Discussion questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Conversation questions - Coursework Example The consideration factor of the nursing calling is a craftsmanship and without being dexterous in this workmanship, the study of nursing isn’t exceptionally supportive.  At the point when individuals state that they get something, a thought or an idea, which can be as straightforward as figuring out how a machine or a product functions or as confused as Rene Decarte’s reasoning of presence, it is that cognizance, information or comprehension of the subject which is encompassed in the term epistemology. At the end of the day, the very meaning of the word ‘knowledge’ is epistemology.  Induction is the learning strategy that regards just the experience or the proof a tenable hotspot for picking up something. The five faculties of touch, smell, taste, hearing and sight are the main channels that can qualify harsh data as information once it has experienced the trial of experience.  Pospositivism is only a basic investigation of positivism. This type of positivism esteems the examinations ‘subjective’, where the essential is that the subject and scientist are autonomous of one another and along these lines the investigation or the end is legitimate and ‘objective’. A worldview is the place unmistakable ideas (hypotheses and practices) exist in soundness. This idea gives nurture the freedom to change the nursing hypotheses as indicated by their particular circumstance so as to meet their objectives.  The metaparadigm of nursing is characterized by the accompanying 4 ideas: individual, condition, wellbeing, and nursing. Do you concur inside this worldwide portrayal of nursing? Why or why not? Would you include some other parts or sub-components?â I would not add some other parts to the meaning of metaparadigm. The four ideas of; individual, condition, wellbeing and nursing are far reaching and comprehensive. Nursing practice spins around the individual (patient) and everything is joined to reacting to the patient’s needs. Nature is second most significant factor. A medical attendant prepared

Organic Solar cells Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Natural Solar cells - Essay Example In 1954, three researchers called Chapin, Fuller and Pearson built up the main sunlight based cell in a lab. It was until the 1970s when the material science network found them by taking a shot at a progression of investigates in the field of sunlight based vitality. Eastman Kodak turned into the main business association to make a natural cell in 1986. The gadget was made by an investigator called Tang, who worked for the association. More research kept on being done in the field and by 2007; a high proficient sun based cell was made at a spectrolab. It had estimations of about 40.7%, which was an extraordinary improvement from Chapin and his colleagues’ 6% (Rivers 96). Right now, more research is in progress in the field so as to support results. Sunlight based cells are an utilized in electronic gadgets like adding machines and PCs. Satellite pictures vigorously depend on these materials for completing their jobs. One is additionally liable to discover the items in remote areas where no associations with power networks exist. In any case, they are yet to be viewed as a solid hotspot for power for power appropriation. The expense of making sun powered vitality from these materials is additionally restrictive for an enormous scope. It costs multiple times, as much cash, to produce 1 KWh of power from sun based vitality in contrast with traditional strategies (Iyer 17). These commonplace strategies incorporate cycle gas turbines and remote diesel age. Natural cells could be the response to decrease of expenses and end of other restrictive factors in sun powered cell innovation. Natural sun based cells have minimal effort handling and high throughput. This infers it is moderately simple to shower, disintegrate, turn coat and print them. They catch light proficiently because of high assimilation rates. The gadgets can even be prepared in arrangement structure at room temperature. Silicon-based sun based cells are probably not going to go down as far as costs, however this is false for natural ones. Furthermore, they

Stress, Chronic Stress, and Stress Relief

Stress, Chronic Stress, and Stress Relief Stress Management Print Stress, Chronic Stress, and Stress Relief By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on June 09, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 31, 2020 Jamie Grill / Getty Images More in Stress Management Effects on Health Management Techniques Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress We hear the term stress being thrown around so often, we may not realize that people mean different things when theyre discussing stress. Just what is stress, and what do people mean by the term? What Is Stress? First, an answer to the question, What is stress? The term stress refers to the response you have when facing circumstances that force you to act, change, or adjust in some way to maintain your footing or to keep things balanced. (The circumstances themselves are known as stressors, but well have more on them later.) This stress response, also known as the fight-or-flight response, triggers many involuntary changes in your body, which give you an extra burst of energy so that you can fight or run away from perceived threats. This was a helpful response for us in earlier times  when most of the stresses we faced were physical. This burst of physical energy was needed to keep us alive in many cases. Nowadays, though, more and more of our threats are psychological â€"  job stress, interpersonal conflict, etc. â€" and this response to stress, which can actually make us think less clearly, isnt always necessary or even helpful. Chronic Stress When you face stressors often and find that you have little control in these situations, you are at risk of experiencing chronic stress  which can affect your health in many negative ways. Having your stress response activated long-term and not getting your body back to a state of relaxation can tax your system, leaving you overstimulated and depleted at the same time. Studies on health and stress have shown that stress can be a causal or contributing factor to virtually all major illnesses because chronic stress can lower immunity. Stress Management Basics No matter what the origin of stress is for you, there are some basic steps you can take to manage the stress that you experience. Try to approach stress from three angles: Quick Stress Relief While quick stress relievers arent a complete stress management plan in themselves, they are an excellent first line of defense against the effects of chronic stress. This is because they can help you turn off your bodys stress response and respond to the stressors you face from a calm (or calmer), more relaxed place. This helps you to more effectively deal with what is stress, and keep yourself healthier at the same time. Common strategies for quick stress relief include breathing exercises or the use of humor. Address the Situation This step is a little more individualized, but stress management is an important key. As previously discussed, stressed, overwhelmed people arent always in the best position to solve problems. Once you find yourself in a calmer place, you can work on addressing whats causing stress in your life. Relationship stress? Try learning some healthy communication strategies or assertive communication skills. Job stress? Learn to find job satisfaction at your current job, or take steps toward moving to a new one. Money stress? You can handle that, too, with some stress management techniques and financial advice resources. Sometimes self-sabotage is at play and you need to learn some strategies to stop being your  own worst enemy.) Long-Term Stress Management Another important part of a stress management plan is having some regular activities in your life that replenish you and help you become more resilient in facing what is stress in your daily life. Rather than waiting until youre overwhelmed by stress, if you make certain stress-relieving activities a habit, youll be less reactive to stressors when you experience them, and youll be more able to handle them when you face them. Some of these habits include meditation, exercise, and regular practice of having fun. You can also learn strategies to become more emotionally resilient.

International business management - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1206 Downloads: 3 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? INTRODUCTION: Coming together is a beginning Keeping together is progress working together is success. Henry Ford Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "International business management" essay for you Create order This report describes the successful application of reflective learning to promote critical self-awareness and improve both individual and team performance, in a group project work assessment for MSc in International Business Management at LJMU. Boyd and Fales (1983) defined reflection as: The process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience ,which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self and which results in a changed conceptual perspective. According to the suggestions of Kolb learning cycle, i.e. Reflective observation (watching) Abstract conceptualization (thinking) Active experimentation (doing) Concrete experience (feeling) The team members engaged themselves in reflective practice of Assimilating, Organizing, Implementing and Executing the assessment on Burberry case study. (Jennifer Annoon, 2000) GROUP WORK ANALYSIS: Many professional bodies and educational quality institutions now require that students have proven experience of working in groups or teams (Blease, 2006 in Kelly 2007). Hence forth we formed a group to invigilate the challenges and issues that the Trafford group was confronting. To compliment this, catholic youth council (1980) also stated that when examining the relative success and failure amongst group works, the selection process may be a key variable in establishing criteria for successful group work. 1. GROUP FORMATION: For this particular assessment, the group was christened by choice and acceptance i.e. students were given the liberty to select a peer and later on were clubbed with another team to form a clique. A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself and his contribution to praise the skills of the others. Initially group was formed with low level of conflicts and high level of group cohesion. The presentation was due in 3 weeks; the roles were assigned, norms were laid and work was divided as a part of group contract. Scheduled meetings were altered at regular intervals considering team members availability and preferences. The members in the group had 4 attributes namely activist, reflector, pragmatist and theorist. Honey and Mumford linked Kolbs learning cycle with the personal attributes. 4 Members A(reflector)- reviewing and observation B(theorist)- developed thought process and conclusion C(pragmatist)- applied theory in practice with the existing ideas D(activist)- application through action in a new circumstance with new ideas. 2. GROUP DEVELOPMENT Effective teamwork plays a vital role in group development. The key factors which effect the group are conflict management, personality traits, individual performance and time management Shaw and Barrett Power (1998) explained group development and the creation of a productive working /learning with the help of a model showing the effect of diversity and small group processes on performance. The model reflects that a successful group work requires open communication, symbiosis, effective conflict management discussion of strategy and the appropriate weighing of individual inputs into decisions. Bruce Tuckman (1965) developed a four stage model of group development. He labeled the stages forming, storming, norming, performing and ten years later added a fifth stage called adjourning. In the first week, our group was in the forming stage. Initially all members were confused and uncertain in assessing the assigned work. We did the Big Five Locater (Kelly) personality test to assess the personality trait clusters of each individual in the team. This helped each member to analyze each other. Group contract helped us to overcome these barriers by defining the goals, establishing rules and getting acquainted to the task in hand. During the first week of discussion, time consensus was a big issue, as couple of members had their vocations. There was constant atoning of the schedule, which had spilled the beans for a conflict. However according to Maddux R.B., (1998) conflict is healthy when it causes the group to explore new ideas, test their standards and beliefs and stretch their imagination. When conflict is dealt constructively, people can be stimulated to great creativity, which will lead to a wider choice of action and better results. Another important aspect was that the group was more into planning than execution (Schon, 1983). In the later part of the second week the group progressed well by understanding each other and got settled down as an appeased group. A whole brained approach for development and execution is an essential constituent to stimulated long term productivity (Eales-White,2005). This approach was taken by the group members by applying a variety of different learning abilities towards common objectives which was more focused and integrated, which helped in enhancing the Burberry case study. With a combination of formal and informal practices group gained a potential competitive advantage while performing. 3. CRITICAL EVALUATION AND REFLECTIONS: Group conflict is essential for a groups cohesion. It helps groups identify areas of common values; provides group stability through shared beliefs, helps to balance the difference between extreme ideologies and helps to clarify roles and structures frequently. If managed constructively, conflict can be a strong indicator of the groups effectiveness (Mary Holz-Clause, 1996) Issues: Time Consensus: One of the serious hurdle faced by the members during the discussions were meeting the time requirement. Although all had opined to meet on an agreed time. The attendance was really an impeding factor. There was constant atoning of the schedule which resulted in frequent feuds between the members giving rise to clouds of disharmony amid group. Cold war: The transmission of information and exchange of meaning between two or more people is communication and lack of which can lead to ambiguous situations, where people may differ in the reception of intended meanings (Buchanan and Huczynski ). We were initially distracted by the pall of uncertainty that was prevailing due to profuse interpersonal misconceptions. The group was deprived of amiable and cordial environment as none were gelling together. The varied attributes and behavioural differences among the members of the group proved to be significance for the meetings but at the same time, differences in ideologies and perceptions lead to clashes. Personal Commitments: Another persistent worry was the prior commitment of the members. Couple of them were employed and we found it really challenging to have their presence in the meeting during the initial stages of the discussions. They had irregular shifts which aggravated the situation furthermore. Lack of Acceptance: Members were too much into there own findings that they gave less importance to others work. REFLECTIONS: The recurring issues had to be solved and the garbage can model (Cohen, March and Olsen, 1972) was used which suggests a scenario where decisions have a random element to them. For an effective decision to be reached, the problems and solutions had to come together. Bringing them together was a challenge. Developing the ability to identify relevant problems and seeking radical solutions by bringing the right people together at the right time. In order for them to reach the sometimes radical decisions that will be needed in often turbulent environment (Ian Brooks, 1999). Conclusion REFERENCE: BROOKS, Ian and Cohen etal.(1999).Decision making.Organisational behaviour-individuals, groups and the organisation,Pearson Education.edi.5.p.32 BUCHANAN, David and HUCZYNSKI, Andrzej(2004).chapter6Communication.Organisational communication- commitment and propaganda,Pearson Education.p.207 CLAUSE Mary Holz.(1996), https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c6- 55.html, date accessed 23/03/08

Why Did Enron Fall - 1804 Words

Why, why did Enron fall? On December of 2001, the nation’s seventh largest corporation valued at almost $70 billion dollars filed for bankruptcy. Illegal and fraudulent accounting procedures would led to the demise of the company. Over 20,000 people lost their jobs, and about $2 billion in pensions and retirement funds disappeared. Despite all this, Kenneth Lay, Jeffrey Skilling and Anthony Fastow profited greatly from Enron. These events resulted in the implementation of new legislation on the accuracy of financial reporting for public companies. The fall of Enron became known as the largest corporate bankruptcy in the United States at the time. CEO Kenneth Lay was a very smart man who always thought ahead of the curve. In his search for new opportunities, he started thinking about the deregulation of energy markets, particularly the natural gas market. Then in 1985, Lay eventually founded Enron in Houston, Texas. This was the result of merging two relatively small regional natural gas pipeline companies: Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth. In 1987, the misappropriation of money by two traders of Enron Oil brought to light the Valhalla scandal. These traders created offshore accounts and phony books, thus betting on the price of oil for Enron on both sides. Despite the executive board’s attempt to bring this case to Lay’s attention, no action was taken against these traders. On the contrary, they were encouraged to keep making money. The traders bet all of Enron’s moneyShow MoreRelatedThe Smartest Guys At The Room : The Amazing Rise And Scandalous Fall Of Enron1654 Words   |  7 PagesIn the Room† the amazing rise and scandalous fall of Enron goes into great detail of what happens when a company has no ethics. It could be said that ethics was the last thing on the minds of the executives that worked at Enron. People employed at Enron cared about two things the stock price of the company, and the money they could put in their own pockets. This was what caused the fall of one of the biggest en ergy companies in the U.S†¦ Enron failing did not happen overnight it took years for all theRead MoreEssay on Overview of the Enron Scandal1217 Words   |  5 Pages Enron Corporation was an energy company founded in Omaha, Nebraska. The corporation chose Houston, Texas to home its headquarters and staffed about 20,000 people. It was one of the largest natural gas and electricity providers in the United States, and even the world. In the 1990’s, Enron was widely considered a highly innovative, financially booming company, with shares trading at about $90 at their highest points. Little did the public know, the success of the company was a gigantic lie, and possiblyRead MoreTaking a Look at the Enron Scandal1270 Words   |  5 Pagesreal cash flow had not come to the company yet. Moreover, cause when Enron come to the long term contract, they would assumed that there were long term declines in spot prices (Page 6, journal of economics), there would be the risk of loss if there were the increase in the price of gas in the future and it does not recognize in the financial statement; therefore, to make the income statement made more sense in economics term, Enron had created an accounting structure that help the company to stableRead MoreJaclyn Givens. Kathy Osburn. Management 101. 5/8/17. The1400 Words   |  6 PagesJaclyn Givens Kathy Osburn Management 101 5/8/17 The Enron Era â€Å"Just as character matters in people, it matters in organizations,† says Justin Schultz, a corporate psychologist in Denver. The Enron scandal had a big exposure in 2001 confirming the big secret to the increase in billions. In July 1985, Enron formed the merger of Houston Natural Gas and Omaha-based Inter North. The Enron corporation was an American energy company based in Houston Texas. The corporation’s catastrophe in 2001 signifiesRead MoreEnron Case1075 Words   |  5 PagesMINI CASE: THE FILURE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AT ENRON 1.Which parts of the corporate governance system, internal and external, do you believe failed Enron the most? In the evaluation of the Enron’s case; by trying to see the very big picture, it is not only about that the internal part of the corporate governance system was failed or but also the external part of the corporate governance system was also failed. As noted on the last paragraph of the mini case, many people from diff erent positionsRead MoreRelationship Between Ethics And Business Performance1181 Words   |  5 PagesAlthough the relationship between ethics and business performance is still the subject of controversy, the Enron case is a demonstration that the lack of ethical behavior is inseparable from the competitive disadvantage. The question is not so much whether the disaster could be avoided if the company had adopted from the beginning, transparency criteria. The main thing to know as citizens, so far reputed and honest, have managed to create an environment to bring their managers to take ethically reprehensibleRead MoreRelationship Between Ethics And Business Performance1278 Words   |  6 PagesAlthough the relationship between ethics and business performance is still the subject of controversy, the Enron case is a demonstration that the lack of ethical behavior is inseparable from the competitive disadvantage. The question is not so much whether the disaster could be avoided if the company had adopted from the beginning, transparency criteria. The main thing to know as citizens, so far reputed and honest, have managed to create an environment to bring their managers to take ethically reprehensibleRead MoreThe Fall of Enron1146 Words   |  5 PagesCase: The Fall of Enron 1. Why was Enron such an admired company prior to 2000? What innovation do they bring to the table? Be specific and support your statement with concrete information. Enron was an admired company prior to 2000 because at that time it surfaced as a frontrunner in the deregulated energy market, making it possible to sell energy at higher prices, thus significantly increasing its revenue. The company, through efficient management team, has built leading businesses in energyRead MoreEnrons Organizational Culture : Enron1643 Words   |  7 Pages Enron: [Don’t] Ask Why During the year 2000, Enron was exceeding all expectations, its stock was through the roof, and the company seemed to be on top of the world. The next year Enron declared bankruptcy. So how did a company rise and fall so quickly? The key in analysing this question lies in Enron’s organizational culture, which is defined as â€Å"a shared meaning held by members distinguishing an organization† (Robbins and Judge, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 269). During its primeRead MoreFall of Enron1160 Words   |  5 PagesThe Fall of Enron 1. Why was Enron such an admired company prior to 2000? What innovation do they bring to the table? Be specific and support your statement with concrete information. Prior to the year 2000, Enron Company, established in the mid-80s, caused the admiration worldwide because of its fast rise of revenue both in the local and international stock market in a short period of time. Enron’s operating income in the year 2000 was stated in $100.7 billion and its after-tax net income was

Marx Philosophy and the End of History Free Essays

string(179) " This change was not permanent but would cease with the end of history, and there would finally emerge a classless society where each person enjoyed the fruits of his own labour\." Karl Marx is, without a doubt one of the most influential thinkers to emerge in the nineteenth century, and the theories he proposed, have influenced various regimes in different parts of the world. His success is the result of the flexibility present in his theories to adapt themselves to the times. In his mid twenties Marx, turned away from philosophy and concentrated his attention more towards the economic and political aspects of the society. We will write a custom essay sample on Marx Philosophy and the End of History or any similar topic only for you Order Now It was in the light of economics that he viewed the problems in society and sought to provide a remedy to it. He viewed society not as an independent entity. Contrarily, he saw, society as a reflection of the progress made by History. The progress made by history always left behind a legacy in its trail. This legacy had a profound impact in the shaping of society. The validity of this statement can be proven, by citing the example of the poverty in the Africa Americans as the legacy of their history as slave labourers. However the direction of History was uncertain and could not be predicted. It was dictated by the economic factors present in society. The only certainty was that an, ‘end of history’ was inevitable. In his theory on Historical Materialism, Marx carefully analyses the various factors influencing the different stages in the growth of society from slavery to modern day capitalism. Thus the views of Marx can be summed up under, four basic principles. Firstly, he believed that society followed a straight law of motion and underwent various phases in order to get to the final stage of Communism. Secondly, the laws governing the society were purely economic in nature, for the only thing that shapes society are the ‘material tools of production. Thirdly, he believed that these laws would continue to be in force until the end of History. Fourthly, the classes and the State would perish with the end of History. However this end would be brought about by a bitter struggle of one class against another. It must be mentioned in this context, that Marx borrowed the concept of a dialectical history, with a cognate beginning, middle and end from Hegel. Marx’s main concern was the ‘State’, which he viewed as the main tool of exploitation. It is the State and its various institutions that are utilised by the dominant class to wield their power. He advocated that the State was the most powerful tool of exploitation, whose sole purpose was to represent the interests of the ruling class. He chose to study the State through the annals of History. To him only ‘History’, could reveal the secrets at work behind the evolution of the state and determine its future shape. However, Marx did not consider History to be an open-ended process. Instead he saw a definite ‘end in history’. This end would result in the downfall of Capitalism and ensue the coming of a new era of Communism. An end in History did not signify an end to human life, it simply meant that there would no longer be any changes in the underlying principles or institutions for all the major problems had been solved and man’s major needs fulfilled. Before we can elaborate on the ‘end of history’, as predicted by Marx, it is essential that we know what history is all about. Marx claims that History has not progressed in a straight line. The coherent development of human societies through the ages has been a result of the various regimes that it has undergone. Marx thus traces the evolutionary process from, tribal based societies which were dependant on slavery and agriculture for subsistence, to theocracies, monarchies, feudal aristocracies, modern liberal democracies and finally to the technologically driven Capitalism. In his study Marx points out that the fundamental element present in all these different societies is the ‘class’ system and the ‘means of production,’ which determined which class would be dominant in the society. The ‘Class’ and the subsequent ‘class struggle’ were the sine qua non of Marx’s theory. History showed that the class who controlled the means of production was the dominant class in society. It is the tools of ruthless dominance and exploitation used by the dominant class to maintain their authority that would one day turn against them and spearhead the inevitable revolutions. History has shown that every revolution brought about a change in the social structure. This change did not bring about an egalitarian order it simply replaced the old dominant class with a new one. The unequal social structure continued to exist. Every revolution just changed the composition of the oppressor and the oppressed. The day that the society became classless would be the day that History came to an end. This end was possible with the rise of Communalism. While proclaiming the advent of Communalism, Marx refused to give a cognate shape to his ideal society. He claimed that the final shape of Communism would be the result of the different historical processes that society underwent. It was not a realisation of a predetermined moral idea. When it came to classes, Marx outlined two major segments into which society was divided. They were the oppressed or the ‘Proletariat’ as he called them and the oppressor or the ‘Bourgeoisie’. When the levels of oppression reached its penultimate point the oppressed class rose in rebellion and the outcome of this rebellion was a new society. Thus Marx stated, â€Å"The history of all hitherto existing societies has been the history of class struggle.† The day history ceases to exist; classes shall also cease to exist. Marx in his theories always stressed on the Historical aspect and asserted that every society contained within itself the forces of contradiction, known as the ‘Thesis’ and ‘Anti Thesis’. When these two contradictory forces clashed against one another, a class struggle emerged that sought to change the shape of society and replace the existing dominant class with a new one. This change was not permanent but would cease with the end of history, and there would finally emerge a classless society where each person enjoyed the fruits of his own labour. You read "Marx Philosophy and the End of History" in category "Essay examples" In his theory on History Marx, points out that in a divided society the tools of production are owned by the dominant section of society who exploit the weaker classes in order to amass more wealth and gain strength. But, there would come a time, when the levels of consciousness would rise among the oppressed class and they would unite in a struggle against the oppressors. History is replete with such examples. The slave society was replaced by the feudal society and the feudal society by the Industrialists or the Bourgeoisie. The coming of the Industrialist Revolution brought a boom in the industry and a new class emerged as the dominant section. They were the Capitalist class who owned the means of production. Like its predecessors the Capitalist society also contained within itself the seeds of dissent. The Capitalists became the dominant class who usurped the means of production and relentlessly exploited the working class or the proletariat. It resulted in the alienation of the worker. The working class was denied of the fruits of its labour and while the rich grew richer the poor grew poorer. The chasm continued to widen with the increase in wealth in the hands of the Capitalists. Despite the contradictions in the Capitalist regime, the ‘Communist Manifesto’ begins by praising the Capitalist system. It says that the Capitalist system has played a revolutionary role in History. It has shown what man’s endeavours can achieve. It has accomplished wonders, which surpasses the wonders of the world. It has conducted exoduses, which have overshadowed all past crusades in the world. Having praised the Capitalist system they go on to say that Capitalism by nature is based on ‘competition’ and the ‘market’. The same dynamics that propel capitalism will also be the reason of its downfall. When there are no more markets left to explore and exploit, the entire buying and selling cycle would collapse. Capitalism would  Ã‚   suffer from the phenomenon of ‘overproduction’ and   would be brought down to its knees. Harping on the ills of Capitalism, the Marxian philosophy, states that the Capitalist system would soon displace the smaller and individual producers. Marx went to the extent of saying that History would witness the replacement of indigenous farming with industrial and mechanised farming. Once this level of exploitation was reached the end of history would not be far away. This exploitation would unleash an era of unemployment and misery among the working class. When living under such miserable conditions became unbearable, history would witness a revolution spearheaded by the working class. Thus what Capitalism produces above all is its own ‘gravediggers’. It is the working class that would lead the final revolution to successfully remove the yoke of Capitalism. But the end of History or Communism as Marx viewed it was not to be achieved easily. The intermediate stage between Capitalism and Communism was the ‘Dictatorship of the Proletariat’. It was in this stage that the proletariat had complete control over the means of production as well as over the various institutions. The downfall of Capitalism, Marx claimed, would bring about the end of History. The phrase ‘end of history’ indicates a society based on Communism. It is a classless and egalitarian society where every man has full right over the fruits of his labour. From the ‘end of history’ there would emerge the final shape of the society. It would no longer undergo any more transformations, since all the major ills plaguing its predecessors had been removed. It was a society where man attained true economic freedom. Keeping in mind the fact that Marxism has a great deal of supporters it cannot be overlooked that the society Marx depicted in the end was more of a utopia rather than a reality. Though Marx’s philosophy has stood the test of times his views on the ‘end of History’ is yet to materialise. If we study the history of the world carefully we can see instances when the Marxian theory has borne fruit, but there have also been instances when the theory failed miserably. The theory of Marx was put to the test with the Russian Revolution. The theory defended itself by proclaiming that Russian society had not passed through the necessary stages in order to qualify as a successful communist society. Though the country was growing rapidly the society was predominantly feudal in nature. It had not been through the phase of Capitalism. The Soviet Union that was the glowing example of the success of Communism also faced failure. The downfall of the Soviet Union exposed the inherent corruption, inefficiency and irrationality present in the society. This picture of a communist society seemed to be absolutely contradictory to the egalitarian and classless society in a Communist Regime envisaged by Marx. The most important fact is that the ‘end of history’ is yet to manifest itself. With the ongoing scenario in the world Capitalism seems to have gained an even stronger foothold. Rather than an impending doom, capitalism is on a rise. The State that was supposed to wither away with the end of history is a far cry away. The State seems to be playing an even more important role today. It is far more intervening in the ways of man than predicted by man. Instead of being a tool of oppression the State has helped in maintaining stability, law and order in society. The end of history as envisaged by Marx is not easy to implement in practice. While envisaging an equal society Marx placed complete faith on the just and truthful nature of man. But man is by nature greedy. His wants keep increasing and to meet these wants he needs to amass resources. Thus, to think that man would be happy in his own little share would be a folly. It is inevitable that a man or a group of men would want to take over the reigns of power. Such a situation would lead to nothing but anarchy and chaos. It is because of the above reasons that the end of history seems such a far-fetched thought. The Marxian theory was not about right or wrong it was simply a theory of history. It followed the trends that had occurred in the past and on the basis of those sought to predict the future trends that would ensue. In so far that the theory acknowledged the presence of exploitation and domination in history it stands fully justified. It is only when it comes to predicting an end to Capitalism that the theory seems to falter. It seeks to attain the unattainable. In view of the above mentioned arguments, and in the light of the real world scenario, we can safely say, that, even though the political, economic and social institutions proposed By Marx are dead or dying away, his theory and influence on the world continue to exist. Works Cited Marx, . Karl,   Fredrick   Engels   and   David   Mclellan   ed,   The   Communist   Manifesto,   Oxford   World’s   Classics   1848 How to cite Marx Philosophy and the End of History, Essay examples

Theory of constraints Essay Example For Students

Theory of constraints Essay The Theory of Constraints is a methodology for identifying the most important limiting factor (i.e. constraint) that stands in the way of achieving a goal and then systematically improving that constraint until it is no longer the limiting factor. In manufacturing, the constraint is often referred to as a bottleneck. The core concept of the Theory of Constraints is that every process has a single constraint and that total process throughput can only be improved when the constraint is improved. A very important corollary to this is that spending time optimizing non-constraints will not provide significant benefits; only improvements to the constraint will further the goal (achieving more profit). Five step process Problem situation: Samsung Note 7 Battery Explosions, Turns Crisis into OpportunityThe core of the situation is that Samsung faced a serious issue with Galaxy Note 7 phones that have a high propensity of batteries failing and in many cases catching on fire, leading to personal and property damage. In a report, the company detailed flaws in battery design and manufacturing that it believescaused the crisis. It affects the utilization of the phones. All the inventory and operating expenses turn into loss for the company. To regain trust, Samsung had to identify the root cause of the issues with the Galaxy Note 7 and apply these learning to future product designs. We will write a custom essay on Theory of constraints specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Galaxy Note 7 phones have a problem of batteries failing or catching on fire, leading to personal and property damage. Samsung builds a test lab to findthe root cause of the Note 7s issues. They tested around 200,000 devices and 30,000 batteries in an attempt to replicate the cause of fires in the phones. Batteries from two different manufacturers had flaws. The principal root cause of the first manufacturers battery problem (Battery A) was negative electrode deflections. The second manufacturers product (Battery B), suffered from abnormal ultrasonic welding burrs.While the principal cause was different in each type of the battery, the result was the same. A small subset of batteries could overheat and potentially catch fire. Its clear that the smart phone industrys desire for ever thinner phones with longer battery life have strained battery manufacturing processes. After that old Note 7s being replaced by hundreds of thousands of new safe models. The safe models or updated models of Note 7s were updated to ONLY charge to 60% of its capacity. This in turn, keeps the devices from supposedly overheating. The test lab tested the whole device, including areas such as the role of wired and wireless charging as well as fast and normal charging. It also tested the water resistance, with and without the back cover. Samsung tested other device features such as the USB-C charger and Iris scanner.It evaluated the software and algorithms tied to wireless charging. It even evaluated how third party applications were impacting the phone. Additionally, it worked with three independent third party test labs UL, Exponent, and TUVRheinland to assess issues across software, hardware, manufacturing, logistics and handling. The finding from Samsung tests and the independent labs revealed the same results. As the updated models of Note 7s were updated to ONLY charge to 60% of its capacity and this prevents the battery from overheating. But the problem is still not fully eradicated. Hence Samsung creates battery advisory group and designs an 8-point battery safety system to avoid further damages. It has implemented a multi-layer safety measures protocol at the product planning and a new 8-point battery safety system. This system includes:Durability Test -Conducting additional durability tests, including battery nailing, stress testing with extreme temperatures and overcharging tests. .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .postImageUrl , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:hover , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:visited , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:active { border:0!important; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:active , .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623 .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u09ae5ef2185ff9d4159f437e130a4623:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Deconstruction of Leadership (1662 words) EssayVisual Inspection- Visually checking the battery to compare it with samples confirmed to be in accordance with standardized criteria. X-Ray Test- Running X-ray tests to inspect any possible battery issue such as a deflection of the electrode, which we found to be one of causes of the Note7 issue. Disassembling Test- Disassembling the battery cell to perform a detailed check of the overall quality, including the battery tab welding and insulation tape conditions, which we found to be an issue with Note7. TVOC Test- Performing a sensing test to detect leakage at the battery component and complete device levels. OCV Test- Inspecting the battery condition by checking voltage change in a normal temperature. Charge and Discharge Test- Applying new large-scale charge and discharge tests to all devices, which we initiated with our investigation into the Note7 issues. Accelerated Usage Test- Engagingin 2 weeksof real-life consumer usability scenarios, which we were able to shorten to a five-day test period. Then,identify a new constraint -because there always is one.These five steps are a continuous improvement cycle. Therefore, once this constraint is resolved the next constraint should immediately be addressed to increase the throughput. This step is a reminder to never become complacent, aggressively improve the current constraint and then immediately move on to the next constraint.

Free Essays on Goddesses In The Odyssey

Goddesses in the Odyssey The appearance of many goddesses in The Odyssey by Homer exemplifies the fact that they are essential to Odysseus’ journey. They each play a different role, helping Odysseus in one way or the other, corresponding with his needs at that point in the voyage. Goddesses have been a constant in Greek literature and art, assisting in the essence of Greek culture. The Odyssey mentions many gods and goddesses, all of whom are involved with Odysseus’ journey. The Odyssey begins with a meeting of the gods and goddesses who are trying to decide upon the fate of Odysseus. From this we can infer the importance the divine play on mortal lives, namely he protagonist himself. Some, however, are more involved in the journey than others. The three most prominent goddesses are Circe, Calypso, and Athena. These three change Odysseus in ways he could never expect, weaving his fate into the epic that is The Odyssey. Calypso is one of Odysseus’ lovers. She falls in love with him and holds him captive on her island, Ogygia, for seven of the ten years of his journey home, while at the same time protecting him from Poseidon’s fury. At the beginning of Book 5, Calypso speaks at Hermes about the double standard regarding goddesses and mortals. â€Å"Hard-hearted you are, you gods! You unrivaled lords of jealousyscandalized when goddesses sleep with mortals, openly, even when one has made the man her husband.†# This criticism can be applied to the Greek culture itself, where Odysseus can take on a lover and Penelope is reprimanded for allowing the suitors to stay in her house. The name Calypso can mean â€Å"eclipse,†# which is appropriate in this case as she eclipsed his life. She became a distraction to Odysseus, devoted and consuming, seductive: someone to fear and desire both. Calypso took Odysseus away from the very things he defined himself with; the desire to return home was for him something dis... Free Essays on Goddesses In The Odyssey Free Essays on Goddesses In The Odyssey Goddesses in the Odyssey The appearance of many goddesses in The Odyssey by Homer exemplifies the fact that they are essential to Odysseus’ journey. They each play a different role, helping Odysseus in one way or the other, corresponding with his needs at that point in the voyage. Goddesses have been a constant in Greek literature and art, assisting in the essence of Greek culture. The Odyssey mentions many gods and goddesses, all of whom are involved with Odysseus’ journey. The Odyssey begins with a meeting of the gods and goddesses who are trying to decide upon the fate of Odysseus. From this we can infer the importance the divine play on mortal lives, namely he protagonist himself. Some, however, are more involved in the journey than others. The three most prominent goddesses are Circe, Calypso, and Athena. These three change Odysseus in ways he could never expect, weaving his fate into the epic that is The Odyssey. Calypso is one of Odysseus’ lovers. She falls in love with him and holds him captive on her island, Ogygia, for seven of the ten years of his journey home, while at the same time protecting him from Poseidon’s fury. At the beginning of Book 5, Calypso speaks at Hermes about the double standard regarding goddesses and mortals. â€Å"Hard-hearted you are, you gods! You unrivaled lords of jealousyscandalized when goddesses sleep with mortals, openly, even when one has made the man her husband.†# This criticism can be applied to the Greek culture itself, where Odysseus can take on a lover and Penelope is reprimanded for allowing the suitors to stay in her house. The name Calypso can mean â€Å"eclipse,†# which is appropriate in this case as she eclipsed his life. She became a distraction to Odysseus, devoted and consuming, seductive: someone to fear and desire both. Calypso took Odysseus away from the very things he defined himself with; the desire to return home was for him something dis...

The Setting for Williams A Streetcar Named Desire

The Setting for Williams' 'A Streetcar Named Desire' The setting for A Streetcar Named Desire is a modest, two-room flat in New Orleans. This simple set is viewed by the various characters in sharply contrasting ways- ways that directly reflect the dynamics of the characters. This clash of views speaks to the heart of the plot of this popular play. An Overview of the Setting A Streetcar Named Desire, written by Tennessee Williams is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The year is 1947- the same year in which the play was written. All of the action of A Streetcar Named Desire takes place on the first floor of a two-bedroom apartment.The set is designed so that the audience can also see outside and observe characters on the street. Blanches View of New Orleans Theres a classic episode of The Simpsons in which Marge Simpson lands the role of Blanche DuBois in a musical version of A Streetcar Named Desire. During the opening number, the Springfield cast sings: New Orleans!Stinking, rotten, vomiting, vile!New Orleans!Putrid, brackish, maggoty, foul!New Orleans!Crummy, lousy, rancid, and rank! After the show aired, the Simpsons producers received a lot of complaints from Louisiana citizens. They were highly offended by the disparaging lyrics. Of course, the character of Blanche DuBois, the faded Southern belle without a dime, would completely agree with the cruel, satirical lyrics. To her, New Orleans, the setting of A Streetcar Named Desire,  represents the ugliness of reality. To Blanche, the crude people that live on the street called Elysian Fields represent the decline of civilized culture. Blanche, the tragic protagonist of Tennessee Williams play, grew up on a plantation called Belle Reve (a French phrase meaning beautiful dream). Throughout her childhood, Blanche was accustomed to gentility and wealth. As the estates wealth evaporated and her loved ones died off, Blanche held on to fantasies and delusions. Fantasies and delusions, however, are very difficult to cling to in the basic two-room apartment of her sister Stella, and specifically in the company of Stellas domineering and brutal husband, Stanley Kowalski. The Two-Room Flat A Streetcar Named Desire takes place two years after the end of World War II. The entire play is staged in the cramped flat in a particularly low-income area of the French Quarter. Stella, Blanches sister, has left her life at Belle Reve in exchange for the exciting, passionate (and sometimes violent) world that her husband Stanley has to offer. Stanley Kowalski thinks of his small apartment as his kingdom. During the day, he works in a factory. At night he enjoys bowling, playing poker with his buddies, or making love to Stella. He sees Blanche as an intruder to his environment. Blanche occupies the room adjacent to theirs- so close that it impinges on their privacy. Her garments are strewn about the furniture. She adorns lights with paper lanterns to soften their glare. She hopes to soften the light in order to look younger; she also hopes to create a sense of magic and charm within the apartment. However, Stanley does not want her fantasy world to encroach upon his domain. In the play, the tightly-squeezed setting is a key factor in the drama: It provides instant conflict. Art and Cultural Diversity in the French Quarter Williams offers multiple perspectives on the plays setting. In the plays beginning, two minor female characters are chatting. One woman is black, the other white. The ease with which they communicate demonstrates the casual acceptance of diversity in the French Quarter. Williams is presenting here a view of the neighborhood as having a thriving, exuberant atmosphere, one that nurtures an open-minded sense of community. In the low-income world of Stella and Stanley Kowalski, racial segregation appears to be nonexistent, a sharp contrast to the elitist realms of the old South (and Blanche Dubois childhood). As sympathetic, or pathetic, as Blanche may appear throughout the play, she often says intolerant remarks about class, sexuality (in the case of her homosexual husband who was devastated by her negative comments), and ethnicity. In fact, in an ironic moment of dignity (given his brutality in other contexts), Stanley insists that Blanche refer to him as an American (or at least Polish-American) rather than use the derogatory term: Polack. Blanches refined and disappeared world was one of brutal racism and denigration. The beautiful, refined world she longs for never existed. In the present as well, Blanche maintains this blindness. For all of Blanches preaching about poetry and art, she cannot see the beauty of the jazz and blues which permeate her present setting. She is trapped in a so-called refined, yet racist past and Williams, highlighting the contrast to that past, celebrates the uniquely American art form, the music of the blues. He uses it to provide transitions for many of the plays scenes. This music can be seen to represent the change and hope in the new world, but it goes unnoticed to Blanches ears. Belle Reves style of aristocracy has died away and its art and genteel customs are no longer relevant to Kowalskis post-war America. Gender Roles After World War II The war brought innumerable changes to American society. Millions of men traveled overseas to face the Axis powers, while millions of women joined the workforce and the war effort at home. Many women discovered for the first time their independence and tenacity. After the war, most of the men returned to their jobs. Most of the women, often reluctantly, returned to the roles as homemakers. The home itself became the site of a new clash. This post-war tension between the roles of the sexes is another, very subtle thread in the conflict in the play. Stanley wants to dominate his home in the same way males had dominated American society before the war. While the main female characters in Streetcar, Blanche and Stella, are not women who are seeking the socio-economic independence of the workplace, they are women who had money in their youth and, to that degree, were not subservient. This theme is most evident in Stanleys well-known quote from Scene 8: What do you think you are? A pair of queens? Now just remember what Huey Long said- that every mans a king- and Im the King around here, and dont you forget it. Contemporary audiences of Streetcar would have recognized, in Stanley, the male side of what was a new society-wide tension. The modest two-room flat that Blanche disdains is this working mans kingdom and he will rule. Stanleys exaggerated drive for domination indeed extends, at the end of the play, to the most extreme form of domination, rape.

International Trade Operations group project Essay

International Trade Operations group project - Essay Example The United States (U.S) is one of the countries that invest mostly in large scale production of dairy products and is in top ten in the production of dairy milk worldwide. Most of the dairy products in U.S. are exported to other countries, one of them being Egypt. Indeed, Egypt’s relations with the U.S in terms of trade has been very good (Kotschwar & Schott, 2010), and this is evidenced by the fact that Egypt is one of the largest importers of agricultural products including milk and dairy products from the US. This memo will discuss the level of development and economic status of Egypt, fiscal and monetary conditions, imports market status and the general willingness of the country to import Content Cow's products from the US. Level of Egypt Economic Development In Egypt, the ministry of international cooperation and the ministry of economic development are the ones mandated to take control of economic development. In addition, because Egypt is situated around Nile Valley, i ts economic and gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is always very high. The only problem in Egypt is that, although the economy is very good most of its citizen still live in poor conditions due to political instability. There has been reduction in government revenue in Egypt in the recent past due to slow growth of economy propagated by political problems. Because of this slow growth rate of economy in Egypt, a reform plan was made to stabilize the economy; this was to include free market economy (Knaus, 2009). To begin with, social policies and proper procedures were adopted and put into action to promote economic growth in Egypt. Again, checks and balances were made on demand for money and savings procedures, including developing ands regulating prices of products, and privatization policies of underperforming government institutions. Lastly, the Egyptian government made reforms monetary policies related to local and international trade in order to encourage investment. The introduction of these reforms in Egypt led to economic development, and this can be evidenced by the continued economic growth rate in the recent years. Indeed, the recovery and growth of the economy has made Egypt to enjoys significant international trade with many countries including U.S (Kotschwar & Schott, 2010). This also boosted Egypt’s competitive international energy prices and agricultural products prices. This market-oriented idea, reforms and policies strengthened Egypt economy, albeit under fragile political climate. However, like other African countries, a large population in Egypt is still living in poverty coupled with insecurity, unemployment, and underemployment. Again, there are always heightened protests in Egypt due to bad leadership, corruption cases, lack of political freedom, and poor living standards. This political unrest has been frequent in Egypt and cases of the youth forcing the president to step down was seen in 2011 where president Hosni Mubara k was overthrown from government due poor economic policies as well as lack of political stability and peace in Egypt (Aggour, 2013). In addition, it is important that the Egyptian government should be involved in more economic development and invest more in its citizens, thus enhancing stabilization of the government. Again, political unrest has scarred investors in Egypt; also, poor market and economic growth has placed the

Current event of a business subject in the US Essay

Current event of a business subject in the US - Essay Example It makes reference to the Ingenuity that is necessary for every job assignment, from a garbage collector to a transport engineer, a tennis player to a fashion model. All these can be summed up in two words, â€Å"Work Ethics†. Without work ethics, the heavy monetary budget and incentives on education is of no use. The unpleasant news is that instilling a sound work ethic in the current social breed of youthful generation is tremendously hard to accomplish. Work ethics has no standard definition, but it can be viewed as a set of characteristics and attitudes that an individual employee allots to the grandness and virtue of work. Some attributes of solid work ethics include promptness, diligence, reliability, ambitiousness, dutifulness, honesty, sobriety and other traits generally considered acceptable insofar as good workmanship is concerned. Lack of these attributes in a worker is made manifest through laziness, shoddy performance of tasks and waste of time in endeavors that are not job related. To make matters worse, there is no clear legal framework for the enforcement of work ethics since it is never a part and parcel of the job description. This explains why public job creation debates ignore this argument entirely. A strong work ethic mostly results from the manner in which a person is brought up and strengthened by early and appropriate training. This is for the most part uncharacteristic of the rush to cut down unemployment in today’s world.   At a tender age, a child must be instructed on the importance of doing assignments and completing it on time, and that laziness of any form is unacceptable and inappropriate. This calls for strong family nurturing which instills in an individual a strong sense of responsibility. Policies adopted by colleges are not of much help when it comes to instilling appropriate work ethics. There is an approach to increase college revenue by maximizing enrolment, and consequently the standards are becoming

Self-defense in Criminal Cases Essay -- essays research papers

Self-defense in criminal cases. One of the frustrations faced by many businesses is that after the perpetrators of crimes have been identified, the District Attorney's office will not pursue the case. One option is for victims to sue the DA in an attempt to compel him to prosecute, but this would be costly and proving dereliction of duty would be difficult. The DA is effectively immune. Other options are more promising. The law should encourage (and prosecutors' offices should welcome) private preparation of criminal cases. Prosecutors' budgets simply do not allow vigorous prosecution of all the available criminal cases. Logic and evidence show that in private law, plaintiffs win about 50 percent of the cases that are tried. This is because the parties are more likely to settle lopsided cases out of court. Public prosecutors, by contrast, win far more than 50 percent of their trial cases because they have budget constraints and so elect whenever possible to go to court with only the cases they are likely to win. Vi ctims should be allowed to hire private attorneys and other professionals to prepare cases against the accused and thereby extend public prosecutors' resources. The attorneys can be retained pro bono (for the good) or for compensation. This is already done in some white collar cases where financial complexities exceed the prosecutors' expertise, such as complicated embezzlement cases, some oil and gas swindles and cases involving the misapplication of construction trust funds. At present, many cases are never prosecuted for one reason or another. For example, in about 40 percent of federal embezzlement and fraud cases, charges are dropped because of insufficient evidence to convict, given the resources at hand.85 In some instances prosecutors "deputize" attorneys to try cases, too. Many private attorneys have criminal experience as former prosecutors or public defenders. A logical extension of private preparation for trial is the complete privatization of the prosecutor's job by contracting out. Private attorneys, of course, are often appointed on a pro bono basis for criminal defense. Private attorneys could be deputized for a single trial or for ongoing prosecutor's work, either pro bono or under contract. The same remedies are available to finance criminal prosecution as civil litigation. Commercial insurance policies could be exp... ...ting witnesses before a grand jury, or the person being investigated, has become a well orchestrated, even cynical, minuet. The first and most important task may be overcoming the cynicism of so many lawyers in and out of government to whom concern for "fairness" somehow signifies weakness. It is a cynicism that government lawyers should not have the luxury of acting upon. In reality, a commitment to fairness is a highly reliable sign of strength and confidence in the merits of one's position, and it is usually those who fear the fairness of the forum who most fear outcomes based on merit. Recently, a controversy has erupted over whether Justice Department lawyers are bound by state codes of ethics and analogous local federal court rules of practice. The issue stems from rules that restrict contact by lawyers with parties known to be represented by counsel, including corporate parties. In essence, the government is seeking to exempt its own lawyers from state and federal court ethical restraints in ways that would go far beyond issues of witness contact. Courts, thus far, have been unsympathetic to this government effort at unilateral exemption from the rules of ethics.

Project Management for Dummies, by Stanley E Portny

The â€Å"Dummies Series† book, Project Management for Dummies, by Stanley E. Portny (Wiley Publishing, Inc., 2001), is, in my opinion, a relatively easy-to-read (although also somewhat structurally fragmented in places), step-by-step â€Å"how-to† book, for either current or prospective project managers, with or without experience. In life, every individual has projects to complete – usually a never-ending series of them, in fact, and often more than one project to complete simultaneously. One's projects may be personal or professional; voluntary or required. They may be for our selves alone; for friends or family; for churches, clubs, or communities; special events; or for colleagues; companies, or employers. As the author concurs, in his â€Å"Introduction† to the text: Projects have been around since ancient times. Noah built the ark, Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine – all projects. . . . Why then, is the topic of project management suddenly of such great interest today? The answer is simple. The audience has changed and the Management projects in particular, however, as Portny also points out, within Chapter 1, must meet three key criteria; they must have (1) â€Å"Specific outcomes†;(2) â€Å"Definite start and end dates†, and (3) Established budgets† (p. 10). Further, as that chapter mentions, project management â€Å"includes three basic operations† (p. 12), which are: (1)planning; (2)organizing; and (3) control (Portny). In management today, for managers at all levels, completing projects; meeting project goals; and meeting project deadlines, are more important, as skills, aptitudes, and professional achievements, than ever before, especially within today's super competitive business environment. As Portny also states at the outset: â€Å"Successful organizations create projects that produce desired results in established timeframes with assigned resources† (p. 9). Clearly, those who can successfully, skillfully, and within budgets and deadlines complete projects have an advantage over those who cannot. Many suddenly find themselves project managers, not by choice, but due to either changed or expanded job descriptions or expectations, or just plain company need. Increasingly, project management has increasingly become a ticket to job promotion and career advancement (or not). Moreover, if one has no previous formal training in project management, one may need to simply learn such skills on the job, and quickly. Project Management for Dummies is written for such individuals: those who would like to develop new project management skills (but also for those who desire to increase their current ones). The book is, I believe, potentially very useful for readers within either group. This book guides one through the beginning, middle, and ending project stages. It offers guidelines and tips on planning; navigating through ambiguities and uncertainties; teamwork; time management, organizational strategies; handling paperwork; staying on track; meeting deadlines, and bringing projects to a successful, satisfactory, and timely conclusion. Topics Project Management for Dummies covers include: making project schedules; building teams and sustaining teamwork; budgeting; coping with risks and surprises; optimally integrating technology into project management; and keeping team members motivated, on task, and within budgets and deadlines. Structurally, the book is divided into five parts (I-V). Each part consists of between three and six chapters, with 20 chapters in all. Chapter headings and topics covered include (to name but a few) â€Å"What is Project Management (And How Do I Get Paid Extra to Do It?)† (Chapter 1); â€Å"Estimating Resource Requirements† (Chapter 5); â€Å"Tracking Progress and Maintaining Control† (Chapter 10); â€Å"Dealing With Risk and Uncertainty† (Chapter 15); and â€Å"Ten Tips for Being a Better Project Manager† (Chapter 20). There are also two appendices (A and B) and an index. Chapter 2 covers defining and understanding what one is trying to accomplish with a project, knowing who and what one is doing a project for, and why that person or entity needs the project completed. This chapter also offers ways to avoid others' having unrealistic expectations of the project or oneself as manager. â€Å"Looking at the big picture† includes â€Å"figuring out why you're doing This project†; â€Å"identifying the initiator†; â€Å"identifying others who may benefit from your project† and â€Å"defining needs to be addressed† (pp. 29-32). In short, Chapter two focuses on defining the rationale(s) and parameters of the project; clarifying those for oneself and for all others involved; and laying the initial groundwork toward project completion. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 focus on â€Å"Getting from Here to There†; â€Å"You Want This Done When†; and â€Å"Estimating Resource Requirements†. Key ideas contained within these chapters, include knowing and planning all steps of a project, including making a â€Å"work breakdown structure†; â€Å"knowing how much detail is enough† (p. 49); â€Å"developing and analyzing a network diagram† (p. 71) and â€Å"assign your project's personnel needs† (p. 105). Chapter 5 in particular also stresses the importance of finding the right people to assist with the project. Portny observes â€Å"Your project's success rests on your ability to enlist the help of the right people to perform the necessary work† (p. 106). Portny also stresses that, toward that same end, â€Å"identifying skills and knowledge needed to perform your project's activities† (Project Management for Dummies) and Finding people who in fact possess all of those required skills will either make or break a project. One of the chapters I found most personally useful was Chapter 6, on â€Å"The Who and How of Project Management†. Here, Portny covers three main topics: (1) â€Å"Distinguishing the project organization from the traditional organization†; (2) â€Å"Clarifying the roles of different people in the matrix organization†; and (3) â€Å"Recognizing key tips for increasing the chances of success† (p. 137). As Portny also notes in this chapter, project management structure and atmosphere may be, and very often is, much different than overall company structure and atmosphere, and one is wise to be clear at the outset on the differences between the two. While projects are company activities, they nevertheless typically take on atmospheres, conflicts, and lives of their own. For example, one operates within both a centralized company structure and a functional departmental or area structure in most parts of one's job. However, project management may send one outside one's own functional structure into various other functional structures within the centralized one. Those areas outside one's usual functional structure become the unique â€Å"matrix structure† (p. 141) of the project. Understandably, the matrix structure of an individual project will spawn (and necessitate) much different communications; alliances; interrelationships; interactions, and interdependencies than will usual, more typical work activities. Key players in a project matrix environment, which obviously differs from one's overall work environment, will typically include the â€Å"project manager; project team members; functional managers; and upper management† (p. 143). Chapter 7 covers choosing and involving the â€Å"Right People† (p. 149) in one's project. Supporting ideas covered in this chapter include the importance of understanding one's project's audience (â€Å"any person or group that supports, is affected by, or is interested in your project† (p. 150). Each project also has â€Å"drivers†; â€Å"supporters†; and â€Å"observers† (p. 158) and it is equally important, Portny suggests, for project managers to identify and know each of them, and their respective roles. Of crucial importance to project success, also, is â€Å"Finding a project champion† (p. 159) or someone high up in one's organization that will support and encourages the project. Teamwork is crucial to successful project completion. Chapter 8 explains the importance of â€Å"defining team members roles and responsibilities† (p. 166), and making sure all team members are aware of their own and each others' roles and responsibilities. Therefore, lines of authority, responsibility, and accountability must be clearly established at the outset, and sustained throughout the project. This chapter also discusses strategies project managers can use should they have to deal with micromanagement from above, such as â€Å"setting up times to discuss interesting technical [or other] issues with the person† (p. 181). The book also covers ways of tracking progress and maintaining control (Chapter 10); ways of keeping everyone informed (Chapter 11), including sharing information both in writing and at meetings; and ways of encouraging peak performance in team players (Chapter 12), including providing rewards and helping players maintain motivation. Chapter 14 focused on handling risk or uncertainty, including ways of identifying possible risk factors; assessing risk impact, and preparing a risk management plan. Key advice of this chapter is to realistically assess risks to the project, and to have a risk management plan for handling them. Later chapters included advice on how to hold people accountable (Chapter 18); getting a project back on track (Chapter 19)and tips for optimal project management (Chapter 20). All in all, I benefited from reading and reflecting on the guidelines, strategies, and tips plentifully contained within Stanley E. Portny's Project Management for Dummies. The only aspect of this book that I found disappointing was that of that it had far fewer specific examples, of actual project management situations to illustrate major points and concepts, than I would have liked. I learn best and most easily from examples and discussion of how those examples illustrate theoretical concepts. I would have liked for Portny to do more of that in this book than he did. Major strengths of the book include its being thorough; comprehensive; well organized, and practical.

California s Implementation Of Children s Health...

The state of California is active in the payment and delivery system reform. Of the 38 million residents in California, more than 15 million receive care through delegated arrangements with provider organizations in the commercial market, or through Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), Healthy Families (California’s implementation of Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)), and Medicare Advantage plans (California Health Care Almanac, 2015). For the past decade, California’s reimbursement has been through shared risk pool, pay-for-performance quality incentive programs, and full and partial capitation (Pegany Connolly, 2014). Pegany Connolly (2014) state that under the Accountable Care Collaborative (ACO) programs, providers and hospitals don’t want assume additional risk, and reward does not outweigh the risk and investments costs. To increase the potential and impact of ACA reform, California policymakers should take advantage of the ACA delivery and payment reforms, and do so will require careful attention. The Medicaid health home state The Medicaid health home state plan option looks promising for the state of California. This expands beyond the traditional medical homes model, that in many states, have developed in their Medicaid programs. It offers home health services to eligible individual with chronic conditions, with flexibility in selecting home providers (Medicaid.gov, n.d.). States participating in this option must require that hospitals whoShow MoreRelatedThe Problem Of Tobacco Cessation And Its Effects On Health And Well Being Of The Community Essay1233 Words   |  5 Pagesproposed multiple solutions to reach this goal. This program aims at redesigning the Medicaid system through domains that introduce new facets that build off of new or old projects. Domain four primarily deals with the State s Prevention Agenda on its intended influence to population-wide health. A specific project introduced in this domain focuses on promoting tobacco use cessation in low socioeconomic status populations and those with poor mental health. The objective of this prevention project is toRead MoreThe Force Within Hospital Walls Paper1494 Words   |  6 Pagesgovernment regulations that have generated complex billing systems adding up to what seems an incomprehensible puzzle (American Hospital Association, 2015). It seems to be a â€Å"mission impossible† in considering the voluminous amounts of data that the Health Information Management (HIM) and Patient Financial Service (PFS) departments must process and convert to an acceptable form for reimbursement. The heart and lungs of a hospital are the HIM and PFS departments. Data Collection and its Importance AsRead MoreThe Impact Of Medicaid Expansion On Pregnant Mothers And Their Newborn Children1700 Words   |  7 Pagespregnant mothers and their newborn children. Issues explored were the history Medicaid, current perceptions regarding the program and its recipients, the benefits of Medicaid and the reasons that some states have chosen to opt out of the expansion. The methodology used for this study was to research peer reviewed articles and journals to determine the positive and negative effects of Medicaid expansion and compare data from states that have implemented program expansion to those states that haveRead MoreIs Family Paid Leave?1533 Words   |  7 Pagesonly after the â€Å"no fault† divorce implementation by California in 1969 and its subsequent adoption by other states in 1970 that divorce rates increased to 3.5 per thousand over the subsequent nine years. Divorce rates peaked at 5.3 per thousand with the average declining to 4.0 in 2000 and dropping as low as 3.2 in 2014. Sociologists have estimated that if we as a country had not adopted the â€Å"no fault† divorce of the seventies; there would be 750,000 less children retained, a 1.2 million decline inRead MoreShould Illegal Immigrants Have Access to Health Care?2988 Words   |  12 Pagesfunded healthcare services in the United States, cause a financial drain not only on the healthcare system but also the national economy. For example, FAIR (Federation for American Immigration) estimates that the cost of reimbursed medical care in California in 2004 was about $1.4 billion and $.85 billion in Texas, with one of the frequent costs to U.S. taxpayers being the delivery of babies to illegal alien mothers. Opponents furthermore have argued that Americans have greater obligations to theirRead MoreEssay on Telepsychiatry: Improving Mental Health Possibilities1655 Words   |  7 Pagesas difficulties in classifying, diagnosing, and reporting mental disorders. Limitations to adequate mental health services including social stigma, cultural incompatibility between patients and providers, language barriers, lack of insurance and logistical barriers. In addition, significant differences in socioeconomic status, lifestyle behaviors, and access to care have resulted in health disparities between rural and urban communities (Institute of Medicine, 2004). According to Sulzbacher et alRead MoreMain Components Of The Health Belief Model1246 Words   |  5 Pagesour target community. One theory that could help accomplish this goal is the Health Belief Model. One of the key components of the health belief model is perceived susceptibility. A key strategy for our advertising campaign may be to st rengthen the belief that the target population is indeed susceptible thus encouraging involvement. Several of our stated impact objectives could benefit by applying elements of the Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory and Protection Motivation Theory. WhenRead MoreThe Affordable Care Act ( Aca )2269 Words   |  10 PagesWith the implementation of any new program there are bound to be unforeseen errors that causes the plan to be seen as failing when in reality it is just working through some issues. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is going through that process right now. A simple example to point to is the website that was built for the new healthcare system crashing when it was launched. The ACA is also exposing flaws in how healthcare is funded and also projected. With an estimated 32 million people gaining accessRead MoreMental Illness And Substance Abuse Problems1563 Words   |  7 Pagespopulation who have mental illness or substance abuse problems. The first section of this literature review explores programs on help people with mental illness or substance abus e, the second section discusses finding health care for them and lastly, the third section reviews effective discharge planning. Effective Treatment Modalities: Programs Most of the research supports the use of programs to reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated population with substance abuse and mental issues. This studyRead MoreEssential Aspects Of The American Healthcare System2932 Words   |  12 PagesAmerican health care has evolved since World War Two (eg., who has health insurance, how expensive is health care, what citizen-patient outcomes/life expectancy look like, etc.). If you want to understand why we are the only developed country with an employer-based health insurance — really, the only one — then you had better get familiar with the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. The 1954 code is the document in which the federal government codified into law that companies can provide health insurance