Discussing Literary Genre Essay

To define genre is to embark on a conjectural journey within a theoretical minefield. Genre theory has drawn immense debate and contemplation throughout literary history, however, several conclusions have emerged. Genre types are unfixed categories whose characteristics differ considerably among the specific genres; furthermore, the role of literary history plays a significant role in discussions of genre, for genre types evolve and shift with each new literary text. An approach to the discussion of genre, family resemblances, illustrates similar conventions among texts within a genre, but there are significant problems in this approach. There are several ways to discuss genre, and although problems abound in any approach, the subjective nature of the literary experience calls attention to the importance of the interaction between reader and text to provide the final word on genre. Although there is considerable theoretical debate about the definition of specific genres, the conventional definition tends to be based on the idea that texts within a genre share particular conventions of content and form, such as themes, settings, structure and style. However, the nature of genre leads to several problems inherent in the defining of genres. Certain genres are looser and more open ended in their conventions than other genres and some genres have many conventions while others have very few. Furthermore, literary texts that overlap and mix genres blur the distinction between them. Genres are not discrete systems consisting of a fixed number of list able items. Consequently, the same text can belong to different genres in different countries or times. For example, Latin poets categorized the elegy mainly in terms of its meter, while poets during the English Renaissance regarded the subject matter and tone to be determinate of form. History and culture play a role in the ever changing status of genres, which are difficult to define because the concept encompasses so many different literary qualities and conventions that can be broken or accepted, overlapped or mixed. Rather than define genre, some theorists approach the discussion of genre using Ludwig Wittgenstein’s concept of â€Å"family resemblances† among literary texts. Although a literary text rarely has all the characteristics of a particular genre, this method involves the discernment of similar conventions among texts within a genre. However, the problem of selection arises, for which texts can claim to be representative of a genre? Moreover, who decides the selection of these texts? The consideration of specific characteristics in literature introduces problems regarding the classification of literary works. The choice of characteristics taken into account is essential to the discussion of genre types . The characteristics of specific genres shift throughout history to accommodate variations in the category that occur; the defining characteristics of a particular genre can alter so drastically that the preliminary era in a new genre may not resemble the modern literary works in that genre. The works of Edgar Allan Poe, considered to be the father of the modern short story, show the contrast between the classification of short fiction in the 19th century and today. Poe’s short story, â€Å"The Murders in the Rue Morgue†, provides suspense and mystery; however, the story does not include the main character’s moment of consciousness, the key ingredient in classifying modern short stories. Although â€Å"The Murders in the Rue Morgue† does not entail a moment of revelation, the story was regarded as short fiction in 1841. The contrast between early short fiction and the modern short story demonstrates the varying qualities of the genre between its preliminary stages and the present, and shows the substantial transformation which occurred within the genre. The types of genres not only shift throughout history but also alter with each new literary work. The altering of generic categories results in further difficulty in defining genre and classifying literary texts, for it demonstrates that generic forms are never fixed entities. Literary theorist Todorov asserts that although â€Å"every work modifies the sum of possible works†¦ we grant a text the right to figure in the history of literature†¦ only insofar as it produces a change in our previous notion of one activity or another†. Donald Barthelme’s â€Å"The Glass Mountain† is an example that expands the notion of short stories; the text challenges readers to find meaning and story where there is none. â€Å"The Glass Mountain† influences and increases the possibilities of short stories, while compelling readers to contemplate the role of short stories. Such engagement between a literary text and a reader results in the most intriguing and merited discussion of genre. The subjective procedure of defining genre appeals to the relationship between text and reader. Genre provides a framework within which texts are interpreted, and expectations and emotional outlooks are the individual results of reading literature. The expectations prompted by conventions in a literary text play a large role in the discussion of genre. For example, Mavis Gallant’s â€Å"From the Fifteenth District† cheats the expectation that arises from the first sentence, â€Å"[a]lthough an epidemic of haunting†¦ † (Gallant 115), and surprises readers with the discovery that the story is a reversal of the ghost story. A reader’s personal interaction with a literary work is decisive of genre, for what we think a genre is and the individual’s impression of a literary text often serve to classify a literary work. The individual’s response to literature plays a vital role in the discussion of genre, for literary texts are created for an audience of one. The various means to discuss genre provide insightful observations; however, significant problems are inherent in these discussions. The constantly changing categories of genre and the emergence of new literary works make defining genre a daunting task better left to the individual reader.

Internet security Essay

Modern technologies have inevitably changed the social, economic, political, and professional aspects of lives across the globe. Such technologies have brought with them reliability and efficiency of communication and execution of electronic financial transactions, evident in E-commerce. According to statistics, electronic financial transactions over the internet have grown by over 70% during the past on decade compared to its prominence during the 1990s (Ena 2008, p. 14). This has been attributed to the fact that small business are increasingly engaging in the competitive business advantage of online marketing for their products, a practice that was earlier dominated by big corporations. Nevertheless, electronic financial transactions over the internet are marked with numerous security threats. Security threats attributed to electronic financial transactions are not only a potential infringement to our right to privacy, but have been a source of economic loss for individuals and institutions. Among these threats, internet fraud, identity theft, and network hacking are the most commonly identified threats to the reliability of internet-based financial transactions (Glaessner, Kellermann, & Mcnevin, 2002). However, the government, security software scientists, and financial institutions have engaged in concerted efforts in promoting security of online financial transactions. In this essay, the author will identify and discuss the different kinds of security threats relevant to financial transactions over the internet, their nature, severity, and the actions that have been taken or can be taken to address the threats and their effectiveness. Case studies of actual security incidents will be given to support the analysis. The problem of security threats on internet-based electronic financial transactions has been identified as a major drawback to sustainable embracement of the competitive advantages brought by this unique technological advancement in the community. Although the actual economic damages caused by internet crime is hard to assert, a consensus between law enforcement and IT scientists has it that over $500 millions are lost in the USA alone due to internet related crimes (Glaessner, Kellermann, & McNevin, 2009). There are numerous security threats to electronic financial transactions over the internet. Identity theft and fraud is a quite common form of security to internet-based funds transfer. Identity theft is the act of using the identity of another person to illegally gain financial advantages (Glaessner, Kellermann, & McNevin, 2009). To achieve this, perpetuators engage in misrepresentation of information to lure their target victims to conduct a financial transaction or provide personable information such as credit card number and password. Numerous research findings have found that the process of acquiring another person’s details is realised through use of e-mail messages (mainly spam) or using fake websites to entice potential victims (Glaessner, Kellermann, & McNevin, 2009). Such information is used in executing activities such as conducting unauthorised emptying of the victim’s account and opening and operating an account in the victims name and failing to settle its associated bills. This leads not only to loss of funds by the victim but also source of debt as financial institution seek account bill charge payments from the victim. According to statistical evidence from the Internet Crime Compliant Center, of the internet crime cases reported in 2008, an estimated 13 percent involved fraud and identity theft (Maclean 2009). Further, the statistics have indicated that such a figure is quite low given that most incidences of internet crime activities go unreported. Still on fraud as a security threat to internet-based financial threats is the problem of non-delivery of goods and services. A quick browse into most websites in the internet, one finds many sites promising lucrative employment or business opportunities. However, most of these engage in dictating for payment of services that are non-existent. FBI reports have it that over 27 percent of internet fraud activities involve payments for non-existent business and employment opportunities (Ena 2008, p. 18). Another form of electronic financial transactions over the internet is the confidentiality threat brought by malicious computer programs. In the recent past, the information technology has witnessed an increase in the number and complexity of malicious computer programs. The most common types of malicious programs are virus and worms, which serve to corrupt executable computer programs (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 2007). Through this, the authorised suffer the costs of losing their confidential information saved in the machine or network. Moreover, distributed access denial programs are a major threat to the reliability of online financial transfer. This is because they compromise their ability of an authorised individual to access, transact, and/or monitor their electronic financial accounts. Nevertheless, Trojan horse, backdoors, and rootkits are the main threats to electronic financial transactions over the internet given their capability to gain access into personal accounts without detection by the user. Trojan horse and backdoors computing are the most destructive malicious programs to the security on internet financial accounts and networks. Trojan horse computing for example gives the capability of ensuring continued operation of the system (they prevent attempts to shutdown the system) once it has been installed in the system (Glaessner, Kellermann, & McNevin, 2009). This gives the perpetuators of the crime adequate time to execute practices such as remotely accessing personal information as well as conducting unauthorised electronic financial transfers from their accounts. On the other hand, backdoors computing serves the purpose of compromising the security of an attacked system to enhance easy unauthorised access in the future (Glaessner, Kellermann, & McNevin, 2002). To achieve this, this computing technique allows for the creation of bypass into the attacked networks to compromise its normal authentication requirements. This has been blamed for potential long-term security attacks to electronic financial transactions accounts over the internet. Rootkits are found to protect malicious computer programs from being detected or deleted by the user upon installation into the system, thus allowing for ease corrupting of personal accounts as well as the network connections (Maclean 2009). Thus malicious computer programs are a real threat to internet-based financial transactions. In addition, confidentiality fraud has gained much important as a security threat to electronic financial transactions over the internet. The right to privacy is a fundamental individual right. This is more crucial in financial transaction as it protects sustainable realisation of social and economic development among community members. On the contrary, it is estimated that an estimated 14 percent of internet based crime activities engage in privacy frauds. Such problems are instigated by hacking practices (Khosrowpour 2000, p. 76). Hacking as a threat to individual privacy involves actions that allow the remote access of confidential personal or institutional information. Thus, hacking threatens individual privacy as well as security of online financial transactions. Following the appreciation of the competitive advantage brought by electronic financial transactions over the internet compared to other modes, much concerted efforts have been engaged by the key stakeholders in the field in promoting its security. First, the government as the custodian of the social and economic aspects of its citizens has enacted and enforced numerous laws governing electronic funds transfer. Such include the Electronic Funds Transfer Act of 1978. This act defines numerous rights, responsibilities, and liabilities for participants involved in electronic funds transfer (Ena 2008, p. 9). According the law, the victims of erroneous electronic transactions should communicate with the financial institution not later than sixty day. On the other hand, the financial institutions are bound by the law to investigate and resolve such error within 45 days. In addition, customers should report loss of credit cards to their financial institutions to mitigate potential illegal transactions. To realise this, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act dictates that financial institution should provide its customers with reliable contact number for enhancing communication (Ena 2008, p. 19). Another important law in mitigating security threats on online financial transactions is the Patriotic Act which provides for increased government surveillance on the internet. The purpose of law is to mitigate terrorism activities over the internet such as communication and transfer of fund online for funding terrorism activities. This law gives the law enforcement agents the legal authority to tap internet communication between suspected crime offenders. Such has the implication that these provisions can significantly aid in promoting the war on online transaction security threats. On the other hand, commercial and constitutional laws are quite effective in prohibiting illegal electronic transaction. This is evident from the fact that fraud and identity theft activities remain a criminal act according to the commercial laws of America (Ena 2008, p. 19). Moreover, the right to privacy is sufficiently protected by the provisions of the first amendments to the civil rights bill of the American constitutions. Still, the American government has established the Internet Crime Compliant Center which is responsible for documenting incidences of internet crime activities. This body is a partnership of the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. In addition, the organisation works closely with local and international law enforcement agencies in qualifying the dynamic patterns internet crime activities. The security software scientist community on the other side has engaged numerous resources in the designing and production of highly reliable security safeguard software for protecting the authenticity of online financial transaction. It is worthy noting that the process of innovation in the software development has been on the hike over the past one decade (Carey 2001, p. 45). This can be evident from the numerous software outsourcing and direct investment by major software corporations across the globe. Through this, these companies enjoy the competitive advantage of tapping and taming the best brains in the IT field for promoting viable solutions to internet crime activities. Further, internet providers have employed qualified network administrators for preventing, identifying, and reporting incidences of internet related criminal activities. On the other side, financial institutions are marked with the responsibility of ensuring safety of financial transactions and storage for their customers. This is the reason behind effective monitoring practices that have been put in place by these institutions in safeguarding confidential institutional and customer information. It is a common practice for financial institutions to engage in constant changing of their network authentication codes. This serves to complicate the process of internet crime perpetuators gaining unauthorised entry into their networks. Another precaution taken by these institutions is closely monitoring financial transaction and blocking as well as reporting suspicious activities to the relevant authorities for legal actions (Glaessner, Kellermann, & Mcnevin 2009). To achieve this goal, most financial institutions engaged in electronic financial transaction over the internet contract IT professional company to manage their networks. This outsourcing practice brings with it the advantage of speciality, an element that ensures quality and reliable services in promoting online transactions’ security. Nevertheless, the war against electronic financial transactions over the internet security threats remains a major concern to the reliability of this modern funds transfer technology. This has been blamed to the lack of awareness among members of the general public (Khosrowpour 2000, p. 4). True to the later, the process of qualifying the exact economic loss caused by insecurity on internet-based financial transactions is complicated by the fact that only a few cases of the incidences are reported to the relevant authority. Therefore, the war on internet security issues should ensure adequate awareness of the public on how to identify these crimes, prevent them, and/or were to report them. In addition, the global community should seek to establish a unifying law against internet crime as a way of increasing cooperation in the process through elimination of existing bureaucracies. All in all, the problem of electronic financial transactions over the internet security threats remains a major challenge to the reliability of this technological advancement in the society. This is because of the ever changing tactical attacks and innovations employed by internet crime offenders to promote their criminal interests (Carey 2001, p. 102). Some of the mostly cited instruments for promoting insecurity in internet-based financial transaction are malicious computer programs such as Trojan horses, rootkits, and backdoors. This is due to the fact that such programs are capable of hindering from the system user while still compromising the systems authentication provisions, thus allowing for remote access by unauthorised persons. Such call for the government, software scientists, and financial as well as all other stakeholders to invest more resources in the war against internet transactions insecurity. This should put into consideration the need for promoting public awareness on the nature of internet crimes and were to report them as well as viable prevention measures.

How is Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Adult HIV-1 Infection tested Assignment

How is Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Adult HIV-1 Infection tested - Assignment Example The purpose of this research is to find out how the Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Adult HIV-1 Infection tested and the best way to combat opportunistic diseases before they fully engulf the human body system.  The purpose of this research is to find out how the Antiretroviral Drug Resistance in Adult HIV-1 Infection tested and the best way to combat opportunistic diseases before they fully engulf the human body system.  The outcome is meant to have a positive impact on the future development of a cure drug. The drug is, however, will be expensive due to the extensive research cost incurred.   The evidence of a high number of deaths due to HIV-1 infection after a short period of time, regardless of being under antiretroviral drugs in various countries of the world. Many scholars need to develop approaches to test other emerging threats like Ebola.The research question is beneficial to a wide range of people. Most people, regardless of their profession understand the threat p osed by the HIV-1 infectious ailment. They, therefore, need to understand how the current Antiretroviral Drugs cannot make the life of an infected individual bearable and prolonged. The most people to benefit from this research are new medical research officers. These people have a mandate to ensure all possibilities are exploited and a better cure is found. As Biblically, God does not give the man any test they cannot handle. Every faith testing God keeps in the place He offers a response with a few steps of struggle.

Differences between Private and Public Schools Essay

Differences between Private and Public Schools - Essay Example One of the main differences between private and public schools in related to curriculum and policy management. Public schools need to follow and adhere to the local and federal educational guidelines (Long Island Schools n.p.). They cannot bring any change to the curriculum unless the government approves it. Every public school located in any part of the state has the same curriculum. On the other hand, private schools can have a slightly different curriculum from that of the public schools. Although private schools also need to adhere to the educational guidelines of the government, they can make slight changes to the guidelines as per the need of the school and students and can design their own curriculum. In public schools, the government does not apply any restriction on the number of admissions. On the other hand, there is usually some limit related to the number of admissions in private schools. If that limit is over, the school reserves the right to reject other admission applications. The restriction of the limit of admissions also helps private schools give more attention to students individually which results in a better learning environment, as well as improves the teacher-student relationship. Moreover, in private schools, admissions are based on merit (Egan n.p.). Public schools cannot apply any limit to admissions because they are funded by the government, which is responsible to provide education to all children (Gilmore n.p.). The cost of education is also significantly higher in private schools as compared to that of the public schools. The reason is that private schools are not funded by the government because of which the management has to arrange salaries for teachers and money for all administrative expenses on their own. They charge high money to the parents of children in return for providing high-quality education.

New strategic plan summary for CBP Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5500 words

New strategic plan summary for CBP - Essay Example However, the current enforcement policy presumes that all goods and all travellers are guilty until such time as they prove otherwise. Thus clearance at US borders is based on interrogations and inspections that are quite often unnecessary. In this regard, resources are being wasted on legitimate goods and legitimate travellers when those resources would be better spent inspecting and interrogating unlawful goods, unauthorized travellers and security threats whether in the form of persons or goods. It is also believed that CBP’s community engagement initiatives are far too institutional and does not devote enough resources and time to forging relationships with the community. There is a need for CBP to actively engage members of the community as a means of ensuring that they build a sense of confidence in the CBP’s mission and goals and support it. There is a need to change the current practice of communicating what CBP is doing and what CBP has done or will do in terms of keeping US borders safe. While there is a need to continue to reassure the public via transparency via communication, there is also a need to open up the lines of communication so that CBP gets information from the community. The community provides a rich source of information relative to where illegal immigrants, international criminals and terrorists and contraband originate from and where they go once they enter the US. The strategic plan in this report therefore proposes to reconceptualise customs and border patrol with a view to changing the enforcement-focused approach to border security. While enforcement is always necessary it is not the only method for keeping US borders safe. When time and resources are managed more appropriately US borders will be safer. Thus the strategic plan suggests training officers to identify more accurately travellers and goods that are candidates for quick clearance so that CBP officers can direct their attention to the more serious security risks. Therefore the strategic plan calls for a dual strategy: accommodating legitimate travellers and lawful goods; enforcement and deterrence of unlawful travellers, criminals and terrorists. The strategic plan also calls for training agents and officers to be more capable of recognizing and responding to security threats in instances where travellers or goods are legitimate and should be cleared for entry. There are cases where a traveller has the requisite travel documents but is entering the US for criminal or terrorist reasons. Rather than inspecting all visitors and going on what amounts to a fishing expedition, officers should be specifically trained to know when it is appropriate to interrogate a traveller or conduct a more invasive search of goods. The strategic plan also calls for assigning agents to community relations and this involves maintaining a tip line for receiving anonymous tips from members of the public. It is important that members of the community feel invol ved in the security process as they will be more inclined to cooperate and to share important information with the CBP. Members of the public can help CBP direct its resources properly by providing information about where contraband originates and where criminals and illegals go when they enter the US or how they get to the US when they are not cleared at the

Wal-Mart Capital Structure and Financial Analysis Essay

Wal-Mart Capital Structure and Financial Analysis - Essay Example Total Assets (Fixed + Current) = $27,638_ x 100 $120,223 = 22.9% Debt to Equity Ratio The debt to equity ratio measures the relationship between a company's debt capital and equity capital. It shows the percentage of a company's equity that has been financed by external debts. The debt-to-equity ratio for Wal-Mart has been calculated as: Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt Capital x 100 Total Equity Capital = $27,638 x 100 $49,396 = 55.95% CALCULATION OF WEIGHTED AVERAGE COST OF CAPITAL In the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) involves the calculation of separate items in the capital employed and then weighting the cost of each element by its proportion of the total capital employed. There are following factors in the Wal-Mart's total capital: Equity (Common Stock) Debt (Long-term Debts) $ % Of Total 4,311 Common Stock of $0.10 (par) 423m 1.75% Long-term Debt 23,669m 98.24% Total Capital Employed 24,092m 100% Cost of Equity The cost of equity estimates the cost of common and preferred stock. But for Wal-Mart, this calculation will not include preference stock because the company has not issued any preference shares. The analysis of Wal-Mart's annual report reveals that the company is expecting to pay $0.150 dividend per share to its common shareholders. For dividend growth, we assume it to be 10% annually. The cost of common share capital has been estimated with the help of following formula: Cost of Common Share Capital = (Next annual dividend / current market price) + annual dividend growth = ($0.150 per share / $50.49 per share) + 10% = 10.29% per annum. Cost of Debt The calculation of cost of debt will encompass all the interest bearing long-term debts of the company. According to the Wal-Mart's...There are following factors in the Wal-Mart's total capital: The cost of equity estimates the cost of common and preferred stock. But for Wal-Mart, this calculation will not include preference stock because the company has not issued any preference shares. The analysis of Wal-Mart's annual report reveals that the company is expecting to pay $0.150 dividend per share to its common shareholders. For dividend growth, we assume it to be 10% annually. The cost of common share capital has been estimated with the help of following formula: The calculation of cost of debt will encompass all the interest bearing long-term debts of the company. According to the Wal-Mart's annual report, the company's weighted average effective interest rate on long-term debt is 4.08% in 2005. The tax rate applicable to the company for the year is 34.7%. The cost of long-term debt has been estimated as: As analysed from the company's financial statements and the calculation of financial ratios, the capital structure of Wal-Mart has become evident. Wal-Mart has structured its capital funding in a way its external debts or borrowings do not exceed its total equity to a greater extent.

Take home competent Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Take home competent - Essay Example This helps people to live harmoniously and help each other towards achieving their dreams in life. Students studying in schools and collages from various parts will able to work together through even with difference in their culture in mind. Culture is pulled apart by several factors. These are what makes people of one place differ from those of another area based on what they practice. Language is the main cause of cultural differences. In this society, there are different ethnic speaking groups which all of them have their own unique language (Diller 2011). Some sub tribes believe they are dominant over the others, pulling them apart from the others. They cannot all speak the same language; therefore understanding each other becomes problematic in some places. Young children studying in different place from where they were born are faced with serious challenge when it gets to language issues. They are forced to undertake unites to get to know how to speak and write. This put them in back pedal gear and disadvantaged from those who understand. People who look for jobs in such places also find it hard to coup with it as they have to come to bar with the environment by first understanding the language (Diller 2011). This has been found to create gap among the citizens as they cannot work freely and harmoniously. Religion is another factor why culture is diverse in the society. Basically, there are about four major different religions. Christians, Muslims, Hindus and buddies which they all have they own believes and ways of doing things. Their values and practices are distinct such that even though all of them pray the same God; how they do it does not show that. Each one of them is guided by certain set rules which make them unique from the others. This pulls people apart since each group wants to do what is accepted in their religion and get

Gross Domestic Product of the United States in 2009 Research Paper

Gross Domestic Product of the United States in 2009 - Research Paper Example The research "Gross Domestic Product of the United States in 2009" examines how this year’s GDP compares with last year’s GDP both in real and nominal terms. Moreover, based on the limitations of national accounting it is discussed whether GDP provides valuable information for measuring economic activity over time. The table in appendix 1 shows the nominal GDP in billion dollar terms, its annual growth rate, GDP deflator with base year 2005=100, real GDP in billion dollar terms and its growth rate from 1950 to 2009.Real GDP is calculated as the ratio of nominal GDP to GDP deflator. The whole data is collected from the Federal Reserve Bank of St: Louis Economics Research Section. The table shows that both real and nominal GDP have been decelerating at annual growth rate of 1.74 percent and 2.6 percent respectively. 9 big expansions and 10 big recessions can be seen for nominal GDP from figure1. 13 big expansions can be seen from the above figure3. 9 recessions can be counted. The growth has been more or less stable in the last 20 years as compared to 1960-1990 since the peaks and troughs are comparatively low in this period. Figure 2 and figure 4 shows the forecasts for nominal GDP and real GDP growth till 2015. They show highly decelerating growth rates of -2 and -4 percentage respectively for real and nominal GDP growth rates. Though the national accounts system and GDP statistics in USA have been considered as the most developed in the world, many economists have raised serious objections regarding treating GDP as an appropriate measure of economic activity over time.

Final exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Final exam - Assignment Example Strategic management also assumes the responsibility of determining whether the strategy requires any modification due the change in the external environment of the entity. Thus, it can be inferred strategic management system is highly important for an organization’s survival in a competitive industry. In order to increase its share in the overall market, an organization needs to increase its customer base. Consumers are highly important for an organization because it is the end consumer that determines the success of an organization. If the organization manages to maintain goodwill among the consumers, it would be successful in acquiring the market share otherwise the organization might not be able to face the threats posed by its competitors. Strategic management system helps an organization conduct periodic evaluation of the external factors that affect the organization’s strategy and one of those factors is the consumer’s demand. Thus, by using strategic mana gement system, an organization can assess the social trends and the demand for its products among consumers. An organization can also receive feedback from consumers with regard to its products. In this manner, an organization can provide better public services by using strategic management system and designing its strategy in accordance with the consumer demand. Thus, it can be concluded that strategic management system is very important for an organization because it helps the organization formulate strategies after assessing the external environment of the organization. Therefore, the strategy determined by the organization would be in conformity with the consumer trends and the organization would be able to provide better public services. This would in turn help the organization in building its goodwill among the consumers as well. Question 2 Please identify and describe five (5) key environmental changes that can influence strategic management. An organization is always affecte d by the environment it operates in. It can never be isolated from its environment therefore it needs to continuously adapt to its external environment. There are certain external factors that affect the strategic management of an organization. The environmental changes that can influence the strategic management are; Political, Economic, Social, Technological and Legal. Political changes depend upon extent to which the governmental authorities take part in the economy of the country. The political changes that may influence an organization’s strategic management are changes in tax policy, corporate laws related to social responsibility, changes in environmental laws, restrictions upon trade and tariffs. All these factors can affect the organization in accordance with the business of the organization. If the organization is a trading company and it imports goods in bulk quantities, it can be highly affected by import restrictions and tariffs on imports imposed by the governme nt. Therefore, the organization may have to modify its strategy accordingly. Economic changes may be changes in interest rates, inflation rate and the exchange rates. If the organization conducts business in international market, any change in exchange rates can influence its business transactions. Social changes that may

American Government Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Government - Coursework Example The problem becomes the Federal Law of racial profiling. It is illegal to racial profile. The illegal immigrants that Arizona are targeting come from south of the border. The illegal immigrants are Hispanic looking. In order for the police to do their jobs they would have to racial profile under the state law, or ignoring the state law. The Federal law should rule on this subject. Since the Civil War Federal law has overrode state law. If we do not have a unified code of law than each state might as well be a country by itself. Secondly, racial profiling is wrong. If Arizona profiles Hispanics, the south would be able to profile blacks. Finally Federal law should prevail because every state, including Arizona, had representation when the Civil Rights Movement and racial profiling laws were passed. Majority rules in the United States. Federal law should rule over state law due to history and representation. Since the Civil War, Federal law has superseded state law. Every state sends representation to Congress, thus laws created are made by all states. In order to have a whole country, states must work together. Federal law should take precedent over state law in this case. If states want to have singular law, succession is another

Acheulean technology Essay Example for Free

Acheulean technology Essay The Oldowan technology is referred to as Mode 1, preceding the Mode 2 Acheulean technology. The latter implies that it is more advanced and more sophisticated than the former. Mode 1 technology only refers to simple hand tools which include choppers, scrapers, awls and woodworking tools. On the other hand, Mode 2 technology was the â€Å"retouched† and reworked Mode 1 tools. This ensures that their tools were more symmetrical making it effective and useful for its purpose It has been an argument on whether the ergaster was to be considered as a different taxon since some researchers claim that they feature â€Å"different† characteristics from other Homo taxons and also associates them as the direct ancestor of humans. KNM-ER 3733 and KNM-ER 992 are some ergaster specimen that were found. These specimens show no significant difference from other homo taxon to qualify it as a new species. Researchers still support Homo erectus as the closer ancestor of modern humans and that the ergaster are â€Å"H. erectus from Africa† The Turkana Boy was a significant find since it provides evidences of evolution of humans. By studying its morphology, scientists found out that the Turkana boy exhibits the possibility of having its own language and also how modern humans evolved traits from it. Bipedalism, brain volume, size of canines and inner ear bones are some features shared by Australopithecus and Homo sp. This suggests that they share a common ancestor. Works Cited http://www. archaeologyinfo. com/homoergaster. htm http://www. crystalinks. com/turkanaboy. html http://www. ecotao. com/holism/hu_austral. htm http://www. crystalinks. com/Oldowan. html

Via Verde Case Study Analysis

Via Verde Case Study Analysis Introduction The sustainability in real estate development is fundamental, however, what kind of manner can be sustainable in it is more crucial (Kwame, Liow, and Neo, 2009). In real estate development, this case study has discussed about affordable housing through ten aspects: site, concept, development team, development and approval process, development finance, planning and design, sustainability and healthy living, sales and leasing, management and performance, and observation and lessons learned. Ultimately, notifying some challenges that development might face. Via Verde is a project from the New York City about regeneration the brownfield in Bronx with 222 units mixed-income affordable housing development for rental and ownership with a healthier lifestyle to address health issues, and leads to a new recycling neighbourhood. It is a good example in affordable housing which involves both public and private sectors and city agencies who play key roles on approval and financing. In regulatory management, it performs well. Via Verde had components against green regulation of the city, however, city authorities permit amnesty, which conducts feasibility and flexibility of development. In terms of regulation, it was instituted and had no barrier to develop this project. The decision of planning is through the competition to select the most innovative and creative proposal for the unique site with lots of public and private sectors involved into it in financial, regulatory, planning, material aspects to produce maximum outcome with limited sources. Goals Via Verde planned to create an innovative, high-quality and sustainable housing for mixed-income family with affordable rental or ownership housing. It wants to achieve goal about healthy lifestyle to address problems of high rate of asthma and obesity in children in South Bronx area by green roof, open areas and motivated encouragement of outdoor activities, such as, vegetable garden, green club or indoor fitness centre, which providing resident a location or motivation to involve into green programme and rebuild their lifestyle. The Site Via Verde locates in northeast of Manhattan which is roughly 6.5 miles to the south to midtown Manhattan with fully developed tube and bus system. It sites in the South Bronx, which is one of New Yorks boroughs. It is four blocks away from the nearest tube station, and several bus routes nearby, which are easily access by foot or bike. However, the site is a long narrow and 1.5- acre triangle at the corner of a block, it is hard to develop as a massive affordable housing. In terms of educational aspect, there are some schools nearby, and colleges, where are easy to reach. Via Verde locates in a well location with well life functions, one of the largest park in the city, commercial centre on the nearby station. In 1960s and 70s, the area was suffered by high percentages of crime, especially violence and urban decay with high rates of residents outflow. A wave of arson fires had destroyed lots of buildings and left vacant, ultimately, were obtained by the city- public authority. In the late 1980s, communities have started regeneration and rehabilitation in this area with building new housing and improvement of facilities. The population had declined from roughly 1.47 million to 1.17 million and it has rebounded to 1.41 million by 2013. Bronx is known as poverty, the poorest borough in five of New York City. Large amount of working class family here with around $35,000 income, which is lowest in New York City and 28.5% of residents live in poverty. Therefore, Via Verde development has changed the decay of this area in 2009. The Concept The first process-stage of Via Verde project is as an entry in New York Housing competition, which is sponsored by public sectors and non-profit organization- the city of New York Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the New York city chapter of American Institute of Architects, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Enterprise Foundation. It was the first competition for affordable housing and sustainable housing in the city. The competition was held in 2006 with some aspects and requirements- provoking innovative design and planning to address the housing production issues, resolving affordability, sustainability, transferability, and viability, illustrating how to lower cost of building, and fostering healthy, affordable with well-designed dwelling. 5 out of 32 teams with developers and architects were selected into the final competition, they were requested to refine the proposal of their design. Ultimately, a team with two developers and two architects were chosen to build this project with support by the city and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has provided $145,000 for environmental uses and improvement. Private city agencies play a key role as representatives in this project after competition to look after in approvals and financing process, maintaining the quality and the innovative features. Instead of using their own ideas, local communities also provide their aspects of affordable housing and green design and healthy living components to development team. The Development Team The two developers in the team are Phipps Houses and Jonathan Rose Companies. Phipps Houses is one of the oldest developer in New York City, which has developed lots of projects of affordable housing, focusing on human development to foster better residency for community and residents. Jonathan Rose Companies is a national integrated real estate company with investment management, development, project management, and planning, which concentrating on developing resilient communities. The designers are Dattner Architects and Grimshaw Architects. Dattner specializes in housing and educational, creative and innovative urban design. Contrary, Grimshaw has been worked in Bronx for many years for revitalization, a local firm which may understand the environment and residency better. This team with two developers and two architects has fully achieved primary conditions of Via Verde project, focusing on green programme, residents, community, affordable housing and localized company. The Development and Approval Process The narrow site which belongs to the city was hard to develop, additionally, the project required unusual approvals for developing, planning and environmental remediation. The city agencies who had responsibility to check the process, in terms of the unique features, it is fundamental for the project to have city agencies shepherd it. This project was supported by the city authority, which is easier for unique development like Via Verde, especially in regulation. The massive development with 222 units wasnt allowed to build in this narrow site, which needed amnesty for it. The development team coped with authorities and solved the problems together, conducting the feasibility of this project. It had more flexible process in the development than others. However, there was parking issue, normally, the residential development is required to build with parking lot, the site of Via Verde was too small for such huge amounts of residents. Nevertheless, the development team has successfully argued about it with the location where is easy to access public transportation, including tube and buses, additionally, there is a huge parking garage nearby. Eventually, the project is accepted without parking in Via Verde. The community from this area had proposed their desire to the development team, they were looking forward to addressing issues of Bronx through Via Verde project. They wish to have affordable housing with for-sale component and resolving the health issues in high rate of childhood asthma. Development Finance Paul Freitag, managing director of Jonatha Rose Companies, which is one developer of the Via Verde project, asserts that development of affordable housing is difficult and complex from different aspects, such as, financing, and planning. However, this project has supported by several different resources, such as, grants, loans, tax, credits, and other funding mechanisms from 19 public, private and non-profit authorities and organizations. Fortunately, the development team obtained the site for $1 from NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to support affordable housing. The development of Via Verde had arranged with $98.8 million, which were divided into co-op and rental parts, roughly $32 million was arranged to build 71 units of co-op housing for middle-class family, and there was taxable bonds from the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) with floated rate during construction from JP Morgan Chase line of credit, and supporting by HDC, HPD, the borough presidents office, the New York City Council, the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation and NYSERDA. The $66.6 million was assigned for the rest 151 units of rental which were for low-class family, and taxable bonds from HDC with same condition for co-op, 9% federal low-income housing tax credits (LIHTCs) from New York State Homes and Community Renewal and HPD, supporting by HDC, the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Affordable Housing Programme, and NYSERDA. Eventually, the project exceeded 10% more in cost than expected, mostly used for green features in brownfield remediation, due to poor geographical conditions. Planning and Design The goals of this project are healthier lifestyle and sustainable housing for range incomes households through numerous outdoor activities, good views, and lots of experiences which residents may never had. Three buildings built with good view and facing south, which is better absorbing solar energy. Not only the solar panels on the roof, but also green roof with vegetable and fruit garden provides residents plant and social. Via Verde is designed for rental and ownership, and there is no barrier between them. The developers planned to build a completely new form of affordable housing, instead of red bricks in the past, they selected prefabricated panels with colourful design, which are localized manufacture. Besides, windows are large and operable for good ventilation indoor. Surprisingly, they utilized waterproof layer from localized company with official certificated by LEED programme. From the green rood, windows, air ventilation, waterproof layer, these designs are toward to create a sustainable and healthy residency. Sustainability and Healthy Living The green roof of Via Verde provides not only a place to plant, but also to exercise. Besides, outdoor activities area, there is also an indoor fitness with variety of classes for residents. The design is sufficiently for environmental sustainability on saving energy and cost by using and doing recycling, such as, trash recycle, rainwater recycle system, solar energy system, material choosing, and encourage residents take stairs instead of lifts. From the beginning, the main goal of development is to address health issues in this area. The location provides good motivation for residents to walk more, with tube, school and green parks nearby, which may help to improve it. Additionally, medical centre and pharmacy are located in the ground floor. Sales and Leasing The 151 units of rental are 30 years leasing, earning 40-60 % of area median income, on the other hand, 71 units of co-ops are earning 70-100 %. Management and Performance Via Verde provides variety of activities to motivate residents in healthy lifestyle, such as, vegetable garden where they can grow natural vegetable and fruit and cheaper price of organic food for them, exercises club to encourage them. In the garden club, which is supported and educated by non-profit organization-Grow NYC in sustainable and professional manners. Community gardens, environmental education and recycling programme, these are associating with neighbourhoods to support and modify residents into healthier lifestyle. Via Verde has established a wide range classes community, they are equal, having no barrier, all residents can entrance any common areas or use common facilities. Owners and renters can be member of garden club. There are social events to increase relationship between residents and emphasize the goals of Via Verde. Such as, volunteering to involve communitys events. Annual newsletter provides communication between residents and management, residents are able to transmit their thoughts directly. When the conflicts happen, staff can conclude it instantaneously, which build communication between either residents or management with anytime concierge allowing residents to question or discuss about their considerations and problems. Unlike accustomed affordable housing which normally leads to disappointed and seldom be materialized, Via Verde has evolved into completely new kind of affordable housing with variety of services and events, free dry cleaning for residents fully reserves the expectation of affordable housing. Observation and lessons learned Via Verde has successfully become model of affordable housing development with financial feasibility, and critical acclaim around the USA. Traditionally, there are three forms of affordable housing, developers prefer low-rise, mid-rise is more common, contrary, high-rise is usually seen as faulty for affordable housing from past experiences, especially in huge public projects. However, Via Verde with high-rise component reverses it. With these conditions, Via Verde explosively attracts people, it was designed as rental units, surprisingly, people intend to buy them. Via Verde project wants to build a healthy lifestyle with mixed-income level community in order to address and revitalize poverty issue around South Bronx, resolving problems of health, and more sustainable and vigorous. As a model of affordable housing, Via Verde truly presents and illustrates the cooperation and collaboration between public and private sectors. However, there were difficulties in this development, residents are lack of knowledge in green notion, which is hard for them to adapt into recycling concept. The success of Via Verde is extraordinary, which leads impression changes in affordable housing. Real estate development has stridden forward to another level with higher quality, more comfortable design and planning of affordable housing. Challenges This is a massive project with huge number of units and unique requirements. It is difficult for developers to build 222 units into a narrow, triangle brownfield, which needs innovative and creative ideas to achieve. The model which includes all information has proved the feasibility of the development with acceptable financing and flexible development team and authorities. The aims are healthier lifestyle through recycling and more exercises and organic vegetable or fruit. However, difficulties are lack of knowledge in green lifestyle, and adapting into rules. Via Verde received lots of resources from public and private authorities. In order to replicate the same success from Via Verde, others need to consider about sources which may not be same as them. Conclusion The model of Via Verde development clear in information, however, it is ambiguous about difficulties, and how they convinced funding and planning and decision making. Real estate development is a wide and comprehensive scenario, which involves different kind of people, such as, developers, architects, agents, planners, government, and engineers to frame and accomplish. In this case study of affordable housing, stakeholders are mostly pubic authorities, they did not have significant problems. Except zoning issue that size of site didnt conform to the regular regulation, however, authority has given amnesty permission for it, additionally, parking issue, the flexibility of development has successfully coped with it. Once development is facing some issues, public and private sectors will need to figure out and adapt to solutions, and it would sufficiently prove the feasibility of development. The sustainability of development with persistent encouragement and learning is fundamental. Affordable housing isnt always like what we expect, it can be completely different and well with good development. This case study demonstrates how real estate development brings a long-term and sustainable notion into affordable housing through wide range of consideration. References Kwame, A. D., Liow, K. H., Neo, Y. S., 2009. Sustainability of Sustainable Real Property Development.   Sustainable Real Estate, [e-journal] 1(1). 203-225. Available through: University College London Library website [Accessed 18 December 2016]. ULI, 2014. ULI Case Studies-Via Verde. [online] Available at: [Accessed 20 December 2016].

Health Promotion Activity for HIV

Health Promotion Activity for HIV Health promotion about raising awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV). Group members Grace Gaisey, Ethel Onyewuotu, Isabelle Bialan, John Daramewa, Nana Sarpong- Mensah and Peace Uzoma. Introduction This essay highlights assessing, planning, implementing and the evaluation of a health promotion activity on HIV. The World Health Organisation (WHO), 2013) defines HIV as a virus which infects the cells in the immune system by destroying its function to a stage that infections may begin to occur as a result of weakening the immune system. Assessment of Health Need Health needs assessment is an efficient method in reviewing health issues involving a population which leads to approved priorities and allocation of resources that assist in the improvement of health and reduce inequalities (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2009). This is beneficial as it contributes to the description patterns of disease in a local population and the differences from other location, such as districts, regional or national disease patterns such as HIV as it is a pandemic disease (National Aids Trust (NAT), 2014), and creates the opportunity in learning more about the needs and priorities of the local population to provide the objectives needed to work towards meeting those needs (Wright, Wilkinson and Williams, 2009). Epidemiology and demographic statistics Naidoo and Wills (2009) defined epidemiology as the study of occurrence and spread of disease in a population. Demography on the other hand is the size, composition and the distribution of human populations and their changes resulting from fertility and mortality (Dudley, Poston Bouvier, 2010). HIV is a transmitted disease with almost 75 million people infected with the virus worldwide, with data trends indicating it has increased as 36 million people were living with HIV by the end of 2012 (WHO, 2014). It has also been estimated that the 75 million infected with HIV caught the virus by means of transmission, such as sexual intercourse and mother to child transmission (WHO, 2013). For instance, it has been estimated that 5.1 million of children worldwide have been infected with HIV through mother to child transmission (NAT, 2013). Thus, early infant diagnosis is being scaled up in many countries, but in 2011 only 35% of the infants born to mothers living with HIV received HIV test and has been increased by 46% between 2010 and 2012 from 2.4 million to 3.5million (WHO, 2013). The demographic statistics from data trends indicates that, about 36 million people have died of HIV globally since 2012 compared to 30.3 million people in 2001 which shows an increase of 17% (WHO, 2014). Although the mortality among the population are infants aged 1-5 years and has increased with 3.34 million (NAT, 2013). HIV causes mortality among adults, however, according to estimates by WHO (2013), infants who has HIV are more likely to die between the ages of 1 and 5 years, respectively, with 2.3 million dying as a result while adults have the likelihood of dying between 15 and 60 years. Target group The target group for this HP activity is 15-24 years as statistics shown by the Public Health England (PHE) (2013) indicate young people under 25 are more at risk of contracting HIV with a peak age of women between 15-20 years and 20-24 for men. This has been indicated as a public health issue in many countries as 40% of new HIV infections are seen among 15 to 24 year olds (PHE, 2013). WHO (2013) further corresponded stating, half of the 75 million people infected with HIV in the world are young women aged 15 to 20 years, accounting for all new infections, and there is a growing recognition that these women and girls with HIV infection is shaped by gender inequalities and violence against them. Behavioral aspects that might affect this health issue. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (2014), behavioral aspects that can affect the risk of HIV includes individual sexuality and self-esteem. For instance, research indicates that most ongoing risk behaviour for HIV transmission has been described for men who have sex with men (MSM) (NAT, 2014). It has also been estimated that, 10 million people of MSM are living with HIV globally and in 41,100 in the UK in 2012 which has been increasing in the recent years, making public health experts have concerns about the rising rate among MSM (NAT, 2014). Policies In 2013, World Health Organisation published a global policy in which they provided recommendations on HIV testing and counselling. They estimated that about 20 million adolescents aged 10-24 years are living with HIV worldwide with half of them unaware of their infection. This policy aims at giving a high priority to enhance access to HIV testing and counselling globally, which is beneficial as it involve the improvement of health and is appropriate for the HP activity as advising people on HIV testing and offering counselling gives the opportunity to care, treatment and support for people and permit them to know their status (British HIV Association, 2014). In addition, the policy also outlined the need for giving sufficient information on HIV awareness and an early diagnosis and treatment as it can reduce the progression and the prevention of HIV transmission. Thus, the WHO (2013) corresponded by recommending that HIV testing and counselling should be offered in global hospitals as this will assist the diagnosis and management of the infection. In the UK, the NAT (2012) provides a policy based on HIV prevention and its aim is to promote health of the UK population with a prevention of an HIV test action plan to reduce late diagnosis of HIV in the UK. This is a relevant policy as HIV has become a generalised epidemic in the UK that affects the health and well being of enormous people from all social classes (NAT, 2014). HIV is not only a health issue, but also a developmental issue that affects the social, cultural, political and the economics of the country (British HIV Association, 2014) as it is associated with serious morbidity that includes a high cost of treatment and care (PHE, 2013). The initiative of this policy is to facilitate an increase in HIV testing in all healthcare settings in order to reduce the proportion of individuals who are unaware of their HIV infection with the motive of benefitting the individual and the public health. This is vital as maintaining focus on increasing regular HIV testing is a key component of the prevention and care of the people in raising the awareness of HIV of the people in the UK. As a result, the UK national guidelines for HIV testing from the British HIV Association, (2008) recommends that an HIV test should be offered to all newly registering patients in general practice and general hospital admissions and promote the awareness of HIV which will assist in reducing late diagnosis of HIV. Type of needs According to NICE (2008), an understanding of the assessment of health needs requires a definition of need which indicates the capacity of a benefit from an intervention. Bradshaw (1972) suggests there are four dimensions of need; however, the Bradshaw need chosen was the normative need as it is based on professional judgement (Coles Porter, 2008). It creates the need for professionals to identify standard requirements (Gruen Black, 2006). For instance, the WHO (2013) recommended that HIV testing should be offered in global hospitals. This indicates a health need as data indicates that most people are unaware of their infection (NAT, 2013). Approach Ewles and Simnett (2003) model comprises of five approaches to health promotion which consists of medical approach, behavioural change approach, educational approach, societal change approach and client-centred approach. Thus, the educational approach was chosen as having an educational approach in health promotion offers individual information to ascertain health benefits for themselves (Ewles and Simnett, 2003). The health belief model is seen to be the most common theory used in health promotion, providing the benefits of educational approach (Glanz, Rimer Viswanath, 2008). The model is essential for addressing problem behaviours that raises health concerns (Black, Hawk Keene, 2006). For example, high risk of sexual behaviour and the possibility of contracting HIV, this is an identification of individual behaviours. Willz (2007) further suggested that health professionals need to be mindful of this model so as to enable them in educating and promoting health in individuals from various cultural and ethnic groups. The strength of the educational approach is based on the fact that it permits people to make an informed decision about their health by providing knowledge and information to different cultural and ethnic groups which the health belief model corresponds to. However, Naidoo and Wills (2009) further explain that the educational approach differs from the other approaches as it does not use reinforcement to achieve its aim which is a limitation. The Royal College of Nursing (2011) corresponded with this view advocating that the role of the nurse is to inform and not persuade. Aims and Objectives The group had aims and objectives to ensure everyone recognizes what needs to be achieved. For that reason, the group identified the aim as raising awareness for HIV and with the objectives that comprises participants will be able to identify the main differences between HIV and AIDS, identify the symptoms of HIV and the safest option to fight off the menace, able to understand three risk factors of transmitting HIV and identify three places to access information on HIV. Evaluation Stufflebeam and Shinkfield (2007) explained health promotion evaluation as a process that is concerned with assessing health related activity against the goals in a way that results and contributes to future decision making. In addition, Black, Hawks Keene (2006) further stated that evaluation is made so as to determine if aims and objectives have been met and determine the efficiency of the methods used. This is vital as without evaluation, the idea of if objectives are met would not be known and also problems and weakness encountered would not be seen to rectify. Thorogood and Coombes (2010) states there are three stages of evaluation in health promotion; this includes process, impact and outcome. In the process of the health promotion activity, the group utilised a method of approach so as to achieve the aims and objectives. Thus, the educational approach was chosen as the group used educational materials such as penis model as an illustration on safe use of condom, posters which were clear and easy to read, distributed leaflets to assist in expanding the knowledge of the participants on HIV awareness as Linsley, Kane and Owen (2011) states, good quality health information leaflets assist individuals to make informed choices about their health. In addition, Health belief model (1974) suggests that, people need to have some kind of knowledge, such as information given to them through leaflets and posters to take actions in changing their behaviour or make a health related decision. The interactions that took place during the health promotion(HP) activity was done through raising awareness of HIV to our target group by explaining and discussing the health issue with the participants and after giving a questionnaire for them to answer to enable the group gather information on as to whether the objectives has been met. The impact evaluation involves in assessing the activity in regards of the aims and objectives set by the group. Naidoo and Wills (2008) state that the impact evaluation is the immediate effect the health promotion have on people. Essentially, this refers to the measurement of what has been achieved by the group. The questionnaire given to the participants were analysed by the group which indicated that 87% in 27 people tick the right answer and 3 people in 13% had the wrong answer. From the evaluation carried out, 13% of the participants answered the questionnaire wrongly because it was distributed to them before explaining what the health issue was about. Out of the 30 questions set, only 3 participants had it wrong, which means the group was able to expand the knowledge of the participants and their understanding on HIV. Green and Kreuter (2008) explained outcome evaluation measures as the long term effects of HP activity and whether it has achieved its goals. The outcome effect of the HP activity will be difficult for the group to identify as it there will be a follow up which will be difficult to contact participants again. There are some improvements that could have been made to improve the HP activity. Hence, demonstration of the penis model should be kept in a discreet position and not visible to the audience so as to not be seen as offensive to others. In addition, the standing poster should be clear and group members must ensure it is not blocked from the audience whiles interacting with them. Royal College of nursing (2007) states health promoters are in the contribution to improving the health of the public. Thus, their role as a health promoter is to plan and develop ways that assist people improve and manage their health. Linsley, Kane and Owen (2011) further corresponded saying health promoters must have an evidence-based understanding of the important effects that can be made through health promotion interventions and communicating with people to develop their awareness of activities leading to better health and become knowledgeable about their own health status which will improve the overall health population. The HP activity on raising awareness on HIV could be carried out in Gum clinics within the target group of 15- 24 years. According to French (2009), people can go to gum clinics no matter their age. As stated by the RCN (2012), nurses are health promoters and in an ideal position to influence the people they interact with in order to empower positive health outcomes. Thus, the role of the nurse as a health promoter is to provide advice and support through one to one interventions with clients to improve their sexual health (French, 2009). The nurse can also implement guidance on prevention and risk reduction support of HIV to clients by providing relevant information, leaflets and condoms so as to raise their awareness on HIV. Conclusion This essay has outlined a health promotion activity based on raising awareness of HIV, with a health need assessments and target population identified. The essay has also outlined epidemiology and the demographic trends associated with health policies that govern it. The writer also identified the approaches and the aims and objectives with an evaluation of the effectiveness of the health promotion activity and the role of the health promoter. References Bradshaw ref. Black, M., Hawks H., Keene, M. (2006).Evaluation in health promotion.6th (ed). Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby. British HIV Association.(2014). UK National Guideline for HIV Testing. London: BHIVA. Coles, L. Porter, E. (2008). Public health skills. A practical guide for nurses and publich health practitioners. Oxford: Blackwell. Croyle, R. T. (2005). Theory at a Glance: Application to Health Promotion and Health Behaviour. 2nd (ed). Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. Available at www.thecommunityguide.org. Dudley. L., Poston, J. Bouvier, F. (2010). Population and society. An introduction to demography. New York: Cambridge University Press. Ewles,L. Simnett, I. (2003).Promoting Health -A Practical Guide. 5th (ed). Edinburgh: Bailliere Tindall. French, K. (2009). Sexual Health. Chichester: Blackwell Publication. Glanz, K., Rimer. B., Viswanath, K. (2008).Health behaviour and health education. 4th (ed). San Francisco: J. Wiley. Green, L.W. Kreuter, M.W. (2008).Health promotion planning: an educational and environmental approach. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. Gruen, R. Black, N. (2006). Understanding health services. Berkshire: Open university press. Linsley, P., Kane. R., and Owen, S. (2011). Nursing for public health promotion, principles and practice. Oxford: Oxford university press. National Aids Trust.(2012). HIV testing, action plan. London: NAT. National Aids Trust.(2014). Men who have sex with men (MSM). London: NAT. Naidoo,J. and Wills, J. (2009). Foundations for Health Promotion. Edinburgh: Bailliere Tindall Elsevier. Naidoo, J. Wills, J. (2008).Health Promotion Foundations for Practice. London: BailliereTindall. Public Health England. (2013). HIV in the United Kingdom: 2013 report. London: PHE. Public Health England. (2013). HIV in the UK: 2013 Report. London: PHE. Royal College of Nursing. (2011). Informed consent in health and social care research: RCN guidance for nurses. 2nd (ed). London: RCN. Royal College of Nursing. (2012). Nurses contribution to public health: prevents, promote and protect. London: RCN. Royal College of Nursing. (2007). Nurses as partners in delivering public health. London: RCN. Thorogood, M. Coombes, Y. (2010). Evaluating Health Promotion. (3rd ed.). Oxford: Oxford university press. Wills, J. (2007).Promoting Health. Oxford: Blackwell. World Health Organisation. (2013). Global update on HIV treatment: Result, impacts and opportunities. Geneva: WHO. World Health Organisation. (2013). HIV and adolescents: Guidance for HIV testing and counselling and care for adolescents living with HIV. Geneva: WHO. Wright. J., Wilkinson, R. J., Williams. R. (2009). Development and importance of health needs assessment. British medical journal, 316(7140), 1310- 1313. United Kingdom: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2009). Health needs assessment: A practical guide. London: NICE. United Kingdom: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2008). Health needs assessment at a glance. London: NICE.

The Outsiders :: essays research papers

"The Outsiders" is a story that deals with a conflict between two gangs, the "Greasers" from the East Side of town and the "Socs" from the east-side of town. This is a story that is told in the first person. Ponyboy Curtis is the one telling the story. Here is a summary of the story. Ponyboy has a dispute with his brother Darry and ends up running away to the park with Johnnycake. There, Ponyboy and Johnnycake get into a fight with Randy, Bob, and three other members of the Socs. The Socs try to down Ponyboy, so Johnnycake stabs Bob with a knife and ends up killing him. Ponyboy and Johnnycake run to a party where they meet up with Dallas, one of their close friends. He gives them a gun, money, and tells them to get a train out of town to an abandoned church. They are told to stay there until Dallas comes to get them. When Johnnycake and Ponyboy get the church they go right to sleep. When Ponyboy wakes up, he finds that Johnny has gone to the store to get them food. While there, they both decide to disguise themselves by cutting their hair. Ponyboy decides to bleach his hair with peroxide. Dallas finally shows up to get them. They all go to town to get something to eat. When they return to the church, it was on fire. Ponyboy and Johnnycake went in to save the children from the burning church. Johnnycake is trapped inside. Dallas goes into save him. Then, the church collapses. They are rushed to the hospital. Ponyboy and Dallas are okay, but Johnny is severely injured. Ponyboy talks with one of the Socs and they both discuss about how they are tired of fighting. Everyone should be equal. Later, the Greasers and Socs get into an enormous brawl , but in the end the Greasers win. Ponyboy and Dallas rush to the hospital to tell Johnnycake they won the brawl. Johnnycake tells Ponyboy to stay gold. Those are the last words Johnny spoke before he died. Darry goes crazy over Johnny's death and decides to rob a convenience store. The cops chase him, Dallas fires a few shots at them with his gun.

Death Leads To Maturity :: essays research papers

In the entire life cycle of a human being, teenage stage is the fun, memorable, and some time the wild part. In this teenage stage, the teenagers experiment with everything without caring about the consequences. For most people, the life prior to the teenage stage is the most exciting part because there are no worries; every thing is fun. When the teenage life begins, most of their behaviours change while adapting to various habits. They follow good and bad behaviours as the result of influences from their parents, friends, teachers and the society they live in. These behaviours and societal norms combined with enthusiastic nature makes teenagers do various things. The result of their activities gives them the basic knowledge of the real world. Dead Poets Society, by N.H. Kleinbaum, and A Separate Peace, John Knowles, are two novels that focus on the difficult journey towards maturity and the adult world of the teenage boys. They focus on the learning experience of friendship and self esteem through the death of others. Both John Keating and Finny (Phineas) are great leaders who face many difficulties in achieving their goal and often become the victims. Dead Poets Society opens with Keating being a substitute teacher for an English class and encouraging his students to make their lives meaningful and extraordinary by referring to the word â€Å"Carpe Diem† (25). This is the Latin word for seize the Day and he wants them to seek out their dreams and to believe in themselves. Keating believes that education requires the student to think for himself. He must be free to question and to learn in the way that he learns best. A Separate Peace opens with Finny being portrayed as a brave sixteen years old boy who strongly believes in and encourages other students in his class to act upon their wishes. Both characters are optimistic about making a change in other people’s lives to make them better. Keating encourages the students to write poems to express their feelings. Finny on the other hand, encourages his friends to skip classes and do wild things like jumping off the tree. Neil, one of Keating’s students, follows his wishes and disobeys his father. At the end, Neil kills himself when his father decides to take him out of school. Yet Keating is blamed for Neil’s death and is expelled from his position. The persistent theme of A Separate Peace is the fall of a complex friendship.

Prime Time for Education :: essays research papers

Prime Time for Education It would be a wonderful world if we could give our children a better future. Why not start by filling their little minds with a handful of education at an early age? In Arizona it has been a controversial subject on whether to fund full day kindergarten. In my research on the subject and the experience I have had with my own children full day kindergarten is all around a wonderful idea. There are benefits for children, parents and teachers. Benjamin Franklin once said, â€Å"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.† First let us discuss the benefits for children. Students have the potential to experience their greatest academic growth in kindergarten. In full day kindergarten research shows greater progress in literacy, math, social skills, and general learning skills. It is the year to format their attitudes toward learning. Research analyzing 23 studies of full day kindergarten indicated that â€Å"overall, students who attend full day kindergartens manifest significantly greater achievement than students who attend half day kindergarten†. As stated here, academically it is an excellent idea. Another benefit is for the lower-income families to enroll children in a higher quality early education program that might otherwise be affordable in the private market. In 1997, the Minneapolis school district began testing kindergartners. Those studies found that many students from low-income families began school not knowing the names of letters, how to count from one to 20, and some could not even recognize colors and shapes. The testing showed a significant gap between students of color and their white classmates. Since the Minneapolis School district started offering full day kindergarten they have seen an overwhelming difference in the learning of the low-income, African-American, American Indians, and Latinos. For example, the number of letter sounds acquired by full day students was 30% higher than their half day peers (Pugmire, 2002). Looking at these studies and knowing we have many low-income and diverse races in the Mesa School District there is a wonderful benefit to su pport full day kindergarten. For those students that need more time and support, giving it to them in the front end, will save a great deal of remediation and less money in the back end. Finally some benefits for our teachers; include more time to spend with students individually and in small groups (Full Day Kindergarten, n.d.), more time to communicate with parents, and more time to assess students and individualize instruction to their needs and interests (Full Day Kindergarten, n.

Gm588 Final Project Proposal Outline

GM588 Final Project Proposal Outline 1. Enhancement of Quality for Genesis Healthcare 2. Genesis Potomac Center 3. Genesis Healthcare is a leading provider of short term healthcare services which includes: rehabilitation, dialysis, skill nursing and sometimes long term care. The company operates over two hundred centers within thirteen eastern states in the United States. Genesis also supplies rehabilitation therapy to over one thousand one hundred health care providers within twenty eight states and the District of Columbia. Quality management in Genesis is very well encouraged because they are involved in an industry that caters to the needs and lives of people. According to their values quality and care should be given to touch and improve the lives of others. 4. I currently work for Genesis, at the Washington DC location. This location has a bad reputation due to an incident that occurs years ago because the quality in service was breached. However, at the time the situation happen the facility was under a different management that had no affiliations with Genesis but people still have that bad notion of the company. I feel as though the only way we can change the perception of these people is by enhancing the quality in the services we provide. 5. After I joined Genesis about a year ago along with our new management team, we have changed everything and made lots of progress. Our greatest opportunity was getting our surroundings involve so that they could then witness the improvement that were being made. Renovation of the building was first done since it was an opportunity to attract the general public. Weekly surveys were also put in place so that residence could give feedback on a daily bases to show the company and its new management improvements. 6. In order for Genesis to continue its growth, I believe the best quality management tool to follow would be the six stigma. Genesis already completed the first step of the stigma method which is defining the problem. They realize that quality was breached so they are working on enhancing and improving quality for their customers. The second step is measuring the quality and to do that, Genesis has a weekly survey system that generates the effectiveness of the quality being given and those responses is how quality is measured. Genesis is constantly utilizing the third method of the six stigmas which is improving quality. They encourage and task their employees on a daily basis to provide great service. They also train their employees to be successful in promoting quality. The analyzation of quality is a task Genesis has mastered because they have sought out the needs of their customers, which help determine the kind of quality service needed. Improving is the aspect Genesis is putting most of their efforts into because any entity existing in our world must have the desire to grow and the only way to achieve that goal is through improvement. Control is definitely an aspect of the stigma that genesis have a good grip on because they have come up with ways to accomplish their quality management goals and how they can control the quality they intend to give. 7. TCO A, C, D and I all relates well to my project because they all talk about the importance of quality management and some of the philosophies to follow when enforcing quality. As a person, I believe that the best way an organization can grow is based on quality because people will fund something if they are satisfied with it. I also am a huge fan of the six stigmas because I have used it several times and its yielded positive results. 8. Sources 1. Evans, J. , & Lindsay, W. (2011). Managing for quality & performance excellence. Pre-press. 2. Genesis company history. (n. d. ). Retrieved from www. genesishcc. com 3. De Sousa, S. (2010). Six stigma steps. My PM expert, 11(2), 232. Retrieved from www. my-project-management-expert. com

Eymp 2 1.1

Explain each of the areas of learning and development and how these are interdependent |Area of Development |How it is interdependent | |PSED – This area ensures children make positive relationships |Communication and language for e. g. aking relationships as often| |with other children and that children have awareness of their |communication can be the foundation of building relationships | |body and have self-confidence, children will also be able to | | |manage their feelings and their behaviour. | |Physical Development- moving and handling, Health and self-care, |PSED- need self confidence to join in physical activity with | |understand how important Physical development is. |friends. | | |Self confidence for self care | | |Positive relationships with someone to teach self-care. |Communication and Language |PSED- may not have confidence to speak | |Listening and attention |Literacy-may not be able to read something out to speak | |Understanding | | |Speaking | | |Li teracy |Physical Development If the child doesn’t have fine motor skills | |Reading |then they will struggle to hold a pencil to write their name | |Writing |Communication- Have trouble reading out loud | | |PSED – no confidence to read aloud, don’t have anyone to read | | |with so it’s hard to make progress. | |Mathematics |Literacy- Cant read, won’t understand numbers. |Numbers, Shape, space and measure |PSED- Counting together- self-confidence can’t play games won’t | | |be able to communicate properly. | |Understanding of the world |PSED- Begins to have their own friends- needs this to progress | |People and communities |knowledge | |The world |E. A. D Need pretend play to imitate every day actions | |Technology |P.D-need fine motor skills to make noises and explore the | | |environment | |Expressive arts and Design |PD- If you don’t have fine motor skills then you can’t develop | |Exploring Media and materia ls |your drawing skills e. g. can’t hold a pencil | |Being Imaginative |Communication – not understanding colours for example literacy | | |will be difficult to use media. | | |U. O. T. W, Can’t be imaginative as nothing to base it on. |

Nursing Theory and Research Essay

What is nursing (caring) according to Fawcett (1984)? Nursing is defined by American Association (1980) as â€Å"the diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health problems† (cited in Fawcett, 1984, pg. 84). Diagnosis, according to the nursing process is when the nurses identify the actual problems and find out how to treat them in order to prevent any potential problems. According to Walker, 1971) nursing is establishing limits or boundaries in terms of the person  providing care; person with health problems receiving care; the environment in which care is given and an end-state, well-being (cited in Fawcett, 1984). This is related to what I mentioned before that the four concepts are interrelated; they cannot work on their own. The connections among the four metaparadigm concepts were clearly identified by Donalson and Cowley (1978) which states that â€Å"nursing studies the wholeness or health of humans, recognizing that humans are in continuous interaction with their environments† (cited in Rolfe, 1996, pg.6). This statement may be considered the major proposition of nursing’s metaparadigm. B: Christensen’s (1990) Partnership Model: Christensen’s (1990) Partnership Model identify the concept of a partnership as a basis for involvement between a nurse and a patient. This concept provides a sound humanistic foundation for nursing practice. From the patient view point, a partnership of equality and respect provides security. From nurses, patients are vulnerable or faced a situation, which requires care from health services. The experience of partnership empowers and enables people when they are patients, and we believe that security proved by the nursing partnership is a basic human right for a patient. For a partnership to exist and work effectively, there must be a willingness from all partners to collaborate as equals, and then to jointly make decisions and endeavour to solve problems. Christensen (1990) described partnership is initiated when the patient is admitted to hospital and ceases when they go home. It is a continuous process, which offered ways of looking at what happened when a nurse offered learned expertise to a person who is going through a health related experience. The learned expertise is known as â€Å"nursing (caring). What is nursing (caring) according to Christensen (1990)? Although many nurses’ scholars described nursing according to their own research, Christensen (1990) defined nursing â€Å"when a nurse offered learned expertise to a person who is going through a health related experience† (pg.  47). Also, New Zealand Nurse’s Association (1990) defined nursing is a â€Å"specialised expression of caring, concerned primary with enhancing the ability of individuals and groups to achieve their health potential within the realities of their life situations (pg. 7). So, nursing is the actions or treatment to help the patient promote health not only part of his body, but nursing is looking at the person holistically. As discuss by Christensen (1990), the major work of nurse-patient partnership is commences at the time of admission to hospital and continues until the patient goes home, as mentioned before. We could see that the work of the nurse is dynamic and sensitive as nursing strategies are selectively used to ease the pathway of each patient through an individual passage. The passage, according to Christensen (1990) is a â€Å"social process, which can be used to describe an experience of a significant change in a person’s circumstances† (pg.26). It is characterised by the giving and receiving of nursing in order for the patient to make optimal progress through a health related experience. So, nursing is attending. According to Christensen (1990) attending takes place during the time of contact between the nurse and patient and also accompanies the patient through hospitalisation. Attending is the essence of partnership because it shows that nursing is caring and concerning about the change in patient’s life. Therefore, Christensen’s model of nursing partnership involved two or more people in a shared venture. It requires the nurse to view nursing as a collaborative between the nurse and the client. It initiated when the patient is admitted to hospital until they go home. It is a continuum process, which offered ways of looking at what happened when a nurse offered learned expertise to a person who is going through a health related experience. According to Peplau define nursing is â€Å"how to put the constitution in such a state as that it will have no disease†(Cited in Nightingale, 1992, pg. 48), which means what can and should nurses do to promote health, prevent illness and recovery from disease. As I mentioned above in Christensen’s model,  nurses work alongside with the patient but using nursing strategies to ease the path of the person by listening to them and taking heed of what they are saying. Moreover, is to comforting them in order to aid recovery from diseases they present. Harmer & Henderson (1995, cited in Rolfe, 1996) point out that the unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual, sick or well, in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or peaceful death). In Christensen’s partnership model is very similar to this idea as to assist the patient and supporting during this journey of sickness or seeking help with things that they are unable to do for themselves. That is the goal of nursing is to use their knowledge to find the most efficient and effective ways of carrying out nursing procedures to help their partner in nursing care, as the patient. Moreover, according to attend, being their for the patient and spending time with him in order to understand their needs. Also, ministering which Christensen defines as a selective application of nursing knowledge and skills to meet the identified needs of the patient. Within that knowledge, nurses have a systematic body of knowledge that underpins practice, which means, they know what to do, how to do it and why they are doing it. For example, an eighteen months old baby was brought from theatre whom he had a Gastrostomy. I took observations on him for half hourly for two hours and hourly after that. Why do I have to do that, because to identify any signs and symptoms of haemorrhage which is potential for shock. That is the basic knowledge that I have taught so far that this baby has a tendency of bleeding. It was very important for me for these observations. According to Christensen (1990) that the work of the nurse is dynamic and sensitive as nursing responds to the immediacy of the patient’s situation. During this time the nurse and the patient negotiate their partnership by looking at the work of the nurse and the work of the patient in order to cushion the impact on the patient of the disturbances associated with hospitalisation. Moreover, according to Christensen (1990) the passage is â€Å"a social process  which can be used to describe an experience of a significant change in a person’s circumstances† (p.26). It is characterised by giving and receiving of nursing in order for the patient to make an optimal progress for a better health. In reality it may or may not lead to a beneficial passage. But, the work of the nurse begins as soon as the patient admitted to hospital. It is known as the beginning phase, which is to assist the client to attain the means, opportunities and the ability to act within the present circumstances, though the nurse-client partnership exists for all nursing goals and the expected outcomes may not always turn out as desired. The beginning is marked by the patient experiencing a health-related problem. The phase begins with awareness that something is wrong which requires an admission to hospital it may be days or weeks or whenever the patient takes responsible for his own self-management. This period precedes entry into the partnership, at the same time the patient prepares for the upcoming experience, whereas the nurse serves to make patient complete, whole being of a person or independent. And I believed this includes identifying the problems of the whole being of the person, that is, culturally, psychosocially and mentally. This relationship includes respect and acceptance of where the person is and the nurse’s openness to another person’s reality. Caring relationships occur with individuals and family and their significant others. According to Levine (1973) described nursing as â€Å"a human interaction. It is a discipline rooted in the organic dependency of the individual human being on his relationships with other human beings† (Cited in Fawcett, 1984, pg 122). She further describe nursing as â€Å"a subculture, possessing ideas and values which are unique to nurses, even though they mirror the social template which created them† (ibid, pg, 123). This is true with nursing is caring for another human being which have their own culture, ideas and values which recognise themselves from whom they come from. When we compare with Christensen’s model (1990), interpreting is the â€Å"attempt made by the nurse to attach meaning to the status of the patient and the situation† (pg. 42). Including observing, monitoring, analysing,  translating, conceptualising, synthesising and decision-making. When assessing the patient and collecting data, nurses should recognise the social issues and cultural needs of the patient in order to provide treatment that are suitable for them. Moreover, as Christensen stated that the intentional presence of the nurse is essential for coming to know and understand what it means to be human and humans in relationship or partnership. This knowledge provides the basis for the mutual selection of interventions that can promote health and self-determination. That is the essence of partnership is engaging the person in the process of their journey from the time they face the problem and come in to hospital until they go home. Partnership includes intimacy, trust, and authenticity. Furthermore, commitment, responsibility and accountability, which are the nature of nursing which Christensen identifies. Not only that, caring takes place within the context of a therapeutic relationship and is considered a moral vital of nursing. According to Henderson’s definition of nursing â€Å"I say that the nurse does for others what they would do for themselves if they had the strength, the will and knowledge. But I go on to say that the nurse makes the patient independent of him or her as soon as possible†. â€Å"Nurse serves to make patient â€Å"complete, whole† or independent† (Cited in USA Nursing Knowledge Consensus Conference, 1998) Conclusion: Although I found very difficult to understand Fawcett’s description of the metaparadigm but at the end I found this very interesting to know that metaparadigm is like a framework that help me in my practice. Nursing has a unique responsibility to promote, protect and restore the client’s holistic health. REFERENCES: Christensen, J. (1990) The Ethics of Care: Towards Partnership in Nursing, Lincoln University Press with Daphne Brasell Associates Ltd, London. Fawcett, J, (1984) The Metaparadigm of Nursing: Present Status and Future Refinements. Images: The journal of Nursing Scholarship, Vol. XVI, No. 3, pg. 84 – 7. Fawcett, J, (1984) Analysis and evaluation of conceptual models of nursing, F. A Davis Company, Philadelphia. USA Nursing Knowledge Consensus Conference, 1998, Consensus Statement on Emerging Nursing Knowledge, A value-Based Position Paper Linking Nursing knowledge and Practice Outcomes, Boston, Massachusetts