How Does Poverty Affect People’s Health and Well-Being? Essay

The health and well-being of a person depends on lots of different circumstances. It is about finding a good work / life balance and feeling healthy in body as well as mind. It is about feeling good in what you do and who you are as a person, it is about achieving personal goals and accomplishing your hopes and dreams. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines Health as â€Å"a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity† A person has to be able to enjoy the things they do socially and physically, to be able to develop and sustain good relationships, whether personal or social, which makes them feel part of something and connected to others such as friends, family, colleagues and neighbours. They have to feel in control of their own lives and have a sense of belonging and meaning to their existence. This gives purpose for an enjoyable life and a good feeling about life in general. Ronald Labonte states that there are three sets of factors to health and well-being. They are Physical, Mental and Social. He shows how these are interconnected on his model of health and well-being. It shows the various outcomes from the different combinations and in what areas. Well-being can be achieved by doing things that we enjoy, developing good relationships with others, feeling good about our life and living conditions and having energy to enjoy it all. It is about having meaning and purpose to our lives. However, whole communities can be affected by good or bad health. This can be dependent on the environment and area they live in as well as their current situation and what they do. Living in an area which has a high level of deprivation can have a big impact on a persons well being and eventually it can take its toll on their health. Living in a neglected neighbourhood can change a persons characteristics as well as their behaviour. Low income, poor housing and no support can all contribute to poor health. A person’s income and education level can have an impact on their health and well-being. If a person is on low income then they may not be able to afford to live anywhere else. They may not be able to afford to keep their children in school. Relationships with your family and friends can also affect the way you feel and can have an impact on your well-being and mental health and this could be positive or negative depending on the relationship. If for example you live in an area where you have no support from family or friends you may feel isolated and alone and if the neighbourhood is not a safe one you may be afraid to go out therefore never getting to meet new people or get the relevant help you need. People who live in poverty are usually claiming state benefits to survive. Poverty is defined in two ways, Absolute and Relative. Absolute poverty has been defined as â€Å"a minimum subsistence level based on essentials for survival† These are the basic human needs, food, water, clothes, sanitation, health, shelter, education and information. Relative poverty describes your current standard of living. It is â€Å"having an income which is less then 60% of the national average Relative poverty is measured on the fluctuations in the â€Å"average† income rather then a fixed rate making it difficult to measure. Living on a low income especially with a family to raise is hard work and very stressful. This can cause tension and arguments in the family which could eventually lead to the breakdown of the family unit and create even further issues. Trying to provide for children in regards to material things such as mobile phones, televisions, iPods, laptop etc can be emotionally and physically draining. It can be difficult trying to keep up with the moving trends while still trying to put food on the table and keep your children happy. Children living in poverty may be at a higher risk of being bullied at school for not having the right shoes and latest fashions. This could cause major mental and emotional issues for the child which they could end up carrying into adulthood. They may stop performing well at school and eventually leave without any qualifications which could lead to difficulties in gaining employment. This will then re-enforce their low self esteem and self worth and perhaps they will fall into a life of crime or become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Also due to lack of education and resources they could become promiscuous and young girls may end up pregnant. They perhaps will not stay together with the father of the child and the girl will end up a lone parent claiming benefits. Poor diet can have a big impact on a person health. People may not be able to afford to purchase food that is good for them, like fresh fruit and fresh vegetables. They may have to buy cheaper alternatives which will not have the same nutritional value as fresh produce and they end up with a higher risk of suffering health issues and dying young. Due to a poor diet some pregnant woman can end up having babies that are under weight. These children may then suffer long term health issues leading all the way into adult hood reducing the amount of time that they will actually live. They are at a higher risk of developing physical conditions such as hearing and sight defects. Mental health is a main cause for concern in low income areas and money worries can lead to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, insomnia and perhaps even suicide. Having little or no money limits the activities you can do and prevents people from taking part in leisurely pursuits like taking holidays or being able to visit family and friends in a different location. This can eventually take its toll on your mood and outlook on life. Living in poverty can also lead to social exclusion. If people are socially excluded they lack opportunities and resources. The government states that: â€Å"social exclusion happens when people or places suffer from a series of problems such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, high crime, ill health and family breakdown† People can sometimes feel trapped in their own neighbourhoods even more so if that neighbourhood has a bad reputation and you’re trying to find employment. Having to say where you live could potentially reduce your chances of securing a job. Employers may not want to hire someone from a bad neighbourhood. Living in an area with poor housing conditions or lack of facilities can have an impact on a person’s state of mind. Social problems may be an issue, perhaps there is a high level of crime in the area, underage drinking could be rife, children may have no where safe to play and parents from other neighbourhoods may not want their children mixing with children from a neighbourhood with a bad reputation. There may not be any local facilities near by like shops, medical centre, leisure areas etc From reading chapter 7 there are many examples of how poverty affects people and mainly I feel that it is the women in the community that feel the effect more. Always having to budget before going shopping, knowing precisely what they need so that they have enough money when it comes to paying for it. Not being able to do any leisure pursuits or do fun things like taking a trip to the cinema can have a negative impact on the family as a whole therefore perhaps relationships within the family break down. Many women go without so that there will be more for their children and husband. No wonder these women end up depressed about there current situation, It must be hard work always worrying about money and whether their will be enough to feed the family. It seems like a relentless situation. It must cause social and mental anxiety for a person therefore creating negative affects. These negative feelings and emotions can lead to illnesses such as fatigue, stress, high blood pressure, weight gain or loss, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite etc. You may also feel embarrassed, disrespected and resentful. You may also feel worthlessness at times about the whole situation. Living in poverty can have a demoralising effect on your health and well-being. Not eating proper healthy food, not getting the right treatment for health issues, drinking and smoking to excess, these are just some things that will have a negative effect on your life and will reduce it considerably. If you can remove some barriers and try to make good of things and turn all the negatives into positives, then you can slowly start to change the outlook on your life and over time improve your health and well-being. Community programme’s like Thornhill Plus You programme can have a really positive effect on the neighbourhood and the people who live in it. Living in a good positive health neighbourhood will have an impact on the people who live there. In the Ronald Labonte model of health and well-being, living conditions and control over our lives are contributing factors to our well-being.

Description of personal warm-up Essay

Before training or playing a match in my sport I will always follow a warm-up program. This warm-up will help prevent injury such as muscle pulls and tears. As well as being physically prepared it will also help me be mentally prepared which is especially important in a match situation. My warm-up consists of a few running drills and then into a set of stretches followed by some skilled drills. It is very important to do some running drills before stretching as muscles need to be stretched when warm to prevent injury. A simple 3 minute jog would warm the muscles enough for stretching. Stretches These are the stretches that I would go through. Each stretch has a diagram, to demonstrate how the stretch is done, and the names of the muscles being stretched. Neck muscles (Sternocleidomastoid and scalenes) Shoulder muscle (Deltoids, Trapezius and Triceps) Spine Quadriceps (Rectus temoris and Sartoius) Hamstrings Gluteus Maximas (Gluteuls) Groin (Pectinus, Odducta longas and Odducta magnus) Skilled drills The final part of my warm up consists of practicing skills with my teammates. There are many forms that we can practice skills with. Grid work Grid work will be set out with players on four corners facing each other as shown in the diagram. = players = running path The players will run to the opposite corner of the grid with a rugby ball and pass it on the player facing them. They can pass it on in number of ways; * A simple pass * A pop pass for the player to run onto * A high pass for the player to jump for * A gut pass Lateral passing Another drill that can be used is the lateral passing drill. Rather than passing forward in grid work, lateral passing consists of passing backwards down a line like a match situation. Players should be in several groups of about 3 to 6 and they should line up at two opposite ends as shown in the diagram. = players = running path = ball path Each group should run to the other end while passing the ball along the line. The distance should be enough for the ball to go down the line 3 times. Benefits of a warm up If a warm up is carried out in the right way it can give many benefits: * Loss of muscle stiffness * As haemoglobin releases oxygen easier at higher muscle temperatures there is facilitated oxygen utilization by the muscles * Speed and force of contraction is increased as the higher temperature of the muscle gives it more energy * Vascular beds dilate in the active tissues increasing blood flow * As muscles are warmed there is reduced resistance which allows a greater economy of movement * Reduces chance of injuries such as tears, pulls etc. Cool down A cool down is just important as the warm up and should always be done after training or a match. I will always cool down after a match or training with my team by simply jogging for 5-10 minutes. This will gently decrease my body temperature. I will also do a series of stretches for 5-10 minutes. Benefits of a cool down A cool down will give a number of benefits: * Reduce the chances of DOMS (Delayed-onset muscle soreness) * Decrease the level of adrenaline in the blood * Helps in the release of lactic acid in the muscles

Bruno Bettleheim’s “The Use of Enchantment”

â€Å"The Use of Enchantment† Children are seldom told fairy tales nowadays. There are several story books for children with moral lessons to learn at the end of the book. There are many great kids books with standards of moral values, which are favorite for family education. With many books to choose from, children have astounding choices of reading materials. Together with classics, there are classic story books with the adventures of licensed characters, irony, and new story books with every possible topic.These books entertain children and teach them at the same time. Some books include brief history and science lessons. Other features of these books include dinosaurs and other animals. Some few books emphasize on the societal values and virtues like sincerity and honor. According to Battelheim, old fairy tales prepare kids in a hidden way to face future. Even though the children's subconcious does not desire to be interrogated, their conscious minds are willing to share w hat they learned from several fairy tales.For example, a book like ‘Red Riding Hood' teaches children to follow shortcuts through the forest. A book like â€Å"The Three Little Pigs† teaches hildren how they can live in brick houses in order to protect themselves from enemies. It helps children develop defensive mechanisms against harmful animals and other things. Other books like â€Å"Goldilocks† teach children that there is nothing, which is ever right. It educates children on the importance of acknowledging mistakes and correct them.In his book â€Å"The Uses of Enactment† Bruno wrote a lot about mental illness in children, and autism among other issues. Even though his views were highly held by lots of people, many people have now discredited Bruno's views. Many of Bettelheim's claims and credentials are now under scrutiny from both supporters and detractors. He applied the theory of Freudian on fairy tales for children. Bettelheim used the theory as the basis to explain the significance of symbolic and emotional messages to children.The author believed that when children read conventional fairy tales, they develop and mature emotionally. For those who tend to avoid the theory of Freudian, â€Å"The Uses of Enactment† is suitable for the translation of old stories. Some of the stories may instill fear in children's developing minds. Bettelheim's book not only examines imageries within the hildren's story books, but also compares them to other conventional symbols such as religious images and other storytelling styles.The Freudian theory is used in Bruno's book to provide n motivating enlightenment of the functions of old stories in the development of children. For example, in the book â€Å"Little Red Riding Hood† the theme of transformation helps in illustrating fears and concerns among children. Together with the classic versions of kids' stories assessed, Bettelheim exams several variations of stories. He compar es and contrasts differences in various stories with their symbols. On the other hand, those who do not concur with Freudian theory will find several unanswered questions from â€Å"The Uses of Enactment. Generally, analyses by Bettelheim Bruno is essential in examining the importance of fairy tales to children's owtn These books expose kids to ditterent contexts, cultures, and themes. They also expose children to different character traits. These attributes are essential for the children's physical and psychological growth. The books teach the children to be creative and apply some of the books' attribute in while playing. They tend to imitate the characters in those story books while playing.

Optometry Education In Australia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Optometry Education In Australia - Essay Example The survey was based on information obtained from the personal interview with an optometrist which was a mandatory component of this assignment. The question type survey involved opinions of practitioners in Australia and internationally regarding the educational standards of the current university programs; the need for a national board examination system; and the opinion whether the profession was ensuring competence in practitioners. Also asked in the survey were the questions related to the need for national examination for overseas graduates, and if it is appropriate to conduct periodical mandatory examinations for practitioners. The results of the survey will be referred/referenced to throughout the essay. So what are the educational standards A concern is whether the current optometry programs taught in Australia are appropriate. The four to five year course that leads to the degree of bachelorhood in optometry can then be furthered by undertaking MSc, MOptom, PhD in the same field. Experiments/research has been undertaken to improve the learning process of the students in this regard and new experiments and studies are being conducted. The introduction of WebCT (Web Course Tools) i.e. learning by the help of E-learning by Herse at the undergraduate level has been successful and highly educational to students (Herse ,2003). In another study, Anjou showed written communication that is letters of referral and report between healthcare providers to be one of the most competent means of communications between the health care providers and has insisted in implementing the structure at the graduate level. (Anjou, 2003). An introduction to problem based learning in Queensland University of Technology has also been carried out. (Azer, 2001) These studies are examples of the various techniques being introduced to increase the educational standards in the field of optometry. However, there are many who believe the system is not up to par. Take Carney for instance. Carney holds the view that the current challenges the universities face require a better strategy in education and teaching. He blames the slow legal status of Australia. "We are all aware that to accomplish change in the legal status of the health professions in Australia is a frustratingly slow process." He maintains the need to "further evolve the profession and develop it further. (Carney,2000) Comparing to the USA standards, Carney states that the model of entry-level competency adopted by ASCO (The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry), should be followed by a similar strategy in Australia to improve its educational standards. Carney believes Australia can reach to the levels of USA and UK (Carney, 2000). The US and UK standards are very good and are globally accepted and appreciated. He also maintains that the scope of the practice cannot be defined by entry level competencies alone (because) and stresses the need for further learning studies after graduation.(Carney ,2000). These skills and attitudes, in the author's view, will necessarily become integral and assessable attributes of graduates of the future. All these points hold merit but there are issues to the contrary.According to

Literary Research Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Literary Research Paper - Essay Example ions of the Soviet Union, the chaos and violence that occur as a result have long-lasting, often life or death, consequences for those who have taken part (Stern, 1975). Although racial tensions between the Turks and the Cypriots have always proven difficult to manage, which is highlighted in the short story â€Å"Gregory† written by Panos Ioannides in 1963, the choices made by the individuals within the short story serve to indicate that these tensions might not have reached such violent proportions had a few different choices been made on either side. The short story itself is simple enough to summarize. A narrator soldier tells his thoughts and feelings as he follows his orders and performs his duty. The tension involved in this job is revealed from the beginning lines of the story, â€Å"My hand was sweating as I held the pistol. The curve of the trigger was biting against my finger† (648). Although he has obviously held a pistol before, the concept that his hand is sweating around it indicates that either he is in a very warm climate or the presence of the pistol is creating a strong conflict within the man holding it. That the latter interpretation is probably correct is immediately reinforced by the idea that the trigger was ‘biting’ against his finger, fighting against him, injuring him and making him decidedly uncomfortable. The task he faces is made difficult not only because his orders are to execute another man, difficult enough in itself, but also because the man he is ordered to execute is an innoc ent, a friend and a man who had saved the narrator’s life only a few days earlier. In trying to relate the difficulty of the task in front of him, the narrator illustrates the various aspects of both his own life as the unit’s designated executioner and what that has done to his own psyche, but also the aspects of Gregory’s life that make it so difficult for the narrator to squeeze the trigger. Most of these attributes were brought about

The Philosophy of Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Philosophy of Art - Essay Example This is where aesthetics sets in as a form of science. As John Keats most famously said â€Å"Beauty is truth, truth beauty, - that is all Ye know on earth, and all you need to know† 1 Aesthetics is not an exact science. The term emerged in Eighteenth Century to describe a number of various things and contemplates various theories that pertain to the conception of judgment in terms of artworks and all other objects it encompasses. It is a value and an experience concurrently or simultaneously. In the process, aesthetics is often regarded coinciding with the concept of taste. During the early years of aesthetics, beauty is something instantaneously judge for. This is best perceived in the rationalization of beauty that we experience regularly.2 This is something that is apparent from a day to day basis. It is determined by a number of things as taste may be varied from person to person but there is always that sense of uniformity in the general population of what is beautiful a nd what is not. From being delineated to the definition of the philosophy of art, subsequent years yielded focus on its value and experience in relation to the aesthetic attitudes. As a subject, Aesthetics is very vast and covers many aspects. The philosopher Immanuel Kant was the first to give a more thorough discussion of what the philosophy of art is. Kant primarily regards that the content is not the main interest of aesthetics and this is equated as a formalist point of view. Art is impure because it has concept and that even in nature it is only through our cognitive ability that we are able to enjoy parts and pieces of it and thus this is freedom. But Kant is quick to add that not every piece of art contains this. This theory of pure beauty contains four aspects; 1. it contains no concept, 2. it is objective, 3. the spectator’s disinterest and, 4. it is obligatory.3 The basic concept in the need for art is the pleasure that is derived from beauty. This is ultimately wh at we know as aesthetic pleasure. â€Å"Kant locates aesthetic judgment halfway between the logically necessary (an example would be mathematical theorems) and the purely subjective (expressions of personal taste).†4 For example, the opinion that something is beautiful as personally perceived by a person is essentially a subjective point of view based on that person’s cognitive sense of what is actually beautiful. Yet it is concomitantly not subjective because the delight derived from it has reason to be the same way with somebody else. If someone sees something beautiful and takes pleasure from, then, shares this with another person is the full circle of the philosophy of art. Beauty does not end in its mere existence, the same must be appreciated and this begins with subjectivity. Another important aspect of art is the emotion that goes along with it. Many regard that this is the most important part of art and what makes it a truly human experience. It is the way tha t a piece of art makes an impact in its audience that determined whether or not it has achieved what it is meant to be able to do. Pleasure which is the most basic explanation for the existence of art is called ‘expressivism.’ This theory, which is applicable in all art media exemplifies the value of feelings as invested in the artwork by its creator. Leo Tolstoy, among the best novelist of all time, theorizes that

The Role of the Piligimage of Grace in the Henrican Reformation Essay

The Role of the Piligimage of Grace in the Henrican Reformation - Essay Example The consequence of the separation from the Catholic Church was the birth of the Protestant denomination. This change was not without challenge however, and in 1536 an uprising of more than 40,000 insurgents in Yorkshire. This uprising, known as the Pilgrimage of Grace, was the largest that the King had faced and as a consequence he was forced to respond to it carefully, resulting in the Pilgrimage having a significant role in the Henrican Reformation. The Pilgrimage of Grace The title the Pilgrimage of Grace is used to refer to one of two things. First, it can refer to the series of revolts that occurred between 1936 and 1937. The revolts are well-documented and were rebellions against Henry VIII and his rule, specifically the dissolution of monasteries and charities. From October to December of 1536 there was a revolt specifically titled the Pilgrimage of Grace which bore a banner with the five wounds of Christ. Technically, the term Pilgrimage of Grace only refers to the second exa mple, but the use of the term to refer to the general revolts of the period is common. In the Yorkshire uprising, lawyer Robert Aske organised and led the men, with the aim of making the uprising appear more legitimate and encouraging other nobles to join. The aim of Aske and many of the other insurgents was to get the King to reconsider the way in which he was handling the country. Specifically, the nobles of the company presented a document that the King was to see, which contained 24 articles, which were religious, economical, social and political. They agreed to dissolve the revolt, if their demands were considered in a parliament and they were pardoned for their role . The pilgrimage was a significant threat to the King. Not only were his own men significantly outnumbered, but he was limited in who he could use to fight the insurgents for fear that any local soldiers that were hired would join the cause. An additional source of concern was that Henry VIII was not able to call o n the nobles for support, as he would normally have, because the nobles were part of the uprising. The promised pardon was never given, and instead Henry VIII heavily prosecuted those who were involved in the rebellion. Effect on the Henrican Reformation The reformation was already well underway by the time that the revolts began. The causes for the revolts are often assumed to be of economic basis, or as a result of conflict occurring between the nobles and the common people. An alternative proposal is that the revolts were essentially religious in nature, spurred on by members of the clergy in the North. Throughout England, but especially in the North, the church was a very important part of the community. The reforms that Henry VIII was instigating represented a large threat to these values . The Pilgrimage was for the most part ineffective at its goals, England did not return to the Catholic Church but instead pressed on towards Protestantism, and the dissolution of monasteries and churches continued. The articles that the insurgents presented to the King were largely ignored, and despite the promise of a pardon, those that played a role in the revolts were prosecuted heavily and often

Quality control at Dubai metro Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Quality control at Dubai metro - Term Paper Example The strategic geographical location of Dubai in the Middle East has a significant role in the economic progress of the region. It is the central commercial indicator of the entire region in respect of the mass international economic and financial activities taking place in it. What is of particular interest is how quality control can be improved by the city’s management authorities. How operation management can effectively be put into play to see an improvement in overall performance of the city’s activities is the problem of central concernDubai Metro boasts of Arabian Gulf’s first major urban railway project that targets to boost the efficiency of movement amid various activities in the city. It has one of the finest urban rail systems in the globe which is responsible for the mass influx of tourists and serves as the avenue of economic and financial activities. The need for quality control is paramount in this commercial hub since the commercial activities tak en up are to be standardized at international level with complete adherence to the diverse cultural concepts that constitute the visitors. Operation management of this city is under the overall authority of Dubai Municipality’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) who has the supervisory role in all the quality control exercise in collaboration with central government authorities.It is important to assess the various concepts that surround the strategies that are put in place by the relevant authorizes in Dubai as far as quality control is concerned.... 1960, 32). Background information Dubai is one of the fast growing metros in the world with busy commercial activities that hinges on its vast infrastructural endowment and sound management. It is important to note that management of such metro cities is critical to the overall performance of the city (The Report, 2007, 124). The large volume of international trade in tangible and intangible commodities that is executed in this city calls for thorough quality control. This city therefore requires operation management team that is able to ensure that all the necessary social and economic conditions are satisfied. Dubai’s operation management teams are responsible for designing and managing the various products, underlying processes, supply chain and even the services to be tendered. The team headed by the city’s local authorities are in charge of overseeing acquisition of resources, their development and utilization so that various firms are able to deliver goods and ser vices to the multicultural client base that gets in and out of this United Arab Emirates city (Kachru, 2005, 636). Statement of the problem The strategic geographical location of Dubai in the Middle East has significant role in the economic progress of the region. It is the central commercial indicator of the entire region in respect of the mass international economic and financial activities taking place in it. What is of particular interest is how quality control can be improved by the city’s management authorities. How operation management can effectively be put into play to see an improvement in overall performance of the city’s activities is the problem of central concern

Medicaid Health Care Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Medicaid Health Care Finance - Essay Example Medical Science is still in its development stages as cures for diseases that were incurable are being developed. Such an example is of cancer, Hepatitis B and etc. These diseases were incurable some time ago but the advancement in medical sciences has enabled doctors to cure such diseases. Treatment for these diseases is not only available but is also done at cheap rates that are affordable, but still affordability has been a problem. Medical Science has experienced two major problems in the last decade. Number one is the affordability of treatment and medicines for people and secondly the fraud and abuse of medicines which has become very common around the world (Kelman & Straker, 1999). In this paper we will discuss how the federal government of US has controlled the cost associated with the Medicaid program and how it has helped reduce the Medicaid fraud and abuse. Good health is significant to everyone. If a person can't pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it probable for him or her to get the care that is needed so that the person can get healthy and stay fit. Medicaid is obtainable only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility cluster that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not disburse money to a person instead, it sends payments straight to the person's health care provider (Heiser, 2008). Depending on the state's rules, a person may also be asked to compensate a small division of the charge for a few medical services. Medicaid is a state administered plan and each state sets its individual guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Many groups of people are roofed by Medicaid, even within these groups, though, definite requirements must be met. These may comprise of age, pregnancy, disability, blindness, or old age, income and resources and if a person is a U.S. citiz en or a lawfully admitted immigrant. The regulations for counting the income and resources differ from state to state and from group to group. There are particular rules for those who reside in nursing homes and for disabled children living at home (Commerce Clearing House, 2007). A child may be entitled for coverage if he or she is a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted immigrant, even if his or her parents are not. Eligibility for children is based on the child's status, not the parent's. Also, if someone else's child lives with a person, the child may be qualified even if that person is not because the earnings and resources will not add up for the child. Fraud and Abuse The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS is dedicated to fighting fraud and abuse, which redirect dollars that could or else be spent to preserve the health and welfare of Medicaid customers. To fortify its obligation, CMS has implemented a Medicaid veracity module. This is in reply to the requirements of the Deficit Reduction Act DRA of 2005, finalized on February 8, 2006 by the President, in which Congress proposed CMS to establish the Medicaid Integrity Program MIP. In doing so, it spectacularly augmented the resources accessible to CMS to fight fraud, misuse and exploitation in the Medicaid program. The DRA says that a five-year Comprehensive Medicaid Integrity Plan CMIP be printed to guide MIP growth and functions. This CMIP specially discusses statutory necessities, program

Sakru japan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Sakru japan - Assignment Example Intercultural differences, ambiguity, poor communication, as well as inconsistency could be the major possible cases of the cultural problems experienced in the company. The effects of these problems include hostile and completely unpleasant working environment for workers. This reason calls for a cultural training program aimed to solve cultural problems in the company. Through the cultural program, intercultural problems in the company would be solved through cross-cultural training. This would be done by organizing seminars in which workers from various racial and cultural backgrounds can familiarize with one another. Workers without the Japanese cultural background can learn about the local culture from this kind of interaction. Encouraging employees to work closely with people of different cultures in order to learn about such cultures would as well solve this problem. The training would inform employees about the importance of experiencing various cultures. One of the advantages is the enhancement of communication among employees and customers, which furthers solves yet another problem, the poor communication problem in the company. The problem of inconsistency among employees’ productivity is a major cultural problem that would be solved through the cultural training program. The program would encourage employees from different cultural background to work closely and assist one another. This not only encourages friendship but also makes workers adopt different working styles that can maintain their high performance. The Japanese are generally hard working people, which mean that poor performance can only be attributed to lack of motivation.

Case 8 Battle Of The Beers Beer Essay Example for Free

Case 8 Battle Of The Beers Beer Essay Introduction This case is about the intense battle between beer rivals in the United States, particularly between Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the world’s largest brewer, and SABMiller, the world’s second largest brewer. It discusses about how the companies used advertising in their brand positioning in order to compete with each other and increase the sales. This case starts by describing the strategies used by the both company when the battle began since the South African Breweries (SAB) purchased Miller Brewing Company in 2002. The 2 leading beer brewing companies uses different strategies to fight with each other in order to communicate how its beer differ from competition to draw in more consumers. First, Miller emphasized on the light beer, taking advantage of the health conscious trend where consumers were looking for low-carb beer by using comparative advertising campaign claiming that the Miller Lite has half the carbs than Bud Light. This prompted counteroffensives from A-B that mock Miller Lite’s low-carbs claims and challenge beer drinkers to choose on taste. To counter that, Miller then attack back by emphasizing also on the taste of the light beer. Things become worse when Miller also launched a new offensive campaign which lampooned Budweiser for its self-proclaimed title as â€Å"King of Beers† and Budweiser lashed back by labelled Miller Lite as â€Å"Queen of Carbs†. Miller filed a lawsuit against Budweiser asserting the false and misleading claims by Budweiser to Miller Light which will definitely affect the image of SABMiller. Then, Miller used blind taste tests and shifted to emphasizing taste and flavour instead of stuck with a carb positioning. In 2004, the companies used comparative advertising, where Miller launched new advertising campaign attacking Budweiser, and A-B also launched direct counterattack, and this made the battle become even more intense that others are being pulled into the fray. Television networks were refusing commercials on both sides because their unduly disparaging or appear to contain taste claims that are unsubstantiated and misleading. While Miller continue to press on the taste issue, A-B introduced a new product promoting as having no lingering aftertaste and also emphasizing the freshness of its beer. The battle between the 2 companies goes back and forth. Questions: 1. What attributes are most important in determining beer purchasing decisions? How does this vary by market segments? There are many important attributes that need to be considered in determining beer purchasing decisions. As described in the case, these includes taste, aroma, and appearance. (i) Taste/Flavour/Aroma Taste is the most important attribute in determining beer purchasing decisions as consumers buy beer for the taste. As evident in the case, Miller spent huge amounts on advertising the taste advantage they hold over Budweiser. They held blind taste tests where consumers were seen to choose Miller over Budweiser in the tests. Their success in providing good taste led to Miller recording a 2.6 % increase in sales volume in 2003 as consumers felt that Miller beers were better in taste. Aroma is extremely important to beer’s overall taste and it determines the purchase decision of a beer. The market segments that emphasize on aroma in their beer purchasing decision are mostly experienced beer drinkers. The repeat beer purchase will takes place when the taste of the beer suit the customers. Health-conscious consumers who are looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake might opt for beer which are less sugar. Consumers who give more preference to the aroma of beer might look for strong aroma beer or beer which suit his or her taste. Some market segments might prefer beer with no lingering aftertaste. (ii) Appearance The process of purchasing a beer begins with its visual appearance. Many people make hasty judgments of taste (food or beverage) based entirely on sight alone. In terms of beer appearance, what consumers looking for are colour, clarity, and head retention. Although one colour is not necessarily better than the others, and none indicates directly how the beer will taste, but many beer drinkers will just have their own preference and perception of beer colour. Also, if a beer can’t form a head, either it’s improperly carbonated or the vessel into which it’s poured is dirty. Many beer drinkers will most probably emphasize on the appearance of the beer and are obsessed with beer clarity; if the beer is not crystal clear, they would not drink it. Some markets segments might prefer darker beers like stouts whereas others might prefer lighter beers such as wheat beers. (iii) Price Many people judge or determine a product quality based on the price. This is also true for beer purchases, and is especially true for those non-experienced beer drinkers. Higher price could have one of two effects on consumer preference: it could cause the product to seem higher in quality, or it could make the product less desirable because of the extra expense. Although most of the time price may reflect the quality of the beer (higher quality, higher price, and vice versa), but this is not all the time. For those who are emphasize on the quality of the beer, they might probably prefer to buy the higher-priced beer. Higher-income beer drinkers also might choose the higher- priced beer which they perceived that the beer has higher quality. For those market segments who just drink beers for enjoyment for example peers gathering, they might just buy the cheaper beers. (iv). Brand name Brand is the most important non-sensory factors affecting consumers’ choice decisions of products. It seen as a promise, a guarantee or contract with the manufacturer and a symbolic mean and sign of quality. Beer drinkers will choose their beers based on their own beer brand preferences too. Researchers had found that ultrapremium beer was rated higher than inexpensive beer when brand names were unknown, hence shows that brand name do affect beer purchasing decision. In the market segments which earned a higher-income might prefer branded (usually higher-priced) beers. Younger generation might also choose those cheaper but well-known brand due to the exposure of the advertisements and they tend to follow the trend. 2. How would you construct a valid taste to determine beer buyers’ preferences? The methods used to construct a valid taste to determine beer buyer preferences based on different attributes would be as follows: Based on taste/flavour/aroma: Conduct blind-taste tests by providing the participants the cups of different beers to be tested which labelled A through E. Participants will be asked to taste each of the beers, and then spit out the beer into an empty glass. Between each beer taste, participants will rinse out their mouths with water to avoid cross-contamination among trials. After tasting all the beers, participants will rank order the five beers on the basis of the quality of their taste. Based on appearance: Conduct tests by providing the participants different beers with differences colour and level of clarity. For example by providing the participants different cups of beers with different colour and clarity labelled with A, B, C, D, and so forth without the acknowledge the participants what type or brand of the beers are. Differences in preferences across the samples will demonstrate whether consumers prefer one colour (eg. darker colour) than the others. The preference of beer based on the label colour, design, logo, or the shape of the packaging can be tested as well. Based on price: Conduct tests by providing the participants different selections of beer with different prices to assess whether consumers use price to disambiguate taste. For example, the beers selected varied in price, from $7. 99 per six-pack to $2. 69 per six-pack. The prices per six-pack were as follows: Brand A: $7. 99; Brand B: $5. 99; Brand C: $3. 99; Brand D: $3. 49; and Brand E: $2. 69. Participants will rank the different beers according to their own preferences and on the basis of their prior knowledge about these beers. Based on brand name: Conduct tests by providing the participants different selections of beer with different brand names. For example, different beer brands such as Anchor Steam, Samuel Adams, Budweiser, Miller Genuine Draft, and Schlitz will be provided to participants. Participants will be asked to rank the different beers according to their own preferences and on the basis of their prior knowledge about these beers. Conclusion: Consumers’ attitudes, beliefs, and feelings play important role in deciding if they are going to purchase the Anheuser-Busch or SABMiller beer brand such as Budweiser or Miller respectively. The beer marketers need to be able to identify the target markets’ shopping, purchase, spending, and consumption patterns in order to predict what consumers want from such product. Consumer intention acts as a helpful indicator to the types of marketing activities to carry so that they are able to attract the right market segment, thus leading to high profits. In conclusion, understanding consumer behaviour is significant because marketers want to attract the right consumers to purchase their brand.

Assignment 1 Trends in the Workplace Essay Example for Free

Assignment 1 Trends in the Workplace Essay Predict three (3) human resource functions that are likely to be affected by the implementation of an MRP system. Propose two (2) ways in which you as a human resource manager can help the organization carry out this change successfully. As material resource planning (MRP) involves the initiation of the automation of planning needs for resources, ordering materials, and scheduling tasks to be completed on the shop floor; it is to be expected that certain functions of human resources will be directly affected with the implementation of the MRP system. The first of these would be job analysis which is the process of getting detailed information about the job and job design which involves defining the way work will be performed and the tasks involved in completing those requirements. Obviously the shift from manual process to automation will change the standards for certain task requirements and necessitate the assessment of standards of performance. This leads directly to the affectation of a second human resource function of training and development. Training and development will become a priority as the MRP system will require dedicated orientation to introduce the systems to the employees. This will need to be a well planned undertaking for information, disclosure and inquiry response. Skill development will also need to be provided to prepare the users of the new systems for the task the implementing of automated systems can cause unrest in a business setting so it is important that employee relations and communications be kept transparent making this the third human resource function to be affected as the MRP system is implemented. Two ways in which human resource managers should be prepared to implement this change successfully is to first be fully vested in the resource that is human capital. Human resource managers should be prepared to identify those individuals who have the skill set to complete the transition for the prescribed tasks by clearly stating the task, its objectives and setting realistic goals and attainment periods. Secondly, human resource managers are to make sure the employees progress matches the goals that have been set forth. This is performance management and is critical in a transitional period. Determine three (3) human resource skills that would be important for success in leveraging the new MRP system. An undertaking of the magnitude of the MRP transition will require the use of many human resource management skills. The most important of these skills is the ability to effectively communicate. This includes written communication skills, oral communication skills and both verbal and non verbal skills and active listening can be included here as well. Critical thinking will be needed to make decisions for situations that may arise during the transition as well. Lastly, a strong sense of judgment and decision making abilities will be required. There will no doubt be times human resource managers may be called upon to make instant decisions or implement changes in an effort to complete the transition as complex issues arise. These times will require an aggressive approach to meet the quality and standards of the business. Based on the planned growth of the organization, predict three (3) factors that might impact the organization’s ability to hire new employees that possess the technical skills needed to perform a job. One factor that may have an impact the organizations ability to hire new employees that possess the desired technical skills for the performance of a job is initially recognizing the need to hire or promote a current vacancy. A second factor is determining the relevance of the current job description and whether it is in full alignment with the now automated position. This might require a simple review of the current job analysis paying close attention to the level of skill required for completing the task. Finally, a clear identification of the duties and responsibilities should be presented in order to solicit an eligible workforce. . References Essentials of human resource management. S. Tyson. Elsevier. 2008. 464. Human resource management: contemporary approach. Textbook. J. Beardwell, T. Claydon. Pearson. 2010. 710 p. Whitehill. A. M. Japanese management: tradition and transition. Publisher, Routledge, 1991.

Effects of Groupthink in an Organisation

Effects of Groupthink in an Organisation Introduction The paper aims to assess the relationship between groupthink and team performance. First, it will review the conceptualisations of groupthink to analyse the effects of groupthink in organisations, focusing how it is formed and its manifestation in organizational performance, especially in group decision making. Secondly, my study will explain whether or not groupthink affects organisational performance through an analysis of the existent theory by Irving. L. Janis and the empirical studies conducted to examine the groupthink and group performance link. Finally, my paper shows some recommendations which reduce negative impacts of groupthink in workplace. Within my study, I also will support ideas by giving implications about groupthink in organisations in the light of theory. In the past several decades, there has been a substantial increase in emphasis on organisation behaviour literature, focusing on group decision making (Branstatter et al, 1982; Kerr and Tindale, 2004). The utilisation of group decision making, conducted in different type of tasks, has been credited with various benefits including improved productivity and enhancement of the quality of work life (Troopman, 1980). However, many researchers also review a potential problem that occurs within groups and that can dramatically hinder group effectiveness from their performance. This disease can be referred to as ‘groupthink’, which is presented the first time in 1972 by Irving L. Janis. The main point of theory on which Janis has been suggested is that the poor decisions of group suffering from groupthink derive from a strong concurrence-seeking tendency that suppresses collective decision-making processes, and leads to fiascos (Janis, 1972). Based on his achievement, a large bo dy of research has shown a conscious awareness of the psychological phenomenon of groupthink as well as formulates some simple strategies to avoid it. A review of groupthink According to Janis (1972), groupthink is described as a â€Å"mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in-group, when the members’ striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative course of action† (1972, p.9). Based on this theory, it is suspected that groupthink occurs when group members’ motivation for unanimity and agreement such as consensus overrules their motivation to evaluate carefully benefits of decisions as well as expression of deviant or minority opinions (Janis, 1972; Robbins and Judge, 2013). Many studies have evidenced that groups and teams can develop a high level of cohesiveness which tends to result in better performance. However, a considerable disadvantage of highly cohesive groups is that their decision making ability can be drastically restricted by Janis’s groupthink hypothesis. Indeed, strong cohesive groups, where group members are friendly and respec tful of other’s opinions, can contribute to faulty decisions and a policy fiasco when such groups are immersed in poor decision making process under in-group pressures (Eaton, 2001). With the same view, in other words, Fincham and Rhodes (1999) argued that highly cohesive groups can create the pressures of conformity that reduce reflexivity, impeding members’ judgement and their ability to reach a correct decision. From this point, it is clearly seen that each member of a group finds it comfortable to be in agreement, following a positive part of the group, rather than to be an opposing force, even if this factor is potential to enhance the efficiency of the group’s decisions. This reveals a reality that individuals who have different opinions from that of the dominant majority have a tendency to withhold or modify their true feelings and beliefs, which leads to distort the decision making process (Robbins and Judge, 2013). In addition, Knights et al (2007) beli eved that groupthink can cause a disadvantage when learning activities stopped as any further development was largely stagnated by a consensus that was more based upon a withdrawal of respect than upon a useful critical insight to assessment of different information and alternative options. Therefore, when the group is attacked by groupthink, the problems are usually discussed and examined in an uncertain way, leaving many possible solutions and useful ideas (Knights et al, 2007). One of the clearest examples of groupthink which can be considered is the the explosion of the NASA Shuttle Challenger, 73 seconds after it launched in January 1986, killing seven astronauts. The disasters could have been easily prevented if the NASA team noticed the concerns from engineers on the readiness and safety of the Shuttle’s structure before it were launched (Moorhead et al, 1991). It could be concluded that groupthink impede the voices of members of the group who have their own opinions b ut are marginalised, and maintain an illusion of group unanimity, which may invalidate team performance and contribute in creating fiascos (Knights et al, 2007). In addition, many researchers studied that the effectiveness of directive leadership is also one of the factors related to groupthink (Flowers, 1977; Mullen et al, 1994). They claimed that directive leadership has a weak connection with information being considered by the group, the discouragement of dissent, fewer solutions being found and more self-censorship by members (Flowers, 1977; Leana, 1985; Moorhead and Montanari, 1986). Based on previous studies, Moorhead et al (1998) believed that individuals’ opinions may be prevented from group interaction if there appears a strong leadership and group members just only follow their leaders without sufficient critical evaluation. For example, if the leader of the group suggests unethical ideas, and the group cannot control the rules to prescribe ethical behaviour, poor decision may be shaped (Sims, 1992). Similarly, Huczynski and Buchanan (2013) concluded that if the group leaders consider their position from the beginning and ap pear to have a strong preference for a particular goal, the groups tend to support their leader’s idea and do not have a chance to suggest alternative information or solutions. Research on symptoms of groupthink Groupthink, in most of viewpoints, is considered as a threat of organization. Fortunately, Janis (1972, 1982) described eight symptoms categorised in three types of characteristics which were experienced from the fiascos and serve as the powerful tool for recognising the existence of groupthink. They are: overestimation of the group (illusion of invulnerability; belief in inherent morality), closed-mindedness (collective rationalisations, stereotyped images of out-groups), and pressure towards uniformity (self-censorship, illusion of unanimity, direct pressures on dissenters, self-appointed mindguards) (Janis, 1972; Hart, 1991). These symptoms, according to Janis (1972), are considered as a collection of a concurrence-seeking tendency that can fade group decision making process and lead to fiascos, and even disasters. In his research, concurrence-seeking plays a vital role in collective decision making process; but, it will become excessive when it occurs too early in a limited acces s. In addition, Hart (1991) pointed that the signal of excessive concurrence-seeking can be derived from the pressures toward uniformity, and concurrence-seeking takes places in the context of misguide policy from the other two types of characteristics. However, According to Choi and Kim (1999), not all symptoms of groupthink tend to be associated with the others. Their study evidenced that pressure on dissenters, collective rationalisations, and self-censorship tend to be positively associated with each other but negatively associated with the belief in the illusion of invulnerability, the group’s inherent morality, and the illusion of unanimity. From that point, they also suggested that groupthink symptoms reflect two different processes that may occur in collective decision making: the positive correlations between the illusions of invulnerability and unanimity with the belief in the group morality, contrary to the emergence of mindguards, self-censorship, pressure on diss enters, and stereotypes of outgroups. Similarly, Park (2000) examined symptoms of groupthink based on the groupthink model’s Janis and went to a conclusion that the symptom groupings tend to produce negative correlations across the divergent processes. This strengthens for the argument of Longley and Pruit (1980) that the symptoms of groupthink have a strong connection with defective decision making process which would qualify as high quality. How to avoid groupthink It is clearly seen that groupthink is an invisible barrier that causes negative effects on group decision making process and lead to serious consequences. However, Janis’s achievement on groupthink theory has paved the way for researchers finding methods to avoid this phenomenon. Macleod (2011) suggested that it is important for managers to foster group cohesiveness along with a shared sense of professional solidarity. At the same time, it is also important to create an impartial comfort zone in which each member of a group is encouraged to have an active voice in the exchange of ideas and in the evaluation of options. Moreover, relevant outside input should be welcomed as a means of providing diverse information and broadening the extent of collaboration. Conclusion In conclusion, a large body of research has examined the negative impacts of groupthink to organisation, focusing on group decision making. All of them are reviewed and examined meticulously from the Janis’s groupthink hypothesis, which claimed that groupthink is clearly seen as an enemy of creativity, bringing threats and major blunders (Simone, 2008). Indeed, groupthink leads to group decision making failures which come from the highly cohesive groups and the strong directive leadership (Flower, 1977; Leana, 1985; Hart, 1991). Developed from this point, before groupthink becomes a potential pitfall in group decision making, controlled attempts to understand its symptoms are not only desirable but highly necessary. If people can do that, the groupthink framework can be applied effectively to analyse defective decision processes and propose recommendations to avoid groupthink in work organisations. Therefore, it is necessary to have more research on the potential threats to ef fective group decision making caused by groupthink to get deeper insight into this phenomenon as well as improve the further ideas and continuous in-depth research for groups.

Glaucoma Essay -- Vision Sight Opthamology Disorders Essays

Glaucoma Glaucoma is a common and important health problem. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Western Society (Hoskins & Kass, 1989). It is responsible for ten percent of all blindness in the United States and continues to be the second or third most common cause of blindness in the world (Bunce, Fraser, & Wormald, 1999). It is estimated that two million people in the United States have been diagnosed as having glaucoma. Glaucoma is known to affect about two percent of Caucasians beginning at the age of 40 with an increasing risk for those over the age of 60. This risk is especially high if a member of the family has glaucoma or diabetes. Further, there is a higher risk of a glaucoma diagnosis for African Americans over the age of 40. Glaucoma results from increasing intraocular pressure, pressure inside the eye, which can lead to irreparable damage to the retina and the optic nerve, which connects the retina with the back of the brain. Intraocular pressure is determined by the balance between the rate of the aqueous humor production (found between the cornea and the lens) and its resistance to outflow at the angle of the anterior chamber. In most cases, increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow causes elevated intraocular pressure. Lowering intraocular pressure constrains or slows the progress of glaucoma. There are many conditions that individuals may encounter as a result of glaucoma. Chew et al. (1999) found high intraocular pressure or the presence of glaucoma to be an identification for decreased life expectancy. After minor modifications were made for risk factors such as age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and body mass index, which are known to be associated with higher mort... ... B., Hiller, R., Podgor, M. J., Sperduto, R. D., & Wilson, P. W. F. (1999). High intraocular pressure and survival: the Framingham studies. American Journal of Ophthalmology,128, 440-445. Gorin, G. (1977). Clinical glaucoma . New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. Horn, F., Jonas, J. B., Junemann, A., Korth, M., Martus, P., & Wisse, M. (1998). A multivariate sensory model in glaucoma diagnosis. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 39, 1567-1573. Hoskins, H. D., Jr., & Kass, M. (1989). Beckner-Schaffer's diagnosis and therapy of the glaucomas (6th ed.). St. Louis: The C. V. Mosby Company. Lewis, S. H., & Brinzolamide Primary Therapy Study Group (1998). Clinical efficacy and safety of brinzolamide (azopt^tm), a new topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 126, 400- 408.

The Individuality of Daisy in Henry James Daisy Miller Essay -- Henry

Why did James create such a beguiling and bewildering character? Since the publication of James's novel in 1878, Daisy has worn several labels, among them "flirt," "innocent," and "American Girl." Daisy's representation of an American Girl of the late 19th century is evident. Her free-spiritedness and individuality reflect the social movement of the American middle-class. The â€Å"depths† of Daisy Miller that Kelley refers to could be read as â€Å"unsounded,† since the reader receives little insight to her feelings, and â€Å"unappreciated,† based on the perceptions of most characters. James likely viewed Daisy as admirable because of the individuality displayed in her actions, attitudes, and contrast to Winterbourne. When she enters the novella, Daisy quickly defies European conventions: after speaking with Winterbourne as though they had been long acquainted, he notes, â€Å"She had a spirit of her own† (472). Though perhaps not surprising to modern audiences, Daisy shocks Winterbourne, her mother, and Eugenio when she asks Winterbourne to take her out in a boat at night, declaring, â€Å"That's all I want -- a little fuss† (483). This assertive nature is later seen when Daisy invites Winterbourne to travel with the Millers and teach her brother Randolph, likely violating the etiquette with which Winterbourne is so familiar (471); ignoring the expectations for subtlety that Winterbourne complies with, Daisy tells him, â€Å"I don't want you to come [to Rome] for your aunt, I want you to come for me† (485). In Rome, Daisy continues conducting herself independent from the external influences of society. Mrs. Costello, who represents the geographically transcendent society, remarks that Daisy is a â€Å"dreadful girl† (477); she updates Winterbou... ...s too late[;] she was ‘carried away’ by Mr. Giovanelli† (501), and similarly when he acknowledges to Mrs. Costello that he had mistakenly thought Daisy reciprocated his affection (506). Thus when Winterbourne reveals â€Å"it was on his conscience that he had done [Daisy] injustice† (506), he probably refers to his deciding that she was not respectable (503), in addition to his comment about whether she was engaged. Daisy Miller can be viewed as an endorsement for individuality: James celebrates Daisy's independence in the face of society's imposition while ruining Winterbourne’s prospects for happiness as a consequence for his passivity. Readers should pity Winterbourne, and thusly admire and sympathize for Daisy; regardless of her dying, Daisy did not live unhappily like Winterbourne does. Works Cited James, Henry. Daisy Miller. New York: Penguin Books, 1986.

The Evolution of Grant in Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying Essay

After the Civil War ended, many blacks and whites, especially in the South, continued living as if nothing had changed with regards to the oppression and poor treatment of African Americans. Narrator Grant Wiggins, of Ernest J. Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying, possesses a similar attitude toward race relations. Through his experiences with a young man wrongly accused of murder, Grant transforms from a pessimistic, hopeless, and insensitive man into a more selfless and compassionate human being who can see the possibility of change in relations between whites and blacks. Grant Wiggins, one of the few black men of the time to have a college education, lives with his aunt on a plantation just outside Bayonne, Louisiana in 1948, and teaches at the all-black school held at the all-black plantation church. Considering the poor relations between blacks and whites at the time in which the story is set, it comes as no surprise that Grant sees tension frequently in his community – not only through the ways in which persons of various races treat one another, but also in the justice, or lack thereof, served in court cases. The white authorities accuse Jefferson, an innocent student Grant taught a few years prior, of first-degree murder. During the trial, Jefferson's state-appointed defense lawyer pleads for the jury to have sympathy on Jefferson as he is a hog and does not possess the intelligence to commit the crimes of which he is accused. Because the whites dominate the society, the court finds Jefferson guilty as charged and the judge sentences him to death by electrocution. Upon hearing the verdict, Miss Emma, Jefferson's aunt, resolves to persuade Grant to teach Jefferson that he is, in fact, a man – not a hog – and to get him to wal... ...statements as truth reveals Grant's transformation into a selfless, compassionate, and optimistic man. Grant realizes he has made mistakes and does not desire to be esteemed higher than he believes he deserves. Paul expresses his desire to befriend Grant, thus breaking the barriers of race and reaching out to Grant. Grant returns to his classroom, crying, a changed man. Work Cited Gaines, Ernest J. A Lesson before Dying. New York: Vintage, 1993. Works Consulted Folks, Jeffrey. â€Å"Communal responsibility in Ernest J. Gaines‘s A Lesson Before Dying. Mississippi Quarterly 52.2 (1999): 253 Piacentino, Ed. â€Å"The Common humanity that is in us all†: Toward Racial Reconciliation in Gaines’s A Lesson Before Dying.† Southern Quarterly 42.3 (2004): 71 Vancil, David. â€Å"Redemption According to Ernest Gaines,† African American Review, 28 (Fall 1994), 490.

Causes And Effects Of Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay

The Earth ‘s ambiance contains some gases known as nursery gases, which occur of course: H2O vapour, C dioxide, methane ( CH4 ) , azotic oxide ( NO ) , and ozone ( O3 ) . The beds of these gases of course present in the atmosphere Acts of the Apostless as the roof of a nursery and trap heat near to the Earth ‘s surface. As a consequence, it maintains the average temperature of the Earth ‘s surface at around 16AÂ °C, which is important to guaranting climatic conditions that can back up life of animate beings and workss on Earth ( CRCD, 2009 ) . Harmonizing to IPCC ( 2007 ) , since the industrial revolution, human activities have caused significant additions in concentrations of nursery gases in the ambiance. The chief GHGs and their emanation beginnings are: Those above mentioned are the chief factors that much contributed to do the clime alteration has been happening of all time since. In 1990, IPCC, which consists of about 2,500 international scientists, confirmed that human activities have contributed to climate alteration. It besides concluded that if current nursery gas emanation tendencies continue, the mean planetary temperature will increase by 3AÂ °C before the terminal of the twenty-first century ( IPCC, 2007 ) . Within this respect, clime alteration is holding serious impacts on agricultural production, H2O resources, human wellness, coastal countries, forest and ecosystems. Increasing inundations, drouths, windstorms and other clime alteration related catastrophes, both in frequence and strength, have caused tremendous amendss to many states throughout the universe. The followers are some facts about clime alteration ( Anup, 2004 ) : The universe is heating up fast. Temperatures are lifting more rapidly than they have done for 10,000 old ages. The 1990s were the warmest decennary on record, and 1998 was the hottest twelvemonth. The Earth ‘s mean surface temperature has warmed between 0.3 and 0.6 grades Celsius in the last 100 old ages. It may lift by two grades in the following 100 old ages, if we go on bring forthing nursery gases at the present rate Sea degrees have risen by between 10-25 centimeters in the last 100 old ages, as polar ice caps have melted. They are projected to lift another 50 centimeters by 2100 There have been unpredictable and utmost conditions forms freak weather catastrophes such as hurricanes, storms, and inundations. Normally, clime alteration consists of three cardinal effects: alterations in regional rainfall forms, sea degree rise, and increased mean temperature. Those impacts are summarized one time at a clip as the followers.The Impacts of Climate ChangesIn this paper, the impacts of clime alteration are divided into two parts. The first portion is traveling to capture the impacts of clime alteration in general while the latter focal points on the impacts of that in Cambodia as the instance survey and besides as one of the intent of this paper. Global Impacts of Climate Change The impacts of clime alteration is recognized is no boundary issues. Actually, both developed and developing states suffer from them. However, developing states will bear the brunt of clime alteration impacts. This is because poorness makes people more vulnerable to climate alteration impacts. The hapless do non hold equal capacity and resources to cover with and to accommodate to climate alteration. For case, lifting sea degrees will endanger 1000000s of people populating in island provinces and in low-lying deltas in states like Bangladesh, Egypt and China. ( ADB, 2009 ) . Global heating will impact H2O supplies and cut down nutrient production in the Torrid Zones and semitropicss, where most underdeveloped states are, seting 1000000s of people at hazard of hungriness in the hereafter.Water ResourcesBased on Chu, Kittipong, Guillaunme, & A ; Vithet ( 2010 ) , climate alteration will take to alterations in the hydrological rhythm. Precipitation will increase in some countries and di minution in others. This will alter inundation and drought frequence and strength. Changes in seasonal forms may impact the regional distribution of both land and surface H2O supplies. Water quality may besides react to alterations in the sum and timing of precipitation. Changes in H2O temperatures could impact the endurance, diverseness and productiveness of fresh H2O ecosystems.Agricultural ProductionHigher temperature and alterations in rainfall forms will hold impacts on harvest outputs and productiveness. Outputs will likely diminish due to inordinate irrigation demand, increased rainfall, which will do dirt eroding and dirt leaching, and harvest amendss caused by increasing utmost clime events. Sea degree rise will besides do losingss in cropland in low-lying coastal countries ( Anup, 2004 ) .Human HealthThe study from Odingo ( 2009 ) shows that the direct impacts of clime alteration on wellness include an addition in heat emphasis and in cardiovascular, respiratory, allergic and air borne diseases. Increase in frequence and/or strength of utmost conditions events could ensue in decease, hurts, psychological upsets, and harm to public wellness substructures. The hapless will be more vulnerable to the wellness impacts than the rich. However, richer states will besides be progressively vulnerable as their populations age. For case, tropical diseases such as malaria and dandy fever febrility are besides likely to increase as the home grounds for mosquitoes and other vectors ( insects ) expand when the temperature rises. Food- and water-related diseases will besides increase due to warmer temperatures, reduced H2O supplies and proliferating micro-organisms.Coastal AreasObservations show that the planetary mean sea degree has risen by 10 to 25 centimeter over the last century, which is chiefly related to an addition of 0.3-0.6 o C in the planetary mean air temperature since 1860. If the current tendency in planetary heating continues, so, sea degree is predic ted to lift another 15 to 95 centimeter by the twelvemonth 2100. This will happen due to the thermic enlargement of ocean H2O and an inflow of fresh water from runing glaciers and ice. As a consequence, the low-lying coastal zones and little islands are highly vulnerable to sea degree rise. It is projected that a 1 m low-lying rise would do estimated land losingss of 6 % in the Netherlands, 17.5 % in Bangladesh and over 50 % for some little island provinces ( CRCD, 2009 ) .Forest and EcosystemsForests play an of import function in the clime system. They are a major reservoir of C. They besides straight affect local, regional, and Continental clime by act uponing land temperature, evapo-transpiration, heat coefficient of reflection, cloud formation, and precipitation. The composing and geographic distribution of ecosystems will alter as single species respond to new clime conditions. At the same clip, home grounds will be degraded and fragmented by the combination of clime alteration , deforestation, and other environmental force per unit areas. The extinction of some works and animate being species that are unable to get by with clime alteration impacts would probably happen ( Odingo, 2009 ) .

Dancers, Costumes and Movement Content Essay

Costume: The costume throughout Flesh and Blood is a very important attribute to the piece. All seven of the female dancers wear the same costume in each of the five sections therefore this shows that the costume that Lea Anderson chose was relevant to the themes within the piece all the way through. The costumes are of a medieval style, we know this from the design of the dress as they have square necks and tight fitting wrist length sleeves much like the dresses that were worn in that time period. The dresses reach ankle length on each of the dances and have a fitted torso with a dropped v-waist which then falls into a slightly gathered, loose material lower half which flows down from the waist to the ankle. In this piece I believe it is important for the dresses to be fitted on the arms and torso area as these are the main areas of which are used in the contact work such as lifts- and it then makes it easier to perform these moves as dancers can get a better grip on each other. There are also many intricate arm and hand movements where dancers have to intertwine with each other- therefore the tight fitting arms ensure that the moves can be performed with clarity and precision. The material of the dresses is particularly specific to the underlying storyline of Joan of Arc, as it is a metallic and shiny stretchy silver fabric. This infers the idea of the dresses symbolising armour, which is relevant to the battles that Joan of Arc had to fight. The masculine armour like fabric then contrasts against the feminine style of dress, again backing up the important theme of Joan of Arc throughout the piece. The shiny material also shimmers in the light and emphasises movements and enhances angles that the dancers perform, whether they are big or small moves which then makes developing motifs clearer to see. The dancers have bare feet in each section of the dance, I believe this adds a sense of vulnerability to the hard faced characters and shows that no matter how determined Joan of Arc was she, and also the characters within this dance all have a weak spot. The dresses that the dancers wear also have calf length, fitted grey leggings underneath which we see in section two- and also work to highlight and emphasize movement. I also believe it was important for the dancers to wear leggings as section two has a lot of floor  work involved so it is practical to have these underneath the dresses. Make-up and hair are also important aspects of the costume within this piece and they highlight areas of intricate movement. This is shown in the Cathedral in section 2 of the dance where small eye movements upwards, then to the left are used. This move is simple but is an important reoccurring motif which could symbolise looking up to god- and therefore needs to stand out, which is done through the use of dark eye makeup that contrasts against the dancers pale faces. The red lipstick worn throughout shows the dancers are still feminine even though they have to wear a masculine army colour, and have a short style of hair which is what Joan of Arc had to do in order to disguise herself. The red lipstick symbolises danger and passion and also shows that even though they are pretending to be males- they are still strong female characters for sticking up for what they believe in. Dancers: All of the dancers look on average between the ages of 25 to 35 and are all female. I believe this shows a strong sense of unity within the piece to symbolise the fact that they are part of an army and also makes them all equal to each other. This is important as it shows that the piece is thematic- rather than narrative with main characters. Due to the style of the dance, I believe the dancers will of had to have had training in ballet and contemporary and be able to perform in confined spaces such as the black box theatre setting which is used and be adaptable for the site specific places that they had to perform. Another key aspect of the performance is that the dancers are very precise in the unison sections. This is effective as it heightens smaller movements such as the tapping of the feet in the cathedral setting in section 2. A way that the dancers could have done this is through using specific counts in the music and keeping to a rhythm. Due to their being a lot of minimal eye movement in unison within the routine- also shown in the black box studio in section 5 when the dancers look up as if to heaven, it is important that the dancers were aware of their focus points so that their movements were precise and equal to each other, which is something that is important throughout this piece. Movements: Section 1: The movement in section one is very contained and small. It is a duet between two of the dancers and involves using a lot or inticate armwork where they have to weavein and out of each other. This could symbolise that the battle Joan of Arc had to face was a constant struggle. This concept is also shown and the first female dancer in this section looks as though she is being dominated and controlled by the second femal character who is stood behind her throughout- almost overlooking all of her actions and having imput into what she does. This is shown as a movement when dancer two pushes dancer one down to the floor to continue her movements on a lower level. This makes dancer two look more superior and therefore gives off the impression she is symbolic of the males telling Joan of Arc she wasn’t allowed to fight. Section 2: Section two involves all 7 of the female dancers and is set in a black box studio. The floor work in this section such as the repeat motif which is shown also in section five where the dancers lay on their back with their feet flat to the floor and their knees bent on and angle with their arms by their side as they push their legs straight out to move backwards gives off an impression that they are symbolising beetles and other insects. Thesharp and angled movements give off imagery as if they are symbolising being bugs- which links to the heaven and hell paintings by the artist Bosch. Because much of this section is on the floor it is symbolic of Hell being present- and is where most people believed Joan of Arc went after her burning at the stake. The calf length leggings and bare feet that the dancers are wearing can also be seen in this scuttling back movement and highlight the angles of the legs- as is also done with the tight fitting sleeves on the arms. Section 3: This section is set inside of a Cathedral and shows 3 of the dancer standing in the alter and the other 4 laid in the knave. This symbolises the communication that Joan of Arc is said to have had with God who told her to  battle with the men, this is shown through intricate eye movement from the dancers standing in the alter as the first thing they do it look upward to heaven, to the left as if to purgatory and then downwards as if to hell. Use of a head tilt to the right when looking to the left is also used which could symbolise shock in hearing or seeing something. The dancers laid on the floor are symbolic of the dreams that Joan of Arc is said to of had and repeat motifs such as the rolling of the fingers that tap onto the floor suggest that her nightmares and dreams were reoccurring and made her react immediately- even before she woke up and decided that she wanted to go into battle. The dynamics in this section are a lot slower then any other andthe dancers are all individuals which suggests that when Joan of Arc visited the church she was distanced from everyone else and felt more alone and vulnerable. Section 4: Section 4 is set outside of the cathedral and is an adapted version of section 1, as it has 2 unison duets- one further forward than the other. This section is also very contact based and manipulative which gives an indication of the relationship that the dancers have with each other. The ‘crusifix’ arm movement is a repeat motif throughout and is shown is section 2 when the dancers sit up from the floor, as if god is helping them progress and become better people. It is also shown in section 4 when the dancers are lifted by the dominating dancers, and their feet are left loosely flailing beneath them while their arms lower so their palms are flat facing downwards. This motif could symbolise that god is now taking Joan of Arcs soul to Heaven as she is burnt at the stake. The shaking of the feet indicates that many people believed she would go to Hell- which is why the arms are lowered from the crucifix movement as this is less holy and God wouldn’t have wanted tha t for the female who stood up for herself.

Education Theory Essay

English Language Learner (ELL), English as Second Language (ESL), and English as Foreign Language (EFL) are the teaching and learning strategies of English language for students whose first language other than language. The complexities and technicalities of English Language often confuse students having non-English background and especially those who live in non-English speaking countries (Ferris and Hedgcock, 1998). ELL, ESL, EFL and similar courses are designed to help students to enroot themselves in the basics and essentials of English from beginning. Importance of ELL Globalization has seen English becoming the language with maximum reach and influence, and it is taught in many nations as the second language. With English becoming the international language of commerce, business, law, technology and medicine, it is has become an essential career and communication tool. Estimates are that around 1. 5 billion people around the world, out of which more than 70 percent are non-native speakers of English, use English as a language of communication (Ferris and Hedgcock, 1998). In consequence there are host of full-fledged academies and dedicated institutions in many non English-speaking countries that design curriculum and try to select most appropriate course material to impart English communication skills to students (Gass and Schachter, 1996). On a secondary and more immediate level, there is a continuous influx of foreign nationals in USA and many of them lack formal communication training in English. The foreign nationals and students, who come to USA in thousands every year, share a combined language background of more than 1000 languages. The individual background of foreign nations s acts as a hindrance in their amalgamation with their immediate surrounding and culture, and presents the image of USA as an alien nation (Messerschmitt Vandrick and Hafernik, 1996). This obviously requires designing a comprehensive and all assimilating learning procedure that can act as cultural and linguistic melting pot. In this respect ELL assumes a very important role, providing a crucial cross over opportunity to foreign students, imparting the necessary communication learning and teaching that is essential for their survival in the generally English surrounding (Messerschmitt Vandrick and Hafernik, 1996). Theories in ELL designing Most of the students passing through traditional ELL courses have reported difficulty in actual understanding of content and implications of English language when they face it in the real life situation. In this perspective, researchers have theorized that by observing the model of English education imparted in native English speaking countries and modeling the ELL courses on those parameters (Messerschmitt Vandrick and Hafernik, 1996). The most prevalent and popular pedagogy model observed for native students showed that students were required to study novels, short stories, literature work, and were required to devote their time to writing. The formal schooling requires students to get well versed in descriptive, narrative, argumentative and imaginative style of writing (Gass and Schachter, 1996). These models also required students to undertake discussion and expositions on the literature material they covered during the course along with developing their own text, expressing their own ideas and reviewing and analyzing other works. Most of the major educational institutions have started following this process-oriented approach in language education that makes learning of language as a non-directional endeavor, enabling students to develop their inner thinker and writer and empowering them to imbibe, rather than learn, English language (Ferris and Hedgcock, 1998). Since 1980s, researchers have found that ELL methods succeeded mostly for students who were encouraged to develop a cognitive and create approach towards English through the process of writing (Messerschmitt Vandrick and Hafernik, 1996). Writing helps students to think originally, compose ideas in a logical way, transfer the essential communication strategies to students and enable them to develop a reflective intuition on interpretation of English text and language. There are a number of additional studies and researches to prove that learning strategies that are based on the model of primary education techniques have been successful in creating the most effective set of models (Gass and Schachter, 1996).

Moral panic

The public has always used the Mass Media as the primary source of information about most topics especially crime. The Mass Media has the power to convey messages and ideas to a large audience but how truthful or factual these messages are has long been a debate of sociologist, due to news broadcast being so criminogenic for example, Ericson et al (1987). â€Å"Study of news-making in Toronto found that a remarkably high proportion of news was about deviance and control.Ranging from 45. % in newspaper to 71. 5% on radio stations. ( Maguire,Morgan and Reiner 2012, p. 248) Therefore this use of Media may create fear amongst the public which in turn causes â€Å"Moral panic† and â€Å"Folk Devils†. Therefore I will outline and Illustrate the term â€Å"Moral Panic† and the effect it has on the public, also aiming to show the role the Media plays in creating panic. â€Å"Moral panic†is a term used to describe groups or subculture as a threat to the way of lif e for society's, norms and values.There are several organisations who claims a oral breakdown such as the â€Å"Mass Media, Politicians and churches†(Tim Newburn 2013, p. 96). Stanley Cohen's research into the Mods and Rockers gave a clear view of the media classifying these subcultures as deviant and creating panic amongst the public. Cohen's had three main ideas to illustrate how â€Å"Moral Panic† was created during the 1960s. Firstly Exaggeration and Distortion. â€Å"The exaggeration of seriousness†¦. the proportion engaged in violence†. Secondly Prediction. † Media coverage regularly assumed events would be even worse†.Lastly Symbolisation † Mods and Rockers appearance became associated with delinquency and deviant behaviour. (Tim Newburn 2013, p. 97). This indicates that the Media's use of emotive language used in broadcast and newspapers created â€Å"Folk Devils† of these subcultures and wide scale panic in Britain and subs equently creating stigma towards Mods and Rockers. However there has been criticism of the â€Å"Moral Panic† Theory. Jewkes (2004) states that the audience may not be as receptive to the â€Å"Moral Panic† as Cohen mentioned. Tim Newburn 2013, p. 101).This indicates that the public are more aware of issues in society and are able to think rationally without becoming fearful of news reports. Secondly â€Å"an occasional over-reading of the extent of â€Å"panickyness† in media representations†. This demonstrates that Cohen had no real evidence to prove that â€Å"moral panics† created panic amongst society, as it would be difficult to measure the level of concern throughout communities. To conclude â€Å"Moral Panic† may sometimes be created by the Mass-Media through the se of emotive and sensationalised heading to make a story more entertaining or appealing to its audience.Through this process they create fear amongst the public and stigmat ize subcultures which in turn may cause these social groups to be the truth out for themselves and come to their own conclusion without relying on the media as a primary source of information.

Promotion of Health within Adult Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Promotion of Health within Adult Nursing - Essay Example The last part was the questionnaire that questioned about the individual daily limit, knowledge about three adverse physical effects of binge dinking, and assessment of level of information after visit to our booth. Eighty-one questionnaires were filled out with 100% response rate in question 1, question 2 demonstrated a failure arte of 1.23%, and on question 2, 1 out of 81 knew already about binge drinking, he did not know from the stand. There was very strong impact on the public, specially the university students with this group’s promotional effort on binge drinking. The slogan poster, â€Å"How Much is Too Much†, the snacks and the food, and the experiment and information all should have impact on the emotions of the students, embarrassment, insecurity, new knowledge, and enriched awareness about binge drinking. This project highlighted the fact that this kind of drinking is addiction, even if this is social outing to them as of now, in no time, this would transform into addiction, and they were aware of this possibility after coming into our booth. Our objectives were to let the visitors be aware about pros and cons of binge drinking, and since every one knew what his unit amount was, how many units make one a binge drinker and how that can affect the body in the long run, it can be considered that the objective of this promotional activity were met, although this is a trial setting and learning ex ercise, and predictive accuracy depends on the evaluation of the outcome after followup at 6-month or 1-year interval in the actual practice setting, and that is not possible in this setting because this is population in transition, many will be leaving the university in a short while, short enough to baffle any long-term promotional plans in the near future. Our experiment with the glass of wine measured the university students’ daily alcohol intake. We applied the group’s research data of daily over the limit allowance, and the group was well prepared to

Macroeconomic effects of Hurricane Katrina Essay

Macroeconomic effects of Hurricane Katrina - Essay Example Reconstruction activities are expected to restore the level of GDP to what it was before Katrina. Loss of wealth and capital due to Katrina would not influence GDP. GDP is a measure of current activities, not a measure of nation's wealth. GDP would not capture the economic impact nor the devastating loss of life and dislocation associated with Katrina (Reed 4). 4. Katrina's Effect on the Economic Growth White house economic advisor said in August 31, 2005: "Hurricane Katrina is likely to have only a modest impact on the U.S. economy as long as the hit to the energy sector proves transitory."3 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expected Katrina to dampen national (inflation-adjusted) economic growth rate by 0.5 to 1 percent only and reduce employment by about 400,000 in the second half of 2005. CBO anticipated that economic growth and employment are likely to rebound during the first half of 2006 as rebuilding accelerates (First 3). The following table summarizes the forecast projections (Reed 3). Table 1: Estimated Effects of Hurricane Katrina on Economic Growth.4 5. Katrina's Effect on the Labor Force Katrina destroyed the infrastructure of most businesses in the Gulf Coast. Workers' homes were also destroyed and the labor force decreased substantially in the Coast as people evacuated the area. When reconstruction efforts started pumping money into the region, new jobs started to surface. It would still take time to regain the labor force that existed in the Gulf Coast prior to Katrina. Job losses in the Gulf Coast would overwhelm growth in jobs across the nation (Reed 6). 6. Katrina's Effect on the Consumer Prices and Inflation It is expected that on the short run, consumer prices will rise due to rise in energy prices.... This essay is one of the best examples of analysis of the destructive impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the American economy. Katrina caused the dislocation of many people, who would need housing, access to health care, education for their children, and means to meet their basic needs. Destruction of bridges, highways, residential and business property represent a permanent loss in national wealth and capital. Congress has appropriated $62 billion for Katrina relief activities, which would increase budget deficit. Katrina destroyed the infrastructure of most businesses in the Gulf Coast. Evacuation of the Gulf coast reduced economic activities in the region in the short term, which decreased GDP. Resources that would have been used for investment and spending are now to be used rebuilding. Reconstruction activities generate jobs and income which adds to the GDP. Reconstruction activities are expected to restore the level of GDP to what it was before Katrina. When reconstruction efforts started, new jobs surfaced. Most economic activities came to a halt as a result of the devastation of Katrina. New Orleans flood accounts for almost half of the total property damage. Investment in rebuilding the Gulf Coast would allow dislocated inhabitants to return home. Reconstruction activities in the Gulf Coast would help cushion the macroeconomic effect of Katrina. Replacing and rebuilding the capital lost would enable the southern states of Mississippi and Louisiana to regain their abilities to provide their share in national growth.

Health organization case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health organization case study - Essay Example The growth of the network may be attributed to dedicated workforce, excellent facilities, and a purposeful mission statement that drives towards providing high quality healthcare services that enhance people’s lives positively. Indeed, the network prides of having one of the largest hospitals in the US, the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, which also serves as the network’s headquarters. Moreover, the Banner Good Samaritan Hospital boasts of being a leader in a number of health services and treatments programs, including diabetes, heart care and surgery, and gynecology. Nevertheless, the network enjoys diversity not only in its workforce, but also in the clients it serves, especially considering that, different states have different demographic compositions. Care Management Banner Health values and takes cognizance of the importance of quality of service and patient satisfaction, as the drivers for excellent performance. In this regard, the network ha s put in place mechanisms to ensure its workforce deliver services with minimal or zero patient errors, as well as enhancing safety of both employees and patients in its facilities. In addition to improvement of quality, Banner Health has prioritized on cost control through elaborate management practices, care coordination and performance enhancement. Moreover, Banner Health promotes cross-facility harmonization through a system that ensures sharing of knowledge and information, as well as intergration of activities across the network. The success of this harmonization is evident from the fact that, medical services that patients receive in different Banner facilities are not only of high quality and timely, but they are also uniform across the system. In addition, sharing of knowledge allows healthcare professionals across the network to develop skills that will enhance their service delivery. However, due to diversity, Banner Health promotes functional teams and work groups that c ooperate in establishing and developing policy applicable in all facilities, but giving each facility the discretion to implement such policies. All these functions are enhanced though a dedicated team of professionals and leaders as well as an elaborate technology system that enhances communication across all facilities. Despite operating as not-for-profit organization, Banner Health has managed to be efficient in its operation, making it one of the best health care providers. Indeed, the organization was recognized earlier in year 2013 for excellence in quality, patient care and efficiency by a Truven Health Analysis survey (Banner Health Website, 2013). More specifically, Banner Health scored admirably in its ability to â€Å"save lives and causing fewer patient complications, compliance with industry-recommended standards, making fewer patient errors, releasing patients half a day sooner and patient satisfaction† (Banner Health Website, 2013). In order to enhance quality, the organization invests heavily in innovation as well as in performance management. Primarily, Banner Health collects data from all its facilities and then analyzes such data to measure the level of performance in comparison to predetermined goals and national standards. This allows the organization to identify any gaps that need improvement. Use of technology at Banner Health Banner Health has recognized the importance of technology in today’s health care environment. This aims at ensuring that services are provided with the