Monday, September 30, 2019

Global Economics Stakeholders Essay

Any business organization has to be competitive in the business sector so as to keep in line with other competitors, or else getting competitive advantage over the other competitors might not be easy. The business organization has to therefore satisfy all its stakeholders and be in a better business position. The organization has got to ensure that the human resources are completely satisfied. A human resource which is satisfied will ensure that all the strategies of the organization are undertaken so as to achieve the general objectives. With a dedicated human resource, the organization would be able to develop a culture that is completely accepted to all the stakeholders and thus increase output. In many occasion, the way the organization treats its human resource, it will be reflected on how these employees will treat the customers. The customers who are satisfied with organizational activities will tend to have confident in the goods and the services that will be offered and thus be loyal to the organization. Therefore, looking at these cases, it is completely the best ways in which the organization can ensure that it reduces unnecessary costs. With dedicated employees, the rate of turnover will be very low and thus reducing the cost of hiring and the procedures associated with it. Furthermore, with loyal and satisfied customers, the organization will be assured of the continuous available markets. With reduced costs, the organization would be able to have increased profits and thus become the largest motor industry by gaining much larger markets. It is therefore important to seek opportunities in the organization to reduce production costs without having to negatively affect the quality of the product (Galitsky & Worrell 2003). Reference: Galitsky c & Worrell E (2003): Energy Improvement and Cost Saving Opportunities For the Vehicle Assembly Industry, retrieved on 29th Jan 2008 from http://www. energystar. gov/ia/business/industry/LBNL-50939. pdf.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Promote positive behaviour Essay

Communication Environment Power imbalance Excessive demands Boredom Lack of boundaries or goals Emotional expression Sensory needs Physical Health Mental Health An individual’s past experiences Age and gender Setting boundaries and rules together, for everyone to work within. Do observations to help understand why behaviours are happening or what resources are being accessed in the setting. Adapting the environment if it’s found that any aspect triggers challenging behaviour. Changing routines if any aspect is found to trigger challenging behaviour Have policies and procedures in place that help colleagues deal – reactively with incidents of conflict and reporting causes/triggers. self-injury physical aggression verbal aggression disruption and destruction of property or the environment stereotyped behaviours (eg rocking) inappropriate or unacceptable sexual behaviour smearing and urination stealing manipulative, deceitful and non-compliant behaviour absconding. People must always be treated with dignity and respect, this may be difficult when their behaviour is threatening to their friends or members of staff, however it is essential to remember that it’s the behaviour that is adverse and not the individual. When challenging the behaviour it is important to disapprove of the negative behaviour, not the individual. Should the situation require reactive strategies, it is important to uphold best practise and continue to treat the individual in a person centred way, according to their placement plan, risk assessment and positive handling plan, paying attention to the individuals faith, beliefs, culture while maintaining dignity. Read more:Â  Promote Positive Behaviour Essay a) how they were feeling at the time prior to and directly before the incident.Aim: to identify the mood, emotion, level of stress. This helps the individual recognise what part their feelings may of played within the incident. b) their behaviourAim: to identify actions. This helps to critically analyse what went on, the physical contact that occured, verbal language and body language. c) the consquences of their behaviourAim: to see what arose from their actions, who if anyone was hurt emotionally or physically, if an object broke, was part of the incident. If the consequences were negative or positive. d) how they were feeling after the incident.Aim: to give names to emotions and feelings, with the possibility to explore alternative means of resolving differences, diffusing challenging behaviour. After the incident you may feel tired and upset, judgemental, shocked, surprised, angry, sad, glad its over. It is important to talk to someone else about what has happened. The individual should be checked over by a member of staff who was not involved in the incident of challenging behaviour. Immediate action should be taken to ensure medical help is sought if there are any injuries which require more than basic first aid. All injuries should be reported and recorded using the appropriate systems.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Discussion pages addition Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion pages addition - Research Paper Example Using scientific methods of study, the phenomenon involves investigation of the physical relationship that exist between animals and their immediate physical environment, as well as ecological relationships and interactions to other organisms. Of these studies the animal behavior includes aspects such as how animals feed for themselves, avoiding of predation and survival, deciding on who to mate with and the cycle of reproduction, and subsequent mothering ability and care for the progeny. Departing from the popular view of studying the animal behavior, the scientific method is a more systematic method of animal study using scientific methods and has evolved over the ages to be referred to as ‘Ethology’ a term that has evolved to find acceptance around the nineteenth century by French zoologist Isidore Geofrey. When describing animal behavior using scientific view, (Butler) provides four critical elements that scientific study of animal behavior must address, these include: causation, the development of the behavior, function, and the concept of evolution of that behavior. (798) The foraging behavior of animals especially the chameleon has received numerous popular and scientific arguments to suggest how the chameleon feeds. Of these, scientific theory becomes most preferred classifying the chameleons as active feeders and ambush forager or an intermediate class commonly referred to as the ‘cruise forager.’ (Peter, Anthony and Jay 3255) These animals have been studied both scientifically and by popular views. To this extent different studies use different terminologies to explain the behavior of chameleons. The scientific studies have their own ways of classifying and identifying the different species of chameleons; while the popular views have their own ways of analyzing the behavior and spices of chameleons. This is to say that, animal behavior can be studied differently. This is scientifically and by popular view of

Friday, September 27, 2019

Environmental Science - population management Essay

Environmental Science - population management - Essay Example Nature can only sustain us for so long; although its resources do regenerate to a certain degree, humans have to consider the stress sustained to the environment because of our increasing numbers. Our dangerously limited carrying capacity is having an adverse effect on natural resources, thereby necessitating population management through such policies as adaptive management. Carrying capacity of the world is quickly coming to a dangerous level. Advanced technology and new scientific breakthroughs have provided a quality of life hard to give up in the developed and stable parts of the world. With increased resources, conveniences, and various other means of enjoyment at our finger tips, we have become accustomed and even dependent on such lifestyles. Humans are continuing to multiply, all the while abusing resources and depleting and consuming them at an alarming rate. The increased consumption of natural resources is not only putting a strain on the environment but also causing mult iple global issues. For example, increased consumption in only the industrialized countries of the world, has contribute more than 40% global carbon emissions and over 60% carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion in the atmosphere (Global Population and Environment). The use of fossil energy like, oil, gas, and coal, has led to an increase in economy and quality of life propelling population growth and in turn reinforcing increased consumption in a vicious cycle (Pimentel et. al.). Also, all over the world, increased land, water, and biological consumption have caused serious strains on natural resources. The continuous use of land for agricultural purposes to support our dietary needs has led to the loss of sustainable land due to degradation and erosion (Pimentel et. al.). The increased erosion rates have resulted in poor soil quality, lower nutrient levels and decreased soil renewal. This has led to food shortages in the developing nations, giving rise to diseases and malnutrit ion. Increased water consumption and urbanization patterns have led to the scarcity of clean drinking water. This shortage is further propelled by the depletion and slow recharge rate of groundwater and increased water pollution through toxic and agricultural wastes (Pimentel et. al.). Lastly, humans are also dependent on other species to maintain the growth and function of ecosystems around the world. Due to our increased pollution, degradation of land, and deforestation, we have significantly destroyed and decreased earth’s biodiversity (Pimentel et. al.). Population increase has led to the very destruction of the environment and natural resources we are highly dependent on. When looking at population management, the maximum sustainable yield has to be greatly considered. There is a limit to how much nature can yield, such as water, energy, and various biological resources, before it is exhausted and depleted. Populations are increasing worldwide and putting a strain on the environment’s sustainability. For example, despite China’s one child policy by the government, its inhabitants are still growing at an annual rate of approximately 1.2% (Pimentel et. al.)The environment does not have unlimited resources at its disposable with which to sustain and provide for us. The rates at which these resources are being used up far exceed the speed at which they are recycled, regenerated, and recovered. It only took forty years since 1950 for the human population to double from 2.5 to 5 billion (Population Growth Over Human History).

Thursday, September 26, 2019

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building Assignment

A Briefing on the Process at the Federal Court Building - Assignment Example Under the US law, bail can be claimed as a right by the defendant. Soon after a crime came to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. Under the US judicial system if a defendant is arrested he or she may be produced the same day or the next day in the court of magistrate for a preliminary hearing. In the legal process, examination and direct examination are of utmost importance to prove and accused liable for punishment or not. The judicial hierarchy of the United States of America in the broader spectrum has two tiers, one is the federal court and the other is each state court. Majority of the cases are sorted out in the subordinate courts therefore, minimize the shifting of cases to the high court and the federal court. Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system are circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The apex court manages criminal complaints from the lodgment to its resolution or disposition through their Crimi nal Division. In the criminal cases, the burden of proof lies on the shoulders of the state rather than the defendants. Soon after a crime comes to surface, prosecutor is called and consulted about the measures to be taken. The legal battle, which starts from the lower court, all the way leads to the Apex Court of United States of America. This paper discusses the briefing on the process at the federal court building. Q1. US Judicial System The US judicial system is comprised of Federal Court and fifty States Courts. Each one has its own foundation and function. The U.S court system consists of many court systems, which included a federal system and fifty state systems. Each has its own structures, procedures and functions. Legal cases are to file in different subordinate courts depending on the nature of the case. In some cases jurisdiction of the High Court can directly be invoked. The legal battle lastly ends up in the Federal Court (Friedman, 2004). Multifaceted Courts Majority of the cases are sorted out in state trial courts, which are the lowest court in the state judicial system. Take the example of Simpson’s case wherein both criminal and civil trials were conducted in a California trial court. It all depends on the structure of state court system. It includes justice of peace courts, circuit courts and regional trial courts (Friedman, 2004). In the US judicial System, there are two types of trial courts: one is with limited jurisdiction and the other one with specific jurisdiction. Trial courts of limited jurisdiction can hear the civil, juvenile, minor criminal and traffic violation cases. It can also hold pre trial hearings for serious criminal offences (Friedman, 2004). Usually the generalized courts in the US judicial system is circuit, superior, district and courts of common pleas. The mentioned courts hear the cases of substantial amounts, serious crimes except those heard in the trial courts of limited jurisdiction whereas the specializ ed courts can hear the cases, which fall under the umbrella of specific law or Act (Friedman, 2004). The appellate courts have the jurisdiction to review the decision of the trial courts. The mentioned courts either uphold the decisions of the trial courts, set aside the decision or order retrial as the case may be (Friedman, 2004). Q2. Soon after the arrest of a person, probation officer of the court immediately interviews and conducts the investigation to know the defendant background. The information and investigation will be of great help for the judge to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Women in Islamic Communities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Women in Islamic Communities - Essay Example Reservations raised by Islamic countries are mainly on the grounds that some of the Articles in the CEDAW violates Muslim law - the Sharia't.. By claiming that the Sharia't is inviolate, Reservations by Islamic countries on the CEDAW serve to perpetuate gender discrimination and the continued subjugation of women. CEDAW provides a universally accepted platform to combat gender inequality by addressing the issue of discrimination in various fields. CEDAW defines discrimination as, "Any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field" (Wikipedia). In implementing the above, Reservations raised on the CEDAW can be broadly categorized as those arising out of incompatibility with existing domestic legislation, on practical grounds and those that are contrary to the Sharia't. Incompatibility with National Laws. ... Ireland, on the other hand has reserved its right to maintain its domestic provisions on social security as existing laws are more favourable to women. Problems with Implementation. Some of the Reservations are more practical in nature. India, for example, while fully supporting CEDAW and the principle of compulsory reporting of marriages, has expressed its inability to do so due to various reasons including inadequate administrative back-up, low levels of literacy and poverty. Similarly, countries having a federal form of governance, have sought more time to bring in suitable legislation that would make the provisions of the CEDAW applicable across the board. These reservations do not, therefore, reject the aims and objectives of the CEDAW but only highlight the efforts being made by such countries to do away with gender discrimination. Conflict with the Sharia't. Reservations that are incompatible with the provisions of the Sharia't are, however, the most common and mostly emanate from Islamic countries. For example, Bahrain has reserved its right to implement the CEDAW only within the bounds of the Sharia't. Bangladesh, another Islamic country, commits that it does not consider itself bound by the provisions of the CEDAW as they conflict with Sharia't law based on the holy Quran. By mixing religion and human rights, in particular those of women, the influence of religious institutions over interpretation and application of Muslim women's roles and rights are over emphasized. These contradictory policies towards gender equality have made the CEDAW irrelevant in Islamic countries. Reservations on certain articles of the CEDAW in no way dilute the importance of

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Civil Liberties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Civil Liberties - Essay Example While civil liberties are protective in nature, it is still imperative for the police to make sure that all American citizens are entitled to these liberties. While on assignment with The New York Police, various cases relating to civil liberties were presented. On such occasions, the simulation training comes to mind. The police have to deliver correct judgments without contravening the constitution. While still on duty with the NYPD, striking students emerged rioting from their college. Controlling rioting students can be quite a challenge. They were protesting because one of their own had been run over by a hit and run motorist. They have right to assemble and speak their mind, but the manner of their protest was more likely to disrupt various activities and inconvenience other motorists (McReynolds 322). The situation presented below is sandwiched between upholding civil liberties for students, and a possible confrontation with the same liberties to the public and the motorists. The police simulation program comes in handy at such situations. ... Getting such students, with infuriating tempers, to calm down is a beg test for police simulation capacities. Explaining to them that they have to execute the constitutional rights in a manner that freedoms to other people are curtailed at their expense is necessary. Motorists are inconvenienced because the students are causing traffic build up. The freedom of movement of the motorists is curtailed at the expense of the freedom of speech being exercised by the students. Reaching an agreement with the students, without necessarily having to put them under control using force is the best solution. In the end, the students clearly understand that their rights have been respected as stated in the constitution while they too have to act in a way that will show their respect for other citizens. This decision warrants a promotion. The assignment brings with itself various benefits. First, the civil liberties create awareness that these are constitutional rights available to any citizen of t he Unite States of America. The police are a key factor in promoting the spirit of these liberties. It is in the authority of the police to ensure that all people have equal access to these constitutional rights. Civil liberties develop a unifying feeling between blacks and whites. The majority (white) and the minority (blacks) all have equal rights in the constitution. This helps to curb the superiority feeling of the white Americans while trying to reduce the inferiority feeling within the blacks. The government too has the power to uphold civil liberties. This can be reached effectively by dispensing justice equally to all citizens in courts without partiality or favor. The government also has to provide equal employment opportunities to all citizens, improve equal

Monday, September 23, 2019

Depression in Women Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Depression in Women - Essay Example THE symptoms may not seem overly serious at first. Perhaps a person suffers from fatigue, stomach cramps or chest pains. He may find himself waking up at wee hours of the morning for no apparent reason; or the trouble may be difficulty in getting to sleep. Possibly a change in appetite has led to weight loss; or maybe the problem is overweight due to a sudden splurge of eating. Fatigue, physical pains and change in eating or sleeping habits can constitute what doctors call the somatic mask of depression.(McClelland, 2008, 64) What is depression Why does it afflict people Everyone feels 'down in the dumps' on certain occasions. This should not cause alarm, for off days of this type are not what doctors mean when they speak of depression. According to studies, humans when they are afflicted with depression usually loose their essence and realization for the real reasons of living. It could be observed that many among the depressed ones are subjected to situations of failure, feeling of helplessness and the lost of physical energy to face life and enjoy life at the same time. (Amunts, 2008, 15) Loosing these particular elements in life, some depressed individuals resort to suicide simply to end the agony that they are experiencing. A depressed person finds it difficult to perform even the most routine tasks, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, preparing breakfast and making routine decisions. The third level, where no one can doubt that you're dealing with depression says Yomasue (2008) "is when somebody literally sits in a corner-almost paralyzed-looking into space." (13) Doctors often speak of depression as either acute or chronic. (Wang, 2007, 65) Acute depression sets in from some external cause, such as the death of a loved one, divorce or some other severe loss. Depending on the seriousness of the cause, acute depression may last weeks or even months; but then it disappears. On the other hand, in chronic cases the crippling effects of depression persist month after month. (Amunts, 2008, 54) Another type of sufferer is the manic-depressive. This person seesaws between a "manic" (from manikos, Greek for "mad") state and one of depression. During a manic state, the individual becomes overactive, impulsive, often disorderly in speech and thinking.(Croissant, 2008, 34) Then follows a "normal" period, after which he plunges into depression. Some remain in the manic state most of the time, with only brief low periods. Others are just the opposite, remaining depressed most of the time. And there are those who, for the most part, remain on an even keel except for brief ups and downs.(Liu, 2008, 54) In this study, an understanding of the major issues concerning gender differences on depression occurrences among individuals shall be discussed carefully so as to understand or at least clarify the issues on the claim that women are actually experiencing depression twice as much as men. Explaining the key reasons for this particular matter is the focus of this particular literature-based understanding. Some Common Causes of Depression How widespread is serious depression According to Dr. Nathan S. Kline of the New York State Department of Mental Hygiene, "it has been estimated that 15 per cent of the adult population of the United States has some degree of depression which is serious enough to be in need of treatment.(Yomasue,

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton Essay Example for Free

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton Essay Naturalism is commonly understood as an extension or intensification of realism. The intensification involves the introduction of characters of a kind (Baym, 1999) A perfect example of Naturalist work is Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton. Ethan, one of the main characters in the book, is a old, deformed man who is in love with his wifes cousin. Zeena is Ethans wife who occasionally has psychological illnesses. Mattie is Zeenas cousin and is in love with Ethan. There are many examples of naturalism in Ethan Frome: the characters, their deformities, and their lowly place in society, their bad luck, and distasteful environment they lived in. Ethan Frome, a significant character in the book, is very troubled. Life hasnt been pleasant for Ethan. Through his life experiences, Naturalism has been portrayed. At the beginning of the story, the reader, from the following quote, finds out that Ethan is crippled from a smash-up:The smash-up it was—I gathered from the same informant—which, besides drawing the red gash across Ethans Fromes forehead, had so shortened and warped his right side that it cost him a visible effort to take the few steps from his buggy to the post-office window. (Wharton 4)This is a characteristic of Naturalism because the smash-up was caused by Ethans emotions. If Ethan did not have any feelings for Mattie, the smash-up would have never taken place and Ethan and Mattie would not be injured and forced to spend the rest of their lives being taken care of by Zeena. Then, the novel goes into a flashback and the whole story of Ethan Frome is told to the reader. The reader then finds out that Zeena, Ethans wife, is actually his cousin who came to Starkfield to take care of Ethans mother, and she never left after his mother passed away. Ethan and Zeena get married and they have a loveless marriage that took place because of loneliness. In the novel, it says that the marriage might not have taken place if it had not been wintertime. This is also another example of Naturalism because it was decision that was controlled by their instincts that if they did not get married, then they would have a lonely winter. Zeena becomes sick, and her cousin Mattie has to come to Starkfield and take care of the house. Ethan falls in love with Mattie, but is not able to express his feelings at first because of Zeena. Later on in the story, Ethan and Mattie discover that they love each other and that they cannot be together so they decided to commit suicide. Unfortunately, the suicide attempt was futile and Mattie and Ethan both survive. In this part of the story, Ethan and Mattie are acting on their emotions because they know that they cannot runaway together, and they also know that if they commit suicide they will never have to be apart together. Ethan and Mattie would have run away together if not for their economic conditions. Because the farm was so poor, Zeena wouldnt have sold the farm for very much and she would have to suffer if Ethan and Mattie had runaway together. Although, Ethan Frome plays a very big role in this novel, Zeena also portrays examples of naturalism. Zeenas character was portrayed to the reader as being selfish and needy. Because Zeena was not required to take care of anyone, she began to show the symptoms of sickness that Ethans mother was described to have had. And within a year of their marriage she developed the sickliness which had since made her notable even in a community rich I pathological instances. When she came to take care of his mother she had seemed to Ethan like the very genius of health, but he soon saw that he skill as a nurse had been acquired by the absorbed observation of her own symptoms.(Wharton 53)This is an example of Naturalism because Zeenas need to be required by others led her to become psychologically sick and this affected her marriage with Ethan. In the middle of the novel, Ethan and Mattie walk home together after the dance and Zeena hasnt put out the key. To the reader, this seems like it was Zeenas instinct to not put out a key because she was suspicious of the relationship between Mattie and Ethan. Soon after, Zeena goes to see a new doctor in town because of her sickness. This event gives the impression that Zeena is sick only because she wants to be recognized in society, and being sick is allowing her to be noticed by others. At the very end of the novel, Zeena recognizes that Mattie and Ethan have feelings for each other, and tries to split them apart by hiring another girl to take care of the house. However, the smash-up allowed Zeena to be needed by the handicapped Mattie and Ethan, and Zeena instant got better. These are examples of naturalism, because Zeena is acting on her instincts that that Ethan and Mattie are having an affair, and the outcome is that they try to commit suicide and fail and have to live the rest of their lives together with Zeena almost in  poverty. The decisions that the characters in Ethan Frome impact the rest of their lives. These decisions are all examples of Naturalism. Ethan decisions are based on his instinct and also his emotions of love for Mattie, and his emotion of loathe for Zeena. Zeenas, on the other hand, are based on by her instinct that Ethan and Mattie are in love with each other, her lowly status in society, and also their meager economic conditions. This book shows the reader that life should not always be controlled by instinct and emotion, but rather that it should be controlled by thoughts and adapting to the environment around you. Wharton, Edith. Simon Schuster, 2004.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Answer Key for Effective Writing Essay Example for Free

Answer Key for Effective Writing Essay School purchasers may make copies for use by their staff and students. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide in You must not circulate this book in any other binding or cover and you must impose this same condition on any acquirer. 1 198 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 USA Oxford New York Auckland Cape Town Dar es Salaam Hong Kong Karachi Kuala Lumpur Madrid Melbourne Mexico City Nairobi New Delhi Shanghai Taipei Toronto With offices in Any websites referred to in this publication are in the public domain and their addresses are provided by Oxford University Press for information only. Oxford University Press disclaims any responsibility for the content. oxford and o xford english are registered trademarks of Oxford University Press Executive Publisher: Janet Aitchison Senior Acquisitions Editor: Pietro Alongi Associate Editor: Scott Allan Wallick Art Director: Maj-Britt Hagsted Production Manager: Shanta Persaud Production Controller: Eve Wong  © Oxford University Press 2007 isbn: 978- 0-19-430884-7 Database right Oxford University Press (maker) Effective Academic Writing 3: Answer Key an engineer . Both my mother and father were born in different countries, so my relatives are scattered all over the world . I really like traveling and have been to Europe and Asia . Although we try to get together for important occasions, this was the first time everyone could attend . Most importantly, my good friends had never met my relatives . Developing good friendships takes a lot of work . Watching them all dancing, laughing, and having a wonderful time will stay in my memory forever . The band we hired played music that the guests loved and we danced for hours .

Friday, September 20, 2019

Company and market analysis of TRU colours

Company and market analysis of TRU colours TRU Colours is a private makeup company which provides numerous services for women of all ages. These services range from make-up application to product knowledge, bridal packages and more. TRU Colours is a sole proprietorship run by Rosie Lima. She provides services out of her own home and is also a mobile makeup artist. Mission Statement My mission is to help bring what I see on the inside, outside for everyone else to see through enhancing clients physical appearance and mental relaxation. Situation Analysis Internal Environment: Organization background Rosie Lima established TRU Colours Make-Up Artistry in 2007. TRU Colours is an unregistered sole-proprietorship completely owned and run by Rosie Lima. She completed formal training in the industry in 2009. She has a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies, a Diploma in Cosmetic Management, and a Spa Technician Certificate, all through Humber College. She also interned with Creatively Beautiful. Creatively Beautiful is an award-winning bridal hair and make-up service located in Brampton, Ontario, serving the Acton, Milton, Burlington, Hamilton, Markham, Peel, Halton Hills, and Greater Toronto Area. This company focuses on bridal preparation. They aim to achieve the ultimate experience in relation and pampering for the bride and her party on her wedding day. They focus on makeup application, hair styling, hair extension work, jewellery, accessories, and rentals. TRU Colours provides clients with a customized make-up application experience in the comfort of their own home or a specified location. Since TRU Colours was established, Rosie has been a freelance representative for Lise Watier Cosmetics, freelanced for Shoppers Drugmart both in-store and at their Customer Appreciation Galas, designed and applied numerous looks for photo shoots, and most recently applied make-up, alongside the team from Creatively Beautiful, for the models at the prestigious Total Wedding Show. Services Offered Make-up Design Application Bridal Packages One-on-One Shopping Trips Make-Up Skincare Lessons Make-Up Workshop Parties Financial and Non-financial Results The market for make-up in Canada increased at a compound annual growth rate of 4% between 2004 and 2009. The eye make-up category captured the make-up market in Canada and accounting for a share of 37.4%. Leading players in Canadian make-up market are, Procter Gamble Company, LOreal S.A. and Revlon, Inc. The consistent annual growth of these companies depict that the sector is growing and there are much more opportunities to be explored. Rosie Lima uses the best available make up products manufactured by the top brands to provide quality service to her clients. The industry is expected to grow at much higher rate in near future, so focus should be on targeting maximum number of clients. Study shows that the women aging between 12 -40 should be the potential target. Channels Market value is based on sales through all retail channels including direct to consumer. Toronto gives numerous numbers of options to the clients to select the make-up artists from the list that has Melissa Andre, Melissa Nicholl, Nerissa Haines, Vicki Millar etc. In such a competitive market the advertising channel will help attracting clients just for once. To succeed the retention and referral clientele building is required. Rosie Lima should offer clients the price and service that helps her to establish as a brand. External Environments: Markets A market is any one of a variety of systems, institutions, procedures, social relations and infrastructures whereby businesses sell their goods, services and labour to people in exchange for money. The makeup industry had a variety of markets. These markets range from individuals who require one time makeup application for a specific occasion, to those who want regular makeup application. These are the multiple avenues make-up artistry can take you. Advertisements Magazines Modeling agencies Movies Music videos Runway shows Salons and spas Television Theatre Bridal Makeup Rosie Lima mostly works with individuals. Her clients are usually people who need to look their best for a special occasion, such as an awards dinner, beauty pageant, prom night, or wedding. The target market is women between the ages of 12-35. This segment of the market provides the greatest opportunity. This is because girls around the age of 12 will be beginning to experiment with makeup. Parents may be interested in teaching their adolescents how to properly apply makeup. Also girls around this age go through two major celebrations grade 8 graduation and prom. Many girls will want to look their best on these occasions which will create a demand for a make-up artistry services. Women between the ages of 20-30 are the average age to be married. This will create a high-demand for bridal make-up services. Some women may be interested in make-up consultation which will teach them the skills required to apply their own make-up. This ranges from picking the products desirable for your skin type, the appropriate colours and how to apply your make-up. These are the types of markets that TRU Colour targets. Competitive environment There are many make-up artists available across Toronto. Most of them offer various services ranging from makeup application, spa to hair treatment. Due to heated competition and availability of many artists, the rate of services is kept moderate by most businesses. When one search on the internet to find a makeup artist there are several options available and the majority of them are sole-proprietors offering various services. TRU Colours faces competition from all the local businesses but what sets them apart is the personal touch that Rosie Lima brings along with her. TRU Colours provides customized make-up application to the clients and builds a lasting relationship with most of them. The convenience of getting the make-up done is clients selected location is a unique feature that is not provided by many in the locality. Rosie has gained practical experience in the field and has related formal education as well to better her service offerings. Economic Environment Although beauty remains firmly in the list of reliable categories during the difficult economic conditions that are currently prevailing, a NPD report suggests that it has dropped to fourth place in a list of the least vulnerable consumer goods categories. According to the NPD consumer survey just 32% of respondents said they would cut back on spend for video games, while 36 percent said they would cut back for toys, 39 % would reduce spend on movies and 41% said they would reduce spend on beauty products. Economic slowdown affected this industry too. People were not ready to spend money for appealing outlook. With time as things started coming back on track, the industry is not only stabilized but is also benefited a lot. Product and service advertisements are helping make-up artist to attract clients. Pricing position might pose a threat to them when competing with less expensive product and service. Keeping this meltdown situation is mind TRU colours must offer their clients quarterly, half-yearly or yearly discount coupons, which indeed can encourage the clients to be associated with TRU colours and get benefited from their services. Demographic Environment Demographic environments consists of data and study relating to the human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, sex, origin, incomer, occupation, and other statistical information. Given below are data from the Toronto region where TRU Colour operates: Population by Age 2010 % of Total % Change (2005-2010) 2015 % Change (2010-2015) Total 7,399,926 100.0% 7.3% 7,780,466 5.1% 0 19 1,751,513 23.7% 1.5% 1,743,511 -0.5% 20 24 521,238 7.0% 7.8% 519,424 -0.3% 25 34 1,092,224 14.8% 8.2% 1,200,917 10.0% 35 54 2,299,364 31.1% 6.0% 2,315,911 0.7% 55 64 821,194 11.1% 22.5% 941,616 14.7% 65 74 479,808 6.5% 12.7% 587,833 22.5% 75 + 434,585 5.9% 6.0% 471,254 8.4% Population by Origin 2010 % of Total % Change (2005-2010) 2015 % Change (2010-2015) Total * 7,318,725 100.0% 7.3% 7,695,077 5.1% Born in Canada (Non Immigrant) 4,280,963 58.5% 6.4% 4,435,383 3.6% Born Outside Canada (Immigrant) 2,950,531 40.3% 8.9% 3,172,951 7.5% * The total excludes persons on Indian reserves and settlements but includes non permanent residents, not shown separately. Households by Size 2010 % of Total % Change (2005-2010) 2015 % Change (2010-2015) Total 2,691,769 100.0% 9.8% 2,882,484 7.1% 1 Person 614,487 22.8% 8.0% 648,994 5.6% 2 Persons 766,956 28.5% 9.5% 821,643 7.1% 3 Persons 473,192 17.6% 9.9% 506,839 7.1% 4 to 5 Persons 713,530 26.5% 10.9% 770,321 8.0% 6 or More Persons 123,604 4.6% 13.2% 134,687 9.0% Average Household Size 2.7 2.7 Households by Income * 2010 % of Total 2015 % Change (2010-2015) Total 2,691,769 100.0% 2,882,484 7.1% 0 19,999 316,444 11.8% 248,671 -21.4% 20,000 49,999 637,624 23.7% 531,800 -16.6% 50,000 99,999 900,024 33.4% 883,147 -1.9% 100,000 plus 837,677 31.1% 1,218,866 45.5% Average Household Income $97,046 $125,308 Median Household Income $76,373 $84,718 * Canadian dollars v. Social and cultural Environment What customers like about makeup service is friendly service, good attitude elegant environment, clean fair and reasonable price, highly skilled. Most of women are interested in make-up consultation which will teach them the skills required to apply their own make-up. It is the responsibility of the makeup artist to ensure the safety of the clients while serving them. Since she deals with cosmetics which are primarily made of natural and chemical elements, there exists a risk of health hazards. TRU Colours has had no issues relating to side-effects so far and Rosie in future as well should ensure that all the products she offers are of the highest quality to both herself and the client. She in fact also has a contract that she makes her client go through and signs before offering her services. Rosie Lima mostly works with individuals. Her clients are usually people who need to look their best for a special occasion, such as an awards dinner, beauty pageant, prom night, or wedding. TRU Colours main demographic is women between the ages of 12-35 and predominantly but not limited to bridal makeup. TRU Colours provides avariety of services, each with their own unique benefits. The overall goal of the company is to make women feel beautiful. TRU Colours teaches women proper skin care techniques as well as makeup application skills. vi. Political and Legal Environment A make up certificate / diploma will prove that you have learned the various make up styles, and techniques. It will demonstrate your understanding for knowing the different skin types, and various implications make-up products will have on your clients skin. However, it is possible that you can find work opportunities without any formal education but rather based on your merit, experience and portfolio. Most importantly a make-up certificate / diploma demonstrates that you have the theoretical knowledge behind make-up application. Many employers want to ensure you understand basic hygiene, sanitation, and disease awareness. Make-up artists do not need a license to practice, but they must have some sort of training to work in a spa or salon.  [1]  This training varies from on the job training to actual certificates from community colleges or private make-up schools. There is no licensing required to be a freelance make-up artist in Canada. TRU Colours avoids all legal responsibil ity by ensuring that all clients sign a contract waiving any liability TRU Colours may have in case of emergency. vii. Technological Environment Create and maintain a positive image of professional beauty makeup service, face competition not to lower the price, only to improve service to win customers. While sales and related factors constitute the interaction of how to grasp, and has sales, gross margin is expected to be achieved and with the profit . A beauty salon on the number of daily turnover, investors, operators, it is a very sensitive and the most concern. She is focusing on her potential clients. She also identifies her competitors strength and weaknesses for development. In order to expand her services she should try new avenues in makeup artistry. Her main field is bridal makeup so she could learn different cultural trends regarding makeup. She could consider learning how to work with products such as henna. Henna is a very popular in Indian weddings. If she could adapt to different cultural trends, this would provide new avenues for income. SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Mobile makeup service à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Time usage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A wide range of services offered. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Competitive prices. Weaknesses As a new entrant to the market, TRU Colours lacks brand equity that many of its competitors à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Struggle to appear continually on the edge in terms of fashion and style. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Large costs associated with a start-up company. Opportunities A steady growing market that is traditionally unaffected by the economic environment. The ability to decrease marginal fixed costs as the customer base grows. Increasing sales opportunities as more people from an individual family frequents TRU Colours. Chances of getting more call flow due to customers references Threats à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Competition from already established chains. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A change in traffic patterns as they relate. Critical Issues: As it is new established Makeup Artistry So, she is facing competition from established chains Sometimes she has to go out in all weather conditions She is paying for her own training and seminars There are hurdles when get calls from certain people who are not soliciting in close area Receiving calls at uneven time Some homes may not have suitable space available There is need to provide all her own equipment, and it has to be light and easy to man oeuvre from car and into clients homes She needs to take set-up time, journey time and travel expenses into account in your prices She is to take sole responsibility for building up your client base and booking appointments Marketing Objectives Increase the number of clients and thereby increasing business profit. Create awareness about the business in the local market. Update the marketing tools currently used. Implementation of new marketing techniques. Marketing Strategies Target markets:- Positioning Statement: To women who are pressed for time but want to look there best, our TRU Colours is a mobile makeup service that aims to bring out womens beauty at the convenience of their own homes. Rosie Limas target markets will be individual women between the ages of 12-35. She mainly focuses on individualised make-up application for clients who need it on special occasions, such as an awards dinner, beauty pageant, prom night or wedding. Girls between 12-18 will be beginning to learn and experiment with make-up, thus parents may be interested in a make-up consultation session with a professional to teach them proper application techniques. Also, women of all ages may have questions concerning what products are best for their skin, what colours would best compliment their complexion and furthermore, people with bad skin problems may require make-up consultation. This target is women of any age who can afford make-up consultation. Rosie Lima has a vast amount of experience with bridal makeup thus her target is brides to be. These are typical women between 20-30 the average marrying age. These women would require make-up application for themselves as well as their wedding party . This market may offer a variety of unique opportunities. Service Strategy TRU Colours make up artistry is aimed at promoting beauty for women everywhere. TRU Colours main demographic is women between the ages of 12-35 and predominantly but not limited to bridal makeup. TRU Colours provides a variety of services, each with their own unique benefits. The overall goal of the company is to make women feel beautiful. TRU Colours teaches women proper skin care techniques as well as makeup application skills. These makeup services by Rosie Lima offers a number of differential advantages. Rosie has professional training and experience as a makeup artist which gives her an advantage over her competitors. She has a completed portfolio full of examples of her past work experiences. Clients can browse through her portfolio and choose a makeup design of their liking. Rosie Lima also has vast knowledge of various makeup products and how to use them based on different skin types. Clients experience a relaxing makeup application session at their preferred location. Pricing strategies In the make-up artist industry pricing can be determined either by service or hourly. In most salons and spas price is determined by service however freelance make-up artists have the ability to choose either pricing strategy. TRU Colours needs to have a reference price (the industry average price for the service) and then make adjustments accordingly. In the industry prices can start as low as $30 for make-up application for a special event and enter into the $100s. Make-up consultation typically starts around $40.00 an hour increases into the $100.00s.  [2]  These prices are dependent on the reputation of the salon/spa, the reputation and experience of the individual make-up artist and the types of products being used. More prestigious salons/spas set their prices much higher than spas which are just starting out. In make-up the main objective should be product-quality leadership. This is because make-up application services itself is an affordable luxury as many women are capable of applying their own make-up. Having make-up application services is about quality, and luxury. Many women want make-up application services because they want to relax and be pampered through this experience. It is not only about the services itself but also about the atmosphere and total experience it encompasses. TRU Colours charges $45.00 per makeup application service and $35.00 for teenage makeup application. Since she is a freelance makeup artist she does not charge any tax so these rates are based on a cash basis. There is a demand for this service and TRU Colour needs to ensure it does not set its prices too low because this would lead people to question Rosies skills and experience as a make-up artist. The better a make-up artist you are the higher the prices you can set. Thus Rosie should set her prices just above industry standards to ensure that people are confident in her skills as a make-up artist. The estimated costs would be fairly low for a free-lance make-up artist company. This is because the fixed costs are relatively low. The only requirements are a make-up kit with various colours, foundations, primer, toners etc. As make-up brushes. These products are long-lasting and do not require re-placement after each client. There are no employees to pay, or rent as she works out of her home or travels to customers. The variable costs would be the costs of transportation. Thus operating this business would be fairly low in cost. The pricing method selected would be the perceived-value pricing method. This is because customers have a perceived value attached to this service. It depends on the make-up artists experience, training and portfolio that customers will attach a certain value to their service. Promotion Strategies This type of industry requires a variety of promotion strategies. As a result of TRU Colours being an unregistered company most of the promotion will be done through word of mouth. A freelance make-up artist must network as much as possible and promote their business. Networking and promoting are the two most important things to land clients. A makeup artist should create business cards fit for a professional makeup artist. They should be flashy, creative, and different. This is because you are trying to attract the attention of potential clients. You are trying to show that you are creative and flashy especially in this industry. Black and white business cards just do not cut it. You need to show you understand beauty through the art on our business card. Create videos on YouTube. Many women go on YouTube to watch makeup tutorials which teach them new techniques and strategies. Also put your information under the video so they can contact you for an appointment. Also, state your formal education and experience so women see that you are trained and knowledgeable. Create a portfolio and put it in a website online. Many people browse the web for make-up artists and with a portfolio about yourself, your experience and training it could bring in potential clients. Show work that you have done in the past. Put pictures of past clients in your portfolio so potential clients have an idea of your abilities. Put a portfolio on a personal website, myspace or facebook. Social networking websites build credential because friends of friends will be able to check out your work and feel that they can trust you because someone they know, knows you. Perhaps rent a booth at a vendor fair. Bring a few friends with you to model your talents. It will attract attention. Bring your makeup artist portfolio and leave it open for people to browse through. Bring business cards and hand them out to potential clients. Offer discounted rates on make-up services and show how much you usually charge. This way you will build credibility with new clients and they can experience your talents first hand. People will be able to observe your skills and contact you later for an appointment. Collaborate with a spa/ salon. If you know people that work in a salon only specializing in hair or nails tell them to refer their clients to you. Create a few flyers and posters and ask to put them up in their spa. Seeing as the employees in this spa specialize in a different line of work it will not take away business from them and perhaps you can negotiate a deal where they refer clients to you and you refer your clients to them. Leave a copy of your portfolio in their spa/salon so potential clients can glance through it during their hair or nail appointment. This could be beneficial for both you and the salon. Distribution Strategies TRU Colours makeup artistry is a single person company. Rosie Lima is the single employee as well as owner. She provides services out of her own home or in the homes of her clients thus distribution strategies is irrelevant. There is no distribution channel involved in her business as there is no product being sold. Since the service provided requires a set of skills and experience only Rosie is capable of providing set services within her company. Financial Projection Break-Even Analysis Break-Even Analysis Yearly Projection of clients 10 Achieved target in 2009-2010 7 Average revenue $345 Yearly fixed expenditure (eye shadow, foundation, toner, makeup remover) $1,000 Average cost of visiting her clients $24 Breakeven Cost $1,247 Sales forecast Considering the future market projection, that says that make-up artistry market will encounter growth in future. Rosie Limas focus should be expend the categories of service she offer which will help her targeting the numbers and making marking more profits. Assuming the fixed cost for every 7 bridal customers comes out to be $1000 Assuming, she target general make-up customers with the fixed cost for every 10 customers @ $130 and increases by 10% with every year. Sales Forecast for TRU COLOURS Financial Year 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 Achieved target in 2009-2010 7 8 10 12 Average general clients 0 10 12 14 Total clients 7 18 22 26 Average Revenue 345 380 417 459 Average Revenue 0 45 50 54 Fixed Cost (bridal) 1000 1100 1210 1331 Fixed Cost (general) 0 130 143 157 Variable Cost (Average travelling) 24 24 24 24 Break-even Cost (Bridal) 1247 1646 2468 3588 Break-even Cost (General) 0 80 163 281 Profit (Bridal) 1168 1542 1740 1967 Profit (General) 0 370 431 503 Total Profits 1168 1912 2171 2470 Sales forecast graph Expense Forecast:- Rosie Lima works full-time at Humber college so she do not want to incur any variable cost because she dont want to spend money on marketing as she dont have sufficient manpower to cater the clients. She may come up with that idea sometime later. But for now her expense forecast is calculated in the sales forecast section. Implementation Plan The implementation plan for TRU Colours makeup artistry will have a number of phases to it. In order to fulfill all of the promotion strategies listed, she should outsource her plans to a variety of people. She will require a company which creates and prints business cards. This is important to for networking purposes. When she meets new clients she will be able to present them with a professional, yet creative business card in order to attract attention. She should outsource her advertising to a web-design company. This company will create a professional page on various social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook Page in order to gain attention and interest in potential clients. She should create a professional website with her portfolio as well as information about her training and experience. As well as a service and pricing list. She should also post her company on local classified listings and websites such as Kijiji and Craigslist. This will help find new clients which will thus expand her company. She should continue working for various bridal shows in order to gain experience and build her reputation. TRU Colours needs to expand by working in more events in order to increase networking which will build a brand name for herself. Also the more experience she has the higher her reputation will increase. Evaluation and Control There are multiple ways to evaluate the progress of TRU Colours makeup artistry. Firstly, she should ask customers to fill out a feedback form. This would be very useful for her to learn how she can improve her own styles and techniques. She could also use these feedback forms as indicators of how well her services are meeting the needs of her clients. At the approval of her clients, she could put positive feedback forms into her portfolio. This will prove her credentials as a makeup artist to potential clients. TRU Colours does not have any recorded financial records. In order to have more control over the company and greater awareness of how much income the company is making and how much she is spending on products (specifically on what products), she should implement a plan to record her finances. She could use a program such as Microsoft outlook or Microsoft excel in order to keep a record of her income and expenditures. TRU Colours should also record i

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Matrix Review :: essays research papers

The Matrix Action / Sci-Fi (US); 1999; Rated R; 135 Minutes Cast Keanu Reeves: Thomas "Neo" Anderson Laurence Fishburne: Morpheus Carrie-Anne Moss: Trinity Joe Pantoliano: Cypher Hugo Weaving: Agent Smith Produced by Bruce Berman, Dan Cracchiolo, Andrew Mason, Barrie M. Osborne, Joel Silver, Erwin Stoff, Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski Directed and directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski Keanu Reeves as a martial-arts master and savior of the earth? Laurence Fishburne as his mentor? The world as we know it does not even exist? Surely, you can't be serious. Welcome to the fascinating and confusing world of "The Matrix." In this sci-fi thriller, Reeves stars as Neo, a computer programmer by day and cyber-hacker by night. Out of nowhere, he is contacted by a group of super hackers who tell him that his life is in danger and his only hope is to trust them. The group's leader, a quiet but confident man known as Morpheus (Fishburne) tells Neo that he is the one chosen to save the world and that the "Matrix is the wool that has pulled over your eyes - that you are a slave." Neo is the world's only hope. In a nutshell, Morpheus explains that computers developed on their own and won a brutal war against man. So the computers made a program to put all of the slaves back in the past, which is our present day. He tells Neo that he can chose either to live now or to see what the world is truly like. Neo chooses the latter, and the trip down the rabbit hole begins as does the fight for the salvation of humanity. But the battle must be fought out in â€Å"The Matrix†, not the real world, where computer sentinels are seemingly invincible and where the laws of physics can not only be bent, they can be tossed right out the window. With that kind of freedom, characters can run up the sides of walls, leap incredible distances, dodge bullets, and with the help of Hong Kong stunt specialist Yuen Wo Ping, pull off some of the most impressive kung fu fight sequences ever filmed. Slow-motion film sequences, some shot at the rate of 12,000 frames per second, allow the filmmakers to manipulate the on-screen action much like in the Gap commercials where the dancers are frozen and the camera angle shifts around them. Andrew Mason lends the film the same look he gave Dark City, only this time the good guys wear black and everyone else is either a sentinel or prime fodder for target practice.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Inclusion Essay -- essays research papers

Within the past decades and a big discussion has occurred regarding the most appropriate setting within which to provide education for students in special education. Although the change in the educational environment is significant for handicapped student the concepts of inclusion also bring up new issues for the regular education classroom teachers. The movement toward full inclusion of special education students in general education setting has brought special education to a crossroad and stirred considerable debate on its future direction. Proponents of full inclusion argue that the needs of students in general education. Full inclusion is "an approach on which students who are disabled or at risk receive all instruction in a regular classroom setting" (Hardman, Drew, Egan, & Wolf, 1993). Those who are for inclusion claim that segregated programs are detrimental to students and do not meet the original goals for special education(). Recent analysis show a small to moderate beneficial effect of inclusion education on the academic and social outcome of special needs children. Those who support inclusion believe that the child always should begin in the regular environment and only be removed only when appropriate services cannot be provided in the regular classroom. Physical accommodations, sufficient personne l, staff development and technical assistance, and technical collaboration are all brought into the classroom to assist the special needs child in a regular classroom. Another study assessing the effectiveness of inclusion was done at John Hopkins University. In a school-wide restructuring program called, Success for All, student achievement was measured and several positive changes were noticed: a reduced fear of human differences accompanied by increases comfort and awareness, growth in social cognition, improvement in self- concept of non-disabled students, development of personal principles and ability to assume an advocacy role toward their peers and friends with disabilities, and warm and caring friendships. Inclusion is more effective when students with special need are placed in a general education classroom after adequate planning. Inclusion does not mean unilateral changes in student's placements without appropriate preparation. &n... ...assroom teacher. Teacher who collaborate must be honest and open about concerns and feelings. Collaborators must be willing to plan activities that ensure success. Involving students as peer helpers for students with disabilities is a very effective strategy. Teachers will need to model strategies for students and allow students to be involved in problem-solving sessions. Peer assistance and support can help nondisabled students build and maintain relationship with their disabled peers. Teachers must be willing to be a team player. The team must be willing to plan and work together on all issues, especially student behavior. Each team member must be prepared for his or her part of all planning and lesson responsibilities. Special Education Inclusion November 5, 2001 Katie Schultz Stout, WEAC's Director of Instruction and Professional Development Preparing for Inclusion: Involving Everyone in a Inclusion Classroom Setting Creative Educators at Work: All Children Including Those with Disabilities Can Play Traditional Classroom Games," by Donna Raschke, Ph.D., and Jodi Bronson, Ed.S., 1999 Kids Together, Inc. Colleen F. Tomko,1992http://www.kidstogether.org/inc-what.htm

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Centura Health Overview

Centura Health is considered Colorado's largest healthcare organization, inclusive of a 12-hospital system. The company's mission includes celebrating the value inherent in each individuals life and working collaboratively to â€Å"lift the burdens of others† by offering comprehensive and loving care to all customers and patients served by Centura (Centura, 2005). The mission statement of the organization is to â€Å"extend the healing ministry of Christ my caring for those who are ill and nurturing the health of people in our communities† (Centura, 2005). The vision includes fulfilling the organizations covenant that guarantees excellence and integrity of service, creating partnerships with community members and patients for life (Centura, 2005). The organization has identified multiple core values which include: integrity, stewardship, spirituality, imagination, respect, excellence and compassion† (Centura, 2005). Current Centura operates as a non-profit agency and structures key decision making using what they refer to as a â€Å"Values Impact Analysis† (Centura, 2005). This tool helps organizational representatives weight the costs to benefits of selected decisions as applied to the organizations core values. The process adopted by the organization is considered â€Å"dynamic and rigorous† with the intent of enabling â€Å"conscientious decisions respectful of stakeholders needs† but also in line with the values and needs of patients (Centura, 2005). The organizational model includes a hierarchical system with the following: President/CEO, Executive Vice President and COO, Sr. Vice President, CFO, Chief Medical Officer and supporting management staff (Centura, 2005). Key to the governance model includes collaboration with other medical providers and health agencies throughout the state of Colorado. The decision making model adopted by Centura involves use of the Values Impact Analysis process that helps key management staff make decisions that are not only fiscally sound but also reflect the organizations core values and perspectives of patients that may be impacted by decisions. The organization makes use of an on site Mission and Ministry whose role includes providing â€Å"reflections, a prayer chain† and various other resources for employees and associates of the organization (Centura, 2005). In addition the organization utilizes a SHARE program that resembles a rewards and recognition program to highlight outstanding achievements among employees, customers and co-workers (Centura, 2005). Centura has also adopted a collaborative environment where communication is promoted through a â€Å"Mastery Development Plan† (Centura, 2005). This plan provides team members within the organization a method of facilitating personal and professional development and communication by providing training for technical and support staff and providing communications training to all staff to encourage greater collaboration and community connections among employees (Centura, 2005). Centura has also adopted quality improvement measures focusing on patient populations, physician and clinician teams to help promote â€Å"excellence in care† (Centura, 2005). The organization to this effect has created what they refer to as a â€Å"Quality, Safety and Outcomes Management department† whose sole role includes supporting a solid communications infrastructure and commitment to quality improvement (Centura, 2005). Centura's approach to quality involves defining ‘value directed' services and providing value directed management to customers both internal and external. This is a solid approach to instilling quality within the organization. Arogyaswamy & Simmons (1993) point to the important of using value-directed management approaches to ensure the best possible service to customers. Further the authors suggest that organizations must approach total quality and empowerment of staff through articulated measures to achieve â€Å"stronger market positions† by establishing â€Å"an unquenchable thirst for improvement† (Arogyaswamy & Simmons, 3). Ways to do this include through integration and shared vision (Lambert, Hylander & Sandoval, 2003). Barusch, Merkman & Maramaldi (2005) note that within the health care organization standardized measures are necessary to ensure control and power are properly delegated and that quality is ensured in all patient interactions and outcomes. Care benchmarks, satisfaction tools and quality assessors currently adopted by Centura fall in line with recent studies suggesting that routine attention to performance measurement via various standardized methods help improve organizational efficiency and continuous improvement (Holzer & Julnes, 2001). Further risk management is best assessed by gathering quality data from standardized reporting systems that provide detailed summaries of the industry, characteristics of service and help regulate distribution of services and procedures within the healthcare organization (Blankmeyer, Knox & Stutzman, 2001). Centura uses multiple benchmarks to currently reap information regarding quality and service protocols, including the Values Impact Analysis and the Master Development Plan. The values impact survey acts as a standardized reporting system providing mangers and staff with detailed cues regarding employee and organizational performance. The Master Development Plan serves as a tool that can enhance performance management and train various staff members including nursing staff members to achieve their highest potential within the organization. Key issues a nursing staff coordinator may address within this organizational context is whether incumbents are consistently reporting on their progress and achievements using the values impact analysis and master development program. These programs do offer detailed information regarding potential areas of weakness and improvement within the organization. At present the strongest elements of Centura's organizational structure include its commitment to shared knowledge and communication among staff members. Additionally the organization is committed to empowering employees to excel in their job functions and dedicated to continuous training. The organization may benefit from an overhaul of the performance measurement protocols adopted for individual employees. Most organizations fall short of identifying to as great an extent possible the level of staff satisfaction with performance measurement protocols. Turnover within the organization at present is relatively low suggesting that employees are however receiving the feedback they need to excel on the job. At this point in time when problem areas are identified using the quality assessment tools in place management turns to focused committees to resolve issues. The organization would benefit by involving more primary care nurses and other direct staff involved in decision making processes that involve improving quality improvement. Because Centura is a hierarchical organization, most decisions are made from the top down. Recent studies suggest however that continuous quality improvement and risk management efforts are enhanced significantly when organizations adopt a flat approach to knowledge management and quality improvement. This means that employees at all levels of the organization must be empowered to help make decisions and share information regarding continuous improvement measures. One way to adopt this philosophy at Centura may be to establish various committees designed to help solve specific problems within their scope of expertise or knowledge. Overall Centura Health provides a superb foundation for providing quality care and direction for staff and the patients and community it serves. The organization is committed to quality improvements, knowledge sharing and partnerships within the community to reduce any risk associated with delivering care and to improve its knowledge sharing ability within the community. At present the organization has adopted various standardized instruments, which consistently provide accurate measurements of quality benchmarks within the organization. The top down management approach may be the sole factor limiting consistent knowledge sharing and hence risk management reduction or continuous improvement within the organization.

Monday, September 16, 2019

The Benefits Of Having Children Attend Pre School Education Essay

AbstractionThis study covers the benefit of directing kids to pre-school before kindergarten. Literature reappraisal is used to research the research bing in this field. It will assist us to understand what consequence pre-school has on kids. Such plans are besides discussed in the paper which is carry oning developing for kindergartners for their development. This paper non merely covers that academic facet but besides sheds visible radiation on the benefits preschool instruction has on societal and emotional facets of kids ‘s life. After roll uping this information, it will be collaborated with the findings of this research paper utilizing different research technique. In the terminal, the paper will be concluded along with some suggestions.IntroductionIn this competitory universe it is really of import to develop the kids in such a manner that they are non left buttocks. Survey shows that with pre-school preparation, kids show much developed accomplishments of larning when t hey enter kindergarten. If a kid is being read to at place, visits museums, learns how to play a game and reads along person so it is more likely that his/her learning abilities are polished and ready for kindergarten ( Stube & A ; Patrick, 2010 ) . Pre-school is a planned plan for kids before they start their formal instruction. It deals with the larning ability of a kid. Children are trained in such a manner that their acquisition abilities are enhanced. Specified techniques are used to better the linguistic communication accomplishments and analytical accomplishments. it besides has a positive consequence on the behavioural facet of a kid ‘s personality. Bridges ( 2008 ) found out from the research that affecting parents is really critical for the success of pre-school preparation. Besides, engagement of community can be really critical in the achievement of a successful preschool preparation centre. Margetts ( 2007 ) likewise says that in a multicultural community, parents and community itself plays a really of import function. This research besides highlights diverse methods of implementing preschool plans in Australia and United States of America or any other diverse state. It I believed that a cosmopolitan pre-school system can profit everyone and supply equal chance to every pupil. But Bridges ( 2008 ) argues that it is a waste of resources because households who can non afford will non hold full entree and unless it is designed to the ace quality it will ensue in a catastrophe. Teachers play a critical function in the development of a pre-school kid. It is indispensable to understand the civilization, background and imposts of the kid. Training of the instructor is really indispensable. Not everyone can manage pre-school kids. They need to be taught in a certain manner so it has the greatest consequence on the development of the kid. Children should besides be encouraged to inquire as many inquiries as possible. It increases their cognitive accomplishments ( Persky & A ; Golubchick, 1991 ) . There are institutes every bit good as place attention can be considered a portion of pre-school preparation. The things that the kid surveies at the age of three signifier the footing of his/her academic life in the coming old ages. However, every kid does non acquire equal pre-school preparation. Therefore, consequences in different cognitive abilities sing instruction. Pre-school instruction besides helps the parents to find any learning disablements that might be an d can extinguish the opportunities of traveling to particular instruction by effectual pre-school instruction. This paper focuses on such benefits pre-school preparation has on the kids before they join kindergarten.Literature ReviewChilds who attend pre-school show higher math accomplishments, linguistic communication accomplishments and have less behavioural job ( Bridges, 2008 ) . Bridges ( 2008 ) besides indicate that non all kids have entree to the pre-school and pre-kindergarten plan. However, she argues that pre-school instruction is non a valid tool to mensurate the academic accomplishments made subsequently in life. The researches before failed to see the engagement of parents in the pre-school preparation. Research shows that pre-school is a sound investing non merely in footings of kids ‘s development but besides academically, socially and economically. Early instruction non merely develops the accomplishments but besides heighten the ability to score good, less kee ping of classs and fewer opportunities of arrangement in a particular instruction plan. Besides, research show that thee kids have less inclination to make condemnable or justness jobs ( Barnett & A ; Hustedt, 2003 ) . There was a great statement among authorities and parents about preschool instruction. Parents were of the position that kids should be taught at place instead than preschool institutes by authorities. The function of authorities should be to cut down the revenue enhancement for parents and leave the pre-kindergarten preparation to the parents. These plans can be expensive. However there is a demand for these establishments that should supply preschool instruction to every kid by inventing a plan which is cost effectual and provides high quality ( Bracey & A ; Stellar, 2003 ) . The survey shows that the kids who get preschool instruction have much developed cognitive and societal accomplishments. The research was conducted on kids with different backgrounds, cultural groups and had different native linguistic communications. Even so, the consequences showed that the kids with pre-kindergarten instruction showed a batch of added accomplishments, they were more confident and had speedy ability to larn different things ( Gormley, Gayer, Phillips, & A ; Dawson, 2005 ) . Anderson, et. all ( 2003 ) stated that the most of import accomplishments required for kids to develop in early age are knowledge, acknowledging dealingss, self-regulation and develop specific accomplishments. Early instruction consequences in developed social-emotional operation of the kids. They besides said that it is indispensable or the preschool plans to advance the societal accomplishments. When kids get societal competences in early age it enables them to lend more in societal service and besides improves their relationship with parents. However, there is no grounds of such plans demoing betterment in wellness of the kids. ReadinessA andA EarlyA Activities forA ChildrenA fromA theA Heart ( REACH ) is a plan designed to better the kids ‘s preparedness for school and better their accomplishments. It is a measure taken by California State University along with Long BeachA UnifiedA SchoolA to heighten the social-emotional province of kids along with more developed literacy. This is an illustration of how much these types of plans are of import and good that good organisations are willing to put in them so that the kids of their society can profit ( Stanley, 2004 ) . All three and four twelvemonth kids are entitled to free instruction in England. The survey shows that the kids of age three are more suited for preschool instruction. They learn more rapidly about understanding the universe and its physical existences. After three old ages, there is a negative consequence on the learning ability of communicating, linguistic communication, mathematics and creativeness ( Hopkin, Stokes, & A ; Wilkinson, 2009 ) . Another research shows that 91 % of kids can be identified as good or hapless reader if they had preschool preparation. The variables used to mensurate the ability to read were memory of retrieving letters and sentences, velocity of calling an object and orthographic trial ( Badian, 1994 ) . One of the major grounds against the development of preschools in United States is the thought that these types of schools or institutes would merely picture that the households have failed to raise and develop their kid ‘s personality ( Bracey & A ; Stellar, 2003 ) . Government did non bring forth high quality day-care centre due to this opposition to authorities ‘s enterprise which in return solidifies the belief of parents that preschool institutes provide low-quality of attention. Therefore merely in-between and upper category households can take advantage of the private plans offered by different organisations ( Bracey & A ; Stellar, 2003 ) . Teachers are the most of import facet of preschool preparation. It is indispensable for them to understand the civilization, linguistic communication, background and imposts of the kid. Training of the instructor is really indispensable for the development of every kid in the plan. Children need to be taught in a certain manner with specific tools and techniques. Teachers need to do themself available for every kid and go to their inquiries. Children should besides be encouraged to inquire as many inquiries as possible. It increases their cognitive accomplishments ( Persky & A ; Golubchick, 1991 ) . Apart for trained instructors, environment of the schoolroom besides plays every bit of import function in the development and instruction of pre-school kids.Aim of StudyPre-school instruction is a really of import facet of kid ‘s development. Many people are going aware of its importance but there are still some people with the belief that it is no more than a revenue enhancement c ozenage by the authorities. This research surveies the benefits pre-school instruction has on kids before they start traveling to kindergarten.Research MethodologyQualitative attack is used to analyze the effects and benefits of pre-school instruction. Case surveies, research documents and other literature are used. Main beginnings used are following:Books:Different books on the topic of preschool or early instruction are used to research the benefits and effects of preschool instruction.Journal ArticlesArticles for educational diaries are used in order to analyze old researches done on this topic. This is an of import beginning which provides researches different sentiments and instance surveies. Hence, ensuing in better analysis by sing the image from both sides Analysis of this information is done by comparing the literature reappraisal and different researches which cover several facets of the subject. By analysing these researches, decision has been given.AnalysisMost of the research shows that for the societal, emotional and academic development of kids, it is really of import that the kids get preschool instruction. However there are besides statements that the preschool instruction by authorities is merely a scheme to incur revenue enhancements and fees. But, most parents and instructors agree that the preschool instruction plays a critical function in the personality development of the kids. In some states like England, it is compulsory for kids to go to pre-school and pre-kindergarten institutes because they believe that without this the kids will demo deficiency of communicating, linguistic communication and originative accomplishments. Parents besides play a really important function in the preschool instruction. Reading to the kid s at an early age improves the reading ability of kids. If parents take their kids to topographic points like menagerie and museum, it enhances their ability to develop the cognition of physical existences in the universe. In order to accomplish the coveted consequences of preschool instruction, the plan needs to be carefully developed. The instructors have to be trained in such a manner that they can depute single attending to each kid. The plan should include ocular and audio acquisition techniques. In England, it is besides under treatment to get down preschool instruction for the two twelvemonth olds ‘ . This shows the importance of preschool instruction to a great extent. Environment of category room determines the capableness of the institute and staff. Learning environment should be developed. Extracurricular activities like music and physical instruction retains the involvement of kids, at this degree of preparation, kids ever learn more from paly as compared to strict academic course of study. Parents and community play equal function in the development of preschool preparation plan and the development of kids of that plan ( Persky & A ; Golubchick, 1991 ) . Research shows that the kids who belong to underprivileged background acquire the greatest benefits from pre-school tarring. Children signifier upper and in-between category have the agencies to larn at place and visit topographic points which play every bit of import function as pre-school preparation centre. However, underprivileged kids do non acquire a opportunity to research their abilities in such a manner. Illiterate parents could besides be a hurdle in to the full developing the abilities of the kid. Therefore, the preschool preparation plans aid these kids to hold equal chance as any other kid in the community. These kids show great development when they join preschool preparation. this enables them to derive bravery and assurance and compete with the best of their abilities in the hereafter. Hence we can state that preschool instruction benefits every kid of the community. With an effectual plan, it can help the parents to develop the abilities and accomplishments of their kids. By making favourable environment for kids in a preschool category room, the hereafter academic life of these kids can be improved. Parents have to play an equal function with th preschools and back up the authorities to establish such plans. The success of preschool preparation is dependent on all the members of the community and disposal of preschools. Teachers need to be trained for better instruction of these kids.DecisionPreschool instruction has a batch of benefits which plays a critical function in the life of kids. It non merely increases their academic accomplishments but besides enhances the societal and emotional properties. It is of import for kids to acquire preschool instruction so that they can vie in the of all time increasing competition. Parents and instructors both need to play their function in the development of a kid. At the age of three, it should be made compulsory for every kid to go to pre-school preparation. it will heighten their personality, societal interaction and emotional stableness. There are many factors that paly of import function in good pre-school trading such as trained staff, to the full equipped class-rooms and larning environment. The course of study of preschool preparation should include effectual course of study, tools and techniques of kindergarten, back uping activities like music and physical instruction and most significantly engagement of parents and community. Attempts need to be made in order to extinguish the negative thought about preschool preparation. Training and consciousness of female parents can be really utile in order to set up a positive image. Families need to be guided by seminars or telecasting consciousness plans. There should be an extended run for the publicity of preschool instruction. Government need to take enterprise and set up high quality preschool developing institute to recover parent ‘s assurance. This should besides be made compulsory and free, if possible, for every kid ; because, healthy and intelligent kids will turn into a healthy and developed state. In order to develop a high quality preschool plan, attempts are required form the authorities, educational board, parents and community. All have to work together in order to give kids a better hereafter. This plan non merely develops the personality, it besides identifies if there are any disablements present in kids. Particularly, reading disablements can be caught at an early phase and can be treated. The kids form underprivileged background benefit the most form these plans. It provides a sound platform for them to develop their abilities at an early phase and non stand out as an outcaste. Effectiveness of such plans is more dependent child-centered and person-centered attack than any other method. Besides, preschools with high parental engagement, moderate strength of preparation, societal battle of kids and long continuances resulted in higher benefit in academic public presentation and class-room battle.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Case Study: Filipro, Inc. Essay

I. Viewpoint Mr. Delfin Castillejos II. Time Frame July 24, 1984 III. Statement of the Problem What will Filipro, Inc. do regarding the on-going strike at Alabang and Cabuyao plants because of unfair labor practices? IV. Statement of the Objectives To resolve the problem between the management and the workers of the company To make a good relationship with some potential sources of funds such as commercial bankers and investors by giving the demands of the striking workers To develop a good employer-employee relationship V. Areas of consideration It is a company of nutritional products (milk, coffee, soya-based products, infant dietetics) The products are in demand in the market The company is steady and gainful Unfair labor practices by company management On-going strike by workers Low sales when it comes to infant formulas or baby foods (10%) Competitors in the market, the CFC and Commonwealth Foods, Inc. Well-known products Market acceptance abroad The company can introduce more health based products The company might lose the possible sources of funds due to on-going strike VI. Alternative Courses of Action Alternative 1: Improve the policies as well as the human behavior and human resource management of the company Alternative 2: Give or supplement the demand of the workers (UFE- Union of the Filipro Employees) VII. Evaluation of the Alternative Courses of Action Alternative 1: Improve the policies as well as the human behavior and human resource management for the of the company The advantages are the ff. Harmonious relationship among the management and the workers will build More investors will easily encourage to invest The disadvantages are the ff. Slow to adopt the new sets of policies and procedures More time will consume in orienting them the new management Alternative 2: Give or supplement the demand of the workers The advantages are the ff. The workers may stop from striking Workers can add more good reputation to the company by giving them their demands Rebuild good relationships between the management and the employees The disadvantages are the ff. Time consuming because it will take time to convince the striking workers Additional expenses for the company VIII. Recommendation I choose to recommend the Alternative 2. Give the demands of the workers – the Union of the Filipro Employees (UFE) concerning about the union affairs and labor practices. The management will give the right and fair treatment among the employees in Alabang and Cabuyao plants like in the other plants financially and morally. Discuss with them the workers about giving the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). Although this alternative is additional to the expenses of the company, they can afford to give the demands of the workers and the members of the union. Since it is stable and profitable organization, workers can demand more financial assistance and more  benefits. They can cover up the expenses for Filipro, Inc BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 1983 and 1982 1983 1982 Increase or (Decrease) ASSETS Amount Percent Current Assets â‚ ±1,091,564,748 â‚ ±886,120,318 205,444,430 23.18% Investment in Shares of Stock 3,487,120 3,487,120 – – Property, Plant and Equipment 468,763,650 344,537,676 124,225,974 36.06% TOTAL ASSETS 1,563,815,518 1,234,145,114 329,670,404 26.71% LIABILITIES Current Liabilities â‚ ±898,609,980 â‚ ±643,186,565 Deferred Income Tax 13,147,827 5,815,718 Total Liabilities SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Capital Stock 379,450,000 270,000,000 Advance Payments on stock subscriptions 3,170,657 46,250,788 Retained Earnings 269,437,054 268,892,043 TOTAL SHE 652,057,711 585,142,831 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’EQUITY â‚ ±1,563,815,518 â‚ ±1,234,145,114 IX. Action Plan Specific Activity Time Frame Person Responsible Budget Meet and discuss with the union and management the demands of the striking workers 1 week Mr. Delfin Castillejos and the union – Evaluate the financial statements of the company 1 week Mr. Jose Asperilla – Supply the demands of the workers September 1984 up to present Management – Facts of Case Description Strength Weakness Opportunities Threats Stable and profitable organization Nutritional Products Products are in demand in the market Unfair labor practices Competitors in the market (CFC and Commonwealth Foods, Inc.) Well-known products Market acceptance abroad Might lose the possible sources of funds More health based products to advertise

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Palliative Care and Hospice Care: The Principles and Goals They Set Essay

The principles of palliative care and hospice care have similar goals that may often come together in an effort of providing the best care for a patient. Palliative care is holistic care of an individual with a chronic life debilitating condition whereas hospice care is for those with a terminal condition who have been diagnosed with 6 months or less to live. Palliative care usually will begin prior to the hospice care and continues to be joined with hospice care. â€Å"It is important to note that the prognosis-based distinction between palliative care (eligibility based on need, no prognostic restriction) and hospice (eligibility based on a prognosis of living less than six months) is unique to the United States, whereas in other countries the terms palliative care and hospice are largely synonymous†(1) â€Å"The Institute of Medicine ([IOM], 2003) defined palliative care as the total active care of the body, mind, and spirit. The aim of palliative care is to prevent or les sen the severity of pain and other symptoms, and to achieve the best quality of life† (IOM, 2003, p.2) throughout the course of any life –threatening or life-limiting healthcare condition.† (2) In providing palliative care to an individual the possibility of curing the illness still exists. The patient is made as comfortable as possible but has not been given a time frame for death. An â€Å"Interdisciplinary palliative care teams assess and treat symptoms, support decision making and help match treatments to informed patient and family goals, mobilize practical aid for patients and their family caregivers, identify community resources to ensure a safe and secure living environment, and promote collaborative, and seamless models of care across a range of care settings (i.e., hospital, home, and nursing home).†(1) Palliative care begins when an individual’s quality of life has decreased because of their disease process and the prognostic restriction is not available. With hospice care, the illness is terminal. The interdisciplinary team will also assess the patient but will not seek a cure for the condition. Their goal now is care and comfort with the emphasis being comfort. â€Å"Hospice is a movement that offers palliative care to terminally ill patients; this type of care eases pain and suffering and helps a patient die with dignity but does not attempt to cure illness. This care may take place at home or in the  hospital. Some larger communities have a separate facility devoted to hospice care.†(3) With hospice care the individual and family have accepted the imminence of death with a six month period and the care the patient will receive will be based on making sure the patient is comfortable at all times. The facilities that provide hospice care are successful because the dignity and comfort of individual and critically important to both the patient and their family. Hospice care gives support to not only the patient but also to the family during this difficult time. This process of beginning hospice care is often delayed by the patient and patient family because it is makes the phase of dying a reality. Hospice confirms that there is not a cure available for a loved one and makes death more of a reality. Hospice also makes this last phase of dying more acceptable, and provides the spiritual comfort for the patient and their family. Hospice care is not just patient based care, it is family based care. In discussing palliative care versus hospice care we can ascertain that â€Å"palliative care may be appropriate for anyone with a chronic progressive disease when symptom management becomes a challenge.†, but hospice care is palliative care for the terminally ill. The difference in these two types of care and the phase of death an individual is currently experiencing meaning the prognosis of death. â€Å"Hospice care is appropriate when patients and their families decide to forgo curative therapies in order to focus on maximizing comfort and quality of life, when curative treatments are no longer beneficial, when the burdens of these treatments outweigh their benefits, or when patients are entering the last weeks or months of life†(1) References Bonebrake, D., Call, K., Culver, C., & Ward-Smith, P. (2010, June). Clinically differentiating palliative care and hospice. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 14(3), 273+. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA231807936&v=2.1&u=lincclin_fccj&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=cb9b3d9659946c2bae4f99e7c40bd81c Kincaid, L., & Labell, L. (2011). Death and Dying: Hospice . Human Growth and Development (Third Edition ed., ). Jacksonville: Florida State College. Meier, D. (2011). Increased access to palliative care and hospice services: opportunities to improve value in health care. The Milbank Quarterly, 89(3), 343-380. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0009.2011.00632.x

Friday, September 13, 2019

A History and Effects of Concussions in Football and Hockey

A History and Effects of Concussions in Football and Hockey A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury which results from a bump blow or jolt to either the head or body causing the brain to move rapidly in the skull. A concussion affects normal brain function and can have severe and long-term health effects (McGannon, et al., 2013). In this regard, an individual should not ignore the slightest bump on the head as it can have serious long-term effects. The signs and symptoms of a concussion include headaches, nausea, fatigue, memory problems, confusion and sleep disturbances or even mood changes. Symptoms manifest right after the injury, but some are not recognized until later. It is estimated that 1.6 to 3.8 concussions occur each year in the US associated with sports and recreation. Concussions in Football and Hockey since the 1990’s Diehl (2010), asserts that the National Football League continues to have an increased number of retired players who have suffered concussions and developed memory and cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s, depression and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain disease associated with multiple head traumas. In 1994, Paul Tagliabue the NFL commissioner created the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee. He also asserts that concussions are a part of the profession and as an occupational hazard. In the same year, Troy Aikman a Dallas quarterback took a knee to head an event that landed him in the hospital. In the same year, Chicago Bears Merrill Hoge retires due to multiple injuries on the head which result into not being able to recognize anyone. The NFL commissioner dismissed the reports on the media that concussions were increasing as mere assumptions. In 1995, Pellman experimented with Boomer Esiason’s return from a concussion by using an unproven system involving QB’s sitting before a computer screen and concentrating. In 1997, The American Academy of Neurology published its guidelines recommending removal of players after having concussions, but NFL dismisses it. In 1999, NFL issued millions in disability payments to retired players. In 2,000, research indicates 61% of former NFL players have had concussions. 49% of the players had numbness or tingling, 28% had neck or cervical spine arthritis, 31% had memory loss issues, and 16% could not dress while 11% could not feed themselves (Macciocchi, 2001). In 2012 NFL reported 261 concussions, 229 in 2013, 206 in 2014 and 271 in 2015. In 2016, the NFL and NFL Players’ Association implemented a new policy to enforce concussion protocol. In Ice Hockey, total concussions are relatively small as compared to football. There is lower participation in the game at both high school and college level. Research indicates that since 1990 through to 2004, the rate of concussions in men who participated in the sport stood at 0.41 per 1000. Concussions in hockey players happen at 6.3% during practice and at 10.3% during the game. The relationship between age and shocks, however, remains unclear. Since 1995 to 1997, the concussion rate was higher in ice hockey players. Since 2006 to 2013, only 511 incidents were reported in 844 games (Iverson et al., 2001). How the media portrays concussions in football compared to Ice hockey? Slobounov and Sebastianelli (2014) cite that the concussion issues in sports have recently attracted considerable media coverage in the past few years. The media focused on professional football or Ice Hockey and such like high-speed games where there is full contact between powerful players. Despite there has been a dramatic improvement on how the media reports on the severity associated with serious brain injuries and concussions, more need to be done to improve the health of the players. It is of essence that the media reports on facts rather than sensationalizing issues that could lead to misinterpretation of such sports. Hockey and Football are the collision sports with the highest rate of concussions according to media reports. The discrepancy between reported cases and actual injuries are similar in football, which has the largest cases of concussions (Womble and Collins, 2016). The American media leaves the impression that TBI and violence are part and parcel of hockey and cannot be avoided. In the past, the media focused on TBI only when star players were affected, however, there is a shift in focus since all players are included. In both Ice Hockey and Football, the media would in the past indicate that protective gear was a way to ensure player’s safety, but they now say that protective gear is part of the problem since it makes the players feel invulnerable invoking risk taking in them. The media has been blamed for fanning fear of the long-term effects associated with head injuries. The NHL accused media of speculation and spreading fear rather than having scientific evidence (Niranjan and Lunsford, 2014). Further, the Commission denied media reports that concussions are likely to lead to CTE in the long run. The media has covered all players who have died in the NHL as being suspected of having CTE. The media has investigated all deaths of Ice hockey players by first assuming that they had brain related injuries, as a result of concussions they acquired from the field. It is no different with football players in the NFL. Despite numerous reports associating head injuries to brain damage, the NFL still denies the connection. The media reports about the players who are reluctant to report injuries for fear of missing play time. Such players do not realize the long term effects until they retire from the field. Concussions in Ice hockey and football Both football and hockey are physical contact sports that can have strenuous effects on the body. In respect to concussions or overall injuries, football appears to be affected than hockey. The American Sports data carried out research in 2006 that indicates that in every 100 participants of ice hockey 9.5 received concussions while the number doubled in football. Other determinants of injuries include the position of the players in both games. Defensemen and forwards in hockey are likely to sustain concussions since they spend a lot of time skating and in contact with others In football, however, goalkeepers are less liable to sustain injuries as compared to other players in touch with the opposition. Concussions are similar in both sports with most of them resulting from T-bone hits or between the eyes. The hit rattles the brain’s center of gravity. Further, the run makes the mind to rock dangerously forward and backward such that it hits the skull. In younger players, the brain is flush with the bone making the effect less severe. What’s more, helmet to helmet hits can cause serious injuries. Bumps to the side of the head are far more serious since the spinning of the brain during a rotational concussion can lead to serious injuries. Experts assert that rotational forces result in breakage of nerve cells and fibers eventually causing a stretch in the blood vessels beyond their ability to stay intact. After a hit, the brain gradually accelerates releasing neurotransmitters which eventually become chaotic and useless. The cell fails to transmit nerve impulses since it’s impaired and not –functional. Protocols for football and hockey athletes Throughout history, considerable information has been accumulated regarding the psychological and physical attributes of high profile players. Based on the present information, desirable fitness profiles are laid out for elite players particularly in hockey, and the patterns are used to compare future players. The protocols are necessary to identify a player’s weaknesses, fitness and physical or physiological capability of a player. There is a model for sports injury prevention which follows a conceptual process. The model determines the extent of harm; it also determines the mechanism of particular injury that needs to be prevented, developing and implementing interventions as well as reassesses the injury incidence to determine whether the process was a success. The NHL and NLF have come up with measures to prevent concussions likely to lead to brain damage in the future. They organizations have established concussion management protocols which entail baseline testing that requires all athletes to complete an Impact Neurocognitive as well as a Biodex balance system baseline test before they are cleared as first-year athletes. The test includes checking concussion history, cognitive assessment, and symptom evaluation. The NHL and NFL have made significant strides in reducing the number of a concussion occurring in the field. While concussions cannot be eliminated, they can be reduced. In this regard, technological advancements in finding solutions have been adopted. The NFL, for instance, introduced protective gear and new helmets, therefore making profound changes progressively and quickly. The newly introduced helmets have a cut out at the front meant to make it flex more but at the same time maintain an overall stiffness. Additionally, the thick padding that is behind the free space makes it move less, but just enough such that the player can take big hits. The impact from any side allows flex in the helmet such that it can dissipate the hit before the impact is felt on the head. Those are just a few of the features relating to new helmets and mouth guards intended to reduce injuries. It is worth noting that the new initiatives introduced before there are significant reduction and significance to the athletes. Besides new improved attire, the league implemented two rule changes with an objective of augmenting athlete’s safety. Firstly, an offensive player intending to catch a ball that has already been intercepted will be ruled as defenseless, therefore, cannot be attacked in the neck area or head by the opposition as possession changes and a penalty will be enforced. Moreover, the league has issued certified players trainers who are located in sky boxes in every game the mandate to stop play at the touch of a button once they see a player exhibiting injury signs even if he sustained the injuries in previous games. What’s more, the NFL is liaising with Canadian football league to improve concussion treatment. NHL, on the other hand, recommends the use of standardized helmets to reduce incidents of skull injuries besides issuing proper training to determine head and neck injury. The NHL concussion protocol stipulates that players must get approval from the team doctor before r eturning to play. They are taken to a calm place to be evaluated; their memories, balance as well as general awareness are assessed. However, the NHL and NFL need to do much more to reduce incidents of injury in the field. Firstly, there should be mandatory sit out periods for concussed players. Additionally, there should be independent doctors to examine the players. The NHL and NFL should ensure retired players are taken care of with proper remuneration as well as medical covers. Evolving Technologies likely to prevent concussions Lots of focus has been placed on developing technologies and equipment with an objective of preventing head injuries. Since 1990’s, helmets were designed to minimize head injury resulting in morbidity and mortality. Such helmets were nothing more of leather padding, therefore, were slowly replaced with metal helmets with plastic to reinforce protection. Although helmets can assist players to minimize the extent of the injury sustained, recent innovations such as the Q-collar made by Q-30 innovations utilizes a radical approach to determine the extent of injuries on a player (Fainaru-Wada and Fainaru, 2014). The device lightly clamps down a player’s jugular veins causing the brain to swell and fit more appropriately within the skull. The idea is to create a backfill in the brain such that the volume of blood increases. The device, therefore, assists in determining the actual number of hits a player sustains. Current technologies seem to concentrate on improving helmets b y redesigning them such that they can displace the force of a blow or minimize the impact for the part of the face or head that takes the most hit. NFL and NHL health care plan for players Health and wellness entail much more than the emotional or physical well-being. It means having resources and support to ensure stability and productivity in all areas of life. Players need health care benefits as well as specialized treatment programs. What’s more financial assistance and career building are imperative. The NFL offers a comprehensive wellness program to its athletes (Webbe, 2011). The program involves providing free consultation on a medical issue for the players and their family. Players are checked before games and have a health insurance package. Moreover, retired players have access to a neurological care program that provides access to comprehensive tests in six hospitals across the US. The players also have access to the spine treatment program across selected hospitals in the US. Moreover, they have a joint replacement program, prescription drug card program, priority access to assisted living as well as a vested inactive life insurance. NHL, on the other hand, provides medical cover for the players on a contractual base of seven years and beyond that if a player sustains injuries. Moreover, the league provides insurance to some players through a temporary total disability program where each team pays a premium according to the salaries of the five top paid players but it can administer the coverage in a manner it sees fit. Effects of Concussions on NHL and NFL players Concussions, as established earlier, have long become part of hockey and football. However, minimal concussions can be experienced through recommended precautionary measures combined with the recent technologies. It is imperative that players maintain their well-being for the sake of the game as well as their lives in the long haul. Concussions have led to a loss of talented athletes or long term irreversible injuries. Once a player sustains a head injury, the resulting effect is that he gets pulled out of the game, sometimes never to play again which is a costly affair to the team. Benefits packages offered to players who have had concussions can affect the associations negatively such that they may fail to have enough resources for the active players. Concussion issues have led to numerous lawsuits that are costly for both leagues (Robidoux, 2001). Long-term effects of multiple concussions Exposure to concussions can cause an individual player to have mild cognitive impairments (MCI’s), CTE as well as other adverse outcomes. Additionally, multiple concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) (Robidoux, 2001). As such, it is paramount that a player fully recovers from a single concussion rather than risking a subsequent concussion. Failure to adhere could lead to severe neurological damage. With such an understanding, managing concussions calls for comprehensive, specialized and state of the art methods. Conclusion The media has taken personal interest researching and reporting on concussions experienced in football, ice hockey, and all contact sports. Despite the growing awareness about the long-term effects of concussions from contact sports, calls by the media and the public to burn such sports may be premature. Collision sports expose individuals to neurological dangers, but they come with a host of benefits as well. The media has sensitized the public about the dangers linked to concussions prompting the NHL and NFL to take appropriate actions to reduce concussion rates. As such, one could argue that the media has played a significant role in saving the lives of individual players or highlighting their plight. Many athletes have received treatment and benefits due to media exposure.