Macdonals Work Force Diversity

What diversity means to McDonalds is not only who works within the organisation but goes as far as the customers who they serve. Patricia Sowell Harris, McDonald’s Chief Diversity Officer declares, â€Å"At its simplest, diversity means that your organization reflects the customers you serve and the society in which you operate. But to be effective, it’s more than counting numbers †¦ it’s making those numbers count. A truly diverse culture means that different views, opinions, experiences, educations, religions, and lifestyles are respected, where everybody is a valued and contributing member of the team, and where actions are led by insights that create success in the business. † While diversity initiatives have assisted many people in their professions and organisations in their venture to succeed, is there another side to the story; is it just a waste of time and money? For some corporations, that may be true. Cultural diversity efforts like cultural awareness could be seen as nothing more than an extravagant scheme that really does nothing to help workers feel like they are truly a part of the organization, but for the organisation to be seen in a positive light from onlookers; although this hardly seems the case for cultural diversity initiatives in McDonalds. The following was taken from the McDonalds website: Minorities and women represent approximately 37 per cent of all McDonald's franchisees; More than 65 per cent of the applicants in training to become new McDonald's franchisees are women and minorities. † Serves more than 58 million customers around the world each day †¢ Is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 32,000 local restaurants in 118 countries †¢ Employs more than 1. 6 million people worldwide – our brand’s best ambassadors are our people †¢ Today, more than 60 percent of our glob al home office and U. S. ompany workforce are of a racial or ethnic minority, or are women †¢ Is widely recognized as a top company for minorities – also a â€Å"Great Place to Work† in more than 30 countries †¢ Ranked one of the Top 20 Global Companies for Leaders by Fortune magazine in 2007 †¢ About 80% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are independently owned & operated (franchised) by local business men and women (McDonalds corporation www. macdonalds. com as it exists 2/4/11) Around the world, inclusion and diversity at McDonald’s means providing equal opportunities for everyone to ucceed and contribute. We accomplish this in a number of ways, such as the integration of diversity initiatives into our daily business practices, a strong diversity education curriculum, employee business networks and external partnerships with minority organizations. Jan states â€Å"I’m proud of our industry-leading Global Inclusion and Intercultural Management team which has successfully driven our efforts to have diversity among our employees, franchisees and suppliers across the globe. Jan Fields, President, McDonald’s USA With more than 32,000 restaurants in 118 countries, McDonald’s carries a new meaning to the word diversity, bringing diversity and even change to the menus at every community it touches. Around the world, diversity at McDonald’s means providing equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and contribute. They accomplish this in a number of ways, such as bring forth diversity initiatives into their daily business practices, a strong diverse education curriculum, employee business networks and partnerships with minority organisations. To reinforce the diverse culture today, more than 60 per cent of the workforces are of a racial or ethnic minority, or are women. Inclusion and Diversity also plays an important role for the leaders of McDonalds in the future. Our management team provides regular updates on the progress in this area so they are constantly evaluating the performance to make sure they have strong diverse culture, including gender, ethnicity and nationality. In addition, McDonalds has the largest number of minority and women franchise owners in the fast food industry. The National Black McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association can be considered most successful African American business organizations in the nation, and the Hispanic franchisees fund the largest scholarship program for Hispanic high school students entering college. Furthermore McDonalds suppliers are equally diverse. On average McDonald’s spend $4 billion per year on food, paper packaging, restaurant operating supplies, uniforms and toys from minority and women-owned businesses says Patricia Sowell Harris, McDonald’s Chief Diversity Officer So whether it’s their franchisees, suppliers, or employees, their commitment to inclusion and diversity has helped make McDonald’s the company they’re today. Most importantly, this commitment allows the fast food chain to ensure that their restaurants and business reflect the customer in which is extensively diverse.

Problem and its Background Essay

Man’s progress is measured through the advancement of Science and Technology in different fields especially in business arena. Through the years, many business establishments were built and organized to boost their business operation. Almost all types of business may it be small, medium or large scale are trying to take advantage of this technology. This means less paper works for office employees and even fewer employees for some organization seems to depend on its ability to utilize computer technology at its fullest. Presently, automation is one of the leading industry in the country today. Since technology changes rapidly and demands for machines are rising. There is a need for a basic understanding of computer technology , this understanding enables us to be comfortable in an increasing computer oriented environment by removing the fear with the unknown that many people have about the computer. One of the benefits of the system is it provides a prompt computation and accurate enough within a certain design space, especially for time-consuming manual process. New users often fret over the potential for lost data due to system malfunctions with a well designed and tested backup scheme and disaster recovery system, a computer-based record is much more reliable and less prone to data loss than conventional paper-based records. Record access can be restricted and monitored automatically. Provided that data are structured and coded in an unambiguous fashion, programs can continuously check and filter the data for errors, summarize and interpret data, and issue alerts and/or reminders. Once in electronic form a data can be linked to reference information stored and maintained locally or, via the internet. If the electronic record is integrated, then all data is immediately available to all practitioners regardless of their physical location as soon as the data is entered into the computer. The health care environment is currently undergoing a revolution. A rapidly growing cost of providing medical care are forcing hospital to merge at an increasing rate in order to consolidate the types of services offered. The cost of the new technology is also requiring a hospital to reevaluate their mission to the communities they serve. Originally no specialized users were contented with common tasks such as paper, ball pen, typewriter and file cabinet to perform their jobs. These people could satisfactorily accomplish their tasks without computer technology, but these situations have change dramatically. With the new technology, hospitals provide faster more accurate and more convenient services to their patients. Background of the study San Juan District Hospital is the only government hospital in this part of Batangas. It is a 25 bed capacity secondary government hospital that was established by virtue of Republic Act 3956. A Puericulture Center has been offered by concerned citizen of the town headed by Mrs. Marietta O. De Villa as the first hospital building. It is a two story building with a floor area of roughly 200 square meters which was . approved by the Department of Health. The National Aid Budget was first released under TW# 804-039288 dated June 11, 1975 and received on June 20, 1975 in the amount of P 105,645. 00. With this financial source, organization of the hospital was immediately approved of about 13 hospital items/positions. The hospital was opened to the public on July 1, 1975 for consultation services only, headed by Dr. Marciano Marcellana as Chief of Hospital. The catchment areas of this hospital are San Juan Rural Health Unit I & II, Rosario and Taysan. In the year 1982, the Trivino family donated one hectare of farm lot for the construction of new hospital building at Barangay Talahiban 2nd, San Juan, Batangas. The hospital then transferred to the new site year 1988. In April, 1993 with the implementation of Republic Act No. 7180, otherwise known as Local Government Code of 1991, San Juan District Hospital was devolved to the Provincial Government of Batangas under the immediate supervision of the Provincial Health Officer. In 1999 as part of the government’s computerization program the San Juan District Hospital received computers from the local government. The hospital had a payroll system on 2001. MISSION: Development of health conscious and healthy families and communities thru partnership with the people by the provision of the four ACES: availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability and omnipotently guided health care services. VISION: A socialized medicine for the Batanguenos especially the underpriviledge. GENERAL OBJECTIVE: Further uplift the health of the people particularly Batangenyos through curative, promotive and preventive aspect of health care delivery. Conceptual Framework Feedback Fig 1. Conceptual Paradigm Examination of Conceptual Paradigm The system is â€Å"San Juan District Hospital Management System†. It is intended for the operations inside the hospital which caters Billing and Record Keeping of patients. The users include the administrator who has full access of the system. The cashier, one who receives the payment of the patients. The Billing Clerk computes for the bill of patients, Chief of Billing verifies and updates records in case invalid data was inputted and also verifies the eligibility for discount of the patients. The encoder, one who adds record concerning billing. The nurse gathers the information from the patient including the patient’s picture then it is turned over to the record officer for storage and safekeeping. The encoder is the one to add patient records. The record officer verifies and update the records of the patient. The nurse in each station could only view the information regarding the patient. In Patient’s Information the users gather the patient’s record such as the patients name, disposition, diagnosis and etc. On the other hand in Billing, the user entails the medical Transactions as well as the medical supplies consumed by the patient. All of the medical transactions as well as medical supplies consumed by the patient are submitted to the billing section. The adoptability of San Juan District Hospital Management System: Reliability-refers to the dependability and precautionary measures of the system. -The system provides accupate information on the billing of patients – The system provides useful information regarding the patient’s record – The system provides accuracy and consistency in the patient record – The system provides an accurate computerized print out of records – The system minimizes the work load of the users Security-refers to the accessibility of the users to the system. – The system provides log in and log out forms for an improved security – The system provides the ability of the admin to access all the functions of the system – The system provides user level like the administrator, record officer, cashier, etc. – The system provides restrictions appropriate for the type of user – The system provides system management the user account by using add, edit and delete functions. User Friendliness-refers to the simplicity and understandability of the system. – The system provides an easy to understand visual user interface – The system provides an interactive help system for easy usage – The system makes use of shortcut buttons for easy system navigation – The system makes use of proper colors and fonts suitable interface environment – The system provides a confirmation message for the confirmation of the action. Efficiency-refers to the competence of the system. – The system Provides a search engine for fast retrieval of informatio – The system Makes use of the add, edit, delete functions for easy information updates. – The system Speeds up the work of the users – The system Simplifies the record keeping and record handling of the hospital. – The system Speeds up the patient and hospital transactions The data gathered from the devices is then processed by the system. The devices include printer which is use to produce hard copy of receipts as well as reports. Since it is an integrated system it needs a LAN Card for networking. WebCam to input pictures of the patients. This leads to gathering of Timely reports for Billing. It also generates Patient’s Record by request. The system is insignificant if it has no benefit. The system Accelerates work in generating Bill Reports as we all know that waste of time effort in every business means a lost in their assets. It could easily keep track of information regarding the patients bills since it is presented timely and it also enhances the quality of work since the production of inaccurate reports would be lessened. It also lessens time and effort in looking for the patient’s record in a logbook and filling cabinet. The users could easily manipulate the system because it is presented in a user friendly environment. Statement of the Problem 1. What are the profile of the respondents? a) Position b) Computer Literacy 2. How do the respondents perceived the current way of retrieving information? a) Filling Cabinet b) Index Card 3. How do the respondents perceive the current way of generating bill reports? a) Manually generated receipts 4. How do the respondents perceived the idea of having â€Å"San Juan District Hospital Management System† based on the ff: a) Reliability b) Security c) User Friendliness d) Efficiency 5. How do the respondents perceive the applicability of San Juan District Hospital Management System? Scope and Limitation of the study The system consists of computerized billing and record keeping system. Only authorized persons is able to access these processes through the use of passwords. The nurse of each workstation has limitation in using a system due to the hierarchy of authority. Each of these has data storage, data entry and report generation. It is in LAN Based. Billing System consists of the invoices of the patient. It generates timely reports as well as printing of receipts. This incorporates the laboratory charges and medical supplies used. Provided that the medicines are bought inside the hospital. It also computes for the discounts such as PhilHealh, insurance and etc. This does not include monitoring of the profit earned by the hospital. It does not include payments with the use of credit cards. Record Keeping System encloses only the In-patient and out-patient’s personal information that would be needed for the diagnosis such as the name, ailment, gender,picture and etc. It also encompasses the laboratory results of the In-patient which is attached to nurse records through the availability of computer in the laboratory. Importance of the Study Giving latest innovation with the use of computer integration, the proponents have arrived in the best possible computer integration assets by the creative minds in achieving optimum success. The system provided a design model for the better, effective and efficient processing of the system. This system intends to help the San Juan District Hospital in the processing of the needed data and documents. This system can perform tasks of an individual in an accelerated manner so it could increase job performance. It reduces manual process and so it could minimize human errors. This system is made easily for the user, so they can easily adopt. It minimizes the paper works of the person in charge in monitoring. It enhances the quality of work, since the production of inaccurate reports would be lessened if not eliminated. The processing can change the way the user operates. In addition, the system solves time and labor, the processing can lead to benefits such as improve services and control flow. The system can improve the processing of the hospital. The data can be access easily and the reports could be made available anytime the clients need it. The importance of the system primary focuses to meet and satisfy the given objectives of the system. This system is undertaken by proponents in order to adopt in a more advance techniques that are currently use in some offices and institutions. The finding of the system should be able to be of great help to the billing section as well as to other departments to take a direction towards modern computerization. Therefore, a lot of effort and time would be saved. It is a great advantage for San Juan District Hospital for the reason that the client could avail a good service and marks for the reason to help more organize and punctual to their tasks so they could do their responsible well. Definition of Terms Administrative Department- responsible for the operation of the entire institution. Anesthesiologist- a doctor who supervises the use of drugs for the relief of pain during surgery. Charge Nurse – A registered or licensed practical or vocational nurse assigned to be in charge of a nursing unit. Custodial Care – Basic care provided on a 24 hour basis that meets an individual’s basic physical needs; simple assistance or total care may be needed. District or Community Hospital- serves larger population centers such as towns and large cities. Geriatric Hospital- hospital that accommodates the older population segment. Hospital – A health care facility that has a governing body, an organized medical and professional staff, and inpatient facilities and provides medical, nursing, and related services for injured patients. Inpatient – A person who has been admitted at least overnight to a hospital or other health facility. Intensive Care Unit- unit where an intensive monitoring and nursing is provided for seriously-ill patients. Laboratory- hospital unit where tests are conducted to help doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Level of Security Password Access-the persons who can only access one computer. Maternity Units- hospital unit that help protect mothers and infants from infection. Medical Units- units for patients who are required treatment by drugs. Medication-treatment of an illness using drugs. Medicine card-patient medication with corresponding time. Medical Prescription-covers the doctors medical prescription to his patient. Medical Records Department- keeps records on every patient. Networked-A state of being physically connecting 2 or more computers to create a communication and data exchange system. Nurse-somebody trained to look after sick and inured people,especially somebody who works in a hospital or clinic,administering the care and treatment that a doctor prescribes. Nurse note -a form a sheet which nurses ask to record their observation and report. Nursing staff- form the largest group on the patient care system. Outpatient – a patient who is receiving ambulatory care at a hospital or other facility without being admitted to the facility. Patient Record System-covers the processing of the information pertaining to the patient. This system stores all the details about her patient. Radiologist- directs a hospital X-ray and other imaging services. Surgical Unit- hospital unit for patients necessitating surgery. Ward- a room where a patient stays while receiving treatment. Acronyms CVD- Cardiovascular Disease CBC- Complete Blood Count DR- Delivery Room FBS- Fasting Blood Sugar ICD- International Code of Diseases ID- Once Daily LAN-Local Area Network MGH- May Go Home OPD- Out-Patient Department OR- Operating Room ORT- Oral Rehydration Therapy PC- Platelet Count QID- Four times a day RBC- Red Blood Cells RHU- Rural Health Unit RX- Prescription SE- Stool Exam UE- Urinalysis SWO-Social Welfare Office CHAPTER II Review of Related Literature and Study Local Study A study states that â€Å"It generates multiple reports for every department of Kolin Plant†. (Comia, 2005) The system concentrates and focused on the development of computer-based system. The system also includes generating of reports. In relation to this study, the researchers provide a computerized Monitoring System for J07 construction supply and services. The system includes the monitoring of the incoming ; outgoing raw materials ; updating of raw materials. The system also features the capability to print out file information like the available and consumed stocks. It monitors the total number of product that are sold ; unsold ,; update sales ; record of accurately . It also serves as a feature of assigning of prices to a particular item ; automatically detecting the required products for recording . It also has features of monitoring the daily sale of market. In relation to this study, the researchers developed a computerized Monitoring System for J07 construction supply ; services. The system includes the monitoring of the incoming and outgoing raw materials and updating of raw materials. A study (Edralin, 2003) states that small company as we can see majority of the business uses computers with also included the use of computerized system in order to achieve their goal and to lessen in the manual process in the business. As they believe using computer makes the business flow smooth and faster and we can’t regret for what they believe because as far as we know it has been proven for many times in many aspects of business. It provides the data needed for automation and computerization of its sales monitoring system. It also supplies the company a better system that benefits each and everyone on the company as a whole. According to Lee (2004) In this hospital Admitting and Centralized Billing System aims to develop a system that would monitor the room availability, speed up the processing of readmittance and would decentralized the exchange of patient’s record. Included in the system is a work area that provides a faster and easier method of adding, viewing, modifying and deleting of reports. This study focuses in admitting and billing system of patient. It has own data entry and report generations. Reports include the following. In-patient bills, in-patient information and last of patient. LAN setup is notr tackled in this study. According to Rogelio D. Rivera (2006) I usually design a system design requested when there is some dissatisfaction present in the system. In the system in this book Analysis of Data Management stated that â€Å"No system can be devised which is full proof against personnel which do not know or make property in developing a system, a process is set to meet the dissatisfaction of the present system, on the part of the beneficiaries such as the personnel and applicant, the new system should at least give them the ease of maintaining a fast and better procedure on handling records. A study (Augusto ,2003) wrote in this national press academic entitled â€Å"Reduce medical error requires Computerized Patient Information System† stated that to significally reduce the tens of thousands of deaths and injuries caused by medical errors every year, health care organizations must adopt information technology system that are capable of collecting and sharing essential health information on patients and their care, says a new report by the institute of medicine of the national academics. These systems should operate seamlessly. As part of the national network of health information that is accessible by all health care organization and that includes electronic records of patient’s care and secure platforms for the exchange of information among providers and patients and data standards that makes health information uniform and understandable to all. Foreign study A study (Monlb, 2002) states that the reality of today’s medical world is that cost effective, efficient management of receivables is a major challenge. Successful relationship with their client have Medical Data Systems an industry leader in revenue management Services. Specializing in secondary collection of hospital allow end professional fee billing, medical net-System has the solutions to today and tomorrows challenges. It has maintained an excellent reputation through out its 14 year history currently employing over 150 staff members at 6 locations throughout the Southeast and Southwest. We pride ourselves on or seminar-oriented, peer cooperative working relationship with a clients. The ultimate goal is to design a unique management services package to match the needs of our practice of facility. They work closely with you to assess your intimations, analyze and evaluate your specific requirements and faster solution to your need. Through over 14-year history of medical billing they have observed that professional fee-components billing is time-consuming laborious process that detracts the hospital billing staff that detracts the hospital billing staff from their more comprehensive compliance issues required for the much lower value professional claims is often not a cost effective undertaking for a medical facilitating they have developed an intermediate information system, which is utilized as a holding database between the hospital and their billing system, which screens information for discrepancies and incomplete data prior to exportation into their billing system. This yield information into their staff to concentrate on the aged receivables. The Resident Care System is a computerized medical record system designed to reduce the amount of hand written paper works required to maintain resident and nursing center records. (Moshida, 2004). It is a computerized medical record that prevents lost of productivity, improve clinical accuracy and charge captures. Experts are taking its institution’s paperless and tell the benefits of the next level of efficiency that are being delivered to the HIPAA V. DRUG Info today. All stakeholders in healthcare organization and caregivers, consumers, purchasers, payers and policy making are focused in the orientation of medical errors and weighing the health care providers involve. Thousands of people did it every year as a result of Adverse Drug Event (ADE). The result is efficient, high-quality care. In relation to this study, the system reduced paper works and avoids loss of files or manipulation of medical information/records. A study (Peters,2004) wrote the System Analysis and Design refers to the process of examining a situation and deciding whether improvements is deserved or feasible. The intent of the system investigation is to study a business process and evaluating it. Manage should be a result, not an â€Å"intent†. In developing a system, a process is set to meet are the dissatisfaction of the present systems on the part of the beneficiaries, such as the personnel and the applicant, the new system should at least give then the ease of maintaining a fast and better procedure on handling records. According to William, (2002) A system is combined with a function or purpose and each person thinks in terms of the job he or she is trying to accomplish. It is necessary to explore alternative ways of some changes to be made. Manage should be a result, not an intent. † It is impossible to set standard for handling applicant and employees records. The only matter to be considered is simply developing the best system which is set to meet the requirements of file handling and management. In this book the way of doing something to see if the method should continue as is modified slightly completely revised. A study Henry F. Korths (2003) states that: â€Å"The system should produce meaningful results quickly. This usually means action reports an a basic on immediate responses to inquiries. It does not eliminate entirely the traditional historical aspect, but it does not mean, that such reports most supplement with current oriented reports† Local Literature According to the article â€Å"Asian Hospital uses new info system for faster, efficient transactions â€Å"(Veroy Robert,2006) states that the system, called Hospital 2000, is highly-specialized software that integrates the hospital’s various systems into a single platform and one database. Hospital 2000 takes account on specially-designed programs that will facilitate the hospital’s internal transactions to better serve the inpatient and outpatient populations. â€Å"Running a modern hospital requires proper data facilitation and accurate system management to deliver efficient and real time transactions particularly between doctors and patients. That’s why with this new system, we are now at par, if not better, than any other hospital in the Asia-Pacific region,† said Pamela Robinson, Asian Hospital CEO and President. The system, according to Asian Hospital Director for General Services Joel Garcia, has three major components covering administrative, clinical and imaging activities. Furthermore, the system takes care of the hospital’s financial records, purchasing, recording functions, and on-line ordering system for the nurse’s station. Hospital 2000 was specifically made for Bumrungrad Hospital, a Bangkok-based healthcare facility, in 1998. Asian Hospital recently sealed a partnership with Bumrungrad International in an effort to upgrade its existing facilities including the hospital’s information and communications technology system. The need for efficient records management and information service in the administration of justice in the Philippines, may be addressed through IT. It is interwoven into almost every hand of the country’s social fabric and the judiciary is not exempted Chief Justice Andres Narvasce said that â€Å"the benefits of using an Information Technology in judicial system is readily apparent†. An article in Metropolitan times, Volume No. 27, states that the high court created the computerization committee tasked with the automation of the Supreme Court. The committee’s first task include the installation of a Case Administration System (CAS). The CAS links the different offices with are primary concerned with the supreme counts judicial work through a Local Area Network. According to Sacobel (2004) the progress is significant because it is capable of decongesting the back loss of cases in the courts. The chief justice believes that if the case is available and the system prepared to use it, then it becomes simply a matter of you providing the necessary logistical support. The high tribunal is currently proposing revisions in the laws in production with the objective of simplifying procedure. Though there will be substantial changes. They are intended to harmonize the rules in this area of the law and simplify the work of lawyer and judges. This would translate into faster more efficient case disposition and overall improvement of justice system. A popular author of Accounting Parsin (2005), states in his book that business organization are using computers to improve their efficiency and reduce their cost of operation. Reports are more timely and accelerate computer have manipulate and recall data to the form , all users wishes to use with the introduction of microcomputers computation of business is more affordable. He also stated that computers are beneficial to the improvement of the company. Reduce time, effort and money. Computers play a major role in every company for their improvement and giving quality service to their respective customers. According to Chua (2003) it pervades every aspect of our lives. Ti has become ubiquitous and essential for developments. The information technology embarks the passage of our time. It is necessary to adapt to response our changing needs. It corresponds to the unfolding body of knowledge which is now being sensible anywhere. Information Technology nowadays becomes a necessity, OLE to the beneficial aspect it brings in human life. It tends to keep daily routines efficient, accurate and timely to the needs depending to the needs of people. According to Simons (2006) as Information Technology continues to burst, it gives attention to different aspect of the needs of the user. â€Å"In this tech-driven age, scientific break through made practically everyday as a science and technology march forwards to the proverbial leads and bonds†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The prolongation of this breakthrough gives convenience life to the users, which signifies the progress of computerization. It comes in different aspects in offices, hospital, establishments, even at home. Thus, computerized information system is a phenomenon to handle, for it adapts to relevant needs to different people. Foreign Literature An article entitled China’s Computer-aided Hospital Management System( Chih-Ho Yu & Ning Huang Washington,2004) states that China – Computer Hospital Management System 11/30/94 BEIJING, CHINA, 1994 NOV 30 — A computer-aided hospital management system has been developed by Xinyuan Electronic Corporation, a subsidiary of the First Research Institute of the Electronic Industry Ministry of China. The company claims that, with its user-friendly interface and flexible networking the system is suitable for almost for all kinds of hospitals. The developed system is being used by several civil and military hospitals in Beijing, China. Currently, a complete system consists of nine subsystems, including clinic management, medical record management, in-patient department management, statistic department management, price management, dispensary management, preparation manufacturing management, and general manager information system. An application system for a specific hospital can be constructed by using some or all of these subsystems. The overall system software is developed in the C programming language on Novell networks. Its database files are claimed to be compatible with Xbase’s. All departments in the hospital can input their information at workstations and share information with other members on the network. The system offers menus and help information in Chinese. The system also uses advanced multimedia techniques. For example, the system gives voice output for price information and touch-screen- operation at pharmacy departments. An article entitled â€Å"With a Sharp focus on Pharmacy Medicine Shoppe posts double –digit gains† (Earl Smith, 2001) states that medical shoppe posts double digit gains narrates that part of its success is due to the number of Pharmacy specific innovations implemented over the past year. According to Ronald Hofmeister, R. Ph executive vice president of pharmacy operations. These innovations includes automation and work flow efficiencies, a program and an enhanced prescription compounding program. Looking at the retail pharmacy today and the challenges to making a profit, Hofmeister stated â€Å"Retail Pharmacy has a tremendous opportunity to properly position and fulfill our role as the provider of true, efficient, effective and accessible health care in any government prescription drug program for seniors, if we fail to do it correctly, retail will be challenged to remain profitable with only dispensing fees related to such programs. With this, the study should put into consideration the role of the Pharmaceutics Company in rendering services to the people fulfilling its commitments to give quality services by providing the right prescription drug will also result into a true and efficient health care to its customers. According to Flamholtz (2003) still defined that records would prove continuing records for system. These records reflect the result of the â€Å"cycle play sick record†. The computerization of record means agreement is beyond reducing operating cost mean agreement is beyond reducing operating cost of bill. It cannot make a decision for the user. It only shows what is happening. It is a management system that provides records usability throughout bound, receiving, order processing, storage and shipping. This system generates loading instruction and view release orders. Almost 500 companies information a series of standard software pack as compatible software packages from the company are designed to interface automated and manual materials storage system. Millar(2003) stated in his article entitled â€Å"New Technology will enhance patient care† the Calgary health region has entered into an agreement to purchase an innovative new health information system to better manage patient information support the delivery of high-quality care and enhance patient safety in its hospital. He said that patient care information system would provide timely access to information critical for clinical decision making, help reduce the potential for clinical decision making, help reduce potential for medical errors and speed up the flow of information that can be critical to saving lives. Having access to a complete and consiste

Computer Based Learning †The Vikings Essay

The paper analyzes the effectiveness of computer based learning, factors that influence the learning process and the means of enhancing the technology towards a better instructional model. The Vikings – a learning package designed for history students is the base for this study. An evaluation of the package, its level of interactivity, the development model, its learning impact, and shortcomings are discussed in this paper. The paper also elaborates the changes in the design that will improve the learning model adopted in the Vikings package. The purpose of this paper is to establish the parameters that affect the learning process and how the computer based learning system can be used to make this learning process an enriching experience for the students. Computer Based Learning – A Brief The conventional classroom is slowly giving way to the computer based training applications that is universally accessible via the Internet. The personalized learning environment that this method offers has great potentials and can influence the learning process to a considerable degree. A successful prototype of this form of learning needs a high level of interactive media in tandem with an effective presentation of content that is simple to use and easy to relate. The market for this medium of learning has witnessed tremendous growth in the recent years with a wide variety of multimedia based learning tools available for the users. The use of multimedia and flash has not only made learning fun but has also facilitated retention and easy understanding of concepts. Many web based learning environments use innovative technologies that have revolutionized the learning process considerably over the past few years. Joyce A. Overfield and Lesley Bryan Lluka(2003) in their research article on evaluation of factors affecting computer based learning observe that computer based learning can be a valuable learning and teaching resource providing consideration is given to the nature of the student group. Availability and accessibility of computers is essential and students are unhappy if the support is lacking. These are some of the views that can aptly explain the effectiveness of the computer based learning system. This learning tool has improved learning experiences to a considerable extent as it does away with tedious conventional system of learning. The emergence of new technologies in this sector has collaborated to create a unique learning model for the students. This has not only set a new trend in learning but has revolutionized the way a student looks at his classroom project. Vikings – The Package The Vikings package is meant for students of history. The objective of the package is to impart historical facts and milestones to the students in a fun filled learning environment that makes the learning process easy and memorable. History has been labeled as a boring subject for many students and it can be a little tricky remembering facts and figures that relate to the distant past. The package uses maps and graphics to instill interest in the learner. The use of grid lines to mark specific study points and provide relevant information to the learner is a key feature of this package. The user needs to click on the relevant grid line to get details of the particular artefact related to the Vikings era. Terms used in the section are highlighted in red – a click on the highlighted term gives the user an explanation of the same. The developers of â€Å"The Vikings† claim that the package is highly interactive and excellent learning tool for students of history. The presentation of historical facts in a manner that facilitates learning is of prime importance in this application. The tool applies the concept of learning through activity and context based learning that ensures the involvement of the student throughout the learning process. This is in sharp contrast to the classroom learning process that is mostly abstract. A review of the two scenario presented below will make the contrast in both the learning modes clearer: Scenario 1: A teacher giving a lecture on the Vikings era and stating the facts verbally where the student has to be very attentive to relate the facts presented before him. Scenario 2: A student going through the Vikings package where a click of the mouse will give him the relevant information – pictorial description and maps on the screen relate to his cognitive senses and learning happens faster. The application uses the interactive instruction model that is designed to elicit some response in the user in the form of a mouse click. The programmed instruction with the aid of well-designed stimuli in the form of graphics acts as the user interface. A few basic factors that set the scenario 2 apart from scenario 1 are learner control, interaction level, learner motivation, collaborative learning, and navigation system that are discussed below. Learner Control Vaughan (1998) has described Computer Based Learning interactivity as empowering the end user of the package by letting them have control of the content and flow of information. The learning tool, â€Å"The Vikings†, simulates an environment where the control over learning is not completely in the hands of the student. The student decides the pace of learning but the path of learning is guided. In scenario 1 the student has to attend classes at the pre-defined timings and the teacher decides the topic of learning. In contrast the application allows the student the liberty to choose his topic of study and the sequence that he wants to follow at his own pace. It has been observed that by handing over the control of learning to the students enhances the learning experience. The advantages of learner control include greater individualization of instruction, increased sense of personal responsibility for learning, and the potential to optimize learning efficiency. (Interactivity: What is it and What can it do for computer based instruction? Terry K Borsook and Nancy Higginbotham-Wheat – Hannafin and Colamaio, 1987). A student who is a quick learner will have no problem going through the package and grasp the contents in one or two sittings. However, a slow learner will need time to grasp the information handed out – but he has the advantage of taking things slow and pacing his learning to his comfort level. The control of the learner over the entire learning process is seen as a positive reinforcement. The application should allow the student to decide his path of learning. An ideal learning application provides regulated control to the learner with the scope of browsing through the modules, set his learning objectives and pace of learning. Any additional related information or links to these should be provided to enable the student to look up on these extra bits of information. This not only enriches the learning experience but also boosts the confidence level of the learner. A systematic approach and relevant content packaged with attractive and compelling presentation will result in a satisfying learning experience. One of the concerns that have been observed is that giving too much of control over the learning experience may not be good since the learner does not know what is best for him. Borsook and Higginbotham-Wheat (1991) state that too much of control in the hands of the learner can shift the locus of control from one party to another and that diminishes true interactivity. Regulated control with guided flow of information is a better option. The Vikings package gives very less control to the student – the flow of information is directed by the package but this is one of the shortcomings of the tool. Allowing more leverage to the learner will make the learning tool more effective as this results in positive attitude towards learning and motivates them towards their learning goals. Interaction level The most effective teaching method involves a high level of interaction between the teacher and the student. A dedicated teacher is one who understands the student’s learning capacity and his shortcomings and guides him through with effective feedback. A two-way communication between the teacher and the student is very effective in the learning process. Computer based learning applications are continually striving to achieve the human to human interactivity level and have been quite successful in this venture with the aid of multimedia based technologies. The level of interactivity in the learning application tool is of prime importance for it to be effective. The representation of information through graphics and on screen presentation is the required stimuli that elicit some sort of response from the user, such as a mouse click. The application tool then responds to the user with relevant data. This process of interactivity in the application makes the learning process effective. Feedback is an integral part of interactivity. Berlo (1960) states in his work â€Å"feedback provides the source with information concerning his success in accomplishing his objective. † A classroom lecture where the teacher gives lecture to the class without class participation is quite ineffective. It is difficult to gauge in such a situation if the learning process was successful. An understanding of the student’s perception of the contents is essential. This is one of the essential features that a learning application tool should incorporate for it to be a successful learning model. The instructional design should take care that the learning model has scope to interact closely with the learner and guide him through the process for effective learning experience. The level of interactivity and feedback element present in â€Å"The Vikings† application is not substantial. A student going through the package is only following instructions that are being presented to him. Statements like â€Å"Click here to begin† and â€Å"Choose your artefact and click on the square to travel back in time† – these are some of the instructions that are provided to the student. This generates response from the student in the mode of mouse-click and the application narrates the relevant contents on the screen. The student needs to go through this text but this does not ensure learning. The application has no way of evaluating if the student has perceived the information presented to him correctly. There is no feedback mechanism that is applied in this model. This leaves the learning model incomplete. Proper feedback and evaluation gives the student a sense of his learning objectives and how much he has succeeded in this direction. Constructive feedback gives the student a clear picture of how much he has learnt, where he went wrong and what he should do to correct his mistake. Modes of interaction between the learner and the learning application model can be identified at different levels. The basic form of interaction is one that presents the stimuli to the learner and elicits some kind of response in the form of a mouse click or key press. A higher level of interaction that ensures the effectiveness of the learning process involves evaluating activities presented to the learner at the end of a module to gauge his understanding and performance level. This form of interaction gives a clear picture of the learner’s progress as feedback. The inclusion of this parameter in the instructional design of the learning application model is vital. Directing the learner to key learning points and providing links to related concepts enhances the quality of learning and promotes better understanding of the subject matter. Instances of such interactivity are problem-solving modules, puzzles, quiz, and brain twisters that ensure active participation from the learner. Engaging the learner in different kinds of activities related to the context enhances the learning process. This not only ensures that the learner has successfully grasped the contents but also increases the effectiveness of the model. One of the benefits of such activities is the interest level that is created in this type of learning environment. Learning becomes a fun activity and not a dreaded cumbersome experience that one goes through reluctantly. Once the interest level is high the learner is ready for more. He is willing to explore the unknown territories in pursuit of an in-depth understanding of the context. The learning process in such cases is unintentional and not deliberate and hence more effective. The multimedia and other high-end technology available have the potential to achieve this dream-learning model. Another key feature that determines the effectiveness of the learning application model is the quality of content. An application may provide all the features of good interactivity and presentation in terms of graphics and display, but a poor quality of content will negate all the rest. A package rich relevant content with suitable links to additional related information will ensure learning effectiveness. This leaves the control of learning in the hands of the learner. An individual may wish to go beyond the realms of his subject matter and explore other related areas in this way. Simulated learning environment in computer-based interaction is another excellent tool for learning. Simulations use selected elements of some world, real or imaginary, which operate together according to rules (Greenblat 1988). In such cases the learner can experience an imaginary sequence in which he can interact and learn. This kind of learning experience is a gradual process where the learner is allowed to make mistakes and learn. Teaching the history of Vikings era using this mechanism is not only an interesting option but also a powerful learning tool. It might be adventurous to move into the Vikings era and view the events of the past unfold in front of the student. The narration of the events in the background in synchronization with suitable graphics and animation will surely captivate the student’s attention and allow for greater learning experience. But it must be kept in mind that simply viewing the events of the past as an audience is not enough – the active participation of the learner is equally important to hold his interest level and retain the subject matter. Learner Motivation Kruse (2007) states that the success of any computer based learning package depends on learner motivation and even the most sophisticated package will fail if it does not motivate the students to learn. Computer games have managed to captivate the user’s attention to such an extent that everything else is forgotten. This is a classic example of motivation and interest that this type of software generates in the user. Educational models too can apply this theory while designing the learning package. The essential ingredient that is required to hold the learner’s attention is the active role of the learner in the learning process. There are several ways of ensuring that the learner actively takes the control of learning in his own hands. The interactivity of the learning package is one of the deciding factors that motivate the learner to proceed. The system should allow the learner to steer the path of learning. Enabling the student to browse the information and guiding him through the learning process will hold the student’s interest and motivate him to learn more. Structuring the learning content into a story telling format with compelling dramatic sequence will keep the student highly engrossed. The absorption of the learning material will be faster and effective. The Vikings package does not include this feature and the presentation of facts is in form of text that the student needs to go through. The effect of presenting the same facts through narration in the background will hold the student’s attention and interest. The ARCS Model of Motivational Design by Keller provides the direction to successful instructional design in this context. The ARCS model identifies four strategic components for motivating instruction. One of the basic parameters for keeping the student interested and motivated in the subject matter is his attention. Computer based learning has an edge over other conventional tools of learning like books in this context. The visibility and presentation of information through attention grabbing graphics and multimedia tool make this a more effective learning platform. Once the attention of the student is on the learning tool the application needs to stimulate the learner’s curiosity that in turn leads to search for answers and in-depth study of the learning module. The relevance of the content is another aspect that is important in learner motivation. This is a more goal centric strategy that appeals to the objective needs of the student. The objectivity of the study needs to be defined so that the student is aware of the purpose behind this learning activity. This keeps the student focused on his goal and helps him in the learning process. The application needs to arrange the information in such a manner that the student finds it easy to approach and understand. The sequencing and relevance of the information presented to him is vital. Correlating the tasks and facts in the learning module need to be very precise. The next step in motivating students is confidence-building strategy. The goal of this mechanism is to instill confidence in the learner that he is on the right track and that his learning objectives are being met. There are various technologies available that can be effectively used to evaluate the student’s understanding level of the module and based on this evaluation effective feedback is given to the student regarding his progress. Tasks for evaluating should range from simple to challenging levels that test the student’s perception. This challenges the student to go from one level to the other and enhances the learning process. The satisfaction of the learning experience is critical for measuring the effectiveness of the overall package. The achievement of meeting the goals of learning forms the base for a satisfying learning experience. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback mechanism are instrumental in achieving this strategy. The Vikings package will attract the attention of the user with its graphical and pictorial representation but that is not enough. It is difficult to hold the interest of the learner with only graphical presentation of information. The student will very easily get bored with the facts presented in this manner. The package needs to adopt novel strategies to hold the student’s attention for a longer period of time. Use of storytelling mechanism, simulations and activity based learning modules as discussed earlier will motivate the student and enrich the learning experience. Collaborative Learning When students are able to participate in active learning activities, they find the learning more pleasurable and satisfying than non participative events (Fry and Coe,1980). The principle of collaborative learning provides many learning opportunities and enriches the learning experience considerably. A learning environment that allows interaction between the learners is highly conducive. A classroom environment provides this kind of scope to the students where a group of students sharing the same learning goal coordinate with each other, communicate their ideas, and share their understanding of the subject matter. Jonassen (1988) has stated in his works that the effectiveness of any learning environment is based on the types and levels of cognitive and metacognitive activity engendered in the learners. It is widely accepted that learning is enhanced in instructional settings where students are engaged in processing personally relevant content and are reflective during the learning process. Another feature of this learning principle as suggested by Slavin (1997) is that the reward structures inherent in collaborative environments have been found to have a positive effect on student motivation. Computers provide a stimulus for learning by increasing social interactions and cooperation (eg. Hoyles, Healy & Pozzi, 1992). The application of this mode of learning can be effectively used in computer based learning with the aid of various multimedia and authoring technologies available. The Vikings uses one such strategy in its learning application – the principle of situated learning or situated cognition. This is defined as â€Å"the notion of learning knowledge and skills in contexts that reflect the way the knowledge will be useful in real life† (Brown, Collins and Dugiud, 1989). The application is meant for two or more students at a time with the same learning objectives. The discussion of the facts and information between the groups of learners ensures the understanding of the subject matter. The collaboration between the students and the package offer an effective learning environment. One of the discrepancies of this learning principle is that collaborative learning may not have the desired outcome if the learners do not share the learning goals. Exchange of views and ideas may not enrich the learning experience, as some of the learners may not be attentive to what is being discussed around him. History is a subject that explores the past and discovers the roots of civilization and the world. The Vikings application aims to present the facts from the Vikings era to enable the students an understanding of how things were in those times. As such the application should aim at providing facts from the past that enables a better understanding of the world today. The Vikings package can implement some more principles of collaborative learning to create and effective learning environment. Use of interactive multimedia packages that enable the application to converse with the student and provide scope for evaluating the student’s knowledge and understanding of the subject matter is one method. Other methods involve the use of audio and visual depictions that is bound to impact the learner’s cognitive senses.

High-commitment HRM is more rhetoric than reality Essay

High-commitment HRM is more rhetoric than reality - Essay Example The paper tells that the term high commitment HRM can be defined as a set of HR policies and practices which are aimed to bring performance improvement in all the organization. There are various components of high quality HRM policies which are described below. Employee is the most primary element of the human resource management. One of the major component which deals with the high commitment HRM is regarding their security and the internal condition of the labor market. Employment security has been regarded as a high matter of concern because organizations cannot demand the best of the employee’s performance and dedication without providing them security and having concern for their career. Providing of employment security enhances the employment relationship. The most significant factor about the inclusion of employments security in the human resource policies is that it aims at eliminating job reductions and the employee’s expectation from the organization reaches a substantial level. Such policies also bring in to fact that the human resource management aims to highlight that they do not treat the workers of the organizations as variable cost but rather treat them as an asset who had their major contribution towards the organizational development. High commitment HRM also specifies that the employees hired in the organization through the selective recruitment process needs to be undergone through extensive training sessions to have a clear knowledge regarding their roles and the working of the organization. ... t significant factor about the inclusion of employments security in the human resource policies is that it aims at eliminating job reductions and the employee’s expectation from the organization reaches a substantial level. Such policies also bring in to fact that the human resource management aims to highlight that they do not treat the workers of the organizations as variable cost but rather treat them as an asset who had their major contribution towards the organizational development. High commitment HRM also specifies that the employees hired in the organization through the selective recruitment process needs to be undergone through extensive training sessions to have a clear knowledge regarding their roles and the working of the organization. Much importance has been stressed on the importance of the individual and organizational learning. Skill specific forms of training are being suggested in the principle of high commitment human resource management. Providing employee s with the necessary training also contributes to their overall development. Employee involvement and sharing of information among them also appears to be one of the vital components of the high commitment HRM. Sharing of information relating to organizational performance and financial matters will provide the employees with the updated information and would also be helpful in conveying the message that the employees are trusted and treated in an open environment with a positive manner. Employee participation can also be helpful for the management in providing them with legitimacy for their actions. Employee information and participation involves downward communication, problem solving groups which are designed to increase the rate of the employee participation. The importance of employee voice

What do You Consider to be the Most Effective Pedagogic Principles for Essay

What do You Consider to be the Most Effective Pedagogic Principles for Teaching in the Early Years Today - Essay Example From this study it is clear that there are several pedagogical principles that are applied in early childhood learning. The difference is based on the educators intention to produce an effective pedagogical principle that will result in the best learning experience and results. Effective as used, in this case, implies the ultimate attainment of the desired goals in the learning process. The result of teaching which is the development of the desired skill, in this case, is the benchmark for measuring the effectiveness of the teaching or the pedagogical principle adopted. Within this paper, two pedagogical principles will be examined. It gives the details of the principle in their use and how each of the principles would look like in practice. As the study declares apart from the outlook of the principle in practice, the disadvantages of the use of these principles in todays pedagogy are also examined. The department for education and skills developed some pedagogical principles after a wide consultation with the local authorities, schools and other stakeholders. These principles were developed to be principally relevant to all learners despite the difference of age or stage of learning. The main pedagogical principles identified by this study are Co-agency and the principle of inclusion of everybody in learningMuch focus of this principle is the responsibility bestowed on the learners in taking charge of the direction of their learning and the level of their input as opposed to the teachers direction. In young peoples learning, the Co-agency principle recognizes the fact that the input of the teacher and the contribution of the students are necessary.

Throughout This semester you will work in a small group(maximum four Essay

Throughout This semester you will work in a small group(maximum four persons)to analyse the strategic activates and decisions of - Essay Example The importance of location when expanding internationally is further verified through the study of Luo (2000). According to the above researcher, the expansion of each firm internationally is likely to be influenced by three factors: ‘ownership advantages of a firm, location advantages of a market, and advantages related to the internal processes of a firm’ (Luo 2000, p.103-104). It is made clear that choosing the appropriate location can affect the internationalization efforts of a firm, depending on the existence of increased or decreased location advantages in regard to the country chosen. According to Neelankavil (2007) choosing the appropriate country for entry is quite important due to the following reason: the selection of an inappropriate country for entry ‘can lead to severe damages on a firm’s performance while the time period required for recovering from such damages can be quite long’ (Neelankavil 2007, p.82). ... This means that the location chosen should secure the achievement of the above target, even in the long term (Ebner 2011). China meets the above term; the country’s population is quite high and the demand of products of such type, i.e. of products related to the nutrition of babies, is quite high, as also analyzed below. 3.2.2 Geographic distance When reviewing the appropriateness of a country as a target market emphasis should be also given to the distance between the home market and the target market (Tallman 2007). Indeed, ‘geographic distance’ (Tallman 2007, p.295) is often regarded as a factor that can highly influence the success of a product in a new market (Tallman 2007). Developing strategic alliances locally can be an excellent method for limiting the risks related to such initiatives (Tallman 2007, p.295). 3.2.3 Local demand for similar products The level of demand of products of similar characteristics is critical for choosing the location of a firmâ⠂¬â„¢s international expansion. In the case under examination the choice of China as a target market for Aptamil Power milk can be characterized as fully justified. In terms of its economy China ranks among the most powerful countries worldwide. In a report published by Economist (2013) emphasis is given to the power of the Chinese economy but also to the threats that the particular economy has to face since it is mainly ‘consumer – led’ (The Economist 2013). For Aptamil Power milk the Chinese market seems to be an excellent destination due to the following two reasons: a) the demand for products of the particular type is quite high in China (BBC News 2013), b) a recent scandal related to the quality of such

What are the motivations of people who become volunteers at major Literature review - 1

What are the motivations of people who become volunteers at major sport events - Literature review Example Literature review for this study has been conducted in the traditional manner by first reviewing literature on volunteering in general and then moving on to the specific subject of volunteering in sports. The barriers and motivation to volunteering both in general and in the sport sector have been evaluated. Data on the economy value of volunteering both in the general and the sports sectors have been reviewed and the dynamics of volunteering evaluated. This section reviews literature on the concept of volunteering in the general sector. The year 2011 was declared the â€Å"European Year of Volunteering† aimed at recognizing the contribution that volunteers make to society (Cattan, Hogg & Hardill, 2011). This demonstrates the value of volunteering in a society and particularly in Europe. The voluntary sector comprises of all activities and services extended on the basis of volunteering – unpaid work in a formal business environment (Gallarza, Arteaga, Floristà ¡n & Gil, 2009). Volunteering services has its roots in a positive attitude that gives rise to the feeling that serving the society or helping people can lead to a higher degree of life satisfaction. However, the definitions of volunteering and volunteerism range from being altruistic to engaging in unpaid activity. Volunteering has been defined as working for no gain (Waikayi et al, 2012), and as an activity that is freely chosen, does not involve remuneration and helps and benefits people beyond their immediate family (Cattan, Hogg & Hardill, 2011; Hoeber, 2010). Definitions from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating, Statistics Canada, highlight several key dimensions of volunteering – free choice, formal structure and lack of payment (Hoeber, 2010). The nature of volunteering action can range from volunteering out of free will, being coerced to volunteer or being obligated to volunteer.

Adolescent Sexuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Adolescent Sexuality - Essay Example b) Early start of sexual intercourse: Other risks associated with teen sex include early start of sex practice. Teens usually get attracted towards opposite sex at an early stage and start to have sex with their partners. In 2006 7, 50,000 teens below the age of 20 became pregnant in United States (Guttmacher Institute, 2010). c) Multiple sex partners: Majority of the teens who are engaged in having sex with more than one partners are often likely to develop attitudes like fighting, taking drugs and smoking. These activities are mainly observed among girls. It also increases the chances of pregnancies and STDs. d) Unprotected sex: Most of the adolescents are often engaged in unprotected sexual practices. The two most common consequences of unprotected sexual practice are; transmission of various sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. i) STDs: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are a major issue in teen sex. These diseases are usually transmitted by unsafe sex practices which are prominent among teens. 19 million STD infections occur worldwide each year among in which half of them are teens between the ages of 15-24 (SADD, 2007). Another reason for high rate of STDs among teens is because of the wrong perception that oral sex or anal sex does not have the risk of transmission of STDs. A number of of the sexually transmitted diseases are AIDS, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Chlamydia, Pubic Lice or Crabs, Vaginitis and Hepatitis (Menstruation, 1999). ii) Teen Pregnancy: Another consequence of unprotected sex is teen pregnancy. Most teens often indulge in unsafe and unplanned sex practice due to their immaturity. In US 34% of teens become pregnant before they reach the age of 20 which is around 8, 20,000 a year (SADD, 2007). The result of unprotected sexual behavior leads to pregnancy at an early age might be harmful for a girl. Although

Critical Issues in Abandoned Information Systems Development Projects Essay

Critical Issues in Abandoned Information Systems Development Projects - Essay Example   Delegating these projects to lower-level managers or generic staff members would likely allow for IS projects to be mismanaged or certain issues to be overlooked. If the senior manager is unaware of what the project team is doing at all critical stages in the information systems project, there is likely to be poor communication between project team members and lack of focus on meeting specific deadlines for project stage completion. Lack of technical understanding about complex projects, also, can involve creating a project team with members who really are not capable of performing the necessary tasks to achieve the project goal. In many ways, this would seem to go hand-in-hand with lack of senior management oversight as when developing a project team there should be a well-coordinated effort to ensure that all members have the expertise necessary to understand project goals and also ensure they are implemented successfully. Again, as pointed out by Ewusi-Mensah, often failures in these projects are not recognized until they come to the crisis stage and the project costs have already escalated out of control. The conceptual nature of IS projects, additionally, poses problems for companies such as those described in the case study. For an organization such as Intrico Consortium, which was looking to create a rather unparalleled reservation system IS project, failure to create a solid outline of project stage expectations prior to selecting project team members and role responsibilities is likely what led to years of cost overruns and the other disputes involving senior-level management.

Assess the contribution of Buffalo Bill to the making of the mythic Essay

Assess the contribution of Buffalo Bill to the making of the mythic West - Essay Example The myths are now history, thus transforming the nature of a time and place through the use of celebrity and propaganda. Modern culture is now built on the myths that are created through textual histories that are exaggerated and changed to support the needs of the immediate culture in creating heroes, villains, and a story to fill the spaces within the history of mankind. Early Life William Frederick Cody was born on February 26 1846 to Mary Ann and Isaac Cody in the county of Scott in Iowa. Mary Ann and Isaac Cody had traveled to Iowa as pioneers, part of the group of people who were expanding the territories in North America towards the West. In his autobiography, Cody (1978, p. 17) writes that he was the fourth child of eight children in the Cody family. When he was born, he and his family lived on a farm that they had given a Native American name, Napsinekee Place, but when he was around the age of seven he was moved to the small town of LeClair, Iowa where he had an idyllic chi ldhood. Cody (1978, p. 28) describes his childhood as an adventure, one where he stole apples from the neighbors orchard with the vigilance of the guard dog always his nemesis. He swam in the Mississippi River and took boats out on the water, although the boats were also not always his to take. He reports the story of getting stuck out in the middle of the river, he and a childhood friend having lost the oars, only to be discovered from having stolen the boat from the dock. His descriptions of the events of the his early life describe him as a child who sought adventure and wanted to experience everything, all of the thrills that would come from challenging his boundaries and the elements of his natural world. After his family made a brief and failed attempt to move to California, they moved to Walnut Grove Farm where Cody learned to trap and hunt. He became good with horses, but one event stuck out in his childhood that brought him great sorrow and involved a horse accident. His ol der brother, Samuel, rode out with Cody into town and decided to take a mare that he had been warned not to ride. Samuel, with Cody in his company on another horse, took the mare to the school where he decided to show off, but the horse reared up and then fell upon him, giving Samuel fatal injuries that took his life the next day (Cody 1978, p. 20). Some elements of this event may have contributed to the nature within Cody that led him to his celebrity. Cody’s father was involved in politics, giving him a public persona (Cody 1978, p. 19). So Cody was not unfamiliar with the concept of being known. Samuel had been a popular young boy, his gregarious personality leading the community to give him a great deal of adoration. When he died, the community felt the pain of his passing, thus even in his grief, it is possible that William saw that the effects of celebrity was the appreciation and emotional connection of a large number of people. That Cody sought fame may be traced to t his event as he recorded it in his autobiography as being transformative in his life. The second event in Cody’s life where fame and death were connected came with the stabbing and eventual death of his father. Cody’s family was moved from the farm in Iowa to Kansas, a state that was heavily involved in a debate whether to allow slavery within its borders. His father, involved in polit

Ancient Egypt Essay Example for Free

Ancient Egypt Essay Egypt is a country that is situated within the North Africa mainly. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Sudan to the south, Israel and Gaza strip to the northeast and Libya to the west and red Sea to the east. It is one among the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. The best monuments in Egypt are the Giza pyramid complex and it Great Sphinx were built by the ancient civilization of Egypt. The best tourism spot in Egypt is the Red Sea Riviera. When talking about the economy, it has one among the most diversified in the Middle East. To have a better understanding of Egypt, we shall go into the history of Egypt. Around 3150 BC, a unified kingdom was formed by King Menes that led to a series of empire that ruled Egypt for about the next three millennia. The Egyptian culture was flourished during this period and it remained distinct in all aspects like religion, arts, customs and language. The first two dynasties constituted the Old kingdom and they have constructed most of the pyramids in Egypt. The daily life in Egypt revolved around the river Nile and due to the yearly flooding, it several rulers. There was the Roman and Ptolemaic Egypt and the last ruler of that era were enriched the land and thus made it very fertile for cultivation and this bought good wealth to the land. The heights of prosperity were during the reign of the Pharaoh Amenemhat III. A Pharaoh is considered as the most powerful person who was both a political and religious leader of the Egyptian people. Before being a republic, Egypt was ruled by the Cleopatra VII. Then there was the Arab and Ottoman Egypt where Egypt was conquered by the Arabs and Muslims and they ruled for another six centuries in Egypt bringing Muslim religion in the country. In 1517, the Ottoman Turks conquered Egypt which leads a major devastation of the country. With the French invasion by the Napoleon and later Commander of the Albanian regiment, Muhammad Ali, the Ottoman reign came to an end and it led to the British rule. By 1953, the Egyptian Republic was declared with General Muhammad Naguib being the first President. Later by the year 2011, revolutions took place in Egypt and the Mubarak government was stepped down and the first parliamentary elections were conducted. The economy of Egypt mainly depends on agriculture, petroleum exports, media, tourism, and exports of natural gas. Egypt has developed an energy market based on oil, coal, hydro power and natural gas. The FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) have risen considerably in Egypt over the last few years. When being in Egypt, there are tourist locations that should never be missed. A few places are listed here: In Cairo – Pyramids of Giza, Pyramids of Sakkara, Ancient Memphis, The Egyptian Museum, The hanging Church, Santa Barbara are a few to name here. In Luxor – Luxor temple, Valley of the Kings, Ramses III, are a few to mention. At the Red Sea Coast – Red Sea Coast, Marsa Alam, Monastry of St.Paul, are a few to be mentioned. The pyramids are the well known trade marks in Egypt. The culture allowed them to burry bodies of their pharaohs in great tombs called as pyramids and Egypt is ‘The Country’ that has great number of Pyramids which is great to see in this modern era. Egypt celebrates many festivals and carnivals, which is also known as mulid. Ramadan has a great flavour in Egypt and is celebrated with lights and music. An ancient spring festival of Egypt known as the Sham en Nisim has  been celebrated for more than thousand of years. The culture of Egypt dates back to about six thousand years which is a recorded history. Egypt maintained a striking complex that influenced the later cultures of Middle East, Europe and African Countries. Egypt is also recognized as a cultural trend setter of the Arab-speaking world. A beautiful country with a great civilization and a great place to be visited with its beauty and to be seen and understood in all aspects.

Horoscopes and Astrology Essay Example for Free

Horoscopes and Astrology Essay Horoscopes are charts created by astrologers. A definition of a horoscope is: the illustration of the position of the sun, moon, and planets from a given location on earth, usually at birth. Which simply means, where everything in the universe was in relation to everything else when you were born. People have been finding their horoscopes for a long time now, its nothing new. The earliest known horoscope was from 409 B.C. where it started to spread in the East with the conquerors of the Roman Empire. From there, it started spreading all the way across to Western Europe, where it was almost considered a science itself by all learned people. Everyone has an astrological sign. There are 12 in all. They are called the signs of the zodiac. The 12 signs are called : Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Each sign represents a set of human characteristics. They deal with certain area of a persons life, such as marriage, health, work, travel, and death. Astrologers believe that the position of the objects in the sky when you were born and their movements reflect the persons character and destiny. The horoscope also is divided into 12 houses. Unlike the zodiacal signs, which represent the annual cycle of the sun, the house represent the 24 hours of a day of the Earths daily rotation. Astrologers make predictions by studying the position of the objects with all of the 12 signs and of the 12 houses. You might see your horoscope in the newspaper today. Its based on the signs of the zodiac I mentioned, and where the Sun was located when you were born. It implies that all people born under the same sign anywhere in the world at any time share common characteristics. Today, even though only a small percentage of people believe in it, books and  columns on astrology rate higher than ever no one can say why! I think curiosity has a big effect on the overall popularity of astrology and horoscopes. Horoscopes are illustrated by circles, called the ecliptic. Its the way the earth orbits around the sun in a year. Every planet (including the sun and moon) has a sign, depending on where the planet is on the ecliptic when the horoscope was made to be for. The astrology that horoscopes are based on are criticised and questioned often, and although many scientists disagree with the science involved in getting your horoscope, millions of people continue to believe or practice it.

Importance of Parental Involvement in a Childs Education

Importance of Parental Involvement in a Childs Education Partnership with Families and the Community Individual Assignment. INTRODUCTION: Children are the foundation of sustainable development. The early years of life are crucial not only for individual health and physical development, but also for cognitive and social emotional development. Young children need the support from a caregiver and from the parents so that they can feel secure within the preschool environment. Parental or family involvement in early childhood education plays an important role because it creates a connection between the school and the home environment. Furthermore, family involvement in school helps them to have a peek into the world of young children. CONTENT: EXPLANATION OF PARENTAL OR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: The family seems to be the most effective and the economical system for fostering and sustaining the child’s development. Without family involvement, interventions are likely to be unsuccessful, and what few effects are achieved are likely to be disappear once the intervention is discontinued. Urie bronfenbrenner Parental or family involvement in early childhood education is a term used to involve families in their child’s early education and form a strong partnership with their child care provider. This helps to make a significant positive impact on the child’s growth and development. Parents are the important source because it relate to young children positive healthy learning in early childhood. For example, family involvement in school is a way for building trust, respect and opens two –way communication between the teacher and parent’s .A healthy partnership often leads to positive living and with this, children will develop good values in them .Including parents in early years of young children learning are important as parents are the primary educators besides the teacher. The role of parents in young children education often leads future success as a source in early learning. School should choose practice that help to identify the goal of each student. The types of practices that can be helpful is communicating .Teachers can communicate to families about their child progress through effective school to- home and home to- school communication .Communication is also a way for teachers to have conferences with the parents about their child progress at least once a year. Decision making is also effective when teachers include families as participants in school decision, governance, advocacy and committees. Other practices such as learning at home also help parents to provide information and ideas to families about how to help student at home with homework and other curriculum –related activities, decision and planning. IMPORTANCE OF INVOLVEMENT: Parental or family involvement in early childhood expands the child to success academically. For example, parents interest in learning shows that they value education and they know the best for their child. Parents that are connected with the school curriculum can expands their ideas on what the child has learnt in school. For example, if a child learns about animals, parents might take the child to the zoo or read animal’s book to them. Parents that are involved in their child curriculum get the better sense of what goes on in the program .Besides all, significant research over at least 25 years has demonstrated that family involvement is critical to the educational success of young children. For example, school that acknowledge the relevance of children’s homes and cultures and promote family involvement, they can develop supportive environment for learning through meaningful activities that engage and empower families. Parents that are involved in child’s educ ation do help the child but the parents themselves. For example parents that are involved will help to cope with separation anxiety .Studies has shown that parents that are involved in children education can build strong foundation of a well educated person .Children can also adjust better in school when parents are involved, allowing them to have a more positive attitude towards education .This also includes by giving them message that education is very important for now generation. BENEFITS OF INVOLVEMENT: Parent’s involvement in preschool setting helps to develop trust between the teacher-parents. Furthermore, parents that are involved in their child school curriculum tend to increase their interaction between their children and know about their child social, emotional and intellectual needs .Moreover, parental and family involvement is way to help parents increase their confidence and parents decision making skills in home and schools .Preschool teachers that includes parents often leads to greater respect for their profession from the parents. Other benefit includes, children have better self esteem and more self disciplined, and show higher aspiration and motivation towards school .Young children from diverse cultural backgrounds tend to do better when the parents and professional work together to bridge the gap between the cultural at home and the cultural in school .Family or parents that are involved in young children’s education has a higher opportunities for the children to score higher grades, test scores and graduation rates. Parents or families that are involved in their child’s education often tend to experience an increase of confidence in them and in their child’s education program. This is because, parents feel valued by the educator working with their children .Parents that include themselves in child’s education helps to see the strength and weaknesses of the child and if weaknesses arrived ,parents can find way to work on it . CHALLENGES TO INVOLVEMENT: The challenges for parents/family involvement often are arise when parents are included into their child’s curriculum or settings. Teachers that include parents into the child’s curriculum should think about family involvement as a continuum. For example, teacher should actively reach out and invite parents to share both their child’s and their experiences in previous setting, as well as how they would want to be involved in the present .Language/culture differences are also the challenge in early childhood education .This is because, parents or families that enrol the child in early years often stands with different ethnic background or culture differences such as Indian ,Chinese or Malay that has different views .Language difficulties is also a major challenge where parents can’t understand the perspective of a teacher or language barriers between teacher-parents relationship .Often language/cultural differences lead to different perspective of each pare nts. This happen when parents has different thinking or role into their child development or what they think is best for their child and this lead to great confusion in the settings of early ears enrolment .Lack of understanding and trust is also one of the other challenge. For example, miscommunication between the teacher-parents often leads to disagreement and lack of understanding of each other’s role .Parents that are not satisfied or they think that their child’s is not receiving enough education often blame the teacher role in early years but in this case, parents should work together with the teacher to help overcome the problem by playing their role as parents in educating the child besides the teacher. Time consuming is also a factor because parents that have other priorities in their lives often neglect their child’s education which requires children that need their parent’s time too. Availability is very important in the sense of attending scho ol meetings. Busy parents often have no time to attend any school meeting where face-to- face interaction is lacking to know their child’s development in school. Family stress is the normal stresses of parenting of growing and changing child challenge all parents. As children develop, parents must learn to handle the new behaviors that come along the way. This normal life stress can be made more difficult by other families. At times child care providers might be not aware of the problems that make it hard for family member to get involved. WAYS TO INVOLVE PARENTS/FAMILIES: Parental or family involvement can include parent-teacher conference. For example, teacher can prepare a day for meeting where parents can know about their child development in school and to know better about the strength and weaknesses of their children by these meetings .Besides that, teacher can also prepare message book for the parents to know further information regards to preschool curriculum. Helping with class activities is also a way to include parents into the curriculum because it makes teacher-parents relationship strong as well the child as they will feel good with the support of parents beside them. Having family nights, carnivals and potluck dinners is also a great way to include family involvement because it strengthens the relationship between the teacher and parents. Celebrating achievement thorough work sampling is a fun way to include parents. For example, teachers can create portfolios, scrap books, and other collection of children’s experience in the clas sroom for parents to look at whenever they visit the classroom CONCLUSION: In conclusion, parental or family involvement in early childhood education is extremely important for the child development. This is because; children will feel secure and protected with the involvement of family in preschool curriculum. Family involvement in preschool setting may give the parents a change to know more about how their children a developing academically than parents that are not involved. As said, a parent who shares their time and talents enriches the preschool experiences for her own child and for the other students. Parents that give most of their time to their children will develop a healthy and happy living lifestyle. BIBLIORAPHY: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/earlyyearsmatters/m/meettheparents.asp. www.hfrp.org/content/download/1181/48685/file/earlychildhood.pdf. http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/importance-parent-involvement-early-childhood-5294.html. http://www.education.com/reference/article/benefits-parent-involvement-research/ http://www.learninglinks.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/LLIS-53_Parent-Involve.pdf

Washburn V. State :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The evidence presented to myself and the other juror’s proves that Tyrone Washburn is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the murder of his wife, Elena Washburn. On March 12, 1979 Elena Washburn was strangled in the living room of her family’s home. Her body was then dragged to the garage, leaving a trail of blood from the living room to the place it was found. Her husband, Tyrone Washburn, found her in the family’s garage on March 13, 1979 at 1:45 A.M. When officer Dale Chambers arrived at the scene he found her lying face down in a pool of blood. The solid evidence in this case proves only one person, Tyrone Washburn, is guilty of murder.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We were presented with many facts that all pointed to Mr. Washburn as the murder. In the house all of the entrances were thoroughly inspected by authorities, and they found no sign of ransacking. â€Å"[They] examined all the locking mechanisms, all the doors and windows. In [their] opinion there was no evidence of any forced entry† (P.81). When police looked for fingerprints, â€Å"They were all of the Washburn family and the maid† (P.81). There was no trace of an outside party; somebody usually in the Washburn house committed the murder. While in the living room, an officer found a drop of blood. The evidence technician was called the next night to run some tests. â€Å"He sprayed the living room carpet with luminol. It is a luminous spray, and when it comes in contact with blood it illuminates† (P.82). To both men’s surprise the whole living room was illuminating. After spraying further the men found a trail from the living room thro ugh the kitchen to the garage. In the closet the men found a wet mop, which was tested for blood and also came back positive. Somebody tried to clean his or her bloody mess, and try to save himself. The physical evidence proves the killer was somebody who was familiar to the Washburn household.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The circumstantial evidence further proves only Tyrone Washburn could be Elena Washburn’s murderer. The morning of Elena’s death began just like every morning at the Washburn residence. â€Å"[Tyrone] and the children went out to his VW and got in the car . . . When he got in the car with the children he remembered a report he needed . . . So he went back to look for it while the children waited in the car† (P.

Television as a Teaching Tool :: Papers

Television as a Teaching Tool In the world we are living in today there are a great many people who will tell you televisions are an amazing teaching tool, or that they bring quality entertainment to millions of people around the world. This is quite simply a lie. Television is no 'great teacher' or 'show stopper', but an evil machine, an evil mind-numbing machine. You only need to look at the effects that Logi-biards contraption has on people, to see what I mean. They sit in front of trashy soap operas, with their far-fetched storylines and sub standard acting, stuffing junk food into their faces. These 'Tele-Addicts' will, with no hesitation, watch hours upon hours of programmes, wasting evening after evening in front of their 'goggle boxes'. From the very first moment they turn on their televisions, they turn off their brains and become transfixed on the screen. They begin to plan their lives around the television schedule; the T.V Guide has become their bible. If you observe someone watching television it's easy to see that they have turned off their body and minds except for their hands. Their hands are now on autopilot used on the odd occasion to operate the remote or stuff junk food in to their faces. You could set off a bomb in the same room with them and I doubt they'd notice, as long as it doesn't interrupt the programme they were staring at they couldn't care. There are actually only two things you can do to distract an addict from their televisions and just prey to God you don't do them! Well what are these two 'Sins' of which I speak? Standing in front of the screen and touching the remote control. Quite trivial things you may think, but if you dare to commit either one of these crimes against television you will receive the same response. You'll be hit instantaneously with a tidal wave of foul language and violent gestures. It's a totally primal response, it as if evolution never took place.

HIV/AIDS Public Health Policies: A Comparison Between South Africa and

HIV/AIDS is still a current public health concern for all countries of the world. Research has helped progress the education and treatment of the virus, but some areas of the world still have difficulty with this public health concern. Out of all developing countries, South Africa has one of the highest percentages of their population living with HIV/AIDS while Cuba has one of the lowest percentages of their population living with the virus. In this paper, the public health policies of South Africa and Cuba regarding treatment, prevention and transmission will be discussed and compared. South Africa is one of the countries that are part of Sub-Saharan Africa. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS infected people in the world. This region contains 10% of the population of the world and has 60% of HIV/AIDS infected people living in this area (Jacobsen, 2008). By 2007, the amount of people that had died in South Africa that were infected by the virus reached over two million (Gilbert, 2008). Due to the amount of people infected with the virus, the government and medical community of South Africa needed to implement a plan to deal with the epidemic. The National AIDS Coordinating Committee of South Africa (NACOSA) was formed in 1992 to develop a national plan to deal with the issue (South African Government Information, 2007). The National Strategic Plan (NSP) was developed by the NACOSA review in 1999 which focused on the government improving â€Å"education, health services, reduction of poverty, the empowerment of women, and the provision of b asic services such as shelter, clean water, and sanitation† (South African Government Information, 2007, p. 18). In 2007, the South African government developed a National S... ...6 Gilbert, L. (2008). Public health and health professionals in the times of HIV/AIDS. South African Review Of Sociology, 39(2), 301-316. Gorry, C. (2008, July). Cuba’s HIV/AIDS strategy: An integrated, rights-based approach, MEDICC Review: International Journal of Cuban Health and Medicine. Retrieved from http://www.medicc.org/ns/assets/documents/Cuban%20HIV%20Strategy.pdf Jacobsen, K. H. (2008). Introduction to global health. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Peltzer, K., Preez, N., Ramlagan, S., & Fomundam, H. (2008). Use of traditional complementary and alternative medicine for HIV patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. BMC Public Health, 8255-268. South African Government Information. (2007, March 12). HIV & AIDS and STI strategic plan for South Africa 2007 – 2011. Retrieved from http://www.info.gov.za/otherdocs/2007/aidsplan2007/index.html