Case Assignment Benzene exposure

Introduction Benzene which is also known as benzol is an organic compound that is colorless, highly flammable and with a sweet odor. It tends to evaporate quickly when left exposed. It is a chemical compound that is normally formed by a natural process such as volcanic formation or forest fires. It is also formed from hydrocarbons. It was said to be present as a â€Å"component of the cigarette smoke† (ACS, 2008). Some of it physical properties are a relatively high melting point and high solubility in water.It is mostly use as a solvent in most chemical industries. It functions ranges from the production of drugs, plastics, synthetic rubber to dyes production where it mostly serves as the precursors of such industrial products. Route of exposure Benzene exposure has a lot of health impact and there are mostly three ways in which an individual can be exposed to benzene toxicity, these are inhalational route, ingestion and transdermal absorption (Media Fact, 2008). Inhalation o f benzene is usually as a result of the breathing of the benzene fumes.Benzene fumes are inhaled easily because benzene is an extremely volatile organic compound and this kind of exposure is one of the deadliest because of it immediate contact with the lung parenchyma. This then elicit a lot neurological symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tachycardia (increase in heart rate), tremors and subsequent death if untreated on time. Benzene ingestion result from eating of benzene laden foods or beverages and its noticeable symtoms are neurological while those of transdermal route usually result from contact with the benzene or benzene laden materials (Media Fact, 2008).The health problems cause by this route of benzene exposure â€Å"are erythema (reddening of the skin), scaling dermatitis, suppression of the hematopoietic system and pancytopenia† (Media Fact, 2008) Sources of Benzene Exposure The major sources of human exposure to benzene are environmental, occupational and cons umer products. Benzene is usually released into air from sources like gasoline filling stations, underground leakage of petroleum, vehicular exhaust, cigarette smoke, waste products or sewage and some food products.Most of the occupational related benzene exposure are seen mainly in industries like those involve in rubber production, chemical plants, refineries and shipments and retail shops. Other sources include consumer products that are made of benzene such as glues, adhesives, cigarettes, paint and varnishes e. t. c Short and long term effects The short term effects of benzene exposure are â€Å"drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion and unconsciousness† (ACS, 2008).The previous symptoms are as a result of exposure of about 700-300ppm while acute exposure of high dose results in vomiting, irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, narcolepsy, convulsion and tachycardia. In extreme cases of high dose ingestion death usually results. The long term effect of be nzene toxicity has been attributed to the interference with the normal blood cell production i. e. the hematopoietic cells. The sequeale of this is anemia and leucopenia. An individual with this will be immunocompromised hence such individual will be prone to opportunistic diseases.The long term effect can also be seen to result in reproductive organ dysfunction. Precautionary measures 1. The use of personal protective equipment such as gloves, apron and some other clothing materials. 2. Special training on equipments handling and usage 3. If there is accidental release of the benzene quick evacuation of such laboratory must be done urgently 4. Proper ventilation of the laboratory References ACS, (2008). Benzene. Prevention and early detection Retrieved Sept 4, 2008 From www. cancer. org/docroot/PED/content/PED_1_3X_Benzene. asp

The effect of talent management on business success in Nigeria’s telecoms sector

Summary Talent management is a key challenge for organisations in the current economic climate and, in particular, when it comes to a dynamic industry within an emerging market. With this in mind, the research proposed here looks at the role of talent management in gaining business success, with specific reference to Etisalat, a growing telecoms company within the Nigerian economy. Introduction In emerging economies, such as Nigeria, there is a need to consider the strategy for growth within organisations, both national and multinational. This raises several questions, in terms of business strategy and specifically requires the consideration of whether or not talent management should be the central theme for this discussion. As part of this research the key themes will be to look at talent management in the context of how this aligns with busienss success and then beyond that how it works within the emerging economies. . Motivation for the Research Determining the level of importance of talent management and the way in which it is best incorporated into the wider business strategy is of key importance to Etisalat and the technological industry, in general, but also potentially has an impact on the other industries looking to enter an emerging market and aiming to develop and utilise home grown talent, as well as identifying how talent can be encouraged to join and develop the region. This is a dynamic region and is currently in an appropriate stage for research to be undertaken as to how to develop this, in the future. Rationale for the Research Countries, such as Nigeria, are under an ongoing pressure to provide a region of growth for both their own national companies and for multinational organisations looking to make the most of developing regions that may offer a strategic advantage, in the long ru. (Newman, 2001). This research offers value to the current organisation and any other company looking to going into the region. Where such development is likely, the research here will provide strong guidelines which can be used for the future. Scope and Limitation of the Research This research will look specifically at the issue of talent management within a large telecoms company in Nigeria which is, in itself, a limitation on the research, as the telecoms industry is dynamic and constantly changing. Therefore, although this provides a good area of research currently, it needs to be borne in mind that this is likely to change over time and also when moving from industry to industry. Furthermore, different countries will have slightly different dynamics, which will need to be taken into consideration when looking at research areas for the future. Research Questions / Hypotheses and Objectives The overall research hypotheses aim to prove, or indeed disprove, the link between early adoption of talent management within the organisation and ultimate business success. It is suggested, at the outset, that there is a direct link between the ability of an organisation to expand successfully and the concerted approach to talent management that is taken by the management team, at the outset. The objective is to identify whether this is indeed a substantial link and, if so, what specific management practices are effective and which are not. Literature Review The concept of talent management has been well documented across a variety of different jurisdictions, including the UK. Talent management is referred by the CIPD (2010) as being â€Å"initiatives and strategies†¦ to harness the unique talents of individual employees and convert their talent potential into optimum organisation performance†. Although there are multiple different definitions in relation to talent management, this is seen as being one of the leading definitions. Back in 2001, the concept of talent management was established by McKinse and Company 2001, who created the concept of â€Å"the war on talent†, which was then taken on by the CIPD, with the likes of the 2012 CIPD documentation, where talent was considered to be the qualities â€Å"of those individuals who can make a difference to organisational performance either through their immediate contribution or, in the longer-term, by demonstrating the highest levels of potential†. Bearing these principles in mind, the literature can then go to consider the role that this approach would take within the emerging market of Nigeria and with particular reference to the telecoms industry. For example, Etisalat created a strategy plan that would span 2011 – 2016 called â€Å"Engage†, with the aim of inspiring staff and encouraging greater emphasis being placed on management and its ability to engage with the staff during a period of dynamic expansion (Etisalat, 2014). When looking specifically at the area of the telecoms industry, it is seen that Etisalat is one of the more pro-active talent management companies, with its own Academy providing learning and development opportunities for staff members in its central head office, in Dubai. As well as creating learning opportunities, there are is also an argument that the company has gained success by looking at the greater brand loyalty from the staff, with the wider perception of what is meant by talent management and how this can link with the emerging markets and companies, such as Etisala (Etisalat, 2014). Gap in LiteratureA seeming gap in the literature which is to be dealt with as part of this research is that of understanding the role of traditional talent management will have on an emerging market and, in particular, the telecoms industry. Specific consideration needs to be given to the notion that there is likely to be an issue with the mobility of staff and the willingness of individuals to move either to or from the area, in order to sustain employment. Research MethodologyResearch designThe proposed research method is deductive in nature, involving multiple different observations which ultimately provide an overall theory. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to undertake both primary and secondary research, to gather a rounded understanding of both theory and then its practical application.Data SourcesFor the literature review, the information will be primarily gathered from journals and reports surrounding the area of talent management, as well as from direct information from Etisalat. It is anticipated that this information will be gathered from free sources, as well as subscribed online journals such as Emerald Insight. Primary research will look at the opinions of HR staff, as well as those subject to â€Å"talent management† within the workplace.Data Collection / Analysis TechniquesA total of 100 individuals will be contacted through the use of questionnaires, to determine the use of talent management and the perc eptions of talent management within the workplace. Of these 100 questionnaires, a further 10 one-to-one interviews will be undertaken, to supplement and further the understanding gained as part of the wider questionnaires. This is based on availability and time constraints, as well as the desire to obtain a balanced view, overall.Sampling TechniquesThe selected individuals will be a mixture of HR professionals and staff members who are targeted as part of the talent management process. This split is thought to be approximately 80 / 20 and will allow both sides of the action to be considered alongside each other and research then undertaken into whether or not the perceptions of the staff differ from the perceptions of the managers implementing these agendas.Practical ConsiderationsEthical considerationsA potential difficulty emerges with the primary research, in that it is asking employees about their perceptions of talent management within the organisation. This is because some ind ividuals may be concerned that expressing honest opinions could have a negative impact on their own career progression. For this reason, as well as commercial confidentiality reasons, the data collected will be entirely anonymised and pass-worded, so that the answers cannot be directly linked to the individuals in question.Suggested Research TopicsThe overall topic is the link between talent management and business success; however, there will be several sub areas of research that will also be considered as part of this; for example, how can various initiatives impact on the role of talent management, the role of talent management from the point of view of recruitment, performance management and promotion. Consideration will also be given to the mobility of individuals within the emerging world and the political aspects that may be relevant. Project Plan The research will take place over one academic year and 10 months of total work. This is broken down as follows: Month 1Background research and delineation of questions and areas of research Month 2Literature review and setting out the questionnaires for the primary research Month 3Literature review and sending out of primary research Month 4Collation of primary research and analysis Month 5Collation of primary research and analysis Month 6Review of literature based on findings of primary research Month 7Review of literature based on findings of primary research, conclusions and summary Month 8Conclusions and summary Month 9Writing of report Month 10Review and preparation of presentation This is a reasonably flexible time frame, with recognition that there will need to be a consolidation time period at the end, to revisit key areas. Bibliography – suggested initial bibliography (to be added to during the research) Bersin & Associates. (2012). New research finds UK talent acquisition spending rose six per cent in 2011. London: Bersin & Associates. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2006). Talent management: understanding the dimensions. London: CIPD. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2010). The talent perspective: what does it feel like to be talent-managedCIPD, London. Available: http://www.cipd.co.uk/NR/rdonlyres/95D2D604 -36C6-450A-996A-01F45F0B17C5/0/5262_Talent_Perspective.pdf (Accessed 18/09/12) Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. (2012). Talent management: an overview, CIPD, London. Available: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/talent-management-overview.aspx (Accessed 3/10/12) Cheese, P. (2008). The talent powered organisation: strategies for globalisation, talent management and high performance. Cornwall: MPG Books ltd. Etisalat (2014) Etisalat Strategu. Available at: thttp://www.etisalat.com/en/ir/corporateinfo/etisalat-strategy.jsp McKinsey & Company. (2001). The war on talent, McKinsey & Company Inc, USA. Available: http:// autoassembly.mckinsey.com/html/downloads/articles/War_For_Talent.pdf Newman, E. (2012). What is the definition of CRMInside Talent Management Technology, Available at:

Structured Equity Derivatives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Structured Equity Derivatives - Essay Example Leverage on equity returns over predetermined ranges. Limit or reduce downside exposure to the underlying equities. Even out, compensate or reduce transaction costs as part of multiple option sophisticated investing strategies. The term equity derivative essentially means a class of financial instruments whose value is at least partly derived from one or more underlying equity securities. Market participant's trade structured equity derivatives in order to transfer or transform certain risks associated the underlying. Options are by far the most common equity derivative; however there are many other types of equity derivatives that are actively traded. Ramaswami et al(2001) have lucidly described the concept of structured equity linked derivatives through the concept of Equity Linked Notes(ELNs).They state as follows, "An Equity-Linked Note (ELN) is an instrument that provides investors fixed income like principal protection together with equity market upside exposure. An ELN is stru ctured by combining the economics of a long call option on equity with a long discount bond position. The investment structure generally provides 100% principal protection. The coupon or final payment at maturity is determined by the appreciation of the underlying equity. The instrument is appropriate for conservative equity investors or fixed income investors who desire equity exposure with controlled risk". The figure below explains the profits at the expiration of a fully protected ELN . Current Industry Scenario Since their launch on the London Stock Exchange in 2005, Listed Structured Products have become popular and flexible investment tools for UK wealth managers and brokers. In there simplest form, they offer ETF like access to underlying that may be otherwise difficult or expensive to trade, such as commodities, emerging markets or property indices. The more structured products, such as Accelerators, provide enhanced upside participation with no worse than market risk. In addition they can reduce other risks, such as eliminating currency risk for non UK investments, or provide an element of capital protection in case of market falls. Another range of products are designed for Income seeking investors. These can offer high annual (or semi-annual or quarterly) coupon payments in return for giving away upside market participation. All Listed Structured Products enjoy the benefits of being traded directly on the London Stock Exchange. These include: Transparency:Live, two-way prices are maintained throughout the trading day Ease of trade:Products trade and settle via CREST as with UK equity Liquidity: Trades of 5m+ can be executed at prevailing market prices Flexibility: Min trade size of 1,000 makes products highly accessible Key Terminology:1 Trackers: Tracks an underlying asset (commodity, Halifax house price index, equity indices etc) Cost efficient means to trade an asset Diversify exposure across an index Stamp duty free Typically long-dated or indeed undated with an indefinite lifespan Reverse Trackers: An inverse relationship with the underlying asset Profit from downwards price movements in the underlying Stamp duty free Capital Protected: Exposure to underlying asset at fixed percentage Capital invested is protected at specified level Stamp duty free Yield Enhancement: Track underlying instrument without leveraged downside Can incorporate many different features which affect

Playtime- Modern Architecture in the future Paris Research Paper

Playtime- Modern Architecture in the future Paris - Research Paper Example Modern skyscrapers, glass apartment, glass buildings and the visit by the American tourist shows a great step Tati has taken to represent modern architecture in the modern Paris. The accidents that occur in the movie show that the people around are not used to the modern architect. Therefore, it is a new thing introduced. The film revolves about how human beings wander baffled by the cities and the architectures. The centre of intelligence resides behind the camera and not on a particular point of view2. Tati created the movie with the focus of creating a new Paris with repetitive housing projects and modern skyscrapers. By this, he virtually omitted traditional Paris except in one scene where there is a reflection of Arc de Triomphe in a window3. In addition, where a woman is walking in a glass building and the Eiffel tower is seen in the frameless glass door. This is seen in the travel bureau where modernist buildings of the world have posters that are identical. The relationship between the people and the modern architecture is put into question. What is the intermarriage between the two and how have people really appreciated it. Has the film industry really grown to accommodate the modern architect? The people in the movie seem to be fascinated y the modern architecture especially the American tourist who seem to be fascinated by the tall skyscrapers and the glass buildings. Among them is Barbara who at the end is given a square present to fit into her head. It is mostly observed that many of them forget the presence of the glass and end up causing accidents. An example is Hulot himself who bangs himself at the glass door. The film industry appreciates the modern architecture by the quality of the pictures it shows. The director used a 70mm high definition camera to film the movie and also in the evening at Hulots’ old friend house the movie is filmed from outside and from the neighborhood yet we can get clearly pictures4. The movie is one that

Management, Work and Organisation ( Managing diversity) Essay

Management, Work and Organisation ( Managing diversity) - Essay Example Because of several political and socio-economic factors, it is often not possible for companies to recruit employees that are diverse in every respect. This may happen when a company produces religion specific products. It requires great consideration by an statue making company to resolve whether or not to hire Muslim employees, as the idea goes against the Islamic teachings that forbid Muslims from making idols. Likewise, managers may not be able to employ candidates that belong to countries which have long been in conflict with each other. For example, if a company hires an employee from Israel and another from Palestine, the two may never be able to develop the kind of rapport that is conducive for speedy work, and organizational success in the long run. Instead, the two may develop personal grudge against each other on the cost of organizational work, which can in turn be very detrimental for the organization as a whole. Moreover, there are companies whose products are not usabl e for every member of the society. For example, pork producing companies have no market value among the Muslim nationals just like the beef producing companies have no market value among the Hindu nationals.

Describe and evaluate a large-scale planned organisational change that Essay

Describe and evaluate a large-scale planned organisational change that had major implications for an organisation, branch, division, department, office or agenc - Essay Example management does not click with the existing workforce or does not hold any value to the employees as the existing environment is comfortable for them, they believe in the existing values and see any change as a threat. There are many times when firms give out changed or revised mission statements that look dramatic and appealing but as it is taken as threat and creates so much confusion, that the purpose of the change does not materialize, eventually the hype and excitement of such a change disappears. Bringing about a structural change is extremely time consuming, stressful and most of the times difficult to change once implemented. Once an organization changes the structure or the system new processes are made in exchange of the old ones, it is extremely difficult to the way things were. This is because of the huge amount of investments that are made to change to the workforce, the environment and the way people think in the firm. If in such a situation a firm makes a wrong decision, it will have to suffer the consequences for a long time. for example with the change in time people have started to shift from written records to completely computerized systems, if now they are asked to go back to doing manual work it will be extremely difficult for them. Corwin Corporation, previously known as Vaughn Machine Company started in American in Peabody Massachusetts during the early 1900’s. It is a company that initially dealt in automobile parts and was a huge part of the American brass automobile parts industry. After its formation, the company added many other products to its business and with time, the company’s reputation boomed due to it product quality and dedication toward customer satisfaction. Its growth has been significant and has shown results in terms of profits. By the year 1983, Corwin Corporation’s net earning was about one hundred and fifty million dollars per year. It was known internationally for its low cost rubber components of excellent

Discussion Questions and Participation Questions Essay

Discussion Questions and Participation Questions - Essay Example Opportunities to expand your services 7. Better flexibility 8. Increased risk assessment 9. Improve quality 10. Increases in quantity (Brighthub, 2011). In the past I have used project management as a guide to help me complete projects. I have used project management to develop schedules, in order to optimize time, and to become more efficient at tasks. Project management skills can be improved by participation in continued education seminars on the subject, by reading peer review journal articles, and through practice among other methods. Brighthub.com (2011). The Top Ten Benefits of Project Management. Retrieved February 3, 2011 from http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/2350.aspx Chase, R. B., Jacobs, F.R., & Aquilano, N.J. (2006) Operations management for competitive advantage (11th ed). New York: McGraw Hill/Irwin. 2. Safety stock is additional inventory that is held in order to mitigate the risk of a stockout. The safety stock is a considered a buffer mana gement uses to create a comfort level in which to operate. The safety stock should only be used after regular inventory runs out and if the company is unable to replenish its inventory. The safety stock should be used as a last resort in order to keep the operations going. A few years ago I worked a part-time in a warehouse for a company that manufactured paper. There were different rolls of paper that would be used as raw material for the different paper products sold by the company. The buffer or safety stock was managed by the warehouse crew. We would deliver the safety stock to the manufacturing line whenever the company ran out of its regular inventory of paper. 3. Out of the factors you mentioned about project management which I believe people can work on in order to improve their utilization of the factor is time. Time is a crucial element in project management. Projects involve the use of different deadlines for the delivery of project deliverables. In a project when one per son is late with their part of the project it creates a chain reaction which affects the work of the other members. The project manager has to provide follow up on the work of team members in order to ensure everyone is on the same page. 4. One of the first project management teams I was involved in occurred a few years back. I was a freshman in college back them and I had been assigned to my first team project as a college student. It was an intimidating experience for me because I did not know what to expect. I was very lucky to have worked with a great team of players. One of the guys was a senior business student; he served the role of project leader. He was a very outgoing person that knew how to lead others. I learn from this first experience that interpersonal relationships are a critical success factor for project management teams. 5. Engineers are very talented professionals that can add a lot of value to a project. Due to their ability to apply innovation engineers are oft en involved in project management. It would be a wise career move for an engineer to purse an MBA degree. The knowledge gained through a master’s degree program in business can be extremely beneficial for an engineer among other professionals. Professionals with a background in business are better suited to handle the pressures associated with the work of a project manager. 6. Sometimes people utilized project management skills without even knowing they are using them. No project is too small for