Police Brutality Essay Example for Free

Police Brutality Essay Police Brutality, is defined as the intentional use of excessive force which is most time physical but can be verbal to get something done. This can be as a result of the order given by a superior officer or by the officer’s idea. Sometimes some people might need iron hands before they take to instructions or comply with the rule and regulations guiding a particular institution, but when it become unnecessary and unjustified to use force on people to achieve the desired goal, then the police have to be checked. When talking about police brutality we often think that racism or color is involved, but we don’t tend to think that women could as well be a target of police brutality. While in custody of a police officer one might think everything is safe. In many instances that would be the assumption, but what people think may not be in every case. Police have dealt brutally and inhumanely with many women in our society for instance in Stark County, an Ohio woman who was being assaulted by her cousin called the stark police for help, but instead of saving her from her cousin, she was cuffed and sent to the Stark prescient (Meyer, Tom). The woman was then thrown to the floor by deputies and strip searched by the men deputies while still in cuff. The victim was stripped completely naked and left for six hours until she was able to put something on. She was not allowed to defend her case and the worst part of it is that these police officers did not deem it fit to interrogate her cousin on the issue. When the Stark county officers were contacted, they denied the allegation saying that the woman denied to voluntarily remove her clothes. But does this allegation leveled against her worth her being stripped naked? In any case the code of conduct rule for Stark County is that if a woman is being strip searched the person doing the search must be of the same sex (Vanella, Susan). Police brutality if not check will continue to escalate and deteriorate. Imaging a police officer beating a woman to death because she does not cooperate or may be she fails to corroborate the officer’s findings. For example, there was an incidence that occurred in Shreveport in which a woman was brutally beaten while in the custody of a police officer (CBS news). The woman was taken to an interrogating room for a sobriety test, but because the woman declined the offence, the police officer cuts the camcorder off, and then minutes later the woman was found lying in a pool of her own blood. The police had been beating her to death. Though the police officer was fired, it does not have much effect on the police officers generally because firing the officer does not carry same weight as charging the officer to court and sentencing him to either life in prison or death by any means In a study by the feminist majority foundation, LAPD male officers are known to be more involved in unnecessary force than female officers. ‘’ Hiring equal numbers of women in the LAPD would go further toward reducing police brutality and misconduct than anything else the Department could do, said Spillar (Feminist Daily News). Now that we know that police brutality to women is one of the rising problems to our society causing many women to be left with life-long injuries, we have to do something before it goes out of hands. These menace can be reduced if not totally stopped, this can be achieved by making the citizens of a community to come together to discuss topics and help educate those who don’t know anything about police brutality. Being open minded to awareness and just being able to speak out loud in one voice can make Police officers, especially those that are men need to have some kind of surveillance playing when dealing with women in their custody or have another police officer of the opposite sex with them. Also, police officers that are caught treating women badly should be reported and brought to book, this will be a lesson to the other officers who are about to do such things.

Evaluating Internal Controls Essay Example for Free

Evaluating Internal Controls Essay An organization’s internal controls are comprised of five components, which include: the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring, and information and communication. The five components of internal control are considered to be criteria for evaluating an organization’s financial reporting controls and the bases for auditors’ assessment of control risk as it relates to an organization’s financial statements (Lowers, et. al., 2007). â€Å"Thus, auditors must consider the five components in terms of (1) understanding a client’s financial reporting controls and documenting that understanding, (2) preliminarily assessing the control risk, and (3) testing the controls, reassessing control risk, and using that assessment to plan the remainder of the audit work† (Lowers, et. al., 2007, p. 161). Phase I – Understanding Throughout the course of Phase I an audit team will work to obtain a clear understanding of a company’s internal control environment and management’s risk assessment. The audit team will review the flow of transactions through the company’s accounting system, and the design of some client control  procedures (Lowers, et.al., 2007). In this step the audit team will perform their assessments in a top-down risk-based manner that first examines company-level controls (CLCs) and then controls of significant business units within the company (Lowers, et.al., 2007). Controls within the control environment and companywide programs include: †¢ Management’s risk assessment †¢ Centralized processing and controls including shared service environments †¢ Period-end financial reporting process †¢ Controls to monitor results of operations †¢ Controls to monitor other controls †¢ Board-approved policies that address significant business control and risk management practices (Lowers, et. al., 2007, p. 161). Once the audit team has completed their examination of CLCs the audit team will then document their understanding through the use of narrative descriptions or flowcharts. The audit team will then use one of those tools to design a preliminary program of substantive procedures for auditing assertions related to the company’s account balances, which is conducted in Phase II (Lowers, et. al., 2007). Phase II – Assessment After the audit team has completed Phase I the audit team will move into Phase II or the preliminary assessment of the company’s control risks. Throughout the course of Phase II the audit team will analyze the control strengths and weaknesses of the company. A company’s strengths are considered as specific features of good general and application controls while its weaknesses are considered as a lack of controls in particular areas (Lowers, et. al., 2007). The audit team’s findings and preliminary conclusions should then be written up and documented in audit files known as the bridge workpapers. In Phase II the audit team will seek to answer the following questions through its assessment. Can control risk be low or less than maximum? Is reduction of the control risk assessment cost-effective? Once the audit team arrives at the answers of those questions it will then specify the controls to be tested and the degree of compliance required. â€Å"The distinction between the understanding and documenting phase and the preliminary control risk assessment phase is useful for understanding the  audit work. However, most auditors in practice do the two together, not as separate and distinct audit tasks† (Lowers, et. al., 2007). Phase III – Testing In the third and final phase the audit team will then perform tests of controls of the specified controls and reassess control risk. During the testing phase the audit team will seek to answer the question of how the actual degree of company compliance compares with the required degree of compliance with the company’s control policies and procedures. The audit team will then document the basis for assessing the company’s control risks, which are less than 100% or assess the company’s high or maximum control risk and design an audit program for the company with more effective substantive procedures. The audit team will then perform a test on the planned or revised substantive procedures. Conclusion An effective evaluation of a company’s internal controls will provide the company with a reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of its objectives in the following three categories: reliability of financial reporting; effectiveness and efficiency of its operations; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. References Lowers, T.J., Ramsay, R.J., Sinason, D. H., Strawser, J.R. (2007). Internal Control and Evaluation. Auditing and Assurance Services. 2nd ed. The McGraw-Hill Companies. New York City, NY.

Health and Safety Requirements in Nursery Setting

Health and Safety Requirements in Nursery Setting Nomatter Nyawo 1. Analyse the working practices that need to be in place in the nursery setting to ensure that children are protected. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health and safety. Under this act the employers, its workers and individuals being supported have responsibilities to ensure safety is maintained in the nursery. A copy of the act must be displayed in the main communal area of the staff work premises. Working with children is very interesting it is a job that requires consecration and has to be planed very careful, you need personal skills for you to be able to communicate, problem-solving and you must have the ability to work with others. You must have skills to organise and plan activities for the children, you must know the importance of reporting and recording what young children do and how this is used in planning appropriate. How to evaluate your own contribution in creating nurturing and professional servers for the children. The main purpose of legislation is: To ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff. To protect children from risks arising from activities. To control the use and storage of dangerous substances. To control the emissions into the atmosphere of noxious or offensive substances. In nursery and child care setting it has been observed by Ofsted that the most effective way of ensuring that children stay safe is to build activities into the day where adults are able to educate the children about staying safe. It will be good if you seek assistance from the road safety officers who are more experienced in teaching the road safety to the children in an informative and funny way so that the children will enjoy it. A description of the factors to take into account when planning healthy and safe indoor and outdoor activities and services. It is important for the nursery to have security like to have a member of staff monitor the door so that children can be signed in and out as they arrive or depart. This will minimise the risks of parents letting unknown adults into the nursery. 2. Explain the various health and safety requirements that are necessary for children attending the setting and describe the ways in which these health and safety requirements need to be adopted to cater for the differing age groups. The nursery have to ensure that the suitability of adults who have contact with the children promote good health, manage behaviour, maintain records and follow policies and procedures. The provision employs whether paid or voluntary it has a responsibility to any other people who may be affected by its activities and have to have sufficiently aware of and practice safe systems of working in nursery settings the children are put in different groups and these will go like how old they are for example: Babies (6 weeks to 12 months) Young toddlers (12 months to 2 years) Older toddlers (2years to 3 years) Pre-school (3 years to 5 years) Staff should always monitor and maintain health and safety and encourage safe working. Any setting should have clear policies and procedures about all aspects of health and safety. All rooms and equipment used by children and young people should have regular checks to ensure that everything is working well and is safe. Some of these checks are required by law for instance electrical equipment must be checked by a qualified electrician at least once a year. The dilemma between the rights and choices of children and young people and health and safety requirements is identified by the UN Convention on the rights of the child. It identifies that children learn through exploration, making choices and during new experiences. Carers have the responsibility to identify potential hazards and judge if it is safe enough while allowing freedom to experience new learning opportunities. An example of this is to guide and explain the dangers of crossing the road with a child before allowing them to do it themselves. Another example is internet safety. If a child has access to the internet the parental control setting must be used. Children are also at risk of bullying and being contacted by adults who can be a danger to them. A child needs to be warned and advised on what to do should this occur, while being monitored by their carer. In the case of a child being sick at school, for example vomiting the child has to be sent home. The child may take their personal belongings and made to sit in the reception area with a sick bucket as they wait for their parents. The reception should provide a comfortable environment for the child to rest in waiting. If a child has a bump on the head that has caused a large bump or some bleeding again the child is sent home. An ambulance is called if the child has significant bleeding and discomfort or is drowsy. Regular fire drills are carried out to prepare the children so that they don’t panic. Once they hear the alarm they should stop what they are doing and walk out calmly through fire doors and know where to line up. The staff are kept to date regularly of risks. All adults have a duty of care. If a member of staff becomes aware of a risk for example if the gate has been left unlocked, it is their responsibility to make sure it is locked and to make a report to the caretaker or head. The children are also informed regularly of risks during assembly for example if the playground is too icy they are advised to be extra careful or informed if it is necessary to stay in at play times. The Health and Safety Act poster has to display in a prominent place as it details safety advice. A COSHH poster covers advice on dangerous substances and how to prevent injury. Manual handling operations Regulation 1992 supplements the general duties placed on employers and others by Health and Safety Regulations. 3. Evaluate the procedures required to cover good hygiene and explain how this should be implemented in the nursery setting. This can be presented within a table. Young people are taught to clear and clean up tables before or after meals. They should be reminded about good hands hygiene when assisting with preparation of food and after visiting the lavatory. The general environment should be clean and safe. The equipment must be used and stored safely Working practices must promote the health and safety of children. Every employer should aware of the written statement of safety policy that is required in their setting. The Act also provides for the employee’s protection. The workplace should be safe and not pose a risk to the employee’s health. Safe systems of working should be in place. Adequate substances should be stored and used safely. Appropriate information, training and supervision should be made available for health and safety of employees. Certain injuries, diseases and occurrences should be reported to the Health and Safety executive. The diagram below shows the different types of risks that need to be considered: Physical risks Personal safety risks Security risks Types of risks Emotional risks Food safety risks Fire risks Effective risk management should become automatic as one becomes more experienced. For every activity one plans, they should think about the hazards, the likelihood of the hazards occurring and the control measures. If one sees a hazard as they go about their everyday activities, the simple rule is to deal with it. This can be as simple as moving a toy left on the floor or cleaning up spilt water. Risk assessment forms are used to assess hazards and identify control measures for all activities and outings. The table below shows some examples of risk assessment for two common activities for younger children. Activity Hazard Control measure Junk modelling Use of scissors Sharp points and blades Very young children use round ended scissors. Ensure that children know how to use it. Containers and other material being used They may have held food or unsafe substances egg cleaning fluids Make sure to put the tins in the bin. Cleaning up after the activity Wet surfaces and floors present a risk of slipping Always mop the floors Recent rain Lack of water proof clothing Children should stay in doors 4. Identify and describe what should be included in a first aid kit for a nursery, and discuss why paediatric first aid training for nursery staff is important. There has to be a first aid kit in every class and each MSA should be equipped with a first aid pouch for the playground. Small wounds can be cleaned and dressed outside with phials of purified water and dressed. The teacher is informed at the end of break. For head wounds a cold compressed applied and a letter sent home with the child giving advice on how to care A first aid kit should include: Plasters in variety different shapes and sizes Small, medium and large sterilised Bandages At least two sterile dressings Triangular bandages Crepe rolled bandages Safety pins Disposable sterile groves Seasons Alcohol-free cleaning wipes Sticky tape Thermometer preferably digital Antiseptic cream Distilled water for eye cleaning In the nursery setting, it is important for every staff to know where the first aid kit box is kept and what is in it. A named person should be responsible for checking the kit and replacing missing items although anyone using an item from the kit has responsibility to report this. Ofsted states that it is ‘good practice for first aiders to be reliable and have good communication skills and have the aptitude and ability to absorb new knowledge and learn new skills and the ability to cope stressful and physically demanding emergency procedures. First aid certificates need to be renewed in three years from the completion date of the previous qualification. It is the responsibility of the manager to keep records as regularly reviewed to ensure that staff receive refresher training and when it is required. In the nursery setting a paediatric first aid qualification satisfies Ofsted requirements. Although first aid qualifications are essential paediatric first aid qualifications are tailored to Early Years settings and cover the various situations and scenarios that staff may find themselves in. For example, resuscitation is given on a paediatric resuscitation model instead of an adult one. As part of health and safety at work act 1974 and the associated regulations, if any setting does employ more than five staff it should have a safety policy. The policy should cover emergency procedures in the event of fire, a gas leak, bomb scare and all adults should know what to do. In the case of fire, all doors and windows should be closed and the children taken out of the premises by normal routes. Children should not be left unattended. An urgent call should be made to the fire brigade by dialling 999. Under certain circumstances accidents may need to be reported to health and safety executive particularly if the child is seriously injured, for example a major injury such as fractured limbs, electric shock and unconsciousness. Even a minor accident requires an entry to be made in the accident book. Preventive measures may be as simple as having more adults supervise the children at outdoor play or there may be the need to change equipment or to put further safety protection in a place such as more matting under swings. Bibliography: Penny Tassani, Kate Beith, Kath Bulman and Sue Griffin; Children and young people’s workforce, Early Learning and childcare (Level 3 Diploma), Heinemann, 2010

Comparing Frankenstein and Paradise Lost :: comparison compare contrast essays

Frankenstein and Paradise Lost  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mary Shelley has created a subversive and grotesque God/Man relationship in "Frankenstein." Shelly sets up Frankenstein and, at times, Man in general, to be the monster's God. Shelley's integration with Paradise Lost creates opportunity for making such comparisons. When the monster gives his book review of the found classic, he states, "It moved every feeling of wonder and awe, that the picture of an omnipotent God warring with his creatures was capable of exciting." This is reminiscent of the war he has with Frankenstein when his wishes are refused. He then goes on to relate the story's characters to his own situation. The plot of the monster's life follows a mutated version of Adam's as he read it in Paradise Lost. At one point he relates, "But it was all a dream; no Eve soothed my sorrows nor shared my thoughts; I was alone. I remembered Adam's supplication to his Creator. But where was mine?" The monster relates himself to Adam and expects the same treatment from his 'God.' The full realization of the mockery of Adam and Eve is barely missed when Frankenstein decides to relieve Man of the burden of his monster race by refusing to create the monster's bride. Just as he has the power to create, has he the power to destroy. Yet, in the end, the monster is the one in control, and ultimately triumphs in the final chase, outliving his creator. Just as with Adam, the monster's role is also compared to that of Satan in Paradise Lost: "Many times I considered Satan as the fitter emblem of my condition; for often, like him, when I viewed the bliss of my protectors, the bitter gall of envy rose within me." The monster is like Satan in that he is rejected by the beings of which he was once a member. While he does not remember, perhaps he feels his similarity, yet horrid mutation and punished rejection. The duality in the monster between Adam and Satan allows him to decide upon his plan of action. It is important to note that he takes upon himself the role of Adam before resorting to the methods learned from Satan. In Paradise Lost, Adam and Eve are banished from the Garden of Eden for eating fruit from the tree of knowledge. Much the same way, Frankenstein's happy and loving life is smashed to pieces upon the creation of the monster.

Essay --

Almost everyone seems to believe that we live in a world with objective norms; norms about we should and shouldn’t do, norms about what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong. We are always interested in discussing what is morally right or objectively valued but do we ask whether anything is anyhow valued? The error theory already asked whether norms exist at all and what we may mistake as an objective value. Error theory rejects the idea that there are objective moral norms, values, and rights that are independent of us. Moral claims are generally understood to be objective and controlling. An objective claim is a claim about the way the world is, it is the truth of the world out there, independent of what people think about the world. If it is a norm says that killing is wrong, then killing would remain wrong even in civilizations that permit it or force it. To say that a claim is objective is to say that it exists objectively and does not claim anything about us. What we mistake to be an objective claim is only a personal demand but enclosed in a mistaken normative language. If we say: ‘Don’t allow abortion’, this is what we demand. But if we say ‘Abortion is wrong’, we are saying that there is some independent fact, an objective norm created not by us or by anyone. It just exists objectively. But moral claims only arise when people demand and recommend, and demands could never be objective. But what is really going on when people make moral judgments? The moral judgments we make are things we think are true, things that we think we are doing, what we intend to do. A group of persons, or even every person on earth can be mistaken about some accepted beliefs, but it makes no sense to say that all of them are... ...nk that if we are not guided by norms, we will be guided by selfish or cruel motives. We are instinctively influenced by self-interest and anger, but thanks to centuries of preparation of civilizations to respect other people, we have developed sensitive and friendly personalities. As we begin our day we normally follow laws, and we rarely think about consequences or about what norm require us to act. Our daily decisions are made of our instincts, desires, habits, feelings, and beliefs. Selfishness and normative beliefs play a small role in this world of decisions but what we end up doing is the product of countless and often imperceptible reasons. The moral error theory is not widely believed, but the error theory is closer to our common sense because it does not require us to hold on to false and doubtful claims, or to waste time arguing about our own projections. Essay -- Almost everyone seems to believe that we live in a world with objective norms; norms about we should and shouldn’t do, norms about what is good and what is bad, what is right and what is wrong. We are always interested in discussing what is morally right or objectively valued but do we ask whether anything is anyhow valued? The error theory already asked whether norms exist at all and what we may mistake as an objective value. Error theory rejects the idea that there are objective moral norms, values, and rights that are independent of us. Moral claims are generally understood to be objective and controlling. An objective claim is a claim about the way the world is, it is the truth of the world out there, independent of what people think about the world. If it is a norm says that killing is wrong, then killing would remain wrong even in civilizations that permit it or force it. To say that a claim is objective is to say that it exists objectively and does not claim anything about us. What we mistake to be an objective claim is only a personal demand but enclosed in a mistaken normative language. If we say: ‘Don’t allow abortion’, this is what we demand. But if we say ‘Abortion is wrong’, we are saying that there is some independent fact, an objective norm created not by us or by anyone. It just exists objectively. But moral claims only arise when people demand and recommend, and demands could never be objective. But what is really going on when people make moral judgments? The moral judgments we make are things we think are true, things that we think we are doing, what we intend to do. A group of persons, or even every person on earth can be mistaken about some accepted beliefs, but it makes no sense to say that all of them are... ...nk that if we are not guided by norms, we will be guided by selfish or cruel motives. We are instinctively influenced by self-interest and anger, but thanks to centuries of preparation of civilizations to respect other people, we have developed sensitive and friendly personalities. As we begin our day we normally follow laws, and we rarely think about consequences or about what norm require us to act. Our daily decisions are made of our instincts, desires, habits, feelings, and beliefs. Selfishness and normative beliefs play a small role in this world of decisions but what we end up doing is the product of countless and often imperceptible reasons. The moral error theory is not widely believed, but the error theory is closer to our common sense because it does not require us to hold on to false and doubtful claims, or to waste time arguing about our own projections.

Free Essays - Comparing Time in Macbeth and As You Like It :: comparison compare contrast essays

A Comparison of Time in Macbeth and As You Like It  Ã‚     In Shakespearean drama, a dynamic and explosive fusion of jealousy, pride, anger and ambition is characteristic for heroes’ behaviour. The tragedy was caused by the excessive flaw in character - self-respect and dignity combined with the feelings of hate and revenge. A disaster usually occurred to lead to destruction of the protagonist. Due to divine justice, punishment is inevitable and therefore no happy ending is possible. Therefore, time is the hero’s main enemy, mercilessly working against him. The mystery of tragedy is that once the protagonist has learnt a lesson of how to renew the order in himself, death is the only outcome /no memento mori, however/. Comedy differs in the mood it approaches and addresses life. It presents situations which deal with common ground of man’s social experience rather than limits of his behaviour – it is not life in the tragic mode, lived at the difficult and perilous limits of the human condition. In â€Å"Macbeth† the first scene presents a meeting of three witches during stormy weather. Shakespeare shows disturbed, angry nature - thunder and lighting represent light - daytime and dark – night-time. Light is the metaphor for innocence, purity, truth, and goodness as opposed to dark - evil. It is also a suggestion that the innocent will suffer as well as the guilty. The fog and filthy air signify moral and spiritual obscurity and â€Å"the set of sun† means the end of the reign and kingship. The sun appears only twice – when Duncan sees the swallows flying around the castle of death and during the army gathering to purify the earth of its shame (traitors). There is very strong sense of predestination (‘when’ instead of ‘if’) while in â€Å"As You Like It† Orlando’s flight is pathless and the meeting of lovers – an act of Fate. In both plays the succession of the scenes is very swift; in tragedy the impression is that longer time elapsed than provided for because passage from thought to a critical resolution is difficult. The outcome of the comedy is obvious while Macbeth enters the spiral of decline within his imagination. Sleep has been banished – the protagonist is aware of the nightmare; his only one dream is the murder which would break the cycle and show the way out of the nightmare – liberation.

Design an Advertisement or a Web Site for the Cinema Essay

Design an advertisement or a web site for the cinema. Your advertisement or web site should be attractive and easy to update as films and timings change and be suitable for publication in various places. The application chosen To complete the task above, I used Microsoft ‘Front page’ 2000. T his is a Desktop Publishing package and enabled me to create a web page, as specified in the task brief. This task required a DTP (Desktop publisher) as it is a web based project, in other words, the result could be published on the web. I used Front page, as it enabled me to easily update and modify the web page, this was also required in the specification. It is also easily published onto the World Wide Web, or the Internet, as long as I have the required web space necessary. I could have used Microsoft Word, which I have more knowledge about, and therefore would have been easier to use, but I felt that I would use Front page, as it automatically saves the web page as the required format for web publishing and also it is designed for my required purpose. Equally I could have used Microsoft publisher, also a desktop publisher, but as I have no previous experience using this program, I felt that I should u se Front page. Software Advantages / Benefits Disadvantages / Drawbacks Front Page Specifically designed for Desktop Publishing, many features designed especially for Web publishing. Very complex to use, not much experience in using program. Word Very simple to use, can be used by beginners to experts, the more experience a user has with the program, the more complex the program can become. Primarily a Word-processing package, not designed for DTP. Publisher Desk Top Publisher, lots of templates for easy publishing, easy to update and insert images and text boxes etc. I have not go much experience in using this program, also it is quite difficult to use with no experience. Does not automatically save as html format. Big M’s Software Big M cinemas are currently running computers that can only run basic word processing packages, they may need to upgrade their software, for example a Microsoft Office suite may suit their needs as this can be basic and advanced depending on the skill of the user. Their printer software and drivers may also need updating as they have problems when sending things to be printed, they sometimes do not come out, as they should. Software available for use at home; Microsoft Office 2002; * Publisher * Word * Front Page 2002 * Access * Excel * PowerPoint To complete this project I will not need any other programs, I will need Microsoft Access, Excel and Front Page, and Word for this write up. Software I need to complete this project; Software Purpose and Advantages Front Page Specifically designed for Desktop Publishing, many features designed especially for Web publishing. Specific for my requirements also easy to update page and site, as specified in the requirements. Word Very simple to use, can be used by beginners to experts, the more experience a user has with the program, the more complex the program can become. Specific for Word processing that is what I need it for, in this write up. It incorporates many advanced features, e.g. table of contents, that otherwise would take along time to produce. Excel A very advanced spreadsheet program, which will enable me to make a accounting package, with the use of functions, macros and many other features specific to this program. Access This database software will enable me to complete task 3, a very advanced database program, enabling me to run queries, forms and to create letters to members depending on their interests. Hardware For this task the user would need a relatively fast computer, e.g. 300mhz or over, this would enable the user to use Front Page effectively. Any slower and the time needed for image handling, and even fast input of text maybe hindered. I could have used a slow home computer or those in the library with slower processors and older software. I decided to use the computers in the ICT department as they are adequately fast enough for my needs and will run all the software I need. School Computers – Connected to a LAN (Local area network) Standard Qwerty Keyboard Standard PS/2 Mouse 15†³ Visual display unit (SVGA) 600MHz Celeron processor 6GB HDD A: Drive for 3.5†³ diskette Epson Stylus colour 850 Inkjet Hewlett Packard 2100 Laser jet Printer Epson Scanner 56K Modem My Home PC 333MHz Celeron Processor CDRW 8*4*8 and 10*8*32 with Nero 4 7.5GB HDD Standard Qwerty Keyboard Standard PS/2 Mouse 15†³ Visual display unit (SVGA) A: Drive for 3.5†³ diskette Epson Scanner Epson stylus colour 440 Inkjet 56K Modem Hardware Advantages / Benefits Disadvantages / Drawbacks School computers Fast processor, 600mhz, networked so I can access work from all computers, very efficient laser printers and colour printers. Some computers do not have Front Page, although this is Software, limited printer credits, and sometimes the internet connection is down. Big M’s Computers None, apparently. Capable of basic word processing. Many; too slow, trouble with printers, whole system out dated. Qwerty keyboard Most commonly used keyboard. Not as quick to type on as other keyboards, e.g. Natural keyboards. Home PC Linked to Internet, no sites are filtered, enables me to do extra project work, out of the time limit. No printer credits Slower processor than school, infected with virus, so has a tendency to crash. Does not have all the same software as school. Lacks new scanner etc. This system is similar to what Big M Cinemas may need to upgrade to, 600 MHz processors are adequately fast enough and will run every piece of software available today. Also the laser printers used at school may also be necessary for Big M cinemas to get high quality print outs and also quick printing. This would enable them to print out lots of very high quality leaflets, and information sheets in a very short amount of time. Using the software In designing a Web Page, as specified in the project requirements, I broke the steps down into smaller parts. Firstly I researched the films, included in my database, and selected some of the latest films. I then created 3 separate pages, Main page, Latest films and Ticket prices. I then created the main page, a very simple page, as outlined in Appendix 1, or the web page research. I then, very briefly explained the ticket prices, Standard Luxury and disabled, giving prices for each. The last page I created was the Latest film reviews, where I simply entered a block of text, or the review and a graphic into a table with two cells, giving a simple and easy reading review page. Data needed by the system The data needed by the Web page system, will be information such as film times, ticket prices, certificates of films, and corresponding pictures for the review of the film. This will also apply for the corresponding text for a certain film. When the data is put into the system, it will have to be correct. I made sure the data was correct by checking it previously. I also made sure when compiling the film reviews, obtained the text and graphic and the title of the film at the same time, so as not to make a mistake. I would have to make sure that information like the Certificate of the films, e.g. U, PG, 12, 15 and 18 was correct as this may be misleading if it was not. Film times were also important as if these were incorrect; people may turn up to the cinema at the wrong time. A lot of this data is included in the Film table on the Database, see Database. This information could be put onto the web page if I were to do this task as the extension. I will also check spelling of film nam es using a spell check tool. The ticket prices would also have to be correct to correspond with the Spreadsheet, as I only included standard seats in the spreadsheet, I would only have to make this price match, in this case à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5. System outputs This task should produce the following outputs, a printout of the Web page, as necessary in this project, to hand it in. Another output possible would be a booked ticket, if I had constructed a booking system on my website, this could be an extension task. I chose to keep my outputs limited to a printout, as this is all I had time to do during the project as time was limited. Systems like the spreadsheet and database will have many more outputs as these were required. Analysing the problem During my research, I found the user would like colourful and attractive, also easy to use web sites. The evidence to support this can be found in Appendix 1, although this is printed in greyscale, all the web sites are high in contrast and very colourful. They are all very simple to use but very complicated systems at the same time. I will be able to achieve a high contrast and colourful site, and make it simple to use, incorporating hyperlinks to each page but will not be able to create a complex system in the time limit. The stages of input, processing and output are shown in the flow diagram below; Types of system Output The system can output information in different formats e.g. using a VDU the information can be displayed on screen, also the information can be printed using many different types of printers e.g. laser or inkjet. Output devices Advantages/Benefits Disadvantages/Drawbacks Visual Display Unit Size can be altered on most programs e.g. percentage of view. Information can be changed on screen. Information cannot be amended by hand whereas a printout can be. Inkjet printer Colour or Black, good quality. Printouts enable information to be marked or easily amended. Very expensive, slower than laser printer. Laser printer Very fast printing, black, very high quality. No colour in some models, extremely expensive. Having looked at the system devices, I decided to use a VDU to change data on screen, which enabled me to change view and so on. To print documents entirely in black, I will use a laser printer for speed and quality of printing. For colour documents I will use the inkjet printed which will enable me to print in colour. One more system output is the image on a VDU, which the user of the system will be able to view. The information, and film reviews will be what is visible, depending on the page that the user is viewing. Data Storage The data will be stored on the school network and my home PC, in addition I will keep a back up on floppy disk. This is three methods of data storage, the hard drives of both computers, are a form of magnetic storage, this also applies for the floppy disk. If I were to make sure I would not lose my data, I could store it optically on a CD (compact disk). For security purposes, I could store all my work on a tape, a security procedure carried out on the school network weekly. Testing To make sure that the system works I will complete these tests; * Ask an impartial person, to use my system, for example, I could ask them to load up the home page, by opening the file in my area, Click the link to the reviews page and print it off, If they were successful I know my system is successful. * Results; I completed this test and the user was able to complete my request. * Ask another person to open the web page, again and click the link to the reviews page, again as before, but this time, highlight the review and graphic for panic room, copy it and paste it into Word, and print it off. * Results; I completed this test; it was also successful, proving my system is user friendly. Simple Documentation For this task, I will only complete a simple user documentation. As this Web page is very simple, and does not have any complex features or relations, it is very simple to use, and as there are no booking systems, or show times, it is not very complicated. * If the system has been uploaded to the Internet, * Type in the address bar; www.BigMCinemas.com * This will take the user to the home page, * Follow the links to either, the Latest film review page or the Ticket prices page. Latest Reviews; * Look at the film reviews, * Scroll down to access hidden ones, * Either, take the link back to the home page or to ticket prices. Ticket Prices; * Gather required information on ticket prices, * Either, take the link to the home page or latest reviews. This is an incredibly simple user documentation, but as the system is so simple to use, this is all that is required. If a booking system were incorporated, the user documentation would become more complex. Evaluation – The benefits of the system The benefits of the system I have developed will be; * The user will be able to access Film reviews from any computer connected to the internet. * If I were to extend my site incorporating a booking system, the benefits for the user would be that they would be able to book online, and pay with a secure connection using their credit card. * Another advantage for the user, if they were to become a Friend of Big M’s Cinemas, they would be able to get benefits from using my system, as members may get a reduced price for tickets, and priority seats. * At current, the site is very simple, but another benefit, as it is web based and designed to be easily updated, I will be able to update the film reviews very quickly and easily. This is a benefit for the user as they are getting the latest reviews, and prices as soon as they come out. There may be drawback to my system, such as that at current it is very simple and may not provide all the information the user wants. For example, it only has reviews for a limited number of films, due to the time limit I had in making it. When using the system, which only has 3 different pages, the user may not get all the information they require, e.g. different prices for different seats, and discounts for members. I produced a very simple system and realised that I would need to spend a lot more time in planning and designing the site if it were to become viable to upload to the web and use as an active system. I would need to produce a booking page, with all the different seats and prices for each screen, and depending on the age Certificate, update the ticket prices, e.g. if a film was a 15, child prices would not need be included, and so on. A secure connection would need to be gained for Credit card payment, and I would need to produce a Membership form online, like that featured ion Appendix 2. as well as this I would need to increase the amount of reviews, and add Film times, and their certificates. I could have used a membership form that I could design and print out, and hand out at the Cinema chains, by hand. These forms could be returned in the post. This method is a lot slower and not so reliable, as sending letters is not 100% safe, they can easily be lost or misplaced. Alternative methods for my system; * (1) Instead of publishing my system on the Internet, I could put my parts of my system, as already exists into a newspaper. Many cinemas already advertise film times, and the names of all the films, in weekly newspapers. There are many drawbacks to this system. I would only be able to put in a small advert, due to a large cost for advertising, and I would only be able to include film times, certificates and screens showing certain films. It is a very effective method as it is available to a lot of people. * (2) I could also put my system onto Tele-text, instead of the internet; there are also many problems with this method. Tele-text is quite slow, the design and layout is very simple and not very eye-catching. Only certain information would be provided, as graphics for the reviews would not be possible. An advantage of this system is that it is very easily updated. If I had more time, I would have improved my system, and included a booking system, and improved my reviews page, I would also have included film times, different cinemas, certificates of the films, incorporated a membership application page and generally improved it, making it more complex, but regaining its simplicity. My system Alternative Method (1) Alternative method (2) Advantages Enables me to put all the information onto the system, including booking systems, film reviews and film times, and ticket prices that are easily accessible for anyone with access to a PC, with an internet connection. It is also very easy to update, enabling me to regularly keep the site posted and constantly bring up to date the film times and the screens on which they are showing. More people could access the information, as more people have access to newspapers than the internet. It is also a very good way of advertising as more people will see the information and in some aspects, it is quicker than using either my system or method 2, as it is very direct and the information is very easily obtained. By putting the system onto C-Fax, or Tele-text, I would be able to make the information available to any one with a Tele-text compatible television. This would be easily updateable, unlike alternative Method 1, which is only updateable when a new Paper is released. This system could also include a number for phone booking. Disadvantages There are not too many disadvantages to my system; it is a lot more comprehensive than both the alternative methods, as they are both limited. This system would not be very good, as it would only incorporate the film times, and titles. The first system, allows the user to read reviews and book online. Although this system could include a phone number for phone booking, this is a very successful method. Graphics could not be included, although reviews could. Ticket prices and links to other pages could also be provided. Hyperlinks could not be made, and the design and layout is very primitive on Tele-text. Summary – The use of ICT If I compare my solution to ones that already exist then I can see that in many respects my system would be better, if I were to extend and improve it. These system already exist and are very successful, as shown in Appendix 1, showing the Odeon’s web site, a comprehensive example I would need to follow if I were to extend this particular project. Comparing my current system to systems like that on the Odeon page, I can see mine is very primitive, and not very good. The changes that have occurred due to the use of ICT and computers are, the increased ease in Booking Tickets, becoming a member, viewing reviews quickly and easily, and looking up film times, certificates and the price of various tickets. Computers have enabled many more people to access this information and increase the complexity of a system like this. The people that use the system would benefit from using it as it would save them time booking tickets or becoming a member. In some ways it increases security, an d reliability, as a membership form sent in the post could be lost. The user would also find all the information they need in one place and at the same time, eliminating hassle in phoning up the cinema or buying a newspaper.