Saturday, August 31, 2019

Oil and Non-Oil Economy of the UAE Essay

The general dichotomization of the economy of the United Arab Emirates is into the oil and non-oil sectors. While the aggregate output remains dependent on oil production, the United Arab Emirates is focusing on the development of its non-oil sector as part of its diversification plan. However, its ability to develop fully its non-oil sector depends on the performance of its oil sector. One consideration is the relative contribution of the oil and non-oil sectors to the economy. The other consideration is the ability to the oil-sector to support the diversification plan in the non-oil sector. Abed and Hellyer (2001) explained that in 1998 the production of crude oil accounted for less than a quarter or 22 percent of gross domestic product. However, even if the contribution of crude oil production to aggregate output is less than a quarter, the impact of the sector on the economy is much bigger. Oil exports contributed 37 percent of earnings in foreign exchange and 60 percent of public sector revenue. The oil sector contributes to the aggregate economy in four fronts, which are business investment, household income and consumption, public spending, and net exports. This substantiates the claim that the oil sector comprises the backbone of the UAE economy. Further growth occurred in the oil sector in 2006 with the Ministry of Information and Culture (2006) reporting that the oil and gas sector contributed 28 percent to aggregate output. Concurrently, there is also growth in the non-oil sector, particularly in manufacturing and financial sectors. The UAE Federal Government (2008) further reported that oil and gas production experienced further growth by contributing one third to gross domestic product. This is primarily due to programs intending to optimize oil and gas production in the different emirates. At the same time, there is also solid growth in the non-oil sector. In the next years, the contribution of the oil sector should stabilize at one third of the economy and the non-oil sector becoming a stronger contributor to economic growth. This would allow the UAE to maximize returns from the oil and gas sector to boost growth in the non-oil sector. UAE Economic Developments to Achieve Diversification The United Arab Emirates is already on its way towards economic diversification. Although, the oil and gas sector remains as an important sector, the UAE has achieved developments in the non-oil sector. There are areas of economic developments that the UAE has to focus on to achieve diversification. Dunning (2005) identified the optimization of resource base as a means of achieving diversification. The UAE has to hone the potential of its key resources to establish different industries. The country has already done this by continuously developing its oil and gas sector. However, it also needs to optimize the resource base for the non-oil sector such as the development of land through urban planning or the urbanization of peripheral lands to provide venues for manufacturing and services sectors or the maintenance of natural resources for tourism. Another economic development needed to support diversification encompasses structural changes. According to Shihab (2006), the economic structure needs to support the needs of the non-oil sector. One way of achieving this is influencing employment patterns to develop labor force for the non-oil sector. This means investing in human services such as education and health to ensure labor productivity. Muysken and Nour (2006) stressed on the deficiencies in the educational system and low level of skills of the labor force as areas for improvement if the UAE wants to succeed in diversifying its economy. Another way is the establishment of different industries to broaden the economic base and create employment. A third economic development is integration of infrastructure and social structures to support diversification. DeNicola (2005) explained that infrastructure developments are necessary to attract investments and create employment opportunities for non-oil industries. Shihab (2006) explained that social factors such as the development of a culture of consumerism and calm co-existence among local minorities and expatriates support growth in the non-oil sector. Justification for Diversifying the UAE Economy Imbs and Wacziarg (2003) explained that the overall justification for economic diversification is sustainable growth by spreading economic risk across different industries. Economies reliant on a single sector such as the reliance of the member countries of the Gulf Cooperating Council on the oil sector also face high risks in the long-term because oil is a non-renewable resource (Fasano & Iqbal 2003). There are also specific reasons for the goal of the UAE for diversifying its economy. One is avoidance of the effect of the oil curse theory, which explains that dependence on oil has long-term negative effects on the economy. Oil exporting countries gain revenue by relying on price fluctuations in the global market alone, which does not require investments or efficiency that in turn precludes long-term development of economic capabilities or competencies. Revenue generated from oil is sufficient to support welfare services, placing focus on allocation instead of production. (HSBC Middle East 2003; DeNicola 2005) Another justification is the maximization of revenue generation through resource development. Diversification would enable an oil dependent economy such as the UAE to gain revenue from its other resources. Sole reliance on oil limits the revenue generating potential of the economy and hampers economic efficiency by idling resources. (Shihab 2006) Another related reason is resolving revenue volatility. Dependence on oil involves the downside of volatility in the long-term because oil is non-renewable, which means oil reserves will eventually run out in the future. Oil dependent countries need to develop other sources of revenue to ensure continuity of revenue generation even after oil reserves have dwindled. (Gylfason 2004) Still another justification is human development by creating employment opportunities for the young population. The UAE has a predominantly young population, which means a pool of intellectual and skill resource able to support the development of non-oil industries. Diversification enables the economy to develop its human resources to increase quality of life and sustain productivity. (HSBC Middle East, 2003; Muysken & Nour 2006) Non-Oil Sector in Economic Diversification for Sustainable Economic Development The Ministry of Information and Culture (2006) explained that the non-oil sector contributed 72 percent of the GDP of the UAE. This reflects the potential of developing the non-oil sector to achieve economic diversification and ensure sustainable economic development. The non-oil sector comprises goods manufacturing and services, with the former contributing 57. 9 percent and the latter contributing 42. 1 percent to GDP from the non-oil sector. Industries under goods manufacturing are agriculture, livestock and fisheries, mining, manufacturing, construction, and electricity, gas and water. Industries under services include restaurants and hotels, transportation, storage and communication, real estate and business, and social and private services. Diversification is already apparent in these various industries and there is still wide room for the development of these industries and the establishment of new industries. Hejmadi (2004) explained that development of the economic free zones were crucial to the development of different industries in goods manufacturing and services. These zones provided a venue and incentives for the flow of both domestic and foreign investments into diverse industries to create employment opportunities and contribute to the growth in aggregate output. Apart from the continuous development of these industries, a potential industry for diversification in the non-oil sector is tourism. Sharpley (2002) explained that tourism is becoming a ubiquitous means of achieving economic diversification for many countries seeking to secure long-term economic growth. Tourism fits the resource approach to sustainable growth since the UAE has many tourism destinations to attract tourists and its cultural openness also comprise an impetus for foreign tourists. Blanke and Mia (2006) reported that travel and tourism already exist as an industry in the UAE and contributing 1. 1 percent to GDP. There is wide potential for development. However, there are challenges to tourism development requiring investments in destination development and promotions (Sharpley, 2002; Henderson 2006) References Abed, I. & Hellyer, P. (Eds. ), 2001. United Arab Emirates: a new perspective. London: Trident Press Ltd. Blanke, J. & Mia, I. , 2006. Chapter 22 assessing travel & tourism competitiveness in the Arab world. [Online] Available at: http://www. weforum. org/pdf/Global_Competitiveness_Reports/Reports/chapters/2_2. pdf [Accessed 25 January 2009] DeNicola, C. , 2005. Dubai’s political and economic development: an oasis in the desert?. Williamstown, MA: Williams College. Dunning, T. , 2005. Resource dependence, economic performance, and political stability. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 49(4), pp. 451-482. Fasano, U. & Iqbal, Z. , 2003. GCC countries from oil dependence to diversification. Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Emerging Standards of Care: Cultural Competence Essay

The United States is often referred to as a melting pot. Cultural diversity is an inevitable reality in today’s society. We are faced with an increasingly diverse patient population and a diverse group of health care providers. Culture is a dynamic and complex phenomena that most understand as something that describes a particular ethnic group (Mitchell, Fioravanti, Founds, Hoffmann, & Liebman, 2010). Culture influences a person’s behaviors, practices, norms, customs, and beliefs on health, illness, and health care. According to Freidman, Bowden, and Jones (2003), people view culture as a model for our way of behaving, living, and feeling. There is an existence associated between culture and health practices. As the world becomes more diverse with migration, it is important that nurses and other health care workers understand and recognize the various cultures they encounter. The current U.S. population exhibits unparalleled ethnic and sociocultural diversity, yet the nursing workforce fails to reflect the current state of the nation’s diversity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. nursing workforce is predominantly White/Non-Hispanic and female (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, 2010). Nurses face the challenge to meet the health care needs of a culturally diverse population while promoting diversity in the workforce. Nurses promote diversity in the workforce through educating nurses on cultural sensitivity and competence. Cultural competence in nursing is evolving as a standard of care. It is essential that nurses and other health care providers employ knowledge of various social and cultural influences in the care setting to promote  patient-centered care (Mitchell, Fioravanti, Founds, Hoffmann, & Libman, 2010). It is necessary to appreciate and recognize the relevance of diversity in the acute care setting to set standards of culturally competent nursing care, and to improve delivery of care through improving and meeting these standards. It is important that health care providers not only embrace cultural diversity, but also strive for cultural competence in order to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care. It is imperative that health care professionals integrate a patient’s cultural beliefs and practices into his or her treatment and recovery plan. Health care is rapidly changing. Patients and families are more receptive to these changes in modern medicine if their traditions and practices are integrated (Chater, 2008). Cultural competence not only pertains to race, sex, age, and ethnicity, but also encompasses â€Å"other inseparable factors of culture such as economic, political, religious, psychosocial, and biological conditions† (Stein, 2010). Delivery of culturally competent care entails promotion of the principles of social justice. According to the American Nurses Association (2001), â€Å"respect for the inherent worth, dignity, and human rights of every individual is a fundamental principle that underlies all nursing practice† (American Nurses Association, 2001). These principles model the standards in providing culturally competent care. They also guide nurses’ decisions pertaining to patient care. It is crucial that nurses and other health care providers examine their own beliefs and values. They must determine how their beliefs and values influence their interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. The concepts of cultural aspiration, cultural skill, cultural appreciation, cultural knowledge, and cultural acquaintances all produce cultural competency. Motivation of the nurse to become culturally proficient leads to acceptance of cultural diversity. Cultural awareness is the profound self-exploration of an individual’s personal cultural background. This includes identifying one’s cultural assumptions, biases, and prejudices of different cultures. The capability of assessing and assembling relevantly cultural facts that are significant to the patient’s presenting problem  refers to cultural skill. Cultural knowledge includes both seeking for and acquiring a strong educational foundation of the existing multicultural population that includes health beliefs and practices. And, lastly, the process that encourages nurses to interact face-to-face with diverse cultures is cultural encounter. Culturally competent care is reached by incorporating these concepts. By doing so, there is a decrease in health disparities and an increase in the potential for better outcomes and relevant care (Campinha-Bacote, 2003). The HHS Disparities Action Plan was initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services. This plan coordinates with other agencies to reach its goal of promoting health equality by using provisions set forth from Healthy People 2020 and the Affordable Care Act (HHS, 2011). According to HHS (2011), ethnic groups such as Hispanics, Asian Americans, American Indians, and African Americans experience higher mortality rates than other ethnic groups. The HHS Disparities Action Plan identifies factors such as poverty, socioeconomic status, lack of access to health care and racially driven disparities to promote safe patient outcomes and health equality. Several critical components establish standards of practice contribute to an organization’s capacity to provide culturally competent care. These components include: critical reflection, transcultural nursing knowledge, social justice, cross-cultural practice and communication, patient advocacy, health care systems, multicultural workforce education, policy development, training, and evidenced-based practice and research (Brady, 2010). Health care facilities need to ensure that tools such as multilingual teaching materials and interpreters are in place to effectively provide care. The use of cultural knowledge in composing a patient’s plan of care is a way to value diversity. Cultural competency is a continuous learning experience. Health care facilities may collaborate with professional organizations to establish best evidence-based practice in order to develop policies and standardized culturally competent care and reduce disparities (Brady, 2010). So, how does one become culturally competent? The initial step to becoming culturally competent is self-awareness. We must be aware of and value our own culture in order to identify with and recognize the value of the culture of others. We do this by critically reflecting on ourselves. â€Å"Examining and reflecting on one’s own ethnicity, belief structure, and values† determine the impact on our ability to â€Å"deliver culturally competent care† (Brady, 2010). A Nurses who understand themselves are able to understand and appreciate cultural differences. By doing so, the nurse can establish ideal ways to render effective health care services. An example would be that of a patient from the Far East. A nurse caring for a Chinese patient must appreciate that the Chinese adhere to traditional healing practices such as acupuncture, meditation, and homeopathy. Knowing this, the nurse will attempt to integrate these traditional practices into the patient’s treatment plan. The nurse can integrate acupuncture as an alternative treatment for pain management. A nurse who appreciates cultural diversity will strive to understand the cultural practices and beliefs of that patient and integrate applicable elements of the patient’s culture in the plan of care. Explanation of the plan of care and identifying the needs and expectations of the patient and family will aide in reducing tension, hence, develop a trust between the nurse, patient, and family. Nursing is making advances in promoting and implementing culturally competent care. Transcultural Nursing Society is a professional nursing organization involved in ensuring cultural competence is being included in the curriculum of nursing schools throughout the nation. The Transcultural Nursing Society is also involved in ensuring that curriculums are providing nurses with the necessary knowledge base to ensure cultural competence in their practice (Transcultural Nursing Society, 2013). Another organization, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), provides guidelines to enhance culturally competent care in health care facilities. This organization recognizes the disparities in health care delivery due to linguistic differences. They also recognize that there is prevalence in racial and ethnic disparities in health care delivery in the United States. The AHRQ points out that culturally and linguistically  diverse groups, as well as individuals with limited proficiency in English are disadvantaged in the health care system. These groups often experience poor health status and outcomes by accessing inadequate medical care in regards to quality despite consistent insurance status and income. Policy makers, civil rights groups, and health care facilities are responsible to understand the reasons behind persistent disparities and implement effective strategies to eliminate them. One way to do this is to improve cultural and linguistic competence of health care providers (Wilby, 2009). Linguistic competence is the ability of health care facilities to provide individuals with limited English proficiency appropriate oral and written language services. Health care facilities can hire bilingual/bicultural staff, train health care providers, or hire translators to assist during communication. The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services, (CLAS), standards are â€Å"intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help eliminate health care disparities by establishing a blueprint for health and health care organizations† (OMH, 2013). There are four categories under which these standards fall: principle standard; governance, leadership, and workforce; communication and language assistance; and engagement, continuous improvement, and accountability. Health care professionals can make the production of positive health outcomes for distinct populations possible by customizing services to a person’s verbal communication preference and way of life. Pursuing health integrity must remain at the forefront of healthcare’s efforts, with continuous identification of dignity, respect, and quality of care as rights of all, and not the civil liberties of some. According to OHM (2013), culture defines how individuals receive health care information, and how individuals exercise their rights and protections. It is what individuals consider a health dilemma, and how individuals express their indications and anxieties regarding the crisis. Holistic care involves designing care to meet the individual needs of the patients, to care for the whole. This includes considering cultural differences when planning care. Barriers to culturally competent interactions entail verbal communication, communication approach,  individuality, and sometimes a lack of respect for the patient’s preferences and needs. Language is a method by which a patient approaches the health care system, becomes aware of services, and formulates determination in relation to his or her health performance (Woloshin, Schwartz, Katz, & Welch, 1997). Communication endorses the opportunity for people of various backgrounds to learn from each other. Put the patients’ desire to understand first and make certain that they receive a chance to describe, in their own words, the information regarding their health care concerns and plans are fundamental initial measures in eliminating descrepancies and enhancing quality of care. Cultural competence requires people to develop an awareness of the differences of other people and their cultural personality groups. One is not capable of being culturally competent without considering the differences. Cultural competence does not involve giving up one’s own beliefs, values, or practices (Elliott, 2011). According to Elliott (2011), we can crack the cultural competency code by asking questions, listening, and aligning our attitude. The late Madeleine Leininger was a pioneer in the influence of culture on health care. Leininger was a Transcultural Nurse. She advocated two leading standards that nurses can employ in caring for patients from various diverse cultures. First, preserve an extensive, independent, and open attitude in regards to each patient. Secondly, evade the perception that all patients are alike. Leininger believed that by pursuing these principles, we can free ourselves to discovering the way others envision health and illness, and develop relationships that are therapeutic. She viewed every clinical experience as cross-cultural (Leininger, 2002). Diversity at the Workplace I work in a hospital in the small city of Tarpon Springs, FL. Tarpon Springs is located in Pinellas County. According to the 2010 census, the population was 23,484. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans than any other U.S. city. The city of Tarpon Springs has a total area of 16.9 square mile. 9.1 square miles being land, and 7.7 square miles  being water. Tarpon Springs has a series of bayous which feed into the Gulf of Mexico, and was first settled around 1876 by white and black fishermen and farmers. It got its name because some visitors spotted tarpon jumping out of the waters. The first local sponge business was founded by John Cheyney. In the 1890s, a few Greek immigrants arrived to work in the sponge industry. It was in 1905 that John Cocoris introduced sponge diving to Tarpon Springs and recruited divers and crew members from Greece. Tarpon Springs became the largest sponge dock industry in the world. Many restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine line the streets of Tarpon Springs, as well as quaint boutiques. Nearby beaches are popular for swimming, picnics, boating and windsurfing. Viewing bottlenose dolphin are a favorite past-time of many. Tarpon Springs is also known for its Greek Orthodox festivities, including the January 6 Epiphany celebration that includes youths diving for a cross and the blessing of the boats and waters. This celebration attracts Greek Americans from across the country. The racial makeup of the city is 90.07% white, 6.15% African American, 0.29% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races. Hispanic or Latino is 4.33% of the population. 11.8% of the total population report their ancestry as Greek, which is included in the white statistic of 90.07%. 8.87% report speaking Greek at home, while 3.46% admit to speaking Spanish, and another 1.09% French. There are 91.8 males for every 100 females. The median income for a household is $38,251. About 7.7% of families and 9.8% of the population are below the poverty level. The hospital which I work is the only hospital in Tarpon Springs. The hospital has 168 beds which comprise 150 acute care beds, 18 transitional care beds, 14 ER beds, 9 ORs, 2 C-Section rooms, and 2 cathlabs. Adventist Health Systems acquired the hospital from University Health approximately 4 years ago. As you can see from the above demographics, this hospital serves a diverse population and community. From a religious perspective AHS is of the Adventist religion, however, welcomes, serves, and does not discriminate against any religion. The primary language is English, however, various  languages such as Greek, Spanish, French and Italian are spoken as well. Unfortunately, there are some patients who only speak their native language, and do not speak, nor understand English. For the most part, the hospital experiences minimal difficulty in assisting the patients and families in translation. Recently, the hospital contracted with a translation service using the internet. The hospital does provide admission and treatment information sheets and consents in other languages, as well. Our hospital is dedicated to serve the multicultural community of Tarpon Springs. Our food service caters to different cultures on a daily basis. Of course, Tuesday is Taco Tuesday. However, other ethnic foods are offered daily such as Greek, Italian, and Chinese cuisine as well as Soul Food and food that is in accordance with the beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist religion, which excludes pork and shellfish from their diet. Chaplains and different religious figures are available to visit and pray with patients and families. Every Friday at sunset, a prayer recognizing the beginning of the Sabbath is heard over the intercom. Every Saturday evening at sunset, another prayer is heard over the intercom to recognize the end of the Sabbath. All committees, meetings and gatherings are started with prayer. There is signage throughout the hospital to portray our mission: Extending the healing ministry of Christ. I feel confident in saying that this hospital does follow Culture Care Standards. Signage is posted in all patient care areas and public areas regarding the hospitals standards. Signage includes anything from Equal Opportunity Employer to EMTALA. Because the workforce is very multicultural, the hospital is at an advantage at meeting these standards. There is one thing that all employees know; we are family despite our cultural differences. I am very proud to say that I work for this hospital. Conclusion The United States is a melting pot, and is becoming more and more diverse every day. Recognizing that diverse cultures exist is the first step in decreasing health disparities, and providing the best possible care to  individuals. Health care workers, including nurses, need to practice self-awareness. By becoming aware of self, they can then embrace other cultures and the needs of their patients. It is important for all health care professionals to understand the culture and beliefs of the patient population which they serve, in order to integrate these beliefs in his or her practice, whereby enhancing the quality of care provided to all patients. Education and training is vital in ensuring that health care professionals attain clinical excellence and strong therapeutic relations with the patients they serve. We cannot dictate the communities that we serve. Cultural competence does not mean giving up one’s own beliefs or values. It means opening eyes to the beliefs and values of others. The need for health care professionals to integrate cultural competence will allow delivery of optimal care, treatment, satisfaction, and better patient outcomes. References American Nurses Association. (2001). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Retrieved from http://nursebooks.org Brady, J.M. (2010). Cultural nursing implications in an integrated world. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 25(6), 409-412. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2010.10.005 Campinha-Bacote, J. (2003, January). Many faces: Addressing diversity in health care. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 8(1), Manuscript 2. Retrieved from www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAperiodicals/O JIN/TableofContents/Volume82003/No1Jan2003/AddressingDiversityinHealthCare.aspx Chater, K. (2008). Palliative care in a multicultural society: A challenge for western ethics. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 26(2), 95. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). HHS action plan to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. Retrieved from http://minorityhelath.hhs.gov/npa/templates/ content.aspx?lvl-1&lvlid=33&ID=285 Elliot, G. (2011). Cracking the cultural competency code. Canadian Nursing Home, 22(1), 27-30. Friedman, M.M., Bowden, V.R., & Jones, E.G. (2003). Family nursing: Research, theory, & Practice (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Leininger, M. (2011). Culture care theory: A major contribution to advance transcultural nursing knowledge and practices. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3). 189-192. Mitchell, A., Fioravanti, M., Founds, S., Hoffmann, R., & Libman, R. (2010). Using simulation To bridge communication and cultural barriers in health care encounters: Report of an international workshop. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 6, 193-198. doi: 10.1016/j.ecsn. 2009.10.001 Stein, K. (2010). Moving cultural competency from abstract to act. Supplement to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 110(5), 21-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2010.03.010 Transcultural Nursing Society. (2013). Transcultural Nursing Society mission and vision. Retrieved from http://www.tcns.org U.S. Department of Commerce. (2010). United States Census Bureau Tarpon Spring, Florida. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH). (2013). The National CLAS Standards. Retrieved from http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov templates/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlID=15

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Health and safety management plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health and safety management plan - Essay Example Site supervisors will ensure the assessments are available to those who may come into contact with them. If no assessment exists, then one must be obtained using the SYPOL form in line with the company standards. The company will contract only licensed asbestos handlers to carry out checks before beginning work where notifiable asbestos is suspected, besides providing them with relevant information, including appropriate Asbestos survey reports. An electrical duty holder will be appointed to design, install, use and maintain electrical systems and equipment in line with company standards. He will be identified on notice boards, distribution boards and sub- stations. The contract project manager will appoint a fire co-ordinator to carry out a fire risk assessment, ensure adequate emergency preparedness and put in place a fire safety plan. Moreover, he will review emergency measures regularly and report deficiencies to the contract manager for action. Site Health and Safety rules shall be included in the site start up pack and developed for the project by the contract manager in conjunction with the SHE advisers. Rules will be posted on site notice boards and explained at induction. The site plan will take into consideration Interfaces between site activities, visitors and the public to ensure that site operations do not endanger visitors and the public. Such consideration will apply to others such as the customer’s personnel who may need access to or through the site. All lifting operations using cranes will be planned and authorised in accordance with company processes, standards and guidance. Where applicable the contract manager will appoint a competent appointed person for cranes and a crane supervisor. Manual handling risk assessments must be carried out prior to manually lifting a load. Methods of assessing the risks of manual handling and consideration to alternative methods will be considered where practical. The contract

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Critical writing skill Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical writing skill - Essay Example It is critical for organizations to monitor workplace relationships because they affect teamwork, worker motivation, employee retention, and worker productivity. Improving work relationships involves several actions. According to Long (2014), developing a positive mindsets and avoiding unenthusiastic thoughts and criticisms enable employees to create rapport with other organizational publics. Positive attitudes enable people to appreciate each other’s thoughts and points of view without unnecessary criticisms. Additionally, positive attitudes also enable workers to avoid being too judgmental, which may lead to strained relationships. During discussions, work relationships can further be boosted by avoiding jumping into invalid conclusions. This can be achieved through gathering as much information as possible in order to objectively respond to discussions. Zeidner, Matthews & Roberts (2009) posit that reacting defensively to situations without having all the information concerning the issue in question can lead to widespread misunderstandings. Giving false information when handling issues exposes workers to dangerous conflicts; this c an cause hatred and destroy harmony in the organization. Cultural and behavioural diversities constitute the best approaches for maintaining positive workplace relationships. Cultural diversity refers to the situation where different cultures respect each other’s customs, beliefs and opinions. Modern workplaces are characterized by widespread communication between people, regions, and countries. Good workplace relationships are determined by the extent to which organizational publics have embraced cultural diversity. Being diverse enables people to respect each other’s point of view, ensuring respect and appreciation of other people’s ways of doing things (Zeidner, Matthews & Roberts, 2009). Behavioural diversity also enables people to appreciate other people’s

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Environment for the cigarette and tobacco industry Essay

Environment for the cigarette and tobacco industry - Essay Example One could actually associate these with the influential marketing environment for the decline of cigarette and tobacco industry. At this moment, it would be a good point for cigarette and tobacco industry to market its offerings by emphasizing benefits. If possible, the industry must contest the major negative health claims against smoking. If it seems this may impossible to initiate, social appeal might work best. Cigarette and tobacco industry has no other choice but to create a culture placing high value for smoking on a special case. For example, dynamic market segmentation may still apply for this. It might be possible to use renowned celebrities using bandwagon appeal just to be able to encourage certain or target market segments to smoke. The long-term prospects for the industry are those markets with substantial culture for smoking. This means it should target societies where smoking has become essential part of living. In this case, challenging strategy to prevent customer erosion is

Monday, August 26, 2019

Effect of E-Business on Marketing Strategies Case Study

Effect of E-Business on Marketing Strategies - Case Study Example Amazon.com becomes the first mover in the e-retailing market proposing a wide product range to diverse customer targets. E-business allows the company to connect customer service and good levels, increases customer satisfaction and decreases retention artistries. The main strategy is a virtual bookshop which helps the company to promote and sell its products to customers. Similar to traditional marketing, a virtual bookshop allows customers to review product details and analysis, read about the main characteristics and qualities. In contrast to traditional marketing, a customer sees only an image of the product. Following Archer et al (2002) "Various information systems can be used to process transactions, collect and analyze data. Technology-based tools have helped marketers perform their marketing strategies more efficiently and effectively in the traditional marketplace" (73). In contrast to traditional marketing, Amazon.com proposes a greater range of titles to choose from. Customers have twenty-four-hour access to book, table of contexts and reviews. They can order the book from any parts of the world and at comparatively low price. Also, e-business allows Amazon to establish a competitive price through lower transaction costs. Customer service therefore plays a pivotal role in e-business. Getting this role right, and to a standard of expertise that is superior to that of competitors and sustainable in the longer term, requires an in-depth understanding of the nature and nuance of customer service. Knowing customers means closing the loop between the messages sent to them and the messages they send back. The personalization of the service allows Amazon to create a core of brand supporters and increase its sales. Core information builds and provides access to the books catalogue (Turban et al 2004). The customer database also provides added-value informa tion. Core handling and processing maintains payment services between the company and its customers whether they be readers, publishers, resellers or authors. This function also covers shipping and delivery administration. From this configuration, the process of publishing and book selling became much more dynamic than the linear model that was the traditional industry model. The Internet has allowed each party in the process to interact with each other with more intensity (www.amazon.com). In contrast to traditional marketers, Amazon has wide possibilities to gather information about target groups and is able to make customer-specific recommendations, analyze their demands and needs. The customer database is used as a marketing tool in targeting existing customers and pursuing potential new ones. Amazon services (web-site and delivery service) are accessible for a large number of households and individuals. Delivering content gives more detailed information on an offer and goods; enabling transaction leads direct to a sale. Shaping attitudes can help build brand awareness, and solicit response. An advertisement may be intended to identify new leads or as a start for two-way communication (Archer et al 2002). In these cases an interactive advertisement may encourage a use to type in an e-mail address. In contrast to tra

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Credibility in desired career path in criminal justice Essay

Credibility in desired career path in criminal justice - Essay Example It is often argued that detective/criminal investigators are paid quite less as compared to other professions. These aspects are at times quite de-motivating for the individuals who are in this profession. Rewards and compensations are key elements that encourage people to work efficiently. However, the profession of detective/criminal investigator often lacks in terms of this kind of encouragement which can be considered as an issue towards compromising one’s credibility. Moreover, proper education is also a vital issue associated with this profession. It has been noted that individuals engaged in this professions at times lack required guidance and education as detective/criminal investigator, as now-a-days there is a need for incorporating a lot of knowledge and skills to handle different critical scenarios. In this regard, a lack of higher education regarding the subject matter at times can create hindrances in terms of selecting the right and the wrong path of action espe cially regarding credibility (Orthmann & Hess, 2012; PICJ, 2010). These aspects or issues can be avoided with the adoption of certain measures such as setting proper higher practical education as one of the criteria for such profession. Moreover, the government or private authorities should also intend to revise the remuneration structure in such profession, keeping in view the high risks faced by the individuals involved in

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Societies Degrees of Mental Wellness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Societies Degrees of Mental Wellness - Essay Example Here, one can start considering the multitudes of psychological testing they endured before expiration. Then, familiar pop-culture icons are useful in bringing reality to the subject of insanity which, he says, has inoculated all of society. So, those interested in the extremes of horror for their personal entertainment become news headline. Those indulging in such primal insanity bring personal fears up front, close and personal because they were never caught. He also reinforces those warnings the parents and caregivers pass onto their children, as they venture out into a world where everyone is dealing with issues of psychological wellness to some degree, leaving individuals ill-equipped to identify people like those who got away with it. Upon the review of his literary and cinematic stories, it gives one pause when trying to pin point him on his own mental illness scale. Therefore, horror entertainment fanatics are targeted by Stephen King, as he introduces them to what he calls a totally mentally ill society. He shows how all the forms of horror entertainment allow followers to savor their individual mental illness without repercussions, because they are authorized by pop-culture idols and logically ingested by his use of deep-seated analogies, which leave the audience with a humorous look at our society as being made up of a population of the mentally ill. When the analysis turns the reader to seek out and determine the normal, conservative reactionaries, King directs them to pop-culture icons. First, by showing in the horror film junkie what real ugliness is; then, he shows the beauty that a lot of people aspire to and, in turn, lets them know that no one could never be truly ugly†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Freda Jackson as the horrible melting woman in Die, Monster, Die! confirms for us that no matter how far we may be removed from the beauty of a Robert Redford or a Diana Ross, we are still light-years from true ugliness.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (King, line 8). To explain this , Freda Jackson is perceived as a melting woman in Die Monster, Die! substantiates that no matter how far we may be away from the beauties of Diana Ross or Robert Redford, we are not even close to being ugly. This also results into feeling re-establishment of ordinarily; the horror film is essentially traditional and reactionary. This leaves those who watch such films to sit back and simply get entertained and have fun, only that this type of fun is unique in its coming from seeing other menaced and even occasionally killed. This has led to some critics suggesting that horror film has been turned into public form of execution. As King complements readers on their behavior, people are only there to enjoy each other and to clarify one's reality of normalcy. He says, â€Å"I think that we’re all mentally ill; those of us outside the asylums only hide it a little better – and maybe not all that much better, after all.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (King, line 1). Something worth noting i s that everybody is insane; what brings the difference amongst them is the degree of sanity. It is at this point that the severely insane part of society is acknowledgeable by those who have not expired at their hands, or otherwise. For instance, there are those capable of carving women, like in the case of Jack, â€Å"were the likes of Jack the Ripper, the Cleveland Torso Murderer, we clap you away in the funny farm (but

Outcome Measures in Audiology Rehabilitation Essay - 1

Outcome Measures in Audiology Rehabilitation - Essay Example An outcome measure thus becomes the interface that lies in between goals set forth by a professional in rehabilitation and the response given by a client in a clinical procedure. Outcome measures can be put as being objective or subjective. An example of an objective outcome would be word recognition whereas self reports fall under subjective category. The choice of an outcome measure thus constitutes what a professional perceives as the goal of a particular intervention on a certain patient. Outcome measure is carried out with the intent of establishing the effects of a certain intervention on a patient (Hull, 2001). Therefore, outcome measure is basically a question of degree of clinical effectiveness. Usages of self-report measures are beneficial in that they act as facilitation to hearing aid fittings for an individual. They also can be used to assess the efficacy of fittings administered on an individual or even efficiency of an institution. Moreover, such measures remain very crucial in clinical decisions. Appreciate fundamentals  ­Ã‚ ­Ã¢Ë†â€™ these can be either practical or even technical. Practical considerations involve such things as considering the burden that comes with administering a certain measure both to the patient as well as the clinician administering it. The technical considerations involve such things as reliability, validity as well as norms attached to an outcome measure (McClimans & Browne, 2011). Succinct definition of purpose − this is to imply that a good tool must be clear as to the purpose it is designed to achieve. Such a purpose needs to be clearly and out rightly stated in the tool and not vaguely. Target population − A certain instrument should be unambiguous when it comes to a target population, and this should have certain things accompanying the selection of such a population, for instance, demographic details like age or gender. Reliability of a