Interpreted language Essay

Interpreted language can be vague, based upon cultural differences. However, language can be compiled or written which strictly distinguishes how language is spoken around the world. Language, in fact, is the foundation of every culture. Language is an abstract system of word meanings and symbols for all aspects of culture. It includes: * Speech * Written characters * Numerals * Symbols * Gestures * Expression of nonverbal communication Clearly, languages reflect the priorities of a culture. Unlike some other elements of cultures, language permeates all parts of society. Nations vary dramatically in their tolerance for a variety of languages. By contrast, language structures our thinking and opinions. One step to creating better international understanding is to be conscientious about using language that accurately conveys what we mean. Language knows no political boundaries. Every place in the world has its own unique kind of people. Each member of a sub-cultural deserves respect, since they have their own mix of physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual assets to contribute. Geographically, language is correct in their area. However, in each of these locations, individuals have problems with accents, dialect, and speech rate such as stuttering. Language barrier tend to cause decline in productivity and frustration amongst the company, employees, and customers. Language (Cultural) difference cause barriers in the workplace and it can have a negative effect on the environment at the workplace. Due to growth in diversities in business, companies have to employ different cultures. Companies that fail to accommodate individuals are subject to discrimination lawsuits. Though companies set up different programs in order to combat this problem, cultural diversity continues to grow and issues continue. As organizations introduce diversity, the culture of the workplace will change. People make judgments based on what they already know of their own values and beliefs. When the unknown element is interjected, it causes confusion, fear, and chaos. This forces people to question themselves and defend their beliefs. When organizations increase diversity in the work environment, clashes occur amongst different cultures. Diversity brings in different perspectives, different approaches to problem solving, different visions, different languages, and different expectations. â€Å"Communications, in face-to-face exchanges as well as through company newsletters and training sessions, should be welcoming and should accentuate the positive effects of employing workers with varying talents and accomplishments† (Developing Diversity Initiatives, 1993). Organizations change as they become more diverse. Many changes will cause anger, frustration, and confusion. The introduction of cultural diversity, which includes different languages, causes organizations to go through five stages: * Anger – Workers will resist change and expect others to fit their norms and speak their language. * Passive Regression – People will become withdrawn. There will be little to no sharing of information, which is very important to be successful. * Chaos – Groups form and struggle to regain power. This when discrimination accusations begin to surface. * Reclamation- this where the bridge builders arrive. They bridge the gaps between the groups. Bridge builders can belong to any group, respect other positions, and have pride in their own cultural identities. It is the bridge builders who can act as a link between the groups * Celebration – This is the celebration of a new diverse culture. It is understood by everyone, that language and cultural diversity benefits everyone. The people are not â€Å"uptight† but comfortable and understanding of each other’s culture. This is the longest and most difficult stage for the groups to complete. There are steps that companies can take to prevent civil unrest within an organization. The following steps can be used to prevent confrontation and assist in creating a positive and productive environment: * Purpose – Develop a strong sense of purpose for the employees that transcend all differences including language. A common purpose will keep the working together for the common goal. By developing purpose, the organization is relaying the message that all the different groups and cultures are on the same team and are all one company. * Tell Stories – Stories help connect the groups. Through stories, different groups can relate to each other as people. Stories also give the groups a chance to voice its opinions and concerns. * Self Awareness – Companies should develop self awareness * Within the organization commonly, people are afraid of the unknown. By developing self-awareness, the organization forces the groups to face the unknown and to overcome their fears and insecurities. * Training Programs – Companies should implement training programs to teach the different groups to be culturally aware of one another. The programs should also include language courses to teach communication skills. â€Å"Organizations are adapting a number of approaches to overcome language barriers among employees† (Journal of Business, 2000). English is the universal language of business, and it is only one of several languages spoken in the United States. It is very important for organizations to create an environment where everyone, despite language spoken, is considered equal. Companies are offering training courses and providing translators to make everyone feel comfortable. As the population becomes more diverse and the traditional societies are becomes more mobile, companies are faced with cultural and language issues. It is up to the organization to make sure it is taking all the necessary steps to ensure that groups and cultures effectively work together and is productive. â€Å"Language does more than simply describe reality; it also serves to shape the reality of a culture†(Colorado Business Communication, 1991). Like other forms of language, nonverbal communication is not the same in all cultures. It can take many forms such as facial expressions and visual images to learn nonverbal communication from people who share our same culture. For instance, people with hearing loss communicate using sign language that is another way of communicating. Your signing hand is the hand you write and color with and your other hand is the helping hand. This technique found @ www.signlanguage.org is informative for nonverbal communication. Gesture, body posture, direction of attention, eye contact, level of conversation, and other behaviors are interpreted as signs of inclusion and exclusion. However, there are many layers of communicating further. Verbal language and body language signifies whether the line of interaction is conveyed and not a form of evasiveness. With the perception that English is the universal language, it is not always perceived by all nations or society as a whole. Those of us who do use English do so in spite of our ambiguity towards it, or perhaps because we can find in that linguistic struggle a reflection of other struggles taking place in the real world, struggle between the cultures within ourselves and the influences at work upon our societies. To conquer English may be to complete the process of making ourselves free. As relations grow in the workplace, the social interaction is not the same. For example, when Spanish-speaking employees interact with English-speaking employees some issues that formulate are: which language to speak or when to use an interpreter. In a social setting it is even harder when greeting and addressing people correctly. Thou not to provide a definitive answer to language as related to pronunciation, it is difficult to understand individuals whom speak English but with an accent. Often, individuals are asked repeatedly what is being said in order to convey what was said. Bahri (Language, 2003) states † Language as communication and as culture are then products of each other†¦ Language carries culture, and culture carries, particularly through orature and literature, the entire body of values by which we perceive ourselves and our place in the world†¦Language is thus inseparable from ourselves as community of human beings with a specific form and character, a specific history, a specific relationship to the work.† Language is a critical element of culture. Members of society generally share a common language, which facilitates day-to-day exchanges with others. There are many ways of communicating language in the workforce and, it is not the only way to show a line of interaction to work together but a way of social interaction. The work force is just one avenue to rectify the critical success for today’s employer when diversity by today’s standards is met. References Bahira, Depika (2003). Language. Retrieved April 28, 2004 from website: www.emory.edu/English Colorado Business Magazine, May 1991 v18 pg.37 (3) Duncan, Robert A. (1993). Developing Diversity Initiatives: Definition and Process. Retrieved April 28, 2004 from website: www.ed.gov/databases. Journal of Business Communication v33 pg. 48 Management Review, Dec 1998, pg. 42

Odysseus Essay

In the poem, The Odyssey, by Homer, 3 strong character traits of Odysseus, the main character, are demonstrated. Homer makes all of these traits very clear, they can be qualified as good or bad traits. Homer displays these traits constantly but in different ways. In other words, his weakness hurt him but his quick thinking would help him. Odysseus’ arrogant attitude could either be considered a good trait or a bad trait. Odysseus, the main character of The Odyssey by Homer demonstrates weak leadership, quick thinking, and an arrogant attitude throughout his journey. Throughout The Odyssey, Odysseus often shows a very weak side of himself. Not physically weak but emotionally weak, thus Odysseus is always caught in the corner weeping. Calypso was the first to admit â€Å"Off he sat off a headland weeping there as always† (Homer 155) which shows he is over dramatic considering the fact that Calypso says he is weeping, as always. Since this is a normal thing for Odysseus, another example of this is when he â€Å"buried his handsome face, ashamed his hosts might see him shedding tears† (Homer 195). Not only is Odysseus often caught in the corner crying but he always seems ashamed of himself. He knows when he shows signs of weakness and he doesn’t want his men to think of him as anything less than the powerful man he is. Another character trait Odysseus demonstrates throughout the story is his ability to react quickly in tough situations. On page 317 the men are struggling to stay warm. They admit that the cold will do them in. But as for Odysseus, he has a plan. a thought flashed in his mind; no one can touch a man at plots or battle–Odysseus had a plan†(Homer 317). Odysseus always has a plan, a quick plan because he is a quicker thinker. Later in the book when Odysseus distracts his people while he hides the slaughters of the suitors. He quickly realizes he can have his minstrel play his music while Telemachus drags the suitors outside. Because of Odysseus’ ability to react quickly to his many obstacles he is always able to get himself out of the sticky situations he is dragged into. If it wasn’t for this trait, he most likely wouldn’t have made it half as far as he did. Odysseus was always very confident of himself in each problem he came across. So confident that I would consider him to be conceited. Some of the things he thought of himself were very true but others were what he thought to be true. Odysseus himself admits, â€Å"my wits kept weaving- weaving cunning schemes† (Homer 224). Yes, Odysseus is a very cunning person but he also isn’t afraid to admit it, which is where his cockiness came into play. Another one of the many examples is when he is so confident he could win the challenge against Phaecia’s best. Odysseus is challenging the Phaecians to â€Å"go match that, you young pups, and straightaway– I’ll hurl you another just as far, I swear, or even father† (Homer 198) which is very confident of him.. They aren’t just any of the Phaecian’s but they are the best. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing he is so confident because it shows that he is brave and willing, but sometimes it can come off as him being overly cocky which irks his men and makes it difficult to get along. During The Odyssey, Homer portrays Odysseus to be dramatic, arrogant, and a quick thinker. He is such a strong leader but he always brings out the worst in himself but he definitely knows what to do in every situation considering he makes it home safely. Although he came across many life threatening obstacles throughout his journey home, his quick thinking often helps but his arrogant attitude sometimes ruins things for him.

Retail manaement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Retail manaement - Essay Example The proposed complex will have one department store and 40 other spaces of which many will be for office buildings. The boutique will encounter low competition which is a very positive factor. The Downtown Arcade also has its downside. The developers are placing an 8% corporate tax levy on all sales after $225,000. These types of taxes are common occurrences at malls, but it is a bit high and the $225,000 application tax point is too low. This area has been a business ghost town for over 50 years. There is a lot of uncertainly if the area can be transformed into a high level business activity area. The second potential location is called Tenderloin village. The place is an urban area in which there is business activity. The location has a lot benefits. The space is available for $1250 a month for a 900 square area lot. The contract is a short two year contract which gives the business owner flexibility. There are not extra charges related to large complex buildings. The landlord is a person Stephanie knows and trusts. The location has its disadvantages as well. There are three other small clothing stores in the area, so there is competition. The store is located in the basement of a home, thus the location has visibility issues and limited parking. The levels of walking traffic for this location are possibly low. The third location is called Appletree Mall which is an established mall with 8 years of existence. This location provides benefits for Stephanie’s boutique. The mall has lots of clientele and plenty of visitors. The sales of the mall went up by 12% last year. The space available is larger than the other lots with an overall space of 1200 square feet. The boutique would receive a large amount of walk-by traffic to the store which generates lots of sales. The mall is located just off an interstate highway which brings additional customers which are not necessarily residents of the region. The Appletree Mall also has its

Why is financial reporting important to small business Essay

Why is financial reporting important to small business - Essay Example The financial reporting involves making a summary of financial information in accordance with accounting standards for the users of such information. Financial reporting involves preparing various financial statements for easier understanding by respective users of such information (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. 2013). The three financial statements have different uses to the business and its stakeholders. However small a business entity may be they all require the financial statements namely statement of cash flows, income statement and statement of financial position of the company (Tracy, T &Â  Tracy, J., 2011). These documents are essential to a small business various ways. Statement of cash flows is an essential financial report to a small business because it shows cash inflows and outflows of the business (Revees, 2011). It provides summary information on the balance sheet and income statement so that the users of such information can obtain information about business activities and profitability of the business activities. It gives an overview of how well the business out is carrying out its activities. It shows the solvency of the business. According to Lynch (2000), statement of financial position or balance sheet is a financial statement that demonstrates the financial position of the business at a given time, usually at the end or the trading period. It can be shown in the form of the equation as follows. Assets = Liabilities + owner’s equity. This statement provides the users of such statement with a snapshot of the business resources or assets. Liabilities represent what business owner external financiers while owner’s equity represents what business owes shareholders or individual investor in case of a sole proprietorship. The equation must balance at all times. Therefore, statement of financial statement is essential for the small business because it shows the total worth of the business

Paper on The Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Impact on Eurasia Essay

Paper on The Collapse of the Soviet Union and Its Impact on Eurasia - Essay Example The states themselves had also to grapple with the realities of being on their own, and stitching new alliances with their neighbors and the rest of the world. Many of them saw internal revolutions, while others were content to let the status quo continue for sometime. Today, many of them have vibrant democracies and thriving economies, but this cannot be said of them all. The Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics, or the USSR, was the world’s largest socialist state. When it was created in 1922, it comprised of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, as well as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. By 1956, it comprised of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. Russia was the most powerful of these, and the one that controlled the union. Before the union was dissolved in 1991, it extended from the Arctic ocean to the Afghan border with a population of roughly 293 million. The Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics or the USSR comprised of fifteen republics that were made up of people of varied ethnicities and divergent nationalities. On the 25th. December 1991, the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics was formally dissolved and the fifteen states that comprised the USSR became independent. This also marked the end of the cold war. Alth ough on the face of it, the downfall of the Soviet Union looked sudden, inexplicable and startling, some long term factors provided a slow and gradual decline in its power, while other short term factors provided the trigger that precipitated its collapse. By the 1980s the communist ideology was on the decline, and the idea of the state being "the leading and guiding force of Soviet life the nucleus of its political system, of all state organs and public organs," (Lewin, 1991) was being questioned. Vladimir Lenin’s revolutionary vision of a system

Functions of carbohydrates,vitamisn,fats,minerals,protein,h2O Essay

Functions of carbohydrates,vitamisn,fats,minerals,protein,h2O - Essay Example nly used; it is normally obtained as a result of digestion of such disaccharides (double sugars) as a source of cane sugar, maltose from cereal grains or from polysaccharides The glucose level of the blood is stabilized by storage of surplus amounts of glycogen (body starch), and their subsequent reconversion and release at a later time when blood levels again become low. Fructose and galactose are two other simple sugars that may be utilized directly for energy production; Carbohydrates contain three elements: carbon, oxygen and nitrogen; their relatively high oxygen content enables them to oxidize cleanly, yielding only carbondioxide and waste product, thus making them a very efficient energy source. Although caloric needs may also be met by fats and proteins, a minimum amount of carbohydrates is essential for safe metabolism of fats. Fats reduced to 25% or less, is the minimum amount which is needed for good health. One of its most valuable functions is the transport of the fat soluble vitamins A and D which are essential to life itself. A moderate amount of fat in one’s diet can increase and maintain the feeling of satiety or satisfaction following a meal because it slows the rate at which food is moved out of the stomach. The relatively high carbon and hydrogen content of fat makes it highly concentrated source of fuel, a dietary feature that is sometimes useful during cold weather when caloric needs are high. A moderate amount of stored fat is also useful as a means of insulation against cold and as a protection for certain vital organs such as kidneys. Proteins contain nitrogen and sulphur, in addition to carbon, hydrogen and oxygen as in carbohydrates and fats. Their molecular structure is quite complex and consists of numerous smaller components termed amino acids. Although the body can synthesize many of the 23 amino acids that are known to exists, 8 of these essential components cannot be synthesized and must be obtained from one’s diet.

Women Organizations Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Women Organizations - Term Paper Example They have gird up their loins to fight back and find success. They are no longer the victims. Women have gained courage for fighting for their rights, their dignity, identity, freedom and several other factors. And the world has realized that the weaker sex is succeeding, amid the worst crises. Women organizations that fight for women rights uphold the cause of women who are negatively privileged. Organizations supply those valuable intangible tools that encourage women to support themselves and boldly fight for their rights. Women organizations that address women issues help women rebuild their communities and secure their futures. In the United States we can find innumerable women organizations that cry for women’s rights in different spheres of life. Such organizations also exist outside the United States. Almost all countries have organizations that serve as wings for women. These organizations uplift women and make them fight off oppression, violence and poor health. In t he United States Equal Rights Advocates (ERA) is one such organization that strives to uphold the rights of women. The organization attempts to advance the civil rights of women. They have been leading the legal fight for equality of women for more than thirty years. Since 1974, the organization is fighting to gain equal rights and opportunities for women. They attempt to protect and uphold the economic opportunities for females through advocacy and litigation. The litigation initiatives of the organization have helped women achieve the rights to equal opportunity. Passing the legislation will not cannot ensure that women get their rights. Cases should be brought to make sure that rights carried in the legislation are practically enforced. Litigation takes to greater protection of rights under the law. It is a true wake up call for the legislators. United States Equal Rights Advocates is a leader among the women rights associations. The organization aims to establish a world where w omen from all walks of life get good educational and economic opportunities. Women are expected to get equal representation in management and leadership positions. The organization aims women to have employment and workplace equality. The organization strives for women rights so that they are equally treated in private, public and nonprofit sectors. ERA envision a work environment where women are not segregated or oppressed. Equal Rights Advocates attempts to eliminate all illegal discriminatory practices that block the advancement opportunities of women. Equal Rights Advocates demand equal compensation for women. Women are also expected to access all types of occupations. According to Equal Rights Advocates women should get respectful and safe treatment in all spheres of life. The organization wants employers to give women a favorable work environment where women never encounter a harassment or segregation. Work environment must also comply with the safety laws and health rules. Eq ual Rights Advocates say that women should be assisted to gain a proper balance and work life and family life. Equal Rights Advocates demands sufficient family and medical leave for women. Pregnancy protection laws, paid family leave and paid medical leave are also demanded for. The organization keeps a toll-free Advice and counseling phone number so that people get the needed legal information. People can call them for legal information and help. Equal Rights Advocates strives to expand the educational and economic opportunities of women. The organization is a protector of women rights. The organization upholds the rights of negatively privilege women. According to the Executive Director of

We'll Bring our Location to You Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

We'll Bring our Location to You - Case Study Example Some societies will be friendly while others will be harsh. Turner, a food truck owner, said that operating a mobile restaurant was a remarkable experience. People would stream out, both parents and children, to enjoy delicious meals that they offered. The particular town was very nice for trucks (Rock, 2012). A mobile restaurant is more flexible than a stationary restaurant. In seasons when business is low in a particular area, one only shifts to new locations where business is good. The prices of foods in a mobile restaurant are comparatively lower to that of a stationary restaurant. The cost of starting a mobile restaurant are much more affordable ranging between $20,000 to $160,000 depending on the food truck one would purchase. Fixed restaurants have high operational costs especially in big cities. Thus making net profit is difficult in the case of fixed restaurants (Scarborough 2012). Market penetration is one of the biggest advantages of mobile restaurants. Food trucks can quickly dispatch deliveries to community festivals, weddings and private events. Mobile restaurants overcome the difficulties companies might face in holding business off-sites even though demand exists. In such cases, mobile restaurants deliver quality food and services at places of convenience to the client (Jennings, 2009). The precise location of a mobile restaurant cannot be easily determined. The food truck is at one place at particular moment and the next moment it is far away (Mark Elliot & Sanders, 2013). Thus, mobile restaurants are highly mobile ever exploring and searching for new market and opportunities. Food trucks have the ability to move to locations where there are many customers and park there thus achieving high sales. Mobile restaurants are like arteries they penetrate everywhere and generate approximately $1.4 billion per annum (Marte, 2012).Hence, food trucks in a sense hijack customers by parking in

Staff Report on Special Permit Request Assignment

Staff Report on Special Permit Request - Assignment Example The money circulation, good infrastructures, supporting services has made the town to have the best suitable entrepreneurial environment for businesses and firms. According to the 2008 community survey of the city of East Lansing on satisfaction levels of city services showed that about 90% of the residents agree that there is better services and good quality of life in the town. Majority of people are in support that the town is the excellent place to bring-up children (City Center II pp. 1). The city of East Lansing does provide a number of economic development initiates to majority of business which includes: Brownfield redevelopment which is a tax increment financing, downtown development which is an initiative by the down town development authority which does support projects redevelopment in urban sites and create a mix use projects that is carried out using assistance like public infrastructure and direct support for projects, entrepreneurial support by giving a technological based incubators to business in down town. Other loan programs are also offered by down town development authority locations in the town (City Center II pp. 1). 2.1 Zoning and uses of properties. ... ain an attractive community appearance and providing desirable living environments for residents by preserving the owners’ characters in the neighbourhood. The zones in Lansing do exceed expectations of the majority of the people living in the community. Within the town, one will be able to find diverse cultures, talents which go hand in hand with affordability, diverse and quality of services. Proximity to Michigan University provides enough workforces to the town. The population in the Michigan capital city does provide enough demand for goods and services. The council provides other services to the people around; the town contains river trails, excellent hospitals and other institutions like Lansing community college. The town is strategically located with Chicago being 220 miles away. Majority of the properties are used only as one family residential area (City Center II pp. 1). 2.2 Suitability of property to restricted zone residents The properties were to support the res idents of the region in a number of ways: it would support the city councils management in setting or laying down comprehensive city plans, housing plans, and downtown development and strategic plans. It would support west plan by providing a 5 year parking master plan. In support of the housing and residential sectors, it would provide quality to home owners by helping in renovations of obsolete buildings and providing residential houses for the emerging growing urban populations. The set up will provide a vertical urban development which will portray a number of mix uses including: restaurants and hostels. Socially it would integrate arts and cultures of the diverse populations living in the down town urban environment. The project will be beneficial to the transport and infrastructure

How can management make nurses feel they are respected and needed when Research Paper

How can management make nurses feel they are respected and needed when money is managements main concern - Research Paper Example Some will be more interested in having their opinion considered, or may want their input to be included more in the running of things. A promotion or promise of more time off to spend with families also shows them that their interests are held valuable (IOM, 2010). Nurses are human, and they all display the human need to feel and be treated special. They need to be shown that their contribution to society is valued and appreciated (Graban, 2009). The management can appreciate nurses in non monetary ways that will motivate them. A study revealed that nurses feel like the martyrs in their organizations (IOM, 2010). They are always the last group to be furnished with information, the first to have a reduction of their training days and yet expected to be available always to ensure new initiatives work smoothly with minimal disturbance to patients’ safety and experience (IOM, 2010). Management can appreciate them by ensuring they get timely information alongside other healthcare workers, and scheduling enough time for their training for them to gain confidence. Nurses should not always be the group to take instructions, but need to be allowed to speak for themselves to management. A listening management encourages nurses to build their self worth, which works well to make them feel useful and appreciated (IOM, 2010). Most nurses do not speak out their monetary grievances in fear of losing their jobs (Kotter, 1996). Management should be liberal and allow them to speak. No one should be bullied or removed from the job for speaking for themselves or group in general. Another reason nurses do not speak out is because most of the time they will not be listened to, or no action will be taken (Graban, 2009). The management simply ignores their grievances. The Unions, hospital management and governing body need to act swiftly on complaints raised by nurses to give them an assurance that their presence is acknowledged even during

How are fashion and appearance central to the construction of social identities Essay Example for Free

How are fashion and appearance central to the construction of social identities Essay We live in a world were physical appearance is the measurement of our self-worth. Media advertisements more often than not show how people can improve their appearance and why it is important. From job interviews to social events, how people look and dress determine other people’s impression. In this age of increased self-consciousness, fashion and appearance play a crucial role in establishing the social identity of a person. Fashion, as defined by many books and other resources, can be defined as the prevalent style and custom at a certain point in time and the word may also mean the study of this certain fashion trends. Even though there are many things that can be considered prevalent at a certain time, fashion more often than not points more to clothing or clothing style. Different periods of time have different fashion. There is no other applied art which affects the everyday lives of the people other than fashion. Fashion design is responsible for the clothing that we wear since the ancient times. Clothing does not only help us keep warm but it also shapes us in the psychological and social aspect. Basically, clothing forms a basis of a person’s social identity. Fashion has become a part of the culture since the early times. Different ethnic groups have different clothes which reflect their culture. Fashion based on some researches done by cultural scientists played a role in social and cultural structure, social differentiation and social integration (Davis, 1994, p. 16). Social identity is the way people are categorized or label themselves. This can be in forms of their race or ethnicity. This can also be defined as how people associate or identify themselves into certain groups which serve to heighten their self esteem because they have the same social identities. Since people are social animals, sociologists deemed that social identity is an important aspect of a person. People want to be assured that they belong to one group or they positively compare with other group of people. When talking about social identity in terms of fashion, it is more than how majority of sociologist in the world restrict the concept as mere social class or status. Social identity includes how people communicate with others through symbolic means such as the way they dress or through clothing. It is also the configuration of attributes and attitudes which people seek to attain and discuss about themselves. Fashion contributes to the redefinition and reconstruction of a certain social identity by continually adding something new to cultural artifacts. Everything undergoes evolution and perhaps fashion is one thing that changes fast it is fashion. People change the way they dress when the weather changes. People change the way they carry their clothes when something in their environment shifts. Studies and researchers which were geared towards understanding the culture of a certain society more often than not focus on artifacts which are evidences of the past and present culture of a place. The woven pieces of clothing are often considered as indicators of social customs and social hierarchies. Anthropologists consider clothing as less prone to changes done by the capitalist market and are therefore richer or more stable indicators of sociological and cultural truths. Because of this, anthropologists invested far more energy and resources in investigating and examining the significance of the structure, form, and pattern of clothing than other cultural artifacts. For an instance, the way American Indians wear their clothes which were originally made from animal skin is still the same as before. Emergence of new ways of clothing did not change their original culture (Breward, 2003, p. 64). Fashion and its effect on nineteenth century Attempts to reform the way people dress first appeared during the nineteenth century. The people were starting to get tired of the constricting features of clothing and the too elaborate features of dresses. Women who were fighting for their rights such as Elizabeth Stanton, Elizabeth Miller and Amelia Bloomer were the women who designed the then very famous bloomer dress which was consisted of an uncorseted mid-calf dress which was set over pantaloons (Stearns, 1994, p. 12). Many improvements were made since then to people’s clothing. Different eras reflected different styles of clothing and are more often than not also reflective of the prevalent social identity. For example, during the Victorian era it can be said that the clothing of the people were like straitjackets which aimed to constrict the movements and manners of people. Women during the Victorian era were expected by the society to move and behave only when instructed by their male counterpart. Another example of how clothing or fashion plays a role in the construction of social identity is the wearing of uniforms of the military, police or religious personas. The wearing of uniforms based on social researches done impose an aura of confidence and authority so that they can make the people around them follow their orders either willingly or unwillingly (Crane, 2001, p. 3). Clothing also affected the way people measure their social status or whether they were rich or poor during the early nineteenth century. Clothes were generally considered as one of the most valuable possessions during this time. During the Industrial Revolution, clothes were started to be manufactured by machines or in factories and these clothes cost more than average. Newly made clothes were not available to the poor because of the cost and they were left to use hand-me-downs or used clothing. Clothes were very expensive that it was even considered a form of currency by the rich and often replaced gold as means of payment. Fashion and clothing are also means in which people differentiate themselves from others. Rare fashion finds such as antique clothes are used by people who want to express their uniqueness from others. They may wear it as everyday clothing or on special occasion. Regardless of when they will wear it, these kinds of clothing are worn by people to establish an identity which is different from others (Barnard, 2002, p. 61). Another example of how clothing constructs social identities was when large immigrants arrived in the United States during the second half of the nineteenth century. The immigrants who arrived immediately disposed their new clothing and used the new clothes available in the country. Through this method, anthropologists were able to deduce that the people wanted to start a new social identity so they immediately dropped their old ways of clothing. Hats were also famous article of clothing during the nineteenth century and it played the most important role in distinguishing the social status of a person. The bowler hat which was designed in England in 1850 was originally made as an occupational hat but was soon adopted by the people from the upper class for sports. It was not too long until people from all social strata adopted the bowler hat for everyday use. Another example, the cap with visor which was mainly used by military officers, was also adopted by the working class by the middle of the nineteenth century. The visor cap, then known as the peaked cap was considered to be the most common head covering for the working man. Fashion and its effect on the twenty-first century In the recent years, especially the twenty-first century, clothes were not deemed with the same economic importance unlike in the previous centuries. Because of the cheap ready-made clothes that were made available to all social classes, clothes were not used as replacement for gold unlike before. Even though the economic value of clothes was not as significant as before, their symbolic value remained as important as before. The availability of clothes to all social classes made it possible for those who are not so very affluent to still express their individualities and own cultures. Another example of how clothes changed the way people perceive their social identities is if before women were not allowed to wear tight clothes or those which confine their body. Today women can wear tight clothes such as leotards and spandex whenever they like because of their liberalization. Women of today are not expected to conform much to how the society expects them to behave or to act. They are also not forced to stay at home anymore but women are now doing what the men do. Indeed, the gender equality experienced in this century is reflected in the way women dress. Cross-dressing or the wearing of clothing that is associated with a different gender, is also another way of how fashion reconstructed the social identity of people (Bullough, 1993, p. ). Homosexuals before were forced to follow the prescribed way of dressing for their gender. Unlike today where in homosexuals are free to dress the way they want, without being afraid of other people and punishments. They can wear women’s clothing and express their identities freely unlike before. Teenagers or adolescents also use fashion to set their own social identity from their parents or those fro m an older generation. If we turn on the television or visit a high school, we can see teenagers strutting outrageous clothes such as those with bright colors or elaborate designs. If people from an older generation prefer simpler designs of clothes, teenagers prefer those with dramatic effects to highlight the generation difference (Sloan, 2009). Perhaps this is how the youth of today’s generation set their social identity. If ever we see an old person dressing up the way the teenagers do, these persons are often considered out of the ordinary. This social identity is somehow embedded in the minds of the people and teenagers are now remembered this way. People who prefer work than leisure or vice versa can also be determined by the way they dress. During they first years of the twentieth century, the three-piece business suit was considered by many to be the epitome of the high social class and are often worn during important events. Though some wear the business suit as everyday apparel, others still consider it as a social class distinction. There were also strict regulations as to how a business should be worn and made. There were exact measurements for the lapels, collars and sleeves. The strict regulations about business suits were deemed as a factor in how people will achieve success. The use of the popular T-Shirt was associated with leisure. Because of its availability and cheap cost, majority of the public during the early twentieth century prefer shirts over the business suits. As time passed, t-shirts were used by people to set off political agendas such as imprinting political statements on t-shirts or other humorous statements. No matter what social class people belong in, rich or poor, t-shirts are favored by these people. Fashion transmitted by popular culture or music come and go very rapidly. Clothes designed because of the effect of the popular culture and the entertainment media are often highly androgynous. There are people who call themselves gothic and they are identified socially by their gloomy appearance and wearing of black colored clothes. Established rock groups also affect the fashion scene by popularizing leather clothes. Rap musicians like rock groups popularized the baggy clothes worn by some teenagers today. Indeed fashion drew a line between different genres of music and avid fans of the different music genres also follow this fashion therefore setting a social identity for them. Fashion undoubtedly constructs and affects the social identity of a person in more ways than one. Fashion and all the attributes it entails are a vast reservoir of meanings and culture of a certain society. From fashion magazines to television advertisements, fashion is a way of introducing something new to the public. Because of what they see in these popular advertisements, the people’s way of thinking is affected. People also depend on clothes and trend of fashion to express themselves and their uniqueness. Without this part of our culture, people will have lesser chances of expressing themselves and their individuality.

Balanced Diet for an Adult Essay Example for Free

Balanced Diet for an Adult Essay Food is an integral part of human life providing energy for cellular activities to keep us healthy. According to World Health Organization (2013), healthy nutrition is ingesting an adequate and well balanced diet in relation to the body’s dietary needs and when combined with regular physical activities is the cornerstone to good health. A diet containing the right portions of all the five food groups of the Eatwell Plate (figure1 and appendix1 for recommended servings) known as a balanced diet will provide the organic macronutrients including proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and the micronutrients, vitamins and minerals to sustain life. Only ingested carbohydrates, proteins and lipids will count towards total caloric intake and will be digested into monomers like glucose for absorption and assimilation. National Health Service (2012) recommends daily caloric intake of 2500Kcal and 2000Kcal which will be derived from the proteins, lipids and carbohydrate sources in a diet for average adult males and females respectively. Age, sex, health condition and physical activities influence dietary needs. This essay will discuss a balanced diet for an adult including the structure, sources, functions, recommended daily allowance (RDAs), deficiency and excessive effects of the macronutrients. Also the micronutrients and water which are not considered as nutrients will be discussed. THE FOOD PYRAMID [pic]Figure1 (NHS 2011) Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. British Nutrition Foundation (2013), recommends that 47.7% (203g) and 48.5% (275g) of daily energy should come from carbohydrates for females and males respectively with 29g being roughages. Carbohydrates exist naturally or refined as monosaccharides that are reducing sugars. Monosaccharides build the complex carbohydrates, disaccharides and polysaccharides through dehydration synthesis. Monosaccharides have general formula (CH2O)n where ‘n’ determines whether pentose(5Carbons) or hexose (6Carbons). Glucose found in maple syrup, fructose in corn syrup and galactose in honey are hexose-isomers; having the same formula, C6H12O6 but different structures. The disaccharides with the general formula C12H22O11 are sucrose made from fructose and glucose, maltose from two glucose molecules and lactose from galactose and glucose. Sucrose is derived from beet sugar, lactose from milk and maltose from vinegar. The polysaccharides with general formula (C6H10O5)n where 40≠¤n≠¤3000, exist as starch or non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) which can be soluble or insoluble. Starch consists of glucose molecules joined by glycosidic bonds. The NSPs include oligosaccharide (raffinose) and cellulose (dietary fibre). Potatoes, yams and cassava are rich in starch and are very digestible. Whole grain cereals, legumes (appendix2), fruits and storage vegetables like asparagus and cabbage are rich in the NSPs. Raffinose is an indigestible trisaccharide of fructose,glucose and galactose with formula C18H32O16. Animal sources of carbohydrates are liver and scallops. Carbohydrates provide sweetness and are the primary source of energy especially for brain and blood cells. Cellular respiration converts glucose monomers into ATP. Fats cannot be oxidised without glucose. Most NSPs are partially digestible or indigestible due to lack of ÃŽ ±-galactosidae (enzyme) in GI Tract. They reduce glycaemia index and plasma cholesterol levels, increase bile acid excretion, promote normal laxation and prevent breast cancer, gallstones, haemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome (Kumar et all 2012). Furthermore, Kumar (2012) concluded that excessive carbohydrates will cause dental decay, kidney damage, stroke, diabetes due to obesity and short term conditions like hyperglycaemia. Carbohydrate deficiency will cause constipation, fatigue, weak immunity, muscle cramps and ketosis; this is very rare as 50g/day of carbohydrate is needed to prevent ketosis. THE DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS TO FORM MALTOSE [pic]Figure2 EQUATION: (C6H12O6 + C6H12O6 = C12H22O11 + H2O) (Marshall University 2012) Proteins or polypeptides consist of three to 100000 or more long chains of the organic molecules called amino acids joined together by covalent peptide bonds. A protein of two amino acids is called a dipeptide. There are 20 common forms of amino acids either termed non-essential (synthesised by the liver) and essential that needs to be ingested. Proteins consist of a central carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, amino group (-NH2), Carboxylic group (-COOH) and the variable R group (figure3). The term amino acid is derived from the amino and carboxylic groups that all amino acids have in common. According Kuil (2012), principal sources of proteins are lean meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, cereals, legumes (refer to appendix3), cereals and processed food like low-fat milk. Proteins form about 45% of human body and perform the following seven essential functions: structural (hair, ligaments), contractile (muscles), transport (haemoglobin), metabolic regulation (enzymes), buffering, defence (antibodies) and coordination and control (hormones) (Martini 2006). Haemoglobin transports oxygen and a lack of protein (haemoglobin) can deny vital organs the needed oxygen for metabolism. Protein deficiency can also cause fatigue, anaemia, weak immunity, skin problems, impairment of cognition and mental health problems. Whereas excessive proteins can cause obesity, osteoporosis and kidney stones (Georgetown University 2012). About 15% of an adults’ caloric intake should come from protein equivalent to 56g and 46g for male and female respectively (Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, 2012). DEHYDRATION OF AMINO ACIDS TO FORM DIPEPTIDE PROTEINS [pic]Figure3 (Marshall University 2012) Lipids are made up of an even number of carbon from 12 to 20, oxygen, hydrogen and sometimes traces of phosphorus, sulphur or nitrogen. Lipids are grouped into 4: steroids, phospholipids, waxes and glycerides. Most of the 70 identified lipids are synthesised by the body whereas linoleic (omega6) and alpha-linolenic (omega3) acids are two essential lipids to be ingested. They are mostly insoluble due to the long chain of hydrophobic carbon-carbon end bonded to a short hydrophilic carboxyl group. The double covalent bond, (C=C) determines whether saturated (no C=C) or monounsaturated (1 C=C) or polyunsaturated (2 or more C=C). Glycerides are made up of glycerol bonded to 1 or more fatty acids by dehydration synthesis, triglyceride with 3 fatty acids is the predominant of the lipids (refer figure4). Unsaturated sources of lipids are olive oil, peanut, salmon, halibut and avocados. Saturated sources are butter, sausage and hydrogenated oil. According to British Dietetic Association (2013), adults should consume not more than 20-30g of saturated-fat with 5g or less being trans-fat since saturated lipids are high in cholesterol. The structural lipids form cell membranes. Also fat cushions and protects organs including liver, heart, and kidney, energy source; twice as much as carbohydrates and proteins, thermoregulation (insulation), sex hormones, transport vitamins and monounsaturated fat can decrease cholesterol levels (USA Department of Agriculture, 2010). Excessive consumption of lipids will lead to obesity which is characterised by high BMI as shown in appendix 2, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, colorectal cancer and diabetes, whereas deficiency will result in the body lacking the vital vitamins A,D,E and K (Schenker, 2012). DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS TO FORM TRIGLYCERIDE [pic]Figure4 (Marshall University 2012) The micronutrients, vitamins and minerals are needed in minute quantities. Minerals can be classified as major or trace of which a few are essential including sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, etc. (refer to appendix4 for RDAs). According to Higdon and Drake (2011), sources of minerals are plants that derive them from the soil and move on the food chain to the herbivores like cattle that eat them. Spinach, legumes, whole grains, dairy products, red meat, soybeans, salmon, cod, iodised table salt (iodine, sodium, chlorine) and eggs are excellent sources of minerals. According to Whitley and Rolfes (2011), minerals perform the following functions: the electrolytes, sodium, potassium and chlorine transmit nerve impulses, control fluid balance (providing optimum pH for enzyme activities), control blood pressure and relax and contract muscles. Zinc, copper and selenium are antioxidants; they reduce the risk of heart diseases. Iron forms haemoglobin. Sodium and potassium coregulate ATP production. Calcium and phosphorus control blood clotting and together with magnesium build bones, teeth, maintain muscle and nerve cells. Iodine is needed for the production of thyroxin; deficiency will cause goitre. Since some minerals are coenzymes, deficiency will cause malfunctioning cellular activities (digestion, metabolism). Iron deficiency causes anaemia whereas calcium, phosphorus and magnesium (hypocalcaemia) deficiency will cause osteoporosis. Calcium, magnesium and the electrolytes deficiencies will cause weakness, muscle cramps and impaired alertness. Zinc deficiency causes diarrhoea, skin and prostate cancers. Their intake should be balanced with use and excretion as excess may cause Hyperkalaemia (potassium), kidney-stones (calcium) and hypernatremia (sodium). Vitamins are grouped into water soluble (WSV) including C and B complex vitamins; they cannot be stored and therefore, it is imperative to be part of a balanced diet, and fat soluble (FS) including vitamins K,E,D, and A; they can be stored (refer appendix 5 for RDA). Green leafy vegetables (lettuce), oranges, kiwi fruit, avocados, whole grains and cereals, banana, dairy products, liver, poultry, pork, oily fish, eggs, soybeans, chickpeas and nuts are excellent sources of the vitamins (Firth 2011). Vitamin K can be synthesised in the intestine which helps the blood clot whereas Vitamin D can be synthesised by the body using sunlight to help the absorption of calcium and phosphorus (Cranney et al (2010). Vitamins A and C build immunity. Vitamins B1,B2,B3, and biotin help release energy. Vitamin A, niacin and pantothenic acid aid the absorption and use of macronutrients monomers. Vitamin C makes collagen and enhances folate absorption. Vitamin deficiency generally causes weak immunity and osteoporosis (Vitamin D), scurvy (Vitamin C), beriberi (B1), anaemia (B12 and folate) and night blindness (Vitamin A). Excessive amounts of vitamins E and K are usually not harmful but excess A,D and the WSV which can be excreted cause kidney problems and hypercalcaemia (excess D). Excessive vitamin C causes diarrhoea (NHS 2012). In conclusion, spending excessively on supplements and creams as well as engaging in dangerous diets like the Atkins Diet are not necessary. The secret to healthy living is carefully selecting the right proportions of food from the Eatwell plate, drinking enough water in combination with regular exercises. Figure 5 and appendix 6 show functions of water. Consider the positives and negatives when selecting food products such as red meat; rich in protein but high in cholesterol whereas fatty fish enhances calcium absorption. Soybean, liver, green leafy vegetables, whole grains and legumes will provide almost all the nutrients; combine them in your diet in right proportions for optimal hormonal, metabolic, mental and physical functions of the body. It is important to consult a doctor before starting any diet as nutritional needs are affected by health and some medications affect absorption of nutrients. FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN THE BODY [pic]Figure 5 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2013 LIST OF APPENDIXES APPENDIX 1 |FOOD GROUP |SERVINGS PER DAY | |Carbohydrates including bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and other starchy foods |6-10 servings | |Fruits and vegetables |3-5 servings | |Meat, fish, eggs, beans and nuts |2-3 servings | |Milk and dairy foods |2-3 servings | |Food and drinks high in fat and/or in sugar |Use sparingly | University of Michigan Integrative Medicine, 2010 APPENDIX 2: OBESITY AND BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) |BMI |LEVEL OF OBESITY | |Below 18.5 |Underweight | |From 18.5-24.9 |Healthy Range | |From 25-30 |Pre Obese | |Above 30 |Obese | NHS, 2012 APPENDIX 3: FOOD GROUPS AND EXAMPLES |FOOD GROUP |EXAMPLES | |Legumes |Beans, Lentils, Peas, Chickpeas, French beans, Kidney , soybeans, Coco beans etc. | |Whole grains |Barley, Corn, Millet, Oats, Rice, Milo, Wheat | |Green leafy vegetables |Spinach, Broccoli, Lettuce, Cabbage, Mustard green, Kale examples | APPENDIX 4: MINERALS AND THEIR RDA |SYMBLE |SOURCES |RDA | |Na (Sodium) |Table Salt, Sea vegetables, spinach, milk |6g | |Ca (Calcium) |Salmon, Sardine, eggs, dairy products, nuts, oregano |700mg | |K (Potassium) |Spinach, legumes, tomatoes, banana, avocado, whole grains and |3500mg | | |yams | | |P (Phosphate) |Fish, poultry, oats, rice, red meat, |700mg | |Fe (Iron) |Eggs, spinach, shrimps, soybeans, lentils, tomatoes, olives, |M=8.7mg / F=4.8mg | | |tomatoes | | |Mg (Magnesium) |Spinach, soybean, sea vegetables, tomatoes, beans, brazil nuts|M=300mg / F=270mg | |I (Iodine) |Eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, yoghurt, strawberries, iodised |0.14mg | | |salt | | |Se (Selenium) |Cod, salmon, garlic, lamb, cheese, calf liver, barley, brazil |75mcg | | |nuts | | |Zn (Zinc) |Calf liver, spinach, eggs, oats, oyster, lean pork and beef, |M=5.5-9.5mg / F=4-7mg | | |asparagus | | USA Department of Agriculture / Department of Health, 2010 APPENDIX 5: VITAMINS AND THEIR RDA’S |VITAMIN |SOURCES |RDA | |Retinol (A) |Liver, fish oil, carotenoids, milk fortified |M=0.7mg / F=0.6mg | |Ascorbic acid (C) |Citrus (oranges), kiwi fruit, broccoli |40mg | |Thiamin (B1) |Liver, pork, whole grains and products |M=1mg / F=0.8mg | |Riboflavin (B2) |Liver, eggs, milk, rice, mushrooms |M=1.3mg / F=1.1mg | |Niacin (B3) |Poultry, fish, beef, peanut butter, legumes |M=17mg / F=13mg | |Pyridoxine (B6) |Liver, pork, legumes, fish, whole grains |M=1.4mg / F=1.2mg | |Cobalamin (B12) |Beef, poultry, cod, salmon, cheese, eggs |0.0015mg | |Vitamin E |Vegetable oil, green vegetables, nuts |12mg | |Folate |Broccoli, peas, asparagus, brown rice |0.2mg | |Pantothenic acid |Milk, fruits, veggies, meat, fish, grains |10mg | |Biotin |Cottage cheese, liver, eggs, peanut, grain |300mcg | |Vitamin K |Green vegetables, fruits, nuts |75mg | |Note that Vitamin K can be synthesised in the intestine whereas Vitamin D can be derived salmon, fortified cereals and juices, milk and | |sunlight (No RD A but 15minutes in the sun thrice a week is enough) | USA Department of Agriculture / Department of Health, 2010 APPENDIX 6: RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE FOR WATER |SEX |RDA FOR WATER | |MALE |3.7L with no upper limit increase with exercise to rehydrate | |FEMALE |2.7L with no upper limit increase with exercise to rehydrate and increase intake when | | |breast feeding. | INSTITUTE OF MEDICENE 2004 REFERENCE LIST ONLINE âž ¢ British Dietetic Association (2013) Food fact sheet: cholesterol [Online] Available from: http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/cholesterol.pdf [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ British Nutrition Foundation (2013) Confusion on fat and heart health [Online]. Available from: http://www.nutrition.org.uk/nutritioninthenews/headlines/fats [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention (2012) Nutrition for everyone: Protein [Online] Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html [Accessed on 19/12/2013]. âž ¢ Cranney et al, (2007) Effectiveness and safety of vitamin D in relation to bone health [Online] Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18088161?dopt=Abstract [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board. (2004) Dietary reference intakes: Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride and Sulphate. Washington DC: Institute of Medicine. [Online]. Available from: www.iom.edu/Reports/2004/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-Water-Potassium- [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board (2010) Dietary reference intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington DC: Institute of Medicine. [Online]. Available from: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Fil.pdf [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Marshall University (2012) [Online] Available from: http://science.marshall.edu/murraye/alpha_amylase.htm [Accessed on 18/02/2013]. âž ¢ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research [no date] Nutrition and healthy eating: functions of water in the body. [Online] Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/medical/IM00594 [Accessed on 19/02/2013]. âž ¢ National Health Service (2011) [Online] Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/eatwell-plate.aspx [Accessed on 17/02/2013]. âž ¢ National Health Service (2011) [Online] Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/3215.aspx?CategoryID=51 [Accessed on 17/02/2013]. âž ¢ National Health Service (2012) [Online] Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1126.aspx?CategoryID=51SubCategoryID=164 [Accessed on 17/02/2013]. âž ¢ United States of America. Department of Agriculture/Department of Health and Human Services (2010), Dietary guidelines for Americans, Washington DC: US Government Printing Office. [Online] Available from: http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf [Accessed: 19/02/2013]. âž ¢ University of Michigan Integrative Medicine (2010) Healing foods pyramid [Online] Available from: http://www.med.umich.edu/umim/food-pyramid/fats.htm [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ World Health Organisation (2013) [Online] Available from: http://www.who.int/topics/nutrition/en/ [Accessed: 17/02/2013]. ONLINE JOURNALS âž ¢ Kumar et all (2012) Dietary roles of non-starch polysaccharides in human nutrition: a review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Volume 52(10). [Online] Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408398.2010.512671?url_ver=Z39.88-2003rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.orgrfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed. [Accessed on 23/02/2013]. âž ¢ Schenker S. (2012). UK recommendations for dietary fat: should they be reassessed in light of the recent FAO/WHO recommendations? Nutrition Bulletin, 37(1), pp. 37-46. [Online] Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-3010.2011.01946.x/full [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. BOOKS âž ¢ Firth L. (2011) Nutrition and diet. Issues 205, Cambridge: Independence Educational Press. âž ¢ Higdon, J. and Drake, V. J. (2011) An evidenced-based approach to vitamins and minerals: health benefits and intake recommendation. 2nd Edition. New York: Thieme. âž ¢ Kuil W. A D. (2012) Sources of dietary protein and risk of hypertension in a general Dutch population, British Journal of Nutrition, 108 (10), pp. 1897-1903. âž ¢ Martini F. H. (2006) Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology. 7th Edition. San Francisco: Pearson Education. pp. 39-58. âž ¢ Whitney, E. and Rolfes S. R. (2011) Understanding nutrition. 12th Edition. Belmont: Wadsworth. BIBLIOGRAPHY ONLINE âž ¢ British Dietetic Association (2013) Food fact sheet: sugar [Online] Available from: http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/Sugar.pdf [Accessed on 20/02/02013] âž ¢ Georgetown University (2012) Proteins: what does it do? [Online] Available from: http://www.georgetown.edu/admin/auxiliarysrv/dining/nutrition/protein.html [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Stoner, L et al (2012) Preventing a Cardiovascular Disease Epidemic among Indigenous Populations through Lifestyle Changes. [Online] Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3354392/ [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. BOOKS âž ¢ Blomhoff R, et al. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. British Journal of Nutrition. 2006; 96. âž ¢ New Zealand. Ministry of Health (2003), Food and nutrition guideline for healthy adults: a background paper, Wellington: Ministry of Health. âž ¢ Rolfes, S. R. et al (2009) Understanding normal and clinical nutrition. 8th Edition. Belmont: Wadsworth. ONLINE VIDEOS âž ¢ Dairy: essential nutrition or health saboteur? – Keon, J. (2011) [Online video]. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp9MwjW5QX0 [Accessed on 20/02/2013]. âž ¢ Good nutrition made easy: how to grow a healthy adult Davidson, L. (2012) [Online video]. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qAeAzreESg [Accessed on 20/02/2013].

Production And Operations Management Information Technology Essay

Production And Operations Management Information Technology Essay As Purchasing Manager for Grandiose Motors, I have endeavored towards continuous critical evaluation of the existing processes and policies that has impact on the daily operations, with the purpose of promoting efficiency, reducing costs and further improving the performance of Grandiose Motors. This report aims to give solutions to the challenges faced by Grandiose due to its growth, of purchasing and availability of service parts and materials which play a significant role in its operation and sustainability of the business. This report attempts to critically evaluate the process and submit recommendations for approval of the management. It will also highlight the significance of purchasing and inventory management policies and procedures and introduce the concept of supply chain management as solution to operation challenges and strategies as well as performance management in terms of deliverables and service levels of Grandiose Motors to its stakeholders most especially to its cu stomers. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1.1 Aims 2.0 Background: Grandiose Motors 3.0 Critical Evaluation of the current Purchasing and Inventory Function for Grandiose Motors Dealership network 3.1 Restructure Processing and Inventory Function 4.0 Recommendations TASK 1: Recommendations with respect to structuring the purchasing and inventory functions: SCM Implementation at Grandiose Motors Business Operation Supply Chain Management Purchasing and Inventory Management Policies and Procedures TASK 2: Recommendations for different purchasing and inventory management policies for purchase of different types of service parts and materials TASK 3: Supply Chain and Inventory management concepts designed to reduce Investment and space requirements and maintaining adequate service levels of Grandiose Motors Solution to reduce Investment and Space requirements Performance Management and Service Levels Grandiose Motors: Operational Strategies and its Implication SCM professionals or SCM consultant or practitioner Using SCM ERP Packages 5.0 Conclusion 6.0 List of References Introduction Grandiose Motors is foreseeing that the sustainability of its successful performance and efficient service is to manage its current challenges -ensuring availability of service parts and materials and finding a solution to facilities and warehouse space requirements to accommodate the growth of Grandiose Motorss business. To sustain the companys growth, impending challenges for the company have been identified and the need to address them has been raised. 1.1 Aim This report is made to critically evaluate current processes involved in the operation and suggest some recommendations to address the forthcoming challenges. An idea and the perception from industry practices that Supply Chain Management solves inventory and warehousing concern for business operations, is an option that Grandiose Motors desire to explore. This paper will provide an overview of how Supply chain can help business operations as well as solving the current challenges of the company. 2.0 Background: Grandiose Motors Grandiose Motors was established 15 years ago, starting from one office it has grown to its fourth automotive dealership. Grandiose Motors is involved in automobile sales and after sales servicing. Managing four automotive dealerships and catering to over a million consumers requires hard work, consistency in customer service and continuous improvement to ensure sustainability of the business. The automotive dealership of Grandiose Motors operated autonomously wherein only one car make is being sold and serviced. The business was started with the acquisition of the Mitsubishi dealership; after over a decade it had already acquired two more and now it is on its fourth dealership, the company is now going beyond being synomomous with one car make. The new dealership is his first auto supermarket where they sell multiple car makes. This includes Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. The success of Grandiose Motors is attributed to three interdependent key factors. First is volume, second is its marketing methodology hassle-free buying experience and lastly, its solid reputation for after sales service. These three factors are cyclic by nature, the high volume of sales pertains to availability of choices of cars and car makes, then the buying experience entices customers to make their purchases at Grandiose Motors and of course, all cars purchases are maintained to ensure its usability and this is done through after sales service- like diagnosing repairs, timely and efficient service and outstanding customer experience. Grandiose Motors is banking on these performance indicators as their solid foundation for their customers. They have gained the confidence of their buyers, thus, they are known as a reliable car sales dealer and have outstanding after sales support and servicing. 3.0 Critical Evaluation of the current Purchasing and Inventory Function for Grandiose Motors Dealership network Currently, the purchasing and inventory function of the four dealership network of Grandiose Motors follows that they purchase their own service parts and materials. Grandiose is following decentralized purchasing policy where each dealership is buying their inventory independently. It leads to higher costs and more time for managing inventory at each dealership. Centralized purchasing policy helps in better control over inventory investment, space, quantity and cash discounts and assures uniformity in quality and reduces overlap and duplication of purchasing effort. Grandiose is not profiting from these advantages of centralized purchase policy, (Ng Lam 1991). Supplies forecasts are based on historical demand data since service and material requirements are based on seasonality factors. These seasonality factors are based on weather during the winter there are high requirement for batteries while during summer there are high demands for air-conditioner parts. On the other hand, during autumn there are high requirements for antifreeze. In addition, Grandiose Motors may have seasonal promotion for vehicle sales and its services; therefore there will be demands for service parts and materials. Grandiose is not managing inventory risk associated with seasonal products effectively. By using a pull contract it can get discount on the prices as well as the inventory risk will be upon the supplier rather than the retailer during the season, whereas the risk will be with the retailer before the season (Cachon 2004). Due to different car models and car make sold by Grandiose Motors, there is a demand for service parts and materials for each kind and model. On the other hand, there are various types that should be maintained and kept available. The supplies are used to service vehicles and some are sold to consumers over the counter. Parts suppliers are the car manufacturers and certified wholesale to maintain authenticity. There are various suppliers for oils, lubricants and fan belts. The treatment of these two types of purchasing should be different as the demand, procurement, type of suppliers and inventory and storage is totally different. For example high inventory has to be maintained for rapidly moving parts, where as small inventory for slow moving parts (Duft 2010). And also the purchasing should be centralized for products like oils, lubricants and fan belts where as for genuine spare parts it can be centralized (Bossart et al. 2007). Grandiose is able to maintain hassle free buying experience as well as outstanding customer servicing, by ensuring lowered cost concept, service and repair using the right parts and repairs at the right time as well as reliable after-sales servicing. This key performance policy might not be sustainable in the future as the company is handling various spare parts of different automobiles and if the current policy is not changed about how it handles the procurement, inventory and storage of the different parts, cost will definitely increase because they are not using effective ways like placing the rapid moving parts in such a way that they are easily available to the employees for restocking, using mechanical means to handle and movie stock. This will decrease the labor cost and time (Duft 2010). 3.1 Restructure Processing and Inventory Function From the above critical evaluation of the current inventory process it is apparent that Grandiose needs restructuring of its inventory processing function. Grandiose Motors is growing, the company wants to make sure that the business operation will continue through enhanced customer experience and sustainability of the companys after-sales service and support. The proper use of storage space for inventory is also crucial because space is costly and with the new dealership acquisition investment finances, space and facility support are over stretched. In addition to this, financial resources on hand is depleted in every business investments. It can be said that restructuring and purchasing and inventory supply chain management will address these operation at constraints. Recommendations Based on the above critical evaluation the following recommendations are being suggested for Grandiose Inventory management with relations to the different tasks or forthcoming challenges. TASK 1: Recommendation with respect to structuring the purchasing and inventory functions: SCM Implementation at Grandiose Motors Business Operation Supply Chain Management. Supply Chain Management (SCM) can solve its current challenges in space, supplies and finances. As supply chain pertains to strategic and systemic coordination of all business factions for an organization with the purpose of efficiency and long-term performance improvement, SCM is the best option for Grandiose Motors. This includes products, services, finances and information from one source to the other within the chain of operation and down to the consumer or end user. The entire purpose of SCM is to create value for the company and the consumer (Jespersen Skjott-Larsen 2005). SCM can be used as a competitive strategy which integrates suppliers and customers; also it reduces response time and creates flexibility (Irfan, Xiaofei Chun 2008). Figure 1. Source: Jespersen Skjott-Larsen ( 2005), p. ) The above model illustrates the Supply Chain Management cycle in terms of planning specific to the requirement of the organization (Jespersen Skjott-Larsen 2005). Following this model, the initial step is to identify the operation strategic requirements efficiency in investment, supplies procurement and space requirements. 1. Supply Chain and Process Mapping This is the planning part where the CEO and Grandiose Motors management team will brainstorm and define the strategies and directions. The purpose is to identify the required supply chain capabilities and gaps appropriate to solve the operation challenges. As of this time, it has been earlier identified that the challenges involve investment, supplies procurement and space requirements. 2. Data Gathering and categorization Though meetings, discussion and interviews, data are gathered and documents are checked for the data sources; like reports, suppliers lists, demand reports, product inventory, infrastructure, warehouse distribution and expenses and others. 3. Analysis and Validation Data gathered will be analyzed and the SCM model will be recommended. This model will include cost, warehouse, distribution and inventory for supplies and materials. Validation will be done by finance and management. Findings and results and possible issues will be identified from sample data and the model. Recommendations will be presented to get the approval of CEO and the management in order to design the solution model. 4. Solution Design and Recommendation The Supply Chain simulation model will be presented. This is the model designed specifically to address challenges and operation of Grandiose Motors. In addition to this, an optimal chain model will present the financial impact. 5. Implementation Plan Based on the recommendation the solution that will be implemented for Grandiose motors will be presented. Details of the task, the resources, suppliers, accountability, structure and timeline will be included. Implementation or Output will carry out a Solution Implementation Plan. This will detail out the task, the resource, the involved party or partners and the time frame. The simulation plan will present opportunities and gaps in order to come up with a specific solution. See illustrations below. Sample Supply Chain Simulation Figure 2. Saurce: Jespersen and Skjott-Larsen (2005, p. ) Purchasing and Inventory Management Policies and Procedures Purchasing and inventory management policies and procedures will differ depending on the processes and policies of the respective supplier in the Supply Chain. With the SCM, these differences can be minimized since industries and suppliers are now familiar with efficiency and systematic process. Purchasing and inventory management ensures physical control and layout of key areas of operation. This manages the different procedures with third parties and other partners essential to availability and procurement of supplies and parts. This would cover forecasting and replenishment strategies, quantity calculation and inventory systems (Muller 2003). TASK 2: Recommendations for different purchasing and inventory management policies for purchase of different types of service parts and materials In the case of Grandiose Motors, the four dealership networks are managing various car make and models and this would entail different suppliers for materials and parts. This would have various differences in policies and procedures like purchasing policy, delivery time, demand, schedule and methods, forecasting, order placement, payment settlement and return policies and others. With regard to servicing, Grandiose Motors is supporting genuine parts for different car makes and models are which are being supplied by authorized dealers and wholesalers. And it is also selling over the counter products like oil, lubricants and fans. Also it has certain spare parts whose demand is only seasonal. For Grandiose Motors, the company and its Purchasing department has already established a system to manage this inventory and purchasing system. However, due to the business growth, changes in operation as well ensuring continuity of supplies and parts procurement in the future, it has to reduce p rocuring and inventory costs by having a different policy for different products. Following are the recommendations. 1. Using a pull contract and an advance-purchase discount system for procuring seasonal parts. A pull contract has a single wholesale price, and the supplier bears the supply chains inventory risk because only the supplier holds inventory while the retailer replenishes as needed during the season (Cachon 2004). Advance -purchase system will give a discounted price for inventory purchased before the season, and a regular price for replenishments during the selling season thus it has two wholesale prices. Also the risk allocation will be with the retailer for parts ordered before the season and for the parts replenished during the season risk will be with the supplier (Cachon 2004). 2. Maintaining high level of inventories for rapid moving parts like oil, lubricants and fans and low inventories for slow moving parts or genuine parts which are required only at the time of servicing (Duft 2010). 3. Decentralizing purchasing policy for servicing parts and centralizing for over the counter sales spare parts (Bossart et al. 2007). 4. Rearranging the sales area and storage area in such a way that rapidly moving parts are easily picked and restocked by the employees using mechanical means for storing and moving parts. Using storage space interchangeably, with seasonal parts (Duft 2010). 5. Using JIT -Just in time inventory for rapid moving and over the counter sales for parts like oil, lubricants and fans which are easily available and have a large number of suppliers. JIT reduces inventory cost as firms have to incur costs and interest for holding inventories (Morgan 1991) TASK 3: Supply Chain and Inventory management concepts designed to reduce Investment and space requirements and maintaining adequate service levels of Grandiose Motors. A. Solution to reduce Investment and Space requirements INVESTMENT Efficiency in savings The solution for investment is settled through review of all processes and ensuring efficiency and eliminating redundant process. This ensures cost minimization and ensures savings for the company. Minimize paper transactions and the use of recycled papers for receiving papers and documents is recommended. This will ensure savings on office supplies costs. SPACE REQUIREMENT Central Warehouse The locations of the four dealership network may have significant differences, however the company has to strategically situate a central warehouse for the four dealerships as it is more cost efficient. The 45 minute to an hour drive is better than renting expensive warehouse spaces. In addition, proper scheduling of supplies and parts replenishing will ensure that a proper inventory system is in place. The following will be involved transportation of company moving trucks, warehouse people and warehouse department, database in place for inventory and order system, central warehouse. B. Performance Management and Service Levels The above recommendations automation, paper-less transactions, process efficiency and other cost reduction measures for Grandiose Motors will ensure savings on investment. Since there is no need to avail on expensive warehouse spaces, the company will save more to use the investment in purchasing supplies and supporting system automation and database software. The Central Warehouse may be located in one of the network dealerships or in the main office of Grandiose Motors; this will just be an additional facility and will not require additional start up investment. Service levels and performance management are measured through the companys key performance indicators. These are measurable objectives to ensure that the performance of the company is able to attain its target and measure the savings and cost of the organization (Muller 2003). The service level for Grandiose Motors is determined by various factors such as servicing turn around time, timely availability of supplies and par ts for different dealership network, sales and volume, distribution and inventory. Below is the sample transport and packaging process model followed by Toyota Motors which illustrates the model to follow and ensures that each process is documented and all are aware of the system (Iyer, Seshadri , Vasher 2009). Toyota Figure 3. C. Grandiose Motors: Operational Strategies and its Implication By Following SCM concepts, best sources and sustainability of the business is ensured through proper sourcing of suppliers, planning of warehouse and savings efficiency in processes to manage investment finances. The forecasted implication would be a change in operation. For effective management of inventory and to meet the changing demand and supply trends of the market, it is essential to develop a SCM which is responsive to the dynamic business environment so as to profit from the new opportunities in the market (Leà ³n Peà ±a 2008). D. SCM professionals or SCM consultant or practitioner Grandiose Motors should employ the services of consultants or third party professionals expert with Supply Chain management and familiar in the Automobile dealership, servicing and supply procurement. SCM can be outsourced at Grandiose Motors. E. Using SCM ERP Packages ERP packages are used to substitute traditional separate SCM into an integrated suite for a new business model resulting in a compact flow of information through the enterprise. It helps in automation of SCM updation, inventory control, reporting, ordering, and scheduling, (Wu Kao ,2006). 5.0 Conclusion Supply chain management is a system that is implemented to an organization to ensure improved performance. For organizations that are new to this model and application, this may be change that has to be managed. Management has a significant role in ensuring that the plan and implementation of the SCM model has been carried out. With the growth of a business, the entire organization should understand the direction of the company and that the quality measures through SCM and efficiency in processes should be encouraged. This paper proposed recommendations for the improvement in terms of resolving the current challenges in investment, space and supplies procurement. In addition to this the benefits and implication to business of SCM concept has been discussed.

Developing an Organ Transplant Market Essay -- Medicine Medical Essays

Developing an Organ Transplant Market According to a new book, The U.S. Organ Procurement System, written by economists David Kaserman and A. H. Barnett, there are 80,000 Americans on the organ transplant waiting list. Twenty of them die each day as a direct result of organ shortages; that's over 7,000 each year. These lost lives are not so much an act of God as they are an act of Congress because of its 1984 National Organ Transplant Act, that prohibits payment to organ donors. Reliance on voluntary donations, has been an abject policy failure. It's noteworthy that everyone else involved in the organ transplant business is rewarded handsomely - that includes surgeons, nurses and organ procurement workers. How might an organ transplant market work? Lloyd Cohen, a law professor at George Mason University, envisions letting people contract in advance to permit the harvesting of any usable organs when they die. The money earned would become a part of their estate. Many people are offended by the notion of human body parts becoming commodities for sale. There's at least a tiny bit of inconsistency because there is a market for human blood, semen and hair. How many vital things in our lives do we depend on altruism or voluntary donations to provide? Food is vital, water is vital; so are clothing and housing. We don't depend on altruism and voluntary donations to provide these goods. And for good reason - there'd be massive shortages. Why should we depend on altruism or voluntary donations to provide what we may one day need more urgently than food, water, clothing or housing? All objections to organ sales reduce to either nonsense, ignorance or arrogance. Let's look at some of them. One concern is that if organs are sol... ...r more criminal activity associated with alcohol manufacture, distribution and consumption than there is now. To the extent that prohibition of organ sales reduces their supply, holding all else equal there's greater incentive for illegal activities involving organ transplants, including murder. The medical profession has traditionally been opposed to organ sales. Their opposition would seem to be in violation of Hippocrates' admonition - primum non nocere. But they've recently taken steps, all be they timid, towards ending the day to day deaths due to organ shortages. At their July 2002 meeting, the American Medical Association voted agreement to commence trials in which payments will be made to organ donors or their families as a means to encourage cadaveric organ collections. Work Cited David Kaserman and A. H. Barnett, The U.S. Organ Procurement System

Free Companies :: Essays Papers

Free Companies In 1337 hostilities erupted between France and England that would continue, with brief times of peace, until 1453. This war, which lasted for over a century, would latter be known as The Hundred Years' War. One of the terms that originated during this war were bands of mercenaries formed in France called Free Companies. To understand Free Companies fully one must first look at the Hundred Years War for explanation. "The Hundred Years War was the last great medieval war." (http://www.cfcsc.dnd.ca/links/milhist/100.html) Not only was this war between kings, but lesser nobles too were fighting for their own interests, while they fought for their country. Looking back two centuries earlier can be seen as the true cause for this war. When Duke William of Normandy conquered England in 1066, he did so as a subject of the French King. The French speaking English Kings to follow gained more and more land from the English. But the English King still ruled two French provinces, Gascony and Guyenne. In the 14th century, the French king Philip VI demanded that the English return these provinces to the French. When Edward III denied Philip VI of this, saying that Philip's claim to the French thrown was not as strong as Edward's own right to rule both France and England, war broke out. Because the kings and nobles were not wealthy enough to maintain armies permanently, and the ancient system of raising troops through feudal obligation had, for the time being, fallen apart, the most effective armies were made up of mercenaries. The definition of mercenaries given by the Oxford American Dictionary is "professional soldiers serving a foreign country." These professional, paid troops became a popular practice through out Europe in the 14th century. Both Knights and commoners under arms were eager to take the money of anyone wishing to raise an army. The English were the first of these two countries to use this practice. Free Companies were formed by the English to fight in France.

The Stamp Act Essay -- British History

The Stamp Act   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The passing of the Stamp Act by Parliament in 1765 caused a rush of angry protests by the colonists in British America that perhaps "aroused and unified Americans as no previous political event ever had." It levied a tax on legal documents, almanacs, newspapers, and nearly every other form of paper used in the colonies. Adding to this hardship was the need for the tax to be paid in British sterling, not in colonial paper money. Although this duty had been in effect in England for over half a century and was already in effect in several colonies in the 1750?s, it called into question the authority of Parliament over the overseas colonies that had no representation therein.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the news of the passage of this act reached the American shore, the colonists protested vehemently. Nine of the thirteen colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress, which sought ?to consider of a general and united, dutiful, loyal and humble representation of their condition to His Majesty and the Parliament; and to implore relief.? The resulting resolution caused almost as much resistance in England as the original act had in the colonies. Through studying some of the documents coming out of this period, one can see the very different opinions held by the colonists, supporters of Parliament, and American sympathizers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress were completed on October 19, 1765. These resolutions are a strong, logical argument against the Stamp Act, which appears to be very cogent. A major issue in the writing of these was the degree of rebelliousness that should be conveyed in the text. Because of the disagreements about this, the wording of the first resolution is very vague. The Congress began by asserting their allegiance to the crown and affirming their likeness to its other subjects, including the entitlement to certain inherent rights and liberties. It goes on to establish the need for representation in the government and the impossibility of representation for the colonists. It then goes on question the jurisdiction of Parliament in the passage of the Stamp Act in Resolution VII and petition the repeal of it in the conclusion: VII. That the late Act of Parliament, entitled, An Act for granting and applying certain Stamp Duties, and other Duties, in the British colonies and the plantations in America, etc., by impos... ...rn the colonies, taxing them was overreaching its jurisdiction: I am no courtier of America; I stand up for this kingdom. I maintain that the parliament has a right to bind, to restrain America. Our legislative power over the colonies is sovereign and supreme?but there is a plain distinction between taxes levied for the purposes of raising a revenue, and duties imposed for the regulation of trade?[Americans] have been wronged. They have been driven to madness by injustice. Will you punish them for the madness you have occasioned? Here Pitt is sympathizing with British America, comparing its people not only to slaves but also to the insane. He finishes his speech by asking that the Stamp Act be repealed ?absolutely, totally, and immediately? and that ?the reason for the appeal should be assigned, because it was founded on an erroneous principle.?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These are not all of the literature in response to the Stamp Act. Many others protested and supported in writing, speeches, and demonstrations. However, these examples do express the emotions that were drawn out during this time and the world of differences in the views of the colonists, Parliament, and American sympathizers.

Contract and Procurement Essay

Contract and procurement are imperative operations that should be done appropriately for the success of an organization. More often than not, people who are in judge of procurement do take these activities less seriously (MOLENAAR, 2007). Due to such concern most institutions have put in place stringent measures that control all the procurement transactions. In addition to that, people should be employed to be responsible for this duty according to the policies of many institutions should be highly trained (MOSEY, 2009). This sudden change that has taken place in many companies and organizations has real improved the output of the department of procurement hence most activities run smoothly as scheduled. The directors of the department of procurement partly determine the success or the failure of a project that is undergoing. Therefore, the managers of projects work very closely with the procurement officers to ensure that everything that is required is provided whenever its need arises. It is significant that, there exists a good relationship between the project managers and the procurement officers (MOSEY, 2009). If that is not the case, then there shall be contradicting ideas that will jeopardize the progress of the project. It is worth noting that, the duties and responsibilities of the procurement officers vary in accordance with the structure of an organization. This shows that, different procurement divisions have got structures which are designed to make management coordination and monitoring. This arrangement is imperative in improvement of the efficiency of the procurement activities. As aforementioned, the project manager should coordinate the transaction in collaboration with procurement manager to acquire all the requirements. The transactions which are carried out to achieve this are done un der the interpretation of the set policies, rules and regulations (BOWER, 2003). The rules and regulations set by the institution to ensure that the activities are carried out in harmony within all the departments that exist in a company. Unlike in the past, procurement process has dynamically changed and incorporated more activities. It only used to involve purchasing of goods and services required, but that is not the case nowadays (MOSEY, 2009). In procurement planning is done first. It determines whether to purchase a given commodity and if it should be bought the way it should be bought and quantity to be supplied. After this, reliable and potential supplies are determined, and contracts made with to supply the goods ordered (MOLENAAR, 2007). Before a contract is signed, thorough scrutiny is done by evaluating the proposals of the shortlisted vendors and interviews conducted to select the one that is unparalleled in offering those services and goods. After that, the one that emerges the best is awarded the contract. Supervision of the supply is done by the procurement office. Procurement process gives support to the internal activities that are done within an organization. The operations served include management, production and marketing services. It supports all the processes, infrastructure and systems required by the projects. In other the dimension, a procurement body that is independent and separate provides all the things required by the project on a transaction basis (BOWER, 2003). In this case, the director of the project gives a list of things which are required and the procurement officer buys and coordinates the goods until they reach at the company to be used. In either organizational structure, the procurement manager is involved in generating and managing the operational transactions and the linkage that exists between all the stakeholders of the project. This relationship that is created by the procurement manager exists in the whole procurement cycle period (MOSEY, 2009). The relationship between procurement professionals and the project management team is significant in that it creates a better environment for cross functional participation of all stakeholders. Moreover, it enables the procurement department to produce the best services to the project (DINSMORE & CABANIS-BREWIN, 2011). Therefore, for the procurement office to fit properly in the organization it must be well acquitted with the management strategies of the project. In a project based organization, there are about five general steps of procurement. Foremost, in collaboration with management, the procurement office should determine the requirements of the project. After determining what the requirements, the supplier is selected, who in agreement with project managers and the procurement professionals is given a contract to supply goods and services. The procurement department supervises and conducts routine assessment on the performance of the supplier until the contract ends (DINSMORE & CABANIS-BREWIN, 2011). In centralized corporate management, there is an interaction between the principal stakeholders; the corporate purchasing coordination team, the chief executive officer, the chief purchasing officer, the managers of the business units and the purchasers of the business unit (SANKAR & RAU, 2006). All of them have well defined roles and responsibilities in the procurement process. Most companies use formal organizational mechanisms like working groups and commodity teams, non-formal mechanisms of networking like employing competent people and initiating development programs, advanced systems of communication and use of complex management strategies (PENFIELD, 2010). In the centralized business unit procurement, the business units operate autonomously despite the fact that they are under one enterprise. The business unit creates a procurement order ships it to another business unit for supplier. Proper accounting records are kept to show the financial transactions between the two business units (SANKAR & RAU, 2006). References BOWER, D. (2003). Management of procurement. London, Thomas Telford. DINSMORE, P. C., & CABANIS-BREWIN, J. (2011). The AMA handbook of project management. New York, American Management Association MOLENAAR, K. R. (2007). Alternative project delivery, procurement, and contracting methods for highways. Reston, American Society of Civil Engineers. PENFIELD, P. C. (2010). A primer on negotiating corporate purchase contracts. [New York, N.Y.] (222 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017), Business Expert Press SANKAR, C. S., & RAU, K.-H. (2006). Implementation strategies for SAP R/3 in a multinational organization: lessons from a real-world case study. Hershey, Pennsylvania, CyberTech. MOSEY, D. (2009). Early Contractor Involvement in Building Procurement Contracts, Partnering and Project Management. Chichester, John Wiley & Sons.