Ergonomic Workstation

Computer Workstation Ergonomics INF 103: Computer Literacy Winter 2009 Computer Workstation Ergonomics As we spend increasing amounts of time at our computer workstation, we need to be aware of how the design and arrangement of our equipment can impact our comfort, health, and productivity. WORK AREA The work area should be large enough to accommodate you, allow the full range of motions involved in performing required tasks, and provide room for the equipment and materials that make up the workstation. †¢Use a headset for lengthy or frequent telephone work. Place the items you use most frequently directly in front of you. †¢Avoid overcrowding computer work areas. DESK/WORKSTATION Standard furniture cannot accommodate everyone’s needs. A taller person may need a one-time adjustment to have his or her work surface raised somewhat; a shorter person may need a footrest or other accessories. Adjustable furniture may be needed in situations where people share or use the s ame workstation. †¢The desktop should be organized so that frequently used objects are close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching. The work surface should have a matte finish to minimize glare or reflections. †¢The area underneath the desk should always be tidy and clean to accommodate the user’s legs and allow for stretching. †¢If a fixed-height desk is used, add a keyboard tray that adjusts vertically to provide added adjustability. †¢A footrest should be used if, after adjusting the height of the chair, feet do not rest flat on the floor. †¢Use a headset or speaker phone to avoid neck and shoulder discomfort if you use a phone frequently throughout the day. †¢Place the phone on the side of your non-dominant hand (i. e. left side if right-handed, right side if left-handed) †¢Position your desk lamp (if you use one) so that it illuminates source documents without causing either glare on the computer screen or direct illumination to your eyes. †¢A document holder should be used if documents are referred to during keying. The document holder should: †¢Be stable and adjustable (height, position, distance, and angle of view). †¢Support your document on either side of the monitor. †¢Be at the same distance from your eyes as the display screen to avoid frequent changes of focus and you should be able you to look from one to the other without moving your neck or back. CHAIR ADJUSTMENTS Contrary to popular belief, sitting, which most people believe is relaxing, is hard on the back. Sitting for long periods of time can cause increased pressure on the intervertebral discs — the spongy discs between the vertebras. Sitting is also hard on the feet and legs. Gravity tends to pool blood in the legs and feet and create a sluggish return to the heart. The following recommendations can help increase comfort for computer users: †¢Ã¢â‚¬ Dynamic sitting†, don’t stay in one static position for extended periods of time. When performing daily tasks, alternate between sitting and standing or take small walking breaks throughout the day. †¢The chair back should have a lumbar support †¢Adjust height of backrest to support the natural inward curve of the lower back. †¢It may be useful to use a rolled towel, lumbar roll or cushion to support the low back. †¢The angle of the back rest is subjective but the trunk and upper l egs should form an angle between 90 to 115 degrees. †¢Adjust height of chair so feet rest flat on floor oSit upright in the chair with the low back against the backrest and the shoulders touching the backrest. Thighs should be parallel to the floor and knees at about the same level as the hips. oBack of knees should not come in direct contact with the edge of the seat pan. There should be 2-4 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of the knee †¢Arm rests should be removable and the distance between the arm rests should be adjustable. oAdjust height and/or width of armrests so they allow the user to rest arms at their sides and relax/drop their shoulders while keyboarding. oDon’t use armrests to slouch. Also, chair arms should not oticeably elevate your shoulders or force you to move your arms away from your body to use them. oElbows and lower arms should rest lightly on armrests so as not to cause circulatory or nerve problems. †¢Use a footrest when a ttempts to adjust your chair and the rest of the workstation fail to keep your feet on the ground. †¢Ensure that you have some space (2-3†³) between the top of your thighs and the underside of your workstation. †¢Have enough space under your work surface so that you can pull yourself all the way up to the edge of the desk with room for your legs and knees to fit comfortably. MONITOR Once the chair and work surface height are properly adjusted, the computer monitor should be placed so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level when seated in an upright position. The following suggestions can help prevent the development of eye strain, neck pain and shoulder fatigue while using your computer workstation: †¢Make sure the surface of the viewing screen is clean. †¢Adjust brightness and contrast to optimum comfort. †¢Position the monitor directly in front of the user to avoid excessive twisting of the neck. †¢User must position the monitor at a comfortable viewing distance, approximately 18-30 inches from the user. Position monitors at right angles from windows to reduce glare. Close window blinds as needed to reduce glare from sunlight. †¢Position monitors away from direct lighting which creates excessive glare or use a glare filter over the monitor to reduce glare. †¢Adjust the monitor tilt so that ceiling lights do not reflect on your screen. †¢If a document holder is used, it should be placed at approximately the same height as the monitor and at the same distance from the eyes to prevent frequent eye shifts between the monitor screen and reference materials. †¢Get regular eye check-ups. Adjust as needed for larger screens. You may need to sit farther away and increase the font size to take full advantage of the larger screen. Bifocal and trifocal wearers have to pay particular attention to the placement of their monitor. Wearers of bifocals and trifocals often unknowingly tilt their heads backwards so they can read the screen through the lower portion of their glasses. This can sometimes lead to neck, shoulder, and back discomfort. Potential solutions include either lowering the computer monitor or purchasing glasses designed specifically for working at the computer. KEYBOARD Many ergonomic problems associated with computer workstations occur in the shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand. Continuous work on the computer may expose soft tissues in these areas to repetition, awkward postures, and forceful exertions, especially if the workstation is not set up properly. The following adjustments should be made to your workstation to help prevent the development of an ergonomic problem in the upper extremities: †¢First adjust your chair as mentioned above, then with your arms resting comfortably at your side, raise your forearms to form a 90 degree angle with your upper arms. Adjust keyboard height so shoulders can relax and allow arms to rest at sides. An articulating keyboard tray is often necessary to accommodate proper height and distance. †¢Position the keyboard directly in front and be close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching. †¢Forearms parallel to the floor (approximately 90 degree angle at elbow). †¢Mouse should b e placed adjacent to keyboard and at the same height as the keyboard. Avoid extended and elevated reaching for keyboard and mouse. The back of the wrist should be kept flat (in a neutral position). Do not rest the hand on the mouse when you are not using it. Rest hands in your lap when not entering data. †¢A padded wrist rest will help to keep your wrist in a straight and neutral position while typing and keep your arms off the sharp edges of the work surface. †¢Do not rest your wrists or hands on a palm or wrist rest when you are keying. These rests are designed to provide support only during breaks from keying. †¢The slope of the keyboard may need to be adjusted so that it is flat in order that your wrists are straight and not bent back while you are typing. †¢Press the keys gently; do not bang them or hold them down for long periods. Keep your shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers relaxed. If your work surface is too high and not adjustable, adjust your chair to bring your arms to the proper position. If you raise your chair make sure your feet are properly supported. MOUSE, TRACKBALL, OR OTHER INPUT DEVICE †¢The mouse is present in virtually every office environment. Handed versions of mousses are designed specifically to the contours of either the right or left hand. †¢Placing the mouse, trackball, or other input device too far away, too low, or too much on one side can cause shoulder, wrist, elbow, and forearm discomfort. Placing the input device directly in your immediate reach zone offers natural comfort and maximum hand-to-eye coordination. †¢Do not bend your wrist upward. Make sure you are sitting high enough for the workstation to be slightly below elbow height so that your hand rests naturally on the mouse. †¢Moussing demands a certain level of surface stability; if used on a keyboard tray, the tray should not wobble or tip. †¢A trackball has an exposed ball that you manipulate with your fingers. It requires the use of different muscle and tendon groups than does a mouse, and can add variety to your manipulation of computer information. Some trackball designs, however, may cause discomfort and possible injury to the area around your thumb, which stretches and reaches to maneuver the trackball. †¢Test different models of mouse’s, trackball or other input devices. Consider the shape and size of the devices, how comfortably it fits into your hand, ease of operation, and any special features that might make your job easier. In addition to the mouse and trackball, a variety of other input devices are available. Consider your task requirements and physical limitations. †¢Touch pads allow you to move the cursor on the computer screen by simply gliding your finger across a small pad. Unlike mousses, trackballs, and other pointing devices, touch pads have no moving parts to clog or breaks, so they never require disassembly for cleaning. †¢Touch screens allow you to point directly at an object. They require little or no training, are faster than other pointing devices, and require no extra work surface. However, the disadvantages of touch screens include arm fatigue, smudges, optical interference, and increased glare. †¢Voice input allows you to â€Å"talk† to your computer. Currently, such programs can understand and respond to natural speech delivered at rates of up to 160 words per minute. Pen-like devices use pressure, light, electromagnetic disruption, or radio frequencies to enter and manipulate information through contact with the computer screen or a horizontal pad. A pen pad requires about as much room on the work surface as does a mouse. If pen technology is used on a horizontal pad, a workstation must provide adequate non-glare lighting for both it and the computer screen. LIGHTING Lighting not suited to working with a computer is a major contributing factor in visual discomforts including eyestrain, burning or itching eyes, and blurred or double vision. The lighting in most office environments is too bright for optimal VDT screen viewing. The illumination may be reduced by removing 2 bulbs in a 4-bulb fluorescent fixture, removing the bulbs in every other fixture, or turning off overhead lights altogether. Supplemental desk lighting is better than overhead lighting for reading or printed copy. Use the following recommendations to reduce eyestrain and eye fatigue: †¢Close drapes/blinds to reduce glare. †¢Adjust lighting to avoid glare on screen (light source should come at a 90 degree angle, with low watt lights rather than high). Avoid intense or uneven lighting in your field of vision. †¢Place monitor at 90 degree angle to windows (where possible). †¢Reduce overhead lighting (where possible). †¢Use indirect or shielded lighting where possible. †¢Walls should not be painted with a reflective finish. †¢Use a glare screen or monitor shield to reduce glare from overhead lighting. WORK HABITS Repetitio us static work (working at the computer) is very fatiguing on your upper extremities as well as your eyes. It is important that breaks from working at the computer be taken every 20 to 40 minutes in order for your body to rest and recover. Taking a short break (3 to 5 minutes) does not mean you have to stop working, other activities such as talking to a co-worker, making copies, filing, etc. could be done during breaks from typing. It is also important to change positions periodically. According to the â€Å"Alexander Technique,† you should change sitting or leaning positions every 15 minutes (Bailin,  ¶ 13, http://www. netsci. org/Science/Special/feature01. html) Sitting in one position or leaning on your arms for an extended period of time can interfere with circulation. Laptop Computers NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT LAPTOP COMPUTERS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED AS PRIMARY COMPUTERS. IN THE OFFICE OR WHILE AT HOME, A DOCKING STATION IS RECOMMENDED TO PROVIDE ADJUSTABILITY WHICH WILL ENHANCE NEUTRAL POSTURES. Computing Maintaining neutral postures will reduce stress and strain to the musculoskeletal system. †¢Incorporate mini-breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to break up repetition and static postures. †¢Maintain a comfortable viewing distance from your screen; about 18-30 inches. †¢Keep your head and neck in a neutral posture; avoid excessive neck flexion or rotation. †¢Angle the screen so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight, if lighting permits. Position the keyboard at elbow height, and keep your wrists straight while keying. Experiment with table height, chair height and keyboard angle to maintain neutral wrist postures. †¢Remember: if you raise your chair use a footrest to support your feet. When seated your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. †¢If you are seated in a side chair or couch, use a pillo w to support your arms while keying. This will help you maintain neutral arm, wrist, and hand postures. †¢Attach an external mouse instead of using the small constricted touchpad or trackball. †¢Clean the screen regularly using appropriate antistatic cleaning materials. The hands and wrists should be kept in a straight wrist posture when typing and should not be resting on a pal rest, table, or lap while typing. Wrist and palm rests are designed to provide support during breaks from typing. Transporting the Computer Keep these ideas in mind while carrying your laptop from place to place: †¢Eliminate unnecessary baggage from your briefcase; the less demand placed on the body the better. †¢Carry your laptop in a case with a padded shoulder strap and handle. Frequently shift hands or shoulders to balance the load. †¢Use a wheeled luggage cart when possible.

An Assessment on the Benefits of Higher Education Essay

Higher education can be defined as the education that can be gained by an individual through studying at universities, colleges and other collegial institutions. This post-secondary or tertiary education is a non-compulsory education after graduating from high school or any other secondary school. An academic reward usually accompanied the graduation that distinguishes the skills and knowledge of an individual among others with his own field of specialization. These can be in the form of certificates, diplomas or academic degrees. Higher education usually appears to be in the form of teaching, researches and social services. These activities are usually provided by the universities and colleges in the realm of teaching. It also includes both the undergraduate level and post-graduate level which includes Ph. D. and master’s degrees. In the case of United Kingdom, the type of education that falls under the level of higher education but can also be classified as a post-secondary education is termed as further education. They usually include working skills with the level of degree that one may attain and thereby, making them a foundation degree qualification. There are mainly two classifications of higher education as it is dictated in the United Kingdom, the higher general education and the higher vocational education. In United States, higher education simply refers to as education offered by several institutions including the associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees and Ph. D. degrees. These institutions may also grant non-degree certificates which may prove the acquisition of knowledge and skills that can be useful for specific jobs. The right to acquire a degree from higher education institutions started on 1950 when Article 2 of the first Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights imposed the right of all individual to acquire proper education. United Nations also supported this law by providing the Article 13 of 1966 which states the accessibility of higher education to all, making it a standard goal on the basis of wealth and capacity through legal means. This law further supported the introduction of higher education to all by supporting the progressive implementation of free education. Higher education provides many advantages for a person as he takes his step towards employment and success. Some of the primary reasons why higher education should globally encourage are: (1) it can lead to higher salaries and more benefits for the employee; (2) it can encourage more employment options and reduce unemployment; (3) to promote higher saving levels; (4) to increase the personal learning as well as the professional mobility of the worker; (5) to improve life style and quality living that will lead to improved life expectancy and quality life for his offspring. One good example of these positive effects is the state of North Dakota. Some benefits brought by the implementation of higher education that are commonly noticed in the place are having 70 percent increase in the level of income of the residents and unemployment are reduced into five times less than before resulting into less amount of assistance that are needed to be offered by the government among its people. The state of Utah is another good example of this implementation of higher education. The number of enrollees in Utah have grown into significant amount during 1982 and 1983 which eventually lead to good results. The succeeding years have been very helpful for Utah as its education rates and level had increased to a desirable level. Utah showed great success during those succeeding years in terms of education level and economy. Utah became also a top performer on Measuring Up 2004 as it promotes the higher education for he students. It is definitely very advantageous to promote and encourage the students to pursue their studies and to be able to gain degrees on their own specialization. This will enable them to help themselves as individuals and promote a better economy for their state as they become part of the working class. Reference: Hill, Kent, Dennis Hoffman & T. R. Rex. 2005. The Value of Higher Education: Individual and Societal Benefits. Arizona State University http://wpcarey. asu. edu/seid/upload/Value%20Full%20Report_final_october %202005a. pdf

Impact of Sarbanes Oxley Act, 2002 on GlaxoSmithKline UK Essay

Impact of Sarbanes Oxley Act, 2002 on GlaxoSmithKline UK - Essay Example Globally, several legislative and administrative requirements in the form of new accounting standards, requirements as to detailed disclosures in financial statements and stricter enforcement of regulations on securities exchanges have been prescribed to ensure that governance of corporate entities is maintained at levels that are beneficial to themselves as well as to the people dealing with such bodies corporate. In the past, corporate governance had been used to protect the interests of company stockholders. However 'Corporate Governance' has assumed a new dimension in the post 'Enron' and 'Post Globalisation' scenario as almost every major developed and developing nation ensures some sort of promotion and protection of corporate governance principles. However there are certain basic views or models that describe the corporate governance practices universally. According to Tricker (1996) "Stewardship theory, stakeholder theory and agency theory are all essentially ethnocentric" Tricker (1996) observes although there is no change in the underlying ideologies there are conflicting theories of corporate governance established on the basis of the perceptions and expectations of the respective roles of individual, enterprise and the state. The basic principles of the different theories depend largely on the relationships that exist between these agencies. The conflicting views on the corporate governance are presented below: The Agency Model Hawley & William (1996) state the emphasis of corporate governance lies in constructing rules and incentives in the form of implicit or explicit contracts for the purpose of aligning the behaviour of managers being the agents with the expectations of the owners being the principals. Under the agency theory of corporate governance it is assumed that the ownership of the firms is dispersed as the American 'modern' corporation. The main consequence of such a form of dispersed ownership is that there exists a gap between the owners representing the 'principals' of the firm and those who are responsible for the running the day to day operations of the firm who are known as 'agents'. Thus as Shelifer and Vishny (1997) state, "agency theorists aim to understand how investors get the mangers to give them back their money and hence minimize agency costs." According to Jensen & Meckling (1976) since the relationship between the owners and managers of a corporation is that of a pure agency rela tionship, the issues associated with the 'separation of ownership and control' in the modern ownership corporation are also mostly agency based. The Stewardship Model In the stewardship model,

Integrating Values - The Legality, Morality, and Social Responsibility Research Paper

Integrating Values - The Legality, Morality, and Social Responsibility of US Airways and Delta Airlines Merger - Research Paper Example Mergers became prevalent with the enactment of the Airline Deregulation Act and the trend still persists up-to date. Through anti-trust laws, the U.S. government discourages mergers in the Airline industry with the purpose of protecting consumer interests. This paper examines the legal, social and ethical implications of a proposed merger between Delta Airlines and US Airways. 2. Background 2.1 US Airways The company was started in 1939 and is owned by the U.S. Airways group. It is headquartered in Arizona, and has an extensive fleet network all over the world. Ten years after its formation, the company changed its name to All American Airways and then in 1953, the airline again changed its name to Allegheny Airlines. The airline was later renamed, USAir and in 1979, it acquired Seth San-Diego based Pacific Southwest Airlines. By 1989, the company had become one of the largest carriers in the U.S. and to further extend its influence it announced an alliance with the British Airways i n 19996. In 2000, US Airways started negotiations with the UAL, the parent company of United Airline, but the negotiations never went through. 5 years later, the U.S. Airways merged with the America West holdings, and thereafter entered into code sharing agreements with Qatar Airways, ANA and TACA. In the past one decade, the company has extended its influence in the American skies by signing bilateral agreements with popular airlines. In February 2013, the company started negotiations with the American Airlines, to create one global career. The proposed merger is expected to be complete by the end of 2013. The company competes effectively with other low-cost carriers such as the Southwest, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. To compete effectively in the stiff market, the company has a huge fleet of modern planes and offers low prices to draw customers and increase load capacity. However, the company has too many planes and so its costs of doing business are unrealistical ly high, leading to looses. At the same time, the company’s hubs are concentrated at the East Coast and as such are able to compete effectively with other competitors. To address this problem, it would be good for the company to expand, to the west and other locations within the U.S. In addition, the airline has been affected by low productivity due to poor employee morale and loss of customers following the September 11th incident and the 2008 global financial crisis. To improve its current poor financial standing, the company should consider abandoning the hub-and-spoke model for the point-to-point system which is likely to attract more customers beside helping the airline to save on costs. Alternatively, the airline should consider forming strategic partnerships with financial stable partners such as FedEx and providing customers with innovative and more personalized services. The biggest threat to the company is the low uptake of the air-related services due to the hard e conomic environment. In addition, the company is likely to be affected by the fare-reduction pricing strategies

HPV in adolescens, a health project Research Paper

HPV in adolescens, a health project - Research Paper Example As a clinician, one is tasked with general advocacy and involvement in educating the public on health practices, from parents down to the children. This requires thorough campaigns in schools, communities and general public learning institutes. Issues of adolescent patients’ sexuality, risk behaviors, and other psychosocial risk factors should be a priority within the working procedures of all physicians. Adolescence is one of the most vulnerable life passages for the acquisition of human papillomavirus (HPV) (Anonymous, 2010, p19-20). Nurses and other health practitioners have a unique role to play in the fight against HPV amongst adolescents. This is effective by early health screening, effective communication and good care to the adolescent patients (Nancho, n.d, p30). The process is long and involves participation of many stakeholders and hence necessitates good organization and management of the whole process. Therefore, this process requires competitive and skilled leade rship from the responsible health care managers (Cherie and Gebrekidan, 2005, p4-5). From an early age in my upbringing, I knew very well what I wanted do when I grow up. I loved helping patients and attending to the less fortunate in the society with medical attention. However, amongst the many health practitioners categories, nursing interested me most. ... Amongst the participants present in the meeting were other invited global players whose role was monitoring the programs and evaluating the progress of the professional group. The health organization is a national, not-for-profit, independent, voluntary association. It represents public health in the country and is globally linked to the international public health community. The organization believes in universal, equitable and accessible basic life conditions, which necessitate the acquisition of health services to all in the country. The organization’s mission is to constitute a nationwide resource that has the main role as to advocate for the improvement and maintenance of health among individual citizens and the community at large as according to the public policy. The meeting was organized and convened by the interim chair of the organization and the board and directors to deliberate on the mechanisms and ways to address the rampant cases of spread of HPV amongst adolesc ents in the country and the globe at large. The main agenda was the role of nursing profession in the treatment and control of the condition in the overall health practitioners’ fraternity. The meeting resolved unanimously that the youthful stage of adolescence is the main target in the fight against Human papilla virus, which easily transcends through risky sexual behaviors amongst adolescents. The nursing fraternity proposed effective mechanisms to be employed to ensure effective and successful fight against the threat posed by the viral condition. However, one of the greatest challenges outlined was the leadership program that would facilitate the success of the campaign. The leadership skills important in

PROGRESSING DEVELOPMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING Essay

PROGRESSING DEVELOPMENT IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING - Essay Example In some situations the person may make a rigid determination not to eat. In some cases malnutrition might have taken place before such older people are admitted to the hospital. However, in some cases malnutrition may be a result of suboptimal gerontological care and management, medical or surgical interventions, the psychosocial effect of hospitalisation or a lack of proactive, therapeutic personcentred interventions purpose at promoting adequate food and nutrition.  An identified caused of malnutrition in older adult is the loss of f feeding abilityy which is a common problem for older adults (Kolodny & Malek 1991, Kayser-Jones 1992, Herne 1995, Kayser-Jones & Schell 1997a, Berry & Marcus 2000) especially those with dementia (Watson 2002, Manthorpe & Watson 2003); With cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, malnutrition is unavoidable. Such older adults do not have the cognitive ability to initiate or continue effective feeding strategies. I n contrast the older person with neuromotor disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease, may cognitively manage feeding but might not have the neuromotor skills to help chew or swallow effectively.  Moreover , the older people living in retirement and nursing homes need other support, including help with dressing, defecation and help with eating. The residents in the nursing homes need extensive nursing care and medical care as they may have diseases such as cancer, stroke sequelae or severe dementia (Hedin, 1993).   . Several studies show risk of malnutrition between 30% and 38% (Visvanathan et al. 2003); in older people (>65 years) who had recently moved to a residential home. However the problem of malnutrition still persists among older people living at home, who need help, as shown by the percentage of 3.5% reported by Thorslund et al (199). Alternatively 33–37% would be at risk of malnourished when they move home (Wikby et al. 2006).   Analysis   As we age, it is more important to look into our health and well being and the the prevention of malnutrition should be taken seriously among older people with dementia. It is much easier to prevent malnutrition among older people, rather than treating them after they have become ill from it, (Larsson et al. 1990, Payette 2005). Patients who receive information about the need for protein and energy intake and are active i have an increased intake (Pedersen 2005).   l. Malnutrition can have consequences both on the individuals affected and the carers by causing morbidity, hospital admission, delayed discharge and an increased dependence on social care and next of kin ( Van Nes et al. 2001 ).   Risk factors identified for malnutrition in earlier international studies are diseases (Beck et al. 1999, Payette 2005, Alberda et al. 2006, Chen et al. 2007), to much medications, low functional status (Payette 2005) symptoms of depression. Additionally, involuntary weight loss among older pe ople was associated with disease (Callen & Wells 2005, Payette 2005), inadequate nutrient intake and consequences for health (Payette 2005).  In 2001, a concept analysis of malnutrition in older people was first published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, in which the critical attributes of malnutrition in older people were identified to include insufficient dietary intake, muscle wasting, weight loss, poor appetite and downward trajectory.

Agile software development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Agile software development - Essay Example Agile software has a lot of flexibility as opposed to the rigid waterfall. The main hallmark of the agile system is its adaptability and agility. The iterative nature of agile makes it to be able to work without following a given pattern. A lot of iterations are involved including testing, coding and designing. Agile is different from waterfall in the sense that unlike the waterfall system which cannot allow for any changes to be made once the design is already completed, agile has no rigidity and allows for changes to be made and improvements to be done even at the last stages of software development. Teams developing software through the use of the Agile process are usually cross functional in their nature. There have been always an expertise sharing and close cooperation unlike the case with waterfall. (Highsmith, 2002) The waterfall model happens in a manner that is sequential, moving from one stage to the other. This software development undergoes various stages including identifying the specification before conception, then analyzing, working on the designs, coding and testing, debugging then installing and finally, maintaining in the end. The developing team moves to the next stage only after the previous stage is completed. The engineers working on the software do spend much time at every stage and there is no chance of debugging once the software is made ready for the testing process. The Waterfall methodology considers documentation as an integral part of the software development. The Agile methodology has a team that is adaptive and that can easily respond and adjust to the changes in the requirements. Effort and time must not be invested on by the team thus reducing the chances of being irrelevant in terms of customers’ needs and wants. The team has a face to face communication with the customers hence having quality products at the required time. It is not always difficult to assess and establish the required

Evaluate the Incident Investigation,Medical Surveillance and the Case Study

Evaluate the Incident Investigation,Medical Surveillance and the Training at a Restaurant - Case Study Example This article involves evaluation of incident investigation, medical surveillance programs and the training at Winn- Dixie restaurant. An effective incident investigation will look at all the components of an incident which are its design, environmental and behavioral components and not only a single cause. An investigation should be done thoroughly because when it gets conducted poorly or it is done ineffectively, legal liability may result. Investigations should be limited to the workers who were present at the time of the incident and the investigators should obtain as much information as they can for them to be able to conduct a fair investigation (Barth, Hayes, and Ninemeier, 2001). Winn- Dixie restaurant had a case of food poisoning scare. The restaurant had to be shut down after patrons who had eaten there reported that they were feeling unwell. Restaurants have to observe food hygiene therefore the restaurant had to be closed for an investigation to be carried out. Tests that were been done by food safety consultants and environmental health officers proved to be inconclusive. Management however did not understand how contamination of food had happened as they ensured that they employed hygiene consultants. Food samples got analyzed routinely and the results that came back were always negative. More results of the tests showed that the incident might have been due to a non- specific virus. This still puzzled management as they ensured that staff members got tested when they came back from their holidays in far places to ensure that they do not have any illness with them which may affect the food and customers as well. After the cause of contamination was confirmed, more help from other food safety consultants was needed. It was apparent that safety measures were being followed by management and that the employees were attending training sessions so

Nurse Led Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nurse Led - Essay Example -led clinics also conduct home visits with the patient and their family in order to evaluate their medications and to secure adequate follow-up and verify patient’s stability (Schader, et.al., 2008). They also maintain contact with family to address ongoing health issues and care transitions. The nurses in the nurse-led clinics coordinate patient care with physicians, ensuring that they would receive adequate and timely care appropriate to their condition and their related physical attributes (Rydeman and Tornkvist, 2005). For the more specific management of diseases, nurses in nurse led clinics assist in the patient’s self-management. These nurses support patient’s efforts in self-managing diabetes by engaging with the emotional context within which the patients live with their condition (Furler, 2008). They work with patients in a way which is consistent with how they incorporate self-care into their daily lives. These nurses also go through critical self-reflection while they are managing their patient’s condition in order to prevent the devaluation of the other support structures for diabetes. As implied from the above discussion, nurse-led clinics can be seen in the community and out-patient setting. They are often based in the rural areas or isolated areas which cannot easily access medical or hospital care. In the community setting, they provide support for hospital and doctor services. D. (2008). The emotional context of self-management in chronic illness: A qualitative study of the role of health professional support in the self-management of type 2 diabetes. BMC Health Services Research, volume 8