Interpersonal Communication Skills Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Interpersonal Communication Skills. Answer: Interpersonal communication skills may be defined as the skills which are used by different individuals when interacting with others. In the fields of business, the term interpersonal communication mainly refers to an individuals capability of getting along with others at the workplace at the same time of getting assignments and task done. Interpersonal communication skills are very important for the establishment or bonding as well as a relationship between the individuals and their colleagues. This often led to mutual exchange of ideas as well as different information and skills. Moreover such skills are also important for establishment for mutual respect as well as considerations of another individuals opinions and input. Workplaces where individuals have proper interpersonal communication can ensure that a proper performance of duties is maintained with rightmanagement of tasks and also different completion of assignments. The following essay will mainly show the use of five impo rtant diagnostic tools to identify any two communication skills. This will be followed by a literature review on the communication issues. Proper action plans will be provided thereafter which will help me to overcome the two issues successfully. The first tool that I have utilized for identifying my gaps in exhibiting proper communication skill is the Personal Report of Intercultural Communication Apprehension (PRICA). This tool is mainly helpful to describe the communication skill which is exhibited by me when I want to communicate and interact with people of different cultures. This tool has 14 important questions which are usually answered with grading from 1 to 5 starting from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The marks which are obtained help an individual t be designated as low, high or moderate intercultural when scores are below 32, above 52 and between 32 and 52 respectively (Neulip Mccroskey, 1997). From this tool, my score was 52 which stated that am highly intercultural. I have no biasness towards any culture and therefore all colleagues of other cultures are very comfortable with me. They enjoy my companionship as I appreciate their innovative thinking that their cultural preferences provide. I try to learn their language and provide importance to their inhibitions never being judgmental. Hence, this is a positive communication skill that I exhibit. The next tool that I utilized is the Talkaholic scale which mainly states that how much an individual is compulsive communication. According to this tool, being in a compulsive communication does not mean that the individuals are engaged in taking matters which are not wanted to listen by us or in ineffective communication (McCrockesky Richmond, 1993). Many researchers are of the opinion that individuals who talk more are positively accepted by their colleagues and supervisors as they seem to be more competent to them (McCrockesky Richmond, 1995). They have 16 questions which need to be answered by providing a grade form 1 to 5 which range from strongly agree to strongly disagree. After following a particular formula, a score can be obtained which will allocate individuals to being very less talkaholic, borderline talkaholic and talkaholic with scores like 30, 30-39 and above 40 respectively. My score is high about 40 which show that I am truly compulsive talkaholic but I never eng age into useless talk. I participate in both formal and informal interactions with colleagues which help me developing strong bonds with them. Moreover, my transparency and open mindedness is expressed by my interactions which are respected and loved by colleagues. As I talk with everyone in the team, I often is made the monitor by the mentor as he believe I am competent to lead a team with strong bonds. As I am talkaholic, I express my feeling in every case which reflects my inner self which makes me more competent and happy at workplace. The next tool that I have used for my assignment on reflection is the Self-Perceived Communication Competence Scale (SPCC). This tool mainly helps to help an individual understand his own competence while communicating in different situations with both known as well as unknown faces (McCrockesky Mccrockesky, 1988). This tool has 12 important questions which the individual needs to answer from 0 to 100% o marks which will later be calculated by following particular formulas. I had not scored well and this reflects that I am not well competent in all situations of communication. I noticed that I am only confident and capable of effective communication when in small groups of friends and acquaintances. When such groups become large in number, I grow nervous and confused. My confidence all seems to lower down. Moreover I am not at all comfortable with taking in large public fronts and also with strangers. I cannot provide them effective feedback due to lack of confidence and high anxiet y which makes me behave in such a way. The next tool that can be helping me to provide more light on the previously identified communication issue is the Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA). This tool is extremely helpful is making an individual understand how competent they are in the public speaking domain making him know his anxiety level (MccRoskey, 1970). This tool mainly has 34 important questions which an individual needs to answer with marks from 1 to 5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. With the help of the easy calculating formula, the score of an individual in this domain can be calculated. The score is regarded as high, low, moderate when marks are 131, 98 and 98-131 respectively. Form this tool; I understood that I tend to develop high levels of anxiety when I try to communicate with unknown people or new entrants in the office. I tend to stammer when I give presentations inform of new people due to development of anxiety and lowering down of confidence. This in turn a ffects my feedback giving as well as receiving skills and therefore others may develop negative feelings about me. The next tool that I have used for reflecting on my interpersonal communication is the Willingness to Listen Diagnostic tool. Listening skill is one of the most important skill in business domains as it has the capacity to reduce miscommunication, increase success rate of a work, development of proper business procedure, develop trust among employees and others. A person who listens properly can avoid repetition or overlapping of similar work thereby increasing the betterment of team performance (Richmond Hickson, 2001). The speakers feels satisfied and development of result results. There are 24 important questions which the individuals need to answer with grading system from 1 to 5 with 1 being strongly disagree and 5 being strongly agree. With the help of the formula, I obtained the score and noticed that it is below 59 which showed that I have low willingness to listen. Scores above 89 shows high willingness. Lack of listening skills has many harsh impacts on the performance bot h at an individual level and also at team levels and organizational level which may affect my career. Hence I need to work on this skill. From the entire discussion, I have identified that I have two communication issues. The first issue is that I often tend to become anxious when in need to speak in big groups of friends and acquaintances. I also lose confidence and become nervous when I talk with unknown people or on a large platform of audience I cannot provide them with proper feedback due to complexes where I feel I may be judged or criticized. The next issue that I have identified is my impatient listening skills and also my unwillingness to listen completely to that of the speaker. I tend to cut down the speaker half way die to my impatience. I also become unwilling to listen to him completely before making remarks where speaker feels disrespected and disappointed. I had a negative experience during my internship months. I was assigned to a group of 5 individuals. While planning, the individuals assign a particular part of chapters to each of the individuals. I was absent the nest day and therefore a team member came to me to make me understand the alterations which were done to the plan when I was absent. However, I was too impatient and cut her short in the middle stating that I had understood. She felt disappointed. However I mistakenly repeated another team members work which I was not supposed to do according to the modified plan. Not only in scored less but was criticized by my team mates. Another negative incident took place when I was assigned the task to give presentation to a new set of clients to sell the products. As I had to face new set of people whom I did not now, I got anxious and lost all my confidence even although I prepared thoroughly the night before. I continuously stammered and fumbled which made my presentation less attractive and I also tended to become nervous and could not answer their query although I knew all of them. My mentor criticized me for losing the deal and instructed me to work on my communication skill of receiving and giving feedback skill and also to talk with others with both confidence and smartness. Researchers like Brownell (2015) are of the opinion that listening skills enable individuals to acquire proper information and facts which help them to take right decisions which are benefiting for the organization. Not only success in business and increased productivity, proper listening skills also enable development of trust. This is because, if an individual is trusted with a particular projects and details are mentioned with him and if he fails to deliver them due to impatient listening; it might lead to loss of trust. Moreover improper listening skills can result in loss of reputation of a company (Wood, 2015). If customers asking for a product gets repeatedly wrong product due to improper listening skills of customer care services, it harms the reputation of the company. Moreover it also helps in motivating employees when managers listen to their employees attentively without passing remarks or by cutting them short.. This make the employees feel that the managers are sincerel y interested and that they are respected. Proper listening skills also make the employees develop trust in each other by development of strong bonds. Researchers like Kaner (2014) are of the opinion that active listening only can take place when the listener focuses his full attention on the speakers statements. He should never interrupt the speaker and should remain non-judgmental. He should show genuine interests in the speakers. Moreover many other researchers are also of the opinions that the listener should also provide attention to what the speaker wants to intend and thereby read non verbal cues. Body language as well as facial expressions should be studied also while listening (Rosenberg Chopra, 2015). Moreover the listener should also show proper body language which would invite posture and verbal comments occasionally to make the conversation interesting. Researchers like Nancarrow et al. (2013) are of the opinion that proper listening skills can modify disruptive situati ons into an opportunity which can be utilized for growth. By this he meant that of a dissatisfied co worker or customer is properly hard, it will calm down the situation, decrease the negative feelings in them, maintain calmness and help in problem solving. This will in turn increase interpersonal boning and will help developing commitment and trust (Keytone et al., 2013) Confidence and attitude in public speaking plays an important role in public speaking. Each and every individual needs to be confident and create an everlasting impression on the audience or the listeners to make his objectives work. It is extremely important for the individual to develop self belief which is significant for the other to believe in the individual (Fiesler, Meckel Ranzizni, 2015). Nervousness only indicate that either the individuals or lying or are not aware of the intentions. Many researchers again suggest that there is a very fine line between confident and over confident and employees should be careful to maintain that. Overreacting or using face accents are not important but showing the real self with proper attitudes helpful for the organization is respected. Confidence reflects in the way one carries himself or herself. Problems such a fear or stage nervousness may disappear if individuals can successfully develop confidence in themselves confidence will only develop when an individual can rightly use his positive aspects in dominating the audience rather than exposing the weak points (Thill Bovee, 2013). Convincing clients are not easier but to some extent it might become easy if the individuals are confident enough to convince others and make them listen with attention. Some of the ways has been recommended by researchers to exhibit confidence for better output. These are developing a stable and clear voice tone which should be free from whispers as well as stammering as it conveys self assurance (Lyons Kurron, 2014). People should also listen to others attentively to gain ideas about different things and expand their knowledge. Speaking from the heart without any attacks or threats is important. Individuals should prepare themselves with confidence in a way where they can use humor, express gratitude, apologize when wrong and acknowledge others so that a proper communication can be maintained. The action plan that needs to be developed should have smart objectives. By the term smart objectives it means that the objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. The first goal should be development of listening skills and the second goal would be development of confidence while public speaking and reduction of anxiety. For this specific goal, I should engage myself in communication workshops where experts would advice and help me to develop my listening skill and give me strategies to become confident. Moreover, I should also try to participate in the student discussion forum sessions so that I can gather confidence gradually and develop as a speaker. Here I will face new students and as a result, debates will help me to reduce my anxiety and develop confidence. Thirdly, I also need to go through several journal articles which I can obtain form our digital library and use them as evidences for personal development of communication skills. Moreover I also need to practice inform of the mirror to develop my body language skills (Miller Barbour, 2014). The goals are measurable. The development I make in my listening skills and conversation skills would be reflected form the tasks that are assigned to me. The responses that I will get from the audience or colleague will help me to develop an idea about how I am fairing in the task. The goal should be attainable. I can allot the workshops in accordance to my university time so that they do not clash. Moreover the strategies which are selected are also not costly and therefore can be easily carried out. Therefore they are not difficult to follow but are attainable. Moreover they are also relevant as all the strategies will help us to polish our communication skills effectively a total of six months will be required for the results to occur. References: Brownell, J. (2015).Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills. Routledge. Fieseler, C., Meckel, M., Ranzini, G. (2015). Professional personae?How organizational identification shapes online identity in the workplace.Journal of Computer?Mediated Communication,20(2), 153-170. Kaner, S. (2014).Facilitator's guide to participatory decision-making. John Wiley Sons. Keyton, J., Caputo, J. M., Ford, E. A., Fu, R., Leibowitz, S. A., Liu, T., ... Wu, C. (2013). Investigating verbal workplace communication behaviors.The Journal of Business Communication (1973),50(2), 152-169. Lyons, S., Kuron, L. (2014). Generational differences in the workplace: A review of the evidence and directions for future research.Journal of Organizational Behavior Management,35(S1). McCroskey, J. C. (1970) . Measures of communication-bound anxiety. Speech Monographs, 37, 269-277. McCroskey, J. C., McCroskey, L. L. (1988). Self-report as an approach to measuring communication competence. Communication Research Reports, 5, 108-11. McCroskey, J. C., Richmond, V. P. (1993). Identifying compulsive communicators: The talkaholic scale. Communication Research Reports, 11, 39-52. McCroskey, J. C., Richmond, V. P. (1995). Correlates of compulsive communication: Quantitative and qualitative characteristics. Communication Quarterly, 43, 39-52. Miller, K., Barbour, J. (2014).Organizational communication: Approaches and processes. Nelson Education. Nancarrow, S. A., Booth, A., Ariss, S., Smith, T., Enderby, P., Roots, A. (2013). Ten principles of good interdisciplinary team work.Human resources for Health,11(1), 19. Neuliep, J. W., McCroskey, J. C. (1997). The development of intercultural and interethnic communication apprehension scales. Communication Research Reports, 14, 385-398. Richmond, V. P., Hickson, M. III. (2001). Going public: A practical guide to public talk. Boston, MA: Allyn Bacon. Rosenberg, M., Chopra, D. (2015).Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships. PuddleDancer Press. Thill, J. V., Bove, C. L. (2013).Excellence in business communication. Pearson. Wood, J. T. (2015).Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters. Nelson Education.

Leveraging The Five Intelligence Disciplines To Access The Threat And Urgency Of Irans Nuclear Program

Introduction Intelligence disciplines have become important tools in aiding collection of pertinent information that poses a threat to national security. Open Source Intelligence Service (OSINT), Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) are good examples of intelligence disciplines.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Leveraging The Five Intelligence Disciplines To Access The Threat And Urgency Of Iran’s Nuclear Program specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These disciplines are used by the United States of America to collect vital information regarding various nations like Iran that have been involved in manufacturing nuclear weapons that threaten the security (Rublee 2). Applicable Intelligence Disciplines OSINT is an intelligence discipline that scrutinizes certain materials that have been made acces sible to the public. This serves as a stepping stone towards assisting the United States to collect important information available to the Iranian citizens and the world population at large. This kind of intelligence discipline aids the Soviet Union to derive up to 90 percent of its intelligence (Rickwards 23). Further, it ensures that large quantity of data is gathered in a bid to come up with well structured information. The information should meet the threshold laid down by the advisory collector. In addition, OSINT relay vital information that exhibits the potential of the activities in an organization. Further, the information provided pertaining that particular organization cannot be derived from any other source. This simplifies the mode of classifying data and deriving trade assets as a result of compiling an open source data. It is therefore arguable that OSINT is one of the main intelligence sources applicable in detecting early disasters through the data collected. Accord ingly, collection of OSINT data is not limited. Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is another imperative intelligence discipline which leverage gathering of necessary information regarding nuclear weapons produced in Iran. Human intelligence has been associated with open sources. The intelligence engages in obscured activities on the one hand, and the persons behind the intelligence sources on the other. It is also not in doubt that unconcealed behaviors are executed in an open arena. Various activities under the intelligence may include making use of uncategorized or forum materials. Other activities entail working in the interrogation centers for refugees and captives of war and also debriefing legal travelers who are of interest to a nation’s intelligence services. Furthermore, clandestine sources relay information to a foreign nation which is imperative in providing necessary information about a nation’s involvement in manufacturing nuclear weapons and foreign citizens wh o creep into a country to conduct a research.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More United States has clandestine sources in Iran that are vital in providing the nation with crucial information on Iran’s involvement in nuclear weapons which can be a threat to US and world’s security. Further, even with the outburst of practical aptitude in the nation, HUMINT intelligence is still in the lead in the provision of technical information that is not accessible to most technical collectors. A good example is providing information regarding the access of internal memoranda and to screen-off area information. This is very vital for United States’ intelligence services as they are in a position to track information on Iran’s involvement in nuclear manufacturing even if it tries to conceal that particular information to the public. Moreover, HUMINT i s important as it has the capability of closely monitoring the plans of the enemy. It is also used to reveal the progress of manufacturing scientific weapons prior to their usage or detection by any other technical system. HUMINT also provides data on certain issues that entail such subjects with specific knowledge in regards to cases relating to defectors and spies. In addition, it relays crucial information to which it gained access. This is a very important step in helping United States acquire crucial information regarding Iran involvement in nuclear weapons. The intelligence discipline also deals in information that is highly regarded in interpersonal relations. This can be critical in providing pertinent information on Iran. HUMINT is also observant on foreigners who are entering the country particularly from Iran. According to Drogin, HUMINT has several intelligence collection agents such as reconnaissance troops who are guarded and equipped to conduct HUMINT operations (5). Under the same agency, there is the counterintelligence agency that ensures higher gathering abilities over any previous division or contingent level asset. It is of importance that the tactical level is not overemphasized with IBCT organization. This is because the CI asset organic to conventional units at the squad tactical level have the capability which is unique to IBCT and that is important in the United States Army. Drogin further states that HUMINT has another agent known as platoon which is an element of the brigade military intelligence company (23). The said company sustains the processes and upholds a dominion connection of administrative power. The principal acumen is contained within the strategic HUMINT agencies. Once information has been collected under this agency, it is reported to the management team which analyses the intelligence data gathered by the tactical team. This is very vital especially when collecting vital data on countries such as Iran that are active ly engaged in manufacturing nuclear weapons. The Interim Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) is an operational tool under the HUMINT that revolves around collecting vital information from one level to another. The tool is uniquely designed to collect and disseminate vital information either in audio or oral form that is deemed valuable to the process. This is a very vital step in acquiring important data on countries involved in nuclear weapons.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Leveraging The Five Intelligence Disciplines To Access The Threat And Urgency Of Iran’s Nuclear Program specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More MASINT is another important intelligence tool which influence collection of information regarding nations like Iran’s involvement in nuclear weapon production. MASINT is vital as a means of obtaining and analyzing data through its special technical sensors. This is attributed to its ability of classifying the important data that is correlated with the source emitter. This is very instrumental in aiding US crack down on Iran’s involvement in Nuclear weapons. United States is in a position to pick out specific people involved in manufacturing nuclear weapons in Iran and ascertaining the nature of weapons produced. MASINT has also been praised due to its unique capability of identifying important information that could not be detected by sensors. This serves as a vital step in exposing closed information regarding nuclear weapons produced in Iran. It also reveals essential information that is considered to be inferior. According to intelligence Resource Program, MASINT works hand in hand with defense department of United States to ensure a harmonization collection effort for the intelligence discipline. This is very essential in enhancing efficient collection of information regarding Iran’s involvement in Nuclear weapons. Furthermore, the inception of the MA SINT data management program was for the sole purpose of providing accurate information. This acts as a bigger step in aiding collection of intelligence information regarding Iran and other related nations’ involvement in manufacturing of weapons. The Intelligence Resource Program, which has been placed under the responsibility of the MASINT Army, resides with the Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM). The duty to assemble and develop data in MASINT has been placed on the scientific and technical intelligence team. The team is actively involved in its role hence portraying its ideal dedication to achieve maximum positive results in the project. This is a very vital step in collecting relevant information on nuclear. SIGINT serves as another important intelligence discipline which is used to control collection of information about a country’s involvement in manufacturing of weapons. This intelligence discipline makes use of certain integrated signal intercepts. The signals are used to capture messages that are transmitted in various forms. Information can also be gathered through fibre optic or such other means. Most communications under SIGINT are encrypted. They also typically require sophisticated computer technology for description which helps to maintain privacy and confidentiality of information.Advertising Looking for research paper on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More United States is in a position to get vital information regarding Iran involvement in nuclear weapons by applying this intelligence discipline and through other various platforms. Such platforms include covert locations inside United States. According to Intelligence threat handbook, SIGINT can monitor transmission from community satellite as well as terrestrial facilities (OPSEC 36). It therefore becomes of essence that the information regarding the proliferation of nuclear weapons is leveraged. The establishment of Army Signal Intelligence Service (SIS), which consolidates all operations related to the case of Iran, is in a position to penetrate easily into a foreign nation. This was evident during the World War II when the United Nation through SIS, which is operated under SIGNT, penetrated in Japan. GEOINT has also been recognized as having a key role in the intelligence community and defense (Lahneman 23). GEOINT examines and gives an analysis of the visual account that correla tes to security actions. The analysis combines all the aspects of the imagery intelligence and the geospatial news. GEOINT uses imagery satellites to study the nuclear production in Iran. The imagery is currently obtained from an array of sensors. The imagery is vital to collect intelligent information. A proper installed imagery provides an accurate platform for targeting the weapon’s location. Secondly, it further gives a lee way to detect peculiar activities pertaining to the manufacturing of nuclear weapons in Iran. GEOINT allows the intelligence team to gather and produce information in an electronic manner or optical means and further relay the information garnered on display gadgets. It is therefore arguable that the intelligence concerns itself with imagery concepts that allow for easy collection and procession of data. This also ensures easy retrieval of all imagery activities that are considered of utmost important to assess any kind of threat that has been detected . Conclusion It is not in doubt that Iran is still actively engaged in assembling nuclear weapons. Though it has not been directly communicated whether the weapons pose a threat to the security of the nation or not, the same cannot be dismissed. It is therefore important to collect and disseminate information relating to the manufacture of nuclear weapons. The five disciplines therefore play a vital role to ensure that the same is achieved. Works Cited Drogin, Bob 2005, How U.S Fell Under the Spell of Curveball. PDF file. 2 Apr. 2013. Lahneman, William. Keeping U.S Intelligence Effective, Plymouth, 2011. Print. OPSEC. Intelligence Threat Handbook, New York: Diane Publishers, 1996. Print. Rickwards, James. Currency Wars: The making of the Next Global Crisis, London: Penguin Group, 2012. Print. Rublee, Maria. Non- Proliferation Norms: Why States Choose Nuclear Restraints, New York: University of Georgia Press, 2010. Print. This research paper on Leveraging The Five Intelligence Disciplines To Access The Threat And Urgency Of Iran’s Nuclear Program was written and submitted by user Anabella Sharpe to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

One Die, Two Dice

One Die, Two Dice One Die, Two Dice One Die, Two Dice By Maeve Maddox Mickey Bayard has questions about the words die and dice. A friend and I are in dispute over the expression, The di (die , dye) is cast, we have crossed the Rubicon .   Ã¢â‚¬ ¦our conflict is over the use of di. I feel it is the singular of Dice , and therefore means the casting of a single dice or di. My friend argues that it is related to a Die cast i.e. A Sword cast in metal from a die. Both seem plausible and the spelling should help , but I have seen it both ways .So many people must be confused as well. First, Caesars frequently quoted statement is usually rendered as The die is cast. Alea iacta est (also alea jacta est, Latin: The die has been cast) is a Latin phrase attributed by Suetonius (as iacta alea est [ˈjakta ˈaË lea est]) to Julius Caesar on January 10, 49 BC as he led his army across the River Rubicon in northern Italy. Wikipedia Gambling was a favorite Roman pastime so Caesars metaphor was easily understood. Fate controlled the roll of the dice. By crossing the Rubicon, Caesar initiated the events that would play out in the civil war to follow. The plural of this kind of die is dice. I dont know about swords, but coins and other objects are cast from a die: An engraved stamp used for impressing a design or figure upon some softer material, as in coining money, striking a medal, embossing paper, etc. The plural of this kind of die is dies. The word die may come from Latin datum in the sense of that which is given or decreed [as by lot or fortune]. The dots on dice are indented. The sense of stamping block or tool for die was first recorded in the 1690s. There is historical precedent for using the plural dice as a singular, as in this example from the OED: 1751 MRS. E. HEYWOOD Hist. Betsy Thoughtless IV. 202 Protesting never to touch a card or throw a dice again. Contemporary gamers frequently use dice as a singular: The probability of one dice being a particular number is 1/6. The player may use either ONE DICE or THE OTHER, instead of adding both Dice together, to increase their count. Each player keeps one dice. This use of dice to refer to one of the dotted cubes has recently crept into directions for games intended for general audiences. The use of dice as a singular noun strikes my ear as incorrect, but I suspect that it will eventually become the norm. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:"Based in" and "based out of"Difference between "Pressing" and "Ironing"Is "Number" Singular or Plural?

HACCP in temperature conrolled transport Assignment

HACCP in temperature conrolled transport - Assignment Example Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a preventive measure in food supply chain that Identify potential biological, chemical and physical hazards in the food production and distribution process and goes further to design preventive measures to eliminate or reduce these hazards to acceptable levels. In this regard, HACCP is a preventive measure rather than a corrective measure. Production and distribution of food involves a number of processes that are required to eliminate or prevent reintroduction of food hazards through post contamination. Activities during transportation are even critical because most food products leave the factories when several analyses have been done and food that meet the quality and safety parameters are released to the market. It is therefore important for food transporters to ensure no potential hazards are reintroduced in foods during transport. This principle forms the basis for implementation of HACCP system in a temperature controlled trans port. Multidisciplinary approach is the key to successful implementation of HACCP system for temperature controlled transport. This approach should appropriately include: production, chemistry, food technology, engineering, microbiology, agronomy and public health expertise. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) System is a food safety management system thus should allow transporters whether small or large to identify and manage all hazards that would pose danger to food during transportation. ... It is important to note that these are the key activities involved with regard to logical sequence of HACCP principles. HACCP Team Formation The development and maintenance of an effective HACCP system depends mainly on the management team. Assemblage of the HACCP team is the first stage in implementation. The team should consist of people and individuals with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise. HACCP team for temperature controlled transport must consists of expertise from engineering, food technology, production, logistics and transport, food microbiology, food chemistry, food packaging and storage, food toxicology and food quality assurance (Surak & Wilson 2007 p.8). The composition of HACCP team is very critical in identification of all potential hazards and putting the right control measures. However, if for example a transport company is not able to avail expertise from these disciplines, it is recommended that the company seeks for advice from independent experts. The HAC CP team also plays a key role in identification of the scope which for this case is transport and storage of food thus hazards covered here would be within the scope. Product Description and the Intended Use The HACCP team should then describe the products in full and must include all relevant information about safety including physical, chemical and microbiological properties, composition, chemical structure such as water activity and pH, storage conditions and the expiry dates. A full description should also include any form of treatments such as brining, freezing, thermal treatment, smoking and the methods of storage and distribution. However, when the controlled temperature transport system caters for different products, this description can

Price of Healthcare Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Price of Healthcare - Essay Example In 2005, the average person spent close to $6,000. Medical bills were of little concern to families in the 1950’s but the medical technology seems archaic by today’s standards. Half a century ago, a person’s lifespan was approximately 68 where today, it is a decade longer. Those in their 40’s today can reasonably expect to see their 80th birthday. Most, presumably, would prefer to spend more money to live longer which is what has happened. From this perspective, healthcare could be considered a good return on an investment. The benefits and costs of healthcare are not unrelated yet many do not understand why they have to pay more than they did equivalent to the 1950’s or even to 1999. People generally consider healthcare costs to be a commodity in the same way they think of electricity or gasoline where price has little bearing on the quality of the product. The medical system of the U.S. does experience waste from sources such as bureaucratic expenses generated from insurance companies and unproven procedures that are expensive and are yet to be proven effective. The main reasons for the increasing medical cost increases, however, are visible and obvious. They can be readily observed in hospitals and in people’s home medicine cabinets as well. CAT Scan and MRI machines, specialized neonatal apparatus and defibrillators in addition to numerous other high-tech hospital gadgets such as artificial hearts are very expensive. Prescription prices have also risen which adds to the total costs related to healthcare (Leonhardt, 2006). The price of prescriptions are not determined by production costs or by monies allocated to researching new drugs. Competition, projected volume of sales as opposed to actual sales and estimates of revenue produced by the product are among other factors drive drug prices.

Biochemical Importance of Water

Biochemical Importance of Water Water is often referred to as the universal solvent and without there would be no life on this planet. Its involvement is extensive from cellular processes in organism to providing a habitat for life. In this essay I will examine the reason for waters properties and how its properties allow for its vast involvement. A water molecule is comprised of 2 hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom. The oxygen forms 4 sp3 hybrid orbitals resulting in a tetrahedral shape. The sp3 hybrid orbitals come about from the overlap of the 2s orbital and the 2px, 2py and 2pz orbitals of the oxygen. Two of these hybrids then overlap with the 1s orbital of the hydrogens resulting in two covalent bonds. The other orbitals are occupied by the 2 lone pairs on the oxygen. The VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulsion) theory states that electrons repel each other and as a result of this the electrons that surround an atom spatially arrange themselves maximising the distance between one another in the effort to reduce this repulsive effect1. However, lone pairs have a greater repulsive effect than valence electrons which results in the distortion of the angle by effecting the positions of the other electrons; this property accounts for waters shape being bent rather than tetrahedral and having a bond angle of 104.5Â ° rather than a tetrahedral angle of 109.5Â °1. Waters polar nature is contingent upon the difference in the electronegativities of its atoms. Oxygen has a greater electronegativity than hydrogen resulting in oxygen having a bigger pull on the electrons than the hydrogen. The result of this is an inductive effect where the electrons in the covalent bond being drawn closer to the oxygen. As a result of the inductive effect, the oxygen has a partial negative charge (ÃŽ ´-) while the hydrogens possess a partial positive charge (ÃŽ ´+) producing a polar substance. Waters polar nature allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds between one another. The partially positive hydrogen of one atom forms a hydrogen bond with partially negative oxygen of another water molecule. The partial charges on the atoms that make up water allow it to act as a solvent for ionic or polar substances. In the case of ions, the water can break bonds between one another to form ion-dipole bonds as well as dipole-dipole bonds5. The charge of the ion attracts the opposite charge on the water and is surrounded by the solvent molecules forming either one or more hydration shells. Certain biological molecules possess both polar and non polar regions. The polar regions are said to be hydrophilic and will interact with the solvent through hydrogen bonding. The non polar regions are unable to form hydrogen bonds with the water and therefore are unable to interact with it. The water is said to have a hydrophobic effect2 upon these non polar molecules as they interfere with the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. These biological molecules position themselves so that the orientation of the hydrophilic head faces outwards into the solvent while the hydrophobic tail points inwards away from the solvent. Examples of this process would be the micelles, which position themselves so that they form globules and bilayers where they position themselves so that there are two layers of hydrophilic heads pointing outwards into the solvent on either side with the tails conjugating in between. The bond strength of hydrogen is weak comparatively, it is approximately 20 kJ mol-1 compared to 460 kJ mol-1 for the covalent bond between the oxygen and the hydrogen3. Although hydrogen bonds are weak individually they have a cumulative effect. Due to the vast number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in water, water has a high specific heat capacity for its molecular weight (4.18 J K-1 g-1)5 meaning waters able to absorb a substantially high value for heat and as a result the temperature increase is minimal4. This is what makes water an effective temperature buffer. Water spreads the energy from the thermal increase across the entirety of its system; this is the reasoning behind why water is used by organisms to regulate their temperature. Sweat is comprised of water and salt, due to waters high specific heat capacity it requires a lot of energy to evaporate the sweet off the body6. The thermal energy generated by the body is used to evaporate the sweat which in turn cools the body down. This principle also explains why water can exist in liquid forms and allows for the existence of oceans, lakes, etc. Waters existence as a liquid is vital to existence of life. Osmosis is the movement of water from a region of high concentration to an area of low concentration through a semi permeable membrane. If animal cells were surrounded by an aqueous environment which differs in water potential from their own it could result in cell shrinkage or bursting. In an effort to prevent this, the cells are immersed in an aqueous solution with a similar osmotic potential to that in the cell (isotonic). An example of where osmosis plays a large part in biology is in homeostasis. Water regulation in the body is controlled by the osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus of the brain. The low levels of water in the blood cause these cells to shrink due to osmosis; this causes neurosecretory cells to release the hormone ADH (anti-diuretic hormone)7. Controlling the levels of ADH controls the permeability of the collecting duct, in the liver, to water and thereby controlling the levels of water in the blood and subsequently the body. Each water molecule forms four hydrogen bonds with 4 other water molecules. Although these water molecules dont stay constantly bonded to each other, reorienting every 10-12 s 3, the extensive network of these bonds results in a large cohesive force holding water together. This is vital for the role water plays for transpiration in plants. When water evaporates and leaves through the stomata a water gradient causes the water to be pulled up the xylem. The water molecules above drag the ones below it due the bonds between them. Waters adhesive properties also play a role in this as it gives water the ability to overcome the gravitational force acting upon it through the adhesion between the water and the cell walls in the xylem. Water is used inside complex organisms to break down macromolecules into their sub units. One of the hydrogens of the water is added to one substituent while the hydroxyl group in water is added to the other sub unit. This process is therefore known as hydrolysis. This is important in terms of converting long term storage of carbohydrates, such as glycogen in the body and starch in plants, into short term carbohydrates used in metabolism. The reverse of this process is known as dehydration. When monomers come together to form polymers, the hydroxyl of one and the hydrogen of the other leave giving rise to a polymer. An example of this would be the reaction between amino acids to form proteins, the hydrogen on the amine group and the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl group on the other. Water plays a role in respiration; it cleaves a phosphate off ATP, energy currency of cells, to give ADP and energy for respiration. Waters is produced from the combining of hydrogen ions, electrons and oxygen in oxidative phosphorylation. The significance of this is, the formation of water allows the process to continue7; if water didnt form then cell death would follow. For instance, cyanide inhibits the formation of water from oxidative phosphorylation7. In photosynthesis, water replenishes the electrons lost by the reaction centre. The hydrogen ions of water pass through the channel in the stalk particle providing the energy for phosphorylation of ADP to ATP. The oxygen that is left combines with another to form O2 and is used in cellular respiration. Water contributes to buffering changes in pH in organisms. It combines with carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid. The carbonic acid dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. All these processes are reversible in both directions. This allows it to act as a buffer. If the pH increases the carbon dioxide and water react to form carbonic acid which, in turn, dissociates to release hydrogen ions, which decrease the pH, and bicarbonate6. The reverse occurs for a decrease in pH. In conclusion, the significant processes that water is involved in are due to its polarity and its ability to form hydrogen bonds.

Compare and Contrast Remember and A Birthday by Christina Rossetti Essa

Compare and Contrast Remember and A Birthday by Christina Rossetti Christina Rossetti was born in Victorian England and grew up in the pre-Raphaelite era. Coming from a well educated family she drew influence for her poems from her surroundings and experiences. In ‘A Birthday’, she looks at the celebration of finding new love. She is overjoyed because her love is reciprocated and wants to make a new beginning with this man spending the rest of her life with him raising a family. A Birthday is filled with joy, happiness and anticipation of what life will be like with her new love. Whereas ‘Remember’ is very different; she must prepare her lifelong lover/husband for her death. The tone of joy is therefore replaced by a much sadder tone reflecting her struggle and unhappiness. Both poems are carefully structured. ‘A birthday’ is written in two verses. The first verse contains three similes and a comparative and the second uses three imperatives (raise me, carve it, work it) and in the final lines of both verses the reason for the joy and making of the room are given. Whereas ‘Remember’ is a petrarchan sonnet. It consists of many short phrases and gentle words which further illustrates the feeling of tiredness. The punctuation and lines mirror her difficulties to speak throughout the poem. In ‘A Birthday’ repletion of the phrase ‘my heart’ is used, this is to illustrate the feelings in her heart of joy, happiness and excitement that her love has been reciprocated by the one she loves. It gives the idea that her heart is the most important thing at this moment and it is affecting the actions of the rest of her body. In contrast in ‘Remember’ the word ‘remember’ is repeated to emphasise the idea that when... ...ws at first he will spend every moment thinking and grieving for her but with the gradual progression of time he may forget her from time to time; and for this he ma feel guilty. She is thinking ahead to the time when he won’t think of her in the natural flow of time which is imperceptible to him. The fact he has now accepted she is going to die she can give him instructions and talk about death and the grave in a real way. Such as the idea of darkness in the grave and how the body will decompose. She asks him to hold her in his heart and record her in his everlasting memories this compares with the idea of responsibility that comes with love which is described in ‘A Birthday’. She finally reassure him that if he does forget her he won’t be a traitor to her because she wants him to be happy and doesn’t want her death to be the end of his happiness forever. Compare and Contrast Remember and A Birthday by Christina Rossetti Essa Compare and Contrast Remember and A Birthday by Christina Rossetti Christina Rossetti was born in Victorian England and grew up in the pre-Raphaelite era. Coming from a well educated family she drew influence for her poems from her surroundings and experiences. In ‘A Birthday’, she looks at the celebration of finding new love. She is overjoyed because her love is reciprocated and wants to make a new beginning with this man spending the rest of her life with him raising a family. A Birthday is filled with joy, happiness and anticipation of what life will be like with her new love. Whereas ‘Remember’ is very different; she must prepare her lifelong lover/husband for her death. The tone of joy is therefore replaced by a much sadder tone reflecting her struggle and unhappiness. Both poems are carefully structured. ‘A birthday’ is written in two verses. The first verse contains three similes and a comparative and the second uses three imperatives (raise me, carve it, work it) and in the final lines of both verses the reason for the joy and making of the room are given. Whereas ‘Remember’ is a petrarchan sonnet. It consists of many short phrases and gentle words which further illustrates the feeling of tiredness. The punctuation and lines mirror her difficulties to speak throughout the poem. In ‘A Birthday’ repletion of the phrase ‘my heart’ is used, this is to illustrate the feelings in her heart of joy, happiness and excitement that her love has been reciprocated by the one she loves. It gives the idea that her heart is the most important thing at this moment and it is affecting the actions of the rest of her body. In contrast in ‘Remember’ the word ‘remember’ is repeated to emphasise the idea that when... ...ws at first he will spend every moment thinking and grieving for her but with the gradual progression of time he may forget her from time to time; and for this he ma feel guilty. She is thinking ahead to the time when he won’t think of her in the natural flow of time which is imperceptible to him. The fact he has now accepted she is going to die she can give him instructions and talk about death and the grave in a real way. Such as the idea of darkness in the grave and how the body will decompose. She asks him to hold her in his heart and record her in his everlasting memories this compares with the idea of responsibility that comes with love which is described in ‘A Birthday’. She finally reassure him that if he does forget her he won’t be a traitor to her because she wants him to be happy and doesn’t want her death to be the end of his happiness forever.