Key issues facing my organization over the next five years Free Essays

Amwal was formed in 1998 as a financial planning firm for the women of Qatar under the patronage of HE Shiekha Mozah, the wife of the Emir of Qatar.   As a result of Amwal’s success and reputation it was transformed into a fully licensed investment bank in 2005. Amwal, like most of the investment banks and asset management firms in the region, has benefitted from the unprecedented economic growth, high oil prices, and surplus wealth. We will write a custom essay sample on Key issues facing my organization over the next five years or any similar topic only for you Order Now The GCC countries are expected to grow over seven percent in the next five years. Qatar is one of the top GCC countries in economic performance.   As such, Qatar’s economy is expected to grow 13% in 2008 as a result of sustained oil prices and the country’s ambitious gas industrialization initiatives. Following Russia and Iran, Qatar has the world’s third largest gas reserves. In terms of energy, these reserves are expected to last for more than 200 years. This growth is not temporary in nature and is expected to continue over the long run. During former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s recent visit o Jeddah, he was quoted saying that the oil boom would â€Å"go on forever†. All of these factors have resulted in a mushroom effect on the growth of different kinds of financial institutions in the region.   Existing banks are expanding rapidly, new banks are being set up, and many international players from US, Europe, and Asia are setting up shop in this region. In the last two years nearly 280 financial intuitions have surfaced in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the current market scenario, I believe that Amwal will face the following challenged as it strives to become a world class investment bank:  Carving its own identity and differentiating from its regional peers Amwal has a very strong shareholder base that includes prominent local and regional organizations.   For this reason Amwal’s identity sometimes is overshadowed by affiliation with one of its shareholders in the multiple   transactions that Amwal actually facilitates.   As a new investment bank Amwal leveraged its shareholder base to its benefit.   However as we grow it is imperative that we carve out our own identity that will build a strong brand recognition in the region. This is important because it will help Amwal to differentiate itself from its regional competitors, who often operate on similar grounds and similar strengths.   This will occur over the mid   to long range period as Amwal builds on successful deals, takes steps to increase social responsibility, and invests in its employee resources. Competing with global names such as Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Due to economic growth and initiatives to develop the capital markets, GCC countries have been successful in attracting global names such as Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays etc. This presents a unique challenge for a local bank like Amwal to remain competitive due to its relative inexperience as compared to the multinational investment banks. GCC countries have embarked on a major capital expenditure initiative, developing their infrastructure and other major projects. Qatar alone will spend over $100 billion(U.S.) over the next five years.   This will help to position Amwal as a local expert with global capabilities. Hiring and retaining key staff Due to the spur in new market entrants, banks are competing for the best human resources and often find themselves short of a healthy bench-strength. This has been mainly due to the high turnover, shortage of seasoned professionals, and a general preference to employ western educated professionals with regional experience. This problem is more prevalent for local banks with limited resources. These local banks are rely heavily on key staff such as the senior manages of investment banking and asset management. Amwal is not immune to this problem and has recently developed a policy of retaining good employees and encouraging its staff to develop further expertise by sending them for training and allowing time off from work for academic studies.   Amwal will face a key challenge of retaining staff and hiring more professionals due to circumstances beyond its control including regional factors such as increased competition and the higher cost of living. Need for a better corporate governance Another challenge is creating the right balance of power and accountability between the board of directors, senior management, shareholders,   and internal operating departments.   Amwal has grown tremendously over the last few years and is now planning for its own Initial Public Offering (IPO) early next year to support its current growth and future goals. During the initial years of operation, Amwal’s management style was very centralized with authorities and powers limited to a few key individuals. While this is very common among most local and regional institutions like Amwal, this structure usually leads to a financial and strategic gap upon the exit of these key individuals. Amwal has come a long way since its transformation into an investment bank and have developed business policy principles, guidelines, internal and external regulations and monitoring mechanisms. However, as we continue to grow, expand our global reach, and prepare for the IPO, I believe these measures would need to be constantly reviewed and enhanced as they are critical for conducting proper corporate accountability and enhancing business prosperity. Another prevailing impediment is the lack of proactiveness of the local governing bodies that need to substantially enhance the regulatory framework, develop stricter industry guidelines, and encourage transparency.   As an industry leader, Amwal is in a unique position to have a positive effect on the creation of the regulatory industry in the region. Conclusion These observations are not only unique to Amwal.   Since we are in a constantly changing environment it is critical that local and regional institutions identify these challenges and develop a strategic plan to respond to them.   I believe that Amwal is well placed and uniquely positioned for this challenge with its sound business model and comprehensive long range strategic plan. How to cite Key issues facing my organization over the next five years, Essay examples

Role of Governmental Information Provision †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Role of Governmental Information Provision. Answer: Introduction: The advancement in the technology has helped the organizations in making use of the different aspects of the change in the structure and the functioning of the business. The organizations have taken steps to develop science and technology to fit in to the needs of safety and security of the human race. Similar kind of efforts were taken by a collaborative action that was taken by Studio Roosegaarde and the engineers from Heijmans Infrastructure for determining the safety of the drivers through the implementation of the Smart Highway project. The main purpose of the report is to determine the various considerations that are being undertaken by the collaborators in order to develop the project in order to bring in changes in the technology and the user of the same in order to ensure the safety and the security of the people. The report enumerates the model of the organization and the pros and cons that might be faced by the same while undertaking and implementing the change. Organizational model through Canvas Key Partners Key Partner- Studio Roosegaarde and Heijmans Infrastructure. Key Suppliers- the key suppliers for the project are the paint suppliers and the manufacturers that supports the venture of the organization in the market. Key Resources- the key resources that are being required for undertaking the venture are the raw materials of the paints, the wind power technologies and the different electricity types that will help the partners in making the project work effectively. Key Activities- the allocation of the resources and the application of the same for maintaining the effectiveness of the project Key Activities Key Activities- the key activities that are being taken by the venture is based on the understanding of the different implementation procedures for ensuring the safety and the security of the drivers (Hamersma et al., 2016). Customer Relationships- the customer relationships is an important aspect that is being undertaken by the organization for the proper implementation of the project as it is based on ensuring the safety and the security of the drivers and the users of the highway. It is aimed at making the highway more convenient or the users through the undertaking of the value propositions. Value Proposition The collaboration is aimed at understanding the issues that are being faced by the drivers while driving in the highways. It is aimed at ensuring the safety and the security of the drivers and thereby reduces the risks of road accidents. It also aimed at amending the different advantages of utilizing the smart highway project. Customer problems are mainly based on the accidents that occur due to the rough driving and their lack of understanding of the icy terrain that might cause accidents to occur in the highway. The construction of the smart highway helps in regulating the speed of the vehicles and notifies the drivers of the traffic signs without the utilization of electricity through the glow in the dark paints. Customer Relationships The relationship that is being expected by the user is based on the understanding of the issues that they face and the risk of the accidents they face while driving late night. The major aspect of the change that is being undertaken by the organization is to develop the technologies based on the requirements of the people who are using the highroad. Therefore, the major objective of the organization is to determine the needs of the customer in order to provide them with the expected value. Customer Segments The organization is aimed at creating value for the users of the highway. To be more specific of the users, the drivers who undertake difficulties in understanding the roads signs at night while driving. Key Resources The key resources that might be required by the organization while amending the change are: The luminous paints The energy saving lights and technology that supports the same (Gerrard, 2012) The charging technologies for amending to the needs of the users of the electronic vehicles DELET Channels The channels that are being used by the organization for reaching out to the users of the highway are: The website updates The usage of the social media platforms like posts in Facebook and Instagram for reaching ouyut their initiative to the customers The blogs and the forums where discussion is undertaken for determining the feedbacks of the users in order to bring in modifications in the systems Cost Structure The implementation of the project on the highway requires a huge amount of cost that is required to be undertaken. They are: The paints that are being used in the project The eco-friendly technology that is required to be installed for providing electricity to the project The cost of the raw materials that will be supporting the project (Le?niak, 2013) Gaining the appropriate affiliation from the road constructing authorities to bring in the change Revenue Streams The services that are being amended by the collaboration are based on the understanding of the needs of the people who are facing difficulties while driving at night. The government also contributes to the undertaking in order to bring in changes in the structure and the functioning of the smart highway project (Khmel Zhao, 2016). The manners in which the customers prefer to pay for the value are based on the transaction of money through the payment of taxes and cash payments for availing the amendments. Relation between the building blocks The relation between the building blocks for the projects is based on the understanding of the different factors that affects the availability of the resources and the main function that is being undertaken by the collaborators for bringing in the change in the system and the functioning of the project as per the needs of the users. The project is an eco-friendly approach of adhering to the needs of the drivers as they face difficulties in driving at night due to the change in the weather conditions (Tsai Chang, 2012). On the other hand, the project also includes the usage of renewable sources of energy for lighting up the substitutes for the street lamps. It will be helping the collaborators in meeting up to the requirements of the drivers. The cost structure and the approval that is gained by the project will be helping the same in adhering to the requirements of the users. On the other hand, the utilization of the chief resources in the project will be helping the collaborators t o meet the requirements of the drivers. The critical success factors that determine the proper implementation of the project is being discussed in this section of the report. Feasibility of the drivers for the success The understanding of the needs of the drivers while undertaking the technological change, which is being planned by the collaborators. The major aspects of the success are based on the amendments that are being delivered to the users of the highway through the determination of the needs of the same (Xu et al., 2012). The proper functioning of the Smart technologies will be helping the project to boost up based on the determination of the needs of the users. The smooth functioning of the processes will be helping the project is succeeding. The risks that might be faced by the collaborators while undertaking the development of the project is being discussed in this section of the analysis. The malfunctioning of the technologies might affect the smooth functioning of the project in the market. It affects the smooth functioning of the elements that are being introduced as a part of the Smart Highway project. The malfunctioning of the technologies affect the prospects of growth and acceptance of the project. Risks due to durability of the chief resources used in the project The durability of the chief resources that are being used as part of the project affects the development of the project as per the needs of the users. The paint that is being used as the major technological backdrop of the project might be erased through the passage of time. On the other hand, the proper functioning of the turbines and the electricity generators might get affected which creates a havoc impact on the development of the project. The cost that is being incurred by the developers might also affect the need of the resources to be changed after a span of time. The changes that can be taken by the collaborators are being discussed in this section of the report. It helps in understanding the manner in which the project could be made more effective as per the needs of its user. The feedbacks will be helping the organization in taking steps for bringing in improvements in the structure and the functioning of the project. Monitoring over the technological aspects of the project will be helping the collaborators to undertake the smooth functioning of the project subsequent to its affiliation. References Gerrard, M. B. (2012). Reverse environmental impact analysis: effect of climate change on projects.New York Law J,247, 1-4. Hamersma, M., Heinen, E., Tillema, T., Arts, J. (2016). Residents responses to proposed highway projects: Exploring the role of governmental information provision.Transport Policy,49, 56-67. Khmel, V., Zhao, S. (2016). Arrangement of financing for highway infrastructure projects under the conditions of PublicPrivate Partnership.IATSS Research,39(2), 138-145. Le?niak, A. (2013, October). The application of artificial neural networks in indirect cost estimation. InAIP Conference Proceedings(Vol. 1558, No. 1, pp. 1312-1315). AIP. Tsai, C. Y., Chang, A. S. (2012). Framework for developing construction sustainability items: the example of highway design.Journal of Cleaner Production,20(1), 127-136. Xu, Y., Sun, C., Skibniewski, M. J., Chan, A. P., Yeung, J. F., Cheng, H. (2012). System Dynamics (SD)-based concession pricing model for PPP highway projects.International Journal of Project Management,30(2), 240-251.

Great Expectations - The Character Of Mrs Joe Essays -

Great Expectations - The Character Of Mrs Joe Great Expectations - Mrs. Joe The importance of Mrs. Joe in Great Expectations has two major parts: the significance of the character, and the symbolism of the character. The signifance of Mrs. Joe is to complete the figure of Joe The symbolism of Mrs. Joe is actually the physical manifestation of Joe's fears in combination with his desire for a commanding father-figure. First, Mrs. Joe's reign of terror is obviously necessary for Joe's existence. In the beginning of Great Expectations, Joe requires identification as a major character. Without the weakness that Mrs. Joe instills in Joe via her reign of terror, Joe never develops to a major character. Joe is identified as a compassionate, sensitive character, and the most direct way to display this feature is to have the character appear vulnerable. Mrs. Joe serves as the tyrant for which Joe is made helpless. Joe, unless he is a scared character, does not recognize the friend he has in Pip. Without Joe as a major role in Pip's life, Pip also seems very incomplete. Second, Mrs. Joe also serves as the comical interlude of an otherwise sombre story. When she had exhausted a torrent of such inquiries, she threw a candlestick at Joe, burst into a loud sobbing, got out the dustpan -- which was always a very bad sign -- put on her coarse apron, and began cleaning up to a terrible extent. Not satisfied with a dry cleaning, she took to a pail and scrubbing-brush, and cleaned us out of house and home,... Truly, a frightening creature is that that may destroy a household by cleaning when anger besets her. Third, the comedy also has a serious side, though, as we remember our mothers exerting their great frustrations upon the household tasks of cleanliness. So, Mrs. Joe serves very well as a mother to Pip. Besides the age difference and the motherly duties of housekeeping for Pip and Joe, the attitude of a scornful mother is also apparent. This, of course, draws Joe even closer to Pip, by relation. Mrs. Joe serves as link to make it so that Joe appears very much to be the father of Pip. In addition, Joe, although terrified of Mrs. Joe, is a very honorable man and would never consider divorcing his wife. Through this condition, however, Joe appears to be even a more honorable man to choose to preserve the sacred marriage rather than seek his comfort. It is ironic that Mrs. Joe be referred to as Mrs. Joe constantly when there doesn't seem to much a part of Joe in her. The main purpose it serves is probably to characterize Mrs. Joe as a more masculine, and, therefore, typically more commanding, character. In the tradition of marriage, the wife usually gives up her last name to show that she is property of the man, therefore it is especially ironic that she be called Mrs. Joe when it is clear that Joe, rather, belongs more to her than vice-versa. It is also ironic that Joe be the one that seems to be stuck in tough situation in his marraige. Often, in this time, women suffered from the abuse of their husbands and expected to keep the marriage together regardless. However, Joe is clearly the one being abused in this story and he also is the only one decent enough to care enough about the marraige to try and keep it together by enduring the abuse of Mrs. Joe. Fifth, through love, Joe shows the audience that truly he is not just a very timid man but a whole-hearted man. Truly, it takes a loving man to stay in love with such a woman as Mrs. Joe. No kissing ever took place between Joe and Mrs. Joe (much less child birth), and it becomes clear to the reader that the relationship between Joe and Mrs. Joe is a very one-way relationship. It would seem that Joe cares enough for Mrs. Joe, though Mrs. Joe never once seems to show a bit of compassion for Joe. Illustration of this can be seen in Mrs. Joe's numerous dorogatory references to being married to a lowly blacksmith. Surely, after Mrs. Joe dies, Joe reflects upon how

5 Lucrative and Rewarding Trucking Jobs to Consider

5 Lucrative and Rewarding Trucking Jobs to Consider OTR trucking can be a thankless job- long hours, lots of time away from home, constant tedium, and  the ever-present  need for vigilance where safety is concerned. Given how difficult it can be, and how high the entry-level standards are, it should come as no surprise that many jobs go unfilled every year. What you probably didn’t realize is that truck drivers make great money. If you’re independent, a conscientious driver, and don’t mind the lone-wolf lifestyle, trucking might be a good career move for you. The high demand means high pay and job security. The schedules can be flexible, you can live almost anywhere you want, and your view will always change by the mile. Not to mention, trucking companies usually offer great benefits.And that’s just for your normal, run-of-the-mill trucking job. Here are 5 specialized trucking jobs that offer even higher pay, just to give you something to aspire to.Oversized LoadHeavy loads and double-wides get reflecte d in your paycheck. You’ll have to go through special training and licensing for these positions, but the benefits and pay would be more than worth it.Liquid HaulingDriving a truck full of hazardous liquids, gases, or chemicals requires an enormous amount of skill and expertise. The more of each you have, the more likely you are to get the top compensation.Ice RoadThis is one of the hardest, scariest jobs out there. But you can work just a few months each year and make six figures. Of course, you will also have to be exceptionally talented at driving on ice roads in the Arctic Circle through extreme cold (-40 degrees) and though frequent white-outs and storms.MiningThe mining industry has trucking jobs available driving dump trucks to and from mine sites. These are some of the highest paying jobs in that industry. Even as a contractor, you could make $100k a year.InterstateInterstate truck driving is a bit less glamorous, and certainly less dangerous than some of the options above. But it still requires you to drive hard (and safely) to meet deadlines over enormous distances. And the pay is still comparatively very high!

Health care Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 6

Health care - Essay Example The Affordable Health Care Act of 2010 (ACA) was a historic piece of legislation and addresses many important health issues but stops short of universal coverage which should still be the goal. The ACA, more commonly known as â€Å"Obamacare,† was unpopular at first but since its passage two years ago the facts about the law along with the lies perpetuated to destroy it have become more generally understood causing it to gradually gain wider acceptance. Those opposed liked the individual parts of the law including the ending of health insurance company abuses such as not accepting patients due to preexisting medial conditions, ceilings on payouts and dropping people just because they got sick. However, they did not like the overall ideological implications. They thought, due to being misinformed, that the ACA was leading the country down a path toward socialism, not that this faction understood what the term meant. Still, they were frightened that their beloved country was being turned into something resembling the old Soviet Russian type regime or a European style of governance. Obama had already taken the automobile industry over, so they were told, along with the financial system. They did not want America to be radically changed to a system that was unrecognizable to them. Now that the realities of the ACA are slowly surfacing the minds of at least some former opponents have been eased. Though the ACA will cover millions of Americans and end insurance company abuse it does not go far enough. The U.S. is still the only industrialized nation that does not guarantee cradle to grave coverage for its citizens. In fact, it works in opposition to socialist philosophy. The individual mandate insures everyone who can afford insurance must pay on a sliding scale according to income. Forcing people to buy a service from private companies is institutionalized capitalism. Had the public option been part of the law almost

Strategic Management Process (SLP) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management Process (SLP) - Essay Example A Mission Statement, on the other hand, gives a description of the things an organization is going to do and why. It outlines the â€Å"primary objectives† as well as the purpose of the organization in question. Unlike Vision Statement which focuses on the outsiders, a Mission Statement primarily concerns itself with the internal organization. It outlines the most crucial measures for the organization’s success, and as such, its main audience is the organization’s leadership team as well as stakeholders. However, Vision Statement also touches on an organization’s purpose, but this is only as far as the organization’s values as concerned and not â€Å"bottom line measures.† It shows the organizational values and purpose (Rothwell, 2010). There are five criteria I believe are very crucial in devising a Mission Statement. First, the Mission Statement should clearly describe the things an organization is going to do and why. I think this criterion is very important, since it is what defines the organization’s reason for existence, at least to the workers and the stakeholders. As such, it gives the concerned parties the motivation to work hard towards achieving their common goals. The Mission statement should also be oriented towards giving productive results. It is through the results, which should be realistic, that an organization can work clearly knowing what it targets to achieve. This keeps all stakeholders focused on achieving the particular goals. In addition, the statement should include not only the organization’s goals but it should also capture the people who are to work towards achieving the said goals. This is important because it not only sets clear targets for the organization but also make s the various stakeholders to own the goals, a factor that is very vital for improved performance within the organization. The statement should also be concise, but one that covers everything in its own scope. This is not only easy to read but

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nurses

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nurses Appendices APPENDIX C SECTION 1: ERGONOMIC FOR PREVENTION OF MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER Introduction Nurses provide care to physically demanding patient and assist them in mobilization and other activities like bath, feeding etc. Patient handling tasks such as lifting, transferring or repositioning are contributing factors for MSP among nurses particularly the back being most prevalent. These tasks can entail high physical strains due to different body size involved, leaning over a bed or working in cramped postures, supporting patient during gait activities, and many other factors. The risk factors that health care workers face include: Force: the amount of physical effort required to lift or to maintain control of heavy equipment or tools; Repetition: performing same task over and over continually or frequently; and Awkward postures assuming positions that put strain on the body, such as working above shoulder height, kneeling, squatting, leaning over a bed, or twisting the back while lifting. Identifying Problems and Implementing Solutions for patient Lifting and Repositioning Manual handling tasks such as lifting and repositioning can be variable, dynamic, and unpredictable in nature. In addition, factors such as patient self-esteem, safety, and medical contraindications should be taken into consideration. The analysis of any handling task involves an assessment of the requirements and capacities of the patient. The patient assessment should include an analysis of the following factors: The level of cooperation from the patient; The body size and weight of the patient; Any health anomalies that may influence the choice of lifting or repositioning techniques. Repositioning in Chair Description: Variable position Geri chairs When to Use: Repositioning partial- or non-weight-bearing patients who are cooperative. Points to Remember: One caregiver can assist if patient has strength in both upper extremities of arms. If patient cannot assist in self-repositioning on chair, help from at least 2 caregivers and friction reducing device may be required. Ensure that chair is easily adjustable; wheels are freely movable flexible and steer. Lock wheels on chair before repositioning. Remove trays, footrests, and seat belts where appropriate. Ensure device correspond with patient weight. Various Activities of Daily Living and Bedside Assistance Description: Work practices for feeding, dressing and grooming. When to Use: During feeding, dressing, personal hygiene tasks, vital sign assessment, and other bedside assistance. Bedside Assistance: Lower side rails, position patient as close as possible to edge for safety purposes. Sit or stand in front and near to side of patient. Adjust height of tables and electric beds to waist level and place supplies close by to prevent back flexion and bending. Collect supplies in advance and place them on a table that is located perpendicular to the patient. Avoid leaning across patient; rather, move to other side. Carry items close to the body. Provide adaptive equipment that offer independence to patients and reduce assistance from caregiver. Feeding: Chop food into pieces before placing it in front of patient. Dressing and grooming: Ensure that patients feet lie flat on the ground or a stool for stability when sitting. Place feebler limb in pant or sleeve first. Use suitable adaptive equipment for dressing, grooming and oral hygiene. Activities of Daily Living Activity: Administrating medications Description: Low profile medication cart and cartridge pill dispenser When to Use: Dispensing medications. The cart increases precision and lessens time required to perform task. Medications cart: Classify medications according to day and time. Low profile carts with easy side opening drawer are recommended to accommodate hand height of shorter nurses. Cartridge dispenser: Use cartridges with a â€Å"flip top† for drug storage until administered rather than wrapping the doses individually in foil of paper or small container that require more finger forces and a sharp object to break the seal. Bathtub, Shower, and Toileting activities Description: Long-handled extension tools on hand-held showerheads wash or scrub brushes. When to Use: When bathing or showering patients. Points to Remember: These equipments limit the extent of bending, reaching, and twisting required when cleaning feet, legs, and trunk of patients. Patients who are autonomous can also use these devices to facilitate personal hygiene care. Guiding and Slowing Falls Description: Method for guiding and slowing falls. When to Use: When patient is falling. Points to Remember: Utilization of transfer or gait belts may aid nurses in guiding the fall. Grip onto the belt/handles and slowly lower the patient to the floor using proper body mechanics. Reviewing patient assessments and monitoring for signs of weakness are effective strategies of preventing falls. Stand with back straight, tighten stomach muscles, bend legs, and stay adjacent to patient if it practical to do so. Don’t try to stop the fall abruptly as this may increase the risk of injury among nurses. Lifting from the Floor Description: Methods to lift patients from floor When to Use: After a patient fall. Points to Remember: Assess patient for injury prior to lifting and use a powered portable or ceiling-mounted lift device to move patient with minimal assistance. If patient can maintain standing position with minimal assistance, use gait or transfer belt with handles to support patient. If manual assistance is required ensure a team lift are s are available to provide assistance as needed. Use 2 or more caregivers when assisting heavy patients. Stand with back straight, bend legs, and stay near to patient as possible. Ambulation Description: Ambulation assist device When to Use: For patients, who are able to support their body weight, cooperative, need extra security and assistance when ambulating. Increases patient safety and reduces risk of falls during ambulation Points to Remember: Typically needs one caregiver. The device provides assistance to patients as they walk and pushes it along during ambulation. Ensure device is in good working condition with height adjusted correctly before use and rated for the load weight to be lifted. Apply brakes before positioning patient in or releasing patient from device. Implementing solutions for patient lifting and repositioning Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment and work tasks to conform to the capability of the worker and provides a means of adaptation to work environment and work practices to prevent injuries. Ergonomic solutions are proposed to reduce musculoskeletal disorders among the staff nurses. The recommended solutions brought forward are not intended to be an exhaustive list, nor do all of them will be used in any given set up. The material signifies a variety of options available that a facility can consider using. Many of the solutions are simple to implement and do not require substantial time or resources such as modification in procedures or equipment. Others may require more significant efforts. The integration of various solutions into hospital management, can lead to beneficial outcome in the long run. Patient and Equipment handling solutions Lateral Transfer Description: Ceiling-mounted device with horizontal frame system or litter When to Use: Moving patients who are totally helpless, non-weight bearing, has other physical impairment, or are very big in size and cannot be safely shifted by staff between 2 horizontal surfaces, such as from bed to stretcher or gurney in supine position. Points to Remember: Motors can be fixed or portable (lightweight). Device can be functioned by hand-held control attached to unit or by infrared remote control. Always ensure lifting device is in good working condition before use and is assessed for the load weight to be lifted. Lateral Transfer Description: Gurneys with transfer devices When to Use: Transferring a partial- or non-weight-bearing patient between 2 horizontal sides, such as from bed to stretcher or gurney in supine position. Points to Remember: Two nurses are required to achieve this type of transfer. Additional assistance may be required depending on patient status, e.g., for heavier or uncooperative patients. Motorized height-adjustable gurneys with built-in slide boards are preferred to those adjusted by crank mechanism to lessen physical effort required by caregiver. Always ensure that lifting device is in good working condition before use and is evaluated for the load weight to be shifted. Ensure wheels on equipment are locked and transfer surfaces are same level to at waist level of caregivers in order to avoid over reached and back flexion Lateral Transfer; Repositioning Description: Air-assist lateral sliding aid; flexible mattress inflated by portable air supply When to Use: Transporting a partial- or non-weight bearing resident between two horizontal sides such as from bed to stretcher or gurney in supine position. It can also be used for repositioning a patient in bed, increase patient well-being and reduces risk of tissue injury during transfer. Points to Remember: Two caregivers are needed to achieve this type of transfer. Additional assistance may be required depending on patient ability, e.g., for heavier or uncooperative patients. Ensure wheels on equipment are locked and transfer surfaces are at level and height that permits nurses to work at waist level to avoid over reach and back flexion. Count down and coordinate the transfer motion between caregivers. Patient Lifting Description: Ceiling-mounted lift device When to Use: Lifting patients who are totally helpless, are partial- or non-weight bearing, very heavy, or have other physical impairment. Transfers from bed to chair (wheel chair, Geri or cardiac chair), chair or floor to bed, or for bathing and toileting. Points to Remember: May need 2 or more nurses. Some patients can use the device quicker than portable device without assistance. Motors can be fixed or portable (lightweight). Device can be activated by hand-held control attached to unit or by infrared remote control. Ensure lifting device is in good working condition before use and is assessed for the load weight to be lifted. Transfer from Sitting to Standing Position Description: Stand-assist devices; can be fixed to bed or chair or be free-standing When to Use: Transferring patients who are able to support their weight and cooperative and can pull themselves up from sitting to standing position. It can be used for independent patients who need extra lift to stand and aid patient independence. Points to Remember: Check that device is constant before use and is evaluated for patient weight to be held. Ensure frame is firmly attached to bed, or if depend on mattress support that mattress is big enough to support the frame. 1