Monday, September 30, 2019
The Value Of Small Group Interaction In Teaching Education Essay
Collaborative acquisition, synergism acquisition, small-group acquisition, and concerted acquisition seem to be the new cants used by faculty members. This is due to the intensifying involvement over the past few old ages, with respect to the different attacks to learning and larning. Particularly the passage from individualistic to collaborative acquisition manners has been under huge examination as university module members and decision makers are rediscovering the construct of ââ¬Ëtwo caputs being better than one ââ¬Ë . The involvement is been chiefly incited at a graduate student degree, where the key purposes are to develop the ability of pupils to believe critically, enhance mutuality and arrive at a socially constructed apprehension of the stuff provided. In add-on, alterations in organisational substructure have resulted in an increased accent on squad work within the work force. Consequently, the acquisition manner implemented at postgraduate degree is critical as it i s the stepping rock into the universe of work. This reappraisal aims to measure the value of little group interaction in the instruction and acquisition procedure. Specifically, this reappraisal will measure how this method impacts learning and larning at a postgraduate degree. More specifically, in this reappraisal little group interaction includes collaborative acquisition, concerted acquisition, every bit good as equal acquisition. The history of this method of acquisition will be looked at first to give a clearer image of how it has evolved since its origin. Cardinal footings will so be defined, as they are applicable in this reappraisal, to guarantee apprehension of the most of import constructs occurs from the start. This will be followed by the theories that have developed, the advantages, and so the restrictions on the subject, so that a clear statement can be developed. Therefore, it will be determined whether collaborative methods consequence in the enhanced value of learning and larning at postgraduate degree. This pro be is greatly needed at a higher instruction level- as it is a topographic point where the competition is rife, clip force per unit areas are high and there is a great trade of external force per unit area to develop the leaders of tomorrow.2. History of collaborative acquisitionAlthough the history of collaborative acquisition is really unelaborated, it is non a comparatively new method of larning. It appears likely that people have been larning informally in groups for 1000s of old ages ( McInnerney & A ; Roberts, 2004 ) . Kimber ( 1994 ) states that collaborative acquisition was foremost instituted in Greek and Roman schools and coincides with the doctrine of Socratic larning ââ¬â when pupils ââ¬Ë inquiring and discourse were emphasized. Johnson, Johnson, and Holubec ( 1993 ) stated the Roman philosopher, Seneca showed support for concerted acquisition through statements such as: Qui Docet Discet ( when you teach, you learn twice ) . Kimber ( 1996 ) and Johnson et Al ( 1993 ) province that concerted acquisition came into prominence in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries in Europe and England. During this period Joseph Lancaster and Andrew Bell made extended usage of `monitorial ââ¬Ë systems which were devised to enable big Numberss of pupils gain simple instruction at post-industrial revolution schools which were missing in trained instructors. Student ââ¬Ëmonitors ââ¬Ë were used to learn other disadvantaged or younger students. Similarly, in the early 19th century concerted acquisition gained popularity among pedagogues across a spectrum of didactic Fieldss. In the late 1930 ââ¬Ës, nevertheless, interpersonal competition began to be emphasized in schools and in the late sixtiess, individualistic acquisition began to be used extensively. In the 1980s, schools one time once more began to utilize concerted acquisition. The work of Johnson, Johnson and Smith ( 1991 ) transferred the value of active acquisition to the university degree and argued that big schoolrooms could besides be transformed to go student-centered learning environments. In 1989, a workshop was held in Maratea, Italy. This workshop is considered by many to hold marked the birth of the field of computer-supported collaborative acquisition ( Bereiter, 2002 ; Stahl, Koschmann, & A ; Suthers, 2006 ; Lipponen, 2002 ) . Additionally in 1996, Koschmann ( 1996 ) suggested computer-supported collaborative acquisition ( CSCL ) as an emerging theoretical account of educational engineering and CSCL has been progressing of all time since.3. Definition of footingsCollaborative acquisition has been established in a assortment of ways over clip in a spectrum of academic Fieldss. In the broadest sense, collaborative acquisition is defined by Dillenbourg ( 1999, p.1 ) as ââ¬Å" a state of affairs in which two or more people learn or attempt to larn something together. â⬠The ââ¬Ëtwo or more people ââ¬Ë referred to in the definition above, is applicable in equal acquisition as ââ¬Å" person of the same societal standing â⬠( Falchikov, 2001, p.1 ) , which in an educational context implies person ââ¬Å" within the same category or cohort â⬠( Falchikov, p.3 ) . For illustration, pupils presently finishing their Masters Degree in Human Resource Management who web and addition cognition from interaction with each other are prosecuting in equal acquisition. Common to the assorted definitions of collaborative acquisition is that accent is placed on the thought of joint building of cognition and common battle of participants ( Lipponen, 2002 ) . In this reappraisal the footings collaborative acquisition and concerted acquisition are used interchangeably. However, a differentiation between the two must be noted. The former involves the joint battle of pupils, at assorted public presentation degrees, in a co-ordinated attempt to work out the job together ( Panitz, 1996 ) . The latter is accomplished by agencies of the division of labour, pupils work together in little groups to carry through a common end, whereby each individual is responsible for a fraction of the job resolution ( Roschelle & A ; Teasly, in imperativeness ; Cooper, McKinney, and Robinson ( 1991 ) ; Gokhale 1995 ) . In add-on, Dillenbourg, Baker, Blaye and O'Malley ( 1996 ) indicate that basically the two differ by virtuousness of the manner the undertaking is divided: in concerted acquisition, the undertaking is split hierarchically into independent subtasks ; in collaborative acquisition, the cognitive patterned advance may be heterarchially divided into int ertwined beds. When utilizing the footings collaborative or cooperative larning interchangeably, the definition applicable, as stated by ( Yazici, 2005, p.217 ) is: ââ¬Å" the instructional usage of little groups or squads where equal interaction plays a cardinal function in larning â⬠. Additionally, Dillenbourgh ( 1999 ) contends that collaborative acquisition can be understood as a pedagogical method or a psychological procedure. Collaborative acquisition in a pedagogical sense is normative: one asks two or more people to join forces because it is expected they will in this mode learn expeditiously. In the psychological sense it is descriptive: one observes that two or more people have gained cognition and coaction is viewed as the mechanism which caused the acquisition. In this reappraisal, collaborative acquisition will be applied in the pedagogical sense with respect to postgraduate degree acquisition.4. Learning at graduate student degreeThere are considerable differences in the purposes and methods of instruction and acquisition at undergraduate and postgraduate degree of instruction ( Lave & A ; Wenger, 1991 ; Barnacle, 2005 ; Donnelly, 2008 ; Butler,1993 ) . The cardinal purpose at postgraduate degree is to come on the ability of pupils to believe criticall y ( Jones, Michael, Gear, & A ; Read, 2006 ) . The procedure referred to as ââ¬Ëpost-conventional believing ââ¬Ë by Ashley ( 1973 as cited in Jones et al 2006 ) is critical in carry throughing this purpose. He defines it as a procedure ââ¬Å" during which the pupil is able to travel from a place of noncritical credence of the orthodox to one of originative dissent, a procedure that stretches the mind and encourages the outgrowth of new or revised ways of thought â⬠( Ashley, as cited in Jones et Al, p.379 ) . Collaborative larning Fosters this procedure as it stretches the mind and encourages the outgrowth of advanced or revised ways of thought ( Ladyshewsky, 2006 ; Jones et Al, 2006 ) . Similarly, Machemer and Crawford ( 2007 ) argue that the traditional talk method of learning has two important failings at postgraduate degree. First, it promotes pupil passiveness which does non heighten or prolong the pupils ââ¬Ë acquisition. Second, the extremist alterations and elaborateness of the information makes it hard to draw-up talks that cover the necessary deepness, comprehensiveness and advanced cognition required. Conversely, a survey conducted in graduate student medical instruction resulted in both collaborative acquisition and the traditional talk method being every bit effectual in bettering the cognition degrees of pupils ( Smits, De Buisonje , Verbeek, Van Dijk, Metz, and Cate, 2003 ) . Therefore, when sing execution of collaborative acquisition methods, the context which it is to be applied every bit good as the construct of battle should be taken into history. The construct of battle is cardinal to successful acquisition at postgraduate degree ( Jungst, Licklider, and Wiersma, 2003 ) . Consequently as cited by Jungst et Al. it is in the active acquisition environment that a deeper degree of understanding and true acquisition occurs, larning that can be transferred to the universe outside of the schoolroom. In add-on, at postgraduate degree, pupils transform as societal agents and signifier individualities as scholars, professionals and, more widely, as members of society ( Havness, 2008 ) . However, antecedently O'Donell, Tobell, and Zammit ( 2007 ) argued that the nature of passage from undergraduate to postgraduate survey is less ambitious and there is small to get the better of because, in kernel, the environment remains the same. After farther survey, O'Donell et Al ( 2009 ) concluded that there should be greater independent survey by pupils at postgraduate degree and farther synergistic workshop-style instruction, taking to knowledge and understanding which is socially constructed instead than passively received.( Beginning: Stahl, 2000, p.71 )In add-on to knowledge being socially constructed, Stahl ( 2000 ) states that cognition should be personally constructed every bit good. Stahl farther explains that the diagram aims to associate the person and the societal facets in the knowledge-building procedure. This procedure begins with the rhythm of personal apprehension. The staying parts of the diagram exemplify how the person ââ¬Ës personal beliefs and civilization are influenced by other people ââ¬Ës values, beliefs and point of views ( societal procedure ) . A shared civilization is so formed, which impacts on the personal apprehension, as it takes form through act uponing the ways of thought, diverseness influences, every bit good as motivational concerns. The procedure is initiated once more when the new civilization adopted by the single influences others as he / she interacts with different groups of people. However, to guarantee that a knowledge-building procedure does in fact occur, the pros and cons of collaborative acquisition should be weighed up.5. Advantages of collaborative acquisitionFor the successful passage to take topographic point, a great trade of research sing the result of collaborative acquisition in contrast to traditional instructional patterns has been conducted ( Kimber, 1994 ) . Instructor-centered methods of learning can non adequately impact the complex results ( job work outing accomplishments ; higher order believing accomplishments ; the ability to hold a diverse positions view ; ethical logical thinking ; and life-long acquisition ) that a postgraduate pupil requires ( Jungst et al, 2003 ) . Numerous surveies look intoing higher instruction conclude that pupils who follow in-class collaborative acquisition processs and actively collaborate with each other are more satisfied with their acquisition experience and consequence in greater positive results when compared to pupils who are exposed to the traditional talk method ( Kimber, 1994 ; Alavi, 1994 ) . Consequently, this satisfaction consequences from interpersonal relationships which are developed and enhanced through group acquisition ( Johnson et al, 1991 ) . Another factor lending to the satisfaction of collaborative acquisition methods is that it is per se motivative, as each single member is critical to procuring a productive, concerted acquisition pattern ( Havness, 2008 ) . Andrews ââ¬Ë ( 1992 ) work with larning squads confirms the position that greater satisfaction is experienced as collaborative larning improves assurance and supports the acquisition procedure. Additionally, Johnson & A ; Johnson ( 1994 ) concluded that concerted larning systematically produced higher tonss of self-efficiency than did individualistic conditions. Besides greater satisfaction is achieved since equals are at an equal degree and therefore can be more unfastened and explore to the full the countries of cognitive struggle ( Ladyshewsky, 2006 ) . This satisfaction experienced consequences in avidity to larn ( Kimber, 1994 ) . In add-on, the degree of equality with equals encourages greater dynamic battle in the acquisition procedure and building of cognition with deeper apprehension ( Alavi, 1994 ) . Attainment of greater understanding consequences in longer keeping of information and turning away of abrasion ( Cooper, 1990 ) . As a consequence, job resolution accomplishments are enhanced and it consequences in higher order thought ( Jaarsma, De Graves, and Muijtjens, 2008 ) . Likewise, Mazen, Jones, and Sergenian ( 2000 ) further supports the importance of group acquisition by indicating out that by working hand in glove, pupils can heighten accomplishments and advanced ways of believing which will ensue in group procedure additions. When working hand in glove, the issue of diverseness must non be forgotten. Escalating Numberss of postgraduate pupils from diverse backgrounds with changing positions and readings are holding a profound consequence on concerted acquisition ( Booth, Bowie, Jordan, and Rippin, 2000 ) . Wyss-Flamm ( 2002 ) points out that the outgrowth of ââ¬Ëdifference ââ¬Ë is indispensable to larning. Exposure to the differences can elicit the demand to try to come in each other ââ¬Ës heads and therefore larning something for which the tool of conversation is priceless ( Argyris & A ; Schion, 1996 ) . Similarly, Stein and Hurd ( 2000 ) acknowledge that collaborative acquisition transforms the acquisition environment into a student-centered one, which capitalizes on the diverseness of the pupils, and lessens dependance on the professor as the individual conveyor of cognition. This can ensue in interpersonal every bit good as intrapersonal procedures interacting with each other, making chances for larning to happen within the established modus operandis ( single-loop acquisition ) or larning that requires advanced modus operandis be created ( double-loop acquisition ) ( Argyris, 1999 ) . In contrast, Foldy ( 2004 ) states that persons who are portion of diverse groups will be characterized by feelings of misgiving or non experiencing safe as they are non grouped with those similar to them. Consequently, there will be greater intra-group struggle originating. Therefore, Booth et Al. bespeak that diverseness can merely be valuable to the acquisition if the differences are recognized and appreciated. Similarly, Milliken & A ; Martins ( 1996, p. 403 ) province that diverseness in concerted larning groups can be seen as a ââ¬Å" double-edged blade â⬠, intending that it possesses the possible to be of great advantage, but this will merely happen if it is managed efficaciously. Extra benefits of collaborative acquisition, adapted from Nunamaker, Dennis, Valacich, Vogel, and George, ( 1991 ) , include: the group generates more information and options as compared to the mean single group member ; group larning motivates the person to execute better ; groups are more effectual and nonsubjective in rating, and in conclusion, interactions amongst group members lead to synergisms. Similarly, Boud, Cohen, and Sampson ( 2001, cited in Havnes, 2008 ) highlight five results that can peculiarly be advanced by equal acquisition schemes, these include: working with others ; critical question and contemplation ; communicating and articulation of cognition, understanding and accomplishments ; pull offing acquisition and how to larn ; self and peer appraisal. In add-on, collaborative acquisition has been found to back up greater productiveness, coevals of originative thoughts or advanced solutions, and heighten the pupils ââ¬Ë ability of societal position pickings ( Cus eo, 1992 ; Lord, 2001 ) . However it must be noted that these positive results do non predominate with all groups and in all contexts as the outlooks of group members may non conform to each other ( Felder & A ; Brent, 2001 ) or societal idleness of free equitation may happen within the group ( Mello, 1993 ) . These jobs, if experienced, can finally ensue in the devastation of the group. However, when the positive results of collaborative acquisition do transpire, it supports the constructive impact that this method of acquisition has on academic-related accomplishment ( Alavi, 1994 ) . This is farther supported by empirical grounds of improved accomplishment at postgraduate degree ( DaRos- Voseles, Onwuegbuzie, and Qun, 2008 ; Collins, Cao, and Robidoux, 2004 ) . The degrees of academic accomplishment attained are fostered by the collaborative acquisition environment as it gives pupils an chance to prosecute in treatment, take duty for their single acquisition every bit good as accomplishment of the group ââ¬Ës ends, and therefore go critical minds ( Totten, Sills, Digby, and Russ, 1991 ) . This was farther proven in a survey conducted by Gokhale ( 1995 ) .5.1 Study to find effectivity of collaborative acquisition: Gokhale 1995The intent of this survey was to find the effectivity of collaborative larning versus single acquisition as it relates to larning results achieved. The population for the survey comprised of pupils in industrial engineering, enrolled at Western Illinois University. The intervention comprised of two parts: talk and worksheet. First, a common talk was delivered to both intervention groups. Next, one subdivision was indiscriminately assigned to the ââ¬Å" single acquisition group â⬠while the other subdivision was assigned to the ââ¬Å" collaborative acquisition group â⬠. The same worksheet was given to both intervention groups. It was comprised of both drill-and-practice points ( factual cognition and comprehension ) and critical- thought points ( analysis, synthesis and rating of constructs ) . Subsequent to a statistical analysis of the trial tonss, the consequences depicted that pupils who participated in collaborative acquisition had performed significantly better on the critical-thinking trial than pupils who studied separately. It was besides found that both groups performed every bit good on the drill-and-practice trial. The collaborative acquisition medium provided pupils with chances to analyse, synthesise and measure thoughts hand in glove. Therefore, the positive results of this survey on collaborative acquisition can be applied at a graduate student degree where the cardinal purpose is for pupils to believe critically and heighten cognition and apprehension which is socially constructed ( Jones et al 2006 ) . The consequences of this survey conform to the developmental positions ( Slavin, 1995 ) of collaborative acquisition proposed by the advocates of collaborative acquisition such as Vygotsky and Piaget.5.2 Piaget ââ¬Ës Constructivist PerspectiveValidation o f concerted acquisition stems, in portion, from theories of societal mutuality ( Johnson, Johnson, and Smith, 1998 ) . Piaget ââ¬Ës socio-cognitive struggle theory provinces that kids ( or grownups ) on different degrees of cognitive development, or those persons on the same degree of cognitive development with differing positions, can prosecute in societal interaction that leads to a cognitive struggle. Through treatment with other equals, the ââ¬Ëshock of our idea coming into contact with others ââ¬Ë ( Piaget, 1928 ) leads to a disequilibrium within participants. This consequences in the building of new conceptual constructions and understanding in order to reconstruct equilibrium. ( Ladyshewsky, 2006 ; Slavin, 1987 ; Lipponen, 2002 ) . The importance of collaborative acquisition can be farther understood by Vygotsky ââ¬Ës theoretical model.5.3 Vygotsky zone of proximal developmentParallel to Piaget ââ¬Ës constructivist position ( Piaget,1969 ) , Vygotsky ââ¬Ës t heoretical concept of the zone of proximal development provides strong support for the inclusion of concerted acquisition as a method of instructional scheme as it consequences in the sweetening of the acquisition that occurs. Vygotsky ( 1978 ) defines the zone of proximal development as ââ¬Å" The distance between the existent developmental degree as determined by independent job resolution and the degree of possible development as determined through job work outing under grownup counsel or in coaction with more capable equals. â⬠( See figure 2 )Figure 2: Zone of Proximal DevelopmentBeginning: Harnum ( 2009 )5.4 Theory of concerted acquisitionSupporting the theory of societal mutuality, Slavin ( 1995 ) proposed a two-element theory of concerted larning comprising of positive mutuality and single answerability. Likewise, Johnson et Al. ( 1991a, 1991b ) advocated a five-component theory of concerted acquisition. Harmonizing to the theoretical account, the following five elemen ts are indispensable for maximising the long-run success of the concerted learning venture:Figure 3: Pillars of concerted acquisitionPillars of Cooperative LearningFace-to-face interactionPositive mutualityGroupprocessingIndividual AccountabilitySocialaccomplishmentsAdapted: www.foundationcoalition.orgThe presence of the five basic constituents of concerted acquisition may all be accounted for within the theoretical model provided by Vygotsky ââ¬Ës zone of proximal development. Positive Mutuality: It is the connecting of pupils reciprocally so that the person can non win unless all group members win ( Johnson, Johnson, and Smith, 1998 ) . Vygotskys ââ¬Ës theory rests upon the rule that a kid ââ¬Ës development is dependent upon interactions with other kids and grownups. Therefore, kids and grownups are developmentally dependent, and hence interdependent ( Doolittle, 1995 ) . Face-to-face interaction: Within concerted acquisition, face-to-face interaction involves pupils need to make existent work jointly in which they promote each other ââ¬Ës success by sharing resources and helping, back uping, encouraging, and acknowledging each other ââ¬Ës attempts to accomplish the group ââ¬Ës ends ( Johnson et al 1998 ) . It is interpreted in the Vygotskian system as societal mediation and encultration. Encultration refers to what is learnt, while societal mediation refers to how it is learnt. Individual answerability: It is the belief held by each person that he/she will be held responsible for his/her ain public presentation and acquisition ( Johnson et al 1998 ) . For Vygotsky, single answerability would be reflected in each group member being responsible for developing within their ain alone zone of proximal development ( Doolittle, 1995 ) . Group Processing: Group treating exists when group members discuss how good they are accomplishing their ends and measuring ways to better the productivity of all group member in accomplishing the group ends ( Johnson et al 1998 ; Doolittle, 1995 ) . Within the model of Vygotsky ââ¬Ës theory, portion of direction entails the changeless monitoring of each pupil ââ¬Ës growing within their zone of proximal development ( Doolittle, 1995 ) . This survey was inconclusive in demoing that graduate squads perform better with collaborative acquisition manners. However, the consequences for graduate pupils indicate that collaborative acquisition manner is influential in public presentation, along with competitory and participant acquisition manners. Johnson and Johnson ( 1998 ) besides conclude that alumnus pupils portray the traits of independent scholars and are enthusiastic to obtain some enterprise and lament to accept duties for their ain acquisition. Therefore, professors should be more interested to ease independent larning. Furthermore, Johnson and Johnson province that the function of facilitator or delegator ensures working with pupils in a advisory manner and sweetening of the pupils ââ¬Ë capacity to larn independently, this is similar to what is required in organisational squads.6.2 Problems with collaborative acquisition mannerDespite the positive results that have been stated, there are many jobs that exist as good ( Machemer & A ; Crawford, 2007 ) . These jobs have resulted in some professors defying to prosecute in alternate theoretical accounts for learning and larning despite holding academic freedom in their instruction manners ( Moore, 2005 ) . The jobs experienced foremost include, a slow passage from traditional to collaborative signifiers of acquisition may happen particularly with pupils who can non accommodate easy or those who are extremely immune to alter ( Kimber, 1994 ) . Second, the degree of psychological safety in the colloquial infinite is a major determiner in results achieved ( Jones et al. , 2006 ) . Anxiety may originate as a consequence of the strangeness of the stuff being studied, or by the strain of lending to the conversation in a ambitious manner and could motivate a negative response and turning away of acquisition ( Vince & A ; Martin, 1993 ) . Third, unconstructive discourse may originate when consensus can non be reached with respects to the stuff, ends o r values ( Bruffee, 1984 ) . The increasing heterogeneousness ( Baer, 1996 ) and diverseness amongst graduate student pupils ( Booth et al. , 2000 ) escalates the happening of dysfunctional discourse in the acquisition procedure. Students may show farther hurdlings for collaborative acquisition which include: deficiency of engagement, backdown due to fear of negative rating, fright of some pupils ruling the session, troubles in maintaining the treatment focused, information overload for single members and measuring the degree of understanding ( Anderson, 1995 ; Nunamaker et al. , 1991 ) . The jobs experienced have caused certain lectors to give up on concerted larning techniques on the whole ( Cohen, 1994 ) . In the same manner, Machemer and Crawford ( 2007 ) point out that lectors give up on concerted larning methods as it has limited schoolroom ( talk ) application. In add-on, the design and testing of collaborative activities and lessons can be time-consuming on presently overloaded module agendas ( Cooper, 1995 ) . This consequences in concerns from a learning position, such as: the course of study non being completed as the activities take up a great trade of clip ; perceived loss of control in the schoolroom ; and trouble in measuring the pupils ââ¬Ë engagement and effectivity of the collaborative acquisition manners ( Gerlach, 1994 ) . Similarly, extra concerns include: the insufficiency of collaborative larning techniques in making high knowledge-attainment degrees with complex stuff, every bit good as pupils missing the critical features for working in effectual squads ( Cooper, 1995 ; Lord, 2001 ) . These critical features are what the ideal squad member should possess, which leads to the issue that the collaborative theoretical account assumes how professors are supposed to learn, how pupils are supposed to larn, and how cognition is created ( Moore, 2005 ) . However, Bruffee ( 1993 ) argues that cognition is non something transferred from one person ââ¬Ës caput to the following. ââ¬Å" Collaborative acquisition assumes alternatively that cognition is a consensus among the members of a community of knowing peers-something people concept by speaking together and making understanding â⬠( Bruffee, 1993, p. 3 ) . Furthermore, Nias ( 1987 ) argues, that it is evident that non all pupils take an active function in the analysis of instances through argument. As affirmed by Jones et al 2006, a figure of factors may lend to this, including: Lack of assurance: pupils may grok the instance but do non set across their sentiment. Lack of involvement: the capable country may non be of involvement to each pupil. Lack of engagement: there are identifiable barriers to involvement ; e.g. domination of some pupils or linguistic communication barriers. Lack of readying: a deficiency of clip, committedness or motive. These factors should be mitigated every bit far as possible so as to make positive groups which help people to do positive alterations ( Goleman, Boyatzis, and Mckee, 2002 ) . Positive groups emerge where there are high degrees of single answerability, group coherence, seasonably and effectual feedback and expressed wagess for high degrees of group public presentation ( Michaelson, Fink, and Knight, 1997 ) . In contrast, unsatisfactory groups appear where free equitation or societal idleness ( doing less attempt to accomplish a end ) occurs ( Brooks & A ; Ammons, 2003 ; Mello, 1993 ) . This may give rise to interpersonal struggles and finally group devastation ( Jehn & A ; Mannix 2001 ; Miller, 2003 ) . Conversely, a longitudinal survey conducted ; found that a peculiar form of struggle resulted in higher group public presentation. This form was created as ââ¬Å" squads executing good were characterized by low but increasing degrees of procedure struggle ; low degrees of relationship struggle, with a rise near undertaking deadlines ; and moderate degrees of undertaking struggle at the center of group interaction â⬠( Jehn & A ; Mannix, p.238 ) . The persons ââ¬Ë dissatisfaction will most likely influence squad public presentation, squad stableness, the size and construction of the group, and temporal range ( Alge, Wiethoff, and Klein, 2003 ; Johnson et al. , 1991 ; Jaques, 2000 ) . In add-on, diverseness ( Koppenhaver & A ; Shrader, 2003 ) and the squad members ââ¬Ë personal features, such as psychological profile, corporate orientation, and larning penchants are likely to act upon public presentation ( Kunkel & A ; Shafer, 1997 ; Lancaster & A ; Strand, 2001 ; Mennecke, Hoffer, and Wynne, 1992 ; Robbins, 1994 ) . These restrictions therefore pose a major menace to full development of the positive facets associated with collaborative acquisition and to the success of this method on the whole.7. DecisionFrom the reappraisal it is evident that there are assorted consequences sing the value of collaborative instruction and acquisition at postgraduate degree. It is evident that the benefits of this method outweigh the negative facets. However it must be noted, that the benefits do non use to all involved and if the restrictions are non adequately taken into history, the effects are bound to be black. In add-on, the diverseness amongst pupils particularly at postgraduate degree is intensifying. The heterogeneousness of pupils must be considered and hence, a ââ¬Ëone method fits all ââ¬Ë attack should non be applied. Supervisors should change learning manners to suit for the diverseness of larning penchants amongst pupils. However, future research should be conducted to find the consequence of jointly using the different larning methods on pupils, their perceptual experiences or value placed on these techniques, and whether these methods will guarantee that optimum larning takes topographic point. Professors need to switch from the impression that ââ¬Å" instruction is stating, acquisition is absorbing, and cognition is subject-matter content â⬠( Spence, 2001, p.12 ) . This is important as employers in current organisations are demanding more than merely proficient cognition of university alumnuss ( Jungst, Licklider, and Wiersma, 2003 ) . They require alumnuss who can believe under force per unit area, guarantee effectivity in team-work, communicate efficaciously, and build new cognition and thoughts that will give their employers the border in the current fast-paced universe. ( Gardiner, 1994 ; Brown & A ; Lassoie, 1998 ) . Therefore, by altering the patterns of instruction and acquisition in the schoolroom, there is greater possible for the happening of transmutations -for the persons, organisations, and systems ( Moore, 2005 ) . The possibility to restructure and rethink instruction and acquisition at postgraduate degree is exciting, exciting, disputing, hazardous, and ripe with possibility.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Karma in Bhagavad-Gita and Shakuntala Essay
In _Bhagavad- Gita_, dharma and karma are two controlling forces of the ultimate destinies of the people to preserve and conserve the Hindu social order. Arjuna, the protagonist, is torn between two choices, either to perform his dharma for the emancipation of the spirit or to fight against his kin that would probably result to evil karma. He belongs to a compelling position in the Hindu social order because of his birth and occupation, making him locked up from the supposed ultimate freedom (Mack, 1995). The dharma of Arjuna complicates his status in the social hierarchy thus makes him doubtful in performing his duties and responsibilities both as a Hindu warrior and a kin. He may have the control over his spirit and he may choose to receive a good karma, but his dharma contradicts and requires him to somehow disobey his self. In addition, according to Krishna, if he will withdraw from action, it is thus an act of self-delusion and the renunciation of moral and social responsibility. Krishna said that he [Arjuna] ââ¬Ëâ⬠¦must learn to endure fleeting things- they come and go!â⬠(2nd teaching: 14). He is convincing him to ââ¬Å"fight the battleâ⬠(2nd: 18) and so if ââ¬Å"he has courage, he is fit for immortalityâ⬠(2nd: 15). He is always reminding him that his dharma requires him to fight. He adds, ââ¬Å"No one exists for even an instant without performing action; however unwilling, every being is forced to act by the qualities of natureâ⬠(3rd: 5). Arjunaââ¬â¢s hesitation may be valid in some points but it is orderly since it is human nature. He is overcome by doubts because he does not wish to be guilty of the death of his kin, but Krishna tell him that ââ¬Å"actions imprisons the world unless it is done as sacrifice; freed from attachment, Arjuna, perform action as sacrifice!â⬠(3rd: 9). From the philosophies of Krishna mentioned above, it can be scrutinized that an individual in the Indian society must not think that performing dharma can be immoral once it may result to evil karma, but rather internalize that when performing deeds, ââ¬Å"always perform with detachment any action you mustà do; performing action with detachment, one achieves supreme good â⬠(3rd: 19). They are not ruling dharma and karma, but they govern ââ¬Å"to preserve the worldâ⬠(3rd: 25). _Shakuntala_ also portrays a strong Hindu society and Hinduism. There is sadness and melancholy due to dharma and karma but the ultimate destinies are well-controlled. Hinduism may provide sufficient free will to man but it does not permit him grappling from the moral ambiguities that may lead to tragedy (Yohannan, 1994). Shakunta was punished because she did not able to perform her religious duties. As what Priyamvada told the King, Shakuntala ââ¬Å"â⬠¦has been engaged in the practiced of religious dutiesâ⬠; but because of her fascination and attachment to the King, she forgot her dharma for the first time, leading her to suffer evil consequences (karma). Priyamvada told her assumption to Anasuya when they were in the garden of the hermitage and said ââ¬Å"I fear a terrible misfortune has occurred. Sakoontala, from absence of mind, must have offended some guest whom she was bound to treat with respectâ⬠. Shakuntala is the daughter of the hermit leader and a Brahman so she really has to perform her religious duties otherwise she will disobey the norm. Nevertheless, she is not destined to be forever shattered and helpless; she must gain back what and who she deserves to have, and that is to be united with the King. Through the presentation of the fate of the characters, we can say that Hinduism still favors people as long as they keep their faith and deeds according to it. For the question _how can be both paradoxical and at the same time complementary, Shakuntala_ and _Bhagavad- Gita_ have their own ways of portraying an Indian society and its religion. In _Bhagavad- Gita,_ Krishna is really the personal and true-existing (though appeared in a different form) adviser who keeps on reminding and convincing Arjuna to perform his dharma otherwise a great consequence might happen. Arjuna tends to remain in his humanness nature but his dharma tries to desolate him from his morality,à so there is his friend charioteer (Krishna) who keeps on warning him by teaching philosophies. He is overcome by his morality by killing his own kin. On the other hand, Shakuntala has not been warned before she committed such sacred crime. She was more overcome by the humanness nature that she tends to forget her dharma. Her emotions desolate her, so as punishment, her own fault kills the chance to be loved by the King. Because of their social status in the society, their dharma becomes more demanding and regulating. Both show a pleasurable sense of life and their religion guides them not to end up tragically. Both value knowledge as means to salvation and liberation. In _Shakuntala,_ the trial which she brings upon herself matures her in the knowledge of love and prepares her for the life which she is destined to live (Yohannan, 1994). In _Bhagavad- Gita_, ââ¬Å"knowledge is obscuredâ⬠(3rd: 39), therefore Krishna tells Arjuna that ââ¬Å"kill this evil that wins knowledge and judgmentâ⬠(3rd: 41) because ââ¬Å"knowing the self beyond understanding sustain the self with the selfâ⬠(3rd:43)
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Project2 (Global Issues in Business and Economics ) Essay
Project2 (Global Issues in Business and Economics ) - Essay Example The company designs its operation in such a way that it provides great support to its pricing strategy. Actually it is found that in case of easyCar operation strategy and designing of processes are aligned with business strategy of the company. Its prime business strategy is to attract customer by offering low price and in order to support this strategy it designs its operation accordingly. For example, it is found that while in cases traditional car rental companies prime locations are situated within the airport complex of all major airports, the secondary and the nearby prime locations of easyCar are situated near train or bus stations where economic travelers are frequently found and where rent are used to be quite low. Not only that, easyCar also does not choose its location within airport complex, given its high cost nature, instead it selects nearby areas of airport for its location and thus can offer lower price compared to traditional car rental companies. ( Cateora and Gra ham, 2007; Saraswat, Nahar, and Karki, 2009) Unlike other traditional companies who focus on building larger and beautifully decorated facilities, often allowing customers to drive unlimited miles, and arranging a wide rage of cars within the fleet, easyCar generally build small and simple facilities in order to keep its cost at a low level. Not only that, it also provides one type of car per site as a result of which maintenance becomes much easier and customer service staff find it much easier to achieve very high rate of utilization as each car can be substituted for the other. easyCar also does not allow unlimited driving which play a major role in keeping costs at low level. ( Cateora and Graham, 2007; Saraswat, Nahar, and Karki, 2009) Customers use to have a very high involvement in the process in case of easyCar in the sense that before returning the car customers are asked to do a certain jobs like making a print out of the service contract bringing this to the company by th eir own, re-fill the car and cleaning it in order to bring it to ready-to-rent condition. All these lower the costs of easyCar. Not only that during the entire booking process this company extensively substitute people by technology in order to reduce labor costs. ( Cateora and Graham, 2007; Saraswat, Nahar, and Karki, 2009) The product/service in the global competitive market: The car rental industry has become very much attractive to the residents and businesses of Europe and America. Although, in less developed economies of Asia and Africa, the product or service has still not achieved a very prominent place in the transportation field, it has potential to become popular in these nation as well in near future for a number of factors. More and more market players will start to operate on a global platform. Actually, this industry offers the buyers of its products a sustainable and reasonably priced access to road transportation. Apart from this, this car rental industry also provi des an opportunity of having an early access to the trials of large varieties of low-carbon means of transport. Not only the residents and business houses, but also the tourists are increasingly becoming dependent on the car rental industry of Europe for their entire traveling schedule. easyCar is a viable competitor to taxis, buses and trains. The major reason that has made a tough competitor to buses, taxis and trains is its operational
Friday, September 27, 2019
Study Skills Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Study Skills - Assignment Example A few years ago AIDS and Cancer were the only concerns of mankind when it came to incurable epidemics. Recently new more terrible diseases like ââ¬ËBird Fluââ¬â¢ and ââ¬ËSwine Fluââ¬â¢ have threatened human existence with their accelerated growth. More than half of earths total population productivity has already been diverted towards human use (Brown, 2004; Green, 1992). This population continues to grow at an alarming pace. Only in the last fifty years human population had doubled from 2.5 billion to 6.1 billion. Will our earth be able to support a population of 12.2 billion in 2050 (currently 76 million people are added to our population each year)? This is the question that needs to be asked. The Earthââ¬â¢s productive capacity will not be enough to sustain such a pace in population growth. Most of this population increase is fueled by developing nations with lack of health care facilities. This contribution cannot be controlled by increasing awareness only because ââ¬Ëmost of the increase is by population momentum (49%), followed by unwanted pregnancies (33%)ââ¬â¢. Moreover if we expand our focus to the entire world almost 80 million out of a total 210 million is contributed by unwanted pregnancies. This is a cl ear target for mankind, healthcare facilities and birth control can help reduce the alarming rate of population growth. For this purpose financial help is needed to provide low cost and preferably free contraceptives to underdeveloped nations. ââ¬ËThis would almost need approximately around $54.8 billion dollarsââ¬â¢. The continuous increase in population is placing an intense pressure of natural resources. According to the world back currently approximately 2 billion people in the world are malnourished. This is more than thirty percent of total world population. This situation is expected to get worse as population grows and productivity of crops
Thursday, September 26, 2019
International Relation- PED Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
International Relation- PED - Essay Example growth of the political economy of development enables the exposure of the interconnected topics, ideas and the role played by such ideas towards shaping a countryââ¬â¢s development aspects. The assignment is put together in order to provide an understanding platform of the existing literature on economic development studies. The work is organised in a way that will elaborate more on the Post-war consensus that took place from 1950s and in the 1960s. During this period, the ideas portrayed in the literature indicate that they were focused on the theory of classical dualism. This particular theory led to the development of policies that were concentrated more on the creation of the suitable pre-conditions to facilitate development. The study will shed light on the event of increasing awareness, and the role played by advancing ideas. The ideas were resulting from the reducing reliance on the state of developmental and the increasing dependence on structural adjustment lending that will be assayed. In reference to Ranis (2004), the previously ignored sub-field of development economics was reinvented between the 1950s and the 1960s. During the time, the current models of the economy were deemed only to offer insights that were rather limited towards solving the challenges facing the third world. The Keynesian, Solow, and Harrod-Domar were the dominant economic models at the time. However, the ideas in these theories have little relevance for most societies. In accordance with Cairney (2012), the ideas incorporated in this literature are more of connected to the business cycles and other steady-state properties. In a more specific tone, the contemporary development models are viewed as related to the advanced countries. The Keynesian theory, for instance, has an abstract theoretical construct that abides by the abundant assumptions portrayed by the macro- theory of neo-classics. Contemporary development ideas also focused on full employment, perfect competition, and
Should the UK withdraw from the European Convention on human rights Essay
Should the UK withdraw from the European Convention on human rights - Essay Example Sovereignty of the parliament dictates that the parliament has the sole discretion to make and amend laws in the UK. No person or body is recognized by the UK legislation to overrule the law made by the parliament. In this spirit the parliament is seen to be competent to make any laws. Laws that deprive the citizens of their right to property, liberty, voting, and life among others should be seen as valid so long as they have been passed by the parliament. This is done in faith that the parliament can exercise self restraint and only pass laws that are at par with the moral standards. However, this has not been the case always because some politicians have normally put their own selfish interests at the cost of national interests. The ECHR being an international body helps to regulate such offensive or repugnant laws. The citizens of Britain should advocate against their government withdrawal from the convention. This is for the benefit of regulation of the laws that the parliament may pass. The Human Rights Act of 1998 and its Problems The human rights act of 1998 was drafted on the principle of protection of human rights but reconciled with the sovereignty of the state (UK Government, 2012). Under this act, the parliament may make legislations and the courts may not necessarily quash them on the grounds of inconsistency with the European Convention on human rights. In fact, it is only the higher courts that should interpret the legislations and determine their inconsistency. The higher courts may only declare incompatibility where it is very clear. This act was put forward in order to ensure parliamentary sovereignty. ... an Rights Act of 1998 and its Problems The human rights act of 1998 was drafted on the principle of protection of human rights but reconciled with the sovereignty of the state (UK Government, 2012). Under this act, the parliament may make legislations and the courts may not necessarily quash them on the grounds of inconsistency with the European Convention on human rights. In fact, it is only the higher courts that should interpret the legislations and determine their inconsistency. The higher courts may only declare incompatibility where it is very clear. This act was put forward in order to ensure parliamentary sovereignty. However, the enactment of the act has transformed the constitutional environment in which the parliamentââ¬â¢s legislative power exists; the legislative powers have been altered. Three features of the act pose problems to its enactment and goes against the ECHR. The first problem is that the act places the power to interpret whether the acts are consistent wi th convention rights in the hands of the judiciary. This greatly alters the process of interpretation of the legislation. This has two implications; it is rare for legislation properly interpreted to go against the human rights norms. The parliament will always use a clearer and precise language if it wishes to abrogate human rights. The use of clear language draws the attention of public and the parliament. The government may put a strong justification of the legislation to win the public support. This legislation may be infringing on the rights of the people but it may escape the eyes of the judiciary which has been given the ultimate power to determine its compatibility with the rights convention (Elliot, 2002). The second problem is that the minister in-charge of the bill should make a
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Case study 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
2 - Case Study Example The vendor will have more expertise since they face issues that are more varied (Desai, 2009). In order to outsource the function, however, XYZ Company needs to identify first the need for outsourcing (McIvor, 2012). The company should do an internal assessment on why they want to outsource and whether it is due to failure of the internal staff. Next, the company should recognize the IT tasks that they should outsource and those that must be retained in-house. The company should seek to outsource services that are already mature and available in the marketplace. Those tasks that should be outsourced should be competitive in the marketplace in order to get the best price (McIvor, 2012). XYZ will contend various costs with when it comes to outsourcing IT functions. The first is the cost of searching for a vendor and contracting (Willcocks et al, 2011). Next, the company will have to deal with the cost of transition, to an IT function vendor, as well as management of the outsourcing effort, which includes monitoring the vendorââ¬â¢s work, bargaining with them, and negotiation of required contract changes. Finally, there are costs with the transition after the company has already outsourced, which may include switching vendors and re-integration of internal IT activities (Willcocks et al,
Monday, September 23, 2019
Economic Outcome Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Economic Outcome - Case Study Example According to the study findingsà it is imperative to explain the meaning of franchising in order to gain understanding of the whole concept. Basically, franchising is the most common type of contractual relationship in which a channel member called a franchisor links several stages in the production and distribution process.This essay discusses that the relationship created in this particular case involves the franchisor and the franchisee where the later acquires the license or right to operate their business using the trademark of the other company. This kind of relationship is very common especially in fast food business and it has significantly contributed to the success of different businesses. The franchise is licensed to market and distribute the products offered under the trademark of the franchisor. In this particular case, it can be observed that Andyââ¬â¢s Parties will retain its brand name and trademark while licensing other franchisees to market its services which h elps business to expand and this also helps it to gain large market share in its operations. This helps the company to increase its income base given that it would be in a position to attract a large number of customers. A close analysis of the case of Andyââ¬â¢s Parties shows that it costs about $60 000 to open company operated stores. This amount is quite high for a company that has been in business for a short time and intending to expand its operations to other market. à à à Ã
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Owners Perspective During Preconstruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Owners Perspective During Preconstruction - Essay Example guidance of the architect/ during this phase maximizes the value added to the project such as, energy efficiency, space used, design, structural integrity, mechanical systems and market value. Construction project cost is a main worry for the owner, yet usually the estimating is carried out in too general a manner like sq. ft. costs or very late in design development phase. The benefits that the estimating process brings are likely to be missed if the estimator comes in at the last part of the design phase to execute an Engineers Estimate. These benefits consist of project feasibility, budget development, scope definition, realistic input to the VE as well as VA process, documentsââ¬â¢ quality control, input to the designers as well as owners decision making course, format of the bid, clarity of scope, and projectsââ¬â¢ bid-ability. The usual project usually overruns its cost estimation. Overruns are frequent on governmental as well as commercial projects, even when changes are considered. The reason this occurs is because estimating traditionally does not take into account the threat that the work will in point of fact cost less or more than offered by the most proficient estimate. In order to settle on a more suitable contingency, use of a quantitative risk assessment is encouraged. Nevertheless, risk assessment has been mainly ignored for larger projects as a part of the approximating process in addition to the development of the budget. Risk assessment is currently getting more popular; it is being talked and considered a lot more than it was in the past. Major projects, mainly those in the Design-Build or some using an optional delivery technique, the teams involved in design, building, and project controls work jointly developing the design, approximations, budgets, as well as schedules in juxtaposition with each other or concomitantly (Demkin 569). Incorporated cost along with plan risk assessments can thrive in this setting. Nevertheless, in spite of the
Saturday, September 21, 2019
The Meaning of Torture Porn Essay Example for Free
The Meaning of Torture Porn Essay Stephen King once wrote, in his seminal book on horror, Danse Macabre, ââ¬Å"I recognize terror as the finest emotion and so I will try to terrorize the reader. But if I find that I cannot terrify, I will try to horrify, and if I find that I cannot horrify, Iââ¬â¢ll go for the gross-out. Iââ¬â¢m not proudâ⬠(Kaye 3). From the sequence of horror movies that have flooded the market over the past couple of years, itââ¬â¢s obvious that many of the filmmakers behind him arenââ¬â¢t too proud either. Horror cinema seems like it has become an ocean of gore, and the current trend has even gotten its own name: torture porn. The term ââ¬Å"torture pornâ⬠has little to do with real pornography. There is virtually no sexual activity involved, although the victims are usually nude or partially nude. Torture is defined by Dictionary.com as ââ¬Å"the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer crueltyâ⬠. It expresses the idea that its viewers are intensely aroused by the sight of human bodies ââ¬â usually young and quite often female that are getting torn into bloody chunks in the most awful ways imaginable (Williams 1). The next part of the term, porn, has nothing do to with what is going on onscreen and when placed alongside torture, has nothing to do with the definition of either word. Porn is a shortened form of pornography, which Dictionary.com defines principally as ââ¬Å"â⬠¦sexually explicit pictures, writings, or other material whose primary purpose is to cause sexual arousal.â⬠Seeing a naked body onscreen isnââ¬â¢t extremely explicit or sexually arousing in many situations, especially if the nude is being hacked to pieces by a fictional serial killer with a prop knife. In short, the characters in most well-known torture porn films are not usually developed enough to make us feel much sympathy for them; theyââ¬â¢re simply, men and women, set up to be sliced apart. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s a definite distinction between being grossed out and being terrified and I think many filmmakers have lost sight of thatâ⬠, says Ryan Rotten, managing editor of the horror Web Site ShockTilYouDrop.com (Kaye 3). According to Rafe Telsch, an assistant editor of Cinema Blend website: Almost everyone I know goes to the movies for similar reasons. We go to the movies because they entertain us. In the movies exists a world where the good guys win, hope prevails, and love conquers all. Movies make us feel better about ourselves and the world we live in and sometimes offer that aphorism of wisdom we need to make it through rough times. A horror movie primarily serves to scare or horrify, to haunt someone long after theyââ¬â¢ve watched, or terrify them while they are watching it. However, in recent years, sadly, we are mostly seeing gore, more females, or should I say ââ¬Å"hottiesâ⬠, being tortured for most of the film, beaten, tied up, faces cut off, limbs cut off, legs caught in some kind of traps ââ¬â and for what? The films serve little or no purpose in storytelling or character development. This is not horror, it does not scare or leave you scared to turn the light off, and the films end usually in an easily predicted way. Our generation is past desensitization after watching countless disgusting mutilations slowly destroy the human bodies onscreen. So, do torture porn movies really serve any purpose, other than to gross the audience out and put them off their food? I personally cannot reason why movie audiences would find this recently popular sub-genre interesting. Instead of promoting the good in mankind, these movies promote the worst possible traits of the human race. In the real world, we take people who kidnap, torture, mutilate, maim, and kill innocent people and lock them away, even putting some to death. Nowadays, a group of filmmakers want to recreate that same concept in a fictional environment, glorifying sick behavior to sell tickets. Even worse, people are buying those tickets, maintaining the strength of these kinds of films and ensuring more to come. To be clear, my problem is not with the horror genre as a whole. A lot of horror exemplifies the idea of good versus evil with good eventually saving the day (not always, but frequently). Iââ¬â¢ve been a horror fan almost since I could watch movies, which is somewhere around the age of 6. I remember the times when I visited my grandparents with my younger brother during the summer, and we couldnââ¬â¢t wait until 10 oââ¬â¢clock to see a horror movie, since our parents stayed in the city. Our grandparents would always go to bed early, and we knew that on weekends, starting from 10 oââ¬â¢clock most of the channels would show some type of a horror movie. Usually, my brother would ask me to shut off the TV and go to bed as soon as the best part of the movie began (by which I mean the scariest part), but I stayed, even though I had my eyes covered with a pillow for the majority of the movie. As I got older, I no longer needed the pillow. Most of the American movie-going society is familiar with the Saw films initiated in 2003 by James Wan and Leign Whannell, and with Eli Rothââ¬â¢s two Hostel films (released in 2005 and 2007), which represent the most lucrative horror films of the 21st century and serve as the most prominent examples of torture porn (Sharrett 32). So, when Saw 5 came out in 2008 and my friends dragged me into theater to watch it, I was shocked and sat in astonishment as Jigsawââ¬â¢s victims were tortured. Jigsaw, the main antagonist of the series, places his victims in death traps that can only be stopped by the murder of another person. That night I left the theater wondering why anyone would ever want to watch torture in a movie when thereââ¬â¢s enough of it in the real world. I understand that for some of us horror movies allow us to confront our fears in a safe setting, but itââ¬â¢s a huge difference thinking about that when youââ¬â¢re watching someone torture another human being, in all of its ugliness, on-screen than when youââ¬â¢re watching the nightly news. If we can gain positive lessons about life from the movies, then what kind of moralistic values are torture porn movies instilling in our culture? As Rafe Telsch asked, ââ¬Å"Are we cultivating a crop of sadistic killers by allowing these kinds of movies to be made and shown?â⬠(1).What is even more disturbing about torture films is that while I was watching My Bloody Valentine (2009) in the cinema, people seemed to take great delight in laughing or cheering when an innocent character was injured or murdered. This, again, shows how horror films are moving away from what they originally stood for: the ultimate triumph of good over the worst evils in humanity. Additionally we, as an audience, arenââ¬â¢t supposed to be cheering for the ââ¬Å"bad guysâ⬠, weââ¬â¢re supposed to want the heroic characters to overcome the evil and survive the horrors. By now most of you have probably heard about the controversy surrounding Captivity billboards as part of the filmââ¬â¢s outdoor ad campaign in Los Angeles and New York. Captivity is a ââ¬Å"torture pornâ⬠film starring Elisha Cuthbert. The depicted four panels with the headlines ââ¬Å"Abduction, Confinement, Torture, Terminationâ⬠along with the appropriate modern horror florescent lighting color scheme and scary visuals (Brodesser ââ¬âArkner 13). This film outdoor campaign outraged some residents in the Los Angeles area. ââ¬Å"Parents went nutsâ⬠, said Courtney Solomon, a partner at After Dark Films, a company that has a multi-picture deal with Lionsgate and that were responsible for marketing the film (13). Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez wrote, ââ¬Å"I felt like I needed to take a shower just from having been within a hundred feet of it (Brodesser-Arkner 13).â⬠And thatââ¬â¢s only two adults expressing their feelings about the billboard. I have never seen Captivity, but based on the pictures I can easily imagine why parents would be concerned while driving with their kids on the highway and seeing this picture.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Givotia Moluccana Analysis
Givotia Moluccana Analysis MATERIALS AND METHODS 4.1. PLANT MATERIAL 4.1.1. COLLECTION OF PLANT The plant aerial parts of Givotia moluccanawas collected and Authentified by Dr. K. Madhava Chetty, Department of Botany, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi (AP). 4.1.2. PREPARATION OF THE EXTRACT The dried leaves of G. moluccana was collected, cleaned, dried and powdered in a grinder à à - mixer to obtain a coarse powder and then passed through 40 mesh sieve. About 1000 gm of powdered drug was extracted with aqueous ethanol by soxhlet apparatus. The extraction was carried out until the drug becomes exhausted. The solvent was recovered from their extract by distillation under reduced pressure. The dried extract thus obtained was kept in a desicator and was used for further experiments. 4.2. EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS Healthy adult male wistar rats weighing between 150-200gm were used for the present study. The animals were housed in groups of six and maintained under standard conditions (27à ±2à ºC, relative humidity 44 56% and light and dark cycles of 10 and 14 hours respectively) and fed with standard rat diet and purified drinking water ad libitum for 1 week before and during the experiments. All experiments and protocols described in present study were approved by the Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (IAEC) of P.Rami Reddy Memorial Collage of Pharmacy (1423/PO/a/11/CPCSEA/102/2014). All the experiments were performed in the morning according to current guidelines for the care of laboratory animals and the ethical guidelines for the investigation of experimental pain in conscious animals (Zimmerman, 1983). 4.3. DRUGS AND CHEMICALS Epinephrine, DTNB, Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and isoproterenol were obtained from Sigma-Aldrich, Bangalore. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA), trichloro acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide were obtained from SD fine chemicals Ltd Mumbai. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, tris buffer and all other reagents used were of analytical grade. CK-MB, LDH, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride estimation kits were obtained from Erba diagnostic Ltd. India. 4.4. INSTRUMENTS Analytical Auto analyzer (MaxLyzer NB-201), UV-Visible spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Model no: 2203), Electronic balance (Shimadzu, Model no: DS-852 J), Tissue homogeniger (Ever shine, Model no: 607), Remi centrifuge (Remi, Model no: KKLO-9013). 4.5 ACUTE ORAL TOXICITY STUDY The acute oral toxicity study was done according to OECD 423 guidelines. Wistar albino rats of either sex were selected randomly and divided into six groups (n = 6). The animals were fasted overnight and extract in doses of 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight, were administered orally to II ââ¬â VI groups. Group I which received vehicle (CMC) served as control. The animals were observed continuously for 2 hr, and then intermittently for 6 hr and at the end of 24 hours, the number of deaths was noted to determine LD50 of the extract (Annie et al., 2004). 4.6. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 4.6.1. NEPHROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY The experimental animals were randomly divided in to 5 groups (n= 6) and treated for duration of 21 days as per the treatment schedule given in table no: 3. Nephrotoxicity was induced by administration of Gentamycin (80 mg/kg I.P) daily for 7 days. Ethanolic extract of G. moluccanawas freshly suspended in CMC and administered to animals by oral feeding needle. Table no: 3 Treatment schedule ââ¬âEvaluation of nephroprotective activity of EEGM against gentamycin induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats. I.P = Intra peritoneal, P.O = Per oral. 4.6.2. COLLECTION OF BLOOD AND URINE SAMPLES The blood samples were collected from the retrorbital venous plexus of rats without any coagulant for the separation of serum, at the regular intervals of the treatment. After collecting the blood in effindraf tubes they were kept for 1 h at room temperature and serum was separated by centrifugation at 2000 rpm for 15 min and stored until analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Urine was collected over 24 hours on the 21st day by keeping the test animals in metabolic cages. The volume of collected urine samples was measured followed by estimation of biochemical parameters, namely urine Creatinine, urine uric acid and urine urea. 4.7. PARAMETERS MONITERED 4.7.1. BIOCHEMICAL ESTMATIONS i. Estimation of Urea (Berthelot Method) Principle: The reaction sequence employed in the assay is as follows: Urea + H2O Urease 2NH3 + CO2 NH3 + Salicylate +Hypochlorite Nitropruside 2-2-Dicarboxy Indophenol Urease catalyses the conversion of Urea to Ammonia and Carbondioxide. The ammonia released reacts with a mixture of Slicylate. Hypochlorite and Nitropruside to yield a blue-green colored compound (Indophenol). The intensity of color produced is proportional to the concentration of urea in the sample and is measured photometrically at 578 nm or with yellow filter. Reagent preparation: Transfer the entire Enzyme Concentrate (1A) into Urease Reagent (1) with the dropper (or) microtip provided. Assay Procedure: Pipette into test tubes labeled Blank (B), Standard(S), Test(T) as follows. Mix and Read absorbance of Standard (S) and Test (T) against Blank (B) at 578 nm (570-620 nm) or with yellow filter. The final color is stable for 30 min. at R.T. Calculations: Blood urea nitrogen in mg/dl = a X 0.467 Urine Urea in gm/24 hours = a X 24 hrs urine volume in litres. ii. Estimation of BUN (GLDH-Urease Method) Methodology : Talke and Schubert, Tiffany et al. Principle: The estimation of Urea in serum involves the following enzyme catalyzed reactions: Urea + H2O Urease 2NH3 + CO2 NH3 + à ±-KG + NADH GLDH Glutamate + NAD à ±-KG : à ±-Ketoglutarate GLDH : Glutamate dehydrogenase The rate of decrease in absorbance is monitored at 340 nm and is directly proportional to urea concentration in the sample. Procedure: Mix well, and aspirate standard followed by samples. Calculation: Determine absorbance change (ÃâA) for the standard and unknown samples by using the formula. ÃâA = A1 ââ¬â A2 Urea = ÃâA of Test Concentration of (mg/dl) ÃâA OF Standard Standard (mg/dl) iii. Estimation of Uric acid (Uricase/POD) Principle: Uric acid is oxidized to Allontoin and hydrogenperoxide by the enzyme uricase. In presence of peroxidase, released hydrogen peroxide is coupled with Aniline derivative and 4-amino antipyrine (4-aap) to form colored chromogen complex. Absorbence of colored dye is measured at 550 nm and is proportional to Uric acid concentration in the sample (Schultz, 1984; Teivedi et al., 1978). Uric acid + 2H2O Uricase Allontoin + CO2 + H2O2 H2O2 + Aniline derivative + 4-AAP POD Chromogen complex + H2O2 Procedure: Mix well. Incubate at 37à ºC for 5 minutes. Programme the analyzer as per assay parameters. Blank the analyzer with reagent blank. Measure absorbance of standard followed by the test. Calculate results as per given calculation formula. Calculations: Serum/plasma/uric acid = Absorbance of Test 6 (mg/dl) Absorbance of Standard Urine uric acid = Dilution 24 hours urine volume in dl. Factor (mg/day) Conversion factor: Uric acid concentration in mmol/L = Uric acid in mg/dL 0.059 iv. Estimation of Creatinine (Mod. Jaffes Kinetic Method) Principle: Picric acid in an alkaline medium reacts with creatinine to form an orange coloured complex with the alkaline picrate. Intensity of the colour formed during the fixed time is directly proportional to the amount of creatinine present in the sample. Creatinine + Alkaline Picrate Orange Coloured Complex Procedure: Pipette into clean dry test tubes labeled as Standard (S) or Test (T): Mix well and read the initial absorbance A for the Standard and Test 1 after exactly 30 seconds. Read another absorbance A of the Standard 2 and Test exactly 60 seconds later. Calculate the change in absorbance ÃâA for both the Standard and Test. For Standard Ãâ AS = A2 S ââ¬â A1 S For Test Ãâ AT = A2 T ââ¬â A1 T Calculations: Creatinine in mg/dl = 2.0 Urine Creatinine in g/L = x 1.0 Urine Creatinine g/24 Hrs. = Urine Creatinine in g/L x Vol. of urine in 24 Hrs. v. Estimation of Total Protein (Biuret Method ) Methodology: The peptide bonds of protein react copper ions in alkaline solution to form blue-violet complex, (biuret reaction). Each copper ion complexing with 5 or 6 peptide bonds. Tartarate is added as a stabilizer whilst iodide is used to prevent auto-reduction of the alkaline copper complex. The color formed is proportional to the protein concentration and is measured at 546nm (520-560nm). Procedure: Incubate for 10 minutes at 37à º C. Read absorbance of the standard and each test at 546 nm( 520-560 nm) against reagent blank. Calculations: Calculate the results as follows: Total Protein = Absorbance of Test Concentration of (g/dl) Absorbance of Standard Standard (g/dl) vi. Estimation of Albumin (Bromocresol Green) Principle: At pH 3.68, Albumin acts as a cation and binds to the anionic dye Bromocresol Green (BCG),forming a green colored complex. The color intensity of the complex is proportional to Albumin concentration in the sample (Gendler Proteins, 1984; Gustsfsson, 1978). Albumin + BCG Ph 3.68 Green colored complex. Procedure: Mix well. Incubate at Room Temperature (15-30à ºC) for 1 minute. Programme the analyzer as per assay parameters. Blank the analyzer with reagent blank. Measure absorbance of standard followed by the test. Calculate results as per given calculation formula. Calculations: Albumin (g/dL) = Absorbance of Test 4 Absorbance of Standard Globulin = Total Protein Albumin Conversion factor: Albumin concentration in g/L = Albumin concentration in g/dL 10 vii. Estimation of Cholestrol (CHOD-PAP Method) Methodology: Modified Roeschlau,s Method Principle: The estimation of cholesterol involves the following enzyme catalyzed reactions. Cholestrol ester CE Ckolestrol + Fatty acid Cholestrol + O2 CHOD Cholest-4-en-3-one + H2O2 2H2O2 + 4AAP + Phenol POD 4H2O + Quinoneimine CE : Cholestrol esterase CHOD : Cholestrol Oxidase 4AAP : 4-Aminoantipyrine Procedure: Mix well and incubate at 370C for 10 minutes. Aspirate Blank followed by Standard and Tests. Read the absorbance of standard and each test tube against blank at 505 nm or 505/670 nm on bichromic analyzer. Calculations: Cholestrol (mg/dL) = Absorbance of Test Concentration of Standard (mg/dl) Absorbance of Standard viii. Estimation of Glucose (GOD POP Method) Methodology: Trinder, s Method. Principle: Gucose + O2 + H2O Glucose oxidase Gluconic acid + H2O2 H2O2 + 4HBA + 4AAP Peroxidase Quinonemine Dye + 2 H2O 4AAP : 4-Aminoantipyrine 4HBA : 4-Hydroxy benzoic acid. The intensity of the pink color formed is proportional to the glucose concentration and can be measured photometrically between 500 to 540 nm. Procedure: Mix well and incubate for 10 minutes at 370 C. Read the absorbance of standard and each test tube against reagent blank at 505 nm (500-540nm) or 505/670 nm on bichromic analyzer. Calculations: Glucose = Absorbance of Test X Concentration of Standard (mg/dl) (mg/dL) Absorbance of Standard ix. Estimation of Bilirubin (BIT BID) Methodology: Diazo Method of Pearlman Lee Principle: Bilirubin reacts with diazotized sulphanilic acid in acidic medium to form pink colored azobilirubin with absorbance directly proportional to Bilirubin concentration. Direct Bilirubin, being water soluble directly reacts in acidic medium. However Indirect or unconjugated Bilirubin is solubilised using a surfactant and then it reacts similar to Direct Bilirubin. Reagent preparation: Procedure: Mix well and incubate for 5 minutes at 370 C for Total Bilirubin and Direct Bilirubin. Read Absorbance at 546/630 nm against Reagent Blank. Calculations with Factors: Total Bilirubin (mg/dl) = Abs. of Test Factor (23). 4.7.2. IN VIVO ANTIOXIDANT PARAMETERS Preparation of homogenate: The homogenate of heart was prepared as follows for the remaining animals. Reagents: 0.25 M sucrose solution: 85.87 g of sucrose was dissolved in 1000 ml of distilled water 10 mM tris buffer solution: 1.2 g of tris was dissolved in 900 ml of distilled water. pH was adjusted to 7.4 with 1M HCl and diluted up to 1000 ml. Procedure: Kidneys were excised and chopped with surgical scalp into fine slices and were chilled in the cold 0.25 M sucrose, quickly blotted with filter paper. The tissue was minced and homogenized in ice cold 10 mM tris HCl buffer (to pH 7.4) at a concentration of 10% (w/v) with 25 stokes of tight teflon pestle of glass homogenizer at a speed of 2500 rpm. The prolonged homogenization under hypotonic condition was designed to disrupt as far as possible the ventricular structure of cells so as to release soluble protein and leave only membrane and non-vascular matter in a sedimentable form. It was then centrifuged at 5000 rpm at 20o C temperature and clear supernatant was separated and used to estimate reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and lipidperoxidation (LPO). a). Catalase (CAT): Catalase was estimated by the method of Hugo E. Aebi method: hydrogen peroxide: hydrogen-peroxidoreductase. Principle: In UV range H2O2 can be followed directly by the decrease in absorbence (O.D 240) per unit time is measure of catalase activity. H2O2 H2 + O2 RDOH H2O + ROH + A Decomposition of H2O2 = Decrease in absorbance at 240 nm Reagents: Phosphate buffer (50 mM, pH 7.0) Dissolve 6.81 g KH2PO4 in distilled water and make up to 1000 ml. Dissolve 8.9 g NaH2PO4. 2H2O in distilled water and make up to 1000 ml. Mix the solution A and B in proportion 1:15 (v/v) Hydrogen peroxide (30 mM/I): Dilute 0.34 ml of 30% Hydrogen peroxide with phosphate buffer up to 100 ml. Procedure: Dilute homogenate 20 times with Phosphate buffer pH 7.0 Calculation: Log (A / B) Ãâ" 2297.3 Where, A: Initial absorbance B: final absorbance (after 30 second) Units = à µ moles of H2O2 consumed/min/mg b). Reduced glutathione (GSH): Reduced glutathione was determined by the method of Moran et al., 1979. Reagents: TCA (10% w/v) solution: Accurately weighed 10 g of TCA was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water. Phosphate buffer (0.2 M, pH 8) DTNB reagent (0.6 M): 60 mg of 5,5- dithio bis (2-nitro benzoic acid) was dissolved in 100 ml of 0.2 M sodium phosphate (pH 8). Standard glutathione: Prepared by dissolving 10 mg of reduced glutathione in 100 ml of distilled water. Procedure: To 1 ml of sample, 1 ml of 10% TCA was added. The precipitated fraction was centrifuged and to 0.5 ml supernatant, 2 ml DTNB was added. The final volume was made up to 3 ml with phosphate buffer. The colour developed was read at 412 nm. The amount of glutathione was expressed as à µg of GSH/mg protein, reduced glutathione was used as standard (100 à µg/ml). Y ââ¬â Absorbance of test sample c). Lipid peroxidation: Lipid peroxidation was determined by the method of Slater and Sawsyer et al., 1971 Reagents: Thiobarbituric acid: 0.67% w/v in 1M tris hydrochloride pH -7, 0.67 g of thiobarbituric acid was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water. Trichloroacetic acid (20% w/v): 20 g of TCA was dissolved in 100 ml of distilled water. Standard malondialdehyde (0-25 n.mol) A stock solution containing 50 mm/ml of 1, 1,3,3-tetra ethoxy propane in tris hydrochloride buffer in pH -7, 10 ml of stock solution was diluted to 100 ml to get a working standard 50 nm malondialdehyde/ml. This was used for preparation of calibration curves. Procedure: 2 ml of sample was mixed with 2 ml of 20% TCA and kept in ice for 15 min. The precipitate was separated by centrifugation and 2 ml of samples of clear supernatant solution were mixed with 2 ml aq. 0.67% TBA solution. This mixture was heated on a boiling water bath for 10 min. It was cooled in ice for 5 min and absorbance was read at 535 nm. The values were expressed as nm of MDA formed/mg of protein values are normalized to protein content of tissues. Y ââ¬â Absorbance differences of final (after 3 min) and initial reading of test sample.
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Principles for Cognizing the Sacred Essay -- Spiritual Religion Papers
Principles for Cognizing the Sacred Today we need a scientific analysis of basic world views which expresses genuine understanding of the sacred. Such world views hold the main principles for cognizing reality. A ââ¬Ësubstratumââ¬â¢ understanding of the Sacred is characteristic of mythology and magic, wherein all spiritual phenomena are closely connected with a material or corporeal bearer. Functional understanding of the Sacred is developed by the earliest civilizations in which the spiritual is separated from the material. For example, Plato, Aristotle, and Neoplatonism created European functional theology. Substantial understanding of the Sacred appears in Christianity. Here we find the synthesis of substratum and functional peculiarities which are looked upon as "creaturous," revealed by God to man and integrated in their fundamental unity as the basis for variety. It is only unity which avoids the mixing of the three images of an object-substratum, function, and substance-that allows us to cognize a true obj ect. In reproducing the Sacred as such, we can show the Sacred as the unity of the mysterious and the obvious, the static and the dynamic, and the passive and the active. In our eventful time with unstable international conflicts and politics characterized by an pervasive enthusiasm for occultism and lack of spiritual depth, we need a renewed interest in the scientific analysis of basic world view concepts that can express a genuine understanding of the Sacred. Such concepts express the main principles for cognizing reality. They help us to systematise the information about our surrounding world, and to determine not only how we conceive ourselves and the world, but also the specific logic of linking such statements with t... ...ry of the Peoples of the World. Moscow 1976, p.22. (12) J. Freser, Golden Branch. Moscow 1987, pp. 54-55. (13) A. Men, History of Religion, op.cit., pp. 54-55. (14) M. Veber, Science as Inclination and Profession. Vol 2. Moscow 1979, p.343. (15) K. Levi-Strauss, Structural Anthropology. Moscow 1983, p.147. (16) Aristotle, Works. Vol. 1. Moscow 1975, p.189. (17) G.V. Florovsky, Eastern Fathers of the Ivth Century. Moscow 1992, p.152. (18) Ibid., pp. 14-15. (19) Ibid., pp. 112, 84. (20) W.Pannenberg, Theology and Philosophy of Science. Philadelphia 1976, pp. 29-35, 45. (210 A. F. Losev, Of the Early Works. Moscow 1990, p.574. (22) F. Engels, Natural Dialectics. Vol 20. Moscow, pp. 382, 392, 566. (23) G. A. Yugai, General life Theory. Moscow 1985, p.54. (24) Y. Prigogine and I. Stengers, Time, Chaos, Quantum. Moscow 1994, pp. 6-7.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
History of the Apollo Program Essay -- space shuttle program apollo mi
We choose to go to the moon... "I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon, and returning him, safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more important in the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult of expensive to accomplish."(John F. Kennedy - "Special Joint Session of Congress", May 25th, 1961) With just a few words John F. Kennedy launched one of the largest endeavors that America has ever embarked upon. The address given to congress in May of 1961 put America in a race against Russia to see who could make it to the moon first. This was the start of the space program in America. From it came the Mercury Project with the goal to put the first man into space. The Mercury project launched 26, rockets of which only six were manned flights. The Mercury program put the first American into space on February 20, 1962. John H. Glenn, Jr. was the first American into space. He was the first man to orbit the earth. A claim that Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space (April 12, 1961),can't make. The Russians did circle the earth in space but not in orbit. When John Glenn took off in the Mercury-Atlas 6 rocket, named Friendship 7, he made history. It was less then one year after the challenge of John F. Kennedy to place a man on the moon. The flight lasted for only 04 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds. Still in that short time John Glenn went around earth three times, and became an American hero. The Mercury project was finished with the launch of the Mercury-Atlas 9 rocket, named Faith 7, launched May 15,1963. Faith 7 held only one passenger, L. Gordon Cooper, Jr.. He spent 34 hours, 19 minutes, ... ...and right now final record. They also gathered 234 pounds (110.4kg) of material form the moon. There was also the performance of the trans-Earth EVA that was done by Ronald Evans it lasted 01 hour, 06 minutes. With the splash down of the Apollo XVII module our days on the moon ended. The last time that a man walked on the moon I was not born. There has not been a flight to the moon for over 30 years. I personally feel that this is a true tragedy. I have seen it written that if the Apollo program had continued to receive funding as it had in the early 70ââ¬â¢s we would have a base on the moon. If so we would have unmanned lunar Modules to bring supplies to the moon. These may be dreams but as someone that has grown up in the space age I feel that we could achieve these dreams if we really wanted to. I hope that some day, before I am to old, we return to the moon.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
College Education Is Essential In Todays Society :: essays research papers
College Education is Essential In Today's Society à à à à à In today's society a college education is an essential part of pursuing a career. While in college a person can determine his strengths and weaknesses in whatever path he decides to take in life. A college education is also the first step in being self-sufficient and living by yourself. College life also gives a person a chance to express his ingenious and creative abilities and to supplement the skills that he learned in high school. City University will give me an unprecedented opportunity to achieve these goals and to reach a new plateau in my scholarly studies. à à à à à In my life I plan to pursue a career in the aerospace field. To get a job in this field one needs a college education and City University fits the bill. Its curriculum and accomplished professors will give me the chance to achieve my goal. Each of the independent colleges of the university system is highly specialized and particular to its own field of training. This will help applicants like me concentrate on my specific career path. I have visited the university campus twice and each time I have been impressed by the devotion of the faculty to ensure that the student's educational needs are met and surpassed. I perceive that the university is concerned about the educational well-being of its students. This is exemplified by the abundant tutoring opportunities that the university offers. Not only is the staff exceptional, City University has phenomenal technology. à à à à à City University is on the cutting edge of technology which is indispensable in the aerospace field. The EOS computing environment is a substructure for building a bridge to the future. This system will give me many opportunities to use its resources to intensify my skills while pursuing my occupation. Having access to millions of computers all over the world, with the information I need at my fingertips will propel me to a higher level of intellectual aptness. The immense number of computer clusters available at the university enables a student to arm himself with the knowledge needed to aid him
Change the Culture of an Organisation Essay
The culture of an organization can be defined by the ââ¬Ëway they do thingsââ¬â¢, this means the way they make decisions, operate and how they choose and achieve their objectives. As culture is a set of values and practices, changing it may be difficult and a long process, especially if the change is organized by a new chief executive. Changing the culture of an organization may not be easy especially if the new chief executive does not fully understand the previous culture and therefore does not embrace it in the change. This lack of knowledge may result in an inappropriate culture being chosen that could limit the companyââ¬â¢s performance as productivity reduces. An example of a badly imposed culture can been seen with the Chrysler and Damier-Benz merge in 1998. Damier-Benz imposed their traditional and structured German culture on the free-spirited American car company Chrysler. The extremely different cultures created tension that later affected their efficiency as decision-making took longer and the workforce were not happy. The inappropriate culture resulted in a loss of $1.5 billon by 2006. In 2011, the new chief executive of Tesco, Phillip Clarke, also made a cultural change which proved unsuccessful. He proposed a strategy to change Tescoââ¬â¢s brand image to be known for ââ¬Å"highly valued brandsâ⬠as opposed to their cheaper ââ¬Å"Valueâ⬠products. The decrease in popular promotion deals such as vouchers and meal deals reduced their sales revenue and share value which fell by 15% by the end of 2011. This suggests that Clarke failed to identify Tescoââ¬â¢s main source of competitively. Therefore, both examples show that cultural changes may be difficult as the new chief executives lack knowledge and experience in the company. Culture change also takes a long time, especially as traditions and values are set. A prime example of this is with Sony. Sony is a Japan-based company who prides themselves in adopting a traditional Japanese business culture. Examples of their culture can be seen with their clear line of authority and their strong belief in respect. However, Sonyââ¬â¢s reducing performance and the fast changing world alarmed the new chief executive, Howard Stringer, to change the culture to one that embraces change. Although proposals to change the culture were made in 2007, Sonyââ¬â¢s culture has still not fully transformed which is reflected in their still low competitively. Therefore, it may still take some time for Sony to fully embrace an innovative culture as their Japanese culture has largely influenced the organization. It also took a long time for Marks & Spencer to introduce higher levels of technology, such as a stock control system, as they are said to have a ââ¬Ëbackward cultureââ¬â¢. This is because they donââ¬â¢t embrace change and are led by system and procedures. These examples provide evidence that change in a businessââ¬â¢s culture may not be done quickly as the organization is accustomed to the previous culture. However, changing a companyââ¬â¢s culture can be easy if the new chief executive conducts the change in an appropriate manner. As culture change will have a direct impact on stakeholders, it is important for the new chief executive to inform all stakeholders of the changes and to also encourage feedback. The loss of the innovative leader of Apple, Steve Jobbs created much anxiety about the new CEO Tim Cook. Stakeholders feared Cook would change the company and reject all Jobbs practices especially as the two leaders have different personalities. The media worsened the situation with continuous negative press coverage which resulted in a decrease in consumer confidence as well as Appleââ¬â¢s share price. Although Jobbs had planned to make some strategic changes to the companyââ¬â¢s practices, he reassured stakeholders by stating that ââ¬Å"Apple will not changeâ⬠. He also identified these new strategies and their benefits in a press release which justified his decisions and satisfied stakeholders. The newfound trust of stakeholders will enable Appleââ¬â¢s cultural change to be easier and happen more quickly. In view of the above, I believe that it is not easy to change the culture of a business, as the current practices are custom to the organization; this also suggests that the change will be quite a process and therefore wonââ¬â¢t be done quickly. This situation is worsened as the chief executive is new and wonââ¬â¢t have the necessary knowledge and understanding of the business to enable a smooth and quick transition. However, the ability for the new chief executive to change the businessââ¬â¢s culture quickly and easily is highly dependant upon the reaction of the stakeholders. For example, BPââ¬â¢s customers may react positively as the new culture will increase the companyââ¬â¢s responsiveness to customers. Shareholders may also react positively as the increase of innovation should increase BPââ¬â¢s competitive advantage which could increase the companyââ¬â¢s value and share price. However, the increase in innovation may pose a threat the employees as management will expect higher quality and the need for more qualified personnel may be necessary. Therefore, support from stakeholders will encourage an easier and quickly transformation whereas negativity will not. The skills of the workforce is also important as if they are innovative the cultural change will happen faster. However, Sony is in a creative industry and their strategy to increase innovation still took a long time. This suggests that attitudes and beliefs of the workforce are also important. An easy change is also depend upon the new executives approach, is it forceful or flexible? Damier-Benzââ¬â¢s forceful approach result in a large amount of tension that slowed the change and resulted in a financial loss.
Monday, September 16, 2019
High School and Different Political Changes Essay
In chapter 9 of Assault on Paradise Kottak discusses the different political changes that Arembepe went through as well as how it affected the villagerââ¬â¢s everyday life, and how it could possibly change the way Arembepeiros live in the future and effect their future generations. Throughout the chapter Kottak discusses many things, but he hits on about 4 main topics, Welfare and Education, Public Health, Marriage and the State, and the sex Ratio and Female status. In the beginning of the Chapter Kottak describes that the Arembepian government lowered the age that people needed to be to be eligible for government pensions. They lowered the age from 65 to 60. This may seem like a small change but it actually can have a large effect on the governmentââ¬â¢s ability to pay for it. When looked at in comparison to the United Statesââ¬â¢ social security, one could see that 5 years could add a large amount of people taking away from the ââ¬Å"potâ⬠essentially. This could cause serious problems in the United States, so this is surprising to see this type of change in such a small and not so wealthy ethnic group. This is an example of Arembepe becoming a larger, more contributing society, or it even becoming a state of its own. The second political change that Arembepe went through was a national census. This was something that was very big for Arembepe; this pretty much solidified it as a state. Kottak explained that ââ¬Å"the head of statistical services for the municipality told [him] about the plans for the national census. Scheduled to begin in September 1980.â⬠(Kottak 130) In the early 1960s Arembepe was just a small tribe it seemed like, they had come so far. They now had town centers, one-way and two-way streets, supermarkets, a commercial center, several pharmacies, doctorsââ¬â¢ offices, labs, and even other medical services! This was a completely different place than it had been just a few decades earlier. Another politic al change that occurred was that people now had to pay licensing fees to the municipality for their stores, bars, and restaurants. This was also a big deal, it seemed that all of the things Kottak states in the chapter up to this point all solidify the validity of Arembepe as a state, and even a nation. This new licensing was also a big contrast from the 1960s when only the owners of the two largest stores had to pay those fees. ââ¬Å"Municipal officials inspected weights and measures, and there was regular mail delivery. The streets had formal names, street signs, and house numbers.â⬠(Kottak 131) All of these are examples of just how much Arembepe had grown and how legitimized it was becoming. Now the rest of Brazil was seeing it in a different light. They were ââ¬Å"pulling their own weightâ⬠now, essentially. They were being a contributing member, or a contributing band, to a much larger state. Documents that were never required before were, and are not required. ââ¬Å"Full names were used in legal documents, and people were more familiar with the last names of fellow villagers. Most adults now had identity papers.â⬠(Kottak 131) They were becoming a much more organized and legitimate society. Kottak even explained in the chapter that once they started using these documents that you could in fact be penalized, and even jailed if they were stopped by police and did not have a valid ID. Another pattern that the Arembepe people were doing was joining the armed forces. It was almost like ââ¬Å"the thing to do,â⬠or at least it was becoming that. Kottak explained that ââ¬Å"after junior high school, many local boys now presented themselves to the army, air force, or navy.â⬠(Kottak 131) He also explained that joining the military was almost something that was just done, almost an unsaid thing. Like getting married, or wearing socks. You just do it because your parents did it, and your friends do it. It is just part of their culture. It is almost like a diffusion of American culture. Or at least how American culture used to be. Kottak also explains that when you do join the armed forces in Arembepe and you are released, or leave. You have a better chance of getting a job, sometimes even a better job than those who werenââ¬â¢t in the armed forces. The fourth, and possibly the most important political change Arembepe went through was the Basic Education Reform Law of 1971. This law was extremely important to Arembepe because it mandated 8 years of education (in primary and junior high school). ââ¬Å"The new law also set a national core curriculum of general studies, including practical courses to determine vocational aptitudes in grades five through eight,â⬠Kottak explained on page 131. Kottak also describes that the main reason that they instituted this because they wanted to prepare these children, or young adults, for the workforce and employment. They had a new junior high school and two elementary schools, which had five competent teachers. By 1980, Arembepe had really buckled down on education. It was taken much more seriously and was given much more money. By this time they had to wear uniforms, pay fees, and buy books and supplies. Public health is the fifth political change Arembepe went through. They had improved a little bit but not by much. There was a clinic that was set up in Arembepe but the practicing doctor was only there 2 days a week. There were 2 nurses that were staffed. If there was an emergency the Arembepe people had to go to the Tibras, the city hospital. Sanitation problems still existed although they were trying to make it better. Arembepe was just very far behind in many things, but still had come a long way. Overall they were becoming a much more valid city, and state. From reading the beginning chapters to what they had changed they have been successful in many things. Although they still had a long way to go, they had come a long way from where they had started. When the government became more involved in Arembepe it really did a lot for the people there.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
A Research-Analysis on the Principles of Biomedical Ethics Essay
Introduction ââ¬Å"The uninsuredâ⬠is a term that is coined to people who donââ¬â¢t posses any form of insurance who primarily include paperless immigrants, minorities, children and or teenagers without insurance, employees of small businesses, people who belong on the lower part of the social strata and also a significant number of the elderly.à In effect, such a group of people suffered a lot in terms of seeking and receiving the health service that is necessary to prolong their lives. Corollary with this, are the disposition of those patients who initially have a health insurance but experience a significant degree of difficulty in terms of having the insurance company subsidize the treatment and or operation that is necessary for their health condition.à Such a problem creates an ethical dilemma on the end of the doctors, patients, insurance providers and also the courts. This research provided various medical cases, biomedical ethics theories, and a number of laws that explained how the uninsured disposition is, the personal and psychological, monetary, and legal issues that they faced. Consequently, the author provided his own interpretation of the cases and significantly relates them on the principles of biomedical ethics and justice.à The research then looked into the basic principles of biomedical ethics: beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy and other ethical theories such as Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics, and significantly relate them to the problem of the uninsured based on the literature and cases that were presented. Background of the Problem à à à à à à à à à à à Initially, insurance is something that is only made available to wealthy Americans. à On the turn of the 20th century, there have been two major changes which took effect in terms of how insurances are disseminated.à The rise of the private insurances and the government subsidized insurances has seemed to provide a temporary solution on the problem of inequality in terms of health services.à Such an initiative has caused companies to provide insurances to their employees and by 1950ââ¬â¢s almost two thirds of the population already have insurance.à Due to the relative availability and accessibility of the population to insurance, some segment of the population were forgotten, hence the uninsured (Jost 1998, p.106). à à à à à à à à à à à Initiatives on the part of the government were introduced in order to solve this problem.à General welfare programs during the 20th century were also introduced in order to cater to the marginalized.à In addition, a New Deal program was also made available to the population living in the rural areas.à On the span of the 20th century, progressive and labor interests asserted the necessity of compulsory national health insurance, but such efforts were hindered by a number of significant and powerful institutions in the country such as various business interests and the medical profession in itself (Jost 1998, p.106). However, the bill that was passed on 1960 which eventually legislated on 1965 paved the way for the establishment of the Medicare and the Medicaid.à Medicare caters to the elderly which insured the hospitalization and other doctor services that are necessary; on the other hand, Medicaid emphasized on the needs of the marginalized and the disabled. The Medicare and the Medicaid resolved all conflicts between the hospitals and the government because of the assurance of monetary funds for those who are insured and the paying of services which are formerly given free or in a reduced fee.à However, critics of Medicare and Medicaid counter argued that such insurances are too costly, hence a new initiative was raised by a physician in Minnesota which is now known as the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) (Jost 1998, 107-108). à à à à à à à à à à à The HMO required the consumers to pay a relatively small amount in order to cover for the former and also for his or her families. Such an idea appealed to the government, hence on 1973, the Health Organization Maintenance Act of 1973 was passed.à The managed health care proved to significantly reduce costs , and by 1995, it was estimated that 150 million Americans have their HMOs. However, conflicts between doctors and patients emerged when allegation such as doctors and HMO administrators have created some sort of incentive programs which would make the latter diminish its recommendations for certain medication, treatments, or operations. Such a case paved the way for a direct refusal for the needed medical care, treatment and operations.à In addition, complaints such as delays on the release of authorization and/or funds were also cited (Jost 1998, 109). Review of Related Literature à à à à à à à à à à à Kenneth Jost (1998, p. 101-105) posed three major issues with regard to patient rights.à These are: Is it possible for manage-care health plans to make the patients choose doctors who are not included on the planââ¬â¢s network of physicians? Should the manage health care plans be liable if there be any chance that malpractice is detected amongst their physicians? Is there a necessity for a stronger safeguard be imposed on the patientsââ¬â¢ medical records and other related information? Jost emphasized that the dilemma that was brought forth due to the request of some patients to choose their own physicians has been an issue that is very difficult to resolve.à Since the primary purpose of the manage health care plans is to reduce costs, the proposal of each patient to choose their own doctors would pave the way to the further increase of fees amongst the health plans, in addition to the payment that the patient has to shoulder. Some health care plans intentionally limit the number of physicians that the patients can choose from so that referrals for treatment, medication and or operations could be regulated by the company, hence reducing costs and increasing profits.à However, some health care plans allow their consumers to apply for a Point of Service (POS) which will allow them to choose their own doctors; only for an added fee.à In relation with this are some statutory laws imposed by some 30 states for pregnant women, allowing the latter to select an obstetrician that could act as their primary health care provider (p. 101-103). The second issue was with regard to the malpractice that was conducted by in-house physicians, which on a legal perspective makes the physician alone liable to the damages done to the patient and makes the managed-care plans company exempted from the legal repercussions.à The case presented was that of Ron Henson, who died in Kaiser Permanente Hospital and later on sued HMO.à The conflict stem out due to the claim of Mrs. Henson that Kaiser controlled the costs of her husbandââ¬â¢s treatment by limiting hospital admission in cardiac cases. The physicians who treated Mr. Henson was employed by Kaiser, hence making the latter liable to the said malpractice.à A suit was then filed against Kaiser which was then settled by the latter for 5.3 million in 1997. However, at present only the state of Texas has such laws regarding the accountability of managed care plans.à Jost also made a point by asserting that when health insurance companies will be made liable to the malpractice that could have been done by their physicians, such could further result to the increase of the fees being collected from their clients (p.103-104). The necessity of privacy and confidentiality of medical records is another important matter that Jost touched into.à The importance of disclosing medical information for the patientââ¬â¢s health purposes alone (Shalala, 1998 as cited from Jost 1998, p.105) and for government use for health and law enforcement has been criticized as further broadening the law for access for medical records.à The proposal set forth by Shalala has been criticized due to favoring the government to have more access to medical records, hence a possible case of invasion of privacy.à However, Shalala have emphasized that such a proposal is only a more clear interpretation of the law that currently exists. The author perceived that Jost (1998) emphasized more on the notion of Justice within the managed health care system and the relation of Autonomy on the notion of Justice. In addition, Jost was able to present a balanced view of the legal issues on managed health care system.à He provided almost all possible dimensions of the issue and allowed the reader to deduce the arguments on their own. The discussion of the laws which is relative to every state makes it difficult to address the legal issues that stem out because of medical malpractice (taking the issue of Mr. Henson for instance).à In addition with this, certain changes from the ways of the health care system defeats the primary purpose of the former which is to reduce costs and make health opportunity available and equal to all people. Such a dilemma between the right to choose or autonomy and the statutory laws which serves as the backbone of most managed health care system becomes very hard to reconcile.à In addition with this, the matters of privacy are something that is in conflict with the principle of autonomy and the greater good (i.e. the principle of utilitarianism). Keith Epstein (2002) has presented the issues of uninsured patients which normally are comprised of young adults (p. 524) and minorities (p.529).à Epstein touched three major issues in which is comprised of the question weather the United States can afford health insurance for all; if Medicare should cover the prescribed medicines for the marginalized senior people; and if small businesses could band together to apply for the insurance of their employees in order to reduce its costs. The fist issue was addressed by Epstein by arguing that since the passing of the Balance Budget Act of 1997, there has been a huge cut back on medical costs.à Medicare has cut on reimbursement and some states have also cut on Medicaid payments.à However, Young (President of the Health Insurance Association of America) as cited from Epstein, claimed that America can do afford insurance for all if it only has the will power.à Young emphasized that the uninsured has already been subsidized due to the increase of costs in insurance payments and also for hospital services because initially, these insurance companies and hospitals are adding up their costs in order to cover for uninsured patients. Solutions in subsidizing the uninsured in terms of taxes are also one of the solutions that he presented (p. 526).à The issue in subsidizing the marginalized seniorsââ¬â¢ drug prescription has also been tackled as could be resolved by having the government subsidize a certain percentage of the price by those seniors of having the salary cap of less than $13,000.à However, part of the issue is the lack of funds or the possible soar of the taxes in order to subsidize such a change. The third issue is with regard to the passing of a bill which would allow small companies across states to band together in order to apply for insurance for their employees and consequently to reduce costs.à Such an idea according to Lehnhard, (Blue Cross Senior Vice President) would only provide temporary savings on the end of these small companies because since the associations will not be regulated by the state rules, it is possible that such companies would engage in discriminatory underwriting.à An example that was given is that there might be some cases wherein the program would encourage health people from joining, and unhealthy people from not joining (p.530). The author perceived that Epsteinââ¬â¢s essay touched on the use of the existing law in order to apply the principle of justice as fairness.à It could be seen, that the relevance of the law has been the foundation of the arguments which normally appear in conflict with various perceived implications due to the desire to alter the law in order to cater for those percentage of the population who are relatively incapable of securing their health concerns and problems.à The perceived attempts to make the lives of the uninsured relatively better in order to bring forth justice in the form of a fair medical and health treatment has been argued to be a cause that is far fetched because of political will power, unequal allocation of funds and lack of trust to human goodwill. A more recent article which emphasized the relevance of the law in order to cater to the needs of the uninsured is those of Owcharenko (2006).à à Owcharenko provided three major recommendations in which the government could do to solve the growing number of uninsured population in the country. The first is to offer the uninsured ââ¬Å"direct subsidies in the form of a refundable tax credit, to lower-income working individuals and families for the purchase of private health care coverageâ⬠(p. 95).à Owcharenko emphasized that enormous tax breaks are normally given by the government to those high-earning individuals, rather than to those who have relatively lower incomes. The tax exclusion also provides more generous health care coverage to those individuals belonging in big companies. In addition with this, those people who donââ¬â¢t have any health coverage at all does not enjoy any tax break at all, thus they are left with no choice rather than to use after-tax dollars to purchase their insurance.à Owcharenko emphasized that if a new and robust system of individual health tax credits will be given to low-income families, these people will have the buying power to secure their own private insurance rather than opt to rely to Medicaid which is relatively spread on a small number of population. The Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that was enacted on 2003 was perceived by Owcharenko as a good program for the government because it allowed people to ââ¬Å"purchased a high-deductible insurance plan to establish a tax-preferred savings account that allows carryover of unspent fundsâ⬠(Owvahrenko, 2006, p. 96).à à à This plan however needs certain changes in order to function more proficiently.à Owcharenko focused on the use of the flexible spending account (FSA) and the health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) such according to her would allow patients to exercise more autonomy on choosing their heath care.à Such a step would allow the patients to gain more control on determining the amounts which they want to contribute and significantly decide how they wanted to apply these funds. à à à à à à à à à à à The recommendation is for the government to allow federal contributions to be used in order to improve the health status of every state.à Consequently, the state should be able to provide a feedback on the effectiveness of their reforms by ââ¬Å"reducing the number of the uninsured, improving access, and remaining fiscally visibleâ⬠. à à à à à à à à à à à The author perceived that the recommendations of Owcharenko (2006) touched on the notion of justice, fairness, and beneficence.à In relation with this, the perception of the author in making the insurance reforms unique in every state will significantly help a lot in terms of reaching a huge number of the uninsured population.à Since the focus of the health reforms will be focused primarily on the individuals on every state, it is more likely that even the people who do not belong on the financial caps that are subsidized under Medicaid will be considered as well.à The marginalized on the other hand will also be given a fair and immediate treatment towards health. à The research of Young et al (2004) focused on the life saving health care of undocumented children.à Undocumented children are offsprings of paperless immigrants which consequently forms a huge percentage of the population for the uninsured.à Undocumented children often times did not have an access to health services as they donââ¬â¢t have any contact to any insurance other than the Emergency Medicaid that was given by the Federal Government in 1986. However, the Emergency Medicaid could only be used in severe cases wherein a patient experiences severe amount of pain (p.1316).à In addition, Medicaid can only pay for a portion of the hospitalization costs, which is why some hospitals needed to seek support either from various organizations or individuals or from the country of the immigrant himself. Such an attempt of some hospitals although noble, may prove to further increase the costs of the treatment because of the delay of the latter.à Young et al. claimed that such prolonging could result to a long-term morbidity and a high risk of death (p. 1318).à Young emphasized that immigrants served a relevant part of the society.à They do jobs that could highly affect a huge number of the population if by any case they acquire communicable diseases. In relation with this, failure to immunize their children and treat their sicknesses could also result to a significant impact in the society. Young et al. touched on the principles of beneficence and non maleficence on his paper.à Both sides of the issues are presented (i.e. why the government cannot subsidize the health care of the undocumented children versus the effects that it could bring in the society).à à Young et al explained the aid that the Emergency Medicaid has provided to the undocumented children and the other options that the hospitals can do in any case that the hospital cannot fully subsidize a child on expensive treatments and operations.à The principle of beneficence was clearly presented on this part.à On the other hand, the principle of maleficence could be seen as further attempts of the government to give improve the health status of the immigrantsââ¬â¢ children are made. à McLaughlin et al (1999) touched on the role of nurse case managers in terms of providing solutions to the ethical dilemmas that were brought forth of the uninsured.à Case management as defined by The Case Management Society of America (CSMA) as a ââ¬Å"collaborative process which plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, evaluates options and services to meet the individualââ¬â¢s health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality cost effective outcomesâ⬠(p.51).à The role of the nurse care manager is highly important because he or she acts as an advocate to raise funds; also, he or she acts as a facilitator as well in order to weigh treatment options for the patient and the family. The case of Natalie M involves the problem of dealing with her family that later on paved the way for her to be rejected in most of subacute or skilled nursing units.à Conflicts with the family as to weather to put Natalie on a subacute nursing units or take care of her at home poses a problem as well that the nurse manager has to deal with. The nurse care manager solved the issue by having Natalie participate in the decision process and make sure that the decision of Natalie is not a mere reflection of her family or guardian. The case of Natalie M. is a clear representation of the strict adherence of the nurse case managers on the principles of autonomy, principle of veracity, the principle of beneficence and avoided paternalism.à à The article clearly laid out the process as to how particular treatment options are arrived into by discussing it with the guardian of Natalie and Natalie herself. Similarly, the nurse care manager make sure that the decision was a true reflection of the desires of Natalie, and corollary with this, the principle of beneficence was reflected in the steps of the nurse care manager to do make sure that whatever options that Natalie would take, it would be safe and would significantly help her improve her condition. à Tunzi (2004) has emphasized the case of the sluggish economy and the budget deficits that significantly affects the disposition of the uninsured.à According to the statistics, the uninsured comprises of 23 million male, 20 million female, in which 21 million are white, 13 million are Hispanic, 7 million are black, and 2 million are Asian or Pacific Islander (p.1357). à The major implication of being an uninsured is primarily characterized by worse cases of illnesses because of the failure to regularly check with the doctor, or failure to seek care until the illness is already terminal.à In relation with this, Tunzi also emphasized that majority of the uninsured are children and most likely they are more prone to poorer health or may die prematurely.à Hence, according to Institute of Medicineââ¬â¢s (IOM) 2002 report (as cited in Tunzi, 2004, p. 1358) that the lives of children will be made longer and their long term development would be significantly improved if they are covered with insurance. To solve this problem, the IOM has ensured a Broadbased Health Insurance Strategy which caters to preventive services, outpatient prescription drugs, and specialized mental health care, in addition to general ambulatory and hospital medical care (p.1359).à In addition, the Bush Administration has also launched the expansion of the Community Center System; however, the author perceived that such a program is not sufficient enough due to certain limitations that it posed. à à à à à à à à à à à The article of Tunzi (2004) touched on the principles of beneficence and justice.à The attempts to cover for the health of the uninsured and the expansion of government services and NGOââ¬â¢s are significant factors that are ethical in its very nature. à The issue of the caste system that is very imminent on hospitals is the issue that was tacked by Romano (2002).à There are certain hospitals that are viewed as practicing the so-called boutique medicine wherein they require their patients to pay an annual membership fee in order to gain access to the services of their hospital. However, à à Lois Snyder, director of the Center for Ethics and Professionalism at the 115,000-member American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine as cited from Romano (2002, p.5) have reiterated that such ways of some hospitals are certainly against the their manuals.à Snyder emphasized that indiscriminate perception should be applied regardless if the patient is insured or uninsured. à à à à à à à à à à à Such a step of certain hospitals to intentionally reject patients on the name of profit is something that violates the principle of beneficence and also it is a violation of the basic principles of the deontological ethicsââ¬â¢ claim that man should never be used as a means to an end. Dateline NBC (2005) has presented a case of a child who suffered from a ferry boat accident whoââ¬â¢s got his legs amputated.à The child has no insurance and the father has no idea where to get the money to pay for the hospital bills.à On this case, the government nor any NGO did not helped the child; hence the father was forced to take the option of selling their house. à à à à à à à à à à à This case provided by dateline NBC, is relatively short and is made primarily for popular reading.à However, such a case would make one see how the government or the hospital for that matter did not take any advocacy steps in order to help the said family. à Analysis The article of Jost (1998) provides a clear picture of the conflict between various principles of biomedical ethics.à As the author have stated on previous paragraphs, the principle of Justice and Autonomy appears to be in conflict when discussing legal issues and keeping up with the notion of equality on health care services.à In addition, the idea of the greater good or the principle of utilitarianism appears to be in conflict as well with the laws against invasion of privacy. On the first issue that Jost presented, the principle of autonomy would normally state that it should really be the case that patients should be provided with the choice to have a physician of their own preference.à Since, man by nature as argued by the Kant as rational, then it necessarily follows that they should really be making their own choices.à However, it should be taken into consideration as well that legal contracts or agreements impinge this basic right of man for order and in some cases for social equality.à Tracing back in its philosophical roots, the very notion of the statutory laws emerged from the desire of man to engage himself into a social contract (i.e. Hobbes, Rousseau, Mill) in order to lift himself in the state of nature which is primarily characterized by the lack of order and domination of the strongest. Relating this to the conflict of the law (i.e. imposed by managed health care) and the principle of autonomy (i.e. the right of patients to choose their own doctors) simply makes sense.à If taken for instance that every patient lets say Xs that is enrolled on a managed health care, lets say A is given the opportunity to chose their own doctors, then A would cease to be a managed health care system at all since its very purpose which is to reduce costs will be defeated. In addition, inequality in terms of health care services will again stem out because relatively rich people will get the degree of health service that they prefer.à The author thinks that in order for the managed health care system to live on its purpose and prevent their customers to further increase their costs, they should be able to shift their perspective from profit to quality and humanitarian service.à The insurance industry is accountable for hundreds or even millions and billions of lives, and no amount of money could ever replace a life that is lost because of malpractice. à The essay by Epstein (2002) which tackles the law as one of the major vehicles in order to change the existing disposition of the uninsured has been seen by the research as something that is significantly related to the notion of justice and fairness.à The notion of justice is directly related to the laws that are imposed by the state. à However, since justice is only a result of human convention which is also partly dependent on the culture and the demands of the society, then it necessarily follows that it is imperfect. The essay of Epstein which emphasizes on the capacity of the government to insure majority of the citizens, most specially those who didnââ¬â¢t have the capacity of doing such; subsidizing the medicines of the marginalized seniors and associating small enterprises in order to afford the insurance of their employees is something that could be interpreted as a result to put more justice in the existing laws.à However, the author, basing the arguments from Epstein could significantly assert that such proved to be far fetched due to certain factors such as the political will, the inappropriate allocation of government funds and the lack of trust on human goodwill. à The political will as perceived by the author is the initiative on the end of the government to significantly allocate a percentage of the taxes that it collects for the uninsured.à In relation with this is the political will as well to help the marginalized, the immigrants and the children to acquire the insurance necessary in order to secure their health.à Corollary with this is the governmentââ¬â¢s investment on war versus the immediate need of its citizensââ¬â¢ health.à A proper allocation of the national budget is seen by the author as one of the primary solution to the huge number of the uninsured. The notion of the human goodwill as emphasized by Immanuel Kant is something that could be significantly related to the assumptions of discriminatory underwritings that could stem out from the associations of small companies across the border in order to provide insurance for their employees.à Kant asserted that man is inherently good and the author believes it to be so.à The mere premise that these small companies wanted to provide insurance for their employees is a valid reason enough to deduce that the former has a genuine concern on the plight of the latter. à Owcharenko (2006) presented her recommendations which are majority in a form of law changes and reforms in order to cater for the uninsured.à The author agreed with Owcharenko on her perspective that the best way to reach out and cater to the needs of the uninsured is to make national reforms in terms of the laws that governs every state.à Although the author perceived that advocacy on the part of the hospitals to solicit funds as a significant solution as well; the reforms on the laws would be able to cater on a relatively huge number of population. The principle of utilitarianism and beneficence in addition to the principles of justice could be seen as the core ethical foundation of the recommendations of Owcharenko.à The necessity of extending the health reforms to majority of the population is in conjunction with the principle of utilitarianism which is the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.à In addition, the principle of duty of the Deontological Ethics could be applied as well. The basis of the morality of a certain act is significantly related to the ââ¬Å"dutyâ⬠that each person has.à This duty is perceived by Kant as something that is absolute or on his own terms ââ¬Å"unibversalizableâ⬠.à In relating this to the government, the author perceived that part of the duty of the government is to assure that every individual regardless of social status and income will have the same access to health medications and treatments.à The notion of duty is significantly related to the justice that ideally should always be existing in a certain society. à Young et al (2004) has tackled the importance of the health of the undocumented children in the American society.à In order to present this, two principles from the ethics of principlism was touched- beneficence and maleficence.à The principle of beneficence asserts the relevance of thinking who benefits from oneââ¬â¢s actions and in what such manner.à The principle of maleficence emphasizes on the notion of not harming any person or party.à The principle of beneficence was clearly applied on the disposition of the undocumented children and the principle of maleficence was applied on the existing laws for and against undocumented children. Due to the principle of non-harm, attempts on the end of the hospitals and the government to be more sympathetic, and more humanitarian to the undocumented children were executed.à Also, the principle of utilitarianism could be significantly related on the case of the undocumented children as well.à It could be noted that Young et al. has emphasized that these children and their parents served a significant part of the society.à Hence, their poor health could also affect the entire population.à Taking the principle of utilitarianism and its maxim which is ââ¬Å"the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of peopleâ⬠, one could significantly deduce that the health of the paperless immigrants and their children could also translate to an overall increase of utility on the entire state. à The case of Natalie M. on the writings of McLaughlin et al (1999) presents the principles of autonomy, veracity, beneficence and avoided paternalism.à In certain cases wherein the patient has the mental capacity to decide for herself, the nurse case manager makes sure that the autonomy of the individual is emphasized.à Similar to the essay of Epstein (2002), the emphasis on the rationality of the individual is always taken into consideration. The notion of the ââ¬Å"truthâ⬠is another ethical principle that is necessary for those patients who are under a care of a certain guardian or who has a family who is very picky and difficult to deal with in terms of negotiating treatment options.à The importance of arriving on the true desires of the patient is directly related on the principle of autonomy.à This would then make sure that paternalism will be avoided, although the nurse care manager also makes sure that such a decision that the hospital will arrive at is relatively the best step in order to improve the disposition of the patient, hence beneficence. à Tunzi (2004) has made a direct correlation on the principles of beneficence and justice.à By presenting various solutions on the case of the uninsured through government and non-government initiatives, it is evident that attempts to provide equal opportunity in terms of health services are attempted to be provided in almost all people regardless of their status in the society. Such a step could be seen as would present a great benefit on the end of the uninsured, hence beneficence. à Upholding profit versus the necessity of the human life is the case that was presented by Romano (2002).à The practice of so called boutique hospitals is something that is against the principles of Deontological Ethics which claimed that man should never be used as a means to an end. This means that if the hospital for instance rejects the admission of an uninsured patient because the latter does not have enough finances to pay, then it necessarily follows that profit is seen as the most relevant factor for the hospital and not really to save lives.à à Then man or the patient for that matter would only be seen as an instrument for profit and not really the ââ¬Ëendââ¬â¢ purpose of the hospital in itself. à The case of presented by Dateline NBC (2005) would show that there are really cases wherein besides of the efforts and the claims presented by the hospitals, NGOs and the government, there are still a lot of cases wherein the uninsured is being left out. à The case of the child who got his legs amputated which later on made his father decide to sell the house is something that could be prevented only if advocacy steps on the part of the hospital or the government was implemented.à The debt and or the decrease of the quality of life that this family might suffer after this crisis could also directly impact how the child will continue his healing process and or adapt to the new change that recently happened in his life. à Conclusion à à à à à à à à à à à ââ¬Å"The uninsuredâ⬠is a term that is coined to people who donââ¬â¢t posses any form of insurance who primarily include paperless immigrants, minorities, children and or teenagers without insurance, employees of small businesses, people who belong on the lower part of the social strata and also a significant number of the elderly.à In effect, such a group of people suffered a lot in terms of seeking and receiving the health service that is necessary to prolong their lives.à Corollary with this, are the disposition of those patients who initially have a health insurance but experience a significant degree of difficulty in terms of having the insurance company subsidize the treatment and or operation that is necessary for their health condition.à Such a problem creates an ethical dilemma on the end of the doctors, patients, insurance providers and also the courts. In comprehending and analyzing the eight articles that was presented on this research, the author have deduced that the health care industry of the country is facing a huge dilemma most specially in distributing fairness in terms of the allocation of health services that is due not only to every American citizen but also to other races who lives in the country as well.à Such a growing injustice in the health industry has been attempted to be solved many times starting from the nurse advocates, the hospitals, non-government organizations and also the government as well. However, even though more than seven decades has passed since the necessity of insurance was perceived, the government still is quite slow in terms of providing solutions to the health problems of its citizens.à The budget deficit has been blamed due to the lack of monetary support, however, it is very evident that the governmentââ¬â¢s finances were clearly improperly allocated to certain war endeavors which a number of critics have argued to be null on the first place. à à à à à à à à à à à The ethical dilemmas that stem out due to the lack of funds, legalities, concern for profit (of insurance companies) are directly affecting the marginalized, the children, the minorities, and the senior people.à The author perceived that a reevaluation of the priorities of every significant institution which played an important role on the health of the citizens are relevant in order to set things on a right path and establish justice and fairness which has been the primary purpose on the first place of establishing a social contract, a government and the set of statutory laws which supposed to make the life of man better and in order. Literature Cited Carter L (2002). A Primer to Ethical Analysis.à Office of Public Policy and Ethics Institute for Molecular Bioscience. Dateline NBC (2005). ââ¬Å"Americans and the American health industryâ⬠. Quill Magazine, 4. Epstein K (2002).à Covering the Uninsured: The Issues. The CQ Researcher (12) (23) 523-526. Jost K (1998). Patientââ¬â¢s Rights: The Issues. The CQ Researcher (8) (5) 101-109. Mc Laughlin K et al (1999). Ethical Dilemmas in Critical Care:Nurse Case Managersââ¬â¢ Perspective. Crit Care Nurs 22 (3) 51ââ¬â64. Owcharenko N (2006). Reducing the Number of Uninsured. Health Care 95-97. Romano M (2002). If you have to ask, you canââ¬â¢t afford it.à Modern Healthcare (32) (12) p17, 1p, 2c. Tunzi M (2004). The Uninsured. American Family Physician, (69) (6) 1357-1360. Young J. et al (2004). Providing Life-Saving Health Care to Undocumented Children: Controversies and Ethical Issues.à PEDIATRICS, (114) (5) 1316-1320.
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