Apprasial Essay Example

Apprasial Essay Appraial Employee Training and Development in Health Care Organizations Sean Ackerman Human Resources in Health Care Organizations May 7, 2011 The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership Harvey Firestone, American Businessman We will write a custom essay sample on Apprasial specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Apprasial specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Apprasial specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Introduction Training is a process whereby people acquire capabilities to aid in the achievement of personal and organizational goals. In the healthcare industry, employee training and development is multifaceted and complex. It must address state and federally mandated regulation requirements, organizational objectives and needs, and leadership development. This must all be delivered and documented in an organized and consistent fashion. In the simplest of terms, the training process is tied to a variety of organizational purposes and can be viewed in terms of immediate need and/or long-term objectives.5 Context In the limited perspective, training provides employees with specific, identifiable knowledge and skills for use on their current job. This type of training can present in many forms; from a newly hired employee who needs orientation to department and/or hospital operations, to introducing a new concept in technology or a new computer system to the entire organization. Whatever the reason for conducting a training session, it is important for a company to develop a comprehensive, on-going and consistent training program. This training process is essential in keeping staff motivated about learning new concepts and keeping the organization profitable. Leadership development is broader in scope and focuses on providing individuals with the opportunity to gain new capabilities useful for both current and future jobs. Developing leadership skills in current employees benefits both the organization and the individual. Experienced and knowledgeable employees and managers enhance organizational competitiveness and strengthen the organizationâ„ ¢s ability to adapt to a changing environment. In this development process, individual careers may evolve and gain new or redirected focus.2 A crucial component of leadership development is succession planning; a process of identifying a longer term plan for replacement of key employees. This is a complex process in terms of implementation. However, successful implementation of this process impacts the strength of a department as a whole. The manager that has this plan in place demonstrates strong leadership skills.5 Research Findings Analysis In the United States of America, employers currently spend approximately $60 billion annually on training. For the average employer, training expenditures run at least 1.5% to 2% of payroll expenses and average $677 per eligible employee according to a study by the American Society for Training and Development. Historically, health care organizations have lagged behind in training expenditures in comparison to organizations in other industries but training in health care organizations has evolved significantly over the past decade. There is the growing recognition by employees that training is vital to their personal growth and continued employment and success. As part of strategic competitiveness, employees whose capabilities stay current and who receive regular training are better able to cope with the challenges and changes occurring in health care. Additionally, the training process provides management with the opportunity to assess the skills and abilities of the employees and to identify potential future organization leaders.5 Training in health care organizations is offered in both non-clinical and clinical areas and is delivered via a variety of avenues. In the non-clinical area, health care training includes fire safety, sexual harassment prevention, corporate responsibility, patient safety, customer service skills, quality improvement, diversity awareness, and personal computer courses. The cost of this training is offset by increased revenue as a result of enhanced employee knowledge and skills. For example, a customer service skills training session can provide an organization with high patient satisfaction scores. These high scores directly equate to increased patient volumes and revenue.8 In the clinical area, the accreditation process for the health care industry drives the need for training in organizations. Health care organizations are legally mandated to provide consistent training to ensure that high quality medical care and safety is delivered to all patients. While medically licensed personnel employed by health care organizations, including physicians, nurses and technologists must meet annual continuing medical education requirements to maintain state licensure.8 Health care organizations in the 21st century face continuing challenges in meeting the performance expectations of critical stock holders including consumers, payers, regulators, and other providers. As the baby boomer generation ages, bringing high expectations and increased service volumes to the health care system, a new and overwhelming labor shortage is likely to emerge. Demand for top talent is intense and individuals will choose organizations that afford them meaningful opportunities for growth and development. Results of a survey by the Health Management Academy of Executive Leaders in Health Care and Fortune 500 Companies show a clear consensus that strong leadership is the key to organizational success. Only 41% of health care executives were satisfied with the strength of their current leadership development programs.11 Of additional concern to the health care industry are the results of a study by the Advisory Board which predict a 15% drop in the health care leadership pool over the next several years. To meet these challenges, leading health care organizations are designing and executing leadership development initiatives to lay the foundation for sustained long-term organizational growth and success.7 As with routine annual training, employee development begins with analysis of the needs of both the organization and individuals. Both the organization and the individual employee should assess the employeeâ„ ¢s needs by way of development. The goal in assessment is always to identify strengths and weaknesses. Methods brought into play by organizations to assess development needs can include the use of assessment centers, psychological testing, and performance appraisals. Evidence indicates that analysis of the individualâ„ ¢s development requirements frequently receives insufficient attention in many organizations. Leaders are also expected to demonstrate alignment and energy relative to mission, vision, values and the organizationâ„ ¢s culture and strategic priorities. Effective leadership development programs would include significant emphasis on values integration and communication.11 Technology The amount of each type of training, short-term and long-term, performed varies by organizations and depends on strategic planning, resources, and needs identified within the organization. Once the training plan has been designed, the actual delivery of that training can begin. Initially, the training process should be piloted on a trial basis in order to ensure that the training does indeed meet the identified needs and that the design is appropriate. Approaches and methods of training available vary and when ever-changing and improving technology enters the equation, the choices expand almost daily. Various considerations need to be balanced when selecting training approaches and methods. Some common variables are the nature of the training, subject matter, number of trainees, self-paced versus guided instruction, costs, time allotment, and completion timeline. The delivery of training in the health care system includes on-the-job preceptorship by a supervisor or another proficient employee, in service education on new products, policies and processes, continuing education classes, and training workshops or seminars.5 New technologies are being incorporated into training delivery, design, administration, and support. Health care organizations are investing in electronic registration and recordkeeping systems that allow trainees to register, participate in and record exam results for assigned training. The organization is then able to monitor learning progress. To support training, there are computer applications providing training known as electronic performance support systems. Organizations that utilize computer based programs have required training available for employees at all times. Various reports can be run from these computer based systems, making the information readily available for any accreditation organization inquiring about training for employees that has been performed.5 In the future, as learning and work continue to merge, technology will become seamlessly integrated into the employeesâ„ ¢ work environment. The Importance of Leadership Development The benefits of a comprehensive leadership development program can be represented along a continuum spanning from the individual employee only, through the employee plus the organization and ending with the organization only as illustrated below. Unfortunately, too few companies are committed to employee development.7 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BENEFITS CONTINUUM Employee Employee + Employer Employer ^ skills boosts morale v employee turn-over ^ knowledge clear company vision ^ productivity ^ job satisfaction ^ motivation fosters new ideas ^ compensation ^ trust prime market position ^ marketing for new hires Through corporate training programs, the individual employee is able to acquire new skills and knowledge, as well as, increase their qualifications and ultimately enhance their overall job satisfaction. Obviously, staff development is an expense but companies fully committed to providing continuous opportunities for employee learning, growth and development generate returns on their investments in terms of increased employee initiative, motivation, trust, and reduced turn over. Companies benefit just as much as the employees from investment in training and education, particularly in terms of having a recruiting edge for the most qualified job candidates. When employee development is performed strategically, a partnership develops among training and development professionals generating greater clarity and agreement among employers and their managers as to business direction, goals and priorities. As a diagnostic tool, development planning allows for the ability of employees to articulate, with precision, the business goals of the organization and the increased value to the business as a result of completion of training programs. I have personally experienced leadership development in my organization. I began my career many years ago with no particular goals in mind. As years went by, I realized I was on a track towards being a leader. The executive team had implemented a talent in sight program for managers and I had been identified as an employee with the ability to move ahead in the organization. Even though I have the ability to be a strong leader, my formal education is not on target with the goal. The CEO has strongly encouraged me to continue my formal education, so that future opportunities within the organization will be available to me. As it turns out, returning to college to receive my degree was one of my better decisions. Thankfully, I work in an organization where leadership development is a priority. Development of Leaders There are many elements for creating the best possible learning experiences for leaders, including the fundamental principals that inform our leadership development efforts and the most effective learning methods.10 Trust and personal credibility form the foundation for leadership. They should also form the foundation of leadership development. Successful leaders must be able to build and sustain trusting relationships with a highly diverse group of people. Intensive training in interpersonal skills is fundamental to every successful leadership effort. Trust and leadership abilities cannot be built over the internet. Leadership is a relationship between human beings and if successful leaders are to be developed, they must be brought together in one room.10 One of the most valuable ways to build trust and to assist the leader in getting a rounded view is to provide 360 degree feed back. This is the single most valuable tool to provide leaders with a realistic agenda for development. Forward-looking is the one attribute that differentiates leaders from other credible people. Constituents want their leaders to have a vision of the future, to know where they are heading. A respectable business cannot be built without predicting the stumbling blocks that can occur down the road. Proactivity is the key to successful leaders. Leadership development should be offered to all employees. Leaders can come from anywhere and must come from everywhere. Everyone who wants to lead must have a plan for her or his own development and take charge of executing that plan. Potential leaders need to be encouraged to get clarity about their strengths and weaknesses. The desire for learning can be inspired, but it must be nurtured continuously. Coaching is critical to that process.5 Conclusion Basic economic resource ¦.is no longer capital, nor natural resources ¦.nor labor. It is and will be knowledge. 4 There is no question that continued learning has merit. However, blinded by cost issues, some organizations forfeit guaranteed return on investment by not implementing a consistent training program for employees. Unfortunately, some learning takes place only after we acknowledge our mistakes and faults.9 Health care organizations are being subjected to ongoing changes in technology and consumer interests and preferences. Learning capabilities help organizations adapt to the ongoing changes. Focusing on training and development is making an investment in the organizationâ„ ¢s future. True success comes from emphasizing both short term operational considerations and long term developmental ones. Health care leaders must creatively meet the demands of these complementary priorities. References 1 Baptist Health Care: Where Staff Retention Drives Patient Satisfaction, A Case Study of the UCSF Center for the Health Professions from http://www.cpp.com. 2 Bring Out the Leader in Each, from http://www.allbusiness.com 3 Bolstering Staff Soft Skills Helps Hospital Face Major Challenges, A Case Study of St. Lukeâ„ ¢s Hospital and Health Network from http://www.cpp.com. 4 Druker, Peter (1993) Capitalist Society. HarperCollins, New York, NY. 5 Flynn, Walter J, Robert L. Mathis, John H. Jackson, Patrick J. Langan (2007) Healthcare Human Resource Management, Second Edition. South-Western Cengage Learning, OH USA. 6 http://www.allbusiness.com 7 Oâ„ ¢Toole, James, Edward E. Lawler III (2006) The New American Workplace. Palgrave MacMillan, New York, NY. 8 Smith, Shawn, JD, Rebecca Mazin (2004) The HR Answer Book. AMACOM, NY USA. 9 Spath, Patrice L. (2007) Guide to Effective Staff Development in Health Care Organizations: A Systems Approach to Successful Training. 10 Ukens, Lorraine L. (2001) What Smart Trainers Know, The Secrets of Success from the Worldâ„ ¢s Foremost Experts. Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, San Francisco CA. 11 Wells, Wendy, William Hejna (2009) Developing Leadership Talent in Healthcare Organizations: There are five key areas in which healthcare organizations can better foster the development of strong leaders among their employees. Healthcare Financial Management, from http://findartticles.com. Cascio, W. (2010). Managing human resources: productivity, quality of work life, profits. United States of America: McGraw-Hill. ?   Colquitt, J, Lepine, J, Wesson, M. (2011). Improving performance and commitment in the workplace. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

The NGOs Role Within Australias Democracy †Government Essay

The NGOs Role Within Australias Democracy – Government Essay Free Online Research Papers The NGOs Role Within Australias Democracy Government Essay The role of NGOs in Australia’s system of democracy is an issue of increasing relevance and significance within public discourse. NGOs have been placed under proliferating scrutiny and reconceptualization within our political landscape. This has been characterised by increasing conservative neo-liberalist philosophical underpinnings rationalised within economic rationalism’s model of entrepreneurship and free market competition. (Maddison, Denniss and Hamilton 2004 p1) The roles, responsibilities and challenges facing NGOs are numerous and ever-changing with â€Å"greater confusion about the non-profit sector and its role than before.† (Fitzgerald 2004 p1)It is important yet difficult for these NGOs to juggle values, purpose and determination within the broader context of political climates and societal change. The need for NGOs to clarify their roles and responsibility within the Australian system of democracy is of profound significance within our changing societal paradigm moving towards conservatism, privatisation and overriding neo-liberalist philosophies contrasting the Keynesian welfare model upon which societal constructs has until recently drawn heavily upon. (McDonald and Marston 2002 p3) NGOs have been faced with a consequential need to articulate roles and defend their actions and ideologies as governments and conservative organizations focus not on the positive processes and outcomes of NGOs for their service users and the community but rather the threat that they pose to the conservative equilibrium created within the neo-liberalist agenda, particularly in relation to their support from the community and the advice they provide to governments and corporations. (Mowbray 2003 p4) NGOs play a unique and invaluable role within Australia’s system of democracy in playing an intermediator role between the government, the community and the corporate for profit sector, creating public forums of debate involving varying individuals often with diverse or underrepresented needs, representation of disadvantaged and marginalised groups, providing direct involvement in policy formation and change, providing uncompromising quality services to the community and striving for high levels of transparency and accountability of governments, the corporate sector and their own organizations. The construction of a public sphere of consultation, discussion and debate may be argued to be a fundamental underpinning of the democratic process as well as â€Å"to the development of good public policy and a well functioning democracy†. (Maddison, Denniss and Hamilton 2004 p1) NGOs provide a platform from which alternative views and experiences may be expressed and often advocate on the behalf of or assist in a process of empowerment of marginalised and disadvantaged groups. This enables a public voice previously unheard or disregarded increasing access to decision making processes effecting individuals and communities and moving towards a more egalitarian holistic approach incorporating the needs of all stakeholders. The legitimacy of these roles of NGOs has been placed under increasing scrutiny with a highly contested movement away from the involvement of NGOs in public decision-making processes. The decreasing public trust of governmental and corporate entities has concurrently been juxtaposed by an increasing level of public trust and involvement with NGOs and community participation (Maddison, Denniss and Hamilton 2004 p2) The legitimacy of NGOs subsequently has been called into question under right wing conservative ideology referring to NGOs as â€Å"a growing power of an unelected few† (Fitzgerald 2004 p5) undermining and questioning their authority, motivations and views. Thus a strengthening conservative agenda has emerged questioning the right of NGO’s to be involved in public political discourse and calling for the silencing of dissidence through intimidatory means or withholding funding. This contradicts democratic principles of free speech and the right to question gove rnmental actions to which NGOs oppose and hope to overcome rather than engage in self-censorship or external body control as a means of self-preservation. NGOs have played an increasingly significant role in representing disadvantaged and marginalised groups and bringing a collaborative and rights based approach into the public agenda. Citizenship and involvement within the democratic process are constructed as a framework for participation â€Å"as citizens with a range of collective identities rather than as individualised clients or customers† (Ryan 1995 in Sawer and Jupp 1996 p40) NGOs are thus playing an increasingly significant role in the meaning making process assisting in the activation of voices and perspectives of those often unrepresented and unheard within political and societal discourse. This is working in contradiction to the neo-liberalist attempt to â€Å"converge to weaken or abolish collective standards and solidarities† (Bourdieu 1998 p3) and the Darwinistic market neoliberalism increasingly upheld and prioritised within our growing conservative governmental epoch. This representation may involve cr eating open discussion and public forums, direct involvement in planning, implementing and reviewing policy processes and governmental decisions and working towards the capacity building and empowerment of individuals and communities to articulate and represent their needs and opinions within the public sphere. The NGOs operational objectives and function are important in reflecting on the their role within the system of democracy. The provision of uncompromising quality services to the community maintaining philosophies, values and priorities in everyday functioning is an integral aspect in working towards broader aims and objectives regarding societal structures and change. In providing this, NGOs can act as intermediaries between governments, communities and corporations with integrity and genuine transparency and accountability for their actions. Accountability is a central role and issue intrinsic within service provision and the multifaceted public discourse of our system of democracy. NGOs have a responsibility to the community, the government and other organizations to provide transparency and accountability for their actions and the processes undertaken working within their ideological frameworks and understanding. In providing this accountability they provide a milieu within which to question the actions and accountabilities of governments and other organizations involved with the community and the democratic state. Criticism has been mounted against NGOs relating to accountability under the neo-liberalist conceptualisation of the NGOs as an illegitimate entity with its self-interest of paramount concern. However NGOs have reflected that it is their role and responsibility to remain answerable and open to their actions and support improving accountability frameworks, benchmarking and co-responsibilities between NGOs an d governments. (Fitzgerald 2004 p6) Within the case study of the proposal for the Social Science Student’s Society (SSSS) stakeholders play a significant role in the creation of a student’s society enabling a communicative forum, participation, feedback, open and critical discussion and the creation of a cohesive collective of social science students within the university. These two stakeholders, the students and the university engage from differing conceptualisations and ideological positions underpinning their approaches and understanding of the role of NGOs. The students take a structural ideological position in relation to the role of NGOs understanding the power imbalances and inequality systematically inherent to their position and within the organizational framework of the proposed social science student’s society. Within the broader spectrum of the university and the governmental policies and practices influencing the varying levels of their experience the students can observe and understand the societal power imbalance imposed under a top down non-consultative approach. The student’s are aiming to bring about participatory change focusing on the thoughts, ideas and experiences of social science students questioning the current systemic limitations of the university including a belief that â€Å"participation is limited due to current school structures, which do not encourage their participation† (SSSS Proposal 2005). An underlying belief that students have the right to open participatory forum, a cohesive commu nity and involvement in planning processes regarding their education is underpinning the role of the SSSS, and an understanding of this within the confines of the universities limitations and societal realm is articulated. The students and SSSS thus construct the role of NGOs as working against recognised systematic inequalities and limitations activating the voices of the marginalised and oppressed in order to bring about positive outcomes and greater societal change. Another key stakeholder within this proposal is the university. The universities approach and ideological position can be understood on a more conservative level than the students however is not unaware of the challenges imposed by power imbalances and inequality such as an inability of the system to incorporate the voices and opinions of the majority. The university takes a pluralist ideological standpoint examining the students and the SSSS proposal and maintains this viewpoint in the broader role of NGOs. The university is able to recognise the varying needs of students and those engaging with the university and is aware of its role in working with these groups to achieve positive outcomes. It maintains this without directly focusing upon a broader actualisation of social problems within the context of societal oppression and systematic inequality, rather focusing on specific issues effecting specific groups within the university and recognising the often unequal distribution of p ower among these groups. The university may conceptualise the broader role of NGOs to work towards achieving goals with varying groups and decrease the effects of inequality and oppression. NGOs may do this without significantly affecting the status quo however may question societal structures in the best interests in alleviating marginalisation and oppression of individuals and communities. The ideological underpinning may have a vast impact on the outcomes for the organization as the various frameworks of understanding of societal structures and approaches to change construct the foundations from which viewpoints are developed and actions are undertaken. The structuralist ideological position holds a greater potential for comprehensive and holistic change, focusing on the varying levels and structures of society from which power imbalances and oppression arise. The focus is centralised on significant and multifaceted change which if achieved is likely to prove successful, as the examination and analysis of all systems of power and change are included in the social change approach. The structuralist ideological position within specific instances however may prove extremely challenging and problematic for an organization to approach. The far-reaching implications of top down systematic inequalities and oppression are complex and possibly daunting issues to tackle; and in specific instances it may not be possible for an organization to approach and change entrenched viewpoints or inequalities deriving from powerful systems over which the organization has little to no control. The pluralist ideological position acts as intermediary in understanding society and social change and due to this attaining positive outcomes and strengthening the positions of marginalized groups and alleviating aspects of inequality may be quite achievable. This may prove to be very beneficial to the groups involved with the organization if their interests are represented however an overall problem with the pluralist approach is its failure to deconstruct and conceptualise the broader spectrum of societal problems. Outcomes may be affected as immediate, short or medium term outcomes may be achievable, however working towards long term or systematic changes may not be encapsulated within the scope of a pluralist approach as they may be when working within a structuralist ide ological framework. References Aja, F.S. (2005) Proposal for the Social Science Students Society [unpublished document] Bankstown: University of Western Sydney. Bourdieu, P. (1998) The Essence of Neoliberalism. [online] Venezuela Analitica Editores. Available from – www.analitica.com/bitbioteca/bourdieu/neoliberalism.asp [Accessed 28 August 2005] Fitzgerald, R. (2004) Challenges, choices and opportunities for Nonprofit Organizations. National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organizations. 16 September 2004. Australian Council for International Development. Mowbray, M (2003) War on non profits: ‘NGOs: What do we do about them?’ Just Policy.30 (July) 3-13. McDonald, C. and Marston, G. (2002) Fixing the Niche? Rhetorics of the community sector in the neo-liberal welfare regime. Just Policy. 27 (August) 3-10. Maddison, S and Denniss, R. and Hamilton, C. (2004) Silencing Dissent: Non-government organizations and the Australian democracy. Discussion Paper Number 65 June 2004. [online] The Australia Institute. Available from – tai.org.au/Publications_Files/DP_Files/DP65.pdf [Accessed 25 August 2005] Bibliography Mills, S. (1994) A Summary of Community Work and Ideology. [unpublished document] Lismore TAFE. Mowbray, M. (2004) Getting NGOs out of the tent: The IPA’s campaign against charities. [online] Victorian Council of Social Services. Available at – tear.org.au/resources/harambee/041/04_ngo-out-ofthe-tent.htm [Accessed 30 July 2005] Sawer, M. (2002) Governing for the Mainstream: Implications for Community Representation. Australian Journal of Public Administration. 61(1) March 39-49. Sawer, M. and Jupp, J. (1996) The Two-Way Street: Government Shaping of Community-Based Advocacy. Australian Journal of Public Administration. 55 (4) December, 82-99. Research Papers on The NGOs Role Within Australia's Democracy - Government EssayRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesBringing Democracy to AfricaPETSTEL analysis of IndiaThe Project Managment Office SystemOpen Architechture a white paperIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into Asia

Coca Cola (Coke) Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Coca Cola (Coke) Report - Essay Example Contents Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 1. Introduction Coca Cola boosts of having the highest brand equity in the world. According to surveys, one of the most recognized words in the world is â€Å"Coca Cola†. The product Coca Cola continues to dominate the carbonated drinks market despite sturdy headwinds and is well ahead of its competitor Pepsi. Considering a slow but steady move towards non-carbonated healthy drinks, the product has faced mounting pressure to boost and enhance its promotional activity across the globe in order to maintain market share which has seen a decline from 2005-2010 (Euromonitor International, 2011). This report shall investigate and describe the promotional mix and strategies that have enabled the Coca Cola brand to uplift and maintain the leadership of its carbonated Coke beverage across the globe. 2. Promotional mix From partnerships with renowned international brands to using celebrities in advertisements to keep the youth hooked, Coke has effec tively been promoted through all promotional media. In 2006, for instance, Coca Cola distributed approximately 70 million codes of songs inside Coke’s packs which were redeemable at Apple’s i-tunes store (Telecomworldwire, 2006). ... The diamonds had three shapes namely round, marquise and princess each of which corresponded to personalities attached to Vanilla Coke, Lemon Coke and Coke Light respectively (Hargrave-Silk, 2004). This was one of the most expensive promotional campaigns of its times beating its rival products such as Pepsi. This strategy also reflects how Coke’s lifestyle-oriented promotions aim at aspiring young, exuberant, contemporary men and women. The attributes of the Coke drink are reflected in its advertisements. For instance, one of the ads depicted a confident, bold and sexually appealing customer at a restaurant where Coke was sponsoring a giveaway (Hargrave-Silk, 2004). As mentioned earlier, Coca Cola has effectively used psychological marketing in its promotional mix. The company has also partnered with Parts Connection (a motor trade dealer) whereby a can of Coke is given with every purchase worth $100. The can is worth $1,000 of petrol (Motor Equipment News, 2009). At the end o f a particular period, the labelled cans can be used for drinking Coke (Motor Equipment News, 2009). This has given cash starved customers another reason to purchase spare parts from this dealer. The product has such a huge fan following that some of the company’s promotional efforts have fallen short of its customers’ expectations. As part of its regular line of promotion, the Coke brand has been running an online loyalty program for its Coke fans which has become a source of disappointment for its loyal fans. These fans claim to have collected several codes from bottle caps in return for points only to discover that few of the expensive products (against which the points are redeemable) have run out of stock

Object-oriented vs traditional structured Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Object-oriented vs traditional structured - Essay Example It is indispensable to note that object oriented programming remains as the most high-level, flexible, and reusable program compared to structured programming. Object oriented programming (OPP), is much advanced than the structured programming languages since it incorporates three important principles of software development like encapsulation for data hiding which is not common in structured system. Structured programming is the application programming method created in a top- down coding style with functions oriented structures. The structured programming employs the programming mechanisms of dividing program source codes into modules, which consist of control statements like loops, library or user defined functions. The development and implementation of structured programming happens sequentially. Object oriented programming promotes the communication of objects and functions in the main program and the classes in private or public manner. There are three characteristics of object-oriented programming which the structured programming does not have for example the encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism (Pecinovscy, 2013). In contrast, structured programming takes the top-bottom approach in the development of its codes while OOP remains organized into classes and embedded with functions that control the data within the classes. Secondly, structured programming is based on data structures and subroutines while the object oriented has object that supports polymorphism or reusability accelerating system design hence the reduction cost in software development. Structured programming split tasks into modular forms improving the readability and the simplicity of its coding system. While in the object oriented programs each object code structure include the data and the statements controlling the data flow. There is no reusability in the structured code systems while in coding system of the OPP codes there is reusability meaning a section of codes can find use

Destruction of our environment

Destruction of our environment Deforestation Issues in Brazil In recent years one of the biggest threats the world as a whole faces is the destruction of our environment. The destruction of the Brazilian rainforest is probably the most important issue that should be taken into consideration because it is the cause of other major ecological problems we are facing such as: global warming, the depletion of our ozone layer, and noticeable climate changes around the world. Brazils deforestation problem has turned into earths deforestation problem. Experts say that not too long ago 14 % of the earth was covered with rainforests. Today only 6% remains and everybody focuses their attention on Brazil because 30% of the remaining rainforests are found in that country (Rain-tree). Deforestation is so dangerous because much of the carbon dioxide that all countries produce is turned into oxygen in the rainforest through the process of photosynthesis. Experts say that 20% of the earths oxygen is produced in the Brazilian rainforest. It is estimated that 90% of all animal and plant species live in the Brazilian rainforest so extinction is another major issue (Rain-tree). The money that deforestation brings to the Brazilian government is a huge motivator since it is a developing country. There are several ways and reasons for which rainforests are destroyed. The major cause of deforestation is logging. The forest is most valuable for its timber so its preservation would cost a lot of money. Commercial loggers destroy huge parts of the forest to reach the trees they want. Trees are brought down and along with them their vines and lianas, which are connected to other trees. When these come down, along come large canopies of green formed above the ground by these vines and lianas. The removal of the trunks cause extra damage since they are carelessly pulled out of the rainforest, destroying and damaging anything in their path. The large machinery compacts the fragile soil with their large tracts, making it very difficult to regenerate. Noise pollution and the destruction of the zone frighten animals living in the area, making them flee to other parts. Commercial loggers make roads to reach other parts of the forest easier. A road connecting point A to point B will disru pt plant and animal life anywhere near it. The roads are then used continuously and animals are forced elsewhere. What most hurts the forest about logging is local people without land that build their homes next to these roads, they are called ‘shifted cultivators (Hect 115). Shifted cultivators usually result when peasants land is ‘stolen by the government because large corporations or companies unjustfully buy the land. These ‘land less people then build their homes inside the rainforest and plant food in order to survive. The Brazilian government blames these people for 60% of the deforestation (Hect 210). In Brazil over 40% of land that is good for cultivating is owned by only 1% of the population (212). Another major cause of the deforestation problem is agriculture. When areas of rainforest are destroyed, ranchers or crop growers move in and clear the entire area. Cattle grazing is very common. Ranchers move in with their livestock and use it to graze until the land is completely barren and stripped of nutrients. After destroying a section, they simply move to a different area and repeat the process. Crops that are grown on rainforest land bring the same consequence; barren, unfertile soil. The problem results when farmers plant crops on the land and begin using pesticides and machinery on the soil. The pesticides alone cause extreme damage to the rainforest. After cultivating their crops farmers leave the useless land and, like the ranchers, move to a different area. These are the major causes for the rainforest destruction but there are many more. Mining in the forest is also a contributor because of large machinery that disrupts life in the area, moves native tribes elsewhere and contaminates the air. For example, Brazil built several hydroelectric dams because they feared an energy shortage. Large sections of the rainforest were cleared to build the dams. This caused erosion problems around the area and animals and tribes living close to the dams had to move. The dams caused several water borne diseases that contaminated the area. According to a World Bank report, Brazil had enough energy to supply to its entire people without having to have had built any of the dams (Causes ). Practices like these, which bring in quick money but leave irreparable damage are drastically reducing the rainforests size. An example of this is how the Atlantic coastline of Brazil has been reduced to 1.7 % of its original state because of cattle grazing (Rain-tree). Experts estimate that in one day 137 plant, insect, and animal species become extinct, equating to 50,000 species each year (Rain-tree). 2.5 acres of rainforest can be the home of over 750 different trees, while a single pond in Brazil can hold more fishes than all of the rivers in Europe (Rain-tree). It is hard to imagine but the Brazilian rainforests has about 3,000 different types of fruits, when only 200 of these are used in the Western World (Hect 110). Rainforests contain half of all animal species living on earth (Rain-tree). Because of human intervention in these rainforests animal species are disappearing about 1000 times faster than they would on their own natural rate. When one species disappears the whole ecosystem is changed and other species that depended upon the first begin to die out until they also become extinct. This chain reaction has wiped out thousands of different species of animals. Most indigenous people living in the rainforest depend on the animals for food and some are believed to be sacred because they are part of their beliefs. When species become getting extinct these peoples lives are affected tremendously. Clear cutting, mining, and dam building are all form of intervention that result in endangered species. The introduction of foreign species into the rainforest further develops the problem since this throws the ecosystem off balance and the different species struggle to fit in, sometimes by killing off others. The poaching of wild animals in the rainforest is another major problem. Furs and exotic birds are very popular among richer countries. Poaching has become more and more common and the extinction rates sore higher each year. Because of economic necessity most poor families living in the rainforest recur to this act by setting traps and capturing animals that are popular on the international market. Animals are sold for very low prices and resold in other countries for much more higher prices. International wildlife trading is a business that makes between 2 3 billion dollars a year so one can see why many local Brazilian people are tempted into it (Rain-tree). Extinction does not only affect animals. Each year thousands of plants in the rainforest become extinct. One fourth of our pharmaceutical medicines in the Western world come from the rainforest. Local people in Brazil use rainforests plants medicinal values greatly. Most indigenous tribes use plants as medicine. Examples of the importance of these plants: Over 70 percent of the plants which are attributed to having anti-cancer properties are found in the rainforest (Hect 139). Unfortunately the Madagascar Periwinkle, a rainforest plant, increased the chances of survival for children with leukemia from 20 percent to 80 percent (Rain-tree). This equates to 8 out of 10 children who are now living thanks to the properties of a single plant found in the rainforest. The Madagascar Periwinkle is now extinct in the wild because of deforestation. The sale of medicines that are plant-based topped 40 billion dollars in 1996 in the United Sates alone (Rain-tree). Forests are destroyed by the second and very few, only 1 percent, of the plants are tested for medicinal properties. Scientists believe that if a cure for AIDS exists it is probably hiding in some rainforest plant (Rain-tree). Most of the plants that are know to have medicinal properties were discovered by indigenous people who have been using them for years in the rainforest. Another major problem is that shamans, or medicine men, who have hundreds of ingredients to plant properties are very elder and if that person dies without passing his knowledge to younger generations everything he knows is lost. As if the extinction of plants and animals were not enough, deforestation has been the cause of many indigenous tribes living in the rainforest to be ‘wiped out. From over 6 million indigenous people inhabiting the rainforest of Brazil in 1500, only 250,000 still exist today (). Mining, ranchers, corporations among others have quickly been killing off tribes in a gruel fight for territory and interest. There are dozens of different tribes living in Brazil. Each with different customs and traditions but they all share certain characteristics. They are all dependent upon the Brazilian rainforest to survive. They kill wild game for food, live in small areas in the forest planting crops for food and live very secluded from ‘civilization and the rest of the world. Indigenous tribes have taught us that earth and man can live in peace. Not only are they threatened by outsiders interested in the land but by their younger generations who move out to the city and thus, lose the val uable information that the elders want to pass on, especially medicinal values of plants found in the rainforest. Indigenous people usually lose their land when they are moved because ranchers, miners, or logging companies decide they would like to purchase the territory. The intruders usually begin ‘slashing and ‘burning the territory they want and expect any tribe nearby to move to a different location. Many times the military is called in and the tribes are forced out of their land. Their human rights are usually ignored by the government and invasion of territory usually end up in bloody conflicts with the ‘intruders. These people depend on the rainforest to survive. The problem, as can be seen, is not only dangerous on a national level but worldwide. Another of these major ecological problems whose main cause is deforestation is global warming. Let us examine how global warning occurs: the sun releases heat which is absorbed into earths atmosphere. Earth then returns some of that heat in the form of radiation waves, part of the heat is absorbed by gases in the earth such as carbon dioxide and methane. This process keeps the earth warm. Trees absorb the carbon dioxide and through the process of photosynthesis convert it to oxygen. As we keep reducing the size of our rainforests, which are responsible for 20% of the oxygen produced in earth and as we keep releasing more and more ‘greenhouse gases, which are carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide into out atmosphere each year, the ecosystem is thrown off balance. These gases make earths climate warmer each year and so produce global warming (Global Warming). Global warming could bring catastrophic results to the planet in general. Sea levels would rise, causing an ecosystem unbalance plus the relocation of people living near the coasts. Countless animals and plants that would become extinct because of climate change. Species would have to migrate elsewhere causing unbalance in their lives. Agriculture would be affected tremendously since climate would change throughout the world, causing serious droughts and floods that would cost billions of dollars a year in lost revenue. Above the earth is a thin layer that helps keep atmospheric gases inside earth and acts as a shield from harmful rays emitted by the sun. The greenhouses gases mentioned above are deteriorating this protective layer, they are burning holes in it which permit the suns rays to enter our atmosphere easily. The sun rays that are entering the atmosphere are so strong that they act as radiation hitting us everyday. Skin cancer is becoming more and more common in recent years because of the ultraviolet rays that enter through the depleted ozone layer. People suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma are also on the rise, because of the high levels of pollution we are suffering from large cities. ‘Why keep destroying? you might ask, after reading all the negative effects deforestation might produce. The answer can be given in one word: money. Brazil is a country that is in a stage of development and deforestation is the main source of revenue. Logging is extremely profitable for companies. The wood is used to make furniture, materials, and other wood products. Charcoal comes from the rainforest as well as paper. The United States, Great Britain, Belgium, and Japan are the biggest ‘customers (Solutions). Another sad thing about this is that these companies pay extremely low prices per acre and making billions in profits. The government is selling their property for prices incredibly low prices compared to the amount other countries are making off them. On the other hand, if Brazil was not selling the rainforest then it would have very little, if any, source of revenue. Many economists say that the destruction of the rainforest is inevitable and only ‘natural. Brazil needs more ‘room for its people since the population keeps increasing each year according to them. Economists also argue that if Brazil was n ot selling its rainforest then the country would be sunk in extreme poverty, crime, and they argue that we would still be losing it. According to Bjorn Lomborg, author of The Skeptical Environmentalist, everything we are fed by the media about the problem of deforestation is a lie. Bjorn states that pessimist news sells so therefore the media exaggerates the truth greatly. According to him the rainforests are not disappearing as fast as we think and the problem is not ominous. â€Å"80 percent of the original forest cover is still in place then just about 20 percent of all tropical forests have disappeared† (Lomborg 114). On the issue of global warming Bjorn presents interesting information. According to the author â€Å"plants produce oxygen by means of photosynthesis, but when they die and decompose, precisely the same amount of oxygen is consumed† (115). Trees neither produce or consume oxygen according to his hypothesis since it is an equal distribution of give and take. He criticizes disinformation presented by other sources because according to him they have no grounds or bases for their allegations. In his book, he reminds us of when President Carter warned us that we would have very little, if any, rainforest by the year 2000 in his Global 2000 environmental report (113). Rapid destruction or slow destruction of our planets rainforests the problem is there. There are many things we all can do in order to protect our forests from further deforestation. According to experts the rainforest will yield more profits if it is used for its fruits, nuts, oil and medicinal plants than if it is destroyed now for short term gains. The labeling of timber to be sold would be a giant help against deforestation. Labels indicating â€Å"sound wood† would be sold and customers with a more open and aware conscious would purchase timber that is not endangering any ecosystem. Another huge solution to the problem is paper. If we consumed less paper thousands of acres of rainforest timber would be spared. Through another perspective, Brazils government needs to help fight its overpopulation problem since that is a giant factor with deforestation (Solutions ). The government needs to educate its people and make them aware of the present problem and the magnitude its c onsequences can bring. Without an educated, aware society no plan or agreement will work. The fact that Brazils rainforest is disappearing is undeniable. Whether it is going in slow or fast pace does not matter very much. We, as a society need to help protect the rainforests not only because of their beauty but because of the importance in this planets balance with nature. As stated before, the problem does not affect Brazil only, it is a delicate issue whose consequences affect every living thing on this planet. Unless we take action today tomorrow might be too late.

Norman Mclean’s A River Runs Through It :: Norman Mclean A River Runs Through It

Norman Mclean’s A River Runs Through It explores many feelings and experiences of one â€Å"turn of the century† family in Missoula, Montana. In both the movie, directed by Robert Redford, and the original work of fiction we follow the Mcleans through their joys and sorrows. However, the names of the characters and places are not purely coincidental. These are the same people and places known by Norman Mclean as he was growing up. In a sense, A River Runs Through It is Mclean’s autobiography. Although these autobiographical influences are quite evident throughout the course of the story they have deeper roots in the later life of the author as he copes with his life’s hardships. The characters in the movie and book are taken straight from Mclean’s life. From the hard working, soft centered, minister father, to the drunken, â€Å"down on his luck†, brother-in-law, Neil. The character of Paul appears the be the most true to life member of Norman’s family. The audience quickly becomes familiar with Paul and his quick-tempered, always ready for anything attitude. This is evident in the beginning of the story with Paul’s frequent phrase â€Å"...with a bet on the to make things interesting (Mclean 6).† â€Å"It was almost funny and sometimes not so funny to see a boy always wanting to bet on himself and almost sure to win (Mclean 5).† Unlike Norman who was rigorously home schooled every morning, while Paul seemed to escape this torment. The boys would spend their afternoons frolicking in the woods and fishing the Big Blackfoot River. The differences that developed between Paul’s and Norman’s fishing styles b ecome evident in the published versions of Mclean’s life as well as his real life. Norman followed the traditional style taught by their preacher-father, ten and two in a four -count rhythm, like a metronome. The four-count rhythm, of course, is functional. The one count takes the line, leader, and fly off the water; the two count tosses them seemingly straight into the sky; the three count was my father’s way of saying that at the top the leader and fly have to be given a little beat of time to get behind the line as it is starting forward; the four count means put on the power and throw the line into the rod until you reach ten o’clock-then check-cast, let the fly and leader get ahead of the line, and coast to a soft and perfect landing (Mclean 4).

Pax Americana: The Importance of Soft Power Essay

There are two main ways through which a country can lose its ascendancy. First, it can be defeated militarily by a stronger, rising power. Second, it can rot from within, its culture and institutions progressively becoming weaker while its economy stagnates. Joseph Nye Jr. , in his book The Paradox of American Power, argues early on that America is in no immediate danger of â€Å"rotting from within†, as was the case with ancient Rome. Citing statistics to buttress his point, Nye shows that the negative media (both local and international) coverage received by the United States have little factual basis. While the country is not exactly where it wants to be in terms of morality and culture, it is certainly far from being the social Sodom and Gomorrah that it is portrayed to be. While the country lags some countries (notably those in the European Union) in many social metrics, it is nevertheless substantially better-off than the rest of the world in such terms. Neither is the U. S economy undergoing major problems. Despite the many doomsday predictions, the U. S. economy is growing at a respectable rate and continues to maintain the high standard of living that Americans have enjoyed for the past twenty to thirty years. While the trade challenges posed by China and the European Union may prove problematic in the years to come, they are nevertheless still manageable at present. Thus, it appears that that the United States is not going to collapse on itself in the near future. What Might Cannot Accomplish: The Case for Soft Power With regards to military power, no one can argue that the United States is in any danger of losing its hegemonic position. However, Nye posits the argument that the United States must learn not to rely on this aspect of its national power alone. One of his key contentions is that military power is not enough to maintain the ascendancy of the United States in the coming century. Also known as hard power, military power is an important part of the country’s overall strength – but it should not be the only fount of influence from which the country draws. In a rapidly globalizing world, soft power, e. g. , economic and cultural strength, must be seen as being as important as its military capabilities. Power not only consists of brute force, but also of influence and persuasiveness. The author agrees that if the United States is to achieve its foreign policy objectives, then it must learn not only to use its soft power, but to widen its scope in the years to come. Other than terrorism, a number of issues can only be resolved by acknowledging that we live in a deeply interconnected world. Issues such as pollution and global warming, the spread of AIDS, drug trafficking, and human slavery cannot be addressed by any one country in isolation – even if that country is a superpower. Because the relationships between state and non-state actors are increasingly intertwined in a mesh of common interests, then global multilateral cooperation is the only viable alternative that the world – the United States included – can choose. Current events would seem to prove this point. While the United States remains the world’s predominant military power, it is becoming increasingly clear that it cannot achieve its goals through unilateral military action. Indeed, the present war in Iraq is a clear indication of the United States’ limitations, especially when battling non-conventional organizations such as terrorist cells. Military might is an important tool in battling terrorism on a global scale, but the help of other countries – especially when it comes to intelligence gathering – will be increasingly required. In other words, only a multilateral approach will have an appreciable effect on a global hydra such as terrorism. Similarly, only by using such an approach will the U. S. e able to make progress on a variety of global issues. Recognizing the Times: Forming a Sound Foreign Policy Nye believes that American foreign policy is too dependent on its military power, pointing out that the military receives sixteen times the funding that the diplomatic service does. As he points out, the military corps is important – but not sixteen times as important as diplomatic corps. As we enter the new millennium, the latter must gain more importance if the U. S. is to maintain its power. The era during which the U.  S. could promote its national self-interest through military power alone is fast fading, if not already gone. The United States must learn to adapt to a new international political environment, one wherein it must strive to be looked up to as much as feared. Transnational problems cannot be solved in isolation, and America will need friends and allies if it is to make any lasting progress. However, it is also clear that the United States must not simply begin to act multilaterally on a sweeping number of issues. Rationality must be pursued at all times. There are situations in which the privilege to act unilaterally must be exercised by the United States, especially when it comes to issues of national defense and survival. Neither should the U. S. allow itself to be bound to international pacts that will restrict it excessively, or will allow other countries undue leverage over it. The key here is balance: finding the right mix between protecting America’s current national interests, as well as its future credibility and influence with the world community. A corollary to the preceding statement is that the United States must continue to provide global leadership by providing global public goods, such as international order and a free market system. While some may argue that such a policy inevitably spawns free riders, the U. S. must nevertheless push through with ensuring the availability of such public goods, not only because they benefit the country directly, but also because they make America indispensable to the world, in effect legitimizing its power. The author agrees with Nye on such counts. America stands at a crossroads today; the path it chooses to take will determine its future position in the world. If it decides to play the tyrant, it will suffer the usual fate of tyrants. However, if it chooses to adapt itself to the changed international political environment, it will ensure not only its survival but also its eminence. When Theodore Roosevelt said that he would â€Å"speak softly but carry a big stick,† he was formulating sound foreign policy. What American leaders should notice is that he mentioned â€Å"speaking softly† before the â€Å"big stick. †