Organizational Changes free essay sample

This is a time of unprecedented change in our society. The changes one experiences are happening at faster and faster rates. As examples, the telephone, radio, TV, and microwave werent even in use decades ago, and today these gadgets are commonplace, along with the computer, Internet, and fax machine. In just a few months, the technology that an organization uses on an everyday basis may be outdated and replaced. That means an organization needs to be responsive to advances in the technological environment; its employees work skills must evolve as technology evolves. Organizations that refuse to adapt are likely to be the ones that wont be around in a few short years. If an organization wants to survive and prosper, its managers must continually innovate and adapt to new situations. Every organization goes through periods of transformation that can cause stress and uncertainty. To be successful, organizations must embrace many types of change. We will write a custom essay sample on Organizational Changes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Businesses must develop improved production technologies, create new products desired in the marketplace, implement new administrative systems, and upgrade employees skills. Organizations that adapt successfully are both profitable and admired. Managers must contend with all factors that affect their organizations. The following lists internal and external environmental factors that can encourage organizational changes: * The  external environment  is affected by political, social, technological, and economic stimuli outside of the organization that cause changes. * The  internal environment  is affected by the organizations management policies and styles, systems, and procedures, as well as employee attitudes. Typically, the concept of organizational change is used to describe organization-wide change, as opposed to smaller changes such as adding a new person, modifying a program, and so on. Examples of organization-wide change might include a change in mission, restructuring operations (for example, restructuring to self-managed teams or due to layoffs), new technologies, mergers, or new programs such as Total Quality Management, re-engineering, and so on. Managers should note that all changes should be implemented as part of a strategy to accomplish an overall goal; these transformations should not take place just for the sake of change. While the external environment (competitive, regulatory, and so on) will  continue to play a role in an organizations ability to deliver goods and services, the internal environment within the organization will increasingly inhibit it from delivering products required to meet the demands of the marketplace unless it is able to adapt quickly. The major areas of changes in a companys internal environment include: * Strategic:  Sometimes in the course of normal business operation it is necessary for management to adjust the firms strategy to achieve the goals of the company, or even to change the mission statement of the organization in response to demands of the external environments. Adjusting a companys strategy may involve changing its fundamental approach to doing business: the markets it will target, the kinds of products it will sell, how they will be sold, its overall strategic orientation, the level of global activity, and its various partnerships and other joint-business arrangements. * Structural:  Organizations often find it necessary to redesign the structure of the company due to influences from the external environment. Structural changes involve the hierarchy of authority, goals, structural characteristics, administrative procedures, and management systems. Almost all change in how an organization is managed falls under the category of structural change. A structural change may be as simple as implementing a no-smoking policy, or as involved as restructuring the company to meet the customer needs more effectively. * Process-oriented:  Organizations may need to reengineer processes to achieve optimum workflow and productivity. Process-oriented change is often related to an organizations production process or how the organization assembles products or delivers services. The adoption of robotics in a manufacturing plant or of laser-scanning checkout systems at supermarkets are examples of process-oriented changes. * People-centered:  This type of change alters the attitudes, behaviors, skills, or performance of employees in the company. Changing people-centered processes involves communicating, motivating, leading, and interacting within groups. This focus may entail changing how problems are solved, the way employees learn new skills, and even the very nature of how employees perceive themselves, their jobs, and the organization. Some people-centered changes may involve only incremental changes or small improvements in a process. For example, many organizations undergo leadership training that teaches managers how to communicate more openly with employees. Other programs may concentrate on team processes by teaching both managers and employees to work together more effectively to solve problems. Most scholarly works focusing on organizational life cycles have been conceptual and hypothetical in content. Only a small minority have attempted to test empirically the organizational life cycle model. One widely-cited conceptual work, however, was published in the  Harvard Business Review  in 1972 by L. Greiner. He used five growth phases: growth through creativity; growth through direction; growth through delegation; growth through coordination; and growth through collaboration. Each growth stage encompassed an evolutionary phase (prolonged periods of growth where no major upheaval occurs in organization practices), and a revolutionary phase (periods of substantial turmoil in organization life). The evolutionary phases were hypothesized to be about four to eight years in length, while the revolutionary phases were characterized as the crisis phases. At the end of each one of the five growth stages listed above, Greiner hypothesized that an organizational crisis will occur, and that the businesss ability to handle these crises will determine its future: Phase 1—Growth through creativity eventually leads to a crisis of leadership. More sophisticated and more formalized management practices must be adopted. If the founders cant or wont take on this responsibility, they must hire someone who can, and give this person significant authority. Phase 2—Growth through direction eventually leads to a crisis of autonomy. Lower level managers must be given more authority if the organization is to continue to grow. The crisis involves top-level managers reluctance to delegate authority. Phase 3—Growth through delegation eventually leads to a crisis of control. This occurs when autonomous employees who prefer to operate without interference from the rest of the organization clash with business owners and managers who perceive that they are losing control of a diversified company. Phase 4—Growth through coordination eventually leads to a crisis of red tape. Coordination techniques like product groups, formal planning processes, and corporate staff become, over time, a bureaucratic system that causes delays in decision-making and a reduction in innovation. Growth through collaboration, is characterized by the use of teams, a reduction in corporate staff, matrix-type structures, the simplification of formal systems, an increase in conferences and educational programs, and more sophisticated information systems. While Greiner did not formally delineate a crisis for this phase, he guessed that it might revolve around the psychological saturation of employees who grow emotionally and physically exhausted by the intensity of team work and the heavy pressure for innovative solutions.

On Being Insane in Sane Places essays

On Being Insane in Sane Places essays Just how insane or sane is sanity? Is it possible to tell a sane person from someone that is insane? How is it that one psychiatrist can testify that a person is insane, while another equally qualified one argues that they are sane? Obviously, notions of normality are not as accurate as the general populous would believe. In fact, psychological categorization of mental illnesses has been said to be useless at best and harmful at its worst. One experiment set out to find out just how accurate these categorizations are. The experiment involved sending eight pseudopatients into twelve various hospitals. Out of the eight patients, one was in his twenties, while the other seven were older and considered to be established. Also, five were men and three were women. Each gained admission on the claim that they had been hearing voices. Except their fake names and occupations used at admission, the significant occurrences that they each described were actual life experiences that the y had been through. Once admitted to the various psychiatric facilities, the pseudopatients ceased any abnormal behaviors. The pseudopatients spent their time observing both the staff and other patients and even took notes on their observations. Despite the fact that the counterfeit patients acted normally and even took notes publicly, none of the them were discovered by the hospital staff. However, many of the other patients at the institutions continually saw through the fake patients and stated that they must be journalists checking up on the hospital and the staff. Anyway, not to restate everything in the article, the labels that are used for the sane and the insane are not always accurate, and that some of those housed in such institutions are quite possible not insane at all. After reading this article, I find myself somewhat enlightened. Even though I worked in a prison that housed mental patients, I too never ...

The Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Case

The Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Case On October 24, 2008, the bodies of Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudsons mother and brother were found in the familys home on Chicagos South Side. Shot to death was Hudsons mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson. Missing from the home was Julian King, the son of Jennifers sister Julia Hudson. Three days later the body of 7-year-old Julian, Hudsons nephew, was found in the back seat of an SUV parked on the West Side. He also had been shot. A .45-caliber gun found near the parked SUV was linked to all of the shooting deaths. The SUV was later confirmed to be that of Hudsons murdered brother, Justin King. A gun was also found in a vacant lot in the same neighborhood as the SUV, police said. The case drew national attention because of the fame of family member Jennifer Hudson, who won the best-supporting-actress Academy Award for her 2007 role in the film Dreamgirls. Hudson first gained fame after she was ousted on season three of the television talent show American Idol. Julias Estranged Husband Questioned William Balfour, the estranged husband of Julia Hudson, was taken into custody the day the first two bodies were found and held for 48 hours. He was then taken into custody by the Illinois Department of Corrections on a suspected parole violation. Balfour married Julia Hudson in 2006 but had been separated at the time of the shootings. He was thrown out of the Hudson home by Julias mother in the winter of 2007, according to reports. He denied any involvement with the Hudson case and denied statements that he had been seen with a gun, but remained in police custody. Balfour served almost seven years in prison after being convicted of attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was on parole at the time that the murder took place. Brother-in-Law Arrested Balfour was arrested at Stateville Correctional Center where he was being held on parole violation charges. Prosecutors believed that the shootings at the Hudson family home were the result of an argument Balfour had with Julia about another man. Investigators learned that Balfour tried to get a former girlfriend, Brittany Acoff-Howard, to provide him with a false alibi for the day that the murders occurred.   Im Going to Kill Your Family According to court records, Balfour threatened to kill members of Hudsons family on at least two dozen occasions before the three murders in October 2008. Assistant States Attorney James McKay said the threats began shortly after Balfour and his wife Julia Hudson broke up and he moved out of the family house. McKay said Balfour told Julia, If you ever leave me, Im going to kill you, but Im going to kill your family first. You will be the last to die. Jury Selection After answering questions about their knowledge of singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, 12 jurors and six alternates were chosen for the trial. Potential jurors in the trial were given questionnaires which asked if they were familiar with Hudsons career, if they regularly watched American Idol, and even if they were members of Weight Watchers, a weight-loss program for which Hudson is a celebrity spokesperson.   The jury was composed of 10 women and eight men and was racially diverse. While waiting for opening statements to begin a month later, Judge Charles Burns asked the jurors not to watch the television show American Idol, because Hudson was scheduled to make an appearance on an upcoming episode. The Trial During opening statements, Balfours defense attorney told jurors that police targeted him for the crime because they were under pressure to solve quickly what they knew would become a high-profile case, because of Jennifer Hudsons notoriety. Defense attorney Amy Thompson also told the jury that DNA found on the gun and fingerprints found in the SUV, in which Julians body was found three days later, did not match Balfour. Balfour pleaded not guilty to the charges and claimed he was nowhere near the house when the murders occurred. We Didnt Like How He Treated Her None of us wanted her to marry him [Balfour], Jennifer Hudson told the jury, We did not like how he treated her. Jennifer Hudsons sister Julia testified that Balfour was so jealous that he would even become angry when her son Julian kissed his mother. He would tell the 7-year-old, Get off my wife, she testified. Brittany Acoff Howard testified that William Balfour asked her to cover for him  for Oct. 24, 2008, the day Hudsons family members were killed.  Howard told jurors that Balfour helped buy her a prom dress and treated her like a little sister. He told me that if anybody asks you, Ive been out west all day, Acoff Howard said. In response to a specific prosecution witness, she said Balfour had asked her to lie for him. No DNA, But Gunshot Residue Illinois State Police evidence analyst Robert Berk told jurors that gunshot residue was found on the steering wheel of Balfours vehicle and the ceiling of the Suburban. His testimony followed that of another analyst, Pauline Gordon, who said no traces of Balfours DNA were found on the murder weapon, but that did not mean he never handled the gun. Some people shed skin cells faster, Gordon said. Gloves could have been worn. Guilty The jury deliberated 18 hours before finding Balfour guilty on three counts of murder and several other charges in connection with the October 24, 2008, deaths Darnell Donerson; Jason Hudson; and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King. After the verdict, jury members described the process they used during their almost 18 hours of deliberations. First, they voted on whether each witness was credible or not. Then they created a timeline of the crime to compare it with the alibi Balfours attorneys outlined during the trial. When the jury got around to taking its first vote, it was 9 to 3 in favor of conviction. Some of us tried our best to make him innocent, but the facts just werent there, juror Tracie Austin told reporters. Sentencing Before he was sentenced, Balfour was allowed to make a statement. In it, he offered condolences to the Hudson family but maintained his innocence. My deepest prayers go out to Julian King, Balfour said. I loved him. I still love him. Im innocent your honor. Under Illinois law, Balfour faced mandatory life without parole sentences for the multiple murders.  Illinois law does not allow death penalty sentences under any circumstances. You have the heart of an arctic night, Judge Burns told Balfour at his sentencing hearing. Your soul is as barren as dark space. Balfour was sentenced to life without parole. Grateful for Support Grammy and Academy Award-winning Hudson sobbed and leaned on her fiances shoulder as the jury verdict was read. She attended every day of the 11-day trial. In a statement, Jennifer and her sister Julia offered their gratitude: We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and were very grateful, the statement said. We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family. We have all suffered a terrible loss in this tragedy. They said they were praying that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday. Balfour Continues to Deny Involvement In February 2016,  Balfour  talked was interviewed by  Chuck Goudie of  WLS-TV, ABC7s sister station in Chicago. This was his first publicized interview since his conviction. During the interview, Balfour stated that his conviction was due to a large conspiracy that included the police, witnesses, and lawyers and that he had nothing to do with the murders. When asked about why  7-year-old  Julian King was murdered, Balfours answer was chilling: Balfour: ...It could have been a wrong place at the wrong time, the person who come in there to kill somebody dont kill who they kill. If you are a witness and you can identify somebody, they can say I killed him because he could have identified me but thats not the case.Goudie: That 7-year-old boy could have identified you.Balfour: That what I said earlier, that he could identify me and thats why he got killed. Or he killed him because he could identify him. Now Julian was smart, he could remember faces. In response to the interview, the Chicago Police Department said: CPD stands firmly behind our investigation which was based exclusively on facts and evidence in this senseless murder. Balfour is currently serving his time in  Stateville Correctional Center  near  Joliet, Illinois.

Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Ethics - Coursework Example This was in response to the killing of George Jackson in California’s San Quentin Prison. He was a black prisoner who was involved in prisoners’ activist movements. The riots involved taking hostage of 33 prison staff after the inmates had revolted and taken control of the prison. Though the prison authorities tried to negotiate, only twenty-eight requests of the prisoner’s were agreed upon but complete amnesty was not realized. Moreover, the authorities did not heed to the inmates demand to transfer of the prison superintendent. However, the prisoners were surpassed as the state police gained control. The rebellion resulted to thirty-nine death that included prisoners, civilian employees, and correctional officers. The Attica prison riots were caused by prisoners’ rebellion in regards to several prison conditions. The inmates claimed that the sleeping and living conditions had become unbearable; the prison wardens were cruel and insensitive to their welfares. Further, the riots stemmed from the abuse the prisoner faced in hands of the guards. Moreover, the cultural and social movements outside the prison compounds instigated the inmates to rebel. In addition, some prison neighborhood had encouraged collective militancy in other places of the states thus; it caused the prisoners to call or attention. Just like the 1970s prison conditions, most of the current prisons are still overcrowded. They lack basic facilities such as beds and sanitary equipments. In addition, literacy level within the modern prison setting is still very low. Several inmates are either functionally illiterate or illiterate. According to studies conducted on US prisons, approximately seven out of ten inmates were discovered to be

Understanding Specific Needs in Health and Social Care Essay

Understanding Specific Needs in Health and Social Care - Essay Example These concepts include the primary and secondary deviance as relates to the patients, the community and the caregivers of the social care services (Üstün, 2010, p 43). These concepts include deviance, stigma and how to address the issue of stigma. In these three concepts, the factors of stigma are of key concerns as regards the caregivers and users (Fisher & Robinson, 2010, p 209). The element of consideration in stigmatization in understanding disability and challenging behaviours entails the perceptions of the community within which this individual with the special needs lives. Further, the processes of tackling the stigmatization issue as a concept is also of key concern in understanding and addressing the issues of special needs care. Another concept in this factor is handicap and understanding the issues relating to handicapped persons, as well as, addressing the needs for such special needs person. Additionally, this understanding also entails the concepts regarding soc ial and structural iatrogenesis. This social and structural iatrogenesis entails the perception and behaviour of the society as receivers of care within the special needs issues. Further, the role of medicine in the society also entails key concept of consideration within this element to understand the behaviour and disability existent among the people concerned. It is essential since it facilitates the interventions entailed in caring and understanding these special needs regarding disability, illness and behaviour.

Processes of Water Treatment

Processes of Water Treatment Question Limit of detection Stating the water supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, limit of detection is calculated as three times the relative within batch standard deviation of a natural sample containing a low concentration of the parameter. Also, its means five times the relative within batch standard deviation of a blank sample. DA Armbruster et al (1994) stated that the limit of detection may be determined statistically based on measuring replicate blank negative samples or empirically by measuring progressively more dilute concentrations of analyte. Limit of detection (In analysis) Limit of detection is expressed as the concentration, cl, or the quantity, ql, is derived from the smallest measure, xl, that can be detected with reasonable certainty for a given analytical procedure. The value of xl, is then given by the equation: xL = xbi + ksbi Where xbi = Mean of the blank measures   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sbi = Standard deviation of the blank measures   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  K = The numerical factor chosen according to the confidence level desired. (IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology 2 (2007)). Trueness Stating the water supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, trueness also referred to as the systematic error is the calculated difference between the true value and the main value of the large number of repeated measurements. Andrzej Bobrowski et al (2004) stated that trueness indicates the closeness between an accepted reference value and the average value of the considered laboratory test. Practically, it is defined as the closeness of agreement between the mean of the result of a measurements of a measurand obtained specifically between day precision conditions and the true or conventional true value of the measurement Dr. Xavier Fuentes-Arderiu (2009). Precision By stating the water supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, precision also referred to as the random error is being calculated as twice the standard deviation (within a batch and between batches) of the spread of result about the mean. According to Andrzej Bobrowski et al (2004), precision indicates the closeness of agreement between independent test results obtained under stipulated conditions and thus, should be obtained by using the standard fortified samples (blanks) at different circumstances across working range. The most common way to express precision is in form of standard deviation. However, it is also expressed as a variance or a coefficient of variation. Question 2 Part 1 Directive requirements Chemical Parameter According to the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, Benzene is indentified as a chemical parameter under part 1 directive requirements with maximum concentration value of 1.0 and it is measured in  µg/1. Its point of compliance is in the consumers taps. Microbiological Parameter Under the part 1 directive requirements of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, Escherichia coli is a microbiological parameter with maximum concentration value of 0, unit of measurement in Number/100ml and point of compliance in the consumers taps. Part II National Requirements Chemical Parameter According to the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001, Manganese is a part II national chemical parameter with maximum concentration value of 50, unit of measurement as  µg/Mn/1 and its point of compliance is in the consumers taps. Microbiological Parameter Coliform bacteria is a part II national microbiological parameter Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001 with maximum concentration at 0, unit of measurement as Number/100ml and its point of compliance is at the service reservoir and water treatment works. Question 3 Part I Directive requirements Exposure to benzene causes depression of the central nervous system (CNS), drowsiness, and nausea, loss of co-coordination, confusion and unconsciousness. At 25 ppm, it has no effects, but between 50 to 150 ppm, it produces headaches and tiredness (Canadian centre for occupational health and safety (2007)). Long term exposure or inhalation of benzene causes blood disorders in the human. Specifically, benzene affects the bone marrow and causes damages to the immune system. Also, chronic exposure to benzene in women leads to reproductive effects such as decrease in the size of the ovaries, menstrual disorders etc. It causes severe bloody diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. In children below age 5 and the elderly, it causes an infection called haemolytic uremic syndrome, which destroys the red blood cells and leads to kidney failure (US Environmental protection Agency (2006)). Part II National requirements In the book by Levy J.S and Nasetta W.J (2003) Chronic inhalation of manganese into the human body may cause damage to the nervous system and the respiratory tract. Excessive exposure to manganese causes an irreversible brain disease with a prominent psychological and neurological disturbance which looks like Parkinson diseases also known as Manganism (Bureau of Environmental health (2009)). Basically, coliform bacteria do not cause sickness in human but their presence in a water gives rise to public health concerns due to the potential of other pathogenic or disease causing organism like bacteria, protozoa and viruses also being present in the water. The waterborne diseases from these organisms involves flu-like systems such as fever, diarrhoea vomiting and nausea (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (1998)). Question 4 Rational for the use of the indicator Parameter: The rational for the use of conductivity as an indicator is detecting water pollution. Water has a comparatively invariable range of conductivity and once the conductivity is established, it is being used as the bases for assessment with regular conductivity measurements. Conductivity determines a number of applications relating to the water quality. These applications are stated below; Quick notification of difference or variance in wastewaters and natural water. Conductivity is used in the determination of the amount of treatment chemicals to be added in a water sample. It is used in determining mineralization: this is referred to as total dissolved solids and the total dissolved solids results is used to determining the overall ionic effect in water source Lastly, it is used in the estimation of the size of samples to be for other chemical analyses. Question 5 Quality of the abstracted water The Abstracted water in Peidiwch Yfed y Dwr is comprised of chemical parameters with values that does not correspond with the value stated by the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2001. According to the regulations, the limit for iron in water is 200 µg/l which is below 2mg/l, the concentration level of iron in the abstracted water. Binnie et al (2002) stated that iron may be derived from raw water or from corrosion of iron water mains and they are common in ground waters (p9). High concentration of iron makes water corrosive with reddish or brownish yellow stains. (See figure 1 below). It will also have operational effects on the plumbing equipments due to corrosion which might result in blocking up the water distribution system Binnie et al, (2002). The water regulation allows maximum concentration value of 50 µg/l for manganese which is below the concentration of manganese in the abstracted water. Manganese is derived from raw water Binnie et al, (2002) and since the level of manganese in the water is 1mg/l, the water will be toxic which causes Toxicity to the nervous system something similar to Parkinsons disease (Connecticut department of public health(2010)). The abstracted water having a pH of 6.3 makes it acidic. The required pH for water under the regulations is 6.5. Due to its acidic nature, it would contain metal ions which causes a blue green staining of the sinks and damage to metal piping due to corrosion and health risk associated with the toxic metals. Hard water relates to the level of calcium and magnesium compounds present in water. Hard water does not pose a health risk but it causes scale in water. Water hardness ranging between 60 120 mg/l is moderately hard (American ground water trust (2003)). Since the hardness is 70mg/l, the content is not acceptable. The concentration of total pesticides in the water poses a great risk to human health (See figure 2 below). The maximum value allowed for total pesticides in the water is 0.50 µg/l which is below the concentration in the abstracted water. Thus, the water is not of good quality. Buzzi, (1992) states that effects of pesticides can range from premature birth to birth defects involving the CNS and internal organs (p100). The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons allowed under the regulations is 0.10 µg/l which is above the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the abstracted water. According to N.F. Gray (1994) World health organization has set a level for 3,4-benzopyrene of 10ng/l which is equivalent to 0.00001mg/l. Water containing more than these amounts would cause gastrointestinal and oesophageal tumours (p 147). Cryptosporidium outbreak in the town may occur due to faecal-contamination of the water resources directly or indirectly by sewage or animal waste. According to Gray (1994), they are parasitic protozoa that forms oocyst which allows them to survive longer in water while waiting to be ingested by a host(p160) (See figure below).Low level exposure to the oocyst is capable of initiating an infection Rose (1990) and in a study by Blewett et al (1993) it was indicated that a single oocyst may be enough to cause infection. N.F. Gray (2004) stated that the main symptoms of cryptosporidiosis are stomach cramps, nausea, dehydration and headaches(p160). Technology/Operation to make the abstracted water wholesome To make the abstracted water wholesome, it will undergo some treatment process. Firstly, the concentration of iron and manganese in the water are at 2mg/l and 1mg/l respectively compared to 200 µg/l and 50 µg/l which is the value for the water to be wholesome. Therefore, it would be treated by coagulation or flocculation which is the addition of chemical such as ferric sulphate that forms floc and entraps the impurities in the water. The floc will then be separated from the water through sedimentation. To remove the taste and odour, the water will undergo aeration, ozonation and adsorption on actuated carbon. The pH level will be adjusted to 6.5 by adding alkaline substances such as calcium carbonate i.e. free lime or by aeration. The water will then undergo boiling at a very high temperature so that the bicarbonate will decompose to produce calcium/magnesium carbonate which is not soluble in water. Thus, it precipitates out thereby reducing the hardness of the water. Carbon filtration will be done in other to reduce the total pesticides present to 0.50 µg/l which is the level required by the regulation. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon present in the water differs from the stipulated concentration according to the regulations which is 0.9 µg/l, therefore microfiltration will be done to adjust the level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the water. The water will undergo ultraviolet filtration to treat the effect of cryptosporidium which involves ultra filtration, microfiltration and nano filtration. This process will remove organic compounds from the water thereby reducing the effect of cryptosporidium in the water. Finally, the water will be disinfected with the addition of chlorine to deactivate all pathogenic microorganisms present in the water before consumption. Advantages The advantage of coagulant water treatment is that it is very effective in removing particles that are otherwise very difficult to remove in water. Also, using water softeners in reducing the water hardness and adjusting the pH value prevents limescale and increases heating efficiency in water. The advantage of using activated carbon filters in water is that it effectively removes organic contaminants from the water. The advantage of using ultra violet water filters in treating the effect of cryptosporidium is due to the fact that it generally kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in water. The advantage of chlorine disinfection is that it is cheap and readily available in gas, liquid or powder. Disadvantages The disadvantage of coagulants is the cost and the need for accurate dosing and frequent monitoring. In using water softeners, the disadvantage involved is that the output water may not be suitable for drinking. The disadvantage in the use of carbon filters is that it does not remove microbes, nitrates, sodium and hardness. The disadvantages of using ultraviolet water filters in treating the effect of cryptosporidium is that it only kills the bacteria, it wont remove the dead cell and other contaminants in the water. The disadvantage of chlorine disinfection is taste and odour problems. Treatment Train Water is usually given an appropriate treatment to ensure the water supply is of high and consistent quality. A potential treatment train flow chart to produce water meeting the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulation 2001 is shown below: References N.F. Gray. (1994) Drinking water quality: problems and solutions. John Wiley Sons. Buzzi. (1992) Chemical Hazards at Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Lewis. D.A Armbruster, M. D Tillman et al. (1994) Limit of detection (LQD)/limit of quantitation (LOQ): comparison of the empirical and the statistical methods exemplified with GC-MS assays of abused drugs. Clinical Chemistry, Vol 40, 1233-123. Andrzej Bobrowski, Jan Mocak et al. (2004) Metrological Characteristics and Comparison of Analytical Methods for Determination of Chromium Traces in Water Samples. Acta Chim. Slov. 2004, 51, 77-93. Dr. Xavier Fuentes-Arderiu. (2009) Trueness and Uncertainty Westgard QC, Universitat de Barcelona, CATALONIA (SPAIN). Canadian centre for occupational health and safety (2007) [online]. Available from: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/benzene/health_ben.html#_1_1 [Accessed 3rd January 2010] US Environmental protection Agency (2006) [online]. Available from: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/ecoli.html#four [Accessed 2nd January 2010] Levy, J.S and Nasetta, W.J. (2003) Neurologic effects of manganese in humans: a review. International J Occup Environmental Health. 2003 Apr-Jun;9(2):153-63. Bureau of Environmental health, health assessment section (2009) Manganese in water. Columbus, Ohio. IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology 2nd edition (2007) [online]. Available from: http://www.iupac.org/goldbook/L03540.pdf [Accessed 4th January 2010]. Chris Binnie, Martin Kimber et al. (2002) Basic water treatment. 3rd edition. Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge. Connecticut department of public health(2010) [online]. Available from : www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/drinking_water/pdf/manganese.pdf [Accessed 5th January 2010]. Rose, J.B. (1990) Emerging issues from the microbiology of drinking water. Water Engineering and Management, July, 23. Blewett, D.A., Wright, S.E. et al. (1993) Infective dose size studies on Cryptosporidium parvum using gnotobiotic lambs. Water Science and Technology, 27 (3-4), 61. Health Hazard Information-From the EPA Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants-Draft (2010) [online]. Available from: http://www.acute-myelogenous-leukemia.com/html/hazard.html [Accessed 5th January 2010]. U.S Environmental protection agency (2006) Drinking water contaminants [online]. Available from: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/ecoli.html[[Accessed 4th January 2010]. Health Maxx Plus Inc (2007) What is pH? [online]. Available from: http://www.healthmaxxplus.net/#/what-is-ph/4529153688 [Accessed 5th January 2010]. Wisconsin Department of Health Services (2008) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) [online]. Available from: http://dhs.wi.gov/eh/ChemFS/fs/PAH.htm [Accessed 7th January 2010]. Iron in drinking water (2003) [online]. Available from: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/dwg/iron.htm [Accessed 5th January 2010]. 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Modern Irony Essay

Since the beginning of time, man has attempted to unravel the seemingly infinite mysteries of life. The English playwright Tom Stoppard has written plays that address the existence of â€Å"fate† (or a predestined outcome for every human being) and controlling one’s own destiny. His plays also deal with the many other uncertainties that arise during a normal person’s life; such as sex, how we know things, etc. (Tom Stoppard) Stoppard’s utilization of satire and drawn parallels mirror the image of life’s faults and intricacies. His plays serve to show people the humor and irony that life presents. During the time that Stoppard wrote his first play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein, society was experiencing a social upheaval. The late sixties was a time of experimentation and existentialism. People were asking questions about their very existence in a way never before seen. In this climate, Stoppard saw the opportunity to begin writing plays that dealt with the issues of the time (Overview of Tom Stoppard). He took a whimsical spin though, on the method in which he delivered it. He embarked on the continuing journey of a great literary tradition, but diverged from its path by ridiculing it. His desire to write plays was not a spontaneous venture; during this era, many people wanted to express their thoughts and feelings, and plays were a common medium. Stoppard observed this and pondered if success and knowledge could be his as well. The general question being asked around this time was â€Å"Why are we here? † Man has always sought an answer to this question, but now more than ever was it expressed in literature and plays. Stoppard’s craft shows a propensity for humor, which offers a more light-hearted viewpoint of this previously serious and mundane subject. Stoppard asks the question of not only â€Å"Why are we here? † but also â€Å"How are we here? † as well. He explores the intricacies of life in an attempt to derive a meaning. His comical touch alleviates the heavy association of philosophy though. Whether or not his question is answered is secondary to the method in which we view it. In Stoppard’s eyes, it is more important â€Å"to live† rather than to comprehend â€Å"why we live. † This approach brought fanfare to Stoppard, as society saw his style as fresh; and a tangible device to which they could relate. Literary history has had a heavy impact on Stoppard’s method and conceptual presentation. He admits to being swooned by such masterpieces as Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, and ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufock† by T. S. Elliot. The ideas that he extracted from these artists and their works helped him divulge his own style to which he could further literature. A parallel may be drawn between Waiting for Godot and Stoppard’s â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead. † Both works feature two men, and their journey in existentialism. Beckett’s version has them waiting for a surreal character (Godot) that, in the end, never appears. The characters are portrayed as confused, and the play takes on an air of severe depression. The play is very much an appeal to the audience, as they too are overcome by this depression. The characters slowly fade away, emotionless and unexcitable. Stoppard’s â€Å"version† though has his characters embark on a journey; a fruitless journey, but a â€Å"goal† to meet none the less. Beckett disarms his audience, while Stoppard embraces them into his play; making the audience feel at home and comfortable. Stoppard diffuses the rather â€Å"heavy† atmosphere belied by Beckett with satire and a whimsical wit. For example, In â€Å"Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead,† Stoppard portrays the idea of â€Å"death† as a game. He does this in an attempt to show the audience that it is not to be feared. He achieves this by his satirical depiction of the internal â€Å"play† within â€Å"Hamlet† by Shakespeare. The characters in the â€Å"play† perish, and then the actual characters die in the exact same manner. The audience can identify with death, as all humans are concerned with their own demise. They take away though, a much less serious approach in viewing it. The other author, Elliot, often depicted his characters as stumbling and indecisive. One of his most famous works, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, deals with a man who is enamored with the variables and uncertainties of approaching a woman that he admires. In the poem, Prufrock realizes that only he cares about his decision, and whether he chooses to pursue her or not, will not matter. He sees himself as part of his own world; in which he is the â€Å"sole occupant. † He, sadly, is only coherent enough in his â€Å"world† though to realize how much he is potentially missing by not being completely immersed in it. He cannot solve this problem though, and continues wandering and pondering till the end of time. Stoppard took away from Elliot a similar stance to character development. He portrays his characters as aware, but not completely in tune with their surroundings. The effect is one of dismay, but comical as well. Stoppard’s portrayal is more humorous in nature, displaying them as bungling and unresponsive. This is exemplified in his play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead. His characters attempt to divulge the plan and their â€Å"purpose† as designated by the King (Claudius), but are unable to fully grasp its meaning. These literary greats do not contribute the fabulous humor that Stoppard has developed though. His humorous elements can best be equated to his passion for the â€Å"Theatre of the Absurd. † This type of theater came into popularity during the 1950s and 1960s; and was applied to plays that portrayed the human situation without purpose and with absurd plot elements. This form was a reemergence of an attempt towards awareness of man’s purpose in life; the sense of wonder that man has always had concerning how things work and why. In some respect, it was anti-theater, as it went against the basic premise of regular theater. It was illogical and usually had very little or no plot (Culik). Stoppard’s fascination with this art form had a profound impact on his own personal style. Sigmund Freud, a proponent of the Absurd, said, â€Å"In trying to burst the bounds of logic and language, the absurd theater is trying to shatter the enclosing walls of the human condition itself. â€Å"(Culik) This confirms the spatial concepts that the theater was attempting to portray, and Stoppard’s comedic element is based upon this illogical and removed nature. The play Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are Dead is a satirical look upon the much more staunch play Hamlet. It delves into the lives of two supporting characters named â€Å"Rosencrantz† and â€Å"Guildenstein. † The characters ‘ unimportance is exemplified in the play by their lack of understanding and baffling thought patterns. This play shows Stoppard’s portrayal of â€Å"artificiality of theater. † The performance is not about the actual play, but the context of the play; the idea of attending the performance. The characters appeal directly to the audience, instead of becoming immersed in its story and plot. The effect is comical, as the play begins with them merely spinning coins and making bizarre implications towards the audience. Rosencrantz has spun the coin and received â€Å"heads† nearly 85 times. His humorous portrayal of the â€Å"law of averages† is his â€Å"justification† for his luck. This is the play’s first look into why things happen. The characters are unable to come to a proper conclusion though; and the path that Rosencrantz begins upon (the law of averages) cannot be farther removed from the truth. The play continues with these hilarious situations, finally having the pair receive their mission from Claudius the King. The pair ponders why they have received the mission, and why they must complete it. Stoppard constantly asserts that a â€Å"play is being read. ;† instead of allowing the reader to delve into a story. He makes the reader think of Hamlet, and its tragic implications; and applies a humorous tone to it. In the end of the play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstein are supposedly murdered (the English king is instructed to execute them, but their actual deaths are not witnessed), but instead of a grand exit, they merely fade away. Stoppard shows through this that the characters had served only a menial and insignificant purpose. The reader is unable to sympathize with the characters’ demise, as the play is portrayed with a comical tone. This disservice to death with satire is both eye widening and thought provoking. A person is assaulted with the moral implications of death, instead of offering a deaf sympathy to the character’s grief. Stoppard’s ability to allow the playgoers to analyze what they feel is his greatest achievement in the work; not the story itself. Stoppard’s play Arcadia is another intelligent play that provokes the reader to appraise man’s life long debacles. In the play, the characters attempt to grasp the mysteries of sex, and a path towards knowledge that leads to an understanding of the future. The latter is portrayed as an equation developed by Thomasina, in an attempt to control her own destiny. Her professor, Septimus, also contributes to the equation by way of a lesson to his student, Thomasina. He explains to her that the loss of knowledge isn’t the end of the world; as it is rediscovered eventually in the future. This subject is an explanation of humanity’s technological progression and our knowledge. The play attempts to allow the reader to grasp the many unknown or misunderstood concepts in life. â€Å"Mysteries† such as sex can only be acquired through practice and progression of time. Stoppard appeals to the general public that things cannot be instantly understood; they must be studied and experimented with to fully grasp the full meaning. These mysteries will eventually be solved, but it shall take time and patience; nothing is instantaneous in life. Stoppard’s inclusion of Thomasina’s â€Å"equation† is both humorous and practical in its implication. Thomasina’s goal was to create an equation that could more or less tell the future. It is humorous to surmise that a simple equation can predict the future with numbers. The limitless variables and uncertainties in life will forever impede such an â€Å"advancement. † Stoppard attempts to explain that life itself is intangible; it can neither be predicted nor reduced to a simple equation. Stoppards’ plays contain many useful outlooks on how a person should view their life on earth. People are always concerned with the future and their own death (and when it will occur). Stoppard believes that man shouldn’t view life with such a critical eye; and instead should accept certain facts to be true. Man is powerless concerning the ability to control life. There are many uncertainties in life that are both humorous and infinitely escapable to the human mind. His plays show inept characters driven into the ground by their consumption of the â€Å"study of life. † Stoppard suggests through his characters’ comical adventures that life is for living, and the consequence of a life spent longing and pondering equates to a life disenfranchised of pulp and meaning. The â€Å"meaning† which man longs for cannot be quantified; it must be experienced to break the surface of significance. Works Cited Stoppard, Tom. Arcadia. Stoppard, Tom. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. â€Å"Tom Stoppard. † DISCovering Biography. Online Edition. Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 17 January 2005  http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/SRC