Gold’s Gym Essay

Gold’s gym has been the authority in fitness since 1965 dating back to the original Gold’s Gym in Venice, California. It was the place for serious fitness. Thereafter, Gold’s Gym quickly became known as â€Å"The Mecca of bodybuilding†. In 1977, Gold’s Gym received international attention when it was featured in the movie ‘Pumping Iron’ that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. Today, Gold’s Gym has expanded its fitness profile to offer all of the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, spinning and yoga, while maintaining its core weight training tradition. With 3.5 million members worldwide, Gold’s Gym continues to change lives by helping people achieve their individual potential. Mission Statement: â€Å"To enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve, through our fitness philosophy, facilities, programs, and products; and to instill in the lives of people everywhere the value of health and fitness.† We are committed to exceeding our members’ fitness goals by utilizing our rich history established over the last 42 years of superior training, information, support and guidance provided by the largest and the best fitness organization in the world. â€Å"Service excellence is our golden rule.† Vision: To inspire, support, and lead every member in their effort toward a healthy, productive, and fun life, and to provide a safe, fun, energetic, rewarding, and fair working environment. We are the inspiration and the leadership that will guide the Wenatchee Valley to be the fittest community in America. We are the Customer Care benchmark. We are passionate about helping others. We are a great company for which to work.   Core Values: Respect – Have regard for others’ beliefs and viewpoints. Candor – Speak openly and honestly. Integrity – Don’t â€Å"act† as though you have values – Be your values. If you really don’t care about other people, PLEASE don’t work here. Learning and Knowledge Sharing – Intellectual capital is our most valuable treasure. Share what you learn and be open to learn from others. Teamwork – This isn’t about you or me. It is about us. Make everyone around you look good. Humility – We are all equally important†¦.and equally unimportant. Accountability – True accountability is the process of constantly asking yourself; â€Å"what else can I do to make things better?† While it may have started out as a humble hard core training gym, Gold’s Gym has grown into a fitness empire. So does big mean bad? Or can corporate gyms still be a good place for independently minded personal trainers? With hundreds of locations across the world, the mega fitness employers of hour fitness, Bally Total Fitness and Gold’s gym are going to be tempting places where personal trainers can get almost guaranteed employment. The Personal Training Job Board is packed with entry level jobs. Gold’s Gym International, Inc. is an international chain of co-ed fitness centers commonly referred to as â€Å"gyms†. Each gym features a wide array of exercise equipment, group exercise classes and personal trainers to assist clients. Its headquarters are in Irving, Texas Today, Gold’s Gym claims to be the largest chain of co-ed gyms in the world, with more than 750 locations in 42 states and 30 countries. Gold’s Gym has a membership of more than three and a half million, split almost equally between male and female patrons. Gold’s Gym locations are equipped with cardiovascular and strength training equipment and offer group exercise classes such as group cycling, Pilates, Latin dance yoga and stretching through the company GGX (Gold’s Group Exercise) program. Many gyms also offer basketball, swimming pools and boxing studios. Gold’s Gym is privately owned. It was acquired from its previous owner, private equity firm Brockway Moran & Partners, by Robert Rowling’s TRT Holdings in 2004 for approximately $158 million. Brockway Moran had acquired the company in 1999. The current chief corporate officers include President and CEO Jim Snow, David Fowler as senior divisional vice president, and Aaron Watkins as senior vice president of finance and accounting. Average Gold’s Gym Salaries: As of May 30, 2012, the average salary for gold’s gym jobs is $41,000 USD. Average gold’s gym salaries can vary greatly due to company, location, industry, experience and benefits. This salary was calculated using the average salary for all jobs with the term â€Å"gold’s gym† anywhere in the job listing. Jobs: Employees must be at least 18 years of age. Gold’s Gym is an equal opportunity employer who recognizes the value of having a diverse workforce. It seeks and encourages qualified applicants regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other cultural or physical characteristics. Fitness Sales Manager Our Sales Managers are responsible for consistent improvement of club sales and operations through effective planning, implementation, use and exercise of independent judgment and discretion in determining how to best maximize profits, contain costs, and hold club employees accountable. Personal Training Sales Manager Personal Training Sales Managers are responsible for selling training packages for our certified personal training staff and holding Personal Training Sales Counselors and Personal Trainers accountable. Fitness Sales Counselor A Membership Sales Counselor will actively pursue enrollment of new members through self-generated and Company-sponsored programs, promotions and referrals. This includes establishing and maintaining lead boxes; calling on new businesses for corporate accounts, obtain leads from existing members, give club tours and membership presentations, utilize computer programs to track appointments and sales. Personal Training Sales Counselor A Personal Training Sales Counselor will actively pursue enrollment of new members into Gold’s Gym Pro Results Personal Training packages by providing introductory training assessments, and utilizing computer programs to track appointments and sales. Operations Manager The job of our Operations Managers is to ensure that our members receive exceptional service from a happy, friendly staff in a clean and well-maintained facility. Operations Managers hire, train, and supervise all fitness, babysitting and janitorial staff, resolve all membership issues, update past due accounts, manage payroll and supplies budget, and uphold company standards Club Staff The job of our club staff is to meet, greet and check-in members and guests of Gold’s Gym, provide excellent customer service and update member’s account information using various computer applications and be assertive, enthusiastic and punctual. Group Fitness (Aerobics) Group Fitness Trainers are enthusiastic, professional, motivated, experienced individuals who enjoy teaching group fitness. They have experience in teaching one or several of the following formats: Cycling, Step, Latin, Hip Hop, light weight dumbbells, Kick box Cardio, Aqua, Mat Pilates and yoga. Personal Trainer The main responsibility of our Personal Trainers is to design and implement programs for our personal training clients. They are expected to treat all clients in a professional and compassionate manner and be prepared to advise clients of what to do during their â€Å"off day† when they are exercising on their own. In general, the trainer position requires you to be a positive fitness role model for all our clients and club members Building Maintenance The Building Maintenance personnel must have experience in at least one of the following specialties: wood floor refinishing, tile work, HVAC, painting, CPO, plumbing, electrical. Janitor The Janitor maintains the cleanliness and beauty of the club by cleaning the locker rooms, mopping floors, emptying trash containers, wiping off counters, cleaning equipment, cleaning mirrors and windows, etc. Equipment Technician The Equipment Technician must have a solid experience troubleshooting electrical, electromechanical and mechanical systems. Job Descriptions Tasks: Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, voice mail systems, and personal computers. Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages. Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer. Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints. Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail. Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities. Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports. Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters. Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments. Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests . Greets each member and guests promptly, enthusiastically and with a smile to create a friendly positive entrance into the gym. Says â€Å"Hello† to all incoming guests and says â€Å"Good-bye† to all outgoing guests. Provides security and control to the front door area of the facility. Checks each member into the gym using the proper check-in procedures. Monitor check-ins to identify delinquent accounts and notifies Gym Operations Supervisor. Register all guests into the gym using proper registration procedures. Ensures that guests and appointments are directed to the appropriate fitness consultant in a prompt, professional manner. Answers phone by the third ring in a professional and courteous manner and uses proper phone greeting techniques. Addresses callers’ requests and/or takes appropriate messages. Registers all telephone inquiries in the TI register in the Master Production Binder and transfers the call to the appropriate Fitness Consultants. Responsible for following up on telephone inquiries to ensure that the appointment was booked properly. Responds immediately to member requests, inquiries and concerns. Maintain neat appearance and wear proper uniform attire with nametag while on duty. Distributes keys, towels and other materials as needed. Reserves time/makes appointments for tanning, special classes or other activities sponsored by the gym. Tools: Franking or postage machines — Postage machines Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment Scanners — Data input scanners Computers — Laptop and Desktop computer Technology: Accounting software — Billing software; Bookkeeping software; Intuit QuickBooks software Data base user interface and query software — Alpha Software Alpha Five; IBM Check Processing Control System CPSC; Microsoft Access; St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA Document management software — Filing system software; Records management software; Transcription system software Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Word processing software — Microsoft Word Knowledge: Clerical —Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Customer and Personal Service — Providing customer and personal services; including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Accounting Principles — Understanding of basic accounting principles and cash processing procedures. Skills: Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do. Time Management — Managing one’s own time and the time of others. Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Abilities: Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern, according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). Work Activities: Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Requirements: Education This occupation requires a high school diploma. Related Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers. Tasks: Observe participants and inform them of corrective measures necessary for skill improvement. Instruct participants in maintaining exertion levels to maximize benefits from exercise routines. Offer alternatives during classes to accommodate different levels of fitness. Plan routines, choose appropriate music, and choose different movements for each set of muscles, depending on participants’ capabilities and limitations. Teach proper breathing techniques used during physical exertion. Evaluate individuals’ abilities, needs, and physical conditions, and develop suitable training programs to meet any special requirements. Monitor participants’ progress and adapt programs as needed. Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations governing sports, recreational activities, and the use of exercise equipment. Provide students with information and resources regarding nutrition, weight control, and lifestyle issues. Administer emergency first aid, wrap injuries, treat minor chronic disabilities, or refer injured persons to physicians. Tools: Balance beams — Balance boards; Balance disks Exercise balls — Medicine balls; Weighted exercise balls Fitness weights — Fitness jog belts; Free weights; Water ankle weights; Weighted swim vests Microphones Technology: Calendar and scheduling software — Appointment scheduling software; Contemporary Web Plus Appointment-Plus Data base user interface and query software — BioEx Systems Exercise Expert; DietMaster Systems DietMaster Medical software — BioEx Systems Nutrition Maker Plus Project management software — BioEx Systems Fitness Maker; Get Physical! Software Personal Trainer Pro; Natural Fitness Concepts The Trainers Edge; Vesteon Software Personal Trainer-PDA Knowledge: Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Skills: Instructing — Teaching others how to do something. Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people. Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Learning Strategies — Selecting and using training/instructional methods. Monitoring — Monitoring individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Abilities: Gross Body Coordination — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion. Stamina — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath. Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without ‘giving out’ or fatiguing. Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretches, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs. Dynamic Strength — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue. Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Work Activities: Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. Requirements: Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree. Related Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents. Sales Manager Tasks: Manage, hire, train and develop sales staff. Generates sales leads through company’s sponsored events while coordinating with the regional marketing function locally. Oversees lead generation for sales team through Company’s sponsored (walk-ins) and employee sponsored (outreach and promotions). Motivate sales staff and monitor their production levels by using the established protocols and sales system programs. Hold daily production meeting with sales team. Establish and maintain the standard company protocol for sales tours and price presentation. Maintain and direct training & development of the gym sales staff. Establish and maintain an active referral system with the sales team. Establish and maintain a lead box/lead bowl system and monitor on a monthly basis. Develop and retain corporate client relationships through the sales team on a monthly basis. Audit sales team on a monthly basis. Maintain acceptable level of personal sales production. Submit monthly game plan for training, promotions and department meetings to General Manager and Area Manager. Create, implement and promote special events for the gym with regional marketing to generate new member sales. Answers phone by the third ring in a professional and courteous manner and uses proper phone greeting techniques. Addresses callers’ requests and/or takes appropriate messages. Registers all telephone inquiries in the TI register in the Master Production Binder and transfers the call to the appropriate Fitness Consultants. Responsible for following up on telephone inquiries to ensure that the appointment was booked properly. Responds immediately to member requests, inquiries and concerns. Maintain neat appearance and wear proper uniform attire with nametag while on duty. Distributes keys, towels and other materials as needed. Technology: Calendar and scheduling software — Contact management software; Scheduling software Customer relationship management CRM software — Eden Sales Manager; FrontRange Solutions Goldmine software; Salesforce.com Salesforce CRM; Vanguard Software Vanguard Sales Manager Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software; Microsoft Access Electronic mail software — Email software; IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Outlook Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel Knowledge: Sales and Marketing — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Personnel and Human Resources — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems. Economics and Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Psychology — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Skills: Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions. Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people. Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Management of Personnel Resources — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job. Abilities: Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity). Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Work Activities: Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions. Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources; in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance. Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them. Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills. Requirements: Education Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor’s degree, but some do not. College degree preferred. High school diploma and some college courses completed is required Fitness certifications. Related Experience A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. Previous experience in the fitness area as manager or sales head. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Internal sales training at the fitness center. Job Zone Examples Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents. Job Evaluation – Point Method Analysis Defining Compensable Factors 1. Effort: earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something through the exertion of physical or mental power. 2. Skill: ability and capacity acquired through deliberate, systematic, and sustained effort to smoothly and adaptively carryout complex activities or job functions involving ideas (cognitive skills), things (technical skills), and/or people (interpersonal skills) 3. Contact with Others: reaching out to or being in touch with another person, business or entity. For example, a salesperson may contact another person or business for a potential sale. 4. Complexity of Duties: Condition of having many diverse and autonomous but interrelated and interdependent components or parts linked through many dense interconnections. 5. Decision Making: Degree to which judgment is required to address typical problems associated with the position, and the impact that these decisions will have on the business Effort This factor evaluates physical and mental requirements of the job. It considers the amount of detail work, diversity of tasks, deadline pressures, and emergency situations. Degree Description of Characteristics 1 Minimal effort required (e.g., tasks are simple and routine, and use well-defined procedures) 2 Limited effort required (e.g., tasks are simple but varied, with some limitations set by standard practices and procedures) 3 Moderate effort required (e.g., tasks have some variation and complexity,with work governed only by broad instructions and objectives) 4 Substantial effort required (e.g., tasks are highly varied and complex, involving analysis and evaluation of many complex and important factors) 5 Extreme effort required (e.g., tasks are highly varied and extremely complex, involving analysis and evaluation of many complex and important factors) Skills This factor evaluates the ability to exercise cognitive skills, technical skills, and/or interpersonal skills. Degree Description of Characteristics 1 Little skill required (e.g. use of reading and writing, adding and subtracting; following of instructions, computer literacy and proper speech, with basic health and fitness skills) 2 Limited skill required (e.g. use of simple use of formulas and formulation of schedules; operation of equipment and machines; checking of reports, forms, records, and comparable data, with fitness training skills) 3 Moderate skill required (e.g. use of different methods of analysis; interpretation of data, equivalent to 1 to 3 years’ applied training in a particular or specialized occupation with fitness training skills) 4 Substantial skill required (e.g. use of advance methods of analysis and interpretation, all varieties of measuring instruments, equivalent to complete accredited apprenticeship in a recognized occupation; or equivalent to a 2-year health, nutrition or fitness college education and skills) 5 Extreme skill required (e.g. use of higher application of principles and the performance of related practical operations, together with a comprehensive knowledge of the theories and practices, health, fitness, management and other related fields. Equivalent to completing 4 years of health, nutrition or fitness college or university education and skills) Contact with Others This factor evaluates personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships (e.g. employees from other departments, customers, vendors/suppliers, the general public, etc.) and the degree to which the employee works with or through other people to achieve organization goals. It includes internal and external contacts and evaluates the frequency of the contact, the nature of the contact (informational vs. influencing), and the degree of impact the contact has on the organization. Degree Description of Characteristics Has little or no interaction with others (less than 20% of work time) and contact is internal, limited to co-workers and the direct supervisor for the purpose of supplying or obtaining information on routine matters. (Seeking and exchanging information, engaging others in conversation, and responding to questions) 2 Has moderate interaction with others (21% to 50% of work time) and contact is internal with other departments and superiors in other areas, for the purpose of supplying or obtaining information, but may require some influencing skills, tact and discretion. (Interpreting and explaining information, outlining alternative actions, and or gaining information from others) 3 Has frequent interaction with others (more than 51% or work time) and contact is both internal and external to the organization, for the purpose of supplying or obtaining information, and may require minimal influencing skills, tact and discretion. (Interpreting and explaining information, outlining alternative actions, and gaining information from others) 4 Contact is both internal and external to the organization, for the purposes of influencing and persuading in order to carry out company policy or goals. Requires communication skills, tact, discretion, persuasion, and an awareness of dynamics and organization goals with respect to external contacts (customers, suppliers, government entities, the community, or others) to gain cooperation. (Convincing other people, resolving disagreements, leading group activities, making presentations, or counselling) 5 Contact is both internal and external to the organization, primarily with top management levels, for the purposes of influencing and persuading in order to carry out company goals. Requires an awareness of strategy and timing. May involve difficult or sensitive negotiations requiring considerable tact, discretion, communication skills, and persuasiveness. (Formal or informal negotiations, resolution of complex situations, formalized debates or presentations) Complexity of Duties This factor evaluates the complexity of duties with regards to the degree of independent action, standardized job duties, exercise of judgement, job decisions, exercise of discretion, resourcefulness, or creativity in devising methods, procedures, services or products. Degree Description of Characteristics Little Judgement: Understands and follows simple instructions. 2 Some Judgement: Follows detailed instructions and standard procedures to perform repetitive or routine duties. 3 Simple Analytical Judgement: Plans and performs varied duties requiring an extensive knowledge of a particular field. Uses a wide range of procedures. 4 Complex Analytical Judgement: Plans and performs a wide variety of duties requiring a broad knowledge of company policies and procedures in addition to extensive knowledge of a particular field. 5 Advanced Analytical Judgement: Plans and performs difficult work without set precedent or procedures. Involves highly technical or involved projects that have new or constantly changing problems. Decision Making This factor evaluates the thought process of selecting a logical choice from the available options. When trying to make a good decision, a person must weigh the positives and negatives of each option, and consider all the alternatives. For effective decision-making, a person must be able to forecast the outcome of each option as well, and based on all these items, determine which option is the best for that particular situation. Degree Description of Characteristics Requires few decisions and duties are usually very standardized. 2 Exercises judgement to analyze facts or conditions to determine what action should be taken using standard practices. 3 Requires minor decision making. Requires outstanding judgement and initiative to deal with complex factors not easily evaluated. Makes decisions based on precedent and company policies. 5 Ingenuity and exceptional judgement necessary to deal with not easily evaluated factors and to interpret results. Makes decisions that involve a great deal of responsibility. Job Description for Customer Service Representative/Front Desk Processes orders, prepares correspondence, and fulfills customer needs to ensure customer satisfaction. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 0-3 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Customer Service Representative I – U.S. National Averages The median expected salary for a typical Customer Service Representative I in the United States is $30,380. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals’ analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies. Additional Information: O’net Source: Median wages (2011) $13.07 hourly, $27,190 annual Job Description for Fitness Instructor Coordinates all fitness programs for a facility. Organizes and instructs exercise classes for all fitness levels. Ensures that all participants are properly trained on the use of the facility’s exercise equipment. Responsible for making sure that the exercise area and equipment are safe and clean. May require a bachelor’s degree in area of specialty and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required. Typically reports to a supervisor. Source: HR Reported data as of June 2012 The median expected salary for a typical Fitness Instructor in the United States is $47,240. This basic market pricing report was prepared using our Certified Compensation Professionals’ analysis of survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at employers of all sizes, industries and geographies. Job Description for Sales Ensures the maximum effectiveness of the sales force by developing and implementing training programs. Designs and delivers training sessions on company products, business practices, and other topics as needed. Monitors and reports on the effectiveness of training programs and may conduct initial needs analysis. Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related area and 0-2 years of experience in the field or in a related area. Has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. Works under immediate supervision. Primary job functions do not typically require exercising independent judgment. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Directs and oversees an organization’s sales policies, objectives, and initiatives. Sets short- and long-term sales strategies and evaluates effectiveness of current sales programs. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Conclusion Recent industry compensation surveys state that employees remain in their jobs for 1 year or more. Though employee motivation is strongly derived from an individual’s passion for his or her work, compensation plays a major role in satisfaction and retention. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, fitness instructor’s average salary is $20.25 per hour, while rates for specialty instructors, yoga/Pilates instructors, group fitness instructors and personal trainers range from $23.75 to $30.50 per hour, on average. Knowing how fitness jobs are positioned within the wider employment market can help keep the industry competitive. However, with increasing numbers of career fitness professionals, progressive salary changes within the industry are perhaps equally important. Gold’s Gym follows a lag policy and although it has remained in the industry for the past decades, it is still one of the most criticized gyms in America unfavorable reviews. Reference: http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/personal-trainer-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm http://www.careerbliss.com/salary/golds-gym-salaries-284979/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-9061.00#AdditionalInformation http://swb.salary.com/salarywizard http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/search/q-gold’s+gym http://www.lafitness.com/pages/employment.aspx http://www1.salary.com/Personal-Trainer-salary.html http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/LA-Fitness-Salaries-E12445.htm

Health and safety in schools Essay

There are several key pieces of legislation that impact on how schools manage the health and safety of both their employees, and others who come into contact with the school. This will include pupils, visitors, support workers and parents. Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 defines original structure and authority for the enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare within the UK. It is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety in UK. The HSE/local authorities are responsible for enforcing the act relevant to the working environment. This act places the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety and welfare of employees, with the employer. The main ways that this is usually implemented in a school setting are: Ensuring that there is an effective way of reporting any hazards to the appropriate person so that any required action can be taken. Every school is required to carry out regular risk assessments of the premises and activities to iden tify any hazards in advance, but all members of staff should also be aware that risk assessment is an ongoing process, and that they must remain cautious and report any potential hazards to the Health and safety officer. Each school must put in place its own Health and safety policy and ensure that all staff are trained in its contents. All staff should take ownership for, not just their own safety, but also ensuring that their actions, or lack of action, does not cause harm of danger to others, for example if a staff was using a equipment that is for adult use only, it must be used and put away safely and if the staff can see a potential hazard with the item they are using, it must be reported appropriately. If safety equipment is provided, then staff must ensure it is used at all times. For example if goggles were provided for using hazardous materials in science, then they must be worn at all times till the experiment is over and put away. All equipment used within schools should meet recognised standards of safety. This can usually be checked by ensuring that the product displays on of the following safety symbols, the Kitemark shows that the product has been tested and meets the appropriate British Standard. The headteacher is to take overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the school, t hey should ensure: Allocating sufficient resources to meet health and safety priorities Ensuring attendance on appropriate health and safety training courses Liaising with  the employer [OCC] over health and safety issues and the Health and Safety Trade Union Representatives Regularly checking the Health and Safety website Ensuring good communications by including health and safety issues in Staff briefings, bulletins and meetings Organising and implementing termly inspections in consultation with Trade Union Safety Representatives and Governors Overseeing the completion of the arrangements and â€Å"Risk Assessment† for all on and off site activities Ensuring that health and safety is a criteria for performance management and appraisal scheme Formulate and implement a policy for the management of critical incidents How health and safety is monitored and maintained in the setting The Headteacher will develop an effective management safety monitoring system to oversee the operation of this policy. On a daily basis the head does a walkabout to check for anything that can cause harm to the staff and children. All the staff will monitor their classroom so that any issues that occur can be reported. These will include: Inspections Direct observations of staff compliance Managerial reports monthly/termly/annually [as necessary] Surveys Tours Investigations of good practice/incidents/documents Record keeping â€Å"Risk Assessment† – The Trade Union Health and Safety Representatives together with the Governor responsible for Health and Safety will carry out a â€Å"Risk Assessment† once a term and record their findings Performance Monitoring – This school expects full co-operation from all staff at all times Every school will have policies and procedures for everyone in the setting. As well as staff or any adults visitors who come to the school will be following the health and safety procedures. Children will be taught the basic about health and safety – washing their hands, blowing their nose, so  they understand what to do and they will have the school rules to follow related to their safety e.g not to run inside the building as there isn’t must space and they can trip, slip or fall over anything and that there is plenty of room when playing outdoors. They will be taught how to stay safe through age appropriate talks and stories, crossing the road, not running off, how to protect themselves if they feel vulnerable. Practitioners will have training- ongoing and refreshers, in-house training and staff meetings etc. Staff may hold first aid certificates/handling food certificates; hold regular fire drills to make sure they are working and ensuring all electrical appliances are checked annually. The headteacher will ensure that everyone knows their role and responsibilities to ensure that every health and safety precaution/procedure is followed. All staff should check/monitor that everyone/thing is safe. Child Illness – Making sure if the child can attend school, if the illness is contagious or not. If a child falls ill during school hours, you must follow the procedure of the first aid policy. Risk assessments are carried out daily as well to make sure that staff and students are safe at all times. E.g Check that the outdoor area is safe from ‘unknown objects’ and that all gates are locked during school hours so no one can come in or go out without signing in and out. Visitors will have to sign in and out at the main reception. Policies and procedures should be checked on a regular basis (at least annually) to ensure that everything is in order – or added to adapted or changed as and when needed. How people in the setting are made aware of risk and hazards and encouraged to work safely Information and instructions on health and safety matters are available at reception for parents, visitors. The information will be given to teachers, non teaching staff, pupils, governors and visitors as follows: Staff are informed about all existing information held on site by regular updates at staff meetings / induction packs Health and Safety Act on display in staff room Fire drill / evacuation procedure on display around school Use of white board in the staff room Texts – messaging eg for snow days, emergency closure The Health and Safety Policy is signed by staff Deputy updates staff handbook annually and staff provided with regular updates re: health and safety Health and safety monthly item on the staff meeting agenda Will make a suitable and sufficient â€Å"Risk Assessment† for all its activities where a significant risk is identified Will take the necessary preventative and protective measures to adequately control risk Will comply with the other requirements made under this and other Health and Safety Regulations Personal Safety – Members of Staff are reminded that they must not stand on tables or chairs when putting up or taking down displays, there is a step ladder in the hall for this purpose. Personal Property – Handbags etc. should be locked away. Money and valuables should not be left unattended. A lockable cupboard space is available to all staff Responsibility for personal items rests with the individual member of staff Visitors and contractors are informed of any health and safety arrangements which may affect them. It is the responsibility of the teachers to ensure that pupils are aware of existing and new health and safety information via PSHC, class/whole school assemblies, verbal instruction, and demonstrations on use of equipment, class rules/behaviour protocol, signage eg do not run, yellow hazard cones. Fire Risk Assessment can be found in the deputy head’s office. Identify the lines of responsibility and reporting for health and safety in the setting Everyone working in the setting should be aware of the health and safety policies and that they have a responsibility for the safety of the children and staff, in their setting they should know who to report to if they had any concerns regarding any health and safety issues. Statutory Health and Safety responsibilities fall on the LEA and on the headteacher and staff. Headteacher has overall responsibility for the school, she will, in practice, be responsible for enforcing the Health and Safety policy day-to-day. The deputy head acts as the Health and Safety Officer on Site and staff Trade Unions or other safety representatives may be nominated. The governing body, as the management body, should ensure that school staff and premises comply with the LEA’s health and safety policy and practices. The governing body, having control of the premises, must take reasonable steps to make sure that the buildings, equipment and materials are safe and do not put the health of persons at risk whilst they are on the premises. The Medication is administered by office staff and has a designated person assigned. Designated First Aid Area is by the main office, so if anything occurs during play /lunchtime the children know where to go. There are First Aiders around the school as teachers and T.A’s are trained, the First Aid boxes are located all round the school. Play Equipment – Visual inspection made formally by caretaker and informally by staff on duty at lunch /playtime PE co-ordinator checks equipment regularly, she follows current policy and practice ICT technician – this is outsourced and someone approved comes in to deal with any faults Governing Body: The governing body shares with the Local Education Authority, the overall responsibility for health and safety. For its part the governing body will:- Ensure health and safety has a high profile. Ensure adequate resources for health & safety are made available. Consult with staff and ensure relevant training is carried out. Monitor & review the health and safety arrangements Headteacher: The Headteacher is responsible for day to day health and safety performance and will:- Develop a safety culture throughout the school Take day to day operational decisions Draw up safety procedures Ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities Update governors Monitor effectiveness of procedures Site Manager and Cleaning Staff: Take responsibility for the security of the premises. Ensure the safe condition of the floors. Store potentially dangerous cleaning materials safely Ensure play and external areas are safe and clean from debris Ensure cleaning staff are aware of safe working practices and the school health & safety policyRecognise and respond to emergency situations In the classroom where children are being supervised, it is common to have child illness and some minor injuries from time to time. As a teaching assistant you may find that you are first to respond to an emergency situation and you may have to give emergency first aid. You will be expected to follow the correct procedures until help arrives. It is vital that you send for help as soon as possible, this should be a qualified first aider/trained member of staff and they should call for an ambulance if necessary. Emergency situations include: Accidents Illness Fire Security incidents Missing children or young people If you are not trained in first aid, and if you are unsure about what to do, you should only take action to avoid any further danger to the casualty and others. First aid: There will always be a designated first aider who will have a responsibility to contact emergency services if required and they will regularly check the first aid kit and ensure everyone knows they are individually responsible to let the first aider know when an item has been used and they will know about training opportunities and if asked be able to check the first aid training status of other employees. First aid kit: Know where it is Familiar with what it contains Do you know how to use items appropriately Fire policy: Fire alarms get tested once a term and they are recorded in a fire alarm booklet signed and dated by the headteacher, caretaker and fire officer. Where the fire exits are, they will always be clear of obstruction and there will always be the evacuation routes where all the children learn the routine to come out without panicking and in an ordinary manner. There will be a designated fire assembly point for everyone to meets; the teachers will have the responsibility to take the register for their class to check names to ensure everyone is outside, present and safe. Sickness policy: The purpose of this policy is to: To ensure that sick children are appropriately and correctly identified. To ensure sick children are cared for appropriately. To protect children and adults from preventable infection. To enable staff and parents to be clear about the requirements and procedures when children are unwell. Recognising illness: When anyone has difficulty breathing, high temperature, fever, blueness around the lips, cold extremities, pale or clammy skin – floppy, unresponsive or unconscious. Conditions to be aware of would be epilepsy , asthma, allergy, diabetes. Situations to be familiar with: Bites and stings, bleeding, burns and scalds, choking, electric shock, extreme effects of heat and cold, eye injuries, poisoning, suspected fractures, caring for the unconscious person. Follow the setting’s procedures for dealing with emergency situations All schools need to ensure that they take measures to protect all adults and children while they are on the school premises and undertaking off-site visits. This means there will be procedures in place for a number of situations that can arise. These include the following: Accidents: There should be enough first aiders in schools or on the trips at any time to deal with accidents. First-aid boxes should be checked regularly and replenished regularly, and there should be clear information on what has happened so that accidents are recorded correctly. If you are off site you should always have a first aider with you, along with a first-aid box and any medications that are required to any child who is with you for eg their inhaler. Illness: School will deal with incidents of sickness by sending pupils to the sick room or first aid room for an initial assessment. However, sudden illness may require you to take action yourself while waiting for a first aider. The casualty should be made comfortable and insure that they are warm; there should be no attempt to carry out any further first aid. All staff should be aware of allergic reactions and intolerances to foods such as wheat, nuts and gluten. All staff should identify these children and have clear instructions available on how to deal with each case. Supervisors at lunch time will need to be kept informed. The lunchtime book contains photographs, contact numbers and information about pupils with food intolerance. Care should be taken with book due to confidentiality. Fires: The school may need to evacuate in emergencies for example bomb scare, fire, floods or other emergencies. Security Incidents: Staff should challenge any unidentified people in the school, if you are on outside duty and notice anything suspicious you should always send for help. Missing Children: On school trips you should check the group and keep an eye on children being supervised by helpers. If a child goes missing, raise an alarm straight away making sure you follow the policy. Disabled Children: Wheel chair users should assemble at specific fire assembling point. Oxygen tanks should not be moved, no naked flames in school. Teacher’s assistant should accompany all disabled children to fire assembly point where necessary. Give reassurance and comfort to those involved in the emergency When an emergency arises, they would call one of the main first aider to come and evaluate the injury. There are three main first aiders in school, one in  each area of school. Foundation, Key stage 1 and in Key stage 2. All TAs have undergone St. John’s Ambulance ‘First Aid’ training. Also all staff has undergone ‘Basic’ first aid training. When there is an emergency, all the details of the incident will have to be logged, signed and dated by the main first aider that is dealing with the incident. If the incident is major then the main first aider after judging it will have to call the emergency services to come and treat the injured wound and then decide whether to take the child to the hospital or not. Reassuring the child is very important so the child doesn’t get stressed, acting calm around the child is very important as it promotes a calm atmosphere and is reassuring that everything will be ok. The first aider moves the child to the sick room or first aid room of the school where all the other children can’t see the injury and stress the child even more. Comfort the child depending on the injury, for example if a child bites their inner cheek and was showing signs of distress due to losing lot of blood, the first aider should act in a professional manner showing no signs of distress. If a child has a bump to the head and is showing signs of concussion then the child’s parents should be informed and invited to school to come and see the child. Also if the child has to go with the emergency service’s they would ask the parents if they would come along as it would make the child feel more comfortable. If there is a more minor injury that still needs medical assessment they would take the child in a member of staff’s car to the hospital/walk in – if it would be appropriate. Also other times they would call the parent to come and collect the child. On the way they would reassure the child that it is only to make sure that they are okay. Also when travelling to the hospital they would take a record of what first aid was given to the child at school, or they take the main first aider that dealt with the injured child. Also making sure that other children are okay and safe is also important, maybe taking a buddy for the injured child would help them to be comfortable because then they have a buddy to take to while the first aid is happening or if the buddy could distract the child from the injury. Give other people providing assistance, clear information about what happened In a school placement they have good communication with all the people that provide assistance. For example an incident that happened in the school a couple of months ago that involved all three main first aiders, staff, emergency services, health and safety officer, head teacher, health and safety governor, governors, parents and Tameside. The incident happened after play time when the child has put his fingers in the door even though they had finger guards on already. The member of staff that was on the playground at the time was the first aider for that area of school and they had tried all they could to remove the fingers but was unable to do it alone, so they provided clear information on to the other main first aider so they were able to understand how this has happened. Also trying their best the fingers would not move, while this was happening they had three other members of staff that were providing the correct information onto the parents, emergency services, and one of the m kept the child calm and reassuring them. Once the parent came they comforted the child till the emergency services came and released the fingers from the door, once they were released the parents and the first aider went to the hospital with the child to make sure the fingers were not damaged. The first aider went along to pass on the information as to what happened to the child and this was passing on the clear information to the nurse/doctor that was assisting the child. After the correct information was passed on to the health and safety officer, and the health and safety governor they later went to the door where the child’s fingers were trapped and assessed what could have prevented it from happening. They and the governors from the school came together and after passing on the information they came to an agreement to have rear finger guards fitted on all the doors in school so this wasn’t to happen again. After the incident the correct, clear and detailed information was later sent as an email to Tameside via the head teacher (safety officer) who suggested to Tameside to email all schools to have rear finger guards fitted on all doors in every Tameside school so this would prevent any child to have the same thing happen to them. Once the rear finger guards were fitted the governors of the school went and assessed the interior and exterior of the building to make sure there was not anywhere where this could happen again. Follow the procedures of the setting of reporting and recording Reporting and recording is important even if you are not a first aider you still need to know how to report and record any information. You should know the correct procedure for reporting and recording injuries and incidents in your school placement, as you may be called upon to do so. When reporting or recording any type of injury, emergency, or even a minor incident then this must still be recorded step by step as to what happened and what member of staff is present at the time. Also dated, signed and reported to a senior member of staff. Recording any type of illnesses in a record log is important so all members of staff that need the information has this to relay back too if the child ever falls ill or becomes irritable. Also in some cases this information will have to be passed on to the local authority The office should have signs and posters showing what signs and symptoms of some illnesses that children may have or may show to have. Recording concerns is important so all staff are alert of the concerns that you are having. Recording illness and having information with the record is important, for example you have a child with sickle cell and it is recorded then with this you would have information about sickle cell so all staff then can read and understand what the procedure is when this certain child is looking to have these symptoms or signs. Also in a school setting if a child is having behaviour issues having a home and school diary would also help the parents understand what is happening with their child in school hours. With the class teacher writing in this diary at the end of ever lesson explaining step by step how the child was and then making sure that parents are receiving the information asking them to sign the diary every night so they know that they have read it. An example of how we do it in the afterschool/breakfast club is we write ALL information in a purple book that is left on the side, recording all information like: What children are attending the club morning or after school Who has cancelled What injuries/incidents have happened during the club, who has dealt with the incident If there is any unusual behaviour by a child Messages from parents to teachers or teachers to parents. Many more piece of information that need recording and passing on, which is dated and signed by the member of staff who wrote it. This is later signed by a parent to say that has been passed on, if it information from the club or if its information from the teacher – information from parents to teachers we make sure teachers sign to say that they have read the information. Describe Risk Assessment and associated documentation in your placement. A risk assessment is an assessment that is carried out of the risk to children or adults at the school setting. Risk assessments carried out once a year and also carried out when on school trips or when doing a lesson that may involve a rick for the children/adults in the classroom. They follow 5 basic steps when they risk assess a situation: 1 Look out for the hazards and identify them. 2 Decide who may be harmed and how they can be harmed during the trip/lesson. 3 Evaluate the risks and consider how they can cause any kind of harm and decide whether precautions have to take. 4 Record any findings around the location that can cause harm. 5 Review assessments and revise it if it is necessary. Risk assessments are important because it makes the adults more aware of what could happen and they have to be aware of how we can overcome the risks. Risk assessments contain the hazard, which may be affected by the hazard and how you can overcome the risks. Risk assessments can be carried out on children with broken limbs, school trips, lessons that can be dangerous, for example in class we made hot air balloons and it was important to do a risk assessment because it involved fire and the children/teachers could get harmed. When assessing the risk the steps to follow would be: What are the possible consequences of the risk / hazard? What is the chances that the risk or hazard will occur? Shall provide the appropriate resources to reduce the risk, taking appropriate steps and making sure that it reduces the risk and doesn’t make it more of a risk. All the staff will know the risk assessment policy if  they have under gone the health and safety training. In the mornings the head teacher and the care taker going around the school premises and make sure that there are no risks for when the children enter the premises. For example if there was a few twigs on the path then they would be a risk for when the parents and children walk down the path this means that they would then remove the twigs. When they get back into the building they write on a chart all the different areas of school and if there was a risk and if there wasn’t. This is a type of risk assessment that they do every morning.

How did American jazz influence Brazilian guitar music Essay

How did American jazz influence Brazilian guitar music - Essay Example The earliest effect of jazz on Brazilian music may be traced back to Choro music which is considered the precursor of Brazilian jazz and bossa nova. Choro bands appeared as early as 1870 and by 1920s this music was made popular by prominent national composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. This music resembled New Orleans Jazz known as ragtime (Candelaria and Garcia 93). Livingston-Isenhour et al (104) trace the influence of American jazz on Brazilian guitar music. According to them, in the beginning, it was actually American audience mesmerized by exotic freshness of the Brazilian music sung by Carmen Miranda in 1940-1950. However, they posit that American music influenced Brazilian culture much more, thereafter. American music being sophisticated and cosmopolitan was also considered a threat to Brazilian culture by some. During World War II Roosevelt began a good neighbor policy to keep Brazil on its side. As a result of this policy American creative artists such as filmmakers and musicians al so traveled to Brazil. Though the cultural exchange did flourish American music in Brazil but American Jazz had become popular in Brazil much before the good Neighbor policy of Roosevelt. As early as in 1920s American jazz music was available in Brazilian market. By 1940s American music overtook Brazilian music in record sales and frequency of transmission on radio.

Faith Inetration Paper - business ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Faith Inetration Paper - business ethics - Essay Example Organizational goals may relate to official goals or operative goals and understanding the basis of the values is important in judging the organization’s level of commitment to its value. Official goals of an organization are for example embedded in the organization’s system and are the organization’s priority. Consequently, an organization can sacrifice its interest or secondary objectives in order to achieve its official goal. This strategic approach means that a value that is secondary to an organization’s official objective can be compromised as the organization seeks to meet its official objective. Such a decision would communicate the organization’s commitment to its primary objective and identify a general level of commitment. Similarly, operative goals relates to guidance and motivation to employees, decision making framework, and establishing and implementing framework standards under which an organization can operate to achieve its officia l objective (Daft and Marcic, 2012; Daft, Murphy and Willmott, 2010). The aim of the operative goals is therefore to ensure desired overall objectives and not to ensure strict implementation of the operative objectives. The values for respecting employees and rewarding top performance identifies with operative goals with the aim of ensuring effective and efficient human resource for such primary goals like output targets or profitability. Consequently, identifying viability of outsourcing in meeting such primary objectives as higher human resource output or profitability would suggest the organization’s commitment to bringing the best out of its employees. Similarly, and the organization’s values being operative goals, means that their strict performance does not define the organization’s commitment but achievement of objectives for which the values were set. If the values were set to ensure that, a

Communications Best Practices When Identifying Critical Infrastructur Research Paper

Communications Best Practices When Identifying Critical Infrastructures - Research Paper Example Public service agencies communication airwaves have inherent device connectivity challenges that must be overcome by an installation of a communication system that is capable of averting the challenges. The best connectivity infrastructure must be flanked by the general outline of the systems used in a region. Interference of communication lines by the relevant public safety agencies must be reduced to negligible levels, to facilitate an around the clock service delivery and at an emergency handling capacity. Wireless communication spectrum in use by the communication system in lace must demonstrate a capacity to handle the various safety surveillance systems without running out of reach. Wireless bands in use by various public safety services officials must create an internetworking capacity that is handled by the principle of interoperability discussed below. Using the CARVER matrix in the infrastructure level of safety assurance, it is possible for emergency handling systems to avert various deficiencies. The acronym represents six vital features that must be in place to contain disaster risks. Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect and Recognizability are used in various applications for systems analysis for the relevant application in question. In public security service agencies, the matrix is used to calculate the level of risk exposure to various dangers that face the system such as public buildings and other infrastructure. Corresponding application of the matrix values allows the assessment to formulate response options using the infrastructure’s capacity to handle the identified risks. Using the values, the infrastructure in question can be evaluated and weaknesses obtained thereon used to design and implement the appropriate response capacity that is missing. Interoperability in safety communica tion systems is a conglomeration of the best disaster response program, by facilitation of the appropriate connectivity to allow efficiency in managing disasters.  

Engineering drawing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Engineering drawing - Essay Example Drawing is considered as a vital part of the entire engineering assignment and is a major portion of the designing region of the field of engineering. There are several fields of engineering, including: mechanical, technical and civil engineering and all fields have placed certain amount of importance on the activity of engineering drawing. Engineering drawing has two meanings, firstly it is the act of drawing itself and secondly it is the output of drawing or a piece of art that is visible to others. Engineering drawing is considered as a language and this language even comprises of grammatical rules such as the grammatical rules invested in English language (Ve?n?ugo?pa?l V). There is a huge difference between both engineering drawing and artistic drawing although certain amount of people may use both the terms interchangeably. All engineers need to learn the proper way of conducting the act of engineering drawing as it can have devastating effects as any language if not used in th e proper manner can have devastating impacts. Body Those who are not related to the field of engineering may regard both engineering as well as artistic drawing as simply drawing; both engineers and artists may share similar traits as both are involved in the process of drawing images. But the purpose of both types of drawings differ, drawing that is artistic in nature is conducted with the purpose of conveying emotional messages, and the purpose of engineer made drawing is to spread information and provide insight (Madsen 11). Another major difference between both forms of drawing is that of understanding, in order to understand engineer made drawings, one needs to have knowledge of the field of engineering. The engineer has to pass through a particular possess and needs to obtain certain skill set in order to develop drawings for engineering purpose. This process is even regarded as technical drawing and is used in various disciplines of engineering and non engineering disciplines . Engineering is a very vast field and they may share certain common types of drawings and certain drawings are only limited to a particular field of engineering. For example in the case of metal engineering, the field specific types of drawings may include fabrication and casting and the fabrication part of metal engineering may further be divided into other forms of drawings. Engineer made drawings even act as legal documentation as this document interacts and transfers information regarding what resources and assistance is desirable for those will ultimately transform a drawing of an idea into a real end product (Choi 10). Engineering drawings are used as a means of creating a contract between two parties, there are parties involved when an engineering idea in drawing form is sold to someone, it even becomes a part of the purchasers and sellers purchase and sale order and is even a part of any changes made to the product. This drawing helps in saving a manufacturer from being hel d responsible if the manager had followed all the steps that were stated in the drawing and still failed to produce a successful outcome. In this scenario the drawing is analyzed and the engineer who drew the engineering drawing

238SAM Contemporary Supply Chain Management , 253SAM Management of Essay

238SAM Contemporary Supply Chain Management , 253SAM Management of E-Commerce , 251SAM Business Decision Management - Essay Example Lately, everything is build around the concept of internet and most businesses, JLR included, are earning a fortune from the use of the internet. Almost all operations are conducted via the internet among various entities in order to satisfy the objectives of a given entity and ensuring that the desired profit has been earned from the operations. A key ingredient of e-commerce is the concept that involves electronic trading, the advertisement of goods and procurement of raw materials, goods and services over the internet. The success and volume of online marketing has been evidenced on the internet and more and more businesses and other activities have been conducted via the internet. With success in establishing such an environment on the internet, it is evident that every computer has become a window opportunity to all businesses and individuals that are involved in the businesses (Schniederjans & Cao, 2002). An electronic media that is known as internet has the potential to dimini sh transaction times and transforming time incredibly, while in the meantime making qualified data accessible all around and through this, most consumers and producers are able to access information about their various products that they need or are searching for. Internet electronic commerce has been embraced by most business people and consumers as a means of reducing operational costs to an organization and as a high potential of earning revenue from the various operations in an organization. Different departments in an organization are able to use and apply the medium so that efficiency can be achieved. The marketing department for example it is able to advertise the product as in our case, JLR will easily place the product in the market and more consumers are able to access it. It involves the placing of the product specifications and the major changes that have transformed it for consumers to value and make the right choice. To the production and manufacturing department, it e nables provision of the raw materials to produce the new model to be availed and requested for. To the finance and accounting departments, JLR will be able to utilize the systems of revenue accountability and be able to track the production, marketing and delivery costs of the entire products (Aka?li, 2005). The omnipresence of the web and the accessibility of browsers over different platforms provide a common base or platform upon which the system has been able to maximally function, and this has increased the business potential of doing businesses. The platform has reduced incidents of software distribution and software installation, thus improving and encouraging the expansion of the electronic commerce. In order to understand how the company will benefit from the ecommerce, it is vital to be able to explain the importance that it brings as far as the business scenario is concerned. JLR has been in the market for a longer period, and this has been a major boost to its production and marketing departments. It is also important that we clearly understand the cost effectiveness and time saving that it has brought to most of the related businesses (Aka?li, 2005). Electronic commerce can be defined from four major perspectives; communication, as a communication aspect, businesses are able to minimize communication costs and also increase the reliability and durability of the information

Compare and contrast the literary styles,themes and characterisation Essay

Compare and contrast the literary styles,themes and characterisation in one novel from the 19th century Charles Dickens Hard Ti - Essay Example The radical change in the cultural and intellectual scenario quite naturally received its manifestation in different forms of art and consequently the art forms emerged as effective mediums to cater the benefits of humanism against the institutional dehumanization. Since the late 19th century, a different form of literary response was observed towards changing socio-cultural scenario. The writers not only expressed their explicit desire to come out of the literary sophistication but also used their craft to deconstruct the oppressions that social institutions attempted to suppress them with. The novels of 19th century dealt with the ideal of humanism from different perspectives. The utilitarian mentality that was originated from the socio-cultural transformation and inclination toward dehumanizing capitalism was vehemently criticized through novels of the era. Consequently the tone of socialist approach that novelists of the time considered to be necessary to defend utilitarian aggre ssion took a conspicuous note through the 19th century novels (Brackett, 2006, p. 99). The tradition of novel writing in the 20th century expanded its scope beyond the limits of dealing with the humanist tradition as a socio-cultural reformative tool and focused to a great extent on understanding the diverse aspects of human existence in the modern socio-cultural and intellectual backdrop. While on one hand, in 20th century novels, evolve of the anti-hero protagonists was found, at the same time considerable attention was also provided to explore different dimension of the human nature according to psychological standards. The novels of the 20th century, on one hand showed that ego or the modernist prejudice is responsible for individual plight and on the other in order to justify their position in accord to this ego gradual transformation of the characters with growing course of the novel was explored to such magnificence that it also emerged as an effective as well as a realistic medium to portray the impact of modernist socio-cultural, political and economic situations over lives of common people from an individualist perspective (Karl, 2001, p. 86). Consequently, compared to the 19th century the novel writing tradition in 20th century reflects a radical shift in terms of narrative structures, literary styles, capacity to deal with themes of the novel and characterization. In order to understand the difference it is important to compare and contrast two major novels from two different time periods. Charles Dickens’ Hard Times and D.H. Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers can be identified as two major works in this context and by comparing and contrasting these two novels an attempt will be made to understand the differences between 19th and 20th century novels in terms of literary styles, themes and characterization. Hard Times by Charles Dickens: Hard Times is widely considered as one of Dickens’ major works that quite in a devastating manner c riticized social construction of the 19th century and consequently mocked the superficial traits of utilitarian mentality fused with Victorian social prejudices that quite in a planned manner jeopardized as well as attempted to mechanize the lives of common people by restraining their spontaneous humanistic self. Geoffrey Thurley has

Theories and Approaches of Policy Evaluation Paper Essay

Theories and Approaches of Policy Evaluation Paper - Essay Example Proper process evaluation helps to ensure that the complete quality of a program is attained by ensuring that it is liable to multiple stakeholders such as the administrators, personnel and community among others. This evaluation helps to identify the process involved in decision making, resourced required in implementation of the technology, the unexpected inconsistencies or prospects while running the program and the legal, social and economic conditions in which the program is run. Process evaluation is a continuous monitoring process that should not interfere with the primary work of an organization. Instead, such information can be used to make the necessary amendments for top performance, especially in the preparation of financial audits (Casey, 2002). Outcome-based evaluation is a vital step when planning a project since it helps in the identification of the possible results of the technology. Outcome-based evaluation is a vital step when developing a new program or analyzing an existing one. This is because the product of the analysis provides good knowledge of the object’s target group and how it will influence the people it serves (Fasten,

Digital Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Digital Business - Assignment Example the businesss life-cycle, though it may comprise a wider array of proficiency such as e-mail, cellular procedure, societal medium, and handsets as well. Digital trade is typically considered to be the business aspect of e-business. It can comprise of the switch of data to facilitate the advancing and recompense aspects of industry relations. This is an proficient and competent way of associating within an organization and one of the utmost valuable and useful ways of conducting trade. If you have a position store, you are limited by the geographical zone that you can serve. With an ecommerce location, the whole world is your playing arena. Additionally, the influx of mcommerce, i.e., ecommerce on mobile phone appliances, has scattered every remaining control of geography (Safko and Brake, 2012). Physical skill is driven by brand and relations. In addition to these two compounds, online trade is also motivated by passage from exploration mechanisms. It is not peculiar for consumers to track a connection in exploration mechanism consequences, and resolve on an electronic trade site that the people have not learnt of. This extra supply of traffic can be the tip plug for some ecommerce businesses (Safko and Brake, 2012). . In this venture we wish to set up an e Commerce website that will be involved in the renting or hiring of cars. The website in mind is similar to zipcar.com. This venture involves putting up cars around the busy areas of life for example shopping malls and Airports. The rationale behind the venture is as follows. First and foremost it is cheaper than buying a car. Secondly it is more convenient to have a car waiting for you where you land than having it shipped to you in the case of travelers. It is convenient to use since you are going to be responsible for the car only when you have it. You have a wide selection of cars to choose from: meaning you are not limited with only the ones present in your drive way. I chose the ecommerce platform to

Blocking rehearsal time with an interference task Essay Example for Free

Blocking rehearsal time with an interference task Essay The theories of memory and how much, or how long we can remember things, and why, is a greatly studied area of Psychology as a science. Psychologists have created and recreated numerous tests and research methods in order to prove that their particular theory is correct. There are two main theories of memory: Levels of Processing (L.O.P.) and the Multi-store Model.  The L.O.P. approach was pioneered by two psychologist Craik and Lockhart (1972), who believed that the mind will remember things better if the information is processed on a deeper level, ie. thought about more, taking into account the amount of work that is put into processing the information received. From research they discovered that the deeper the processing required the longer and more durable the memory is likely to be. They also identified what they believed to be three levels of processing: Structural What something looks like.  Phonetic What something sounds like.  Semantic What something means.  From experiments and tests carried out, they found that the deepest level was semantic, and their reason for this, they argued, was because in order to extract the meaning from a word, and to consider its relevance in a sentence of words, requires a lot of processing. They decided that hearing a word and then trying to visualize it also requires some extensive cognitive processing, but not as much as semantic processing, and the least amount of mental work was required for structural processing, ie. what the letters look like. A test carried out by Craik and Tulving (1975), Depth of processing and retention of words in episodic memory supported their theory. Another model which is highly regarded as one of the most influential theories of memory is the Multi-store model, in particular the two-process model, designed and tested by Atkinson and Shiffrin (1968, 1971). Their theory was that information received by the senses is primarily stored in the sensory store for a very short period of time before it is transferred to the short term memory. Atkinson and Shiffrin believed that when the information is in the short term memory (STM), it could either be rehearsed for a certain amount of time and then stored in the long term memory (LTM), or alternatively lost. Figure 1.1 illustrates the theory in an easier to understand way. Perhaps this is also an example of how the L.O.P. theory is flawed as although the diagram is seen to be structural information, it will probably provoke strong visual imagery. Atkinson and Shiffrin believed that chunks of information received by the sensory store could be held in the STM for around 20 seconds, but only 5 to 9 (on average) chunks of info can be remembered without rehearsal. However, if rehearsed the chunks of information can be transferred into the long term memory and more items can be remembered. The theory of the rehearsal loop interests me, so I decided to look further into it and found that psychologists: Brown (1958) and Peterson and Peterson (1959) independently discovered a method for testing the existence of the rehearsal loop called the Brown-Peterson technique. This basically involves a list of trigrams (three letter words made up of consonants with no immediate meaning ie. BKD, as apposed to WHY) shown to subjects for 20 seconds, rehearsed for 25 seconds and then recorded in order by the subject as well as possible. The same list is then shown to another subject for the same amount of time, however this time the 25 seconds rehearsal time will be interrupted with an interference task ie. counting backwards in threes from the number 58. This is the technique I will use as a basis of my mini-cognitive research project. AIM:  To test the existence of the rehearsal loop by preventing it from its task with an interference task during the rehearsal time.  RATIONALE:  I will be re-creating the Brown-Peterson technique for testing the existence of the rehearsal loop, although my study will use slightly different trigrams, and obviously a different set of people. Im interested to check whether the results of my study will support the results found by Brown-Peterson or not. I will use a set word list for both groups of people studied and Im expecting the results of my study to support the results of previous tests, thus supporting the theory of existence of the rehearsal loop. HYPOTHESIS:  When asked to recall the list of trigrams in order after a period of 25 seconds rehearsal time, the subject will remember significantly more trigrams if the rehearsal time is not interrupted by an interference task.  NULL HYPOTHESIS:  Subjects taking part in the experiment will not recall a significantly greater number of words whether their rehearsal time is interrupted with an interference task or not. Any difference found is purely down to chance. METHOD:  The method I chose to use in order to obtain the clearest and most reliable data was the laboratory experiment. The reason for using this method is to reduce the amount of extraneous and possibly confounding variables which could interfere with the results; also it becomes very easy to repeat the same test over and over without change. I will use the independent groups design to ensure that different participants are used for each test in order to avoid the chances that the participants will skew the results through rehearsal. The first set of participants will be shown a list of 15 trigrams for 20 seconds, after which time they will be asked to rehearse these for a period of 25 seconds. After that time they will then be asked to write out as many as possible in the correct order (if the trigram is BHD then the participant must write BHD, no mark will be given for BDH). The results will then be recorded.  The same set of trigrams will then be shown to a different set of participants for the same amount of time. This time however during the 25 seconds rehearsal time, the participants will be asked to perform an interference task, which will be counting backwards in sets of 4 from the number 295. After the 25 seconds, they too will be asked to recall the trigram list and their results will also be recorded.

Mortgage Essay Example for Free

Mortgage Essay 1. In 1932, the federal government’s intervention in the market for home ownership was desirable. Not only was it desirable, but it was needed. It has been the federal government’s desire to have every American become a part of the American dream and be a homeowner. In 1932 President Hoover signed the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to establish a series of discount banks for home mortgages. This would assist in increasing the likelihood of Americans owning a home and not feeling that they were restricted because of financial pressures. Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, Freddie Mac were created to help bail out banks that had a growing number of defaults in mortgages. These three enterprises made it possible for banks to offer mortgages to riskier clients who normally would not qualify. This greatly expanded homeownership. It also shaped lending practices at banks and other mortgage lending firms by creating new forms of financing and creating the market of secondary mortgages. 2. Why did the U.S. Congress enact:Â  * Community Reinvestment Act – passed in 1977 requiring banks to lend in the low income neighborhoods * Mortgage Disclosure Act – passed in 1975 to provide the public with loan data that can be used to determine whether or not financial institutions are serving the needs of their community, identify possible discriminatory lending patterns and make this data publicly available * Depository Institution Deregulation and Monetary Control Act – passed in 1980 to provide gradual elimination of limitations on the rates of interest payable on deposits and accounts; authorize interest bearing accounts * Housing and Community Development Act – amended to create section 8 housing These methods were effective in expanding homeownership by making it easier and providing greater methods to become a homeowner. The government’s promotion of subprime mortgages created more problems that assistance. It was the initial cause of the 2008 financial crisis due to the rise in delinquencies and foreclosures. Basically many people were approved for houses that were not financially stable or capable of the long term obligation of buying a home. As subprime lending expanded, so did the crisis due to the over-regulation, deregulation and failed regulation that the government brought on. 3. Subprime mortgages made a contribution to the housing bubble. Since there were several more individuals approved to purchase homes, the demand for houses increased. This demand created many financial institutions and creditors to attempt to make a profit by approving loans, selling or enforcing short term buying. Once people got caught up in homeownership, but were beyond what they could afford and interest rates as well as lending practices went bad, the demand decreased, which resulted in a surplus, reduction of prices, rise in interest rate and the bubble burst. Borrowers will struggle with financing the purchase of a house, loan originators suffer from debt , MBS will suffer since the cash flow is not know in advance, the MBS investors may not receive payment and CDO holders because of the use of reserve funds due to the lack of incoming cash flow.