Pd 100 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Pd 100 - Essay Example It could be angst, anxiety or anguish; it could be melancholia or ennui, a feeling of boredom or extreme lack of interest in anything. Most people associate the word or feelings of stress with anything that is negative, it connotes something bad. But a fact is that stress can be either positive or negative; when it is positive, it is called as eustress. This should be what people strive for, to have eustress, such as feelings of hope, vitality, vigor and a zest for life, instead of being always negative. Eustress literally means â€Å"good stress† and it is a cognitive response to stress that is desirable and healthy. It leads to feelings of satisfaction or a sense of well-being, which enhances the feelings of fulfillment and being in control. However, for purposes of this discussion on stress, I am a bit more inclined to delve on the topic in the negative side of stress. One type of stress that has a very bad effect on both the physical and mental well-being of a person is wo rry. It has a severe debilitating effect on a person, some to such an extent that it can induce paralysis in its very serious manifestations. A person who worries too much ends up accomplishing nothing but only ends up worsening his or her own situation. I always worry a lot about many things, sometimes to the point of being paranoid, hallucinatory or plainly idiotic. Worrying is a basic emotion; it can help a person to some extent because it keeps a person alert, it is instinctive in the â€Å"fight or flight† response. Worry becomes destructive only when it is carried to extremes, because by then, that person worries about something that is relatively harmless, by ascribing something bad might happen, or worry about an event or occurrence that has a very little chance of ever happening. Worry is a very diffused feeling of anxiety, and as such, it is hard to find a solution for it and a remedy that prevents it from recurring. An example of this kind of worry is a hypochondri ac, a person who worries about his health, on almost anything and everything, from the food he eats to the lack of exercise, the air he breathes if it contains germs or not, in the place he stays, whether it is clean of bedbugs, roaches, or fleas. It is an exaggerated sense of worrying that is not commensurate with the facts, or with the state of reality that is obtaining at present. It is a negative response to a perceived threat or impending event, instead of seeing it positively as a challenge, which is positive, the very essence of the eustress discussed a bit earlier. I worry a lot about money, my finances, my state of health, about the future, almost on anything that it is causing havoc on my health, causing me endless sleepless nights at times because worry keeps me awake and prevents me from relaxing my mind, and hence also my body functions that are supposedly needed to induce me to sleep. I know that worrying is not very productive, and it is even counter-productive, in th e sense it prevents me from finding solutions to my problems and hence, resolve and put to rest my endless worries. But it seems I cannot do something to prevent myself from worrying; I am helpless against it. It is imperative that I find ways to lessen worrying too much as it is causing me stress

Information system of operational management Essay

Information system of operational management - Essay Example Patsha network design presents the connectivity within and outside the company to enhance information flow. Intranet design presents internal dissemination of information and technical resources while extranet gives an overview of information exchange with external world. Infomeneja IS helps in facilitating implementation of all these designs. Infomeneja IS presents the whole idea of systems but within it sits other sub-system which helps to perform Patsha Operations. These may include; Teleconferencing and mailing system application which help in communication within and outside the company. Sales monitoring and analysis system is another example whose help is to assist in overseeing the sale of published materials and ensure profit realization. An inventory control system will best feature in this to help in stock management. For better management and decision making a decision support system will be embedded to help both middle and top level management. Infomeneja security is one of the major issues of consideration by the Patsha Company to ensure information reliability. A control has to be drafted in regard to the systems security upon the development stages. This control includes aspects such as authentication, authorization, confidentiality and availability of the system resources. These will help to beef up security measures. Authentication should state clearly the identity verification in case of access and in this, infomeneja will implement some authentication principles such as password management, multifactor authentication and biometrics. This will have a direct effect to some other controls strategy such as confidentiality of system

The Common Cold Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Common Cold - Essay Example Aching may also occur in the affected parts of the body during the disease. Typically, three to five days are taken by this disease in the normal human body. However, it has been observed by many studies that approximately three weeks are taken by residual coughing in the patient. In this regard, the most common of all the human diseases is the common cold. In light of a number of studies and researches, it has been analyzed that an average rate or two to four infections occur in the adults per year. Whereas, school-aged children are affected by this viral disease at a higher extent, that is, twelve times per year. In some populations, it is common to have more than three infections of the common cold in a person during a whole year. However, a higher risk is taken by children and their parents, as schools are found to be high in density in most of the countries. Secondly, as we mentioned above, it is a viral disease; therefore, family members are transmitted to this disease very easily and efficiently by the common cold bacterias. The upper respiratory tract infections is belonging the disease of common cold. However, influenza is found to be different from the common cold, as respiratory tract is infected more severely during influenza, as compared to the common cold disease. ... However, when it becomes complicated, it results in the form of pneumonia, which can even take the life of a patient. In this regard, sometimes, people relate the common cold disease with pneumonia and influenza, due to non-availability of valid and updated scientific research in specific areas. Contrary to popular belief, it has been found by a number of scientists that very young and elderly people are more likely to be at risk due to new strains of this virus in the human body. However, the occurring of death is quite rare in this disease, and death is suffered in only one out of one million subjects related to the disease of common cold. The vulnerability of this cold disease has been found most common in the young children, who go to school and socialize with their classmates and other staff of the school. Secondly, patients are also found to having common cold who have been into any kind of surgery. In these cases, the death rate was around one case out of fifty thousand cases. However, it is very important to know that chimps were used to carry out these kinds of experiments. Nevertheless, scientists believe that the humans will react with these experiments similarly, as compared to the experimented chimps. Therefore, we may say that the occurrence of the disease of viral and infectious common cold can be related to the animals. Causes A number of viruses are considered as primary causes and factors of the common cold in the human body. Mainly, corona viruses, coxsackie viruses, rhinoviruses, etc. are some of the main viruses that cause the common cold, and the upper inspiratory system is infected and affected in the outcomes of the disease. Scientists have found and described hundreds of viruses that cause

Contingency Theories of Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contingency Theories of Leadership - Essay Example Fiedler's contingency theory states that the manner in which a leader can be effective is dependent on what he calls as 'situational contingency', or the resultant product arising out of the interspatiality or interaction of leadership style and situational favourableness (or situational control). Fiedler holds that in situations of extreme importance, as during floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, a task-orientated style of leadership would be more beneficial than a considerate (relationship-orientated) style. This is so, as because in such an uncertain situation the leader-member relations get strained, due to fear or anxiety, the task becomes haphazard or unstructured, and the subject position of power becomes weak. In such a situation, the task-orientated leader who gets things accomplished proves to be the most successful. On the other hand, Fiedler emphasises that the considerate style of leadership is appropriate when the leader-member relations are good, the task is unstructured, and the locus of power is weak. ... For instance, there is some doubt whether the LPC is a true measure of leadership style. In 1986, Fiedler proposed another contingency model. This was called the Cognitive Resource Theory and attempted to analyse the conditions whereby intelligence, experience, and expertise are predictive indicators of leadership effectiveness. Fiedler stated that the effects of cognitive resources shall be significant only when the leader is able to be direct, when he/ she suffers from little stress, and when the leader has some unique expertise that cannot be performed by other subordinates. The theory formulates the idea that in low-stress situations, the intelligence of the leader has a great impact on the effectivity of the workers, and in high-stress conditions, the leader's expertise gets important. Interestingly, this assumption is not supported by Fiedler's research. An participatory discourse of the contingency theory is Vroom and Yetton's concept of Normative decision theory. Going by this variation, effectiveness of a decision procedure in an organisation is dependent upon various parts of a situation. It emphasises on the significance of the decision quality and acceptance by the people. What is interestingly is the fact that it values the criteria such as the amount of relevant information possessed by the leader and subordinates; under what circumstances would the subordinates accept a decision or try and co-operate in following a decision and the amount of disagreement among subordinates with respect to their preferred alternatives. This variation is definitely preferred over Fiedler's assumptions simple because it takes into account a thorough circumference of problems that the idea of decision making may face. The sheer flexibility, at times

Quality and environmental management systems 333 Essay

Quality and environmental management systems 333 - Essay Example This paper explores possible ways in which Timmerhus UK Ltd. could integrate its QMS and EMS into a single complete management system. It also looks at possible environmental aspects of the company, suitable objectives, targets and relevant environmental programmes as well as auditing arrangements that will be necessary for the integrated management system. How Timmerhus UK Ltd Could Integrate Its QMS and EMS into One Complete Management System There are numerous models and strategies that Timmerhus UK Ltd could use to integrate its QMS and EMS into a single comprehensive management system. vonAhsen and Funck (2001) suggest three fundamental models and strategies that organisations can utilise in the implementation and assessment of their management systems. These models include Integration model founded on ISO 9001 Integration model founded on ISO 14001 The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model. There are different approaches or strategies that corporations could t ake towards integrating management systems that already have. The following approaches are available for organisations aiming to integrate their management system: A company can first establish a quality management system then add to it environmental management system, which is consistent with vonAhsen and Funck’s ISO 9001-based model. Starting with the implementation of environmental management system followed by quality management system, which ascribes to vonAhsen and Funck’s model based on ISO 14001. Simultaneously establishment of environmental management system (EMS) and Quality management system (QMS) ISO 14001-based Integration Model Based on ISO 14001, environmental management systems focus absolutely on environmental aspects of an organisation. According to this model, environmental management system is first implemented and then quality system is added on to it. The approach demands that all processes be documented in terms of environmental aspects and quali ty. ISO 9001- Based Integration Model Unlike ISO 14001-based integration model, ISO 9001-based integration model requires an organisation to develop integrated management system on the basis of ISO 9001 followed by incorporation of environmental factors and any other relevant elements to the organisation (BS EN ISO 9001:2008 2008). The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Model This model was established in 1992 as an organisational assessment framework for companies seeking European Quality Award. Timmerhus UK Ltd can make use of the EFQM excellence model to integrate its QMS and EMS. An organisation ca optimise from this model by developing comprehensive understanding of its major concepts, which may change with organisational improvement and development. Some of the main concepts of EFQM include: Attainment of results, which are satisfactory to all stakeholders of the company Creation of sustainable customer value Good leadership and purpose consistency Management vi a a series of autonomous, but interdependent management systems Focus on development of employees through engagement to optimise the contribution of employees Creation of a continuous learning organisation environment Establishing and sustaining value-added alliances Enforcing corporate social responsibility by surpassing the minimum regulatory requirements and expectations of stakeholders The EFQM model

COFFEE DIRECT UK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

COFFEE DIRECT UK SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - Essay Example Due to the factors like technological advancements, developments in the communication process and globalisation, the terms of the trade are fast changing. The traditional beliefs and the conventional ways are being replaced by newer methodologies and tricks. The massive competition in the industry has helped the processes to become sharper and efficient. Traditionally, it was all about those companies that would have sold coffee powder and the coffees would specifically be prepared at home. But with time, the concept changed and new shops and organisations came up that claimed themselves to be professionally ran in order to sale various preparations of the celebrated drink. Coffee Direct is a front line organisation in that respect and claims itself to stock comprehensive selection of coffees. Established in 1990, Coffee Direct has been primarily a family run business. The group stocks wide range of coffees and teas and take pleasure to supply those to cafes, hotels, offices and also to home. The organisation also deals in the coffee machines all across the United Kingdom. Not only, it supplies but also it installs as well as commissions along with the add-on services like testing and maintenance of such machines. The Coffee Direct also provide free on-site training on the various of arts of coffee as it believe that without the knowledge of operating such machines, there is no point for the buyers to possess a high performance device. The training that the company provides is quite elaborate and includes the basic procedures of extracting the coffee in the proper and scientific way and also the organisation provides training on the various preparations of coffee like that of lattes, cappuccinos and various forms of espresso. The company makes it a point to carry out all the illustrations through adequately trained engineers (Coffee Direct, n.d.). The company acknowledges the fact that the two driving forces behind

International differences in work-related values Essay

International differences in work-related values - Essay Example Cultural differences are important issues that describe different values and beliefs of people coming from different socio-cultural background. This necessitates development of distinct capabilities of people management. People management primarily helps develop understanding the values and beliefs of different culture. It facilitates in building constructive relationship amongst people coming from diverse background based on mutual respect. The paper is a reflective journal/ diary based on cultural dynamics. With five different diary entries, it would reflect the readings on five teaching sessions on the module: week 2 (Culture shock); week 7 (Chinese culture);week 8 (multicultural team);week 9 (cultural difference);and week 10 (Culture and leadership). Reflection on week 2 readings Cultural dynamics play hugely critical role in human interaction. Hofstede’s dimensions of culture emphasise collective programming of mind. This is interesting because it simultaneously stresses the differences and at the same time calls for integrated efforts to achieve common goals. It highlights the cultural competencies that can be judiciously exploited for shared goals. My knowledge of Chinese and Chinese culture was utilized in plays that were staged for collecting donation for cultural centre for foreign students in the university campus. It had shown their adaptability to change and their strong will to conquer the barrier of knowledge by inviting foreigners and sharing knowledge for mutual gain. Indeed, it shows that differences need to be interpreted within the broader context of goals and the way they can become tools for growth and development across various stages of life. Culture shock is inevitable when one is in a foreign land. Culture shock broadly refers to the considerable sense of discomfort that a person encounters when he/she is in a state that is different from his/her native place or place of origin (Guanipa, 1998). It has increasingly become importa nt issue in the current environment of fast globalization and needs to be addressed for making one’s stay in foreign country more fruitful and productive. As a Chinese student, I have been faced with some major cultural differences that have necessitated important changes. The culture shock was predominant in its language barrier and differences in socio-cultural values which influence behaviour and attitude towards various issues. They can be overcome through concerted efforts like learning the language and developing cross cultural understanding. Making new friends through social networking and interacting with people from one’s culture helps to reduce homesickness whereas, taking cues from them helps in getting adjusted faster within the new environment. When I had applied for higher studies in UK, I was prepared for new experience and different socio-cultural environment. I had already equipped myself with good knowledge of English and was quite fluent in it. But I was very much surprised by the huge diversity of race, colour and nationality and the vernacular English which was quite popular amongst the immigrant population. While language barrier was not a major issue, effective communication remained a key factor because of the diversity of culture and values.