Personal Ethnography

What is ethnicity? Ethnicities are the common characteristics of a group of people. As a large multi-national country, China is composed of 56 ethnic groups. My family is Han Chinese. Han people are majority people group in the China, account for 91. 59 of the overall Chinese population according to the Fifth National Population census of 2000. I was born and grew up in China so I would account myself, identify as the full-blooded Chinese. I don not have the complicated ethnic background. However Asian Americans have been in American for over 150 years.My ancestors never leave their homeland motivated by seeking political asylum or dreams of a money in my family history. Therefore, my roots allow me to be classified as Chinese. Mandarin is my mother tongue, all my families speak it and read it. All education is conducted in Mandarin. It does not mean there no problem among the Mandarin speakers all around the China because there are over 600 regional dialects except Mandarin. Older g eneration used to speak regional dialects, like my parents often speak Fukienese with my grandparents.Generally, China’s main religion are Buddhism, this was the only foreign religion to be absorbed into and changed by Chinese culture, contributing in many ways to the country’s cultural development. Buddhism is also my family’s beliefs, we will worship Budda in some festivals. No matter the language or the religion also help to identify me as full-blooded Chinese. Other identifying me as a Chinese by my skin color, hair, eyes, other appearance features, and ask me where I come from. I'm a little bit shy at school, and when I have questions or I need help on my subjects, I hesitate to raise my hand.Since my freshman year I have been like this. I attend every class and turn in every homework or project on time, for this reason, they identified me as an Asian, because of the stereotypes placed on Asians my behavior and attitude contributed to people's reasoning. Ch ina is the oldest civilization in the world and Chinese civilization was built on agriculture. The collective (group-oriented) nature of Chinese values is largely the product of thousands of years of living and working together on the land (Hu, Grove 1) Today, China is a communist government with a socialist ideology and a capitalist economy.Traditional festivals are celebrated in many countries all around the world. China with its long history and predominantly agricultural society has large number of traditional festivals. As Eberhard states â€Å"Few nations have such a multitude of romantic and colorful celebrations as do the Chinese† (Eberhard 31). Also, the family not the individual, is the basic unit in China, all festivals are family festivals rather than church or state festivals. The Chinese New Year was and still the most widely celebrated festival throughout the whole China.It is the time for family reunions, a time for visits with friends, a rest for the hard wor k and all sorts of entertainment. That is so true that The Chinese New year is a big event and it should be my favorite festival. The Chinese New year officially lasts one month, but in that very day everyone tries to be at home, families sit all together at a big table to share a delicious dinner. Kids wear new cloths and wait for pocket money from parents, then we have firecrackers to welcome the New year. Usually, the first day of the New Year is devoted to feasting and visiting relatives.On the second or third day friend visit and exchange good wishes. Food is one of the most significant resources in life. All cultures differentiate themselves through their development and attitude toward food. Therefore, there is a wide variation of food, which often has a lengthy developmental history, that symbolizes diverse cultural attitudes; specific foods, such as pasta for Italians, curry for Southeastern Asians, and pierogi for Poles, serve as a focus for ethnic identity (Hirschberg 57) . As a Chinese, I respect all food, and do care about it.Maybe I could say it is the most distinguished cuisine in this world. Americans like pastas, pizza or meat as entrees, however rice is a basic and important food to us. People in western countries like to use butter, cheese as ingredients, but we use soy sauce and bean curd. We have so many different techniques for cooking food, such as boiling, deep-frying and pickling, but they are not always done in the totally same ways. Take an example of boiling, one is cooking in water makes it continues to boil, and the other one is put the stuff in boiled water and then reducing the temperature.However, although Chinese people share the same culture, some food items a re available in only particular regions. I lived in south China, there are many basins and plains, which help the various harvests of food because of the warm and moist growth environment; rice, green vegetables, and animals are produced. Do not like northern China, most likely are grown for wheat. As the globalization, Chinese and Americans are interacting with each other more. The western traveler must be aware of the different greeting styles that exist in China.The most common greeting among the Chinese is Nihao, which means greetings or good day. We do use direct greetings like â€Å"Good morning†, â€Å"Good afternoon†, or â€Å"Good night†. You may use Nihao either on virtually any occasion regardless of the time of day or the social status of the person you are greeting. And the most conventional way to greet a Chinese is simply to say his or her name, perhaps adding a term of respect. For examples, a girl just back from school may call out â€Å"Baba† (Daddy) when greeting her father.I think you should not greet Chinese with kiss, hug or other physical contact beyond handshaking, these nonverbal forms will not be appreciated. given name while in the United States the reverse is true. Prepare for this paper I sea rched for several materials and look up so many book about the Chinese culture. As a Chinese I still learn lots of new acknowledge that I never know before. For instant, like Chinese New year, I did not know the origin of this festival. I would like to share information with others but I don’t want to make a label with racism or others.Racism will never end unless the word race is not used any more. We must stop separating Chinese, American, and Mexican groups. Works Cited Hirschberg, Stuart, and Terry Hirschberg. Every Day, Everywhere: Global Perspectives on Popular Culture. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2002. Print. Eberhard, Wolfram. Chinese Festivals. New York: H. Schuman, 1952. Print. Hu, Wenzhong, and Cornelius Lee. Grove. Encountering the Chinese: a Guide for Americans. Yarmouth, Me. : Intercultural, 1999. Print.

Qualitative article critique Essay

INTRODUCTION There are a number of factors that contribute to effectively conducting qualitative research. It is not only choosing the right field setting or well-formulated research question that counts, but also the reliability of the evidence and the skills of the interviewer make tremendous difference to the outcome of a qualitative research. †Qualitative research involves the scrutiny of social phenomena.†(Gubrium and Holstein 1997, p.11-14). Qualitative researchers look beyond the ordinary and try to understand how participants understand themselves or their world.. Unlike in quantitative research, when conducting a qualitative study, the researcher is considered as the main instrument for data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation (Paisley & Reeves, 2001). The next few pages will critically analyse the qualitative research articles of ‘Russell, L. (2005) It’s a question of trust: balancing the relationship between students and teachers in ethnographic fieldword’ and ‘Kamenou, N. (2008) Reconsidering Work-Life balance debates Challenging Limited Understandings of the ‘Life’ Component in the Context of Ethnic Minority Women’s Experiences(British Journal of Management, Vol. 19, S99-S109). Look more:  problem definition essay 1. RUSSELL, L. ‘IT’S A QUESTION OF TRUST: BALANCING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELDWORK.’ THE AUTHOR IS A â€Å"YOUNG ETHNOGRAPHER RESEARCHING TEENAGERS† (P.193). WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES HER AGE MAKE? In this particular field study, the age of the ethnographer Russell, L. had both a positive as well as a negative impact on the research. This field research was conducted in a naturalism way, this means that the researcher inquires the lives and perspectives of the targeted population as accurate as possible in their natural setting (Gubrium and Holstein, 1997). The researcher Lisa Russell was a young, novice, female, white, northern English ethnographer investigating the sensitive topic of student resistance (Russell, 2005:181). Spradley (1979) refers to ethnography as â€Å"the work of  describing a culture† with the aims â€Å"to understand another way of life from the native point of view†. To get more trust and reliable data of the â€Å"studied culture†, the more similarities of characteristics between the ethnographer and the researched would be an advantage because this could decrease the differences between them. With this as well, the researcher could prepare herself to adapt to the situation that she would be researching. Lisa Russell has the great advantage of her gender, nationality, use of language, size and age to naturally blend in as a member of the studied group, because ethnography relies heavily on observations of interactions and interviews with participants in naturally occurring situation. â€Å"My age helped me engage in and indeed understand discussions† (p.194). Making use of her â€Å"naivety and young age†, her own personal â€Å"reserved† disposition and her figure of being â€Å"smallness in height and build† (p.195), which is not much difference with the teenagers (Lisa mentioned her age is between 23-24 at time of researched), these personal characteristics of the ethnographer has resulted in interaction and a matter of trust that she has experienced with the students. Lisa Russell adapted the role transaction of moving into least adult role in a different way (p.193). As she recaptures her secondary years were not far behind her current phase of life, Lisa was not frightened with certain things she perceived as she was able to relate to her own schooling ‘familiarity’ during those secondary years when she describe â€Å"my novice naivety acted as a benefit when trying to manage impulsive and sometimes shocking behaviour of students† (Russell, p.182). Age also contributed to the way students react to the ethnographer along with what he or she is and is not allowed to do (Hammersley and Atkinson, 1983). This characteristic has worked in Lisa favor, as the students felt unthreatened and therefore more open to express themselves. Also because shadowing and observation is more reliable and efficient if a researcher is unnoticeable and does not affect the behavior of the focus group. Whereas in this study, Lisa’s age is at advantage to observe the researched group and efficiently gather data collection, as a young ethnographer she will face the difficulties of being Lisa being inexperienced, since a  crucial characteristic of ethnography is the characteristic of â€Å"holistic† which means interpreting the data as a whole in order to get a basis for explanation about the gathered information. Assuming that this is her first research as an ethnographer carrying out a field study, subjectivity is a limitation of ethnography. The way ethnographers interpret the field study experience will vary a lot. There is not a set list of answers to choose from but rather the use of notes made by the investigator and later interpreted and categorized by the investigator. The limitation of ethnographic research with reliability is caused by the fact that ethnographic research occurs in natural setting and focuses on processes (Wiersma 1986 and Burns 1994). The accurate replication is very difficult to achieve because an event in natural setting cannot be reproduced. While reflecting to Wiersma (1986) and Burns (1994) about the difficulties of accurate replication of findings, Lisa’s age could be a drawback, because she is a novice ethnographer with limited experience and her abilities to process and evaluate her findings and evidence (interviews, field notes and recordings) could be subjective and a challenging job for a novice. 1.2 WHEN IS A RESEARCHER NO LONGER A NOVICE? WOULD HER RESEARCH HAVE BEEN BETTER DONE BY SOMEONE WITH MORE EXPERIENCE? A novice ethnographer is a beginner researcher who just started in the field of ethnography. Like in any other career function, practice is required to become an expert in the field of choice. To make errors and mistakes will contribute to further understanding and deeper knowledge. To my understanding, a researcher is no longer a novice when the ethnographer is able to observe and participate objectively and subjectively in a field research. Additionally the ethnographer should be able to analyze and interpret the gathered data effectively. It is difficult to conclude whether an ethnographer with more experience would have done the research better. When considering the fact that Lisa took the role as a ‘participant as observer’ (Gold, 1958), she had an advantage of her characteristics: †my quiet, reserved disposition and smallness in height and build influenced the way students and teachers  related to me. I faded into the background. Students would often forget my presence; sometimes teachers and other students mistook me for a student.† (Russell, p.195). This shows that despite that at the time of research, Lisa was a novice researcher she was able to transform herself into the ‘participant as observer’ role, which gave her access to more insights and reliable information. The researched group and the ethnographer established a matter of trust and even build intense relationships (Russell, p.196). Hence, Lisa was able to collect observation and vision of the researched group. â€Å"Being a qualitative researcher, one should note the important linkages between theories and methods, reviews key qualitative methodologies, and highlights challenges and the opportunities† (Gephart, 2004). Referring to Gephart (2004), one might argue that the research data evaluation would have been analyzed and linked better by an ethnographer with more experience. Though in my opinion, a more experienced ethnographer might not have been able to collect as much insight as Lisa, because the researched group might have behave differently, so if a more experienced researcher would conduct the field work, I suggest it would be best to do it covertly. 1.3 IN THIS RESEARCH PAPER WHAT DO YOU LEARN ABOUT: A) THE RESEARCH SUBJECTS AND B) THE RESEARCHER? By critically analyzing the research paper, it informs us that the research subjects were studying at three different sites, namely: two in Birmingham and one in Sydney. As the research topic was to investigate the complex and sometimes contradictory culture(s) of student resistance to schooling (p. 181), students aged between 14-16 were selected carefully chosen by the schools. What is significant about the researched group is that they were skeptical in the beginning when Lisa arrived; it had to be made clear that Lisa would not †telltale†, nor report their behavior to teachers. Names like the â€Å"follower† and â€Å"leech† suggest that during the initial stages the students did not accept Russell as she shadowed them all around. But gradually she  managed to gain one of the most vital aspects of the study – ‘trust’. The researched group proved trust in Lisa because she witnessed inappropriate and illegal activities, such as damage of school property, theft and taking drugs. The fact that students did change their behavior means also that Lisa became invisible to the researched group. What we have learned about the novice researcher is that Lisa used an adaptive approach towards the research and considered how various aspects of her personal disposition affected her entire study. â€Å"Researchers’ reflections on their actions and observations in the field, their impressions, irritations, feelings and so on, become data in their own right, forming part of the interpretation,† (Flick, 2005:6) The researcher’s ability to build relationships and develop rapport with subjects is crucial.† (Thorpe & Holt, 2008:151) In her article, Lisa repeatedly puts an emphasis on her age and naivety, this shows that these facets of her personal characteristics contributed her to engage in discussions and activities with the students, which if she was older wouldn’t have been able to do. Her proximity to their age made it easier for both herself and the students to be able to relate and confide to each other. At the same time it was challenging for Lisa to establish the same bond with the teachers and she felt exceptionally uncomfortable in staffroom conversations. In my opinion, she put a lot of dedication and time into cognizing the narratives and behaviors of the students and failed to do the same with the teachers. Nevertheless when she progressed to the third school her â€Å"heightened confidence and greater experience’ (Russell, 2005:188) made it easier for her to relate to and interact with the teachers. 2. KAMENOU, N. (2008) RECONSIDERING WORK-LIFE BALANCE DEBATES †¦. BRITISH JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, 19 S99-S109. 2.1 THE AUTHOR APPEARS TO HAVE HAD DIFFICULTIES RECRUITING INTERVIEWEES (SEE ESPECIALLY P.S102). WHY, FOR EXAMPLE, MIGHT AN ORGANIZATION WITHDRAW â€Å"FROM THE STUDY CLAIMING â€Å"RESTRUCTURING WAS IN PROGRESS†? (P.102). â€Å"Qualitative research interview seeks to cover both a factual and a meaning level, though it is usually more difficult to interview on a meaning level† (Kvale 1996, p.32). â€Å"Work-life balance means that individuals have ‘successfully’ segmented or integrated ‘life’ and work so as to achieve a satisfying quality of life, overall satisfaction and less strain or stress around juggling conflicting role demands.† (Blyton et al., 2006:2). â€Å"The work-life balance equation† (Kamenou, 2008:S99) is finding harmony between of a number of aspects ranging from career, obligations, family, pleasure and culture. In this article, the researcher argues about the topic: â€Å"on ethnic minority women’s experiences of managing their work and personal lives.† (Kamenou, 2008:S99). Nicolina Kamenou, gathered data via semi structured, in depth interviews primarily with ethnic minority females. Information of ethnic minority men, white women and white men was also collected as comparability. The researcher faced challenging difficulties in obtaining interviewees; only three out of the twenty organizations that were invited â€Å"responded positively to the invitation† (Kamenou, 2008:S102). Ensuing, one of the three organizations disengaged from the research claiming ‘restructuring was in progress’. A research by Spencer (1982) suggests that organizations may restrict access to the organization because they perceive it as a risk, which might endanger their reputation. A possible reason of withdrawal of the company is that the research topic is delicate and related to company’s policies and perspectives concerning ethnicity, culture, religion and class. By granting insights to these sensitive matters, organizations endanger themselves to harmful publicity to the organization’s reputation. A noticeable fact is that the organization that withdrew from the research †published and considered themselves leaders in diversity† (Kameno u, p.102). Hence, this research subject should be of high interest to the organization. Also cooperation to the research could have been positive publicity assuming that the company indeed was a †leader in diversity†. Hence, disengagement of the organization could be a result of hidden narratives of the company, which are not supposed to be revealed. For  example, Kamenou’s article reveals John’s opinions (black Caribbean, Application Manager, Heath Trust, age 34): ‘he did not dress in more traditional clothes because he is afraid that his colleagues might be threatened or have issues’ (Kamenou, p.106). This statement made by John could be interpreted as racism within the company, which consequently could lead to a huge scandal or even a lawsuit. Thorpe & Holt (2008) argue about the importance of informed consent. Participants in a study should be informed about the research objective, participant’s rights to confidentiality and anonymity and what will happen to the data and what parties will have access to it. I believe that when people or organizations are informed about their rights of informed consent, the number of participants in a study will increase significantly. The large finance company that withdrew from the research might have participated in the research if they could get anonymity and total secureness that the companies name would not be published. 2.2 WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PEOPLE IN ORGANIZATIONS WHERE FORMAL ACCESS HAD BEEN GRANTED AND THE â€Å"INDEPENDENT‟ GROUP? Kamenou (2008) invited 20 organizations, of which 2 organizations accepted to participate. Additionally she invited ‘independent groups’ from personal networks so that involvement of subjects from different sectors, qualifications and occupations could enrich the data. Each group would have their own various inputs to the research, and data could be more valid. Personal networking is seen as one of the best ways to get granted access to an organization Carr and Worth (2001). The main obstacle about formal access to an organization is that there might be a matter where companies ask the employees not to unveil certain information about the company or the narratives in the organization. Subsequently there is a high possibility of fear, where the employees do not want to disclose information that could threaten their jobs. However, if the case were that the employee was an acquaintance of the researcher, there would have been confidentiality between the researcher and the interviewee, which would make the interviewee more open and honest during the inquiries. According to Spradley (1979), people who feel comfortable, safe, and valued are more forthcoming than  those who are only considered as sources of information. There is definitely a difference between the interviewed groups, in particular the data richness and disclosure of information between the â€Å"people in organization where formal access had been granted† and the â€Å"‘independent’ group†¦identified through personal networking† (Kamenou, 2008, p.s102). Qualitative research interviews partly consist of open-ended questions, this allows the interviewer to question and inquire further on the answers and likewise, interviewee can share thoughts and experiences. Kamenou (2008, p.s103) argues that â€Å"the semi structured, in depth nature of interview conducted with all participants allowed them the time and space to reflect and discuss their experiences in their own words† (Harvey, 1990; O’Dwyer, 2005) and helped to reduce possible biases in the research process. 2.3 WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE AUTHOR? HOW MIGHT THE IDENTITY OF THE AUTHOR HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE TO THE RESEARCH? In the article the author doesn’t describe herself, neither does she mention on how she could have influenced the research. The article is different from Russell’s ethnography paper, which accentuates strongly on personal observation and self-reflexivity but less on the statistical information. Analyzing her own processes during the fieldwork, Lisa claimed; â€Å"the researcher should employ a reflexive attitude to understand how the interaction between the researcher and the researched, and the researcher’s autobiography, influence the data collected† (Russell, p. 197). The identity and background of the author does have an effect on the research outcome, involving in what is called observers’ bias. Observers’ bias is referred to as the aspect to where the researchers know the objectives or the hypotheses and consequently their knowledge affects the observations and gathered data. Based on the understanding of the researcher about the issue, they will absorb the observations and interviews in which they are interested. It is also likely that researchers unintentionally adjust what they observe from the participants, and mold it to their own perspectives. Therefore, the potential risk is the possibility of misunderstanding or failure to present the accurate perceptions and opinion of participants about the research subject. A way to decrease observers’ bias and to overcome the risk of  revealing misinterpreted data is to use additional observation methods such as blind experiments, tape records, and multi-observers. Using these ‘extra’ tools during the field study could be used as evidence of validity or reused as secondary data for another study. CONCLUSION After critically analyzing both articles of Russel (2005) and Kamenou (2008), I have learned that qualitative research adopts different and various knowledge claims, research strategies, and methods of data collection and analysis. If the research processes are handled carefully it could provide a deeper understanding of the research topics. Qualitative analysis compiles the study of perception, meanings, emotions and behavior, which aim to present original, truthful insights about various human and cultural phenomena. By studying the papers and participating in the seminars, I gained insight and knowledge about the difficulties and challenges faced when carrying out a field study. The various external and internal influences have a crucial impact on qualitative studies and should not be underestimated. The article by Russel (2005) shows us a research conducted by a novice ethnographer, with emphasize on the uncertainties and challenges of her research. Contrast to Russell’s article, Kamenou’s article provides readers with her observations, interviewee’s view and personal life experience, the various responses and the causes of such behavior. I can conclude that both articles are both very interesting and significant. Despite the fact that there were some errors made during both studies, there is no fixed guideline of how to conduct a †successful’ qualitative study. In a way we will always try to understand the unknown, even though it is obvious that every individual has its own unique behavior and perspectives. BIBLIOGRAPHY Blyton, P., Blundson, B., Reed, K., & Dastmalchian, A. (2006) _Work-Life Integration: International Perspectives on the Balancing of Multiple Roles_, 1st ed. New York: PALGRAVE MACMILLIAN Burns, R.B. (1994). _Introduction to Research Methods._ Melbourne: Longman Cheshire. Carr, E., Worth, A. (2001) _The use of telephone interviews for research. Nurse research 6_: 511-525. Flick, U., (2005) _An Introduction to Qualitative Research_, 2nd ed. London : SAGE Gephart, R.P. (2004) ‘_Qualitative research and the_ _Academy of Management Journal_’, _Academy of Management Journal_, 47 (4), 454-462. Gold, R. L. (March, 1958) _Roles in Sociological Field Observations, Social Forces_, Vol. 36 Issue 3, p217 Gubrium, J.F. & Holstein, J.A. (1997) _The new language of qualitative method_. New York: Oxford Hammersley, M. and P. Atkinson (1983), Ethnography: _Principles in Practice_, London and New. York: Routledge,: page 2, 72 – 77. Harvey, L. (1990). _Critical Social Research_. London: Unwin Hyman. Jensen, Klaus B & Nicholas.W. Jankowski (1991): _Handbook of Qualitative_ _Methodologies for Mass Communication Research_. London: Routledge Kamenou, N.(2008) _Reconsidering Work-Life Balance Debates._ British Journal of Management, 19 s99-s109 Kvale, S. ,(1996) ,_’Interviews An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing_, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications,’ Paisley, P. O., & Reeves, P. M. (2001). Qualitative research in counseling. In D. C. Locke, J. E. Myers, & E. L. Herr (Eds.), _The handbook of counseling_ (pp. 481-498). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Russell, L. (2005) _It’s a question of trust: balancing the relationship between students and teachers in ethnographic fieldwork._ Qualitative Research Vol. 5 (2) 181-199 Spencer, G. (1982) _Methodological issues in the Study of Bureaucratic Elites: a case study of West Point. In Burgess, R.G. Field Research: a Sourcebook and Field Manual_. London: George Allen & Unwin. Spradley, J.P. (1979). _The Ethnographic Interview_. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Thrope, R. Holt, R. (2008) _The sage dictionary of qualitative management research._ Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications Wiersma, W. 1986. _Research Methods in Education: An Introduction._ Newton: Allyn and Bacon.

Value of Diversity in the Workplace

The global workplace has made diversity a significant issue. Companies have to adjust how they operate so they can accommodate the diverse customer base that is growing. It is important for any organization to consist of employees who can bring different skills, abilities, and culture to workplace. Developing effective intercultural communication within the workplace will allow the connection between employees and customers with different cultural backgrounds and languages. Introduction In today’s society, a diverse workforce is needed to accommodate the different multicultural backgrounds that make it up.The value of diversity in a workplace is important because of the different sets of skills and backgrounds a company has to offer when trying to solve conflicts and provide effective solutions. This paper will recap an incident that happened at an insurance agency because of the lack of diversity, along with the ramifications, and strategies that may have facilitated a more s uccessful resolution. Diversity issue in the workplace I have experienced how lack of diversity in the workplace can cause conflict for the organization. A few years back I worked for an insurance agency in south Louisiana.The agency consisted of the head agent and owner, who is a male, and four women who worked for him, to include myself. One day a Hispanic couple came in to purchase some insurance policies for their home and vehicles. The issue was the couple spoke only Spanish. The percentage of Hispanics in south Louisiana was very low at the time and there was not a high demand for bilingual employees who spoke Spanish. Because of the lack of diversity in the office, none of the employees spoke fluent Spanish to help the potential new customers. The employees who knew a little Spanish tried to communicate as best they could but to no avail.The couple became very angry at the insurance agency’s poor attempt to communicate with them. They left the office outraged and state d that would never recommend this company to anyone. Ramifications As a result of this lack of diversity in the insurance agency, the agency itself, employees, and potential customers were impacted. The agency lost a customer and revenue because of a lack of diversity in the office. Not only did the company lose one customer but also the potential of future customers that may be recommended from the couple.This issue left the employees upset and stressed about not being able to help a customer. Since the start of business the agency has been a customer- oriented company, and has taken pride in providing the best customer service in the area. This situation left the owner distraught because he lost potential income for his business. To make matters worse, the couple filed a complaint against the agency for not having a bilingual employee in the office. The agency had never received a negative complaint for customer service.Strategies. Diversity in the workplace can help companies avo id unnecessary issues in the workplace. Diversity also gives the company leverage over their competitors. In smaller companies a lack of diversity is almost inevitable, but if approached in the right way it can be avoided. The diversity issue the insurance agency was faced with could have been resolved if the agency had been aware of the influx of the Hispanic population in south Louisiana. In order to stay ahead of the competition, the agency should have kept up on the different types of people moving into the area.In order for the insurance agency to address the lack of diversity for the possibility of future occurrences, the hiring protocol the agency follows will need to be modified. â€Å"A diverse collection of skills and experiences (e. g. languages, cultural understanding) allows a company to provide service to customers on a global basis† (Greenburg, 2004). The possible issue that may arise from this protocol is finding a qualified person with this skill. This approa ch though would not benefit the agency right away because of the low turn around of employees and the low number of employees the agency is able to keep employed.Another way to address the issue would be for the insurance agency to pay for at least one, if not all, of the employees to attend a class that teaches the Spanish language. This task may be hard for the insurance agency to complete because of funding and for the employees because of extra time needed to attend the class. For the future, this type of training would benefit the insurance agency by increasing the potential number of customers it can provide a service to. Conclusion Diversity is becoming a necessity in the workplace in today’s global working environment.A multicultural society forces companies to employ a diverse workforce so they can adapt â€Å"to fluctuating markets and customer demands† (Greenburg, 2004). Having a diverse workforce will appeal to a larger diverse customer base that will benef it the growth for any company.ReferencesGreenberg, J. (2004). Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges and Solutions. The Multicultural Advantage: Career Management and Job Info for Professionals from Diverse Backgrounds. 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Lady Anne Essay

In Richard the third, there are many different female characters that are put in contrast to men. The audience is aware of their presence and effect on the men in the play. In this essay the four main female characters will have a character analysis and viewing scenes when women overcome men or either the men make them look vulnerable. The traditional view of men was that they were Dominant, strong, brave, owner and Lord of all that he possessed. The traditional view of women was the object of possession, weak, obedient and homely. They were taught to stay at home, cook for the husband and bring up the children, also to generally do everything in her power to look beautiful for her husband. Men were expected to go out and work, to bring in money to bring up his family, to treat his wife as he saw fit and to be the master of the house. Shakespeare’s time is actually different to Richard the thirds time, however the view on women is still the same. However, ironically some of the strongest monarchs that England has seen have been women. This shows that although times change, women can still prove to be just as strong as the men. Such as, Bodica who lead her Viking troops into war and defeated the Romans many times. Elizabeth the first was also a very strong monarch in Shakespeare’s time. That time was a patriarchal society, so men, who could influence the characters in Richard the third, dominated it. Women are seen as the victims. However, the longest reigning monarch is Victoria who reigned for 60 years. This demonstrates long life, strength in war and battle, and also strength of mind in many situations. Shakespeare’s female characters have been demonstrated as weak. Such as Lady Macbeth. When she knows she has to murder another human, she calls â€Å"unsex me now†, which would demonstrate her needing to lose her traditional feminine self and caring characteristics to enable her to do such a deed. She has been subverted to the patriarchal society. Another female character that Shakespeare’s written of, is Hero in Much ado about nothing. She plays a weak character that the male villains set up a plot against her in front of her betrothed and other male witnesses. The plot is then announced in front of her whole family and household. She is disgraced and Claudio will not marry her. In order to prove her innocence, she has to deceive all of her household until her innocence is found when she can truly step back into society. However, a very strong character is shown in the same play. Beatrice is a strong minded, outspoken and somewhat swaggering. Especially in her responses when Benedict challenges her, a male character that mirrors her perfectly. If the play were not set in such a loving family environment, she would not be accepted as an honorable wife or possession. How the story ends is her strong character is just a front, and she loses it when she falls in love with her reflective character, as she does not feel threatened anymore. In Richard the third, there are many female characters that reflect Shakespeare’s views on females. The first character analysis is of Lady Anne: She is a woman in control and shows this in the first sexual scene when Richard seduces her. She is shown up at first as weak. She is walking behind the coffin of her dead father; this shows that the strong male in her life is no longer there to support her. She is also in mourning and very vulnerable as she could be bewildered about her emotions. Richard knows this and so he makes sure it is used to his advantage. Everything he says to try and woe her though, she throws back at him. Line 50 Act 1 scene2 â€Å"Foul devil [†¦ ] trouble us not† and on Line 70 â€Å"villain, [†¦ ] no beast so fierce. These are insults thrown at Richard to make it seem like she does not care for his compliments and this male character will not knock her down. She represents female characters as strong in this scene, even if it is just a front to protect her from the exposed position she finds herself in. However, Richard always replies with a compliment in order to woe her and targets her vanity. This works and she shows that she is helpless when she is flattered by comments like†¦ Line 49 act 1 scene 2 â€Å"Sweet saint [†¦ ] be not so curst. † Here, Richard is deluding her whilst aiming at her weakness as he does with each of his victims in different ways. The significance that she is a woman is important because it demonstrates her as being a specific target that he is weakening.

Developing Your Empowering People (Delegating) Skill Essay

Ricky Lee is the manager of the contracts group of a large regional office supply distributor. His boss, Anne Zumwalt, has asked him to prepare by the end of the month the department’s new procedures manual that will outline the steps followed in negotiating contracts with office products manufacturers who supply the organization’s products. Because Ricky has another major project he’s working on, he went to Anne and asked her if it would be possible to assign the rewriting of the procedures manual to Bill Harmon, one of his employees who’s worked in the contracts group for about three years. Anne said she had no problems with Ricky reassigning the project as long as Bill knew the parameters and the expectations for the completion of the project. Ricky is preparing for his meeting in the morning with Bill regarding this assignment. (Robbins, 2012) Assignment. Prepare a 350- to 1,050-word paper detailing how your team would handle the situation described in the scenario The Facts. Presented here are what I consider to be the facts on this scenario. * Rick Lee is the regional manager for the contract group of a large office supply * Rick Lee Reports to Anne Zumwalt * Anne requested Rick to prepare the new department procedures manual * The deadline for the manual preparation is the end of the month * Bill Harmon works for Rick Lee * Bill Harmon has worked in the contract’s group for about three years * Rick asked Anne if he can delegate the preparing of the new manual to Bill * Anne agreed to have the project to Bill Chain of command Anne Zumwalt Rick Lee Bill Harmon Anne Zumwalt Rick Lee Bill Harmon Rick should consider the following five behaviors when he meets with Bill to discuss the delegation of the project (Robbins, 2012): 1. Clarify the assignment: a. Rick must present to Bill the requirements of the project. That is, to prepare the new department procedures manual that will outline the steps to be followed in negotiating contracts with office products suppliers who supply the organization’s products. b. Rick must specifically indicate to Bill he is delegating this responsibility onto him if Bill is willing to accept the project. c. The time constraint of the project has to be clearly stated. According to the scenario, the project hast to be completed by the end of the month. Rick is ultimate project responsibility for successful completion of the project so he needs time to review the manual the manual and incorporate changes before the manual is completed. d. Rick and Bill have to agree on what the end result should be before Bill accepts the task 2. Specify Employee’s range of discretion: e. Bill project is to prepare the new procedures manual, detailing the steps of the contract negotiation process. It is important Bill is aware to what extent he is authorized to make decisions on the steps to be taken, and the order. Rick must indicate he will have the final say regarding the procedures outlined in the manual, and Bill should consult with him if questions arise while defining the creating the procedures. f. Bill will be taking on responsibilities beyond his current role. Bill will be taking part of the Rick’s responsibilities, so he must be made aware he is only dealing with matters related to the preparation of new manual 3. Allow employee to participate: g. Rick and Anne should discuss with Bill the extent of Bill’s responsibility while working on this project. Rather than informing Bill of the extent of his authority, he must participate in making the agreement of the extent of the authority. If Bill is required to use other resources, to what extent is he authorized to set resource’s utilization priority. 4. Inform others that a delegation has occurred h. Bill is part of the contracts group. Rick must inform the rest of the office that Bill has accepted the responsibility of preparing the new manual. i. Also the suppliers have to be informed of this delegation. It is very likely that Bill will be contacting them in the process of generating the new manual. j. Rick must also notify other managers within the organization who may be involved in the preparation of the new manual. k. The communication to other has to indicate the project, and the extent of the authority Bill has been delegated in order to successfully complete the project. 5. Establish feedback channels: l. Rick must agree with Bill on how the progress of the project will be tracked. In addition to tracking the project progress, Bills performance has to be monitored as well. Periodic meetings should be held between Rick and Bill to discuss the progress of the meeting and Bill’s performance. It is not clear from the scenario how much time is available to complete the project. A brief 5 to 10 minute meeting in the morning every other day could be setup between Bill and Rick to discuss the project. m. At the end of the project Rick should have a close out session with Bill to discuss the entire project. In this session Rick should provide feedback to Bill on his performance, based on the parameters that were defined at the beginning of the project. Bill should be recognized for the success of his work, pointing out those areas where he did a great job. Also Bill should be informed of the areas he needs to improve. References Robbins, Stephen P., Mary Coulter. (2012) Management, 11th Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions, VitalBook file.

Breast Is Best Essay Research Paper Breast

Breast Is Best Essay, Research Paper Breast Is Best Breast eating non merely provides the perfect nutrient and nutrient bringing system for babies, it is besides the most household friendly pick a new female parent can do.# 8220 ; Human breast milk contains at least one hundred ingredients non found in cow # 8217 ; s milk and that can non be precisely duplicated in commercial expression # 8221 ; ( Eisenburg 3 ) . As a babe grows and alterations, chest milk automatically individualizes itself for each baby. The foods in chest milk alter themselves to suit the babe # 8217 ; s demands. Breast milk is more easy digested than cow # 8217 ; s milk or expression. # 8220 ; The sum of protein in female parent # 8217 ; s milk ( 1.5 % ) is lower than in cow # 8217 ; s milk ( 3.5 % ) ( Brockport 1 ) , doing it gentler on the baby # 8217 ; s tummy. Soy milk expressions are even further in composing from what nature intended. Brockport besides points out that # 8220 ; an baby that has been breast fed is less likely to go fleshy and it lower s the opportunity of fleshiness later in life # 8221 ; ( 2 ) . Virtually no babe is allergic to breast milk, while # 8220 ; beta-lactoglobulin, a Smith 2 substance contained in cow # 8217 ; s milk can trip an allergic reaction which can be life endangering # 8221 ; ( Denmark 1 ) . Some suspect this to be the cause of certain instances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Denmark states that # 8220 ; for every 87 unnaturally fed babes who die from SIDS, merely three chest Federal babes die from SIDS # 8221 ; ( 1 ) . Nursed babes are about neer constipated because of the easier digestibleness of chest milk. Breast fed babes are less likely to endure from gripes, gas, and inordinate ptyalizing up. They besides seldom have diarrhea-since chest milk seems to destruct some diarrhoea doing beings and to promote the growing of good vegetations in the digestive piece of land, which further discourages digestive disturbance. Large sums of Na are hard for a babe # 8217 ; s kidneys to manage. Breast milk contains one-third the mineral salts of cow # 8217 ; s milk, therefore doing it soft to the kidneys. There is less phosphoric in chest milk every bit good. The higher P content of cow # 8217 ; s milk is linked to a reduced Ca degree in the expression fed infant # 8217 ; s blood. Breast Federal babes are far less likely to go sick during the first twelvemonth than expression fed babes. # 8221 ; The transportation of immune factors in chest milk and in the pre-milk substance, foremilk, provides partial protection. Every clip chest fed babies suckle at their female parent # 8217 ; s chest from the first clip to the last ; they are acquiring a healthy dosage of anti-bodies to bolster their unsusceptibility to Smith 3 disease # 8221 ; ( Eisenburg 54 ) . One recent survey suggest # 8221 ; there may besides be a reduced hazard of childhood malignant neoplastic disease in chest Federal babies # 8221 ; ( Eisenburg 55 ) . Breast Federal babes are well-fed since chest eating plants by supply and demand. The more the babe nurses the greater the female parent # 8217 ; s milk production. Overall, babes that are breast Federals have less wellness jobs than babes that are unnaturally fed. # 8220 ; They have three times fewer ear infections, five times fewer urinary piece of land infections, five times fewer serious unwellnesss and seven times fewer allergic reactions. Babies who are fed mother # 8217 ; s milk entirely, for at least their first 26 hebdomads, are six times less likely to develop lymphoma ( a type of malignant neoplastic disease ) in childhood, and babes breast fed for at least one twelvemonth are merely half as likely to develop diabetes # 8221 ; ( Sears 41 ) . Breast milk can get down a life-time of good wellness for a babe. As grownups, people who were breast Federals have: less asthma, diabetes, fewer tegument upsets, fewer allergic reactions, lowered hazard of bosom onslaught due to take down cholesterin degrees, fewer ulcers, less Crohn # 8217 ; s disease, and protection from certain chronic liver diseases. Breast milk encourages proper development. It promotes # 8220 ; good jaw development # 8221 ; , which has an advantage to proper tooth development and alliance, and # 8220 ; active usage of oral cavity and lingua while breast-feeding encourages proper address development. Switch overing babe from right to go forth arm Smith 4 while feeding promotes balanced oculus musculuss # 8221 ; ( Dermer 1 ) . In add-on, Dermer states that # 8220 ; breast milk enhances structural development of the oculus and allows growing and development of babe # 8217 ; s encephalon and cardinal nervous system ( 2 ) . Recent surveies show higher IQ tonss for chest Federal kids, straight correlated with the length of clip they were breast Federal. Aside from the nutritionary, physical, and mental advantages of chest eating, the chest fed baby tends to be happier and more confident. Obvious are the chest eating advantages to the baby, but what about for the female parent? When a female parent chest feeds her babe, they bond. The skin-to-skin contact and interaction promotes adhering and enhances understanding and credence. A survey from a underdeveloped state found that when chest eating rates were increased among female parents with a important forsaking rate, fewer of these female parents abandoned their babes. Breast eating besides encourages feelings of peace, satisfaction, relaxation, and intimacy. Immediately after birth, the babe # 8217 ; s sucking causes perennial explosions of oxy-toxin to be released which in bend contracts the womb. This protects the female parent from postpartum hemorrhaging every bit good as assisting the womb to return to its normal size, which finally aides the female parent in returning to her pre-pregnancy weight. Mothers who breast provender are at a lower hazard for chest malignant neoplastic disease. Eisenburg tells us that # 8220 ; adult females nursing for a lifetime sum of two old ages lower Smith 5 their hazard before climacteric by 40 per centum. Nursing for six old ages lowers their hazard before climacteric by 66 per centum, and seven old ages of nursing lowers the hazard of chest malignant neoplastic disease throughout a adult female # 8217 ; s life-time to about zero # 8221 ; ( 55 ) . Breast eating besides lowers the hazard of other malignant neoplastic diseases such as ovarian and uterine malignant neoplastic diseases. On a lighter note, allow us non bury God # 8217 ; s natural chest augmentation which enhances the chests appearance far more dexterously than any sawbones # 8217 ; s manus.# 8220 ; Breast eating entirely, without solids or addendums, delays the oncoming of ovulation and monthly catamenial rhythms # 8221 ; ( Dermer 1 ) , which contributes significantly to household planning and child-spacing. In making this, the female parent is practising the lactactional amenorrhoea method which is over 98 per centum effectual in forestalling gestation the first six m onths postpartum. The degree of protection T biddy decreases in relation to the strength and frequence of suckling. In Senegal, where female parents breast provender for an norm of 19 months, and in Bangladesh, where female parents breast feed an norm of 31 months, births are at least two old ages apart. The child-spacing consequence of chest eating is particularly relevant to adult females for whom contraceptive method is unaffordable, unavailable, or unacceptable. Breast milk is readily available and convenient, no bottles to warm or formula to blend. In contrast, trust on bottle-feeding is peculiarly hazardous for households with low incomes and limited entree to clean H2O and fuel. Too Smith 6 frequently, taint occurs when bottles can non be decently sterilized, and malnutrition consequences when babes are bottle-fed liquids such as diluted juices or teas. The economic sciences of breast-feeding are besides of import to see. Breast- feeding saves households clip and money that would be spent on buying infant expression, bottles, wellness attention, and fuel. For illustration, # 8220 ; the mean cost of feeding a six-month old babe is eight hundred and 55 dollars for one twelvemonth # 8221 ; ( Brockport 3 ) , utilizing powdery expression. Concentrated and ready to utilize expressions be even more. This is equal to at least the mean family # 8217 ; s monthly per capita income in many developing states. On the norm, households spend two hundred dollars in wellness attention claims for the norm one twelvemonth old unnaturally fed babe. Because chest Federal babes are healthier than those who receive chest milk replacements, households save clip and money that would be spent on visits to wellness practicians and on buying medical specialties. In short, breast eating enables households to accomplish great autonomy, therefore cut downing their dependence upon commercial ( and interior ) merchandises. The painstaking individual should besides be sensitive to the effects chest eating has on the environment. Breast eating is ecologically sound since it uses merely renewable resources and produces merely biodegradable wastes. In Smith 7 contrast, bottle-feeding utilizations non-renewable resources such as Sn, plastic, glass and Si, and produces non-biodegradable wastes and pollution. Furthermore, while chest milk is produce locally and on demand, bottle-feeding merchandises are frequently transported considerable distances by transnational companies. Eisenburg points out that # 8220 ; Artificial milk involves ; overgrazing of land by cowss, usage of chemical fertilisers to turn the soy, usage of valuable environmental resources for expression production, packaging and transporting of the merchandise, usage of H2O and fuel in commixture and heating the merchandise, waste disposal of the tins, bottles, accoutrements, cartons, etc. Artificial eating additions social and personal wellness attention costs and harmfully effects the environment # 8221 ; ( 56 ) . Harmonizing to the Surgeon General of the United States, 30 to forty per centum of new female parents start off chest feeding their babes. The official end of the Surgeon General # 8217 ; s office is to duplicate the figure so that 70 five per centum of new female parents are breast-feeding. The adult females least likely to breast provender are low-income adult females. Unfortunately, these are the really adult females who are most likely to go corpulent after gestation and whose babes could most profit from the long-run wellness benefits of chest eating.# 8220 ; Ever since Eve put Cain to suckle for the first clip, breast-feeding has Smith 8 been coming of course to female parents and neonates. Right? Well, that is non ever the instance, at least non right off # 8221 ; ( McGough ) . Eisenberg would hold to this statement. Although nursing does come of course, he believes # 8220 ; It comes of course a small later for some female parents and babes than others # 8221 ; ( 58 ) . Sometimes there are physical factors that hamper those first few efforts ; at other times it # 8217 ; s merely a simple deficiency of experience of both participants. Whatever might be maintaining the babe and the chests apart, it won # 8217 ; t be long before they are in perfect sync, every bit long as the female parent doesn # 8217 ; t give up foremost. Some of the most reciprocally fulfilling breast-baby relationships begin with several yearss of fumbling, failed attempts, and cryings on both sides. As a first clip female parent I can associate to challenges of larning to breast-feed. I have a healthy, smart, good adjusted ( non to advert beautiful ) babe miss. I contribute a big portion of those qualities to breast-feeding. I was a chest babe myself, and upon larning that I was pregnant, I had really small vacillation in make up ones minding if I would follow in my female parent # 8217 ; s footfalls. I did extended research on the pros and cons of breast-feeding and came up with really few cons. I feel that chest eating my girl was the first and most of import gift I could give her, aside from love. The satisfaction that I received from nursing her far outweighs any incommodiousnesss that I might hold incurred. The comfort of cognizing that she was acquiring the best, most Smith 9 alimentary nutrient possible is an indefinable one, and the intimacy that we portion because of it is invaluable. Although I was merely able to nurse her for five months, I would non merchandise the experience or the benefits for anything. I hope to be able to nurse my following kid for a twelvemonth. Obstetricians, baby doctors, nurse-midwives, even makers of infant expression agree that breast-feeding is best. No affair how far engineering progresss, there will ever be some things that Mother Nature does best. As Oliver Wendell Holmes the Elder said over a century ago, # 8220 ; A brace of significant mammary secretory organs has the advantage over the two hemispheres of the most erudite professor # 8217 ; s encephalon in the art of intensifying a alimentary fluid for babies # 8221 ; ( 58 ) . Smith 10 Brockport. # 8220 ; Advantages of Breast-feeding # 8221 ; . hypertext transfer protocol: //www.acs.brockport.edu/~bb1368* . Page 1-3. Denmark.. # 8220 ; Breast-feeding for Good Health # 8221 ; Advertisement. Department of Health and Human Services. July 1999. Dermer, Alicia. # 8220 ; Breast-feeding: Good for Babies Mothers and The Planet # 8221 ; . hypertext transfer protocol: //medicalreporter.health.org* . page 1 A ; 2. Eisenburg, Heidi E. Murkoff, and Sandee E. Hathaway. What to Expect the First Year. New York: Workman, 1996. McGough, Patrick. Telephone interview. 13 July 1999. Sears, William. # 8220 ; Ensuring Baby # 8217 ; s Health. # 8221 ; Rearing. January 1998.

Decisions Business Scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Decisions Business Scenario - Essay Example e saying goes â€Å"A problem is a chance for someone to do his/her best.† Hence effective decision making, is often required and the first step in the decision making process is to define the problem so that the available information may be collected, analysed, summarised and studied to find out suitable solutions to the problem on hand. This paper attempts to formulate problems relating to the expansion of the business of the company Nestle Waters in the country Dega, which appears to be a potential market but surrounded by a multiplicity of problems that need to be addressed if the company wants to successfully launch and maintain its business. The First part of the paper deals with the problem formulation using appropriate tools and techniques. Before we step in to the analysis of the problems in the business scenario of the company ‘Nestle Waters,’ a brief background of the company and the country, where the company is contemplating to expand, is produced below for a better understanding of the problem environment by the readers: Dega is a South Pacific Island comprising of multi religious ethnic people, some with European origin and sizeable American settlers having half of indigenous religion and remainder belonging to Christianity, Buddhism and Islam. Major languages include English, Spanish and French in addition to the local indigenous language. The natural resources include agricultural commodities like coffee, cocoa spices and banana, petroleum and natural gas. Main industrial orientation is towards fishing and tourism. The island is vulnerably exposed to all natural calamities like Tsunami; earthquake and so on and also is fighting HIV/AIDs and Terrorism. With 103 factories working in 36 countries Nestle Waters accounted for a turnover of 5.7 billion in 2005. The company employs 30,000 people and is currently enjoying a market share of eighteen percent. The company bottles seventy-five brands of mineral water and market them all over the world.

A Relationship between Followers and Leaders Thesis

A Relationship between Followers and Leaders - Thesis Example Leadership is one of the most discussed topics in the contexts of scholarly domain, the work and organizational environment. Most authors have delved into research that is aimed at shedding light on the various leadership styles, basing their arguments on leadership theories that were earlier developed by scholars such as Conger and Kanungo, Weber, Bass and Lewin among others. Leadership in itself gives a sense of positive direction to the involvement of human resources and brings out the best from the employees thus meeting the organizational goals. Charismatic leadership, transformational leadership, autocratic leadership, and bureaucratic leadership are just but a few examples of leaderships that are applicable cross several organizations. Some leadership styles are rigid whereas some flexible to change of any sort that is inevitable in any organization.Demographic change makes leadership an aspect of critical necessity because the war of talents is getting harder than ever before . Most people are getting educated on leadership, making it necessary for the leaders to change their styles of leadership to those that are effective in meeting the organizational objectives. The best leadership style will not only be able to make a company or organizations realize its objectives but also change the face of the organization. Additionally there are also changes that are bound to take place in the organization

Review of an Academic Research Paper Literature Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Of an Academic Research Paper - Literature review Example Educational validity is influenced by the representational validity problems, and methods of implementing the simulation (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, p.707). The representational problems of validity emanate from algorithmic validity, and the percentage of reality that aims to achieve the necessary learning. Other factors that influence representational validity are prejudices that emanate from designers, and the effectiveness of simulators in helping partakers to understand the simulation representation (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, P. 709) ). To achieve educational validity, it is important to apply the principles of experiential learning. Experiential learning involves the use of senses to construct learning by undergoing through different problems, and later on reflecting on them, for purposes of understanding the problem and its solution. Robinson (2005) also agrees with the articles proposition that, there is no process for the design, implementation, and validation of total enterprise simulations. For purposes of providing a structure for a validation investigation, the following are formulated theoretical prepositions. Klein (1985) agrees with the articles argument which states that simulation is successful is successful if participants manage to prove that their experiences during the process changed their attitudes regarding the management of businesses. This method gives investigators a chance to acquire meaningful and an all-inclusive characteristics of events that shape the real life. Case studies explain real life phenomena’s that are impossible for experiments and surveys to describe and offer a solution (Stainton, Johnson and Borodzicz, 2010, p. 712). The main aim of construct validity is to create accurate operational measures for purposes of using it during the process of data collection. Therefore, it is important to operationalize total enterprise simulation in order to measure it. External validity

Vedanta and Yoga Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Vedanta and Yoga - Essay Example Rather than a firm communal set of beliefs, the religion stays as a composite of diverse philosophical and intellectual viewpoints with no single founding pioneer. The smriti and sruti of Hindu texts encompass philosophy, temple building, theology and rituals amid other subjects of the Hindu religion. Agamas, Upanishads and Vedas constitute some of the leading scriptures of Hinduism. Hinduism stands in the third position after Christianity and Islam worldwide (Rinehart 2004, pp. 155-177). This paper seeks to outline ways in which the Vedanta and Yoga introduced a revolutionary new aspect to Hindu religion. Vedanta encompasses the theoretical foundation of classical Hinduism formed from Upanishads whereas Yoga entails the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali approaches in generic Hinduism. Attacks became launched by the Upanishads of age to increase the concentration on rituals. In this regard, the different monistic theories of the Upanishads became incorporated into a theistic context by the Bh agavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture. In the early centuries, several Hindu based philosophical schools became formally organized together with Vedanta and Yoga. Moreover, the development of Indian philosophies came along with the booming of both Buddhist and Hindu philosophies from the fifth to the ninth century. Vedanta emerged as the most solitary prevailing and influential philosophical school of thought. As a result, Sanskritic culture declined following the Gupta period. In addition, a religious convention became established among the pre-educated ethnic societies going through acculturation under the influence of the first medieval Purunas. Similarly, Dharmashastras and Brahmamic codes of Hinduism beliefs also experienced drastic transformations under the Purana authors. This resulted into the emergence of conventional Hinduism that in turn dominated over all formerly known traditions (Rinehart 2004, 179-202). Pujas based Hindu gods eventually replaced the Buddha royal spher es in the eighth century. In the same period, the Buddha royal spheres also became transformed into a Vishnu avatar. Additionally, the academic discipline of studying Indian culture on a European viewpoint came to be introduced in the nineteenth century. Certain societies endeavored to incorporate and bring together Dharmic and Abrahamic philosophies in establishing societal reforms. The same period also marked the emergence of very innovative movements founded on the teachings and personalities of individuals which remained deep-rooted in the aboriginal tradition of the religion. Moreover, prominent philosophers of Hinduism reframed, transformed and provided the religion’s introductory manuscripts for present-day audiences in new restatements in order to raise Vedanta and Yoga profiles in the West as well as attracting attention and followers (Sivananda 1999, n.p.). Vedanta indicates atman to be inarticulate from Brahman’s in the end, and that the objective of life wo uld be to recognize that an individual’s atman stays indistinguishable from that of Brahman. According to the Upanishads, an individual completely conscious of atman as the personal significance of one’s own self comprehends a personality with Brahman and in so doing reaches moksha. Hence, moksha relies on God’s grace and love towards Him whereas atman relies on God. Traditional Vedanta considered pratyaksa and anumana to be valid but inferior while shabda pramana to be the most dependable wealth of knowledge. Also, Vedantic philosophies became systemized into a single coherent discourse.

Investigate the Potential Opportunity of Marketing This Brand In the Assignment

Investigate the Potential Opportunity of Marketing This Brand In the UK for a Pharmaceutical Company - Assignment Example Other than this, it also helps in identifying the defects, deficiencies as well as the problems present within the marketing activities of the organization so that it might be easily reduced. Thus, marketing audit helps in analyzing three areas such as external and internal marketing environment as well as current marketing strategies. External marketing audit The pharmacy market of UK by PESTEL In this age of globalization and industrialization, advancement is witnessed in each and every segment. Similarly, the organizations operating under the umbrella of pharmacy market also amplified its market share and growth rate with a rapid pace as compared to any other organizations. Due to which, its annual growth rate (CAGR) enhanced by 15.7% as well as profit margin increased by 21.6 % in the year 2012- 2013. This proved extremely beneficial for the economy of UK thereby rebounding itself from global economic downturn. It became possible due to the huge contribution of the Pharmacy compa nies towards the gross domestic product (GDP) and gross national product (GNP) of the economy. Other than this, due to the improvement of the per-capital income of the individual of United Kingdom, the purchasing power of the customers also increased. This proved extremely effective for the Pharmacy organizations thereby amplifying its profit margin and productivity to a certain extent as compared to others. Moreover, the implementation of the varied policies of the government in order to make the requirements of healthcare more affordable and accessible, also acted as a boon for the pharmaceutical organizations. Due to which the net income and revenues of the organizations operating under... This paper stresses that the products of Bursti in the competitive market of UK, it’s extremely essential to follow competitive pricing strategy. This is because; without following such strategy, Bursti might not be able to establish the brand image and dependency within the minds of the customers. As a result, the profit margin and total sale of the products of the brand might not get enhanced that might hinder the goodwill of the organization. Other than this, Bursti might try to offer high attention over advertising so as to increase the level of awareness of the customers. This might prove effective for the organization in enhancing its market share and status This report makes a conclusion that the pattern of disorders is also changing rapidly and so at times the medical practitioners fail to analyse the main cause of the disorder. This means, the disorder might be due to genetics, diet, climate or many other factors. So, the organization of Bursti might also try to develop the medicines that might also rectify the disorders arising due to genetics or even diets. Only then it might cope-up with such type of challenges in an effective way thereby amplifying its productivity and brand value. The author of the paper talks that the policies and strategies of the government supporting Pharmacy industries are changing rapidly. Therefore, the organization of Bursti needs to offer the products and its features in such a way so that, it might remain sustained in its position.

Commercial Aircraft Marketing to Carriers Research Paper

Commercial Aircraft Marketing to Carriers - Research Paper Example Apart from increased level of globalization, the factor concerning gaining momentum of internationalization also made the business market much complex as well as competitive at large. From the overall analysis, it can be affirmed that marketing techniques along with procedures are often viewed to be the imperative aspects of an organizations’ life cycle. The main importance of implementing a proper and an effectual marketing strategy is to deliver active support to an organization towards fulfilling its expected business targets by a greater level. With this concern, it has been viewed that the aircraft manufacturers also uses certain significant marketing techniques along with procedures in order to market their respective aircrafts to potential customers. In this respect, the marketing techniques as well as the procedures that used by the aircraft manufacturers have been viewed to be product innovation, technological development, effective fleet planning, and enhancing environmental performance among others. The aircraft manufacturers strongly believes that with proper and effective adoption as well as exploitation of the aforesaid marketing techniques, they can successfully market their products to their respective potential customers by a considerable level. Thus, it can be concluded that the aforementioned marketing techniques and procedures can support the different aircraft manufacturers towards attaining greater competitive position and most vitally to sustain in this competitive landscape. ... partment of any aircraft manufacturer to analyze the market demand and prepare a blue print of what is needed by its potential aircraft manufacturers. It has been apparently observed that the aircraft manufacturers often execute the aspect of fleet planning as one of the effective marketing techniques as well as procedures for the purpose of attracting along with retaining their potential customers in terms of panning their purchase of new aircrafts efficiently (Avjobs.Inc., â€Å"Airline Economics†). Technology Development In terms of technological development, it has been apparently observed that major aircraft manufacturers often engages in introducing, executing as well as developing pioneering technologies in order to market their aircrafts to different potential airline customers. The formation of the new technologies along with the pioneering production plants has eventually supported the aircraft manufacturers to attain their respective predetermined business targets. Apart from marketing the products i.e. the aircrafts, the aircraft manufactures are often viewed to develop innovative technologies for the purpose of lessening operational costs along with overheads by a considerable level. This ultimately supports them to attain superior competitive position in the respective industry. Relating to this significant aspect of technology development, the aircraft manufacturers have been viewed to be manufacturing numerous aircrafts that possesses greater operational effectiveness as well as superior performance levels in order to market those to their respective potential customers by a significant level. It is worth mentioning that the technological development or the technological innovations not only supported the different aircraft manufacturers towards

Group project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Group project - Essay Example While Gamefly offers both purchasing and renting service on subscription basis for video games for every gaming console there is. Apart from this gamefly also own a series of websites provide detailed information on video games and Kongregate.com is one of the closely associated companies. Also Joltonline is another key company.Warner Bros, Wea Corp for the release of Transformers 3. Apart from that it is working with Virgin corp are in a partnership to power online video games competition. Sequoia Capital are termed as Entrepreneurs behind entrepreneurs are one of the major investors. Other is Tenaya capital the other major investor. Partnerships with Del taco and Six flags theme park for summer long promotions. Apart from that Bawls a non alcoholic carbonated beverage had also partnered with Gamefly. Gamestop wants to portray the image that the company prefers customer satisfaction at the most, they intend to make the experience at their outlets a wonderful experience for each and every customer that visits them irrespective of the age bracket they belong too. Gamefly on the other hands wants their customer to save their hard earned money and spend in wisely while spending it on something which is expensive at the most apart from it being short lived if the wrong choice is made. So they want to offer their customer an opportunity to minimize spending on the wrong choice they made and provide them with new

The Role of Business in Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Role of Business in Society - Essay Example Thus, the individuals that approach decisions in this perspective feel that ethics in business is vital for maximum profits. In addition, decisions can be overlooked from the stakeholders’ point of view. In corporate social responsibility many firms make decisions and consider the interests and needs of the company’s stakeholders. This does not just base on the financial stake of the organization’s losses and profits. The various organizations which approach to vital issues in a firm from the perspectives of the stakeholders consider how the decisions have an impact to the people outside and inside the organization. The stakeholders can either affect or be affected by the decisions and actions of a particular firm. Though the shareholders are stakeholders, they are not the only ones. Furthermore, other stakeholders include customers, suppliers, employees and competitors. In decision making, the stake holders make decisions that favor the affected parties. The managers are very vital in the decisions of the firm as they establish the ethical tone. The managers control the view of the employees on profits. They set the recommended by the employees in ethical operation of the company. In the perspectives of the managers they set the business environment that encourages the other employees. For the company to operate in an ethical manner, the managers come up with decisions that encourage the employees to behave ethically. Therefore, the manager lead well to serve as an example to the employees. Business firms are supposed to assess their weaknesses and strengths in responding to the opportunities and threats in the environment. The marketing objectives of most businesses aim at improving and increasing the satisfaction of the customer or increasing the sales. In contrary there are several constrains that can hinder the business from proceeding. This

Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 1

Human Resources Management - Essay Example Two other key characteristics of HRM, compared to PM, is that the former is proactive, referring to the long term needs and conditions of the organisation, and it is based on the rule that employee performance is related to employee satisfaction (Pravin 2010, p.12). In opposition, PM addresses only current organisational needs, ‘being reactive in nature’ (Pravin 2010, p.12). Also, PM is ‘employee-centered focusing on existing employee workforce’ (Pravin 2010, p.12). The development of the workforce, in terms of hiring of new employees but also in terms of training of existing employees, is not among the priorities of PM. In Marks and Spencer emphasis is given not only on existing workforce but, mostly, on the continuous development of workforce so that organisational needs, which tend to change continuously, to be addressed (Marks and Spencer 2012). From this point of view, it could be noted that Marks and Spencer is a proactive organisation, promoting emplo yee strategies that aim to respond not only to current but also to future organisational needs (Marks and Spencer 2012). ... is given on contracts of employment where in HRM effort is made so that the communication between the HRM and the employee to be developed out of contracts, b) from the same point of view, in PM following strictly the rules is critical, while no such trend appears in the HRM, while emphasis is given rather on keeping communication and collaboration in the organization at high levels, c) moreover, PM practices are strictly aligned with the organizational practices while for HRM it is more important to follow the organization’s values, which are often ignored in practice, d) in PM the close monitoring of employees’ performance is quite important while in HRM a trend of nurturing employees seems to be promoted; this trend means that employees are offered the chance to review their thoughts and behaviour within the organization so that they are able to respond more effectively to the demands of the tasks assigned to them. P2. Usually, the activities incorporated in HRM aim to support different needs of both the organisation and the employees. For example, reference can be made to the hiring process. This process needs to be carefully designed so that it is effective, leading to the selection of employees that can respond to particular demands of the organisation. The selection process can help an organisation to achieve its goals in the following way: by choosing appropriate staff, managers can secure the successful completion of organisational tasks (DeCenzo and Robbins 2007); in this way, the achievement of organisational goals can be guaranteed. Moreover, payroll, which is also a HRM activity, needs to be fair, so that conflicts within the organisation are avoided. At the same time, payroll needs to be based on the organisation’s performance and future prospects,

CURRENT EVENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

CURRENT EVENT - Essay Example Certain theorists have even stated that individuals even remain poor as they give up and submit to the culture experienced by the poor class. Individuals who become a part of this culture feel that they cannot change their economic scenario. They give up on the idea of competing and they feel that they are inferior to others and do not have the power to change things around. Sociologists are basically conducting a stereotypical behavior when they suggest that an individual remains poor due to his own activities. This is because not everyone in the poor class gives up or are not future oriented, those who get the option and chance try their best to turn their current economic conditions. The real reasons due to which an individual’s faces poverty are limited access to education and highly paid jobs. Several theorists even believe that individuals prefer not working at all in jobs that demand high amount of time and costs and they rather live on aid given to them by the governme nt, due to this the government’s aid has been questioned constantly. ... Scientific and psychological studies have even proved that poverty leads to major consequences such as elevated amount of stress, issues with family and work life and improper decision making. The bible pays emphasis to poverty and poor people, the bible has ordered Christians to help those people who are in need and this help is to be provided to them by those who are in better positions. Thus, it is the job of the wealthy to help the poor class; this will help in decreasing the difference between the economic conditions of the poor and the rich. According to conflict theorists, there is lot of wealth in current society and in these societies no individual should live without being able to acquire their basic necessities. They even stated that there is existence of poverty in the society just because those in power have the desire for poverty to exist (Zastrow, 1990, p508). They even believe that the poor people who are working are being paid very low salaries and wages just for the reason of ensuring that their employers remain wealthy at the expanse of poor working class. They even believe that people are unemployed because those who have the authority do not want these people to gain employment and that is why they keep standing against programs that can reduce the rate of unemployment. These programs include training sessions and education, these programs are rejected by the powerful because the powerful do not have the intention of giving away money as taxes and want to save that money even. Wealthy individuals fall in the category of people who are individualistic and they believe that individuals face poverty due to their own lack of efforts rather than the situations that are not in the control of these individuals. Wealthy individuals

Module 3 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Module 3 - Case Study Example To develop one’s plan of action for each child, aside from indicating their respective areas of interests, the additional information would could enhance the development and design of differentiated instructions include: preferences of using identified instructional materials (technological applications, games, or visually designed projects). Also, it would be helpful to determine from their respective parents the academic support accorded outside the classroom (use of computers, tutors, mentors, and other enriching activities). The information would help in the design of compacted and differentiated instruction; as well as in monitoring the performance of the child outside the traditional classroom setting. Actually, the strategies and recommended differentiated instructions were effective in achieving the identified goals. For Mark, it was important to gain interpersonal skills; aside from exhibiting excellence in the subjects which were noted. For Katrina, it was crucial to mitigate any potential negative impact of having to retain her to Grade 3 level. As such, it was correct to solicit the inputs of parents, as well as to refer the children for consultation and evaluation with the school psychologist, who could assess the condition of the children, their accurate competencies and skills, and the preferred intervention, as

Defamation is it for the rich Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 7000 words

Defamation is it for the rich - Essay Example It is evident from the research that the law of defamation appears to be rather simple since a plaintiff seeking to substantiate a claim is generally required to establish that the defendant made/published defamatory statements and that those statements referred to the plaintiff or at the very least, any reasonable or objective person would conclude that the statements referred to the plaintiff. However, below the surface, there are barriers contained in common law precedents and statutory provisions that complicate an otherwise simple requirement to the extent that access to justice is not so straighforward. For instance, the word â€Å"malice† consistently appears in the Defamation Acts and case law although proof of malice is merely a theoretical requirement and is â€Å"purely formal†. As W. Horton explains:â€Å"Though the word (maliciously) is usually inserted in the plaintiff’s statement of claim, no one takes any notice of it at trial except for the purp ose of inflating damages where there has been spite or deliberateness.† Be that as it may, the overuse of the word malice is only a small token of the complexities with which act as an impediment to a straightforward defamation law suit. The more serious issues are found in the substantive law. For instance, defences such as fair comment and truth are typically available but will only protect opinionated statements and will do nothing to protect statements of fact. While there are other defences the underlying goal of defamation law is to provide for the accuracy and fairness of published or communicated statements.

Lies My Teachers Told Me Essay Example for Free

Lies My Teachers Told Me Essay As I watched the video and read parts of the books, I began to wonder why they would lie. Throughout school, they teach us to be honest and truthful in everything we say and do. So therefore why would they lie to us? According to James W. Loewen, Taking ideas seriously does not fit with the rhetorical style of textbooks, which presents events so as to make them seem foreordained along a line of constant progress. He goes on to say that including ideas would make history contingent. It would present uncertainty. That would not be consider a textbook learning style. Textbooks unfold history as melodrama, instead of with drama or suspense. An example would be John Brown. The treatment of Brown, like the treatment of Slavery and Reconstructino, has changed in American history books. John Brown was considered insane from 1890 until 1970, then slowly began to change back over into sane. Some textbooks emphasize the claim that no slaves actually joined John Brown. At times, I think it would just be easier to go back in time like in the movie Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure. Not only would we get the truth, but we would have seen bits and pieces of it. I think more and more students would enjoy history more if we actually got the truth rather than lies. I think that if we had the suspense and drama, we would learn more. To me in high school, history was a mixture of english and math. All of the boring parts of those two classes combined into one. The teacher was not much better either. I think if the teacher made it more exciting.

HIV Vaccines Essay Example for Free

HIV Vaccines Essay A vaccine is a biological preparation intended to improve an individual’s immunity to a specific illness or disease. Most vaccines are composed of weakened or killed forms of an agent that resembles a disease-causing microorganism. A typically safe version of the pathogen, which is unable to cause the disease, is then produced by the altered or inactivated state. Once the vaccine is administered into the blood stream, the agent is recognized as a foreign body, which then triggers the process of active immunity, which in turn builds up antibodies to fight this particular pathogen (Wisegeek). Vaccination is intended to provide protection so that if the body comes in contact with the same type of disease in the future, the immune system will already have memory antibodies to fight the disease before symptoms occur. Since the introduction of vaccines for illness causing pathogens, diseases such as measles, polio and the common flu have greatly decreased in occurrence. With that being said, not all vaccines have been proven to be safe or effective. One virus that does not yet have an effective preventative vaccine is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the human immune system. Transmission of the virus can occur in many different ways; through contact of infected secretions of one person with the genital, oral, or rectal mucous membranes of another person. HIV can also be transmitted through blood and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or through breast milk (Healthmagic, 2010). The virus is characterized by its two glycoproteins: gp120 and gp41. The larger of the two glycoroteins is gp120, this molecule is the primary site of attachment to CD4 receptors of the host cell and while also triggering inflammation when shed into the blood. Gp41 promotes fusion to a target cell while remaining on the cytoplasmic membrane. HIV infects four types of cells: helper T cells, macrophages, smooth muscle cells and dendritic cells. Attachment and entry of HIV into T cells and macrophages occurs in three steps. In the first step, gp120 binds to the CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) molecules on a host cell; forming a complex known as gp120-CD4 complex. Second, this complex binds to a chemokine receptor, which removes gp120 from the virion. This process if finalized when the virion binds to a cell. Once bound to a cell, the virion’s envelope contacts and fuses with the cytoplasmic reticulum through the medium of the gp41. The HIV capsid then gets insinuated into the cytoplasm; however its covering of gp41 gets left behind and becomes part of the cells cytoplasmic membrane. With gp41 remaining on the cytoplasmic membrane, it is then able to fuse with over 500 cells to form a syncytium, which is a giant cell with multiple nuclei. This fusion is very dangerous because it allows HIV to move from cell to cell without being exposed to any antibodies that are in the blood. During synthesis, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, transcribes the double stranded DNA using TRNA as a primer in the cytoplasm. Reverse transcriptase is prone to making a lot of errors during this process which generates an abundance of new antigenic variations of HIV. The double stranded DNA then enters the nucleus and is inserted into a chromosome by the enzyme integrase. Once the double stranded DNA is integrated into the cellular DNA it remains a part of it for life. Once the newly infected double stranded DNA is integrated into the chromosome, it cannot be changed or counter acted. However, there are various therapeutic vaccines to help regulate the virus (Bauman, 2011). Therapeutic vaccines are designed to help treat people who are HIV positive by controlling the virus. Those who are infected with HIV and live with it for an extended period of time, start to develop antibodies on a specific part of the glycoprotein 120, which is in charge of initiating the activation of HIV. This antibody, C5, is known to be crucial in producing certain antibodies that are able to control HIV by regulating its hyper action that destroys the human immune system. However, induction of these antibodies cannot occur unless GP120 is at the surface of the virus. In order for gp120 to be at the surface of the virus, gp41 and the antibody C5 must fuse. This is a process that is unable to occur on its own (Bionor Pharma, 2010). The therapeutic vaccine Vacc-C5, invented by Bionor Immuno, is an antibody-mediated vaccine that binds C5 and gp41 together so that the antibodies from C5 can be effective and help regulate the virus. A preventative vaccine is designed to prevent individuals from getting HIV. Over the recent years there have been many studies and attempts to create an effective vaccine to prevent HIV but unfortunately none have been proven to be successful. A good example of a preventative vaccine, that had hopeful prospects, is the AIDSVAX vaccine developed by Philip Berman. AIDSVAX is composed of a synthetic version of the glycoprotein 120, a part of the HIV’s envelope, which the virus uses as a mechanism to latch onto and enter the cell. This version of gp120 was meant to stimulate the production of antibodies against strains of HIV that it resembles, giving immunity to the strain of HIV. However, this vaccine was proven ineffective after the clinical trials. Near the part of the gp120 that attaches to the cell, there is a chain of a specific sequence of amino acids called the V3loop. The V3loop is the most variable part of the glycoprotein and in order for an envelope vaccine to produce an antibody response; it has to be against the exact strain of the virus (Brian Deer). HIV is a virus that has many different strains and is also constantly going under mutations within replication therefore preventing the AIDSVAX vaccine from halting the infection of the virus. The development of vaccines against HIV has not yet reached a point of success. HIV is a virus that has many characteristics that make it highly difficult to prevent and treat. HIV is capable surpassing immune response because of its ability of generating many antigenic variants; due to it being so highly mutable. Also, not only does HIV attack the various cells in the body that combat infections in the immune system but it can also spread through syncytia via formation by gp41, evading detection from immune defence all together. Vaccine development is still an important tool in healthcare because there are still millions of people who currently live with the disease and many who are at a high risk of contracting it. However, even with the many developments in medical research, the production of vaccines is still a costly procedure which also presents ethical and medical problems. In the meantime, the spread of infection must be slowed through the increase of awareness and availability, of information on the risks of contracting the disease. In order to avoid contraction, Health Care Providers must provide the public with information about safer practices, such as; safe sex and the proper use of sterile needles and syringes for injections. They can also promote proper blood screening procedures and spread information on medications, therapeutic vaccines and other ways an individual who already has HIV can prevent the spread of the virus as well.

Management Strategies in Healthcare

Management Strategies in Healthcare 1.1 List factors under the control of healthcare managers that contribute to the decrease in the number of people applying to health professions schools. Describe the steps that healthcare organizations can take to improve this situation. The factors that contribute to the decrease in the number of people applying to health professions schools can be identified through making use of an environmental assessment. Environmental assessment is a vital element of strategic human resources management. Factors affecting the healthcare environment are as follows: increasing workforce diversity, aging workforce, shortages, different changes in terms of the values and attitudes of the workers, and advancement of technology (Fried Fottler, 2011). Managers are expected to have the knowledge both on the present and future operating environments. He or she must assess the internal strengths and weaknesses for him or her to formulate plans based from the results of the assessment. They responded to these factors through the different internal structural change, which includes the following: development of network structure, collaborating with healthcare systems, participating in mergers and acquisition, developing work teams, developing quality improvement, making use of telecommunication, leasing the employees, outsourcing work, making use of additional temporary or contingent workers, and forming medical tourism (Fried Fottler, 2011). The strategic approach to human resource management that can be used to improve this situation are as follows: assessment on both the organization’s environment and mission, formulating a business strategy, identifying the different HR requirements needed to implement business strategy, comparing the current HR inventory to future strategic requirements in terms of numbers and required skills, developing HR strategy to close the gap on both the current inventory and future requirements, and implementing appropriate HR practices to strengthen the business strategy (Fried Fottler, 2011). The seven HR managements can also be used to intervene the given situation. These includes the following: providing employment security, using different criteria during the selection of personnel, making use of self-managed teams and taking decentralization to be the basic elements of organizational design, offering a high compensation, training extensively, reducing status distinction and barriers, and sharing performance and financial information (Fried Fottler, 2011). References Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 1.2 What are the organizational advantages of integrating strategic management and human resources management? What are the steps involved in such an integration? The advantages of integrating strategic management and human recourse management are as follows (Fried Fottler, 2011): Proactive behavior is encouraged rather than reactive behavior. Company goals are communicated explicitly. Gaps between the current situation and a vision of the future are focused on. Line managers are involved in the human resource planning process. Human resource opportunities and constraints are identified in implementing strategic plans. In addition to that, it also improves clinical outcomes, enhances service quality, increases market share, and improve financial returns (Fried Fottler, 2011). The strategic approach to human resource management steps are as follows: assessment on both the organization’s environment and mission, formulating a business strategy, identifying the different HR requirements needed to implement business strategy, comparing the current HR inventory to future strategic requirements in terms of numbers and required skills, developing HR strategy to close the gap on both the current inventory and future requirements, and implementing appropriate HR practices to strengthen the business strategy (Fried Fottler, 2011). References Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 2.1 Describe the process of professionalization. What is the difference between a profession and an occupation? Use what you do as an example. Professionalization is considered as a social process by which there is a transformation of any trade or occupation into a real profession. The process includes developing acceptable qualifications, a professional body, or even an association that will oversee the conduct of members of the profession. This process tends to develop the group norms of conduct and insists that the members of the profession must follow with the developed procedures and of any agreed code of conduct (Crossman, 2014). The difference between these two terms is important because healthcare continues to evolve. The terms occupation and profession are usually used interchangeably; however, these terms can be differentiated. Occupation is one’s principal activity and means of support. High skilled specialization is not required. It is usually supervised, follows to a defined work schedule, and earns an hourly wage. A person in an occupation is usually trained for a particular job or function, and because of this, they are less able to transfer from one organization to another (Fried Fottler, 2011). In profession, knowledge and training are required. They have more authority and responsibility compared with non-professionals. They follow a code of ethics. In addition to that, they have more autonomy in determining the content of service he or she provides as well as in monitoring his or her workload. Furthermore, a professional earns a salary, obtains a higher education, and works in independence and mobility compared with a nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). In my own personal experience, I am a professional nurse. I was able to finish 4years of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As a professional nurse, I underwent trainings, follow a code of ethics, and passed a state licensure examination to practice my profession. References Crossman, A. (2014). Professionalization. Retrieved from http://sociology.about.com/od/P_Index/g/Professionalization.htm Fried, B., Fottler, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Health Administration Press, Chicago, IL. AUPHA Press, Washington D.C. 2.2 Describe the major types of healthcare professionals (excluding physicians and dentists) and their roles, training, licensure requirements, and practice settings. The industry of healthcare is considered as the largest and most powerful industry in the United States. Healthcare professionals include the following: Nurses The focus of nurses is not only on a specific health problem but also on the totality of a patient and his response to treatment. The roles and function of a nurse are as follows: caregiver, communicator, teacher, client advocate, counselor, leader, manager, and so on. The nursing field comprises many specialties and subspecialties such as critical care, infection control, emergency nursing, surgical nursing, and obstetric nursing; certification in these areas require specialty education, practical experience, and successful completion of a national examination nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Registered nurses must complete an associate degree in nursing, a diploma program, or a bachelor’s degree in nursing to qualify for the licensure examination. The Associate Degree in Nursing Program takes 2years to complete and is offered usually by community and junior colleges. The Hospital Diploma Program can be completed approximately 3years. The bachelor’s degree can be completed in 4years and is usually offered by colleges and universities. Licensed practical nurses are state-licensed caregivers who have been trained to care for the sick. They must complete a state-approved program in the practical nursing and must achieve a passing score on the national examination. Advanced practice nurses have education and experience beyond the basic training and licensing required of all RNs. This includes nurse practitioners and the following: Clinical nurse specialists have training in a field such as cardiac, psychiatric, or community health. Certified nurse midwives have training in womens healthcare needs, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and care of a woman who has given birth. Certified registered nurse anesthetists have training in the field of anesthesia (National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, 2014). Pharmacists Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may provide advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, and oversee the medications given to patients. To have the eligibility for licensure, they must graduate from an accredited bachelor’s degree program in pharmacy, successfully complete a state board examination, and obtain a practical experience or complete a supervised internship. The trend of pharmacy has broadened education to include the terminal degree doctor of pharmacy. Many pharmacy schools offer this program to those who have the interest in teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities and to those willing to be part of the patient care team This educational preparation also requires one to have a successful completion of the state board of examination and even other practical experience as needed by state laws nonprofess ionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Allied Health Professionals The allied health professions are a huge group that consists of therapists, medical and radiologic technologists, social workers, health educators, and other ancillary personnel. These professionals may work in the areas such as disease prevention, dietary and nutrition services, rehabilitation, or therapy. Educational and training programs for the allied health profession are sponsored by a variety of organizations in different academic and clinical settings. Their practice settings include hospitals, clinics, community health, homecare, and so on. The National Commission on Allied Health divides allied health professionals into two categories: therapists/technologists and technicians/assistants. The former represents those with higher-level professional training and who are responsible for supervising those in the technician/assistant category nonprofessionals (Fried Fottler, 2011). Healthcare Administrators Health administrators are leaders. They are usually assigned in the hospitals, physician group practices, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They direct the operation of hospitals, health systems, and other types of organizations. Healthcare administrators also take responsibility for facilities, services, programs, staff, budgets, relations with other organizations, and other management functions, depending on the type and size of the organization. They also have an opportunity to work in the public sector and private sectors. They do not deal directly with patients on a day-to-day basis. Rather, they help to shape policy, make needed changes, and lead our nations health-related organizations in a way that serves individual patients by helping to improve the healthcare system. To be eligible, many higher-level healthcare administration executives have a masters degree in a field such as public health or business, hospital, or nursing administration. A bachelors degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions or for employment with smaller facilities when coupled with relevant healthcare experience. Certification and Licensing: Healthcare administrators who work as nursing home administrators must also pass the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards Exam and obtain state licensure. Healthcare administrators in other sectors are not required to be licensed; however, voluntary certification is available through the American College of Healthcare Administrators (American College of Healthcare Executives, 2014). References American College of Healthcare Executives. (2014). Early careerist question. Retrieved from http://www.ache.org/carsvcs/CareerFAQ/early.cfm Fried, B.J., Fottler, M.D. (Eds.). (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. (2014). CNS FAQs. Retrieved from http://www.nacns.org/html/cns-faqs.php 3.1 Why is sexual harassment so prevalent in the healthcare environment? What can be done to break this pattern? Sexual harassment is prevalent in the healthcare environment as a result of feminism, the women’s movement, increasing societal attention, and equal accommodation in the workplace. In addition to that, the growth of women in the workplace is also one of the factors. Several factors also explain why it is prevalent in healthcare organizations. First, sexual harassment always includes an element of power and control. Most hospital employees are women, but those in the authoritative position are men. Second, intimacy among healthcare providers has been the nature of healthcare work—having a strong collegial relationship established under a high-stress environment of healthcare and having sexual jokes and off-color humors that will later on lead to an abusive, suggestive language (Fried Fottler, 2011). To break this pattern, putting in place a sexual harassment policy must be implemented; this includes the following (Fried Fottler, 2011): Having a strong definition of what is sexual harassment and developing a strong statement that it will not be tolerated. Conducting an extensive training among all employees on the policy, focusing on employees with management and supervisory authority. Giving instructions on how to report complaints, including procedures to bypass a supervisor if there is the involvement of a supervisor. Providing an assurance on confidentiality, protecting against retaliation, and having a guarantee of prompt investigation. Forming a statement that disciplinary action will be taken against harassers up to and including termination. References Fried, B.J., Fottler, M.D. (Eds.). (2011). Fundamentals of Human Resources in Healthcare. Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. 3.2 Under what circumstances would you use a progressive discipline process? When would you choose not to use such a procedure? Progressive discipline is a process that deals with job-related behavior that does not meet an expected standard. Assisting the employee in understanding that a performance problem or opportunity for improvement is the primary purpose (Heathfield, 2014). It is most successful when a person is able to perform effectively in an organization. Steps in a progressive discipline include the following (Heathfield, 2014). Counseling the employee about performance and ascertain his or her understanding of requirements. Verbally reprimanding the employee for poor performance. Providing a written verbal warning in the employees file, in an effort to improve employee performance. Providing an escalating number of days in which the employee is suspended from work. Starts with 1day and escalate to 5days. A healthcare administrator would not use this process when he or she sees that there is already a serious unlawful involvement such as theft, alcohol or drug intoxication at work, misconduct behavior, and any acts of violence that are ground for immediate termination. References Heathfield, S. (2014). Progressive discipline. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/glossaryd/a/discipline.htm