Molecular Basis of Disease Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Molecular Basis of Disease - Lab Report Example People lacking the absorption ability of vitamin B12 remain with the disease for the rest of their lives. Parietal cells found in the gastric cells are responsible for production of hydrochloric acid which is important in digestion as it provides a favorable medium for enzyme reaction. The serum found from patients having this disease react with ? and ? sub units. The antibodies are used for diagnostic purposes. This experiment involves testing of serum of antibodies from various patients to determine if they react with the sodium pump which contains ? and ? sub units. This will help in diagnosing pernicious anemia. A mouse is used in this experiment since its stomach structure is similar to that of a man. A primary antibody and a secondary antibody are also used in this experiment as they react with the mouse antigens. Anti proton pump of a human being can also cross react with proteins of the mouse making the mouse a favorable specimen for the experiment. From the experiment we exp ect antibody response to help us diagnose pernicious anemia. Aims The aim of this experiment is to determine whether samples from patients contain antibodies and also to diagnose patients having the disease through Western blotting; Immuno histochemistry using the gastric proton pump. Materials and Methods The materials used includes; SDS polyacrylamide gel (80%, resolving gel 40% upper stacking gel), Gel running buffer (25 mM Tris, pH 5.3, 0.192M Glycerin, 0.1% SDS), Gel apparatus, power supply, mouse stomach protein,5? SDS sample buffer (0.315 Tris, pH 6.8, 25% glycerol 10% SDS, 5% 2-beta mercaptoethanol, 0.025% Bromophenol blue), Protein MW standards, heat block, Gel loading tips, transfer apparatus, transfer buffer (25mM Tris, 192mM glycine,20% methanol), nitrocellulose membrane, filter paper, 0.1% Ponceau in1% acetic acid, 0.1M NaoH, TBS Tris buffered saline, Blocking solution TBS containing 5% skim milk powder. Materials required to obtain a mouse stomach include; a slide cont aining section of mouse stomach, xylene, hemoglobin, acid alcohol, Scott’s tap water, eosin, DPX mounting media and cover slips. Procedure to obtain mouse stomach morphology The slide containing mouse stomach is incubated in xylene and ethanol for two minutes respectively. After this the slide is rinsed in tap water for 30 seconds. The slide is then incubated in the hemoglobin for 2 minutes. The slide is rinsed again in tap water for 30 seconds after which it is placed in 1% acid alcohol for 3 seconds after which it is rinsed again in tap water for 30 seconds. The slide is incubated in Scott’s tap water for 30 seconds after which it is swashed in water for 30 seconds. The slide is then placed in eosin for 4minutes and excess is blotted off by a paper towel. The slide is then placed in 80% ethanol and again 90% after which the slide is incubated in ethanol for 2 minutes then allowed to air dry. A drop of DPX mounting medium is placed on the section and then covered by a cover slip. An observation is made under the microscope and diagrams made as follows. Fig 1 showing a mouse stomach with Haematoxylin To prepare the stomach protein sample, 200Â µl of protein is placed into a microfuge tube and 50Â µl 5? SDS sample buffer is added. The marker and the protein sample tubes are spine for a few seconds to bring the liquid to the bottom of the tube. The MW markers and proteins are then loaded using a special gel loading tips. The apparatus is then connected to a power supply of 200V and run for 1 hour until

What Should Altiuss Objectives Be What Essay Example for Free

What Should Altiuss Objectives Be What Essay What should Altius’s objectives be? What trade- off’s must it manage? With Altius staying just focussing with the manufacturing top of the line golf balls, their business would only continue to drop. Fortunately the brand value of Altuis was recognised and respected very much by many top notch golfers of the country, but this does not mean that they had a lot of profits. Focusing on the low price golf equipments, such as Elevate golf ball and changing the marketing strategy from targeting proficient golf equipments to low cost golf equipments and more fun oriented golf equipment for new golf players will enhance the profitability of Altius. This is because golf industry is vitalizing by the efforts of USGA, through the encouragement of new golf players to play golf with relaxed rules. Therefore, it is a good time to mark new players through widespread marketing of low cost and non-confirming golf balls, which enables new golf players to hit the ball perfectly. The new golf ball â€Å"Elevate† being sold below the 40% of its premium Victor TX brand, enables Altius Golf to capture a new generation of golf players. Other competitors were becoming very competitive; they were providing the best service to elite players and also were reaching the casual players with cheaper products, hence reaching more golfers than Altius. Maintaining the current strategy will make Atius obsolete pretty soon. In a business, trade off’s are quite common. You tend to be having a core competency at one aspect but not all, this does not mean you stick to the former. Hence Altius must enter the not so costly markets. This might mean that the 70% profits have to reduce by at least 10% and utilised in trade offs. This 10 % has to be used to reach the broader recreational market. Altius can very well get back to producing and being the producer of top quality balls. But on the long run they should create an impression which made them look concerned for the game as well as increasing, motivating players. Altius Golf’s balls are expensive as compared to competitor’s golf balls and new golf players are not willing to spend more on expensive golf equipments. Also there could be a possibility of creating a group for searching lost balls which were costlier when sold , repairing them and selling them as a low cost but high quality balls for the casual golfers. They could market this by bringing up the environmental aspects involved while using the materials used for making  the balls. Altius Golf’s competitors are moving with the industry trends and are trying to offer balls and other golf equipments which are easy to use and helps new golf users to hit the shot as they require, while Altius Golf is still offering equipments which are for professionals, although golf professionals value the equipments of Altius but the industry trend shows that recent recession period has decreased the number of professional golf players and new golf players are being encouraged to play golf.

The Marriage Ordeal: Rights and Ramifications :: essays research papers fc

2005  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Marriage Ordeal: Rights and Ramifications   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a country with it’s fundamentals based on liberty and equality, America has always struggled with those very concepts. Throughout history, Americans have been challenged to make decisions that have oppressed and freed certain groups of people. The political fight for same-sex marriages is a perfect example of this notion. This relation between spouses has created a major controversy that is creating history in our nation. A series of protests, acts and political scandal has finally opened America to discuss a topic that had been in â€Å"the closet† for a long time. This discussion asks questions that have caused a visceral reaction in society. Questions such as whether gays and lesbians should marry, and if so, should they be granted the same matrimony rights as heterosexual couples? Should marriage be protected to fit traditional American values? How would these unions affect or contribute to our definition of such a celebrated institution? .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tradition is a strong component in the institution of marriage. The ideal American dream usually involves the perfect fairy-tale wedding with the gorgeous white wedding dress for the bride, the matching bridesmaids, the well-arranged bouquet and the numerous rituals that compose this well thought-out event. Usually it requires a great amount of planning, devotion and dollars to make the important day memorable. Family and friends come together to rejoice in the vows that will bond the two lovers into a lifetime journey of love, commitment and fidelity. Each person in the couple is expected to have a role in this institution. According to Judith Wallerstein and Sandra Blakeslee, â€Å"in the idealized form of the older model of traditional marriage, the man’s primary job for self-definition is to provide for the economic well-being, protection, and stability of his family ...The woman’s job and self-definition†, on the other hand, continue Wall erstein and Blakeslee, â€Å"is to care for her husband and children and to create a comfortable home that nourishes everyone, particularly her husband, who comes home each evening drained by the demands of his job (211).† With a constantly changing society, the concept of marriage has also varied. The â€Å"quickie† Vegas drive-through wedding or the underwater vow exchange is not as unusual or shocking as it once was. Even the roles of the persons involved have changed to fit the shape of society’s needs. For example the modern â€Å"companionate marriage† which is â€Å"founded on the couple’s shared beliefs that men and women are equal partners in all spheres of life and that their roles, including those of marriage, are completely interchangeable (Wallerstein, Blakeslee 155).

Impact of ICT on the community Essay

Southall is located in a town of London borough of Ealing it is close to Heathrow airport which is one of the busiest airports in the world, which creates lots of jobs and large number of Southall residents are employed in Heathrow. Southall is quiet a small area but holds a large amount of population. Southall is one of the busiest places in England. In this area the route of communication such as, railways and roads need real improvement because at the moment they are not good enough and doesn’t meet the needs of the community really well. There is also project going about trams but our community is not happy with the decision made by the Ealing Council. In Southall it is very difficult to settle down for a person who has just been to this town because there are no enough jobs for people to do and those with jobs are paid very less wages compared to national average wage. Southall also has a very low reputation is attracting the visitors to the town, that’s because of the low employment rate. Basically this means that the people with business should give others a chance to work and pay them the same amount of wages like other employees are being paid in other towns and countries. This town is one of the towns in England which has most problems with public transport because there are very few buses to go around and the population is bigger if a bus comes early the person still can’t reach his destination in time because of the traffic. This means that the local governors of Ealing must improve the services to keep the people in the community happy and to attract more people in the town. In Southall there is also quiet a lot of traffic but mostly it’s controlled by CCTV, there is also speed limit but the residents in our community don’t follow the rules. Southall is primarily an Asian residential district, and is informally known as â€Å"little India†. Over 55% of Southall’s population of 70,000 is Indian/Pakistani. One of the Sikh Gurdwaras in Southall won the Ealing Civic Society Architectural Award in 2003. There are a few Christian churches and there are few mosques as well. The main street in Southall is called The Broadway. Southall contains the largest Asian shopping centre in the London area. Southall was the main location for the film Bend It Like Beckham. Southall is also the location of the Glassy Junction, which serves several Indian draught beers and was the first pub in the UK to accept payment in Indian rupees. Recently Southall has become notorious for the amount of violence caused by Tamil gangs and the consequences on the community. South India and Sri Lanka have been brought to the United Kingdom. There have been many shootings and other incidents that have been connected to Tamil gangs. In origin this rivalry was caused by rival politcal groups vying for power. However many of these groups have now formed street gangs abroad and resort to violence to gain power. Percentages of group per authentic group Indian: 50.3% White: 29.8% Black: 7.5% Pakistani/Bangladeshi: 7.2% Chinese: 0.2% Others: 4.9% Needs of my local Community > Banks > Sports and Leisure > Public Transport > Schools and Colleges > Medical Centre > Hospitals > GPS > Internet Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ > Information Point > Security CCTV > Southall community Website > Fire Department Every Community have needs and they have to meet Banks My community needs banks and ATM machine as people needs to keep their money secure people can also withdraw money from the ATM machines they need ATM because they can skip queues. The people can withdraw money from the ATM any time; it also provides us with a mini statement and gives you many more options. People in our community need to skip queues so they can have a service that’s give you all the detail about your bank online. Sports and Leisure Centre People in my community need to stay healthy and eat balance diet so the Leisure centre provides them with pre-booking and computer readable cards. It also gives help about eating healthily and gives information about other sports for e.g. Cricket, Karate, and Football etc. My community also need to know what activities are taking place and how to book it. My Community need to know where is the nearest leisure Centre and about the costs. Public Transport People in my community need Transport for moving and travelling around the city. My community provide use of Oyster card which is machine readable so they don’t have to wait in the queue for waiting to get inside and Oyster pre-pay. In addition we need to have ICT technologies in our transport for e.g. CCTV cameras so the passengers are safe and every moment is recorded. People need countdown timer which will tell them what time will the next bus come and which bus will come. My community also need a replacement service if one bus has a mechanical fault they need to have another bus at that time which will take the passenger. Schools and Colleges My Community needs to have schools which would provide basic education to younger generation. Students in schools need computer and internet access. Schools in our community need computers so they can keep record of every students and staffs to keep the school on track. Schools also need CCTV cameras to record student’s behaviour and don’t cause trouble. So the community will need computer and ICT to stop the students causing trouble. Health Centre People in MY community also need health centre to be provided with quick efficient service. Health centre will need to provide people with easy services and making registration. Health centre in Southall should have better ICT facility they should be given a choice to book on the phone. An also they shouldn’t take time to give an appointment. Internet Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Every person in my community doesn’t have access to the internet. Some might not even have computer. People in my community are multicultural and came from other countries so they will need to communicate with their relatives in a cheaper way so internet cafes will meet their need. They need ICT that provides them with cheaper internet and let them have access to internet with cheaper offers as well. Southall Community Website Most of the people in my community will need to know widely about their community events and businesses in the community so the Southall website also provide information about the leisure and sport, religion, culture and businesses in the community. My community need ICT facilities to provide people with better services and keep people up to date about the events in our community. Police Station My community need to be safe and secure and police also need to try protecting people from theft, robbery and murder. My community needs good technology to keep record of crime and CCTV, so it needs ICT technology to keep records and solve people’s problem. In the above the need of my community some are more important than others. For my report I will need to look in detail of five of them. I will also need to describe the way it is used in my community. I have to define each technology and the use of the technology. I will look at the technologies that are used the most and have effect on my community. I will look at technologies that affect the whole of my community not a single person. I will also need to include how people benefit from using the service. And finally I will then evaluate how the technology will meet the need of my community. In my coursework I will write about those technologies which are in the most need and has impact on my community. Financial Transaction- Banking Definition of ATM: ATM stands for Automated teller machine is computerized telecommunications device that provides an agents customer a secure method of performing financial transactions is a public space without the need for a human teller. Using an ATM, customers can access their bank accounts in order to make cash withdrawals or credit card cash advances and check their account balances. Many ATMs also allow people to deposit cash or cheques, transfer money between their bank accounts, pay bills, or purchase goods and services. Explanation of the technology Banking is the biggest place in the world that uses ICT. ICT is used in ATM Machines (electronic funds transfer at point of sale). ATM is used to withdraw money there are also other facilities that ATM machines provide other facilities for example: you can print or view balance on the screen, change pin, order statement. EFTPOS helps customers to withdraw money through Debit Card it is mostly used in shopping. The customer’s card is swiped through a card reader and the merchant usually enters the amount of the transaction before the customer enters their account and PIN number. Before the customers didn’t needed to enter their PIN number now the customers has to enter it for security reasons. How does the technology meet the needs of the community? Every bank has its own ATM’s machines however the bank card works in every ATM machine. These machines meet the needs of the community as people are able to withdraw money at any time. It is also quick to withdraw money as if there weren’t any ATM machines it would have taken much time queuing in a lane and getting cash from the bank. It is quicker and reliable as the customer doesn’t need to show ID when withdrawing money from your own account. ATM machines are safe as no one can get the data from the ATM. How ATM works? ATM is simply a data terminal. Like any other data terminal, the ATM has to connect to, and communicate through, a host computer. The host computer is analogous to an Internet Service in that it is the gateway through which all the various ATM networks become available to the cardholder the person wanting the cash. The host computer may be owned by a bank or financial institution, or it may be owned by an independent service provider. Bank-owned processors normally support only bank-owned machines, whereas the independent processors support merchant-owned machines. Use of ICT in the banks > CCTV > Database > Security Alarm Evaluate on the use of ICT – good/ and bad features and also advantages and disadvantages of the technology ICT that is used in the banks is a big advantage to people working in the bank and to the public as well. ATM’s and EFTPOS services are open 24 hours 365 days in an year, this means the people in the community can withdraw money at any time so they don’t have to wait for the bank to open. Another advantage is that there are a lots of ATM machines in Southall so there aren’t big queues which is then quicker to withdraw money from the bank. People also need to skip queues in the banks so they can do banking online which helps the sort transaction quickly and efficiently. Online banking also has disadvantages as there is danger from hacker. You will need to provide your bank details so there is risk of you details transferred. In addition the people in my community can also check their bank detail by internet it can be done 24 hours a day using a computer and internet connection. It can help my community in various ways: * People in my community can pay bills from the comfort of their home or the workplace. * People in my community can also transfer money immediately to high interest accounts. * People in my community can check balances and daily transactions on line. * People in my community can set up direct debits and order stationery on line. * People in my community can get higher interest rates and are available to Internet bankers. * It is easy to shop around on line for the best interest rates and switch funds automatically. * And also in some banks the counter can speak more than one language it benefit my community as some people in my community can’ speak English. There are also many concerns about ATM and the Banks: * Small banks in my community closes or having opening hours reduced * Reductions in staffing at the major banks. * Some customers have worries about security because of possible credit card fraud. How ever there are two new banks which will be opening in the next few months one of the Bank has already opened ICIC. And the other banks is Panjab national it will help my community and the people in my community will benefit a lot because they can send or transfer money to their country quick and reliable. And also some people in my community won’t be able to read English so it will help the Punjabi and Indian people a lot but it will also help other people. How does the technology benefit my community? Modern ATMs provide customers with their bank account balance; they can issue money, print statements and even take cash deposits. Customers are able to use almost any ATM in any bank, supermarket or garage. And in this country it is normally a free service. Customers could get hold of their money without having to queue. This saved the customer’s time; it also saved the bank a huge amount of money since fewer staff was needed. The people in my community can benefit in many different ways as there are many more banks been opened in Southall for e.g. Panjab national it will benefit my community as well as the Panjabi and Indian people benefiting other people from different culture can benefit. Panjab national provide their service to my community in many different language for e.g. Hindi, Panjabi and English The people in Southall can also call the Centres where the Customers could now telephone the centre using either a free number or local cost number and find out information on their accounts without even leaving home. They can also change their bank detail. The people in my community can also access the their bank detail and information by internet they can open their account, check their balance online, move money pay bills and print statements from the comfort for their own homes. Lastly the ATM machines are free to use and most of the ATM machine are free of charge. To what extent does the technology meet my community need Without ATM people in my community will face various problems they won’t be able to send money abroad. People will also need to keep their money in their houses where they might face robbery. Buying house will be hard as people wouldn’t be able to get loan where they will need to pay all the money. ATM’s machine also play a very big role in my community banking as people doesn’t keep all the money in their pockets due to risk of theft so they need the ATM to withdraw money whenever they need. There are various ATM machines in Southall nearly every bank has an ATM in Southall Broadway e.g. HSBC, Abbey National, Barclays, Nat West etc. To some extent it doesn’t meet the needs of my community as some of the people in my community are not educated so they aren’t able to withdraw money they has to go inside the bank and withdraw money which takes time. Another disadvantage is that ATM’s and EFTAPOS provide money and can’t provide advice. Last disadvantage of ATM’s Machines and EFTAPOS is that whoever doesn’t have a bank account that person won’t be able to use these facilities. Possible development of the technology in the future They can improve the ATM machine by storing more cash so it doesn’t run out. In the past years there were frauds where the ATM machine takes your card and doesn’t give it back. They can also improve the ATM machine by having a secure place where people can’t see your Pin number or your bank details. In some places for e.g. Tesco or Sainsbury the can charge you for taking money so it could be free of charge. And the big improvement of ATM machine could be that they can have other language on the screen for e.g. Urdu, Pashto, Farsi, Punjabi, Somalian and Gujarati. They can make the ATM machine safe in the future where the ATM machine won’t need your pin number but it will need scanning of a customer’s fingerprint. Control and Monitoring- CCTV Explanation of the Technology CCTV stands for Close Circuit Television camera it is used for video surveillance. In my community CCTV is used in banks, casinos, shopping centres, streets, airports and now days it is even in the shops etc. Now it isn’t expensive people uses it at home for security. CCTV in Southall is used for security and to decrease crime it is also used as evidence. It is also used in schools which help the school to control behaviour of the students. CCTV is used by police and council to decrease crime and used it as evidence against the criminals. There are different types of CCTV cameras as some of the can turn at the bearing of 3600 and some of them are straight. There are also some cameras that have black glass cover and the people around can see which direction is the camera recording. How CCTV camera works? CCTV cameras in my area are continuously monitored at the Council’s Communications Centre. The Police are informed of suspicious incidents as they arise and can be directed to the exact location by CCTV operators. Since CCTV has been introduce in our community and in the borough, Southall crimes have been decreased for e.g. shoplifting, Pick Pocketing, Possessions of Drugs and unauthorised taking of motor vehicles. The control room for CCTV is in Ealing Town hall they are responsible for round the clock monitoring of over 337 CCTV cameras are fixed and 20 mobile cameras. The cameras can pan, tilt and zoom to record the action, and radio link with police make sure that the cameras are capturing the right footage. How does the technology meet the needs of the community? CCTV is used in various and different places in Southall, some CCTV cameras in my community are located in Southall Broadway and in High Street it control Anti Social Behaviour and some people drive over the speed of the limit it meets my community needs as it makes it easier to stop crime and record what has been happening it is also helps in controlling crime on the streets and shopping centres. It is used in streets to help the police catch crime and use evidence against trouble makers. It is also used in traffic lights which helps the police catch people who passes red lights and charge penalties those against who breaks the law it meets community needs as it decreases crime. CCTV cameras in Southall are able to zoom in and zoom out as it makes it easier and clearer for police and staff in the community to see what is happening. They are also computerised this means that it can record for some days and it can be used as an evidence. CCTV is also meets the needs of the community w hen it comes to use against criminals it helps my community as it produce a clear picture of the place where it is placed. It meets my community needs in a better way because every community needs to be as secured as it can be, in Southall CCTV is used in several places which meet the needs of the people and community as it provide security and records every thing is happening around. It also helps police in the as one of the CCTV cameras are able to rotate at 360 degrees which helps the police check around direct through the camera. Evaluate on the use of ICT – good/bad features (advantages/disadvantage of the technology The introduction of CCTV cameras in my community has been one of the best weapons against crime in the Borough and in this community. It has been proved effective in both cutting and detecting crime and because of this people now feel safer when they’re out and about. CCTV cameras are a big advantage for my community. If my community didn’t have CCTV the crime rate would be high and people will be free to cause trouble in my community. It will be hard for the police to find evidence and use it against the criminals in the court. People also wouldn’t feel safe in shopping centres and also when traveling. CCTV cameras can deal with everything from murder to suicides, rapes and paedophiles, although they are very rare. CCTV cameras in my community are also used in shops and supermarkets which help the customer buy stuff safely and securely and it also helps the shop owner and use CCTV evidence against thieves. The crimes that have been tackled in my community by using CCTV cameras are: * Shoplifting * Pick Pocketing * Possessions of drugs * Assault * Unauthorised taking of motor vehicle * Public order offence CCTV is a tool that saves a lot of time. Aside from the disadvantage of not attending school, youngsters can also get into serious trouble if they hang around unsupervised on the streets. So CCTV is the best technology to catch them. Some teenagers in South all are not scared of CCTV cameras as when they are doing graffiti in bus stop and damaging the environment they don’t stop, they carry on causing more damage. And when someone inform the police the operator attend the call then he tell the police about the incident and then they will deal about the incident so it’s a long process for the police to come and deal with the incident and it also cost a lot of money repairing the damage. How ever if there are more CCTV cameras placed in Southall there will be less police on patrol so it won’t cost the council a lot of money. CCTV cameras can also help my community to catch domestic and trade litterers in the act as the Council tries to get the message of Project Street clean across and those who refuse to pay their fines will end up in court. CCTV cameras are also use in Southall Railway station and it’s safer for the community to travel at night time. If people cause trouble they can call in back-up from officers to stop antisocial behaviour immediately and arrest offenders on the spot. They can also stop people intent on harming themselves. There are suicides on railways Southall station so they can stop people committing suicide. There are many advantages of CCTV cameras but there are also disadvantages CCTV increased the workload of officers. Most of the CCTV cameras in Southall are black and white colour so it doesn’t have a good quality picture. How does the technology benefit my community? CCTV benefit my community if my community doesn’t have CCTV the crime rate would be high and people will be free to cause trouble in the community. People also wouldn’t feel safe in shopping centres and also when travelling. CCTV cameras are also used in shops and supermarkets which help the customer buy stuff safely and securely and it also helps the shop owner and use CCTV evidence against thieves. CCTV cameras are place in various places in Southall most of them are placed in Schools, shopping centres, supermarkets and busy roads. It would benefit the community if they use CCTV on busy roads because some drivers drive over the limit of speed. So it’s easy for the police to catch them. To what extent does the technology meet my community need To some extent CCTV cameras meet my community needs as they can control anti social behaviour and also if they wouldn’t had CCTV cameras so people would be free to cause trouble. To some extent it doesn’t meet my community needs as most of the cameras aren’t very clear and they are placed in one place so it can’t move round as it makes it hard for the police to see around and they will need to place more cameras. Most of the advance cameras are expensive so overall it cost lots of money to install it in the community. And some time it won’t sort out some people who are causing trouble and damaging the environment. As I explained in Page 10 it’s a long period for the police to arrive and deal with the problem. The police won’t be able to catch the people but they can use the evidence of CCTV in the court. Possible development of the technology in the future They can improve the CCTV for the future as in Southall most of the CCTV cameras are black and white colour and have a poor quality so they can replace the old cameras with the latest CCTV cameras. They can have more CCTV cameras in the railways so people don’t commit suicide and already in the past the number of suicide has decreased. Internet – Learn Direct Explanation of the Technology Learn direct is a program run by a company for the people aged over 16. It a service for people who wants to learn online and doesn’t has time to go physically and study. It is also for people who has less education and want to have more education. It also helps people to get educated and have a good future. Learn direct tells people the easier way to achieve what the want in life and help them achieve it. These courses are available for all kinds of people whether they are educated or not. Learn direct have various centres in out community where they provide computer and internet access. Learn direct also covers a range of inter-related services for online learning, advice and guidance. These include: * Learn direct advice service: a government-funded telephone helpline and website providing impartial information, advice and guidance relating to learning opportunities and career development. * Learn direct is online learning service aimed at small to medium-sized enterprises. * A higher education offer aimed at people in work. Deciding what’s best for you depends on factors such as your personal circumstances and what you enjoy doing. If you’re unsure about what you want to do next, we can learn direct can help you. How Learn Direct works? Learn direct can help you in lots of different ways they can help you find a suitable course or you can search their database on Learn Direct website. Learn Direct have database of nearly one million courses from right across the UK, from short courses lasting one day to longer courses lasting a few years. Learn direct courses are a brilliant way to learn. You learn either online through the Internet or by using workbooks and/or CD-ROMs, so you’re free to learn where and when you want, at a pace you choose. You can contact learn Direct on this number 0800 100 900 or email an advisor. How does the technology meet the needs of my community? Learn direct and the courses available meet the needs of the people in my community extremely well because there are courses available for nearly every one. Learn direct meets the needs of my community really well because Learn direct have many branches so there would be no shortage of space for people choosing to do the courses. Another big advantage for the people in my community can be that they can choose their courses online before actually talking to learn direct. There are 900, 000 different courses so there is a course for everyone. Evaluate on the use of ICT – good/bad features (advantages/disadvantage of the technology Learn direct is a great advantage to the whole Southall community because most people in my community and in Southall are unemployed and uneducated. The other advantage people who came to this country new they can get a lot of help from Learn Direct. But since this online system is been introduced the unemployment rate have decreased and the amount of people with futures have been increased. Learn direct is a great advantage because it offers great advantages like: there are many courses available for all people whether employed/ educated or not. Also learn direct is available to everyone and people can use it online. Learn direct courses are broken down into bite-sized chunks, so you can do as little or as much as you like at any time, picking up where you left off. And if you get stuck, help is always at hand. The Advantages of Learn Direct are: * Equips people with the skills they need for employability * Is delivered innovatively through the use of new technologies; * Reaches those people with few or no skills and qualifications who are unlikely to participate in traditional forms of learning. There are some disadvantage of Learn direct in my community as some people in my community doesn’t have computers and don’t have access to the internet so they will need to use the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ so it will cost them quite a lot. Without Learn Direct my community will would have lack of education and uneducated people will still be having problems in the community. Most of the people in my community work and study both, it would be hard for people to go physically to go study centre and it would take more time. How does the technology benefit the community? My community benefits learn direct because there are more uneducated people in my community Learn Direct give advice on phone they give advice on courses and impartial information training, apprenticeships, careers, returning to work, and childcare. They can also advise you on paying for your learning. Any one in my community can get help and advice from Learn Direct it’s also free. Some people can benefit from learn direct a lot as for women they can’t go to college physically because they have kids in the house to look after and in some culture women are not allowed to go to study and college so it will benefit women in my community as they can sit at home and learn. To what extent does the technology meet my community need To some extent it doesn’t meet my community needs as some people who come to this country and they are in this community they really need help and advice and most of them don’t know about Learn direct. Some people in my community don’t know how to use computer so they will need another person to show them. Most of the people in my community also don’t have access to computer so they will have to use library and library is not open all the time. Possible development of the technology in the future They can help my community in the future in different ways. All the staffs in Learn direct speak English so some people in my community might need help and they can’t speak English and read English so the staff should be able to speak more than one or two languages as in our community some people can’t speak English. And also there should be more advertising of Learn direct and in different languages so people can find about it easily. Communication – Information Point Explanation of the Technology Information point are screens based in various places it provide a direct link to the council, free email, BBC news and sport, transport information and job search facility. It is free and every one in my community can use it. Information points provide users with local, national and international news. It also allows the user to use free email facility. It helps the people my community to communicate with other people and it lets them access to internet and search for jobs. How Information Point works? Information points are easy to use the best thing about information point is that it’s touch screen. As you go to the Information Point just follow the instruction on screen. It will tell you all the information about Traffic, News, and your local community it can also help you to look for jobs to the nearest location. How does the technology meet the needs of my community? Information points are located in various places in my community and in Southall Information point in Southall is located in South road opposite the bank. It meets the needs of the community as it makes it easier for people to access to free internet, provide them with latest information and also has link to council. This meets the needs of my community as it makes it easier for the council to contact people and it meets the needs of the people in my community as they can use it at any time and anywhere. If anyone is searching for a job they don’t have to go around and ask they can easily search at an information point. It also meets the need of my community as in council there won’t be too many people having problem so the council won’t need to have a lot of staff and it is also quicker for the staff to solve problems easily. Evaluate on the use of ICT – good/bad features (advantages/disadvantage of the technology Information points also attract more tourists in my community as the tourists are able to find information, events and businesses in my community. Information Points are located in various places in Southall for e.g. it’s located in Southall Broadway Information points are widely used by the people in my community. The content on Information Points can be tailored to suit each client, and ranges from local council, transport and community information to free email and job finding services. Users benefit from the opportunity to access what they need, where and when they need it. The Information Multipoint broadcast screen provides an effective communication tool for councils as they can be used to promote local services to citizens, such as Real-Time Passenger Information for local transport. In addition an Information Point network ensures the most appropriate services to suit the needs of citizens are available, e.g. council, government, transport and local news services. One of the biggest advantages of using Information Point there is not need of IT skills to use Information Point, the information provided is accessible to all. And also some people might don’t know about the Councillor of Ealing they can get information about them and also when they have to elect a new councillor they can vote by using the Information Point. The disadvantage is that some of the information Points in my community not weather-proof and resistant to vandalism. How does the technology benefit my community? It also meet makes it easier for people in Southall to search for a job at anytime as there is more unemployment. It also meets the needs of the community as the council won’t have to employ more staff. In order to provide Outdoor broadband service for everyone in our Community Information point provides network of interactive touch screen internet-based services on-street. They are free and easy to use. As I said above that unemployment rate in Southall is high and it would be hard for people to find jobs and read news and reviews. To what extent does the technology meet my community need To some extents it doesn’t meet the need as there aren’t many around my community so people need to use their nearest information time. Also most of the people don’t know how to use Information points. It is also some time slow and takes time to download the page. And some teenagers do graffiti on information point and damage the point so it gives a bad image to my community. Possible development of the technology in the future Information Point is really useful for my community and it attract tourist. They can improve for the future by keeping clean and in a safe place because people in our community do graffiti and break the glasses. People in my community don’t look after the information point so the grand council may not introduce any more information point in Southall and other places. Data Capture – Bar Code Scanner Explanation of the Technology Bar Code scanner is specialized for reading bar codes. Bar Code readers are used in various places in my community for example, supermarkets, leisure centres, community centres and local shops. It allows people to buy stuff from supermarkets easily and also they get receipt. How Bar Code scanner works? A barcode reader is a computer peripheral for reading barcodes printed on various surfaces. Bar code scanner is like a flatbed scanner, it generally consists of a light source, a lens and a photo. Additionally, nearly all barcode readers currently produced contain decoder bar code scanner send the information to the computer and it prints the receipt. As I have show a picture of a Bar code scanner on the left they cashier scans the product and the scanner send all the information to the computer. How does the technology meet the needs of my community? Bar code Scanner meets the needs of my community as it convenient for the people of my community. It also helps as cashier can’t cheat with their customers as they can’t charge people higher price which all computerised and all the cashier has to do is to scan it and the customer will receive the receipt which say the price. Evaluate on the use of ICT – good/bad features (advantages/disadvantage of the technology Bar Code scanner is used in various places in my community it is mostly used in Supermarkets, leisure centres and the big stores like Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda. It is used for various purposes e.g. in leisure centres they have provided their customers a membership card which has bar code scanner and when it is scanned all the information comes up on the screen with the picture of the person which helps them to identify the person, in supermarkets it used for products as every product has bar code which is brought to the cashier and it calculates the total price and it also prints out a receipt. Bar code Scanner is also used in the local library in my community it helps the librarian to find all the details about the students and the information about the books. It is used by every single person in my community. It meets the needs of the community as it makes it easier for people to buy stuff efficiently and quick it also gives them a prove (receipt) which is then used to refund stuff which damaged. There are also some disadvantages of Bar code scanner Bar code scanner is when it’s scan a bar code, the cursor has to be in the correct input data field, and in the correct application otherwise the bar code data will end up in whatever application that is active. This can cause all sorts of problems. Bar code scanner is also more complicated to use as it is hard for new cashier to use and it give the wrong detail to the person who purchase the product and it can cause a lot of problem to the cashier and also to the buyer. So in my community all the people employees have to be familiar with using the bar code scanner. How does the technology benefit my community Bar code scanner benefit my community in many different ways it benefit my community as it makes it easier for people to buy stuff efficiently and quick it gives them a prove which is then used to exchange or refund the stuff which is damage. To what extent does the technology meet my community need To some extents it doesn’t meet the needs of my community as it is not available in all the shops and the shops can also charge people high prices. Possible development of the technology in the future They can improve the Barcode in different ways some shop’s in Southall and in my community doesn’t have Bar code scanner, some of do but it’s not the latest technology. There are many different type of Bar code scanner for e.g. Laser Barcode Scanners This is the most popular bar code scanner. A laser bar code scanner need not be close to or touch the bar code to do its job. A standard range laser bar code scanner can read a bar code from about 6 to 24 inches away, and a long range scanner can read bar code from about 2 to 8 feet away. An extra long-range scanner can read a bar code 30 feet away. Laser barcode scanners vary in price from $200 to $2,000 and come in a variety of models. Future Developments ICT needs to be improved for the new generation. It is hard to cope with the old technology for the new generation. For example community will need more telephone boxes on the streets they will also need to improve the facility for example some of them has the e-mail and news facility. Learn Direct will also need to improve as in the past the population of the community was less now it increased so they need to provide more centres and also more courses to give a wide choice. Community will also need to put more CCTV cameras on the streets as the crime rate increased and to put better quality cameras. My community also need to improve the transport it takes normally about 15 to 30 minutes for a bus to come. To meet the needs of the community in the future the technologies needs to be updated and improved so it will meet the community needs in a better way. Overall Evaluation ICT is a big help to Southall and my community ICT made several changes as in the past most of the organisation had problems dealing with task now with the help of ICT everything is done in less time and with less loss of energy. ICT meets the needs of my community as unemployment rate is high with the help of ICT it provided jobs and decreased the unemployment rate. It also helps uneducated they can learn on learn direct. ICT also provide security for my community as now the crime rate is low as more criminals are caught on CCTV and charged, people can report crimes online which saves time by going to the police station and getting a report written. Lastly with the help of ICT a person who can’t afford to buy computer or use internet cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ they are provided with information points which lets them send free emails and has information. Overall without ICT people in our community would have problems and small tasks would take them long time.

% Mgo Determination

Vu Ngo % MgO Determination September 10, 2012 Procedure: Reference to lab manual Data: Mass of Na2EDTA†¢2H2O, g| . 9289| Standardization of EDTA Solution | Trial 1| Trial 2| Final buret reading, EDTA (mL)| 18. 5| 36. 7| Initial buret reading, EDTA(mL)| 0. 5| 18. 5| Determination of % MgO of Unknown Unknown Number | 4J| | Sample 1| Sample 2| Sample 3| Mass of sample (g)| 0. 2135| 0. 2132| 0. 2139| Final buret reading, EDTA (mL)| 73. 5| 74. 2| 74. 2| Initial buret reading, EDTA(mL)| 0. 5| 0| 0| Measurement of water blank Final buret reading, EDTA(mL)| 14. 5| Initial buret reading, EDTA(mL)| 14. 2| Sample Calculation:Given: Molar mass of Na2EDTA*2H2O, g/mol| 372. 25| Expected M of EDTA solution, mol/L (M)| 0. 01| Concentration of Zn2+, (M)| 0. 0125| 10mL*1L1000mL= 0. 01L C1V1=C2V2 .0125M. 010L)=C2(. 018L) C2=. 0125M*. 0100L. 0180L=. 00694M .00694M+. 0687M2=. 00691M C2=. 00691M. 073=5. 04*10-4mol %MgO=5. 04*10-4mol40. 05. 2135g*100=9. 51% Results: Standardization of EDTA Solution | Trial 1| Trial 2| Volume used, EDTA(mL)| 18. 0| 18. 2| Molarity of EDTA solution, (M)| 0. 00694| 0. 00687| Average Molarity of EDTA solution, (M)| 0. 00691| Determination of % MgO of Unknown | Sample 1| Sample 2| Sample 3| Volume used, EDTA (mL)| 73. | 74. 2| 74. 2| Mole of Mg2+in sample| 5. 04E-04| 5. 12E-04| 5. 12E-04| % of MgO in sample, %| 9. 52| 9. 69| 9. 66| Average % of MgO in sample, %| 9. 62| Error Analysis: The measurement of the sample in gram, have +/- . 0001g error. The measurement using the the buret have a +/- . 1mL error. These types of measurement error are based on the sensitivity of the instrument, during the measurement. These errors could cause the result to deviate from the actual answer. During the experiment, using titration to find the end point. Because of the end point was unknown, a single drop could determine its end point.There might be an extra drop that caused the data to vary as both parts of the experiment have determined. The first trial of both th e experiment, the number is different, because of the unsure number of drops. Using the result from the first trial, the result of the second trial was more accurate. As proven from the experiment of determination of percent of MgO of the unknown. The sample 2 and sample 3 testing results in similarity that differ from the sample one. The sample used 73. 0 ml of the EDTA solution, while both samples 2 and 3 used 74. 2 ml of EDTA solution.This will cause a tip in the result toward a lower number used to find the end point. This error is not a major factor since it is only of my 1. 2 ml of the actual result. The percent of all three result of MgO is different under 1 percent different. Thus, a very reasonable result in all three of the experiment. Discussion: This experiment is to help us understand the reaction between an anion and the metal cation. It demonstrated the Lewis base understanding of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). The goal was achieved through titration of the s ample in multiple trials in order to find its endpoint.The end point was found when the pink coloration, due to EBT was added, turn into a blue/ violet color. This signified its endpoint of the sample. The result is good quality, because of the deviation from the first trial and last trial that was done on the same sample. The result is off by . 2ml in the standardization of EDTA solution. In the second part of the determination of % MgO of the unknown; the first, second, and third sample the percentage displaces is well under 1% difference. The result is worth 99% confident that the result is good quality, because of the consistency of the data.

gattaca essays

gattaca essays Genetically, Vincent is supposed to be weak, yet his strength of character is the key to the story. DISCUSS The film Gattaca portrays the not to distant future, where a society has become overwhelmed by a new form of discrimination, genoism. Individuals entire futures are determined by their genetic makeup. Those who have been conceived naturally are labelled as faith births, invalids and looked down upon by society. Whereas those who are genetically engineered to perfection before birth become the elite class who are termed valid in which success is almost guaranteed. However, Vincent refuses to accept the limitations society has placed on his life. He refuses to give in to the inevitable. Vincent wages his own personal fight against societys mores to achieve his dream and show that anything is possible. From a young age Vincent is conveyed as weak and almost chronically ill. Conceived in love has a greater chance of happiness. They dont say that anymore. Those who are not manufactured by IVF but made through love are subjected to a second class life from birth. Invalids, as they are known, belong to a new under class. My destiny was mapped out before meall my flaws, predispositions and susceptibilities - most untreatable to this day. Only minutes old, the date and cause of my death was already known. Throughout Vincents early years we are shown the discrimination he sarcomas to from his own family as well as society. Vincents own father Antonio sees Vincent as weak and unworthy of his name Anton so instead calls him Vincent. Gates and opportunities are continuously slammed shut in Vincents face. There is constant favouritism shown towards Vincents genetically superior brother Anton. Vincents parents see him as a failure and give up on him. ...

Essay on Rape of Nanking notes

Essay on Rape of Nanking notes Essay on Rape of Nanking notes Japanese troops wanted to get rid of Nanking entirely to break the spirit of Chinese resistance. During the time of the genocide, the United States took the articles written in magazines such as Times, Readers Digest and New York Times doubtfully. The stories smuggled out of Nanking came across as too unrealistic to believe. There were many different ways of extermination for this genocide. One example is when the Japanese troops lined up the Chinese people along the banks of the Yangtze River, tied up their hands, and then shot them from behind with machine guns. Victims were also decapitated so that soldiers could use the heads as souvenirs. Another extermination method was to soak the Chinese in gasoline and burn them to death. The Japanese troops sometimes went door to door and some rapes of the Chinese even occurred in the public day and often in front of family members or spouses, some were even gang raped. The Japanese would rape the women and even the little children, treating them like dogs. They would also hit them with Bayonets and during the process the Japanese would proceed to kill some of them. Chinese prisoners were moved to the outskirts of Nanking and they were assembled for killing. Once Chinese soldiers were removed as a threat Japanese soldiers started to turn violence on public, most of which being women. The polarization for this Genocide had to do with the initial order to invade the previous capital of China. This was Japan’s way of showing the difference in ethnic groups. China was given the idea that they were separated very quickly. The Rape of Nanking is proven fact. This massacre has been denied by Japanese officials in an article written by CNN. During the massacre there were over 300,000 deaths

Word Games for the ESL Class

Word Games for the ESL Class Here are two printable word games for the ESL classroom that help students improve their understanding of parts of speech. Its a variation on classic cloze exercises, except that students need to choose any word from a given part of speech. For example: It was a __________ (Adjective) day outside. Students have such a great time while learning important skills - without thinking too hard about it! Aim: Recognizing Parts of Speech Activity: Fill in the gap story completion Level: Lower level to intermediate Outline: Write a few words up on the board representing various parts of speech (i.e. noun, verb, adverb, etc.). As a group, ask students to identify the part of speech for each word. Write down those parts of speech as students identify them.Pointing out the various parts of speech recorded on the board, call on random students asking them to offer other examples for the indicated part of speech.Once students feel comfortable with these various parts of speech, have students pair up.Distribute the worksheet, make sure to cut each sheet in quarters between the word list and the story.Ask students to work together to fill in the word sheet. Once students have filled in the word sheet, they should fill in the story. Go around the room helping students with difficulty. Variation:In order to teach specific vocabulary, provide a vocabulary list of target words for each part of speech.Do the above introductory steps, but instead of writing just any word on the board, make sure to use words from you r target vocabulary list.Ask students to use the target vocabulary list when giving further examples of each part of speech.Instruct students to complete the worksheet using words on the target vocabulary list. Explore the use of word forms to further improve vocabulary expansion through knowledge of parts of speech.   A Day in the Life ... Worksheet Adjective ______________________________Month _________________________________Mans name____________________________Verb __________________________________Noun __________________________________Noun __________________________________Verb __________________________________Adjective ______________________________Verb ending in - ing ____________________Adverb ________________________________Verb Weather __________________________Verb Transportation ____________________Verb Transportation - ing ________________Verb __________________________________Adverb of frequency ____________________ A Day in the Life ...Exercise It was a __________ (Adjective) day in __________ (Month) and the __________ (Mans name) decided to __________ (Verb). As soon as he got to the __________ (Noun), he sat down and took out his __________ (Noun). He certainly hadnt expected to be able to __________ (Verb), but was __________ (Adjective) for the chance to do so. __________ (Verb ending in -ing), the time passed __________ (Adverb) and before he knew it, it was time to go home. He gathered his things and began to walk home. Unfortunately, it began to __________ (Verb concerning the weather) so he decided to __________ (Verb of transportation i.e. take a taxi, run, skip, etc.). While he was _________ (Verb of transportation i.e. take a taxi, run, skip, etc. in the -ing form), he noticed that he had forgotten to __________ (Verb). He __________ (Adverb of frequency) forgot such things! The World of Work -   Worksheet Noun ________________________________Verb _________________________________Adjective _____________________________Verb __________________________________Verb __________________________________Verb __________________________________Verb __________________________________Verb _________________________________Noun   _________________________________Adjective________________________________Verb ___________________________________Verb ___________________________________Adjective   ______________________________Verb __________________________________ The World of Work -   Exercise I work in an / a _________ (noun) that _________ (verb) for _________ (noun). Its a _________ (adjective) job that requires me to _________ (verb) every day. Some days, I can _________ (verb), but thats only on special occasions. I _________ (verb) my position. It is full of opportunities to _________ (verb) or _________ (verb). The _________ (noun) are often _________ (adjective), but its a job so I wont complain! Some days customers want _________ (verb), on other days my boss asks me to _________ (verb). Its really _________ (adjective). Have you ever had to _________ (verb)? If so, I hope you are happy.

Job Analysis & Design in the Organization Essay

Job Analysis & Design in the Organization - Essay Example 6. Promoting the organization as an employer of choice. Employee Interaction: 1. Supervision of the activities of all staff members in the Human Resources Area. 2. Determining the number and type of positions that need to be created and filled in the HR Department, as well as judging the competencies of the staff and placing them accordingly. 3. Creating and setting up the overall structure of the HR Department with its divisions into Recruitment, Compensation and Benefits, Payroll & Accounting, Training and Development and Legal Counsel. 4. Having knowledge of what each HR staff member is doing, his or her responsibility areas and assigning duties and goals to each area and each employee through his or her reporting authority. Management Responsibilities: 1. To see that the HR Department is working as a cohesive unit and meeting its generally accepted responsibilities. 2. To look after the Administrative functions that invariably form a part of HR duties and responsibilities. 3. To act in compliance with company guidelines on good corporate governance and ethical behavior. 4. To guarantee and ensure employee confidentiality of events reported, as and when required. 5. To act as the custodian of HR policies and procedures, preparation and updating of the HR Manual and communicating all revised policies throughout the organization with the approval of the CEO/CFO or other relevant Head of Departments. 6. To liaise with Payroll, Accounting, and Administration staff to see that salaries, bonuses, increments and deductions are made on a timely basis and in accordance with legal and tax guidelines. 7. To take disciplinary action where and when required, in conformity with organizational policy and management directives, involving legal counsel as needed. 8. To participate in salary surveys within the industry, incorporating these into increment and bonus packages for employees. 9. To take employee satisfaction surveys and monitor employee morale. 10. To create a suc cession plan for key management staff and keep senior management informed of staff turnover at all levels. Qualifications: Bachelors or Masters in Psychology, Human Relations or Organizational Development. Experience of at least 10 years in handling Human Resources or Administration related functions- with at least 5 years in a middle to a senior management position. Must have completed the requirements of the CIPD and SHRM and be a member of these organizations. Working Conditions: 1. Must be a confident and competent individual, a self-starter willing and able to work without supervision, both individually and as part of a team. 2. Must be able to create, organize and manage a team of competent HR professionals that hold value for the organization. 3. Must be able to work long hours when required, with considerable human interaction at all levels within the organization. Work Schedules: The position is normally a 9 to 5 job; however being a management position, the working hours c an be extended from time to time as necessary in order to perform the requirements of the job. Management positions do not attract overtime.  

How Does Social Media Influence Companies Research Paper

How Does Social Media Influence Companies - Research Paper Example The emergence and ascendancy of social media have been awe-inspiring. Social media has become a very powerful communication tool and has revolutionized the way in which people interact and connect with each other. The use of social media is not restricted to individuals alone. Companies have recognized the importance of this media and have jumped onto the bandwagon. It is hard to find a company competing in the present day cut-throat environment and not deploying social media in its communication strategy. Social media is currently being used by companies to advertise their products, communicate internally, engage customers, listen to them and capitalize by generating a positive word-of-mouth.  The advertisement spends on social media are expected to continue their northward trend. Globally, companies are expected to spend $23.6 billion on social media advertising this year. By 2017, this expenditure is expected to soar to $35.98 billion. Estimates also reveal that by 2017, adverti sement on social media will represent 16 percent of the total advertisement expenditure incurred by companies on different types of digital media (Cohen, 2015). The data clearly establishes that social media has attracted a considerable amount of advertisement expenditure which was earlier incurred by companies on traditional media like television, print, and radio.   While there are various social networking sites, Facebook has emerged as the biggest beneficiary when it comes to advertising on social media.

Barclays Bank Seychelles Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10250 words

Barclays Bank Seychelles - Dissertation Example 1.1 Reasons for Topic Area and Choosing Particular Organization 4 1.2 Project Objectives and Research Questions 5 1.3 Overall Research Approach 5 PART 2 - INFORMATION GATHERING AND ACCOUNTING /BUSINESS TECHNIQUES 8 2.1 Sources of Information for Analysis and Evaluation 8 2.2 Methods Employed to Collect Information 8 2.3 Discussion of the limitations of information gathered 9 2.4 Ethical issues during information gathering 9 2.5 Accounting and/or business techniques used as explained with discussion of their limitations 10 2.5.1 Assumptions in the preparation of financial statements 11 2.5.2 Resulting limitations in financial statements based on assumptions 12 2.5.3 Limitations of Ratio Analysis 14 PART 3 – RESULTS, ANALYSIS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 16 3.1.1 Description of Results Obtained and Their Limitations 16 3.1.2 Limitations of Results Obtained. 16 3.2 Presentation of results 17 3.3 Critical Analysis/Evaluation of Results and Explanations of Significant Findings 23 3.3.1 Brief Introduction 23 3.3.1.1 Overview of the activities of BSS 23 3.3.2. Analysis and Discussion 24 3.3.2.1 Profitability and Efficiency 24 3.3.2.1.1 How interest income as major source of revenue behaved for the last three years? 24 3.3.2.1.2 Profitability phenomenally high after interest expenses has been deducted 26 3.3.2.1.3Further evidence profitability and efficiency 27 3.3.2.2 Liquidity 30 3.3.2.2.1 Liquidity as observed against profitability 31 ... 37 37 4.4 How has undertaking the (Research and Analysis Project) RAP helped you in your accountancy studies and/or current employment role? 38 4.4.1 The financial statements and profitability, efficiency, liquidity and solvency and wealth maximization 39 4.4.2 A group of stakeholders along with owners of the business need to meet their needs as well. 41 4.4.3 To satisfy the needs of stakeholders decision makers must have accountability 42 42 References: 45 Part 1 – Project objectives and overall research approach 1.1 Reasons for Topic Area and Choosing Particular Organization The reason for choosing my project topic area – an analysis of business and financial performance – is to the see the most appropriate application of knowledge regarding and choosing the particular organization that was the focus of your research work. Doing this would be as way to have a strong basis for experiential learning outcome of the BSc (Hons) Applied in Accounting degree programme . What else could be more experiential at this point than to talk and research about a real organization like Barclays Bank Seychelles? Applying ACCA previous learning would be most appropriate when one sees the real events of the events and assuming from the point of view of research that conclusions recommendations for decision makers is something more than an ordinary management act. If I assume as one of the owners of the bank, it would be like asking whether I should maintain my investments with the bank after I have known and researched more information about the company. What else could be more interesting? Choosing a bank like that of Barclays Bank Seychelles (BSS) allows availability of some information for analysis including the financial statements and industry data. Choosing the

Organizational Policies on Sexual Harassment Research Paper

Organizational Policies on Sexual Harassment - Research Paper Example The research paper "Organizational Policies on Sexual Harassment" talks about the sexual harassment, a chief vice that is facing modern organizations. Since sexual harassment can cripple the company’s operation and affluence, it is imperative finding the underlying cause of the quandary, addressing fit to the staff members and making clear and plausible policies, rules and tenets governing the behavior of the workers. Therefore, very adept decisions in a meeting with all staff members ought to be addressed and clear guidelines put forward. Therefore, the following paragraphs espouse the various approaches to tackle the setback of sexual harassment in the specific sections to avoid pitfalls that could possibly result into lame operations and poor performance by the company. The organization should stipulate a policy discouraging and barring sexual harassment and severe penalties failure to compliance. The policies should be clear and fighting malicious accusations and deliberate misconduct on the part of sexual harassment cases. The human resource officials ought to inform the members of staff on the suitable procedures in the pressing of grievances when an individual is harassed sexually. Through an array of awareness and teaching tactics, the organization ought to treat the employees to intensive teaching and training on intelligence concerning the problem at hand and how to react accordingly. Additionally, the department heads to identify any hidden cases should conduct surveys.

NBA Lockout Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

NBA Lockout - Research Paper Example In other words, globalization has altered the concept of business law and its application comprehensively in the light of internationally recognized rights and regulations. Such features of business law are covered by legislation enacted by central and state governments. Sources of Business Law; The subcategories of the sources of business law are derived from statutory law, case law, natural law, English mercantile law and the law of custom and usage. All the areas and functions of a business are enforceable under business law through regulations of contracts, bailment, agency, sales of goods, partnerships, companies, negotiable instruments, pollution control etc. Union have been the prime focus of government and private sector because of the power and rights allocated by them from law. The history have been marked by unfair practices and social discrimination towards labor force that was intended to be secured with the assistance of law in good perception The objective behind the p ermission to form Union was to form an equal powerful body of labor against the corporate organizations to secure the interest of both the concerns faithfully concerning the fact that an individual worker have no power and authority to bargain against unfavorable terms and conditions. The National Labor Relation Act; The National Labor Relation Act was passed in the year 1935 with the features that illustrates the rights of employees in relation to the establishment and functioning of Union that includes right to form Union and join Union, to bargain collectively with authorities through union and to engage in strikes for securing fair decisions. The purpose of the Act is to secure labor from being a victim of unfair practices and allocated certain rights to work with prestige through negotiations and bargaining. Union Issues; The types of issues that can be regarded as important pertaining to the nature and scope of Union activities are categorized below; Mandatory Issues; any issu e that has been raised by either side is mandatory and the other party is bound to negotiate in good faith with honest efforts. The types of mandatory issues are usually working condition such as overtime, layoff, safety and security etc. Permissive Issues; this category encompasses issues that are not pressed to impasse and is only considered if both the parties are agreed on negotiation. The types of issues covered under the spectrum are the amount of dues to be paid to Union, Union related procedures and company’s product price related issues. Prohibited (illegal) issues; This category points over the issues that cannot be legally negotiated such as that of illegal discrimination in hiring and other union related technical agreement like close shop agreement or union security agreement. Types of Bargaining; The various types of bargaining involved in the procedure of negotiations are illustrated below for an over view. Distributive bargaining; This bargaining refers to the condition when there is a conflict of goal among the management and union. Integrative bargaining; This bargaining refers to the condition when there is no conflict of goal among the management and union, that is both the parties have common objective. Attitudinal Structuring; This bargaining refers to the condition when the objective is to impact the attitude of the other party. Intra organizational bargaining; This bargaining refers to the state when the objective is to resolve the conflict of the members of same side. Globalization and its impact on law of international business; International business today is an intertwined process that pervades nearly every

To what extent should changes in the relationship between monarchy and Essay

To what extent should changes in the relationship between monarchy and parliament from 1529 to 1640 be seen as arising from divisions over the future of the chu - Essay Example But it was the Crown’s longer term financial problems, exacerbated by wars, in some cases were linked to religious tensions that caused parliament long term changes in crown-parliament relation. Comparing the role of parliament before the Tudor Revolution in 1530s and after the Long Parliament in 1640, it stayed the same in general, and yet, significant changes had occurred, providing Parliament with greater power and more functions. Even after the Bishops’ Wars the power of Monarch remained unequalled and Parliament’s jurisdiction was limited mainly to aiding and advising the Crown. Still, as the Parliament evolved, its influence was extended to more and more aspects of the domestic policy. The 1530s are considered by G.R. Elton1 as a key decade in the constitutional history of Britain. Beforehand, late 15th century parliaments were occasions where the King could meet with the elites to discuss their own personal interests, but the Monarch decided when parliament should meet and it gave advice on polices only if advice was rejected. Parliament’s main functions were related to taxation, legislation, and judicial powers. The Monarch could not tax without Parliament’s consent and had to follow the laws of the realm. The King and Parliament together acted as a legislative body which made the laws of the kingdom, and parliament acted as an advisor for the king in terms of policies, though the King selected which issues he asked advice about. The House of Lords was the highest court in the kingdom, and acted as a court of law, while parliament also provided a national forum for discussing local and national grievances. Thus, Parliament acted as a representative body which G.R Elton said provided a ‘point of contact’ between the King and his subjects because it gave a chance for the King to listen to his subjects grievances. However, Parliament essentially represented the landed and urban elites, King, Lords and Commons governed in their mutual

NBA Lockout Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

NBA Lockout - Research Paper Example In other words, globalization has altered the concept of business law and its application comprehensively in the light of internationally recognized rights and regulations. Such features of business law are covered by legislation enacted by central and state governments. Sources of Business Law; The subcategories of the sources of business law are derived from statutory law, case law, natural law, English mercantile law and the law of custom and usage. All the areas and functions of a business are enforceable under business law through regulations of contracts, bailment, agency, sales of goods, partnerships, companies, negotiable instruments, pollution control etc. Union have been the prime focus of government and private sector because of the power and rights allocated by them from law. The history have been marked by unfair practices and social discrimination towards labor force that was intended to be secured with the assistance of law in good perception The objective behind the p ermission to form Union was to form an equal powerful body of labor against the corporate organizations to secure the interest of both the concerns faithfully concerning the fact that an individual worker have no power and authority to bargain against unfavorable terms and conditions. The National Labor Relation Act; The National Labor Relation Act was passed in the year 1935 with the features that illustrates the rights of employees in relation to the establishment and functioning of Union that includes right to form Union and join Union, to bargain collectively with authorities through union and to engage in strikes for securing fair decisions. The purpose of the Act is to secure labor from being a victim of unfair practices and allocated certain rights to work with prestige through negotiations and bargaining. Union Issues; The types of issues that can be regarded as important pertaining to the nature and scope of Union activities are categorized below; Mandatory Issues; any issu e that has been raised by either side is mandatory and the other party is bound to negotiate in good faith with honest efforts. The types of mandatory issues are usually working condition such as overtime, layoff, safety and security etc. Permissive Issues; this category encompasses issues that are not pressed to impasse and is only considered if both the parties are agreed on negotiation. The types of issues covered under the spectrum are the amount of dues to be paid to Union, Union related procedures and company’s product price related issues. Prohibited (illegal) issues; This category points over the issues that cannot be legally negotiated such as that of illegal discrimination in hiring and other union related technical agreement like close shop agreement or union security agreement. Types of Bargaining; The various types of bargaining involved in the procedure of negotiations are illustrated below for an over view. Distributive bargaining; This bargaining refers to the condition when there is a conflict of goal among the management and union. Integrative bargaining; This bargaining refers to the condition when there is no conflict of goal among the management and union, that is both the parties have common objective. Attitudinal Structuring; This bargaining refers to the condition when the objective is to impact the attitude of the other party. Intra organizational bargaining; This bargaining refers to the state when the objective is to resolve the conflict of the members of same side. Globalization and its impact on law of international business; International business today is an intertwined process that pervades nearly every

Richard Pascale (the person who known as Honda Effect) Essay

Richard Pascale (the person who known as Honda Effect) - Essay Example The four dimensions incorporate the management of past, present and future. In addition to these dimensions, there is also the need for strategic intent as well as the need for agility on the management part as these are what will drive the sustainability of the organization in the future. Power is constant in the present and future, but the learning and identity development which was carried out in the past should be added on in the present as well as in the future. Contention will always be present and hence strategies to handle these conflicts should keep on being developed. Pascale further explains that not all moves an organization makes are calculated or based on years of positive research findings. He advocates for flexibility in the management as there is no on definite prescription to success. This is evident in the Honda story where they stumbled upon success in the US market despite market research eliciting negative findings. Sometimes success simply comes because of a series of unplanned effects but the most important thing is to be prepared to handle it once it comes and strategize on sustaining or even increasing it further (Pascal, 2000). The 7s theory model is relevant in all organizations and should be implemented by management. These include: style, strategy, skills, staff, shared values, structure as well as systems. The concepts mentioned briefly above are summarized in the table below and they all focus on using the past strategies to establish the present and build on the future. They are simply a guideline to the managers by Pascale for every organization on how to ensure that they not only succeed but they sustain the success in the future. Further issues to think about in management are the attitudes of the managers towards their jobs, employees and competitors. The job attitude matters a lot and especially for the new generation of managers whose patience is not their strongest

The deleterious effects, and the risks of GM food Essay Example for Free

The deleterious effects, and the risks of GM food Essay It’s been said that humans are what they eat. The relationship humans have with food is unappreciated. Food is the fuel that keeps humans going, gives them the energy needed to be creative and productive; it is the building block of society, after all, it wasn’t until the Neolithic Era, when humans figured out a way to domesticate plants and animals, that any form of organized society formed. Even during the previous hunter-gatherer foraging era, humans were very connected to the food they ate; understanding where it came and having an idea of how it came to be was crucial to knowing what was vital to survive. In this time, food sources like grains, fruits, and vegetables were naturally abundant, whole. Humans could choose between many different types of nutritious food because there were thousands of varieties of species. Unfortunately, as populations grew and more civilized societies formed, various farming techniques were created, and a vast majority of these species became extinct to make way for the harvesting of a select few (Pringle). In the industrial era, societies around the world, especially western ones, emphasized the importance of technological advancements. With this pursuit of technology, nature became something to control rather than live with; an attempt at making life simpler, better. Breaching the gap between nature and technology is optimization. It is this obsession with optimization that most accurately characterizes contemporary America. Undoubtedly, it comes with great costs. As it turns out, optimization is a business, and a profitable one. Thus, the costs and ef fects of optimization are often hidden from the public by industrial leaders in an effort to maintain profits. They control the businesses they run and protect themselves by dumping millions of dollars into politics. Today, it seems that the gap between nature and technology has been breached with the propagation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The aliens that now fill supermarkets nationwide represent the ultimate disconnect from natural, whole foods necessary for a healthy lifestyle. People are relatively uninformed about GM foods, issues include: their benefits, the testing and safety, the harmful effects they can have on the body and environment, the government’s role as overseer, the labeling controversy, and the â€Å"substantially equivalent† principle; all of these issues are conveniently hidden vitalities in understanding the danger, the deleterious effects, and the risks of GM foods. In tackling these issues, an additional understanding of the historic background of how GMOs came to be is equally important. Advocates for the rapid advance of technology will cite the numerous positive breakthroughs, the internet, healthcare, the numerous inventions; it’s hard to argue with, which is why when addressing GM foods, the emphasis should be placed on the relationship between technology and nature, specifically within the food industry, and how this relationship has become too intimate, to the point where it’s difficult to differentiate between technology and nature. The courtship leading to the marriage between technology and nature is exemplified in Peter Pringle’s book, Food, Inc., in which he discusses the 1960’s Green Revolution, a turning point in agriculture during which producers moved from traditional to monoculture methods of farming. This vastly increased crop yields. But how? Farmers had high yields because they started to use fertilizers and pesticides containing chemicals like nitrogen, left over from World War II explosives. New irrigation systems were introduced and animals replaced some human labor in order to handle the large crop fields and monoculture agriculture provided food relief to starving nations post-war (Pringle). Farmers experienced a rude awakening when yields started to decline due to a number of unforeseen or unaddressed consequences. Although the Green Revolution saved or improved millions of lives during the 1960’s, little consideration was given to the future effects it could have on environmental sustainability. The lack of food plant diversity eventually led to multiple problems, like the mass destruction of crops that had contracted disease or succumbed to pesticide-resistant insects, chemically saturated and overly watered soils, and an inevitable decline in production yields (Pringle). Obviously, the United States needed to find a solution to this problem. By the late 1900s, many scientists and biotechnologists approved and advocated genetic engineering as the most viable solution. This process is best described by Lauren and Robin Ticciati in their book, Genetically Modified Foods: Are They Safe? You Decide. According to the Ticciati’s, scientists planned to take a gene from one completely different organism and insert it into the plant in order to make it yield a desired outcome (Ticciati). The goal was to create food plants that could grow and withstand harsh conditions like pesticides, infertile soil, unfavorable climates, and geographical locations. Despite wariness from skeptical environmentalists about the unknown future effects of genetic food engineering, the companies who profit from this new food technology proclaimed it to be the wave of the future. As the Ticciati’s evidenced, in 1996, when the FDA approved the use of genetically engineered foods with no special label requirements, the GM foods were introduced on grocery market shelves with relatively no consumer awareness. This is just another example of how society is not clueless by choice. If this seems a harsh diagnosis, take into context what Kathleen Hart exemplified in her book, Eating in the Dark; a survey which took place just a couple years after GM foods were released revealed about two-thirds of the American adult population had no idea that supermarkets were carrying such items (Hart). Since then, GMOs have become part of the staple food products in the diets of the everyday consumer. Part of the problem is that nobody is exactly sure how harmful GM foods are, but there is substantial evidence to show that they can have a devastating effect on the economy, the human body, and the environment. In Food, Inc., Pringle discusses the farming method of artificial hybrid breeding which became a huge success in the mid-1900s and attracted a lot of commercial attention, spawning the term â€Å"agribusiness.† Scientists found that by crossing-breeding two varieties [of a species of plant] that had been inbred, [and] fertilized by their own pollen for three or four generations showed a tremendous leap in hybrid vigor, with grain yields up to 50 percent higher [than the natural bred variety] (Pringle). Unfortunately, when naturally crossed in the farmers’ fields, the hybrids strength did not withstand, so farmers had to rely on industry-produced super seeds. An economic boom occurred within the seed and fertilizer industries, with businesses rapidly sprouting up like the crops they helped produce. A few decades later the early warnings of genetic uniformity suddenly became a reality, (Pringle). One alarming discovery was the fact that since only one type of species was being harvested in a given area, if a crop contracted a disease, the entire field was wiped out, which meant no income that season for many farmers (Pringle). The companies who were invested in this new agricultural era and had seen the enormous profit potential in having a hand in controlling the food chain were not going to just quit. They pushed further into science, seeking ways to alter a species genetic make-up in order for it to conform to optimization, instead of considering natural solutions to these problems (Pringle). Today, there are GM super foods that are so genetically modified that they differ starkly from their ancestors. It is a teeter-totter industry; either profits are extremely high (like they have been for so long) or the industry fails and profits cease to exist. The latter doesn’t look like it’s going to occur any time soon because the government is firmly grasped by the biotech food companies that control the GM food industry. The most prominent of these companies, Monsanto, falsely advocates the necessity for GM foods, with the real motive the preservation of profits. Monsanto executive Hugh Grant claims â€Å"they [GM foods] can help feed the world and preserve the environment by reducing the need for pesticides,† (Harvest of Fear). Others advocate the hope that GM technology can save lives, like scientist Charles Arntzen, who is working on GM techniques to make edible vaccines to combat viruses in developing countries, (Harvest of Fear). More recently, companies like AquaBounty Technologies are working to develop genetically engineered animals. AquaBounty’s AquAdvantage salmon has been touted as â€Å"as safe as food from conventional Atlantic salmon,† by the FDA, but is still being met with numerous opposition (Pollack). The salmon â€Å"contain a growth hormone gene from the Chinook salmon and a genetic switch from the ocean pout that turns on an antifreeze gene,† which allows the salmon to make growth hormone in cold weather, whereas they usually produce it only in warm weather,† (Pollack). Genetic manipulation is causing drastic changes in the natural behavior of the organisms it’s implemented on, and it is believed that this could have multiple adverse effects on the environment and society. Those who have similar concerns, these cautious enemies to GM foods, can find strength in recent studies that are beginning to expose the numerous harmful effects of GM foods. In a study done by Gilles-Eric Sà ©ralini at the University of Caen in France, 200 rats were fed either genetically engineered corn or the herbicide Roundup and observed for two years, their entire life cycle and not just the normal ninety day period. It was found that they had an increased risk of developing tumors, suffering organ damage, and dying prematurely (Pollack, GMO Global Alert). Additional animal studies have shown other serious health risks associated with GM food consumption: infertility, immune dysregulation, accelerated aging, and changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and gastrointestinal system (Genetic Roulette). To exemplify how this is portrayed in humans, statistical evidence shows that after 1996, when GMOs increased in the American diet, disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation, gastrointestinal infections, Crohn’s disease, and gastroephageal reflux have all risen dramatically and consistently (Genetic Roulette). Further evidence indicates that GMOs cause food allergies, have increased toxicity, decreased nutritional value, and promote antibiotic resistance (UMN). Not only do GM foods have a great potential for negatively effecting humans, they are harmful to the environment. Companies like Monsanto claim that genetically modifying foods is environmentally friendly, but this has been proven wrong on a multitude of levels. There is lack of nutrients found in soil in which GM crops are planted (Ticciati). These crops hurt the soil and the food chain. The chemicals found in pesticides were not only killing pests but also small animals, especially birds, were also facing extinction (Robbins). Tampering with natural selection creates a domino effect and damages the entire ecosystem. Imposing an unnatural element in the form of GM foods changes the equation and disrupts natural balance, even if things balance out, they will be forever different, even this is dangerous. Although GM foods are responsible for massive crop yields and the increased food supply, the industry is precariously perched given the increasing amount of deleterious effects that are being exposed more and more each day. For this reason, the government needs to take action. This is another dilemma; it is easy to wonder how the government can do anything when it has such close relationships with the companies that all the fingers are being pointed at. The primary antagonist in this story is the company Monsanto, the inventor of saccharin, an artificial sweetener, and many additional products. Monsanto accounts for over two-thirds of genetically engineered soy, corn, and canola crops worldwide (Robbins). Hendrik Verfaillie, Monsantos Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, described the company’s aggressive strategy with, The biggest mistake that anyone can make is moving slowly, because the game is going to be over before you start, (Robbins). It is understandable that a company this big has a profoundly large impact on government rulings regarding its industry. With Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide bringing in billions of dollars, the industry convinced the Supreme Court to allow the patenting of genetically engineered seeds so that the offspring would become the property of the seed manufacturer. In Genetic Engineering, Food and Our Environment, Luke Anderson exemplifies the impact of this ruling by stressing the profound repercussions it will have on the future of living organisms; This extraordinary decision by the U.S. Supreme Court heralded a new era. Once a shared heritage, the gene pool of plants, animals, and humans was now a commodity waiting to be bought and sold (Anderson). What appears to be mainly a business venture is an extremely important political issue, with companies pouring millions into politics to stay afloat. This is exemplified by the following quote, from the documentary The Future o f Food. Here, director D.K. Garcia focuses on the 2000 Presidential Election and the biotechnology issue: Agricultural biotechnology will find a support occupying the White House next year, regardless of which candidate wins the election in November (Garcia). The Future of Food reveals top ranking officials from the Supreme Court, such as Justice Clarence Thomas who previously represented Monsanto as their Lawyer for Regulatory Affairs, to Donald Rumsfeld, The Secretary of Defense, who was previously the President of Searle, a Monsanto subsidiary. Given their backgrounds, it is difficult to ignore the likelihood that their political stances would not be swayed. Even worse is Linda Fisher, who has switched roles between the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and Monsanto a number of times; she was Monsantos Executive Vice President for nearly a decade and Deputy Administrator for the EPA as well as Commissioner for George Bushs administration (Garcia). It’s frightening that the EPA, which acknowledges and regulates pesticides emitted into the environment, is likely to be biased in regards to the approval of genetically modified organisms into the environment. Needless to say, it’s shocking to see the connections that pose how much of an apparent influence Monsanto and the other leading biotech companies have on government regulations of GMOs. Evidence of this influence is presented in Seeds of Deception, in which Micah Sifry states, the four leaders of the biotech industry Monsanto, Dow, DuPont, and Novartis gave more than $3.5 million in PAC, soft-money, and large individual contributions between 1995 and 2000, three-quarters of it to Republicans (Smith). Stricter guidelines and extensive testing are not required because the companies have such strong political ties that they can influence the policy that is implemented upon them. In 1992, former U.S. Vice President, Dan Quayle, exemplifies this in his speech on behalf of the Council of Competitiveness, We will ensure that biotech products will receive the same oversight as other products, instead of being hampered by unnecessary regulation (Garcia). The FDA approved genetically modified foods with a high sense of hesitant reluctance. Consumers are supposed to rely on the FDA to determine if food is safe for consumption; the agency is supposed to be a protective one. This was a landmark decision for the FDA, a decision which required strong political influence for the agency to decide against its own principles. This is evidenced in The Future of Food; Dan Quayle and the Bush administrat ion appointed Michael Taylor as Deputy Commissioner for Policy, which Andrew Kimbrell divulges in an interview, noting that Taylor was formerly Monsantos Senior Counsel at the King and Spaulding law firm. Taylor instituted a no-regulation policy and left it to the biotech companies to determine whether or not genetically modified food was deemed safe for human consumption (Garcia). As the examples presented indicate, the successful clearance of GM foods has been engineered by companies like Monsanto and politicians, almost as much as the foods themselves. With the FDA swept out of the way, the companies that dominated the biotech industry were free to roam as they pleased, testing at their fingertips. How can the consumers trust Monsanto to act in their best interest, especially when the company’s Director of Corporate Communication, Phil Angell, says things like â€Å"Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible. Assuring its safety is the FDA’s job,† (Robbins). Without extensive testing, which would almost certainly yield new truths about the harmful effects of GM foods, Monsanto can achieve its goal of selling as much as possible while disregarding the consequences this has on society and the environment. Testing is probably the biggest grey area of them all. The FDA has a persona of an overseer and protector, meaning that people generally believe that all food undergoes tests by the FDA to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Testing genetically modified foods is dependent on the words of the companies that develop them. According to Consumer Unions Jean Halloran, When a company comes in with data, the FDA looks at it and writes a letter saying, Dear Monsanto, you supplied information regarding the safety of corn variety X and we are confident about what youve shown, It is your responsibility, (CBS). The FDA is in a difficult position. It is presented with its initial objective of protecting the American people but now, with biotechnology and GM foods, it is faced with a decision of whether or not to promote the biotech industry. The FDA regulates GM foods as part of the â€Å"coordinated framework† of federal agencies that also includes the EPA and the United States Department of Agriculture (Bashshur). The problem is that this framework has been the subject of critical analysis and calls for redesign; it is outdated, with the FDA policy unchanged since 1992. It is available online and contains a searchable database that covers â€Å"genetically engineered crop plants intended for food or feed that have completed all recommended or required reviews,† (Bashshur). The policy places responsibility on the producer or manufacturer to assure the safety of the food, explicitly relying on the producer or manufacturer to do so: â€Å"Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the producer of a new food to evaluate the safety of the food and assure that the safety requirement of section 402(a)(1) of the act is met,† (Bashshur). It is also this policy that establishes that the â€Å"substantially equivalent† concept, with which the FDA judges most GM crops as â€Å"substantially equivalent† to non-GM crops. In these cases, GM crops are â€Å"designated as â€Å"Gener ally Recognized as Safe† under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) and do not require pre-market approval,† (Federation of American Scientists). Although these products are described as substantially equivalent, their manufacturers stress that they are different so that they can patent them and continue to profit. In this situation, the consumer must take the producer’s angle. Their products are dramatically different; their genetic composition is very different in comparison with that of their ancestral forms. In deciding whether or not to ingest these products, the consumer must realize that if the companies that produce them stress they are dramatically different, and there is minimal testing done on them, these GM food products could be extremely dangerous. Currently, there is no regulatory scheme requiring GM foods to be tested to see if it is safe for humans to eat or not. FDA guidance to the industry issued in 1997 covered voluntary â€Å"cons ultation procedures,† but â€Å"still relied on the developer of the product to provide safety data,† (Bashshur). There are numerous pieces of evidence that indicate that GM food testing is completely unregulated. The FDA’s policy is outdated and weak, â€Å"substantially equivalent† cannot be justified when such a small level of testing has been done. The fact that this policy has remained unchanged for two decades is staggering; there’s probably a lot of money keeping it that way. In tackling what Ramona Bashshur describes as the FDA’s â€Å"dual mission,† rational thought is vital. Although the FDA cannot ignore the opportunity to make scientific advances with the potential to better society, it must reflect on its original role, as a protector. While scientific advances with GMOs are rapidly continuing, there hasn’t been enough testing on them to determine how dangerous they are. If testing was done and the foods proved safe , which they probably wouldn’t, there would be nothing wrong with promoting it. In the meantime, as more and more harmful aspects of GM foods come to the surface, it would be smart for the FDA to revise its policy, improve the extent of testing done on these foods, so that America can move forward in science with the assurance that it won’t hurt its citizens. This is a difficult task; there is so much political influence on the industry that it may never occur. If the policy for testing cannot be amended, there is action that can be taken that could have a similar outcome. Specialized labeling for GM foods would set them apart from normal foods and make it easier for consumers to make healthy choices. In the United States, they aren’t labeled, while in Europe, Russia, China, and other countries, they are. This is an extremely popular movement in the United States. An example is California’s Proposition 37, which would’ve required â€Å"labeling on raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways.† And it would prohibit marketing â€Å"such food, or other processed food, as ‘natural,’† (Bittman). The numbers don’t lie; people supported Proposition 37; roughly 65% for to 20% against, with 15% undecided. From a national perspective on the labeling issue, 91% of voters believe that the FDA should require that â€Å"foods which have been genetically engineered or containing genetically engineered ingredients to be labeled to indicate that,† (Bittman). With these numbers as a reference for the support that Proposition 37 had, it’s hard to believe that it was struck down. Again, this is an instance of money having the loudest voice in the room. Money flew in from both sides, but the food companies that stood to lose in the situation, like Monsanto and The Hershey Co., contributed to what was â€Å"eventually a $44 million windfall for No on Prop 37, while proponents were only able to raise $7.3 million,† (Almendrala). According to MapLight, an organization that tracks campaign contributions, biotech companies amassed $46 million to defeat the measure, with Monsanto contributing $8.1 million and Kraft Foods, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola each contributing at least $1.7 million (Pollack). In contrast, those who backed Proposition 37 were only able to contribute $9.2 million; money made the difference. Proposition 37 was close, garnering 47% of the vote, with campaigns like the online based â€Å"Just Label It† collecting signatures and comments on a petition to the FDA, requesting rules â€Å"similar to those in the European Union, Japan, China, India and Australia, stating what transgenic food is in the package,† (Moskin). The biggest thing about Proposition 37 is that it had national implications; it wasn’t just California that the food conglomerates were worried about. If it passed, it could’ve been the beginning of a national labeling revolution, potentially the beginning of an even greater revolution. Throughout history, organisms have developed through a recurrence of genetic mutations that have naturally selected the organisms that are most fit for survival. The rise of GMOs can be viewed through the same lens. GMOs arose from the conditions following the monoculture agricultural shift in the 1960’s Green Revolution. The key here is that they are not natural. The â€Å"mutations† that have aided the rise of GMOs are manmade, manufactured, and abnormal. GMOs are a result of the American obsession with optimization, which manifests itself in technology. After World War II and throughout the Green Revolution, America sought numerous technological advancements as it relished its role as a world power. With GMOs, America breached the gap between technology and nature in an effort to optimize food. Companies like Monsanto, with their growing number of political connections, began using their funds to pave the way for GMOs to become and remain a staple contingent of the American diet. Today, GM foods are still privately and minimally tested and they remain unlabeled in the United States. While the FDA stands by its outdated 1992 policy, claiming that GM foods are â€Å"substantially equivalent,† the producers stress that they are different in an effort to obtain patents. America cannot trust the sources it looks to for accurate information because there has been little testing but there is hope on the horizon after California nearly passed a law forcing GM foods to be labeled. As concerned parties seek an answer, they must first look towards labeling these foods, sparking a chain reaction that causes uninformed consumers to ask questions like, â€Å"Why are these foods specially labeled?† and â€Å"What makes these foods different?† Labeling could prove to be the beginning of a further revolution to enhance regulation of GM foods. This revolution, though currently nonexistent, must occur before this problem mutates even further, before not just the American people, but the entire world, reaps the consequences for playing the role of Creator. Anderson, L. (1999). Genetic engineering, food, and our environment. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing. Clark, E. A. Lehman, H. (2001). Assessment of GM crops in commercial agriculture. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 14 (1), 3-28. Retrieved October 26, 2006, from ProQuest Research Library. Guidance for industry: Voluntary labeling indicating whether foods have or have not Been developed using bioengineering. (2001) Retrieved November 8, 2006, from http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/biolabgu.html. Garcia, D. K. (Director, Producer, Writer). (2004). The future of food. [DVD]. Mill Valley: Lily Films. Hart, K. (2002). Eating in the dark. New York: Pantheon Books. Pascalev, A. (2003). You are what you eat: genetically modified foods, integrity, and society. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 16 (1), 583-594. Retrieved October 29, 2006, from ProQuest Research Library. Pringle, P. (2003). Food inc. New York: Simon Schuster. Robbins, J. (2001). The food revolution: How your diet can help save your life and the world. Berkeley: Conari Press. Smith. J. (2003). Seeds of deception. Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing. Ticciati, L. Ticciati, R. (1998). Genetically engineered foods. Are they safe? You decide. New Canaan: Keats Publishing. http://documentarylovers.com/genetic-roulette-gamble-our-lives/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njd0RugGjAgfeature=related http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/business/gene-altered-fish-moves-closer-to-federal-approval.html?pagewanted=all_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/dining/a-suit-airs-debate-on-organic-vs-modified-crops.html http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/g-m-o-s-lets-label-em/?_r=0 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/21/business/energy-environment/21salmon.html http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/04/health/policy/04salmon.html http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/08/business/california-bid-to-label-genetically-modified-crops.html http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/business/energy-environment/disputed-study-links-modified-corn-to-greater-health-risks.html?_r=0 http://enhs.umn.edu/current/5103/gm/harmful.html http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10004920-2.html http://www.americanbar.org/content/newsletter/publications/aba_health_esource_home/aba_health_law_esource_1302_bashshur.html http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/07/prop-37-defeated-californ_n_2088402.html http://www.fas.org/biosecurity/education/dualuse-agriculture/2.-agricultural-biotechnology/us-regulation-of-genetically-engineered-crops.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njd0RugGjAgfeature=related