Health Care Marketing Information Matrix

Source of Health InformationType of Health-Related InformationMarketing MessagesHow the Consumer May Assess the Accuracy or Reliability of the Marketing Messages List the information source, such as Internet websites, WebMD, MedLine, or the news media. Type of information provided by the sourceList at least one marketing message being communicated to the consumer within this information source. List one approach the consumer may use to verify the accuracy of the marketing message.Example: Website relating to Zyrtec McNEIL-PPC, Inc. (n. d. ). Zyrtec. In Zyrtec. Retrieved from http://www. zyrtec. com/econsumer/zyrtec/index. view Example: Information relating to the use of Zyrtec in the treatment of allergiesExample: Zyrtec is a fast-acting allergy medicine that maintains its effect for 24 hours after a single dose. Example: Use the product to assess whether it works as stated. Web MD relating to appetite suppressants http://www. ebmd. com/diet/guide/weight-loss-prescription-weight-loss -medicineInformation relating to a prescription weight loss drug to treat obesityAppetite suppressants trick the body into believing it is not hungry or that it is full. The best way to ensure if the appetite suppressants are reliable are by purchasing the product and trying the product for a few weeks or months to see if it actually works. Website relating to Listerine http://www. listerine. om/products-why-mouth-rinse-at-nightInformation relating to an antiseptic mouth wash (Listerine) to kill plaque and gingivitis germs. Rinsing with Listerine twice a day cleans your whole mouth and kills plaque and gingivitis for 24 hoursListerine is the only branded anti- microbial mouthwash among OTC rinses to receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance. On the other hand, it has 25 years of research to validate it kills plaque and gingivitis. Website relating to Infants’ Motrin http://www. motrin. com/product_links/20? val=overview#Information relating to infants’ Motrin that support red ucing fever, sore throat, toothaches, and minor aches and pains due to the common cold Infants’ Motrin contains Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) over-the-counter. NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain and reducing fever. Follow the label carefully and shake well before using. Locate the dosing chart and apply dose based on the weight, otherwise age. Use the enclosed measuring device. Only use up to 4 times daily and give to child every 6- 8 hours.

Viewing Mrs. Dalloway Through the Lens of “Modern Fiction”

In â€Å"Modern Fiction,† Virginia Woolf comments on the flaws of modernist writers such as Wells, Bennett, and Galsworthy.   Their narrow focus on the material and lack of affinity for the spiritual or realistic, is evidence enough that they have fallen short in the literary sense.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf explores connections with truth, reality, and that which is above the material through her narrative techniques, complex imagery, and provoking themes, thus emphasizing through Mrs. Dalloway what she has so adamantly called for in â€Å"Modern Fiction.†Woolf possesses the ability to create a work of fiction that evokes a pleasant reading experience for the reader without utilizing a central plot.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf chooses to explore the narrative possibilities of bringing several characters through one single day in time.   This narrative technique works well in a text that mainly focuses on Mrs. Dalloway’s world view, her inner workings, and her exploration and sensory experience of the world surrounding her.The organizational structure of the novel challenges Woolf to create characters that are deep enough to be realistic while dealing with only one day of their lives.   Woolf creates within the character of Clarissa the inherent sense of the magnanimity of living one day in time.   Clarissa â€Å"had a perpetual sense, as she watched the taxi cabs, of being out, out, far out to sea and alone; she always had the feeling that it was very, very dangerous to live even one day† (16).Through Clarissa, Woolf creates a sense of the complexity each day is capable of bringing to individual characters, thus calling her readers to â€Å"look within life†¦examine for a moment an ordinary mind on an ordinary day.   The mind receives a myriad impressions—trivial, fanstastic, evanescent, or engraved with the sharpness of steel† (3).   Clarissa, through her sensory perception of the world around her, feels the danger of living even one day.Woolf’s embrace of the realistic and spiritual aspects of the world, asserted in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† are set up within this novel so that those views will be challenged.   Through the character of Clarissa, struggling through one day in time, Woolf compels the reader to consider the possibilities beyond the material world.   This narrative technique moves the action forward, and simultaneously delves into the life and inner workings of Clarissa, baring her soul to the reader and opening up the possibilities and realities of the spiritual world.Woolf also employs imagery that similarly challenges the reader to explore the possibilities of what lies beyond the material.   The imagery of death is quite prevalent in the text, and these images are mainly viewed through Clarissa, as she makes sense of her life.   Critic Jacob Littleton, in his article, â€Å"Portrait of the Artist as Middle-Aged Woman,† asserts that b ecause Clarissa possesses a â€Å"heightened view of existence,† she always possesses a â€Å"preternaturally vivid awareness and fear of the termination of the existence she loves so much† (38).Clarissa’s â€Å"fear of termination† resonates most clearly in her isolated attic bedroom.   The image of her bedroom symbolizes loneliness and death, and serves as a place where Clarissa frequently contemplates these subjects.   Her bed, â€Å"no longer the marriage bed symbolizing fertility, is symbolized by her fertile mind as shrinking into her world in a way that other outlooks available to her do not† (40).   She has no one but herself in which to rely, and this is evidenced through her continual fascination with the concept of death and the end of existence.Clarissa’s transcendental theory, which she uses as a reference to inform herself of the realities of the spiritual realm, causes her to surmise that â€Å"since our apparitions, th e part of us which appears, are so momentarily compared with the other, the unseen part of us, which spreads wide, the unseen might survive, be recovered somehow attached to this person or that, or even haunting certain places after death†¦perhaps—perhaps† (79). The image of the spiritual transcending death through means of apparitions is another powerful image within the text, and interlocks with the image of death and presents itself simultaneously.In the case of Septimus, Clarissa is able to feel a connection with him after he has died that seems to transcend death.   She assimilates herself with him after he took his life.   She knows that â€Å"she felt glad that he had done it; thrown it away†¦He made her feel beauty; made her feel the fun.   But she must go back.   She must assemble† (185).   Mrs. Dalloway sees herself in Septimus, even though she has never encountered him face-to-face; she sees something in Septimus that she desires fo r herself.Woolf, through Clarissa’s transcendental theory and interactions with the image of Septimus, uses Clarissa’s experience to assert her own views on the spiritual aspect of reality.   There is something far above the material that causes Clarissa to feel this affinity with Septimus.   There is something beyond herself that calls her to him, thus causing her to desire his fate for her own.   The power of the imagery of death and the ability to transcend it is fully realized in the doubling of Clarissa and Septimus.Lastly, Woolf uses themes that connect reality with the spiritual realm in an attempt to further her thesis in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† for fiction to be modern and worth reading, it must explore that which is above the material world.   Woolf’s main concern in the novel seems to be the inner workings of Mrs. Dalloway, her thought processes, and how she engages with the world surrounding her.   Woolf juxtaposes Clarissa’s i nternal self with her external world, thus setting up one of the most prevalent, resonant themes within the text, and it is â€Å"against this system that Woolf places a world of private significance whose meaning is wholly irreducible to facts of the external world† (37).This struggle between the internal and external surrounds not only Clarissa, but her double, Septimus, and thus permeates the novel.   Personality, according to Ellen Bayuk Rosenmann, in her article, â€Å"The Invisible Presence,† seems to be a â€Å"private fact,† which is far â€Å"alienated from public and political culture† (77).   Society at large is able to neither appreciate nor understand the inner workings of the soul, and thus stands at a distance.Woolf asserts in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that â€Å"Whether we call it life or spirit, truth or reality, this, the essential thing, has moved off, or on, and refuses to be contained any longer is such ill-fitting vestments as we provide† (3).   In essence, the separation between the internal (soul) and the external (material world) is not navigable.   Mrs. Dalloway is forced to break down the material barriers that bar her from knowing herself, and delve into the depths of her soul to find the spiritual, the truth.Another fascinating theme within the text is the intriguing concept of human interaction.   Characters within the novel are being continually merged together through their experiences and through their own imaginations and memories as well (Littleton 39).   One of the most interesting examples of this is the relationship between Mrs. Dalloway and Septimus.   Clarissa never visually sees Septimus, yet he is the most significant part of her day.   Clearly, Woolf is merging the two characters together, yet she blurs the lines a bit, thus furthering her assertions in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that â€Å"life is not a series of gig lamps symmetrically arranged; life is a lu minous halo, a semi-transparent envelope surrounding us from the beginning of consciousness to the end† (4).Septimus is a part of Clarissa’s consciousness, even though she does not realize it.   His life has a large impact of Clarissa, and he is the sole character that compels her to remain true to her soul. Critic J. Hillis Miller, in his article, â€Å"Repetition as Raising the Dead,† explains that â€Å"no man or woman is limited to him or herself, but each is joined to the others†¦diffused like a mist among all the people and places he or she has encountered† (173).   The characters are connected on various levels, and Woolf shows this connection quite acutely through the lens of Lady Bruton as she muses about the way in which Hugh and Richard remain with her after they leave, â€Å"as if one’s friends were attached to one’s body, after lunching with them, by a thin thread, which†¦became hazy with the sound of bells, striki ng the hour† (112).This statement furthers Woolf’s ideal that there is an inherent spiritual connection within human beings, a â€Å"thin thread† which connects humanity.   The interaction between the characters is remarkable, as Woolf continues to assert that there is a spiritual connection between human beings that surpasses any material, physical connection (8).Through means of narrative technique, fascinating imagery, and compelling themes, Woolf continues to assert her thesis in â€Å"Modern Fiction,† that fiction must be concerned with the reality of life, its inherent truth and spirituality.   If fiction is only willing to explore the material, it will do a disservice to humanity, for there is a world beyond the material that begs to be explored.   In Mrs. Dalloway, Woolf explore this other world, and brings to light fascinating possibilities that lie far beyond that realms of the material.Works CitedLittleton, Jacob. â€Å"Mrs. Dalloway: Por trait of the Artist as a Middle-Aged Woman.† Twentieth Century Literature. Hempstead: Spring 1995. 41:1, 36-48.Miller, J. Hillis. â€Å"Repetition as Raising the Dead.† Virginia Woolf. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea, 1986.Rosenmann, Ellen Bayuk. â€Å"The Invisible Presence: Virginia Woolf and the Mother Daughter Relationship.† Baton Rouge: Louisiana State UP, 1986.Woolf, Virginia. Mrs. Dalloway. New York: Harcourt, 1925.Woolf, Virginia. The Common Reader. 1st edition. 1925.

Information mangment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Information mangment - Essay Example According to Nonaka, Krogh and Voelpel (2006), â€Å"organizational knowledge creation is the process of making available and amplifying knowledge created by individuals as well as crystallizing and connecting it with an organization’s knowledge system.† Studies have shown that creation of knowledge, retention as well as managing it is very important for the survival of the organization during the contemporary period as we move towards a digital economy (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). One way of generating knowledge in an organization is achieved through the use of learning. Learning in an organisation is particularly concerned with creating, acquiring and transforming knowledge and transforming this knowledge to improve the overall performance of the employees and the organization as a whole (Andriopoulos & Dawson 2009). Knowledge may be explicit and/or tacit, individual and/or collective. Basically, explicit knowledge refers to details of processes that have been codified an d it often acts as a manual to deal with certain queries or problems in the organization while tacit knowledge is knowledge of experience (Polanyi, 1983). In as far as tacit knowledge is concerned so the person concerned uses his or her experience to deal with a certain problem. As noted above, knowledge is a business asset given that much of organizations’ value mainly depends on their capacity to create and generate knowledge which can be used to transform the operations of the organization during changing period. It is important for an organization to create knowledge and transfer it to other employees since this can help the whole organization. As illustrated in the model of knowledge creation and diffusion illustrated above, it can be seen that there are various techniques that can be used to transfer knowledge from one person to the other in the organization. According to Nonaka & Takeuchi (1995), knowledge can be transferred through the following strategies in the comp any: tacit to tacit through socialization, tacit to explicit through a process of externalization, explicit to tacit through a process of internalization as well as explicit to explicit through a process of combination. Tacit knowledge can be transferred to tacit knowledge through the process of socialization. Basically, socialization is a process that loosely describes the way people in an organization are socialised or interact. Through interaction among employees in an organization, knowledge can be transferred from one person to the other. In this case, it is individual to individual where an experienced employee can impart his or her ideas and experience to the other employee who also can capitalise on this wealth of knowledge in his or her operations. Explicit to tacit knowledge can also be transferred through a process of internalization in the organization. Internal structures in the organization are created and these are meant to transform knowledge that is codified into ac tual experience that can help the employees to deal with different situations they may encounter in their operations. This process involves transfer of knowledge from the individual, group as well as organization. This helps to improve the overall performance of the employees as well as the organization a whole. The other strategy is tacit to explicit

Cuba Crisis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cuba Crisis - Essay Example John F. Kennedy constituted his high ranking team of advisers commonly known as the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (ExComm). The committee met on several occasions and deliberated on certain measures that were to be taken to end the confrontatio0n over the Cuban missile. The ExComm came up with several options on how to deal with the crisis that was at hand. The first option that they deliberated on was invading Cuba. Secondly they considered ordering an air strike on Cuba which was aimed at destroying the missile sites that were staged in Cuba by the Soviet Union.   The third option they considered was imposing blockade around Cuba in order to counter the undelivered missiles. This was to tighten the blockade and or resulting to air strikes or invasion. The fourth option was to present a sort of ultimatum the president of the Soviet Union Nikita Khrushchev. This was on condition that if the missiles were not removed a military action was to be taken. The fift h and the last option that the ExComm considered was to make a trade offer in that the US were to withdraw their missiles from the republic of Turkey and in exchange the Soviet Union were to withdraw and remove their missiles from Cuba.Option one and two which were on invasion and air strike attacks were aborted on the fear of the retaliation by the Soviet Union. Theodore Sorensen, a member of the ExComm and who was also the presidential speech writer thought that the Soviets would retaliate by knocking on their missiles in Turkey.  

Applying Constructivism and Objectivism Learning Theories in the Essay

Applying Constructivism and Objectivism Learning Theories in the Design of Educational Package Software - Essay Example This essay stresses that a student with no knowledge and background of computers may find the program useless as he does not have even the basic skills. Hence for that situation introductory sessions would be required to make students acquainted with the basic computers skills. The assessment process should be such that it adds on the experience of the learners and helps them in self analysis and improvement. This paper makes a conclusion that technology on one hand has provided an effective means to learn and develop one’s skills. It requires proper introduction and facilitator, who can support the computer, based learning process. Objectivism and constructivism each has its own strengths and weaknesses and are mutually different from each other even in basic approach. Objectivism on one hand emphasizes on the realities existing in the society and focuses on the providing the same to the individuals to develop social reality and knowledge which is existing outside of learners mind. On the other hand constructivist believe that the knowledge and reality is constructed by the learners experience and do not exist outside the mind of learners. These are totally contrast approaches. But each of this approach can be useful in particular situation and conditions based on the learners learning needs. Each of the theory can be included for developing software educational program. The devel opers need to first know their target audience, their background educational requirements and objectives of the software educational program on the basis of which they can decide which

Discussion 14 702 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Discussion 14 702 - Assignment Example This leads to inefficiency and ineffectiveness and identifies significance of the program in facilitating development and application of contemporary nursing knowledge. The program has also informed me of the contemporary knowledge (Sieloff & Frey, 2007) and its diversity and applicability (Fawcett & DeSanto-Madeya, 2012). I am therefore prepared to assume an active role in development and use of contemporary nursing knowledge and in advocacy for mass transition to reliance on the knowledge for practice. I envision myself as a leader and an advocate of evidence based practice, and I shall pursue the vision through a number of strategies. I shall conduct and publish empirical based studies on effectiveness of evidence-based study in solving healthcare issues and use the results to advocate for the practice. I shall also rely on evidence-based practice in my clinical practice and seek diligence with the aim of demonstrating advantages of the practice. In addition, I shall motivate individuals, teams, and the entire organization through setting examples and through empowering nurses into evidence based practice. I shall rely on my organization’s top management to develop policies for application of evidence-based practice and to avail resources for the same. Resistance is expected at different levels of the organization due to financial implications and required change but I plan to use situational leadership style, with focus on charismatic and transformational styles, in ensur ing change towards use of evidence based practice (Kelly & Tazbir,

Apple Company Domestic and International Market Research Paper - 1

Apple Company Domestic and International Market - Research Paper Example Understanding the domestic market is a necessary requirement to determine economic performance and forecast on future objectives. Apple has initiated innovative strategies that ensure they stay relevant in the market, even with the high price of their products (Davies, 2007). However, the European market has reported slow growth because of competition from the android, Microsoft and windows phones. Asia and other emerging markets such as Africa provide a fertile ground for Apple’s expansion. Cook maintains that segmentation to Asian countries has been beneficial, and it has been able to claim a considerable share of the market. The international market involves multifarious factors such as cultural adaptation, political interference, and consumer trends in the region. Apple has a considerably large market in Europe and Asia that presents diverse consumers of its products. Planning and strategizing is necessary to capture such complex markets, especially with the current competition and globalization concerns (Davies, 2007). HP and Dell are two large competitors in the international technology market that concern Apple. While China provides Apple’s largest international market, Europe provides a considerably large market for their products. However, it has declining sales in the international market (Asia and Europe) that is worrying. Apple plans to retain most of large financing outflows in the domestic market. Capital expenditures, share purchases, and dividends characterize the outflows. Its international target market largely hinges on a well-off market, and Asia presents a large market for this objective as the nation continues to build on its richness. The company has no intentions to reduce the price of its commodities or manufacture inferior products to widen its international market. The iPhone, despite its high price, remains to be a considerable selling point for the Apple products. It perceptibly will dominate the international Asian market, just

Select and critically appraise a policy document that is relevant to Essay

Select and critically appraise a policy document that is relevant to your area of practice. Critically analyse the evidence bas - Essay Example The Trust also guarantees that slips and trips and falls experienced by staff visitors as well as contractors are reported and then managed by the Trust. The National Health Services white paper has established plans in order to secure savings from their delivery of health services, allowing these savings to be reinvested in the primary care services of the agency. The Department of Health (2012) has declared that the health care system in general is being challenged to improve the quality of their health services while still trying to reduce its cost and financial impact. As such, savings can be secured by changing the practice and the NHS system. Possible savings which nurses can provide to overall services represent millions of pounds a year (Gainsbury, 2009). Such potential must therefore be explored and expanded. Through the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, there are several high impact actions which come from data suggested by nurses and midwives in the UK. Falls p revention is one of these HIAs which seem to call for new processes in management (Power, 2009). The nursing profession is one which has, from the very start been focused on securing quality care for the patients (Fabre, 2009). I am a nurse working fulltime and in the unit where I am assigned to, fall risks are one of the problems identified, and its prevention seems to merit more improvements in the current existing policies on slips, trips, and falls. Slips, trips, and falls prevention and management managed to provide an updated standard in the management and prevention of falls. The policy impacts on all in-patient admissions as well as staff members. As discussed by Andersson, et.al., 2006 there have been identified issues in the planning and implementation of the policy. Andreoli, et.al., (2010) points out that the implementation of policies seem to be removed from reality, especially as many policy-makers and recipients often do not understand or appreciate the processes whic h are needed in order to make the policy work. Kubler (2001) highlights that fact that the passage of legislation of policy is not necessarily associated with the achievement and accomplishment of policy goals and objectives. In the hospital where I work, the top-down policy implementation process is being implemented. This has allowed for the implementation of the policy from the management level down to the employee level. Based on the data gathered by the NHS, the issue of slips and falls is a significant one and the NHS has understood the importance of prioritizing falls prevention and management (Laurance, 2012). Based on a review of the present data on slips, trips and falls, specific changes were made on its implementation (Laurance, 2012). The goal of preventing and managing falls and its risks is to improve the safety of patients and health professionals who are exposed to risks of falling (NHS, 2010). The policy is mostly related to the assessment of data, the implementati on of preventive measures, as well as the implementation of multi-disciplinary working. It also secures guidelines for the staff, giving standards which seek to manage the unit’s prevention strategy, to reduce inpatient falls, and consequently decrease

International bussiness performance appraisal Essay

International bussiness performance appraisal - Essay Example The elements of benchmarking notably considered are time, quality and cost (Schiffauerova and Thomson, 2006, pg. 650). Benchmarking involves a methodology whereby the management of a firm identifies the leading companies in the industry then compares and contrasts their processes with those of their own. Benchmarking employs several methods, but all of them are geared to enabling the company achieve a competitive advantage over its rivals. In evaluating how benchmarking can be used in measuring the performance of the organisation, there are three key aspects and issues that relate to benchmarking. This includes why organisations should engage in benchmarking, the scope and limitations of benchmarking and the possible solutions. In tackling these key aspects, a business will know whether to use benchmarking and how to use it best (Goetsch and Davis, 2014, pg. 9). Benchmarking as an appraisal mechanism offers various advantages to the firm executing the approach. One of the key benefits that accrue to a firm when benchmarking is the performance improvement. Benchmarking sets the basis of performance development intended for facilitating competitiveness. In the quest for finding ways to outperform competitors, benchmarking ensures the fundamental survival of any business. Moreover, Camp (2003, pg. 29) suggests that benchmarking identifies best practices in the industry then establishes what comprises better-quality performance. The process of also benchmarking enumerates the gap between the actual performance and the anticipated performance thereby instituting real objective facts about the business. Consequently, this provides the business entity with what improvement entails and the rationale to improve (Dragolea and Cotirlea, 2009, pg. 820). Benchmarking also helps organisations to focus on transformation and presents the direction for the transformation process. Organisational

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Management - Essay Example Though stress has a direct impact on the individuals concerned, it will also indirectly affect the organizational functions as a whole. This paper will explore the various factors that normally cause workplace stress, and the effects of job stress on individuals as well as on organization. It will also discuss some mostly accepted stress management strategies which can be implemented in organizational settings as well as in personal environment. Factors causing workplace stress According to Centers and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC – NIOSH) findings (n.d.), heavy workload is one of the key reasons for the stress in the workplace. Long working hours and shift work may impose heavy workload on the workers which may have several impacts on the physical as well as mental health of the workers. The rapid changes in the nature and the schedule of work have well influenced the life of workers. It has been scientifically proven that an individual can fully concentrate on a work only for a limited time. So the schedule of long working hours and shift work may reduce the efficiency of the work being performed. Hectic routine tasks may make the workers mechanical and monotonous (CDC – NIOSH). ... The management should emphasize on the implementation of family-friendly policies which would make the working atmosphere gracious and sociable (CDC – NIOSH). Man is a social animal and it’s very necessary to maintain a social environment at the workplace. Nowadays the attitude and outlook of the people have changed. The unbearable and heavy responsibilities persuade individuals to concentrate on their work and betterment rather being social and interactive. The obsession to succeed within short span of time prevents employees from creating a better social environment and from the coworkers being supportive to each other (CDC – NIOSH). The work becomes stressful as individuals lack support, advice, and encouragement from the coworkers and supervisors. The lack of guidance from supervisors compels workers to develop their own ideas and practices which may not be apt to the situations. The lack of cooperation and support among workers makes the working atmosphere u nhealthy and stressful. The exceeding aspirations to meet the demanding needs and to attain good social status have great impact on workers’ behavior (CDC – NIOSH). Profit driven companies tend to retain only the individuals with outstanding abilities. The intension to improve the social status as well as professional skills forces workers to limit leisure. Mounting responsibilities and great expectations make them concentrate on work and stick bound to the working atmosphere. This work-oriented mind without enough relaxation affects one’s physical as well as mental conditions. According to Centers and Disease Control and Prevention, the higher career concerns are also key factors for job stress. An

Data Warehouse Case Study Essay Example for Free

Data Warehouse Case Study Essay History of the CDR When the project began in 1995–96, the CDR, initially referred to as the â€Å"clinical research database,† was intended to support and enhance clinical research at the University of Virginia by providing clinicians, students, and researchers with direct, rapid access to retrospective clinical and administrative patient data. Re? ecting this intent, the system was funded by the School of Medicine and housed in the Academic Computing Health Sciences group, which is distinct from the medical center’s IT group. With considerable assistance and cooperation from data owners and stewards, legacy data from several different sources were loaded into a single relational database and periodically updated. Authorized users accessed the CDR through a standard Web browser and viewed or downloaded data to their personal computers for further analysis. Initially, emphasis was placed on getting the CDR running as quickly as possible and with a minimum of resources; consequently, extensive transformation of data to an enterprise data model was not performed. The CDR project team consists of 2. 5–3. 0 FTEs (full-time equivalents)— one developer, one developer-database administrator, and portions of analyst, clinician, and administrative FTEs. To date, the costs of developing and operating the CDR have been approximately $200,000 per year, underwritten by the School of Medicine. Over the course of the project, there have been signi? cant enhancements to the user interface, incorporation of additional data sources, and the development of an integrated data model. There has also been increasing interest in using the CDR to serve a broader audience than researchers and to support management and administrative functions—â€Å"to meet the challenge of providing a way for anyone with a need to know—at every level of the organization—access to accurate and timely data necessary to support effective decision making, clinical research, and process improvement. In the area of education, the CDR has become a core teaching resource for the Department of Health Evaluation Science’s master’s program and for the School of Nursing. Students use the CDR to understand and master informatics issues such as data capture, vocabularies, and coding, as well as to perform Case Study: A Data Warehouse for an Academic Medical Center 167 exploratory analyses of healthcare questions. Starting in Spring 2001, the CDR will also be introduced into the university’s undergraduate medical curriculum. System Description Following is a brief overview of the CDR application as it exists at the University of Virginia. System Architecture. The CDR is a relational data warehouse that resides on a Dell PowerEdge 1300 (Dual Intel 400MHz processors, 512MB RAM) running the Linux operating system and Sybase 11. 9. 1 relational database management system. For storage, the system uses a Dell Powervault 201S 236GB RAID Disk Array. As of October 2000, the database contained 23GB of information about 5. 4 million patient visits (16GB visit data, 7GB laboratory results). Data loading into Sybase is achieved using custom Practical Extraction and Report Language (Perl) programs. CDR Contents. The CDR currently draws data from four independent systems (see Table 1). In addition, a number of derived values (for example, number of days to next inpatient visit, number of times a diagnostic code is used in various settings) are computed to provide summary information for selected data elements. Data from each of these source systems are integrated into the CDR’s data model. In addition to the current contents listed in Table 1, users and the CDR project team have identi? ed additional data elements that might be incorporated Table 1. Contents of the CDR Type of Data Inpatient, outpatient visits Source of Data Shared Medical Systems Description Patient registration and demographic data, diagnoses, procedures, unit and census information, billing transactions, including medications, costs, charges, reimbursement, insurance information Physician billing transactions from inpatient and outpatient visits, diagnoses, and procedures Laboratory test results Available Dates Jul 1993–Jun 2000 Professional billing Laboratory results Cardiac surgery IDX billing system HL-7 messages from SunQuest Lab System Cardiac surgery outcomes data (de? ned by Society of Thoracic Surgeons Oct 1992–Jun 2000 Jan 1996–Jun 2000 Clinical details for thoracic surgery cases Jul 1993–Jun 2000 168 Einbinder, Scully, Pates, Schubart, Reynolds into the CDR, including microbiology results, discharge summaries (and other narrative data), outpatient prescribing information, order entry details, and tumor registry information. As of October 2000, we have just ? nished incorporating death registry data from the Virginia Department of Health into the CDR. These data will provide our users with direct access to more comprehensive mortality outcomes data than are contained in local information systems, which generally are restricted to an in-hospital death indicator. User Interface. The user interface runs in a standard Web browser and consists of a data dictionary, a collection of common gateway interface (CGI) programs implemented using the â€Å"C† programming language, and JavaScriptenabled HTML pages. Structured query language (SQL) statements are generated automatically in response to point-and-click actions by the user, enabling submission of ad hoc queries without prior knowledge of SQL. The SQL queries are sent to the CGI programs that query the database and return results in dynamically created HTML pages. The entire process is controlled by the contents of the data dictionary, which is used to format SQL results, set up HTML links for data drill-down, and provide on-line help. Data may be downloaded immediately into Microsoft Excel or another analysis tool on the user’s workstation. Query Formulation. Most CDR users use the Guided Query function to retrieve data. This process involves three steps: 1. De? ne a population of interest by setting conditions, for example, date ranges, diagnostic codes, physician identi? ers, service locations, and lab test codes or values. 2. Submit the query, specifying how much data the CDR should return (all matching data or a speci? ed number of rows). 3. After the CDR returns the population of interest, use the Report Menu to explore various attributes of the population on a case-by-case or group level. Custom reports can also be de? ned, and the results of any report can be downloaded into Microsoft Excel, Access, or other analysis tool. Generally, the query process requires several iterations to modify the population conditions or report options. In addition, â€Å"browsing† the data may help the user generate ideas for additional queries. We believe that it is helpful for end users to go through this query process themselves—to directly engage the data. However, many users, especially those with a pressing need for data for a meeting, report, or grant, prefer to use CDR team members as intermediaries or analysts. To date, we have attempted to meet this preference, but as query volume increases, our ability to provide data in a timely manner may fall off. Security. A steering committee of clinicians guided the initial development of the CDR and established policies for its utilization and access. Only authorized users may log onto the CDR. To protect con? dentiality, all patient and physician identifying information has been partitioned into a â€Å"secure† Case Study: A Data Warehouse for an Academic Medical Center 169 database. Translation from or to disguised identi? ers to or from actual identi? ers is possible but requires a written request and appropriate approval (for example, from a supervisor or the human investigations committee). All data transmitted from the database server to the user’s browser are encrypted using the secure Netscape Web server, and all accesses to the database are logged. In addition, CDR access is restricted to personal computers that are part of the â€Å"Virginia. edu† domain or that are authenticated by the university’s proxy server. Evaluation Understanding user needs is the basis for improving the CDR to enable users to retrieve the data independently and to increase usage of the CDR at our institution. Thus, assessing the value of the CDR—how well we meet our users’ needs and how we might increase our user base—has been an important activity that has helped guide planning for changes and enhancements and for allocation of our limited resources. Efforts to evaluate the CDR have included several approaches: †¢ Monitoring user population and usage patterns †¢ Administering a CDR user survey †¢ Tracking queries submitted to the CDR and performing follow-up telephone interviews Usage Statistics. Voluntary usage of an IS resource is an important measure of its value and of user satisfaction. 5 However, usage of a data warehouse is likely to be quite different than for other types of information resources, such as clinical information systems. A clinical system is likely to be used many times per day; a data warehouse may be used sporadically. Thus, although we monitor system usage as a measure of the CDR’s value, we believe that frequency of usage cannot be viewed in isolation in assessing the success of a data warehouse. Since the CDR went â€Å"live,† more than 300 individuals have requested and obtained logon IDs. As of September 30, 2000, 213 individuals had logged on and submitted at least one query. This number does not include usage by CDR project team members and does not re? ect analyses performed by team members for end users. Figure 1 shows the cumulative number of active users (those who submitted a query) and demonstrates a linear growth pattern.

Social Media In Education English Language Essay

Social Media In Education English Language Essay In todays technological environment, it is important that teachers try their best to make use of this innovative technology. As explained by Thaker, this technology can be used to facilitate communication between the students and the teachers. However, this new form of communication can also help parents in getting involved in the learning of their children. One way of enhancing this communication is through the use of social media (Bienstock, 2012) (Thaker, 2011). There are a number of social networking sites that can be used. Facebook  [1]  , Twitter  [2]  , Edmodo  [3]  , LinkedIn  [4]  , Twiducate  [5]  , Classroom 2.0  [6]  and Google+  [7]  are just few of the existent social media that one can make use of in education. These media are being constantly used by almost everyone on everyday basis. The results obtained from Pingdom (2012) on the demographics of 24 different social media sites show that these media are being used by different persons in different age groups. In fact, the study shows that even teenagers are making use of such media (Pingdom, 2012). However, one might argue, should we use such media in education, even though we know of the problems and issues related to such media? However others might reason that we cannot just eliminate the use of such a valuable and easily accessible resource. Bienstock (2012) makes reference to the New York Times article in which Ms. Pust states I think that we would do more good keeping kids safe by teaching them how to use these tools and navigate this online world rather than locking it down and pretending that it is not in our realm. (Preston, 2011 in Bienstock, 2012) In the following sections, we will discuss the advantages that social media offers in the area of education. However, we are also going to point out the problems that these media might present and how to cope and manage them. Social Media Benefits in Education Students (Parent Further, 2012) Develop communication skills students can gain social confidence from online interaction, which may help them feel more secure in new situations Increase skill in technology students become more familiar with new and emerging technologies, as well as increase their media literacy through exposure to many different types of online media Such technology is already common with students and this will surely engage them even more if it is utilized. Online communities can be very diverse and expose students to many new view points, ideas, and opinions Social media can also be a source to increase talent to work on group projects Students can develop an optimistic image of themselves by putting best qualities out there Enhanced Collaboration acquiring information can be accomplished by students alone. But a collaborative environment certainly helps students to work together in trying to achieve their aims. Teachers and Schools (Parent Further, 2012) Increased access to resources since learning materials can be shared Collaboration amongst teachers and exchanging of lesson plans and information Can reach parents who are incapable to come to school in a cheap and effective way Can form partnerships with schools in other states or countries Enhanced Flipping The teachers role is that of a tutor. The students access the coursework material outside the classroom, and then within the classroom the teacher helps the students with any problems. In this situation social media can be used to boost the relationship between the teacher and the student. Modernize Discussions through social media teacher can credit students for in-class participation. Communicate Between Classes Teachers can send out announcements, share ideas or pose questions to pupils, especially when classes are spaced several days apart. How well are schools using social media? (Harrison, 2012) Successes Challenges Making safe communities some sites allow teachers to control online environments thus reducing dangers associated with social media Lack of knowledge a schools social media account should be managed by someone who understands social media Encouraging collaboration students can critique and comment on each others assignments. They can easily work in teams online and asking teachers questions or starting a discussion is easy Lack of features lack of engagement for students can make them feel as if the school doesnt care. Features should include one-on-one connection Invitation to produce content social media can invite students and schools to produce content for both enrolled and prospective students. This can show the schools personality More than a presence a social media profile requires daily maintenance and interaction with students The NCF (Ministry of Education, Employment and Family 2011) argues that literacy, numeracy and digital literacy are the foundations for further learning. (Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family, 2011). Our students are digital natives whether we like it or not. For us as teachers we have to accept this and exploit it to deliver the subject content to our students. Students and Social Media Our students are continuously communicating through social media, in Malta the most popular one being Facebook. Can we stop this? No we can not as out students are equipped with laptops, tablets, iPads, smartphones all providing easier access to social networks. Introducing social media in education is not an easy step, as mentioned before students are continuously using it with most of them ignoring the possible consequences. When the topic is approached only on a theoretical level students think that it will never happen to them, for them there is nothing wrong uploading any kind of photos to appear cool with their friends. They can not perceive that once a photo is available on the Internet is available to anybody even though they select the Only Friends option. Social Media Problems and How to Minimise Them? The only way to deal with this problem is through educational videos that illustrate various situations which teenagers found themselves in because they didnt know it could happen to them. A teacher can start by showing these two videos http://viewpure.com/nOUu1fldBbI and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK5OeGeudBMfeature=channel and discuss a set of questions with the students to elicit important points from both videos; the uploading of photos, anyone can watch your photos without you being aware of it. Students need to be educated towards social media. They have a tool in their hands, they think of knowing how to use it but most of them dont. Teachers and parents have to understand we cannot stop the social media hype. We as teachers have to educate about this tool. What can go wrong? Many students ask the questions: What can go wrong? These are some of the answers that we as educators need to provide: Cyberbullying (CEOP, 2007): This kind of bullying is different from the school bullying we are accustomed to. Our students are constantly using mobiles, the internet, so bullying can affect someone at home as well. Since cyberbullying takes place in the virtual world, it has a 24/7 effect and can make someone feel depressed or threatened in their own home. Students should be educated that this kind of bullying can be evidenced. With cyber bullying they can save text/emails/WebPages, print them and used as a proof to catch the bully. Sexting: Sexting occurs when someone takes an innapropriate photo of themselves, and sending it to their friends via a mobile phone, computer, tablet and so on. The problem is that students do not realise that once these images have been uploaded on the Internet they can end up anywhere.   They could be seen by friends and family, schoolmates who can make fun of them or worse in the hands of pedopheles. This also puts that person who originally sent the images in a vulnerable position (CEOP, 2007):, as somebody they may or may not know now has these images and could use technology to bully, harass or threaten students with these photos. Students have to be educated to think Do I want my schoolmates to see these photos, my family? Hacking: Students should always choose the Log Out option so their account can not be hacked. False Identity: It is very easy to lie on the Internet because there is not difrect face to face communication, hence people can lie about their age and appearance. Students have to be sure of whom they are confirming as a friend and moreover they have to be educated not to meet people they encountered over the Internet. Addiction: One has to be aware of the time and effort spent in establishing connections. It is very easy to become addicted, for some, these sites become one of the major concerns (CEOP, 2007). This can have adverse effects on a persons ability to work efficiently and affects ones health as well. Sometimes the best lesson to educate our students is not through theory but providing them with actual facts. For example this article http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2201064/Man-murders-girl-16-testify-raping-years-agolured-death-posing-teen-Facebook.html narrates the story of a girl killed by her rapist before she could testify against him. He posed as a teenage boy on Facebook and told Shania Gray (the victim) he had a crush on her and they agreed to meet. He took her to a secluded park and shot her (Pullman, 2012). Everyone has a Facebook account why shouldnt I? Our society, educators, parents cannot hide from the reality that social media are part of our culture. The future generation are approaching their lives differently as they integrate digital technologies- such as computers, the Internet, instant messaging, cell phones and e-mail throughout their daily activities. As educators we can propose the following simple but effective SMART Rules (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012): Keep your personal information like address, mobile number safe. Make students think this question If I meet a stranger on the street would I give him my mobile number? The same reasoning has to be applied to a stranger met on the Internet. Dont Meet Up. Social networks can be a place to encounter with new people. Students must always know who you are talking to. If an adult they do not know asks them to meet up, they have to be educated to say no. Accepting (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012): Educate students to think before they accept something from someone over the Internet as it might contain viruses with the sole purpose to steal information from someones computer used by a hacker to keep data on people perhaps engaged by paedophiles. If students do not know from whom it is and it has an attachment, they have to delete it. Reliable (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012): Not everyone online can be trusted. Older men tend to lie about their age and who they are to meet female adolescents. This is a point we as educators need to stress onto; students have to know who they are talking to. Tell (UK Safer Internet Centre, 2012): Students should not be afraid of talking if someone is harassing or stalking them over the Internet. They have to talk with their parents, or a guidance teacher or any other trusted adult if someone makes them worried or uncomfortable online. Moreover if a student knows about a friend who has these kinds of problems he/she has to tell someone. It is not betraying him/her friends trust, it is helping and in some cases saving his/her friend. The Issue of No Physical Interaction Social media is a medium that enables communication between people from all over the world through the use of technology. Such interaction can be done from the comfort of your own home and this can facilitate the process tremendously. Some may argue that social media may present a challenge since the students are unable to socialise properly. This may be due to the fact that the interaction between peers is not presented in a physical manner. On the other hand, social media allows people to meet in ways that otherwise would have not been possible. Social media not only allows easier communication but eliminates the issue of geographical barriers. It allows students to form and (Tomaszewski, 2012) (Connolly, 2011) (Williams, 2011)maintain friendships, that otherwise would have been difficult or impossible. Such friendships allow students to learn and interact with other cultures other than their own. It allows wider knowledge sharing from people all over the world. Such interaction would not have been possible or would have been difficult and more costly if it had to be done physically. Therefore, when used with properly and with caution, social media allows not only learning to occur, but also friendships and knowledge sharing to take place. Avoid these when using Social Media We do not want more rules but as any other important tool Social Media should be used responsibly. We are in the day and age, were Social Media is used all the time by everyone and this is the main reason why we should be careful of what we do. We should educate our students how to use Social Media sites responsibly. Stephanie Buck on Mashable gives us a few rules to follow, which if applied, help us appreciate the power of Social Media when used in the classroom. Post Illegal Activities (Buck, 2012) Although your profile may be set to private there are other ways and means how this content can become public and be view by anyone on the web. Once public, it will be impossible to remove that content from the internet. Trash Your Teachers (Buck, 2012) Bullying can also include interactions done on posts where teachers or school administration are mentioned. This can be a grave offence even if certain things may seem harmless to who posted them. Post Objectionable Content from School Computers or Networks (Buck, 2012) Do not use the school computers to post objectionable information. Some school networks can track this activity. Post Confidential Information (Buck, 2012) This is very important as already mentioned before everyone can see the information you post so be careful not to post any personal information where people can track you. Overly Specific Location Check-Ins (Buck, 2012) Do not use Social Media to say that you are home alone or in a remote location this will help even persons who are not willing to help to find you. Lie/Cheat/Plagiarize (Buck, 2012) If a lie is shared on Social Media it is most probably that everyone will get to know. There can also be investigations regarding cheating and plagiarism. Threaten Violence (Buck, 2012) When a threat is posted online even if anonymous, there will be investigations by the police and eventually will trace the offender. Ignore School-Specific Policies (Buck, 2012) Always abide by the policy of your school regarding Social Media. Unprofessional Public Profiles (Buck, 2012) Students should be thoughtful of what to post online. Certain content might not be acceptable for an employer, who in the near future might go through ones profile. Do not say or put anything on your profile which you do not want a future employer to see. Never Rely on Privacy Settings 100% (Buck, 2012)- Students should never rely on privacy settings over good judgment, (Buck, 2012) says social media specialist, Andrew Moravick in (Buck, 2012). Some Social Media networks have very good privacy settings but some are updated very often and not everyone can keep track. Post Emotionally (Buck, 2012) Do not post anything on Social Media when feeling emotional about something. Thing may seem very different when analyzing the same scenario when feeling calm. As we can see, these are very simple rules students and everyone using Social Media can follow. We just have to keep in mind that anything posted irresponsibly on Social Media networks can have very negative effects. Conclusion So far experts remind us that there are clear dos and donts for integrating social media in the classroom. Social technologies are here to stay and it is import to help students learn how to used social media. Guide students in how to think deliberately about their use and consider the outcomes of proper and improper use of social media. This goal can be appropriately reached when teacher have received appropriate training on the use of social media. Full backing and support of the school administration is mandatory to fulfill this objective. Turning social media into an educational tool can be used to further a students education and enrich it.

Competition in the global markets

Competition in the global markets Executive Summary This report provides a critical evaluation of the Innovative Strategies of the organizations, which they are adopting in order to compete in Global Environment. Starting with the definition, including innovation as part of an organisation, the report moves on to discuss key methods and applications which ekes the process of innovation in an organisation. Further, the report highlights the key managerial qualities and parameters like leadership and decision making systems of the organisation which support the successful process of innovation. The report also contains a brief analysis of British Airways investigating the innovative strategies practiced in the organization that determine the level of competition, and consequently, the level of profit in an industry. Introduction: The organizations worldwide face a number of challenges due to the increasing intensity of competition in the global markets. However what best they can do is to find out and research the new ways of step ahead of their competitors hence upon getting the much-needed knowledge, base their theories and strategies in a much more effective and efficient manner. The internal and external environment of the organisations has undergone rapid and extensive change in last three decades. This change adaptation or innovation has been a moot issue, as the researchers want to explore all the dimensions of the phenomenon. Innovation is the most exciting technique one must adapt in a business because it gives the chance to put all new skills to work. Exposure to innovation alters the way one looks at businesses. Innovative thinking involves a comprehensive analysis of a business in relation to its industry, its competitors, and the business environment in both the short- and the long-term. Ultimately, innovative strategy is a companys plan to achieve its goals (Kandampully, 2002; pp. 18-26) Innovative organization is defined by Baraà ±ano as â€Å"the integrated set of managerial and organisational elements which work together to create and reinforce the kind of milieu stimulating successful technological innovation.† (Baraà ±ano) Organisational innovation is the process of introducing substantial changes in the structure and processes of organization. Organisation plays an important role in the successful process of Innovation and its implementation, as explained by the OECD [O]ne key element of innovation is organisation. †¦ Organisation is essentially a process for the gathering, management and use of information, and for the implementation of decisions based on such information. Such processes have a strong intangible dimension, but taken together they make up the learning capacity of the firm and as such are a central element in innovation capability. These are specific institutional rules of the game which regulate possible modes of organisation on a broad level. (OECD, 1997: 43) In order to undertake successful innovation process it is important to keep the organistaion in tact with the change process. The culture and business values of the organization should also be changed. It is important because in many organizations the technological innovations could not fulfill the expectations of the management because the organizational practices failed to eke the successful adaptation of change. An innovative organization must have a clear mission and predetermined performance objectives in order to save the employees from pursuing their own ends and justifying their actions by claiming of being innovative. In order to undertake the process of innovation in controlled and effective way it is important for each and every member of the organisation to have clear understanding of organisational goals. The employees can be included in the process by providing them with the independence to create and implement different techniques to achieve organisational goals. To make the most of the innovation process it is essential that the organisation must provide an explicit statement of goals. The mission statement of an organisation provides the broader perspective of what the organisation is aiming to achieve in future on the other hand the operational goals define the ways the organisation will undertake to achieve these objectives. The operational goals set performance targets in shape of time for the organisation which can also be used as the performance evaluation technique for the organisation. Mission and goals of an organisation sets the direction of innovation. Innovation in isolation has no value. Its the success of innovation in achieving he organisational goals which makes it valuable. In the same context the success of innovative organisations can only be judged by the evaluation of the success of innovation in achieving the organisational goals. Creating an innovative organization requires a clear understanding of mission and goals so that individual innovations can be examined to see whether and how much they actually contribute to achieving the organizations purposes. Innovative organizations are not trying to be innovative. Rather, they are trying to achieve purposes. Successful innovations involves a number a people rather than relying on an individual. It is impossible for an individual to convert an innovative idea into a functioning innovation without the support of all the people from all the organisational hierarchies. The participation from all levels of organisation makes the innovation possible by fitting the initial idea into the operational realities and organizational environment. As mentioned by Tidd et al. (1997) that No single element in isolation is likely to be effective, and no single tool or technique however fashionable, will create and sustain an innovative environment. (Tidd et al., 1997: 332) He basic unit Hence it can be said that innovation is a team effort and it should be regarded as a basic unit of performance for most organizations (Katzenbach and Smith , 1993; 27). Teams of mechanics, not individual mechanics, repair and maintain airplanes and sanitation trucks. Teams of social workers, not individual social workers, find jobs for welfare recipients. Teams of people, not individual employees, actually produce the organizations results. Among the findings of the innovators advantage are several that highlight the ways innovative companies differ from less-innovative companies in dealing with their customers. In creation of compatibility towards the difficult economy innovative companies have managed it by the by rethinking process. In reaction to the economic and market conditions in the past years, Fifty Four percent of very innovative companies, compared with just 29 percent of non-innovative or less innovative companies, have significantly re-evaluated and altered their marketing and sales strategies. Innovative organizations depend, by definition, upon the ideas of everyone from chief executive to frontline worker. Yet if the frontline workers believe that the differences in hierarchical status reflect not only differences in responsibilities but also differences in how their ideas are judged, they will keep these ideas to themselves. No one wants to be told that an idea is silly or to have an idea ignored. So rather than risk embarrassment, frontline workers will simply keep their mouths shut. If the leaders of an organization silence their frontline workers mouths, they also turn off these workers minds. The Organisations has an informal hierarchy. The operational issue is how much these hierarchies affect the behavior of the individuals, particularly those on the lower rungs in the organization. Does the hierarchy intimidate people from offering suggestions? Does it prevent people from recommending solutions? If a team is to work together to solve a problem, everyone must feel free to contribute; every member of the team must feel that his or her contribution will be valued. The members of the team also need a shared sense of accountability (Katzenbach and Smith 1993, 32). They will never feel that they are sharing accountability if they perceive major differences in status. To be innovative is to take responsibility for improving performance. Hierarchical organizations create not only differentials in status but also differentials in responsibility. To create an innovative organization requires making these hierarchical differences as unimportant as possible (Lawler 1988). Innovative companies are more eager to use technology to help in improving their customer relationship management. There is 3:1 ratio between the very innovative companies and non-innovative companies who have implemented a customer relationship management system (54 percent versus 15 percent), and the more innovative companies have also used the facilities of sales system which is more than twice as likely as non-innovative companies. These systems are very valuable to the innovative companies as they undoubtedly got the true benefits by its use. Procurement becomes even more complicated for a global leader like British Airways (BA) with 337 aircraft in service and operations in 165 cities in 96 different countries. BAs procurement process had become increasingly complex with global expenditures of approximately US$6.5 billion going to more than 30,000 suppliers globally. BA thought that it might be possible to better control this complex process, reduce costs and achieve greater efficiency in their purchasing processes. BA also recognized that eCommerce and electronic procurement (eProcurement) could offer the company significant benefits. BA turned to Accenture to evaluate the situation and help them improve their processes and leverage eProcurement opportunities. Accenture and BA initially identified a potential purchase cost reduction of approximately US$260 million or 5% of their annual expenditures that could be realized through the smarter procurement of goods and services across the BA network within two years. Customer relationship management innovations have greatly improved business performance. The following illustrates how the use of technology in customer relationship management can result in improvising business performance. Accenture has identified three major techniques in the customer relationship management are that many leading organizations are using in improvising their financial performance, produce competitive benefits, and increase the demand for their products and services vigorously. As the customers grow in number, their demands are also a never ending fiasco. In this regard every company should understand the customer behaviour very well. Their likings, behaviour, buying capacity, preferred delivery channels, all this should be recorded and each customer should be treated accordingly. This all has become possible with the support of Information Technology as it has become simple to accumulate the data containing these insights, but unfortunately the data has never been used to its full potential. In fact even today many organizations are lacking the integrated view of their customers. In most of the companies, all the customers are not created equally, some are more profit generating than others and some may cause losses to the company. Leading companies are emphasizing on aligning the sales and service resources according to customers statistical data that how much contribution he has provided to the company in the essence of value and profit. Many of the marketing executives have clearly understood that todays customers have a great recognition to varieties and have more challenging behaviour than ever before. Still today many marketing departments are following old practices of to approach and convince their targeted public. In fact, the major typical marketing companies are still lacking the advantages of technology changes that are enhancing other business tasks, such as production, sales, supply chain, inventory, accounts, education, human resource etc (Alison David, 2005). The use of Technology in planning is imperative as it is a strategic tool and has to be powerfully incorporated with the overall business plan. There are various key business challenges faced by the company such as increase in production, reduce costing, enhance business opportunities, regularizing the processes, streamlining collaboration between workers and wherever required, a technology or Internet-based solution these challenges should be provided (Linda Hughes). Furthermore, if a company has an ideal technology plan it will have a strong base for growth through the internet. This includes e-commerce, a new and modern way of doing business that will provide another innovative way of business activities such as sales, distribution and marketing (Butler, 1993). Thus the requirement of a technology plan is immense. In todays world where internet economy is booming, the internet economy is making technology planning a critical business tool. For all the obvious benefits of technology plans, few small and growing businesses have them. However, today numerous emerging business drivers are forcing companies of all sizes, in all industries, to prepare for integrating the Internet into nearly every aspect of their daily operations due to the growing competition, increasing cost pressures and collaboration of businesses with partners. Finding and keeping good employees is becoming a strategic advantage. In a tight labour market, a strong technology foundation provides tools for finding and keeping the best employees, a key competitive advantage. And, growing through technology can be more cost efficient than increasing staff. Increasing customer expectations is another factor as he wants to get all the facilities such as shopping, buying, banking, entertainment, news, sports etc., any time, day or night, on demand. The business should have a well equipped setup to accommodate this new standard for continuous accessibility and instant response. The improvement in productivity has been very effective and most economists attribute this largely to technological advances. Though to enable the employees to communicate and collaborate more efficiently and to streamline all the processes the technology must be deployed very intelligently. New business models are allowing the customers to take charge as they are able to decide what information they receive, when and where to travel, even how much to pay. Technology planning can position the business to leverage this development to develop lasting customer relationships. We may conclude that technology innovation and implementation is such an advantage and choosing an appropriate hardware and software that can impeccably insert users or sustain new technologies and further applications should be a major part of the companys long term planning. Innovative organization creation is a task of innovation itself which has been successfully undertaken by the management of British Airways Creating an innovative public agency is, itself, a task of innovation. Each innovative organization will be different. It will be pursuing different purposes. Or it will be pursuing them in a different organizational context, within a different political environment, or within different legal constraints. There is no recipe for replicating an innovation. Similarly, there is no recipe for replicating the innovative organizations mentioned here. Moreover, there may be many different ways to convert a moribund organization into an innovative one. There may well be another set of hints (that includes the hint about creating mission and goals) that may, in some contexts, prove equally effective. Leadership is not like physics. In physics, the acceleration of an object is always equal to the force on it divided by its mass. You cannot get different answers in physics; you always get precisely the same one. References Ahuja K. (2005) Strategic Management. Kalyani Publishers. Calcutta.Pp 425-775 Johnson, G, Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (2008), Exploring Corporate Strategy Enhanced media edition, Harlow: Prentice Hall Barr, Pamela S. (2000). When Firms Change Direction. Oxford University Press Baraà ±ano, Anna, M., (The Non-Technological Side Of Technological Innovation: State-Of-The-Art And Further Empirical Research Buhalis, D., (2004).eAirlines: strategic and tactical use of ICTs in the airline industry Information Management, Volume 41, Issue 7, September 2004, Pages 805-825 Foss, Nicolai J. (2005). Strategy, Economic Organization, and the Knowledge Economy: The Coordination of Firms and Resources. Oxford University Press Case Study:Accenture And British Airways, Global Reach, Global Challenges, retrieved as on 3/11/2009 from http://www.accenture.com/NR/rdonlyres/A527609A-0C78-460B-A447-6D97DCCCCD51/0/british_airways.pdf Gary D. Kissler, (2001). E-leadership, Organizational Dynamics, Volume 30, Issue 2, November 2001, pp. 121-133 GovLeaders.org, (1997). Creating an Innovative Organization: Ten Hints for Involving Frontline Workers, retrieved as on 3/12/2009 from http://govleaders.org/behn_innovation3.htm Dimitrios Buhalis and Maria Cristina Licata, (2002). The future eTourism intermediaries, Tourism Management, Volume 23, Issue 3, June 2002, Pages 207-220 Kandampully, J., (2002). Innovation as the core competency of a service organisation: the role of technology, knowledge and networks, European Journal of Innovation Management, Vol. 5, (1), pp. 18-26 Tidd, J.; Bessant, J. Pavitt, K. (1997) Managing innovation: Integrating technological, market and organisational change. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons

Human Rights :: American History, Racial Relations

Symbolic interactionist perspective for race, ethnicity, and immigration leans toward social interactions. Hispanic racial conflict is becoming more common than white and black racism in America. Culture is one bias Americans tend to stamp on the Hispanic culture and labeling them all as Mexicans. Hispanic racial conflict and symbolic interactionist perspective is viewed as stereotyping and social racisms between different ethnicities. Hispanic immigrants move to America for work or education purposes in order to better their lifestyles. Most Hispanics who live in Mexico are living in poverty stricken environments. They grow up with family cultures and are expected to cross over the border to provide for their families. The will to come to America is for survival purposes for their selves and families back in Mexico. Most Americans are not very welcoming when it comes to Hispanic origins. Jones (1991) writes, â€Å"The fact that Hispanics and Whites are distributed among different social roles, with Hispanics as a group occupying lower positions than those of Whites in the status of hierarchy, may lead to inference regarding differences in personal attributes† (pg,2). Hispanics living in America are usually considered poor and live in lower class neighborhoods. Immigrants (especially illegal immigrants) work jobs they can get hired at usually being low paying jobs. Americans allow â€Å"under the table† wages so they can greedily under pay Hispanics and people with no education. In America it is against the law to pay below minimum wage ($7.25 p/hr) to accredited workers. Some owners of farms, construction work, and meat factories pay illegal immigrants low wages (probably like $5 or $6 an hour) under the table in order to keep more profit for themselves. Hispanics come from a different cultural environment than Americans and can only find low payi ng, dangerously polluted, and physically hard jobs. Mooney, Knox, and Schacht (2011) write, â€Å"But many others cannot overcome the social disadvantages associated with their minority status and become victims of a cycle of poverty† (pg. 352). The environments Hispanics work in could influence them to feel socially incapable of finding better work. Leaving them stuck in lower class deceptions of Hispanic roles in society. Jones (1991) writes, â€Å"This approach follows Cantor and Mischel’s (1979) analysis that social role is a more basic level of categorization than ethnicity because social role maximizes the richness, vividness, and distinctiveness of perceptions of people† (pg.

The Collapse of Somalia and Economic Considerations Essay -- Essays P

The Collapse of Somalia and Economic Considerations By African standards, Somalia is a homogenous state made up of a single ethnicity, religion and culture. This led to a relatively peaceful history until Somalia was colonized by the British, French, and Italians in the 19th century. However, Somalia’s single ethnicity is broken into different clans, and sub-clans and this region’s lack of natural resources led to a fracturing of society, violence, and eventually civil war at the end of the 20th century. Despite the deterioration of society and state throughout the 70s and 80s informal black-markets (referred to as the â€Å"shadow economy†) formed to provide goods and services to the masses living under a government incapable of providing anything. This shadow economy thrived throughout the 1980s for minority elites able to participate in its transactions. Even though there was no government after President Siad Barre was deposed in 1991, the shadow economy of the 1970s and 80s was already in place, and though it didn’t necessarily distribute goods and services equitably, it did create markets and opportunities for Somalis in the 1990s. This essay will look at how: (1) colonialism and the Cold War created a relationship of Somali dependence on foreign aid; (2) the vulnerability of Somalia’s undiversified economy; (3) domestic economic policy failures and â€Å"land-grabbing† by elites; (4) the failure of IMF-World bank structural adjustment programs. The combination of these events, coupled with famine, led to fighting between warlords and the collapse of state. Finally, this essay will analyze how the process of Somalia’s decline necessitated the establishment of a shadow economy that continued to prosper despite the absence of s... ...omalia_body.html ___________________ Besteman, Catherine, Unraveling Somalia: Race, Violence, and the Legacy of Slavery (Philadelphia: University of Penslyvania Press, 1999) Besteman, Catherine and Lee V. Cassanelli, The Struggle for Land in Southern Somalia: The War Behind the War (London: Haan Publishing, 1996) Chazen, Naomi and Donald Rothchild, â€Å"The Political Repercussions of Economic Malaise,† in Hemmed In: Responses to Africa’s Economic Decline, by Thomas M. Callaghy and John Ravenhill, editors. Columbia International Affairs Online – http://www.ciaonet.org/book/callagy/chap5.html Hashim, Alice Bettis, The Fallen State: Dissonance, Dictatorship and Death in Somalia (New York: University Press of America, Inc., 1997) Samatar, Ahmed I., The Somali Challenge: From Catastrophe to Renewal? (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1994)

Slaverys Coexistence with Other Economic Systems :: A Respectable Trade Capitalism Slavery Essays

Slavery's Coexistence with Other Economic Systems Slavery as economic order based on the ownership and exploitation of human beings as property is widely covered in A Respectable Trade. The film, however, does not solely reveal slavery and its characteristics. It is a film rich in reference to other economical orders as well, because besides elaborately showing from different aspects the processes typical for the establishment of slavery, it touches on and gives examples on economic relationships that are rather characterized as capitalist, feudal or self-employment-related. The action in A Respectable Trade takes place in 1788 in the English city of Bristol, starting with the marriage between Frances Scott and Josiah Cole. Frances, an educated and refined young woman of genteel origin, is left poor and with no inheritance after the death of her father. For lack of a better alternative, she marries the rough and uneducated Josiah who trades with ships, led by the motive to import slaves directly to England, have them educated and polished by his wife, and sell them as house servants at a better price . Josiah is far from successful in his trade: he only manages to import eight slaves and eventually to sell only two of them. However, this is enough to elucidate the main characteristics of slavery as an economic order. The arrival of his slaves, the process of educating them and their final escape represent a peculiar slavery-cycle that elaborates on important economic issues such as the slaves' status, the creation of subservient attitude in them (or at l east the attempt to), the strategies of breaking up their independent spirits, and their resistance. A typical characteristic of slavery is that slaves are considered just another element of the productive resources. They are regarded as property, as chattel, and can be freely sold as such. Never considered human beings with consciousness and will, slaves are often described with the term 'instrumentum vocale', meaning that they are seen just as instruments capable of producing human speech. Naturally, like any human beings, slaves have a consciousness of free and independent people, and it takes time and effort to impose on them an attitude of subservience and obedience, a consciousness of being no longer human beings but enslaved pieces of property. In A Respectable Trade that is achieved in several different ways. Firstly, the slaves are imported by ships to England - extremely far from their homeland, especially in the context of the 18th century. Slavery's Coexistence with Other Economic Systems :: A Respectable Trade Capitalism Slavery Essays Slavery's Coexistence with Other Economic Systems Slavery as economic order based on the ownership and exploitation of human beings as property is widely covered in A Respectable Trade. The film, however, does not solely reveal slavery and its characteristics. It is a film rich in reference to other economical orders as well, because besides elaborately showing from different aspects the processes typical for the establishment of slavery, it touches on and gives examples on economic relationships that are rather characterized as capitalist, feudal or self-employment-related. The action in A Respectable Trade takes place in 1788 in the English city of Bristol, starting with the marriage between Frances Scott and Josiah Cole. Frances, an educated and refined young woman of genteel origin, is left poor and with no inheritance after the death of her father. For lack of a better alternative, she marries the rough and uneducated Josiah who trades with ships, led by the motive to import slaves directly to England, have them educated and polished by his wife, and sell them as house servants at a better price . Josiah is far from successful in his trade: he only manages to import eight slaves and eventually to sell only two of them. However, this is enough to elucidate the main characteristics of slavery as an economic order. The arrival of his slaves, the process of educating them and their final escape represent a peculiar slavery-cycle that elaborates on important economic issues such as the slaves' status, the creation of subservient attitude in them (or at l east the attempt to), the strategies of breaking up their independent spirits, and their resistance. A typical characteristic of slavery is that slaves are considered just another element of the productive resources. They are regarded as property, as chattel, and can be freely sold as such. Never considered human beings with consciousness and will, slaves are often described with the term 'instrumentum vocale', meaning that they are seen just as instruments capable of producing human speech. Naturally, like any human beings, slaves have a consciousness of free and independent people, and it takes time and effort to impose on them an attitude of subservience and obedience, a consciousness of being no longer human beings but enslaved pieces of property. In A Respectable Trade that is achieved in several different ways. Firstly, the slaves are imported by ships to England - extremely far from their homeland, especially in the context of the 18th century.

Children in Horror

With the release of Orphan upon us, it seems as good a time as any to consider the role that kids have played in the horror genre. Other groups have fairly consistent, even ritualized roles in films. Men as antagonists are usually the threat of aggressive male sexuality, wielding phallic weaponry and chasing down hapless female victims. Women are either the sexualized teenaged victim, the virginal survivor, or in some classic horror, the threat of female social and sexual empowerment to male hegemony. But children in horror movies have not had such a stable role.There are, however, three major trends in the way children fit into horror plots. We’ll call them â€Å"the silent witness,† â€Å"the creepy little kid,† and â€Å"the un-victim. † The silent witness is used most commonly in ghost films like The Messengers and Mirrors. These characters often don’t speak at all (perhaps due to some earlier trauma or developmental shortfall) or they only spea k in short, cryptic messages. The driving notion behind these characters is that in their innocence they don’t know to be scared of the ghosts and ghoulies, or in other cases, they retain some knowledge of trust or secret about life that we as adults have forgotten.Either way, these characters represent an almost covetous reverence for the ideal of childhood innocence. The sound of the child’s laughter is usually central to at least one scene, reminding us again of the child’s innocence, but also implying that the child is not alone. One of the most elegant, though not central, uses of this character type is in Close Encounters of the Third Kind in the scene when the child, Barry, goes missing. Of course everyone’s favorite use of children in horror movies is the creepy little kid.This is the category that Orphan falls under and also incorporates a lot of ghost films like The Grudge and The Unborn, but it can also include demon-child movies like The Omen. The protagonists of these films are often the parents, or adopted parents, of the creepy kid in question, and these films play subliminally on oedipal anxieties. In films where the kid is a ghost, it will sometimes be â€Å"the good ghost† who is trying to warn and protect the other characters. But even if the child ghost is not benevolent, it’s still usually not the embodiment of pure rage that ghosts of adult men tend to be.Instead, the threat they pose is usually more akin to a trapped animal, and often these characters are associated with a specific animal or take on animalistic traits. Whether alive or dead though, creepy little girls have become iconic within the horror genre. With sunken eyes, perfect hair, and always the same style of going-to-church dress, the image of the creepy little girl has become standardized, but the fact that it still remains creepy while being so familiar is a testament to its ability to strike a deep psychological chord with the aud ience. In many ways the creepy little girl is the flip side of the silent witness character.Both imply that young children know more about their surroundings than they let on, but whereas the silent witness can’t communicate, the creepy little girl won’t, inevitably to nefarious ends. Where the silent witness represents the purity and innocence of childhood, the creepy little kid represents all the cruelty and selfishness that children are capable of. Finally, there is what I like to call the un-victim. These are the kids in movies who get chased by the bad guys, but everyone knows they’re going to live through the end of the film. Classic examples would be Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th Part IV, or Reggie in Part V.A more recent example would be the two kids in Signs. These kids are un-victims because they’re threatened through the entire movie, but never get killed off because killing a kid in a movie is going too far for most filmmakers (though appare ntly not for Lars Von Trier in Antichrist). As a result, these kids end up being a sort of safety blanket for the viewer. We know that they’re safe, and therefore we allow them to provide us some security and even the occasional moment of levity. For many horror fans though, these kids turn into an annoyance very quickly (Dakota Fanning in War of the Worlds). This is of course not at all comprehensive.Films that break these molds are often far better off for it, as just in general movies that buck or reverse trends and stereotypes are usually more creative and better made movies. Plus, this summary does not include demonic pregnancy movies like Rosemary’s Baby, or movies aimed at children like Gremlins. And then there are a few movies that merge and meld these tropes together. Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining has not only the prototypical creepy little girls, but Danny Torrance incorporates all three character tropes. He is himself a creepy little kid at times, but at other times he acts as the silent witness.But then in the third act when the emphasis of the film begins to shift towards Jack’s insanity, Danny becomes an un-victim. So this is by no means a bible of children in horror movies, but it is an interesting topic to contemplate how children factor into a genre that is specifically meant to not be seen by them. Adults have always had a very interesting and compelling relationship with notions of childhood, and it’s certainly not insignificant that children, in one role or another, find their way so consistently into the horror genre, where all the fears and anxieties of the human psyche find their voice.

Arranged marriages Essay

I find it intemperate to see how any unmatchable could possibly approve of consistent conjugations. In an place marriage, the bride and groom argon selected by a third ships company rather than each other. Arranged marriages ar most roughhewn in the kernel East and social occasions of Africa and Asia however with 55% of marriages in the world being ordered- you would be desirely to find cases of arranged marriages anywhere you go. There are some(prenominal) contrary types of arranged marriages which follow every(prenominal) disparate rules and traditions to ensure it goes smoothly, precisely none of these convey into account you to pick the right partner yourself. I in list to put my soulal attends across, my view that arranged marriages are and always for stimulate be a violation against serviceman being rights. The main formula for life goes something akin experience a childhood, progress to an education, get a job, have children, and grow white-haired. However, many mountain following that formula tend to do something extreme, involuntary by chance turn stick out in applaud. great deal in adore grant compulsion to spend the informality of their life with the individual they love, and the most lawful way of ensuring this is by government agency of marriage. Marriage is a dedication shared between deuce great deal, a legal contract fertilisation them together for life. How can large number ask to partake in such(prenominal) commitment with person, they touchyly know, let alone love?If a marriage is arranged by mortal else, then it isnt found on the grounds of which most marriages take place love. C all me a romantic, but a marriage without love sounds like a very troublesome, difficult thing. By having your wedding arranged by someone else, this is taking away your free get out and furthermore denying you of the natural emotion of love. This is one of lifes many old experiences, and I think every human should be guaranteed the free ability to get to know someone, fall in love, and as a result, get married. Through arranged marriage, you are agreeing to commit your life to someone whom you dont know often about, by doing this, you are choosing to dedicate your unanimous entire life to a person who may turn out to be nonhing like you expect.Furthermore, not everyone in the world is genuine, and a lot of people would arrange a marriage for their children or someone close to them with their own stingy concerns in mind. In under-developed countries, where lots ofpeople move in poverty, some parents will take in to attach off their children to people of a higher social experimental condition increasing their own honour and wealth, and the contentment of the parents may overshadow the childrens. As practically as this could be an easy hunt down from a hard life we must(prenominal) consider the effects this could have on the people getting married. Their spouse isnt bein g picked to suit them so without common inte bears etc- there is a poor mishap the couple will get on, which will then die hard to an unhappy marriage and perhaps a hard life, taking the person in a broken marriage back to square one.Subsequently, arranged marriages can have a massive impact on someones life before, during, and subsequently the marriage takes place. Perhaps you may be the unlucky one and because you dont truly know the person you are marrying will be exposed to a variety of problems which may be hard to overleap. Some of these problems range from abuse, violence and coerce sexual relationships, to name just a few. A case in the media not too long ago bears lulu to a twelve course of instruction old bride (her wedding arranged) who died after struggling for troika solar geezerhood in labour to give birth. This type of marriage is appalling, and disgusting in spite of appearance itself but exposing girls to this at such a young age is absolutely hideou s and I have no psyche how this can be legal. A comprehensive survey in 2005 showed that half of marriages in rural India involved brides younger than 18 the age of consent. This lifestyle is exit so many young girls with no authorized hope for life outside of marriage, with a lot of cases contracting life-threatening diseases such as HIV and aids. Also most of these young girls have to give up their education to introduce a lifestyle they are not ready for, leaving them neglected with deprivation of choice. How can they melt this living nightmare? How could their parents be so cruel?However, many people would choose to disagree with me. Especially if youre brought up in a culture where having your marriage arranged is a common procedure, and this is all you have ever known. Despite the points I made earlier, there may be some parents who want whats silk hat for their children and providing they are older and wiser, less believably be impulsive in the decisions they lead. Also, this may decrease any risk of family problems orstruggles. Our familys opinions matter very dear to us, and if they are choosing that you marry a limited person, this must mean they approve of them. This convey keeping your family, community, culture and tradition happy, whilst take two families together as one. Also, we must remember that much of modern day arranged marriages are different from tralatitious arranged marriages, where the participants have no feel out at all. Many of the arranged marriages these days allow the couple to have unattended dates and get to know one another(prenominal) before the marriage some arent so strict.Even so, many disapproved arranged marriages still take place through blackmail or worse and this postulate to stop. The divorce rate for arranged marriages is alike much lower (around 4-6%, 10 generation less than normal marriages) but whether this is out-of-pocket to happy marriages or more to do with the fact that they arent al lowed to get divorced- dust unseen. To come to a conclusion, the cons of arranged marriages overweigh the pros by miles for me. I think they are an stirred disgrace to this life, which we are supposed to be allowed free will in. Marriage is supposed to be based on commitment, love, softheartedness and attraction this being impossible to discover without the chance to choose the person you want all this with. Dont marry the person you think you can bouncy with marry the individual you cant live without. this quote from James C Dobson highlights the purpose of marriage, being not just a chance to live with each other, but a chance to ensure your love is secure for life. People are selfish, its a part of our nature we cant escape it. Our self-centred nature is the type that means our own purposes come before others, perhaps even our childrens.Making people enter a marriage with the wrong person will leave them feeling suffocated in a relationship that might, not even, make the ir lives worth living. A case brought into the pack has recently brought forward an 8 course of study old child bride that boldly went by herself to court and demanded a judge to fragmentize her marriage to a man in his thirties. If that doesnt show how disgraceful and spue arranged marriages are, then this earth certainly has so sympathy or precaution for anyone more unfortunate than us. If an 8 year old girl can booth up for herself to defend her rights of marriage, surely the rest of us can at to the lowest degree have the heart to disagree with such a horrific, shameful matter which is all arranged marriages are.Shelley Bruce, Fraserburgh AcademyWord numeration 1259Bibliographyhttp//www.indiabix.com/group-discussion/love-marriages-vs-arranged-marriages/ http//www.womensweb.in/articles/love-marriage-vs-arranged-marriage/ http//www.goodtherapy.org/blog/burdens-and-benefits-of-arranged-marriages-0412137 http//www.statisticbrain.com/arranged-marriage-statistics/http//www.d ebate.org/opinions/are-arranged-marriages-better-than-marrying-for-love (Un)arranged Marriage Bali Raihttp//www.nytimes.com/2013/01/20/ direction/weddings/parental-involvement-can-help-in-choosing-marriage-partners-experts-say.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http//www.rljewels.com/home/love-marriage-arrange-marriage.html