Digital Business Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Digital Business Management - Essay Example The firm that is analyzed in the paper is Prada Group, a retail store operating in Milan Italy, which started operating way back in 1913 by Mario Prada. Prada is a luxury store which sells leather hand bags, leather accessories, travelling trunks, luxury accessories and beauty cases. It is because of the designed goods which are handcrafted with fine materials and through sophisticated techniques, the store rapidly grew to be the shopping point for most of the European aristocrats and the elegant members of haute bourgeoisie in Europe. Prada is an official supplier of the Italian Royal family and has been serving since 1919. The turning point came when Miuccia Prada, granddaughter of Mario launched a partnership with Tuscan business man, Patrizio Bertelli. The partnership created a new era with creativity and new business ideas. In 1977, Bertelli set up I.P.I spa in order to consolidate the production and in the year 2003 I.P.I spa was merged with Prada spa. It opened up a new store in 1983 in the prestigious Via Della Spiga in Milan. A new brand named Miu Miu was launched in the year 1993. In the year 2003 the store entered into a ten year licensing agreement with the Italian eyewear Luxottica, one of the leaders in eyewear industry. In the same year Prada went into joint venture with Spanish cosmetic PUIG beauty and fashion group and launched a new women’s fragrance by the end of 2004. Prada became the official partner of Italian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo in the year 2010 and in the same year it launched its collection and eyewear postcard. (Prada Group, p. 15). Apart from the offline stores the company also operates through online mode of business. Business Model E-business is often defined as transformation of some key business through the use of the web and internet technologies. Business model is architecture for the products and services and of the information flow which also includes the description of the business partners along with t heir roles (Hiltz, Murphy & Sigala, p.454). Business models are the most discussed topic and also the least aspect of the web which is understood. The web has changed the traditional business model of business. In the basic sense, business model is the method of performing business through which a company can sustain and generate sufficient revenue. A business model is essential and it shows how a company can make money by specifying its place in the value chain. Some of the business models are quite simple whereas others are complex. Internet has given rise to new kinds of business models. But at the same time the web is also reinventing tried and true models for online business. Business models have been defined and categorized into many different ways. Internet business model continuously keep on evolving and thus new as well as interesting variations can be expected in the near future (Rappa, â€Å"Business Models on the Web†). Prada Group had developed a business model w hich takes into consideration the value proposition and the revenue model. The reason behind the success of Prada group is the adoption of the business model. Figure 1: Business Model . (Source: Hiltz, Murphy & Sigala, p.454) Online value proposition (OVP) The first and foremost step in online business model is the value proposition for the relative business. Value proposition is mainly required for three things which are to target segmentation, focal the customer benefits and key resources of the business which can help deliver the benefit package in a much better way than its competitors. Value proposition is often considered as one of the smallest benefit package that a business offers to the customers. But the value cluster approach has helped the online business to address the multiple customer segments and at the same time offer a variety of benefits to its targeted

Creativity And Its Importance Commerce Essay

Creativity And Its Importance Commerce Essay According to the oxford dictionary of the English language creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something and innovation is the action or process of making changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products. However creativity and innovation are so much more; they are the cornerstones of our economy, the foundations of our modern society and high quality of living, what gives meaning and purpose to our existence. Creativity is a unique characteristic of the human race. Of all the creatures roaming this planet, only humans have the ability of abstract thinking and creativity. Our history is the history of human creativity and innovations. From the first steps that Homo sapiens took on Europe, the weapons they created to hunt for food and fend off dangers, to the pendants that they crafted to indicate statues and the amazing petroglyphs found in France (Vallà ©e des Merveilles), Greece (Irakleia Cyclades), Italy (Bagnolo stele) and Spain (Galicia). Creativity and innovation are what created the pyramids in Egypt, Stonehenge in the UK and the megalithic monuments in Marta. Innovation is what armed the Greeks in Thermopylae and gave them a tactical advantage against an army ten times their own, and again in Salamis and Plataea. Creativity is what build the Parthenon and guided the arm of Phidias to sculpt some of the most important everlasting sculptures this world has ever seen. Then the Maced onians and other Greeks of Alexander the Great started spreading on most of the known world, and after them the romans and the mighty legions established the first superpower and Rome as the first mega city and all these started from few creative people that envisioned and created new ideas, new technologies and methods, new innovations (Association, 2008). Innovations, that paved the way, after hundreds of years of darkness, the dark ages, for the Renaissance and the age of Creativity; Michelangelo, Rafael, the great Leonardo Da Vinci as well as Copernicus, Galileo Galilei and Gutenberg. The human races intellectual revolution, all based on creativity and innovations. Our modern age starts with the industrial revolution that took place in the UK in 1750. Few very creative very innovative people started shaping the world to what it is now. Brunel, Watt and Maudslay; their dreams and creations can still be seen in the city we live in. The British Empire and the establishment of the first form of international trade and together with it the first multinational corporations like the Dutch East India Company that helped create the first global economic ideas and theories, as theses were described by Adam Smith in his book An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776). And then to the 19th century of the two world wars, but also of Dali, Picasso, Matisse and Einstein, Plank, Bohr and Heisenberg. Our history, the human existence on this planet, is a hymn to creativity, innovation and survival (Association, 2008). Creativity plays a very important role in the improvement of our society and of our living standard. New innovations make our lives easier, allow us to do things that we could not do before, as well as create workplaces and bust the economy (Bennett, 2006). Everywhere we look creativity and innovations is there; from an art gallery displaying Van Goghs masterpieces, to our mobile phones that provide us with information and functionality that previous generations could only dream of, to the way we shop using the internet and the new digital economy we live it. I, and the majority of people in the western world, can, from the comfort of my home, stream my favour movie and watch it on my smart TV any time I want, order a pizza online by using my mobile and at the same time keep an eye on the FTSE 250, live from New York. Actually digital and mobile applications and devices can do more, a lot more. They help people with diabetic monitor their disease, they guide millions of motorists, wi th the use of GPS, to their destinations, they connect the entire world, as well as help me, and thousands of students, find the information I want in order to write this assignment. Innovations and creativity in the medical field help people live longer, healthier lives, cure diseases that once thought to be incurable, and provide comfort and hope to all. Even things we now have come to consider small, trivial, every-day, like running water, public transportation or the post we receive every morning, were the inspirations and work for people, and are very important in rising our quality of life. Can anyone in the western world even consider every-day life without running water or even without the weather forecast? I think not. Our modern society, has recognised the importance of creativity and continuous innovation, and improvement, and has adapted both its educational and business systems to encourage it, incubate it and reword it (Burleson, 2005). Schools promote creativity and some even go as far as trying to teach pupils how to be creative. However, creativity is not something you can force on someone. Creativity is the result of a number of conditions that have to be met, with the primary being freedom. Freedom to speak, freedom to write, freedom to think and express yourself as you like, and freedom to choose what to do, what to create. Also, creativity is not the characteristic of an individual, no matter how intelligent, creative and innovative this individual is; it is a social characteristic; small ideas, in a free environment with no communication barriers, linking up, combining, to create a big great idea. It is not a coincidence that there are periods in human history that great minds come tog ether and lay the foundations, or start, industrial-scientific-intellectual-spiritual revolutions. The great Athenian philosophers of the 5th century BC, the great British engineers of the 1700s century, the great theoretical physicists of the beginning of the 19th century, and now the great digital minds of our era, are some of the examples that one can think. Creativity can be taught, however, as with all other aspects of the human mind and nature, creativity is a talent too. Some people have it and some do not. As a society however, we are a creative innovative society, a society that looks into the future, creates ideas, dreams and designs about how it wants this future to be and then starts working on making it happen (Casson, 2007). Business, innovation and creativity are interlinked terms. Business, any business, cannot exist without creativity. The common characteristic between a broker in New York, a fair trade luxury furniture shop owner in Islington, London, an independent cocoa farmer in Equator and a the owner of a silk textiles family business in China is creativity. The very notion of starting up your own business, take calculated risks and give your best to succeed, is the definition for entrepreneurial creativity. Innovation is what makes the difference, what gives a company a competitive edge, what turns a small garage business to a multinational with offices around the world and with billions of pounds in its corporate accounts. Creativity, realised through innovation is what drives our economy, is what capitalism is built on, is what creates companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Dyson and Goldman-Sacks (Davis, 2009). The important role of creativity and innovation in the entrepreneurial process Every sector of business and every sector of life is subject to creativity and innovation. If is strange that when the word creativity is mentioned most people think of painters or sculptors or even photographers, the likes of Modigliani and Petrocelli, and when the word innovation is used they think of technological advances, like 3D TVs, and companies like Apple and Siemens. If for example the banking industry is used as an example of innovation in a lecture, the majority of people from the audience will most like wonder about the appropriacy of the use of the word, when it comes to financial institutions such as Goldman-Sacks, J. P. Morgan and even the Royal Bank of Scotland. However, the financial institutions that compose our economic system are the epitome of innovation. Their continuous innovation in creating new financial products and finding ways to generate wealth is what led to the technological, commercial, entrepreneurial and consumption boom that started after the end o f the 2nd world war and is still going strong now, even after many financial crisis that this same system produced, with the most serious being that of 2008 with many countries and millions of people still experiencing its effects. Nowadays creativity and innovation is the driving force of the economy, usually in the form of digital and mobile applications and devices. Economists have even given this new type of economy a, very appropriate, name; digital economy. Iphones, ipads, tablet PCs, smartphones and millions of applications that help the user cook a nice meal, pay his bills online or even monitor his diabetes are the life-line of the post 2008 crises economy. And rightly so, as they provide incredible flexibility and utility to the users, improving their way of life and quality of life, and at the same time generating new jobs and money. They also provide a platform on which small businesses, utilising the benefits of the new technologies and the new digital marketplace, can compete even with multinational corporations in a global marketplace. However the link between creativity, which gives birth to innovations, with the business process is deeper than just new products and services, no matter how revolutionary these might be. The whole idea of starting up a new business, a new company, comes from ones creativity. (Eysenck, 2008) The starting up of a business is creation. The new entrepreneur wants to be independent, to do what he enjoys and believes he is best in doing, to leave his mark, to create. It is creativity that enables an entrepreneur to act on the opportunities that present to him, in order to create competitive advantage for his company. His company does not need to be about revolutionary technology, new designs or new products. He does not need to be an inspirational writer, a painter or an architect. He is creative because he made that first very important step of becoming an entrepreneur. So, not all entrepreneurs are innovative, however those who are, shape the world we live in with their creations. Innov ation is the next step of creativity; it is its materialisation and the means to generate wealth. It is, or it can be, the financial link between ones thoughts and fantasies with the economy. Creativity is the heart of entrepreneurship and innovation is the oxygen that is keeping it alive. Creativity needs a spark and innovation needs fuel. These are provided in the form of physical rewards and generation of wealth; money. Money has been blamed for many things, and most of the times rightly so, however, together with an inherited ability and need for humans to be creative, it is the most common motive for business creativity and innovation. Not the only, but one of the most significant reasons why people want to become entrepreneurs and push themselves to create something new, something exciting, something that other people, many other people, will buy. So creativity and innovation are fundamental factors of wealth generation which is the cornerstone of our capitalistic economic system, which is the only applicable economic system in the world, as we speak. One can even go as far as saying that creativity and innovation is business. Is the creative process a way to trigger self-actualisation and motivation? The question about what motivates us humans to do what we do, to wake up in the morning to go to work, to wait three hours in the rain in order to buy tickets for our favourite pop group or to create new art, technology and literature has fascinated many people before, among them many famous philosophers, like Hume and Kant. When someone first asks about what motivates us to do what we do, the first answer he will usually receive is money. However, this in not, in the majority of times, true, or at least, not the entire truth. Self-actualisation is the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming (Goble, 1970). Maslow in his theory of basic needs, states that the goals for self-actualisation are as fundamental as those of education, continues learning and self-improvement and creativity. These goals or some may say needs or fundamentals of human existence promote and focus on learning in relationship to imagination, creativity, experience and challenge. However, all these notions are interconnected between them. Learning, experience and creativity are essential to self-actualisation, as self-actualisation is a fundamental requirement for learning and creativity. The idea of self-actualisation comes from Maslow. He describes two human need systems; the deficiency needs system, also called D values, and the Being system, also called B values. D values denote the defensive nature of humans that leads us to be as safe as possible in all situations, but sometimes stops us from experiencing, improving and growing, and B values are the opposite, is what drives us to learn, experience, get in love, try new things and enhance our abilities, taking risks. According to Maslow, the most self-actualised people are mature adults with a history of a productive involvement in their work (Maslow, 1943). Creativity is one of the fundamental ways to trigger self-actualisation and motivation. When one is creative, he feels good about himself, he feels and is productive, his blood rushes through his veins and his mind is on fire. He is creating something new, he is full of energy and confidence. Also, usually creativity means being social, coming in contact with many people, who themselves are creative and exchanging ideas and opinions, networking, interacting and synthesising hunches and observations to theories and great ideas. Just the process of doing so is what motivates many people and the result and excitement to see your idea materialised what motivates the rest (Becherer, 2008). High self-confidence and belief to you, to your abilities and what you can do, which comes from being creative, being alive and contributing to the society, are the basic ingredients of self-actualisation, which lead you to accomplish your targets, and set new, which again kick-start the creative process that triggers your motivation and enhances your self-actualisation. The creative process, self-actualisation and motivation are all parts of human nature. How creativity can help us in problem solving process? The first step of problem solving is to define the problem. Although this may sound trivial, in many cases it is not. Many people and organisations rush in to tackle a problem by finding a solution, without previously knowing that the problem really is. So, to achieve a solution, one first has to fully understand the problem. Once the problems have been clearly defined, the most important factor in solving it is creativity. Creativity is required in order to create a ask the right questions about the problem and find the correct and appropriate answers to them, creativity is necessary in order to provide out of the box ideas and suggestions and creativity is what defines the process of finding a new way in doing things. Brainstorming is a very popular way to solve a problem and it is a characteristically creative method. It involves the rapid exchange of ideas, any ideas, about the solution to a specific problem. What it does actually is to help people to come up with out of the box unconventional ideas and solutions, which in the majority of times are the combination of various ideas that are thrown during the start of the brainstorming session (McNamara, 2010). Also, creativity is what helps us to overcome the, very natural and common negative initial reaction to a problem; the anger and despair that a problem can cause, and actually make something good out of a bad situation but putting our minds and talents to work in order to find a solution that may just not be the solution to one problem but many (McNamara, 2010). A good example of a very creative solution to a common problem that later became a lifesaving method in medicine is the use of ultrasounds. When the first metallic ships and buildings started to appear, a problem manifested in the form of cracks in the metals that had the potential to result in catastrophic failure. The solution that was improvised in order to detect such material failures was the use of ultrasounds. Soon enough ultrasounds were used in humans to image their anatomy and monitor their health. Ultrasounds are nowadays used in every hospital, having a variety of applications such as in obstetrics, oncology and dermatology. Problem solving requires the generation, the production of something new; a new idea, a new device, a new product or new services. This is what creativity is. Examples of organisations that foster Creativity process Dyson One of the most creative and innovating companies in the UK is of course Dyson. Dyson is a modern British icon of design, functionality, creativity and innovations. The company was started in 1933 by James Dyson, an inventor and designer, after he graduated from the Royal College of Art. What started as a tiny company with a single product, a vacuum cleaner, developed in a tiny workshop in the backward of Sir Dysons family house, is now a multinational company, that sells its products in over 50 countries and which employs more than 3,000 people. The companys headquarters are located in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK (Dyson, 2012). Technological innovations such as the cyclone technology and the air multiplier technology have changed the industry of commercial home appliances, giving tremendous status to Dyson. The company makes extensive use of computer aided design software as well as 3D printing and 3D visualisation technologies. It also actively promotes creativity and innovation by encouraging its employees to come forward with new ideas, and by having weekly brainstorming sessions where all employees, no maters their speciality and rank, can seat together and exchange ideas in order to provide solutions in existing problems or suggest new products, technologies and methods. The company also promotes training and education, as it is a firm supporter of the notion that the more your get involved and study something in depth, the more creative ideas arise (Dyson, 2012). In 2002 Sir Dyson founded the James Dyson foundation to support design and engineering education, and the creative process. Google Google is one of the most powerful and rich companies in the world. The company was founded in 1998 and it became a public limited company in 2004. Google currently employs more than 53,000 people worldwide. The companys headquarters, Googleplex, are located in Mountain View, California, United States (Google, 2012). Google is not just an innovator in terms of technology, networking, mobile applications and the internet, but also in terms of company structure and employee motivation and creativity encouragement techniques. One of its most popular and innovative company policies is what Google calls personal projects time (Google, 2012). In essence Google allows and encourages every one of its employees to spend a whole day, every week, working on their personal projects and ideas. Also the company has created an internal blackboard that all personal finished projects are published for testing and for generation of discussion, cooperation and the creation of even more, more advanced projects. Finally, these projects are published on the internet, on Google Labs, for everyone to test and feedback. Google actively promotes and supports innovation and creativity and has faith on the abilities of its employees to deliver outstanding new ideas and products. It is a company founded on a great idea and still working towards the next great idea. It provides a work environment that is designed to keep its employees happy and satisfied and cater to all their needs, in order for them to be able to give back their great ideas. It promotes communication, freedom of expression and clearly sets the priority targets which are none other than the generation of new great ideas and the improvement of old. It is an environment that creativity is not forced, it just happens. Google search, Android, Google Maps and Google Goggles are but a few of the results of the abundance of creativity that this company has (Google, 2012). Apple Apple Inc. is nowadays considered the most innovative company in the world. Its products are rapidly reaching legendary status, with their names being used, in many occasions, to define an entire market sector and not just a product. The IPad is a good example of Apples innovation. Apple actually created the marketplace for tablet PC with its introduction of IPad. Many people will refer to any tablet PC as an IPad. The same goes for the IPhone which was the first, real, smartphone, the smartphone that started the revolution we live today (Apple, 2012). Steven Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple Inc. back in 1977. Jobs and Wozniak worked in Jobs parents garage in order to create the first Apple PC. Nowadays, Apple employs more than 73,000 people around the world, has its headquarters in a 130,000 square metres in Cupertino, California, USA and generates an annual turnover in excess of 156 billion US dollars (Apple, 2012). Apple Inc. is not just a huge, very successful, very profitable company; it is one of the very few companies in the world that successfully combines, promotes and excels in creativity, innovation and design. Products like the Ipad, the Iphone and the Ipod, combine the creativity and vision of a company, and of a very charismatic man, Steven Jobs, who sought to develop (create) new revolutionary products, with innovation of continuously updating and upgrading, introducing new and improved versions with design, aesthetically pleasing, trendy, fashionable devices that are more than a mobile phone or a portable PC, they are status enchanting, life-style items (Business, 2009). Many companies have attempted to do this, very few have achieved it and only a handful have mastered it. Apple is a level above them. Of course this is not just down to the vision and charisma of Steven Jobs. Apple employs some of the most creative mind in the world and provides the conditions for them to create and innovate. The image of Steven Jobs walking around the office barefooted, chatting with his employees about ideas he or they has is characteristic about the company culture (Deutschman, 2010). In building nurseries, a small clinic, dentist, even a virtual reality game suits and more than twelve restaurants are but some of the benefits that Apple employees enjoy. Apple employees are encouraged to think outside the box, to speak up and always share their thoughts, opinions, as well as projects and ideas with their colleagues. It is an inspiring environment that actively promotes thinking. However, Apple has also contributed in the business creativity and innovation field its influence, or the influence its huge success has, to hundreds of other companies, most of them its competitors. Apple has forced its competitors to rethink their products and sales techniques, to focus on design, to innovate. Apple has made other companies creative, by changing the market and the consumers. Apple is a company that its actions reverberate in the entire business and consuming world, as well as in the technological developments of our era. Universities As the topic of this assignment requests for examples of institutes that promote creative thinking and creativity, Universities would not be mentioned here. Although, technically Universities are not companies, so they do not promote business creativity per say, they are the places, the incubators, where the next generation of CEOs, entrepreneurs, managers and directors are bummed. They are the places from where most great ideas start, and although some do not make it to the real world, some do and they change it, they live their mark and the mark of their creator on it. Examples like Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, David Dell and Dell computers and Erik Wallenberg and Tetra Pak (Leander, 1996), are but few of thousands of great ideas that started in University. Universities are for some the most creative places in the world. They take kids and turn them into scientists and business man and leaders. Although corporate entrepreneurship does not apply here in the sense that applies with Google and Apple, individual imagination, radical viewing of the world and an environment that is designed particularly to direct the mind to create, to dream and image, more than makes up for it. The young human mind, still unshaped, still uncorrupted by the do-nots and should-nots of our world, has an unimaginable capacity for creativity, innovation and ideas generation. It only needs direction and encouragement. Universities are the creativity centres of this world. Corporations have to work closely with them in order to use this creativity in the production processes, as well as in business, for the production of new products and services and for the generation of wealth, and for the betterment of the humankind. Conclusion Creativity and innovation is the foundation of business development and the driving force behind the improvement in the quality of living the western societies have experienced the last centuries. Business is about profit and the generation of wealth. However, what motivates individuals is not just money. The human need to create and to contribute to the society, being social and belonging to a group or a big family, is a fundamental factor of creativity and innovation. Self-actualisation and status is also closely related with creativity. I think, there for I am (Britannica, 2012), to the words of Descartes, a 17th century French philosopher. Hoverer, creativity and innovation is not just food for the mind and the needs of us humans. Creativity and innovation is what has shared the world we leave in today. From the first human being that created the wheel, to creation of Democracy in ancient Greece, and from the industrial revolution to the digital revolution of our era, creativity, materialised to innovation, is everywhere, is our everyday life, our education, entertainment and work, our existence. Creativity can help us solve problems in our personal lives as well as in our business lives and can help a company overcome hard times and go from near bankruptcy to being one of the biggest and richest companies in the world (Apple). More importantly, creativity is that makes us better, what makes opens our minds and makes us see things differently and act differently. It has to be promoted, protected, and encouraged, by businesses, universities and governments alike. One can say that as the only intelligent species on this world, actually the only intelligent species known to exist in the Cosmos, is our destiny to create.

performance apraisal critique Essay -- essays research papers

The performance appraisal system used by our organization is done annually. The purpose of the review is for employee as well as manager, to aptitude performance from the past year relating to the specific responsibilities and objective of that employee. This gives the opportunity for managers to give feedback on the strengths and development areas that are summarized from that previous year. Employees must also use this opportunity to give feedback on how they can best perform and develop themselves. This Annual review period is an opportunity to communicate and work together to build unity in the workplace. Realistic plans may be made for the employee’s development and growth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The supervisor and the employee review the job description standards and compare the employee’s accomplishments against the standards set. The data comes from established performance metrics, employee self-assessment and customer or coworker feedback from daily activities.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are five levels of the performance rating. Outstanding is the highest rating. To get an outstanding rating means the employees contribution to the business far exceeds requirements. The employee is personally committed to the company’s mission, values and goals at a consistent level. The employee takes the initiative to identify challenging work goals and tries to find solutions. The employee’s quality is never a question, even under challenging situations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The next rating is an excellent rating. The employee who receives an excellent rating produces more than required. The employee takes the initiative in developing and finding challenging work goals. Each responsibility is finished with quality and on time. That employee needs little direction or supervision. The employee thinks beyond the details of the job and contributes to the objectives of the department. All of the employee’s decisions and actions are higher than expectations.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The next level of rating is commendable. This employee performs what is expected of an experienced individual in the department. The employee’s errors are minimal and they have learned from their mistakes, some improvements from them are expected. They schedule projects and work on problems in an orderly manner. They understand suggestions and recommendatio... ...sp;These conditions do not empower employees. Employees are told what to do and they have a small amount of insight on what their actions are contributing to. Employees feel powerless; we are reluctant to take the initiative for fear of doing the wrong thing. We do our jobs as told, and have little sense of personal responsibility or commitment. Our goals are set for what is measurable rather than what goals are important. We have very few interactions with our manager over the course of the year to discuss how things our going. Employees have lack of information about the company’s goals. We are discouraged from asking for help or coaching assistance from our supervisor. Our goals are assigned to us without mutual agreement.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  We must change the organization to give employees the understanding for how our work contributes to the organization. Employee’s goals are achieved by our freedom to choose the best way to take on these goals. Supervisors must be supportive and actively coach employees. There must be minimum supervisor control and interests of discovering better ways of working. When employees discover this, it will be reflected in our reviews.

Infancy Through Adolescence Essay

Changes in the home environment such as marital conflict, divorce and poor parenting can adversely affect family dynamics, and children especially, can develop both mental and physical health problems. Research finds a correlation between parental separation and the internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors in children; this includes childhood sleep problems due to marital conflict. Children can help define and influence the dynamics of marital conflict. Studies show that in early childhood, parent-child relationships are critical to a child’s healthy development especially the mother-child relations and maternal depression can cause poor parenting leading to emotional and behavioral problems. Child maltreatment is associated with alterations in stress physiology, increased risk for emotional and behavioral issues and increased risk for mental health issues in adolescence. Positive and supportive co-parenting can buffer against the negative effects of marital conflict and divorce especially in low-income and at-risk families. Successful co-parenting relationships can positively affect a child’s socio-emotional development and mental health. Family dynamics and changes in the home will affect the development and well-being of a child throughout infancy or adolescence. Home environments which are dysfunctional in nature, experiencing marital conflict, and separation/divorce or poor-parenting can cause problems within a child’s development including mental and physical issues. Some children will internalize their problems and suffer from anxiety and depression. Others will outwardly externalize their behaviors through aggression and conduct problems; preteens are especially at risk for antisocial behavior (Taylor, Purswell, Lindo, Jayne, & Fernando, 2011; Sentse, Ormel, Veenstra, Verhulst, & Oldehinkel, 2011). In the Barry & Kochanska (2011, p. 237) study, they point out that dysfunctional parenting, parental depressive symptoms and marital conflict are associated with childhood adjustment and development. Consistently, studies show that marital problems adversely affect child development and adjustment. As Rhoades, Leve, Harold, Neiderhiser, Shaw & Reiss (2011) state â€Å"the association between marital hostility and child adjustment is clearly established† and â€Å"pathways from marital hostility to child adjustment have been well studied, research[ed] to date† (p. 282). And Teti & Cole (2011) further add that â€Å"faulty parenting is frequently cited as a major causal factor in the development of child psychopathology† (p. 25). Emotions and Family Dynamics In Barry and Kochanska (2010) study, the authors look at family emotional well-being, the critical nature of the parent-child relationship and how this impacts a child’s development. Emotions are given and received through individuals and family relationships are shaped by them; family dynamics are influenced and develop from these relational emotions. The emotional affects are multi-dimension and reach all family members reciprocally. One approach known as transactional family dynamics looks at mutual influence processes between all family members (Schermerhorn, Chow & Cummings, 2010, p. 869). Although few studies have been conducted, the transactional family dynamic modal theorizes that if there are marital problems and conflict, the focus is not exclusively on the husband and wife’s problems, but how the family children also influence the marital relationship’s conflict. In one rare study, it was found that â€Å"in families with high levels of marital conflict, child externalizing problems predicted increases in marital conflict† (Schermerhorn et al. , 2010, p. 869); thus supporting the reciprocal nature in families. In support of other research, results from Schermerhorn, et al. (2010) study found that if a child is negative then it is associated with less marital positivity (p. 878). Within family subsystems, the marital relationship and the parent-child relationships are directly influenced by individual emotions and their interactions with one another. Some of these familial emotional interactions, reactions and feelings are healthy, but most are not when there is marital conflict; these unhealthy emotions create a variety of outcomes for a child’s development. Barry and Kochanska (2010) states, â€Å"In families, emotions profoundly influence mental health of the individuals, including sense of security, coping, personal growth, competence, adjustment, behavior problems, and psychopathology, including recovery and relapse† (p. 237). The emotional development, security and socialization of a child are directly related to the emotional exchange between the parent and child relationship; in fact, Barry and Kockanska (2010) find that it is a critical dimension especially during the early childhood years (p. 238). Since emotional healthiness is critical to healthy family relationships then unhealthy emotional states can be detrimental to a developing child causing attachment issues and possible psychopathology as they develop into adulthood. Parents’ emotional reactions to children’s emotions have important consequences for social and emotional development, including children’s psycho-physiological regulation, coping, emotional understanding, and friendship quality (Barry & Kockanska, 2010, p. 237). Home Environments and Child Development Some of the variables which cause changes in the family’s home environment and affect child development are marital conflict, divorce and poor parenting; these changes can be more negatively influential in lower-income environments. Family is one of the major components in human development; therefore, childhood development is greatly influenced by the health of the family unit and home environment. Studies have shown that marital conflict in the family will increase the risk of adjustment problems in children; additionally, marital conflicts can lead to negative parenting, such as inconsistent discipline or disengagement, putting the parent-child relationship at risk and further adding to the risk of child maladjustment (El-Sheikh & Whitson, 2006, p. 30; Peris, Goeke-Morey, Cummings, & Emery (2008), p. 633). Peris et al. 2008) finds that â€Å"marital conflict is linked to a host of ineffective parenting practices, ranging from the use of inconsistent discipline to diminished displays of warmth and responsivity in the parent-child relationship† (p. 633). Another area of concern in families with marital conflict is parentification of children in which the child takes on a parental role by providing emotional support for the parent; it is a reversed role where the child takes care of the parent. In the Peris et al. study, the authors look at how parentification responsibilities can be very stressful and taxing for a middle adolescent hich can cause, as previous research shows, shame, guilt, poor academic performance, increased adulthood depression and anxiety, and difficult peer relationships of which girls are at a greater risk than boys. (Peris et al. , p. 634). Peris et al. also points out that in childhood, parentification is associated with externalizing and internalizing behaviors, and poor social adjustment; additionally, poor parenting practice such as psychological control where a parent will use guilt to control their child’s behavior and maintain closeness will put children and adolescence at greater risk to maladjust ment and behavioral problems. Additional findings from Peris et al. study show that youth and their parents perceive the parentification dynamic differently. Youth perceive the relationship as low in warmth and support but the parent perceives it as warm and close; the study also concluded that the youth study group demonstrated internalizing and externalizing behaviors (p. 638) which is consistent with their hypothesis, other empirical studies and literature topics on parentification. Children from homes with higher levels of conflict have more adjustment problems than children from less conflictual homes especially with prolonged marital conflict (El-Sheikh & Whitson, 2006, p. 30). Marital conflict affects girls more than boys in which they have greater internalizing symptoms. El-Sheikh & Whitson (2006) explain that girls are subject to greater socialization pressures and communion especially during late childhood and adolescence; this socialization process is opposite of a boy who is pushed socially to be more independent. Girls may also be more emotionally involved in the marital arguments and boys avoid the conflict by claiming their independence (p. 37). Nonetheless, marital conflict has lasting affects for both boys and girls which affects childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. Social development is at risk in children who are from homes with marital conflict, divorce or poor parenting. Booth-LaForce & Oxford (2008) report that an unsupportive parental environment such as found in stressful environments like single-parent homes and/or low income can cause insensitive parenting which can lead to socially withdrawn behavior in children; (p. 299) many of these children who are socially withdrawn display â€Å"social-cognitive deficits and unskilled behavior, their self-perceptions are negative, they are more likely to be rejected and victimized by peers, and experience loneliness and depression† (p. 1298). Social learning theorists argue â€Å"that marital disruption may lead children to l earn angry, coercive, hostile, and even physically aggressive approaches to interpersonal problem solving† (Gattis, Simpson, & Christensen, 2008, p. 833). Another area of concern in childhood development within stressful home environments is the increase risk for stress-related physical illnesses. In a study by Fabricius & Luecken (2007) they report that â€Å"high family conflict, abuse, parental psychopathology, and divorce can serve to establish enduring dysregulations in the child’s physiological stress responses, promoting pathophysiology in the brain and body† (p. 195). Another area of concern is sleep deprivation. Marital conflict is related to disruption in a child’s sleep; sleep problems in children can be related to internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors. Additionally, children with sleep problems can also reciprocally influence the conflict between the parents. As Kelly & El-Sheikh (2011) point out â€Å"marital conflict and child sleep problems may be reciprocal and cyclical: exposure to marital conflict may lead to children’s sleep disruptions, which in turn may lead to increased marital conflict† (p. 413). Studies have also found that sleep problems in children can lead to aggressive behaviors (Kelly & El-Sheikh, 2011, p. 413). Separation, Post-Separation and Divorce Taylor, Purswell, Lindo, Jayne, & Fernando (2011) report that children from divorced families are at a higher risk for emotional and behavioral problems including antisocial behavior, disruptive conduct, delinquency, aggression, anxiety, depression, feelings of loneliness and abandonment, emotional maladjustment and academic problems (p. 124-125). A new family structure is stressful for all family members with each affecting the other. Higher levels of parental stress cause changes in the parent-child relationship putting it at risk. Lack of communication, conflict, hostility, stressors related to the divorce and the new family dynamics cause frustration and anger among the members. High rates of divorce continually influence the numerous studies conducted which look at their affects of divorce on childhood development. According to Sentse et al. (2011) â€Å"10-25% of children that experience a parental separation grow up to have more emotional and psychological problems† (p. 98). These problems can stem from the broken family, previous marital conflict, loss of support from family and friends, economic disadvantage and parenting problems. In the current study by Sentse et al. , the researchers found parental separation’s main affect on developing children was externalizing problems; although for some children the separation brought relief from all the marital conflicts. The study also found adolescences that were more temperamentally fearful had increased levels of internalizing behaviors; some of the side effects of the fearful individual who experiences parental separation include withdrawal, ignored by peers, anxious or depressive feelings – resulting in a cycle of negative symptoms which could result in mental health problems (p. 03). Depressive symptoms can stem from marital conflict and divorce; cyclically, marital conflict and divorce can cause depressive symptoms. Mothers are particularly prone to depressive symptoms and clinical depression during highly stressful events in their lives such as marital conflict, separation or divorce. Mothers who are depressed are likely to be less supportive and nurturing with their children and they are usually negative and critical which can lead to developmental problems such as internalizing and externalizing problems in their children (Connell, Hughes-Scalise, Klostermann & Azem, 2011, p. 53). Mothers with depression have â€Å"higher rates of irritability and aggression, which in turn may induce distress, anger and behavior problems in children† (Deboeck, Farris, Boker, & Borkowski, 2011, p. 1312). Deboeck et al. (2011) also finds that a mother’s psychosocial health can directly affect the development of a child; and, children of depressed mothers have difficulty regulating affect, have increased hyperactivity and attention deficits (p. 1313). Several studies have looked at maternal depressive symptoms and found a link between the mother’s criticizing, hostile parenting causing externalizing behaviors in adolescents; additionally, adolescents with depressed mothers were more likely to become depressed when they [adolescent] are faced with family conflict and discord (Allen & Manning, 2010, p. 833). Single motherhood is more stressful on both the mother and the children; single mothers are more likely to be depressed than married mothers. Compared to single mothers, married mothers have better mental health (Afifi, T. O. , Cox, B. J. & Enns, M. W. , 2006, p. 122). There are at least 9. 5 million families in American in which single mothers are head of the household (Afifi et al. 2006). Parenting stress is unusually high in single-mother homes and mothers have â€Å"greater financial difficulties, social isolation, and childcare responsibilities† compared to mothers who are married (Afifi et al. & Taylor, Purswell, Lindo, Jayne, & Fernando, 2011). Past research has found identified stressors which negatively affect the psychological well-being of single mothers; they are, low income, low education, family size, and ethnicity (Afifi et al. . 126). The results of Afifi et al. study found that psychiatric disorders in married mothers is lowest, with a slight increase in never married mothers, and the greatest increase was found in separated/divorced mothers; however, previous research found that women going through a separation or divorce had higher rates of poor mental health before the separation/divorce and after (Afifi et al. p. 127). Afifi et al. found that separated/divorced mothers had high levels of depression, dysthymia, GAD, alcohol abuse, PTSD, drug abuse, agoraphobia and antisocial personality disorder. Co-Parenting, Healthy Family Relationships, and Positive Outcomes Although marital conflict, separation/divorce, and poor parenting can adversely affect the home environment and negatively influence the development of children, there are positive factors which counter these adverse affects. Co-parenting is one of those factors. Co-parenting is associated with parents who mutually and cooperatively parent and raise their child together as a team. Although most of the research on co-parenting has been done on married couples and fathers, some does exist on co-parenting after the marital relationship has dissolved. Co-parenting can exist in families with marital conflict as part of a solution to positive parenting even in the midst of chaos and conflict. Positive co-parenting can buffer a child against the negative effects of marital conflict and divorce. There is increasing â€Å"evidence [which] indicates that successful co-parenting relationships are beneficial for children’s socio-emotional development† (Dush, Kotila, & Schoppe-Sullivan, 2011, p. 356). Other studies have found that co-parenting affects children positively by decreasing both internalizing and externalizing symptoms (Isacco, Garfield, & Rogers, 2010, p. 262). Healthy co-parenting relationships between separated or divorced couples can significantly improve the relationship between the non-residential father and the child; it could also help improve the relationship between the mother and father by reducing conflict. Many divorced fathers are less involved with their children and co-parenting because of the relational conflict with the divorced mother. Dush et al. (2011) states the key ingredients for co-parenting includes joint investment in the child, valuing the importance of each parent, respecting the other’s judgment, and ongoing, open communication (p. 357). A key factor for increasing healthy family relations and positive outcomes for children in families with marital conflict or divorce is active, supportive father involvement. As Dush et al. points out, â€Å"cooperative co-parenting relationships may be key to fostering positive nonresidential father involvement and lower levels of inter-parental conflict which have been linked to children’s behavioral outcomes, academic achievement, and psychological well-being† (p. 356). Another key component which fosters positive outcomes for children is father-child communication which has shown to decrease externalizing behaviors; (Afifi et al. 2006) additionally, open communication within the parent-child relationship where the child feels comfortable talking with their parents about the divorce has shown that children cope better (Taylor et al. , 2011). â€Å"A strong parent– child relationship can help ameliorate many of these [divorce] difficulties† (Taylor et al. 2011. p. 125). Family therapy is another positive component which can buffer the affects of marital conflict and divorce. Therapy can provide support for family members, teach problem-solving skills, communications training, conflict management and resolution.

Childcare Cache Level 3 Unit 1

Unit 1 An introduction to working with children E1 and E2 Statutory Statutory is funded by local and central government. It is free for children to go and schools are compulsory, so children have to go. Hucklow primary school is for children aged 4-11. It follows the national curriculum. The school hours are from 8:45 to 3:00pm. They help children that need additional learning and extra tuition in English and Maths so that they can achieve the best they can do. They have a playground for the children to play. They have equipment out at break and lunch times for children to be imaginative and creative with the equipment.They promote healthy eating by cooking their own food. They have a range of after school clubs. The school will educate the children. It allows the parents to go to work. The parents know that they are in a safe place. Voluntary Voluntary services are often funded by charities. At Longley 4G community centre people can volunteer. They get the money from charities. Ther e is a play group called Longley little ones where carers with children under 5 years. It is every Monday. It is ? 1 per family. There are toys for them to play with like slides, sand trays, play dough and much more. There are healthy snacks and hot drinks for the adults. Related essay: Childcare Level 2, Unit 1 AssignmentThey also have the Longley wrigglers for carers with new born babies to pre-walkers and pregnant families, on a Wednesday. Older siblings can come along too. There are other activities like sports activities, rounder’s and football for 8-16 years old and Zumba and Street Dance. It brings the community together. The parents can help each other. The parent can make friends with the other parents. Private They are profit making organisations. Monkey business it is a huge play area for children aged 0-12 years old. It has two areas, one for over 5’s and one for under 4’s. The over 5’s is a huge place for kids to play in.In the under 4’s there is soft toys for them to play with. It got a ball pool for the kids. It is open all week from 9:30- 6/7pm. The parents can relax as they know the children are in a safe place. The parents can catch up with their friends. E3 The United Nations Convention on the Righ ts of the Child. UNCRC. 1989. This legislation is an international treaty which almost every country in the world has signed. Children and young people under 18 years the UNCRC applies to them. In this legislation children have the right to be with their families that will care for them or someone who will be best to care for them.They have a right to clean water and food. A fairly good standard to live in. They have right to health care. They have the right to play. They have a right not to be hurt and neglected, to be kept safe. They have a right not to be used as cheap workers and disabled children have the right to special care and training. Children’s Act 1989. The Children’s Act 1989 gives all children the right to survive, to achieve the best they can do, to be protected from any abuse, to take part in the family culture and the social life of the family, to have their views taken seriously, play and rest, to enjoy the leisure’s they have.The Childrenâ₠¬â„¢s Act was developed in 2004 when the five outcomes in the Every Child Matters (ECM) legislation for every child in the UK. The Children’s Act was also upgraded in 2006, where local authorities had to improve the outcomes of all the children that are under 5 years. Help the people with the poorest outcomes to make sure the services are available. The local authorities to make sure the needs of working parents especially the ones with disabled children and people on low incomes are met. Every Child Matters. Every Child Matters is connected to The Children’s Act 2004.It was set out improve the way they work with children and young adults. It is so that they can grow up to be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve, making a positive contribution and achieving economic wellbeing. E4 There are loads of principles and values that are there when working with children. There are five outcomes they are being healthy, staying safe, enjoy and achieve, making a positive contribu tion and achieving economic wellbeing. Every Child Matters is a programme that has changed how the children’s services ran. It helped them resolve problems earlier in life before it got more serious.The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) it helps children get ready for school. The children are taught the basic skills. It helps them with their communication, social and emotional, physical and personal development. They have a progress check at the age of two so the children will get additional support before they start school. The new framework uses clear language. It strengthens partnership with the professionals and the parents. E5 You can value and respect the children by smiling at them, saying hello when they come in, talking to the parents about them.Getting stuff for them that they may want, letting them go and play. Helping them when they need it, talking to them and helping them to get ready for things like painting, going outside and getting ready to leave. All this will make them feel equal to everyone else as they will see that you are helping them and others. They will feel more confident in what they are doing as they will know they are doing is right or they will ask if you are stuck and when you get more confident they will get more self-esteem when you praise them for doing good.They will also feel more valued when you are doing something with the children. E6 Caring is an important skill when working with children because it shows that you are approachable as they will come to you easily. You are gentle and kind, you are considerate e. g. feelings and that you are thoughtful. Another important skill is communication. There are four different types of communication that are useful with working with children, they are verbal, body, written and sign. This will develop their communication skills for now and later in life.Being and effective team player can help your work with children as you can support each other, you can share ideas and listen to others, you will support the children and it teacher’s children to be a good team player. E7 There are lots of study skills that you can do to support your learning. There are different types of learning styles. There is visual learner where they see and watch something to help them learn, they see pictures in their heads as a demonstration, and they will recognise faces better than names. Auditory learner is someone that is good at speaking and listening.They talk about what they are writing. It is unusual for them to notes. Kinaesthetic learner are people that learn by doing things like practical lessons, they are not really that organised. I am a read and write person, that means handouts are better for me to learn, from the information I have, I take notes and put it into my own words. To help you with your learning you need to use time management. This is when you use a calendar, diary or planner so that you know what assignments need to be completed. You need to manage time the time to achieve the task you have planned.You could put this in the order of importance like which assignment you need to hand in first. You could also make lists, ask others to help you, make target that are sensible and that you are honest with you and others. Another form of study skills is doing your own research. This is quite important. You could use all the research that is available to you like books and the internet. The library is the best place for research as it has got all the stuff you needs that will help you like books, reference books, videos, DVD and the internet.There is other information you may need that is in the library that can help you with your study. Evaluation is a study skill you will learn over time as when you observe or read about your own words you will need to evaluate this. You would need to analyse the information, them come to a good conclusion that you can state. This is difficult for some people but it gets easier soon enough D1 Practitioners should develop and maintain a appropriate relationship with the parents of the children and other professionals you work with because the parents need to trust you to look after their child and if you don’t use ppropriate relationship, the parent may not trust you with their child. You will need to be aware of your roles and responsibilities when working with children. Relationships are important with parents. This will benefit the children. The parents know their child the best and they understand them more than anyone else. The parents will feel more valued and more involved with their child. The practitioner must work in a professional way so that the needs and welfare of the child are the best. When doing this the children will learn about good relationships.The other colleagues and you need to feel supported. With the parents, they have rights to make choices about their child and any decisions concerning with their child’s education. So when you have daily contact with the parents you show a professional impression on yourself and the job you are doing. You should also keep parents involved about their child’s activities they are doing and you should try and encourage the parents to contribute in their child’s learning. D2 A multi-agency team are people from different jobs that come together to support the children and their families. It is essential that everyone working with children and their families communicates well and understands their roles and responsibilities’ (child care and education, Tassoni P). The people who work alongside each other to support the children and their families are childminder, nanny, teachers, health visitors, speech and language therapist, childcare advisers, social workers, play workers, portage workers, occupational therapists, dieticians, specialist teachers, outreach workers, nursery nurses, nurses and doctors, members of a voluntary organisations, polices (welfare officers) and child protection officer.It’s getting people together to help the children in need it makes sure that everyone is around for the child. They are there for the benefit of the children. It improves communication with everyone involved as everybody will know what the others are doing. It keeps it focus on the child or young person at all time. It will improve the information sharing in the team. It makes accessing support easier for the children and their families. It will help children’s progress develop more. They will share information to each other to help and support the children. It will put the parents of the children in touch with the right people.The common assessment will see if the child any help with something. They give children all round needs support. They will make sure children can talk to the professionals about their problems in a comfortable setting. Re-submission C We should listen to children’s views and value their opinions bec ause it is their learning. They will feel more respected and feel equal to the other children because they know that you care what they are thinking. The children’s confidence and their self-esteem will grow.The children are all individual and they all learn in different ways and at different speed. Listening to the children will fit the education around the needs of the children. The children know how they learn best and they feel more appreciated when you listen to them. B Practitioners need to understand the limits and boundaries when working with children. They need to understand that they need to follow the policies and procedures when in a work place like the health and safety. Partnership with parents or carers is key because they know their child best and you need to respect their views.Safeguarding is important so that all practitioners should have a valid criminal record bureau (CRB) when they are working with children. This will ensure the safety and welfare of the child. You should always keep information you have learned about a child confidential as they could be in danger or hiding away from someone. This can be broken if the welfare of the child is at risk. If information is shared on a need to know basis is should be within work. For early years practitioners should and must work is that will recognise and the respond to the human rights of all children everywhere, no matter who they are.The Children’s Act 2004 made ‘Every Child Matters’ the law so every practitioners have to follow it and the five outcomes . All employees have the responsibilities to care for the children. The welfare of the child is the most important thing. You should always contribute to the children’s care, learning and development. Re-submission A A child central approach is when they have the freedom to choose what they want to do. It gives them the experience, to explore and to ask questions about what they have found. ‘All pract ice with children needs to be centred upon the needs and interests of each child’. child care and education, Tassoni, P). ’With the child at the centre, taking into account the perspective of the child’. (child care and education, Beaver, M). It makes sure that the child is put first before anything and anyone else. The school education system to fit the child need of the child around the child as every child learns in their own pace and learns in different ways. It is helping the children develop more in their education. Every child is individual, no child is the same and child central approach supports that of the child.This it focus on the child and nothing else so that the child’s wellbeing and interests are at the centre of all the practice. This will help in the child’s confidence and esteem in themselves. The children learn best when they are doing an activity. When planning an activity you need to make sure it is child centred and from prev ious experience so the child will develop more. E8 References and bibliography Beaver, M (2008). Child Care and Education. Cheltenham: Thornes, N. P543. Tassoni, P (2007). Child Care and Education. Essex: Heinemann. P11 and p234.

Essay on Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology

Essay on Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology Essay on Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology Essay on Maladaptive Behavior and PsychopathologyCase VignetteJoanne is a 26-year-old single African American female of the Pentecostal faith, who recently moved to the Chicago Area to take a job in the publishing business. Joanne is requesting medication because she fills â€Å"unstable†.   The history she describes seems to have begun about four years ago when she was in college, getting As in most of her classes, and having a wide circle of friends. During a particularly stressful period of final exams, she began to feel depressed, had difficulty sleeping and eating, and lost about fifteen pounds.Although she completed her exams satisfactorily, her symptoms continued for about the next two months, and during that time she became more isolated socially. After she graduated, she felt much better, got a job, and felt increasingly energized. She began feeling so energized she didnt seem to need much sleep and would wake up after 3 or 4 hours  feeling wide awake and could pu t in 10 and 11 hour days of work.She would feel her thoughts racing with new ideas and seemed to come up with creative ideas, although she often did not carry through on these, or other people didnt seem to understand them. Although she denies the use of drugs or excessive use of alcohol, she does admit that she was partying and socializing a great deal. She said that at this time she found herself preoccupied with sexual thoughts and found sexual implications in whatever people said to her or what she saw on TV.She was also very talkative and felt euphoric except at those times when she became extremely irritable and cranky towards people. She found herself striking up conversations with complete strangers. She began to feel like she could hear people that actually werent there talking to her, and she began to think that her apartment could be haunted. These voices would sometimes tell her to do things, like line objects up in a certain order, or take a different route home, or sta rt saying certain words aloud. She also felt like she could read other peoples thoughts and was sure they could read hers and that they would answer her thoughts even when she didnt say them out loud. Im sure Ive always been psychic, she said, but it just really took off. I could sense all kinds of things.She said her friends became concerned and took her to an emergency room. She was hospitalized for several days and put on lithium. Most of her symptoms seemed to abate. Although she felt more fatigued and slowed down, her sleeping pattern improved, and her appetite increased. In the course of the move to the Chicago land Area, she had discontinued her use of the medication shed been given- the prescription had run out, and she had lost contact with the prescribing psychiatrist. She has been noticing that she has been having difficulty sleeping, feels jittery, has been getting concerned about what other people are thinking, and is having difficulty focusing on work projects because her thoughts are racing.DiagnosticI would diagnose Joanne with major depressive disorder. To be diagnosed with major depression disorder Joanne must have five of the nine symptoms listed in the DSM-5 present during the same two week period. These systems can last for a week, a month, or several years. It started four years ago while Joanne was in college during a particularly stressful period of final exams. (1) Joanne reported having a major depressive episodes exceeding a two week period, in fact lasting two months, where she has felt depressed. (2) Joanne has reported having insomnia where she will sleep 3 to 4 hours a night and work 10 to 11 hours. (3)Joanne’s appetite changed causing a significant loss of weight, 15 pounds without dieting. (5) Joanne who has many friends but she has become socially isolated.I suspect Joanne to have an Alcohol- Related Disorder.   Although she denies the use of drugs or excessive use of alcohol, she does admit that she parties and socia lizes a great deal.   Joanne’s thoughts raced with new and creative ideas, although she fails to carry through on these ideas. Joanne’s parting has created a physical hazard and interpersonal problems. Joanne finds herself preoccupied with sexual thoughts and sexual implications in whatever people say to her and with what she watches on TV.   There are times when Joanne is very talkative and feels euphoric, and times when she is extremely irritable and cranky towards people. Because Joanne suffers from major depressive disorder and Alcohol-Related Disorder, She finds herself striking up conversations with complete strangers. The alcohol is allowing her to relax and let down her barriers. Joanne reported hearing people that actually werent there talking to her, and she began to think that her apartment could be haunted. The voices that Joanne is hearing are probably due to the severity of the depression.Looking at the diagnostic criteria for Alcohol-Related Disorder s, I’m going to have to change my mind about diagnosing Joanne with alcohol-related disorder, because I don’t see where she has used alcohol to the point where it has become a clinical significant impairment.I still believe Joanne to have Major Depressive Disorder along with Bipolar I Disorder.   In order to diagnose Joanne with bipolar I disorder criteria must be meet for current or past hypomanic episodes plus criteria must be met for major depressive episode. (1) Joanne has lived a normal life and has moved to Chicago to start a career. She is now displaying hypomania, which is consistent of a person with bipolar I disorder. (2) Joanne’s thoughts race with new and creative ideas, although she fails to carry through on these ideas, and other people dont seem to understand them. Joanne flies from one idea to the next.   (3) Joanne is displaying hyperactivity and a (4) decreased need for sleep. She began feeling so energized she didn’t seem to need mu ch sleep and would wake up after 3 or 4 hours  feeling wide awake and could put in 10 and 11 hour days of work.Essay on Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology part 2

Aztec Religion and Gods of the Ancient Mexica

Aztec Religion and Gods of the Ancient Mexica The Aztec religion was made up of a complex set of beliefs, rituals and gods that helped the Aztec/Mexica to make sense of their worlds physical reality, and the existence of life and death. The Aztecs believed in a multiple-deity universe, with different gods who reigned over different aspects of Aztec society, serving and responding to Aztec specific needs. That structure was deeply rooted in a widespread Mesoamerican tradition in which concepts of the cosmos, world, and nature were shared across most of the prehistoric societies in the southern third of North America. In general, the Aztecs perceived the world as divided into and balanced by a series of opposing states, binary oppositions such as hot and cold, dry and wet, day and night, light and dark. The role of humans was to maintain this balance by practicing appropriate ceremonies and sacrifices. The Aztec Universe The Aztecs believed that the universe was divided into three parts: the heavens above, the world in which they lived, and the underworld. The world, called Tlaltipac, was conceived as a disk located in the middle of the universe. The three levels, heaven, world, and underworld, were connected through a central axis, or axis mundi. For the Mexica, this central axis was represented on earth by the Templo Mayor, the Main Temple located at the center of the sacred precinct of Mexico- Tenochtitlan. The Multiple Diety UniverseThe Aztec Heaven and underworld were also conceived as divided into different levels, respectively thirteen and nine, and each of these was overlooked by a separate deity. Each human activity, as well as the natural elements, had their own patron deity who overlooked different aspect of human life: childbirth, commerce, agriculture, as well as the seasonal cycles, landscape features, rain, etc. The importance of connecting and controlling the cycles of nature, such as the sun and moon cycles, with human activities, resulted in the use, in the pan-Mesoamerican tradition of sophisticated calendars which were consulted by priests and specialists. Aztec Gods The prominent Aztec scholar Henry B. Nicholson classified the numerous Aztec gods in three groups: celestial and creator deities, gods of fertility, agriculture and water and deities of war and sacrifices. Click on the links to learn more of each of the main gods and goddesses. Celestial and Creator Gods Xiuhtecuhtli-Huehueteotl (Old Man, the cycle of seasons)Tezcatlipoca (Smoking Mirror, god of night and sorcery)Quetzalcoatl (the god/hero, the once and future king figure) Gods of Water, Fertility, and Agriculture Tlaloc (rain god)Chalchiutlicue (She of the Jade Skirt, childbirth)Centeotl (Maize Cob Lord, maize)Xipe Totec Lord with the Flayed Skin, fertility) Gods of War and Sacrifice Tonatiuh (Aztec sun god)Huitzilopochtli (war god, patron god of Tenochtitlan)Tlaltecuhtli (earth goddess) Sources AA.VV, 2008, La Religià ³n Mexica, Arqueologà ­a Mexicana, vol. 16, num. 91 Nicholson, Henry B., 1971, Religion in Pre-Hispanic Central Mexico, en Robert Wauchope (ed.), Handbook of Middle American Indians, University of Texas Press, Austin, Vol. 10, pp 395-446. Smith Michael, 2003, The Aztecs, Second Edition, Blackwell Publishing Van Tuerenhout Dirk R., 2005, The Aztecs. New Perspectives, ABC-CLIO Inc. Santa Barbara, CA; Denver, CO and Oxford, England.

Electrochemistry Calculations Using the Nernst Equation

Electrochemistry Calculations Using the Nernst Equation The Nernst equation is used to calculate the voltage of an electrochemical cell or to find the concentration of one of the components of the cell. The Nernst Equation The Nernst equation relates the equilibrium cell potential (also called the Nernst potential) to its concentration gradient across a membrane. An electric potential will form if there is a concentration gradient for the ion across the membrane and if selective ions channels exist so that the ion can cross the membrane. The relation is affected by temperature and whether the membrane is more permeable to one ion over others. The equation may be written: Ecell E0cell - (RT/nF)lnQ Ecell cell potential under nonstandard conditions (V)E0cell cell potential under standard conditionsR gas constant, which is 8.31 (volt-coulomb)/(mol-K)T temperature (K)n number of moles of electrons exchanged in the electrochemical reaction (mol)F Faradays constant, 96500 coulombs/molQ reaction quotient, which is the equilibrium expression with initial concentrations rather than equilibrium concentrations Sometimes it is helpful to express the Nernst equation differently: Ecell E0cell - (2.303*RT/nF)logQ at 298K, Ecell E0cell - (0.0591 V/n)log Q Nernst Equation Example A zinc electrode is submerged in an acidic 0.80 M Zn2 solution which is connected by a salt bridge to a 1.30 M Ag solution containing a silver electrode. Determine the initial voltage of the cell at 298K. Unless youve done some serious memorizing, youll need to consult the standard reduction potential table, which will give you the following information: E0red: Zn2aq 2e- → Zns -0.76 V E0red: Agaq e- → Ags 0.80 V Ecell E0cell - (0.0591 V/n)log Q Q [Zn2]/[Ag]2 The reaction proceeds spontaneously so E0 is positive. The only way for that to occur is if Zn is oxidized (0.76 V) and silver is reduced (0.80 V). Once you realize that, you can write the balanced chemical equation for the cell reaction and can calculate E0: Zns → Zn2aq 2e- and E0ox 0.76 V 2Agaq 2e- → 2Ags and E0red 0.80 V which are added together to yield: Zns 2Agaq → Zn2a 2Ags with E0 1.56 V Now, applying the Nernst equation: Q (0.80)/(1.30)2 Q (0.80)/(1.69) Q 0.47 E 1.56 V - (0.0591 / 2)log(0.47) E 1.57 V

Electronic Drive Motors used in Naval Vessels Essay

Electronic Drive Motors used in Naval Vessels - Essay Example According to an analysis of various ships conducted by the US Navy, the electric drive propulsion ships utilizes 10 to 25 percent lesser energy as compared to the traditional mechanical drive propulsion ships and thus are very likely to contribute to the Navy’s target of achieving environmental sustainability in consumption of fuel by its vessels and by the naval equipment (Baldwin & Baldwin, 2008). There other advantages of electric drive propulsion system because of being newer in technology it can incorporate in it the latest technology and can easily support the automated system and the various systems on the ship can be easily shifted to electric control and can easily be automated. Electric drive propulsion system can use the new propeller/stem configurations such as the podded propulsor which is very effective in increasing the fuel efficiency of the ships due the improvements in the hydrodynamic efficiency of the ships (Hobart, 1911). The incorporation of the podded pr opulsor system can help in further saving the fuels up to 15 percent. Figure 2 Podded Propulsor [http://accessscience.com/loadBinary.aspx?filename=YB001201FG0030.gif] While incorporating an electric drive system in a naval vessel there are other concerns beside the propulsion of the ship and the electricity required for the control room electrical panels and boards. The guns and other security equipment installed on a naval vessel are also mechanically operated and in order to convert the operation completely into an electric system the mechanical system installed on the ships will also needed to be converted to electric power. One solution is to use an integrated electric drive system with more advanced motor type known as the advanced induction motor AIM. But this type of electric motors can are only sufficient for the most primitive guns such as the DDG-1000 destroyer and cannot be used for the guns and security and combat equipments which require a larger power for their operati on. The other technologies which can be used for powering the larger guns and combat equipment include permanent magnet motor (PMM) and high temperature super conducting synchronous motor (HTS). The conversion technology used should be efficient enough to convert and distribute the shipboard electrical power for the development of a propulsion system with more reliability, survivability and power quality. Permanent Magnet Motor A permanent magnet motor does not have a field winding on the stator frame and thus relies on permanent magnets to provide the magnetic field against which rotor field interacts to produce torque. The commutation under load on large motors can be easily improved by the use of compensating windings in series with the armature. The power consumption of the field winding can be easily eliminated by the use of permanent magnet fields (stators) and thus most of the large motors are dynamo types which utilize stator winding. The various operations on the ship and n aval vessels powered by electrical

Evolution of the 19th Century European Paintings Term Paper

Evolution of the 19th Century European Paintings - Term Paper Example Towards the age of enlightenment in the 18th century, perceptions have been changed. Art is then described as a pursuit or profession in which skill is geared towards the achievement of taste or creation of what is beautiful. And although the skill is there, art is further associated with taste, class, elegance, and beauty. An account has been made that Mme. de Pompadour contributed in the development of new standards for such taste and elegance, but also did so much to heighten the status of the artists in the society. During this century, artists and writers became frequent guests in aristocratic rendezvous.In the 19th century, artists already began to show more extensive emancipations with conventional ideas and techniques, interpretation, and appropriate subject matter. The manifestations of the artists' skills are greatly shown in their works. Their ideas of beauty and creativity coupled with their skills were radiated to superior works of art that have entertained spectators. W ith this, artists held special and sublime class, in some ways distinct from ordinary humans. Another noted consideration of the 19th-century perception of art and its relation to the present day is the ability of paintings to persuade and teach. At that time, it has been the most powerful visual image and the window of people to get information about the world around them. Thus, wealthy and powerful supporters used art for the purpose of education. This concept has transcended to the creation highly technological visual images used today. Somehow, the theories that apply to the use of art during the olden centuries have been handed down to current generations. It is a very important tool to facilitate learning and it continuously advances to graphic designs in cyber technology. Also during the 19th century is the spread of democracy and at this stage, avenues have been provided for artists that allowed them to present vast diversity of visions and messages. This was also because of the fact that there has been an increase in the middle class that already patronize their works; like today, exhibits are held to publicly display an artist' masterpieces. There were still convictions, as there have been in the past, in the supremacy of art to shape human minds. But now, these works of art became expressions of visions and the thus the artists were foreseen as prophets. They somehow provide moral and spiritual guidance and to project beauty and significance for the emergence of the industrial age; to reinvent and develop the visual arena to meet the changing times. As noted in the past, the later years of the 19th century gave rise to significant movements such as modernism, impressionism, expressionism, and symbolism. In many ways, these movements are clearly s een in today's concept of arts. The quest for innovation and updated-ness is inherent in the artist's goal of producing fine arts. Nonetheless, there are still many who remain to patronize the traditional, nostalgic techniques and endeavored to hinder the accelerating rate of change. The appearances of such arts are with intricate, elaborate, and decorative details, as opposed to modernist penchant to simplify forms and diminish decorative details. Similar to present setting, there is a diverse range of themes in modern paintings. There may a touch of contemporary inspiration or the traditional and melancholy mood. However these

Analysis of a Firm (Business Report) Research Paper

Analysis of a Firm (Business Report) - Research Paper Example However, an interim dividend has been paid to the shareholders though a decrease in net profit has been seen in 2011 as compared to the last year. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Company Overview – Woodside 4 Firm Analysis 4 Financial Analysis 5 Risk and Performance Analysis 7 Investments 8 Valuation 9 Conclusion 10 Reference List 11 Company Overview – Woodside Woodside is one of the major companies of Australia in the oil and gas sector. It is also one of the major operators of LNG plants. They produce about 700,000 oil barrels every day and operate even in remote and sensitive regions of the world. Woodside produces eco-friendly gas to meet the energy requirements of the customers of Australia, China, and Asia Pacific regions. Woodside has a number of subsidiaries. The major operating subsidiary of the company is Woodside Energy ltd. Currently 3,856 employees are working for the company around the world. Woodside is also supported by 734 other third party contra ctors (Woodside, 2011a, p. 4). Firm Analysis Woodside started its journey in the year 1954. Shell had 40 percent of the shares; BHP Billiton had shares in Woodside, too. ... Woodside is large oil and gas company, and companies like Hansard Europe, BlackRock Fund Advisors, DWS Investment GmbH, etc. are its major shareholders. There are 20 other premium companies who are the shareholders of Woodside. Peter Coleman is the CEO of the company as well as the managing director. He has 27 years of experience as the vice-president of Exxon Mobil, one of the largest oil and gas company in the world. Therefore, it can be understood that the management head of the company has adequate experience of handling a major oil and gas company. Moreover, Woodside is an attractive option for investors due to its financial performance, which we will be studying later in this report. This proves that the management of the company and the shareholders work with the common objective and goal of achieving and earning a sustainable profit for the company, and there is no conflict between them, as the strategic functions and systems of the company are transparent enough. Financial A nalysis The 2007-2011 financial analysis data of Woodside have been considered. The sales, or revenue generation of the company, have increased during this period. Though in the year 2008 Woodside earned revenue of US$ 5,045 million, it could boast of no more than US$ 3,487 in 2009. The reason might be the financial crisis which has engulfed the global economy. However, in 2010 and 2011, the revenue increased to US$ 4,193 and US$ 4,802 million respectively, which is about 15 percent increase in comparison with the previous year, as stated in Figure 1. On the other hand, a gearing ratio of 28.6 percent in 2011 is higher than 26.3 percent in 2010. This signifies an increase in the leverages and, consequently, in risks associated with the company (Morning Star, 2012).

Ethnocentrism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethnocentrism - Essay Example Most social anthropologists and psychologists converge to the verity ethnocentricism is a root of wrong judgment, misconception as well as mistaken belief. Ethnocentricism is rampant in USA, research confirms that this vice has existed for a long time and it varies in severity from one generation and one region to another. Read (2002) argues that this syndrome is not only limited to America, but it is a pattern that has characterized all societies in the world. Nevertheless, America has experienced some of the most villainous circumstances of ethnocentricism. Read, (2002) noted that ethnocentricism occurs in several ways. In America, for instance there is general syndrome that its codes of belief, behavior, mode of governance, state of technology, education system, etc is the finest in the whole world. This feeling alone does not amount to a social evil. However, the feeling has led Americans in to believing that one nation and continents are inferior. As argued by Reynal-Querol (200 2), membership in an ethnic group is based on various factors such as religion, race, physical features, language and accent. Owing to this, there has existed internal ethnocentricism among Americans based on these attributes. One obtrusive paradigm in America has been on the basis of race.

US Post Cold War Interventionism Foreign Policy Essay

US Post Cold War Interventionism Foreign Policy - Essay Example There is strong and credible argument that the United States foreign policy has encouraged widespread destabilization across the world, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. The use of the United States military should be restricted to situations where the country’s regional integrity, liberty, or sovereignty is under threat. President George Washington, the founding father of the United States, established the country’s first foreign policy that forbids the new republic to engage in political and power struggles in other countries across the globe. During his farewell speech in 1796, the president stated that â€Å"the great rule of conduct for the United States foreign policy is extending the countries commercial relations, with minimal political involvement as possible† (Gordon and Shapiro, 2004, p52). The president further stated that it was in the United States’ foreign policy to avoid unnecessary permanent alliances with any reg ion across the globe (Dean 1999). Since that speech, the United States has been involved into numerous conflicts across all the six continents in the world. The main objective of the United States involvement in the Cold War was to deter expansion of communism across the world. According to Bleschloss and Talbot (1993), the progress of the Soviet Red Army in the Second World War established the Soviet Union as the most dominant power in European continent. The Red Army freed Eastern Europe from an unwarranted Nazi aggression which had claimed millions of lives in the continent. Blum (2003) noted that the Soviet Union had suffered the heaviest casualties, totalling over 20 million and the new government under President Josef Stalin was determined to prevent western style democracy to become entrenched in the European continent. From these developments, Winston Churchill, then English prime minister, warned of the descent of â€Å"iron curtain† in Europe (Cohen, 1993). This mar ked the beginning of the United States intervention in the region, driven by concerns about the prospect of communist rule in both Eastern and Western Europe. The opposing views pertaining to the political future of the European continent created conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States referred as the Cold War. The tension threatened outbreak of the Third World War as both countries engaged in massive military mobilizations and development of weapons of mass destruction. The competition for developing military weapons and desire to contain the Soviet influence caused a major shift in the United States foreign policy which became more inclined to aggression. According to Cameron (2005, p. 62), the United States committed itself to pursuing â€Å"a patient but firm, long-term policy for containing and eventually destroying the communism by indentifying and revealing major social and economic weaknesses associated with the ideology†. The resulting ideological war took over four decades, causing heavy economic losses to the American economy. Through Truman Doctrine, the United States made its first foreign intervention during peacetime. The country spent millions of dollars to support countries in Europe that were under threat of falling into soviet influence. These included Turkey and Greece in which the American government invested over

Rochester Manufacturing Corparation Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Rochester Manufacturing Corparation - Case Study Example The firm believes that 30% of the people use a good estimate of products suitable for the FMS. This provides a good incentive for moving ahead with the FMS now. The 30% is viewed to fit very nicely into a â€Å"family†. Moving ahead with the FMS, it is also viewed to reduce the variety. The traditional numerically controlled machine has a high variety. Therefore, moving ahead with the FMS now will be associated with a reduction because of higher utilization in the number of pieces of the machinery. In addition, the resources are scarce and hence proper utilization should be enhanced. By utilizing the resources, the profits will also be utilized. In return, the production will be increased if the variety is utilized (Khanna, 2007). The main objective of any firm is profit maximization and cost minimization. If the FMS will have a lower variety, the costs will be minimized and profits will be maximized. The lower variety is a very big motivation of moving ahead with an FMS now. The firm should be able to go from 15 to perhaps as low as 3. This shows a reduction of 12 in the variety. This variety reduction will create more room for an extra production. The firm will be able to expand its production by perhaps four times. It means that the efficiency of the firm will increase by moving ahead with the FMS now. Moving ahead with the FMS now is also associated with a reduction in the floor space from 20,000 square feet to about 6,000 square feet. This shows a reduction by 6,000 square feet. Any organization strives to have a suitable space to carry out its operations. A suitable space will reduce the congestions within the organization. Congestions are associated with various disadvantages. Also, moving ahead with the FMS now will also be associated with the through put of orders improving with the processing of the family parts in1 or 2 days rather than 7 to 10. This shows a good processing efficiency. If orders are processing very fast, it will

US Post Cold War Interventionism Foreign Policy Essay

US Post Cold War Interventionism Foreign Policy - Essay Example There is strong and credible argument that the United States foreign policy has encouraged widespread destabilization across the world, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism. The use of the United States military should be restricted to situations where the country’s regional integrity, liberty, or sovereignty is under threat. President George Washington, the founding father of the United States, established the country’s first foreign policy that forbids the new republic to engage in political and power struggles in other countries across the globe. During his farewell speech in 1796, the president stated that â€Å"the great rule of conduct for the United States foreign policy is extending the countries commercial relations, with minimal political involvement as possible† (Gordon and Shapiro, 2004, p52). The president further stated that it was in the United States’ foreign policy to avoid unnecessary permanent alliances with any reg ion across the globe (Dean 1999). Since that speech, the United States has been involved into numerous conflicts across all the six continents in the world. The main objective of the United States involvement in the Cold War was to deter expansion of communism across the world. According to Bleschloss and Talbot (1993), the progress of the Soviet Red Army in the Second World War established the Soviet Union as the most dominant power in European continent. The Red Army freed Eastern Europe from an unwarranted Nazi aggression which had claimed millions of lives in the continent. Blum (2003) noted that the Soviet Union had suffered the heaviest casualties, totalling over 20 million and the new government under President Josef Stalin was determined to prevent western style democracy to become entrenched in the European continent. From these developments, Winston Churchill, then English prime minister, warned of the descent of â€Å"iron curtain† in Europe (Cohen, 1993). This mar ked the beginning of the United States intervention in the region, driven by concerns about the prospect of communist rule in both Eastern and Western Europe. The opposing views pertaining to the political future of the European continent created conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States referred as the Cold War. The tension threatened outbreak of the Third World War as both countries engaged in massive military mobilizations and development of weapons of mass destruction. The competition for developing military weapons and desire to contain the Soviet influence caused a major shift in the United States foreign policy which became more inclined to aggression. According to Cameron (2005, p. 62), the United States committed itself to pursuing â€Å"a patient but firm, long-term policy for containing and eventually destroying the communism by indentifying and revealing major social and economic weaknesses associated with the ideology†. The resulting ideological war took over four decades, causing heavy economic losses to the American economy. Through Truman Doctrine, the United States made its first foreign intervention during peacetime. The country spent millions of dollars to support countries in Europe that were under threat of falling into soviet influence. These included Turkey and Greece in which the American government invested over