Cost Benefit Analysis Essay

Abstract The City of Sanford initiated work on their Parks and Grounds City Project in 2004 with the development of Phase I of said project in an effort to create and build a better community for city residents. In doing so, they have been privy to obtaining various grants and funding that allowed them to extend the focus on the project to the Riverwalk and Seawall, while extending the phases of the Program to Street Revitalization, the Riverwalk Gateway, the Marketplace at Seminole Towne Center, and soon the Orlando Sanford International Airport. This document will note the cost-benefit analysis that took place in the development of the project. It will also state how such analysis is used for making decisions regarding public expenditures, the role the economic theory played in conducting research for this particular project as well as the influence of economic theory on the cost benefit analysis for this project. Public Finance Proposal Part I: Cost Benefit Analysis The consideration of costs and benefits in the evaluation of an upcoming city project is a rather logical process. In fact, it is important for city managers to take into account the project costs and benefits prior to implementation of said project. The process of developing the project idea is essential and thus consideration for the best course of action becomes essential to the process. Once these measures have been weighed out it is critical to compare the costs associated with implementing the courses of action addressed in the development phase. Decision-Making through Analysis Through the use of Cost Benefit Analysis, the City of Sanford City Management and board of county commissioners addressed the costs and benefits to the project at a time when the economy was starting to take a downturn. It was therefore critical to evaluate the project thoroughly and determine the feasibility of the costs to the city budget. Though cost benefit analysis probably could be best used in making quick and simple financial decisions (Mind Tools, 2012), one certainly can take away from this process the brainstorming involved in the initial decision making. Surely the city managers involved in the development of the city of Sanford Riverwalk Project addressed the needs of the community prior to development of the project. In fact, knowing the city’s history is critical in understanding the Department of Parks and Recreations focus on implementing such a plan. The City of Sanford’s focus on economic growth and the revitalization of the historic riverfront for which it is best known for is just one example of its efforts. Sanford’s focus on community development is clearly shown in its commitment to leisure activities designed to enhanced city resident’s quality of life. Although the city is known for its charming and traditional 19th century downtown area, it is also becoming more available to adjoining communities through its vibrant and fast paced interstate corridor. This corridor is best known to travelers from out of town by way of the Orlando Sanford International Airport as well as through the surrounding interstate (Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, 2009). It is clear that city managers focused on the development of the city in implementing the projects that would not only enhance the quality of life of residents, but also with the economic activity would also help improve the city through recognition by also providing advantages. In this case the benefits of implementing the city projects far outweighed the cost, and showed to be feasible enough to implement through use of federal grants such as the Community Development Block Grants and through partnerships with County Government in providing effective packages for such projects as these. The Role of Economic Theory Economic theory is an essential part in economic research, and even more so when discussing the development of city projects. The idea that the implementation of policies in budgetary issues would improve people’s lives is attractive to budget administrators and city administrators alike (Varian, 1989). In fact, it is most useful for evaluating the answers to common problems faced by local organizations. The determining factor is based on the approach taken to evaluate the effectiveness of the project. The use of Cost Benefit Analysis in City Projects , such as the Sanford Riverwalk, provides strategic analysis and planning of the recreational incentives for city residents. The city is based around surrounding popular cities known for their parks and recreation. The City of Altamonte Springs, Daytona Beach, and the City of Orlando are known for their state parks and touristic areas. Because the development of such a project would contribute to a competitive market and enhance the face value of the city, it is part of the overall analysis of the research conducted on this particular project. Influence of Economic Theory Economic theory was certainly influential in cost benefit analysis of this project. After all, in considering the allocation of resources and funds to be contributed to this particular project it is important to consider how the implementation of policies and use of budgetary items contribute to the enhancement of daily living. In addressing economic developments for the city it is critical to permit processes of analysis and improvements that provide a service to the development of the community and provide the ability to meet the Department representatives to discuss site specific development issues (City of Sanford Government, 2011). Reports generated over the years confirm the economic impact generated in the city in this past year to reflect over $15 million (City of Sanford Government, 2011), thus another example of the economic influence to the city’s development of said project. In the long run, the use of cost benefit analysis in development of community projects is a relatively easy tool that can be used to decide if a change is necessary in the community. Consideration of economic theory and the influence of that theory on the analysis of project development is essential in determining if the project will be effective and feasible for the local government. References City of Sanford Government. (2011). City Manager’s 2012 Annual Report . Sanford: City of Sanford. Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. (2009). Sanford Stats. Orlando : Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission. Mind Tools. (2012, December 10). Retrieved from Mind Tools: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_08.htm Varian, H. R. (1989). What use is Economic Theory? University of California at Berkeley.

Sexual Exploitation

Sexual Exploitation of Children As the use of Internet increases, questions are being brought up on how sex offenders, using the Internet, are committing crimes such as child sexual exploitation. â€Å"Child sexual exploitation can involve the following: Possession, manufacture and distribution of child pornography; online enticement of children for sexual acts; child prostitution; child sex tourism and; child sexual molestation† (Phillips, 2011, p. 1). There are a number of ways of sexual offenders utilizing the Internet to exploit children.The police should have the right to utilize the undercover technique by law enforcement in addressing crimes of sex offenders. Countless children are being targeted and put in danger due to persistent perpetrators. Sex offenders often take advantage of the Internet in order to commit crimes regarding child pornography. These perpetrators know the latest trends in music, interests, and hobbies. Sex offenders will often listen and sympathize towards children with problems. These individuals attempt to gradually lower children's inhibitions by slowly introducing sexual content into their conversations† (FBI, 2010-2012, p. 1). Through the Internet, sex offenders can also attain or exchange child pornographic images. There are a number of ways in sex offenders utilizing the Internet to exploit children. â€Å"These types of Internet sex crimes against minors have caused concern among parents, law enforcement agencies, lawmakers, educators and other child advocates and become a factor in the debate over Internet regulation† (Kimberly and Finkelhorb, 2000-2006, Vol. 0 No. 4). One way in perpetrators exploiting children on the Internet is by using chat rooms. They can convince children so that they have no way in escaping. A possible example of what a sex offender could say is that the child is responsible for their behavior. Sex offenders can also make children to think that no one will ever believe them even i f they were to tell someone about the situation they are in. The Internet makes it easier for perpetrators because it allows them to be manipulative, where children are tricked to believing in false information.There is a need for undercover police in order to address crimes such as child sexual exploitation. The 1994 Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act created guidelines for states to be able to track sex offenders. There was a case study nearly 13 years ago where two agents worked on a case involving a missing child and had discovered that â€Å"pedophiles were using computers to transmit sexually explicit images of minors on a primitive form of the Internet† (FBI, 2006, p. 1).Due to numerous cases of child sexual exploitation, the use of undercover cops will be able to gain information quickly and locate the sex offender. â€Å"For those with prurient interests there appears to have been an increase in the accessibility of images that involve more extreme sexual activity† (Elliot and Ashfield, 2011, p. 97). The worldwide web is a powerful source that sex offenders use to commit crimes such as child pornography. As time goes by, more children are victimized from crimes committed by sex offenders.The Internet helps sex offenders to easily commit illegal use of the Internet to send sexual content to children. The use of undercover cops will increase the resolutions to crime cases regarding the exploitation of children. References FBI (2006, February 24). Innocent Images? Looking Back Over the Years†¦ And Overseas. Retrieved from http://www. fbi. gov/news/stories/2006/february/innocent_images022406 FBI (2010-2012). Internet Safety. Retrieved from https://www. ctclearinghouse. org/topics/topic. asp? TopicID=47 Gregory A. Phillips (2011, August 16). Child Sexual Exploitation.Retrieved from http://attorneygeneral. state. wy. us/dci/chexploitation. html Ian A. Elliot and Sherry Ashfield (2011, M arch). The use of online technology in the modus operandi of female sex offenders. Retrieved from http://content. ebscohost. com. offcampus. lib. washington. edu/pdf25_26/pdf/2011/H4O/01Mar11/59330002. pdf? T=P;P=AN;K=59330002;S=R;D=a9h;EbscoContent=dGJyMNXb4kSep7Q4y9f3OLCmr0qeqK5Ss6y4S7KWxWXS;ContentCustomer=dGJyMPGpskuwqbROuePfgeyx44Dt6fIA Kimberly J. M. ; Finkelhorb, D. (2010). Growth and change in undercover online child

Discrimination in Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Discrimination in Marketing - Assignment Example Therefore, Reynolds’ implementation of a cigarette marketing campaign for the African-American population is adversely a discriminatory approach in marketing since the other races in the country may have intended to use menthol cigarettes over the non-menthol ones. The following is an analytical approach to establish the controversy of discrimination in marketing cigarettes in the uptown market segment. Critically, it is indicated that the African-American cigarette smoking population contains a relevantly higher ratio of menthol cigarette smokers compared to the other races in the country. Emphasizing on Reynolds’ information concerning the demographic variability of menthol cigarette smokers in the uptown market edge, the norm is that there exists discrimination in the established marketing approach despite the fact that the cigarettes sell for 70% of the black population. Researches assert that the white population together with other American races, influences 30% of the total market sales outcomes. This is a clear indication of the existence of marketing discrimination in the uptown market segment (p. 1). Arguably, Reynolds set an ideal platform to reveal the existence of discrimination in the uptown market segment. Based on the fact that most of the advertising, pricing, and promotion approaches of menthol cigarettes is redirected to the African-American population, it is evident that marketers in the segment often engage in discrimination. The intentions of precise marketing approaches are born to yielding profitable market segments over competitors. Further, it is knowledgeable to marketers that users of a certain commodity perceive belongingness after being associated with the marketing and promotion practices. Therefore, Reynolds concern in marketing cigarettes for the uptown market cigarette smokers and precisely the black population is a critical approach

The Story of an Hour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

The Story of an Hour - Essay Example He later informed -Josephine- Mrs. Mallard’s sister. She is now tasked with the duty to inform her ailing sister that her beloved husband passed away in the ill-fated accident. This must have been a herculean task since it was not easy to break such news to her sister and she did not know how to do it without causing more harm than the situation had already presented. Thousands of thoughts must have been crisscrossing Josephine’s mind. She must have wondered how her sister will take the news, the effect the news would have on her heart. She even wondered what if she broke the news and her sister could not take it that she also dies. The kind of dilemma that Josephine went through was not easy but also required her to be strong for the sake of her sister. Her falling into a grieving mood was not an option because she was to be her sister’s pillar during such trying times. When Josephine finally breaks the news to Mrs. Mallard, she is stricken by grief and she sobs at her sisters’ arm. She is greatly affected by the loss of her husband. When she could not take it anymore, she went into her room and locked herself. Mary Chopin explains the extent of the grief when she says â€Å"She sat with her head thrown back upon the cushion of the chair, quite motionless, except when a sob came up into her throat and shook her, as a child who has cried itself to sleep continues to sob in its dreams† (The Story of an Hour, 476). The writing clearly depicts the extent of the grief. Locking herself in her and shutting everyone else out shows how at the moment she saw her world ending due to the loss of her husband. She was still young and yet at this tender age suffers such a great blow. This seclusion must have worried the sister as well. As much as she wanted to give, her space to grieve she also wanted to be by her side and comfort her. This worried Josephine that she went and knocked at the door of Mrs. Mallard’s room

What is the best way to handle on the job conflict constructively Essay

What is the best way to handle on the job conflict constructively - Essay Example There is a popular maxim that says prevention is better than cure. This fact applies also in conflict management in human relationships and teams. It is not always possible to foresee all future sources of conflict, but it is always best to do that which is necessary to avoid foreseeable conflict areas. Experiences inform us that positive constructive conflict handling must be complimented by a secure and supportive organizational environment in which trust and mutual respect are the core pillars in existing relationships (LeBaron 88). On this aspect, people feel comfortable and at ease with each other, and able to express and appreciate differences in opinions and workout a consensus. Conflict prevention requires more of visionary leadership as opposed to reactionary leadership. Conflict prevention skills entail identifying future conflict potential areas and designing a viable and acceptable strategy on how to approach them. Conflict managers should help people in teams stay focused on their goals; to be accommodative to those with a different opinion; participate in decision-making; and train people on consensus building. Constructive conflict management requires that people are able to differentiate personal interests and positions. Personal interests include individual values, needs and motivating factors. Positions define the means an individual uses to achieve personal interests (David and Johnson 37). However, it is not always possible to prevent a conflict. This is largely because life is very dynamic and with it comes surprises. This requires an elaborate and dynamic conflict handling strategy. Equally important, conflict may sometimes serve as important lessons to learn from and help devise objectives and goals that are relatively fair to all players. In relation to this, constructive conflict handling requires a practical

Weight Loss Programs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Weight Loss Programs - Essay Example t quickly, but, as seen in many follow up studies on a diet’s success rate, the long-term results are further weight gain and possible health side effects. In essence, the very word ‘diet’ implies a short-term effort rather than a long-term commitment. In this case, the program that will be discussed today should not be thought of as a diet, but a lifestyle plan that is easy to follow, realistic in its requirements and expectations, and accessible to all people regardless of their income levels. The program is the Zone Diet. This program is in the category of â€Å"right-food-combination† diets that base their eating plan on the belief that, in certain healthy combinations, the body will lose extra fat and return to a health body weight (Nathan & Delahanty, 150). The Zone Diet, created by Dr. Barry Sears, was introduced in 1995. Dr. Sears is a certified biochemist who argues that people gain weight due to unstable blood sugar levels and hormonal imbalances. The type of food and the quantities in which we eat certain foods contribute significantly to these issues. Unlike other low-carbohydrate diets, the Zone Diet is not as restrictive as the Atkin diet that prohibits the consumption of carbohydrates. Our body needs carbohydrates like our cars need gasoline; carbohydrates are the fuel for our bodies that provide us energy. However, what Dr. Sears highlights is that people’s daily diets are too high in carbohydrates, which is causing weight gain. The best example for why we keep gaining weig ht is to compare our high-carbohydrate diets to the high-carbohydrate diets of livestock. Cows fed on a diet rich in grass, food they are meant to eat, stay relatively thin; however, cows fed on a diet rich in carbohydrates, such as corn, become much fatter and in a shorter amount of time (DrSears.com). This example clearly demonstrates that, if consuming the proper foods in the proper quantities, all living things will return to and remain at a health body

The concept of fairness Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The concept of fairness - Movie Review Example Lavoie describes a situation when he asked a teacher whether she would have spent some time explaining information personally to the child with disabilities and she answered that she wouldn’t have done that, because it would have been unfair regarding other children. Hence, Lavoie says that she was wrong in her definition of fairness. Thus when a child with learning disabilities gets the same treatment as other children, the fact that teacher treats all the children the same way seems to be unfair and even offensive for the child. Hence, it would be fair if the child with disabilities got special treatment, even though it may take some time of learning from other children. He claims that this concept is very important because the main principle according to which children learn is that they learn not from what teachers tell them but they learn from what teachers (and parents) do. Hence, Lavoie says that a teacher may say that he is not supposed to treat the child with learning disabilities in some special way, because it is unfair regarding other children. However, children understand fair acts as those that satisfy the needs of each and every person, so they indeed would understand why the child with disabilities gets special treatment. Thus Lavoie advices parents to be fair in this very meaning. As far as children learn from what parents do, not say, they have to behave in accordance with what they tell their children to do. For example, if parents tell their child not to lie and the next moment they lie themselves.

Randstad as a Professional Employment Agency Essay

Randstad as a Professional Employment Agency - Essay Example The researcher states that Randstad is the second biggest staffing organization in the world. Randstad plays a fundamental role in developing the workplace and leveraging the maximum value of human capital to benefit clients, candidates, investors, and employees. The main problem of Randstad is handling its multigenerational workforce, so that retention rates can be boosted. Its minor problems are intergenerational conflicts due to differences in work and personal values and developing performance management strategies that fit different generations. The primary issues of the firm are employee retention strategies for different generations and concerns in maximizing the benefits of its coaching approach to team building and retention. These issues can be approached through considering the factors of enhancing work climate and job fulfillment to increase employee retention rates. HR should examine individual and generational needs through interviews and surveys. The major problem of t he company is enhancing its retention rate. Its minor problems are intergenerational conflicts due to differences in work and personal values and developing performance management strategies that fit different generations. The first alternative is to focus on enhancing the work climate. Work climate can enhance recruitment and retention success of workers. The work climate can affect provider outcomes, such as job satisfaction and turnover rates. Positive views of the psychological work climate can enhance job satisfaction, organizational commitment, motivation, and productivity. Particular actions that can enhance the work climate include training employees to develop their coaching and intergenerational communication and culture skills. This way, employees are trained to handle generation-based differences in attitudes and work/communication practices.

Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Managment - Essay Example was done by HSE (2001), it was seen that the the way health and safety is maintained is of equal importance just like the way other sectors are managed because it reflects how efficient and relevant the (HSE, 2001) system could be in the working place. The objective of this report is to asses how health and safety management system is being observed and implemented at Carillion place. This objective ha sto be met by checking the main elements of the system at Carillon plc. The main elements include: planning, performance, performance assessment and performance improvement of the health and safety system. Carillion is a multinational construction company located in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. It mainly deals with construction and engineering activities both civil and building and employs approximately 51,000 across the globe. One of the major sectors that Carillon keeps watch on is the health and safety management of the company. Due to its value for that sector it was given an award of OHSAS certification in 2000. With Carillon having the certification of BS OHSAS 18001, it meets the requirements for the methodology that is located which it is named Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach, that has been illustrated using a diagram in Fig 1.0.0 (HSE 2001, p.6). it has a certification for OHSAS 18001, this makes OHSAS 18001 health and safety management system the body that is used to check it and it can also be checked by the HSG65 gap analysis model. A summary of this review has been shown in Appendix B. Factors that make the health and safety management of Carillion effective is the fact that it has its health and safety policies written that sets the trend for maintaining health and safety in the organization. A copy of this policy statement has been put in Appendix A. The policy statement document has been written and undersigned by Richard Howson, the CEO of Carillion construction company. It clearly says that the Health and Safety of the people that work

Personal Philosophy of Nursing Essay Example for Free

Personal Philosophy of Nursing Essay Belief is the reflection of values that guides one to plan and set goals in their personal and professional Life. With this in mind, and that caring is the essence of nursing practice, my career path goals were outlined and focused on concept of education , health and care. My perspectives and beliefs about nursing as a profession have been gradually developed throughout the years by the influence of many, mentorship, education and by long years of clinical experience. Beliefs Nursing. Nurses help and care for the sick or well, and promote health with skills, expertise and knowledge. The American Nurses Association (ANA) defines nursing as â€Å"the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations.† We nurses are focused and educated to provide the most holistic care to individuals and family with actual and/or potential health problem. (ANA, 2009). Our commitment is to assist individuals/clients efforts to reach their optimal health potential. Client. Client can be the individual, family, group, organization or communities that have innate abilities, resources, experiences and values that guide decision-making regarding health issues.† (University of Kansas School of Nursing, 2001). Kings’ theory emphasizes the importance of client participation in the decision-making and deal with choices, alternatives and outcomes of care (cited by P arker, 2006). Nurses need to understand how individual/clients choose and accept responsibility when they are their health decision-maker. Health. Health is the client optimal state of wellness. The World Health Organization defines health as â€Å"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.† Leininger defined health as â€Å"state of well-being that is culturally defined, valued, and practiced and reflects the ability of individuals or groups to perform their daily role activities in culturally expressed, beneficial and patterned ways (cited by Parker, 2006). The individual/ client health is intrinsic interacted with his/her environment. Environment. Newman defines environment as â€Å"all internal and external factors or influences surrounding the identified client or client system (cited by Parker, 2006).† Martha Rogers’ Science of Unitary Human Beings proposed that the client and their environment are integral with one another in a continuous process (Blais et al, 2002). When nurses apply Rogers’ theory in their practice, they holistic focus on the person as a whole and promote and integrate care between the client and his/her environment. It is my belief that environment greatly influences a client’s health and her/his perception of health and it is in continuous and creative changes. My career goals were outlined in the perspective of changes and advancement of my profession and a more competent professional nurse. Goals Short-term. My immediate short- term goals as soon as school is over, is to be oriented as day House Supervisor in the facility where I work. It will be a cross-training position, since I am not planning to leave the clinical area anytime soon. This new position will be parallel to my actual position as telemetry charge nurse. My second goal is to finish St David HCA academy leadership classes by the end of this year. I believe that these short-term goals will pave my career path and give me the foundation to accomplish my long-term goals Long-term. I have two long-term goals that I am planning to accomplish by 2012. First, I am planning to be Austin Community College Nurse School’s clinical instructor assistant to start in January of 2010. Also, next year, I would like to apply and be accepted in a â€Å"Developmental Teaching Program† that the University Of Texas (UT), with the collaboration of St David HCA and Seton Hospital, organized to help and assist employees who are interested in advancing their education into a master’s program and be involved with teaching. Each hospital accepts fifteen qualified employees per semester and the program consists of three teaching classes at master level. Planning my career and setting up goals beyond being a bedside nurse was not an easy step. It was finalized/ concreted by the influence and support of friends and my family Critical Analysis Beliefs. My beliefs about nursing were influenced especially by my husband and by one of my lifetime friends. Both taught me that nursing is a profession that one never stops learning and learning is the only way to acquire knowledge to improve and excel as a professional. I also have an enthusiastic mentor that instructs and encourages me to expand my knowledge in other areas of nursing rather than just being a bedside nurse. My beliefs in my career, also, have been greatly influenced by my mother who continuously reminds me to always put myself in the patient’s place before any decision or judgment is done. Through it, she taught me what compassion and true care means. Besides the people mentioned above, there are many others that in one way or another influenced and shaped my beliefs about nursing. Career Choice. Nursing has been my only profession. I got my ADN diploma through Florence Nightingale Nursing School, the only England Nurse School in my country. So, once in the U.S, I went back to nursing school and got my ADN. My career choice happened long before I even finished high school. My father was very sick for a long time and very often I would go with him to the hospital for doctors’ appointments or just to the emergency room. During those times my heart would go to those sick people lying down on the ground outside the hospital waiting for an available doctor or a nurse to see them, and, most of the time it would not happen so soon. Some of these people would stay for a day or two in the heat, hungry, thirsty, dirty and in pain. Against my mother orders, (because we did not have much), I started to bring food, and water to those people and I would apply butter to their wounds to keep them wet ( I had seen the old women in the farm doing it). When I really decided to go the nurse school, I was not sure about it. I told my mother that would try it because I did not want to be anything back then. Once I started nursing school, I was totally in love with it. Indirectly, my father led me to my current career path that I feel fulfilled me as a professional. Current Career Path. I have been a nurse for six years. Since my graduation, I have been working as a telemetry nurse/charge nurse. But through these years I have been working in all med/surg floors, step-down ICU and ER. I like cardiology the most. It is a fast pace unit and can be very challenging. In this unit I am able to advise and encourage patients on health maintenance and disease prevention, and that I work with a team that together provides optimal care to those with cardiac diseases. All these years as an ADN I was comfortable as it was until two years ago, when my husband and my mentor encouraged me to advance my education at least to the BSN level. And, I am glad that I did it. The RN-BSN bridge program was essential in expanding my knowledge and therefore improved my nurse practice. Impact of RN-BSN Program on Nursing and Career The Texas Tech University health Sciences Center School of Nursing program has had a great impact in my profession and career path. Through this program I have been learning more about evidence-based practice, theories and nursing practice than I did in all those years in the ADN schools. Now, for example, when I look at a medication(s), read or do a procedure on a patient , I am more aware of the importance of research and evidence-based practice and why I (we) do things in certain order or way. â€Å"By exploring concepts such as: evidence-based practice, professional development, life-long learning, community health, nursing theories, research, mentorship, current issues facing nursing and many more I now see nursing form a larger perspective (Harmon, 2009).† This program expanded my knowledge, enhanced my practice and thus, effectively improves my patient’s outcomes. Through this program I became a stronger and more complete nurse. It taught me the discipline of nursing practice is guided by theories and models that can be applied to my daily practice. Nurse Model Jean Watsons theory of caring has profound impact in the practice of nursing. Caring is central to nursing; it is the central focus of practice. Foster, 2008 states that †¦Ã¢â‚¬ caring is to preserve human dignity, is to preserve humanity in systems and in society, increasingly awakening in nurses and nursing to realize they have a critical role in sustaining human caring and humanity itself, especially in instances where it is threatened.† Caring in my daily nurse practice underlies human values and beliefs that are essential in an individual/client or/and family basic needs. â€Å"The nursing response is a specific expression of caring nurturance to sustain and enhance the ‘other’ as he or she lives caring and grows in caring in the situation of concern (Buldin, 2005).† Through the theory of caring, I am more sensitive to express feeling of care and allow my clients, family and/or coworkers to express their own feeling of care. â€Å"Nursing can expand its existing role, continuing to make contributions to health care within the modern model by developing its foundational caring healing and health strengths that have always been present on the margin (Cara, 2003).† Caring is not a momentum, but a personal response. Conclusion My beliefs regarding the nursing profession and my goals were paved by people that continue and will continue to greatly and positively influence my personal and professional values. Through this career patch, caring is my daily vision and my response to those that come to my care. References American Nurses Association, 2009. Considering Nursing? Retrieved March 28, 2009 from http://www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses.aspx American Nurses Association, 2009. What is Nursing? Retrieved March 28, 2009 from http://www.nursingworld.org/EspeciallyForYou/StudentNurses/WhatisNursing.aspx Blais, K.K., Hayes, S.J., Kozier,B. Erb,G., 2002. Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Cara, C., 2003.A pragmatic View of jean Watsons’s Caring Theory. International Journal for Human Caring Vol 7(3). Retrieved March 30, 2009 from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezproxy- ttuhsc.edu/ehost/pdf?vid=9hid=5sid=91639aaf-72f3-4082-a574‘6e5a3d0caaaa%40 Buldin, S., 2005. Nursing as Caring Theory: Living Caring in Practice. Retrieved march 30, 2009 From http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/spb/ovidweb.cgi?S=GOPEFPHIG GD DPCDNNCGLPHPLGBLCAA00Link+Set=S.sh.15.16.46%7c12%7csl_10 Foster, L. R., 2007. Tribute to the Theorist. Retrieved March 30, 2009 from http://ovidsp.tx.ovid.com.ezproxy.ttuhsc.edu/spb/ovidweb.cgi?S=GOPEFPHIG GDDPCDNNCGLPHPLGBLCAA00Link+Set=S.sh.15.16.18%7c3%7csl_10 University of Kansas School of Nursing, 2001. Mission, Philosophy, Organizing Framework, and Curricular Threads. Retrieved March 28, 2009 from http://www2.kumc.edu/son/vorientation/concept.html Harmon, V., (2009, Spring). Baccalaureate Nursing practice Course Syllabus: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing Undergraduate Program Philosophy. Retrieved March 18, 2009 from http:webtc6.ttuhsc.edu

Solid Waste Management Case Study In Bristol Environmental Sciences Essay

Solid Waste Management Case Study In Bristol Environmental Sciences Essay The management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a major environmental crisis throughout of the World, which everyone is concerned about. In the United Kingdom, the quantity of municipal waste has increased and 46.9 per cent of the total collected waste has disposed of in landfill in 2009/10 (DEFRA, 2010b). In comparison, the Netherlands and Denmark have disposed of almost no municipal waste to landfill and other members of European Units such as Germany and Sweden have less than a quarter of municipal waste to landfill (DEFRA, 2010b). Therefore, the UK Government published Waste Strategy for England 2007 on 24th May 2007 in order to meet EU strategy and set out a sustainable method for hierarchy of waste management options within climate change and population growth. The fundamental goals of the strategy are to set out a blueprint for waste prevention, reduction, re-use, recycling and recovery and improving environmental and economic outcomes through increased recycling of resources and recovery of energy from residual waste using a mix of technologies. There are some actions of the proposal strategy outlined, for example, energy from waste is expected to account for 25% of municipal waste by 2020 compared to 10% in 2007 and the standard rate of landfill tax increase by eight pounds per year from 2008 until at least 2010/11(DEFRA, 2010c). As a result, it is necessary to set up a variety of waste treatment for recovery material in the UK, such as Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) and Energy from Waste (EfW). There is no doubt that a number of local authorities face major challenges when they manage residual waste sustainably. Take Bristol for example, 59% of waste has been sent to landfill and 40% has been recycled or composted in 2009/10 (DEFRA, 2010d). According to Bristol City Council (2000), 100,000 tonnes of household waste will remain to be treated if 40% waste is recycled or composted. Thus, the council wants to make a 25 years Residual Waste Management Contract with company to treat 100,000 tonnes of Residual MSW by one of three options which include MBT with composting or anaerobic digestion and Energy from Waste. In this paper, the environmental impacts of each option will be assessed in order to find a sustainable method for residual waste management in Bristol. Furthermore, some relative mitigation meas ures and remediation approaches for chose option will be mentioned, focusing key issues of development and land redevelopment after 25 years. 2. The Description of Development and Site Bristol city council aims to set up a waste treatment plant in the city in order to not only meet their recycling needs but also make efficiently recover value from the residual waste produced. There is no doubt that a hundred thousand tonnes of rubbish send to the new plants for processing in the coming years rather than dumping it in landfill sites. The possible potential site is assumed as previously used land which locates in the main industrial estate (Avonmouth) in the northern part of Bristol. It would generally be preferred in planning terms, as no new land would be used and contaminated land restored. In addition, the facility has good transportation infrastructure, which results from closely primary road network and alternatively rail access. Figure 1 shows some potential previously land in the potential area, which have several large chemical manufacturing plants and also has a significant residential area in Avonmouth between the industrialised zone and the M5 motorway. M oreover, a large scale of green sites and water body around the assumed site. Figure 1. The Potential Site for Waste Treatment Plant in Bristol alll sites.jpg (Source: Google Map) There are three potential options including MBT using composting (In Vessel Composting) or anaerobic digestion (AD) or EfW provided in following details. The local waste strategy officers assume that: 100,000 tonne residual MSW will be treated; the detailed value of treatment for each option is described in Figure 2; Figure 2. The Value of Waster Treatment Process mixed recyclates are worth on average  £50/tonne; all plants operate 90% of the 8760 hours in a year; both digestate and compost are disposed to landfill at the full tax rate; however, the digestate is charged the full dispose cost, compost is disposed for free; bottom ash can be processed and used as a secondary aggregate, making profit at  £5/tonne; gas cleaning residues are hazardous waste and landfilled at  £100/ tonne plus landfill tax at  £48/tonne; electricity from AD is worth  £135/MWh, electricity from EfW and In Vessel Composting is worth  £60/ MWh. 3. Introduction of Three Processing Options for the Residual Municipal Solid Waste Management This section focuses on introduction of the process and principals of three options including In Vessel Composting, Anaerobic Digestion and Energy from Waste. MBT mainly follow two processes including mechanical sorting and biological process. Mechanical sorting is to sort mechanical element such as metal, plastics, glass paper, which is made by hand and is a basic process in both composting and anaerobic digestion. However, the biological processes are different because of the variety of treatment principals. Anaerobic digestion, which is the biological treatment of organic waste without oxygen, utilise microbial activity to break down the waste in a controlled environment with mesophilic and thermophlic digestion and produce biogas (e.g. Methane and Carbon Dioxide) and digestate at the same time. In Vessel Composting is an enclosed compost system and is the treatment of organic matter with aerobic microorganism to produce a mixture of stable humic substances and inorganic plant nu trient (Agrivert, 2010). In comparison with AD, there is no green energy produced through the system, therefore, the extra energy will be used in the processes. Energy from Waste is process incorporation the thermal decomposition of the waste include waste reception and storage, combustion system, heat recovery, flue gas cleaning, power generation and process control and monitor. Compared with MBT, EfW can disposal of all types of waste without other pre-treatment and the temperature has a minimum requirement of 850oC for 2 seconds (March, 2010a). Additionally, incineration offers a further option for the treatment of residual MSW and is already proven and bankable technology in the UK with 26 EfW plants (March, 2010a). However, there is no incineration in Bristol at the moment. 4. Environmental Impacts Assessment of Three Processing Options In order to achieve the UK governments fundamental goals and Bristol waste strategy, assessment of the environmental and economic impacts of each processing option should be undertaken in the following section. Local facilities of waste treatment would provide much local employment opportunities. Moreover, the number of legislation and planning policy comprising international, national and local policy will also be introduced to make sure the sustainable development. Therefore, this section focus on the key issues of waste treatment options such as air emissions / health effects, dust / odour, noise, water resources, visual intrusion and public concern. According to analysis of environmental impact assessment, one of the options will be identified as the Best Practicable Environmental Option for Bristol City Council. 4.1 Planning Policy and Context i) International Policy The European Union has instigated a range of Directives at a European level that should be suitable for each EU member and transposed into national laws in order to adopt the local environment. The following International policies provide the European framework for Waste applicable to the United Kingdom. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ European Community (EC) Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ EC Framework Directive for Waste 75/442/EEC as amended by 91/156/EEC; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Waste Incineration Directive 2000/76EC (WID). ii) National Policy The Waste Strategy for England (2007) sets out the Governments vision for sustainable waste management. The key objectives and targets of the strategy are to reduce the amount of waste produced and increase the rate of recovery of municipal waste. There are also some other legislation created to achieve the target in the following: Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS); Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPG) and Planning Policy Statements (PPS); Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS1): Delivering Sustainable Development (2005); Planning and Climate Change (PCC): The purpose is to set out how climate change considerations should be taken into account at different stages of the planning process. Planning Policy Statement 10 (PPS 10): Planning for Sustainable Waste Management. During Annex E of PPS 10, the main factors have been taken into account by waste planning authorities when testing the suitability of a site for waste management purposes. iii) Regional and Local Planning Policy Planning policies for Bristol are set out in the Statutory Development Plan which includes the following documents (South Gloucestershire Council, 2010): Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (RPG10) (September 2001) Joint Replacement Structure Plan (as saved) (September 2002) Bristol Local Plan (as saved) (1997) Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (RPG10) (2001) RPG10 comprises the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West and the Regional Transport Strategy, and aim to meet sustainable development in terms of environment, economy and society. 4.2 Anaerobic Digestion In terms of biodegradable waste either by anaerobic digestion or by composting MBT technologies helps to reduce the contribution of greenhouse gases to minmise the impacts of global warming. IPPC (2010) stated that AD technology for various homogenous waste streams is widely proven in Europe, but there are no full scale plants in operation in the UK on municipal derived wastes. Thus, environmental and economic impacts should be assessed in order to develop facilities at present. 4.2.1 Environmental impacts As we all know that anaerobic digestion is totally enclosed system, which may reduce environmental impacts. As it may achieve a key aim of the landfill Directive and reduce organic wastes from landfill which reduces the production of landfill gas and leachates. Although the facility has pollution control technology in order to control the sustainable processes not only for the company but also for the public, each development has some relevant impacts on air, water resources and local residents. For example, odour emissions should be released during material handling and other air emission (Methane) would be release during the process. This may affect the local living condition if the pollution will not be controlled and visual intrusion, pests and noise problems. In order to predict how odour will be transported, some information such as meteorological conditions (e.g., wind speed and direction, temperature, and inversion conditions) in the proposal site can be obtained from a local weather station. Moreover, contamination of final product is often difficult to avoid, which means digestate from residual MSW connot be used for food growing; only regeneration of contaminated land or landfill cover (McKendry 2010). Therefore, AD also has slightly negative impacts on environment during the handling and processes of the facility. According to Figure 2, net energy (0.5 MWe) will be produced for National Grid, which also can save energy and reduce environmental pollution from power generation. To sum up, compared with no waste treatment in Bristol, AD is a better environmental practical option for waste recovery and also can achieve the UK fundamental target. 4.2.2 Economic impacts It requires comprehensive pre-processing of the waste or source separation and larger digestion tanks as it does not treat the whole Municipal Solid Waste stream but may be used on residual municipal waste stream with contaminants rejected as part of the process. Thus, AD is more capital intensive than composting and cost more for landfill tax. Moreover, the output of digestates is generally hazardous and set to landfill, which will also cost more for the process than production from composting. However, compared with composting, energy should be produced and is worth  £532,170 which is less than profit of net energy from EfW (Figure 3). Someone (City and County of Swansea, 2011) mentions that AD is relatively low capital costs compared to most thermal processes. On the other hand, anaerobic digestion has not enough profit which created from by-products compared to EfW (Figure 3). In terms of economy, anaerobic digestion is the secondary choice in three waste management options for Bristol. Figure 3. The Analysis of Input and Output of Economy in Proposed Waste Treatment Plant Anaerobic Digestation In Vessel Composting Energy from Waste Input  £2,380,000 (Landfill)  £ 1,564,000(Digestate)  £2,040,000 (Landfill)  £2,880,000(Compost)  £408,000 (Landfill)  £888,000(Gas Cleaning) Output Profit  £1,500,000 (Recyclates)  £532,170 (Net Energy)  ¹Ã‚ £Ã‚ £1,911,830  £1,500,000 (Recyclates)  ¹Ã‚ £Ã‚ £473,040 (Net Energy)  ¹Ã‚ £Ã‚ £3,893,040  £375,000 (Recyclates)  £185,000 (Bottom Ash)  £3,784,320 (Net Energy)  £3,048,320 4.3 In Vessel Composting Actually, this technology has only had limited experience in the UK; however, it is rapidly increasing in number due to recent legislation of waste management such as Landfill Directive. The advantage of In-Vessel Composting is that the processes are more controlled and can be designed to achieve specified temperatures of facilitate bacteria destruction. 4.3.1 Environmental impacts Composting can reduce volume of organic waste fraction of MSW by 25-50% and minmise landfill rate (IPPC, 2010), which avoid environmental pollution (Landfill gas and leachate) similar with AD. However, some potential odour and leachate also should be produced, which can result in air and water resources may be polluted to some extent. Although it is suitable for green and kitchen waste, it is potential of co-composting operations with other waste streams such as paper, sewage sludge (IPPC, 2010). On the other hand, it requires careful source segregation of further post or treatment as sensitive contamination of glass and plastics. Furthermore, in comparison with other options, In Vessel composting has no energy output and need extra energy for operation, which will affect more issues from power generation such as air pollution. It is similar with AD that the development is not bad for ecosystem and visual instruction as the proposed site is previously used land which may be contamina ted or brownfield site. The technology has a greater ability to control air pollution emissions than mass burn EfW in theory, but this has not yet been demonstrated in practice in the UK (Environment Agency, 2010). 4.3.2 Economic impacts Although the capital cost is not quite expensive than Energy from Waste, the balance of input and output of waste treatment process is totally different than other options. According to Figure 3, the developer or government should invest more money for rejected waste to landfill and extra energy ( £473,040), which means the profits of recyclates cannot make sure the continuously process of operation. Thus, in terms of economic aspect, this technology is not suitable for the UK fundamental sustainable development target and is the worst option. Energy from Waste In the UK, Energy from waste has a particularly poor public image and has been debatable by environmental groups on the grounds of perceived health impacts from emissions to air. Combustion of residual MSW can produce or release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Hence carbon emissions should to be considered in terms of composition of the residual waste stream, the type of energy produced (heat and/or power) and the overall generating efficiency of the facility. 4.4.1 Environmental impacts Compared with other options, EfW can disposal of a variety of waste without limitation and pre-treatment required. However, dust problem may exist within the waste reception hall or drawn into the furnace. Moreover, there is a WID emission limitation and air quality standards regulated in order to control the air emission especially greenhouse gases from factories. The advantage of this technology is that the state of the art of pollution control technology is completed for global use. In addition, energy recovery includes Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants and opportunity for district heating programmes. However, the temperature is not easy to control during the operation processes, which may affect the efficiency of residue quality and disposal when combustion is not completed. Although EfW can resolve waste to landfill and emission reduction (methane)from landfill and residual waste, which to some extent may address climate change, air pollution of EfW is more significant than o ther options (Hong, 2010). The WID emission limits to air shows daily average emissions limit from incineration in the following (Veolia, 2011): Dust (Particulates) 10mg/m3 Total Organic Carbon 10mg/m3 Hydrogen Chloride 10mg/m3 Carbon Monoxide 50mg/m3 Sulphur Dioxide 50mg/m3 Oxides of Nitrogen 200mg/m3 According to Figure 2, the number of waste can be combusted and bottom ash can be used for construction applications, which reduces the quantity requiring landfill disposal to under 10% of the feedstock mass (IPPC, 2010). In comparison with others, 8MWe net energy should be produced and deliver cheap heat and power either to the National Grid or local users. On the other hand, it also save more energy and reduce pollution from power generation plants. EfW is not long term liability facility, thus, local EfW would provide the best global solution for Bristol depending on the Life Cycle Assessment. Furthermore, the impacts of visual, pests and noise and ecosystem are similar and related to other waste management options and with proper planning can be minimized to acceptable levels. As for the visual impacts, the following factors should be considered: direct effect on landscape by removal of items such as trees; potential of an exhaust stack associated with air clean up systems; scree ning features and scale of vehicles accessing site. 4.4.2 Economic impacts There is no doubt that EfW is one of the high capital costs technology, however, it also create net profits from the processes. According to Figure 3, although, gas cleaning residuals are hazardous wastes and landfilled at  £148 per tonne, the facility can create  £3,048,320 net profit from operation system except the capital investment, which including  £185,000 income from bottom ash,  £3,784,320 profit from electricity and  £375,000 worth from recyclates. Thus, EfW is the best option for waste treatment for Bristol in terms of economy compared to other options. On the other hand, the facility will waste more investment and energy during the process stopped when there is no enough waste for combustion process. 4.5 Summary In summary, each option may achieve the UK and local waste management and recycling target and to some extent reduce waste and air emission such as methane and carbon. However, in terms of sustainable development which related to economic, social and environmental aspects, each option has its own disadvantages and advantages. As for economy except the capital investment, Energy from Waste can make more profit in 25 years than MBT using Composting or Anaerobic Digestion. Although air emission from EfW is more significant than other options, EfW has been used for a long time and is improving or mitigating more sustainable technologies to avoid the negative impacts on environment. It is true that Energy from waste has a particularly poor public image; however, public attitude will be changed within the situation changing. Therefore, Energy from Waste is the best value options for Bristol City Council to reach the waste treatment target and follow sustainable development. 5. Mitigation Measures and Remediation Approach Energy from Waste is the Best Practicable Environmental Option for Bristol waste management programme based on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As we all know that each option has its limitation, EfW is also a case in point. EIA states that the efficiency of combustion, air emission (flue gas emission and cleaning) and public image are the mainly significant issues of EfW facility implementation for Bristol. Moreover, the land restoration after use should be considered at the beginning of construction in order to be able to use as sustainable as possible. Mitigation measures should aim to avoid, reduce, or remedy any significant adverse effects that a proposed development is predicted to produce. First of all, because it is a smaller scale EfW plants, it is better to maximize the scope for dealing with risk events and other potential adverse impacts. Moreover, more information qualitative and quantitative assessment of impacts such as meteorological conditions and ambient air q uality should be collected for the next depth assessment. The recommended mitigation measure for efficiency of combustion is to use more effective techniques. For example, the techniques such as Flue Gas Recirculation (FGR) can control the incomplete combustion in order to increase efficiency and to reduce the flow rate of pollutant emissions (Liuzzo, 2007). In addition, the chimney should be high enough to furnish adequate draft and to discharge the products without causing local sir pollution. There are also some methods to increase positive public image, such as enhancing propaganda or media spread and improving education. The risk management including accident management/plan and security precaution also should be undertaken to avoid the health and safety of employees. As for the future development after use, the land should be careful managed to avoid potential hazardous components released into the land whether it is current contaminated or not (McKendry, 2010). The first recommendation aims to used less penetrability materials for land construction and reduce pollutants released. Moreover, the regular clean up system is recommended to collect the residual waste during transporting system and clean up the dirty area such as oil releasing sites. Contaminated Land Management Regulation indicates that the polluter or owner has responsible to deal with pollution if the land will be contaminated by human activities. In my view, the proposal site is hard to change to an eco-green site after development, thus, it is better to develop as commercial or industrial use in the future. 6. Conclusion In conclusion, Environmental Impact Assessment of Anaerobic Digestion, In Vessel Composting and Energy from Waste were analysed in this paper in order to find out one of the best sustainable development for Bristol and also achieve the UK fundamental goals for waste management. It is certainly that each option has both negative and positive impacts on environment and economy. The main aim of them is to reduce waste sent to landfill and achieve the UK waste management target; moreover, they also have same impacts on environment such ac visual intrusion, public image, potential contaminated land after use and air pollution. However, the significant impacts of facilities are different in different technologies; for example, odour emission is more significant during anaerobic digestion approach, visual intrusion, public image and air emission is more significant for Energy from Waste, and energy use and odour and leachate are significant in composting process. In terms of economy, EfW is the best option with highest net profits during the process; on the other hand, In Vessel Compost is the worst approach because of extra energy supply. At the last, EfW has been chose to treat residual Municipal Solid Waste with the additional mitigation measures in Bristol, which results in the development is not only suitable for international, national and local strategy but also meet the Best Practicable Environmental Option which is sustainable and integrated in the further development.