261 Robert Frost and Directive Professor Ramos Blog

261 Robert Frost and Directive Robert Frost 1874 1963 Quick Write What is a directive? What comes to mind? Why do you think Frost titled his poem so? Robert Frost 1874 1963 Robert Frost Biography A four-time Pulitzer Prize winner in poetry, American Robert Frost depicted realistic New England life through language and situations familiar to the common man. The Road Not Taken Directive Poem read by Robert Frost and Further Reading https://poemanalysis.com/directive-by-robert-frost-poem-analysis/

Race against empire essays

Von Eschen/Race against empire essays Penny M. Von Eschen did an excellent job arguing her thesis that people of color across the globe must join together to fight for freedom to demand human rights. Von Eschens central argument through out the whole book is the African Americans and people of color are linked together internationally through struggles. More power lies on 400 million blacks than 22 million African Americans. Money makes the world go around is a phrase many people have said in song lyrics, but the truth lies in those very lines. Von Eschen lets the readers of her book discover this. The constant search for new enterprise leads to one group of people being oppressed. This book covers the struggles of African Americans and people of color working together to pave the way for my generation. In chapter one Von Eschen does her job as a writer and historian by revealing the contributetations of African American journalist, intellectuals, and political leaders. She shows various examples of how each of the three categories bought their share of hard work and dedication to the fight. Journalist kept the connection between African Americans and people of color in contact with what was going on through out the globe. Journalist helped give the people of color their attitude towards colonialism by providing three readers with information on the war and the treatment of other colored people through out the globe. Journalist also played a role in the political leaders life. They let the public be allowed to here the voices of people such as Du Boise and Marcus Garvey from their own homes and neighborhoods. These political leaders announced their next move or their next idea and the journalist carried the supporters or soon to be supporters. Media was the back bone to the Pan African movement. Von Eschen reveals vital information about the political leader Marcus Garvey and his Universal Negro Movement on page 10. She ...

Automated accounting presentation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Automated accounting presentation - Term Paper Example The advantages and benefits of automation are briefly covered herein. Automation, however, cannot accomplish everything. Some procedures that form part of the general system would have to remain manually done. If the option to automate systems would be taken, the exact design of the whole system and its features would have to be studied to decide whether or not existing commercially available systems offered by companies like Peachtree can simply be purchased and established for the association to use. Otherwise, a system would have to be especially built from scratch for the use of the association. The subject homeowners’ association requires well-organized systems for billing its members, collecting payments, paying its bills including taxes, and formulating quarterly financial statements. While manual systems may have worked in the past when the association had only its original 150 homeowners, this may not be true with the upcoming scenario that will bring in additional 500 homeowners from four other homeowners’ associations. With the merger currently in process, the establishment of new systems would have to be among the major issues to be settled and finalized. The billing department can function with increased efficiency and accuracy by means of automated systems that will put the data in the respective bills of members and then print them systematically. On the other hand, the collection department would benefit from automated systems for printing out official receipts and summarizing the collections of each day. System-generated reports would, in fact, be of help in reviewing the daily receipts and comparing them with the amounts deposited in the bank account of the association. Automation should not stop there. Other areas, such as payments and reporting, would be handled more efficiently and with much lesser overlooked errors if automated systems are in place to book payments, to monitor bank account

Mental Health Treatment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Mental Health Treatment - Essay Example Louis in the United States and Christchurch in New Zealand). There is a wide variation in the health care systems in these two countries, they differ in size and also have a varied mix of ethnic groups. It was found that the respondents in the two cities responded in an identical fashion about the reasons for not seeking mental care. Common reasons included â€Å"doubt about the need for professional help† (Wells et al., 1994), and attitudinal factors (like that they can manage without any medical help). Less frequent reasons included, travel distance, cost, etc (Wells et al., 1994). Small or negligible reasons included sociodemographic factors (Wells et al., 1994.) With the help of theoretical models, it has been found that before seeking mental health treatment, help-seeking behavior of individuals goes through several stages. These include â€Å"experiencing symptoms, evaluating the severity and consequences of the symptoms, assessing whether treatment is required, assessi ng the feasibility of and options for treatment, and deciding whether to seek treatment† (Sareen et al., 2007). The barriers to the use of mental health care are mainly of two types: system-level structural factors (financial cost) and individual attitudinal factors (fear of being stigmatized) (Sareen et al., 2007). Sareen et al. ... This study was able to show that respondents of the low-income group in the U.S are more often likely to report a financial barrier when it comes to using mental health care when compared to those in countries with lesser restrictions to service accessibility. Dissatisfaction with the available mental health services was reported more often by respondents in the Netherlands than those in the U.S and Canada. However, contrary to the widely held belief that fear of stigmatization is a major barrier for not seeking care, the study showed that this was an infrequent reason. There was a positive association in younger respondents with â€Å"fear of involuntary hospitalization and concerns about embarrassment from using mental health services† (Sareen et al., 2007). This might reflect a general lack of knowledge regarding mental illness and its treatment amongst youngsters. The use of drugs was associated with an embarrassment on utilizing mental health services. Therefore, this stu dy showed that â€Å"attitudinal barriers to mental health service use are more common than structural barriers across countries with differing health care systems† (Sareen et al., 2007) with the exception that respondents of the low-income group in the U.S are more often likely to report a financial barrier when it comes to using mental health care when compared to the other two countries. In Latin America mental illness is a big burden. Although nationalized health care systems are available in many Latin American countries many barriers to mental health care remains. Saldivia et al. (2004), made a study in the general population of Chile about the utilization of mental health service. The Chile Psychiatric Prevalence Study conducted

Professional career development Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Professional career development - Assignment Example According to Best and De Valence (25), there are certain determinants that characterize the form of the building that a client gets. Economic and legal requirements are by far the most compelling factors, but the other factors including technology, materials, functional and climatic factors affect the project. Client’s specifications on the building are based on the circumstances surrounding these factors. Risk distribution between the constructor and the client can be assessed for various projects to determine the impact that client type has on design and construction elements of a project. In the following three client types, study has been conducted to highlight the intricacies involved in the determination of risk distribution and the impact passed on to the entire project procedures. Three sectors of the industry have been chosen discussed in the section. Domestic construction market is characterized by private ownership and individual preferences. The domestic building and construction market can further be divided to include various client types, for instance a family which needs a small house, medium and big home builders. First time builders and luxury house builders across the size demands of buildings are also observed in the market. The direct involvement of the client in the project is increased by the direct ownership factor which also increases accountability on the part of the client. Due to the fact that the domestic housing competition is heightened by the slender barriers of entry of new competitors enables the clients to enjoy the benefits of a competitive market. Some of the benefits enjoyed include lowered costs and a variety of service providers to choose from, which enhances preference. Such a diverse market features a variety of risk distribution, project duration, location preferences as well as and costing flexibility. The domestic market

Distinguish Between Colonialism And Neocolonialism Cultural Studies Essay

Distinguish Between Colonialism And Neocolonialism Cultural Studies Essay The term colony comes from the Latin word colonus, meaning farmer. This root reminds us that the practice of colonialism usually involved the transfer of population to a new territory, where the arrivals lived as permanent settlers while maintaining political allegiance to their country of origin. Colonialism is a practice of domination, which involves the subjugation of one people to another. One of the difficulties in defining colonialism is that it is not easy to distinguish it from neocolonialism. Frequently the two concepts are treated as synonyms. Like colonialism, neocolonialism also involves political and economic control over a dependent territory. The etymology of the two terms, however, provides some clues about how they differ. According to Longman Contemporary English Dictionary colonialism is when a powerful country rules a weaker one and establishes its own trade and society there. ORIGIN OF COLONIALISM Before the abolition of the slave trade by Denmark in 1802 and Britain in 1807. The entire West African Coast witnessed trade in slaves which were need for the plantations of the then Industrialized new world. The nations involved were France, Britain, Denmark, Portugal and Germany. About forty years later the trade changed to that of colonialism conquest and occupation by Europeans. The Berlin West African Conference of 1884 1885 gave international recognition to a situation that was already in existence. 1945 1960 witnessed a reversal of the process of colonization decolonization while 1960 till date is witnessing a reincarnation and a resurrection of colonialism neocolonialism. Below shows a chronology of dates and the sequence of events from colonialism to neocolonialism and the present day ongoing process of neocolonialism. 1880 1885 Proto-Colonial period 1885 1945 Colonial Era Subdivision 1884 1885 Berlin Conference (the scramble for Africa) 1885 1900 Period of Conquest and occupation 1900 1919 Period of Penetration 1919 1939 Period of Colonial Rule 1939 1945 Decline of colonial rule 1945 1960 Period of decolonization 1960 Till date Period of Neocolonialism. MEANING OF NEOCOLONIALISM The term neocolonialism was first coined by Kwame Nkrumah, the first post-independence president of Ghana, and has been discussed by a number of twentieth century scholars and philosophers, including Jean-Paul Sartre and Noam Chomsky Neocolonialism is the practice of using capitalism, globalization, and cultural forces to control a country (usually former European colonies in Africa or Asia) in lieu of direct military or political control. Such control can be economic, cultural, or linguistic, by promoting ones own culture, language or media in the colony, corporations embedded in that culture can then make greater headway in opening the markets in those countries. Thus, neocolonialism would be the result of business interests leading to deleterious cultural effects. Neocolonialism as defined by Longmans contemporary English Dictionary is when a powerful country uses its economic and political influence to control another country. DEFERENCE BETWEEN COLONIALISM AND NEOCOLONIALISM Though colonialism and neocolonialism are two sides of a coin. There are a number of differences that distinguishes the two. COLONIALISM NEOCOLONIALISM It is not modern (between 1880 1960s It involves physical or territorial occupation by the colonizers It has ended It is the early state of capitalism or imperialism It varies according to country e.g. Indirect Rule, (British) and policy of assimilation association by the French. It was led by France and Britain. It is a modern phenomenon It is not involve direct or physical presence of the colonizer any more It is ongoing i.e it is a continuous process It is the highest stage of Imperialism Neo-colonialism uses one methodology agents of Globalization It is now led by USA Probably nothing has become as controversial a subject as the impact of Colonialism on Africa among scholars of history and political science. Scholars such as Gann, Duignan, Perham and PC Lloyd see colonialism and neocolonialism as a blessing rather than a curse while other scholars such as Kwame Nkrumah, Che Guevara, Walter Rodney, MHY Kaniki A.E. Afigbo, A. Adu, Boahen, Ali Mazrai etc. sees it as a curse rather than a blessing. To buttress this further Che Guevaras says. As long as imperialism exists it will by definition exert its domination over other countries. Today that domination is called neocolonialism. Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary 1965 In view of this, the impact of Neo-colonialism therefore is not a lesser task to assess particularly from social, economic and political perspectives in Nigeria. To be frank, though there were positive effects but every greater were the negative ones. Below is my assessment of the impact of neocolonialism on the social, economic and political life of Nigeria. (A) AN ASSESSMENT SOCIAL-CULTURAL IMPACT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA (1) Provision of a lingua franca. This is a positive impact of Neo-colonialism in Nigeria. The provision of a lingua franca (official language) for Nigeria can now be seen as a blessing due to the marriage of inconvenience which brought the numerous linguistic groups that constitutes the country to easily adopt a neutral language. Neo-colonialism through globalization has further consolidated the use of English language as the business and official language not only Nigeria but across the Anglophone countries. (2) Cultural Dominance According to Ali-Mazrui: African are not necessarily the most brutalized of peoples, but they are almost certainly the most humiliated. Using the agents of a globalization e.g. the Mass Media, Internet Western Movies etc. Nigerian culture like other African countries is evidently being subjugated and dominated by the western culture. Many Nigerians today seem to have imbibed the European way of life at the expense of our rich African culture (colonial mentality). This is gradually leading to a loss of cultural identity. (3) Western Education This is an indispensable effect that Neo-colonialism has also used as a tool for Nigerian continuous reliance on the west for inadequate, lopsided and wrongly oriented education which was bequeathed by colonialism and consolidated by Neo-colonialism. This is evident from the fact that our acquisition of western education has helped in a neglect of technological and industrial education rather than that of a technological advancement. (4) Environment Degradation Oil spillages due to the exploitation of oil by some multinational companies such as Shell, Exxon Mobil etc. has to a large extent polluted Nigerias water and land resources particularly in the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta. Consequently this has affected the eco-system, the habitat and the cultural occupation of the people of that area. (B) AN ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA Positively Nigeria as a country has benefiting economically from Neo-colonialism. However the negative economic impacts seem to outweigh the positive impacts. One out of the negative economic impacts includes: (1) Economic Dependency International Organizations accused of participating in neo-colonialism are the World Bank, World Trade Organizations, the Group of Eight the Paris Club, the World economic forum, IMF etc. have been used by the first world countries to subject Nigeria into some structural adjustments which will increase rather than alleviate poverty . These Organizations are neocolonial agents used to ensure a perpetual economic failure and dependence of Nigeria as evident in the high rate of underdevelopment, poverty, debt burden etc. which has characterized our economy. (2) Economic Subjugation by Multi-national Corporations Critics of neocolonialism has also argued that investment by multinational corporations enriches few in under-developed countries and causes humanitarian, environmental and ecological devastation to the population which inhabits the colonies. These corporations such as Shell, Exxon Mobil etc. are responsible for a continuous flow of natural resources (oil) which unduly benefits the neo-colonial states. (3) Economic Brain Drain Today modern slavery exists through visa lotteries used to siphon not only Nigerias but ultimately the human resources of the developing countries. This is an economic brain drain strategy to subject the third world into a continuous technological hostage. (C) AN ASSESSMENT OF THE POLITICAL IMPACTS OF NEO-COLONIALISM IN NIGERIA (1) Consolidation of Democracy in Nigeria Though Nigerias political history has been characterized by the Military versus the Civilians. Recently democracy seems to have been fully entrenched in Nigeria through neo-colonial agent, such as the U.N. and other similar organizations. (2) Political Dependency Nigerias membership of the United Nations and the Commonwealth which sit joined immediately after Independence provided reasons why we have always been politically dependent on neo-colonial states like the USA and Britain. Consequently, Nigeria membership Pan-African Movement like, NEPAD, the Non-Aligned Movements, the African Union, the ECOWAS have not liberated as from this unending political grip of dependency. (3) Political Instability and Regime Change Apparently, government either Military or Civilian which poses no threat to the neo-colonial states in Nigeria seem to last longer than the unfriendly ones. In my opinion, no other reason can be tendered as why the Murtala Seven Months Regime (July 1975 February 1976) and the Buhari regime (December 1983 August 1985) were very short lived. Nigerian leaders who refuse to be stooges or puppets of the neo-colonial powers are usually forcefully removed. (4) Loss of Independence and Sovereignty Neo-colonialism, as a continuation of colonialism have of course eroded the independence or sovereignty which Nigeria like many third world countries claimed to have gotten. (5) New Colonialism Finally, neo-colonialism is the tool which has helped the neo-colonial states to continue the colonial process which started around 1880 and obstructed by decolonization or Independence of Nigeria in 1960 In conclusion, whatever colonialism and neo-colonialism did or is doing for Africans in Africa or Nigeria, given its opportunities, it resources and the power and influence it is wielding till date it could and should have done far more than it has done. It is precisely because the neo-colonial states not only did not see the development of Africans as their first priority but did not see it as a priority at all that they stand criticized. The continuous existence of the tools of neo-colonialism therefore poses an existential threat to the development of Nigeria and Africa.

chemical waste :: essays research papers

Clean Up Of Chemical Waste Chemical spills are major problems that haunt the environment. Strict government regulation are trying help this problem, but governmental leaders face many challenges. Disposal of harmful chemicals is often difficult and costly. Since chemical waste has destroyed the environment, steps are being taken to prevent further pollution, Like the Yucca mountain project. A local based pharmaceutical company named Novo Nordisk released its 1999 environmental report. The company, which strives to keep from contaminating the environment, confessed to two separate accidents for the year. A North Carolina plant was fined from the United States Department of Agriculture 1,000 dollars. Due to the fact that hydrochloric acid was disposed of in the public sewage system. New management has taken action to insure this does not happen again. Also at the Gentofte site in Denmark wastewater with the E- Coli bacteria was drained into the public sewage system from a leaky heater exchanger. The incident was reported to the local authorities and cleaned up quickly. A local company offered to donate expired chemicals to local schools. The chemicals have expired to which they can be used in schools for experiments and related activities. The companies prefer to donate the chemicals because it keeps them from the costly action of disposing of them properly. For example Novo Nordisk in Clayton, North Carolina has a program in which they donate hydrochloric acid and other expired chemicals to Clayton High School. A chemistry teacher at North Johnston High School was unaware that companies could donate their expired chemicals. Her comment of the quality of the expired chemicals was positive. "Expired chemicals would be fine to use for experiments and help me out a lot due to the small budget I am allowed each year for chemicals". A representative from Novo Nordisk stated that a program could easily be established if schools would show interest in the program. Certain disasters stick out in the minds of many people . Chernobyl was a nuclear plant in Ukraine that ended up being the worst nuclear leak in history. The media reported that, "On April 26, 1986, Chernobyl’s number four reactor exploded, spewing a cloud of radioactive material across a portion of Europe in the world's worst civilian nuclear reactor disaster". Officials estimate that about thirty people were killed immediately and more than fifteen thousand people died in the emergency clean up afterwards.

Final Project Draft: Childhood Obesity Essay

Growing up as a child and adolescent in the United States is met with many obstacles including exposure to domestic violence, proper education, lack of proper nutrition and other socioeconomic issues within the family unit. One particular issue that has begun to grow is childhood obesity which can lead to many health and social issues that carry on into adulthood. This epidemic stems partially from genetics but mostly from a combination of things like a lack of tools to educate parents and children on healthier life choices. As this issue reaches a critical point, changes are being set in motion to combat its cause and overall affect. While childhood obesity is not an issue for some parents, they should educate themselves in order to assist their children in making healthier decisions regarding food and physical activity. Making these necessary changes can potentially improve the child’s mental and emotional health and removes certain medical problems later in life resulting in a healthier adult. According to the Mayo Clinic, obesity is defined as having an excessive amount of body fat over what is considered to be healthy. Determining whether a child is obese is determining what is a normal weight for their height and weight. For children and adolescents, obesity is particularly troublesome not only for their health now and in the future but for their self-esteem in their formative years. Self-esteem is so crucial to the development of a young person’s mind, body and soul. It is what helps them to become well-rounded and contributing members of society. Children and adolescents have different body types at all stages of development. Just because a child carries a few extra pounds does not mean they are in any danger of becoming obese or having long-term health problems. With certain ages come different types of developmental changes. Some children have larger body frames that support more body weight. Simply looking at a child is not enough to ascertain if there is a weight problem. For example, during puberty adolescent children do gain weight more rapidly due to an influx of hormones. This type of weight gain is normal as long as the ratio of muscle, bone and body fats are in proportion. Determining whether or not a child has a healthy weight is as simple as calculating body mass index or BMI. Doctors often use this calculation though it can be a little more complicated to determine what is normal for a child. Anyone with children may recall frequent visits to the pediatrician early in the child’s life where the child is measured for height and weight. These numbers are then plotted on a growth chart to determine what percentile that child ranges within. BMI equal to or greater than the 5th percentile and less than the 85th percentile is considered a healthy weight for his or her age (Unknown, 2012). Anything above the 95th percentile is considered obese and at risk for various health-related problems. The averages for boys and girls will differ based on the fact that they develop at different speeds especially during puberty, but it is very important that parents do not jump to conclusion based on appearances and these numbers alone. One must also consider that an athletic child or teen may have more muscle mass which can also increase BMI. The most common contributor to childhood obesity is improper nutrition, food choices, and too little physical activity. Less common but still a factor are some genetic and hormonal disorders. Unfortunately many parents will use the knowledge of these disorders to rationalize a weight issue their child might have. In an age of technology, children and teens spend excess amount of time sedentary playing video games, watching television, using computers, and mobile devices. Commercials on television entice children to eat fast food and drink highly caffeinated, sugary drinks. The choices being made are not in the interest of the health of the child. Most parents spend 40 hours or more at work, leaving the children alone to fend for themselves which is when they make decisions on what to eat, drink and do to entertain themselves. Family history also presents a risk factor for childhood obesity. One might assume that a family with several or more overweight family member will have children in an environment where high-calorie food and drink is always readily available. In these types of households, physical activity is not stressed nor is it encouraged. Some families also inadvertently teach their children to be â€Å"emotional eaters.† The family that relies on the convenience of quick cooking meals is also at risk for overweight children because of high calorie content. Certain socioeconomic factors cause families to rely on these types of foods because it is all they can afford. With childhood obesity comes many complications that can affect a child’s physical, emotional and social well-being. One of the more well-known physical complications is Type 2 diabetes which affects the way a child metabolizes sugar. Usually a simple change in diet and exercise can keep a child from suffering this chronic disorder. A parent may notice that their overweight child seems to be going into puberty sooner than other children which is also another complication of obesity. Carrying around extra weight can cause breathing problems and issue with the development of the child’s lungs which can lead to asthma or even sleep apnea (abnormal breathing during sleep). If a child has a poor diet, he or she may also suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors can eventually lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries causing a stroke or heart attack later in life. These complications overall are known as â€Å"metabolic syndrome.† This is not a disease in itself but a cluster of problems suffered at once. Beyond the physical issues caused by obesity are the matters of social and emotional complications. Youth is difficult under the best circumstances but contribute being overwe ight and a whole new host of issues present themselves. For example, school-age children tend to tease their overweight peers leading to further bullying and loss of self-esteem. According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic overweight children tend to have more anxiety and poorer social skills than children with a normal weight. These children may withdraw into themselves or act out and disrupt their classrooms or families. Eventually these issues can lead to the more serious problem of depression which is an overwhelming feeling of sadness and hopelessness. If a parent suspects that their child is suffering from depression, a doctor should be immediately contacted and consulted. Parents play a very meaningful role in the causes and risk factors for childhood obesity. They are the first to make the child feel loved and in control of their own bodies. Sensitivity to a child’s emotional needs and feelings is very important in helping that child develop into a healthy adult. If a parent feels that his or her child is at risk for obesity, the issue needs to be addressed in a kind and considerate manner. Directness and openness are the best method and one cannot be overly critical or judgmental. Lifestyle changes are difficult for a child to make so giving choices makes them more likely to stick to something new. Praising a child’s effort to change will also help boost their self-esteem and keep them going in a positive direction. Some medical issues are brought on by heredity which is to say that people are just â€Å"born with them,† but in the case of childhood obesity, it is a completely preventable problem. As with most issues that affect children and teenagers, home is the first line of defense against future problems. Educating parents and providing them support is an excellent way to ensure that children gain the proper instruction on lifestyle and health choices. Most do not realize that obesity is costly to each state. According to the National Conference of State Legislature, in 2003, annual medical expenses geared towards obesity and its effects were estimated at $75 billion dollars. Starting in 2005, state legislature became very active in considering programs and policies to address the epidemic. One of the most positive changes to occur is schools providing the nutritional content of the food on its menus enabling students to make better choices during breakfast and lunch. This is also being done at chain restaurants nationwide. â€Å"Super sizing† was removed from all menus and alternatives for kids’ meals are part of this change as well. Even some convenience store chains banished their massive fountain drink cups to combat the obesity epidemic among children as well as adults. The battle for the health of children begins with education and monitoring. If parents maintain an open line of communication with their children, they will be privy to the issues affecting them. Childhood obesity is not just a physical or medical issue. It affects the psychological and emotional well-being of the child which follows them all throughout the rest of their lives. Children need the best start possible so parents should always remember to pay attention and lead by example. References John, A. M., Charles, J. G., Stephen, R. D., & Wang, P. (2012). Race, childhood insulin, childhood caloric intake, and class 3 obesity at age 24: 14-year prospective study of schoolgirls. Obesity, 20(3), 597-604. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/oby.2011.126 Mooney, B. (2012). Childhood obesity: time to wake up to the facts. World Of Irish Nursing & Midwifery, 20(7), 41-42. Wojcicki, J. M., & Heyman, M. B. (2012). Reducing Childhood Obesity by Eliminating 100% Fruit Juice. American Journal Of Public Health, 102(9), 1630-1633. doi:10.2105/ AJPH. 2012.300719 Willis, T. A., Potrata, B. B., Hunt, C. C., & J. (2012). Training community practitioners to work more effectively with parents to prevent childhood obesity: the impact of HENRY upon Children’s Centres and their staff. Journal Of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, 25(5), 460-468. doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2012.01247.x

Systems Thinking On Organizations Example

Systems Thinking On Organizations Example Systems Thinking On Organizations – Coursework Example SYSTEMS THINKING ON ORGANIZATIONS Systems thinking in healthcare Systems thinking are a technique to an analysis which focuses on the manner in which the constituent parts of a system interrelate. In addition, how the systems function in the context of systems that are large (De Savigny & Adam, 2009). In an organization, a system consists of parts. Every part can have an effect on the way other parts do work. In addition, the manner in which all the parts work in uniform will decide how the system will operate. The internal and external environments within which health systems function have become very complex and dynamic. Such dynamism and complexity lead to opportunities and problems and needs systems that are responsive to adapt to the changes. Systems thinking enable managers in the health system to conquer the helplessness feelings when they meet problems that are complex. It offers them with the required tools to influence, analyze, and understand the performance of the systems they are struggling to develop (Kitson, 2009). On the other hand, the systems thinking have various drawbacks. In the health system, it is frequently observed that the dynamic and complex systems are very sensitive to the commencing conditions. Therefore, the system is not likely to carry out the analysis, as it is required. The other drawback is that the systems thinking operates on the principle that one must have an idea of how the numerous components of the health care interact. In addition, one can only solve the shortcomings by looking into the relationship that exists between the elements. The problem is that most managers in the healthcare assume they are aware of the relationship of which it is not the case (Begun, Zimmerman & Dooley, 2003).ReferencesBegun, J. W., Zimmerman, B., & Dooley, K. (2003). Health care organizations as complex adaptive systems. Advances in health care organization theory, 253, 288.De Savigny, D., & Adam, T. (Eds.). (2009). Systems thinking for he alth systems strengthening. World Health Organization.Kitson, A. L. (2009). The need for systems change: reflections on knowledge translation and organizational change. Journal of advanced nursing, 65(1), 217-228.

Responding to Wii Essays

Responding to Wii Essays Responding to Wii Essay Responding to Wii Essay On the other hand, there are game developers, who provide the games for the specific console with which end-users play. Both end-users and game developers are customers of providers of video game consoles, namely Nintendo (WI console), Sony (Palpitation 3 console), and Microsoft (Oxbow 360 console). They are customers because providers enter into transactions with each of them and both are sources of revenue streams, end users through the purchase of video game consoles and game developers through the payment of royalties for the right to sell games for the video game console. End users and game developers also carry out transactions between them, namely through the acquisition of games offered for the console. There is a difference though in the number of relationships, as developers establish transactions with all three, while end users only with one of the three providers. The market is not only an example of a platform, but most importantly of the existence of network externalities in the market. End users find more value In their consoles as the end user base Increases, since each individual would be able to share and exchange gaming experiences with more end seers. They also find more value in their consoles as the other pool of customers, that is, game developers, increases. This is due to the fact that more game developers imply more games available to choose from. Developers also find more value in the platform as the number of end users increases, since having a sufficient number of purchasers of their games Is what determines the profitability of their software development efforts. Providers of video game consoles subsidize end users, since these customers are more price-sensitive than game developers and are the ones ho have a higher interest in obtaining high quality from the gaming experience. When a new console is launched, the price that end users pay for their consoles is generally below or at the cost of production. Prices of games, on the other hand, mainly depend on the quality of each title, on the pool of titles available for each console, and on the relative reputation of game developers and publishers. Game developers pay providers of video game consoles a fixed royalty per game produced for the console. Current competitors for Nintendo are Sony and Microsoft. Up until Wigs launch, it can be said that the three console providers competed exactly for the same end user market, namely traditional video gamers. At that point Sony, with the Play Stations 2 and 3 was a clear in the market, based on a better quality product. Nintendo, through the launch of Its WI console, Introduced a radical Innovation, which extended video gaming Into customer segments that had not been reached Deter: Tamales, women, older people, sports lovers, Ana trotter a new way AT playing with the video console much more interactive. This extension is what has given Nintendo the leadership in the market, not superior resources or capabilities that are impossible to replicate. Competition from established rivals is the most important source of competitive pressure in the industry. Being in a platform market with network externalities, the three providers battle for a broader end user base that will make their platforms even more valuable to both sides of the market. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the platform market is crossing boundaries into the broader home PC and entertainment industries, an issue that is determinant in Microsofts decision to enter the video game industry. This is important to consider when evaluating the profitability of the industry, for low or negative returns of some players do not imply that the industry is not potentially profitable. In particular, Microsofts goals are probably more related with strengthening the network effects of the platform with an eye set on offering products and services beyond gaming. Nintendo, on the other hand, is probably more focused on the development of the gaming industry only, with no view to crossing further boundaries. Additionally, both Nintendo and Sony have a portable console (Nintendo ADS and Sony SSP) which trenches their position in the market and provides a source of economies of scale. Power in the industry lies with providers of video game consoles. Game developers depend on the technological capabilities of the consoles to offer new attractive games. Console providers have the ability to determine which game developers can offer products for their platforms, and it is console providers who offer the development tools and support needed for software development efforts. End users, although highly motivated by quality, ultimately limit their choice of video game insoles to the offerings of the market, based on their price sensitivity and perceived total cost of ownership. End users clearly value the products offered in the industry, as evidenced by the fact that all latest generation consoles sold out at launch and the three companies experienced supply shortage to meet demand. They additionally face switching costs, given that their purchased games cannot be played with a competitors console. Finally, end users, independently of the console want to have access to all games, so most developers are forced to develop versions for the three insoles, and their power is therefore limited. Microchip producers (Intel, MOM, Toshiba), although supplying a product that is highly important for the technological capabilities of the consoles, lack the capacity to command power due to the fact that their business relation with their customers is not limited to console production but rather encompass the broader consumer electronics industries. In some cases, specifically with the Oxbow and Palpitations, manufacturing is not carried out by the company itself, but rather is outsourced to manufacturing companies (such as Hon. Ha Precision Industry). These do not hold, however, major power within the industry, given the importance of their major customers in their total sales. Substitutes in this industry are other home entertainment systems that are not necessarily focused on video games. PC-based video games could also be considered a substitute, as well as mobile gaming. However, none of these closely substitute console gaming. Portable consoles represent an extension, as allow end users to play in another environment. There are high barriers to entry since network effects are strong, multi-homing costs Tort Ana users lead teen to prefer navels one or two consoles, Ana current console providers enjoy market power. A highly developed technology is another barrier. For a new player to enter it would need to offer a superior console, with some sort of compatibility that allows end users to use the games they have invested in, or absorbing the cost that end users would incur when considering the switch. Console development and marketing, however, require billions of dollars, building relationships with developers, and passive response from current console providers. Envelopment from different platform markets could theoretically be possible, but existing players (mainly Microsoft and Sony) could also be in a position to counter- envelop. As a result of the key players experience and capabilities in other technology businesses broader than video gaming, the industry has evolved by including functionalities and services beyond the gaming experience. Platform envelopment attempts by another platform market could lead to price wars that reduce the attractiveness of the industry to potential entrants. Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft are all well positioned within the industry. They all have growing end user bases and relationships with game developers, leading to network externalities in their platform markets. Nintendo has always had higher operating margins, even when Sony was the leader of the industry. This is mostly, however, a result of the higher royalty fees that they extract from game developers, a distribution of power that will not necessarily hold to the future, considering that competitors have the potential to offer exciting and attractive capabilities for developers in their new consoles. Higher margins may also be the result of having a higher proportion of Ames developed in-house, which would be a sign that their expertise are in game development rather than in consoles. Sony and Microsoft, given their technological capabilities, relations with providers and marketing expertise, might be in a better position to further evolve the functionalities beyond the gaming experience as the industry crosses boundaries. Microsofts expertise in digital distribution could place it in a better position to reduce costs and expand their reach, and therefore allow them to make some strategic moves that could improve their current market position s a distant third. Strategic Resources and Capabilities of Nintendo and Competitors The video gaming industry, and specifically the provision Microsoft has distinctive capabilities in product development, marketing, and distribution. They are also famous for organizing for creativity, meaning that they encourage disagreement and criticism to spur better creative solutions. They also have strengths in the flexibility of their production, in the sense that they can respond quickly to product development opportunities (partly due to their outsourcing arrangements). Finally, Microsoft has immense financial resources. This is important when you consider that they can further develop capacities that they need through acquisitions. Sony has had a strong record in consumer electronics industry. It has strong capabilities in video technology. It has a large customer base and strong relationships with game developers. They introduced backward compatibility in their Palpitations, which shows their ability to redefine customer expectations and change industry practices. From its industry experience Sony has strong relations with movie studios and similar content providers. It also set the standard for high definition DVD format (the negative side of this is that Sony will find it difficult to price its Palpitation below stand-alone Blue-Ray players Tanat ten company NAS licenses to nutcrackers). Nintendo, on the other hand, lacks sustainable superior technological expertise. Their WI console offers considerably lower graphics processing power, no DVD compatibility, and no capability for audio surround sound. Nineteens relations with game developers were not as strong as its competitors, evidenced by the fact that they had to develop more games in-house. The products advantage was its ease of use, its innovation in motion-sensing controllers, and its appeal to a broader audience of end users, aspects that can be addressed by Microsoft and Sony to regain market share. Unlike its competitors, Nintendo relies completely on the video game industry for its revenues. The company has strong experience in cross- functional teams, important for product development. Evaluation of Strategic Alternatives Based on their strategic resources and capabilities, the recommendation is for Microsoft first to extend the WI functionalities, to retain and increase their current ease of end users. Second, they should also develop their product to target the family segment that Nintendo tapped. Microsoft needs to further strengthen the network externalities of its platform by aggressively expanding its end user base, and has the technological know-how to match and surpass the technological developments of the WI console. Its strength in product development would allow the company to bring to market a suitable solution relatively quickly, and its marketing and distribution capabilities would allow Microsoft to aggressively compete against WI. The company Leary cannot ignore Nineteens leadership, not only because of the end users that the leader is gaining but also because Sony had to attempt regaining market share through matching the WI interactive capabilities, and they have Just launched their Play Station Move in France (http://FRR. Allocation. Com/smoke/). A third step would bring additional features that would be of interest to the expanded customer segments, increasing the functionalities offered to end users (playing and downloading movies and music, playbills, internet access, e-commerce, etc). Expanding the customer base to reach individuals in the 34-65 year range means hat Microsoft could bundle some of its non-gaming software products with the console, effectively expanding the usability of the console. Alternatively, using its platform Microsoft could envelop another unrelated platform from an industry in which the companys resources and capabilities can be applied. This way the company would exponentially expand the network externalities of its multifunctional platform. For example, Microsoft could challenge incumbents dominance in mobile applications through expansion of its online gaming capabilities into the mobile device. This way, end users who value Oxbow online gaming and mobile gaming would benefit from having a mobile phone powered by Microsofts software. Another example could be using its platform, its expertise in e-commerce and its relationships with content providers to create an online store with the same scope as tunes. Currently games can be purchased online, but there is no challenger to tunes domain in digital music downloads. The objective would be to tie the store to the console, in such a way that end users find it worthwhile to switch to Microsoft as their digital music provider, and eliminating their switching costs.

Human Resources Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words - 1

Human Resources Management - Essay Example Although there has been quite a lot of negative feedbacks with regards to PETernity leave in other countries, it remains a fact that the benefits of implementing five days unpaid leave to VMA employees who wishes to adopt a new dog or cat less than 10 months old. There are many people who would give extra time and care for their pets. In line with this, VMA HR manager should take advantage of this sentiment in order to keep more employees feel more accepted and motivated to work better and stay longer with the company. Likewise, HR manager can make use of this option as a way of attracting new employees other than the typical HR strategies like offering of flexible working approach like part-time job, flexy time at work, job sharing, unpaid leaves, and industry pay standards. Since VMA’s PETernity leave does not apply to employees with pets more than 10 months old, the HR manager is adviced to improve this HR policy by extending the PETernity leave benefits to its employees who have pets like dogs and cats regardless of the pets’ age, breed, and gender. Established back in October 2000, Virgin Mobile Australia (VMA) is a telecommunications company that offers a wide-range of mobile communication products and services including the access to mobile broadband through its 3,500 retail store outlets nationwide (Virgin Mobile, 2009a; van der Walt, Morris, & Simsek, 2007). As of 2008, VMA was considered the 4th telecommunication company in Australia that was given the authority to sell Apple iPhone 3G (MacBlogz, 2008). Serving more than 400,000 customers in Australia (van der Walt, Morris, & Simsek, 2007), the company is challenged to improve and maintain the quality service that is given to its customers. Because of the continuous business expansion and tight market competition within the telecommunication industry, the HR manager of VMA should continuously improve the employment benefit packages not only to attract competitive

Digital Channels and Social Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Digital Channels and Social Media - Essay Example The most important part of business is advertising your products and services and social networks have made it very easy. The success of your business depends on more public relations you make. This was not easy some years back but now the world has shrunk into a global village and making social relations is easier than ever before. Finding your target market and serving them, sharing of information and ideas, updating your data details of sales and taxes, and following the market trends; these all tasks are now just as easy as that. Getting the feedback from your customers is of vital importance in every type of business. This job can be done through communicating with your customers; social media and digital channels provides us this valuable facility and use of this facility can take your organization to the height of success. Use of digital channels and social media in marketing: Digital marketing is a term defining upraise of your business by the use of different digital tools l ike emails, social networks and cellular services. The marketing of your business can be done very effectively by using digital technology and internet services. There are many uses of digital channels in marketing field some of them are discussed here. There are wide uses of digital marketing and social media networking. The most important use is your direct link with your customers this facility is provided to business organization and they can use it to increase their sales. The records of your customer and deals with them can be saved and reviewed at any time. You can save your time and efforts by addressing many of your customers at same time. The level of ease will increase and you... This essay approves that social media is another mean of interaction between people; social media is defined formally as the set of different online technology implements that make people to communicate easily through internet and share their information, ideas, views and resources with people of interest. It includes text, audio, video, images, podcasts, and some others. Different social networks like Facebook, twitter, and blogs are used presently for the convenience in every aspect of life. Social media are differentiated from other old fashioned media in many ways frequency, reach, quality, immediacy, usability, and permanence. The most appropriate use of social media is in the field of marketing, advertisement and public relations. Social media has affected the businesses; it has taken them from ground to higher levels. Social media is used as powerful tool for marketing of different products and services, different people have started their own small business and marketed their products of Facebook, tweeter, and other internet based social media. This report makes a cocnlusion that the first and top most ethical issue that can badly affect the repute of any business is use of social media and digital channels for customers’ feedback. When you place your product on a social media website for sake of market it may harm your business. Many people will comment and claim negatively and your product will lose the market. To build trust and credibility regarding the use of social networks and digital channels certain steps must be taken. Avoiding spam emails, popup windows, deceptive marketing and advertising to keep the trustworthy relationship with your consumers and satisfy their needs.