Bioinformatics for geneticists Essay Example for Free

Bioinformatics for geneticists Essay Bioinformatics is a recently evolved field in biology. The definition is still evolving but in essence, bioinformatics is the â€Å"computational branch of molecular biology† (Claverie 2007, p. 9). This is because the field integrates computer technology and information processing systems to combine biological data and analyse biological problems. The primary aim of this new field is the ascertainment of biological insights and establishment of a global view to support a unified understanding of concepts in biology. This found application in genetics by addressing the need for a database containing large volumes of biological information, especially on gene sequences. Eventually, bioinformatics allowed geneticists to access available data on genetics and combine new data for analysis to support continuity of knowledge building on genetics. (National Center for Biotechnology Information 2004) Bioinformatics Challenges for the Geneticist Bioinformatics create a number of challenges for geneticists. The aim of bioinformatics is three-fold. First is storage of large bulks of information in accessible databases. Second is the development and application of computer systems to support analysis. Third is the development of computer systems allowing interpretation of analysed data in a biologically meaningful manner. (Luscombe, Greenbaum Gerstein 2001) The second and third aims pose challenges for geneticists who need to be adept not only in accessing but also in developing and using information system tools in analysing and interpreting data in the context of genetic research. Having existing information in a database is useless without the competence to access specific data and integrate this with new data as well as analyse and interpret these in the context of the particular genetic research. Bioinformatics Needs of Geneticists Bioinformatics supports the needs of geneticists. One justification for computational systems in genetic research is to develop a global view of experimental design to integrate research efforts and results in different countries. This is necessary to link and bring together all existing knowledge on various areas of genetic research, especially nucleic and amino acid sequences. Another justification for bioinformatics in genetics research is database mining to facilitate the generation and testing of hypothesis on the functions and structures of gene and proteins by using available data as framework (Barnes Gray 2003) Managing and Manipulating Genetic Data Generally, there are two ways of managing and manipulating data. One is the use of software. A number of software emerged supporting the development genetic linkage maps and other purposes. Although software varies in function, the common aim is to aid in understanding genetic linkage information and automating the research process to support effective map building. (Weaver et al. 1992) The other is network systems comprised of a database and accessibility through network connections. Networks allow geneticists to access available information such as on genetic markers so they can combine this with new data for analysis and interpretation. This supports the continuity of global genetics research. (Cheung et al. 1996) Value of Bioinformatics The essence of bioinformatics to genetic research is innovativeness and huge potential in developing novel approaches to genetics research. Bioinformatics has the potential to analyse and interpret data not only for purposes of completing the research purpose but also for the practical purpose of usefulness in diagnosis or therapy. (Jones Phillip 2000) The potential of bioinformatics in translating genetic data into practical solutions for actual biological problems accounts for the expected increase in the value of the bioinformatics market to billions of dollars in the next five years (World Bioinformatics Market 2008). Bioinformatics for Genetic Study Designs and Analysis Bioinformatics allowed the development of better study designs and analysis for genetic research that address previous methodological problems. Genetics and bioinformatics both adhere to collaborative investigations. Genetic research necessitates phenotypes and researcher expertise in mapping or sequencing studies while bioinformatics depends on high quality databases as well as access and integration tools and expertise. (Schmidt 2003) Collaborative designs constitute a common challenge in genetics and bioinformatics. With bioinformatics, problem identification in research focuses on testing hypothesis such as gene identification in cancer research or linking new and previous data such as on mutations. Data gathering is through data mining by searching various databases using the Internet and networks. Data is then subject to integration and organisation according to the biological problem studied such as combining data on protein structure with its properties and functions contained in various databases. Data analysis considers breadth and depth. Breadth refers to analytical processes comparing genes using algorithms while depth pertains to the determination protein encoding of a particular gene. Tools such as modelling and simulation support data interpretation and presentation. (Luscombe et al. 2001) In the case of gene expression research, this required the efficient analysis of microarrays and population. Bioinformatics provided two-colour microarrays as a more effective analytical design by covering twice the number of distant pair design profiles and population. (Fu Jansen 2006) In cancer epidemiology research, bioinformatics supported the integration of genetic susceptibility factors to create innovative study designs (Malats Castano-Vinyals 2007). Non-Coding RNA Bioinformatics Bioinformatics plays an important role in non-coding RNA research. Hiro et al. (2006) explained that non-coding RNA genes have weak statistical signals and the potential of bioinformatics addresses this limitation by providing systems of searching and predicting non-coding RNA. Huang et al. (2008) discussed that bioinformatics can support non-coding RNA search through CYK-type and covariance programs but there is need to improve further programs to accommodate arbitrary RNA structures. Bioinformatics and Cancer Genetics Bioinformatics supports genetic research on cancer. Kato and Kato (2006) reported that that bioinformatics supports cancer research through omics data functions to support knowledge on genetic biomarkers linked to cancer including ‘predisposition, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers’ using data and text mining programs. Barnes and Gray (2007) explained the contributions of bioinformatics to cancer genetics as cancer genomes, cancer genetics design, cancer gene mutations, and other breakthroughs. Bioinformatics and Gene Identification Biotechnology significantly contributes to the identification of disease genes by allowing the management of large bulks of data including DNA sequences and microarray data in identifying genetic functions that cause diseases. Chen and Chen (2008) explained the role of bioinformatics in linking genes and disease outcomes through gene identification algorithms incorporates into analytical software. Algorithms direct calculation and data processing by providing a sequence of instructions in handling data. Tu et al. (2006) discussed the use of the network-based stochastic algorithm in inferring disease causing genes and identifying regulatory pathways. Bioinformatics in Single Gene Orders and Mutations Bioinformatics is also useful in studying single gene orders and mutations to ascertain genetic causes of monogenic diseases. Barnes and Gray (2007) explained that the data storage and processing solutions of bioinformatics led to outcomes such as the genome-wide map of monogenic diseases, understanding of the nature of mutations in single gene orders, and implications of epigenetics on Mendelian traits. Cooper, Stenson and Chuzhanova (2006) explained that bioinformatics support studies of single gene orders and mutations via the Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) that contains a wide range of information on nuclear genes, particularly germ-line mutations that are associated with inherited diseases. In 2005, the database contained 53,000 lesions together with data on DNA sequences, splice junction, and polymorphisms. The database provides core data with which new data is combined to build knowledge on monogenic diseases. Bioinformatics and Genetic Data Mining Bioinformatics supports data mining and analysis in genetics research. Wang et al. (2005) explained that bioinformatics support genetic data mining and analysis through various databases on areas of genetic studies such as the gene mutation databases as well as software or programs operating through context-based algorithms. This enables analytical processes, to integrate genetic data, via clustering methods for microarrays, comparison of DNA structures, identification of sequence characteristics, discovering disease markers, indexing of pathways and sequences, among others analytical outcomes. Geneticists can select which algorithmic tool in bioinformatics to use in managing and analysing particular data involved in the study or integrating data from various databases. Since bioinformatics continues to evolve, new analytical tools would evolve to address current problems in data mining and analysis for genetic research. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (2004) identified two breakthrough contributions of bioinformatics in genetic data mining and analysis. One is protein modelling. DNA sequences can encode proteins with particular functions but protein structures cannot be visually seen using x-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy making it difficult to study protein encoding. Bioinformatics allows protein modelling to visualize proteins in three-dimensions and by using templates enables the prediction of structures of similar proteins. The other is genomic mapping for the management of sequence information, which is painstaking when manually made. Bioinformatics provide maps to guide geneticists in pointing the precise location of gene sequences. Bioinformatics in Improving Genetic Research Schmidt (2003) explained that bioinformatics improve genetic research by providing evolving and improving means of managing data explosion. Research advancements resulted to large data on nucleotide sequences comprising DNA and amino acid sequences comprising proteins stored in databases around the world. However, manually pulling out data for use in succeeding studies and analysing vast data takes time. Manual study of outputs has become tedious. Bioinformatics improve genetic research by allowing geneticists to search databases for the gene composition, proteins and mutations as well as model the chemical and structural compositions of living cells to support various health implications such as cancer and drug studies. A researcher cannot be familiar with every known genetic interaction, so that bioinformatics becomes necessary in managing and interpreting systems-level information. Conclusion Bioinformatics has transformed the field of biology, particularly genetics, by providing approaches, processes and tools to ease the difficulties of managing and analysing large bulks of data that have accumulated over decades of genetic research. Bioinformatics has made genetics an information and practice science from primarily a laboratory-based science. Furthermore, the continuously evolving field of biometrics holds the potential to facilitate further advancements in genetics through the development of new software, algorithms, and processes useful in filling research gaps in genetics. However, geneticists play an important role in directing and enhancing the role of bioinformatics in genetics. This requires geneticists to understand bioinformatics to develop data processing and analytical tools addressing the different needs in various areas of genetic research. References Barnes, M. R,. Gray, I. C. eds. , 2007. Bioinformatics for geneticists. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc. Chen, Y. P. Chen, F. , 2008. Using bioinformatics techniques for gene identification in drug discovery and development. Current Drug Metabolism, 9(6), pp. 567-573. Cheung, K. H. , Nadkarni, P. , Silverstein, S. , Kidd, J. R. , Pakstis A. J. , Miller P. Kidd K. K. , 1996. PhenoDB: an integrated client/server database for linkage and population genetics. Computers and Biomedical Research, 29(4), pp. 327-337. Claverie, J. , 2007. Bioinformatics for dummies. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc. Cooper, D. N. , Stenson, P. D. Chuzhanova, N. A. , 2006. The Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and its exploitation in the study of mutational mechanisms. Current Protocols in Bioinformatics. Unit 1. 13. Available at: http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/pubmed/18428754? dopt=Abstract [Accessed 14 October 2008] Fu, J. Jansen, R. C. , 2006. Optimal design and analysis of genetic studies on gene expression. Genetics, 173(3), pp. 1993-1999. Hiro, K. , Akio, K. Masaru, T. , 2006. Bioinformatics analyses of non-coding RNA. Protein, Nucleic Acid and Enzyme, 51(16), pp. 2420-2424. Huang, Z. , Wu, Y. , Robertson, J. , Feng, L. , Malmberg, R. Cai, L. , 2008. Fast and accurate search for non-coding RNA pseudoknot structures in genomes. Bioinformatics, 24(20), pp. 2281-2287. Jones, P. B. Phillip, B. C. , 2000. The commercialization of bioinformatics. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 3(2). Available at: http://www. scielo. cl/scielo. php? pid=S0717-34582000000200002script=sci_arttext [Accessed 14 October 2008] Katoh, M. Katoh, M. , 2006. Bioinformatics for cancer management in the post-genome era. Technology in Cancer Research Treatment, 5(2), pp. 169-175. Luscombe, N. M. , Greenbaum, D. Gerstein, M. , 2001, What is bioinformatics? A proposed definition and overview of the field. Methods of Information in Medicine, 40, pp. 346–58. Malats, N. Castano-Vinyals, G. , 2007. Cancer epidemiology: study designs and data analysis. Clinical and Translational Oncology, 9(5), pp. 290-297 National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2004 Bioinformatics, Available at: http://www. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov/About/primer/bioinformatics. html [Accessed 14 October 2008] Schmidt, C. W. , 2003. Data explosion: bringing order to chaos with bioinformatics. Environmental Health Perspectives, 111(6), pp. 340-345. Tu , Z. , Wang , L. , Arbeitman, M. , Chen, T. Sun, F. , 2006. An integrative approach for causal gene identification and gene regulatory pathway inference. Bioinformatics, 22(14), pp. 489-496 Wang, J. T. L. , Zaki, M. J. , Toivonen, H. T. T. Shasha, D. E. eds. , 2005. Data mining on bioinformatics. London: Springer-Verlog. Weaver, R. , Helms, C. , Mishra, S. K. Donis-Keller, H. , 1992. Software for analysis and manipulation of genetic linkage data. American Journal of Human Genetics, 50(6), pp. 1267–1274. World Bioinformatics Market. 2008. ReportLinker. com. Available at: http://www. reportlinker. com/p092468/World-BioinformaticsMarket. html [Accessed 14 October 2008]

Blindness Essay -- essays research papers fc

The term blindness implies total or partial loss of vision involving both eyes. The exact level of vision defined as blindness, however, varies in different countries because of differing legal or social requirements. In the United States, blindness is defined as unimprovable vision of 20/200 (6/60) or worse. This means that an individual is generally considered blind who, even with the use of ordinary eyeglasses, can see no better at 20 ft (6 m) than a person with normal vision can see at 200 ft (60 m). On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) Program Advisory Group on the Prevention of Blindness lists the vision level suggested as blindness as a visual acuity of less than 10/200 (3/60), which is twice as low as the U.S. definition. The WHO level of visual acuity is also described as the inability to count fingers in daylight at a distance of 10 ft (3 m), because in many regions a great number of people cannot receive formal eye examinations but may be tested by unspecialized personnel. From data available in the mid-1980s, the number of persons worldwide who have a visual acuity of less than 10/200 is estimated as 28 million. This level of handicap precludes an individual from functioning effectively in the community without special assistance and rehabilitation (see BLIND, EDUCATION OF THE). Were the definition of blindness instead taken as 20/200, as is done in a number of industrialized countries besides the United States, t... Blindness Essay -- essays research papers fc The term blindness implies total or partial loss of vision involving both eyes. The exact level of vision defined as blindness, however, varies in different countries because of differing legal or social requirements. In the United States, blindness is defined as unimprovable vision of 20/200 (6/60) or worse. This means that an individual is generally considered blind who, even with the use of ordinary eyeglasses, can see no better at 20 ft (6 m) than a person with normal vision can see at 200 ft (60 m). On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) Program Advisory Group on the Prevention of Blindness lists the vision level suggested as blindness as a visual acuity of less than 10/200 (3/60), which is twice as low as the U.S. definition. The WHO level of visual acuity is also described as the inability to count fingers in daylight at a distance of 10 ft (3 m), because in many regions a great number of people cannot receive formal eye examinations but may be tested by unspecialized personnel. From data available in the mid-1980s, the number of persons worldwide who have a visual acuity of less than 10/200 is estimated as 28 million. This level of handicap precludes an individual from functioning effectively in the community without special assistance and rehabilitation (see BLIND, EDUCATION OF THE). Were the definition of blindness instead taken as 20/200, as is done in a number of industrialized countries besides the United States, t...

Reflection on Homeostasis Stage Essay

This paper contains my view on Homeostasis balance. In particular, I am reviewing the stage where the fetus is starting to respond to the outside world through a facial expressions or controlled movements, denoting pleasure or disgust. The process of a fetus to be able to accumulate capacities of the external world through mother’s body and take it to the higher level with the growth. The newborn already has an organized behavior that includes feelings, needs and phenomenal survival skills with visual, grasping and auditory stimulations. With all that preparedness to step in to the new environment new baby also carries over a habituated behavior. He has a set point. It is the ideal state of a bodily system. If child’s body detects a discomfort then negative feedback is stepping in and trying to keep the body in the previous, most familiar condition. At first, child’s system will detect the change. Then the body will react to the change and finally will try to stabilize the body to the original state. These changes are bringing a discomfort that can include high blood pressure and increase in heart rate. The symptoms can lead to the anxiety if the set point is getting disturbed to often. This process will not happened if bodily system habituated to repetitive stimulation, attuned to the environment and disturbing effects on physiological condition of the child are absent. As an example, I would like to present a case. A mother brings one-year-old infant to the therapy. The reason for it is inability to ride a car since birth. The child has an accelerated anxiety and vomiting when placed in the car or even seeing a car image. Family has a difficult time to function with the child’s condition. It also brings arguments into marital life. Therapist has a result of physical exam that child is in the good health. During the assessment therapist should look for many reasons why the child has such disturbing behavior. If there is an absence of medical conditions in the child then during the assessment counselor should find out chronological steps of relations between child and a car, parents behavior in relation to the car rides. During the assessment the therapist should create a report about family history ( ) and parents past and present medical history. In this case woman suffered from car claustrophobia during pregnancy. Currently she has occasional car claustrophobia attacks. During pregnancy every time she would get in the car the fetus will react to it by increased movements and accelerated heart rate. Mother knew about possibility of her anxiety transferring to the fetus. Unfortunately, she had to function and take a car rides every day. It should be taking into consideration that at this stage infant have a very close connection to a mother. He can hear her voice, feel her breath, responds to the anxiety and calmness. Also he is already seeking and responding to the environmental conditions. In this case the child already achieved the stage of homeostasis. The infant is in need for mother’s ministrations when getting in the car. The frustration and fussiness followed by anxiety appears when mother does not meet his needs. She can’t provide him a care while fighting car claustrophobia. The child can also have a ge netic predisposition. The car claustrophobia transferred to the baby from one of the parent. As a counselor, I will provide the following therapeutic treatment. First of all, baby should have a several CBT session with the desensitization or exposure therapy. Since the baby also has a strong reaction to the car image. Mother should also attend similar CBT sessions. Since, the infant has a strong interconnection with mother repeating her disorder, a â€Å"specificity of regulatory fittedness between a particular infant and particular caregiver† should be established immediately (Sander 1975). Therapist should emphasize that the caregiving routine, especially if related directly to the car, should be carefully examined and changed if needed. I would also recommend to disable the alertness of the baby during the ride, mother should remain in the most calming state as possible, avoid family arguments before getting into the car, keep positive atmosphere while in the car, surround baby with toys and another entertainment tools. I found the sunglasses could be helpful. It blocks the side vision and car door do not even exist. Headphones, music and favored cartoon can be in use for the baby. Since the baby is closely connected to the mother and capable of having a conversational exchange, mother should talk to the baby during the trip.

Douglass and Whitman Race Relations Racism - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 572 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/01/31 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Racism Essay Did you like this example? Introduction Racist and racism are evocative words of a reality that cannot be denied. One of the renowned writers in English literature has given us some solutions to this contemporary problem. Walt Whitman has commonly been professed as one of the few white American writers who excelled the racial attitudes of his time, a great prophet rejoicing the cultural and racial multiplicity and embodying democratic ideals. When I think about Walt Whitman the first thing that comes to my mind is a big part of his poetic philosophy is kind of have a free spirit and treating everyone equally. He is against slavery at the time and against about racism. Even though he had his struggles of being gay at a time when people take that as the end of the world. Comparatively even five to ten years ago people in America had a concept that being homosexual is not the end of the world. But in his time slavery and being homosexual exiles were the same thing and you could be killed or be in prison. But it gives Whitman in his poetry the view of what his ‘his’ person if everyone knew he would be condemned as well. So, he had to live with that. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Douglass and Whitman Race Relations Racism" essay for you Create order That is why Whitman is considered as the first epic American poet who believes that we should treat each other equal. Frederick Douglass’s writing has also given us the viewpoint about racial judgment remains and which were a substantial problem back then, this must be understood against the contextual of extraordinary progress since decades. And the fact of the matter is that there is mostly no practicable alternative to some form of favorable action if we want to pledge the evil effects of certain forms of insight. Thus, although Whitman’s racist opinions of blacks, shaped in part by the bad science of the day, were inconsistent and at times unsure, his poetic vision stimulated a way past his own conventional limitations toward better justice. His solution to the inconsistency was to avoid racial subjects, much as he would avoid issues about the massacre being committed against Native Americans. He could not even resolve such inconsistencies in his own spirit. Therefore, the first thing I consider as I explore this is the reality that Americans don’t really believe America darn aware of. In the same way, Douglass was writing for people who are not used to hearing this. He is talking to people through his writing only look at other Americans misconception of slavery today and American slavery was a part of the worldwide system. but by focusing on it he was writing for people who can only think of black people as ‘slaves’ that’s all they can be and that is what c ivil war was about. People of north say that as human being we can’t deal with the slavery anymore. And then Douglass is coming in and saying why don’t I write and speak to everyone through my writing. Conclusion As a result, both writers grab the attention of people who would not normally pay them any mind. As we can see for both sides of this issue that people voted is one of the most stressful if we added the likes of Douglass and Whitman into this dialogue and calm people for a second and brought intelligent wisdom into this that might solve a lot of problems.

The Key Component Of Information Security - 1825 Words

Introduction In this modern age where every bit of information is now being converted and made readily available in numerous digital formats, information security has staked a claim as one of the fastest growing fields of profession and study. A key component of information security is the CIA Triad, which stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Accessibility. The idea behind this is that the information being delivered to a consumer needs to be meant for the recipient, has to be consistent in nature, and has to be available as and when required (Villalba, Albuquerque, Orozco, Buiati, Kim, 2014). However, it is not always easy to maintain a balance amongst the three of them, especially when it comes to the healthcare segment where†¦show more content†¦These rules broadly govern how information would be transmitted to, from, and within institutions. The Security Rule is particularly of importance to those who are in the business of ensuring the security of Electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI). The U.S. Department of Health Human Services states that the Security Rule â€Å"†¦establishes national standards to protect individuals’ electronic personal health information that is created, received, used, or maintained by a covered entity. The Security Rule requires appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and security of electronic protected health information.† (U.S. Department of Health Human Services, n.d.) Examples of HIPAA-Compliant Communication in the Industry Since email and messaging applications are prevalent modes of communication these days, organizations need to be extra careful about the security of the information they transmit within their institution as well as to the outside world. A good example to look into would be that of the University of Washington’s Medical Center. UW Medicine goes to great lengths to make sure that they are HIPAA compliant and to that effect, they facilitate HIPAA Privacy and Information Security Training Sessions. To safeguard the privacy of the data being sent via emails, UW Medicine has enforced a policy that only Deskmail and

Feminism at the Concert - 667 Words

There’s a concert. This gathering is surrounded by the everyday people of America. Everyone is relishing something, whether it is the music, food, or seeing thrilling people on stage or around them. All good things must end, however and suddenly, a word is spoken after an astounding song: Feminism. The crowd goes quiet for one second, then two, and eventually about five until someone shouts out â€Å"HAHA THAT MEANS YOU BURN BRAS.† Now, flocks of onlookers boo, laugh, make questionable jokes, or just say â€Å"If feminists believe in equality, why isn’t it called humanism?† Now, many people may think that first paragraph was exaggerating. Duh, ever heard of comedic irony? Anyway, what do people think when they hear the word feminism? We can’t really determine everyone’s attitude on it, but there are close approximations, like â€Å"Oh, you mean that woman next door who doesn’t shave? She’s gross†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"Dang ‘ol fem-nazis, taking away men’s rights and thinking they got any!†. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware that their reputation isn’t the most respected, with gems like fifteen year old girls blogging about how a guy just looked at their general direction, or saying that men should be inferior, but like politics, there are the good and the bad in every branch. Anyone want to learn more? Then let’s learn a little about the role of a woman before all this stuff even went up into debate. It’s 1890. You’re a little girl in Britain, perhaps hearing about the wondrous achievements of a certainShow MoreRelatedFeminism And The American Equal Rights Association1550 Words   |  7 PagesDuring the late 19th and early 20th century in America, the rise of Feminism challenged the traditional gender roles. The female authors of this time period represented realistic aspects of women’s struggles, which often reflected limitations from society and their own lives. 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Logistics & Operations Management Operations strategy

Question: Critically evaluate methods of planning and organising efficient operations and networking.Analyse the problems of controlling component activities and of controlling quality.Critically discuss methods of project evaluation and of scheduling resources. Answer: Introduction Operations management is one of the key management sections that help to run the organisational operation in a smooth way. The study of operations management is extremely important since it helps to understand the different attributes of operational management and develop a strong operations strategy for a company. British Petroleum is one of the largest Oil and Gas companies which work all around the world. It is important to mention that British Petroleum has over the years focused on effective operational strategy which has helped the company to effectively develop their market share, gain competitive advantage et cetera. The present study will take into account the different aspects of operational strategy for instance competitor analysis, discussion of effective operational strategy formulation, framing of competitive strategies. Finally the study will also try to delve deep into the different developmental aspects and make strategy improvement giving recommendations to develop the operational strategy (Slack, 2015 p, 36). Task 1 Organisation and Competition Overview of the company British Petroleum is one of the largest oil and gas companies which have its base almost all around the world. The company caters to oil and gas needs of a huge population and also to industries that has made the company one of the leading oil and gas companies in the world. British Petroleum is mostly renowned for its huge extraction and supply of energy products all across the world. The company has to section upstream and downstream where the downstream section mainly focuses on the refining and marketing of fuels, lubricants and petrochemicals et cetera. The company was established in the year 1909 in London United Kingdom. Over the years the company has become one of the market giants catering to all the segments of the market. The company has the worlds fifth largest turnover with 225.98billion calculated in the fiscal year of 2015. The company sells petroleum, natural gas, motor fuels, gasoline and high octane gasoline and petrochemicals et cetera (Slack et al., 2010 p, 29). A ll around the world the company has its supply chain which has helped the company to keep connected with consumers. The company has strong value to have safety at the workplace, respect for each one of the employees, excellence and an efficient team. BP is also counted as one of the largest oil and gas companies offering employment opportunities to young and talented people. BP has always been focused on doing the right thing at the right time which has always been its code of business conduct (Jacobs et al., 2010 p, 60). Fig 1: Sales Trend BP (Source: Jacobs et al., 2010 p, 60) Market Position of BP BP is considered as one of the major oil and gas companies in the world and is also taken into the group of Big Oil a group of all the major companies dealing with energy products and services. The present market position of the company is precarious even though the company has huge stock and asset. It is important to mention that British Petroleum Plc in the recent years have invested huge amount of money in oil production but with the price of oil falling rapidly over the years it turned out to be a poor decision by the company. The company is the third largest publicly traded company and is considered to be one of the key companies in the IOC. The company earned around $225.98 billion which is one of the highest by any oil and gas selling company. Even though the company is facing hard times recently it assumes a huge place in the market being the fifth largest company by revenue (Wheelen Hunger, 2011 p, 55). Fig 2: Market Position BP Plc (Source: Wheelen Hunger, 2011 p, 55) Competitors of BP BP is a diversified energy product selling company who indulge in oil and gas explorations and development, production and transportation of crude oil and natural gas. BP is responsible for refining, marketing, and transportation and sales of different petrochemical products. BP faces steep competition in the market from the larger oil and gas companies like Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell et cetera. It is extremely important to mention that the OPEC countries also stand to be a huge competitor for the company and also the GSEs like The Saudi Aramco. Hence it could be said that BP has tough competition in the market (Slack et al., 2009 p, 11). Market Share of BP BP has strong market share in some parts of the world where the company sells huge amount of oil and natural gas and also the derivatives of oil. It is extremely important to mention that since the company extensively operates from UK it has a huge market share in UK as well as the European Union. Oil is the most used fossil fuel in the world and accounts to around 36.2% of consumption. Overall revenue of the company as calculated in the year 2015 is USD 226 billion. The stock price of the company has been consistently above 450.85 pounds. The company has strong market price and share status which gives positive indication about the market share of the company (Helfat Winter, 2011 p, 39). Fig 3: Market Share BP Plc (Source: Helfat Winter, 2011 p, 39) Task 2 Operational Strategy Application Stages of Operational strategy The operational strategy is an extremely important strategy for running the smooth operation of the organisation. It is important to mention that effective operational strategy will help a company to develop the business operations effectively. The main objective of framing and operational strategy is to focus on achieving the sole objective of growth and development of the organisation. Operational strategy involves formulating the objective and then Focusing on the various strategies to implement the objective. After effective formulation and implementation of strategy its monitoring helps a company to gain different insights on how to improve the plan effectively. And finally controlling the strategy effectively for the development of the operational strategy will help a company to achieve the organisational objectives effectively. Hence it could be said that the process of framing the operational strategy will have to be followed in a synchronised way so that it gives the right p latform to the company to gain effective outcome from the implementation (Freeman, 2010 p, 66). Formulation: Formulation stage features on the different ideas and plans which are taken into for the effective formulation of the strategy. It is important to mention that operational strategy formulation will mainly relate to different strategic decisions that will affect the operation of the organisation. Hence it could be said that the overall process of formulation will give out the operational strategy that a company will focus on to achieve its organisational outcomes. Implementation: The stage of implementation focuses on the right implementation of the developed organisational strategy. Implementation of the organisational strategy will involve the different analysis that a company has to do to understand the different strategic resources it will need for the successful implementation of the strategy. It is also important to mention that the implementation is the practical usage of the plan and hence it is important to make sure that all the different resources are used effectively at the same time to get the best possible solution. Monitoring: Monitoring is another key stage in the process of using the operational strategy. The operational strategy has to be constantly used and monitored so that the shortcomings and the loopholes of the plan could be understood effectively (Brown et al., 2013 p, 71). It will help to develop alternative strategy which would help to continuously develop capabilities and strategies which would continue to use the same strategy effectively. Control: Control could also be stated as the supporting stage that helps a company to continuously use the organisational strategy as well as improve the strategy to develop and control different aspects to get favorable outcomes. In order to get the best possible outcome from the operational strategy it is very important for a company to have control strategies for the business (Krajewski et al., 2013 p, 98). Application of operational strategy The application of operational strategy is extremely important for British Petroleum since the oil and gas industry has become highly competitive. It is extremely important to mention that over the years companies have focused on developing effective organisational strategy which would help the company to sustain in the market for a long time. British Petroleum focuses on following all the key stages which are involved in the process of framing operational strategy. British Petroleum assesses all the available resources that would help the company to understand the status of its strategic capabilities and resources. Based on strategic capabilities and resources the company frames its operational strategies. BP highly emphasise on having an operational strategy which includes its stakeholders directly. The company focuses on having their stakeholders in line with its strategy as it will help to address the needs and wants of the stakeholders as well as help to develop a strong platform to implement their operational strategy. Implementation of the strategy is done by BP with its major resources and capabilities. BPs one of the major resources is their workforce and hence the company tries to use its workforce in the best possible way. The workforce of the company is highly talented and efficient and is always up for a challenge which helps the company to work effectively (Hill Hill, 2012). Monitoring the operational strategy of BP involves different strategies and methods. The company focuses on different monitoring methods like 360 degree feedback method which helps the company to understand the different aspects implemented in the overall strategy. Monitoring helps BP to understand the operational strategy implemented by the organisation. Controlling is the final stage that helps the company to control resources which would help the company to get effective outcomes from the strategy implementation. The entire process relies on controlling as it helps to finally understand the outcomes that are received effectively. Hence it could be said that this helps in getting effective results from strategy implementation by BP (Krajewski et al., 2013 p, 85). Task 3 Competitive Strategy There are three key competitive strategies that could help BP for instance Cost leadership strategy, focus strategy and differentiation strategy. Cost leadership Strategy is used by the company to which helps the company to handle production and distribution cost. This helps the company to reduce production and distribution cost which helps the company to deliver the services effectively. On the other hand differentiation strategy is used by BP to effectively differentiate the products which they offer. They offer what their competitors cannot offer. It is important to mention that the final strategy that the company focuses on is focus strategy. The company focuses on selling particular products in particular areas which help the company to create a unique space for it in the market (Brown et al., 2013 p, 76). Task 4 Strategy Improvement Strategy improvement is the process of improving the operational strategy of the company effective by understanding and deploying certain new strategies to make the operational strategy a success. Strategy improvement is mainly a selection criterion which helps to identify the key improvement initiatives and work on them accordingly. The Operations management highly contributes to develop the organisational strategy with the help of effective innovative ideas, business leaderships and supply chain improvement and human resource development and implementation of Information and Technology data system (Wheelen Hunger, 2011 p, 49). Task 5 Conclusion recommendation The present study involves the discussion of different aspects which help to implement the operational strategy effectively for a business. Operational management is an extremely important tool which helps to gain competitive advantage in the market. The oil and gas market is highly competitive and hence it is important for BP to develop a strong competitive strategy which would help to capture more market share in this highly competitive market. The present study has discussed all the important aspects of operations management which has helped to cover up the objectives. Every company wants to develop the business and there are certain measures which could be taken by BP given below: To invest more on deepwater oil wells as most of the bigger companies have failed to do it. Getting more efficient workforce for operation. Effective usage of Information Technology to handle upstream and downstream mechanism for the company. Developing the supply chain management to gain easy access to the consumer base and effective distribution. Finally risk management is an extremely important aspect that the company has to focus on effectively (Slack, 2015 p, 98). References Brown, S., Bessant, J. R., Lamming, R. (2013).Strategic operations management. Routledge. Freeman, R. E. (2010).Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Cambridge University Press. Helfat, C. E., Winter, S. G. (2011). Untangling dynamic and operational capabilities: Strategy for the (N) everà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ changing world.Strategic management journal,32(11), 1243-1250. Hill, A., Hill, T. 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