Different Types of Narration Essay

There are a variety of ways to narrate a story, but essentially they can be broken down into two main groups: first person narrative, and third person narrative. In the use of the first person narrator, the story is told through the eyes of the ‘I’ narrator. The first person narrator can only relate incidents that he or she has witnessed, and only he or she can interpreted the situation, therefore in this respect the first person narrative is limited. We must remember that a first person narrator in a novel is not the novelist but a character who sees things only in the light of his or her own point of view and coloured by his or her personality, therefore events are biased to the narrator’s opinion. This of course can be used to effect in books where the first person narrator is unreliable and therefore we are forced to see a false picture of events. For example in ‘The Beach’ by Alex Garland, events are told by Richard, a backpacker in Bangkok. In the extract I have chosen, Richard recounts an encounter with ‘Mister Duck’, who, at the beginning of he book, commits suicide. In the extract below, it is only the second time that Richard ‘meets’ ‘Mister Duck’, the first being when Richard was feverish. Therefore we can easily presume that Richard was hallucinating when he first ‘met’ ‘Mister Duck’ but in this extract, it is hard to tell, from the way Richard narrates it, that ‘Mister Duck’ is imaginary: Mister Duck sat in his room on the Khao San Road. He’d pulled back one of the newspapers that covered the window and was peering down to the street. Behind him, strewn across his bed, were coloured pencils, obviously the ones he’d used to draw the map. The map was nowhere in sight so maybe he’d already tacked it to my door. I saw that his shoulders were shaking. ‘Mister Duck?’ I said cautiously. He turned, scanned the room with a puzzled frown and, then spotted me through the strip of mosquito netting. ‘Rich†¦ Hi.’ Of course, through first person narrative, we develop a more intimate relationship with the narrator because we have their character and way of thinking forced upon us, which in cases can make you sympathise more with this character, as you know their private emotions that they would not show openly. For example in ‘The Remains of the Day’ the use of the first person narrator creates suspense and mystery over the intense relationship between Stevens and Miss Kenton. Also in this extract, we feel Steven’s character imposed on the story as his unquestioning faith and dedication to his job cost him dearly his personal life. And finally Stevens unwavering sense of duty and reserve at all times leading him to deny his emotions eventually drive away the woman he loved. As demonstrated in the extract I have chosen: As I was bolting the door, I noticed Miss Kenton waiting for me, and said: ‘I trust you had a pleasant evening, Miss Kenton.’ She made no reply, so I said again, as we were making our way across the darkened expanse of the kitchen floor; ‘I trust you had a pleasant evening, Miss Kenton.’ ‘I did, thank you, Mr Stevens.’ ‘I’m pleased to hear that.’ Behind me, Miss Kenton’s footsteps came to a sudden stop and I heard her say: ‘Are you not in the least interested in what took place tonight between my acquaintance and I Mr Stevens?’ ‘I do not mean to be rude, Miss Kenton, But I really must return upstairs without further delay. The fact is, events of a global significance are taking place in this house at this very moment.’ ‘When are they not, Mr Stevens? Very well, if you must be rushing off, I shall just tell you that I accepted my acquaintance’s proposal.’ ‘I beg your pardon, Miss Kenton?’ ‘His proposal of marriage.’ ‘Ah, is that so, Miss Kenton? Then may I offer you my congratulations.’ ‘Thank you, Mr Stevens. Of course, I’ll be happy to serve out my notice. However, should it be that you are able to release me earlier, we would be very grateful. My acquaintance begins his new job in the West Country in two weeks’ time.’ ‘I will do my best to secure a replacement at the earliest opportunity, Miss Kenton. Now if you will excuse me, I must return upstairs.’ I started to walk away again, but then when I had all but reached the doors out to the corridor, I heard Miss Kenton say: ‘Mr Stevens,’ and thus turned once more. She had not moved, and consequently she was obliged to raise her voice slightly in addressing me, so that it resonated rather oddly in the cavernous spaces of the dark and empty kitchen. ‘Am I to take it’ she said, ‘that after the many years of service I have given in this house, you have no more words to greet the news of my possible departure than those you have just uttered?’ ‘Miss Kenton, you have my warmest congratulations. But I repeat, there are matters of global significance taking place upstairs and I must return to my post.’ Pages 218-219 In this extract we are frustrated by Stevens reserve and lack of emotion, and without the story being told form his side we might have felt Stevens to be cold hearted and distance and therefore dislike him. But in fact we pity his actions and feel moved. An autobiographical persona such as Pip in Dickens ‘Great Expectations’, are not to be taken as complete or even accurate portraits of their authors – they are often no more than studies in self criticism: I was quite as dejected on the first working-day of my apprenticeship as in that after-time; but I am glad to know that I never breathed a murmur to Joe while my indentures lasted. It is about the only thing I am glad to know of myself in that connexion. For, though it includes what I proceed to add, all the merit of what I proceed to add was Joe’s. It was not because I was faithful, but because Joe was faithful, that I never ran away and went for a soldier or a sailor. It was not because I had a strong sense of the virtue of industry, but because Joe had a strong sense of the virtue of industry, that I worked with tolerable zeal against the grain. It is not possible to know how far the influence of any amiable honest-hearted duty-going man flies out into the world; but it is very possible to know how it has touched one’s self in going by, and I know right well that any good that intermixed itself with my apprenticeship came of plain contented Joe, and not of restless aspiring discontented me. In the same way the innumerable portraits by artists of their friends, enemies or acquaintances are notoriously one sided, exaggerated and even on occasion, libellous. In a first person narrative, the use of interior monologue can be used where the reader is allowed inside the mind of the narrator and so we can hear their inner thought. For example in Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A farewell to Arms’, when Henry hears that his wife is gravely ill we receive an interior monologue: The nurse went into the room and shut the door. I sat outside in the hall. Everything was gone inside of me. I did not think. I could not think. I knew she was going to die and I prayed that she would not. Don’t let her die. Oh, God, please don’t let her die. I’ll do anything for you if you won’t let her die Please, please, please dear God, don’t let her die. Dear God, don’t let her die. Pleas, please, please don’t let her die, God, please make her not die. I’ll do anything you say if you don’t let her die. You took the baby but don’t let her die – that was all right but don’t let her die. Please, please, dear God, don’t let her die. Here we feel that the character is deeply involved in his surroundings and what is happening, the events he is recounting are extremely emotional and moving, but this is not always the case. In ‘Nausea’ by Jean-Paul Satre, it is the story of an observer of life in a small cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, and here the narrator is totally withdrawn from his surrounding, as though watching it on television. The narrator is distanced from events and the book is almost like a third person narrative in the sense that he is telling the story of the lives of those sitting around him, but of course true to first person narration he is interpreting the situation into how he sees it: It is half past one. I am at the Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Mably, eating a sandwich, and everything is more or less normal. In any case, everything is always normal in cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½s and especially in Cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Mably, because of the manager, Monsieur Fasquelle, who has a vulgar expression in his eyes which is very straightforward and reassuring. It will soon be time for his afternoon nap and his eyes are already pink, but his manner is still lively and decisive. He is walking among the tables and speaking confidentially to all the customers: ‘Is everything all right, Monsieur?’ I smile at seeing him so lively: when his establishment empties, his head empties too. Between two and four the cafà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ is deserted, and then Monsieur Fasquelle takes a few dazed steps, the waiter turn out the lights, and he slips into unconsciousness: when this man is alone, he falls asleep. The second type of narrative is third person narration. The narrator is omniscient, that is, able to move between characters, situations, and locations at any point, and granted full access to characters’ thoughts, feelings, and motivation. This is the advantage that third person narration has over first person, yet a sense of intimacy with the characters is harder to achieve. Some narrators might comment on the events taking place in the novel as they unfold, and even interpose their own views; the Victorian novelists such as Charles Dickens were adept at this manner of intervention, for example in ‘A Christmas Carol’, Dickens talks directly to the reader to convey his thoughts and ideas: Marley was dead, to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge’s name was good upon ‘Change for anything he chose to put his hand to’. Old Marley was dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of out ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the country’s done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail. Alternatively, the author might limit the narrator’s overt presence, and recount the narrative’s events as directly as possible. A third-person narrator might have a limited point of view, confined to only one or a few characters, as in much of Emily Brontà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s ‘Wuthering Heights’, where the author is wholly absent and uses the characters to tell the story. Therefore she never directly interrupts the story to make a direct comment or moral judgement on the action of the characters. We notice that Emily Brontà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ in ‘Wuthering Heights’ uses narrators that are involved in the proceedings and therefore these people try to inflict their point of view on the reader. In this case it is to emphasise the point that the relationship between Heathcliff and Cathy is unique and not something that Nelly, or Lockwood (Wuthering Height’s two main narrators) will never fully comprehend as only Heathcliff and Cathy can explain their love for each other. She rung the bell till it broke with a twang: I entered leisurely. It was enough to try the temper of a saint, such senseless, wicked rages! There she lay dashing her head against the arm of the sofa, and grinding her teeth, so that you might fancy she would crash them to splinters! Mr Linton stood looking at her in sudden compunction and fear. He told me to fetch some water. She had no breath for speaking. I brought a glass full; and, as she would not drink, I sprinkled it on her face. In a few seconds she stretched herself out stiff, and turned up her eyes, while her cheeks, at once blanched and livid, assumed the aspect of death. Linton looked terrified. ‘There is nothing in the world the matter,’ I whispered. I did not want him to yield, though I could not help being afraid in my heart. ‘She has blood on her lips!’ he said, shuddering. ‘Never mind!’ I answered tartly. And I told him how she had resolved previous to his coming, on exhibiting a fit of frenzy. In some cases the events of the story are told through an impersonal narrative. This impersonal narrator then relates the story through the senses of different character, presenting the reader with a more rounded picture. For example in ‘The Tesseract’ by Alex Garland, the story is told from many points of view, quickly changing between one character’s perspective to another, each time the story being told from that characters sense and feeling. In the extract below we witness the situation from three of the character point of view The telephone made for an indifferent witness. But Sean’s reflection in the bathroom mirror, making contact as he turned away from the vent, was less detached. Even under pressure, the sight was arresting. His face seemed to be in a state of flux. Unable to resolve itself, like a cheap hologram or a bucket of snakes, the lips drew back while the jaw relaxed, the stare softened while the frown hardened. Fear, Sean thought distantly. Rare that one got to see what it actually looked like. Other people’s, sure, but not your own. Intrigued, he leaned close to the mirror, ignoring the footsteps that were already working their way up the stairs. ‘Aaaah, we’re going to be late,’ said Don Pepe, breaking the tense silence of the last five minutes. Jojo nodded and nervously pushed his thumbs into the padding around the steering wheel. ‘Yes, sir, we are. I’m sorry.’ Jojo paused a moment before saying ‘Yes, sir’ again. He was leaving time for Teroy to add his own apology. After all, he’d been the one who had suggested Hotel Patay in the first place. But Teroy, sitting in the passenger seat, wasn’t saying a word. No sense diverting Don Pepe’s irritation on to him, when he could keep his head down and his mouth shut and let Jojo take all the abuse. Fair enough. Jojo would have been doing the same if their roles had been reversed. The narrator is very important in a story as the narrator is responsible for the way a story is conveyed to its reader, or its point of view. The variety of ways that the author can manipulate the narrator and his or her point of view in order to gain maximum control over the work as a whole is often the essence of whether the reader gained the desired effect set by the author.

Network Security Essay

You are interested in starting your own Music Store, QualitySounds, in a suburban area of your town. You need to design and build a network and computing solution for your stores. You have done some initial planning and you will start with two stores (but you plan to add two more stores across town within one year). Your store will sell new and used music and allow customers to get â€Å"online† in your stores and download music. You also will offer classes on how to setup music downloads and configure MP3 devices. You took computer networking courses in college and you feel you can tackle this solution yourself. Upon initial planning, you have identified the following requirements for your network: * Connects three office computers and one computer used for Point-of-Sale (POS) services at each of your stores. You also want six (6) computers in the lobby/store where patrons can download music and you can run â€Å"training classes† for people to learn about using MP3 players and get other basic information. The two offices have to be connected into one cohesive network, sharing POS services and other critical company information. You also need to provide a â€Å"hand out† casual area for people to stop in and discuss music and connect wirelessly to the Internet (you might even offer free coffee to entice people to come in to your store). * Provides adequate security for all of the company communications and documents (especially sensitive sales documents). All POS services must be protected. All general network access should be segmented from the company POS services. * Fast and have additional capacity as the company grows * Provides for centralized printing * Supports the eventual addition of other stores to the network * Provides customers with a general information Website and a secure Website where clients can buy services, and products * Provides for limited downtime (24 hour downtime maximum) * Provides for centralized management and control of the computers in the two stores, so that you can maintain the network from off-site * Provides for long-term cost effectiveness * Provides a suite of software tools for the employees to effectively communicate and a POS solution for the stores The company does not have any equipment. Your plan should include a complete network and computer system that meets these requirements and future expansion plans. The two store locations will (eventually) be within a five-mile radius of each other. The locations are within a suburban area that has current technological infrastructures and related technology offerings. The stores will need a sales system and print services for invoices. Complete your proposal including costs for computing equipment, network infrastructure, network servers, printers, and related hardware, software, and accessories. Include as much detail as possible as well as justification as to your selections. Diagram and explain your physical network and computer design as well as the logical network design (server installation, domain layout, etc.). As you are a small business, cost is a major factor and should be minimized.

Discussion paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion paper - Essay Example The IT issues draught down by authors and researchers are numerous, but some of them which can be highlighted; such as, job security risk, IT network security risk, difficulty in learning new trends of the society, misuse of IT, vulnerability of IT from outer sources of education, hardware/software selection, access, equity, educational society issues in IT, censorship, privacy policies, home use or school use of IT, staff development and training, funding, copyright issues, plagiarism issues and ethics (Sanders 56). All these matters would be judged in provisions of the impact of IT as it has altered the way in which we function in our society. This topic would highlight the aspects of Information Technology which have supported the teaching and learning process in the education sector. The applications of IT has changed a lot in the education field since the last 15 years and all educational institutions including students are availing this facility for learning and teaching purposes with the help of IT (Pea, Wulf, Elliott, Darlin 5). However, the availability of computers at school and home for students have also raised many issues for the educational leaders.

Strategic planning (TESCO) Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Strategic planning (TESCO) - Case Study Example The very core purpose of any business, besides sustenance and profitability, happens to create and keep adding value for the customers. A supermarket chain in particular needs to take into account the changing needs and requirements of the customers, depending upon the changing environment, food habits, time management, availability of alternates in the market, increasing awareness about environmentally friendly goods and services etc. This way they can earn the loyalty of the customer while successfully attracting more customers. Tesco's mission statement1 says, "Our core purpose is to create value for customers to earn their lifetime loyalty." value creation for the customer proves to be a competitive weapon to retain the customer.Retail Business requires managing a broad range of retail skills in the areas of customer sales and service, promotion & advertising, store layout, visual merchandising, economics & accounting, marketing, buying from suppliers, inventory control, and huma n resource management. The mission and objective statement must encompass all such fields and activities. Tesco has a long term strategy for growth, based on four key parts:1.3 Principle activities and Products: Tesco, the super-market chain is in the business of retailing for nearly 90 years now. It is UK's largest retailer, having around 1800 stores in UK alone and more than 2300 stores worldwide, with group sales crossing m 37,070 worldwide at the end of financial year 2005. An international retailer of food, non-food and retailing services, Tesco currently operates in the China, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the UK. 1.4 Short History: It was in the year 1919 that Jack Cohen founded Tesco, when he began to sell surplus groceries from a stall in the East End of London. In those days his first day's profit was 1 and total sales of 4. The name comes from the initials of TE Stockwell, who was a partner in the firm of tea suppliers, and CO from Jack's surname. It was in year 1929 that Jack Cohen opened his first Tesco store in Burnt Oak, Edgware, North London. And the journey continues, there's no looking back since then. 1.5 Microenvironment factors: With an emphasis on Globalization and consumerism, role of retailer and supermarkets is continuously on the rise. World over such supermarkets are replacing the street corners shops as the supermarkets offer better quality, branded items and value for money. In fact supermarket chains like TESCO have now become a formidable brand in themselves. 1.6 Perceived competitive Advantage: From the strategic planning point of view, competitor analysis is very important for any company's long-term survival (Kotler, 1972). Tesco is securing itself a position in the top echelon of an elite group of international retail organizations on account of the number of superstores that it has worldwide and the range of products available. Mintzberg (1994) too, while talking about the changes that have taken place on the strategic planning front, emphasizes the importance of strategic planning. 1.7 Future Assumptions: David (1999) defined strategy as 'the match an organisation makes between its internal resources and skills and the opportunities and risks created by its external forces'. This assumption forms a crucial component while planning for future. For such planning, the TOWS (Threats-Opportunities-Weaknesses-Strengths) and SPACE (Strategic Position and Action Evaluation) Matrices prove to be very helpful tools.

What started the Credit Crunch and what are the effects of it in the Essay

What started the Credit Crunch and what are the effects of it in the UK - Essay Example This describes the financial situation that forms the foundational basis for this study, the subprime mortgage meltdown in the United States that hit the global stage in the Summer of 2007, which accelerated into what is also termed as the credit crunch. In equating the ramifications of the preceding, the United States will serve as the starting point for the foregoing, tracing how the credit crunch became a global phenomenon, then honing in on how this all has and is impacting the UK economy. The financial services sector is often a little understood arena owing to the complexities of how it operates within the context of international economic activity and the variables of the global market. The intricate nature of the ties between differing regions, and how they interact upon one another represents a complex set of macro and micro economic aspects within which this crisis developed and impacted every corner of the globe. In hindsight, the causes of the credit crisis are understood as were the warnings from economists and banking officials as to the potential ramifications of new types of derivative instruments whose long term effects were not understood, and not tested with regard to varied market and economic scenarios. In that instance, the checks and balances of the market failed, leading to wide spread ramifications. The unique nature of the credit crunch make this an engaging study in that this history making event makes the first major failing of markets since th e Great Depression, and serves as a wake up call for the excesses of the past that we are paying for in the present. This study of â€Å"What started the credit crunch and what effects has it been having on the UK economy† represents a series of broad ramification as well as inputs. In order to equate the preceding, it is necessary to delve deeply

Business Strategy Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Business Strategy - Article Example This is so because success is based on an organisation's ability to create, rather than predict the future by developing those products that will literally transform the way the world thinks and view it self and the needs (Kanter 1995:71). Within the context of today's global competition, businesses and firms no-longer compete as individual companies but try to corporate with other businesses in their activities (Wu & Chien 2007:2). These researchers went further to argue that, this strategy has become quite common in many businesses including the retail clothing chain stores. The conventional vertical integrated company based business model is gradually being replaced by collaborative relationship between many fragmented, but complementary and specialized value stars and constellation (Wu & Chien: 1). This paper focuses on Subway Franchise Company. The paper examines the strength weaknesses opportunities and threats of this chain of restaurants. There after the paper examines its competitors at various level of the chain, the third section of the paper uses Porter's five forces framework to identify the sources of competition in the industry while the last section provides the conclusion and recommendation. According to the Compa... 1.1 Overview of Subway Sandwich Franchise According to the Company's (2008) report, Subway Sandwich Franchise is owned and operated by Doctor's Associates, Inc. (DAI). This chain of restaurant has been rated as one of the fastest growing franchises in the world with approximately 30,881 restaurants in 89 countries. The restaurant is the second largest restaurants after the Yum restaurant brands having 35000 locations. Many analysts have attributed the restaurant's fast growth to the growing concern by restaurant customers and the community. This has been capitalised on by the company's marketing department. Subway today is noted as a health concious restaurant chain. The restaurants are managed by Doctor's associates founded in 1965. The restaurant do not follow just the traditional restaurants, Subway operates in many non-traditional locations. For instance, the Company's (2008) reports states that, there are over 900 Subway locations inside of Wal-Mart stores and 200 on military bases, including several in Iraq, in addition to three located inside the Pentagon, some universities and other shops (Company Report 2008). 1.2 SWOT Analysis of Subway Franchise Strengths Better Value, in the form of lower prices. Fresher merchandise and wider assortments of sandwiches. Superior Locations Better physical appearance of the restaurants themselves. Good will, exclusive rights with some of their suppliers. Maximisation of the four Ps of Marketing at all front. High capital and a pool of reserves, and cheap credit facility offered in some locations. The Employees, 30,881 restaurants around the world. cheaper, better

International Business Strategy - Protectionism Essay

International Business Strategy - Protectionism - Essay Example Economic integration leads to openness and openness triggers volatility leading to insecurity. To alleviate the fears, to provide security to the local firms, the governments need to have a protectionist attitude (Fitoussi, 2007). Protectionism interferes in the process of globalization as it puts strict limits on the interplay of free markets. In fact, the rise of protectionism led to the end of the first phase of globalization. The MNEs, however, attempt to overcome the host country protectionism through different ways. Protectionism implies that the government in the emerging economies will not let growth slow down. It will use the instruments of economic policy which assures to reduce the uncertainty linked with investment (Fitoussi, 2007). It also helps to increase the dynamism in the labor market. Protectionism definitely helps the â€Å"infant† industries in emerging markets. It fosters the long-term rate of growth of developing countries. Nevertheless, if these economies have to be integrated into the world economy, it requires a richer industrial structure. The fiscal and social receipts are too low and the welfare state is embryonic. Protectionism would allow it to develop a richer industrial structure and to provide through tariffs the necessary public funds to build a social system. Trade protection has to be there for the developing nations to eventually integrate into the world economy. Shiva (2005) is of the firm conviction that trade liberalization does not lead to development. â€Å"Aid for Trade† is merely a coercive imposition of trade liberalization by WTO, the World Bank, and IMF. These tactics enable the MNC’s to expand and enlarge in every sector - agriculture, services, manufacturing. Protectionism is justified because development should be endogenous and not imposed with conditions.

Perscription drug abuse Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Perscription drug abuse - Research Paper Example As far as the statistical figures are concerned, it is a grave situation and a growing problem. (Karla, 30) Experts still haven’t been able to figure out the actual reason behind this kind of drug abuse. The two likely possibilities may be that doctors prescribe more medicines for their patients than is actually required; secondly online purchase of medicines has made it easier and convenient for people to buy drugs especially for teenagers. Where some pharmacies follow the legitimate path and do not provide medicines without prescription, however some pharmacies distribute drugs without proper prescription, validation and verification making the drugs more approachable hence contributing towards this growing issue. Drug abuse does not only lead to addiction and instability it can also give rise to harmful chemical reactions which can occur in the body due to medicine intake in inappropriate quantity. To avoid this, all prescriptions should be obtained from one pharmacy so tha t minimum risk is involved secondly using others prescription should be strictly avoided even in cases of similar condition. (Jeremy, 25) Effects of Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse affects different parts of the body which includes body, brain and physical appearance of the individual who is involved in drug abuse. Effects on Brain and Body The drugs that are directly related to the problem of drug abuse are opioids, CNS (central nervous system) stimulants depressants that are most commonly used to pacify and ease the nervous system in case of anxiety. Opioids are drugs that are used to relieve pain of both moderate as well as severe level. OxyContin and Vicodin fall in the category of opioids; these medicines attach themselves to the brain and body cells particularly the ones in the spinal cord, brain area and gastrointestinal zone making them numb so that the pain awareness is obstructed. These drugs can also raise the level of dope in the brain which gives a feeling of immense pleasure and in other cases where it is snorted by the abusers, intensifies the feeling of euphoria which can lead to severe medical consequences which includes nausea which consequently leads to vomiting, mood swings, decrease in the activities of brain, seizures, coma and numbness. Combination of opioids with alcohol and other CNS depressants can further aggravate the situation. (Rod, 56) Central nervous system depressants as the name indicates is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, feeling of fear or panic, severe stress responses and seizures. The medicin es that lie in this category are Valium, Xanax and Librium; they act directly on GABA, an acid which is present in the brain. GABA in turn retards the brain activity to some extent which is exactly why it is used to deal with problems of anxiety and sleep disorders. It pacifies the brain activity due to which the patients experience a soothing effect and drowsiness. However if this medicine is used in inappropriate amount and special care is not taken during its use can result in respiratory seizure which ultimately leads to death. Not only the abuse or overdose of depressants result in severe

Dissertation Proposal Essay Example for Free

Dissertation Proposal Essay With the current day international business scenario being marked by severe competition, escalating inflation, different cost manufacturing locations, rapid technological transition and the surfacing of fresh markets in the developing economies, business firms view the realisation of economic and superior quality operational ability to be critical to the obtaining of international competitive superiority. Competitive advantage feel is achieved through the ability of utilising the particular faculties and chief capabilities of business firms and in swiftly responding to client needs and customer ideas, rather than from differentiating marketplace offerings or in accomplishing cost and quality control (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). Viewed in a broader angle, marketplace superiority comes about from the facility of the organisation to transform business abilities and manufacturing expertise into fundamental competencies that allow and empower corporations to bend, adjust and modify behaviour to exploit fresh business opportunities and dynamic conditions (Gerber Lankshear, 2000). Corporate leaderships are increasingly viewing the efficient utilisation of human resources to be fundamental to the accomplishment of business success (Kozlowski Others, 1997). As opposed to the long-established stress on technically empowering and concrete assets, such as factories and machinery, business leaders are evermore accepting that firms can obtain distinguishing strengths and capabilities through soft methods like robustly distinct and workforce empowering working environments, work oriented management systems, and well developed employee abilities (Kozlowski Others, 1997). Business superiority, experts argue, can be assisted and enhanced with a better skill employee force that allows firms to react to market needs concerning costs, quality, product features, and other issues. Much of the challenges faced by HRM practitioners arise from the evolution of workforce members, who in recent years have assumed vital roles in contemporary organisations that typically operate in fast globalising, technologically transforming, and essentially knowledge dominated environments. With employees being recognised as key to organisational success, the task of utilising their capabilities for furthering organisational goals has never been more complex and demanding (Kozlowski Others, 1997). The provisioning of training is considered to be essential for employee development. Whilst training has long been recognised as an important tool for improving employee ability and productivity, recent developments, more specifically the growth of the knowledge economy, technological advances, and sharply increased competition have reinforced its need for the achievement of competitive advantage, leading most progressive companies to develop and implement sophisticated training and retraining programmes for their employees. â€Å"The significance and value of training has long been recognized. Consider the popular and often repeated quotation, â€Å"Give a person a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a person to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. † This simple but profound saying is attributed to the wisdom of Confucius who lived in the 5th century BC. Given today’s business climate and the exponential growth in technology with its effect on the economy and society at large, the need for training is more pronounced than ever. † (Danziger Dunkle, 2005) Much of the training for new employees in the current environment consists of emphasising the importance of technology, motivating them to use it to their advantage, and making them conversant and familiar with new technologies like computers, websites, and online supply chain, sales and customer relationship management. 2. Aims and Objectives The Aims and Objectives of the proposal are thus finalised as follows: Aim: To investigate the effectiveness of training in motivating employees to learn and use modern technology Objectives: 1. To ascertain the organisational and individual benefits from imparting training to employees in areas of computers, Internet and online applications 2. To ascertain the modes of training used by companies to improve the knowledge and skills of their employees 3. To ascertain employee attitudes towards training 4. To investigate into the reasons for positive and negative employee attitudes towards new technology in areas of computers, Internet and on-line applications. 3. Literature Review The Importance of Training Management experts are in current times constantly emphasising on the importance of employee strength, calibre, and potential, for the achievement of business and profitability objectives. Marking a radical departure from the past when greater importance was placed on tangible assets like land, plant, and capital, modern managers think of employee strength to be the fundamental attribute of a business organisation (King, Others, 2001). Whilst management practitioners continue to be ambivalent towards the applicability of different HR theories like those espoused by the Harvard and Michigan schools, the Best Fit and Best Practice theories, and the Guest and Storey models, all experts are unanimous in their advocacy of the need for high quality training in today’s fast changing business scenario (King, Others, 2001). Training, in its most basic form can be labelled as an action that alters people’s behaviour. Whilst improvement of productivity is often termed the chief reason for imparting training, it is but one of its many advantages. Training is necessary not just for augmentation of productivity but also to inspire and encourage workers by informing them of the importance of their functions and empowering them to operate efficiently (Danziger Dunkle, 2005). â€Å"The general benefits available from training are listed below: †¢ increased job satisfaction and morale †¢ increased motivation †¢ increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain †¢ increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods †¢ increased innovation in strategies and products †¢ reduced employee turnover† (Danziger Dunkle, 2005) The fundamental aim of training is to help organisations in achieving their objectives by adding value to their key resource, namely their employees. Developing employee competencies, helping people to grow and fulfil greater responsibilities, and reducing the on-job learning time of employees, training provides immense benefits to both individuals and organisations and helps by developing individual, team, group, and organisational competencies, reducing learning costs, improving operational efficiencies and attracting superior talent (King, Others, 2001). It increases employee commitment, helps in managing change, leads to a positive organisational culture, and helps in increasing levels of customer service (King, Others, 2001). Much of the need for high quality and evolving training programmes arises from the needs of modern businesses to cope satisfactorily with changing customer needs, technological advances, introduction of new products, and evolution in working methods. The success of legendary companies like Toyota (in the automobile industry), the Ritz Carlton, (in the hospitality industry) and FedEx (in the courier business) is attributed in substantial part to the quality of their training programmes and their corporate commitment to training (Statt, 2000). With many companies paying lip service to training during boom times, only to slash training budgets at the first sign of economic downturn, training programmes, experts feel, need to be carried out consistently in order to be successful. Whilst satisfaction of training needs are far more important today than in the past because of competitive pressures for enhancement of employee efficiency, business productivity and competitive advantage, much of the training effort in modern day organisations is expended purely because of the need to keep old and new employees abreast of technological changes and developments (Statt, 2000). Technological change is now impacting every area of business life. Although rapid technological change in the past was associated with a few industries like automobiles, pharmaceuticals and computers, its impact today is far more pervasive and far-reaching, affecting a wide spectrum of manufacturing and services in businesses as diverse as hotels, restaurants, travel agents, call centres, banks, insurance companies, BPOs, and retail shops (Statt, 2000). For many small and medium businesses all over the world, technological and operational change has been driven by increasing use of computers, advances in software, and the Internet for online applications (Driscoll, 1999). Such is the pervasive nature of computers in today’s business environment that an employee workforce without competence in the area could severely restrict the operational capabilities and competitive advantage of business firms (Driscoll, 1999). This requirement has also created a need for training in computers and has moreover spawned a huge training industry. â€Å"Interest in Information Technology (IT) education grows daily due to the pervasive influence of computing and knowledge technologies. Knowledge options include training, formal education, certification, books, Internet, etc. indeed many show interest in training as more career opportunities crop up in IT. The flexibility provided by training is certainly a major factor in this regard. † (Awe, 2008) Training methods and barriers The scope and quality of workplace training in computing skills has expanded exponentially in the course of the last two decades. â€Å"Virtually all modern organizations accept that a well-trained workforce is a critical success factor. American organizations spend more than $62 billion per year on formal training of their employees. It is impossible to estimate the full costs of the additional informal training that occurs. Ability to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) is among the most important skills that many employees need. Yet there is more speculation than wellgrounded, factual knowledge about the kinds of training regarding work-related computing to which most employees are exposed. † (Danziger Dunkle, 2005) Very much a specialised function, organisational training is provided by trained in-house or external personnel. Whilst it is normal for large organisations to have their own training departments, most medium and small organisations handle their training requirements through external trainers. Training can also be distinguished on a number of facets, two of them being the degree to which there is interaction and collaboration with others and the extent of its formality. â€Å"Training for work-related computing comes in a variety of forms, ranging from formal, scheduled classroom instruction to spur-of-the-moment sessions with a co-worker to self-based trial and error efforts. Both organizations and individual workers make choices regarding the selection of training methods. † (Danziger Dunkle, 2005) Whilst there are various methods of training, they can be divided into two basic groups, cognitive and behavioural. Trainers, as such, need to take account of the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods, as also their impact on trainees keeping their previous background and skills in mind (King, Others, 2001). Cognitive methods are used to provide theoretical training; they are associated with achieving changes in knowledge and attitudes through the use of lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and computer based training (King, Others, 2001). Behavioural methods on the other hand are more suited for provisioning of practical training. Ideally suited for skill development the behavioural approach allows the trainee to behave as required through a combination of games, simulations, case studies, and role plays (King, Others, 2001). The method by which training is provided also depends upon the requirements of the organisation, the employees who are to be trained, and upon the activities and tasks that are involved (Wentland, 2003). The training method chosen should as such be structured to suit the target addressees, the substance, the business setting, and the training and education objective (Wentland, 2003). The optimum method should motivate trainees to become skilled, assist them to get ready for learning, allow the students to use and practice what they imbibe, help trainees absorb and pass on what they have come to know, and combine performance with other expertise (Wentland, 2003). Management Development Methods are more futuristic in nature and deal with education. Divided into two broad segments on-the-job and off-the-job, managerial abilities are developed through coaching, mentoring, job rotation, and job instruction techniques, (on-the-job), and sensitivity training, transactional analysis, and simulation (off-the-job) exercises (Wentland, 2003). A number of barriers to the imparting of appropriate and high quality training still remain, despite the widespread understanding of its need, as also its rapid evolution in recent years (Ndahi Gupta, 2000). Most such barriers arise from management attitudes and approaches, with some company leaderships still viewing training as an avoidable luxury. Training also suffers because of lack of suitable training provision, financial implications and the fear of work disruption (Ndahi Gupta, 2000). On occasions managements face training challenges because of lack of suitable courses, indecisiveness on whom to train, the lack of workers to fill up when employees go on training and similar other issues (Ndahi Gupta, 2000). 4. Methodological Approach Taking account of the aims and objectives of the research assignment, along with the information obtained in the course of the literature review, the research questions are determined as under: †¢ What are the benefits likely to accrue to companies and individuals from training programmes? †¢ What are the most important hurdles to successful imparting of training? †¢ How can barriers to training be overcome, especially in the context of modern skill requirements in areas of computers and the Internet? Whilst the review of literature has provided significant extant material on training issues in business, the dissertation also calls for analysis of primary information from actual responses and cross validating them with the inferences reached from the literature review. There being two broad methods for analysis of primary information, namely qualitative and quantitative, the actual methodological approach will depend upon the research situation, and the aims and objectives of the dissertation proposal. Quantitative methods are by and large used for research into the opinions and tastes of large populations and depend upon the use of tools like questionnaire based surveys, phone surveys, and email responses. There is little interaction between surveyors and respondents and corrective elements need to be built into the survey sheets and the statistical analysis methods. Qualitative methods are however used where the research is of a more subjective and interpretative nature and where answers are sought to â€Å"what†, â€Å"how† and â€Å"why† questions, and are thus more suitable for this dissertation (Darlington Scott, 2002). The advantages of qualitative research often prevail over the risk of missing the population or audience. â€Å"It has a lower cost, is faster, and has an opportunity for more in depth analysis† (Darlington Scott, 2002, p 27). It is also more realistic and creates superior privacy and accurateness. The research fashions an enhanced recognition of results and data from complete small populations can be obtained through its usage (Darlington Scott, 2002). It is proposed to get qualitative information from a company â€Å"X† based in Saudi Arabia. , engaged in the distribution of newspapers, journals, and magazines. Headquartered at Riyadh, the company has offices in a number of in other Saudi Arabian cities, and is a large employer. It is proposed to get questionnaire based information from 15 % of the firm’s employees and conduct a detailed one to one interview with the owner of the company. The questionnaires will also need to be designed with care incorporating cross validating questions to weed out contradictions.

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Example for Free

Coffee and Starbucks Essay Then.. ï  ± First Starbucks opened in Seattle Washington. ï  ± March 30, 1971 ï  ± Jerry Baldwin – English teacher ï  ± Gordon Bowker-Writer ï  ± Zev Seigl-History teacher ï‚â€" Then†¦ ï  ± Entrepreneur Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982. ï  ± Director of retail operations and marketing. ï  ± Ideas of selling beverages. ï‚â€" Then†¦ ï  ± April, 1984 first store to sell beverages was opened. ï  ± Served 400 customer- over the 250 customer average at their best score. ï  ± II Giornale Acquires Starbucks. ï  ± Howard Schultz- Starbucks president and CEO. ï‚â€" Now†¦ ï  ¶ World’s premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee. ï  ¶ 8,812 company-owned stores. ï  ¶ 7,812 licensed stores in more than 50 countries. ï‚â€" Now†¦ ï  ¶ Annual sales of about US$14.89 Billion. ï  ¶ Sell: Whole bean coffee, Ground Coffee, pastries, beverages and coffee related products. ï‚â€" Mission Statement 1990- October 2008 Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow. ï‚â€" Vision†¦ Starbucks Digital Network, in partnership with Yahoo! Its vision is to provide best cup of coffee to include providing the best digital experience. They are now offering music among choices from their digital network. ï‚â€" Opened with Tata global beverages. (50-50)% partners First In Mumbai, October 19, 2012 Now 54 stores in Four cities (in 17 months) ïÆ'Ëœ CEO of TATA Starbucks is Avani Saglani Davda. ïÆ'Ëœ Starbucks also get source to coffee beans from Kodagu (Karnataka) ïÆ'Ëœ Opened with investment of US$66 Million. ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ï‚â€" Ethics†¦ Starbucks and Shared Planet is committed to doing business responsibly. A better way to help each other and planet. ï‚â€" SWOT Analysis ï‚â€" Strengths†¦ ïÆ'Ëœ Leading retailer and roaster for brand specialty coffee in the world. ïÆ'Ëœ Known for providing superior products and services. ïÆ'Ëœ Number 7 on Fortune Magazine’s â€Å"100 best companies to work for†. ïÆ'Ëœ Consistent high quality of service. ïÆ'Ëœ Limited no. of strong competitors. ïÆ'Ëœ High market share and market growth. ï‚â€" Weaknesses†¦ ï‚ § High prices because of quality ingredients used. ï‚ § Starbucks refuses to guarantee that milk, beverages, chocolate, ice cream and baked goods sold in the company’s stores are free of genetically- modified ingredients. ï‚ § Strong presence in U.S. more than three quarters of its cafes located in the domestic market. ï‚ § In order to reduce business risk, expansion is needed. ï‚â€" Opportunities†¦ ïÆ' ¼ High growth of economy and market in Indonesia, especially in urban areas. ïÆ' ¼ Could diverse their product not only in coffee. ïÆ' ¼ The potential employees are educated peoples which make it easier to train them. ïÆ' ¼ Strong financial support. ï‚â€" Threats†¦ ï  ¶ Competitors and copycat could pose potential threats. ï  ¶ Sentimental issues to the bad effect of coffee from society. ï  ¶ Global financial crisis-make people tend not to spend. ï  ¶ Exposed to rises in the cost of coffee and dairy products. ï‚â€" Competition†¦ ï‚â€" Company Financial Report ï  ± Revenue: US$14.89 Billion ï  ± Operating Income: US$325.4 Million ï  ± Net Income: US$8.8 Million ï  ± Total assets: US$11.5167 Billion ï  ± Total Equity: US$4.48 Billion ï‚â€" Conclusion†¦ ï  ± Summary Strengths Opportunities Threats Conclusion Weaknesses Overpriced coffee. ï  ± Health concerns regarding caffeine and caloric intake. ï  ± Main focus on expansion rather than internal improvement. ï  ± Total revenue of $10.7 billion in 2010. ï  ± Starbucks has added an average of two stores on a daily basis since 1987.

Health Promotion Activity for HIV

Health Promotion Activity for HIV Health promotion about raising awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV). Group members Grace Gaisey, Ethel Onyewuotu, Isabelle Bialan, John Daramewa, Nana Sarpong- Mensah and Peace Uzoma. Introduction This essay highlights assessing, planning, implementing and the evaluation of a health promotion activity on HIV. The World Health Organisation (WHO), 2013) defines HIV as a virus which infects the cells in the immune system by destroying its function to a stage that infections may begin to occur as a result of weakening the immune system. Assessment of Health Need Health needs assessment is an efficient method in reviewing health issues involving a population which leads to approved priorities and allocation of resources that assist in the improvement of health and reduce inequalities (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2009). This is beneficial as it contributes to the description patterns of disease in a local population and the differences from other location, such as districts, regional or national disease patterns such as HIV as it is a pandemic disease (National Aids Trust (NAT), 2014), and creates the opportunity in learning more about the needs and priorities of the local population to provide the objectives needed to work towards meeting those needs (Wright, Wilkinson and Williams, 2009). Epidemiology and demographic statistics Naidoo and Wills (2009) defined epidemiology as the study of occurrence and spread of disease in a population. Demography on the other hand is the size, composition and the distribution of human populations and their changes resulting from fertility and mortality (Dudley, Poston Bouvier, 2010). HIV is a transmitted disease with almost 75 million people infected with the virus worldwide, with data trends indicating it has increased as 36 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2012 (WHO, 2014). It has also been estimated that the 75 million infected with HIV caught the virus by means of transmission, such as sexual intercourse and mother to child transmission (WHO, 2013). For instance, it has been estimated that 5.1 million of children worldwide have been infected with HIV through mother to child transmission (NAT, 2013). Thus, early infant diagnosis is being scaled up in many countries, but in 2011 only 35% of the infants born to mothers living with HIV received HIV test and has been increased by 46% between 2010 and 2012 from 2.4 million to 3.5million (WHO, 2013). The demographic statistics from data trends indicates that, about 36 million people have died of HIV globally since 2012 compared to 30.3 million people in 2001 which shows an increase of 17% (WHO, 2014). Although the mortality among the population are infants aged 1-5 years and has increased with 3.34 million (NAT, 2013). HIV causes mortality among adults, however, according to estimates by WHO (2013), infants who has HIV are more likely to die between the ages of 1 and 5 years, respectively, with 2.3 million dying as a result while adults have the likelihood of dying between 15 and 60 years. Target group The target group for this HP activity is 15-24 years as statistics shown by the Public Health England (PHE) (2013) indicate young people under 25 are more at risk of contracting HIV with a peak age of women between 15-20 years and 20-24 for men. This has been indicated as a public health issue in many countries as 40% of new HIV infections are seen among 15 to 24 year olds (PHE, 2013). WHO (2013) further corresponded stating, half of the 75 million people infected with HIV in the world are young women aged 15 to 20 years, accounting for all new infections, and there is a growing recognition that these women and girls with HIV infection is shaped by gender inequalities and violence against them. Behavioral aspects that might affect this health issue. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (2014), behavioral aspects that can affect the risk of HIV includes individual sexuality and self-esteem. For instance, research indicates that most ongoing risk behaviour for HIV transmission has been described for men who have sex with men (MSM) (NAT, 2014). It has also been estimated that, 10 million people of MSM are living with HIV globally and in 41,100 in the UK in 2012 which has been increasing in the recent years, making public health experts have concerns about the rising rate among MSM (NAT, 2014). Policies In 2013, World Health Organisation published a global policy in which they provided recommendations on HIV testing and counselling. They estimated that about 20 million adolescents aged 10-24 years are living with HIV worldwide with half of them unaware of their infection. This policy aims at giving a high priority to enhance access to HIV testing and counselling globally, which is beneficial as it involve the improvement of health and is appropriate for the HP activity as advising people on HIV testing and offering counselling gives the opportunity to care, treatment and support for people and permit them to know their status (British HIV Association, 2014). In addition, the policy also outlined the need for giving sufficient information on HIV awareness and an early diagnosis and treatment as it can reduce the progression and the prevention of HIV transmission. Thus, the WHO (2013) corresponded by recommending that HIV testing and counselling should be offered in global hospitals as this will assist the diagnosis and management of the infection. In the UK, the NAT (2012) provides a policy based on HIV prevention and its aim is to promote health of the UK population with a prevention of an HIV test action plan to reduce late diagnosis of HIV in the UK. This is a relevant policy as HIV has become a generalised epidemic in the UK that affects the health and well being of enormous people from all social classes (NAT, 2014). HIV is not only a health issue, but also a developmental issue that affects the social, cultural, political and the economics of the country (British HIV Association, 2014) as it is associated with serious morbidity that includes a high cost of treatment and care (PHE, 2013). The initiative of this policy is to facilitate an increase in HIV testing in all healthcare settings in order to reduce the proportion of individuals who are unaware of their HIV infection with the motive of benefitting the individual and the public health. This is vital as maintaining focus on increasing regular HIV testing is a key component of the prevention and care of the people in raising the awareness of HIV of the people in the UK. As a result, the UK national guidelines for HIV testing from the British HIV Association, (2008) recommends that an HIV test should be offered to all newly registering patients in general practice and general hospital admissions and promote the awareness of HIV which will assist in reducing late diagnosis of HIV. Type of needs According to NICE (2008), an understanding of the assessment of health needs requires a definition of need which indicates the capacity of a benefit from an intervention. Bradshaw (1972) suggests there are four dimensions of need; however, the Bradshaw need chosen was the normative need as it is based on professional judgement (Coles Porter, 2008). It creates the need for professionals to identify standard requirements (Gruen Black, 2006). For instance, the WHO (2013) recommended that HIV testing should be offered in global hospitals. This indicates a health need as data indicates that most people are unaware of their infection (NAT, 2013). Approach Ewles and Simnett (2003) model comprises of five approaches to health promotion which consists of medical approach, behavioural change approach, educational approach, societal change approach and client-centred approach. Thus, the educational approach was chosen as having an educational approach in health promotion offers individual information to ascertain health benefits for themselves (Ewles and Simnett, 2003). The health belief model is seen to be the most common theory used in health promotion, providing the benefits of educational approach (Glanz, Rimer Viswanath, 2008). The model is essential for addressing problem behaviours that raises health concerns (Black, Hawk Keene, 2006). For example, high risk of sexual behaviour and the possibility of contracting HIV, this is an identification of individual behaviours. Willz (2007) further suggested that health professionals need to be mindful of this model so as to enable them in educating and promoting health in individuals from various cultural and ethnic groups. The strength of the educational approach is based on the fact that it permits people to make an informed decision about their health by providing knowledge and information to different cultural and ethnic groups which the health belief model corresponds to. However, Naidoo and Wills (2009) further explain that the educational approach differs from the other approaches as it does not use reinforcement to achieve its aim which is a limitation. The Royal College of Nursing (2011) corresponded with this view advocating that the role of the nurse is to inform and not persuade. Aims and Objectives The group had aims and objectives to ensure everyone recognizes what needs to be achieved. For that reason, the group identified the aim as raising awareness for HIV and with the objectives that comprises participants will be able to identify the main differences between HIV and AIDS, identify the symptoms of HIV and the safest option to fight off the menace, able to understand three risk factors of transmitting HIV and identify three places to access information on HIV. Evaluation Stufflebeam and Shinkfield (2007) explained health promotion evaluation as a process that is concerned with assessing health related activity against the goals in a way that results and contributes to future decision making. In addition, Black, Hawks Keene (2006) further stated that evaluation is made so as to determine if aims and objectives have been met and determine the efficiency of the methods used. This is vital as without evaluation, the idea of if objectives are met would not be known and also problems and weakness encountered would not be seen to rectify. Thorogood and Coombes (2010) states there are three stages of evaluation in health promotion; this includes process, impact and outcome. In the process of the health promotion activity, the group utilised a method of approach so as to achieve the aims and objectives. Thus, the educational approach was chosen as the group used educational materials such as penis model as an illustration on safe use of condom, posters which were clear and easy to read, distributed leaflets to assist in expanding the knowledge of the participants on HIV awareness as Linsley, Kane and Owen (2011) states, good quality health information leaflets assist individuals to make informed choices about their health. In addition, Health belief model (1974) suggests that, people need to have some kind of knowledge, such as information given to them through leaflets and posters to take actions in changing their behaviour or make a health related decision. The interactions that took place during the health promotion(HP) activity was done through raising awareness of HIV to our target group by explaining and discussing the health issue with the participants and after giving a questionnaire for them to answer to enable the group gather information on as to whether the objectives has been met. The impact evaluation involves in assessing the activity in regards of the aims and objectives set by the group. Naidoo and Wills (2008) state that the impact evaluation is the immediate effect the health promotion have on people. Essentially, this refers to the measurement of what has been achieved by the group. The questionnaire given to the participants were analysed by the group which indicated that 87% in 27 people tick the right answer and 3 people in 13% had the wrong answer. From the evaluation carried out, 13% of the participants answered the questionnaire wrongly because it was distributed to them before explaining what the health issue was about. Out of the 30 questions set, only 3 participants had it wrong, which means the group was able to expand the knowledge of the participants and their understanding on HIV. Green and Kreuter (2008) explained outcome evaluation measures as the long term effects of HP activity and whether it has achieved its goals. The outcome effect of the HP activity will be difficult for the group to identify as it there will be a follow up which will be difficult to contact participants again. There are some improvements that could have been made to improve the HP activity. Hence, demonstration of the penis model should be kept in a discreet position and not visible to the audience so as to not be seen as offensive to others. In addition, the standing poster should be clear and group members must ensure it is not blocked from the audience whiles interacting with them. Royal College of nursing (2007) states health promoters are in the contribution to improving the health of the public. Thus, their role as a health promoter is to plan and develop ways that assist people improve and manage their health. Linsley, Kane and Owen (2011) further corresponded saying health promoters must have an evidence-based understanding of the important effects that can be made through health promotion interventions and communicating with people to develop their awareness of activities leading to better health and become knowledgeable about their own health status which will improve the overall health population. The HP activity on raising awareness on HIV could be carried out in Gum clinics within the target group of 15- 24 years. According to French (2009), people can go to gum clinics no matter their age. As stated by the RCN (2012), nurses are health promoters and in an ideal position to influence the people they interact with in order to empower positive health outcomes. Thus, the role of the nurse as a health promoter is to provide advice and support through one to one interventions with clients to improve their sexual health (French, 2009). The nurse can also implement guidance on prevention and risk reduction support of HIV to clients by providing relevant information, leaflets and condoms so as to raise their awareness on HIV. Conclusion This essay has outlined a health promotion activity based on raising awareness of HIV, with a health need assessments and target population identified. The essay has also outlined epidemiology and the demographic trends associated with health policies that govern it. The writer also identified the approaches and the aims and objectives with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the health promotion activity and the role of the health promoter. References Bradshaw ref. Black, M., Hawks H., Keene, M. (2006).Evaluation in health promotion.6th (ed). Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby. British HIV Association.(2014). UK National Guideline for HIV Testing. London: BHIVA. Coles, L. Porter, E. (2008). Public health skills. A practical guide for nurses and publich health practitioners. Oxford: Blackwell. Croyle, R. T. (2005). Theory at a Glance: Application to Health Promotion and Health Behaviour. 2nd (ed). Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Available at www.thecommunityguide.org. Dudley. L., Poston, J. Bouvier, F. (2010). Population and society. An introduction to demography. New York: Cambridge University Press. Ewles,L. Simnett, I. (2003).Promoting Health -A Practical Guide. 5th (ed). Edinburgh: Bailliere Tindall. French, K. (2009). Sexual Health. Chichester: Blackwell Publication. Glanz, K., Rimer. B., Viswanath, K. (2008).Health behaviour and health education. 4th (ed). San Francisco: J. Wiley. Green, L.W. Kreuter, M.W. (2008).Health promotion planning: an educational and environmental approach. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Gruen, R. Black, N. (2006). Understanding health services. Berkshire: Open university press. Linsley, P., Kane. R., and Owen, S. (2011). Nursing for public health promotion, principles and practice. Oxford: Oxford university press. National Aids Trust.(2012). HIV testing, action plan. London: NAT. National Aids Trust.(2014). Men who have sex with men (MSM). London: NAT. Naidoo,J. and Wills, J. (2009). Foundations for Health Promotion. Edinburgh: Bailliere Tindall Elsevier. Naidoo, J. Wills, J. (2008).Health Promotion Foundations for Practice. London: BailliereTindall. Public Health England. (2013). HIV in the United Kingdom: 2013 report. London: PHE. Public Health England. (2013). HIV in the UK: 2013 Report. London: PHE. Royal College of Nursing. (2011). Informed consent in health and social care research: RCN guidance for nurses. 2nd (ed). London: RCN. Royal College of Nursing. (2012). Nurses contribution to public health: prevents, promote and protect. London: RCN. Royal College of Nursing. (2007). Nurses as partners in delivering public health. London: RCN. Thorogood, M. Coombes, Y. (2010). Evaluating Health Promotion. (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford university press. Wills, J. (2007).Promoting Health. Oxford: Blackwell. World Health Organisation. (2013). Global update on HIV treatment: Result, impacts and opportunities. Geneva: WHO. World Health Organisation. (2013). HIV and adolescents: Guidance for HIV testing and counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV. Geneva: WHO. Wright. J., Wilkinson, R. J., Williams. R. (2009). Development and importance of health needs assessment. British medical journal, 316(7140), 1310- 1313. United Kingdom: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2009). Health needs assessment: A practical guide. London: NICE. United Kingdom: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2008). Health needs assessment at a glance. London: NICE.

Transnational Race and the Black Movement Essay -- Race History

The United States and Latin America have seen their fair shares of inequality and hardships when it comes to those of the minority status. Minorities have successfully fought back in the timeless battle to achieve equality, rather it be with those of their own race, or from different ethnic backgrounds. When groups are able to coexist, their ideologies are expressed to one another and at times are able to influence different groups on their attitudes toward different subjects. Now that immigration has astronomically increased to the United States, the idea of this country as a â€Å"melting pot† has never been more correct. Being that more individuals are turning to the United States for permanent residence, race has obtained multiple definitions over the course of history, resulting from the ever-changing racial makeup of the United States and Latin America. The black movement has also contributed to the change in racial identification from the early 20th century up until to day, resulting in transnational ideologies of race. These two changes have culminated into the current culture that is taking over America, and making it into a more diversified nation. As the election of President Barack Obama proved to America and others around the world that this country was moving past race, the importance of transnational ideologies and race in America have led to a society that does not turn to race first, but instead looks at the beliefs and attitudes of those around it. When looking around the world at different races, it is easy to compare some of the sentiment toward these races to the very same attitudes American citizens have against them in the United States. Mark Anderson discusses how certain stereotypes about blacks have diffuse... ...rican American president, how far will we go in ensuring that race is a thing of the past? Works Cited Anderson, Mark. "Bad Boys and Peaceful Garifuna." In Neither Enemies nor Friends, by Anani Dzidzienyo and Oboler Suzanne, 101-115. New York: Palgrave Macmillian, 2005. DeScipio, Louis. "Transnational politics and civic engagement : do home-country political ties limit Latino immigrant pursuit of US civic engagement and citizenship?" In Transforming politics, transforming America : the political and civic incorporation of immigrants in the United States, by S. Karthick Ramakrishnan, and Ricardo Ramà ­rez Taeku Lee, n/a. Charlottesville: UVA Press, 2006. Lewis, Hope. "Transnational Dimensions of Race in America." Albany Law Review, 2009: 999-1028. Sawyer, Mark Q. Racial Politics in Post-Revolutionary Cuba. New York City: Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Comparing Andrew Marvells To His Coy Mistress and John Donnes Flea Es

Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress and John Donne’s Flea Andrew Marvell and John Donne both wrote â€Å"carpe diem† poetry full of vivid imagery and metaphysical conceits. This message can be clearly seen in the poems "To His Coy Mistress" by Marvell and Donne’s "Flea." Though both poems take a similar approach to the topic addressed, it is Marvell that writes more thoughtfully and carefully, coercing instead of Donne’s seemed demanding\begging. The speaker in â€Å"Coy Mistress† is trying to convince his woman of choice that it is much better to have sex now than to save her virginity for the future. Why save it until they are married? The man wants to experience the pleasure now. Marvell’s message here seems to be that instead of worrying about the future; planning exactly when we should do things, humans should take things as they come and enjoy them before it is too late. This theme relates to all aspects of life, not just sex. Donne’s narrator, though having the same goal and idea, is far more blunt in his reasoning. Noticing a flea that presumably had bitten them both, he ar...

Impact of Telecommunication Social or Economical

In 2013, worldwide telecommunications will reach $2. 3 trillion in revenues [1]. The revenue from telecommunication services is projected to grow at the rate of 3. 8 percent [1]. Not only is the telecommunications industry monetarily strong but also has a great impact on the social and economic development of the world. Telecommunications has changed the way people live, interact and conduct businesses. Rwanda, commonly known as â€Å"the Land of a Thousand Hills†, is a country in central Africa. This country faced a civil war in 1993.Between April and June 1994, an estimated 800,000 Rwandans were killed [9]. After this genocide, one of the most important areas of development that the Government focused on was Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Rwanda, with its hilly terrain, is favorable for growing tea and coffee. Export of tea comprised of 70% of its export [2]. Thus during the U. S. recession of 2009, Rwanda’s GDP grew by 4. 1% in comparison to 11. 2% a year before [4]. The geography of the country and the underdeveloped road/rail transportation adds on to increased cost in exporting goods [2].One of the main reasons for focusing on ICT policy was to convert Rwanda from an agrarian economy to an information-centric economy [3]. In order to achieve this, the Government has implemented National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy [8]. Earlier in Rwanda, there were a very few newspapers published on a weekly or even on biweekly basis. The Rwandan Government used to broadcast radio all throughout the day in order to educate people [2]. But this effort did not scale nationwide and the nature of information was limited.There were three major telecommunications providers in the country by 2012, because of National ICT policy and privatization of Rwanda’s telecommunications industry. Telecommunications services have provided a broader source of information through the Internet and has facilitated in educating the people of Rwanda across the nation. One of the main health care issues faced in Rwanda is spread of HIV/AIDS. Innovative ways, such as bulk short message services (SMS), have been used to create awareness among people regarding the virus.The Rwanda Government has given out free cell phones to community health care volunteers, in an attempt to help pregnant women [11]. If there are any questions, updates, or complications regarding the pregnancy, health volunteers text the local clinic and get a response within minutes [11]. Such telecommunications services have helped the social development of Rwanda. Up until 2006 telecommunications in Rwanda was state owned monopoly. Since then there has been privatization of the telecommunications industry [5].Privatization of the industry led to the arrival of international telecommunications giants. Foreign investment in the telecommunication industry has become one of the channels for the government to increase its revenue. In the fiscal year of 2011/ 2012, Rwanda’s government lost over $23 million because of fuel tax reduction. During the same fiscal year, Bharti Airtel, one of the international telecommunications giant from India, bought a telecommunications license worth $100 million [5]. The Rwanda Government has used this payment to offset part of Rwanda’s fiscal deficit [6].In order to increase their customer base, all of the telecommunications companies have introduced mobile money services. This service allows customers to send and receive money within the country and also overseas [7]. Almost, Rwf45 billion has been transferred to and from Rwanda from the inception of this service. The telecommunications companies are directly licensed by the National Bank of Rwanda to facilitate mobile money services. The mobile money service has helped in providing more financial services [10].Telecommunications has helped economic development of the country by enabling easy transfer of money [7]. In conclusion, ICT is helping to re-build Rwanda. The National ICT policy and action plan re-emphasizes the importance of ICT. Telecommunications has helped Rwanda develop socially and economically. This analysis has made me realize that telecommunications is not just any other industry, but has the power to change lives of millions. References: [1] Anonymous (2012). ‘Worldwide Telecommunications Industry Revenue to Reach $2. Trillion in 2013, [Online] Available: http://www. kten. com/story/20754074/worldwide-telecommunications-industry-revenue-to-reach-22-trillion-in-2013-says-insight-research-corp Accessed on January 30, 2013. [2] Anonymous. [Online] Available: http://www. historycentral. com/nationbynation/Rwanda/Economy. html Accessed on January 30, 2013 [3] K. David (2004, May). ‘IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL ICT POLICY AND PLAN in RWANDA’ [Online]. Available: http://www. powershow. com/view/200885-ZTVmZ/IMPLEMENTING_THE_NATIONAL_ICT_POLI

Mis Grameenphone

Mis in Grameen Phone chapter 01 Introduction Management and organizations facing constantly changing problems, diverse managerial styles, and ever present information needs offer a challenging context for developing computer based information systems. A management information system (MIS) is a system or process that provides information needed to manage organizations effectively. Management Information Systems (MIS) employs the integration of information technology in achieving the needs and objectives of the general workforce, managers and their organization.The development of MIS in organizations helps corporate executives in applying efficient and effective information technology-based business and economic decisions. With new trends in information technology, managers and organizations will face more advance and flexible management of organizational information. Management information systems are regarded to be a subset of the overall internal controls procedures in a business, w hich cover the application of people, documents, technologies, and procedures used by management accountants to solve business problems such as costing a product, service or a business-wide strategy.Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the group of information management methods tied to the automation or support of human decision making, e. g. Decision Support Systems, Expert systems, and Executive information systems. The terms MIS and information system are often confused. MIS is sometimes referred to, in a restrictive sense, as information technology management. That area of study should not be confused with computer science. IT service management is a practitioner-focused discipline.MIS has also some differences with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as ERP incorporates elements that are not necessarily focused on decision support. MIS uses computer technology to provide information and decision support to managers, helping them becomes more effective. Developmen ts in the young computer industry are changing corporate management style. Managers at all levels use similar data. Operating managers require data which is timely, precise, detailed, internal and historical.Upper level managers need data which is aggregated, external as well as internal, future oriented as well as historical and covering a longer span time. An effective MIS cannot be built without viable data management tools. Such tools were not generally available previously. Moreover, most organizations did not effectively use DBMS technology until two decades before. Most organizations these days rely heavily on their IT systems. An important key to a successful MIS is the effective management of an organization's data resources. hapter 02 Management information system 2. 1 MIS definition- Management information system is the combination of men, machine and procedures for collecting related information from the internal and external sources of an organization, and use these inf ormation for the purpose of decision making. Another way it can say it is the integrated system of man and machine which provides information support for the decision making in the organization. MIS also can define as a computer-based information system. According to Jorge M.Scott, â€Å"MIS is comprehensive and coordinated setoff information subsystems which are rationally integrated and which transform data into information in a variety of ways to enhance productivity in conformity with the manager’s style and characteristics on the basis of established quality criteria. † 2. 2 Applications of MIS MIS has become an integral part of the organization's existence and application on several specific areas. These include strategy supports, data processing and job performance development. MIS transforms data into useful information to formulate effective management decisions.Data processing by MIS allows organization of enormous quantity of business data and provides valua ble time-saving benefits for the organization. Job performance of the organization's human resources is greatly affected with the establishment of an MIS. Employees will have more efficient and effective ways in handling data and information. 2. 3 Elements of a Functional MIS A functional MIS has five elements which include timeliness, accuracy, consistency, completeness and relevance. The efficacy of an MIS will be deterred whenever one or more elements are compromised.The element of timeliness signifies that an organization's MIS can provide and distribute current information to its users. Processed information from MIS must be accurate and free from flaws. MIS consistency in handling data must be taken into consideration for well-defined, documented processes and ability to adapt with a dynamic environment. Management needs complete and related information in a summarized format to eliminate information overload. The MIS must be able to provide the management with relevant data f or effective planning and decision making. 2. 4 Advantages of MIS An MIS provides many benefits to the organization.Primarily, it facilitates organizational planning. MIS enhances the sound decision-making skills of the management by providing relevant information. Secondly, MIS minimizes information surplus by summarizing this in standard formats for managers to have detailed and concise reports. Thirdly, MIS facilities bring integration to an organization as it keeps other departments abreast with existing problems and needs. Lastly, MIS makes managerial control easier. This gives management the ability to assess and improve the organization's performance. 2. 5 MIS classification MIS is a concept, which is a matter of degree rather than an absolute one.In management there are perhaps few other areas other than MIS which gas created so much controversy. We would make an attempt to try to look into different types of MIS as they have evolved during the course of time. 1) Transaction Processing System (TPS) 2) Management Information System (MIS) 3) Decision Support System (DSS) 4) Executive Support System (ESS) 1) Transaction Processing System: It processes transactions and produces reports. I t represents the automation of fundamental, routine processing used to support business operations. It does not provide any information to the user for decision making.TPS uses data and produces data. 2) Management Information System: MIS in an information system that processes data and converts it into information. A management information system uses TPS for its data inputs. The information generated by the information system may be used for control of operations, strategic and long-range planning, short-range planning, management control and other managerial problem solving. 3) Decision Support System: A decision support system is an information system application that assists decision-making. DSS tends to be used in planning, analyzing alternatives and trial and error search solutions.They incorporate a variety of decision-making models and thus area capable of performing what-if analysis. 4) Executive Support System: An ESS is a special kind of DSS. It is specially tailored for the use of chief executives of an organization to support his decision-making. Thus ESS is a comprehensive information system that includes various type s of decision support systems, but it is more specific and person oriented. 2. 6 Objective of MIS There are three basic objectives of MIS are discussed below: 1. Operational control: It is the process of assuring that the specific tasks are carried out efficiently and effectively. 2.Management control: It is the process by which managers ensure that resources are obtained and used effectively and efficiently in the accomplishment of organizational objectives. 3. Strategic planning: It is the process of deciding on objective of the organization, on change in these objectives and on the policies that govern the acquisition , use and disposition of these resources. The nature and extent of information required for these purpose greatly depends upon the business environment in which it operates. As small or medium size organization do not have the resources or the organization to have a systematic information system. . 8 Characteristics of MIS The following are the characteristics feature of an MIS (a) Management oriented: This is the most significant characteristics of MIS the system is designed from the top down. This does not mean that the system will be geared to providing information directly to top management; rather, it means that the system development starts from an appraisal of management needs and overall business objective. It is possible that middle management or operating management is the focus of the system, such that their needs are the cornerstone on which the system is built. b) Management directed: Because of the management orientation of MIS, it is imperative that management activit y direct the system development efforts involvement is not enough. It is rare to find an MIS where the manager himself or a high-level reprehensive of his department is not spending a good deal of time in system design. (c) Integrated: Integration is significant because of the ability to produce more meaningful management information. For example. in order to develop an effective production scheduling system , we must balance , such factors as : * Set up costs * Work force Overtime rates * Production capacity * Inventory levels * Capital requirements * Customer service A system that ignores one of these elements –inventory, level for example is not providing management with an optional schedule. (d) Common data flow: Because of the integration concept of MIS there is an opportunity to avoid duplication and redundancy in data gathering, storage and dissemination for example- customer orders are the basis for building the customer for goods ordered, setting up the accounts rece ivable, initiating production activity, sales analysis, sales forecasting and so on. e) Heavy planning element: Management information system does not occur overnight, they take from three to five years and longer to get established firmly within a company. Therefore a heavy planning element must be present in MIS development. (f) Sub system concept (g) Flexibility and easy of use (h) Database (i) Distributed data processing (j) Information as a resource 2. 8 Roles of MIS (The performance monitoring role) The MIS has many roles to perform like the decision support role, the performance monitoring role and the functional support role.MIS are not just statistics and data analysis. They have to be used as an MBO (Management by Objectives) tool. They help: * To establish relevant and measurable objectives * To monitor results and performances (reach ratios) * To send alerts, in some cases daily, to managers at each level of the organization, on all deviations between results and pre-est ablished objectives and budgets. * The Functional Support Role Business processes and operations support function is the most basic. It involves collecting, recording, storing, and basic processing of data.Information systems support business processes and operations by: * Recording, storing and processing sales data, purchase data, investment data, payroll data and other accounting records * Recording, storing and processing inventory data, work in process data, equipment repair and maintenance data, supply chain data, and other production/operations records * Recording, storing and processing personnel data, salary data, employment histories, and other human resources records * Recording, storing and processing market data, customer profiles, customer purchase histories, marketing research data, advertising data, and other marketing records * Recording, storing an processing business intelligence data, competitor analysis data, industry data, corporate objectives, and other strate gic management records use of all the above to implement, control, and monitor plans, strategies, tactics, new products, new business models or new business ventures. * The Decision Support Role The business decision making support function goes one step further. Decision making is an integral part of the functioning of any organization. To facilitate Decision making in this ever-competitive world it is imperative that managers have the right information at the right time to bridge the gap between need and expectation. To facilitate better flow of information adequate Management Information Systems (MIS) is the need of the hour.Thus it is important to have an understanding of the MIS followed in an organization by all levels of management in order to take effective decisions. A management information system collects and processes data (information) and provides it to managers at all levels who use it for decision making, planning, program implementation, and control. 2. 9 Risks of M IS Management risks show the likelihood of economic events that could negatively affect the operations or earnings of the organization. Management decisions based on erroneous, ineffective or imperfect MIS may boost the risks in specific areas such as commodity pricing, company's liquidity, interest rates or foreign currency.A non-secure or poorly programmed MIS can result into hacking, data manipulation, unauthorized data access and routine work disruption that can result to incorrect management decisions or planning. chapter 03 COMPANY OVERVIEW GRAMEENPHONE GRAMEENPHONE is the largest mobile phone company in Bangladesh. In the midst of lack of communication means, GRAMEENPHONE has introduced an effective and user-friendly mobile phone network. It has put a positive impact on the lifestyle of the people of Bangladesh. 3. 1 Ownership: TELENOR owns 62% of GP. It is the state-owned telecommunication company in Norway operating since 1885. It is amongst the oldest, most sophisticated, and diversified telecom companies in the world.The company has a long history of successful cooperation with other operators and governments in and out of Norway. TELENOR's home base, Norway, has the highest density of mobile phones in the world and one of the most competitive markets in the field. TELENOR has been playing a pioneering role in the development of GSM, one the latest and most successful versions of cellular technologies. GRAMEEN Telecom the second largest shareholder owning 35% of GP, has been established by GRAMEEN Bank, which believes that a lack of communication facilities in the rural areas is one of the major obstacles to rapid economic development in the rural areas of Bangladesh.GRAMEEN Telecom's deep understanding of the people and culture of Bangladesh helps GP to build up convenient and cost-effective communication facilities in the rural areas, which in turn, create more jobs and open up business opportunities there. Marubeni Corporation is one of the large st general trading and investment companies in Japan. The company has a global business network that oversees a number of operations ranging from domestic export and import to offshore trade and retail marketing of finished products. Marubeni invests in manufacturing facilities and infrastructure projects, including in the telecommunications sector. The company owns 9. 5% of GP. Gonofone Development Corp. which owns 4. 5% of GP, is a telecommunications development company based in New York.In addition, three leading international financial institutions– the International Finance Corporation, Asian Development Bank and the Commonwealth Development Corporation — are also shareholders of GrameenPhone. The three organizations each hold three per cent of preferred shares of GrameenPhone. 4. 2 License and Network GrameenPhone currently holds both a GSM 900 and a GSM 1800 license. The government has not yet announced any plans to issue UMTS licenses in Bangladesh. With the in itiative of GrameenPhone, mobile phones are spreading rapidly throughout the country. A huge portion of Bangladesh is under GrameenPhone's coverage now. Today, more than one in three telephones in Dhaka and Chittagong are mobiles.GrameenPhone's network is divided into six zones according to the divisional borders: Dhaka Zone, Chittagong Zone, Khulna Zone, Sylhet Zone, Barisal Zone and Rajshahi Zone. Currently GP is operating in all six zones. The zone in which a subscriber is registered with GrameenPhone is that subscriber's Home Zone, and all other zones are Remote Zones. GrameenPhone offers the widest coverage in Bangladesh. The population coverage has increased from approximately 85% in 2005 to above 90% in 2006. In addition, GrameenPhone also offers GPRS in most of the country and EDGE in urban areas. 3. 2. 1 Specialties GSM Mobile Operator, Telecommunication Service Provider. 3. 2. 2 Healthline and BillPay:In 2006, GrameenPhone introduced â€Å"HealthLine†, providing aro und the clock access to medical services for its subscribers via the mobile phone, and â€Å"BillPay†, allowing utility bill payments with the mobile phone in selected areas. 3. 3 Products: Under Post Paid Service there are two products 1) GP-GP Regular 2) GP-GP National 3. 3. 1 Subscribers' Facilities: Grameenphone subscribers enjoy the following GSM features without bearing any additional costs: * Caller ID * Call Waiting * Call Conference * Call Divert * Call Barring * Value Added Services * Voice Mail Service (VMS) * Short Message Service (SMS) * Fax and Data Service (currently available only to corporate clients) * Pre-Paid Service chapter 04 MIS IN GRAMEENPHONEIn today’s world of ever increasing complexities of carrying out business, every organization, in order to survive and grow, must have a properly planned, analyzed, designed and maintained MIS. This need is even more increased because organizations now have to compete not only locally but also globally. Maj or organizational functions In GRAMEENPHONE major organizational functions- * Sales & Marketing * Major functions of systems: Sales management, market research, promotion, pricing, new products * Major application systems: Sales order info system, market research system, pricing system * Financing and Accounting * Major functions of systems: Budgeting, general ledger, billing, cost accounting * Major application systems:General ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, budgeting, funds management systems * Human Resources * Major functions of systems: Personnel records, benefits, compensation, labor relations, training * Major application systems: Payroll, employee records, benefit systems, career path systems, personnel training systems * Customer communication * Networking * Data Storage * Utility bill payment system * Software Integrates Facets: * Planning, Manufacturing, Inventory, Sales, Finance, Accounting * Transactions Alert All Involved Factors * Updates Files, Speeds, Action, Cuts Cost * Electronic commerce * Internet Links Buyers, Sellers * Lowers Transaction Costs Goods & Services, Advertised, Bought, Exchanged Worldwide * Business-To-Business Transactions, Increasing. In Grameenphone Company MIS is mostly needed at every single of moment. Without managing the total information related with employees and customers it can not operates its functions. Computer technology everywhere related of the company. The company realizes the potential and importance of information technology and to manage this information for the decision making. The MIS has greatly facilitated and synchronized the information flow in the organization and the management feels that is has played a role in the growth and increased performance of the company Organization computing resources: Software Resources:-Following software’s are used for the functioning of our information system and organization 1) Application Software: Following application software’s are used in our organization and functioning of our information system * Microsoft Office * NOD32 Anti-Virus * Adobe Reader 2) System Software: Following application software’s are used in our organization and functioning of our information system * Operating System (Windows XP and Linux) for PC’s. * Windows 2003 server for mainframes. Hardware Resources:- Following hardware resources are required for the functionality of IS and organization: * Personal computers * Canon Document Scanners * HP Printers TPS in Grameenphone:Effective transaction processing system is working in Grameenphone for official transactions, customer dealing, etc Payroll TPS Grameenphone’s payroll TPS is designed to get information and record about employers and employees stored in computers. It get information about the employee from the employee’s department and send it to payroll TPS from where it links that information with the previous record and prepare a report which is forwarded to management. Decision making about organizational function taken throw managing all this information. Management takes record of the employee’s efficiency to work and may declare added bonus or other incentive. And the record is updated in the general ledger as well as the master payroll (HUB). Customer Identification:At customer care centers data storage about customers this company also use computer technology. Collecting and gathering information about customers, dealing with them for products and services, offering new services to them, solving their problems for service by customer managers all are provided by computer application systems. Online Activity GP allows the customer the option of online uses. Purpose: Career with the organization. Input: Name, resume. Process: The information will send to organization server (HUB). Output: evaluate and select candidate. Sim card operations Different sim card operations and transaction maintain by computer programs.Call rat e, SMS rate, Voice messages record and flexi load transactions, handset facilities, additional service- all are maintain by computers which depends on information systems. MIS uses on these functions gives company better option to reach its own destiny. Telecommunication networking cannot thinkable without information system management. Every call, call-charges, talk-time duration, GSM Features and Value Added Services (all control by computer applications which is set before by computer application programs including different information. Relationship of MIS with TPS: MIS reports and summarizes the organization’s basic operations and these reports come from the basic transition processing systems.In case of GP organization the TPS’s of Recharge Cards, Payroll and Customer identification etc. provide the basic information about the organization’s activities. These activities are then summarized in the form of reports for the manager so that they can check wheth er the firm is working properly or not. If there are some flaws then they take control measures to fix those flaws. chapter 04 CONCLUSION It would appear that the role played by MIS within the study companies is undergoing a period of intense transformation—for many this involves a total rethink of their systems, and the way in which they are managed. IT representatives would appear to be ‘shedding’ their image of pure technologists.Instead, all displayed a keen interest in, and awareness of, the competitive pressures facing their organizations, and how managing information system could be used to assist in combating them. As part of the recognition of the importance of business issues, there is a concurrent recognition of the importance of information, and it play improving customer service—a key differentiator in environments where products are essentially the same. The relationship between management attitudes and the role played by information system i s an interesting one. Without support from management it would appear that MIS will never be deployed in innovative ways.But if MIS does not prove its potential then management will remain distinctly cool and unenthusiastic about its use. This would seem to be particularly true in areas where the company is operating in a relatively stable climate with little or no opposition. If information systems are to be deployed effectively in the organizational arena, and to realize their full potential, strategic or otherwise, such issues must continue to climb up the corporate agenda. Similarly, senior managers must realize that in the continuing search for competitive advantage in an ever more dynamic climate, IS management could, as has been widely maintained, be one of their most valuable (yet underdeveloped) organizational capabilities.This is a universally accepted fact that all managerial functions are performed through decision making. For taking rational decisions, timely and reliab le information is essential and is procured through a logical method of information collecting, processing and disseminating to decision makers. MIS assist decision makers, by providing the required information at various stages of decision making and thus greatly help the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. On the other hand, if an MIS is poorly planned and constructed, it may provide inaccurate, irrelevant or obsolete information, which may even prove fatal for the organization.