Algebraic expressions.Elementary and Intermediate Algebra Essay

Algebraic expressions Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the introduction to Algebra, the first assignment for the first week will involve using real numbers in place of integers to simplify expressions. Everyone needs to take his/her time to grasp the rules and the steps which are followed in algebra as this will form a concrete base for the algebraic expression understanding. One needs to understand the mathematical fundamental elements so as not to incur problems in solving any algebraic problems. For instance, one needs to be clear with the properties of integers as these are the same properties which apply to the real numbers. The first step in dealing with equations is removing the parenthesis. If an equation requires you remove the parenthesis from the equation, distribution becomes a necessity. Like terms should be grouped together when multiplying the integers that are inside the parenthesis to perform any indicated operation (Dugopolski, M.(2012  ), 2, p.67).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The following is how I attempted to handle the assigned equations in the simplest form. In the left side of the page, I have put the mathematic equation, and in the right side there is my explanation of the steps I followed. 2a(a-5)+4(a-5) Equation =2a ²-10a+4a-20 remove the distributive properties from the parenthesis = 2a ² -6a-20 then we get the coefficient. =a ²- 3a – 10 then we simplify the expression. In the next equation, 2.  2w-3+3(w-4)-5(w-6) the equation =2w-3+3w-12-5w+30   remove the distributive properties from the parenthesis =2w+3w-5w-3-12+30 then we get the coefficients and. =15 combine them In the third equation, 3. 0.05(0.3m+35n)-0.8(-0.09n-22m) the equation =0.015m+1.75n+0.072n+17.6m remove the distributive property from the parenthesis =0.015m+17.6m+1.75n+0.072n simplify by putting the like terms together and =17.615m+1.822n combine them References Dugopolski, M. (2012  ). Elementary and Intermediate Algebra. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Source document

Walden and Transcendentalism

Henry Thoreau’s masterpiece, Walden or a Life in the Woods, shows the impact transcendentalism had on Thoreau’s worldview. Transcendentalism is a philosophy that asserts the primacy of the spiritual over the material. Transcendentalism puts the emphasis on spiritual growth and understanding as opposed to worldly pleasures. Thoreau’s idea of transcendentalism stressed the importance of nature and being close to nature. He believed that nature was a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. A walk in the woods therefore was a search for spiritual enlightenment.One should look ‘through’ nature, not merely ‘at’ her. In Walden, Thoreau’s idea of transcendentalism is broken into three areas. The first is the importance of the spiritual world as opposed to material wants. He accentuates this idea by explaining how the physical world only exists so that souls can experience life to the fullest. Thoreau speaks a great deal about physical prope rty in the first chapter, entitled â€Å"Economy†. He keeps a detailed record of the economic cost of his venture into the woods and explains to his readers his pity for the people who have numerous material possessions.Thoreau states, â€Å"When I have met an immigrant tottering under a bundle which contained his all†¦I have pitied him, not because that was his all, but because he had all that to carry. †[1] The second transcendentalism theme is the idea of individuality- the idea that an individual is unique and should act according to his personality and ideals. Individuality is a basic idea of the transcendentalists and they firmly believed that one should search for ‘self-discovery’.Thoreau observed, â€Å"Every man is the builder of a temple, called his body, to the god he worships, after a style purely his own, nor can he get off by hammering marble instead. †[2] He emphasized the â€Å"style† as an individual style, one that was distinctive to each person. He even told his readers in Walden that he went into the woods to search for knowledge and truth. Self-discovery and individuality were also attributed to any other characters in Walden that were mentioned. Thoreau takes great pains to describe each character, even down to the farmer’s â€Å"wrinkled, sibyl-like, cone-headed†[3] infant in chapter 10, â€Å"Baker Farm†.He makes sure his readers understand the unique attributes of each individual in his experiences. As Thoreau once said, â€Å"It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate. † The final prominent transcendentalism theme expressed in Walden is the importance of experiences. Transcendentalists believed personal experience is how one learned. Literally, people learned everything the hard way. Thoreau demonstrated this clearly in the experiment of living in the woods for two years. He explains in Walden that he wanted to experience living simply fo r an extended period of time.Notice that Thoreau did not speculate, draw conclusions, or even ask someone who had tried it. The only way, in his mind, that he was going to learn about living simply was to undergo it personally. In speaking about life in the chapter, â€Å"Where I lived and What I Lived For†, Thoreau said,â€Å"†¦if [life] proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. †[4] He emphasized living and feeling everything to be able to understand life and its meaning.Walden is often viewed as simply a proponent of environmental care and nature. However, it persuades the reader to do much more than take care of nature. In fact, nature is not even the most prominent ideal in Thoreau’s writings. The thesis of Walden is clearly stated in the first few pages of the book. Thoreau writes, â€Å"With respect to luxuries and comforts, the wisest have ever lived a more simple and meager life than the poor†¦None can be an impartial or wise observer of human life but from the vantage ground of what we should call voluntary poverty. [5] The entirety of the â€Å"Economy† chapter is devoted to material possessions and Thoreau’s idea that the physical pleasures exist only to help the soul endure. Very little time is spent on the goodness of nature. When it is mentioned, it is shown, as was stated above, that nature serves as a sort of looking glass to spiritual ideals. Because this book was quoted often by radical groups in 1960-70, Walden became a sign of disobedience and rebellion to the conservative community. However, there are a few ideas of which Christians can approve. The first is non-materialism.Thoreau quotes Matthew 6:19 saying, â€Å"By a seeming fate, commonly called necessity, they are employed, as it says in an old book, laying up treasures which moth and rust will corrupt and thieves break through and steal. It is a fool’s life, as they will find when they get to the end of it, if not before. †[6] He takes great pains throughout the entire book to make sure his readers understand that material possessions should not be the only thing in which people place all of their happiness. The second idea Christians can applaud is the idea of individuality.As was mentioned above, Thoreau kept the Transcendentalist idea of a person’s individual worth in his writings. Because of this belief, he was one of the most outspoken human rights activists in his lifetime. He wrote A Plea for Captain John Brown supporting John Brown’s efforts to end slavery. Thoreau said, â€Å"I do not believe in erecting statues to those who still live in our hearts, whose bones have not yet crumbled in the earth around us, but I would rather see the statue of Captain Brown in the Massachusetts State-House yard, than that of any other man whom I know. I rejoice that I live in this age, that I am his contemporary. [7] His belief in the basic human rights of every man stemmed from his support of individuality and the unique worth of every person on this planet. Even though there are a few ideas that Christians can applaud in Walden, there is one of which they should be wary. This idea is the idea that rebellion and disobedience towards government is acceptable if one believes the government is wrong. Ralph Waldo Emerson, in his eulogy for Thoreau, articulated this idea, saying that Thoreau opposed the government. Thoreau disrespected government officials by refusing to obey tax laws and paid for it by spending a brief time in jail.However, many people, instead of realizing the negative influence Thoreau was creating, idealized him for his ‘patriotic’ stance. Thoreau says in Walden, â€Å"One afternoon, near the end of the first summer†¦I was seized and put into jail, because, a s I have elsewhere related I did not pay a tax to, or recognize the authority of, the state which buys and sells men, women, and children, like cattle at the door of its senate-house. †[8] He did not recognize the authority of the government because of the slavery in the country. Even though slavery is immoral, Romans 13:1 clearly states, â€Å"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. †[9] The Bible articulates that Christians must be subject to those whom God has placed into authority. Thoreau discourages this idea and instead institutes an attitude of rebellion. Christians should be cautious of this attitude and worldview. Very few instances occur in which Christians should rebel against authority. The only instance where they should rebel is under a government which demands that its citizens disobey God’s orders. Walden was written many years ago and ye t, society can still learn from the author’s words.Whether the ideas are detrimental or helpful, everyone can agree that Thoreau was a strong Transcendentalist with a distinct mindset. This mindset affects everyone who reads his works. Emerson once articulated that Thoreau inspired many around him through his idealistic thinking. Thoreau has inspired, and will continue to inspire, numerous people through his book, Walden or a Life in the Woods. ———————– [1] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 56. 2] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 175. [3] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 161 [4] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 74 (brackets added) [5] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 16 [6] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 9 [7] â€Å"Thoreau–On John Brown,† Virginia Commonwealth University, http://www. cu. edu/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/thoreau/johnbrown. html (accessed September 15, 2010). [8] Henry David Thoreau, Walden ; and Civil Disobedience (New York: Barnes and Nobles Classics, 2003), 137 [9] â€Å"Passage: Romans 13:1 (ESV Bible Online),† Good News / Crossway Home – Christian Books, Gospel Tracts, and the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, http://www. gnpcb. org/esv/search/? q=Romans 13:1 (accessed September 15, 2010).

Change Management in Semantic Web Services

Change Management in Semantic Web Services Change Management in Semantic Web Services in Legal Domain using FSM & XXM Introduction With the new paradigm of Service Oriented Computing, many enterprises attempt to utilize services as fundamental elements for developing applications/solutions as an additive layer on top of existing components. The Web Service Controller Architecture (WSCA) for service-based, enterprise-scaled business solutions provides exactly this flexibility. The design, exposure and management of services can be accomplished through a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) that supports the usage, composition and coordination of services in a loosely coupled manner. Web services appear to be particularly suitable for addressing these aspects of a SOA. Furthermore, composition languages such as BPEL add value by composing Web services and facilitating the implementation of business processes. As the SOA paradigm brings this big behavior change relying on loose coupling of services it raises new questions in the area of change management. Change management is a central aspect in any software design, but its complexity for Web services is increased by both composition languages and loose coupling. The resulting advantages like composability, autonomy, message-based communication, and the avoidance of combined compilation and binding prove to be deficiencies in this context. In this paper we discuss these elementary challenges of change management in the area of Web services (Web Service Change Management, WSCM). Currently there are no sound mechanisms and engineering principles for changing Web services and their related entities. Through analysis of a suitable scenario, specifically looking at the details of the Web service provider and consumer roles, one can identify the various problems that exist in this domain. Therefore we will start our approach with the consideration of an application scenario from the business domain of application and change management, the addition of Web servic es in private legal sector. An Overview of a WSCA A WSCA consists of several autonomous outsourced Web services, but acts as a virtually coherent entity. Business entities, in the form of Web services, are often geographically distributed and organizationally independent. While WSCA has a potential to introduce new business opportunities through dynamic alliances, the challenges of fully realizing a WSCA lie in managing changes during its lifecycle through Extreme X Machines (XXM). XXM: In this paper we explore the design changes as made to software projects by the use  of a formal model known as Extreme X-Machines (XXM) [5,6], which  are based on the work of Eilenberg and Holcombe [7,8]. An XXM model describes the functionality of the software without defining exactly how this functionality is achieved. This perspective allows an analysis of functional change whilst excluding specific implementation or requirements issues. XXM are a state based model, they are intended to be us ed by developers as a method to design  their systems from at the top level but here, XXM are used as effectively to analyze and incorporate changes in, even addition of new web services. Each model typically consists of a set of states which correspond to screens in the final system and functions which link the screens together. The functions are typically labeled with an enabling action such as â€Å"click_ok† which corresponds to a user clicking the OK button.

Professional standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Professional standards - Essay Example These principles arise from case laws. It can also be distinguished by the fact that breach depends on the actions of an individual and not on a previous agreement between parties as seen in contract law (HODGSON, et al, 2007). There are some examples of tort law which include; negligence, intentional torts, and nuisance. Negligence is the most common type of tort where the behaviour of an individual poses an unreasonable risk to people or property. The tort of negligence is established when it can be proven that there is an existence of duty of care between the two parties who are the defendant and the plaintiff. Secondly, when proven that the loss of harm was reasonably foreseeable. Also if it is established if there is a breach of duty on the part of the defendant. This is where it is proven that his behaviour falls below the threshold set for a reasonable person. Finally, negligence is proven if due to the defendant’s breach, there was loss or injury to the part of the pla intiff. Nuisance is a tort which implies that people should not interfere with other people right to quiet through the noise and pollution. If they do so, they are liable under the nuisance tort law. Finally, intentional tort covers acts that are reasonably foreseeable to cause harm and cause harm. ... This is where the defendant needs to prove that the plaintiff was responsible for injury to some degree. If this is proven, the claimant will not recover anything. Also, the claimant recovers nothing if it can be proven that he voluntarily submitted himself to the injury, and he had knowledge of the risk. Finally, if it can also be proven that the injury or harm was as a result of the actions of a third party (LEVINSON, 2002). Statement analysis Looking at the below statements, some aspects clearly come up. â€Å"The standards of the profession, for example, are presumed by law to be reasonable standards. Such evidence is not by itself conclusive. It is not enough to act in accordance with a general practice if it ought to be apparent to a reasonable man that it is a negligent practice.’’ C.D. Baker (1991) These aspects include: the standards of profession where professionals are held according to the standards that are reasonable for a person within that profession. A person is not found guilty as long as they act according to what is expected in their field of work. This is seen in the case of Bolam Vs Friern Hospital Management Committee in 1957. In this case, Mr Bolam was a voluntary patient in a mental institution run by the Friern Hospital Management Committee. In the agreement, Mr Bolam agreed to undergo an electro-convulsive therapy. However, the procedure did not go well as he was not given a muscle relaxant. When he sued the hospital for neglect, it was seen that it was a common practice for professionals not to warn patients if the risk is small. It was also concluded that a medical profession should not be held guilty of negligence when he acts within his scope. They are not found guilty of neglect just because a

Communications Best Practices When Identifying Critical Infrastructur Research Paper

Communications Best Practices When Identifying Critical Infrastructures - Research Paper Example Public service agencies communication airwaves have inherent device connectivity challenges that must be overcome by an installation of a communication system that is capable of averting the challenges. The best connectivity infrastructure must be flanked by the general outline of the systems used in a region. Interference of communication lines by the relevant public safety agencies must be reduced to negligible levels, to facilitate an around the clock service delivery and at an emergency handling capacity. Wireless communication spectrum in use by the communication system in lace must demonstrate a capacity to handle the various safety surveillance systems without running out of reach. Wireless bands in use by various public safety services officials must create an internetworking capacity that is handled by the principle of interoperability discussed below. Using the CARVER matrix in the infrastructure level of safety assurance, it is possible for emergency handling systems to avert various deficiencies. The acronym represents six vital features that must be in place to contain disaster risks. Criticality, Accessibility, Recuperability, Vulnerability, Effect and Recognizability are used in various applications for systems analysis for the relevant application in question. In public security service agencies, the matrix is used to calculate the level of risk exposure to various dangers that face the system such as public buildings and other infrastructure. Corresponding application of the matrix values allows the assessment to formulate response options using the infrastructure’s capacity to handle the identified risks. Using the values, the infrastructure in question can be evaluated and weaknesses obtained thereon used to design and implement the appropriate response capacity that is missing. Interoperability in safety communica tion systems is a conglomeration of the best disaster response program, by facilitation of the appropriate connectivity to allow efficiency in managing disasters.  

Analyze inputs of UPS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Analyze inputs of UPS - Essay Example category known as: (1) environment; (2) resources; (3) organizational history; and (4) strategy will be provided followed by discussing the reasons why these inputs are considered the most critical. Eventually, the impact of the identified inputs towards the organization including the any forms of potential problems that are significantly associated with insuring the availability of the identified inputs will be tackled. Prior to conclusion, several ways in which the identified inputs interact with each other will be explained in details. Given that UPS serves the world market, the most critical environmental input is the customers. Given that UPS is offer its services around the world, the company needs to have a large-based of regular customers to enable the company to compensate with its daily operational expenses associated with the need to establish several offices around the world, investments on its official website and other mode of global communication including the employment of approximately 240,000 full- and part-time employees around the world (UPS b) among others. Back in 1990s, UPS was able to gather as much as 1 million regular customers (UPS c). Under the category of resources, the most critical input in the case of UPS is the investment on information and communication technology (ICT). With the use of ICT which includes UPS official website and the use of handheld Delivery Information Acquisition Devices (DIAD) (UPS c), it is easier to manage, operate, and keep track of its daily business transactions such as the shipment and delivery schedules around the world on a real-time basis. The company will also have a way to maintain the company’s relationship with its existing customers. Basically, the use of efficient ICT enables the company to deliver competitive services to each of its customers. In the absence of having reliable ICT, UPS will have trouble managing and keeping track of all business transactions. The company may also end up

D3 H1N1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

D3 H1N1 - Essay Example Isolating within the embroyonated eggs reduces the possibility of contaminating the virus strain. The now hybrid virus is tested to determine its effectiveness, safety and establish whether it stimulates appropriate antigen response in the body. The entire production process of influenza vaccine takes about six to nine weeks (Gerdil, 2003). New influenza vaccines are produced every year because the virus undergoes constant genetic mutation that changes the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase surface glycoprotein of the pathogen (Gerdil, 2003). The mutation undermines effectiveness of the influenza vaccines. When a healthy person is vaccinated with the influenza vaccine, the body immune system responds by producing relevant antigens to fight and destroy the influenza virus. Therefore, when influenza pandemic occurs, the immune system of the vaccinated persons is capable of fighting the infection easily. Though the vaccinated individuals could become infected, the symptoms and the effect s of influenza are less severe compared to individuals who are not vaccinated. This limits transmission of the highly virulent influenza virus to other persons who are exposed to the infected person. Influenza is an airborne disease that is mainly transmitted when a person inhales droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or/and sneezes (Carrat, et al, 2008). Vaccinating people helps in preventing the spread of diseases and reduces the severity of ailments in the community. Failure to vaccinate people against influenza and other diseases could cause outbreaks that affect economy, social interactions and the environment negatively. When people are infected with a particular disease, the productivity of the country is lowered because of lengthy bed rests, incapacitation and deaths, which reduce the number of people capable of working. Disease outbreaks undermine social activities such as sports, travelling

Consumer Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Consumer Behaviour - Essay Example a. Consumer activities enable the marketer to determine how people spend their time as well as what activities they prefer to engage in. In regard to mobile phones, marketers can determine from a sample of mobile phone users about what activities/sports/habits they engage into, how they spend leisure time, what features of a mobile phone are utilized during busy schedule. The information obtained can be used to determine a link between the categories. For instance, all busy professional people use organizer, WAP services, and mobile banking features; hang out or shop when they are free; do swimming, read morning newspaper and play chess. b. Interest category determines what things and images are of importance to consumers. It enables marketers to identify the areas of interest of their consumers. For e.g. one fourth of the individuals show interest in networking. c. Opinions category enable the marketer to determine how consumers view themselves and what opinions they hold about othe rs in their surroundings. It is more a self/social concept. This helps marketers identify how consumers view and evaluate objects, other people and themselves in a social setting (Aggarwal, 2004). For e.g. most of the people shares the idea that mobile usage amongst students must be monitored and rules must be established for limiting the use in educational premises. By soliciting consumer responses over the above mentioned categories, marketers can develop consumer profiles that possess similar activities, interest and opinions towards mobile phone usage. Marketers can also determine consumer mobile phone usage by evaluating situational use of a mobile phone. Thereby, marketers can highlight different situations in which multifaceted features mobile phone can be used; or they can identify different features that offer effective mobile usage in odd/urgent situations. For instance, if a consumer is lost somewhere, a mobile phone can be used as a tracker. In any urgency, such as baby birth, the father (consumer) may use mobile-ticketing for quick reservation of his flight. In turmoil or instable unsafe situations, consumers may relay on conducting mobile banking for payments rather than physically performing transactions. Motivation & involvement and attitude are other individual extrinsic factors that could potentially explain mobile phone usage. Motivation and involvement of a consumer in a product depends upon his motives for using a product. Motives are those internal factors that derive energy and active engagement of a consumer in product usage. Consequently, it also determines its usage of that product. For instance the motivation of a business man to use blackberry is high than that of a teenager. Attitude refers to evaluative judgments that a consumer holds towards anything under consideration. Attitude is a combination of and based on, a consumer’s experience, knowledge, perception and cognitive skills. It changes the way different consumers see and evaluate a situation (Edell, & Burke, 1987). Different people evaluate products differently in different situations (Hawkins, & Mothersbaugh, 2009). It can sustain marketers’ knowledge of mobile phone usage; provided it is used with other variables.

Economic Growth Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economic Growth - Essay Example This will effectively increase interest rates. Along with this, there will be an impact on aggregate output as output will increase with the increase in government spending. As G will increase, this will be impacted in the short run by a decrease in investment, as the supply of money in the banking sector will decrease. This will effectively increase interest rates. Along with this, there will be an impact on aggregate output as output will increase with the increase in government spending. Thus the aggregate demand will go up. This does increase private income and creates a multiplier effect to increase the output. In the money market, the money supply will reduce the banking system; on the other hand, there will be money creation due to increased government spending. A money multiplier effect will take place and the money supply will increase. If the effect of money supply increase by increased government spending is higher than the decrease caused by the reduction in the banking sector then interest rates will fall. On the other hand, if the impact of the increased government spending is higher than the impact of decreased money supply in the banking system then the interest rate will rise. Thus according to the classical model, there will be an immediate increase in price as the â€Å"invisible hand† will be there at work and balance the forces of supply and demand. Interest rates will go up due to the reduction in money supply in the banking sector. On the other hand, there will be a factor pushing the money supply up. Thus a balance will be created between money supply and money demand. Effectively the money that was kept in banks will be circulated to the public, thus creating the money multiplier effect, or creating secondary forms of money. Regarding employment, employment will remain constant in the classical model as the adjustment will be on prices and not on aggregate demand and supply.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Culture Study Coursework

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Culture Study - Coursework Example It is still regularly in the news bulletins as different schools and their systems all over the United States have either banned it or restored it in their teaching spaces. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has for a long time been perceived as Mark Twain’s masterwork and a classic American literature and was the first critical American work that departed from European literary models. The book utilized borderline humor, vernacular speech as well as an uneducated young narrator in the portrayal of life in America. Even though the novel was initially plainly condemned as being inappropriate for the well-mannered readers, it ultimately found an outstanding place in the canon of American literature. The book is recognized for its intriguing description of people and places that are located along the Mississippi River. The Book is set in the Southern antebellum society which had stopped existing almost twenty years prior to the publication of the work and is often a sarcastic acc ount of ingrained attitudes especially racism. The book had been criticized when it was released as it contained coarse language and its contentiousness increased in the twentieth century because of its apparent use of racial typecasts as well as its frequent usage of racial slur regardless of the tenor of the book being considered anti-racist. Continually popular with the readers, the book has also remained a focus of study by numerous literary critics since it was published. The book dwells on ideas of associated with race and identity which are obvious complexities that exist in regard to Jim’s character (Stecopoulos and Uebel 366). Even though it can be concluded that Jim is good at heart, ethical and unintelligent, the novel has continued to be perceived as racist based on the use of the word â€Å"nigger†.

Epsteins Essay Example for Free

Epsteins Essay We must all acknowledge and adhere to the feeling of boredom, as we have all felt its distinct dampness in some form or another. Epstein’s essay â€Å"Duh, Bor-ing† is able to capture and enforce its ideologies through direct references and quotations; with a little education and perseverance you are able to decipher and put meaning behind the unique examples he portrays in his writing. Epstein starts his essay with â€Å"Somewhere I have read that boredom is the torment of hell that Dante Forgot† (Epstein 1). In using this quote from Albert Speer we really get the feeling that boredom is unbeneficial and in fact tormenting at times. As many will agree with that statement, Epstein further goes on to say â€Å"When bored, time slows drastically, the world seems logy and without promise, and reality itself can grow shadowy and vague† (Epstein 2). There again giving you the feeling that boredom can cause you to perceive time differently and cause life to become dark and gloomy at times. He does a great job incorporating these quotes into his writing to really back the feeling that we carry towards boredom. We have all felt the negative vibes portrayed from boredom and many of us try to avoid them at all costs. Being able to form my own opinions, judgments and thoughts on the subject allows Epstein’s essay to be easily relatable and interesting to read. Epstein further allows you to connect with the text by particularizing on the different types of boredom perceived. Situational Boredom, in which he relates to a â€Å"dull sermon† (Epstein 1) and existential boredom caused by modern culture. Epstein lets us ponder the thought that maybe our own modern culture is to blame for boredom. He elaborates that boredom is often less pervasive in simpler cultures â€Å"One hears little of boredom among the pygmies or the Trobriand Islanders, whose energies are taken up with the problems of mere existence† (Epstein 2). With everything becoming increasingly more technological and people able to live easier, longer and healthier lives maybe we create our own boredom through modern society. He also refutes existential boredom in saying â€Å"Even animals know boredom, we are told, though they are deprived of the ability to complain directly about it† (Epstein 1). An animal at most represents the closest thing to be at its core un-modernized. Although deprived from the ability to complain about it, animals symbolize pure primal instinct and yet are affected by boredom just alike. Naturally boredom has a negative stigma wrapped around it but as Toohey suggests â€Å"Boredom is good for us Boredom can function as a warning sign†¦telling those who suffer unduly from it that they need to change their lives† (Epstein 5). Epstein’s allowing that negative stigma to be refuted upon and replaced with that of a greater self-perception. That maybe boredom is a self-defense mechanism or a symptom in reaction to your own life struggles and yet curable. Epstein constant analytical approach to the advantages and disadvantages of boredom helps make this essay work in building credibility to the fact that he’s not one-sided or condensed. He capitalizes on the indifferences boredom promotes and truly tries to look at the subject from all angles and sides drawing power and reason from multiple sources and references. Overall with the use of distinct wordy visuals and references Epstein able to make his writing work in that of capturing his readers and allowing them to form their own interpretation on the matter.

Impact of organizational culture

Impact of organizational culture Impact of Organizational Culture on employees job satisfaction and performance Does the organizational culture have any influence on employees at workplace? There are so many factors which builds an organizations image in front of the customers. Among those factors, culture plays a vital role in shaping the structure of workplace design and the delivery of successful customer service. Lund (2003) states that in the past decades, economical researchers were thirsty for finding the scope of organizational culture and its influence in marketing issues in order to find the ways of making the performance higher. In the corporate world, employees work with people from various regions of the world which have a rich culture. The principles of an organization set the standards to a companys corporate culture. In a world where many corporate norms are adopted from the western culture, employees from other region may find it difficult to practice their traditional values and culture. This type of Western adoption helps create a conflict where employees feel that they are losing their traditions and values, and ultimately leading to a less diverse world. Each organization has their own unique traits which differs them from the competitions. The culture values will be acclimatized by the employees as they work along with the management and from the motivation they receive. The commitment of people working in an organization is inevitable to achieve the company goals and targets. This is based on the culture embossed in the company which can have a psychological effect on the way employees performed. If a certain type of culture is embossed on the employee it may force them to adopt a new culture other than their own. Rashid, Samashivan Johari, (2002) state that various researches on organizational culture have been done regarding the relation of financial performance and found out that encouraging environment of organizational culture empowers the employees to deliver their best. The economic growth of a company is derived not only from the management efforts but also from the bottom line employees who give their best to support the organization. When we look at an organizational point of view, a company always tries to maintain standards by enforcing a set code of conduct. However when we look at other industries for instance the hotel industry we see a large gathering of many cultures working towards one goal where customer service is primary priority. Hotels often embrace different cultures and show their appreciations by promoting awareness of the diverse cultures through celebrating National days which help other employees to learn more about the culture, language and traditions which has a result leads to a better connection between employees and management. Whereas if were to take a call centre outsourced in another country set standard rules are laid down to be followed when interacting with clients. This gives no opportunity for the employees to express themselves. However this can be viewed from another angle. With one solid corporate culture being enforced and practiced throughout an organization, it can help unify all its employees where they begin to think that they belong to the same company and therefore must work towards its benefits. This hence creates the effect of the employees being unified by one banner. According to Chang and Lee, (2007) a study conducted in Taiwan company found that the cultural values of people integrity, veracity and solidity have direct relation with their job performance and the satisfaction. The level of employee satisfaction can be graded according to an organizations view on how best to make use of its resources in the company . Different motivational tactics may need to be juggled by the organization in order to fine tune their employees. This requires them to conduct in depth research about their people in order to get their heads and learn how they tick. The level of Job satisfaction is also affected by the attitudes of the employees where their view of cultural values is gained from past experiences in different companies. This attitude differences can also affect their job performance directly or indirectly where they are forced to work in an organization, which has their own set of standardized cultural values and when expected to be followed by the employees. Every employee will have their own cultural background and it is the organizations responsibility to mold and bud in their corporate culture in the employee minds to stimulate the job satisfaction. When looking into the rising companies around the world, the corporate managements have strongly decided to give the primary emphasis on trainings and seminars at the workplace where the multicultural environment will boost the integrity of the employees. 1) Organizational culture and job satisfaction Lund, D. (2003). Organizational culture and job satisfaction. Journal of Business Industrial Marketing.18(3), p219-236 retrieved from emerald. I chose this report because this article gives a proper investigation on the impact of organizational culture on employee satisfaction. The article makes use of modern day research techniques in order to provide statistical understanding and prove that theory between Organizational culture and job satisfaction is interlinked. The article also provides an in depth analysis of the types of corporate culture that exists in the form of a matrix. This will help lay down a proper understanding of the cultural impact. The article provides statistical feedback on topics from corporate culture and job satisfaction and some analysis between high and low job satisfaction. There are also figures on dominant organizational cultures. As a result of all this figures collected I will have enough statistical proof to justify my findings. Another interesting feature of the article is that it provides a step by step break down of how the information was collected and managed. The analysis section helps point out relevant facts which can help the reader see the importance of organizational culture. The author has also attached an executive summary and implications for managers and executives to follow the guidelines of corporate culture. The cultural typology utilized in the study for the journal is one of the many reported in literature and also the data collection was done individually with various demographic and organizational background which acts a strong root in the topic. 2) The influence of corporate culture and organizational commitment on performance Rahid, Md., Sambasivan, A., Johari, J. (2003). 2) The influence of corporate culture and organizational commitment on performance. Journal of Management Development. 22 (8), p708-723. Retrieved from emerald. Ive chosen this article because it provides an organizational commitment section. The section goes on to describe what the initiatives an organizations have done in order to improve performance of the employees described by the researchers. The paper examines the influence of corporate culture and organizational commitment on financial performance in Malaysian companies. And the results indicate the considerable relation between corporate culture and organizational commitment. The study was lead by forming basic questions about the organizational culture and its elements related. The article is followed by the literature review which shed the lights on corporate culture and organizational commitment backed up by a theoretical framework. The structure portrays the leading path and relation between these main elements of an organization which are organizational culture, organizational commitment and the financial performance. Results and discussions of the studies reveal the types of corporate culture, types of organizational commitment with relevant tables of data to support. Finally the article is concluded by mentioning the emphasis of organizational commitment in the organizational culture hence advising the managemen t to implement to find the ways of encouraging the organizational commitment. 3) The influence of culture on perceptions of service employee behavior Kong, M. Jogarathan, G.. (2007). The influence of culture on perceptions of service employee behavior. Managing Service Quality. 17 (3), p275-297. I have chosen this article because it deals with my topic using hospitality industry as an example. The article looks at comparing service between in the US and Republic of Korea. In order to find which provides a better experience and underline the key differences in the two societies. The article also provides a questionnaire that is used both in US and Korea. The questions are designed in such a way to understand the distinctive points of each service. The results in the article go onto show the key differences the service staffs possess. They are also suggested possible ways to make best use of resources and trainings to get the best out of effort in employees. The data collection and analysis methods result in explaining the demographic characteristics and dimensions of wait-staff behavior and also regression with customer satisfaction. It also talks about the managerial implications by adding the points that employee behaviors are affected by culture differences nation by nations. Limitations about the study are discusses as employee behavior is associated with other things around and difference between the cultures. However a future research is suggested to back up the studies conducted. 4) A study on relationship among leadership, organizational culture, the operation of learning organization and employees job satisfaction Lee, M., Chang, S. (2007). A study on relationship among leadership, organizational culture, the operation of learning organization and employees job satisfaction.The Learning Organization. 14 (2), p155-185. Lee, M., Chang, S. (2007). A study on relationship among leadership, organizational culture, the operation of learning organization and employees job satisfaction.The Learning Organization. 14 (2), p155-185. Once again a quantitative research method was used to find the key differences under leadership organizational culture and the ability to learn in the organization. Results showed organizational culture is a very crucial factor that can affect the organization and an employees to learn. Though research was conducted in Taiwan, it provides suggestions for business administrators to understand that satisfying employee needs is going to be a tedious task but under the right leadership can be achieved. Instead of being led by a manager, employee needs to be empowered so that they can be future leaders and develop their future prospects. In the literature view, the author has mentioned about the leadership theories support and how they are important to an organization. Then it is linked to the organizational culture and goes on to job satisfaction of employee and also the relationship between leadership and the operation of learning organization in contrast to the relationship between org anizational culture and the operation of learning organization which gives a clear picture of general organizations the administrators developing methods. The research findings support the topic question by stating the influence of leadership, the organizational culture and the direct relationship with employee job satisfaction. 5) Organizational alignment and hospitality firm performance Crotts, J., Ford, Robert,. Heung, V., Ngai,H.. (2009). 5) Organizational alignment and hospitality firm performance. International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3 (1), 3-12. I have chosen this article because it looks at hospitality organization either big or small in size, that require stern and good managers that are needed to guide their employees so that the moments of truth encounter by the guest is received with great satisfaction and awe. As a result the firms goals and aims are established. In order to achieve this, the article looked into different propositions offered to the employees used to get these aims accomplished. The findings of the research provided in sight into different groups in the organization and how they align themselves with the goals of the company. Another important finding was the fact that high organizational support led to high employee commitment as compared to low organizational commitment. These findings prove helpful as managers can use these findings in order to use proper assessment tools and effectively manage the firm. The article goes on to explain various organizational types and methodology and their commitment to their employees. A figure used to describe conceptual cause in the article helps bring a clear concise view of the topic and helps break it down for readers to understand. As like many of the articles found it is backed by valid statistical information. 6) The Impact of culture on Organizational performance in selected textile firms in Nigeria Aluko, M. (2005). 6) The Impact of culture on Organizational performance in selected textile firms in Nigeria. Nordic Journal of African Studies.12 (2). P164-179 This article was chosen in order to substantiate my point that sometime a common culture being followed leads to better communication in the organization. Due to the common goal being followed it leads to forming a link between employees where they strive to work for a common goal. The article also provided interesting insight on other cultures like Japanese and Americans from the Nigerian perspective. This can be used in order to reinforce my theory of the them and us attitude. It further explores areas of psychology like Power distance, individualism vs. collectivism, quantity of life vs. quality and long term vs. short term orientation. These topics provide the readers with a psychology point of view on the topic. A bit of anthropology is also brought into the picture as well through the study of the different Nigerian cultures as well. A combination of these elements can be used to prove the different norms practiced and how it effects organizations. As like my other articles statistics and graphical images are used to keep the readers interest and drive the point through. 7) The effect of intercultural sensitivity on employee performance in cross-cultural service encounters Sizoo, S. Plank, R. Iskat, W. Serrie, H.. (2005). 7) The effect of intercultural sensitivity on employee performance in cross-cultural service encounters. Journal of Service Marketing. 19 (4), p245-255. The basic aim of choosing this article is the interlink between intercultural sensitivity on employee performance in cross-cultural service encounters has been well defined by the authors. The research for this article was done in United States and the methodology of the research is well clarified with the methods. An executive summary is attached to the article which is meant to help the mangers and executives especially for the HR heads. When the impact of intercultural sensitivity on employee performance is strong in this era, the quality of service delivery of employees to the customers is really important to achieve in the financial performance of an organization as well as for the growth of the concern. Intercultural sensitivity is been referred to as an attitude which enables an individual to interact effectively with the people from cultural diversity. The figures in the article show the stability of collected data and the recent reports about the US economy in relation with the service growth and happy customers. The research of the study was set up in four and five star hotels in the Florida State of US, including the hospitality industry leaders. These authors have observed the cultures effect on customer behavior and effects which are directly affected by the job satisfaction of the employees. References Aluko, M. (2005). 6) The Impact of culture on Organizational performance in selected textile firms in Nigeria. Nordic Journal of African Studies.12 (2). P164-179 Crotts, J., Ford, Robert,. Heung, V., Ngai,H.. (2009). 5) Organizational alignment and hospitality firm performance. International Journal of Culture Tourism and Hospitality Research. 3 (1), 3-12. Kong, M. Jogarathan, G.. (2007). The influence of culture on perceptions of service employee behavior. Managing Service Quality. 17 (3), p275-297. Lee, M., Chang, S. (2007). A study on relationship among leadership, organizational culture, the operation of learning organization and employees job satisfaction.The Learning Organization. 14 (2), p155-185. Lund, D. (2003). Organizational culture and job satisfaction. Journal of Business Industrial Marketing.18(3), p219-236 retrieved from emerald. Rahid, Md., Sambasivan, A., Johari, J. (2003). 2) The influence of corporate culture and organizational commitment on performance. Journal of Management Development. 22 (8), p708-723. Retrieved from emerald. Sizoo, S. Plank, R. Iskat, W. Serrie, H.. (2005). 7) The effect of intercultural sensitivity on employee performance in cross-cultural service encounters. Journal of Service Marketing. 19 (4), p245-255.

Mentoring in Practice

Mentoring in Practice Thembelani Dube Mentoring is described by Kinnell and Hughes(2010) as the transferring of knowledge ,skills and attitudes from health professionals to the students that they are working with. The royal college of nursing states that the role of the mentor is to enable the student to make sense of their practice through the application of theory, assessing, evaluating and giving constructive feedback and facilitating reflection on practice, performance and experiences. the NMC(2008) adds that a mentor is a nurse ,midwife or specialist public health nurse who facilitates learning, supervises and assesses students in a practice setting. The Nursing and Midwifery council (NMC,2006) have set standards for Nursing and Midwifery practice education, the standards to support learning and assessment in practice(SLAIP). The eight standards are a mandatory requirement for both students and mentors. The standards clearly outline the mentor’s responsibility for developing and ensuring the practice competence of students and provide a more defined statement regarding accountability for decisions that lead to entry to the professional register. These domains are going to be discussed individually in depth. Establishing effective working relationships Mentorship is the process that allows transference of knowledge, skills and attitudes from health professionals to the students that they are working with (kinnell and Hughes 2010). Wilson (2014) in his study concluded that mentoring involves modelling nursing practice, selecting learning opportunities for students, articulating one’s own practical and theoretical knowledge and assessing student’s competence in practice. By being role models, mentors provide an observable image of imitation, demonstrating skills and qualities for the student to emulate, Ness (2010). Wilkes(2006) points out that it is important to establish an effective working relationship where a mentor offers support but can also be objective and analytical. The student mentor relationship is crucial to the student’s learning experience particularly because the mentor’s role includes assessment of practice. Gopee (2011) listed some of the qualities of a mentor as nurturing, role modellin g, focusing on the professional development of the student, sustaining a caring relationship over time and functioning as teacher, sponsor, encourager and friend, Beskine (2009) suggests that orientation is the gateway to a successful placement. Starting off well promotes the quality of the placement. To establish an effective working relationship with the student a mentor should start by orientating a student to the placement, this provides an opportunity for the student to express any concerns. However the RCN (2007) recommends that in preparation of the placement a checklist should be discussed on the first day of working and this should include an up to date orientation pack. Walsh (2010) adds that there are two major facets to establishing effective working relationships, managing the student’s first day and week in a productive and welcoming way and mentor’s good use of communication skills and active listening. Gopee (2011) states that skills and techniques of communication are some of the most important tools the person undertaking the mentor’s role has to utilise. Facilitation of learning The major role of the mentor is to assist and encourage students to link theory and practice in a practical setting (Botma et-al,2013) the author adds that the student should be passionate, eager to learn, participate and be committed to make the relationship work. A study done by Jokelainen et-al(2010) identifies that facilitation of learning includes advance planning of training and placement learning , which includes ensuring planning and organising learning opportunities and being aware of details of the student and their training documents. Naming mentors and organising the student’s first day at work and ensuring that the student has the same shifts as the mentor. The NMC(2008) code of practice specifies that the registered nurse must be willing to share skills and experience for the benefit of others and has a duty to facilitate students and others to develop their competence. Wilson (2013) recommends that in order to facilitate learning, nurses should include students in their daily work, teaching clinical skills, giving written and verbal feedback. Aston and Hallam (2011) agrees that facilitation of learning includes planning relevant experiences for students, providing support and assessing clinical performance. However Kinnell and Hughes(2010) argues that finding out how a person learns is the key, this area should not be underestimated as it requires thought, insight and clinical background. The authors confirms that it is worth spending some time to think the student, the level they are at and what the best strategy would be to ensure their learning and development is facilitated appropriately depending on where they are at on their cou rse. Walsh(2010) identifies that there are many different theories and models of learning , but the three major ones are behaviourist, humanistic and cognitive. Gopee(2011) states that the humanistic learning theories have been developed with regards to how learning occurs. Carl Rogers’ student centred approach to learning reveals that a learning environment where a learner feels able to speak their mind and give their views is a healthy one. Thus mentors provides a safe, encouraging environment, guides the student to resources and opportunities and facilitates the student’s exploration of them. Marslow’ s humanistic hierarchy of needs model(1943) identifies that student mentor relationship and the learning environment are important elements of learning as this would ease anxieties and give the student a sense of belonging therefore enabling the student to achieve their learning needs. Malcolm knowles’s andragogy learning theory(1990) highlights that it is important to acknowledge students as adult learners.it describes adult learners as being more self directive, motivated and having a wealth of experience. Therefore it is important how mentors relate to and teach their students most of whom are readily regarded as adult learners. Assessment and accountability Kinnell and Hughes(2010) believes that it is a statutory requirement to assess healthcare students, it is necessary to assess student nurses during their training in order to licence them as competent practitioners and subsequently protect the public. Assessments highlight weaknesses and strengths and provides a baseline for future learning needs Nicklin and Kenworthy(1995).There are many methods of assessment including testimonies, reflective writing or discussions, direct observation and feedback from colleagues. Gopee(2011) points out that there are a number of other essential facets of assessment, this part is going to discuss formative and summative. The primary aim of the formative assessment is to promote learning so that the learner can do the skill safely and effectively and knows the rationale for each step of the intervention. Summative are conducted to determine whether the learner is now competent to work without direct supervision. it is summative that constitute a peri odic record of the student’s achievement of the aims and outcomes of a course or module. The NMC(2008) requires that most assessment of competence are to be undertaken through direct observation in practice and therefore registered nurses have a duty to facilitate students to develop their competence, they are accountable for ensuring that the individual who undertakes the work is able to do so and they are given appropriate support and supervision. Andrews et-al (2010)comments that assessment has become a major element of the mentor’s role. Many take on the role willingly but when faced with the notions of continuing assessment process become overwhelmed by the responsibility. Many nurses have difficulty taking responsibility for the student learning, especially making decisions about competency required while Lauder et-al (2008) argues that while mentors are crucial to developing students ’achievement of fitness to practice, they are hampered by lack of time to undertake the role. Walsh(2010) identifies that because the assessment process is for a whole host of good reasons it must be very robust. lt should accurately enable mentors to make realistic judgements about the students’ level of competence and thus whether to pass them or not. For the student a good assessment process also gives them valuable feedback, it helps them to identify what they need to do and enables them to set realistic future goals. NMC (2008) validity for assessment ensures that assessments measures what it’s designed to measure, there are two important key issues, how to measure and what to measure. The code of conduct points out that as professionals, nurses are personally accountable for their actions and omissions in practice areas and must always be able to justify decisions therefore it is important that weak students are identified early and given the right encouragement and support, and concerns are dealt with in a timely manner. Sharples et-al(2007)points out that it is wrong to assume that all students entering clinical placement will have the knowledge, skills and attitude to be successful. They will always be students who struggle to achieve competence and mentors who fail to evaluate a learner’s unsatisfactory performance accurately are said to be guilty of misleading the learner, and potentially putting the patient care at risk and thus failing in their accountability to the NMC (2006). The Duffy report of (2004) ‘failing to fail’ concluded that there are several reasons why some mentors are failing to fail students like not identifying problems early to the student therefore not giving the student sufficient time to improve, leaving it too late and that mentors may give students the benefit of the doubt when it comes to a final judgement regarding their clinical competence. Failing to fail creates poor standards, it leads to having practitioners entering the profession that are not fit for practice (Wells and McLoughin,2014) Evaluation of learning Mentors have the responsibility of developing the practice learning experience they are providing for students, evaluating how effective or ineffective the practice environment helps to fulfil this role (Aston and Hallam,2011).NMC(2008b)requires that registered nurses participate in self- and peer evaluation to facilitate personal development and contribute towards the development of others. In a mentor’s role the term evaluation is used in the context of the student’s practice learning experience. Evaluation assist in identifying areas that need to be improved as well as what is working well, it enables mentors to improve their mentorship skills and the learning experience for future students. NMC (2010) points out that feedback from students and mentors is used to inform the programme and enhance the practice learning experience. Elcock and Sharpes (2011) adds that just as evaluation is the key for improvement, without it there is a risk of making the same mistake ove r and over again. Aston and Hallam(2011) comments that evaluation is not to be confused with assessing as this is to measure the overall value of the learning experience or how worthwhile the practice learning opportunity has been. The process of evaluation involves obtaining feedback from relevant people, reviewing and discussing the feedback and planning action to implement change, and this can either be formal or informal Price (2006). Kinnell and Hughes states that mentors and students are exposed to a variety of evaluation approaches, from patient care to facilitation of learning. Students are required by the universities to evaluate their experiences in practice at the end of each placement and this contributes to the university quality assurance process Elcock and Sharples(2011). Students are asked to reflect on their practice placement and comment on the experience that they have gained based on four dimensions, the mentorship process, the available learning resources, their mentor and the qua lity of the practice placement.it will be at this stage that action of plan is developed if there are issues to be addressed. Creating an environment for learning. Walsh (2010) states that this domain entails helping a student identify their learning needs. Students develop their attitudes, competence, interpersonal communication skills, critical thinking and clinical problem solving abilities in the clinical learning environment (Dunn and Hansford,1997)feeling part of the team is the key factor in student’s feeling that they fit in and they are then able to learn. Aston and Hallam (2011) have identified that another way in which mentors can provide consistency in an approach to providing good learning opportunities for students is to identify what experiences you can provide that will enable students to achieve their competencies. A rapidly embraced and welcomed student is one who will be able to take advantage of the learning opportunities early on in their placement, in contrary a student that feels excluded and unwelcomed will likely shy away, withdraw and have raised anxieties regarding their chances of achieving learning outcomes. kinnell and Hughes(2010) points out that mentors need to appreciate the importance of understanding the healthcare students and the potential individual needs that they have as this will influence the student mentor relationship. Nicklin and Kenworthy(1995) identified some issues that characterise a good learning environment and they included a supportive mentor, that is able to identify learning opportunities for the student and is able to respond to differing learning styles of individual students. Finding out what stage the student is at in their training and what their particular needs and interests are aids in creating an environment for learning for the student. Walsh (2010) states that consistency, a patient and understanding mentor, protecting student supernumerary status and giving a student a time to reflect creates a good learning environment. Hand(2006) indicated that factors that are important for the creation of a positive learning environment are said to be a humanistic approach, where all staff are kind, genuine, approachable and promote self-esteem and confidence to students, good team spirits with respect and trust, high standards of care being provided using efficient but flexible approaches as well as teaching students as a key feature. Context of practice and evidence based practice The slaip document cements that mentors need to contribute to the development of an environment in which effective practice is fostered, implemented, evaluated and disseminated. Being a mentor does not only mean direct involvement in facilitation learning and assessment but it also challenges them to consider their own evidence base and standards of practice Elcock and Sharples (2011). Kinnell and Hughes suggests that mentors must therefore remember that the end result of evidence based practice is the ability to offer research- based findings in order to justify aspects of care delivery and rationale experiences encountered by patients throughout their healthcare journey. Walsh (2010) says that by adhering to the local policies and procedures and mandatory training is another way for mentors to achieve their use of evidence based practice. In context of practice, mentors are required by the Nursing and midwifery council to demonstrate their ongoing knowledge, skills and competence and that this should be reviewed and assessed at annual updates and triennial reviews. Duffy (2012) suggests that nurses should have a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate updating and maintenance of competence as a mentor. The aim of annual updating is to ensure that all mentors and practice teachers continue to understand issues relating to supporting students, understand the implications of changes to NMC requirements, have current knowledge of NMC approved programmes and make valid and reliable assessments of competence and fitness for safe and effective practice Elcock and Sharples(2011)and NMC(2008). Leadership Leadership is an integral role that mentors have to undertake. Kinnell and Hughes(2011) identify that the mentor’s role is forever changing as they are expected to be co-ordinaters of patient care, a care manager, an expert in their own clinical field and they are also expected to teach and assess healthcare students within their commitment to mentorship. Gopee(2011) establishes that mentors leadership role is crucial in practice at facilitating student’s learning.One of the NMC(2008) outcomes of leardership domain requires that mentors provide feedback about the effectiveness of learning and assessment in practice. Anderson (2011)adds that helpfull feedback should be based on a recognised model of assessment feedback such as ‘praise sandwich’ and Duffy(2013) confirms that mentors need to provide students with regular feedback on their performance, this is integral to the assessment process. Kinnell and Hughes(2011) identified a number of leadership styles such as autocratic, consultative, democratic and laissez-faire, a mentor should have an insight into different leadership ship styles and evaluate the one that appears to be dominant within their practice placement and how that style could influence the student’s experience. This assignment has highlighted the impotence of the SLAIP domains as a guidance for mentors. It has explored the qualities and the skills that mentors need to fullful their roles in order to capitalize on the student’s learning experience whilst working towards developing a competent practitioner. 2700(words)Page 1

Christianity According to St. Augustine and Machiavelli Essay -- essay

In St. Augustine’s book entitled Political Writings, one could see that Christianity plays a very important role in his view of politics. His opinion on the morality or lack of morality in politics, to me makes it more evident that Christianity persuades his views. Although it seems his writings have become quite well known and admired, not everyone fully shared his beliefs. Niccolo Machiavelli, for instance, seemed to believe in a government that was not driven by morality, but more by practicality. In, The Prince, Machiavelli stresses that the moral fibers of government should not be so soft. Like St. Augustine, his work went on to become one of the most famous books ever written about politics. Throughout the two works there are some similarities and differences regarding politics, however it their view of Christianity and morality that many find most intriguing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After reading St. Augustine’s book it seemed to me that he had very little interest in politics as a whole, but he did seem to have a a great interest on the moral problems that plagued them. The books that make up this work come from one of his previous works entitled, The City of God, in which Augustine discusses many different aspects of the city. Augustine’s view of Christianity in regard to politics was due to the moral decline of the Roman Empire and the effect of this decline on the still faithful Christians. Augustine blamed the pagan gods and their lack of concern for the moral character which defined those who worshiped them. He also makes a reference to Plato’s Republic, in regards to the way Plato wanted to banish the poets from his city in speech. Augustine also felt that there should be strong censorship of the poets when writing about the gods because they made fools out of them. Augustine is also very concerned with the amount of people who in past invasions of their homelands escaped by lying about being Christians and then turned their backs on Christ when the danger had subsided. Augustine’s work also raises the question of why mercy is extended to the pious and ungrateful. Augustine responds by reminding everyone that, â€Å"The sun rises upon the good and evil, and the rains fall upon the just and the unjust.† The book also discusses Gods patience with humans and how the choice to repent ones sins lies within the man. He tells how some will recognize... ...in things, I do think it is safe to say that they are both Christians. Although, without question St. Augustine is more in touch with his faith, he seems to be less in touch with politics. Machiavelli on the other hand does not separate man from what he sees to be his natural state of morality but uses it to the advantage of politics. When discussing Moses and his helping the Israelites escape to the promise land, Machiavelli mentions the miracles of Christ and states that God has done his part and it is time for humans to do theirs. This leads me to think that he believes politics should not lack God but work in conjunction with him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To me St. Augustine is not educated only in his faith, but in the faiths of others as well and he shows no discrimination but more concern with how they are led morally in their beliefs. Machiavelli, however seems to be content with the use of religion as tool to secure the strength of the state. After fully reading the work I do not feel as though Machiavelli is as anarchical of a person as some would be led to think. I think he just had a better understanding of human nature and how it is commonly applied to politics.

Family Unity And Moral Values Essay -- essays research papers

Family Unity and Moral Values The increase in the number of divorces and the decrease in the number of marriages does not reflect a breakdown of the family unit in the United States and the decay of moral values. "I don't think divorce is as big of problem as politicians make it out to be. Yes, many couples get divorced, but their children can still have stability and grow up to be good people." (Price) The breakdown of the family unit in the United States and the decay of moral values are due to the change of society and environment. These days, when many families are at home together, they often remain apart. There are no bondage and communication in families. Television and technology has corrupted the minds of children in America. Less religious influence, persistent underclass unemployment and alternative lifestyles have contributed in the downfall of families and moral values. The nation and state have done little or nothing to provide help rebuild families and values. Family value has reference to what we believe about the family. It's concerned with quality of living and how you define quality of living. It basically gets down to what you think is the most important, in other words what you value. "Family values is nice when you've got Ward and June and Wally and Beaver. Unfortunately, the world has changed quite a bit from the 1950s to 1996. Things have just changed so rapidly and so quick†¦" (Anderson) The honesty, setting examples with your morals and actions, and bringing up the people to be responsible. Responsible for themselves, responsible for ecology, responsible for humanity qualities have been neglect in the upbringing of children today. Many people believe that true family values are the stepping stones for families to achieve growth of love. They follow seven principles. 1.Make a commitment to your family and hometown. 2.Live for the greater whole. 3.Learn true love in the school of the family. 4.Dedicate your own family to the global family of humankind. 5.Strive daily to put the spiritual above the physical. 6.Align with heaven to share blessings on earth. 7.Be sexually pure to create the true culture. (Bales) But every family has its own values and few of them are exactly alike. The variations are endless, and there is no ... ...ch into a technological cocoon." (Medved) The increase in the number of divorces and the decrease in the number of marriages does not reflect a breakdown of the family unit in the United States and the decay of moral values. "I don't think divorce is as big of problem as politicians make it out to be. Yes, many couples get divorced, but their children can still have stability and grow up to be good people." (Price) The breakdown of the family unit in the United States and the decay of moral values are due to the change of society and environment. These days, when many families are at home together, they often remain apart. There are no bondage and communication in families. Television and technology has corrupted the minds of children in America. Less religious influence, persistent underclass unemployment and alternative lifestyles have contributed in the downfall of families and moral values. The nation and state have done little or nothing to provide help rebuild families and values. The only solution is to connect, communicate and establish bondage in the family. Try to spend more time and energy with families will greatly improve family unity and moral values.

Ecotopia vs. the United States: The Effects of Sustainable Education Es

School is a fundamental location for the child’s mind to grow and prosper and the child is able to socialize and adhere to the environment that he or she learns about. In addition to education, simply being a component within the institution also formulates our beliefs. Schools are a prime institution to learn about green education in which it will prepare students to be sustainable in the future. In Ernest Callenbach’s Ecotopia, the protagonist, Will, travels to an ecological utopia where he learns how to live in a sustainable or an Ecotopian manner. Unlike the fictional story of Ecotopia, the United States’ way of living is vastly different. I am going compare and contrast the elementary educational systems and the role of teachers, students, and curriculum discussed in Ecotopia to the United States. Furthermore, I am going to argue that no educational system prepares the youth to be truly sustainable but there must be an ideal medium that addresses both Ecotop ian and United States values to become â€Å"greener† citizen. The idea of being a â€Å"green† citizen conveys the idea of living a natural life and making minimal yet better ecological choices. Teachers induce thinking and beliefs within their students, and elementary teachers within Ecotopia illustrate the importance of free agency in an ecological world. There are elementary teachers in Ecotopia who specialize in certain subjects in which they aspire their students to stimulate and indulge in their own goals and interests (Callenbach 128). Although Ecotopian teachers provide tutelage for instructing all subjects, they support the idea that their country has â€Å"crossed over into the age of biology† in which the majority of their focus is towards biology (Callenbach 126 - 129). Ec... ...abling students to have core knowledge that is necessary to be a â€Å"greener† citizen in the future. An ideal green citizen lives a normal life while making sustainable choices. However, Ecotopia and the United States’ educational systems do not contrive their students to achieve such ideals. In an Ecotopian school, students learn about the Earth but are not educated about other subjects. Vice versa, in American schools, students learn all subjects but none specific to sustainability. To ultimately prepare the youth for the future, there is a need of equilibrium of both systems in which students are educated in all subjects with knowledge of the eco-system. Having a well-rounded education with specificity of sustainability, students can adjudicate their own â€Å"green† ideals and act upon them in which they are able to establish new solution to unsustainable issues. â€Æ' Ecotopia vs. the United States: The Effects of Sustainable Education Es School is a fundamental location for the child’s mind to grow and prosper and the child is able to socialize and adhere to the environment that he or she learns about. In addition to education, simply being a component within the institution also formulates our beliefs. Schools are a prime institution to learn about green education in which it will prepare students to be sustainable in the future. In Ernest Callenbach’s Ecotopia, the protagonist, Will, travels to an ecological utopia where he learns how to live in a sustainable or an Ecotopian manner. Unlike the fictional story of Ecotopia, the United States’ way of living is vastly different. I am going compare and contrast the elementary educational systems and the role of teachers, students, and curriculum discussed in Ecotopia to the United States. Furthermore, I am going to argue that no educational system prepares the youth to be truly sustainable but there must be an ideal medium that addresses both Ecotop ian and United States values to become â€Å"greener† citizen. The idea of being a â€Å"green† citizen conveys the idea of living a natural life and making minimal yet better ecological choices. Teachers induce thinking and beliefs within their students, and elementary teachers within Ecotopia illustrate the importance of free agency in an ecological world. There are elementary teachers in Ecotopia who specialize in certain subjects in which they aspire their students to stimulate and indulge in their own goals and interests (Callenbach 128). Although Ecotopian teachers provide tutelage for instructing all subjects, they support the idea that their country has â€Å"crossed over into the age of biology† in which the majority of their focus is towards biology (Callenbach 126 - 129). Ec... ...abling students to have core knowledge that is necessary to be a â€Å"greener† citizen in the future. An ideal green citizen lives a normal life while making sustainable choices. However, Ecotopia and the United States’ educational systems do not contrive their students to achieve such ideals. In an Ecotopian school, students learn about the Earth but are not educated about other subjects. Vice versa, in American schools, students learn all subjects but none specific to sustainability. To ultimately prepare the youth for the future, there is a need of equilibrium of both systems in which students are educated in all subjects with knowledge of the eco-system. Having a well-rounded education with specificity of sustainability, students can adjudicate their own â€Å"green† ideals and act upon them in which they are able to establish new solution to unsustainable issues. â€Æ'

Statement of Purpose Computer Science

Your 1st question would be why would this guy want to do MS in Computer Science? I was first introduced to Computer when my brother brought me a laptop. Like all kids, my first application was a game. My 1st question was how did this actually work? I was very fascinated by the graphics and how easily the computer understood my moves. I never knew the man sitting behind the screen is nothing but just a few lines of code. This fascination and curiosity led me to take computers throughout my career.First I learnt basics in high school then I took up 4 years undergraduate degree and now I want to pursue masters to research my childhood dream: What is actually behind the computers? I always had a liking towards mathematics be it getting 96% in 10th standard or getting A+ during 1st year of under graduation. I grew more and more fond for mathematics which in turn reflected in my analytical decisions and reasoning skills. I knew I had to choose computers for my undergraduate degree. I got i nto xyz college which is among the top ranked institutes for engineering in India.The courses helped me gain a strong background in the fundamentals of Information Science. These were aptly complemented by the laboratory courses. The challenging assignments that were a part of the laboratory courses helped me to develop the required technical and programming skills. I also started taking part in extracurricular activities and organized technical events, which have helped me develop team spirit and good leadership qualities in me. As being part of these great events, taught me to interact with people and taking decisions. As a part of my final year thesis project, in a team of 2, I built a â€Å"Wikipedia Search Engine†.We noticed this project on the abc University Computer Science website and were very intrigued by it. We decided to test our knowledge and took up this challenge. The project was aimed at building a search engine which would semantically search the Wikipedia an d display the links to the Wiki pages which are closely related to the query given by a user. The search engine would take a phrase from the user as input, go to the related specific Wikipedia page, extract all the inner links and based on the number of count of the input phrase, it would populate the search page with links in their decreasing order of their score.This project gave me profound knowledge and expertise on Java and database concepts. In the third year, I got an opportunity to build a website for Department of Environmental Science. It was a great learning experience as I got exposure to many web technology tools and gained expertize in JavaScript, . NET, CSS. Further studies were always a priority for me but it was my belief that I must gather some valuable work experience in order to gain a larger perspective of the industry. In keeping with this idea I joined Mind Tree. I got trained in .NET technology. When I started working on the project, I realized the difference between course work during 4 years of college and the hands-on knowledge and skills required to succeed in the corporate world. I worked at Mindtree for 10 months and thereafter I got an opportunity to work for McAfee, the world pioneer in network and security. My work experience turned out to be extremely enriching for me on a host of levels. The amount of thought process which goes into building a product is tremendous. Working at pqr and fgh were very different experience.Former has helped me in sharpening my research skills whereas latter has inculcated team spirit and the ability to interact and work with both colleagues and seniors in a proactive manner. It has helped me in accepting the challenges involved to expertise new domain and new technology, getting familiarized to new concepts and has developed a sense of professionalism in me. In my old company, I was a developer working on . Net technologies and database whereas in my current company I’m working as a qualit y assurance engineer.I think, after experiencing corporate world and knowing my strengths, it is the right time to continue my studies to become a pioneer in my field of interest. I strongly believe that the research oriented graduate studies would help gain in-depth knowledge in the field of computer science and thus help me scale up to new heights in my professional career. I am confident that the higher education will give me the desired push towards a career in research and an opportunity to do well in my chosen career. I found your University to be one of the best Universities to pursue research oriented graduate studies.I am eager to work under the guidance of the distinguished faculty members of the University. I found the Department of Computer Science website a very helpful source of the information. I have been able to get good idea about the courses offered at the University and I feel that these courses and research work would help me reach my goals. I am confined that I possess the requisite background and intellectual ability and a high level of personal motivation that will enable me to successfully complete the research work and courses I undertake. Statement of Purpose Computer Science Your 1st question would be why would this guy want to do MS in Computer Science? I was first introduced to Computer when my brother brought me a laptop. Like all kids, my first application was a game. My 1st question was how did this actually work? I was very fascinated by the graphics and how easily the computer understood my moves. I never knew the man sitting behind the screen is nothing but just a few lines of code. This fascination and curiosity led me to take computers throughout my career.First I learnt basics in high school then I took up 4 years undergraduate degree and now I want to pursue masters to research my childhood dream: What is actually behind the computers? I always had a liking towards mathematics be it getting 96% in 10th standard or getting A+ during 1st year of under graduation. I grew more and more fond for mathematics which in turn reflected in my analytical decisions and reasoning skills. I knew I had to choose computers for my undergraduate degree. I got i nto xyz college which is among the top ranked institutes for engineering in India.The courses helped me gain a strong background in the fundamentals of Information Science. These were aptly complemented by the laboratory courses. The challenging assignments that were a part of the laboratory courses helped me to develop the required technical and programming skills. I also started taking part in extracurricular activities and organized technical events, which have helped me develop team spirit and good leadership qualities in me. As being part of these great events, taught me to interact with people and taking decisions. As a part of my final year thesis project, in a team of 2, I built a â€Å"Wikipedia Search Engine†.We noticed this project on the abc University Computer Science website and were very intrigued by it. We decided to test our knowledge and took up this challenge. The project was aimed at building a search engine which would semantically search the Wikipedia an d display the links to the Wiki pages which are closely related to the query given by a user. The search engine would take a phrase from the user as input, go to the related specific Wikipedia page, extract all the inner links and based on the number of count of the input phrase, it would populate the search page with links in their decreasing order of their score.This project gave me profound knowledge and expertise on Java and database concepts. In the third year, I got an opportunity to build a website for Department of Environmental Science. It was a great learning experience as I got exposure to many web technology tools and gained expertize in JavaScript, . NET, CSS. Further studies were always a priority for me but it was my belief that I must gather some valuable work experience in order to gain a larger perspective of the industry. In keeping with this idea I joined Mind Tree. I got trained in .NET technology. When I started working on the project, I realized the difference between course work during 4 years of college and the hands-on knowledge and skills required to succeed in the corporate world. I worked at Mindtree for 10 months and thereafter I got an opportunity to work for McAfee, the world pioneer in network and security. My work experience turned out to be extremely enriching for me on a host of levels. The amount of thought process which goes into building a product is tremendous. Working at pqr and fgh were very different experience.Former has helped me in sharpening my research skills whereas latter has inculcated team spirit and the ability to interact and work with both colleagues and seniors in a proactive manner. It has helped me in accepting the challenges involved to expertise new domain and new technology, getting familiarized to new concepts and has developed a sense of professionalism in me. In my old company, I was a developer working on . Net technologies and database whereas in my current company I’m working as a qualit y assurance engineer.I think, after experiencing corporate world and knowing my strengths, it is the right time to continue my studies to become a pioneer in my field of interest. I strongly believe that the research oriented graduate studies would help gain in-depth knowledge in the field of computer science and thus help me scale up to new heights in my professional career. I am confident that the higher education will give me the desired push towards a career in research and an opportunity to do well in my chosen career. I found your University to be one of the best Universities to pursue research oriented graduate studies.I am eager to work under the guidance of the distinguished faculty members of the University. I found the Department of Computer Science website a very helpful source of the information. I have been able to get good idea about the courses offered at the University and I feel that these courses and research work would help me reach my goals. I am confined that I possess the requisite background and intellectual ability and a high level of personal motivation that will enable me to successfully complete the research work and courses I undertake.

Hamburger and Perfect Party Food Essay

I hate when my stomach feels so empty. The growling and tightening of my insides drives me insane. The only thing on my mind at the time is food. Anything else doesn’t matter. My three favorite foods are chicken, burgers, and last pizza. You can’t go wrong with chicken. It goes with many sides such as corn, potatoes, or fries. Fried chicken is the best because it makes the skin so crisp and crunchy. If I had to choose out of my top three foods chicken would most likely be number one. Second choice that I have named is burgers. The best hamburgers are the ones that come straight off of the bar -b- que pit. Usually for summer we always have burgers because they are the easiest things to make and they also go well with birthdays or holidays. The lettuce, ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, etc. all make the hamburger so delicious. Last we have pizza. My favorite type of pizza is pepperoni because it is so good. If I have to choose any other toppings I would choose meat lovers because it’s all different types of meat on one pizza. They seem to be the perfect party food because I usually order them when I don’t feel like leaving the house or when my friends and I are having a small get together. What would we do without food? Having a nice full stomach makes you happy and it also gives you energy. Food will always be something that I will cherish in life, especially my favorite three that I mentioned earlier in my essay. Food is a very important thing and I have lots of other favorites.

Community Health Social Care Essay

Welcome to the Foundation Degree in Community Health and Social Care offered in partnership with a number of Further Education colleges, and validated by the University of Wolverhampton. Foundation Degrees are a vocationally focused higher education qualification located at intermediate level in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. This foundation degree has links with local and national employers ensuring that skills are developed through work-based learning, which is a major part of any foundation degree. This combined with higher-level knowledge and understanding reinforces and supports the development of vocational skills. Although the University of Wolverhampton has validated the foundation degree, the study will take place in one of the partner colleges. In the following pages you will find a brief description of the programme, the modules and other information that we think you will find useful. More detailed information about each module will be given by module leaders during your studies. We have also included details of awards that you may wish to progress onto after you complete the foundation degree. We work closely with the course leaders in all colleges. Arrangements will be made for you to visit the University. We look forward to seeing you then. If you have any issues or concerns that you wish to discuss please contact your course leader at your college. 2About this Guide The purpose of this guide is to provide you with information about the modules offered within the Foundation Degree. In addition to the information contained in this Pathway Guide, you will need to be aware of: The University Academic Principles and Regulations, which are available from the university web site. These regulations explain how the credit system operates, and the number of credits that must be studied at different levels in order to qualify for the different awards offered. Each college will arrange their own timetable – the course leader at your college will make you aware of this. All modules on the Foundation Degree in Community Health and Social Care are compulsory. On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you will be awarded a ‘pass’. The University can also provide you with a formal transcript of your module results if you wish. If you decide to complete end your studies after successfully completing year One, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Higher Education. At the end of this guide you will find information on further study at the University of Wolverhampton. Introduction to the Health and Social Care Subjects The Foundation Degree provides an educational opportunity for undergraduates who come from a variety of backgrounds. The Foundation Degree aims to provide appropriate academic health and social care teaching for a wide variety of students, from across the NHS and the health and social care arena. The award may be studied on a full or part time basis. Full details of this can be found by asking the contact at your local college. We may be able to award some students credits for specific modules if they can demonstrate that they have already met the learning objectives. This is known as Accreditation of Prior Achievement. Please discuss this with the tutor at your college in the first instance. It is expected that all student will have work experience (this can be paid or unpaid) within the Health or Social Care field.

Career College vs. Community College Essay

After schooling a student may have a number of options. A number of colleges have come up that can meet up the various requirements of the students. The new era students are having now expanded demands and desires for their career and future. So, to meet their needs the various colleges are also coming up in the help of the students. What is a Career college? Career Colleges are the new day colleges. They are the modern colleges that have provided the modern students a new scope in the various fields. They are not the general colleges of doing bachelor degree and master’s degree in general streams. They have specialist subjects that offer professional training to the students. These days the mentality of the students and also the parents has changed drastically. In previous days parents and students had only some of the limited choices such as medical, engineering and government services. But now a number of choices have come as add on to this career option. The varieties of career options now available are the hotel management course for services in various hotels, restaurants and clubs, management degrees for various corporate offerings and much more. Now a time has come when a person can even convert his or her hobbies to a study. This has only led to a vast number of diverse courses such as art, aviation, animation, web designing, linguistics and many more. Both bachelors and masters degrees are provided by these colleges. Even other types of degrees are also provided from here. What is a community college? Apart from choice, students have also got colleges that offer them studies as per the comfort zone of the students. There can be a number of students who have problem of joining and regularly attending a college. There can also be students who are not that financially strong and are not able to afford the cost of the career colleges. In these circumstances there are a number of colleges that support the students in all areas. These are the Community college. These days the community colleges are becoming great options for many of the students. These colleges are flexible in their cost, time and  methods. They provide all types of courses from full time to part time, from 3 year courses for 6 months courses, all depending upon the candidate’s capability and need. The pros and cons As everything has its own pros and cons so does the colleges also. Both the colleges, Career College and the Community College have their own pros and cons. The career college is the most sophisticated academic center. They are the most professional and properly handled colleges that provide the most technical and professional training to its students. On the other hand Community Colleges serve the most cost efficient and time efficient academics. The fees of these countries are lesser than the career colleges and have time flexibility for the students to attend the classes as per their requirement and need.