Features
How standards promote business
The production of any commodity begins with the use of raw materials from its early stages to the finishing point when such raw materials are shaped into the desired products needed for the production of specific products to satisfy consumer needs.
At the raw materials stage, applicable standards guide producers to choose suitable raw materials for the production of goods. A woman who is preparing a certain type of soup in this country does not go in for just any kind of ingredients such as tomato, garden eggs, pepper, etc but rather goes in for quality ingredients that will help it come out quality and tasty soup.
QUALITY FRUIT JUICE
Similarly, if we are bent on producing quality fruit juice, we would not just go in for rotten pineapple or pawpaw but rather those types that are in very good condition and are good enough to give us tasty juice. This is what all industries do to ensure that the outcome of production is good enough to satisfy consumer needs.
Thus, the early stages of production require that we make use of raw materials that are good enough to assist in the production of quality products. It is said that “garbage in, garbage out”. What this means is that if the input in form of raw materials is of inferior quality, what will come out as a final product would also be of inferior quality.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
The implication here is that right from the beginning, we need to be guided by the relevant standards needed to make it possible for us to come out with quality product that satisfies consumer needs. In other words, appropriate standards guide us to select and process the most appropriate raw materials for the production of quality products. It is these standards that guide us to produce the most appropriate raw materials and at the same time help to produce reliable and quality-oriented finished products.
Apart from guiding us in the selection of quality raw materials, standards also help us in the processing of the products midway to the finished end. The production process may be of different types but a particular type of processing scheme may be selected all in an effort to ensure that what comes out eventually is of high and acceptable quality. This is why we say that applicable standards help us in choosing the right process for production.
RELEVANCE OF STANDARDS TO PRODUCTION PROCESS
If there is any particular production process that is unsuitable, the use of standards will help us to know that there is the need to avoid such process. Thus, when we make use of relevant applicable standards, such standards help us to avoid unsuitable production processes.
When particular production processes are unsuitable, they negate the purpose of production which is to help come out with consumer products that will satisfy the interest of all targeted consumers whether locally or in foreign countries. In other words, applicable standards provide guidance in the selection of production processes for the purpose of meeting customer needs.
STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION
The production process does not only involve selection of suitable raw materials and relevant production processes but also storage and transportation of what is produced. The style and quality of storage and the conditions under which the products are stored are all very important. If the storage is not done under an appropriate temperature, products of high quality may go bad after production. Storage is, therefore, important. In the same way, the transportation of such products must be carried out in appropriate vans or vehicles and kept under the appropriate temperature. Medicines constitute a good example here. Also, Fan products like those from FanMilk must also be transported appropriately otherwise they will go bad and disturbed the stomach of consumers who take them in.
Appropriate storage and transportation are carried out or done according to applicable standards. It is these standards that will give an indication regarding the size of the van for carrying the products and also the temperature that must go with the products. All this helps to show that the use of relevant standards help us to avoid unnecessary mistakes when transporting goods from the factory to the consuming centres.
In other words, standards guide and help producers to carry out procedures and processes that are appropriate, thereby helping us to avoid any trial and error in the storage and transportation process of goods that are intended for the consuming centres.
END RESULT
When the production process from the raw materials stage to the storage and transportation stage are all carried out appropriately in line with relevant applicable standards, the end result will be quality products that will meet the first class taste of consumers. This means that only quality and satisfactory products would emerge at the end of the entire process. When this happens, we will be able to enter local and external markets and make more profits for the company.
Thus, companies in Ghana that want to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) would have to take advantage and apply standards to what they intend producing for the large African market.
In conclusion, therefore, standards help manufacturers and producers to break into local and international markets. This is possible because such companies, through applicable standards, are able to meet the demand for quality products in line with rising customer demand.
Contact email/whatsApp address of author:
Pradmat2013@gmail.com (0553318911)
By Dr. Kofi Amponsah-Bediako
Features
Who knows tomorrow?
Recently a friend posted a sad news on his Facebook page, announcing the death of a school mate who had passed away, suddenly. The report had it that he was on his way to the airport to take a flight to Ghana.
I am sure this man had already informed the wife or a friend or a work colleague at work that he was returning home but he was not to return as a human being but as a dead body.
Such is life and so we need to be circumspect in how we go about things in life. The Bible reminds us that we are like grass which at one point in time looks elegant and the next moment becomes withered according to Psalm 90:5 and 6. It is for this reason that we need to guard our hearts with the word of God so that we shall be motivated to do the right thing, at all times.
This will enable us live on this planet, free from all sorts of troubles in our personal lives, even if we ignore the question of Heaven and Hell. Living a disciplined life delivers us from any kind of trouble as the Bible declares in Galatians 5:23 that against such there is no law.
The uncertainty surrounding our lives on earth is the more reason why people should commit their lives into the hands of the one who created it, in the first place unless you believe that the world created itself and that it appeared from nowhere.
Otherwise, the logical thing to do is to recognize the authority of the creator and surrender to his Lordship. Heaven is real and Hell is real, so for us who know the truth and have received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the onus lies on us to encourage our relations who have not believed and received Jesus into their lives, to do so.
We are a couple of days from another Easter Resurrection celebration and an opportunity to reflect on our lives in relation to the significance of Easter. In the Bible, the only occasion Jesus, Saviour of the world commands us to celebrate is his death and resurrection.
He never commanded his followers to celebrate his birth but like everything else, we chose to ignore Jesus’s instructions and decided to do what pleases us, just like our forefather and mother in the Garden of Eden.
Let us deliberately choose to do things differently as Christians this Easter, so we can really benefit from all the blessings that the celebration of the death and birth of Jesus, has on offer. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is definitely insanity.
I choose to be different this Easter and I am believing God for a newness of life so God’s glory would be revealed in me to draw the unsaved to him. It is only when people especially the unsaved, see the character of Christ in us, that they can be convinced about the authenticity of Jesus, as Saviour of the world, who can bring transformation in their lives too.
This is what would motivate them to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. Let us make this Easter a memorable one that will be cherished for a long time. It is also a period for reconciliation and it would be great if in the spirit of Easter, we would try to reach out to those who have wronged us or have a grudge against us.
This would demonstrate that we have indeed accepted Jesus and that our religious posture is not a sham. May the good Lord grant us the grace to love our neighbours as ourselves, demonstrating the love of God in the process.
Those who have lost their loved ones and Easter brings sad memories, may the good Lord comfort and strengthen you. God bless.
.NB: ‘CHANGE KOTOKA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO KOFI BAAKO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’
Features
Cosmetic deformities
COSMETIC deformities refer to physical imperfections or abnormalities that affect an individual’s appearance, often causing emotional distress and impacting their quality of life.
These deformities can be congenital, acquired, or result from various medical conditions or treatments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cosmetic deformities, their types, causes, effects, and treatment options.
Types of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can affect various parts of the body, including the face, skin, hair, nails, and teeth. Some common types of cosmetic deformities include:
1. Facial deformities: Congenital or acquired abnormalities affecting the shape, structure, or appearance of the face, such as cleft lip and palate, facial paralysis, or facial asymmetry.
2. Skin deformities: Conditions affecting the skin’s texture, tone, or appearance, such as acne, scars, birthmarks, or skin discoloration.
3. Hair deformities: Abnormalities affecting the hair’s growth, texture, or appearance, such as alopecia, hirsutism, or hair loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
4. Nail deformities: Conditions affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the nails, such as nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail trauma.
5. Dental deformities: Abnormalities affecting the shape, size, or appearance of the teeth, such as tooth decay, tooth loss, or malocclusion.
Causes of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can result from various factors, including:
1. Genetics: Congenital conditions or inherited traits can cause cosmetic deformities.
2. Trauma: Injuries or accidents can result in cosmetic deformities, such as scars or facial trauma.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, or eczema, can cause cosmetic deformities.
4. Treatments and procedures: Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery, can result in cosmetic deformities.
5. Aging and environmental factors: Aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors can contribute to cosmetic deformities, such as wrinkles, fine lines, or age spots.
Effects of cosmetic deformities
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, including:
1. Low self-esteem: Cosmetic deformities can lead to feelings of insecurity, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem.
2. Social anxiety: Individuals with cosmetic deformities may experience social anxiety, avoiding social interactions or feeling embarrassed in public.
3. Emotional distress: Cosmetic deformities can cause emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, or stress.
4. Impact on quality of life: Cosmetic deformities can affect an individual’s quality of life, impacting their relationships, career, or overall well-being.
Treatment options for cosmetic deformities
Various treatment options are available to address cosmetic deformities, including:
1. Surgical procedures: Surgical procedures, such as reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery, or dermatological surgery, can correct or improve cosmetic deformities.
2. Non-surgical treatments: Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion, can address cosmetic concerns, such as skin texture, tone, or appearance.
3. Medical treatments: Medical treatments, such as topical creams, oral medications, or injectable treatments, can address cosmetic concerns, such as acne, hair loss, or nail deformities.
4. Prosthetic and orthotic devices: Prosthetic and orthotic devices, such as wigs, hairpieces, or dental prosthetics, can help individuals with cosmetic deformities.
5. Counselling and therapy: Counselling and therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, can help individuals cope with the emotional and psychological effects of cosmetic deformities.
Conclusion
Cosmetic deformities can have significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals, impacting their quality of life and overall well-being.
Understanding the types, causes, and effects of cosmetic deformities is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Various treatment options are available, ranging from surgical procedures to non-surgical treatments, medical treatments, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and counselling and therapy.
By seeking professional help and support, individuals with cosmetic deformities can improve their appearance, boost their self-esteem, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Reference
1. “Cosmetic Deformities” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
