TRIANGLE The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle Essay

TRIANGLE The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle - Essay Example The Triangle factory was not the best example of its kind in New York, but it was not the worst either. In a single working day, a thousand blouses would take shape, involving the work of machine operators, quality checkers, foremen, bookkeepers, shipping clerks, taking up their places on the top three floors of the ten storey Asch building which were devoted solely to the production of shirtwaist blouses. Factory owners and town planners had a duty, in theory at least, to observe general principles of safety and health, but everyone knew that â€Å"in reality, no one - contractors or city authorities - paid meaningful attention to laws against crowding.† (Drehle, p. 47) In the rush to produce ever more blouses, and of course to bring in ever greater profits, the bosses used to cut corners and push their workers to the limits. In some cases there were signs that they even went beyond the limits, as for example when they short-changed the workers’ pay, or tampered with t he clocks to make sure lunch breaks were short, and working days were long. (von Drehle, p. 7) After all, the more money the company made, the more secure the jobs were, and the more money the workers made also. The terrible events that occurred on the afternoon on Saturday, March 25, 1911 have caused citizens across America to stand up for their rights and demand that bosses be held responsible for the safety of their workers. This single dreadful fire which caused the deaths of almost 150 loyal workers could and should have been prevented by proper fire alarm systems, and by ensuring that sufficient fire exits are available at all times to allow people working on the upper floors to descend to the street both quickly and safety. The newspaper reports speak of locked doors, broken fire escapes, and a total absence of a plan for the evacuation of the personnel. Some have argued that the design of the Triangle factory was progressive and modern, since it had lofty roof spaces and a l ayout that allowed for the use of efficient new machinery. The machines made clothing faster, but at the same time there were dangers in every sharp angle, and every unguarded cutting edge, every moving needle. It is marvellous what modern science can do but at the same time this event shows that there is just as big a need to use our skills to design and implement systems for the protection of the workforce. It is just not acceptable that we have the knowledge to build sprinkler systems and fireproof stairways (Von Drehle, p. 195) but that we choose not to use it just because of the trouble and cost that they add to the construction costs of the workplace. The Triangle disaster points to one of the biggest problems that face twentieth century America: the greed for profit which is sought at the expense of individual workers’ rights. Each person who died in that factory had a family back at home, who now will suffer for the rest of their lives from the memory of what happened , and the traumatic events that were described by the police and rescue services. Most of the people who died were young and they had their whole lives before them, and yet they were wiped out because of the drive for profit which was made at the expense of their futures. There is one

Introduction to management science coursework Research Paper

Introduction to management science coursework - Research Paper Example better analysis, we have separated the data into Small debtors (250 customers owing in total $86,370) and Big debtors (30 customer owing in total $43,630). This division resulted in significant increase in correlation coefficient for both groups in comparison to the general population. Correlation coefficient values (0.780 and 0.655) indicate strong positive relationship between amount of debt and number of days. That means that customers who receive bigger amount of credit tend to pay later compared to the group's average. An average big debtor pays back later than the average small debtor (19.2 vs. 14.1 days on average). It is recommended: To implement stricter credit policy and receivables collection for high amounts of credit for each group separately (e.g. more than $500 for small debtors and more than $1,500 for big debtors); To concentrate on big debtors as, on average, they pay later and own significant amounts (less than 11% of customers owe 33.6% of the total amount of receivables). 3. 'All-For-Kids': i. Storage costs: one pack gets allocated the cost of renting 1.5/15 = 0.1 feet (10) Let S be average stock throughout the year. Then annual holding stock cost is: 0.15*2.50*365*S + 10*S = 146.9*S Storage cost constitutes 10S/146.9S = 6.8% out of total holding stock cost. ii. The quantity ordered should equal to 2S. With the optimal order schedule the cost of order-handling and shipment would offset the cost of holding one more additional day of stock: 0.15*2.50*S + (10/365)*S = 30 Solving we find S = 75. The optimal order should be 2S = 150 packs and made every three working days. iii. It has been assumed that when the new order is delivered the actual quantity on stock is zero. It is not very realistic with regard to real businesses because of demand...However, the two distinct groups in the set can be seen and, for purpose of better analysis, we have separated the data into Small debtors (250 customers owing in total $86,370) and Big debtors (30 customer owing in total $43,630). This division resulted in significant increase in correlation coefficient for both groups in comparison to the general population. Correlation coefficient values (0.780 and 0.655) indicate strong positive relationship between amount of debt and number of days. That means that customers who receive bigger amount of credit tend to pay later compared to the group's average. An average big debtor pays back later than the average small debtor (19.2 vs. 14.1 days on average). iii. It has been assumed that when the new order is delivered the actual quantity on stock is zero. It is not very realistic with regard to real businesses because of demand fluctuations and safety stock that is usually kept. Conducting the similar analysis for lower limit of every range, we see that in all cases additional costs are higher than additional savings and the store's manager should keep the order level at 150 packs.

Leadership and Management for Service Improvement Essay

Leadership and Management for Service Improvement - Essay Example This stage of our group formation had been lagging for a while before I emerged as a facilitative leader. When this stage passed, our relationships became more harmonious with agreed upon values and rules of operation. Each member began to take responsibility, as they understood their other team members, with the group leader taking a back seat to proceedings. As the group leader, I think I took up a democratic style of leadership. These types of leaders make decisions at the final stage but include the other team members in the process of decision-making (Gillam, 2011: p65). While I took care of coordinating the team and their work delivery, I allowed them to carry out their research without giving instructions. However, whatever went into the report was finally decided upon by me, with any additional material needed communicated to the team member responsible. The benefits of this sort of leadership are numerous. The team members got job satisfaction since they all participated in drafting the final assignment. This style also helped to develop their research skills. The members of the team felt that they controlled the destiny of their assignment marks thus felt more motivated to do their best (Hartley & John, 2010: p26). However, since participation by all members takes time, the decision-making process was slow. Coulin’s absence caused the assignment’s timeline to stretch. ... Overall, this leadership style made me feel in charge although giving everyone a chance to give their opinion brought on some conflict. During the initial stages of the holiday, my inability to access the University’s homepage on my computer proved to be a hindrance. It actually raised a storm with some of the members when I told them that I had not handed in the assignment because of this problem. In the future, it would be better if this sort of assignments were held face to face rather than online since team members are generally least interested in the assignment over the internet. It is possible that some had multiple pages on their computer screens and were multi-task during teamwork (Muller et al, 2006: p9). The team’s five-team members could be fitted into at least five Belbin’s team roles (Gold et al, 2010: p15). Ken could be considered a resource investigator, as he was enthusiastic, extroverted, and communicative. He explored the different sources of i nformation that we had and, through his contacts in the library, was able to get more information sources. Stacy was the implementer, as she was efficient, conservative, reliable, and disciplined. Danny was the shaper, given her dynamic and challenging nature. She never lacks the courage and drive to overcome obstacles. I acted as the leader and doubled up as the coordinator. My confidence and maturity cut me out of this, in addition with my clear goals, promotion of decision-making and proper job delegation. Finally, Coulin was supposed to be the plant, especially given her unorthodox, imaginative, and creative mind. However, she was rarely available and brought about a lot of frustration for the other team members. On the days when she showed up for meetings, though, she was very

Critical Thinking Exercise Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical Thinking Exercise - Essay Example The brand collectively has over 33,000 restaurants, franchises and outlets serving on a daily basis over 68 million people in almost 120 countries. (About McDolands) The business model of franchising helps McDonald’s to convey reliable, quality oriented and locally-relevant eating experiences to its customers. The total assets of the company amount to $32,990 million including a $22.8 billion of fixed assets. The current assets of the company amount to $4.4 billion and a goodwill of $2.6 billion. The proportion of the current assets over the total assets is 13% and the net identifiable and tangible assets of the company have a proportion of 69.2% which indicates a healthy backing of tangible assets. The major portion of the company’s liabilities is the long-term debt of the company which amounts to $12.1 billion and takes 65.24% of $18.6 billion of the total liabilities. The current liabilities of the company, which majorly include payroll and trade payables, has a low standing as compared to the current assets as the current liabilities amount to $3.5 billion as at December 31, 2011. The company has generated total revenue of $27 billion for the year 2011 and $18.3 billion of that revenue has been generated through company operated restaurants while the remaining from franchised restaurants generating an operating profit of $8.4 billion whereby the operating expenses majorly include food, payroll and other operational expenses such as the ambiance and maintenance related costs of the company. These expenses make up a total of $14.8 billion out of the total $18.5 billion operating expenses. The net income of the company after tax is $5.5 billion for the year which is quite attractive for such a company operating in such a competitive environment. The company also declared a dividend of $2.6 billion for its common shareholders. The company was able to maintain the same level of cash as last year as the company’s total cash was $2.34

Sterling 1973 Article Summary Essay Example for Free

Sterling 1973 Article Summary Essay During the opening of the article the author Robert Sterling declares the purpose of discussing the inconsistencies between research accounting, educational accounting, and professional practicing accounting. The reason being for these differences between the major arenas of accounting is the isolation of research results from both practice and education. However, the absence of conflicts between education and practice is due to the harmony between educators preparing students to operate for the practitioners or employers. The author continues by discussing historical publications about the problems with valuation especially in the subject of valuation of marketable securities. Sterling believes that on good grounds marketable securities ought to be valued at market. He observes the disconnect between the education system and the valuation of marketable securities pointing out the main educational accounting theory derives from the intermediate course texts, which raise the question of valuing marketable securities, however does not present the results of research contradicted in education and practice. This as an example to illustrate the larger point that the accounting profession wrongly passes down principles as a tradition not based on best practice, therefore teach research results. The suggestions being teach research results as the desired state, and teach accepted practices as the current state. Questions regarding this article are the following: Do you believe research results need to be incorporated into today’s accounting education? How should the detriment of management be dealt with to implement research results? How could the three arenas of accounting be best connected (research, education, and practice)?

Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) CHAPTER 5 – TREATMENT As we have read previously, clinically isolated syndrome may develop to multiple sclerosis and because there is no way of determining whether an individual will undergo to develop MS after having an episode of demyelination, making the decision to treat and monitor the ongoing changes very difficult. Evidence have suggested that the earlier the start of disease modifying agents in the early course of MS the more effective they are. There are numerous studies have indicated that starting disease modifying agents after clinically isolated syndrome delays the onset of MS, but these studies remains controversial. There have been arguments whether or not to start disease modifying agents after a clinically isolated syndrome. Those who support the start of these agent following diagnosis of CIS cite the results of some clinical trials that shows that these drugs reduce the risk of developing to MS by one third. A â€Å" treat all early â€Å" approach have been proposed as best to ensure all people who would go on to developing MS do receive the treatment . The other side of this argument have existing evidence for the disease modifying agent in MS shows only modest short term effectiveness in high risk cases of CIS. Treatment is unnecessary for those who would never gone on to developing MS after CIS. Four large clinical trials have been conducted to determine whether early treatment following an episode of CIS can delay the 2nd clinical episode, and therefore the diagnosis of clinically definite MS 5.1 Controlled High-Risk Subjects Avonex MS Prevention Study (CHAMPS) The goals of the study are: The early induction interferon beta-1a (AVENOX ) treatment can delay the 2nd episode of demyelination which in turn can signal definite MS If the treatment would have any benefits on MRI detected brain lesions. Subjects have in this study had experienced a single episode of isolated neurological event suggesting demyelination and had multiple clinically silent MRI lesions, which they represent a high risk for a second neurological attack (definite MS) (40, 41). The results indicated that AVENOX (interferon beta-1a) had significantly delay the 2nd neurological attack, and MRI finding showed that AVENOX can decrease the volume of brain lesions and as well as fewer lesions . Based on this study, the FDA approved that patients with clinically isolated syndrome with MRI detected brain lesions to receive AVENOX .figure(2).(40)(42) Figure (2): impact of interferon beta following first neurological attack Source:https://quo.novartis.com/extavia/images/extavia_EFFICACY1_banner.jpg 5.2 Early Treatment Of MS ( ETOMS ) The goals of the study are: Determine if very low doses of interferon beta 1a (REBIF) delay’s the onset of clinically definite multiple sclerosis in people who experienced only one clinical event but had multiple MRI lesions (43,44). Results indicated that: The group of people who received interferon beta-1a (REBIF) who developed clinically definite MS (34%) is fewer than the group of people receiving placebo (45%) during the period of the study.(45) The number of new lesions has decreased in the treatment group and the demyelination areas is significantlylower.figure(3).(45) Figure (3 ): compression between the groups receiving REBIF and placebo Source:http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/image.cfm?archiveid=100714type=imgname=rebif-01.jpg 5.3 Betaseron In Newly Emerging MS For Initial Treatment (BENEFIT) The goals of the study: Determine if interferon beta-1b can delay the onset of clinically definite MS in subjects with first clinical sign of MS or CIS who are at a high risk for developing MS (46). Results At day 255 of the study, one quarter of the subjects in the placebo group had developed clinically definite MS. In the other hand, it took 618 days for approximately same number of subjects in the treatment group to develop clinically definite MS. (47) After the two years study, it was determined that 28% of the subjects under the treatment group had developed clinically definite MS compared to the 45% of the placebo group (47) The FDA has approved that patients who have experienced CIS and have MRI feature consistent with MS to receive the treatment with Betaseron figure (4). Figure (4): comparison between Betaseron receiving group and placebo group Source:http://www.iodine.com/label-content/261fde67-efb2-4bd7-947e-4f68a56e76ff-c71a5c99d2acf2ddb0e66c9266460f4c.jpg 5.4 The pre-CIS study Study goals Determine the period of time it takes for subjects diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome receiving glatiramer acetate ( Copaxone ) to develop a second attack that would confirm the diagnosis of definite MS. Results indicated that the group who received glatiramer acetate in comparison with the placebo group, has significantly reduced the risk of developing clinically definite MS. Based on these results, the FDA has indicated to that individuals who have had first clinical episode and MRI feature consistent with MS to receive copaxone as treatment. Based on these trials , it have been approved the necessity of starting treatments as soon as possible for clinically isolated syndrome patients and those who have first clinical episode and MRI evidence suggestive of multiple sclerosis (48). The interferons agents should be used with high cautions by depressed patients or individuals with history of depression because of some evidence indicated that these meds may progress the depression symptoms. In patients with depression the physician should give best possible treatment decision to not worsen the depression episodes and in same time have positive effects in the case of treatment purpose (49). 5.5 Interferon beta medication Avonex (interferon beta- 1a): it has been shown in the previous clinical trials to reduce the frequency of relapses in MS and the number of the new lesions on MRI, and it also reduces the disease progression. It has been also shown that Avonex reduces the risk to develop MS in clinically isolated syndrome at high risk patients. Uses: CIS and relapsing forms of MS (secondary progressive MS). Dosage: 30 micrograms once a week: IM injection. Side effect: flue-like symptoms following the injections, depressions, anemia, elevated liver enzymes and liver toxicity. Betaseron (interferon beta-1b): in the previous clinical trials, betaseron has shown that it reduces the frequency and severity of relapses. In addition, it also showed that it reduces the number of new lesions or even active lesions on MRI. Like Avonex, betaseron have also the ability to delay the onset of MS in people with CIS and has been approved by the FDA for this use specifically.(50) Uses : CIS and relapsing forms of MS ( secondary progressive MS ) Dosage : 250 micrograms once every two days : subcutaneous injection Side effects: flue like symptoms after injections, injection site reaction, depression, elevated liver enzymes and low white blood cells counts. Rebif (interferon beta-1a): has shown to reduce the frequency, relapses and the number of new / active lesions on MRI. Like avonex and betaseron, rebif has demonstrated that it can delay the onset of MS in patients with CIS. But, unfortunately it have not been approved by the FDA for this use yet. (51) Uses : CIS and relapsing forms of MS ( secondary progressive MS ) Dosage: 20 micrograms every day : subcutaneous injection Side effects: flue like symptoms after injections, injection site reaction, depression, elevated liver enzymes and low white blood cells counts. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate): in addition to interferon beta drugs, Copaxone has shown to reduce frequency of relapses and the number of new/active lesions on MRI scan. It’s been used in relapsing remitting type of multiple sclerosis. Until the present, the mode of action have not been discovered. Some theories have been suggested but no scientifically proven theory is discovered.(51) Uses : CIS and relapsing remitting forms of MS Dosage 44 micrograms 3 times a week : subcutaneous injection Side effects: injection site reactions, a reaction after injection, anxiety, chest tightness, dyspnea and flushing. In conclusions, there is no definite treatment of multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome in the presence of demyelination of the central nerve system. But, reducing the amount of the lesions, frequency of the episodes and prolonging the period of developing MS in high risk patient is the goals we are looking for. CIS can be difficult to diagnose or to determine whether or not to start the treatment, and the physician may find a hard time to find the best decision in these cases keeping in mind that the sooner the beginning of the treatment the less progressive the disease is (52). 5.6 Prevention Given to the heterogeneous etiological factors and often idiopathic characteristic of CIS, there are no clear means of prevention exists. In postinfectious patients with CIS, prevention of the infection is the best means of prevention. In acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, almost 70% of cases are associated with infections and 5% (approximately) with vaccination. acute disseminated encephalomyelitis rates are estimated with 1.5 per millions (2 per million) in association with live measles vaccine compared to 1 in 1000 risk of postinfectious ADE with measles infections, suggesting that vaccines may decrease the risk of post infection complications. Unfortunately, vaccines are not available for all bacteria and viruses (53).

Leo Tolstoys The Death of Ivan Ilyich Essays -- Leo Tolstoy Death Iva

Leo Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich I related readily with Ivan Ilyich, the main character in Leo Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich. There was a time when I myself lived my life without regard to the spirituality of life. I, however, was very lucky in that it did not take death looming over my head to realize this. Maybe the fact that my bout of depression’s onset happened sooner in life allowed me to see it sooner. Eric Simpson put it best as â€Å"We all die, like Ilyich, and if we only live to live, to create and carve our own meaning into the universe, then life itself becomes ultimately meaningless and painfully insignificant.† The key point here is the â€Å"painfully insignificant†(Simpson). Depression snuck up on me like old age will, forty times quicker. Ilyich manages to cover his depression by compartmentalizing his feelings from his thoughts and by becoming a workaholic. Doing this, he had a means of either dismissing his depression or drowning it in work. Ivan Ilyich did not notice his depression and lack of spirituality until three days prior to his death. It is not until Ilyich asks himself, â€Å"What if my whole life has really been wrong?†(Tolstoy 1203), and comes up with an affirmitave answer that Ilyich tries to find a way to rectify his situation. His solution is painfully simple, spare his family the heartache of his dying and to just get it over with. My solution was quite different. I came up with two simple rules. The number one rule of feeling better is to help strangers whenever possible. For example, last Wednesday, my car broke down on Route 7. I did not have a cell-phone and there wasn’t a payphone in sight. Since I had a paper due, I started hitchhiking to class. After about five minut... ...d Western doctrines. He also points out Ilyich’s total lack of spirituality and the feeling of a wasted life. Simpson points out these differences and includes Biblical quotes to back it up with great insight, getting to a level of depth that could confuse some readers but has shown this reader something I would never have thought of on my own. Novel Analysis: Death of Ivan Illich. 12 April 2001 This author explains how Ilyich’s life is a ‘front’ for the sake of propriety. Also, the author points out that Ilyich is not aware of this until just days before he dies. A very short interpretation, but one that completely backs me up. Note: All quotes from Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich are from the following edition: Literature: Reading and Writing the Human Experience. Seventh ed. Ed. Richard Abcarian and Marvin Klotz. New York: St. Martin’s, 1998.