Monday, September 30, 2019

Nursing Education and Competency Essay

Nursing Education and Competency The purpose of this paper is to explore the different paths of education to become a registered nurse. Specially, to examine the educational tracks of the Associate Degree nurse and the Baccalaureate Degree nurse. The question at hand is how do these educational paths differ in the level of competency? First, I will show the difference in educational structure and then examine how these relate to the competency of the nurse following completion of each program. The Associate Degree in nursing came about during the 1950s in an effort to combat a nursing shortage in the Unites States following World War II. An Associate Degree nursing program is a two-year program that is typically affordable and offered at a junior or community college. The focus of this program is â€Å"on the basic sciences and theoretical and clinical courses related to the practice of nursing† (Potter & Perry, 2005, p. 16). It prepares the student for â€Å"competent technical bedside† nursing in â⠂¬Å"secondary care settings† (Cresia & Friberg, 2011, p. 33). Following completion of the two-year program, the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) and can achieve a license as a registered nurse. The first Baccalaureate Degree in nursing was â€Å"established in the United States at the University of Minnesota in 1909† (Cresia & Friberg, 2011, p. 25). It consists of a four-year program on a university or college campus with a larger financial attachment. There are typically two years of general education requirements followed by two years of upper-level nursing education courses. In addition to the basic science, theory and clinical education the program â€Å"include courses in community and public health, beginning research, management and leadership (Cherry & Jacob, 2005, p. 81). It prepares the student to become a â€Å"professional nurse generalists for acute care settings, community-based practice, and beginning leadership/management positions† (Cresia & Friberg, 2011, p. 33). Following the completion of the program, the student is also eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to receive licensure. Do these two years of additional education make a more competent nur se? â€Å"Over the past several years, policy makers, researchers, and practice leaders have identified that education does make a difference in how nurses practice† (Johnston, 2009). The University of Pennsylvania in an issue of Medical Care released one such  study that supports this in October, 2012 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). It states that: surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death within 30 days and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study authors conclude that these better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012) The current healthcare environment is changing through federal policy, technological advancements, and a growing global multicultural population. These additional years of education are believed to â€Å"enhance the students professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence† (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The four-year baccalaureate program offers more education to develop these skills giving the nurse the ability to adapt and contribute to these continual changes. Let us now use the following patient care situation of a newly diagnosed patient with Diabetes Mellitus Type II to explore the differences of an Associate Degree nurse (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree nurse (BNS). A newly diagnosed diabetic needs teaching, the focus of this example will be on how the AND verses a BSN would approach teaching. As stated previously the ADN is prepared at a more technical level, although they share the same basic science and theory as a BSN. After explaining the basics of disease process to the patient, the ADN primary focus may be on the methods of testing blood glucose levels, the correct techniques for drawing up insulin and administration. This is due to the fact that the bulk of their educational training encompassed technical nursing. They would consider proper aseptic techniques for finger stick testing while teaching. Interrupting the results and applying it to a sliding scale of insulin related to food intake and activity. Then teaching the method of drawing up insulin, administration, and sharps disposal. A BSN nurse would teach the basics of the disease process taking the patient’s learning modality into consideration before starting. What is the patient’s ability to learn? Is the patient ready to learn? What is the best method for teaching (audio, visual, written material, or discussion)? What is the  family dynamic and should the family be involved in the teaching? Are there any cultural considerations? The BSN nurse might be inclined to research the topic of teaching new diabetics and find some current evidence based literature to assist in providing the best possible care for this patient. All of these items would have to be taken into consideration before moving onto the task of blood glucose testing, interpreting results and administering insulin. The example above is just a brief look into the thought process that comes with the different tracks of nursing education. A BNS nurse has a larger knowledge base to work from applying critical thinking, evidence based research and cultural consideration into their daily practice. They also possess some of the qualifications to move toward nursing positions in leadership and management. Research is leaning toward the idea that a nurse that has received a Baccalaureate Degree makes for a more competent nurse. National nursing associations support this thought. Policy makers are privy to this information as well. What seems to be a topic of debate now could soon become a reality and change how we educate future nurses. References American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2012, October 24). The impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education. Cherry, B., & Jacob, S. R. (2005). Contemporary Nursing: Issues, Trends, and Management (3 rd ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, Inc. Cresia, J. L., & Friberg, E. (2011). Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, (5 th ed.). http://dx.doi.org/. Johnston, K. A. (2009). The Importance of Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Education. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2009/apr/importance-baccalaureate-degree-nursing-education Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2005). Fundementals of Nursing (6 th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby, Inc.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Treadway Tire Company

The Treadway Tire Company in Lima, Ohio is faced with rather difficult times. These difficulties however are not due to lack of work with a down recession, or concerned with too much demand and not enough capacity to fill it. These issues are deep within the company and affect the organization very seriously every day. The lack of training, ineffective leadership and employee communication are the problems challenging the Treadway Tire Company as well as contributing continuously to their increasing turnover rate for consecutive years. According to industry standards, your employees can contribute to the success of your company when they are trained to perform their jobs. Training typically consists of several classes onsite or at different location during orientation. Some companies consider in-depth training an unnecessary expense and expect new employees to learn on the job from supervisors and older employees. However, this type of training is often inadequate and creates problems for the business. (Amo, 2013) As a result, Ashley Wall should implement a formal, organized training program that will emphasize all aspects of plant operations and labor education. The advantage of implementing a training program is that the foreman will be better equipped to do their job more effectively thus heightening their psychological empowerment and increasing job satisfaction. My research also suggests leadership training, employee development and professional – level seminars and workshops demonstrate the employer’s interest in tapping current human resources for higher-level roles within the organization through promotion-from-within policies and succession of plans. Ineffective leadership results from employers’ failure to provide support for employees who demonstrate aptitude and interest in promotional opportunities. Promoting employees without the benefit of basic of basic leadership training puts the employer at risk for high turnover and low productivity. It’s akin to setting the supervisor up for failure and it jeopardizes employee-supervisor relationships. (Mayhew, 2013) It has been my understanding that leadership training and employee development can help the new supervisor understand how to balance their dual responsibilities – managing department functions and managing people. When considering Treadway Tire Company, without leadership training, however, the supervisor will fail because they did not receive the training needed and employees who report to them suffer because of potentially poor employee-supervisor relationships. Lastly, when we consider employee communication, employers who communicate regularly with employees lessen the risk of creating a workforce that feels undervalued and unappreciated. Keeping employees informed about organizational changes, staffing plans and fluctuating business demands is one way to ensure employees remain with the company. Neglecting employee concerns about job security through lack of communication or excluding employees for discussions that can affect their job performance, such as policy or procedural changes, negatively impacts the way employees view their employer. Their views transform to dissatisfaction and finally low productivity due to low morale and disengagement. (Mayhew, 2013) In relation to the problems with lack of communication in Treadway Tire Company, implementing some type of Foreman training program would be one of the most effective ways to solve their communication challenges. In conclusion, it is my belief that the challenges in training, ineffective leadership responsibilities and lack in communication can all be resolved by the implementation of a training program for all current and future foremen ensuring the company is managed properly. I would recommend at the conclusion of each training session, the employees should be asked for feedback about the program so that it can be enhanced by further development to meet the evolving needs of the company.ReferencesAmo, T. (2013). The Negative Effects of a Lack of Training in the Workplace | Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/negative-effects-lack-training-workplace-45171.html Mayhew, R. (2013). What Are the Factors That Contribute to High Staff Turnover & Low Productivity? | Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/factors-contribute-high-staff-turnover-low-pro

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Benefits and costs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Benefits and costs - Essay Example Vehicles create exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrocarbons (HC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (OEERE 1). These pollutants create air pollution, adversely affecting health of the general population (OEERE 1). Market failure is inevitable as these negative externalities cause cardiopulmonary diseases leading to premature deaths, decreased visibility and other dangerous side effects. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) used command and control policies (Peltz & Fitzgerald 2). Lead was removed from fuel, oxygenates were added and sulfur content was reduced (OEERE 2). Catalytic converters were placed on US passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks to reduce CO, NOx, HC, and VOC emissions. VOC emission capturing and emissions testing of cars were introduced too (OEERE 2). Many decided to commute and so decreased emissions levels. However, improvements also led to reckless behavior. Pollution caused by vehicles in the USA has become a global problem. While Americans represent only five percent of world population, they use one third of world’s cars (Borger). American cars are 15 percent less fuel efficient than passenger cars driven elsewhere. Moreover, Americans on average drive longer distances than Europeans or Asians. Since 1988, carbon dioxide emissions have been increasing (Borger). CAA has not produced positive results with regard to carbon dioxide emissions. The resulting pollution has increased incidence of cardiopulmonary conditions such as asthma and heart disease (OEERE 2). In 1990, under the CAA Amendments (CAAA), vehicle standards were made stricter (EPAa). Under the amendments, ozone pollution, carbon monoxide and particulate matter emissions were addressed. Procedures such as inspection/maintenance programs and vapor recovery installations at gas stations were introduced (EPAb). A permit system will be developed

Friday, September 27, 2019

Fair value vs. Historical cost Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fair value vs. Historical cost - Research Paper Example (Pita and Gutierrez, 2006) Hence, the fair value of an asset or liability best estimates the market value of an asset or liability. The historical cost is defined as the original monetary value of an asset or liability. (Nikolai, Bazley and Jones, 2009) The accounting procedure that pertains to the use of the historical costs includes the use of the original prices of the assets and liabilities. (Plantin, Sapra and Shin, 2004)This means that the prices at which the assets are bought or sold, and the liabilities are incurred and settled are used in the historical costs method of accounting. Thus, it implies that the value changes (gains or losses) are not considered by companies when using historical costs until an exchange takes place. From 1973 to 2000, there has been an issuance of the International Accounting standards by the IASC. The IASC was replaced by the IASB in 2001 and since then has tried to replace some of the IASs to International Financial Reporting Standards. (IAS Plus: Summaries of IFRSs and IASs) IAS 40 is one example as it moves from the revaluation model to either the fair value or the cost model on the adoption of IFRS. According to IAS 40, investment property is defined as the property that is held by a person for the purpose of earnings rentals, capital appreciation or both. Under the fair value model, the investment property is the property that can be exchanged between willing and knowledgeable parties in an arm’s length transaction. Gains and the losses that occur in the fair value must be added or subtracted respectively from the net profits in the time period in which the changes take place. Under the cost model, however, the investment property is accounted for (as set out in IAS 16) by measuring cost less accumulated depreciation and less accumulated impairment losses. The Land Securities Group is

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Stakeholder Approach Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Stakeholder Approach - Essay Example This paper explains the needs assessment and the procedure involved and also what entails stakeholder approach. Each of the named individual and groups has varying roles and interests in the organization. Owners are interested in the profit function of the particular business. They also have a bigger say on the decisions of the key objectives. If in any case the owners only major their interest on the profits and do not consider the wages of employees they may end up losing very skilled personnel. Managers on the other hand are interested with their pay. Employees are also concerned since they desire to see the organization prosper so that their job is secured and their wages increased. Customers on the other hand want the organization to produce quality products at fair and affordable prices. If for instance any business does not pay attention to the needs of their customers, it may end up losing sales to their competitors. The Community gains since the local people are the ones who are employed but is also concerned with how the operations of the organization affect the local environment. Stakeholder analysis refers to variety of techniques and ways that are used in identifying and understanding the needs and expectations of all major parties that is both in the inside and the outside of an organization. This plays a major role in planning for any projects and training process. In any proposed project there happens to be supporters as well as opponents. Understanding the interrelationships between these two parties is necessary in project implementation and the systematic planning involved. It is therefore important to analyze stakeholder’s interests despite the sides they are in that are for the opponents and supporters. Some of the reasons as to why it is important to identify and analyze stakeholder’s interests are: (1) Achievement of fair deals. This is because all the

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

OHIO & DUBAI (Comparative Essay) in Business Research Paper

OHIO & DUBAI (Comparative Essay) in Business - Research Paper Example However, the economic prospects of Ohio today are quite unattractive and that this adversely affect investing or doing business in the state. This is reflected in a study conducted by Bo Carlsson (2002) wherein the firms in Ohio report a lack of regional venture capital firms as well as a lack of venture capital firms based outside the state particularly those interested in Ohio-based startups. (p. 171) All in all, the dismal business environment in Ohio can be seen in the economic activity, population trends, tax and real estate. There is an ongoing competition among US states for a share in investment as they compete with each other in regard to which locale is able to provide the best investment climate. In this landscape of escalating inter-state competition, selective interests within traditional industrial states sough to mobilize governmental powers and resources behind a strategy of inward investment. In Ohio’s case, construction of an inward-led model of economic development consisted of three elements. According to Nicholas Phelps and Philip Raines, these are: a set of economic and political interests that provided the social base for the strategy; formal institutions dedicated to a particular form of economic development; and, a framework for coordinating economic development practices. (p. 84) In Ohio’s economic history, it is clear that development came from the interconnection of these three elements. The first involved the establishment of the Ohio Department of Industrial and Eco nomic Development; the second is the codification of the relationship between State and private interests in the form of Ohio Economic Development Council; and, the third involves the routine practices through which inward investment has been pursued as a policy for the last four decades. (p. 85) Today, however, one fact stands out for Ohio: it is dramatically losing its competitiveness. Since the twenty-first

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Legal Topic Digital Forensics Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Legal Topic Digital Forensics - Research Paper Example This investigation discovered one hundred and eighty four video files and fifty-three still images of child pornography in Lynn’s computer hard drive (Watson & Jones, 2013). The investigation also found that the videos and images had been obtained from the internet using Limewire, a program that allows peer-to-peer file sharing. On the first count, the defendant was convicted of receiving child pornography, a crime that violates  § 2252(a)(2). He was also convicted of possessing child pornography material violating  § 2252(a)(4)(B). Lynn was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment for the count of receiving child pornography material and 120 months imprisonment for the count of possessing the material. The court ordered a term of life supervision after Lynn’s release from prison (Casey & Altheide, 2010). Lynn’s case implored the application of 18 U.S.C  §Ã‚ § 2251 through 2260. These sections warrant criminal and civil forfeiture of devices used to depict child pornography, the profits obtained from these crime and properties used in committing them. Record keeping of materials used to depict sexually explicit conduct was provided for in section 2257. Lynn was also liable for failure to report child abuse that is entrenched in a misdemeanor crime in section 2258. The 18 U.S.C  §2525 that addresses the circumstances involving the use of interstate facilities to disseminate information about a minor was applicable to Lynn’s case. Another law that applied to this case is Title 19 section 1305 that criminalizes the importation of obscene materials. This law permits courts to order the seizure and forfeiture of such materials (Altheide & Carvey, 2011). Since Lynn retrieved the materials from the internet which is interstate, he was convicted of violation of the 18 U.S.C  § 2252. This section criminalizes interstate distribution of materials depicting a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Child

Monday, September 23, 2019

Human resourse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Human resourse - Essay Example Greenway Industries has employed members of both the families and began to grow and made huge profits. Later some issues took place in the firm due to existing reporting process. One of the female members (Kate) in the family believed that male dominated operation will reduce her privileges. The firm has 45 female employees, most of whom work in lower-level clerical positions or on the assembly line. Practically none are in middle or senior or professional positions. Donna’s board membership stands out as an isolated example of female authority. Kate is the daughter of Bob’s and Donna, married to Peter who is the chief finance officer. Kate is not a board member and works in the company’s accounts section on a casual basis when her work at home allows. Kate worked in a big law firm that had enlightened policies in relation to its female workers. She believes that a wholehearted approach to the preparation of the Agency report is called for and her values would make some kind of tokenistic report unacceptable. Kate has begun an informal campaign—mostly through some gentle pressure on her husband Peter and her mother—to have the firm take the reporting process seriously. Robert Lim sees Kate’s move as an attempt to find a spot on the board for her. Kate denies this but believes that her daughters have a genuine interest in joining the firm when they are older. This creates pressure for the board of directors from Donna because of Kate. A family owned business involves one or more family in ownership and control of the business. It is the oldest form of business organization. It is â€Å"A  small or medium-sized business that is controlled and operated by members of a family. It may be organized as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company.† (Business definition for: Family business. 2009). Family owned

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Inside Job Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Inside Job - Movie Review Example The international environment preceding the crisis was characterized by globally stable economic growth, the growth of productivity and a low level of inflation - which was a primary result of policy changes by central banks focused on inflation targeting. Short term interest rates were at historically low levels both in the US and worldwide. Due to the recession in 2001, the US Federal Reserve Board (Fed) introduced a sharp decrease in its target interest rate. Even though this resulted in the recovery of the economy, figures remained weak, not showing signs did not of a substantial GDP growth or growth of employment, at least until 2005. In addition to this "jobless recovery" there were threats of a decrease in inflation, which was already at very low levels and a serious concern that the US might experience a recession decade. Ferguson titled the first part of the documentary "How We Got Here", wherein he shifts the documentary from Iceland to the United States of America and then explained that the United States’ financial industry had been properly regulated during 1940 to 1980 which was later followed by a prolonged period of deregulation. Ferguson stated that the to explain the roots of the Global Financial Crisis to the early 1980†²s when during the Reagan government regime a deregulating bill was being passed for the banking and finance industry, but it was greatly watered down bill was enacted wherein a number of government acts and regulations that came into force after the Great Depression of the early 1930†²s.?s. Ferguson regretted that despite the downfall of savings and loan associations in late 1980s, the loud and clear warning that something wasn't right in the finance industry was left unheard and unaddressed, which resulted in continuation of the massive deregulation spree, which went on well into the next decade.  In order to convert mortgage and other types of loans into more money-spinning financial instruments, the financial wizards and mathematicians devised many creative ways which were backed

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The Nursing Shortage and the Nursing Work Environment Essay Example for Free

The Nursing Shortage and the Nursing Work Environment Essay 1. Introduction 1.1 Nursing as challenging profession: significant physical and psychological demands on nurses of all levels 1.2 Qualified nurses as the core key to success in the delivery of healthcare services 1.3 Qualified nursing staff, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other essential healthcare services as contribution to modern world Problem Statement 2.1 The current situation with shortage of qualified nurses in the USA 2.2 The year of 2004: the positive shifts in dealing with nursing shortage 2.3 Population aging and retiring nurses as the main reason of severe nursing shortage Research Question 3.1 The impact of job-related stress on health care organizations and qualified nurses 3.2 Measures to be taken to alleviate job-related stress for nurses 3.3 Reduction of job-related stress as the solution to nursing shortage Research Hypotheses 4.1 Hypothesis 1: Nurses will indicate that they experience job-related stress. 4.2 Hypothesis 2: Job-related stress is a factor in a nurses decision to leave nursing. 4.3 Hypothesis 3: Nurses who have learned to manage their stress will be more likely to continue their careers. Literature Review Job-related stress may have serious implications for patient safety. Increased patient loads, for example, have been associated with elevated stress levels, the increased likelihood of an accident, and a greater risk of the nurse being involved in a medical malpractice lawsuit (Miller, 2004). One study found that 79% of RNs believed that the shortage of qualified nurses has already affected the quality of patient care (Buerhaus,   Donelan,   Ulrich,   Linda Norman,   et al, 2005). Although some studies have found that stress levels may be affected by the mode of nursing, other research has indicated similar levels of stress in functional nursing, team nursing, and primary nursing settings (Mà ¤kinen, Kivimà ¤ki, Elovainio, Virtanen, Bond, 2003). Sources of Stress Stress in nursing comes from physical and mental exertion while working with patients and the emotional stress that comes from dealing with injured, sick, and dying people. Job stress may also affected by staff reductions, especially if those reductions result in increased responsibilities for the remaining staff members (Hertting, Nilsson, Theorell, Larsson, 2004, p. 148). The long-term effects of staff reductions include feelings of distrust towards the employer; (2) concurrent demands and challenges; (3) professional ambiguity; (4) unmet desires for collaboration with other professionals; and (5) efforts to gain control (Hertting, Nilsson, Theorell, Larsson, p. 148) For many nurses, some job-related stress may come from internal sources. Antai-Otong (2001) observed that one pervasive cause of stress among nurses is the feeling that nurses must do everything for everyone all of the time and be perfect while doing it. These unrealistic expectations for perfection may lead to chronic anger, hostility, or repressed aggression, especially if the individual lacks sufficient coping skills to address these emotions (Antai-Otong). To cope with this stress, Antai-Otong recommended that nurses receive training in conflict management, anger management, self-renewal techniques, assertive communication, and other forms of creative stress management. Finally, stress also appears to be affected by age and experience. In studies comparing stress and job satisfaction of older nurses with that of younger nurses, older nurses with more years experience showed less stress and reported more positive experiences as a nurse than their younger counterparts (Ernst, Messmer, Franco, Gonzalez, 2004). Younger nurses reported concerns over compensation, workload, and lack of recognition (Ernst, et al). Ernst, et al., (p. 222) speculated that older nurses had less reason to be worried about income than their younger counterparts because the older nurses were paid more. They also speculated that the expectations and goals of the nurses in the study had become more realistic as they matured, resulting in greater job satisfaction (Ernst, et al., p. 225). Providing Ways to Improve Retention Incentives may be used to motivate nurses to improve their performance or to stay with an employer. Incentives do not necessarily have to be monetary. In some cases, non-monetary incentives such as the opportunity to work in a positive work environment may outweigh relatively small financial incentives. Other incentives that may be used to encourage nurses to stay are educational opportunities, flexible scheduling, health and safety considerations, and the nature of the overall organizational culture (Cohen, 2006). Many nurses are concerned with the balance of their professional and personal responsibilities. Quality of work life (QWL) has been defined as the balance between the individuals professional responsibilities and personal life (Ming-Yi Kernohan, 2006). QWL has been linked to job satisfaction and improved retention. Factors that affect the QWL of nurses include socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics of the individual nurse (e.g., age, marital status, and other personal characteristics), organizational aspects, work aspects, human relation aspects, and the opportunity for self-actualization through nursing (Ming-Yi Kernohan). Of these, the individuals demographic characteristics and the socioeconomic status of the health care facility and the surrounding area are beyond the control of the organization. Other factors, such as providing opportunities for self-actualization, may be affected by organizational policies but are not exclusively within the domain of the organization. The remaining factors – organizational aspects, work aspects, and human relations aspects – are within the control of the organization. Organizations that wish to improve their retention rates for high-performing nurses may wish to examine how these factors can be adjusted to improve the QWL of nurses working within the organization. Lambert, Lambert, and Yamase (2004) noted that stress is often associated with uncertainty and a lack of information. Providing nurses with information, training, and continuing education can help alleviate these feelings and may help to reduce the overall levels of stress. Lambert, at al. also recommends exercise, physical exertion, and expressing feelings to an inanimate object as appropriate stress-reduction techniques. Environmental changes, such as brightening the environment with flowers and other aesthetically appealing items, may also help reduce the stress levels in the workplace (Lamber, et al.). Finally, Lambert, et al. suggested searching for any possible philosophical or spiritual implications that might help the individual to understand and to cope with the stresses that come along with patient care. Conclusion There is a strong reciprocal relationship between job stress and nurse retention. As nurses within a given facility begin to experience increased stress, the likelihood that some will quit or look for a job elsewhere appears to increase. Consequently, the work loads of the remaining nurses increase, which ratchets up the stress levels, resulting in more nurses leaving the organization. This cycle is not limited to organizations, but also appears to occur within the nursing profession. References Antai-Otong, D. (2001). Creative Stress-Management Techniques For Self-Renewal. Dermatology Nursing, 13, 1, 31-37. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Beaudoin, L., Edgar, L. (2003). Hassles: Their Importance to Nurses Quality of Work Life.   Nursing Economic$, 21, 3, 106-114. Retrieved July 26, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Buerhaus, P., Donelan, K., Ulrich, B., Norman, L., Williams, M., Dittus, R. (2005). Hospital RNs and CNOs Perceptions of the Impact of the Nursing Shortage on the Quality of Care. Nursing Economics, 23, 5, 214-221. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from ProQuest Database Cohen, J. (2006). The Aging Nursing Workforce: How to Retain Experienced Nurses. Journal of Healthcare Management, 51, 4, 233-245. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier. Ernst, M., Messmer, P., Franco, M., Gonzalez, J. (2004). Nurses Job Satisfaction, Stress, and Recognition in a Pediatric Setting. Pediatric Nursing, 30, 3, 219-227. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Hertting, A., Nilsson, K., Theorell, T., Larsson, U. (2004). Downsizing and Reorganization: Demands, Challenges, and Ambiguity for Registered Nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 45, 2, 145-154. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Lambert, V., Lambert, C., Yamase, H. (2004). Psychological Hardiness, Workplace Stress and Related Stress Reduction Strategies. Nursing Health Sciences, 5, 2, 181-183. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Mà ¤kinen, A., Kivimà ¤ki M., Elovainio, M., Virtanen, M. Bond, S. (2003). Organization of Nursing Care As a Determinant of Job Satisfaction Among Hospital Nurses.   Journal of nursing management, 11, 5, 299-306. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier Database. Miller, D. (2004). Where Have All the Nurses Gone? The Impact of the Nursing Shortage on American Healthcare. Association of Operating Room Nurses. AORN Journal, 80, 1, 141. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from ProQuest Database. Ming-Yi H., Kernohan, G. (2006). Dimensions of Hospital Nurses’ Quality of Working Life.   Journal of Advanced Nursing, 54, 1, 120-131. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from Academic Search Premier. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002). Projected Supply, Demand, and Shortages of Registered Nurses: 2000-2020. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions, National Center for Health Workforce Analysis. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from http://www.ahca.org/research/rnsupply_demand.pdf U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2004). The Registered Nurse Population. Findings from the March 2004 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau of Health Professions. Retrieved July 27, 2007, from ftp://ftp.hrsa.gov/bhpr/workforce/0306rnss.pdf

Friday, September 20, 2019

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Australia

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Australia Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): NCDs are a group of non-infectious diseases that progress slowly from their onset and prevail for longer duration. The four main NCDs responsible for world-wide deaths are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), Cancer, Chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. According to the â€Å"World Health Organization (WHO) global statistics report†, more than 36 million deaths have been recorded in the year 2008 because of NCDs. These deaths can be prevented by reducing the risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, healthy diet with moderate to vigorous physical activity. The four major NCDs combined together are responsible for 84% of death in 2008 globally. This assignment deals with CVDs, their prevalence in Australia and the population approaches that the country has taken towards prevention and control of CVDs. This assignment also deals with the future strategies that can be followed to further decrease the prevalence of CVDS. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs): CVDs are associated with heart and blood vessels related to the heart. The most common NCD prevalent in Australia are Coronary Heart disease, Myocardial Infarction, Heart failure and Stroke. According to WHO, CVDs has become the major cause of death estimating about 17 million deaths worldwide in the year 2008 and are a major contributor towards global economic burden. Cardiovascular diseases and Australia: Even though Australia is a high income country, it is also affected because of NCD’s with 35% cardiovascular disease death rate in 2008. 2008 Australian mortality estimates: Adopted from WHO – NCD country profiles, 2011 CVDs ranks first in causing death and disability responsible for nearly 17% of disease burden in 2003. In 2008, more than 50,000 deaths have been recorded because of CVD. There is a strong linkage between CVD and other NCDs such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to their common risk factors which is also a major reason for the increase in death. Even though the mortality rates have declined over the past 20 years, CVDs are a continuous threat to the Australian population. In 2011, a death estimation of 31% was recorded which clearly denotes a decrease in death rate when compared to the 2008 death estimates of over 35%. CVDs are expensive to treat. Over $5.9 billion were spent on CVDs from total healthcare expenditure in 2004-2005. This accounts for 11% of total healthcare expenditure. Even though death rates are decreased, 482,000 hospitalizations were recorded in 2009/10 and 12% increase in hospitalization is seen from 1999 to 2010. CVDs prevalence increases with an increase in age. This increase is due to hospitalisation care for elderly and their improved life expectancy. After hospitalization and onset of CVDs, a decline in people’s life quality occurs. Long term cardiovascular diseases are reported in 35% of people between the ages 55-64 while 64% are reported in case of individuals above 75 years. Risk factors: The risk factors associated with CVDs can be classified as modifiable/behavioural risk factors and non-modifiable/genetic risk factors. Age, family history, gender and ethnicity are the genetic risk factors whereas increased tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, socio-economic status and poor nutrition are the modifiable risk factors. There are biomedical conditions such as increased blood pressure (BP), increased cholesterol, overweight, kidney disorders, diabetes which are also risk factors for the prevalence of CVDs. The modifiable risk factors can be controlled by changing the behavioural pattern such as increased physical activity, reduction in tobacco and alcohol consumption and healthy dietary pattern. This change decreases the occurrence of CVD in all populations. Physical inactivity in Australia: Physical activity improves health and decreases the effect of CVDs and its risk factors. Increased benefit is seen when vigorous physical activity is followed compared to walking. According to National Health Survey (NHS), nearly 70% of Australian population comes under low level of physical activity. Here, the physical activity is measured based on the value obtained by multiplying physical activity in last two weeks, average time spent and intensity. Intensity is substituted by 3.5 for normal walking, 5.0 for moderate activity and 7.5 for vigorous exercise. Physical activity (PA) differs with age. There is a 57% rise in physical activity in individuals aged above 75 yrs and a reduced physical activity of 27% is recorded in 15-20 year individuals. This is due to obesity, low socio-economic status and education. 4.4% of participants from a study conducted on 2,298 Australian resulted in obesity being the reason for physical inactivity. Poor health, lack of knowledge and skills, time and use of private vehicles serve as individual factors for less PA. Low socio-economic population have reduced access to supportive environments because of high cost entry fees. Unhealthy diet in Australia: A diet with high fat, dairy products and high salt causes CVDs. Data from National Health Service (NHS) of Australia for the year 2007-08 reported that 46% of Australian population consumed whole fat milk, 49% consumed skimmed milk and the remaining 5% fell under no milk consumption category. Diet rich in fibre, fresh fruits, and vegetables are recommended as healthy dietary pattern. Diet with high fruits and vegetables are recorded as age increases. 65.7% the Australian population aged 15-24 consume low fruits while only 34.6% the population aged 75 and above consume inadequate fruits. NHS reports that a decreasing trend is seen in the consumption of healthy diet in all Australian populations from 2004. This decline in healthy diet is due to socio-economic status, ethnicity and place of living. 54% of low socio-economic individuals consume inadequate fruits compared to 47% of the individuals with high economic status due to cost. In case of welfare dependent families, a healthy diet consumes about 40% of their total income which is also a reason for increase in unhealthy diet in Australia. Based on ethnicity, 71% of indigenous population consumed low fruits compared to Australians. Tobacco consumption in Australia: Increased tobacco use is a major factor for CVDs prevalence due to the presence of toxic substance called nicotine and cadmium. According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the percentage of tobacco consumption has been reduced in Australia from 1994 to 2007 from 29% to 19% in the age group above 14 years. It has been reported that the percentages of individuals who smoke daily were 26% in 1993 which reduced to 17% in 2003 and 16% in 2007. This decrease in smoking trend from 1980 till present is because of smoke-free environment, occupational status, increase in price of tobacco, banning the promotion of tobacco sale and restriction of tobacco availability based on age factor. Increased alcohol consumption in Australia: Excessive alcohol consumption contributes towards occurrence of CVDs. High level of alcohol intake increases blood pressure, blood triglycerides and cholesterol thus increasing the chances of cardiovascular occurrences. According to National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2010, a decrease in alcohol consumption from 8.1% to 7.2% is seen from 2007 to 2010. More than 26,000 individuals above 12 years participated in the National Drug Strategy Household Survey and their knowledge, alcohol and drug consumption histories and related behaviours were recorded. According to 2011-12 estimates, more than 29% adult males and 10% females have had more than two standards drink fixed by National Health and Medical Research Council. High blood pressure in Australia: High blood pressure increases the force on arterial walls of the heart and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of high blood pressure among 25 years of above Australians in 1999-2000 was 30% which is similar to the prevalence in 1995 which was 31%. A 12 year follow-up of the Australian diabetes, obesity and lifestyle study, 1999-2000 (AUSDIAB) conducted in the year 2012 reported that 3% of total population develop high blood pressure every year. 50% high risk prevails among smoking men population in Australia. High blood cholesterol in Australia: High cholesterol is common among elderly Australian population aged 55-64 years. 50% of rural Australian population have high cholesterol rate than urban population (47%). Prevention strategies: Unhealthy diet, increased alcohol consumption, smoking and physical inactivity are not only responsible for the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases but also for the burden caused by other non-communicable diseases. The Australian government along with non-government organizations created population-level prevention strategies to reduce the risk factors which reduce the country’s NCDs burden. Population-level initiatives currently active in Australia: Based on WHO 2005, the following population-level strategies are followed in Australia to reduce the prevalence of the risk factors. Laws, regulations, taxation and pricing interventions Improved built environment Public awareness campaigns Tobacco control: Since 1980’s, significant improvement in public health can be seen through awareness programmes, laws and regulations. Evidence proves that promotion of tobacco encourages adolescent population to uptake smoking. So, Tobacco prohibition Act, 1992 was passed to ban any forms of advertisement. According to Quit Victoria 2008, sponsorship by tobacco companies is also banned in return for any type of publicity. From 2006, 30% of the front and 90% of the back of cigarette packets are filled with health warnings. Smoke free environment have been present in Australia from 1986. All the Australian states have smoke-free hospital campus and vehicles. With time and place restriction to smoke, decrease in amount of smokers and passive smokers have been recorded. Presence of tobacco outlets near schools has been prohibited. Laws have been passes in all the states and territories of Australia prohibiting the sale of tobacco and cigarettes to individuals less than 18 years of age. Taxation on tobacco products was introduced in 1901 and was revised between 1993 and 1995. Based on consumer index, an increase in taxation prevails. This taxation reduced the tobacco purchase among adolescents, also increasing the government revenue. Awareness and campaigns resulted in a change in attitude among Australian smokers with a significant decrease in smoking prevalence. Alcohol control: Excessive alcohol consumption on a single occasion alters the triglyceride and cholesterol level in blood resulting in intoxication. The National Alcohol strategy, 2006-09 aimed at reducing harmful effects of alcohol consumption. The National binge drinking strategy-2008 existed to reduce alcohol intoxication among young Australians aged below 25 years through campaigns and supplying grants. Every state in Australia has separate alcohol control strategy according to which alcohol is a legal drug with restrictions on its manufacture, supply, promotion and consumption. Alcohol licensing laws were established which restricts the trading hours, quantity and premises. These have been successful by reducing the hospitalization, crime and injury with public involvement. Declaring the legal drinking age to be 18, increasing the price and tax, appropriate labelling standards and mature advertising standard without appealing youths prevented increased alcohol consumption. The Good Sports program by the Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) initiates safe and healthier communities by reducing the alcohol promotion in sport clubs. Managing physical inactivity and poor diet: Regular physical activity and healthy nutrition maintains good health thereby reducing CVDs. National level population approaches such as â€Å"Healthy weight for adults and older Australians 2006-10† focuses on weight management through social-marketing campaigns and education on physical activity as well as healthy food preferences. The â€Å"Health Weight, 2008† is another national level approach that focuses on youths and their family’s health management. The â€Å"Australian physical activity† guidelines are established by the Department of Health (DoHA) for 5-12 years as well as 12-18 years. The National Heart Foundation of Australia recommends minimum 30 minutes of physical activity for individuals with stable CVDs and a progressive physical activity for people with advanced CVDs (Briffa et al. 2006). Physical activity depends on built environment. The Australian Local Government, Heart Foundation of Australia and Planning Institute of Australia pro vide guidelines on how to develop built environment with physical activity sites. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ 2002), appropriate labelling of foods specifying the nutritional standards is necessary. The â€Å"Healthy Weight† is an Australian government managed website on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. â€Å"Get set 4 Life – Habits for Healthy Kids† targets physical activity and healthy eating among 4 year old kids. Future strategies and goals: Even though 35% mortality is seen because of CVDs, the possibility of reducing it even more in Australia is challenging since a progress to control CVDs has already been achieved. Measurement data’s such as incidences for the risk factors are important to prevent future cardiovascular mortality rates. Currently, limited data exists regarding CVDs. Most of the data’s are from the AusDiab cohort studies. Further studies should exist to measure incidence as well as to determine the efficiency of prevailing population level strategies. The impact of these prevention strategies on health outcomes are also to be measured. Clinical guidelines are present to monitor the CVDs events (NHMRC, 2005) but extra studies are required to find whether the guidelines are active in all states. International guidelines from other countries (example, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in United Kingdom) can be useful. It is necessary to concentrate more on the social and e nvironment factors as well as in-depth analysis to verify the success rate of population-level initiatives. WHOs targets for control of NCDs and the likelihood of these targets happening in Australia include: Decreasing the NCDs mortality rate: 25% relative reduction in the overall mortality rates within a time span of 15 years. This is possible by preventing the premature deaths through the control of risk factors. By 2018, the Australian government also aims at increasing the life expectancy in indigenous children population under 5 years. Smoking tobacco: 40% relative reduction from the current prevalence by 2025. From the 2010 National Drug Strategy Survey, 15.1% of individuals aged 14 years and above smoke daily. By this target, a daily smoking percentage of 10.6% can be achieved. Alcohol consumption: 10% relative reduction of alcohol consumption by 2025. Physical Activity: Inclusion of 30 minutes moderate physical activity per week in the adult population. A target of 15% increase in the proportion of individuals participating in such physical activity by 2015. Healthy diet – reduction in salt and trans-fat: Reducing the mean population consumption of salt to 5gms per day. This is hard to achieve since it requires laws and legislation to completely eliminate trans-fat. Instead of a total elimination, reduction in usage of fatty acids in foods can be achieved. Conclusion: Australia has already achieved a target to reduce the burden caused by NCDs. Considering the present situation, it is possible to reduce the risk factors rather than eliminating them completely. The above mentioned targets along with effective medication and lifestyle changes successfully will reduce the current prevalence of risk factors and NCDs burden in Australia.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Analysis of William Blakes Poem London Essay -- William Blake London

Analysis of William Blake's Poem London London by William Blake is a poem characterised by its dark and overbearing tone. It is a glimpse at a period of England's history (particularly London) during war and poverty, experienced by the narrator as he walks through the streets. Using personification it draws a great human aspect to its representation of thoughts and beliefs of the narrator. The author uses a rhyme scheme that mirrors the pace of walking. The pace is moderate using an octameter meter, and each stressed syllable is like each footfall of the narrator. As he walks through the streets near the River Thames, he notices the common distress in the faces of the people he passes along the way. The author uses alliteration in line four, 'marks', 'weakness' and 'woe'. It draws emphasis on the feeling of severity and the widespread effect on these people. The narrator starts to envision that the people around him are all chained in "manacles". They are enslaved by the country and disastrous world they live in. Their fears, curses "ban" and cries of their current state are shared. The word â€Å"mind-forg'd† gives one the feeling that these people's minds have formed these "shackles" that inhibit them. The author states this by starting lines five to seven with "In every", and repeating the word "every". He emphasises the fact that every man, woman and child is affected by this shared state. Personification in the words "Man" and "Infant" draws importance to the gene...

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Machismo and Latin American Men Essay -- Expository Essays

Machismo and Latin American Men Normally when machismo comes up in a conversation, people are probably criticizing the behavior of a person or glorifying it. Machismo is generally referred to when men behave in an arrogant and aggressive manner often glorifying virility. Men who usually behave in this manner repute all feminine virtues in order to feel secure with their manhood, often going to extremes to protect their manly image. Even though this form of behavior is common among men everywhere, it is wrongly associated with an entire continent of Latin American men. Men that carry out the â€Å"machismo way of life† feel that they have to constantly prove their manhood to the world. This is generally achieved by behaving in an aggressive manner among other men, also females are looked upon as objects and the more women you seduce, the manlier you are. This type of behavior is given praise by other men and by society in general, thus encouraging men to keep on behaving in this macho manner. Another way in which men carry out this macho life style is by a...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Life of Billy Joel :: Musicians Singers Biographies Essays

The Life of Billy Joel Billy Joel was born on May 9, 1949 in Bronx, New York. He moved at the age of four to a small town on Long Island. This is where at the ripe age of four he discovered the art of music. Originally a classical music fan, Billy Joel honed his skills with classical piano training. This undoubtedly has had a major influence on his life and certainly his music. Growing up Joel was a big fan of such greats as Ray Charles, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Otis Reading. He was greatly persuaded into a career of music when he saw the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show. Amusingly Joel's first band was inspired by the uncanny opportunity to meet girls. The band was called The Echoes, but this was not the best of times for Joel because his parents were involved in a messy divorce, which included serious financial shortcomings. Joel even began working professional music gigs at night to help support his mother. Joel's schoolwork suffered a little and he began missing school way too often. He was subsequently not allowed to graduate with his high school class due to the number of absences. After high school Joel immediately joined a very popular band called The Hassels for which he recorded two albums with. Within two years Joel was on to a new band which he named Attila, and featured heavy metal drummer Jon Small who he played with during his time with The Hassels. Despite the previous release of two albums Joel still needed to bring in more money so he worked many music related jobs and gigs. He even wrote a rock and roll criticism piece in a weekly column for a magazine. By 1972 Billy Joel was finally on to the big stage when he released his first solo album named, Cold Spring Harbor. He named the album after a small village near his hometown on Long Island's North Shore. This album began to get air time when a Philadelphia based radio station, 93.3 WMMR began playing a live version of a new song called, Captain Jack. Despite its popularity on the east coast, Joel went west in search of some notoriety. He performed in piano bars regularly under the name Billy Martin. This experience is the basis for his hit song, Piano Man. As the popularity of Captain Jack spread west Joel was offered a contract with Columbia Records where he quickly produced top 20 hit, Piano Man.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Examine the relevance of unitarism to contemporary

This essay looks to analyze the relevancy of unitarism to modern-day apprehensions of the employment relationship. This will foreground the implicit in premises associated with unitarism, sing the influence of both power and cognition within the employment relationship, and inquiry whether both factors play a portion within the unitarism position. Lastly it will reason by sketching the figure of elements associated with the employment relationship and whether the unitarism position bases an apprehension of the employment relationship between employer and employees. There are legion premises of the unitarism position within the workplace. Harmonizing to Huczynski and Buchanan ( 2001 ) the unitarism frame of mention is â€Å"a position on struggle which regards direction and employee involvements as coincident and which therefore respects ( organizational ) struggle as harmful and to be avoided† . Salamon ( 1992 ) believes the administration exists in good harmoniousness and all struggle is unneeded and exceeding. However there are deductions in following the unitarism attack, the term struggle is expressed as if there is dissatisfaction from the employees with differences in which direction is perceived when transporting out an unreasonable activity. Another deduction is trade brotherhoods are regarded as an invasion and are seeking to vie with direction to derive trueness from the employees, of which the unitarism perspective disfavors. The unitarism construct can be seen as an attack to command the employees, and the psychological contr act is an illustration of this, which stems from the unitarism position. Harmonizing to Gill ( 2007 ) Personal computer literature is frequently based on the unitarism position. Fox ( 1966 ) argues the unitarism position, is found among directors and is regarded as a ‘management political orientation ‘ . Therefore foregrounding the unitarism position as an of import theoretical tool to analyze employee attitudes and perceptual experiences of direction in an organizational context. Unitarism is another tool in which administrations use to command the working environment, which tends to disregard struggle as it does non believe it exists. The unitarism frame of mention affected the employment relationship in 19th century, nevertheless in today ‘s society this is seen as an political orientation as suggested by Fox ( 1966 ) . Harmonizing to Blyton and Turnbull ( 1998 ) the term industrial dealingss will necessitate to alter its focal point to 'employment dealingss ‘ , looking at how the employment relationship operates in pattern. There is an premise that one time there has been an understanding with the employment contract, the employment relationship should be free of struggle, and employees should accept and understand the authorization the administration has in the best involvements of all. However, this premise can be seen to be wrong as it assumes that one size fits all, where as surveies such as Purcell and Hutchinson ( 2007 ) show this non to be the case.From this position point I would reason that the focal point draws off from the administration as a whole and looks at persons, hence conveying in the paradigm of the psychological contract. The Personal computer believes that when the person ( employee ) enters into an understanding with the administration and director, and the person has agreed to this understanding there should be no struggle. This brings in an component of integrity within the administration as all are holding as persons to the administration. With this fond regard to the administr ation and its intents the ideal result from come ining into this understanding is commitment/engagement to the administration. The Personal computer construct is emphasised on managerialism, unitarism, neo-liberal and a societal exchange which is utilised by direction to pull off public presentation. The Personal computer communicates its outlooks and serves a political involvement to direction. Even though the Personal computer does non recognize struggle, it does recognize misdemeanor when it is breached ; which comes back to the component of control exerted by the employer. There are other signifiers of positions administrations adopt, one of the most normally used is the pluralist attack. Marchington and Parker ( 1990 ) argues that there are cardinal differences between the two positions ( unitarism and pluralism ) they are the ‘management ‘s credence and acknowledgment of brotherhoods ‘ , ‘their views about direction privileges ‘ and 'employee engagement ‘ , and in the ‘perceived legitimacy of and reactions to conflict at work ‘ . Therefore as unitarism position disfavors trade brotherhoods, the paradigm of occupation ordinance has more relevancy to the pluralist position as it accepts there is struggle and institutionalises it. The occupation ordinance paradigm allows for directors to hold power and processes ordinance to make order, which regulates power between the employer and employee. This paradigm has an component of objectiveness, as once more it is direction that exert power. However with trade brotherhoods assisting to commit struggle it hence allows corporate bargaining to take topographic point. Harmonizing to Kaufman ( 2008 ) the IR field has made a displacement towards a narrower paradigm of which consisted of trade brotherhoods, corporate bargaining and labour-management dealingss over the past few decennaries. There is an issue of equality which needs to be addressed in the employment relationship. The employment relationship is non equal as the employer is in the place of power, by utilizing the cognition of the work force and pull stringsing them by the usage of linguistic communication they use in the working environment to derive control. As suggested by Foucault, administrations change linguistic communication in order to rule the work force. However, Foucault ( 1980 ) besides believed that cognition is an built-in portion of power and can non be separated. â€Å"It is non possible for power to be exercised without cognition, it is impossible for cognition non to breed power† ( Foucault, 1980: p52 ) . I agree with Foucault ‘s statement in how power can non be enforced without cognition, as if it did there would be terrible effects to the administration and employees. As suggested by Townley ( 1993 ) â€Å"Power is the desire to cognize. Power is non negative ; on the con trary, it is creative† . From this statement it suggests that power is non a negative, but can be utilised to acquire the best out of cognition. Again this relates to the unitarism position as it exerts power, in order to command cognition within the workplace and in society in general. In decision the unitarism position contains premises that if it controls the working environment so there will be no struggle, nevertheless as discussed earlier this is non the instance. The employment relationship is non equal and the employer places themselves in power by utilizing linguistic communication to command the work force. As discussed power and cognition can non run as separate entities therefore they both play a portion within the unitarism position. The employment relationship is besides complex as it is the context within which interaction between employees and employers are conducted either separately or jointly ( Rose, 2004 ) .

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Film Production Descriptive Essay

The development stage is one of the most crucial stages for a producer, it is where you get the chance to plan every aspect of your production before you begin pre-production and production. The chance to get the ball rolling right. During the discovery stage of the film it is the producers role to obtained rights or an option to a film that he thinks is promising, if the rights owner is worried that their novel might be tainted by a film maker the producer must come to a legal agreement to maintain a certain set of standards concerning film director, cast and art department. Pre-production Producers role is to meet with all other heads of department to discuss direction of film, intent, budget and other relevant items needed before any production is to start. Legal documentation, planning, hiring, actors, art department. It is the producers role to helm all the creative people involved in the production as well as give some creative input. Financially it is the producers role to organise financing for the film whether that be through loans, offsets, co production, investors. The producer must discuss with all heads of department information gathered during development phases. Production The producers role during production is to organise all departments into a functioning crew. The producer may often not be on set personally whilst much of the principal photography is going on, thus they will appoint executive producers, line producers and associate producers to oversee their interests during production. Post production The producer has final say in the edit and sound used for the film, what scenes are shown and ultimately whether or not more footage will need to be shot after principal photography. For example, they might want an alternate ending. Distribution Distribution is the second of the most important stages of the production process. Distribution is where you get to create an audience for your film! As a producer your goal is to obviously have people watch your production and the distribution phase is where the producer gets to plan marketing objectives and then distribution objectives. This is the most rewarding stage of the process but also the most difficult for many considering our media overloaded world. What is meant by Genre, Auteur and Mise-En-Scene†. Give examples of three different feature film genres and the major elements that define each particular genre, as well as some specific examples of the genre. Also give an example of an auteur, including examples of his/her films. Give an example of two completely different mise-en-scenes for a simple dialogue scene between two people having an argument about their relationship. The basics for the genre is drama, or the type of it. In feature films there are many types of genre, for example action, horror, romance, sci-fi, comedy. Essentially drama is telling you what the film will be loosely based around. Action – Action scenes where there is intense action!! Guns, Cars, Stunts, Explosions Romance – Often a story about a romantic encounter, relationships, sex Comedy- Often a story with comedic elements – intended for the audience to enjoy themselves and laugh An autuer is a filmmaker who’s pieces of work are distinctive in terms of the cast, locale, theme and visual style and is therefore considered an author of their work. One of my favourite authors is Baz Lurhmann who’s first three productions are said to be the red curtain trilogy in which each of the three films has similarities. Each film establishes their story through a established thematic device, Dancing from Strictly Ballroom, poetry from Romeo and Juliet and music in Moulin Rogue. Each film also has a plot which is based off a well known story or myth. And there is a theatre motif which appears throughout all the films. What are the various contracts and other documents a Producer is responsible for when producing a feature film? There is quite a lot of documentation and contracts that go along with a film production, all of which a producer is responsible for. Contracts and agreements range from; assignment of copyright, production and investment agreements, film producers indemnity, multi-risks insurance, safety reports, Production agreement, non-disclosure agreements, post production deals, facilities deals. Chain of Title Assignment of Copyright The assignments of rights from the original artist to the producer, therefore the producer is now able to reproduce the work. Chain of Title The chain of title in film is a set of documentation that establishes the producers right to create and market the film. Typically includes, scriptwriters agreements, development agreements option agreements and rights assignments. Buyout A re-assignment to the producer from a development investor acting on behalf of the copyright owner in a project on repayment of the development investment plus interest. Option A purchase of time for a film to develop the work. Producers typically take out options on a work for a specific time and fee. This gives them the exclusive right to develop and finance the film.m Producers indemnity Insurance which provides financial compensation for the films budget in case of the production going over budget because of death, injury or illness. Multi-risks insurance Insurance that provides compensation if any production equipment is damaged during principal photography What are the various financial sources for an Australian Film? Explain what each one is Screen Australia Screen Queensland Producer Offset This is a grant given by the government to the production after completion of the film – some films use this money for the budget as they can rely on it after completion or it helps to achieve a film that will do better in distribution. Broadcasting Company grant/funding Co-Productions Grants Money that is donated to the production that does not need to be paid back

A Project Dilemma At Canadian Shield Insurance Essay

Introduction After reading the case, you ought to realize that our protagonist, Seamus Reynolds, is between the proverbial â€Å"rock and a hard spot† and you are probably thinking â€Å"I would hate to be him†. Guess what? You are going to be him in this assignment. There is quantitative data in the case that we can analyze; however, we are also going to â€Å"quantify† the qualitative data provided – think of it as reducing numerical and non-numerical data to a set of numbers we can use to make a decision. Yes, you read that correctly, attach numbers to data without numbers. Exhibit 3 of the case will accomplish this for us and is called a Scorecard. A bit of history on this method from your â€Å"long in the tooth† Instructor. Scorecard analysis was made popular by a Kepner Tregoe decision making model dating back to the 1950’s. In essence, a decision is made by gathering information, prioritizing it and then evaluating it. The following link provide a quick primer on the method: Kepner Tregoe Decision Making We are going to use a scorecard to assist in the decision about which of the 3 information systems Seamus should recommend to upper management. One of the scorecard inputs (called â€Å"NPV† in Exhibit 3) involves the cost for each system (capital cost and operating costs). Here we will take the present value of the Year 1 to Year 5 operating costs and add them to the Year 0 capital cost (if applicable) to get a TCO. In these calculations we will be ignoring sunk costs (hint: Google sunk cost). In addition to the above decision making criteria we will take a look at the human side of â€Å"sunk costs†, learn from IS implementations, IS â€Å"make vs. buy†Ã‚  and determine who should be making a crucial IS decision for an entire company. Lab Assignment Questions 146 Marks in Total 1. Open the Excel file â€Å"Lab Assignment 6 PV and Scorecard Template.xlsx† and select the â€Å"PV Costs† worksheet. After inputting the table data (6 marks), calculate the PV to Operate System for all 3 scenarios provided (30 marks). 36 marks total 2. Select the â€Å"Scorecard† worksheet. Assign a Weight to ? scorecard items, then calculate the scores for the 3 IS options. 45 marks Answer the following questions on a new worksheet in the above Excel file and when done, upload to the designated Sharein folder. 3. Based on your calculations in (1) and (2) above, which IS Option would you recommend that Seamus select? 5 marks 4. Should the decision to select an IS option be left solely to Seamus? Explain. 10 marks 5. The concept of sunk costs is simple to apply in theory. Explain applying this theory to the calculations in (1) above from a Capital Cost and People point of view. 10 marks 6. Read the â€Å"Qualifiers vs. Competes.pdf† file. In light of what the file says, comment about the scorecard that the Ivey case writers compiled. 10 marks If you believe there an alternative or 4th solution that Seamus might recommend, what might it be? Explain. 10 marks 7. Read the â€Å"IT Value Metrics_ How to Communicate ROI to the Business.pdf† file, in particular the chart on Page 5/6. Next, open the file named â€Å"Investing in the IT That Makes a Competitive Difference.pdf†, go to Page 5 and study the charts and their message (and any accompanying prose in the article). Based on these 2 files and the case data, is it crucial that Canadian Shield Insurance â€Å"keep up with/get ahead of the Jones’s† (i.e., keep up/get ahead of the competition)? Explain. 20 marks

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Is the Life-Span Approach Essential to Human Development

Human development has been a subject of interest among modern researchers. The most prominent theory in human development is the life-span approach which is made up of various concepts. This essay aims to show the importance of the life-span approach by analysing some of the concepts that make up this approach, such as multi-directionality historical location and contexualism among others. This essay will critically analyse some of the assumptions of the life-span approach.It will also examine arguments against the lifespan approach as well as other theories of human development such as Freud’s psychoanalytic theory with the aim of showing that this approach is essential for understanding human development. One of the major assumptions of the life-span approach as suggested by Baites, (1987) is that development is a ‘life-long process’ by this he meant that developmental changes occur throughout a person’s life, from the point of conception till death (Suga rman, 1986). Baltes, (1987) went on to state that development as a life-long process assumes that, no point in a person’s developmental life is more important than the other, every period of a person’s life is equally important weather it is childhood or aging, they are all important periods of development though this assumption is in direct contradiction to other theorists of human development such as Freud who believed that development ends at childhood and that adulthood is an extended version of childhood and that aging is more of â€Å"loss in adaptive capacity† hence does not qualify to be put in the paradigms of development .This has constituted the gain and loss argument (Baltes, 1987). Research on intelligence has shown that other forms of intelligence which involving reviewing of one’s life and wisdom emerge in old age and these forms of intelligence are not ‘genetically wired from birth† as suggested by Freud and (Baltes, 1987). Thi s goes to show that development is not restricted to certain periods of a person’s life but happens up until death; hence the life-span approach is essential in understanding human development.With the desire to proove the importance of the life-span approach in human development This essay will look at another assumption put forward by life-span theorists which state that development is malti-directional, (Baltes, 1987). This means that human development has different forms and differs in the routes that it takes thoughout the developmental process for example the presents of degenerative and growth abilities in a person (Stenberg, Bornstein, Yandell, & Rook, 011). It has also been noted by Li & Freund, (2005) that development as viewed by the life-span theory is not a one way procces of accumulation but that some developmental aspect increase while others decline (Li & Freund, 2005). Research by (cattel and horn, 1982 ) shows that a person consits of two types of intelligan ce mamely fluid and crystalized intelligance.According to this research fluid intelligance showed a declining function as compared to cristalized which showed accumulation tendancies (Baltes, 1987) This evidence shows that development is not a one way procces but takes different directions and that includes both childhood development and aiging, reafirming the point made above that aiging also qualifies to be considered as being part of development.Also in southafrica it has been noted that due to the inaccesibility of adiquate health care by children during the apartheid some children were born with birth defects while others suffered from malnutrition and became disabled showing the different varyng trajectories that human development can take (Youth hearings, 1997). Therefore the presence of malti-directionality as a life-span concept helps us to understand the various dimentions and directions taken by development throghout a person’s life hence it earns its importance in understanding human development.The life-span approach again plays a very important role in understanding human development when looking at the assumption that ‘development is historically embeded’ (Elder, 1998). This concept cannot be separated from the concept of contexualism hence Elder, (1998)’s work is to be viewed in light of the two concepts. According to Baites, (1987) the idea behind this assumption is that the historical location of a person together with the socio, economic and caltural experiences the individual encounter during that time has an impact on how he developes.He went on to say that this assumption brings in history as an important factor that facilitates one’s nature of deverlopment To support this assumption it was discovered that children who faced economic hardships during the time of the great depression looked far much older than their normal age but tended to recover when the conditions got better showing again that developm ent is a continous procces (Elder, 1998). To further support this line of thinking it must be clarified that Elder, (1998) is stressing the fact that there is continous interplay between factors such as history, timing of life transitions such as early pregnancy, shared elationships and a person’s unique ability to execise agency which has been defined by Baites, (1987) as plasticity These factors greatly influence the developmental trajectories of a person (Sugarman, 1986). To support this he turns his attention to the oakland and berkely studies done on children who experiences the second world war, the great depression and the korean war. As shown by this research children born during the economic meltdown of the great depression probably laked proper parenting and this affected maturation.He went on to mention that children who lived during the second world war and the korean war had different experienes as compared to the oakland study and their developmental gains and l osses were different. In southafrica research shows that black children who lived during the apatheid era ended up in sqatter camps without any aducation, with poor sanitation no recreation facilities and high health risks, this forced some to join ganges.Removal from their land also caused identity confusion which is a very important developmental task according to Erikson. showng that historcal context brings with it a unique experience that individuals are exposed to and this has a great impact on one’s developmet reafirming the claim tht the life-span approach is important in understanding human development. It has also been brought to attention that the research methods used by life-span researchers are to some extent unreliable and may produce inaccurate information.As critics of this approach have noted life-span researchers mainly use introspection, questioning and obsarvation for example Elder, (1998) on his study of children of the great depression admits that they would ask the subjects on how they thought the great depression influenced their lives, Havighurst also used the same technique in his study of developmental tasks and this is problematic since subjects are most likely unware of their developmental tasks and deficits (Sugarman, 1986).He went on to say researcher bias is also a broblem for example theorists like Erikson may have been influenced to research by their background and the results they produce may bear similarities to what they personaly feel, not the actual facts on the ground. Pllasticity is another life-span concept that t can help us understand human development. Though it has been mentioned above we now look at it in more detail. According to (Li & Freund, 2005) it is the campacity of the individual to influence his own developmen meaning a person may counciously or uconciously influence heir own developme. Biological research on cortical plasticity across the life-span by (Li & Freund, 2005) has shown that the brain of adults can change its stractural and functional organisation due to its developmental history. The research also showed the reorganisation of functions of the cortex in old age such as the use of both hemspheres to compansate for decline and this shows the importance of pasticity in human develoment.The last charecteristic of the life-span approach to be discussed is the fact that human development is multi-disciplinary meaning that it encompasses other fields such as bbiology, sociology and anthropology (Baltes, 1987). This assumption is further supported by Huvighurst (1972) who also suggest that developmental tasks arise from ‘physical maturation, caltural presure and individual aspirations (Sugarman, 1986).He gives the example that learning to read may be as a result caltural influence, one’s willingness to read and your mental or cognitive capability hence these three fields may simaltenously influence development. Though this essay aims to assert the importants of the life-span approach to development we cannot turn a blind eye on some of the weaknesses and critisisms brought forward agains this approach therefore we will start with the last concept which stated that human development is is malti-desciplinary.Schoolars like Sugarman, (1986) have argued that much of the work presented to support the assumption remains in doupt since research done in german society may not be applicable on a Southafrican context and therefore this particular concept does not fully expain human development of all people across the world since developmental tasks such as choosing a job are calture specific (Havighurst, 1972).Another critisism of the life-span approach is that it that some of its ideas are incontradiction with its principles for example Sugarman, (1986) notes that life-span developmental theorists offer a road map of development, Erikson’s eight stages and Havighurst’s assumption that failare to overcome a particular stage would result in unhappyness. This is in direct contradiction to the notion that development is malti-directional and does not follow a particular pattern of developmen which bergs the question as to weather this approach is really essential in understanding human development.After closely examining the assumptions of the life-span approach and the arguments presented against it, it is evident that the approach has a lot of inconsistancies and that the research methods used to some extend are inconclusive. After aknowledging these facts it is however iumportant to note that not all of the life-span approach’s research is obtained by quationable means and that it is the only theory of human development which better explains human development in Southafrica.The life-span approach is also to be credited for being the only thery of human development which is malti-disciplinary and it is also not deterministc in that there is always hope to overcome life;s challenges Also its methods are easily applicable therefore in conclusion it remains beyond reasonable doupt that development is a life-long procces and that the life-span approach is vital in understanding human development. ? References Baites, P. B. (1987). Theoretical propositions of life-span developmental psychology: On the dynamics between growth and decline.Developmental Psychology, 611-623. Boyd, D. , & Bee, H. (2006). Life span development (4th ed. ). Boston: MA Pearson Education. Elder, G. H. (1998). The life course a developmental theory. Child development. BF431 . M374 1972. Havisghurst, R. (1972). Developmental tasks and education. (3rd ed. ). New York : D. McKay Co. BF701 . H37 1972. evelopmental theory. Child development, 69, 1-12. Leo, B. , Kloep, H. , & Kloep, M. (2002). Lifespan Development Resources, Challenges and Risks. Oxford: Thomson Learning. Li, S. C. & Freund, A. M. (2005). Advances in lifespan psychology;A Forcus on biocaltural and personal influences. Research in human development, 1- 23. Salkind, N. J. (2004). Intoduction to Theories of Human Development. Califonia: Sage Publications. Stenberg, L. , Bornstein, M. H. , Yandell, D. L. , & Rook, K. S. (2011). Life-Span development;Infancy through chidhood. Belmont: WAadsworth Cengage Learning. Sugarman, L. (1986). New essential psychology:Life-Span development, concepts theories and interventions. New York: Methen Inc.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Charlotte Beers at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide Research Paper - 1

Charlotte Beers at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide - Research Paper Example Moreover, the analysis will seek to analyze the means by which Beers and her team members engaged in a creative process for developing division which will be elaborated upon. Finally, the analysis will consider whether or not Beers and her team effectively communicated the buy-in for all respective compliments of the question. Through such analysis, it is the hope of this author that the reader will gain a higher level of inference with respect to some of the best practices for business leadership and management as well as some of the key pitfalls that might exist with regards to a new CEO/leader seeking to affect key changes within an existing firm/organization. With respect to what Beers was attending to accomplish as CEO of the firm in question, it can definitively be stated that she sought to reengage a level of success and profitability that had been experienced in years past. As the case study defined, Ogilvy & Mather was once a market leader and exhibited best practices that served to promote its vision and name throughout the market (Starr, 2011). However, in the recent past, this level of profitability had diminished and the firm was no longer a market leader with respect to the specialty upon which it was founded. Crafting a new vision for an existing firm is oftentimes dangerous process. This is due to the fact that even though the current vision might not be effective, it is oftentimes not the fault of the vision itself; rather, it is the fault of the level of implementation that patient is experiencing. This was very much the case with regards to Beers and the way in which her team sought to extrapolate and redefine the existing vision of Olgilvy and Mather Worldwide. Similarly, as a function of crafting this particular approach, the years and her team went through a series of steps through which they assess the current vision and sought to approach whether or not it could continue to be relevant within the current environment. This was a highly

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Stem Cell and Embryos Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Stem Cell and Embryos - Essay Example It is therefore a thing of value because it involves the very existence of a person, in fact, the vital stage in the beginning of life. Genetic diversity is a very important concern in cloning (Bonnicksen 169). If cloning babies were safe, then those who have superior genetic modification will most likely prevail in some circumstances. For example, this is depicted in the movie Gattaca, where there was a distinction between valid and invalid person. Those valid have higher value in the society because of their advanced genetic make up. Cloning babies therefore is a special concern because it brings with it social, political and economic issues, which at the moment are vital matters linked with inequality. For example, cloning is expensive so not all will benefit from it, only the powerful few. Curing genetic diseases is a vital promise of stem cell research. In this case, the government should promote it and further encourage more experimentation. However, since stem cell research substantially includes genetic concerns, the government should ensure important guidelines and even regulation for this

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Tort Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tort Law - Assignment Example Besides, in a contractual relationship, the responsibility imposed by law is in the directions of the other party, by whom there is privity of agreement. In tort, the responsibility lies in the directions of the members of the public or world at large, with whom there is no requirement for any contract. â€Å"A tort is a civil wrong for which the legal remedy is an action brought by means of civil proceedings by or on behalf of the injured party for damages or some other legal remedy desired by the person who has suffered the wrong† (Law of Torts Including MV Accident and Consumer Protection Laws-I 1). Fact of the Case: The case provides a summary of the gas leakage in Pub. And also this particular case brings out the various ethical matters concerned in the disaster. Ben, who is the employer of the Maid Marion Gas Company, carelessly fixed pipe work which caused leakage of gas into the pub. Chef of the pub Charlie lit a gas in the kitchen and consequently this caused a blast and fire in the pub. So, Donald the barman, suffered harsh burns and consequently a recurrence of the clinical depression from, which he had undergo some long ago. Parties involved: Parties involved in this case are, Alan, Emma, Charlie and Donald. Alan can claim against the Maid Marion Gas Company for nervous shock and negligence. In tort law, Negligence is depends on the existence of a contravention of the obligation of care, owed by one person to another. Alan came home later, subsequent to the fire, and saw that his pub had been completely destroyed. He was so distress that he is till date suffering from insomnia and nervousness. Company should take due care for preventing any kind of the leakage. Gas is such a hazardous substances and leakage of gas can create lots of tragedy in the society. And also, it will create environmental pollution in the society. Here the leakage is mainly because of the careless on the part of the employer Ben. But at the same time, it is the duty of the company to check all those things because it is such a toxic substance. Emma and Charlie are the secondary victims of the gas leakage. Because of this, they faced nervous shock. So, they also can claim against the Maid Marion Gas Company for the nervous shock. Charlie is the chef of the pub, he lit a gas stove in the pub kitchen and a few minutes later this caused a blast and fire in the pub. That time he was outside in the garden, he was not injured in the explosion but felt himself accountable for the injuries undergone by his co-worker, and has now had a nervous breakdown. Like Emma, who is the girlfriend of Donald and also who had lived with Donald for some years, reached at his hospital bed some hours later, after he had an emergency operation. She was extremely shocked to see him greatly bandaged. Since then she has not slept sound and has suffered panic attacks. And also, Donald can claim compensation from Ben and Maid Marion Gas Company for the injury that he has faced. Donald can also claim under Workman Compensation, because his injury was caused at the time of work and also in the working premises. Donald is the primary victim of the tragedy. Both Ben and Company are jointly liable for the injury of Donald. They are also liable for the vicarious liability and negligence. â€Å"Vicarious liability is the principle of law that holds one party liable for the acts (or inactions) of another† (Beyer 3). Vicarious liability, which is general in some parts of law, refers to lawful duty for the actions of another. If a rule holds X accountable for Y's actions, then X's responsibility is said to be vicarious. Conclusion: A tort is an offence that is privately impeached, usually for damages, though some tort

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Managing Diversity Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Managing Diversity - Research Paper Example Over the years, diversity management has emerged as an essential tool of the management to match the modern business environment where everything is changing. Change is essential to allow matching of present organizational resources to meet unlimited and changing needs through diversification of the various business strategies. Diversity calls for the reorganization of the organizational structures and other components that have an impact on the performance of an organization. Corporate executives seeking to regain a competitive edge need to do more than improve efficiency and tighten control by executing a fundamental change to transform systems firmly along with established inhibitive cultures. The internal, external and organizational components influence the organizational diversity and performance outcome within an organization. Critical Analysis The managers should lead the way for the establishment of improved business practices through interaction with peers in other countrie s. Such managers should establish elaborate audit mechanisms and accounting to enhance professionalism, as well as transparency. Managing an organization that has a workforce from diverse cultures is not easy. ... The idea of behind teamwork and motivation in the company is to increase employee and customer satisfaction while lowering costs. They execute the principle of teamwork by encouraging management team and employees to pool resources across all departments, and with end users and suppliers, to identify areas that need improvement. The control process should take into consideration factors such as code of ethics, standards, and statements of good corporate governance in their business operations and regulations (Bell, 2012). At present, the management team in an organization should be aware that both internal and external environments of the organizations are subject to change at any point of time, and hence the need for strategic management. It is important to have flexible legal provisions have removed hurdles in the regulation of businesses as well as the improvement of business standards. The legal and political frameworks have tried to help in managing business risks through harmon ization of existing regulations. It is important for international business operators have a broad understanding of culture, management styles, and cultural orientations in the country of operation. A manager working in a firm that has employees from diverse cultures should develop prerequisite attributes that will help in meeting business objectives. These qualities include; quality control, interpersonal skills, communication skills, organizational skills among others (Von Bergen, Soper, & Parnell, 2005). Quality control involves measuring the variations of actual performance from the regular performance, identifies the causes of such deviations, and recommends appropriate measures (Lauring &

Monday, September 9, 2019

Article Review on Technology in Education Assignment

Article Review on Technology in Education - Assignment Example Videoconferencing at present is a medium for learning partnerships both in the local scene and in the international setup. Reynard (2012) cited â€Å"the inclusion of video increases the sense of presence,† and considers this as a means of collaboration. This educational tool has evolved in the recent years to include media tools, such as chat, as well as interactive whiteboards, which increase the exchange of ideas and resources alike, taking learning and the accumulation of knowledge to new heights (Reynard, 2012). This promotes access to what is otherwise accessible – locations which are commonly not that open to the public and expert educators who are too geographically distant; in reference to inaccessible locations, virtual tours are utilized (Reynard, 2012). Another advantage of this modern day educational tool is that it can make available the unavailable, such as classes not normally offered in the school, or those beyond the normal hours of school, which would be highly advantageous for those who are not able to avail of normal class hours (Reynard, 2012). Another important benefit of videoconferencing is that it helps students go the extra mile – tutoring and enrichment activities online, in real time, and without geographical constraints (Reynard, 2012). ... Furthermore, technology like videoconferencing may bridge the gap between different cultures as it provides worldwide reach to all students; this would yield better-informed students and well versed in aspects in which traditional students are not due to limited access to resources. There would be constant updates of any advancement or modification in education across the globe, as this education tool goes beyond geographical boundaries. In the future, students would be more interested and involved to learn as videoconferencing offers them interactive learning. It would give new meaning to the term – experience – since this teaching strategy would make the learners feel as if they are in that particular scenario, hence, making them believe like it was their own personal experience. There would probably be an increase in the number of students, as those who do not have the luxury of time could avail of such dynamic and effective education made very convenient to them sin ce it is not bound by normal school hours. Personal Opinion: How Technology will Shape Education in the Future Technology is evolving, as it is used in the field of education, so will the latter evolve, as well. Education will be better, as technology will constantly upgrade, so will the skills of the students. Thus, to keep up with complex learning needs brought about by modernized educational tools utilized by students, educators will adapt to such modernity. They will be well equipped with modern strategies to address learning needs. In the process, education will reach new heights. The standard of education would be further uplifted, producing more competitive