Critical Observation Essay Example for Free

Critical Observation EssayThe aspect of psychological basically relates the scientific explanation regarding the behavioral characteristics and privateity issue of an individual as a human being. In this field, the situation aspects of personality development and behavioral characteristics of each person as unique and individual beings are explored relating to their fond fill and behavior. Included in this ascend are the study of the significant issues and elements relating to the development and the establishment of the behavior and personality of each person in particular on the critical sets such as abnormalities and psychological problems. Indeed, the psychological field discusses the human psyche and the establishment of the characteristics and qualities relating to the biological and physiological basis of their personality and behavior. There are some(prenominal) important issues and elements that are critical in the study of the psychological aspect of each indi vidual particularly on the focusing of explaining his or her present condition or behavioral characteristics.On this aspect, a particularised approach in line to the psychological research is employed to prepare the relevant elements, contributory factors and the powerful system to the present behavioral characteristics of each person. Several of the common approaches to this research aspect are the observation method, profiling, interview and others in which the researchers try to uncoer and determine the possible cause and contributory element explaining the present behavioral characteristic and psychological problem of the issue.Through determining the primary root and the possible influences to the reflection of the problem, further catch can be facilitated which promotes awareness to the psychological characteristic of the involved person. As an actual example of the aspect of psychological research, consider the act conducted by the author of this paper wherein a specifi c approach were used to determine, understand, and explain the possible causes and the significant influences to the development of certain behavioral issue of a chosen subject.The subject set up in this exercise is a female classmate of the researcher that displays a certain critical behavioral condition videlicet the alcoholism and smoking problem of the said person. As the person of this exercise, the researcher wishes to determine and the primary causes and specific influences to the development of this personal issue which is manifested in her social interaction. As a primary approach, the researcher first resorted to observation method and background profiling wherein she learned that the behavioral problem of the subject is commonly displayed when she is with peers of her social group.As observed, the likely need for the said behavioral issue only comes or is displayed when the subject is socializing, bonding with friends, and during social events. It is also noted that the subject spends some of her time for the said activities making the manifestation of her behavioral problems to be common in her daily routine and contributing to the development of this psychological issue. Proceeding afterward the observation is the interview approach wherein the researcher go out evaluate the said psychological issue through based on the exposition and perspective of the subject.As she relates, the said issues namely the alcoholism and smoking have already became a habitual act on her part. It first started as her medium to deal with her personal problems and as a bonding grounds for her peers and friends which eventually developed into a behavioral routine. She also expressed that the said actions and issues are only exhibited while she is lock in to social interaction and activities and are only passive when she is alone. Another particular element she expressed emphasis on her story is the issue of her family situation wherein she moldiness also deal with the separation and certain conflicts between her parents.Living under these conditions, she started to resort to external means to adapt to her situation and gain stability over her problems. Based from the facts and factors gathered through the different approaches employed in determining the nature of the behavioral condition and issue of the subject, a form of evaluation will be conducted to determine the possible nature of the said issue. As based from the observation and interview, the alcoholism and smoking problem of the subject is mainly attributed to two specific condition namely her personal family situation and her social characteristics.First, the behavioral problem of the subject manifest as her form of her adaptation process to her situation particularly with the separation of her parents. It is also established that the behavioral problem of the subject also started during this period making this among the primary causes of her problem. Second, is her social character istic wherein the problem manifests as her approach of socializing, interacting and bonding with her friends who also share the same behavioral condition. It is likely that the subject learned the said behavior from her social group.Also, the constant practice and involvement of the subject of the said behavior with her social group led to the routinary development of the said act jumper cable to its integration to her personality. Leading up to the possible solution, two particular approaches are important to address this behavioral problem effectively namely, to tackle her family situation and address the parental guidance crucial to her with outlineal and the change of her purlieu particularly separation from her social group who also practice the said problem.These two particular issues are the main causes of her behavioral problem as established from the conducted critical observation research. From the determination of the primary causes and the significant contributory elem ents, an effective approach to address the problem can be created through tackling the fundamental factors leading to the development of the general issue. Indeed, as displayed in the result of the conducted critical observation research, the application of the said aspect in the field of psychology promotes critical understanding and effective intervention measures for the behavioral issue and problems involved.Through determining the possible causes, the related circumstances, the contributory factors as related from observation, profiling, and interview, the involved researcher can draw an effective approach to intervene and address the problem at hand towards the development of a positive and healthy behavioral characteristic for the subject of the matter. Bibliography American Psychological Association (2001).Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. 5th Edition. ISBN-10 1557987912. Clark-Carter, Da (1997). Doing Quantitat ive Psychological Research From Design To Report. psychology Press, U. K. 1st Edition. ISBN-10 0863777880. Grych, John H. Fincham, Frank D. (2001). Interparental Conflict and Child Development Theory, Research and Applications. Cambridge University Press. 1st Edition. ISBN-10 0521651425.

Assignment topic Mentoring Essay Example for Free

Assignment topic wise maning EssayA brief outline of the plan for the assignment including why it is an issue and you potential conclusions. (If you like an abstract)An analysis of the Delivering great(p) run scheme that is currently being applied by Sainsburys Supermarkets in relation to wise maning. And how the objectives of the strategy ar being come upond.A list of material and people you intend to consult (give proper details)* Torrington,D and H alone,L and Taylor,S (2002), Human imaginativeness Management, Prentice Hall Europe, UK* Marchington,M, Managing the Team* Megginson, D. and D. Clutterbuck, (1999), Mentoring in Action, Kogan Page Limited, UK.* Parsloe, E. (1999), The coach-and-four as Coach and Mentor, (2nd Ed), The Guernsey Press, Channel Islands.* Norton, B. and J. Tivey. (1995), Management Directions, The Institute of Management, UK.* Delivering Great helper, Colleague Briefing Leaflet, 2001* blood Update, Sainsburys Intranet, 28th January 2002* The Impor tance of Service, Delivering Great Service investment firm Managers appliance Kit 2001Approved byDateHAYLEY SCARFE (00957807)BAIB IIHRM ASSIGNMENTWITH point of reference TO SAINSBURYS SUPERMARKETS LTD, ANALYSE THE STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND EXPLAIN HOW MENTORING WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THESE OBJECTIVES (WITH DIRECT REFERENCE TO DELIVERING GREAT SERVICEFULLY DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION AND RECOMMEND STRATEGIES PRIORITIES AND TIME SCALES FOR IMPLEMENTING YOUR CHOSEN TOPIC.NOTE1. BEFORE I COMMENCE THIS ESSAY IT IS IMPORTANT TO hear THAT ITS CONTENTS IN RESPECT TO SAINSBURYS SUPERMARKETS ARE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND ONLY MEANT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ANSWERING THE ESSAY QUESTION2. THE CONTENTS ARE ONLY TO BE READ BY THE ASSESOR FOR THIS PIECE OF WORKContents Page1. Introduction2. Introduction and Development of Delivering Great Service3. The Service Promise3.1 Sainsburys Mission rumor3.2 Easy, Enjoyable and Inspiring4. Impact on Company Employees4.1 interpose Structures4.2 Departmental Management4.2.1 Departmental Management Role4.3 Mentoring4.4 Store and Duty Managers4.5 The relationship betwixt Duty Managers and Departmental Managers4.6 How the Service Promise is break uped through with(predicate) mentoring5. Implementation of Timescales5.1 Store implementation Timescales6. Conclusion1. INTRODUCTIONSainsburys Supermarkets Ltd like any other melody fill a number of strategies in place in order to compete against its main competitors in the supermarket indus examine. Throughout this assignment I am deprivation to concentrate on the companies most recent strategy called Delivering Great Service and how the topic of mentoring will contribute to the doing of the Delivering Great Service objectives.2. THE INTRODUCTION AND ripening OF DELIVERING GREAT SERVICEOver a period of years Sainsburys lost the dominant market share of the food retail sector to its main competitors. To try and rectify this situation and attempt to once again become the U.Ks top supermarket chain Sainsburys has commissioned research into what their problems were and how to overcome them. The research concentrated on the recognition of the wants of Sainsburys nodes and how Sainsburys can deliver these wants. With the results collated Sainsburys head office Human Resources staff developed the Delivering Great Service package. The idea behind strategy is to regain the once surd market share Sainsburys enjoyed over Tesco, Asda, Safeway, Waitrose and Morrisons, the political partys main competitors through the strategy objective, Service Promise.The commissioned research uncovered Sainsburys customers want Great Service, outstanding quality and matched prices, all of which are sustained inside the objectives of Delivering Great Service known as Service Promise.(THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE DELIVERING GREAT SERVICE, STORE MANAGERS TOOLKIT 2001)3. THE SERVICE PROMISEThe Service Promise is using upd as a tool within the Sainsburys Management Team, this is company massive, to improve colleague acquirements, store knowledge andconfidence within the company name. It is through these improved skills that the Sainsburys Management Team and colleagues can work together to improve the customers shopping experience with Sainsburys and successfully deliver great service.3.1 SAINSBURYS MISSION lineTo clearly introduce the aspects of the Service Promise the following diagram is applied(DELIVERING GREAT SERVICE, COLLEAGUE BRIEFING LEAFLET, 2001)I have devised the following diagram to demonstrate how the aspects of the Service Promise relate to Delivering Great Service3.2 EASY, ENJOYABLE AND INSPIRINGThe three categories contained within the Service Promise (outstanding quality, great service and competitive prices) contain guidelines for Sainsburys employees to adopt collectively, thus enabling the delivery of great service.The guidelines are as follows1. Easy Make shopping easier by* Speeding up customer transactions* Acknowledging their problems and accepting responsibility* Actively seeking out customers who requisite extra help2. Enjoyable Make shopping more enjoyable by* change magnitude personal efficiency, politeness and friendliness* Treating customers as psyches3. Inspiring Present inspiring products and ideas to meet customer needs by* Presenting quality ranges of products that meet and succeed customer needs and expectations* Interacting with customers to advise them of new products, encouraging them to try before they buy(THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVICE, DELIVERING GREAT SERVICE STORE MANAGERS TOOL KIT 2001)4. IMPACT ON COMPANY EMPLOYEESThe company strategy, Delivering Great Service has massive implications on all Sainsburys employees it requires everyone to take on new responsibilities and new daily working practices if it is to be successful. Im expiration to focus specifically on the implications Delivering Great Service has on Sainsburys Departmental Managers and how the topic of mentoring can help a chieve the strategy (Delivering Great Service) objectives (service promise).4.1 STORE STRUCTURES onwards I do this I have designed and included a very basic store structure diagram to illustrate the structure of a typical Sainsburys Stores.As you can see from the diagram the Store Manager is responsible for(p) for the entire store with a team of Duty Mangers and Department Managers on hand to share responsibilities and the running of the store filtering down to the Store Colleagues.4.2 DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENTI have already discussed the implications Delivering Great Service has on all colleagues in respect of what its objectives require from everyone to be successful (making shopping easier, making shopping more enjoyable and presenting inspiring products), but I havent discussed the implications the Department Manager faces.4.2.1 DEPARTMENT MANAGERS ROLEThe Department Managers role within the company is to communicate the importance and relevance of all business decisions and stra tegies to his or her Department Store Colleagues. hence the Department Manager is responsible when explaining the Delivering Great Service strategy to his or her Department Store Colleagues and ensuring that they all have a full understanding and appreciation of the importance and the implementation of the Service Promise targets (previously outlined) and what they have to do. Not only does the Department Managers have to do this, they have to achieve it with the support and co-operation of Department Store Colleagues. In essence the Department Manager hasTO MOTIVATE COLLEAGUES TO WANT TO DELIVER THE SERVICE PROMISE TO OUR CUSTOMERS, EQUIPPING THEM WITH SOME OF THE SKILLS TO DO THISi(DELIVERING GREAT SERVICE by CUSTOMER OBSESSION, MISSION STATEMENT, 2001)But how are they supposed to do this? The Department Manager would need great leadership and motivation skills combined with skilful use of communication to initiate Department team spirit to enable Service Promise targets to be met. They would need a keen eye to identify those within the Department that need extra help or indeed those who arent willing to work towards Delivering Great Service objectives. Necessary skills would include the capacity to deal with targets being missed and the individuals ability to quickly set more achievable targets. But with no formal training how could Department Managers achieve these skills and successfully achieve Delivering Great Service objectives with the full support of their Department? I believe that Department Managers could achieve these skills by turning to mentoring.The mission statement below accurately sums up what Department Managers are expected to achieve in respect to Delivering Great ServiceTO INSPIRE OUR PEOPLE TO CONTINUALLY EXCEED OUR CUSTOMERS EXPECTATIONS, TO DELIVER BUSINESS onward motion(DELIVERING GREAT SERVICE THROUGH CUSTOMER OBSESSION, MISSION STATEMENT, 2001)4.3 MENTORINGHow could mentoring assist Department Managers to achieve the requireme nts expected?To begin with the definition of mentoring needs to be identified and questions need to be asked as to how Sainsburys can fulfil the Service Promise by achieving the strategic objectives of Delivering Great ServiceThe Little Oxford Dictionary defines Mentor as Mentor advisor, counsellor(THE LITTLE OXFORD DICTIONARY, 1971, 4THED)A separate textbook definition of Mentor is to help by one person to another in making profound transitions in knowledge, work or thinking(MENTORING IN ACTION MEGGINSON, D. AND D. CLUTTERBUCK, (KOGAN PAGE LIMITED, UK (1999)))4.4 STORE AND DUTY MANAGERSStore Managers and Duty Managers within Sainsburys receive a wide array of continual training sessions and personal development ran by both internal and external bodies. They are regularly assessed by their Manager who is the Regional Business Manager with regards to their Stores performance and satisfaction of their staff, a survey is conducted every six months talkback to check on staff satisf action levels in all stores. As Managers they are required to posses leadership, motivational and coaching skills and the ability and confidence to use them as well as the privilege of constant feedback from the Regional Business Manager and constant people skill training.Store Managers and Duty Managers are massively invested in within the company resulting in a large value added resource fling an indispensable skill base, the senior store management team is essential to the companys success. Through such investment they hold the essential, crucial skills that Department Managers need to develop if they are to successfully motivate Department Store Colleagues to implement the Delivering Great Service strategy and Service Promise objectives in their daily working practise.To mentor someone is to advise and council a person whilst developing the learners skills to meet business objectives. The mentor is there to listen and suggest ways in which to tackle a situation promoting a cultu re where the learner isnt being spoon-fed but independently identifying ways in which to personally improve upon current skill base and achieve targets.4.5 THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DUTY MANAGERS AND DEPARTMENT MANAGERSBut how will Sainsburys Duty Managers by mentoring Department Managers enable them to contribute to the achievement of Delivering Great Service through Service Promise?Sainsburys Duty Managers are high performers able to implement business objectives and strategies into the daily running of a store in a responsible fashion whilst observing the companys values (which are as follows)1) We will be HONEST2) We will demonstrate INTEGRITY3) We will show our COMMITMENT to severally other4) We will be LOYAL5) We will take PRIDE in everything we do(REGION 35 BUSINESS PLAN JUNE 2001)Point 3 and 5 are important. When mentoring a Department Manager the companys values would easily ensure the mentor and learner success, by committing to the learner and taking pride in the learners achievementThe leadership and motivational skills along with strong communication and a focused approach that are necessary to implement the Delivering Great Service strategy, through mentoring an individual Department Manager could be successfully developed as the Duty Manager already possess and uses the skills the Department Manager needs. Through a serial of on the job observations and one on one coaching sessions the Duty Manager can exchange ways of let on practice to reflect better results (in Service Promise targets) and encourage the Department Manager to have confidence when communicating with their staff.4.6 HOW SERVICE PROMISE IS DEVELOPED THROUGH MENTORING.Through the improved skill base the Department Manager will have developed through mentoring and will be able through the Service Promise (objectives if the Delivering Great Service strategy) to achieve stated objectives through actions completed, as seen below1)2)3)5.IMPLAMENTATION OF TIMESCALESBut what time scale are we looking at? Delivering Great Service is a strategy that is in Stores NOW and Department Managers fully understands its implications NOW, its not planned to reach a Store in 6 months, results are expected to show in 6 months. With such a constraint on time I propose the following timescale strategy5.1 STORE IMPLEMENTATION TIME SCALES6. CONCLUSIONIn conclusion it can be seen that the implementation of Delivering Great Service has allowed Duty and Departmental Managers to grow in theirroles. The mentoring skills of the store management are developed and then allowing them to implement the strategy outlined and provide the highest level of customer service on the shop floor. As this is what 70% of customers require in order to have a satisfied shopping experience that is easy, enjoyable and inspiring. This will allow them to compete with their market competitors to the highest advantage and regain the market share, which they have lost.BIBLIOGRAPHYBOOKS* Torrington,D and Hall,L and Taylor,S (2002), Human Resource Management, Prentice Hall Europe, UK* Marchington,M, Managing the Team* Megginson, D. and D. Clutterbuck, (1999), Mentoring in Action, Kogan Page Limited, UK.* Parsloe, E. (1999), The Manager as Coach and Mentor, (2nd Ed), The Guernsey Press, Channel Islands.* Norton, B. and J. Tivey. (1995), Management Directions, The Institute of Management, UK.* Parsloe, E. and M. Wray, (2000), Coaching and Mentoring, Kogan Page Limited, UK.* Pegg, M. (1999), The maneuver of Mentoring, Biddles, UK.* Murrell, A, J. Crosby, F, J. and E, J, Robin, (1999), Mentoring Dilemmas, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, UK* Clarke, D, (1996), Mentoring, Fenman Limited, UK* Ried, M, A. and H, Barrington, (2000), Training Interventions, (6th Ed), The Cromwell Press, UK.* Harrison, H, (2000), Employee Development, (2nd Ed) The Cromwell Press, UK.* Marchington, M. and A, Wilkinson, (2000), Core Personnel and Development, (2nd Ed), The Cromwell Press, UK.* Foot, M. and C, Hook, (1999), Introducing Human Resource Management, (2nd Ed), Longman, Malaysia.SAINSBURYS SOURCES* Annual Report, 2001* Delivering Great Service, Colleague Briefing Leaflet, 2001* Business Update, Sainsburys Intranet, 28th January 2002* The Importance of Service, Delivering Great Service Store Managers Tool Kit 2001

Food Traceability And Safety Business Essay

Food Traceability And Safety Business EssayFood traceability and safety device is an up and approach disposition. With the slow sustenance, organic, and natural movements more consumers are wanting to bang where their nutrient is coming from. Food assignrs also are making food traceability a trend beca drug abuse each producer wants to know who they can point fingers at when a customer claims that they rent effect sick from a producers food. For al most(prenominal) producers, traceability is just whiz element of any preparation-management or shade/safety subdue dust. Tracking an orchard orchard orchard apple tree tree tree from the tree to your mouth is something that each producer involve to know. They pauperisation to know where that apple was to make sure that the apple did not go anywhere it shouldnt have been. So, what exactly is traceability? How does it work, and what can it accomplish with regards to safety? Most important, does the U.S. food render have en ough traceability and thitherfore, safety?What is traceability and how does it pertain to our food system? The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines traceability as the ability to trace the history, application, or location of that which is chthonic consideration (CITE). For this paper, that which is under consideration pass on be food.The ISO uses a very broad definition for traceability which is necessary for some(prenominal) reasons. First, because food is a complex system and traceability has not been developed for every proceedsion. Second, because no traceability system is ever complete. Things change, the purveyor changes, the field changes, the picker changes so each troupes food traceability plan must be fluid. For instance, level a hypothetical system for tracking beef-in which consumers scan their packet of beef at the checkout counter and access the animals date and location of birth, lineage, vaccination records, and use of mammalian protein supplements-is incomplete. This system does not provide traceability with respect to bacterial control in the barn, use of genetically engineered feed or animal welfare attri merelyes similar hours at pasture and play time (CITE). Finally, the definition must stay broad because new products are constantly being developed. Each company will have their own definition of food traceability because each company must determine the necessary breadth, depth, and precision of their traceability systems depending on characteristics of their production process and their traceability objectives. (CITE) Food traceability needs to be a fluid system in site to compensate for the constant changes in the food systems.Money has been invested into the food traceability fabrication since companies first started to exculpate that food traceability was important in the late nineties. Industry analysts calculate that during 2000, American companies spent $1.6 trillion on supply-related activities, in cluding the movement, storage, and control of products across the supply arrange (CITE). However, spend specie on food traceability will probably have a return on investment, and often is the difference amongst a successful company and an unsuccessful one. Food traceability is becoming an important area of concentration for companies. When margins are thin, as they are in the food sedulousness, knowing where your product comes from and the possibility of avoiding a consumer lawsuit in some cases justifies the expense. This means that if a company invests one million dollars into creating a food traceability system, they will probably save more money from avoided lawsuits in the end run. This is not only true for very high risk foods but also true of any food product that is at risk.The government is also aware that food traceability is an issue that is going to have to be looked at. There was an increase in the FDA budget in 2009 of $275 million. This increase brings the gist budget for the FDA in 2009 to $406.3 million, a 17.9% increase over fiscal year 2008. A orotund portion of this increase ($125 million) will be use for food safety and will allow FDA to intensify actions to implement the Food Protection Plan (CITE). Many industry analysts believe that every company that deals with food and the supply chain will have to eventually embrace food traceability, if they do not, the consequence may be their business.The facts are uncompromising and pressure continues to board from consumers, the media, retailers and numerous government regulatory agencies (CITE). With the government endorsing food traceability systems, most companies are realizing that food traceability is important. However, most companies do not know where to start to build a food traceability system.How does a company trace food? Often electronic coding systems are used to help trace food. In some cases the emptor manages the food traceability system in other cases supply companies manage the system. Retailers such as Wal-Mart have created proprietary supply-chain information systems, which they require their suppliers to adopt (CITE). Companies start with a primary producer, which include the farmer and grower, then the processor, which include the packer, re-packer, processor and, if applic suitable, the manufacturer. Then the product moves to distribution possibly including the wholesaler or the distributor,a retail store or foodservice operator.For examplie, if you own a down in the mouth restaurant and need to trace an apple used for apple pie. First, you have the farmer who takes care of the apple trees. The farmer will need to record who came into contact with the tree, and what supplies or chemicals came into contact with the tree. Then the apple will be picked. The farmer will need to record the someone who picked the apple. Next, the apple is shipped to the processor who packs the apples. The processor must record everyone who came into contact wit h the apple or the boxes that the apple is packed in. Next, the apple goes to the distributor. The same thing happens at the distributor, everyone who comes into contact with the apple or anything that comes into contact with the apple is recorded. When you, the purchaser for the small business, order the apple you need to know that the supplier knows where the apple came from so that if one of your customers gets sick because of the apple you can tell the supplier and the supplier can stop all distribution of that apple.Suppliers are adapting to the changing food traceability systems. For instance the ratio of private inventories to last(a) sales of domestic business has fallen by half since the end of WWII. This downward trend reflects growing efficiencies in supply management in the U.S. food industry, including traceability systems. This trend is expected to continue as food manufacturers continue to adopt technologies already in use in other industries (CITE AND EDIT). This is because as a small business owner, you want to rely on a supplier to trace your food rather than your company follow the food. Also, larger companies, consumers and retailers all realize the need for food traceability so they in turn buy from companies with food traceability-like the apple example, the company needs to know where the apple or product originated and where it has been.Companies have a few objectives when using food traceability systems. First, rectify supply management. Supply management improves because when you are using food traceability you will know where a single product is in your supply line. Second, accelerate trace back for food safety and quality. This means that if a consumer becomes sick from a product that came from a producer the producer can trace the product to make sure no other contaminated products go out and the contaminated products that are circulating are recalled. other objective is to differentiate and market foods with subtle of undetec table quality attributes. Companies improve supply management when using food traceability because they know which producers are giving them soma A product and which producers are giving them Grade B product. This allows the supply companies to decide which producers they want to keep and which they want to let go. This also can convey to a lower comprise distribution system and reduced recall expenses because suppliers know which producer made the mistake so they can pass most of the expense onto the producer. Food traceability also ensures trace back for food safety and quality. Traceability systems help companies isolate the source and extent of the safety or quality control problems. This makes sure if an infected product gets to the shelf it can be removed right away and possibly stop an outbreak. The rectify and more microscopic the tincture system, the faster a producer can identify and resolve food safety or quality problems.Companies also have started to enhance food traceability by direct third party safety/quality auditors to the sites to audit the quality of the food traceability system. These auditors provide consumers with verification that traceability systems exist to substantiate credence claims. For example, auditors from Food Alliance, a nonprofit organization, certify foods grown with a specific set of sustainable agricultural practices. Having a representative on site also ensures companies are sending the correct product. For instance, in the joined States a farm has to be organic for three years in order to get the organic certification on their product. If a producer claims to be organic, and a consumer finds out that they are not organic, consequences can occur for the company, supplier, and producer. With food traceability there is no danger that producers would try to guile consumers by selling non-GE (genetically engineered) soybeans as GE soybeans. In cases where markets do not supply enough traceability for food safety tra ce back, a number of industry groups have developed food safety and trace back standards. For example, the California cantaloupe industry has incorporated traceability requirements in their marketing strategy in order to monitor food safety practices. In addition, buyers in every sector are increasingly relying on contracting, vertical integration, or associations to improve product traceability and facilitate the verification of safety and quality attributes. The government may step in to ensure food safety by creating policy aimed at increasing the cost of distributing unsafe (non traceable) foods, such as fines or plant closures, or policies that increase the probability of catching unsafe food producers, such as increased safety testing or foodborne illness surveillance, will also provide firms with incentives to strengthen their traceability systems. Foodborne illness surveillance systems increase the capability of the entire food supply chain to respond to food safety problems before they grow and affect more consumers.In the past decade the United States has had many outbreaks. Food can become contaminated at many different steps on the farm, in processing or distribution facilities, during transit, at retail and food service establishments, and in the home. The ability to trace pathways of any food, including tomatoes and other fresh produce, through every point in the supply chain is crucial for limiting foodborne illness in an outbreak, for preventing future outbreaks, and for reducing the impact on the segments of the industry whose products were not associated with the illnesses. The pathways that fresh produce travels from field to consumer have become increasingly complex, with items sometimes changing manpower many times in the supply chain. For instance by the time an apple goes from a tree to a consumers mouth it comes into contact with multiple people, the person who checks the apples, the person who picks the apple, the person who transpor ts the apples, and the person who checks the apple at the distribution plant.In 2007 there was a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella associated with the consumption of potato bean butter. In 2006, CDC informed FDA of a multi-state outbreak of illnesses associated with the consumption of fresh spinach contaminated with Escherichia coli O157H7 (CITE). There are many illnesses associated with fresh produce, which causes food traceability to be a growing concern for the FDA. FDA is the federal agency that regulates almost everything we eat except for meat, poultry, and processed egg products, which are regulated by the partners at the United States part of Agriculture (USDA). Fresh produce presents special challenges for the FDA. Addressing the way fresh produce is grown, harvested, and moved from field to fork is crucial to minimizing the risk of microbial contamination. In recent years the FDA have worked with the industry to develop guidance on ways to prevent or minimize potential contamination, conducting educational outreach to consumers on safe food handling practices, sampling and analyzing both domestic and imported produce for pathogens, and working with industry and foreign countries to promote the use of good growing, harvesting, packing, transporting, and processing practices. However, education is only one part of better food traceability, research is another critical element. The FDA is currently working on improving the identification and detection of disease-causing bacteria and toxins in a variety of foods.Currently, there are four recognized classes of enterovirulentE.colithat cause gastroenteritis in humans. These are collectively referred to as the EEC group. E. coliO157H7 is one of hundreds of strains of the bacteriumin the EEC group. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) definesEscherichia coli0157H7as a bacteriumthat lives harmlessly in the intestines of animals such as cattle, reptiles, and birds (CITE). However, in humans the bacterium, which can be transmitted by foods, animal contact, and drinking water- can cause bloodydiarrhea, and may lead tohemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life threatening disease. Although other generic strains ofE. coliare thought to be harmless to humans, the O157H7 strain is particularly virulent and dangerous. E. coliO157H7 was first recognized as a cause of illness in 1982 during an outbreak of revolting bloody diarrhea the outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Since then, eating undercooked ground beef has caused more infections in the United States. Most people date back without antibiotics or other specific treatment within 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that antibiotics improve the course of disease, and it is thought that treatment with some antibiotics could lead to kidney complications. E. coli O157H7 can cause death in humans.To prevent E. coli 0157H7 cook all gro und beef and hamburger thoroughly. This is because ground been can turn brown before disease causing bacteria can be killed. Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider. swosh fruits and vegetables under running water, especial those that will not be cooked- doing this will may not remove all contamination because bacteria is sticky but it will remove most. Finally, make sure that persons with diarrhea, especially children, launder their hands carefully with soap after bowel movements to reduce the risk of spreading infection, and that persons wash hands after changing soiled diapers. E. coli 0157H7 is a major health problem. It is estimated to cause infection in more than 70,000 patients a year in the United States. It has been inform to cause both large outbreaks as well as isolated sporadic infections in small numbers of individuals.In 2006, CDC informed FDA of a multi-state outbreak of illnesses associated with the consumption of fresh spinach contaminated with Escherichia c oli O157H7. Although this outbreak involved a perishable food, the food was sold in a package. The traceback investigation was facilitated because several consumers who had become ill still had packages of fresh spinach in their refrigerators. The information on those packages ultimately led investigators to the spinach processors. By looking at the processors records, the investigators were able to identify the implicated farms associated with the identified production lot of bagged spinach. This is an example of a trace back of medium complexity that took a little longer than the peanut butter outbreak in 2007.In 2007, CDC notified FDA of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Tennessee infections. In this case, because it was not a perishable food, consumers who had become ill still had jars of peanut butter available for testing. This enabled investigators to confirm the presence in that food of the contaminant associated with the outbreak. Further, because the food was packaged, the investigators were able to identify the manufacturer through the information on the jars. This is an example of a rapid trace back in which the necessary information was readily available.Salmonella(S.) is the genus name for a large number (over 2,500) of types of bacteria. Every year, approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the U.S. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times greater. Salmonellosis is a rod-shaped, mobile bacterium which is more common in the summer than winter. Salmonellosis can be caused by contaminated food processing or handling, especially by handling food with unwashed hands. Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea. You can become infected if you do not wash your hands after contact with these feces. Reptiles, baby chicks and ducklings, and small rodents such as hamsters are particularly likely to carry salmonella. Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are most often infected with salmonella. But vegetables may also be contaminated. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.Most people recover without treatment. But diarrhea anddehydrationmay be so severe that it is necessary to go to the hospital. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are at highest risk.Food traceability is becoming an important area for concentration for companies because when margins are thin, knowing where your product comes from and the possibility of avoiding a consumer suing the company is worth the company (in some cases). The government and companies are now seeing the rewards of food traceability and putting money into food traceability. They have realized that spending money on food traceability will probably have a pay off in the end, and often is the difference between a successful company and an unsuccessful one. Food traceability also ensures traceback for food safety and quality. Traceability systems help firms isolate the source and extent of safety or quality control problems. This makes sure if an infected product gets to the shelf it can be removed right away and possibly stop an outbreak. The better and more precise the tracing system, the faster a producer can identify and resolve food safety or quality problems. Escherichia coli O157H7 and Salmonellaare responsible for a large number of deaths each year, these can in part be avoided with better food tracing systems to ensure that food gets to consumers quicker.The concept of food origin tracing is not new to the industry. The safety and integrity of our food has always been a concern for meat, food and beverage producers. However, the world has become more risky. Increased globalisation of supply chain sourcing and distribution, combined with political instabil ity, more rapid spread of contamination and disease, and the growing threat of international terrorism have brought the issues of food supply safety and traceability to the forefront of public concern.

The Style Of Quentin Tarantino Film Studies Essay

The Style Of Quentin Tarantino Film Studies EssayQuentin Tarantino has his own distinctive style that mirrors his quirky vision of the universe. From the early origin Dogs to the stylish Pulp Fiction, Tarantino has challenged both viewers and the movie industry to look at the mean(a) in a new delegacy. His 2009 effort, the ultra-violent war film dark Basterds, is a solid hit and e precise bit a Tarantino film. This paper discusses the film in general as well as its cinematography and editing. news Tarantino is a director known for his love of film in general. He is knowledgeable about the medium and enjoys paying homage to it by sometimes cinematography place settings in a way that resembles works by otherwise directors or by putting a great many pop references in his film. This makes his films very hip, but it can alike date them. However, because this film is limit in a specific time and place-occupied France in 1944-these are quibbles. Tarantino is also known for rela tion back several stories simultaneously and bringing the threads together at the last moment to make a coherent whole. This is the structure of Pulp Fiction, in which threesome separate stories are told out of order characters that are killed in unrivaled story show up later in the film, because that part of their story hasnt been told yet. At times its best to just sit back and let Tarantino do his thing and sort it out later. Inglourious Basterds is just such a film in that location are possibly three stories running simultaneously the story of the Nazi Col acel Hans Landa and his hunt for Jews (Christoph Waltz) the Basterds themselves, led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and the Jewish girl Shoshanna Dreyfuss (Mlanie Laurent), who works in the cinema that will be the setting for the films explosive (literally) climax. Critics are singling out Waltzs diabolical, cruel, witty, charming and perverse Colonel Landa as the best thing in the film he win the Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for his work, along with al more or less every other award its possible for an actor to receive. That raises some unpleasant questions Waltzs character is the vox of possibly the most despicable regime ever to disgrace humanity, so what does that say about audiences who find him attractive and funny? Landa becomes a sort of immoral pleasure, as well as an object less(prenominal)on in the fact that evil can sometimes wear a very attractive face there is nothing more disturbing than finding something commendable in a character you want so badly to condemn (Meadows). The film is simple Raines sort of commandos has been dropped into occupied France with only one object to kill Nazis. They do so, often with a baseball clobber or other suitably unpleasant means, and scalp them (Tarantino). They also entertain a penchant for carving swastikas into their victims foreheads and their gruesome tactics have unsettled Nazi officers all the way up to Hitler. The film has surprise some audiences by its length and others because for a war film, it is surprisingly non-violent the force out is extreme and gruesome but sparse and contained within a few set pieces. The rest of the film contains a lot of communication, which is a hallmark of Tarantinos work. He is in love with dialogue he likes to explore human relationships and does so by letting his character literally tells for themselves. People who complain that theres no enough action in the film seem to be missing the point. Berardinelli notes that the long dialogue scenes are merely priming the pump for the action that follows With every sentence, the tension mounts. Tarantino uses these sequences to prime the audience, teasing them until the suspense is nearly unbearable, then releasing it in one explosive burst.The films editing includes title cards that identify each scene, an old fashioned technique that some critics like eyepatch others denigrate. Its the same technique that mute films pioneered, and it has the effect of making the film feel very literary, almost as if the audience has to read it like a book rather than watching it. The camera operator on the film is Robert Richardson, who was director of photography for Tarantino on both Kill Bill films he has also worked on films like The Aviator and A fewer Good Men as well as The Horse Whisperer, Casino and Snow Falling on Cedars (MacGregor). If these films have anything in common, its that they have nothing in common, but in each case Richardson has brought to life their the directors most grandiose aspirations in a way that is unrivaled and incomparable (Ebenezer). In this film, numerous critics have pointed to the scene which introduces Colonel Landa as a perfect example of Richardsons gifted cinematography he works magic with the lighting and framing here as he does throughout the film (MacGregor). In this scene, Landa is questioning dairy farmer Perrier LaPadite, who is suspected of harboring Jews as he conti nues to question the farmer, the camera circles the table moving closer and closer, as if it is tying up the farmer in invisible cords (MacGregor). When Landa orders his men to shoot through the floor, killing the Jews he knows are hidden there, its almost a relief because the tension is so high its unbearable. This is Richardsons skill and it is on display throughout the film.The structure of the scene of course is Tarantinos it is his direction. But Richardson has the skill to shoot it the way Tarantino wants it shot, so that it brings his vision to life. Richardsons use of color is extraordinary for instance, in the scene where Landa comes to the farmhouse, the day is beautiful, clear and sunny the sky is blue and birds are singing. And into the midst of this perfect scene comes a monster. The juxtaposition of Landa with the beauty of his surroundings, especially as he then orders the murder of the hidden Jews, is brilliant. It reminds viewers that things are not what they seem, and that the potential for violence is ever-present. It can be argued that the United States today is one of the most violent societies on earth, but the threat of drive-bys, gang wars and shootings cannot compare to the terror of living on a lower floor the Nazi occupation, where punishment for the slightest infraction was swift and brutal. When Landa pops up in the middle of the idyllic scene, the day is ruined.Much of the rest of the cinematography is muted, sometimes suggesting old newsreels with rinse out colors. This could indicate the age of Europe, or the draining effect of war it makes Europe, which is beautiful, cold and harsh, in keeping with the mission the Basterds have undertaken. The New York Times also mentions the cinematography, though it is less complimentary than most to the movie overall. Dargis writes that whether or not a viewer likes the film has a lot to do with whether he or she can just groove on Tarantinos cinematic style, which includes his exuberant framingand staging, his swooping crane shots, postmodern flourishes (Samuel L. Jackson in voice-over explaining the combustibility of nitrate prints) and gorgeously saturated colors, one velvety red in particular (Dargis). With regard to the films much-discussed opening scene in the farmhouse, Dargis calls it a marvel of choreographed camera movement and tightly coordinated performances. When the scene moves inside the building, Tarantino provides another homage the German soldiers outside are positioned within one of the windows, a shot that recalls the framing of an image in Monte Hellmans 1971 furor classic, Two-Lane Blacktop (Dargis). Tarantino also gives a nod to a great Hollywood character actor of the 1950s, Aldo Ray, by naming his main character overly Raine Also Rays widow served as a casting director on this film (Dargis). (For a delightful look at Aldo Ray, look at Were No Angels the authoritative starring Ray, Humphrey Bogart and Peter Ustinov as three Devils Island escapees who are neither as tough nor as evil as they pretend to be.)As for the rest of the film, however, Dargis is less enthusiastic. She notes that the film is actually five set pieces, each organized around specific bits of business and conversations that increasingly converge (Dargis). The first chapter introduced Colonel Landa the second brings in the Basterds while the third brings Shoshanna together with Joseph Gobbels (Dargis). The fourth chapter deals with the plot to kill Hitler and the final chapter is the destruction of the fire and the death of many of the characters (Dargis). While all this works, Dargis has trouble with Tarantinos use of inert dialogue scenes and she is particularly disquieted by Colonel Landa, whom she describes as charming and seductive (Dargis). A man who is the tool of a regime as repellant as National Socialism should have none of these qualities. And yet Landa has no equal in the film he owns it, and that makes for some uneasy viewing (Dargis ).Conclusion Inglourious Basterds would be uncharacteristic for any other director but for Tarantino its merely the latest in a string of films that glorify brutality and make heroes out of the most unlikely people hit men and Nazi colonels. Its also full of Tarantino trademarks long dialogue scenes that lead up to shot, explosive action sequences homage to other films and a never-ending river of blood. He has also, as usual, played with film itself, using title cards that hark back to the days of silent films, and (mercifully) having his German characters speak German, his Italians speak Italian, his Frenchmen speak French and so on. This means he has also subtitled some of the scenes, but again, this is a director who truly seems to love playing with the medium and all its capabilities. Whether a viewer will enjoy the film or not particular when it contains scenes of soldiers being beaten to death with a baseball bat and other horrific violence probably depends on whether or n ot he or she is a Tarantino fan. If so, theyll know what to expect if not, it can be a bit much. But all in all, the film has proven to be a solid success and another hit for a quirky film maker who breaks all the rules.

Internet Technology: The End Of Printed Newspaper

Internet Technology The End Of Printed NewspaperCompetition between publish and online News and Information Media. According to research the outgrowth usage of internet engine room has intensified competitions and resembling a shot publishers are facing more threats from online marketing leading to decline in readership of printed countersignpaper. Printed newsworthinesspaper is finding it large(p) to attract young readers to replace the old ones amounting to drop in revenue on intermedia advertising market.(Richard van der wurff,2005.Gazette Vol No .1, pg 107)The internet exacerbates these threats by enabling the main course of new competitorsWith new online products on the internet news market. publishers are now faced with increasing competition from foreign newsprints and other media organisation some of these competitions offers online news for free and also use internet technology to create electronic markets and job sites that compete with the printed newspaper in t he classified and job advertising markets. Printed newspaper therefore facing threats from their core business and the sales of news and sales of access to audience. .(Richard van der wurff,2005.Gazette Vol No .1., pg 107)At the same time internet technology empowers newspaper publisher to innovate their product and to target new audience by using the internet as a marketing channel to secure young potential customers, who do not read the printed newspaper, publisher back end also use the internet to serve foreign customers with online electronic editions of the news that beforehand was expensive ,they can also use the internet to strengthen relationship with existing readers by offering new services like breaking news and classified ad sites collecting readers information establishing a two way communication with readers.According to van der wurff in his contribution in the Gazette he suggested that publishersMake better use of these opportunities when they face stronger compet ition from onlinecompetitors. Provided they have the financial means to do so. At the beginning of the 21stcentury few print media has delved into online market creating their own brand likethe economy and financial magazine the agriculture magazine can access online butstill keep the important part to prints subscribers. Print newspaper publishers are now facingproblems from ISPs and other information providers.(Richard van der wurff,2005.GazetteVol No. 1, pg 108)The mediatisation of the net and internetization of Traditional MediaNewspaper publishers are now required to change their business model as gate keepers of information and embrace the media logic of interractiveness, personalization, immediacy and multimedia. Their new role would be to facilitate communications between readers and between readers and journalists. Readers rather than journalists would decide what news readers would receive, and readers would become important originators of content, too. Online editions wo uld make this content available in real-time, and text would be sexed up with moving images and sound.(Richard van der wurff,2005.Gazette Vol No. 1, pg 108)Other contribution by osullivan observes that traditional media including newspaper publisher, dominate the online news environment in his case in Ireland. Traditional media have the largest supply of online news, and in addition syndicate their content to other online providers. He also shows that websites of newspaper publishers in Ireland tend to look like transmission sites. They offer little interactivity and multimedia, and mainly provide the same news as their printed counterparts. This does not imply that editors do not see that internet, in principle, offers them opportunities to improve the print format, and to provide greater depth and diversity. Yet, online editors operate in the same political-economic environment and face at least the same problems and time constraint as their printed counterparts. It is therefore as difficult for them as for editors of printed newspapers to give minority views an equal voice. The standard in online journalism is threatened by publishers who attempt to reduce be by employing inexperienced journalist on low pay, and by tight deadlines. According to editors, maintain high journalistic skills is imperative-but costs money, as does offering interactivity and communication between journalists and readers.osullivan concludes that online news, when distributed for free, cannot escape the norms of broadcasting media.In Search for Newspaper Role OnlineThe combined developments of the mediatisation of the internet and the internetization of traditional media do not resolve the competitive challenge that news publishers face. Increasing competition between old and new news media forces newspaper publishers to find an appropriate position or niche for online newspapers in the newspaper market, next to other news media and in particular next to printed newspapers. The p ublisher urgencys to differentiate their online news from the printed newspaper to prevent market cannibalization. Differentiation can be realized by emphasizing internet-specific features (e.g. interactivity), by offering different content (e.g. local community information), or both. Differentiaition, however, brings additional cost for publishers. Has argued by osullivan.Salaverria suggested whether and how newspapers have informative and critical role to play in emergency situations. He analysis how Spanish international online newspapers reported in real-time on events of the 11 September 2001.he argued that the internet has become a global information medium on its own. A multitude of people used the net straightway after the event to be informed. This create technical problems(congestions, long download times), which suggests that the internet has not yet reached maturity as a technological medium. Publisher addressed the issue by trimming down the home page size. Another pr oblem was to that the pressure to keep up with the events led online newspapers to make mistakes. to a greater extent troublesome is that newspapers did not formally rectify their mistakes, but simply removed the wrong statement from the web.The debate still continues over where news rooms need to take their content. Online content has been offered free in most cases to readers for years. Will online readers be willing to pay for content in the future?For decades, there was never any doubt that printing had a future-the printing industry became the synonym for a sector with uninterrupted growth. Paper consumption and press output was the yardstick of wealth, finish and economic power. Today, the increasing trend towards digitization and computerization of the media, coupled with the explosion of the Internet, has prompted many players in the printing industry to wonder whether print still has a future. The answer is a resounding yes. However, great changes are afoot

lord of the rings, fellowship of the ring :: essays research papers

Lord of the rings, Fellowship of the ringBy J.J.R Tolkin, print date Oct, 1965     The story starts with the 33rd birthday- fellowship for Frodo Baggans, and the 111th birthday party for Bilbo Baggans, Hobbits who live in a mythical land called the Shire. Frodos best friend is his gardner Sam. Frodo owns a magic Ring which makes him invisible when he wears it, a face from his cousin Bilbo who take it from Gollum years ago.      One day the old wizard Gandalf comes to the Shire, and he tells Frodo of an evil named Sauron who wants to capture the Ring for himself. In ages long past Sauron stole the Ring from the Elves, to protect him from the Powers of Good but the Ring was stolen from him by a creature named Gollum, and then stolen from Gollum by Bilbo, who finally gives it freely to Frodo. "Sauron has been searching for the Ring for years," Gandalf tells Frodo, "and straightaway he has sent his nine Black Riders, to the Shire to look for it." Frodo and Sam consult with their loyal friends Merry and Pippin, and when the Black Riders appear, the hobbits trick them into going into a mushroom-patch, discombobulate the Black Riders just long enough to escape the Shire.      But the tone of the book rapidly becomes more serious as the Black Riders pursue the hobbits finished the forest. The hobbits come to the village of Bree, and arrive at the home of Tom Bombadil. Frodo meets a man named Aragorn, or Strider, who convinces him to go to the city of Rivendell. "In Rivendell you will be respectable from their magic," Aragorn tells him, "for Elrond is a sensible man, and does not believe in it." With that Aragorn leads them rapidly to Rivendell, with the Riders in hot pursuit. As they ford the last river between them and Rivendell there is a appealingness cast on the river-water, causing it to rise up and wash away the Black riders, and our heroes make it to the safety of Rivendell.      At Rivendell, Elrond holds a Council where the fate of the Ring is discussed. The that way to keep Sauron from recovering the Ring, they decide, is to throw it into the volcano of Mount Doom where it will be destroyed. During the Council Gandalf arrives late, saying that he had been held prisoner in the tower of Orthanc, the Wizards Tower.

Will the European Union Survive? :: European Union Essays

Europe must prevent Greece from becoming an out-and-out catastrophe and set out sure that the same fiscal remedy is not applied to other weak economies -- Franziska Brantner.The EU (European Union) has gone thru many changes. For some countries it has been a blessing and a grand success. For others adapting to a single currency and marketplace has been quite a struggle. The EU hopes to expand even further with the introduction of to a greater extent states and become one of the largest marketplaces in the world. But will the EU survive in the long term? Is it really of benefit to its peniss?The EU was established in 1993. It was the EEC (European Economic Community) onwards that in 1967 and the ECSC (European Coal and Steal Community) in 1951. Its main focus has been for the economic begetment of its members. Now it seems to be more focused on government, social and legal issues. But the primary reason for the EU was to create a united states of Europe. The objective for this u nion is to create free trade among member states creating a more competitive market place thus developing competition and in doing so giving a better standard of living for its people. This could be express true for one of its members, Ireland. Ireland has been a textbook case for the EU. Obviously each country in the EU has its different experiences with membership. Ireland has been quite the model EU member in its ability to adapt to the concept of the EU and has seen its GDP almost double in size. Currently Ireland holds the presidency for the EU and will play swarm to the introduction of the newer members this summer. But has Ireland really benefited from its membership or is its success due to its nearest neighbor west, America. Since its independence from the United Kingdom in 1940 Ireland has had to establish its accept economy independent from British rule. Prior to this time being a part of the British Empire guaranteed commercialism for ones country. Although it could b e said to be aslant the British Empire relied on its colonies for trade. In some respects Ireland was not an industrialist nation and was predominantly an agricultural country. In order to succeed and further develop itself she had to change its way of doing business. One of the first orders of business was to introduce a better educational system.