Project Management Green Fashion Store

Purpose of the project management plan Environmental pollution is one of the major challenges facing the society today. Despite this, firms are adopting various production and operational strategies in a bid to maximise their level of profitability. Some of the strategies implemented have a negative impact on the environment. The fashion industry contributes to various forms of environmental pollution such as air, water, and soil pollution (Cervellon et al., 2009).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Project Management: Green Fashion Store specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A survey conducted by Deloitte shows that most firms in the global fashion industry are not committed towards achieving operational sustainability (Deloitte, 2013). Therefore, their contribution towards prevention of environmental pollution is limited and such a trend may adversely affect the firm’s long-term survival. Therefore, it is impera tive for fashion firms to be conscious of the environment in order to achieve business continuity. This report outlines a project plan with regard to green fashion. Background -Project description The project entails establishing a new store that will deal with ‘green fashion’. The ‘green fashion’ store will give the consigner a choice of choosing a maximum of 40% profit after selling the clothes. The rest will be donated to charities. If the consigned products are not sold within three months, they will become ‘green fashion’ self-owned products. The store will exclusively deal with women’s apparels. In a bid to protect the environment, the store will deal with second-hand clothes made from environmental friendly materials and recycled cloth materials. Project objectives The project intends to promote eco-friendly business operations within the fashion industry. The store will be based on the concepts of re-cycle, re-use, and re-style ( Garth, 2009). Consequently, the project will promote consumption of high quality ‘green fashion’ products. The store will achieve this end by promoting consumption of second-hand fashion clothes. Moreover, the project intends to encourage consumers to integrate the concept of ‘just enough’ in their purchasing patterns.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Scope management Scope management is a critical aspect in project planning processes (Hartley, 2009. Scope management ensures that only the necessary tasks are undertaken hence increasing satisfaction of the target stakeholders (Lau, 2005). The entire project will be subdivided into small and manageable components (Ghuman, 2010). The necessary authorisation such as a license from environmental control agencies in Australia will be sought. Moreover, the input of the project’s sponsor will be sough t. Some of the aspects will be defined in the scope management phase include; The stores design; how the shop will be designed in order to eliminate environmental pollution. Publicising the concept of green fashion amongst consumers Work-breakdown structure The project will be divided into a number of manageable components. However, the project manager will ensure that the various sub-components of the project contribute towards completion of the entire project. A mechanism to measure the success of the entire project will also be incorporated. The chart below illustrates the work-breakdown structure with regard to the ‘Green Fashion’ project. Figure 1: Work-breakdown structure Project assumptions In the process of establishing the Green Fashion Store, the following assumptions will be taken into account. An entrepreneur will undertake the entire process of establishing the store. It is also assumed that the entrepreneur will access the necessary capital from sponso rs and other credit finance institutions in order to establish the store successfully. For the project to succeed, it is assumed that a large number of women will integrate green fashion in their consumption processes. In a bid to attain the desired level of profitability, the project manager assumes that there are sizeable markets to enable the store develop a strong customer base. The project manager assumes that the necessary authorities will approve the store. It is assumed that the project will be completed within the set timeframe. Project constraints A number of risks that emanate from internal and external sources affect projects (Kerzner, 2009).Therefore, it is imperative for project managers to be aware of such risks in order to integrate optimal strategies to avert the risks. The success of the Green Fashion project is likely to be affected by a number of risks as outlined below.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Project Management: Green Fashion Sto re specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Budget loss The total budget allocation to the entire project might not be sufficient. Consequently, the likelihood of incurring additional cost is high. Budget loss may affect the firm’s ability to stock the store with sufficient green fashion products. This aspect will limit the number of customers patronising the store. In a bid to minimise the occurrence of budget loss, a clear definition of project requirements will be clearly defined. In a bid to determine the cost of the project effectively, the entrepreneur will use Microsoft Excel and other software that can help in the process of determining cost. Time conflict The process of establishing the Green Fashion Store will consume a substantial amount of time. Poor time allocation may affect the time limit within which the project must be completed. As a result, the likelihood of achieving the set objectives may be affected adversely. The project manager will minimise time conflict by integrating Microsoft Project Server, which is software that aides in effective time management with regard to projects. For example, the software enables the project manager to define critical paths, slack, and slag time effectively (Westland, 2007). Lack of store buy-in The project manager recognises the fact that the project might not receive the intended support from sponsors. For example, external financiers and other sponsors might perceive the project to be a less viable business venture. If this perception occurs, the project might not be started. In a bid to minimise the occurrence of this trend, it will be ensured that the project sponsors and external financiers understand the viability of the business venture, which will be achieved by holding comprehensive discussion with the sponsors on the viability of the business venture. As a result, the likelihood of achieving the necessary support will increase. Additionally, the cu stomers might not understand the concept behind green fashion, which might adversely affect the firm’s sales. In a bid to limit this occurrence, adequate public awareness on green fashion will be conducted.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Project feasibility The project’s feasibility will be evaluated by assessing the commitment of the sponsors towards environmental pollution. Most organisations are investing in various environmental protection programs. Therefore, the likelihood of sponsors being interested in the ‘green fashion’ project is high. The feasibility of the project is also enhanced by the fact that consumers are increasingly becoming conscious of the environment. Kazmi (2008) asserts, â€Å"Eco-friendly products whether in agriculture, clothing, cosmetics, or health are being seen as a better substitute for synthetic products† (p. 81). Additionally, change in consumer behaviour with regard to apparel increases the likelihood of the project’s success. For example, a large number of consumers have many brand-new clothes in their closets that they do not wear. These clothes can be resold as second hand clothes as most consumers are willing to give away such clothes. Project resources and personnel According to Rose (2005), sufficient resources and personnel must be integrated in the project-planning phase. The following aspects will be integrated. In the resource-planning phase, it will be ensured that all the necessary resources such as shop equipments such as furniture and consignment of second-hand women fashion clothes are available. Moreover, the project manager will ensure that adequate and experienced human capital is integrated. According to Nevitt and Fabozzi (2000), the quality of the project team influences the effectiveness and efficiency with which various project activities are executed. Thus, an experienced shop manager with regard to second-hand fashion clothes will be hired. Role Responsibilities The project sponsor Approval of the project Provision of the necessary project guidance Reviewing the progress of the project’s progress Project participants Executing various project activities Identifying possible challen ges that might hinder completion of the project The steering committee Ensuring that funds are allocated effectively Directing the project manager Assessing the project deliverables Chart 1: Key personnel and responsibilities in the project. Project stakeholders Prior to its implementation, the project manage will send the project to a number of stakeholders. One category of stakeholders that will be considered includes the various charity groups that will be identified. The charity groups will aid in the process of generating donations of ‘green fashion’ products. On collecting the fashion products, the consigner will recycle and sell the fashion products. Another category of stakeholders in the establishment of the store includes environmental conservationists and other interest groups. These groups are very passionate about ensuring that businesses operate in an environmental sustainable manner to minimise environmental pollution. Considering the fact the project intends to promote consumption of ‘green fashion’, the firm will ensure that its products are fairly priced. This move will play a significant role in ensuring that the target customer group purchases the trendy fashion items that the firm will be dealing with. Thus, the project will promote the creation of job opportunities in addition to promoting green culture that advocates for eco-friendly consumption habits. Time management Estimating the timeframe within which the expected project deliverables should be expected is critical in preventing cost escalation due to various internal and external factors. This aspect underscores the importance of effective time management in project management processes. In the process of establishing the Green Fashion Store, the project manager will ensure that activities are defined clearly with regard to the expected duration to completion, which will be achieved by integrating the concept of scheduling. The project manager w ill ensure that the scheduled tasks are started when the predecessor’s tasks are completed. On completion of the set tasks, the project manager will evaluate whether all the tasks are linked. In a bid to manage time effectively, the manager will integrate the concept of critical path method. The process of establishing the store is expected to take 3 months. The Gnatt Chart below outlines the activities that will be undertaken in the process of establishing the store. Chart 2: Gnatt chart showing the project’s time management Promoting charity The firm will be committed towards promoting charity in the consumers’ consumption processes. The firm will achieve this goal by adopting the concept of Group Consign, which entails a door-to-door registration. Through this strategy, the firm will be in a position to collect fashion product from different parts within Melbourne. However, the firm will ensure that only consignments above 100 pieces are collected. All donat ions will be collected in from the firm’s corporate office. As a result, the firm will promote charity and ‘green fashion’. In a bid to create sufficient market awareness, a comprehensive communication plan will be adopted. The communication plan will aim at creating awareness to a sizeable market. The communication plan will be comprised of diverse market communication methods such as advertising. Different advertising platforms such as television, radio, and social media will be used in creating awareness, which will increase the number of consumers willing to donate the clothes that they do not wear. As a result, the firm will be in a position to attain the large volume of consignment required to start the business. Project cost Substantial cost is incurred in the process of implementing a project (Taylor, 2008).To successfully determine the cost of establishing the fashion store, the concepts of cost estimation, cost budgeting, and cost control will be incorp orated as illustrated in chart 3 below. Cost item Amount Cost of establishing the store AUS$3,000 Monthly cost of operating the store AUS$8,000 Cost of promotion AUS$10, 0000 Total estimated budget required to establish the project. AUS $21,000 Reference List Cervellon, M., Hjerth, H., Richard, S., Carey, L. (2009). Green fashion: an  exploratory national differences in consumers concern for eco-fashion. Monaco, France: International University of Monaco. Deloitte. (2013). Fashioning sustainability. Web. Garth, J. (2009). 1000 ideas for creative re-use: re-make, restyle, recycle, renew. Beverly, MA: Quarry Books. Ghuman, K. (2010). Management: concepts, practice, and cases. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw-Hill. Hartley, S. (2009). Project management. Principles, processes, and practice. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education. Kazmi, A. (2008). Strategic management and business policy. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Kerzner, H. (2009). Project management a systems approach to planning,  scheduling and controlling. New York, NY: John Wiley and Sons. Lau, L. (2005). Managing business with SAP: planning, implementation and  Valuation. Hershey, PA: Idea Group. Nevitt, P., Fabozzi, F. (2000). Project financing. London, UK: EuroMoney Publications. Rose, K. (2005). Project quality management; why, what and how. Florida, FL: Ross Publication. Taylor, J. (2008). Project scheduling and cost control: planning, monitoring and  controlling the baseline. Fort, Lauderdale, FL: Ross Publication. Westland, J. (2007). The project management lifecycle: a complete step-by-step  methodology for initiating, planning, executing and closing a project successfully. London, UK: Kogan Page. This essay on Project Management: Green Fashion Store was written and submitted by user Hulkl1ng to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Informative Essay Topics

Informative Essay Topics An informative essay is a specific kind of writing that focuses on giving information that may be interesting and useful for readers. The audience wants to gain priceless knowledge from an informative essay sample. Hence, the student must make a considerable contribution to the development of the main idea. There are many topics and useful tips to start the process. First of all, the chosen subject must be focused and meaningful. Secondly, the key to the creation of a successful essay is personal interest as well as the performer’s desire to share insights. Possible Informative Essay Topics 1. The Opioid Epidemic in Florida In the U.S. media, the information about the opioid epidemic in Florida appears frequently. This topic is interesting to analyze in the social context. For example, a student may explore causes, scopes, and problems effects on society. Besides, the essay should present relevant data and discuss government reactions to the issue. â€Å"Opioid Overdose Deaths and Florida’s Crackdown on Pill Mills† by Kennedy-Hendricks et al. is a valuable source; articles from credible news agencies, such as NPR and others, may be helpful as well. 2. How Deaf People Talk with Emotion Unfortunately, deafness is a serious health disorder that affects the ability to hear any sounds. It can be interesting for people who are working in this area. It is important to include the studies of the psychologists that proved that deaf people express their emotions by gesticulation. The student can mention facial emotion as it is a key element for individuals with such disorders. This source â€Å"The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education† may be extremely helpful. 3. Women’s Rights in Saudi Arabia Women in Saudi Arabia are very limited in their actions. They are forbidden to do the most common things. The reason lies in cultural differences. This topic is interesting because the majority of women from other nations do not have such restrictions. The student may mention the reasons why Arabian women cannot participate in activism, and why they are not allowed to make any decisions without their husbands. Besides, it will be informative to write about reforms that were applied to Saudi Arabia women. The credible source â€Å"Torture, reform and womens rights in Saudi Arabia† by Hana Al-Khamri can be analyzed. 4. Anorexia Nervosa Cases among Young Girls Nowadays, it has become popular to follow the lifestyle of Instagram girls and models who are extremely slim. Anorexia Nervosa is a serious disorder connected with regular eating. This theme must be actual because Anorexia Nervosa is the problem of the modern generation. The student must note the main features of this chronic disorder. The NCBI informs that one teenager had a powerful fear of obesity and becoming fat that she began to suffer from anorexia. The writer can properly describe this case and do thorough research on Anorexia Nervosa by NCBI can be prompt. 5. The Pros and Cons of Teaching Students Three Languages in School Nowadays, the majority of schools have a difficult education system that includes several foreign languages. This topic can help people confirm or even change their opinion regarding the theme. The brain of school student cannot withstand a lot of mental stresses. It means that all moments must be properly analyzed in order not to harm a student. There are many studies about the Multilingual Childrens Association, and Veronica Hunt perfectly describes one of them. 6. Europe Architecture Style European architectural style can be recognized immediately, as it is extremely rational and practical. The studies that analyze this style may bring many positive emotions and aesthetic pleasure. This style was formed by the connection of particular places and time of their building. Also, the European style needs many decorations and the article â€Å"10 Key Architecture Styles And Their Defining Characteristics† can be a perfect source regarding this topic. 7. Is FBI Useful against Criminal Authorities? Of course, the FBI is a powerful organization, and it is useful against criminal authorities. Many people are deeply interested in the process of its work. The student may include many investigations and cases when the FBI successfully solved the crime. However, according to the mass shooting and kills in different corners of the world, it was proved that the FBI is not as influential as it was in the past. Unfortunately, many serious criminal cases were missed, and the FBI announced many false statements. The article â€Å"How the FBI Works† by Ed Grabianowski can be helpful for writing. 8. Diabetes and Its Treatment Diabetes is a common non-infectious chronic disease. The student must tell about the signs of the disease and its stages. For example, in the first stages, the patient may not feel serious ailment, except for increased fatigue, dry mouth, increased thirst, and appetite. Diabetes is a disease that requires long and persistent therapy. The student should focus on the techniques that are divided into three groups: taking medication, diet, and changing lifestyle. Ebenezer A. Nyenwe in her article â€Å"Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Evolving Strategies for the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes† demonstrated priceless knowledge that can be helpful. 9. The Role of Libraries in the Digital Age This era is famous for digital availability. However, the role of libraries must not be neglected because libraries are the history and carry a historical moment. This informative essay topic is interesting and educational because very often, people compare books and online reading. Many years ago, society got intellectual resources from books sitting in libraries. Hence, they must be thankful for the priceless knowledge and places that help society made considerable technological improvements. The role of libraries in the digital age is highly appreciated even though libraries are not in great demand. The website Debating Europe, and the post â€Å"What Is the Role of Libraries in the Digital Age?† can be used during writing. 10. The Significance of Recycling Waste Materials The topic is interesting because the issue of recycling is of global importance. It is necessary to find all the new methods of replenishing or replacing consumed resources in order to preserve the ecological system. Besides, the importance of waste management has both environmental and resource-saving reasons. Many materials in nature are limited, and their time for their completion considerably exceeds the lifetimes of several generations of people. The accumulation of waste pollutes the environment. The website Ecomena can be helpful. 11. Hypnosis and Its Common Use Hypnosis is a temporary state of consciousness characterized by narrowing its volume and sharp focus on the content of suggestion, which is associated with a change in the function of individual control and self-consciousness. The topic is interesting enough as there are many exciting and fantastic information regarding it. The student may describe the state of hypnosis, and when it occurs. The article â€Å"What Is Hypnosis?† by Kendra Cherry may be used during writing. 12. Effective Stress Relief Techniques Oriental practitioners teach: If you want to get rid of sadness, move 27 things in the house. It is believed that it frees space for energy, which can smoothly slide in the right direction. Try this method, and make sure that it helps the brain to switch, get away from problems, and relax. The article â€Å"Best Stress Relievers for All Types of People† by Elizabeth Scott can be helpful as it includes priceless knowledge of the writer. 13. The Christian Attitude Towards Tattoo People need to determine whether they can ask God sincerely, with a clear conscience, to bless and use their actions for their purposes. Nowadays, this topic is widely discussed all over the world. The student may include information about important principles with regard to issues that the Bible does not specifically address. If there is the slightest doubt in human actions, it is better to abandon them in order to be God blessed. The article â€Å"Learn What the Bible Says about Tattoos† by Mary Fairchild brightly describes the main points about Christian attitude towards the tattoo. 14. About Procrastination and How to Overcome It Very often, people postpone important things. Also, they are unable to explain why they are doing this. After that, individuals are tormented by feelings of guilt because of the torn deadlines and the fact that someone has been let down again. The topic can be useful for students because it can improve their productivity. The author of the book â€Å"Beat Procrastination† was convinced of the perfidy of procrastination, comprehensively studied the problem, determined the causes of its occurrence, and suggested several simple and effective ways of dealing with it. 15. Pros and Cons of Gun Control Legislation The majority of the mass shootings in the USA are done with the legally bought weapon. The rate of violence will be increased due to gun control. At the same time, gun control legislation will make people sell the weapon on the black market. This theme can be interesting for many readers because there are many controversial moments. The article â€Å"Pros and Cons of Gun Control Laws in the US† by Paul Goodman can be helpful. 16. The Importance of Business Strategy Business strategy is an essential element of any developing organization. It allows the company to grow economically and concentrate on the real needs of the company. Business strategy is a powerful tool that helps an organization to reach long-term profits. The topic can be interesting as it covers a lot of important business information. The student may be focused on various business strategy, and find the most appropriate for oneself. Mendoza College of Business introduces the importance of a good business strategy for any organization. 17. About the Gaming Industry The gaming industry was actively developing after the technical revolution. The modern generation is interested in this area, and a student may use various resources while writing an essay. The development of computer games has become a whole industry with a lot of directions. Moreover, the number of fans of digital entertainment are millions. Besides, there are numerous competitions in cybersport that are held, and this trend continues to grow. The CEO of Cobx Gaming shared credible information in his article â€Å"The Future of Gaming Industry.† 18. The Role of Formal Education in Building a Successful Career This particular topic is extremely important for understanding among the current generation. Formal education is an essential attribute of a modern individual because it gives significant opportunities for building a successful career. Formal education gives a priceless basis required for future development including professional area. The student may use different studies that proved the importance of formal education. For instance, the article â€Å"Formal Education Is Important† by Ratna Komala Dewi can be helpful. 19. National Parks and Their Importance The majority of people deeply admire the beauty of nature. There are many fantastic National Parks all over the world. The student may describe the rare animals as well as plants that are protected there. Besides, National Parks provide them with complete safety. Both the water and air are absolutely clean there. The NPA website and â€Å"Why Are National Parks Important† post can be used while writing an essay. 20. About Starbucks Coffee Marketing Strategies Starbucks coffee is known all over the world. However, not everyone knows about the structure of this company. Hence, the student may include such information into an essay. Starbucks Company follows a mix of several marketing strategies. Such an approach makes Starbucks extremely successful and profitable. The mix of marketing aspects allows the company to experience the most appropriate managing way. The article â€Å"Marketing Strategy of Starbucks† by Hitesh Bhasin may be applied to this topic. Overall, informative essay educates readers on the described topic. The leading purpose of an informative essay is to present and respond to the main idea of the writing. As a rule, an informative essay can define the suggested term or show the significance of the raised idea. The structure of information essay is traditional; thus, a student should remember about an introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

The Marketing Practice For Unsigned Independent Artists And Their Essay

The Marketing Practice For Unsigned Independent Artists And Their Music - Essay Example However, McCarthy (1987) prefers a more explicit explanation ÃŽ ¿f the marketing mix, suggesting that the mix is "a set ÃŽ ¿f controllable variables which the organization puts together to satisfy a target group." A representative marketing mix involves a product provided at a price, combined with some level ÃŽ ¿f promotion to attract potential customers, along with a way (a "place") to meet those customers (McCarthy, 1987). In service marketing, McColl-Kennedy and Kiel (2003) identify three extended elements for marketers. In addition to the traditional 4 Ps, McColl-Kennedy and Kiel (2003) stress the core role ÃŽ ¿f people in a service industry, including both employees and customers or potential customers. Additionally, the service process and physical evidence take on additional importance in service industries. All process can produce best results for the marketing of unsigned independent artists and their music. Kotler defines the product as a combination ÃŽ ¿f goods and service s (Kotler et al, 2001). Given the service focus ÃŽ ¿f their work, McColl-Kennedy, and Kiel (2003) define a product more generally. They term a product merely as a bundle ÃŽ ¿f attributes--some tangible, some intangible--offered to a buyer by a seller.Marketing and management theorists agree on the simple concept ÃŽ ¿f price.

The History of Horror Films in the 1900's Term Paper

The History of Horror Films in the 1900's - Term Paper Example The movie presented the devils and skeletons for the audiences. In 1913, the German filmmakers made a first horror based film named Der Golem. This was directed by Paul Wegener. This was the adaptation of an Old Jewish folk tale. This film made a great success and even its remake in 1920. This film told a story about a clay joint which was made alive by an antiquarian and then fights with its rebels. Another German movie named Nosferatu was made in 1922 which was directed by F.W.Murnau. It was the first feature-length Dracula movie. Another movie named The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari made the way for the making of serious horror movies. This movie depicted about a show performer which started killing the people. The first horror drama in the Hollywood was The Hunchback of Notre Dame filmed in 1923 starring Lon Chaney being the first actor of horror movies. The modern genre of horror films was started in early 1930’s when two gothic-steeped movies featured named Frankenstein (1931) and The Mummy (1932). These were launched by the universal studios and their sequels also rocked the cinemas. As the time passed, the concept of horror movies kept on changing. During 1950’s in the nuclear charged atmosphere, horror movies completely shifted to the modern one. These started including Aliens, Mutants, Insects, Plants and their deadly existence. The famous films included The things From another World (1951) and Invasion of the Bodysnatchers (1956). In the era of 1960 two major movies featured which included the human monsters and supernatural phenomenon. These included Peeping Tom and Psycho. In 1973, The Exocrist released that broke all the records of the previous horror movies and started a new dimension of the horror. Jaws (1975) directed by the famous Steven Spielberg became the highest grossing film ever in the horror cinema. Late 70’s movies included the very disturbing and violent The Texas Chainsaw Massacre whose sequels are still practiced till now. In 1980’s and 1990’s the teen violence came to the cinemas included the movies Friday The 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street. Till now I described the general and some famous flicks of the 1900’s but I have to go deep in the history of the horror. Let’s start from the beginning. The early horror movies of the era 1900-1930 majorly included the flicks that were based on the classic horror novels. As there were only the novels at that time which were to be the source of adaptation for the movies so horror cinema also started from the same path. In 1910, the first adaptation of Frankenstein appeared which was only 16 minutes long and produced by the famous inventor of light bulb â€Å"Thomas Edison†. Another adaptation Dr Jekyll and My Hyde also featured in that year. The first ever warewolf picture was depicted by the â€Å"Henry MacRae† in his film The Warewolf. Another adaptation of novel Dr Jekyll and My Hyde rocked the screens in 192 0 and it was a great success. Famous actor Lon Chaney found his fame from the movies The Hunchback of Notre Damme in 1923, The Phantom of the Opera in 1925 and a vampire movie London after Midnight in 1927. The films that were released in the decade of 1930-1940 included the Vampires, Mummies, Monsters specially Frankenstein and Werewolves. That was the classic horror. 1930’s feature film Dracula not only gave a new turn to horror

Ionising radiation in medical imaging Essay Example for Free

Ionising radiation in medical imaging Essay Contemporary medical practice is heavily reliant on mediconuclear and radiological procedures and investigations. To derive important diagnostic information, medical personnel must carry out investigations which may expose patients and the medical personnel to certain levels of risk. With the continued advancement of medicine and diagnostic examinations, many procedures which utilize relatively high loads of radiation to produce images are becoming more and more popular. To protect patients and radiologists from the harmful effects of radiation exposure, protection practices and standards are grounded on the understanding that any level of radiation may cause detrimental health effects, including genetic damage and cancer development. However, while protection standards have been crucial in reducing the level of exposure to harmful radiation, these estimates are just approximations. Some authors have argued that these approximations are indeed underestimates and that better estimates of risk should be calculated based on the age and sex of an individual. These concerns imply that doctors and radiologists must uphold the highest standards for radiation protection, including limiting the number of times a patient subjected to radiologic examination. The use of ionsing radiation in medical imaging began with x-rays discovery in 1895. Basically, ionising radiation consists of the component of electromagnetic spectrum which has sufficient energy to penetrate through matter and dislodge orbital electrons which are then converted into ions and captured in an electromagnetic film. Different types of electromagnetic radiations (gamma rays and x-rays) are utilised in different forms of medical imaging. Different forms of radiation also have different biologic effects. Imaging modalities such as single photon computed tomography (SPECT), cardiovascular computed tomography (CVCT), positron emission tomography (PET), and x-ray fluoroscopy have become indispensable diagnostic tools in almost every medical establishment. Even though these modalities are necessary for an accurate and timely diagnosis, the emission of both particulate and photon radiation means that the risks and benefits of these diagnostic techniques need to be evaluated. While it is easy to measure some radiation dosimetry parameters, others can only be estimated by using complex simulations and assumptions models. Generally, radiation dosimetry is presented in terms of physical measurements. Based on literature research, this paper discusses the risks associated with ionising radiation in medical imaging and the measures taken by both the patients and the medical staff to limit the level of radiation dosage. Risks Associated with Ionising Radiation in Medical Imaging Exposure to ionising radiation in the medical/hospital environment can either exhibit as deterministic or stochastic impacts. Deterministic effects are those effects whose severity is determined by the radiation dose. These effects occur when the radiation exposure goes beyond the dose threshold. The most common example of deterministic effects is skin burns. When the skin is exposed for a long time to radiation, particularly in the course of prolonged fluoroscopic procedures, skin burns may occur. Patients undergoing electrophysiologic ablation examinations which may take more than one hour are more at risk of suffering skin burns as a result of repeated exposure to relatively high levels of radiation doses. 3 Other deterministic effects include cataract formation, skin erythema, and epilation. Stochastic effects are those effects whose probabilities of occurrence are dependent on the dosage. For instance, effects such as radiation induced carcinogenesis always occur after a person has been exposed to variable doses of radiation for a long time. Generally, stochastic effects do not have a threshold dose; rather, long term exposure to ionising radiation may cause varying degrees of cell proliferation, division, and differentiation. Thus, it is extremely difficult to establish the exact level of exposure that can be incriminated in the development of cancer or any other associated effect. However, it has been demonstrated that higher doses of ionising radiation may cause chromosomal changes and subsequent malignancies. On the contrary, it should be noted that not all chromosomal alterations cause phenotypic illnesses. Exposure to high doses of radiation may induce malignancy in children, especially the development of leukemia. There are two different theoretical perspectives for discussing the link between medical imaging and cancer development at relatively low exposure levels. According to the linear no-threshold theory, the effects of radiation are not limited to a certain threshold of exposure. In essence, all radiation em itted have the capacity of causing malignancies and the risk increase linearly with dosage. On the other hand, the linear-quadratic theory states that low doses have an insignificant risk on developing malignancies and that the risk can only increase quantitatively with exposures to high radiation doses. In many international and national legislations concerning radiation and reducing exposure to radioactive emissions, the more conservative linear no-threshold hypothesis have been adopted as opposed to the linear quadratic hypothesis. This consensus ensures that no amount of radiation exposure is taken as being negligible and insignificant when it comes to malignancies and other associated effects. The Chernobyl disaster and the Hiroshima tragedy are two examples of the effects of high dose radiations that have been widely studied. Studies of the survivors have confirmed the hypothesis that in-utero X ray exposure increases the risk of cancer development. Again, it should be understood that radioactive emissions from nuclear accidents or explosions cannot be compared with the doses of ionising radiation that patients and staff are exposed to during medical imaging. Epidemiologic and experimental evidence suggests that low dose radiations can lead to the development of leukemia and solid tumours. Due to this link, workers in the nuclear industry and health care are often monitored and the level of exposure restricted to not more than 20 mSv per years (100 mSv in five years). The current growth in the use of computed tomography imaging has created renewed interest into the possible risks associated with CT scans. Some studies have established that computed tomography imaging, esp ecially cardiac CT imaging. According to Moloo (2009), cardiac CT imaging exposes patients to a lifetime risk of developing cancers. A radiation dosage of 2. 3 milliSieverts may result in a lifetime cancer risk of 20 cases per 100,000 women and 8 cases per 100,000 men. The risk to developing lung cancers is higher than that of developing other cancers. Using insurance claims documentation of 1 million clients, other researchers have also been able to establish that more than more than 70% of medical claims were associated with medical imaging procedures. Notably, CT scans of the abdomen and the pelvis, CT scans of the chest, and myocardial perfusion imaging accounted for the greatest proportion of exposure to cumulative radiation doses. It is also important to note that, even though not widely reported, a single radiation dose of an abdominal or pelvic computed tomography imaging far exceeds the recommended annual background radiation dose. For instance, cardiac CT imaging typically exposes the patient to a radiation dosage of 3-15 mSv, for mammograms the patient is exposed to 0. mSv, while pelvic/abdominal CT imaging exposes the patient to 10mSv. These dosages far exceed the annual background dosages and increase the likelihood of developing cancers. Castranovo (2008) asserts that even though the use of multidetector CT angiography has been extremely important in generating images in a very short time, it should be noted that the population exposure to radiation has risen from a mere 0. 54 mSv to more than 3. 2 mSv. 16-slice compute r tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) increases the probability of cancer developing in different patient organs. These risks call for an evaluation of radiation dosages, particularly in CTCA so as to ensure that the benefits far outweigh the risks associated with the procedure. In a study carried out in the United Kingdom, it was estimated that the course of catheter based coronary angiography exposes patients to fluoroscopic radiation and increases the risk of cancer in 280 per one million patients examined. Exposures to fluoroscopic radiation during electrophysiologic ablation have been estimated to increase the number of fatal malignancies in both men and women. 3 For pregnant mothers, exposure to radiation may cause teratogenesis. High dose variations may cause fetal malformations, central nervous system alterations, particularly mental retardation and microcephaly. Therefore, even though sick mothers may require medical imaging to aid in diagnosis, radiations have a potential adverse effect on the foetus and physicians should critically assess the need merits and demerits of using medical imaging as a diagnostic procedure, especially when there are safer alternatives. Finally, ionising radiations increases the risk of radiation-induced gene mutations. Germline mutations have the potential of altering future generations. Such radiations increase the frequency of genetic mutations in the population hence potentially altering future germ lines. In other cases, genetic mutations may lead to the development of either physical or physiological deformities, or cause genetic diseases. 12 It widely known that the main consequence of adverse exposure to ionising radiation is hereditary effects. Radioactive damage of gametes may lead to a wide range of mild or serious consequences, including mental defects and death (Edward). Precautions Required to Protect Against Ionising Radiation Medical professionals have an ethical and professional obligation to protect patients under diagnostic procedures that may expose them to adverse levels of radiation. The primary precautionary measure is training. According to the Ionising Radiations (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) of 2000 in the United Kingdom, radiologists are required to undergo specialist training on the physics of ionising radiations and the measures which should be taken to protect against radiation exposure. The legislation also has provisions for patients to report to the IR (ME) R Inspectorate about incidents of radiation overexposure. Since medical radiation accounts for 14 percent of UK’s average annual dose, these legislations are an important regulatory tool protecting both staff and patients from unwarranted exposure to radiation originating from medical imaging procedures. It is also important to reiterate that these laws, as well as the provisions included in the International Commission on Radiological Protection are grounded on the linear threshold theory. Radiologists have an obligation to expose the patient and the staff to minimal amounts of radiation necessary for the successful completion of the procedure. Where appropriate, the dose of radiation used in cardiovascular computed tomography may be reduced by adjusting the scan parameters to suit every individual patient. Software based modifications can also be installed to reduce the level of exposure to radiation by changing computer tomography scanning protocols. For instance, the x-ray tube radiation output can be reduced by ECG-controlled tube current modulations. In interventional radiology, the decision to use radiation diagnostic techniques should be justified as per the requirements of the regulatory authority. Patients should never be exposed to radiation unless the practitioner has offered a prescription which complies with relevant national guidelines. In making that prescription, the medical practitioner should be guided by the efficiency of the diagnostic intervention, the benefits and risks associated with the technology, and the availability of other alternative technologies that are less harmful. With respect to equipment specifications, all authorized diagnostic radiology equipment must meet the compliance requirements set out by national and international regulatory standards. Such specifications must take into account the possibility of human errors, equipment failures, or any other occurrence that may predispose medical practitioners and patients to unhealthy radiation exposure. Radiological procedures such as mammography, dental radiology, and interventional radiology should only be performed by specifically trained personnel using specifically designed imaging systems. Where appropriate, radiology units should have automatic exposure control systems and automatic brightness controls. These measures optimize patient doses. Operationally, regulatory agencies in the UK are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the registrants and licensees comply with all the minimum necessary standards. This is achieved by specifying applicable operational parameters such as the types of equipment that can be used, safer procedures for examining the chest, thorax, abdomen, and lumbar spine regions as well as the skull and pelvis. Other measures may include changing radiation generator parameters such as the tube voltage range and tube loading, changing the focal spot, film processing conditions, and film-screen combination. 15 Conclusion The fact that recent advances in radiological and mediconuclear imaging procedures have become indispensable diagnostic tools is indisputable. Accurate and timely examination of clients through radiologic procedures saves lives and paves the way for scientific based treatment and management of diseases. The popularity of these techniques continues to soar to their speed and relative ease of use. Recent research has established that the current levels of radiation exposure for diagnostic purposes far supersede what had previously been thought. This realization has created a new wave of debates and studies into the benefits and risks associated with ionising radiation and whether imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis. 4 Even though an accurate measurement of the incremental risk of ionising radiation in medical imaging is yet to be determined, the uncertainty of the relationship between doses and tissue specific responses should is enough to encourage only the use of low doses. The link between ionising radiation and cancer implies that both physicians and patients need to acknowledge the potential harm that CT imaging causes and strictly implement radiation protection measures. Every individual should be exposed to radiation dosage based on their phenotypic and physiologic characteristics. Recognizing the gravity of other associated risks such as teratogenesis and radiation induced gene mutations implies that additional care should be taken when using diagnostic imaging. Clinical decision making as regards the utilization of low levels of ionising radiation should be supported by a broad range of modalities which justify the risk-benefit ratio.

Investigating The Affect of Concentration on The Rate of Reaction :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

Investigating The Affect of Concentration on The Rate of Reaction Aim- To find out if changing the concentration of the hydrochloric acid affects the volume of gas released in 5 minutes. Background Information The rate of reaction depends on four things:- 1. Temperature 2. Concentration 3. Catalyst 4. Size of particles/surface area The Collision Theory The collision theory explains the rates of reaction, the rate of reaction depends on how often and how hard the reacting particles collide with each other. The basic theory is that particles have to collide with each other in order to react, but it is not that simple, as it also depends on how hard the particles collide. If the particles do not collide hard enough then they will not react, they will simply just hit each other and 'bounce' off. This means that even if I am not investigating the rate of reaction when the temperature is changed, it will still have a big part to play in my experiment. If the temperature is different in the classroom when I do each concentration of acid it may have a huge impact on my results. To help keep my results as accurate as possible I could take the temperature of the room before I do each experiment. If the temperature in the room is below 20 C the particles will still be moving, but very slowly. This would cause the react to be very slow. At temperatures above 20 C the particles will be moving at a regular speed. Low Concentration High Concentration Activation Energy Activation energy is the energy needed to start a reaction. Each molecule has a certain amount of energy, when molecules collide they have to collide with more energy than they already have in order to react this is called a successful collision. If the molecules collide but do not create enough energy this is an unsuccessful collision and the molecules do not react. I am going to focus on the concentration. If the concentration of the hydrochloric acid is increased, then so will the number of collisions. If the acid is more concentrated it means that there will be more particles in the same size space compared to a diluted acid, this means collisions will be more likely and more frequent as the particles are closed together. Apparatus I Will Need:-  · Conicle flask  · Glass syringe  · Bung  · Delivery tube  · Marble chips(5 grams)  · Hydrochloric acid(50 cm )  · Stop clock Other Apparatus that I May Need:-  · Stand (to hold up gas syringe)  · Thermometer (to take the temperature of the room before do each concentration.)  · Weighing scales (to weigh out marble chips). Method I am going to change the concentration of the hydrochloric acid to

With reference to Emily Bronte’s characterisation of Cathy and Heathcliff, discuss whom you may feel most sympathy for and why?

I am aiming to discuss (the above) whom I may feel most sympathy for and why out of Catherine (Cathy for short) and Heathcliff. Wuthering Heights is a novel written by Emily Bronte between 1846-1847 and is vastly influenced and dominated by the characters of Heathcliff and Catherine and their eternal, everlasting love for each other. The novel is told through the eyes of several narrators and most of them do not understand the depth and intensity of Cathy and Heathcliff and so they cannot describe it. This book is extremely complexed and our sympathy for each character constantly shifts from one person to another as Bronte keeps giving us reasons to change our views. Even though Heathcliff is an unreclaimed creature, without refinement and whose purpose in life is to seek revenge on all those who have wronged or crossed him, Bronte changes our views by changing his status from hero to villain. Emily Bronte constantly changes the characters status and this adds intrigue to the book. Another example of our fluxuating views is when we first meet Cathy as she clearly talks about disliking her whole life in her diary and this makes us sympathise towards her as she practically thinks that nothings worth living for. However when Nelly describes the treatment that Cathy gave Heathcliff, ‘spitting at the stupid little thing' (Pg30, line 14), we all change our views about her and instead we sympathise with Heathcliff because of his mistreatment and we start to detest/dislike her. There are many gothic elements in Wuthering Heights. An example of this is when Cathy's ghost taps at the window of Lockwood's bedchamber when a snowstorm throws him on the mercy of Heathcliff's grudging hospitality and he saws the child's arm on broken glass, (Pg20). Throughout the book Heathcliff is linked with bestial nature and called ghoul, goblin and vampire and this is no surprise. Cathy was, at first, awful to Heathcliff but when they became to love each other they were thought to be inseparable. However after her father dies she decides to marry Edgar Linton for further social development and not for love. This hurt Heathcliff as she said, to Nelly; it would degrade her to marry him and Heathcliff was silently eavesdropping in the dark to her heart-breaking words and so he ran away. ‘It would degrade me to marry Heathcliff' (pg67, line 13). This significant event creates sympathy for both Cathy and Heathcliff. She still loves him and she insists that she wants what's best for him-‘whereas, if I marry Linton, I can aid Heathcliff to rise, and out of my brothers power' (Pg68, line 12-13). However Heathcliff flees Wuthering Heights without listening to the rest of the conversation and so he does not know of Cathy's true intentions. During childhood, Heathcliff is brought in off the streets and is abused by both Catherine and Hindley. Even though Catherine grows to love him, Hindley becomes more and more abusive towards him as Heathcliff is quickly becoming the household's favourite. Heathcliff however, defies being understood, and it is difficult for the readers to resist seeing what they want or expect to see in him. As Heathcliff becomes older Mr Earnshaw sends his son, Hindley, away to college and this feeds Hindley's revenge. The novel teases the reader with the possibility that Heathcliff is something other than what he seems-that his cruelty is merely an expression of his frustrated love for Catherine, or that his sinister behaviours serve to conceal the heart of a romantic hero. We expect Heathcliff's character to contain such a hidden virtue because he resembles a hero in a romance novel. Traditionally, romance novel heroes appear dangerous, brooding, and cold at first, only later to emerge as fiercely devoted and loving. However, Heathcliff does not reform, and his malevolence proves so great and long-lasting that it cannot be adequately explained even as a desire for revenge against Hindley, Catherine, Edgar, etc. As he himself points out, his abuse of Isabella is purely sadistic, as he amuses himself by seeing how much abuse she can take and still come cringing back for more. However even though Heathcliff's childhood excuses his behaviour later on in life, it is only acceptable to a certain extent as he takes it too far. He does this by ruining the lives of the people who have wronged him or taken something/someone (in Edgar Linton's case) that he cares dearly for but he takes his revenge too far as he ruins his own son's (Linton's) life by making him marry his cousin, Cathy Linton (Edgar's and Cathy's daughter), just so that Heathcliff can inherit Thrushcross Grange. This makes you feel deep sympathy for Linton and Catherine Linton. It is significant that Heathcliff begins his life as a homeless orphan on the streets of Liverpool. When Bronti composed her book, in the 1840s, the English economy was severely depressed, and the conditions of the factory workers in industrial areas like Liverpool were so appalling that the upper and middle classes feared violent revolt. Thus, many of the more affluent members of society beheld these workers with a mixture of sympathy and fear. In literature, the smoky, threatening, miserable factory-towns were often represented in religious terms, and compared to hell. The poet William Blake, writing near the turn of the nineteenth century, speaks of England's â€Å"dark Satanic Mills. † Heathcliff, of course, is frequently compared to a demon by the other characters in the book. Considering this historical context, Heathcliff seems to embody the anxieties that the book's upper- and middle-class audience had about the working classes. The reader may easily sympathize with him when he is powerless, as a child tyrannized by Hindley Earnshaw, but he becomes a villain when he acquires power and returns to Wuthering Heights with money and the trappings of a gentleman. This corresponds with the ambivalence the upper classes felt toward the lower classes-the upper classes had charitable impulses toward lower-class citizens when they were miserable, but feared the prospect of the lower classes trying to escape their miserable circumstances by acquiring political, social, cultural, or economic power. Catherine's childhood is somewhat different to Heathcliff's as she has no reason to hate or despise anyone, but she does detest the way Heathcliff is treated. As a child, Catherine behaves spontaneously and naturally. She is selfish and believes she may act autonomously. Nelly Dean describes Catherine as ‘mischievous and wayward'. Evidence of Catherine's wildness can be seen from the pledge she and Heathcliff made-: â€Å"promised fair to grow up as rude as savages† in response to the terinay of Hindley. Catherine is defiant of authority and seemed to enjoy the wrath of others-: â€Å"she was never so happy as when we were all scalding her at once† Catherine's passionate nature, evident throughout her childhood, seemed not to exist in her early months of her marriage to Edgar. Her passion was described as-: â€Å"gunpowder which lay as harmless as sand because no fire came near to explode it†. As the book is based on Cathy and Heathcliff's profound love for each other it seems strange that they both marry other people. Although Cathy is the one who triggered Heathcliff's revenge by marrying Edgar Linton but what Heathcliff didn't realise was that it wasn't for love but for money to help him escape the clutches of Hindley. Before Cathy decides to marry Edgar Linton, Nelly reminds her how Heathcliff would feel about the idea and questions how they'll both bear the separation. As soon as you become Mrs Linton, he loses friend, and love, and all! Have you considered how you'll bear the separation, and how he'll bear to be quite deserted in the world? ‘ (Pg67, lines 36-39). Even though Cathy believes she is doing the best for her and Heathcliff, he alternately thinks she is being selfish and only wants social advancement. This creates sympathy for Heathcliff but also for Cathy as she is disillusioned to what Heathcliff wants as he would gladly be tormented for the rest of his life if that was the only way they could love and be together with each other. However when Cathy nears death she abandons Edgar and pleads instead for Heathcliff to stay. ‘Oh, don't go, don't go! ‘ (Pg138, line 12), however Cathy spent a few days of solitude in her room without talking to her husband even when he made the effort. This gives us enough to slightly resent her as Edgar loves her even if she does not love him. After Cathy dies, Heathcliff grows to become deranged and he begs her spirit to remain on Earth and he didn't care if she haunted him or drove him mad as long as she never left him alone. This shows Heathcliff is unwilling to let go of Catherine and this attracts our sympathy for Heathcliff as he clearly loved Cathy and she meant the world to him. In chapter 29 there is another example of Heathcliff's unwillingness to let go as he explains to Nelly that he felt Cathy's presence. ‘I felt her by me-I could almost see her' (Pg244, lines 25-26). The reader would not believe this however, but they would believe that Heathcliff thought he did feel her as he has suffered a lot of anguish from Cathy dying recently. Shortly after, Isabella flees to London and she gives birth to Linton (Heathcliff's son). This shows us that Isabella wanted her son to have nothing to do with his father. Thirteen years after, Isabella dies and Linton comes to live with Heathcliff and he is treated as bad as his mother was. When young Linton meets Cathy they start a secret romance through a collection of letters but Nelly destroys Catherine's share. Although it becomes more and more obvious that Heathcliff is making his son pursue her, just so that they can marry each other. This was all part of his revenge as once they married he would have legal claims over Thrushcross Grange and his revenge upon Edgar would be complete. He made them marry by taking Catherine and Nelly hostage at Wuthering Heights until Catherine married Linton. After Heathcliff made sure this happened he then made sure that his son left Thrushcross Grange to him in his will. This reveals that Heathcliff no longer cares about anyone and not even his son, his own flesh and blood. It also reveals that Heathcliff will stop at nothing to get what he wants and it shows us that he can practically overcome all obstacles to do it. Our opinions constantly change throughout this book. At first I think that when Heathcliff comes back he is a sophisticated and reformed man who has risen high above his ill treatment as a child. However soon after his return he reveals that he is not and you see this towards the end of the book as he ruins most, if not all, of the characters lives. We can feel sympathy for him however because the causes of what he is by the end of the novel is the disloyalty of Cathy and the constant abuse by Hindley as a child. These bad influences on a young child provide slight excuses for his bad behaviour in the future but there is no excuse for Heathcliff taking revenge on their children as well, even though they are innocent but he believes as they share the same blood as their parents they are also in the wrong. This is also why Heathcliff has brought suffering on himself. Cathy is the dominant female spirit in this novel. I believe she has brought her suffering on herself, as she has not been true to her nature and she had swapped the outdoor life she had with Heathcliff to be the lady of Edgar's manor. As she breathed the stifled air of the Grange instead of the wild air of the moors, she has effectively cut off her oxygen supply and then she eventually dies, a situation entirely her fault. However in death she had regained her freedom by returning to nature, the dire consequences of her failure to remain loyal to her true self. When Cathy dies and her coffin is buried, Nelly describes that she is buried in the corner of the yard between Edgar and Heathcliff. I believe Emily Bronte is trying to show Cathy's conflicted loyalties to each character as she had reasons to marry Edgar and to love Heathcliff. My conclusion about her is that she represents wild nature in her lively spirits and her occasional cruelty. I feel most sympathy for Heathcliff as he has had the worst in life despite inflicting pain on others. I think this because Cathy has had a better life and other characters in the novel have treated her better whereas Heathcliff has been badly treated by nearly all of the characters. I also feel sympathy for his character because he is not sure what Cathy wants, him or Edgar, as she says she loves him and yet she marries Edgar?