Stratification Theory Essay Example

Stratification Theory Paper Max Weber Socia Stratification So, while the above quotation may be a rather hackneyed phrase (to me and countless long-suffering sociology examiners, if not to you, since youre probably encountering It for the first time), it does sensitive us to a couple of major ideas (my advice here is to remember these ideas and forget about trying to sneak the quotation into your exam). That Weber addressed many of the same concerns addressed by Marx. That Weber came to substantially different conclusions to those interpreted by Marx. While this should come as no great surprise if youve been studying sociology for some time (and I would suggest that its probably a good idea to have gained some experience In handling sociological ideas and concepts before you attempt to tackle he concept of social stratification In any depth) sociologists frequently Interpret evidence In radically different ways It should alert you to the fact that there are a number of clear differences between the ideas, arguments and conclusions put forward by Weber and Marx in relation to social stratification. The task of these Notes, therefore, is to help you understand and evaluate both Weepers ideas and their relationship to Marxist ideas. Before we continue any further however, It might be useful to note that, for theoretical purposes, Ive classified Weber as a Conflict Theorist, for three good seasons: A. Firstly, because that is my interpretation of his general sociology. We will write a custom essay sample on Stratification Theory specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Stratification Theory specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Stratification Theory specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer B. Secondly, because he talks In terms of the way In which social structures condition unman Detonator. Deer recognizes ten way In wanly structural relations denotable at the level of social class, status and power affect human behavior and consciousness and his interpretation of this relationship makes him, I would suggest, rather different to Interactions sociologists. C. Although Weber puts more emphasis than most structuralism sociologists on the importance of human consciousness and subjectivity, he does not make this the coco of his research. On the contrary, like most Conflict theorists, Weber analyses the nature of human consciousness within a structural context he may have come to different conclusions to Marxist Conflict theorists, but he appears to have more in common with the latter (in terms of his central sociological concerns) than with Interactions perspectives. However, since the whole perspective question is such a significant one in relation to A-level sociology, this might be a good place to note a number of points raised by Mary Maynard (Sociological Theory) in relation to the whole idea of sociological respective A. How Social Stratification Is Defined. Unlike Marx, Weepers analysis of social stratification was not rooted in or linked to any attempt to formulate a general historical analysis of social development. While, in common with Marx, Weber argued that class stratification had a clear and important economic dimension, he believed that two other related dimensions of stratification, namely: a. Status and b. Party (or political power) needed to be included if a full analysis and understanding of the rich social variety of different forms of social stratification was to be obtained. Thus, as has been suggested above, in order to understand the relative significance of Weepers three dimensions of stratification: a. Class b. Status and c. Party we need initially to know how they are both defined and inter-related and, in order to do this we need to further understand that all three dimensions are, for Weber, rooted in the concept of power. If you are unsure about how Weber (and others) have defined and used the concept of power then it would be useful to work your way through the Notes on Concepts ere In ten Power Ana Politics section AT ten course Detour you go any Turner since the following assumes you have a basic understanding of Weepers use of the concept of power). Central to Weepers analysis of social stratification in all its forms was the idea that we need to understand two basic things: Firstly, how societies are organized in hierarchical systems of domination and subordination (in terms of both individual and collective hierarchies). Secondly, the significance of power in the determination of social relationships based upon domination and subordination. In this respect, there are two basic dimensions to the concept of power that we need to understand: a. The possession of power: According to Weber, the ability to possess power derives from the individuals ability to control various social resources. These resources can be anything and everything and might include things like: Land, Capital, Social respect, Physical strength, Intellectual knowledge, In basic terms, the definition off social resource is simply something that is both socially desirable and in some sense limited (that is, it can be possessed by some but not others). As I hope you will appreciate, this concept of social resource is both: 1 . Extremely flexible (almost anything can qualify as a social resource) and 2. Liable to vary in time (for example, at different points in the historical development of a society) and space (for example, between different societies / cultures). Activity Give examples of social resources that have varied in their significance in both time and space. For example: Time In our society in the asses, ownership of a television was a form of power since it conferred status upon owners of this social resource. Nowadays, because television ownership is not limited, no such status is given to ownership of this resource. Space In our collects, meal doctors are generally well-pal Ana nave Nell status This is not true of all societies (the old Soviet union being a good example). B. The exercising of power: The ability to exercise power takes a number of different forms, but all involve the idea that it means the ability to get your own way with others, regardless of their ability to resist you. In terms of understanding the relationship between power and social stratification, Weber theorized the various ways in which societies are organized in hierarchical systems of domination and subordination using the following major concepts: 1 . Class Power (Class): This was theorized by Weber on the basis of unequal access to material sources. For example, if I possess something that you want (or, better still from my point of view, need) then this makes me potentially more powerful than you. I am in a dominant position and you are in a subordinate position because I control access to a desired social resource. A classic illustration here is the relationship between an employer and employee. Explain this relationship on the basis of control of resources / power. 2. Social Power (Status): If you respect me or view me as your social superior, then I will potentially be able to exercise power over you (since you will respond positively to my instructions / commands). In this respect, social status is a social resource simply because I may have it while you may not 3. Political Power (Party): This form of power is related to the way in which the State is organized in modern social systems (involving the ability to make laws, for example). If you can influence this process of law creation then you will be in a potentially powerful position. Thus, by your ability to influence a decision-making process you possess power, even though you may not directly exercise that power personally. Political parties are the organizational means to possess power through the mechanism of the State and they include not Just formally organized parties, but any group that is organized to influence the way in which power is exercised legitimately through the machinery of the State. For example: Status groups (political organizations that exist to protect the social status of a particular group Walton society Tort example: I en Brattles Meal Escalation) Interest groups (political organizations that exist to advance the interests of a particular section of society by attempting to influence the way decisions are taken by government). Give some examples of: a. Status groups: b. Interest groups: What this means, therefore, is that if you are in a position to influence a decision- making process then you are in a position of power. By your ability to influence this process you possess power, even though you may not directly exercise power. Obvious examples here might be exercising power through your ability to influence: a. Political parties (for example, through donating money to them). B. The making of laws (for example, through ownership of the mass media, your influence with a party in government). In our political system, political parties are organized to possess power through the Achaeans of the State. As Ive suggested above, this involves not only formally organized political parties, but also any group that is organized to attempt to influence the way in which power is (legitimately) exercised through the agencies of the State (pressure groups, status groups, interest groups . One of the strengths of this approach to the understanding of social stratification is the fact that it identifies three separate but inter-dependent dimensions of stratification: namely class, status and power. Its important that you dont see these three dimensions of stratification as either / r categories (that is, an individual as either economically powerful (class) or socially powerful (status) or politically powerful (party)). In the real world each dimension tends to be very closely related to one another such that: People who are economically powerful tend also to have a relatively high standing in the community (status) and are able to use these two forms of power to influence the political process in some way (for example, attempting to influence the government into passing laws favorable to such people). Slung ten concept AT values, snow now we can apply tens concept to unreason TN allegations between class and status in our society. This separation between class, status and power was not unique to Weber, since if you think about it for a moment, we have seen that Marx was well aware of these three different forms of power. Like Weber, Marx viewed these dimensions of stratification as: a. Theoretically distinct and b. Empirically inter-dependent. What this means, in simple terms, is that we can define these dimensions separately for the sake of theoretical convenience / clarity, but it is impossible to separate them empirically in the real world of human social interaction. Where Marx tended to differ from Weber was in the basic emphasis he placed upon each of the three dimensions the economic dimension was, according to Marx, the most significant one, since possession of economic power invariably leads to the possession of status and political power. In this respect, we have already seen, in an earlier Study Pack, the way in which Marx related economic power to status and political power when he talked about the distinction between infrastructure and superstructure in society. To which of these areas, according to Marx, does each dimension of power belong? Weber was, of course, also aware of the problems involved in the personalization of these three concepts, since it is evident that: High class, High status and High power are most commonly found together in our society (it is unusual, for example, to find someone who is immensely wealthy without their also enjoying high social status and political power). However, where Weber differed from Marx was in the relative emphasis that he placed upon the significance of each dimension of stratification. As we have seen, class forms of stratification (your relationship to a means of production) tended, for Marx, to be most significant. The focus of Mars analysis tended to be on the system as a whole, rather than the individual problems of placement within that system. Weber, on the other hand, was more concerned to analyses the way in which social systems were stratified at the level of individuals / social groups the way in which, for example, people doing much the same sort of work could have quite different levels AT status Ana / or power. In this respect, we can see here two things: a. The importance of theoretical perspective. Both Marx and Weber were looking at the same things, using very similar incepts. However, their analysis and conclusions tended to differ mainly because they were concerned to explain different things. B. Marx and Weber were in many ways complimentary to each other, sociologically, in the sense that they both tell us useful things about the nature of social stratification. Marx tells us something about the general nature of social stratification (a kind of macro picture). Weber tells us something about the specific nature of social stratification (a kind of micro picture). In this respect, this difference is reflected in terms of their overall theoretical respective, whereby Mars conflict approach can be contrasted with Weepers conflict perspective on the basis that the former emphasized the importance of social structure (the way in which individual behavior is conditioned by the general structure of social relationships) while the latter emphasized the importance of social action (the ability of individuals to influence the nature of their social relationships in sociologically significant ways). Since Weepers conception of social action is important, it might be opportune here to digress slightly by outlining some f the major elements in Weepers approach to the understanding of the social world Social Action Theory: A Hibernia Perspective. Max Weber is a difficult sociologist to pigeon-hole in perspective terms (for reasons that will become clear in a moment), since he doesnt fit neatly into the usual Structuralism / Interactions dichotomy so beloved of sociology textbooks. However, in terms of this dichotomy, Weber is closer to the Conflict Structuralism perspective since it is clear that in much of his sociological analysis he focuses upon the way in which the structure of peoples relationships influence (but not determine) peoples behavior. The confusion over his theoretical status largely stems from the fact that Weber concerned himself with the attempt to make sense of the rational basis of the choices of behavior made by individuals in their daily lives; that is, he attempted to analyses human behavior at an individual level within the context of a clear sense of structural constraint (the choices we make about how to behave socially are clearly contralto others). A Day ten structural relationship wanly we Don Tort Ana are Tort For Weber, therefore, society is created through social interaction (it is not something hat is naturally given) and such interaction involves the conscious behavior of thinking, reflective, individuals. People, in effect, make choices about their lives, their group memberships and so forth and these are neither pre-determined nor pre- destined. As we have seen, power was a very important concept for Weber and he used it to explain the way in which societies both change and remain relatively stable and orderly. Social change, for Weber, came about in many ways: a. Purposeful social action people thinking about the nature of society and acting purposefully to develop and change the way they live. . The unintended consequences of social actions for example, wars bring about social change in ways that may not have been intended by their participants . Economic conflicts that marry both purposeful social action and unintended outcomes. In this respect, we can see that, unlike Marx, Weber emphasized the way in which social change could come about in ways that did not simply involve class conflicts (as we see when we look at his analysis of the relationship between social change and the role of religion). In this sense, therefore, power struggles occur throughout society and, while economic power is a crucial variable in this st ruggle, it is not the only one. Powerful groups other than social classes may arise within a society from time to time and the power struggle between them may involve interests that are not specifically economic. In this respect, Hibernia sociology is sometimes seen as a pluralist perspective, in the sense that societies are invariably seen to involve a variety of different groups (a plurality), each possessing (or competing for) greater or lesser forms of power. As we have already seen, such groups may be of the class, status or party variety (or, more usually, a combination of each) The basis of each group is: Class the relationship each group has to the means of economic production, in addition to a variety of factors such as technical skills and educational qualifications that affect an individuals market situation independently of the ownership / non-ownership of property. B. Status a group that is related on the basis of a parity of esteem (a group of equals), ten Oasis Tort wanly Is a groups pattern AT consumption (or Testily). C. Party a group that is organized in some way for the taking / exercising of political power. Such groups may be class based, but they may also draw their membership from a variety of social classes. On the basis of the above, social stratification represented, for Weber, the way in which the distribution of power in any society becomes institutionalized that is, starts to assume a relatively stable pattern of social behavior that exists over a long period and the economic aspect (class) was considered to be neither more nor less important in terms of stratification than the status and party dimensions. To understand why this should be so we need to look briefly at the different sociological tauter of the concepts of class, status and party. . Economic class, for Weber, was considered to be an objective sociological / political category. That is, it was a statistical category to which people could be sociologically allocated on the basis of their market situation. While people could, of course, be conscious of belonging to a particular economic class, Weber argued that this was not assured; Just because, as sociologists, we can objectively allocate people to a particular category doesnt mean that: a. People accept that they belong to that category. For example, someone who can be classified as working class on the basis of their objective market position as a road sweeper may (subjectively) believe themselves to be middle class and this will have important social consequences for their social behavior. B. People placed into the same objective category necessarily think and act in similar ways. One major problem for Marxist is the fact that class is such a central theoretical concept in their analysis. Class is more than Just a statistical category; it is the expression of a whole set of norms, values, beliefs, interests and so forth. In this respect, to (over)simplify the situation, each class in capitalist society has its own set of class interests the proletariats interests involve taking-over the means of production and holding them in common, while the interests of the bourgeoisie are basically to prevent the proletariat doing Just that. Whereas the ruling class recognize their basic class interests, a problem arises when the proletariat do not seem to recognize their class interests when, in effect, they show no overwhelming desire to overthrow the bourgeoisie. For Marxist, the robber here is how to explain why something has not happened in the way that it should be happening / should have happened. In short, based upon the assumption that the proletariat should see it to be in their interests to throw off their exploitation Day ten Doorbells, Marxist nave to explain winy ten proletariat nave not Addenda predicted and to do this they have employed a variety of concepts (false consciousness, ideological indoctrination and so forth) to try to explain the shortfall between prediction and reality. According to Weber, on the other hand, we must avoid the trap of assuming that, cause people can be objectively assigned a particular class their failure to act in ways that further their objective class interests have to be explained in terms of such concepts as false consciousness or ideological distortions introduced through a ruling class control of various agencies of colonization (education, mass media, etc. ). People may appear to act in ways that are not in their interests for a variety of reasons and we can only understand these reasons by looking at the (subjective) dimensions of status and party. The concepts of status and party add a subjective dimension to social stratification, n terms of the fact that they allow Weber to theorize an element of conscious social organization that is related to but also separate from economic class. In this respect, we can see the basis for some of the theoretical confusion that tends to surround the pigeon-holing of Weber, in the sense that his form of conflict structuralism includes reference not simply to social structures but also to the subjective consciousness of individual social actors.

Events Leading Up to the American Revolution essays

Events Leading Up to the American Revolution essays It has been said that the American Revolution was a direct result of the French and Indian War. Throughout this essay, this statement can be proven by a line of supportive occurrences such as the acts, taxes, laws, and drastic events that the colonists suffered from and endured first-hand that can back-track the cause of the revolution (proving, again, that the war debts from the French and Indian War directly raised conflict that would build up through the years). Tensions immediately start to build in the colonies right after the "7 Years War," or the French and Indian War. Beforehand, the American Colonies had just begun to somewhat prosper from the comfort of the distance of the monarchical rule of Great Britain when everything ran right into conflict; they had started to improve economically and politically. Indirectly what led to the American Revolution after the French and Indian War (which ignited a 'spark' or 'resistance' in the colonists) was based on this unique America n character and the lack of understanding which the British Government or Parliament had for it. After the French and Indian War, England was heavily in debt. This was the most that they had ever been in debt in their history. Two years before the end of the war King George II died, and his grandson George III became king. King George III was a great "control freak" considering his obsessive need for governing power. Even when the king had administered officers and officials to regulate the colonists, he felt an even more desire to "stir things up." Even though Parliament had seldom interfered (except to pass the Acts of Trade and Navigation, laws relating to finance, and laws prohibiting or limiting certain colonial manufacturing), the attempt it had taken to raise money in the colonies by certain acts placed it with the restrictive legislation and dictators administrators. This forced Americans, for the first time, to express their concerns of the p...

Pieta by Michelangelo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 11

Pieta by Michelangelo - Essay Example The Pieta is also the only work ever signed by Michelangelo Buonarroti. The Pieta was created during the Renaissance. The Renaissance was a cultural movement that lasted between the 14th and 17th century. It started in Italy in the final period of Middle Ages and consequently spread to the remaining parts of Europe. Socially, the period included creative flowering of vernacular and Latin literature, starting with the 14th century revival of learning found on the basis of classical sources, which contemporaries attributed to Petrarch, the establishment of linear perspective and other methods of portraying a more natural veracity in painting, and steady but extensive educational reform. During this period, the states were made up of four social classes. The nobles were in possession of much of the land. They also stayed on sizeable estates outside the city. They disdained the merchants and lived according to the regulations of gallantry. The merchants were the newly rich. They got thei r wealth from sectors, for example, banking, boat making and wool processing. They tried to safeguard their property by marrying into the noble family and controlling the government. They also became supporters of talented artists so as to acquire public favor. The workers occupied the lowest position. They were extremely dependent on their employers and did not have job security. Those who went against the rules could be dismissed from their occupations or have their wages withheld (Wallace 72). Nonetheless, the workers had better lives than peasants who were situated in the rural areas. Politically, this period played a significant part in the development of the standards of diplomacy. It is often argued that the intellectual change acted as a bridge between the Modern era and the Middle Ages. Even though this period was marked by revolutions in a number of intellectual activities, as well as political concerns, it is conceivably best recognized for its artistic creations. The dis tinctive political structures of this period have made some people to hypothesize that its remarkable social climate permitted the surfacing of an exceptional cultural efflorescence. Also, a large number of the cities during this time were developed among the wrecks of ancient Roman structures. It appears likely that the nature of this period was connected to its basis in the heartland of the Roman Empire (Wallace 74). Economically, there was the surfacing of successful merchants and cities. These merchants got considerable income from foreign customers and their urban subjects. The trade kept the cities functioning. Also, the thoughts were taken to the cities, and capital was amassed. In addition, cities were areas of creative mind and production of wealth. Merchants offered a ready market for goods, and it was only in the city, with the assistance of talented individuals that the development of magnificent goods and the complicated technology of producing books were probable. The social, political, and economic factors contributed Michelangelo Buonarroti’s approach to the creation of the Pieta. Artists of this period required new benefactors to finance their work, and the rich merchants of cities were the ones reasonable to pay the expenditures. The Pieta was one of the works which was supported by the wealthy merchants (Wallace 98).

Integrated Campaign Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Integrated Campaign Strategy - Essay Example In the car market, businesses face stiff competition, since every product has to match the current tastes and preferences of the consumer. Similarly, different classes of and demographically varying groups will exhibit different wants; thus, the product needs customization to reach the various consumer groups effectively and efficiently. The following defines a brief protocol that Zamda Motors could use to competitively, sell the new â€Å"2.2†two seater car to the youths. Zamda motors started manufacturing vehicles in the year, 1970. Since then, the company has little pride to show from the market, due to stiff competition. The company meets competition from fellow Japanese companies, for example, Toyota, and Honda. The competitors have large market share following tremendous growth over the period they survived in the market. Toyota and Honda draw customers closer due to the satisfaction that their products offer. Therefore, Zamda Company needs to analyze the features that e nable competitors to rule in the market and strategically define and acquire a profitable market share. The company must decide to increase features to the model it wishes to introduce in the market. Therefore, Zamda decides to penetrate the market with the current two seater sporty model, which will lure youths into the buying process. The outreach targets precisely, male and females ranking at the ages of 22 to 34. The company elaborates on the fuel effectiveness of the car thus drawing a consideration that, the customers’ expenditure patterns do not increase in relation to maintenance of the purchase. Zamda Motor Company will identify the target customer, and persuade them to place purchases following the outstanding features installed in the vehicle model. The â€Å"2.2† car model is one of the best cars in the current American market relating to the dynamic change that is forcing consumers to seek comfort, driving experience, and sense belonging to a certain group of the society. The company is targeting the needs of the American youths in all genders, to offer satisfaction. Zamda Company assures the customers that the vehicle model targets to suit their needs satisfactorily. The company defines the car’s features as sporty, fuel efficiency, durability, considerable price, and modernized to the current technologies. Zamda states clearly that this is the only model that delivers satisfaction to the current needs above the vehicles offered by rival companies. The company’s researchers reveal that, many youths in America seek to own new cars, but financial capabilities deprive them of the opportunity. The company further derives information that, most of the available cars enter the American market with considerably higher prices such that, the willing buyer lacks the ability to place an order. Zamda identifies that, despite the history of competitors, most of them target the rich customers, aging, and adults at the age of 35 year s. Therefore, the youths who also seek driving experiences to acquire comfort tend to remain unattended to despite the fact that they constitute to the better portion of the population. To that extent, the company seeks to satisfy this market segment, which lacks consideration from other key players. The company identified that, most of the youths at the ages of 22

Pancreatitis and Peptic Ulcer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pancreatitis and Peptic Ulcer - Essay Example Pancreatitis is caused by autoimmune problems, damage to the pancreas, blockage of the pancreatic ducts, hypertriglyceridemia, certain medications, complications of certain diseases and viral infections. The symptoms of pancreatitis include upper or middle abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, sweating, weight loss, jaundice and clay-colored stools. Pancreatitis complications include kidney failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pacreatitis cysts, heart failure and low blood pressure. Pancreatitis is treated through fasting, intravenous fluids, pain medication, removal of blockages and gallstones, draining of fluid in pancreas and diet regulation. (PubMed Health). A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer), the duodenum (duodenal ulcer), or sometimes in the oesophagus (esophageal ulcer). When the mucuos membrane which protects the alimentary canal from digestive juices and acids is damaged, stomach acids penetrate the sensitive lining underneath, causing an ulcer. Peptic ulcer is caused by the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and spreads through contact witth the stool, vomit and saliva of infected persons. Petic ulcers are also caused by the long-term use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and stomach tumors. The symptoms of peptic ulcers are abdominal pain, loss of weight and appetite, and vomiting. Complications include peritonitis, internal bleeding and blockage of the alimentary canal. Treatment of peptic ulcers consists of antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori and acid reducing medicines.

Nursing: Lifting, Transferring And Positioning Of Patients Essay

Nursing: Lifting, Transferring and Positioning of Patients ABSTRACT Lifting, transferring and positioning of patients is frequently undertaken by nurses on each working day. This is necessary for patient comfort, medical reasons and completion of self care needs. Lifting can be done in numerous ways. As well as the nurse physically lifting or moving patients, a number of devices are also available to assist in the transfer of patients. These range from straps that are attached to or placed under the patients, to mechanical hoists and lifters. Any assistance the nurse has is beneficial for both the patient and the health care worker, as patient's weights are generally heavier than the nurses physical capabilities. This, combined with incorrect lifting techniques, can result in muscle strain, or more seriously, spinal injury for the nurse, and discomfort, muscle strain or further injury for the patient. INTRODUCTION When lifting, transferring or positioning patients, the most important consideration is safety. Any of these procedures need to be undertaken with it in mind. This safety is inclusive of both the patient and the health care worker. Communication is an important part of the lifting process as the nurse should elicit information from the client to find out how and when they prefer to be moved. This allows the patient to be involved in the decision making process and be fully aware of what is occurring. By communicating with the client, the nurse is also aware of whether or not the patient is experiencing any discomfort during or after the lift. The actions of lifting, transferring or positioning need to be completed for numerous reasons, including relief of pressure points. Due to the patient being in one position continuously, they are prone to the development of pressure areas. In terms of patient needs, being in the same position constantly is physically uncomfortable. However, mentally, a change in the immediate surroundings is also beneficial for the patient. It is also necessary for the patient to be moved for completion of their self care needs. This includes their hygiene needs, which include, bathing or showering, elimination, hair, oral and nail care. METHOD When lifting, transferring or positioning patients manually, safety is the most important factor. This safety is for the nurse thems... ... of using the lifters there may not be as much manual lifting necessary. Education about manual handling is also vital to ensure correct lifting techniques are used. Constant re-evaluation of the staff's abilities and methods would ensure safety for both parties involved. This would make staff aware that the least amount of strain placed on the muscles and joints as possible is beneficial to them. The re-evaluation is also important in the fact that it allows the health care worker to be constantly up to date on any new procedures which may be developed. REFERENCES Kozier, B., Erb, G., Blais, K., Wilkinson, J.M. 1995, {italics on} Fundamentals of Nursing {italics off}, 5th Edition, Addison Wesley Publishing Company Inc., United States of America. Love, C. 1995, 'Managing manual handling in clinical situations', {italics on} Nursing Times {italics off}, vol. 91, no. 26, pp. 38-39. Scott, A. 1995, 'Improving patient moving and handling skills', {italics on} Professional Nurse {italics off}, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 105-110. Seymour, J. 1995, 'Handling Aids - Lifting and moving patients', {italics on} Nursing Times {italics off}, vol. 91, no. 27, pp. 48-50.

Bottleneck and non-bottleneck work centers

Eliyahu M Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints (TOC) states that the bottleneck in a work system is the crucial constraint that must be scheduled first in order to achieve maximum system output. All efforts are to go toward scheduling the bottleneck work center, the capacity of which does not meet the demand placed on it and is less than the capacity of all other work centers. TOC uses five steps (Godratt, 1999, p. 3-6), including:Identify the bottleneck. 2. Exploit the bottleneck, maximizing its throughput by streamlining or improving processes, equipment maintenance, training, anything necessary. 3. Subordinate the throughput of all other work centers to the bottleneck. 4. Elevate the status/condition of the bottleneck with additional equipment, staffing, work hours, etc. 5. Inertia is to be avoided. Begin again with Step #1, find the new bottleneck, and continue the 5 steps.One scheduling alternative is to streamline and reduce the amount of setup time needed for the bottleneck . Another is to schedule its activity for additional hours per day and/or days per month. Further, breaks, lunchtime, and intermittent maintenance may be eliminated or rescheduled. Finally, work that does not need to go through the bottleneck can be eliminated by scheduling it to other work centers. MINPRT: Minimum Processing Time is the best scheduling rule to use in order to eliminate a bottleneck.Applying this rule, each next-scheduled job is the one that has 2 the shortest processing time. Since all scheduled jobs are then the shortest jobs, more jobs are completed more quickly so that downstream work centers do not wait for work. Non-bottleneck work centers can be scheduled to include completing their setup after the bottleneck is set up, to use them fewer hours per day and/or days per month, and to schedule them for jobs that do not need to go through the bottleneck.MINSOP: Minimum Slack time per Operation is a scheduling rule that can work well for non-bottlenecks. Using this rule, each next-scheduled job is the one that has the least slack (down) time so that production increases per hour. MINDD: Minimum Due Date may be the best option for non-bottlenecks and includes consistently scheduling the next job that is due first in order to meet due dates effectively. REFERENCES Goldratt, E. M. (December 1999). Theory of Constraints. Great Barrington, MA: North River Press.