Neighborhoods and Deliquence Essay

How does one know for sure whether or not their family is being brought up in the right type of environment? An abundance of people raise their children in neighborhoods where the youth may be pressured and lured into situations that can generally lead to only problems and complications. There is not necessarily one right answer to prevent this from happening. It is not as simple as keeping adolescents from getting into bad situations by locking them up a closet their entire lives; however, there can be other ways to approach and deal with these ypes of issues involving Juvenile delinquency. Nowadays, the area in which a person lives and raises their families, may have a significant amount to do with the circumstances in which their kids get involved with gang affiliation, drugs and committing violent acts. To begin, there are numerous places where which gangs or gang affiliation is present, yet there are certain areas in which gangs are more apparent. For example, according to an article from SF gate, â€Å"A 1 5-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the slaying of another teenager near a troubled Oakland apartment omplex, authorities said Tuesday†¦ The slaying happened in a neighborhood where two buildings had recently been condemned because of code violations and fears of imminent gang activity, and police suspect that Erik and his killer were members of rival gangs. â€Å"(SF Gate). Henry Lee who wrote this article gives a perfect example of how many young teens are getting into gangs. This shooting happened in Oakland were a lot of violence goes on, because low income families live in the bad neighborhoods their children grow up with many bad influences around them. Another example is, in reference to this article from SF Gate, â€Å"The action came a week atter police noticed that nearby buildings were covered with gang graffiti a gang members had punched holes through the walls of the complex as an escape route, apparently girding for a possible attack, authorities said. Rival gang members then sprayed over the graffiti, police said. â€Å"(SF Gate). This article is mainly about how a young child gunned down rival gang members, but analyzing this more thoroughly it states how children are getting into gangs at a young age because of the neighborhoods they are growing in. Young children are getting into gangs and committing violent acts because of the neighborhood they are growing up in. Furthermore, drugs are another influence that children of a young age are getting into because of the neighborhoods they are growing up in. For example, from an article of World Youth Report, â€Å"The use of alcohol and illegal drugs by Juveniles is one cause of delinquency, as they are often compelled to commit crimes (usually theft) to obtain the cash needed to support their substance use. Drugs play a huge role in when it comes to Juvenile delinquency because young children get into them. The reason for that is because of the neighborhood the child grows up to. A good comparison is a child growing up in Oakland compared to a child growing up in Marin. In Marin one doesn’t see children drug dealing at the corner compared to Oakland were things like that do happen and children are involved. Another example from the article of World Youth Report, â€Å"Many young people retreat into the confines of their own groups and resort to drug use for psychological or emotional escape. Drugs can also be used as a getaway drug because of problems they might be having ut it wouldn’t be a problem if the children were being raised in the right type of environment. Drugs have a big influence on children when growing up in a bad neighborhood. Finally, there is the issue of violence amongst youth. Violence is also a huge issue around the world, but is more generally seen in conflicted neighborhoods. An example from an article of World Youth Report, â€Å"Quite often, advantage is being taken of illegal opportunities as young people commit various offences, become addicted to drugs, and use violence against their peers. † Violent acts that children do at a young ge because of the neighborhoods they grow up in. Many kids do more violent acts because they are in gangs and required to or because of anger. Children doing violent acts do them because of the life style they grow up in. Back to the article form SF gate where the fifth teen year old teen shot and killed a rival gang member. Being that young and already murdering someone is a problem in our society because kids that age should be in a gang or exposed to all that violence. Many gang members recruit small children so they can get them to commit violent acts and they won’t be trailed as adults. Another example from the article of World Youth Report, â€Å"Some groups and subcultures tend to use violence as a means of solving interpersonal conflicts, and the atmosphere thus created is an important mediating factor contributing to delinquent or criminal behavior. Violence can also be interpret as solving problems with their fists, these ways of solutions are used by many kids and they get it from the neighborhood they are growing up in. Violence is a major influence on children because of the neighborhood they are growing up in. To reiterate, there are many reasons tor why children can be driven to Juvenile elinquencies but the main reason is neighborhoods because of gangs, drugs and violence. Children when growing up in bad neighborhoods are exposed to many things because gangs, drugs and violence are in bad neighborhoods. Many children move into more and more bad neighborhoods and are being exposed to gangs, drugs and violence. There are some solutions that we can approach to stop kids from getting involved in these bad influences. One solution is providing programs like the Big Brother Big Sister program to have a role model to guide them down the right path. Another solution is reducing the gangs in neighborhoods and getting them off he streets. If we were able to develop a program were low income families can be located to good neighborhoods and have an agreement to live their instead of a bad neighborhood that would fix the problem. Though there are many solutions making them come true is a different story but there are many programs out there that provide kids with the help and attention they need.

Important Events in Louisiana History Essay

The State of Louisiana has a colorful and important past unbeknownst to laymen. These events helped shape the picture of its culture and what is the present day United States. In the 18th century, this state was established as a French Colony and within a little over 30 years, was passed on to the Spanish after the French-Indian War. Control of Louisiana allowed ships from Europe or Mexico to dock from the ocean and move inland through the Mississippi river. The influence of the empires at the time, are still carried over to today. This state recognizes no â€Å"official language† but some residents speak French and Spanish. Aside from this, most of the population is made up of Christians due to the influence of its colonizers. During the 19th century the most important event was the inclusion of this state to The United States of America. The French held the territory at the time but the newly formed United States was worried that at any time, France could close off the Mississippi and form a chokehold on the existing trade routes. President Thomas Jefferson authorized the liaison to France to negotiate a purchase for the territory around the river to prevent a stranglehold. Napoleon at the time encountered too many setbacks with his plan for Louisiana and decided to sell the whole territory. The liaison, Robert R. Livingston, worried that approval from Washington might take too long decided to push through the talks and came to a price of fifteen million US Dollars. President Jefferson was surprised at first but decided to push through with the purchase since it would double the government’s current land area and make way for the expansion west. This served as a precedent fro the purchase of territory and did not spill a single drop of blood. It paved the way for frontiersmen in the years to come and paved the way for the United States to be connected to two great oceans. In1901, speculators in Louisiana discovered oil. Along with forestry, this introduced a wave of economic growth which introduced economic growth. This alleviates the United States’ dependence on foreign oil and places worth on this area of land which was previously valued only for its accessibility to the Mississippi river. Reference List 1. About Louisiana. Louisiana. gov. Last checked 06 May 2008 from http://www. louisiana. gov/wps/wcm/connect/Louisiana. gov/Explore/About+Louisiana/

Quality is Being Perfect

Achieving quality† is said to be a major issue throughout industry, commerce and government bodies. It†s just not passing craze of flavour of the month. Quality is vital for growth, survival and prosperity of every organisation. Nowadays, more and more organisations are placing greater emphasis on quality in order for them to prosper and become successful. In this essay I will be explaining the different concepts of quality, which are established by different institutes and people. I will then compare these concepts and give my view on each of them. In the second part of this essay I will be looking at areas of commonality and difference between ‘quality of product manufacture† and ‘quality in service†. Quality is difficult to define but what is sure is that we all know when it is achieved and when it is not. This assessment of quality is subjective and it can vary from different perceptions of individuals. It is the perception of the individual, by what influences his experience and what he thinks. Overall, the word quality can mean different things to different people. For example, the first car that I bought appeared to me to be of superior quality, even though it was thirteen years old, had many rust patches and the roof was leaking. On the other hand, a company director who drives a Rolls Royce may think that the car is a load of scrap. The second-hand car to me was quite satisfactory where it got me to my required destinations, but the company director may think it is bad advertisement and unreliable. For this reason, quality can be defined as ‘fitness for purpose†. It can be defined as fitness for purpose because the second-hand car was fit for my purpose. The definition ‘fitness for purpose†, was defined by an early American quality guru, Dr Joseph Juran. He always believed that if a product was fit for purpose, then it was a quality product. But from my perspective, this is not always true. This is because the second-hand car that I bought was fit for my purpose (transported me in safety), but it was not conceived to be a quality car by many of the people who I showed it to, except the sycophants who always tried to please me. Many people stated that the car was a ‘reject† due to the fact that it was rusty and the roof was leaking. Now that I have sold it, I would agree with these people, it was not a quality car, but it was fit for purpose. So therefore, this prime example gives you an indication that ‘fitness for purpose† does not always mean quality. The definition begs the question of ‘whose purpose? † Plato†s (philosopher) theory suggests that it was the customer who defined the purpose and the customer who defined quality. But Juran†s definition does not even mention the purpose of the customer. Another problem with the fitness for purpose definition is that the purpose may not always be known. Juran believes that the majority of quality problems are because of poor management, rather than poor employee work. In general, he believes that management controllable defects account for over 80 per cent of total quality management problems. Overall, Juran†s definition is too elementary where there is a need to closely define to what is going to be offered, then quality can become ‘conformance to requirements†. Conformance to requirement is widely used in industry to define quality. â€Å"This definition is often attributed to Philip Crosby, another well-known guru of quality†. (Owen,B 1995). Crosby believed that if a product were conformed to requirement, then there would be no such thing as a quality problem where the company itself has established its products based directly on its customers† needs. The Crosby definition places an emphasis to meet a certain specification that also leads to an emphasis on the reliability of the product or service. Reliability ranks with quality in importance where â€Å"it is the ability of the product or service to continue to meet the customer requirements†. (Oakland, 1995). Crosby also states that when a product is produced or when a service is delivered, it should have ‘zero defects†, where you should ‘get it right first time†. What zero defects means is not that people never make mistakes, but that the company does not start expecting them to make mistakes. But from my point of view and from Juran†s perspective, the zero defects approach cannot always help an organisation to achieve quality. Juran believes that employees should be given long-term training, where it should start at the top of the hierarchy of the organisation. The problem with Crosby†s quality control approaches are that there can be clear dangers that the customers can become less important than the standard of the product because there is too much emphasis on control and getting things right first time. This is because every organisation should be able to make certain mistakes and learn from them the next time around. One advantage of his approach is that he places more emphasis on prevention, rather than inspection, so therefore, there can be increased quality where the costs can decrease and thus increasing profits. The main problem with Crosby†s definition is that it is too simplistic. Producing a product that is conformed to requirement that has had no problems during the manufacturing process does not necessarily mean that it is a quality product. For example, a golf player who completes a round without breaking the rule is not necessarily a good quality player. Also, a driver who drives home without breaking the law is not necessarily a quality driver The fitness for purpose and conformance to requirement definitions seeks to establish a level of performance that is acceptable to customers where their needs are met and where they have no cause to complain. But between these two levels there is a ‘grey† area, where the specification is achieved, but where the customers may feel that they have not gained value. For this reason quality can be concerned with ‘ providing a service that delights our customers†. This definition was originated by the late American quality guru, Dr W. Edwards Deming. â€Å"He was the first American quality expert to teach Japanese managers about quality. â€Å"Deming†s work in Japan has been identified as putting Japan on the road to leadership in international business and industry†. (Internet). Deming argued that the customer should not just be satisfied, but delighted in order to gain repeat custom. He also stated that you should always keep ahead of your customers† expectations that include every aspect of supplier-customer relationship, not just the product or service being provided. From my perspective, Deming†s approach to quality is much more perplexing than Juran and Crosby†s definitions. Both Juran and Crosby were focused too much on the product, but Deming covers all of the aspects of quality. Deming also allocates the measurement of quality through statistical calculations where Juran and Crosby are more concerned with the production process measurements. Another quality guru, Armand V. Feiggenbaum who is the chairman of the International Academy of Quality, stresses that quality does not mean ‘best†, but ‘best for the customer use and selling price†. What Fienbaum†s definition is trying to say is that products should be produced to customer requirements and be sold at a good reasonable price, thus achieving quality. From my perspective, this is a good definition. For example, if I buy a television that contains a lot of features, it†s reliable, unique and it is at a good reasonable price, then it would be a quality product to me. Also many people associate price with quality, people expect better quality when paying more, thus Fienbaum gives a good clear definition of quality. To Fienbaum, quality is a way of managing an organisation. He stresses that quality does not only mean that customer problems have to be fixed faster. Like Juran, he says that leadership is essential to a company†s success. Finally, I am going to talk about a well known Japanese guru, Kaoru Ishikawa who is known as the father of ‘quality circles†. Ishikawa stresses that ‘quality does not only mean the quality of a product, but also of after sales service, quality of management, the company itself and the human being. Ishikawa†s definition is trying to say that all of the aspects of the organisation have to be known to be of good quality standard. For example, Rolls Royce produces quality cars but also the company itself and the management is known to be of good quality. So therefore if all of the aspects of the organisation are good quality, then this can lead to good corporate reputation, thus increasing sales and profits. Overall, Ishikawa†s definition is similar to Deming†s and Fienbaum†s definition, where there is a focal point to look at all of the stages of providing quality. In conclusion, all of the guru†s definitions are different and have all proved to be successful in their own situations. It is also worth remembering that all the gurus are consultants and have different definitions due to the fact that they come from different business backgrounds, so therefore, their approaches to quality differ from each other. Now that I have defined the different concepts of quality, I am now going to explain the difference between ‘quality in product manufacture† and ‘quality in service delivery†. A product is any goods other than land, bridges or buildings and includes a product which is comprised within another product whether by virtue of being a component part or raw material or otherwise†. (Dale and Plunkett, 1994). On the other hand â€Å"A service encounter is any direct interaction between a service provider and customers†. (Dale and Plunkett, 1994). Industries, such as financial services, health care, tourism, government, transport and communications have their business activities focused on services rather than products. Quality customer service is now a focus of every organisation where it is typically achieving a competitive advantage. â€Å"Consumers, be they individuals, households or businesses, are more aware of the alternatives on offer; in relation to both services/products, and to provide organisations and rising standards of service†. (Dale and Plunkett, 1994). Overall, the quality of service delivery has become as important as the quality of product manufacture. However, they have several characteristics that distinguish them from each other when providing quality to customers. One main difference between quality in product manufacture and quality in service delivery is that products are tangible and services are not. So therefore when manufacturing a product, a firm will have to make sure that there are no defects on the product and that the product is conformed to requirement. This is because if there are any defects on the product, then consumers have a right to complain with tangible evidence (the product). On the other hand, services are intangible; there is usually little or no tangible evidence to show once a service has been performed. For example, when a mortgage adviser has given his proposition to a consumer, later the consumer will have little or no evidence of the service delivery to prove how good or bad it was. So consequently, from one perspective, service organisations can afford to make mistakes and not get blamed for them, although it can lead to a bad corporate image and serious damages, such as in health care situations. Overall, quality in a product will be evident but quality in service delivery does not always have to be evident due to the fact that services can be intangible. Another key difference between these two is that poor quality products can be replaced but poor quality services cannot always be replaced. So therefore, as Philip Crosby says, you will have to ‘get it right first time† with ‘zero defects† when delivering a service. Overall, an organisation can afford to make mistakes when achieving quality in a manufactured product. But an organisation cannot afford to make mistakes when delivering a service due to the fact that it is very hard or impossible to rectify a poor quality service. For example, if a nurse in the hospital drops a baby and as a result, the baby has a brain damage, then this mistake in the service will be very impossible to rectify. So therefore, in services, such as health care, there are generally fewer errors than in products due to the serious consequences that a service organisation (hospital) can face if it makes a mistake. As Deming states, organisations will have to delight the consumer through their services in order to achieve quality. So therefore, it is essential for service providers, such as doctors, to get it right first time. One other major difference is that it is more difficult to use quality standards in services than products, in the conventional sense. This is because there is the characteristic of heterogeneity, where variability exists in services as a function of labour inputs and non-standardisation of delivery. (Dale and Plunkett, 1994). There can be small variations in products but services can have large variations, it all depends on the individual who is delivering the service. Overall, different individuals deliver services in various different ways. Elimination of the virus of variability in products is easier to tackle than services. Deming†s concept of statistical control is widely used in industry in order to eliminate variation in products. The behaviour of the process remains the same over time with controlled variation and by the use of statistical control. If no statistical control is used, then the behaviour of the process is likely to change, usually in unpredictable ways and at unpredictable times with uncontrolled variation. So therefore, statistical control over the manufacturing of products can achieve quality and eliminate variation. But the problem with the statistical concept is that it cannot eliminate variation in service delivery, the statistical concept is only suitable for manufacturing products. From my perspective, training the staff can only eliminate service variation as Juran says. Overall, I think that huge variations in products such as Walkers Crisps can devalue the product because consumers expect the same taste from each packet, that is said to be of good quality and number one in the UK market. However, there is slight variation in Walkers Crisps, but this is usually common with ever packet of crisp. Recently, there was a research taking place in the UK that is working towards eliminating the variation of tastes of each crisp. The elimination of variation in crisps is another step towards achieving quality in product manufacture. On the other hand, it is sometimes said that the variation in services often produce quality. However, variations in services are usually dealt with by training the staff. Last of all, I think that it is harder to achieve and control quality in service delivery than product manufacture. This is because services (such as doctors† time) cannot be stored to meet fluctuations in demand, but products can be stored. In order to conform to requirement and delight the customer (achieve quality), service organisations will have to meet demands at perplexing times, or otherwise they will find it very difficult to achieve quality. An organisation that does not meet fluctuating demands can gain a bad corporate image, thus decreasing the overall quality of the organisation. I think that service organisations can only meet fluctuating demands by setting out standards. For example, opening seven days a week rather than five days a week or specially opening when demands are excessively high. Realistically, this can be very difficult to achieve. A recent example of a service organisation that is not meeting fluctuating demands is the National Health Authority (NHS). The flu syndrome has recently affected many people in the UK, including the elderly. As a result, more people have been attending to the doctors and hospitals, thus making it more difficult for the NHS to cope with the increasing demand levels. Many appointments and operations have been cancelled in many hospitals due to the increase of patients. This prime example gives you an idea that service organisations cannot always deliver quality due to the fact that they cannot always deliver there services on time. In the above example, many people have criticised the NHS of not providing quality services, in other words, not coping with the fluctuation of demand levels. Overall, I think that only if the whole organisational chain is functioning efficiently can quality be achieved in both products and services. The quality chain links all of the business, and its external suppliers, to provide quality to the consumers. This objective is only achieved if each chain link provides quality. If one fails, then the overall objective of achieving quality is very unlikely to be achieved, the chain will not be functioning properly. For example, if a sales assistant does not have enough knowledge on a certain product, then the customer will not receive sufficient information on the product by the sales assistant,thus the quality of the product will be unrecognised. So therefore, the sales assistant is letting every one else down in the quality chain, thus, the chain will not will moving effectively. In overall conclusion, I think that different individuals perceive quality in different ways because everyone has different perceptions. I also think that in their definitions of quality, the gurus are looking at different aspects of quality in order to find different ways of saying the same thing. Basically, ‘meeting customer requirements† achieves quality because you are producing and delivering what the customer wants you to produce and deliver. As well as meeting customer requirements, ‘delighting the customer† is also a good concept of quality because you are going beyond your customers† expectations when delighting your customer with a product or service. However, all the gurus have different definitions due to the fact that they specialise in different business backgrounds, thus they all give a good definition of quality based on their past experiences. There are many differences in achieving quality in a product than achieving quality in a service. One of the differences is that services are tangible and products are not. Thus leaving little or no evidence of service delivery, even though is was not perceived as good quality. However, if mistakes are made in certain services, then these can not always be rectified, but when manufacturing a product, mistakes can usually be rectified easily without facing serious consequences. The main difference between quality in product manufacture and quality in service delivery is that products can be stored to meet fluctuations in demand, but on the other hand, services cannot always be stored, thus decreasing the quality of service delivery. A good example of a service not being stored is the NHS that is not meeting its recent demand levels. Also, another difference between these two is that there is more variation in services than products. Product variations can usually be controlled, but service variations are more difficult to control, thus this can decrease or increase the quality of service delivery. Last of all, I think that it is more important for service providers to ‘get it right first time† due to the fact that poor services are hard to replace, where faulty products are easily replaced.

SCI D2 Astrology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

SCI D2 Astrology - Essay Example ystems of the people, belonging to ancient cultures and civilizations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, India, China and Babylonia, Astrology got the status of pure science among the philosophers, writers, dramatists and intellectuals of ancient times. Continuously, the prominent poets and playwrights including Homer, Sophocles, Xenias and others have alluded to the impact of the movement of planets on the triumphs and failures of the kings, queens and warriors. Sophocles’ magnificent Athenian tragic play Oedipus the King (429 B.C.E) portrays the prophecy about the ill fortune of the newly born son of King Laius and Queen Jocasta of the Thebes City, where the son i.e. Oedipus would kill his father and would marry his mother on growing young. (Lines 1008-1310) The future poets also alluded to the movements of stars and planets in their works by affiliating it to important happenings occurred in the life of nations and individuals at large. The later playwrights including Marlow, Shakespe are and others have also alluded to stars in their works. Shakespearean tragedy Julius Caesar (1599) states: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves. (Act 1, Scene 2), where the poet has declared an association between human deeds and stars; as the celestial bodies support the people having good intentions and positive thinking, and curse those, who are evil-minded and devise plans to harm, hurt and destroy the others. Abrahamic Scriptures also narrate the people’s having faith in celestial bodies, as the Holy Prophet Abraham refuted the offer of accompanying his fellow-beings by making accuse that the stars predicted that he was going to fall ill, (The Qur’an: 37:88-89) because he was determined to break the false gods i.e. idols into pieces. Thus, astrology had been in vogue for the last several centuries as a pure science. Astrology declares the sun, the moon and nine celestial bodies i.e. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto,

Corporate Governance and Global Financial Ethics Essay

Corporate Governance and Global Financial Ethics - Essay Example By conducting a thorough review of the organisation’s management, through the examination of performance, records and statements; auditing allows for identification of pitfalls and their consequent rectification thereby facilitating maximization of shareholder’s value. Auditing usually occurs at the internal and external levels. The internal audit is conducted by an audit team that is part of the organisation, which reports to senior management team of the organisation. External auditors on the other hand report to the organisation’s shareholders with the main purpose being to improve the validity and reliability of the internal audit outcomes. Internal audit serves just as an important function to the shareholders as external auditing does. The process identifies organisational outcomes thereby facilitating the development of a framework and mechanisms through which organisational processes can be restructured and made more effective to facilitate the attainment of organisational objectives. However, in order to achieve this goal, the internal audit process must itself be an effective one. The effectiveness of internal auditing can be maintained by adhering to particular codes of conduct. One of the most important factors for effective auditing is that it must be independent from the activities and operations that it evaluates (CIIA, 2014). The CIIA prescribes that to facilitate the independence of the internal auditing team; the chief internal auditor should serve at a senior capacity within the organisation (2013). Such a position furnishes him/her with the standing and authority to challenge the executive. Moreover, th e CIIA further contends that the audit team should have access to all managerial decision-making forums (2013). The independence of the internal audit team is facilitated by the recruitment of independent individuals. Such

Advertising and promotions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Advertising and promotions - Essay Example Two companies, Burger King and Victoria's Secrets use advertising and promotion as the main tools of marketing mix. Following Armstrong and Kotler (2000) advertising is more effective in attracting new customers than in retaining present customers. Thus, the companies have to find ways and methods to influence and persuade present customers buy and use their services and products.Christmas campaign launched by Victoria's Secrets was aimed to inform potential buyers about price reductions and invectives, new products and services proposed by the company. Advertising campaign was aimed to result in high response. To get the message, different types of media were used to attract target audience. Sunday newspapers and color supplements were invariably passed around the family for reading (McDonald and Christopher 2003). Advertising in a national business journals and entertainment magazines was an effective technique. Web banners and press advertisements were the main medium used during Christmas time. This marketing communications were selected to appeal to certain segments of the market. Since markets were also becoming more complex with an increasing number of groups and segments, specialized rather than national communication was required. This splintering of markets made it increasingly difficult to communicate with "total markets." For Victoria's Secrets, the effectiveness of marketing communications increased as the appeals approach an individual's predisposition, and the better the correspondence between them, the more likely it was that the exposure to advertising produced the desired action. From the consumer's standpoint, advertising informed and persuaded. It furnished information, called attention to some clues and not others, changed attitudes and opinions, related products to consumer need, gave consumers support for their decisions, affected the intensity of desires, and thereby generated action (Wells et al 2005). The promotion campaigns launched by Burger King in 2007 were reminder campaigns. The uniqueness of all advertising campaigns is that Burger King used the Simpsons Movie as the main tool pf promotion. The company produced a commercial with Simpsons popularizing Burger King's trade mark. The main mediums selected for promotion were TV and the Internet. For Burger King, promotion spurs the development of new target market, and leads to improved quality and service. Advertising gives the consumer greater choice and imposes downward pressure on prices (Lance and Woll 2006). "On-line type of promotion" has become the most popular one because it's major advantage in that it is featured at the location where many of the final decisions and actual purchases are made. Burger King used images of the Simpsons promoted through the website. Techniques used here include: temporary price reductions; extra value offers, including offers relating to future purchase; premium offers (incentives). This c ampaign also helped to create and maintain marketing systems. It fostered interfirm coordination and linkages of manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. For the marketing task was not complete with the sale of the product; satisfied customers has to be retained. Reaffirmation of consumer choice, a postsale activity, was important. Continued advertising after a purchase gave the customer public acknowledgment of his wise choice, and tends to eliminate or reduce cognitive dissonance. The Simpsons campaign showed that the customer was reassured and resold. Repeat business was the avenue to continued success, and postsale advertising often the course to repeat business (Labarbera et al 1998). In general, advertising should lead consumers to believe ads, to know companies and brands, to progress from product attention to a sale, or to change images, habits, and preferences, but the companies cannot easily determine how well the job is being done. To assess advertising impact, companies like Burger King and Victoria's Secrets require better specification of objectives and

Discuss the contribution of HRM in relation to organisational change Essay

Discuss the contribution of HRM in relation to organisational change with particular reference made to the current economic climate - Essay Example improve business performance, organising focused human resource knowledge, through networks or centres, and leaders or experts within business divisions (Kamoche 2001). The experiences of top firms such as DuPont, Johnson & Johnson, United Technologies, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM have been studied and revealed in various reports and studies. What were previously ingenious practices are currently described as contemporary practices and developments in the strategic repositioning and restructuring of the human resource function (Tyson 2006). Business organisations that are unsuccessful in restructuring their human resource function with the changing economic climate end up with disjointed strategies for human management. They are incapable of developing and implementing innovative human-management approaches that acquire competitive leverage (Kraut, Korman & London 1999). They incur greater costs for offering human resource services. Several companies declare they adopt the latest human resource strategy but are not up till now ‘walking the talk’ (Kraut et al. 1999: 62). Reforms in human resources are motivated by the necessities of the changing economic climate. IBM, which is considered as the creator of the ‘new approach’, had as its main goal a decrease in the total costs of offering human resource services by roughly $40 million per annum (Tyson 2006). Otis Elevator, component of United Technologies, looked for means to reinforce its international business strategy and thus cutback costs and drive growth. Sun Microsystems looked for means to improve recruitment, selection and retention of highly skilled employees vital for business expansion (Tyson 2006). Companies are dealing with a challenging and multifaceted variety of stimuli for change in order to predict and maximise opportunities in the competitive economy. Their responses are reconceptualising the framework for human resources management (Sisson & Storey 2000). Companies consider these

Decision Making Self-Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Decision Making Self-Analysis - Assignment Example These two are the most basic models of decision making that inspire the whole process (Elham, 2010). The rational model involves four stages that ought to be followed when making decisions. These steps comprise of identifying the problem, developing solutions, choosing a solution and executing as well as assessing the solution. These four stages represent the whole decision making process and provide for the necessary dynamics that guarantee the effectiveness of the process. Each stage in the rational model is of immense significance to the holistic process and should therefore be approached with care in order to achieve effective results. This model has some shortcomings including the absence of sufficient information that hinders decision making and the reality that a problem could transform within a short period of time (Schoorman & Acker-Hocevar, 2010). The normative model indicates that decision making has a number of components that characterize its application. Among these fea tures include restricted information processing, judgmental heuristics along with satisficing. Limited information processing underscores that fact that at any given time only a restricted degree of data can be used or processed for decision making. Judgmental heuristics, on the other hand, involves that consideration for purposes of decision making shortcuts are applied to make the process simpler. Satisficing on the other hand implies the selection of solutions that are more convenient and satisfy minimum requirements (Elham, 2010). Each model has strengths and weaknesses, which point towards their effectiveness and applicability in the vast process of decision making. The rational model is more practical and is effective in dealing with problems that require a substantive decision for the long term. However, this model does not take into account some of the realities of decision making like the absence of adequate information along with the changing nature of problems. The normat ive model is convenient when dealing with challenging situation that need creativity and distinctiveness in order to develop the solution but could be disastrous when applied on practical and rational situations. How to Self-Assess Decision-Making Styles Self-assessment is a crucial parameter in the field of decision making because it provides for room through which the decision maker can evaluate their decision. There are various styles of decision making that apply to different situations and serve a different purpose. Each style of decision making has a unique approach to decision making in the sense that each has a distinct set of parameters that govern the process of making a decision. Therefore, in considering the various methods of self-assessment each style of decision making must be considered in order to optimize the results. Since each style has different methods of approach, it is obvious that the methods of self-evaluation change with each respective style (Schoorman & Acker-Hocevar, 2010). As a result, it is actually impossible to self evaluate a decision or the process of making a decision without being aware of the style applied in the process. Therefore, for the decision maker to evaluate his decision or the process applied the key consideration is the relevant decision making style. Once the style has been factored it becomes convenient for

Information System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Information System - Essay Example Technology is considered a major component of human activities; besides, there is a theory of technological determinism, which contends that technology is a determinant of the direction of cultural advancement, though it does not determine growth of social foundation. Moreover, there are assumptions that technological innovation is considered a driving force behind the social chances, hence establishing the social actors and relations (Hanks, 2009, 23). Nevertheless, this paper will present a discussion to support the motion that information systems have revolutionised the way people work. Technology is considered practical application of knowledge in an urbanized way in which improves the human life. Technology has a greater influence on the society in various dimensions. This has led to finding ways of doing things more efficiently and effectively. This is due to the application of some devices like computers. On the other hand, Revolution refers to the gradual increase complexity as time goes by things change within the perspective of technology improving (Eisenstein, 2002, 87). This is due to the increased innovation through the application of knowledge in order to come up with new things. ... Feature of technology relates to patterns of social consumption and establishment of consumer logic in developing countries leading to the change of cultures (Pacey, 1985, 12). However, technology has been associated with negative cultural aspects, whereby it also results to transmission of bad culture, which affects people negatively. Information systems through the internet by use of computers has influenced their behaviours in a way that alters the way individual identifies and recognizes the social sphere of action, tradition cultures, values systems and factors of social harmony (Hanks, 2009, 26). There are special cultural identities to members of a certain community that relates to the need for endogenous developing, whereby there s a compulsory process of social evolution and change that results to the establishment of values and models of external behaviours (Hanks, 2009, 26). These behaviours are inspired by the advent of foreign technologies and cultural systems. For insta nce, communication through the internet has established ability to transmit sounds and images across the world, thus leading to reproduction of altered face of contemporary culture, and this influence the way people work (Grint and Woolgar, 1997, 20). Science has a substantial role in the modern life with a profound impact on the civilization of human beings. Information systems have lead to the provision of remarkable insights in the modern world. It resulted from scientific revolution in the 20th century, which marked a quantum leap to the modern world (Lara, 2010, 3). This led to many technologies and the development of various devices and machines that have

Accounting Equation Paper Essay Example for Free

Accounting Equation Paper Essay The basic accounting equation is: Assets = Liabilities + Stockholders’ Equity. When looking at the balance sheet one can assume that assets must balance out each transaction and balance the claims to the assets (Kimmel, 2010). A balance sheet provides Assets of the company first and foremost, then Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity and last retained earnings. This shows the companies incoming money, outgoing payments, and the money left or retained at the end of each time period being documented on the balance sheet. The components of the accounting equation affect each other in many ways. For example, when cash assets are received the company is making profit only as long as it is making more revenue than the liabilities owed. So, when using the Sierra Corporation on pg. 14 from the text the company has to pay the Liabilities: Notes payable, Accounts payable, Salaries payable, Unearned Service revenue, and Interest prior to ever turning a profit above the black. When looking at a balance sheet one needs to know all incoming as well as outgoing money to determine profitability and sustainability of a corporation. See more: Satirical elements in the adventure of Huckleberry Finn essay Next, when looking at a balance sheet the liabilities + the stockholder’s Equity have to ALWAYS balance out to amount of assets to ensure all things are accounted for and there are no accounting errors. When done properly the balance sheet can be used to verify the company’s revenue and the financial stability of a company based upon debt to stockholders’ equity. References: Kimmel, P. D., Weygandt, J. J., Kieso, D. E. ( 2010). Financial accounting: Tools for business decision making (6th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley Sons.

Analysing Genetic Engineering With Reference To Plato Philosophy Essay

Analysing Genetic Engineering With Reference To Plato Philosophy Essay By definition, genetic engineering is the altering of the genetic structure of an organism by artificial means, to obtain the most desirable traits. Despite the numerous bioethical issues, scientists are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve human qualities such as intelligence, physical abilities, aesthetic appeal, or resistance to certain detrimental substances. There are many who feel that human need and compulsion is far more dominant than ones obligation to adhere to strict morals. Furthermore, there are strong opinions from both sides of the argument, as some believe that human ,genetic engineering is a form of improving mankind while others believe that it is morally inappropriate, as it crosses a threshold where we Play God. Lives could be changed, genes could be altered, and the entire human race could be revolutionized. The suggestion of eugenics first emerged in Platos generation. Platos Republic suggested that the group of Guardians should breed selectively. The Guardians will have families in common. Their children will be raised in common, and most importantly, they will not be randomly conceived. It was crucial that the children were bred according to the most desirable traits to become the best offspring, to strengthen the future of the Guardians. Every year, a breeding committee is selected to run a fertility festival. Suitable mates are selected by the state during ones child bearing years through a lottery ticket. This idea that humans should be bred similarly as animals was referred to as eugenics. THESIS Plato justifies his desires for eugenics through emphasizing the benefits to the future generations. It is undeniable that the general concept of eugenics is to alter the human race for the greater good, but it is crucial to be aware of the consequences that this process contains. It is necessary to conserve human diversity rather than homogenize the population through abolishing the uses of human genetic engineering. The usage of human genetic engineering should be hindered due to the numerous controversies it brings about as well as the endangerment of the human species as a whole. Furthermore, human genetic engineering raises many moral distresses towards the values of the disabled, a parents rights to alter the genes of a child, aesthetic appeal, technological advances, cloning, and the risks. Ethicists have predicted that large margins of error will be achieved by activities which are related to unnatural processes such as the tampering with the roots of human nature. Moreover, the lack of technological expertise suggests that even the most miniscule error poses could lead to unbearable consequences in this generation as well as the future generations. The process of putting eugenics into practice is much more complicated and dangerous than hypothesized. As a result, the authority to genetically alter life for the sake of societal progressions of humans is substantially questioned. DISABILITIES Technological advantages as time progressed allowed humans to fantasize about putting the idea of human genetic engineering into practice. Undesirable traits will be lost and only the exceptional traits will reside among the human population. An article entitled Scientists Playing God? We should Rejoice by Minette Marrin explains the optimistic facts of eugenics and the sheer volume of benefits attained from removing disabilities. Marrin states, And what is appealing about this early screening is thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ abortion and late abortion will be less frequently used in dealing with serious defects and disabilities. Although it is true that it would be easier to get rid of a tiny collection of cells, it cannot be considered as a proper solution. Whether one decides to abort a tiny collection of cells or a multi-month old fetus is nonetheless regarded as a decision to prevent birth due to genetic disabilities. While it is generally perceived to be true that people would prefer not to be born with a disability, Simone Apis of the British Council of Disabled People suggests that there are many people with disabilities who would prefer to be born. Apis also points out that people who support the idea of playing God indicate that a disabled persons life is placed at a lower. Humans have spent decades researching and enhancing their knowledge in the field of eugenics, but some have disregarded the fact that disabled humans are also humans. Life is indeed a precious gift that many disabled people will fight for their rights. Although life is perfect for no one, it is nevertheless worth living. Who is to decide what constitutes a life worthy of living? To say to a disabled person that they are equal and worth living while at the same time aborting and preventing fetuses with the same disability is unashamed hypocrisy. By altering, killing, or discarding embryos with disabilities, eugenics is exemplified at its worst, and demonstrating the extreme in fatal discrimin ation. Eliminating embryos that have impending disabilities is not equivalent to curing the actual diseases. Although people may be better off experiencing life without disabilities, they wouldnt be experiencing life at all if they were dead. If life was not worth living, then people would end it themselves. By providing the opportunity for every individual to experience life, it will be much more valued and cherished. People who attend schools with disabled children are proven to be more open-minded and innovative. Being exposed to such fundamental difference is simultaneously stimulating and educating. Thus, by eliminating the disabled from society may not be as beneficial as perceived. It may have an opposite effect on society, making us more bigoted, judgmental, and self-obsessed. Peter Singer is one of the most influential philosophers in the world. Singer is known as an animal rights activist, arguing that animals should share equal moral status as humans. Ironically, he supports euthanasia and infanticide for disabled human beings, greatly contrasting deontological values with his claimed utilitarian beliefs. His utilitarian beliefs support the overall quality of life and the ability to experience happiness. He suggests that perhaps for the disabled, life is not worth living, as their abilities to feel pain outweigh their abilities to feel pleasure. In his book Animal Liberation, he argues that the animals ability to experience pain is sufficient to put them on equal grounds with humans. He wishes to abolish all types of speciesism, where Homo sapiens are no longer superior species. On the other hand, Singer creates division among disabled people and non-disabled organisms. Singer is often criticized not because he includes animals in the realm of personhoo d, but because he leaves some humans out of it. He confirms that Its certainly nothing against people with disabilities that motivates my position. Its rather a desire to avoid suffering. It is paradoxical that Singers theory of utilitarianism can be applied so easily to the liberation of animals, but encompasses a wide range of problematic implications when applied to humans. If he chooses to diminish the sufferings of animals through liberation, why is it that he cannot do the same for disabled infants through minimization of their pain? In 1999, an article in The New Yorker identifies a crucial contradiction in Singers ethical beliefs. When his mother was suffering immensely from Alzheimers disease, portraying her as a nonperson under Singers morals, not only did Singer not euthanize her, but he spent tens of thousands of dollars every year to provide the best care for her. Singer always believed that spending money on charities towards diseases (ie: breast cancer, heart disease) was a waste of money, as he would rather give his money to improve the lives of the healthy rather than try to save the doomed. Singers response to his mothers illness was very sentimental, but it completely contradicted his utilitarian ethics. Singer is indeed a brilliant philosopher, but who is he to decide what is normal and that his ethical views towards the disabled are correct, when his overall ethical principles and actions are paradoxical within themselves? Stephen Hawking is one of the most outstanding individuals in the 20th century. Hawking is a world renowned astrophysicist and cosmologist disabled by a motor neurone disease known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. While studying at the University of Cambridge, he was diagnosed with the motor neurone disease at the age of 21. Being a fortunate survivor, Hawking utilises a voice synthesizer to talk due to his body paralysis. He furthermore describes himself as lucky despite his unfortunate disease, because his situation did not hinder him from having a family. It was the slow progression that provided him time to make influential discoveries. Hawking has been presented with an abundance of awards such as The Albert Einstein Medal in 1979, the Wolf Prize in Physics in 1988, The Copley Medal in 2006, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009, the highest civilian honour in the United States. Detecting a propensity for the disease which Hawking possesses in his parents could have led to his prevention or termination. AESTHETICS The advancement of technology has not only attempted to eliminate weaker genes, but it has also attempted to revolutionize aesthetic appeal. A liberal society should be able to accept a wide range of ideals of the good life. However, if a parent chooses characteristics which they think are ideal but can cause suffering to the child, boundaries must be drawn to roughly define ideal. For example, if parents of a specific religious sect wanted to hinder their future childs ability to read to protect them against a possible corruption of faith, the child must be protected. With that being said, the difficulty of drawing the line is evident, as it is difficult to find a common ground in which genetic choices will justify the protection of children. In that case, restrictions which protect children from parental harm after birth should also be utilized for protection against parental genetic choices. Some parents might think that their children would become more successful if they were mor e selfish, competitive, and aggressive. If many parents agreed with this thought, they would alter their own children with such characteristics so that they would not be disadvantaged. Decisions as such can lead to unwanted outcomes from the very people who contributed to them. In a society bounded with consumerism and the promotion of a single ideal identity, we are approaching a world similar to Gattaca, eliminating all groups perceived as inferior. Transforming a generation as a whole based on a couple of ideal characteristics may not be so ideal after all. SAT Scores/Intelligence An article entitled The Egg Market indicates that in the United States egg market, SAT scores determine the prices of a womans eggs. Although humans are far from understanding the true complexity of human genetic engineering, market forces have made their ways into the hearts and wallets of consumers. From the Georgia Institute of Technology, Professor Aaron Levine conducted a study of advertisements for egg donors. The applicants were required to submit their SAT scores and a precise description of all their physical features. Couples are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to purchase an egg from a woman with a superior appearance and specific ethnicity. Couples are also willing to pay up to $5780 per 100 SAT points. To customize a child with characteristics that do not belong to the parents themselves may create problems in the future. Parents usually identify with their children. They are often pleased when they see hints of their own characteristics glow from their child . Similarities between parents and children are what define the unchanging relationship, as parents will be able to sympathize with their children and build a stronger relationship mutually. However, if the children share no mutual features with the parents, despite the increased abilities in the children, parents would lose the sense of parenthood. This moreover raises the question of whether the parents should be allowed to customize their child with perfect characteristics. Obesity Regardless of age, obese Americans suffer from constant discrimination from many aspects of life including relationships, employment, and education. In fact, weight appears to be a more persuasive form of discrimination, even more than other appearance-related factors such as age, race, or gender. With derogatory implications with the appearance of obese individuals, other characteristics such as intelligence and compassion are often overlooked. Obesity has been paired with negative stereotypes such as dirty, lazy, ugly or stupid by children in nursery schools. In a survey conducted, it is stated that 16% of adult Americans would abort a baby with untreatable obesity. Furthermore, in 1988, another study conducted demonstrated that students would rather marry an embezzler, a drug addict, a shoplifter, or a blind person than someone who was obese. Technological Flaws To put human genetic engineering into practice is not a process that everyone can afford. As a result, only the wealthier families will be able to afford it. Individuals may be genetically engineered to be temporarily immune to certain diseases, as it is possible for another mutation of disease to arise. On the other hand, scientists have learned from experience that progressive technology generates pressures for its use. Consequently, if genetic engineering were permitted, it is highly possible that the technology would be utilized inappropriately, employed even if exercising a less risky method could establish a comparable outcome. There are also much justified concerns that genetic engineering practitioners will overemphasize the benefits while understating the risks of the overall procedure. Because of the insufficient knowledge in the field of eugenics and frequent risks, there is inadequate justification to authorize human genetic engineering. Until this day, the potential risk s to future generations outweigh the advantages to a small number of individuals. Discoveries and stabilizations of such practices can result in international recognition, awards, grants, and other measures of wealth, status, and power. These are all compelling incentives to overstate benefits, take objectionable risks, and dismiss valid objections. Under circumstances where there is no prevention of vast harmfulness and where a large number of people are put at considerable risk, it is obligatory to be cautious. When genetically engineered organisms live among society, they put everyone at risk, not only their creators. The term playing God implies that humans should not interfere with natural selection. However, it is undeniable human interference with certain aspects of natural selection led to new discoveries such as medications. On the other hand, controversies arise when there is human interference with natural selection through the alteration of genes. Cloning One of the many greatly feared outcomes of genetic engineering is cloning. It is hypothesized that cloning could lead to a utopian race as well as to the ultimate annihilation of individuality. The mixing and matching of components and proteins has yet to be mastered, thus, until further knowledge is obtained, genetic engineering on humans is visibly risky and unsafe. On July 5th, 1996, Dolly the sheep was the first mammal to be cloned. Being of the Finn Dorset breed, although she had a lifespan of 11-12 years, Dolly suffered some unusual diseases which led her to live a life out of the ordinary and die at the age of six. If humans were to be cloned, would the results correspond to the fate of Dolly? The flaws of cloning suggest that there is simply not enough information and knowledge to perfect this type of genetic engineering. In addition, Dolly was created from an ewes egg and a cell from another ewes body. Throughout this process, no semen of ram was utilized. If that were ever to be applied to human beings, it would greatly affect the morals and values of males especially in patriarchal countries. Males would no longer be necessary for reproducing and eventually the population imbalance would increase even more than presently. Through her novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelly attempts to alert the public to the consequences of tampering with life and death, where there are strong effects seen when toying with life. She furthermore presents a highly relevant caution against the dangers of the hubris that accompanies scientific knowledge. Scientists today are on the verge of becoming Frankensteins; relentless in their work and ignorant of the sanctity of creation. In the late 1990s, Dr. Hwang Woo-Suk from the Seoul National University conducted various cloning experiments, including the successes in cloning a cow, and dog, and an attempt at cloning human somatic cells. Despite knowing of the complexity of the DNA of a primate, Dr. Hwang continued to pursue his vision of cloning a human being. Eventually, he claimed to have successfully cloned human somatic cells, but was instantly shunned when there was clear evidence of fabricated data in his journals. As a result, he was charged with many accounts of fraud and embezzlement, throwing his entire career down the drain. In the long run, his allure to be the first scientist to break through with revolutionary discoveries eventually hindered his success. His desire for the top spot in the world of science eventually led to his dishonest actions which in turn led to his downfall as a scientist and a well respected person. Being able to clone Dolly, the first sheep, was a landmark. It is not uncommo n that Dr. Hwang would want to continue that enormous prestige, but sometimes the pressure of competition leads to actions that one would never think of undertaking. Morally, it is ultimately not beneficial to the human race as well as the scientific world. Similar to Dr. Hwang, many scientists are willing to risk their futures in an all or nothing gamble for the highest position. Scientists as such have defeated the overall purpose; they have failed to realize that the entire reason why scientists originally supported eugenics through human genetic engineering was to improve the lives of humans, rather than fight for a prestigious position in the world of science for self fulfillment. Human genetic engineering has always been a dangerous experiment to tamper with, but with the increases of selfishness, it is becoming not only technologically dangerous, but also morally hazardous to our society. Risks One of the most feared outcomes of genetic engineering is the possibility of producing an organism that will escape the control of its creator. This is exemplified through genetically engineered fish. As a transgenic animal, genetically engineered fish tend to raise problems when they interbreed with other fish that havent been genetically altered. If the process continues, it can potentially change the characteristic of wild fish in the most undesirable ways. The genetic engineering of humans presents more risks. As previously mentioned, our lack of technological knowledge could result in creating an organism turns out to be not as ideal as presumed. Furthermore, it is possible that different characteristics are genetically linked unpredictably. If this results in producing a race that was worse than expected, we would have no choice but to attempt to cope with them. There might be pleasant intentions for creating intellectual individuals only to know that they are genetically alter ed to be violent. Not only will there be catastrophic consequences, but the situation would be practically irreversible. Once the process starts, there is no going back. One must evaluate clearly before even entering the realms of human genetic engineering, as the great risks simply cannot justify the comparably minuscule benefits achieved. The risk of disastrous consequences should be enough to deter the uses of human genetic engineering. Philosophers or Scientists For/Against Genetic Engineering Human genetic engineering involves modifying the genotypes of humans before birth and manipulating certain traits of the individual. Furthermore, selective breeding as an attempt to bring out the best traits has also been practiced for centuries. The most prominent examples supporting Platos Republic is Nazi Germanys use of eugenics, eliminating the degenerates, the weak, the homosexuals, with hopes of improving the Aryan race as a whole. Adolf Hitler strongly believed that Germanys weakness originated from the weak and corrupt degenerates of society who were contaminating the German bloodstream. Adolf Hitlers use of Nazi eugenics not only sent the disabled to gas chambers, but also enforced sterilization against ones will. Sir Francis Galton was a massive supporter of eugenics. As a eugenicist, anthropologist, and proto-geneticist, Galton suggested that only by extinction of the weak can a society elevate as a whole. He wrote books such as Hereditary Talent and Character (1865) and Hereditary Genius, which states, Consequently, as it is easy, notwithstanding those limitations, to obtain by careful selection a permanent breed of dogs or horses gifted with peculiar powers of running, or of doing anything else, so it would be quite practicable to produce a highly-gifted race of men by judicious marriages during several consecutive generations. Despite supporting the risks of genetic engineering, DNA code and Nobel laureate Dr. James D. Watson states that genetic engineering within humans is a matter far too important to be left solely in the hands of the scientific and medical communities. Political philosopher Michael Sandel argues that genetic engineering is indeed a problem as it represents a kind of hyperagency a Promethean aspiration to remake nature, including human nature, to serve our purposes and satisfy our desires. Nobel Prize winning biologist and Harvard Professor, George Wald, once wrote, Our morality up to now has been to go ahead without restriction to learn all that we can about nature. Restructuring nature was not part of the bargain. For going ahead in this direction may be not only unwise but dangerous. Potentially, it could breed new animal and plant diseases, new sources of cancer, novel epidemics. Hitlers justification of enforcing eugenics is very similar to Platos justification. Both individuals wanted a pure race. In Hitlers case, he wanted a superior Aryan race and Plato wanted the Guardians to be a superior race. When Galton states that eugenics can produce a highly gifted race, he has not taken into the consideration the process behind the hypothesized result. Not only do Hitler and Galtons desire for an ideal race blind the real dangers in the progression, there is a higher possibility that the future is accelerating their fates of doom. Whether it is a Nobel laureate, a Harvard professor, or a political philosopher, the idea is the same. All three brilliant individuals understand the harm that stands in the way of enforcing eugenics through human genetic engineering. The process of altering nature can lead to dangerous and most importantly, irreversible modifications. CONCLUSION During the time of Platos Republic, Platos intentions for eugenics were intended to create a superior race. However, he has failed to realize that eugenics, especially through the process of genetic engineering, should be deeply prohibited, as it raises too many morally vexing concerns. The technology nowadays is insufficient to control the full process of genetic engineering. Despite this, humans are pressured under societal progressions to continue the process of revolutionizing the human race. Tampering with the nature of plants may result in positive and negative creations. Similarly, the genetic engineering of humans may lead to something revolutionary, but sometimes the promises of short term benefits will be plagued by long term misfortunes. The irreversible nature of human genetic engineering should be more than enough to hinder this process. Human genetic engineering leaves no room for errors, as the tiniest flaw in the processes can trigger fatal consequences that will affe ct the present as well as the future. It is necessary to conserve human diversity rather than homogenize the population. It is important to be sentimental towards the disabled, to question positive genetic engineering, as well as consider the numerous technological dangers. By enhancing intellectual skills, there could be a lack of resistance to a certain disease. In order to cope with the next century, we will have to alter and distort life of the planet, to the extent where the definition of being human is lost. Eugenics cannot be seen as the solution to eradicating disabled or aesthetically unappealing. Not only is that discrimination, but it also damages the society as a whole. With that being said, no matter how much we attempt to perfect human nature, there is bound to be a price to pay with every distortion.

Mind Map: Counselling Theories and Remote Mentoring

Mind Map: Counselling Theories and Remote Mentoring A mind-map design rationale According to Tony Buzzan[1], the goal of a Mind Map is to format information in a two dimensional fashion, in an easily retrievable format that is easy to review, allowing for easy association. The Mind Map is a method of reviewing great quantities of information â€Å"at a glance[2]†.Mind Maps are used as alternative methods of organising information in a manner that obviate linear thinking, in an attempt to work the way the brain works[3]. Different methods of Mind Mapping range from computer programs to hand drawing; with free-form hand drawing the most effective for incorporating brain-storming. Russell[4] states that during the Mind Mapping process, one should not â€Å"hold back† on ideas or thoughts, but include what comes to mind without judgement or boundaries. Landsberger[5] suggests that the Mind Map should develop based on the direction a topic takes rather than limitations imposed on mapping methodology or self-imposed boundaries. Within the field of psychotherapy and psychotherapeutic training, mentoring is an important concept. With the growth, development and generalised reliance in our society on computers along with the development of virtual working and training grounds, the concept of e-mentoring, or online mentoring is a high growth area and is one achieving attention in the literature. Therefore, this essay will focus on the development of a Mind Map with the central theme of e-mentoring. Specific topics related to detailed development within psychological schools of thought are considered beyond the scope of the current essay and as such, as explicitly omitted. Mind Map Design With the central theme of e-mentoring, there were many topics that vied for prominence as secondary central themes, however, four became primary in early thoughts on development: Training in psychotherapy Mentor Electronics/Computer Psychotherapy Based on the four pronged conceptualisation, the original mental image presented itself as the Greek symbol for psych, the three pronged fork with a base extension. In this case, the base extension was the use of computers and technology which is the underlying foundation for an e-mentoring programme. Unfortunately during the actual execution of the Mind Map development, so much information naturally flowed that the original mental picture of the design did not materialise. Mind Map researchers emphasise the use of colour in the design of one’s Mind Map[6],[7]. Colours were originally chosen for their visibility and distinctiveness from one another against the white background of the page, upon reflection. However, it is interesting to note the pink used for the mentor, as significant emphasis was on female mentor relationship issues and the generalised assumption that mentors would be female. Training in Psychotherapy was evidenced by turquoise coloured branches, which seems somewhat appropriate based in training needs being more clinical. Psychotherapy’s branch was in purple, also appropriate upon reflection, as the many modes and modalities of psychotherapy are about wellness; often represented in the media with purple. Finally, the surprising colour for computers and electronics, forming the base of the psych symbol was in green. One would normally not think of computers and technology as living, represented by green, however, in today ’s age, with technology being so important in our lifestyle and that of an e-mentoring programme, in many ways, computers represent life. Main branches in the design of a Mind Map are representative of sub-themes[8]. In this case, mentor, computers/electronics, psychotherapy and training in psychotherapy were all believed to be specific subdivisions of the e-mentoring process in the field of psychology/psychotherapy. Research states that sub-points are representative of additional levels of information, with the initial branches from the central theme representative of directly related important facts[9]. Although some Mind Map methods suggest linear composition[10] rather than free-flowing forms[11],[12], this writer chose to use a freer flowing format for the sub-themes presented. Russell[13] suggests using arrows, icons and other visual aids to show linkages whereas other researchers suggest using arrows to demonstrate connectivity[14]. Landsberger suggests the use of arrows with connectivity labels, even if the words are nonsense words with meaning attributable only to the Mind Map creator[15]. In this instance, linkages were depicted by double sided arrows, many of which were flexible and bended around objects or attributes. Several arrows/links representing relationships in the Mind Map designed around e-mentoring crossed between sub-themes or domains and due to colour coding and information congestion, were difficult to fully express. For example, the link between female mentor and psychotherapy was delineated as it is believed that the mentor role is in part counsellor[16]. Kotkov states that the mentee-mentor relationship is similar; based on the academic model, to that which transpires in the psychotherapeutic setting[17]. Another example is the integr ation between the four themes of cognitive behaviour therapy that are linked in the Mind Map: stimulus, thought, emotion and behaviour[18]. Looking to security risks inherent in the e-mentoring process, the link was drawn between emails and digital attachments[19],[20]. There were also very strong relationships/links apparent in the female mentor in the mother/daughter role, and in the mother mentor figure seen as the powerful parent[21],[22] that was noted via a linkage. A more convoluted, but none the less important linkage was illustrated in the psychotherapy branch by linking person-centred with relationships and effectiveness and critical engagement with both relationships and effectiveness, person centred with empathy and unconditional positive regard[23]. On the other hand, although concerns are shared about security, the security risks commented on through the integration of internet use noted by Kane[24] was not linked to the legal risks associated with mentoring noted by Heinrich[25] although both loosely relate to potential legal issues it was felt by this writer that internet security and the potential legal issues of the mentor-mentee relationship were distinct from each other. Personal Reflection As a personal approach to psychotherapy, this writer believes in a person centred approach that is heavily based on relationships for effectiveness in therapy. As a result, the links described above emphasising relationships as a key element of the psychotherapy sub-theme in the Mind Map demonstrates its lead in to person-centred psychotherapy. Other branches of the Mind Map explored other theories and therapeutic avenues, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, which were also important for display as evidencing those areas in which these theories no not fit within the structure of a person-centred approach. Lessons Learned and Conclusions The primary conclusion drawn from designing the Mind Map based on an e-mentoring (in the field of psychotherapy) central theme is the complexity and multiplicity of issues. While there are many that inter-relate and/or link with each other, the brain storming process involved served to spawn more ideas than originally thought, such that each of the original sub-themes could have actually become its own central theme in the design of a more detailed Mind Map. The original concept of designing the mind map was an exciting prospect – the central theme had been one I was projecting about as related to future needs. Thus, when the central theme was confirmed for the mind map it was believed that a unique opportunity presented itself to explore the central theme in a creative way allowing for free thinking, thinking outside the box, without any traditional or conventional boundaries. In many ways, although the mind map is unstructured in the creative process, it is still a structured development process as one drills down to more detailed concepts, issues and layers of a subject. While Landsberger[26] states that one should revise the mind map by erasing or editing, that seems to be contrary to the concept of mind mapping in the first place as a process which fosters creativity. Thus, upon reflection, without modifications, the current Mind Map feels cluttered. If one were to draw the mind map over again, the use of a sixth colour would be incorporated strictly to show links. Additionally, in the linkage process a variety of line types would be used to designate different linkages, for example a solid line to represent a direct relationship and a dotted or broken line to represent an indirect relationship. In many ways, staying focused was difficult. In the brain storming process, especially when one is not to make personal judgements, it is easy to get carried away. Thus, it appeared there was a fine line between free thinking and conforming. When getting near the edge of a page for example, the natural inclination was to think the branch was completely explored rather than rounding the corner or moving towards a free white space. Finally, the decision to hand-draw rather than use a computer program to create the map was a difficult one. The computer program was more likely to utilise its own intelligent system to draw the finished map, assure legibility and coherence. A hand-drawn mind map, on the other hand, was more likely to represent the structure in a creative manner rather than one obtained through linear thinking, as would be required for input into digital form. The most useful concept discovered in the creation of the mind map was ability to see links between concepts that might otherwise be left undiscovered. For example, when reviewing issues within psychotherapy of transference and countertransference; these were the same issues uncovered within the mentoring process, especially with the mixed feelings and power relationship structures of female mentors and mentees[27]. Another useful concept in the design and creation of the mind map was the discovery of how complex the issue of e-mentoring in the psychotherapy student environment. One tends to isolate conceptual topics and think of the central theme as very narrow when researching a topic. The mind-map process enabled a more creative perspective to draw out what one might consider ancillary themes only to discover they are major themes that interrelate and integrate with one another. In conclusion, this essay has explored design and development concepts of a mind map with the central theme e-mentoring in the psychotherapeutic and counselling environment. The design process was explored along with procedural strengths and weaknesses. In summation, the process of designing the mind map was believed a positive endeavour allowing for greater exploration. The result provided a grander view of the central topic and the ability to seek relationships between sub-topics or themes that might otherwise remain unnoticed. The ability to quickly see the entire picture painted via the diagram â€Å"at a glance† allowing the viewer to see all makes the mind map an excellent and effective learning tool. References Gannon, Joyce. Modern Mentoring. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)2006. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-155116925.html [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Gawrylewski, Andrea. Taking Mentorship Online. The Scientist, 21, 83 85)2007. Heinrich, Kathleen T. Doctoral Advisement Relationships between Women: On Friendship and Betrayal. Journal of Higher Education, 66, 447 469)1995. Kane, Daniel. Long Distance Mentoring Over Email. US Fed News Service)2007. Kotkov, Benjamin. The Perils of Supervision Teaching in the Psychotherapy Setting. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 8)2005. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:134955706 [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Landsberger, Joe. Concept- or Mind-Mapping. Study Guides and Strategies)2008. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.studygs.net/mapping [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Mahoney, Michael J. Essential Themes in the Training of Psychotherapists. Constructivism in the Human Sciences, 17, 43 59)1998. Mind Maps. Mind Tools, Ltd.)2008[Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS.01.htm [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Mulhauser, Greg. Evaluating Therapeutic Effectiveness in Counselling and Psychotherapy. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://counsellingresource.com/types/effectiveness.html [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Russell, Peter. How to Mind Map. The Spirit of Now)1997. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://peterrussell.com/MindMaps/HowTo.php [Accessed 29 June 2008]. Appendix A: Mind Map SENT UNDER SEPARATE COVER If you haven’t received it – please contact DD for retrieval. 1 [1] Cited in Mind Maps. Mind Tools, Ltd.)2008[Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS.01.htm [Accessed 29 June 2008]. [2] Mind Maps. [3] P. Russell. How to Mind Map. The Spirit of Now)1997. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://peterrussell.com/MindMaps/HowTo.php [Accessed 29 June 2008]. [4] Russell. [5] J. Landsberger. Concept- or Mind-Mapping. Study Guides and Strategies)2008. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.studygs.net/mapping [Accessed 29 June 2008]. [6] Mind Map. [7] Russell. [8] Russell. [9] Mind Map. [10] Landsberger. [11] Russell. [12] Mind Map. [13] Russell. [14] Mind Maps. [15] Landsberger. [16] B. Kotkov. The Perils of Supervision Teaching in the Psychotherapy Setting. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association, 8)2005. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:134955706 [Accessed 29 June 2008]. [17] Kotkov, 6. [18] G. Mulhauser, Greg. Evaluating Therapeutic Effectiveness in Counselling and Psychotherapy. [Online]. Retrieved from: http://counsellingresource.com/types/effectiveness.html [Accessed 29 June 2008]. [19] A. Gawrylewskia. Taking Mentorship Online. The Scientist, 21, 83 85)2007. [20] D. Kane. Long Distance Mentoring Over Email. US Fed News Service)2007 [21] Mahoney, Michael J. Essential Themes in the Training of Psychotherapists. Constructivism in the Human Sciences, 17, 43 59)1998. [22] Heinrich, Kathleen T. Doctoral Advisement Relationships between Women: On Friendship and Betrayal. Journal of Higher Education, 66, 447 469)1995 [23] Mulhauser. [24] Kane. [25].Heinrich, 460. [26] Landsberger. [27] Heinrich, 447 – 469.

Juvenile Delinquency Essay examples -- essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Juvenile delinquents, or youth that have been convicted of a crime, seem to be the norm these days. Citizens, families, and poliy makers want new programs and policies within the juvenile justice system. Researchers have found that the family structure can be a precursor to delinquent behavior, and families do not have the control or blance that they once did. As such, mew measures need to be implemented to help these families in crisis. Rehabilitation of the family unit is the answer, say many, not punishment. In response to this, new ideas have formed to rehabilitate the family unit, but first, the family structures that are precursors to delinquent behavior must be identified. â€Å"Family Life, Delinquency, and Crime: A Policymaker’s Guide,†compiled by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, introduces us to the theory that the family structure is a precursor to delinquent behavior. The authors and research contributors cite various family â€Å"dysfunctions† that contribute to delinquent behavior. Some of the family dysfunctions that the authors focus on are; parental criminality, parental interaction, parental supervision, and single-parent families. Parental criminality plays an important role in relation to delinquency, but based upon the stdies reviewed, poor parenting appears to be among the most powerful predictors of juvnile dleinquency. A good parent/child relationship has a positive impact on desistance from delinquent behavior. Two researchers, West and Farrington, sum it up by concluding in their research that, â€Å"the fact that delinquency is transmitted from one generation to the next is indisputabl e.† (West and Farrington, 1973, p.109) They also conclude that poor parenting is linked with delinquent behavior. Parental interaction and supervision, or lack of, also contributes to delinquent behavior. The authors are unequivocal in their beliefs and studies that children that have parents who do not interact with them, or supervise them are much more likely to become juvenile delinquents. Parents need to teach their children morals and values, and when there is a lack of parental interaction and supervision these morals are not being taught. Researchers also suggest that there is a direct relationship between single-parent families and delinquency. Most researchers agree that the trauma of separation fro... ...  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   4. Please use the space provided below to tell us how the FIP could better serve the needs of families. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Understanding the Benefits of Ethnic Divide Essay -- Racial Ethnic Rac

Understanding the Benefits of Ethnic Divide Does society truly stand to gain from what some might call a breaking of racial and ethnic barriers? When we as a society propose the overly-voiced concepts of 'embracing racial equality' and the 'dissolving of stereotypical values' in an effort to support societal efficiency, do we consider that perhaps these revolutionary ideals will hurt more than help us in the long run? The average individual, in an effort to function properly in the society to which he or she belongs, will follow that which society generally accepts as politically correct, as normal. The downside to this is the possibility of a society's ignorance to the greater picture or, rather, the future effects on economy and the civilization towards which we hold such value. It is obvious, especially in light of certain economic and undying cultural facts, that this adamant dream of bringing together the varying mismatched groups of the world population is not only futile -- when considering that it is in our nature as human beings to define and rationalize our surroundings by recognizing the natural differences in what we see -- but is also illogical with respect to the imposing threat this societal revolution imposes on the capitalist system to which we all owe our lives. The settling of racial and ethnic indifferences is commonly seen as a problem handled effectively by government inventions. Affirmative action, established in 1965 by US president Lyndon Johnson, is a system designed to overcome societal discrimination of the past by forcing privileges into the hands of minorities (Brunner, par. 1). These privileges translate into unquestioned college enrollment, job opportunities, and additional resources. Hera... ...5 Jan. 2001 . Anonymous. Free Palestine. 1999. 30 Sep. 2002 . Bollyn, Christopher. ?The Real Cost of US Support for Israel.? Axis of Logic. 20 Sep. 2003. . Stauffer, Thomas R. ?The Cost of Conflict in the Middle East, 1956-2002: What the U.S. Has Spent.? Middle East Policy Council. Spring 2003 . Anonymous. ?The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Basic Facts: Arab Countries versus Israel.? Israel Science and Technology. 15 Nov. 2003 . Province, Jonathan. ?World?s Richest Countries.? cylist.com. 2003. .

Pharmacy Tech Handout #1

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, exam scoring requirements per www. ptcb. org The pharmacy technician performs activities related to three broad function areas. The specific responsibilities and activities that pharmacy technicians may perform within each function area are:   I. Assisting the Pharmacist in Serving Patients (66% of exam)   |   A. |   Receive prescription/medication order(s) from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional 1.Accept new prescription/medication order from patient/patient’s representative, prescriber, or other healthcare professional 2. Accept new prescription/medication order electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or electronic transmission) 3. Accept refill request from patient/patient’s representative 4. Accept refill authorization from prescriber or other healthcare professional electronically (for example, by telephone, fax, or electronic transmission) 5. Contact prescri ber/originator for clarification of prescription/medication order refill 6.Perform/accept transfer of prescription/medication order(s)|   B. |   Assist the pharmacist in accordance with federal rules and regulations in obtaining from the patient/patient’s representative such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, disease state, medication history (including over-the-counter [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), allergies, adverse reactions, medical history and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and payor information (including both self-pay and third party reimbursement)|   C.   Assist the pharmacist in accordance with federal rules and regulations in obtaining from prescriber, other healthcare professionals, and/or the medical record such information as diagnosis or desired therapeutic outcome, disease state, medication history (including [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), allergies, adverse reactions, medical hi story and other relevant patient information, physical disability, and payor information (including both self-pay and third party reimbursement)|   D.   Collect and communicate patient-specific data (for example, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol levels, therapeutic drug levels, immunizations) to assist the pharmacist in monitoring patient outcomes|   E. |   Collect and communicate data related to restricted drug distribution programs (for example, thalidomide, isotretinoin, and clozapine)|   F. |   Collect and communicate data related to investigational drugs|   G. |   Assess prescription or medication order for completeness (for example, patient's name and address), accuracy, authenticity, legality, and reimbursement eligibility|   H.   Update the medical record/patient profile with such information as medication history (including [OTC] medications and dietary supplements), disease states, compliance/adherence patterns, allergies, medication duplication, an d/or drug-disease, drug-drug, drug-laboratory, drug-dietary supplement and/or OTC, and drug-food interactions|   I. |   Assist the patient/patient's representative in choosing the best payment assistance plan if multiple plans are available to patient|   J. |   Process a prescription/medication order 1. Enter prescription/medication order information onto patient profile 2.Select the appropriate product(s) for dispensing (for example, brand names, generic substitutes, therapeutic substitutes, formulary restrictions) 3. Obtain pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances, controlled substances, and investigational products) from inventory 4. Calculate quantity and days supply of finished dosage forms for dispensing 5. Measure or count quantity of finished dosage forms for dispensing 6. Process and handle radiopharmaceuticals 7. Perform calculations for radiopharmaceuticals 8.Process and handle chemotherapeut ic medications commercially available in finished dosage forms (for example, Efudex, mercaptopurine) 9. Perform calculations for oral chemotherapeutic medications 10. Process and handle investigational products 11. Package finished dosage forms (for example, blister pack, robotic/automated dispensing vial) 12. Affix label(s) and auxiliary label(s) to container(s) 13. Assemble patient information materials (for example, drug information sheets, patient package inserts, Health Information Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA] literature) 14.Check for accuracy during processing of the prescription/medication order (for example, National Drug Code [NDA] number, bar code, and data entry) 15. Verify the data entry, measurements, preparation, and/or packaging of medications produced by other technicians as allowed by law (for example, tech check tech) 16. Prepare prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacist 17. Prepare prescription or medication order for final check by pharmacy technician as allowed by law (for example, tech check tech) 18. Perform Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) required checks for radiopharmaceuticals|   K. Compound a prescription/medication order: 1. Assemble equipment and/or supplies necessary for compounding the prescription/medication order 2. Calibrate equipment (for example, scale or balance, total parenteral nutrition [TPN] compounder) needed to compound the prescription/medication order 3. Perform calculations required for preparation of compounded IV admixtures 4. Perform calculations for extemporaneous compounds 5. Compound medications (for example, topical preparations, reconstituted antibiotic suspensions) for dispensing according to prescription and/or compounding guidelines 6.Compound medications in anticipation of prescriptions/medication orders (for example, compounding for a specific patient) 7. Prepare sterile products (for example, TPNs, piggybacks, IV solutions, ophthalmic products) 8. Prepare radio pharmaceuticals 9. Prepare chemotherapy 10. Record preparation and/or ingredients of medications (for example, lot number, control number, expiration date, chemotherapy calculations, type of IV solution)|   L. |   Provide prescription/medication to patient/patient's representative: 1. Store medication prior to distribution 2.Provide medication and supplemental information (for example, package inserts) to patient/patient’s representative 3. Package and ship pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) to patient/patient's representative li>Place medication in dispensing system (for example, unit-dose cart, automated systems) 4. Deliver medication to patient-care unit 5. Record distribution of prescription medication 6. Record distribution of controlled substances 7. Record distribution of investigational drugs 8.Record distribution of restricted drugs (for example, isotretin oin, clozapine, thalidomide) 9. Record distribution of prescription/medication to patient's home|   M. |   Determine charges and obtain reimbursement for products and services|   N. |   Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage|   O. |   Communicate with third-party payers to obtain prior authorizations|   P. |   Communicate with third-party payers and patients/patient's representatives to rectify rejected third-party claims|   Q. |   Identify and resolve problems with rejected claims (for example, incorrect days supply, incorrect ID number)|   R.   Provide supplemental information (for example, disease state information, CDs) as requested/required|   S. |   Direct patient/patient's representative to pharmacist for counseling|   T. |   Perform drug administration functions under appropriate supervision (for example, perform drug/IV rounds, check pumps, anticipate refill of drugs/IVs)|   U. |   Process and dispense enteral products| II. Maintaining Medication and Inventory Control Systems (22% of exam)   Ã‚  |   A. |   Identify pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) to be ordered|   B.   Place routine orders for pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in compliance with legal, regulatory, formulary, budgetary, and contractual requirements|   C. |   Place emergency orders for pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in compliance with legal, regulatory, formulary, budgetary, and contractual requirements|   D.   Receive pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) and verify against specifications on original purchase orders|   E. |   Place pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) in inventory under proper storage conditions while incorporating error prevention strategies|   F.   Perform non–patient-specific preparation, distribution, and maintenance of pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products) while incorporating error prevention strategies (for example, crash carts, clinic and nursing floor stock, automated dispensing systems)|   G. |   Remove from inventory expired/discontinued/slow moving/overstocked pharmaceuticals, durable and nondurable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|   H.   Remove from inventory recalled pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equip ment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|    I. |   Dispose of or destroy pharmaceuticals or supplies (for example, hazardous substances, investigational products, controlled substances, non-dispensable products)|   J. |   Communicate changes in product availability (for example, formulary changes, recalls, shortages) to pharmacy staff, patient/patient’s representative, physicians, and other healthcare professionals|   K.   Implement and monitor policies and procedures to deter theft and/or drug diversion|   L. |   Maintain a record of controlled substances ordered, received, and removed from inventory|   M. |   Maintain a record of investigational products ordered, received, and removed from inventory|   N. |   Perform required inventories and maintain associated records|   O. |   Maintain record-keeping systems for repackaging, non-patient specific compounding, recalls, and returns of pharmaceutica ls, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)|   P.   Compound non-patient specific medications in anticipation of prescription/medication orders|   Q. |   Perform quality assurance tests on compounded medications (for example, end product testing and validation)|   R. |   Repackage finished dosage forms for dispensing (for example, unit dose, blister pack, oral syringes) Participate in quality assurance programs related to pharmaceuticals, durable and non-durable medical equipment, devices, and supplies (including hazardous substances and investigational products)| III.Participating in the Administration and Management of Pharmacy Practice (12% of exam)   |   A. |   Coordinate written, electronic, and oral communications throughout the practice setting (for example, route phone calls, faxes, verbal and written refill authorizations; disseminate policy and procedure changes)|   B . |   Update and maintain patient information (for example, insurance information, demographics, provider information) in accordance with federal regulations and professional standards (for example, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act [HIPAA])|   C.   Collect productivity information (for example, the number of prescriptions filled, fill times, payments collected, rejected claim status)|   D. |   Participate in quality assurance activities (for example, medication error prevention, customer satisfaction surveys, and internal audits of processes)|   E. |   Generate quality assurance reports (for example, compile or summarize data collected for evaluation or action plan development, root cause analysis)|   F. |   Implement and monitor the ractice setting for compliance with federal regulations and professional standards (for example, Materials Safety Data Sheet [MSDS], Occupational Safety Health Administration [OSHA], Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations [JCAHO], United States Pharmacopeia [USP])|   G. |   Implement and monitor policies and procedures for infection control|   H. |   Implement and monitor policies and procedures for the handling, disposal, and destruction of pharmaceuticals and supplies (for example, hazardous substances, investigational products, controlled substances, non-dispensable products, radiopharmaceuticals)|   I.   Perform and record routine sanitation, maintenance, and calibration of equipment (for example, automated dispensing equipment, balances, TPN compounders, and refrigerator/freezer temperatures)|   J. |   Update, maintain, and use manual or electronic information systems (for example, patient profiles, prescription records, inventory logs, reference materials) in order to perform job related activities|   K. |   Use and maintain automated and point-of-care dispensing technology|   L. Perform billing and accounting functions for products and service s (for example, self-pay, third-party adjudication, pharmaceutical discount cards, medication reimbursement)|   M. | Communicate with third-party payers to determine or verify coverage for products and services|   N. | Coordinate and/or participate in staff training and continuing education|   O. | Perform and/or contribute to employee evaluations and competency assessments|   P. | Participate in the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of the practice setting’s policies and procedures  |