Operations Management Phil Garage Limited

Question: Discuss about the Operations Management for Phil Garage Limited. Answer: Introduction Operations management has been recognized as a significant factor in the success of a company. Chandes and Pache, (2010, p. 232) argue that the modern business world requires effective administration of business operations so as to create the highest productivity possible within an organization. Various organizations in diverse business sectors have one similarity of converting resources into usable products as demanded by both the existing and potential customers. According to Seuring, (2013, p. 1513), for a firm to remain competitive in the business environment, the management must frequently design and control the production processes as well as redesign business operations so as to meet consumer needs. While operations management is critical, it remains a challenging task because the solutions the solutions found by the management need to be applied responsibly within the business environment. The purpose of this report to identify the critical issues and challenges facing operat ions management in Phil's Garage. Further, the report will give recommendations to the company's management on what steps should be taken so as to address these challenges facing Phil's Garage in the service sector. Background and Purpose of Phils Garage Phils Garage, a discount muffler-style garage is owned by Phil Greene and was incorporated in the year 2013. The company is based in the United Kingdom. Phils Garage undertakes the operations of servicing brakes, mufflers, and shock absorbers and manages one bay in the garage for each of their three services. The sales department works directly with the company's key customers as well as generating material requests and sending them to the procurement department who get in touch with the suppliers for the garage to receive the three mentioned tools. The director, Phil Greene has contracted a quality improvement consultant, Oscar Smith, to help him better understand the parking operations and improve its productivity. Effecting this process, Oscar uses the one on one interview method to generate an excellent relationship map for the activities of the garage to its customers. Organization Structure Binder and Edwards, (2010, p. 232) postulates that organizational structure dictates task allocation, coordination, and supervision of corporate activities towards achievement of the set objectives. First and foremost, Phil's Garage is owned by one director, Phil Greene who oversees all the operations of the industry. The relationship map drawn by Oscar shows that the three parts of the company, namely: Brakes bay, Muffler bay, and Shock absorber bay operate together in unison and in one direction towards improving the company's profitability. Every department acts as a supplier since they produce goods and services to the customers. On the other side, every functional role in the organization serves as a client since they receive inputs of production from an outside player. Phil's Garages customers are transport vehicles who always purchase motor spare parts from the company. The relationship between the enterprise, its customers, and suppliers is not at its best, and this calls for a remedial action with immediate effect. Organization Strategies The current motor service sector is highly competitive; this requires every company in the business environment to come up with unique policies that can enable the achievement of long-term goals (Krajewski et al., 2013, p. 66). The three departments of Phils Garage company should be involved in the establishment of the companys strategies. Currently, Phil's Garage strategy of improving profitability is contracting a quality improvement consultant who will assist the company's director in understanding what steps should be undertaken to realize this goal. Further, as per Chandes and Pache, (2010, p. 325), the company should carry out a thorough market survey to understand what type of vehicles are being used in high rate in the market so as to offer such services at greater heights than any other services. Furthermore, Phil's Garage has the sales department whose role is communicating with the existing customers to know their demands. However, the director should make it mandatory for the sales team even to seek for the potential client's opinions so as to win a broad range of the market base. Products and Services The core business of every company is the provision of the right goods and services to the customers (Abhyanker, 2014, p. 867). Phil's Garage has diverted its operations and offers three main products and services which are functioning brakes, mufflers, and shock absorbers for the customers. According to the interview between Phil and Oscar, the sales team presents the final bill and collections of payments from the customers. Providing these services remains a critical role for the company, and this depends on the reliability of suppliers of the spare parts to the enterprise. As seen in the flow chart drawn immediately after the interview, the flow of job orders follows from the sales to the three bays, but there is no link back to the sales. As per Ciegis et al., (2015, p. 100), failure of having a connection between the sales team and the three service sectors hinders Phil's Garage from generating high profits, and this should get corrected with immediate effect. Production System and Job Design According to Subramanian and Ramanathan, (2012, p. 220), business enterprises that have well-developed output and employment systems realize their goals more efficiently than those with poorly designed internal control systems. Phil's Garage has a poor job design since there is only one director with even no secretary. The production system of the company values the customers and suppliers as the only key stakeholders. From the relationship map, the sales team is in direct link with the purchasing department who act as an intermediary for the company to reach the suppliers of raw materials. According to Walter and James, (2011, p. 988), the existence of middlemen in the company's production system reduces its effectiveness which in turn lowers the profitability levels of the enterprise. Further, the presence of one director who still acts as the overall manager of all the company's operations creates doubt on whether the industry operates optimally. The director should employ more pe rsonnel and establish a sound job design that clearly outlines the roles of every employee in the Garage's operations. Process Measurement and Analysis Implementation of a simplified process capability enables an enterprise to plan what needs to be done at the organization level so as to improve profitability. It is necessary for the management of a company to measure the input and output of itself as well as those of other key stakeholders (Walter and James, 2011, p. 994). For Phils Garage, the critical connections and interfaces include the external linkages between the Garage, its customers, and suppliers. However, the interfaces should get based on the internal operations basically between each major function within the company, such as the bays and the sales, or the sales and purchasing. Implementation of measurement policies that necessitate the establishment of internal interfaces will assist Phil's Garage ensure a smooth flow of activities directly from one department to the other and thus realize more profits. Aggregate Planning, Inventory Management Systems, and Procedures Inventory management plays a very significant role by enabling business managers to keep accurate records of stock in and stock out, and this helps them determine whether the company has enough inventory to meet the market demand. However, Gunasekaran and Ngai (2012, p. 690) argues that there is a need to establish sound procedures and plan for the inventory efficiently so as to avoid inefficiencies. Phil's Garage always require inventory from the suppliers so as to meet the market demand for motor spare parts in the respective bays. The fact that the company is run by a single director calls for an immediate action to get taken so as to assist in effective aggregate planning and to lay of reasonable procedures for managing stock. The primary inputs for Phil's Garage are work orders, purchase orders, materials, equipment requests, brake work complete, and shock absorber work complete. Keeping accurate records for all these utilities requires active planning of different departments f or the organization. Locational Decisions for Facilities and Operations Decision making helps companies solve various problems that face their business operations. The three primary services of Phil's Garage Limited requires the management to make right choices on how to acquire the raw materials and facilities necessary to meet the client's needs. In the shock absorber Bay, the company should buy high quality and durable shock absorbers so that they establish a healthy relationship with the customers. For the brakes Bay, the procurement team should ensure that all orders tabled to the suppliers clearly define the qualities of the brakes to get offered, different varieties, and ensure that they correlate with the market demand as seen in the structure. According to Ciegis et al., (2015, p. 99), achieving high profits requires a company be sensitive to the needs, complaints, and requests from the clients. Therefore, the company should closely monitor the facilities needed to improve effectiveness in the brake bay, muffler bay, and shock absorber bay. Sustainability and Pollution Control Programs According to Abhyanker, (2014, p. 867), every business seeks to firmly position itself in the business environment by ensuring a sustainable development that meets its present needs without compromising the social life of those surrounding itself. The operations of Phil's Garage are regulated by law, and this hinders the company from carrying out its service operations optimally. Being a business that operates under the motor service industry, the company pollutes the environment, and this is against the corporate social responsibility requirements of business by the law. The release of smoke leads to air pollution which is dangerous to both human and animal health. Currently, Phil's Garage has no program initiated to limit the effect of contamination on the environment something which potentially damages its reputation to the public as well as making the government ti impose high taxes on its operations. The company should, therefore, obtain intellectual property rights that allow t hem to pollute the environment to an individual level as well as coming up with proper waste disposal mechanisms (Binder and Edwards, (2010, p. 255). Conclusion The current competitive business environment requires organizations to align their operations towards the same direction. Achieving profitability needs proper planning, processes measurement and establishment of a suitable production system in a company's attempt to produce goods and services. The service sector necessitates the creation of effective organization structure and strategies so that the enterprise meets the set objectives. Recommendations Based on the arguments of the above report, Phil's Garage has to make numerous changes in its operations so as to compete efficiently and improve productivity in the motor service industry. The company should recruit secretaries whose role should be keeping the company's operations records. Also, the company should establish a strong link between the three functional parts, the sales team, and the purchasing departments so as to ensure a proper monitoring of its operations. Further, the company should establish policies of minimizing environmental pollution so as to ensure sustainable development in the business environment. References Abhyanker, R., 2014.Garage sales in a geo-spatial social network. U.S. Patent Application 14/174,867. Binder, M. and Edwards, J.S., 2010. Using grounded theory method for theory building in operations management research: A study on inter-firm relationship governance.International Journal of Operations Production Management,30(3), pp.232-259. Chandes, J., and Pach, G., 2010. Investigating humanitarian logistics issues: from operations management to strategic action.Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management,21(3), pp.320-340. Ciegis, R., Ramanauskiene, J. and Martinkus, B., 2015. The concept of sustainable development and its use for sustainability scenarios.Engineering Economics,62(2). Gunasekaran, A., Ngai, E. W. (2012). The future of operations management: an outlook and analysis.International Journal of Production Economics,135(2), 687-701. Krajewski, L.J., Ritzman, L.P. and Malhotra, M.K., 2013.Operations management: processes and supply chains. New York: Pearson. Seuring, S., 2013. A review of modeling approaches for sustainable supply chain management.Decision support systems,54(4), pp.1513-1520. Subramanian, N., and Ramanathan, R., 2012. A review of applications of Analytic Hierarchy Process in operations management.International Journal of Production Economics,138(2), pp.215-241. Walters, D. and James, P., 2011. What motivates employers to establish preventive management arrangements within supply chains?.Safety Science,49(7), pp.988-994.

Arsenic And Old Lace Essays - Arsenic And Old Lace, Film Noir, Films

Arsenic And Old Lace Beginning with acts such as Abbott and Costello, and episodes of "I Love Lucy," humor is often the result of a misunderstanding. In the movie, "Arsenic and Old Lace," the plot combines murder and insanity. "Arsenic and Old Lace," seemingly outlines a mystery or drama, however with the addition of misunderstanding, it becomes a comedy. The humor is drawn from the characters' relationships with one another as well as the characters themselves, being misunderstood. The movie centers on two sisters, Abby and Martha, and their nephew Mortimer. The misunderstanding lies between the sisters and the townspeople. Abby and Martha are known as sweet, kind, and charitable, however, the town is oblivious to the sisters' hobby of poisoning old men and burying them in their cellar. There is even a misunderstanding with the sisters themselves, as they see nothing wrong with what they do, and make no attempt to hide it. Yet, the humor of the movie is when their nephew, Mortimer, finds the bodies, and is quite flustered to discover how his aunts treat it with such nonchalance. Humor is also found in the misunderstanding between Mortimer and his Brewster family. Throughout the entire movie, Mortimer finds himself ashamed of his Brewster name. He discovers that his aunts keep twelve bodies in the basement. Mortimer also receives a visit from his lunatic brother John, who, like his aunts, murders people. While Mortimer discovers more about his insane family, he still must deal with his brother Theodore, who believes that he is President Roosevelt. Finally, Mortimer commits his brother Theodore along with his aunts to an insane asylum. The humor in this scene is at the very end of the movie when Mortimer finds out from his aunts that he is not really a Brewster, rather a son of a sea boat captain. "Arsenic and Old Lace," is not the typical comedy, yet contains all of the elements necessary to fit into the humor genre. The idea of being misunderstood is one so common; it has appeared in many films, both drama and comedy. "Arsenic and Old Lace" contains a plot that is unique. The movie's ideas alone are common, yet together they mix an unusual blend of humor.

Louis Armstrong Essay Example

Louis Armstrong Essay Example Louis Armstrong Paper Louis Armstrong Paper Ryan Au Duong Angulo ELA Honors 24, April 2012 Life of the King of Jazz â€Å"My whole musical success goes back to the time I was arrested†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Old 28). Louis Armstrong started off as a normal kid who lived in a poor family and environment, but ended up as one of the most influential entertainers in history all because of one mistake he made as a child, which changed his life. Louis Armstrong’s life was filled with events that built his musical skills, fame, and his well-being even though he did not start off very well. The environment he lived in as a child was not well suited and he had family problems.He was arrested as a child and was sent to the Home for Colored Waifs which made an enormous impact on his life (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). His fame and musical skills began to grow when he joined the Creole Jazz Band in his adulthood. He made recordings of his songs, which some of them became big hits, to expand his fame even more. Louis Armstrong’s chi ldhood was difficult, but made him what he was later in life. Louis was born on August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). New Orleans was a poor city (Old 17). His father was Louis Daniel Armstrong and his mother was Mayann Armstrong.Louis also had a brother, William Armstrong, and a sister, Beatrice Armstrong (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis†). His father abandoned the family when Louis was just an infant (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). His mother had to turn to prostitution often to make money so she can support the family (â€Å"Louis Armstrong Biography†). The environment Louis had lived in had hookers, gangs, children playing on the streets, and musicians. He was surrounded by music when he was young (Old 16). He began to work for the Karnofsky family when he was seven years old (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis†).He also attended the Fisk School for Boys as a child. At the age of eleven on New Year’s Eve, Louis fired a gun which got hi m arrested (â€Å"Louis Armstrong Biography†). Who would have guessed that his arrest was the start of Louis Armstrong’s famous career? Louis was put in the Home for Colored Waifs where he fell in love with music and learned how to play a cornet from his music teacher, Peter Davis (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). As an adult Louis Armstrong’s life and fame improved dramatically. Armstrong cherished his memories from the Home for Colored Waifs (Old 27).He married Daisy parker from Gretna, Louisiana, but got divorced after a few years (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). He spent the rest of his life taking care of a mentally disabled child named Clarence, whose mother had died during child birth and whom Armstrong had adopted (â€Å"Louis Armstrong Biography†). In 1922, Joe Oliver invited Armstrong to the Creole Jazz band where Armstrong married the pianist Lil Hardin (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis† The). Oliver’s band was the most popular band in Chica go (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). Joe Oliver became Louis Armstrong’s mentor and gave him his first real cornet (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†).Armstrong eventually switched to the trumpet though and featured in extended trumpet solos in their performances (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). After 2 years, Armstrong left the Creole Jazz Band to join Fletcher Henderson’s band in 1924 (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis† The). Armstrong’s time with Fletcher Henderson’s band really expanded his music beyond traditional New Orleans style (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis†). Louis Armstrong played in Henderson’s band and on many recordings (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). He also became the ambassador for jazz (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis†). Eventually, Armstrong started his own band called the â€Å"Hot Five† for recording purposes only (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). Heebie Jeebies† was their first recording of scat singing (Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five†). Louis Armstrong recorded his last hit â€Å"What a Wonderful World† before he died of a heart attack in July 6, 1971 (â€Å"Louis Armstrong†). Among Louis Armstrong’s greatest contributions are his skills with the trumpet and cornet, and his idea for improvisation which changed the world of jazz. He made some great accomplishments in his life like joining Fletcher Henderson’s band, becoming the ambassador for jazz, starting the â€Å"Hot Five Band† and making recordings of his songs.The Creole Jazz Band really helped Armstrong’s fame grow because more people were able to listen to how he played on the cornet and trumpet. His greatest accomplishments were when he changed the course of jazz with the idea of improvisation and he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Louis Armstrong was very much appreciated by society in his days. People recognized him as the world’s greatest trumpet and cornet player in the early 1920’s and 1930’s (Armstrong, Louis† The). Louis Armstrong was one of the most famous and influential performers in the history of jazz (Armstrong, Louis† The).He was even awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his genius idea of improvisation (â€Å"Armstrong, Louis† The). Louis Armstrong is remembered because of his skills with the trumpet and cornet, and for his great idea of improvisation which changed the world of jazz. His accomplishments revolutionized the world of jazz and how people thought about jazz. He will always be remembered as the king of jazz. Getting arrested was the best mistake Louis Armstrong has ever made in his lifetime.

Change of Audit Regulations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland Research Paper

Change of Audit Regulations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland - Research Paper Example The primary objectives of APB are to establish high standards of financial auditing, assess & meet the continuously developing need of end users of the financial information and to achieve confidence of the public in the auditing process of the nation. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is established primarily to support the confidence of investors, the market and the general public in the financial & corporate governance of listed companies & such other entities. FRC is accountable to monitor, enforce & govern compliance to the auditing standards developed and published by APB. APB supports FRC by setting high-quality standards & guidelines to achieve high performance of external audits by external auditors by virtue of their independence, objectivity and integrity. APB is also accountable to enhance the public understanding of  the roles & responsibilities of external auditors. APB is also accountable for recommending essential changes in the audit regulations which are later communicated via their free newsletters published through their website. Looking back in the History, UK Auditing Standards were originally developed by the Accounting Practices Committee (APC) that were established in 1976 and were in operation till 1991. In 1991, the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) established the Auditing Practices Board (APB) that took over the accountability to develop & publish the Auditing Standards of UK and Republic of Ireland. APB was taken over by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in 2004 such that it became a subsidiary board of the FRC. Since December 2004, after FRC has taken over APB, the audit standards in the UK & Republic of Ireland are being adopted from the consultation by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB). The Standards thus published are the International Standards modified to be applied in UK & Ireland and hence are named as ISA (UK & Ireland).

Parental rage and violence in youth sports Research Paper

Parental rage and violence in youth sports - Research Paper Example Such type of violence is often seen through brawls and fistfights involving parents, children and coaches. These incidents have disrupted youth leagues. Moreover, these brawls and similar incidents end up being controlled by the police and forced into settlement and exchange of apologies among the opposing parties. However, other incidents end up with criminal prosecution. Nevertheless, regardless of how these brawls and other acts of sports rage and violence end up, what is sad is that they often disrupt schoolchildren especially preschoolers. There was even one incident where the umpire’s decision has left more than twenty parents and coaches swinging punches at each other in the field, much to the curiosity and amazement of the preschoolers who were watching and who thought that â€Å"the adults were [merely] entertaining them by staging a wrestling match† (Abrams 259). What is harmful about this is that children exposed to parental rage and violence will somehow ten d to learn that such fights are normal and that it is perfectly all right that people fight if they believe that they are right. What children should learn at an early age is humility and diplomacy in order for them to grow up into individuals who will foster peace. However, sports rage is teaching them otherwise. People who are involved in sports rage and violence usually end up with hurt feelings as well as physical problems like cuts, bruises, and other forms of physical injuries including split lips. However, some would end up in something much worse like the forty-year-old father of four who was beaten by another father of the opponent team in a hockey game. The attacker simply thought that the victim’s son had played against the former’s son too roughly during the game. After a series of punches, kicks and wrestles, the victim lapsed into a coma and immediately expired after removing life support (260). Moreover, what is even worse is that the victim’s chi ld was subpoenaed in order to testify in his father’s behalf (Fiore 114). One could therefore only imagine the amount of pressure that the child has to undergo after being exposed to testify against or in favor of his own violent father. The mental and emotional trauma that the child experiences will most likely remain with him for a long time, or even for the rest of his life. One can therefore only imagine its negative consequences on the child’s personality as he grows up. Another negative effect of parental rage is the consequent unavailability of good coaches. In fact, it is interesting to note that many youth sports programs do not have qualified referees and umpires because they cannot find any adult who is â€Å"willing to endure abuse from parents and coaches† (Abrams 261). This lack will most likely further the negative consequences of youth sports and violence as assigned coaches will not have the skill to handle conflicts that may arise. Ultimately, it is the children again who would be on the receiving end of the negative consequences of such problems. According to Abrams, a dozen states have already enacted laws against assaulting coaches and officials of youth sports groups and the purpose of this is to enforce the law in order to restrain parents and coaches from creating an outrage and from physically hurting each

Approach To Estimate The Salivary Flow Using Chromatography

Approach To Estimate The Salivary Flow Using Chromatography Abstract: Aim: To develop a simple and safe method to estimate the salivary flow using chromatography paper. Materials and Method: 30 volunteers participated in the study. The salivary flow rate was estimated using chromatography filter paper and compared with the salivary flow rate per minute. The assay consisted of 3 spots containing starch and potassium iodide per spot on filter paper. Based on the color reaction on the chromatography filter paper the salivary flow rate was estimated. Results: Pearson’s correlation test showed highly significant negative correlation when the salivary flow rate and the number of colored dots were compared. Conclusion: This method can be used as a chairside diagnostic aid in estimation of salivary flow Key words: chromatography filter paper, salivary flow rate, diagnostic aid A Novel Approach To Estimate The Salivary Flow Using Chromatography Paper Introduction: Quantitative and/or qualitative alterations in salivary secretion may lead to localadverse effects like caries, oral mucositis, candidiasis, oral infections, chewing disorders, halitosis and functional adverse effects like dysphagia, hypersalivation(sialorrhea) and hyposalivation(xerostomia).1 Whole saliva (mixed saliva) is a mixture of oral fluids that includes secretions from both the major and minor salivary glands, in addition to several constituents of non-salivary origin, such as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), expectoratedbronchial and nasal secretions, serum and blood derivatives from oral wounds, bacteria and bacterial products, viruses and fungi, desquamated epithelial cells, other cellular components, and food debris.2 Stimulated saliva is produced on account of some mechanical, gustatory, olfactory, or pharmacological stimulus, contributing to around 80% to 90% of daily salivary production. In adults the total stimulated salivary flow ranges from 1 to 3 ml/min3whereas the unstimulated salivary flow at rest ranges from 0.25 to 0.35 ml/min.4 Unstimulated salivary flow rate is most affected by the degree of hydration, olfactory stimulation, exposure to light, body positioning, and seasonal and diurnal factors. There are various methods for the estimation of salivary flow including measurement of glandular salivary flow, resting salivary flow and stimulated salivary flow. The best two ways to collect whole saliva are the draining method, in which saliva is allowed to drip off the lower lip, and the spitting method, in which the subject expectorates saliva into a test tube.2 This method is time consuming and needs special apparatus like collection tubes or volume meter. AIM:To evaluatea simple and safe method for the estimation of salivary flow using chromatography paper MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 30 volunteers comprising of 21 females and 9 males, aged 20-20yrs. The subjects were asked to sit in an upright position with their head bent in a downward position and were asked to collect the saliva in their mouth for 1minute and asked to spit into the collecting test tubes at the end of 1 minute to determine the salivary flow rate/min. METHOD OF PREPARATION OF FILTER PAPER: The filter paper for the estimation of salivary flow was prepared according to a method given by Takashi et al using soluble starch, potassium iodideand chromatography paper (70 mm Ãâ€"21 mm). 4 µl of the detection reagent (1% starch solution and 0.3 mol/L potassium iodide solution mixed at a ratio of 3:1) was placed at 3 places on the chromatography paper using a micropipette. The filter paper was left overnight in a cool dark room and then stored in a light-resistant container until use. The soluble starch and potassium iodide were dissolved in 0.1 mol/L Tris-HCl buffer the adjusted pH of 7.3.5 METHOD OF PREPERATION OF COLORING REAGENT: The coloring reagent was prepared from a solution of 31% hydrogen peroxide, ethanol and distilled water at a ratio of 1:7:1. METHOD OF COLLECTION OF SALIVA: Subjects were asked to open their mouths and then to lift the tongue. The tip of the paper was put on the center of the floor of the mouth in the sublingual region. After 1 minute, the filter paper was taken out and then the coloring reagent (approximately 2 µ L) was added dropwise to the spots in the filter paper. Via the iodine-starch reaction, colorless spots immediately turned blue. The number of blue spots, including partly colored spots (50%), was grossly counted as an integer. Based on this we examined the relationship between the number of colored spots and salivary flow rates after insertion of filter paper for 1 minute in the sublingual regions of healthy subjects.5 DISCUSSION: Common methods for collecting whole saliva include draining, spitting, suction and swab (absorbent) method. In draining method saliva is allowed to drip off the lower lip into a preweighted container or graduated test tube. In spitting method of collection, the saliva is allowed to collect in the floor of the mouth and subjects are asked to spit in the collecting tubes. Whereasin suction method saliva is continuously aspirated from the floor of the mouth into graduated test tubes. In absorbent method pre-weighed cotton rolls, swabs, or gauze are inserted into the opening of the ductal orifices of the salivary glands and reweighed after the collection is completed.The suction and swab method causes some degree of stimulation and variability and thus are not recommended for unstimulated salivary collection whereas swab method is said to be least reliable among the above mentioned methods.6 the otherdisadvantages of these methods are that they are time consuming and need special apparat us like collection tubes or volume meter. Takashi et al proposed the present method the present assay for salivary flow assessment. The assay system consists of 3 spots 1mm apart containing starch and potassium iodide on the filter paper. Potassium iodide in the spots easily gets displaced with the flow of saliva, in contrast to this starch does not get displaced and gets retained in the original spot. Thus, the colorless spots on the paper not infiltrated with saliva immediately turned blue with the addition of the coloring reagent that contained hydrogen peroxide, whereas the spots on the paper infiltrated with saliva does not show the color. Colored spot is based on the reaction of saliva between potassium iodide and starch in the chromatography paper and the color reaction of iodine-starch to hydrogen peroxide.5 Unstimulated saliva reflects the basal salivary flow rate while stimulated salivarepresents the fuctional reserve of the salivary glands. So the study of unstimulated saliva is useful for the study of salivary gland status.1The presentmethod can be of help in case of elderly patients suffering from xerostomia, in screening tests, post radiation therapy for cancer in elderly patients where salivary flow measurement can play a chair side diagnostic test. In addition, the method can easily be adjusted to variations in cutoff values and accuracy by changing the number of spots and distance between the spots on the filter paper With the present method excellent results were obtained between the salivary flow rate and the colored spots with an r value of -1 and p value of 0.0 in healthy individuals. Thus the routine use of this method as a chair side assessment assay for salivary flow would be of benefit to all practicing dentists and patients alike.

Focus on the Learner Essay

1.Group Profile It’s a mixed group with a very mixed cultural background as only three students are actually from Germany. Four of the students were born in another country e.g. Lithuania, Turkey, France and Romania. They all moved to Germany as adults and all share German as a common language. The group is heterogeneous concerning the age they started learning English. Two students started learning as adults while the others started learning at school. Most of the students have learnt another language as an adult and therefore have previous language learning experience. The motivation for doing the course is quite high and the group can be divided into two groups – students who need English for their job/university and students who want to learn for their own enjoyment. They are all at upper intermediate level. Except for one student (who could be classed as a converger), the overall group could be classed as concrete learners. They enjoy the social aspects of learning and like to learn from direct experience. They are interested in the language and they enjoy games and group-work in class. The entire group could also be classed as communicative learners because they show a degree of confidence and a willingness to take risks. They are much more interested in social interaction with other speakers of the language than they are with analysis of how the language works. (Learning styles based on Keith Willing [1987]). 2.Strengths and weaknesses Grammar The students are weak when forming the present simple (especially 3rd person singular) (e.g. â€Å"I must to take the train†, â€Å"She like climbing†, â€Å"Stephen come from Australia†) very often confusing it with the present continuous. (â€Å"Sometimes I’m reading Turkish books†). Most students also have problems when using the simple past (â€Å"we seed it’s ill†, I gone to school with her†, â€Å"We can found this in a school†, â€Å"Where are you born?†, â€Å"She were †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). Some students also have problems with verb-noun collocations (e.g. â€Å"She make all the housework†) Vocabulary The students have a good basic knowledge of vocabulary. They can talk about themselves, where they come from, their profession, their families, experiences they have had in the past and things they like to spend more money on. (Example of good language: â€Å"My picture is a technical object but I really don’t know what it is used for†, â€Å"Because you met the Pope, you changed your mind† â€Å"You said dug – so it is dig, dug, dug† = verb orientation). Many of the students try to translate directly from German into English (â€Å"The cat was by us†) and sometimes use a German word in a sentence, using it questioningly enabling other students to help out with the correct English word. The students respond very well, offering suggestions until correct answer is found. Most of the students focus on finding the exact translation of the unknown word rather than trying to paraphrase their idea. Pronunciation All the students have a strong L1 interference and speak with an accent. The group responds well to drilling the right pronunciation and where to put stress on the words. They are keen to sound natural and like repeating after  the teacher. Some students pronounce the endings of words that aren’t necessary e.g. â€Å"clothes†, â€Å"See† instead of sea, â€Å"Lus their jobs† Words: 208 3.Strengths and weaknesses skills Reading The students are able to read a text fairly quickly in order to understand the overall meaning. After enquiring about a few words of vocabulary (sometimes looking this up themselves in a dictionary) they are able to answer all the questions quickly and correctly. Listening The students are able to listen to texts read to them and in most cases understand the general meaning already after the first time. After hearing the text for the second time, they are able to answer questions, in most cases correctly. The students react well to instructions and during conversation they wait patiently until their dialogue partner has finished. One student is a panicky listener, the others all seem to be relaxed listeners. Writing The students have a wide range of vocabulary appropriate for the given tasks. Their sentences are well-structured and they make few mistakes. Speaking The students try to use structured sentences. If they are confident with the vocabulary hesitation is less frequent, with new vocabulary or grammar most students hesitate frequently. The students are motivated to improve their speaking ability and they make a great effort to only speak English. Some of them use gestures when they do not know a word, others switch between German and English, using the German word to fill in the gaps in the sentence (â€Å"I go with the Straßenbahn†, â€Å"I make Teig with Zimt and †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ). 4.Recommendations Language development 1.Total English Workbook (Pre-intermediate) Antonia Clare/JJ Wilson – Longman Publishers Page 8, Section 1.3Grammar : Present Simple vs Present Continuous Justification:All 3 exercises on this page help the students to distinguish between the present simple and the present continuous. It also concerns activities they can associate with 2.New Cutting Edge (Pre-intermediate Student’s Book) Sarah Cunningham/Peter Moor – Pearson/Longman Publishers Module 4, page 34Language Focus 1 Present continuous and present simple Justification:At the top left of the page there is a grammar exercise section where the students have to underline and give an example of the present simple/present continuous. Exercises 1 and 2 help to practice the use of them. 3.Language to go Student’s Book (Pre-intermediate) Gillie Cunningham/Sue Mohamed – Longman Publishers Lesson 3, page 9 – The Present (Grammar focus) Justification:Exercises for the students to practice distinguishing between Present simple and Present continuous. First of all filling in the gaps, then writing their own email and finally using the language by talking in pairs 4.Total English Student’s Book (Pre-intermediate) Richard Acklam/Araminta Crace –Pearson/Longman Publishers Chapter 1, page 14 – Review and practice Justification:Exercises for practicing both present simple and present continuous (including question-forming) 5.Clockwise Pre-intermediate Class Book Bruce McGowen & Vic Richardson – Oxford University Press Chapter 25, page 65 – Present simple and continuous Justification:Students can fill in the tables with the verb and then complete the rules for using Present simple and continuous themselves in exercise 1 6.New Edition Basis for Business David Christie – Cornelsen & Oxford Unit 2, pages 24 and 25 – Further study (Simple present and present continuous) Justification:On page 24 there is an explanation of when to use simple present and present continuous and on page 25 there are exercises to practice 7.New Edition Basis for Business David Christie – Cornelsen & Oxford Unit 3, pages 37 and 38 – Further study (Simple past and past continuous) Justification:On page 37 there is an explanation of when to use simple past and past continuous and on page 38 there are exercises to practice 8.Powerbase Pre-intermediate David Evans – Longman Publishers Unit 4, pages 30 to 33 – Going places Justification:The article on page 31 is quite interesting for the students. On page 30 they can fill-in the verbs in the past and present form and on page 32 the past simple can be practiced in exercises. 9.Business opportunities Vicki Hollett – Cornelsen & Oxford Unit 5, Growth and development, pages 50 and 51 – Past experiences Justification:The article on page 31 is quite interesting for the students. On page 50 they can fill-in a time line. On page 51 there is an explanation on when to use the simple past, questions for the students to answer and discussion exercise. Skills development 10.Business opportunities Vicki Hollett – Cornelsen & Oxford Unit 2, Telephoning to make arrangements, pages 23, 150 and 151 Justification: Students usually enjoy doing role play. In these exercises they work with a partner and discuss a) a conference programme and b) arranging a meeting. 11.Business opportunities Vicki Hollett – Cornelsen & Oxford Unit 7, Telephoning to exchange information, page 73 Justification: Students will probably find the stories on this page quite amusing. They will then discuss any car accidents or funny incidents that they have experienced themselves. References: 1.Total English Workbook (Pre-intermediate) Antonia Clare/JJ Wilson – Longman Publishers 2.New Cutting Edge (Pre-intermediate Student’s Book) Sarah Cunningham/Peter Moor – Pearson/Longman Publishers 3.Language to go Student’s Book (Pre-intermediate) Gillie Cunningham/Sue Mohamed – Longman Publishers 4.Total English Student’s Book (Pre-intermediate) Richard Acklam/Araminta Crace –Pearson/Longman Publishers 5.Clockwise Pre-intermediate Class Book Bruce McGowen & Vic Richardson – Oxford University Press 6.New Edition Basis for Business David Christie – Cornelsen & Oxford 7.Powerbase Pre-intermediate David Evans – Longman Publishers 8.Business opportunities Vicki Hollett – Cornelsen & Oxford