Positive Learning Essay

Introduction Student behaviours in schools have been perceived by researchers for years. Over the past twenty-five years, Sugai, (2009) states that Gallup Polls have specified, behavioural complications are on the top trials schools face. To establish and scan these behaviours, checklists of behaviours are available that included the most usual behaviours observed by te schools teachers (Algozzine, 2003). Such behaviours includes anxiety, disobedience, isolation, destructiveness and disruptiveness. Safran, Safran, & Barcikowski, (1985) states, such behaviours occupy teachers for an undue amount of time. Safran & Safran, (1984) reports that teachers normally spend sixty- ninety precent more time with misbehaving students than with the rest of the students. Johnson & Fullwood, (2006) states that teachers spend up to ninety precent more time with problematic students. Many new teachers have trouble dealing with persistent misbehaviour. They become exasperated because their previous responses had little impact. They spend substantial time distressing about the problem and often feel as if their authority and power is being challenged. A common way of consolidating behaviours is the division of internalising against externalising behaviours. Internalising behaviours such as anxiety, shyness, or inattentiveness mainly affect the student demonstrating the behaviour. Externalising behaviours such as fighting, aggression, and disobedience are outer-directed behaviours. It is essential to understand student behaviour from an eco-systemic viewpoint. This principle highlights the composite, unified and co-dependent type of relationships between a variety of relational, intra-personal and environmental factors that impact the everyday behaviours of teachers and students. The behavioural change in social systems does not take place in the direct approach of the positivistic custom. Instead, behaviours should be observed as cycles of communication. In other words, the students’ behaviour is assumed to be affected and dependent on the behaviours of other people around them. (De Jong. 2005). To learn the approaches and opinions of different people regarding student misbehaviour, a research was commenced through conducting informal interview of six people belonging to different groups in the society. The purpose was to get different views and perceptions on why students misbehave; interviewees included people from different groups such as practicing teachers, retired school teacher, parents, pre service teacher and a non-teaching professional. The interview consisted of several informal and open-ended questions in order to grasp the in-depth knowledge about various reasons of student misbehaviour and their solutions. The approach uses a series of questions intended to offer perspective on the student’s misbehaviour and assistance in creating responses. 2. 0 Participants: Following interviewees were selected for interview. Names have been kept confidential to maintain privacy. 1. Interviewee 1 (Female): is a full time teacher is her early 30’s. 2. Interviewee 2 (Female): is a pre-service teacher in her 20’s. 3. Interviewee 3 (Male): is a pensioned off school teacher in his late 50’s. 4. Interviewee 4 (Female): is a 38 years old mother of three children. 5. Interviewee 5 (Male): is a father of three children in his early 40’s. 6. Interviewee 6 (Male): is a non-teaching professional and postgraduate student in his early 30’s. During the interviews, many common themes regarding student misbehaviour, their reasons and impacts were discussed. Various researches and theories were also linked with the answers in order to analyse the root cause of such behaviours and the suitable responses. 3. 0 Understanding the Reasons for Difficult Behaviour: Understanding multiple causes of student misbehaviour can aid you to select the most applicable solution. Questions on physical, emotional and environmental factors were asked which helped in understanding the main grounds of problematic misbehaviours: 3. 1 Question – What are the physical causes of misbehaviour? Interviewee 1 suggested that the consumption of illegal Medication and Drugs by school students modify their behaviour in numerous ways. She once took students on an excursion, and one student arrived drunk showing extreme behaviours (drowsy, overly active). Students usually recall information when they are in the same state (drunk) as when they learned it (Eich, 1989). Interviewee 2 answered that students don’t take good care of their health and feeling unpleasant can make them irritable, although misperception and distraction may be more usual reactions. She also pondered that Fatigue is common in academic life and increases, when exams dates are near. When the pressure of exams increases, politeness is usually absent in students. Hearing and vision problems also result in student misbehaviour. A student with such debility may appear troublesome. Interviewee 3 answered that vision/hearing difficulty of student or even the teacher raises the risk of confusion thus leading to miscommunication and the possibility that student or teacher might get offended. 3. 2 Question – What are the major Emotional Challenges? Teachers have to choose if to get personally involved when emotional challenges are the reason for rude behaviour. Talking privately with associates or the counselling centre can benefit the teacher to choose when a student requires referral for professional assistance. Interviewee 6 specified that when school students reach an adults’ age, they’re usually given charge for their major decisions in life thus they might feel lonely once confronted with loss. Grief may be uttered as anger or guilt, depression and denial. Interviewee 3 believed that a small incident in the class (like forgetting the textbook) may activate a strangely big response and usually the teacher is merely an aim for the expression of the student’s sentiment. 3. 3 Question – What are the major Environmental Factors? Interviewee 1 discussed that class size and culture contribute to varying student’s behaviours. Big classes can buoy up a student or students to behave as if they were in a cinema or even a tv lounge. Interviewee further commented that supportive educational activities might aid in reducing the blockades that a big class creates among the teachers and the students. Every culture has a different standard regarding student’s unpunctuality to class or when it is suitable for a student to talk. If all every student is going to experience a specific cultural atmosphere after graduation, it may be easier to have classroom environment that matches with the work environment. Routine and Stimulation are other environmental factors identified by Interviewee 2 commented that excessive routine result in boredom, however too little creates confusion. A lot of motivation generates difficulties for the students who normally have trouble handling their activity level, and too little motivation results in disruption in the class. Interviewee 1 opined the importance of an unconventional learning environment. Some students require alternate flexible atmosphere but taking away students from the regular schoolroom should be the last alternative, and is grounded upon the belief that not all effective educational experiences happen in the classroom and thinking broadly about education is critical. 4. 0 Importance of behaviour management: 4. 1 Question – How important is behaviour management in effective teaching and learning? For many teacher and school front-runners in the past, a silent and disciplined classroom was the symbol of effective teaching. There is no doubt that regimented classrooms and schools enable effective teaching and the decent behaviour management skills are essential for teachers to perform the primary task of improving students’ performance and learning outcomes. Interviewee 3 stated that behaviour management is a key skill for both experienced and beginning teachers. Interviewee 6 specified specifies that it is brilliance in teachers that makes the utmost difference. Hattie’s research about the key impacts on the variance in student success examined the differences between experts, proficient and experienced teachers (Hattie, 2003). Interviewee 1 suggested that the student behaviour is indissolubly associated to the quality of the learning capability and teaching skills. Active pedagogics is acute to student engagement. She advised that good quality of teaching increases the student engagement and reduces behaviour matters. She further recommended that optimistic relationships between students and teachers are significant to encourage correct behaviours and attaining learning objectives. 5. 0 Role of parents: 5. 1 Question – How can parents contribute in improving the behaviour is students? Successful parent participation develops not only good student behaviour and attendance but also significantly affects student accomplishments. Parents can exhibit involvement at home by reading with their kids, assisting with homework, discussing school events and by attending functions or volunteering in classrooms. Being an experienced father, Interviewee 5 advised that parents are occasionally hesitant to get involved in school because they don’t have spare time or because they don’t speak smooth English. He said however â€Å"the biggest issue is the disconnection between the school and the parents†. Interviewee 4 on the other hand answered, â€Å"Parents consider that they are not welcomed. They often have had a lesser adequate experience with their own schooling†. However she firmly believed that parents should remain open and supportive with teachers and other school staff when dealing with issues of student misbehaviour. Retired school teacher Interviewee 3 recommended that school staff should mediate with parents while dealing with behaviour and misconduct issues. He also suggested that parents should back the school’s Student Behaviour Management Policy and should work with their children to assist them to understand their responsibility and obligations towards others. 6. 0 Effects of Teacher Gender: 6. 1 Question – How teacher gender affect the student behaviour? Interviewees were asked about the possible differences for teachers’ patience founded upon the gender of the teacher. Since both male and female teachers are present in the classrooms and the students are engaged in the classrooms with both genders, it is significant to recognise the characteristic differences. Teachers’ gender, teachers’ attitude, and the reporting of behaviour problem are found to have a connection (Ritter, 1989, Stake & Katz, 1982). Interviewee 3 believed that teacher tolerance and student behaviour have a give-and-take relationship, in that students’ behaviour influences the teachers’ patience levels for behaviours, teachers’ approach and opinion of the student, and the contagion influence of behaviour on the rest of the students in the class, resulting in academic achievement of the students. He also considered that students are more involved, behave more properly, and perform at a greater level when taught by teachers who shares their gender. On the other hand, Interviewee 6 suggested that the male teachers used more clarifications and general instructions than the female teachers. They also ask more questions and call for more student answers than female teachers. 7. 0 Conclusion: The interview with diverse group of people of both genders helped in identifying the main causes of student misbehaviours and efficient ways of addressing such behaviours. There are always students in classrooms who tend to meet their desires and wants through inappropriate behaviour. Having a range of alternatives (that are consistent with the needs and values of the teacher) can be exceptionally valuable when reacting to incidents of misconduct in complex classrooms. Both verbal and nonverbal communications are important when answering to persistent disobedience. Teachers should develop an â€Å"I mean it† demeanour by using firmness and clarity. Many student misconduct problems can be resolved by reorganising the environment. This might be done to ease proximity control, isolate students who cannot workout self-control, or eliminate students from an area where there are disruptions. Teaching students to adjust their own behaviour benefits students recognise their feelings and their wants and aiding them learn how to search for substitutes to unproductive behaviour. Teachers and parents need to be working together rather than being adversaries.

Quiz About the Great Gatsby Essay

1. Who is â€Å"The Great Gatsby† narrated by? What do you know about his family background, and why does he com e to New York? What business is he in? Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, comes from a well-to-do Minnesota family. He travels to New York to learn the band business; there he becomes involved with both Gatsby and the Buchanas. 2. What is the difference between East Egg and West Egg? East Egg: East Egg is the fashionable group of social elite, also known as â€Å"old money† or people who have always had money. Tom and Daisy represent the â€Å"old establishment†, having lived the wealthy upper class for most of their lives. West Egg: West Eggers are the newly rich. The people who have worked hard and earned their money in a short period of time, sometimes by bootlegging (Gatsby). 3. Describe Tom Buchanan. How old is he? What was he famous for at college? How do you know that he is a racist? Tom Buchanan is 30 years old and he’s a former Yale football player who comes from an immensely wealthy Midwestern family. His racism and sexism are symptomatic of his deep insecurity about his elevated social position. He tried to interest others in a book called â€Å"The Rise of the Coloured Empiresâ€Å". 4. Where did Nick first meet Tom? How does Nick meet Gatsby? Tom Buchanan: Nick first met Tom at Yale University, and when Nick heads over to East Egg to have dinner with Daisy, his second cousin, he meets Tom again. Gatsby: Nick goes to his first party at Jay Gatsby’s after receiving an invitation via Gatsby’s chauffer. Suddenly a man tells Nick that he has to come with him. The man brings Nick to Gatsby, in his house during the party. 5. Where did Daisy first meet Gatsby? Why didn’t she wait for him and marry Tom instead? Gatsby and Daisy meet themselves for the first time in Louisville, where he was stationed at Camp Taylor as a young officer before being shipped overseas during World War I. Gatsby had to go to war and left Daisy at home. She once told him that the reason she didn’t wait for him is because â€Å"rich girls don’t marry poor boys†. Daisy was flattered by Tom’s generous gifts. 6. How do you know that Daisy and Tom’s marriage is troubled? She and Tom were in love at one point as well, and he also had the money to provide her with the lifestyle she was  accustomed to. Tom cheated on Daisy by having an affair with Myrthle. Tom hasn’t been faithful from the very beginning. 7. What are Daisy’s ambitions for her daughter? Why? Daisy hopes that her daughter once will be a little fool, because then she will never have to suffer the harsh realities of the real world. 8. What kind of background does Gatsby come from? How did he acquire his riches? He was born in North Dakota to an impoverished farming family. Gatsby made his fortune through criminal activity. Gatsby had a mentor from whom he learned the things that rich people do, how the live. Gatsby was a bootlegger and sold illegal alcohol. 9. Give reasons why Daisy doesn’t just leave Tom and break up her marriage. Daisy has a child with Tom and they also had a pleasant and wealthy life. Tom buys Daisy a lot of jewellery. Tom is also a Bully, so Daisy fears Tom. Above all, Daisy fears a scandal. Daisy doesn’t love Gatsby as much as he loves her. To Daisy, Gatsby is an affair. 10. Give reasons why Gatsby’s dream to get Daisy back doesn’t work. Daisy loved him, but she wanted to live with Tom. She didn’t want to leave him. It would be a scandal for Daisy’s family if they knew how Jay earns his money. 11. Explain what the â€Å"green light† at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes to Gatsby. The green light is a symbol for the hope and promise of the future. It’s like a guiding light to Daisy. 12. What does Mr. Klipspringer represent? He’s not a true friend, he is a shiftless freeloader who almost lives at Gatsby’s mansion. Though he takes advantage of Gatsby’s wealth and generosity, he fails to attend his funeral. 13. Why does Nick return to the Midwest at the end of the novel? After his friend Gatsby died, Nick wanted to return to the Midwest. He was disgusted at the behaviour of the East Eggers. To Nick the people of the Midwest are more honest and down-to-earth. 14. Explain the symbolism of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. It’s a symbol of God seeing everything, even Myrtle’s affair. It is a metaphor for God.

Ojt Portfolio

OJT PORTFOLIO CDO FOODSPHERE INC. Submitted to: Prof. Ramos Submitted by: Garcia, Jonine A. BSEntrepreneurship 3C-Marketing ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PRELIMINARIES: Title Page†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Acknowledgement†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. ii Table of Contents†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢ € ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. iii I. COMPANY PROFILE * VISION AND MISSION * CORE VALUES, OBJECTIVES, PHILOSOPHIES (IF ANY) * HISTORICAL BACKGROUND * ORGANIZATIONAL CHART * KEY OFFICERS * MILESTONES II. SWOT MATRIX III. DAILY REFLECTION IV. SUMMARY OF DAILY ACCOMPLISHMENT V. ATTACHMENTS * Pictures * Photocopy of Student trainee company Id Daily Time Record Original * Certificate of Completion/Training * Student Trainee Evaluation Report * Brochures, Pamphlets * Curriculum Vitae * Company’s Annual Report I. COMPANY PROFILE VISION AND MISSION _____________________________________________________________________________ We exist to provide  TOTAL SATISFACTION  to the  FILIPINO CONSUMERS  through the development, manufacturing, and marketing of  HIGH QUALITY NUTRITIOUS FOOD PRODUCTS at REASONABLE PRICES. We are committed to do this at all times through  CONTINUOUS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOG ICAL ADVANCEMENT, ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCY,  and  EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE.We shall continue to be a  LEADING  and  GROWING company whose products shall be present in every household. CORE VALUES, OBJECTIVES, PHILOSOPHIES _____________________________________________________________________________ Behind the company excellence are different departments working together towards a common vision. Each division has its individual purpose and its own set of talented and driven people, but all of them ultimately sharing CDO-Foodsphere’s mission in being the best at what it does. Continuous Product Development As good as the company is at providing, it is just as good at listening.Come product development, CDO strives for the consumer’s total satisfaction. Driven, it searches for new products that would answer the consumers’ needs as well as uplift their lives with these discoveries. Furthermore, it constantly engages in extensive high-quality research in its constant pursuit for ways of developing and improving the quality of CDO’s products. Another firm philosophy of CDO is that quality goes hand in hand with technology. In order for the company to consistently give the top shelf products to its customers, it has to constantly invest in the latest technological advancements.With the most creative minds at the helm of these state of the art equipment, only then will superior standards be met and released to the public. High- Capacity Production and Machinery Through CDO’s advanced continuous cookers, the company is able to produce tons of hotdogs per line per hour. A host of other highly sophisticated machineries also produce heaps and loads of canned meat and fish per month. Unsurprisingly, the company also utilizes a unique emulsification system which processes food exceedingly faster and better High Quality Nutritious FoodOver and above technology, safety and nutrition are also given the highest priority during CDO ’s food production. A guarantee of not only faster manufacturing but also the best product quality must be met at all times. In this light, the company showcases one of the country’s most extensive quality assurance system. Product quality assessment goes through thorough inspecting processes and stringent lab tests and procedures making sure that CDO serves nothing but products of the premium quality. Advance Storage Plants and WarehousesWhen it comes to food storage and preservation, CDO again devotes its capabilities on acquiring top notch technology to ensure that the products that reach the grocery shelves are of the first-rate quality. Proof of this is how CDO’s frozen products must go through an advanced blast freezing method and into special cold warehouses to keep the products’ temperature at an ideal level in order to preserve their integrity. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND _____________________________________________________________________________ CDO Foodsphere was all started by Mrs. Corazon D.Ong, a simple insightful homemaker and a dietitian. Because of her ability, she then decided to turn this consumer insight into opportunity in 1975. Her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and excellent skills in culinary arts had led her to prepare food products and later on, sell them to steady and growing clientele. Due to her perseverance, she was able to widespread her food products and became one of the promising food products. What began in 1975 has now flourished into CDO Foodsphere, Inc. Years past and the CDO Foodsphere, inc. were starting to rise. Different named products were produced.CDO Karne Norte, CDO Bibbo! Hotdog, CDO meatloaf, CDO Hamburger patties, CDO holiday ham are just few of the named brands that CDO foodsphere. CDO is now making waves in the Philippine market, blooming into full grown food manufacturing Company in the country. Different strategies had helped this company to elevate their reputation to a household name and also their development of different high quality products have been a key to this reputation that the company have today. CDO is one of the food manufacturers here in the Philippines that truly understand the discriminating taste of the Filipino People.

Week5 Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week5 - Case Study Example Despite this picture of heroism, however, historical accounts indicate that the original crusade launched through the founding endeavor or St. Dominic was actually organized in a manner by which crusaders preached and begged on barefoot and plain suit. The mission failed for the objective to convert heretics and administer preaching to general public took on struggling efforts to the extent that the use of force was necessitated. Eventually, St. Dominic and the accompanying Dominicans only met with a narrow capacity to convert few French Cathars of the Languedoc. Hence, on this ground rests the basis for the claim of certain historians that crusades are considered â€Å"successful failures.† I further agree that such crusades made failures that amounted to victory for the zeal of the First Crusade did not merely subside but rather served as a source of motivation for the Second, Third, and Fourth Crusades. Nevertheless, hostilities and misfortunes emerged upon the Second Crusade when crusaders were severely defeated by the Muslims, paralyzing their ability to regain Jerusalem which in 1187 fell into the military clutches of Saladin instead. Perhaps the success side pertained more on the fact that pilgrimage to Jerusalem continued yet the losing side, on the other hand, comprised the truth that for hundreds of years, cultural imperialism of Islam at the longest period was immensely far from being driven out of the Holy Land. Compared to the initial state of crusade, the latter crusades had been influenced by the advancements made to the western civilization whereby the meaning and significance of ‘crusade’ has evolved from martial into clerically contextual implications. For one, legalized persuasions within religion to convert non-believers to a certain Christian denomination may acquire the label ‘crusade’ which can be

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Healthcare Essay

Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues in Healthcare - Essay Example A nurse who is a friend to the mother of the family suffering from cancer finds herself in a difficult situation in trying to be loyal to the mother, to the two sons in the family and to her profession. Having been a good mother, she chooses not to disclose her medical condition to her sons so as to avoid negatively affecting them psychologically. The ethical dilemma that the nurse finds herself in by not disclosing this information will be put in focus. Introduction There are principles that form the foundation of the ethical codes guiding the professional practice in healthcare. These are the foundations of moral theory in healthcare profession with code of ethics that call for honesty, integrity and responsibility. As such, these ethical codes that have been developed for healthcare professionals provide guidance in their practice. These would normally be created in response to anticipated or actual ethical conflicts (Schweitzer 2010). They are usually difficult to comprehend and only make sense when applied in real life in cases of ethical ambiguity. The contents in these codes vary with the risk involved in a specific profession. For example, in psychology, the code of ethics would define in greater depth the relationship with the client due to the high degree of personal relationship a psychologist would have with the client. On the other hand, there would be minimal interaction between a laboratory technician and a patient; hence the relev ant code of ethics would be more on the need for accuracy and reliability in their tests. White defines bioethics as the application of the general principles of ethics in healthcare (2005). Indeed, all the areas in health care, including staff utilization, clients’ direct care and finance allocation are bound by ethics. Ethics would raise a question but would not provide an easy answer. Among the reasons that make ethics important in the modern world include advancement in technology, changing society and more knowledgeable clients. There are three main groups in healthcare affected by ethics, namely; the providers, patient and family. They would normally have different perspectives on how they would like issues handled. This becomes more complicated when bioethics, physician theories and societal stake are considered (Warren 2011). Just like other practitioners in healthcare, nurses uphold each principle in their routine practice. However, there are times when these principles conflict calling for the nurses’ ethical decision making in choosing which of th e principles becomes priority to be upheld at that moment. In such cases of ethical dilemma, there is no ‘right’ solution. Fant defines ethical dilemma as a problem that does not have a satisfactory resolution (2012). Thus, different ethical choices on an ethical dilemma could be made, but this does not justify any choice as being ‘wrong’ or ‘right.’ The definition of ethics varies from one nurse to another and would normally be shaped by experience, values and beliefs of an individual nurse. The code of ethics with respect to the

My personal philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

My personal philosophy - Essay Example This is why my biggest motivation and mission is to proudly offer nonjudgmental and unbiased care particularly to those in need regardless of their class in life, race, lifestyle choices, spirituality, disability and financial status. My philosophy therefore makes me understand that as a nurse I have a responsibility to my patients and must offer them with holistic, safe, patient-centered, round the clock care. In addition, it makes me bear in mind that patients under my care are not mere statistics, medical conditions or just room numbers but individuals that need and deserve personalized care and attention. Professionally, nurses are supposed to use clinical judgment so as to assist the requirements of their patients. Being an advocate, I am obligated to empower my patients by encouraging them to engage in active partnership as far as their individual care is concerned and participate in mutual setting of goals between patient and care providers. As a nurse I should maintain and uphold patient confidentiality with the exception of when the law mandates us to report as a duty. My philosophy also reminds me that I must constantly educate not only my patients but their families as well especially on treatments, healthy behaviors and diseases so as to enhance their outcomes. Lastly I am also obligated to strive to positively model healthy behaviours in my own life in the belief that I will offer better care to patients if I care for myself first. In conclusion, my philosophy enables me to be committed to keeping myself with the up to date skills and knowledge together with seeking self-enhancement via perpetual learning. This ensures that I do not remain in my belief but instead progress professionally via evidence-based technological and practice advances. My philosophy ensures that I will always keep on learning, not only from journals and textbooks but also from various interactions with my colleagues and involvement

Technology Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Technology Plan - Assignment Example This paper will examine a technology plan for a health care services organization. A health care services organization (HCSO) can function a lot better if it has the right kind of information at its disposal without any wastage of time. Efficiency and effectiveness are two important necessities for the smooth functioning of such an organization. Thus, it would be necessary for a HCSO to have a computer network covering all the terminals inside the building linking their records and data together. A centralized server with direct wireless connectivity with all the nodes would be an idealistic way to provide real-time data from one PC to another without the hassle of paper or wastage of time and human resource. Careful planning can even see a paperless management system being implemented at the Indus Hospital, Pakistan which made the greatest technological advancement in terms of a hospital by adopting to a purely paperless system (Garib, 2008). Truly speaking, such a feat would give an HCSO a competitive advantage in terms of productivity and efficacy. With wireless connectivity instead of wired terminals, the HCSO can also have distributed printers within the organization so as to facilitate the printing of various slips or documents near the customer or the doctor instead of a centralized print server. The use of computerized logs with regards to the number of hours devoted by each doctor or healthcare specialist will give an HCSO the flexibility to focus on its core operations. Such systems work with near field communications devices or RFID tags and perform at extremely impressive perfection rates giving the organization the ease of doing away with manual and troublesome payroll processing systems. Auto-payroll systems are quite the norm and can be easily implemented at an HCSO with slight modifications to suit the scenario. Technological advancements are the light of the day and thus if

Small business financials Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Small business financials - Assignment Example Increase in population has various positive effects on the businesses as well. This rise directly affects demand and supply of various goods and services including food and clothing as they are very basic in nature and required by everyone. In this regard, it is important to mention that the purchasing power of ordinary Qataris is considerably strong and sound as well; the recent estimates reflect that per capita income of ordinary Qatari is $88,000 in 2010 and this country has been identified as among the world’s richest countries (Greenfield, 2012; World Bank, 2015). Based on these fundamental economic indicators, it can be easily deduced that Qatar is ideal country for the purpose of investment as the country has all those basic economic and infrastructural factors that are highly needed for every investor. More clearly, the country has ideal business climate where stable currency exchange rate, low or no crime rate and investment friendly policies of the government, above all the absence of terror threats are some of those indicators that catch the eye of every investors. Keeping these healthy and attractive factors in mind, it is highly reasonable to open small scale retail shop in the country with the following basic accounting and budgetary allocations and estimations. Unique will be name given to this new retail store as this retail store will be located at the centre of Doha city. This location has been chosen for various reasons. First, this city is commercial hub of the country where trade and other commercial activities are carried out; additionally, Doha is highly populated area in the entire country. At the same time, the city is undergoing a faster pace of urbanization which further attracts investment and migrants from under developed areas of the country (Kovessy, 2014). And the government’s

Media ownership reform Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Media ownership reform - Research Paper Example During early 1940s, different larger media companies began to gain much power and influence than others driving the fear of monopoly in the industry. The federal government instituted a series of reforms in the industry to curb the trend and ensure that the field remained competitive and diverse as much as possible. The reforms worked to check the growing trend of monopoly that was evident in the industry. To check this, the government created rules to ensure that there was competition in the industry as well as ensure the control of monopoly. Many regulations were proposed and later on passed into laws to check the ownership of media houses. Most of the regulations instituted aimed to ensure that no media house had greater control of a certain market by ensuring that they had access to a certain percentage of the market. Further, the rules provided that the media houses owned and controlled a predefined number of communication and broadcast stations2. All these regulations were on t he constitutional basis of ensuring that the American citizen had the desired kind of access to information as much as possible. ... Since its creation, the agency has the responsibility of reporting to the congress directly. Under ownership, the FCC has the mandate to regulate the number of media outlets that are owned by a single media house. The main reason behind the creation of the FCC was to regulate interstate and foreign communications by wire and radio to ensure that all processes in the area were at the interests of the public. However, as the industry has evolved over time, the commission has been delegated the responsibility of regulating radio, television, and satellite communication, a responsibility that the commission shares with state agencies. To accomplish its mandate, the FCC was allowed the powers to control the assigning of broadcast spectrum and frequencies to various services, licensing providers in the industry and enforcing laws that relate to communications. The commission has the authority to regulate inappropriate and illegal material broadcast such as cigarette advertisements and othe r programs that relate to aspects of campaigning and child programming. This authority gives the commission more powers to regulate media ownership3. Section II: The Problems with the Current Media Ownership Rules The current media ownership rules provided by the regulatory agency have been under scrutiny on the provisions and capabilities to ensure efficient control of the industry. The industry has grown rapidly over time with changes in technology and there are questions as to whether the regulation of the industry is necessary and efficient in accommodating and promoting such changes. The FCC has proposed various amendments on its provisions to see the deregulation of the industry,

Private School Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Private School Education - Essay Example That would enable the government to support education without necessarily maintaining public institutions. The champions of this voucher system also say that the one-size-fits-all public school system is inappropriate as the model does not cater to the different needs of the students. Opponents of the voucher system, on the other hand, say that it is unfair to take public money meant for public schools and channel the same into the private school where the public has no oversight over how the funds would be used. There is also fear that the private school system may only help to further segment the population alongside religious, social class and other lines. It is entirely possible that the introduction of the voucher system in private schools would provide a magnet for students in public schools. Faced with a larger applicant's pool, private schools would then find it easier to reject applicants deemed undesirable. Unlike public schools, private schools are not obliged to take in one and all. Why the private school vouchers system issue so polarizing Part of the answer lies in the way it has been promoted. California was among the first states to flirt with private schools voucher way back in 1993. A proposal was brought into the legislature of the state that would have taken away as much as 10 per cent of public school funding, with a possibility of further increases on the card if more students moved from public to private schools (Rushefsky, 2002, p. 396). The issue is a political hot potato so much that George W. Bush stopped talking about it in the 2000 election primaries. Two powerful arguments already advanced are essential for a balanced view on the issue. And this article will chronicle the vouchers debate and will attempt to close the difference between the two sides through critically analyzing the pros and cons of the voucher system in private schools. Recurring discussions on the topics are decidedly one-sided. And once a path has been identified, for many an author on the topic, there is no turning back. Two critically acclaimed works on the topic include Rhetoric Versus Reality done by four RAND researchers; Gill, Tiampane, Brewer, Ross and Booker (2007). This book does a fairly good job examining the theoretical underpinnings of vouchers and charter schools and tables the empirical data on their efficacy. The book also looks at how several policy formulations such as the funding, eligibility criteria, academic standards and accountability, may affect the success of the program. Some issues which have yet to be addressed are raised, and although the book is not conclusive on those issues, it leaves room for a more robust consideration of the issues in the future. The other important work on the topic is The Education Gap by Howell and Peterson (2002). Compelling evidence is tabled that African Americans have greatly benefited from the voucher system. Overall, The Education Gap is illustrative on the practicability of the voucher program in private schools and emphatically so in poor urban environments. The point of convergence for both books is that the authors favour random field trials. The sheer volume of applications that are usually received reduces the voucher program into some form of the wager so that those who received the vouchers were merely lucky than needful. There are other studies/articles on the subject. Breaking These Chains is a book by Daniel McGrory, a former Whitehouse speechwriter that in an evangelical fashion roundly criticizes the public school system (1996).        

Advertisement that attempts to trigger problem recognition Case Study

Advertisement that attempts to trigger problem recognition - Case Study Example This paper was written after a research that was done on four websites and two websites were chosen. These websites; one being an entertainment website and the other a company website, demonstrated how ads can be used to trigger problem recognition. The websites that were chosen include that of askmen.com, which is an entertainment website and PatchMd.com, which is a medical company. Starting with askmen.com, the website hosts various types of entertainment information including dating, sports, health, news, movies, games and others. For this case, I selected one of the advertisements on the website that was trying to inform us on how to prevent flu and cold. One major aim of this ad is to trigger a problem in us, the readers that flu and cold have become a problem to control. It, for this reason, goes ahead to give us the simple tips that we can use to prevent the flu and cold. The ad begins with a heading, "Preventing Cold & Flu." Under the heading, it tries to pose a question and an answer, "Flu going around? Heres how to avoid it like a pro," (Dave 1). The ad has just let us know that cold and flu are problems to use that are going around. It then wants to provide us with a solution on how we can handle this problem like pros. Anyone who had cold and flu and did not realize them to be a problem, when they read this ad, they will definitely find out that they have been having a problem. Better still, they will even find out that their problem has a solution after they pay attention to the ad trying to address it. The ad uses a simple picture of a side plate with a glass full of a solution, ginger and a piece of lemon as shown below. The second website that I visited is that of PatchMd.com Company (PatchMd 1). This website provides an ad that tries to trigger a problem about using pills to lose weight. As it suggests, there is a problem when one uses pills to lose weight and, for this reason, it

Conflict & Stress Management Essay Example for Free

Conflict Stress Management Essay 1.0 INTRODUCTION Stress and conflict are two major issues any organisation faces. They are inevitable in all facets of life, be individual or organisational. If not handled well they can be a hindrance for the company performance. Conflict and stress both varies according to the organisation and its culture. But both need to be managed well to avoid unnecessary problems. Conflict is a perception. Surveys show that employees spend as much as 42% of their time engaging in or attempting to resolve conflicts and 20% of managers’ time is taken up by conflict related issues (Gupta, Boyd, Kuzmits, 2011). This valuable time can be utilised in making the organisation a more efficient and an effective one. Organisations which fail to address conflict have the risk of losing their competitive advantage. Conflict can be viewed in many ways and there are different management styles which can deal with conflict. The leadership of the organisation must be involved in dealing with conflict as they would have to negotiate and bargain in order to overcome conflict. Stress is a major concern with today’s working people. This is because the world is developing in a faster pace which requires constant adaptation. Stress not only affects ones work-life balance, but also their personal life which creates chaos for individuals. According to some estimation, humankind losses 100 million workdays every year due to the aftermath of stress (Treven Potocan, 2005). Work stress needs to be managed well so it can actually improve the well being of the individuals as well as the organisation. Both of these factors will be viewed in the context of Nippon Lanka and will be analysed thoroughly on how they overcome these issues to maintain a healthy relationship with employees. Improvements and recommendations for the current methods will also be discussed. 2.0 OVERVIEW Nippon Lanka Pvt Ltd (NPLK) is a joint venture (JV) between the Nippon PLC Japan (NPJ) and Silicone Coatings Pvt Ltd (SC) Sri Lanka where the NPJ brought over 60% of Silicones shares. This joint venture is advantageous to both parties where NPJ is able to use this as an entry method and SC as an opportunity to be a part of a global industry. Formation of this JV took almost a year where Nippon Lanka studied SC and the relevant industry as whole to get an idea of the present market conditions. It was found that there was no better time to enter the Sri Lankan market due to the post war era development. Therefore SC was considered due to their strong presence in the market. Today after about three months from successfully forming the JV the company is going through a transition period. There aren’t any major changes to positions in the hierarchy but there are role changes and employees are finding it difficult to adapt to their new roles. Example: The Managing Director (MD) of the company who was the owner of the company still is the MD how ever to day the person is a salaried employee. The General Manager who was reporting directly to MD today has to report to the Board of directors where MD is just one out of the five directors. When examining the company culture towards conflict, the company culture and the value system which has been there for 35 years from the date of the establishment is now being changed. SC was established in 1979, as a small scale manufacture and a distributer of paint related ancillaries. By the time Nippon approached SC it had grown into the largest local player in the market where it was second only to the global giant Akzonobal by a 3% margin. It is evident that SC has been a one man show up to the time of the JV, the full value system and the operational procedures were laid down by the founder himself and not most of the managers found it enticing to be part of. Therefore the HR turnover was such that on average about six key resources left the company. In this back ground let’s see how the conflict and stress management function takes place within the organization. 3.0 CONFLICT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 3.1 Conflict Management Styles Conflict can be defined as the process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect, something the first party cares about (Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2011:441). It is that point in an ongoing activity when an interaction crosses over to become an interparty conflict. Conflict can be seen as good and bad with corresponding positive and negative outcomes where this would all depend on how one views conflict. There are three basics views of conflict. These are the Traditional view, the Interactionist view and Managed conflict view. The traditional view sees conflict as bad and something that must be eliminated through the use of authority. Poor communication, lack of openness and failure to respond to employee needs could be seen as few of the causes. The interactionist view is that conflict is desirable, necessary for high performance teams and should be encouraged. The contemporary view is that conflict is inevitable and it may be positive or negative but it must be managed to be beneficial. Nippon Lanka follows a more interactionist view where conflict is encouraged and the company is of the view that a perfectly cooperative, harmonious group would hinder dynamism, creativity and innovation where a minimal level of conflict is needed to prevent a lacklustre, uninterested attitude among the group. As mentioned earlier, not all conflicts are good, and this view only supports functional conflict. Functional conflict is a constructive form of conflict that supports the goals of the group and improves performance. The type of conflict at hand would distinguish a functional conflict from a dysfunctional conflict. Although these are distinct types of conflict, the occurrence of one type of conflict can lead to a conflict of another type taking place. For example, the process of costing has been kept confidential, and this has led to the tension between the sales team and the costing team. 3.2TYPES OF CONFLICT PRESENT IN NIPPON LANKA 3.2.1Relationship conflict Conflicts between two people are known as relationship conflicts. These conflicts arise as a result of miscommunication, disagreements or misunderstandings between people. One such situation at Nippon Lanka arose between the Brand Manager and the Marketing Manager. The Brand manager has been with the company for 5 years and has previously worked with two Heads of marketing. Once the new marketing manager was appointed, it was found that the latter was less experienced and was not willing to corporate with the Marketing Head. This triggered huge problems for the new comer. The management was aware of this, but wasn’t able to remove him from the position due to the valuable connections the customers. However, the Marketing Manager understood this inferiority complex of the Brand Manager. Having gone through the initial hardships the new marketing manager somehow managed to win the trust of the Brand manager. Now they are working harmoniously, directing all their efforts towards the benefit of the company. 3.2.2.Data Conflict This occurs when decisions are made without adequate information. At Nippon Lanka, the costing department works in isolation. They do not consult the sales and marketing team when arriving at the costs, so more often than not, the cost of the product is either too high, depriving them of valuable orders and potential growth, or at times its too low depriving the opportunity for the company to charge a premium price on an innovative product or to achieve efficiency through specialisation. 3.2.3Interest Conflict Conflicts of interest mainly deal with psychological issues, where an individual or organisation behaves in a certain manner, with the aim of meeting a particular interest which is not shared by everyone else. The JV with the Japanese company was not disclosed or made public, even though doing so would have been acting in the best interests of the company. The MD did not like the idea of publicising the 60:40 JV that was taking place, as it would be viewed as a takeover. However, the rest of the company felt that some amount of public awareness would have positively impacted the companys future performance. Another example would be when the HR department wanted to minimise the over time cost they imposed a rule where all sales vehicle needs to be back at the HO by 5 pm. As an example what the Sales representatives would do is when they need to deliver goods up to Negombo, covering Wattala, Ja-ela, Seeduwa and Negombo. They would turn back from Seeduwa at 3.30 pm in order to make it back to office by 5 pm, without covering their full distance to Negombo. What followed was a delay in the delivery and travelling additional mileage, having to revisit incomplete routes taking the same path. 3.2.4 Structural Conflict Structural conflict arises from unclear and undefined roles and reporting lines. The RD and the production manger are directly reporting to the MD. The other managers report to the GM, where the GM reports to the MD. Currently when a sales representative needs to develop a sample for a particular customer, the sales representative will not have the adequate support since the request from the sales rep will not be taken seriously from the RD manager and the GM cannot question them for not doing it right. Only 10 out of 1 samples are successful and yet the RD manager has managed to survive, distracting the control and supervisory system of the top management since there is no clear reporting structure. 3.2.5 Value Conflict A value conflict comes about when two people or groups have dissenting views on moralitythat basic understanding of what is naturally right or wrong. As mentioned earlier, the cost manager considered himself and his department superior than the other departments, with the notion that the information handled need not be disclosed to anyone else. At present, the cost manager is in prison, facing charges of fraud. Although the environment helped the person to carry out fraud, this is a clear example of conflicting values. 3.3 THE CONFLICT PROCESS Figure 1: The Conflict Process (Source: Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2005:444) 3.3.1Stage I: Potential opposition or incompatibility The first stage talks about the conditions that are needed for conflict to arise. They may not directly lead to conflict, but they need to be present for conflict to surface. They can be referred to as the causes of conflict and can be condensed into three general categories, namely communications, structure and personal variables. Communication, either too much or too little information passed between members can result in potential opportunities for conflict to arise. At Nippon Lanka, the manner in which the costing of the products is carried out is not communicated to the members in the other dept and this has been the initiating factor for conflict to set in. Structure includes several variables such as size, degree of specialization in the tasks assigned to the group members, role clarity, member-goal compatibility, leadership styles, reward systems, and the degree of dependence among groups. The sales and promotions manager at Nippon Paints follow an aggressive, predator style of leadership where excuses were not tolerated and was only interested in the achievement of results and targets. An example would be, the samples taken from the production team that is used for sales and promotion does not meet the required standards of quality where 9 out of 10 samples would fail. Same time, the Sales and promotions manager would also be very demanding of the sales representatives in terms of getting the desired targets. In some cases, employees have resigned due this demanding nature. Personal variables are mainly due to differences in personal traits of individuals. Diverse issues such as prejudice and disagreements over ones contribution to the group, as well as the rewards one deserves. For example, at Nippon Paints, the General Manager is prepared to hire new trainees at Rs. 15,000/=, whereas the Sales and Promotions Manager feels that the market rate of Rs. 30,000/= should be paid to them. The low salaries have deterred attracting the talented individuals and therefore not achieving the fullest potential. 3.3.2Stage II: Cognition and Personalization If the conditions mentioned in stage I negatively affect something one party cares about, then the potential for opposition or incompatibility surfaces in the second stage. One or both parties must be aware and perceive that these conditions exist. However, just because it is perceived does not make the conflict personalized. It may not have an effect on either or both parties. The conflict has to be felt, for individuals become emotionally involved, leading to anxiety, tension, frustration or hostility. 3.3.3Stage III: Intentions Intentions get in the way of peoples perceptions and emotions and act as decisions for them to react the way they do to the situation at hand. They are important, as one has to make inferences of the other partys intentions to know and understand the reason behind that partys behavior and to respond accordingly. Conflicts tend to escalate at this point merely because of the wrong inferences being made. Sometimes a behavior might erroneously reflect the persons intentions. Two dimensions are used, namely cooperativeness (the degree to which one party attempts to satisfy the other partys concerns) and assertiveness (the degree to which one party attempt to satisfy his or her own concerns) to identify five conflict handling intentions. This has been attached to Appendix 1 with the styles explained. 3.3.4Stage IV: Behavior This stage includes actions, statements and reactions made by the conflicting parties. Intentions of each party are implemented through these behaviors and can be seen as a dynamic process of interaction. Conflicts usually start slow; characterized by indirect rather subtle forms of tension and escalate as the tension builds. At this latter stage things could become highly destructive where such conflicts are almost always dysfunctional. 3.3.5Stage V: Outcomes Behavior would lead to outcomes, where some are functional in that the conflict results in an improvement in the groups performance or it may also be dysfunctional in that it hinders group performance. Functional conflict can be beneficial for the company as it provides a medium through which problems can be aired and tensions released. This improves the quality of decisions, stimulates creativity and innovation, encourages interest and curiosity among group members and it forces and environment of self-evaluation and change. Some companies discourage conflict as they prefer yes-men, loyal to the higher ups to the point of never questioning company actions. As for dysfunctional conflict it would reduce group effectiveness and group cohesiveness. At the extreme, conflict can bring group functioning to a halt and potentially threaten the groups survival. Refer Appendix II for the example of a conflict Process at Nippon paints. 3.3 NEGOTIATING AND BARGAINING Before the organisation starts negotiating they should be aware of the nature of the conflict. There is a certain process that needs to be followed in negotiation. Negotiation is by definition the management of crossed demands, where each one of us expresses requests hoping the other will try to fulfil them (Lempereur, A. 2012). As it is said â€Å"Everything is negotiation in life†, so every party involved in the process would like to take the best out of it. 3.3.1 Bargaining Strategies There are two bargaining strategies that could be discussed. Distributive bargaining and integrative bargaining. In the current context what is more obvious is integrative bargaining which makes both the parties involved satisfied creating a win-win situation. An example for this was when a sales representative requests for a personal vehicle they need to achieve a certain level of sales targets. If they maintain the sales targets for a sustainable period they will be given a personal vehicle. But by any chance if they do not keep up to the said targets their salaries will be reduced in accordance with the cost of maintaining the vehicle by the company. Through a situation like this, what is created is a long term positive relationship for the company. As a company, they increase the sales levels and the employees will also be satisfied as their needs are also met. 3.3.2 Negotiation Process Negotiation can happen in 5 steps; these are preparation and planning, definition and ground rules, clarification and justification, bargaining and problem solving and closure and implementation. Some do not have a positive ending or a closure. But negotiations that have an effect for the organisation will go through a process. An example of this would be when the company needs to host certain function in hotels they would negotiate with them for the best bargain. As they have cost constraints, there are certain limitations and getting the best bargain with the best outcome would be the perfect scenario. Before the start of the negotiation with the relevant hoteliers the in-charge person will prepare the list of things that need to be discussed. These would be the pricing, menu items, additional services that are required and assess what the other party goals and prepare well for them. In this instance a budget per person would be Rs. 3,000. But the relevant hotels cost was higher. Then the menus for these relevant amounts will be compared. In the Sri Lankan context rather than a 4 or 5 course meal, action stations with koththu and hoppers have a vibrant feeling and also cost less. So in the negotiation table the other alternatives will be put across. Since information is all gathered, the representative will develop a strategy. The person will also determine the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). So here the BATNA will be to get cost per person at Rs. 3,000 having action stations with cocktail menu. The person will determine when and where to have the appointment. The ideal place would be at hotel premises because then the ambiance where service capacity can also be viewed. The meeting would be planned in the best time where both parties are not strained with other commitments and can concentrate for a best outcome. Once the initial stance is made then there will be further clarifications and explanations. Then both parties will try to come up with concessions in order to make a decision. Once both parties are satisfied they will formalize the agreement. In this process Nippon Lanka representatives will stress on the fact that if one event is made a success; then the hotel is winning a long term corporate client. This enhances their business. 3.3.3 Third Party Negotiation This is crucial for Nippon Lanka as they deal with lot of suppliers and customers. Advertising is a crucial part for this organisation and dealing with media is important to get a good advertising deal. Earlier they were dealing with the television and radio stations by themselves and it was quite strenuous. Getting a good deal that is worth their money was tough and time consuming, having deal with different organisations, so they decided to obtain third party involvement. The outcome was to get a consultant to act on media buying for the organisation. A consultant is a skilled and impartial third party who attempts to facilitate problem solving through communication and analysis (Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2011:457). They are there to improve the current status and to get a win-win solution for both parties. When Nippon started using a third party advertising firm to do media buying, they were able to get good deals from media as they have a high bargaining power. 4.0 WORK STRESS STRESS MANAGEMENT Stress is a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, demand, or resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important (Robbins, Judge Vohrs, 554). Most of the time stress is discussed in the negative contest but this is not true at all times. Stress can be taken into the system as an advantage. In the current organisation stress factor is not talked openly even though people are put under stress levels it is not considered as value adding option for the organisation. In the organisation currently what is seen is the challenge stresses but sometimes these same factors do become hindrance stressors for the employees. 4.1 Sources of stress The main sources of stress in the organisation comes from environmental and organisation factors. When it comes to environmental factors; the three types of uncertainties are economic, political and technological. These play a minimal role compared to organisational and personal factors. In considering environment factors; the workers are stressed on the technological aspect. Research and development team is always under pressure in getting a new product development before their competitors. Organisation heads are concerned about the Political uncertainty. Whenever a new rule or regulation is passed by government with regard to the consumer protection or protecting environment this takes a toll in the organisation activities. They must be aware of the new laws and how to tackle them, this adds a lot of strain in the management as they need to alter or change certain decisions according to political scenarios. Change in economic policies and recessions or booms in the economic cycle create stress on the organisation. Current economic down turn have made a toll in the sales teams as consumers are spending less and government projects have considerably reduced. At the same time government is not paying their debt and collections have become harder. Organisational factors are the ones that are created by the organisation which creates stress on employees. Task demands such as collecting debts in 90 days have a strain on the employee. This increases the job pressure. Role demands relate to pressure that occurs due to the job role. Managers and above have high role related pressures compared to subordinates due to the heavy work load which needs to be performed in less time. Most employees complain that they are given more work than they can handle and it stresses them out a lot. At the same time many complain the targets given are not practical. There is a minimal level of interpersonal demands where other employees are not supportive. Personal factors which increase stress are different to every individual. But this does create a hindrance in the organisation performance. All or some of these factors create a high turnover or absenteeism, reduction in productivity and decrease in job satisfaction. Sadly Nippon Lanka has not recognised the importance of stress management in order to curb it or cure it. The main organisational stress come comes from the current management change, this is because the task and role demands have changed and employees need to adjust to the new roles. Personal factors too trigger stress level of the employees. 4.2 Managing Stress at Nippon Lanka Pvt Ltd Based on the study, it is visible that Nippon Lanka uses stress as a positive motivator, but at some points it goes out of hand where it depletes the collaboration and coordination amongst the teams and also inter department. Based on the job roles, the department heads can think of the stress levels which can be imposed on the team members to get results and to meet targets. However the stress levels should be correctly managed so that it motivates results and not deplete and impede the team building and performance drive within the teams. As it is observed, some amount of stress comes from the non-alignment of the reporting lines. Therefore the suggestion is to relook at the reporting lines so that stress does not occur due to incorrect alignment of the business structure which has a negative impact and which creates unnecessary types of stress within teams. Together with the Job role enrichment, reporting lines should also be re-aligned so that the company will only be left with stress which causes the company to perform and not to impede. 5.0 CONCLUSION In conclusion conflict, negotiation and stress are all visible in Nippon Paint. Conflict is unavoidable at the organisation due to the dealings they have among the departments and the third parties. To overcome conflict certain understanding among employees and stakeholders must be implemented. It can be seen that conflict, negotiation and stress are interlinked with each other on some level. Organisational conflict styles may shape an organisations social environment, affecting the level of ongoing conflict and thus the level of stress among employees. Nippon Lanka to a great extent follows an integrative style of conflict management which leads to lower task conflict, reducing relationship conflict, which reduces stress. However, there are many instances where the management has not come up with a solution to the conflict at hand, where they are not willing to step in and the employees are left to resolve the matter, which at most times remains unresolved. The recommended improvements with regard to this has been discussed in Section 3.4. It is important that with the JV taking place, the new management plays an active role in resolving these long running issues so that the organisation and its performance does not get affected. The current JV could also trigger new conflicts and stress levels within the organisation where it is crucial that these issues are identified and resolved. The new management must take this opportunity to place greater prominence of recognizing the on-going stress levels within the organisation and deal with them appropriately. Improved management of conflict, negotiations and stress would benefit the individuals and the organisation in terms of high performing, content, dedicated employees who deliver results.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) | Essay

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) | Essay Introduction The Social determinants of health (SDOH) are a group of factors that impact health and wellbeing of an individual. Child development is influenced by various aspects starting from birth, biology, genetic characteristics, gender, culture and family values. The Family provides adequate support systems by various means such as socioeconomic resources, ideal family environment and effective parenting skills. A community’s health and social development depends on healthy living and health services available to them (McMurray Clendon, 2011). The health burden of disease and causes of major health inequalities arises from the environment in which an individual is born, raised, grown and worked. Theses factors are referred to as SDOH. SDOH consist of a number of structural conditions. The model representing cascade of bubble demonstrates how SDOH are interrelated to each other. It is observed that if there are any political or environmental changes, all structural determinants are affected (Wilcox, 2007 as cited in McMurray Clendon, 2011). Primary health care (PHC) is aimed to create healthy communities. PHC approach is best described by multi-level health promotion model. Primary prevention is attained through upstream actions which are aimed to promote and maintain health. This is achieved through providing a healthy environment, health services and education for healthy living. Secondary prevention/midstream actions are providing treatment for illness and further prevention of disability. Tertiary or downstream actions are basically rehabilitation services or educating the community to cope with disability conditions (McMurray Clendon, 2011). This essay outlines the effect of housing on health of the community. Improving the housing condition is primary prevention through upstream actions. To improve health and reduce inequalities, a coordinated approach is required to address SDOH which has direct effects on structural determinants. House designs should be made by taking into account health and well being. The infrastructure planning for housing designs which should include insulation, ventilation, sewage system, public spaces as well as community’s participation in their health development project should be encouraged. The health of an individual, families and the community can be improved by well designed, insulated houses and community health services. (WHO, 2011; Chapman Bierre, 2008). The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also emphasised on approach to promote health by improving housing and living conditions. The visits to emergency and stay in hospital with serious acute medical illness is shorter with improved living conditions as opposed to those who lives in poor housing (Thomson, Thomas Petticrew, 2009; Sadowski, Kee, VanderWeele Buchanan, 2009). The research study has indicated that people migrated to better housing has improved health outcomes and are also exposed to less substance abuse, violence and less neighbourhood problems as compared to their original living conditions. Government generated social and health policies directly affect the quality of life and living conditions of the community, and also the economical status of the family significantly influence an individual’s health. A co-ordinated action is required from the Policy makers, health service providers and leaders from various sectors to utilise their knowledge to enhance better living conditions bringing the best population health outcomes (Williams, Costa, Odunlami Mohammad, 2012). The importance of living and working conditions, indoor environment, safe neighbourhood, healthy lifestyles in general and respiratory health in particular is a major concern these days. The predominant factors increasing the risk of asthma and respiratory problems are moisture damage in the house and bacterial growth. The studies have shown a close association between mould, dampness and asthma in children. Damp houses resulting in mould and microbial growth are the predisposing factor resulting in wheezing in adults and infants. In a survey carried in NZ homes reported 35 % of moulds clearly visible in the living area or bedrooms. NZ has been reportedly having higher asthma rates in the world, which is contributed by poor living conditions. Damp and cold houses support the bacterial growth, providing favourable media for mould, bacteria and dust mites. Young children spend more time at home as compared to adults, There is a significant effect of damp houses on respiratory system, t hus the incident rate of bronchitis and wheezing illness is more common in children. It is suggested, if people will be provided with better housing and insulation, respiratory symptoms will reduce by 33% (Keall, Crane, Baker, Wickens, Chapman Cunningham, 2012). It has always been stated that population of health is largely impacted by quality of housing where they live. If people living in substandard housing or poor living conditions could be provided with better housing, insulation and ventilation, It could potentially prevent ill health. There was a cluster randomised trial for housing, insulation and health study of insulating houses of communities with low socioeconomic status. A Community based approach is effective mean of improving health rather than an individual focused e.g. Insulating houses are more effective than providing people with more clothes. Older aged, infants and children spend more time in houses, thus they have to bear the physiological stress due to their weaker immune system. This research also reports an association of cold, damp houses likely to get bacterial and mould growth, eventually causing respiratory problems. Several international report highlight poor insulation, damp, cold and mouldy houses leading to p oor health. People with insulated houses and better living conditions were less likely to be admitted to acute wards with pulmonary and obstructive airway diseases. The results interpreted in studies of the insulated housing affecting health were significant with improved outcome measures, except for the use of medical facilities. This study was conducted in uninsulated old houses with cold and dampness, where at least one member has respiratory problems, Increased warmth and decreased humidity brought improved health conditions. Population living in well designed and insulated houses reported significantly less cold and dampness however People in insulated houses also reported that their houses felt significantly less damp and mouldy, however this study does not determine essential determinants involved. Although this study greatly emphasise the effect of living in cold and damp houses resulting in pulmonary conditions such as asthma, cough and wheezing (Chapman et al., 2007). A study conducted by Kearns, Smith and Abbott on Pacific population showed substandard living conditions as compared to Maori and European population. Pacific people are at a great risk of developing asthma, cold and flu (as cited in Butler, Williams, Tukuuitonga Peterson, 2003). Studies have reported a close relationship between cold, damp houses and respiratory diseases. Researchers also highlighted the association of poor housing with mental health and maternal health. Statistical analysis showed cold/damp houses a potential risk factor for asthma and postnatal depression. The pathophysiology of the respiratory symptoms is triggered by an allergic reaction to fungi or dust mites (Butler, Williams, Tukuuitonga Peterson, 2003). A major British cohort study has reported an evidence of poor living/housing conditions are growing over the life, of course, and can impose serious health effects on an individual and family. Thus, interventions to improve housing could measure better effects. Providing insulation for houses for the community with low economic conditions is a cost effective intervention to promote health and well being. It should be widely accepted by the community for their own health, policy makers and leaders to make strategy for healthy measures (Chapman et al., 2007). Conclusion The health of the community is greatly influenced by SDOH more than medical care. As above stated, quality of life is significantly affected by the society and the environment in which they live and work. The burden of disease and ill health can be reduced by improving the housing environment. Medical care and accessing physician is not affordable to all, however better housing conditions can effectively reduce the financial burden on the health sector. Hence, the individual and the community should be encouraged to participate in health programmes for the promotion of their health and wellness. Reference List Butler, S., Williams, M., Tukuionga, C., Paterson, J. (2003). Problems with damp housing among pacific families in New Zealand. The New Zealand Medical Journal, 116 (1177), 1-8. Retrieved from https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/2292/4653/12861308.pdf?sequence=1 Chapman, P. H., Bierre, S. (2008). Reducing health inequalities by improving housing. In Dew, K., Matheson, A. (Eds.), Understanding health inequalities in Aotearoa New Zealand (pp. 161-173). Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago University Press. Chapman, P. H., Matheson, A., Crane, J., Viggers, H., Cunningham, M., Blakely, T.,Davie, G. (2007). Effect of insulating existing houses on health inequality: cluster randomised study in the community. BioMedical Journal. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39070.573032.80 Keall, M. D., Crane, J., Baker, M. G., Wicken, K., Chapman, P. H., Cunningham (2012). A measure for quantifying the impact of housing quality on respiratory health: a cross sectional study. Environmental Health, 11 (33), 1-8. Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1476-069X-11-33.pdf McMurray, A., Clendon, J. (2011). Community health and wellness: Primary health care in practice (4th ed.). Sydney, Australia: Elsevier. Sadowski, L, S., Kee, R. A., VanderWeele, T. J., Buchanan, D. (2009). Effects of a housing and case management program on emergency department visits and hospitalizations among chronically ill homeless adults: A randomized trial. Journal of American Medical Association, 301 (17), 1771-1777. doi: 10011/jama.2009.561 Thomson, H., Thomas, S., Sellstrom, E., Petticrew, M. 92009). The health impacts of housing improvement: A systematic review of intervention studies from 1887 to 2007. American Journal of Public Health, 99(3), 681-691. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2008.143909. Willimas, D. R., Costa, M. V., Odunlami, A. O. Mohammed, S. A. (2008). Moving upstream: How interventions that address the social determinants of health can improve health and reduce disparities. Journal Public Health Manag Pract, 14, S8-17. doi: 10.1097/01.PHH.0000338382.36695.42 World Health Organization. (2011). Closing the gap: Policy into practice on social determinants of health: discussion paper. Retrieved from https://extranet.who.int/iris/restricted/bitstream/10665/44731/1/9789241502405_eng.pdf 1

Disaster Management Approaches For Libraries

Disaster Management Approaches For Libraries Abstract The present paper highlights the disaster and its management in general and in libraries in electronic age. The paper also suggested the management methods of disaster in libraries. Libraries are the custodian of our history, culture and civilization. They are keeping the heritage of the nation in safe for last thousands of years. The safeguard against disaster for the libraries is very important. Safeguard should be in such planned ways that save the resources of library without any damage. In India libraries are not concentrating on disaster management due to unawareness and paucity of funds. Libraries and reputed Information Centres should organise program on disaster management in libraries. There should be training and workshop program for library personnel as well as for library users. Library and managing authority should make necessary arrangement for the effective program of disaster management in libraries. Disaster management program should be implemented from the initial stage (from the construction of building for any organisation). Key-Words: Disaster, Disaster Management, Natural Disaster, Man-Made Disaster,  Disaster Management – Libraries, Artificial Disaster 1. Introduction: Now libraries of India transforming themselves from traditional library to modern library or we may say automated, electronic, digital, virtual or hybrid libraries. With the development of technology changes, the development of adversity also increased. Adversity or disaster may be natural an artificial also. Disaster and its management (Disaster Management) now becomes the burning topic in many field due to natural disaster as cyclone, tornado, earthquake, fire due to heavy rain, water flood etc. and artificial disaster as power grid failure, network failure, fire, server fail, short -circuit etc. In libraries, authorities and libraries are not giving their attention for management of any kind of disaster. In India except some advance libraries, most of libraries have no prearrangement for disaster. Libraries have our history. Civilization and culture in books and in electronic form, if any disaster occurred they will lose valuable history, Civilization and culture. 2. Disaster Disaster is an unexpected, disastrous happening carrying excessive mutilation, damage, and destruction and devastation to life and property. The mutilation caused by disasters is incalculable and differs with the topographical location, climate and the type of the earth surface/degree of susceptibility. These effects may be mental, socio-economic, political and cultural state of the affected area. Disaster may be men made (Artificial) and natural. Some definition of disaster as follow: An occurrence causing widespread destruction and distress; a catastrophe.† Emergency â€Å"A serious situation or occurrence that happens unexpectedly and demands immediate action[1].† (American Heritage Dictionary. 3 rd. ed., 1996) In contemporary academia, disasters are seen as the effect of hazards on vulnerable areas. Hazards that occur in areas with low vulnerability do not result in a disaster; as is the case in uninhabited regions. (Quarantelli 1998)[2]. A disaster is a natural or man-made (or technological) hazard resulting in an event of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction, loss of life, or drastic change to the environment. A disaster can be extensively defined as any tragic event stemming from events such as earthquakes, floods, catastrophic accidents, fires, or explosions. It is a phenomenon that can cause damage to life and property and destroy the economic, social and cultural life of people.[3] 2.1 Natural Disaster A natural disaster is an implication when a natural danger touches creatures and/or the built atmosphere. The resulting damage is governed by on the capacity of the population to support or fight the disaster: their resilience. This understanding is concentrated in the formulation: disasters occur when hazards meet defencelessness. A natural danger will hereafter never result in a natural disaster in areas without exposure. Numerous singularities like, landslides, earthquakes, eruptions, volcanic, cyclones and floods are all natural hazards that kill thousands of people and destroy moneys of territory and goods every time. Followings are the main natural disasters: Earthquakes Floods Volcanic eruptions Cyclones Biological agents (micro-organisms, insect or vermin infestation) Fires (wildfires) Rain 2.2. Artificial (Men Made) Disaster With the technological development the hazards also grows. Artificial disasters also can be caused by humans. Dangerous materials emergencies include chemical tumbles and groundwater pollution. Workplace fires (caused by short-circuit etc.) are more common and can originate substantial property mutilation and loss of life. Communities are also defenceless to these threats posed by fanatical groups who use ferocity against both people and property. In Artificial disaster, targets may include military and civilian government facilities, international airports, high-profile landmarks and large cities. In Cyber-terrorism involves attacks against computers (server down, virus attack, hacking and unauthorised access etc.) and networks done to intimidate or pressure a government or its people for political or social objectives. 3. Disaster management It is a discipline that includes making, holdup, and rebuilding society when natural or human-made disasters occur. In general, any Crisis management is the unceasing process by which all individuals, groups, and communities manage hazards in an effort to avoid or perfect the impact of disasters resulting from the hazards ‘Disaster management can be defined as the organization and management of resources and responsibilities for dealing with all humanitarian aspects of emergencies, in particular preparedness, response and recovery in order to lessen the impact of disasters.[4] 4. Disaster in Libraries Disaster either natural or manmade may occur in any organisation and at any place of the world. Its seriousness may be distinguished on preventive, pre-arrangement and other security methods. Now, libraries have entered in the age of electronic age but with the advent of technology in libraries, the technological (Artificial) disaster has also generated. Natural disaster like flooding, earthquake, cyclones, rain and Volcanic eruptions etc. are identical and not changed but going toward uncertainty due to global warming. Day to day man-made disaster as power cuts, network failure, cooling- heating, theft of books, network tower failure, conflict, noise, and violence may occur in libraries. Besides these, fire, sever failure, crashing of computer also are major disaster in libraries. Sometimes some misshaping may convert in major disaster in libraries. 5. Disaster Management in Libraries: Libraries are our guardian or custodian of our history, culture and civilization. They are keeping these records in printed and non-printed document. Students, scholar expectation are also linked with libraries. So maintenance and security of libraries are essential from disaster etc. In this concern Indian libraries (especially government and public libraries) frustrated us. Libraries are not so secured in this concern. Most of the libraries have not installed fire alarm system in their libraries. If installed, the maintenance of these systems is zero, only they became show peace. Libraries are also faces many day to day disaster like power-cuts (No having generators), no heating-cooling system etc. Libraries are information centre are also organising many workshop, conference and seminar of ICT but neglected the topic like disaster management in libraries[5]. This is ill-fated of Libraries as they are providing reading material (books, journals and encyclopaedias etc.) on disaster management to their users for research but for them, there is no such perpetual program in this concern. Funds are also a barrier in this concern as libraries not getting adequate funds for purchase books etc. and these disasters are the secondary phase for the libraries. I personally observed in many libraries that there was no such preventive equipment and measurement for this disaster (natural and man-made). Disaster controlling plan is a must be assimilated in preliminary planning of founding a library and information centre. Numerous minor pointers for a complete disaster management plan, which are independent of each other but are interwoven. Libraries either academic or public and authority (Government- Non-Government) should make the following provision in their libraries against disaster management: Fruitful Plan: Each disaster has three phases: before, during and after. A variability of plans is required to manage with each of these phases. There should be fruitful plan for disaster management. Disaster plan must cover complete of the library and information centre including staff, readers, sources of information, equipment and infrastructure and it must be a cooperative team effort. Mirror Server/ Backup: There should be arrangement of mirror server and daily backup of work should be taken on regular base by the competent library staff. Data backup should not kept in library and be placed at minimum two places. A responsible staff may take this backup with them. AMC of library server and UPC may be an alternative security measure for this. Power Supply: There should be one main switch of light system of library and place to place MCV- Light controller should be installed in the library to avoid short-circuit in light system. Responsibility: There should be fixation of responsibilities on staff and suitable should be identified and succession should be fixed in written and verbally. Suitable senior and junior staff should be incorporated in disaster planning. Power-Cuts: There should be installation of Solar Power System and UPS to cater the the uninterrupted power supply. Sound proof power generator may be installed for this system. Fire: Fire alarm system and smoke detector should be installed in library on each level so that any type of smoke and fire is detected. The staff training is essential to handle such system and should openings for staff to be alert of what is expected of them in the event of disaster. Library should identifying imperative parts of the building, collections, allocating rescue primacies, recognizing substitute storage sites, providing satisfactory fire protection. Additional Funds Arrangement: There should be an additional fund arrangement to procure the preventive equipment and for making such disaster arrangement in libraries. Rain- Floods: It is impartial as important to determine where the water is coming from and should to stop it at its cause as it is to cover up the books. There should be arrangement of water security out system around the library. The access of water should go in direct to down to earth. User Awareness Program: There should be a user awareness program regarding the disaster management. This program may be included in user education/ orientation program of the library. Workshop/Training and Conference: Time to time library and information centers should organize training and workshop program on disaster management in libraries. Disaster Management Agency: Library and information centers may hire Disaster Management Agency for disaster management. Library may contract with such type of agency (Government and Private). There are many such types of agencies are available (online – offline) for disaster management. 6. Conclusion: Now the range of disaster has increased, natural disaster is increasing due to global warming and artificial disasters (man-made) are increasing with the advent of Information Communication Technology. Pre-planning for disaster is very important as this management is inter-linked on each other. These planning should be implemented from the initial phase (from the point of construction of building of any organisation like libraries). Time to time mock drill should also implement for testing of the program. Maintenance of such procedure is also very important. Government, non-government and managing authorities should also pay more attention on this issue. Government should also make such positive policies for libraries and information regarding the implementation of disaster management. Related Bibliography Aparac-Gazivoda, T. and Katalenac, D. (1993) Wounded libraries in Croatia, Zagreb: Croatian Library Association. Archives, Aldershot: Ashgate. Featherstone, Robin M., Lyon, Becky J, and Ruffin, Angela B. (2008).Librarian’s Role in Disaster Response: an Oral History Project. Journal of Medical Library Association, 96,256-282.doi 10.3163/1536-5050.96.4.009. Golrick, Michael A. (2009). Disaster management: Steps in the process. Retrieved from:http://michaelgolrick.blogspot.com/2009/03/disaster-management-plan-steps-in.html. Matthews, G. and Eden, P. (1996) Disaster management in British libraries. Project report with guidelines for library managers, London: The British Library. Matthews, Graham, Eden, Paul. (1996) Disaster management training in libraries, Library Review, Vol. 45 Iss: 1, pp.30 – 38 Riedlmayer, A. (2007) ‘Crimes of war, crimes of peace: destruction of libraries during and after the Balkan wars of the 1990s’, Library Trends 1 (56), 107-132. [1] American Heritage Dictionary. 3 rd. ed., 1996 Houghton Mifflin; 3 editions (August 20, 1992). [2] Quarantelli E.L. (1998). Where We Have Been and Where We Might Go. In: Quarantelli E.L. (Ed). What Is A Disaster? London: Rutledge. pp146-159 [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disaster [4] 1International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Management. Accessed 12-12-13 [5] http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2204context=libphilprac

Womens Reproductive Rights and Marital Rights :: Womens Issues Compare Contrast

Women's Reproductive Rights and Marital Rights: A Comparison of Twenty Countries As early as 1871, Elizabeth Cady Stanton recognized that suffrage alone would not guarantee women’s emancipation. Rather, she noted that in order for a woman to be a truly equal and independent citizen, she must possess the ability to control her own circumstances. "The pride of every man is that he is free to carve out his own destiny. A woman has no such pride" (DuBois, 1981:140). Through this recognition she acclaimed that women must have the ability to control their own lives, namely the ability to choose and control the uses of their bodies. Yet, in the present world, there exists a dramatic variation from state to state regarding women’s control over their bodies in reproductive and marital issues. Why is it that in countries such as Canada and the United States, women are able to prosecute their husbands for rape, yet in countries such as Sudan, females are genitally mutilated with no recourse; in Brazil, violence against women is difficult to prosecute; and in India many woman have no choice concerning their marriage partner? What accounts for this variation? Is the source of this variation rooted in the political participation of women or does the variation stem from socio-economic modernization? Is bodily control determined by the ideological affiliations of parties within the state? This paper seeks to answer these questions using cross-national data drawn from twenty countries. Three Theories on the Status of Women For a woman, effective control over her reproductive, bodily and marital choices is a prerequisite for achieving choice in other areas of her life. Due to technological advances, reproductive control is possible. However, for this control to become a reality, women need access to information and medical services. Access to these materials is often obstructed by state policies, ignorance, religious restrictions, economic impediments as well as other factors. For instance, in Ireland abortion and abortion counseling are illegal as a result of a constitutional amendment passed in 1983, whereas in Norway women have uninhibited access to abortion (United Nations,1989). The degree of control that a woman possesses over her bodily and marital choices varies greatly from one country to another. According to the literature on women in politics and women in development, a number of variables may account for this cross-national variation in levels of control (Bystydzienski, 1995; Haussman, 1992 ; Hazou, 1992; Kardam, 1991; Leahy, 1986; Meyer, 1987; Scott, 1995).

Legend of the Body in the Bed Essay -- Urban Legends

Body in the Bed The legend of the â€Å"Body in the Bed† has been retold over and over again for years. It is a very popular story, usually taking place at a hotel or motel in the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, or in a remote location in the desert nearby (â€Å"Strange Smells from the Hotel Bed†). Various â€Å"spin-offs† and variations to the legend have arisen since its inception, believed to be in the early 1990s. Many examples supporting the legend have come to the surface over time. They provide a possible explanation to the origin of the legend. The version I collected was told to me by my girlfriend, on March 29th. She has been fascinated by urban legends since as far back as she can remember. Although she recounted several legends to me, I chose this particular one because it was my favorite. Before retelling the legend, she told me that I could easily find this story online. However, I told her that I would prefer if she retold it in the manner she first heard it. Her version of the legend goes as follows: A man traveling on a business trip arrived at a motel, checked in, and proceeded to his room. Once he got in, he became aware that the room had a very foul smell, practically unbearable. He called the desk clerk asking for another room, but there were none available. The desk clerk sent over a maid to clean the room and try to get the smell out while the man went to dinner. When he returned, he didn’t smell the foul smell. He showered, settled in, and went to bed. After some time, the man awoke to the horrible smell again. It was too late to call the desk clerk, so he began looking around, trying to figure out where the smell came from. He searched everywhere, but found that the smell was strongest around the bed. Finally... ...tivity would not agree with what goes on during the course of the honeymoon period. This legend plays upon all of the factors to warn against these â€Å"sinful† activities. It reminds us that we should not partake in activities out of lust or greed, for it may take over our lives and change who we are. It warns us to not seek these pleasures blindly, for we may be missing what is really going on directly under our noses. Works Cited Mikkelson, Barbara (2 November 2006). â€Å"The Bawdy Under the Bed.† Retrieved March 30th, 2007 from http://www.snopes.com/horrors/gruesome/bodybed.asp. Murphy, Autumn. â€Å"The Body in the Bed-An Urban Legend.† Retrieved March 30th, 2007 from http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/classics/Classics.htm. â€Å"Strange Smells From the Hotel Bed.† Retrieved March 30th, 2007 from http://www.halloweenghoststories.com/legends/strange1-2.html.