John Deere and Complex Parts

Strengths of the AEP: (Q1. , p. 109) – Evaluation is carried out by Deere personnel from different departments such as supply management, operations, quality engineering etc†¦ This makes the evealuation more transparent and comprehensive since the opinions of diverse personnel from different departments are taken into account – Suppliers were evaluated in five key areas, thus making the evaluation all inclusive – The use of the wavelength rating is an innovative approach to measure the supplier's focus on quality, cost etc†¦ The cost, wavelength and technical ratings are consensus composite ratings, which measures a variety of underlying aspects, rather than provide a brief overview. – Suppliers were classified into 4, making it easy to identify where each supplier stood with regard to others – The annual revision of performance level cutoffs is another strength of the AEP. Periodic revisions make sure that the ratings reflect current chan ges. The supplier performance summary provided each quarter provides suppliers with all pertinent data related to their classification – Training and recognition are only provided to suppliers with high ratings, thereby acting as an incentive to suppliers with low ratings to catch up. Weaknesses of the AEP: – The weakest category tends to skew the overall evaluation, which would work against suppliers providing consistent service with minor glitches. These glitches tend to be amplified in the rating – Training is not provided to conditional suppliers, which is counter productive. A training program for such suppliers is likely to improve performance – The delivery and quality ratings are not composite ratings. Breaking down these ratings into individual components would provide more clarity. For example, the delivery rating makes no mention of the percentage of late, early or over deliveries. Other Criteria to be included: (Chapter 3, page 66) Total cost of Ownership including cost of special handling, cost of defects, rework etc†¦ should be included in the AEP – The financial strength of the supplier should be included, possibly in the form of a credit rating – Responsiveness and flexibilty measured by responsiveness to customers, accuracy of record keeping, changes in delivery schedules, responsiveness to changing situations etc†¦ should be included Performance over the last year: (q. 2, p 109) Complex parts has not performed adequately over the last year. I say this because of the following reasons: – Certain requested price quotes had not reached Deere on time. – Suggestions for cost reduction and elimination of recurrent problems were not forthcoming – Increasing number of deliveries had to be expedited, which cost Deere – Complex parts delivery rating in the last quarter had hit a dismal 155,000- the level of a conditional supplier – Complex parts had not implemented the Deere quality plan at its new facility – Parts supplied for new product programs had not met Deere's cost targets, thus reducing profit Though Complex parts became ISO certified, internalized the Deere Quality plan elements, provided profitable suggestions through its R&D department and had been proactive in its business approach, the above shortcomings overwhelm the positive aspects. Hence, Complex parts has not performed adequately over the past year. Classification: In the absence of adequate data, it is difficult to assign a classification to Complex parts. Over the last quarter, Complex parts' delivery rating was 155,000. The quality, wavelength, technical and cost management ratings have not been provided. Complex parts' delivery rating of 155,000 would make it a ‘conditional' supplier. Therefore a conditional supplier classification is most apt, based on the latest available quarterly data Alternative courses of action (q. 3, p. 109) – The first course of action would be to intimate Complex parts of its shortcomings. Having done this, the next step would be to downgrade its classification. Complex parts should then be provided an ultimatum, failing which it would cease to exist as a supplier. The ultimatum would be to meet certain set standards over the next quarter. This course of action would be taken because of the longstanding relationship with Complex parts, which was proactive – The second and obvious course of action would be to terminate Complex parts as a supplier. Since there are 2 other suppliers who are capable of delivering the needed product, this move would make sense. However this would mean severing a relationship of ten years. – The third alternative would be to reduce the quantity sourced from Complex parts, sourcing the balance on a trial basis from either of the two capable suppliers. This move would provide an objective assessment of the new supplier as well as Complex parts. In addition Complex parts would be provided with an ultimatum, failing which it would cease to exist as a supplier. Recommendation: – Intimate Complex parts of the shortcomings. Provide a set of standards to be adhered to within the next quarter. Make it explicitly clear that any shortfalls in set standards would lead to Complex parts being terminated as a supplier. Short term implications for Deere: (Q4, p. 109) Possibilty of costs increasing due to expedited deliveries – Possibility of increased costs in new product development programs due to Complex parts' failure to meet estimated costs – Cost escalation because of a delay in receiving quotes – Possibility of a further fall in quality of Complex parts because of its not implementing the Deere quality plan at its new facility – Possibility of a frayed relationship as a result of the ultimatum – N eed to keep a continuous watch on Complex parts to make sure standards are met. – A Continuous watch would mean extra costs for Deere Long term implications: ( Chapter 4, p. 95) – Provides an opportunity for Complex parts to get back to its previous high standards – Cost reductions because of continuing with a trusted partner – Early supplier involvement would continue, thereby profiting both. – Value engineering provided by Complex parts through its R team would reduce cost and improve quality – The proactive approach of Complex parts would reduce new product development time – Change management would be easily implemented – Alliance development would be initiated

Essential Drug List Medication Review Health And Social Care Essay

Many malignant neoplastic diseases metastasize to cram specifically chest, prostate and Multiple Myeloma. Bisphosphonates and other systemic agents that inhibit osteoclast activity can forestall, cut down, and detain cancer-related and treatment-related skeletal complications in patients with both early and advanced malignances [ 1 ] . Patients with metastatic malignant neoplastic disease are at significant hazard for skeletal complications from bone metastases and bone loss ( osteoporosis ) , which is frequently treatment-related. Skeletal complications of bone metastases, frequently referred to as skeletal-related events ( SREs ) , include break, skeletal instability/loss of skeletal unity, spinal cord compaction, the demand for surgery or radiation therapy for a diagnostic bone metastasis, and hypercalcaemia..These are normally associated with lytic lesions. Bisphosphonates have become an built-in constituent of malignant neoplastic disease intervention in patients who have metastatic bone disease. Bisphosphonates cut down the morbidity of metastatic bone disease, chiefly by diminishing the prevalence of SREs [ 1,2 ] . In add-on, bisphosphonates are widely used for the bar and intervention of bone loss ( osteoporosis ) , both treatment-related and non-treatment-related.This includes the osteoporosis associated with aromatse inhibitors. Bisphosphonates decrease bone reabsorption and increase mineralization by suppressing osteoclast activity [ 1,3 ] . There are two categories of bisphosphonates, non-nitrogen containing and N containing, with slightly different effects in killing osteoclast cells. The N incorporating bisphosphonates are more powerful osteoclast inhibitors. Etidronate, clodronate, and tiludronate are non-nitrogen incorporating bisphosphonates, and the N incorporating bisphosphonates include pamidronate, Fosamax, ibandronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid. Bisphosphonates have a direct apoptotic consequence on osteoclasts, affect their distinction and ripening, and thereby move as powerful inhibitors of bone reabsorption. In presymptomatic theoretical accounts, the bisphosphonates have besides been shown to act upon macrophages, gamma delta T cells, bone-forming cells, and tumour cells. In add-on to their effects on osteoclast suppression, bisphosphonates may besides hold antitumor and/or antiangiogenic effects, but this is a controversial country. Probes are ongoing to better specify the clinically relevant effects of bisphosphonates in patients with malignant neoplastic disease [ 4,5 ]Quality of grounds and Clinical efficaciousness:Definition of Skeletal Related Events: –Vertebral breaks Other breaks e.g. ribs New osteolytic lesions Spinal cord compaction Need for radiation therapy Need for surgery Pain Change in anti neoplastic regimen to handle bone hurting Breast malignant neoplastic disease – For patients with breast malignant neoplastic disease and bone metastases, bisphosphonate therapy can forestall and/or hold skeletal complications, and extenuate bone hurting. A survival benefit has non been shown. In adult females with metastatic chest malignant neoplastic disease without clinically apparent bone metastases, bisphosphonates do non cut down the incidence of skeletal events. Consequently, therapy with bisphosphonates is recommended to get down after the designation of osteal metastases, unless as portion of a clinical test. The first surveies were done in the 1990ties and reported in the early 2000.For metastastic chest malignant neoplastic disease the hazard of a skeletal event is about 64 % at 2 old ages. This can be reduced to 33 % with pamidronate and to 20 % with zoladronic acid [ 6 ] . A meta-analysis of nine tests, which included 2189 adult females with metastatic chest malignant neoplastic disease and bone metastases, showed that endovenous bisphosphonates ( pamidronate and zoledronic acid ) reduced the hazard of developing a skeletal event by 17 per centum ( comparative hazard, RR 0.83 ; 95 % CI 0.78-0.89 ) [ 7 ] . A meta-analysis of tests that used unwritten bisphosphonates ( clodronate and ibandronate ) showed a decrease in the hazard of developing a skeletal event by 16 per centum ( RR 0.84 95 % CI 0.76-0.93 ) [ 7 ] . Bisphosphonates can besides forestall treatment-related bone loss in adult females having chemotherapy or aromatase inhibitors for chest malignant neoplastic disease. In add-on, betterments in disease free endurance and chest malignant neoplastic disease return seen in some accessory therapy tests in which adult females received hormone therapy plus a bisphosphonate compared to hormone therapy entirely suggest possible antitumor effects. However, the consequences of extra clinical tests are needed before it can be concluded that bisphosphonates better chest malignant neoplastic disease results. Prostate malignant neoplastic disease – Bisphosphonates have been studied in work forces with advanced prostate malignant neoplastic disease to detain or forestall the complications of skeletal patterned advance ( breaks, need for radiation therapy, hypercalcaemia, spinal cord compaction, hurting ) , to forestall the development of bone metastases, and to protect against the bone loss associated with androgen want therapy ( ADT ) . The consequences of randomised clinical tests and experimental surveies in patients with prostatic malignant neoplastic disease bone metastases indicate that the effectivity of different bisphosphonates varies well [ 8,9 ] . The strongest informations back uping benefit for bisphosphonates is with zoledronic acid, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) for usage in prostate malignant neoplastic disease in work forces with bone metastases who are come oning on endocrine therapy. The European Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products has approved zoledronic acid for all work forces with prostate malignant neoplastic disease and bone metastases. The benefit of zoledronic acid in work forces with bone metastases from prostate malignant neoplastic disease is supported by a test in 643 work forces bone metastases that were come oning while on ADT [ 10 ] . Work force were indiscriminately assigned to one of two doses of zoledronic acid ( 4 milligram or 8 milligram ) or placebo, each given every three hebdomads. The 8 milligram dosage of zoledronic acid was reduced to 4 milligrams early in the test because of inordinate nephritic toxicity. At an mean followup of 24 months, there was a important decrease in the frequence of SREs in work forces having zoledronic acid compared to placebo ( 38 versus 49 per centum ) , and the average clip to develop an SRE was significantly longer with zoledronic acid ( 488 versus 321 yearss ) [ 11 ] . Pain and analgetic tonss were significantly higher in work forces who received placebo than in those who received zoledronic acid, but there were no differences in disease patterned advance, public presentation position, or quality-of-life tonss among the groups. A 2nd placebo-controlled randomized test with zoledronic acid besides demonstrated a statistically important benefit in hurting control [ 12 ] . In contrast to these consequences with zoledronic acid, tests with clodronate have yielded ambiguous consequences [ 13 ] , and two tests with pamidronate have failed to specify a statistically important benefit in footings of SREs or trouble control [ 14. Prevention of bone metastases – Given that the prevailing site of metastases in prostate malignant neoplastic disease is the bone, and that some presymptomatic informations suggest an anticancer consequence of bisphosphonates, accessory usage of bisphosphonates has been studied in work forces with prostate malignant neoplastic disease but without metastatic disease. In the largest test turn toing this issue, in which 508 work forces with nonmetastatic prostate malignant neoplastic disease were indiscriminately assigned to clodronate or placebo, there was no lessening in the incidence of bone metastases ( 80 events versus 68 events with placebo ) [ 19 ] . High-potency bisphosphonates have non been studied in this scene.Multiple myelomaThe efficaciousness of bisphosphonates in multiple myeloma was ab initio evaluated in a survey in which 377 patients with phase III multiple myeloma and at least one lytic lesion were treated with antimyeloma therapy plus either placebo or pamidro nate ( 90 milligram ) as a four-hour endovenous extract given every four hebdomads for nine rhythms [ 15 ] . The proportion of patients who had any skeletal events ( diseased break, irradiation of or surgery on bone, and spinal cord compaction ) was significantly lower in the pamidronate group ( 24 versus 41 per centum ) . Pamidronate therapy was besides associated with a important decrease in bone hurting. [ 15 ] . Recent grounds has shown a survival advantage every bit good Morgan et al 2010 MRC Myeloma IX survey randomise controlled survey [ 18 ] . Lancet 2010 10 ; 62051 1970 patients enrolled: 1960 eligible for purpose to handle analysis: 981 in the zoladronic acid group:979 in the clodronic acid group In both groups there was an initial subdivision into those patients who received intensive chemotherapy with the purpose to handle with organ transplant. This was followed by another subdivision into the zoledronic acid and clodronic acid groups Median intervention with bisphosphonate was for 350 yearss Median follow up was for 3.7 old ages Zoledronic acid reduced mortality by 16 % V clodronic acid HR 0.84 95 % CI 0.74-0.96 p=0.0118 Drawn-out average overall endurance by 5.5 months ( 50 minute V 44.5 p=0.04 ) Increase PFS by 2.0 minutes ( 19.5 vs 17.5 months ) 12 % addition HR 0.88 95 % CI 0.88-0.98 p=0.0179 ONJ rate was 4 % with zoledronic acid and 1 % with clodronic acid Intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is recommended for patients with multiple myeloma and any of the followers: †¢ Lytic devastation of bone or spine compaction break from osteopenia on field radiogram or imagination surveies †¢ Osteopenia on bone mineral denseness surveies but no grounds of lytic bone devastation †¢ Pain due to osteolytic disease †¢ As an adjunct to radiation therapy, anodynes, or surgical intercession to stabilise breaks or impending breaks Similar consequences were obtained in a randomised, double-blind stage III test in 1648 patients with advanced multiple myeloma or chest malignant neoplastic disease [ 16 ] . Patients were indiscriminately assigned to have one of two different doses of zoledronic acid ( 4 or 8 milligrams administered IV over 5 or 15 proceedingss ) or pamidronate ( 90 milligram IV over two hours ) ; extracts were repeated every three to four hebdomads for 12 months. All participants received a day-to-day 500 milligram Ca addendum and 400 to 500 IU of vitamin D throughout the survey. The undermentioned findings were noted: †¢ The proportion of patients with at least one skeletal event during the first 13 months of the survey, and the average clip to the first event ( 12 months ) was similar in all three intervention groups. †¢ The proportion of patients who required curative bone irradiation was significantly lower in the zoledronic acid 4 milligram group compared with pamidronate both in the full group ( 15 versus 20 per centum ) , and in adult females having endocrine therapy for chest malignant neoplastic disease ( 16 versus 25 per centum ) . †¢ Both agents were every bit good tolerated, and the most common inauspicious events were bone hurting, sickness, weariness, and fever. Although 12 per centum of patients having 4 milligram of zoledronic acid over a five-minute period developed impairment of antecedently normal nephritic map, an addition in the extract volume to 100 milliliter, and lengthening the extract clip to 15 proceedingss reduced the incidence of nephritic disfunction to the same degrees as with pamidronate ( 8 and 9 per centum, severally ) . Long-run informations ( 25 months of followup ) showed tantamount nephritic effects ( alterations in creatinine ) for zoledronic acid 4 milligram over 15 proceedingss and pamidronate over two hours [ 13 ] . †¢ The 8 milligram dosage of zoledronic acid had an intolerably high incidence of nephritic toxicity at both extract times ( 18 and 20 per centum ) , and was hence discontinued. In contrast, monthly endovenous ibandronate ( Bondronate ® ) , a high authority bisphosphonate, has non been associated with decreased skeletal-related events in patients with myeloma. In a randomised test, 214 patients having conventional chemotherapy for phase II or III myeloma were indiscriminately assigned to have ibandronate ( 2 milligram IV monthly for 24 months ) or placebo [ 16 ] . Neither the rate of happening, nor the clip to first skeletal-related event differed significantly between the two groups. However, the dosage of ibandronate may hold been excessively low ; others have shown efficaciousness for 6 milligrams but non 2 milligrams monthly doses in patients with metastatic chest malignant neoplastic disease [ 17 ] .Safety concerns:Therapy with bisphosphonates is by and large good tolerated. The most common complications are acute stage reactions, optic redness, nephritic inadequacy, electrolyte instability, and osteonecrosis of the jaw ( ONJ ) . Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be mitigated with dental hygiene programmes before the start of the intervention with bisphosphonates, and by the usage of contraceptive antibiotics during intervention. [ 19 ] . The acute stage reaction, a flu-like syndrome frequently with febrility, icinesss, myodynia and arthralgias, may happen, in some grade, in about 50 per centum of patients. When it occurs, it is typically within the first 48 hours of extract and is self limited within 24 to 48 hours. Premedication with Datril or non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs may assist [ 8 ] . On subsequent dosing, the hazard of the acute stage reaction and its strength lessenings. Bisphosphonates can be associated with other inflammatory reactions including phlebitis and optic toxicities such as pinkeye, uveitis, scleritis, and orbital redness. Ocular redness frequently requires a formal ophthalmologic rating and farther intervention with the piquing bisphosphonate is frequently non recommended [ 8 ] . The nephrotoxicity of bisphosphonates is both dose- and infusion time-dependent, and nephritic map should be monitored on a regular basis in patients being treated with these agents. Nephritic toxicity can be reduced by detecting recommended extract continuances, optimising hydration prior to bisphosphonate therapy and avoiding coincident nephrotoxic medicines. Serum Ca, Mg, and phosphate should be measured on a regular basis during therapy. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation – If there are no contraindications, patients having bisphosphonates should have Ca and vitamin D supplementation. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation decrease the hazard of bisphosphonate-induced hypocalcaemia and are of import to keeping bone wellness. For these grounds, many of the clinical surveies look intoing the bisphosphonates for metastatic bone disease incorporated Ca and vitamin D supplementation as portion of the intervention regimen, and supplementation may be needed to retroflex the results seen in these surveies. In add-on, patients with chest malignant neoplastic disease are at hazard for vitamin D lack. In a reappraisal of 321 chest malignant neoplastic disease patients treated with bisphosphonates for either low bone mass or for metastatic disease, over 50 per centum were vitamin D deficient [ 9 ] . Persons with vitamin D lack are at increased hazard for hypocalcaemia, a known side consequence of bisphosphonate therapy

In Surdam Memoriam: Karl Jaekel Essay

As I read in surdam memoriam: Karl Jaekel, it showed me how society during the 1800’s throughout the 1900’s had a very negative view on Deaf people and sign language. Hard of hearing and or deaf-mute people used to be considered as a lower class. For a family to assume that a deaf child became â€Å"Deaf and dumb† by accident was not uncommon. American parents of that day were much more comfortable admitting to congenital than to adventitious deafness in their offspring. Uncle Charlie was enrolled in the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb where he was enrolled in the shoemaking department, one of the three industrial programs open to boys, and the other two were tailoring and printing. They only kept records of the pupils attendance and work instead of academic enrollment and progress. The training programs saved the state of Pennsylvania a great deal of money by putting the pupils to work for the state. Etiology statistics in 1800’s stated tha t the deaf should be carefully advised in the defect to be transmitted from generation to generation and that the future of their offspring and their own should be prudently considered before entering upon a condition so fraught with possibilities of misfortune and happiness. (Annual Report, 1887-88). The connection between articulation and eugenics is not as transparent today but when Charlie was in school it was widely believed that Deaf people would cease to marry each other if the sign language that they could only communicate with would somehow be wiped out and they were forced to speak. The views are different now in 2011 because the science and generation has grown which has made families more aware as to why certain people are born or become deaf and it is certainly more common.

Is there equity in Out of Hours Services for Palliative patients in Essay

Is there equity in Out of Hours Services for Palliative patients in the community setting - Essay Example of an area, age of the patient, whether the patient has a primary diagnosis of cancer versus non cancer, whether the area is one of high social deprivation and if there are local trust financial constraints which necessarily have an impact on the services available. Equity in palliative care is a major issue facing England. This paper shall explore the various reasons to the equal or unequal access to palliative services which might be dependent on geography and road infrastructure of an area, age of the patient, whether the patient has a primary diagnosis of cancer versus non cancer, whether the area is one of high social deprivation and/or if there are local trust financial constraints which necessarily have an impact on the services available. Death is never a simple matter. Yet, while hospice and palliative care attention to end-of-life (EOL) care has benefited the general population, people with unequal palliative healthcare access and their families have not benefited from the same extent of end-of-life attention. Modern medical and nursing care have contributed to lengthening the life span of people with unequal access to palliative services because of geography and road infrastructure of the area, age of the patient, patient’s primary diagnosis of cancer or non cancer and the area of high social deprivation and low financial support so that previously fatal, acute illnesses and complications from their disabilities are now managed by artificial life support measures such as dialysis, gastrostomy, nephrostomy, or tracheotomy. As life expectancy lengthens for this special population, they ultimately face the same chronic and terminal illnesses as the general population and, consequently, the same decisions exist. Unfortunately, however, because of cognitive impairment frequently associated with people having various issues with palliative care access and individuals, family members must often serve as their proxies in EOL care decision making. Together

Research Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Research Critique - Essay Example As seen from the introduction, the clinical problem being investigated is preeclampsia. The researchers are interested in knowing whether the disease affects women in their first pregnancy more than others. The researchers undertake this research knowing that it is true that the disease is common among the first pregnancies. However, they argue that the assumption in favor of this research can be strengthened by the fact that more women decide not to give birth after undergoing through first time preeclampsia. Therefore, the researchers conduct their researches on the same topic while considering that many people refuse to give birth to their second child because of problems related to preeclampsia during the first pregnancy. One of the reasons for conducting this research is related to high risks associated with the disease, as explained earlier. Other reasons such as clarification and information increase have also been a motivating factor in conducting a research in these areas (H ernà ¡ndez-Dà ­az, Toh & Cnattingius, 2009). Although the researchers have not ostensibly outlined the research question, it is possible to outline the main questions for the research. The question is preeclampsia still common among women during their first time pregnancies even with the researchers’ knowledge that most do not engage in second time conception recreation after going through difficulties related to preeclampsia. Through the question deduction, one cannot help but note the strong relationship between the question and the purpose of the research study areas (Hernà ¡ndez-Dà ­az, Toh & Cnattingius, 2009). The main research method used is the mixed research approach, which is appropriate in this content as there is a need to explain the problem in its context. In addition, there is a need for using quantitative research method in presenting data obtained and in measuring the relationship among variables.

Critically discuss the value of social representations theory to the Essay

Critically discuss the value of social representations theory to the social sciences in particulary to the science of history - Essay Example The use of social representation theory by social and political scientists is also studied to understand the limitations of such theories and I discuss how this could be used constructively in different social contexts and situations. Social representation is important in communication as communication helps people to interact and social representation provides the common ground of understanding of concepts or ideas. Ideas outside the common understanding or which don't have particular meaning may be difficult to grasp and social representations theory actually provide the meaning of concepts within particular social groups. It aids in understanding of concepts and thus facilitates communication. Social representation has been described as a system of values, ideas and practices that enables individuals to orient themselves in a material and social world and also enable communication among members of a particular community as social representation provides a code for social exchange and classifies various aspects of the world and individual group history (Moscovici, 1973). The meanings of words are concepts that have been established through social and the interpretations of meanings and ideas tend to depend on negotiation largely as related to the social environment. Although these meanings of concepts become fixed and definite, social representation is largely contextual and depends on a social background or environment. Thus certain concepts tend to have cultural connotations so some concepts understood by certain individuals of a community may not be clear to people of other communities. The development of social representations could be psychological and also social as along with provide social context to ideas, social representation theory helps individuals in terms of psychological growth. Howarth (2006) discusses Moscovici (1972) to answer what is the aim of social research and the social representation perspective and whether these theories support or criticize social order and how social theories consolidate or transform social order. The influence of social representation theory on social order or reality or the relation between social representation theory and social order is thus obvious in this discussion. Howarth provides an overview of social representations perspective and suggests that there may be certain underdeveloped issues within the social representation theory and its application that will need addressing. There are certain issues within the analysis of social representation theory for example that which deals with the relationship between psychological processes and social practices, legitimization of different knowledge systems, and resistance or change in construction of self identity (Howarth, 2006) that may not have been discussed in detail by so cial theorists. The role of representations in reality and idealization is also equally important in deconstruction or analysis of social theories. Thus social theories seem to be dependent on several factors related to representation and construction, knowledge systems and psychological aspects of identity. Several social theorists have given the wider applications of

Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Law - Essay Example 68). There are some cases where a party includes an exclusion clause that states that they are exempted from all liability if things do not go as expected, which is under scrutiny because many people have argued that it only works to protect one party (Bradgate and White, 2007, p. 64). There have also been arguments relating to cases where an exclusion clause should be deemed unfair as per UCTA-Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977. The court of appeal in April 15 2008 overruled a high court decision in the case of Regus Ltd v Epcot Solutions Ltd that had suppliers raise their concerns due to an exclusion clause. In this case, the court of appeal came up with factors that should be put into consideration while deciding whether an exclusion clause is valid or not (Hayward, 2011, p. 43). The case facts were that a supplier company Regus relied on an exclusion clause that stated that Regus would be exempted from liabilities that would occur under any circumstances. In addition, another clause limited Regus’ liability to ?50,000 for any other types of damages. Epcot were Regus’ customers and they complained about air conditioning in their offices. Regus did not act and, therefore, Epcot stopped paying for the charges of their services as per the contract. Thus, Regus sued Epcot for the amount that was due, while Epcot on their part argued that when Regus failed to provide air conditioning, it resulted to a breach of contract. They counterclaimed for damages that had resulted from Regus actions for causing low profits, low opportunities for their business, inconvenience and distress because of not having air conditioning. In order for Regus to win, the case held the responsibility of proving that their exclusion clause was enforceable and fair as per Unfair Contract Terms act 1977. The high court judges ruled that even though it may seem theoretically reasonable for Regus to exempt themselves from liability for profit loss, the clause in this case was too wid e to be enforceable. The clause did not leave Epcot with any remedy for the service of air conditioning and was, therefore, invalid and unenforceable. Regus appealed arguing that the high court judges were wrong in saying that the exemption clause was unreasonable as per unfair contract terms act of 1977. The court of appeal decided in favour of the defendants, thereby reversing the high court’s decision (Andrews, 2011, p. 76). The UCTA plays the role of protecting parties that are contracting from contractual provisions that are onerous like limitation and exclusion clauses. UCTA states limits to which liability for breach of contract and other types of breach of duty can be avoided through an exemption clause. When an exclusion clause fails to meet the restrictions that are stated in UCTA, it is held to be invalid and, therefore, unenforceable. Such a clause is held to be unreasonable and unfair to the other contracting party. Section 3 of UCTA is, in particular, vital whil e dealing with business contracts especially where a supplier is involved (Gillies, 2004, p. 93). This section states that a clause that is deemed to exclude liability of a supplier for breaching a contract can only be enforceable if it passes the test of reasonability. Reasonable test is described in section 11 (1) of UCTA as circumstances that are reasonable and that are known or are to be known by the contracting parties. UCTA schedule 2 has a list of factors that are to be used in assessing reasonability, which are normally

St. Valentine's Day Massacre Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

St. Valentine's Day Massacre - Movie Review Example te ideas ad plans from his members, which is contrary, to Al Capone did in this case, accepting and going ahead with a ruthless and violent plan devised by one of his gang member. The leadership structure of Al Capone’s gang would be argued to have been somewhat organized and rule driven with clear tasks and goals. For instance, Al Capone’s goal was never to kill, eliminate, or take control of Moran’s gang but was to destabilize and weaken Moran’s gang and its perceived threat to the operations of Al Capone (Allen). This depicts a clear goal and task. In addition, organization in terms of leadership structure is also depicted and can be argued in the sense of leadership positions such an accountant position, which was the occupied by Jake â€Å"Greasy Thumb† Guzik, the distribution and sales and liquor a responsibility of Al Capone’s brother, Ralph, and the idea that gang members hoped to climb the leadership ranks. In terms of operation goals, Al Capone’s gang had clear ones, which included complete control of the flow of all illegal alcohol, prostitution business, with the goal of making huge profit margins. Al Capone gained his power from his mentor, Johnny Torrio who brought him from New York to Chicago to come and help in operating the network of gambling and brothel establishments (Allen). Al Capone used violence to ensure the dominance of his gang. In order to gain influence, Al Capone used his power to intimidate, and kill people opposed to his control or posed a threat to his business and gang. He managed to control almost all the alcohol flow and more than half the city through corruption, violence, intimidation, and organized

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Joyce), Chapters I-III Assignment

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Joyce), Chapters I-III - Assignment Example Each ending of the three chapters demonstrates a turning point in Stephen’s life that leads to his maturity. From being bullied in school, Stephen suddenly became a hero at the end of the first chapter. This shows how he became a hero in school, where he used to be nobody who ponders on things alone by himself. Being accepted by his peers is what this ending of the first chapter is basically about. Similarly, the same is probably Joyce’s purpose by letting Stephen sleep with a prostitute at the end of the second chapter. Although his action was a result of his rebellious nature against his father, he found acceptance in the arms of a woman, which he actually desires even in the first chapter. Similarly, the third chapter illustrates Stephen’s acceptance of his weaknesses as demonstrated by having a confession and asking for forgiveness. Each of the events at the end of the three chapters occurs as a result of various influences. The main character’s popularity among his peers was achieved because he was urged by his classmates to expose Father Dolan’s unfair bea ting to the rector, who was kind enough to tell him that he would find a way to solve the problem. His inability to work things out with his father then led him to take comfort in the arms of a woman in chapter two, while the confession of his sins in the third chapter was initiated by himself. Joyce ended each chapter to show how Stephen is freed from his solidary in the first chapter, from his problems with women, and from himself. With his experiences, Joyce wants to establish how the worldly desires such as social affirmation are significant in attaining peace within

Choose either 100 best poems for Children or Peter Pan Essay

Choose either 100 best poems for Children or Peter Pan - Essay Example Peter Pan; or the Boy who Wouldn’t Grow Up, when first staged in 1904, was received with almost unanimous enthusiasm. The critics though appreciative were ‘a little cautious and puzzled’ (Watson, 2009, p. 143); and not surprisingly so. Peter Pan was no ordinary children’s tale. With its queer mixture of childlike fantasy and very adult dark humour, even the first, spectacular viewing of the play must have hinted at the layers of subliminal messages it contained. Peter Pan evidently deserved further penetration. The Peter Pan myth, as indeed it grew to become, has been interpreted with various perspectives. The Spectacle used in the play, the psychological character of Peter and Wendy’s relationship, the biographical link to Barrie’s own experiences with the Llewellyn Davies boys – have all been scrutinised and commented upon. But the most prominent observation the play seems to make, and Barrie through it, is on the divide separating ch ildren and grown-ups. What does Peter Pan say about childhood and adulthood? Or to divide it further, on girlhood and boyhood? Does this commentary hold ground a hundred years after its inception? In what ways have its interpretations changed? Children are known (and often rebuked) for asking too many questions: what better way to begin such an exploration than to try and answer these? Barrie’s treatment of adult males in his play might be a good place to begin. Neither of the two significant men characters, Mr. Darling and Captain Hook, is portrayed charitably. Mr. Darling has the trappings of a characteristic patriarchal head, but that is all. He holds no real authority, either at the workplace ‘where he sits on a stool all day, as fixed as a postage stamp’ (Barrie, 2008 [1904], Act I) or at home; as is evident in the scene about the medicine between him and Michael in Act I. Without being too simplistic, one can sum up Mr. Darling as a fussy man, too anxious about social propriety and not

Sport Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sport Education - Essay Example Individuals do not exist in a nutshell; they interact, relate, and behave in specific manners which eventually affect their health. The schools’ curriculum should include subjects which promote health and physical education through sports to enforce correct behavioral patterns at a young age and continue this positive reinforcement until adulthood. Therefore, health promotion and physical education in the schools through sport education is of critical importance. The objective of this research paper is to consider the potential barriers to fully implementing the sport education framework into the delivery of physical education (PE) in the UK, making particular reference to one’s school sport experiences. Physical education is a mandatory course promoting physical activity and sports mostly from grades 1 to 6. The objectives of physical education classes are teaching to ensure physical fitness, promoting regular exercises, and presenting nutrition and health subjects. In some traditional schools, however, physical education incorporates sports only as a minor endeavor with limited sports skills being honed. In this regard, Daryl Siedentop conceived the incorporation of sports education in Ohio State University’s curriculum with the purpose of educating children â€Å"in the fullest sense, and to help develop competent, literate, and enthusiastic sportspeople (Siedentop, 1994, 4)† (Penney, Clarke, Quill & Kinchin, 2005, 5). The objective of SE is that â€Å"students will be supported in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress their own and others learning, their participation in physical activity and sport, and their enjoyment of it, within and outside of the physical education curriculum. Finally, Sport Education endeavours to locate learning experiences and participation in physical activity and sport in the wider social,

Organizational Conflict Essay Example for Free

Organizational Conflict Essay Conflicts within an organization can be difficult on employees. Some conflicts may be petty and some could end up in violence. They are often started because of the difference of opinions between employees (Shetach, A., 2012). Regardless of the situation; employers cannot afford to have conflicts within their organization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the reason for the conflict within this organization and to come up with ways to help solve the conflicts. Description of the Conflict The conflict at my place of employment is that there are never enough associates scheduled to perform the duties that are needed to be done. The ICS team is the main team that goes through the inventory in the back room on a daily basis. Their job is to bin every item that comes within this store with a labeling system. The problem that is being cause is that there are not enough associates able to keep up with binning the items after the ICS team finishes scanning and counting their freight. What conflict that has occurred from this is that the unloaders are coming in and they have to help them out. In return the un-loaders are falling behind in their work. When the morning shift associates comes in; mainly department managers they have to work out the items that the ICS team has scanned. When you look at the amount of freight that is needing to be work out, it could be from four to fifteen L-carts. L-carts are the large carts that are used to move large freight to the floor or to the customer’s car. Production was falling behind because there was not a good plan set into place on who, what, and how the receiving area of the store would be operated. There was lack of communication that was going on between upper management and lower management. It seemed as though the associates were the ones that were making the decisions instead of the managers. The ICS team and the un-loaders were constantly arguing with each other, claiming that the other one is not doing their job. The department managers were coming in to work stating that the overnight associates were not putting out freight. It looked as if the same freight was left from the day before was not being worked. Level of Conflict There are four levels of conflict within an organization (Baack, D., 2012). What is going on within this organization is called intragroup conflicts. Intragroup conflicts occur when incidents between members of a team do not have the same mind set concerning goals. They disagree with the way the operations are being handled and the leadership (Baack, D., 2012). If conflicts are left unattended within an organization it could affect the overall goal of the company. The teams may not do what they need to do and the decision that they make in doing their job may not be the right decision (Baack, D., 2012). Propose Steps to Resolve the Conflict There are five steps that must be followed in order to help resolve conflicts within this organization. The first thing is to identify the parties that are involved in the conflict. Determining if the entire team is involved or if there is an individual that is causing the conflict need to be investigated first (Baack, D., 2012). By doing this, it will allow for the managers to help determine what is need to be done in order to resolve the conflict. This conflict can be stopped with the proper communication between team members and management. But they need to have weekly meeting in order to go over their goals and their concerns (Shetach, A., 2012). Having meeting will allow the team members to voice their opinions if they feel they may not be doing ample amount of production that is needed in order to be productive. This can be analyzed by management as soon as it is brought up in the meeting. The management team needs to find out what the real issue is within the team and figure o ut how the problem started. While they are investigating this issue they need to also know what position that each team member have concerning this conflict (Baack, D., 2012). This can help management to understand where each team member stands on this conflict so it could help them come up with a better solution in order to stop the problem. Finding an area in which there can be bargaining is very important in resolving conflicts within an organization (Baack, D., 2012). Management need to stay neutral in making a decision regarding the conflict that is going on between the ICS team, the unloaders, and the department managers. There should be lines in which the managers need to be able to listen to all sides and not show favoritism. Finding the best solution for the organization in what is important. The policies need to be addressed at the time when bargaining process is going on (Montgomery, M., 1995). At the same time, the team members need to be able to work through their conflicts. There need to be a check list that needs to be done on a daily basis in order for each backroom associate to follow. If they are not able to do what they are assigned then they should be able to type in the reason why. For example, I was called to work in the garden center by Assistant Tony. It should have the time, and date on the log so that it can show the reason why a task was not completed. Management should not be able to call an ICS member out of their work area for more than 15 minutes a day. Considering they might be one of four that was assigned to scan in what is coming off of the trucks. Another step that could help resolve the conflict is to schedule people with the department managers that only have one associate. Some department managers do not have more than one associate within th eir area. A department manage usually have five hundred to five thousand prices changes to do on a daily basis. They have to work their bins; bins are the freight that they have to put out on the shelves. If more associates are schedule past 5 pm, it could help the organization to make a better profit; because the shelves will be filled. Not all conflict situations are the same. Some may be resolved if the people that are involved learn the effect that their opinion, attitudes, or behavior have on other team members (Montgomery, M., 1995). Some of the managers need to be more productive by helping the team members to see what they need to improve in or what they have to offer to make the team stronger. Outcomes to the Conflict Resolution By not doing anything and letting the teams argue about what each other are doing it will cause a lack of production within the team. It could affect the entire team as a whole. Agreement is very important in a conflict resolution (Baack, D., 2012). When all of the team members on the ICS, department managers, and the un-loaders believe that their opinions matters that is when agreement is reached. The managers have to let them all know that all of the concerns that were leading up to their conflicts have been met. Everyone will be held accountable for their own job expectation, and no one will be pulled out of their area for more than fifteen minutes a day. The night managers will make sure that they have associates working in areas that have the largest amount of freight in order to keep the department managers from being over whelmed. Stronger relationships may develop between the teams; however, some teams like to work without other teams being involved. Take the ICS team for example; they do not trust anyone to count what is coming in on the truck. If an upper member of management scans what comes in on the truck they do not have much of a choice. If a new employee is in training they have to gain trust within this group before they let them work by themselves. And finally organizational learning can take place among team members. The can learn how to work together by coming up with better ways to find solutions to the problems they may encounter within their team (Baack, D., 2012). They can learn how to deal with each other on a personal level because they may have learned what each team needs. If the meetings continue to be given between these three teams on a weekly basis, this will teach them. In conclusion, there conflicts can make it difficult for team to work together. This paper was to show ways that teams could resolve their conflicts in order to help their organization to run smoothly and put a handle on conflicts. References Baack, D. (2012). Organizational behavior. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Montgomery, M., (1995). Five steps to resolves conflicts. Supervisory Management, 40(10), 8 Shetach, A., (2012). Conflict Leadership. Navigating Toward Effective and Efficient Team Outcomes. Journal for Quality Participation, 35(2), 25-30

Organizational Culture Case Study: BrainGame

Organizational Culture Case Study: BrainGame Introduction The importance of individual and organisational culture are vital components for business to succeed. BrianGame has the organisational culture of making global volunteers as their workers to develop games. However, the debate among BrainGames top management now considers changing the culture of volunteers to full-time employees, which raise issues on the relationship between volunteers and BrainGame. This essay will examine the challenges that BrainGame face and provide recommendations based on the challenges for BrainGame. Trust and Group Conflict One challenge for BrainGame is trust. Some top management want to replace volunteers with full-time developers. This is because volunteers are not productive and hard to manage, more than a thousand crappy ideas proposed, according to Rutger Ekberg, the head of product development (Sutton et al, 2014). Figure 1: (Dietz and Hartog, 2006) People like Rutger from BrainGame belongs to deterrence-based, they dont trust  volunteers and have no positive expectation over volunteers. They believe if no full-time experienced developers used, then what if game fails and the potential of losing investors. This is also a group problem. The companys top management are task conflicts because of the disagreement among top management about the content and outcomes of volunteers performance (Wit et al, 2012). Task conflict may hurt more proximal group outcomes, such as trust from volunteers and volunteers satisfaction. This latter effect is especially likely when volunteers interpret the companys diverging viewpoints as a negative assessment of their own abilities and competencies (Wit et al, 2012). If volunteers are not trusted, then the company will not run effectively, and influence companys operation like productivity, communication, and raise problem of demotivating volunteers, reduce their commitment to the company. According to Mayer and Gavin (1999) employees performance will suffer if they believe their leader cant be trusted. Some top management such as Lena, the CEO, are knowledge-based to volunteers. They believe volunteers saves money and provide free marketing for the company as well as free product development, but they need to convenience people who distrust volunteers so BrainGame can work toward the same target (Dietz and Hartog, 2006). Motivation Another challenge is motivation. BrainGame needs to motivate volunteers so they can be more efficient. Volunteers who work for BrainGame are unpaid, they work because they want to create positive, nonviolent, commercially viable product that reward empathy and caring rather than aggression and revenge (Sutton et al, 2014). Figure 2: (Herzberg F, 1987) Self-determination theory explain the motivation for peoples growth and human development (Deci and Ryan, 2004). The theory explains the intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors are self-determined by ones own will (Deci et al, 1991). From figure 2, it shows achievement, recognition and work itself and responsibility are the top four motivation factors, which are all intrinsic motivation. These motivation factors are correlated with BrainGames volunteers because they want be respected by others, recognize for their work and actually make a difference. The problem between BrainGame and volunteers is some people in BrainGame dont recognize their work, they distrust them. Which could lead to more ineffective production and creativity because volunteers are discovered they are not recognized for what they do and what they contribute, therefore will not fully commit to the job or even leave. If BrainGame wants to keep volunteers, then they need to help volunteers achieve what they wan t so they can commit to the job. Organizational Culture Organizational culture is another challenge for BrainGame. The company have the culture of volunteers instead of full time developers. Klaus called this culture a movement (Sutton et al, 2014). However, the culture has been in question of volunteers should be replaced by full-time developers. Figure 3: (Hartnell et al, 2011) BrainGames culture is most likely to be the adhocracy culture type, because this type of culture is externally oriented with flexible organizational structure (Hartnell et al, 2011). BrainGame has a very flexible organizational structure with over thousands of volunteers as developers around the world (Sutton et al, 2014). The fundamental assumption in adhocracy cultures is that change fosters the creation or garnering of new resources (Hartnell et al, 2011). This organizational type encourages people to be innovative. However, BrainGames current culture doesnt work efficiently. Volunteers produced many ideas but most ideas are not viable to use and time consuming. Moreover, BrainGame initial ideas of using volunteers are because of cost saving. Since BrainGame are making profit now, the company needs to rethink its organizational culture, to continue with volunteers or move on to full time developers. The company needs to also consider the risk of losing volunteers and the possibili ty of turn thousands of brand evangelists to brand haters since volunteers provides free marketing and advertising (Sutton et al 2014). Leadership BrainGames top management have the characteristics of transactional leadership with laissez-faire and management by action (passive) style. They hesitate when make decisions and only make interventions if standards are not met (Judge and Piccolo, 2004). According to research, laissez-faire and management by action (passive) are negatively correlated with leadership criteria (Judge and Piccolo, 2004). Based on the case, BrainGames top management have constant debate on should they keep volunteers or replace them with full time developers. However, no one could come up with a defiant solution. BrainGames top management especially Lena needs to change their leadership styles, to be more inspired to other people, have vision and active. Question 2 Goal-Setting Theory As challenges addressed above, it is important to make appropriate recommendations to help BrainGame solve its problems. One recommendation is using the goal setting theory to solve motivation problem. Figure 4: (Lunenburg, 2011) Figure 4 shows the process of goal-setting theory. The two cognitive determinants of behavior are values and intentions (goals) (Lunenburg F.C, 2011). As for BrainGame, the goal for volunteers is try to achieve self-actualization, to create positive, commercially viable product and have the desire to do things consistent with them. Goals leads to attention and action which gain motivation and lead to higher effort with persistence. Goals help people to find the right strategies for themselves so that they can perform at the level they can to achieve that goal. Finally, goal achievement can lead to sense of accomplishment and further motivation, or frustration and lower motivation if failed to accomplish the goal. (Lunenburg F.C, 2011). The goal setting theory under the right conditions will help BrainGame set goals for volunteers to achieve efficiency and productivity. The first step for goal setting theory is people needs to accept goal first, so that they can be motivated to achieve their goal target (Locke and Latham, 2002). Then they need to commit to their goals, two factors help people to commit their goals are self-efficacy and importance (Locke and Latham, 2002). Importance are factors that makes people stick to their goal, including what they expected for their result (Locke and Latham, 2002). According to Erez et al (1985) shows by having involvement in setting its own goals will make them accept their goals at a higher rate because they feel under control of their goal setting. By involved in goal setting, they will have a better understanding of the task and what will they expect as a result. Self-efficacy is how much people believe they can achieve their goal (Locke and Latham, 2002). Self-efficacy can be improved by provide training for volunteers such as online training, this will help increase their skills which leads to better productivity and efficiency. Through effective and regular communication between the company and volunteers to encourage volunteers, this will help gain their confidences (Locke and Latham, 2002). Through training and regular communication, individuals will have a better understanding of their own goal importance and more self-confidence towards their goal, therefore improve goal commitment (Locke and Latham, 2006). A goal needs to be specific and measurable, goals which are unclear are confusing and normally have little effect on motivation. Making goal clear allows people to focus on at the right directions and act related to goal (Lock and Latham, 2002). Volunteers with specific goal target will have better understanding of the task, results in efficiency. Goal is proven to be a motivational factor for people to follow if difficulty is considered, it gives the incentive for people to challenge. If goal target is too difficult, it will demotivate people and reduce their commitment. Goal difficulty not just affect individuals behavior, it will also affect at organizational level. In the late 1960s, Fords goal to gain market share against international competitors, goal was set at tight deadlines and many levels of management signed off on unperformed safety check to the newly development car- the Ford Pinto, results in 53 consumer deaths, the challenging goal was met but companys unethical behavior has damaged its reputation (Ordà ³Ãƒ ±ez et al, 2009). Setting goals that are too high or difficult not only reduce motivation and commitment but also can create dishonesty, cutting corners and corruption (Bennett, 2009). BrainGame needs to be clear of their goal settings, specific and measurable, not setting high goals that demotivating volu nteers, since they are not contract bound by the company, demotivating them will only damage the company. Feedback is essential for volunteers to retain their goal commitment and effectiveness. It is important to give volunteers with constant feedbacks on their work so they can aware of all the progress and mistakes they made during their work, or it will become difficult to monitor the level of effort that needs in order to achieve the goal target more sufficiently (Sorrentino, 2006). Additionally, feedback gives the advantage that allows individual to spot their personal disadvantages towards their goals, and allows promptly adjustment to be done (Smith and Hitt, 2005). By having feedbacks, volunteers will know their work has been checked and evaluated and people are recognizing their work. Provide positive feedbacks to volunteers means BrainGame recognize their work. Whereas negative feedbacks will also motivate them and increase their effort to work if they have high self-efficacy. In contrast, volunteers with low self-efficacy will respond with less effort and demotivated to negativ e feedbacks (Bandura and Cervone, 1986). However, goal setting theory have limitation. Concentrating only to goal can cause people to miss other factors in your environment (Simons and Chabris, 1999). When attention is focused on goal, people become inattention to other factors, which could sometimes cause people to miss the bigger picture. Transformational Leadership BrainGame needs to transform from transactional leadership to transformational leadership style in order to run the company more efficiently. Transformational leaders are more effective because they are more creative, and they encourage and help the people who followed them to be creative (Shin and Zhou, 2003). Companies with transformational leaders are more decentralized, managers are more likely to take risks, compensation plans are aim for long-term results (Ling et al, 2008). According to a study of information technology workers in China found giving more power to people will create positive personal control among workers, thus increased their creativity at work (Zhang and Bartol, 2010). Companies with transformational leaders also have better agreement with managers about goals and strategies, this leads to better and efficient group and organizational operations and performance (Colbert et al 2008). Research from 203 team members and 60 leaders in a business unit found high p erformance is related to individual transformational leadership, and high group performance is also related to team focused transformational leadership (Hetland 2007; Lowe 1996). To have transformational leaders is important for BrainGame because there has been debates on volunteers, with people having different opinions but no one have profound and extraordinary effect to influence other people, the level of distrust to volunteers has raised in top management. As a leader, it is important to trust and guide your people with right directions. Transformational leaders obtain higher levels of trust, which in result reduce their followers anxiety and fear (liu et al, 2010). Followers who trust their leader are confident they will be protected for their interest and rights (Hosmer, 1995). BrainGames leaders needs act as transformational leaders and to trust their volunteers because volunteers are there main developer of game. The business is attracting investment and best ideas were gen erated from volunteers. Volunteers want to achieve recognition and trust is the best way to recognize their work. Transformational leaders encourage creativity and support peoples idea, by encouraging their ideas and guide them towards right direction (Schaubroeck et al, 2011). This will help volunteers improve their skills, and improve their productivity and commitment. Training is an effective way to become a better transformational leader. Training include teach skills on trust building and mentoring, learn how to analysis and evaluate a situation and apply those skills into their own styles, and evaluate in a given situation, which leader behaviors is appropriate to use (Brady, 2010). For BrainGames top management, train them gives them more skills to evaluate the current situation, and provide long-term strategy, and better skills to build trust and communication. with volunteers. To conclude, BrainGame currently in debate over should volunteers be replaced by full-time developers. To do so, it could lose trust from volunteers and demotivate them. Organizational culture will have to change, and leadership style needs to change in order to run the company more effectively. Goal-setting theory is a good method to solve some challenges faced by BrainGame. By goal-setting, volunteers will have better understanding of their task and motivate them, which will increase their productivity and efficiency and this is one of the most important factors why BrainGame want to replace volunteers. However, goal difficulty needs to be careful set or it could cause negative impact. By transit from transitional to transformational leadership, leaders of BrainGame will motivate, communicate better with employees. Transformational leadership skills can be improved with training. Nevertheless, BrainGame should retain volunteers, and build a better strategy around them to run more e fficiently. Question 3 It was a group project I worked with other group members. Group leader set goals for each one of us, but goal was not specific enough. After the deadline, one group member completely misunderstood the task, which the whole team project was stagnated. That group member was demotivated, but we decided to stop our tasks and help him to finish his first. One of the problem for us while we are doing the project is lack of communication as a group, we all focused on our part but each part is correlated, lack of communication with unspecific goal leads to this problem. After this, we all decided to communicate and help each other more, we all motivated and the project in the end finished faster than the deadlines. I think I will apply motivation to my career, because through self-determination theory, I will know which factors will influence me most to motivate me and my teammates. Word count: 2456 References:   Ã‚   Bandura, A., and Cervone, D. (1986) Differential Engagement in Self-Reactive Influences in Cognitively-Based Motivation, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 38pp.92-113. Bennett, D. (2009) Ready, aim fail. Why setting goals can backfire. The Boston Globe, C1. Brady, D. (2010) The Rising Star of CEO Consulting, TMG, Available: https://miles-group.com/article/rising-star-ceo-consulting accessed date: 16/12/2016 Colbert, A. E., Kristof-Brown, A. E ., Bradley, B.H . and Barrick, M.R. (2008)CEO Transformational Leadership: The Role of Goal Importance Congruence in Top Management Teams,Academy of Management Journal , 51, (1) pp.81-96. Deci, E. L., Vallerand, R. J., Pellitier, L. G. and Ryan, R. M. (1991). Motivation and education: The self-determination perspective. Educational Psychology, 26(3), pp.325 346. Deci, E.L., Ryan, R.M. (2004) Handbook of Self-Determination Research Rochester, NY: The University of Rochester Press. Dietz, G. and Hartog, D. (2006) Measuring Trust Inside Organizations, Personnel review, 35(3) pp.557-588 Erez, M., Earley, P. C. and Hulin, C. L. (1985) The impact of participation on goal acceptance and performance: A two-step model. Academy of Management Journal, 28(1), pp.50-66. Hartnell C. A., Ou A.Y. and Kinicki A. (2011) Organizational Culture and Organizational Effectiveness: A Meta-Analytic Investigation of the Competing Values Frameworks Theoretical Suppositions. Journal of Applied Psychology. 96 (4), pp.677-694. Herzberg, F (1987) One More Time: How Do You Motivate Employees? Harvard Business Review, Reprint 87507, pp.1-16 Hosmer, L.T. (1995) Trust: The Connecting Link Between Organizational Theory and Philosophical Ethics, Academy of Management Review, 20, 393. Hetland, H., Sandal, G. M. and Johnsen, T. B. (2007) Burnout in the Information Technology Sector: Does Leadership Matter? European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology ,16, (1) pp.58-75 Judge, T.A. and Piccolo, R.F. (2004) Journal of Applied Psychology, 89(5) pp.755-768 Liu, J., Siu, O. and Shi, K. (2010) Transformational Leadership and Employee Well-Being: The Mediating Role of Trust in the Leader and Self-Efficacy, Applied Psychology: An International Review, 59(3) pp.454-479. Ling, Y., Simsek, Z., Lubatkin, M.H. and Veiga, J.F. (2008) Transformational Leaderships Role in Promoting Corporate Entrepreneurship: Examining the CEO-TMT Interface, Academy of Management Journal 51(3) pp.557-576. Locke, E. A. and Latham, G. P. (2002) Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), pp.705-717. Locke, E. A. and Latham, G. P. (2006) New directions in goal-setting theory. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(5), pp.265-268. Lowe, K. B., Kroeck, K. G. and Sivasubramaniam, N. (1996). Effectiveness correlates of transformational and transactional leadership: A meta-analytic review of the MLQ literature. The Leadership Quarterly, 7(3), pp.385- 425. Lunenburg F.C. (2011) Goal-Setting Theory of Motivation. 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Polymerisation of Light Cured Resin Cements

Polymerisation of Light Cured Resin Cements Discussion (3000-4000 words) Resin-based composite cements are widely and commonly utilised for the cementation of all-ceramic restorations to the prepared tooth structure because clinical studies have identified that using resin cements for this purpose enables the all-ceramic restorations to have an increased fracture resistance in service and thereby improved clinical performance (Kilinc and others). However, this purpose is only fulfilled optimally if the light-cured resin cement is adequately cured to achieve a sufficient degree of polymerisation. In order to initiate the curing reaction, light energy of an appropriate intensity and wavelength must activate and excite a sufficient number of photoinitiators in order to generate an adequate quantity of free radicals. The generated free radicals can then interact with the C=C bonds within the resin monomer and initiate the polymerisation reaction which results in the formation of a polymer (Dias et al, 2008). An adequate cure would consequently determine the s trength of the reinforcement that is achieved via the application of a resin cement to the ceramic specimens. Light transmission Talk about LT at different distances. Increasing the distance decreases both LT and DC. Lack of light can be overcome by increasing light intensity or increasing exposure time In this study, light-cured resin cement was utilised and adequate LT of restorations is even more pivotal for the for the polymerisation of these light cured resin cements because all these cements can utilise is the light that is transmitted through the restoration, or in the case of this study, the ceramic disc (Kilinc and others). The presence of a ceramic disc also restricts the transmission of light to the resin cement as according to Strang et al, a ceramic is capable of absorbing between 40-50% of the curing light (Passos et al, 2013). In this study, light cured resin cement The light transmission in this study was proved to be affected by the thickness and opacity of the ceramic disc as well as the distance from the curing tip. The translucency of a ceramic depends on its crystalline structure, light refractive indexes and the thickness of the ceramic (Kilinc and others). An opaque material may be ideal for aesthetically demanding clinical situations but opacity has been shown to affect light transmission as well as the polymerisation of the resin cement. It is clear from the results in this study that increasing the thickness or opacity of the ceramic disc decreases light penetration through the disc (Duran et al, 2012). A ceramic disc of increasing thickness or opacity would allow lower light energy to be transmitted through it and resultantly, lower LT. An opaque ceramic contains a higher percentage of chroma and this chroma pigment has the ability to absorb light, therefore less light is transmitted through the ceramic and consequently, negatively influencing the polymerisation of the resin cement (Passos et al, 2013). The results also highlighted the fact that the polymerisation was adversely affected with increasing thickness or opacity of ceramic specimens. The presence of a ceramic disc would influence light attenuation and therefore decrease the number of photoinitiators that are activated in the resin cement. The consequence is a lower DC (Filho et al, 2010). Most clinicians implement a curing regime of 400mW/cm2 for 40 seconds and this is thought to be generally enough for adequate polymerisation when applied directly on the ceramic restoration. The ISO recommend a curing light intensity of 300mW/cm2 and the depth of polymerisation should be no greater than 1.5mm. In this study, the curing time used was 30 seconds at an intensity of 800mW/cm2 (Akgungor et al, 2005). In the darker shades and thicker ceramic specimens, (give combos) had reduced light transmission as low as values†¦ therefore, the resin cement cured through these groups of ceramic discs were far from possibly achieving adequate polymerisation (Kilinc et al, 2011). Another option is to use dual-cured resin cements and dentists and clinicians tend to prefer to use dual-cured resin cement systems when cementing all-ceramic restorations because of the important of achieving adequate light transmission through the indirect restoration, which would consequently lead to an optimal degree of conversion of the cement layer, and the chemical reaction of dual-cured resin cements theoretically guarantees a satisfactory polymerisation of the cement as it could compensate for the lack of DC obtained via photo-activated means which would consequently improve clinical performance. The chemical polymerisation of dual cured resin cements is expected to guarantee the cure of the material even in the deeper regions where limited light reaches (Indian journal of dental research). The lower light transmission influences polymer development by primarily decreasing the C=C bond conversion since the polymerisation process is reliant on on the light exposure to both the ceramic but most importantly, the resin cement (Ilday et al, 2012). The lower the degree of light reaching the luting agent, the lower the degree of polymerisation and consequently, the lower the success and longevity of the resin-strengthening mechanism (Pazin et al, 2008). Light transmission through the ceramic and to the resin cement is vital because if the ceramic restoration/disc prevents polymerisation light from reaching the resin cement layer, causing inadequate polymerisation of the cement layer. This consequently affects the strength of the restoration and the risk of debonding is higher in poorly polymerised cement (Akgungor et al, 2005). During the process of light activation, the light passing through the ceramic is absorbed and scattered. Thereby, the light irradiance produced by the light source is attenuated and its effectiveness is reduced as the ceramic thickness increases (Filho et al, 2010). This was proven in a study by Meng et al, in which it was shown that a light intensity of 800mW/cm2 decreased significantly to 160mW/cm2 after light transmission through a 2mm thick ceramic specimen (Filho et al, 2010). The greater the LT through a ceramic material, the greater the irradiance reaching the resin cement surfaces and accordingly the greater the DC and mechanical properties (Pick et al, 2010). The light transmission through a ceramic restoration may affect the degree of polymerization of resin cements, because the amount of light that reaches the cement layer is decreased.10In general, the factors affecting light transmission through a ceramic material include the thickness and shade of the ceramic material, its microstructure, and the presence of defects and porosities. However, the thickness of indirect materials interposed during photo-activation is a key factor for light attenuation, and polymerization generally decreases as thickness increases.12 The physical and mechanical properties of resin cements may be affected by the thickness and microstructure of ceramic restorations. It is important to emphasize that light-cured resin cements should receive an adequate energy density to reach good polymerization and mechanical properties. Furthermore, only effective photo-activation may ensure clinically acceptable hardness levels of dual-cured resin cements, mainly in criti cal areas. Considering these issues, further studies are needed to find a way to compensate light attenuation aggravated by the interposition of indirect restorative materials. http://www.duhs.edu.pk/download/jduhs-vol.7-issue-2/9.pdf DC Increasing the distance, thickness or opacity of ceramic/resin cement layer would mean that the top few millimetres of the resin cement would adequately polymerise and the remaining material would poorly polymerise due to lack of light (Silva et al, 2009). Insufficient curing also enhances the solubility of the cement which is the common cause of debonding of the restoration (Dias et al, 2008). As the properties of the resin cements are directly related to the degree of polymerisation, the resin cement used for cementation was measured using FTIR. Favourable resin cement polymerisation is vital in order to obtain optimal properties of the cement in order to prolong the longevity and clinical performance of the overlying all-ceramic restoration (Ilday et al, 2012). Various studies have stated the importance of a high monomer-to-polymer conversion with a highly cross-linked polymeric network in order to obtain a clinically successful resin-based restoration. The presence of an increased amount of monomers decreases both DC and mechanical properties and the fracture resistance of the restoration (Francescantonio et al, 2013). The DC% of the resin cement was decreased under the darkest, thickest ceramic combination than under the thinnest, lightest ceramic. The clinical performance of both the resin cement and the ceramic restoration depends on many important factors, with one of these being the degree of polymerisation (journal of the Serbian chemical society). One way of assessing the DC of the resin cements is through the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which detects the C=C stretching vibrations directly before and after curing of the resin cement material (Obradovic et al, 2011). Several factors have been shown to influence the polymerisation of resin-based cements such as the thickness of the resin cement layer, the intensity of the light source as well as the type of light source used, the distance from the curing tip and the duration of curing. The composition of the resin-cement can also affect the rate of polymerisation via factors like the polymer matrix, the filler particles and the coupling between matrix and filler (Obradovic et al, 2011). After a certain period of time, the DC graph appears to straighten off with no increase. This limited conversion is due to limited mobility of the radical chain ends and this limits the conversion of the pendant methacrylate groups from monomer to polymer (Obradovic et al, 2011). During the process of light activation, multiple growth centres are produced and the matrix transforms from a liquid to a viscous phase via the production of a polymer network from a monomer, i.e. the process of gelation. However, subsequently, the polymer network is highly cross-linked as most of the monomer is converted to polymer which results in the link between the monomers and the oligomers with the network being restricted due to limited diffusion (Filho et al, 2010). With light activation, there is a production of free radicals via the excitation of photoinitiators which enables the initiation step to occur instantaneously. As the propagation phase proceeds, the resin cement changes from a liquid to a viscous gel state, thereby making it increasingly difficult for monomers to diffuse to the polymeric growth centres. As a result, as the polymerisation reaction proceeds, less monomer is converted to polymer (Mendes et al, 2010). The rate of polymerisation reduces as the reaction proceeds due to the formation of fewer polymer growth centres. This promotes the formation of loosely cross-linked polymers and poorer mechanical properties (Silva et al, 2009). Adequate polymerisation of the resin cement is crucial for stability, optimal mechanical properties and the clinical performance of the indirect all-ceramic restoration. Furthermore, a greater degree of polymerisation would result in a greater bond between the resin-cement and the ceramic and consequently, maximum bond strength (Ilday et al, 2012). Along with using thinner or less opaque ceramic and resin cement layers, the cure depth of the resin cement, the degree of conversion and consequently the strength of the restoration can be increased by longer light exposure times or increasing the light intensity (Ilday et al, 2012). The latter two factors were not evaluated in this study. Insufficient polymerisation commonly causes early failure of the cemented all-ceramic restoration (Duran et al, 2012). BFS Flexural strength were found to show a relationship with conversion of double bonds with the resin cement (Ozturk et al, 2005). Ceramic specimens luted with a resin luting agent exhibited greater flexural strengths than the specimens without any form of luting agent (Pagniano et al, 2005). Look at pagniano journal for more info- if space left. The discs were left for 24 hours prior to BFS testing because the cement undergoes polymerisation for 24 hours after curing and if BFS was tested straight after curing, then the cement would not have reached the maximum polymerisation possible and therefore the risk of debonding and poor flexural strength is greater (Akgungor et al, 2005). The magnitude of strengthening is reliant on on the flexural modulus of the resin cement. This can also be known as the modulus of elasticity. (value of resin cement according to dr Addison journal). The modulus, in other studies, has been identified to be between 7 and 12 GPa. The elastic modulus of the cement is vital to study because it is related to how effectively stress can be transmitted between the all-ceramic restoration and the tooth structure. Moreover, it provides an indication as to how well the cement can resist elastic deformation which ultimate would endanger the integrity of the bonded interface between the ceramic and cement. Ideally, the resin cement should have an elastic modulus that is between that of dentine and the ceramic restorative material (Braga et al, 2002). Flexural strength of brittle materials is likely to be more affected by surface defects or imperfections such as porosity, cracks and other related flaws. Specimen failure is thought to initiate at the bottom surface of the specimen and all ceramic specimens were placed with the non-irradiated surface facing towards the load application and therefore a lower DC would lead to a reduced flexural strength (Pick et al, 2010). From BFS testing, it was evident that a decrease in BFS generated at the resin-ceramic interface when testing the ceramic specimen (A3.5 at 1.40mm) with the lowest DC. Resin coating significantly increased the mean BFS of the greatest conversion system but not as significantly in the other two groups of ceramic specimens tested. It should be noted that the system with the greatest DC had the greatest change in BFS which highlights the importance of DC on the magnitude of resin-reinforcement that is achieved (Fleming et al, 2012). Despite the resin-reinforcement, it is suggested by Yesil that failure still occurs and the mode of failure is caused by surface flaws or flaws within the ceramic material, the adhesive layer, or the bonded cement and flaws in the interface (Yesil, 2009). Furthermore, in a different study carried out by Thompson et al, the results demonstrated that when clinically failed glass-ceramic restorations were analysed, the majority of these restorations failed because of fractures and most of the fractures initiated from flaws and stresses originating from the adhesive resin cement interface and not from the restoration contact surface (Yenisey et al, 2009). Clinically, the thickness and opacity of the ceramic restoration acts as a barrier to light penetrating the methacrylate resin-based composite cements. Therefore, the durability of the bond produced between the ceramic restoration and the resin cement as well as the interface between the cement and the surrounding tooth structure will be compromised. For resin-based composites, a maximum value of DC is ideally wanted in which there is complete conversion of the monomer double bonds to network contributory single bonds. However, the conversion is normally between 45-70% because vitrification stops the reactions by inhibiting diffusion (Isgro et al, 2011). The strength values may be different due to the absence of polishing in the ceramic specimens that were tested for BFS. The discs used in LT testing were polished whereas the ceramic discs tested in BFS were not polished. Instead, the internal fit surfaces of the dental ceramics were roughened to promote adhesion. The strength values obtained may have been affected by the absence of polishing of dental ceramic specimens prior to mechanical testing. (see Isgro et al, 2011) for more info. Give values of % increase between cemented and uncemented samples and the mean values. Look at Pagniano et al, 2005 for information on how the interaction between cement and ceramic affects BFS. Add if word count available. Future work Look at effect with different light output- look at Duran et al, 2012 journal. If space left, look at Pazin et al journal for info on degree of cross-linking. Look at SEM images Look at Molin et al, 2006 and Isgro et al, 2011 for info on contraction stresses for BFS In conclusion, adequate polymerisation is desirable to reduce problems associated with post-operative sensitivity, microleakage, risk of recurrent caries, discolouration, in addition to decreased mechanical, chemical and physical properties of the resin cement. Furthermore, it will compromise the clinical success and longevity of the restoration. Sufficient DC would also improve the biocompatibility of the restoration and most importantly, the resin cement layer by reducing the number of residual monomers that are leached into the oral environment (Kim et al, 2009; Yan et al, 2010; Braga et al, 2002).

The Literary Merit of Animal Farm Essay -- Animal Farm

The Literary Merit of Animal Farm      Ã‚  Ã‚   The year of 1945 marked a great turning point in world history.   The end of the Second World War, the detonation of the atomic bomb, the beginning of the Cold War took place during that year.   Also in 1945, George Orwell published Animal Farm, The book drew wide interest due to its scathing commentary on the Russian communist movement at a time when Britain and Russia were still allies.   The body of criticism relating to the novel is among the greatest of twentieth century literature.   Attacking the work from a variety of angles, every detail has been poked and prodded, but the consensus is still out on how best to judge Orwell's book.   By analyzing the usage of simple themes, comparisons to the Russian communist movement, and the usage of animal allegory in George Orwell's Animal Farm, its overall literary value may be evaluated.      Ã‚  Ã‚   One of the hallmarks of Animal Farm is its thematic simplicity.   Set on a farm in rural Britain, the book chronicles the history of the farm's animals and their revolution against humans.   From its chaotic beginnings, the revolution is able to defend itself against its enemies and make technological leaps.   However, a rigid hierarchy is soon forged which so resembles the ante-bellum totalitarian leadership of Farmer Jones that "the creatures outside looked from pig to man... but already it was impossible to say which was which," (Orwell 128).   Orwell's smooth and simple narrative is clear-cut and easy to understand, which adds to the overall appeal of the book.      Ã‚  Ã‚   However, some critics interpret this very simplicity as a weakness.   They hold that by making such broad generalizations of very complex situations, the merit of Animal Fa... ...asured in the years to come.    Works Cited: Alldritt, Keith. The Making of George Orwell. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1961. Meyers, Jeffrey, ed. George Orwell: The Critical Heritage. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1975. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. Signet 50th Anniversary Edition, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1996. Zwerdling, Ales. Orwell and the New Left. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1974.    Works Consulted: Bloom, Harold, ed. George Orwell's Animal Farm. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1999. Davison, Peter. George Orwell: A Literary Life. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996. Fowler, Roger. The Language of George Orwell. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995. Gross, Miriam, ed. The World of George Orwell. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1971. Williams, Raymond. Orwell. London: Fontana Press, 1991.

Kohlbergs Moral Development Essay -- Psychology Psychological Lawrenc

Kohlberg’s Moral Development   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lawrence Kohlberg was born in Bronxville, New York on October 25, 1927. He was born into a wealthy family and enjoyed all of the luxuries that the rich lifestyle had to offer including the finest college prep schools. However, Kohlberg was not too concerned with this lifestyle. Instead he became a sailor with the merchant marines. During World War II, Kohlberg played an instrumental role in smuggling Jews through a British blockade in Palestine. It was during these times that Kohlberg first began thinking about moral reasoning, a subject that would later make him famous. After this Kohlberg enrolled at the University of Chicago where he scored so high on admission test that he only had to take a limited number of courses to earn his bachelor’s degree. This he did in one year. Kohlberg remained at the University Chicago as a graduate student. In 1958, Kohlberg completed his Ph.D. which dealt with moral decision making and was based primarily on the earlier w ork of Jean Piaget. The result was his doctoral dissertation, the first rendition of his new stage theory. Later he served as an assistant professor at Yale University from 1959 to 1961, began teaching at the University of Chicago in 1963. He remained at Chicago until his 1967 appointment to the faculty of Harvard University, where he served as professor of education and social psychology until his death in 1987.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many of our inner standards take the form of judgments as to what is right and what is wrong. They constitute the moral and ethical principles by which we guide our conduct. Lawrence Kohlberg refined, extended, and revised Piaget’s basic theory of the development of moral values. Like Piaget, Kohlberg focused on the moral judgements in children rather than their actions. The manner in which moral judgments develop has been studied extensively by Kohlberg, through the questioning of boys seven years old and up. Kohlberg presented his subjects with a number of hypothetical situations involving moral question like the following. If a man’s wife is dying for lack of an expensive drug that he cannot afford, should he steal the drug? If a patient who is fatally ill and in great pain begs for a mercy killing, should the physician agree? By analyzing the answers and particularly the reasoning by which his subjects reached their answers. Kohlberg determined t h... ...g means that the stages are not just isolated responses but general patterns of thought that will consistently show up across many different kinds of issues. The third concept is Invariant Sequence. Kohlberg believed that his stages unfolded in an invariant sequence. Children go form stage 1 to stage 2 and so on with out skipping a stage. Concept four is Hierarchic Integration. When Kohlberg said that his stages were hierarchically integrated, he meant that people do not lose the insights gained at earlier stages but integrate them into new, broader framework.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other studies confirm that moral development is sequential, moving from external to internal control. In other words, while young children behave in order to avoid punishment or receive approval from others, adults develop internal codes and regulate their own behavior even in the absence of external enforcement. However, criminologists have not found truly strong indications of the effect of moral development on criminal activity. Sociologists who compared the patterns of moral development between delinquents and no delinquents found some differences between the groups, but these differences were not conclusive.

The Hunters: Phantom Chapter 25

elena Matt swung his gaze in horror between Bonnie's prone figure, the name on the floor, and Elena's pale face. After a few shocked minutes, Elena spun and left the room. Stefan and Matt fol owed her as Meredith and the others moved to Bonnie's side. Out in the hal way, Elena pounced on Stefan. â€Å"You were supposed to look after them. If you had been here, Bonnie would have had some protection.† Matt, trailing Stefan out of Bonnie's bedroom, balked. Elena's teeth were bared, her dark blue eyes flashed, and she and Stefan both looked furious. â€Å"It wasn't Stefan's fault, Elena,† Matt protested gently. â€Å"Alaric and Mrs. Flowers had set magical protections. Nothing ought to have been able to get in. Even if Stefan had been here, he wouldn't have been in Bonnie's room with her al night.† â€Å"He should have been, if that's what it took to protect her,† Elena said bitterly. Her face was tight with anger as she looked at Stefan. Even as Matt stood up for Stefan, he couldn't suppress a glow of satisfaction at seeing trouble between Elena and Stefan at last. It's about time Elena realized Stefan isn't perfect, the worst part of him said gleeful y. Mrs. Flowers and Alaric hurried out of the room, breaking the tension between Elena and Stefan. Mrs. Flowers shook her head. â€Å"It seems that Bonnie was very foolishly trying to contact the dead, but I don't see how she could have done this to herself. This must be the result of whatever has been endangering you. Meredith is going to stay by Bonnie's bedside for the time being while we investigate.† Matt glanced at Elena and Stefan. â€Å"I thought you said that Caleb was out of the picture.† â€Å"I thought he was!† Stefan said as they al headed downstairs. â€Å"Maybe this is something he started before we fought.† Alaric frowned. â€Å"If that's true and it's stil going, Caleb himself might not be able to stop it. Even if he died, that wouldn't interrupt a self-perpetuating curse.† Elena strode out to the hal and ripped into the first of the trash bags, her jaw set. â€Å"We need to figure out what he did.† She dug out a stack of notebooks and shoved them into the others' hands. â€Å"Look for the actual steps of a spel . If we know how he did it, maybe Alaric or Mrs. Flowers can figure out how to reverse it.† â€Å"The spel book Bonnie was using is one of mine,† Mrs. Flowers said. â€Å"Nothing in it should have had this effect on her, but I'l examine it just in case.† They each took a notebook and a pile of papers and spread out around the kitchen table. â€Å"There are diagrams in mine,† Stefan said after a minute. â€Å"There's a pentagram, but I don't think it's the same as the one we saw on the floor.† Alaric took the notebook and peered at it, then shook his head. â€Å"I'm not an expert, but that looks like part of a standard protection spel .† The notebook in front of Matt was mostly scribbled notes. Tanner first death? it asked. Halloween? Elena, Bonnie, Meredith, Matt, Tyler, Stefan all present. He could hear Meredith's feet upstairs, restlessly pacing by Bonnie's bedside, and the words blurred before him. He scrubbed the back of his fist against his eyes before he could embarrass himself by crying. This was useless. And even if there was something helpful in here, he would never recognize it. â€Å"Does it strike you guys as weird,† Elena asked, â€Å"that Celia was the first one affected by whatever this evil is? There wasn't anything about her in the shed. And she never met Tyler, let alone Caleb. If Caleb was trying to get revenge on us for Tyler's disappearance, why would he attack Celia first? Or at al , real y.† That was a real y good point, Matt thought, and he was about to say so when he spotted Mrs. Flowers. She was standing stick-straight, staring off past his left ear and nodding slightly. â€Å"Do you real y think so?† she said softly. â€Å"Oh, that does make a difference. Yes, I see. Thank you.† By the time she had finished and her eyes snapped back to focus on them, the others had also noticed her one-sided conversation and grown silent, watching her. â€Å"Does your mother know what happened to Bonnie?† Matt asked her eagerly. He had stayed in Fel ‘s Church fighting the kitsune with Mrs. Flowers when his friends had traveled to the Dark Dimension, and their time as comrades in arms had made him familiar with Mrs. Flowers's casual exchanges with the spirit realm. If Mrs. Flowers's mother had interrupted their conversation, she probably had something useful and important to say. â€Å"Yes,† said Mrs. Flowers, smiling at him. â€Å"Yes, indeed, Mama was very helpful.† Her face grew serious as she glanced around. â€Å"Mama was able to sense the thing that took Bonnie's spirit. Once it had entered the house, she could observe it, although she was powerless to fight it herself. She's upset that she wasn't able to save Bonnie. She's quite fond of her.† â€Å"Is Bonnie going to be okay?† Matt asked, over the others' questions of, â€Å"So what is it?† and â€Å"It's a demon or something, then, not a curse?† Mrs. Flowers looked at Matt first. â€Å"We may be able to save Bonnie. We wil certainly try. But we wil have to defeat the thing that took her. And the rest of you are stil very much in danger.† She looked around at them al . â€Å"It's a phantom.† There was a little pause. â€Å"What's a phantom?† Elena asked. â€Å"Do you mean a ghost?† â€Å"A phantom, of course,† Stefan said quietly, shaking his head like he couldn't believe the idea hadn't occurred to him earlier. â€Å"There was a town I heard of once back in Italy many years ago, where they said a phantom stalked the streets of Umbria. It wasn't a ghost, but a being created by strong emotions. The story was that a man became so enraged at his unfaithful lover that he kil ed her and her paramour, and then himself. And these actions released something, a being made out of their emotions. One by one people living nearby went mad. They did terrible things.† Stefan looked shaken to his core. â€Å"Is that what we're facing? Some kind of demon created out of anger that wil drive people mad?† Elena turned to Mrs. Flowers imploringly. â€Å"Because frankly I think this town has had enough of that.† â€Å"It can't happen again,† Matt said. He was also looking at Mrs. Flowers. She was the only one who had seen the neardestruction of Fel ‘s Church with him. The others had been there for the beginning, sure, but when things got real y awful, when they were at their worst, the girls and the vampires had been off in the Dark Dimension, fighting their own battles to fix it. Mrs. Flowers met his eyes and nodded firmly, like she was making a pledge. â€Å"It won't,† she said. â€Å"Stefan, what you're describing probably was a rage phantom, but it sounds like the popular explanation of what was going on wasn't quite accurate. According to Mama, phantoms feed on emotions like vampires do on blood. The stronger an emotion is, the better fed and more active they are. They're attracted to people or communities that already have these strong emotions, and they create almost a feedback loop, encouraging and nurturing thoughts that wil make the emotion stronger so that they can continue to feed. They're quite psychical y powerful, but they can survive only as long as their victims keep feeding them.† Elena was listening careful y. â€Å"But what about Bonnie?† She looked at Stefan. â€Å"In this town in Umbria, did people fal into comas because of the phantom?† Stefan shook his head. â€Å"Not that I ever heard of,† he said. â€Å"Maybe that's where Caleb comes in.† â€Å"I'l cal Celia,† said Alaric. â€Å"This wil help focus her research. If anyone has any material at al on this, it'l be Dr. Beltram.† â€Å"Could your mother tel what kind of phantom it was?† Stefan asked Mrs. Flowers. â€Å"If we know what emotion it feeds on, we could cut off its supply.† â€Å"She didn't know,† she said. â€Å"And she doesn't know how to defeat a phantom either. And there's one more thing we should take into consideration: Bonnie's got a lot of innate psychic power of her own. If the phantom has taken her, it's probably tapped into that.† Matt nodded, fol owing her train of thought. â€Å"And if that's so,† he finished grimly, â€Å"then this thing is only going to get stronger and more dangerous.†