Sunday, January 19, 2020
The clinical career path for nurse Essay
Introduction A ââ¬ËNurse Practitionerââ¬â¢ (NP) has been defined as ââ¬Å"a registered nurse with the capability to practice autonomously and collaboratively with other health professionsâ⬠(Mosbyââ¬â¢s Dictionary of Medicine p. 2010). NPs must complete a , Masterââ¬â¢s degree in education, as approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Australian Nursing Federation 2011). [you need to signal that you are going to review the history and development of NPs] The role of a NP is to provide cost effective care and safe accessible treatment and to improve of health care and patient outcomes (Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, 2012).[Iââ¬â¢ve moved this text to the start of your introduction] An overview of the development of the role of NPs is as follows. [you can use your own words but you need a signal here!] In October 1990, the first NP committee convened in New South Wales (Australian College of Nurse Practitioners,2012) and this committee contributed to the establishment of f the NP role in Australia in1 2001 (Australian College of Nurse Practitioners 2012; Taylor 2007). In the United States and England the role has been in existence since the 1960s (N3ET2 2006 p. 1). Since 2001 (?), NPs have been slowly spreading all over Australia (Driscoll et al. 2005, p. 141) and the role now exists in all states and territories (Australian College of Nurse Practitioner s, 2012). Diverse skills, experience and qualifications are all vital components in meeting the clinical requirements to be endorsed as a NP by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2011). For example [give some examples to elaborate on this sentence Chauvy.] These nurses have advanced and extended roles compared to other registered nurses, particularly within the endorsed areas of their scope of practice (Australian Nursing Federation 2011; Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011). To illustrate â⬠¦ [elaborate a bit on these roles, endorsed areas, different scopes of practice here.] Despite the contribution made by NPs, barriers exist in Australia which prevent these nurses from providing the full care for which are trained (Taylor 2007). Some of these obstacles include the limited access to a provider number,; the restricted right to prescribe (find a better reference please!!!) and to write referrals (Driscoll et al. 2005, p. 141). [Chauvy, donââ¬â¢t forget the opposition of the AMA as we discussed!] This essay will review the growing clinical career pathway of NPs, the autonomy and limitation within the scope of practice experienced, and will provide an overview of the benefits NPs bring to the health system in Australia. Clinical Career Path In order to qualify as a NP, the applicant needs to meet the requirements issued by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2011), as specified in the ââ¬ËGuidelines on endorsements as a nurse practitionerââ¬â¢ (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011). These requirements are as follows: Firstly, the applicant must already be a ââ¬Ëregistered nurseââ¬â¢ (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011) and must not have any record of unsatisfactory professional performance or unprofessional conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011). Secondly, the applicant must have three years or equivalent experience in advanced practice. These three years or equivalent experience must be acquired within six years from lodging the application (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011). Lastly, the applicant must have completed the study of ANMAC [explain] accredited and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2011) approved NP program at Masters Level. The Heath Practitioner Act 2009 only permits the use of the protected title ââ¬ËNPââ¬â¢ by those meeting all of the above requirements (Australian Nursing Federation 2011). After complete the Masterââ¬â¢s degree, some health authorities provide internships in Victoria. For example, Wintle, Newsome and Livingston (2011) report that Eastern Health provides such internships, and these assist NPsà in meeting the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia national competencies. The focus is of these competencies is to ensure the development of clinical assessments; diagnostic skills; knowledge of pharmacology; analysis of medical treatment, medication management and clinical leadership ââ¬â all of which assist in the preparation for endorsement as an NP3. However, recent research suggests that the endorsement process remains problematic and is not consistent across different jurisdictions in Australia. Harvey et al (2011, p.247-8) recommend that the process for becoming a NP in Australia should change, due to the difficulties of endorsement existing in different jurisdictions. The findings of this study demonstrate that different state-based regulatory policies throughout the Australian workforce affect the employment of r NPs (Harvey et al 2011, p.247-8). For example, in Victoria, along with ââ¬Ëthe guidelines of endorsement for a nurse practitionerââ¬â¢ (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2011 ââ¬â do you need to repeat this ref?), the NPs who wish to prescribe medications must apply for the ââ¬ËExplanatory Statement: Nurse Practitioner Category Notion (Victoria) and have that registered against the name (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2010). In contrast, NPs in NSW â⬠¦ (you want to give an example to show how states differ ââ¬â pick another state and show how prescribing rights vary from one to another to complete the point you are making her e.) It should be acknowledged that the Australian public are often confused about the difference between a NP and a registered nurse (RN). One distinction between a NP and a RN is in the different levels in education. The RN would be qualified in a Bachelorââ¬â¢s Degree in Nursing (Mosbyââ¬â¢s Dictionary of Medicine, 2010), however the NP must also receive not only a Bachelorââ¬â¢s Degree in Nursing but the extended study in a Masterââ¬â¢s Degree (Australian Nursing Federation 2006). The second difference is the level of autonomy enjoyed by NPs relative to RNs. This autonomy enables the NP to initiate treatment without the supervision of the medical practitioner, whereas the RN is under the supervision of a GP at all times (Australian Nursing Federation 2006). However, there are also some similarities among the two health professionals;both are eligible to initiate medical surgical routes and do basic nursing assessments (Oxford Reference Concise 1994,à Australian Nursing F ederation 2006). Scope of Practice The scope of practice (SoP) is the legislative framework which indicates the area of jurisdictions that the NP must work within (Baker, N 2010 p 211). NPs have a wider SoP than RNs (ANF). They can call upon the extended skills and knowledge, interpret test results and scans, perform consultations, content assessments and undertake on planning and research diagnosis (ANF). Any presentation that is out of the jurisdictions of the SoP, the NP must seek assistance of a medical practitioner (Heaps and bounds).The SoP of a NP varies across all health areas (Baker 2010 p) for example; a NP trained in emergency department (ED) as an emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) will have a different SoP to a NP trained in the mental department as a mental nurse practitioner (MNP). To illustrate this further, the study by Lowe (2010 p) demonstrates the current SoP of an ENP at the Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre (AETC) located in Melbourne. The AETC have established the SoP for ENPs around the model of care (MOC) (Lowe 2010 p) that was based upon the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) cited in the Alfred Health website (2012). The areas in the SoP involve prescribing medications, ordering tests, diagnosing results and admitting and discharging patients (Lowe 2010 p). The assessment of minor injuries or illnesses and initiation of treatments are also part of the ENPââ¬â¢s SoP (Lowe 2010 p). Lastly required at the AETC the ENP must also attend educational classes with other ED medical staff, and further additional classes that will identify the gaps between the ENPââ¬â¢s skill and knowledge and own professional development (Lowe 2010 p80). In comparison, Fryââ¬â¢s research (2011, p58) indicated that the NP in the critical care department (CCD) have separated areas which are adult, paediatric and neonate, however all three areas can fall under the same SoP. The SoP (Fry 2011, p64) involves around direct patient assessments, research of the injury or illness, complex monitoring and therapies of high intensity interventions and care focused by highly acute technology (Association of critical care 2011 p12). NPs in the CCD also follow up with post-intensive care discharge, intensive care retrieval and transfers, and follow up onà outpatient care (Fry 2011, p64). There are times a NP trained in certain an area such as a MNP, can work in a different health department for example ED. A case study by Baker (2010) based in Victoria shows a MNP working in the ED as part of a team, the Youth Early Psychosis (YEP). Bakers (2010) article shows that working as a MNP in the ED in a YEP team can work autonomy to appropriate areas. The SoP involves the combination of a NP working in the MD and ED, in this mostly around the SoP of a MNP; however it is also required for the MNP to obtain an extension of practice within the ED (Baker 2010 p 212). The additional roles within the ED include ââ¬Ëfast tracking patientsââ¬â¢ and attending to other medical concerns (Baker 2010 p 212). The MNP working within the YEP can prescribe a limited range of medication in the duration of seven days, supervise and monitor the progression of the medication, initiate other therapeutic skills and test and take further action towards the patient (Baker 2010 p). The Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) became accessible, albeit in a limited way to NPs on 1 November 2010, were governed by the Health Legislation Amendment ACT 2010 (Medicare Australia 2011). Objections to the NP role have been voiced by the AMA(cited in Taylor 2007, p 20) on the grounds that NPs ââ¬Å"â⬠¦are not adequately educated and trained in areas such as ordering pathology and diagnostic tests, making medical diagnoses, prescribing medications, referring patients to specialist and having hospital privilegesâ⬠. Furthermore the PBS has constricted the prescribing rights to the NPsââ¬â¢ SoP in the designated state and territory (PBS). In contrast, this is a major progression in the development on expanding the SoP compared to 2008 where the Health Legislation was yet to pass (reference PBS). Dr Phillip Della (cited in Taylor 2007) supported the availability of the MBS and PBS during this time, to provide safe and quality patient care across all access and addition to realising the NPsââ¬â¢ full potential used to improve Australiaââ¬â¢s health. Medicare Australia (2011) reports that only NPs working in a private practiceà may obtain access to the MBS services, which refer patients to specific specialists and request of some pathology and diagnostic items. easons stated in the Department of Health WA (2011 p. 16), that under the Health Insurance Act 1973 (cited in Department of Health WA, 2011 p. 16), that NPs (or other health professionals) with pre-existing funding arrangements with the governing bodies of the Commonwealth, state or local will not be rebated by Medicare. This is because NPs working in the public sector are to provide a ââ¬Ëpublic hospital serviceââ¬â¢, thus cannot charge a fee for treatment or care initiated to public patients (Department of Health WA, 2011 p. 16). A ââ¬Ëpublic hospital serviceââ¬â¢ is funded by the governing body to a public patient (Department of Health WA, 2011 p.16), and therefore MBS services are only allocated to NPs in the private sectors because patients are being charged. According to the Health Department SA (2011) fact sheet, NPs working in the private sector would be required to obtain a provider number to access to the MBS. NPs working in the public sector would use the provider number of the public hospital. Provider numbers are obtained through the Department of Health and Ageing in the Australia Government (2011). A final requirement to access the MBS, are that NPs must have professional indemnity insurance (Australian Government, Department of Health and Ageing 2011) which can be obtain through the Australian Nursing Federation (2012). Though the initiation of the PBS (2010) was enabled for the authorised NPs to prescribe medications under the state and territory legislation, prescribing is still limited due to the SoP of the NP and state and territory rights. Medications are listed for NPs to identified which medicines are available to prescribe are located on the PBS website (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2011). NPs can also prescribe when they have a collaborative arrangement with the general practitioner (GP) under certain conditions, this usually occurs when the patient is living in a rural or remote area (Department of Health and Ageing WA, 2011, p). The collaborative arrangement occurs in two forms continuing therapy only (CTO) model and shared care model (SCM) is shown in the Department of Health and Ageing WA (2011 p). The CTO model is when the GP has already initiated the treatment and prescription for the patient and then is continued by the NPà (Australian Government 2011). The SCM is formalised agreement between both NP and GP planned to managed the treatment of the patient (Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2011). Value According to the ANF (2011) and ACNP (2012) the role of the NPs is to provide cost effective care, provide patients in rural and remote areas treatment, improve waiting times, faster access to treatment and provide a mentorship and clinical expertise to other health professional. The framework utilized by the Department of Human Services Victoria(2000) recommends various ways in which NPs can assist in improving existing health services and patient flow in Australia (Wintle, Newsome & Livingston 2011). To illustrate, in the emergency department(ED) based in Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne, there has been a shortage of doctors working on site especially after hours (Webster-Brain 2011 p). In 2004 a project developed by the Department of Human Services Victoria (cited in Webster-Brain 2011 p) provided the hospital funding to introduce the role of NP. Webster-Brain (2011 p) suggested that the NP was deemed to be trained in the management of minor presentations, for example minor injuries, infections, complaints and symptoms of miscarriages. The benefit of NPs being available at the ED is that action can be taken immediately and effectively (Webster-Brain 2011 p). The NP provides support in counselling to those whom just experienced a miscarriage, also to educate the emotional impact on the medical and nursing staff (Webster-Brain 2011 p). This area noted in Gabrial et al (2005) that even at early pregnancy loss, practitioners need to be aware at any inappropriate or insensitive responses may cause more grief or trauma towards the patient. Thus this issue can be assisted by the NP through sensitive and supplementary counselling. According to Webster-Brain (2011 p) the successful collaborations between the medical staff, emergency physicians and NPs in the ED, resolved the problem in the lack of services and staff. A survey was conducted by Scully (2006 p) which reviewed the contributions of NPs model care on the patients at Sunshine Hospital. The findings had patients responding positively towards the NPs service and care, thus resulted in the permanent implementation of the NP position atà Sunshine Hospital (Scully 2006, p). There has been some opposition to the expansion of the role of the NP, notably from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) (cited in Taylor 2007, p). The AMA (cited in Taylor, p) does not believe that NPs are adequately trained to prescribe medication and order diagnostic tests, therefore they support limited access to MBS and PBS. Another concern from the AMA are that the role of a medical practitioner may one day be substituted by the growing occupation of NPs (Weiland et al ). They have announced that NPs ââ¬Å"cannot and should not replace the expertise and care provided by general practitioners.â⬠(AMA 1994). However NPs were originally developed in the United States to provide care and utilising treatment in cases of patients in rural and remote health where a medical practitioner cannot be able to attend to (Distoll et al p). Case studies in Australia, which addressed welfare shortages in other suburbs with growing population, have proven positive (Scully 2006 p). Sunshine Hospital in Melbourne utilised the NPs to resolving the outnumbered medical practitioners and staff (Webster-Brain 2011 p), that resulted to the permanent position of the NP role is one example. In this case the AMA (cited in Taylor 2007 p.) had agreed that the shortage of medical practitioners are undeniable and is an issue. In a solution, the AMA (cited in Taylor 2007 p.) have reopposed that Australia should utilise the treatment and care provided by the NP in such areas, however with the consultation of a medical practitioner, whom carries the ultimate clinical responsibility. The awareness of the general public about the role of NPs is limited of this stage. There is limited awareness about the position of NPs in the Australian public (Taylor 2011 p). Professor Glenn (cited in Taylor 2007 p.) argue that the ââ¬Å"State government needs to educate the public about nurse practitioners and how anyone on a waiting lists for category three or four could be receiving care from a health professional. The public would be appalled if they knew how ready nurse practitioners are to provide health services but are restricted by bad policy.â⬠Taylor, M (2007) recommends that those have and are interested in the position of a NP should consider addressing barriers that requires action. Promoting Australiaââ¬â¢s publicà awareness, utilising and justifying the role of a NP and involved politically to support change are a few of many factors that may alter the restriction to NPs (Taylor 2007). Conclusion In conclusion, Australia is still fairly new as a country towards role of a NP, which has been around internationally for much longer (Distroll et al 2005 p141). The NP has a higher education level at the Masterââ¬â¢s Level which can perform specific areas within their scope of practice (Australian Nursing Federation 2006), to help out in different areas of aspects in Australiaââ¬â¢s health system (Baker 2010 p). The process of obtaining the title and position of a ââ¬ËNPââ¬â¢ is based the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2011), however was indicated by Harvey et al (2011 p2478) that complications have raised difficulties through the endorsement in different state. The Australian health systems are still in the progress of trial and error with developing and broadening of the SoP of a NP. The accessibility of the MBS and PBS by the legislation has proven to be a great step despite controversies from the AMA (cited in Taylor). Finally the value of NP have been evaluated and have successfully implemented on the Australian health system improving waiting times for patients, assist the workload for medical practitioners, and mentor and enhance communication between patient and medical staff (Webster-Brain 2011 p). References Department of Human Services Victoria (2004) (Webster-Brain 2011). Gabrial et al (2005) Scully (2006)
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Development of optical nanoelectronics Essay
Nanotechnology has become more advanced in recent years. This made possible the development of optical nanoelectronics. Optical nanocircuits have been the focus of recent researches because of its superior advantages over the existing electronic circuits. They offer high-speed transmission of data, high bandwidth, and even miniaturization of circuit elements. But optical nanocircuits, operating in the optical frequencies, are not solely based on the existing circuit theory that has been the foundation of the existing Microwave circuits. Theory of Electromagnetics must be deeply analyzed and extended to understand how optical nanocircuits work. In microwave circuits, resistors, inductors and capacitors can be modeled using lumped elements. The changes in electromagnetic field inside the electronic components are quasi-static in nature. This idea also holds true for optical nanocircuits. In order to preserve the quasi-static nature of the elements, the dimensions of the components need to be tinier than the wavelength. This has been possible because of the advancement of nanotechnologies. But the problem in the optical frequencies is the behavior and response of the metallic and non-metallic components. At optical frequencies, metals tend to show plasmonic resonance, which causes the permittivity of the material to have a negative real part. Since metals donââ¬â¢t show the property of conduction at optical frequencies, Conduction current is not the main current flowing thru the metal. Displacement current is dominant current flowing thru the metals at optical frequencies. This displacement current is greatly affected by the permittivity of the material used. The characteristics of the permittivity of the material determine whether the material acts as a nanoinductor, a nanocapacitor, or a nanoresistor. If the real part of the permittivity of the material is positive, the material acts as a nanocapacitor. On the other hand, if the real part is negative, it acts as a nanoinductor. Materials have nanoresistance when the imaginary part of the permittivity of the material is not equal to zero. These nanoelements can also be used to realized nanofilters. Existing ideas using resistors, inductors, and capacitors to create lowpass, highpass, and bandpass filters can also be used to create nanofilters. Depending on the connections of the nanoelements, nanofilters can be constructed. Nanoinductors, nanocapacitors and nanoresistors can be connected in either series or parallel to produce the necessary nanofilter. A sample of optical nanocircuit is shown in the image below. Figure 1. Realization of optical nanocircuit. (Engheta, Science 2007. ) References: Alu, A. , Salandrino, A. , & Engheta, N. Parallel, Series, and Intermediate Interconnections of Optical Nanocircuit Elements, Part 2: Nanocircuit and Physical Interpretation. Universtiy of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://arxiv.org/pdf/0707. 1003. pdf Engheta, N. , SAlandrino, A. , & Alu, A. (2004). Circuit Elements at Optical Frequencies : Nano-inductors, Nano-capacitors, and Nano-resistors. Universtiy of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://arxiv. org/pdf/cond-mat/0411463. pdf Engheta, N. (2007). Circuits with Light at Nanoscales: Optical Nanocircuits Inspired by Metamaterials. Science. Shivanand, S. V. (2008). Optical Nanocircuits. Purdue University, Indiana, USA. Retrieved November 15, 2008 from http://cobweb. ecn. purdue. edu/~ece695s/Lectures/Lecture_20. pdf
Friday, January 3, 2020
Cuban Missile Crisis Essay examples - 2946 Words
Cuban Missile Crisis The closest the world has come to nuclear war was the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. This was the tense cold war opposition between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had installed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles off the coast of the United States The Cold War was the result of a clash between communism and capitalism, two opposing world-views. Another cause of the build up to the Cold War was the intransigent attitude of both sides. The Soviet Union was extremely concerned about its security after having been invaded twice in the twentieth century. In 1945 America created and used the atomic bomb against Japan and the USSR was determined to create one of its own. Both theâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦On Sunday, August 13, 1969 East Germany blocked off East Berlin from West Berlin with barbed wire. A few days later the Berlin Wall was built to replace the barbed wire. From 1961 to 1981, there were 37,800 successful escapes across the Berlin wall from the East to the West. The reunification of Germany took place on October 3, 1990. In 1962, Cuba was convinced that the USA was planning to attack them and asked the Soviet Union for military assistance. The USSR sent Cuba materials to build missile bases and launch sites. When President Kennedy realized that Cuba could launch missiles into America, he demanded that the USSR remove its weapons and troops. The Americans formed a naval blockade as the world stood nervously on the edge of a nuclear war. The USSR removed its weapons despite protests from Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The United States believed that the Soviet Unions expansion threatened the developing nations of the world. So, in 1949 President Truman and Congress approved nearly $400 million for technical development programs in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The goals of this Point Four Program were to modernize and strengthen developing nations and discourage the growth of communism. Gorbachevs policy of Glasnost eliminated the strict censorship practiced for hundreds of years. Glasnost stands for openness, and Soviet citizens were now allowed to speak openly about their countrys problems. Perestroika, orShow MoreRelatedThe Cuban Missile Crisis1149 Words à |à 5 Pagescausing a civil war. Both the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War illustrate the United States attempt to combat communism. The Cuban Missile Crisis in the prevention of a nuclear war. Whereas the Vietnam War ultimately curtailed the spread of communism. (CMC) During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the U.S was trying to prevent a nuclear war, and attempting to contain the hostility between the U.S and the Soviet Union. In 1962, an American U2 plane spotted a Russian missile site being built with shortRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis1188 Words à |à 5 Pageseven know. Topic Sentence: The Cuban missile was a crazy time. It happened some fifty years ago when John F. Kennedy was president. It was when one of U.S. spy plane caught Soviet Union trying to sneak some nuclear missiles into Cuba that was ninety miles off the United Statesââ¬â¢ coast. Soon enough president Kennedy had to talk to one of their leaders about what are they doing with the missiles and if they do not remove it there will be a war. The Cuban missile crisis happened during the Cold War betweenRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis1495 Words à |à 6 PagesKennedy was made aware of Soviet missiles in Cuba. This was the testing ground, the closest the world has ever been to nuclear war, the Cuban Missile Crisis, 16-28 October, 1962. The future for millions of lives depended upon the ability of United States President John F. Kennedy and Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev to reach an agreement in which both did not lose face, and more importantly, the world survived. The events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis, as explained by Sheldon M. SternRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis Essay2455 Words à |à 10 PagesThe Cuban Missile Crisis bought the world closer to extinction than ever before. It was through the decisive actions of newly elected president John F Kennedy and then premier of the USSR Nikita Khrushchev that the confrontation did not escalate into all out nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted for 13 days, it was predicated on the fact that the Soviet Union was placing intercontinental ballistic missiles on the island country of Cuba which is just off the coast of the United States nearRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis1016 Words à |à 4 Pages Events leading up to this potential catastrophic war was the Cuban Revolution, the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, US anti-communism, insecurity of the Soviet Union, and Cubas fear of invasion. Thankfully, the conflict was avoided due to great cooperation from both President J ohn F. Kennedy of the United States and Soviet Union leader, Nikita Khrushchev. Each decision made by each leader was vital in the outcome of The Crisis. Kennedys choice to take action by methods of quarantine insteadRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis2013 Words à |à 9 PagesInvestigation The purpose of this investigation is to establish the extent to which there was a victor at the end of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. This investigation will evaluate the position of both Khrushchev and Kennedy after the crisis in order to draw the victor. Looking into the intentions and goals of USA and the USSR leading up to, during, and recently after the crisis to determine the true victor, in between the years 1959 and 1979. Sources that will be used in this investigation includeRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis2100 Words à |à 9 PagesThe Cuban Missile Crisis The Cuban missile crisis was the most dangerous of the Cold War, but it still involves the two main superpower enemies; Russia and America, only this time Cuba got involved too. The Cold War happened because Read MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis5937 Words à |à 24 PagesThe Cuban Missile Crisis The world was at the edge of a third world war. This was the result of a variety of things: the Cuban Revolution, the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, US anti-communism, insecurity of the Soviet Union, and Cubas fear of invasion all made causes for war. However, war was not the result due to great cooperation from both President Kennedy and President Khrushchev and each of the decisions made by the leaders was crucial in the outcome of The Crisis. Kennedys choiceRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis Essay3251 Words à |à 14 Pageswar. Looking back now, I realize the Cuban Missile Crisis was an extreme pivotal moment in the Cold War. 6 months ago my own country, the United States of America, had never been so close to Armageddon with the Soviet Union. On October 16th, 1962 I was informed that the CIAââ¬â¢s National Photographic Interpretation Centre had reviewed findings from U-2 aircraft photographs and had identified objects that were soon to be interpreted as medium range ballistic missiles. The U-2 flight, piloted by MajorRead MoreThe Cuban Missile Crisis Essay1292 Words à |à 6 Pagesinevitable to the world, it was the first time nuclear war was hanging on a thread. The Cuban Missile Crisis presented a threat to the world, in which the USSR planted nuclear missiles on Cuba. Americaââ¬â¢s response was to threaten launching nuclear missiles at the Russians. This incident launched the world into a new time, which presented nuclear weapons as a source of power. The incident of the Cuban Missile Crisis still connects with us today because the power nuclear weapons present, which provides
Thursday, December 26, 2019
The Rise Of Self Service Machines - 1627 Words
Marx and Technology Karl Marxââ¬â¢s theories were written in the 19th century, it is debated whether they are applicable to the issues of modern society. This essay seeks to explore the key ideas of Marx and apply them to the chosen contemporary concern of the rise of self-service machines. Primarily it will give an in depth description of his idea of human nature and the key ideas surrounding Marxist theory. Secondly, it will explain the current issue and argue the rise of technology through the eyes of Marx by relating to his main concepts. Marxââ¬â¢s views on human nature make up the philosophical element of his ideas. He believed human beings define themselves primarily through their labouring activity. Labour is therefore what they live for, it defines human beings and also performs functions by connecting them to their existence. This is achieved in three senses which Marx outlined (Morrison, 2006). Firstly individuals exert control over nature which makes them active in history, rather than passive. Secondly, labour provides the necessities a human requires to live, without it they would have no food, shelter or clothing and would not exist. Thirdly Marx believed labour allows an individual to define themselves. Through labour humans feel in control of their survival and are confirmed in their own existence (Morrison, p. 120). The essence of the individual is labour, it is central to human development. Humans still hold the power of creativity but the nature of the capitalistShow MoreRelatedLeon Trotsky, a Leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and Early Architect of the Soviet State741 Words à |à 3 Pagesbecome the supreme leader of the USSR. In the context of the workings of the Bolshevik party to rise to the highest office of the politburo required certain traits and qualities as well as an ability to utilise the party machine and exploit its members-talents, traits and qualities Trotsky clearly lacked. For these reasons the statement is highly accurate because in spite of his ability, Trotskyââ¬â¢s failure to rise to the ââ¬Ëhighest office in the landââ¬â¢ was a consequence of his arrogance, political naivetyRead MoreMarketing Objectives Of The Healthy Vending Machine Company1458 Words à |à 6 PagesMarketing is a fundamental aspect of the success of any company. The healthy vending machine c ompany has established its marketing objectives that will ensure that the word about its company spreads fast and, therefore, help to implement their marketing plan. The marketing targets of the organization are: To promote product awareness The company has an objective to promote the knowledge of the healthly vending machines to people around different industries and to increase the interest of the devicesRead MoreCase Study Of Dialysis Therapy996 Words à |à 4 Pagesher helper during self-dialysis training. â⬠¢ A place to stay during treatment. â⬠¢ Blood or packed red blood cells for home self-dialysis unless it is part of a doctors service or is needed to prime the dialysis equipment. â⬠¢ Transportation to a dialysis facility. (Dialysis Coverage). Reimbursement Rates: The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) has reimbursed renal dialysis centers an established rate of $138 per unit for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis services for those recipientsRead More Does Economic Wealth Mean Happiness? Essay1348 Words à |à 6 Pagesaffects happiness. This paper will conclude that rises in economic wealth do not correlate with happiness. Many factors influence happiness, and the method of enhancing happiness. The essay will begin by discussing the relationship between economic wealth and life standards. According to Mankiw Taylor (2011), the quality of life in countries with high economic wealth could improve. Economic wealth can be measured by materials, goods, services, and GDP (gross domestic product), which is the marketRead MoreThe Health Of Health Care1436 Words à |à 6 Pagesrisen drastically in the United States during the past 30 years. Much of the growth in health care spending can be linked to modifiable population risk factors such as obesity, which in turn gives rise to diseases. Rising disease prevalence and new medical treatments account for nearly two-thirds of the rise in spending. (see Per capita spending exhibit 2) It is for this reason that I feel healthcare reforms should focus on health promotion, cost-effective use of medical care, and public health interventionsRead MoreComputer Machines That Improve Our Lives Of Customers So They Can Enjoy Their Summer Barbeques1113 Words à |à 5 PagesVIVID STORY We will deliver state-of-the-art machines that improve the lives of customers so they can enjoy their summer barbeques and last minute dinner plans (See report 1 ââ¬Å"Busy Livesâ⬠section). Our solution will be incorporating IoT capabilities with our existing product categories. At the minimum level, such sensor-enabled and connected machines can inform customers with basic information, such as the productââ¬â¢s condition, the external environment and productââ¬â¢s operation usage. This one-to-oneRead MoreIndustrialization Of The Industrial Revolution1635 Words à |à 7 PagesJust as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries when the industrial revolution began, today people fear that technology is destroying jobs. Prior to the industrial revolution manufacturing was often done in peoples homes, using hand tools or basic machines. Industrialization marked a shift to powered special purpose machinery, factories and mass production. Yet at this time people feared for their jo bs because the machinery resulted in often-grim employment opportunities many people argue that theRead MoreThe Differences Between Local Governments And Political Machines1258 Words à |à 6 PagesAs urban populations grew rapidly during the late nineteenth century, political machines become a mechanism to deal with the problems and new challenges that the cities encountered. The increased population required more solutions to solve problems regarding the distribution of resources as well as public services. In many ways, the political machines provided solutions to individuals in urban cities, but it was only done in exchange for votes and did not solve collective problems the cities facedRead MorePolitical And Legal Influences Of The Da Vinci1502 Words à |à 7 Pagesjust four years prior. There have been number incidents with the robotic surgeon, some including that the hand wouldnââ¬â¢t let go of tissue during the surgery and the robotic arm hitting the face of a woman a s she lay there being operated on. These machines are generally used to remove gallbladders, prostates, wombs, to repair heart valves, and help with shrinking stomachs and transplanting human organs. Doctors who use these robots report that they are beneficial because they are less tired duringRead MoreThe Invention Of Artificial Intelligence1668 Words à |à 7 Pages The idea that machines and technology can, and are, becoming ââ¬Å"intelligentâ⬠is a scary thought. Throughout the history of technology, there has been a steady increase in the capabilities of software, and much research has gone into how these capabilities can be used to ââ¬Å"betterâ⬠our lives. In our lives today, we all use some form of Artificial Intelligence daily. Some of these activities include: using cellular apps (Google Maps, Siri, Cortana), playing video games, and listening to music. Although
Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Analysis Of The Poem Acquainted With The Night By...
The poem ââ¬Å"Acquainted with the Nightâ⬠by Robert Frost is not simply about a walk being taken on a rainy night, as one would assume on their first reading. Instead a closer reading of the poem will reveal to the reader a much darker journey. As the speaker describes his trudge through the city streets, the reader begins to see that this is far more than a walk through a gloomy night; it is a manââ¬â¢s journey through depression. While Frostââ¬â¢s dark poem is written much like a sonnet, having fourteen lines, it is not a sonnet in the traditional sense, as it follows the terza rima rhyming scheme which is ââ¬Å"an interlocking three line rhyme scheme: aba, bcb, cdc, ded, and so onâ⬠(Meyer, 2012, p. 1673). Terza rima is made up of tercets woven into a rhyme scheme that requires the end-word of the second line in one tercet to supply the rhyme for the first and third lines in the next tercet, continuing the pattern until the final stanza or line. Borrowing this r hyme-scheme from Dante Alighieri and by utilizing a few lines-a mere fourteen- Frost is able to paint a convincing picture to the reader of the true feeling of depression by using the literary elements of metaphor, imagery, and theme. Frost uses metaphors in ââ¬Å"Acquainted with the Nightâ⬠to express the darkness and loneliness that are familiar feelings for those that suffer with depression. Though the entire poem can be interpreted as a metaphor for depression, Frost uses individual words and phrases as metaphors as well. In theShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of Acquainted with the Night and Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening1471 Words à |à 6 PagesResearch Paper first draft 16th Nov 2011 In a Dark Night, I Find My Answers. The two poems ââ¬Å"Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Eveningâ⬠and ââ¬Å"Acquainted with the Nightâ⬠written by Robert Frost are very similar to each other because of the simplistic form of language used and the uses of metaphors. When we first read the poem, it looks like an ordinary poem but once we go in depth and understand the meaning, it becomes so much more. Both of the poem has a very dark, gloomy and lonely setting with a reallyRead MoreAcquainted With The Night By Robert Frost Essay1670 Words à |à 7 PagesAcquainted with Ambiguity: An Analysis of Robertââ¬â¢s Frostââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Acquainted with the Nightâ⬠Born at the end of the 19th century and writing into the 20th century, poet Robert Frost is famous for putting a 20th century spin on 19th century poetic conventions (Robert Frost). His 1928 poem ââ¬Å"Acquainted with the Nightâ⬠is one of the best examples of this spin, combining modern experimental techniques with a set structure and rhyme scheme. In the poem, the speaker recounts his/her ambiguous relationshipRead MoreEnglish 10B Unit 4 Analysis of Poetry1144 Words à |à 5 Pages4: Analysis of Poetry This Unit Activity will help you meet these educational goals: 21st Century Skillsââ¬âYou will use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills and communicate effectively. Introduction In this activity, you will read and analyze three poems by different poets and examine the similarities and differences among them. __________________________________________________________________________ Directions and Analysis Task 1: Read and Analyze Poetry Read these poems, whichRead MoreRobert Frost : A New England Poet3698 Words à |à 15 PagesRobert Lee Frost Known for being a New England poet Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, California on March 26th, 1874. Born to a New England father William Prescott Frost Jr. and a Scottish mother Isabelle Moodie who moved to the west coast from Pennsylvania after marriage (Bailey). Both his parents were teachers and poets themselves, but his father later became a journalist with the San Francisco Evening Bulletin (Bailey). Frost spent 12 years of his life growing up in San Francisco, untilRead More Class Struggle in Robert Frosts Poem Out, Out Essay1676 Words à |à 7 PagesClass Struggle in Robert Frosts Poem Out, Out- Robert Frosts poem Out, Out- is developed around a clear and unquestionable moment: a horrifying accident in which a young boy is mutilated by a buzz saw. Frosts underlying message, however, isnt nearly as straightforward. As the poem develops, two clear levels of interpretation seem to surface. While on the basic level the poem would seem to be a simple metaphor for mans struggles with nature, a more careful analysis suggests a level ofRead MoreEssay about Isolation and Nature in the Works of Robert Frost3175 Words à |à 13 PagesIsolation and Nature in the Works of Robert Frost During the height of Robert Frostââ¬â¢s popularity, he was a well-loved poet whoââ¬â¢s natural- and simple-seeming verse drew people - academics, artists, ordinary people both male and female - together into lecture halls and at poetry readings across the country.1 An eloquent, witty, and, above all else, honest public speaker, Frostââ¬â¢s readings imbued his poetry with a charismatic resonance beyond that of the words on paper, and it is of littleRead MorePoetry Essay Prompt2545 Words à |à 11 PagesLiterature Poetry Essay Prompts (1970ââ¬â2011) 1970 Poem: ââ¬Å"Elegy for Janeâ⬠(Theodore Roethke) Prompt: Write an essay in which you describe the speakers attitude toward his former student, Jane. 1971 Poem: ââ¬Å"The Unknown Citizenâ⬠(W.H. Auden) Prompt: In a brief essay, identify at least two of the implications implicit in the society reflected in the poem. Support your statements by specific references to the poem. 1972 NO POEM 1973 (exam not available) 1974 Poem: ââ¬Å"I wonder whether one expects...â⬠(No poetRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words à |à 1573 Pages, with David DeCenzo (Wiley, 2010) Prentice Hallââ¬â¢s Self-Assessment Library 3.4 (Prentice Hall, 2010) Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed., with David DeCenzo and Mary Coulter (Prentice Hall, 2013) Supervision Today! 7th ed., with David DeCenzo and Robert Wolter (Prentice Hall, 2013) Training in Interpersonal Skills: TIPS for Managing People at Work, 6th ed., with Phillip Hunsaker (Prentice Hall, 2012) Managing Today! 2nd ed. (Prentice Hall, 2000) Organization Theory, 3rd ed. (Prentice Hall, 1990)
Monday, December 9, 2019
Essay The Jealousy of Iago in Shakespeares Othello Essay Example For Students
Essay The Jealousy of Iago in Shakespeares Othello Essay The Jealously of Iago in Othello à à à Iagos crimes define pathological jealousy and a sheer desire for revenge. His acts are pre-meditated and have reasons. In various soliloquies, he reveals grudges that, while mostly false or overblown, present themselves as clear to Iago. Iago masters duplicity, even remarking himself I am not what I am. (line 67) Many of his dark motives are probably concealed from the audience. In his few soliloquies, he presents definitive motives for his vengeful desires. His passions are so dark that they can only be understood by himself. à à à à à à The first scene depicts Iago conversing with Roderigo. Iagos goals, grudges, and furthermore his motives are revealed. His plan is calculated and pre-meditated with Roderigo being a mere source of cash. Iago explains his disbelief on not being selected for lieutenant. He boasts of his military victories at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds/ Christened and heathen, must be beleed and calmed/ By debitor and creditor. (lines 30-32) Iago was denied a position of high valor and takes umbrage to the person responsible. That person is Othello. Othello chooses Michael Cassio, whom Iago denounces as a Florentine. (line 21) Iago has been beaten by a Florentine with (as Iago thinks) less military ability than him. This deep wound commands Iago to revenge. à à à à à à Iago cannot bear Othellos being a superior figure. Iago comments on Othellos going to war as Another of his fathom they have none/ To lead their business. (lines 153-154) Iago insults Othellos skin color profusely behind his back. As the first part of his plan, Iago seeks to arouse Bra. . a man with tremendous skill and motive. Iago sought revenge and obtained it. à Works Cited and Consulted à Ferguson, Francis. Two Worldviews Echo Each Other. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from Shakespeare: The Pattern in His Carpet. N.p.: n.p. , 1970. à Gardner, Helen. Othello: A Tragedy of Beauty and Fortune. Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint from The Noble Moor. British Academy Lectures, no. 9, 1955. à Mack, Maynard. Everybodys Shakespeare: Reflections Chiefly on the Tragedies. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press, 1993. à Shakespeare, William. Othello. In The Electric Shakespeare. Princeton University. 1996. http://www.eiu.edu/~multilit/studyabroad/othello/othello_all.html No line nos.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Infosys and Corporate Social Responsibility in India Essay Example
Infosys and Corporate Social Responsibility in India Essay Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as a businesss policy to encourage positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities and all other member of the public who may be considered its stakeholders. [8] Analysis The Infosys Foundation The Infosys Foundation was established in the year 1996 with the goal of serving the under-privileged sections of the society The focus areas of the foundation are: We will write a custom essay sample on Infosys and Corporate Social Responsibility in India specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Infosys and Corporate Social Responsibility in India specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Infosys and Corporate Social Responsibility in India specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Learning and education in 2007, the foundation embarked on the Library for Every Rural School program to get people to donate books in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Kerala. It has since set up 35,000 school libraries, the largest rural education program in India. Healthcare Since its inception in 1996, the foundation has constructed hospital wards, donated medicines and advanced medical equipment to hospitals, and organized health camps in remote areas, all in order to get the under-privileged access to modern medical practices. Arts Culture The Infosys Foundation sustains and preserves several art forms that are unique to our country and form a part of our heritage. Over the years it has sponsored art and music shows by rural artists, sponsored documentaries on Indian culture and published books that delineate the roots of art in Karnataka. Social Rehabilitation and Rural Uplift The foundation works for the welfare of destitute women and children and also helps towards developing rural India by providing education and vocational skills. It has built orphanages where education is prioritized and organized training centres for destitute women in and around Karnataka. Assessment There are a number of observations to be made from the above. Firstly, Infosys is seen to be engaged in various, unconnected welfare activities. Though laudable, this may not be the best policy to adopt towards CSR because many of these have little or no relevance to its core business ability. Thus, there is a chance that it may drop them in the future if aspects of the activities start to clash with their normal business working. This will damage the entire premise of sustainability that the company promotes about its CSR. The extremely local nature of these activities (most are based in and around Karnataka) show that Infosys is perhaps trying to build a good relationship at home where it wants to address as many problems as possible. However, scaling up of these activities will be the real test of its CSR practices because being a global company it cannot afford to limit its welfare activities to only one region. This may raise questions about their sincerity as their efforts may be construed as simply trying to appease the authorities at home and maybe get benefits over its competition. In the next section we will see that in matters in which it has expertise, Infosys has already expanded its activities to the global level. Sustainable Social Change Infosys makes the proud claim of influencing sustainable social change through its varied development initiatives. [1] The following are some of these initiatives: Education and Intellectual Capability It is no secret that India is engineering-mad with Indian Engineering Institutions churning out over 500,000 science and engineering graduates every year. However, even as rival IT companies and a host of other recruiters vie with Infosys over the recruitment of the fresh, inexpensive engineering talent, there is little that these corporates have done to aid in the recognition and reward of top Indian research. This is a matter of pressing concern because not only does this hamper the intellectual capital of our country in relation to competition from overseas (Even China has more PhDs per capita than India) but it promotes a lack of systematic learning that ultimately results in making a lot of these graduates unfit for immediate industrial employment. It is here that Infosys has once again differentiated itself from the competition by undertaking ventures that promote science and engineering education as more than simply a means of landing a job. The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) was set up with the goal of achieving the above. It was set up by some of the companys founder members in February 2009 with the aim to elevate the prestige of scientific research in India and inspire young Indians to choose a vocation in scientific research. The ISF honours outstanding contributions and achievements by Indians in various streams of science with the Infosys Prize in five categories: mathematical sciences, physical sciences, engineering and computer sciences, life sciences and social sciences. The award is given to Indian scientists below the age of 50. The Foundation is funded by an amount of Rs. 215,000,000 contributed by the members of the Infosys Board and an annual grant from Infosys Tech. Ltd. The annual award in each category amounts to Rs. 5,000,000. The importance of this award is highlighted by the names of its past winners and their achievements, for e.g. last year the award for Life Sciences went to Dr. Chetan Chitnis for having discovered the first viable malaria vaccine and the award for Engineering Sciences went to Prof. Ashutosh Sharma for his applications in energy storage. Along similar lines is the ACM Infosys Foundation Award in Computer Sciences, established in August 2007 and carrying a cash award of USD 150,000 provided by the Infosys Foundation Endowment. It aims to reward educators and researchers whose work in software systems foster innovations that address existing challenges in the domain. Assessment Unlike a number of Indian companies whose education related welfare activities focus primarily on issues of primary/basic education, Infosys initiatives are unique in that they are associated exclusively with the domain of higher technical education, a segment in which it is arguably the most respected company in the country. This allows it to create perfect synergy between its everyday business activities and its investments in the above initiatives because unlike a lot of other companies who get into CSR without doing their homework and as a result get accused of doing it for ulterior motives, Infosys engagement with the field of technical education is a natural extension of its business practices. Its approach in this direction must also be lauded. While Narayana Murty has been accused in the past of favouring foreign universities when it came to giving grants, his decision of having Infosys establish the above awards is a godsend for the research establishment in India because though grants may be siphoned off by agencies without the threat of accountability, awarding individuals for their excellence is more effective as it provides a greater encouragement for others to follow in their shoes. But Infosys has not completely ignored the primary and secondary education sectors either. It has just approached it in a different way and yet received accolades all the same. A case in point is the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which was founded in 2000 and has three senior Infosys members apart from numerous Infosys volunteers who work towards providing free midday meals to schoolchildren. The foundations functions in partnership with state and central governments and currently serves over 1.3 million students in 7699 schools across India. Its impact is easy to assess from third party recognitions: it was awarded an International Fellowship by the US Congressional Hunger Centre, it received the 2008 CNBC India Business Leader of the Year Award and it even made it to the MBA curriculum as a case study at the Harvard School of Business in 2007. Similarly, Infosys BPOs work on Project Genesis, under which it works to improve the written and spoken communication capabilities in addition to the analytical skills of students in Tier 2 and 3 towns of the country so that they become employable, was awarded as the best CSR initiative at the 8th National Outsourcing Association (NOA) Awards 2011, in London. It was especially lauded for making sure that no expense was incurred by the participating academicians in the program. Community Development Unlike the education schemes already mentioned, community development initiatives do not at first seem the best fit with the companys existing activities. However, Infosys has done its share of work in this domain too and while most of it has been in the vicinity of its offices, there are projects like the Flood Relief Project for the victims of northern Karnataka in which the company has participated quite actively. Only last year the first phase of their initiative to construct 2250 houses across 18 villages was completed and subsequently these houses were handed over to the villagers. Assessment This aspect of Infosys CSR efforts can also be criticized for not matching with the core business abilities of the organization. The question to be asked is whether Infosys could have done a better job as simply a service consultant (a domain in which it already has expertise) to a third-party organization and have the latter handle the actual on-ground developmental work. Also, nearly all of Infosys developmental work has come in the neighbourhood of Karnataka. The scalability of this work can be called into question much like in the case of the Infosys Foundation. Regionalized developmental work can always raise questions about its sincerity, i.e. whether they are simply means to appease the local public/authorities. Infosys Eco Group Plans and Implementation Infosys has been considering the worsening impact of businesses on the environment for several years and has understood the importance of a clean environment and energy efficient solutions. It has hence committed itself to come up with innovations which positively impact the environment and can lead to large energy savings. Many of these have been implemented at Infosys itself. Under this initiative of Green Innovation, Infosys has not only come with a number of ideas but has also implemented some of them in tangible forms: iSustain: Carbon energy and resource management tool that helps the user to generate and monitor the use of various resources such as energy and water etc. being used, take majors to allot them efficiently and also monitor the carbon footprint. InGreen Energy Management: A tool used by Infosys to monitor the energy consumption at micro level and to take majors to cut on unnecessary usage. Using this, Infosys has been successfully reducing its carbon emission at a rate of more than 5% per annum. InGreen Personal Carbon Calculator: A tool that helps the user organizations to assess their impact on ecological systems in terms of carbon emission. Smart Integrator for Smart Grid: A device that continuously monitors the power usage of various devices in the range using a sensor and controls them accordingly. Infosys also plans to become carbon neutral and shift to entirely renewable energy by 2017. The steps taken for the same seem to be promising which include building of renewable energy power generation plants (recently they have built a solar energy plant at Jaipur Campus) and aiming for a platinum rating, the highest rating given by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for environment friendly architecture. In January 2012, the third building at the Mysore Campus achieved this rating. Besides these, Infosys has been taking small but effective measures to reduce its own energy consumption, such as building designs with maximum exposure to natural light, design of windows which could lead to reduction in room temperature thus saving on air conditioning consumption of energy, increasing use of green power and use of recycled water. (Refer Exhibit 1) Assessment In year 2011, Infosys has saved more than 4 lakh units of conventional energy units through the use of the renewable energy sources. Not only has this helped in energy conservation but it has also resulted in savings of Rs. 20 Crore for the organization. In a similar way, innovative ideas such as smart integrator, rooms having maximum exposure to day light, optimum room temperature maintenance measures and use of LED and CFL tubes in place of conventional ones saved more than 7 lakh units of electricity, accounting for monetary benefit of Rs. 35 lakhs. In addition to these, Infosys is working closely with the Karnataka Government and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) for implementation of renewable energy power plants. It has been successful in convincing KERC to remove the cross-subsidy on renewable energy thus reducing its cost. Moreover as a result of these efforts, KERC has made it compulsory for the power utilities in Karnataka to buy at least 0.25% of total energy in form of solar energy, which will cost the end users only 4 paise more than regular rate per unit. Though listed under the CSR activities and initiated as Green Innovations, the activities mentioned above are not only intended to improve the environmental conditions as a social need but are also aimed at a reduction in Infosys energy consumption thereby giving it a competitive advantage as it can sell these innovative solutions to its clients as well. It is these latter observations that have been points of concern for critics who blame Infosys of hyping its energy savings and accuse it of Greenwashing. [18] Employee-Driven CSR Employees at Infosys are given ample opportunities to contribute to the society. This way of engaging employees to have hands on experience on CSR can also help the society, which needs responsible citizens to contribute man hours. The policy also helps these employees to attain their personal aspirations of serving the society. This sabbatical policy was initiated in the year 2008, where all the employees are encouraged to work through Infosys Foundation to support the needs of the society. The company as an entity is greatly supportive of its employees in executing the initiatives. The employees are made to pledge that they will make a difference to the society on a consistent basis. For effective execution, the company has individual divisions which run independent of each other under major themes like Health, Art, Education, Rural welfare and Rehabilitation and Targeted inclusive growth. A governance framework has also been put in place to streamline and implement the employee driven CSR initiatives in order to provide operational efficiencies and financial transparency.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)