for maintaining confidentiality. Section 8 – Understand the purpose of delivering effective customer service and how to do so 1. What are the differences between internal and external customers in a business environment?Although customers are usually tho ught of as members of the public who buy products or services from a business, customers can also come from another part of the same organization. For example, large organizations may be divided into different sections that seek goods or services from each other. These could be parts of a product or service that your section produces and then passes on the section that needs it. Even your more immediate colleagues can be regarded as internal customers: team colleagues, supervisors, staff in other teams. Even though they may not be buying something from you , they are still customers for the services that make up your job. As with the external customers they will expect a high quality service and if you do not provide it , you may find out that your services are no longer required .External customers are people who require goods and services and will buy them from the business that provides them with what they want. Types of external customers differ depending on the nature of the bu siness environment , but could include: clients, patients, quests, visitors, individuals or groups, people of different cultures, ages, genders, races, people with disabilities, people with special requirements, external organisations, which are suppliers or buyers. In my work place I do get information about my clients from internal customers (senior support worker, service manager ) and from external customers (parents, social workers, GP’s) 2. Explain why customer service should meet or exceed customer expectations. Include at least three reasons in your answer.It is important to satisfy or exceed customers’ expectations for the following reasons : customers will return and buy more goods or services from the business , customers will spend money with the business, customers will recommend you to others, time will be saved dealing with complains, the reputation of the business will attract more customers, excellent service may enable the business to charge more for its products, the business will be competitive, enabling further growth and investments. 3. Explain the importance of building positive relationships with customers. Outline two ways in which this can be achieved. It is important for you to build positive relationships with your internal and external customers. If customers feel that they have a positive relationship with the people they deal with it will enhance the reputation of the business, encourage customers to repeat their business with your organization, increase customer satisfaction, make the business more competitive.The purpose of positive relationships is to retain current customers and attract new ones. Ways in which you can achieve positive relationships with customers are : knowing details about the product or service so that the customer feels confident about what you say to them, try to find ways of looking happy and positive when dealing with customers, making customers feel important and valued – for examp le , never giving them the impression that they are being a nuisance, or showing that you are bored or uninterested in what they want, helping them to meet their needs – for example , giving them advice if they are undecided about what they want, keeping any promises or commitments hat you make – for example about delivery times, products or services specifications or after sale services, dealing promptly with any complaints. 4. How do customers demonstrate their own needs and expectations? Customers show their needs and expectations by what they say and the questions they ask . Therefore you must listen carefully to their questions and requests. You have to be aware of how customers demonstrate their needs and expectations and respond positively to encourage customer satisfaction. Being aware to the additional needs and expectations in terms of: hearing or sight impairment, language difficulties, physical disabilities, learning difficulties.It will be helpful if the b usiness has a feedback form that customers can fill in and letting the business know the like and dislikes, the services they got etc so the business can analyze and improve , business can use surveys or get the information from former customers . Some other methods are focus form – where customers or potential ones are put into small groups and encouraged to discuss aspects of the products or services they buy. The aim of focus form is to identify any things that should influence current and future products or services . Customers complains – customers are offering clear insights into their needs and expectations. They will talk about what they wanted and expected and why they feel the need to complain.Section 9 – Understand the purpose of reception services and how to follow reception procedures 1. What is the purpose of the receptionist role as the first point of contact in a business environment? The receptionist is the first point of contact that customers or clients have with a business and the purpose of a receptionist is to receive visitors to the organization in a positive, professional and welcoming way. The role of a receptionist covers the following aspects: meeting and welcoming visitors, escorting visitors if necessary, ensuring that any necessary health, safety and security procedures are carried out, informing visitors or callers of ny security or confidentiality issues , making appointments and bookings, receiving and distributing mails, giving information to callers and dealing with any enquires. 2. Describe how a receptionist can present a positive image of themselves and the organisation and explain why this is important. In order to present the business in a positive and welcoming way a receptionist must present themselves and their work area in this way. They can do this by being aware of their personal presentation , verbal and non verbal communication, attitude, knowledge of the organization, reception work area. Th e purpose of presenting a positive image at reception is to create a good first impression and maintain an efficient and welcoming image of the business.To present a positive image of yourself and the organization you have to: -Have a good personal presentation – neat, clean, tidy, dressed appropriately for the job -Be aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication – use clear and correct speech. No use of slang or swear words. No use of familiar forms of address. Tone of voice should be even calm if the caller or visitor is angry or confused. Non-verbal communication should not suggest defence, anger or lack of respect. Do not fold arms or slouch. Eye contact should be normal – not staring or looking away. -Be aware of your attitude – should be helpful, positive, interested, and polite. -Your knowledge of the organization – you should know about the structure and personnel in the organization so that visitors or callers can efficiently directed to the right place. Transferring calls – ensure that the call is transferred to the correct person -Taking messages – messages should be taken accurately and be legible to the other people if handwritten. The purpose of presenting a positive image at reception is to create a good first impression and maintain an efficient and welcoming image of the business. 3. In relation to your own organisation (or one that you are familiar with), explain what must be done when carrying out entry, departure, security and confidentiality procedures in a reception area. Entry activities : unlocking, access to keys, authorised key holder , disabling alarms, switching on power, heating and equipment. Departure activities: locking up, depositing keys, setting alarms, setting CCTV, switching off power, heating and equipment.Security and confidentiality activities: signing people in and out, checking the purpose of the visit, issuing and collecting visitor ID, sitting computer screens out of public view, safeguarding any confidentiality documents in the reception area, disposing of any confidential material correctly , safeguarding personal information about employees. Entry and exit of visitors must be controlled according to procedures for reasons of health and safety and security. All visitors have to log in and log out in a log book when enter or leave the premises, register the car plates number in case they need to be contacted to move they cars, issue ID badges for visitors so they can easily be identified . Once you have completed all 9 Sections of this Assessment, go to www. vision2learn. com and send your work to your tutor for marking.

Punctuation Is Powerful

Punctuation Is Powerful Punctuation Is Powerful Punctuation Is Powerful By Daniel Scocco The image we published last Saturday was quite popular, so I decided to run another one this Saturday. The theme is the same: punctuation. For those who cant see the image, heres what it says: An English professor wrote the words: A woman without her man is nothing on the chalkboard he asked the students to punctuate it correctly. All of the males in the class wrote: A woman, without her man, is nothing. All of the females in the class wrote: A woman: without her, man is nothing. Punctuation is powerful. I also wanted to thank all the readers who sent ideas and images. If you want to send one simply email it to info@dailywritingtips.com. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How Many Tenses in English?Capitalization Rules for Names of Historical Periods and MovementsTitled versus Entitled

Strengths and Weaknesses as a Writer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Strengths and Weaknesses as a Writer - Essay Example I learned how to revise my work thoroughly before submission and can meet deadlines since I submitted all my papers on the specified time. Another thing that shows my responsibility is my ability to write without plagiarizing by accrediting all the sources of my writing and summarizing all the sources in my words. I also observe all the MLA style of formatting when presenting my work. I also welcome any critics from my peers and readers of my essays to enable me work on my weaknesses and enhance my strengths. Another strength I have noticed since I enrolled for the course is strong communication skills in my arguments especially in persuasive writing. I have the ability to bring up an argument and support it with convincing evidence by use of examples and demonstration. I can arrange my work with goo paragraphs and well-connected ideas to provide the transition from one issue to the next. My grammar has improved as I can use perfect American English and observe all its rules to build strong sentences free of grammatical errors. By looking at the reviews from my peers and my tutor, there is a lot of improvement in the usage of grammar in my essays as the semester progressed. My choice of words during writing is great as demonstrated in the essay Facebook Making us Lonely. I also have the ability to use the appropriate styles such as the tone of the writing depending on the mood of the essay. I have improved my skills in forming goo sentences using the formal language while avoiding colloquialism.

The Success Of BMW Company Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Success Of BMW Company - Assignment Example It explains the reason why the company has chosen focussed differentiation as the most suitable alternative. The strategy to produce luxury cars of the best quality using the latest technology provides reasons why it has evolved as the most luxurious brands used by the high-income groups in society. Then, the project assesses the key resources and capabilities which have been used by the company in the last five years. Lastly, the company’s present strategies have been evaluated in comparison to its future competition in terms of suitability, feasibility, and acceptability. The critical success factors identify the key issues that organizations should focus on to attain success. It refers to the specific areas where satisfactory results would yield competitive success for the individual, department or department. The critical factors which account for the success of BMW include industry, competitive strategies, environmental factors, managerial position and temporal factors. The most important factor that has been the key to the company’s progress towards success is its brand image. Its brand strength is so high that it allows product changes to take place smoothly and without any hurdles. It can easily introduce new products in the market without losing its share of the market. The company would also continue to attain success as long as the new products introduced under the original brand continues to meet customer requirements in terms of image, quality, and value (Ward, Srikanthan & Neil, 1990, p.10). The automobile industry has been undergoing a process of transition since the last few years. The number of suppliers is supposed to come down from 5500 to 2800 by 2015. Among the independent manufacturer's mention may be made of Fiat, Ford, Honda, and Porsche. The BMW has to compete with the above companies to be in the limelight.

Leadership and decision making in organizations Assignment

Leadership and decision making in organizations - Assignment Example le in order to fulfil targets with honesty, acting in a transparent manner and possessing skilfulness, particularly in executing planning functions (Leatherman, 2008). Conceptually, these mentioned qualities strongly affirm that leadership often contributes in managing organisations in an effective manner, mitigating any possible threat, risk or vulnerability to the organisations’ sustainability. In this regard, leadership supports in managing organisations, facilitating effective communication amid every organisational member, fostering teamwork, exploiting the accessible resources effectively and most vitally making crucial decisions (Clegg & et. al., 2011; Grey, 2012). On the other hand, decision-making is often viewed as a cognitive procedure, which may result in selecting relevant course of actions amid numerous available options or alternative scenarios. Decision making is often viewed as one of the imperative responsibilities for leaders towards the accomplishment of or ganisational goals and objectives. Correspondingly, making effective decisions by a leader ultimately impose extensive impacts upon developing the overall performances and managing various crucial aspects of an organisation. The significance of decision-making is usually attributed to the fact that the decisions are generally made by the leaders in an organisation, demonstrating the values of the people associated within it, either directly or indirectly, which results in improving the overall performances of the organisation (Johnson, 2010). Correspondingly, this paper intends to discuss about the negative effects of leadership, particularly on employee and organisational productions. Moreover, a critical evaluation regarding the interrelation between leadership and production in organisations...On the other hand, decision-making is often viewed as a cognitive procedure, which may result in selecting relevant course of actions amid numerous available options or alternative scenario s. Decision making is often viewed as one of the imperative responsibilities for leaders towards the accomplishment of organisational goals and objectives. Correspondingly, making effective decisions by a leader ultimately impose extensive impacts upon developing the overall performances and managing various crucial aspects of an organisation. The significance of decision-making is usually attributed to the fact that the decisions are generally made by the leaders in an organisation, demonstrating the values of the people associated within it, either directly or indirectly, which results in improving the overall performances of the organisation (Johnson, 2010). Correspondingly, this paper intends to discuss about the negative effects of leadership, particularly on employee and organisational productions. Moreover, a critical evaluation regarding the interrelation between leadership and production in organisations along with the implications of stress generated by leadership and authority on the work environment, would also be conducted in the following discussion. Various aspects, such as the contribution of leadership to team environment and decision sharing between managers and employees will also be prudently analysed in this paper.

Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Secondary Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis Secondary Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity – a case of severe dry eyes Authors: Dina Christina Janse van Rensburg, MD1, 2 Catharina Cornelia Grant, PhD1, 2 Audrey Jansen van Rensburg, MSc1,2 Pieter Roelof Cronjà ¨, FC Ophth, MBChB3 Thelani Catharina Grant, BSc Agric (Hons)1, 2 Abstract Patients with Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome present with a wide range of clinical manifestations that carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality with increased risk of lymphoma development. Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is either a primary disorder, or secondary to other autoimmune disorders e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Due to the multiple aspects of the disease and the similarity of the symptoms to other diseases, diagnosis and management of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is challenging. Among the symptoms, Sjà ¶gren syndrome typically presents with dry eyes that may result in severe ocular surface disorders such as persistent epithelial defects, and conventional dry eye therapy is often unsuccessful in controlling ocular signs and symptoms. We highlight the rare case of a 50 year old woman whom despite well controlled RA disease activity still manifested with severe secondary Sjà ¶grens syndrome. It was only after autologous serum was applied as a last resort that her ocular s ymptoms improved. Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, dry eyes, Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome, autologous serum, inflammation Introduction Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands. A lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary and lacrymal glands results in reduced secretion, leading to continual dryness of the mouth and eyes.1-3 SS may manifest as a primary disease presenting as a single entity, or secondary in combination with other autoimmune disorders.4 The prevalence of secondary SS relates predominantly to RA5 and associates with increased disease acivity.6 It may present with a systemic component, including painful joints, dry and itchy sunlight sensitive skin, irritable bowel, liver problems and extreme tiredness. Because of the many possible clinical pictures of SS it is a challenging diagnosis to make and may therefore go undiagnosed for many years after the onset of symptoms.3,7-9 Dryness symptoms are amplified in patients with RA, it increases with age and are associated with the severity of illness, relating to worse outcomes measures of the disease. Appr oximately 25% RA patients presents with keratoconjunctivitis sicca as the most prevailing and frequent ocular complication.5,10 Several therapies have been identified that inhibit inflammatory mediators and mechanisms in dry eye disease, however the treatment of persistent epithelial defects and severe ocular dryness by means of topical tear replacement often proofs inadequate.11 In this case study we report a RA patient who regardless of well controlled treatment with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, still developed severe secondary SS. Autologous serum drops offered significant improvement of her extreme ocular surface inflammation and symptoms, when all other treatment modalities failed. Case Report A 50 year old Caucasian woman was diagnosed with RA. During the course of the illness she was treated with methotrexate, folic acid, meloxicam, prednisone, sulfasalazine and leflunomide. Seven years post RA diagnosis and despite well controlled disease on adalimumab, methotrexate and folic acid, her eyes became extremely dry and highly sensitive to light. This dryness caused severe, constant discomfort and visual blurring, rendering her partially incapacitated, even though her corrected vision was still normal at 6/6. She had to wear sunglasses indoors and could not drive independently. On examination of her corneas the various findings confirmed the severity of her dry eyes. These included a tear breakup time of 5 seconds bilaterally, mucus filaments, punctuate corneal straining and an almost non-existing tear meniscus indicating very little tear secretion. Evidence of previous (healed) peripheral ulcerative keratitis could be seen on the medial aspect of both corneas. These symptoms lead to the diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome. She was treated with all possible modalities including punctum plugs and multitudes of topical medication including Cyclosporine A, with no apparent improvement. A decision was made to attempt an eye drop prepared from autologous serum. Her condition improved remarkably in the year since she started the serum. Discussion Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome was first described by the eye specialist Hendrik Sjà ¶gren in 1933. It presents with a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca(dry eyes, in part known as Sicca syndrome), xerostomia (dry mouth), skin lesions, lymphoproliferative disorders, neurologic involvement, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis.3,9,12 In view of the wide range of severe systemic manifestations of the disease patients are often characterised with higher morbidity and mortality, which are mainly related to an enhanced probability to develop lymphoma.3,13 Most patients with SS are middle-aged women, and symptoms mostly occur with the accompaniment of, but not exclusively to, RA.3,12 Recently literature differentiates between two main types of the disease: The glandular (exocrine gland-localised) form that affects mainly the quality of life of the patient, and the systemic syndrome type which display extraglandular manifestations that may lead to lymphoma.3 The glandular phenomenon includes ocular symptoms (dry eyes, xerophthalmia) and oral involvement (dry mouth, xerostomia, caries and candidiasis).3 Extraglandular manifestations consist of musculoskeletal indications, Raynaud’s phenomenon, renal, liver and neurological involvement, vasculitis and haematologic manifestations.3,13 Diagnosis Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is difficult to diagnose due to the multiple aspects of the syndrome, and similarity to the symptoms caused by other diseases.3,7,8 SS is a slow progressing disorder, and on average may take approximately 5 years from the onset of symptoms before the correct diagnosis is reached.8 Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome is strongly suggested in patients who present with both signs and symptoms of oral and ocular dryness and who test positive to the diagnostic criteria. From clinical experience it was found that if a patient does not suffer from both dry eyes and dry mouth, it is necessary to exclude further causes of the dry eyes by means of differential diagnoses.13 A series of tests in the diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome are outlined in Table 1. These criteria consider dryness symptoms, changes in salivary and lacrimal gland function, and systemic findings.8 Table 1. Tests and criteria used to diagnose Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome8 Treatment The aim of treatment for dry eyes is mainly to provide relief of symptoms and to prevent corneal epitheliopathy. Management of the disease currently includes artificial tears, topical secretagogues, local immunomodulatory drops, lachrymal duct occlusion and hypotonic hyaluronic acid drops in the treatment of dry eyes.3 Different methods of treatment that may be used independently or in combination with tear supplements include systemic immunoactive drugs and calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.3 Patients with dry eyes normally respond well to these treatments that focus on optimising the ocular surface environment. Some patients, however, present with more serious ocular surface disorders, that do not react to conventional treatment, which may lead to severe visual impairment.14,15 Fujita et al.10 drew attention to the exceptionally high incidence of dry eyes in patients with RA. Their conclusions are that although RA patients with SS present with systemic effects on dry eyes, there seems to be other local factors independently of the systemic process, that disturbs the ocular surface and control the severity of dry eyes in RA patients.5,16 Due to the many local elements active in dry eyes it calls for improved new therapeutic agents for managing dry eyes without making use of systemic agents.5 The various factors that contribute to a healthy ocular surface include an adequate blink reflex, normal tear production and healthy adnexae.14 Typically tears contain epitheliotrophic factors including growth factors, vitamins and fibronectin that are of vital importance to the ocular epithelial health.15 These factors support the viability, proliferation and migration of ocular surface epithelial cells.15 They are not found in pharmaceutical tear substitutes, but do however occur in blood serum. Clinical cohort studies have reported the successful useof epitheliotrophic factors in autologous serum drops to improve severe cases of dry eyes where other conventional treatments fall short.14,15 Autologous serum drops was first described in 1984 as a substitute constituent free of potentially harmful substances17 applied as unpreserved artificial tears.15 It is believed that the epitheliotrophic factors in the serum are the rationale behind its success in the treatment of extremely dry eyes.15 The use of autologous serum eye drops may in many cases be a last resort of treatment for SS patients who have not responded well to conventional tear replacement therapy. Even though the preparation thereof is costly and complex, it proofs a clinically effective treatment in ocular surface diseases.3,11 Being non-allergenic with biochemical properties akin to normal tears,3,18 it benefits the conjunctival epithelium supplementing essential vitamins, fibronectin, anti-proteases and growth factors. This may stimulate its proliferation and repair,11 and play an important role in the integrity of the cornea and conjunctiva.3,11 Autologous serum appears to be more effective in resistant cases. It may also play an essential role adjunct to therapy in other ophthalmological conditions as seen in chemical injuries of the ocular surface. Conclusion Sjà ¶gren’s syndrome may cause marked disability in patients suffering from the disease, especially when secondary to RA. In this case study, despite optimal control with a TNF inhibitor the patient still presented with SS and suffered from severe xerophthalmia. All treatment modalities had failed and as a last alternative autologous eye serum was instituted. This significantly improved the severe dry eyes and persistent epithelial defects and enabled her to live a normal life. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report. A copy of the written consent is available for review. References 1.Shiel W. What is rheumatoid arthritis?. 4/24/2014; Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm. Accessed June 26, 2014. 2.Antero DC, Parra AGM, Miyazaki FH, Gehlen M, Skare TL. Secondary Sjà ¶grens syndrome and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis. Rev.Assoc.Med.Bras. 2011 05/20;57(3):319-322. 3.Vitali C, Palombi G, Cataleta P. Treating Sjà ¶grens Syndrome: Insights for the Clinician. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2010 06;2(3):155-166. 4.Patel R, Shahane A. The epidemiology of Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Clin Epidemiol 2014 07/30;6:247-255. 5.Lemp MA. Dry eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca), rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Am.J.Ophthalmol. 2005 11;140(5):898-899. 6.Fox RI. Sjà ¶grens syndrome. Lancet 2005 07/23;366(9482):321-331. 7.Mayo Clinic. Diseases and Conditions: Sjogrens syndrome tests and diagnosis. Jul. 08, 2014; Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sjogrens-syndrome/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20020275. Accessed June 25, 2014. 8.Sjà ¶gren’s Syndrome Foundation. Diagnosis about Sjà ¶grens Syndrome. 2014; Available at: http://www.sjogrens.org/home/ about-sjogrens-syndrome/diagnosis. Accessed June 26, 2014. 9.Kruszka P, OBrian R,J. Diagnosis and management of Sjà ¶gren syndrome. Am.Fam.Physician 2009 03/15;79(6):465-470. 10.Fujita M, Igarashi T, Kurai T, Sakane M, Yoshino S, Takahashi H. Correlation between dry eye and rheumatoid arthritis activity. Am.J.Ophthalmol. 2005 11;140(5):808-813. 11.Cho YK, Huang W, Kim GY, Lim BS. Comparison of autologous serum eye drops with different diluents. Curr.Eye Res. 2013 01;38(1):9-17. 12.ELLMAN P, Weber FP, Goodier T. A contribution to the pathology of Sjà ¶grens disease. QJM 1951;20(1):33-42. 13.Kassan SS, Moutsopoulos HM. Clinical manifestations and early diagnosis of Sjà ¶gren syndrome. Arch.Intern.Med. 2004 06/28;164(12):1275-1284. 14.Noble BA, Loh RSK, MacLennan S, Pesudovs K, Reynolds A, Bridges LR, et al. Comparison of autologous serum eye drops with conventional therapy in a randomised controlled crossover trial for ocular surface disease. Br.J.Ophthalmol. 2004 05;88(5):647-652. 15.Geerling G, Maclennan S, Hartwig D. Autologous serum eye drops for ocular surface disorders. Br.J.Ophthalmol. 2004 11;88(11):1467-1474. 16.Villani E, Galimberti D, Del Papa N, Nucci P, Ratiglia R. Inflammation in dry eye associated with rheumatoid arthritis: cytokine and in vivo confocal microscopy study. Innate Immun 2013;19(4):420-427. 17.Fox RI, Chan R, Michelson JB, Belmont JB, Michelson PE. Beneficial effect of artificial tears made with autologous serum in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Arthritis Rheum. 1984 04;27(4):459-461. 18.Quinto GG, Campos M, Behrens A. Autologous serum for ocular surface diseases. Arq.Bras.Oftalmol. 2008 11/20;71(6):47-54. 1

Ebonics is Not a Seperate Language but Improper Form of English Essay

The United States is filled with many different ethnicities, cultures, customs, languages, etc. Supposedly, our public schools are equipped with classes, teachers, curriculums and materials in order to educate that part of the student population whose first language is something other than the English language. Bilingual classes, transitional classes, ESL classes are just a few of the programs that have been developed to instruct non-English speaking students in order for them to acquire the English language. However, there has been a "language" use among African American students; "language" that has not been examined closely nor acknowledged until recently. Ebonics is classified as "Black English" or "Black sounds", or "Pan African Communication Behavior" or "African Language systems" which originates from the West African languages such as Ibo, Yoruba, and Hausa (Amended Resolution of the Board of Education, 1997. P. 1)." During the times of slavery, ebonics was also spoken as Gullah, which is a combination of West African languages, and English. Ebonics is a term coined by psychologist Robert Williams, resulting from the combination of two words, "ebony" and "phonics" in order to describe its dialect (The Daily O'Collegian Editorial Board. 1997. P. 1). The controversy behind ebonics is whether or not it is actually a language or and should it be instructed as a foreign language. Language is defined as a "system of words formed from such combinations and patterns, used by the people of a particular country or by a group of people with a shared history or set of traditions (Microsoft Bookshelf. 1996-1997 edition)." Ebonics is a form of communication of feelings, thoughts, opinions and ideas at is being used by ou... ...ensnewspapers.com/199//08109//0810.ebonics.htlm Miloy, Courtland. 1997. Nothing Funny About Ebonics. Internet Address: http://www.engnsnurst.org/ebonpro.htlm Oubrï‚ ¾, Alondra. 1997. Internet Address: http://www.aaw.com/toc.htlm Sanchez, Rene. Ebonics: A Way to Close the Learning Gap?; Schools Have Been Experimenting for Years with Using Black English as a 'Bridge" to Better Skills. New York Tines: January 6, 1997. Wasserman, Tracey. 1997. Language Shortcuts Do Not Benefit Students. Internet Address: http://www.magn-ground.com/news/school-papers/laduepanorama.htlm Woodall, Bert. 1997. Training for Failure. Internet Address: http://www.puoncbews.com/issues/759/editorial.com Zeis, Robert. 1997. Ebonics is a silly concept; they ain't got no sense: It's jive. http://www.dany.fastate.edu/voulumes/Spring9//Jan-23//op2.htlm

Pediatric Healthcare Disparities Essay

Disparities in healthcare of children are complex problem that is associated with the disparities that exist in healthcare systems. These inequalities in the access to health care include the following factors: race and ethnicity, insurance status, education, English language proficiency, and poverty(Sobo, 2006). The aforementioned factors affect access to healthcare and the quality of service received. The racial disparities in pediatric healthcare are a tremendously pervasive depressing problem. Instead of those who most need the healthcare receiving it, they are given less priority hence these services did not reach them(Lieu, 2003). Among the most important gauges of soundness of health in children is being able to acquire healthcare services that are of high quality. Children’s health needs appropriate and apt use of medical services like physical examinations, laboratory test for diseases, and immunizations. These services are deprived to the children of the socioeconomic minority. Healthcare disparities observed pertains to less access to healthcare services and acquisition of low quality health care services by people whom are poor, of racial and ethnic minority, limited English proficiency, and low educational attainment. Children that belong to the racial and ethnic minorities receive an inferior quality of healthcare. Not only are there a small number of children in the minority class suffering from this type of problem but millions of them(Beal, 2004). Mortality in infants in Black communities is doubled when compared to the mortalities of infants of the White communities. Even this maternal and societal health’s most significant gauge confirms that the existence of racial and ethnic disparities is true. In United States, the people of color at present have a bleak healthcare condition. Approximately 20 percent Black and 30 percent Hispanic Americans do not have consistent source of medical care compared to less than 16 percent of the White Americans. There is a three-fold increase to the numbers of Hispanic children that do not have access to healthcare when compared to children that are not Hispanic Americans(AHRQ 2000). These alarming data poses a threat to the state of health especially of children that belongs to this people that belongs to the racial and ethnic minorities. Studies which were done for the determination of the factors involved in the disparities of pediatric healthcare are of significance in identification of populations involved in these dilemma. In a study done by Hambinge et al, it was found that in well-child visits (WCVs) the black and Latino children were given less counseling(Hambidge, 2007). Racial minorities in United States such as the Latino and Black children are the main population that suffers from these inconsistencies in the provision of healthcare. Scott (2004) indicated in the conclusion of their study that Hispanic or Latino children has increased risk of having no access to healthcare services in the last 15 years. Hispanic or Latino is defined in the study as individuals that came from countries in Central America, North America, Caribbean, and Europe. The absence of access to healthcare services was found to be greater in Hispanic/ Latino children with low economic status, whose parents have no college degree, and born in other countries or not born in United States. The race which is most predispose to lack of access healthcare are children of Mexicans due to their poverty status or low educational achievements(Scott 2004). The study of Flores (2005) found an association in children’s health and healthcare to Limited English Proficiency (LEP) of their parents. This factor has a significant impact as a barrier for the acquisition of healthcare in children. The research also indicated that parental LEP has a direct association to the possibility that children in need of medical care can not be brought to healthcare providers. Racial and ethnic healthcare disparity is proven through this study because the bulk of the children that participated in the study were of racial and ethnic minority groups, 82 percent Latino, 2 percent Caribbean black, 10 percent African American, 2 percent non-Latino white, 1 percent African, 0. 3 percent Asian, and 1 percent combination of other races. Large portion of this participating population can not speak English very well. Thus, the ability to speak English fluently of children and their parents will determine their chance of receiving appropriate healthcare services(Flores, 2005). The continuing presence of racism in the healthcare sector of the society is found to be related to the underrepresentation of minority racial and ethnic groups in professions of the medical industry. Generally speaking people that are poor are predominantly people of color such as the Blacks and Hispanics. Poverty does not allow them to be with the education needed to work in healthcare industry so they are underrepresented in this profession. Study results prove that people of color in the medical profession tend to provide more healthcare services to those people which are also of color. The possibility of providing healthcare services to the poor portion of the population is also proven to be attributed to those medical professionals that are people of color. This underrepresentation explains why the racial and ethnic minority receive less healthcare services(ERASE ). Even though it is said that in professional fields the race of an individual hardly matters it is rarely true. The complexity of the factors that are involve in the disparities of healthcare in general should not hinder in the search and implementation of solutions that will alleviate the disparities suffered by the people of racial and ethnic minority, low educational attainment, limited English proficiency, and economically challenged. It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to serve the public with equality to promote the health status of the whole population instead of only those that belong to the elite portion of the population. The present ways of addressing the disparities in healthcare is focused not only on the professionals that will provide the services but also to the public consumers of these services. The goal is centered towards providing equal chance of receiving quality healthcare services. One of these strategies is the establishment of guidelines that will help medical practitioners handle, diagnose, and treat with professional competence the health cases of the people that belong to socioeconomic minority. Another strategy is helping the patients and their families pursue healthcare of high quality thru assessment of healthcare services provided by the healthcare recipient or client. Publications are written in various languages to facilitate understanding of the contents by those people that are with Limited English Proficiency. Booklets or pamphlets are also produces to help parents assess if their children were provided with health services of high quality. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is also finding ways to develop enhanced strategies for quality improvement of healthcare services. Their initiative is focused on eliminating healthcare racial and ethnic disparities, supporting of the healthcare providers that supply services to communities of the minority people, and conducting seminars or trainings on how to address healthcare disparities(AHRQ 2000). The existence of racism can not be denied even though the society has already learned to accept that people are of diverse cultures and beliefs. Various organizations have been established to stop the disparities in healthcare of children and promote equality in the acquisition of these services. Despite the research and strategies that are implemented to counteract the increasing numbers of children having no access to good quality healthcare especially those of the minority racial and ethnic origin, the problem is still present along its complexities. Though it’s a cliche â€Å"children are the future of every nation† thus it is only prompt that actions should be undertaken to promote holistic growth of their well being. Eradication of these disparities in pediatric healthcare will ensure that tomorrow’s generation will have a better health.

Lahore Walled City Upgradation

Assignment : Up gradation of walled city LAHORE Conservation of the Urban Fabric Walled City of Lahore, PakistanZachary M. KronINTRODUCTIONThis case study on urban development in the province of Punjab focuses on the Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultant's efforts to create and implement an urban conservation plan for the walled city of Lahore in the early 1980's. With a population of four million in 1992,1  this old quarter of Lahore is under tremendous pressure from commercial and industrial interests, which as yet have little regard for the historic nature of the city. In addition to these active menaces, the city is struggling to integrate new municipal services into its existent tissue without obscuring its visual character. Although few interventions have actually been achieved, several higher profile â€Å"pilot projects† have been carried out in an effort to raise public awareness of the conservation plan. CONTEXTPhysical Lahore is the capital of the province of Punjab, the most fertile area of Pakistan and chief producer of agricultural products for the country. The city is generally arid, except for two months of hot, humid monsoons, and receives less than 20 inches of rain during the course of a year. Historical The earliest credible records of the city date its establishment to around 1050 AD, and show that its existence is due to placement along the major trade route through Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The city was regularly marred by invasion, pillage, and destruction (due to its lack of geographical defenses and general overexposure) until 1525 when it was sacked and then settled by the Mogul emperor Babur. Sixty years later it became the capital of the Mogul Empire under Akbar and in 1605 the fort and city walls were expanded to the present day dimensions. From the mid-18th century until British colonial times, there was a fairly lawless period in which most of the Mogul Palaces (havelis) were razed, marking a â€Å"decrease in social discipline towards the built environment that has continued unabattingly till today. â€Å"2Much of the walled fortification of the city was destroyed following the British annexation of the region in 1849, as both a defensive measure to allow the colonists to better control the populous, and as a commercial enterprise in resale of the brick for new projects. In 1864 many sections of the wall had been rebuilt. Major physical contributions of the British to the old city consisted of piped water and well systems established just outside the former walls. The building of the railroad and a station well outside of the old city set the stage for later expansion. 3Social and Economic A new wave of destruction washed over the city in 1947 following the partition of British Colonial India into the Hindu majority nation of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The resulting inter-communal strife destroyed wide areas of the urban fabric, some of which was repaired by the 1952 Punjab Development of Damaged Areas Act. Many of the arriving Muslim families from India moved into the emigrating Hindu residences, although the lower land values of the old city further established the concentration of lower income groups in the city center, with wealthier families residing outside. In the 1950's an organization called the Lahore Improvement Trust attempted to instate a plan for commercial development in the old city, but these efforts were largely without effect. 4Between the early 1970's and '80's, 29% of the old city population moved out. The space left by emigrants from the old city has largely been filled by commercial interests, mostly small scale manufacturers and wholesalers, many of whom have national and international clients and do not serve the local community. The advantages for commercial interests are the readily available cheap labor force among the urban poor, as well as relative anonymity, which facilitates the evasion of most national and local taxation. Advantages for speculative developers lie in the absence of enforcement of building regulations, as well as in cheap plots. The resulting commercial encroachment demonstrates a pattern of abuse of building stock through inappropriate re-use of structures intended for small scale (cottage) industry and residential use, as well as destruction of older buildings replaced with quickly erected, lower quality structures. To the northwest, in the city of Peshawar, and to the east, in Delhi, one can find buildings related in form and age to those in Lahore, although in Peshawar the residential construction is primarily of wood. Although Peshawar was controlled by the Moguls and populated with mosques and gardens as Lahore was during the 16th and 17th centuries, little of it remains to be seen. Peshawar also has it's share of British construction, (including the renovated Mahabat Khan Mosque built under Shah Jehan but largely redone in 1898), and many of the existing residential buildings date from the late 19th century. Like Lahore, the small grain of the urban fabric eft intact can be attributed to the growth of the city within a walled fortification. THE PROJECTSignificance of the Walled City The walled city of Lahore is the product of the cultural influences of at least three major empires in the subcontinent of India: the Mogul Empire, the British colonial presence, and the modern nation-state of Pakistan. As a result of its position along a major trade route, it has also been influenced by many other, less dominant cultures, such as Afghanistan and China. Unlike Peshawar, which has lost much of it's larger scaled architectural past, and Islamabad, which can only boast Modern Monumental architecture of some merit, Lahore contains some of the best of all the empires which have touched it, as well as smaller scale vernacular architecture. In addition to this object value, the walled city plays a central role in the daily functioning of Lahore. It remains a bustling center of commerce and represents the â€Å"living culture† of the city, an enduring continuation of and evolution from a much older way of life. As the city contains many heterogeneous physical attributes, the activities of the walled city include all aspects of urban life: residential, manufacturing, retail, educational, religious, and civic. CONSERVATION PHILOSOPHYThe Lahore Development Authority's  Conservation Plan for the Walled City of Lahore  is a series of recommendations concerning the physical decay of historic structures in the city, the â€Å"visual clutter† of newer structures and infrastructure, and the encroachment of various unregulated elements on the city's fabric. This program of conservation, headed by Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd. (PEPAC) is actually the expansion of a project begun in 1979, the â€Å"Lahore Urban Development and Traffic Study† (LUDTS). This study, undertaken by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and funded by the World Bank, identified four areas for improvement. â€Å"1. Urban planning activities, leading to the production of a structure plan to provide a framework for action program within Lahore; 2. Neighborhood upgrading and urban expansion projects, to provide substantial improvements in living conditions for lower income groups; 3. Improvement of traffic conditions in congested parts of the street system of central Lahore: and 4. Improvements to living conditions within the walled city by improving environmental sanitation and providing social support program. â€Å"5Part of LUDTS' findings identified the precarious position of the physical fabric of the city. The report suggested (among other things) that any development and upgrading program that the city initiated should include measures â€Å"to protect national and regional cultural heritage,† and to that end it recommended the development of a conservation plan. The World Bank made the creation of a plan a condition of the first loans to be issued to Lahore. The study identifies some 1,400 buildings within the city as having high architectural or historical value and presents a series of conservation proposals. These recommendations include both conservation steps for the buildings themselves, as well as social and economic programs to halt the causes of their degradation. In general the study suggested the following: 1. Strategic policies and actions to be taken outside the walled city. 2. Planning activities and studies for both the central area and the walled city. . Institutional development including the full utilization of existing resources reinforced with an active training program, and the application of the legislative resources that already exist. 4. Urban management and controls to include production of a â€Å"Manual for Conservation and Building Renewal† and improved maintenance practices. 5. Traffic improvement and mana gement program. 6. Upgrading and enhancing the physical fabric and the urban environment through upgrading the building stock . . . and through upgrading urban services. 7. Redevelopment with concern for conformity with the scale, height, densities and building typologies traditionally characteristic of the walled city to be demonstrated through projects undertaken by public authorities on state land and through regulated private sector activity. 8. Conservation of individual listed special premises or elements. 6CONSERVATION PROGRAM INTERVENTIONSWhile the statement above outlines a general policy approach to the conservation effort, several pilot projects have been more specifically outlined and a handful have been implemented and funded by the World Bank through the Punjab Urban Development Project. The buildings are, in most cases, structures dating from early British colonial times, both residential and commercial, and more monumental structures from the Mogul Empire, although action has only been taken on government owned buildings. One pilot project that has come directly out of this effort is the restoration of the Wazir Khan Hammam (bath house), built in 1638. The bath, which suffered mostly surface damage to the fresco work, is now being re-used as a tourist center with some facilities for computer education for women. While the structure itself was not in any particular risk of irreversible decay, this  hamam  is a particularly important site to the Development Authority because it is located on a popular entrance point for tourists coming to the city. For visitors it is the first logical stopping point on a walk that goes from the impressive Delhi Gate (Image 6) past the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Choona Mandi Haveli Complex to end at the Lahore Fort. This route is also well traveled by locals going to the wholesale cloth and dry goods markets. It seems that the choice of aiming the rather limited resources of the program at this project is an attempt to heighten the community interest in the conservation effort, rather than directly addressing sites with more desperate conservation needs. Additionally, there are several proposals to deal with the conservation of areas surrounding historic monuments. Of particular concern is the area around the Mori Gate, which stands next to the well preserved UNESCO site of the Lahore Fort, and lies between the Fort and the Delhi Gate, immediately adjacent to the newly conserved and re-used Choona Mandi Haveli Complex. While the Fort itself is a vigorously monitored and controlled site, the area immediately surrounding it is â€Å"visually cluttered,† to say the least. One exits the Fort to be confronted by a mass of electrical cables, transformers, and half a dozen steel recycling operations. PEPAC's proposal involves the relocation of the steel traders (whom it claims are operating illegally) to a more suitable location and repopulating the area with a mixture of commercial and residential uses. The area itself does not contain artifacts of particular merit, but is amid a concentration of other historic elements. In their statement of policy and issues, PEPAC refers to the exemplary conservation work done at the Choona Mandi Haveli Complex, and to its re-use as a degree college for women. While this is not a PEPAC project, it is identified as a model of the work they wish to see happening in the city, and claim that the project â€Å"came out of the conservation effort† that they are creating. While it is unclear from the literature who in fact has implemented the particular conservation of the HaveliComplex or what the connection is to the PEPAC effort, it is clear a particular region of the city has been identified as a primary site for conservation efforts. It seems sensible to concentrate on blocks of the city as specific focus areas for limited resources and as showpieces to use to solicit further funding, but it is curious that this is not stated as a strategy i n the group's policy statements. In addition to these concentrated areas of restoration, the main gates to the city have been chosen as pilot projects, several of which have already undergone restoration work. In order to determine how the restored gates should appear, PEPAC searched for clues not only in their existing condition, but also in historical documentation of the gates from the pre-colonial period. In particular, a wealth of information was found in the numerous renderings by French and British explorers from the 17th century who made paintings, drawings and etchings of the sites. After identifying the site and determining the changes that are to occur in the area, the site was â€Å"vacated of encroachers,† who currently occupy the niches, hollows and shelters provided by the wall. Several of the gates have now been restored to their pre-colonial state, but the work has recently been halted due to the cessation of World Bank funding. AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONThe example of the gates highlights several difficulties faced by PEPAC in the implementation of their conservation project. First, and perhaps most minor, is the fidelity to the historical record that the conservators wish to maintain. Although the accuracy of the sketches can be verified by different views supplied by different artists, it is not necessarily appropriate to restore the gates to the condition they were in during that particular era, especially at the expense of people who may have some claim to residency in portions of the site. A more important criticism is that the definition of â€Å"encroacher† is inadequate. The Prime Minister has attempted to implement a policy to allot property rights to squatters as a way of instilling greater commitment in them to properly maintain the areas they occupy.   However, PEPAC does not qualify the distinction between squatters, â€Å"encroachers,† and residents. Furthermore, 20 million rupees that have been earmarked by the Punjab Urban Redevelopment Project for residents to use for the improvement of their own property was not dispersed due to the inability of the organization to identify legal residents. 9With no clear definition of who is a res ident it will continue to be impossible to make a generalized policy. The total bsence of legal enforcement of property rights further undermines any sense of ownership. An example is the rapacious acts of the speculative developer who buys a building and then digs a second basement, which effectively collapses the neighboring buildings. The owner, without legal recourse that would provide any results, is left with no choice but to sell their ruined plot to the developer, who then erects a cheap, commercial building. 10This dilemma underscores a central conflict in the policy of conservation enacted by PEPAC. On the one hand is the attempt to instate a series of guidelines and regulations which the residents of the city must follow, and on the other hand is the attempt to encourage a sense of ownership, pride and respect among residents for the architecture. The first effectively removes or reduces the choices of the resident in determining the form of their surroundings and relies upon a policy of rule enforcement. The second relies upon the living culture of a place to perpetuate the existing physical culture, although allowing for the changing needs of the people. Unless policy is made concerning ownership and enforcement, these two approaches, which are not necessarily in conflict, will not act in accord, and will each remain ineffectual. It is interesting to note that the areas where the PEPAC conservation effort has been most effective is in exclusively government owned properties: schools, municipal dispensaries, monuments and civic buildings, as well as the homes of police officials. 11In the case of the other projects that have been implemented, PEPAC may be criticized for prematurely starting restoration work before active degradation is stopped, or even slowed. The resurfacing of the Wazir Khan Hamam and work on the area between the Delhi and Mori Gate are a prime example of this, a fairly stable area is being conserved while nearby buildings are being razed for newer construction or crumbling through neglect. (Image 9) However, given the dependency of virtually the entire conservation effort on World Bank funding, it must be a priority for the group to create a visible, finished grouping of conserved buildings in order to solicit further funding. This example of trying to raise consciousness before actually acting to stop degradation is appropriate for any conservation project undertaken in Lahore. From the inception of the current conservation plan, the impetus for preservation has come from outside the city walls and has been hindered by a discrepancy between what is said in meeting rooms and what happens in reality. In the absence of a fairly oppressive and well-funded preservation enforcement program, conservation in the walled city will not be effective without the support and active interest from the people who inhabit it. Endnotes1. John King, and John St. Vincent,  Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit: Pakistan, 4th Edition (Lonely Planet Publications, 1993), p. 191. 2. PEPAC3. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd,  Lahore Development Authority: Conservation Plan for the Walled City of Lahore, Final Report, vol. 1, Plan Proposals (1986), p. 7. 4. Reza H. Ali, â€Å"Urban Conservation in Pakistan: a Case Study of the Walled City of Lahore,†Ã‚  Architectural and Urban Conservation in the Islamic World, Papers in Progress, vol. 1 (Geneva: Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 1990), p. 79. 5. Lahore Development Authority /Metropolitan Planning Wing, with the World Bank/IDA, â€Å"Lahore Urban Development and Traffic Study,† Final Report/vol. 4, Walled City Upgrading Study (August 1980), preface. . Ali, â€Å"Urban Conservation in Pakistan,† p. 87. 7. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd,  Issues and Policies: Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,  (Metropolitan Planning Section Lahore Development Authority, 1996), point 5. 8. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consul tants Ltd, Lahore Development Authority,Conservation Plan for the Walled City of Lahore, Final Report, vol. 1, Plan Proposals. (1986), p. 180. 9. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd, Lecture given on the Walled City of Lahore Conservation Project (July 25, 1998). 0. (Sajjad Kausar)11. PEPAC lecture (25 July 1998). BibliographyAli, Reza H. â€Å"Urban Conservation in Pakistan: a case study of the Walled City of Lahore. †Ã‚  Architectural and Urban Conservation in the Islamic World. Papers in Progress. vol. 1. Geneva: Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 1990. Background Paper: Lahore Pakistan. Prepared for Design for Islamic Societies Studio, MIT Department of Architecture and Planning, 1992. King, John and St. Vincent, John. Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit: Pakistan, 4th Edition. Lonely Planet Publications, 1993. Lahore Development Authority /Metropolitan Planning Wing, with the World Bank/IDA. â€Å"Lahore Urban Development and Traffic Study,† Final Report/vol. 4. Walled City Upgrading Study. August 1980. Nadiem, Ihsan H. Lahore: A Glorious Heritage. Lahore: Sang-e-meel Publications, 1996. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd. Lecture given on the Walled City of Lahore Conservation Project. July 25, 1998. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd. Monographs on the Walled City of Lahore. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd. Lahore Development Authority. Conservation Plan for the Walled City of Lahore. Final Report. vol. 1. Plan Proposals. 1986. Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants Ltd. Issues and Policies: Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore. Metropolitan Planning Section Lahore Development Authority. 1996. Qurashi, Samina. Lahore: The City Within. Singapore: Concept Media, 1988. CreditsAll photographs and illustrations courtesy the Aga Khan Fund, MIT Rotch Collections, unless otherwise noted below:1. Courtesy, KK Mumtaz. 2. Courtesy T. Luke Young. 4. Brian B. Taylor, MIMAR 24, 1987. . From Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants, Ltd, â€Å"Conservation Plan for the Walled City of Lahore. † 6. Courtesy T. Luke Young. 7a. Brian B. Taylor, MIMAR 24, 1987. 9. Courtesy Hasan Uddin Khan. |   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1. Map of the fortress of Lahore. 2. Traffic outside the walled city. 3. Encroachment. 4. A bazaa r in the Walled city 5. Inside View of the Wazir Khan Hamman, before and after restoration.. 6. streets in the old area. 7a and 7b. Electrical infrastructure. 8. Sharanwalla gate. 9. Electrical infrastructure. Image10. View of the walled city. | |

Diary of Boo Radley Essay Essay Example

Diary of Boo Radley Essay Essay Example Diary of Boo Radley Essay Paper Diary of Boo Radley Essay Paper Feign you are Boo Radley ( from To Kill a Mocking Bird ) . Write your secret diary entry about how you have been punished and kept in a practical prison for 15 old ages. It has been so really long since my male parent foremost locked me up in this house. I mean. I was merely a adolescent holding merriment. I did non make anything serious or anything. At first. after a twosome of yearss penalty. it thought I would be eventually set free by male parent. After a twosome of hebdomads. I realised that it seemed I would neer be let out. I was correct- as the hebdomads turned into months. I understood how barbarous my male parent was and that my penalty would last everlastingly. After a twelvemonth or two. my male parent died. I was free to travel outdoors into the world- well I could hold escaped from imprisonment if I truly wanted to. but I did non wish to. My male parent left me emotionally damaged and ashamed of myself. and I did non and I do non desire to demo myself in the existent universe after such a long period of clip. Once Nathan arrived. things were merely the same as how they used to be with my male parent. Bing locked up in this stuffy house allows me a batch of clip to myself. I get to read the local papers- one of the lone ‘luxuries’ I am allowed to hold and reflect on a batch of things and ponder over them all twenty-four hours long. I think about how people are acquiring along in Maycomb as I see them walk rather briskly in forepart of our house and I think about my male parent and what he did to me. I am normally in a reasonably good temper all twenty-four hours long. but when my male parent comes to mind or Nathan walks past. choler and hatred crestless waves up inside me. I besides occupy my ideas by reminiscing that good times I had when I was a adolescent. but besides look upon them with deep sorrow. but I chiefly ponder about the two immature Finchs who live following door†¦ Everyday. I stare through the shutters down through the street chief street of Maycomb. I see kids playing and bask watching them holding and joyful and cheery clip. I have invariably kept my oculus on our two neighbours- Jem and his sister. Lookout. They play in their pace and in the street. evidently holding a great clip. and like all other kids their age. maintain off from our house. I think they believe it is haunted. by my shade or some lewdness like that. It amuses me but besides makes me sad that I could be so much of a menace to these lovely kids. and I do wish my life could be every bit happy as theirs. Despite their frights of me. Jem and Scout even tried to hold a expression inside this house one time to acquire a glance of me and besides tried to pass on with me on several occasions. I have tried pass oning with Jem and Scout. by go forthing them a bangle or two in the knot-hole of one of the unrecorded oaks out the forepart of our house at dark clip. After some clip. the kids began to gain it was me go forthing the surprises in the tree. and they decided to compose me a small note. Nathan found the note. realised my lone beginning of communicating with the outside universe and filled the knot-hole with cement. I am merely allowed to travel outdoors at dark under Nathan’s supervising. Sometimes. Nathan does non even bother looking over me on my night-time ambles because he knows I will be back. I am excessively attached to this house and life indoors. I don’t want to be released into a universe that is excessively good for me. as my male parent used to state.

Can Machine Have a Conscience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Can Machine Have a Conscience - Essay Example Maybe the urge is, at times, nothing more than the pressures or influences of past parental or societal training or perhaps it may arise from some form of social instinct buried deep in humans or from the understanding it is in the longstanding concern of the agent. However, in any case, it should be noted humans do act autonomously of some form of desire unlike a machine, which is guided by humans (Pitrat 41). No matter how intelligent machines are, they cannot have human’s thoughts and lifestyles. In the last ten years, AI has really progressed due to an increase in research collaboration that has resulted in inventing computers with high processing speed. A lot of researchers propose that within the current century, the AI will cross that of human beings. Furthermore, individuals such as Hall have great expectation (Tucker and Patrick 54). Some scientists believe robots will carry out more difficult work instead of human’s work in the future. In some specific situations, robots could judge and perform tasks individually out of people’s control. All in all, some scientists predict that robots will become more intelligent to help people. Start by defining what a conscience is and people find it is an inner or deep sense of what wrong or right in one’s behavior, motives or conduct, impelling someone towards the right action. A conscience can also be defined as the ethical, as well as moral principles, which guide or inhibits someone’s thoughts or actions, and which can be argued to be an inhibiting sense of what is prudent.

A Kuwaiti National Studying in the United Kingdom Essay

A Kuwaiti National Studying in the United Kingdom - Essay Example The culture in Kuwaiti universities is more formal and structured. Instructors expect to be addressed using formal titles, with students to manifest respecting the barrier between students and professors, and to respect the level of prestige gained from the achievement of gaining higher education; otherwise, sanctions and penalties from violation of this code of discipline are applied. What I learned: The difference in cultural orientation has provided me with the privilege of gaining more knowledge in terms of interpersonal communication and relationships with people from various cultures and from different age groups, gender, and profession. The effects of this are an improvement in personal confidence as more training and practice were encouraged in the use of English, as a second language; and from insights and theoretical perspectives relayed by my mentors. I became happier and more optimistic, as a person, as a student, and as a colleague. How and When I Can Apply this Knowledg e: Due to experience, the improvement in English as a second language will increase future opportunities for employment, not only in Kuwait but in other global organizations, as well. Date: January 02, 2011 Place: In the University Activity Undertaken: Essay writing in the UK required the use of the Harvard style of writing. This is not at all used nor acknowledged in writing essays in Kuwait. Further, the university is very strict regarding the observance of plagiarism. It came as a culture shock to me because I panicked the first time I need to use Harvard referencing in my essay. I had to search through the library sources, through the Internet and reorient myself on rules on in-text citing, making the reference list, among others. I am also very careful in paraphrasing other authors’ statements so that I would not be charged with plagiarism.