Leadership that influence Implementation at Qantas Essay

Leadership that influence Implementation at Qantas - Essay Example In order to enhance the competitive positioning of Qantas in the market, its management decided to undertake a strategic alliance with Emirates. After vivid negotiation with its president, Mr. Tim Clark, the joint venture took place that proved extremely effective for the organization of Qantas to reduce its huge losses and debts. However, at the time of implementation of such a strategic change, various internal factors such as politics or political forces, culture and leadership styles resisted it.   At the time of implementation of the strategies and policies of Emirates within the organization of Qantas, there arouse a serious conflict among the senior management, employees and trade unions. This is mainly due to over-reaction of the trade unions such as Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association (ALAEA), and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in order to resist the alliance among Qantas and Emirates. Moreover, both the employees and the trade union members decided to act against the management and joined hands with the other employees of industrial actions. Moreover, the employees also called up strikes that hampered the operations of Qantas thereby decreasing its total profit margin. Along with this, due to industrial strikes, numerous employees are terminated and many fleets are also grounded by the CEO Alan Joyce (Hazledine, 2008).   As a result of which, the reliability and dependency of the customers over the brand.

Marketing strategies Essay Example for Free

Marketing strategies Essay The word â€Å"strategy† is derived from the Greek word â€Å"stratà §gos†; stratus (meaning army) and â€Å"ago† (meaning leading/moving). Strategy is an action that managers take to attain one or more of the organization’s goals. Strategy can also be defined as â€Å"A general direction set for the company and its various components to achieve a desired state in the future. Strategy results from the detailed strategic planning process†. A strategy is all about integrating organizational activities and utilizing and allocating the scarce resources within the organizational environment so as to meet the present objectives. While planning a strategy it is essential to consider that decisions are not taken in a vaccum and that any act taken by a firm is likely to be met by a reaction from those affected, competitors, customers, employees or suppliers. Strategy can also be defined as knowledge of the goals, the uncertainty of events and the need to take into consideration the likely or actual behavior of others. Strategy is the blueprint of decisions in an organization that shows its objectives and goals, reduces the key policies, and plans for achieving these goals, and defines the business the company is to carry on, the type of economic and human organization it wants to be, and the contribution it plans to make to its shareholders, customers and society at large. Features of strategic management Strategy relates the firm to its environment, particularly the external environ-ment in all actions whether objective setting, or actions and resources required for its achievement. This definition emphasizes on the systems approach of management and treats an organization as part of the society consequently affected by it. Strategy is the right combination of factors both external and internal. In relating an organization to its environment, the management must also consider the internal factors too, particularly its strengths and weaknesses, to take various courses of action. Strategy is relative combination of actions. The combination is to meet a particu-lar condition, to solve certain problems, or to attain a desirable objective. It may take any form; for every situation varies and, therefore, requires a somewhat different approach. Strategy may even involve contradictory action. Since strategic action depends on environmental variables, a manager may take an action today and revise or reverse his steps tomorrow depending on the situations. Strategy is forward looking. It has orientation towards the future. Strategic ac-tion is required in a new situation. Nothing-new requiring solutions can exist in the past, and so strategy is relevant only to the future. Process The strategic management process is more than just a set of rules to follow. It is a philosophical approach to business. Upper management must think strategically first, then apply that thought to a process. The strategic management process is best implemented when everyone within the business understands the strategy. The five stages of the process are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring. 1. Goal-Setting The purpose of goal-setting is to clarify the vision for your business. This stage consists of identifying three key facets: First, define both short- and long-term objectives. Second, identify the process of how to accomplish your objective. Finally, customize the process for your staff, give each person a task with which he can succeed. Keep in mind during this process your goals to be detailed, realistic and match the values of your vision. Typically, the final step in this stage is to write a mission statement that succinctly communicates your goals to both your shareholders and your staff. 2. Analysis Analysis is a key stage because the information gained in this stage will shape the next two stages. In this stage, gather as much information and data relevant to accomplishing your vision. The focus of the analysis should be on understanding the needs of the business as a sustainable entity, its strategic direction and identifying initiatives that will help your business grow. Examine any external or internal issues that can affect your goals and objectives. Make sure to identify both the strengths and weaknesses of your organization as well as any threats and opportunities that may arise along the path. 3. Strategy Formulation The first step in forming a strategy is to review the information gleaned from completing the analysis. Determine what resources the business currently has that can help reach the defined goals and objectives. Identify any areas of which the business must seek external resources. The issues facing the company should be prioritized by their importance to your success. Once prioritized, begin formulating the strategy. Because business and economic situations are fluid, it is critical in this stage to develop alternative approaches that target each step of the plan. 4. Strategy Implementation Successful strategy implementation is critical to the success of the business venture. This is the action stage of the strategic management process. If the overall strategy does not work with the business current structure, a new structure should be installed at the beginning of this stage. Everyone within the organization must be made clear of their responsibilities and duties, and how that fits in with the overall goal. Additionally, any resources or funding for the venture must be secured at this point. Once the funding is in place and the employees are ready, execute the plan. 5. Evaluation and Control Strategy evaluation and control actions include performance measurements, consistent review of internal and external issues and making corrective actions when necessary. Any successful evaluation of the strategy begins with defining the parameters to be measured. These parameters should mirror the goals set in Stage Types of strategic management 1. Functional strategies Functional strategy- selection of decision rules in each functional area. Thus, functional strategies in any organization, some (e.g., marketing strategy, financial strategy, etc.). It is desirable that they have been fixed in writing. In particular, functional strategies are as follows: Production strategy( make or buy) defines what the company produces itself, and that purchases from suppliers or partners, that is, how far worked out the production chain. Financial Strategy- to select the main source of funding: the development of their own funds (depreciation, profit, the issue of shares, etc.) or through debt financing (bank loans, bonds, commodity suppliers credits, etc.). Organizational strategy- decision on the organization of the staff (choose the type of organizational structure, compensation system, etc.). May be allocated and other functional strategies, for example, the strategy for research and experimental development (R D), investment strategy, etc. In addition, each of the functional strategies can be divided into components. For example, organizational strategy can be divided into three components: strategy of building organizations to select the type of structure (divisional, functional, project, etc.); strategy to work with the staff a way of training (mainly administrative staff), training of staff (in a business or educational institutions), career planning, etc.; Strategy wages (in the broader sense rewards and penalties) in particular, the approach to the compensation of senior managers (salary, bonuses, profit sharing, etc.). Organization for the implementation of the strategy at the functional area responsible senior specialist (Ch. Engineer, Director of Finance), at the enterprise level the general director or director of the department, at the level of groups of companies a collegiate body (management, board of directors). 2. Human resources Role in Strategy Formulation: HRM is in a unique position to supply competitive intelligence that may be useful in strategy formulation. Details regarding advanced incentive plans used by competitors, opinion survey data from employees, elicit information about customer complaints, information about pending legislation etc. can be provided by HRM. Unique HR capabilities serve as a driving force in strategy formulation. 3. Marketing strategies Marketing management is a business discipline which is focused on the practical application of marketing techniques and the management of a firms marketing resources and activities. Globalization has led firms to market beyond the borders of their home countries, making international marketinghighly significant and an integral part of a firms marketing strategy. Marketing managers are often responsible for influencing the level, timing, and composition of customer demand accepted definition of the term. In part, this is because the role of a marketing manager can vary significantly based on a businesss size, corporate culture, and industry context. For example, in a large consumer products company, the marketing manager may act as the overall general manager of his or her assigned product. To create an effective, cost-efficient marketing management strategy, firms must possess a detailed, objective understanding of their own business and the market in which they operate. In analyzing these issues, the discipline of marketing management often overlaps with the related discipline of strategic planning. To achieve the desired objectives, marketers typically identify one or more target customer segments which they intend to pursue. Customer segments are often selected as targets because they score highly on two dimensions: 1) The segment is attractive to serve because it is large, growing, makes frequent purchases, is not price sensitive (i.e. is willing to pay high prices), or other factors; and 2) The company has the resources and capabilities to compete for the segments business, can meet their needs better than the competition, and can do so profitably. [3] In fact, a commonly cited definition of marketing is simply meeting needs profitably. 4. Financial strategy To get the most out of your financial resources and achieve sustainability youll need to successfully manage all your funding and financing sources in an overarching strategy for your organisation. Many organisations manage income from a number of different funding and finance sources from donations, grants, contracts and income generated from trading. A financial strategy enables your organisation to assess your financial needs and the sources of support required to meet your objectives and fulfil the organisational mission, whilst also planning for continued growth to enable stability. Youre financial strategy will derive from your mission. So the first step is to clearly define why you exist and you plan to achieve your mission before preparing any budgets. Cadbury History Birmingham 1824 John Cadbury was one of ten children of Richard Tapper Cadbury, a prominent Quaker who had moved to Birmingham, England from the West Country in 1794. In 1824, 22-year-old John Cadbury opened his first shop at 93 Bull Street, next to his fathers drapery and silk business in the then fashionable part of Birmingham. Apart from selling tea and coffee, John Cadbury sold hops, mustard and a new sideline cocoa and drinking chocolate, which he prepared using a mortar and pestle. Cocoa and drinking chocolate had been introduced into England in the 1650s but remained a luxury enjoyed by the elite of English society. Customers at John Cadburys shop were amongst the most prosperous Birmingham families, the only ones who could afford the delicacy. Cocoa beans were imported from South and Central America and the West Indies. Experimenting with his mortar and pestle, John Cadbury produced a range of cocoa and chocolate drinks, the latter with added sugar. The products were sold in blocks: customers scraped a little off into a cup or saucepan and added hot milk or water. John Cadbury had a considerable flair for advertising and promotion. John Cadbury is desirous of introducing to particular notice Cocoa Nibs, prepared by himself, an article affording a most nutritious beverage for breakfast, announced his first advertisement in the Birmingham Gazette in March 1824. He soon established himself as one of the leading cocoa and drinking chocolate traders in Birmingham. The popularity and growing sales of John Cadburys cocoa and drinking chocolate of superior quality determined the future direction of the business. In 1831, John Cadbury rented a small factory in Crooked Lane not far from his shop. He became a manufacturer of drinking chocolate and cocoa, laying the foundation for the Cadbury chocolate business. These early cocoa and drinking chocolates were balanced with potato starch and sago flour to counter the high cocoa butter content, while other ingredients were added to give healthy properties. By 1842, John Cadbury was selling sixteen lines of drinking chocolate and cocoa in cake and powder forms. The Quaker Influence The Cadbury family were prominent members of the Society of Friends or Quakers, one of the many nonconformist religious groups formed in the 17th century. Their strong beliefs carried into campaigns aimed at ending poverty and deprivation and many prominent Quaker-run businesses were part of reforms of social and industrial society in Victorian Britain. John Cadburys lifelong involvement with the Temperance Society influenced the direction of his business enterprise. By providing tea, coffee, cocoa and chocolate as an alternative to alcohol he felt he was helping to alleviate some of the alcolohol-related causes of poverty and deprivation amongst working people. He also incorporated some of these principles in his industrial relations philosophy. (See A Progressive Workplace) Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham John Cadbury As the enterprise prospered, in 1847 John Cadbury rented a larger factory in Bridge Street, off Broad Street, in the centre of Birmingham and went into partnership with his brother Benjamin trading as Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham. The retail side of the business in Bull Street was passed to a nephew, Richard Cadbury Barrow in 1849. Barrow Stores, as it became, traded in Central Birmingham until the 1960s. A major turning point for the cocoa and chocolate industry came in the mid-1850s, when taxes on imported cocoa beans were reduced by Prime Minister William Gladstone. The previously prohibitive chocolate products were now within the reach of the wider population. Cadbury Brothers received their first Royal Warrant on February 4, 1854 as manufacturers of cocoa and chocolate to Queen Victoria. The company continues to hold royal warrants of appointment. During the 1850s business began to decline. The partnership between the first Cadbury brothers was dissolved in 1860, a difficult time in the companys history. John Cadburys sons Richard and George, who had joined the company in the 1850s, became the second Cadbury brothers to run the business when their father retired due to failing health in 1861. John Cadbury devoted the rest of his life to civic and social work in Birmingham until his death in 1889. Although they had worked in their fathers business for some years, the prospects for Richard. 25, and George, 21, were daunting. Their first five years were a period of unremitting toil with few customers, long hours and very frugal living. Both seriously considered taking up other vocations Richard as a surveyor in England and George as a tea planter in India. George was focused on manufacturing, and Richard with sales, but in the early days both brothers went out and promoted their goods. Due to their dedication, sheer hard work and improvements in the quality of Cadbury cocoa products, the business survived and prospered. Technological Advancements Historic packaging Dissatisfied with the quality of cocoa products, including their own, the Cadbury brothers took a momentous step in 1866 that not only had a bearing on their business but revolutionised the whole of the British cocoa business. Until that time English cocoa had been heavily adulterated with starch substances like potato flour or sago to mask the excess cocoa butter. The cocoa drink, as described by George Cadbury himself, was a comforting gruel. Following a visit to the Van Houten factory in Holland to see their new cocoa press, the brothers introduced this new process to their Bridge Street factory. The press removed some of the cocoa butter from the beans, producing a less rich and more palatable cocoa essence the forerunner of the cocoa we know today. There was no need to add flour and Cadburys new cocoa essence was advertised as Absolutely puretherefore Best At that time there was much concern in Parliament about the adulteration of food, including cocoa. The new unadulterated Cadburys cocoa essence was heralded as a major breakthrough and resulted in the passing of the Adulteration of Food Acts in 1872 and 1875. Cadbury received a remarkable amount of free publicity during this period and sales increased dramatically. The marketing of this cocoa essence helped turn a small business into a vast worldwide company. The introduction of cocoa essence was not the only innovation that improved the Cadbury Brothers trade. The plentiful supply of cocoa butter remaining after the cocoa was pressed made it possible to produce a wide variety of new kinds of eating chocolate, leading to the development of the smooth creamy chocolate produced today. The quality of the chocolates made by the company following the introduction of the cocoa press was such that in the 1870s, Cadbury broke the monopoly which French producers had previously enjoyed in the British Market. Cadburys Chocolate Box A chocolate for eating had been produced at the Cadbury factory since 1849 but it was not, by todays standards, a very palatable product. With the availability of cocoa butter a new chocolate recipe produced chocolate similar to that which we enjoy today. Refined plain chocolate was made for moulding into blocks or making bars and chocolate creams that with chocolate-covered fruit-flavoured centres. Cadburys fancy chocolates- or assortments as they are now called were sold in decorated boxes, with small pictures that children could cut out to stick into scrapbooks. Richard Cadbury applied his considerable artistic talents to introduce more ambitious and attractive box designs from his own paintings, using his own children as models or depicting flowers and scenes from his travels. They were the first British-made fancy chocolate boxes and were very popular. Some of his original boxes still exist. Elaborate chocolate boxes were much prized as special gifts by the late Victorians as they could later be used as trinket or button boxes. Chocolate box designs ranged from superb velvet covered caskets with bevelled mirrors and silk lined jewel boxes to pretty boxes with pictures on the lid. The popularity of these splendid Cadbury boxes continued until their disappearance during the Second World War. Victorian and Edwardian chocolate boxes are now collectors items. Cadbury Brothers Ltd The business became a private limited company Cadbury Brothers Limited in 1899 following Richard Cadburys sudden death at the age of 63. George Cadbury became chairman of the new board and his fellow directors were Barrow and William A. Cadbury, sons of Richard and two of his own sons, Edward and George Cadbury Junior. By 1899, the Bournville factory had trebled in size with more than 2,600 employees. With the formation of the limited company, Bournville entered a new era as the younger members of the Board introduced new ideas analytical laboratories, advertising and cost offices, a sales department, works committee, medical department, pension funds, education and training for employees. The Bournville factory site became a series of factories within a factory, as everything needed for the business was produced on site, including tin box pressing plants, carton making units, a design studio and printing plant. This policy continued until well after the Second World War when the rationalisation of the business to mainstream activity production and marketing of chocolate confectionery- led to the use of outside specialised suppliers for ancillary items. . Cadbury India began its operations in India in 1948 by importing chocolates. It now has manufacturing facilities in Thane, Induri (Pune) and Malanpur (Gwalior), Bangalore and Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and sales offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The corporate head office is inMumbai. Since 1965 Cadbury has also pioneered the development of cocoa cultivation in India. For over two decades, Cadbury has worked with theKerala Agricultural University to undertake cocoa research. Cadbury was incorporated in India on 19 July 1948. Currently, Cadbury India operates in five categories – Chocolate confectionery, Beverages, Biscuits, Gum and Candy. Some of the key brands are Cadbury Dairy Milk, Bournvita, 5 Star, Perk, Bournville, Celebrations, Gems, Halls, Éclairs, Bubbaloo, Tang and Oreo. Its products include Cadbury Dairy Milk, Dairy Milk Silk, Bournville, 5-Star, Perk, Gems (a version of MMs), Eclairs,Bournvita, Celebrations, Bilkul Cadbury Dairy Milk Shots, Toblerone, Halls, Tang and Oreo. It is the market leader in the chocolate confectionery business with a market share of over 70%. Products Major chocolate brands produced by Cadbury include the bars Dairy Milk, Crunchie, Caramel, Wispa, Boost, Picnic, Flake, Curly Wurly, Chomp, and Fudge; chocolate Buttons; the boxed chocolate brand Milk Tray; and the twist-wrapped chocolates Heroes. As well as Cadburys chocolate, the company also owns Maynards and Halls, and is associated with several types of confectionery including former Trebor and Bassetts brands or products such as Liquorice Allsorts, Jelly Babies, Flumps, Mints, Black Jack chews, Trident gum, and Softmints. Notable product introductions include: 1866: Cocoa Essence 1875: Easter Eggs 1897: Milk Chocolate and Fingers 1905: Dairy Milk 1908: Bournville 1914: Frys Turkish Delight 1915: Milk Tray 1920: Flake 1923: Creme Egg (launched as Frys) 1926: Cadbury Dairy Milk Fruit Nut 1929: Crunchie (launched as Frys) 1938: Roses 1948: Fudge 1958: Picnic 1960: Dairy Milk Buttons 1968: Aztec 1970: Curly Wurly 1974: Snack 1976: Double Decker 1981: Wispa (relaunched 2007) 1985: Boost 1987: Twirl 1992: Time Out 1995: Wispa Gold (relaunched 2009 and 2011) 1996: Fuse 2001: Brunch Bar, Dream and Flake Snow 2009: Dairy Milk Silk 2010: Dairy Milk Bliss 2011: Big Race oreo 2012: Marvellous Creations and Crispello. Advertising controversy In May 2011 the model Naomi Campbell described the new advertisement for the Bliss bar as insulting and hurtful. Reacting to the advertisement, which had the tag line Move over Naomi – there is a new diva in town, Campbell said, I am shocked. Its upsetting to be described as chocolate, not just for me, but for all black women and black people. I do not find any humour in this. A spokesperson for the company insisted that the campaign was a light-hearted take on the social pretensions of Cadbury Dairy Milk Bliss. The campaign was, he later added, no longer in circulation we have no plans to repeat the campaign. Reacting to Campbells outburst, comedian Reginald D. Hunter, on the BBC television comedy quiz Have I Got News For You, suggested that it was complimentary for black people to be compared to chocolate, and that enjoyment of the Bliss bar might even be enhanced by a love of black people. Health and safety 2006 Salmonella scare On 19 January 2006, Cadbury Schweppes detected a rare strain of the Salmonella bacteria, affecting seven of its products, said to have been caused by a leaking pipe. The leak occurred at itsMarlbrook plant, in Herefordshire, which produces chocolate crumb mixture; the mixture is then transported to factories at Bournville and formerly Somerdale to be turned into milk chocolate. It was not until around six months after the leak was detected that Cadbury Schweppes officially notified the Food Standards Agency, shortly after which it recalled more than a million chocolate bars. In December 2006, the company announced that the cost of dealing with the contamination would reach  £30 million. In April 2007, Birmingham City Council announced that it would be prosecuting Cadbury Schweppes in relation to three alleged offences of breaching food safety legislation. At that time, theHealth Protection Agency identified 31 people who had been infected with Salmonella Montevideo. One of the alleged victims had to be kept on a hospital isolation ward for five days after eating a Cadburys caramel bar. An investigation being carried out at that time by Herefordshire Council led to a further six charges being brought. The company pleaded guilty to all nine charges, and was fined one million pounds at Birmingham Crown Court—the sentencing of both cases was brought together.[70] Analysts have said the fine is not material to the group, with mitigating factors limiting the fine being that the company quickly admitted its guilt and said it had been mistaken that the infection did not pose a threat to health. Head office Cadburys head office is the Cadbury House in the Uxbridge Business Park in Uxbridge, London Borough of Hillingdon, England. The building occupies 84,000 square feet (7,800 m2) of space inside Building 3 of the business park. Cadbury, which leases space in the building it occupies, had relocated from central London to its current head office. Cadburys previous head office was in 25 Berkeley Square in Mayfair, City of Westminster. In 1992 the company leased the space for  £55 per 1 square foot (0.093 m2). In 2002 the company agreed to pay  £68.75 per square foot. The Daily Telegraph reported in 2007 that the rent was expected to increase to a three-figure sum. In 2007 Cadbury Schweppes had announced that it was moving to Uxbridge to cut costs. As of that year the head office had 200 employees. After the Kraft Foods acquisition of Cadbury, Kraft announced that the Cadbury head office would remain the Cadbury House. Mission statement of cadbury. Cadbury’s mission statement says simply: ‘Cadbury means quality’; this is our promise. Our reputation is built upon quality; our commitment to continuous improvement will ensure that our promise is delivered’ . Vision The Vision into action (VIA) plan embodies all aspects of our strategy. Our governing objective is to deliver superior shareowner returns by realizing our vision to be the world’s biggest and best confectionery company. At the heart of our plan is our financial scorecard, judiciously reinforced by our priorities, commitments and culture . Management information strategy. A management information system (MIS) provides information that organizations require to manage themselves efficiently and effectively.[1] Management information systems are typically computer systems used for managing five primary components: 1.) Hardware, 2.) Software, 3.) Data (information for decision making), 4.) Procedures (design,development and documentation), and 5.) People (individuals, groups, or organizations). Management information systems are distinct from other information systems, in that they are used to analyze and facilitate strategic and operational activities.[2] Academically, the term is commonly used to refer to the study of how individuals, groups, and organizations evaluate, design, implement, manage, and utilize systems to generate information to improve efficiency and effectiveness of decision making, including systems termed decision support systems, expert systems, and executive information systems.[2] Most business schools (or colleges of business administration within universities) have an MIS department, alongside departments of accounting, finance, management, marketing, and sometimes others, and grant degrees (at undergrad, masters, and PhD levels) in MIS. Characteristics of management information strategies Strategic information management is a salient feature in the world of information technology (IT). In a nutshell, strategic information management helps businesses and organizations categorize, store, process and transfer the information they create and receive. It also offers tools for helping companies apply metrics and analytical tools to their information repositories, allowing them to recognize opportunities for growth and pinpoint ways to improve operational efficiency. Automation IT professionals design strategic information management systems to automate the management of incoming and outgoing information to the greatest possible degree. While each company has its own unique IT needs, strategic information management systems typically include built-in controls that filter, sort, categorize and store information in easy-to-manage categories. Customization Strategic information management systems are typically customized to meet the unique needs of each individual company. Incoming and outgoing data can be sorted and cross-referenced according to a wide range of individually specified controls and parameters, which include the companys business verticals and horizontals, individual clients, demographics, geographic location and business function. Strategic information management systems are extensively categorized, allowing for an optimal level of organization. Access controls can be as strict or as lax as the client wants, allowing for company-wide access to information databases or limiting information accessibility to key personnel. User-specific controls can also be set, in case employees need access to certain information but management wants to limit their access to sensitive data. Benefits The benefits of strategic information management can be felt from the executive level right down to the functional staff level. It can help businesses expand their operations into new areas, set goals, measure performance and improve overall productivity. Risks Some of the risks involved with strategic information management systems include implementation challenges, incompatibility with client databases and human error. As with other IT management techniques, data protection and information security is also an ongoing concern. Conclusion Cadbury is one of the best known brands in the world today. It is a brand which is associated with high levels of quality and customer satisfaction. The ongoing growth of Cafà © Cadbury provides a flagship that further helps to enhance the reputation of the Cadbury Masterbrand. At the same time, it provides customers with the opportunity to indulge themselves in the enjoyment of high quality products in a welcoming environment.

The Chains of Femininity Essay -- Gender Roles, Esther

Throughout The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath explores a number of themes, particularly regarding the gender roles, and subsequently, the mental health care system for women. Her 19-year-old protagonist, Esther Greenwood, is the vessel through which Plath poses many probing questions about these topics to the reader. In the 1950’s when the novel was set, women were held to a high standard- to be attractive but pure, intelligent but submissive, and to generally accept the notion of bettering oneself only in order to make life more comfortable for the significant male in her life. Esther not only deals with the typical problems a woman would face in her time, but has to experience those things through the lens of mental illness- though it is up for debate whether or not it was those same issues that caused her â€Å"madness† in the first place. In particular, Esther finds herself both struggling against and succumbing to the 1950’s feminine ideal- a conflict made evident i n her judgments of other women, her relationships with men, and her tenuous goals for the future. Whenever a new character is introduced, the reader is immediately subjected to Esther’s painstaking physical description of them, which leads to her ultimate judgment of their character. For instance, when Esther introduces one of her fellow interns, Doreen, in chapter one, she says â€Å"Doreen . . . had bright white hair standing out in a cotton candy fluff round her head and blue eyes like transparent agate marbles, hard and polished and just about indestructible, and a mouth set in a sort of perpetual sneer . . . as if all the people around her were pretty silly and she could tell some good jokes on them if she wanted to† (Plath, 4). It is clear that she admires Doreen’s ice... ...em, but choosing one meant losing all the rest† (77). As a woman, Esther feels that she cannot have everything that she wants in life, because becoming a housewife and a mother would immediately rule out her other ambitions of fame and travel. In today’s society, it would be quite possible for a woman to choose many, if not all, of the figs that Esther describes. However, even though Esther exaggerates the total black-and-white nature of the decision, there still remains an element of truth in her lamentation. While a male could feasibly choose both a successful career (or multiple careers) and a family, Esther would be expected to put taking care of a home and children ahead of making advances in her chosen field. Therefore, she is restricted by her femininity and cornered into making choices that will force her to make major sacrifices regarding her future.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Essay -- Race Ethnicity Health

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Large disparities exist between minorities and the rest of Americans in major areas of health. Even though the overall health of the nation is improving, minorities suffer from certain diseases up to five times more than the rest of the nation. President Clinton has committed the nation to eliminating the disparities in six areas of health by the Year 2010, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be jumping in on this huge battle. The six areas are: Infant Mortality, Cancer Screening and Management, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, HIV Infection and AIDS, and Child and Adult Immunizations. Infant mortality is considered a worldwide indicator of a nation’s health status. The United States still ranks 24th in infant mortality compared with other industrialized nations, even though infant mortality has declined steadily over the past several decades. Compared with the national average in 1996 of 7.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, the largest disparity is among blacks with a death rate of 14.2 per 1,000 in 1996 which is almost 2Â ½ times that of white infants (6 deaths per 1,000 in 1996). American Indians as a whole have an infant death rate of 9 deaths per 1,000 in 1995, but some Indian communities have an infant mortality rate almost twice that of the national rate. The same applies to the Hispanic community, whose rate of 7.6 deaths per 1,000 births in 1995 doesn’t reflect the Puerto Rican community, whose rate was 8.9 deaths per 1,000 births in 1995. The disparities may be attributed to the amount of prenatal care that pregnant women of different ethnicities receive. In 1996, 81.8% of all women in the nation received prenatal care in the first trimester--the m... ...east 90% coverage for all childhood vaccines in all populations. Increase pneumococcal and flu immunizations among adults 65 and older by 60%. Let’s all hope it can be done because in order for our nation to thrive, our nation needs to be healthy and there is no excuse for the disparities minorities face when it comes to their health. Works Cited United States. US Department of Health and Human Services. The Initiative to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Disparitites in Health. 26 May 1998. Online. Internet. 21 February 1999. Available <http://raceandhealth.hhs.gov/home.htm>. "Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health." Public Health Reports. July/August 1998: 372 EBSCOhost. Available <http://www.epnet.com/ehost/login.html>. (11 February 1999) Unknown Authors. "Health and Medicine." Encyclopedia of Multiculturalism. Volume 3. p 821

Business Lobbying Essay

The topic – It is always better to have clarity on the topic as it allows a clear flow of ideas. Lobbying, in fact, are the attempts made by certain corporate groups to influence the direction of legislative policy of a country/state in such a manner so as to bring benefits to them and safeguard their interests. The objective can be achieved by influencing legislators, members of Parliament and create a lobby to bring forth and get the favourable legislations passed. A lobbyist may be an individual or a group of individuals working for their employer or as an agent to them. Such people can be leaders of labour unions, corporate representatives, legislators, bureaucrats, and leading advocates, exercising influence in legislative circles or other private interest groups. India does not have any clear regulation for or against lobbying, especially when it comes by the name of lobbying. But it is not legal either. Lobbying has now become a well-established service industry, although known by different names such as public relations, external affairs managers, environment management experts, etc. Various established associations, federations, confederations of industry & commerce, etc function as lobbyists to get policies framed in favour of corporates. Dilip Cherian, a known lobbyist and founder of Perfect Relations, states that lobbying functions as a bridge between companies and the government. He speaks in no ambiguous tone, â€Å"We help our clients understand the policy environment of the country. We help them identify key players and their positions in the policy area. The key players could be political parties, bureaucrats, the central government, panchayat, etc.† The lobbying industry has been placing its demand for clear and transparent laws in countries like India where no clarity on the issue is available. So, it is high time that India should decide on making lobbying either legal or illegal by framing a detailed and clear policy. When you speak in favour of the topic i.e. lobbying should be made legal in India, the key points may be: 1. Whenever there have been some big leaps in policy framing in India favouring corporates in one or the other, the issue of lobbying has always come up. Whether it was Enron – the Dabhol power project in Maharshtra, foreign investment in corporate sector, big defence purchases, infrastructure development and now foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi brand retail, all have been shadowed by the issue of lobbying. The person or the company lobbying for certain favour cannot do so till the government, legislative bodies – Parliament or state legislatures – have not considered some path to move on. Lobbying would only smoothen the process. 2. Various chambers of commerce such as FICCI and CII, National Association of Software and Services Companies, and private firms like Vaishnavi Corporate Communications owned by Niira Radia and DTA Associates managed by Deepak Talwar are among top lobby groups. These organizations, however, maintain that they are not lobby groups and work to exercise influence to engage with the government on the policy issues. When so much of lobbying is done by the registered and legal firms and companies in the guise of some or other name and it is a well known fact, making lobbying legal will add to the government’s income by levying good amount of fee and charges on the same. Where does the amount, being paid now on lobbying, go – is anybody’s guess. A transparent legislation will definitely solve this ambiguity and loss of income. 3. The US and some European countries have made lobbying legal with specific conditions like quarterly disclosures on amount spent and the manner in which the same has been spent or so. This provides vital information and transparency to lobbying practices. The furor raised in Parliament over the issue of lobbying by Walmart in the USA could come up due to its disclosures. Corporate giants such as WalMart, Pfizer, Dell, HP, Qualcomm, Alcatel-Lucent, Morgan Stanley and Prudential Financial have been eyeing the Indian market for a long time and have spent millions of dollars to have their business interest move at a faster pace in the growing Indian economy. With the potential growth, more and more companies will engage lobbyists who can directly interact with politicians and bureaucrats and push their agenda. Lobbying, whether legal or illegal, will continue to remain integral to Indian businesses and politics. Doing away with it or making it illegal is not an option. It will be better to make business lobbying legal, of course with certain specific clauses to ensure transparency. 4. Making lobbying legal will bring forward open debates and discussions on all the forums. It will be possible to understand which option is better. Lobbyists and representatives of their companies will openly participate in such debates with the pros and cons on the performance and product. 5. At present, only the section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act may be invoked to call lobbying illegal. This section is not very sound. Think of the money spent on lobbying in a single year. If lobbying is made legal, at least a part of it will find its way to the government coffer. At present, it forms a part of unaccounted money going into the pockets of politicians, bureaucrats and other influential lot, the cost of which will eventually be recovered from the common people in the country. 6. Apart from saving millions of dollars, the country may see rampant corruption in the name of lobbying fading away. 7. Since India is in the process of establishing a larger institutional framework, the government needs creative inputs from various experts. As long as lobbying does not lead to ‘policy or regulatory capture’, it should be allowed. 8. The Indian government itself has a lobby firm presenting its case with American lawmakers, while a number of Indian companies and entities also indulge in lobbying activities in the US through their respective lobbyists. At various platforms like in the UN, World economic summits, in sports, in organizing Olympics, Commonwealth Games, etc, countries lobby their stake. Lobbying, in fact, brings more competitiveness and improvement in quality as things are to be explained and highlighted in comparison to any other stake holder. India would gain a lot by making lobbying legal. When you speak against the topic, the key points may be: 1. The common man of India, who is otherwise reeling under the pressure of corruption and unemployment, will be left penniless once lobbying is made legal. All the majors will lobby for their interests in the economy, will facilitate the entry riding the common man who hardly earns his bread and butter. Those who have more power and pelf will become greater lobbyist and will ensure that their interests are not compromised. 2. National interests will be cornered as lobbyists will have one-line motto of watching their own interest and will not at all be concerned about the country’s interest as they will not be from this country. 3. Lobbyists will make corruption legal. Politicians and influential people will still garner their share from lobbyists at the cost of the nation. 4. Legislators, who are law makers, if influenced by lobbyists, may get inclined towards serving them, becoming oblivious of the national interests. 5. Lobbying in defence production and purchases might put national security at stake. 6. India is a vast country and has a lot of complexities and problems. The lobbying company has no perception of the diversity and the nature of problems. The government might simply gamble on the tactics of the lobbyist and that might become harmful in future. 7. There is no mechanism in India to bring accountability to lobbying, and publicly reveal the lobbying positions of companies and the money spent. Self-regulation in lieu of a formal legislation is often proposed by industry players. In India, nobody knows the lobbying position of companies, leave alone looking for consistencies in lobbying positions and their impact on issues on sustainable development. Making it legal will add to the woes of Indian businesses. The efforts made so far in India- The Planning Commission has set up an expert group to look into the processes that comprise lobbying. Arun Maira, member of Planning Commission, stated â€Å"We will be considering various interests of all the stakeholders involved. This expert group comprises industries and government secretaries. There is an on-going dialogue with the industry associations for their views. We want lobbying to be transparent and representative. We are looking at the best benchmarks for processes of lobbying in other countries. However, this is a very large issue and the final solution is far down the road.† However, given the political exigencies of framing policies and complex nature of polity, this task will require the consummate skills of great statesmen.

Free sample - The Power Corruption Cycle. translation missing

The Power Corruption Cycle. The Power Corruption CycleCorruption is a social evil, which not only hinders the growth of organizations but also strains the relationship between management and subordinate employees in the workplace. There is therefore a need for all skillful managers to remain within the bounds of ethics in resolving all organizational and workplace problems and in devising innovative strategies that ensure the firm’s continued growth. Research carried out by Transparency International identifies that corruption is propagated by managers through acceptance of bribes by those in power so as to facilitate services against company policy. Bribes may be received as monetary rewards or indirect gifts that are bound to influence the manager inappropriately. This is not only considered illegal but it also hurts economic development and eventually leads to lower product quality and standards. This therefore implies that inferior products and services are introduced in the market at the expense of consumers. Further, the managers end up making poor decisions and hold a poor perspective of employees which destroys the relationship between seniors and subordinates. The case against corruption and the misuse of power can in no way be better illustrated than by the ongoing global financial meltdown whose onset is solely attributed to the mortgage meltdown. Chief Executive Officers of renowned banks such as those on the Wall Street ignored all core ethics in their lending to customers. In fact, little or no collateral was required and minimal investigation was carried out as to the client’s repayment capacity as far as the clients ‘convinced’ those in power that they could meet the demands of the agreement. This has consequently resulted in the world’s worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. (Lahart, 2007) Like all other societal problems, corruption, due to the misuse of power by those in authority, can be stamped out. Various measures such as installing a vigilance system to monitor the relationship between managers and their clients have been proposed. Further proposals are in support of a system that evaluates the manager’s economic standing and compares it to the status and living standards enjoyed. However, the easiest way to stamp out corruption is by appealing to the manager’s moral institution and ethics in combating this detrimental vice. In today’s world, a vital tool in combating leadership problems in any workplace environment is emotional intelligence. It has been defined as the ability of an individual, in this case, the manager, to influence emotions by managing and assessing them in oneself as well as in other people such as employees so as attain the set goals of the organization. Therefore, the inherent relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence cannot be ignored. First, emotional intelligence is crucial in creating self-awareness in the leaders. They ably recognize feelings as they happen, perform accurate assessments and therefore attain self-confidence. Secondly, it ensures managers acquire self-regulation such that they can aptly keep disruptive emotions and impulses at bay, thereby gaining self-control, honesty and integrity. Thirdly, it ensures managers remain motivated, which is the driving force towards attainment of goals. This enables the manager to have a healthy achievement drive, commitment towards the organization’s vision, optimism in the face of obstacles and initiative by acting on available opportunities. Fourthly, emotional intelligence goes a long way in creating empathy whereby the manager is aware of employees’ needs, concerns, feelings and their fears. Finally, it imparts social skills whereby the manager can successfully induce favorable responses in the workforce through effective diplomacy, open communication and listening ability, inspiration, bonding, collaboration and co-operation so as to create group synergy towards achieving the set goals. (Goleman, 1995) Therefore, training managers as to the essence of emotional intelligence shall be more successful than any monitoring tactics installed. This is widely supported by studies as that done by Sosik and Megerian (1999) in which they evaluated the change brought about by emotional intelligence. Findings showed that the managers had radically transformed in their leadership behavior and performance outcomes while their employees felt that their superiors were more receptive, transparent and encouraging (Sosik, 1999). Transparency and accountability go a long way in ensuring that ethics are upheld in an organization therefore leading to a healthy working environment. This serves to illustrate that there is no other greater weapon against power induced corruption than emotional intelligence. References Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books. Lahart, J. (2007). Egg Cracks Differ In Housing, Finance Shells . Wall Street Journal , 12. Sosik, J. J. (1999). Understanding Leader Emotional Intelligence and Performance. In Group Oraganization Management (pp. 367-390).

Out Federalizing Federalists essays

Out Federalizing Federalists essays Jefferson, Out federalizing the Federalists? Jefferson appeared to be a die-hard Republican, however many people question whether or not Jefferson used Federalists ideals during his reign as President. Jefferson ran for president as a Democratic Republican. He was a very firm believer in a strict interpretation of the constitution, which was one of the many beliefs of Democratic Republicans. Many things that Jefferson did while he was in office represented what a true Democratic Republican would do. No matter what the case, Jefferson always tried to do what he believed any Democratic Republican would do. Although Jefferson always tried to follow his parties beliefs, sometimes he did sway towards Federalist ideals. It would be hard to say that Jefferson out federalized federalists, but he did follow many of their beliefs. Therefore it would be easiest to say that Jefferson was in the middle between the two parties, but leaning a little farther towards Democratic Republican. For the most part Jefferson was a Democratic Republican. He was a very strict constructionist. Before most important decisions, Jefferson would verify with the constitution to see if it was constitutional or not. Before buying the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson had to make sure that there was a way to prove that it was constitutional. Jefferson found in the constitution that is was a right of the president to make treaties, and that the Louisiana Purchase was a treaty. Also Jefferson thought that the farmers were the people1, which was another belief of many Democratic Republicans. The way Jefferson responded to the war with Britain and France was also a way of incorporating Democratic Republican beliefs. The embargo act and its effects responded in a negative effect, but was good for the nation in the long run. It proved that war would result in domestic reforms in many cases, and they would have to be dealt with. Jeffer ...

Ten Ways to Avoid Gender Bias

Ten Ways to Avoid Gender Bias Ten Ways to Avoid Gender Bias Ten Ways to Avoid Gender Bias By Mark Nichol How do you write around the outmoded usage of the pronoun he or him when a male is not necessarily the subject of the reference? Here are ten strategies none ideal in every circumstance for achieving gender neutrality. 1. Use He or She Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask the student whether he or she is prepared to give a presentation.† This solution is stiffly formal and is awkward in repetition; use sparingly. Using he/she, s/he, or any such alternative (or an invented neutral pronoun like ze) is not advised. 2. Alternate Between He and She Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation. If he is ready, tell him that he may begin when he is ready.† After: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation. If she is ready, tell her that she may begin when she is ready.† This solution works only in the case of two or more references to a hypothetical subject of either gender. In the proximity of the references in the examples, this solution is awkward, but when the references are at some distance from each other, it can be effective in moderation. 3. Omit the Pronoun Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask whether the student is prepared to give a presentation.† This revision does not clearly indicate whether the student or another person is being asked; writers must recognize and respond to such lack of clarity if it affects comprehension. 4. Repeat the Noun in Place of the Pronoun Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask the student whether the student is prepared to give a presentation.† When the noun is repeated in the proximity shown above, the sentence is awkward; in a more complex sentence, the repetition may not seem so obvious. 5. Use a Plural Antecedent for the Pronoun Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask the students whether they are prepared to give their presentations.† Employing a plural noun and a plural pronoun may change the meaning somewhat; writers must be alert as to which other nouns, if any, should be made plural as well. 6. Replace the Pronoun with an Article Before: â€Å"Ask the student to prepare his presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask the student to prepare a presentation.† 7. Revise the Sentence to Use the Pronoun One Before: â€Å"A prepared student is more likely to succeed than if he has not done sufficient research.† After: â€Å"A prepared student is more likely to succeed than an unprepared one.† 8. Revise the Sentence to Use the Pronoun Who Before: â€Å"A student is more likely to succeed if he does sufficient research.† After: â€Å"A student who does sufficient research is more likely to succeed.† 9. Revise the Sentence to the Imperative Mood Before: â€Å"A student must be well prepared for his presentation.† After: â€Å"Be well prepared for the presentation.† 10. Use a Plural Pronoun Before: â€Å"Ask the student whether he is prepared to give a presentation.† After: â€Å"Ask the student whether they are prepared to give a presentation.† Many writers reject this solution because traditional grammar rules frown on using a plural pronoun when the antecedent is a singular noun. However, the bewildering absence of a gender-neutral plural pronoun in English calls for a radical solution. This one is widely used in informal writing and in conversation, and it’s commonsensical to welcome it in formal writing. That welcome, however, has not yet been forthcoming, and, regrettably, writers should use the plural pronouns them and they in place of singular pronouns with caution. Some writers reject the notion that one should avoid gender-specific pronouns in universal contexts at all. After all, why change long-standing usage that has only recently been challenged? But these writers, though sensible in the logic of their argument, are culturally insensitive and, ultimately, are on the wrong side of linguistic history. I hope, too, that integration of the singular they and them in any usage will eventually occur. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:4 Types of Gerunds and Gerund PhrasesDisappointed + PrepositionPreposition Mistakes #1: Accused and Excited

The Absolute Freedom of Expression through Journalism in the Modern Article

The Absolute Freedom of Expression through Journalism in the Modern World - Article Example In this same background, it is also important to redefine the true purpose and function of the global journalists. A prudent definition would instruct the journalists to persist their valuable efforts to invite the attention of the common people to incidents of similar nature and to the exact need for greater freedom of the press. The most recent attacks on the six journalists across the world and especially in South Asia once again draw the attention of international community to the question of journalistic function and many have responded to this essential topic of the time. In one of the most persuasive appeals to the recent atrocities on international journalists, Matt Wade’s article â€Å"Sword Mightier than Pen as Journalist Deaths Rise to Six† deals with the â€Å"bloody start to this year for media workers on the Indian subcontinent.† (Wade) In this article, Matt Wade convincingly summarizes the atrocities to journalists in the most hazardous region in the world for journalists to work and reports the several instances of media attacks in South Asia - which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. He illustrates the mounting attacks against the freedom of speech in the region with pieces of evidence of Lasantha Wickramatunga, the leading Colombo newspaper editor, Uma Singh, the young journalist in her 20s, and Sayed Perwiz Kambaksh, the journalism student in Afghanistan. By reporting and summarizing several instances of attacks on journalists in the region and by raising the issue of the sword is mightier than the pen, Matt Wade not only serves his journalistic function but, more importantly, proves that pen is mightier than the sword. An understanding of the rhetorical devices used by the author, one realizes that Matt Wade has been effective in catching the emotion of the readers and creating the exact feelings of pathos in them.

Boeing 727 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Boeing 727 - Research Paper Example The company stopped its manufacturing in the year 1984 after the introduction of more sophisticated aircrafts. The total aircrafts so far produced were around 1832. The record sales of Boeing 727 jet airliner had broken all previous records of commercial sales (Connors, 2010). Boeing 727 had the privilege to become the best selling airline in the history of aviation. Although Boeing 737 has crossed the sales ever recorded, but Boeing 727 holds a permanent place in the history of aviation as one of the most significant airplanes whose role in the development of Global Transportation System is unforgettable (Connors, 2010). Apart from domestic medium range flights, Boeing 727 created a niche the world over and fame amongst the international passenger airliners. The range of flights, the airliner could cover with additional third engine meant that Boeing 727 proved efficient service concerning short and medium range international flights in many areas around the globe. Prior to its oper ations, four engine jet airliners were required for crossing the oceans (Connors, 2010). One can gauge its performance capabilities with the factor that 727 were used as cargo airlines and charter airlines with famous service providers thus found a secondary market. Take the example of FedEx, the largest courier service of the world, introduced this fleet in the year 1978. This has played a vital role in the business of FedEx until its replacement with Boeing 757 for their courier service due to promulgation of noise regulations in the United States of America. For decades, Boeing was considered as workhorse by the major cargo airliners. However, services of Boeing 727 are still available for passengers in those countries, where noise regulations have not been introduced so far (Eden, 2008). Further, Boeing 727 proved to be a popular airliner, which serves on the airports, having lightly improved runways. Others used it to transport passengers to picnic resorts and cruise and vice v ersa. Carnival Cruise Lines is the best example of using 727 and 737 to transport their passengers to cities who took abode on their ships. Nowadays, Con Air, currently using in place of 727 aircrafts to transport prisoners to and from prisons, detaining centers, courts and other places where they are required to be transported (Eden, 2008). In the year 1971, some structural changes have taken place to enhance by placing therein more powerful engine, extended fuel capacity in its latest feature of Boeing 727-200. This had improved its range capability, efficient runway performance with a new wide body look (Norris & Wagner, 1999). This has further improved by inserting another gross weight boost from its minimum 77,122 kg to maximum 86,600 kg. In the year 1972, it has further increased to 208,000 together with the purchase of three heavy weights. The highest gross weight of 727 was raised to the level of 95,300 kg (Norris & Wagner, 1999). Boeing 727 was declared as one of the best s elling commercial airliners in the history of airline in 1972. In the year 1983, orders reached up to the mark of 1,831. With the passage of time, the Boeing 737 surpassed all the previous records it made, nevertheless 727 still holds a dominant place in the history of aviation. The most significant role played by this airliner created a lasting impression in the promotion of aviation business (Connors, 2010). Boeing 727 aircrafts

Experiment Report Lab Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Experiment - Lab Report Example he most important factor affecting the availability of these nutrients is soil pH, a measure of the amount of hydronium ion (H+) that is present in solution. Pure water has a neutral pH of 7, lower values mean that the solution is acidic and soils with pH higher than 7 are alkaline. Different crops vary in their response to acid and alkaline soil conditions (Mathers, 2001). However, for most field crops, slightly acidic (pH = 5.6) to neutral soils are optimal for growth. Soil pH affects plant growth and productivity indirectly because, depending on the nutrient, availability is affected which can result in nutrient deficiency or nutrient toxicity. In higher pH or alkaline soils, result in deficiencies in the essential micronutrients iron, zinc, and manganese. Soil pH of less than 5.5 is already considered strongly acidic and will not support growth of economically important crops. Thus, the right soil pH is a requirement for maximum yield production. The development of acid soils has been due to high weathering brought about by warm temperatures and rainfall, and manmade events like the continuous use of nitrogen fertilizers and acid rain effects. At pH below 6 or under acidic soils, increased availability of micronutrients like iron, manganese, zinc , copper and aluminium result in toxicity symptoms (CSIRO Plant Industry, 2004); while decreased availability of phosphorus results in deficiency of this element . This is very true in humid countries where soil acidity is often associated with low crop productivity (Schroth, Lehman, & Barrios, 2003). The class was divided into eight groups. Each group was asked to bring soil samples from the area near their residence. In the laboratory, the pH and temperature of pure water was determined. After adding water to the soil and mixing the slurry, the pH and temperature of each sample were measured. Mean values of the soil pH of each group were determined, and the hydronium ion concentration was calculated using the

Design a programme plan focusing on the introduction of safe sharps Essay

Design a programme plan focusing on the introduction of safe sharps mechanisms - Essay Example Sharp injuries are common risks that are well recognized in the healthcare sector. Medical sharps that are contaminated with a patient blood can transmit pathogens that cause more than twenty diseases of inclusive of the deadly one such as HIV and hepatitis is B and C (Pike 1976). The main aim of this health program is to come up with new regulations and strategies that will supplement the already existing ones in the control and prevention of health issues that arises from sharps injury. In this health program plan we will Ewels and Simnet 2003 planning model to come up with a very concrete and elaborate healthcare program to control and prevent the health care issues that arises due to sharp injuries. An effective sharp injury prevention program includes several components that must work in concert to protect health workers in mental institution and other medical centers from suffering injuries that are caused by needlesticks and other sharps (Ewels & Simnett 2003). This program plan is designed to be integrated into the existing infection control, performance improvement and safety programs in the various hospitals that aims at minimizing these tragedies (Linsley & Kane 2011). An institutional review of sharp injuries was conducted to help in determining the priorities in allocation of resource in this sharp prevention program. A review of about two hundred of sharp injuries that occur every year was analyzed and categorized into high, low or moderate. A total of 119 risks were considered to be moderate and the remaining ninety were considered to be at the low risk of acquiring blood borne diseases while the rest could not be categorized (Perry & Robinson 2004). Epidemiological data on sharp injuries incident, including those circumstances that are associated with the occupational transmission of the blood borne viruses, are very crucial elements in targeting and evaluating intervention at the national and local level. The actual magnitude of the

Humanitarian logistics during the indian ocean tsunami in the andaman Essay

Humanitarian logistics during the indian ocean tsunami in the andaman and nicobar islands - Essay Example Placed within this supply chain is logistics – moving material from one place to another, which further comprises of inbound, outbound and/or reverse logistics (Figure 1). SUPPLIERS INBOUND LOGISTICS INTERNAL OPERATIONS OUTBOUND LOGISTICS RETAILERS /DISTRIBUTORS INTERNAL INTERFACES EXTERNAL INTERFACES From this profit-oriented point of view, logistics now finds itself on humanitarian grounds where a different war is waged and a different victory is aimed at – the victory of saving lives, minimizing destruction, and assuaging helplessness caused by disasters. Humanitarian logistics is an emerging field with functions similar to business logistics yet with different outcomes. Two main streams of humanitarian logistics can be distinguished: disaster relief and continuous aid work. The focus of disaster relief operations is to transport the immediate requirements of affected communities – first aid material, food, equipment and rescue personnel – where they are needed and to evacuate affected people to safe places rapidly (Barbarosoglu et al., 2002). Continuous aid is focused on re-building lives and re-establishing livelihoods and infrastructures. The Fritz Institute defines humanitarian relief logistics as â€Å"the process of planning, implementing and controlling the efficient, cost-effective flow and storage of goods and materials, as well as related information, from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people† (Thomas and Kopczak, 2005). Humanitarian logistics encompasses a range of activities including preparedness, planning, procurement, transport, warehousing, tracking and tracing, and customs clearance (Thomas and Kopczak, 2005).

Design a programme plan focusing on the introduction of safe sharps Essay

Design a programme plan focusing on the introduction of safe sharps mechanisms - Essay Example Sharp injuries are common risks that are well recognized in the healthcare sector. Medical sharps that are contaminated with a patient blood can transmit pathogens that cause more than twenty diseases of inclusive of the deadly one such as HIV and hepatitis is B and C (Pike 1976). The main aim of this health program is to come up with new regulations and strategies that will supplement the already existing ones in the control and prevention of health issues that arises from sharps injury. In this health program plan we will Ewels and Simnet 2003 planning model to come up with a very concrete and elaborate healthcare program to control and prevent the health care issues that arises due to sharp injuries. An effective sharp injury prevention program includes several components that must work in concert to protect health workers in mental institution and other medical centers from suffering injuries that are caused by needlesticks and other sharps (Ewels & Simnett 2003). This program plan is designed to be integrated into the existing infection control, performance improvement and safety programs in the various hospitals that aims at minimizing these tragedies (Linsley & Kane 2011). An institutional review of sharp injuries was conducted to help in determining the priorities in allocation of resource in this sharp prevention program. A review of about two hundred of sharp injuries that occur every year was analyzed and categorized into high, low or moderate. A total of 119 risks were considered to be moderate and the remaining ninety were considered to be at the low risk of acquiring blood borne diseases while the rest could not be categorized (Perry & Robinson 2004). Epidemiological data on sharp injuries incident, including those circumstances that are associated with the occupational transmission of the blood borne viruses, are very crucial elements in targeting and evaluating intervention at the national and local level. The actual magnitude of the

Reflection paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 12

Reflection paper - Essay Example The first week as an LPN was a little hazy having missed some of the induction programs due to some unavoidable engagements. However, on the reporting day I met the friendly and professional staff who took me to the units. The environment was challenging dealing with the middle-aged, the elderly and the dementia patients. A typical day while in shift, I was attending to an elderly man who had diabetes. We were just two nurses on the night shift. As I went round monitoring the patients and collecting data on the patients’ conditions, I noticed that a number of patients needed great attention but the elderly man was in a severe state. I became terrified and confused wondering where to start. I attended to the diabetic man and arrested the condition and decided to attend to the other patients. I didn’t even think of asking for help to save time but decided to try my best. Some of the patients could look at me with pleading eyes. I remember one patient who said that she had lost hope and felt neglected when she saw me pass her and attend to someone else. However, she admitted that I was not assuming her but had to attend to a serious case. Some of the patients also were not co-operating, and some could keep quiet completely when I question them so as to understand their health progress. Among the tasks, I was entitled to include personal hygiene duties such as brushing the teeth of the residents, bathing them, changing clothes, combing hair and shaving them. Toiletry duties such as assisting those who needed help going to the bathroom, changing bedpans and emptying catheters. In addition, I could do the monitoring of the respiration, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels and heart rates of the patients. Also inserting catheters, treating bedsores, giving injections, administering injections and changing bandages and developing care plans for the

Kellin Quinn Essay Example for Free

Kellin Quinn Essay I. Introduction â€Å" I can’t promise that things won’t be broken, but I swear that I will never leave.† -Kellin Quinn. Isn’t that what everyone really wants- what everyone really needs? Not always is a solution to a problem needed. Sometimes we just need someone to help us through our tough times and to help us learn from mistakes that have been made. Kellin Quinn understands this. Not only does he relate to the need to help friends, but Kellin relates to almost all the struggles most teens and, well, pretty much all ages witness. It shows in his music. You see, Kellin Quinn is the singer and pianist of the band Sleeping With Sirens. Their music is about coming from a broken family and how much it hurts because you feel responsible. Difficulties ranging from self-harm to bullying to love are heard in the meaningful lyrics of their songs. Not only do Kellin and the band write about that, but also they have songs that are inspirational, joyful, and that make you want to smile and appreciate the good in life. II. Caring Kellin is more than just a musical genius; he is one who cares about people as individuals. For example, Marie Fowler was a nineteen year old cancer patient that was diagnosed with only 72 hours to live. Kellin Quinn, her idol, was notified on Twitter and he Skyped her. He told her to be strong and to savor and appreciate the life she has enjoyed. On top of that, Kellin has dedicated his life to music and to make his fans feel better and blissful. He has definitely made my life easier and made me cope well with tragedies. I’m so thankful that I have Sleeping With Sirens in my life. III. Kellin’s Struggles Kellin Quinn’s father left him and his mother when he was young and they had to work hard to pay the bills and to take care of themselves. Kellin was diagnosed with depression and mental disorders because of his difficulties. With a great deal of effort and persistence, he overcame these challenges and is now helping others do the same. Also, Kellin has â€Å"haters† who call him rude and selfish when actually he is the exact opposite. Other negative comments made about him are that he is â€Å"too punk† or that he â€Å"sounds like a girl.† He mostly just ignores the disapproval. Overall, Kellin is a talented and inspirational 26 year old. IV. Impact Kellin Quinn and the band have made my life so much better. I, like many others, have struggled with bullying and many other difficulties. Meaningful music makes these things easier to cope with and Sleeping With Sirens does an amazing job at portraying a message in their lyrics that their fans can relate to. The band has actually saved countless lives. Some teenagers have depression or are struggling in life and feel the need to commit suicide to end his or her pain. In Sleeping With Sirens’ songs, one may notice how the lyrics are meant to make the listener happy and some songs are even specifically written to help self-harmers. â€Å"One day youll open your eyes, take a look inside. I just saved your life. Just take a look inside. I hope you know what its like for you to be alright. I am for you.† –In Case of Emergency, Dial 411, Sleeping With Sirens. V. Conclusion Overall, Kellin Quinn is an amazing artist who writes and sings about relatable tragedies and moments in his and others’ lives. He is an inspiration to many teenagers, including myself. I will never forget the impact that Kellin as a person and Sleeping With Sirens have had on my life.

Theories of Health Change Behaviour

Theories of Health Change Behaviour Introduction To understand the processes and causes of change in health related behaviours still represents a challenging process for health professionals (Orleans, 2000). People’s decisions to engage in such behaviours are affected by factors such as attitudes and beliefs and psychosocial variables (i.e. demographic, psychological or cognitive) which impact the decision-making process of planning behaviours. Thus, it is important to understand the interrelationship between these factors and their influences of adopting and maintaining healthy behaviours. Researchers have attempted to understand and predict health behaviour through the lenses of models and theories of behaviour change. Within the framework of a theory, the researchers get to understand what variables are most important and how to measure them, to formulate research questions based on the understanding of the variables, to test hypotheses regarding behaviour change, and lastly to guiding behaviour change interventions throu gh planning, actions, and maintenance of preventative behaviours (Noar Zimmerman, 2005). Theory-based predictors (i.e. cognitive factors) would provide an organized framework that helps understand and predict health behaviour in a systematic manner (Glanz Maddock, 2000). Theories based on processes of cognitions and thoughts are part of the collection of social cognitive models (SCMs) and focuses on influences of social-cognitive characteristics on decision-making processes. The present essay distinguishes two of SCMs, highly used in understanding the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviours: the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA; Ajzen and Fishbein 1980) and the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM-SR; Leventhal, Diefenbach, and Leventhal (1992)). Both theories suggest that the motivation to change behaviour is driven by social-cognitive beliefs/representations of the health threat and the willingness to avoid adverse outcome. Research applying both theories has a rich history describing their uses in a wide range of behaviours including health (TRA: Cooke and French (2008); CSM-SR: Hagger and Orbell (2003)). Further, both models are based on a set of theoretical constructs and have been used to successfully explain and change behaviours. N evertheless, very little research has concerned empirical comparison of the two (Hunter, Grunfeld, Ramirez, 2003; Orbell, Hagger, Brown, Tidy, 2006) and there is still no consensus that one model is more accurate than the other. Aim This essay’s aim was to review two theories of health change behaviour – the Theory of Reasoned Action and the Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation – with special emphasis on the similarities and differences and the data needed to critically compare and contrast them. Lastly, the aim was to determine which aspects of the frameworks were most successful at predicting and explaining behaviour. What is health behaviour? It is the goal of many researchers to understand the causes, determinants and processes of health behaviour change (Doll Hill, 1964). The most common study looking into the causes of death is the Alameda County Study conducted by Belloc and Breslow in 1972 which identified seven aspects of lifestyle which predicted mortality: smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, sleeping more or less than 8 hours per night, being either underweight or overweight, skipping breakfast, and eating snacks (Belloc Breslow, 1972). A later British study, the EPIC-Norfolk prospective population study associated similar behaviours with lower risk of mortality (Khaw et al., 2008). Kasl and Cobb attempted the first definition of health behaviour as â€Å"any activity undertaken by a person believing himself to be healthy for the purpose of preventing disease or detecting it at an asymptomatic stage† (Kasl Cobb, 1966). Although this definition includes only preventive health behaviours there are other types of behaviours. Ogden (2007) described illness behaviour as a behavioural action aimed to seek treatment and sick behaviour as a behavioural action aimed to get well (p. 13). There are factors such as individual differences, which influence the change of health behaviours and contributed to the prediction of health behaviours (Baum Posluszny, 1999; Sherman Fazio, 1983). The cognitive factors received the most attention because are considered to cause changes in behaviour and because they are modifiable factors in comparison to, for example, personality. The characteristics of social cognitive factors (e.g. knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs) are involved in the process of decision-making and behaviour control (Fiske Taylor, 1991). SCMs focuse on psychological and social factors and how they influence behaviour change, with a focus on the self-regulation processes and how these relate to behaviour (Conner Norman, 2005). These models are used to ensure a positive change in individual’s behaviour (e.g., changing food intake or increased physical activity) through intervention (Anderson-Bill, Winett, Wojcik, 2011). A very known model used to examine individual’s reactions to illness threats is Leventhal’s (1992) the common sense model of self-regulation (CSM-SR). Another theory focused on motivation to perform health-enhancing behaviours by examining aspects of the cognitions to predict health outcomes is the theory of reasoned action (TRA) designed by Fishbein Ajzen (1975). The models mentioned and many other pr ovide a basis for interventions designed to change health-related behaviours through the emphasis of the rationality of human behaviour. Thus, the prediction of behaviour is considered to be the outcome of the intended behaviour based on a rational decision–making process. Overview of commonly used models Theory of Reason Action (TRA) TRA has been used to predicting the likelihood of performing a specific health-related behaviour based on the compatibility and behavioural intention (Fishbein Ajzen, 1975; Ajzen Fishbein, 1980). The model uses cognitive processes of attitudes toward the behaviour (i.e., feeling positive or negative toward the action) and social normative perceptions (i.e., beliefs of significant others about the individual performing the behaviour) to predict intention of a behavioural action through a rational decision-making process. The theory has been used in a wide range of fields such as information technology (Mishra, Akman, Mishra, 2014), software piracy (Aleassa, Pearson, McClurg, 2010), cyberbullying (Doane, Pearson, Kelley, 2014), hazing (Richardson, Wang, Hall, 2012), domestic violence (Sulak, Saxon, Fearon, 2014), but also in health related behaviour such as substance-abuse (Roberto, Shafer, Marmo, 2014), physical activity (Plotnikoff, Costigan, Karunamuni, Lubans, 2013), diet (Middlestadt, 2012), smoking (Lorenzo-Blanco, Bares, Delva, 2012), HIV prevention behaviours (Jemmott, 2012). Description of the model The design of TRA looks at behavioural intentions of an individual in social context, while investigates the relationships between attitudes, intentions and behaviour. Attitudes toward the behaviour are considered to be a comprehensive gathering of evaluations of the behaviour. As a determinant of intentions, attitudes influence people’s perception, thinking and behaviour. Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) have proposed that attitudes should be measured at the same specific level as the behaviour. Thus, a high level of specificity in behaviour with regard to action, target, context, and time, will result in a high prediction of outcome behaviour. Individual’s attitudes can be explained through the set of beliefs about an outcome of the behaviour and the evaluations (favourable or unfavourable) of the expected outcome. The relationship between salient beliefs and attitudes is based on the Fishbein’s (1967) model of summative attitudes, which assumes they influence individ ual’s attitude. The research of Van den Putte (1991) and Armitage and Conner (2001) proved a strong link between attitudes and salient behavioural beliefs. Subjective norms are the second determinant of behavioural intention (Ajzen Fishbein, 1980; Fishbein Ajzen, 1975). This factor is the representation of the individual’s perception of the social pressures from significant others (i.e. family, friends, work colleagues, etc.) about whether he/she should perform a specific behaviour. This is quantified as the product of the normative beliefs (i.e., individual’s perceived behavioural expectations of important others regarding the performance of the behaviour) and individual’s motivation to comply. Once more, the research of Van den Putte (1991) and Armitage and Conner (2001) identified strong correlations between subjective norms and normative beliefs. Empirical support The TRA has been applied to the prediction of a wide range of different behaviours, including health-related behaviours, with varying degrees of success. There are a number of narrative reviews (Albarracin, Johnson, Fishbein, Muellerleile, 2001; Blue, 1995; Cooke French, 2008; Godin, Belanger-Gravel, Eccles, Grimshaw, 2008; Hagger, Chatzisarantis, Biddle, 2002; Hausenblas Carron, 1997; Sheeran Taylor, 1999) as well as a quantitative reviews of the TRA focusing on general and specific behaviours (physical activity: (Blue, 1995; Hagger et al., 2002; Hausenblas Carron, 1997); screening program (Cooke French, 2008), healthcare professionals (Godin et al., 2008), condom use: (Albarracin et al., 2001; Sheeran Taylor, 1999); and ). and general reviews: (Sheppard, Jon, Warshaw, 1988); van den Putte (1991)). The model has been tested by Sheppard et al. (1988), who reported multiple correlations between intentions and behaviour, and attitudes and subjective norms and intentions to be 0.53 and respectively 0.66 (k= 87, and k=87). Similar results were found by van den Putte (1991). These early studies results constituted the basis of the predictive validity of the TRA framework. In their reviews, Hausenblas and Carron (1997) found a medium effect size for the relationship of intention and behaviours of 0.47, in 31 studies with a sample size of 10,621. In addition, Albarracin et al. (2001) and Hagger et al. (2002) found the same higher correlation between intention and behaviour (r=0.5). In the most recent review to date, Cooke and French (2008) computed a lower value of r=0.42 in 19 tests of the relationship between intention and behaviour, which is slightly larger than the meta-analytic reports by Godin et al. (2008) (r=0.31, k=15, N=2,112). In conclusion, research provides evidence that there is a considerable consistency between TRA variables and their intention to predict behaviour change. Common Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM-SR) Description of the model The CSM-SR integrates environmental factors and individual beliefs about illness around individual’s common-sense representations of health (Leventhal et al., 1992). The framework outline is based on parallel-processing pathways (Leventhal, 1970). The model is based on two constructs of a) cognitive or objective perpetual pathway with its coping mechanisms and appraisal process; and b) affective or subjective pathway which represents the emotional response to the illness representation with its own coping mechanisms and appraisal processes. The cognitive pathway is based on individual’s beliefs or representations of illness threat and comprises five dimensions: identity, timeline, cause, consequences, and cure/control. Moss-Morris et al. (2002) explored the extent to which individuals can evaluate the coherence of illness representations, or how much individuals comprehend their condition. The pathway uses individual’s beliefs to shape the selection of appropriat e coping strategies (i.e. approach or avoidance), which in turn are appraised in a repetitive process over time. The self-regulation process implies selection and monitoring of behaviour aimed at controlling threat conditions and the illness representations are formed through symptoms perception and social messages from exposure to a wide range of social and cultural factors. A similar process takes place with the subjective or emotional pathway in parallel and in association with the cognitive process just described. The representation of illness triggers the activation of emotional responses regarding health-related behaviours. For example, fear is activated when a woman discovers an unusual lump thinking it might be cancer resulting in states of worry and distress. The efforts of controlling the emotional responses are appraised in terms of their success and lead to refinements of the representation of new coping strategies. Empirical support Up to date research provides empirical support for the interrelationship between the constructs of identity, timeline, cause, consequences, cure/control, emotions, and coherence and health outcomes (coping: (Heijmans de Ridder, 1998; Moss-Morris, Petrie, Weinman, 1996; Scharloo et al., 2000) and adherence to professional recommendations (Albert et al., 2014; Nicklas, Dunbar, Wild, 2010)). A series of meta-analyses have now been supported the validity of the CSM-SR framework, including narrative reviews (Hoving, van der Meer, Volkova, Frings-Dresen, 2010; Kucukarslan, 2012; Lobban, Barrowclough, Jones, 2003; Munro, Lewin, Swart, Volmink, 2007) and those focused on specific chronic conditions (diabetes: (Hudson, Bundy, Coventry, Dickens, 2014; Mc Sharry, Moss-Morris, Kendrick, 2011); acute myocardial infarction: (French, Cooper, Weinman, 2006); and mixed chronic diseases: (Hagger Orbell, 2003)). French et al. (2006) in a review of eight studies which predicted attendance at c ardiac rehabilitation interventions following acute myocardial infarction reported the constructs of identity (r=0.13) consequences (r=0.08), and cure/control (r=0.11) to be positively significantly associated with attendance behaviour. In addition, Mc Sharry et al. (2011) located nine cross-sectional studies and four RCTs examining the relationship between illness constructs and the HbA1c, and found a similar result for identity (r=0.14) but higher effect size estimates for consequences (r=0.14). Other significant associations were found for timeline cyclical (r=0.26), concern (r=0.21), and emotions (r=0.18). The most recent meta-analysis conducted by Hudson et al. (2014) included nine cross-sectional studies and found that individuals with high levels of constructs of timeline cyclical (r=0.25, depression; r=0.31, anxiety), consequences (r=0.41, depression; r=0.44, anxiety), and seriousness beliefs (r=0.38, depression) and lower perceptions of personal control (r=-0.27, depression ; r=-0.20, anxiety) are more likely to have poorer emotional health. Lastly, Hagger and Orbell (2003) review (N=45) addressed the validity of the model and the average correlations of illness representation dimensions were significantly positive for identity-consequences (r=0.37, p Comparison and contrasting of the models Research focused on comparing and contrasting theories of health-related behaviour change assesses the utility of those theories to advancing understanding of behaviour change processes. The two theoretical models outlined above show a number of similarities and differences. Several observations can be made in comparing the similarities of the models. First, CSM-SR and TRA are both social cognitive models concerned with how cognitive determinants are influencing each other in the regulation of behaviour and how these are applied to the understanding of health behaviours. Second, some constructs are common to both models, for example both CSM-SR and TRA are interested in how social-cognitive representations of health threat can motivate an individual to comply with his/her recommended treatment to avoid an adverse health outcome. Third, the models are used to analyse the influence of perceived factors external to individual on clinical-related behaviour. Moreover, both models explain behaviour change in terms of modifiable variables and support the importance of symptom attribution (Waller, 2006). Forth, CSM-SR and TRA are based on dynamic causal processes. In the CSM-SR, the individual regulates the interactions representations, coping mechanism and appraisal in an attempt to maintain coherence among them. In the TRA framework, changes in attitudes are influenced by changes in behavioural beliefs which ultimately produces changes in behaviour (Sutton, 2001). Lastly, both theories are used in developing intervention strategies, for example, related to help-seeking behaviour, by targeting modifiable variables (Waller, 2006). In contrasting the TRA and CSM-SR theoretical basis, the CSM-SR proposes that for a better understanding of individual’s behavioural adherence, the researcher needs to make reference to individual’s attitudes toward the threatening condition. In contrast, TRA proposes that the motivation needs to be understood through individual’s attitude toward the action of going to the appointment/ treatment (Orbell et al., 2006). The CSM-SR emphasizes the importance of assessment of the likelihood of adherence through the evaluation of illness beliefs constructs (i.e. identity, timeline, cause, consequences, and cure/control), while in the TRA model only a single attitude is used to evaluate outcomes. Another distinctive contrast between the two models lies within the constructs of the framework. While the CSM-SR takes account of the impact of emotional variables, the TRA is almost entirely rational and does not account for emotional factors. Another aspect is that CSM-SR do es not take account of the social influences that might shape illness beliefs or decision-making process, which is assessed by the TRA framework through subjective norms factor. The models also differ in the way they are applied in research literature. The cognitive and emotional constructs of CSM-RS were designed specifically for understanding illness perception and adherence. (Leventhal et al., 1992). By contrast, TRA was designed to predict volitional behaviours, thus it can be applied to various behaviours, for example information technology (Mishra et al., 2014), software piracy (Aleassa et al., 2010), cyberbullying (Doane et al., 2014), hazing (Richardson et al., 2012), and domestic violence (Sulak et al., 2014). Looking at the differences in measuring the components of the models, CSM-SR uses a well-validated set of constructs developed by Weinman and colleagues (Weinman, Petrie, Moss-morris, Horne, 1996). In contrast, the TRA models do not have a method per sei to measure its constructs. Thus, Ajzen Fishbein (1980) provides an extensive details of the constructs for research to develop theory own measures. In conclusion, the TRA and CSM-SR are both social cognitive model and their design is based on interpretation of cognitive factors in relation to behaviour change and each of them have their own weaknesses and strengths. Their contribution is significant and productive in the research literature because researchers can explore and test the theories to increases the understanding of health-related behaviours and help in the development of behaviour change interventions.

Analyzing the Marketing of Rehabilitation Goods & Services and The Dis

The Marketing of Rehabilitative Goods and Services by Gary L. Albrecht was written with the intention of giving its reader a better understanding of who has the most to gain in the business of rehabilitative services. One position states that the institutions benefit most, while others feel it is the consumer who has the most to gain. The main controversy discussed in this article is the usage of marketing strategies for rehabilitative health care institutions to increase sales and raise profit margins on service that was once provided pro bono. Another concern is with the amount of new equipment and ever changing standards of rehabilitation. Are consumers well enough informed or educated into making the proper decisions as to what care they need? Also, how do the poor, elderly, disenfranchised, and those who cannot afford healthcare receive treatment? Are patients receiving the best possible care for their ailments; or are they being exploited? These are the dilemmas on the issue o f rehabilitative goods and services. The Disability Wars by Timothy Kenney describes the nightmare of becoming physically disabled to the point where one can no longer work and care for their family. It also talks about the hardships of and problems brought about through the use of medical benefits and collection of social security. Both articles will now be analyzed more closely and possible resolutions to each of these issues, marketing of rehabilitation goods and services, and the disability wars will be discussed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main issue with the marketing of rehabilitative goods and services deals with, the new wave of marketing strategies and promotional ideas implemented to increase sales and profits of the health care institutions. This rehabilitative service, which was once provided to those in need pro bono, is now recognized as a commodity. Due to the increase in the elderly population and the popularity of sport, there are more people with disabilities than ever before. Thus an influx in the supply and demand has been created and the market for rehabilitative services exists. With more patients than the normal health care provider can care for, new institutions are being erected all across America with their sole purpose in rehabilitating the disabled. One such facility is the Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago. This medical ce... ...y.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The moral and ethical questions that are raised in this article have to deal with insurance companies and social security alike having the ability to deny claims as they please, leaving people with serious medical conditions out there with no support when they need it the most. Another big controversy with social security is the fact that people pay into it for so many years and when it comes time for social security to pay back, they just deny the claim and send you back to work. But once the ill person returns to work the social security payments are immediately deducted from their checks again. A possible solution for this problem is to have the CDC and FDA get together and make a list of acceptable diseases and syndromes that will be covered by social security and then provide assistance to everyone who falls into the acceptable categories. It is understandable that the insurance companies are in business to make money, however the Social Security Administrati on should not. They should be required to pay back out to those who have paid in. Some legislation should also be passed as to how insurance companies can disseminate amongst valid claims.