Management of Change and Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Management of Change and Innovation - Essay Example Therefore any change taking place within the organisation directly affects its people, which in turn affect the running of the organisation. The management of change is now commonly viewed as a complex and difficult area worthy of special attention and study (Buchanan and Boddy, 1992). Therefore the concept of organisation change and subsequently the change management have been the areas of study in the latest efforts to come out with effective management techniques. Management has to see that the change if required must be effected in such a manner it works for the betterment of the organisation and its people. There's in fact a very thin dividing line between change and innovation. While on the one hand innovation at times calls for some radical changes in the functioning of the organisation, change too may be or may not be a result of the innovation in some processing/techniques for the company. There are in general three broad categories of change: Changes in people: Such a change involves changes in attitudes, expectations, Perceptions, Behavior etc. This type of change is also brought about when employees retire, quit, and/or are transferred, promoted, demoted or fired. The human element in an organisation is dynamic and it must always be considered as such. Human beings constantly keep changing in their characteristics depending upon the environmental factors. Also some personnel become obsolete primarily because the activity they perform becomes obsolete or the way of doing it changes drastically. Changes in the organizational structure: Such a change involves changes in authority relationships, coordinating mechanisms, Job redesign, Spans of control etc. A 'dynamic' manager is always on the lookout for the opportunity to improve the organisation. The developments in organisation theory and the possible benefits to be gained from better organisation help stimulate and keep alive the organisation dynamics. Following the collapse of the UK housing and construction market in 1989, McInerney underwent a major restructuring; following which, McInerney Holdings was formed. Changes in technology: If there are changes in work processes, work methods, equipment etc. This type of change generally results out of innovation. Change brings along a component of uncertainty with it, as nobody feels totally confident about the new things. Therefore, if implemented in haste, there's every chance that such a change will be resisted. Change should therefore be implemented in a 'controlled' manner to ensure that change is seen to be implemented in an orderly and consistent manner. Innovation on the other hand should be 'channeled' when decisions are made within a company. Innovation may be a precursor to change, but may equally be required for design, or problem solving of newer problems, newer projects or just for competing with the competitors. Change is generally brought about by external forces as well as some internal factors. The major external factors responsible for change are; Marketplace: If the market sees newer marketing techniques, marketing communication methods, competition, etc. then the company is required to take an appropriate step so that it remains in business and continues to grow. In today's competitive environment this is one of the potent reasons for change. For example, the construction major of Ireland McInerney Holdings Plc found the leisure market in the Iberian Peninsula attractive,

The History of surgical Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The History of surgical Technology - Essay Example On the other hand, cutting of the stone refers to perineal lithotomy, suprapubic lithotomy, and transurethral lithotomy. Hippocrates laid the foundation for the practice of modern medicine. His work On Injuries of the Head organized medical and surgical knowledge during the fifth century BC with his original observations and served as a significant guide to surgeons for two millennia. Hence, Hippocrates was revered as the â€Å"Father of Medicine†. Another ancient surgeon, Galen, extensively wrote about surgery during the first century BC, particularly in Tumors Against Nature, regarded as his most significant treatise (Wilkins, 1992; Zimmerman & Veith, 1993) Lambert (n. d.) and , however, revealed there were some serious errors in Galen’s works. During the middle ages, barber-surgeons flourished as a barbers were trained to make salves (i. e., medical ointment), dress wounds and bleed, although Wadd (1827) argued that these surgeons pushed themselves forward much into the practice of surgery. In the mid-fourteenth century, some medical schools were given permission to perform dissections of the human body (Lambert, n. d.). Da Vinci (1982) performed both animal and human dissections around the 16th century and made detailed sketches in his famed notebooks. Meanwhile, Andreas Vesalius distinguished himself in the study of human anatomy, dissection, and as professor of anatomy. His masterpeice De Humani Corporis Fabrica disproved and corrected many of Galen’s theories (Rutkow, 2008). Another Renaissance surgeon, acclaimed as the most celebrated of his time as Ambroise Pare. Pare, himself a barber-surgeon, was also regarded as the â€Å"Father of Modern Surgery†, although the 18th century surgeon John Hunter is also being given the accolate. Among his notable achievements were: the invention of surgical instruments such the hemostat clamp; artificial limbs and eyes; and the truss for use in hernia patients (Zimmerman & Veith, 1993; Lamb ert, n. d.; Kelly, 2009). Nineteenth century surgery experienced much welcome improvements with the discovery of anesthetics with the combined efforts of Humphry Davy, Henry H. Morgan, and James Simpson. Cocaine (1884) and novocaine (1905) were also used for their anesthetic properties. Joseph Lister introduced antiseptic surgery. Robert Lawson Tait successfully saved a women suffering from ectopic pregnancy by surgically removing the fallopian tube. The century ended with another significant discovery by Wilhelm Konrad Roentgen, the X-ray (Lambert, n. d.). More strides in surgery were made in the 20th century with the identification of the different blood types; the invention of the pacemaker and laser; and a series of firsts in surgical history: heart transplant, artificial heart heart and lung transplant, eye surgery, reattachment surgery (Lambert, n. d.). The surgical technologist: a newer addition to the surgical team Ryan-Flynn (2009) described surgical technologists as  "health professionals who work in the surgical suite with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other surgical personnel delivering surgical patient care† (p. 352). The scope of work of a surgical technologist spans three areas: preoperative (before surgery), intraoperative (during surgery) and postoperative (after

News Management of Influenza Outbreak

News Management of Influenza Outbreak 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.0 NEWS MANAGEMENT The media is facing increasing pressure and demands from the public for timely and varied news stories in diverse angles. Media agencies are seeking above all to be the one-stop conduit of information for their audiences and the understanding of these pressures and angles can help organizations to not only cope with media attention but to also turn it to its advantage. News management according to Underwood (2010) is the process by which organizations attempt to take control of the flow of news to the media and setting the agenda for the media. The media will always want to set the agenda- which is what they consider as newsworthy. Organizations, ranging from businesses to political institutions all leverage this tactic to either establish a positive reputation or counteract public scrutiny in its activities. This is done through; issuing of press releases, holding press conferences and staging events which is also very powerful as a strategy to influence the media in its coverage. News agencies are considered to act as gatekeepers by seeking events and defining stories. The defining of stories that are newsworthy or not is done through a set of criteria called news values (Underwood, 2010). News value, as a criterion helps determine what makes a story and also, can make into the news. The selection of news events is determined by the creation of reality through choices of journalists related to their professional standards and what a journalist or editor considers an event is what they see to be an event and can make the news. For example, the opening of a multinational bank will make a potential news item than the same bank hiring new executives. Organisations can play the media at their own game through news values. For example, a political government choosing to announce details of an embarrassing report on the same day a latest report of an arrest of a corrupt official or an epidemic outbreak is announced. The arrest and epidemic issue may fit the mediaâ⠂¬â„¢s angle and thus rendering the report overlooked. News management within the context of political organisations is seen as a practical solution for governments and political actors to use the media in furthering their political goals. According to Pfetsch (1999), a particular selection and shaping of news is dependent on the institution, political and media context of a country. With political organizations’ objective of controlling information on the public agenda, through shaping media coverage makes news management an important factor. Political actors use news management as a way to manage contingencies, considering instances when the media is fed with information and the organisation still has no power to control the main news coverage. Framing and Spin-control are some of the strategies political organisations employ to control information. Framing as a structure of meaning and interpretation is seen to be connected to message contents, the media and the situation at hand (Klandermans, 1988). Spin-controlling is also a technique that is employed by political organisations in news management to fix results from happenings and to manage expectations of events about to happen (Bruce, 1992). This technique is used by organisations to stress more on features that is attractive to the target media and also avoid the features that are considered undesirable. For example, during election night news coverage, defeats in elections are interpreted as victories in front of television cameras. A typical example of a spin was the news during the September 11th World Trade Center came falling and Jo Moore sent Stephen Byers (Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and Regions) her boss a memo proposing â€Å"it’s now a very good day to get out anything we want to bury. Councillors expenses?† Unfortunately, the memo got leaked and she was reprimanded by her boss and there was a media onslaught and outrage. But on her part, it was a cynical spin which suggests she was able to divert attention on the serious event that has happened (Sparrow, 2001). Every organisation is potential for media scrutiny and needs to be prepared any time. Organisations always strive for brand recognition and reputation building through activities using public relations and advertising strategies; however, the media’s coverage during any event can be unsatisfactory. Therefore, when a crisis event hit an organisation, it isn’t difficult to see the media coming to knock on the door step to seek stories that are newsworthy. Organisations ultimate goal in news management should be to influence by all means possible what kind of news should appear in the media in any situation. Kotoka International Airport (KIA) has hit by a strain of influenza virus, has its image to protect in this crisis and as an organisation, it can only influence media coverage through setting the agenda for the media through an effective news management strategy. 2.0 INTRODUCTION An epidemic outbreak believed to be an influenza virus has come to the notice of the management at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Ghana. Several cases have been reported within the last 3 hours and seven people including three children are now hospitalized and one passenger reported dead from the influenza virus but in another country. The KIA is an airport that has facilities and offers services in line with international standards. KIA has seen more than 2.6 million passengers in 2013. The recent reported a case on the passenger who died of the epidemic was reported to have been on a trip to Thailand. The international airport has structured standard procedures to handle and protect the lives of passengers through its Emergency Medical Services (EMS) but the media in Ghana is criticising KIA on its poor cleaning routines and hygienic practices in controlling the epidemic so far. As the media relations officer of KIA, this strategic plan is devised to manage the news and also counteract any media onslaught concerning the influenza epidemic. 2.1 Aim The aim of this plan is to get the public informed about the influenza outbreak, provide safety actions at the airport and to also assure the public with the trust and confidence of putting the crisis under control. The plan also seeks to counteract any form of media scrutiny and protect the reputation of the KIA. 2.3 Objectives The following are the objectives of the strategic media plan: To install confidence to travellers at the KIA and how management is working effectively to keep the outbreak under control within 72 hours. To inform and communicate facts on the outbreak and minimize rumours before the end of the second day. To promote a positive understanding of the epidemic response, mitigation and control programs in place by the end of 48 hours’ time. To maintain confidence and order in the safety and operations at KIA by the end of the week. 3.0 THE CRISIS COMMUNICATION TEAM (CCT) In the development and implementation of a strategic plan, the first step is the creation of a team who will plan the response and provide the media with all details pertaining to the influenza outbreak at KIA. All the employees will be informed with measures on the influenza epidemic but authorised not to respond to any media enquiries. The CCT will include the following: i. Director of Airports The Director of Airports is Dr Gani and has been serving in that office for 15 years with vast experience and knowledge on the business at the KIA. He will be in authority to direct, control and coordinate the overall management of the epidemic crisis. He will work closely with his deputy in to oversee all measures put in place to control the epidemic and also manage all the section/team heads. ii. Health and Safety Director Mrs Ganira as the director will be playing a very important role. She will be responsible for coordinating all health and safety functions during this emergency at KIA. She will coordinate with all departments and provide messages and information regarding safety conditions to help minimize the outbreak. She will also coordinate with health services for emergency responses and quarantining of affected passengers. iii. Public Information Officer (PIO) Miss Claudia will be responsible for managing all media enquiries and assists in the preparation and dissemination of information and brief the media before a press conference. Supervise and monitor all information for accuracy and consistency before being discharged into the public domain via the media. She will prepare the spokesperson for any press conference or interviews and also train him on regular basis. She will be in-charge of the Media Information Centre (MIC). Chief of Operations Mr Saah will lead the operations section in the development and implementation of the health standard measures. He will ensure the planning and logistics functions support at KIA. He will support the MIC with operational information. He will identify the deployment and actions of each team and also someone to keep a log on all activities throughout. 3.1 DESIGNATED SPOKESPERSON In considering someone as the spokesperson for the team, factors considered include someone who is a real communicator, has a respectable public figure and the media are familiar with and can convey accurate and important messages to the media and public. With such qualities, no other person can occupy that other than Mr Godwin, who is the Deputy Director of Airports. With his vast experience in his past work history as the director of operations for the Ministry of Health, he suits the position to be the spokesperson for the crisis team. 3.2 TIPS FOR THE SPOKESPERSON Every spokesperson is expected to know or possess some characteristics to be able to engage and utilise the media to the organisations advantage. The following tips are considered and followed to gain some form of representation from the media. He must know the policies of KIA and be informed thoroughly on any current information before engaged by the media. Show empathy with those affected but not using words like â€Å"we regret†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which might make it look like a lawsuit. During interviews or Press conferences: When reporters or journalists put up sticky questions to him, he must answer them but will bridge them to the key messages he wants to convey. Must avoid â€Å"No comment† phrase. He will need to avoid replying questions with that phrase he do not want to answer. Appropriate answers can be, â€Å"I don’t have that information with me now. May I research it and get back to you?† And avoid using jargons or acronyms when speaking with news reporters and stick to the facts. 4.0 KEY MESSAGES The key messages play a very important aspect during crisis communication. They need to be few in number, short and concise to the public through the media. Other factors considered for key messages include giving positive action steps, not speculating, use of pronouns and cut-to-the-chase. The message map below shows the key messages to be used. Table 1: Message map for the influenza pandemic crisis 5.0 STRATEGIC MEDIA CHANNELS Media agencies are every time seeking above all to be their audiences’ avenue for information and make it important for the organization to meet its needs. It is imperative for organizations to establish positive relationships with the news media to help build partnership during any situation. KIA has built a positive relationship with key news media agencies in the capital. Therefore during this crisis, KIA’s goal is to be accurate, timely and reliable with its news coverage. There are a wide range of available media channels KIA can employ to disseminate and engage the media to reach its audience. However, the success will depend on the unique and best conduit for widest possible audience. The following will be considered by KIA. 5.1 Press Conference The first action to be taken when KIA has news on the influenza strain within 1 hour to 2 hours is to extend an invitation to media representatives (See Appendix A for Ghana’s media) to attend a press conference. This will help project KIA with an authoritative image and with a credible message during the crisis. To do this, the press statements will be brief, true, and accurate. As first official information, the key messages will include elements like expression of concern for passenger’s welfare, confirmed facts and action steps, the process, commitment statement and where to go for more information and the spokesperson will stay on the key messages throughout. 5.2 Website The next within the 2 hour period of the crisis it to create a crisis page on KIA’s official website and updates will be continuing on any new development on the epidemic at the airport. 5.3 Press release Within 3 to 5 hours period, possible topics would have been identified and press release sent to both the traditional and social media. They will include facts on the epidemic at KIA, and will stay on the key messages 1, 2 and 3. A media kit will be included with detail facts sheets on the crisis at KIA. 5.4 Social Media Considered as the fastest and uncontrolled channels for information travel, KIA will engage the public through key social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. YouTube channel will also be used for broadcasting the information on the epidemic. All key messages will be tweeted often as well as images posted. This will help inform and give details on the epidemic at KIA and users can also engage with the team to know how the crisis is being controlled. Continues updating will be done. Facebook: [emailprotected] Twitter: [emailprotected] and all posts will start with a hash tag (#). Example: #kiainfluenza 5.5 Radio Since radio listening is one of the most listened media outlets, KIA will leverage this tool to reach the wider public through news shows and live talk shows within 42 hours of the crisis. ‘Talk radio’ will provide KIA an opportunity to speak directly on important health messages and share the actions KIA is taking to protect passengers and the spread of the influenza epidemic in the region. (see Appendix B for list of radio stations KIA will be hosted on) 6.0 MONITORING INFORMATION FLOW It is critical to monitor the news on both the traditional media and social media to identify and rectify rumours or misleading reportage. KIA will establish a Media Information Centre (MIC) to function as a central point for all epidemic-related communications and queries from the media. The MIC will serve as the media-monitoring office to monitor all news and make immediate responses. Appendices Appendix A Ghana’s Media Ghana’s media enjoys a high degree of media freedom and thus can pose a threat to organizations during a crisis event. They are free to criticise authorities without fear with a lively press and an often phone-in programs on many radio stations. Radio is the most popular medium with over 200 stations and many of them based in the main cities. The State-run media is the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). The key media will be listed for the purpose of the plan Source: BBC (2013) Appendix B Schedule for Talk Radio shows References BRUCE, B., 1992. Images of Power. London: Kogan Page. Ghana profile, 2013. News Africa [online] Available on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13433793 [Accessed on 6 January 2015] KLANDERMANS, B., 1988. The Formation and Mobilization of Consensus. In Nandermans, B., Kriesi Hans Peter, Tarrow Sidney (ed.), International Social Movement Research (Vol. 1, pp. 173-198). PFETSCH, B., 1999. Government news management: Strategic communication in comparative perspective. [online] Available on: https://www.econstor.eu/dspace/bitstream/10419/49821/1/30895761X.pdf [Accessed on 6 January 2015] SPARROW, A. 2001. Sept. 11: A good day to bury bad news. [online] Available on: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1358985/Sept-11-a-good-day-to-bury-bad-news.html [Accessed on 6 January 2015] UNDERWOOD, M. 2010. News Management. [online] Available on: http://www.cultsock.org/index.php?page=media/setorder.html [Accessed on 6 January 2015]

Global Warming: Are Humans to Blame? Essay -- Climate Change, Greenhou

Global Warming: Are Humans to Blame? An English major with a minor in Meteorology, I have a huge passion in learning about the weather. I love doing research on all aspects of the weather, but one topic has remained controversial for years and that is the cause of global warming. I decided to do some research on the issue in hopes of coming up with some type of conclusion based on the facts that I am able to find. The question always arises as to whether humans are to blame for our current global warming. Do humans in fact pose a threat to the global warming crisis and are they to blame for the slow increase in temperature of the earths atmosphere? Before one can begin to argue the facts whether or not humans have an influence in the condition of our atmosphere, one must first learn exactly what global warming is. To begin a discussion about what global warming entails, I must first explain the greenhouse effect. When solar radiation enters the earth’s atmosphere some of the energy is absorbed by the earth, while the rest is refracted back into space. During this process, when radiation emits from the surface back into the atmosphere, greenhouse gases such as water vapor, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and Methane trap some of the radiating heat in our atmosphere and cause the surface of the earth to warm up. This is a natural process that has occurred on earth even before the existence of humans, and still naturally occurs today. Moreover, clouds, or large masses of water vapor, are natural absorbers and refractors of energy. Although they reflect more solar energy than they absorb, they still help to maintain a warm and tolerable planet for all living kind, thus clouds play a big part in the warmin... ...on the facts presented, it is up to you to decide which theory you believe in. Bibliography Burroughs, William J. et al. The Nature Company Guides Weather. Sydney, San Francisco: Time-life Custom Publishing, 1996. (1997, October 31). Common Sense About Global Warming Editorial: The Toronto Globe and Mail [10]. Canada’s National Newspaper The Globe and Mail. Available at: http://www.carleton.ca/~tpatters/teaching/climatechange/ewarming.html (2001). Global Warming frequently asked questions. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Available at: http://lwf.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html Lyons, Walter A. The Handy Weather Answer Book. New York, New York: Accord Publishing Ltd., 1997. National assessment on climate change [12]. Hot Planet. Available at:http://www.weather.com/newscenter.specialreports/hotplanet/

Marijuana and its Legalization

The legality of marijuana has been a hot topic debated upon for years. However, upon close inspection of studies and articles, it is clear that it is in the better interest of the government to lift the ban on marijuana. The first thing I learned from the inquiry into this issue was that prohibition fails to control the use and production of marijuana. On the contrary, the illegal aspect tickles the curiosity of teenagers, resulting in opportunists seizing this chance to sell marijuana to them.The marijuana is distributed in schools by student dealers who learn to make easy money, and these students may be lead into the crime industries. The problem exists in the ubiquitous nature of marijuana and it not being the highest priority of the police. The distribution is not being controlled and neither are sources of the marijuana, which misses the reason of existence for prohibition.In fact, through legalizing marijuana usage, the government can earn a plethora of money through taxing, t he price can be controlled to be of proper value instead of the underground pricing, and the number of illegal dealers would decrease due to marijuana not being as profitable. In a survey conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, they reported that â€Å"teens could more readily access pot than beer or prescription drugs. What makes alcohol different from marijuana is that alcohol is legal, regulated through age restrictions, and taught in public education about its awareness. For instance, in high school, there are no such things as alcohol dealers or tobacco dealers, which leads to the need of a middle-man who is of age to buy such products. That middle man is often an older student who has to go out of his way to buy alcohol or tobacco which is a great hassle, whereas marijuana is easily found within the student population.People may argue that it is the pure danger of marijuana that led to its prohibition, but contrary to popular belief, it is said that marijuana was made illegal in the US for population control of Mexicans and Black people. Harry J. Anslinger, the director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics remarked that the reason for the ban of marijuana was â€Å"its effect on the degenerate races. † There is no scientific evidence that such known side effects as schizophrenia, heart attacks or cancer are actually caused by marijuana and therefore the danger of the drug cannot be the reason being illegal.However, due to marijuana smokers being disoriented and having loss of coordination and logical thought, it would be more reasonable to make certain activities or actions illegal when influenced by marijuana instead, similarly to alcohol. Lastly, the research showed that keeping marijuana illegal is more expensive than lobbying it. Apparently the government’s â€Å"War on Drugs† results in millions of dollars in losses when locking people related to marijuana in prison, paying for th eir food, housing, health care, attorney fees, and court costs.All this is paid by taxpayer money which are meant for and could be used for other things concerning the country. Also, as stated in the above, the government is missing out on tax opportunities that could be in turn used for more effective drug education programs. If marijuana were legal the government would have much more money to spend on important problems. Even in our neighbourhoods, hundreds of students are smoking cannabis. Instead of having a large portion of our population having to smoke illegally, it would be more advisable to free the ban and profit from the perks of legalizing marijuana.

Comparison and Contrast Essay of Two video games

Now a days technology become too much advance. Some of the greatest improvements in new technology have been the creation of computer games. In the present century lots of children’s play computer games. For children’s games have become a luxury more than a need. This demand is increasing for develop new and advance games. Similar there is a Rockstar Industries, they develop video games likewise Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. These game two games are most famous.First of all Grand Theft Auto 3 release on October, 2001 developed by DMA Design in United Kingdom and publish by Rockstar Games. This game is a first 3D game in the series of Grand Theft Auto. First it was release for PlayStations later on PC Xbox. Moreover GTA 3 also develops for Apple App store and Android devices. On other hand Grand Theft Auto vice city release on October 29, 2002 developed and as well as publish by Rockstar Games in United Kingdom. GTA Vice city is second 3D game in th e series of Grand Theft Auto.It also releases for Playstation later on PC Xbox. But now it also realease for Apple App store and Android devices. Moreover, Grand Theft Auto 3 game graphic not much as compare as Grand Theft Auto vice city it is too dark. GTA3 player can’t spend his money on purchasing properties and make money from them. And it has better missions and vehicles but in smaller numbers, such as cars, trucks, train, some boat are not used much. GTA vice city have too much colorful graphic and players enjoy too much, once they played vice city they unlike GTA 3.In Grand Theft Auto Vice City player can spend his money on purchasing properties and make money from them. And more missions and vehicles, such as new shaped cars, bikes, helicopter, planes, and more useful boat. Furthermore, GTA3 System Requirements for players are should have Pentium 3 or 4, and need 450 MHz plus 128MB RAM. And 16 MB direct 3D Video Card, Sound Card, 8X CD-ROM and 500MB free hard disk spa ce should need.GTA Vice City System Requirements for players are should have 800 MHz Intel Pentium 3 or 4, and want 1.2GHz plus 128 MB of RAM, 8 speed CD / DVD drive, plus 32 MB direct 3D Video Card, Sound Card as well as 915 MB of free hard disk space. Mostly people say that GTA Vice City the better than GTA 3. Because in gta vice city has more missions and it also have good graphic more vehicles etc. GTA Vice City is more interesting game than GTA . 3 Today generation like these games very much, it look like real live game. And it have look of thing to do. For Instance, you can do racing, fighting shoot driving swimming and lot of things.