Employee engagement is crucial for effective, corporate decision Essay

Employee engagement is crucial for effective, corporate decision making. Discuss using examples from two global companies - Essay Example Employee engagement profoundly affects an employee’s willingness to learn, cooperate, and work together with others (Karsan & Kruse 2011). Employee engagement can therefore be identified as a fundamental element of teamwork. Engagement should, however, not be confused with satisfaction and motivation. Different individuals might find parts of their job which offer satisfaction and motivation yet they might not be fully engaged. The concept of employee engagement remains an essential element of business management, which can effectively assist in corporate decision-making. Employee engagement could be defined as the willingness and ability for employees to assist the organisation to succeed, through offering discretionary effort, continuously (Wellins et al. 2005). Business decisions regarding human resource can be effectively undertaken through the understanding of various aspects of employee engagement. The element of engagement could be measured through the continuous mo nitoring of individuals behaviour, consequently understanding their engagement to work related activities (Seijts & Crim 2006). Proper knowledge of the engagement level possessed by employees can assist human resource management decisions by identifying individual’s skills and motivators. ... Employees to stay within the organisation commonly display the employee commitment through the desire. Many international corporations engage in the assessment of employee engagement in enhancing the decision-making process. This enables the corporations to make informed business decisions regarding the organisational operations. There are several aspects of employee management which managers must undertake in order to ensure their employees remain engaged to their respective jobs. Among these drivers of employee engagement, the top three could be identified as management’s interest in employee well-fare, work related challenges, and the decision making authority (Saks 2006). Employee engagement notable among many employees remains the capacity to fell valued and involved within the company operations. This significantly concerns the decision-making process utilised within an organisation. Involvement of employees in decision making helps in increasing their morale. Conseque ntly, the ultimate results of decision-making involvement are increased engagement of employees with corporate operations. The involvement of employees in decision-making includes seeking their opinions regarding various issues surrounding corporate operations. Though their ideas might not be implemented, the thought of having voiced their ideas becomes a source of encouragement. Managers remain the key to achieving engagement of an entire corporate workforce. In achieving considerable engagement of employees the managers must undertake various responsibilities aimed at improving the morale of employees (Baumruk & Gorman 2006). Firstly, managers

Information Technology Application in Marketing Essay

Information Technology Application in Marketing - Essay Example Facebook, unlike other social networking websites, has a clearly defined target market that starts from students who are enrolled in high schools, college and university. The differentiating factor for Facebook is that it is all focused towards students only through creating study groups, keeping in touch with distant friends and getting information. Students use it to make their social life prominent through using various features of Facebook such as uploading, sharing and commenting on photos. Facebook earns its profit mainly through advertising. It gets involved in three different ways of advertising. One is banner ads, sponsored groups and text announcements. The visitors’ traffic and the time spent on the site also serve as a major indicator for Facebook success (Mitchell, n.d.). GOOGLE Another social media website selected is Google. Google is the most visited website that provides solutions and answers for almost all the questions through its search optimization system. Google is primarily a search engine and serves almost everyone in thirst of some knowledge or information regarding anything. Google generates its profits through online advertising (Channel 4, 2012). Google has involved in an activity called targeted advertising through which organizations use Google Adwords and Adsense to get their names or articles to get displayed on the top (Splatf, 2011). WIKIPEDIA Wikipedia is another social media network that helps individual to gain information on related topics. The business model that Wikipedia has implemented is that people who love to write and want to make their contribution can write an article and then hence upload it. Wikipedia provides a feature to make amendments to article or edit it. And even if any conflict is observed in the provided information it is then resolved by Wikipedia resolution party. The writers or authors here are voluntary writers. They do not do it for any monetary rewards but for internal satisfaction and inte rest. Wikipedia has some donors as well who provide funds to the site, and they are called wiki donors. Wikipedia does not display advertisements as other sites do and also does not charge any subscription fees. It still earns through the web traffic it has, and the number of time spent on the site by each visitor. It does not employ more than 35 employees in its organization and has managed to reduce its administration and operation costs to the least. Sustainability of the models All these three sites are sustaining because of the differentiated service and user interface experience they provide. The value that they are providing to their users is of immense importance. Their business models are different from others and quite uniquely profitable in nature. Facebook earns through its online advertising whereas Google earns through its online search optimization and its own advertising techniques and Wikipedia earns profits through minimizing its overhead cost. Future of Social Med ia Sites The future of these sites would be a more co-operative and user friendly one. These sites would progress now more towards working on virtual reality and making some efforts towards surprising users through adding features more inclined towards 3D virtual reality. How Social media sites are adapting to cell phones and PCs As technology is advancing, access to these websites is to be made from multiple devices that are

Case Study On A Patient With Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Case Study On A Patient With Pulmonary Tuberculosis The case that is about to be discussed here revolves around a patient diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The patient that was clerked, Mrs A, was a 61 year old woman. She was a Malay housewife. Her Body Mass Index value of 26.0 kg/m2 based on her height of 1.58 m and weight of 65 kg indicated that she fell into the overweight range. The patient was admitted to the Accident Emergency mode transferred in from another hospital via an ambulance. She presented symptoms such as shortness of breath(SOB) and her respiratory rate was 20 breaths per minute. She appeared pale and weak and her blood glucose levels were low (2.1 mmol/l) and her blood pressure values indicated she was hypertensive with a value of 152/93 mmHg. Upon physical examination, mild leg swelling was observed. Based on her past medical history, patient was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis for the past 3 months, hypertension for the past 5 years, diabetes for the past 5 years and advanced renal failure for the past 6 months. Upon enquiry, she was seen to be a non-smoker and a non alcoholic. Patient lived with her daughter. Several investigations were performed to evaluate the patients condition. A positive sputum smear test indicated that the patients tuberculosis was still active. Upon renal function assessment, creatinine clearance was calculated and a value of 5.5 ml/min indicated Stage 5 renal failure. Her potassium and urea levels were also above range based on Table 1. Upon haematology assessment, her low blood sugar levels indicated hypoglycaemia and patients haemoglobin count was also low signifying anemia. Chest X ray was conducted on this patient and minor lesions at the apical segments of the upper lobe were seen. This is a typical radiographic representation of patients with tuberculosis. Table 1: Results of the investigations performed Laboratory Test Readings Normal range Sputum Smear Test Positive Renal Function Creatinine, Cr Urea Potassium, K+ 912 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/l 37.8 mmol/l 5.5 mmol/l 44-80 ÃŽÂ ¼mol/l 1.7 8.5 mmol/l 3.5 5.0 mmol/l Haematology Assessment Blood Sugar Level Haemoglobin 2.1 mmol/l 9.8 g/dl 4.5 6.0 mmol/l 13.5 18 g/dl Table 2 provides details about patients drug history giving information about patients drugs and their respective doses. Upon interview, patient informed that she had not been purchasing any over the counter medications. She also has no known drug allergy. Table 2 : Drug History and their respective doses and their indication Drug Dose Duration Indication Rifampicin 300 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Isoniazid 200 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Pyrazinamide 750 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Ethambutol 600 mg OD 2 months Anti TB Pyridoxine 20 mg OD 2 months Treatment of neuropathy Gliclazide 40 mg OD 5 years Anti diabetic Prazosin 2 mg TDS 5 years Anti Hypertensive Furosemide 80 mg OD 5 years Anti Hypertensive Nifedipine 20 mg TDS 5 years Anti Hypertensive Based on the investigations performed, the patient was diagnosed to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus. Patients daily condition was monitored and appropriate management was undertaken to control the patients condition. Patients overall progress is tabulated in the table 3 and the observation is recorded. Table 3 : Patients clinical progress and management Day Clinical Progress Management 1 Hypoglycemia = 2.1 mmol/L AFB test positive Chest X ray performed SOB Hyperkalaemia ( 5.5 mol/L) Anemic ( 9.8 g/dL) BP : 152/93 mmHg Strict fluid intake IV Dextrose 10%/24 hours Refer to chest physician Lesions at upper lobes NPO2 to resolve SOB Start on Calcium polystyrene Start Ferrous (IV) sulphate Start antihypertensives Monitor input output 2 AFB test +ve Blood Sugar Level = 3.0 mmol/L BP : 140/90 mmHg Start TB regimen (EHRZ) Continue IV Dextrose 10% Monitor Blood Glucose Continue antihypertensives 3 Blood Sugar level = 3.2 mmol/L Severe renal impairment ( CrCl =5.6 ml/min ) Chest X ray done time to time BP : 130/70 mmHg Continue dextrose infusion Send patient for dialysis Lesions still present Continue antihypertensives 4 No SOB Hypoglycaemia resolved = 5.5 mmol/L AFB +ve BP : 130/75 mmHg Remove nasal prongs Stop Dextrose. Monitor blood glucose Continue TB regimen 6 K+ level in normal range ( 4.5 mmol/L) Blood Sugar level = 6.0 mmol/L CrCl = 7.7 ml/min BP : 130/65 mmHg Stop Calcium polystyrene. Monitor blood glucose Send patient for dialysis 8 Hyperglycemia = 11.1 mmol/L BP : 125/75 mmHg Start on Insulin DM counselling 13 AFB -ve DXT = 10.2 mmol/L BP : 120/70 mmHg Transfer out of isolation Continue insulin. Monitor blood glucose Based on patients presentation and results from investigations performed on day 1, patient was started on dextrose and her blood glucose levels were regularly monitored. Based on patients previous history, a sputum smear test was ordered and two consecutive positive results resulted in the patient being referred to the chest physician. A chest X ray was performed and lesions in the apical segment were present. To resolve patients SOB, patient was started on Nasal Prongs at 3L/min. To control her hyperkalemia, patient was given calcium polystyrene sulphonate powder. Patient was also started on ferrous sulphate infusion to help her cope with her anaemia. A strict fluid intake was imposed on patient to resolve her leg swelling and this was monitored through an input output chart. Her blood pressure (BP) levels were also elevated and patient was given antihypertensives such as nifedipine, prazosin and furosemide to control her BP. On day 2, her sputum smear remained positive and patient was commenced on the intial phase therapy for tuberculosis which consists of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. There was not much improvement in her blood glucose levels and patient was remained on the dextrose infusion. Moving on to day 3, not much improvement was observed and due to patients deteriorating renal function, patient was sent for peritoneal dialysis. By day 4, patient could breath normally and no shortness of breath was seen. Nasal prongs were removed. When her blood glucose levels were monitored, the results indicated patient was within the normal range and dextrose was withheld. Blood glucose levels were still monitored to prevent sudden drops and increase in blood glucose. Her potassium levels were within range by day 6 and calcium polystyrene sulphonate was stopped and potassium levels were monitored as well. Patient suffered from a hyperglycemia episode on day 8 and the patient was given biphasic insulin to treat this condition. By this day, her BP was also in the normal range but the antihypertensives were still continued. On day 13, patient was transferred out of the isolation ward as her sputum smear test produced negative results. Patients condition for tuberculosis was still being monitored. Her blood glucose levels were still in the high range and patient was to be continued on insulin. To summarize this case, patients active tuberculosis state should be managed well to ensure patient does not suffer from further complications that might arise in the future. Patients history was well noted and this helped in treating the patient in early stages. Adequate investigations were performed to assist the healthcare professional team to diagnose the patient and also to manage the patient. Patient was admitted for a long period but the appropriate management that was undertaken resulted in improvement in patients condition. Further care for the patient would improve the patients quality of life in the future Pathophysiology and Incidence Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that has plagued many nations across the world. Based on the report by World Health Organization (WHO), almost 9.4 million cases of TB were reported 3. It is highly common of those with TB to contract the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and a prevalence of almost 1.7 million deaths from TB among HIV-negative people was recorded around the globe 3. In the United Kingdom, an increasing trend in TB incidence has been reported and this is shown in Figure 1. In 2008, a rate of 14 per 100 000 population in the UK were reported to be suffering from TB 4. Malaysia on the other hand has a higher record of TB cases with 103 per 100 000 population being reported in 2007. Table 1 summarizes some of the data obtained from World Health Organization 3. Figure 1: Number of TB cases reported in the UK from 2000 to 2008 4 Table 1: Statistics displaying number of TB cases in Malaysia in 2007 3 All In HIV + people Incidence All forms of TB (per 100 000 population) 103 17 Mortality All forms of TB (per 100 000 population) 121 8.3 Multi-drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) MDR-TB among new cases (%) 0.1 Notified relapse cases (per 100 000 pop/yr) 61 The bacteria that is responsible for this disease is the acid fast bacilli aerobic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis 1. A key feature that enables this bacterium to survive would be its unique cell wall. Mycolic acids are linked covalently to arabinogalactan that provides a barrier to host defense mechanism. Antigens such as lipoarabinomannan present on the exterior of the cell wall facilitate the survival of the organism within macrophages 1. Tuberculosis is spread usually spread within droplets containing the microorganism that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks 1,2. Figure 1 gives a schematic impression of the progression of the disease. The inhaled droplets are initially trapped by dendritic cells that act to expel any foreign particles out. Most mycobacteria are able to surpass this defense mechanism and travels further to the alveoli where it gets ingested by macrophages 1. It then undergoes intracellular replication that might take duration o f 4 to 6 weeks. Cytokines are further released during this period and this attracts T lymphocytes that are involved in mediating a cell immune response. The next natural defense system step would be the formation of granuloma that contains the activated T lymphocytes and macrophages. These nodular lesions disable further spread of the disease as the environment within restricts the growth of the bacilli and a latent period occurs 1. For less immunocompetent individuals, the granuloma will not be able to contain the bacilli and the active disease takes form 1. Figure 1: Image depicting the progress of tuberculosis 2 The diagnostic tests available are summarized in Table 2. TB can be divided to latent and active and to diagnose each different test has been recommended. For latent TB, Mantoux test can be carried out and those with positive results can be considered for QuantiFERON TB test 5. To diagnose active pulmonary TB, a chest X-ray would be taken followed by multiple sputum samples that are sent for smear test 5. Table 2: Diagnostic tests available for tuberculosis 1 Variable Purpose Time required for results Sputum smear Detect acid fast bacilli Sputum culture Identify M tuberculosis 3-6 weeks with solid media, 4-14 days with high-pressure liquid chromatography Tuberculin skin test/ Mantoux Detect exposure to mycobacteria 48 72 hours QuantiFERON TB-test Measure immune reactivity to M tuberculosis 12 24 hours Chest radiography Visualize lobar infiltrates with cavitation Minutes The drugs that are commonly used in tuberculosis are isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. Rifampicin is a bactericidal agent that inhibits RNA synthesis by binding to the ß subunit of RNA polymerase. It can be given via oral administration and can even be distributed to the central nervous system due to its lipophilicity. Metabolism of this drug occurs in the liver and it is usually excreted in the urine. Isoniazid is a bactericidal pro-drug that inhibits ketoenoylreductase enzyme, InhA, that is responsible in synthesizing mycolic acids. Isoniazid can be administered orally, intramuscularly or intravenously and is acetylated in the liver and subsequently excreted in the urine. Pyridoxine 10 mg is given concurrently to minimize this risk. Pyrazinamide is another prodrug that is activated by nicotinamidase to pyrazinoic acid. This component at low pH carries proton into the cell and collapses the proton motive force present in the mycobacterium which results in cell d eath. It is only bactericidal against non growing bacilli forms.. Ethambutol works by binding to arabinosyl transferase enzyme and inhibits the polymerization of the cell wall arabinan component. Table 3 gives the details of the dose and side effects reported with the administration of the tuberculosis drugs. Table 3: Tuberculosis drugs with their respective doses and side effects 6,7 Drug Dose Side effects Isoniazid 5 -8 mg/kg (max 300 mg) Peripheral neuropathy, hepatotoxicty Rifampicin 10 15 mg/kg (max 600 mg) Nausea, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, orange discolouration of urine Pyrazinamide 20 40 mg/kg ( max 1.5 g 50 kg) Nausea , vomitting, hyperuricemia Ethambutol 15 25 mg/kg Neuropathy, red green color blindness Evidence based medication review Treatment for Tuberculosis In the past three decades, no new drugs have been discovered in fighting TB. The 4 drugs have been the gold standard in treating TB The chemotherapy regimen available for tuberculosis therapy can be divided to the initial phase and the continuation phase. In the initial phase, drugs such as rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol are used 6. These drugs act to decrease the amount of bacteria present and also prevent resistance from emerging from the strains. This regimen is usually for 2 months. The continuation phase would consist of drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin. Isoniazid was the first drug to be introduced into combating tuberculosis back in the 1950s. Rifampicin , an antibiotic, was later added to the market and was added to the isoniazid regimen in 1967. This resulted in shortening the duration of treatment from 12 months to a 6 to 9 month treatment 9. Addition of pyrazinamide to the regimen decreased the chemotherapy duration further. Clinical studies have indicated that a pyrazinamide containing short course regimen had a sputum negative conversion rate of 70-95% in the first two months compared to the treatment without pyrazinamide 11. The relapse rates recorded from these studies also were only 4%. A clinical study conducted in East Africa compared the four 6-month daily regimens that comprised of Streptomycin, Isoniazid and Rifampicin (SHR), Streptomycin, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide (SHZ); Streptomycin, Isoniazid and thiacetazone (SHZ) and Streptomycin and Isoniazid (SH) 10. The SHZ regimen that was the most effective amongst all the regimens and the SHR regimen had the lowest relapse rate of 2% 30 months post treatment 10. No significant difference results were obtained from the treatment regimen that was carried out for 18 months 10. This study gives an impression of the efficacy of the isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide regimen when used together In a Poland study, the efficacy of the 4 different drug regimens containing rifampicin, isoniazid and ethambutol were assessed. During the initial phase, patients were given isoniazid 300 mg, rifampicin 600 mg and ethambutol 25 mg/kg 8. In the continuation phase the regimens given to patients comprised of rifampicin 600 mg, isoniazid 15mg/kg(Regimen A), isoniazid 15 mg/kg rifampicin 600 mg twice a week (Regimen B), Isoniazid 15kg/mg, rifampicin 600 mg ethambutol 50mg/kg once a week (Regimen C) and Isoniazid 15mg/kg, rifampicin 600 mg, ethambutol 50mg/kg twice a week (Regimen D) 8. The result of this study demonstrated that Regimen D had 47% of its patients displaying a significant change in their sputum result to a negative result compared to the other regimens. There were no significant differences in rates between all regimens by the end of the fifth month as all patients had their sputum converted to negative. This study had the limitation of not including pyrazinamide in its regi men but it can be seen that to achieve a quicker rate of sputum negative cultures a regimen containing ethambutol could be used in the continuation phase. A trial conducted by Jindani et al. assessed the effectiveness of daily dosing of the intial phase drugs compared to the intermittent thrice weekly dosing. The drugs that were assessed were isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. The doses that were given to the patients were based on WHO recommendations. The outcome measured after 2 months had 77% of the patients with negative sputum cultures after their 2 month stint (p=0.001) 13. A similar study was conducted in Hong Kong with the difference being a 12 month follow up period. By the end of the second month, 94% of patient receiving the daily regimen had improved. 90% of those under the intermittent regimen also had improved by the second month. Over the long term follow up, more relapse cases were recorded but the values were not significant 14. Hypoglycemia Treatment Patient was hypoglycemic upon arrival and dextrose infusion was provided to restore the patients normal blood glucose range. Two forms of treatment are usually available for hypoglycemic attacks namely glucagon and dextrose infusion. A study compared the efficacy between both the options and it was observed that both were capable of treating hypoglycemia effectively. The only disparity observed was the recovery. Patients on dextrose infusion are capable of regaining consciousness by 4 minutes compared to 6 minutes for patients that were on glucagon ( p Table 4 : Results of 51 hypoglycemic patients treated with dextrose 10% and dextrose 50% 27 Dextrose 10% Dextrose 50% Median time needed to attain recovery (minutes) 8 8 Median total dose administered 10g ( p 25g (p Median post treatment blood sugar levels 6.2 mmol/l (p=0.003) 9.4 mmol/l (p=0.003) Diabetes Treatment Oral antidiabetic agents such as gliclazide in the patients drug history would not be sufficient for her to have proper control over her glycemic levels. It was reported that tuberculosis affects the hormonal secretion by interfering with endocrinal organs such as pancreas 15. Rifampicin reduces the concentration of gliclazide by inducing liver microsomal enzymes CYP 2C9 that rapidly eliminates gliclazide from circulating in the system 15,16,17. In a study by Park et al., patients given with 80 mg gliclazide had the concentration of the drug present in the body reduced by 70% on day 7. The elimination half life of the drug also increased 3 fold 17. All these contribute to the inability of the sulfonyluea to reduce the glucose levels in this patient. According to the stepwise approach in NICE guidelines, the next step to manage this patient would be to start the insulin regimen18. The type of insulin that was given was biphasic Mixtard insulin analogue that consists of a short acting analogue and also a long acting analogue. P.V. Rao reported that, due to the insulin resistance present in patients started on anti Tb therapy, the doses of insulin needed to manage these patients increase 15. It is well proven that insulin can achieve better HbA1c levels as a clinical trial by United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) revealed that after 9 years monotherapy with insulin, 28% of patients achieved HbA1c levels below 7% and 42% patients achieved fasting plasma glucose levels below 7.8 mmol/l 19. Hypertension Treatment Patient was suffering from Stage 5 renal disease and the target for blood pressure in this patient would be 125/75 mm Hg 20. First line treatment for this patient would be loop diuretic, furosemide 20. They act by inhibiting the Na+/K+/2Cl- transporter on the ascending limb of loop of Henle which results in natriuresis and hence a fall in blood volume 21. This loop diuretic also performs its vasodilator actions via prostaglandin (PGE2 and prostacyclin) formation. This results in an increased blood flow in the medulla 21. In accordance to SIGN guidelines as well, long acting dihyrdopyridines such as nifedipine and ÃŽÂ ± blockers can be added as supplementary therapy 20. Nifedipine, a calcium antagonist acts by causing vasodilatation due to reduction in peripheral resistance. ÃŽÂ ± blockers such as prazosin block ÃŽÂ ±1 receptors and this results in vasodilation. A study by Vadasz displayed that Furosemide doses at 40 mg did not display any significant changes in systolic blood pressure. However, when the dose was increased to 60 mg, there was a significant reduction in blood pressure 21,22. A combined dose of 40 mg and 60 mg were effective in reducing the diastolic blood pressure. Based on this evidence, it is clear that furosemide on its own is not capable of decreasing blood pressure. When nifedipine was combined with diuretics it was observed that a statistically significant lower risk of cardiovascular events was observed compared to the non-statistically significant difference that was noted with nifedipine monotherapy 22. In another study by Psaty et al, nifedipine did not demonstrate an increase of risk in myocardial infarction compared to the other calcium channel blockers 25. Prazosins efficacy in lowering blood pressure was studied and the lowest effective dose that is capable of reducing blood pressure was noted to be 10mg 26. Doses below 10 mg per day did not significantly reduce the blood pressure compared to the placebo arm. Treatment of Anaemia Patient had very low haemoglobin levels and this was indicative of anaemia. NICE guidelines have recommended that in order to manage anemia, patients are usually given eryhtropoetin stimulating agents and also iron supplements to help produce haemoglobin 23. There has been no evidence in the use of iron supplements in patients with chronic kidney disease prior to treatment with erythropoietin. But it is recommended that the erythropoietin therapy should not be commenced in conditions of complete iron absence 23. In some conditions, where patients were in Stage 5 renal failure also diagnosed with other co-morbidities, treatment with erythropoietin stimulating agents is decided based on clinical judgment by the professional team if the patient were to benefit from the treatment 23. Treatment of Hyperkalaemia Patient was suffering from mild hyperkalemia and it was necessary that this was be treated before it progresses to severe hyperkalemia that might lead to adverse events such as cardiac arrest. A study compared the effectiveness between sodium polystyrene sulfonate and calcium polysterene sulfonate and it is noted that treatement with sodium increases sodium concentration in the body and this escalates the risk of hypertension 24. Treatment with calcium polystyrene sulfonate resulted in 50% decrease in potassium content and an additional advantage of increase in calcium concentration was observed as well 24. Conclusion Based on all the evidence provided for the patients condition, it is clear that the guidelines were adhered in treating the patients individual disease with some minor differences. Tuberculosis treatment for the initial phase was extended for more than 2 months due to the positive result obtained from sputum smear. Patient eventually achieved negative sputum smear and the patient was to be monitored before the patient was commenced on the continuous phase drugs. Effective treatment was undertaken to treat patients hypoglycemia condition, and based on the evidence gathered, dextrose 10% is the suitable treatment option for the patient. The antihypertensive regimen that was chosen was due to the patients renal failure. Nifedipine, prazosin and furosemide collectively controlled the blood pressure of the patient. Ferrous sulphate was chosen as her treatment compared to erythropoietin and this was based on the doctors clinical judgement. Her hyperkalemia which was treated with calcium su lfonate did benefit the patient as her potassium levels were within the normal range at the end of the treatment. PATIENT MEDICATION PROFILE PATIENT DETAILS Name Mrs A Consultant General Practitioner Address Kuala Lumpur Gender Female Weight 65 Height 158 Community Pharmacist Date of Birth (Age) 61 Known Sensitivities None Social History Non smoker Non Alcoholic PATIENT HOSPITAL STAY Presenting complaint in primary care / reason for admission Admission date April Low Sugar Level : 2.1 mmol/L Discharge Date Discharged to Not Known Shortness of breath RELEVANT MEDICAL HISTORY RELEVANT DRUG HISTORY Date Problem Description Date Medication Comments Feb Pulmonary Tuberculosis Feb Rifampicin 6 months Advanced Renal Failure Feb Isoniazid 5 years Hypertension Feb Pyrazinamide 5 years Diabetes Mellitus Feb Ethambutol Feb Pyridoxine 6 months Prazosin 6 months Nifedipine 6 months Furosemide Gliclazide RELEVANT NON DRUG TREATMENT Peritoneal Dialysis Prescribed Medication Start Stop Clinical/Laboratory Tests Date Result 1 Rifampicin Day 1 Sputum Smear Test Day 1 Positive 2 Isoniazid Day 1 Creatinine Day 1 912 Â µmol 3 Pyrazinamide Day 1 Urea Day 1 37.8 mmol/l 4 Ethambutol Day 1 Potassium Day 1 5.5 mmol/l 5 Pyridoxine Day 1 Blood Glucose Day 1 2.1 mmol/l 6 Prazosin Day 1 Blood Pressure Day 1 152/93 7 Nifedipine Day 1 Haemoglobin Day 1 9.8 g/dl 8 Furosemide Day 1 Chest Xray Day 1 Lesions in the apical segment 9 Dextrose Solution Day 1 Day 4 Blood Glucose Day 8 11.1 mmol/l 10 Ferrous sulphate Day 1 Sputum Smear Day 13 Negative 11 Calcium polystyrene sulphate powder Day 1 Day 6 12 Insulin Mixtard Day 8 CLINCIAL MANAGEMENT Diagnosis Pharmaceutical Need Pulmonary Tuberculosis Continue patient on intial phase drugs Hypoglycemia Start patient on dextrose Hypertension Continue antihypertensive treatment Hyperkalaemia Start calcium polystyrene sulphonate powder Anaemia Start ferrous sulphate Advanced Renal Failure Send patient for peritoneal dialysis PHARMACEUTICAL CARE PLAN Date Care Issue/Desired Output Action Output Sub therapeutic doses For Anti TB drugs Discussed with the pharmacist and patients diabetic condition was the reason for the dose regimen Doses were not changed Drug sensitivity testing was not performed Patient is diabetic and is more susceptible for MDR-TB No test was performed Management of patients compliance towards anti tuberculosis drugs -Patient might be hospitalised for a long period of time due to renal failure -DOTS scheme to be implemented upon discharge -Adequate patient education on the importance of completing the regimen is important Hospitalisation or DOTS scheme Renal failure Ethambutol excreted by kidney. Suggest change of medication to 2 Isoniazid + Rifampicin + Pyrazinamide -If treatment continued, monitoring essential Continue treatment as before and patient being monitored AFB test Another 2 samples should be taken for AFB tests before switching to the continuous phase Action yet to be taken Monitor drug toxicity Lab investigations on full blood count, liver function, serum uric acid, serum bilirubin, should be done to ensure no toxicity Eye examination for ethambutol side effects Scheduled appointments for patient Education on side effects of drugs To inform patient about anti Tb drugs side effect and advise patient not to stop the drug and side effects can be controlled ( PZA and arthralgia ) Counseling by pharm

Woodstock Essay -- essays research papers fc

The muddiest four days in history were celebrated in a drug-induced haze in Sullivan County, New York (Tiber 1). Music soared through the air and into the ears of the more than 450,000 hippies that were crowded into Max Yasgur's pasture. "What we had here was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence," said Bethel town historian Bert Feldmen. "Dickens said it first: 'it was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. It's an amalgam that will never be reproduced again" (Tiber 1). It also closed the New York State Thruway and created one of the nation's worst traffic jams (Tiber 1). Woodstock, with its rocky beginnings, epitomized the culture of that era through music, drug use, and the thousands of hippies who attended, leaving behind a legacy for future generations. Woodstock was the hair brained idea of four men that met each other completely at random. It was the counterculture's biggest bash, which ultimately cost over $2.4 million, and was sponsored by John Roberts, Joel Rosenman, Artie Kornfeld, and Michael Lang (Young 18). John Roberts was an heir to a drugstore and toothpaste manufacturing fortune. He supplied the money, for he had a multi-million dollar trust fund, a University of Pennsylvania degree, and a Lieutenant's commission in the Army (Tiber 1). Joel Rosenman, the son of a prominent Long Island orthodontist, had just graduated from Yale Law School (Makower 28). In 1967, he was playing guitar for a lounge band in motels from Long Island to Law Vegas. He and Roberts met on a golf course in the fall of 1966 (Tiber 1). By the next winter, Roberts and Rosenman shared an apartment and were trying to figure out what to do with their lives. One idea was to create a screw ball situation comedy for television (Landy, Spirit 62). "It w as an office comedy about two pals with more money than brains and a thirst for adventure," Rosenman said. To get plot ideas for their sitcom, Roberts and Rosenman put a classified as in the Wall Street Journal and Fanning 2 the New York Times in March of 1968 that read: "Young men with unlimited capital looking for interesting, legitimate investment opportunities and business propositions" (Tiber 1). Artie Kornfeld was the vice-president of Capitol Records. He smoked hash in the office and was the Company's connection with the rockers that were starting to sell millions or reco... ...ug use, and the thousands of hippies who attended, leaving behind a legacy for future generations. II. How Woodstock got Started; The Events Leading up to Woodstock0 A. Woodstock was the hair brained idea of four men that met each other completely at random. B. The four met to discuss their idea at a high-rise on 83rd Street. C. "In the cultural-political atmosphere of 1969, Kornfeld and Land knew it was important to pitch Woodstock in a way that would appeal to their peer's sense of independence. III. The Four Days of Woodstock A. After a much-anticipated wait, Friday, August 15, 1969, arrived. B. On Friday, Joan Baez was the headliner†¦and Sly and the Family Stone. C. There were people everywhere. D. There was a tent dubbed the Freak-Out Tent, which in reality was the nurses' station. IV. The Aftermath A. After the final hippie drudged out of Max Yasgur's pasture, the problems for Woodstock Ventures began. B. For the next decade, Woodstock was virtually a clichà © for all that was goofy and bad about the '60's. V. Conclusion Summary Sentence: A good time was had by all, and although it has been tried, perfection cannot be imitated.

California Bullet Train

Okay my current event is on the california bullet train. This train will go from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The state senate just recently gave 8 billion dollars for the first part of the 130 miles of track and also a couple other local transit upgrades. It was a tough win for democratic leaders because they got the bare minimum of 21 votes which were all democratic votes. This was a victory for Governor Jerry Brown and the Obama administration who have been pushing for this. It would also be the first bullet train in the U. S.The train will begin construction in the central valley from Bakersfield to Madera, which will cost about 5. 9 billion. Out of the 5. 9 billion, about 3. 2 billion is federal money and 2. 6 billion is state bonds. The train will travel at 220 MPH and get you to L. A. in about 2 and a half hours. There is also 2 billion for other rail projects, like the electrification of Cal train in the bay area and improvements for the Metrolink in Los Angeles County. With the electrification of cal train, the trains would be much lighter, quieter and put out 90% less pollution then the current diesel engines.They will be much safer, they will start and stop much more quickly then before, and will also be compatible with the rails they currently use. The proposition for the bullet train was first on the 2008 ballot and was then approved t, it gave 9. 9 billion to the project, since then the project has had delays and rising costs. In 2008 the total price of the bullet train was 33 billion, when voters okayed it. Now the estimated cost has more than doubled at 68 billion and the completion date was pushed from 2020 to 2028. A Los Angeles times poll in may showed that 59% of voters would reject the plan if it were back on the ballot.There is still a lot of work in the way before they can begin construction and is unclear when it will begin. They have to fight off five current lawsuits against the project, they have to negotiate with property owners alo ng the route especially big farm businesses, and have to comply with californias strict environmental laws. Republicans led by LaMalfa are creating a petition to put this rail line back on the ballot, but it is unlikely because the measure wouldn’t reach the statewide ballot box until November 2014, which is 18 months after construction is scheduled to start.I chose this article because it I think this would be a great addition to our state because it would open up many jobs which we desperately need. It would also take many cars off the road which would be a nice change in congested areas and would also reduce the amount of flights from sfo to la. In the beginning it would be expensive but later on in the future it would pay off with much more I don’t know why we are building this now while we are in a recession and not back in better times.I think they should have built this years ago. California needs more transportation like this and hopefully this could spark more trains to be built to replace the use of so many cars. I don’t think this article is biased because it is showing both points of view of people who want it and don’t want it. If I had the power to build this or not, I would have built this years ago because I think right now we need to put that money to better use such as education.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods Essay

There are different research methods that have been guided by different philosophy of science that were developed by philosopher, researcher and sociologist at their time of era. The well-known research methods are quantitative research methods. Quantitative are numerical methods associated with deductive approaches. Quantitative research methods are usually guided by the principles of positivism as it takes on objective reality and accepts single reality. Quantitative methods are usually used to measure size, observe numerical change over time, audience segmentation, testing hypothesis, and, quantifying attitudes, behaviors and opinions. The main importance of quantitative research is on deductive reasoning which tends to move from the general to the specific. The validity of conclusions is shown to be dependent on one or more premises being valid. For example, All students who study MBA in Kathmandu University works in a bank. Seema studies in MBA in Kathmandu University. Based on the premises, we can say that Seema works in a bank. Premises used in deductive reasoning are important because faulty premises can lead to wrong conclusions. Another popular method is qualitative method, which are usually associated with inductive approaches. Qualitative research methods are used on subjective matter, as in-depth study to explore subject matter. Qualitative research methods are guided by philosophies as post-positivism, critical theory, and constructivism. Qualitative research methods offer different kinds of ways to investigate on research problems as interview methods, focused group discussions,case studies and many others to understand the certain circumstances or culture in the society. The approach adopted by qualitative researchers tends to be inductive which means that they develop a theory or look for a pattern of meaning on the basis of the data that they have collected. This involves a move from the specific to the general and is sometimes called a bottom-up approach. However, most research projects also involve a certain degree of deductive reasoning (Trochim, 2005). Quantitative Research is more about collecting numerical data to study about certain phenomena. For example, what percentage of Nepalese student who go to US for foreign degree complete graduate course in United States? Other examples may be what percentage of Nepalese students who are studying in TU have negative attitude towards TU administrations. One usually has to use quantitative research when one wants answer in numbers. However, one has to study about complex situations and go with in-depth studies then qualitative methods should be used. For example, researcher wants to know how people view politics in Nepal? Similarly, a researcher wants to do ethnographic study of the culture of Tharus of Nepal and lives with Tharu for some years, immerse himself/herself in that environment to discover the meanings, convention of behavior, and ways of thinking important in tharu cultures. Similarly, even though the selection of research methods are based upon the problem selected, resource available, the skills of researcher and audience of the research, both the methodologies are also used together in a research which is known as mixed methods. â€Å"Mixed methods often combine nomothetic and idiographic approaches in an attempt to serve the dual purposes of generalization and in-depth understanding—to gain an overview of social regularities from a larger sample while understanding the other through detailed study of a smaller sample. Full integration of these approaches is difficult, hence the predominance of component studies†(Pat Bazeley, 2004) References (Bazeley, 2004) Social Research Methods. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2012, from www.socialresearchmethods. net: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/positivism (2005). In W. M. Trochium, Research Methods (2nd ed.).

Concept and Importance of the Positive Thinking

Concept and Importance of the Positive Thinking Positive thinking refers to the act of directing one’s mind to constructive thoughts that deviate from negativity and that are characterized by hope and expectations for better things in life (Quilliam, 2008, p.21).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept and Importance of the Positive Thinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Its development involves constant practice and persistent efforts. Positive thinking is important in life because it helps manage and eradicate stress, gives more energy to carry out daily activities, improves relationships, creates peace of mind, fosters a healthy lifestyle and guarantees success (Farreer, 2004, p.18). In addition, it enhances personal happiness and fulfillment, gives hope of a better future and aids in time management and personal organization. Positive thinking is vital in management and eradication of stress in life. This comes from the habit of looking and handling things positively. It enables a person concentrate on things that create a better life and enables an individual let go of situations that are either wearisome and distressing (Peale, 2012, p.32). Stress comes from constant worry and frustration with life situations that do not serve a person’s purpose in life. Positive thinking leads to the realization that negative thinking creates more problems and complexities in life than are unnecessary. Positive thinkers are able to evaluate problems and come up with appropriate solutions while negative thinkers see problems and resign to fate because they consider them difficult and impossible to solve. Positivity keeps stress out of life and improves a person’s well being. Positive thinking improves relationships by making it easier to connect with other people. People hate negative thinkers because they focus their energies on the wrongs of life and rarely recognize the good present, which if acted upon, can improve life in a great way. Positive thinking helps build deeper and better relationships that are founded on trust, great understanding and support (Peale, 2003, p.54). In addition, this helps create a healthier lifestyle because being at peace with friends, family and society gives peace of mind that is important for a good life. It eradicates anxiety and fear because of the feeling of belonging and worth created by being at peace with every one (Peale, 2012, p.61). In addition, it creates a good mood that appeals and attracts others thus enhancing good relationships. Spending more time with positive people is important in creating better relationships. Good time management and organization is a direct result of positive thinking (Peiffer, 2002, p.77). The inward organization of thoughts reflects the outward organization of a person’s life. As such, if a person organizes his thoughts through positive thinking, then he is able to organize other aspects of life. This organization improves ef ficiency and leads to good time management. A positive thinker has no time to waste because all activities are planned based on time allocated for those specific activities. Good time management can be achieved through prioritizing and focusing on the most important things.Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Life situations are complex and demanding. Therefore, energy is a requisite for effectiveness and high productivity. Positive thinking avails more energy to carry out life activities because it reduces fatigue that is caused by stress (Peiffer, 2002, p.84). Stress and negativity drain the energy needed for life accomplishments by bringing feelings of disinterest and boredom, fatigue and create bad moods. Finally, positive thinking guarantees success because an individual is able to prioritize and focus on important things (Sasson, 2012, p.66). In addition, peace of mind improv es concentration on tasks that determine success and well-being. References Farreer, G. (2004). A Gift of Positive Thinking. New York: Andrews McMeel Publishing. Peale, V. (2012).The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking. London: Ebury Publishing. Peale, V. (2003).The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results. New York: Simon and Schuster. Peiffer, V. (2002). Positive Thinking: Everything you have always known about  Positive Thinking but Were Afraid to Put into Practice. London: Thorsons. Quilliam, S. (2008). Positive thinking. New York: Dorling Kindersley.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept and Importance of the Positive Thinking specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Sasson, R. (2012). Positive Thinking your Key to Success. Retrieved from https://www.successconsciousness.com/index_00003a.htm

The Diet of the First Colonists in the Americas

The Diet of the First Colonists in the Americas The Kelp Highway Hypothesis is a theory concerning the original colonization of the American continents. Part of the Pacific Coast Migration Model, the Kelp Highway proposes that the first Americans reached the New World by following the coastline along Beringia and into the American continents, using edible seaweeds as a food resource. Revising Clovis First For the better part of a century, the main theory of human population of the Americas was that Clovis big game hunters came into North America at the end of the Pleistocene along an ice-free corridor between ice sheets in Canada, about 10,000 years ago. Evidence of all kinds has shown that theory to be full of holes. The ice free-corridor wasnt open.The oldest Clovis sites are in Texas, not Canada.The Clovis people were not the first people into the Americas.The oldest pre-Clovis sites are found around the perimeter of North and South America, all dating between 10,000 and 15,000 years ago. Sea level rises have inundated the coastlines that the colonizers would have known, but there is strong evidentiary support for the migration of people in boats around the Pacific rim. Even though their landing sites are likely submerged in 50–120 meters (165–650 feet) of water, based on the radiocarbon dates of what would have been inland sites, such as Paisley Caves, Oregon and Monte Verde in Chile; the genetics of their ancestors, and perhaps the presence of a shared technology of stemmed points in use around the Pacific Rim between 15,000–10,000, all support the PCM. Diet of the Kelp Highway What the Kelp Highway Hypothesis brings to the Pacific Coast Migration model is a focus on the diet of the purported adventurers who used the Pacific coast to settle North and South America. That diet focus was first suggested by American archaeologist Jon Erlandson and colleagues beginning in 2007. Erlandson and colleagues proposed that the American colonizers were people who used using tanged or stemmed projectile points to rely on an abundance of marine species such as marine mammals (seals, sea otters, and walruses, cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises), seabirds and waterfowl, shellfish, fish, and edible seaweeds. Supporting technology required to hunt, butcher and process marine mammals, for example, must have included seaworthy boats, harpoons, and floats. Those different food resources are found continuously along the Pacific Rim: so as long as the earliest Asians to start out on the journey around the rim had the technology, they and their descendants could use it from Japan to Chile. Ancient Art of Sea Faring Although boat-building was long considered a fairly recent capability- the oldest excavated boats are from Mesopotamia- scholars have been forced to recalibrate that. Australia, separated from the Asian mainland, was colonized by humans at least 50,000 years ago. The islands in western Melanesia have settled by about 40,000 years ago, and Ryukyu islands between Japan and Taiwan by 35,000 years ago. Obsidian from Upper Paleolithic sites in Japan has been sourced to Kozushima Island- three and a half hours from Tokyo by jet boat today- which means that the Upper Paleolithic hunters in Japan went to the island to obtain the obsidian, in navigable boats, not just rafts. Peopling the Americas The data on archaeological sites scattered around the perimeters of the American continents include ca. 15,000-year-old sites in places as widespread as Oregon, Chile, the Amazon rainforest, and Virginia. Those similarly aged hunter-gatherer sites dont make much sense without a coastal migration model. The proponents suggest that beginning somewhere between 18,000 years ago, hunter-gatherers from Asia used the Pacific rim to travel, reaching North America by 16,000 years ago, and moving along the coast, reaching Monte Verde in southern Chile within 1,000 years. Once people reached the Isthmus of Panama, they took different paths, some northward up the Atlantic coast of North America and some southward along the Atlantic South American coastline in addition to the pathway along Pacific Southern American coast that led to Monte Verde. The proponents also suggest that Clovis large-mammal hunting technology developed as a land-based subsistence method near the Isthmus before 13,000 years ago, and spread back upward into southern-central and southeastern North America. Those Clovis hunters, descendants of Pre-Clovis, in turn, spread northward overland into North America, eventually meeting the descendants of the Pre-Clovis in the northwestern United States who used Western Stemmed points. Then and only then did Clovis colonize the finally truly Ice-Free Corridor to mingle together in eastern Beringia. Resisting a Dogmatic Stance In a 2013 book chapter, Erlandson himself points out that the Pacific Coast Model was proposed in 1977, and it took decades before the possibility of the Pacific Coast migration model was seriously considered. That was because, says Erlandson, the theory that Clovis people were the first colonists of the Americas was dogmatically and emphatically considered received wisdom. He cautions that the lack of coastal sites makes much of the theory speculative. If hes right, those sites are submerged between 50 and 120 m below mean sea level today, and as a result of Global Warming sea levels are rising, so without new undreamt-of technology, it is unlikely that we will ever be able to reach them. Further, he adds that scientists should not simply replace received-wisdom Clovis with received-wisdom pre-Clovis. Too much time was lost in battles for theoretical supremacy. But the Kelp Highway Hypothesis and the Pacific Coast Migration Model are a rich source of investigation for determining how people move into new territories. Sources Erlandson, Jon M. After Clovis-First Collapsed: Reimagining the Peopling of the Americas. Paleoamerican Odyssey. Eds. Graf, Kelly E., C.V. Ketron, and Michael R. Waters. College Station: Center for the Study of the First Americans, Texas AM, 2013. 127–32. Print.Erlandson, Jon M., and Todd J. Braje. From Asia to the Americas by Boat? Paleogeography, Paleoecology, and Stemmed Points of the Northwest Pacific. Quaternary International 239.1 (2011): 28–37. Print.Erlandson, Jon M., et al. Ecology of the Kelp Highway: Did Marine Resources Facilitate Human Dispersal from Northeast Asia to the Americas? The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology 10.3 (2015): 392–411. Print.Erlandson, Jon M., et al. The Kelp Highway Hypothesis: Marine Ecology, the Coastal Migration Theory, and the Peopling of the Americas. The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology 2.2 (2007): 161–74. Print.Graham, Michael H., Paul K. Dayton, and Jon M. Erlandson. Ice Ages and Ecological Trans itions on Temperate Coasts. Trends in Ecology Evolution 18.1 (2003): 33–40. Print. Schmitt, Catherine. Maines Kelp Highway. Maine Boats, Homes Harbors Winter 2013.122 (2013). Print.

5 Questions to Always Ask at an Internship Interview

5 Questions to Always Ask at an Internship Interview You’re all prepped and ready, and you’ve sailed through your internship interview. You’re all dressed up and feeling like a power adult and then: WOMP. The interviewer asks you a question you will probably come to dread in your job-searching life, but aren’t quite prepared for now: â€Å"What questions do you have for us?† Even seasoned pros can get tripped up at this point in an interview. But you can dazzle your interviewer by not skipping a beat and asking the following five questions in your internship interview. Plus, you’ll get necessary information you probably didn’t realize you needed.1. How would you describe the work culture here?Getting a feel for the atmosphere, the pace, the camaraderie or lack thereof, is really important in determining whether you’d be a good fit. Ask the recruiter to sketch out what happens in a typical day. Whether there is an established routine, and how exact it is.2. What is your favorite as pect of working for this company?They probably won’t be expecting this one, so it’s your chance to turn the tables a bit. Push for a real answer. (Though you probably won’t have to; remember the interview process is also about the hiring manager selling you on the job. Give them the chance to sweeten it up for you!)3. What have interns done before me that really made them stand out?This does double duty. It shows you’re hungry to impress them and excel, and it also gives you a great leg up, if you were to land the position, on how to hit the ground running. Listen very carefully, and take good notes.4. Is there anything I can clarify for you?And the follow-up: â€Å"Or any hesitations about my qualifications?† It’s bold and assertive without being too pushy and shows that you’re eager to prove your worth to them while being sensitive to their precise needs for the position.5. What will the next step in this process be?You know youâ₠¬â„¢re going to go home and sweat this out. But you probably don’t realize you’re allowed to ask for a ballpark timeline of what to expect and when. It’s also a great way to bring an interview to a close. If they say they’re still interviewing for another 4-6 weeks, then you’ll know not to sit at home by your phone for the next month.Note any important dates in your calendar, and make sure to leave a friendly and positive impression as you leave the office. Eventually, this process will get easier!

Television Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Television - Case Study Example Virgin Media, the Cable Company in which Sir Richard Branson's empire is a major shareholder accused Sky of using its dominant position in Pay-TV to stifle competition. According to Sky, the row between the companies started because of the Virgin's refusal to pay the asking price. Virgin says that Sky is trying to dominate the market by asking 'more than double' charges for its channels with a view to 'coerce' virgin customers to switch to new providers by denying access to basic channels. Sky maintains that the price it wants is 'reasonable' taking into account the benefits it provides to the Virgin customers. It also says that it has adopted a 'product differentiation' along with the 'price increase' by offering new 'high definition' service, where the quality of the broadcasting will be better. "It denies allegations by Virgin that it is demanding "more than double" the amount currently paid." (BBC News 2007) According to Richard and Mark (2007) "Sky added that its offer of 3p per Virgin Media customer per day is still on the table should the cable group wish to return. Sky added that it is still willing to supply its channels directly to cable households." Marketing The strategy behind the move of Sky is to reposition its channel Sky one by revamping it to include live football and UK TV premieres of big US films giving Sky One a content which is being currently offered under Sky's premium sports and movie channels. Couple with this Sky is providing programmes in High Definition (HD), which it claims as a key selling point. With this differentiation and improvements in the products Sky demanded higher charges from Virgin. Virgin Media's View Point: Virgin Media implies that Sky is using its dominance in the market to its advantage. Steve Burch, the Chief Executive of Virgin says "we will not allow Virgin Media or our customers to be the victim of Sky's market power." Virgin says that it cannot afford to pay the charges being demanded by Sky since as per the costing calculations virgin would end up in paying Sky 1.23 per month per subscriber that is more than one third of the 90p cost outlined by Sky. Moreover Sky is also demanding a 'minimum guaranteed payment' that is twice the current annual payment being made by Virgin to Sky. "Virgin has closed the gap with Sky to some extent by signing deals with major content owners to offer programmes on demand - though these do not include US drama 24 and mainly cover older series" (Chris Tryhorn 2007) Strategy of Virgin Media: To combat the pressure from Sky Virgin had already signed deals with some content owners to provide programs on demand. Virgin Media would continue to charge the customers at the same level without any reduction for the loss of Sky channels. Virgin says it would compensate the viewers with 2700 hours of on-demand viewing. Effect on the Customers of Virgin: With the Sky basic channels going off the cable, the viewers would end up paying more for lesser channels, although Virgin says it will compensate the customers with more hours on-demand viewing. Around 3.3 million subscribers of Virgin would loose channels like Sky One, Sky Travel, Sky News and Sky Sports News. They will not get the value for the money they pay to Virgin. This would result in the subscribers switching over to other providers where they may get full value for their money. Effect of BSkyB and Virgin

Environmental Effects of Global Warming in Florida Research Paper

Environmental Effects of Global Warming in Florida - Research Paper Example This paper talks about the phenomenon of the global warming and its effects in Florida. Through undertaking this research the various environmental effects of global warming within the state become clearly understood. The experiences within other are reviewed through the research. The research will become essential in seeking to provide solutions to the adverse effects presented to the environment by global warming, upon the state of Florida. This exploratory research will seek to gather information regarding environmental effects of global warming in Florida. The information is gathered through review of existing environmental publication, exploration of the region and interviews with some interest group members. The average temperatures across the world have been observed to rise over a long period of time. These rising temperatures have continuously presented various effects upon the environment and other social systems across the world. Greenhouse gasses have been identified as presenting the biggest challenge in contributing towards global warming. Physical effects include the increased occurrence of extreme weather cases, which have been observed. These include hurricanes, which have been associated with global warming. Oceans have also been identified as becoming more acidified by the absorption of gases causing global warming. The temperature rise has also been observed within the oceans. The state of Florida has an extensive coastline, and the global warming effects from the oceans could be available.

TEDSBOX Packaging and the benefits in the Food and Beverage Industry Essay

TEDSBOX Packaging and the benefits in the Food and Beverage Industry - Essay Example The main component of the packaging system is creating a controlled environment. Temperatures form the most significant component of CCPs. As such, with the packaging system, temperatures are controlled to ensure that the contents are transported at a favorable environment. The food and beverage industry is a beneficiary of the new system. The process of food and beverage production is a cyclical process. It commences from production to packaging, distribution, and consumption. In an instance whereby food products are transported but reach the customer while stale, the products are not fit for consumption. With the TEDSBOX, the environmental deviation systems are put on track to ensure that the cycle is efficient. If the entire food and beverage consignment reaches the consumer in the desired quality, the production process is considered as efficient; hence, maximizing sales. Tracking the environmental deviation system is a new technology that ensures that the production to consumption process is complete with minimal wastage. As such, the new packaging eliminates the chancing that distributors relied on to bridge the products from producers to consumers. Distributors can control the environment in which they transport different food and beverage products; hence, reducing the risk of contamination and obsolescence (Perishable Goods Shipping Problems). Bryan, F. (1992). Hazard analysis critical control point evaluations: A guide to identifying hazards and assessing risks associated with food preparation and storage. Geneva: World Health

Code of Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Code of Ethics - Essay Example Normally, individuals and institutions develop codes of ethics for their personal and professional lives to promote harmonious and acceptable behavior within their respective environments. Although a number of approaches to developing codes of ethics are available, the underpinning rule demands all standards of ethics to ensure clarity and objectivity in the values and principles, plainly indicating the implementation and monitoring plan, and a plan for periodical ethical auditing. Statement of Values For an individual or organization to succeed in personal or professional world, there is need to put in place a concrete statement that determines the values and principles that party cherishes. These values include personal integrity, responsibility, honesty, excellence, and respect. These values have proved to be effective as far as both personal and career advancements are concerned (Hatcher & Aragon, 2000). 1. Personal integrity – one needs to engage in constructive behavior that has the benefit of enhancing individual or organization’s image. In order to ensure personal integrity, an individual should always build their reputation and avoid any behavior that questions one’s credibility. 2. ... This means always aiming for the best quality in productivity and output in school or professional lifestyle in accordance to the prevailing evaluation criteria. Since this is a continuous process, a person can undergo continuous process of perfection, as there is no limit to this principle. 5. Respect – it implies obey prevailing regulations, all stakeholders, and third parties. By being respectful at all times, one earns respect and integrity that in turn that helps in boosting their ethical perception. Through responsible upbringing, most parents have been able to instill these crucial values into the systems of their young ones through constant guidance and correction. This forms the basis of ethical development as high ethical values and good morals begin from as early as during the childhood years of a given person. Individuals can acquire ethical principles from learning activities at school or while attending religious teachings where they inculcate a myriad of moral teachings that over the years form their ethical standards. Various approaches through which parents, mentors, teachers, role models, and guardians impart the ethical values exist with the one commonly used by parents at home being the end-based approach. This method involves evaluation the benefits or otherwise consequences of a particular course of to the family members or the public. Through understanding the consequences, individuals especially the children can reconsider their actions thereby shaping their own ethical principles (Hatcher & Aragon, 2000). While at school or in religious meetings, the teachers employed the rule-based approach that contemplates the evaluation of the motive of n action. In this case, a particular course of action was morally wrong or right depending on its

India Under the British Raj Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

India Under the British Raj - Research Paper Example The paper makes an oversight concerning various attempts of Indians to liberate themselves from the tyrannical rule of British. Introduction Many colonialists appeared in the colonies as trade partners who wanted to foster trade relationship with a foreign country. Majority of the world colonialists originated from various European countries and spread to conquer other countries outside the continent of Europe. The ordeal of these perceived colonialists was to explore certain resources in the countries of their colonies. They were mostly interested in items like gold, ivories, skins, and some other precious items. They also targeted certain ideal reproductive lands where they could practice their commercial farming activities (Szczepanski, 2011). What was initially trade turned out to be tyrannical rule directed to the native dwellers by the foreigners. Indian British Raj is one of the vast examples of initial trade incidences turning to brutal rule and forcible transformation of cul tures and societies’ ways of life. In the views of McNamara (2011), Raj is an Indian term for king and which was used to refer to British rule in India. As used to be the common case with colonization, Indians underwent brutal treatment due from their colonizer, but also they gained in terms of civilization. Duiker (2009) mentions that British approached India subcontinent as traders who later acted to subdue every trade in and out of India. As they continued to operate and trade in India, the British started engaging in the internal politics of the country. In 1800, British deployed its armies to attack the Mughal Empire and reduce its greatness in the land (Duiker & Spielvogel). British attacked certain territories some of which were captured by the East India Company. In the view of Duiker and Spielvogel (2006) the initial territories under the East India Company were recovered by the British crows as other ware set under indirect rule of local rajas and maharajas. Duiker and Spielvogel confirm that most of the British rule in India was more with decency considering that upon their arrival they managed to quell civil wars that were among the Indians. British initiated a relative government that worked to favor and respect the rights and wishes of the local populace. British rule in India was termed by historians as honest and efficient that targeted enlightenment and education of the barbaric Indians. British administrators in India built learning centers that allowed the Indians to attain education up to some set levels. According to Duiker and Spielvogel (2006), Thomas Macaulay the head of British administration in India initiated and perfected plans of building schools, which trained Indian children. Thomas in conjunction with British civil service initiated examinations for the learners. British schools also illuminated particular concerns on training Indian girls on how they would become good wives under the wedlock of learned men of Indian. In 1875, British rule in India opened official madras for training females who became medical practitioners. Duiker and Spielvogel (2006) ascertain that British rulers brought sense of humanity in India when they disregarded certain Indian traditions that did not work to respect freedom of citizens. Furthermore, British brought into India fantastic development that included railways and telegraph for communication. The British administra

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

Recruiting and Selection - Essay Example Also, a good time manager is a measure often required when recruiting a right applicant in the executive director position. In past years, nonprofit making organizations started using interim directors as an approach of avoiding non-qualified applicants in the field. The employers use the approach since there is a small, but growing body of knowledge around the executive director position. Also, employers look at the experience of the applicant in order to assist in the transition development of the organization. Legality, reliability, and validity are my best standards that meet the requirements and measurement of being a right executive director. In order to be hired as an executive director in an organization, legal documents play an important role as a ticket to be given the job. Legal documents such as curriculum vitae will help me in identifying my skills and experiences as an executive director. The legality of being an executive director will depend not only on the legal documents, but also the skills and experience I have learnt from the previous job position. Also, the validity of my documents will help me in securing the executive director position. Employers consider valid documents and claims before recruiting new applicants into their organizations. This implies that without a valid claim of being an executive director, a panel can automatically disqualify an application. In addition, reliability is an important standard, which work hand in hand with the experience, skills, str ength, and capability measures. An executive director is supposed to be reliable. A theme in the performance appraisal focus on the attitude of an employee is integrity, dependability, and reliability. Reliability of an employee improves the performance of an organization (Monroy & Zwerling, p. 421-422). I have learnt that legality is an important standard to be considered in any selection process of being an executive director in an organization. In his case, a

India Under the British Raj Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

India Under the British Raj - Research Paper Example The paper makes an oversight concerning various attempts of Indians to liberate themselves from the tyrannical rule of British. Introduction Many colonialists appeared in the colonies as trade partners who wanted to foster trade relationship with a foreign country. Majority of the world colonialists originated from various European countries and spread to conquer other countries outside the continent of Europe. The ordeal of these perceived colonialists was to explore certain resources in the countries of their colonies. They were mostly interested in items like gold, ivories, skins, and some other precious items. They also targeted certain ideal reproductive lands where they could practice their commercial farming activities (Szczepanski, 2011). What was initially trade turned out to be tyrannical rule directed to the native dwellers by the foreigners. Indian British Raj is one of the vast examples of initial trade incidences turning to brutal rule and forcible transformation of cul tures and societies’ ways of life. In the views of McNamara (2011), Raj is an Indian term for king and which was used to refer to British rule in India. As used to be the common case with colonization, Indians underwent brutal treatment due from their colonizer, but also they gained in terms of civilization. Duiker (2009) mentions that British approached India subcontinent as traders who later acted to subdue every trade in and out of India. As they continued to operate and trade in India, the British started engaging in the internal politics of the country. In 1800, British deployed its armies to attack the Mughal Empire and reduce its greatness in the land (Duiker & Spielvogel). British attacked certain territories some of which were captured by the East India Company. In the view of Duiker and Spielvogel (2006) the initial territories under the East India Company were recovered by the British crows as other ware set under indirect rule of local rajas and maharajas. Duiker and Spielvogel confirm that most of the British rule in India was more with decency considering that upon their arrival they managed to quell civil wars that were among the Indians. British initiated a relative government that worked to favor and respect the rights and wishes of the local populace. British rule in India was termed by historians as honest and efficient that targeted enlightenment and education of the barbaric Indians. British administrators in India built learning centers that allowed the Indians to attain education up to some set levels. According to Duiker and Spielvogel (2006), Thomas Macaulay the head of British administration in India initiated and perfected plans of building schools, which trained Indian children. Thomas in conjunction with British civil service initiated examinations for the learners. British schools also illuminated particular concerns on training Indian girls on how they would become good wives under the wedlock of learned men of Indian. In 1875, British rule in India opened official madras for training females who became medical practitioners. Duiker and Spielvogel (2006) ascertain that British rulers brought sense of humanity in India when they disregarded certain Indian traditions that did not work to respect freedom of citizens. Furthermore, British brought into India fantastic development that included railways and telegraph for communication. The British administra

Quantitative Research Theory Essay Example for Free

Quantitative Research Theory Essay The purpose of the quantitative method is used when measuring the incidence of multiple views and opinions in a singular chosen sample and how it may be used in nursing practice. The quantitative method is often followed by the qualitative method, used to observe further findings. Its objective is to appraise data and conclude results from sample populations of interest. Quantitative methods highlight the importance on objective measures and numerical analysis of data gathered through questionnaires, surveys, and/or surveys. This method of researching focuses on collecting numerical information and generalizing the data across groups of individuals. Quantitative research is an objective, formal, rigorous, systematic process for creating numerical data in regards to the world. The quantitative method of conducting research is often used to describe new situations, events, or concepts and determine the effectiveness of treatments in the world. There are four types of quantitative research methods such as: descriptive research, correlation research, quasi-experimental research, and experimental research. Quantitative research is necessary in developing knowledge vital for evidence-based nursing practices. Conducting quantitative research requires rigor and control. Rigorous research provides credibility and worth. When collecting data disciplined techniques much like on-street interviews, online questionnaires, or telephone interviews should be used. Sampling sizes typically occur when using larger numbers of cases representing populations of interest, randomly selected respondents. Findings of statistical data are conclusive and definitive typically descriptive in its nature. Things to keep in mind when utilizing the quantitative method and reporting the results of a study. An explanation of the statistical treatment and data collected as relevant results are produced coinciding to the research issue under investigation. Chronologically log all unanticipated events that take place during the data collecting stage. Provide an explanation of the techniques used to gather and present v alid and credible data information. Select a sufficient  statistical procedure; provide an account for the selected use and references for such. Describe assumptions for all research procedures and the efforts taken to ensure that they haven’t been violated. If using presumed statistics, descriptive statistics should be provided, confidence intervals, and sample sizes for each variable to include the value of test statistics, the direction, the significance level, and the degrees of freedom. When avoiding the use of inferring causality in particular non-randomized designs or without additional experimentation. The use of tables to provide exact value uses figures conveying global effects. In quantitative research, the objective is to determine the connection between two things, the independent and dependent variable in populations. Its designs are either descriptive or experimental. The descriptive design subjects are typically measured once, whereas experimental subjects are measured before and after treatment. The descriptive study creates associations only between variables. The experimental design, however, establi shes causality. The main characteristics are to classify features, construct statistical models, and count them in an attempt to detail what has occurred and what is observed. The research deals in logic and the objective, numbers, focusing on logic, unchanging static data and detailed, convergent reasoning as oppose to divergent reasoning. Once data has been collected in the quantitative research method, decisions must be made on how the use of information gathered can be altered to offer recommendations. Individuals compare primary focuses on basic quantitative and qualitative methodologies; qualitative methodologies investigate categories and themes of collected input, while quantitative methodologies confirm validity and reliability of the gathered statistics. The objective of this form of research is to populate gaps with knowledge. This nature of knowing is referenced often as ontology versus epistemology. Ontology is in regards to the world’s existence and in what form. Epistemology is simply described as how you know what you know. In ontological quantitative methods, an altered reality occurs in which it can be measured and appreciated to a certain degree of efficiency. In epistemology quantitative research, the process is done through objective observations and measurements. Methodology research is subjective to various ethical implications. Aside from the element of deception that is included, individuals involved in a controlled group may  have a disadvantage when the outcome of treatment or interventions is unclear or believed to be underlying to existing regimens. There are ethical considerations dependent on the form of study. In example, if a study is done on evaluating the effectiveness of an epinephrine auto-injector. It would be unethical to withhold or deny interventions for individuals within the controlled group. The ethics of methodology research demands careful assessments of the benefits and risks that may occur and that information is gathered and delivered to participants during the process of gathering informed consent. A generalized guideline is viewed as â€Å"the degree of risk to be taken by those participating in the research should never exceed the potential humanitarian benefits of the knowledge to be gained†. In conclusion, the quantitative method measures the incidence of multiple views and opinions in a singular chosen sample. The quantitative method is sometimes followed by the qualitative research, which is used to observe further findings. The method of researching focuses on collecting numerical information and generalizing the data across groups of individuals. Reference Babbie, Earl R (2010). The Practice of Social Research. Retrieved from:http://libguides.usc.edu/content.php?pid=83009sid=615867 Glesne, C. (2006). Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction (3rd ed.). Retrieved from:http://www.nursingcenter.com/lnc/journalarticle?Article_ID=737387 Polit, D.F., Hungler, B.P. (1999) Nursing Research: Principles and Methods (6th ed).Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott. Snap Surveys (2014). Qualitative vs Quantitative Research. Retrieved from:http://www.snapsurveys.com/qualitative-quantitative-research/

SABmiller Strategy Case Study

SABmiller Strategy Case Study 3.1 Strategic position SABMillers one strategy is continuing to acquire other companies around the world and continuing to expand, especially in developing countries. As we all know, SABMiller and Molson Core, the two sides decided to merge operations in the United States and Puerto Rico. The two sides announced that it would form a joint venture. Johnson, Scholes Whittington (2008) defines corporate strategy as sum of companies objectives and goals and its plans for pursuing those purposes. According to Andrews (1980) corporate strategy can define the company policies, its range of businesses, and its human and economic organization and its contributions to stakeholder. From there definitions it is clear that one should analysis SABMiller business environment, core competencies capabilities and stakeholder expectation to identify SABMiller strategic position. SABMiller in current strategic position has provided us with a clear picture of the opportunities and challenges that the S ABMiller operating domestic, worldwide and its growth come though entering developing market, acquiring businesses brands, and growing them it face in the business environment but stakeholder expectation, core competency and market the reality is the strategy not match to business environment which will create a big dilemma for SABMiller. Consolidation exam of that the reducing the risk that associated the more developed market like Africa, Europe and US will ensured as firm in base of possibility of emergent market might reducing the risk on vulnerable region. It would be feasible particularly given SABMillers competence that been responded by obtaining the business success in the risky market. Further more while it is undoubtedly possible to improve the companys position in developed markets improvement need might quite marginal. 3.2 Table 1: Mission, Vision and Strategic Objective Mission Statement: Stability of reputation of the company Leverage the local and global market Increasing the number of demand Job opportunity to the local and global environment Leverage the new branding production. Competitive advantage Strategic Objectives: Assessing Reach and development RD of the brewery Analyzing the demand of the customer Reaching the stability of the economic Considering Non-factor qualitative Differentiation of the new product Visions Statement: Leverage the production and stability of the company reputations of the SABMiller. Number one operational in the market The mission and vision of the SABMiller Company will be leverage is there company will focus in certain area providing of the strategy objectives by reach and develop the production and merger to the other develop market and to be number one to the industry and help the stability of economic to the environment of the global and market place. 3.3 Strategic Options Using the Porters Generic Strategic, Ansoffs Matrix and BCG Matrix to help me evaluate and analyzed the following strategy option 1 product development, option 2 market developments and option 3 joint venture. The fist strategic choice is product development to diversity the production of improvement and growth of the quality product. For option 1 according to generic strategy the product development need to focus and diversify the differentiation product strategy which SABMiller has a unique product and might reach the target scope industry worldwide. Differentiation strategy like creating a new product like wine or liquor and sell it on the low cost of production that can effectively bust on the target scope of SABMiller. For option 1 according to ansoff matrix the product development and diversification will achieve the existing production and entering new market of the new product of the company with diversification. Product development not only in the brewery SABMiller has a lot of potential to diversify other product and continue to develop it but its must be depends to the demand of a customer. Diversification of the new product for a new market potential are more reliable to manipulate by SABMiller. For Option 1 according to BCG Matrix the question marks for SABMiller creating a new product to the new mark et it will be risk to the cost of production if the new product didnt exist to the market pretty hard to consider and evaluate what customer wants and need. The second strategic option is market development which is SABMiller has an opportunity to entering new market in any country that need to develop or re develop a production to increase higher profit and market share in every country. For option 2 according to generic strategy the low cost of leadership will achieve by having the lowest prices of the product in the target market segment, or at least the lowest price to value ratio (price compared to what customers receive). Offering the lowest price while still achieving profitability and a high return on investment, the firm must be able to operate at a lower cost than its rivals of the market. Since the SABMiller operating entire of the country they have some disadvantage of lower customer loyalty, as price-sensitive customers will switch once a lower-priced substitute is available. A reputation of the SABMiller leader may also result in a reputation for low quality, which may make it difficult for a firm to rebrand itself or its products if it chooses to shift to a differentiation strategy in future. For the option 2 according to ansoff matrix is market development strategy must be focus on develop a cost leadership may have the disadvantage of lower customer l oyalty, as price-sensitive customers will switch once a lower-priced substitute is available. A reputation as a cost leader may also result in a reputation for low quality, which may make it difficult for a firm to rebrand itself or its products if it chooses to shift to a differentiation strategy in future. For option 2 according to ansoff matrix the market development is need to focus and come out new product for the new market based on the case study the SABMiller existing product only a beer that they has a multi distribute to other county if they develop the new market they need to introduce new product. For option 2 according to BCG matrix the market development is start because if the market development will continue to develop in every market of the country the SABMiller will foresee to success. The third strategic option is joint venture to associate other developed or developing country to leverage a good stability of the SABMiller market to other county. For option 3 according to generic strategy the joint venture is differentiation not only in the product to the other association of the market every country has a different market joint venture will giving a knowledge for the local market and will giving to SABMiller new idea how to difference the product to distribution country. For option 3 according to ansoff matrix the joint venture creating a new product using there current existing market in worldwide the interrogate of changing market esp. thru technology will affect the connection of the associate people to the joint venture. For option 3 according to BCG matrix the joint venture is cash cow coz its still need to re engineer the product strategy and to re develop more joint venture to the other country but to joint venture to other country will cost higher volume of the money and massive of reaching for the company will join on SABMiller company. 3.4 Recommendation for SABMiller company are product development and differentiate there existing product and the new product considering to the other demand of other country and focus to the technology ever market will interrogated of the technology. Product development still consider the effectives of the new production so far based to the case study new beer products and transference of the beer products and brand between market. They need to be transferring brands across different market and across region for example selling different brand outside of southern African it could carry on doing well and it will expand using channel to introduce brands from across the world new market however this may not provide of the SABMiller company with the sort of growth that is now being expected of it and it may underestimate the value of loyalty across the world. Differentiate to the existing product and new production will help to increase the continue of the market growth of the SABMiller esp. across the region they need to evaluate the region market before they will entered to the new market region population of the region and analysing economic will help to cane out with the uniqueness new product but still need to invest higher capital. Joint venture to the local region will give a larger opportunity to be success but investing to the new region with new joint venture will be a area of critical long term growth, But may require a great deal patience but the SABMiller company must meet the expectation of the stakeholder and the other particularly intuitional investor across the region coz there following the insistence on the need for hard currency growth with the presence of the new countries opportunity for growth. Evaluating and analyzing will help to SABMiller to be secure there company reputation across the region and to the future market region.

Plato’s Apology Essay -- essays research papers

Plato’s Apology Socrates was a very simple man who did not have many material possessions and spoke in a plain, conversational manner. Acknowledging his own ignorance, he engaged in conversations with people claiming to be experts, usually in ethical matters. By asking simple questions, Socrates gradually revealed that these people were in fact very confused and did not actually know anything about the matters about which they claimed to be an expert. Socrates felt that the quest for wisdom and the instruction of others through dialogue and inquiry were the highest aims in life. He felt that "The unexamined life is not worth living." Plato's Apology is the speech Socrates made at his trial. Socrates was charged with not recognizing the gods recognized by the state and corrupting the youth of Athens. In The Apology, Socrates attempted to defend himself. He spoke in a very simple, uncomplicated manner. He explained that he had no experience with the law and courts and that he would just use honesty and directness. He also explained that he behaved in the way that he did because of a prophecy by the oracle at Delphi, which claimed that he was the wisest of all men. Recognizing that he was ignorant in most things, Socrates concluded that he must be wiser than other men only in that he knew that he knew nothing. Socrates explained that he considered it his duty to question people in order to expose their false wisdom as ignorance. By doing this, the youth of Athens bega...

Capital Punishment Essay -- Justice Law Government Morals Ethics Essay

Capital Punishment Should we kill killers is the question to answer regarding the controversial subject of capital punishment. There is strong support for both sides and many people have offered their opinions in writing for all of us to examine. John M. Olin, the Professor of Jurisprudence and Public Policy at Fordham University, gave us his Pro-Capital Punishment opinion in the Harvard Law Review in 1986. Although his article was written more than a decade ago the argued topics have not changed. In his work The Ultimate Punishment: A Defense Mr. Olin addresses why he feels capital punishment is necessary in our society and across the world. According to Olin retribution is the number one reason for capital punishment. He goes on to say that the retributive notion of punishment in general is that as a foundational matter of justice, criminals deserve punishment and punishment should be equal to the harm done. What counts as â€Å"punishment equal to harm†? Olin refers to lex talionis commonly known as â€Å"an eye for an eye†. This idea was drawn from the Babylonian Law of Hammurabi from the 18th century. It states: If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death. If it kills the son of the owner, then the son of that builder shall be put to death. Besides being totally absurd there are a couple of points to make. First, retribu tion cannot be uniformly applied to every harm committed. What about rapist? Should they be raped? What about those who commit mass murder? How can we make their punishment proportional? The answer is we can not. Killing one person who killed another serves no practical... ...ntly, especially if death is involved, then we need to stop, back up and say â€Å"what is going on here?† Criminals no doubt deserve to be punished, and punished with severity appropriate to the harm they have caused to the innocent. But severity of punishment has its limits, both by justice and basic human dignity. Too many studies have shown that a lengthy sentence of 20 to 30 years of a murderer has been proven to be sufficient. After this period of time most individuals have proven to be constructive, worthy members of society and have lived prosperous lives after being released. I do however; recognize the fact that many individuals should stay in prison for the rest of their lives for the safety of all as well as retribution. For a Nation that is supposed to be founded on Christian morals and beliefs I have to wonder how they justify much of what they do.

Creative writing – The assassin

Alison Cazer was looking out of the window thinking about the day ahead. Alison was a fashion designer and had her own business in London. She heard a noise and turned round to see her friend Lucy waiting in her office. Alison was so excited to see her; she wanted to tell her about all the brilliant things that had been planned for her today. She told Lucy about the good news; the meeting with Jacques Lording – the owner of Elicit a local rival company. ‘ I can't believe he rang me and asked to know more information about my products – I'm astounded. I mean why would he want to know more about my products, maybe he is thinking to merge with me. That would be brilliant because then together we would be bigger than Chars and hopefully that would put them out of business. Alison was going to meet Jacques in a large Victorian house in a little village called Axton. It was a little different than she expected but he said it was because he wanted a low-key meeting with no press watching their backs. Phil Cichloid was the assassin. He was a butler at the nearby Victorian house though this was just a cover up and had been given a contract by the director of a Chars. The plan was to kill Alison so then there will be no rival company for Chars to compete with because Alison put all the money in to the business, therefore Chars would make much more money. The director of Chars had been given a tip off about the merger and had to take action, the only way to do this was to kill Alison. It was the assassin's first killing but he still remained calm and very professional. The assassin was told to target Alison because she owned a rival business and was also thought of as rich and selfish by lots of jealous people as well as the director of chars. The assassin knew the time and location of when he was going to strike as he was told by the director who knew everything. The director was definitely right in one sense – yes she was rich, but not at all selfish. In fact she was totally opposite. She was a caring, bubbly, and down to earth girl. The house at which Alison was going to meet the manager was quite posh. Though from the outside it looked very dull and isolated this was on purpose, it is so nobody even thought the meeting would take place in a scruffy house therefore no press would be there. The bricks were grey and the windows black with dust. It was raining outside; the ivy on the wall made anyone who came near the house feel trapped and lonely but inside it was totally opposite. It was bright and warm. There was a barn besides the house. The debris of brick from the barn made the field besides the house look like a graveyard. The assassin was lying low behind the house on a hill, known to the locals as death hill because it was so steep you could hardly walk up it and anybody who got to the top would be almost dead. The assassin knew she would be surrounded by bodyguards, which is why he got so high up on the top of death hill. He also knew the boss of elicit would arrive soon after Alison so he had to be quick. Nobody could see the assassin but he could see his target perfectly well. He got into his position on the top of the hill he heard a car behind him. His rifle was a 1987pg with a range of 100m plenty far enough to reach Alison. He lifted his rifle in wait of the car coming up the drive, with excitement rushing around his body; he was disappointed when the car carried on straight down the lane. The assassin again heard a car this time he new it was Alison he could tell, you could see the 2 rings on her left hand reflecting the light and also the car had another 2 people in, he could only guess these were the bodyguards. He got his rifle ready and was now ready to strike. Alison turned up the drive and started driving up the long, winding, dislodged driveway. She heard a scrape; she got out of the car and saw a massive scratch on the back of her Lotus Elise. She was thinking about turning around- how could the boss of elicit see her car in such a state the only thing that changed her mind was the thought of been late for the boss, that was the last thing she wanted to do so she decided to carry on down the lane. The assassin at this stage was very calm, as though he was doing this as an honour. He was getting a bit frustrated, as this job was taking longer than expected and wanted to get onto his next job. He could see Alison coming now and got into his final position. She thought she had come to the wrong place, she had expected something more like Buckingham Palace, she knew there was something wrong but she carried on down the lane. She was about to turn the car around when her bodyguards saw a light coming from inside the house, somebody must be in she thought and went to investigate with the help of the bodyguards. She got out of the car and was just about to knock on the door when she remembered something; she had forgot to lock the door. ‘How stupid of me she thought, why didn't I lock it in the first place'. Alison locked the car door and looked around astounded at the dullness of the house and its surroundings – did the boss really want to meet her here? It started raining heavy so she put her hood up, this blocked her view of what was going on around her. Her bodyguards noticed something in the bush to the side of her and left her on her own while they went to investigate. She was just about to knock on the door. Before she could hear it she had already felt it, right through her stomach. She tried to scream but no sound would come out of her mouth. She tried to get her mobile but she couldn't move. She felt helpless and knew secretly that her world was coming to an end. The bodyguards rushed to her but knew there was nothing they could do, one went to get help and the other was trying to comfort her. There was no signal on her mobile phone and they couldn't get in the house. She grabbed her stomach in hope that in some miracle way it may stop the bleeding and she may have a chance to survive even though she knew she had no chance. Her trousers were wet with blood; she didn't dare look down frightened at what she may see. She was finding it hard to breath now, she tried to look around to see who had done this terrible thing to her but she couldn't see more than a metre. She dropped to the ground, the bodyguard tried to help her but there was nothing he could do, the pain was unbearable now; she knew she had to fight the pain or lose everything she had, her wonderful family and friends. She again tried to move but the pain was holding her back like some sort of barrier. She started to feel dizzy, she took one last look at her hand and fell to the ground with the rain pouring on her and blood slowly surrounding her body as the bodyguard went in search of the person who had done this. The assassin smirked, he moved quickly packing his things together as fast as he could. He ran to the car making sure he destroyed every bit of evidence he had made. He was unruffled, calm, cold and motionless. His car was on the other side of the hill so nobody noticed he was there, he made sure that he had got everything and set off down the drive. He took one last look behind him to check that Alison was dead and that his job had been done properly and made his way to his next job leaving Alison to die in her own pool of blood.