Post secondary transition plan Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Post secondary transition plan - Term Paper Example In this sense, a post-secondary transition plan is necessary for high school graduates joining the employment sector and those pursuing further studies. In most cases, high school graduates seek employment to find means of becoming self-reliant as they wait to join tertiary education (Miller, O’Mara., & Getzel, 2009). However, there are others who seek employment because their academic credentials disqualify them to pursue further education. Life after high school has many challenges and marks a time when individuals should engage in planning on how to improve their living standards. In order to succeed in life, individuals need to aim higher in every endeavor they decide to take after graduating from high school. In this sense, high school graduates with disability should not look at their disability as the inability and should aim for an interactive and productive life after high school. In this regard, an ideal post-secondary transition setting is one that provides career exposure, is interactive, inclusive and adaptable (Lee, Leon, & Young, 2013). After high school life, the post-secondary setting that is ideal whether at the workplace or residential, for instance, college, should expose individuals to new learning. This is because post-secondary life presents a period when individuals should learn how to deal with challenges that exist in the outside world. Prior to the completion of high school, life tends to be simple and individuals have access to support networks in case they face challenges. However, life after high school marks a period when individuals are left alone and have to engage in self-discovery. Self-discovery in this sense means learning about the new environment and how to survive. As such, an ideal setting for transition from high school should be in an environment that encourages individuals to discover themselves. In the outside

A Balanced Chemical Equation by Experiment Essay Example for Free

A Balanced Chemical Equation by Experiment Essay Introduction The purpose is to use the mole relationships to prove the validity of the balanced chemical equation and that the final product of the experiment would confirm the balanced equation. The hypothesis made is that the experiment would in fact confirm the balanced equation. This is because, by balancing the equation two products that do exist are hypothetically formed. By the end of this experiment it will be seen whether the products calcium carbonate and sodium chloride will be made upon mixing calcium chloride and sodium carbonate together. The dependent variables are the amount and the chemical composition of the product formed and the independent variables are the individual amounts of deionized water, calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. Therefore, if calcium chloride and sodium carbonate are mixed together, then the reaction will produce calcium carbonate salt and sodium chloride. Materials * Stirring rod * Electronic balance * Fine filter paper * Deionized water * 2 small beakers * Sodium carbonate * Erlenmeyer flask * Graduated cylinder * Calcium chloride * Safety glasses * Funnel Procedure 1. The groups name was marked in pencil on the rim of the filter paper. 2. The mass of the filter paper was measured and recorded. 3. A clean dry small beaker was put on the electronic balance and was tarred. 2.138 grams of sodium carbonate crystals were added and the exact mass was recorded. 4. A different beaker was then put on the electronic balance and was tarred. 1.040 grams of calcium chloride was added to and the exact mass was recorded. 5. Approximately 25 mL of deionized water was added separately to each of the beakers. Each beaker was stirred with different ends of a stir rod until the solids were dissolved. 6. The calcium chloride solution was poured into the sodium carbonate solution. 7. The funnel was rested in a tall Erlenmeyer flask and the liquid was poured through into the filter paper which lined the inside of the funnel. This collected the solid. 8. Two separate 10 mL quantities of deionized water was poured through the filter paper. 9. The beakers and stir rods were cleaned and returned to their appropriate places. 10. When dried, the mass of the filter paper and soil was measured and recorded and discarded into the garbage. Results Quantitative Results Na2CO3 2.138 grams CaCl2 1.040 grams Final Substance (Na2CO3 + CaCl2 ) 2.125 grams Filter Paper Qualitative Results Na2CO3 * When mixed with water, foam appeared at the side and the surface of the solution * There was also a white flaky substance that formed CaCl2 * When mixed with water, the solution fogged up with foamy substance at the sides of the solution * Tiny bubble like substance also formed at the side Final Substance (Na2CO3 + CaCl2 ) * When the two substances mixed together, a white powdery precipitate was formed. * The flakes of powder were easily broken down. Calculations Conclusion The initial hypothesis stated can now be proved correct as after completing the experiment, the statement, which stated that the experiment would prove the balanced chemical equation true. As in the balanced equation CaCO3 was formed, this is in fact calcium carbonate, which is the salt that was produced. It is known that a chemical reaction took place because a precipitate was formed, one of the indications of a chemical equation. Also, this is a double displacement reaction. The information given by coefficients in a balanced equation can be understood to represent the relative number of molecules of that substance and as the relative number of moles involved in the reaction. Equations must be balanced because: Law of Conservation of Matter: Atoms can be neither created nor destroyed in an ordinary chemical reaction, so there must be the same number of atoms on both sides of the equation. The mass of all the reactants (the substances going into a reaction) must equal the mass of the products (the substances produced by the reaction). By using the percent yield, the success of the experiment can be determined. The higher the number of the percent yield (closer to 100%) is an indication that the experiment was more successful. The percent yield of this experiment is 99.68% 100.32%, which indicates that the reaction was successful, but the change of 0.32% is also to be noted. This change may have been caused because of incorrect mass data. Possible errors that could have occurred involve an inaccurate measure in mass of the final substance. When pouring the calcium chloride into the sodium carbonate, there was a residue left in the beaker that held the calcium chloride therefore not all of the substance was poured into the sodium carbonate. This also occurred when the final solution was poured through the filter paper. This would have led to a change in the mass data of the initial products to produce the insoluble calcium carbonate salt. Another error that could have occurred includes the fact that the product produced was kept overnight exposed to dust particles which may have mixed with the product and changed the mass data or the chemical composition of it. Also, there may have been impurities within the instruments used to perform the experiment. As other classes also use the same instruments, it can be determined how well they were cleaned and what chemical residue may have been left on the instruments. Modifications to the procedure of this lab that can lead to fewer errors include and more reliable results would be to check the utensils used for the experiment very well and to clean them with a cleaning agent to cancel out the possibilities of chemical residues left on them. Also, leaving the filter paper with the product in an airtight container or other vessel that would allow for steady temperatures and not let any substances in or out of the vessel.

Skin Functions, Structure and Relationship with the Body

Skin Functions, Structure and Relationship with the Body The main function of the skin, its structure and the relationship between the skin, circulatory and nervous system Draw a label diagram of the skin and describe its structures and key parts (See diagram attached) The skin is the largest organ in the human body. It has three layers; the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The epidermis Google images (2016) The upper or outer layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin. The epidermis is mostly made up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. These cells produce melanin, which gives the skin its colour (MedicineNet.com 2016). The epidermis is the outmost layer of the skin, the skin we can see. This layer differs in thickness; it is thinner on the eyelids and nipples than it is on the soles of feet and palms of hands. This layer has water resistant properties and protects us from cuts and injuries. The epidermis contains the pigment melanin which gives us our skin tone. The dermis Google images (2016) Lying underneath the epidermis-the most superficial layer of our skin-is the dermis. The dermis is a tough layer of skin. (Boundless.com N/D). The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis; this layer is attached to the blood and nerve supply. It consists of sweat glands and hair follicles and connective tissues. The subcutaneous layer (Google Images 2016) The bottom layer of skin is the subcutaneous fat layer. (American Academy of Dermatology 2016). The subcutaneous layer is made up of fatty tissues or bundles of adipose tissue. This layer is responsible for retaining heat in the body. The smaller these bundles of adipose tissue are, the less over weight you are likely to be. Functions of the skin Protection: The skin helps to protect us from things such as dehydration, harmful microorganisms, bacteria and UV rays from the sun. Absorption: The skin can absorb substances that the body need such as oxygen and nitrogen. Some medications/ointments may be applied to and absorbed by the skin for muscle pain, for example, deep heat or oriental tiger balm. Sensation: Receptors in the skin allow us to touch and feel pain, heat and cold. Temperature Regulation: Sweating begins at around 37Â °C. The sweat comes to the surface of the skin and evaporates, causing the body to reduce the heat, as well as this, the hair on our arms lie down to allow the heat to escape. When we are cold the opposite happens: the hairs stand up and goose bumps form to trap any heat in the body in order to warm us up again. Immunity: The skin and the immune system work together to make the immune to microorganisms and bacteria. Movement and growth: The skin is stretchy because of its elastic properties and this allows the covering of the whole body and the movement of the individual. Excretion: The skin allows materials such as urea, excess water and ammonia out of the skin. By-products that arent wanted or needed by the skin are released through sweat glands in the form of sweat. Excretion is an important function to note about the skin (New Health Advisor 2014). Vitamin production: Upon exposure to ultraviolet light (the sun), the skin produces vitamin D. This is important for the growth and strengthening of bone (Curran 2016). The relationship between the skin, circulatory system and the nervous system. The skin The skin is the largest organ in the body and is wide spread throughout the whole body. The skin absorbs essential nutrients and oils through the pores and this provides moisture to the skin. The skin consists of three layers: The dermis, epidermis and subcutaneous layer. The dermis is the layer beneath the epidermis; this layer is attached to the blood and nerve supply. It consists of sweat glands and hair follicles and connective tissues. The epidermis is the outmost layer of the skin, the skin we can see. This layer differs in thickness; it is thinner on the eyelids and nipples than it is on the soles of feet and palms of hands. This layer has water resistant properties and protects us from cuts and injuries. The epidermis contains the pigment melanin which gives us our skin tone. The subcutaneous layer is made up of fatty tissues or bundles of adipose tissue. This layer is responsible for retaining heat in the body. The smaller these bundles of adipose tissue are, the less over weight you are likely to be. Functions of the skin Protection: The skin helps to protect us from things such as dehydration, harmful microorganisms, bacteria and UV rays from the sun. Absorption: The skin can absorb substances that the body need such as oxygen and nitrogen. Some medications/ointments may be applied to and absorbed by the skin for muscle pain, for example, deep heat or oriental tiger balm. Sensation: Receptors in the skin allow us to touch and feel pain, heat and cold. Temperature Regulation: Sweating begins at around 37Â °C. The sweat comes to the surface of the skin and evaporates, causing the body to reduce the heat, as well as this, the hair on our arms lie down to allow the heat to escape. When we are cold the opposite happens: the hairs stand up and goose bumps form to trap any heat in the body in order to warm us up again. Immunity: The skin and the immune system work together to make the immune to microorganisms and bacteria. Movement and growth: The skin is stretchy because of its elastic properties and this allows the covering of the whole body and the movement of the individual. Excretion: The skin allows materials such as urea, excess water and ammonia out of the skin. By-products that arent wanted or needed by the skin are released through sweat glands in the form of sweat. Excretion is an important function to note about the skin (New Health Advisor 2014). Vitamin production: Upon exposure to ultraviolet light (the sun), the skin produces vitamin D. This is important for the growth and strengthening of bone (Curran 2016). The nervous system The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord and all of the nerves that connect to these organs to the rest of the body. The cells in the nervous system are known as neurons and they transmit impulses along the nerves to carry messages between the brain and the body via the spinal cord. When the brain receives the information, it processes it before sending out the demands for the body. Neurons contain a long axon which is protects by myelin sheath as well as tiny branches called dendrons which branch out into smaller parts called dendrites ( BBC 2017). (BBC 2017). The autonomic nervous system regulates some body processes like blood pressure and breathing which work without any effort from the person. The somatic system consists of the nerves that are connected to the receptors in the skin. This is the system that protects us form getting burnt when holding or hand on a hot surface because the brain sends signals via the spinal cord to tell us to lift the hand off the surface. The circulatory system The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood containing oxygen and carbon dioxide and the blood vessels including veins, arteries and capillaries. These blood vessels have muscles inside their walls in which the blood flows through and these muscles are controlled by the nervous system. The circulatory system is responsible for providing blood, hormones, nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in the body. This system also fights infection through white blood cells and antibodies and aid in the clotting of blood through platelets which form scabs on the surface of the skin when cut and exposed to oxygen. (Google Images 2017) The relationship between the skin, nervous system and circulatory system The skin, nervous system and circulatory system work together in order to ensure the body is functioning the way it should. The somatic nervous system works with the central nervous system to protect the skin. It does this by telling us to lift our hand off a hot surface to avoid burning ourselves. The nervous system and circulatory system are connected by the lymphatic system and work together to maintain blood pressure and regulation of the heart. The nervous system tells the circulatory system to pump blood around the body. The nervous system and circulatory system needs to function correctly and work together to ensure the rest of the body is functioning properly. The nervous system controls all functions of the body. The circulatory system provides blood flow and regulates body temperature. The skin works together with it to regulate the body temperature. When too hot the blood vessels dilate, the hairs lie down and we sweat to allow excess heat to escape the body. When we are t oo cold the hairs stand up and goose bumps form to trap any heat in the body. If blood flow is restricted, the skin becomes pale. If one of these systems became damaged in any way, the body would have abnormal functioning (Curran 2017). (iii) Using the table format give examples of viral, bacterial, fungal skin diseases. Viral Bacterial Fungal Gastroenteritis Pneumonia Athletes foot Common cold Meningitis Cutaneous Candidiasis Flu Food Poisoning Tinea Versicolor Cold sores Impetigo Onychomycosis Chicken Pox Cellulitis Tinea Capitis Herpes Boils Ringworm (Native Remedies 2016) (On Health 2016) (Remedies health communities 2016) Â   Â  

Brenda Frazer the epitome of The Beat Generation Essay -- essays resea

The beat generation is a generation started in the 1950's by American artists and writers who refused conformity to traditional American ways and spoke of starting their own alternative lifestyle. The beat lifestyle included the sought after liberation and rebellion from society hindering chains of established, accepted ways of life. Within Paul Lauter's book, 'The Heath Anthology of American Literature,' Ronna C. Johnson from Tufts University, writes an analysis of Troia: Mexican Memoirs as well as synopsis of Brenda's life. Also in Lauter's book is the original Frazer's work Troia. In addition, Brenda Knight, another authority of the beat culture, writes in her book 'Women of the Beat Generation' of Frazer's struggles. Brenda Frazer had a life nothing short of beat. Born in 1939 in middle class Washington DC, Brenda attended Princeton High School. It has been said that, ?her parents, especially her mother, were unhappy in their marriage, which cast an uncomfortable sadness over the household. Brenda remembers struggling with disorientation and a feeling of not fitting anywhere during her teen years.? (Knight, 269). Personally knowing that uncomfortable sadness and the struggle with finding ones identity, I can see why Brenda, at first unintentionally and then with full purpose, sought after a beat life. While still in college, Brenda met a beat poet named Ray Bremser and the two of them became infatuation with one another. They married 3 weeks later. Brenda says, ?I adored him, even his eccentricities, and justified my own existence by typing his poems. I identified with Fidel Castro. His patriotism, presented in a lawyer truth, moved me. His actions inspired me to quit school and give thought to a shameful corrupting infl... ... of her life we see her long for the idea of love, yet denied the love of having a husband or being a mother. Brenda Frazer, gave that all up, for the love of creativity. Brenda speaks of this creativity when she says, ?I defined myself when I sat down to write. It was a rebellion against my most immediate authority figure, who was once again in jail. Writing was a therapy I could afford. It was exciting then and still is to give myself that freedom. Alone I evolved my personal story. There was no mentor or male muse to be an live-in example for me. I have more creativity now. Creativity is in the middle, at the turning point of gender, neither, either, nor.? (Knight, 271). WORKS CITED Books: Knight, Brenda. ?Women In the Beat Generation.? Conari Press, 1997. Lauter, Paul. ?The Heath Anthology of American Literature.? Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.

Web Server

Web Server: A webserver is a Hardware device used to host an eCommerce website. The server supports the entire content of the website such as HTML files, Data bases and Image Files. Web Servers will run on operating systems such as Windows or Linux and will use web server software to manage access requests to the website. Webservers are similar to PC’s however they have faster processors and more memory making it much more powerful.Firewall: A firewall is a software or hardware-based network security system that controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic by analysing the data packets and determining whether they should be allowed through or not, based on a rule set. A firewall establishes a barrier between a trusted, secure internal network and another network (e. g. , the Internet) that is not assumed to be secure and trusted. Software Browsers: When you design an eCommerce solution it is important to consider how the site is seen on the web.When customers access an o nline shop they will need to use a web browser to load the website. A browser is a software application on a machine that allows someone to access the internet. When a website is loaded in a browser the html code, css, image and information that is stored in a database connected to the website are rendered together to make the site appear in the browser window. When developing an eCommerce site it is important to test that the site appears correctly in all of the main browsers that people use to access the internet such as, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari.Operating Systems: An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is an essential component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function. Web Authoring Tools: web authoring tools are used to develop the front end of a n eCommerce website. A range of software packages can be used .HTML (Hypertext Mark-up Language) files can be created in a web authoring package such as Dreamweaver.The html files created by this software will include CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) files that are used to enhance the visual appearance of the site. Other web authoring tools are graphic design packages such as Adobe Photoshop that can be used to design a skin for the user interface design. This skin can then be exported into a html and css combination that is used as the basis for the developing site. Server Software: Web servers need to run software that manages access attempts to a website.When a user tries to access a website the web server software processes the access request and serves up the correct files that have been requested from the client’s machine. Examples include Windows IIS (internet information services) which runs on windows based web servers and Apache which runs on Linux based web servers. Ser ver Software runs in the background and works over a network to allow a browser stored on a client machine to access the files that make up an eCommerce site. Database System: A database system is an important part of an eCommerce website.The database is used to store information about the products for sale on the site. The database will hold information such as store pricing, descriptions, images and other details. In addition to this the customers details are also stored such as what they ordered, payment details, shipping details, phone numbers, emails and lots more. Staff who are responsible for the delivery of items will use the database that is connected to the eCommerce site to ensure all the correct products are sent to the correct customer.It is important to connect securely to the database to ensure that all orders are processed correctly and the business runs smoothly. Technologies such as a PHP (A programming script) and MySQL are used to communicate between the website and the database management system (DBMS). Network TCP/IP: TCP/IP is a protocol used to transfer data and information over a network such as the internet. TCP (Transfer Control Protocol) is a wired connection between different machines on the internet. A protocol is a rule of how connections are set up between two devices. Anyone using the internet to access an eCommerce website will use TCP/IP.IP stands for Internet Protocol and each device on a network has a fully unique IP address. When a shopper tries to access an eCommerce store they do not need to know the IP address of the web server that the store is hosted on but can type a URL such as www. shop. com into a browser window instead. TCP/IP is a complex technology and normally and eCommerce site developer does not have to have in depth knowledge of the protocols but should understand that they exist. Ports: Ports on different devices allow them to connect to other devices stored on the internet.Ports allow a device with one IP address to access another device with a different unique IP address. A device will normally have more than one port, for example when one user wants to send an email to another they will allow access through port 25 as this is normally reserved for email. When a shopper on a client machine wants to access an eCommerce website they will connect IP addresses from their machine to the web server that stores the eCommerce site over port 80. Other Protocols: FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the set of rules used to communicate information between two devices running on a TCP/IP based network.If the customer online was to request a receipt this would be sent to them using FTP. Domain Names: When starting an eCommerce site it is important to register a recognisable domain name that links to your company and brand. Successful eCommerce companies on the web have recognisable names such as Amazon, eBay, Nike and Argos that make them stand out from the crowd. These are short one word names tha t are easy to remember and suit the company brand. Programming Requirements: When designing an eCommerce site it is important that everything is programmed correctly.Examples of programming that you might need would be embedding JavaScript in your website to increase functionality. PHP might be used to connect the website to the back end database. Complex search queries to find information about your products would need to run on the back end database based on what the shopper is looking for on your site. Security: There are other programming requirements to consider such as embedding security in your site so that customers' credit and debit card information is secure when they purchase from your store.Download speeds: when running an online business it is important to constantly monitor download speeds of your customers using analytic tools such as Google Analytics. You also need to tailor your website so images are as compressed as possible without compromising the quality of the site. All coding and mark-up must run as efficiently as possible so that the site loads as quickly as possible. Internet connection: Internet access connects individual computer terminals, computers, mobile devices, and computer networks to the Internet, enabling users to access Internet services (for example, email and the World Wide Web).Internet service providers (ISP's) offer Internet access to the public through various technologies that offer a wide range of data signalling rates (speeds). Web Hosting Service: A web hosting service is a type of internet hosting service that allows individuals and organizations such as eCommerce companies to make their website accessible via the World Wide Web. Web hosts are companies that provide space on a server owned or leased for use by clients as well as providing Internet connectivity.

Drug use in Alices Adventures essays

Drug use in Alice's Adventures essays Alices Adventures in Wonderland Paper In Victorian England the drug Opium was commonly used. This drug did not have the connotation that drugs have today; studies show that five out of every six families used Opium regularly (Connell). Lewis Carroll uses actions of characters and situations to portray the positive effects of Opium and other drugs on a person. Characters like the caterpillar and especially Alice seem to be under the influence of some type of drugs. Carroll never showed characters acting scared of their surroundings while being high, concluding that the characters curiously enjoyed the effects of the drugs. Throughout the novel Alice seems to be in a dream like state (Connell). On page one Alice is said to feel stupid and tired. Opium is labeled as a narcotic, which slows a person down and gives them a feeling of euphoria and can have hallucinogenic effects also. Page one quotes, So she was considering, in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daises, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. This quote suggest that Alice must already be under the influence of some drug (Opium seems to be the best fit due to the times in which the book was written). She clearly is feeling too relaxed to want to get up but ends up seeing a strange White Rabbit run by her. This is an example of how Alice is not scared of the eerie rabbit running by her that talks and has a watch and jacket, she actually pays it no mind the r ealizes afterwards that she should. Alice thinks that seeing this take place is natural. It can be Natural only if being under the effects of hallucinogenic drugs. For example this is quoted on the bottom of page one and top of page two; There was nothing so very remarkable in that, nor d...

buy custom Continuum of Care essay

buy custom Continuum of Care essay Continuum of care is an integrated system of care that guides and tracks patients over time through comprehensive steps of health services spanning all levels of intensity care. Effective continuum of care involves concept providing a framework for delivery of optimum health care to patient populations. Several factors influence health care delivery. For example, geographic location would have more or less a positive influence on health care delivery. Area of residence, may it be in a metropolitan city or rural locality, and the quality of service have an effect on people's health. This involves the distance one has to travel to get the medical care and the availability of the service provider, and this entails the geographical location. In a metropolitan city, many residents will access medical care with ease, and they benefit fully from the system. In these areas, there is a proportionate share of high-quality health care service providers (Kahn et al.). As recommended in the Understanding the U.S. Health Services System, in a metropolitan city, procedures and steps are taken to perfect health care service delivery to all residents independently of their race or religion, unlike in rural local facilities that have disproportionate low-quality health care provided influenced by pat ients race. People living in a metropolitan city are associated with high income and have access to quality health care even with current economic situation. There is a major tertiary care hospital in a metropolitan city allowing good access to quality care. Compared wth people living in urban areas, rural residents have higher poverty rates, tend to be faced by health challenges, and face more difficulty in accessing health services. There are a large number of primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other health resources compared to other areas. In urban areas, distance and availability of transport to an emergency room or hospital enables receiving prompt treatment. Local health care system finds it difficult to hire, host, and raise funds to acquire and maintain proficient medical professionals and health service providers. In urban city, there is the availability of special services, such as treatment for rare diseases and expensive diagnostic equipment. Apart from geographic location, there are other factors that affect health care service delivery, either in a metropolitan city or local health, either positively or negatively. Lack of finances makes people without insurance covers not to seek medical care or not be able to buy medicines. In addition, the government faces a challenge to develop new hospitals or buy expensive diagnostic equipments. People who are not conversant in spoken and written English are likely to have challenges in accessing optimum primary care due to inability to understand instructions received from care providers. Language barrier face people mostly in local areas. Some people are less likely to seek care due to their personal ethnic believes; this is because they think medical providers will discriminate against treating them appropriately because of their race, gender, or religion. Others think home remedies will work better, and they still bellieve vaccinations cause autism, thus they end up denying th eir child preventive care. Understanding the U.S. health care systems explains the organization and financing of the system, which has a positive impact on the health care delivery, as well as placing the U.S. health care in a greater international context. The text tries to outline the challenges faced in the health sector and how to overcome them. Moreover, it outlines sources of funding for medical care from both, public health insurance and private health insurance. U.S. government assists patients by reimbursing funds to hospitals and health service providers. The funds are also sourced from private insurers. This has led to the country enjoying gain in life expectancy over past 40 years. GRMC as a provider meets most settings provided by the Understanding U.S. health service system text by being committed to providing high-quality care in a friendly hospital environment and offering comprehensive health care services. Patients should have access to appropriate care and information, and providers are cult urally competent and responsive to patients needs. The setting also requires a clear accountability of the total care of patients. Conclusion Geographical location and individual circumstances, such as finances, doctors, patients ability to communicate, race, and gender affect health care delivery. Other factors impacting delivery of services along the continuum of care are related to personal beliefs about medical care and medical care practitioners. Buy custom Continuum of Care essay

Free Essays on DWI

In the 1950’s, consequences were nothing compared to present day consequences for drinking and driving. Why do underage drinkers feel they have to drive after drinking? What are the consequences currently if you drink and drive? What are the consequences going to be in fifty years? I believe that in this world there should be more consequences for one that drinks and drives. I think that underage drinkers feel they have to drive home for the night so they don’t get caught either by parents or the authorities. Male drivers age 16 to 20 have six times the driver fatality risk in single vehicle crashes at BAC’s (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .01 to .04 compared to male drivers age 25 and older at these low levels. (Council 1) There is a law now called the Zero-Tolerance Law, which states that any underage drinker caught driving automatically loses their license till they are 21. The required BAC is .02 for the zero tolerance law. It is not worth getting behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Very recently the legal BAC has changed from .10 to .08.The consequences for a person who is convicted of a DWI is 90 days suspended license, mandatory 3 days in jail, anywhere from a $250-$2500 fine, plus your vehicle is impounded for 30 days. If we were to compare the drinking and driving laws in the 1950’s to today, we have to think what they are going to be like 50 years from now. In Germany they put you to death if they are convicted of a DWI. Is that going to be the case for the USA? What direction are our consequences going to go? A slap on the wrist, education about drinking or straight to death after conviction? I believe the police officer’s intentions were good when he decided to pull me over, because others drunk drivers have killed people. The consequences are unknown until you get caught. Then you start to think of how many times you have actually committed it before. A fifteen-dollar cab fare i... Free Essays on DWI Free Essays on DWI In the 1950’s, consequences were nothing compared to present day consequences for drinking and driving. Why do underage drinkers feel they have to drive after drinking? What are the consequences currently if you drink and drive? What are the consequences going to be in fifty years? I believe that in this world there should be more consequences for one that drinks and drives. I think that underage drinkers feel they have to drive home for the night so they don’t get caught either by parents or the authorities. Male drivers age 16 to 20 have six times the driver fatality risk in single vehicle crashes at BAC’s (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of .01 to .04 compared to male drivers age 25 and older at these low levels. (Council 1) There is a law now called the Zero-Tolerance Law, which states that any underage drinker caught driving automatically loses their license till they are 21. The required BAC is .02 for the zero tolerance law. It is not worth getting behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Very recently the legal BAC has changed from .10 to .08.The consequences for a person who is convicted of a DWI is 90 days suspended license, mandatory 3 days in jail, anywhere from a $250-$2500 fine, plus your vehicle is impounded for 30 days. If we were to compare the drinking and driving laws in the 1950’s to today, we have to think what they are going to be like 50 years from now. In Germany they put you to death if they are convicted of a DWI. Is that going to be the case for the USA? What direction are our consequences going to go? A slap on the wrist, education about drinking or straight to death after conviction? I believe the police officer’s intentions were good when he decided to pull me over, because others drunk drivers have killed people. The consequences are unknown until you get caught. Then you start to think of how many times you have actually committed it before. A fifteen-dollar cab fare i...

Agile versus Waterfall Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Agile versus Waterfall - Assignment Example Each of these methods has its own area of influence in which it is applicable. I briefly present the background of two methodologies before comparing them. Waterfall is traditionally defined to be a sequential approach or linear method for project management and implementation. In this approach, the project is completed in distinct stages with proper planning from start of the project right till the end. Each segment of the project is completed by different sections or groups of the team for ensuring the timely completion of the project (WATERFALL vs. AGILE METHODOLOGY, 2008). The stages of the waterfall method are presented below. Design: In this phase of project analysis and implementation, design of the software is performed. The desired IT solution is proposed that considers the use of specific tools like programming languages or other software and algorithms required for implementation of projects. This is a classical approach. Modern software and IT developers are moving towards modern tools like Agile framework that is based on iterative approach. The salient features of Agile Software Development approach are presented below (Kroll, 2004). Figure 3 shows the comparison between two approaches for project management in the light of various factors as time scale between specification and implementation, discovery of problems time duration, distance between customer and developer, and planning scale. We can observe, each project management approach has its own applications and none can be universally regarded as better over the other. Figure 4 shows the cost of changing the requirements of the project for the two approaches of project management. It is pretty much clear that, we cannot reverse the project implementation in sequential style of waterfall. While in Agile approach, we are continuously adapting our approach according to the results and requirements. The implementation is not planned completely. It adapts to the

Report on an operational problem from the real world with a focus in Essay

Report on an operational problem from the real world with a focus in FINANCE - Essay Example The company has been forced to recall the cars because part of the engine cylinder overheats and cracks due to stress. This causes oil leakages onto the exposed, hot engine parts and causes fires. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported at least thirteen engines Ford engine fires in the United States and one in Canada caused by cracked cylinder heads. Approximately 11,500 cars that were recalled in July 2012 were splitting and leaking gasoline due to fault fuel lines (Jensen, 2013). In 2013, Ford had recalled almost all Escape models for carpet padding, which interfered with the use of the brake pedal. Other reasons for increased recalls by Ford include fixing engine plugs leak and fixing child locks. The Supply Chain Management tools that can be applied to the problem include sigma-sigma, lean manufacturing, and assembly line balancing. The company expects to reduce the number of car recalls by 87% after applying the three management tools. Keywords: Ford Motor C ompany, cars, Six-Sigma, defective Background Information The Ford Company recalls problem was retrieved from a business articles. The author of the article was Christopher Jensen. The article is entitled Ford Discloses Two New Recalls for the 2013 Escape and was published on November 27, 2013 by the New York Times news agency. Ford Motor Company is an American International automaker with headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan (Flory, 2013). The company manufactures and sells commercial vehicles under the Ford brand name and luxurious cars under the Lincoln brand. Ford invented strategies for large-scale manufacturing of cars and management of an industrial workforce using elaborately engineered manufacturing sequences characterized by assembly lines. The company’s net income as at the end of December 12, 2012 was US$ 5,665,000 (Flory, 2013). According to Flory (2013), Ford Motor Company is the second-largest automaker in the United States, and the fifth worldwide based on the 2 012 vehicle sales. Currently, Ford has more than 90 plants and 213,000 employees. Problem Description The primary problem of Ford Motor Company is how to improve assembly processes in order to reduce the number of car recalls. Car recalls occur because the company manufactures and assembles cars with several defects such as oil leakages, defective braking systems, and unfixed special locks, leading to repeats and repairs. Repeat manufacturing and repairs causes companies to incur additional manufacturing costs, which reduce the company’s profits and increase the losses (Hull, 2011). Additionally, increasing car recalls is scaring away both current and prospective customers, leading to widespread market reduction. The company needs to adopt proper manufacturing, operation and management tools/concepts in order to achieve zero defects and reduce the amount of reworks. Operations and Supply Chain Management Concepts/tools to be used1.5 Six-sigma Six-Sigma is a set of tools and t echniques for operations and process improvement; it seeks to improve the quality of the processes by using a set of quality management methods such as statistical methods to create special infrastructure of people within the organization (Desai, 2010). Manufacturing companies that need to improve manufacturing processes and achieve zero defects apply Six-Sigma quality tools. Hull (2011) argues that using six-Sigma methodologies such as

They Say, I Say Homework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

They Say, I Say Homework - Assignment Example A critical and intellectual thinker deduces consequences and makes useful information from what is available. A critical thinker engaging in debates and conversations cannot be confused by what others are saying, but will instead lead to a cooperative reasoning and strengthen the argument (Graff & Birkenstein 3). It involves coming into terms with the views presented. Even though one is at peace with what is presented, fresh ideas or evidence are necessary. The new ideas makes one a valuable contributor in the conversation (Graff & Birkenstein 7). A Combination of both agree and disagree makes the participants in an argument go beyond just responding for the sake of doing it. They do so with detailed evidence and reasons (Graff & Birkenstein 9). By saying â€Å"entering a conversation†, the authors refer to joining an ongoing conversation. They explain one does it by first listening and internalizing the ongoing discussion before making a contribution. What one needs to pay close attention to are the views of the other participants. What they say forms the basis of any views to be made (Graff & Birkenstein 3). The conversation they are talking about is academic writing, for example, argumentative essay

Major project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Major project - Assignment Example Therefore, it seems that the company had a policy of hiring from outside other than promoting its employees. The benefits of promotion from within policy to any firm are many. Promoting employees from within motivates thee employees to do even better, since they feel that their efforts and handwork has been recognized by the employer. It serves to increase the productivity of the employees (Clark, 2003). Furthermore, promoting the employees from within serves to attract potential employees willing to advance in their career path through the organization ladder. Promotion from within policy makes the company adopt a leadership training strategy, where it constantly trains and prepares its employees for future leadership roles in that company. Section II The company runs such an article as a first page cover, since the failure of the Human Resource function has proved so apparent. Since the Human Resource department in any organization is the backbone of the organization, in that it pr ovides the company with the most significant resource, its failure earns the department a bad reputation. The performance appraisals are so time consuming, yet they are not utilized for the benefit of the company or the employees. The departments are very bureaucratic and involve a lot of paper work (Hammonds, 2005). To avoid building such bad reputations, HR should hire the best, nurture their talents and provide favorable working environment for employees. Section III Question 1 The importance of a sound job analysis is to help an organization plan for its labor force requirement, helping the organization hire the best manpower and design an appropriate organizational structure. There are various data analysis tools available. They include: Functional Job Analysis (FJA) tool, applied to discover common elements in different jobs, the competency tool to evaluate the performance of the employees and job scan tool that defines the personality of the workforce (Clark, 2003). Question 2 There are various desired competencies for a successful career. Functional competency is necessary for the acquisition and use of specific skills and experiences desired in any profession. The core non-technical skills such as communication, planning and organizational skills are desired for successful career. In addition, leadership and teamwork skills are essential for any successful career (Peter, 2007). Question 4 An organization benefits from strong ethical cultures, in that it is a core element of fostering unity among the organization’s stakeholders (Peter, 2007). Organizational ethical culture serves to embrace the diversity of an organizations’ religious, political, economic and social perspective of the employees. This serves to enhance productivity among them. Question 5 A firm can implement corporate social responsibility program by indentifying the needs of the society from where it is operating and devising ways of meeting them. The identification of th e environmental conservation measures is yet another way that a firm can identify and implement a corporate social responsibility program (Peter, 2007). Some examples of corporate social responsibility activities undertaken by firms include building infrastructural facilities like roads, constructing social amenity facilities like hospitals and environmental con

Frank Lloyd Wright's Hanna House Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Frank Lloyd Wright's Hanna House - Essay Example Architects have delivered their inputs towards achieving tremendous structures that do not only offer purpose, but also meet the expectations placed on the outlook of the structure. Architects have applied the principles used to achieve stability in a structure, and incorporated them with design principles that uphold design. Frank Lloyd, 1867-1959 was an architect who applied the required components in his designs to achieve a consistency required to create an identity in his designs. The American architect and Interior designer based his concepts in designing structures that incorporated human comfort with the environmental features. His philosophy, later appreciated as organic architecture led to the advancement of a school of technique identified today as Usonian style (Twombly 270). He applied the concept in the early 30s in times when economic recession was at its peak to apply affordable materials to apply his skill. His structures were based on the need to deliver social tran sformation that humanity had learnt to appreciate. Of his famous structures stand the Hanna House situated at Stanford University in San Francisco. The design of the structure was unique because it was amongst the first structures that he completed and lacked rectangular forms. This paper highlights Frank Lloyd’s Hanna House in San Francisco with the concepts he applied its completion and significance. Concepts and style applied The Usonian house concept applied in the Hanna House had distinctive features that could be related to the structure (Wright, Mumford, Pfiffer and Wojtowicz 188). These structures were erected on gridded concrete with sandwich walls containing layers of wood pieces and building papers, contrary to the framed walls. The outstanding feature was flat roofs, mostly devoid of basements. An additional feature within the structures included small kitchen spaces situated to be adjoining the dining. Hanna House situated at the Stanford University has gained a reference to the Honeycomb building. This name was generated due to its outstanding features that employed hexagonal unit adapted by Wright from his octagonal building style. Purpose, contents and materials used The construction of the building began in 1937, and it saw its expansion in the next 25 years. The hexagonal design it applied gave a plan featuring six sided angled at 120-degrees to integrate the house with its setting witnessed in a sloping typographic form. Wright had designed the premise for Paul Hanna and Jean, his wife who had been famous educators at the university (Quinan 242). The design that he had initially created was meant to be accommodated in flat terrain that failed to meet its target. The structure of the building and he design incorporated in its completion led to the identity of its architect, Wright into a renowned American architect, and the building’s rank raised to be a National Historic Landmark. The distinction by Wright to develop a structur e that included a peculiar setting to deter from the recognized rectangular plan (Langmead 218). This had come at a time when the concept alter the dimension of the structure and incorporate stability that would ensure a unique building completion. The applied material to complete the structure was witnessed in the wooden finish that Hanna house depicted. Wright had applied the term Wooden House to call his invention, but the material applied on close inspection included red brick incorporated with

Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas Dissertation

Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas - Dissertation Example The paper tells that the adoption of the Texas Safe Schools Act in 1995, stipulated that all public district schools in Texas provide Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs). The main idea behind the introduction of the DAEPs was to provide an alternative education program for the students who had been temporarily removed from the normal educational setting for disciplinary reasons as explained by. The agency further points that Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs offer different environment for the students who commit criminal offenses outlined in Chapter 37 of the Texas Educational Code (TEC) or almost any disciplinary violation. These are in line with recommendations of Federal Gun Free School Act of 1994 which required all states in the country to implement zero tolerance policies to contain the perceived increased violence in schools across the country. Introduction of DAEPs in Texas as explained by was aimed at providing an alternative to suspension or expul sion of students involved in indiscipline cases at school. Suspension as asserted by (Levin, 2006 p. 5) is highly disruptive of the learning of students. DAEPs provide a temporary stay for student to help in behaviour change through mandatory or discretionary referral. Although mandatory placement is in line with the provisions of Chapter 37 of TEC, discretionary placement as argued by is usually a violation of the school districts’ code of conduct. ... Discretionary placement records the highest number of students in the program with (Reyes, 2007) reporting that in 2004, 82 percent of the referrals into the program was discretionary while 18 % were mandatory placement. Currently, the student population in Texas has risen to 4.8 million students which have also been reflected in changed number of students in DAEPs. This has created constrains in the effectiveness of the program since the student to teacher ratio is not favourable. To effectively discharge the envisioned mandate, DAEPs needs to implement some best practices and observe some standards as explained by (Texas Education Agency, 2007). The agency argued that a relevant curriculum should be adopted to guarantee the educational and social needs of the students. Moreover, (Texas Education Agency, 2007) recommends that these programs must have adequate and dedicated teachers coupled with parent involvement. In addition, the program offers counselling to entrants and their fam ilies. This paper will basically set to answer the question of how the population of DAEPs changed between 1999 and 2000 and evaluate whether these changes reflect changes in the broader student population. It will also review literature on the advent of DAEPs and the policy framework governing DAEPs in Texas. The paper will also explore the best practices for DAEPs and the impact of the program on the referrals. It will then propose changes that could be implemented to the program to make it a success in transforming the lives of the entrants. Definition of Disciplinary Alternative Education Program As early as 1970s, district schools in United States started offering alterative education programs for students perceived to be at a high risk

Major project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Major project - Assignment Example Therefore, it seems that the company had a policy of hiring from outside other than promoting its employees. The benefits of promotion from within policy to any firm are many. Promoting employees from within motivates thee employees to do even better, since they feel that their efforts and handwork has been recognized by the employer. It serves to increase the productivity of the employees (Clark, 2003). Furthermore, promoting the employees from within serves to attract potential employees willing to advance in their career path through the organization ladder. Promotion from within policy makes the company adopt a leadership training strategy, where it constantly trains and prepares its employees for future leadership roles in that company. Section II The company runs such an article as a first page cover, since the failure of the Human Resource function has proved so apparent. Since the Human Resource department in any organization is the backbone of the organization, in that it pr ovides the company with the most significant resource, its failure earns the department a bad reputation. The performance appraisals are so time consuming, yet they are not utilized for the benefit of the company or the employees. The departments are very bureaucratic and involve a lot of paper work (Hammonds, 2005). To avoid building such bad reputations, HR should hire the best, nurture their talents and provide favorable working environment for employees. Section III Question 1 The importance of a sound job analysis is to help an organization plan for its labor force requirement, helping the organization hire the best manpower and design an appropriate organizational structure. There are various data analysis tools available. They include: Functional Job Analysis (FJA) tool, applied to discover common elements in different jobs, the competency tool to evaluate the performance of the employees and job scan tool that defines the personality of the workforce (Clark, 2003). Question 2 There are various desired competencies for a successful career. Functional competency is necessary for the acquisition and use of specific skills and experiences desired in any profession. The core non-technical skills such as communication, planning and organizational skills are desired for successful career. In addition, leadership and teamwork skills are essential for any successful career (Peter, 2007). Question 4 An organization benefits from strong ethical cultures, in that it is a core element of fostering unity among the organization’s stakeholders (Peter, 2007). Organizational ethical culture serves to embrace the diversity of an organizations’ religious, political, economic and social perspective of the employees. This serves to enhance productivity among them. Question 5 A firm can implement corporate social responsibility program by indentifying the needs of the society from where it is operating and devising ways of meeting them. The identification of th e environmental conservation measures is yet another way that a firm can identify and implement a corporate social responsibility program (Peter, 2007). Some examples of corporate social responsibility activities undertaken by firms include building infrastructural facilities like roads, constructing social amenity facilities like hospitals and environmental con

Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas Dissertation

Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs in Texas - Dissertation Example The paper tells that the adoption of the Texas Safe Schools Act in 1995, stipulated that all public district schools in Texas provide Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEPs). The main idea behind the introduction of the DAEPs was to provide an alternative education program for the students who had been temporarily removed from the normal educational setting for disciplinary reasons as explained by. The agency further points that Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs offer different environment for the students who commit criminal offenses outlined in Chapter 37 of the Texas Educational Code (TEC) or almost any disciplinary violation. These are in line with recommendations of Federal Gun Free School Act of 1994 which required all states in the country to implement zero tolerance policies to contain the perceived increased violence in schools across the country. Introduction of DAEPs in Texas as explained by was aimed at providing an alternative to suspension or expul sion of students involved in indiscipline cases at school. Suspension as asserted by (Levin, 2006 p. 5) is highly disruptive of the learning of students. DAEPs provide a temporary stay for student to help in behaviour change through mandatory or discretionary referral. Although mandatory placement is in line with the provisions of Chapter 37 of TEC, discretionary placement as argued by is usually a violation of the school districts’ code of conduct. ... Discretionary placement records the highest number of students in the program with (Reyes, 2007) reporting that in 2004, 82 percent of the referrals into the program was discretionary while 18 % were mandatory placement. Currently, the student population in Texas has risen to 4.8 million students which have also been reflected in changed number of students in DAEPs. This has created constrains in the effectiveness of the program since the student to teacher ratio is not favourable. To effectively discharge the envisioned mandate, DAEPs needs to implement some best practices and observe some standards as explained by (Texas Education Agency, 2007). The agency argued that a relevant curriculum should be adopted to guarantee the educational and social needs of the students. Moreover, (Texas Education Agency, 2007) recommends that these programs must have adequate and dedicated teachers coupled with parent involvement. In addition, the program offers counselling to entrants and their fam ilies. This paper will basically set to answer the question of how the population of DAEPs changed between 1999 and 2000 and evaluate whether these changes reflect changes in the broader student population. It will also review literature on the advent of DAEPs and the policy framework governing DAEPs in Texas. The paper will also explore the best practices for DAEPs and the impact of the program on the referrals. It will then propose changes that could be implemented to the program to make it a success in transforming the lives of the entrants. Definition of Disciplinary Alternative Education Program As early as 1970s, district schools in United States started offering alterative education programs for students perceived to be at a high risk

Issues of Performance Appraisals Essay Example for Free

Issues of Performance Appraisals Essay Performance appraisal refers to the process, where in, an organization measures the performance of its employees against the performance or productivity standards set by it. For instance, an organization might review employees on the basis of the number of projects completed, goals achieved or sales targets met. Therefore, performance standards of one organization might be different from those of another. This further pinpoints the importance of performance appraisals in truly reflecting and impartially evaluating the performance of employees. A good performance appraisal will motivate employees and point out problematic areas. Whereas, a bad performance appraisal will be a waste of resources for any organization. Issues and Solutions Many organizations have trouble identifying the key areas that a performance appraisal has to address. They do not know, what they are trying to accomplish through a performance appraisal or how it will help them in employee evaluation. This can be established using the example of 360-degree feedback. â€Å"Typical mistakes organizations make are rushing into 360-degree appraisals without a clear idea of what they want them to achieve. † (McCurry P. (1999). New angle on 360-degree feedback. Director, 53, p. 36) Furthermore, organizations tend to use one particular tool in isolation, which does not yield reliable results. This should not be put into practice because one tool may not satisfy all the requirements of appraising. Moreover, appraisals need to take into account a comprehensive picture of performance. Using one particular tool can create a pigeon-hole view of what otherwise needed to be a holistic view of performance appraising. Ideally, an organization should know exactly what each tool can deliver, and use a combination of tools to assess different competencies. Organizations must assess pros and cons of different tools and handpick tools that suit their needs. Some tools that can be used are graphic rating scale, Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales, alternation ranking, forced distribution method, critical incident method, management by objectives and 360-degree feedback. (cited in Dessler, 2006). Some organizations might use certain tools of conducting performance appraisals just because they are being followed in the industry. This again produces a serious loop hole in the entire process of conducting performance appraisals. Every organization has its own structure, and culture that defines it. Although industry best practices might exist even for performance appraisals, however, the same tool is not necessarily applicable to all organizations. For instance, Andrew Forrest implies; if an organization’s culture is characterized by bureaucratic hierarchies, and does not foster communication, then conducting a 360-degree feedback will be pointless in such an organization. (cited in McCurry P. (1999). New angle on 360-degree feedback. Director, 53, p. 36). Some tools of performance appraising may become obsolete with relevance to an employee or employees because the on job environment of the employee changes. The problem remains that same job dynamics do not hold true for an employee, and so the employee can not be evaluated on former standards. In such a scenario performance appraisers need to consider the exact dynamics of the job of the employee and then undertake evaluation. This solution serves the interest of the both the organization and the employee. As mentioned by Candy Albertsson, . â€Å"An individual may have a different boss or team one year or be doing different work, which can make findings hard to compare†. (cited in McCurry P. (1999). New angle on 360-degree feedback. Director, 53, p. 36). One of the most important issues pertaining to performance appraisals is the degree of its objectivity. Employees certainly do not want to be unfairly evaluated because that effects the rewards or compensations tied to their performance. To ensure objectivity and fairness, Gail Dutton recommends software based performance appraisals. â€Å"software-based performance-appraisals tend to focus on results and actions rather than personality traits, employees are more likely to view them as fair†. (Dutton G. (2001). Making reviews more efficient and fair. Workforce,80, p. 76). Other methods of ensuring impartial appraisals are using multiple evaluators for the appraisal process as this increases the probability of attaining more accurate information. This is because if more than one appraiser is used the chances of errors stemming from biasness, halo effect or central tendency can be reduced. Halo effect, biasness, and central tendencies are inherent problems of the appraising process that are related to the appraiser. Halo effect occurs when â€Å"the influence of a rater’s general impression on ratings of specific ratee qualities† (cited in G. Dessler, 2006). Biasness comes from the impartiality of the appraiser where the appraiser might hold something against some employee. For example, a supervisor may have a personal dislike of an employee that may affect the appraisal process. Whereas, central tendency is defined as â€Å" a tendency to rate all employees the same way, such as rating them all average†. (Dessler, 2006, p. 328). Therefore, using more than one appraiser can truly raise the accuracy of an appraisal. In addition, appraisers should be asked to appraise only those areas in which they have expertise because they will be able to precisely evaluate the areas they specialize in. Another method to increase accuracy and objectivity of appraisal is to train evaluators. Provided that evaluators are better trained they will have a clear understanding or standards and will make better decisions. (Robbins S. P. , Judge T. A. ,2007, 625). Another issue that stems from the use of software based performance appraisals is that they can contain a set of generic questions that are not suited for the jobs that are being evaluated. (Dutton G. (2001). Making reviews more efficient and fair. Workforce,80, p. 76). To overcome this issue organizations need to tailor their software to their performance evaluation needs. In order to process a fair evaluation, the questions need to be customized to the jobs that are being evaluated. Not only should it be customized to the jobs, but also to the performance standards the job entails. Doing so organizations can address this particular issue effectively. Some organizations might favor software or computer based performance appraisals because it increases efficiency of operation. It should be noted that incorporating software based performance appraisals just for speeding up the appraising process will do no good to the organization. It might help the organization effectively utilize resources, for example, time savings, and less use of paper. Nonetheless, appraisal just for the sake of appraisal should not be the prime concern of any organization. Rather even the software based appraising process should be used to support the true meaning of carrying out performance appraisals. To make the appraising process effective organizations should incorporate supportive techniques into their performance evaluations. They should use interviews as well as other tools because in my opinion no tool can undermine the importance of face to face communications. Although the software based performance appraising methods are useful, however, a combined approach of using different tools can give more accurate results. The human touch should not be totally eliminated from the appraising process. References Dessler G. (2006). Human Resource Management. Florida: Prentice Hall Dutton G. (2001). Making reviews more efficient and fair. Workforce,80, p. 76-81. McCurry P. (1999). New angle on 360-degree feedback. Director, 53, p. 36. Robbins S. P. , Judge T. A. (2007). Organizational Behavior. New Jersey: Prentice Hall

Theories Of Gender Inequality

Theories Of Gender Inequality There have been a number of theories put forward by various Institutions, Organizations, Authors, Scholars, Researchers, and Development practitioners, somehow to explain the problem why the issue of gender varies from region to region and why implementing gender equality, and female empowerment is lower than expected in SSA. Amongst these theories are the Inequality and the Modernization theory used in this project to explain the wide gender problems existing in SSA. Borrowing from the words of John Martenussen, most of these theories have been propounded by Western and North American authors and have been termed growth and development theories. (Martenussen, 1997; p.51) As far as this project is concern, I am going to use the parts of the theories that are relevant to the project. The Inequality Theory: The origin of gender Inequality between men and women has been one of the most intellectual debates after the rise of modern feminism. Great thinkers in the history of ideas such as Aristotle and Thomas Quinas suggested speculative interpretation of gender differences. Continuously, nineteenth century evolutionary theorist such as Bachofen and Karl Marx consider various possible evolutionary sequences in organization kinship and gender relations. Some early efforts aimed at justifying existing institutions and others to question them sound like contemporary standard. The argument behind the origin of feminist analyses is the ideological implication of female subordination over the centuries. Also, there have been a high superior prevalence of male status across time, space and social circumstances that are beyond denial especially in SSA. Therefore the pervasiveness of male dominance is the absolute aim of analyzing gender differences. The question that arises is that how can the app arent universal subordination of female be reconciled with equality in SSA with it strong traditional background? (Robert Marx Johnson 2005 p; 30). Assumptions of the Inequality Theory: Firstly, Inequality theory explains the biological difference between men and women which is inescapable, amongst race, class, culture and tradition irrespective of being developed or underdeveloped. According to Linsey 2007, sex is the biological difference between men and women while gender is the social construction of sexes considering race, politics, social, economic, culture and traditional background. This cultures and traditions vary from place to place and from culture to culture. These cultures that are learned change with time within and between cultures. (Linsey 2007, P; 97) Following this sex distinction between male and female, some advanced societies (Western and North American societies) have tried to narrow down the gender gap by empowering females, by redefining laws and ignoring others to enhance development. That notwithstanding, the distinction still persists and would always be there because no matter all the feminist analyses on sex and gender, humans would never revert nature on this perspective. Research have proven that no amount of theorist thinking can subtle the simple fact of biological distinction, therefore inequality would persistently exist no matter what. The question that ponders my mind is, why Sub-Saharan Africa is still lacking behind to comprehend culture and tradition to reduce the wide gender gap, thereby empowering females to enhance development?. Secondly, content and expression of this biological difference is exaggerated in the situation in SSA. Tracing back from history until date, most of the hardest and most commanding jobs are carried out by men therefore inequality is bound to exist between sexes. The fact that men are a stronger sex to resist extreme hash conditions makes them dominant irrespective of sex division. Complex cultural societies are build up by institution that keeps men at a dominant position. This make the female sex constantly relegated at the background. The norms and values that govern these complex societies (SSA) procure men at the forefront. By respecting this norms and values women would be hardly seen in the public spheres. (Sushama Sahay, in king and Hill Anne. p; 89) Thirdly, Inequality theory try to make some kind of biological differences that are sufficient and necessary to persistently cause inequality between sexes and puts men at a commanding and dominant position. There are three imputed biological differences that have received much attention by the inequality view, such as reproduction by females, physical capacity and predisposition toward violence. Anthropologists largely agree that women have hardly occupied position of higher status or political power than men in any society anywhere, anytime (Buthler 2006) Some feminist theorist argue that, reproduction everywhere is done by females that subordinates their position to men, others say that men are physically dominant in their actions and activities and set rules that are of their own advantage. Some theorist argue that men are very aggressive than women, that put them at a dominant position thereby creating inequality between the both sexes. (Buthler 2006 P; 78) Lastly, apart from huge gender inequality and female empowerment sluggishness in SSA, inequality can also be traced amongst races and class. There have been and there are still traces of inequality amongst the white race and black race as well as amongst the upper and lower class group. There are two different kinds of historical inequality, example that can illustrate this point. First of all, I will want to look back at the history of colonialism and neocolonialism in SSA by the west that alone speak volumes of inequality and domination over a continent and makes a particular race dominant over the other. The history of racial inequality amongst the blacks and whites in the United States of America also illustrate an example of inequality amongst races. On the other hand, there have been inequalities within races and cultures. The upper and noble classes in SSA have been dominant over the lower and powerless group. This means that a superior culture is imposed and forced on to the weaker group that makes them not equal. Just like the history of European nobility over the commoners in Europe. Yet the nobility have remained a powerful and privileged class in most European nations. From biological and racial distinction on the inequality theory, inequality is a fact amongst genders, cultures, class and race, although times have changed and things must change, this pushes us to criticize the inequality theory with changing times. Critique of the Inequality Theory: There have been a lot of theorists to critique speculative accounts on gender differences and female empowerment in SSA which creates inequality, but very little progress have been made to prove one theory over the other in their speculative analyses on gender issues. To a large degree, inequality theories have not gained grounds because societies have distinctively evolved and disproved the speculative ideas of inequality theorist. In SSA today, traditional institutional arrangement have distinctively changed in respect of both genders not too much subordinating women like in the past. Looking at a typical traditional African society, where farming is the only source of income, the man do the clearing of the farm while the woman do the planting and if harvest is good the subsistent crops are sold to maintain the family and educate their kids, both live in complementary way without gender distinction. Although traditional institution still exist and persist today in SSA, but most if not all operate in the interest of both genders. Scholars argue that theories sometimes formulate persuasive speculative accounts which might fit what we already perceive or know. Therefore we must depend on the biological evidence provided by the inequality theory based on the reconstruction of inferences in well known societies to argue the inequality theory. Critics of Inequality theory also argue that, professional speculations of postmodern feminist by generalizing theories and with the political confusion by giving equal weight to every woman irrespective of race, class, sex orientation, culture and historical background makes origin of inequality theory to lost it attraction. The biological distinction of sex and gender roles as ascribed by the origin of the inequality theory is almost becoming baseless in SSA societies today. My argument is that inequality theory relies on female reproduction, the strength of men and the predisposition of men in violence situation as a prerequisite of being unequal. This was true to an extent tracing the origin of the theory, but today societies have evolved with changing times, no society in the history of mankind is static. Reproduction have just become a female experience and also a sex difference which has little impact on gender roles today. In the other hand, today in SSA men are only dominant in specific jobs as that they are specialized in, not that specific jobs are ascribed for men although the both sexes co-exist in a traditional way, but there is rational distribution of resources and labor so that girls and women can be empowered in this communities and families. The problems that arise sometimes are how to comprehend this inconsistent inequality that continues to persist with changing times. Theoretical efforts must be accepted to a certain degree and also the theory can only predict the future and to a larger extent crudely reconstruct the origin of inequality. There is evident that the system of inequality like any other social institution is becoming self sustainable today in most SSA societies. Individuals are born sexed but not gendered; they have to be taught to be masculine or feminine. One is not born; but rather becomes a womanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, it is civilization as a whole that produces this creatureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, which is described as feminine (Simone de Beauvoir 1952 p; 267) The idea of inequality between men and women is created in the gender process following the way cultural institutions are arranged. Therefore inequality in itself does not exist between sexes but created in the act or reaction in each society. Butler 1990, argues that gender as a process creates the social difference that defines man and woman in social interaction through their live, individuals learn what is expected, see what is expected, act and react in expected ways, thus simultaneously construct and maintain the gender order in each society (Butler 1990 p; 145) In a typical African society, though still primitive and traditional the inequality do not actually exist but it is the gender roles that differ from family to family and from community to community. Take for example within the Muslim religion or culture in SSA; women are actually distinctive in their socially constructed roles ascribed by the religious laws. This does not mean that they do not live in a complementally as opposed by the inequality differences basing on sex division. I therefore argue that the issue of gender is a matter of understanding within families and communities, who should do what at a given time irrespective of the sex backed by norms and laws of that community. West and Zimmermann, holds that in humans there is no essential femaleness or maleness, femininity or masculinity, womanhood or manhood, but once gender is ascribed, the social order constructs and holds individuals to strongly gender norms and expectations. (West and Zimmaman 1989, P; 146) The origin of the inequality theory have been attacked by it critics seriously in recent times. Recent studies also indicate that inequality would eventually lose it content as time evolves. The debate is centered on race and class subordination of inequality that existed in the past, but is currently loosing it value. It is clearly evident that racial inequality is gradually disappearing between and within races and class. I will like to illustrate this point on the colonial history of SSA. Africa have longed been colonized by Europeans to maintain a superior race and keep the African race subordinated under their control just like gender and sex. But because inequality is gradually loosing it originality in history, racial inequality have gradually faded away with changing times. Although some traces of racial inequality persistently exist between races. (Gramsci 1971, P; 165) Another example that has made inequality lose it originality have been between whites and black Americans as well as European nobility. Whites and blacks have faced a long history of racial segregation in the United States, but because of time factor and new institutional arrangement the racial differences have almost disappeared. In the other hand, European nobility class use to be a more armed, politically and economically powerful class to the commoners in Europe but with the coming of decentralization of leadership and democracy this superior class have gradually disappeared thereby melting away the idea of inequality and subordination of commoners since everybody have an equal opportunity. Well as much as SSA is concern there have been inequality in class division irrespective of the gender differences. Inequality have been gradually disapproved since the old traditional institutions are disappearing and new wants sees everybody the same. In SSA, apart from gender inequality, there have been upper and lower class inequality as well as people from the royal fondoms, are always seen differently with high esteem. The upper class have been people who generally enjoy high social amenities in the big cities of SSA, they have little or no gender differences between their families since almost everybody have a good education as compared to the rural poor who cannot even provide for a daily meal. They are not much educated so definitely they believe in traditional laws that puts the men at the forefront. But with changing times and the fight for global poverty reduction, development in these local areas in SSA is gradually improving making gender inequality to extensively disap pear. On the other hand, Fondomites in SSA have maintain an extensively unequal powers in every aspect in SSA, this is because most traditional laws do respect and give special consideration to everyone from the fondom. But with the coming of democracy and the respect for human right and dignity, this traditional superiority is extensively disappearing there by making the class values to loss it weight. Today whether from the fondom or not, everybody is the same because of democracy. Though there have been a mixture of traditional laws to democratic values to combat the aspect of inequality amongst fondomites and common citizen. (Foucault 1972, P; 223) Importance of the Inequality Theory to the project: To begin with, inequality theory is essential in this project because it explains the origin, history and persistent pre-domination and domination of males in almost all aspects of life in SSA. Through this theory, I understand that socialization, tradition and biology are interwoven to explain the persistent male domination in most SSA societies. To better understand the importance of the theory to this project, I will like to examine each role played by each of these concepts to understand the role of inequality theory to the project. Men and women yesterday and today think and act differently and achieve differently in the varying regions in SSA (Banque and Waren 1990, P; 90) Connecting inequality theory to socialization, it helps me to distinguish between the upper and lower class socialization in SSA. To understand the importance of socialization in this project, it has to be treated differently with divergent identities and expectations. Socialization has helped me to understand why there is little or no gender inequality and more female empowerment in the urban than rural families in SSA. I have used socialization to compare inequality in urban and rural areas, which further makes me to understand class division in the two areas. It is certain that gender equality and female empowerment is higher in urban than rural milieus, because in the urban areas, generally, individuals and families are exposed to high social amenities and high standard of living. Social interaction is generally more modern than in the local interior in SSA. The upper wealthy class is found in urban areas while the lower poor and primitive class is found in the local areas. There fore, as a result of this social division, inequality theory through socialization has helped me to distinguish and understand this phenomenon in details and further explains why there is persistent inequality in class and socialization in SSA. Connecting inequality theory through tradition, it has helped me to understand why there is still a wide gender gap and low female empowerment in typical traditional SSA societies today. People honor traditional established ideas and teach them to their children. But what is the source of the gender traditions by which women are made everywhere subordinate. (Drage 2003, P; 23) From the origin and history of inequality theory, men have established ideas and institutions that have always kept them dominant letting females at a subordinated position. The theory is therefore important in this project because it lets me understand why some primitive ideas are still led down from generation to generation in sub-Saharan Africa. Take for example, in most local communities in SSA, male inheritance have been a long established traditional belief and have been passed down to generations for centuries. These practices have become stronger so much so that even a male unborn child is celebrated be fore delivery. Women are regarded as properties and sold out for marriages, since bride price is been paid on them. Females have also been considered as products because they are forced into early marriages to reduce poverty since they are been bought by paying a bride price to their parents. Tradition is held at high esteem and has been a led down idea and still exists today in most of the local communities in SSA. By believing that only a male child can inherit property, has placed male sex dominant over females. This established idea have retarded development because resources are not rationally distributed by both sexes thereby making the female sex subordinated. As a result of this established believes, inequality persistently exists in this primitive areas that are reluctant to accept new changes because of illiteracy and poverty. Inequality theory is therefore important in this project because it has deepened my understanding of the continuous male domination because of these established ideas that have been passed down to generations. Inequality theory is also relevant because it explains these beliefs in such ideas and goes a long way to increase gender inequality and reduce female empowerment in SSA. Although there have been some changes in this traditional beliefs, but these changes mostly affects exposed families that is families that have acquired good education and have been exposed to more valuable cultures. Inheritance in these situations goes with responsibility and how you can manage the resources irrespective of being a male or female, though most often it ends up with problems from males since it has always been like that in most of the societies in SSA. Giving authority or property to a female is just like depriving a male from his traditional right. But with continuous realization on how these have been affecting the societal development, I personally think it is going to disappear with changing time. Thanks to the inequality theory that I am able to explain this primitive belief in most of SSA families and societies. Connecting inequality theory through biology, it is relevant in this project because it has made me understand male domination in biological distinction of both sexes. This is because women and men are physically different in ways that make men to feel dominant. Through biological distinction in inequality, I came to understand why there is inequality in labor division. This is so because the theory persistently insist on the physical strength of men to occupy certain jobs. That is why there has been persistent gender discrimination in organizations and job opportunities because men think that some jobs can be physically carried out by them. For instance in SSA, it is hard to hear that a woman is a military general, bus driver, engineer, carpenter, technicians and or family head. Biological explanation also emphasize on the predisposition of men in extreme dangerous situation so to speak. In SSA men have always been involved in warfare and critical traditional decisions that involves sacrifices are carried out by men. Therefore, as a result of this, inequality is bound to exist and that is why I have employed it in my project to understand this in greater details. However, with the advent of feminist theorist, and changing time, biological arguments for inequality in gender is gradually fading away. Technological improvement have made most jobs to be operated by machines and intellectual based not physical fitness. Therefore, both males and females can be trained to manipulate these machines to have a gender balance in job markets. However, since traditional African societies are still very backward and have not yet attained some level of technology, most jobs are still based on physical strength to acquire them. That is why biological explanation of the origin of inequality in gender is still very visible in SSA. Inequality theory is therefore useful to this project to understand the biological explanation of persistent inequality in physical strength, predisposition of men in dangerous situations and the reproduction of females that have made them subjugated and subordinated position since the beginning of time immemorial. The modernization Theory: According to (Deutsch 1961; Rostow 1960; Ruttan 1959), modernization theory evolved from two ideas about social change developed in the nineteenth century: the conception of traditional vs. modern societies, that viewed development as societal evolution in progressive stages of growth (Deutch 1961, Rostow 1960, Ruttan 1959) Following a modernization tradition, problems that have held back the development and empowerment of females in SSA have been irrational allocation of resources. Modernization theorist believe that for traditional African societies to become developed, there should be a rational distribution of resources for both sexes and the elimination of traditional, institutional and organizational roadblocks that have made Sub-Saharan African societies underdeveloped. Therefore, the society must pass through transformational stages to become modern. General Assumptions of the theory: Following Rostows modernization assumption, there have been five circular stages a society must pass through to become modern such as traditional society, precondition for take-off, take-off, the drive toward maturity and the age of high mass consumption (Rostow 1963, p; 127) The stage of traditional society is characterized by primitive technology, pre-Newtonian science and spiritual behaviors in the material world. There is traditional gender inequality and no idea of female empowerment since the society is too primitive and recognizes male superiority. The traditional economy depends soly on primitive methods of farming and limited productivity. There is limited mobility in the traditional society and most agricultural lands are owned by men limiting the female powerless and have absolutely no say in land ownership. That is why development is still imbalance today in SSA because resources are irrationally distributed and there is no female inheritance of property. Since it is a linear pattern, for a society to move to a pre-takeoff stage it has to do away with some ideas in the traditional stage so that there should be a regular growth. (Peet and Hartwick 1999, P; 81) The pre-take off society stage is characterized by development of modern technology and it application to agriculture and industry. Gender inequality is very high and there is little or no female empowerment because most machines were believed to be operated only by men. The idea of modernity was seen to develop sectors like educations, banking, commence, manufacturing and investment. This means that there was still very high gender discrimination in education and labor in SSA. Traditional African women could not own accounts according to traditional institutions and cannot be exposed to the public spheres. This was injected in a society that was still is primitive. (Ibid) The take-off stage as assumed by the modernization view as the stage for technological expansion, socio-political structures of society including gender rules in the distribution of labor in most urban areas in SSA. There is a little economic growth and a period to begin industrialization. In this stage, the discourse on gender and empowerment to modernize and enhance development increases in the urban and still very dormant in the rural sectors of SSA. (Ibid) The drive toward maturity stage is characterized by the spreading of technological expansion on economic activities and also there is sufficient entrepreneurship to practically fabricate heavy machines and equipment resulting from heavy industry. In this stage, the discourse on gender and participation have somehow gained grounds in most advanced societies and some prominent African cities. Women get more and more involved, the fight for economic growth and political dialogues and participation increases. (Ibid) The stage of mass consumption is characterized by the production of durable consumer goods and services. The rate of production of goods and services surpasses the need of consumption and employment is very high at the urban milieu in SSA. At this level there is little gender gap and female empowerment is high in most urban centers. This means that most families are exposed to western education and enjoy high standard of social amenities in the big cities. There is capability to invest in social welfare and social security on both genders, therefore cultural values comprehend modernity. (Ibid) Research have proven that most traditional African societies are at the take-off stage and at this level of development gender inequality is still very high at the rural sector and the society is very reluctant to any social and developmental changes. This means that the society is still very traditional, primitive and reluctant to social and development changes due to strong traditional and cultural beliefs. Also the theory explains why development has not made any significant progress in SSA especially in the rural communities where there is still a very wide gap between gender and female empowerment in SSA. Modernization theory can be seen as the legacy of the ideas of progress developed in Europe in the eighteen century. This means that progress and evolution was viewed as an irreversible, natural and systematic path toward modernity. The idea of traditional vs. modern society propped up in the different stages of growth and development in each society. This evolutionary progress of society was seen as a transformational stage from the simple to the complex. Therefore SSA being in the third stage according to the modernization vision, female empowerment and gender equality is very low, since the society is somehow very primitive and pre-occupied by male domination. Traditional beliefs which support female subordination is very high at this stage of development. (Latham 2000, p; 37) According to Nick Cullather, the idea of natural pattern of progress and development, as assumed by the modernization theory is a set of ideas and discourse used as a strategy by US to try to differentiate the US from former colonizers in their actions toward third world countries. (SSA). It was in the interest of the US as they also think that it was in the interest of the third world countries (SSA) to elevate third world countries to engage in the transformational steps toward modernity, this means that both sexes were to be involved in the stages of development thereby reducing the gender gap and empowering women in the process of development. The American idea could help assist third world countries avoid wasted steps in transition. This was seen as the Americanization and westernization of third world countries which was not more or less than the policy of assimilation by the French. (Black girls could eat and dress like French girls in French colonies to be assimilated and mod ern) (Nick Cullather, 1997; 94) The modernization theory advocates two fundamental concepts universalism and linear process. Both concept had and have huge impact on gender and female empowerment in SSA. This means that girls and women in Sub-Saharan Africa have the same cultural and identical background to move from a traditional stage to a modern stage in universal and linear order of development. (Redfield quoted in Cullarther) Supported by the same vision, all societies in SSA were seen as taking the same pattern toward modernity through recognizable stages, without considering other historical background, origin and geographical conditions. In the same light, following a modernization vision, all cultures were seen in a trajectory way. Therefore the theory never considered cultural institution, tradition, and customs and viewed as obstacles to female empowerment and gender equality. (Cullarther). By classifying the society in a one pattern way of development, the theory was therefore criticized by other promin ent development theories such as the dependency theory, power theory and the rise of feminist thinking in SSA. Critique of the theory: Modernization theory has received criticism in recent years from political scientists and political economists since it neglected cultural, historic, and socio-structural factors in it analysis (Chirot,1986; Black, 1991; Wallerstein, 1980) The modernization theory has witnessed a lot of critiques from varying development theories to scholars, researchers, institutions and other development practitioners. Most prominent development critique of the modernization theory hold that cultural values would still continue despite the shift from a traditional to a modern society. Therefore the argument is that despite the modern values of the modernization theory to transform traditional African societies to become modern by reducing the wide gender gap and encouraging female empowerment, African values still persist despite the values of modernity to enhance development in SSA. There is evidence that the broad cultural heritage of a society leaves imprints on values that endure despite the fo rces of modernization in other words cultural change depends on a society ´s cultural heritage. (Inglehart 2000c) Sub-Saharan Africa is made up of diverse cultural backgrounds, origin and history of migration. Though jointly colonized by the West, the fact that the society is culturally divided in origin and history, the values of modernization cannot hold at the same pace in the African societies respectively. This means that linear and universalism of the modernization theory could not work effectively in SSA and considering the fact that societies give different respects to their cultural heritage as considered by the modernization theory as an obstacle for development. Take for example the Islam religion, practices and beliefs is very strong in the Muslim society in SSA, therefore the issue of gender and empowerment of Muslim women can be a serious disorganization of religious rights since the later is very stiff in it traditional religious claims. The modernization theory had never taken traditional religious beliefs into consideration as ascertain by many of it