Monday, September 30, 2019

Models for Learning and Development

our site – BUSINESS MANAGEMENT DISSERTATION TOPICS – CUSTOM ESSAY WRITING Abstract This essay critically appraises the validity of the 70, 20, 10 formula used for giving due recognition to different types of management learning. Using a wide variety of resources, the discussion assesses the current method, future potential and possible shortcomings. The research shows that the process of aiding employees to develop, any form of additional education on the job adds to the natural way people develop, aiding both the person and the company. Yet, in many cases the method is found to be outdated in the face of developing technology. This study will be of interest to those researching developing trends in relation to long standing practices 1 Introduction This essay critically appraises the validity of the 70: 20: 10 formula used for giving due recognition to different types of management learning. Burgess (2017) describes the 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development as a learning model that seeks to improve overall performance through targeted efforts. Jennings et al., (2010) illustrates the formula in the following manner: Seventy per cent assignments Twenty per cent from relationships Ten per cent from training Watkins et al., (1992) argues that learning begins with motivation, leading to action.. Whilst this seems to be a simple form of beginning, this start could come in various forms that leave many things in question. For example, a mistake which is a very common beginning point, builds experience, leading to a learning experience. Yet, Pollock et al., (2015) describes the system as outdated . With many others critical of this approach including Blackman et al., (2016), the following discussion illustrates the pros and cons of the method. 2 The 70: 20:10 Models Rentroia-Bonito et al., (2015) argue that the 70:20:10 model helps people to extend their focus beyond the norm in order to build more resilient workforces thereby serving to create cultures that feature continuous learning. Critical of this Blackman et al., (2016) says that the 70:20:10 isn’t a simple rule as it only outlines the process of learning as it naturally occurs, only then offering a process to support that learning process. Furthermore, as part of the daily workflow the method helps in the effort to improve working as well as the art of and sharing with colleagues, empowering the entire company or effort to move forward. This seems to generate considerable questions regarding the meaning of the numbers and how this has been defined throughout its term of operation. The 70:20:10 models, although considered a change agent by most, is described by Watkins et al., (1992) as a consistently useful reminder that learning can also be found in the workplace and not just in the a educational format. Yet, Pollock et al., (2015) are critical of assigning any single meaning to the model, showing that learning is continually dependent on the person, the environment and the motivation. This seems to indicate that learning is a very personal based experience that can be successful for nearly anyone once the correct combination of method and motivation is found. Furthermore, this is a real indication that the influx of numbers cannot be considered a mantra, more of a guideline leading to a potential change. Blackman et al., (2016) supports the contention that many of the past years have continued to illustrate the condition that workplace learning is on the increase with more and more people are using the possibility of learning in organisations. Yet, Jennings et al., (2010) continue to be critical of such an assumption, arguing that alongside each new learning development is an advance in the science of education, which in turn is associated with increasing the ability for organisations to effectively reach their target employees. This seems to be a strong argument for the condition of consistent learning in every situation aiding the person in the entirely. Furthermore, this framework aids the understanding of learning within organisations that is widely considered a step towards more effective know-how learning (Rentroia-Bonito et al., 2015). Yet, every writer continues to agree that the elements of the method of completely interdependent, with each one impacting the other. This is best scene in examples that illustrate that mentoring and courses seem to be better when they support on-the-job development, leading to a consistent motivation. Blackman et al., (2016) describe the 70:20:10 formulas as an argument that is made when an organisation tries to innovate and prosper based on the abilities held by the employees. Yet, choosing to add to that description, Jennings et al., (2010) illustrates the method as a model designed to support individual, as well as any form of organisational learning. This seems to be indicative of a desire by this process to integrate each of the three types of learning: experiential, social and formal. Critical of accepting the method on initial value Marsick et al., (2006) argues that organisations assume more responsibility for any organisation’s learning, as a means of improving the entire company whether that education come from formal or informal conditions. Pollock et al., (2015) chooses to believe that the process is of value as a general guideline only, leading to many areas of for improving the effectiveness of learning. Yet, Rentroia-Bonito et al., (2015) is critical of this assessment, being quick to point out that the model is used heavily by organisations around the world.2.1 Meaning of the NumbersEach of the percentages associated with the 70:20:10 methods are associated with specific elements of the learning process (Jennings et al., 2010). This is an indication that there are areas that deserve more attention to and broader funding, leading to the development of priorities. Watkins et al., (1992) argues that the 70 per cent becomes the most beneficial for employees due to the possibility of for these persons to discover and further develop their skills, which in turn leads to better decision making and better performance in the face of ongoing day to day challenges. Although Blackman et al., (2016) argues that the key element of this portion of the program is the fact that the individuals receive immediate feedback on their performance and are able to quickly use this information on the job. According to this method, persons learn 20 per cent fro m areas of social learning, collaborative learning and of interaction with co-workers. Pollock et al., (2015:124) uses the following illustration to demonstrate the range of interpretations: A multinational company 70% comes from constant on-the job Encouragement and stimulation such as delegation and job rotation. 20%from daily contact with colleagues and management. A professional services firm 70% on the job such as stretch, projects, problems solving, client interaction, and rotation assignments. 20% undertaken through others such as social networking, performance conversations; work shadowing, communities of practice and social activities. 10% formal or prescribed. 10% from formal methods such as e-learning, the classroom, external courses. A distribution organisation 70% from work experiences such as stretch assignments, projects and overseas exposure. 20% others such as mentoring and learning from seniors and peers. 10% formal and informal channels. An Australian government body 70% is experiential. 20% is relationship based. 10% is formal. A not-for-profit organisation 70% on the job. 20% coaching and mentoring. 10% formal courses. A large multinational organisation 70% from on-the-job training, projects. 20% from exposure to teachers and other educators. 10% from learning material including online resources, books and external resources. The Pollock et al., (2015) approach outlined here only seems content that ten per cent of any class of trainees working to be a professional will complete the course and development optimally. This condition will result from the combination of the formal instruction alongside the contribution of outside offerings.2.2 Is the 70:20:10 still relevant?Jennings et al., (2010) argues that the internet, alongside developing communications technology has altered the training industry’s views of the 70:20:10 models, making some elements more meaningful, whilst reducing others. Perhaps the fastest and loudest growing criticism of the model is the fact that the old model does not reflect the current market’s fast-growing emphasis any type of learning. This seems to indicate that as technology continues to develop, so too do the opportunities for people to learn anywhere, seemingly lending support for the argument that the model needs to be updated for the modern world. Another observation that is commonly touted to the negative in relation to this model is the fact that the ratios do not reflect the many opportunities emerging, instead seemingly limiting the effectiveness of the tool (Pollock et al., 2015). Yet, Watkins et al., (1992) argues that no matter what may come in the markets the model will continue to be as a valuable guideline. Blackman et al., (2015) argues that the relevance of the method remains in the ability for the model to assist the transition from the formal learning to on the job application. This is best achieved using specific methods such as step by step instructions or allowing a person to instruct themselves leading to potential opportunities during training. However, Watkins et al., (1992) insists that any attempt to use the model in today’s markets rests on the ability for the course content to remain short in order to tackle a wider variety of concepts. Furthermore, this seems to indicate that any attempt at using the model will increasingly use methods such as micro learning, leading to innovation and development. Yet, Blackman et al., (2015) shows that if a model is not carried out correctly, the learnings will begin to occupy more time than the 10%, leading to a skewed attempt. This element seems to support the contention that the model is highly dependent on management style an d ease of any programs use. Jennings et al., (2010) asserts that job aids aid to provide possible learners with much of the supplementary materials that is needed in to succeed, leading to better skills for the person in the long run. Yet, Blackman et al., (2015) again asserts that the most valuable element of the program is the introduction of the peer learning component that allow employees to find methods of success outside of the norm, again, leading to innovation and possible development in the work place. The relevance of the model has further increased with Jennings et al., (2010) that the addition of mobile content adds a tremendous extension of any learning efforts. This seems to indicate that there is a real potential in this model to extend formal learnings and help in the persons personal efforts to establish a proper educational path. Yet, in every case Blackman et al., (2015) asserts that the most important element, and remaining relevance of this model is the self-as sessment that helps each person to learn and apply their knowledge.2.3 PotentialPascale (2017) asserts that learning programs provide potential as they are addressing employees as well as providing experience and the benefit of increased confidence. This seems to indicate that Pascale (2017) sees the method as learning that can be attributed to any single person’s capacities which in turn assist the person’s entire workforce. Yet, Jennings et al., (2010) cautions against this form of over optimism, stating that these skills are the employees, and the person may choose to use these emerging skills elsewhere or in a different manner than the company may have anticipated. Jennings et al., (2010:20) says that the system has the potential to â€Å"forces us into a mind-set of extending learning solutions beyond classes and courses and out into the workflow. It creates great opportunities to leverage work for learning and to bring learning closer to work. As the workflow is where the majority of learning happens, re-focusing there is not only a sensible approach, but it’s an effective one as well.† This seems plausible with a real opportunity for persons to learn through practice and establishing as well as learning through the day to day employee conversations. Yet, Watkins (1992) assert that the best possible element of the program rests in the element of reflective practice that both enhances the organisational learning as well as adding to any form of personal educational experience. This seems to indicate that there is support for a system that helps a person becomes the best form of themselves that they can be, which in turn seems to require a little more flexibility than a rigid model. Burgess (2017) describes this art of reflection as a link across any activities that assist to assess a person’s success or failure, which in turn adds to the likelihood of success in a new challenge. Furthermore, extending this principle sho ws that reflecting on improvement, alongside practice and is a natural and practical way for a person to improve their potential for growth. With intuitive elements already a large part of every person’s life in the form of teachers, coaches and mentors with endless sessions of practice in any number of educational efforts, the method provides a framework that adds to the potential for anyone to succeed (Watkins et al., 1992). However, this is not the same attitude evinced by the later studies such as Burgess (2017) citing the need for more flexibility in order to provide the proper potential for growth and innovation.2.4 ChallengesJennings et al., (2017) argue that the biggest challenge of using the 70:20:10 frameworks is how to do it correctly in any environment. Yet, Pascale (2017) cites the largest challenge as matching the various levels of understanding among the persons being educated. Whilst Pollock et al., (2015) argues that the largest challenge going forward is going to be the nature of the process and the inability of method to effectively integrate technology. Although, this contention is debated among many professionals with Jennings et al., (2017) making arguments clearly in favour of using innovative technology to aid in both reaching employees and the manner in which they would understand their material. This all seems to sustain the contention that although there seems to be a solid structure to the system overall, the lack of a solid step by step system that can be applied in nearly any circumstance is a drawback. Furthermore, it would seem as if the area of technology remains a key weakness that needs to be developed. Pascale (2017) cites the fact that leaders are actively seeking out new ways to train employees, that there is a need for more innovation and development. With nearly seventy per cent of hands on training, considered to take too long, the mistakes made by employees only serve to reduce effectiveness and potential revenue. Furthermore, Watkins et al., (1992) notes this same condition, with the companies that using temporary workers hit hardest. This seems to support the arguments that technology has brought on training that provides a focused way for people to speed up learning whilst keeping overall cost low. 3 Conclusion This essay critically appraised the validity of the 70: 20: 10 formula used for giving due recognition to different types of management learning, with the understanding that the learning model seeks to improve overall performance through targeted efforts. With considerable debate on the subject, the central area of challenges to the system was the assertion that it was becoming outdated and that the seventy per cent assignments, twenty per cent from relationships and ten per cent from training were not effective in the modern market, making the entire method questionable. Yet, support for the method centred largely on the ability for the educational material to provide a source of growth and reflection for the employee that would in turn aid them in learning in a natural manner that would easily integrate into their professional lives. This seems to support the Watkins et al., (1992) argument that learning begins with motivation, leading to action. This motivation is built upon the desire to better them through education, and the method does seem to provide a valid and practical process for attaining that goal. However, the critics of this process are a quick to point out that any mistake will build a faulty knowledge base that should be better controlled to ensure quality. However, with time being a key element of any business community, it does not seem practical for employees to expect to receive any long term education that many received in the past in formal educational settings. The material in this study seems to support the contention that when seeking to determine how long someone needs to train, it remains vital to look at the method and manner of training. There are many choices for each unique person, making some critics of the system point out that the need for flexibility is a real and lasting component of any system.. This works to build confidence in the assessment that a person’s learning program will help to build better overall working practices that will in turn benefit the company or organisation that the persons is associated with. Furthermore, the material clearly shows that there is more to learn than how to make the connection in the classroom, that there must be deeper elements that serve to encourage and develop the innovative nature of the person, whilst not relying on a single model for universal education. The research shows that the process of aiding employees to develop, any form of additional education on the job adds to the natural way people develop, aiding both the person and the company. Yet, in many cases the method is found to be outdated in the face of developing technology. This study will be of interest to those researching developing trends in relation to long standing practices. This study shows that formal training and development serve only a portion of a person, or employees learning and educational development, with valuable sources of education and knowledge coming from practice, reflection and the proximity and mentorship of experienced professionals in the field. The research illustrates that by aiding people, employees and leaders to work and develop educational process whilst on the job, the ability to naturally integrate this knowledge into their professional lives grows. This growth not only seems to aid the person on many levels, but aids the efforts of the companies associated with the person, supporting the contention that the 70:20:10 model is not only relevant but needed in the modern community. This continues to show that people develop on the job and in order to companies to remain or become successful education must be a cornerstone of that process. References Blackman, D. and Johnson, S. (2016). The 70:20:10 model for learning and development: an effective model for capability development?. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2(1), pp.112-116. Burgess, J. (2017). Is a Blended Learning Approach Suitable for Mature, Part-Time Finance Students?.. [online] Eric.ed.gov. Available at: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1098715 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Cotton, J. and Rechtschaffen, A. (1958). Replication report: Two- and three-choice verbal-conditioning phenomena. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56(1), pp.96-96. Gardner, R. (1957). Probability-Learning with Two and Three Choices. The American Journal of Psychology, 70(2), p.174. Jennings, C. and Wargnier, J. (2010). Experiential learning – a way to develop agile minds in the knowledge economy?. Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, 24(3), pp.14-16. Jennings, C., Jennings, C. and profile, V. (2017). 70:20:10 Primer. [online] Charles-jennings.blogspot.com. Available at: http://charles-jennings.blogspot.com/2015/08/702010-primer.html [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. KMI Learning. (2017). 70-20-10 Training – A New Approach | KMI Learning. [online] Available at: https://www.kmilearning.com/70-20-10-training/ [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Pascale, C. (2017). 70:20:10 Guide: Provide Structure to the 70%. [online] Docebo. Available at: https://www.docebo.com/2015/04/16/informal-training-70-20-10/ [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Pollock, R., Jefferson, A., Wick, C. and Wick, C. (2015). The six disciplines of breakthrough learning. 1st ed. Rentroia-Bonito, M., Goncalves, D. and Jorge, J. (2015). Clustering Students Based on Motivation to Learn:. International Journal of Mobile and Blended Learning, 7(3), pp.18-39. Td.org. (2017). 70:20:10: Where Is the Evidence?. [online] Available at: https://www.td.org/Publications/Blogs/Science-of-Learning-Blog/2014/07/70-20-10-Where-Is-the-Evidence [Accessed 17 Mar. 2017]. Td.org. (2017). 70:20:10: Where Is the Evidence?. [online] Available at: https://www.td.org/Publications/Blogs/Science-of-Learning-Blog/2014/07/70-20-10-Where-Is-the-Evidence [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Training Magazine. (2017). Fear Not the 70-20-10. [online] Available at: https://trainingmag.com/content/fear-not-70-20-10 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Trainingindustry.com. (2017). The 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development | Training Industry. [online] Available at: https://www.trainingindustry.com/wiki/entries/the-702010-model-for-learning-and-development.aspx [Accessed 24 Mar. 2017]. Watkins, K. and Marsick, V. (1992). Towards a theory of informal and incidental learning in organizations?. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 11(4), pp.287-300.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Macroeconomics and Managerial Decision Making Essay

A recession is defined as a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters (Farnham, 2014). The United States began to experience this crisis in 2007 and continued to feel its effects in early 2012 (Farnham, 2014). â€Å"Employment growth during the current recovery has been weak compared with past recoveries. It has taken nearly five years since the beginning of the economic expansion for nonfarm employment to return to its pre-recession peak† (Laderman & Leduc, 2014, para 2). New businesses or â€Å"start-ups† grew very slowly during the recovery phase. â€Å"Because start-ups generate jobs at a much faster pace than older businesses during recoveries, the account for a significant portion of job growth in the economy, even though their share of overall employment is quite small† (Laderman & Leduc, 2014, para 2). â€Å"Employment at start-ups was particularly hard-hit during the Great Recession, suffering a much steeper decline in growth compared with more mature businesses compared with start-ups in previous recessions† (Laderman & Leduc, 2014, para. 3). Healthcare is also affected by economic changes. The results are usually seen later than some other areas as during periods of layoff employees are generally afforded a severance package that covers their insurance for a period of time (Bassett, 2008). â€Å"Surgeries are one part of the health care industry that is affected by the economy. From out-of-pocket procedures like Lasik to surgeries covered by insurance, many patients are more reluctant to undergo procedures that are more expensive than a regular doctor’s visit† (Bassett, 2008, p. 19). The life insurance industry also felt a change in their capital levels in 2008 (Cooper & Frank, 2011). â€Å"Best summarized 2008 as â€Å"among the worst in memory for life/annuity operating performance†Ã‚  (Cooper & Frank, 2011, p. 78). Puerto Rico has been in a multiyear recession beginning in 2006 and it anticipates it will continue through 2015 with a possible end in sight beginning in 2016 (Ruiz, 2015). â€Å"Puerto Rico’s manufacturing sector has seen a sharp decline in investment since the expiration of tax-free credits in 2006, given by the US to corporations in the Commonwealth, which has been the main driver of the recession† (Ruiz, 2015, p. 1). Although the real estate market in Puerto Rico now appears to be becoming more attractive. â€Å"Puerto Rican real estate is becoming increasingly attractive, as the multiyear recession depressed price growth† (Ruiz, 2015, p. 2). A period of slow economic growth is not a good time to invest, expand, or start-up your business. Personal assets are an important part of the funding process for new businesses and the downturn of the housing market weakened the ability for many to invest, expand, or begin a young company (Laderman & Leduc, 2014). References Bassett, E. (2008). Health care sacrificed during economic slowdown. Fort Wayne Business Press, 19-19. Farnham, P.G. (2014). Economics for Managers 3rd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. Laderman, L., & Leduc, S. (2014). Slow business start-ups and the job recovery. FRBSF Economic Letter, 20. Ruiz, G. (2015). Consumption weak despite a recovery in investment. Latin American Monitor, 1-2.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Recruiting and Selection Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Recruiting and Selection - Research Paper Example The diversity and global nature of Best Buy business has created huge opportunities of careers in their Retail, Corporate, Best Buy Mobile, Geek Squad Services, Distribution/Logistics and Brands & Global businesses. As an example, Figure 1 lists the career opportunities available in the Retail sector: - (Best Buy, 2011) In the corporate sector as well, the opportunities are quite huge because of the dynamic policies and multi-dimensional growth in which large number of businesses are carried out by the company. This is evident from the leading brands of Best Buy as shown in Figure 2 which includes Audio Visions, The Car Phone Warehouse, Five Star Appliance, Future Shop, Geek Squad, Magnolia Home Theatre, Pacific Sales, Best Buy Mobile and Best Buy for Business. Best Buy is an advanced information technology company in which the entire process of recruitment is computerized. The job opportunities in different careers are posted on their website http://www.bestbuy-jobs.com where all the positions for which opportunities exist are listed with a powerful search option. This is also evident from Figure 1 and Figure 2 above which tells the types of designations for which positions are currently available. An intended candidate is offered a complete list of job description and on selection of the desired position and option for submission of bio-data and job application is offered. The process of selection is based on recruitment policies which are discussed in section III. (Best Buy, 2011) Another important method of recruitment is Third Party Labor. In this method, through a web portal, there is a list of Third Party Preferred Labor Providers who have approval for providing labor in the Best Buy stores. (Best Buy, 2011) The other methods that are offered include opportunities for students and entry level positions, hourly workers specially for working mothers, jobs by location and job by their

Friday, September 27, 2019

Essay/exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

/exam - Essay Example rn in the chapter is whether contractual labor encouraged the use of resources in the country or whether they only served the interests of the elite in the society at the expense of the majority poor population in the country. It is very unlikely that the roman employees did not go through the Malthusian constraints and therefore the population was a very important factor in determining the welfare of the workers. Workers faced a lot of competition as the population grew until the Antonine plague which caused deaths of the workers and thus had a substantial effect on the economy of the Roman Empire. There is evidence of farm tenancy where there were wealthy lessees of estates and used the estates for large production of materials. The rich landowners rented parts of their lands that they did not use or those parts that were hard to cover under the management. The small farmers used the land for agricultural purposes and they were to pay rent to the landowners (Schiedel 116). The agreement was mainly that they lease the land for small periods of time like five years. The responsibility of the tenant was to provide the small items for the cultivating the land while the responsibility of the rich landowner was to provide the fixed assets on the land such as storage facilities and wine presses. By the tenant paying the fixed amount of rent, he assumed the risk of the fluctuating market prices and the size of the harvest. The leasing system greatly protected the landowners against any risks that may face the lessee. There was also the use of wage labor where the rich employed the poor to work on their farms. They were paid the minimum wage and only what was enough for them to live on. However, this was justified that they were given a place to live and they mostly cultivated the foods that they consumed in their households (Schiedel 121). Those who were employed permanently were given ages that was enough to live on while those in temporary employment earned more

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Mikes Most Memorable Accident Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Mikes Most Memorable Accident - Essay Example When Mike is out with his friends, they enjoy racing their cars on Jumaira Road and flirt with hot chicks. On this particular day, Mike’s parents ask him to renew his license because they want to surprise him for his birthday by purchasing him a new Chevrolet Silverado 2012. Mike goes to the mall for an eye test. The attendant informs him that even though the renewal of the license is possible, it will take a few days to process. In addition, a fee will be required. Mike makes the payment and receives a note saying that his license is renewed, but he has to wait for three or four days to receive it. Mike then leaves for home. On his way home, Mike’s mother calls for the renewal of his license. Mike refuses to answer his phone partly because of his resentment towards his parents but also because he was feeling drowsy. The continual hampering for him to renew his license took a great toll on him. Mike is struggling to keep his eyes open and on the road, but he makes a right turn and keeps moving along in the left lane. Mike then notices a speed bump and a U-turn, but he sees an old man riding a bicycle along the end of the right lane at the same time. Because there is a gap between the two lanes, and the old man does not seem to show any intention of moving over when Mike is approaching the u-turn, Mike increases his speed from 50 KHM to 70 KMH. As Mike gets close to the turn, the old man suddenly decides to cross the road. Mike does not have sufficient time either to hit the brakes or to avoid the old man. There is no time even for Mike to think about it. It all happened so fast that Mike drove on w ithout even noticing. He only realizes what has happened when he spots shreds of glass on the passenger’s seat.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Portfolio Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Portfolio - Term Paper Example In our mentor class, we did a number of readings which contributed to my progress as well as my knowledge of people (human beings) and emotions. The first reading that we did was that of â€Å"Human Is† by Dick Phillip. The theme behind this reading was that of kindness in human beings. One character by the name of Lester intrigued me because of his human nature and character. He was a very mean person since he preferred his career and dreams other than his wife and family. However, he turned out to be a changed person who was kind to his wife and people around him. What I liked about this reading was that I experienced the same kindness when I went to school in the US. My classmates did understand me and where I was coming from and they helped me to achieve my improved reading and writing skills. The other reading that I liked was that of Calvino, â€Å"Love Far from Home†. I connected with it since it spoke a lot about love for family when away from them. This was the same feeling that I felt when I left my family to study in the US. The third reading that intrigued me was that of Pilz (2005). The reason why I loved this reading was that it gave me comfort that the experiences and loneliness that I was having were common among international students in the US. So this made me feel like I was not alone and better days were to come for me. The fourth and fifth readings were those of Berry (1996) and Berry (2009) respectively. Both readings gave me an insight into agriculture, culture and nature in the US. For example, Berry (1996) talked about the importance of ensuring that the environment that we live in is in accordance with nature. This made me look at the US in this manner – a lot of the foods are processed and that is actually the American culture. Back at home, there are less processed foods as a lot of people do traditional farming. In addition, Berry (2009) gave an emphasis that agricultural activities should â€Å"emulate nature†. He

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Diabetes mellitus type 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Diabetes mellitus type 2 - Essay Example This is when blood cells not only ignore insulin but also prevent glucose absorption in to the body, hence resulting to its build up in the blood (Braham, 2011). The initial symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus are the emission of a faint smell, normally fruit or vegetable order, in his breath or urine. This urine is commonly known as sweet urine (Braham, 2011). The essay will shed more light on diabetes mellitus type 2, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and patient education. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is the most common type of diabetes. According to studies so far conducted, it is cited to have contributed to about 90-95% of all the complication’s cases (Levenne & Donnelly, 2008). Apart from high blood pressure, other risk factors associated with this malady include genetic factors and high cholesterol levels. In most cases, its occurrence is due to the disruption of sensitive tissues to the extent that they no longer respond properly to insulin, hence graduating to insulin resistance (Poretsky, 2010). This is a state where accumulation of glucose in the blood exceeds the appropriate levels. This condition if not treated earlier, it normally results to failing of peripheral blood tissues. Generally, Type 2 if untreated can be life threatening, especially if not detected earlier. This is because lack of treatment can result to severe complications such as kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage (Braham, 2011). Studies contend type 2 is the main contributing factor in the contraction of strokes and coronary heart diseases. This is due to the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels, which is a problem commonly known as atherosclerosis (Braham, 2011). Loss of glucose in urine and elevated blood sugar levels are the earliest symptoms of untreated type 2 condition. Some of type 2 symptoms that follow later on usually vary across persons. The most cited symptoms of this type are usually blurred

Monday, September 23, 2019

Dramaturgy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dramaturgy - Essay Example According to Goffman, in the backstage part, we can â€Å"drop our front, forego speaking lines and step out of character† (Wallace & Wolf 1999, 231). In other words, we can express our ‘true selves’ in the backstage. On the other hand, when we are front stage, we usually show our ‘superficial selves’ or a persona that the society wants to see us. We are seldom given the opportunity to be our true selves. We are always pretending to be someone else, appearing in different ways, acting in different ways. Most people, I think, normally, are not aware of their true identity. Erving Goffman explains thoroughly the backstage where â€Å"actors do not need to engage in impression management; they can be themselves†. It is this part that I am trying to examine, develop, and perform at the front stage. I believe that if I can strengthen my backstage personality I can pursue my aspirations and not give in to the pressures and expectations of the society. When I am with my family and peers I immediately activate my front-stage self. My front stage self-refuses to show that I am overly conscious of my physical imperfections, but backstage I am always concerned about how I look like, and how others think of or see me. The notions of the backstage and front stage are all about impression management or the techniques a person use to guide and manipulate the impression from other people. My inner thoughts significantly affect my flawed actions. We appear to have two reflections of ourselves, the inside and the outside, the front stage, and backstage.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

A lawyers dilemma using Natural Law and Utilitarianism moral theories Essay

A lawyers dilemma using Natural Law and Utilitarianism moral theories - Essay Example In other words, a legal system which cannot be justified by its reason has no power. According to natural law, as defined in encyclopedia Britannica online, humans have the right to make moral judgments, and this is the true law; not the arbitrary power of the state. As Donald (n.d.) states, the proponents of natural law point out that people are naturally capable of knowing what they need to do in order to lead the life that they are physically fitted to live. Thus, one can undoubtedly say that the lawyers were bound by natural law to disclose the details of the death of his daughter to the person who came to them seeking details. Worsening the situation, they could not reveal the same in the court too as revealing the same was against ‘the letter and spirit of their professional duty’. A look into the case proves that Garrow was taking this contradiction with state law and natural law for granted. This was the reason why he disclosed the whole story to the lawyers and then tried to hide the same in the Court and acted as if he was insane. In fact, this is a classic example of the situations in which people defeat humanity taking advantage of the deficiency in man-made laws and the contradiction between state law and natural law.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Adidas Smoking Campaign Essay Example for Free

Adidas Smoking Campaign Essay Adidas’s latest anti-smoking campaign features three cigarette butts layed out in a white background in the style of its logo, which includes their motto â€Å"impossible is nothing†. As one of the largest suppliers of athletic gear, Adidas looks to not only promote greater advantages in sports recreation, but also in good health. The communicator in the ad is the company Adidas, the primary audience would be smokers out there, but this message also applies to all athletes and athletic individuals. The message and purpose of the ad includes the fact that people who are smoking always have the option to quit, and as their motto implies, â€Å"impossible is nothing†. Normally, their motto is attributed to the fact that it is not impossible to try new things and go new depths in sports, and in this case it is saying that it is not impossible to quit smoking. Indeed, Adidas argues a valid point, sending a positive message to society, and one should strive to spread a similar message. Accordingly, the ad campaign utilizes a series of rhetorical strategies to successfully grasp the reader’s attention. These rhetorical strategies involved in the ad are what make it a powerful message. Primarily, the visual representation is setup to make the message really clear. The ad brushes upon the pathos aspect of rhetoric to grab the viewer’s attention. Making a statement such as â€Å"impossible is nothing† and displaying the butt ends of lit out three cigarettes with one cigarette three quarters of the way lit finished, to the second that is almost finished to the filter, and the third that is finish all the way. See more: Old Age Problem essay This is done purposely as practically everyone recognizes the Adidas logo, and can instantly perceive the message behind the ad. The ethos, or the aspect of credibility in this ad lies in the fact that Adidas is a big brand name, its products are widely purchased all over the world and its motto is recognized globally. In this respect, the audience witnesses two different ideas being presented to them at the same time: the symbolism behind the Adidas logo that allows the viewer to conjure the image of sports, and the lit out cigarette butts in association with their motto, which make it quite clear that this is an anti-smoking campaign. Their message as a sports team is the fact that â€Å"impossible is nothing†, and this concept is meant to apply to dedicating to new endeavors in sports, and is quite often applied to life in general. In this specific ad campaign, smoking is not impossible. Surely, quitting smoking is most certainly possible and there are many living examples of them today. For instance, my interview with Michael Dempster, a sophomore at Drexel University proves that it is in fact quite possible to quit smoking. Michael mentioned that ever since he got involved with the different sports programs offered at Drexel, such as intramural basketball and the gym that is available for convenient hours during the day and night, he was smoking less and less until the habit completely left him. It is inspiring and appropriate in the sense that Michael’s story applies to the topic of sports and athletics and how there is an inverse correlation between sports and smoking. One promotes good health while the other mars it. Michael mentions â€Å"it felt pretty good to lay off the smoking, and getting involved in an active lifestyle† (Dempster). He adds that â€Å"smoking always made (him) feel short of breath† while a good day’s workout â€Å"helped (him) breath more smoothly† (Dempster). From the perspective of blogger Zoe Colton, the viewers of the ad â€Å"see the cigarette butts in stages†, and implies that â€Å"quitting smoking is a process and should not be all at once† (Colton). Colton also feels that the Adidas Company â€Å"promotes healthy image of athletic gear† and that they â€Å"care about the health of the customers†. She also mentions how the ad is revealing how it not only â€Å"promotes a smoke-f ree lifestyle† but it also shows how â€Å"health equals power† (Colton). Furthermore, there have been many researches done and papers written regarding the very topic of smoking. According to Terri Pettinger, a researcher in the field of health studies at the Alliant International University, â€Å"Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the world† (Pettinger). Not only is this a ubiquitous fact, but it is the one of most commonly ignored health warnings in today’s society. It is due to these reasons that the audience is being reminded by companies such as Adidas that there are always better alternatives, such as sports. Adidas is known for being a global promoter of health, and often reveal studies that reveal how sports can lead to an increase in one’s lifespan. Quite interestingly, Pettinger mentions â€Å"smoking accounts for an average reduction in lifespan of 13.2 years† (Pettinger). There are many people out there that have stopped smoking due to a variety of reasons, including societal issues such as second hand smoke which is harmful to the community, and also one’s family if the habit is common inside households. Of the numerous reasons for people to stop smoking, one’s own health remains the primary reason for most, and should be a consideration. Adidas touches upon the heart of this issue, by making it personal for the individual viewer, and treating the advert as if it were one of its new sports releases such a shoe or a ball. Just as a new brand name shoe speaks individually to the viewer, and assures him/her that they must own a pair of them, the message of quitting smoking speaks in the same manner. Works Cited Dempster, Michael. Personal interview. 10 Jan. 2013. My Interview with former smoker Michael Dempster, who explains how he got out of the habit of smoking Colton, Zoe. Quit Smoking. Get Healthy. Adidas? Notes from Zoe. Zoe Colton, 10 Apr. 2012. Web. 22 Jan. 2013. Pittenger, Terri. â€Å"Hostility and Smoking† Alliant International University, Nov. 2011. Dissertation. 30 Jan. 2013.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Use Of Counselling Skills When Assessing Needs Of Carers Nursing Essay

Use Of Counselling Skills When Assessing Needs Of Carers Nursing Essay Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) policies emphasises the need to support carers (2000 Strategy for Carers in Wales). However more recently, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) emphasizes the need to offer support to people with dementia and their carers in health and social care in the NICE clinical guideline 42 on dementia care (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2006). In response to English legislation the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) produced the Carers strategy for Wales: Action Plan (2007) it highlighted that in Wales 70% of care in the community is provided by unpaid carers. The document sets out WAGs strategic path for carers; it delivers specific action points that will lead the way forward over the next few years that will help achieve the objectives. Recently the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services (WAG 2010) consulted on a draft Dementia Action Plan for Wales paper produced by a Task Finish Group, which highlig hted four priority areas that would improve the lives of people with dementia and their families in Wales. As a result of these findings WAG has allocated funding of  £1.573m to support the development of Dementia action plans in the years between 2010 2012. WAG has also made available a one off funding of  £400,000 in 2010/12 to extend services provided by Older Peoples Community Mental Health Teams to develop new Young Onset Dementia Services across Wales (WAG 2010). These services would include appropriate support and assessment of carers. Prevalence The Care Standards Act (2000) provides regulation and national minimum standards. These standards are based on service user needs. The purpose of which is to provide a minimum standard, below which no provider may operate. One such provider is (Adult Social Services) (ASS), currently supports 100,000 adults in Wales. The main provision of ASS is to support and protect those people who would be worse off financially in their absence, by offering community care services and to work in partnership with other providers (ASS no date). ASS provides services to many adult groups. For the purpose of this assignment one group that ASS supports is older people with mental health issues such as dementia and their carers. The Community Mental Health Nurse (CMHN) is part of the Community Mental Health Team that works in partnership with ASS. CMHNs provide specialist skills in Caring for people with dementia and their carers. Dementia has been described by many as being a degenerative decline in mental functioning that equates to having complex needs dependency and morbidity ( NICE 2006, NICE-SCIE 2007). Having such complex needs the older adult with dementia is assessed. This assessment process also involves offering an assessment of n eeds for the carer. There are mental Health Policy Guidance issued by (WAG 2003) that recommends using an assessment tool called the Care Programme Approach (CPA) the CPA process will be discussed later in the assignment as this. The Carer The role and needs of the carer is often overlooked, despite government policies. The carer feels disappointed at the lack of information of support that is available and is not easily accessed. Along with lack of employer support in having time off to take their cared ones to appointments (Carmichael et al 2008). There is evidence to suggest from a carers view that it is an emotional rollercoaster of challenges that stretch the carer to the edge of normal reasoning see Appendix 1(HCWPC 2008). These challenges can cover a wide spectrum. This could include and not be limited to loss of personal space, privacy, and choices due to not having the time. This also disables the carers ability to think independently as a person as they have very little time to themselves. This can lead to having to deal with the emotional effects of facing the lack of having a meaningful relationship, self love and loss of the ability to know joy. Further emotional challenges can be evoked as friends, family and the wider community withdraw as often they can pick up on the carers feelings of despair and greater or lesser depressive symptoms. To avoid people catching a glimpse the carer will often put on an act to outsiders even though they are slowly emotionally dying on the inside, through lack of laughter and loss of control of ones self (HCWPC 2008). Therefore it is essential for the CMHN to utilise the skills they have in recognising the individual needs of the carer. CMHN have their role Currently in England there are Admiral Nurses who are specialist practitioners in dementia and work in partnership with family carers and people with dementia. In Wales the first Admiral Nurses started working in one county only. Three years later in April 2010 (An anonymous University Health Board) failed to get funding for the service to continue (Dementia UK 2010). Currently the gap in Wales is being met by Community Mental Health Nurse Specialist Practitioners (CMHNSP) whose role is that of team leader. Leading specialist teams that, pick up these patients and carers with complex needs. Specialist Practitioner courses are available through designated universities in Wales. These courses follow Standards for Specialist Education and Practice as set by the Nursing and Midwifery Central Council (NMC 2001). Identifying the needs of the patient with dementia and carer through the CPA draws on the skill of the CMHNSP. These skills will draw on effective communication, listening, counse lling and reflective practice skills. (Casement 1985), a psychoanalyst, cited in Johns (2004) Offers a more satisfactory concept of reflection as the ability to dialogue with self whilst dialoguing with a client. He calls this dialogue with self the Internal Supervisor paying attention to the way the self interprets what the other is saying, and weighing up how best to respond. During the assessment process the CMHNSP will be taking everything into account both as an internal supervisor, and active listener. The CMHNSP should feel positive in using these skills, but should also be aware that negative forces could also be in force. As using both skills could influence the CMHNSP to miss what actually was being said. Rowlinson (2010) warns that whilst actively listening, it is important that a counsellor stops any other kind of distraction. This includes the natural dialogue that everyone has running through their mind constantly. Forming judgments, regarding what is being said, is a lso a block to actively listening, as is the urge to provide information at, what may be, an inappropriate pause in the conversation. The assessment and any encounter with the patient and carer should also lead the CMHNSP to draw on their knowledge of counselling theory skills, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions and as an informal helper, this forms part of the CMHNSPs everyday interventions with both patients, and carers. CBT is a short-term talking treatment that has a highly practical approach to problem-solving. It aims to change patterns of thinking or behaviour that are behind both patient and carers difficulties, and so change the way they feel. Mind(2010). ( Mention CBT) Collins (2003) In response to a questionnaire, nurses responded that CBT enabled them to offer clients unconditional positive regard. The relationship that developed between the client and nurse helped the nurse to identify and respond to the needs of the client in a much more empathic manner. During any intervention with a patient with dementia and their carer would need careful non judgmental management. The CMHNSP would draw from their knowledge of counselling interventions that they had learnt and use these to offer the carer much needed support, to enable them to move forward and allow both patient and carer to make informed decisions about their care needs through the CPA assessment process. Along with an assessment of needs of the carer as their own needs are often overlooked or hidden by the carer. (Ref Required) During any dialogue with the patient and carer as an Internal Supervisor, the CMHNSP would make a mental note that careful documentation of any conversation would be needed using patients own words where appropriate. Where specialist assessments are carried out notes would be taken during such interventions to capture intricate details. (ref to KG something) Taking time out to think about and plan what needs to be written in the notes would also allow the CMHNSP to make sense of the situation through reflection whilst recording the intervention in the case notes. Keeping good records forms an essential part of nursing and midwifery practice, and instigates the provision of safe and well-organized care. It should form an essential task not to be missed even if there are time constraints NMC (2009). Encouraging the Carer to make their own notes will help them in reflecting on the issues and decisions that need to be made. Part of the CPA assessment involves both the patient and carer taking part in writing there own care plans. This process breaks down the issues at large into smaller stepped targets which can set clear achievable goals. By breaking down the items increases the chances of success and goal achievement (Kottler et al 2008). Patients records are just as important if not more so than the practitioners records. Patients obtain useful information that they can use both during and after the counselling Nelson-Jones (2002). Goals pop into the conversation often not being noticed by the person seeking counsel often needing the helper to point out the goals Tschudin(1995). Therefore providing the patient and carer with specialist knowledge or assisting them in knowing where to find it may help the patient and carer to see their situation in a different light and thus provide a basis for action. (Elgan 1994) Cited in, Freshwater (2003) Elgan argues that information sharing skills are challenging as they can compel the patient and carer to see themselves and their situation quite differently. For this reason he urges a sense of caution and tact when using information-sharing skills Cited in, Freshwater (2003). In the case of diagnosis and dementia there is evidence to suggest that the sufferer may not want the immediate family or friends to know and it can also work the other way around, so tact is required when collecting what could be sensitive information (Ref disclosure of diagnosis required). Listening is an important feature and is made up of many components, in order to effectively communicate both ways. The CMHNSP should allow for this by pausing, being attentive and allowing time for both the patient and carer to speak. Bayne.et al (1998:42) suggests that The first quality that anyone needs who wants to help another person, or hear what needs to be said, is attentiveness. A successful counselling relationship can be instigated by ensuring a safe environment, somewhere where there is privacy and free of intrusion. Asking do they feel comfortable in the environment to go ahead with the assessment or intervention? During the intervention giving reassurance to both patient and carer to take their time when answering any questions shows that the CMHNSP can be empathetic. By doing this it creates an atmosphere that creates a therapeutic relationship and with this comes the willingness of the Patient and carer to participate at each phase of the relationship. These Phases ar e discussed by (Roach 2001) who suggests that the therapeutic relationship Development process where trust is developed is seen as the first stage there are two more, Working phase where goal setting takes place and Terminating phase which is self limiting and where the patient and carer might achieve independence, if this last phase is not met then the phases can be cyclic in action and the process can continue. At times the CMHNSP needs to be aware that carers charge may be present, during certain aspects of the assessment or intervention and need to be sensitive to this fact and to be aware that either the patient or carer may be holding back information either one would not wish the other to hear. For example Silence during the dialogue by either party. Recognition of this non-verbal communication instigates sensitivity on the CMHNs part. At other times of silence the CMHNSP should pause, allowing both the patient and carer time to reflect so they could collect their thoughts and emotions. Furthermore the CMHNSP could when appropriate radiate that they too are human, by appropriately self disclosing. In context to the discussion the CMHNSP could recall a time when they felt the need to write things down to help them to remember. Through showing this sensitivity the CMHN would be able to build on a trusting relationship and nurture good communication by sharing similarity. Nelson-Jones (2002:223)The ability of counsellors to be real is very important for assisting clients to experience feelings. Rogers used terms like congruence and genuineness'(Rogers, 1957;1995). Existential psychologists use terms like presence and authenticity (Bugental, 1981;May, 1958; Mayay Yalom, 2000). Bugental views presence as consisting of an intake side called accessibility, allowing what happens in situations to affect one as a person , and an output side called expressiveness, making available some of the content of ones subjective awareness without editing. On each engagement with the patient and carer the CMHNSP would gradually encourage both to become more aware of their situation where appropriate through exploration and expression of feelings. This would empower and enabled them both to move from one place to another. Allowing them as an individual to explore in this way, would enable them both to decide how they would move further forward. This process would be helped through goal setting as mentioned earlier within the care plan as auctioned by the CPA. Albert Einstein observed, The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. Cited in Covey (2004). The CMHNSP needs to be aware that the carer initially could be holding back due to their charge being there. As the assessment progresses this might not be the issue, further active listening could draw out the more prominent issues. It is important to identify how the carer are they blaming themselves do they feel hopeless for not managing the changes in their charge or cared one. These expectations carers sometimes have of themselves could hide further issues they are not yet ready to address. These could be grief, loss and change. Firstly the carer could be vaguely grieving the loss of the person, mother, loved one they once knew due to Dementia. You are losing and grieving while youre providing the care, because Charlie isnt Charlie anymore, Frank (2008). Frank goes on to say that studies were undertaken and found that The fundamental barrier experienced by Alzheimers caregivers appears to be a combination of anticipatory grief and ambiguous loss, rather than hands-on care issues , further more Frank hopes the study results can be used to help design new support and intervention programs for dementia caregivers. There has not been much change in the treatment options for dementia patients in the last 20 years but there are policies in place to decrease the burden of carers. (REF Required). Secondly the carer could have further issues such as the changing of their role from Son or daughter or husband to main carer, and decision maker. Here the CMHN would feel empathy for the carer, and want to help them, not being judgmental but offering unconditional positive regard (UCR). Unconditional positive regard, a term coined by the humanist Carl Rogers, is blanket acceptance and support of a person regardless of what the person says or does. Rogers believes that unconditional positive regard is essential to healthy development. (Ref required). There is an important skill that CMHNSP should develop in recognising that through the reflective process it can became evident that the CMHNSP could also be avoiding the issue of the carer grieving the loss of the person they once knew. It is important to reflect on such feelings. If this is the case after further analysis the CMHNSP might feel that they were out of their depth in that area of counselling and should refer the carer on to a specialist. Dryden et al (1994:15) said Think of developing your referral skills as a positive enhancement of your overall practice. Lazarus, a therapist of considerable experience and standing, uses referral (which he considers a technique in its own right) for a variety of reasons, not least of which is the recognition of his own non-omnipotence. Seeking clinical supervision on this identified need through reflection of practice enables the CMHNSP develop their clinical practice weaknesses into stronger coping strategies that will enable and instigate the CMHNSP to further develop their role, through seeking effective evidence based practices and action researching the these practices in practice under clinical supervision. Evidently the role of the CMHNSP is constantly cyclically evolving using such research methods. The conclusion should draw together the main strands of the discussion and suggest implications for the development of clinical practice and research on assessment and intervention skills in the profession. Appendices Appendix 1 During our visit to Australia, we were shown the following job advertisement for the post of carer by the Chief Executive of Carers New South Wales. It had been written by a carer. We reproduce this here as an illustration of how some carers see their lives. Critical role for self starter for hands on role: Experience in first aid, counselling, occupational health and safety, pharmacology, cooking, cleaning, communication skills, stress management and ability to self medicate may be required. The successful applicant must be able to forgo personal privacy and the choice to do what you want. You will be required to lose your independent thinking ability and become invisible to the community at large. The successful applicant must be able to endure the lack of joy, self-love and relationships indefinitely. Must also be able to function alone as friends leave due to your state of depression. Although entitled to holidays, the successful applicant will not usually be able to have them due to lack of support or financial difficulties. The successful applicant must be able to function credibly with a smile while dying on the inside from lack of laughter due to losing your mind. Reassessment qualities are essential while you lose your sense of self, your reasons to get up in the morning, your dress sense, your hair and your sense of humour and identity. The successful applicant may be required and therefore willing to move home to accommodate the client and be happy developing bad nerves and anxiety 24/7. The successful applicant may be required to fight every day to remember five things to be grateful for while letting go of everything held dear. Must be able to let go and find comfort in a state of being stunned. The successful applicant must be able to cope with slowly going insane and back on a continual basis. The successful applicant must learn to live in silence to enjoy this truly challenging lifestyle. (House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee Valuing and Supporting Carers 2008).

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Decline of Morals and Morality in America Essay -- Expository Exem

America is in a Moral Decline      Ã‚  Ã‚   The founders of America believed that a popular government and its laws necessarily rested upon an underlying moral order that preceded both the state and man-made law. They referred to this transcendent moral order in the Declaration of Independence as "self evident truths" and "the laws of nature and of nature's god" (Barr pg. 211). For a republic to work, the founders thought, the people had to internally guided by commonly shared moral values. The founders viewed themselves as launching a great experiment: Could a free people retain a moral culture that would promote the self-discipline and virtues needed to restrain corruption? "We are still, in many ways, 'the shining city on the hill' for the rest of the world. What has sustained us over these two centuries has been our commitment to our great moral heritage" (Barr pg. 212). Today though, this "great experiment" appears threatened. According to a recent poll, 73 percent of Americans worry that the nat ion is experiencing a moral decline (Baker). They have the right to be concerned. For the last thirty years, a moral crisis has been brewing. It is undeniable that since the 60's, there has been a steady assault on traditional values. "Crime, broken homes, racial hatred, and problems related to sexual activity are on the rise" (Schuller). America's morals and culture are declining.    As reported in The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, since 1960, the population has increased 41 percent. The gross domestic product has nearly tripled; and total social spending by all levels of government has risen from 142.73 billion to 787.00 billion. During the same thirty-year period, there has been a 560 percent inc... .... Bennett, William J., The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, The Heritage Foundation, 1993. Ehrenreich, Barbara, "Oh, Those Family Values," Time, July 18, 1994. Krauthammer, Charles, "Down with 'Family Values,'" U.S. News & World Report, October 17, 1994. Kristol, Irving, "The Coming 'Conservative Century,'" The Wall Street Journal, February 1, 1993. Murphey, Dwight D., "America's Civilizational Crisis: The Rise of Internal Barbarism," Conservative Review, vol. 4, no. 5, September/October 1993. Schuller, Robert A. (1997) In Search of Morality, How You Can Live a Fulfilling Life from the Inside Out [On-Line]. Available: http://www.fni.com/heritage/aug97/Bookshelf.html Thomas, Clarence, "The Rights Revolution and America's Urban Poor," Vital Speeches of the Day, June 15, 1994.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

What Is Music? :: Music

What Is Music? According to the dictionary music is having rhythm, melody, or harmony. But it's really underestimated, more so than anyone actually realizes! Music is a learning, a therapy, and teaching tool. Music adjusts our moods, and used throughout our lives. To lead a healthy life, we need to incorporate music. Whether playing it, listening to it, or using it. Music is therapy because of its positive changes in human behavior. The therapy consist of singing, playing instruments, moving to music, and listening to music. This builds your communication skills, motor skills and emotional development. Music comes into our lives at an early age. I wake up crying from a terrifying nightmare, looking around for my mommy. The light turns on. She comes up and sits on the bed, saying everything is O.K. I tell her a monster was coming after me, in between my heavy breathing, A light peaceful voice starts coming out of her mouth. "Rock a bye baby on the tree top, when the wind blows the cradle will rock." My eyes slowly shout and I'm back to sleep again. We learn music in Elementary School. Don't you remember learning your first song and singing it to all the parents? It's a great learning tool for the teachers. Music is everywhere including in an elevator. As I step in to an elevator, sea of staring faces and in an enclosed space, my heart beats a little faster. The first thing heard is the music, with its relaxing and calms melody. We have something for our mind to focus on, and not all the people around you or to remember that we're claustrophobic. Music is every where we go, even in store. What the purpose of this?

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

America’s Failing Public Schools: Charter Schools Are Not the Solution

America’s Failing Public Schools: Charter Schools Are Not the Solution    It was with wild fanfare that the state’s Republican legislature and Republican Governor enacted their reforms for the state’s public school system. Among the panaceas was charter schools, a ‘90s education fad that gives individual parents the right to send their children to state-approved public charter schools at public expense. Politicians reasoned that less-bureaucratic charter schools would teach students better than traditional public schools because charter schools wouldn’t be subject to the same mandates that the state had heaped upon public schools. Furthermore, traditional schools would be forced to compete with charter schools as they lured thousands of students and millions of dollars away from traditional public schools. Competition from charter schools would then lead to all-around better schools in the state as traditional public schools improved themselves to remain competitive with the cutting-edge charter schools. The charter school program aimed to allocate educational resources via market mechanism by shifting towards freedom of contract. However, the plan unfairly mixes individual decision making with the expenditure of public tax dollars. Moreover, the competition through which legislators sought to improve education throughout state schools has failed to materialize as students enrolled in Michigan charter schools remain a drop in the bucket. In this paper, I will show how the charter school movement represents a limited shift towards freedom of contract and explain why this shift is unfair to the taxpayers of the state of Michigan. Further, I will argue that the market mechanism has not yet become a factor in public educa... ... other today, but as the numbers indicate, an effective market for K-12 education is a long way off. Personally, I do not believe that the salvation lies in charter schools or an individualist approach to educating children. Instead, I think it takes a village, or even the entire state, to come together as a community and reach consensus on ways to improve the existing educational infrastructure in the state, i.e., traditional public schools. Granted, needs are not the same across the board, but there are innovative programs that have worked in some areas that could be successfully repeated in other areas. Competition is not the salvation. Cooperation is the means by which we will improve schools in Michigan. In the words of one Michigan educator, â€Å"We should not waste our time implementing schools of choice, we should work to create choice schools in Michigan.†

Monday, September 16, 2019

Project Management Life Cycle Essay

Four Steps of Project Management Life Cycle Project Management Life Cycle is a separation for a project. According to Ms. Cui’s research, managers can separate a whole project to some steps and connect those steps with project operation; the sum of all those steps are project management life cycle (Cui, 2011). There are four components in project management life cycle, which are time requirement, project stages, project task and project result. Generally, because the unpredictability of project, project management life cycle often uses time dimension to control and evaluate the project (Cui, 2011). There are many ways to separate project life cycle into steps. Project Management Institute in United States (PMI) separates the project life cycle into three steps: beginning stage, medium stage and final stage (Cui, 2011). Chinese Project Management Body of Knowledge (C-PMBOK) separates the project life cycle into four steps: Conception Phase, Development Phase, Implementation Phase and Final Phase. Though those two standards have some differences, both of them separate a project into many steps in order to survey and control the operation of project. In my opinion, the standard of C-PMBOK is better than the standard of PMI. C-PMBOK’s standard is not only based on time dimension but also based on activity dimension. C-PMBOK demonstrates the important aim for each stage. However, the standard of PMI is only based on time dimension and fails to demonstrate aims of stages. (1) Conception Phase In this step, the project practitioner should try his or her best to clarify the core mission, the clients’ demand, the aim and the definition of his or her project. In business, project practitioners may send a Request for Proposal (RFP) to customers. According to the feedback of RFP, project practitioner will make a basic concept for his or her project. Feasibility report and project design are two necessary documents in this step. (2) Development Phase In this step, project practitioner should make the detail plan for the whole project and discuss this plan with customers. This step is the last step before the project will be put into practice. Not only a plan, a scheduling duration should be set up for next stage. In addition, project practitioner should organize the team and arrange works. (3) Implementation Phase In this step, the project is implemented. Project team should works as the project plan and ensure all phased aims achieved. (4) Final Phase After Implementation Phase, the work of the project is finished. However, finishing all works does not means that the whole project finishes. In this step, some important work still should be done. For example, in trading business project, project practitioner should check out whether the goods are delivered to correct client and whether all invoices are paid in time. In addition, the feedback from clients and the lesson learned are both should be done in this step. People should understand that those steps above are a general method to separate the project life cycle. Both standards of C-PMBOK and PMI are guides rather than practical ways. In different industries, most of managers will use those ways to separate manage their projects. However, according to the different characters of industries, managers separate their project based on their different needs. For Instance, in urban construction industry, Morris Model is widely used in project management life cycle (Dong & Wang, 2010). Morris Model separates the project life cycle into four steps, which is same as general method. However, steps in Morris Model demonstrate the characters of urban construction industry: Feasibility step, urban planning and designing, building step and putting into use step (Dong & Wang, 2010). The Ways to Evaluate and Control the Project To ensure the project operating well and on time, the ways to evaluate and control are important. In current project management life cycle theory, three concepts are introduced to managers, which are used to evaluate the project operation. (1) Checkpoint Checkpoint is a specific time point. Managers will set up many checkpoints in each steps of project life cycle. Every checkpoint will have a specific time span with another one. Manager will compare the situation of project operation with project plan to check whether or not the project is on track. For example, when China Merchants Bank designed their new system, the manager of IT department set a checkpoint every two week to evaluate whether this employees finished their work as project plan that is 1000 lines computer programs per week. (2) Milestone Milestone is a specific time point, too. However, different with checkpoint, the project will be evaluated not only whether the time schedule is okay but also whether the quality and goal requirements are achieved on milestone. Milestone will be set after a stage work finish. In a step of project life cycle, there will be many checkpoints but only few milestones. (3) Baseline Baseline is a kind of special milestone. The stage work before a baseline will be the basis of the stage work after this baseline. For example, when airplane company designs a new plane, engine design and tuning will be a stage work followed by a baseline because of three reasons. First, the engine design and tuning should be finish in time because the fly test cannot be done without engine. Second, the quality of engine design and tune is the core element of the safety of test. Third, the engine design will be one of basics of next stage work – plane tuning. When manager set checkpoint, milestone and baseline, they need to consider carefully. If the time spans between them are too short, the evaluation will be meaningless. However, if time spans are too long, mistakes will accumulate too many and serious to be fixed and rescued. Managers should try to ensure the project is operating as schedule. If missing the checkpoint, milestone or baseline, managers need to fix their plan to chase the time expected schedule, or the project might be delay or failed on quality. Reference Gray, C. F., & Larson, E. W. (2000). Project Management: The Managerial Process. Boston: Irwin/McGraw-Hill, c2000. Project Life Cycle. (2010). Retrieved from http://wiki.mbalib.com/wiki/%E9%A1%B9%E7%9B%AE%E7%94%9F%E5%91%BD%E5%91%A8%E6%9C%9F Dong, W., & Wang, J. (2010). The Project Management Life Cycle of Urban Construction Based on Parallel Engineering. Urban Construction. 4(69). 161-162. Retrieved from http://doc.mbalib.com/view/72774efdf93f3360debc6fa5f66edfd8.html Miao, Z. (2012). The Management of Core Stage of PDM Project Life Cycle. E-Work. Retrieved from http://doc.mbalib.com/view/d1b58b855dd0dc9998b3ee7d4899a771.html Cui, L. (2011). The Optimization Research of Project Management of â€Å"Graduate Student Research Project†. Journal of Guangxi University. Retrieved from http://doc.mbalib.com/view/c6c150395dca43e5a5755d199261d8b5.html

Frankenstein: a Psychological Analysis Essay

What truly makes Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein an entertaining novel, in my opinion, is the mental development of each of the characters throughout the story. The best way to display such psychological progress is to compare events and thoughts from the book to Sigmund Freud’s theories on the conscience. Freud’s â€Å"id† is shown through primitive actions of certain characters; those that involve little judgment and rely on instincts rather than informed decisions. The â€Å"ego† can be observed through basic thoughts and decisions that are made without the influence of conscience. The â€Å"super-ego† is, in fact, conscious thought itself, often characterized by the guilt or other feelings that come as a result of the â€Å"id† and â€Å"ego†. As you will see, Freudian theory has an important place in the literary masterpiece that is Frankenstein. While the idea of the â€Å"id† is probably the least prevalent of the three in Frankenstein, it still plays a major role in shaping the characters, most specifically, Frankenstein’s monster. Id† is most commonly applied to instinctual actions and those taken simply out of a need for survival and instant gratification. The monster finds himself satisfying his â€Å"id† when teaching himself the basic means of living and human action. These skills give him what he needs to live and obtain his necessities, but contribute nothing to his ultimate consciousness. Much as the â€Å"id† is associated with primitive inhuman desires, Frankenstein’s monster takes on a bestial and primitive image. Next among the three parts of Freud’s psychic apparatus is â€Å"ego†. â€Å"Ego† is applied to the organized and realistic part of a character’s mentality and, unlike the â€Å"id†, requires judgment and next-level thinking. Victor Frankenstein’s willing development into a scientifically learned being and then his venture into creating life from inanimate body parts accurately shows the more advanced, yet still somewhat surface, thought process of an â€Å"ego†-influenced being. Additionally, it is Frankenstein’s â€Å"ego† that distances him from his family and friends. At this point he has the capacity to make decisions and act on them, but not consider or feel what might come out of them. Victor Frankenstein’s â€Å"ego† soon turns into â€Å"super-ego† as the consequences of his actions become visible. The â€Å"super-ego† plays the moral role of the three, allowing for emotional comprehension of the events that unfold. Guilt seems to be a common thread between the â€Å"super-egos† of Frankenstein and his monster. Victor is overwhelmed with guilt upon realizing that his creation is responsible for the deaths of his brother, father, friend, and wife. He even seeks a temporary release from the guilt in isolation and appreciation of nature. The monster finds himself in a very similar situation, facing the guilt of actually killing the ones that Frankenstein loved, and thus reducing his creator’s life to one without substance or anything to be emotionally attached to. Obviously, the mental punishment of guilt plays a large role in forming the â€Å"super-egos† of both protagonist and antagonist. Freud’s theories on the subconscious and conscience set the foundation for Shelley’s novel. His â€Å"id† characterizes the monster’s initial struggle for survival in an unfamiliar world. His â€Å"ego† is played out by Frankenstein’s obsession with biological sciences and later creation of a monster. His â€Å"super-ego† encompasses the basic actions taken in the previous two, but also adds an ethical and emotionally conscious element to the consequences. It is apparent that Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche almost perfectly outlines the basic psychological activities in and between the characters of Frankenstein.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Khan Academy

With the Khan-Academy systematics, I feel that it is actually a tool that helps many others like myself who may be attending math classes in school. As a child in elementary school, the Internet program helped me start filling the â€Å"Swiss cheese† gaps Khan talked about. The â€Å"Swiss cheese† gaps, are the things people didn’t learn while they were in math classes, where the teacher simply did not go into great detail of explaining. The way the gaps began to be filled, was that it actually challenged me to a greater potential that I thought could not be achieved.In fact many others in my class treated the program as a game in a good way, as on the Internet program one wins a copious amount of prizes in which we used to brag to each other on. To win prizes they may consist of answering a specific amount of questions or becoming persistent at working with Khan-Academy. Something the program has definitely made up is the intolerable position in which unfit teac hers put there students into. The math teachers usually do not help enough or teach only one way, and this is the full reason on why some student actually end up failing their classes.With Khan-Academy some how the student that ended up failing their math classes, now have grades like the visually impaired gifted ones, which also may show how poorly the teachers may have taught their students. Another good point Khan made happen to be the interactions that started to make place amongst the student of classes, in which the ones that did not understand the lessons could know get taught by other students that may have had a full understanding of whatever the problem or problems were.A way the Khan-Academy is assuring that the help that is given is accurate, is that within the program itself it has a way a keeping track who is excelling, and who may not be. Either way one may take the program, it benefits everyone in a various amount of ways and has been a major help in classes across A merica by helping student who did not excel in math class before.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Clinical Experience of Student Essay

My learning throughout the first year has been helped by an unerring optimism in the value of nursing, and an appreciation that each and every daily interaction augments my experience. This enthusiasm, however, has caused an inhibitory effect on my self-directed researching, and created conflict in some placement areas. While developing my role as a nurse, my activities as a person at home and beyond have diminished, as I attempt to adjust to the demands of both domains (Spouse 2003:109). I resent distracting influences, and frequently domestic pressures restrain my desired pace to accumulate factual knowledge. As described by Palmer et al. (1994:40), my learning can oscillate between two extremes, â€Å"all or nothing†. Spouse (2003) depicts the student nurses’ need to develop multi-tasking skills emotionally, mentally and physically as they are caught between the cultures of clinical areas, peer-driven University life and home. The conflicts arising from these settings create a disharmony, which I believe for some, may undermine nursing as a career choice. The competence of a future nurse is evaluated by evidence-based documents, instructors, mentors assignment and examination results and is based on a continuum of regular assessments. The learning experience of a student nurse remarkably influences own practice in clinical areas, as well as the performance level of the student in academic matters. First timers in clinical rotation engage themselves in the initial stage of familiarizing and accustoming one’s self to the practice becomes crucial. This is the point when printed theories in books and hand outs are recalled nd reshuffled in the mind in order to carry out the best intervention suited for a particular situation. It was never easy for the a novice student nurse to be assigned in the OB ward or in the emergency room without sufficient knowledge about postpartum care or familiarity with the basic instrument used in minor surgeries. Also, inadequate and ineffective education influences the manner that one gains necessary principles and skills needed in actual and assisted delivery cases. This has affected the coping strategies of the trainees to different problems arising in the clinical settings. In reality, some just performed as assistants instead of handling actual deliveries—this is also dependent to the hospital protocols—and some were just given free cases. This fact has urged others’ curiosity to get a hasty view of the first learning experiences of the other nursing students who are also in the same level. Some people ought to assess the level of students’ adjustment with the respect to different conflicts they have encountered so that appropriate improvements in nursing education programs will be obtained. The trend to commit oneself to healthcare field has not yet wiped out especially in nursing profession. Students seem to be devotedly engaging themselves into this line as seen with continuous enrollment of freshmen students and transferees, may it be influenced by financial demands, personal preferences, or just by current blooms. The Professional Regulation Commission reported that the country has an oversupply of 400,000 licensed nurses (Porcalla, 2008). With this fact that there are still thousands of nursing graduates in the country who are either unemployed or working as call center agents, clerks, salesladies or salesmen, discouragement in the part of the fresh high school graduates is still invincible. Though many say that those temporary jobs are just their means of earning money while waiting for the board examination, individual encounters prove that a significant percentage of those graduates would just end up working in the same condition; others fortunately have passed the board and served as volunteer nurses to gain experience during the initial years of the profession; and some might have dealt with hard life or just settled down rearing families. For so many reasons, nursing career—for some—terminates there, which should not be. Why is it that even universities have started to limit accepting nursing enrollees due to overpopulation of out-of-work nursing graduates, the government’s need for ideal healthcare system is still unmet? The answer would be—it is a matter of competition! In the Filipino context, it goes, â€Å"Matira ang matibay. † As with the student admission criteria of one hundred eleven medical schools in the United States, education programs and requirements filter nursing students meticulously (Reynolds, W. Scott, P. A. ,& Austin W. , 2000). Spouse (2003:42) depicts the student nurses’ need to develop multi-tasking skills emotionally, mentally, and physically as they are caught between the cultures of clinical areas, peer driven university life and home. The conflicts arising from these settings create a disharmony, which Greenwood (2003) believes for some, may undermine nursing as a career choice. Aside from it, it is not new to hear stories about taking the course with the dictate of the mother in exchange for the big Dollar sign neither a complaint for expensive matriculations and a shelf of three-kilogram-books. According to Rep. Satur Ocampo, â€Å"Low and inappropriate budget of DOH for 2009 now pegged at 28. 9 billion still does not address the problem of the exodus of nurses in the country†(Porcalla, 2008). It is one of the major sicknesses of the country’s healthcare system which puts down the field. But with the growing population and high expectancies of quality care and competence, nurses should be skillful in integrating theoretical frameworks, as well as nursing philosophy, into real life situations so that high quality care can be delivered and optimal health will be met and promoted. Nursing is an art, an art of caring. Nurses are much involved in lots of health teachings and interventions; and are expected to portray a variety of roles. Be it as an educator, communicator, caregiver, counselor, advocate or as a leader, a nurse should possess a well-defined body of knowledge and expertise in the field especially on actual scenarios (Kozier et. al. ,2008). Student nurses may be perceived as trainees, yet it is far apart from that thought. It is incorporating oneself to and embracing the vocation of helping and providing care in order for mastery and dedication to be more likely. The developmental educative process in nursing is a sophisticated and complex combination of scientific, logical, humanitarian, communicative, experiences and psychomotor skills, designed to consolidate abilities to produce â€Å"knowledgeable doers† (Greenwood 2003, Sajiwandani 2000, Slevin 1992, Cheung 1992). Nursing students at this point of time should be cautious whether they have delivered or could deliver appropriate care. They have to be very vigilant because they deal with a lot of toxic things every single day (Tacdol, 2008). It is not anymore in a classroom setting, it is more of real life situations. When at the area, there is no room for mistakes. No more dummies. No more trials. The reflective process enables the students to gain a sense of proportion. While researched academic study underpins practice, there are frequently qualifications made by nursing staff about ward performed procedures, stating â€Å"real-life† situations employ differing methods to those taught in the class room. These instances challenge student’s assumptions and provide impetus for further clinical reflective investigation (Spouse 2003, cited by Greenwood 2003). They also serve to demonstrate the existence of multiple methods of care delivery, attuning them to motives and perspectives of other practitioners in the healthcare team, indicating that others have legitimate reasoning (Palmer et. al 1994 cited by Greenwood, 2003) The performance of students in the clinical area is greatly affected by difficulties they encounter especially in their first clinical duty. Factors include relationship with clinical instructors, misunderstandings arising from group works, hospital policies and requirements, alterations in contingencies when handling patients and so on. As new members of the healthcare team, adjustment to different stressors seems to be crucial. It is an undeniable fact that problems with the clinical instructor top all. Many claim that superiors sometimes do not provide favorable atmosphere for learning. Using negative reinforcement is one of the examples. Others found this as beneficial since it helps the students to ask questions, enhances perception, and inhibits recurring of errors. But many negate this assertion. Embarrassment, comparison to other schools, and stickling behavior of the superior notably outweigh the benefits it should have made. Although many have agreed that the student nurses are very effective in delivering their duties and responsibilities in the clinical areas, there should still be improvement in the learning scheme of the education provider because there is no room for mistakes in the medical profession because it deals with a very fragile thing-life- and a single mistake may cause an enormous damage which is death. The students must be prepared and trained well before their exposure in the clinical areas so as not to commit error (Babula et. al. , 2006). Group conflicts such as lack of teamwork have something to do in accomplishing case studies. Hospital policies and protocols may at times become annoying and confusing. Different shifts and location of clinical duties tend to be the second in the list. Personal moods and anxieties affect functioning of the whole personality which may result to unproductive planning and ineffective nursing interventions (Abaravar et. al. , 2006). Moreover, unexpected problems arising when handling patients are to be aided with harmonious interaction between the instructor and the students while correction and giving of remedies are done (Amania et. al. , 2008). The identification of these common conflicts that are actually the factors which affect the level of performance of nursing students in clinical duties extensively bring up good adaptation behaviors and ease up finding solutions to the mentioned conflicts. Because of the continuous efforts made by some concerned people behind the nursing education? students, educators, and also the registered nurses in the profession? improvements in nursing curriculum has been made. Though distinction between the old and new curriculum of the program have been clearly identified, effectiveness of each are still debated and talked about more often. For nursing education and nursing career does not end in passing all the academic subjects and completion of the PRC forms, one has to subject himself in difficult situations when nursing judgment becomes a necessity. As nursing student begins on the path of career, he or she finds new opportunities unfolding as from within which brighten the path ahead. The kaleidoscope image used on the cover of the 7th edition of Fundamentals of Nursing by Kozier and Erb is an everchanging piece of art with its colors, light and form. As it turns, it represents new opportunities for beautiful new designs. Seeking light and reflections to form new shapes allows one to open one’s mind to all possibilities a kaleidoscope has to offer (Kozier et. al. ,2007). Same with the field of nursing, there are many areas that a nursing student may have never imagined at the beginning of his or her journey. As nursing students open their minds and eyes to these wonderful chances, a good experience they had gained when they were still first timers would be a pertinent tool and inspiration in attuning upcoming difficulties and developing passion in the career. These would let them not to desist from this world of struggles. Conclusion A qualified nursing practitioner is a professionally trained integrated member of the health-care team. This professional education should be life-long, beginning with three years pre-registration factual knowledge and skill acquisition. As previously described there is a symbiotic relationship between nursing’s craft and nursing wisdom, and they are required in practice simultaneously. Despite the apparent impression given by traditional methods of education that these categories exist seperately, for nursing they are fluidly cohesive, one informing the other, through reflective analysis (Watts 1992:). The elements experienced by nursing students during their training are bonded internally together to authenticate their practice, by unleashing possibilities inherent in the situation between patient and the therapeutic self (Kirby and Slevin 1992). The following guidelines are intended to promote improvements in the student’s learning experience. Qualified staffs that direct pace and direction of study need to encourage students in imaginative and innovative ways to prepare them for adoption of new concepts and the flood of changes and that they will need to make in all aspects of their life. Support such as this will guide them through the vulnerable initial stages of their steep learning curve of level one, as echoed by the dissonance described in the first paragraph of the essay. Guidelines I would like to see better preparation of mentors by lecturer-practitioners within clinical placements, in order to foster environments of positive, constructively planned activities. From this, students can gain insight to challenge their assumptions and lay-view of nursing. In this respect, I would like those in the clinical settings to be encouraging students rather than attempting to degrade their efforts by dismissing their academic research based interest in the subject of nursing. I would like access to professional teaching staff in-college at all times, especially immediately prior to and post placement. I hope for tutor liaison with mentors more regularly within the clinical settings, serving to remind mentoring nurses that their duty to support students is real, and linked with Higher Education Establishments. I would like to see in-college mentors giving better, basic and consistent guidance while initially developing the concepts of critical reflective consciousness and the production of an evidence-base of knowledge thus strengthening the intellectual and practical growth of students.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Buliding a UbAMS Model from the Literary Review Dissertation

Buliding a UbAMS Model from the Literary Review - Dissertation Example Each one of these aspects has a different degree of security related to it. UbAMS will follow a security scheme of Low-Medium-High; referring to low security for ownership-based factors, medium security for knowledge-based factors while high security for inherence-based factors. 2.2.1 Ownership-based factors The ownership-based factors of security are the details that are possessed by the owner himself. It is considered to be something that is physically given by the concerned authorities that will facilitate the access to the desired system. However, the level of security for ownership-based factors is considered to be ‘low’ since the physical token can be stolen or misplaced. It includes physical objects that can be used by intruders to gain unauthorized access. A better approach is to use these factors as a part of the authentication process that authorizes the person for example the physical token might have to be used with the combination of a knowledge based factor . These are usually referred to as tokens. Three types of tokens have been explained be: 2.2.1.1 Mobile device The mobile device is also referred to as the USB token device. This device is very small as it is almost the size of a key. The size makes it accessible and reduces the need to remember any credentials. This aspect can save a company significant amount of expense that would otherwise be spent in buying required software or hardware for the employees [5]. The USB device is recognized by the system and the second part of the authentication process commences i.e. the entry of the password. These devices are very hard to duplicate and serve as secure mediums to store sensitive information like private keys, security certificates etc [3]. The following figure shows the image of a USB token device: Figure 1: USB token device [4] Ease of Use It has to be inserted in any USB port of the system; this aspect increases its usability since no special software or hardware is required to avail this technology. Effectiveness This technique proves to be effective if it is accompanied with a knowledge-based factor. 2.2.1.2 Smart Card Smart card resembles a credit card and has a microprocessor embedded in it that stores and processes data [6]. The presence of the microprocessor makes the device intelligent enough to be handle complex authentication mechanisms. It is recognized by the system through a card reader. Upon the verification of the device by the card reader, the user is asked to enter the required password to gain access to the required system. These devices are also hard to duplicate and prove to be good sources for storing information and sensitive data. Tamper resistance techniques are used to protect the smart cards from any malicious usage [8]. Ease of Use A reliable card reader is necessary to be connected with the user’s system; this might prove to be an overhead for the company in terms of finances. Effectiveness As stated earlier, ownership ba sed factors need to have a combination with knowledge based factor since its separate use provides low security for the access management system. 2.2.1.3 Security Token Security token is also referred to as a password generating token. It generates a unique pass-code; it is a password that is used by the user one time as it is