Membership requirements in an organized crime group Assignment

Membership requirements in an organized crime group - Assignment Example There are numerous organized crime groups that still operate within the world. All these different crime groups have their own requirements which need to be fulfilled before any person is given its respective membership. The more common membership requirements are deemed to be more focused towards factors such as ethnicity, race and criminal association. One of major membership requirement is that such groups tend to avoid any person who has prior affiliation with any law enforcing agency. Groups such as the â€Å"Hells Angels† ask for a valid driving license and a working motor cycle before they grant any membership.2 The basic advantage to members is that such membership requirements make sure that a proper procedure is followed through which the confidentiality, discipline and smooth operation of the organization is carried out and that inappropriate people are not hired within the group that may sabotage the group. The disadvantage on the other hand is that such membership requirements may not be fulfilled by any potential member who may in future turn out to be a great asset for the organized crime

Positive Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Positive Economics - Essay Example Citing John Neville Keynes, Friedman identifies two types of science - positive science and normative science - whose relevance in economic theory depends on its practical application in economic policy (cited in Friedman 1966, p. 3). Whereas normative science deals with what ought to be, normative economics assists policy makers in crafting economic policies that ethically just, depending on the values they hold. In this regard, positive economics, through positive science dealing with "what is", guides policymaker's judgments by providing them with accurate predictive tools to ensure that sound economic policies are produced and that these policies yield results that they are expected to. Hence, positive economics would only hold value if their ability to predict economic phenomena accurately. In the words of Friedman, "[t]he ultimate goal of a positive science is the development of a 'theory' or, 'hypothesis' that yields valid and meaningful predictions about phenomena not yet obs erved" (p. 7). ... maintain objectivity given the imminent significance it holds on the public, as well the economist himself, how can economic theory gain the same confidence and respect wielded by its counterpart in the physical sciences To address this question, Friedman refers to the two elements constituting economic theory, and theory in general - its language and its method of reasoning. First, with regard to the language of theory, Friedman argues that "logistical completeness and consistency are relevant but play a subsidiary role to assure that the hypothesis says what it is intended to say" (p. 10). In this respect, empirical evidence that can be gathered through controlled experiments is only valuable insofar as it can assist in the prompt validation of a theory. It does not hinder the testing of a theory's hypothesis (p. 13). And consequently, it does not affect the ability of economic theory to predict phenomena. Second, with regard to a theory's substantive method of reasoning, Friedman calls attention to the manner that a theory's hypothesis is constructed and further tested. In this respect, Friedman critiques the manner that economists construct a hypothesis by making them "realistically accurate" to conform to empirical data. As Friedman notes, this manner of theory construction is not only impractical and inadequate, but insignificant as well. With regard to its impracticality, Friedman points to the logistical impossibility that surrounds the exercise of making sure assumptions are "realistically accurate." Hence, it is impossible to account for all the facts surrounding a phenomenon to be explained because this phenomenon constitutes a wide range of facts that are both relevant and irrelevant to a theory. It is also inadequate because, as Friedman notes, an

Literature Review And Analysis Paper Social Work Essay

Literature Review And Analysis Paper Social Work Essay Ageing is the universal phenomenon encountered by every human individual across the life span. All human beings expect for a healthy and happy old age but not many of them manage to get all those in reality. In this current century, world scenario is changing rapidly in the form of rise in elderly population than before. Many developing countries including Pakistan are affected by this global change. A report on global health and ageing shared recent statistics that in 2010, an estimated 524 million were aged 65 years or older making 8% of world population. It is interesting to note that by 2050 this number is expected to triple to about 1.5 billion signifying 16% of worlds population (WHO Report, 2011). Ironically, in developing countries, geriatric population between 2010 and 2050 is expected to increase more than 250 percent as compared to developed countries. Ali and Kaini (2003) add that this trend in ageing is the result of the demographic shift in fertility rates in combinatio n with mortality rates resulting in ageing of the population (p. 1). Having a glance at our national scenario, it is estimated that the proportion of population 60 years and above in Pakistan will increase from 5.8 percent in the year 2000 to 7.3 percent in 2025 and 12.4 percent in 2050 (United Nations, 2002). Reason for the selection of this topic I came up with my thesis topic as every year particularly on festivals such as Eid, different media channels broadcast programs where views of elderly who are residing in the shelter homes are taken. The eye catching moment was the pain and cry these ageing parents expressed, when their children neglected and dumped them in shelter homes, when they most need support in their last years of life. This event influenced me to work for my thesis in the field of geriatrics. Therefore, based on the significant global and national figures, increase in ageing will predispose the elders to suffer in chronic illnesses, disabilities and new disease patterns. Another, considerable growing fact is that, due to the shift of societal paradigm, elderly population will be the most vulnerable group requiring health attention currently and in the years ahead. Therefore, it is recommended that older adults should remain socially active in their later years (Bergstrom, Holmes Pecchioni, 2000). The findin gs from the proposed research contribution in this area particularly in Pakistani context will assist in filling the gap where elderly population can regenerate themselves without being isolated from social life, and can live with quality, dignity and free of violence in their empty nest days. Significance of the problem Many decades ago the concept of violence against women and children was objected throughout the world but researches in these areas have resulted in the protection and formation of laws for these groups. Likewise, elderly abuse is yet another novel and critical public health and social issue that need prompt attention. Infact, it is one of the most serious subject which is under reported nationally and internationally resulting in thousands of silent victims. Numerous studies are being conducted in the developed countries on the various aspects of the ageing population in order to ensure optimum quality in the later phase of life time. However, many of the South Asian countries including Pakistan are facing serious challenges of decreased economy, low savings, high inflation rates; financial benefits for few percentages of government employees, lack of health insurance coverage are making the life of this vulnerable group questionable. Apart from these encounters, elderly population are confronting with the decline of extended family system and the emergence of nuclear families (Jalal Younis, 2012). In Asian cultures, many of socio cultural practices are grounded on concept of extended family system. Old members of the family are taken care by the young generation and it is regarded as dishonorable if any elder lives alone or in nursing home. In addition to it, this transition has led to the decline in elder decision making power and position and to enjoy later years with dignity and self-worth. Due to this conversion the elderly are at risk, as the younger and more productive members of the family take over, marginalizing the elderly into positions of dependence both social and economic(Subzwari Azhar, 2010, p. 2). Another important change that has taken place in the last couple of years is that younger individuals are migrating for better employment opportunities leaving behind parents with no one to care for them, causing elderly to live alone or they are shifted to shelter homes. Sabzwari and Azhar (2010) supports that one in five patients at the tertiary care hospital in Karachi are elderly. It is estimated that at least 6-7 % of the elderly visiting geriatric clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi are living alone with little assistance. Increase in life expectancy has led to substantial increase in aging population globally and it is predicted that the worlds elderly population will continue to increase with an estimated rate at 67 % residing in developing countries by the year 2020 (Karunakara Stevenson, 2012, Ageing population section, para. 1). In Pakistani context, 60 years is designated as the age of elderly. Jalal and Younis (2012) shares WHO report that: 5.6 % of Pakistans population was over 60 years of age, with a probability of doubling to 11 % by the year 2025. Pakistans life expectancy was increased from 45.6 years in 1950 to 66.8 years in 2008 with a probability of increasing to 72 years by 2023 (p. 2). Hence, the decline of popular extended family system and rise of career oriented families, and change in familial values compounded by substantial increase in ageing, subjects older population to maltreatment and this area requires immediate consideration. Jamuna (2003) rationalizes that a series of developments, such as urbanization, industrialization, and migration, and a growing sense of materialism and individualistic orientations have threatened the culture of yesteryear (p.129). One significant cause for underreporting of abuse in Asian cultures is compliance to the value of respect for their elders whereas western cultures sideline them. Research question Older people are left with countless problems in their later phase of life where these years are believed to live in respect, solemnity and self-worth with their married children and grandchildren. On the contrary, this age group has to spend their lives in isolation at home or in shelter homes due to neglect and cruel treatment by them. Although, these old homes are answer to most in need yet they still not provide a solution to majority of the population. Our culture despite its gradual transformation still adheres to the value of caring for their elderly at home (Subzwari Azhar, 2010). Elder abuse is the alarming public health issue present in both developed and developing countries. Very little information is available regarding the extent of maltreatment in elderly especially in developing countries, it is estimated that 4-6% of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. (WHO fact sheet, 2011). However, older people are often afraid to report cases of ma ltreatment to family, friends, or to the authorities. There is no reliable data or research conducted in Pakistani context, where sufferings of these elderly populations living in nursing homes could be researched and addressed. Dildar, Saeed and Sharjeela (2012) mentions that elder abuse and neglect are difficult to quantify as these occur in the privacy of the home, institutions and under reported in our country (p. 662). Based on the above facts and literature I came up with the research question that, what are the experience and the perception of elderly people living in nursing home in Karachi, Pakistan? Literature search strategy Literature search was conducted in a systematic way by utilizing available electronic databases, in order to review and explore existing literature related to abuse of elderly population in nursing home. In order to detect relevant literature, two major databases, CINAHL plus with full text and PUBMED was used. Another search engine like Google scholar was also searched to find the relevant literature sources. These databases were searched for the time period between the year 2000 and 2012. Different key words or combination of key words along with the use of Boolean operators were used for all search engines, like elder abuse and nursing homes, elder maltreatment and nursing homes. A synonym for elder abuse like geriatric abuse and for nursing home like shelter home was typed on the search bar. Relevant articles were hunted when the key words were written in research title, abstract of review articles of all data bases. A separate search was carried out for identifying the available literature in Pakistan for this purpose the term Pakistan was added along with other key words to search relevant Pakistani sources. Reference lists of retrieved articles from these databases were also checked for relevant literature. Search from all data bases were narrowed down by the use search filters like year range, gender, age and language. For detail literature search and number of hits (See appendix A). Literature review analysis on elderly abuse in nursing homes Definition The subject of elder abuse began to receive recognition since 1970, and the first boom on elder abuse appeared in UK medical journals in 1975 as granny battering. It was identified by British Gerontologist and the first population based study was done in USA in 1988. International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) defines elder abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person (INPEA, 2002, p. 3). Age bracket for elderly is 60 years and above. Some predictions indicate that one million people turn 60 every month and 80 % of these are from the developing world (WHO/INPEA, 2002). All the susceptible victims of abuse who are 65 years or more largely depend on the funded institutions but if there is financial constraint then these vulnerable groups have to be confine to home (Paranitharan, Eidrisinghe William, 2009). There is considerable debate on the definition of elder abuse because some cultures foster certain behaviors that may be considered as abuse in different cultural context. In Australia, elder refers to older local people who have specific positions of power within native communities. It was recommended that elder abuse be replaced with senior abuse in an Australian context as it referred to original and senior population (Ryan, 2009). It can be argued that abuse occurs within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, no matter different cultures gives different definitions on elder abuse. However McFerran (2009) asserts that research on domestic violence in elderly women, is based on unequal power relations and traditional devaluation of women, not on relationships based on trust (as cited in Ryan, 2009, Definition of elder abuse, para. 3). Therefore, irrespective of the type of abuse, it will definitely result in pointless miseries, pains and sorrows, and decrease quali ty of life of elderly. Types of elder abuse Elder abuse is categorized into five different types: physical abuse, psychological /emotional abuse, financial/material abuse, sexual abuse and neglect (WHO/INPEA, 2002). Most recent data from USA states that, there are about 570,000 cases of elder abuse reported each year, 55% of the cases suffer from neglect which is the most common form of elder maltreatment (Facts on elder abuse, 2012). Economic abuse is one of the most frequently reported forms of abuse, followed by neglect, psychological or emotional and finally physical abuse. Sexual abuse of elders is not reported as frequently as any other type of abuse (Ryan, 2009). Another dimension of elder maltreatment is that it is not restricted to home environment, risk is even leaving them in nursing homes, hospitals and long term care facilities. An empirical study in New Zealand reveals that psychological abuse (59%) is followed by material/financial (42%) and physical abuse (12%) were most frequently identified types of abuse. Sexual abuse occurred in 2% of reported cases (Gadit, 2009). Implications of the proposed research in nursing It is a challenging task for all health care providers to efficiently assess the elderly group so that abuse can be identified and reported for the immediate interventions. Proposed research on this subject will make people aware, that elder abuse will prevent older members from being favorable and positive members of the society. Furthermore, evidence based knowledge on this matter will assist in safeguarding and promoting welfare of the elderly clients. According to Lachs and Pillemer (1995) guidelines from the American Medical Association suggest that all older adults be asked by their physicians about family violence, even in the absence of symptoms potentially attributable to abuse or neglect (p. 438). A careful history taking and interviewing technique is crucial in identifying accurate information on the possible abuse. If the violence on elder is confirmed then priority is to ensure safety of the elderly person by separating from the perpetrator. In the western countries, bas ed on their cultural background, majority of the old age population resides in shelter homes. In Karachi, nursing homes are managed by private NGOs or religious organizations. The Catholic Church runs three old homes in Karachi, and people residing in these old homes pay a minimal fees, and rest are generated through the church (Subzwari Azhar, 2010). Some nursing homes are governed by religious communities functioning with the help of volunteer and donation support. Gadit (2009) identifies that Edhi Foundation is one glaring example of a service where abandoned elderly people are housed. These elderly people are avoided by their children under different grounds like poverty, illness among elderly and general intolerance (p. 3). Recommendation for the prevention of elder abuse A national policy for the promotion of better health of the elderly was designed in 1999, but implementation is yet to be seen. This policy involved the training of health care professionals. An equally important recommendation is the initiation of awareness programs among health care professionals on the subject and the formulation of assessment tools to detect abuse. Another suggestion is the workshops for nursing and medical graduates should be conducted to detect and manage elder abuse more effectively resulting in prompt treatment measures. Potential research on various aspects of care of elderly can urge in the development of policy at governmental level for the protection of geriatric population1. At national level, electronic and print media can play a key role in raising awareness on this subject. It can act as a medium for the provision of specially funded and recreational shelter homes, free health care facilities, and formation of legislative policies (Marshal, Benton Barzier, 2000). Research Methodology The research approach which would best fix on the research question would be qualitative in nature. I would like to go for Phenomenological method as it deals with the truth about reality built in peoples lived experience (Polit Beck, 2008, p. 227). This approach can be applicable on those concepts which are central to the life occurrences of the human being. The core goal is to completely understand persons lived experience and perceptions that it will generate. Inclusion Criteria and Exclusion criteria The inclusion criteria of this proposed research will be all elderly people with an age of 60 years and above in both the genders. Another standard would be all elderly population living in nursing homes in Karachi. The exclusion criteria of this planned study would be all elderly below 60 years of age. Conclusion Transition into old age is another experience which everyone has to encounter. Importance lies in the fact that to be old and live with self-respect, dignity and free from violence, neglect and maltreatment should be an important objective. Geriatric has always been a neglected area, but due to an increase in ageing population, challenge to meet the needs of the elderly is extremely crucial. Elder abuse occurs as a result of strained intergenerational relationship along with the gradual cultural transformations. This critical and under reported phenomenon needs prompt attention by the researchers and government in order to enhance quality of life in their remaining years of life.

Income Inequality in Iran Essay -- Iran Poverty and Inequality

There are many problems that face Third World nations. Income inequality affects all nations in the world. It affects some countries more than others though. Income inequality is a major problem in the Third World. In the Third World, the top 1% of people earns 15 % of the income, and the top 5% earn 40% of the income. However the poorest 20% earn only 1% of the global income. This creates a world of haves and have nots. This affects many aspects of society in a county. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, income inequity is a serious issue. One social service that is affected greatly is education. Areas that are poorer do not get the same level of education as areas that are richer receive. This inequality in education is caused by the unequal distribution of wealth that is in Iran because of the unequal distribution of oil revenues throughout Iran. In order to understand income inequality in Iran, one must first look at the basic economic facts of Iran. Iran has a population 77,176,930 people. 70% of its citizens live in urban areas such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Tibriz while 30% live in the rural areas. Urban and rural populations will come up later in the analysis of inequality in Iran. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Iran in2012 was $548.590 billion. That ranked Iran 21st in the world. The per capita income for each head of household in Iran in 2012 was $7,207, which was 76th in the world. The Human Development Index (HDI) for Iran for in 2013 is 0.742, which is 76th in the world. That is in the middle range of countries for the HDI; below most developed nations but high for Third World nation. Iran is a semi-industrialized nation with some manufacturing industries and a heavy reliance on oil revenues f... ...r, â€Å"The Roots of Iran’s Inflation† Susman, â€Å"Income Inequality and Poverty in Iran.† United States Government Accountability Office,â€Å"US and International Sanctions Have Adversely Affected the Iranian Economy† http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/652314.pdf (Viewed December 1, 2013, 8:45 EST) Raghfar, â€Å"The Roots of Iran’s Inflation† Susman, â€Å"Income Inequality and Poverty in Iran.† Children of Heaven, (Tehran, Iran. 1997). Susman, â€Å"Income Inequality and Poverty in Iran.† Raghfar, â€Å"The Roots of Iran’s Inflation† Susman, â€Å"Income Inequality and Poverty in Iran.† The Jar, (Hormozgan, Iran. 1995). Children of Heaven, (Tehran, Iran. 1997). Raghfar, â€Å"The Roots of Iran’s Inflation† Raghfar, â€Å"The Roots of Iran’s Inflation† United States Government Accountability Office, â€Å"US and International Sanctions Have Adversely Affected the Iranian Economy†

Assembly Line Essay

Raul Contreras History 18 November 18, 2009 Assembly line From the beginning of times, most markets and products have been targeted to the bourgeoisie and/or anyone who could easily afford these products. But in the early 1900’s, an individual named Henry Ford, decided to change this idea and dared society to work for the success of the proletariat and the lowering of costs. Henry Ford, along with other individuals, created the highly praised â€Å"moving assembly line† and started the mind change in the targeting of markets.The assembly line was a way in building a final product using various people that would build particular parts, and then would assemble them together as a whole; this was a success and revolutionized the world of manufacturing. Although many opposed to this idea in the early stages, and many independent builders suffered from this method of building, the assembly line was one the best things that could have happened to the U. S. because it lowered c osts of products, completed products faster, helped middle class people succeed and helped the U.S. economy grow in many different areas of economical and business productivity. Meryl Davids, journalist of the Journal of Business Strategy stated that â€Å"the conveyer-belt system was not only a marvelous way to save workers' precious time, but, in one of the great business decisions ever, it was also a way to decrease expenses and prices, thereby increasing demand among the middle class†. The idea of working together to build a product faster and in a more efficient way was something that had gone through many minds at the time.But using the conveyor belt system along with the assembly line method of work to speed the work process, was not only something that was ingenious, but was one of the greatest ideas that any entrepreneur could have had at that time. Putting the assembly line in action, and specifically assigning each person to do a specific job, broke the ideal of a â€Å"one person job† task (a job in which one person only would start and finish a product), and presented the idea of working in cooperation with brought efficiency and speed that businesses needed to grow in a massive way.Ford’s philosophy was simple, mass production requires mass consumption, and mass consumption requires more products. This philosophy, along with the ideal of providing to the middle class clientele, was the beginning breakthrough of the assembly line and the breakthrough of affordability to middle class consumers. In the early 1900’s, as today, people were looking for affordability and a better way of living. So productivity for businesses, meaning more sales and more costumers was crucial for business’ growth, but most important, it was growth for workers, because this meant more work and more payment for the time worked.According to Timothy Taylor, 1996, â€Å"In 1905, there were more than 50 companies each year trying to break in to the automobile business†. But as these companies were going bankrupt or were barely making it in because of hard competition and focus to the wealthy only, Ford changed the direction of the demand in business and sold affordable cars to middle class people. His idea of the assembly line, and the way it would decrease costs, allowed Ford to focus on the middle class clientele, and allowed cars to be sold for lower prices to working class people.The Model A, (first car produced) mainly called â€Å"the everyman car,† took ten workmen to build in a converted wagon factory in Detroit, and was a success to the working class because of its affordability and good looks, which was new to the middle class clientele. In 1901, and in the next fifteen months to come, 1,700 Model A's were sold making it very popular to the middle class and its buyers. But as this progressed to sell, the Ford Company decided to keep improving the car, and after vast improvements, the first Model T came out of the factory in 1908.Its cost was $850 and compared to others, the affordable price and the demand of this product, produced 10,660 sales that year, and beat other car companies even though it was only the first year of this model in the market. As this was a popular vehicle, this model was mainly focused in the affordability and time it could be produced. Along with the idea of faster productivity and affordability, another great idea that Mr. Ford had was that if everyone earned a decent wage, and he produced more cars in less time at an affordable price, then everyone in the country would buy his cars.Focusing on the middle class clientele, their affordability, and his own workers to buy his own products, he decided to raise the workers wages from $2. 50 to $5. 00 overnight, virtually making him a hero to all middle class workers, because he gave the working class an open door of opportunities to grow and buy. In Henry Ford's times, pay was presumably highly significa nt for job satisfaction, and people did not mind working at the assembly line if they were well paid.This was an excellent business tactic, because this triggered his workers, and other middle class people, to buy his cars. The affordability of these, and the massive demand the Model T (final mastered product), made the Ford Company massively grow in a matter of years, and helped the U. S. economy raise in an enormous way. The demand among the middle class, and affordability of products, were in fact one of the causes that drove the economy to grow in the early 1900’s, and made the assembly line successful.As business was growing, more factory workers were needed which meant that more cars were being sold and the economy rose. By 1914, 3,000 people were working in auto plants in Detroit, but amazingly by 1919, that number had increased to 75,000. According to Crews, 1999, â€Å"Ford built 308,162 cars in 1914, which exceeded the number produced by all the other automobile ma nufacturers†. And just to have an idea of the demand of this product, the 1913 Model T (after being revised from model A to S), grew from 78,000 to 248,000 vehicle sold per year in one year only.The massive growth of these not only demanded more vehicles to be made, but also caused more people to buy which benefited the economy. The growth of the â€Å"assembly line,† and the success of Ford’s ideals and of vehicles being sold to middle class people, attracted other companies to do the same, producing a massive turnaround in the industrial revolution and growth goods in many different areas. Companies like General Motors or Cadillac adopted the assembly line method of building, and decided to raise wages to workers so they could imitate Ford’s plan.The assembly line not only benefitted the work force, but also the country in many different ways. Not only this opened the eyes that cars were not meant only for the rich only, but also cars were for the ones t hat actually built these, and other middle class social groups who could afford them. The assembly line, Fords ideals of progress, and the way of how he decided to make a company work faster and more efficient, not only benefited the business world on its own, but also helped the US and middle class workers to raise themselves to a better life.The assembly line method, along with the conveyer-belt system, was not only a magnificent system to combine, but it also increased productivity and speed of work in a massive way. Other businesses that adopted this method of working saw the benefit that this had caused, and joined the pack in finishing a product faster, and with less cost. The assembly line, and the opportunities that this brought along, opened many doors to the proletariat, and helped them progress to a better life in a matter of a few years.Without middle class people not progressing, many new companies would not have been built, and many benefits of this would have not been found. Due to the cut of costs, demand of products because of its prices and quality, and more people being able to afford these, the assembly line helped the US form a stronger capital economic market. Furthermore opening many companies eyes to follow this method of working, producing more work, but most important, more spending and more buying. Resources: Crews, Ed. Henry Ford's Model T: The Car that Started it All.New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1999. Davids, Meryl. â€Å"Henry Ford (1863-1947): Loving the Line. †Ã‚  Journal of Business Strategy  (Sept 1999):  ITEM99270012. Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Chaffey College. 23 Nov. 2009   . Engstrom, Tomas,  Dan Jonsson,  and  Lars Medbo. â€Å"Production model discourse and experiences from the Swedish automotive industry. †Ã‚  International Journal of Operations & Production Management  16. n2  (Feb 1996):  141(18). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Chaffey College. 24 Nov. 009   . Taylor, Timot hy. A history of the U. S. economy in the 20th Century. Springfield, VA: The Teaching Company, 1996. Williams, Karel,  Colin Haslam,  John (American clergyman) Williams,  Andy Adcroft,  and  Sukhdev Johal. â€Å"The myth of the line: Ford's production of the model T at Highland Park, 1909-16. †Ã‚  Business History  35. n3  (July 1993):  66(22). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Chaffey College. 24 Nov. 2009   http://find. galegroup. com/itx/start. do? prodId=EAIM. ——————————————– 1 ]. Taylor, Timothy. A history of the U. S. economy in the 20th Century, 1996 [ 2 ]. Crews, Ed. Henry Ford's Model T: The Car that Started it All. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1999. [ 3 ]. Engstrom, Tomas,   â€Å"Production model discourse and experiences from the Swedish automotive industry (Feb 1996):   [ 4 ]. Crews, Ed. Henry Ford's Model T: The Car that Started it All. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1999 [ 5 ]. Crews, Ed. Henry Ford's Model T: The Car that Started it All. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1999

Tesla motors

The focus of this communications plan is Teasel's Toronto debut. While creating awareness or changing attitudes are important for Teasel's success in the high-end electric performance car market, the company's success is ultimately measured by its sales figures. Sales are a more concrete way of measuring the effectiveness of communication efforts. For this reason the objective is as follows: Create 30 sales by the December 2010 debut of Taste Motors in Toronto.STRATEGY Two approaches to selling high-end automobiles High-service is another draw for luxury re most effective: exclusivity and service. And performance automobiles. BMW offers training courses to those who purchase its Exclusivity is commonly cited as a way to more expensive cars. 3 Ferreira offers custom generate hype for luxury and performance paint colors and free gear. Taste Motors Inc. Automobiles. According to Catchall Kelly, feature uses the high-service approach by sending its writer, Toronto Star, the new Lexus Lea f's mobile service units to make house calls to â€Å"looming rarity [is what] makes the ALFA such a maintain vehicles. 4 hot commodity' for a car priced at $375,000.In an era with limited luxury goods sales, a Another example of the use of exclusivity personal sales process is more important than can be seen in the case of Ferrier's Mezzo. Ever. 5 This is why the strategy that will be used Building up to the release of Ferrier's Mezzo, an will foster close customer-seller relationships. Enormous amount of buzz was generated from Another strategy used by many organizations the vehicle's limited distribution. The Mezzo was in a recessionary luxury goods market is offered to only 400 people worldwide, people targeting extremely wealthy consumers who ho previously purchased a Ferreira OFF and are always willing to spend on expensive items. Ferreira OFF. 2 The result was a media frenzy.The For Taste these people can be seen as a core car's exclusivity made reviewers excited about audie nce as well as key influences. The rare chance at a test drive. Few Taste vehicles have been available to For these reasons, the primary strategy Toronto reviewers so there is likely a sense of will be to use exclusivity to generate anticipation for the company's products. Taste hype and therefore sales leads for Taste will use scarcity to drive sales and hype in a icicles. Similar way. Http:,'/'. NP. N. r;. N'. Thetas. Com/wheels/a elm 8540– new-375-000- Lexus- likely-to- become- instant-classic 2 http://www. Seriousness. Com/cars/top-Ferreira-Mezzo. Tm http://www. BMW. Com/ http://www. Testators. Com/about http://blobs. Bent. Mom/Bennett NP=712 TACTICS ; Exclusive vehicle test drives for key people and media at GTAG race track or closed course in the Fall with Jay Leno ; Interviews w/ celebrity owners of Taste vehicles (egg. Jay Leno, Chris Bosh) ; Swag/Apparel -Leather Jackets, watches for auto Journalists and PIP attendees (use Ross promo with Role/Harry Rosen) ; Exclusiv e PIP Toronto cocktail party / art show, with the Taste Roadster as art – in boutique store, set up to mimic a gallery ; Provide attendees first opportunity to book an appointment, order or test drive ; Tours of showroom/boutique store. Media, auto aficionados, invite only ; Newsletter in advance targeting key audiences ; Info packages ; Advertising through news media (egg.Globe and Mail Taste exclusive in the Wheels section) ; Media kit for launch event ; Partner with Honda Indy Toronto July 16- 18 2010 to provide showcase for vehicle, Media kit for media track day at Toronto Motivators Park in Cayuga, ON with PR team on-site to field inquiries ; Associated interviews and photos can be ; Social media tactics including news release, website/Trinitrotoluene/Faceable utilized through online campaign AUDIENCES This communications plan has various key audiences. The audiences were selected for their influence on other people as well as their interest in and ability to afford a pe rformance electric car. All of the segments listed appreciate appeals to exclusivity. Corporate Executives Based in Eastern CanadaWho they are: ; Live and work in Toronto or Montreal ; Earn over $250,000 annually ; Canada's â€Å"Top 40 Under 40† ; Often in the technology sector ; Show you are ahead of the curve; go green by driving a Taste Roadster ; Taste Motors' cars blend style, acceleration, and handling with advanced technologies that make them the quickest and the most energy-efficient cars on the planet. Tesla Motors Andrew Martin COMM 336 Informative Paper 4/4/2013 Tesla Motors Tesla Motors is a car company that designs, manufactures and sells electric vehicles. This public company was founded in 2003 by Ian Wright, JB Straubel, Marc Tarpenning, Martin Eberhard and most notably Elon Musk. Its headquarters is located in Palo Alto, California, with its main production plant in Fremont, California. The company was named after Nikola Tesla, a renowned electrical engineer and physicist. Its goal is to increase the number of EV’s (Electric Vehicles) available to the market to help make it more mainstream.Currently, Tesla motors have produced two models, the Tesla Roadster and the Model S, and has unveiled a third, the Model X. In the Future, the company plans to produce family-sized minivans, electric SUV crossovers, and electric fleet vans for municipal governments. Other business includes collaborations with other companies such as Toyota, Mercedes, Daimler, Freightliner Trucks and Panasonic. Although the company has earned much success, it has hit its share of bumps along the way such as lawsuits, recalls and founder disputes.The company began when two teams wanted to start an electric car company and since their goals were similar, they joined forces to better their chances of success. The most famous of these entrepreneurs, and one of the most important and iconic figures to the company, is Elon Musk. His success began with his first company Zip2, which was bought out by Compaq for $304 million. Then he co-founded what eventually became PayPal, which was bought out for $1. 5 billion by Ebay.Elon co-founded a third company named SpaceX in 2002 where he is currently the CEO and CTO. SpaceX is a shipping company, in that it ships cargo with huge Falcon 9 rockets into space, supplying NASA’s cargo to the International Space Station. This leads us to his co-founding of Tesla Motors, where he oversaw the company’s first car, the Tesla Roadster and eventually took the position of CEO. Tesla Motors is not the first car company to produce pure EVs. In fact, EVs have been around since the 1800’s and outnumbered combustion engine vehicles.Since then, combustion cars held the market and EVs were for the most part out of the automobile scene until the 1900s. GM and several other car companies produced experimental EV’s in limited numbers but their motives were self serving, including fulfilling government emission mandates. GM’s EV1 was leased only and were crushed after the lease was up 3 years later. EV’s first found a foothold in the auto market with the introduction of the hybrids. Toyota’s Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid gasoline electric car, which was introduced to the global market in 2001.To date, the Prius has sold over 2. 5 million cars worldwide and is the world’s best selling hybrid. Since then, many other companies have produced their own versions of hybrids such as the Chevy Vol t, and the Nissan Leaf, the world’s top selling EV. From the start, the Tesla Motor company has had a strategy for entering the market as an EV auto maker. It is difficult enough to start a new car company without a long built reputation, but to enter a new and uncharted market is bold and very risky.To do this, Tesla first would build a sports car with low production numbers in order to prove their technology. Next, they would shift do to luxury models that are more affordable and their last step is to build affordable EVs to compete with economy cars already on the market. In 2008, Tesla Motors started selling its first EV, the Tesla Roadster, which was just a Lotus Elise with a Tesla electric drive system. It was designed to compete with other sports cars in its price range.Not only was it Tesla Motors first production vehicle, it was the first highway-capable all-electric vehicle in serial production for sale in the US, and the first production car to use lithium-ion batt eries, allowing it also to be the first all-electric car to have a range greater than 200 miles per charge. Its 288HP electric engine allows it to accelerate 0-60 in just 3. 7 seconds. This power has allowed it to win the Monet Carlo Alternative Energy Rally and the Federation Inernationale di I’Automobile. The EPA rates the Roadsters range at 244 miles but at 25mph, it can accomplish 300 miles, the urrent distance record for a production EV. Production ceased in 2012 and over 2,250 Roadsters have been sold worldwide. Tesla’s next move was to build a more practical 4 door sedan for a broader market. These would be built at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. Unlike the Tesla Roadster, the entire car would be built at the factory rather than just putting a motor in an existing car. The Model S is the first production car to come out of the newly purchased factory and deliveries began in June of 2012. Three packages are available, with the Performance package boast ing 420 hp and an EPA range of 265 miles.Although the car weighs over 2 tons, its low center of gravity allows for excellent handling and because it’s driven by an electric motor with no gear box, it can still accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4. 4 seconds. Another difference of the Model S over the Roadster is its charging ability. An optional supercharger can add 150 miles of range in just 30 minutes and can fully charge the cars battery in just one hour. Tesla is adding Supercharging stations across the country and is free to use for Tesla owners. These Supercharging stations are solar powered and any extra power is fed back into the grid.From a normal 110V/12A outlet, one our adds 5 miles of range and from a 220V/40A oulet, one our adds 31 miles of range. The Model S has received much appraise and has one several rewards including 6 Car of the Year Awards. The Model S starts at just $62,000 for the basic model and its top model costs $87,400 USD. In 2014, the Tesla Factor wi ll start full production of its second EV, the Model X. This model is an SUV with several innovations and some impressive performance. First, it doesn’t have side mirrors but instead uses cameras to reduce its coefficient of drag, making it more aerodynamic.Next, it has uses hinged falcon-wing doors, allowing easier access for rear passengers. The performance model has two motors, allowing for four-wheel drive and accelerates from 0 to 60 in just 4. 4 seconds. Its range is similar to the Models S and is said to be 270 miles. Although it weighs 10% more, it shares 60% of the Model S components including its 17† touchscreen control panel, but unlike the Model S, it has two touchscreens on the steering wheel for multi-function control. In order to build its EVs, Tesla Motors first needed to find a place to build its line of cars.It first planned to build a factory in Albuquerque, New Mexico but was canceled and a factory in San Jose, California was also canceled due to cos t. Fortunately, the economy went south in 2008 and the NUMMI plant occupied by both GM and Toyota was abandoned. In 2010, Tesla Motors purchased the factory building for $42 million. Most of the 370-acre facility is unused and the only activity seen is the Tesla Factory’s production of the Model S. Not only did Tesla acquire the 5,500,000-square-foot main building, but they also acquired over $17 million in manufacturing equipment and parts, making the start-up cost of Tesla Motors less.Currently, around 1,000 workers are employed at the factory, producing 20,000 vehicles a year. Along with its own line of vehicles, Tesla Motors also has several collaborations with some well known company’s. Daimler’s Mercedes line had Tesla build electric powertrain components for its A-Aclass E-Cell, which has a 124 mile range. Only 500 of these cars were built in Europe to test the market. Another project Tesla is currently working on for Daimler is the power train for the Sm art Fortwo vehicle. In July of 2010, Toyota announced that it would be working with Tesla Motors to produce an electric version of the RAV4.Toyota converted 35 RAV4s for evaluation, using the power pack from Tesla’s Model S and powertrain components. Freightliner Trucks are also working with Tesla, using their battery packs for their Custom Chassis Electric Van. At Tesla, workers have passion for doing the right thing for the world. People are overworked and underpaid, but are endlessly fueled by a desire to tackle one of the most important challenges society has ever faced, protecting the planet. Giving future generations a good place to live is important to everyone at Tesla, unlike some other companies.One example was GM’s EV-1 electric car, which was built in the late 1990s. GM didn’t build an EV-1 to help the planet, but rather to fulfill a California mandate for a zero-emission vehicle. After fulfilling this mandate, all EV-1s were repossessed from lease a nd most were crushed. Unlike GMs self sabotaged EV-1, Tesla’s Model S and other models are out to create a paradigm shift and it all starts with the corporate culture. Tesla’s internal communication mediums include phones, pagers, video networking, email and everything a normal office would expect to have.A less obvious, but perhaps the most important type of internal communication is person to person. Tesla’s offices allow for this by leaving the office open. Different teams are all in the same room, so that communication is done on a personal level from one department to another. This open environment office space approach helps the synergy of the entire Tesla team. Being a high tech auto company, Tesla also communicates externally by all the ways a tech company should. Their website includes a forums section that allows owners and non owners to make posts and comments on a number of Tesla topics.This is a way for customers and enthusiast to communicate with t he company directly on the site. Tesla also keeps a blog on their site to keep the community up to date with the company. Along with their website, Tesla also has a Twitter, Google+, Facebook and Vimeo pages. Tesla also has the ability to directly communicate with their cars aswell. When a new firmware version comes out for the car, it can automatically download and update the new firmware. In one case, a Telsa customer was trying to charge his car at one of Tesla’s super chargers but the car would not charge.The owner called Tesla and they were able to send a firmware update within an hour, which fixed the problem. Another public relation strategy is to off the superchargers free to Tesla costumers for life. Some of the communication challenges for Tesla have been the negative media about the company. One incident included a lawsuit with the BBCs popular auto show called â€Å"Top Gear. † Tesla’s Roadster was featured in an episode and it was written in the scr ipt for the car to rail. Overall, the episode put down the car in a negative way.Tesla Motors took them to court but the case was not successful for Tesla. Another incident was a NYT reporter giving the car a negative review. In defense, Tesla released data to compare what the journalist said and how the car was actually driven. In the end, the journalist was discredited. In general, Tesla Motors and its vehicles have a very positive public relationship. Before the Model S was released to customers with reservations, Tesla held events that would allow customers to test drive the car in order to ease the tension of eager clients.These events were also good opportunities for reporters to get a look at the new EV. Since then, there have also been many other events, showcasing the car. Elon Musk and other important head figures of the company often speak at these events. Other positive publicity and exposure has been done though the media. The National Geographics Channel had an episode of â€Å"Megafactories Supercars† covering the Tesla Factory as it produces the Model S. Another popular outlet for Tesla media are videos available on sites such as Vimeo and Youtube and the Tesla website.

Thanksgiving in Germany

Thanksgiving in Germany Various cultures and nationalities celebrate a successful harvest every fall and the festivities usually involve both religious and non-religious elements. On the one hand, people offer prayerful thanks for a fruitful growing season, for enough food to survive the winter, for their community’s health and well-being, and then add their sincere desire to renew their good fortune in the coming spring. On the other hand, people also delight in having crops of fruits, grains, and vegetables to trade for non-agricultural goods that make their lives more bearable. People worldwide, especially those involved in agriculture, share these common elements after the growing season. German Thanksgiving, das Erntedankfest In Germany, Thanksgiving- (â€Å"das Erntedankfest,† i.e.,Thanksgiving Harvest Festival)- is strongly entrenched in German culture. Erntedankfest is usually observed on the first Sunday of October (04 October 2015 this year), although the timing is not hard and fast nationwide. For example, in many of the wine regions (there are a lot of them in Germany), vintners are more likely to celebrate Erntedankfest in late November after the grape harvest. Regardless of the timing, Erntedankfest is usually more religious than non-religious. At their core and despite their renowned scientific, engineering, and technological wizardry, Germans are very, very close to Mother Nature (â€Å"naturnah†), so, while the economic benefits of a bountiful harvest are always well received, Germans never forget that, without the beneficial guiding force of nature, the harvest would not have gone as well. As one would expect, Erntedankfest, whenever it takes place, includes the usual community events of preachers’ homilies reminding listeners that, whatever their successes, they didn’t achieve it on their own, of colorful parades meandering through the city center, of the selection and crowning of a local beauty as harvest queen, and, of course, of lots of food, music, drink, dancing, and generally enthusiastic revelry. In some of the larger towns, fireworks displays are not uncommon.   Since Erntedankfest stems from both rural and religious roots, some other traditions should interest you. Churchgoers load freshly harvested crops such as fruits, vegetables, and their byproducts, e.g., bread, cheese, etc., as well as canned goods, into sturdy baskets, much like picnic baskets, and take them to their church in mid-morning. Following the Erntedankfest service, the preacher blesses the food and the parishioners  Mohnstriezel distribute it to the poor. Local craftsmen and craftswomen make large, colorful wreaths from wheat or maize to display on one’s door, and they also fashion crowns of various sizes to mount on buildings and to carry in their parades. In many towns and villages, children equipped with lanterns go from house to house in the evening (â€Å"der Laternenumzug†). After the public events, individual families gather at home to enjoy a celebratory meal, often one that has been influenced by American and Canadian traditions. Who hasn’t seen treacly American films of extended families traveling great distances to be together on Thanksgiving? Fortunately, this sentimental aspect of Thanksgiving hasn’t yet polluted German Erntedankfest. The most prominent North American influence and, to many people, particularly those who favor the turkey’s abundance of white meat, the most welcome influence is the growing preference for a roasted turkey (â€Å"der Truthahn†), rather than a roasted goose (â€Å"die Gans†). Turkeys are much leaner, and, consequently, somewhat drier, while a well roasted goose is certainly more savory. If the family cook knows what s/he’s doing, a good six-kilo goose is probably the tastier choice; however, geese have a lot of fat. That fat should be drained, saved, and used to pan-fry sliced potatoes a few days later, so be prepared. Some families have their own traditions and serve duck, rabbit, or roast (pork or beef) as the main course. I’ve even enjoyed a truly magnificent carp (a scale from which I still have in my wallet as protection against poverty). Many such meals feature the superb Mohnstriezel, a sweet braided bun originating in Austria, containing poppy seeds, almonds, lemon rind, raisins, etc. Regardless of the main dish, the side dishes, which are invariably regional, are always incredibly tasty and unique. The main thing to remember about Erntedankfest is that the food and the drink are merely the background. The Erntedankfest’s real stars are â€Å"die Gemà ¼tlichkeit, die Kameradschaft, und die Agape† (the cosiness, the camaraderie, and the agape [the love of God for man and of man for God]).

Tiresias in Ovids Metamorphoses

Tiresias in Ovids Metamorphoses Tiresias was a mythological blind seer who plays a significant role in Greek tragedy involving the House of Thebes. Shakespeares comedy Midsummer Nights Dream, Boccaccios Decameron, Chaucers Canterbury Tales, the Thousand and One Arabian Nights, and Ovids Metamorphoses are among the most famous collections of stories in which one story surrounds another. The outer stories provide little more than a framework or rationale for the more interesting, frequently bawdy, shenanigans within. The frame of Ovids Metamorphoses is a history of events from the days of creation to Ovids present, but with a twist: All stories told must involve physical transformations (metamorphoses). Verifiably historical figures are limited to the emperors Julius and Augustus whose transformations are from mortals to gods. Other transformed figures come from Greco-Roman myth and legend. The House of Thebes Book Three of Ovids Metamorphoses relates the story of the House of Thebes but not in a straightforward chronological manner. Instead, there are digressions and inset stories. Members of the House of Thebes include: Cadmus: Cadmus created the sown men (Spartans) by sowing dragons teeth. He is the founder of Thebes.Oedipus: An oracle warned Oedipus parents that their baby would grow up to murder his father and marry his mother. The parents thought they had had their baby killed, but he was saved and lived to carry out the prophecy.Dionysus: Dionysus was a god who made mortals see things other than as they really were. In this way he caused one of his unbelievers to be torn apart by his own mother.Semele: Semele was the mother of Dionysus, but when she asked Zeus, her mate, to reveal himself in his full glory, it was too much for her and she burned up. Zeus snatched the unborn Dionysus and sewed him into his thigh. The Story of Tiresias One of the important peripheral figures in the House of Thebes legends is the blind seer Tiresias, whose  story, Ovid is introduced in Metamorphoses Book Three. Tiresias tale of woe and transformation began when he separated two mating snakes for no apparent reason. Instead of poisoning Tiresias with indignant viper venom, the snakes magically transformed him into a woman. Tiresias  wasnt too happy with their new transgendered metamorphoses  but lived as a woman for seven years before figuring out a technique that would either kill her or reverse the operation. Since striking the snakes had worked before, she tried it again. It worked, and he became a man again, but unfortunately, his life story came to the attention of two of the most contentious of the Olympians, Juno (Hera for the Greeks) and her husband Jupiter (Zeus for the Greeks). A Womans Pleasure Juno claimed she was doing little more than servicing Jupiter, while Jupiter claimed he wasnt getting enough bang for his buck, so to speak. Like a bolt of lightning, inspiration hit the thunder god. He would consult the one person who could resolve their argument. Only Tiresias knew both sides of the coupling argument. Tiresias didnt have much choice this time. He had to answer. Jupiter was right, he said. The pleasure woman derives from sex is greater. Juno was outraged. In her anger, she made the man blind, but Jupiter, gratified, rewarded Tiresias with the power of seeing the future. Other Legends of Tiresias Tiresias appears in the Oedipus legends and dramas, including Euripides Bacchae, and in Odysseus underworld adventure, but in Ovids Metamorphoses, he shares his gift in two additional, transformational stories, those of Narcissus and Echo, and Bacchus and Pentheus.

The Difference Between a Cation and an Anion

The Difference Between a Cation and an Anion Cations and anions are both ions. The difference between a cation and an anion is the net electrical charge of the ion. Ions are atoms or molecules which have gained or lost one or more valence electrons, giving the ion a net positive or negative charge. If the chemical species has more protons than electrons, it carries a net positive charge. If there are more electrons than protons, the species has a negative charge. The number of neutrons determines the isotope of an element  but does not affect the electrical charge. Cation Versus Anion Cations are ions with a net positive charge. Cation Examples: Silver: AgHydronium: H3OAmmonium: NH4 Anions are ions with a net negative charge. Anion Examples: Hydroxide anion: OH-Oxide anion: O2-Sulfate anion: SO42- Because they have opposite electrical charges, cations and anions are attracted to each other. Cations repel other cations and anions repel other anions. Predicting Cations and Anions Sometimes, you can predict whether an atom will form a cation or an anion based on its position on the periodic table. Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals always  form cations. Halogens always form anions. Most other nonmetals typically form anions (e.g. oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur), while most metals form cations (e.g. iron, gold, mercury). Writing Chemical Formulas When writing the formula of a compound, the cation is listed before the anion. For example, in NaCl, the sodium atom acts as the cation, while the chlorine atom acts as the anion. When writing cation or anion symbols, the element symbol(s) is listed first. The charge is written as a superscript following the chemical formula.

Professional statement Personal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Professional - Personal Statement Example During my third year in nursing school, in 2007, I became a patient care associate at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on ACE Unit. After graduating from nursing school, I was employed as a Registered Nurse in 2008 on the same unit. I worked hard to become a charge nurse, a preceptor and later attained an ACLS certification on my Unit. I am an active member of the cultural diversity committee and an active member of the ambulation program initiation on my Unit. According to Barker (45), a nurse has to acquire knowledge through continuous learning. I took the Basic Arrhythmia Course, the Medical, Surgical nurse certification review course, and I am a board certified gerontological registered nurse. I have completed 34 credits at graduate level in my Adult Nurse Practitioner program at La sale University. In addition, I completed 250 hours clinical orientation as a NP student at three different sites: Einstein Medical Center, Park pleasant with the ACE Unit attending medical doctor and Philadelphia Prison system. I have worked with UPHS, which values patient safety. Patient safety goals are studies by safety officers within an organization and throughout the world. I plan to suggest to the patient safety committee to make it compulsory that pharmacists evaluate a patient’s

The evolution of the black church Research Paper

The evolution of the black church - Research Paper Example For the purpose of the study, details of the history will start after the American Revolution, an era where the slavery was abolished. By 1810 slaves were totally free; the slave trade in America ended, and a large native born population of African Americans began to increase. This freedom allowed the African-Americans to blend together, to preserve their cultures and to transform their religious beliefs and practices. This period also coincided with the revival of religious evangelization wherein many slaves were converted to evangelical religions like Baptists and Methodists. Evangelists encouraged the message of hope and salvation to the slaves, and advocated the idea that all Christians are equal in the eyes of God. The teachings of the scriptures appealed to the slaves because it inspired them towards hope and salvation and were particularly interested in the stories of deliverance from slavery of Moses’ Exodus out of Egypt. The Africans also found worships that were sim ilar to their own such as clapping, dancing, loud singing and evil spirit possession. Still, whites and the clergy kept on preaching the message of obedience and used Bible stories to justify slavery, and promoted the idea that they will be rewarded after life if they remain loyal and hard-working slaves. The blacks were not allowed to attend church worships independently by their masters for fear that they would plot rebellion. The blacks however were treated differently inside the church.

The importance of Spiritual Care in the Nursing Practice Essay

The importance of Spiritual Care in the Nursing Practice - Essay Example Through nurse education, students can develop spiritual self-awareness and be more apt to provide sensitive, spiritual care for other as they advance through development as a nurse (Shores, 2010). The purpose of this paper is to identify the importance of nurse education on spiritual care. Using critical inquiry, I will identify personal beliefs, assumptions and meaning on the subject while analyzing the importance of this care in practice. My spiritual development has been ongoing and will continue to be a component of my nurse education. I recognize that before I can begin to address the spiritual needs of patients’, I first need to address my own. I identify spirituality is an inner path enabling me as a person to discover my deepest values and beliefs; the ones in which I live by. Although I am not Christian, I continue to explore my spirituality and beliefs through Catholicism. I believe in one God made up of three persons and that Jesus Christ is his son. I believe the b ible is The Word of God written by men inspired by him. I believe in his virtues of honesty, truthfulness, respect, compassion, love, joy and more. I am a spiritual person inspired by his righteousness to be the best that I can be to do good as a person. In nurse education patient-care is much more than disease management; it involves the needs of the whole person; mind, body and soul. Addressing the patients’ spirituality should be a routine part of nursing care for many reasons. The first being that, religious beliefs and spiritual needs are common amongst patients, second, spiritual beliefs influence medical decisions, third, there is a relationship between spirituality and health, and the last, supporting a patients’ spirituality can enrich the nurse-patient relationship. Spiritual development is an ongoing, component of overall learning. Identifying student perspectives of these areas of spirituality can further their educational journey (Shores, 2010) Students ca n incorporate spirituality into their practice by assessing their personal values, beliefs. By doing so students are able to identify their own personal biases and assumptions and by incorporating a knowledge base of ethical practices outline by their institutions, legislation and professional practice guidelines. Ultimately, incorporating spiritual care in a patients practice can be identified by taking a patient’s history. Spiritual history gives insight to a patients’ value and belief systems and can be helpful identify spiritual distress. Spiritual history recognizes patients’ sources of hope, strength and comforts in the healing environment. Spirituality is generic Spirituality in nursing has two sides to it. One, spirituality observed by the nurse and the other, spiritual inclination of the patient. Therefore, a nurse has not only to be spiritual but also respectful of the religious beliefs of her patients. Only then, spirituality in nursing becomes wholes ome. It is strange that while religiousness is associated with well-being in health, nursing discourse involved in health care, has not attached much importance to spirituality that is concomitant with

Key Strengths Related to Potential Employment Options Essay - 181

Key Strengths Related to Potential Employment Options - Essay Example Civil engineering is a dynamic field with new information being introduced every day. It is important for a person in the field to focus on finding new information and employing them in becoming competitive in the job market. As a result, when I go to work in a particular place either on a voluntary program or internship, I try to learn from the experiences in the place. Consequently, reading books and some modern literature have helped me in improving on my strengths. I am a creative individual and seeking new alternatives to solve problems is always my ambition. Creativity has helped me become an outstanding individual in my field of study and various engagements. Ideally, I always employ the art of creativity to introduce new ideas that can ensure efficiency and effectiveness. While working as an intern in an electricity station, I managed to introduce new steps in checking the electrical devices and instruments within the organization. For example, I developed an automated model that determined if there were faults in the system. I have tried to improve on this strength by ensuring that I constantly and progressively provide solutions to problems and dealing with inefficiencies. Taking control and being assertive are some of the areas that require attention as I move through my career journey. Working as a civil engineer is marred by certain complexities and a person needs to take charge and push the ideas that are crucial for success. My desire is to become assertive in every instance by proposing solutions and ideas that provoke positive outcomes. Being timid and less assertive cannot make an individual succeed in different situations. To achieve this, I intend to participate in many events and read some books that provide directions on how people can be assertive and take control of situations as well as circumstances.

Success and Excellence in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Success and Excellence in Business - Essay Example Among the most basic objectives of any business organization today is to at least achieve unity among its members. This is a very difficult endeavor especially now that diversity is not only recognized, but a reality that pervades every aspect of people’s lives. Latent characteristics such as race, gender, age, geographic, and even value differences make unity difficult, if not entirely remote. The urgency of achieving unity while, at the same time, recognizing diversity, is a challenge that was already recognized in Senge’s analysis of business organizations as being led by the â€Å"new leader†. In his analysis, he showed how they should adapt to the systems thinking model to achieve unity. Focus was given to organizational unity because it is through unity that the organization achieves order, and with order comes efficient and effective operations—both in production and human resource management.The new leader in the contemporary business organization must first recognize the presence of diversity. It is through recognition that the leader can get a better and more holistic â€Å"picture† of the organization’s nature and dynamics. This means that new leaders must ‘see interrelationships, not things, and processes, not snapshots†. This description is expressive of the nature in which managers have always assessed their organizations: objective, segmented, and too much attention to detail. While these aspects are also important in implementing business.... imulating creativeness in the organization's human resource; (4) observing humane and proper business practices; and (5) running the business for the sake of society's development and progress. Among the most basic objectives of any business organization today is to at least achieve unity among its members. This is a very difficult endeavor especially now that diversity is not only recognized, but a reality that pervades every aspect of people's lives. Latent characteristics such as race, gender, age, geographic, and even value differences make unity difficult, if not entirely remote. The urgency of achieving unity while, at the same time, recognizing diversity, is a challenge that was already recognized in Senge's (1990) analysis of business organizations as being led by the "new leader" (manager). In his analysis, he showed how 'new leaders' should adapt to the systems thinking model to achieve unity. Focus was given to organizational unity because it is through unity that the organization achieves order, and with order comes efficient and effective operations-both in production and human resource management. The new leader in the contemporary business organization must first recognize the presence of diversity. It is through recognition that the leader can get a better and more holistic "picture" of the organization's nature and dynamics. This means that new leaders must 'see interrelationships, not things, and processes, not snapshots" (15). This description is expressive of the nature in which managers have always assessed their organizations: objective, segmented, and too much attention to detail. While these aspects are also important in implementing business, particularly in the organization's operations, it is important for managers to have a strong

Reflection 5 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection 5 - Research Paper Example There are however industries/businesses that will be immediately and severely affected with this crisis. In particular, banks will be the first hit because they adopt a cautionary stance in lending out money because they are uncertain if borrowers can repay given the current dismal economic condition. Second is the housing industry. A home is the single largest investment that an individual will make and it is very unlikely that an individual will make his or her largest investment during a crisis. Without a market or having a market that is overly cautious, housing industry will surely contract. Third are the manufacturing companies who needs infusion of capital to finance its fix assets for expansion. As lending institutions are in doubt of the economy’s future, they will be heistant to lend money to industries. The manufacturing industry in effect will not have enough funds to finance its expansion resulting for it to contract. 2. Giving the current trend both in the US and Canada where consumers eating habits are changing, both food manufacturers and grocery stores has to adjust. For food manufacturers, they have to realize the increasing preference of consumers towards discounts and buying in scale to save money. Such, they may want to reconsider their packaging that would accommodate the increasing preference for scale and value. For grocery stores, they now have to reconfigure their service to include delivery as consumers now are preferring to have their groceries delivered to save on gas. 3. There is an increasing trend for consumers to use social media. Research showed that adults spend at least six hours per week in social media and this would continue in the future. Such, marketers may want to adjust their marketing plans and diversify to non-traditional media such as social media (facebook, twitter, etch) to capture the market to are frequenting these sites. Also the trend in technology purchases such as smartphones may

Success and Excellence in Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Success and Excellence in Business - Essay Example Among the most basic objectives of any business organization today is to at least achieve unity among its members. This is a very difficult endeavor especially now that diversity is not only recognized, but a reality that pervades every aspect of people’s lives. Latent characteristics such as race, gender, age, geographic, and even value differences make unity difficult, if not entirely remote. The urgency of achieving unity while, at the same time, recognizing diversity, is a challenge that was already recognized in Senge’s analysis of business organizations as being led by the â€Å"new leader†. In his analysis, he showed how they should adapt to the systems thinking model to achieve unity. Focus was given to organizational unity because it is through unity that the organization achieves order, and with order comes efficient and effective operations—both in production and human resource management.The new leader in the contemporary business organization must first recognize the presence of diversity. It is through recognition that the leader can get a better and more holistic â€Å"picture† of the organization’s nature and dynamics. This means that new leaders must ‘see interrelationships, not things, and processes, not snapshots†. This description is expressive of the nature in which managers have always assessed their organizations: objective, segmented, and too much attention to detail. While these aspects are also important in implementing business.... imulating creativeness in the organization's human resource; (4) observing humane and proper business practices; and (5) running the business for the sake of society's development and progress. Among the most basic objectives of any business organization today is to at least achieve unity among its members. This is a very difficult endeavor especially now that diversity is not only recognized, but a reality that pervades every aspect of people's lives. Latent characteristics such as race, gender, age, geographic, and even value differences make unity difficult, if not entirely remote. The urgency of achieving unity while, at the same time, recognizing diversity, is a challenge that was already recognized in Senge's (1990) analysis of business organizations as being led by the "new leader" (manager). In his analysis, he showed how 'new leaders' should adapt to the systems thinking model to achieve unity. Focus was given to organizational unity because it is through unity that the organization achieves order, and with order comes efficient and effective operations-both in production and human resource management. The new leader in the contemporary business organization must first recognize the presence of diversity. It is through recognition that the leader can get a better and more holistic "picture" of the organization's nature and dynamics. This means that new leaders must 'see interrelationships, not things, and processes, not snapshots" (15). This description is expressive of the nature in which managers have always assessed their organizations: objective, segmented, and too much attention to detail. While these aspects are also important in implementing business, particularly in the organization's operations, it is important for managers to have a strong

Singapore Airline Essay Example for Free

Singapore Airline Essay Singapore Airline has been widely acknowledged as well known brand name in the aviation industry since it was established in 1947, particularly in term of safety, innovation and excellent services. Due to the route network spans over 93 cities in more than 38 countries (singaporeair.com) with the most modern fleet in the industry, in addition to Star Alliance member airlines to co-operate with more than 20 international airlines over the world, Singapore Airline has provided the best services to its customer and built the strong brand in their mind. For over 38 years independent existence since it was separated form alliance Malayan Airway Limited in 1972, Singapore Airlines has continuously developed and rapidly become one of the great airlines of the World based on the superior values and the specific culture that it dedicates to customer. Besides, through the provided services, SIA has impressed in customer’s mind by its creativity, diversity and continuous improvement; throughout it could satisfy better the customer’s demand as well gaining the certain competitive advantages in the target market. However, during the history, SIA sometime had to face certain problems that came from itself and negative effects from external environment (inflation, crisis economy, etc.) as well. Especially, during and after the difficult economic situation when Sars outbreak in 2003 and economic crisis in Middle East in the same year, the relationship between the group management and the labor unions in internal organisation began to sour, particularly after the wage-cuts and lay-offs of over 400 employees. In fact, this was regarded as the highest number of lay-offs in the history of Singapore Airline. In order to archive its goals today as one of the world’s leading carries, Singapore Airline underwent the long history with the point of time as follow: The history of SIA started in April 1947, when the first flight of SIA took off from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia. At that time, SIA was known under the name Malayan Airways. In 1963, when Federation of Malaysia was formed, SIA was renamed Malaysian Airways. Three years later, 1966, when Singapore was separated from the federation, SIA became Malaysia-Singapore Airlines (MSA). In 1972, it was split up from Malaysian Airways and keep operating under the brand name Singapore Airline till now. In 1986, â€Å"Singapore Girl† with the uniform of sarong kebaya was  born. This figure has become the famous icon of SIA that is a figure of a beautiful girl in the oriental scent, elegant and friendly, warm and full of empathy like the culture that SIA always tries to dedicate into customers. In 1990s, 2000s, SIA had expanded its route networks with more aircrafts: 22 B747-400s and 30 A340-300s in 1994, 77 B777s in 1995, and 10 A340-500 in 1998, 19 A380s 20 more B777-200s in 2001 (Singapore Airlines). In 2004, SIA opened the worlds longest non-stop commercial flight: Singapore to New York and Singapore to Los Angeles. In 2007, SIA made another record with the world’s largest commercial plane – A380. Nowadays, because of the route network spans 93 destinations in more than 38 countries with the most modern fleet in the industry, SIA has a strong presence in the South East Asian region, which together with its subsidiary SilkAir, connects Singapore with more international destinations in the region than any other South East Asian airline (singaporeair.com).

Strategic Management And Decision Making

Strategic Management And Decision Making When the benefits of actions are predictable, when the forces or variables that drives the firm are known and move in deterministic manner, when the deviations arent high , one can easily use standard decision making optimization techniques. But when the situations are unpredictable, forces are unknown and move in unpredictable and non-linear manner, and then optimization principles will not help much. And this is what we are facing today. The utter necessity of tactical, operational and strategic approach is the solution to such dynamic situations that can be achieved through making important decisions strategically. CHARACTERISTICS AND APPROCHES TO STRATEGIC DECSION MAKING Unlike routine decisions, strategic decisions are highly substantial and significant that has pervasive and long term effect on an organization life. Such decisions must have following characteristics to be considered as a direction for future actions throughout an organization, these are: Rare: Strategic decisions are rare and unusual and do not have any example or model to follow. Consequential: Since strategic decisions are substantial, therefore its demands lot of dedication from people at all levels. Percussive: Good strategic decisions serve as a role model and set standards for upcoming decisions in future. Also as stated by Cyert and March(1963) that in established organization, the scope for decision making is limited by prior decision, either explicit or implicit, as well as being limited by morally committed to resources and departments etc. According to Thompsons (1967) decisions has 2 major dimensions i.e. preference about possible outcomes and cause and effect relations. And the degree of certainty and uncertainty is defined by causation and outcome preference, as shown in figure below: Fig.1 Situation Certainty Uncertainty Certain Computational Compromise Uncertain Judgmental Inspirational Computational Decision Making: Computational decisions are the outcomes of linear relation between causation and preferred outcomes. For examples, if company wishes to increase its sales by 2%, it must increase its advertisement by 4% , and for 4% sales, it must increase advertisement by 8%, knowing linear relation exists between cause and effect. Thus increasing advertisement increase sales by double and this is called programmed decisions by Simon(1997). Judgmental Decision Making: It occurs when cause and effect relation is uncertain, but outcome preference is certain. For examples a company targets to increase its sales by 2% for the coming year, but is uncertain about how to much increase advertisement to reach such target. So some kind of experienced powerful individual of committee with high intuition is required for effective decisions. Compromise Decision making: Compromise decisions are the outcomes of situations where there is certainty about causation and uncertainty about preferred outcomes. From previous examples, if company knows from its historical data that for every 2% increase in sales, the advertising must be increased by double, this is causation certainty, but there is uncertainty about achieving desired goals with respect to increase in sales. Inspirational Decision Making: Such decisions are the outcomes of both uncertainty about cause and effect as well aS preferred outcomes. For an instance, a company isnt sure that how much advertising percent be increased to get certain percent of sales increment. So for such cases a entrepreneurial mode or well planned mode is required to make careful decisions. Because of uncertain business environment, decision makers face difficulty matching probability with outcomes, having many decision tools in hand. However, again despite of having such tools, lack of accuracy is also one of the biggest obstacles in making decisions strategically. In short we can summarize typical problems involved in strategic decision making are: Uncertainty: Dealing with excessive complexity and rapid changes Self-fulfilling prophecies: Coping with situations that external factors arent fixed, but are affected by decisions. Fragmentation: Working to connect regional functional groups. According to Mintzberg, there are different approaches to making strategic decisions, that could be done by one person or by team. Entrepreneurial Mode The strategy is developed by one individual with strong entrepreneurial capabilities, supported by the owners vision of direction. It is a good example of availing the available opportunities. Example AOL, Amazon.com. Adaptive Mode Unlike entrepreneurial mode, adaptive mode is the focus on the threats posed by external conditions, rather than search for opportunities. Planning Mode Planning mode is the combination of both entrepreneurial mode and adaptive mode, which consist of proactive search for opportunities and reactive solutions to current problems. It is a typical form of decision making where set alternatives strategies are presented and the best are chosen and implemented. Logical Incrementalism This philosophy of decision making is characterized by achieving organizational objectives by disseminating large organizational objectives into small steps for better focus. Though it is time consuming, but offers greater flexibility. STEPS IN STRATEIC DECISION MAKING PROCESS One of the distinguishing factor of strategic decisions from other decisions is context in which decision is made. The figure below represents this context in 3 Cs form i.e. Company, Competitor and Customer. This means that managers ( company) make decision within organizational context ,with influence from other players like customers and competitors .Thus we can say that managerial strategic decision is outcome of number of players like manager himself, customers, competitors, public, media etc. As we can also see from figure that many factors, both external and internal are involved in strategic decision making. There are modifiers, influencers, and controllers and so on that decides the viability of decision making. As mentioned before that most appropriate approach to strategic decision making is Planning mode, because it is more analytical, flexible in dealing with complex and changing environment, and consist of presenting set alternative strategies in response to solution for existing problems or looking for new opportunities. Following are the steps involved in strategic decision making process, shown in fig. 4 Evaluate current performance result: The first step in decision making is (a) evaluating current performance of the company in terms of various measuring tools of decision making i.e. NPV, ROI, profitability etc and (b) evaluating the current mission, vision, strategies and policies of the organization. Review corporate governance Assess the performance of the organizations board of directors and top management, and agency head. Scan and assess the external environment Analyze the external environment. i.e. Societal and Task environment, for opportunities and threats and weigh external strategic factors. Scan and assess the internal environment Analyze the internal environment i.e. organization Culture, Structure and Resources for example programs, IT needs, constraints and weigh strategic factors in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Analyze strategic (SWOT) factors Consider strategic factors in light of current department situation and review and revise the firms mission, vision, strategies and objectives. Generate, evaluate and select the best alternative strategy Keeping in view the previous step of analyzing strategic factors, operate and evaluate strategic alternatives and options and choose the best feasible options. Implement selected strategies Once the strategies are chosen, the next important step is to implement them keeping in considerations factors like budget, resources etc. Evaluate implemented strategies This is a very important step in decision making to check for any deviation from actual desired and pre- planned outcomes. CONCLUSION Strategic management is one of the very important areas in business environment and making decisions strategically is one of the biggest challenges in todays rapidly changing and complex environment. Strategic decision making is a process of generating alternatives and choosing the best feasible alternatives for achieving long run objectives of the organization. Good strategic decisions are rare, consequential and directive, that set standard for future actions. The context in which the decisions are made is very important, as mentioned; it is external players like customers, competitors, media etc along with internal input from managerial efforts that effect quality of decisions. And also it is very important to know how these factors influences the quality and effectiveness of strategic decision making and be proactive to convert threats into opportunities, rather than being re-active in finding solutions to current problems. REFERENCES http://www.dol.gov/cio/programs/ITStrategicPlan2006/decisionmakingprocess.jpg http://www.stratrisk.co.uk/about/execSummary/fig3x470x345.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_management http://books.google.ae/books?id=c35YVifvGekCprintsec=frontcoverdq=strategic+decision+makingsource=blots=EPD5PfXGS-sig=WcXC9bk8R0bxKf1TZpZriuic-Ashl=enei=kLUhTKazFsaLONHUiTosa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepageqf=false Raghbir S. Basi, University Professor of Management and Glenn and Eva Olds Professor of International Understanding, Alaska Pacific University, Anchorage, Alaska, Administrative decision making: a contextual analysis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_management#cite_note-79 Understanding Managers Strategic Decision-Making Process, WILIAM BOULDING ~ Fuqua S «hool of B «Ã‚ «siness, Duke Universitv Box 90121, Durham, NC 27708-1020 Retrived from URL : http://www.springerlink.com/content/rg6770h0148641l7/fulltext.pdf (Mulcaster, W.R. Three Strategic Frameworks, Business Strategy Series, Vol 10, No1, pp68 75, 2009) Our book Wheelen T.L ( ) and Hunger J. D Strategic Management and Business Policy Strategic decision making : Applying The Analytical Herarchical Process Navneet Bhushan and Kanwal Rai Retrieved from URL http://books.google.ae/books?id=c35YVifvGekCprintsec=frontcoverdq=strategic+decision+makingsource=blots=EPD5PfXGS-sig=WcXC9bk8R0bxKf1TZpZriuic-Ashl=enei=kLUhTKazFsaLONHUiTosa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CBYQ6AEwAA#v=onepageqf=false

Stuttering Will Not Crush My Dreams Essay -- Personal Narrative, essay

Today is the day of the oral report. Everyone in class has already made their presentation, so I no longer have an excuse for not sharing my material. I slowly raise my hand after the teacher asks if anyone else needs to do the oral. As I scoot the chair back to stand up, my ears begin to turn red hot. My uneasiness only gets worse when I sluggishly walk down the aisle towards the awaiting podium and start sweating on my hands and forehead. As I look up from the podium, I am startled by the forty pairs of unwavering eyes glaring at me, awaiting to be engrossed by my brilliance. I find myself having difficulty breathing, almost as if I have forgotten how to. I wipe the sweat off my brow, grab my index cards tightly, and open my mouth to speak. But the words just will not come out as I hit a stuttering block. Those same forty pairs of eyes are gazing at me in wonderment. I avoid their scowls by looking down at my index cards, held by my excessively sweaty hands. The class is remarkably silent, waiting for me to continue. I hastily glance upwards to discover forty increasingly impatient people. Nervously, I attempt to speak again, but again I block. I make a stronger effort to try to spit the words out, only to stutter. While many are able to relate to the distress involved in public speaking, issues faced by a person who stutters are unique. Anxiety of a stuttering block extends beyond the typical public speaking into the everyday world of phone conversations and ordering fast food. The anxiety I get during either of the two situations is tremendous. For example, if I am preparing to place a phone call or am waiting in line to order fast food, anxiety builds as I wonder whether I will stutter. This affects my decision-ma... ...e my fear of speaking, and, in addition, I became more social and outgoing. Ever since I took journalism, I have realized I do not have to hide the fact that I have a speech impediment. Contrarily, I have learned that I feel more comfortable with my audience, especially in a classroom situation, if I let the cat out of the bag before I spoke. By advertising my stuttering, I no longer feel as if I am running away or trying to hide my problems, and I find that my listeners tend to be more sympathetic to my disability. I have learned that self-acceptance has pushed me a long way in my struggle to discover who I am. No one is perfect, and everyone must realize their short-comings. But these must not get in the way of your goals in life. You must confront these obstacles head-on, learn to accept them, and to build from your broadened understanding of yourself.

Concepts Of Lifetime Fitness :: essays research papers

Concepts of Lifetime Fitness Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium in which the internal environment of the human body remains relatively constant.   Two excellent examples of homeostasis are how the body maintains a constant temperature and blood pressure during strenuous physical activity or exercise.   Although there are many other activities in the body that display homeostasis, I will only discuss these two.    Temperature in the human body is usually kept at approximately 37 degrees Celsius.   To maintain such a strict temperature, the body has a few functions to combat the outside elements.   People cannot make themselves cold as readily as make themselves hot, however I will mention both homeostasis functions.   When the external temperature decreases, a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus detects the drop by means of the blood.   To compensate, the brain sends chemical and electrical impulses to the muscles.   These impulses tell the muscles to begin to contract and relax at very high intervals.   This is commonly known as shivering.   The production of Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP in the mitochondria of the muscles produces heat.   If the body temperature does not rise immediately after this, then a second function begins. The brain will signal the blood vessels near the skin to constrict or narrow in diameter.   This occurs so the heat deep in the muscles is conserved.   Since the vessels are now smaller in diameter, less blood is needed to fill them.   Since less blood is needed through the vessels, the heart begins to slow.   If the body remains in this slowed state, hypothermia could result.   Hypothermia is the condition in which metabolic processes are inhibited.   The medical world has taken advantage of this by inducing hypothermia in patients that are undergoing organ transplants. To fight temperatures higher than normal, as in exercise or on hot days, the body reacts in the opposite way than with cold.   Again, the hypothalamus detects the change of temperature in the blood.   The brain signals blood vessels not to constrict, but to dilate.   This increases the diameter of the vessels, and results in the need for more blood. Since more blood is needed to fill the vessels, the heart pumps faster and that causes respiration to increase.   The increased respiration will make the body exhale some of the internal heat, like placing a fan in a window to cool a room.   The blood vessels are dilated so the heat deep in the muscles is easily released.   Another commonly known mechanism to fight heat is sweating.   Sweat glands found throughout the body are stimulated by the hypothalamus to excrete sweat and when the sweat evaporates,

How Organizations Can Learn from Failure Essay

Even though there is a no precise definition for failure in organizations, there is a general agreement to what failure means and could lead to. Failure is broadly defined as a condition of not meeting the intended objective or end. Failure could result in the depletion of finance, shrinking market, exit from the market, loss of market share, project failure and loss of legitimacy. We can assume that failure has negative consequences even though the final outcome may be positive, with firms learning from failure. Understanding the need for learning from failure is unquestionable; however it is tough for organizations to put this into practice. It is crucial that organizations understand failure and think about it in the right way before they can go about implementing procedures to prevent such failures from happening in the future. Learning from failure involves understanding that failure is not always bad and that learning from failure is no straightforward task. An organization cannot simply reflect on what they did wrong and expect to not make the same mistakes again. Organizations have to understand about the different degrees of failure which occur on a scale ranging from blameworthy to praiseworthy. They fall into three broad categories which are 1, failures which occur in predictable operations which could be prevented. 2, unavoidable failures which occur in complex organizations which can be managed to prevent snowballing. 3, unwanted outcomes†¦. To learn from failure, we require different strategies for each setting. It is key to detect them early, analyze failures with depth, develop hypothesis, experiments and projects to product them. In order to minimize failure employees first have to feel safe to report these failures. In the article titled strategies for learning from failure the author Amy C. Edmondson talks about http://hbr. org/2011/04/strategies-for-learning-from-failure/ar/1 First the organization has to go about understanding failure in the right way as well as all the possible side†¦ Important for managers to think about failure in the right way. Failure is not always bad. It is sometimes bad and sometimes inevitable and sometimes good. Learning from failure is not a straightforward task. The attitudes and activities required to effectively detect and analyze failures are in short supply in most companies and the need for context-specific learning strategies is underappreciated.? Organizations need new and better ways to go beyond lessons which are superficial( procedures which weren’t followed) or self serving ( The market just wasn’t ready for our great new product) That means jettisoning old cultural beliefs and stereotypical notions. The blame game? A spectrum of reasons for failure? http://www. uk. sagepub. com/upm-data/10989_Chapter_9. pdf Failing to learn from failure reasons? -Simply experiencing a negative event is not sufficient for learning. – Learning can be a complicated process, the acquisition of knowledge and the shifts in behavior must occur at all levels of a highly complex system. â€Å"Bazerman and Watkins (2004) contend that, when organizations fail to learn failures, they become susceptible to predictable surprises. What is the difference between predictable and unpredictable surprises? Predictable surprises occur when an organization leadership ignores or fails to understand clear evidence that a potentially devastating problem to occur. There are different sort of failures and not all failures are created equally. Bazerman and Watkins( 2004) identify four ways in which organizations fail to learn from failures that occur around them: Scanning Failures: failure to pay close attention to potential problems both inside and outside the organization; this failure could be due to arrogance, a lack of resources, or simple inattentions? Intergration failures: failure to understand how pieces of potentially complicated information fit together to provide lessons of how to avoid crises. 3. Incentive Failures: failure to provide sufficient rewards to people who report problems and take actions to avoid possible crises 4. Learning Failures: failure to draw important lessons from crises and preserve their memory in the organization Organizations who face these failures potentially could damage their organizational integrity. Eg Mitroff and Anagnos 2001, Managing Crises before they happen: what every manager needs to know about crisis management. 1982, Johnson and Johnson could respond to an external crisis with their product being linked to cyanide poisoning and thus the company responded quickly by pulling their stock of capsules from the shelves and having great PR work. J and J knew how to handle their PR well and their product managed to get back to the top seller. J and J however became a victim of its previous succ ess and had not done well with ‘Predictable surprises’ where crises occurred within the company. J and J had failed to do proper product scanning and had been a different sort of failure. failure of a different type? Failure of Success. Problem 1 and 4. Learning from failure: Sitkin 1996- Mittelstaedt (2005) – Failure is an essential part of learning for many organizations. Failures, should not be hidden or avoided. Making mistakes is essential to success, a company which appears to be free from disruption may be operating unrealistically and from a uniformed perspective. â€Å"learning to identify mistakes analytically and timely is the difference between failure and success. † Too often employees and managers are unwilling to admit small failures for fear of reprisal. The unwillingness to recognize and embrace failure is also a failure to recognize and respond to potential crises. The longer these small crises build up the higher likelihood it could escalate into a major crisis. In successful organizations, failure creates recognition of risk and a motivation for change that would not exist otherwise. Describes this recognition as a â€Å"learning readiness† without failure, very difficult to produce in most organizations. Sitkin cautions that not all failures are equally effective in fostering good risk management. Organizations learn best from intelligent failures, which have these characteristics, result from planned actions, uncertain outcomes, modest in scale, and take place in domains that are familiar enough to permit effective learning. Organizations need to recognize risks by accepting and acting on failures. Learn the best when failure results from competent actions, not major crises. Still within the comfort zone and employees are eager and experienced enough to respond. These opportunities arise: Vicarious Learning – learning that occurs as a function of observing, retaining and replicating behavior observed in others. Organizations need not fail as an entity in order to learn. Successful organizations engage in vicarious learning in order to recognize risk, organizational leaders observe the failures or crises experienced by similar organizations and take action to avoid making the same mistakes. Examples of Vicarious Learning- Give!!! Organizational memory: Without learning from their own and other’s mistakes organizations stagnate and fail to respond to potential threats in an ever-changing world. Learning has no use if the knowledge is not retained. An example of failure in organizational memory is the Union carbide plant in Bhopal, India in 1984. Early in December morning, the plant leaked a deadly cloud of gas that settled over part of the sleeping city of a million residents. Within two hours 2000 of them were dead with thousands left injured? Part of the reason for the disaster was a loss in organizational memory. The plant had been slated for closure and many experienced staff had been transferred out, leaving minimal crew with little work experience, with the training for remaining crew at a minimum. The crisis was traced to staff reductions and oversight failures. Much of the blame for the tragedy rests with a rapid reduction in experienced staff that took with them a large share of organizational memory. Organizational memory comprises of, a) Acquiring knowledge, done by recognizing failures within the organization and by observing failures of similar organizations. b) Distributing knowledge is the key to organizational memory. Highly experienced employees will leave the organization and these people should be given an opportunity to share their knowledge around or those departing personnel will go along with their experience. ) Acting upon knowledge, is important for organizational memory to serve an organization. New employees need to learn from those departing ones.! New employees cannot do things their own way or else it will lead to repeat failures†¦.!!!! Employees have many opportunities to discard the hard-earned knowledge. Because organizational memory depends on exchanging information from one person to another perception change , mistreatment and stubbornness to learn can disrupt preserving organizational memory. Organizations need to learn and build from previous experiences. Unlearning: Effective organizational learning depends on an organizations ability to unlearn practices and policies that have become outdated by environmental changes. Example of Unlearning 1. Expanding Options: When organizations are unwilling to forego routine procedures during crisis or potential crisis situations, they lose the capacity to react to unique circumstances. Unlearning enables the organization to expand its options. 2. Contracting Options: In some cases, organizations may respond to a crisis with a strategy that has worked well in the past. In the current situation, however, the strategy from the past may actually make matters worse. In such cases, organizations must be willing to reject some strategies in favor of others. 3. Grafting: In the previous section, we discussed the need for organizations to hand down existing knowledge to new employees. If the socialization of new employees is so intense that they cannot bring new knowledge to the organization, however, the organization is doing itself a disservice. Although organizational memory is essential, some degree of unlearning Opportunity 1: Organizations should treat failure as an opportunity to recognize a potential crisis or to prevent a similar crisis in the future. Opportunity 2: Organizations can avoid crises by learning from the failures and crises of other organizations. Opportunity 3: Organizational training and planning should emphasize the preservation of previous learning in order to make organizational memory a priority. Opportunity 4: Organizations must be willing to unlearn outdated or ineffective procedures if they are to learn better crisis management strategies Bazerman, M. H. & Watkins, M. D. (2004). Predictable surprises: The disasters you should have seen coming and how to prevent them. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. Huber, G. P. (1996). Organizational learning: The contributing processes and the literatures. In M. D. Cohen & L. S. Sproull (Eds. ), Organizational learning (pp. 124-162). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Mitroff, I. I. , & Anagnos, G. (2001). Managing crises before they happen: What every executive and manager needs to know about crisis management. New York: AMACOM. Mittelstaedt, R. E. (2005). Will your next mistake be fatal? Avoiding the chain of mistakes that can destroy. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Wharton. Sitkin, S. B. (1996). Learning through failure: The strategy of small losses. In M. D. Cohen & L. S. Sproull (Eds. ), Organizational learning (pp. 541-578). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Tompkins, P. K. (2005). Apollo, Challenger, Columbia: The decline of the space program. Los Angeles: Roxbury. Organizations who face these failures potentially could damage their organizational integrity. It is important for an organization to identify these failures and act on them while the company is still in operation. Having a crisis management team to prepare, respond and recover from a crisis is paramount in ensuring that the organization recovers and continues. Preparation must happen before a crisis occurs. In times of crisis, organizations need to systematically analyze its errors, acknowledge the errors and limits of the organization as well as address the issue with a level of sophistication. When an organization continually fails to differentiate and neglect crisis and failures it could lead to detrimental problems for the organization. Failure/ Crisis Management Case Study 1 A hypothetical example would be the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (BP oil spill) that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico from 20 April 2010 to 15 July 2010. The estimated 185 million barrels of oil first made landfall in Louisiana. By June 2010, the tar balls and oil mousse had reached the shores of Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. By August, it had smeared tourist beaches, washed onto the shorelines of sleepy coastal communities, oozed into the marshy bays that fishermen have worked for generations as well as killed millions of wildlife in the process. Instead of dealing with the failure in a professional way, BP inadvertently created a PR situation synonymous with herding cats. It’s had to fight to clear up two quagmires – its oil mess and its tarnished image. (Please Refer to Appendix- New York Times, Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill) In times of crisis or failure, it is important for an organization to understand the need for a comprehensive risk analysis. Should the failure be environmentally or socially threatening, impressions demonstrations of empathy and competence are vital. BP was not prepared to successfully deal with such a catastrophe. To minimize the damage, BP should have immediately accomplished five tasks: 1. Issue regular, frequent progress reports 2. Control the pictures (even some on the Web site appeared to be canned or generic) 3. Transparency 4. Display empathy as a concerned corporate entity comprised of authentic people diligently making a good-faith effort to solve the problem Failure/ Crisis Management Case Study 2 Failure, if properly attended to and rectified is a great plus. It gives the much needed confidence to the public, client or stakeholders in the product and organization. Furthermore, with proper management, the organization will be able to assess its capacity to deal with the systemic and circumstantial deficiencies leading to failures and work out a way forward. A great example would be the Johnson and Johnson Tylenol poisoning crisis in 1982. When the Tylenol scare occurred, Johnson and Johnson responded immediately and positively, taking the analgesic off the shelves, keeping the public apprised of the investigation, and their instituting new tamper-proof seals to make their product more secure. An organization needs to be upfront and out front with their communication about the situation and what they are doing to correct it and protect the public. The organization has to keep the public’s best interests at heart when communicating the issue effectively, clearly, accurately, and promptly upon discovering the problem. Having a crisis management plan in place before a crisis occurs puts an organization in a solid position to handle it more effectively and responsibly. Detecting failure, analyising failure, promoting experiementation? Deviance Inattention Lack of Ability Process Inadequacy Task Challenge Process Complexity Uncertainty Hypothesis Testing Exploratory Testing Blameworthy Praiseworthy Violating a prescribed practice or process by choice Straying away from specifications Does not possess the necessary qualifications or skills for the task Adhering to a prescribed but faulty or incomplete task Task too difficult to be executed reliably each time Process comprises of element breaks when encountering interactions Lack of clarity causes actions which seem reasonable but produces undesired results An experiment to prove and idea, fails Experiment to increase knowledge and understand possibilities leads to an unwanted result