Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling

Executive Summary The use of optimization techniques for managerial decision-making is popular. Various tools have been developed to help fit few resources to production processes with the aim of maximizing profits and reducing wastage of resources. This paper looks into this aspect with a special interest in simulation.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Simulation is a technique that tries to replicate a real life scenario into a model. With reference to case study examples, this paper analyses methodologies adopted in applying this technique in product planning and scheduling. The researcher also reviews literature in this field to get greater insight into the topic. The paper concludes that simulation is a critical tool for business success as long as it is installed after careful preparation and steps taken to ensure it refle cts the needs and objectives of the organization. Introduction Simulation is a manufacturing technique that aptly represents reality of operations and processes in a model. The model is a reflection of what happens in reality and takes into account the parameters and conditions on the ground. It is quite a useful tool in product planning and scheduling. Scheduling is the act performed by managers where they allocate resources, indentify procedures, and estimate different parameters that entail the procedures, such as costs. This is quite imperative in project management as it informs the project manager about the imminent project and acts as a tool for prediction. Product planning, on the other hand, refers to the process of allocation of meager resources to production activities with the aim of ensuring that company objectives are met. This includes customer satisfaction and meeting demand. Generally, this represents an optimization problem for a company as it refers to a process w here a manager has to make a decision to minimize costs and maximize profits simultaneously. This paper looks into the possibility of applying simulation to solving production planning and scheduling problems in different organizations. The researcher employs the use of case studies and previous applications of these tools to reflect the advantages, disadvantages, problems, and possible solutions inherent to the usage of simulation in these functions. Through evaluation of this case study, the researcher points out recommendations of the issues that manufacturers encounter in using this powerful function (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Conceptual Framework This section looks into the literature surrounding the use and application of simulation in scheduling and production planning. The review points out the disadvantages and looks into the possibility of improper application of this tool in different companies.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's se e if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Production Planning Production planning refers to the act of striving to meet market demands through effective and efficient usage and application of resources in a manufacturing or service firm. Production planning, according to Graves (1999) is quite an effective tool in reaching optimal solutions to managerial problems. It is applicable to staff planning, how many lots to produce in a particular time, how to allow extra work time, and how to sequence production runs effectively. Since this is an optimization problem, different tools can be used to solve them. This is informed by the nature of the manufacturing, the level of technology and size of the organization in question. Examples of optimization solution techniques are linear programming, simulation, and complex computer software (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Graves (1999) also points out that to use a certain technique certain features about the product and production processes must be accounted for; for instance, the time of production. This informs the usage of certain techniques. The use of simulation is quite popular. This is because of the possibility of putting the model on a test run and coming up with the model that fits the organization perfectly (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). In certain situations, it is relatively easier to use compared to others. Additionally, the possibility of putting these models on a test run effectively makes it quite flexible and admirable. In production planning, according to Graves (1999), this technique is the most widely spread. An organization needs to indentify certain objectives and come up with a list of the constraints or limitations or resources. This is put into a model that replicates the actual situation on the ground. Another way to solve production-planning problems that is widely applicable in many organizations is linear programming. It is almost similar to simulation bu t it has the limitation of many assumptions. Hence, it may not reflect the reality on the ground as noted by Graves (1999). Scheduling During the development of a project, it is imperative to ensure that activities that lead to the completion of the project are commenced appropriately and their deadlines met. Deadline represents one of the constraints of a project. Others include the scope of the project, the cost or budget allocated, goals, and objectives set out in the project (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). In a manufacturing set-up, operations scheduling entails dispatching, controlling, tracking, and monitoring of production in the shop floor. It is imperative to ensure that certain functions within a manufacturing plant run smoothly.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, scheduling is highly applicable to personn el allocations to work centers, equipment allocation, capacity planning, prioritization, and determination of order performance. Additionally, scheduling helps managers to control activities at the shop floor so that orders with relative urgency are dispatched (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Hence, this is a very important function in ensuring smooth operations of a manufacturing plant. It is also quite important in the overall success of a company as it directly affects the demand. Figure 1: Typical Scheduling Process Figure 1 above represents a typical scheduling process where controls are carried out by software. The software maybe designed from a simulation run by the firm over a long period. It captures activities in the whole process with necessary parameters. It details each person’s requirement in the process (Chase, Jacobs Aquilano, 2006). Scheduling is quite important as it plays a huge role in minimizing idle time from machines and personnel, reduces time spent by a product before it is finally released in market, and helps in meeting deadlines in the downstream of a market. Application of Simulation in Scheduling Methodology Companies apply production planning using a top-down approach that goes to finer details (e.g. from days to hours). Essentially, the management allocates real orders to the available resources to meet maximal capacity utilization, minimize work in progress, reduce chances for delays, and to have as minimal thorough-put times as possible. It is important to note that these needs are frequently in conflict.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Depending on the needs of an organization, different methods may be used, for example assignment techniques, simulation techniques and computer software. Since this paper looks into simulation, it is crucial to note that it is applied in two levels. First, a simulations model may be developed that tests and configures an existing tool of planning. Hence, it is just a fine tuning tool and is not part of the production process. Secondly, simulation may play a direct role in production if it is installed in the system. In this case, it is referred to as an Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) tool. Essentially, it does most of the functions captured that define scheduling such as allocating tasks, equipment, and order processing and updates on Work in Progress (WIP). Limitation The use of these systems does not mean that organizations or companies gain from their applications. The case study highlights areas where many companies may end up confused by the whole system. Data stored in these systems, especially the APS, may reveal many anomalies. This is partly because of lack of proper reflection. For example, a German toy manufacturer in the case study had the following anomalies. Anomaly Degree of anomaly Work stations Less that 50% of work stations (140 in total) were in use Capacity Some work stations had zero capacity utilization while others had over 500% utilization Orders Frequent delays Synchronization Lack of synchronization between shop floor reality and system reflection Figure 2: Anomalies in System Findings and Suggested Solutions A company (Decopart) that supplies aluminum parts used the APS system quite effectively. The management employed the use of experts to carry out the technical work. Additionally, Decopart uses up to date tools for this processes, which are easily adaptable to the changes in production or market demand. They have the capacity to detect the need for more resources and any delays or idle times. It is also quite integrative which means it reflects the whole organization is functioning. The system took quite some time to install. This ensured that the company came up with many processes that were in contrast with the objectives of the systems. Additionally, through use of a model, the company was able to fine-tune the system to reflect its future capacity requirements. Hence, it is imperative to understand your organization well before installing this system (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). Advantages and Disadvantages Simulation has many advantages. First, it allows a company to study the whole organization as a model before installing the model to its operations. This is an important step as it brings out the bottlenecks that the company should deal with in future. Additionally, it allows the company to adjust to the needs of the organization and to the system with the aim of achieving certain goals. Depending on how well it is used, how well it is designed, and the level of preparation before the full installation, a company is in a position to adjust positively to any changes that may occur in future affecting the system. This includes the need for more resources, changes in market demand, creation of new workstations, and changes in personnel duties (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). The system is quite costly to roll out. Decopart used quite a huge sum of money to set up its own system. Although it effectively, connects major manufacturing functions in an organization, care must be taken in training. This is because many employees may find it tiring to adjust to the needs of the system and hence affect its functions. Additionally, enough expertise must be sought to put the relevant data captured in the system to good use. This is because, it is inappropriate to have all that information without aiding in managerial decisions. Application of Simulation in Production Planning Methodology In a production process whose steps are predefined, application of simulation is quite possible. For example, the case study presents a company that produces prefabricated concrete parts for houses. Certain steps are performed in certain duration using predetermined times. Machines are programmed to know cycle times and locations of a part during production. Hence, it forms a continuous process. This is after a careful analysis of previous production using a simulation model. The model can tell how many products are likely to be produced with defects and can be tweaked to ensure that these defects are reduced to the minimum and detected before the product reaches the customer. The company uses an online simulation, which records sales data and uses this data to reflect what to produce (Mapes, Szwejczewski New, 2000). Limitation Creating such a system requires quite a lot of time. Previous operations should be captured and appropriate software created to reflect this information. For example, the case has a company that was in the business of painting cars. More than 100 colors were in use and certain procedures in the painting process resulted in delays, long transitional times, and idle time. This contributed to a challenge in trying to come up with an appropriate model. Hence, some business functions may be difficult to put into a simulation model (Krauth, 2010). Advantages and Disadvantages As noted above, not all process can be put into a model. Some are a bit complex and hard to simulate. The use of ISSOP optimization tool helps in these situations. It has an inbuilt tool that caters for many aspects of production such as production planning, throughput times, idle times, and capacity. However, a slight tweak in the system may cause considerable danger to the production process and steps must be taken to ensure that there are corrective measures in place. Additionally, simulation software requires a human interface. Although some are quite automated, some defects can affect a huge roll out in production leading to catastrophic co nsequences (Krauth, 2010). Evaluation of the Case Study The case study was a critical look at the optimization and simulation tools in place in major organizations and SMEs. The case presents a number of small businesses that are using these tools in production planning and scheduling. It also highlights the challenges, advantages, and appropriate software for the different organizations with specific needs. It also looks at the suitability of these models for the future and critically analyses the level of applicability: is it a support system or the main system? The case also looks into the issue where some problems cannot be captured in a system and their effect on the overall need to meet certain objectives. For example, personnel morale is an independent variable whose effect may not be captured in the system. Offline and online simulation and their respective advantages are also discussed in detail (Krauth, 2010). Summary of Findings and Recommendations The case’s major finding is that although many companies use simulation and optimization systems, majority are not satisfied with them. It is hard to understand the system as a nonprofessional and appropriate training and preparation are crucial to the success of such production planning and scheduling systems. Additionally, it is important to note that much software has been developed to analyze the functions of a system but specific companies that should insist on that specific software which appropriately captures the needs of the company. Certain decisions can be made directly using software solutions (Krauth, 2010). For example, it can allocate responsibility to personnel, detect idle time, and reflect urgent demands. However, it cannot capture the mood of personnel and this may lead to ‘invisible causes of bottlenecks’. Hence, it is crucial for the management to continuously asses every aspect of an organization with the aim of reducing and capturing such bottlenecks. As the comp any, Decopart found out, a production process, which has many available options, reduces the effectiveness of creating a simulation or optimization system. Hence, much time needs to be dedicated to such processes to reduce chances of a defective system (Krauth, 2010). Conclusion Many companies employ optimization and simulation techniques to solve managerial problems. These solutions are meant to enhance decision-making capability of the management. The case looks into the use of simulation in particular towards finding solutions in product planning and scheduling functions of an organization. The case study presents a number of companies whose optimization software solutions, as a direct business function or as an assisting function, helps in streamlining operations. For instance, a car painting business that uses simulation software to run its operations with tremendous results. It is crucial to note that the optimization and simulation solutions are not entirely good for all orga nizations. Certain steps need to be carried out to ensure that the solutions are successful. For instance, ample preparation, knowing the market, personnel training, and motivation packages are crucial steps. Additionally, proper expertise is a fundamental requirement towards realizing this goal (Krauth, 2010). References Chase, B.R., Jacobs, R.F. Aquilano, N.J. (2006). Operations Management for Competitive Advantage. New York: McGraw Irwin. Graves, C.S. (1999). Manufacturing Planning and Control. Web. Krauth, J. (2010). Simulation Supports Production Planning and Scheduling. Berlin: Sim Serv. Mapes, J., Szwejczewski, M. New, C. (2000). Process Variability and Its Effect on Plant Performance. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 20 (7): 792-808. This case study on Simulation in Production Planning and Scheduling was written and submitted by user Charley S. 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.

Doing it publicly essays

Doing it publicly essays With talk shows ruling day-time television, people are left with little choice but to watch this humiliating form of entertainment. Turn the television on in the afternoon and you will find a large variety of talk shows to choose from. "Maybe we have become a nation addicted to hearing our neighbors' seamy personal problems.Personally, I feel it is both the lack of choice and the attraction to other peoples problems. Many of the topics on talk shows are degrading to our society. If person came to America for the first time and watched television, they would probably see a talk show. The model a talk show would give of American society is horrifying. For example, a common talk show topic is teens having multiple sex partners at young ages. However, not all teens are sexually active at such a young age. For this reason talk shows are misleading not only to foreigners but to children and young adults who are learning about morals and our society. In a letter to the corporate CEO's distributing these programs, William Bennett and Senator Joseph Lieberman asked: "Would you want your young children to view a program showcasing the sexual adventures of a 14-year-old girl who married her 71-year-old foster father"(Flint and Wharton). To those who do not tune into these shows this discription may sound like an exaggeration; however, it is not. This is exactly the type of topics on some shows. Not only are half the shows ridiculous with topics of deceit, revenge and "extreme behavior", but some of them are false(Flint and Wharton). On the Jerry springer Show a Canadian comedy troupe went on the show and created a story. The story was that one of the men had an affair with his baby-sitter. After the show appeared on television, the troupe members went to the press saying how they deceived the program and its audience(You 52). Some people will do anything to be on television. Some shows trick peop...

Budget Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

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Why is there oil in Angola What is the geology of the Area How and Essay

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Untittled Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Untittled - Essay Example The artistic objectives intended by the artist are brought out clearly and excellently in the choice of color. Mentioning an overall black colored sculpture immediately registers in the mind that it was a dull item. The artist, however, made an overall coloring that is rich, bright, vibrant, engaging and that creates visual interest. There is a well-calculated color harmony on the sculpture accompanied by excellent color context between the black color and vivid red. The sculpture is a 3dimension figure with a height, width, and depth made from a solid to a hollow. The method used in designing the sculpture is subtractive, this is where an artist creates an item by carving and removing the extra material used to attain a desired shape. Considering that the sculptures have a small size and almost similar to a vase, implies the artist did not experience a very difficult time building most of it. The bottom part takes a cylindrical shape up to halfway up; the top has a pyramid-like shape designed with simultaneous curves and a small circular opening sinking into the interior. This sculpture is a clear indication of innovative and excellent artistic work carried out carefully. The color choice was excellent, perfect texture, a suitable size for an intimate relationship and focal areas attained their importance of bringing out areas of

Corporate Strategy For Kingfisher Plc

Corporate Strategy For Kingfisher Plc This paper shall discuss about the financial management of Kingfisher Plc. This report shall include the background information of the organization which will tackle the brief history of the organizations formation and development, its mission statement, and its organizational values. The major stakeholders shall also be examined and their powers and function shall be evaluated as well. An environmental analysis of the organization shall also be conducted. The company shall also be appraised by means of a SWOT analysis. Finally, the organizations strategy shall be identified and evaluated. History of Kingfisher Plc The origins of the company can be traced back in the year 1982 when FW Woolworth was acquired by Paternoster. This deal came with a small chain of home improvement stores. This was the start of the creation of Europes biggest retail company. In 1984, the company bought the chains of Cornet electrical and the health and beauty stores of Superdrug in 1987. During the 1990s, the companys BQ continued its expansion when it opened its Warehouse style stores in the year 1994. On the year 1998, BQ merged with Frances leading home improvement retail store, Castorama. The following year, BQ opened its first store in China. The decade also marked other acquisitions such as Screwfix. The year 2000, the organization has decided on focusing its expansion on its home improvement stores. Woolsworth was demerged and Superdrug was sold towards the end of the year. On the year 2002, the remaining stakes at Castorama was acquired in order to continuously develop the home improvement chains in Europe. The organization has focused in expanding internationally such as creating new businesses in Turkey, Spain and Russia. Core businesses were also developed in the United Kingdom, France and Poland. Towards the end of the decade, the organization has a total of 830 stores and eight markets across Europe and Asia. The organizations mission statement is delivering more value for the shareholders of Kingfisher by focusing on three key priorities namely: management; capital and returns. SCC is geared towards providing an environment that encourages and gives merit to team efforts. They are committed in having consultative and participative management instead of directive management. They also encourage appropriate authority delegation and decision making on the lowest possible member of the organization. Collective effort and teamwork is being insisted. It is Kingfishers belief that a rich network of communication which is informal and open can lead into greater trust, learning and innovation. Kingfisher supports the concept of attractive compensation to a great performance. Kingfisher cultivates a set of beliefs that are shared within the organization wherein all policies and actions are based. It is believed that success is the goal for each effort and that determination in improving and innovating are constant challenges and stimuli. It is also believed that integrity, objectivity and fair play in business as well as in relationships with staff are very important. Mutual trust and respect are also very vital culture being practiced. Work in the company is perceived as enjoyable. Finally, Kingfisher believes with the perpetuity of its organization. Organizational Values The organization aims in achieving sufficient profit so that it can provide very attractive returns to is shareholders as well as financing the companys growth. For the company, profit is the organizations reward for their effort in offering the consumers the right kinds of products and services. For the long term, profit is the one absolute measure of their corporate performance. It is the organizations belief that in continually meeting their profit objective, other corporate objectives shall follow as well. Kingfisher believes that as a company is their duty in providing clients with quality products and services. The organization values that customers shall always come first. The customers interest should be the companys interest as well, and this should provide them with a long-term partnership with one another. The organization is committed in earning a preferred position with each of their clients by offering a consistently highest quality and reliability of service. Kingfisher ensures that they products always represent the best value for money. It is Kingfisher strategy in exerting its efforts only to those markets, industries and products wherein the organization can excel. Kingfisher believes in providing its people an environment wherein they can excel, develop and have growth in the company. Kingfisher considers its human resources as its most important asset. It aims in attracting people, developing them and retaining those with the highest foundations of character and competence. It does its best in providing training and opportunity to the people for development in improving themselves so that they could expand in their career opportunities. It is expected that their manpower will be full of initiative and drive and is eager in staying and growing with Kingfisher. It ensures that the people of Kingfisher get the recognition they deserve and that the people should be grateful with their accomplishments and that the company has its best choice with them. Examination of Major Stakeholders Stockholders elect the members of the board and they represent the stockholders interests in the company. Board members are at the apex of the decision making body of Kingfisher. They ensure that corporate strategies are met and are all in the interest of the stockholders. They can also do sanctions such as voting against nominees for the board of directors. Further, the board of directors has the authority in hiring, firing and compensating corporate employees. Authorities are centralized at Kingfisher. The managers in the organizations upper levels have retained the authority in making decisions. Decision making that is centralized is easier to coordinate with regards to organizational activities in order to carry out the strategy of the company. This also means that the organizations decisions are fit with the organizations objectives. In times of crisis, this decision making gives strong leadership that is focusing with one person or group. It allows a faster decision making process and a concerted response throughout the organization. Kingfisher clusters its people through groups of common expertise and experiences. This is called Functional Structure which has several advantages. First, the employees perform together and from this they can learn from each other. Employees become more productive on something that they do. Second, employees can monitor on their tasks and make sure that they are giving their best and do not let their responsibilities shrink. The result of this is that the work process becomes more effective. Most of all, the Functional Structure gives the manager a greater control of the activities within the organization. Environmental Analysis Five Forces Model and PESTLE Analysis According to Michael Porter (2009), there are five competitive forces that shape strategy. These are the established rivals; supplier power; customer power; new entrants; and the substitutes. According to Porter, customers dictate to lower the prices by playing the organization and its rival against one another. Suppliers on the other hand can hinder an organizations profit if they charge higher prices. The aspiring new entrants are armed with much newer capacities and are hungry for a share in the market can ratchet your investment in keeping Kingfisher in the market. The offered substitutes can just drive customers away. Porter has suggested tactics designed in reshaping these forces for your organizations favor. In neutralizing the power of the supplier, specifications of your organizations should be standardized so that shifting to other vendors can be easy. Customer power can be countered by expanding the organizations services so that it will be hard for the customers to leave. In tempering wars established by rivals, organizations should invest heavily with products that are different with that of the rivals. New entrants can be scared away by elevating your organizations fixed costs like increasing your organizations research and development. Threats brought about by the substitutes can be limited by offering products with greater value. Figure 1 is the PESTEL analysis for the organization of Kingfisher. Political factors such as regulations and politicians often affect an organizations strategy. This is the same as the legislative factors which includes legislation from the European Union and directives from the United Kingdom. Fortunately over almost twenty years in the business Kingfisher is able to adapt through these changes in policy. Economic trends which include world trends as well as that of the United Kingdom and homebuilding industry also affected the strategies of Kingfisher. But through the means of effective planning and execution of strategies, it was able to address the ever changing trends of these factors. Technology has always been a factor in advancements. Kingfisher was able to meet the demands of this fast paced factor. It was able to deliver a more effective service and product to its consumers. Social factors that is very important. Based on the strategies of the company their relationships w ith its stakeholders are of utmost importance. Activities in promoting and practicing corporate social responsibility were ensured to be given top priority. Finally, the environmental factors such as public opinion, cost implications and sites and locations were ensured that adherence to guidelines were followed. SWOT Analysis Kingfishers greatest advantage is its very adept experience in its line of business. Through extensive research and continuous development, it is able to produce top of the line products. With an over 100 operations all over the globe, it has a great marketing advantage over its competitors. Its greatest advantage is its workforce. Kingfisher ensures that the manpower it appoints has the advantage in handling its operations both culturally and technically. Kingfishers most valuable capability is its ability to produce great products and its marketing expertise all over the world. It is best that they would continue to do research for the continual improvement of its products towards customer satisfaction worldwide. Threats to the organizations operations are small homebuilding businesses especially in the local scenarios. These businesses would often offer cheaper prices and its managements are often run by locals that are undeniably more knowledgeable of the local market. Since the firms strength is its efficient product and very capable marketing ability, it is better to continue developing its products to address the ever changing needs of homebuilding industry. The only weakness that can be derived on this case study, based on the facts given, is its inability to train people for future succession plans. The threats are the local competitors in China which in all factors, know the Chinese market very well than anyone. It is with this given threat, that opportunities such as training more competent employees that are culturally and technologically adept should be considered. Evaluation of Organizations Strategy The article of Sveiby focuses on the very little development of strategy in firms that are not in the manufacturing industry. It also emphasised on the notion that strategies were juts formed and developed for the manufacturing industry. It was imposed on this article regarding knowledge intensive companies those in the service industry. This sector is a phenomenon of all types of companies that range from organizations that took the effort in refining and packaging their outputs. Knowledge industries are the ones in the service sector. Heavy investment in knowledge and highly innovative. An ongoing process of solving the problems of the customers by the producers is the emergence of service. Roos, G. R. (1997) came to the conclusion that standardized service or package was only appropriate on a short term base. The provider of the service is an expert while the customers want their problems to be solved by the expertise of the provider. It is therefore fitting that the knowledge in dustries know how to treat their clients as individuals. According to Morton (2010), when strategy and strategic planning is defined, it should always include as taking all the proactive approaches in evaluating all activities basing it in how well the activity moves towards the core goal of the business. More specifically, strategies are the plans for reaching a business objectives and goals. The concept of shaping strategies was discussed by John Hagel in his article Shaping Strategies. According to Hagel (2008), shaping strategies are strategies that use positive incentives in mobilizing and focusing thousand of participants to shape a specific desired industry or market. The elements that come together in this strategy are the compelling shaping view in providing focus for the participants of investments, a very power platform that will shape the economic leverage of the participants, and the shapers sets of acts and assets in communicating conviction and capabilities to potential participants. Hagel (2010) believes that shaping strate gies hold a great promise in the business world as business executives hold a greater freedom in shaping their target markets and industries during these times of high uncertainty and rapid change. For the case of the Kingfishers organization, its strategy is on focus strategy. Over the years it has developed new products engaged in businesses, merged with other companies and many other business ventures. All of these decisions are focused on what they do best to provide the consuming public with the best home improvement products and services that they can give.

Working Mothers Essay -- essays research papers fc

It is often said that, "Man's work ends at sun set. Women's work is never done." With sixty-three million women working and 62% of those women maintaining families, most women would this statement very true (AFL-CIO). While women are expanding their lives to include a career, they must also maintain their traditional roles at home. This combination of housework and career-work is the reason why working mothers today have more stress than working fathers. Mothers may work in an office from nine to five, but their work does not end at the office. After working an eight-hour day, a mother will come home to take care of her children, husband, and house. Women remain the primary caretaker and housekeeper of a family, and are also the primary caregiver for the elderly (Kelly, Garrett). All of this makes for a very demanding schedule. Typically after leaving work, a mother will pick up her children at a babysitter or day care, and then continue to caravan her children from soccer practice to ballet class to girl scouts, etc. When she finally reaches home, exhausted, a mother will try to spend some quality time with her children before feeding them dinner, giving them a bath, and putting them to bed. For some reason, all of these chores remain the work of a woman. In the mean time, a mother has no time to herself to recuperate from a long day because she is so busy caring for everyone else. &nbs... Working Mothers Essay -- essays research papers fc It is often said that, "Man's work ends at sun set. Women's work is never done." With sixty-three million women working and 62% of those women maintaining families, most women would this statement very true (AFL-CIO). While women are expanding their lives to include a career, they must also maintain their traditional roles at home. This combination of housework and career-work is the reason why working mothers today have more stress than working fathers. Mothers may work in an office from nine to five, but their work does not end at the office. After working an eight-hour day, a mother will come home to take care of her children, husband, and house. Women remain the primary caretaker and housekeeper of a family, and are also the primary caregiver for the elderly (Kelly, Garrett). All of this makes for a very demanding schedule. Typically after leaving work, a mother will pick up her children at a babysitter or day care, and then continue to caravan her children from soccer practice to ballet class to girl scouts, etc. When she finally reaches home, exhausted, a mother will try to spend some quality time with her children before feeding them dinner, giving them a bath, and putting them to bed. For some reason, all of these chores remain the work of a woman. In the mean time, a mother has no time to herself to recuperate from a long day because she is so busy caring for everyone else. &nbs...

Form and Structure of ‘Abigail’s Party’ Emily Huntley Essay

Mike Leigh’s ‘Abigail’s Party’ was primarily shown on television and wasn’t initially meant for the stage, until it was realised how successful it was. The plot is based around a mirror of two party’s, one involving 5 adults all living in the same estate but of very contrasting backgrounds and classes which Mike Leigh also depicts, and the other of the sixteen year old daughter of Sue, who’s organised a typical teenage ‘rave’. The essence of the play is that generally speaking the younger generations should be observed at parties but in Mike Leigh’s example the irony is that the adult’s seem just as drunk and obscene as what is imagined next door. This is where the comedy arises and is developed throughout the play as the adults keep a close eye on the teenagers but there is no one to observe the adults. Mike Leigh has also drawn the attention of the audience by focusing on class by contrasting the classes of the characters, Beverly and Lawrence who are aspiring for true middle class, a poor newly married couple and a middle class divorcee. This situation in itself is controversial due to Sue not being nearly as wealthy as Beverly and Lawrence but being by far the most cultured of the group. Another example of this would be shown in Ang, her occupation as a nurse can actually be called a well known and accepted profession, although she has little money and isn’t well cultured or travelled, as an outsider you can see the intelligence that Mike Leigh has tried to depict over the other characters. The play is composed of two acts, both of which surprisingly end with the focus on Sue, the most timid character. I think this was purposeful on Leigh’s behalf as although she seems to be a pretty insignificant character she holds a lot of unknown power over the people in her company. Especially Lawrence who realises her class is above his and he aspires to be like her by seeking her approval. As the play develops so does the amount of alcohol consumed and the tension between the two married couples. Especially from Beverly and Lawrence’s points of view as they start verbally abusing each other in the presence of their guests, which I believe would not occur otherwise as Ang, Tony and Sue would realise their true characters. Therefore I could also state that the play is structured around class, parties and also alcohol. Everything in the play including props, lighting and sound effects is ultra realistic. The set includes real food and drink with a working record player and lamps, which provide the naturalistic lighting throughout the whole play, and the constant thumping from next door really makes the situation believable. To enhance the realism, Mike Leigh also wrote the play in ‘real time’, this means that the duration of the play is natural over the period of an evening, with no days or hours skipped. Another tool used by Mike Leigh to develop true realism is the use of colloquial dialect. There is no stylised or poetic language and also no imagery used. It is written so the audience can easily place themselves in the character’s positions. Discussing the structure of the play is hard considering the definitions of ‘A Well Made Play’ 1.) Exposition (introduction of characters and situations) 2.) Conflict (a huge problem is bought to the surface) 3.) Complications (the problem develops) 4.) Climax (the most dramatic, and tension filled part of the play) 5.) Dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nouement (the resolution) The exposition occurs between pages 1 and 13 when the characters are introduced to each other and also the audience. This is the period when the audience makes their own assumptions of the characters, and they can recognise different relationships and tensions. This is when we also realise about Lawrence’s hectic lifestyle and frequent suffering of heartburn so that his heart attack doesn’t come as a complete shock and the audience understand and sympathise more. The conflict is primarily to do with Beverly and Lawrence’s relationship and the strain that it is clearly under. But we also see the stress between Angela and Tony periodically. The complication is when the tension builds as more and more alcohol is consumed predominantly between Lawrence and Beverly. The climax is clearly Lawrence’s heart attack, which is the outcome, of a stressful job, a nagging wife, being polite to unwelcome guests the consumption of alcohol and the constant ‘thumping’ of the party next door. This is when the focus and drive of the play changes completely from the future life these characters have built themselves to the present situation. Lastly the dà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½nouement. In ‘Abigail’s Party’ there doesn’t seem to be a definite resolution, the play is left on a cliff hanger as the audience is ‘left in the dark’ as to whether the conflicts have been resolved and if not the final outcome of the situation. ‘Abigail’s Party’ is referred to as a comedy, but of various types, it contains a slight element of black comedy in the fact that Lawrence has a heart attack. But throughout the play, Leigh develops another form of comedy, not through one-liners, but due to the characters’ dialogue and movement etc. For example, Tony’s monosyllabic answers, Angela’s lack of social etiquette, Sue’s shyness and total dislike of the situation, Lawrence’s frequent cultural references even though everyone can see he is uneducated in Shakespeare and Beethoven and is simply attempting and failing to reach a higher social class (nouveaux riches). And Beverly’s clear lack of self-control concerning Tony and insulting Angela’s lipstick. ‘Abigail’s Party’ is essentially written as a comedy, until the end, which presents more opportunities, and shows a more tragic and retrospective feel. This play is unique in that it is completely down to the director as to how they depict it as it can be of two extremes tragic or comic, excluding Lawrence’s death, which is clearly comic with the reference to Ang’s cramp etc. In the production I saw, it was comic and I thought this worked well but having considered it to be a tragic play I think this could be just as effective.

Mars Essays - Exploration Of Mars, Manned Missions To Mars

Mars Essays - Exploration Of Mars, Manned Missions To Mars Mars In 1962, the United States President, John F. Kennedy, spoke at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Kennedy promised to put an American on the moon by the end of the 1960s. (The History) On June 16, 1969 Kennedys dream promise was kept. The United States placed two men on the surface of the moon. (Apollo 11) By the year 2001, a few months short of 32 years later, no other body has had humans as guests. Why not? The vast wealth of knowledge which could be gained by a manned exploration of Mars is probably one of the better reasons to go. By further exploration of Mars the field of Comparative Planetology could be expanded. One of the procedures which could be performed my explorers sent to Mars is drilling samples out of the Martian ice caps. This process is done on Earth in order to get a climatic history. This information would be extremely useful when looking at Mars. We would finally know why the water which once rushed over Mars and created the great cannels of Mars have become frozen. Other important information which could be found on Mars deals with the vulcanism. We could more easily study to see when and why vulcanism ceased on Mars. (Collins 84) Opponents argue that this would just be all too costly. They claim that the money could not be found for such a venture.(Easterbrook 91) Well In answer to the money problem one comes to a totally new point, the economy. This spending of money would not break the United States government, it would stimulate the United States Industrial fields. The money spent on a Mars mission would not merely be spent in space, it would be spent in the United States. All of the money spent here would also push the United States industries to make better products. The companies would be pushed to create such dependable products in fields such as aerospace and avionics. Of course we would see the same effects seen after NASAs crowing achievement, putting humans on the moon, after putting humans on Mars. These effects are the expansion of the technologies used to reach into different fields. Such as medicine, many of the advances in medicine since 1973 can be attributed to the space program. Mainly through the work done in computers, electronics, thermal control, computational fluid dynamics and etc... Robots have been the explorers of Mars. We have now seen that robots have become ineffective. Such as the case with the Mars polar lander. A software problem caused breaking systems to shut down early. (Mars Failures) By putting a human at the controls such a software problem could be overridden. The use of such robotic probes are used to learn as much as possible without actually sending humans. This should be the main focus of the probes being sent. (National Space Society 61) We have learned from that mistake also. Bibliography Apollo 11. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000. Microsoft Software. Collins, Michael. The US Should Explore Mars Space Exploration: Opposing Viewpoints. Bender, Leone, and Cozic, Eds. San Diego: Greenhaven Press 1992. Easterbrook, Gregg The US Should Not Explore Mars Space Exploration: Opposing Viewpoints. Bender, Leone, and Cozic, Eds. San Diego: Greenhaven Press 1992. Mars Failures Down to Cash. BBC News [online] Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_693000/693 033.stm March 29, 2000 National Space Society The US Must Pursue Manned Space Exploration Space Exploration: Opposing Viewpoints. Bender, Leone, and Cozic, Eds. San Diego: Greenhaven Press 1992. Roland, Alex The US Must Not Pursue Manned Space Exploration Space Exploration: Opposing Viewpoints. Bender, Leone, and Cozic, Eds. San Diego: Greenhaven Press 1992. The History Place- Great Speeches Collection. History Place [online] Available: historyplace.com/speeches/jfk- space.htm December 12, 2000.

Health Care Setting Essay Example

Health Care Setting Essay Example Health Care Setting Essay Health Care Setting Essay Health Care Setting In hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, health educators often work one-on-one with patients and their families. They teach patients about their diagnoses and about necessary treatments or procedures. They also teach the patient about lifestyle changes that are necessary to manage the disease or to assist with recovery. Health educators direct people to outside resources, such as support groups and home health agencies and create activities and incentives to encourage the use of services by high-risk patients. Health educators in health care facilities also help organize health screenings, such as blood pressure checks, and health classes on topics such as correctly installing a car seat. Health educators may also conduct staff training to interact better with patients. I prefer this setting because you need to possess certain skills, which I believe I have or can acquire. Constantly working with patients you need to be able to respectfully communicate with them and to be able to educate them in a manner of which they can understand. I would like to change people’s health so that they may live stronger, longer lives. By working in healthcare settings I can organize and implement programs that people can follow that are beneficial to their health. If a patient is having problem with understanding a procedure, I can explain it in a simpler manner to which they can understand. If they are struggling with a diagnosed chronic disease, I would like to be able to educate the patient on how they can reduce the their problem by having a better diet, planning what to eat in that diet, controlling stress levels, and so on. I have worked in a doctor’s office before and I see how the doctors treat patients. After the patient walks out of their appointment they seem to be confused and have so many questions. Its not that the doctors don’t want to educate the patients, they just simply don’t have the time. As a heath educator I want to be able to help those patients who have questions or concerns about what risks or preventions they may have if they continue their lifestyle. In order to land a job in a healthcare setting I feel I will need to make good relations with the people I work with. Whether it be in school or in an internship, these are the people who can help me. Internships will be very helpful especially if they are already in a hospital. Sometimes job postings can also be listed online or in local advertisements.

FINANCIAL MARKETS AND MONETARY POLICY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

FINANCIAL MARKETS AND MONETARY POLICY - Essay Example Since then it has been varying over the years where the present name ‘official bank rate’ was initiated in 2006 replacing the former ‘Repo Rate’ that existed till 1997. The rate of interest is levied by the nation’s central bank or the Federal bank on lending or advances to regulate the supply of money in the banking sector and overall economy. This is essentially conducted on a quarterly term to regulate the inflation rate and strengthen the nation’s rates of exchange. Any deviation in the bank rates stimulates a ripple-impact as it affects every sector of the economy. For example, the stock prices in the exchange market seem to respond to the changes in the interest rates. A variation in the bank rates has an impact on the customers as it affects the prime rates of interests for individual loans. The Bank rate is the rate at which the Bank of England gives to the commercial bank for the extra reserves being kept in safe custody of the Central Bank (Ciro, 2012, p. 122). Conventionally, the treasury determines the rates of interests. But upon the reforms that occurred in 1992, the policy makers organized several meetings and minutes were published, yet they were not autonomous of the state which resulted into a perception that political forces were overshadowing what was stipulated to be fiscal decisions on the monetary policy. In 1997 there was operational accountability to determine the interest rates which was granted to the autonomous Bank of England by Gordon Brown-the Chancellor of Exchequer. Several principles were set for the establishment of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) that was enacted in the Bank of England Act 1998 (OECD, 2009, p. 31). The Act also spelled out the accountability of the MPC: this include; meeting on monthly basis, the membership consists of the governor, two deputy governors, two executive directors of the bank

The world we live in Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The world we live in - Assignment Example The world tends to see every one of us from points of views that define our gender, nationality, class, disability, ethnicity, sexuality and many other more (Barak, Leighton & Flavin, 2010). No one can escape all these frames of views. For example, gender is an example of an intersection that is purely of social construct. We live in a world where everyone assumes a binary representation as far as gender is concerned. Some of these intersectional characteristics are badly defined – many people take them as fluid. For instance, everyone represents one gender or another, but for some other people, this is never the case. On the same page, sexuality is a fluid characteristic that echoes with a difference between tastes and preferences from one person to another. Some people can choose to be ‘straight ‘or heterosexual for the rest of their lives, others can be bisexual while the rest can be homosexuals: gays (Barak, Leighton & Flavin, 2010). Everyone fits in one of these groups or another. Class is another aspect of intersectionality that applies to everyone. Class can be viewed from cultural and economic points of views. If an individual is not placed under the rich – high income groups, he or she will definitely belong to the middle income group or the low income group. One can either be poor, rich or in between. These sections cover other subgroups given that the magnitude of wealth is continuous (Barak, Leighton & Flavin, 2010). Everyone falls under some sort of race. One can either be a Negroid, Mongloid or a Caucasian. No one fall out of these three components of race (Chow, Segal & Tan, 2011). These intersectional groups are judged differently. Some are viewed with prestige while others are despised. An individual does not take the picture, but can find his or herself in an intersectional identity that makes him or her feel liberated or oppressed. One can be privileged in one intersection and be