Prison Crowding Essay

Prison overcrowding is referred to as one of the major social problems in the United States. The problem of prison crowding has also touched Great Britain, some European countries, and finally, the developing world. During the 14 years between 1980 and 1994, the U. S. prison population has grown 172 percent (Bleich, 1999); more than 30,000 state prisoners spend their days and nights in country jails, waiting for new cells. The consequences of prison overcrowding are reflected in the whole set of broad social phenomena, from prison violence to higher rates of recidivism. The late 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s have been characterized by the growing number of prisoners in the U. S. â€Å"The United States produced a rate of growth in the nation’s prison population that scholars and legal commentators have repeatedly characterized as ‘unprecedented’† (Gaes & McGuire, 1995). The number of prisoners was growing so fast that prison officials failed to develop effective systems and supervising networks that would maintain social and criminal stability across all correctional facilities at the federal level. The reasons and causes of prison overcrowding are numerous and require different approaches; but with financial and social resources being limited, federal authorities are unprepared to meeting the social challenges of prison overcrowding in the U. S. Organizational instability in prison system produces numerous adverse effects, including the development of dysfunctional psychological responses among younger prisoners and the system’s inability to satisfy the basic needs of prisoners. The causes of prison overcrowding are different and numerous: mandatory minimum sentencing, denial of parole, a variety of â€Å"zero tolerance† criminal policies, drug wars, and even trivial acts’ criminalization lead to the prisoners’ population increase (Bleich, 1999). Poverty and homelessness are the two indirect causes of prison overcrowding. The absence of effective anti-recidivism programs results in the growing number of prisoners in all types of correctional facilities. However, the discussion of prison overcrowding issues should start with the evaluation of psychological problems inmates face in crowded cells: â€Å"there is growing evidence that the Post Incarceration Syndrome is a contributing factor to high rates of recidivism. The cruelty of guards and staff remains a primary problem; those in prison are subjected to verbal violence and ridicule for anything from sexual preference to gender identity† (Gaes & McGuire, 1995). These violent attitudes significantly contribute into the growing levels of recidivism; many of those who have been imprisoned for the first time are sentenced for the second and the third time before their first imprisonment term comes to an end. Objectively, prison overcrowding forms a kind of a vicious circle, with violence, assaults, disciplinary penalties and recidivism in its center. The problem would not be so complex, if not for the growing social tensions between the inmates, the prison staff, and the rest of the American citizens. Prison overcrowding leads to the development of dysfunctional behaviors among prisoners, to the growing amount of unsatisfied needs, and to excessive application of force and violence needed to maintain social order in prisons. These threatening tendencies lead to the disruption of the traditional social structures, where the â€Å"imprisoned† gradually replace â€Å"socially free† population, further increasing the level of society’s criminalization in the country. Dysfunctional behaviors are particularly problematic among younger prison population; young prisoners are more susceptible and vulnerable to the changes which occur in prison; recent researches have proved young prisoners’ vulnerability to â€Å"restricted conditions, since there is neither the space, the facilities, nor the resources to provide inmates with a full range of training, work, and educational opportunities, when there are too many prisoners to cope with† (Ekland-Olson & Barrick, 1983). Young prisoners are more sensitive and volatile in their aggressive reactions to the new type of prison environment; as a result, they are more likely to be punished by prison officials through segregation units, isolated housing unites, or similar administrative measures. In these violent contexts, young prisoners risk committing another crime, thus contributing into the growth of recidivism in the American prisons. Dysfunctional psychological responses and the growth of â€Å"young recidivism† are not the only consequences of prison overcrowding; by filling prisons and jails above their capacity, prison officials fail to satisfy even the basic needs of prisoners. Health, nutrition, and social needs of prisoners are simply neglected, raising their sensitivity to various types of social threats, including health epidemics, aggression, and violence. Beyond normal sleeping and eating conditions, prisoners need vocational training, education, and meaningful jobs. Prisoners require extensive work experiences that will further help them adapt to real-life conditions beyond the prison walls. Prison overcrowding deprives prison officials of effective and reliable needs assessment and screening instruments and strategies, which could be universally applied to improve the prisoners’ well-being. The current prison system in the U. S. does not guarantee that prisoners’ basic civil rights will be followed while they are being imprisoned. Unfortunately, thousands and thousands of prisoners are still in need of treatment and counseling for different types of mental and physical health disorders (Bleich, 1999). As a result, by the time these prisoners are released on probation they are likely to face social rejection and negligence, leading recidivism and violence. Intimidation and force remain the two most effective instruments used to maintain order in prisons. A crowded prison can be compared to a â€Å"boiling cauldron of inmate hostility, ready to erupt instantaneously into a riot† (Cavadino & Dignan, 2002). In the absence of other relevant governing mechanisms, violence seems the easiest universal method of keeping prisoners’ behaviors under control. â€Å"For example, in maximum security prisons in California, guards armed with rifles are strategically positioned inside mainline housing units and authorized to respond to inmate disturbances with lethal force† (Gaes & McGuire, 1995). Violence and intimidation are further aggravated by the lack of appropriate staff resources that could potentially maintain stability and organizational order in prisons and jails. Violence and the lack of professional staff negatively impact the quality of relationships between prison officials and inmates, making the crisis of control and legitimacy the central social element of prison overcrowding in the U. S. (Cavadino & Dignan, 2002). In the light of the abovementioned issues, the natural question is whether overcrowding can be minimized and avoided, and what should be done to improve the quality of life in prisons. Researchers and professionals suggest that probation reform may change the situation in the American prison system. â€Å"Forty percent of prison intakes are from probation violations, and half of those violators are put into the prison system because of technical violations† (Hicks, 2006). By reducing probation sentencing terms and simplifying supervision rules, prison officials are likely to resolve the majority of issues related to prison overcrowding and its social consequences. Federal authorities and criminal justice professionals are to reconsider the criteria applied to zero tolerance policies and juvenile delinquency, to minimize the portion of young population in prisons. Ultimately, the basic needs of current prisoners should be assessed and addressed, to ensure that ex-prisoners are able to adapt to the changing real-life conditions and to return to regular work and life performance after being released from prison (jail). Conclusion Prison overcrowding leads to the development of distorted and dysfunctional social visions in the American society. Violence and intimidation remain the two widely accepted instruments of maintaining order in prisons. Young prisoners are particularly vulnerable to aggression and violence in jails. The reduction of probation sentencing terms and supervision rules simplification may resolve the majority of social issues related to prison overcrowding in the U. S. , but federal authorities still lack appropriate resources that could be used to simplify the organizational structure of prison system in the country.

John Locke Provisos Essay

John Locke was an English philosopher who had the thought that all people have natural rights. Their natural rights included that of life. autonomy and belongings and the thought of these rights being held by each person is frequently said to be the primary influence of the American Declaration of Independence. Locke farther explains his principle behind natural rights in Two Treatises of Government and peculiarly belongings right in his â€Å"Provisos. † saying the conditions the brand belongings populace or private. Locke’s â€Å"Provisos† discusses the thought that belongings becomes private when a individual labours upon the belongings. His logical thinking that the land becomes the person’s private belongings is that a individual has the right to the fruits of his labour. and he besides has the right to the resource that bore his fruits. in this instance the belongings. As Locke says. â€Å"He by his labour does. as it were. envelop it from the common† ( page 437 ) . By this he means that by tuging over the land. the land is taken off from the remainder of society. the common. and becomes the private belongings of the person. Locke besides believes that â€Å"as much as a adult male tills. workss. improves. cultivates. and can utilize the merchandise of. so much is his property† ( page 437 ) . In this. he is saying that a adult male can have every bit much as can be utile to him ; claiming belongings in surplus and non being able to do it productive is incorrect because the belongings will so travel to blow alternatively of bearing fruit. This is incorrect because â€Å"nothing was made by God for adult male to botch or destroy† ( page 436 ) and holding land lying to waste is along the same lines as destroying the land. This thought from Locke’s â€Å"Provisos† follows from his thought of general belongings rights. He believes that land that has non been influenced by an individual’s labour is land available for all of society. Man should still esteem the land and non work it. but â€Å"were it non for the corruptness and ferociousness of pervert adult male. there would be no demand of any other. no necessity that work forces should divide from this great and natural community† ( page 441 ) . However because world can non be trusted. Locke believes that one time a adult male does set forth attempt to better a piece of belongings. that land and the merchandises of it belong to him. Although that land might belong to one adult male. it is still profiting the remainder of society because â€Å"the commissariats functioning to the support of human life produced by one acre of enclosed and cultivated land are ten times more than those which are yielded by an acre of land of an equal profusion lying waste in common† ( page 437 ) . This is similar to the manner in which both a husbandman and society benefits from his crop. The husbandman and society both can have nutriment from his crop and what crop goes to the remainder of society. he is repaid for. which allows him to go on seeding seeds that will go on to foster the common. A state of affairs of private belongings that would conflict with one of the Lockean provision is belongings that is acclaimed through coercing Native Americans to hold with the American imposts that were being imposed and the American regulation. or to go forth. such as with the Indian Removal Act that was signed into jurisprudence in 1830. The Native Americans had worked the land and made it suited to back up their life style and in the quest to accomplish Manifest Destiny. nil would impede the determined heads of the Americans. Harmonizing to Locke. the land truly belonged to the Native Americans because they had labored on the land to do it comfortable. They did non work it ; they used the resources sagely and nil went to blow with their minimalist life style. With the Indian Removal Act that President Andrew Jackson signed into consequence. all Native Americans had to be relocated to countries west of the Mississippi River. The Native Americans were removed on the footing that American colonisers needed the land and wanted to accomplish Manifest Destiny. Another state of affairs affecting private belongings that would go against one of the Lockean provision would be that of the authorities prehending land due to unpaid revenue enhancements. In this state of affairs. a husbandman could hold yielded a big crop. but the demand for his harvest declined greatly to the point that he is unable to do a big adequate net income to pay his revenue enhancements. This could fall into a form for many old ages to come. finally making the point that the authorities can no longer merely maintain seting the husbandman into more debt. The husbandman would hold to claim bankruptcy and the authorities would prehend his land. This would go against Locke’s thought that the land a adult male plant. is his. The husbandman was making the best he could. was profiting society. and ne'er consented to losing his right to his land. but the authorities took it away anyhow. I believe that Locke right draws the line on private belongings because we have the right over our ain organic structures. and if the work of those organic structures can unite with resources to make something. so we have the right to claim that merchandise and the resources we used to do it. No 1 else put forth the attempt and therefore the fruit of our attempts are ours. I believe that difficult work deserves reward and that wages is the right to the merchandise. As Locke says. â€Å"The labour of his organic structure and the work of his custodies. we may state. are properly his† ( page 436 ) .

Building Sustainable Organizations Analysis

The report discusses the HRM practices in an organization through the case study of a   hospital which is located in Australia with around 400 staff members. The hospital has its unit across the Australia. The case study discusses ineffective HR practices operating in the hospital administration which have contributed to high attrition, grievances, absenteeism and shortage of staff in the organization. The hospital has been reported to have some serious accidents involving patients and staff members. The case then discussed a contrasting view of another hospital that is effectively implementing HRM practices in its administration through employee engagement activities, HR policies, job analysis and recruitment and selection. The hospital has been reported to have great patient services because of its sustainable management practices and policies. The first hospital discussed in the case reflects ineffective HRM practices which have degraded the quality of patient services and have even led to some serious patient accidents. The hospital only has one payroll department which takes care of the salary of the employees and one HR consultant who conducts weekly visits to the hospital. All the responsibilities of an HR manager have been laid down on the middle managers which has overburdened them. The CEO of the hospital has been overlooking the consequences of this activity of overburdening middle managers. This has resulted in work conflicts, staff turnover and absenteeism. The overall quality of the services of the hospital has also degraded. The hospital lacks an effective munication model, which is taken care by an HR manager. Effective munication is required for assigning roles and responsibilities, boosting employee confidence and evaluating performance of the employee. An effective munication holds an organization together through effective policies, employee handbook, meetings and conferences, performance evaluation, employee engagement etc. munication helps to transfer the information from one department to other and thus maintains the flow of information through mails, telephones, meetings, documents, employee record etc (Fielding, 2006). It is the role of an HR to maintain an effective munication in an organization which is not present in the hospital. Employment r elations are also not being properly managed ineffective HR policies. Employment relations are required to hold the employees and have good staff retention in the hospital through developing relation between employee and the hospital through benefits and pensation, appraisal system etc (Gardner & Palmer, 1997). The employee gets frustrated and demotivated due to work conflicts and situation based problems. They need to be motivated by an HR manager through meetings and other activities. The managers are not even aware that these assigned responsibilities are not even part of their job and get frustrated sometimes which creates absenteeism and staff turnover. This overall impacts employee petence through work conflicts and absenteeism which indirectly affects the quality of the services of hospital and leads to disappoint patient. This spoils the image of the hospital and affects the long terms goals and objectives of the organization. A sustainable HRM model is required to improve the quality of the services of the hospital (Wolper, 2004). The CEO of the hospital needs to review the performance of the hospital in order to build a sustainable business model. He needs to understand that an HR consultant is not enough while considering the long term goals and objectives of the organization. The patient care and safety are one of the essential ponents for a successful running hospital which are not as per the norms of a hospital. The severe accidents may increase in the future and may have disastrous consequences on the operational system of hospital. The CEO needs to develop a sustainable HRM model in order to achieve the long term goals and objectives of the hospital (Wolper, 2004). CEO would have to create an effective HR department and ensure proper implementation of the HR policies and practices. He could have a look at the HRM model of other successfully running hospital as mentioned in the case study. The hospital has a proper HR department which has led to quality services to the hospital through its staff retention and employee engagement. Thus, CEO should plan to develop an HRM model in the hospital by considering the following roles and responsibilities of an HR department and should hire an HR manager who could assist him in other recruits for the department. The HR manager is responsible for hiring the suitable employees as per the needs and requirement of the job profile in the organization. Employees are recruited through different channels such as newspaper ads, online ads, networking, telephone etc. It is the responsibility of an HR to use the right channel for selection (Brinkerhoff & Goldsmith, 1992). When a new employee gets hired and joins the organization, he needs to be well versed about the organization and his duties and job role. The HR manager guides and instructs the employee through an induction and training program regarding what he would be expected to do through employee handbook, job description, pany policy manual and training and mentoring. He also checks all the required documents of the employee such as id proof, degrees etc (Brinkerhoff & Goldsmith, 1992). It is the duty of an HR manager to ensure that hospital plies with the rules and regulations of the government through his legal research expertise on hospital. The hospital must abide by the laws as prescribed by the government which may include recruitment contracts with the medical practitioners. Then there are employee contracts which should be very well documented (Brinkerhoff & Goldsmith, 1992). It is the duty of an HR to control and monitor the performance of an employee through employee engagement, resolving work conflict, handling grievances, appraisal system etc. The employee performance is responsible for quality of the services of a hospital. An HR boosts the confidence of employees through different activities and ensures smooth operational activities in an organization (Wolper, 2004). An HR manager is also involved in core team of a hospital and helps in building strategies in alignment with the goals and objectives of the organization. An HR manager acts as an intermediate between the employees and the hospital and thus, helps to resolve employee issues and concerns through proper planning and devising solution (Evans, 1990). Training and development is a very crucial element to develop a sustainable business model in hospital industry. It ensures quality services and equipping the staff with latest technology and practices in the market. It is the duty of an HR to conduct regular training in the hospital such as handling patient effectively, being polite to the patient etc. Thus way training improves the quality standard of a hospital (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). HR is responsible for running operations of a hospital smoothly and effective administration is the core element of HRM in hospital. The responsibilities may vary from hospital to hospital (Fried, Fottler & Johnson, 2005). Studying the above roles and responsibilities, it can be evaluated that an HR plays a very important role in effective delivery of services and ensuring quality patient care. Further, the report would discuss the ways to develop a sustainable HRM model in a hospital and its consequences. A sustainable HRM model consists of six elements which would be discussed one by one below: HR Management Systems: It ensures that the operational activities are being maintained in an organization through integration of data, staffing and placement and employee support system. The data is helpful is evaluating the performance of the employees and provides employee feedback and coaching and mentoring to the employees if required. This would improve overall work productivity of the hospital through an effective appraisal system and policies and measures (Evans, 1990). Leadership: Employees look for continuous guidance and instructions from their superiors to make sure that their work is in alignment with the goals and objectives of the hospital. HR manager would make sure that the employees are fully aware of their job profile and expected results through intensive planning and organizing. Their involvement in the decision making process ensures that the hospital’s planning, budgeting and organizing considers the issues and concerns raised by the employees. Thus, an HR ensures that there is continuous involvement of stakeholders in the decision making process (Evans, 1990). Partnership: A hospital must ensure that there is proper planning, organizing and optimum utilization of the resources. Partnership is a way to hold the stakeholders and direct them towards a mon goal and objective of the organization (Evans, 1990). Finance: Employees need motivation in order to increase their work productivity which can be ensured through timely incentives and a properly defined salary structure for an employee. The salary package of an employee must be defined in advance so that he is aware about his benefits which may include education, medical, allowances etc (Evans, 1990). Education: Employees look for their career advancement and growth in an organization. Education would motivate them and would also help to increase the work productivity of a hospital (Evans, 1990). Policy: An organization must have effective policies to ensure discipline in the system. An employee must abide by the rules and regulations of an organization so as to align with the goals and objectives of the hospital (Evans, 1990). Thus, a sustainable framework can be ensured through following approaches: A sustainable HRM model would involve four steps which are as follows: Purpose: The purpose is analyse the current situation which can be done through various methods such as taking feedback from the stakeholders, reviewing the records and documents etc. In the case study, CEO must identify the key stakeholders first and then analyse the plete situation through the inputs received from the stakeholders (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). The process can be carried out through a meeting with the key stakeholders, reviewing the existing HR documents which can be collected from HR consultant and payroll manager. This would help in identifying the root cause of the problem (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). Purpose: Once the inputs have been received from the previous step, this step would define the actions required to be taken. This would be carried out through prioritizing the actions which are necessary in the current scenario. The planning would involve cost calculation for the implementation of those actions and the consequences the actions would have on the hospital (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). Purpose: The most critical part of building HRM model is the execution of the planned layout and most of the organizations fail at the execution level. Thus, a leader must ensure that the roles and responsibilities are properly allocated to the respective departments and employees so as to ensure that an effective implementation is being carried out (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). Thus, the phase would involve planning the execution though funding, allocating the responsibilities and budget planning for the action plan. Purpose: It is very important to measure the success of plan that has been executed and evaluate the process of implementation. Monitoring and controlling helps to determine the milestone achieved and helps in future planning (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). The process involves analyzing the key stakeholders who would decide the factors for monitoring and evaluating the execution. The roles and responsibilities of the employees must be clearly defined (Savage, Fottler & Khatri, 2010). Developing a sustainable business model for any organization is a challenging task and requires the contribution of all the stakeholders of an organization. But, once the framework is being developed, it would have great results in terms of employee mitment and improve the service quality of the hospital. Effective munication: munication helps in constant flow of information in an organization. An effective munication is required in an organization to keep the employees updated regarding their roles and responsibilities. The HR manager would ensure an effective munication in the organization (Zelles, 2012). Performance Management: Performance management must be evaluated on a regular basis in an organization. Effective HR policies would help to evaluate the performance of an employee (Niles, 2012). Employment Relations: An organization must ensure that the employees are satisfied with their job role to maintain employment relations. An HR manager acts as an intermediate between the organization and the employee to build trust and loyalty among the employees which helps to increase the work productivity (Zelles, 2012). Thus, a sustainable HRM Model is crucial for an organization to ensure employee mitment and quality services. The r mendations for the CEO of the hospital are as follows: The report has analyzed the case study and the measures required to be taken in order to devise a solution for the same. The discussion has involved the steps that CEO needs to consider to build a sustainable HRM Model for his hospital to improve the quality of the services. Most importantly, a sustainable model requires a great leader, HR management systems, effective HR policies and involvement of key stakeholders in the decision making process. Gardner, M & Palmer, G. (1997). Employment Relations:  Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management in Australia. Melbourne: Macmillan Education AU. Dressler, S. (2004). Strategy, Organization and Performance Management:  From Basics to Best Practices. Sydney: Universal-Publishers. Colbert, B.A. &Kurucz E.C. (2007).Three Conceptions of Triple Bottom Line Business Sustainability and the Role for HRM.Pro-Quest, 30(1), 21-29. Brinkerhoff, D.W. & Goldsmith, A.A. (March 1992). Promoting the sustainability of development institutions: A framework for strategy.World Development, 20(3), 369-383. Hahn, T., Pinkse, J., Preuss, L. (March 2015). Tensions in Corporate Sustainability: Towards an Integrative Framework. Journal of Business Ethics. 127(2), 297-316. Savage, G.T., Fottler, M.D. and Khatri, N. (27 July 2010). Strategic Human Resource Management in Health Care. UK: Emerald Group Publishing. Fried, B., Fottler, M.D. and Johnson, J.A. (2005).Human Resources in Healthcare:  Managing for Success. US: Health Administration Press. Evans, D.W. (1990). People, munication and Organisations. London: Pitman. Anthony, R.J. (2009). Organizations, People & Effective munication:  Most Good and Bad Consequences e Down to People and munication. US: UNIV READERS Holbeche, L & Matthews, G. (2012). Engaged:  Unleashing Your Organization's Potential Through Employee Engagement. US: Wiley. Zelles, R. (2012). Methodologies to measure and define Employee Engagement. Germany: GRIN Verlag. Bridger, E. (2014). Employee Engagement. London: Kogan Page Publishers. Macev, W.H., Schneider, B., Barbera, K.M., & Young, S.A. (2011). Employee Engagement:  Tools for Analysis, Practice, and petitive Advantage. London: John Wiley & Sons. Flynn, W.J., Mathis, R.L., Jackson, J.H., & Valentine,S.R. (2015). Healthcare Human Resource Management. US: Cengage Learning. Wolper, L.F. (2004). Health Care Administration:  Planning, Implementing, and Managing Organized Delivery Systems. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Nick, G., Reinhold, G., & Valerie, I. (2005). Managing Health Services. UK: McGraw-Hill Education. Niles, N.J. (2012). Basic Concepts of Health Care Human Resource Management. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Friendship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Friendship - Essay Example This implies that in virtuous friendships, one must simply appreciate loving others rather than being loved, and always wish the best for others; in that case, Aristotle’s view of virtuous friendship is that it can only be found among a few people of high moral standing. It is evident that not many virtuous friendships exist in real life since it is human nature for people to want things in exchange for friendship, which explains why most friendships do not last even a fortnight. In many cases, friendships arise and survive on the products of the relationship rather than love; implying people are friends as long as the benefits of the relationship last and as soon as there is nothing to gain from friends, friendship is dissolved as quickly as it emerged. In that respect, it is true to say that love only exists in virtuous friendships that are based on the selfless love for others. Human beings are incapable of unity because they often pursue friendship not for the love of others, but for their own selfish gains, particularly because they are generally political creatures by nature. In that case, human friendships are plain and easily dissolvable as soon as there are no gains to be made in them, this is because an individual who only seeks their own personal gains at the expense of their so-called â€Å"friends† is not worth of the title of â€Å"friend†. A friend should be capable of sacrificing themselves for the sake of others, and to always want what is in the best interest of others too, rather than merely pursuing their ends. Unfortunately, this is a highly ambitious ideal, which is rarely achievable in normal circumstances considering the fact that the world is full of scheming individuals always preying on others for their own gains (Sivertsen, 2003). Aristotle acknowledges that indeed most relationships in life are based on love of utili ty and love of pleasure (Pangle 2002), and in that respect, most

Cash and Working Capital Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Cash and Working Capital - Essay Example These four phases consist of the following management requirements; cash management which is identifying the cash balance available to run the day to day expenses of the business or firm so as to reduce the cash holding costs (Padachi, 2012). Inventory management is identifying the inventory levels that will enable the business to run smoothly without investment in raw materials. This requires the lead times being lowered to reduce Work in Process (WIP) and the finished goods should also be kept as low as possible. This will lead to the reduction of the reordering costs and hence increase cash flow. Debtor’s management this requires identifying the best credit mechanism for the business or the firm. The credit mechanism chosen should be able to attract customers to the firm and also make sure the firm is getting the payments on time from the credit customers. This will be optimized by increasing the revenue thus increasing the Return on Capital. Another aspect of working capit al management is the Short term financing, it is achieved by identifying the most appropriate source of short term funds to run the business this can be achieved through credit granted by the supplier. It may also be necessary to use a bank loan or an overdraft (Banos-Caballera, 2010). The working capital cycle phases require short-term decisions. ... This normally refers to the time which the firm’s money is tied up in operations and therefore working capital phase normally aims at making sure the time is as short as possible (Block-Hirt, 2008). The primary sources of short term funds Short term funds refer to money needed to run the company in a period of less than a year. They are normally used for the day to day running of the business or firm. There are a number of short term funds available to a company which require different levels of interest rate expenses, collateral and personal guarantees. This is required to provide working capital. The short term funds are used for purchasing of raw materials or finished inventories, payment of wages, salaries and other short term expenses (Brealey, 2002). The three primary sources of short term finance include trade credit, which is normally gotten from the suppliers. It is a loan in the form of goods and inventory. The credit time period is normally 15 days to 3 months and t his is normally granted on the basis of good will of the purchaser. This credit facility is given buy a supplier to the buyer of goods and by a whole seller to a retailer. When the time limit is reached the credit should be paid lack of payment can lead to seizing of the goods in the inventory (Block-Hirt, 2008). Another major source of short term loans and advances is from the commercial banks. This are mainly in the form of bank overdraft from the bank which the business has an account in. the overdraft allows the business to withdraw from its current account exceeding the available cash balance. The business is charged an interest rate that is based on the amount overdrawn and the length of time overdrawn (Cleverley, 2011). The advantage of

Critical thinking about what conservatives think Essay

Critical thinking about what conservatives think - Essay Example The unifying factor for these morals and politics lies in conservatives’ strong belief, in family values and moral philosophy of thinking. Lakoff argues that conservatives’ conceptualization of the family as the unit of the nation corresponds to the strict father model of parenting. While Romney believes that the government should establish just, and moral laws, he believes that adults should not be dependent on the government. For instance, in his speech on â€Å"A Campion of Free Enterprise†, Romney talks of â€Å"transforming America by restoring the values of economic freedom†. This typifies the essence of conservatives’ moral philosophy. Americans metaphorically link their country to the family unit linking the government to parents and Americans to children. Romney’s speeches exemplify this point as he speaks to issues that affect the family such as morality with regard to selflessness and social behavior; child development and justice. During his, â€Å"A Champion of Free Enterprise† speech of 7th June 2012, Romney criticizes the Obama administration citing, â€Å"I put my trust in the ingenuity and creativity and commitment to hard work of the American people.† This assertion shows Romney’s belief that the family (American people) is the embodiment of the nation. Lakoff’s book exemplifies conservatives’ political philosophy to the nurturant parent technique that requires the parents (government) to protect their children (citizens) to attain their full capacity through tough rules such as tough environmental laws. For instance, Romney is pro-life and a strong opponent of abortion. Lakoff argues that conservatives lay positive emphasis on government spending on military expenses and fixed income tax percentiles. Lakoff further argues that conservatives use peculiar linguistic patterns to refer to issues affecting America (Lakoff 309). For instance, during his â€Å"Freedom

Foster Care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Foster Care - Essay Example The next foremost part of interdisciplinary is focused on the importance of institutions, as it should be considered that the most essential environmental situation supporting interdisciplinary is the structure of an institutional policy for teamwork such as infrastructure of organized research groups, academic records, financing committees and unofficial networks of researchers that dynamically promote interdisciplinary research. (Stehr & Weingart 2000). In foster care (child welfare system), part of its interdisciplinary measures are: 1) the administration for foster care should provide and implement progressive policies that should strictly be followed by its private contract social services agencies; 2) parents and families at danger of child safety participation should have access to high standard and preventive legal services and be represented properly: 3) enhanced teamwork and communication is necessary between the foster care and education schemes; 4) improved employment and maintenance is essential to make certain that people of cultural diversity are in the main decision making roles in the foster care scheme; 5) foster care workers must have the proper training regarding cultural capability; and 6) continuous academic research, in alliance with practitioners is necessary in diverse areas applying different approaches of research which are recognized by the society influence and response to the racial chara

Analysis of Wisconsin v Mitchell (1993) Case Essay

Analysis of Wisconsin v Mitchell (1993) Case - Essay Example Mitchell reminded the group about their discussion and instigated them to attack the white boy. Thereafter, the group accosted the white youth, beat him unconscious and stole his footwear. Mitchell’s sentence was enhanced, as he had intentionally selected the victim on the basis of the latter’s race. It was to be decided, whether such enhancement of punishment was in breach of Mitchell’s First Amendment rights. The US Supreme Court concluded that the First Amendment rights of Mitchell had not been violated, by the enhancement provision of the Wisconsin penalty. As the Supreme Court of Wisconsin had ruled that such breach had transpired, the US Supreme Court reversed that decision and remanded the case for further proceedings that would not be inconsistent with its opinion. In addition, the US Supreme Court held that there was no tangible disparity between the federal and state antidiscrimination laws and the Wisconsin statute. To this end, the Court made a comparison between the Wisconsin statute and Title VII, which renders it illegal for an employer to subject an employee to discrimination on ground of color, religion, gender, race, or national origin (Resler, 1994, p. 422). It was surmised by the US Supreme Court that the Wisconsin statute accords punishment of greater severity for bias motivated crimes, as these crimes had a much greater potential to engender harm to the individual and society. This reason was deemed to be adequate to justify the penalty enhancement facility available in the Wisconsin statute, and which transcended mere disagreement with the prejudices of proclivities of the offender (Resler, 1994, p. 423). Mitchell had been sentenced for aggravated battery. This sentence was enhanced, in accordance with a Wisconsin statute, as he had intentionally selected the victim on the basis of the latter’s race. His appeal regarding the constitutionality of the Wisconsin statute was

Innovation report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Innovation report - Essay Example It is a lesson from the module for the experiences through toughness that makes people have a feeling that the level of innovation transpires to make it feasible (Hisrich & Kearney 23). As stated above, the last year has presented a comprehensive pathway for experiencing new things as well as learning plenty through practicality. Most of us believed they had perfect plans leading to their success prior joining the class. However, my group’s belief was gradually broadened and the feasibility planning is a critical tool in achieving success through the experiences of practical feasibility through the creation of products. The other essential skill that will facilitate my growth in the future is that of team management. Our module allows learners to work within groups towards get innovative products. There needed to have an understanding of the capacities of group members as well as having ultimate forces in adjusting with each member in making the innovation successful Interacting and working in such groups is tough (Hisrich & Kearney 72). The company we formed was composed of three equal partners who were leaders and managers. We appreciated that leaders are people who do the right things while managers do things the right way. In doing right things and making things right, the group had equal responsibilities as managers and leaders. The main hindrance was time management for group activities. I feel that the group members and me could have achieved even more in terms of succeeding the products and the company in the event that we properly and usefully managed our time. I recall that there is no amount of money that can buy time back (Hisrich & Kearney 28). This understanding and the group’s improper management of time taught great lessons as well as the methodology of deciding the future using ideal time management skills. The group had a long-term goal for the company and our

Obesity caused by Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

Obesity caused by Bulimia Nervosa - Research Paper Example Eating disorders take various forms among individuals. One of the rampant instances of eating disorders that translate into obesity is binge eating. Binge eating is a behavior among obese individuals whereby they adopt eating habits that involve eating in the night. Community studies conducted revealed that binge-eating rates are high among obese eating adults as opposed to normal weight adults. There are also other factors influencing binge-eating habits. Psychological factors such as depression and anxiety affect the eating habits among individuals. Psychologically affected individuals result into adopting binge eating habits as a means of overcoming psychological stressors (Barbour 34). Another eating disorder rampant among obese individuals is emotional eating. Over eating comes as a response to the negative emotional states among individuals. Considering the fact that over eating is among the leading factors in the promotion of obesity among individuals; emotional eating constan tly leads to over eating and hence obesity among individuals. Community studies have confirmed that emotional eating is wide spread among obese adult individuals. The emotional distress among the obese individuals comes because of low morale and will power to overcome their current state of obesity. Therefore, obese individuals result into emotional eating and hence increase their levels of obesity (Kelly 78). External eating is another eating habit that promotes the prevalence of obesity within the community.

Jigs and Fixture Essay Example for Free

Jigs and Fixture Essay Jigs r provided with tool guiding elements such as drill bushes.These direct the tool to the correct position on the w/p. Jigs are rarely clamped on the m/c table bcz it is necessary to move the jig on the table to align the various bushes in the jig with the m/c spindle. Fixture hold the w/p securely in the correct position with respect to the m/c during operation. There is sometimes a provision in the fixture for setting the tool with respect to the w/p, but the tool is not guided as in a jig. Fixture are often clamped to the m/c table. Elements of JF(Locating,Clamping,Tool Guiding Setting Elements ) Adv of JF(Productivity,Interchageability,Skill Reduction,Cost Reduction) Limits Fits Diff b/w high and low limit , is called tolerance(unilateral,bilateral). Classification of Fits (Running,Push,Press Fit,Force Fit) Cost Estimation(Matl,M/cing,Heat Treatment, Assembling Cost) Principles of Location (1 Location must be related to the dimensional rqmts stated on the components drawing 2) It is prefable to use a more accurately m/chined surface than a less accurate surface Location, 3) The w/p should be prevented from moving along and rotating around X,Y and Zaxes 4) Location sys should facilitate easy and quick loading and unloading of the w/p and aim at motion economy 5) Redundant Locators must be avoided 6) Location sys should positevely prevent wrong loading of the w/p by foolproofing. Locating Methods of Plane Surfaces 1 A reasonably flat suface can be located by 3 pins of equal height having spherical surfaces at the location points 2 A rough, uneven or tapered plane should be loacted by 3 adjustable location pins having spherical ends 3 Additional adjustable supports are neccesary to prevent vibrations or distortion of the w/p during m/c operation. The force for adjusting the supports should be kept minimum so that the w/p doesnot get dislocated or lifted from the location pins 4) A machined surface can be located by pads having flat surface. 5 There should be ample clearance for burr or dirt to ensure proper seating of the workpiece surfaces. 6 A cube can be prevented from linear movement and rotation around axes X,Y,Z by six location Pads. Profile 1 can be located approx by aligning it with a slightly bigger sighting plate 2 Locating pins can be used to locate a profile or cylindrical w/p 3 Variations in w/p sizes ffrom batch to batch can be taken care of by using eccentric locators whose eccentricity can be set to suit the batch. 4 W/p with little variation can be located precisely with nesting plates with suitable provision for unloading or ejection Cylinder Spigots used for locating bores should have ample lead for easy entry and their length should be short to prevent jamming of the w/p 2 Long locators for fragile w/p should be relieved at the centre 3 Location Posts which are also used for clamping , should be retained by a nut or a grub screw 4 When two location pins are used,the less important one should be made diamond shaped . The important full pin should be longer than the diamond pin in order to facilitate easy loading of the w/p. 5 Rough cored holes and bosses are located by conical locators, which often have integral clamping arrangement and drill bush 6 Fixed V blocks are used to locate approx the outside surface of a cylinder. 7 For precise location, an adjustable guided V block is necessary.The V Block can be adjusted by a screw or a cam. It can be with drawn quickly by using a swinging eyebolt. 8 V blocks should be positioned in such a way that the varition in the w/p would not affect the location for the operation. For drilling central holes, the centre line of V should be vertical. 9 Clearance grooves should be provided at flash line of cast, forged and moulded w/p . Principles of Clamping(Position, strength , prdouctivity,operator fatique, workpiece variation) Types of Clamps 1 Screw , 2 Strap (Retractable strap,swinging strap, edge , pivoted, hinged,swinging latch 3 Quick action (cam,bayonet, quarter turn screw, toggle) 4 Multiple Double, stacking, power clamping pnumatic,hydraulic,magnetic 5 Non Conventional Clamping (adhesive, Fusion- cast of low melting point bismut alloy) Indexing is a process of quick, accurate location of a w/p or fixture in a no of specific positions. Indexing involves periodic linear or rotary movement of the indexed part precisely in each position. Rqmt of a good drill jig: 1 Quick accurate location of the w/p 2 Easy loading and unloading of the w/p and prevention of wrong loading 3 Prevention of bending or movement of the w/p during drilling 4 Ample chip clearance with facilities for swarf removal and cleaning 5 Light weight to minimise operator fatique due to repeated handling 6 Prevention of loss of loose parts by chaining them to the jig body 7 Clearance for overshoot of the drill Drill Bushes( Press Fit, Renewable, Slip, Threaded, Special) Various types of Jigs(Plate jigs and channel jigs with w/p pots, Angle Plate jigs, Turn Over Jigs, Leaf or latch jigs, Box Jigs, Trunion , Sandwich and pump jigs, Jigs for multispindle m/cs Milling Fixtures Essentials (Strength, Thrust, Cutter Setting, Machine tennons, Rigid Clamping, Motion economy,swarf disposal) Facing Fix , Sloting Fixture Boring Fix Chucks(Self centring 3 jaw , Independent 4 jaw, combination, power operated, special jaws, soft jaws) Face Plate, Collets( Push out, pull in, dead length) Mandrels( Tapered, Axial, Expanding, Threaded) Fixture Module Design Concept. A standard self contained unit. It is jargon for standardised, easily connectable, replaceable, sub assembled unit like a timer or acontractor.Modular construction assembles the commercially available modules in an arrangement suitable for the rqd applications. Modular Construction is like universal setup but not built on m/c Modular Fixture base can have t Slots or no of reamed holes. Modular tooling eliminates nned for manufacture procurement of standard parts neccesary accesories like fasteners, springs, washers, etc. Inspection Devices Standard Gauges(Go not go, Calliper , snap), Special Gauges(Key way and slot checking, Flush surface gauge for tapered hole, snap gauge for checking centre dist) Reciever gauges for assembly W/p marking and setting gauge Universal Jig- T nut –stud as T Bolt,Universal Clamp,edge calmp, Face plate Universal Fixture Transfer Machines(in Line tranfer machines (Walking beam, poered roller conveyor, chain drive), Rotary Indexing table m/c (Rack and pinion, ratchet and pawl, Geneva ) Tranfer Devices Conveyor system(Roller , Wheel, Chute, Belt, Chain, Magnetic, Bucket ) Die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material using a press. (Die block, Punch plate ,Blank punch, Pierce punch,Stripper plate, Pilot, Guide / Back gage / Finger stop, Setting (Stop) Block , Shank) . General Die Design(Strip layout and selection of tooling, Economies of the strip- acc to tool shape also, tonnage calculation and selection of the press, Die shoe size, Method of Parts Ejection) Progressive Die Design(Washers and Round Blanks- 19.5, 30 , Feed=Blank dia. +Sp/tan 19.5 and strip width Pilots and pilot Holes, Skipping of stations, Nesting and Locating) Deep Drawing(Blank Holding- clearance 5%, pressure- minimum force necessary to prevent wrinkling, Drawing Ratios-Blank dia/throat dia of die. Punch load increases with blank dia in linear manner ,Die profile radius-sharper the die radius the greater is the max punch load bcz of the inreased process work due to plastic bending under tension, Punch profile radius- t-1.5 t 0.5t over 3.25mm sheetMore generous the punch radii , the more gradual is the rise of punch load and longer punch travel, but the max punch load is almost unaffected., Radial clearance-1.2t 30% for general purpose. Ironing-10%, Drawing speed can affect the yield stress of the material and efficiency of the lubricant, lubrication.

The Plc Controlled Systems

The Plc Controlled Systems This document has been created to give an overview of what PLC Systems are and why we use them in modern day life. By writing this report I hope to give a good understanding of what I know about PLC Systems. I will start with a short history of PLCs showing how they first started off to what we currently use today including the different design types. History of PLCs A PLC is a Programmable Logic Controller. It is a digital device that is used to control electromechanical systems/processes. They were designed in mind of replacing systems that are controlled by relays. Up until the late 60s automation in factories would use sometimes thousands of relays and cam timers to achieve simple tasks. This was very expensive and took up a lot of space. The expense was seen when the relays had to be changed, in a situation were all the relays had to be updated and changed, an electrician would be required to individually re-wire each relay resulting in very high labour time. Digital computers started to be used in a lot of industries to control processes but were far from perfect. The computer would have to meet very strict requirements that were not yet popular. These requirements would consist of specialist programmers that at this time would be an expensive asset. The computer would have to be protected to withstand the environments in which it was being used. The computer would process bit-form input and output in order to control everything. At this stage an operator would be needed to monitor the system to keep everything in check. PLC systems were first invented on request from an automotive industry; General Motors. They required a system that could replace the existing relay driven system. A proposal was accepted from Bedford Associates who later went on to producing the first Programmable Logic Controller. The image below shows the PLC 084 (name given to it by Bedford Associates as it was their 84th project. The unit stayed in service for almost 20 years. As shown in the photo, PLCs were very large. Over the years PLCs have greatly reduced in size as well as their performance has greatly increased. There are now also a few different types of PLCs that have been designed and used over the years. The main types of PLCs are Unitary, Modular and Rack Mounted. PLC Design Types Unitary Unitary PLCs are the simplest form of a Programmable Logic Controller. These controllers are single compact units that have all the components including the processor, inputs and outputs built in to one housing. Having all components built in to one sealed unit means there is no room for expansion so you are restricted to the amount of input and outputs the unit has. On the other hand it does mean a small unit is produced allowing it to be used in many everyday applications such as washing machines. The photo below (obtained from google images) shows some examples of unitary PLCs. these small units would be mounted directly to the application it is controlling. The downfall to unitary controllers is that youre limited to the constraints of the controller for example if a controller is built with 8 inputs and 7 outputs, that is all that controller will ever do. Modular Modular PLCs are built up of a number of different modules. These modules are linked together allowing for the controller to be customised to suit the requirements. All the core functions such as the computer processor, inputs and power regulation are usually contained in the base module. Other modules are then added on as expansions of inputs and outputs and analog to digital signal converters. This type of program is perfect for a system that may need to expand in the future, unlike the Unitary type design, this type is thought of as a more future proof design. That being said a Modular design controller doesnt have and infinite amount of expansion, there will only be room for a certain amount of expansion. Rack Mounted Rack Mounting PLCs are the best design for large scale use. They work in a very similar way to the Modular type of PLC where extra modules can be added for expansion only much more expansion is available. Where as the Modular design has all its main functions under one base module and expansion modules are added directly to it; a Rack Mounting PLC keeps all of the modules in organised racks and uses a network to connect them meaning that each module is separate from one another. Using this type or system allows us to expand on a much larger scale without things getting overly complicated. This design still allows for a very neat system that allows you to remove and add modules as required without doing any harm to the system. This is a modern approach that uses networking the same as many departments in a business today e.g. Computer networking. Using this design of PLC pretty much future proofs your setup for expanding as the amount of expansion is pretty much endless by adding more and more racks of modules to the network. The image above is an example of a Rack Mounting PLC (image obtained from google images). Input and Output Devices There are many different input and output devices that can be used with a Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC is responsible for processing all of the input and output devices connected. Inputs are normally some sort of sensor or switch that feeds back to the PLC and allows the PLC to monitor and use the data to signal and operate the relevant output. An output is the process that the PLC is essentially controlling. Some examples of the different types of inputs and outputs are below. Mechanical Switches Mechanical switches are a very popular form of input used with PLCs. The PLC will monitor the switch and wait for a signal to be sent from the switch. Switches normally operate in two ways; normally open or normally closed. With a normally open switch a signal is sent to the switch but doesnt return (reach the PLC) due to an open circuit. When the switch is made (pressed) the circuit is closed and a signal returns (reaches the PLC), from this the PLC can process the data and process the relevant program. A normally closed switch operates in the opposite way where a signal is constantly being received by the PLC and when the switch is made, the circuit is made and the PLC no longer receives the signal, from this is processes the relevant program. A typical example of a mechanical switch would be the type that would be found at the start and end of a pneumatic piston that is pressed by the piston itself when the piston reaches the relevant stroke, these are called limit switches. Non-mechanical Digital Sources Non mechanical digital resources refers to sensor inputs that dont require a direct mechanical operation to operate like the mechanical switch. Non-mechanical switches are far more complicated than mechanical switches and have no moving parts. They are also much faster than mechanical switches which is why they are used for computing. An example of a non-mechanical switch is a transistor. Transistors work by adding an electrical charge to close the switch and allow the flow of current, when the electrical charge is removed, the switch is open and the current can no longer flow. The switch uses silicone mixed with other elements as a semiconductor and when an electrical charge is added, it becomes conductive allowing the flow of current. So the change in state would be the electrical charge that operates the transistor and the flow of current would be the signal to the PLC. Optical sensors are another form of non-mechanical source. They work by sending out an optical signal to a reflector. When the signal is interrupted the PLC will process and preform an action. Optical sources now use Infrared as opposed to the old systems using the normal light spectrum so that natural light sources dont interfere. Transducers Transducers are a common form of sensor typically used as a measuring device. A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transducer). They typically convert a mechanical energy in to an electrical energy, an electrical energy that can be used to report to the PLC. Outputs There are a very wide selection of items that can be used as an output for PLC systems such as; relays, lights, sirens, motor starters, solenoids, etc. These are all classed as what the PLC is essentially controlling. The PLC would use the information fed back to it from the inputs, execute a program and activate the output accordingly an example of this could be a thermostat and air conditioning unit, the thermostat being the input to the PLC allowing the PLC to know when a preset temperature has been reached. When the temperature raises above the preset temperature required, the thermostat will send the signal to the PLC (as described in section 6), the PLC will process the signal and send a signal to the output which in this case would likely be a relay that when activated boots up the air conditioning unit. When the required temperature is reached the PLC will process and signal the relay to switch, turning the A/C unit off. Communication Links Automation using PLC systems use networking. Networking is used for devices to communicate with each other and can come in many different forms and can be broken down in to different sections such as; Remote I/O, peer to peer, host computer communications and LAN (local area network). Remote I/O is a system that has the inputs and outputs at a distance away from the PLC. This system allows a PLC to control a variety of both digital and analog points to be controlled eliminating the need for a controller at each point and resulting in a cost effective set up. The I/O configuration can connect the PLC to all sorts of plant equipment to monitor things such as cycle counts and times. Each I/O device is related to as a slave for the ones directly on the machine and the master controller that all the slave I/Os report back to. The master PLC will send a signal to the slave I/Os and which it then receives a response, the PLC then uses this response to trigger the relevant program that it then signals the remote I/O to change its outputs to suit. These signals are sent extremely fast and cycle hundreds of times per second. Peer to peer networks work slightly differently in the way that they are connected, using multiple PLCs. This type of network will connect each PLC in sequence to each other and is sometimes known as a daisy chain. This system is very clever in the way it works keeping all the PLCs in the network, up to date allowing all the PLCs to control their systems with the knowledge of what is happening in all the other systems. This allows for similar programming due to having to only program each controller to operate its designated system. This type of networking allows for a safe working system that when set up and programmed correctly means everything will flow and work in sync far quicker than that a human could process. Unlike remote I/O, this system does not require a master PLC as they all just use each others data, however sometimes they are used as a centre control point. Host computer communications connects the PLCs on a network to a computer. Most PLCs regardless of size can normally be connected to a computer. This allows for programs to be written in ladder logic form. Ladder logic form is the programming type that is quite popular in modern programming. It allows for a sort of pectoral type of programming that personally I find easier to understand. The ladder program can be written, edited and tested (virtually) via a computer and then downloaded on to the PLC. Other forms of intelligent devices can also be used with PLC systems to receive data for monitoring purposes. Internal Architecture The internal architecture is made up of the CPU, storage devices, memory, opto-isolators, input and output units, flags and shift registers. All of these work together to form a very intelligent device. The CPU (central processing unit) is where the main processing and thinking is done, this is often thought of as the brain of any intelligent device using a CPU. A PLC has to be able to store information such as programs. The programs are stored to a storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state chip. The programs are written on an external source such as a computer and then transferred to the PLC storage device where the PLCs CPU can then run the programs. The memory in an intelligent device is often confused with the storage device but is not actually used to store information long term like the storage device is. A form of memory most commonly used is Random Access Memory (RAM), this is used in PLCs and computers as well as the vast majority of intelligent devices such as smart phones. The RAM is used as a temporary memory for programs being run, it allows the CPU to access random bits of memory as it needs it from where ever it is stored, it does this at a very fast rate. Regular storage devices such as hard disk drives cannot operate at this speed because of restrictions only allowing them to access memory in a uniform order and depending on where the information is stored will depend on how long the CPU will take to find it. An Opto-isolator is a protection device that transfers electrical signals between the input and output while protecting the internal circuity of the PLC. It protects against hight voltages and rapidly changing voltages that can occur in the system. Input and output ports are the ports that the input and output devices are connected to. Flags is a term given for a data type used in PLC systems, more specifically it is the term that relates to simple on/off or I/O fields. Shift registers are information from previous program cycles stored by the PLC and later used/reflected on for running other programs. Operational Characteristics Scanning is the process that the PLC goes through starting with the input and ending with the output. One scan cycle would go as follows: READ INPUT > EXECUTE PROGRAM > PROCESS MESSAGES > EXECUTE SELF DIAGNOSTICS > WRITE OUTPUTS Read Input = PLC keeps checking for input signal Execute Program = PLC prepares program but doesnt send it Process Program = PLC reads the program and passes it on Execute Self Diagnostics = PLC will check the program works (theory test) Write Output = PLC then signals relevant outputs This is just one full scan cycle that happens every 5 millionths of a second, this shows just how fast PLCs operate. Continuous updating is the CPU scanning the inputs in the specified order with a build in delay. The CPU scans each individual input before the program is determined. This allows the CPU to only process valid input readings but does have a negative effect on the time it takes to process when there are a lot of inputs each with the delay. Information and Communication Techniques There are three forms of signal used with PLCs; analog, Digital and Discrete. Analog signals are typically 0-10v DC or 4-20mA. These inputs are converted in to numerical values when they enter the PLC so they can be processed in the program. The PLC can also convert to an analog signal on the output if required (if needed by the output device). Digital signals are different from the analog signal as they are not dynamic, instead they are normally a simple on or off signal. This signal can be processed quicker than the analog. PLCs work with digital signals internally. This type of signal comes from more non mechanical input devices (see section 7 non mechanical digital sources). A discrete signal is sort of a mixture of the two above. It is a signal that can have a variable value or range that is normally voltage of current. It provides a on of signal like the digital signal but will work within set ranges. For example a PLC using 12 V DC I/O might be set that a value about 10 V DV means on and Values below 6 V DC means off. PLCs are capable of working on various numbering systems. These numbering systems can be; decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal or BCD. The most common being decimal or binary. The decimal numbering system is the linear array of digits and the placing of each digit. Depending on the order or placement of the digit will depend on their actual value, this means that you could have the same number but have a different value for each. An example would be the number 3563, the first digit = 31000, the second digit = 5100, the third digit = 610 and the fourth digit = 31. This allows a wide range of numbers to be used as each digit can go to 0-9. It also allows for the next number to increase when the number before exceeds 9. The binary numbering system uses a different way of translating a value. Where as with decimal number each digit can range between 0 and 9, binary systems only have 0-1. There are set numerical values that are chosen by using the 1 or 0. 2^7=128 2^6=64 2^5=32 2^4=16 2^3=8 2^2=4 2^1=2 2^0=1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 The table above is an example of an 8 bit code. 8 bits of information (1s and 0s). When a 1 is displayed, the value above is active so the number 10011100 would actually be 12^7 + 0x2^6 + 0x2^5 + 12^4 + 12^3 + 12^2 + 0x2^1 + 0x2^0 = 156. Or displayed as 128 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 0 = 156. Methods of Programming PLCs can be programmed in various different ways; Ladder/logic diagrams, statement lists, functions Ladder and logic diagrams are a very popular simple way or PLC programming. They are a sort of pictorial type of programming that allows the programmer to see exactly whats happening. From the ladder diagram you are able to use use simulation software to trail run your program to check that it is working correctly before uploading it to the PLC. Within the software preset parts such as switches and relays are easily added to the program. An example of the ladder diagram is shown on the next page followed by a screenshot of the simulation. This shows the how a ladder diagram would be made and linked to a working simulation on the computer software, it is slightly different to how the actual PLC program will be written but works as a simulation before writing the real program. The diagram is drawn up with what will be required in the circuit such as sensors, switches, air supply etc. The ladder diagram is then drawn and all the parts that have been used in the circuit are linked to the ladder. Coils are also added to achieve the required cycle. Ladder Diagram Simulation of Ladder Diagram When the designer is happy with the PLC simulation program, he/she will then use it to write the actual PLC program for transferring to the PLC. This software is slightly different but still produces a ladder style diagram where operations run left to right. The PLC programming software will have preset parts that are entered to the program. Once the program reflects the tested simulation program, it is transferred straight to the PLC itself. Word count : 2504 words

Practical Application Of Lewins Force Field Analysis Change Model Nursing Essay

Practical Application Of Lewins Force Field Analysis Change Model Nursing Essay The aim of this paper is to to describe practical application of Lewins (1951) force field analysis change model in reducing Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients length of stay (LOS) in a Tertiary Care University Hospital. Introduction: This paper reports on a change from 6.5 days to 4 days reduction in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients length of stay (LOS) in a Tertiary Care University Hospital. The change was embedded with systemic assessment, planning and implementing standardized strategies for all ICU long stay patients and finally evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of ICU bed utilization with multidisciplinary team approach. Change is inevitable for the reason that it ingrained human lives, core processes and system reforms. Day by day many changes have been observed in health care; associated with disease processes explicitly from prevention to rehabilitation, health care norms and nomenclature, infra structures modifications, policy matters, reengineering and system transformation. Different components of health care depends on one another for assembling such changes in order to produce work like from providers to payers, hospitals to suppliers, education to regulatory bodies and research to professional associations; all these are interlinked to perform function. Many of the above stated happening are planned however at times nature takes its own turn to act as a catalyst for change for example natural occurrences like tsunami, some crucial system analysis like break through reports from Institute of Medicine (IOM) on patient safety and the quality of care provided to all the health care customers. Th ese were just simple examples of revolutions in health care taken place on an ongoing basis. Traditionally it is believed that changes are always for the betterment however at times it has been observed that this phenomenon is proven to be cynical and challenging especially when it is not made in a haphazard manner, without pursuing change management principles. Addressing the challenge of change Fetherston et.al (2009) stated that: Managing changing in the health care setting is always challenging, especially when it involves transforming entrenched habits grounded in professional expectations (p.2581). Despite change involves resources like human, material and cost and therefore whatever is proposed for change need to be evaluated for its effectiveness and efficiency, applicability, and consequences. It also depends on the team we are working with and there are times when the team building is so strong and the communication between the team is such that adopting to a new concept is very easy versus if the team members are not on same wavelength and have a lot of differences of opinions failure to reach to a simple consensus. Coch and French (1948) concluded that rate of recovery when learning a new task is directly proportional to the amount of participation. To improve understanding of change dynamics Armenakis and Harris (2011) recommends that readiness for change is distinguished from resistance to change and readiness is described in terms of the organizational members beliefs, attitudes, and intentions. Change agent is a very important contributor to make change happen constru ctively and productively. The personal and professional characteristics, interpersonal competency all these aspects are dependent to an outcome of change. Another factor involved in change process seems to be very crucial is the timeframe require for change. Is it a short term or a long run change which is going to measure and monitor, what about the sustainability of the proposed change etc. In order to have successful change Kotter and Schlesinger (2008) recommends and put idea in practice (Appendix) and suggested that analyze situational factors, determine the optimal speed of change, and consider methods for managing resistance (p1, 2). According to Lippincott-Raven Publishers 1986 Crucial to facilitating change is selecting a strategy that is likely to produce the desired change with minimal time and resistance. Background In todays health care setting, organizational change is essential for growth and development to keep up with the market competition Although health care continues to be enmeshed with ongoing challenges of cost, technologies, access to health care, human resources, quality inconsistent with an arena where error rates are too high there are multiple growing opportunities to improve client care management and service delivery components. Changes have been observed in clinical practice based on evidence based research resulting in application of new technology, diagnostics, drug regimes, treatment profile, care monitoring and finally the patient outcomes. All these are direct provision to a customer and perhaps if we look at the wider base it heavily involves all support functions available for patient care and employees of the organization. How all these are managed with patient flow and activities? Who is accountable? Change has both individual and institutional significance; and addre ssing its importance Watwood et al. (1997) shared that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦changes à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ bring opportunity for personal and institutional growth and development (p 162). When it comes to an institutional change; it has emphasized that it should complement the philosophy, mission and vision of the organization. Therefore Heller Arozullah (2001) identified four key factors for successful program development and achievement and those were: aligning the program with the strategic goals of the organization; obtaining active senior leadership commitment, including allocated resources; securing the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate integration of recommended actions into daily practice; and setting up systematic communications with all involved stakeholders (p551) Several challenges exists in system when it comes to a revolution however factors define by Heller Arozullah (2001) would help in embarking change in a more structured manner. ICU is a consolidated area of a hospital where patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries receive round the clock specialized medical and nursing care. Intensive care is one of the hospitals most complex and expensive medical systems. As medical care has improved, the type of patients treated in critical care units has changed from those with acute illnesses to those suffering from complications of chronic diseases. While better technology and better ways of taking care of patients has improved longevity and general health, the patients in the intensive care units of hospitals are getting sicker and globally these beds have a high demand based on the critical needs of patients and it doubles the need in an arena where these resources are very scare and inadequate This would augment medical care required, cost of care and excess use of resources when they are not required. Long stays in the intensive care unit are associated with high costs and burdens on patients and patien ts families and in turn affect society at large. Williamss et.al (2010) states that: It has been estimated that between 2% and 11% of critically ill patients require a prolonged stay in ICU, accounting for 25-45% of total ICU days, and a significant proportion of resources(p 459) The cost of caring for patients in ICUs in the United States has been estimated to account for 1% to 2% of the gross national product shared by (Miller et al. 2000, Seeman David 2004) ) whereby Haugh (2003) stated that 15% to 20% of US hospital costs represents 38% of total US healthcare costs. According to Miller et al. (2003) the total number of hospitals, hospital beds, and inpatient days decreased during the years 1985 to 2000, the number of critical care beds and days in critical care increased dramatically during the same period Whereby Stricker et al (20037) found that only 11% of patients admitted to the ICU stayed for more than 7 days, these patients used more than 50% of ICU resources. Furthermore, in several studies (cited in Ryan et al 1997, Wong et al 1999) the mortality of patients with ICU admissions lasting 14 days or longer was estimated to be nearly 50%. Rosenberg et al. (2001) shared that Mortality rates are higher in ICU than in any other area of the hospital due to the complexity of patients medical condition. Fakhry et al (1996) found that 70% of patients with stay longer than 2 weeks reported less than 50% functional recovery. Esserman e t al (1995) found that 32% of ICU resources were spent caring for patients who survived less than 100 days after discharge from the hospital. In a tertiary care university hospital where I am presently working patients were found to be stuck in the ICU and have longer stays and in the month of January 2009 it was found to be 8.4 days and subsequently in the following quarter 1 it was 6.5 days (refer appendix 1). When explored, multiple factors aroused (refer appendix 2) and therefore to address this concern a multidisciplinary team was formed. It was proposed to undertake the work of reducing patients length of stay in ICU and therefore it the goal was to reduce patients length of stay from 6.5 days to 5.5 days in the second quarter for the year 2009. Rogers and Shoemaker (1971) framework was used to appraise the various component of the proposed change in order to identify its strengths and weaknesses.  Team assessed its relative advantages to current situation and felt that it is worth spending the time and effort for the given scenario, change seems to be appropriate and compatible with existing philosophy of the clinical area, easy to be understood and applicable by all bedside staff. Moreover the project was trialable to a pilot    before going the whole way and relevant to organizational goals. Discussion Changes will continue as an adaptation and at times mandatory in order to survive. Lot of literature is available when it comes to the change management in health care setting. There are models available to address organizational change, system revolution, and human transformations which address many other aspects of successful implementation of reforms. Change process follows the same course as of nursing process and problem solving approaches. According to Christensen a Christensen b (2007) Lewins (1951) theory of transitional change is the most used form of change implementation strategies. The change we were supposed to undertake; this theory appeared to address many aspects of it and therefore the mechanism for identifying the social system within organization for selecting, developing and implementing the strategies to serve as a solution was done by application of this model. According to course notes Lewins widely cited, classic model of the change process, the three changes are: Unfreezing, where faced with a dilemma or disconfirmation the individual becomes aware of the need to change; changing where the situation is diagnosed and new models of behaviour are explored and tested and finally, refreezing where the application of new behaviour is evaluated and adopted. (p53) Huber (2006) states that: The basic concept of the change process was outlined by Lewin A successful change involves three elements: unfreezing, moving and refreezing. (p810) Fetherston et.al (2009) emphasized the importance of major change like this and endorsed that: Where a major change is implemented, models such as Lewins (1951) model of unfreezing, changing and refreezing can be a useful guide Baulcomb (2003) states that This theory places emphasis on the driving and resisting forces associated with any change, and to achieve success the importance lies with ensuring that driving forces outweigh resisting forces. Driving forces tend to initiate change or keep it going whereas restraining forces act to restrain or decrease the driving forces. The intention to reach a state of equilibrium (p277). Unfreezing Lewins change approach fall within three steps and this is the first one where the process of thawing out the system to create motivation for change. Its like getting the team warming up to play their cards; getting everybody on the same wavelength and organizing. Huber (2006) shared that the first stage is cognitive exposure to the change idea, diagnosis of the problem, and work to generate alternative solutions. (p811). Though it was a great challenge for the team however the process of systemic assessment and unfreeze stabilizing the team readiness was initiated for the said change. Different strategies were brain stormed in a multidisciplinary team.ICU patients length of stay was gathered prospectively. Potential predictors were analyzed for possible association with prolonged ICU stay. Driving and restraining forces were studied (Appendix ) Moving Then we proceeded with the second stage of Lewins theory i.e., moving and changing. It involves moving a target system to a new level maintaining equilibrium; viewing the problem from a new perspective, situation is diagnosed and new models of behaviour. This stage was determine through formation of ICU long stay committee with terms of reference, notification of long stay patients stayed in ICU for more than 7days or earlier if deemed necessary to all concerned, holding meeting with primary team everyday to discuss next course of action, identification of patients difficult to wean, patient requiring early tracheotomy to maximize discharge process, initiating daily rounds by multidisciplinary team with primary team. Furthermore, introducing expected admission discharge time (EADT) to facilitate bed identification. According to Hoda (2008) length of stay (LOS) may be influenced by the availability of appropriate high dependency units to discharge patients. Review on daily basis the n eed for bed for inpatients and emergency. Admission /discharge policy was reinforced through multidisciplinary approach. Alternate accommodation in other units like CICU and CCU which has same bed accessories and uniform care provision were identified. Early tentative beds are booked in wards before rounds in order to facilitate early bed arrangement and patient transfer. Refreezing The final stage is refreezing. In this stage new developments are incorporated and improvements are made to stabilize the selected strategies to ensure the sustainability of the project. Daily check at unit and divisional level by bed management coordinator and ICU team. Monitoring on shift bases by charge nurses and nursing supervisors. Interventions involving palliative care, ethics consultations, and early decision about patient transfer and orders writing, family willingness and readiness and other methods to increase communication between healthcare personnel, patients, and patients families were helpful in decreasing length of stay in the intensive care unit. Thus, interdisciplinary communication played a vital role in improving ICU patients LOS whereby its importance is being defined by Pronovost et al (2003) and point out that communication failures lead to increased patient harm, length of stay (LOS), and resource use (p71). Hence to a major extent the daily communication st rategy worked out very well and the team was successful to bring about this change. ICU length of stay was 6.5 days in quarter one and it was reduce to 5.6 days in the second quarter for the year 2009 and consequently to 4.8 and 4 day in third and fourth quarter of 2009. Fetherston et.al (2009) stated that: When change is managed in systematic steps with adequate evaluation and communication throughout the process, it is more likely to result in successful outcomes. (p 2582) Evaluating the Change Project s took place and was received very positively. Following are the most important attributes I have experienced for this successful change like it was logical, efficient, and planned not haphazard then it was based on explanation of reason for a change so that individuals understand it. After that it was very informative and staff supported change when they were involved in assessment and planning. Change agent interpersonal competency and expertise (knowledgeable) of the given task was outstanding and hence the monitoring feedback on timely basis -to ensure that all team members is on same wave length wa carried out in a very sposticated manner.

The World Bank, Tourism, and Sex Work Essay -- Essays Papers

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The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn Essay -- Literary Analysis, Mark Twa

â€Å"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became man, I put my childish ways behind me (NIC: 1Corinthians 13:11) In the life of every individual, there are various events and stages, such as death, crime, overcoming fear and undergoing moral growth, which transform immature individuals into serious and mature people. In Mark Twain’s novels, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer and The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn, one sees this transformation and growth in the two main characters by facing conflicts and events, these being Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn In beginning of the novel The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, one sees Tom as a crafty, intelligent, and imaginative boy with excellent theatrical skills. â€Å"Twain invented the American archetype of the prankish, widely imaginative boy with a taste for adventure in The Adventure of Tom Sawyer†.(Gillespie1) Tom never takes anything seriously, and never seems to have a real problem, as he is a careless individual. â€Å"He expends his gift mainly on tricking [and] getting in and out of trouble. (Swan1). His carelessness is displayed, when his aunt forces him to whitewash the fence as punishment, as in The Adventure of Tom Sawyer: â€Å"Like it? Well, I don’t see why I oughtn’t to like it. Dose a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?†(Twain, The adventure of Tom Sawyer 13) Without even thinking of a reason for being punished, he manages to do no work by persuading Ben Rogers and others to whitewash fence.(13) Tom’s transformation begins when h e witness the murder of Dr. Robinson by an accident. Unlike any other ‘incident’ he had ever had to face, he faces this one with fears. However, feels wrong staying out of the situation. â€Å"Sho! It’s t... ...leberry to betray Jim, Huckleberry keeps his friendship by protecting Jim from trouble.†(Park 1) â€Å"Goodness sakes, would a runaway nigger run south?†(216) When the Duke and the Dauphin ask whether Jim is runaway slave, Huck stand up for Jim by asking them whether the runaway black will go down to south. Huck stands up for Jim and demonstrates his courage, showing his transformation from being selfish and careless to being loyal and caring person. In Mark Twain’s novel â€Å"Tom Sawyer† and â€Å"The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn† certain event and conflict helps growth and transformation of the two main characters. Tom, a careless individual who seems to have no problems, grows and transforms into a caring person by facing his problems and struggling. Huckleberry, also demonstrate his transformation in his adventures with runaway slave Jim and by living with Widow Douglas.

A Father Does Not Always Know Best :: Free Essay Writer

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain brilliantly illustrates a boy's travels down the Mississippi and the trials and tribulations that occur as a result. Having a runaway slave as a companion and being set in the South during slavery only forebodes trouble. The many characters and stunts that Huck's pulls provides for an interesting depiction of a young man's venture down a river. Huck lives in a small town and has only one drunken parent, which supplies Huck with many problems. His biological father, Pap, wanders from town to town, begging for money and drinking; and every once in a while pops back into Huck's life to beg money and to scold his son for going to school and becoming ‘sivilized’. However, there is also another male figure that acts as a father to young Huck. Miss Watson's slave Jim travels along with Huck and befriends the boy. Because Jim is a role model and mentor to the young Huck, he is more of a father figure than his biological father. Jim also teaches him principles directly through their conversations and debates. "Jim said he reckoned that the widow was partly right and that Pap was partly right, so the best way would be or us to pick two or three things from the list and say we wouldn't borrow them anymore† (Twain, 49). Jim taught Huck how to combine what he had been taught so far and how to rationalize. He also taught Huck little fables and old wives tales such as the 'bad luck if ya touch a rattlesnake' and 'a hairy breast mean ya gonna be rich sumday...(Twain, 40, 34) "Jim says you mustn't catch a bird cause it's death and you mustn’t count the thing you're ganna cook for dinner cause it's bad luck" (Twain, 34) Jim teaches him both lessons that are essential to life and ones that are amusing and make life interesting. Fathers satisfy the needs of their sons. Jim satisfied Huck’s need for exploration and his quest for knowledge and also satisfied his need for pleasure and en joyment. A father teaches his son lessons. Jim taught Huck many lessons both unintentionally and directly. Jim shows Huck that slaves are human people. Huck learns that slaves are capable of human emotions such as love and compassion because Jim talked of buying his wife out of slavery and stealing his children out of bondage.

Entangled Pakistan and War on Terror Essay

At eight forty-six Flight eleven crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Centre (Board). Sixteen minutes later Flight number, one seventy-five, impacted the South Tower (Board, George Washington University). American Airlines Flight seventy-seven dropped on the Pentagon at nine thirty-seven (Board, George Washington University ). On eleventh September 2001 two thousand nine hundred and seventy seven people died (Glazier). It marked the worst terrorist attack in the American history. The United States economy froze while the world still stood in shock. In those dramatic moments on twelfth September 2001, President George W Bush addressed the nation and declared America’s War on Terrorism (US declares War on Terror). What followed was a global campaign by American and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops against Taliban, who controlled Afghanistan and Al-Qaeda, the master mind behind the nine-elven plot. The military campaign was named â€Å"Operation Enduring Freedom†. The leader of Al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden was the key target of the United States. When the Afghan government refused to hand over, USA decided to invade Afghanistan (Channel). On twenty-second September 2006, President Parvez Musharraf confided that United States threatened Pakistan. In an interview, Musharraf said â€Å"The intelligence director told me that Mr Armitage said, ‘Be prepared to be bombed. Be prepared to go back to the Stone Age’,† (Beale). But before US could go on with its claims, Pakistan had accepted to cooperate and provide a channel into Afghanistan. However, ten years into the war Pakistanis have started to raise serious questions as to whether the war is Pakistan’s or not. In this regard President Musharraf is often blamed for dragging Pakistan into a war which was not Pakistan’s. The debate on this issue has been a controversial one. Opposition leader Imran Khan said â€Å"A friend should tell the other friend what is good for them. A military solution is a disaster for the U. S. , it’s a disaster for the people of Pakistan. † (Solomon). At many instances it has been suggested by opposition leaders that Pakistan should withdraw from the war. Although Pakistan has benefited by the uplift of sanctions imposed in 1998 and improved foreign relations through its critical role in the war, illustrated by Western assistance during natural disasters, the war on terror has been a disadvantageous feat in terms of receiving highly misallocated foreign aid, fighting terrorism which it structured in the first place, and healing a scarred reputation of being a pro-fundamentalist country. Moreover, Pakistan’s ill-equipped economy is not suited to sustain a pro-longed war, especially a one which has extended to its own territories. USAID (United States aid for International development) is the most commonly presented counter argument when Pakistan’s self-interest in the war is put forth. However, it is to be noted here that survival of Pakistan does not solely depend on USAID, let alone boost economy. Between 2002 and 2008 Pakistan received a total of twenty three and a half billion dollars in USAID (Ibrahim). This aid was intended to stabilize Pakistan and render its capability strong enough to counter terrorism. Although the amount â€Å"appears† large enough to change any country, it has largely been futile for Pakistan. If the real purpose of USAID was to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and USA and boost Pakistan’s economy, as it is mostly portrayed, then it should have been more wisely allocated. For instance, a mere ten percent is spent on development projects such as poverty, education and healthcare (Ibrahim). With such meager resources, these programs cannot be extensively carried out to achieve the desirable results. Meanwhile, a stunning seventy five percent of aid was allocated for military purposes (Ibrahim). These included purchasing of advanced weaponry and obtaining counter-terrorism training from the United States. Analytically, three-fourth of spending would do little to prop Pakistan whatsoever. It is astonishing that so much of the aid is being misused for purposes which would not serve Pakistan at best. To lay down the effects, the usefulness of the aid should be considered. A strong military would do little or perhaps negligibly small to make Pakistan a prosperous state. Assume, if three-fourth of aid was spent on development projects instead. In a decade, Pakistan would have been much better off than its current standing. The extremism and terrorism could be better countered by education and improved standard of living than by weapons. Looking from one perspective USAID is the price United States paid to purchase the loyalty of Pakistan. Nevertheless, America took back what it gave. An upsetting aspect about USAID is the phenomenon that it returns back to the donor country. In this regard Dr. Murtaza Haider, associate dean at Ryerson University, says â€Å"The nature of development aid business is such that large sums of donated money in fact return to the donor country in the form of contractual payments to consultants and manufacturers. I recall listening to the former World Bank president James Wolfensohn in 2004 at the 16th Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics in Washington DC where he offered his candid views about how development aid was misspent by donors. In 2003-04 development aid was estimated at $58 million of which $14 million were pocketed by the consultants alone. † (Haider) This fact emphasizes the uselessness of foreign aid to Pakistan. Already being spent so meagerly, a significant proportion of it returns back to USA, which is bound to have a little impact on the country’s wellbeing. So in fact America eventually takes back what it donated while Pakistan still owes favors to the US. The problem here is that the aid comes with a price. By accepting aid package from the United States, Pakistan has become a participant in the war on terror. In return, Pakistan must return favors to satisfy its allies. For instance take the controversial Kerry-Lugar bill of 2009. It promised Pakistan an aid package of one and a half billion dollars annually for five years. Despite the big digits the bill was a controversy. Instead of promoting good image of United States, it declined it further. The conditions applying to the aid package were unacceptable for many Pakistanis. Mustafa Qadir, a researcher for Amnesty International writes â€Å"Controversially, aid may be dependent on US access to Pakistani nationals associated with nuclear proliferation, such as Abdul Qadir Khan. Pakistan must also demonstrate that it is assisting the US in dismantling illicit nuclear supply networks. Pakistan must show a ‘sustained commitment to †¦ combating terrorist groups’ too. Specific reference is made to Pakistan ceasing to support militancy in Afghanistan and India. There is even a reference to the Afghan Taliban shura in Quetta and the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke† (Qadri). As it appears Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity is often reduced by US actions. Despite being an ally on war on terror, USA has been suspicious of Pakistan’s nuclear program and objective of its leadership. Conditions accompanying USAID often give the United States the right to interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs. These conditions have further extended to include military operations by American army in Pakistan’s territory. May it be a covert operation to kill Osama bin Laden or drone strikes, USA takes the liberty to trespass and eliminate multiple targets inside Pakistan. â€Å"The US has launched drone strikes in Pakistan over 330 times with up to 3,247 casualties – including up to 852 civilians† (Rogers). The drone attacks have been terrifically condemned by Pakistanis but despite that United States blatantly continues with its strategy. Though a justification for US drone strikes could have been sought if only suspected terrorists were killed but the collateral damage and deaths of non-combatants is simply disappointing. For Pakistan the most upsetting consequence of war on terror has been the terrorists themselves. For a thorough understanding of fundamental groups, history of their past relations with Pakistan needs to be seen. After Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, a power struggle ensued between different groups of Afghanis. The old Mujahideen army was left with no purpose. The Afghan war was over now. From 1994 a civil war initiated in Afghanistan and eventually the Taliban succeeded in establishing their rule in Afghanistan. Till 2001, the Afghan government remained neutral to Pakistan. This was because of the fact that before 9/11 attacks Pakistan supported the Taliban. Pakistan was involved in assisting terrorist groups, Taliban and Al-Qaeda, in the civil war to form a government in Afghanistan in 1990’s (History Channel). However, after 9/11 there came shift in Pakistan’s policy. Pakistan forged an alliance with the US to help channel the Nato and American troops into Afghanistan. The previously pro-Pakistani terrorist groups turned rogue. Pakistan was instructed by the US to eliminate Al-Qaeda elements and training camps across the border. This later translated into the Waziristan operation by the Pakistani forces in the North-Western territories of Pakistan. It was predictable that the old partners would initiate a terror reign across Pakistan. â€Å"The country’s annual death toll from terrorist attacks rose from 164 in 2003 to 3,318 in 2009, a level exceeding the number of Americans killed on September 11. Some 35,000 Pakistanis, including 3,500 members of security forces, have died in terror and counterterror violence. Millions more have been displaced by fighting. † (Hamid) The benefit of Pakistan seems little from the figures. The war initiated by the United States has cost Pakistan a lot both economically and socially. The extremist groups which had previously aligned themselves with Pakistan turned against it in their attempt to oppose USA. As per the Ministry of Finance â€Å"During the last 10 years the direct and indirect cost of war on terror incurred by Pakistan amounted to $ 67. 93 billion or Rs. 5037 billion. † (Ministry of Finance) This amount outweighs the economic assistance Pakistan has received during the past decade which roughly amounts to only one-third of it. Furthermore, the true impact of terrorism cannot be expressed in monetary terms. For instance, economists cannot place value on the loss of human life, loss of Pakistan’s image to the world etc. Another unanticipated consequence of the war on terror for Pakistan has been its credibility. During the war the western countries have expressed doubts about Pakistan’s loyalty. Pakistan has been accused of playing a â€Å"double-game†, whereby Pakistan pretends to assist United States but secretly support terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Although no evidence exists regarding Pakistan’s double game but United States and NATO have frequently complained of Pakistan’s secret policy. For example death of Osama bin Laden placed a serious crisis over Pakistan. The international repute and credibility of Pakistan vanished into thin air. President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai hinted that Osama bin Laden had â€Å"hidden himself in the military bases of Abbottabad. † (Boone and Black) While John Brenan, the homeland security advisor to the White House said â€Å"People are raising a number of questions and understandably so†¦ I’m sure a number of people have questions about whether there was some kind of support provided by the Pakistani government. † (Office of the Press Secretary, White House) What both meant to say was that Pakistan was providing a sanctuary to the Al-Qaeda leader. Thus the event itself was a humiliation for the country. The time of 9/11 can only be commended upon since it coincided at a time when Pakistan desperately required foreign help to drag itself out from the economic turmoil it faced. It will be unfair to say that war on terror has been a complete disaster for Pakistan. Before September eleven attacks Pakistan was under intense pressure from the international community. In May 1998 after Pakistan’s first nuclear test, it came under economic sanctions from the world major power ¬s. Aid to Pakistan ceased and foreign trade was cut off. The US and other shareholder’s formed a coalition to stop International Monetary Fund (IMF) funding to Pakistan. The economy which was already running on debt from the IMF plummeted down even deeper. By November 1998 the foreign reserves of Pakistan fell to four hundred and fifty eight million dollars which is a considerably dangerous figure for any economy. Before the tests the Finance Ministry predicted the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow by six percent for 1998 to 1999 financial year. (Morrow and Carriere) However after the nuclear tests the Economist Intelligence Unit predicted that the Gross Domestic product (GDP) growth rate from 1998 to 1999 was one point six percent. (Morrow and Carriere) In short the Pakistani economy was certain to default. Apart from Chaghi nuclear test, Pakistan’s brief venture into the Kargil war and military coup by President Musharraf had left the country in diplomatic isolation. Pakistan was under an estimated foreign debt of forty billion dollars (Mahapatra). But the war on terror altered the whole scenario. Twelve days after the 9/11 attacks all sanctions were lifted by Preside George W Bush after Pakistan complied to ally with the United States. (BBC News) Pakistan was again recognized as an ally by the Western nations and the started pouring in. Thus the war on terror prevented an economic crisis which was bound to engulf Pakistan. War on terror was the stimulus for improving diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the European nations. Since Pakistan had been an important ally of US and NATO, relations turned good with the European community. Pakistan received aid and technical assistance from the Europe and America during the 2005 earthquake. Pakistan received an estimated total aid of six point seven billion dollars from the International community (Fox News). During the Flood of 2010, Pakistan received one and a half billion dollars in aid for relief efforts (Guardian). This filled the trust deficit that had existed between Pakistan and the West for so long a period. However, the credit again belongs to the so called war on terror which has had been the architect of good foreign relations for Pakistan. It is true that Pakistan’s participation in war on terror was a need at one time but adopting a permanent policy would not be a sane thought. Given its capability both economically and militarily it is not feasible for a developing country like Pakistan to afford a war which would last for a decade, especially when its opponent has mastered in guerilla warfare. War on terror is a bleeding wound that Pakistan needs to heal. It is evident that even after United States withdrawal the war may continue in the region. The dire outcome might be same as the consequences of Soviet Union’s Afghan war. A. Rauf Khan Khattak quotes J. Michael McConnell, the Director of National Intelligence who narrates remarks of a Pakistani general â€Å"In the long run Americans will not have the burden of staying in Afghanistan and when America pull out then India will reign. Therefore the Pakistanis will have to sustain contracts with the opposition to Afghan government meaning the Taliban, â€Å"So when America pulls out, it is a friendly government to Pakistan†. (Khattak 10) After US’s withdrawal Pakistan’s dilemma would be to contain the insurgency in its territories which will be an insurmountable task to cope with. â€Å"Seemingly† war on terror appears beneficial for Pakistan. In fact the case is otherwise. Inflow of huge cash into Pakistan’s will improve the country’s balance of payments and foreign currency reserves for a time-being but in the long run, Pakistan is at loss. The cost paid by Pakistan outweighs the benefits received by a large scale. The true loss can only be estimated. Economically war on terror has been no less than a disaster for Pakistan. Its usefulness lays only in the fact that Pakistan was temporarily stabilized by pro-Western policies, however, mid-war security conditions in the country and costs incurred are too diabolic to accept. The immediate solution would be that Pakistan withdraws from the war and make peace with its neighbor.