Risk Management in Childcare Services

Risk Management in Childcare Services Adults are faced with a dilemma: on the one hand, children need opportunity to become competent risk managers; on the other, adults have the responsibility to keep them safe. Critically assess whether this dilemma can be managed within the delivery of services for children. Risk management has become a high concern in childcare services. Increasing changes in policies and procedures to ensure that risks are minimized have resulted into children not been given the same opportunities that we would have had as a child when we were growing up. Over recent years increasing attention has been focused on childcare services to reduce risk and ensure children are kept safe from danger. In this assessment I hope to identify what is risk and looking at how society has changed over the years. I will look at both the dilemmas faced by both parents and children’s services, looking at the how anxiety has changed the thinking of risk management. The subject of risk management is causing great concern in the children’s services. Practitioners face the dilemma of given children opportunities to explore while at the same time ensuring that they are safe. When looking at risk we have to consider what is a risk? We face risks in everyday life from the moment we get up. When heading to work either in the car or walking it is a risk as we may have a car accident or get knocked down. Children from the moment of birth face risk when growing up. A baby may choke on their bottle or a toddler may fall when taking their first steps. The severity of the risk depends on the consequence. In our current society parents have become more anxious when allowing the children to explore and learn about risks. Today’s generation have moved from allowing children the opportunity to experience risk to the extreme where children are protected from risks by not allowing them to have the same challenges and opportunities we would have had at a young age. Stover et al., 2013 evaluates asome very valid reason to why this may have come about. It has looked at how parents have become more anxious on where there child plays or goes and the quality of freedom they have, ensuring they are safe from risk and harm. Over resent years it can be seen how attitudes have changed and children are spending more time under adult supervision play area, non- risk environments or indoors in what is seen as safe and secure, replacing adventures play. Children’s play has moved from the positive play also known as risk play where children developed motor skills, control through physical rick, learn new skills and develop confidence. When looking at comments made during learning guide 13.4 discussing wherediscussing where we played at 11 years of age it can be seen that we were given as children were given more freedom and parents did not have the same concerns about risks as they do today. With growing up in the country side it was normal to take risks and was seen as a safe place for children to develop to their full practical skills. We were rarely questioned about where we played, but rather we had more fears of being caught by our parents and getting in trouble. When looking back on my childhood and growing up with my six siblings, I can also state that we did not have any serious accidents due to the risk play rather than the normal bumps or bruises that every child faces. In today’s society attuides have changed due to growing changes and trends in young children today. They are not allowed to explore the fields or visit friends without adult supervision. It can be even said that children today are not as outgoing and street wiseh but rather spend more time playing with the latest technology or game. Modern technology such as internet and influence of media has escalating fears in parents and therefore made them more curious or is it simply of the mistakes we learned as a child and we are being over proactive? Furedi’s (2001) work on paranoid parenting cited in Gladwin and Collins 2008 cover issues on how these changes result from parents lacking the confidence and rather than set boundaries being their child’s best friend. Are we as parents protecting or children or is it our own fears we have of them facing risks. It can be critically argued that yes while parents are seen to lack confidence in today’s society parents are under a lot more pressure with keeping up with media and how children are exposed today to media trends e.g. Through social media, Facebook, mobile phones. When I was growing my time was spend outdoor with friends creating our own play. It was also taken to my attention the article by Stover et al., 2013 (2013) on how parental responsibility has changed from children not having freedom to protect them from risk, but also society has changed to where children today are seen as ‘human capital’. Children are not given the opportunity to play but rather institutionalising children to education. It can be critically argued that while yes this has been seen over recent years but it has changed around again, that while education is an important aspect of live studies has shown that children need play and the value of play is the developmental stone for lifelong learning. Piaget cited in Springate and Foley (2008) research has an important conclusiontusion to this as he believes that not only the play is important but involving children in risks contributes to a child’s development. As citied in Maynard (2007) ‘Encounters with forest school and Foucault article learning guide 13.3 shows how two different approaches on risk taken in play. When looking at the forest schools created by McMillians Sister and the video clip 2 on Risk both using a ‘hands off approach allows children the freedom of play and learning to risk manage. Children on the video also have the responsibility of looking after their own health and well-being. Comparing this to our schools today while there has been develops on the importance of play in the child’s development and through the Plowden Report cited in Springate and Foley (2008) we have changed to a play based curriculum like Foucault suggests in learning guide 13.3, teachers still focus on the sense that we must keep our children safe from harm. In my own setting yes we use the hands off approach but will interveneal before a children comes to risk for example when on balancing beams and unsteady we will help rathe r than allowing the child the risk of falling. While Foucault suggests that teachers like to keep power and maintain control through not being allowed to take part in risks and adventures play I have to critically disagree. As an early years leader I feel that it’s not being in control but rather the pressures we have to follow. We are protecting or children from risk and not allowing them the freedom due to the extreme pressures put in place from â€Å"the social care trust regulations (2012) coming from the Children Order (1995) and it could be said we are keep ourselves safe. Like Power (2004) cited in Gladwin and Collins (2008) states it the uncertainty of known what is right and wrong. As practitioners we carry out risk assignments on a daily basis however we still are responsible if something goes wrong. In my own setting children are be given the opportunity in the outdoor area were we have adventurouses play. We have having types of challenges where children can climb and learn how to be safe. Children make mud pies and have learned that it’s important to wash our hand after so they don’t become ill. We have had no serious injuries beyond the usual bumps and bruises which we would expect with any young child. While we do allow this type of play children are limited to the extent of risk play we can provide. We are located beside a lovely glen where the river runs alongside the playgroup, we are unable to have logs untreated in case of infection or children being able to stand on steps to see the river in case they fall. I feel that this is a shame as it limits their ability to explore and learn thorough the natural environment. Unfortunately due to the minimum standards (2012) and regulations we are unable to experience the adventures play in our local woodland where children can experience climbing trees and explore in the natural environment. This is seen as a high risk to children and the safe ratio is seen as too low. I have to critically disagree as it is a rural area and it’s a safe environment but children are being neglected from the experience like the forest schools these risks gain where children learn about keeping safe through the natural environment. It also defines the legal framework of the UNCRC(1989) citied in Foley (2008) where children have the right to play. As pre-school teacher we are inclined to put away the sharp edge object, not allowing children to run and ensuring that benches and tables are bleached to reduce risk. We have to ask ourselves are we preceding the children or ourselves. Do children learn from protecting them or would it not be better to turn risk into a learning experience for children? Lindon (2003) citied in Gladwin and Collins (2008) studies believes that involving children in risk allows the child to understand why we can’t do something and allows them to value the harm it can cause, giving children the values of life and making their own decisions. I feel that while this is vitally important and we should allow our children more risks again it relates back to adults protecting themselves in case of serious injuries. While we are restricted to how much risk we allow our children and have an implication on practice it can be critically argued like Power 2004 citied in Gladwin and Collins (2008) in maintained has come from failure within the health services. While Both social workerss failing the system causing deaths to children e.g. Victoria Climbie (2003) and Baby P citied in Blewett and Foley (2008) and other high profile cases, but also hospitals where deaths have accrued due to lack of services has affected the freedom of our childcare service like playgroup, after schools etc.. and what was seen as good risks have been come into the classification of putting children at danger. These high profile cases have led to government relooking at Legislation. Government published green papers â€Å"Every Child matters† (2003) Lord Laming report identified changes needed introducing the children’s Act (2004) citied Blewett and Foley (2008) in which made developed the child protection register. UNCRC give children the right to grow up in a safe environment free from abuse and neglect. In 1997 New Labour government relooked at the health services and while child protection was still and main concern it also came into play the identification of children ‘at risk’. Through the Assessment framework (DH et AL2000) citied in Blewett and Foley (2008) give more responsibility on practitioners to report any concerns on child protection issues. While this has been a break in the system for safe guarding children and has joined together multi agencies it has left increased concern for childcare services. Practitioners are worried about getting it wrong or likewise missing something. This again results to adult reducing risk to children in their care to not only protect the children but themselves. While this is the case it has been equally as important for these changes to happen as children today are more aware of what is right and wrong. Stanger danger has become a focus in child education Scott et al. (1998), cited in Gladwin and Collins, (2008), points out it is such a big worry when the objective risk is so tiny clearly demonstrates the distortions of popular risk perceptions. While this has had great impact on making children more aware the NSPCC have campaign on ‘underwear rules’ has been of great impact in terms of abuse as it also someone makes children aware that a person we know can also cause use harm. Therefore as adult we have to empowering children to speak out about abuse whenever it is within the family or by people they know and trust. In conclusion to looking at risks and what is seen as risk management it can be seen that while society today has left more concern for both parents and practitioners there has been tremendous work done in this area. While we still face the challenges of known how fear we can provide opportunity for children to be confident learner, creative and learning from their mistakes and being able to explore freely under supervision but without the direction of the adult, we have to also look at our work as practitioner. Sandseter Hansen (2012) identifies some relevant points where it is seen how practitioners look at how risk decisions are made by the adult as they are managing their own anxieties rather than the risk. Policies and procedures preducces are in place to help safeguard ourselves, but as practitioner we have to be able to define what is a safe risk and when does it become a danger. It can be seen that a lot more work is done with children through different school programmes like the school bus in learning guide 13.3 it gives children the opportunity to learn about risk taken and making the right decisions in life. As disused earlier this will help with parent’s anxieties about their children. Professionals working in partnership with other agencies and organisations will help to ensure the safe guarding of children. Bibliography Springate D Foley P (2008) ‘Play Matters’ in Collins, J and Foley P (eds), Promoting Children’s Wellbeing’ Bristol, The Policy / Milton Keynes, The Open University. Gladwin M Collins J (2008) ‘Anxieties and Risks’ in Collins, J and Foley P (eds), Promoting Children’s Wellbeing’ Bristol, The Policy / Milton Keynes, The Open University. Blewett J Foley P (2008) ‘Staying Safe’ in Collins, J and Foley P (eds), Promoting Children’s Wellbeing’ Bristol, The Policy / Milton Keynes, The Open University. KE312 Working together for children Activity 13.3 KE312 Working together for Children Video clip 2 Journals Stover, S. (2013) ‘Odd alliances:Workingtheorieson unintended consequences ofearlychildhoodeducation in Aotearoa, New Zealand’ .Australasian of Early Childhood’ vol.3, no p4-8. 5p. Available at http://www.open.ac.uk/ Sandseter, Beate E, Hansen.(2012)Restrictive Safety or Unsafe Freedom? Norwegian ECEC Practitioners Perceptions and Practices Concerning ChildrensRiskyPlay. Child Care in Practice., Vol. 18 Issue 1, p83-101. 19p. Available at http://www.open.ac.uk/ Internet http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/for-parents/keeping-your-child-safe/the-underwear-rule/the-underwear- Sinead Bartley (C6449275)Page 1

History, but goes deeper to touch on matters

It is not customary for there to be exchanges between us concerning my growing interest in art and my consequent enrollment in an art school. I however hope not to offend you, not by sharing what has become so intimately entwined with my heart.I’m not going to amuse you by attempting a funny portrait of you, but discuss a classic that I recently encountered, and that does not only touch your favorite subject, Â  History, but goes deeper to touch on matters of humanity, of war and the fight against such atrocities as happened on the Third of May, 1808. I have been careful enough, dear, to attach a photo of the portrait for you.Franscisco Goya, the artist who created this masterpiece is considered a key figure in the word of paintings. On this painting he created the background of a dark early morning, in which a Church stood.Goya tells of the dark evil that surrounded the mass execution that occurred that morning, an atrocity against humble and innocent human beings. This is i mplied by the presence of a church, and demonstrated by one of the victims in the middle ground.Talking of the middle ground, you have seen the desperate faces of the victims displayed against the light from a lamp. You must, as well as I did, wonder about the genius that Goya was: What is this source of light? How can it exist in front of such seemingly horrible executioners? He crafted it so carefully that we do not have to see the faces of the executioners!After all, he must have wanted us to focus on the victims who suffer the violence, not the perpetrators, therefore raising that humane part of us to protect the harmless of the society who’ve been pitted against the armed ruthless dictators of the world.The foreground is very dramatic. The firing soldiers are killing one victim after another in cold blood. Goya must have been very skilled in his conception of principles of design, especially how he has used light to communicate his message, yet all this is done on a canv as, just (106*137 inches) Fairly large for a painting, but the depth of meaning it carries cannot be exhausted, not by time or space.I have hereby just given you a glimpse of what art we study in school and the thoughts that cross my mind as I engage the books.

How Significant Was The Reichstag Fire For Germany

How significant was the Reichstag Fire for Germany? In Germany 1933, the Nazis viewed the Reichstag building as a symbol of the Weimar Republic, which was something they loathed. On February 27, 1933, the Reichstag building was set ablaze by an unknown criminal. The criminal framed for the heinous act was Dutch communist Marinus van der Lubbe. He was later executed for committing the crime. It was later found out that the fire was not set by the Dutch communist, but by Hitler’s henchmen. He ordered them to start the fire and frame it on a communist to strike fear to every German civilian. He also spiked even more fear by saying this was part of a communist rebellion1. One of Hitler’s main goals was to stop his communist competition. He already had help from the Reichstag Fire striking fear into citizens lives so nothing much more was needed. Hitler still took measures anyway by killing anyone who dared to go against or challenge him. The first time this was done was on a historical night called â€Å"Knight of the Long Knives† which took place June 30, 1934, to July 2, 19542. Many today thought of this time as a historical purge for Hitler and his henchmen. On that night, most SA leaders were murdered as well as Rohm3 . By killing off one of the strongest groups in Germany, fear was struck in the public s eye of Hitler and what he was capable of. Another strong individual in Germany was Paul von Hindenburg, German president, who upheld the country for many years.Show MoreRelatedThe Main Effects Of The Reichstag Fire1621 Words   |  7 PagesWhich was more important to Hitler, the Reichstag Fire or the Enabling Act? Both the Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act contributed to Hitler becoming â€Å"Der Fuhrer†. Though would the Enabling Act have been attainable if it were not for the Reichstag fire? I doubt many of the events that followed the fire would’ve occurred if the Reichstag building was still intact. Ergo, I believe that the fire was more important to Hitler. Throughout this essay I will look at the effects of both events - analysingRead MoreSignificance of the Night of the Long Knives for Hitlers Power1424 Words   |  6 Pagesthe rise of Nazi Germany, which was to become the capstone of the inter-war period, and led to the eruption of World War II, shattering the fragile peace overseen by the League of Nations. But how did a party that was in a state of political decline manage this? The Nazi regimes advancement was paralleled by the life of its leader, Adolf Hitler, who perfected his oratorical skills and worked for the advancement of the Nazi party. Such advancement was slow in coming throughRead MoreHow Significant Was the Reichstag Fire?1898 Words   |  8 PagesHow Significant was the Reichstag Fire? On the night of the 27th of February, 1933, the Reichstag building in Berlin burned down in an act declared by the Nazi Party to be the inception of a widespread communist uprising. The Reichstag Fire, as it was called, can be observed as one of the most significant events in the formation of Nazi Germany through its pivotal role in the reduction of civil liberties of Germany’s citizens and the emergence of a near dictatorial regime within the Weimar RepublicRead MoreThe Nazi Regime Essay1748 Words   |  7 PagesThe most important reason why there was little opposition towards the Nazi regime was because of its use of propaganda. In order to do this I will explain how the Nazis actions and the events leading up to the war prevented opposition. During the pre ww2 era and particularly in the 1930s Hitler focused a lot of his attention on the propaganda surrounding himself and the policies of his Nazi party. A massive propaganda campaign was launched which aimed to convince theRead More‘Nazi Consolidation of Power in 1933 Was Primarily Due to the Use of Terror and Violence.’ How Far Do You Agree with This Judgement?1537 Words   |  7 Pages‘Nazi consolidation of power in 1933 was primarily due to the use of terror and violence.’ How far do you agree with this judgement? The Nazi Party’s rise was to an extent due to the use of terror and violence, however there were limitations with this as the party was not strong enough to exert this. Their consolidation of power in 1933 was also enabled by their means of legality, and Hitler becoming Chancellor in January 1933. This rise to power was viable due to numerous factors; Hitler’s ownRead MoreNazi Consolidation of Power in 1933 Was Primarily Due to the Use of Terror and Violance. How Far Do You Agree with This Judgement?1716 Words   |  7 PagesIt is to an certain extent that Nazi consolidation of power in 1933 was due to the use of terror and violence. However the terror and violence was very limited because the Nazis weren’t in a strong enough position to exert terror and violence alone. Nazi propaganda against the communists made most Germans fearful of Communism therefore allowing Nazis to consolidate a bit more power through means of terror. On the other hand the Nazi partyâ⠂¬â„¢s policy of legality and the threat of communism are to aRead MoreConsolidation of Power of Hitler and the Nazis1410 Words   |  6 PagesNazis were able to consolidate their power by August 1934, was due to the combination of luck, manipulation of legal procedures and a willingness to be uterly ruthless. The Nazi position was extremly unstable and in shaky circumstances during January 193. However, after the events and actions taken to consolidate their power the Nazis grew stronger and became invulnerable for the time they were in power. Luck played an extremely significant role in the contribution to the Nazi consolidation of powerRead MoreHow did Nazi Propoganda Help Hitler Condolidate Power1397 Words   |  6 PagesNazi propaganda help Hitler consolidate power in Germany (1933-1938)? To determine the extent to which Nazi propaganda was the key in Hitler’s consolidation of power, this report will identify the key factors that helped Hitler consolidate power and adjudge how big of a factor propaganda was in comparison to the others. Consequently, the report will include of a conclusive statement to answer the research question to whether or not Propaganda was a major factor to Hitler’s consolidation of powerRead MoreThe Weimar Republic Failed As A Result Of Many Significant And Underlying Factors1619 Words   |  7 PagesThe Weimar Republic failed as a result of many significant and underlying factors. The problems included politics, economics, and the popularity of the Nazis along with the effect of the Great Depression. However, besides all these faults that appeared after the establishment of Germany’s first Democracy, Weimar was handicapped from the beginning due to the effects of the First World War. Alongside the repercussions of the war , the Treaty of Versailles further lowered the chance of success for theRead MoreThe Effects Of Censorship On The World Essay1749 Words   |  7 Pagesa variety of situations was not only expected of theatre but also other aspects of their metropoliantin life, shop windows became more and more extravagant and advertisements became more colourful to fulfil the need for an over stimulant diet (JeJelavich 24). Even what the working class and bourgeoisie were consuming at the time was a sugar thus stimulate based diet. Around the turn of the century â€Å"many observers of German culture concluded that a new performing art was needed†(Jelavich 26) it

Essay about Social Media is Free Speech Gone Mad - 1063 Words

Social media is â€Å"media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques. Social media is the use of web-based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue.† The notion of freedom of speech is â€Å"the right to express information, ideas, and opinions free of government restrictions based on content and subject only to reasonable limitations.† Social media rapidly travels virally, thus magnifying issues so that they are more exaggerated than they would be through conventional media. How do we ensure that this technology benefits society and does not create a scenario which is of detriment to us – how do we prevent â€Å"free speech gone mad†? Athlete’s use of social media highlights a†¦show more content†¦Athletes commonly use sites such as Facebook and Twitter to connect to their fans. These ‘authentic interactions’ directly with fans has an ‘accumula ted influence’ effect causing a larger than life profile that can promote the player and the product the player represents. This method of communication has had a beneficial and detrimental impact on the careers of players and their sponsors. â€Å"All it takes is one wrong tweet, even if it is taken out of context from the actual meaning behind it, to tarnish a player, an organisation, and a sponsor’s image.† Pittsburgh Steelers American football running back Rashard Mendenhall recently logged into Twitter and expressed his position on the death of Osama Bin Ladin who was responsible for the 9/11 attacks. Mendenhall wrote â€Å"What kind of person celebrates death? Its amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. Weve only heard one side...† The recent almost empathetic attitude towards Osama Bin Ladin led to Rashard Mendenhall losing his endorsement deal with Champion athletic brand. The repercussions of open unedited comments by sportsmen display the need for restrictions on social media. American college athletes have recently been given restrictions on social media sites. Boise State banned players from using any social media during the season. TheShow MoreRelatedIs The Government Restricting Our Rights?1077 Words   |  5 Pages Is The Government Limiting Our Rights â€Å"If we ever forget we are one nation under god, then we will be a nation gone under† - Ronald Reagan. Gun control, free speech and social media, some of the most controversial topics of this century, many believe they limit our rights, others think they’re useless and need to be gotten rid of. I, on the other hand, just think they’re exaggerated. Our government may be corrupt in some places, and really almost any spot of power or wealth is corruptRead MoreWhat Place Should Men Have A Feminist Politics?1319 Words   |  6 PagesWhat place should men have in feminist politics? Given the record of men s violence against women, abusive attitudes and speech, relentless sexism in high culture and the mass media, it s not hard to justify the notion that men have no place at all in the women s movement. Yet, while we undeniably live in a sexist culture, men are far from monolithic in support of its sexism. There are significant resources among men that can be tapped for the resistance. Some men want to support feminism, andRead MoreOprah1648 Words   |  7 Pagesforces that she encountered. Oprah Winfrey tells the life story one of Americas richest and most successful show business personalities. When Oprah Winfrey told her 49 million viewers, It just stopped me cold from eating another burger! about the Mad cow disease, she wouldnt know it would cost the beef industry $12 million. Texas cattlemen tried to sue Oprah for causing this such massive downfall, but she would. Oprah Winfrey was once a constantly abused thirteen year old girl. Now she is arguablyRead More Silencing the Left in Modern America Essay4541 Words   |  19 Pagesthem that the Associated Press found out what they had said. Their manager consoled them, â€Å"†¦don’t worry. It’s going to blow over in three days.† But it didn’t. Unwittingly, the Dixie Chicks found themselves in a maelstrom of angry political and social debate. Their country music fan base, predominantly conservative Americans, felt alienated by their statement. Opposition came in many forms: on the Internet, on the radio waves, on television, from individuals, and from corporations. The sizeRead More Robert Pirsigs Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Essay5286 Words   |  22 Pagesnatural environment, from one another, and even from ourselves. For though we may be in touch with Belgrade or Tokyo, our lives have lost much temporal and spatial wholeness or sanity. We are often physically and even emotionally closer to fabricated media personalities than we are to the person across the breakfast table. Yet whereas we are never left alone by our technology, we are increasingly lonely, alienated from our deepest selves. For we have lost touch with our own feelings, being educatedRead MoreRole of Media in Pakistan5662 Words   |  23 Pages[ Role Of Media in Pakistan] Submitted By: Moazma Naseer †¢Kalsoom Katib †¢Sadaf Ejaz Faculty of Management Sciences International Islamic University, Islamabad Submitted To: Ms. Nazneen Role of media in Pakistan April 29, 2010 Table of Contents S. # P.# 01 History of Media in Pakistan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3 02 Media in Pakistan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 03 Importance of Media In Pakistan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 8 04 How did TV Channels Emerged in Pakistan†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦10 05 Western Media and need for local Media†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Read MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 3756 Words   |  16 Pagesforeshadowed earlier, which gives the sense of a conversation between the reader and Holden (the intermittent use of second person and bits of rambling text are common as well.) Holden seems pretty messed up for a teenager, but who can blame him? Every social encounter he faces ends up badly for him, to the point that he wishes he were a deaf-mute so â€Å"[he] wouldn’t have to have any goddamn stupid useless conversations with anybody. If anybody wanted to tell me something, they’d have to write it on a pieceRead MoreIss 225 John Molloy Final Exam Study Guide Fall Semester 20128139 Words   |  33 Pagesdecisis?†? Legal term meaning let the decision stand. Establishes precedents stand unless overruled. Judges may overrule if they have compelling reasons to establish new precedents. What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony? An anti-social conduct that is relatively minor is called a misdemeanor. A felony is a disorderly conduct that is more severe. What happens in the event of a conflict between a state law and a Federal law or a state law and a U.S. treaty? 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It brings reason, order and social acceptability to the otherwise uncontrolled and potentially harmful realm of biological impulses (Guerin 128-31). Freuds theories have launched what is now known as the psychoanalytic approach to literature. Freud was interested in writers

My Deceased Grandma From A Dream - 1516 Words

My deceased Grandma came to me in a dream. It was not just a dream but also a vision, I am sure of it! Amid all the problems I suffered from spirituality in life, my grandma wanted to explain to me that I was not responsible for her death. See, I blamed myself foolishly for killing her because instead of staying with her I went to my cousin’s home to spend the night. By refusing to stay with her, I determined that instead of the pacemaker malfunctioning, I caused her heart to stop. In the dream, Grandma spoke to me in earnest trying to convince me that I could not have prevented her death even if I had been with her. I, of course, did not care about thinking along those lines because I wanted to be with her and cherish her again. Fondly,†¦show more content†¦She decided that I went too often to the place and stayed out too late. Protestations would not arise from me about her decision. Possibly, Mother was correct about unfulfilled longings for something more manifesting themselves in that dark mirror called dreams. Maybe, there was nothing more as the visiting minister alluded. As I predicted, I felt the forces of that night of rapture ebb. With it, I felt the guilt of causing grandma’s death dissipate. The nightmare helped cure my mind. Also, attending church, any church lost its appeal. The one thing that was missing from my life, sanctification through the Holy Ghost was already in me according to the preacher. If what I had was enough to be a saint, it was not worth the trouble I determined. It made no sense that I would spend the remainder of my days half empty spiritually. In church, I learned how good God is—that He can do anything. What was I supposed to do in return and how would I know it when I did it? As I started to reflect on my life more, the more I reasoned about things, the more confusion stifled my thinking. With the progression of the freshman year at high school, I digressed morally. One night, I went to my cousin Terry, a Mormon, but not to my knowledge, and told him I grew tired of my chastity. I wanted to remove the title of virgin from next to my name, and I figured he knew what to do. As a very attractive guy who seemed to catch the eye of the girls,Show MoreRelatedThe Best Family Values Policy Platform Essay1603 Words   |  7 PagesAfter obtaining my recent degree in Anthropology from the University of Georgia and securing a job as a campaign assistant for a candidate running for U.S. senate, I have been assigned the task to help my candidate write the best family values policy platform he can. To accomplish this goal, I have interviewed one participant, nineteen-year-old Brandon, about his kinship system. This will help me gather information on the social issues o f a family and family values. 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Starion Entrepreneurship Case Analysis Free Essays

string(77) " device uses ultrasound to generate the heat needed to cut and seal tissues\." M3786 NEW VENTURE PLANNING SAMPLE CASE ANALYSIS REPORT STARION ENTREPRENEURSHIP SAMPLE CASE ANALYSIS REPORT Starion Instruments, headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA is a private company with core IP assets based on the exclusive license of groundbreaking medical research in the field of laser tissue welding. Starion hopes to revolutionize the electrosurgical field with the introduction of products like its cautery forceps used for cutting and sealing (cauterizing) tissue. The overall annual market for these types of medical devices is in excess of $1 billion. We will write a custom essay sample on Starion Entrepreneurship Case Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Furthermore, Starion’s promising IP and continued research goals will enable it to gain a significant foothold in the worldwide medical technology industry with sales reaching $150 billion annually. The foundation of Starion’s IP lies in the hands of Dr. Michael Treat’s research. In the 1980s Dr. Treat and Dr. Larry Bass, a plastic surgeon resident at Columbia Presbyterian, started experimenting with lasers in surgery. With a humble beginning the two surgeons worked from Columbia Presbyterian’s 17th floor lab on their innovative research. Together, these two pioneers invented the field of laser tissue welding – using thermal energy to rejoin tissue severed in surgery. However, this technology remained uncommercialized for several years after its initial discovery. Shelly Monfort, a Stanford-trained engineer, began her entrepreneurial career in 1986. With a background in RD on medical devices as well as start-up experience, commercializing those devices, Ms. Monfort and two engineers, Ken Mollenaur and George Hermann, were involved in the creation, funding, and exit of at least 6 surgical device companies from 1990-1996. Ken Mollenaur maintains experience designing and building medical prototypes. George Hermann possesses extensive experience navigating the medical device approval process; working with the major regulatory bodies in the industries. By June 1988, Ms. Monfort had signed a license with Columbia; Starion Instruments could now begin building a staff and a product to bring to market. With their exclusive licensing deal in place, Dr. Treat left Columbia for Starion’s California headquarters and began developing the product. In October 1999 Starion instruments, represented by Dr. Treat, made its debut at the American College of Surgeons Conference, the single most important industry event for people who would buy and use the product. At the time, the company’s goal was to raise $750,000 in capital. Ms. Monfort assembled $2 million from private investors along with a pair of venture capital firms. At the time Starion’s valuation was $7 million. This was a crucial point for the company. Success or failure is often based on an initial market foray. The direction chosen by management in this situation had an irrevocable effect on the company’s overall performance. A capital infusion of only $750,000 severely limited the company’s marketing and development capabilities and was a gross underestimation of the company’s capital needs; a clear representation of Ms. Monfort’s inexperience. Furthermore, the company’s additional capital requirements were highlighted by the investors’ willingness to infuse a $2,000,000 round when only solicited for $750,000. To Ms. Monfort’s credit it was her colleague and mentor, Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a legend in the surgical world, who insisted on the additional capital. The company planned to go to market with a package consisting of single use disposable forceps and a disposable battery pack. The forceps would carry a price tag of $410 and the battery pack would list for $39. The effort was directed toward an open surgery application. Open surgeries accounted for approximately 80% of procedures performed at the time. Starion planned to eventually expand to laparoscopic devices once it gained additional market share. An important aspect of Starion’s strategy was to market its product as not only a superior tool as far as results, but also to highlight the simplicity and cost effectiveness of its offering. Surgeons, the principal buyer in this space, are known to be fairly innovative, willing to try new things. However, it is only with repeated use that they gain skill with a given device. Therefore, it is critical that they see not only a cost advantage, but a significant increase in product performance in order for considerable adoption to take place. Starion’s choice to focus on the core buyer requirements magnifies their intimate knowledge of the space and contributed greatly to the company’s overall success. The decision was made to concentrate on an open surgery strategy. Early adoption, particularly for a small fish in a big pond, is critical to any start up. This direction, spearheaded by management, was a deft decision for several reasons. The customer base in this field consists of an end user with a complex hierarchy and buyer process. However, it is ultimately the end user’s decision which makes or breaks a product in this ield. Therefore, the decision to launch the product for use in open surgeries as opposed to laparoscopic procedures vastly increased the attractiveness to the early adopter base. The open surgery tool strategy enabled doctors to rely on backwards compatibility (the ability to simply fall back on the tried and true cut and suture method), another key point with â€Å"experimentalâ €  tools and methods. Prior to Starion’s laser tissue welding breakthrough, the most common electrosurgical tool was the monopolar device, also known as the Bovie device. With this technology, the patient is wired to a grounding pad that provides a path for the electrical current to flow. The surgeon uses an electrode to pass a high-frequency electrical current through a patient to cut and cauterize tissue in a selected area. The Bovie requires a generator that costs between $7,500 and $10,500 a year. In addition, each operation requires disposable (one time use) grounding pads and electrodes, whose combined cost is 5 to 6 dollars per procedure. The disadvantages include (relatively rare) situations in which the device causes burns to the patient at the side of the grounding pad. Additionally, the Bovie’s high energy output can interfere with the ever growing mass of electronic equipment in modern operating rooms. An alternative to the Bovie device is the UltraCision, also known as the harmonic scalpel. This device uses ultrasound to generate the heat needed to cut and seal tissues. You read "Starion Entrepreneurship Case Analysis" in category "Essay examples" Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc. a Jonson Johnson subsidiary owns UltraCision. Starion estimates that the ultrasound based product has annual sales of approximately $100 million. Like the Bovie device, the UltraCision system requires a reusable power supply, which costs approximately $15,000. The system also uses an electrical cable that costs $630 and must be replaced after approximately 100 surgeries. In addition, single-use tips that cost approximately $325 are also required. Given the relatively high degree of cost associated with marketing medical technologies, Starion pursued a strategy in which it would segment a large market and avoid going head to head with its competitors. Due to its small size and relative weaknesses, Starion was forced to parse the market even further deciding to promote its technology specifically for use in a single procedure which would greatly reduce the overall cost of their product launch. The variable costs, excluding sales commissions, for both the battery and forceps were projected to equal about 40% of the sales price. Fixed costs, excluding RD, were expected to total $1. 1 million in the first year of operation and $1. 65 million in the second year. RD for the first year was projected at $1. 25 million and $1. 45 million for the second year. Given the industry standard, this team had the necessary components for a successful start-up. The initial engineering and development of a product like Dr. Treat’s is best done in a small workshop by passionate and dedicated serial entrepreneurs. However, the team’s inability to surrender the reigns of the company inexorably inhibited the firm’s future growth. Conversely, the small, dedicated team was able to react dynamically to the market positioning their product with care in a segment which allowed a gain in market share. This short-term success may well translate to continued development; however, the degree of future shareholder value is limited by an order of magnitude equal to the founder’s shortsightedness. In the medical device field, there are some significant barriers to entry; the combination of patents, expensive/extensive clinical trials and research in conjunction with strict federal government oversight can overwhelm smaller companies, and help protect established players against competition. The FDA is the primary regulator of medical devices, and its mandate is to insure that the devices that reach the market are safe and effective. The medical device industry is populated by a small number of major device manufacturers and diversified medical companies in addition to the large number of small companies. Dominant players in the industry include: Johnson Johnson, Baxter International, Becton Dickinson, Medtronic, Guidant, Boston Scientific, and U. S. Surgical (a unit of Tyco). The combined market capitalization of the industry leaders mentioned is approximately $300 billion with the smallest just over $9 billion (Source: Bloomberg). Medical products and services companies invest around 8% of annual revenues in RD, this compares to 3 to 4% invested by U. S. manufacturers (Standard Poors). However, the true path to innovation in this industry is through mergers and acquisitions. Due to overwhelming development and production costs coupled with a large upfront marketing outlay, partnership and acquisitions are the industry norm, not the exception. Even well capitalized companies will often choose the route above, rather than face the huge barriers that exist in this market. The Four P’s: Product, Promotion, Protection and Price. Product – Revolutionary technology. Promotion – Combination of in-house and franchised channels. Protection – Strong IP backed not only by the company but by Columbia. Price – 91. 45% savings†¦Speaks for itself. Further data was not supplied however the following is an example of some of the continued financial analysis we would conduct. Financial analysis: Profit ratios: Gross Profit Margin = (Sales revenue – COGS) / Sales Revenue Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Sales Revenue Return on total Assets = Net income available to common stock holders / Total Assets Return on stock holders equity = net income available to common stock holders / stockholders equity Liquidity Ratios: Current Ratios = Current Assets / Current liabilities Quick Ratio = (Current assets – Inventory) / Current liabilities Inventory Turnover = COGS / Inventory Leverage Ratios: Debt-to-Assets Ratio = Total Debt / Total Assets Debt-To-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Total Equity Cash Flow Analysis: Determine appropriate debt levels, payout periods and additional analysis to confirm liquidity. Net Profit Margin = Net Income / Sales Revenue First Year: -4,639,464/4,000,000= -1. 16 Second Year: -689,333/8,000,000 = -. 086 Gross Profit Margin = (Sales revenue – COGS) / Sales Revenue (4,000,000 – 1600000) / 4,000,000 = 0. 6 Pricing strategy: Pricing is currently very aggressive and sales strategy prudent. Initial management was executed properly, however it is likely that changes will need to be made in the near term to achieve significant market share. Partners: Strategic alignments are mainstays in this industry and should be aggressively pursued. Strategic investment; merger; acquisition. Intellectual Property: IP is an essential aspect of any medical device company given the simplicity of the concept; the device may come up against some protection issues. Early indications seem to support the strength of the company’s IP, however it is certainly a concern which warrants further investigation. Note: Both Starion and Columbia would be behind any major IP issue. Given the state of the industry and the unique positioning of the company’s IP prospects a partnership/acquisition would be our main point of recommendation in the near term. During this transition it may be prudent to rethink the current organizational structure, with a specific focal point on senior management (when moving to a new phase often times senior management, who were suited for the initial stage or better succeeded by a new team). RECOMMENDATIONS: Our recommendation consists of three key elements that will drive profitability, continued growth, and increase market share – adding shareholder value. Breakeven and ultimately profitability can be achieved (1) by instituting aggressive pricing to both vendors and sales force, (2) the merger of Starion Instruments with a bigger firm and/or (3) the acquisition of another firm that will allow them to manufacture, distribute, market and sell the product at a cheaper and more efficient manner. Current State: Currently, Starion is the one of the world leaders on surgical device development. It has expanded worldwide distribution of its proprietary tissue welding technology to physicians in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Last year the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons named Starion Instruments the 2007 Innovator of the Year for the development of its next-generation Tissue Ligating Shears which use its innovative cut and cauterizing technology. Since the launch of their original Cautery Forceps, Starion has created an entire line of Forceps and Ligating Shears which can all be viewed on their website http://www. starioninstruments. com/products. html. They are still a privately held company which is astounding given their tremendous success. This is not surprising given the fact that the first time they were offered to be bought out they declined. This has kept the leadership at the mercy of the owners and founders and will provide a unique company such as Starion the ability to continue providing innovative, cost efficient, and quality How to cite Starion Entrepreneurship Case Analysis, Essay examples

Star Cement Company for Plant Design and Lay Out- myassignmenthelp

Question: Write about theStar Cement Company for Plant Design and Lay Out. Answer: Organization background Star cement is of the largest cement manufacturing company that is located in India. It occupies a large piece of land spanning to about 40 acres. This manufacturing company stands out as one of the most successful cement company with best accreditation in the regions OF North East India. This manufacturing company is headed by a chairperson. He led a management board which comprises mainly of marketing director, chemical engineer, industrialist and an economist. The management comprises of these variety of skills in order to ensure that the company the right decisions with regards to the cement production. The right choices are meant to keep propelling the organization to greater levels in the manufacturing industry. The industrial, economic, marketing, organization and chemical engineering skills amassed through the input of the management board can never allow for any loopholes in the production process of the company(Anon., 2016). Plant Design and lay out The star cement company is strategically located in the North East India. The region where it is situated, Lumshnog town in Meghalaya ensure constant supply and availability of limestone which is an important raw material for cement manufacturing. It therefore experience both good site advantage and constant linkage to the raw materials. This company also has a proactive expansion advantage given the large piece of land that it occupies. Moreover, the design of the company is beautiful putting ahead of most of its competitors. This company is a subsidiary of another company known as the Century Plyboards Limited which also operates in India. The company is capable to produce a variety of products ranging from the Ordinary Portland cement to Portland Pozzolana Cement. These products are produced in different quantities based on the needs of the consumers. The plants design is strategic to the access of the raw materials reserves of coal, shale and limestone. A new production unit capa ble of producing up to 0.46 MTPA units has been established through its subsidiary unit that has a production capacity of 1.0 MTPA(Anon., 2016). Description of the process of production The first step in the production process involves acquisition of Limestone. Limestones is carried after blasting using eco-friendly methods to the Star Cement Company for further processing. Upon reaching the plant, the limestone are broken using crushers to the required millers feed. Moreover, desired featured are measured in order to predict the quality of the limestone that would be produced(Anon., 2016). After this process, fine grinding of the limestone is done. Separation of the light and the heavy materials is achieved in this process by blowing hot air on the grounded materials in a vertical versions. The lighter material is taken through a preheating process whereas the heavy ones are taken back to the grinding process. After preheating, a chemical reaction occurs when the heating temperature is reached. The final step in the manufacturing process involves grinding of cement. Packaging of the cement is done before it taken to the stores and various points of sale. Work force issues affecting the process Star Cement Company is the leading manufacturing company in this region in the world. As a leading manufacturer, it has a wide variety of personnel that help to achieve the objectives of the Company. These big force brings great challenges to the company as each department within the company has their own issues of concern. However, the major work force issues that affects this company is health concern. This concern spans across all departments within the company. Issues of health are brought about by the dust that comes from limestone used to produce cement. According to health reports, the dust from limestone is a leading cause of lung problems. This has made most staff within the company to request for health insurance and even early retirement in some cases(Anon., 2016). Quality control system in place Maintenance of the quality of the cement is of great essence since it determine the rank of the company with regards to other companies. Quality control is a scientific process and require knowledge of scientist. At Star Company, quality of cement is controlled by regulating the amount of gypsum and pozzolanic compounds. The production unit ensures that high percentage of gypsum occurs at all times to ensure high quality cement that can withstand pressure and weight of rocks used in building(Anon., 2016). Classification of production system in place The system of production at Star Cement Company involves three basic processes. The first level is the extraction unit which involves mining of the limestone from the rocks. This process of production initiates the entire system. The amount of lime extract would determine the production capacity of the company. The next level of the production is the actual processing of the raw materials. This process involves crushing, heating and separation to get cement. The final process in the production process involves packaging and storage. After this process the only process left is sale of the produced limestone (Worrell, Kermeli and Galitsky, 2013). Identification of operations problems The main operation problem experience in this process of production is varying levels of limestone in different bedrocks. This means adjustments have to be made regarding amount of pozzolan or other substances added. This challenge makes it difficult to produce cement without analyzing the limestone being used. It should be understood that analysis process is always costly and this leads to high cost being incurred in the production of limestone. Assuming analysis could be done at once, a lot of funds would be saved (Mancini and Copeland, 1986, pp. 386). Conclusion Cement production is an important process due to the fact that building depend on cement as one of the most important requirement. Different companies all over the world specialize in the production of this vital product. The organization of the companies involved in this process is of great essence. Star Cement Company is a leading Cement producer in East North India. This translates that the company employs most of the people in this part of the world. Quality control is of great importance to the company since it ensure that high standards are maintained in the production process. Just like any other company, there are challenges that the workforce face and it is upon management to address these issues (Anon., 2016). References Worrell, E., Kermeli, K. and Galitsky, C., 2013. Energy Efficiency Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities for Cement Making An ENERGY STAR Guide for Energy and Plant Managers. Mancini, E.A. and Copeland, C.W., 1986. St. Stephens Quarry (Lone Star Cement Company Quarry), St. Stephens, Washington County, Alabama, where a near complete Oligocene section, including the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, is exposed. Centennial Field Guide, 6, pp.373-378. Anon., 2016. Star Cement. [Online] Available at: https://starcement.co.in/?page_id=31825 [Accessed 25 8 2017].