Belks and Goffmans Theories of Extended Self Essay

Belks and Goffmans Theories of Extended Self - Essay Example Emphasising on this particular issue, the discussion henceforth will be based on analysing self-concept from the perspective of Belk and Goffman. Belk’s Theory of Extended Self Belk’s advancement of extended self has been argued to render an innovative viewpoint regarding the study of self in consumer behaviour. Contextually, the theory of ‘extended self’ has provided a valuable motivation in the acknowledgement of requirement to extend the understanding of consumer behaviour beyond the traditional limitations of individuals as mechanical consumers of goods. According to Belk, possessions reflect the personality of possessor and sequentially these possessions contribute to the individuality (Belk, 1988). Goffman’s Theory of Self As affirmed in his theory of self, Goffman believed that every participant in social interactions is engaged in certain activities in order to avoid being embarrassed or embarrassing others. Goffman further observed that the connection between the type of activities which people usually conduct in their regular life and theatrical performances determine their identity and behavioural pattern. He believed that when individuals come in communication with other people, they intend to control or direct the impression by shifting their situation (Barnhart, n.d.). Analysis Blog 1: â€Å"Migration to Mobile I - How is Consumer Behaviour Changing?† The blog is based on the understanding of consumer behaviour towards purchasing mobile phones. The explanation depicted that in mobile phone market, consumer behaviour is highly impacted by the attributes of ‘extended self’. Mobile phone, as a possession can reflect the personality of possessor which in turn influences the purchasing behaviour of the potential customers. Furthermore, with respect to the Goffman’s theory, the social communication also tends to influence the purchase of products like mobile ph ones (Strategysmm, 2013). Blog 2: â€Å"Consumer Behaviour on Tattoos† The blog deals in learning the behaviour of consumers

Analysis of Strategy Formation Essay Example for Free

Analysis of Strategy Formation Essay Strategy is difficult to define. There are many popular and debated definitions available. One idea is that strategy is top management’s plan to attain outcomes consistent with the organization’s mission and goals (Mintzberg, Ahlstrand, Lambel, 1998). Another definition is that strategy is an integrated and coordinated set of commitments and actions designed to exploit core competencies and gain a competitive advantage (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson 2013). Some argue that strategy cannot be defined at all because many professionals including researchers, practitioners, and theorists all have different thoughts on what strategy is, how it is formulated, and how it is implemented (Dewit Meyer, 2010). However, all of these ideas have something in common: a strategy is a roadmap for getting from here to there. It is important to understand that strategy is not a single concept, but rather a process made up of many pieces. For this paper, I will define strategy as a roadmap or blueprint for obtaining a competitive advantage. In this analysis of strategy formation I will examine the most important issues involved in strategy formation and explain why they are important, define how corporate-level strategies relate to business-level strategies and functional-area tactics and how these pieces support each other, and finally, I will outline the primary inputs to strategy formulation in a firm. But, before we answer these questions it is important to share a brief history of strategy. The word strategy originated from the Greek work strategos. Strategos was coined when Kleisthenis developed a fresh set of organizational structure in ancient Greece in order to promote a better army. The direct definition of the singular stratos means to lead (DeWit Meyer, 2010). Essentially the concept is derived directly from a need for a higher organizational structure, change and leadership development. Warfare was pas the point of simply winning a battle but instead was focused upon the coordination of units and tactical approaches to battle (DeWit Meyer, 2010). When we look at how strategy is formed today we also see a parallel in that firms must coordinate corporate-level, business-level and functional-level tactical issues in order to successful formulate a strategy. By coordinating the approach a strategy helps to gain a competitive advantage for firms just as it does for armies on the battlefield. Now that we understand the history behind strategy formation we will discuss the most important points of strategy formation and discuss what makes them important. Strategy formation can be arduous because planners love to plan out every single details of a plan and press everything into an orderly, mechanistic process (DeWit Meyer, 2010). It is critical for strategies to follow a mechanistic process with vision and end goal in mind while having a big picture mentality that takes change management and flexibility into account as the unknowns’ surface. Without a proper plan to learn and address needed adjustments the plan can become easily outdated and ineffective. Strategy formation is described as being a new way to understand old problems, however, strategic planning and formation can lead to analysis paralysis if overly complex and planned out (DeWit Meyer, 2010). Flexibility is an important piece of strategy formation and as strategists we must avoid being married to a specific set of ideas, but rather be open to learning, experimentation, balancing risks and rewards while working towards to vision that creates a competitive advantage. This pattern in a stream of decisions works to get a company to its strategic goal and vision (Dewit Meyer, 2010). A good approach to this is letting the strategies emerge in the process, rather than focusing on the strategy formation in the beginning. Outside of recognizing the importance of change and emergence there are many other important variables in strategy formation. For example, many organizations develop strategies based on rigid changes like their core competencies, resources, demographics, and market demand. But, there are also many other softer pieces can be equally important when formulating a strategy. According to DeWit and Meyer the most cited key issues in strategy formation are: 1) overall organization structure of its basic management style; 2) relationships with the government or other external interest groups; 3) acquisition, divestiture, or divisional control practices; 4) international posture and relationships; 5) innovative capabilities or personnel motivations as affected by growth; 6) worker and professional relationships reflecting changed social expectations and values nd 7) past or anticipated technological environments (DeWit and Meyer, 2010). These key components help give us a good framework for the most important parts of strategy formation, but they don’t make up everything. Many managers are comfortable with the planning piece of strategy formation, but lag when it comes to actually putting the plan into action (Hrebiniak, 2005). For many organizations putting the strategy in place is the easy part and creating a winning strategy doesn’t actually get you from here to there. A solid planned, documented and even inspiring plan of action doesn’t gain a competitive advantage in and of itself. It is the execution of that strategy that makes all the difference in the company achieving that completive advantage. Here are some key challenges that corporations face when executing on a strategy: 1) the culture of the organization and how it was not appropriate for the challenges ahead; 2) incentives and how people have been rewarded for seniority or â€Å"getting older† and not for performance or competitive achievement (the sacred cows); 3) the need to overcome problems with traditional functional â€Å"silos† in the organizational structure and 4) the challenges inherent in managing change as the division adapted to new competitive conditions (Hrebiniak, 2005). Actually getting the strategy to produce the desired results can clearly be more difficult that forming it in the first place. Execution is not the last important point of strategy formation to discuss; the stakeholders also play a fundamental role in the formation of a strategy. A stakeholder is any individuals, groups or organizations that can affect the firm’s vision and mission, are affected by the strategic outcomes achieved, and have enforceable claims on the firm’s performance (Hitt, Ireland, Hosskisson, 2010). These stakeholders can be divided into categories. Capital Market Stakeholders are the banking partner and suppliers of capital. Product Market Stakeholders are customers, suppliers, host communities, and union groups. Lastly, are the Organizations Stakeholders, which are comprised of employees, manager, and non-managers. These categories are divided from top to bottom in order of importance, which means that Capital Market Stakeholders have the highest level of influence and the Organizational stakeholders have the least. All takeholders are not created equal. The more critical and valued a stakeholder’s participation, the greater the firm’s dependency on it; greater dependence, in turn, gives the stakeholder more potential influence over a firm’s commitments, decisions, and actions (Ireland, Hoskisson and Hitt, 2008). A shift to more emergent characteristics in the strategy making process combining stakeholder considerations and strategic conversations during s trategy formation with select stakeholders is what makes the difference in a balanced strategy (Booth and Segon, 2008). The key point is the degree to which the stakeholder’s goals align with each other, and how those aligned elements are being addressed by the strategists in the organization. Strategic leaders are responsible and accountable for realizing the expectations of each of the many stakeholders. This accountability to the stakeholders plays an important part in developing the strategy. It can also impact the expectations of each of the stakeholders. For example, the vision and mission of the strategic leaders is shared with all of the stakeholders and their confidence or lack of confidence is a direct result of those strategic leaders. The expectations and composition of our stakeholders has a significant and direct affect in our organizations strategic formation. Of course, without security and surprise, a solid plan, execution strategy, flexibility, clear objectives, concentration, and coordinated and committed leadership, a strategy can still fail. Surprise strategy must make use of speed, secrecy and intelligence to attack unprepared opponents at unexpected time, while forcing the opponent to react to your company and not the other way around (Concept Paper #1). Security addresses keeping the core competencies, operations points and resource safe from the competition. For example, if our strategy is based on the talent of our human capital, we must work to keep the working conditions safe and happy so the competition doesn’t work to recruit our talent for their own strategy. We have outlined the most important points of strategy formation and discussed what makes them important, so now it is now time to define how corporate-level strategies relate to business-level strategies and functional-area tactics, and how these pieces support each other. Functional-area tactics are short-term activities each functional area within the firm undertakes to implement the grand strategy (Pierce Robinson, 2012). Pierce offers three characteristics that differentiate functional area tactics from business-level and corporate-level tactics: 1) time horizon, focus on immediate activities; 2) specificity, business strategies provide general direction, functional area tactics specify activities and how they are expected to be achieved and 3) participants, general managers are responsible for business strategies, operating managers establish short-term objectives and functional tactics that lead to business-level success (Pierce Robinson, 2012). These activities are put in place as a means of achieving a business-level strategy and so their relationship is one of vision versus direct action to achieve that vision. . A business level strategy is a carefully designed methodology that aids companies in implementing and carrying through with actions designed to meet the financial and other goals set by that business (wiseGEEK, 2013). Whether a firm has a competitive advantage or not, depends on the business system or business-level strategy that is has developed to relate itself to its business environment and if the configuration of resources (inputs), activities (throughput) and product/service offerings (output) intended to create value for its customers – it is the way a firm conducts its business (Dewit Meyer, 2010). Business strategy can be further understood as the decisions a firm makes about its alternatives when competing in a specific market and how those alternatives works to bring their core competencies to the surface through cost leadership, differentiation, focused cost leadership, focused differentiation, and integrated leadership/differentiation. According to Hitt et. l, the risks associated with cost leadership are 1) loss of competitive advantage to new technology; 2) failure to detect changing customer needs; 3) the ability of competitors to imitate the cost leader’s competitive advantage through their own distinct strategic actions (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson 2013). As also pointed out by Hitt et. al. , there are also differentiation strategy risks such as 1) a customer group’s decision that the differences between the differentiated product and the cost leader’s goods or services are no longer worth a premium price, 2) the inability of a differentiated product to reate the type of value for which customers are willing to pay a premium price, 3) the ability of competitors to provide customers with products that have features similar to those of the differentiated product, but at a lower cost, and 4) the threat of counterfeiting, whereby firms produce a cheap imitation of a differentiated good or service (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson, 2013). Previously, we have identified how business-level strategy impacts functional tactical strategy and now I will address corporate-level strategy and how it, respectively, relates to these levels. A corporate strategy is what makes the corporate whole add up to more than the sum of its parts and typically comprises four concepts: portfolio management, restructuring, transferring skills, and sharing activities (Porter, 2008). Portfolio management and diversification are central strategies for any medium or large business. Market analysis demonstrates that many organizations that are medium sized and larger are made up of multiple businesses and offer several product lines that can cross industries and regions. Organizations can have very different financial characteristics and face different strategic options depending on how they are placed in terms of growth and relative competitive position (Dewit and Meyer, 2010). A portfolio strategy requires firms to grow through investment in existing businesses, acquiring new businesses and withdrawing from failing ones. As porter points out another form of corporate strategy is philanthropic involvement. When it comes to philanthropy, executives increasingly see themselves as caught between critics demanding over higher levels of â€Å"corporate social responsibility† and investors applying pressure to maximize short-term profits (Porter, Kramer, 2002). It doesn’t end there though, another piece to corporate-level strategy is corporate governance. Corporate governance is concerned with identifying ways to ensure that decisions (especially strategic decisions) are made effectively and that they facilitate a firm’s efforts to achieve strategic competitiveness by maintaining a harmony between the top-level managers and the shareholder’s interests (Hitt, Ireland, Hoskisson, 2013). We must also point out that mergers and acquisitions play a significant role in corporate-level strategy. Corporate-level strategy is made up of many pieces, but overall it shares the same goals as the other levels, to increase value by creating a competitive advantage. We have discussed the various elements to corporate-level strategy and now we will discuss how it related to business and functional/tactical-level strategy. Since corporate-level strategy is the highest level of decision-making and encompasses the end objective of the organization, allocation of resources, stakeholder’s goals and acquisitions is it always value-oriented, whereas, business-level and functional-level strategy is more relevant to each individual business entity. Corporate strategy is not the sum total of business strategies of the corporation but it deals with different subject matter; while the corporation is concerned with and has impact on business strategy, the former is concerned with the shape and balancing of growth and renewal rather than in market execution (Bhasin, 2010). Although there are different levels to organizational strategy they all relate and impact one another from the top down. Now that we understand the various levels of decision-making we will now turn to the various inputs to strategy formation for a firm. Before we conclude this analysis, it is important to review the different schools on strategy and those schools perceive strategy formation. There are 7 main school of strategy starting with the Design School. In short, the design school looks to create a fit between capabilities and opportunities or possibilities; it resulted in the famous SWOT analysis. Second, the Planning School also uses a SWOT like the design school to take into account internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats. Although the design school doesnt delineate the steps like the planning school does. It is this dividing into delineating steps that sets the planning school apart. The three phases of this school are: Objective Setting, Strategy Evaluating, and the Operationalization phase (Concept Paper #4). Third, in the Positioning School we see that the strategy formation is really driven by analyzing the market and deliberately implemented by those analytics. Forth, The entrepreneurial school is more of a singular vision of strategy from 1 person, namely the entrepreneur, rather than a collective approach as we have learned about in previous schools. Fifth, the Learning School of thought approaches strategy formulation in two separate models: 1) the grassroots model approaches strategy as emergent; 2) whereas, the hothouse model formulates strategy deliberately. Sixth, the Cognitive School states that in order to understand how strategies emerge from under other ircumstances we must look into the mind of the actual strategists. And finally, the last school is the Configuration School, as pointed out in Concept Paper #11, different dimensions of an organization cluster together under particular circumstances and conditions to define states, models or ideal types. It was important to review these various schools because when we look at the big picture of strategy formation and analyze how it is made up and why it is important we can glean i mportant points from each of the seven school. Yes, the overall goal of each school is the same as the goal of strategy formation as a whole, to gain competitive advantage and overall value for the corporation, but it is not always as easy as following one school of thought. For example, what might work in one situation won’t necessarily work in another so as strategists we must be able to take pieces from each school and put them in place where appropriate to achieve our desired outcome for that particular problem. Now that we have some big picture understanding of the different perspectives we will now discuss the primary inputs of strategy. As we discuss the inputs it is first important to point out that there is a difference between emergent and intended strategy. Organizations always have an intended strategy but sometimes the inputs move them towards a more emergent strategy. While strategy formulation is the process by which an intended strategy is created, emergent strategies often come out of following a specific pattern in decision making. (DeWit Meyer, 2010). The primary inputs are identifying, diagnosing, conceiving, and realizing; of course within this specific framework, there are more specific activities (DeWit Meyer, 2010). The first input of identifying is outlining a mission and agenda, this could also include a vision statement. Diagnosing is the internal an external assessments, such as the SWOT analysis. Next, conceiving is the brainstorming process by which the participants envision where there are trying to go and how they will get there. This is the key component an input of strategy formation, and for most groups it can be the most difficult because it requires creative out-of-the-box thinking. Lastly, but not least, is realizing and this is where the rubber meets the road. It is here where specific activities must be undertaken to achieve the strategic plan. We have identified the most important issues involved in strategy formation and defined why they are important, differentiated between corporate/business/functional-level strategies and how they impact one another, discussed the various schools of thought on strategy formation, and finally outlined the primary inputs to strategy formation in a firm. Now it is time to dig in a little deeper and attempt to bring it all together and analyze what it means as a whole. From a big picture mentality strategy formation must encompass the important items we outlined, while also taking into account the potential for change. Having a change management protocol for the organization as a whole, as well as, for each of the subsidiary organizations is critical in today’s global market economy. Outside of change, as strategists, we must also clearly understand our competitors, threats and regions. Things like technology can play a significant part in the ability to execute on strategy. Surprise and security are also equally important to strategy formation. What this all tells us is what we discussed early on: strategy is very difficult to define as an individual concept. Rather than a singular concept see that strategy is more of a way of big picture thinking that is critical to achieving success in virtually any endeavor, not just business. Yes, you can get lucky and find success without strategy, but we could also win the lottery it doesn’t mean it is going to happen. A strategic way of thinking is also not just thinking it is an executable and traceable tool that can adjust and emerge as needed. As a metaphor we can use going to the gym for physical fitness. Our strategic vision is losing weight, increasing heart health and gaining strength. But, how will we get from here (fat, high cholesterol and weak) to there (strong, heart healthy and thin)? We start by developing an action plan, outlining the inputs and potential threats (bad eating, etc), and we follow our plan daily and adjust as needed based on what emerges from the data we gather. This methodology can be applied to any goal, and large corporate business is no different. Unless we execute by actually going to the gym, following and adjusting our strategy for maximum performance we will never achieve our goals, even if we are lucky. You cannot win heart health in a contest. The same goes for business you can’t accidentally win customers and keep them for extended periods of time with successfully executing on your strategy. As we continue and find success in the gym, we may choose to diversify and bring our success to our friend and family or co-workers. This portfolio diversification also applies to large organizations. Additionally, our goals in the gym have stakeholders like our friends, family, employers, insurance companies, communities and any organizations to which we belong, not the mention, the world as a whole that benefits from our staying healthy. This philosophy our strategic way of thinking can be with us every second of everyday, and by thinking strategically in our lives and our roles in business we not only gain competitive advantage but maintain that advantage overtime. In closing, from the origins of the word strategy, and earlier, human beings have been strategizing. We strategized how to hunt and now we still strategize how to hunt only we are not hunting mammoths, but we are hunted mammoth size endeavors that require mammoth sized strategies. As we create and execute a plan for how to get from here to there towards achieving and maintaining a competitive advantage, as strategists, we are constantly analyzing how to optimize our approach while limiting risks. Strategy as a way of thinking can also be approved upon and as humans we have the power and control to accomplish truly amazing things for our corporations and our world.

Anticipatory Grief Essays -- Psychology

Grief is a universal reaction experienced by all of us at some time in our lives. The capacity that makes each of us capable of warm, satisfying relationships also leaves us vulnerable to sadness, despair, and grief when such relationships are disrupted (Carr, 1969). Regardless of the actual relationship that might have existed prior to the death, we have the tendency to idealize the relationship once death has occurred and we expect expressions of normal grief. Unfortunately, "normal grief' is what society expects, but the needs of the individual prerequisites putting a label on grief. Because society influences our behavior through the secondary reinforcement of social approval during this time, we are not looking at the primary reinforcer of survival. The needs of each individual can only be understood in the light of knowledge of his/her own developmental background and the particular conflicts being mobilized, and what defenses are being used against these (Maddison & Raphael, 1 972). This same developmental background is important in another aspect of death called anticipatory grief. The term anticipatory grief was first used by Lindemann in 1944 to " ... denote a reaction to separation and the possibility of death rather than the inevitability of death" (Bourke, 1984). Over the years there has been much discussion and research has been done on anticipatory grief. But to this point research evidence is inconsistent. All research points to the fact that anticipated losses that face the individual are very real. "Their emotional investment in the individual's presence, the satisfactions and warmth that they have received through their attachment to her or him, are soon to be ended"(Kalish, 1977). Since Lindemann (... ... management of acute grief. American Journal of Psychiatry, 101, 141-148. Maddison, D. C. & Raphael, B. (1972). The family of the dying patient. In B. Schoenberg, A. Carr, A. Kutscher, D. Peretz, & I. Goldberg, (Eds.), Psychosocial aspects of terminal care (pp. 185-200). New York: Columbia Univ. Press. Marples, M. (1986). Helping family members cope with a senile relative. Social Casework: The Journal of Contemporary Social Work, 67, 490-498. Osterweis, M., Solomon, F., & Green, M. (1984). Bereavement: Reactions, consequences, and care. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Rando, T. A. (1988). Anticipatory grief: The term is a misnomer but the phenomenon exits. Journal of Palliative Care, 4, 70-73. Rando, T. A. (1989). Anticipatory grief. In R. Kastenbaum & B. K. Kastenbaum (Eds.), Encyclopedia of death (12-15). Phoenix: The Oryx Press.

Compassion and God’s Self-Revelation

Compassion is a compound word, formed by putting up the words â€Å"co† and â€Å"passion† together, which literally means â€Å"together† and â€Å"strong feeling,† respectively. As such, the word â€Å"compassion† literally mans having a strong feeling about the other. It may be considered feeling a strong emotion over the predicaments of others, feeling for their pain, or their loss. It may also call for works that may eliminate or at least decrease the pain. Compassion is mostly manifested by acts of kindness like sharing, giving comfort or consolation, and extending sympathy and genuine concern (Dhammika). Compassion may be considered as the best thing one can extend to another person as all its manifestations are the best in human beings. It leads to the presentation of aspects of man that may be considered as God’s likeness. As such, it may be considered as a way for God’s self-revelation to his people (Dhammika). Different to God’s self revelation to Moses during the olden days, where the Israelites were committing idolatry while Moses was talking to God at Mt. Sinai, God’s modern day self revelation may not happen on the spiritual low points in mankind’s history. It may actually happen when man’s spirituality is at its all-time high (Laney 37). As compassion leads to actions that are based on the teachings of Jesus and other prophets of Gods, it may then be considered as the manifestations of the existence of God. An existence that is although different from the great burning bush in the time of Moses, still brings warmth to the hearts of his people especially to those who badly needs them (Laney 37). In addition, since compassion brings all the kindness of humanity and as man is told to be created from God’s likeness, then it may prove that through compassion extended by an individual to another man shows, ultimately, he may be showing that facet of humanity that is that of God’s as well. This may be God’s self-revelation through his own people towards some of his people who may not yet be believers of his existence. Therefore, it may be concluded that compassion or that strong feeling towards another’s suffering leads to acts that are considered righteous even by other religions. It may show man’s true nature. As he was created from God’s likeness and God is considered to be the kindest God, then man must show God’s existence through his kind acts. As such, God uses his people’s compassion as a key to his self-revelation.

Myth on Change Management

Bill, lost his job recently. It seems his company was downsized, his well developed skills were no longer required. It's tempting to claim his company was at fault. But the fault was his and his alone. Let me explain why. Things are changing incredibly fast. Yesterday's idea, is an emerging technology today, mainstream news tomorrow and history by next week. And†¦ everyone contributes to the speed of change. There's a myth about management, since we're responsible for so much change, we must be good at coping with it. I've observed the exact opposite. Managers have great difficulty accepting change. They tend to get complacent in their ‘secure' status quo. They believe the skills they've acquired, will serve them well into the future, in spite of all Take a close look at business magazines. Each issue offers something new, something different. Each advertisement promises to increase productivity, to increase efficiency, to inflict change upon our unsuspecting organization. Used properly, magazines are a guidepost to the future. Ignore them and they'll get you downsized. Bill acquired his management skills in the trenches. He worked his way up through the ranks. He acquired a set of skills, and over the years, deepened them. He began to believe his tool kit of management techniques was complete. They'd served him well in the past, and would suffice in the future. Bill's error was not in his judgment of whether or not a particular skill was long lasting. Bill's error had little if anything to do with ‘management skills.' His error lay in his world view. He believed his world would stay the same. Somehow he's protected from change. Somehow he alone is immune. Shielded in immunity, he gives no thought to a ‘different' tomorrow. He leans on his illusion of status quo, even while destroying the status quo of others. He's not alone in this. He's joined by politicians, unions, successful companies, staff, by anyone and everyone who's comfortable with past achievements. How do you prepare for the future? Step one is trivial†¦ Acknowledge uncertainty. That alone, will keep you from being complacent. That alone, will have you thinking about alternatives. That alone, will remind you that you're not alone. Everybody is faced with the same uncertainty. Welcome to the future! Next – you're not your business card. No matter what your title, no matter what your function, you're more than a ‘box' on an org chart. You're a collection of skills with the ability to learn new ones. These steps do little to change the future. Accepting uncertainty and solid self assessment is a good strategy, but without a plan of action, they'll add up to nothing. Assume you're fired tomorrow, what would you do? Sounds drastic, but it happens every day to thousands of people from ‘every walk of life.' So why not to you? What better time to contemplate it, than today, when you still have a job, and time to plan? Bill lost his job because he couldn't see beyond his status quo. Don't make that same mistake, contemplate this issue of Words of Mouth devoted to Change. Ask the question†¦ â€Å"What's my place in the uncertainty I'm helping create?† Then leap into your future. What is the only thing constant in our lives? CHANGE impacts everything we do and is never-ending. Whether technological, psychological, physical or emotional in nature, we must learn how to deal with change effectively if In programs I have conducted for clients, their most frequent requests are in two areas: 1.What do I do with negative people? 2.How can I get people motivated? It could be argued these two areas have always been important. I have noticed the need for assistance with these areas is in direct proportion to the changes the organization is experiencing. We all go along our â€Å"merry-little-way† until one day and †¦ boom †¦ change appears. The change is sometimes our own doing but more often beyond our immediate control. When this occurs, the response is sometimes demonstrated in negativity or in an unwillingness to move. This constant newness is outside many people's comfort zones and they are confused as to how they should respond. My clients know change is inevitable and yet have staff who are reluctant to embrace the constantly changing environment. It may be management themselves who are reluctant to adopt the changes necessary for organizational success. Management and staff must deal with technological, psychological and personal changes, all of which impact on performance. People handle change in different ways. It is estimated as high as 78% of people are followers †¦ they do not want to be first at anything. They would rather wait until something happens and then copy what they see. Approximately 5% are leaders. The remaining 17% have no idea where everybody else went! I work with the 5 percenters who want to learn approaches which will produce the best results through encouraging the 78% to follow and drag along the 17% who aren't quite sure what is happening. I will never suggest all change will be enjoyable. I believe we have to learn to adapt to it. The good news about change is it happens so quickly that if you don't like the change, just wait and it will change again soon. The bad news is if you do like the change you had better enjoy it now because it will not be here very long. What can we do? I have found one of the biggest roadblocks to personal adaptation to change is the belief we can just relax in what I call the coast mode. Do you know anyone in the coast modeÉjust coasting, coasting? The problem is there is only one way you can coast and that is downhill. The last person to realize you are coasting is usually yourself. Each of us knows at least one person in our personal lives who is going downhill and has not realized it yet. Your staff sees you every day and will very quickly recognize which way you are going. In a terrific book I recently read entitled Flight Of The Buffalo by James A. Belasco and Ralph C. Stayer, the realization of managers that â€Å"I Am The Problem† is the first step in overcoming the â€Å"What do I do with negative people or How do I motivate people?† problems. Demonstrating calculated risk-taking and encouraging staff to do likewise creates a different mind-set towards change. People who are not encouraged to take risks will not. All of us have failed at least once in our lives. What do we remember longest†¦good experiences or bad? The bad ones discourage us about additional attempts. Overcoming our negative programming about failure is a key step towards meeting the challenge of change. Working with, or worse still, living with someone who does not want to change can be a very frustrating experience.

Dietary Supplements essays

Dietary Supplements essays Dietary supplements: Beneficial or Hazardous? On any given day, a student athlete could walk into a trainers or coaches office holding up a bottle and ask Hey coach, does this stuff work? This young athlete, playing three sports a year, is referring to the dietary supplement called creatine. This, and many more products, are becoming more and more popular these days among high school student-athletes. These young men and, quite possibly young women, are using this supplement without realizing the possible benefits and hazards that follow in consuming such products. Most students who take creatine, do so in hopes of improving athletic performance, increasing overall body and muscle mass, and improving endurance and body building. While thoughts of taking dietary supplements may seem only beneficial, the aftermath of these products may be very risky. There are no definite risks and effectiveness of creatine and other products remain unproven. Creatine is not an herb, vitamin, or hormone. It is a natural nutrient found in our bodies and the bodies of most animals. Approximately ninety five percent of the bodies creatine supply is found in the skeletal muscles. The remaining five percent is found scattered throughout the body with main focuses in the heart, brain, and testes. The human body gets most of the creatine it needs from food or dietary supplements. Creatine is easily absorbed by the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. When dietary consumption is inadequate to meet the bodies needs, a limited supply can be synthesized from the amino acids arginine glycine, and methionine. This creatine production occurs in the liver pancreas and kidneys. Creatine is a naturally produced substance in the body, produced by the liver. Joined by the kidneys and the pancreas, they play a role in muscle contraction. When taken as a supplement, creatine can cause water retention and cramping. Many cases have b...

Displacement Reaction Definition and Examples

Displacement Reaction Definition and Examples A displacement reaction is a type of reaction where part of one reactant is replaced by another reactant.  A displacement reaction is also known as a replacement reaction or a metathesis reaction.  There are two types of displacement reactions: Single Displacement Reactions Single displacement reactions are reactions where one reactant replaces part of the other.AB C → AC B An example is the reaction between iron and copper sulfate to produce iron sulfate and copper: Fe CuSO4 → FeSO4 Cu Here, both iron and copper have the same valence. One metal cation takes the place of the other bonding to the sulfate anion. Double Displacement Reactions Double displacement reactions are reactions where the cations and anions in the reactants switch partners to form products.AB CD → AD CB An example is the reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride to form silver chloride and sodium nitrate: AgNO3 NaCl → AgCl NaNO3

Pope Gregory VI - The Pope Who Bought the Papacy

Pope Gregory VI - The Pope Who Bought the Papacy Pope Gregory VI was also known as: Giovanni Graziano (his birth name); also John of Gratian (the Anglicized version.) Pope Gregory VI was known for: Buying the papacy. Giovanni paid his predecessor, Pope Benedict IX, what is sometimes considered a pension; when Benedict left, Giovanni was recognized as Pope Gregory VI by the cardinals. Gregory is also known for being one of the few popes in history to resign. Occupations: Pope Places of Residence and Influence: Italy Important Dates: Begins papacy: May, 1045Resigned: Dec. 20, 1046Died: At an unknown date in 1047 or 1048 About Pope Gregory VI: When Giovanni Graziano paid his godson a pension to convince him to resign, most scholars agree he did so out of an honest desire to rid the papacy of the dissolute Pope Benedict IX. Unfortunately, as Pope Gregory VI, he achieved little in Rome before Benedict and the antipope Sylvester III returned. The chaos that resulted as each man represented himself as the true pope was too much, and King Henry III of Germany rode south to settle the matter. At a council at Sutri, Italy, Benedict and Sylvester were deposed, and Gregory was convinced to resign the office because his payment to Benedict could be viewed as simony. He left Italy for Germany, where he died not long after. For more about the life and pontificate of Gregory VI, see his Concise Biography. Pope Gregory VI Resources: Concise Biography of Gregory VIPopes Who Resigned Pope Gregory VI on the Web Catholic Encyclopedia: Pope Gregory VIConcise look at Gregory by Horace Mann. Pope Gregory VI in Print The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the books page at one of the online merchants. by Richard P. McBrien by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart The PapacyChronological List of PopesMedieval ItalyWhos Who Directories: Chronological Index Geographical Index Index by Profession, Achievement, or Role in Society

Four similar disease 1topic like COPD,LUNGS CA.ASTHMA,SMOKER Research Paper

Four similar disease 1topic like COPD,LUNGS CA.ASTHMA,SMOKER - Research Paper Example It generates new insight and a novel point of view into the existing treatment procedures and about the disease. Continuous research in the field of nursing practice is very important as through research new data and cures are discovered which help in finding new patterns and subsequently help in developing new procedures to fight the patients’ condition. The development of nursing practice in diseases like COPD, Lung Cancer, Asthma and Smoking exemplifies the importance of the research to nursing practice. These are four similar diseases (affecting the same organ; lungs) with different backgrounds (origin, causes, development, effects, and cure). COPD is a serious lung disease which during the course of time makes it difficult to breathe. It is the fourth main reason for death in the United States and leads to long-term disability.[1] Persons suffering from COPD find it difficult to get the air in and out of their lungs as the airways (tubes which carry the air in and out of the lungs) are partially blocked. There are two prime diseases that cause this blockage- Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema. The main cause of this lung disorder is cigarette smoking which contributes to 80-90% of the disease. [1] Nursing practices go a long way in the cure of the disease. Nurses/ professionals and pulmonary rehabilitation programs help to control the disease through physical activity and training. Nursing is fast emerging as a means to put a check on COPD. The best cure against COPD is to quit smoking. An online COPD community has emerged where different COPD patients and professionals share their experience and methods to fight cure COPD. Lung Cancer refers to cancer of the tissues of the lungs, generally in the cells lining the air passages. It is one of the more lethal diseases. It claims more lives than prostate, colon, breast and lymph cancers combined, per year. Essentially, there are two types of lung cancers: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell L ung Cancer (NSCLC). Both categories have the capacity to cause life threatening damages to the neuromuscular system. A significant part of the treatment to lung cancer is the way the problem is nursed. Nursing practices play an important role. Advanced nursing practice has been introduced as a practice that includes a variety of roles essential for treating lung cancer and the environments in which they exist. Planning is quite necessary in combating the disease. Many obstacles to realizing the full potential of the roles can be evaded through better efforts and planning to address factors, resources and structures necessary for advanced nursing practice to lung cancer. A recent research conducted on patients with lung cancer suggested that patients often experience multiple symptoms that vary during the course of their disease.[2] Therefore, in conjunction with high quality physical care of the patients, nursing practice is also required to provide frequent interventions with patie nts varying from patient education regarding chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy and symptom management meant for skin changes linked to fatigue, radiation therapy, weight loss and nausea due to changes in appetite. Asthma is chiefly characterized by the shortness of breath, tightness of chest along with coughing. It essentially is the hindrance in the human airflow system. Asthma is a continual inflammatory disease and estimates have shown that over 300 million people were affected with asthma in 2010. Genetic factors along with other

Responding to Groupthink and Faulty Reasoning at NASA Case Study - 6

Responding to Groupthink and Faulty Reasoning at NASA - Case Study Example From this paper it is clear that if group members have doubts but lack appropriate evidence to support their position, their doubts and concerns should still be communicated to authorized personnel who have the competencies and qualifications to evaluate the matter and substantiate whether there are valid support for the doubts. The important thing is that the concern has been effectively communicated and relayed to higher authorities.  The reporter stresses   "if I were head of NASA, I would have launched a rescue shuttle in as far as I am confident that the second shuttle would not meet the same fatal accident regarding the first foam strike that happened with Columbia. I would also solicit as much information as evidently possible to determine alternative courses of action where the Columbia crew could make it back to Earth as innovatively possible.   As indicated, NASA has followed these steps to change its culture and to resist groupthink: safety worries are encouraged to be communicated and are not out rightly dismissed; teams of engineers conduct simulations on diverse scenarios to assist in addressing problems and concerns; cross-checking of interventions, suggestions and recommendations from one team of engineers are validated by another group of engineers from a different research center to avoid group think and to encourage taking diverse perspectives; worst case scenarios are proactively established including establishment of contingency plans in these situations. If these changes and activities are continued to encourage innovative thinking, the agency could indeed continue with its progress. Progress could be slow at first but it is always better to be slow than sorry. "

Patient safety in the operating room Research Paper

Patient safety in the operating room - Research Paper Example In this essay, patient safety in the operating room shall be considered in terms of how safety can be ensures, the effects of denying patients their safety and importance of the promotion of safety in the operating room. What is Patient Safety? Patient safety is an integrated process of ensuring that a patient who visits the operating room for surgery is not put at risk to situations that would harm or worsen the health condition of the patient in any way. Safety of patients in the operating may be jeopardized in several ways including wrong site surgery, wrong medication and leaving foreign material in the bodies of people. Measures for ensuring safety in the operating room The need to ensure patient safety is indispensible and a basic right of every patient that cannot be undermined in anyway. To achieve safety however, a couple of measures need to be put in place. First of such measures is work experience of practicing surgeons and nurses. The oversee of surgical operations in the operating room is such a complex medical practice that it demands the hands of highly qualified, competent and experienced health professional to undertake. However, the problem of low staff base, employee turnover and lack of employee retention has led to a situation where most health facilities fall on inexperienced nurses and surgeons to handle cases in the operating room (Dodd, 2003). ... ould bring them up to speed with current developments in the surgery fraternity so that they will not in any way lug behind in the jurisdiction of their duties. Another important factor that needs to be put in place to ensure safety in the operating room has to do with communication. Expects have identify the breakdown of communication and poor communication as serious risk factors for the increased cases of absence of safety in the operating room. For example Jean Nagelkerk, GVSU vice provost for health, registered nurse and family nurse practitioner reports that â€Å"a breakdown in communication causes up to 70 percent of errors† (Kopenkoskey, 2011). Safety in the operating room is therefore advocated through the creation of an effective communication system between surgeons, nurses and patients. Between surgeons and nurses, there must be a team approach that ensures that the team has communicated well among itself and that it is highly aware of what it is going to do even before surgery starts. During team discussions, specific instructions must be given on what each person’s role is going to be like so that the practitioners do not get nervous and naive during the operation. At the time of operation also, it is important that communication goes on among the practitioners especially when need developments on the operation crop up. After the operation to, communication must go on about the effectiveness of the operation process and how the patient can be helped to recover quickly. Communicating to the patient is also important because the patient needs to be informed of what is expected of him or her in order that he or she does not create situations of complications either during or after the operation. Another important measure for ensuring safety is pointed out

Price Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Price Analysis - Essay Example However, among the various methods, a consumer should choose the one that suits the important facts of his purchases. If I would be allowed to select only one price analysis method throughout the course of my career, I would select the price competition method for price analysis Price Competition is the most popular and the widest used technique of price analysis. It is very handy and easy to conduct. Also, it does not involve much in depth research. All a consumer needs to do is to consider the prices quoted by several other suppliers in the market and evaluate them closely. A price competition normally exists when prices quoted by different suppliers differ by 15% (Murphy 2009). The lowest price may not always be the most reasonable price for you. There may be chances of errors in the quotation and also the quality of the good or service provided may also not be up to the required level. Also, there may be costs associated with the product to make it a better one that may have not been incurred, and thus resulting in a lower price. Hence, when using the price competition technique, it is important that the consumer demands a statement on why the quoted price has been set by the

History of the Mexican Trains Ferrocarriles Research Paper

History of the Mexican Trains Ferrocarriles - Research Paper Example The transportation network has had a major part to play in the economic progression of every nation on the planet. A well constructed and collaborative transportation network is the only guarantee that goods, people and services can be located from one part of the country to another with speed, flexibility and at little cost. Transportation can be seen as having a direct link to economic expansion and sustenance. It is unrealistic to expect that one region or nation has the ability to produce all that it consumes. In a similar manner, it is unrealistic to assume that a region can consume all that it produces. In order to strike the balance between demand and supply of various kinds of goods and service it is essential to have a well planned and integrated transportation network to rely on. Only such a transport network could allow the impeccable coordination required between various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, retailing etc. While the provision of a transport network is highly relevant to the modern economic system, but this was not always the case. Instead, a well integrated transportation network was required by nearly all great nations for keeping up with their military ambitions. Economic priorities remained secondary when the creation of a well integrated transportation network was taken into account during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Given the need to move economic goods as well as military goods, the preferential method of enhancing the transport network was to use railway links. This also coincided with the fact that road based automobiles were neither common nor highly appreciated in the nineteenth century. Instead, the railway networks of the era were highly preferred given the technical expertise in manufacturing and operating railway linkages. Another major factor that contributed to the growth of the railways in the era related to disposable incomes and the cost of early automobiles. Early automobi les were not only expensive to buy but were equally fiscally demanding in terms of operating and maintenance costs. The problem was compounded by the fact that the majority of people did not have the kinds of disposable incomes to buy and use road based vehicles as yet. In this scenario, it made far greater sense to set up railway linkages in order to enhance the overall transport infrastructure rather than concentrating on roads and automobiles. Vehement development of the railway networks continued throughout the nineteenth century and through the early to mid parts of the twentieth century around the world. Contemporary super powers and countries looking for economic development all looked towards large railway networks in order to support and sustain their economic growth. It is from this era that the British railway networks emerged and spanned nearly half the globe ranging from Africa to the Tibet plateau. In a similar manner, the United States was bent upon enlarging the exis ting railway network to connect the East Coast to the West Coast. A number of different strategies were adopted in order to provide impetus for the expansion of the existing railway network. Conditions in Germany and France were similar with Germany attempting to bridge the Middle East and Europe using a railway link

Price Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Price Analysis - Essay Example However, among the various methods, a consumer should choose the one that suits the important facts of his purchases. If I would be allowed to select only one price analysis method throughout the course of my career, I would select the price competition method for price analysis Price Competition is the most popular and the widest used technique of price analysis. It is very handy and easy to conduct. Also, it does not involve much in depth research. All a consumer needs to do is to consider the prices quoted by several other suppliers in the market and evaluate them closely. A price competition normally exists when prices quoted by different suppliers differ by 15% (Murphy 2009). The lowest price may not always be the most reasonable price for you. There may be chances of errors in the quotation and also the quality of the good or service provided may also not be up to the required level. Also, there may be costs associated with the product to make it a better one that may have not been incurred, and thus resulting in a lower price. Hence, when using the price competition technique, it is important that the consumer demands a statement on why the quoted price has been set by the

Free Trade Among Developed Economies Research Paper

Free Trade Among Developed Economies - Research Paper Example The question then remains, should these be pursued by more economically developed nations? An example of this would be the North American Free Trade Agreement otherwise known as NAFTA which included Mexico, Canada and the United States in a limited free trade agreement. Unfortunately, this agreement has seen tariff wars occur, in some circumstances causing large deficits. According to one working paper from the California Western School of Law, published 2005. â€Å"In response to U.S. restrictions on Mexican sugar, President Vicente Fox placed a 20% tax on all soft-drinks not sweetened with Mexican sugar. The â€Å"sugar tax† followed shortly after the DSB’s determination in the HFCS case, in which the Body held that Mexico failed to prove HFCS imports were threatening the Mexican sugar industry so as to warrant the imposition of antidumping duties. As a result of the sugar tax, the United States filed another complaint with the DSB† (Vacek-Aranda, 2005). With t he increased taxation and import tariffs being bandied at this time it would seem to nullify the idea of free trade. However, once these disagreements are worked out there is a substantial benefit to be had for the economies of all involved nations. To understand better why free trade is a necessary aspect of international trade among developed nations we should review what a developed nation is. A developed nation is simply a more economically developed country. This term is obviously ambiguous, however, can apply readily to those nations classified as first world nations. Some of those more economically developed countries or MEDC, would be Great Britain, Germany, Brazil, United States, Spain, Denmark and similar. According to a policy brief from International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis dated 2008, â€Å"The scenarios show that investment in education pays off in terms of higher long-term economic growth† ("Economic growth in developing countries: Education prov es key," 2008). This means only that nations with a more solid educational system and opportunities are more likely to be higher developed economic powers. Some arguments against the implementation of free trade agreements do so based on the non-members losses or reductions in ability to trade. However, the argument must be made that the implementation of a free trade agreement is a positive benefit in most cases. Arvind Panagariya et.al. outlines; â€Å"clearly, the initial equilibrium matters since that is crucial to the determination of the absolute level of consumers’ surplus relative to producers’ surplus† (Panagariya & Duttagupta, 2000). Simply put the importance of an equal footing is initially necessary when looking at setting up a free trade agreement. The effects on surrounding nations that are not at the same stage of economic development are important to note as well. Primarily the argument can be made that pollution in underdeveloped nations will li kely increase. An article in American Economic Review dated 1998 says, â€Å"Under the pollution haven hypothesis, poor countries get dirtier with trade, whereas rich countries get cleaner† (Antweiler, Copeland, & Taylor, Sept, 1998). While this can be a detriment globally over time it should be noted that once a

Programming Solution Proposal Essay Example for Free

Programming Solution Proposal Essay Computer programs can help us solve everyday issues that might seem impossible. Household budgeting is an issue that burdens many Americans. Every individual is ultimately responsible for managing his or her finances. Developing a computer program that can help individuals manage their budget will greatly improve their life quality. The program would have to follow the program development cycle model and use the modular approach. Identifying Budget Issues The biggest challenge that many American families are facing after the 2008 recession is managing a monthly budget adequately. The fact is that many families increased their debt by borrowing more than their allocated budget. Americans need to learn to live base on how much they earn. Our first reaction, when in debt, would be to make up excuses as to why we are in that situation. Some of us will even try to blame relatives or credit card companies when faced with excessive debt. It is families, who do not budget properly, that end up losing their homes and vehicles to banks or lenders (msn, 2009). Who is Responsible? The task of managing your budget according to your earnings is a decision and responsibility that is ultimately yours. The first step to take when budgeting is to acknowledge your debt problem and stop finding justifications for it. The problem can be excessively stressful and it is recommended to seek assistance through friends, family, or even better from an organization that guides people through debt reduction. A non-profit organization, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, will probably be the best option. To start getting a handle of the problem, one must establish a number of how much is owed (msn, 2009). Developing a Program Technology, at present day, is an important tool that can be used to our advantage to solve almost any issue. Many families that might be facing budgeting and even foreclosure issues might not be aware that such tools exist. The process of creating a computer program that will help us budget our monthly income can greatly improve our quality of life. Such program must follow the program development cycle and contain the three main components of a computer program; input, process, and output (Venit Drake, 2009). Program Development Cycle The first step of the program development cycle is to analyze the problem. We need to fully understand the problem that needs to be solved. We also need to analyze which information is available to us. The initial information available to us is our monthly net pay, and our monthly economic obligations. We also need to establish our desired output, establishing a budget, and determine how our known information will help us achieve those results. At this point we might also become aware of information that is not included but is necessary in order to identify the problem properly. Such information may include unexpected expenses, depositing money into a savings account, etc. (Venit Drake, 2009). The next step of the cycle is designing a program to solve the problem. The designing step of the program development cycle will yield a flowchart that will outline how the actual program is executed based on the known variables. The flowchart will include a starting point, inputs, assignments, If conditions, loops, outputs, and an ending point. The evaluation of each step of the program development cycle might yield additional subtasks that might need to be added to the original flowchart. This step also involves writing an algorithm in pseudocodes which will instruct the program on what to do. The last two steps of the cycle involve writing the pseudocode statements in program code. The program code will depend on which computer language is chosen. Finally the program needs to be executed to determine if it runs properly. A re-evaluation of the program might be needed if the program does not execute properly (Venit Drake, 2009). The goal of the program is to aid the average household to adequately manage a budget. Modular Approach The modular approach that will be taken to create this budgeting program will ensure the creation of the proper program to solve the issue. The approach will first consider the major tasks that need to be accomplished. A module will be created for each task in the program. The tasks can later be broken down into sub-tasks as deemed necessary by the programmer. These sub-tasks will then be assigned sub-modules. The amount of sub-tasks is determined by the complexity of the problem and how many are needed to solve the problem. The purpose of breaking down tasks is to make the program much easier and simpler. The model that is used to break down tasks is called the top-down design (Venit Drake, 2009). Conclusion Developing a computer program that can help individuals manage their budget will greatly improve their life quality.

Major Health Issues Community Health And Social Care Essay

Major Health Issues Community Health And Social Care Essay The Klinefelters Support Group endeavors to afford the community, doctors and nurses with information about Klinefelters syndrome. It offers resource material, information and support about the syndrome to affected persons and families in Western Australia. This paper aims to outline the concept of community in the context of the Klinefelters Support Group and its related characteristics. A community is not just a group of people bounded by geographical boundaries; it also includes people brought together by religion, lifestyles, hobby and interests among other common interests, goals and concerns. The Klinefelter Support Group members have been brought together by common interests. The author used the community health assessment tool (Clarke, 1992) to collect necessary information related to the chosen community in terms of health status and the surrounding environment. Information from Government and related heath websites were used to verify the number of people affected by relate d health problems around Western Australia. The communitys health problems exhibited by the majority of people within the Klinefelter Support Group were prioritized as Klinefelter Syndrome. The community assessment report focuses on the interests, goals and concerns of the members. Concept of Community The community concept has a wide range of definitions. Bartle (2007) argued that the concept does not necessarily denote a physical location; however, it is demarcated by a group of people who share a common interest (par. 6). A community refers to a group of people who share common characteristics like gender, age, race, religion, culture, place, vulnerability and interests (McMurray, 2007, p. 6). A community may be characterized by one or more of the common characteristics. Bartle (2007) argued that the concept of community accrues from having something in common that is a common interest, place and distinction (par. 19). It is full of conflicts, struggles and factions based on differences in religion, access to wealth, class, educational level, language, ownership of capital, gender and many other factors (Bartle, 2007, par. 46). McMurray (2007) also states that each member of a community influences the other members, sharing knowledge and life skills or simply companionship (p.6) . The definition of community will be the following: a group of people, who share commonalities, who interact with one another and who function as one within a related social structure to address common concerns, as it fits well with the Klinefelter group. How the Klinefelters group acts in accordance with the distinctiveness of chosen concept In this case, the chosen respondents under study fulfill the chosen concept of community by having the following related characteristics; it has twelve members who have the Klinefelter Syndrome or whose relative has the Klinefelter Syndrome. Ten of the target groups are male, two are females, their ages range from 14 to 75 years. Through talking to every individual these people mentioned out that they were affected by the Klinefelter Syndrome and that is the reason why they decided to join the group of their interest. The members are persons with the condition, parents of a child, family member of person with the condition and medical professionals. Most of them outlined the reasons why they go and meet at the Shetland Drive premises as a socializing agent, creating friendship, getting some education on how to take good care of their health. They do all these under supervision of the medical professionals. This community resides in places called Henry Brook WA. However, they meet at Shetland Drive center on Fridays and Saturdays for about 5 hours daily, they do that as to create friendship, share about any challenges regarding their health issues they face when they are at their individual places and sharing on their likes, play games and engage in some exercises under the supervision of medical professionals. Relationship between the major health issues of the community under study and the chosen concept of community. With the assistance of Clarks assessment tool, the author was able to gather all the information related to the communitys major health problems. Surprisingly all the twelve people who were interviewed through the questionnaire suffered from Klinefelter Syndrome or their relatives had the syndrome. However, they outlined that is the reason why they meet together to interact and share their problems. And with the help of health professionals they get some education and related therapies as the health professionals continue holding health promotion to try and alleviate or reduce the health problems they are experiencing. Identifying and justifying preference of the tool used for assessment The researcher used Clarkes assessment tool (1992). The tool fulfills its requirements as it guide in collecting useful information related specific study questions. Beck, (2006), pointed out that health assessment tools are used as they have been tested and proven as reliable, systematic and broad (p. 20). This tool has specific questions relating to the target group, physical and social environments, consumption patterns, occupation, leisure pursuits and health services. Methodology Quantitative and Qualitative methods and data collection The researcher used Klinefelter articles and pamphlets, which were at Shetland drive to acquire some qualitative information about the aim of that community. However, data that was more detailed was collected from each individual related to their own health status. Clarkes tool, (1992) was used as an open-ended questionnaire to collect all the subjective information relating to the members. Moreover, the researcher used objective data to add on the data. Quantitative data from Australian Bureau of statistics and Australian government were used to verify the number of people affected by the Klinefelter Syndrome. Verification of Subjective Data Subjective data was verified through use the community members records kept by the health professionals who supervise them. The records verified all the information as correct. Also responds on above confirmed prevalence of issue, which is associated with persons with the syndrome. RESULTS -COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT DATA Human biology Description of the chosen Community using Epidemiological data; According to Bojesen Gravholt (2009, p. 624) Table: 1 Henley Brook Population Profile Total population of Henley Brook 3953 100% Population of 65 and over 6 0.52% In 2009, 0.52 % of the entire population had the Klinefelter Syndrome. The results show that out of every 650 men, one man had the syndrome. Physical Environment Klinefelters Support Group is located in Henley Brook, Western Australia. It is surrounded by residential buildings and situated at 14 Shetland Drive. All the community members live in different places in Western Australia such as Bunbury, Fremantle, Mandurah, Perth and Geraldton. Psychological Environment Psychological environment has been defined as the interrelation between the environments and human behavior ((Issel, 2004, p. 77). Through using Clark, 1992 tool, and the author has found that nearly every member of the understudy community stated that, they suffer from Klinefelter Syndrome. Moreover, members of the community mention that, it is the reason why they choose to join Klinefelters Support Group. They said that the group provides them with appropriate and comfortable place to relax and socialize as a way of avoiding and reducing stresses they face in their day-to-day lives as they share with people who have been affected by the same condition. It was noted through the clients medical records that all of them were under the syndrome medication. The condition was prevalent in people of all ages from young people of 14 years to middle aged people to old people. The male demonstrated breast enlargement, testicular failure and inability to produce sperms. Most of them were depr essed when alone and they argued. The syndrome was a basis of much personal anguish, unceasing morbidity and financial costs. According to Frisch Frisch (2009), in addition to biological determinants, the quality of familial and marital relationships and other social support networks also play important roles in the occurrence and outcome of the syndrome (, p. 4). Social Environment There is a lot of support from the counselors. Infertility counseling is accessible for men coming to terms with barrenness and the way it affect them and their partners. Some of the middle-aged men had lost their spouses since they could not make them. They stated that they feel so lonely and socially isolated when they are in their own homes without the spouses. Those with children who had the condition were scared because their children would go through the same fate. They only tend to socialize and learn new things from each other through meeting at their community center. However, they were all educated and had good jobs before they joined Klinefelters Support Group. They did not have any other problems but viewed the syndrome as a major problem. The members of the community understudy stated that they depend on their salary, benefits, savings as well as some government benefits from Centre link to support their daily needs. Consumption The members of the community stated that they usually try to eat healthy and balanced diet and revealed that they take some medications to boost their hormones. They said that adults and teenager are mostly driven to suicide by the syndrome because they do not know how to cope with the symptoms. Since the group started, none of the community members has committed suicide or given up on life. The community mentioned out that they really like to do some exercises and socialize that are the reasons they belong to Klinefelters Group. The group is fully equipped with medical experts to help the community fulfill their goals. None of the community members complained about any after effects from doing exercises. Occupation Some of the group members are teenagers and are still in schools. Their parents however work and provide for all their needs and thus considered by the group. The middle aged affected by the disease worked whereas some of the members are already retired. Most of them mentioned that they were involved in volunteer work. (Personal contact 25 April 2011) Leisure Pursuits Klinefelters Support Group is close to numerous recreational places and apparently, the community members did mention that they occasionally spend their time relaxing and talking with the other members and health professionals. The health professionals verified that, they do visit certain parks to play games, and engage in some simple exercises as to promote individuals wellbeing, form friendships and enhance their self-perception. Moreover, most of the community members regarded telling stories as their constant leisure activity. (Personal contact 25 April 2011). Health Services The community has easy access to health care services. The members attend different hospitals in their localities. However, the community does have a group of health professionals as been stated earlier, which include the health professionals such as doctors and nurses to help with day-to-day health issues. The community mentioned that they normally fund their health care although they had been soliciting for funds from the ministry of health. Moreover, the community members stated that they get some prescribed medications at a reduced price. The PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) schedule states that the holders of a pensioner card and seniors health card are authorized to receive subsided medications at low price (Australian department of health in aging, 2010). Community perception of health One of the members of the community stated that, he feels much better since he joined Klinefelters Support Group. He mentioned out that, he had been so lonely before with no one to talk to, and share his health problems with before he joined the group (Mr. M. personal contact on 25 April 2011). Moreover, other members of the community stated that, they have improved so much in the level of knowledge about their health conditions and how well to take control. For example, they mentioned out that they now know more about the syndrome that they initially did before they joined the group. They even went on to say that, they have come up with certain strategies to overcome stressful situations and move on. Most of the members in this community showed that they have optimistic minds towards their condition. They told the researcher that they are very keen to understand more about their health problems and the way to manage and deal with syndrome. All the members mentioned that they do enjo y each others company, participating in all therapeutic programs such as hand therapies and games, Garden activity. Most of them mentioned that the activities they carried out in the center assist in enhancing memory skills, improving health and assist them in living a stress free life. (Personal contact on 25 April 2011). Excessively, all the members stated that they feel much better now since they joined the Klinefelters Support Group. They rated their health as individually 6/10, 7/10, 9/10, and 8/10. ANALYSIS OF DATA According to Community data, one of the strength of the community is easy access to the health services in main areas of the city. The community can access the Primary Health care services easily. The community benefits by getting prevention of certain diseases that comes with the syndrome, early diagnosis and treatment of some of those diseases. Moreover, community benefit from various recreational places as it offers them with a conducive place to meet and relax. Thus, it is also strength as the community benefit from this local government belonging as they can access social network. Every feature above is a benefit to the lives of people living Western Australia and the community under study in one way or the other. Of the twelve community members, three mentioned that they were employees of one of the above-mentioned organizations or features. Thus, it is strength to the community as there is provision of jobs within the City. Moreover, there is community networking and it is str ength as the members mentioned that they contact one another in case if one of them is in trouble, or is having coping problems. The members have access to Internet and telephone networks from their homes, which enable them to interact frequently. Application of Social Determinants of health This is the interpretation and analysis the above community assessment data to find out how social determinants influences on communitys health. Immigrants health needs are very complex and wide-ranging, especially given the diversity in background socioeconomic status, ethnicity, geography and culture. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, including the health system (Chapman et. al, 2008, p. 68). The social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities and they include the social gradient, housing, education, work, unemployment, social support, health services, food and transport (Chapman et. al, 2008, p. 160) The researcher is going to explain how social determinants are influencing the communitys health. The community understudy mentioned that some of them are in schools; others are employed while some have already retired and now enjoying their superannuation benefits and some center link benefits. Thos e employed mentioned that they earn good household income ranging from $2000 to $3000 weekly. They mentioned that they could eat good balanced diet but they were lonely and socially isolated which contributed other health issues such as depression, stress and even suicidal thoughts etc. This shows how social gradient has influence on the communities health. The members also stated they own their own accommodation such as houses, thus there is no poverty and there is less spread of communicable diseases within the members. Moreover, education is another social determinant of health found in this community, however, the community holds high educational qualifications, which are represented by the knowledge, and understanding of their own problems and knowing how to overcome them. In addition, the locality has a lot of schools and Universities showing the availability and easy access of education in the community. Many social support networks are available for the community and they re ally support and recommend Klinefelters Support Group, where the members create friendships, socialize and share their problems. Thus, this enables reduction in the levels of life stresses, which causes suicidal thought, depression and stress. Moreover, many health services from hospitals are also available nearby and thus enable the community to get medication and to be attended to and diagnosed early in case of any emergency of health problem. The community is very aware of preventative measures of health for example by making use of particular medications that have to do with the syndrome. Lastly, easy access to transport helps the community to get wherever they need to be on time. For instance, medical centers and it really saves peoples lives and further health complications as the community will be able to reach to related places on time. According to the demography and subjective data, the physical environment of the locality notably their road infrastructures, dwellings, com munity services and facilities are adequate and modern to support its consumers. These infrastructures and accommodation are very much important to keep their social life fit and healthy. Their high socioeconomic status due to employment, high educational level and diverse backgrounds may influence their consumption patterns. They maintain basic living standards but when they have special health care needs, such as specialist treatment services or elective surgery, which are excluded from Medicare or schedule surgery, which most of them can afford. In addition, social exclusion resulting from the condition could prevent the members from participating in education or training and gaining access to health services and other activities, which could be socially and psychologically damaging and harmful to health (Wilkinson Marmont, 2003, p. 16). The transport services, Internet facilities and telecommunication are sufficient according to their needs. Application of primary healthcare principles in the community Primary health care has been explained as the initial care to the problem (McMurray, 2007, p. 41). The main aim of this care is to provide and improve initial health for the community and the whole society at large (McMurray, 2007, p. 41). Primary health care includes principals such as equity, appropriate technology, accessibility, intersectional collaboration, increased emphasis on health support, public contribution, and empowerment (McMurray, 2007). The researcher is going to apply these health care principles to the community understudy. Equity The community understudy does not choose on who should join the group, but it is a program for all the residents of Western Australia who suffer from the Klinefelters condition. It does provide many services to its members, such as exercises, dancing, hand therapy, games and health education on how to cope with life. It provides equal distribution of care to all the members regardless of race, age, language and functional capacity (McMurray, 2007, p. 37). The community provides transportation and free medication. Appropriate technology The main aim of technology is to improve the health status of the community. The community has an intranet database system in which all the health professionals keep information about the patients. In addition, the community members information is all collected and imputed into the communitys computer system. Moreover, all the community members have access to mobile phones and Internet at their homes for communication purposes with their families, community members and their health professionals for any appointments and arrangements. The community has big television and radio to ensure the community is up to date with what is happening in the world and to provide relaxing music to the stressed ones. In addition, the health professionals make use of stethoscopes, and other medical equipments need to check members vital signs if required. McMurray (2007, p. 38) mentioned out that although technological advances have helped health status improves over the years. Issues such as abortion, IVF and organ harvesting have raised serious ethical questions (McMurray, 2007, p. 38). Accessibility McMurray (2007) stresses the importance of equal access of all people to health services in helping eliminate disadvantage (p. 37). Health opportunities should be available to all despite their ethnic, financial and geographical status. The weakness of this community is that members fund their own hospital expenses and the group does not offer much help because of limited resources, members normally fund the group to keep it going. However, the community center is situated at a central point such that its members will be able to access it easily. The community center caters for the health care professionals who ask for very small salaries in order to assist the community cope well with the syndrome. Intersectoral Collaboration This involves the cooperation of different service providers to provide the needs of the community (McMurray, 2007, p. 88). In the community understudy, intersectoral collaboration is established by the availability and cooperation of doctors and nurses from different hospitals and who assist in providing related care to the members. The community has got other staff members DSW (disability worker supporter) who do work in the kitchen to provide meals for the members during their meeting times, clerks, and administration personal. These also work in hand with the all the above-mentioned health professionals to provide the required essential care. Increased emphasis on health promotion This refers to the process of allowing people to acquire more control and boost their healthiness (WHO, as cited in McMurray, 2007, p. 39). McMurray, (2007) also states that health promotion empowers people to take charge and boost their own healthiness and is vital for health professionals (p.39). Health professionals fully involve clients in their health care by continuously educating them on their medical conditions and how well to continue taking good care of them self. In the community center, many various pamphlets and articles cover education on the Klinefelters condition such as hand washing, immunizations, The health professionals under supervision mentioned out that, they do present on a certain health topic and its management each week. Public Participation According to McMurray (2007), public empowerment is the key to public participation (p 44). The community demonstrates good public participation, as the members have been able to recognize that for their health to improve, they are supposed to change their lifestyle patterns and adhere to their day therapies. An example of public participation to this community was, most of members were contributing to some questions asked by the health professionals relating to what actions to take when feeling stressed. Empowerment Empowerment has been described as social action, which includes education of the community to a sense of ownership and how well to take control of their health problems as to ensure better, and improved health (McMurray, 2007, p. 2). Community members are motivated by the education, health promotions, exercises, games they receive from the health professionals to help them develop their health. Affordability The community mentioned out that they fund their health care but they have been soliciting for help from health department care, which would make it easier for them to afford and access the health care they need. Nevertheless, on top of that, the members are asked to pay a certain amount of money every month to Klinefelters Support Group, which they stated that it was quite sensible and affordable. Brief Conclusion of the data importance Excessively, the collected data showed that, the community under study involves twelve people who suffer from the Klinefelters condition. However, the data reveals that the syndrome affects people of all ages and thus the community group has students who suffer from the syndrome, their parents, middle-aged men and health care professionals. The data shows that the syndrome and stress that come with it are the most significant health issue in this community. According to the community members data, the main aim they joined this community is to enhance socialization, exercises, create friendship, sharing ideas and success education from the related health professionals at the community. Health/ Social Issues Health/Nursing Issues The health assessment of the chosen community indicates most of the members in this community have confidence in their health status although they have the same medical condition. The most significant medical condition is the stress and depression that comes with how the sufferers are treated by their spouses. The typical lifestyles of majority of them are good which is different to the same age groups (65% reported to have any form of exercise) that appear in the National Health Survey (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007-08). Potential problem of failing to take medications in adults and children was related to the fact that some of the members give up on life before they even take medications. Adults and children delaying their medication related to lack of proper psychological treatment, not enough communication and collaboration between different sectors involved in health service delivery, not enough health education for immigrants. Potential risk of nutritional deficiencies among the community members evidenced by their food and nutrition habits, also prevalence of anemia and Vitamin D deficiency. High level of stress related to concern about the condition, isolation, personal and community safety and traumatic experiences upon discovering that one has a condition and may not get better. Social isolation especially for men related to their lack of ability to have children, lifestyle differences and chosen sedentary lifestyle that may affect their psychological and physical health status in the long term. NURSING PLAN FOR HIGHEST PRIORITY ISSUE According to data analysis and community assessment, the Klinefelters condition is chosen as the highest priority health issue for the community understudy. Men suffering from this condition have a high rate of being associated with affective disorder such as depression. The author determined objectives to find out the modifiable risk factors and the appropriate interventions to prevent community from further complications from life stresses and depression. Nursing Problem: Depression related to feelings of worthlessness, failure of interaction, lack of positive feedback as manifested by withdrawal from social isolation, expression of feelings of loneliness. Expected Outcomes The community member will have desire to live and lists several reasons for wanting to live. The community initiates social interactions with peers and health professionals: Should verbalize satisfaction with social interactions: I really enjoyed our conversation. Individuals will demonstrate effective copying strategies. INTERVENTIONS Liaise the community members with other multidisciplinary teams, support groups, or community based services and programs. For example, if the community needs special social support, liaise with the appropriate social or indigenous community services. The social service will assist the member to learn new coping methods such as psychosocial and problem solving techniques. Empower the community to have enough knowledge about risky behaviors on being socially isolated with no interactions with other people in the community or families. Assist in offering health education about risk factors by means of pamphlets, through local communication networks or counseling. Emphasize public participation by way of group involvement for example psychosocial therapies, outings, activities organized by the community board or local governments. Help the community individual to list their problems from maximum to minimum urgent and assist them to find immediate solutions for most troubling problems, postpone those that can wait, delegate some significant others and knowledge those beyond the individuals control. Hold some health promotion specifically relating to depression and should include health education with such issues as, self-care to those with self-care deficit and ensure that there is use of visual and audio technologies or even pamphlets. Rationales Learning new coping methods from related multidisciplinary team for example social support service can help in problem solving and getting involved in community programs which will help the individuals to manage internal and external stressors successfully (Fortinash Holoday-Worret, 1991, p. 5) This will enable the individuals to demonstrate that feeling of empowerment and to have much knowledge about their goals (McMurray, 2007, p. 304) Group involvement will make the individuals to gain support from others and will learn social skills vicariously and will be able to see that his/her problems and concerns are similar to those of others (Clark, 2009, p. 23) Listing problems in priority helps to reduce their overwhelming effects and breaks them into more manageable increments (Fortinash Holoday-Worret, 1991, p. 5) Health promotions will make it easier for the health professionals in terms of conveying the message to individuals and even they will tend to understand more since there will be use pamphlets, projectors etc. (Clark, 2003, p. 46) Evaluations A feedback will be taken from the community on whether their expected outcomes were met and this can be achieved within a survey from the community. By getting feedback from the community services, programs or multidisciplinary teams whether the community worked with them and remain if they were actually cooperating with them to get expected outcomes or not. Over qualitative data from the personal interviewing with the patients from the community, evaluate the perception of community towards the whole varieties of therapies provided at the day care Centre. By assessing the communities depression level through taking mini mental state examination and compare the results from the ones they had before they joined the day care therapy. Nursing interventions: Nursing intervention Rationale Encourage the group members to take part in social activities. Participation in social activities can provide the opportunities to a person to meet new friends. Moreover, people are more likely to share his or her feelings and receive supports from others with similar problems (Hinchliff, Norman Schober, 1993, p. 53). Encourage expression of feelings and needs

coral reef Essay -- essays research papers

CORAL REEFS Almost every one of us have heard and most of you have seen the Coral reefs but did you know what actually these are: As a mariner its important to know about the marine life, that was one reason I have chosen this topic for my today’s short presentation. GM, my scheme of presentation will be as flashed: DEFINATION OF CORAL REEF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORAL AND CORAL POLYP WHERE WE CAN FIND CORAL CONSTRUCTION OF CORAL REEFS CONDITIONS FOR GROWTH OF CORAL REEFS TYPES OF CORAL REEFS THREAT TO CROAL REEFS WHAT SHOULD A MARINER DO IN CORAL RICH AREAS FUTURE OF CORAL REEFS CONCLUSION What is a coral reef? Coral reefs are huge structures made of limestone that is deposited by living things. There are thousands of species that live in coral reefs, but only a fraction actually produces the limestone that builds the reef. Coral reefs support over 25% of all known marine species. They are one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet, and are home to over 4,000 different types of fish, 700 species of coral and thousands of other plants and animals. A good way to imagine a coral reef is to think of it as a bustling city or community, with the buildings made of coral, and thousands of inhabitants coming and going, carrying out their business. In this sense, a coral reef is like a metropolis under the sea. What is coral? Although coral is often mistaken for a rock or a plant, it is actually composed of tiny, fragile animals called coral polyps. When we say "coral" we are actually referring to these animals and the skeletons they leave behind after they die. Although there are hundreds of different species of corals, they are generally classified as "hard coral" or "soft coral". Hard corals grow in colonies and are the architects of coral reefs. They include such species as brain coral and elkhorn coral. Their skeletons are made out of calcium carbonate (also known as limestone) which is hard and eventually becomes rock. Hard corals are hermatypes or reef-building corals and need tiny algae called zooxanthellae (pronounced zo-zan-THEL-ee) to survive. Generally, when we talk about "coral" we are referring to hard corals. Soft corals such as sea fingers and sea whips, are soft and bendable and often resemble plants or trees. These corals do not have stony skeletons, but instead grow wood-like cores for suppor... ...s are considered as part of a larger watershed, the recognization of the complexity of environmental stresses can be understood. Management plans can be developed to reduce impacts to mangroves, seagrasses and the reef ecosystem, based upon accurate data and a better understanding of the system. EPA is in the process of developing guidance for a watershed approach to coral ecosystem protection. CONCLUSION Corals provide shelter for nearly one quarter of all known marine species. The reefs are home to over 4000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of other forms of plant and animal life. Living coral reefs are the foundation of marine life, and this also means that they are essential for human life, but all over the world they are dead or dying because people are destroying them at a very fast rate. Already 10% have been lost, and there are predictions that 705 of all corals on the planet will be destroyed in 20 to 40 years unless people stop doing what they are doing now – i.e., pollution, sewage, erosion, cyanide fishing, bad tourism. We need coral reefs, and not just to make the ocean look pretty and colourful, they are more than just that†¦ eggs.