Monday, September 30, 2019

Organizational Quality Improvement

Various methodologies exist for the integration of quality improvement strategies into performance improvement measures. With concepts of total quality management (TQM) and quality improvement (QI) being introduced to health care organizations; administrators have had to decide which methodology is right for the organization. There are numerous methodologies: Six Sigma, Lean, and Customer Inspired Quality. Each has its own pros and cons. A key component of quality improvement is the technology that gathers and compares the data that the quality improvement measure produces.All of the information that is gathered from the technology can be benchmarked against other health care organizations. Numerous methods exist for the integration of quality improvement into the health care setting. The Six Sigma model was pioneered by Motorola. This method focuses on reducing variance through a problem solving approach that will improve the quality of the output. The fundamental objective of the S ix Sigma methodology is the implementation of a measurement based strategy that focuses on process improvement and the reduction of variance.The Six Sigma method does through the DMAIC process (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control). The DMAIC process is an improvement system for existing quality processes that fall below specifications and need to be improved in increments. Lean Thinking was used by Toyota as a key in its success. The Lean method strives to reduce waste and to improve performance through workflow. The Lean method is concerned with driving out waste so that all work adds value to the product and serves the customers’ needs.Lean thinking identifies all steps in a process and identifies them as value-added or non-value-added steps. All non-value-added steps are then removed to prevent waste in the process. Customer Inspired Quality was patented by Shaw Resources in 1992 and this methodology focuses on work processes that have direct impact on the care and services that are provided in a hospital. This method identifies, defines, analyzes, and improves the quality and effectiveness of processes in the health care arena. This method uses techniques from the other methodologies.Pros and cons of QI methods. Pros and cons exist in all of the methods for quality improvement. Some of the pros of the Six Sigma method are: Six Sigma places a heavy importance on leadership and its support for the success of the project, Six Sigma integrates the human elements (culture change, customer focus). The Six Sigma method uses the concept of statistical thinking and encourages the application of proven statistical tools and techniques for reducing variability. The cons of Six Sigma methods are having quality data available. In a new process where there is no data available to begin with can be discouraging.The solutions that Six Sigma proposes are often expensive and only small parts of the solution can be implemented. In Six Sigma methodology the selection of the right project is critical to success. Lean thinking has pros and cons also. Organizations that have adopted Lean double their productivity, cut their production and reduce their inventory that is normally kept on hand. Employees that work in a Lean environment have a clear objective of what is expected of them and are interrupted less. The Customer Inspired quality model deals with the service industries, primarily the Health care industry.The pros of this model are that the process improvement efforts are prioritized from the customers’ perspective. The methodology is service friendly and all of the hospital staff is encouraged to provide their input. This methods con is that the method is structured primarily for health care organizations. Florida Hospital uses the Six Sigma method for quality improvement because it provides the best opportunity to implement best practices that have been identified. Information Technologies for Quality Improvement Informati on technology is a large part of the quality improvement methods that a health care organization uses.Florida Hospital uses Business Objects which is a software company that specializes in business intelligence. Business Objects has components that provide performance management, planning, reporting, query and analysis, and enterprise information management. The Business Objects Enterprise can track report instances that will trigger alerts. These reports are created by Crystal Reports and have parameters that can be modified to perform analysis on the data. The customer can set alerts that trigger when certain conditions are met or not met by the data.The data can be customized to show in charts. Further customization allows the customer the chance to drill down into the data. Other information can be obtained from technology. Information technology allows data to be displayed in a dashboard or a scorecard. Dashboards are tool that monitor the ongoing performance of a process. A da shboard tracks data in real time. Scorecards report on past performances and generally focus on outcomes rather than processes. All of these applications can be used by administrators to track the quality improvement processes of the organization.Administrators can design the scorecards or dashboards to display the information that is important. Benchmarks and Milestones Benchmarking is the process of comparing one’s business processes and performance metrics to industry bests or to best practices from other industries. Benchmarking involves management identifying the best in their industry and comparing the results and processes of those studied to their own results and processes. Benchmarking compares the organization to its competitors and defines how the competition performs better.By better understanding how the competition is meeting their standards, the healthcare organization can then set goals for themselves. Benchmarking can be used to improve patient satisfaction. Using the website hospitalcompare. hhs. gov an organization can see how satisfied their competitors’ patients are. Benchmarking can also be used to improve the core measures that the Joint Commission measures. The outcomes of acute MI, pneumonia, heart failure and surgery can be compared to their own. If the competition is performing better on one of the core measures, the organization can then set their own goal based on the competition.Potential benchmarks that Florida Hospital will strive for are improved core measures at 90% for pneumonia, Acute MI, heart failure and surgical care. Another benchmark that Florida Hospital will strive for is to improve patient safety. The hospital will continue to implement the processes that support the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals. The hospital will implement CPOE (computerized provider order entry) and the hospital will begin to extend the goals to the ambulatory services. The third benchmark is to enhance the patient experience.The hospital will use the DMAIC model to understand and support the emotional, spiritual, and clinical needs of the patients. Florida Hospital will use different methods for their performance improvement plans. The hospital will use combinations of Six Sigma and Lean thinking. The hospital will use data from Crystal reports to display balanced scorecards and dashboards. The dashboards will be divided into the Extending Excellence Elements (Team, Clinical, Service, Market, and Finance). The hospital will use this information in conjunction with information from benchmarking data to monitor their quality improvement plan. References Dlugacz, Y. D. (2006). Measuring Health Care Using Data for Operational, Financial, and   Clinical Improvement. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass. Florida Hospital. (2010). Florida Hospital Orlando's Most Preferred Hospital. Retrieved from   http://www.floridahospital.com/default.aspx Insititute for Healthcare Improvement. (2010). A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Retrieved from http://www.ihi.org/ihi Ransom, E. R., Joshi, M. S.,Nash, D. B., ; Ransom, S. (2008). The Healthcare Quality Book Vision Strategy and Tools (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: Health Administration Press. U.S. Department of Health ; Human Services. (2010). Hospital Compare. Retrieved from http://www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov/ United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2010). Quality Enhancement Research Initiative. Retrieved from http://www.queri.research.va.gov/default.cfm

Sunday, September 29, 2019

For the upcoming film based on the memoir Essay

Twelve Years a Slave (1853; sub-title: Narrative of Solomon Northup, a citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington city in 1841, and rescued in 1853, from a cotton plantation near the Red River in Louisiana), by Solomon Northup as told to David Wilson, is a memoir of a black man who was born free in New York state but kidnapped, sold into slavery and kept in bondage for 12 years in Louisiana before the American Civil War. He provided details of slave markets in Washington, DC, as well as describing at length cotton cultivation on major plantations in Louisiana. Published soon after Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Northup’s book sold 30,000 copies and was considered a bestseller.[1] It went through several editions in the nineteenth century. Supporting Stowe’s fictional narrative in detail, Northup’s first-hand account of his twelve years of bondage proved another bombshell[peacock term] in the nationalpolitical debate over slavery leading up to the Civil War, drawing endorsements from major Northern newspapers, anti-slavery organizations, and evangelical groups. After several editions in the 19th Century, the book fell into obscurity for nearly 100 years, until it was re-discovered by two Louisiana historians, Dr. Sue Eakin (Louisiana State University at Alexandria) and Dr. Joseph Logsdon (University of New Orleans).[2] In the early 1960’s they researched and retraced Solomon Northup’s journey[3] and co-edited a historically annotated version that was published by LSU Press in 1968. [4] A 2013 film based on the story and directed by Steve McQueen is scheduled for release by Fox Searchlight Pictures on October 18, 2013. Contents [hide] 1 Synopsis 2 Reception and historical value 3 Editions and adaptations 4 References 5 External links Synopsis[edit] In Upstate New York, black freeman Solomon Northup, a skilled carpenter and fiddler, is approached by two circus promoters who offer him a brief, high-paying job with their traveling circus. Without informing his wife, who is away at work in the next town, he travels with the strangers towards Washington DC in good spirits. One morning, he wakes to find himself drugged, bound, and in the cell of a slave pen. When Northup asserts his rights as a freeman, he is beaten and warned never again to mention his free life in New York. Transported by ship to New Orleans, Northup and other enslaved blacks contract smallpox and some die. In transit, Northup implores a sympathetic sailor to send a letter to his family. The letter arrives safely, but, lacking knowledge of his final destination, Northup’s family is unable to effect his rescue. Northup’s first owner is William Ford, a cotton planter on a bayou of the Red River, and he subsequently has several other owners during his twelve-year bondage. At times, his carpentry and other skills mean he is treated relatively well, but he also suffers extreme cruelty. On two occasions, he is attacked by a man who is to become his owner, John Tibeats, and finds himself unable to resist retaliating, for which he suffers great reprisals. Later he is sold to Edwin Epps, a notoriously cruel planter, who gives Northup the role of driver, requiring him to oversee the work of fellow slaves and punish them for undesirable behavior. Never, in almost 12 years, does he reveal his true history to a single slave or owner. Finally he confides his story in Samuel Bass, a white carpenter from Canada. Bass sends a letter to Northup’s wife, who calls on Henry Northup, a white attorney whose family once held and then freed Solomon Northup’s father. Henry Northup contacts New York state officials and the governor appoints him as an agent to travel to Louisiana and free Solomon Northup. He succeeds, and Solomon Northup leaves the plantation. After instigating a court case against the men who sold him into slavery, Northup is reunited with his family in New York. Reception and historical value[edit] Northup’s account describes the daily life of slaves at Bayou Boeuf in Louisiana, their diet and living conditions, the relationship between the master and slave, and the means that slave catchers had used to recapture runaways. Northup’s slave narrative has details similar to those of some other authors, such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Ann Jacobs, or William Wells Brown, but he was unique in being kidnapped as a free man and sold into slavery. His book was a bestseller, rapidly selling 30,000 copies in the years before the American Civil War.[1] After additional printings in the 19th century, the book went out-of-print until 1968,[4] when historians Joseph Logsdon and Sue Eakin restored it to prominence. Dr. Eakin first discovered the story as a child growing up in Louisiana plantation country. Dr. Logsdon’s discovery occurred when a student from an old Louisiana family brought to class a copy of the original 1853 book that had been in her family for over a century. Together Logsdon and Eakin validated Solomon Northup’s tale by retracing his journey through Bayou Boeuf plantation country in central Louisiana where his bondage took place, through the slave sales records of New Orleans and Washington, D.C., and further documented his New York State origins, his father’s freeman’s decree, and the legal work which restored Northup’s freedom and prosecuted his abductors. In 1968, Eakin and Logsdon’s heavily footnoted edition of the original book was published by Louisiana State University Press, shedding new light on Northup’s story and establishing its historic significance. That book has been widely used by scholars and in classrooms for over fifty years and is still in print. In 1998 Logsdon received a call from scholars in upstate New York inviting him to participate in a search for Solomon’s grave, however bad weather prevented the search and Logsdon died the following June (1999). In 2007, Dr. Eakin completed development of an updated and expanded version that includes over 150 pages of new background material, maps, and photographs shortly before her death at age 90. In 2013, e-book and audiobook versions of her final definitive edition were released in her honor. With permission, scholars may use Eakin’s lifetime archives through The Sue Eakin Collection, LSU at Alexandria, La. The Joseph Logsdon Archives are available at the University of New Orleans. Historian Jesse Holland noted in a 2009 interview that he had relied on Northup’s memoir and detailed description of Washington in 1841 to identify the location of some slave markets. Holland has also researched the roles of ethnic African slaves as skilled laborers who helped build some of the important public buildings in Washington, including the Capitol and part of the original Executive Mansion.[5]

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Progress report final assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Progress report final assignment - Essay Example The net effect of this nervousness among lenders and creditors is to drive interest rates up in order to partly compensate for the higher risks involved (not getting repaid). Another consequence is people who have money would rather put or park their funds somewhere safe in super-safe Treasury Bills (or T-bills) guaranteed by the government instead of investing them. This lack of confidence in the economy and the future prospects of how well everyone will be doing are putting a squeeze on available credit. The credit crunch has worsened into a credit freeze in which it is now virtually impossible to borrow money. The net effect will be a continued slowing down of the economy and creates a vicious downward cycle in terms of the jobs lost, reduced tax revenues and so on. More ominously, a credit crunch affects everybody alike but the poor and working classes are adversely affected more than anybody. This results in a nation of people with reduced expectations about their standard of li ving. It means people will have to content themselves with less because a credit freeze leads to reduced economic activities which could have helped to spread and re-distribute wealth around. A credit crunch means negative consequences for almost everyone (Herbert, 2011:1). Table of Contents Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.......1 Discussion......................................................................................................................3 A. Different ways on how a credit crunch impacts on individuals....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....................4 A.1. Jobs and Employment Prospects†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....4 A.2. Higher Interest rates for Everything...............................................†¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦4 A.3. Reduced Savings and Pensions...............................................................................5 A. 4. Increasing Number of Home Foreclosures....................................†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 B. Brief Overview of the Asset Price Bubble Phenomenon†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.......6 C. Failure of the Free Market Economy..........................................†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...6 C. 1. Sudden Price Increases in an Asset Class......................................................†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦6 C. 2. Central Bank Approaches to Mitigate Asset Bubbles†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....7 D. Preparing for a Credit Crunch†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦................7 D. 1. Gather Enough Savings.................... ..............................†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 D.2. Augment your Regular Income...............................................................................8 D.3. Look for Profitable Investment Ventures................................................................8 D.4. Be Financially Conservative...................................................................................8 D.5. Be Financially Literate............................................................................................9 Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦....†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.......9 Bibliography..............................................................................................................10-12 Discussion Ordinary people may not know much what a credit crunch is about or

Friday, September 27, 2019

Unit VII Collective Bargaining Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Unit VII Collective Bargaining - Essay Example Since 1975, ESOPs have been on the growth because it has significantly played a big role in supporting the trade unions. For instance, it has a hand in allowing unions to have partial ownership. This means that it has offered the trade union with an incentive of becoming weaker bargainers hence leading to a reduction in the rate of labor disputes and strike incidences (Block, 2006). Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) have assisted the employee to strategically plan for the operation of the organization and coming up with outsourcing solution. On an employee perspective, it has allowed room for integration of the model with other existing plans to be able to provide high quality service and maintain a consistent customer satisfactory plan operation. The employers would experience a reduction in their business equity in the events of leveraged ESOP. During the valuation period the ESOP is most overvalued hence subjecting the employer penalty tax of 15%. It affects the value of an organization hence deterring employer from making the investments (Sloane, 2001). In addition, Employees would be affected due to the poor performance of an organization that is, they would encounter a loss of the long-term investment. Lack diversification of the ESOP investment would lead to the loss of the employees’ retirement funds (Aidt, 2002). Question 2: Describe the two major forms of no-strike provisions agreed upon by managements and unions. Outline and explain the series of remedies that employers have available when these provisions are violated (including any union-generated action that interfered with production). The management and the unions agreed upon provision that would guide the members of the union to raise their grievance without going for any strike within the period of the agreements. Among the provision agreed upon is the no-strike clause. It bonds the union along with the management to promise that their

Thursday, September 26, 2019

New Malaria Vaccine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

New Malaria Vaccine - Research Paper Example One of the reasons why formulating vaccines have proved challenging is due to the constantly adapting nature of malaria parasites. The latter either evolve drug-resistance or the mosquitoes themselves constantly change and become insecticide resistant. It is in this context that the thrust of new research should be based. The article by Anthony Watts, posted in his website ‘Watts Up With That?’ presents recent discoveries in this area. The article is a summary of the research paper presented in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA in September of 2010. Usually, malaria parasites use certain pathways to infect human cells. The identification of one such key pathway is believed to provide scientists will crucial leads. The research team at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute has been credited with this identification. They now believe that a new vaccine target can be produced, through which contact with malaria could be avoided. The most lethal form of malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium Falciparum. The ability of this parasite to invade red blood cells through numerous channels is what makes it difficult to contain. It is conventional knowledge that the parasites enter red blood cells by using proteins called glycophorins. What the researchers found is another way through which the parasite enters red blood cells. This pathway â€Å"does not involve glycophorins, instead requiring the binding of a parasite molecule named PfRh4 to Complement Receptor 1 (CR1), a common protein found on the surface of red blood cells. PfRh family of surface proteins is involved in the recognition of red blood cell receptors, which allows the parasite to attach to the red blood cell surface and gain entry.† (wattsupwiththat.com, 2010) Professor Alan Cowman, who leads the research project at Walter & Eliza Hall Medical Research Institute, offers more insights into the identified mechanism. For example, he thinks that the malaria par asite uses this protein as a guide. The protein helps the parasite identify red blood cells upon which it can attach itself. Cowman reckons that the PfRh4-CR1 pathway is key for successful entry of malaria parasites into RBC. By virtue of this discovery, biologists can now device the ideal combination of proteins to serve as a vaccine. It is believed that by blocking both glycophorin and CR1 pathways, the chances of malaria infection is nearly eliminated. These results indicate â€Å"that if a vaccine were to stimulate the immune system to recognize and generate antibodies to the prevalent invasion pathways, there is a good chance it would lead to a significant decrease in malaria infection.† (wattsupwiththat.com, 2010) This area of research is still in its infancy and pending robust clinical longitudinal trials. Paralleling the work done by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, a team in Michigan State University has created a malaria vaccine, which combin es the â€Å"use of a disabled cold virus with an immune system-stimulating gene – that appears to increase the immune response against the parasite that causes the deadly disease.† (www.news-medical.net, 2011). Similarly, another group of researchers under the mentorship of Andrea Amalfitano of the College of Osteopathic Medicine have discovered a immune-system stimulating agent. But unfortunately, this agent has proven

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

DreamWorks Animation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

DreamWorks Animation - Research Paper Example The opening of the thesis report consists of the background information about the DreamWorks Animation Company. DreamWorks Animation is a studio located in Glendale in California and founded in the year 1994. The company specializes in the development and creation of televisions programs, animated feature films and virtual worlds online. The company has successfully released more than 20 feature films which also includes the online series of Madagascar, How to Train Your Dragon, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. The studio of the organization was created out of the merger between Pacific Data Images and the division of feature animation called DreamWorks in 1997. The company was originally founded under DreamWorks’s banner by the alumni of Amblin Entertainment it went out to generate a separate public company existence in the year 2004. The live action studio of DreamWorks had been acquired by Paramount Pictures in 2006 which has the responsibility of distributing the films created and produced by DreamWorks. Presently, DreamWorks Animation accounts for the highest grossing brands of its time, whose films account for a worth of more than $3750 million. The company employs approximately 2100 numbers of employees as on 31st of December, 2010 and majority of them are covered under the employment agreements. Majority of these employees are appointed for working as modelers, animators, visual development artists, story artists, lighters, technical directors and the like. Apart from these employees are also employed to perform administrative and corporate functions and take part in supporting and developmental activities (Edgar Online, 2010, p.12). The success factors of the company’s films are predominantly dependant on the extent of acceptance from audience of the films. However, there are great difficulties in predicting such acceptance and thus the business remain risky. It is not possible to predict success of the company’s motion picture as it does not directly relate with the company’s distribution, rather it depends on the extent to which the motion pictures are accepted and appreciated by the public, and this cannot be predicted accurately. The success factor also depends on the availability of alternative motion pictures at the time of release of the films and their success, other leisure time activities and even other common economic factors (Edgar Online, 2010, p.14). Some of the world’s most successful animation companies are located in Japan, USA, Europe and Korea, of which USA accounts for being the leader in the industry. The Asian countries too have been promoting their creative industries rapidly and have also made successful strives and achievement in the domain (Press Release Distribution, 2009). USA accounts for one of the earliest adopters of this sector. Considering the 3D production technology and the advantages in the size of industry America so far holds the leading position in the worldwide a nimation industry. Considering the advantages of ACG industry, i.e., animation, cartoons and games scenario, industry chain architecture, two dimensional designs and character design, the Japan holds the second largest position in the global animation industry. Apart from that considering manifestations and uniqueness of cultural field's, other regional and countries' animation industries provided by the animation industries of Europe and South Korea are expected to attain new growth points through outsourcing as well as other forms of strength accumulation (CCID Consulting, 2010). Some of the leading and prominent competitors of the company are Aardman Animations Ltd. in the United Kingdom, Animal Logic, Anschutz Film Group LLC in New South Wales and California respectively (Hoovers, 2012). Relevance of theories in practice The working of DreamWorks Animation can be explained using the metaphor of a mechanized machined as explained by Morgan (1998). It is important to explain the m etaphor first before

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

A written analysis of the ethical dilemma Essay - 1

A written analysis of the ethical dilemma - Essay Example The physicians are often perplexed to reach a particular point of conclusion that would provide best moral support to their patients. On one hand, their professional philosophy, in particular, suggests them to perform certain acts that are aimed at serving best interests of patients and on the other, the broad humanist outlook prevents them from performing those acts. Thus, remaining within the limits of a professional boundary, as sensitive as healthcare services, it really becomes tough for professionals to assimilate both these sides and churn out a constructive decision that would fulfill best interest of patients. There is no denial of the fact that since very childhood, every individual adheres to some extent or the other to the â€Å"institution of morality† (Beauchamp, and Childress, 2001, p. 3). This institution of morality provides certain basic principles to all human beings. According to general understanding, â€Å"All persons who are serious about living a moral life already grasp the core dimensions of morality. They know not to lie, not to steal property, to keep promises, to respect the rights of others, not to kill or cause harm to innocent persons †¦. All persons serious about morality are comfortable with these rules and do not doubt their relevance and importance† (Beauchamp, and Childress, 2001, p. 3). However, problem or confusion arises when it comes to assimilating both these aspects and the situation practically reflects one of the very common ethical dilemmas that a physician encounters. Morality, though the term encompasses within its broad scope a number of issues, however, it can be classified into two segments, depending over its application separately in universal and specific situations. The aspects of ethical conflict, which confuse most of the people both in professional and personal dimensions of life, actually arise due to the conflict between common and specific morality. There are certain

Monday, September 23, 2019

Norteno Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Norteno Music - Essay Example There are a lot of regional styles in Norteno music. Much regional Mexican music entertained by radio and many Norteno artists also get popularity from Mexican-American community. Local radio stations are the Proclamatorysource in popularizing Norteno music. While exploring rural areas their way of entertainment people found that Norteno is originated from rural areas and also popular in urban areas. Norteno started to assemble by music lovers around 1860s and become popular. (LAST FM) Mexico people listened music deliberately from all over the world, by listening all forms of music they produce their own forms which they called traditional Mexican music which are modern music becomes popular with people of all ages and these Mexican traditional music are full of variety, style, colorful, passionate and derive from origins of Mexican culture; rich country. (TRADITIONAL MEXICAN MUSIC) American accordionist introduces Norteno music in Texas. In Tamaulipas and Tijuana derives from the C aribbean Norteno music. Sexophone is also use by different bands like Chihuahua and Zacatecas. Tejano or â€Å"Tex-Mex† is a new form of popular music derived from Norteno and influenced by swing and American Rock. Tejano includes English poetry and sounds are like American Rock but Norteno came first and Ramon Ayala is based on basics of Norteno music.Today Norteno music is popular because of Grupo Pesado who is the leader of Norteno music. Musical instruments of different types with some new music styles introduce by Czech and Bohemian famous people like accordion. This music style combined with the present Norteno music style and this style played by local bands. This is the start of the transformation and evolution of Norteno in which still accordion theme is present in it. The main instrument accordion and Bajo sexto distinguish Norteno. Rhythm is like in a steady motion and the pace of this rhythm is middle (normal) or fasts tempo depending on song’s type. Double bass instruments and guitar is used in Norteno type music. Two famous bands Banda and duranguense have only bass instruments instead of an accordions and guitars.However Banda and duranguense introduces and plays the same songs as Norteno bands musicians playedthem have the same beat and music levels same as Norteno.Many of the bands named as Mexican states or a general description of geographical and they basically played â€Å"Regional Mexican Music†.(HISTORY OF MEXICAN MUSIC) Two major forms of Norteno music is Corridos and Narcocorridos. Corridos entered the â€Å"Golden Age† in 1910-1920s where Mexican people play these Corridos in border. Corridos are basically based on narrative songs in a poetry form and they depend on history, peasant’s daily life,socially important and legendary importance.Around in 1980s started Narcocorridos when Los Alegres de Teran who sang a song about a Narco.Narcocorridos are the same as Corridos but are based on drug smugglers and the cartels. Music critics also compared Narcocorridos to â€Å"Gangster rap†. There are two types of Norteno which are Classical Norteno and Modern Norteno. Classical Norteno music becomes famous by very recognizable bands in which Ramon Ayala, Los Tigeres Del Norte, Los Tucanes de Tijuana. Modern Norteno having advance features from original â€Å"oldie† Norteno this type of Norteno first played by Narciso Martinez and his groups related to Narciso before 1950s. Modern percussion and Electric bass guitars are the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Future of Tourism in Oman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Future of Tourism in Oman - Essay Example There are many difficulties in the development of this industry, because the locals do not want to exceed the limits of a local tourism promotion and thus they are prevented from a global expansion. Tourism in Oman Oman has many different privileges. First of all, this country makes large investments in ecotourism and first class tourism and tourism in this country can be interested for both Western and Eastern tourists. Oman can assure tourists of the absence of corruption and there are many perspectives for business development in this country. Oman is opening its doors for tourists†¦ The spectators are so much attracted by the new territories and numerous sightseeing that the pleasure of exploring this country transfers the borders of traditional tourism. There is no doubt that Arab hospitality is legendary. People from those countries are full of hospitality and there is no doubt that the Westerners will be greatly impressed by a large number of attractions in this country. There are two million inhabitants in Oman and this is an independent state of the Arab world. Tourists are mainly attracted by â€Å"vast coastline, over a thousand miles long, stretching from the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf to the Yemeni border in the south† (The Seven Stars of the Gulf; Oman: Traditional Terraced Village Scubadiving off the Coast of Fujairah, 2009). Moreover, there are deep historic roots in this country. The Oman museum in Muscat is rather attractive for tourists and there is no doubt that people in this country are proud of their legendary heroes, such as Sindbad the Sailor, for example. There is an evident harmony between the ancient port of Muscat and modernization of this port nowadays. A feeling of cleanness and safety is everywhere. There are different perceptions of the northern and the southern frontiers of Oman. Thus, tourist from different countries can find the places to live and to visit with respect to their own interests (Martin, 200 5). Nevertheless, it should be noted that the most explored part of Oman, which is favorable for tourists is Salalah. Tourist agencies are attracting new tourists speculating on the following things: â€Å"waters are inviting, the sand the softest and silkiest, and the birdlife extraordinary, a visitor's guide cautions you against wandering away "while wearing a sea dress" (Beirman, 2003). Oman provides tourists with different opportunities of having rest. There is an essential technological impact exerted on Oman and the Western tourists can exert a serious negative impact on cultural, moral and social values in Oman (Richards, 1999). On the one hand, in the modern global world such issues as traditional clothes or color of hair can be different even among Omani people. In their hearts and souls these people are religious and they do not have any intention to change their religion or culture. There are many difficulties for Oman and its ability to adapt social and cultural changes with respect to the Western traditions and customs. With this respect, it can be claimed that countries around the world are interested in promotion and support of their interests. In case the residents of one country want to get acquainted with the values of people and nations from another country, there is no doubt that the former should be tolerant to another country and preserve historic uniqueness and dignity of another nation. There is a high cultural

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Miss Evers’ Boys portrays the emotional effects Essay Example for Free

Miss Evers’ Boys portrays the emotional effects Essay Miss Evers’ Boys portrays the emotional effects of one of the most amoral instances of governmental experimentation on humans ever perpetrated. It depicts the government’s involvement in research targeting a group of African American males (â€Å"The Tuskegee Experiment†), while simultaneously exploring the depths of human tragedy and suffering that result, as seen through the eyes of Eunice Evers. The viewer watches as a seemingly innocuous program progresses into a full-blown ethical catastrophe—all the while taking Miss Evers through a moral journey, with her decisions having ramifications on the life and well-being of her best friends—her â€Å"boys. † I. Structure This movie deals with the ethical considerations present in human experimentation. The government, wanting to mimic the Oslo Experiments, intends to study a population of AfricanAmericans inflicted with syphilis. The movie takes place in alternate settings, transitioning between a 1973 Senatorial hearing and the site of the actual study in Alabama, beginning in 1932 and moving forward. Miss Eunice Evers, a nurse at a local Tuskegee hospital, is the centerpiece of the movie. II. Setting Plot Summary With an ominous lead-in quote, Miss Evers’ Boys begins to tell the tale of an emotionally courageous young woman and her struggle to protect her â€Å"children. † Within the first few frames  of the movie, the viewer is automatically entrenched into the already tenuous history of racial tension in America—except, this time, under the auspices of segregation founded upon disease. The movie begins, placing the viewer as an observer of a 1973 U. S. Senate Hearing, where we are first introduced to Miss Eunice Evers. Miss Evers is testifying as a nurse, one who took the nurse’s oath to protect the health of those in her care. The claimed Senatorial goal is to discover the truth underlying the â€Å"Tuskegee Study. † Miss Evers worked in the study from 19321972. The movie progresses throughout the course of the hearing, with testimony by Miss Evers and reminiscent scenes telling the tale of the study. In the beginning, Miss Evers firmly supports the goal of the initial plan—to provide care and treatment to those suffering from syphilis. â€Å"It was the dawn of a new day,† explains Miss Evers. At this point (pre-study), she believes that the government is sending her patients, and her city, the best funding and medical support available. The viewer is then introduced to Miss Evers’ Boys—a folk music group. 1 The musicians (four of them) are the first patients to provide blood samples, one of them being Caleb, an eventual love-interest of Miss Evers. Each of the men test positive for syphilis. At this point in the movie, everyone (including Miss Evers) is still under that assumption that â€Å"bad blood† is the culprit for the disease. Ultimately, the funding for the initial study disintegrates. After a visit to Washington, various gentlemen confront Dr. Brodus, the head doctor in Tuskegee, with an offer for a new rationale for funding. The gentlemen explain their intentions of studying the African-American population, much like the Caucasian population in the Oslo Experiments (1891-1910). The government then reveals the true nature of the experiment—the proposed study of untreated African-Americans dealing with syphilis. 1 The government promises future treatment and The group names their band after Miss Evers when she drives them to their first musical show. 2 proclaims the future potential of the Tuskegee Experiment, appealing to Dr. Brodus’ pride. Dr. Brodus agrees, naming the study, The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in The Negro Male. 412 men, afflicted with syphilis, participate in the study. In a telling interaction involving one of the first patients, Miss Evers suggests that the doctors explain to the study group that they are providing â€Å"back shots. † Through her deceit, Miss Evers thus begins to involve herself in the â€Å"treatment. † The tension she feels manifests itself in her facial features; the viewer can see her apprehension in this instance and throughout the movie. She is torn, but yet continues to help Dr. Brodus conduct the study. As 6-months turns into years, Miss Evers continues to hide the secret behind the study. She urges the men to continue the study, in hope of future treatment—treatment that never comes, even through the eventual availability of penicillin. Miss Evers’ ultimate decision as to how she deals with the care and treatment of her â€Å"boys† will be left to the viewer. With the journey, however, comes a tumultuous story, exposing the hypocrisy of the United States Government through the eyes of Eunice Evers. Throughout the movie, as an audience, we want Miss Evers to defy all conventions and simply provide the necessary medicine to the patients. Yet, she struggles throughout with the pros and cons of such a decision. On one hand, she wants to support the experiment; yet, on the other, she wants to protect and comfort her friends. As we finally see in the end, as seen through Miss Evers’ unique perspective, while one may question Miss Evers, it is the Senators themselves, and the government agents before them, who prove to be more worthy of moral appraisal. III.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Principles of Social Crime Prevention Practices

Principles of Social Crime Prevention Practices This essay shall evaluate the impact of Social Crime Prevention Principles on the Development of Effective Crime Prevention Practices. However, it has been suggested that the underlying Principles of Social philosophy of Crime Prevention have little to offer either towards the Development of Effective Crime Prevention Strategies or the actual Prevention of Crimes. There have been various arguments on this matter however, this essay will re-evaluate various and valid theories to establish the above argument while focusing on such effects on Youth Offending in the UK. Crime is an act or omission that violates the law and is punishable upon conviction. It includes Criminal Code offences against a person or property, drug offences, motor vehicle offences and other provincial or federal statute offences. This definition has also been buttressed by the definition from Oxford dictionary as. An action or omission which constitutes an offence and its punishable by law or an action or activity considered to be evil, shameful or wrong: (Online Oxford English Dictionary, 2010:n.p.). However it has been further explained in the Criminal Justice Reform of British Columbia that not every act could be classed as Criminal act. For instance, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Disorderly behaviour such as aggressive panhandling, public urination and sleeping in the street are not necessarily criminal acts, but they do affect communities by a gradual erosion of the quality of life. (Criminal Justice Reform, 2010:n.p.). Therefore, it will be important to mention here that some factors have to be present in order to establish weather a Crime has been committed or not. These factors are; suitable target, motivational offender and non availability of capable guardian. (Clark Eck, 2003). Meanwhile, Social Crime Prevention is a Crime Prevention strategy that could adapt to the changing Social environment rather then the physical environment. This strategy involves engaging the offending age in various community based activities which invariably bring together children, youths and some marginalised groups in the community. The term Social Crime Prevention can simply implies the introduction of any program which endeavour to change patterns of behaviour, social conditions, self-discipline or values in order to reduce the possibility of offending. One could argue that amongst some of the viable social crime prevention initiatives are parental support programs, early childhood training such as personal discipline and self respect, publicity programs to change male thoughts about the use of violence in resolving domestic disputes, supports for disadvantaged families and provision of good, relevant education such as inclusion of black history month and extra curriculum support for the children. Social Crime Prevention can be categorised into the following areas; 1. Prevention which focuses on institutions such as schools and employers rather than on individuals. 2. Preventative Diversion programs for at risk groups. 3. Community Development approaches. 4. Media and other publicity aimed at changing Social Values. 5. Early childhood or Developmental Prevention. The aim of Social Crime Prevention is to support community relationships by increasing the levels of informal Social Control, and consequently deterring determined or potential offenders. Social Crime Prevention could centre on making those who are at risk of offending feel more reckon with in the community. For instance, a Youth Social club and activity group. On the other hand a scheme such as Neighbourhood Watch could be designed to strengthening unofficial protection in the community as a way to fight Youth Crime in which community members are keeping an eye out for one another, increasing surveillance. Social Crime Prevention measures also have significant benefit in areas other than Youth Crime. For instance, in encouraging young people to stay at school which reduces truancy, in setting up support networks for people which addresses issues of loneliness and safety. Neighbourhood watch is generally understood to be a community-based activity supported by local police that is directed towards crime prevention. It involves residents becoming more responsive to the risk of crime and taking action to protect their own and their neighbours property. (Heal et al, 1988). Youth offending is not just a question of rational choice by young people, it is also the result of lack of structural opportunities for young people in terms of education, employment, housing, adequate income and construction of leisure opportunities. (Barry McNeill, 2009). Considering various strategies to control Youth offending, Community-focused Prevention programmes could be classified as follows: i) Community organisation This typically build community based associations, and linkages to local schools, churches, etc. which however can provide effective socialisation for young people, to include local adults as positive role models. (Hope, 1995). ii) Community defence This approach is targeted at preventing victimisation by deterring of offending by the people who are not members of the community. For example, this may include housing authorities cordoning and restricting access to problematic estates to residence only. Other crime prevention strategies could be brought to bear through environmental design (CPTED), defensible space measures, and the purposeful organising of community close watch through Neighbourhood Watch; iii) Theory of broken windows which could also be called zero tolerance seeks to control both physical disorder like graffiti, litter, vandalism; rowdy street behaviour and threatening neighbours. iv) Risk based programmes are relatively recent approaches that seek to identify risk factors amid the entire community populations, to identify those most at risk, and to deliver preventive resources specifically for them. However, the pattern and believe behind this concept is that changes in community can be brought about by changing individuals rather than vice versa. This is contrarily to the earlier crime prevention strategies. These strategies include approaches targeted on victimisation, e.g., strategies aimed at the protection of victims and the deterrence of repeat victimisation and those aimed at the improvement. (Home Office Research Study 187, 1998). Structural change has a similar concept to community development. These strategies see the core changes in society with the utmost consequences for crime diminution as stemming principally from the operation of more overall level policies in economic improvement, employment, housing markets, education, health provision, and the delivery of welfare, benefits and other social services. In this view, much of the space for action against community level social dislocation to include crime depends on the interaction of social policies which even though experienced locally may not be agreeable to amend at the local level. (Home Office research, 1998). Crime Prevention through Social Development or Social Crime Prevention as contained in the UN Guidelines 2002 could be; promote the well-being of people and encourage pro-social behaviour through social, economic, health and educational measures, with a particular emphasis on children and youth, and focus on the risk and protective factors associated with crime and victimization. (Para, 6a). It is progressively more known that modernization and adaptation of initiatives are essential rather than modification, if they are to be relevant to solving problems faced in developing contexts, the resources available, and the capacity of the local state or civil society. International organizations in particular have stressed the scale of the challenges presented for developing countries. Young populations, rapid socio-economic changes, lack of education and/or sufficiently good quality and relevant training, inequality of opportunity, poverty and social exclusion, rapid urbanization and globalization, have all contributed to high rates of offending among young people, and on a scale beyond that experienced in the North. (Shaw Travers, Ed. 2007). The nature of interventions that can be integrated into social and educational crime prevention may include those that are of general programmes, or those targeted specifically to areas or individuals, long or short term programmes, one-off events such as education or training programmes, and could also be targeted on family, community or schools or institution-based. However, many early-intervention schemes have afterwards been introduced in other countries e.g. Nurse Family Partnerships in the US, the Netherlands (Every opportunity for every child-youth and family programme 2007-2011); and the UK (Pilot schemes were extended to 20 sites in 2008); The Healthy Families programme in the USA, Canada; Switzerland; Germany and the Czech Republic. (Crime Prevention Strategy 2008-11). It is believed that children who are given clear standards of behaviour and have positive social bonding with adults are less likely to get involved in crime. (Crawford A, 2007). Sports, cultural and learning have long been integrated into crime prevention strategies. International organizations such as UNESCO, UNODC and UN-HABITAT have all sustained such initiatives in recent years. The use of youth sports and leisure activities in the prevention of crime has a long history, and that it has sometimes been criticized or dismissed as unsuccessful or that is limited when considering the long-term value it has in preventing offending. Much of the criticism was as a result of failure to evaluate programmes, and simple assumptions that playing basketball at midnight will by some means keep young people out of violence. It has been observed in a recent study of sports and leisure industry in the UK, that most councils and local agencies have commissioned sport and leisure activities targeted to at risk groups, rather than providing universal activities. (Audit Commission, 2009). The review stressed the need for coordinated long-term national and local funding of such activities in areas of high deprivation, and for young people to be consulted in the planning of activities to ensure that they are accessible and relevant, as well as attention to evaluation (only 27% of the schemes could be evaluated). Beyond their objective of diverting youth from the temptation of committing a crime, sports and cultural activities are seen to encourage self expression and esteem, life skills and social skills, and education, as well as providing diversionary activities to reduce opportunities for offending, or exposure to risks of offending. Examples included programmes developed by local authorities or services, which aim to reduce the risk of street gang recruitment Projet Les Couleurs de la Justice,Montreal, Canada.(National Crime Prevention Strategy, Public Security Ministry, Quebec). In Brazil, young people have themselves set up innovative initiatives, such as the AfroReggae Cultural Group, Brazil. This group seeks to improve relations between police and young people in disadvantaged areas, teaching the police about reggae, drumming, break dancing and graffiti art. The results have been positive, and have led this group to work in partnerships with other countries such as Haiti and the UK to develop similar projects (e.g. Afro Reggae Partnership, UK). (http://www.favelarising.com/about-afroreggae.html). There is considerable diversity in the aims and provision of sports and cultural projects. In any way, causes of Youth Offending motivational factors shall also be looked into in this context. Quantitatively, there is no single cause of youth crime that can be pointed out. However, researches in a number of countries have consistently identified factors in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood that could increase the risk of a young person offending. These risk factors can be categorised under the following sub-categories; Family When the parents are involved in criminal activities; Or poor parental supervision and control; Neglect from parents and those acting in the capacity of guardianship, Exposure to erratic discipline or being treated harshly Low family income or partial isolation from the community; Family conflict and domestic violence; School Lack of motivation and commitment to go to school Truancy in school without the knowledge of parents Disruptive behaviour at school (including bullying) Low achievers as role models Expulsion from school due to attitude or behaviours Community Lack of unity amongst the dwellers in the community Conspicuous opportunities for crime Easy access to drugs and weapons High children population densities Personal Their personality Lack of sense of belonging in matters that concerns or affects the society Early participation in irrational behaviour Associating with peers that are involved in anti-social behaviour Exposure to hanging out with friends unsupervised. Early adulthood They have no academic or vocational qualifications They have no work experience or any tangible skill Unemployment or on a low income They receive no advice or support or lack of mentoring Homelessness, or are threatened with homelessness However, is worth mentioning here that the list is far more comprehensive that this but have limited the extract to just a few for the purpose of this essay. (Bienhart et al, 2002). Effective monitoring of the youth justice system is necessary for a successful delivery of the aim of preventing offending by children and young people. It is very essential to understand the patterns of youth crime, its causes and the success of different strategies of intervention in preventing further offending which can help in planning youth justice services, target resources and inform sentencing decisions. Amongst the duties of Youth Justice Board is monitoring the function of the youth justice system and the work of youth offending teams across England and Wales. Local monitoring and the sharing of monitoring information locally are also important. Local agencies need to have an accurate measure of local youth crime and the related risk factors. The basic test must be are we reducing youth crime (Home Office document, 1998). There are various Youth crime prevention strategies which are backed by government and organisations. However, Government plans to build on and support existing initiatives such as Grants for Education Support and Training which was aimed at providing  £1.5 million to support drug education and crime prevention programmes between 1997-1998. There is Home Office-sponsored Safer Cities programmes and Crime Concerns, Youth Crime Prevention work, including Youth Action Groups which entails using young people to tackle problems such as bullying, graffiti, vandalism and drug misuse. Crime Concerns work is partly funded by an annual Government grant of  £750,000. However, work with the National Neighbourhood Watch Association and the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders to encourage young people to be part of the solution to crime, not part of the problem. (Audit Commission, 1996. ISBN 1862400075). It was considered by the government that it will be necessary to reform the criminal justice system in England and Wales to enable them have more constructive outcomes with young offenders. Its proposals for reform build on ideology underlying the concept of restorative justice which is restoration, reintegration and responsibility; Restoration involves young offenders apologising to their victims and making amends for the damage they have done while Reintegration is all about young offenders paying their debt to society, putting their crime behind them and integrating into the law abiding community. The responsibility of the consequences of their offending behaviours lies in their hand and their parents who need to ensure that further offending is prevented. Meanwhile, the new approach is intends to ensure that the most serious offenders continue to be dealt with in a criminal court to provide punishment, protect the public and prevent re-offending. Also, provide an opportunity for less serious offending to be dealt with in a new non-criminal panel, enforced by a criminal court. It aims at allowing young people to be actively and effectively involved in decisions about themselves by encouraging them to admit their faults and face the consequences of their behaviour in whatever way it comes. This also involves the victim in proceedings, but only with their active permission; and Concentrate on preventing offending. (Mirrlees-Black et al, 1993). Television and movies have made popular the cult of heroes, which promotes justice through the physical eradication of enemies. Many researchers have concluded that young people who watch violence behaviours or acts tend to behave more aggressively or violently, principally when annoyed. This is mainly characteristic of 8- to 12-year-old boys, who are more susceptible to such influences. Individuals are brought into violence by the Media in three ways. First, movies that show violent acts which excite viewers and the belligerent energy can then be transferred to everyday life, causing an individual to be involved in physical doings on the streets. This type of influence is momentary, which could last from several hours to several days. Secondly, television can portray ordinary daily violence committed by parents or colleagues or peers. It is very common nowadays to find television shows that do portray such patterns of violence, because viewer endorsement of this type of programming has ensured its continuation. As a result, children are repeatedly exposed to the use of violence in different circumstances and the number of violent acts on television appears to be ever-increasing. And lastly, violence depicted in the media is illusory and has a surrealistic quality but the real pain and agony resulting from violent actions are very hardly ever shown. The penalties of violent behaviour often seem negligible. Over time, television causes a shift in the system of human values and indirectly leads children believe and think violence as a desirable and even courageous way of re-establishing justice. It has been concluded by The American Psychological Association that television violence accounts for about 10 per cent of violent behaviours among children. (APA Commission on Violence and Youth, Washington, D.C., 1993). In conclusion, it appears there are disparities among the theoretical nuances uttered through the various Social and developmental based programmes propounded by the academics with vested political enterprise such as the succession of theories provided by the home office intelligentsia and the perpetual re-offending by some Youths especially in deprived Communities. Although vast sums of tax payers money have been thrown on such initiatives without much to show for it in terms of impeding the tide to re-offending it appears therefore especially in recessionary times such as this when the government is concerned more about savings than anything else, one could perhaps take solace on Lord Judge the Lord Chief Justice contentions that re-offenders should be brought to justice without considering the costs which could undermine the rule of law.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Religion Essay -- essays research papers

Comparison of Judaism vs Buddhism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this essay I will be comparing the rituals, and festivals chosen from two different religions. The two religions that I will be comparing are Judaism and Buddhism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Judaism and Buddhism have many rituals and beliefs. There is a wide range of Jewish beliefs, Stan Fischler emphasizes on these major points. Reformed Jews believe that being Jewish gives them a common culture, while Orthodox Jews try to keep all the laws and customs commanded by the Torah. The basic Jewish religious beliefs is in the existence of one, eternal, invisible God. The Jews also believe they were chosen to receive God’s Torah. They believe that by looking at its many meaning, and by living according to its laws, they can spread justice throughout the world. At the right time, they believe that the Messiah will come to bring this perfect world. Reward for good deeds will largely be granted in the world to come. Jews believe that seven weeks after the Israelites left Egypt, God chose them to receive the Torah. Moses climbed Mount Sinai to hear the Torah and bring the Commandments back to the people, carved into stone tablets. They also believe that on the first day of the creation of the world, God made night and day. Earth and heaven were created on the second day, and seas and land were created on the third day. On the forth day, the Sun, Moon and stars were created, and on the fifth day, the fish and birds....

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

History of Costa Rica :: Culture Cultural History Essays

History of Costa Rica Human habitation can be traced back more than 10,000 years but it appears Costa Rica was sparsely populated and a relative backwater in the pre-Columbian era. There is little sign of major communities and none of the impressive stone architecture that characterized the more advanced civilizations of Mesoamerica to the north and the Andes to the south. When Columbus arrived near Lim ¢Ã‚ ¢n on September 18, 1502 on his third and last voyage to the Americas, there were probably no more than 20,000 indigenous inhabitants They lived in several autonomous tribes, all with distinct cultures and customs. Costa Rica's only major archaeological site is at Guayabo, 30 miles east of San Jos‚‚, where an ancient city, dating back to 1000 B.C. and though to have contained 10,000 people at its peak, is currently being excavated. Many interesting gold, jade and pottery artefacts have been found throughout the region and are on display in several museums in San Jose. The Indians gave Columbus gold and he returned to Europe with reports of a plentiful supply of the yellow metal. But the adventurers who arrived to cash in found only hostile Indians, swamps and disease for their trouble. Several early attempts to colonize the Atlantic coast failed for the same reasons and for almost half a century Costa Rica was passed over while colonization gathered pace in countries to the north and south. In 1562, the Spanish main's administrative center in Guatemala sent Juan Vasquez de Coronado to Costa Rica as governor and Cartago was established as the capital the following year. With no Indian slaves to work the land, the colonists were forced to work the land themselves, scratching out a meagre subsistence by tilling small plots. The impoverished colony grew slowly and was virtually ignored by the Spanish rulers in Guatemala. By the late 18th century, the settlements that would buela had been founded and exports of wheat and tobacco were making economic conditions somewhat better. Central America gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821. The news reached Costa Rica a month after the event. The question of whether Costa Rica should join newly independent Mexico or join a new confederation of Central American states resulted in a bitter quarrel between the leaders of San Jose and their counterparts in Cartago and Heredia. A brief civil war in 1823 was won by San Jose and Costa Rica joined the confederation.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Employee-Customer Relations in a Retail Store Essay -- Work Environmen

Employee-Customer Relations in a Retail Store In a department store, where customers come to shop, customer-employee relations are a key element for the stores survival.Shopping is a major part of the life of almost every person in the country.The flow of money keeps business flowing.If no one spent his or her money, Business would cease to exist.The customer comes to the store expecting to be served, and the employees are trained (or are supposed to be trained) to please the customer.Businesses exist to serve the customer, or at least that’s what the common belief is.Businesses strive to please the customer.If the customer isn’t pleased with the store, then the customer won’t spend his or her money.The customer’s money is the businesses â€Å"bread and butter† The setting for this essay takes place in the checkout area of a popular department store, in the Detroit area, similar to K-mart, Target, or Meijers during the year 2001.It has been in its present location for about 30 years.It has been remodeled several times, it’s departments rearranged, and has had new additions added onto it.It is a place where many people can buy almost any thing that they need, from food, to clothing, to entertainment items.It has a variety of merchandise.Almost anything that can be found in a competitor store that specializes in a certain type of merchandise (like electronics or grocery goods) for usually an equal or lower price. It is almost constantly busy, since it is a 24-hour store. As one is about to enter one can see the parking lot usually cluttered with carts.The parking lot is designed so that it slopes towards the sewer drains so that rain can be drained quickly.As you enter the store one can notice the two pop machines that are ... ...at.If they don’t get what they want, now, they get angry.Even the most patient customers have their breaking point.Though the customer might be â€Å"tired and cranky† from a long day, what they need to understand is that the employee is probably working all day too.So they both could probably in a bad mood.â€Å"If one of them looses their tempers, the other will soon go off as well.†If the customer and employee became more understanding, then mostly everything would run more smoothly.Things happen, and when a problem does occur, it is often unpredictable.If no one became quickly upset, and just waited for the problem to be solved, the store would run more smoothly in the end (so that the next customer could be taken care of). Works Cited Hairston, Maxine. â€Å"Diversity, Ideology, and Teaching Writing.† College Composition and Communication 43.2. May 1992: 179-195.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Negative Consumer Behavior Essay

To fully understand what negative consumer behavior is and what makes a bad customer, we first have to understand what â€Å"consumer behavior† is. In their book, â€Å"Consumer Behavior: Concepts and Strategies,† Berkman and Gilson (1981) say that the American Cultural System, which is made of values and artifacts, strongly influences consumer activity in the United States. â€Å"In the twentieth century, American Culture reflected a distinct consumption ethic based upon affluence and gratification of desires through material acquisition† (Berkman and Gilson, 1981). Consumer Behavior is defined as â€Å"the activities of people engaged in actual or potential use of market items-whether products, services, retail environments, or ideas† (Berkman and Gilson, 1981). Thus, there are unlimited types of behaviors that the consumers can exhibit making it difficult to distinguish between good and bad consumer behavior. Sometimes, a consumer behavior that maybe considered negative in one market place can be considered positive in another. Shoplifting for example. â€Å"Some 800,000 times a day, this tableau of temptation, fear and exhilaration plays out in the humdrum aisles of department stores and supermarkets† (Adler, 2002). Shoplifting without a doubt is a type of negative consumer behavior since this behavior costs department stores and supermarket thousands of dollars every day. Yet in the February 25, 2002 â€Å"Newsweek† article written by Jerry Adler, Brandy Samson, the manager of a jewelry and accessories store in the Sherman Oaks California Fashion Square, sees shoplifting in a positive way by using it to understand what it is that the consumers want. She continued to say â€Å"We know what’s hot among teens by seeing what they steal† (Adler, 2002). Though shoplifting has negative effects for one type of market it is a positive consumer behavior in another like the security and protection market. The rise in shoplifting incidents will lead storeowners to increase their spending on security devices like cameras and sensor tags for clothing. Kelly Barron, the author of the article â€Å"Your money or your life? Crime rates are down. Are Americans overspending for security?† says that  even though crime rates have been decreasing over the past years, revenues in the security business are on the rise. â€Å"Americans keep buying more and more protection. Revenues for the security industry have risen 46% over the past five years, to an estimated $57 billion† (Barron, 1997). The vast increase of credit card use has given birth to yet another type of this complex consumer behavior that can be categorized as the compulsive buyers. In their study, James A. Roberts and Eli Jones, say that â€Å"the consumer culture is defined as a culture in which the majority of consumers avidly desire, pursue, consume, and display goods and services that are valued for non-utilitarian reasons, such as status (power), envy provocation, and pleasure seeking† (2001). Such behavior has both positive and negative outcomes. In one hand, the rise of consumer spending increases revenues for certain goods and services. In the other hand, the same behavior increases debt. â€Å"For the first three month of 1999, consumer spending increased at an annualized rate of 6.7 percent. Purchases of durable goods, non-durable goods, and services all registered healthy gains. During the same period, savings reached an all-time low of -0.5 percent† (Roberts and Jones, 2001). Roberts and Jones noted in their study that past research shows that credit cards facilitate spending and that college students were found to spend more at a given store if the store accepted credit cards as a mode of payment. It was also noted that such compulsive buying activities was a significant reason for the large number of credit card debt and personal bankruptcy filings. Roberts and Jones acknowledge that earlier studies have found that students with high debt earn lower grades, and have higher probabilities of dropping out of school. You would think that educational organizations would limit the access of credit card vendors into a college campus. However, what is happening is exactly the opposite. â€Å"Four of five universities allow on-campus solicitations for credit cards and charge credit card vendors between $175 to $400 per day to rent tables during freshman orientation. Schools also receive a percentage of all student charges when they authorize the issuance of an affinity card† (Roberts and Jones, 2001). So is compulsive buying behavior negative or positive? There are however some consumer behaviors that are easy to distinguish from being negative or positive. The abusive customer for example, is a type of consumer that is never satisfied that induces high amounts of stress on the employees. Those who have worked in retail and customer service have probably dealt with such consumers. Working in a clothing store has given me the opportunity to experience the stress created by dealing with the so-called â€Å"abusive customers.† This negative behavior creates a conflict between customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction. â€Å"The consumer satisfaction category has the main position in marketing theory and is based on the premise that the profit is made through the process of satisfaction of consumers’ demands†¦researchers continually confirm a significant correlation between satisfaction and repeated buying, greater brand loyalty, and spreading a positive opinion of the product† (Dubrovski, 2001). Customer is indeed important to the success of a business, but so is employee satisfaction. See the problem when it comes to dealing with abusive customers? The face-to-face interactions with abusive customers cause employees to increase their â€Å"emotional labor† which is also known as emotional dissonance. â€Å"Emotional dissonance occurs when expressed emotions conform with organizational norms but clash with true feelings† (Rafaeli and Sutton, 1987). In her study on emotional dissonance, Rebecca Abraham establishes that emotional dissonance provokes unhappiness at a job, which motivates the intentions to quit. At my former job, a clothing store, I was able to observe high employee turnover rates due to job dissatisfaction. Not a day passed by without a single interaction with an abusive customer. I wouldn’t doubt that the high volume of such interactions lead to the high employee turnover. This particular store did nothing to decrease the high employee turnover, probably costing them hundreds of dollars. When does employee satisfaction become more important than customer satisfaction? Abusive customers, no matter what they spend and no matter how high their lifetime value is, are expressing negative consumer behavior. This particular clothing store that I used as an example should evaluate or re-examine their values because in the  end nobody will want to work for them. Exhibiting negative consumer behavior in one type of market may result in a positive outcome in another market. Some types of consumer behaviors are so complex that it is extremely difficult to distinguish it from being a positive or negative behavior. It depends on what side of the market the specific business is. In this paper I illustrated for the most part a few of these complex consumer behaviors. However, there are some consumer behaviors that a business owner might be better off with. In the retail business there are some customers that take a great deal of time in deciding what it is that they want to purchase. If you are a storeowner, you might want to have your employees spend less time pleasing these types of customers. After all time is money. The welfare and satisfaction of employees should also be a great concern for the employers. I believe that the more satisfied an employee is with their job, the better they will perform at it. Thus, it is important to protect employees from abusive customers. I can recall a time when a customer became extremely angry when we did not have a specific item in the size he was looking for. There was nothing that I could do but to deal with the costumer’s mistreatment. The types of negative consumer behavior are immense that some are hard to even conceptualize. Such behaviors range from lack of spending, usually expressed by the elderly, to theft and overspending. Future research should examine these activities. Bibliography Abraham, Rebecca. The impact of emotional dissonance on organizational commitment and intention to turnover. Journal of Psychology v133, n4 (July, 1999): 441. Adler, Jerry. The â€Å"Thrill† of Theft: it’s not just the movie stars. Why, each year, ordinary people shoplift $13 billion of lipsticks, batteries and bikinis from stores. Newsweek (Feb. 25, 2002): 52. Barron, Kelly. Your money or your life? Crime rates are down. Are Americans overspending for security? Forbes v160 (November 17, 1997): 66. Berkman, Harold W; Gilson, Christopher. Consumer Behavior: concepts and strategies. Kent Publishing Company. Boston 1981. Dubrovki, Drago. The role of customer satisfaction in achieving business excellence. Total Quality Management. (December 2001): 920 Rafaeli, A.; Sutton, R. Expression of emotion as part of the work role. Academy of Management Review. (1987): 12, 23-37. Roberts, James A; Jones, Eli. Money attitudes, credit card use, and compulsive buying among American college students. Journal of Consumer Affairs, Winter 2001, 35(2): 213-240.

Career Ambition

This misconception ambition is the first thing you may crashing in front of the eyes of many of us when he finds himself after graduation without a job or is suffering even find any work by plugging breath livelihood and then thought one of us that has stabilized and is believed to function is always from eight o'clock to the second half in the public sector and others in the private sector and then interrupted it relates to his work every day so even comes last month arrested for his salary and so on , that goes to his age and referred to retirement.And sometimes some people feel that the job Kataiwq wraps around his neck and complain of work and felt that it weighs his shoulders are asked to retire early to rest and is still active and did not reach the age of sixty No need to stand one of us with himself and see with the passage of time and the years on his appointment to this post and look what happened? Skills and gain experiences and how his role Ajtazha to develop his skills a nd whether he developed himself and invented something useful for his work in order to be an element product? Or do you imitate any position sets it apart from others? Man thinks ambition is to develop and put himself in front of specific targets and think how to achieve these goals and uses several methods to strive and make solutions to achieve them.Unfortunately, many of us if he sat with himself and especially of their years in the career service will find himself after all these years has come forward and did not develop himself and got his service and the passage of the years, so you sometimes find director of his 15 years in the job and preside over many of the staff and reached the higher echelons it is not known to run a computer or speak a single word in English and a smaller staff understand these things from him.Perhaps some say do not awakened in the course to learn computer and other shovel this failure with his work, and tell him this is not a justification for it is possible for any one of us to develop himself outside of his term, even for an hour per day for a certain period, especially as the private institutes are available everywhere and at reasonable prices.Even if you lose a little money you earned to develop yourself and your interest in the latter so that you alone, and this is the skills and experience gained with yourself and you will feel that you have developed yourself and give you the incentive to develop your talents and increase your ambition career with this ambition  must be to you the principle of positive in your life , and you know what The principle is what you mean? The principle is the road or the approach taken in the circus and move between the different stations of your life and sometimes it's red such as lines that stopped at any concessions in the hope of achieving a certain goal.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Quinte Mir

The immediate issue is that Benton-Cooper Medical Centre’s MRI clinic has been open for 6 weeks and not performing to expectations and to the promises made by their new MRI provider, Quinte MRI. With referrals to the clinic, doctors expect to receive MRI transcription reports within two days and the current backlog exceeds 14 days. As a result there is a loss of patient referrals from doctors within the hospital and surrounding community which means a loss of revenue for BCMC. Quinte MRI must determine what is causing the backlog and how to fix it.Secondary IssuesA secondary issue in the clinic is that the MR Technologist is putting in a lot of overtime even though the maximum number of patients each week is not being met. Quinte MRI personnel need to examine and analyze the interaction between the capacity, the process flow and the bottleneck and provide a resolution and action plan back to the CEO, Dr. Syed Haider within 2 days. Environmental and Root Causes Quinte MRI, an i nternational service provider specializing in medical diagnostic technologies signed an agreement in February 2002 with Benton-Cooper Medical Centre (BCMC) for the outsourcing of their MRI services.BCMC believed that they could competed successfully if they had a third MRI machine as they anticipated continued growth in this area by 15% through doctor’s referrals from the hospital and surrounding areas. BCMC also believed that they could generate enough revenue and promotional support through advertisements with local print and radio stations to be able to own their own fixed MR system and be recognized as a top rated hospital for the area. Quinte MRI promised the avenue for BCMC to be able to accomplish these goals through its service reliability and access to diagnostic equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a reasonable cost.However, these expectations are not being met and David Wright has gone to the MR Technologist, Jeff Sinclair to examine and analyze what was caus ing the backlog (bottleneck) in the operation. Jeff indicated that due to poor communication between the hospital and the clinic, mistakes were being made due to a manual process for recording information. Patients were being booked at wrong time, cancelling or not showing up, wrong tests were being requested or recorded, and patients were not being screened properly for an MRI scan.An assessment was being done when the patient came into the clinic. A patient preparation process has not been implemented in the new facility, whereas the previous MRI provider scheduled all appointments. Jeff felt that wasted time was being spent on delivering scans to the radiologist after each patient. Jeff also accounted for the fact that during May, the clinic used a Siemens unit, which took some time to get used to, however, now that the GE machine was in place (Jeff was originally trained on this machine), things were improving.David next examined the cycle time on for a 30 minute procedure. The table below shows the current cycle time of the patient, the MR Technologist and the MRI machine. 15 minutes was dedicated to patient preparation for an MRI while only 27. 5 minutes was spent in the Magnet Room. 42. 5 minutes was being spent on a 30 minute procedure. This was where the bottleneck was in the process. Staying with this current process and resources, the maximum capacity of this process can only be 8 procedures if all other inputs into this process ran smoothly (i. . no cancellations). Exhibit 1 Patient Check in until entrance into Magnet Room Minutes MR Technologist escorted the patient to the Magnet Room (asks questions to determine if any health risks/conflicts and if any patient has any metal components internally or on clothing) 59Patient – 42. 5 minutesMR Technologist – 42. 5 minutes Changing Room for patients wearing metal on their clothing (25% of patients)Magnet Room Patient Orientation and paperwork verification 127. 5 Positioning of Coil 4 MRI Scan time based on a 30 minute scheduled MRI scan)16. 5MRI Machine – 16. 5 minutes Data Entry (happened during scan)1 Printing MRI Scans (average 8 sheets at 45 seconds each)6 Patient back to reception Escort the Patient back to Front Desk 26 Changing Room 4 Monica Zimmerman, radiology department manager was pressuring Quinte MRI to hire another MR technologist to lighten Jeff’s workload and improve the process flow. David needed to review the cost of hiring an additional person to make the process flow better.He knew that the 1. Tesla MRI machine rated capacity was 2 patients per hour, however the actual scans in a day, would be based on the type of scan required. David used the 30 minute and the 1 hour procedure to determine what the potential spend per day was and what the annual spend would be. Note that any lost appointments resulted in a $700. 00 per scan loss, however this also could be a $700. 00 increase for unscheduled (walk-in) appointments. By looking at th e potential projected income, hiring another person was a possibility.Exhibit 2 Time – Min/Hour# performed$ scan suppliesper scan Daily RevenueBCMC chargeDaily revenue – BCMC chargeAnnual Revenue25% Tax $Income 3016145$700 $ 11,200$2,320$8,880$2,800,000$700,000$2,100,000 18145$700 $ 5,600$1,160$4,440$1,400,000$350,000$1,050,000 Alternatives and Options Criteria 1. Increase the process flow, machine capacity and change the position of the bottleneck 2. Increase revenue 3. Repair relationship and reputation with BCMC Alternative 1: (Strategic) Quinte MRI has found out that the manual process for taking appointments is creating many errors.If the system was computerized MRI test requirements could be input into the system and throughput could be maximized based on MRI procedure time required in order to maximize time slot available. Quinte MRI also realized that the MRI Technologist was performing administrative tasks that could be assigned to an assistant. By removing th ese tasks from the technologist, more time availability would become available for scheduling additional MRI tests. In order to process patients faster, a form could be developed that specifies what the patient must do prior to arrival at the MRI Clinic.Another form could be developed for when that patient arrives at the clinic that asks questions regarding health risks and indicating what restriction would prevent a patient from having an MRI. The assistant could take the patient all the way through the process until the Magnet room at which point the MR technologist would take over. There are necessary requirements that the MR technologist must do prior to completion of the scan, but the collection of the MRI scans and delivery of them back to the radiologist could be done by the assistant that is escorting the patient from the Magnet room.If we assume that most of the MRI scans are a half an hour, than patients could be scheduled every half hour in order to maximize both the capa city of the machine and the capacity of the technologist. Pros: By implementing the computer, there is more accuracy being collected for appointments and test requirements. By hiring the MR assistance, there is increased flow capacity because the technologist will handle only the MRI scans and not the administration task that were previous being done him.This takes the bottleneck out of the administrative task and aligns it to the maximum capacity of the machine thereby increasing revenue which provides the ability to hire the assistant. This would create reliability with the clinic again so that doctors will send their referrals to the clinic. Cons: A second MR technologist will not be hired and when it comes time for vacation of illness, there will be no one to step into the technologist position and ensure continuous flow.Quinte MRI would need to hire from a temporary agency in order to fulfill their requirement which means addition dollars will be spend. Alternative 2: (Tactical ) Quinte MRI could hire a second MRI Technologist to perform MRI scans alternating times with the first MRI Technologist to increase the flow and capacity of the process. This would take away the backlog and doctors could send their referrals to the clinic with a sense of reliability that the clinic will get it turnaround within 2 days. Pros:This would allow Quinte MRI to always have a back up in the event that one of the technologists is on vacation and / or ill. The increase revenue being generated due to increased MRI procedures could pay for the second MR Technologist. Cons: Based on the current practices, hiring a second technologist would alleviate some of the workload, however given that no effort has been made to correct the communication issues between the hospital/patient and the booking department, there is a strong possibility, that patients will still continue to be booked at the wrong time, cancel or just not show up.Without a procedure to hand how patients are dealt w ith from checking to magnet room, people could still be turn away due to health reasons, clothing that is not appropriate for scanning purposes. Recommendation The recommendation is to take Alternative #2 as it addresses all of the criteria by increasing the process flow, machine capacity and changes the bottle neck to the maximum machine capacity. It increases revenue and repairs the relationship and reputation with BCMC.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Time Management for Right-Brained

MANAGING TIME USING THE RIGHT BRAIN As we prepare ourselves to meet the challenges of the new century, we need to be concerned about the most critical of all resources, Time. As the pressure to become more competitive builds up, this resource is becoming more and more scarce. One can create and destroy any resource, but not time. However, the way time is managed differs from person to person. It is not how much time one has that is important. It is what do one does with one’s time. Most people have ambitions and aspirations in life. Every one wishes that he or she manages the goals in life successfully.But the critical issue is only a few succeed in reaching them in full. Why is that? There are different words to describe an outcome or an end result : ‘wish’, ‘desire’, ‘need’, ‘wants’, ‘goals’, are some of them. Of these, the word ‘goal’ presupposes a time frame and quantification and some efforts. B ut there is one more dimension to a goal in terms of its strength and intensity as understood by the mine. It is called ‘empowerment’. Empowerment is the process of giving an inner strength and wherewithal to reach the goal in spite of obstacles. It results in a mindset of restlessness and urge to reach the set goal.We need to look at the concept of time management from a different perspective. The process of what goes on in the mind is more important than what is exbibited outside a person in terms of setting priorities and pursuing various activities. To make a success of time management, it should be first be understood that it is a mind driven concept and not a system driven practice. To understand why some people manage time well, we should locate the seat of all our goals and aspiration in life. For this we should understand the working of the human brain.The human brain has two halves : the left and the right. The left brain is involved in language skills, it is analytical and it processes information in a linear fashion one after the other. It is logical and verbal. The right brain is the intuitive part of the brain, which is holistic and non-linear. This imaginative and creative part is responsible for the dreaming function. One this aspect of the brain is understood, it is easy to interpret what goes on in the mind of a successful person who manages his time effectively. In fact, there is no such thing as time management.The issue is self-management through pursuing an empowerment through emotional commitment. Any one who attaches a deep sense of emotion to the goal finds out a way of setting priorities to realise the same. He is able to withstand all the pains of initiating the controlling the various actions towards reaching his goal. For transferring the goal to the right brain, the visualisation skill of the right brain should be used. Before trying to manage one’s time, one should start with a powerful picture of the goal in his mind. One should visualise the goal with emotional attachment.It could all start with what others may dub it as a fantasy. After all, when you think about it, all inventions are a result of some one’s fantasies! 1 When the goal is powerfully represented in the mind through a bright picture of the future, the effect of the same involves the person so emotionally that it gets into his subconscious mind. The right brain alone can understand a person’s emotional attachment to his goal. When confronted with problems while reaching one’s goals, the left brain is logical and analytical and reasons out how it is impossible to reach the goal given the difficult circumstances.It reasons out how intense will be the problems to be surmounted, and, if allowed to prevail on the mine, will make the person to give up his goal. The way the right brain interprets the goal is different. It is not logical but intuitive. It is emotionally involved in the process of goal setting and will not give up. The right brain is not logical but creative and thinks about innovative ways of reaching the goal. It has already visualised the final scene of the goal achievement and hence ‘knows’ how nice it is to be in that situation of achievement and will not rest until newer and alternative methods of reaching the goal are found.A limiting belief makes you feel you are not capable of performing, as you want to due to some things present in the external system. Actually, limitation is not outside the person. It is within the mind. This is mainly due to the interpretation of the situation by the left brain, as it understands the situation. In such a situation, the right brain has to be used to get emotionally connected with the goal. This process will make the person believe in himself and his abilities to reach the goal. (Source : N. C. Sridharan’s article in The Hindu) 2 Related article: Â  Time Management

Friday, September 13, 2019

Analysis of investment decisions in new product launch Essay

Analysis of investment decisions in new product launch - Essay Example The paper tells that launching of a new product is a major investment decision for any corporation and hence needs to be evaluated thoroughly in order to avoid huge financial setbacks. A good number of big and a host of slightly smaller business have, nowadays, become extremely cautious and refined in the manner in which they economically assess key investment decisions concerning substantial fixed assets. This fact has been authenticated by the abundant research studies which document the need felt by companies to appraise the economic viability of the new product and take into consideration various key investment decisions prior to plunging into the relatively new territory. However, there is still a dearth of comprehensive studies concerning the actual investment decisions taken by these large corporate houses, with respect to launching and/ or marketing of new products in the market. Researchers such as Barwise, Marsh and Wensley investigated the role of finance and investment de cisions with respect to strategic decision making process. Any type of strategic investment entails a detailed analysis of its long term prospects as well as its economic viability. With respect to organizations, it commences with a decision to develop a wide-ranging long term development agenda, which is followed by a detailed analysis of the various short term measures, for instance, premeditated obsolescence, which is done with a view to acquire an edge over their corporate rivals.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Finance Assignment Wal-Mart Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Finance Wal-Mart - Assignment Example Walmart operates in Mexico with its first overseas store being a Sam’s Club situated in Mexico City in 1991. In Mexico, there are 2,290 retail stores as of 2015 with 251 Walmart Supercenters, and 160 Sam’s Clubs. By January 2014, Walmart had 209,878 employees in its Mexican stores, clubs, and retails (n.d.). a) Walmart’s annual report for the financial year that ended 2014 addresses foreign exchange risk management in the section â€Å"Foreign Currency Risk† (Walmart 31). This segment argues that Walmart is susceptible to variations in the value of foreign currency because of its â€Å"net investments and operations in nations other than the United States† (31). c) The type of currency exposure that Walmart hedges is instabilities in overseas currency exchange rates. This type of exposure is related often to the predicted outflows of â€Å"principal and interest of non-US denominated debt† (31). d) One hedging techniques used by Walmart is taking part in currency swaps and labeling particular overseas-currency denominated, longstanding debt as â€Å"net investment hedges† (31). Another technique is labeling overseas-currency denominated, longstanding debt as â€Å"nonderivative hedges of net investments† of particular overseas activities (32). Nigeria seems to be the biggest concern in terms of currency volatility and country risk. Today, political views and policies are dependent on key deviation in policy course provide the personality-oriented characteristic of Nigerian political affairs. In 2015, currency matters will be the focus of the Central Bank of Nigeria (BMI Research 2015). After the aggressive tightening of monetary measures in November 2014, the Central Bank of Nigeria may find it essential to add tightening courses of action in an attempt to anchor inflation anticipations and calm nervous markets. These tightening courses of action make up the leading cause of currency issues in Nigeria for Walmart (2015).