Medal of Honor

When President Ronald Reagan presented Roy Perez Benavidez with his Medal of Honor in 1981, the President told the media that if someone had written a fictional story with a hero like Benavidez, nobody would have believed it. And, in fact, in his autobiography Medal of Honor: One Man’s Journey from Poverty and Prejudice, the story Benavidez tells is the stuff that movies are made of. Benavidez was an orphan in south Texas, a half-breed Indian and Hispanic in an era when neither was acceptable.He dropped out of school before even making it to high school, but as a staff sergeant in the Army during the conflict in Vietnam; he saved eight other men and prevented classified documents from falling into the hands of the enemy. (â€Å"Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient†) In essence, Benavidez is a true American success story. He was born to migrant farm workers and received the highest commendation that the United States offers for bravery in conflict. However, it may have b een Benavidez never say die attitude that did more to establish his positive contributions to American society than his war record.As the medevac chopper landed the wounded were examined one by one. Staff Sergeant Benavidez could only hear what was going on around him. He had over thirty seven puncture wounds. His intestines were exposed. He could not see as his eyes were caked in blood and unable to open. Neither could he speak, his jaw broken, clubbed by a North Vietnamese rifle. But he knew what was happening, and it was the scariest moment of his life, even more so than the earlier events of the day. He lay in a body bag, bathed in his own blood. Jerry Cottingham, a friend screamed â€Å"That's Benavidez. Get a doc†.When the doctor arrived he placed his hand on Roy's chest to feel for a heartbeat. He pronounced him dead. The physician shook his head. â€Å"There's nothing I can do for him. † As the doctor bent over to zip up the body bag. Benavidez did the only thi ng he could think of to let the doctor know that he was alive. He spit in the doctor's face. The surprised doctor reversed Roy's condition from dead to â€Å"He won't make it, but we'll try†. (Rouse) These were the wounds that Benavidez received the day he save eight men and won a Medal of Honor, but the reality is this was not the first time he had been gravely wounded in Vietnam.Four years earlier, in 1964, Benavidez was hit with shrapnel from a land mind and doctors said he would not recover. They said he would never walk again. They were wrong. In an exerpt from his book, Benavidez explains, Night after night, I bailed out of bed, crawled for the wall at the head of my bed and pulled myself up. I pushed the nightstands ahead with my arms, pressed my feet against the cold tile floor, and dragged my dead body along until my arms were under me again. Then I'd start all over again. Finally, I was moving about two tiles at a time. . .I had learned that if I got knocked down, I had to get up and keep fighting until I knocked my opponent down, and he didn't get up. Every night I got knocked down. Every night I got back up again. . . The pain was like nothing I could have ever dreamed about. Every night it would suck the sweat and tears from my body and my soul. Every day I would go back to that little chapel and sit alone and restore my soul. I went through all the stages of blaming God, accusing, doubting, and arguing, but he never deserted me. He'd never let me leave that chapel until I was ready to try again.After chapel, I went to physical therapy to try to restore the rest of my body for my nightly battle. In therapy I'd sit with the guys with no legs, or the true paraplegics, and learn how to live in the chair. I was not a good student. I wouldn't give in to the chair. At night I was beginning to win my battle, and I wasn't going to let the therapists convince me that it was a lost cause. (â€Å"Vietnam Medal of Honor†) That strength of spirit is perhaps the most lasting contribution Benavidez made to his country. Years later, as he lay dying, Benavidez had the same attitude.With two pieces of shrapnel still in his heart and a collapsed lung and diabetes, he reportedly said â€Å"quitters never win and winners never quit,† in his last interview, saying that he wanted to recover so he could continue working as a motivational speaker. (Mishalov) Another of Benavidez’s lasting contributions to the country came in the form of his activism after winning the Medal of Honor. During the Reagan Administration, Social Security attempted to cut his disability benefits, saying that the disabled war hero should find work.Though he regretted using his Medal for political purposes, he wore it as he testified to a Congressional committee regarding the unfairness of their Social Security budget cuts (Mishalov). Benavidez’s contribution are numerous, based mostly around his attitude of try, try again. He has an elemen tary school named for him and the U. S. Navy named a ship in his honor, a rare occurrence for the Navy to honor a member of another branch of the service. But Benavidez set all the honors and praise aside, saying that he did not consider himself a hero for his actions the day he won the Medal of Honor.The heroes, he said, were the men who lost their lives for their country. His actions were simply â€Å"his duty. † (Mishalov). Benavidez died of diabetes-related complications in November, 1998. Works Cited Mishalov, Neil. â€Å"Medal of Honor: Roy P. Benavidez† June 14, 2007. Rouse, Ed. â€Å"Roy P. Benavidez† , June 14, 2007. â€Å"Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient† http://www. medalofhonor. com/RoyBenavidez. htm>, June 14, 2007.

Global Warming Poses Threat to Ski Resorts in USA Essay

The American west is marvellous, it is large with grand landscapes and mountains reaching to the sky . The plains unfold to the horizon and the vistas present an unimaginable panorama. Just like any where else in the world, water is an essential element to life here but it is scarce hence creating the west’s vulnerability. Precipitation is generally low and cannot support agriculture it is for this reason that agriculture is only possible through irrigation. This precipitation is not only scarce but scarcest in the summers when it is mostly needed but falls disproportionately and mostly in the mountains in the winter. The only saving grace is that in winter it precipitates as snow and stays as snow packs throughout the winter. It is on the basis of these weather patterns that the winter sports tourism is established. This industry has served as the main economic driving machine of the west and other other areas for decades. However, changing climatic patterns and global warming has emerged as a serious threat to the existence of the winter sports industry. Projected increases in average global temperatures due to increases in green house gases in the atmosphere has been incriminated in widespread glacial and white cap decreases, ocean level rise and warming but most importantly in the reduction of snow cover and the decrease in the duration of winter tourism. The unpredictability of the future and the climate sensitive nature of winter sports tourism has led to many initiative aimed curbing the increase in green house gases and consequently making snow available. Introduction Compelling evidence suggests that global climate has been on a progressive change since the industrial era and is projected to continue over the 21st century and beyond. Global warming and climate change is an unequivocal phenomenon. Global mean temperature has been on the increase with an approximate increase of 0. 760 C between 1850-1899. the same increase has been found between 2001 and 2005. This means that global predictions of temperature bear a >90% probability (IPPC. Climate Change and Tourism, 2007). These increases in average temperatures are a direct result of human activities that increase the concentrations of green house gases in the atmosphere. The extent of these discernible human influences have also extended to other climate change aspects such as temperature extremes, changes in wind patterns, continental average temperatures and ocean warming. The same is applicable to the widespread glacial and white cap decreases coupled with warming of the ocean surface temperatures, the result is a sea level rise of approximately 1. 8mm yearly from 1961-2003 and approximately 3. 1mm yearly from 1993-2003. The resultant effect of biological response in ecosystems and species diversity presents an unpleasant scenario and these statistics are recorded in virtually every continent. It is projected that the probability of increase in global temperatures will further accelerate green house gas emissions at the present or above the present rates. The prediction pushes overall global temperature rise by 1. 80C -4. 00C. Assuming that the atmospheric concentrations of green house gases are stabilized, the warming effect would still continue due to the levels of green house gases from past emissions and the consequent thermal inertia of oceans. The biological response would also be extrapolated to future centuries even if the levels are stabilized at the present concentrations today. The discernible manifestations worldwide will be hot temperature extremes, extreme heat waves, heavy precipitation, peak wind speeds and precipitation in tropical cyclone events and an additional heavy precipitation associated with increases in tropical sea and surface temperatures. Together with these climatic changes extra tropical storm tracks are projected to shift towards the poles. All these changes together with the decreases in show cover will continue into the future. The economic and environmental risks are unfathomable and would effectively impede nations strides towards the achievements of sustainable developments. However, there is hope that if precautions and measures are taken to reduce green house gases today the high costs of environmental and economic destruction and disruption can fairly be mitigated. This calls for lifestyle changes, economic policies and regulations and international efforts that not only help reduce the causative agents of climate change and global warming but also foster adaptation and mitigation measures to meet the challenges of climate change. Climate change and Tourism Climate change, especially global warming has grown to be a pivotal issue in the development and management of tourism. The relationship between the environment, climate and tourism sector is currently a highly sensitive economic matter. Climate change is increasingly driving tourism development and decision making, changing tourism destinations and even tourist tastes. Tourism sector remains a non negligible contributor to climatic changes. GHG emissions from transport and accommodation must be reduced in accordance with international standards. Tourism sector cannot address the challenges of climatic changes themselves and in isolation but they can only do this in the context of sustainable development and the broader international development agenda. Tourism and the sustainability of tourism destinations is dependent on climate variability. The length and the quality of seasons as well as destination choice and the level of tourist spending are all determined by climate change. Climate change and winter sports Winter sports constitute a very source of income and the reliability of snow is a key element in the touristic offer. Skiing and snowboarding are the most common forms of writer sports but others such as snow hiking and cross-country skiing also depends on the reliability and the availability of enough snow. Mountainous areas are always very sensitive to climate change hence less snow, melting permafrost, receding glaciers and extreme events such as landslides. Additionally climate change shift mountain fauna and flora. These effects pose a direct threat to ski resorts in the United States. Lower earnings in winter tourism will only serve to exacerbate economic disparities that exist between the alpine regions and the more developed urban areas. These changes will also increase the risk of only skiing at high altitude up the mountain. If this was to happen there would be an intense concentration of sports activities in certain regions as well as further putting pressure on the environmentally sensitive high mountains. The extrapolation of the effects of global warming on winter tourism extends to the viability of the mountain cable way companies that use the availability of snow as a prerequisite for their financial stability. Without snow or enough snow the profitability of the ski industry is impossible. The absence of snow in the mountains will be like having a summer without a sea. The variability of the winter season with response to climate change will deny the winter sports industry the right levels of snow at the right time. These forecasts are a necessity in planning for trips at shorter notices especially the weekends (Rolf Burki et al, 2003) Studies undertaken in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland and the United States to establish the impact of climate change on the tourism sector show severe implications especially to the winter sports industry. While some regions with high technological advances like adaptation strategies (artificial snow making) will maintain their tourism, others unable to adapt the expensive technologies will lose out. These transitions in business volumes will not only be driven by limiting snow levels but also the fact that skiers respond flexibility to snow conditions. During a snow poor season, 49% of skies are most likely to change to a resort that is fairly more snow reliable, 32% would reduce the frequency of skiing and only 4% would give up the sport. Coupled together with the fact that climate change has a direct effect on the number of ski days, those unable to adapt to expensive technologies will be disadvantaged and pushed out of business. (Rolf Burki et al, 2003). Snow resorts not concentrated in snow reliable high altitude areas will be forced to withdraw from the market because of decreasing levels of snow. For transport industries that will offer access to high altitude areas (sometimes higher than 200m) business prospects will be good due an expected increase in skiing at the high altitudes. The effect of this will be quantitative expansion of the high altitude skiing resorts hence eliciting a negative environmentally feedback effect caused by disruption of the ecologically sensitive high altitude mountain regions. Presently, this expected expansion to high altitude areas has been the theme of many concept studies that influence the opening up of High Mountain (Breiling and Charamza, 1999) It is for these effects of climate change that during a recent campaign in Portsmouth, N. H, Barrack Obama the Democratic Party presidential candidate reiterated that there is need to address the urgency of global warming on the ski industry. He said that global warming is not a future problem but a present one. This problem has made New Hampshire to have shorter sporting seasons and people are losing jobs. He further reiterated that residents of North America ski areas together with their customers should work hand in hand to change their energy spending. habits and resort to green technology if they were to prevent climate caused melt-downs (Laura Bly, 2007) Resorts have started investing in sustainable seafood practices, local food supplies, biodiesel powered snow cats and embracing the use of more energy efficient snow making equipment. To achieve this, campaigns on global warming and discounts are being offered to guests who come in hybrid cans. What is even more impressing is that resorts have taken the challenge of campaigning for these changes as well as acting as advocates for intergovernmental change. Effects of global warming have also been reported in Burlington Vt. The city is usually carpeted in December but unfortunately changing climatic conditions has created a mild situation where snowfall is meager just an inch thick. The temperatures are becoming warmer and fewer trails open. However, these fears have been allayed by the optimism of the meteorological department prediction that the season will progress as Christmas approaches. According to Michael Berry; president of the National ski Areas Association, the potential impacts winter recreation, the mountain ecosystem and the way of life of residents in these areas cannot be ignored. Global warming has a direct and profound effect on the ski business as it depends solely on the variability of weather. To drive this process of change, the association has adapted a policy to regulate and control climate change. The reduce, educate and advocate approach was adopted to help in the fight against global warming. Key in the policy is a call to ski resorts to work towards the reduction of green house gas emissions individually and collectively, educate the public and guests on the potential impacts of climate change to writer sports industry and be the advocate in pushing for institutional and regulatory changes aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions (Michael Berry, 2007). To this end almost half of the 59 ski resorts, who have purchased renewable energy credits or utilized green energy for their lifts and other facilities are 100% green powered hence reducing carbon dioxide emission by 427,596,000 pounds an equivalent of planting almost 17 million trees. Customers are encouraged to offset their emission and work towards increasing green energy use in their home. Generation of renewable energy through on site solar projects or micro hydro power projects and wind energy has greatly increased with Jimmy Peak Mountain Resort in Massachusetts installing the first wind turbine powered ski area in August 2007. Resort vehicle fleets are now using alternative fuels like biodiesel, they also provide or promote car pooling or mass transit use. Ski resorts are being built using green building techniques and retrofitting existing facilities all with the aim of saving energy. Though an outreach program called â€Å"Keep Winter cool† millions of people have been educated on global warming and encouraged to institute lifestyle changes to help curb global warming. Specific Impacts of Global Warming on Winter Tourism . Snow The financial viability and stability of the winter sports tourism industry solely depends on the availability of sufficient snow. Less snow pack is caused by higher average temperatures, on the other hand if there are extremely low temperatures at night then it follows that there is likely to be an average increase in daytime temperatures. In both cases the resultant effect is less mountain snow cover and a reduction in the duration of cover. (Stephen Saunders et al, 2005). This means that recreation will be shortened and the snow will be slushier. The big difference to earlier situation where snow cover was considerably reduced is that, the capital intensity of the winter sports tourism will be considerably high. When this is analyzed in the context of profits from ski dependent businesses, taxes from local and state governments, the financial prospects of industries in the winter tourism sector look bleak. However, the most important link between climate change and mountain tourism is less snow and, as a consequence, less earnings in ski tourism. Glaciers Statistics all over the world point to the fact that there is a general retreat of glacial cover all over the world. Taking Switzerland as an example, since 1850, the Swiss glaciers have lost slightly more than 25% of their surface. If this was to continue in the future, by 2030, approximately 20% to 70% of the total Swiss glacial cover will disappear. This is a real problem for the ski industry not only in Switzerland but across the world as ski tourists will resort to other countries with snow availability. The effect of this trend will be putting more pressure on the existing ski facilities as well as acting as an incentive for investment in high altitude areas. Permafrost Melting of permafrost due to global warming makes mountain areas vulnerable to landslides. Transport facilities such as the mountain cable way stations, the lift masts and buildings become instable. Them costs incurred in bracing and anchoring such buildings when permafrost melts are extremely high. Hiking and climbing in these areas is also made more dangerous hence the loss of revenue due to potential risk of injury like rockfall or other health outcomes. Despite of cries over decreases in snow levels in the future, there is a possibility of winters with heavy snow like that of 1998/1999 that brought a great deal of losses in the winter tourism industry. The avalanche winter destroyed mountain cable ways, ski-lifts and chair lifts. The expenses incurred on sow clearing and the overall loss incurred was in excess of US $ 130 million. Adaptations for the future ski industry should therefore inculcate these historical weather unpredictability patterns in improving the industry’s financial viability. Adaptations and Strategies Used by the Tourism Industry to Mitigate Against the Impacts of Global Warming All tourism representatives at political,organizational, entrepreneurial or operational level have been in the forefront in pushing for adaptation strategies to curb climate change and help mitigate the potential effects of global warming. The experiences that project what is going to come in the future are prevalent today and is widely accepted that snow deficient conditions will determine whether winter tourism will remain a viable economic activity. To achieve this a multi sectoral framework that consists of the National Ski Areas Association(NSAA), Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), the federal government through the Senate Environment and Public Works, state stakeholders and other non governmental civil society organizations have developed a Climate Change policy aimed at reducing the concentrations of green house emissions. Ski resorts have been encouraged to adopt safe and efficient energy usage through the exploitation of renewable energy resources. It is this concerted effort in mitigating climate change challenges that also saw the support and endorsement of McCain/Lieberman Climate Stewardship Act to spearhead the fight against global warming. Specifically these attempts will help stabilize the US$ 5 billion mountain resort industry that currently offers employment to 165,000 people. Despite the existence of facts that predict radical effects in the industry, some argue that climate change issues are very exaggerated and politicized by science and the media. They argue that even though the effects could intensify problems in the industry, the majority of resorts in medium and high altitudes will be barely affected. Discussions should yield strategies that take into account the accuracy of statistical data disseminated on climate change and critically analyze the potential consequences. These issues should further be analyzed with reference to the global competition in the winter tourism sector. The facts that accrue from these forums should then be integrated in the construction of artificial snow flaking facilities, extend existing ski runs. Opening of high altitude ski resorts (2000-3000m)should be guided by the potential ecological effect. Climate change should not only be viewed as a negative challenge to winter tourism but also as a catalyst to drive radical structural adjustment and change. These developments should take into account the present risks and opportunities as well as foster development that is in line with the strive for environmental and socio economic sustainability. This will create a highly competitive market where customer preference is not only driven by snow availability but by the efficiency of service in some very high end but smaller less extensive resorts. Such top resorts will offer attractive offers for skiing tourists and hence reduce attention on expansive developments with less attractive offers. Artificial Snow making This is an ubiquitous strategy that is widely employed to mitigate the risk of climate change. Since its inception in 1953 at the Grossinger’s Resort in New York, it has grown to become the principle in the ski industry with an approximate 95% of the resorts engaged in the strategy. Its success has mainly been driven by its invaluable superior nature that offers a complete substitute to natural snow fall as well as making it possible to extend skiing durations(Daniel D. D. McGill, 2007). However, this technology is heavily dependent on temperature and is only effective in cases at low temperatures. Technological advances has seen the reduction of labor costs through the use of snow guns operated by computers. Snow making utilizes vast volumes of water and therefore the availability of water must be guaranteed for efficient blanketing of a large resort. Weather Derivatives. These are weather risk management tools structured to enable ski resorts make appropriate and informed decisions. They can be structured on snow fall temperature according to the customers specifications. Other factors that can be utilized to mitigate the effects of global warming include r4evenue diversification, cloud seeding and marketing to insulate the resorts against variability of weather by enabling them to maximumly capitalize when the weather is excellent. Conclusions Climate change and global warming remains will continue to remain key challenges in the winter tourism industry especially the ski resorts. Less snow, less glaciers and extreme weather events such as landslides are the key determinants of the future viability of ski resorts. Strategies instituted to meet the challenges of climatic change and mitigate the impacts of global warming can never be successful if implemented in isolation. It is commendable fact that the skiing industry has adopted sustainable building techniques,inculcated green principles and technology in their operations among others. These precedents are admirable but we have to admit that when taken in the global context, these measures do very little in stemming the worrying tide of global warming whose effects are felt indiscriminately. Global warming is a worldwide problem and therefore all the measures undertaken by the tourism industry must be in line with national and international guidelines that aim at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the future, tourist developments will not only be evaluated and judged with respect to their environmental or socio-economic compatibility and viability but they will also be assessed with respect to the climate-compatibility angle.

The Importance Of Self Analysis Education Essay

The chief purpose of this assignment is to discourse the importance of Self analysis and uninterrupted ego development in context to my hereafter as a trough. Self analysis and uninterrupted ego development has been described by different writers as a broad and wide subject which the best manner to understand it is by merely understanding oneself foremost. Self analysis can be described as a procedure that leads to self consciousness. Atwater and Yammarino ( 1992 ) describes self-awareness as the ability of a individual to reflect on the feedback and seek to measure on the consequence given to the person. Besides, Goleman ( 1998 ) further explains that an person who is self-aware has a better understanding about him or herself. He stresses the importance of self-awareness as a major factor to pull offing an organisation. Harmonizing to Goleman ( 1998 ) the function of determination devising is dependent on the director. It is hence of import that a director understands himself and be cognizant of his or her emotions, personality, beliefs, to be able to construct on strengths, work on failings, make good determinations for the success of the administration. Caproni ( 2004 ) besides agree that ego consciousness must be the primary aims of an person. He farther explained that being self cognizant gives an penetration on what, how you want it and how to travel about it. As a trough, it is best to make a cheque list on him or herself before thought of pull offing other people. Baillie ( 2004 ) says holding a good cognition of one ‘s capableness is every bit good as holding the job of self-development half solved. Pedler, Burgoyne and Boydell ( 2001 ) specify Self-development as an single development with the topic taking charge of his or her ain acquisition. Harmonizing to Baillie ( 2004 ) , you get to understand who you are, what you should make and how to associate with people. Development is a uninterrupted and an open-ended attempt to interrupt Forth to a new degree of possible ( Boydell and Pedler, 1981 ) . He explains constructing oneself continuously to accomplish success by reacting positively to alter. He besides stated a figure of self-development rules. One of it was that ego development involves the larning about oneself. This is of import because a director ‘s personality is reflected in his or her public presentation this in bend reflects in the administrations public presentation. Therefore larning about me and placing my development demands is a major function of success as a hereafter director in my hereafter. In another position, Mumford ( 1988 ) says the most of impor t thing is who directors are and non what they do. If direction is what people need to make and who they are, it is of great importance to understand what and who a director is? Many research plants have gone into the difference between a director and a leader. Zaleznik ( 2004 ) says a director is different from a leader been that a director is a job convergent thinker trusting on the efficiency of the people to accomplish success. It takes no exceeding feature but instead doggedness, perseverance, criticalness, tolerance and helpfulness. While a leader harmonizing to Mumford and Gold ( 2004 ) influences people to acquire work done and he or she must be enthusiastic about the occupation. However Mintzberg ( 1989 ) explains that a good director must unite interpersonal, informational and be able to do determination for the organisation. It can hence be argued that portion of the interpersonal functions is been a leader as stated by Mintzberg ( 1989 ) . Therefore a director can be seen as person who must posses ‘ leading qualities. Besides a director needs to larn more about him or herself which is through ego analysis and place ways of bettering and ref lecting on it which is a uninterrupted procedure in the organisation which leads to continuous ego development. In my future calling as a hereafter director, I would be Comparing the properties of an ideal director ( Nolan, 2009 ) with the aid of my belbin, johari window and emotional intelligence, I can state that my chief strengths are good communicating accomplishments, squad worker, co-ordinator, good hearer, patient, respectful and warm with people. In order for development, I will wish to better good communicating accomplishments and construct on my assurance in a better manner. Harmonizing to Darling ( 2007 ) , Good communicating across all degree improves public presentation and aid organizational development and Harmonizing to Goldsmith ( 2006 ) assurance is indispensable for both personal life and the concern. He suggested ways of constructing assurance: by prosecuting in more activities and believing in oneself, ne'er compare myself with others, non scared of neglecting and seeking once more, do friends with positive and supportive properties, involve myself in activities i enjoy ma king, give and accept feedback. The best attack to self development is placing the demand for one ( Boydell, 1981 ) . I have identified my failings as non been confident, deficiency of promptness which i am truly working hard on. Surprisingly my promptness has ne'er affected me in my surveies but with friends and assignment I am ever happening it difficult maintaining suitably to clip. For now and my future calling as a good director, and with aid of the provender dorsums i have gotten am working on been better, it will travel a long manner in assisting me undertake them for the intent of development in my organisation.DecisionHarmonizing to different books and diaries used above, it can hence be see and understand that ego development and uninterrupted ego development is an indispensable tool for one ‘s calling as a director in the hereafter. It can merely be achieved by the willingness of the person to execute in the organisation, holding a development program to do him or her non isolated manner from the d esired ends and aims of himself/herself and the companies ‘ end and besides cultivate the wont of contemplations. My aim is to work on my assurance, addition work experience and continuously reexamine myself to heighten development. Self Analysis Toolkit__________________ JOHARI WINDOW _______________________ Summary of critical incident ( usage detailed critical incidents from your faculty activities, residential weekend, past experiences etc ) What happened, or what did I make? At the residential when we were assigned the first undertaking †rope undertaking † , we started off as a squad but subsequently into the undertaking person came up with an thought of lone work forces should draw the rope while the ladies should keep without making anything I had to differ with him and i told him we should non know apart better still lets place everyone ‘s strengths and failings in the game by leting us to take which of us could keep or draw the rope so it would non be a gawky undertaking for us all, surprisingly even some of the work forces voluntarily said they would keep and some of the ladies said they would draw. With that thought, we were able to make the undertaking in a non discriminating mode and we identified our strength and we came out successful at the terminal.How does this reflect the findings of your chosen ego analysis toolkit?Harmonizing to the feedback I got from my facilitator at the residential in my blind topographic point on my johari window, I am seen to be a confident individual in a group undertaking, one voice out when things are been done discriminatively which I know within me that am non that confident but based on what my facilitator saw on that twenty-four hours of the undertaking it was said that I am really confident and one hold strong in my words until my message is passed across. I could non make this before because am known to be diffident but when person makes the undertaking a gender matter so i would ever hold to travel against it non for personal grounds but in order to place failings and strengths of every person and so from there we would be able to work in conformity. Besides in my johari window, the unfastened topographic point says a batch about me and I wholly agree with that and it was seen when we were working in squads. I was patient to a group member ‘s sentiment even when others were eager to acquire the undertaking done without listening to her sentiment. I listened to her thought which finally became the best solution to the job for the undertaking and in merely 19seconds we completed the undertaking and we came out successful. Looking at my emotional intelligence, my societal accomplishments subdivision, am known to be a good hearer and communicate openly with my squad members.What are the deductions for future calling or personal developmentIn my future calling as a director or as a leader, I would take advantage of my unfastened topographic point which is to be patient, a good hearer, been cheerful and many more as seen in my johari window to take my squad into a success. non burying my blind topographic point as to been a confi dent individual, I would every bit good work on been a better director or leader with confident of thoughts that I have and been able to openly voice it out. I would be patient in listening to others sentiment which ever gives a sense of belonging when it is a squad work even if we might non be able to practicalize what the thoughts are due to clip constrain be but at least his/her voice is hear but when clip is on our side all thoughts given would be actualize because we might merely be disregarding the best thought of a member that has solution to the job as seen above when person ‘s thought that was ignored became the solution to the undertaking at manus. Self Analysis Toolkit__________________ BELBIN ________________________ Summary of critical incident ( usage detailed critical incidents from your faculty activities, residential weekend, past experiences etc ) What happened, or what did I make? At the residential, when we were given the level battalion undertaking, everyone was so eager to get down the undertaking, a batch of thoughts were passed across but for me, I was confused. I had tonss of boards to construct into something but had no thoughts of what to do out of it, we had really limited clip but yet I sat down believing even if I am non a fast mind. It was deserving seeking because at that clip was when I spotted the image of the reinforced board on my facilitator ‘s manus. The image was handed to us and we started working more even as a squad.How does this reflect the findings of your chosen ego analysis toolkit?As seen in my belbin, my preferable functions are team-worker and co-ordinator ; this was clearly seen in the assorted undertakings we had to make at the residential. I might non be every bit confident as expected but in the undertaking we had to make after descrying the image we shared Ideas and with in19seconds of the 2nd unit of ammunition of patt ern we completed the undertaking. I am a individual that likes to be carried along for a better apprehension of what I am expected to make and besides as seen in my belbin I take my clip to listen to thoughts and I implement on it. The feedback I got from my facilitator was that am dying to make my undertaking when thoughts are brought up, am a good hearer and I ever want to understand the thought about the undertaking to be done. Last, she said my failing was that am non strategic and spoting which reflected on my public presentation in the 1st undertaking we had. If I was to make the undertaking once more, I would hold repeated all thoughts because it brought us success. Personally, I would develop my believing accomplishments to enable me hold the ability to animate others and be more confident of my thoughts. I would be less dying which could do me worry unduly in my undertaking.What are the deductions for future calling or personal developmentNolan ( 2009 ) says that an ‘ideal director is undertaking oriented, possess good communicating accomplishments, has general cognition, has wisdom and the ability to larn, takes duty, enjoys good relationships with others, good at being client focused and at teamwork, manages clip and emphasis makes determination, place analyse and work out jobs, motivates and influence others, delegates, sets ends, manages struggle. In my future calling as a director, I would set my preferable functions to pattern, be able to transport my squad along and holding a end to accomplish by clear uping the ends. I would be confident in myself and convey my squad together to advance squad spirit, engage in treatments that would give good consequences. Due to the feedback I got from my facilitator and my group members, I would work on my failings and better in them. I would ever listen to thoughts, be more strategic as a director which would do me animate my squad members. Self Analysis Toolkit__________ EMOTIONAL INTELIGENCE __________________ Summary of critical incident ( usage detailed critical incidents from your faculty activities, residential weekend, past experiences etc ) What happened, or what did I make? This incident is based on my past experience in my faculty activity ( concern Game ) . As a group we had to do single presentation and when my bend came because I was non confident of myself I was scared of doing the presentation, i wanted to endorse out but my squad members believed in me and because of the encouraging words of my squad members and friends i went in front and one the twenty-four hours of the presentation, I gave my best and to my surprise even the faculty coach commended on the presentation.How does this reflect the findings of your chosen ego analysis toolkit?As described in my emotional intelligence, it best describes my personality of ego consciousness as holding a great ego regard and been emotional aware of my emotions and their effects. At the residential, when we had the competition of the grid lock undertaking and my squad was the last to complete, at a point in the competition I was non happy and wanted to merely go forth or merely burst into cryings at the rate of the failure in front but been cognizant of my emotions, I decided to positive and stayed on boulder clay we finished. Besides my belbin was a clear indicant of what my least preferable function was ‘a complete closer ‘ . In the undertaking I clearly saw that attributes in me. I wanted to merely go forth and bury that we of all time did that peculiar undertaking, I was besides dying because we lacked behind and while other where making or had reached the finished clip, we were non half manner to the terminal but above all we stood together and worked closer as a squad. We co-operated and the undertaking was completed.What are the deductions for future calling or personal developmentFor my future calling, I would wish to develop the ability of pursing my ends despite the obstructions, ne'er compare myself with anybody and ever be myself and at all times be ‘CONFIDENT ‘ of myself. I have a good squad spirit but non a complete closer which was clearly exhibited when we had the competition undertaking at the residential. I would non let my personal emotions to over control me whic h about do me lost my squad spirit in the competition. A definition of emotional intelligence by Goleman ( 1998, p.317 ) as†¦ the capableness for forming our feelings and those of others, for actuating ourselves, and for pull offing emotions good in ourselves and in our relationship. With the above by Golemans ‘ definition, I would acknowledge my emotions and the effects, but ne'er let it over function me even when sometimes I might merely non be able to manage it any more but I will ever be positive and have a thrust for first-class work besides seting the feelings of others into consideration. Undertaking 3 Strength Harmonizing to my three toolkits, Is have been able to analyze my strengths and failings. The analyses reveals that my chief strengths are that, am a Good hearer, Responsible, Friendly, A squad worker, Co-ordinator, Good ego regard, Team edifice and Service Oriented. I besides have the ability to suit into a squad and besides one shy off from coercing inquiry because it makes me nervous. I have a pleasant and suiting attitude. I get on good with my co-workers which make me a friendly individual. I have involvements in pulling parts out from others and listening to the thoughts as seen in my johari window toolkit. To my surprise, my belbin and johari toolkit explicate how confident I am which I would state I was ne'er confident in anything one do but with the aid of my residential, the affection of the environment I found myself in the past 4months, seminars and presentations i have to construct my confident bit by bit to a certain degree in my life now which is why, Megginson and Whitaker ( 2007 ) suggest that rehearsing uninterrupted brooding reappraisal helps to help my acquisition and development procedure. Failing My failings in my toolkits show that, I am non a complete closer, non strategic and spoting, non serious minded, worry unduly and most times i appear indecisive. Haven know all what my failings are, one would work harder in doing my failings go my strengths and be confident when I want to do determinations in my twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours life. Judging myself, I would state that now i have merely grown that assurance to a certain degree even when my belbin analysis reveals that am a confident individual. Looking back at the clip I foremost arrived at Northumbria university, i ne'er thought of myself giving presentations, voicing my sentiment in my seminar groups because back in Nigeria when I come from, it ‘s a wholly different manner of larning and we could non even question the determinations of our talks as it is seen as been rude or the individual knows excessively much. So hence, deficiency of assurance was one of my chief failings and am happy bit by bit am ge t the better ofing it due to feedbacks one got from my facilitators, and presentation in seminars. Goldsmith ( 2006 ) believes that, assurance is really of import for one ‘s use and organisational usage as good. He farther identified ways of constructing ego assurance which I decided to indulge myself in and they include ; more activities with my co-workers, believe in myself, take duty for my ain determinations. I have decided non to compare myself with other, believe and move positively, give room for feedbacks. Boy dingle ( 1981 ) explains that, self development and ego analysis is a really good manner of understanding oneself and besides, the cognition would be helpful to the person in the procedure. IT ‘S IMPLICATION FOR MY FUTURE CAREER DEVELOPMENT In my future calling, i need to work harder in my failings, in order for me non to hold a reverse in my occupation. As a consequence of this, it would take me to taking up a leading function non merely been a squad worker. I besides aspire to be really confident in my determination devising, be punctual and be opened to new thoughts, be a good hearer and strive to be a complete closer in my responsibilities.

Review Assignment Reimbursement Memo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Review Assignment Reimbursement Memo - Essay Example The errors include the following issues in the below paragraphs. Persuasiveness in my presentation was not up to the point. That is; I was not able to argue out my presentation to bring out clear meaning. Moreover, my sentences were not correctly connected to thus making it hard for the reader to find the intended meaning of the memo. However, through the remarks from my supervisor, I have managed to correct the errors and ensure that my work quickly brings out the meaning. Language is another section that brought some mistakes to my previous work. In the last document, I employed vague pronouns thus distorting my primary objective in the document. Moreover, I did not use adequate examples to bring out my points clear. However, with the remarks from my supervisor, I was able to identify the mistake and corrected it immediately. Finally, paragraph segmentation is another section that I made it wrong. In this case, I did not make my paragraphs more objective. However, I have managed to identify the mistake done in the previous work, and I have done the corrections. Therefore, the correction of my work is in the page below. Florida International University offers the course and its classes run from May 11, 2015 to June 19, 2015. The total cost of the course is $607.13 which is apportioned as follows, online fee $199 and tuition fee $408.13. However, I am well prepared to meet the online price. As an assessment manager, the course will be of much help. That is; by the end of the course, I will have my communication skills. At the managerial position, I will be exposed to more sections that will enhance my communication skills. The skills gained in this post will enable me to write effectively business correspondence such as; Internet memos, emails, and reports. In this section, I will be in a position to go through various written memos and interact with different people thus boosting my

Reasons for Falling of Students Proficiency Rates and the Resource Assignment

Reasons for Falling of Students Proficiency Rates and the Resource Depletion in the Computation of GDP - Assignment Example Also, I think another reason would be that even if federal funds to be allocated are substantially big when it is divided among numerous public schools all over the country, the end amount may be considerably small already. It may be so small that it is already insufficient to have any bearing on the improvement of proficiency rates. To address this, the act intends to focus on those schools that need the funds more. This is the very reason why there are conditions imposed. To increase the funds of schools with satisfactory student proficiency rates would be a waste of resources. It would have the effect of increasing the already high proficiency rate or some, leaving those with low proficiency rates behind. In my opinion, forest resources are to be considered as capital. Trees in the forest provide a lot of benefits, especially in the environment. And I recognize the fact that it is very important to keep a growing forest. However, prior to being cut down, trees cannot be considered as a product.   For me, trees that are still part of the forest cannot be considered as consumption or as an export for the computation of GDP. Nor can they be considered as an investment because there is no spending involved.Hence, if forest resources are capital, its depletion should be considered as depreciation in the capital. "Gross" means that capital depreciation is not considered or subtracted in the equation of GDP. Otherwise, we come up with the Net Domestic Product. As to whether or not an increase in forest resources should be added to GDP, in my opinion, the answer is no. As previously stated, I believe forest reserves are merely capital. As such, decrease or increase in the number of trees in our forest must be considered as a capital loss or gain - which is considered in the computation of NDP, not GDP. I believe that to add it to GDP would cause inaccuracy. The trees, if not cut down would not result in an actual commercial gain.  

Campus Safety and Alcohol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Campus Safety and Alcohol - Essay Example They have known that alcohol use rates are very high among college students. Two of every five American college student are heavy drinkers of alcohol. In this study also they found out that male are heavy drinkers than female. White students are on the highest number while black is the lowest and Hispanics are intermediate. With this data it is very alarming to think about their safeness in campus (O'Molley, PhD & Johnston, PhD, 2005). An examination of the collective data compiled and published annually by the Chronicle of Higher Education suggests that patterns of crime on campus are similar to crime across the United States. Violent crime reports increased and property crime decreased. The number of murders fell from 17 in 1992 to 15 in 1993. The number of arrests for liquor increased suggesting increased law enforcement attention to these violations (Hoover, 2001). What are the effects of alcohol that influences our (students) acts Alcohol is organic substances derived from aliphatic hydrocarbon by the substitution of one or more Hydroxyl groups, OH, for the same number of hydrogen atoms. There are different kinds of alcohol and the kind that is considered drinkable is Ethyl alcohol. This has been known to be fermented from grape juice even in the earliest time (Universal Encyclopedia, 1996). An alcohol is rapidly absorbed by the stomach and small intestine. IT appears in the blood in five minutes and reaches its maximum concentration in two hours. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It acts at many sites, including the reticular formation, spinal cord, cerebellum and cerebral cortex, and on many neurotransmitter systems. Alcohol is a very small molecule and is soluble in "lipid" and water solutions. Because of these properties, alcohol gets into the bloodstream very easily and also crosses the blood brain barrier. With this effect there will be a late response to our impulses and the drinker will be poor upon thinking straight. Here is a table that tallies the effect of alcohol (http://staff.washington.edu/chudler/alco.html, 2006). : In low doses, alcohol produces: a relaxing effect reduces tension lowers inhibitions impairs concentration slows reflexes impairs reaction time reduces coordination In medium doses, alcohol produces: slur speech cause drowsiness alter emotions In high doses, alcohol produces: vomiting breathing difficulties unconsciousness coma This research conducted a survey about campus safeness and alcohol. Below are tables that present the results (class and the researcher's result): Class results Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9 Hours Q10 a 6% 15% 33% 42% 9% 34% 17% 27% 32% 0 2% b 22% 29% 7% 50% 38% 40% 42% 40% 42% 1-3 9% c 47% 29% 44% 4% 47% 16% 22% 20% 19% 4-6 36% d 25% 27% 8% 4% 4% 9% 20% 11% 5% 7-9 16% e 0% 0% 8% 0% 1% 1% 0% 1% 1% 10-14 24% 15>= 13% Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Total 100% Record shows that a 50 percent says that they are reasonably safe in the campus while there are only 4 percent say not really. 40 percent also of the population said that they have to work 1-3 blocks from car to their classes. The table also showed that there are 42 percent of the students said that they drink alcohol 1-2 per week. This table will serve as the standard and bases for the results of the researcher's survey in the class. We will compare the results and analyze the difference and trends. Researcher's

Should loved one be moved to a nursing home Research Paper

Should loved one be moved to a nursing home - Research Paper Example This paper intends to answer my curiosity by discussing the issues that compel people to move their loved ones to nursing homes while focusing on certain questions related to the topic which include: Do the loved ones enjoy being in nursing homes? What effect does this have on the relationship? Does this improve the concept of life in the eyes of the elderly? I have always wanted to know if we manage to improve the life quality of our loved ones once we move them to nursing homes. Thomas (1996), a physician in family medicine and geriatrics, talks about his experience in the nursing home and states that his experience was â€Å"like a dose of castor oil† and â€Å"extremely unpleasant† (p.xii). He writes that he saw his patients getting weaker, sicker, and frustrated as time passed by, and the only excitement in their lives was when some companion died and another replaced him. No matter how much advancement the setting of nursing homes has seen in modern times, still t he thought of being admitted to nursing homes for good is haunting for the elderly for fear of â€Å"loss of privacy† and â€Å"segregation from the outside world† (Johnson & Grant, as cited in Baker, 2007, p.32). This is naturally unimaginable how we can make our loved ones move to a place which, as research suggests, is likely to hinder with their improvement in lifestyle. Now let’s discuss what effect does doing so has on the adult children’s care giving experiences and the relationship between the two parties. Harris (1998) conducted in-depth interviews with 30 sons of elderly parents who had been moved to nursing homes due to dementia. His research focused on sons’ care giving experiences and has concluded that they became more dutiful and responsible toward their parents, going an extra mile for them and arranging professional healthcare setting to ensure their health improvement. They learnt how to devise coping strategies and build relation ships with siblings. Smith and Bengtson (1979) also conducted a research on institutionalized elderly parents and found that the parents and their children reported that their relationships and ties got stronger with the elderly moved to the nursing homes. â€Å"The data suggest that institutional care can serve to enhance family relations, particularly when family ties have been strained by the needs of the older member† (Smith & Bengtson, 1979, p.438). Another important issue is regarding how the perception of the elderly toward life modifies in nursing homes. Hjaltadottir and Gustafsdottir (2007) conducted a research with the eight frail but lucid elderly residing in two nursing homes in Iceland and examined how they perceived the phenomenon of life in that setting. They found that the participants looked at life as a concern for securing their bodies, searching for comfort, preparing for leaving the world, and affirming their inner selves. The participants reported they e njoyed delightful time alone with their own thought and their self-built imaginary world. Their life had turned meaningful to them. â€Å"These aspects of life in a nursing home contribute to living in a meaningful world in which humanity is preserved†, concluded the researchers (p.48). I found from this project that although it is hard for the loved ones and also for the family to

4 short questions Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

4 short questions - Movie Review Example The play was a major success because of the great measure of its development and the subsequent production offered by the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. As a result the play was made into a film based on the audience reaction (Letts, 12). The poet T.S. Eliot is quoted and referenced in the play due to the fact that the main concept put across is that of life. Letts uses quotes from one of his poems ‘The Hollow men’ which is a poem that talks more about broken souls. The reason for this is because the play focuses on a dysfunctional family that is in a crisis and is broken. The theme of broken souls based on the poem is followed throughout the play as the drama unfolds. ‘Life is very Long’, this is a quote that is referenced by Beverly when she expounds about life and poetry to Johnna (Lett, 14). Based on the interview conducted on Letts, I do not agree with the blogger’s statement. This is because most of the people in Oklahoma are of the Native American background and thus for Letts to include this character there was strong thematic resonance involved. There was also need to connect with most of the audience that were within that background. Johnna character purpose was to be that of a carer to the family and thus her roles were aimed at providing care and support service especially to Violet who was an addict of prescriptions medicine. Her presence does not affect me as a reader as her character represents a real life situation in Oklahoma (Letts, 16). The character that I identified with is that of Barbara, the eldest daughter. This is due to the fact that she portrayed the role of being a devoted daughter despite the crisis that was in the family and the fact that her mother was an addict. For instance, during a family dinner in act two she stood up in front of everyone and declared that she was going to run things from then henceforth. This scene shows that she

Leadership and Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership and Ethics - Coursework Example The integrated model provides numerous benefits to major organizations. The transformational model applies in departments that have a high level of communication. In this model, the leaders encourage their employees to enhance their productivity as well as their efficiency in production through communication of tasks to be performed and thereafter providing rewards when they accomplish the set goals. The rewards take the form of bonuses, salary increments. Alternatively, when employees fail to meet their goals they are given lenient punishments (Starratt, 2004). The leadership style often requires full participation of all levels of management to ensure success. The top management is in charge of decision-making and policy formation. The middle and lower level management are in charge of providing necessary recommendations to top management to facilitate decision-making. Moreover, they are in charge of training employees, evaluating employee performance and correcting any production problems. In most cases, the low level management delegates authority to employees as well as group employees into production teams to evaluate their group performance (Walter, 2009). Ultimately, the leadership style focuses on organizational goals and delegation of small tasks employee group leaders to accomplish them. Successful organizations have therefore integrated sustainable excellence in their business strategies. Most successful leadership policies have implemented the V model in developing internal sytsems. In this regard, the organization focuses on p roduct/project life cycle where results are obtained during the product development. This involves integrating the project definition and project testing and implementation within limited time. Project definition involves conception of operations, identification of project requirements and

Case Scenario Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Case Scenario - Assignment Example ssed  that  it  was  his  first  offense  and  pleaded  guilty  of having taken off the roses, the court would be brought to a plea bargain and would not proceed to the trials. These  reflect  a  crime  control  model  where  the  court  has  concentrated  on  the  victims’  rights  after  he  pleaded  guilty  and  needed  no  more  investigations because Michael’s video camera had all the required evidence. A  warrant  of  arrest  will be  issued  to  the  police  to  arrest  Mary since  the  jury  has  confirmed  that  she  has  committed  burglary.  Due  process  model  prevails,  where  the  court  is  concentrating  on  the  rights  of  the  defendant  and  victimizing  the  victim  while  following  rules,after  she  entered  the  house  without  permission  and  stole  some  property.  Also,  the  court  shouldnot  expected  to  concentrate  on  the  facts  approved  by  the  jury  but  will  conduct  legal  procedures  to  declare  her  guilty (Brody, Acker & Logan, 2000). Laura  case  in  the  Uniform Crime Report  falls  under  part  1(index  crimes) of the subdivision  of  property  crimes  because  mark  had  planned  to  steal  a plasma TV,  some  cash, among  other  things.  This  form  of  burglary  is not  clear  if  mark  tried  it  by  force  or  not,  and  so, maybe  classified  as  forcible  entry  or  the  unlawful  type  respectively.   The  idea  that  Laura  killed  mark  while  trying  to  defend  herself is  also  a  crime  and  will  fall  in  part  one under  violent  crimes (McWhirter, 2006).In  case  N I B R S  method  of  reporting  is to be  used,  the  court  would be on category A and be forced  to  conduct  extensive  legal  procedures.  These  would be  so  because; NIBR does not involve  any  forms  of  summary,  while  the  findings  submitted  in ASCII  text  files  electronically (Siegel, 2010).   Herman  committed  forced  rape  and  his  action  should be  reported  in  part  1 of the  violent  crimes, in which

European law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

European law - Essay Example The moot question that arises in William case’s is whether the requirements spelt out by the Italian Government for import of his cheese into Italy could constitute a violation of Article 28 and therefore a restriction on imports? Their first requirement is (a) an inspection test to determine the listeria content of the cheese (b) a requirement that William change the label on his product. The meaning of quantitative restrictions was clearly stated in the case of Riseria Luigi Geddo v Ente Nazionale Risi1 in which it was stated that â€Å"any measure which amounts to a total or partial restraint on imports, exports or goods in transit constitutes a quantitative restriction.† For example, a quota system was held to be a restriction of trade in the case of Salgoil SpA v Italian Minister for Foreign Trade.2 Directive 70/50 must also be taken into consideration because it lists out all measures which are equivalent to quantitative restrictions, however in William’s case, there are certain existing EU Directives which member States are expected to comply with, which will also be relevant. The EU Directives which will apply in the case of William is Directive 92/46/EEC, which has held that listeria must be absent in 1 gm of hard cheese, however in soft cheese it must be absent in 25g samples taken from the product3. Also, the Directive 93/43/EEC is intended to ensure that all food products sold within the EU meet certain minimum health standards. Therefore, under this Directive, it may be noted that any requirements of the Italian Government on the inspections for listeria in the cheese will be only indistinctly applicable4, because it applies to cheeses produced within Italy and outside the country. Since manufacturers within Italy are also expected to comply with this requirement of inspection at their own cost, it is unlikely that that this will qualify as a measure that infringes Article

Great Expectations Essay Example for Free

Great Expectations Essay Even though Pip has become snobbish by the end of Book One, Dickens still manages to make the reader like him. Show how and why Pip has become something of a snob and what makes us retain our sympathy for him Tom Beach In Great Expectations Dickens depicts Pip as having an increasingly snobbish character throughout Book One. He shows Pip to have an exaggerated respect for his social position and his growing hatred for the common life that he lives. The reader sees that Pips snobbishness is due to his desire to become a gentleman and his aspiration to be liked by Estella, from whom he adopts some of his snobbish attitudes. Even though it is clear to the reader that Pip has become somewhat of a snob, Dickens encourages the reader to still like Pip. He puts across that Pip is an orphan and that these snobbish feelings we see are just outward feelings. We learn that he was not proud of the snobbish character that he had become from the way he looks back on his life as an adult. These events make the reader feel sympathy for Pip, leading the reader to retain their criticism of him. In Book One of Great Expectations we see Dickens show Pips progressively snobbish character in many ways. After Pips first visit to Satis house and after falling for Estella we see Pips ambition to become a gentleman. We see that Pip blames Joe for being common, and for Joe not bringing him up as Pip thinks he should: I wish Joe had been rather more genteelly brought up, and then I should have been so too. We see Pips snobbish character developing as he blames Joe for being common; he is ashamed of the dear good fellow and disappointed in him for being so ignorant and common. Pip is patronising towards Joe for something Joe has no control over. Pip feels he is able to comment on Joes social status because he does not belong to [his] higher society and would be an embarrassment in front of Estella. This sudden change of attitude in Pip that wants to dismiss his family comes as a great shock to the reader. We see this to be a case of him being a snob. In Book One, one of the main points of Pips character that shows Pip to be something of a snob is his patronising attitude towards Mrs Joe. When Pip is going to see Miss Havisham with Joe and accompanied with Mrs Joe Pip feels embarrassed because they are trying to dress up to much: I am not quite clear whether these articles were carried penitentially or ostentatiously. Pip feels that his sister, Mrs Joe is very much overdressed, trying to look more ladylike that she really is. He is very patronising to her, as seen in the above quotation for simply being overdressed. Pip feels he is above her. Pip shows his growing snobbishness due to the fact that he is so willingly able to dismiss who he is and what he should become: I had believed in the forge as the glowing road to manhood and independence. Within a single year, all this was changed. Now, it was all coarse and common. We see Pip has lost faith in his normal life in the forge, dismissing the fact that that a life in the forge is what he is meant for. Pip will never like Joes trade and is sad when he is made apprentice to him: And what could I possibly do then, but say I was enjoying myself when I wasnt. Pip feels that the apprenticeship will tie him away from his ambition. He feels the forge is so coarse and common that it will prevent him from becoming a gentleman. Pip feels that he is too good for the community that he lives in; he wants to get away from it: It would be very disagreeable to be stared at by all the people here. We see Pip deciding not to go into town in his new suit. He again feels that he is above all the people in the village, that they would make such a business of it such a coarse and common business that [he] couldnt bear [himself]. This fact that he looks down on everybody in the village depicts him as a vain snob; he is not going to be a rustic man anymore. In the closing stages of Book One we see Pip being very snobbish and capricious towards Biddy, a girl who looks after the house and has fallen in love with Pip: Biddy I returned with some resentment, you are so exceedingly quick that its difficult to keep up with you.

Leadership: Impact On A Healthcare Organization

Leadership: Impact On A Healthcare Organization The field of health-care is labor intensive and based on powerful know-how (Kanste, 2008). In contemporary medicine both therapeutic as well as nursing tasks are performed by a team, rather than an individual, being it a doctor or a nurse, respectively. No team work can be effective without a leader; this is also true for good nursing in which the leadership is very crucial and vital. All the results of good nursing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦may be spoiled or utterly negative by one defect, viz: in petty management (Florence Nightingale as cited in McEachen Keogh, 2007, pg.01). The health care environment becomes more competitive every day. There are few professions in which the complications of poor performance are as serious as in nursing and there are few professionals who feel the pressure of responsibility more keenly than nurses (Kenmore, 2008). This paper presents discourses on the contemporary leadership styles and highlights the characteristics and development of an effective leader a nd discusses the impact of effective leader on organisations potential to succeed. Leadership styles The continued search for good leaders resulted in the development of many leadership theories. Although leadership is not a new concept, and its fundamental function is well documented, there is no theoretical agreement or a universal definition of leadership (Farag, Mc Guinness Anthony, 2009; Mahoney, 2004 and Murphy, 2005). However, some scholars believe that certain leadership characteristics or personality traits are innate in effective leaders (Murphy, 2005). Thus the perspectives of Great man or trait theories which dominated until 1950s, states that leader are born and not made (Murphy, 2005). In the 1950s, behavioural and social scientists began to analyse leadership behaviour. The behavioural theory says that leaders are not born to lead, but learn leadership behaviour (McEachen Keogh, 2007). The efforts of these researchers were fundamental in isolation of three common leadership styles: autocratic, democratic and lassiez-faire (Murphy, 2005). The Contingency theory by Fi edler was further expanded by Herset, Blanchard and Johnson as the Situational theory (Murphy, 2005). Later, some contemporary leadership theories such as the charismatic, transactional, transformational and shared leadership theory gave rise to the contemporary leadership styles (Murphy, 2005). The contemporary leadership styles include quantum, charismatic, transactional, transformational, relational, shared and servant leadership (Murphy, 2005).Though there are many leadership styles identified in the literature, laissez-faire, transactional and transformational leadership styles are the primary leadership styles identified in the nursing and management studies (Farag et al., 2009). Laissez-faire leadership indicates the absence of leadership (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). This leadership style is ineffective in promoting purposeful interaction and it contributes to organizational demise (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Transactional leaders view the leader-follower relationship as a process of exchange (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). On the other hand, transformational leadership is a process that motivates followers by appealing to higher ideals and moral values (Trofino, 2005). The transactional leader sets goals, gives directions and tends to gain compliance by offering rewards for performance (McEachen Keogh, 2007). Whereas, by inspiring a shared vision through clear roles, effective teamwork and providing feedback on individual or team performance transformational leaders enables the staff to explore their professional practice (Halm, 2010). The three elements of transactional leadership are: contingent reward, where the leader provides reward that is dependent on the performance; passive management by exception, where the leader takes corrective action when problems arise and active management by exception, where the leader takes corrective action in anticipation of problem (Chen, Beck Amos, 200 5; McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Rukmani, Ramesh Jayakrishnan, 2010). Similarly, the four elements of transformational leadership are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). The expected outcome of transactional leadership is enhanced role clarity, job satisfaction and improved performance (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). On the contrary, the ultimate outcome of transformational leadership is to change the mental model of employees, to link desired outcome to values held by employees and to build strong employee identification within the group or organization (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). There are also some pitfalls and limitations of transactional leadership. Transactional leadership might not yield the same results across culture; such as, most North American culture which emphasize individualism, whereas many Asian culture emphasize collectivism (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Hence, transactional leaders need to understand at which level to establish their reward system- individual or collective reward (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Transactional leaders cannot provide leadership over task areas in which they have no expert knowledge (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Likewise, there are some limitations to transformational leadership. Transformational leaders need to be updated in their knowledge and skills (McGuire Kennerly, 2006; Halm, 2010). There is a growing demand for evidence-based decision making, where, to show leadership, a transformational leader need to cite hard and factual evidence, as transformational leaders have nothing worth saying without strong evidence. Fin ally, the transformational leaders will be needed to inspire flexible, multi skilled work forces to bridge the barriers established by rigid job description and functional departments (Trofinio, 2004). Transformational leadership is not an alternative to transactional leadership, but it augments transactional leadership (Spinelli, 2006). Therefore, an effective leader achieves a balance between transformational and transactional behavior, thus creating a leadership style which matches the needs of followers (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). The current shortage of nurses at the bedside magnifies the importance of having a strong, clear, and supportive and inspiration leadership across health care organization (McGuire Kennerly, 2006). Characteristics and development of effective leader While there is disparity amongst the theorist definitions of leadership, there is consensus pertaining to qualities necessary to realize effective leader (Murphy, 2005). There are various traits of an effective leader mentioned throughout the literature. Having a vision is a key feature of effective leadership and it is the clarity of vision evolved by the leader about the future of the organization that distinguish them as effective (Joyce, 2009). An effective leader has a vision for the future, which helps him to set objectives, aims, goals and standards and to achieve the set goals; the leader has a plan to implement (Fletner, Mitchell, Norris Wolfe, 2008). Tomey (2009) mentions some of the essential leadership traits which also empower people. These include accessible, collaborative, communicative, flexible, good listener, honest, influential, knowledgeable, positive, supportive and visible (Tomey, 2009). An effective leader should also posses job knowledge, positive attitude, d elegation skills, positive partnership and should be a role model, dependable, motivating, and compassionate (Fletner et al., 2008; Cook Leathard, 2004). An effective leader must recognize the individual strength and weakness of each person involved, shifting focus as necessary in an effort to elevate each persons level of effectiveness as an individual and as a part of a team (Fletner et al., 2008). As Joyce, 2008, rightly quotes that effective leaders walk the talk. Consequently, there is consistency between their values, vision, standards and behavior (Fletner et al., 2008; Joyce, 2008). A good leader should ideally possess all of the identified characteristics, or at least a majority of them (Fletner et al., 2008). Fletner et al. (2008) also reveal that any characteristics can be a leaders strength or weakness depending on the situational needs and persons involved in the given scenario. Neither there is just one characteristic that defines a leader, nor should, the entire identified characteristic be required when determining whether an individual would be an effective leader (Fletner et al., 2008). Likewise, to say one character istic is more important than the other is to fragment the idea of leadership (Fletner et al., 2008). A leader with insufficient leadership training might become exhausted in trying to achieve the organizational goals and thus, in turn, a leader might burnout and dissatisfaction among subordinates might increase (Chen, Beck Amos, 2005). One of the greatest challenges we face in nursing profession is to develop future nurse leaders (Jumaa, 2008; Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004; Murray DiCroce, 2003). Hence, training effective leaders has been proposed as a key to increase professionalism in nursing (Chen, Beck and Amos, 2005). Although it remains unclear, how to best prepare effective leaders, evidence suggest that graduate education may be an important precursor to the development of effective leadership style (Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004). Developing a relationship with specific academic provider of registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in nursing programs and graduate education in nursing administration may facilitate nurse managers returning for advanced education (Klienman, 2 004). Onsite and distance education programs may offset obstacles of scheduling and geography (Kleinman, 2004). The feasibility of mandating graduate education requirements for all practicing nurse managers is limited; therefore, continuing education strategies must focus on nurse manager leadership training (Kleinman, 2004; Mahoney, 2004; Wilson, 2005). An effective continuing educational program should consider providing monetary incentive and an organizational commitment that allows sufficient time to be spent on course work, in addition to management responsibilities (Kleinman, 2004). Conley, Branowicki and Hanley (2007), recommend a three component orientation for nursing leaders including nurse manger competencies, precepting by supervisor and written and classroom resources. Learning about the history of nursing, and especially about people who greatly influenced the development of nursing, has a fundamental meaning in fulfilling the vocation for nursing (Kosinska Niebroj, 2 004). In this context, the statement saying that history is a teacher of life seems to be true and of paramount importance for creating leaders (Kosinska Niebroj, 2004). The Leading Empowered Organizations(LEO) program, shared between United Kingdom and United State of America, is constructed around a model that identifies consensus decision making, interdependence, positive discipline, responsibility, authority and accountability as key areas of effective leading (Cook Leathard, 2004). Recognizing the need to invest in nurse managers to reduce turnover, the Pacific Northwest Nursing Leadership Institute was created in Washington State, in 2002, to support the development and preparation of nursing leaders (Wilson, 2005). Thus, there are various programs, education and institutions, to encourage the development of leadership skills among nurses; which highlights the impact that an effective leader can have on the organization. Impact of effective leadership on organization The inability of hospital to retain staff nurses threatens the adequacy of health care delivery and increases personnel and patient care costs (Kleinman, 2004). Many factors have led to rising health care costs, which have increased faster than the general inflation over the past three decades (Spinelli, 2006). Performance standards for effective leaders require them to be accountable for transactional processes such as budgets, productivity and quality monitoring; while at the same time displaying transformational characteristics by acting as a coach, mentor and a leader (Kleinman, 2004; Spinelli, 2006). A creative work climate has a strong relationship to job satisfaction and the nurse manager is an important link in creating such a climate (Sellgren, Ekvall, Tomson, 2006; DeCasterle, Willemse, Verschueren Milisen, 2008). Job satisfaction has been described as the most important predictor for nurses intention to remain employed (Sellgren et al., 2006; Carney, 2008). The perception of staff nurses towards the leadership behavior of their manager was significantly related to their job satisfaction (Sellgren et al., 2006; Klienman, 2004). Staff that perceives job satisfaction is essential for the ability to give high quality and safe care (Sellgren et al., 2006). Job dissatisfaction leads to absenteeism, problems of grievances, low morale and high turnover (Wong Cummings, 2007). On the contrary, poor leadership was found to be one of the main reasons for dissatisfaction and intention to leave (Neilsen, Yarker, Brenner, Randall and Borg, 2008 and Sellgren et al., 2006). Altered perfo rmance, affecting patient outcome, which in turn results in higher employment cost is also found to be associated with decreased job satisfaction (Wong Cummings, 2007). The findings of the study done by Wong and Cummings (2007) and Kenmore, (2008), suggest that there is a relationship between leadership and patient satisfaction, patient mortality and patient safety outcomes, adverse events and complications. Positive leadership behavior increased patient satisfaction, and decreased incidences of patient mortality, adverse events and complication (Wong Cummings, 2007). Effective nursing leadership is essential to the creation of practice environments with appropriate staffing level, that support nurses in preventing unnecessary death, adverse events and complications (Wong Cummings, 2007). A recent study done in mental health service organizations show that, both organizational culture and organizational climate impact work attitude and subsequently staff turnover (Wong Cummings, 2007). Effective leaders can also help in the recruitment process by recruiting staff as per the job description and thus help in the organizational development (Neilsen et al., 2008 and Sellgren et al., 2006). The study done by Wong and Cummings (2007), in Singapore, to determine the effect of leadership behavior on employee outcome, shows that in times of stress and chaos, leadership styles that transform, create meaning in the midst of turmoil and produce desirable employee outcome are more beneficial for organizations existence and performance. Conclusion In conclusion, it is apparent that nurses can lead the health care industry as they comprise the major component of all health care employees; being on the front line and having the most frequent direct contact with the patients and their families. The increasing emphasis on fiscal accountability in global recessionary times places even greater emphasis on measuring organizational effectiveness (Joyce, 2009). The need to move a health care organization forward in an era of declining profit margin, diminishing capacity, manpower shortages and technological expansion cannot be overstated. The call for the nurses to become recognized leaders of health care industry; possessing the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant for effective leadership and the necessity to use the technology of the 21st century to aim for an essentially global community are the key perspective significant to nursing leadership and management(Jumaa, 2008). Effective leadership behavior is the key to productive and happily satisfied nurses with great organizational commitment. Nevertheless, it is how the leader leads in the context of the setting which is paramount. To sum up, positive or effective leadership is critical towards achieving and driving organizational effectiveness. Lymphatic Filariasis Disease: Causes and Treatments Lymphatic Filariasis Disease: Causes and Treatments Abstract Lymphatic Filariasis is a disease that is on the World Health Organizations (WHO) top ten list of diseases to eliminate by 2020. Left untreated and undetected, it can lead to a condition called Elephantiasis. The name comes from the severe swelling of the limbs that occurs during the chronic state of the disease. It is transmitted via mosquitoes to humans in tropical and sub-tropical climates and it is endemic in a large number of countries around the world. Prevention is possible via some very basic methods and early detection and treatment can prevent long-term consequences associated with the disease. Lymphatic Filariasis is a little known disease in the United States but it is on the World Health Organizations top ten list of diseases to eliminate along with Malaria and leprosy (Narain, J.P., Dash, A.P., Parnell, B., Bhattacharya, S.K., Barua, S., Bhatia, R. et al., 2010). A large portion of the population of the planet is at risk of contracting this often debilitating disease. Common Names Lymphatic Filariasis is also referred to as Bancrofts Filariasis and Elephantiasis when the disease it has progressed to its chronic state. (Elephantiasis, 2010). Causative Organisms The main causative organism is a microscopic parasitic roundworm. There are three different types of this worm: Wuchereria bancrofti (most common and makes up 90% of all cases), Brugia malay and Brugia timori (Longe, 2006). Wuchereria bancrofit lives in warm regions on every continent except North America (Callahan, 2002). Brugia malayi is primarily found in India, Southeast Asia and Indonesia (Callahan, 2002). Brugia timori is found to a very limited extent in Timor. Symptoms The disease has two stages, acute and chronic. When the disease is in the acute phase, the symptoms usually include a recurring fever and infections of the lymph vessels or nodes in the arms, legs or genitals which can lead to severe and permanent swelling of the lymph vessels and secondary infections (Elephantiasis, 2010). In the chronic stage, the worms block the lymphatic areas of the limbs which cause overgrowth of the limb or body part because the lymphatic system is not able to perform its function of draining fluid out of the area (Callahan, 2002). Males may also have swelling in the scrotum. This is how the disease gets the name of Elephantiasis because the limbs enlarge to the point where they resemble elephant limbs and the skin takes on a rough texture like elephant skin (Ferrara, 2010). Incubation Period The precise mechanism that causes the pathology of the disease is not known and some people who are infected may not show any signs or symptoms for many months and sometimes even years (Rajan, 2003). The parasite apparently only infects humans and has never been found to affect animals. The parasite migrates to the lymphatic vessels and takes up residence. It then matures into the worm over the course of a few months to one year and begin producing the microfilariae which is suspected of causing the initial fevers and chills that are the first symptoms of the disease (Rajan, 2003). Also, if a person is infected once, they may never actually develop any symptoms even though the worm is living in their lymphatic system and the microfilarasia are circulating in their blood. It is repeated exposure with multiple worms along with the worms excretions and blockage of the lymphatic system that seems to cause the disease to progress to its most severe form especially since the worm will norm ally die sometime after seven year (Rajan, 2003). Duration of Disease The duration of Lymphatic Filariasis varies depending on the number of re-infections suffered by a host. A person with Elephantiasis can live with the disease and usually dies from complications and secondary infections from the worms both living and dead (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). The disease can last a lifetime and can worsen over time if left untreated. The disfiguring growth of the limbs or genitalia is another side effect as well as permanent damage to the lymphatic system, kidneys and secondary infections. There is also a social stigma to the deformities that accompany the chronic stages of the disease. Those who suffer from the disease are often ostracized. The adult worm normally lives from three to five years and the microfilariae will die after twelve months if not taken up by a mosquito to begin the next phase of the lifecycle (Longe, 2006). Transmission A person contracts the disease by being bitten by an infected mosquito of the genera Culex, Aedes or Anopheles. The mosquitoes are the intermediate hosts and when they bite someone, they inject the third-stage larvae into the blood of the host (Elephantiasis, 2010). Once injected into a human host, the larvae mature into worms which move to the lymphatic system and after about one year, produce embryo called microfilariae (Callahan, 2002). Adult worms live for about seven years (Ferrara, 2010). It is the buildup of adult worms in the lymphatic system over time that causes lymph fluid to collect which leads to severe swelling of the limbs and groin area (Ferrara, 2010). The microfilariae circulate in the blood stream waiting to be taken up by a mosquito. Interestingly, the microfilariae are at their most active in the blood at night when mosquitoes are also most active (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). This increases the chance of being taken up by a mosquito and continuing the lifecycle. Whe n a mosquito bites and infected host, they take up the microfilariae along with the blood. The larvae mature to the second state in the mosquitoes. Repeated exposure and repeated transmission of larvae that can mature into adult worms is usually what brings on the symptoms (Ferrara, 2010). A person who is bitten once and infected may never actually experience any symptoms. Prevention and Treatment The disease is being attacked from many angles by the WHO. Those who have an active parasite are normally treated with the drug Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) which will both limit the number of microfilariae in the blood stream and gradually kill the parasite (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). The drug will cause some nausea and vomiting and sometimes fever depending on the level of microfilariae in the blood (Elephantiasis, 2010). However, because the treatment lasts for over one year, it is sometimes difficult to get the needed medical supplies to the areas with the highest incidence in a cost effective manner. Since the drug DEC seems to act as a deterrent as well as a cure, there is a proposal to add DEC to salt for distribution in the affected areas of the world in much the same manner that iodine was added to salt (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). Trials with DEC fortified salt have been carried out in China, Brazil, Haiti, India and Tanzania with great success since DEC laced salt acts as a protective measure as well as providing benefits for those already infected (Lammie, Milner Houston, 2006). Other drugs used in treatment include ivermectin and albendazole and more recently doxycycline (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). Albendazole will kill the worms but does not have any effect on the microfilaria in the blood so the transmission cycle will continue unless the intermediate host is also reduced or eliminated (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). In addition to drug therapies, movement of the affected limbs is encouraged along with antibiotics for any secondary infections caused by damage to the lymphatic system (Ferrara, 2010). There is little that can be done once the lymphatic swelling has set in other than attempting to force the lymph out via compression bandages (Elephantiasis, 2010). The other alternative is surgery to correct the affected limbs but this is sometimes not cost effective. Because the causative agent spends a portion of its lifecycle in the mosquito, the preventative measures that are being undertaken include the use of insect repellent and protective clothes in affected areas as well as water treatment to reduce the insect population that transmits the disease to humans (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). Other measures include the use of mosquito netting, screens on windows and staying inside after dark when mosquitoes are the most likely to be active (Ferrara, 2010). In addition, while the mosquitoes are being dealt with, the population near the affected area can be given DEC as a preventative treatment so that the cycle of transmission is broken (Elephantiasis, 2010). Antibiotics have also been shown to be effective in the past but because antibiotics should not have any impact on a nematode, the effect of antibiotics was dropped until recently. There has also been some investigation into the possibility that a certain population of the worms themselves have a bacterial symbiont which is susceptible to the antibiotics (Rajan, 2003). The suspicion is that the two species have become dependent and if the symbiont dies, the host dies as well. If this is proven true, then antibiotics may also be used at some point in the future to treat lymphatic Filariasis in some cases. It is also suspected that some of the inflammation and other secondary infections might actually be caused by the symbiont rather than the nematode. Incidence: World, USA and Colorado Approximately eighty to one-hundred million people in 75 countries around the world are at risk of contracting Lymphatic Filariasis and forty million are in the chronic stages of the disease and suffer from the disfiguring disability known as Elephantiasis (Lammie, Milner, Houston, 2006). Lymphatic Filariasis occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical countries mostly in coastal areas with high humidity although it also occurs in Japan and China and come European countries (Elephantiasis, 2010). The area with the highest risk is south-East Asia. Lymphatic Filariasis at one point appeared in Charleston, South Carolina until about 1920 but then dies out before World War II (Elephantiasis, 2010). The reason for the disappearance in the United States is due to mosquito control and water sanitation (Elephantiasis, 2010). It occurs in the United States primarily where it has been contracted elsewhere and brought back to the United States (Elephantiasis, 2010). There does not seem to be any incidence of the disease in Colorado primarily because the climate and altitude and mosquito population do not generally offer a good climate for the life cycle. Mortality Rate: World, USA and Colorado Lymphatic Filariasis although impacting millions does not have a high mortality rate. The chief issue with the disease is the ongoing illnesses and secondary infections along with lost productivity and economic hardship suffered by those affected. According the World Health Organization, Lymphatic Filariasis is a targeted disease for elimination due to the large number of people at risk (Weekly epidemiological record, 2009). Those who contract the disease can live with it for all or most of their lives and it is the repeated infections via mosquito bites that eventually lead to the progression to the chronic state of the disease and eventual death ((Narain, J.P., Dash, A.P., Parnell, B., Bhattacharya, S.K., Barua, S., Bhatia, R. et al., 2010) Isolation Technique The disease is difficult to detect because the initial infection may not present any symptoms as the worm moves to the lymphatic system and matures. It can also take some time for the Microfilaria to show in the blood in sufficient quantity. The isolation technique will either focus on detecting the adult worm or the microfilariae. Blood samples can be taken and the sheathed microfilaria can be detected in a Giemsa stain which is a stain specifically used for detecting the presence of microfilaria in the blood (Wallace, Kohatsu, 2008). A methylene azure B. stain is used on the blood sample and if there is microfilaria in the blood, they will appear blue or purple. It is important that this blood be taken in the evening when the microfilaria is most active. The microfilaria can move out of the blood during the day so blood samples taken in daylight hours can sometimes result in false negatives (Longe, 2006). Also, it is possible that an infected person will not have any microfilaria in the blood. The worm itself is very hard to detect because it is buried in the lymphatic system. Another technique used is to look for what is called the filarial dance sign in the scrotum (Wallace Kohatsu, 2008). This is a visible detection of the worms movements via ultrasound. Conclusion Lymphatic Filariasis is a preventable disease that strikes poor countries in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Its debilitating effects have made it a target for elimination in the countries affected. Prevention methods are basic and include proactively spraying for the mosquitoes and treating the population with DEC laced salt or administration of DEC in tablet forms in order to break the cycle of infection. In addition, common precautions against mosquitoes can also be used such as protective clothing, netting and sprays.

Communication Theory Has Emerged Media Essay

Communication Theory Has Emerged Media Essay Different schools of thought have defined communication in many ways. Renowned scholar, G.G. Brown defines communication as: transfer of information from one person to another, whether or not it elicits confidence. But the information transferred must be understandable to the receiver. On the other hand, Fred G. Meyer defines communication as: the intercourse by words, letters or messages. Nonetheless, the central theme in all these definitions is the exchange and flow of information between two or more parties. This may result to the use of both verbal and non-verbal cues. Evidently, communication affects human livelihood and its behaviour and there is need to demonstrate how it affects individual actions. Thus, an introspection of how communication theory has emerged from the pre-christian era to modern times responds to the need of explaining individual actions. The history of communication dates back to time immemorial, with significant variation in communication technologies evolving in tandem with shifts in socio-political and economic systems. Various modes of communication have subsequently emerged with the passage of time and technological advancements. On the other hand, we are still able to trace the history of communication to oral and written speech. An insight into how communication theory came into being is demonstrated in the Holy Bible. In the Old Testament book of Genesis chapter one, verse three, it reads: And God said, Let there be light, and there was light This expression of communication serves to show that communication existed since time immemorial. God was able to undertake creation through His speech. Again, further credence to the foundation of communication theory presents itself in the New Testament through the book of John chapter one, verses one to two; In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Once God created man, He was able to connect with him by words. This is revealed through the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah, Moses and many others in the bible. Further, God communicated with prophets, and his people through visions, dreams, words, signs and symbols. Notably, the Old Testament portrays the usage of communication through figures of speech, especially through metaphors. Metaphors were widely used to intimate deeper meaning in speech and writing. This attribute is well observed in the books of Proverbs and Psalms. As such, the pre-christian era was well founded in communication through language use and its mastery. The same applies to the Christian era as well which derives much of its communication foundation from language mastery. This is well exemplified through Jesus parables. Aside from the religious views of communication theory, there is also the philosophical basis for communication theory. The proponents of this school of thought are mainly Greek philosophers and historians ranging from Aristotle, Isocrates, Socrates and Plato. From their insights emerged the theory of rhetoric. Despite both Isocrates and Sophists maintaining that rhetorics objective is persuasion, Isocrates promoted its use for human improvement while Sophists held the view that rhetorics purpose was for self-praise and thrift. Given the divergent views on the purpose of rhetoric, Plato also weighed in on the matter showing favour to dialectic than to the manner of oral presentation. As such, he favoured the use of reason and rationality in arguments. On the other hand, Aristotle sought to chart a defining measure to communication theory as the mode by which a person interacts with his/her audience. Due to the insights of the aforementioned philosophers, rhetorical theory has developed to become a solid basis by which communication is defined in many sectors. Persuasion of individuals by communication extends beyond politics, media, journalism and even religion. This is achieved through the use of Aristotles Rhetoric principles which include invention, arrangement, style, persuasion and memory. Despite there being many classes of communication theories, including the seven traditions (classical rhetoric, semiotics, phenomenological, cybernetic, social psychology, sociocultural communication, and critical traditions), thee major classifications can be adopted by mode of influence; Rhetoric theory as a result of the influence of oratory speech; social communication theories resulting from socio-political changes; and theories of mass communication as a result of journalism spread. In its modern form today, rhetoric theory is interrelated with traditional forms of communication theory, e.g. semiotics. Through the propagation of text in print media or images in visual media, which are both sign elements, the mass audience is able to be persuaded along cultural lines. As such, signs and symbols are continually employed in oratory speech to move masses and influence their perception of issues. On the socio-political scope, theories such as Authoritarian, Free press, Commmunist and Social responsibility are notable. These theories help explain communication theory evolution in the wake of various social-political changes in the society. Significantly, these theories focussed on the beginning of information dissemination to large population groups and the accompanying influence on the political class e.g. the governments. Again, they pronounce some of the social plights and classification within society attributed to information access. As authoritarian leadership was the norm before the widespread prevalence of print media, governments took it upon themselves to restrict flow of information to the common people, and as such, freedom of expression was strictly guarded. Consequently, the elite class would deprive the common people the right to information and access through controlling media sources. As a result therefore, print media was in low circulation and only accessibl e to the few due its then high price. Nevertheless, with the clamour for free will in the 17th century, Libertarianism/Free press took over. This was significantly influenced by the emergence of print media which in time became affordable to the common populace and reflective of their views which were previously gagged under authoritarian leadership. On the other hand, as free press offered an avenue for expression of free will, it was noted to be devoid of social responsibility. This necessitated the need for checks and balances, especially with the development of other communication media such as radio, television and film. Social responsibility therefore advocated for accountability through government and self regulation in order to promote social welfare and equity. Free press was further limited by the communist theory which promoted media control in the guise of effective press freedom. Consequently, the medias role was to educate but not to inform the general populace. In addition, the population was expected to post opinion on issues covered by the media so as to foster the so-called greater press freedom and institute greater audience participation. In effect therefore, the Communist theory was associated as a counter to capitalism trend where the media was in the control of a few media elites and only serving their inte rests. However, the 20th century marked a dramatic shift in communication theory evolution. This was brought about by advancement in communication technology to spur the spread of journalism. Notable events that defined this spread included the occurrence of the World Wars which depicted the strength of information pre-, during, and post war. Information was a tool in itself during the warring period and as such, theories were formulated once validated. This was articulated through stimulus response theory, propaganda and many more theories. Stimulus response theory took note that mass media has a significant effect on individuals perception of issues and in response, people would normally subject themselves to viewership that conforms to their beliefs and attitudes. Propaganda theory on the other hand was used to great effect to spreading rumours and falsehoods either in favour or disfavour of a certain person or group of persons. Evidently, it was during the World Wars and in the politica l sphere that propaganda is commonly used. Derived from rhetoric theory, propagandas main objective is persuasion in order to influence peoples perception of issues at hand. Nonetheless, in the modern day setting, propaganda is also employed in advertising, marketing and socio-economic conflicts. Again, technological advancement brought with it new media of communication e.g. television, computer, mobile phones, radio and other forms such as internet and social networking. These media served to spread journalism through provision of information of news and information for public consumption. A number of theories were hence formulated to describe this phenomenon, viz: Agenda setting theory, two-step flow theory, diffusion of innovation theory and uses and gratification theory. Agenda setting theory explains a very highly effective impact of the media the ability to inform the population about essential issues. Agenda setting hypothesizes that communication consists of information and awareness. Therefore in community discussion, media interaction has an influence on community understanding of various issues. These may range from state policies, economic system, and other community issues. As a result, a classification of agenda-setting emerges; Policy-agenda setting, Media-agenda setting and public agenda-setting. Under public-agenda-setting, the publics viewpoint shows the key issues of concern; Media agenda setting shows the significance and depth of news items being covered in relation to their coverage in various media stations; Policy agenda-setting points to the influence that a reported issue has on policy makers. In effect therefore, Agenda setting has led to the prominence of the CNN Effect whereby 24-hour news channels set the international news agenda. In fact, locals in the developing nations view their news items captured in these channels as being of very prime importance. Nonetheless, Agenda setting is based on thinking that media does not necessarily indicate reality; they narrow it down and shape it; media focus on a few problems and topics bring the community to understand those problems as more essential than other problems. For this reason, agenda-setting helps individuals comprehend the role of the media in shaping news items and issues for public consumption. This is well exemplified by how media stations, publishers and news anchors set the news agenda and consequently, viewers affix much significance to the amount of broadcasted information and its position in the broadcast. The two-step theory theorizes how casual relationships play a part in changing the way in which individuals take up relevant information from media campaigns. Consequently, the primary source of information for the public is normally the newspaper and radio segments, whose information bits is adopted by opinion leaders who further relay the information to the less active segment of the society. In effect therefore, informal social groupings have some influence on society information uptake and dictate which information is worth sharing. Diffusions of Innovations theory explains the mode by which a new concept or exercise is conveyed to individuals through certain communication programs over time. Consequently, the selected mode of transfer assists in explaining the aspects that impact individuals ideas and activities. Therefore, the media selected as well as cultural interaction provide information that impacts common or well-known viewpoints. The diffusions process is therefore the procedure by which technological advancement is conveyed through certain media over a certain period among individuals in a social system. An illustration of how diffusions of innovation theory is prominent is through social media e.g. the youth accessing information and news in the internet mode via facebook. Another notable viewpoint of journalism spread mass communication in the modern times is the Uses and Gratification theory. This concept describes the uses and features of the press for diverse user groups ranging from the people, and the community in general. In order to describe how people use mass journalism to please their needs, the theory: seeks what people do with the medial; identifies their intentions for particular media use; and examines the individual effect of a particular media use. The main underlying factor of the theory is the supposition that individuals constantly seek a media channel to fulfil personal needs. Consequently, a medium is frequently used when the current purposes to use the medium results in more gratification. In light of the evolution of communication theory from pre-christian era to the modern times, it is definite that communication has evolved over time. Its mystery is captured in Gods creation act and its complexity has been researched by various scholars. The Greek philosophers made wise attempts in its definition which apparently form the cornerstone of todays knowledge. On the other hand, global socio-political events and transformation have further shaped communication theory development. And yet, as technology continues to advance, further definitions of communication shall continue to be formulated to track its changes with time.