Business Writing Course Essay

Proper written communications in a business is a very specific mark in professionalism. Poor writing and communication in the workplace is mostly attributed to lack of professionalism, lack of proper training, and lack of confidence. Therefore this is a request to take a Business Writing Course at Kaplan University in Urbandale, Iowa. The cost of the course is $1500. 00 which includes all books and necessary course materials. The course begins July 10 and ends August 14, 2013. The course is offered online so all course work and attendance will be in the evenings or weekends so it will not disrupt the schedule at work. The course has to be paid in full by July 1, 2013. As sponsors of the Kaplan University Business Writing Course, Airgead Corporation will benefit because all the course material will be compiled in a binder and given to you for future training purposes. All office personnel will be able to reference all their business professional writing techniques by looking through samples and templates provided in the manual. The text books and all other course materials will become property of Airgead Corporation upon completion of the business writing course. As your Project Manager, this course will significantly improve the ability to write clear, concise, effective messages in professional manner. Writing skills promote effective communication which in turn will increase productivity, success and job satisfaction. Besides improving overall business communication skills, this course will also offer: * Tips on style and writing in first person.

Evidence-based Interventions for a Patient Suffering from Dementia

Introduction Evidence-based practice has been promoted in all healthcare levels in the NHS (Department of Health, 2012). This is done to ensure that interventions are supported by current evidence in healthcare and have been found to be effective for most patients (Pearson et al., 2009). The use of evidence-based practice is rooted in the belief that patients should only receive quality care (Pearson et al., 2009). The same approach is used when caring for patients with mental health conditions. In the policy, No Health without Mental Health (Department of Health, 2012), the NHS has emphasised that patients suffering from mental health conditions should receive quality and evidence-based care. This brief aims to critically discuss the case of an 80-year old woman who is suffering from dementia and the different forms of interventions that could be applied to the case. Consistent with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC, 2008) code of conduct, a pseudonym will be used to hide the identity of the patient. This brief discusses the purpose of evidence-based practice in managing patients with a progressive condition such as dementia. An investigation on the different forms of evidence-based interventions and their potential impact for promoting inclusion would also be presented. A discussion on interventions as means to develop a shared understanding of the patient’s needs would also be done. Legal, ethical and socio-political factors that influence the intervention process would also be explored. Finally, the last part discusses my role as a nurse in the intervention process. Using Evidence-based Interventions for Patients with Dementia The Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC, 2008) Code of Conduct has stressed the importance of delivering quality evidence-based care that is patient-centred. Fitzpatrick (2007a) emphasised that the past model of evidence-based intervention relies only on current evidence from literature to support clinical decisions. Current studies that are of high quality are often used to inform current practices. Fitzpatrick (2007b; 2007c) exmphasised that nurses and other healthcare professionals should have the skills to critically assess the quality of a study and determine whether the findings are applicable to one’s current and future practice. Evaluating the strength of the evidence presented in a research study would require understanding of the search process and whether themes or findings from the study are credible or trustworthy (Polit and Beck, 2010). In recent years, this definition has included best practices, personal experiences of healthcare professional on providi ng care, experiences of colleagues, opinions of experts and current guidelines on a health condition (Fitzpatrick, 2007a; 2007b, 2007c; Greenhalgh, 2010). This new definition embraces other sources of evidence that could be used to help healthcare practitioners and patients make decisions regarding their care. Greenhalgh (2010) specifically points out that while there is reliance on good evidence from published studies, including the experiences of nurses, expert opinion and best practices to aid decision-making would ensure that patients receive quality care. Communicating evidence from published literature is also essential in helping patients decide on the best form of intervention. Morrisey and Calighan (2011) emphasises that effective communication is needed to convey findings of a study in a manner that is understandable to the patient. Successful use of evidence depends first on the quality of relationship between the healthcare providers and the patients (Croker et al., 2013. Kizer (2002) argued that for better care, the relationship between the healthcare professionals and the patients should be strengthened first. Kizer (2002) observe that, â€Å"this intimate relationship is the medium by which information, feelings, fears, concerns, and hopes are exchanged between caregiver and patient† (p. 117). In the UK, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2006) and the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (2007) have provided evidence-based guidelines on how to care for patients with dementia. These guidelines along with current literature, my own and my colleagues’ experiences, expert opinion and the experiences of my patient and her carers will form evidence on the best form of interventions for the patient. My patient’s name is Laura (not her real name). She is 80 years old with dementia, a condition that is progressive and characterized by deterioration of mental state, aggressive behaviour and agitation (Department of Health, 2009). A psychiatric consultant oversees the management of her condition. She has been receiving medications for her dementia but her GP and psychiatrist are discussing alternative drugs to reduce her anxiety level and regulate her sleeping patterns. She is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and is mobilised with a frame following a broken hip. While she is still lucid and can communicate clearly, it is a challenge to care for her during nighttime when she becomes more anxious and shows signs of confusion. Patients with dementia suffer from progressive cognitive impairments (Department of Health, 2009) that could have an impact on how they receive information from their healthcare professionals and carers and in their adherence to medications. In the case of my patient, she is now showing signs of advanced dementia (NICE, 2006). This could be a challenge since her ability to refuse treatment or engage in healthcare decisions is severely reduced (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007). In the UK, the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) and the Mental Capacity Act (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007) serve as guides on how to care for patients with mental health conditions such as dementia. These acts serve to protect the rights of the patient by locating a representative of the patient who could decide on her behalf. Hence, any interventions introduced for the patient should be agreed by the patient’s immediate family members or appointed guardian (Depart ment for Constitutional Affair, 2007). Since dementia is a progressive condition that could eventually lead to palliative care, the nurses have to ensure that the patient receives appropriate support during the trajectory of the condition. In my patient’s case, she needs immediate interventions for anxiety and sleep disturbance. She is also currently taking medications for her type 2 diabetes. The NICE (2006) guideline has stated the use of psychological intervention for patients with dementia. These include cognitive behavioural therapy, which will include the patient’s carers, animal-assisted therapy, reminiscence therapy, multisensory stimulation and exercise. Evidence-based Interventions and Potential Impact for Promoting Inclusion A number of studies (Casartelli et al., 2013; Monaghan et al., 2012; Ewen et al., 2012) have shown that exercise could improve the mobility of patients following hip surgery. Most of these studies use the randomised controlled trial study design, which ranks high in the hierarchy of evidence (Greenhalgh, 2010). This type of design reduces selection bias of the participants and increases the credibility of the findings of the study (Polit and Beck, 2010). The NICE (2013) guideline for fall also supports exercise intervention for improving patient’s mobility. My patient Laura is using a frame to aid her walking following a fall and an exercise intervention would improve her mobility. Considering that Laura is also suffering from anxiety, I counseled with the carer that we might consider an exercise intervention to both manage anxiety and improve mobility of the patient. This was well-received by the carer who expressed that they could help the patient with a structured walking e xercise. Meanwhile, cognitive behavioural therapy (Kurz et al., 2012; Hopper et al., 2013) has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety amongst patients and in regulating sleep behaviour. This form of intervention was also introduced to Laura and her carer. A programme was created where she would receive CBT on a weekly basis. It should be noted that the psychiatrist and the GP in the healthcare team are considering on alternative pharmacologic therapy to regulate sleeping behaviour and anxiety of the patient. While this might have a positive effect on the patient, it should be noted that medications for anxiety have side effects. For instance, the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as rivastigmine, galantamine and donepezil are known to have side effects on the cognition of patients (Porsteinsson et al., 2013; Moncrieff and Cohen, 2009). As a nurse and part of the team, I suggested to the team to consider the effects of pharmacologic interventions on the patient. Further, the NICE (2006) guideline also states that only specialists, that include GPs specialising in elderly care or psychiatrists, should initiate pharmacologic interventions. This guideline also emphasises that the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of the patient should be between 10 to 20 points. In Laura’s case, she is pro gressing from moderately severe dementia to its severe form. Introducing pharmacologic interventions might only worsen the cognitive state of Laura. Meanwhile, there is strong evidence from a systematic review (Filan and Llewellyn-Jones, 2006) on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy in reducing psychological and behavioural symptoms of dementia. A systematic review also ranks as high as randomised controlled trials in the hierarchy of evidence (Greenhalgh, 2010). Findings of Filan and Llewellyn-Jones (2006) also reveal that it can promote social behaviour amongst patients. This form of therapy was initially considered in Laura’s case due to its possible effects on the sleep behaviour of the patient. However, current evidence is still unclear on whether the effects could be sustained for prolonged periods. In application to my patient’s case, the use of animal-assisted therapy might be difficult to carry out since the patient has to depend on a carer for her daily needs. However, our team decided on using music therapy for the patient. Similar to animal-assisted therapy, there is also strong evidence on the e ffectiveness of music therapy in managing anxiety, depression and aggression amongst patients with dementia (Sakamoto et al., 2013; Wall and Duffy, 2010). Importantly, cognitive behavioural and music therapies and exercise interventions all promote inclusion of the patient in the care process (Repper and Perkins, 2003). In cognitive behavioural therapy, the patient and her carer receive support on how to manage anxiety and sleeping behaviour. Since carers are highly involved during CBT, there is a higher chance that the intervention would be successful (Hopper et al., 2013). It has been shown that carers of patients with chronic conditions such as dementia are also at risk of developing depression and anxiety (Department of Health, 2009). Smith et al. (2007) explain that this might be due to the realisation that the patient would not recover from the illness. Further, these carers have to prepare themselves for the patient’s end-of-life care. All these realisations could influence the carer’s own mental health (Smith et al., 2007). Hence, it is important that interventions are not only holistic for the patient, but should also include the carers in the process. Hence, implementing CBT would promote inclusion in practice (Wright and Stickley, 2013). The patient in my care is also suffering from type 2 diabetes. Pharmacologic interventions would include metformin and insulin therapy (NICE, 2008). Non-pharmacologic interventions include exercise, behavioural modification and diet. This presents a complex problem for Laura since it has been shown that elderly patients are also at greatest risk of malnutrition due to the aging process (Department of Health, 2009). Patients with dementia could experience feeding behavioural problems. When patients are admitted in hospitals, the new environment and lack of social interaction with peers could act as triggers in behavioural problems (Department of Health, 2009). Since patients might lack the cognitive ability to express themselves, this might present as aggressive behaviour (NICE, 2006). Hence, ensuring that Laura receives appropriate nutrition during her hospital stay could be influenced by changes in her behaviour. It is important that patients with type 2 diabetes do not only receive pharmacologic interventions but should also have sufficient diet. This is seen as a challenge in Laura’s case since she could experience feeding problems due to loss in cognitive abilities. For instance, she might be reminded on how to chew food or why she needs to eat (Department of Health, 2009). In patients with severe forms, the main aim of feeding is now focused on comfort feeding rather than allowing patients to eat the proper amount of food (Department of Health, 2009). Hence, managing Laura’s type 2 diabetes through proper feeding would be an added challenge to her care. Legal, Ethical and Socio-Political Factors that Influence the Intervention Process Decisions on the care and interventions received by the patient are influenced by several factors. First, the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) states that patients with mental health condition could seek voluntary admission to hospitals and leave whenever they want. This Act also states that patients could only be forced to receive treatment in hospital settings if they are detained under this Act. Laura and her carer could refuse treatment or interventions at any point of her care and my team and I would respect her decision. Observance of this provision under the Mental Health Act would also be consistent with patient-centred care where patients are empowered to act for own benefit and to choose appropriate interventions. Apart from the legal aspects that influence the delivery of interventions, ethical issues should also be observed. In the ethics principle of beneficence, nurses and ot her healthcare practitioners should ensure that the interventions would be beneficial to the patient (Beauchamp and Childress, 2001). In Laura’s case, all the interventions cited previously have been shown to be beneficial to the patient. Only the pharmacologic interventions are associated with adverse and side effects for the patient (Popp and Arlt, 2011). Hence, as a nurse, I lobbied for inclusion of non-pharmacologic interventions instead of reliance on anticholinergic drugs to control the patient’s behaviour. In addition to beneficence, Beauchamp and Childress (2001) also add the ethics principles of autonomy, non-maleficence and justice. In Laura’s case, her autonomy would be respected. Allowing patients to participate in the decision-making process is crucial. However, patients with dementia suffer from cognitive impairments that could influence their decision-making ability (Wright et al., 2009). In accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007), the carers of Laura could be appointed to act on her behalf. In non-maleficence, the main aim of the interventions is to promote the health of the patient. There are no known side effects of the psychosocial and exercise interventions. Justice will be observed if Laura receives tailored-interventions that would address her needs. It is important that regardless of the patient’s background, religion, race, gender, ethnicity, she should receive healthcare interventions fit for her needs. This ethics principle is observed since a healthcare team has been addressing Laura’s healthcare needs. While all interventions are patient-centred, socio-political issues that could influence the interventions include the recent changes in the NHS structure where local health boards are primarily responsible for allocating funds to healthcare services (Department for Constitutional Affairs, 2007). Hence, if dementia care is not a priority in the local health board, health programmes for dementia might not receive sufficient funding. This could pose considerable problems for the elderly who are dependent on the NHS for their care. Laura has been receiving sufficient support for her mental health condition. This demonstrates that dementia care remains a priority in my area of care. A survey of the support system in my community reveals that support groups for carers are available. This is essential since supporting carers is also a priority in the NHS (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2007). Role of the Nurse in the Intervention Process On reflection of the case, I have a role to coordinate care with other team members and to ensure that the patient receives patient-centered care. As a nurse, I have to adhere to the NMC’s (2008) code of conduct and observe patient safety. Recognising that dementia is a progressive condition, I should also focus on interventions that not only addresses the current behavioural problems of the patient but also on preparing the carer and Laura’s family members on palliative care. The NICE (2006) guideline has stated that nurses have an important role in preparing patients of dementia and their family members on end-of-life care. This could be a highly stressful stage in the patient’s disease trajectory or could be one of acceptance and peace for the family. As a nurse, I have to ensure that interventions are appropriate to the stage of dementia that the patient is experiencing. Since nursing is a continuing process, I have to inform the family members that the patie nt will increasingly lose her cognitive abilities and would have difficulty feeding in the last stages of the condition (National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health, 2007). I have to ensure that the patient receives both spiritual and physical support at this stage. Evidence-based care is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate intervention. In my role as a nurse, I have to ensure that interventions are acceptable to the patient. I should also consider the preferences of the patient, their past experiences and their own perceptions on how to best manage their condition. Since I would be caring for a patient with declining cognitive abilities, I should ensure that her dignity would be maintained (Baillie and Gallagher, 2011). As part of my future learning development, I will attend courses on how to conduct end-of-life care for patients with dementia. Through Laura, I realised that a patient’s dignity should always be observed. It is recommended that in my future and present practice, I will continue to rely on literature on the best form of interventions of my patient. I will also consult with my colleagues, seek expert opinion and the patient’s experiences on how to choose and deliver interventions. Conclusion Evidence-based practice is important in helping patients achieve quality care. In this case, Laura is an 80-year old patient with dementia. She exhibits the moderate form of the condition but is beginning to show signs of advance dementia. As her nurse, I have the duty to observe ethics in healthcare and to seek for interventions that are evidence-based. However, I also realised that other factors also influence the delivery of interventions. These include socio-political, legal and ethical factors. As a nurse, I have to protect the patient’s rights, act as her advocate and ensure her safety during the trajectory of the condition. For future practice, I will continue to practice evidence-based practice. I will also encourage others in the mental health profession to always consider the patient’s preferences when caring for patients with dementia. When patients are unable to decide for their own care, the carer of the patient could act on her behalf. Finally, as a mental health nurse, I should constantly update myself with the best form of interventions for patients with dementia. This will ensure that my patients will receive evidence-based interventions. References Baillie, L. & Gallagher, A. (2011). ‘Respecting dignity in care in diverse care settings: Strategies of UK nurses’. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 17, pp. 336-341. Beauchamp, T. & Childress, J. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. 5th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Casartelli, N., Item-Glatthorn, J., Bizzini, ., Leunig, M. & Maffiuletti, N. (2013). ‘Differences in gait characteristics between total hip, knee, and ankle arthroplasty patients: a six-moth postoperative comparison’. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorder, 14:176 doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-176. Croker, J., Swancut, D., Roberts, M., Abel, G., Roland, M. & Campbell, J. (2013) ‘Factors affecting patients’ trust and confidence in GPs: evidence from the national GP patient survey’, BMJ Open, 3(5). Pii: e002762. Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002762. Department of Health (2012). No Health Without Mental Health. London: Department of Health. Department of Health (2009). Living Well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy. London: Department of Health. Department for Constitutional Affairs (2007). Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of Practice. Norwich: The Stationery Office. Ewen, A., Stewart, S., St Clair Gibson, A., Kashyap, S. & Caplan, N. (2012). ‘Post-operative gait analysis in total hip replacement patients- a review of current literature and meta-analysis’. Gait Posture, 36(1), pp. 1-6. Filan, S. & Llewellyn-Jones, R. (2006). ‘An animal-assisted therapy for dementia: a review of the literature’. International Psychogeriatrics, 18(4), pp. 597-611. Fitzpatrick, J. (2007a). ‘Finding the research for evidence-based practice: Part one- The development of EBP’. Nursing Times, 103(17), pp. 32-33. Fitzpatrick, J. (2007b). ‘Finding the research for evidence-based practice: Part two-selecting credible evidence’. Nursing Times, 103(18), pp. 32-33. Fitzpatrick, J. (2007c). ‘How to turn research into evidence-based practice: Part three- Making a case’. Nursing Times, 103(19), pp. 32-33. Greenhalgh, T. (2010). How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine. West Sussex, UK: John Wiley and Sons. Hopper, T., bourgeois, M., Pimentel, J., Qualls, C., Hickey, E., Frymark, T. & Schooling, T. (2013). ‘An evidence-based systematic review on cognitive interventions for individuals with dementia’. American Journal of Speech and Language Pathology, 22(1), pp. 126-145. Kizer, K. (2002). ‘Patient centred care: essential but probably not sufficient’. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 11, pp. 117-118. Kurz, A., Thone-Otto, A., Cramer, B., Egert, S., Frolich, L., Gertz, H., Kehl, V., Wagenpfeil, S. & Werheid, K. (2012). ‘CORDIAL: Cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive-behavioral treatment for early dementia in Alzheimer disease: a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial’. Alzheimer Disease and Associated Disorders, 26(3), pp. 246-253. Monaghan, B., Grant, T., Hing, W. & Cusack, T. (2012). ‘Functional exercise after total hip replacement (FEATHER): a randomised control trial’, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorder. 13:237 doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-237. Moncrieff, J. & Cohen, D. (2009). ‘How do psychiatric drugs work?’. British Medical Journal: 338 [Online]. Available from: http://www.bmj.com/content/338/bmj.b1963#alternate. Morrissey, J. & Callgahan, P. (2011). Communication skills for mental health nurses. Maidenhead: Open University Press. National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (2007). Dementia: The NICE-SCIE Guideline on supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. London: The British Psychological Society and Gaskell and Social Care Institute for Excellence and NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2013). Falls: assessment and prevention of falls in older people: NICE clinical guideline 161. London: NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2008). Type 2 Diabetes: The Management of type 2 diabetes. London: NICE. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) (2006). Dementia: Supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care. London: NICE. Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2008). The Code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. London: NMC. Pearson, A., Field, J., Jordan, Z. (2009). Evidence-Based Clinical Practice in Nursing and health Care. Assimilating Research, Experience and Expertise. Oxford. Blackwell Publishing. Polit, D. & Beck, C. (2010). Essentials of nursing research: appraising evidence for nursing practice. 7th ed. London: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. Popp, J. & Arlt, S. (2011). ‘Pharmacological treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease’. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 24(6), pp. 556-561. Porsteinsson, A., Drye, L., Pollock, B., Devanand, D., Frangakis, C. Ismail, Z., Marano, C., Meinert, C., Mintzer, J., Munro, C., Pelton, G., Rabins, P., Rosenberg, P., Schneider, L., Shade, D., Weintraub, D., yesavage, J. & Lyketsos, C. (2013). ‘Effect of citalopram on agitation in Alzheimer disease: the CitAD randomized clinical trial’. JAMA, 311(7), pp. 682-691. Repper, J. & Perkins, R. (2003). Social inclusion and recovery: A model for mental health practice. London: Balliere Tindall. Sakamoto, M., Ando, H. & Tsutou, A. (2013). ‘Comparing the effects of different individualized music interventions for elderly individuals with severe dementia’, International Psychogeriatrics. 25(5), pp. 775-784. Smith, G., Greogry, K. & Higgs, A. (2007). An integrated approach to family work for psychosis. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. UK Legislation (2007) Mental Health Act 2007 [Online]. Available from: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2007/12/contents (Accessed: 13th May, 2014). Wall, M. & Duffy, A. (2010). ‘The effects of music therapy for older people with dementia’. British Journal of Nursing, 19(2), pp. 108-113. Wright, N. & Stickley, T. (2013). Concepts of social inclusion, exclusion and mental health: A review of the international literature. London: SAGE. Wright, J., Turkington, D., Kingdon, D. & Basco, M. (2009). Cognitive-behaviour therapy for severe mental illness: An illustrated guide. USA: American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Compare and Contrast National Athletic Association (NCAA) Coursework

Compare and Contrast National Athletic Association (NCAA) - Coursework Example The common situation among college participants is that they do not have the right to profit from their own aptitudes despite the NCAA doing so. Media and game giant, Electronic Art pays NCAA to use its bowl games and team names in videogames like NCAA Basketball as well as NCAA Football. This college version does not include players’ names; hence they do not share the splits with the NCAA for the governing body contends student-athletes receive enough benefits worth their caliber. These benefits comprise free college education to the athletes through sponsorships, which mainly is in terms of waiving tuition. Mainly, revenues emanate from broadcast agreements, tickets besides other sources like subsidies among the division I institutions (Burnsed, 2014). Regardless of all these funds, athletics associated costs rise at a fast rate such that expenses surpass the obtained revenue in all except 20 institutions in division I-A, for instance, the annual median proceeds from 2012 to 2013 augmented by 3.2% but their expenses managed to top by 10.6% (Burnsed, 2014). These institutions outside the 20 could not make profits therefore since expenses were more than their revenue forcing them to subsidies. Institutions like University of Michigan alongside other others with major athletics programs make profits, hence no need for subsidies for the sports fetch them quite a sum of profits. For instance, when The University of Michigan won the national championship in 1997, managed to realize proceeds of approximately 14 million dollars from the football program yet at that time many other institutions complained of poverty when advised to expand their financial aids (Rosner & Shropshire, 2011). The profit making institutions from athletics have managed to take their sports to another level by compensation of celebrity coaches,

Personal and Professional Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Personal and Professional Development - Essay Example According to Attwood, â€Å"The personal development plan generally involves the answering of a few questions or rather self examination by reevaluating to know where the person is at the moment, what their goals are, and the method that they are going to use to reach where they intend† (Attwood, 2006, 137). The report is bound to reveal how my personal development goals have been natured, the actions I have taken and their outcomes. There were a number of problems that I faced in the development of the plan. One of them was in the application of effective creative thinking for apposite solutions. So that my self assessment could have been best, I decided to use the people closest to me for their opinion. I did this by offering questionnaires to my family and acquaintances. This diagnostic method is the one that made me reach the conclusion that I have a difficulty in applying creative thinking in my endeavors and the manner of reaching appropriate solutions. With lack of the diagnostic method, I could not have recognized this hidden problem. This scrutiny of my strengths and weaknesses was very effectiveness in that it was effective in that it helped me understand myself further. After completing the questionnaire part, I moved on to complete the Johari Window. The Johari Window as explained by West is a â€Å"method that was used and is still used by scientists to help human beings understand their capabilities better and recognize their mental conditions by acknowledging different areas of the mind†.(West, 2010, 43). The results of this technique matched those of the questionnaires to a great margin as it recognized my weakness in the application of creative thinking and the solution of my problems. The last step that I took was the completion of a Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threat analysis (SWOT). â€Å"This SWOT analysis is very effective in establishing the development plan to an optimum manner† (Furnham, 2010, 183). The S WOT analysis just like the other two techniques that I had put into use revealed that I was weak when it comes to my creative. I was found to poorly relate with people when asked questions that required me to think to a larger extent. My strong point was noted to be the point where I have the general thinking ability. â€Å"This is relative as many human beings tend to bear greater general thinking ability than creative ability† (Sandler, 2009, 67). My Opportunities are well defined in that I can improve in my creative thinking category by paying more attention. My threat on the other hand is if my general thinking capacity exceeds my creative thinking one. My action plan for this problem involves the sieving of outside ideas. According to Attwood, â€Å"sieving of outside ideas is important to assist in the attainment of concentration which is the clear pathway to creative thinking† (Attwood, 2006, 167). Another common problem that I faced was the analysis ability of reports. The upside of this is that it was a problem that I had identified earlier in life and hence I was in the process of resolving it. I face the problem of explaining situations or rather any other matter that I intend to in another language. The action plan in this case involves the consistent study of a language to assist achieve offer a fluent language for effective communication. In the analysis of reports, the way to go bout this is to spend more time in the reading of journals and the analysis of

Social Psychology - Social Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social Psychology - Social Research - Essay Example People always strive for mastery, which means they try to comprehend and forecast events in the social world in order to obtain encouragement. They enjoy feeling experienced and effective and will do their best to obtain these feelings. And on the contrary they are likely to avoid situations that exclude obtaining them. People are apt to seek connectedness, i.e. they look for support, love, and acceptance from those who surround them. Due to this groups they care about and value usually make people behave in a manner to liking from representatives of such groups. People value "me and mine" that means they wish to see themselves - as well as other people and groups they like - in a positive light. It makes people collect and remember information in the support of this positive motivation, and neglect or simply miss information that proves the opposite (Smith and Mackie, 1995). Each of these principles provides a number of effective tools that can be applied to nearly all spheres of human life to explain the interconnection between a wide variety of factors that influence behavior of an individual or a group.

Banning Flag Burning Thesis Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Banning Flag Burning - Thesis Proposal Example The above lines perfectly capture the symbolic significance of the national flag. The flag is the most visible emblem of the country and is a reminder of the people who sacrificed their lives for the country. If one were to fully understand what the flag essentially stands for, it would become pretty evident that any act of insult to the flag is but blasphemous. Opposition to the banning of flag burning have been grounded on the premises of freedom of expression and speech. It has been argued that defacing the national flag is justified as a means of protected speech, a claim that is vindicated by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the USA. But one needs to understand the gravity of the situation. It is this very flag which stands as a tall symbol of the freedom guaranteed to every citizen of USA. People's protests are meant against the government, not the country. A clear distinction needs to be made between the government, which merely runs the country, and the nation itsel f. A nation, in all its essence, is greater than the political party in power. And thus, grave offence to a highly esteemed symbolic entity in the name of protest, does not do justice to the nation. More often than not, these protests are aimed at a political leader and his policies, and there are several alternative methods to exhibit public disapproval in such cases. Burning effigies of the leader in question is still justified, but burning the national flag is not only inappropriate, it also fails to serve the purpose. Flag burning is often defended on the grounds of civil liberties granted by the democratic governmental setup. The First Amendment protects the right to free speech, not vandalism.... As there are no absolute laws which deem flag burning illegal, the courts have often found it difficult to prosecute acts of flag desecration. The two most popular cases of flag burning have been Texas v. Johnson, and United States v. Eichman both in the year 1990. And in both the aforementioned cases, the Supreme court declared that flag burning was protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution. But there have been other acts of flag desecration that have ended in conviction. It is rather interesting to note that the cases which did in fact end in conviction involved milder forms of flag desecration like using the flag for commercial purposes. In one such case Halter v. Nebraska, the owner of a bottling company was charged with selling bottles with the American flag imprinted on them in 1905. In 1903, Nebraska made it a crime to â€Å"sell, expose for sale, or have in possession for sale, any article of merchandise upon which shall have been printed or placed, for purpose s of advertisement, a representation of the flag of the United States†. Under this law, the Supreme court ruled 8-1 to uphold Halter’s conviction. This case was significant for a variety of reasons- it was one of the first Supreme court cases pertaining to protection of the national flag, and also because it was seen as a moral victory for people who sought greater government regulation in the matter.

Digital Marketing Strategies to promote Fashion Antidote Website Essay

Digital Marketing Strategies to promote Fashion Antidote Website - Essay Example The essay "Digital Marketing Strategies to promote Fashion Antidote Website" discusses digital marketing strategy to be used by Fashion Antidote. Fashion Antidote Facebook page is a well-established fashion company that has many customers both in the field and in online. The group has the feeling that Fashion Antidote needs to upgrade its website and especially their Facebook page to be able to be at purr with current fashion trends. As well, with increased innovation at the fashion school, there is need to expose all these to customers so that the company can grow. This means that if Fashion Antidote Facebook page has a fashion show or unique fashion taste it wants to share, the Facebook page is the best way to share all these. Understanding the concept of digital strategy in this case is very vital if a good strategy must be developed. Digital strategy is that overall approach that a company takes after making a decision that they want to invest in online business in order to achie ve their goals. It can involve building the reputation of the business online especially with the focus of being a leader in the area of business. This can also extend to overarching digital strategy of a business in order to migrate the major sales transaction from online to offline. In the development of such a strategy, a company is required to have one major goal as opposed to numerous goals even though there is no much restriction in this. For the Fashion Antidote Facebook page is to be able to capture the latest fashion trends.

Downturn of Health Maintainance Organization Term Paper

Downturn of Health Maintainance Organization - Term Paper Example However, they failed to contain costs and customers. With a decrease in services offered, HMOs are chosen only when no alternative is available. Moreover, only non – profit and independent HMOs fare due to lower premiums they offer to employees. Saturation of markets has increased competition among HMOs. State actions failed to restrain HMOs. Despite legislation and ombudsman offices protecting customers, premiums increased in the 2000’s, while quality remained limited. Physicians, as a result, have been leaving HMOs as well. Solutions need to focus on quality and profits. Involvement of specialists in prevention would assist patients with disabilities better. Autonomy of physicians, even if at the cost of their salary, needs to be increased. Administrative costs need to be decreased. Rising costs due to improved medical technology, aging population, and increased coverage led to a need for cost containment (Simonet, 2007, 356). The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Act was passed in 1973 and it granted monetary advantages to HMOs (Simonet, 2007, p. 357). Managed care has since then become a dominant form of healthcare provision in the United States. By 1996, around 100 million Americans were enrolled in managed care (Grabois & Young, 2001, p.13). In 1987, only 11 percent Americans were enrolled in HMOs (Schulz, Scheckler, Girard & Barker, 1990, p.44). Growth rates of HMO coverage in the 1990’s stood at 10 percent (Simonet, 2007, p.573). In 2007, around 87 million persons were enrolled in some kind of an HMO (Simonet, 2007, p.573). HMOs decreased a rise in healthcare costs by 44 percent, but largely due to a decrease in quality and scope of services offered (Simonet, 2007, p.359).

Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Nursing - Essay Example From this perspective, client care for the modern nurse would differ from that of the pledge in three ways: the patient would be placed in a more cultural context, this context would be assimilated with intervention measures, and client planning would also be aligned with not only their medical needs, but also their spiritual and cultural needs. Therefore the basic assumption of the current report is that client centered care is a core concept that is held up and supported by both Nightingale’s pledge and modern nursing needs, despite there being some differences in interpretation regarding some of the cultural undertones of the pledge specifically. Just as it can be considered in Nightingale’s methods and theories, in a more modern definition of nursing, nurses must consider â€Å"meanings and interpretations given to (clients) in particular physical, ecological, sociopolitical and/or cultural settings† (Leininger, 2009). In terms of assessment, in the modern da y, interrelationships of culture and heritage are taken into greater account, so this shows an intense focus and concentration on the clients and their needs. One benefit of belonging to a professional nursing organization is that the group is more powerful than the individual. If a nurse has concerns, s/he can voice them to a receptive group who will be more powerful. From this perspective, membership has the advantage of bringing the nurse closer in communication and advocacy, with those who may share similar goals. At the same time, the nurse is empowered by being a part of something greater than them. Another benefit of the nursing organization is that nurses can receive guidance and support in terms of education from the organization, regarding how to best meet client needs. In this regard, the patient or client would be placed in a holistic context, and this context would be individualized in terms of the client’s own needs rather