Hate Crimes Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hate Crimes - Research Paper Example It should be noted that 9/11 incident itself can be labelled as a hate crime. In short, hate crimes are happening at all parts of the world in different forms. According to Lieberman (2010), â€Å"In 2008, 13,690 police agencies reported 7,783 hate crimes—almost one hate crime for every hour of every day† (Lieberman, 2010, p.82). In other words, the incidents of hate crimes are growing day by day not only in America, but also in all parts of the world. It should be noted that the major reasons behind majority of the wars in the past and at present are attributed to hate crimes. The war on terror, First and Second World Wars, Gulf war, conflicts between Israel and Palestine etc are some of the examples of hate crimes. This paper analyses the history of hate crimes, the development of laws against hate crimes, pros and cons of hate crimes, examples of hate crimes etc. History of hate crimes The first recorded "hate crime" occurred in 1922 in America. The Federal Bureau of Investigation encountered a rising Ku Klux Klan, white supremacist movement in Louisiana. Two people were kidnapped, tortured and murdered while thousands more received threats to their person. The KKK and other racist organizations committed thousands between 1922-2006. In July 1946, two black couples were pulled from a car, lined up and shot by 20 white men. In 1954, one of America's most horrible, hate crimes occurred in Money, Mississippi. The crime, itself, was bestial. As many as 20 men took turns beating and torturing 14 year-old Emmett until his death (Brookes, 2012). The history of hate crimes started along with the evolution of humans in this world. However, the term hate crimes started to get more popularity only during the Second World War. The modern day history of hate crimes started during the Nazi regime in Germany. Nazis started a massive operation against the Jews community and millions of Jews forced to sacrifice their lives because of it. Germans had a perceptio n that they were the superior race in this world and all the other religions and communities should obeys the laws formulated by the Germans. In fact the major reasons for the two world wars were the superiority complexes of Germans. In recent times, ethnic conflicts were reported from countries such as Bosnia, Herzegovina, Rwanda, Serbia etc. The development of laws against hate crimes â€Å"It makes better sense, legally and morally, to prosecute someone for harassment, trespassing, or disturbing the peace without judging the content of their expression than it does to proscribe certain forms of expression† (Breaking The Codes,1991, p.8). Hate crime prevention laws are in place in America after the abolitions of slavery and racial discrimination. In fact normal laws are enough to punish hate crimes since majority of the hate crimes involve real crimes or normal crimes. The First Amendment does not protect violence, nor does it prevent the government from imposing criminal p enalties for violent discriminatory conduct directed against victims on the basis of their personal characteristics. Americans are free to think, preach, and believe whatever they want. It is only when an individual commits a crime based on those biased beliefs and intentionally targets another for violence or vandalism that a hate crime statute can be triggered (Lieberman, 2010, p.83)

The Aztecs simplistic crop-enhancing Essay Example for Free

The Aztecs simplistic crop-enhancing Essay The main supply for food for the Aztecs were agriculture and farming. They rely mainly on the crops for every season; they grow, produce and consume food and this is how they get their daily food. Terracing Indicating the societal complexity of the Aztecs, the farming technique known as terracing is complicated and elaborate. They used terracing in the hilly areas and built walls, forming terraces into the sides of the hills. These stone walls ran parallel to the contour of the slope and rainfall washed compost vegetation and nutrients from the hills above. Terracing opened up previously unusable land for farming. Irrigation Because the Aztecs built extensive canal and water-diverting systems, irrigation farming became popular and productive. With water readily available, the Aztecs could enhance the growing season by irrigating the fields prior to planting, strengthen their crops by augmenting the rainfall with additional watering, and lengthen the farming season by irrigating long after the rains had stopped. Chinampas Also know to the Aztecs as floating gardens, chinampas were pieces of land created by piling up alternating layers of compost vegetation and mud from the lake bottom, in the shallow marshy parts of the lakes. Initially the 30 feet by 330 feet chinampas were held in place by man-made posts, but eventually these fertile farming patches stayed secured by the roots of nearby willow trees. Once the mud and vegetation piled up higher than the water level, the plot was ready for cultivation. The crop yield from chinampas was so prolific and expedient, farmers began growing, not only for themselves, but for marketing out to others. Rainfall Cultivation The Aztecs most basic and simplistic crop-enhancing technique, called rainfall cultivation, involved fallowing the fields. They left farming plots empty to collect itself and become nutritionally enhanced by rainfall. This process is the least labor intensive form of farming, but the Aztecs eventually cast it aside following the population boom and the need for larger, more productive crops.

Barack Obama: Leading Change In The US

Barack Obama: Leading Change In The US Having defeated John Mc Cain, in the 44th US presidential elections on the 4 November 2008, Barack Obama became the first African-American president in the history of the US. According to Forbes, he is seen as the most powerful person in the globe because he leads the largest, most powerful and evolving economy in the world. In his capacity as the American president, he participates in the (G8) forum and he is one of the people whose decisions shape the world economy. Additionally, at home, his party holds the majority in both US house and senate; therefore, he is able to wield legislations and policies to his favour. (Forbes, 2010) His priorities when elected as president was to develop plans to withdraw American troops from Iraq, finish the operations in Afghanistan and close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. His overall political agenda included (a) improving the American Economy, (b) introducing new legislation which aimed to provide affordable accessible health care to all American citizens as well as (c) improving education and (d) investing on renewable sources of energy in an attempt to reduce the disastrous effect of climate change. Last but not least, he aimed to stop Iran from developing their nuclear program. One of Barack Obamas major concerns was to improve the American foreign policy image around the world, in particular the relationships between the US and Muslim countries, which under the presidency of Mr. George Bush had deteriorated as a result of the war against Afghanistan and Iraq. Moreover, unlike George Bush who saw himself as the ultimate CEO, who sets big goals and agendas, and runs the Federal Government as a large private corporation, Barack Obama had at the core of his internal policy the interests of the ordinary American citizen. In other words, George Bush, an autocratic leader was succeeded by Barack Obama, a democratic leader. His vision was to inspire pride in all American citizens so that they would believe again in the potential of the American dream and restore their belief that change was possible and that they could all, together develop a new sense of common goals about their country. Clearly, Obama does not see himself as a CEO, but rather as a community orga nizer and facilitator whose authority is derived from the American People and whose main purpose is the public welfare. (Burnett, 2008) What makes Barack Obama a true leader? Barack Obama is true leader because of his leadership characteristics and personality traits. One characteristic that makes him a leader is integrity, that is, the strength of someone able to keep his personal ethics. Obama has this trait because he will not compromise to anything that is unethical to him and he will stick to his position and ethics for the greater good of the country, even if he is risking his career. Another characteristic that represents Obama, with regard to foreign affairs, is his sense of respect of other countries despite their past. This led Obama to support diplomacy, even with countries which were considered terrorist such as Iran. Barack Obama is characterized for his belief in equality for every American citizen. According to a tax plan that he introduced, middle class families will relief from taxes and so will small business because they create more jobs. Another typical characteristic of Obama is his sense of citizenship. Back in 1992, when he was still a community organizer in Chicago, he helped to create a job training program, a college preparatory tutoring program, and a tenants rights organization. This showed Obamas self-will and motivation to be an active member of a community and make changes for the greater good. Obamas sense of caring and solidarity to the American people, led to a new legislation which reformed the public health care sector as well as the education sector in the United States. This shows that the welfare of each American is at the top of its agenda. Not many leaders have the ability to have time for both their families and the public welfare, but apparently Barack Obama keeps balance of his time and also devotes time to his beloved family. Confidence is another virtue of Barack Obama, which is particularly obvious in his speeches and the way people perceive him. His confidence is inspiring; it boosts their morale and encourages them to act for a common purpose with their own goodwill. Barack Obama was elected with a majority of 53%. A remarkable thing to say is that a few weeks after his election, a Gallup poll revealed that the 83% of the population approved of his action. This shows that the 30% of the voters who hadnt voted him at the elections changed their minds and gave another chance to the 44th American president. What made them change their mind about Barrack Obama? Since day one, Barack Obama tried to introduce important changes in domestic policies and the foreign affairs as he had promised from his campaign. His activities caught the eye of the public and gained him their trust, with his charismatic nature. One century earlier, the German Sociologist Max Weber, stated that charismatic leaders are characterized by a certain quality in their personality by virtue of which they are set apart from ordinary men and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities. Barack Obama has this charisma and his followers think of him as a leader with special qualities that he deservers their devotion and faith. This charismatic ability enabled him to bring the people to his side, especially young people and prompt them to achieve goals larger than their expectations and strengths. During his speeches he uses the expression we a lot, which enables him to have direct communication with his audience. A lso, in his speeches he uses expressions such as we are hurting, in order to awaken them and get their attention to important issues that affect them and make them believe that they can contribute to his work. (Fellahi, 2009) According to Barack Obamas doctrine, a complete change will come from the transformation of the politics of America to heal Americas pain and change American lives for good by replacing the politics that breed division, conflict and cynicism with a policy that increases unity and brings peace in America and the whole world. From this doctrine we can see that Barack Obamas charisma springs from empathy and inspiring power rather than authority and muscular strength such as Bushs administration. (Fellahi, 2009) Is Barack Obama a transformational leader? Looking so far what Barack Obama has done as a president for this short term, we can see an extraordinary person who has climbed the ladder of power with a vision. One of the dominant mottos in his presidential campaign was Change We Can Believe In. This referred to hope for a better future and a better country. So far, Barack Obama has made a lot of changes in the health care legislation and the economic system in an attempt to fight recession. His activities have inspired many people and provide them with a new vision that increases commitment and performance. After eight years under George Bushs transactional leadership with rewards and penalties in an attempt to force people to comply, came the transformational leadership of Barack Obama who presented himself as an initiator of change able to inspire people with his vision and create a need for change by making the people to deal with the problem, by creating a new culture of urgency and energy and not by ignoring it. (Bateman, 2010) According to the contingency theory in leadership, different management styles will be more effective in different situations. In that case, during his presidency Barack Obama has been able to respond to different situations with different styles. For example, when he was travelling abroad he was humble and listened patiently before he spoke. However, in other cases he showed his tough site and forced the automobile industry in the US to follow some standards and change their business actions. Finally, he showed the world that he is willing to work hard to accomplish the changes he promised to bring and overcome all types of challenges in order to keep his promises. (Coggins, 2009) In conclusion, Barack Obamas leadership has taught us that every leader needs to set his goals and create his own strategy of implementing them. Definitely, having a vision helps to set priorities and makes you confident so that you will work hard in order to achieve your goals. Barack Obamas vision has enabled him to set goals and priorities such as the welfare of the American citizens, to be self-motivated and confident of what he was doing and inspire others to follow him. Finally, Barack Obama is characterized as an initiator of change; with his vision, he has created a need for change by making people deal with their problems and create a new culture of urgency and energy. Sources Forbes, 2010. [online]. Available at:

Microsofts .Net architecture :: essays research papers

BY NOW YOU'VE read and heard plenty about .NET, Microsoft's new enterprise application strategy. A nuts-and-bolts rundown of .NET's features may leave you asking, "Does this have anything to do with me?" If you run Windows on desktops, .NET's impact will be minimal, and if you operate Windows servers, .NET could require making a few changes. But if you specify, design, develop, or implement enterprise software or Web applications, keep in mind that .NET drastically changes Windows' profile. You can't use the old rules to determine Windows' suitability for an enterprise task. The assumptions, design models, and development techniques that have worked since Windows NT 3.51 will soon be obsolete. In contrast to the poorly defined Windows DNA (Distributed interNet Architecture), .NET is a tangible and easily defined software product. It is an application framework, meaning that it provides applications with the system and network services they require. The .NET services range from displaying graphical user interfaces to communicating with other servers and applications in the enterprise. It replaces Windows COM (Component Object Model) with a much simpler object model that is implemented consistently across programming languages. This makes sharing data among applications, even via the Internet, easy and transparent. .NET also substantially improves application scalability and reliability, with portability being a stated but not yet realized objective. These are clear benefits demonstrated by the pre-beta edition of .NET. We've been testing the .NET pre-beta (now downloadable from msdn.microsoft.com/net) for several weeks. Attendees of Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2000 in Orlando,Fla., ourselves among them, received a stack of CDs with the .NET preview, plus a good deal of software not yet released. The combination of the .NET components adds up to a strikingly complete picture of what .NET will be on its release. With an uncharacteristically stable and feature-rich pre-beta, relationships already in place with third-party tools suppliers, and even books on .NET topics, Microsoft could drive .NET to market with head-spinning speed. But until Microsoft publishes its schedule for .NET's release, it's best to plan for a debut that's months rather than years awayWe've been testing the .NET pre-beta (now downloadable from msdn.microsoft.com/net) for several weeks. Attendees of Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference (PDC) 2000 in Orlando,Fla., ourselves among them, received a stack of CDs with the .

Consider how effectively does David Lean creates an atmosphere of fear and suspense in the opening sequence of ‘Great Expectations’

Welcome to the new monthly section of The Film Watchers' Journal in which we discuss a question asked to us by a reader. As it is nearly Halloween, our topic for this month will be, ‘What is the best way to create an atmosphere of fear and suspense in a film? ‘ To do this I will first discuss my personal views on this question and then we will take a deeper study of the classic suspenseful opening of the 1945 film ‘Great Expectations', directed by the great David Lean and the Academy Award Winner of Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction in 1946. To start with, let's consider what makes a film scary and suspenseful. Some may say that it is outright scares and jumps, though I believe that it is more than that. Something within us needs to feel the fear of the characters and there are many techniques a director can use to achieve that. One of the main causes of fear is the music. Large periods of silence can really get you feeling scared as you wait for something to happen, but equally I also would say that it is chilling when you hear the odd sound such as creaking or the wind to give a sense of realism and pulls at our basic fears of these sorts of noises. Another way that many films are made to be scary is by their use of lighting. Again the basic fear of the dark is used, but also making certain aspects of the scene light or dark can foreshadow future events and subconsciously make the viewer feel worried about what is going to happen. There are also of course many other ways of making a scene fearful and suspenseful such as camera movement, the relative size of what is in the frame, speed of editing and lots of other things besides but we will get to this as I analyse the opening scenes of ‘Great Expectations' as it has many good examples which can be noted. To start with it would be wrong not to look at how the opening shot of the scene in which the book is read. At first glance it may not seem to have any fear or suspense as it is a very everyday object, but I think that there is relevance to this in the overall build up of apprehension. As it is read, the calmness of the melody in the background is slowly overtaken by the sound of the wind as the story begins, and the way this is makes you wonder what is going to happen and starts building up some tension, especially as the pages of the book flick in some supernatural way. It immediately focuses you on it as the book is lit up, framed by the darkness of an unknown place which may be playing on our fear of the unknown. It then fades into the next scene, which I believe gives it a sense of smooth carrying on, and the suspense really starts to kick in. One of the key ways in which David Lean creates fear is by the imagery of death all around, a common technique used by directors. One of the chief examples of this is when Pip runs past the gallows in the wide open marshes. With the use of perspective he really looks the same size as the first, almost as if it is made for him. Subconsciously I think that this must make the scene more worrying for the audience as they have the picture of him and death together in their minds. This is strongly reinforced by the second gibbet which towers over him as he runs underneath it which again shows that death is over him all the time. I find that this is a very effective way of creating fear as it is not too obvious so it works at our subconscious which is more subtle and can create more lasting and deeper fears as we slowly piece them together in the backs of our minds. Another example of death imagery is obviously the graveyard which almost always has the gravestones looking bigger than Pip and looming over him, possibly to create a sense of foreboding. I think that the constant reminder of death being always there is definitely a big reason that this is the classic suspense scene always remembered. Of course imagery is also used elsewhere; one of the foremost cases of this is when the second tree is shown looming over Pip you can quite clearly see what seems to be a face in the gnarled bark. This reflects the childish fears of Pip and therefore makes us immediately empathise with him and feel his fear as well due to our compassion for frightened children that is within most people, especially seeing as that sort of thing can live in with us until we are much older. Of course the imagery is not the only way of creating fear and suspense. Another obvious technique used in this film is the way objects or people, specifically Pip, are placed in the frame to give them certain relevance. This is shown to start with by the world seeming very big and Pip seeming very small by using very distant establishing shots. You may think that this would make him seem quite irrelevant but as he is kept quite central in the mise en scine and the camera moves with him we can see that his size on the screen must serve a different purpose and I believe that this is to show us just how scary and big this world is, especially to a child, and straight away lead us to empathise with him and therefore feel his fear. Again this use of size is echoed later in the scene when Pip meets the convict, with the convict always towering over him in a way that makes him seem very weak and in peril. At some points we cannot even see the convict's head as it is looming so high above him that it does not fit in the frame. It could be said that this is just for practicality but I think it is important because in quite a lot of the time we can be more scared by what we cannot see that what we can see and the fact that his head is not in the shot makes it seem all the more frustrating as we do not feel that we can see the whole picture and therefore it scares us as the unknown is a massive factor in how we get scared.. Another more subtle way that this film gets into our subconscious is through very clever lighting which can be seen as very symbolic. In the shot where the boy runs toward the camera we can quite clearly see that the foreground is darker than the light shining on the horizon so we can plainly see that the boy is running from the light into the dark and I would associate this with danger and fear. However, I think the use of light is most evident in the section with Pip and the convict as Pip clearly has the light shining on him while the convict is left in the dark. This not only makes him more mysterious as we cannot see him as well as we would like to but it also makes him seem dark and scary which sparks most people's inner fear of darkness and again that which is unknown. Use of the dark is therefore a very popularly used way to really get into people's heads as it is a primal fear that everyone has and instantaneously makes us feel nervous when this man is introduced because he is so dark within the frame compared to Pip whom we have come to trust who is lit up. Although a lot of the lighting is not as strong as in some other films, I think that the way that it affects us is still quite noticeable and does serve a very useful purpose in that it grabs our attention and slowly builds up future unconscious foreshadowing of future events. Probably one of the more obvious things which David Lean uses to create tension is his use of sounds. Unlike many other suspenseful films he does not use suspenseful music or much silence, but in fact the chilling sounds of the howling wind, distant seabird call and the creaking of trees. These may seem a little over the top to a modern audience used to being scared in much more elaborate ways, but they still can make you shiver if you are really getting into the film. A great deal of this is just repeated over and over, so you are lulled into a false sense of security so that when the scream comes as Pip is grabbed by the convict you are caught completely off guard. This use of a long period of similar sounds then a large, surprising one is often used to great effect in films and the shock of it is a very good tactic as it shakes the audience into focus and really makes them watch what's happening. The scream itself is quite scary as, having to got to empathise with the boy, we immediately share his fear and want to know what is going on but can't quite tell. I think that this is again going back to the fear of the unknown which has seemed to come up quite often in this review. Lastly, it is useful to look at some of the more technical techniques used to make this film suspenseful, namely camera movement and post production editing. I don't feel that the way the camera moves makes it quite as suspenseful as it could be as there is not all that much done with it other than panning across whenever Pip moves. It could possibly be improved had more been done with it such as zooming in slowly to build up tension or quick movement away from Pip to disassociate with him at some points. However, it could be said that the lack of movement in the shots makes them seem more sharply put together and could make movement more edgy and therefore in a way scarier. The editing on the other hand I feel is quite well done to make it seem more suspenseful. As the scene opens there are long, slow moving shots which establish us into the scene and make us feel a sense of what it is like to be there and begin to draw us into it. The shots continue to be long and unhurried until the lengthy shot of Pip slowly looking round behind him as he begins to feel that something is wrong. The shots then speed up rapidly, cutting from him to the tree then back to him and even more quickly onto the tree with the gnarled face. With this we can feel his fear building up and we begin to feel it ourselves too, and as he gets up and runs we are fully with him and are just as shocked as him when his is grabbed by the convict. The shots stay quite fast as he has his conversation with the convict which I feel reflects his own fear in the situation and again, because we have already built up some form of empathy for Pip's character during the short time before, we begin to worry what will happen as well. So there it is, I can answer the question that in this old classic the way that David Lean thinks that a film can be made suspenseful and fearful is mainly by slowly getting us to feel for a character and build up imagery of death and subconsciously keep feeding us fearful pictures and sounds so that when the climax of the fear comes we are equally as shocked as Pip is. Although modern audiences might scoff at this movie as it is not as scary by today's standards, I think that it is a very clever piece of film in making you scared without being too obvious about it and that if you look carefully in more contemporary films you will see that even then the same techniques are generally used. That's it for this month's film question, but please write in with responses or suggestions for November, and keep an eye out for these techniques when you are next watching a scary film!

10 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re Broke

10 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re Broke Whether being broke is a permanent state for you, or you’re just passing through a bit of hardship, there are a few lifestyle adjustments it would be prudent for you to make in order to not end up in a mountain of debt. Being broke is also incredibly stressful- you’re constantly worried about your bank balance and how you’ll afford necessary purchases. Why add to the stress?Here is a list of good things to avoid doing if you’re having trouble making ends meet.1. SmokeSeriously. Apart from the fact that it will eventually give you cancer (aka huge medical bills), it’s incredibly expensive to keep up. You’ll live longer and find you have a lot more spending money week to week.2. DrugsDon’t smoke anything else either. People can tell and won’t hire you. You’ll have to constantly worry about passing random or job-related drug tests, and you’ll be spending a lot of money you just don’t have.3. Join a GymFitness i s a great thing, but can be achieved much more cheaply than by getting a monthly (spendy) gym membership. Go running. Do push-ups and crunches. Try the Scientific 7-Minute Workout. Find yoga videos for free on YouTube. Figure out how to exercise for free- it’s super simple these days.4. Look Down on WorkAs long as someone’s job is legal and ethical, it’s no business of yours to look down on it. Maybe you should even consider the service industry. Answer phones, wait tables, clean houses. Just get yourself back on your feet.5. Make ExcusesChances are it’s your responsibility. Unless you’re caring for a sick loved one or facing enormous medical bills yourself, you probably were just living beyond your means. Own the position you’re in and take action to dig yourself out of your financial hole.6. Take Unnecessary VacationsIf you can’t keep up with your rent or car payments, then whatever extra cash you think you have for trips or weekend s away should probably be put to more constructive use. Don’t be flagrant when you can’t afford to be.7.  Go Out to EatAvoid restaurants. You can’t afford them. Seriously. Cook for yourself and bring your lunch- leftovers are your friend. That goes for buying coffee as well; get to know your Mr. Coffee- your new regular coffee shop! If you must go to a movie, smuggle cheaper snacks in in your handbag instead of shelling out for concession prices.8. Upgrade Your StuffNow isn’t the time to get a nicer car or move to a nicer neighborhood. You can’t afford the extra cash you’d need to get this done- or the loan payments. Stick with your station for a while longer until you can afford to move up.9. Ignore the BillsYou may cringe whenever a new pile shows up in the mail, and want to hide under the covers and hope that all your bills just go away. But they won’t. Open them. Call the companies. Set up payment plans. Be proactive. It’ s much better than blissful ignorance- which can still eat you alive with stress.10. Create WasteDon’t drive anywhere further than you have to. Consolidate errands to consolidate gas. Don’t go on lavish dates- simple ones will do and are often more romantic anyway. Don’t waste water or gas or electricity in your home. Don’t pay to do anything you could do yourself (car washes, house cleanings, lawn mowing). And don’t take on any extra expenses that aren’t absolutely necessary. Actually reading that magazine? Probably not. Cancel cancel cancel.

Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Example

Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Example Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Essay Topic: Fun Home Terrorism and Homeland Security Name: Course: Institution: Tutor: Date: Terrorism and Homeland Security The terrorism attack threat on Anytown brought to the department of security’s attention is the main drive for the writing of this report. Through research and investigation, it has been confirmed that the renowned terrorist group by the name Abu Nidal Organization (ANO), which conducts most of its operations from Iraq, is behind this threat. It is based in all its main funding countries like Syria, Libya and Iraq. Considering the history of its attacks and the countries it is related to, it can not be underestimated on the places and the extent of damage it is willing to do. A brief attack history of the group is that it has carried out attacks in more than twenty countries worldwide. Some of these countries include modern Palestine, United States, United Kingdom, Israel, PLO and the Arab countries. A total number of nine hundred people have either been killed or injured in all the attacks. As we have encountered them before, their main aim is to kill as many people as they can when undertaking any attack. They especially have a major hatred for the United States because of its efforts to frustrate the group’s operations since 1974. This means that the attack here will be a major one. High Risk areas According to the population data, 88.5% of Caucasians live in the woodland suburbs of Anytown while 75% of the minority resides in the apartments in the urban areas. Due to the group’s aim explained earlier, the group’s main target attacks may be the woodlands suburbs. Another main target for this place may be based on racial grounds. However, the urban areas will not be ignored. The group’s main target will be to get as many casualties as possible, so any part that can accomplish this aim will be targeted. In order to narrow down the vast area, the department has analyzed social places and the most frequented places such as the commercial buildings and social grounds (White, 2011). Malls, restaurants and other eating joints, federal buildings and the churches will be the focus in both the urban areas and the suburbs. Factories with large numbers of employees are also our focus. The large buildings in this area are frequented by approximately three thousand people in a day. The social grounds are attended by approximately a thousand people per day. Since the average income for a person in this city is approximately $48,670, most of the people frequent the stores with average prices. More than 65% of the population is working adults so the most casualties will be the active adults if the attack was to take place. This is the reason why the security department is willing to deploy extra security in the main commercial buildings in the city and the factories with more than 250 employees working in the same area. Evacuation Plans Since we have confirmation that he group has already arrived in the city, the department is doing its best in finding out the areas believed to be their hiding places. The department’s main goal is to stop the attack. However, since we do not have the specific date or dates of the attack(s), our other attention is directed to finding the escape routes. In order to avoid any panic by the public, the evacuation plans are being carried out secretly or in disguise. For example, we have already contacted the major buildings at risk and informed them of having a refresher workshop with the building occupants on how to evacuate a building in case there is any incident. We have told them to carry out this activity as though they were just updating the occupants without raising any panic or suspicion. The department has also encouraged the security in the airports, and train stations to be on alert and to be extremely thorough while doing the checks. This is because we are not sure whether the weapons are already in the country or they will have to be brought in. Extra surveillance has also been placed on the most vulnerable areas mentioned (Nicholson, 2005). Since the ANO is known for hitting where it hurts the most, the schools (especially the kindergarten, elementary and high schools) are under extra surveillance and security. This is not limited to the vulnerable regions. The security has been biffed up in the region to cover all schools. The universities and other learning institutions are under the extra surveillance too. Extra cameras and other security devices have been mounted in the mentioned buildings, schools, federal buildings and the transportation grounds. Although this has been carried out indirectly in order to avoid panic, the people have been asked to avoid staying in large groups or unnecessarily staying in one building for too long. This has been done under the pretence of the attacks taking place in other countries and that it is always good to stay safe. All the attention has been driven to this attack threat and the officials in the department are determined to find the culprits. The whole city is at risk but the areas mentioned as the most vulnerable will be put under high surveillance and the necessary arrangements done in preparation of the attack. Our main priority is preventing the attack. References Carter, D. L. (2004). A Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies. Law Enforcement Intelligence. Retrieved from intellprogram.msu.edu/Carter_Intelligence_Guide.pdf Nicholson, W. C. (2005). Homeland security law and policy. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. White, J. R. (2011). Terrorism and Homeland Security. Belmont, CA: Wordsworth.

Air Arabia and Integrated Enterprise Planning

Air Arabia and Integrated Enterprise Planning Project Charter for implementation Enterprise Resource Planning System Company Profile Air Arabia started its operations in 2003 following a directive from His Highness Doctor Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qassimi (Air Arabia, 2013) . The firm later became a company limited by liability through incorporation. Air Arabia has two hubs with one of the hubs in its headquarters in Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates while the other hub is in Casablanca, Morocco (Air Arabia, 2013).The firm has more than 57 destinations specifically in Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe (Air Arabia, 2013)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Air Arabia and Integrated Enterprise Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Purpose Statement Air Arabia intends to install an Integrated Enterprise Planning system to aid its strategic objectives (Air Arabia, 2013). Scope Statement The project scope covers the following: iden tity integrating database, instructors’ compensation, employees, finance, public relations management, and data warehousing (Gulf News, 2005). Deliverables Enterprise Resource planning envisions three major deliverables. The first deliverable is system implementation where it is expected that the system will be in place as expected. Two, corporate process enhancement in which the system’s functionality remains without destroying efficiency and control (AME Info, 2005). Lastly, Enterprise Resource Planning should aid transfer of knowledge to equip intended users with proper information and to aid the company become more self-reliant. Goals and Objectives The overall goal is the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning system to meet the following objectives: improve the quality of Air Arabia online transactions, and human resource experience by way of self-service choices. Secondly, to design its corporate image for flight excellence and better passenger experienc e (Focus Soft Net, 2013). The third objective is designing of corporate intelligent techniques for improved decision making while the fourth is to improve the company’s corporate processes and lastly, to bring down information technology expenses and other expenses as well Stakeholders and Roles Main stakeholders include the sponsor, implementation steering committee, budget review committee, project director and consultant team leads. The sponsor, being the champion of the project offers strategic path for the project, obtains finance approval for the project, monitors continued commitment and collaborates with the implementation committee to ensure timely decisions (Focus Soft Net, 2013).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The implementation steering committee works to design the overall objective of the project, review and pass the project charter, avail nec essary resources and provide management assistance to the whole project team (Focus Soft Net, 2013). The budget review committee will review the budget accordingly on aspects like expenses, costs and meet on a monthly basis to advise the implementation steering committee. The project director endeavors to coordinate the project activities, offer administrative support, design and execute master project plan, and liaise with external stakeholders. Lastly, the consultant team leads will participate in the project administration process, and provide support in designing of a project plan (Focus Soft Net, 2013). Cost and Estimate Schedule The project is estimated to take up to 4 million US dollars spread over six phases estimated to go for two years. This cost includes purchase of software, consultancy, training of staff and initial maintenance (Focus Soft Net, 2013). Chain Of Command The project sponsor is the head of the project the chain proceeds as follows: Implementation committee, project director, technical lead, project coordinator, project consultants and various teams within the company (Air Arabia, 2013). Assumptions and Agreements The project has various risk factors. Insufficient funding may stall the project while different stakeholders may fail to play their role effectively. In addition, the scope of the project may introduce new risk exposures (Focus Soft Net, 2013). Communication Plan Communication will mainly take the form of the project charter itself, communication from the sponsor and proceedings of project status meetings (Focus Soft Net, 2013). References Air Arabia. (2013). Background. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Air Arabia and Integrated Enterprise Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More AME Info. (2005). Air Arabia Implements Focus Softnets ERP solution. Web. Focus Soft Net. (2013). Air Arabia. Web. Gulf News. (2005). Air Arabia Installs ERP Solution from Focu s. Web.

Vietnam history - Rules of Engagement as seen through the different Essay

Vietnam history - Rules of Engagement as seen through the different levels of command - Essay Example There are certain rules of engagement that the Army has to consider during its operation, and while fighting the war it has to take care not to go against any of the international laws or the conditions laid down by their commanders. They are only allowed to use force and power to win the war if they use it within the set discipline and rules. In Vietnam the individual soldiers totally understood the rules of engagement. However, the problem was with them accepting those rules. The ROE led to restrictions on the military because of which their morale went down. The reason behind this was that, metaphorically speaking, one of the hands of the military was tied back and they were fighting in such a position. This was of course difficult for them and was like asking them to waste their lives without any reason since they could not defend themselves freely just due to certain rules. It is difficult for a battalion commander to come to a conclusion as to when his side should win the battl e, and what they would lose in order for that to happen. The rules of engagement, from the point of view the battalion commanders were pretty realistic. The soldiers would totally disagree since they are fighting and anything that hinders them in defending themselves or others would be disagreeable to them. Coming back to battalion commanders, they feel that it is their right to protect the innocent civilians. And that is where the ROE come into play. These rules prevent the soldiers from attacking under certain circumstances as, although they might only be retaliating to the attack they received, they might also hurt some other people around which is just not done (Lt. Col. Douglas Smith). Same was the case with the division commanders. They also felt the same and outlined the rules of engagement that the army was supposed to follow. It is clear that it was the first priority of these commanders to prevent unnecessary casualties and destruction (Holdorf, 1975). General William West moreland was the permanent commander of MACV and all the US forces in Vietnam were under him. His foresight told him that there was going to be a rise in conflict. The plan that he approached was aggressive and can be called â€Å"search and destroy†. What Westmoreland did was make the forces of Viet Cong come out in order that his men could kill them. According to this man, defeating Viet Cong only required great use of weaponry. Westmoreland was pretty optimistic regarding the war and in his speeches he used to report about the success of the American forces in pulling down the Vietnamese Army. It was during the First World War that in Vietnam President Lyndon Johnson decided against mobilizing the National Guards as, from what he thought, doing such a thing would lead to the Soviets and Chinese getting hints which would definitely cause certain effects upon their direct involvement in the war (Doubler, 2008). Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara was responsible for recomme nding to President Johnson to mobilize the National Guards as well as the reserves. This was in the July of 1965. However, according to the President the ground war was going to end soon and there was a requirement of forces to be present in case there was a war in Korea. The reason that McNamara gives for them failing was that they did not take seriously the obstacles and problems they had to face. Also, according to him they had supported the wrong government

Dell Strategic Audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dell Strategic Audit - Essay Example After twenty years in the industry, Dell Computer Corporation changed their name to Dell Inc. in 2003. To reach as many global markets as possible, Dell under the management of Michael ensured that they had manufacturing plants and customer service stations in Asia, North America and Europe. Michael endorsed a new chief executive officer, Kevin Rollins in 2004. Kevin made sure that Dell Inc. continued with the same focus linked with driving costs out of supply chain and reaching more foreign markets. Between 2005 and 2007, Dell started to face loses in the market share because the competitors had found ways to imitate its innovations. In addition, the company faced negative new coverage with so much investigation by the Exchange and Securities Commission for irregularities linked to accounting. Rollins could not stand the poor financial performances and decided to resign in 2007 and Michael was up for the task once more. It is evident that this poor performance by Dell was as a result of irregularities in the financial statements from 2003 to 2006. By the time Rollins resigned, Dell had relinquished the position of market share leadership and dropped to become a resurgent competitor. In order to recover, Michael decided to branch out into providing personal computers by retailing. At that time, Dell was operating on a cost reduction plan of three billion dollars annually. Michael announced on September that the company was going to sell most of its manufacturing facilities within one and a half years. This strategy was initiated to try and get back Dell on track and see the stock price growing again. Dell inc. lost its competitive advantage to Hewlett-Packard that became the top supplier of personal computers. Dell Inc. modified its manufacturing model to boost the retail efforts. In addition, the company’s focus became manufacturing high volume products. By 2008, Dell Inc. had sold out more than 12, 000 of its facilities. The focus was

How has the social psychology of prejudice enhanced our understanding Essay - 1

How has the social psychology of prejudice enhanced our understanding of learning difficulties - Essay Example n of the fact that prejudice towards people with learning disabilities exits can help to eliminate the prejudice and discrimination towards people with learning disabilities to lifelong isolation and unemployment. Prejudice is gradually becoming unacceptable towards many other social groups, but it is not challenged enough in the case of people with a learning difficulties. These people are not visible members of their community; they exist in the community rather than living as part of it From this point of viÐ µw disÐ °blÐ µd pÐ µoplÐ µ Ð °rÐ µ forcÐ µd to livÐ µ in Ð ° sociÐ °l prison. WhilÐ µ no onÐ µ cÐ °n objÐ µct to cÐ °mpÐ °igning for ‘rights’ so thÐ °t thÐ µ prison in which wÐ µ livÐ µ is mÐ °dÐ µ morÐ µ humÐ °nÐ µ it is only Ð ° politicÐ °l buffoon who bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µs thÐ °t Ð µxploring prisonÐ µr Ð µxpÐ µriÐ µncÐ µs cÐ °n lÐ µÃ °d to Ð µmÐ °ncipÐ °tion! Nothing lÐ µss thÐ °n dismÐ °ntling thÐ µ prison Ð °nd rÐ µplÐ °cing it with Ð ° non-compÐ µtitivÐ µ form of sociÐ µty cÐ °n brÐ µÃ °kdown thÐ µ doors which bÐ °r our Ð µmÐ °ncipÐ °tion. I bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µ thÐ °t wÐ µ cÐ °nnot undÐ µrstÐ °nd or dÐ µÃ °l with disÐ °bility without dÐ µÃ °ling with thÐ µ Ð µssÐ µntiÐ °l nÐ °turÐ µ of sociÐ µty itsÐ µlf. To do this disÐ °blÐ µd pÐ µoplÐ µ must find wÐ °ys of Ð µngÐ °ging in thÐ µ clÐ °ss strugglÐ µ whÐ µrÐ µ thÐ µ historicÐ °l dirÐ µction of sociÐ µty is fought, won or lost. It is in this Ð °rÐ µnÐ ° thÐ °t thÐ µ boundÐ °riÐ µs of knowlÐ µdgÐ µ thÐ °t hÐ °vÐ µ put disÐ °blÐ µd pÐ µoplÐ µ Ð °sidÐ µ from thÐ µ ‘normÐ °l’ cÐ °n Ð °nd hÐ °vÐ µ to bÐ µ opÐ µnly quÐ µstionÐ µd. For mÐ µ rÐ µpossÐ µssing thÐ µ sociÐ °l modÐ µl of disÐ °bility mÐ µÃ °ns sÐ µÃ °rching for opÐ µnings in thÐ µ structurÐ µs of sociÐ µty whÐ µrÐ µ wÐ µ might Ð µffÐ µctivÐ µly contributÐ µ with othÐ µrs in thÐ µ rÐ µstructuring of sociÐ µty so thÐ °t it is nÐ µithÐ µr compÐ µtitivÐ µ nor disÐ °bling for Ð °ll pÐ µoplÐ µ. ThÐ µ SociÐ °l Modà  µl of DisÐ °bility wÐ °s dÐ µvisÐ µd by disÐ °blÐ µd pÐ µoplÐ µ, whosÐ µ Ð µxpÐ µriÐ µncÐ µ of thÐ µ hÐ µÃ °lth Ð °nd wÐ µlfÐ °rÐ µ systÐ µm, Ð °s wÐ µll Ð °s sociÐ µtys gÐ µnÐ µrÐ °l rÐ µÃ °ction to thÐ µm, mÐ °dÐ µ thÐ µm fÐ µÃ µl sociÐ °lly

Introduction to american history Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introduction to american history - Article Example Indeed, he has been writing about Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and other historical aspects in America. He has a Ph.D. of the Highest Distinction from Johns Hopkins University and is the George Henry Davis 86 Professor of American History.1 James McPherson wrote the article, â€Å"We Stand by Each other Always: Grant and Sherman† in 2007.2 The divided views on Ulysses S. Grant’s reputation and contribution in American history influenced the author and the political setting of the article.3 While some historians know him as a foremost general of the Civil War, others despise his significance as a biographical subject. The dwindling reputation of Grant as a major figure in American history also influenced the author and the political setting of the article. Moreover, the literature by Bruce Catton on Grant’s wartime achievements also influenced James McPherson into writing this article since they demeaned Grant’s reputation but did not reverse his populism as a major player in the Civil War. The eminent revival of Grant’s reputation, his influence on General William T. Sherman life, and his winning strategy against the Army of Northern Virginia influenced the political setting of the ar ticle.4 The intended audiences for the article include historians, history students, people interested in American history, and the general reading public. Notably, James McPherson discusses the historiography of his subjects, Grant and Sherman. The author considers Grant and Sherman’s life, early career, ascent, success, strategies, decisiveness, physical courage, image, and generalship in the Civil War.5 The author agrees with other historians who have written on this subject. Indeed, he agrees with historians who regard Grant as a drunkard and a foremost general of the Civil War. He addresses opposing arguments by appreciating them and offering his opinion. He recognizes historians who wrote about Sherman but asserts that

Paramedic care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Paramedic care - Essay Example Essay Plan Introduction: Paramedic care, a significant branch of healthcare profession, involves taking care of the patients when they need immediate medical attention. CFR (Certified First Responder) is a paramedic professional whose duty is to provide pre hospital care for medical emergencies. A person in this profession needs to have apt skills to tackle the problems they confront, under emergency situations. The occupation also calls for quick response and understanding the primary needs of the task in hand. In addition, the CFR must be mentally prepared to face circumstances that involve fatal eventualities, where quick evaluation of victims and managing them through good communication skills are crucial. Finally, a CFR needs to take adequate care and exercise caution while transferring the patients to hospitals. Thus, a CFR, to be effective in his role, has to possess many traits like basic skills of understanding of his duty and human psychology, be able to confront emergent s ituations and deal with them through proper evaluation and quick response. Body of the essay: 1. A CRF needs to possess appropriate educational qualifications as prescribed for this position. He should be physically, mentally, and emotionally able to meet job demands.

The ring - difference between western movies and eastern movies Essay

The ring - difference between western movies and eastern movies - Essay Example However, this has not stopped film industries, the world over, from remaking some of the famous films that once belonged to other cultures (Waseda 173). This paper will examine one such film, and bring out the relative differences between the cultures represented in both cases. In every film, and depending on where it comes from, there are different roles exhibited by every character. It is the producer’s/director’s task to identify these roles and place them in the film. Different cinematic beliefs exist in the film industry, and they assist in determining how every individual relates to the film being produced. Individual behavior and disparities in marriage unions may also be impacted by the manner in which these films capture the audience (Waseda 174). It is, therefore, fair to say that remaking a film that was based in another region may take time before it is fully accepted by the original owners. The Ring, a film that was originally produced and directed in the h eart of the Japanese culture, had a remake from the American film industry based in Hollywood, USA. It is a well-known fact that Japanese films are often done for domestic purposes, and do not have outside sales except for festivals. They are often rich in Japanese culture, history, and mindset. ... Hollywood, due to its American and international reach, may make the film a box office success. Japanese horror films are not the first to be raided by the Western film kings. In the recent past, French classics have also had the same problem as America made remakes of some of their films. American remakes threaten to take away any foreign influence that comes with their films. This is to display dominance over their counterparts who came up with the idea in the first place. The American content that is often displayed in these remakes is done with the aim of eliminating any native content that might have been present in the original film (Waseda 182). The national identities and integrity of different regions are being stolen through these remakes as times go by, and it is through advancement in technology that individuals are getting to realize how this is happening. Going back to the earlier mentioned film, The Ring, it is clear to see that in the Japanese culture, the fear, stren gth, and understanding of the supernatural is more ingrained. This is more than in some cultures, especially the American culture. So where or how did the adaptation of the film make its way to the western screen, and how well did it fit in with the audience? In the original film, the culture and spiritualization of the Japanese people was brought out in the film. However, in the Western adaptation, some of these elements were not present. This is because they do not take these spiritual and supernatural matters as seriously as other cultures. The western adaptation had a few cinematic elements than the original version because it was required to attract an American and global audience (Waseda 184). They, therefore, tried to make it more materialistic. In the

Introduction to american history Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Introduction to american history - Article Example Indeed, he has been writing about Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, and other historical aspects in America. He has a Ph.D. of the Highest Distinction from Johns Hopkins University and is the George Henry Davis 86 Professor of American History.1 James McPherson wrote the article, â€Å"We Stand by Each other Always: Grant and Sherman† in 2007.2 The divided views on Ulysses S. Grant’s reputation and contribution in American history influenced the author and the political setting of the article.3 While some historians know him as a foremost general of the Civil War, others despise his significance as a biographical subject. The dwindling reputation of Grant as a major figure in American history also influenced the author and the political setting of the article. Moreover, the literature by Bruce Catton on Grant’s wartime achievements also influenced James McPherson into writing this article since they demeaned Grant’s reputation but did not reverse his populism as a major player in the Civil War. The eminent revival of Grant’s reputation, his influence on General William T. Sherman life, and his winning strategy against the Army of Northern Virginia influenced the political setting of the ar ticle.4 The intended audiences for the article include historians, history students, people interested in American history, and the general reading public. Notably, James McPherson discusses the historiography of his subjects, Grant and Sherman. The author considers Grant and Sherman’s life, early career, ascent, success, strategies, decisiveness, physical courage, image, and generalship in the Civil War.5 The author agrees with other historians who have written on this subject. Indeed, he agrees with historians who regard Grant as a drunkard and a foremost general of the Civil War. He addresses opposing arguments by appreciating them and offering his opinion. He recognizes historians who wrote about Sherman but asserts that

The ring - difference between western movies and eastern movies Essay

The ring - difference between western movies and eastern movies - Essay Example However, this has not stopped film industries, the world over, from remaking some of the famous films that once belonged to other cultures (Waseda 173). This paper will examine one such film, and bring out the relative differences between the cultures represented in both cases. In every film, and depending on where it comes from, there are different roles exhibited by every character. It is the producer’s/director’s task to identify these roles and place them in the film. Different cinematic beliefs exist in the film industry, and they assist in determining how every individual relates to the film being produced. Individual behavior and disparities in marriage unions may also be impacted by the manner in which these films capture the audience (Waseda 174). It is, therefore, fair to say that remaking a film that was based in another region may take time before it is fully accepted by the original owners. The Ring, a film that was originally produced and directed in the h eart of the Japanese culture, had a remake from the American film industry based in Hollywood, USA. It is a well-known fact that Japanese films are often done for domestic purposes, and do not have outside sales except for festivals. They are often rich in Japanese culture, history, and mindset. ... Hollywood, due to its American and international reach, may make the film a box office success. Japanese horror films are not the first to be raided by the Western film kings. In the recent past, French classics have also had the same problem as America made remakes of some of their films. American remakes threaten to take away any foreign influence that comes with their films. This is to display dominance over their counterparts who came up with the idea in the first place. The American content that is often displayed in these remakes is done with the aim of eliminating any native content that might have been present in the original film (Waseda 182). The national identities and integrity of different regions are being stolen through these remakes as times go by, and it is through advancement in technology that individuals are getting to realize how this is happening. Going back to the earlier mentioned film, The Ring, it is clear to see that in the Japanese culture, the fear, stren gth, and understanding of the supernatural is more ingrained. This is more than in some cultures, especially the American culture. So where or how did the adaptation of the film make its way to the western screen, and how well did it fit in with the audience? In the original film, the culture and spiritualization of the Japanese people was brought out in the film. However, in the Western adaptation, some of these elements were not present. This is because they do not take these spiritual and supernatural matters as seriously as other cultures. The western adaptation had a few cinematic elements than the original version because it was required to attract an American and global audience (Waseda 184). They, therefore, tried to make it more materialistic. In the

Scientific method Essay Example for Free

Scientific method Essay Policy and practice impacts of research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council A case study of the Future of Work programme, approach and analysis Steven Wooding, Edward Nason, Lisa Klautzer, Jennifer Rubin, Stephen Hanney, Jonathan Grant Policy and practice impacts of research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council A case study of the Future of Work programme, approach and analysis Steven Wooding, Edward Nason, Lisa Klautzer, Jennifer Rubin, Stephen Hanney, Jonathan Grant Prepared for the Economic and Social Research Council. The research described in this report was prepared for the Economic and Social Research Council. The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit research organization providing objective analysis and effective solutions that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors around the world. RAND’s publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. R ® is a registered trademark.  © Copyright 2007 RAND Corporation All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from RAND. Published 2007 by the RAND Corporation 1776 Main Street, P. O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202-5050 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2665 Westbrook Centre, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1YG, United Kingdom RAND URL: http://www.rand. org/ RAND Europe URL: http://www. rand. org/randeurope. To order RAND documents or to obtain additional information, contact Distribution Services: Telephone: (310) 451-7002; Fax: (310) 451-6915; Email: [emailprotected] org Preface This report, prepared for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), examines the impact of the ESRC’s ‘Future of Work’ programme on policy makers, professional practitioners and other groups outside academia. It also explores the applicability of the ‘Payback Framework’, a conceptual model for research evaluation, to social science. The Future of Work programme was an initiative that aimed to bring together leading researchers in the United Kingdom in an investigation of the future prospects for paid and unpaid work. The first phase of the programme started in October 1998, followed by a second phase in January 2001. The report is presented in two volumes. This volume presents the conclusions of the research and summarises the methods and results. The second volume includes a brief literature review of the evaluation of social science and the influence of research on policy; an overview of the Future of Work programme; detailed analysis of a survey of Future of Work PIs (Principal Investigators); and four complete case study narratives of projects from the programme. The report will be of interest to the ESRC and policy makers in the wider social science and policy community who are interested in how social science informs policy and practice. It will also be of interest to those developing methods to evaluate research. The research was led by RAND Europe in collaboration with the Health Economics Research Group (HERG). RAND Europe is an independent not-for-profit think tank and research organisation that serves the public interest by providing evidence for policy making and public debate. HERG, a Specialist Research Institute of Brunel University, has as one of its main research themes, methodological and empirical studies of the impact of research. This report has been peer reviewed in accordance with RAND’s quality assurance standards (see http://www. rand. org/about/standards/) and therefore may be represented as a RAND Europe product. For more information about RAND Europe or this document, please contact Steven Wooding Senior Policy Analyst Tel: +44 1223 273897 Email: [emailprotected] org RAND Europe Westbrook Centre, Milton Road Cambridge. CB4 1YG, United Kingdom Jonathan Grant Deputy to the President Tel: +44 1223 293 893 Email: [emailprotected] org [emailprotected] org iii Contents Preface iii Overview of impact vii Executive summary ix Acknowledgments.. xiii CHAPTER 1 Introduction 1 CHAPTER 2 Methodology and project structure .. 3 2. 1 The analytical framework . 3 2. 2 Initial tasks .. 5 2. 2. 1 Brief review of social science impacts literature . 5 2. 2. 2 Review of FoW documentation 5 2. 2. 3 Key informant interviews. 5 2. 2. 4 Output of initial tasks 5 2. 3 Payback survey .. 6 2. 4 Interim report 7 2. 5 Case studies. 7 2. 6 Analysis workshop 9 CHAPTER 3 Results . 11 3. 1 Key findings from the literature review and key informant interviews.. 11 3. 2 Summary of results from survey.. 13 3. 3 User interviews 26 3. 4 Case study summaries.. 27 3. 5 Case study A. 27 3. 6 Case study B. 30 3. 7 Case study C 33 3. 8 Case study D 35 3. 9 Concluding comments 37 CHAPTER 4 Discussion.. 39 4. 1 Impact of the FoW programme .. 39 4. 1. 1 The FoW programme has had significant wider impacts on policy and practice 39 v Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe 4. 2 4. 3 4. 4 4. 1. 2 What impact has the FoW programme had? 39 4. 1. 3 Why has the FoW programme had an impact? 40 4. 1. 4 What affects the impact of projects .. 41 Applying the Payback Model to wider impacts of social science .. 42 4. 2. 1 The Payback Framework can be applied to social science .. 42 4. 2. 2 Generalisation of categories.. 42 4. 2. 3 General points about assessing impacts of social science . 43 Further research.. 45 Concluding comments. 46 REFERENCES. 47 Reference list.. 49 vi Overview of impact The Future of Work (FoW) programme succeeded in bringing together an interdisciplinary group of academics, stimulating constructive discussions and providing access to policy makers to ensure the wider impact of the research. The FoW programme had significant academic and wider impacts. There was substantial output from the programme in the area of knowledge production. To date this has included 11 books and 69 book chapters; four journal special issues and over 100 peer reviewed articles, alongside over 200 conference presentations. Six of the researchers felt they had changed the direction of their research field. In terms of capacity development, involvement in the FoW programme was seen as a moderate or considerable contributor to 20 academic promotions, and the most common benefit of the programme cited by researchers were the opportunities to meet other researchers and in providing fora for discussion. In our survey of Principal Investigators (PIs) they reported 50 policy impacts, across a range of organisations including national government, political parties, employers and unions. Contributions to the policy debate included more than 60 working papers and official reports; seminars for the DTI, Low Pay Commission and Cabinet Office. More directly there were nine secondments, which placed the researchers in a policy environment, including a senior role in the DTI Women and Equality unit, where the researcher was able to influence strategy and policy decisions relating to equality. Further specific examples of policy impact were: the chairmanship of the TUC Partnership Institute by a researcher, allowing him to impact on employer/union relationships; the drafting of guidance notes on complying with employment legislation for the DTI by a research group; direct input into the Work and Families Bill (2003), which introduced new legislation on maternity and paternity leave; and citation in a House of Lords judgement on pay and conditions, specifically looking at unfair dismissal. Outside the government sectors our case studies identified a number of impacts on employers, including changes in workload policies and career structure; effects on maternity and family friendly working practices in a large consulting organisation and the negotiation of union-employer partnership deals. vii Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe Dissemination Almost half of the PIs felt the extensive networks of the Programme Director, and steering committee, had provided them with direct access to policy makers. These policy makers included those in the Work Foundation and a government agency. In addition, the FoW Media Fellow enhanced the impact of the research on more distant policy makers. He achieved this by producing research summaries set in the context of current policy and other research findings. Crucially, he worked to timescales suitable for policy makers rather than those of researchers. Evaluation methodology This evaluation used the Payback Framework as a conceptual structure and showed that the framework is useful for evaluating the wider impacts of social science. We used a number of techniques to collect data for the study: document review; key informant interviews; an on-line survey; and case studies. However, we found that some impacts are inaccessible to evaluation, because of political sensitivity or anonymity guarantees. viii Executive summary We examined how the ESRC Future of Work (FoW) programme influenced policy and professional practice. While doing so we reflected on the methods used to assess and identify impacts. Specifically, we considered whether the Payback Framework, a conceptual model for research evaluation, was appropriate for social science. Here we summarise the key findings. The FoW brought together an interdisciplinary group of academics, stimulated constructive discussion and provided access to policy makers. This may be especially significant given the view expressed by key informants that employment policy and management practices may be especially hard to reach with evidence as they are heavily contextual and apt to be influenced by fashion and ideology. Impacts The FoW programme had significant impacts on knowledge and research. This was evident in the numerous publications and conference presentations attributed to the programme. Most Principal Investigators (PIs) attributed incremental changes in their field of research to their projects, and some attributed a clear change of direction in their field of research to their projects. Most of the projects also influenced other researchers. The FoW programme had significant impacts on public policy. Although some PIs could identify specific impacts of their research, many found it difficult to identify actual policies they had influenced. PIs generally thought they had influenced policy in an incremental way and informed the policy debate. PIs also gave many presentations of FoW research to policy audiences. The FoW programme had significant impacts on career development. More than 75% of PIs thought the FoW programme had helped them to form networks with researchers, policy makers and practitioners; nearly half of PIs attributed career development for researchers to their FoW projects, including nine secondments to government. The FoW programme impacted on the policies and practice of organisations. There were many presentations given in organisations; PIs thought organisational practices were influenced by the research, but only some were easily identifiable. The policy environment determines policy impact. In one case the heightened awareness among policy makers of issues around maternity leave and women returning to work ix Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe provided fertile ground for research on how women make these decisions. In a second case the waning interest in union-employer partnerships was thought to have reduced the impact of a TUC institute chaired by a former FoW researcher. In general, the FoW research seldom caused major changes in policy but often resulted in impacts such as stimulating debate, fine-tuning policy, dispelling myths and providing confirmatory support. Dissemination The FoW programme provided access to policy makers. It effectively combined the networks of the Director and steering committee, and provided the researchers access to these networks which included key policy makers in the DTI, Low Pay Commission (LPC) and Cabinet Office. The FoW Media Fellow enhanced the impact on policy makers. This was achieved largely for two reasons. First, because his summaries of the FoW research were produced to a timescale suitable for policy makers, rather than researchers. And second because they were accessible to policy makers: setting the FoW research in the context of other research and current policy discussions. Researchers and policy makers differed in their views on how best to disseminate to policy makers. The two groups consider different channels to be important: researchers favouring academic publications, policy makers favouring the Media Fellow’s publications. The Payback Framework is a useful model for evaluating social science research. The Payback Framework provides a structure for research evaluation. It comprises a logic model of the research and dissemination process and a classification scheme for the immediate and wider impacts of research. This consists of five categories: Knowledge; Impacts on future research; Impacts on policy; Impacts on practice and Wider social and economic impacts. Both the literature review and fieldwork showed that the Framework could be effectively applied to social science research. Impacts and attribution Some impacts may be inaccessible to evaluation, for example some impacts were politically sensitive, so participants requested that they were not discussed. Also, subjects of the original research may have been influenced by their participation in that research, but their identity could not be revealed to the researchers in this evaluation. A confluence of inputs and incremental ‘knowledge creep’ make it difficult to attribute policy change to a given input. The Payback Framework provides a structure in which to explore the context within which projects are developed. However, the incremental nature of policy remains a difficulty in assessing impact at the project level. There are few mechanisms in social science to codify and synthesise research. In contrast to biomedical science, in the fields covered by the FoW programme there are fewer formal mechanisms to systematically review research; these mechanisms can offer tracers of policy influence. x RAND Europe Executive summary Timing Research on impacts may happen too early or too late. If research on impacts occurs too early, some impacts may not yet have occurred. If it occurs too late, certain impacts may have already come and gone. This possibility of transience makes it harder to investigate the impacts, as they may not be captured by a current snapshot of policies and policy debates. In order to provide a comprehensive view of the wider impacts of research this project suggests it would be important to warn researchers at the start of the project about likely evaluations; provide researchers with a mechanism to capture early impacts; and then evaluate research after further impacts have had time to develop, probably 5-10 years after completion of the research. The literature suggests that for research relating to ‘hot topics’ in policy, initial impact is likely to occur earlier and that 2 years post completion may provide the best time frame for evaluation. Implementation of evaluation There was widespread cooperation in the evaluation. The majority of PIs (including all case study PIs), 80% of nominated research users, and others nominated by PIs, agreed to participate in the research when approached. Researchers and users may prefer structured interviews to written surveys. Our experience also suggests that such interviews would provide more useful information for evaluation. Our on-line survey required significantly more of most participants’ time than predicted. xi Acknowledgments This study would have been impossible without the generous support of those involved with the Future of Work programme – we thank them for their constructive criticism and for sparing their time for interviews and to fill in our survey. We would particularly like to thank those researchers whose grants were selected as case studies. We would also like to thank Veronica Littlewood of the Economic and Social Research Council for her help and advice, including at the analysis workshop. Finally, we would like to thank Professor Martin Buxton and Stijn Hoorens who acted as the quality assurance reviewers. xiii CHAPTER 1 Introduction This report explores the wider impacts of social science research: how research affects policy, practitioner behaviour and public opinion. It does this by examining the Economic and Social Research Council’s (ESRC) Future of Work (FoW) research programme. The ESRC is the UK’s largest research funder and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. As such it aims to provide high quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government. The FoW programme set out to bring together leading UK researchers, across a wide range of disciplines, in order to investigate the future prospects for paid and unpaid work. The programme was shaped by a consultation exercise involving 140 policy makers, academics and practitioners, carried out by Professor Peter Nolan in 1997. The first phase of the programme started in October 1998, followed by a second phase in January 2001. The total funding of the programme amounted to ? 4 million and attracted 221 applications for the first phase, of which 19 were supported. A further eight projects were supported in the second phase. The aims of the programme are shown in Box 1. †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ To create the evidence base that would then ground theories of work To enhance public understanding of the critical developments most likely to impact on people’s working lives To deepen accounts of the future of work by systematic mapping of past and present shifts and continuities To foster interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives To use innovative methods to engage with research users To act as a focus for debate within and between the academic, practitioner and policy-making communities Box 1. Aims of the FoW programme. Peter Nolan, Montague Burton Chair of Industrial Relations at Leeds, went on to direct the programme. He encouraged interaction between the research groups, promoted dissemination of programme findings and raised the programme’s profile. The Director was assisted by a programme advisory committee of senior representatives from government, the Trades Union Congress (TUC), business and academia. The advisory group attended meetings, participated in site visits to meet researchers, and provided access to policy networks. The written dissemination activities were led by Robert Taylor, a 1. Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe former journalist at the Financial Times, who was appointed as the programme’s Media Fellow. He wrote a series of seven booklets, aimed at policy makers, that described FoW research and set it in context. The output of the programme has been substantial: its outputs so far include 11 books, 69 book chapters, over 100 refereed articles and over 400 media mentions. This study explores the wider impacts of the programme in more detail. Over the past decade there has been an increasing culture of accountability affecting government spending. This climate has led ESRC to investigate the most effective ways to evaluate social science research, and to demonstrate the wider impact of its research on society. This report builds on experience of evaluating research in the health services and biomedical settings and seeks to apply it to social science. In this work we take the Payback Framework, originally developed by the Health Economics Research Group (HERG) at Brunel University, and test its applicability to social science. The Payback Framework was initially developed to examine the payback of health services research (Buxton et al., 1994; Buxton and Hanney, 1994; Buxton and Hanney, 1996). It was further developed in an earlier ESRC analysis of non-academic impact from research (Cave and Hanney, 1996) and subsequently extended to examine basic and clinical biomedical research (Wooding et al. , 2005; Wooding et al. , 2004). This study tested whether the Framework could be applied to examine the payback of social science research. To do this we briefly reviewed the literature on social science evaluation and the common models for examining the impact of evidence on policy, and concluded that they could be aligned with the Payback Framework. We then used the Payback Framework to examine the research projects in the FoW programme. We used the Payback Framework to structure a programme-wide questionnaire and a series of four case studies. Finally, we used these three streams of evidence to summarise the wider impacts of the FoW study and to see what can be learnt from the programme. We also used the evidence to develop a refined Payback Framework and consider its applicability for evaluating the wider impacts of social science research. 2 CHAPTER 2 Methodology and project structure. This project set out to examine the wider impacts of the FoW programme and to test the applicability of the Payback Framework to social science. It used a number of data collection methods (shown schematically in Figure 1). First we conducted a brief review of the literature concerning the ways in which social science affects policy and how the impacts of social science can be assessed. To develop our understanding of the FoW programme we reviewed documents from the ESRC and interviewed key individuals. We then surveyed all the Principal Investigators (PIs) who held grants from the FoW programme  to investigate the wider impacts of their grants, and asked them to nominate a user of their research for follow up via a telephone interview. To examine the pathways to impact in more detail we carried out four case studies of FoW PIs. The data collected throughout the study were then analysed in a one-day workshop. More detail on each of these stages is provided in the sections that follow. Figure 1. Project schematic 2. 1 The analytical framework The analytical framework for the study was based on the Payback Framework. The Payback Framework consists of two elements: a logic model representation of the complete research process (for the purposes of research evaluation), and a series of categories to classify the individual paybacks from research. The logic model and categories of the Payback Framework that served as the starting point for this study are presented below in Figure 2 and Box 2 respectively. The logic model provides a framework for analysing the ‘story’ of a research idea from initial inception 3 Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe. (Stage 0) through the research process (Stage 2) into dissemination (Interface B) and on towards its impact on people and society (Stage 6). The model is meant as a research tool to facilitate cross-case analysis. It does this by providing a common structure for each case study thereby ensuring cognate information for each study is recorded in the same place. The model is not meant to imply that the research process itself is linear. If necessary, individual pieces of information can be recorded in more than one place in the Framework to ensure they are picked up in the relevant cross-case comparisons. Figure 2. The version of the Payback Framework used as a starting point for the study1 Knowledge production Journal articles; conference presentations; books; book chapters; research reports Research targeting and capacity building Better targeting of future research; development of research skills, personnel and overall research capacity; staff development and educational benefits Informing policy and product development Improved information bases for political and executive decisions; development of pharmaceutical products and therapeutic techniques Health and health sector benefits. Improved health; cost reduction in delivery of existing services; qualitative improvements in the process of delivery; improved equity in service delivery Broader economic benefits Wider economic benefits from commercial exploitation of innovations arising from RD; economic benefits from a healthy workforce and reduction in working days lost Box 2. The payback categories of the Payback Framework used as a starting point for the study (Source: Hanney et al. , 2004) The categories of the Payback Framework are considered in the Discussion section of this report where the applicability of the model to social science research is discussed. 1 Source: Hanney et al. , 2004 4 RAND Europe Methodology and project structure 2. 2 2. 2. 1 Initial tasks Brief review of social science impacts literature A brief review of the literature, presented in Volume II, examines frameworks of evaluation previously used to examine the impact of social science research as well as models of research impact. The review was intended to identify lessons from the literature that would inform the current study, but was not intended to be comprehensive. 2. 2. 2 Review of FoW documentation At the outset of the project we also reviewed the ESRC records covering the FoW programme. This informed our interview protocol for the key informant interviews and provided the basis of our overview of the FoW programme, which was used as background information throughout the study. This overview is presented in Volume II. 2. 2. 3 Key informant interviews To gain a deeper understanding of the overall context and impact of the FoW programme we carried out interviews with six key informants. Suitable key informants were identified by ESRC and by the Director of the FoW programme: o o o o o o Professor Peter Nolan (FoW Programme Director) John Hougham (Chair of Advisory Board) Professor Toby Wall (Member of panel that appointed the Programme Director and Member of Advisory Panel) Bill Callaghan (Member of Research Priorities Board and Chair of Commissioning Panel) Professor William Brown (PI on two grants, one in each phase of the programme) Robert Taylor (Programme Media Fellow). These interviews were written up and examined for themes relating to the wider impact of social science and the FoW programme. These themes were then clustered and used to inform the refinement of the Payback Framework. We also carried out a second follow-up interview with Peter Nolan late in the project to examine various issues that had been raised in the survey and case study phases of the project. 2. 2. 4 Output of initial tasks The findings of the initial tasks suggested that the logic model aspect of the Payback Framework was generally appropriate for the social sciences. However, the categories needed some generalisation; our initial revision of these categories was presented in our interim report to the ESRC and are shown in Box 3. 5 Policy and practice impacts of ESRC funded research RAND Europe Knowledge production Journal articles; conference presentations; books + chapters; research reports Research targeting and capacity building Sparking new research proposals; providing research training; supporting career advancement Informing policy and product development Raising the profile/awareness of existing research among policy/practitioners makers; dispelling/resisting myths; providing policy options; prioritising areas; designing management assessment tools; developing benchmarking protocols Employment sector benefits. Improved working conditions; higher participation in workforce; more effective regulation Societal and broader economic benefits Lower stress among workers; improved public health; improved mental health through decreased unemployment; greater productivity; improved equity Box 3: Draft Payback Categories for the Social Sciences afer initial tasks. 2. 3 Payback survey To examine the range and types of payback produced across the FoW programme we invited all the PIs to complete an online survey. The survey concentrated on the wider impacts of the projects, but also asked some questions about the initiation of the research. The survey questions were based on those used in previous payback studies and modified in light of the key informant interviews and literature review2. PIs were invited to participate in the survey using personalised emails which contained a direct hyperlink to their questionnaire. PIs who had grants in both phases of the FoW programme received two emails linking to two separate surveys. The survey was implemented using MMIC web questionnaire software. 3 Data were downloaded from MMIC and analysed using SPSS version 14 and Microsoft Excel version 2000. 4 The questionnaire was originally drafted on paper. The paper draft was reviewed by the ESRC and by both of the project’s quality assurance reviewers. After incorporating their comments it was converted into a web questionnaire and again reviewed by the ESRC. We also asked a RAND researcher from outside the project team to test the questionnaire by talking us through their thoughts as they filled it in. This helped us to identify misunderstandings and confusing questions. 2 Payback questionnaires first used in Buxton et al. , 2000 and subsequently refined for payback analysis of the NHS Research Implementation Methods Programme and the Dutch and UK Health.

Analysis of Orthopeadic Theatre Time Utilization

Analysis of Orthopeadic Theatre Time Utilization ANALYSIS OF ORTHOPEADIC THEATRE TIME UTILIZATION AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL Trauma is the leading causes of admission in Kenyatta National Hospital and often these patients require surgery. The trauma burden unpredictability usually mismatches demand and supply of the hospital thus posing challenge for systems improvement and streamlining. Utilization is defined as the ratio of time that an asset is used, against its capacity. For uniformity among the OR team, it is extremely important to developing a precise definition of turnaround time. For the purpose of this paper, turnaround time is defined as the time between incision close of patient n and incision open of patient n+1. This definition captures the surgeon’s, anaesthetist and nurse perspective of turnaround time and allows us to see the delay between the most expensive value-added times in the theatre. Previous study from KNH reported high rate of cancellation of elective list on the day of surgeries (20.6%)1. One of the causes attributed to these delays was inefficient utilization of OR time, mainly due to delay in starting time and long turnaround time within the OR. It was noted that 70.9% of non clinical cancellation was due to list overrun/lack of time. It was also the leading cause of cancellation in KNH at (43.8%). Three specialty were identified to have recorded the highest cancellation rate were Cardiothoracic surgeries 38%, Neurosurgeries 37.8% and Orthopedic surgeries 32.6%1. Cancellation generally increases waiting list and the risk of further cancellation, which may cause patient dissatisfaction and compromise patient’s safety2. Poor scheduling of operations can result in cancellation of operation which is costly to both the patient and the hospital3. With the escalating cost of healthcare, quality of care fails to meet expectation of our patients and therefore, the health care organization should look on strategies to improve quality while reducing cost of running hospitals. The efficiency of operating room can be measured in variety of ways4. Efficiency is defined in term of ability to translate available time into earning5–8. Computer simulation and mathematical models, both of which essentially idealizations that the practical capacity for OR to be between 80-90%9. Justification Theatre complex is a high cost department with the hospital and therefore considerable resources are wasted if operating room if not used effectively. Improving the performance of operating room is key to achieving shorter waiting time for surgery, reducing cancellation for operations and more so achieving the implementation of booking of elective surgery in our hospital. Increased utilization of operating room improves patients flow and reduces the waiting list time. Improving theatre utilization would lead to a reduction in cost recovery from each patients10. 4 in their study in South African concluded that private operation theatre utilization rates were higher than public operation theatres due to commercial nature of private healthcare and absent consequent cost drivers in public health sector10. Utilization rate in South Africa was found to be 48% which was significantly lower than the globally bench mark of between 70-80%4. 11 concluded that the delay in starting list, under s chedule, interruption due to emergency surgeries, administrative reasons, induction of anesthesia and recovery police are the main factor that account for inefficient use of operating room facilities in India hospitals Operating room utilization rate is usually an indicator used in measuring efficiency in use of hospital resources. It is argued that high utilization is cost effective and improves quality of care10,12–15. Brief Description of KNH Main Theatre KNH Main theatre is located in the first floor of the tower block adjacent to Critical Care Unit (CCU), Renal and Burns Unit. It has twelve operating rooms out of which two are allocated to Prime Care Center; one is dedicated for emergency surgeries 24 hours a day. The remaining nine are allocated to different specialty in a week. The specialties are General surgery, Urology surgery, Maxillofacial surgery, ENT surgery, Pediatrics surgery, Plastic surgery, Ophthalmology surgery, Orthopedic surgery, Cardiothoracic surgery, Neurosurgical and Obstetrics and Gynecology surgery. Within the OR the following equipments are found, Operating table in the center of the room, Operating lights directly over the table to provide bright light during surgery, Anaesthesia machine is at the head of the operating table equipped with Electronic monitor machine which records the heart rate and respiratory rate by adhesive patches called chest leads placed on patient’s chest, it has also the Pulse oximeter which is attached to the patient’s finger with an elastic band aid. Pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen contained in the blood, an automated blood pressure measuring machine that automatically inflates the blood pressure cuff on patient’s arm continuously recording blood pressure, there is the diathermy machine which uses high frequency electrical signals to cauterize blood vessels and cut through tissue with a minimal amount of bleeding. Other specialized machines may be brought in depending on the nature of surgery. In a week there are 45 theatre space slot allocated to different specialty, out of which orthopedic surgeries have 12 slots and the remaining 33 slot are allocated among the remaining 10 specialty. The orthopedic department is located on the sixth floor of the tower block and has four wards namely 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. Ward 6B serves as a joint admission for all pediatric cases from 6A, 6C and 6D. Each ward has four days in a week to do the elective surgeries. Theatre procedure Each ward is expected to submit its operation list to main theatre reception before 15:00 hours on the day before its as ­signed operation day. In the evening before the surgery, anaesthetists visit the wards to do a pre-anesthetic assessment on patients who had been scheduled for surgery. They are expected to re-assure these patients, assess their fitness for surgery, and also confirm the necessary investigation are done which they document in the pre-anesthetic check list. On the day of surgery porters are sent to the ward to bring the patients who are then received by a designated theatre nurse at the receiving area, the Receiving Area nurse check to confirm the identity of the patient, see that consent for the surgery had been given and all necessary investigation have been done. Thereafter, the patient is wheeled to waiting bay where he/she is kept on-hold until the theatre room is ready. All other procedures like intravenous access and induction of anaesthesia are done in theatre. After surgery, the patient is taken to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) while the oper ­ating room is cleaned in preparation for the next patient. Economic considerations also suggest that it is desirable to keep operat ­ing rooms fully used. Thus, it is imperative that areas of time wastage in the theatre time flow be recognized and their causes identified. This will assist theatre managers take necessary steps to correct the problem14. Objective To identify areas of, and causes of operating room time delay, and suggest solution based on the identified deficiencies. Operating theatre represents an area of considerable expenditure in a hospital budget. Consequently, hospital administrators are so concerned with maximizing utilization of OR. This can only be made possible by knowing how much time is spent on which activity and there by identify the factors resulting in under utilization of OR16. Staffing KNH theatre complex is being managed by Assistant Chief Nurse (ACN) with the help of Administrative Officer. The two are answerable to the Head of Department (HOD) Theatre, TSSU and CSSD. The staff within each OR includes Surgeons, Anesthetist, 1- circulating nurse , 1- scrub nurse and 1- theatre sterile assistant (TSA). The general theatre activities are overseen by a Theatre Users Committee (TUC), with HOD as the chairperson. Other members are from Nursing, Surgery, Anaesthesia, Administration and Technical departments. Data Collection I will survey the timing of events in the Orthopedic OR using their elective operating lists available from Monday to Friday at theatre front office desk for a period of one month. I will use a designed proforma based on established oper ­ating theatre process steps to record the following; Patient sent-for (PS): Time when porter leave R/A to the ward for the patient Patient available (PA): Time the patient arrives at theatre R/A Patient in room (PIR): time when patient enters OR Anesthesia/Induction start time (AIT): time induction of anesthesia starts Surgery start time (ST): time cleaning of surgical area Surgery finish (SF): time dressing is put on the incision site Patient out OR (POR): Time at which patient leaves the OR From the above times, I will derive the following: Ward to theatre transfer interval: the interval between PS and PA (b-a). This interval is prolonged when it is greater than 20 minutes. R/A waiting time: It is the interval be ­tween patient available (PA) and when patient is transferred to OR (c-b). It is prolonged if it is greater than 10 minutes. Pre-anesthetic waiting time: the difference between patient’s in room (PIR) and anesthesia/induction start time (AIT) (d-c). It is prolonged when it is greater than 20 minutes. Anaesthesia admission time (AAT): the interval between AIT and ST (e-d) and it is prolonged when it is greater than 20 minutes. Surgery duration: the interval between ST and SF (f-e). Anesthesia reversal time (ART): the interval between SF and POR (g-f) Turnaround time (TAT): the interval between incision close of patient n and incision open of patient n+1. There will be a one week pilot study to set the cut-off point for the intervals between normal and delayed time. This will be based on the mean time observed in the pilot study and for convenience it will be rounded-up to the nearest number divisible by five. In case of delay outside theatre the officer involved will be interviewed to determine the cause of the delay. However, delays that occures in the theatre will be observed directly by the research assistant filling the proforma. The data was entered into SPSS 11.5 which was used to calculate the time intervals and for statistical analysis Efficiency means the management of theatre time, costs resources and staff to undertake as many procedures as possible within given levels of resources, or doing the same number of procedures using a lesser amount of resources .