Community College Students Essay Example for Free

Community College Students Essay Often times, community college students are depicted by the public and the media as â€Å"not smart enough† or â€Å"not capable. † For example, just recently I was at Barnes and Noble and as I was looking for a book the sales associate approached me. She asked me if I needed help then asked me what school I attended, when I told her that I go to Fullerton College her attitude changed. She asked me if I didn’t go to a four year university because of my grades, when I told her that, that wasn’t the reason she went on ranting that I need to do good in school and I shouldn’t be at a community college. It seems that the public look down on the students at community college. When watching the show, â€Å"Blue Mountain State,† you have a group of friends that happen to be on the universities football team. On the show is portrays the typical university life and the football players engage in heavy drinking, drugs and lots of sex. If a four university is offering that then what is so good about going to one? Often times you hear about crazier parties thrown by universities rather than community colleges. Universities are supposed to be prestigious but these huge parties are throwing them off. Many times the public says that community college is no good because of its parties with drugs, they say that’s why no students should aim for community colleges but statistics say that universities throw the biggest parties. Who are the bad guys now? Recent talk on the website collegeconfidential. om, students talk about how their parents do not want their kids to go to a community college. This is a website for real people with answers from people who have had the experiences. A student just recently posted that his parents did not want him to go to a community college because they are no good. Many people were quick to respond to his post, most of the people who replied were adults who have had the experience, even some professors, and they told him that community college is not bad at all. The responders replied by saying that ommunity college has great professors and are cheaper than a four year university. Of course at a four year university you will get a bit better education, but for those who cannot afford the fees it is great for them. For example, a user , â€Å"NTKTOP,† posted this comment. â€Å"My parents say that they suck and that theyre going to kick me out of the house if I go to one. † This student sees nothing wrong with community college but his parents do, then this is what one San Diego State University graduate had to say, â€Å"I dont think theyre bad. Of course, it depends on the school you choose and professor you get, but thats the same of any traditional school. CC can be a good jumping board for some people. No matter where you go, you will find easy professors but in my experience CC is a not a bad choice. † This is my second semester in a community college; so far everything has been going good. The professors I have had are not very difficult but do not give easy grades. Last semester I had a Spanish class that was for advanced speakers but there were some things that did not click in my mind. My professor would stay with me after class to try and help me to better understand the material. This semester my math class has tutors that they offer for free. I take advantage of these resources because they are free and the professors are willing to help me out without any problem. The stories I hear from my friends in community college are that they have teachers that care for the student’s education; they do not give easy grades just because we are in community college. Many professors want to further our knowledge and prepare us for our transfer to a university. No matter where you go, you will get a great education. The United States is known worldwide for its prestigious schools. A big part has to come from the students, if the student is willing to put in the time, dedication and effort their possibilities are endless. So far, community college has been a great experience for me. I have great professors who are always able to help out. The media tries to pick on community colleges but in reality, it is a great choice in this economy. Many students that leave a four year university have a huge debt to pay because of loans. Many students choose community college because it is a fraction of the cost of a university. I do not think it is fair when parents judge community colleges as bad; you can get a good education for a very affordable price. You can go to a community college such as Fullerton College, which has great professors, to get your general education classes out of the way for a low price then transfer to a four year university to mainly focus on your degree classes.

Examining The Online TOC Analysis Techniques Information Technology Essay

Examining The Online TOC Analysis Techniques Information Technology Essay The article talks about implementing automated online TOC analyses at different points of use, comparing it to off-line laboratory TOC analysis techniques in terms of cost, setup, implementation and operation. The article stresses on controlling the TOC quality attribute for the release of PW and WFI for product manufacturing processes. It also talks about effective regulatory compliance and validation, as well as effective management of water system. It talks separately about the issue of the TOC instrument, its response efficiency and system suitability and acceptability tests, as well as the water test in terms in light of the current USP, EP regulations. It then talks about implementing PAT initiatives with the use of sensors to automate release of water for the online TOC analysis, discussing different configurations setups. Background Currently in industry, the use of offline laboratory TOC analyzers is much more common as compared to online TOC analyzers. The industry feels no need to improve on existing systems or processes. Companies tend to focus on quick and easy validation rather than effective validation. Lab TOC analyzers are used for fulfilling regulatory requirements, QC approval of water TOC attribute. They are good for fulfilling USP and EP regulations, for dealing with many water loops, and for cleaning validation too. As companies are required to determine bacteria, endotoxins for different water use points by default, TOC samples have to be collected analyzed with laboratory TOC analyzers. At times, it is even difficult to do the System Suitability Test on online TOC analyzers for quality assurance demonstrating acceptable TOC analysis. The initial capital cost for implementing automated online TOC system for water release can be expensive, and if the system is not well understood, that can cause a lot of additional problems and expenses. These are some of the reasons why many companies refuse to convert to on-line TOC analysis for water release. For passing the TOC attribute test to send the water for manufacturing processes, both the water being tested and the analyzer suitability, acceptability criteria must be fulfilled. The System Suitability Testing is not explained by USP or EP. The System Suitability testing frequency is determined by user, and the factors for determining it are the water used between SS testing, costs of SS testing, reliability of analyzer to pass the test and internal risk assessment of product produced. The suitability of TOC Analyzers is determined by three solutions: a blank, sucrose at 0.5mg.C/L and 1,4 benzoquinone at 0.5mg.C/L. Using these pieces of information, the response efficiency can be calculated. If the TOC analyzer response is greater than 85% and less than 115%, the analyzer has passed the test. The regulatory requirements for the water to pass are if its concentration is less than the concentration of sucrose subtracted from the blank. The system suitability test compares the recovery of the analyzer for an easy-to-oxidize sucrose and a hard-to-oxidize (1,4 benzoquinone) standard. The relationship of the independent recoveries must be periodically demonstrated and fall within specified limits.3 In addition to the required system suitability test, an on-line instrument will require periodic calibration and verification. For acceptable water test results acceptability, so it can be sent for the manufacturing processes; the suitability and acceptability of the analyzer must be demonstrated both before (initial suitability test) and after water testing (final suitability test). This is where a lot of failures can occur in both the offline and online TOC analyzer systems. But in the case of online TOC analyzer systems, once the process and its sources of variations are understood properly, there is a very minimal chance that the system suitability tests will fail. Discussion Some of the advantages automated on-line TOC analysis systems have over off-line laboratory TOC analysis systems are elimination of manual sampling errors. Sampling is the area where most errors take place in Analysis. TOC analyses before sending the water for manufacturing processes is extremely sensitive. It is imperative to have extremely accurate analysis for the measurements of TOC in the water, as it will have a huge impact on the processes since water is used everywhere in the form of critical utilities. It is important that there are essentially no inaccuracies in its measurements. The on-line TOC analysis if implemented correctly can do that, but an off-line laboratory TOC analyzer cannot. The other advantage that an on-line TOC analyzer has over an off-line is that it results in process automation, which results in less utilization of company resources that can be deployed elsewhere, as well as decreasing the operating costs. Online analyzers are also better for repetitive, routine TOC testing requirements. In the past, pharmaceutical companies used to rely on lab TOC analyzers to meet USP, EP or JP requirements for PW and WFI release. However, by implementing an approach centered round the use of PAT initiatives, as well as a real-time release program using an on-line TOC analyzer, companies are realizing the benefits of reduced cost, reduced waste and improved consistency of quality production. On-line TOC analyzers allow re-focusing of lab resources to other more critical quality control and product development activities, while maintaining better regulatory compliance The critical factors for implementing on-line TOC are regulatory expectations, reliability, analytical performance, ease of use and elimination of manual errors. By using online TOC analyzers instead of offline laboratory TOC analyzers, we are removing the most common source of error in chemical analysis, which greatly helps us increase the analytical performance of the online TOC analyzer, increase the ease of use, and eliminate manual errors from the system. By using a dual (2) on-line analyzers in a single loop, we are increasing the robustness and reliability of the online TOC analysis system. Payback on investment is also achieved in 1 years time. This is discussed later in the paper in more depth. To understand how to implement the automated online TOC analyzer system for the release of water successfully and effectively, we have to understand the sources of variation for TOC quality attributes, as well the critical parameters and quality attributes, the manufacturing process itself, and learn how to control all of these as well as the in-process water coming from the source raw water feed. This fits in perfectly with the PAT initiative that quality must be built into a system or a process rather than tested into it, as well as understanding and effectively controlling the process, by analyzing and controlling it through timely measurements of critical quality and performance attributes of its source feeds. All of this will lead to a better controlled, effective and optimized design of the system or process, and this will in turn result in the superior products. If one takes out drug product and raw materials from the context of the definition of the PAT and replaces it with water (PW or WFI), the idea of PAT can be used to on effectively implementing an automated online TOC analysis system that will result in the same advantages. Using the PAT initiatives for automated online TOC analysis for water release can also greatly help in the regulatory requirements that need to be fulfilled as well. The concept of PAT also encourages scientific, risk-managed pharmaceutical development, quality assurance. Less rejects, reprocessing improves the efficiency of the process, which in turn increases capacity. As WFI water is extremely expensive and is the most common excipient, and ingredient in drug manufacturing; the company must make sure that not a lot of it is rejected before the manufacturing process and/or wasted, and/or is reprocessed instead of being wasted. This also perfectly aligns to the PAT initiatives. The PAT concept encourages the company to manage variability instead of rejecting it. Some of the sources of variability in online TOC analysis systems are: a) source water or raw water feed. This has a huge effect on the final TOC. b) PW WFI storage tanks c) Distillation units: PW is supplied to it to produce WFI. TOC can leak into WFI if main distillation unit develops heat exchanger leak depending on TOC quality. The PAT requirements for water release system are understanding of TOC or conductivity removal/addition processes and the sources of conductivity/TOC. The determination of critical TOC and conductivity control points, implementation of TOC and conductivity analyzers, as well as requirements for the control system is part of the PAT initiative. There also needs to be a control element (manual or automatic) for water release. In implementing the PAT initiative, the component of real time release includes assessed material attributes and process controls. Combined process measurements and test data gathered during manufacturing process is used for real time release for final release of product, and this demonstrates compliance with regulatory quality attributes. Online TOCs analyzers measure TOC representing a specific point of use. So the acceptability of on-line TOC analyzers for TOC attributes testing depends on its location in system. Instrument responses at a point of locations should reflect quality of water used at that point. For on-line TOC analyzers, the value of TOC with released water depends on the time interval between consecutive SS Tests. SS tests should take place continually as long time intervals between consecutive SS tests results in failure (Out of Specification results). The online TOC analyzers can be set up in different ways and configurations for testing the water TOC. It is important to set up the equipment correctly and calibrate it, because it is part of the Installation Qualification (IQ). If the IQ is not done correctly, it will result in the failing of the System Suitability test and acceptability test for water and/or on-line analyzer, which means a failed Operational Qualification (OQ). Equipment can be installed and operational, but the final steps to release the water to production may not be implemented. This results in the failure of the Performance Qualification (PQ) for that system, because the wrong IQ and OQ took place. The cheapest way for an online TOC analysis is using a single online TOC analyzer on the exit of the distribution loop just before return to the storage tank, and the laboratory TOC analyzer is the backup to the online TOC system. Unfortunately, this method is also the least robust, because if this one online TOC analyzer does not pass the system suitability test, the process will lose its automation. However, if the same analytical measuring technology is used for both analyzers, the potential instrument response variances between the two analyzers is eliminated, which means the off-line laboratory TOC analyzer can be used to determine at which point of use the online TOC analyzer went wrong, by comparing the TOC analysis values of the online and offline TOC analyzers. Comparing the two readings from the analyzer can also be used to fulfill the Performance Qualification (PQ) requirements. But this would require very frequent sampling on the lab TOC analyzer, there is a chance that the exact point and time of failure, where the on-line TOC failed the SS test cannot be determined effectively. The most robust and reliable method is using dual on-line TOC analysis system. To achieve this kind of setup, two on-line TOC analyzers must be installed onto a single distribution loop. If one of the TOC fails the SS test when it is releasing the water; and if it can be proven that the 2 TOC analyzers on the distribution line are measuring the same water: the other TOC analyzer will serve as a backup and make sure that the TOC analysis and the release of the water is still automated. There is very less likelihood that both TOC analyzers fail the SS test at the same time. A laboratory off-line TOC can also be used again for PQ purposes. But it is imperative that both the analyzers are measuring the same water and its TOC for one to be used as a backup for the other. If it is not, there is a chance that unacceptable is being released for manufacturing processes. As mentioned in the paper before, as the testing of its TOC critical attributes depends on the point of use, the TOC(s) can be used in any kind of arrangement to serve different purposes, such as ensure the various components in the loop (such as the Distillation or other water purification systems) are working correctly or not. The diagram below the PW feed going into the line, and the WFI feed coming out from the distillation unit. One TOC analyzer is connected to the PW feed line, the other one is connected to the WFI feed line. Comparing the readings from both these TOC analyzers can tell whether the distillation unit is working correctly or not. There might be a risk that the distillation unit or distribution loop is adding TOC to the water as a result of system failure, which means that the backup TOC is not fulfilling its purpose. The whole point of using an on-line TOC analysis system over an off-line lab TOC analyzer is for the purpose of the recirculation of the PW or WFI. If the water is needed for a specific point of use in an off-line lab analyzer, the water will be manually taken and sampled on the off-line TOC analyzer. If that sample fails, essentially the whole stream of water most probably fails too. If the off-line lab analyzer fails or the water test fails, all that water which is very expensive will go to waste, and will not be recirculated. In the online TOC analyzer system, once it has been figured out where (at which point[s] of use, if it is being added) TOC is being added to the water; that is remedied. When that has been resolved, all the sources of variability have been identified; all the components are installed and functioning correctly, the water can be recirculated over and over, making this a continuous automated process. The storage tank will always be filled because when the water is being distributed from the storage tank to various points of use, the WFI feed coming out the distillation unit will always be filling up the lost water. Implementing the PAT initiative into the automated online TOC analysis also means implementation of automated real time TOC release systems, computer, data acquisition, process sensors, process equipment process analytical instrumentation integrated into a comprehensive management system. The comprehensive management system ensures continual operation process within prescribed limits to ensure quality. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), Facility Monitoring Systems (FMS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Man-Machine Interfaces (MMI) are other tools that can be used as well. PAT guidance documents aid operation, control, monitoring water systems integrating automation, sensory data, feedback mechanisms with target to implement PAT online instrumentation for automatic formal QC water release to production. Proven technology allows for the automation of standards introduction and data management. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is one such technology, and standards can be loaded into the TOC analyzer and processed automatically to produce results. The figure below shows an automated standards introduction system in an on-line TOC analyzer: RFID is a well known technology that is currently used in the pharmaceutical industry as a preventative measure against counterfeiting. It uses an RFID tag that comprises of a microchip, substrate and an antenna) and a reader/writer. The RFID tag is programmed with all the data related to a specific standard, including the contents of the bottle, certified concentration, lot number and expiration date. Once the RFID tag aligns with the reader/writer, the data is automatically transferred to the analyzer. There is no need for any manual input here. The only thing someone has to do is simplified through an easy to use and understand touch-screen man-machine interface (MMI) Problems can arise in online TOC analysis system if contaminants enter the water systems that are harmful for the system operating. Even though current water system technology produces very consistent and reliable results, excursions can occur. Excursions are discrepancies from normal water system operating conditions. When an excursion occurs, that means that quality of water produced is questionable. If there is excursion in the system, it is a good idea to obtain a sample of water from the system on which an independent analysis can be done. Analysis of the water sample can provide information about why the excursion occurred, and that would help in rectifying the problem of excursion. Some TOC analyzers use methods to separate compounds that are not expected to come in contact with process water from the analysis. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are susceptible to damage from chorines and chloramine by-products in disinfection process. If chlorine or any of its biproducts cracks into the water system or even has a small presence of it; that means that the system has failed. If a TOC analyzer is designed to separate these compounds from the analysis, it will only hide the problem and will not rectify it in any way. TOC analyzers designed to respond to contamination by the presence of these compounds in the process water, by capturing a sample of water; but only if that sample is equipped with excursion monitoring capability. This helps the water system engineer to identify the problem and rectify it. A TOC analyzer equipped with an OASISà ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ may be configured for excursion monitoring. Excursion monitoring is defined as the ability to extract and save a sa mple of water from process water right after a pre-programmed water condition such as such as high TOC levels, water conductivity with regard to USP limits, water chemistries deemed wrong by analyzer and his analysis, have been implemented. Using this technology, problems with process water can be identified well before limits have been exceeded, with ability to program a specific TOC level that must be exceeded for excursion capture. In case of the identification of an excursion in the process water, the analyzer will immediately capture a sample of water directly from the water system and place it in an empty bottle, equipped with an RFID tag that has been loaded into the analyzer. Upon sample capture, all the data associated with the excursion is recorded on the RFID tag using the writing capability of the RFID reader/writer. The integration of the RFID with excursion monitoring enables that the data associated with captured excursion water is protected and cannot be changed. A lab equipped with the appropriate RFID reading capability, has the ability to read the tag and associate the data with the water sample, such as the serial number of the analyzer, date, time, last TOC, conductivity and temperature values. Beca use of this type of analysis for the process water, better understanding for the reasons for the cause of the excursion can be identified. As the excursion capture is initiated by the TOC analyzer results, the sample is as indicative of the water condition as possible. The PAT enables application of risk-based approaches to enhance quality of a process. By applying excursion monitoring capability, risks associated with producing off-spec water is greatly reduced. The TOC analyzer becomes a water system diagnostic tool, rather than just a regulatory sensor to monitor TOC limits. Summary In the past, pharmaceutical companies used to rely on lab TOC analyzers to meet USP, EP or JP requirements for PW and WFI release. However, by implementing an approach centered round the use of PAT initiatives, as well as a real-time release program using an on-line TOC analyzer, companies are realizing the benefits of reduced cost, reduced waste and improved consistency of quality production. On-line TOC analyzers allow re-focusing of lab resources to other more critical quality control and product development activities, while maintaining better regulatory compliance. This conversion of approach from a simple reproduction to a more risk based approach which reduces variability (instead of rejecting it) enables the implementation of new technologies and more cost effective measures, which in turn results in more efficient and effective processes and higher quality products. With the advent of the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) Quality by Design (QbD) approaches, the desire is to evolve pharmaceutical processes from an art to a science with engineering-based activity, application of enhanced science and engineering knowledge in regulatory decision-making, establishment of specifications and evolution of manufacturing processes. With the advent of new technologies such as RFID and MMI, the automated process has been simplified, been made more effective. With excursion monitoring, a TOC analyzer becomes more than just a TOC sensor for regulatory purposes. It becomes a tool that minimizes the risk of falling out of specification. Implementing new technologies through PAT allows the addition of true value wherever traditional regulatory compliance is required. I believe there is a lot to be learned and implemented on this topic in industry. I found the topic highly important and of high learning. I hope to work in a pharmaceutical company that can implement such initiatives in water systems.

An Ergonomic Evaluation Of The Kinesis Computer Keyboard :: essays research papers

An Ergonomic Evaluation of the Kinesis Computer Keyboard 1. Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this information-technology age, everyday tasks are more and more related to computer. That ranges from basic jobs such as providing food recipes for housewives to complicated ones such as analyzing laboratory experimental data for scientists and engineers. This popularity of computer means that the time one has to spend with computer would be a lot more than in the past. Until now, the computers and computer peripherals in the market have been made according to the same design as the ones invented decades ago when computers are used only in large-scale scientific projects or big corporations. That means for most people the ergonomic value of these products obviously was not taken into account when designing them. Fortunately, at the moment, more companies are trying to change the way people work with computer by marketing a number of ergonomic products most notably keyboard, mouse and monitor. There are ergonomic keyboards, mice and monitors being released all the time. The reason why the focus is on these products is that they are the parts of computer one interfaces with the most while working with computer. The subject of whether these ergonomic keyboards, mice, monitors and other products really work attracts a lot of regular computer users. Thus, studies dedicated to it have been done. This report is based on one of the studies about an ergonomic keyboard from a manufacturer called Kinesis. This study looks not only on the effect of the keyboard on the users' body by mean of electromyographic activity but also on the learning rate of the users changing to this new style of keyboard. This is very useful since slow learning rate would lead to the decrease in effectiveness of work. Introduced in 1868 by Christopher Sholes, computer keyboard is still the primary data entry mode for most computer users. With the increase of computer, hence keyboard, usage at the moment, these problems of the keyboard users known as operator stress problems have developed. This is a kind of cumulative trauma disorders which is mainly caused by working excessively or repetitively with the same thing, keyboard, in this case, in the same position for a long period of time. This kind of disorder is considered to be the most expensive and severe one occurring in office environment. This leads to an amount of alternative designs introduced in the market with the main intention of reducing muscular stress required for typing. The reason why these designs have not yet replaced the old one is because of the familiarity of the

San Francisco Bay Consulting

San Francisco Bay Consulting (SF Bay Consulting), as described in the Harvard Business School case by Baker and Monsler (1995), is a leading business consultancy and litigation support group following the goal of providing â€Å"practical application of economic theory to business problems† (p. 1). In order to manipulate and analyze data, high-end software and computers are used to serve clients’ needs.The company faces serious internal problems regarding the relationship between their consultants and the computer services (CS) staff because of disagreements concerning the transfer pricing system, which is applied to alleviate the procurement and payment of computer resources. The major challenges for this system are the heavy price drops for computer hardware and the broadness of the researchers demands.The management of SF Bay Consulting forbids their employees to purchase their own computer hardware and software which leads to frustration among the consultants, espec ially in the case when the CS department refuses to buy and supply certain hardware and software requested by the consultants. The worst scenario occurred when transfer prices produced charges to clients’ bills that exceeded the current market price for the computer as it has happened with the SUN workstation.Donald Learner, Chief Financial Officer of SF Bay Consulting, now sees himself in charge to find a solution to the current problems that is able to satisfy both, the consultants as well as the CS employees. For this purpose, he has identified three options: a) Stick to the current system, b) make CS a profit center, or c) run CS as an expense center. Due to the fact that the current situation at SF Bay Consulting is going to escalade if it is further made use of, option a) is not recommendable and a different solution has to be found.Otherwise the working environment will be seriously affected in the long run and thus efficiency of the company might decrease to an undesi rable level. Option b), to make CS a profit center, would lead to the situation that consultants themselves are allowed to purchase any hardware or software they like and thus focus on problems, others as they are supposed to do. However, this option would lead to the freedom for researchers to purchase the equipment they would like to work with and might free them of their frustrations.Since IT specialists are running the CS department their core competency is not to focus on earning a profit within a competitive environment. While focusing on equipment procurement would distract researchers, the argument of distraction also holds true for the computer experts, which have to refocus and be in charge not only for maintenance but also running a business in a competitive manner. On the other hand this could lead to a more competitive price management that could cause lower costs for the two internal groups.Notwithstanding, Learner and Alex Whalen (founder, president, & CEO of SF Bay C onsulting) both agree that computer purchasing decisions should stay within CS to secure a certain level of compatibility among hardware and software and to avoid maintenance problems. Lastly, option three, to run CS as an expense center, would eliminate internal billing and lead to group profit generated from client charges greater than the CS overhead costs.Even though, there is a possibility of researchers ignoring the costs they provoke with a great deal of requests for CS, this problem might be minor due to the fact that they are not as frustrated as before and thereby reaching a higher level of overall satisfaction. In order to make all employees more sensitive for working efficiently an elaborated group-profit-related bonus system could be introduced at SF Bay Consulting.However, the impact of the bonus system for CS employees has to secure a balance between profit orientation and reasonable investments into hardware and software. Moreover, if all employees generate one overa ll profit together, there will not be any internal competition but a jointed overall goal. In conclusion, choosing option c), to run CS as an expense center is the right recommendation for SF Bay Consulting in order to solve its internal problems.

Education of Girl Child Is Burden Essay

The 2012 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad[2] and commonly known as London 2012, was a major international multi-sport eventcelebrated in the tradition of the Olympic Games, as governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It took place in London, United Kingdom, from 27 July to 12 August 2012. The first event, the group stage in women’s football, began two days earlier, on 25 July.[3][4] More than 10,000 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) participated.[5] Following a bid headed by former Olympic champion Sebastian Coe and then-Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, London was selected as the host city on 6 July 2005 during the 117th IOC Session in Singapore, defeating bids from Moscow, New York City, Madrid and Paris.[6] London was the first city to host the modern Olympic Games three times,[7][8] having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948.[9][10] Construction for the Games involved considerable redevelopment, with an emphasis on sustainability.[11] The main focus was a new 200-hectare (490-acre) Olympic Park, constructed on a former industrial site at Stratford, East London.[12] The Games also made use of venues that already existed before the bid.[13] The Games received widespread acclaim for their organisation, with the volunteers, the British military, and public enthusiasm praised particularly highly.[14][15][16] Theopening ceremony, directed by Danny Boyle, received widespread acclaim.[17][18] During the Games, Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time, winning his 22nd medal.[19] Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei entered female athletes for the first time, so that every currently eligible country has sent a female competitor to at least one Olympic Games.[20] Women’s boxing was included for the first time; thus, the Games became the first at which every sport had female competitors.[21] By 15 July 2003, the deadline for interested cities to submit bids to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), nine cities had submitted bids to host the 2012 Summer Olympics: Havana, Istanbul, Leipzig,London, Madrid, Moscow, New York City, Paris and Rio de Janeiro.[22] On 18 May 2004, as a result of a scored technical evaluation, the IOC reduced the number of cities to five: London, Madrid, Moscow, New York and Paris.[23] All five submitted their candidate files by 19 November 2004 and were visited by the IOC inspection team during February and March 2005. The Paris bid suffered two setbacks during the IOC inspection visit: a number of strikes and demonstrations coinciding with the visits, and a report that a key member of the bid team, Guy Drut, would face charges over alleged corrupt party political finances.[24] Throughout the process, Paris was widely seen as the favourite, particularly as this was its third bid in recent years. London was seen at first as lagging Paris by a considerable margin. Its position began to improve after the appointment of Lord Coe as the new head of London 2012 on 19 May 2004.[25] In late August 2004, reports predicted a tie between London and Paris.[26] On 6 June 2005 the IOC released its evaluation reports for the five candidate cities. They did not contain any scores or rankings, but the report for Paris was considered the most positive. London was close behind, having closed most of the gap observed by the initial evaluation in 2004. New York and Madrid also received very positive evaluations.[27] On 1 July 2005, when asked who would win, Jacques Rogge said, â€Å"I cannot predict it since I don’t know how the IOC members will vote. But my gut feeling tells me that it will be very close. Perhaps it will come down to a difference of say ten votes, or maybe less.†[28] On 6 July 2005, the final selection was announced at the 117th IOC Session in Singapore. Moscow was the first city to be eliminated, followed by New York and Madrid. The final two contenders were London and Paris. At the end of the fourth round of voting, London won the right to host the 2012 Games with 54 votes to Paris’s 50.[29] The celebrations in London were short-lived, being overshadowed by bombings on London’s transport system less than 24 hours after the announcement.[30] The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games used a mixture of new venues, existing and historic facilities, and temporary facilities, some of them in well-known locations such as Hyde Park and Horse Guards Parade. After the Games, some of the new facilities will be reused in their Olympic form, while others will be resized or relocated.[38] The majority of venues have been divided into three zones within Greater London: the Olympic Zone, the River Zone and the Central Zone. In addition there are a few venues that, by necessity, are outside the boundaries of Greater London, such as the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy some 125 miles (200 km) southwest of London, which hosted the sailing events. The football tournament was staged at several grounds around the UK.[39] Work began on the Park in December 2006, when a sports hall in Eton Manor was pulled down.[40] The athletes’ village in Portland was completed in September 2011.[41] In November 2004, the 200-hectare (500-acre) Olympic Park plans were revealed.[42] The plans for the site were approved in September 2004 by Tower Hamlets, Newham, Hackney and Waltham Forest.[43] The redevelopment of the area to build the Olympic Park required compulsory purchase orders of property. The London Development Agency was in dispute with London and Continental Railways about the orders in November 2005. By May 2006, 86% of the land had been bought as businesses fought eviction.[44] Residents who opposed the eviction tried to find ways to stop it by setting up campaigns, but they had to leave as 94% of land was bought and the other 6% bought as a  £9 billion regeneration project started.[45]

Performance Measurements Essay

Performance measurements are used to characterize and define performance in a project. They are used to track and manage progress toward achieving specific project goals. Performance measurements help determine how decision-making processes of a project led to its success or failure, understanding these can help organizations make future improvements. It is a project manager’s responsibility to measure performance based on the triple constraints of time, budget, and quality of a project. There are many performance measurements a project manager can use based on the type of project at hand, this paper compares and contrasts the following measurements – * Earned Value * Customer Satisfaction * Requirements Performance Earned Value Earned Value measures work performed in terms of schedule and budget of a project. It helps identify schedule and budget mishaps in all areas of a project. â€Å"Earned Value is an approach where you monitor the project plan, actual work, and work-completed value to see if a project is on track. Earned Value shows how much of the budget and time should have been spent, with regard to the amount of work done so far† (Haughey, 2013). It measures current performance in a project, which helps project managers determine what the future performance will be. Using earned value, project managers can determine how much work is completed vs. , how much was expected to be completed at a certain point in a project. Based on the earned value, project managers can make changes to the way the project is progressing in terms of specific tasks, schedule, and budget to bring it back on track for successful completion. Earned Value provides the project manager with an objective way of measuring performance and predicting future outcomes. This can enable him or her to report progress with greater confidence and highlight any overrun earlier. This in turn, enables the management team to make cost and time allocation decisions earlier than would otherwise be the case†Ã¢â‚¬  (Haughey, 2013). Customer Satisfaction Customer satisfaction is a performance measure that determines if customer expectations are being met. At the end of a project, customer satisfaction is what determines if a project was a success or a failure. Project-driven organizations must consider customer satisfaction as a critical success factor. Organizations that deliver projects that disregard customer needs create negative experiences and ultimately cause huge problems for the organization† (Karim, 2012). Project managers must make sure customer expectations and requirements are in line with the project continually during the life of a project. Following are some of the steps he or she can take to ensure customer satisfaction – * Balance customer needs with company’s customer service needs. Make sure customer requirements are deliverable and clearly communicate those that aren’t. * Gather continual feedback from customers to measure their satisfaction and improve current processes. * Customer satisfaction should be given as much importance as time, budget, and quality in project. * Include and inform customers when any changes are made in a project. * Effective communication between the customer and Project manager, and between the project manager and project team is very important. Requirements performance Meeting requirements is a key factor in measuring project performance. It is important to make sure that the right requirements have been gathered, and they are detailed as clearly as possible. Requirements in a project can be both functional and non-functional. If a project is meeting all of its requirements, it can be a key factor that indicates if it will be a successful one. â€Å"To measure this factor you need to develop measures of fit, which means the solution completely satisfies the requirement. A requirements performance index can measure the degree to which project results meet requirements†¦ Fit criteria are usually derived some time after the requirement description is first written† (Pennypacker, n. d. ). In conclusion, there are many ways to measure project performance and each project has its unique set of performance measurements. Performance measurements are important to track the progress of a project and to make sure the project is on target. Performance measurements are used to monitor and control a project to ensure its successful completion.

Naval Hospital Guam Facility Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Naval Hospital Guam Facility - Case Study Example Naval Hospital Guam 2006). My search has so far brought up the general quality management program for the Department of Defense but no specifics on this particular facility. I have been unable to identify a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program document online for the Naval Hospital Guam. The tasks of the Data Quality Analysis and Evaluation Division, the closest thing to Quality Assurance, is as follows: "Administers, coordinates and analyzes a variety of statistical data, to include: Medical Expense and Workload (MEPRS); Clinical workload data (both inpatient and outpatient); and Utilization Reporting for use by the command and higher authority. Provides guidance to work centers in developing statistical data collection techniques; and conducts training to familiarize personnel with statistical data reporting and requirements, and the impact on financial and manpower resource allocation"(U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, 2008). In connection with TRICARE, there was reference to the 1998 document from the Assistant Secretary of Defense. The Department of Defense (DoD) Utilization Management (UM) Policy for the Direct Care System provides a framework for systematic business and clinical processes. Regional UM and Quality Management processes are developed at the Lead Agent level. The Lead Agent establishes joint plans with the Managed Care Support (MCS) Contractors. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) standards or the Joint Committee on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) standards provide the basis for the flexible development of processes which are multidisciplinary, cost efficient and designed to optimize patient care (Assistant Secretary of Defense, 1998). The goals and objectives include attention to the cost efficiency, timeliness and quality of care as well as the optimal partnership with MCS Contractors. Process performance, process improvement and system improvement a nalysis are an integral part of the plan and appropriate measurement and statistical methods are included in the plan. Key elements of the plan are education, utilization review, demand referral management, case and disease management, discharge planning and health promotion. These provide a basis for the evaluation of care and the development of best practices including practice guidelines, critical pathways and critical outcome studies. TRICARE has developed a Provider Handbook by Region to supply information on key operational aspects of the program and program options. Mandated Requirements: According to the Assistant Secretary of Defense (1998), integration of UM in the Direct Care System (DCS) with the contractor's network, other regional Military Treatment Facilities (MTF),