Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Industrially Significant Elements and Compounds of Steel Term Paper
Industrially Significant Elements and Compounds of Steel - Term Paper Example Carbon is found in large quantities from wood and coal (Hall, 1997). According to Hall (1997), Iron is mixed with carbon to form either steel or cast iron. Iron ore immediately extracted from the ground is rich in iron content or is concentrated. The concentration is then reduced in a blast furnace by the use of coke and limestone flux. The resulting product from the furnace is called pig iron. Pig iron is strong enough to be molded into various c shapes. Cast iron and its different types are produced at the foundry industries. The different types of cast iron produced at foundry industries include ductile iron, gray iron, and malleable iron. However, a larger percentage of cast iron is further refined to produce steel. Steel is the major metal consumed in large quantities around the world. Industrially Significant Elements and Compounds Steel is classified into three categories known as carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. However, all steels are seen as being alloys. Ste els are categorized as alloys because they contain other metals apart from manganese, silicon and phosphorous. These compounds are introduced as deliberate additions to the iron and carbon mixture (Hall, 1997). According to Hall (1997), Carbon steel varies on the ability of strength, how easily they can be welded and how easily they can be formed as well as their ability to be used in the formation of machines. Carbon steels are produced according to the range of quality. This is due to the level of certain element concentration. However, all carbon steel can rust if exposed to air, salts, and acids. Further, when carbon steel is bound to be exposed to some corrosive materials, they can be coated with paint or epoxy. Other metals can also be used to coat carbon to prevent any effects caused by corrosive materials. Currently, the readily available metal coatings of steal include zinc and another compound of zinc or aluminum. These steel metal coatings are used in the food and beverag e industries for safety measures. Another important element of steel to be considered is stainless steel.Â
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Relationship Between Management Theory and Practice
Relationship Between Management Theory and Practice In this answer the relationship in between management theory practice is clearly defined, starting with defining the meaning of management theory, later on the relation in between the two is highlighted followed by a critical review conclusion. WHAT IS MANAGEMENT THEORY? Management theory is a lens that allows people to interpret modes of management, to identify a particular set of problems and to seek a variety of solutions to those problems. Management practices in different organisations depend on the theories that are applied either explicitly or implicitly (Soriano, 2009). RELATION IN BETWEEN MANAGEMENT THEORY PRACTICE Every living practioner is prisoner to the ideas of a dead theorist(Mullins, 2007, p.40). Management theory is a critical element that helps in the production of knowledge, bringing transparency, accountability and accessibility to the research practice (Brownlie, 2007). Theories are perspectives with which people try make sense of their experiences. The relation between theory practice is very important as without theoretical knowledge it is impossible to put the skills into practice and make the right decisions. Theory gives deep understanding and allows manager to view the problems from different perspectives which leads to decision-making practice. In relation to the problems faced by organisations today, without understanding the basics of it, without knowing the case in depth, it becomes difficult to come to the right decision and solve the problem which causes the delays in decisions results(Stoner et. al. 1995, pp. 31-2). Thus, Six Sigma a system of practices ev olving from best management theories was developed by Motorola in the 1980s to improve processes by eliminating defects (Pande, 2007). It is therefore very important for people leading the organisations to have a good theoretical knowledge. CRITICAL REVIEW As per a report in The Sunday Times (2009), in the last two decades, management theory, once rejected in Britain by both unions and management, has been deliberately implied on almost every aspect of commercial and public life (Billen, 2009). This act of blindly implying theories into practice is incorrect moreover certain beneficial management practices are the ones not mentioned in management theories. As stated by Gary Hamel in The Future of Management, several leading executives-including Sergey Brin and Larry Page (the Google Guys) and John Mackey of Whole Foods Market, never went to business school had no knowledge of management theories, still their management practices were successful (The Econmist, 2007). In most of the organisations there appears a gap between theory and practice of management, this problem is attributed to converting research knowledge into practice to solve this researchers propose a method of engaged scholarship in which researchers and practitioners coproduce knowledge that can advance theory and practice in a given domain (Ven et. al, 2006). CONCLUSION In managing, as in any other field, unless practitioners try to learn by trial and error method, there is no place they can turn for meaningful guidance other than the knowledge underlying their practice; this knowledge is theory. Managers who attempt to manage without management theory must put their trust to luck, intuition, or their experience in the past. A management who makes serious attempts to translate management theory into practice is bound to increase productivity more than a management which chooses to use the fire brigade or trial and error approach (Weirich, 2004). Q:Explain the main difficulties in studying personalities; how is this of importance to organisations? A: INTRODUCTION: In this answer, the difficulties in studying personalities are highlighted, by defining the meaning of personalities mentioning the reasons for the difficulties. Later on, the importance of understanding personalities to organisations is mentioned followed by a conclusion. MEANING OF PERSONALITY: As per Websters Dictionary Personality is derived from the latin word persona, which means mask as in mask worn by actors on stage or role as in ones role in life, so personality is essential character of a person (David Knights and Hugh Willmott, 2007, p.80). Difficulties in Studying Personalities: No two individuals have exactly the same personalities, as stated in The New York Times (2009) It is said that parents of one child believe that upbringing determines personality, but parents with two children believe in genetic tendencies. The evidence points to something more complex: genetic predispositions interact with circumstances to produce unique individuals (Aamodt Wang, 2009). So, studying personalities is a complex task as the techniques that are used to collect group data is questionable and the outcome that comes from it is inappropriate in understanding personalities because the richness and depth of an individuals personality cannot be revealed in superficial pen and papers questionnaires. The personality cannot be understood outside an individuals social context and has to be studied in the light of his/her own perceptions of the world. Moreover, the categories defined by psychologists to study personalities are quite narrow in depth and scope. We expect individuals behaviour to be consistent or stable, however it might not be true everytime, for e.g if a person has taken drugs or is under great stress he will not behave as per his personality traits (Mullins, 2004). Importance To Organisations: Those who manage or even aspire to manage organisations a vital part of their role is understanding human behaviour and psychology (Rollinson, 2005).Within the mainstream thinking and practice of management personality is seen as one of the most basic and fundamental features of an organisation (David Knights and hugh willmott, 2007, p.79). The study the personalities can help organisations in solving real problems that happen at the place of work. By using personality psychological research findings the organisations can hire better employees, decrease absenteeism, increase job satisfaction solve many other organisational problems related to work. Understanding of personality is required in various organizational processes for e.g. Selection Placement. As per Africa News (2005) personality is the key element organisations need to assess when recruiting people. Apart from such processes understanding personalities can help organisations in redesigning jobs to make them more meaning ful and satisfying to the employees which in turn will lead to healthy and productive workforce. An organisation should recognise and try to improve employees personality and talent so that certain positive and encouraging traits can be developed in them which would lead to better work atmosphere and attainment of common aims and goals (Paul M. Muchinsky, 2001). CONCLUSION It can thus be concluded that personality is a major factor that determines the success or failure of the individual but understanding personality is a complex process, so the organisations should be careful in selecting its employees by understanding their personalities should also try bring positive changes to their personalities for organisational success. Q: In what ways can an understanding of motivation theory contribute to successful organizational working? Illustrate your key arguments with organizationally based examples. A : INTRODUCTION In this answer, the importance of understanding motivation theories for organisations is mentioned, with the help of surveys, organizationally based examples press releases. In the beginning the different motivation theories are described in brief, followed by explanation of reasons for understanding them. WHAT IS MOTIVATION WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT MOTIVATION THEORIES? The term motivation derived from the Latin word movere, meaning to move (Kretiner, 1998). As per Robbins (1993) motivation is the willingness to put high levels of effort toward organizational goals, conditioned being the efforts should satisfy some individual need (Ramlall, 2004). The first theory of motivation was developed by FW Taylors was called Scientific Management Theory. Taylor believed money was the only motivator and that there should be a carrot and stick approach to motivate people. Those who worked hard should be rewarded, but those who didnt, penalties should be imposed. Other theorists proposed that this was not always the way to get the best out of people (The Times 100, 2010,Motivation how Egg unleashes the power of people). So there other motivation theories got evolved namely Content theories attempt to explain those specific things that actually motivate the individual at work Process theories that attempt to identify the relationship among the variables that make up motivation (Mullins, 2007). CONTENT THEORIES 1) Needs theories: Maslows hierarchy of needs theory identifies five major basic needs: a) physiological b) safety c) love/affiliation d) esteem e) self-actualization. This theory provided organisations ways of motivating employees by devising programs aimed at satisfying unmet needs (Ramlall, 2004). Champagne McAfee (1989), cited ways for organisations to meet the needs of their employees:-Physiological: Vending machines, Drinking fountains; Safety: retirement benefits, solving grievances, Rest periods; Affiliation: creating team spirit, using periodic praise; Esteem: Encouraging participation, giving training; Self-actualization: Encouraging creativity, providing challenges. LIMITATION: The level and type of employees need may vary, fulfilling some needs might be really costly(Ramlall,2004). 2) Herzbergs two-factor theory: As per Herzberg (1968) financial rewards do not always satisfy employees, as proposed by Taylor. This theory assumes that the absence of hygiene factors like salary, security, working conditions leads to demotivation amongst the employees whereas motivators like achievement, recognition, responsibility, nature of work leads to motivation (Quader Quader, 2008). This theory teaches organisation that for an employee to be motivated, his job must be fully enriched where he has the opportunity for achievement and recognition (Ramlall, 2004). LIMITATION: This theory can only be applied to manual workers the theory is methodologically bound (Mullins, 2007). 3) McClellands Achievement motivation theory: McClellands work originated from the relationship between hunger needs and the extent to which imagery of food dominated thought processes. McClelland saw the achievement need as the most critical need for the countrys economic growth and success. LIMITATION: The theory is generalised however, different people have different achievement needs (Mullins, 2007). PROCESS THEORIES: 1) Equity theory: Equity theory states that individuals are concerned not only with the absolute amount of rewards they receive for their efforts, but also with the relationship of this amount to what others receive. If they find any imbalance, tension is created people can do many things to remove this inequity. Therefore organizations must develop reward systems that are fair and equitable for all the employees (Ramlall, 2004). LIMITATION: It fails to specify what will people do to reduce the inequity/tension (Muchinsky, 2003). 2) Attribution theory: This theory suggests that behaviour is determined by a combination of perceived internal forces (skills, ability) and external forces(policies, weather) (Mullins, 2007). LIMITATION: If an employee performs well but the manager thinks this was due to luck, the appropriate recognition/reward may not be given employee will get demotivated. 3) Expectancy theory: As per this theory people are motivated to behave in ways that produce desired combinations of expected outcomes (Kreitner Kinicki, 1999, p.227). This theory states that the task itself is key to employee motivation so organisations should follow job enrichment and job rotation to increase motivation. LIMITATION: Expectancy models are not always easy to understand, or apply in actual management (Mullins, 2007). 4) Goal-setting theory : It says individuals are motivated by specific difficult goals their behaviour revolves around the set goal (Gordon, 1996, p145). It helps organisations in gaining improved results as employees set specific goals directly related to their work (Mullins, 2007). LIMITATION : If goals are set at a very high level to achieve, performance suffers, especially over a longer period(Mullins,2007). LITERATURE REVIEW: In the past theories of motivation a lot of importance was given to recognition factor of motivation the only dependent variables were job satisfaction performance. Later on, Significant advances were made in understanding how culture, characteristics of the job, and the person-organization fit influenced motivation. Earlier, motivation was restricted to research findings of North Americans. There were clashes amongst theorists that existed throughout much of the twentieth century hence much of the energy was spent on destruction of theory rather than theory construction (Latham Pinder, 2005). WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THEORIES MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES? Organisational investments in employee motivation create obligations on the employees to reciprocate in positive ways, which, in turn, result in better organisational performance (Lee Bruvold, 2003). Moreover, motivation theory can go a long way towards helping us understand why people behave in the way they do. Armed with such knowledge, managers should be better placed to direct employee behaviour for the good of the organisation (Hannagan, 2005, pp. 350-351). As stated by Amer Zureikat, regional Manager, Bayt.com. in United Arab Emirates (2009), Organisations the world over are realising that successfully motivating staff on an ongoing basis is a fundamental element in building good rapport among staff, keeping staff loyal to the company and most of all maintaining optimal productivity levels of employees. This becomes even more crucial during these times of economic crisis, because news of job losses and an unstable future may serve to de-motivate employees significantly. MOTIVATION REDUCES ABSENTEEISM It is mentioned in The Irish Times that up to 50 to 80 per cent of an organisations total expenditure is on employees, even average absence levels can represent a serious expense in terms of reduced productivity and can reduce employee retention because of over-stretched staff. An initiative to lower absenteeism makes financial sense to the organisation. This can be done only if the motivation theories are understood put into practice (Madden, 2008). MOTIVATION IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY PERFORMANCE: Georgopoulos et al.(1957) Porter Lawler (1967) found that employees for whom money was a motivator, performed better if more money was offered to them (Edwin A. Locke, 1970). West and Patterson suggest Where the level of satisfaction is generally high employees may be more motivated to engage in pro-social behaviours and make extra effort to help other departments and functions. Over thousands of instances of helping and motivating the employees show that it increases productivity and performance (Robin Fincham Peter Rhodes, 2005, p.232). MOTIVATION IMPROVES TEAMWORK CO-ORDINATION Certain gain-sharing programs, such as the Scanlon Plan, Improshare, or Rucker Plan, helps workers to get a share in productivity improvements. Such programs result in increased coordination, teamwork and knowledge sharing. They also contribute to better attainment of social needs, increased acceptance of change of technology and new methods. It causes more efficient management and planning, reduction of overtime for workers, increase in creativity and implementation of new ideas and more flexible labour and management relationship (Judith R Gordon, 1996). CASE STUDY BLACK DECKER: A new program Everyone Counts based on employees social self esteem needs as per the needs motivation theories was implemented at Black and Deckers Household Products division in Shelton. Everyone Counts, an employee incentive campaign, replaced the suggestion box and allowed teams of employees to provide cost saving, cost analysis and implementation suggestions. Thirty-nine teams were allowed to submit five ideas each in twelve weeks. One such idea is estimated to save the company over seven hundred dollars by substituting a new material in one of the product lines. Everyone counts also improved communications with upper management, increased employee involvement and allowed more centralisation of the employee work environment (Harris Kliener,1993). Examples to show the Link of Motivation with Organisational Success: American Express introduced an incentive plan for 10,000 employees in the consumer-lending and consumer card groups after a one year pilot program, during which 98 percent of 1,500 employees received bonuses of 4 percent of their salaries. The plan resulted in an increase in customer satisfaction, employee productivity and shareholder gains (Judith R.Gordon, 1996). Royal Bank of Scotland: RBS provides world-class employment package for every employee adopts an attitude that motivates its staff in both financial and personal ways. This helps RBS to compete for the best people and attract them to its business has lead to RBS being rated as one of the best employers in the world. Thus following motivation theories has proved beneficicial for RBS (The Times 100, motivating through total reward). CASE STUDY OF HONEYWELL: Honeywells Electro Optics Division was in serious financial trouble because of low employee morale. In order to motivate their employees they turned to the Boston office of Bernard Hodes for a motivational programme. Posters of the five great performers with their chosen quote were made and placed in the hallways. The five great performers were instant celebrities and everyone wanted to be one. It enhanced employees performance by the use of motivation. In six months Honeywell was out of the financial trouble (Harris Kliener, 1993). There are several examples to show importance of motivation, Some of the better known examples include the Digital Equipment Corporation plants at Enfield in America (Perry, 1984) and Ayr in Scotland (Buchanan McCalman, 1989). In Britain, empowered self-managing teams can also be found in The Body Shop, Unipart, Frizzell Financial Services, Ciba UK and in the Harvester Restaurant in Dulwich (Pickard, 1993).Many American companies have adopted motivating and team working methods, like Shenandoah Life Insurance, Harley-Davidson, Compaq, Cummins Engine Company, Procter Gamble, and General Motors (Hoerr et al., 1986; Hoerr, 1989; Peters, 1987) In most of these companies role of traditional first line supervisor was changed and in others they have been replaced by people who were more motivating (David Buchanan Andrzej Huczynski, 1997, p.96). CONCLUSION: Thus, with the different examples shown it can be concluded that by understanding the importance of motivation organisations can prosper, it can also be said that apart from money there are other motivators of great importance as well, like job security, challenging tasks and working together with colleagues in a good working environment. It has been seen that great organisations are the ones in which the employees are motivated to bring out the best in them. It is therefore very important for the organisations to understand that the employees are an organisations most precious asset anything that can be done to increase their capability should be done so that the returns come to the organisation.
Friday, October 25, 2019
English Language Learning Essay example -- Education, Gujarati Familie
The overall aim of this research is to explore historical and contemporary discourses of social policies of identity, assimilation, multiculturalism and sense of belonging in relationship to the ‘practices of the everyday’ (Lewis 2004) and to explore how the individuals make sense of their world through and by their experiences and practices of it. I will particularly focus on the area of language learning as a part of identity formation to find out how participants are involved in the act of making their language learning possible in spite of all the challenges. By this I mean not to reveal what 'really' happens, but rather to analyse participant's accounts in relation to the political discourses surrounding language, assimilation and community cohesion. Duke (2002: 42) argues taking a qualitative route in relation to researching social policy is essential when trying to 'delve into parts of the policy process which quantitative methods cannot reach. They have the pot ential to explore innovation, originality, complexity, interactions, conflicts and contradictions'. This research is, therefore, an attempt to find answers to the problems and predicaments related to English language learning under different political agenda and to demonstrate how these varying determinants had an effect on the process of language learning and identity formation of Gujarati women in the diaspora. THE CONTEXT OF RESEARCH: It is important to contextualise the process of identity formation of Gujarati women with what was happening in Britain in regard to race relation at both the time of their arrival and the various stages of settlement since. The 1970s was a period when many Gujarati families arrived in the UK as refugees or economic migrants... ...r levels of ability In English for refugees and other migrants to the U. K. by linking language ability with employment potential (DFES Publications,2010). Thus on one hand, the government is stressing the importance of English language learning, on the other hand, the funding for the programmes that provide language training is being cut. There is no doubt that how the migrant women learnt/learn English is shaped by these policies which had/have direct impact on their learning. This research aims to highlight the discrepancies in the policy doctrines and their implementation by comparing the impact of the policies on the process of English language learning of Gujarati women under different political regimes. It focuses on how identities are shaped as an outcome of the political agenda by the qualitative study of the learning journeys of Gujarati women in London.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
The Purpose of This Study
THE INTERNET'S EFFECT ON TEENAGERS Joshua Benjamin Mr. Ferraro Cooper City High School Last Revised: January 31, 1999 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of internet usage on a user's life. Internet addiction is a serious complication effecting America's teenagers. An abundance of support, self-help, and anonymous therapy web sites are available to the public, but there has not been much distinguished attention given to the matter by media other than the Internet.A myriad of collegiate surveys (see references cited) exhibit static results of the Internet's effect based on the participant's age, gender, race, and lifestyle. Many people find the Internet to be the ideal place to socialize with others because of it's faceless medium and effortless ways to find others with similar interests; through the many ways of communication over the Internet, the common prejudices of life are not evident. A significant issue, are the obscured inconveniences one may enc ounter during their day-to-day internet experiences.As companies ‘snaz up' their websites more and more, the user is required to wait for more data to download. The common user does not care to wait for all the attractions and wishes to view what that they come looking for, information. Discomfort is endured as the user sits, and waits for minutes at a time as a status bar slowly progresses to the 100% complete mark. Over time, slightly disturbing events such as this build upon one another and it is hypothesized that it can impose on a user's psychological health over time. Some studies emphasize on internet usage in relation to social and civic interaction.Others highlight the similarities and differences between internet addiction and other addictions. Still others stress on what the user does online and how that affects him or her. One college researcher's study focuses on Internet users' in relation to their various daily tasks. He states, â€Å"Buying products cheaper ov er the Internet is not a big concern of the questionnaire respondents. The Internet seems extremely attractive to the questionnaire participants. Only ten percent decreased their internet usage last year. More than fifty percent answered that Internet use from time to time, often or always replaces watching TV. 0% of the respondents considered themselves as addicted to or dependent on the Internet. The results show a significant difference in the answers from addicted versus non-addicted users. This leads to the conclusion that addictive behaviour can exist in Internet usage. On the other hand, the answers based on the common symptoms of addiction questions are not so strong in the addicted group that one can speak of an addiction, in which for example continued, persistent use of the Internet appears in spite of negative consequences. (Egger, 1996) Whether the Internet is increasing or decreasing social involvement could have enormous consequences for society and for people's perso nal well-being. In an influential article, Putnam documented a broad decline in civic engagement and social participation in the United States over the past 35 years. Citizens vote less, go to church less, discuss government with their neighbors less, are members of fewer voluntary organizations, have fewer dinner parties, and generally get together less for civic and social purposes.At the individual level, social disengagement is associated with poor quality of life and diminished physical and psychological health. When people have more social contact, they are happier and healthier, both physically and mentally. As one might suspect, these activities do not have the same appeal to teenagers and adults alike. The most prominent contrasts by age were not surprising. Teenagers were more likely to use the Internet for schoolwork and for getting educationally-oriented information.It is perhaps less obvious that adults rather than teenagers were more likely to use the Internet to get p roduct information, to purchase items, to read the news, and to view sexually-oriented materials. Teenagers were more likely to use the Internet to play games, to listen to music, and to meet new people. Compared to other groups, both adult women and teenage boys were especially likely to report using the Internet for advertising, for selling, and for making money. †(Kraut, Lundmark, Patterson, Kiesler, Mukopadhyay, Scherlis, Zdaniuk, Thielke, Patterson, 1998. )Some may view addiction as when a task becomes a necessary part of a user's life. â€Å"While the online experience can enrich and expand people's lives, it can also seduce the vulnerable into ignoring the real world. It demonstrates how a bright young man who is doing well in school and who has real-life friends can easily go through a period when things are more interesting on the Net than off. This is what leads him to see his online experiences as a â€Å"genuine†part of his life. He still had a life offli ne, but at the time of our conversation, events there were not going so well.From this perspective, the comment about real life not being his best window seems a bit less sinister. †(Turkle, 1996) â€Å"Frustration with the sluggish speed of a browser is about the most serious psychological pitfall that most of us face when surfing the World Wide Web. But for as many as five million Americans, experts say, the Internet has become a destructive force, its remarkable benefits overshadowed by its potential to disrupt the lives of those who can't resist the lure of round-the-clock social opportunities, entertainment, and information.For such people, work, friends, family, and sleep are replaced by a virtual world of chat rooms and games. Only recently, however, have psychologists begun devising strategies to wean on-line addicts from their endless browsing and chatting. †(Potera, 1998) â€Å"While drug and internet addiction have a lot in common, there are, of course, si gnificant differences. Drug addiction is a physical dependence whereas the Internet is not. The Internet has been called a behavioral addiction. A behavioral addiction is one in which an individual is addicted to an action and not necessarily a substance.People can become addicted to activities even when there is no true physiological dependence or physiological addiction. This basically means that behavioral addicts do not have any kind of physical dependence to the Internet. Any activity can be addicting if done to extreme. For example, some of the normal everyday activities that can be addicting are jogging, eating, sexual activity, work, etc. Everyone has heard of the workaholic, well that is a behavioral addiction just like the Internet.If it â€Å"changes your emotional state in some way†then it can be classified as a behavioral addiction. This type of addiction is actually very common. Someone with the ability to recognize what type of addiction they have is helpful, but what about those people who don't even know they're addicted? Internet addiction, like any other addiction, has signs and symptoms. One sure sign that person is addicted is if they deprive themselves of sleep in order to spend more time on-line. Usually an addict will average less than five hours of sleep.Another sign that someone might be addicted is if they neglect other important activities such as work, family and friends, or socializing in general to surf the Internet. Other symptoms include: losing track of time while on-line, or people close to you complain about the amount of time spent on-line, logging on while already busy with something else (work, family time, etc. ). These are just some of the many signs that point to addiction to the Internet. Once it is determined by the symptoms that a person is addicted, look for side effects of the addiction. †(Cochran, 1996)One individual has evaluated, to quite an extent, the effects of Internet use on a population as well as internet addiction. She has published her conclusive results on the Internet. An excerpt from one of her reports states, â€Å"Especially vulnerable, Young [Dr. Kimberly S. Young, assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford] believes, are those who are lonely, bored, depressed, introverted, lack self esteem, or have a history of addictions. Research among sociologists, psychologists, or psychiatrists has not formally identified addictive use of the Internet as a problematic behavior.This study investigated the existence of internet addiction and the extent of caused by such potential misuse. On the basis of this criteria, case studies of 396 dependent Internet users (Dependents) and a control group of 100 nondependent Internet users (Non-Dependents) were classified. The length of time using the Internet differed substantially between Dependents and Non-Dependents. Among Dependents, 17% had been online for more than one year, 58% had only been on- line between six months to one year, 17% said between three to six months, and 8% said less than three months.A total of 83% of Dependents had been online for less than one full year which might suggest that addiction to the Internet happens rather quickly from one's first introduction to the service. In many cases, Dependents had been computer illiterate and described how initially they felt intimidated by using such information technology. However, they felt a sense of competency and exhilaration as their technical mastery and navigational ability improved rapidly.It is important to note that estimates were based upon the number of hours spent â€Å"surfing the Internet†for pleasure or personal interest (e. g. , personal e-mail, scanning news groups, playing interactive games) rather than academic or employment related purposes. Dependents gradually developed a daily internet habit of up to ten times their initial use as their familiarity with the Internet increased. In co ntrast, Non-Dependents reported that they spent a small percentage of their time on-line with no progressive increase in use.This suggests that excessive use may be a distinguishable characteristic of those who develop a dependence to on-line usage. (Young, 1996) Astoundingly, internet subscribers and websites continue to proliferate exponentially, as the following excerpt describes, â€Å"The Web currently has about 16,000,000 users a year, with a growth rate predicted as doubling annually. Lycos estimates some 80,000,000 Web pages currently and expects to see the billionth Web page in 1997. Advertisers seem to make money on the Web – at least those selling Web advertising.Jupiter Communications issued a study indicating that Web based advertising revenue reached $312,000,000 in 1996 and predicted $51,000,000,000 by the year 2000. (Searcher, 1997) The Internet's effect on human culture is much like other forms of technology have exhibited in the past, as one researcher just ifies. â€Å"Psychologists are not even sure yet what to call this phenomenon. Some label it an â€Å"Internet Addiction Disorder. †Let's not forget the very powerful, but now seemingly mundane and almost accepted addiction that some people develop to video games.Video games are computers too†¦ very single-minded computers, but computers nevertheless. Or how about telephones? People get addicted to those too, and not just the sex lines. Like computers, telephones are a technologically enhanced form of communication and may fall into the category of â€Å"computer mediated communication†– as the researchers are dubbing internet activities. In the not too distant future, computer, telephone, and video technology may very well merge into one, perhaps highly addictive, beast.A teenager who plays hooky from school in order to master the next level of Donkey Kong may be a very different person than the middle aged housewife who spends $500 a month in America O nline chat rooms – who in turn may be very different from the businessman who can't tear himself away from his finance programs and continuous Internet access to stock quotes. Some cyberspace addictions are game and competition oriented, some fulfill more social needs, some simply may be an extension of workaholism. †(Suler, 1996 Rev. 1998) One researcher believes the Internet is and continues to become more of a crucially integral part of our lives. There are obvious parallels today. Predictions abound about how the Internet will, or won't change the way we shop, vote, bank and think. Like the telegraph, its true effects are likely to be subtle, long-term, and no less dramatic in the context of history. The Internet may well take the telegraph one step further, connecting the global community and defining an international ethos. Yet for now, as starry-eyed internet advocates promise spectacular and immediate social change and the occasional skeptic pooh-poohs its impa ct, the Net's ability to generate hyperbole and ho-hum reactions seems to be mimicking its revolutionary ancestor.The historical similarities are instructive. †(Harris Adler, 1995) Based on the above literature, the researcher hypothesizes that interactive chat with people, probably would provoke most teenagers' extreme use of the Internet. Unrestrained use of the Internet should produce a negative effect on those that use it excessively. METHODS There were 125 participating responses which consisted of worldwide Internet users between the ages of 12 and 20 years old. The study was conducted via a survey that was available on the Internet's World Wide Web, at the address . A link to the survey was placed on a frequently visited website.Approximately 149 responses were received throughout the collection period, 24 of the 149 received were discarded due to incomplete information resulting in the 125 complete surveys used for evaluation. The survey asked questions regarding the subjects' Internet use and how it affects his or her personal life. Since the survey was conducted online, all entries were by Internet users only. Procedure: †¢ 1. Compose survey in a HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) creator. The answers should be in the outline of form functions (pop-up menu, radio buttons, selection list). Name the file â€Å"survey. shtml†. †¢ 2.Create a warning webpage perchance the viewer is sensitive to material contained in the survey, create a link to the survey (survey. shtml), so the viewer can follow it to the survey. You may want the link to explain that you are not liable if the material harms them. Name the warning page, â€Å"index. html†(the file named â€Å"index. html†is the webpage that is automatically loaded as the default page when someone visits a website). †¢ 3. Find a UNIX-based server for serving the survey webpage. †¢ 4. Upload the warning and survey webpages onto the UNIX server in your website folder using a FTP (file transfer protocol) client. 5. Download the â€Å"TECform†CGI script, available at , then upload it to your UNIX server. The program allows results to be E-mailed to you. †¢ 6. Make a request to the administrator of your UNIX server to setup the TECform CGI script for you. If this cannot be done, follow the instructions that come with the script and configure it on your own. †¢ 7. Configure the questionnaire webpage using the instructions that came with the TECform script so webpage and the program may interact so the results can be E-mailed to you. †¢ 8.Inform classmates that use the Internet, and Internet users worldwide (via internet chat, newsgroups, and any other form of advertising) of the location of the online survey and request that they complete and submit it. RESULTS The ages of the subjects that participated in the study were in their mid-teens. 98. 5% of the respondents were male and 1. 5% were female. Most of the subjects were age 16 (20%), only 1. 6% of the respondents were age 12. 89. 6% of the subjects currently reside in the United States of America (including it's external regions), there was also a scant amount of Canadian subjects (7. 0%) and an irrelevant one subject each from the following countries: Japan, Finland, Sweden, and Brazil. The subjects' unweighted GPAs (Table 1. 2) demonstrated consistency with national statistics; the mean of the subjects' GPAs were A's, B's and C's, most had a B average. Of the 125 responses, 0% of the respondents had a failing GPA (one that rounded to O in the nearest tenth). The amount of respondents with A+ and D grades were about the same; 5. 5% of the respondents had an A+ average; 4. 8% of the respondents had a D average.The study reveals that as connection speed increased (waiting time for a website decreased), the actual time spent online per day increased (Table 2. 1). An average of 5. 33 hours was spent online daily by the respondents (Table 2. 1). T ime spent online ranged from a low of 4 hours to a high of 6. 55 hours per day. Intriguingly, the poles of the subjects' GPAs exhibited quite excessive amounts of time on the Internet, about 7. 7 hours per day (Table 2. 2). Those with A+ grades spent approximately 6. 72 hours online per each day. Those with a GPA score of C spent about 6. 31 hours online per day. Subjects with D grades spent around 8. 7 hours online per day; together the C and D grades' hours averaged to about 7. 5 hours per day. Again, there were no responses with a failing GPA. As Table 2. 3 explains, about 38% of the subjects replied that they were negatively effected by their Internet use, 62% answered that they were not effected negatively. Notwithstanding, whether they said they were effected negatively or not, the subjects' context of use is very similar. The two areas of use that differed the most were chat and web surfing. 36% of those that responded â€Å"yes†and 29% of those that responded â€Å" no†said they spent most of their online time in chat. 8% of those that responded â€Å"yes†and 33% of those that responded â€Å"no†said they spent most of their online time surfing websites. The respondents that thought they were effected negatively were the ones that chatted 6% more often and surfed the web 7% less. CONCLUSION The higher speed connection one has to the Internet, the more they can do at a time. One of the fastest connections, 10 Megabyte per second (shared T3) connections are extremely costly (about $25,000 / month) and most plausibly, a subject with access to a T3 would be a part of an educational institute in which the school would pay for Internet access.Figure 1. 1 illustrates that those with higher speed connections use the Internet for longer periods of time. It is a possibility that those who get a ‘rush' by using the Internet may be prepared to invest in higher speed connections. Figure 1. 2 illustrates that those who create Int ernet media spend the most time online per day and those who read newsgroups spend the least amount of time online per day. Internet users that create internet media most likely spend their full time online doing so, as opposed to others who use multiple areas of the Internet in their sessions.Subjects that mainly chat online also spend a great deal of time online (5. 5 hours/day). This backs up the hypothesis which puts forth that internet chat instigates a habit. As Figure 1. 3 conveys, most of those who create internet media (such as websites and advertisements) do not think that their Internet use affects their health negatively, it is sound to gather that they do not believe it affects them negatively because they may consider their use as part of their job. Figure 1. 3 also indicates that those who think they are effected egatively by the Internet generally chat more often than those that browse the World Wide Web. It can be assumed that those who chat excessively believe that their Internet use affects their life in a negative way. Thus, the researcher's hypothesis is correct. This is striking, the Internet's exponential growth first began with the popularity of America Online and it's chat rooms. The Internet was not perceived to be used socially for chat as much as it is today. The majority of subjects do not think their Internet use has a negative effect on their social habits or emotional well-being (Figure 1. ). This is typical, heeding that any type of addiction is seen as an abnormality among a civilization. However, there was a definite group that believe it does effect them negatively. If these teenagers proceed with their net habits and current circumstance, a major disorder may develop over ensuing years. The study provides an awareness to the community regarding overuse of the Internet among the emerging society of adults. It points out the different components of the Internet that the majority of teenage addicts are liable to obsess on.Over use of the Internet can genuinely restrain teenagers' experiences in life, their performance academically, overall happiness, and physiological well-being. The term ‘addiction' is used loosely in this study; withstanding, society's perception to this growing problem can be flexible depending on how varieties of people view the definition of addiction. The WordNet dictionary defines addiction as, â€Å"being abnormally dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming. †One researcher has termed the study of internet addiction as â€Å"Psycho technology. The Internet most certainly can be psychologically habit-forming, becoming a part of one's daily practices. To improve this study, the researcher would have restricted the ages of the subjects even slimmer, perhaps to ages 16-18. Also, the researcher would have redefined certain questions on the survey for worthier comprehension among the subjects, in particular the final one which stated, â₠¬Å"Does your internet usage affect your social or mental health in a negative way? †A more appropriate question could have been, â€Å"Do you believe your internet usage may obstruct the achievement of your personal goals? Then a separate follow up, â€Å"If so, do you think using the Internet is worth more than achieving your goals? †The researcher suspects the results regarding daily use may have been biased because the link to the survey was placed on a website that could be categorized as directed to more advanced users than basic or intermediate. This, however, cannot be confirmed, the results stand rational. Lastly, the researcher suggests including a personal comment field in the survey, quotes of intensely effected users would be a good addition to the study.ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Notably, I thank the respondents of the survey for taking the time out of their active day to fill it out completely and in their best efforts, without you, this study would be completely inaccurate and not worthwhile. Second, I thank my parents for fully supporting my interests and pursuits. I also thank Dr. Young and Carnegie Mellon University for publishing their research, studies, and links to other articles on the Internet. Thanks to Rob J. Meijer for programming the comprehensive script used to process the survey results.Acknowledgements to Apple Computer, Inc. for developing a stable system and word processor to work in without fear of losing my manuscript (though I still save the document every 20 seconds). Finally, Mr. D. Ferraro for providing an abundance of answers to my countless questions and hours of helpful input. I hope each and every Internet user finds my study helpful to their enrichment and studies. REFERENCES CITED Internet Behaviour Questionnaire and Addiction Egger, 1996 HomeNet ProjectStudy by: Kraut, Lundmark, Patterson, Kiesler, Mukopadhyay, Scherlis, Zdaniuk, Thielke, Patterson, Carnegie Mellon University, 1998. The Psychology of Cyberspac e Turkle, 1996 Trapped in the Web Psychology Today; Potera, 1998 Research Over Internet Addiction Cochran, 1996 Internet Addiction: The Emergency of a New Disorder Dr. Young, 1996 Internet/Web Growth Exponential as Usual Searcher, 1997 Psychology of Cyberspace – Computer and Cyberspace Addiction Suler, 1996 revised 1998 Creation of a E-nation Canadian Geographic; Harris-Adler, 1995 WordNet Dictionary – Version 1. 6
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Axe Analysis Essay
The environment Axe was inspired by another Unilever’s brand, Impulse. Like Axe, Impulse was a fragranced deodorant body spray for women that promised wearers male attention. Thanks to Axe’ success in France, Unilever decided to launch the brand in other European countries from 1985. However, in United Kingdom, the brand was renamed Lynx. Then, Axe encountered the same success in Latin America but it was less important in Asia and Africa. In 2000, the brand has been launched in the USA and Canada and encounters an important success. Since 1983, Axe is offering new fragrances every year. Therefore, from 1983 to 1989, the variant name was a description of fragrance inside. From 1990 to 1996, the names were geographic names like Africa, Alaska and Inca. Then it uses abstract names like Apollo and Gravity. Since 2003, Axe’s deodorants give the possibility for the men to attract many women. Its last launching was in 2008: Dark Temptation. It is a smelling chocolate smelling fragrance; thanks to chocolate, the women will find Axe users irresistible. Axe also launches limited edition variants like Recover and Shock in 2008. However, Axe encountered many controversies like its sexist and depraving advertisement and its deodorants include ingredients tested on animals. The industry Axe is a one of the European leader of the male grooming products thanks especially to the marketing of it lead product: the deodorant body spray. However, several competitors with the same product exist in the market. On one hand, direct competitors who have or will have an important place in the market (TAG Fragrance Company, Old Spice and RGX) and on the other hand, competitors like Adidas and Power Stick, who are â€Å"weaker†and less known than others on the market. I will focus here on the serious competitors of Axe and especially on their marketing and their packaging. First of all, I will insist on the TAG Fragrance Company who dominates the European body spray market with Axe. TAG Fragrance Company was a subsidiary of Global Gillette when his lead product, TAG Body Spray, was released in 2005. Then, in 2007, Procter and Gamble bought Gillette and dissolved this company. {draw:a} As you can see, the packaging is very similar from Axe. Also, the advertising for TAG Body Spray looks alike Axe: this product helps boys getting women. Actually, TAG’s advertising campaign shows that having this body spray will attract women in a way that they will want to attack him. Secondly, we’ll focus on the brand Old Spice who is the American leader of deodorant stick and body wash brand. His product is also manufactured by Procter and Gamble who bought the brand in 1990 from the Shulton Company. {draw:a} Here, the packaging of the product is developed around a colonial theme. Therefore, sailing ships are used as a trademark. Over the years, those various ships have become a valuable trademark for Old Spice male product. Old Spice managed to advertise his products in famous movies (for example, E. T. ) or in commercials with famous actors like Neil Patrick Harris in 2008. Thus, Old Spice is using a different kind of advertising than Axe and it works in the American market. Now, I will describe the main new entrant in the market – the brand RGX – and how the brand tries to break into the body spray market. RGX is owned by Dial and was launched in January 2007. As a new entrant, the main difficulty for the RGX’s product is to enter a body spray market with an excellent marketing strategy. First, the RGX’s product is mainly directed at older men that is to say customers who don’t actually use a competitor product. Secondly, the brand tries to create buzz on Internet via a website called RGX Life but also he tries to do commercials and online banners with a famous actress Rachel Specter. Men’s magazines are also a part of the advertising campaign. The advertising will also be like Axe and TAG (how boy can get girls) but will be more focused on mature men (what a girl wants in a man and what separates a man from a boy). {draw:a} The packaging is also an appeal to maturity. Instead of the black plastic of Axe (which suggests affairs), the RGX’s packaging will be modified as an â€Å"updated aerosol can†more futuristic and made in aluminum. Axe’s lead product is a deodorant body spray which has a specific smell that s to say it mixes a deodorant and a perfume. So, substitute products might be a simple deodorant (for example, Narta Deodorant), a perfume or Cologne. In this market, a simple deodorant will please consumers who don’t like the smell of Axe’s or TAG’s body spray. Actually, despite the high sales of the Axe’s product, a lot of consumers aren’t satisfied about the strong smell of it. In case of the perfume, consumers could prefer a lighter smell than Axe’s product.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Biography of Father Miguel Hidalgo, Mexicos Founder
Biography of Father Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico's Founder Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (May 8, 1753–July 30, 1811) is today remembered as the father of his country, the great hero of Mexicos War for Independence. His position has become cemented in lore, and there are any number of hagiographic biographies available featuring him as their subject. The truth about Hidalgo is a little more complex. The facts and dates leave no doubt: his was the first serious insurrection on Mexican soil against Spanish authority, and he managed to get quite far with his poorly armed mob. He was a charismatic leader and made a good team with the military man Ignacio Allende despite their mutual hatred. Fast Facts: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Known For: Considered Mexicos founding fatherAlso Known As: Miguel Gregorio Antonio Francisco Ignacio Hidalgo-Costilla y Gallaga Mandarte Villaseà ±orBorn: May 8, 1753 in Pà ©njamo, MexicoParents: Cristà ³bal Hidalgo y Costilla, Ana Marà a GallagaDied: July 30, 1811 in Chihuahua, MexicoEducation: Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico (degree in philosophy and theology, 1773)Publications: Ordered the publication of a newspaper, Despertador Americano (American Wake Up Call)Honors: Dolores Hidalgo, the town where his parish was located, is named in his honor and the state of Hidalgo was created in 1869, also in his honor.Notable Quote: Action must be taken at once; there is no time to be lost; we shall yet see the oppressors yoke broken and the fragments scattered on the ground. Early Life Born on May 8, 1753, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was the second of 11 children fathered by Cristà ³bal Hidalgo, an estate administrator. He and his elder brother attended a school run by the Jesuits, and both decided to join the priesthood. They studied at San Nicols Obispo, a prestigious school in Valladolid (now Morelia). Hidalgo distinguished himself as a student and received top marks in his class. He would go on to become rector of his old school, becoming known as a top theologian. When his elder brother died in 1803, Miguel took over for him as the priest of the town of Dolores. Conspiracy Hidalgo often hosted gatherings at his home where he would talk about whether it was the duty of the people to obey or overthrow an unjust tyrant. Hidalgo believed the Spanish crown was such a tyrant: a royal collection of debt had ruined the finances of the Hidalgo family, and he saw injustice daily in his work with the poor. There was a conspiracy for independence in Querà ©taro at this time: The conspiracy felt that they needed someone with moral authority, a relationship with the lower classes and good connections. Hidalgo was recruited and joined without reservation. El Grito de Dolores/The Cry of Dolores Hidalgo was in Dolores on September 15, 1810, with other leaders of the conspiracy, including military commander Allende, when word came to them that the conspiracy had been found out. Needing to move immediately, Hidalgo rang the church bells on the morning of the sixteenth, calling in all of the locals who happened to be in the market that day. From the pulpit, he announced his intention to strike for independence and exhorted the people of Dolores to join him. Most did: Hidalgo had an army of some 600 men within minutes. This became known as the Cry of Dolores. The Siege of Guanajuato Hidalgo and Allende marched their growing army through the towns of San Miguel and Celaya, where the angry rabble killed all Spaniards they could find and looted their homes. Along the way, they adopted the Virgin of Guadalupe as their symbol. On Sept. 28, 1810, they reached the mining city of Guanajuato, where the Spaniards and royalist forces had barricaded themselves inside the public granary. The battle, which became known as the siege of Guanajuato, was horrific: The rebel horde, which by then numbered some 30,000, overran the fortifications and slaughtered the 500 Spaniards inside. Then the town of Guanajuato was looted: creoles, as well as Spaniards, suffered. Monte de Las Cruces Hidalgo and Allende, their army now some 80,000 strong, continued their march on Mexico City. The Viceroy hastily organized a defense, sending out Spanish general Torcuato Trujillo with 1,000 men, 400 horsemen, and two cannons: all that could be found on such short notice. The two armies clashed on Monte de las Cruces (Mount of the Crosses) on Oct. 30, 1810. The result was predictable: The Royalists fought bravely (a young officer named Agustà n de Iturbide distinguished himself) but could not win against such overwhelming odds. When the cannons were captured in combat, the surviving royalists retreated to the city. Retreat Although his army had the advantage and could easily have taken Mexico City, Hidalgo retreated against the counsel of Allende. This retreat when victory was at hand has puzzled historians and biographers ever since. Some feel that Hidalgo feared that the largest Royalist army in Mexico, some 4,000 veterans under the command of General Fà ©lix Calleja, was nearby (it was, but not close enough to save Mexico City had Hidalgo attacked). Others say Hidalgo wanted to spare the citizens of Mexico City the inevitable sacking and plunder. In any event, Hidalgo’s retreat was his greatest tactical error. The Battle of Calderon Bridge The rebels split for a while as Allende went to Guanajuato and Hidalgo to Guadalajara. They reunited, although things were tense between the two men. Spanish General Fà ©lix Calleja and his army caught up with the rebels at Calderà ³n Bridge near the entrance to Guadalajara on Jan. 17, 1811. Although Calleja was vastly outnumbered, he caught a break when a lucky cannonball exploded a rebel munitions wagon. In the ensuing smoke, fire, and chaos, Hidalgos undisciplined soldiers broke. Betrayal and Capture Hidalgo and Allende were forced to head north to the United States in the hope of finding weapons and mercenaries there. Allende was by then sick of Hidalgo and placed him under arrest: he went north as a prisoner. In the north, they were betrayed by local insurrection leader Ignacio Elizondo and captured. In short order, they were given to Spanish authorities and sent to the city of Chihuahua to stand trial. Also captured were insurgent leaders Juan Aldama, Mariano Abasolo, and Mariano Jimà ©nez, men who had been involved in the conspiracy since the start. Death All of the rebel leaders were found guilty and sentenced to death, except for Mariano Abasolo, who was sent to Spain to serve a life sentence. Allende, Jimà ©nez, and Aldama were executed on June 26, 1811, shot in the back as a sign of dishonor. Hidalgo, as a priest, had to undergo a civil trial as well as a visit from the Inquisition. He was eventually stripped of his priesthood, found guilty, and executed on July 30. The heads of Hidalgo, Allende, Aldama, and Jimà ©nez were preserved and hung from the four corners of the granary of Guanajuato as a warning to those who would follow in their footsteps. Legacy After decades of abusing Creoles and poor Mexicans, there was a vast well of resentment and hatred that Hidalgo was able to tap into: even he seemed surprised by the level of anger released on the Spaniards by his mob. He provided the catalyst for Mexicos poor to vent their anger on the hated gachipines or Spaniards, but his army was more like a swarm of locusts, and about as impossible to control. His questionable leadership also contributed to his downfall. Historians can only wonder what might have happened had Hidalgo pushed into Mexico City in November 1810: history certainly would be different. In this, Hidalgo was too proud or stubborn to listen to the sound military advice offered by Allende and others and press his advantage. Finally, Hidalgos approval of the violent sacking and looting by his forces alienated the group most vital to any independence movement: middle-class and wealthy Creoles like himself. Poor peasants and Indians only had the power to burn, pillage, and destroy: They could not create a new identity for Mexico, one that would allow Mexicans to psychologically break from Spain and craft a national conscience for themselves. Still, Hidalgo became a great leader: After his death. His timely martyrdom allowed others to pick up the fallen banner of freedom and independence. His influence on later fighters such as Josà © Marà a Morelos, Guadalupe Victoria, and others is considerable. Today, Hidalgos remains lie in a Mexico City monument known as the Angel of Independence along with other Revolutionary heroes. Sources Harvey, Robert. Liberators: Latin Americas Struggle for Independence. 1st Edition, Harry N. Abrams, September 1, 2000.ï » ¿Lynch, John. The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826. Revolutions in the modern world, Hardcover, Norton, 1973.
Monday, October 21, 2019
Convergence in Communications and Technology essays
Convergence in Communications and Technology essays The concept of a global village or a united community around the world has only in these last few years become a concept widely thought of. However, it seems that the idea of a large-scale sharing of information has long been developing, whether intended or not. The tools of communication have long served a single purpose, that of transmitting information from people to people. Direct communication was long ago realised with sign language and speech, but when people spread out, a kind indirect communication was needed. Thus we created (or rather, hired) the messenger. (Necessity is the mother of invention.) This evolved later into a postal service, connected around the world by a network of synchronised offices of a similar nature. For a long time, indirect communication was the only way to communicate over long distances. Once the telegraph came along, however, people were able to instantly communicate information over long distances. This evolved somewhat into the telephone, which spawned the radio and television. As these were developed, the efficiency and clarity of these transmissions improved, and this allowed the world to know what was happening anywhere else in the world at any given time. At this same time, programmable computers were finally coming to be used. Information was input to these machines and stored on tapes that could be put onto different computers to be run. This paralleled postal mail in a form of indirect communication. However, computers were also already based in intercommunication, because computers are systems of smaller functioning devices connected to perform a function or process. The evolution of computers communicating then evolved by extending direct connections between these large systems, sharing information. With the invention of the modem, computers could communicate piggybacking a system that people already used. As the modem developed, communications speed...
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Panama Canal - History and Overview
Panama Canal - History and Overview The 48 mile-long (77 km) international waterway known as the Panama Canal allows ships to pass between the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, saving about 8000 miles (12,875 km) from a journey around the southern tip of South America, Cape Horn. History of the Panama Canal The new Panamanian government authorized French businessman Philippe Bunau-Varilla, to negotiate a treaty with the United States. The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty allowed the U.S. to build the Panama Canal and provided for perpetual control of a zone five-miles wide on either side of the canal. Although the French had attempted construction of a canal in the 1880s, the Panama Canal was successfully built from 1904 to 1914. Once the canal was complete the U.S. held a swath of land running the approximately 50 miles across the isthmus of Panama. The division of the country of Panama into two parts by the U.S. territory of the Canal Zone caused tension throughout the twentieth century. Additionally, the self-contained Canal Zone (the official name for the U.S. territory in Panama) contributed little to the Panamanian economy. The residents of the Canal Zone were primarily U.S. citizens and West Indians who worked in the Zone and on the canal. Anger flared in the 1960s and led to anti-American riots. The U.S. and Panamanian governments began to work together to solve the territorial issue. In 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty which agreed to return 60% of the Canal Zone to Panama in 1979. The canal and remaining territory, known as the Canal Area, was returned to Panama at noon (local Panama time) on December 31, 1999. Additionally, from 1979 to 1999, a bi-national transitional Panama Canal Commission ran the canal, with an American leader for the first decade and a Panamanian administrator for the second. The transition at the end of 1999 was very smooth, for over 90% of the canal employees were Panamanian by 1996. The 1977 treaty established the canal as a neutral international waterway and even in times of war any vessel is guaranteed safe passage. After the 1999 hand-over, the U.S. and Panama jointly shared duties in defending the canal. Operation of the Panama Canal It takes approximately fifteen hours to traverse the canal through its three sets of locks (about half the time is spent waiting due to traffic). Ships passing through the canal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean actually move from the northwest to the southeast, due to the east-west orientation of the Isthmus of Panama. Panama Canal Expansion In September, 2007 work began on a $5.2 billion project to expand the Panama Canal. Expected to be complete in 2014, the Panama Canal expansion project will allow ships double the size of current Panamax to pass through the canal, dramatically increasing the amount of goods that can pass through the canal.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
The Impact Of Capital Gains Tax On Residential Property Investment Essay
The Impact Of Capital Gains Tax On Residential Property Investment Performance And Viability In Australia - Essay Example Net losses in a tax year may be carried forward, but not offset against income. Personal use assets and collectables are treated as separate categories and losses on those are quarantined so they can only be applied against gains in the same category, not other gains. This works to stop taxpayers subsidizing hobbies from their investment earnings. (Wikipedia). This study will include the impact of CGT on Residencial Property Investment Performance and viability in Australia. Some organizations believe that because of this capital gains tax the increasing number of house affordability is alarming. Only a small percentage of family can now be able to afford houses. Instead they resort on renting it, still it is not that affordable to rent one. This high cost of housing is because of the capital gains tax in Australian. However to some investors it has a positive effect on their business. Capital Gain Tax as defined by Australian Taxation Office as the tax that you pay on any capital gain you include on your annual income tax return. It is not a separate tax, merely a component of your income tax. Your are taxed on your net capital gain at your marginal tax rate. All residential properties are subjected to capital gains tax. To those family that owns one or more properties the capital gain tax is complicated for them. Even if they uses the name of their spouse the said property is still subjected to capital gain tax. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union - Construction and General Division, the CFMEU believes that Australia is in the grip of a housing crisis. This crisis is not only characterized by declining affordability in first home ownership, but by increasing levels of housing stress among low to middle income participants in the private rental market, the degradation and running down of public housing stock across Australia, and finally, by growi ng levels of homelessness in the community. The Union believes that this trend comes at a time when a select few have grown more and more wealthy off the back of a speculative boom in house and land prices, that serves to make the already well off even more affluent, while locking many ordinary Australians out of home ownership, and affordable rental housing. The Union bases its view on several important studies over the recent period, including work done by the Affordable Housing National Research Consortium, of which the Union was a part. However there are still residential properties which are exempted in the tax. This may have a positive effect to those who owns only one property but to some who has 2 or more property the capital gains tax is a burden for them. Impact of Capital Gains Tax to Residential Property in Australia As per described above one main impact of capital gain tax is the increasing number of non-affordability of renting and owning a house. Confusion on the application of the capital gain tax is also another reason of this. There are cases where in the property is not subjected to capital gain tax because of some exemptions which are further discuss in this paper. Factors Determining Application of
Friday, October 18, 2019
Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Leadership - Essay Example The study will discuss different aspects of an effective leader. The study will cover three areas, such as role of a leader, different leadership styles, and impact of leadership style on the organizational culture and employee motivation. The Role of a Leader Effective leadership style is important for an organization or a group of several individuals to perform effectively. Role and Responsibility of a Leader The major responsibility of a leader is to organize entire team and motivate them to attain the goals and objectives. Development of attainable goals and objectives are also key responsibilities of a leader. A good leader generally shares several information and effectual experience with the sub-ordinates to accomplish a common task. Sharing experience or knowledge actually influences entire team to give full effort. One of the major responsibilities of a great leader is to implement both top-down and bottom-up approach in order to enhance organizational communication process (Daft, 2008, p.44). Knowledge and Skills Required for a Good Leader An individual cannot be called as an effective leader without effective leadership knowledge and skills. A leader has total authority to manage entire team and develop potential strategies, decisions and goals so that a team can effectively achieve those. Knowledge and skills generally differ from each other. A leader has to have some key skills, such as effective communication skills, speaking power, listening skills, memory skills and skills to motivate entire team. An individual cannot become a leader and lead a team without having these fundamental skills. In terms of knowledge, a good leader has to obtain time management knowledge. It is true that the entire member within a team cannot have similar competencies and views. Therefore, there are some possibilities of conflict of ideas and conflict of skills between the team members (Walker, 2011, p.259). A leader generally has to deal with a diverse team in a spec ific workforce. Knowledge about workplace diversity, team direction, inspiring initiatives and self-motivation process of a leader can help an organization to become successful. Role of a Leader differs from Role of a Manager The major role of a leader is to develop effective attainable and perceived goals and objectives. On the other hand, role of a manager is to administrate entire team to ensure effective workplace performance and good business output. It is true that a leader always can become an effective manager due to effective leadership skills. Generally leadership skills direct the managerial skills. But, a manager cannot become an effective leader due to lack of leadership skills and visionary power. It is quite challenging for a leader to develop goals and direct an entire team towards success. But, it is quite easy for a manager to assist and administrate a team based on the showed path of a leader to accomplish developed tasks or goals or objectives. Development and Co mmunication of
Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 28
Philosophy - Essay Example Gene flow can happen either through hybridization or by exchange of DNA sequence by bacteria or virus. Bacteria and virus have the ability to transfer genes across specie. The gene flow can also result in the formation of a combined gene pool which will have both the characteristics of the two population groups. Thus the barriers to gene flow as well as the gene flow itself, both have the potential to bring about species diversity and take evolution ahead. Genetic drift is the change in the frequency of a DNA sequence, usually called allele. This phenomenon totally depends on chance. When a new member is born in a species, the alleles that will be taken up into the genetic make up of that individual will be through a process of random sampling. And if that individual lives enough to reproduce, only then there is an assurance that the specific alleles in his genes have a scope to survive. It is in this way that the allele frequency changes within a population and this leads to genetic variance within species. Thus a new generation may emerge which may either have lost one genetic trait or may have strengthened one genetic trait of the species, more visibly. Mutations are sudden changes in DNA sequence, of an organism, caused by many factors including, viruses, radiation, mutagenic chemicals, errors during DNA replication, transposition of DNA sequences within the genome, and errors in cell division while sexual reproduction. It has been proved that mutations have a great role in the process of evolution, that is, in the birth of new species, particularly, in smaller life forms like viruses and bacteria. But for higher life forms, mutations are harmful or neutral with respect to the survival of the specie. 2. Race is a social construct rather than a scientific classification. All human beings belong to the species, Homo Sapiens. The concepts and categories of race have not been constant and these have been changing in the history of human kind.
Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2
Business - Assignment Example According to the study conducted by FAI Consulting Services (2009), â€Å"the company has employed cross-functional teams around the world to plan, design, and manage facilities†. This multinational company is equipped with a highly professional staff that is capable of sharing the needed detailed information across borders and transcends time elements. The other strengths of DHL are as follows: (1) a global network which spans 220 countries; (2) owns 60,000 vehicles and 250 aircrafts for transport services; (3) highly professional management and staff composed of 160,000 employees worldwide; and (4) uniquely positioned to offer a one stop shop transport service and logistics needs. Their success stems from offering high quality products and retaining the most professional league of personnel who are all committed to making DHL the one brand in the global express and logistics market. Go to http://www.fita.org which is the Federation of International Trade Associations. Click on "Really Useful Links for International Trade." Follow five of those links and explain how they would help an American manufacturer that wanted to "go global.†The link contains 30 sublinks which explain in detain various categories which assist an American manufacturer wanting to â€Å"go global†. One link, the business directories and trade information contain data on country-specific and industry specific directories, among others. American manufacturers targeting different markets can initially identify global companies they can do business with. Cultural issues is another link which is critical for globalization. The link provide tips, cultural awareness and training, on-line cross cultural communication training, guide to international business culture, customs, and etiquette, among others. The element of culture is relevant for any organization planning to go global because the culture of the country it plans to do business with should be considered to ensure an
Thursday, October 17, 2019
How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us Research Paper
How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us - Research Paper Example The total number of users with cell phones is currently at 10 million worldwide (Corbett, 1). This is occasioned by the increase in the number of cell phone manufacturers in the market, hence leading to thousands of handsets available in the market lowering their prices. Today cell phones have features such as internet connectivity that enables them to browse the internet and download information. It enables transactions to take place and enhance communication between people through social sites. There is instant messaging service that enables them to send messages to peers online. Bluetooth and infrared connectivity has enabled users to send and receive files between interconnected cell phones. Electronic book reader capability enables the user to read and access online e-books and read them at their own convenient time. Mobile phones today have mp3, 3gp and online streaming capability that make them a form of entertainment for users. The user can download, save and listen to music and watch videos at their time of liking. Software companies have developed software’s like apple, opera, iphone that enable users to customize phones to their needs. In addition, with all these developments in the cell phone industry, there are several negative influences of cell phones use. Excessive use of cell phones has brought about health problems to the user. Cell phones communicate using microwave radiations that damage brain cells leading to increased chances of brain cancer. Use of cell phones for more than 500 hours per month, for 10 years, increase chances of brain cancer to the individual. Cell phones are known to cause mild and severe headaches to the users, together with ear irritability when the user talks on the phone for long periods. There is the irritability and fatigue caused when the user talks for a long time, as the radioactive materials that it emits reaches the brain cells and enters the nervous system (ControlYourImpact, p 1). Prolonged use of hand set accessories such as headphones and earphones can lead to partial deafness. Additionally another health hazard is placement of cell phones near the male productive organs that may increase infertility among men. Cell phones emit radiations to receive the signal whether they are in use or not and this has been seen to reduce the sperm count in males. The design and manufacturing of newer versions of cell phones has influenced the individual and society negatively. Presence of newer versions means that to the user there will be the need to buy another cell phone and discard the older one, even though it is still functional. This may lead to extra expenses as the user acquires the new handset or upgrades some of the features. Features like mp3 capability added with accessories like a headset and Bluetooth have made the users enjoy their music without having to use their phones. Another feature is the gaming capability of these handsets that make users concentrate on games in the cel l phone or online even in public and other places. This causes lapse in concentration and may make the individual ignore others and act carelessly making them susceptible to accidents. Moreover, users may talk in the public or even pick their calls or send messages in places where the usage of cell phones is restricted for example, in
Fresh nails Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words
Fresh nails - Essay Example Germany, during September 2005- October 2005. The purpose of this internship was to experience work, and reflect on and analyze the management structure. This was intended at gaining the ability to integrate and work in teams and to develop interpersonal skills. My job at Fresh Nails Holding was related to product design and development, implementing marketing strategies, improving the corporate website and supporting business expansion. This program was a great learning experience for me. I gained first hand experience of manual work, and learned to comply with organizational rules and regulations. Also, I had an understanding of the requirements of work discipline. Holdings, I shall give an account of the jobs within the company as well as my job, and the company's market performance. The report is an analysis of the company structure and job deployment in relation to my job, and my job performance. It will also deal with the behavioural patterns and an understanding of the aspirations of the labour force. Eager "Sex and the town center" - spectators do not pass "Fresh nails" in Cologne, without looking once by the large disks in the business. The three screens are too enticing, on which Fashion TV runs all day (www.freshnails.de). Fresh nails was founded by two brothers Heinrich and Cornelius Becker, one 24 years and the other 27 years old in 2004. Their first studio was the Nagel Studio. The brothers discovered a market gap and to fit well into the chain trend, which fulfill the Germany's textile sector with Zara, Mango and H&M. They supply the suitable nails to fashionable dresses. Their Studios are capable of handling the demands of textile giants. Fresh nails claims that: "The atmosphere is modern and freshly, the mechanism standardized, the prices are not high. A manicure does not cost any more than 18 euro."(Fresh Nails Marketing Plan) They have high-flying plans, dream about a Fresh nails chain and are on the best way to install it. They are planning to open another store some where in the middle of 2006, their fourth address in a side street of the K in Duesseldorf. Heinrich and Cornelius discovered that this so called US trend of nail care has a strong
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us Research Paper
How Cell Phones have Become a Danger to us - Research Paper Example The total number of users with cell phones is currently at 10 million worldwide (Corbett, 1). This is occasioned by the increase in the number of cell phone manufacturers in the market, hence leading to thousands of handsets available in the market lowering their prices. Today cell phones have features such as internet connectivity that enables them to browse the internet and download information. It enables transactions to take place and enhance communication between people through social sites. There is instant messaging service that enables them to send messages to peers online. Bluetooth and infrared connectivity has enabled users to send and receive files between interconnected cell phones. Electronic book reader capability enables the user to read and access online e-books and read them at their own convenient time. Mobile phones today have mp3, 3gp and online streaming capability that make them a form of entertainment for users. The user can download, save and listen to music and watch videos at their time of liking. Software companies have developed software’s like apple, opera, iphone that enable users to customize phones to their needs. In addition, with all these developments in the cell phone industry, there are several negative influences of cell phones use. Excessive use of cell phones has brought about health problems to the user. Cell phones communicate using microwave radiations that damage brain cells leading to increased chances of brain cancer. Use of cell phones for more than 500 hours per month, for 10 years, increase chances of brain cancer to the individual. Cell phones are known to cause mild and severe headaches to the users, together with ear irritability when the user talks on the phone for long periods. There is the irritability and fatigue caused when the user talks for a long time, as the radioactive materials that it emits reaches the brain cells and enters the nervous system (ControlYourImpact, p 1). Prolonged use of hand set accessories such as headphones and earphones can lead to partial deafness. Additionally another health hazard is placement of cell phones near the male productive organs that may increase infertility among men. Cell phones emit radiations to receive the signal whether they are in use or not and this has been seen to reduce the sperm count in males. The design and manufacturing of newer versions of cell phones has influenced the individual and society negatively. Presence of newer versions means that to the user there will be the need to buy another cell phone and discard the older one, even though it is still functional. This may lead to extra expenses as the user acquires the new handset or upgrades some of the features. Features like mp3 capability added with accessories like a headset and Bluetooth have made the users enjoy their music without having to use their phones. Another feature is the gaming capability of these handsets that make users concentrate on games in the cel l phone or online even in public and other places. This causes lapse in concentration and may make the individual ignore others and act carelessly making them susceptible to accidents. Moreover, users may talk in the public or even pick their calls or send messages in places where the usage of cell phones is restricted for example, in
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Analysis of Curriculum Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words
Analysis of Curriculum Perspectives - Essay Example He did research on implementation of the curriculum and found that schools spend about sixty seven percent of their time focusing on hidden aspects of the curriculum yet they were not aware of this. Eisner (1979) asserts that those subjects that receive more attention are determined by the hidden curriculum. The latter is also responsible for the teaching styles adopted in classrooms and methods of delivering subject content. In relation to this argument, many philosophers and educationists came up with theories explaining the nature of the hidden curriculum. The proponents, critics and content of these perspectives will be examined in detail in the subsequent portions of the essay. These will incorporate five main perspectives. Psychology is one of the most important disciplines in education because rot was responsible for the creation of the experiential theory of the curriculum. It should be noted that before experiential approaches most theories of education revolved around reductionist views. However, with the passage of time, more and more psychologists realized that there was more to learning that reduction. This formed the background fro the experiential theory. The main proponents of the theory were Freire and Kolb. The proponents believed that learning occurred in a cycle. It first starts with experience, this is then followed by reflection where there is perception and processing, thereafter action takes place. For example, teachers may be faced with the task of awarding grades for a particular exam. The fact that they are undergoing that challenge denotes the fact that they are experiencing it; i.e. the first phase of experiential learning. Thereafter, teachers have to think about other circumstances where they have had to do the same. This will constitute the reflective part of the learning process. Thereafter, they are expected to consider all the angles to the issue. They may decide to consult with other teachers on the issue and this will cause further reflection. This reflective aspect is made of two major concepts. These are abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. In the latter part, one has to apply logic in the formation of ideas; feelings are not considered here. While in the active experimentation stage, learning occurs through experimentation with changing scenarios. Kolb therefore came up with four stages that help to identify learning styles depending on the earlier elements of the learning process. The stages are; activists, pragmatists, theorizers and reflectors. Those who focus on one stage more than another will fall into that respective learning style. Knox (1986) asserts that these stages can be applied in the classroom when students are trying to learn something. This is because they can relate to subject content on a cognitive level and can therefore internalize the learning process. Besides that, experiential theory can also be applied by teachers. Teachers can present information in bits or in phase so that they can allow learners to 'experience' it. Brookfield (1990) asserts that teachers should realize that curriculum ideas are tested through the experiences acquired from their lives.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Quality Improvement Project for Patient Prescription Record
Quality Improvement Project for Patient Prescription Record The aim of this quality improvement project is to ensure that nurses record in the designated box on patients Prescription and administration record (to be referred to as: Kardex) if High Dose Antipsychotics Monitoring is Applicable YES or NO (to be referred as: applicable Y/N) and subsequently if yes, that the High Dose Antipsychotic Therapy monitoring form (to be referred to as: Monitoring form and the Early Warning Signs (EWS) Form have been activated for completion. The purpose of this is to secure patient safety from the side effects of the medication. There is widespread evidence which clearly links antipsychotic medication contributing to physical health problems such as cardiovascular problems, weight gain, endocrine problems, metabolic syndrome and sudden death (Gumber et al, 2010; Churchword et al, 2009; Tyson et al, 1999). Many premature deaths of people with serious mental illness are due to poor medical care that fails to monitor risk factors which may be due to side effects of medication (Cohen Hove, 2001). A council report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2006) revealed that past audits of high dose antipsychotic prescribing for in- patients showed poor adherence to monitoring recommendations. All patients on high dose antipsychotic treatment must be monitored. These guidelines attempt to clarify the identification of patients on high dose antipsychotics, factors to be taken into account before such prescribing and the documentation required when antipsychotics are prescribed in high dose; furthermore it is a polic y requirement of Forth Valley that this documentation is completed for these patients (Forth Valley, 2011). The charge nurse highlighted a concern when evaluating the patients Kardex audit, it showed 100% non-compliance for the completion of the Yes/No response for high dose antipsychotics monitoring. Subsequently when the patients are receiving high dose antipsychotics, there was inconsistency of the completion of the Therapy monitoring form and EWS form. A recent audit of patient Kardexes confirmed the charges nurse finding (see Pareto chart, Appendix B). To begin the process of the quality improvement project, a general ward meeting was held and attended by all staff in the ward that was on shift. During the meeting the charge nurse highlighted the recent findings of the Kardex audit. Concerns were raised that many areas on the Kardex were not being completed, and reminded staff nurses that this is not acceptable and needs to be improved. As a nurse it is extremely important to keep accurate documentation, good record keeping is an fundamental part of nursing practice, and is necessary to the delivery of safe and effective care (Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC) 2010). As an attempt to focus the quality improvement project more specifically the results of the audit were presented using a Pareto chart (Appendix B). The data confirmed the areas on the Kardex which were not being completed however, high dose antipsychotic monitoring Yes/No was the highest at 100% non-completion, therefore it was agreed that a new strategy would be implemented to improve this. McLaughlin and Kaluzny (2006) state that the defect focused on does not necessarily need to be the greatest frequency to be improved first, but attention should be given to that defect that may have a devastating result, such as an adverse event or even death. However the defect in this instance was the highest and potentially could cause an adverse event. Following the meeting a questionnaire (Appendix C) was devised and completed anonymously by the pharmacists, consultants and staff nurses to identify the root causes of why this area on the Kardex was not completed. A fishbone diagram was used to illustrate the findings (Appendix D). When populating the fishbone diagram with the data, it was clear to see that there were many reasons that each member of the multidisciplinary team had not completed the applicable area on the Kardex. Role confusion was a common theme from each member of the team. Hill-Smith et al (2012) claims that this is not unusual within multi-disciplinary teams and that respectful communication and clear instructions is of high importance in the delivery of high quality clinical care. Therefore based on these findings PDSA one was developed (Appendix G1). This tested whether the nurse attending the MDT meeting completes the Applicable Y/N on the patients’ Kardex following an email reminder and a verbal promp t from charge nurse before attending the meeting. The test confirmed there was a breakdown in communication, the nurse did not receive the email or a verbal reminder from the charge nurse prior to attending the MDT meeting therefore they were not aware of the procedure that had been discussed and as a consequence the applicable area on the form was not completed, this was confirmed by an audit of the Kardex (Appendix H). This informed the decision for PDSA two (Appendix G2). The nurse coordinating the shift should use the visual prompt situated on the shift coordinating sheet to remind the nurse attending the MDT meeting, to update applicable Y/N on the patients Kardex. The small change of a visual reminder on the shift coordinating sheet proved to be success. It reminded the coordinating nurse to verbally prompt the nurse attending the MDT meeting to complete the patient’s Kardex in the applicable area, which was shown by the Kardex audit after the shift; all patientsâ€℠¢ Kardexes were completed and as a consequently the Therapy form and EWS from were also initiated for completion. These findings are consistent with Simpson (2007) research, where teams have clear operating procedures in place, care coordinating is enhanced. The assumption was that the email and verbally prompt from the charge nurse would result in nurses completing the Applicable Y/N on all patients Kardexes, following the MDT meeting by 23rd February 2014 by 100%. Furthermore, if yes the Therapy form and the EWS form activated for completion. Audits were carried out on the dates shown to give a snapshot of the completion of Applicable Y/N on all patients Kardexes in the IPCU ward at that time. Initial findings of the first audit by the charge nurse on 01/02/2014 revealed that Applicable Y/N was completed 0%. The second audit carried out to confirm the previous results on 08/02/2014 which confirmed the charge nurses findings of 0% compliance of Applicable Y/N. PDSA one was carried out on 10/2/2014 the change revealed 0% improvement in the completion of Applicable Y/N. PDSA two was implemented on 21/2/2014 the change was successful, the results of the audit revealed that Applicable Y/N was completed on all patients Kardexes by 100% this in turn activated the completion of the Therapy form and EWS Form. Comparison of questions, predictions, and analysis of data: Engaging with the quality improvement (QI) project has required me to learn and apply new skills in practice. The process of plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycles were a new technical skill which I had to not only learn myself, but teach fellow staff nurses on the ward, as this was also, a new process to them. I learnt that PDSA cycles provisionally test an idea by testing a change and assessing its impact. After implementing the first cycle, I learnt that it does not always get the results expected when making changes to your process; it taught me that it was better, and more effective to trial a small change to see if it made a difference, before implementing the change permanently. This also gave staff the opportunity to be involved and offer suggestions and see if the proposed changes would work. I also learnt that communication is an essential and fundamental process during the course of the QI. According to Adams (1999), to persuade others to make an improvement or change, the negotiator must be influential. The Charge nurse in this instance was the influential position to lead change. Unfortunately they were not able to fulfil their obligation in PDSA one, but they carried out the ward meeting and used this as a platform to discuss the Kardex audits with the staff which informed them of the need to make an improvement in practice. Once the need for the new process was established and its principles by the email from the charge nurse, informing the reasoning for a change in practice, this was used as a base for PDSA two. I learnt that it is just as important to define the risk of not making a change (Plummer, 2000) and in this circumstance, changing practice would not only enhance quality of care to patients, but it would promote the involvement between staff nurses and the MDT, building trust and confidence to make the change, whereas the risk of not making the change, could potentially cause an adverse event A final learning point I would like to include was how staff nurses initially were resistant to change. In my opinion from observing, the nurses were quite defensive as though they were being blamed for not doing their job correctly. The questionnaire used was an effective communication tool and successful resource for managing this resistance. It give staff the opportunity to anonymously feedback their reasons for not completing the applicable area on the Kardex, it also let them express their opinion without being condemned. Also, I feel that during this time, they were able to adjust and prepare for the change which minimised resistance (Bernhard and Walsh, 1995). I felt it was essential to take note of all their views as individuals and as team members, which provided further explanation of their reasoning for non-completion. Accountability was a consistent reason used by nurses for their reason for non-completion, as they felt it was a doctor or the pharmacist role and they did not want to be accountable for making the decision. When it was clarified that it was a team decision, by email from the charge nurse, the nursing staff felt supported. Mitchell (2001) states that accountability in nursing is a complex issue and acknowledged the importance of team support in the identification of roles and responsibilities. Frequent ideas and conversations with staff were held over the ten days, in advance of the change in PDSA two which I feel made the improvement successful and run smoother as nursing staff were aware of the new change. I have learnt that within nursing it is important to continually improve the way we work. Working at every level developing the knowledge, technical skills, including leadership, are vital for long-term improvement. Continually learning may be important not only to ensure that we have the skills needed to improve the quality of healthcare, but also to enhance the motivation to do so. Discuss the project’s significance on the local system and any findings that may be generalizable to other systems: Relocation to a new site change what been good practice and now a gap had appeared in the process of monitoring patient. The outcome of this project was a success. It was predicted that by 23rd February 2014 applicable Y/N would be completed by 100%. By establishing the success of the visual prompt in PDSA two on the co-ordinating sheet, was a very small but effective change. As a consequence, at the following staff meeting it was decided that the visual prompt would be a permanent fixture on the coordinating sheet, as it was a sustainable reminder to future shift coordinators, thus improving the initiation of therapy monitoring and EWS forms, and overall patient safety outcomes. Discuss the factors that promoted the success of the project and that were barriers to success. What did you learn from doing this project? What are your reflections on the role of the team? The factors which promoted success in the project were support and leadership from the charge nurse at the beginning of my placement. They helped identify areas in the ward which they felt needed improvement. Furthermore, as a student who had never been in a mental health ward, I felt overwhelmed with the task and this support and guidance helped me through the project. The use of the tools were a great way to involve staff on the ward to feel part of the project and broke down the barriers of pointing blame and focussed their attention in a systematic way, and explored the potential causes of the non-completions. I was amazed as how such a small change help facilitate and test change in a manageable way. I now understand that Quality improvement as a way of approaching change in healthcare that focuses on self-reflection, assessing needs and gaps, and considering how to improve in a multifaceted manner. I feel I have gained an enormous understanding in about quality improvement in that it aims to create an ethos of continuous reflection and a commitment to ongoing improvement. It provides nurses to gain an the skills and knowledge needed to assess the performance of healthcare and individual and population needs, to understand the gaps between current activities and best practice and to have the tools and confidence to develop activities to reduce these gaps Thus, the scan did not focus only on narrowly defined quality improvement models such as ‘plan, do, study, act’ (PDSA) cycles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)