Patient Safety Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Patient Safety - Research Paper Example The Incident Bishop (Baltimore Sun, 2011) reports that a Maryland woman suffered serious health difficulties as navy doctors left surgical instruments inside her abdomen. The portion of a Gyrus Forceps, a disposable surgical instrument, broke off in the belly of the victim while doctors at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia removing her uterus in February 2008. The woman, Mrs. Williams faced severe health difficulties following the surgery. Mrs. Williams said that she had frequently consulted doctors at the general surgery clinic in Portsmouth and complained of pain and pressure. However, surgeons could not find the actual cause of her abdominal issues. As per the reports at last, she went to National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda in July 2008 and described of â€Å"unbelievable abdominal pain, nausea, and near-fainting† (Baltimore Sun). From a CT scan, it was discovered that there had been a foreign object in Mrs. Williams’ pelvis. The detected foreign object in her pelvis measured 3.5 ?0.4?03 cm and it was later removed by another surgery (Baltimore Sun). The woman filed a $2 million negligence lawsuit against the United States and another negligence suit against the makers of the disposable Gyrus Forceps. In her suit, she said that she had been hospitalized several times and â€Å"had undergone painful procedures to investigate and treat her symptoms† (Baltimore Sun). Analysis of the Incident Evidently this dangerous incident is the result of the careless act of some navy doctors. Although US government argued that the quality of the forceps was poor, the surgeons cannot dispose their responsibilities easily. Doctors have undeniable responsibility on their patients’ health until the patients recover perfectly. According to Rogers (2002), the quality of doctor-patient interaction becomes the foundation for medical relationships which also greatly contributes to patient’s autonomy and interests. Although Mrs. Williams had repeatedly visited general surgery clinic in Portsmouth in order to get rid of her health issues, the doctors did not try to examine her problems in detail. The US medical sector could detect the broken part of forceps in her abdomen only seventeen months after it had been left inside her body. This incident obviously raises some ethical questions. The Modeling and Role Modeling nursing concept, which is one of the major grand theories, states that nursing is a â€Å"self-care model based on the client’s perception of the world and adaptations to stressors† (Nursing theories). Although it is a nursing concept, it broadly addresses the whole health care practitioners’ responsibility of giving great emphasis on clients’ perceptions. As stated, ‘facilitation, nurturance, and unconditional acceptance’ are the major elements that determine the quality of the care giving (Frisch, 2006, p.117). However, in this case, the medical practit ioners did nothing either to reduce the patient’s stress or to nurture her. The seriousness of this incident increases as it comes to a group of navy doctors who are appointed only after a series of recruitment procedures that verify all qualitative as well as professional potentials of the candidates. This poor performance of the navy doctors raises some further questions regarding the quality of the public health care sector. Here, the Gyrus Forceps Company has also not taken a favorable stance towards the woman. It is obvious

The Positives of Gaming and Addiction Term Paper

The Positives of Gaming and Addiction - Term Paper Example One of the things that have worried many people and especially sociologist is the fact that computers have made people be less social. With computers being interconnected through networks such as the internet, a lot of people have realized that they can do much of the things they need to do from the comfort of the their homes without having to go out to the world. These days, people can take their education online, buy things online and have them delivered to their doorsteps, even socialize online using social media such as facebook.com and Twitter. Because of this, people have less face-to-face communication with each other and this is feared to be a negative impact of the information technology of today. As more people continue to disappear behind their computers and have fewer social interactions as they use the computers and computer networks to interact with the rest of the world, they are going to be less social and the social fabric will be ripped apart, leading to the end of civilization as it is known today (Hjorth, 2008). However, with regard to this, there is a debate with regard to whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. On the one side of this debate are the people who believe that just because people are spending more time with their computers does not necessarily mean that the social fabric has lost its structure, but that this is just one more phase of the evolution of the society with regard to how people relate with each other. Others, on the other hand, feel that this is a risk that must be avoided as much as possible. The fear of technology and especially computer technology has been seen for some time now and in the USA, it even attracted some kind of fanatics with the rationalist who believed that everything must be done to prevent further development o such technology. In the 1970s, there were some terrorist actions carried out by an American who was determined to make sure that technology could not grow further.

Value Chain Analysis and Traditional Management Accounting

Value Chain Analysis and Traditional Management Accounting Along with the development of world economic integration, the modern enterprises are facing the competitions and challenges not only from the domestic market, but also from the international markets. The companies are confront with the different economic environment, so that the social environment of accounting may also undergo some major changes(Pierce and ODea,2003). The first one is the research and development of science and technology become an important foundation. Then the ability of access to information and communication become the crucial point of success. Third, the human resources as a prerequisite for firms development and expansion. The final one is an unprecedented development of services, the corporate should have global awareness. The modern enterprise management concept is strategic, long-term and global development, therefore the traditional management accounting may be difficult to adapt this new environment. The cost systems, cost control systems and performance reporting systems of traditional management accounting may be no longer meet the new manufacturing environment. The competition among enterprises is no longer limited to the price of products and services, cost or quality, but rather be reflected in the inter-enterprise value chain. Since the 80s of last century, Professor Michael Porter set the value chain theory has been widely applied to the practice of business management and become the most important management ideas and methods Based on such situation, this assignment will investigate how the value chain analysis challenge and improve the traditional management accounting. First, It will illustrate the weakness of traditional management accounting. Then it will go on to demonstrate the value chain theory. Third, it will consider the difference between traditional management accounting and value chain analysis. The limitation of traditional management accounting There exist five major limitation for traditional management accounting. The first one is the traditional management accounting may treat the firm as a single part. It only provided information for a single enterprise management decision and control, ignoring the external environment and other relevant information also can reflect the firms position in the market(Williamson,1975). Second, the traditional management accounting limited to the collection and analysis of internal financial information, the information break away from the requirements of corporate strategic management and weakened the role of management accounting(Granlund and Lukka, 1998). Third, the concept of traditional management accounting just focus on solving the relevant and individual internal issues. It can not form a sound management system with the market and long-term interests, so that the composition of the budget system just only concentrate on the enterprises internal planning and operations. The forth i s the traditional management accounting adopted financial indicators mainly such as profit and cost to assess and measure the performance of corporate. But the calculation of these indicators do not consider the cost of capital and risk premium, therefore, the report of business performance by these indicators are not accurate. In addition, the measurement of enterprise performance should include monetary and non monetary factors. However, the measurement of indicators by traditional management accounting only include monetary indicators. The final one is the investment decision is an important part for traditional management accounting. The economic evaluation of investment projects mainly through the cash inflows and outflows of entire construction and operation period. This approach chiefly considers the financial benefits, focusing on saving direct materials and labor. However, when facing the global international market, in order to improve and enhance the competitiveness of bu siness, the firm can not only appraise the financial profit, but also should take a variety of non-financial benefits into account (Bhimani and Langfield-Smith. 2007). Because of the limitation of traditional management accounting, the appearance of Strategic Management Accounting expands the perspective of the management accounting (Roslender and Hart, 2003). It clearly explain that the MA should concern about the overall function of the company. It is servicing for developing and controlling the companys strategy. Based on this, the value chain analysis as an crucial method of SMA is the breakthrough. In the following chapter, I will focus on to state the value chain theory. The value chain theory The concept of value chain is firstly proposed by Professor Michael Porter(1985), he demonstrated that if taking the enterprise as a whole it can not discover the firms competitive advantage. The competitive advantage should come from the various mutual separate activities, such as design, production, marketing, delivery and supporting process. Each company is the aggregation of such kinds of activities, all these activities can be expressed with the value chain. After that Shank and Gowindarajan(1993) believe that any corporate value chain should contain the whole process form the raw materials which get from the initial suppliers to the final products which will be delivered to the users. Their greatest contribution is combined the value chain analysis method with the accounting information to make the strategic management become reality. With the development of information technology, Rayport and Sviolda(1995) proposed the virtual value chain, they further enrich the value chain t heory. Dynamically, the value chain analysis is actually a process which around the value-added, continue to coordinate and optimize the value chain. The Value chain as an important management tool should be first an information system which services to its target business management. It have to provide useful information to optimize the business processes, realizing the value-added process and can be utilized for decision-making. The value chain analysis takes all forms of business activities into the value chain and then forecast, decide, analysis, control and evaluate any increased or decreased value which on the value chain. Compared with the traditional management accounting, the value chain analysis expands the range of accounting object and extending the business from the internal core to the entire value chain. If treating the enterprise as a whole, it may be unable to distinguish which is the effective value-added part. But the value chain analysis can decompose the business activ ities, by examining each activities and their relationship with other segments of the value chain to determine the companys added value. Also the concept of value chain vividly summed up the organic links of the firms value creation activities, but the companys value chain is not a single part, it is a crisscross value chain network(Collins and Belcher 1999; Hinterhuber 2002). Therefore, the control of the value chain can not be isolated and dispersed, but should be based on real-time evaluation and multi-dimensional of the full range of control. The differences between value chain and traditional management accounting There may exist three main difference between value chain analysis and traditional management accounting. The first one is the typical character of traditional management accounting is its inward-oriented services, subordinate and serve the enterprises internal organization and management. And the traditional management accounting use the firm itself and its internal units as object, only concerned the enterprise itself and ignored the external factors, so the aims of corporate may lack of long-term competitiveness. In contrast, the value chain analysis tends to extroversion, mainly because enterprises strategy is outward character. The enterprise development strategies should consider the uncertainty of external operating environment as premise, it must pay attention to the changes of the external environment to ensure that the business can survive and develop in such turbulent environment. So the researched scope of value chain is breakthrough the enterprise itself, involved both u pstream and downstream enterprises, also including the competitors. The goals is to maintain a competitive advantage as a starting point, based on system optimization and the long-term competitiveness. The second one is the traditional management accounting focus on the maximization of short-term interests of the enterprise and only concerned about the production process, analyzing the associated cost of three stages of project: supply, production and marketing, never in-depth consideration of the management operating. However the value chain management is directly analysis of to the operating level. It includes five basic operations and four auxiliary operations. The five primary activities is: inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service. And the procurement, technology development, human resources management and enterprise infrastructure as four support activities. On this basis, the value chain analysis can be divide into three levels, one is aimed at the operating management of the basic operations and support operations. The second is the enterprise value chain management. The third one is the firms outside value chain management. These three levels will cooperate with each other and making the management become more objective. In fact, when the competition of firms become the overall strategic competition, the pursuit of long-term goals, market share has become a business imperative goal. Therefore, the value chain analysis follow the long-term and overall interests and maximizing the profit as its main characters The third one is the traditional management accounting based on the enterprise itself and only regarding the firm as a whole or using the internal units as object, the analysis is rather limited. But the value chain analysis not only take the business itself into account, but also consider the rival , suppliers, sales channels and even entire industries, the analysis of subjects is quite diversity. Conclusion To conclude, because of only focusing on the internal management and short-term effect, the traditional management accounting exposed its limitations and can not meet the requirements of business. However, the strategic management accounting is more able to adapt to todays more complex competitive environment and global market, it both concerns the long-term interest and the coordination of internal resources and external environment. In this assignment, the article emphasis on analyzing how the value chain analysis better than the traditional management accounting and stating the main difference between value chain analysis and traditional management accounting. The value chain theory is an important achievement in recent years and it provides a new perspective for the business management.

Theory of Deliberative Nursing Process Essay -- Health Care, Nursing

Orlando’s Theory of Deliberative Nursing Process is based on key concepts and dimensions. Key concepts include: patient’s behavior, need for help, improvement, nurse’s reactions, perception, though, feeling, nurse’s activity, automatic nursing process, and deliberative nursing process. Frameworks from the theory have evolved from other theorist in regards to Orlando’s theory and include: professional nursing function, the patient’s presenting behavior, immediate reaction, deliberative nursing process, and improvement (Alligood, 2006). The theory focuses on the interpersonal process between people and is directed toward facilitating identification of â€Å"the nature of the patient’s distress and his need for help† (Orlando, 1987). The theory is based on the metaparadigm concepts person and nursing. Orlando focused on a particular nursing process that leads to improvement in the patient’s behavior (Fawcett, 1993). She stat ed â€Å"what a nurse says or does in the exclusive mode through which she serves the patient† (Orlando, 1987). Orlando’s theory remains one of the most effective practice the... Theory of Deliberative Nursing Process Essay -- Health Care, Nursing Orlando’s Theory of Deliberative Nursing Process is based on key concepts and dimensions. Key concepts include: patient’s behavior, need for help, improvement, nurse’s reactions, perception, though, feeling, nurse’s activity, automatic nursing process, and deliberative nursing process. Frameworks from the theory have evolved from other theorist in regards to Orlando’s theory and include: professional nursing function, the patient’s presenting behavior, immediate reaction, deliberative nursing process, and improvement (Alligood, 2006). The theory focuses on the interpersonal process between people and is directed toward facilitating identification of â€Å"the nature of the patient’s distress and his need for help† (Orlando, 1987). The theory is based on the metaparadigm concepts person and nursing. Orlando focused on a particular nursing process that leads to improvement in the patient’s behavior (Fawcett, 1993). She stat ed â€Å"what a nurse says or does in the exclusive mode through which she serves the patient† (Orlando, 1987). Orlando’s theory remains one of the most effective practice the...

Diverse Subjects Essay

Creativity is an essential dimension of life and it is found at every level of existence. The planets and stars are creative in their own way. Animals are creative in their own way of innovation and adaptation. But what about human beings? Are we creative to find beauty in our lives and add beauty to others’ life? The very essence of formation of human body from a single cell zygote to a multicellular body is the creativity of nature. But the human mind has somehow lost its ability to think of new ideas and change the world. There is a global institution that is labeling millions of people as failures just because they failed to memorize few facts and figures. This institution is our so called â€Å"education system†. The very aim of education is now limited to a classroom with a blackboard packed with forty to fifty students with one elderly person dictating them what they should learn. No music, dance, art or games but just an authority of examination is there to test their intelligence. Number of studies done on young children have shown that children before school were very creative and as they continue with their schooling, their creativity is lost. The present education system kills creativity, stifles imagination, and destroys curiosity in children- all in the name of learning. Major technology giants facebook, Apple, Microsoft would not have been there if their creators had not dropped out of formal education. The greatest of all minds-Einstein did not bother to memorize his own address or phone number. India had also seen some of the great personalities- Dhirubhai Ambani who proved that even a common man can become a billionaire, M.S.Subramaniam who made Indian self-reliant on food grains, Pandit Ravi Shankar who is the ambassador of Indian music to the world. Such people are not the products of this education system. Had it done so, there would have been millions in number. We are taught to be a part of a rat-race striving to gain excellence by mugging up theoretical concepts to get a top rank and keep up with the cut-throat competition. That is where the creativity is being slaughtered and excellence is being sacrificed at the altar of expediency. Instead of reducing students to test-taking machines, they should be encouraged to create mistakes so that they can learn to improve upon themselves. Various initiatives have been taken to encourage Gandhi’s model of education-an education system with human values. Swaraj university is one such example where the youth is equipped with skills to deal creatively with complexity, collapse and change the world. More such reforms should be made. The children should be encouraged to do job of their interest so that they enjoy their work rather than seeing it as an obligation. The education system must be revamped to foster enthusiastic youngsters to keep their creativity and dreams intact.

What is the Environment?

The term ‘environment' has been widely used and has various meanings and interpretations. The word environment originally is take from the French word â€Å"Environia† which means the surround. The environment also means of nature. In other words, environment is the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area, especially as affected by human activity. The environment can also be meant for all things around us including living things or non-living. For example, natural forces, human beings, animal, plants and other living things such as water, climate temperature and pressure which provide growth and development as well as damage to the earth itself. According to P. Gisbert â€Å"Environment is anything immediately surrounding an object and exerting a direct influence on it.†. According to E. J. Ross â€Å"Environment is an external force which influences us.† The environment can be referred to anything that surrounds by an object and anything that give impact to it. It also refers to things surrounded and may made changes due to factors such as natural, artificial, social, biological and psychological. According to Islam, ‘environmentalism' is based on the teachings of monotheism or unity of understanding that combines human, nature and Allah. Islam has made morality as the core of the relationship between human, nature and Allah. Based on this theory, it is proven that any problems or environmental pollution arise from the imperfections of human morality against himself, nature and Allah. The concept of human being as a Caliph indicates that this environment is the right of Allah and His creation that man must carry out the trust. In addition, this nature is an implied sign or symbol of Allah's greatness and powers.The Islamic View of the EnvironmentIn Islam, God is the real owner of the universe. The sky and the sun, the moon and the stars are decorating the sky, also the flowers, trees, and various other plants and assort kinds of animals are the creation of Allah SWT. He is the one who causes the rivers to flow on the earth, upholding the sky without pillars or support and making the night and the day. In the creation of the earth and the universe as described in the Quran, there are signs of the Power of Allah that we can see and observe. Besides, Allah also states in several other verses that clearly describe the process of creation of the earth and the universe.Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding. (QS. Ali Imran: 190) Another verse in Quran refers to creation of earth,Surely your Lord is God, who created the heavens and the earth in six days — then sat Himself upon the Throne, covering the day with the night it pursues urgently — and the sun, and the moon, and the stars subservient, by His command. Verily, His are the creation and the command. Blessed be God, the Lord of all Being. (QS. Al A'raaf: 54)As we know, the earth is created for humankind, it can be used for any purpose as long as it does not give a bad effect on the environment and ecological balance. Islam is a religion that strictly prohibits its Ummah to excessive in search of worldly things. Allah has created everything in this world with its own measurement. There is nothing to be underestimated and nothing is over him, everything is enough and perfect, as Allah states in the Quran, which means,who has created all things well. And He originated the creation of man out of clay (QS. As Sajda: 77)Muslims believe that Allah created the heaven and the earth in the best possible way. He made the mountains, the rivers and the sea so that humans could find their livelihood. Water is a very important element in Islam. Furthermore, water is also one of the blessings of the world given by Allah to his creatures. It is an evident and proven with a repeat of the Arabic word for water (Ma') 63 times in the entire Quran. The total number of words in the Quran is 6,666 fractures if divided by 63 fractions it almost reaches 1% of the whole Quran verse. This proves that almost 1% (0.945%) of Quran content is about water. It can be seen that 60 percent of the human body is water and most of the amount of water is found in human cells. Besides, nearly 71 percent of the earth is filled with water. Not only in the sea, water also exists in the air (water vapor), rivers, lakes, ice caps, glaciers, soils and aquifers. Moreover, water is very important in human life because it is used almost in every aspect of human life. Not only for drinking, water is also used in various forms of daily activities such as washing, bathing, worship and so on.Apart from being used for domestic uses, water is also very important in economic activities such as industry, manufacturing and transportation. In fact, water also helps generate electricity in the dam. But water can also have adverse effects on humans such as floods, mud floods and water pollution in the rivers and acid rain. However, such catastrophic events will only happen when humans themselves fail to manage the water and the environment well. When humans do not care for cleanliness, letting the garbage scattered unmanaged, cutting down trees, ponding the merciless land, releasing pollutants into the water, developing areas without smart and eco-friendly planning, then that's when water brings disaster to human life. It is undeniable that animals and plants are important in life as it is a source of life that brings great benefits to human life. This is because, without any other species on the earth humans can not survive in life. There a says â€Å"If you believe in tomorrow, you plant trees today.† Trees are often related with nature and wildlife as it helps to preserve life on the planet through the oxygen cycle. The plants are considered like the lungs of the earth. However, as smokers who damaging their lungs, pollutions that occur like open burning and uncontrolled deforestation have damaged these trees.Protecting trees and nature is a beautiful Islamic concept. But sometimes they had been ignored. Allah states in different verses in the Quran laid it related to the protection of the environment and also tells us about the blessings that he has given us. The forest is one of the valuable assets that is given to us as it provides great ecosystem services by put in biodiversity, fill up underground aquifers, preventing soil erosion, reducing the effects of lightning floods, reducing climate change and global warming. Therefore, as the forests have a very important significance, we should take special attention to the forest destruction and reforestation can take place simultaneously.Moreover, animals that give a big contributions to plants and humans. For example, they will move and migrate to help plant distribution. Besides, animals also contributed in terms of producing leather goods, stuff from wool, and also beigns food sources such as milk, meat and honey. Islam strongly emphasizes the considerable attributes of maintaining the survival of fellow beings so as not to extinction the habitat in any animal or plant species. In order to safeguard the good of humans and all other creatures as well as to preserving the diversity of life on earth.The concept of behavior towards nature In Islam, Allah has set man as a stewardship on earth. A term which same meaning as successor, khalifah, trustee, viceroy, and guardian. People not only affords the rights to use the nature resource but they also must follow the environmental ethics by using it without damaging the beauty of the environment. There are several concept that help people in behaving according to certain boundaries.†¢ ShariahIn general, shariah is a living law in Islam that is based on Quran and Sunnah. Implementation of sharia in the concept of environmental care will have a huge impact. This is because by implementing Islamic-based rules, environmental environments can be maintained and applied according to the rules that have been set and not just according to human desires.The environment is one of the gifts of Allah to his people in fulfilling human nature demands. In fact, the earth is simply empty land if it is not given a beautiful environment that becomes a home for humans and other beings. In fulfilling the demands of living as human beings and the khalifah of Allah on this earth, mankind has been guided and taught by Islam. Islamic education is one of the ways in educating people on environmental protection. this is very different from western education where Islamic education covers physical and spiritual aspects but western education only emphasizes physical aspects. As time goes by, development is intensively implemented. but along with that, people must maintain the boundaries in the use of the environment in order to explore the area without redundancy.AqidahNext is the Aqidah. Aqidah is an Arabic word which means a bond or knot. It is also means a strong belief and faith in God that will not be broken and cut off in any situations. The strong aqidah holds with the guidance of the Quran can make one act according to the recommendations of the Quran. for example, the Quran clearly describes the environment as a command not to do damage to the earth, the effects an d consequences of human action, and so on. The examples of Quran verses that mention environmental matters is the command to do no damage to the earth,When it is said to them, ‘Do not corruption in the land', they say, ‘We are only ones that put things right.' (QS. Al-Baqarah:11)If every human being in the world understands and adheres to each of the Quran explanation clearly as described, then this earth's damage can be reduced apart from the earth's age factor. But in reality there are not many who are able to obey the abide to the ordered because the weakness of the Aqidah has affected the environment.Morality (Akhlak)Morality is the word jama ‘from the word (al-khuluqu) meaning habits, behavior, personality, custom, and even the religion itself. While from the perspective of the term it is the inherent nature of the self that can produce something easily and without thinking, researching or coercion. Morality is also a human behavior in relation to God, human relations and human relationships with the en vironment. The concept of environmental care in Islamic perspectives also emphasizes from the angle of morality. This is because morality plays an important role that is born of a complete Aqidah and a detailed understanding of shariah. Through morality, the personality of a Muslim is build with praiseworthy qualities in action against the environment. There are four examples of the commendable nature of Islam that must be present in each individual who are able to affect the care of the environment are Qanaah, Mahabbah, and Ihsan. Qanaah is the gratefulness of all the gifts of Allah for the necessity of life. In other words, it is an attitude that is not greedy and always grateful to the grace of God. for example, this type of people will not involved in excessive logging activities that damage the shape of the earth. Furthermore, the attitude of the Mahabbah is the attitude of loving people and other beings. Loving humans and other creatures include love for the environment and to strive for the best of the environment. Through a high surrender attitude it will control the individual not to be harmful to the environment and to be on the lookout for something that involves environmental sensitivity. Finally, Ihsan is a human attitude that is always careful in doing action because knowing God is always watching it. Through this attitude, it is able to train people to be more aware of the surroundings. As an example that can be attributed to the concept of environmental care of an Islamic perspective is someone who is in a state of anger able to control himself from damaging the plants around him as there is still a kindness in him.ConclusionThe environment plays an important role in life of mankind and all who live in the environment. This is a sign of Allah's glory and becomes a ways in understanding the reality of the existence of Allah. This natural welfare needs to be preserved as a sign of gratitude of Allah. The task of preservation and conservation of nature is the responsibility of every human being who lives in this universe, irrespective of the limits of religion. It is undeniable that the more rapidly the world develops in line with the latest technology, the increasingly environmental problems. The global warming climate is one of the easy examples of how human failures are in preserving the environment. Indeed, Islam encourages the ummah to continuously advance themselves with the blessings of this world. It should be noted however, that it can not extend beyond the limits set by the Shari'a. Islamic approaches to environmental issues are based on justice and equity. this is because exploration that destroys other habitats is prohibited in Islam. Environmental destructions not only affects life but also an unpredictable generation that is equal to the right to live and enjoy from the environment as the present generation lives and enjoys.

African-American History and Women Timeline (1930-1939)

African-American History and Women Timeline (1930-1939) 1930 Black women called for white Southern women to oppose lynching; in response, Jessie Daniel Ames and others founded the Association for the Prevention of Lynching (1930-1942), with Ames as director. Annie Turnbo Melone (business executive and philanthropist) moved her business operations to Chicago. Lorraine Hansberry was born (playwright, wrote Raisin in the Sun). 1931 Nine African-American Scottsboro Boys (Alabama) were accused of raping two white women and convicted quickly. The trial focused national attention on the legal plight of African-Americans in the South. (February 18) Toni Morrison was born (writer; first African-American to win the Nobel Prize for Literature). (March 25) Ida B. Wells (Wells-Barnett) died (muckraking journalist, lecturer, activist, anti-lynching writer and activist). (August 16) ALelia Walker died (executive, arts patron, Harlem Renaissance figure). 1932 Augusta Savage began the largest art center in the US at the time, the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts in New York. 1933 Caterina Jarboro performed the title role in Verdis Aida at the Chicago Civic Opera. (February 21) Nina Simone born (pianist, singer; Priestess of Soul). (-1942) Civilian Conservation Corp employed more than 250,000 African-American women and men. 1934 (February 18) Audre Lorde was born (poet, essayist, educator). (December 15) Maggie Lena Walker died (banker, executive). 1935 The National Council of Negro Women was founded. (July 17) Diahann Carroll was born (actress, first African-American woman to star in a television series). 1936 Mary McLeod Bethune was appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the National Youth Administration as Director of Negro Affairs, the first major appointment of an African-American woman to a federal position. Barbara Jordan was born (politician, first African-American woman from the South elected to Congress). 1937 Zora Neale Hurston published Their Eyes Were Watching God. (June 13) Eleanor Holmes Norton was born (though some sources give her date of birth as April 8, 1938). 1938 (November 8) Crystal Bird Fauset was elected to the Pennsylvania House, becoming the first African-American woman state legislator. 1939 (July 22) Jane Matilda Bolin was appointed justice of the Domestic Relations Court of New York, becoming the first African-American woman judge. Hattie McDaniel became the first African-American to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar- about playing the role of a servant, she said, Its better to get $7,000 a week for playing a servant than $7 a week for being one. Marian Anderson, denied permission to sing at a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) hall, performed outdoors for 75,000 at the Lincoln Memorial. Eleanor Roosevelt resigned from the DAR in protest of their refusal. Marian Wright Edelman was born (lawyer, educator, reformer).

How A Black Box Works essays

How A Black Box Works essays Have you ever wondered what a black box is. If so, you might have some questions about an actual color of it and how it is involved with every aircraft. A black box is known as a flight recorder which can record both flight data and captain voice. Even though it is called a black box, it is painted orange. This recording device costs the same as a compact car does, which is about $ 15,000. Because of high quality and endurance materials, it still survives when getting the impact, crashing or even fired after the accident (see Picture 1). When an airplane is collapsed, there are several unanswered clues what bring the plane crush. The only incredible device that can tell us is the black box. The process of how a black box works consists of four main steps; exploring the device, setting the device, operating on the flight, and finding the information after crushing. (see Figure 1: The Process of How A Black Box Works Exploring a black box is the first step of the process. To explore a black box we first have to see what are the main parts of a black box. A black box is composed of two parts. The first part is cockpit voice recorder and the second one is flight data recorder (see Picture 2). Most of two parts are made of a magnetic tape and solid-state memory boards. the magnetic tape is less reliable then solid-state recorder because solid-state used a whole chunk of chips, so there is no moving part along the recorder device. This brings about less maintenance and less chance of something cracking during any accidents. Solid-state recorder can also record more data than magnetic tape because of the flat shape which allows the data flow faster and can store up to 25 hours of flight data A black box also has the microphones which are designed to record captain voice in the cockpit, located in four different places; pilots headset, copilots headset, third pilots headset a ...

Definition and Examples of the Comparative Degree

Definition and Examples of the Comparative Degree In English grammar, the comparative is the form of an adjective or adverb involving a comparison of more or less, greater or lesser. Comparatives in English are either marked by the suffix -er  (as in the faster bike) or identified by the word more or less (the more difficult job. Almost all  one-syllable  adjectives, along with some two-syllable adjectives, add  -er  to the  base  to form the comparative. In most adjectives of two or more  syllables, the comparative is identified by the word  more  or  less. Test your knowledge by working through this  Exercise in Using the Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives. Examples and Observations We can rebuild. Enlarge the containment field. Make it bigger and stronger than ever! But we need money. -Alfred Molina as Doc Ock in Spider-Man 2, 2004There is no kind of dishonesty into which otherwise good people more easily and frequently fall than that of defrauding the government. -Benjamin FranklinThe stronger the smell of whiskey on him, the kinder and gentler he was with me and my brother. -Harry Crews, A Childhood: The Biography of a Place, 1978There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. -Johann Wolfgang von GoetheIn memory, the games seem continuous and the days longer, richer, denser, and emptier than any others in my life. -Pete Hamill, A Drinking Life, 1994I had always wanted to go further, higher, deeper, free myself from the net that held me, but whatever I tried I always ended up back at the same door. -Pierre Reverdy, The Glory of Words, 1953; trans. by Andrew McCulloch, 2011Men have so far treated women like birds who had strayed to them from some height: wil der, stranger, sweeter, and more soulfulbut as something one has to lock up lest it fly away. -Friedrich Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil Youre a woman after my own heart. Tougher than wagon leather, smarter than spit, and colder than January. -Clark Cable as Dan Kehoe in The King and Four Queens, 1956After a second of shock he had recognized Edgar Demarnay. They had not met for several years. An Edgar grown fatter and grosser and older, but Edgar still, with his big pink boys face and his fat lips and his copious short fluffy hair now pale grey instead of pale gold. -Iris Murdoch, The Sacred and Profane Love Machine, 1974 Comparative Forms There are a few irregular comparative forms, for example good ~ better, bad ~ worse, little ~ less, many/much ~ more, far ~ further. Regular one-syllable gradable adjectives and adverbs form their comparative by adding -(e)r, but for most adjectives and adverbs of more than one syllable it is necessary to add the preceding adverb more (or less for a comparison in the opposite direction), for example more careful, more slowly, less natural. The comparative forms make a series with the base (uninflected) and superlative forms. -Geoffrey Leech, A Glossary of English Grammar. Edinburgh University Press, 2006  Take some more tea, the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.Ive had nothing yet, Alice replied in an offended tone, so I cant take more.You mean you cant take less, said the Hatter: its very easy to take more than nothing. -Lewis Carroll, Alices Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, 1865A man is usually more careful of his money than he is of his principles. -Ralph Waldo Emerson A solitary, unused to speaking of what he sees and feels, has mental experiences which are at once more intense and less articulate than those of a gregarious man. -Thomas MannNothing wilts faster than laurels that have been rested upon. -Carl RowanThe trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. -C. S. LewisIt is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself. -Betty FriedanIt is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt. -Mark Twain Correlative Forms The constructions formed by the more . . . the more (or -er . . . -er), the less . . . the less, the more . . . the less can be used correlatively to indicate a progressive increase, or decrease, of the quality or process described. Both adjectives and adverbs can occur in the construction: The bigger they are, the harder they fall, dont they? (adj-adv) [BNC KBB 4742]The sooner you forget the whole incident, the better. (adv-adv)Its funny, the more painting you do, the more you realise you dont know. [BNC CCO 344]The more closely I look at the problem, the less clearly I see a solution.(adv-adv) -Angela Downing and Philip Locke, English Grammar: A University Course. Routledge, 2006The more original a discovery, the more obvious it seems afterward. -Arthur Koestler The Lighter Side of Comparatives When Im good, Im very good, but when Im bad, Im better. -Mae West to Cary Grant in Im No Angel, 1933)[W]e did learn some important life lessons from sports. I learned, for example, that even though I was not as big, or fast, or strong, or coordinated as the other kids, if I worked really hardif I gave 100 percent and never quit- I would still be smaller, slower, weaker, and less coordinated than the other kids. -Dave Barry, Ill Mature When Im Dead. Berkley, 2010In one of his shows, [Jack Benny] and his guest star Vincent Price drank some freshly brewed coffee. After savoring a sip, Benny announced, This is the better coffee I ever tasted.Price snapped, You mean the best coffee!Benny snapped back, Theres only two of us drinking it! -Ken Tucker, Kissing Bill OReilly, Roasting Miss Piggy: 100 Things to Love and Hate About TV. Macmillan, 2005Creamy Jif is peanuttier than any other leading creamy brand. Choosy moms choose Jif. -Advertisement for Jif peanut butter, Parents magazine, 2002) He had been looking like a dead fish. He now looked like a deader fish, one of last years, cast up on some lonely beach and left there at the mercy of the wind and tides. -P.G. Wodehouse, Right Ho, Jeeves, 1934 Pronunciation: kom-PAR-a-tiv

Investment recommendatin Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

SABMiller Plc and Kingfisher Plc - Coursework Example Although regarded as a non-cyclical industry, beer brewing has been affected by reduced overall demand for goods worldwide, including consumer goods, and SABMiller saw its turnover drop, albeit not very significant, in 2009. According to the CBI Economic Forecast published in December 2009, there will be a modest recovery of world economic activity in 2010, but the longer-term trend will not resume until 2011. For the UK, this marginal growth will be driven by continuing strong Government spending, a modest increase in exports, and some recovery of consumer spending. The UK Gross Domestic Product is forecast to grow by 2.2 percent this year, and 2.5 percent the year after that. Consumer spending growth will be hampered by high energy costs, unwillingness to borrow, and the need to save for future needs. The company belongs to the non-cyclical consumer goods and services sector, and the beverages/brewers industry. (Reuters). According to Hoovers, industry demand is driven by consumer preferences for alcohol consumption as well as demographic trends. As is true for most consumer products, success often goes to large companies because of their effective sales operations, broad distribution networks, and economies of scale. The industry is capital intensive. The top competitors of SABMiller plc are, Diageo plc, Heineken NV., and Anheuser-Busch InBev. The latter replaced SABMiller as the worlds biggest brewer after InBev acquired Anheuser-Busch for $52 billion in 2008. The company recorded a revenue level of US$18.7 billion in 2009 and a net income of US$2.16 billion compared to US$2.29 the year before. Sales in 2009 dropped 12.6 percent due to the global recession, but overall revenue has grown by an annual average of 10.5 percent over 5 years and 6.9 percent over three years. Earnings per share average 18.6 percent over five years and 6.13 for the last three years.

Sustainability at Millipore Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Sustainability at Millipore - Case Study Example This idea might act positively thereby reducing its propensity to present huge amount green house gases (GHG) that may hinder the planet as well as the agricultural lands as well. Due to the reduction of the emissions of GHG, the depletion of ozone layer minimised and the desertification of the agricultural lands also reduced significantly. Therefore, such a strategy proved extremely effective for the organization of Millipore thereby amplifying its sustainability initiative and environmental image significantly. The management of the organization of Millipore also decided to reduce its dependence over the petroleum based products. This helped to reduce the amounts of wastes thereby decreasing its negative impacts over the climate and the globe. As a result of which, the rate of global warming also reduced that not only saved the individual, but also the planet and environment as well. Apart from the above mentioned strategies, the director, David Newman also decided to reduce the amount of wastes thereby decreasing the operations and products. However, in order to make it successful, the organization implemented varied types of upgraded boilers, compressors and lightings. This helped the organization of Millipore to fulfil its sustainability initiatives. In this age of extreme global warming, the prime concentration of the organizations is reduction of green house gas emissions (GHG). Similarly, the director of Millipore, Mr. David Newman also decided to implement varied types of solar panels and solectria inverters in order to reduce over-dependence over non-renewable products. Along with this, he also instructed the use of upgraded boilers and machines in order to reduce the emissions of waste materials in the environment. Moreover, reverse osmosis procedure is also used in the manufacturing plants also proved effective for the organization in reducing

Terrorism Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Terrorism - Term Paper Example Its history has been long and significant. This paper shall now seek to study and trace the history of terrorism in America. First, a general overview of the significant events in American terrorism shall be discussed. Secondly, a more specific discussion of relevant terrorism attacks in America shall be carried out. Lastly, this paper shall be summarized and concluded with specific points of discussion for future studies. This paper is being carried out in order to establish a clear picture of terrorism in America. It is being conducted as a means of understanding the patterns of attacks as well as the impact of these events in the life of the American people. Body Overview Terrorism in the United States is said to be caused by the various issues and conflicts which exist within and outside its borders. The country is a unique country because of its ability to contain the masses in a state of relative peace and harmony (Kelly, 2012). On further evaluation, terrorism in America is bo rne out of an extreme distrust of the American democratic ideals and of the illusion that people from varied backgrounds can all live loyally under the US political system (Kelly, 2012). In effect, despite significant variations in the expressions of terrorism, terrorism in the US can sometimes be explained as a violent claim on American values. The distrust is based on various expressions from different groups and in different time periods. The earliest manifestation of terrorism was seen in the early republic time period. The Boston Tea Party is an incident which is not considered terrorism in the technical sense (Kelly, 2012). The incident was a staged rebellion launched by colonists as a means of pressuring Britain into shifting its policies on the US (Kelly, 2012). Although this incident is not significantly violent, it can be placed in the category of terrorism as it was an act which sought to secure the goals and styles of national liberation groups. After the Civil War, terr orism came in the form of white supremacy movements and activities. The first form of terrorism seen in the United States was based on the ideals and activities of white supremacists (Kelly, 2012). These supremacists were Protestant Christians who believed that they were superior to other races and ethnicities and that general society must also exhibit such superiority. Before the Civil War, American society displayed such supremacy, especially as slavery was a legal practice (Kelly, 2012). Only after the Civil War ended was slavery made illegal, and white supremacy was soon to emerge. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was the most infamous white supremacist group formed. This group used various means of terrorism and harmful activities against African-Americans and other sympathetic whites (Kelly, 2012). This group was later outlawed by Congress and the group branded as terrorists. Various incarnations of the group have become apparent over the years and various similar violent and terrorist acts have been perpetuated by these incarnations. The Ku Klux Klan still exists, but in a less violent fashion, however it has since grown in membership and continues to support its white supremacist ideals, not just against African-Americans, but against other minorities as well, including Asians, Arabs, and Jews. The Bolshevik revolution which later led to the establishment of the Soviet Union had a significant impact on revolutionaries all over the world, including America (Kelly, 2012). The

Genetic Screening Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Genetic Screening - Essay Example Genetic testing does not reveal if you have a disease. It can only show that you are predisposed to getting an ailment. Barring a worker because they may one day develop a fatal disease is like throwing someone in jail because they may someday steal a car. There is no certainty that the disease will ever develop just as there is no way to profile who may become a thief. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), "Genetic tests alone do not have sufficient predictive value to be relied upon..." ("Genetic Testing"). Our limited knowledge of the complex interactions of numerous genes and our environment makes this new science little more than guesswork. If employers begin guessing who may have a genetic marker for a physical ailment, it won't be long before they look at brain scans for a predisposition of a personality trait. Medical ethics would dictate that, "Genetic privacy, like medical privacy in general, involves notions of the dignity and integrity of the individual" (Bereano).

Seperate program for gifted and talented students (History of Research Paper

Seperate program for gifted and talented students (History of Education) - Research Paper Example with extra support so that they can achieve what they are capable of achieving instead of being restricted by the same curriculum delivered to the whole body of students. A number of factors can affect the ability of gifted and talented students to achieve, even if they are provided with additional stimulating material, and these include their physical (health) and emotional (psychological) states, degree of interest, the relationship with their teacher, and their learning environment. Nonetheless, we shall consider two reasons supporting separate programs for gifted and talented students as well as two reasons for not supporting such programs. The main argument for supporting them is that by not doing so, there are missed opportunities for the students themselves and also the society in which they could have made useful contributions. Research by the National Commission on Excellence in Education highlighted that over half of gifted school students in the U.S. fail to meet their tested ability with comparable achievement (NCEE, 1983). Although this is an old assessment, the situation is not much different nowadays. The present No child left behind policy for example does not cater to gifted students. Thus, many gifted children are not being given the opportunity to exploit their talents. They are simply not being sufficiently challenged (Pulliam & Patten, 2006, p.185). Even the 2011 education budget has been described as a missed opportunity by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Education Act does not directly address the unique learning needs of gifted students (Shinn, 2009). Another reason for supporting gifte d students is that due to their untapped potential and being in asynchronous development, they tend to be more vulnerable (CDI, 2010). Being asynchronous means that their intellectual capacities could be developing at a greater rate than their physical and emotional capacities. Therefore, it is important to help gifted students lest their

Differences between British and American English Essay

Differences between British and American English - Essay Example There exist varieties of the English language from different places in the world. However, British and American English are the two most common in print and media.Historically, British settlers moved into American and continued to use English; they encountered Native Americans.In addition, people from other nationalities also settled in America. English development in America can be said to have been influenced by a combination of various cultures and the geographical separation with Britain. American English is spoken in the US while British English is spoken in Britain. This paper looks into the differences that exist between the languages in terms of vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation and accents. The colonization of USA by Britain meant that controversy would always arise on the use of English. On one hand, some Americans wanted to eradicate the presence of the British; thus, they did not want British English. On the other hand, supporters of the British Empire wanted retention of British English. Politics and language became inseparable from this moment. Politically, the end of World War II ushered in an era where America became a superpower. Besides, America’s political, economic and technological influence grew while the British one waned. Accompanied with global dominance and a bigger population, US linguistic influence also rose considerably. British English did not lose its influence at all, but it was rather used in Britain, and other countries colonized by the British retained spellings using British English. Vocabulary British and American English have inherent differences in their vocabulary; the differences arise due to enrichment of words from different sources and subsequent adoption by generations. America is a melting point with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The evolvement of the English language over time occurred with both the British and Americans coining their own words and meanings separately. Unique words appear in each of the two varieties of English; sometimes the same words appear in both but the meanings are different. Some words appear only in American English like French fries and apartment while others appear in British English to denote the same thing like chips and flats. British English takes more time than American English in accepting new words (Style guide 151). Spelling Differences There are differences in spelling between the two varieties; American English omits some letters since pronunciation is written as the word appears. This could include color, honor, rather than colour or honour used in British English. Americans write a check while the British use the word cheque. Equally, the Americans use shorter forms ending in -m/-mme, for example, the British use the longer version programme. -Ae/-oe is common in British English especially in medical conditions e.g. gynaecologists and anaesthesia. For American English, the composite vowel is dropped and substituted with one â⠂¬â€œe; gynecology takes a new form and also anesthsia. Another difference occurs when we use –ce/se, in British English verbs related to nouns end with se; device is a noun but devise is a verb, the pronunciation changes in such instances. American English can use the suffix –se for nouns, and the pronunciation does not change. There are other differences in the suffixes between the two varieties; there is exclusion of –e/-ue in American English, and British English maintains this could include words such as dialog vs. dialogue. The omission of letters also appears in American English when creating adjectives with –eable /able; unshakable appears in American variety, but unshakeable occurs in British English. At times, there are exceptional cases in which the –e is maintained when it influences the sound of previous consonant, this could include a word like manageable. In British English when suffixes start with a vowel before letter l, then the

Seperate program for gifted and talented students (History of Research Paper

Seperate program for gifted and talented students (History of Education) - Research Paper Example with extra support so that they can achieve what they are capable of achieving instead of being restricted by the same curriculum delivered to the whole body of students. A number of factors can affect the ability of gifted and talented students to achieve, even if they are provided with additional stimulating material, and these include their physical (health) and emotional (psychological) states, degree of interest, the relationship with their teacher, and their learning environment. Nonetheless, we shall consider two reasons supporting separate programs for gifted and talented students as well as two reasons for not supporting such programs. The main argument for supporting them is that by not doing so, there are missed opportunities for the students themselves and also the society in which they could have made useful contributions. Research by the National Commission on Excellence in Education highlighted that over half of gifted school students in the U.S. fail to meet their tested ability with comparable achievement (NCEE, 1983). Although this is an old assessment, the situation is not much different nowadays. The present No child left behind policy for example does not cater to gifted students. Thus, many gifted children are not being given the opportunity to exploit their talents. They are simply not being sufficiently challenged (Pulliam & Patten, 2006, p.185). Even the 2011 education budget has been described as a missed opportunity by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Education Act does not directly address the unique learning needs of gifted students (Shinn, 2009). Another reason for supporting gifte d students is that due to their untapped potential and being in asynchronous development, they tend to be more vulnerable (CDI, 2010). Being asynchronous means that their intellectual capacities could be developing at a greater rate than their physical and emotional capacities. Therefore, it is important to help gifted students lest their

Book Theif by Markus Zusak Essay Example for Free

Book Theif by Markus Zusak Essay Most good novels allow the reader to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Through language, characterisation and relationships the author is able to illustrate significant social issues. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a tremendously powerful book which captures key significant social issues of the power of words in Nazi Germany; Hitler’s manipulation of words and how people can find comfort in literature, as well as a means of escape. In the ‘Book Thief’, Zusak constantly emphasises the remarkable power and impact words have in relation to the corrupt world of World War Two. Through the use of descriptive language he is able to broaden the readers understanding of Hitler’s abuse of power by manipulating words and propaganda on the German people. Emotions of empathy are evoked when Liesel realizes that Hitler is the reason for her misery; adding to the loss of her childhood innocence. She comes to realize that Hitler is responsible for the war, her brother’s death, mothers suffering and why Max is sent to a concentration camp. â€Å"The words were thrown at the steps and Liesel could feel the slush of anger, stirring hotly in her stomach. ‘ I hate the fuhrer,’ she said. I hate him. † Zusak uses a metaphor, linked with imagery, dialogue and short sentences while at the same time reflecting emotive language to make me realise the importance of the power of words. Words are a powerful persuasive weapon of Hitler’s, and both Liesel, and I come to realise that, ‘without words the Fuhrer was nothing. ’ In this way Zusak has used Hitler’s manipulation of words to not only highlight the power of words in the ‘Book Thief’, but in our real world. Throughout Liesel’s journey Zusak clearly illustrates her growing understanding of Hitler’s manipulation of the power of words. And that he also proves that the power of words can be appreciated, while acting as a means of escape from the living reality, of war. Literature becomes Liesel’s sanity and without it she’d be far lost in the Nazi Germany Regime. So out of pure vengeance and anger, she rebels against Hitler by stealing books, while furthermore satisfying her hunger for reading. â€Å"She could smell the pages. She could almost taste the words as they stacked up around her. † This thus points out Liesel’s relationship and deep connection she shares with literature, by using a metaphor. Everyone needs to escape reality for a little while, to find beauty in the darkest hours, to keep their sanity, to survive. For Hans it is his accordion, Death’s is the colours, and for Max it is telling his story via art and literature. Yet of course Liesel too needs an escape, and she is able to find this from words and literature. By finding an escape route, Liesel’s knowledge of the power of words endures to build, and expand as she is able to appreciate literature. Liesel’s journey of escaping the horror delivers not only beauty and a hope to survive but allows her to find comfort through literature. I find this rather ironic, that she is able to bring comfort to her-self and others from literature, when before words only served her misery. â€Å"She couldn’t tell exactly where the words came from. What mattered was that they reached her. They arrived and kneeled next to the bed. † Zusak brings to attention; the idea of that literature is capable of accomplishing and bringing comfort to Liesel by using personification and imagery. But then again, within reading Liesel is not just able to comfort herself but can soothe others by understanding the true capacity words have, in relation that they can cause both pain and happiness. †¦But at least they were distracted now, by the girl with the book. † Through language and the overall use of irony, Zusak reinforces Liesel’s strong connection with literature, while engaging myself, the reader into the deeper meanings of the written text; that in means can provide comfort and an escape. By the author allowing the reader to, ‘walk a mile in someone else’s shoes’ social issues are evidently propounded. Markus Zusak has successfully demonstrated the significant social issues of, Hitler’s manipulation and abuse of power through words, and the appreciation of literature by providing escape and comfort in the Book Thief.

Local Government In The Malaysian Context Information Technology Essay

Local Government In The Malaysian Context Information Technology Essay Customer satisfaction is a key issue for all organizations in both public and private sectors. This is a highly important challenge as service standards today relies on excellent service quality delivery and high customer satisfaction levels. All employees have a role in determining the degree of satisfaction experienced by their customers. In the public sector, due to increased levels of information dissemination, governments are expected to be more sensitive to the demands and needs of the peoples and societies they serve. Many public sector organisations are undergoing reforms in order to provide better, faster and even wider range of services to the people. The customer has a prominent place in these reforms. In recent history, much has been written on the subject of customer satisfaction, but comparatively little regarding customer satisfaction in the public sector. This is despite the issue of customer satisfaction in public services has been growing in importance, particularly in Malaysia due to the perception of deteriorating levels of satisfaction as perceived by most quarters of the public. In the past ten years with the explosive growth of broadband internet penetration levels in the country, public agencies have been increasingly placed in the spotlight for their shortcomings as larger segments of the public are made aware of the lack of satisfaction encountered by others. In most countries including Malaysia, local government has the most direct impact on the resources in the economy as they are most involved in the implementation of national and state government policies. The range of activities involving the local government sector is primarily labour intensive. There are therefore a number of reasons for the need of this research particularly in the Malaysian environment. Firstly, local government has a monopoly on the provision of most of their services, and do not have forces of competition and profit driving efficiency and effectiveness in meeting customers needs (Caruana, Ramaseshan, Ewing 1998). Members of the public who are unhappy with the local authority administering their premises or property are not able to change to another local authority or opt out of receiving services from that authority (and thus not paying taxes due) without moving to another area administered by another local authority. Secondly, demand for government services is on an increasing uptrend due to increased expectations by the people. More and more people expect the government to assist them in resolving various issues encountered. Such issues includes the provision or maintenance (or lack of provision or maintenance) of infrastructure and services. Thirdly , due to increasing pressure on governments as a service provider for an increasing range of services, local government has to set up and maintain competence in many aspects of performance. An instance of this can be seen with the advent of information technology (IT). Many local authorities responded by setting up an IT department which was put in charge of computerising operations. Hence local government organisations will be perceived to be competent, knowledgeable, courteous and reliable if and when their employees possess competencies to allow effective execution of their prescribed duties. This study will be undertaken with the objective of investigating the impact of employee competencies as perceived by customer satisfaction in the services provided by Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar (MBAS) or Alor Setar City Council. Additionally, this study will also evaluate the relationship between employee competencies and perceived customer satisfaction. It is important to undertake this research at this time particularly at MBAS because it is now in transition to move towards a new stage of increased employee competencies in the new era of internet-enabled services. 1.1 Local government in the Malaysian Context Local authorities in Malaysia are governed primarily by various national and state legislative provisions. At the national level, the Local Government Act of 1976 is the primary legislation that specifies the functions and responsibilities of local government bodies in Peninsular Malaysia. These functions and responsibilities not only include mandatory functions but also discretionary functions too. These functions include solid waste management, street maintenance and activities pertaining to public health. Examples of discretionary functions include development and infrastructure functions like providing amenities, recreational parks, housing and regulating certain aspects of commercial activities such as licensing. According to a report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (2001), provisions of the Local Government Act 1976 grants local authorities in Malaysia the following roles in their respective jurisdictions or areas: Local planning authority Licensing authority Manage to impose certain kinds of taxes Take in charge housing, building and commercial construction (markets, hawker stalls and many others) Manage to perform urban planning, landscaping and management functions Manage public transport systems Manage to plan and provide public utilities. Source: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (2001). http://www.unescap.org/huset/lgstudy/country/malaysia/malaysia.html As can be see above, local authorities in Malaysia have a wide range of functions and responsibilities which has significant impact in the environment which they operate in. It is highly important for available competencies to be studied and further developed in order to improve the delivery of services to the people (their customers). The fact that the Malaysian government is aggressively pursuing economic growth can be seen with the introduction of the New Economic Model (NEM) initiative and 10th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak recently. As part of these initiatives, local authorities will play important roles in the further development of the country. As of July 2010, there are 147 local authorities in Malaysia as summarized in Table . Table Local Authorities in Malaysia Local Authorities Total City Councils 12 Municipal Councils 39 District Councils 96 Total 147 Source: Ministry of Housing and Local Government. http://jkt.kpkt.gov.my/en/main.php?Content=vertsectionsSubVertSectionID=59VertSectionID=43CurLocation=43IID= 1.2 The Background of Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar (MBAS) MBAS is one of the local authorities in Peninsular Malaysia. At its inception in 1735, MBAS was established as a sanitation board when the city was founded by Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Adilin Muazzam Shah. The city of Alor Setar and the local authority body which oversaw it has grown in size and functions since then. MBAS is the local authority entrusted with providing services for the governance and development of Alor Setar. It is the only local authority in the state of Kedah with city council status which was awarded by the federal government on 31 December 2003. This upgrade of status came after Alor Setar officially became a city on 22 August 2002. From the Population, Household Living Quarters Malaysia 2009 publication by the Department of Statistics, we find that the district of Kota Setar (which includes Alor Setar) has a population of 429,900 people. Source: 1. Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar. http://www.mbas.gov.my/web/guest/background 2. Department of Statistic, Malaysia. http://www.statistics.gov.my/ccount12/click.php?id=294 According to the Local Government Department of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, a city council should meet the following criteria: Area under jurisdiction includes the administrative centre of the state Population above 500,000 Fiscally sustainable with annual revenues exceeding RM100 million capable of sustaining a balanced budget Provision of high level of services Sustainable development with an emphasis on tackling urban issues like squatters, illegal factory operation, security, housing for low-income groups and environmental conservation Achieves stable city classification under Malaysia Urban Indicator Network System (MURNInet) Availability of industrial centres, financial institutions, cultural centres, sports and recreational facilities and educational institutions Complete infrastructure provision and public utilities inclusive of public transportation facilities, traffic management system, efficient road network and ICT services, public areas which are disabled-friendly; and Recognition as a city either at national or international level in certain areas Source: Ministry of Housing and Local Government. http://jkt.kpkt.gov.my/en/main.php?Content=vertsectionsSubVertSectionID=65VertSectionID=43CurLocation=43IID=Page=1 The current mayor of Alor Setar is Dato Khazali Din. He has been in office since 1 December 2008. Besides the mayor, there are also 14 local councillors who are appointed by the State Government under provisions in the Local Government Act 1976 to administer MBAS. It employs approximately 250 employees ranked from Head of Departments to labourers. There are nine major departments and divisions in MBAS as follows: Treasury Development planning Engineering Assessment and Property management Management services Municipal services and Health Community development Law Buildings Source: Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar. http://www.mbas.gov.my/web/guest/jabatandanbahagian The main objectives of MBAS are as follows: Provide a comfortable living for the community of Alor Setar city from the aspects of services, planning and development; Transform the employees of MBAS to an efficient, clean, trustworthy and disciplined workforce; Increase and diversify the sources of revenue so that MBAS will become a financially strong institution; Management system which is of quality, dynamic and innovative; and Develop a caring society environment among the workforce through the provision of welfare, health and safety schemes Source: Majlis Bandaraya Alor Setar. http://www.mbas.gov.my/web/guest/objective Throughout its 275 years of existence from a sanitation board up to the current incarnation as a city council, MBAS has been contributing a strategic role in the delivery of local government services in Alor Setar. Its official mission statement is to provide the highest level of services based on the latest technology. The primary functions of MBAS as a local authority includes development and operational functions such as solid waste management, cleaning of public areas and amenities, traffic system design and street maintenance, landscaping and beautification works, provision of shared public facilities and amenities like sports and recreation areas and infrastructure works. The most important secondary function of MBAS is to regulate business and commercial activities by means of licensing provisions. An example of the usage of these regulatory powers can be seen in the recent controversy regarding sports betting. While the federal government had approved a sports betting license to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd, the state governments led by Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had declined to issue licenses for premises to be used for sports betting activities. This was done by instructing the various local authorities in PR-controlled states not to issue premise and other business licenses for sports betting activities to Ascot Sports Sdn Bhd. This effectively ensured that Ascot Sports will not be able to operate sports betting activities in those states. Source: The Star, June 2010 http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=nationfile=/2010/6/7/nation/20100607155524 Other secondary functions of MBAS include the promotion of commercial and tourism activities and health and safety regulations of the community. This is done through the provision of infrastructure like roads and public facilities like parks, recreational areas, museums and the like. In terms of health and safety regulations, a commonly seen example would be the enforcement of laws against aedes mosquito breeding areas and building inspections and renovation regulations to ensure that such work is done within acceptable limits and meets minimum safety standards. 1.3 Background of the study There are many opinions with regards to the issue on how to manage service quality and delivery. In terms of service-based businesses, while the basis is similar to that of manufacturing-based businesses, the challenges posed are quite different. This is mainly due to the different attributes of both businesses. In manufacturing businesses, typically a product is made to certain specifications. The outcome of the process to create and manufacture a particular product should produce very little variation. This contrasts with service businesses whereby the outcome of services provided by the business can be significantly different due to the interaction between the business and its customers in the process. There are variations in expectation, expertise and material inputs from one customer to the next. Because of this, the outcomes of the process as perceived by customers can vary significantly even when businesses try to control for as many variables as possible. In terms of the public sector and civil service in Malaysia, the government has set up a number of agencies and undertook various measures to improve performance and service quality delivery. Some of these agencies and measures along with a brief history are mentioned below. One of the earliest attempts in post-independence Malaya to formalise and standardise training procedures for Public Services Department (PSD) employees is the setting up of the National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN). It was set up in September 1959 as the Staff Training Centre in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. The centre provided training in administrative areas such as financial, land, office management and local government administration. The Staff Training Centre became INTAN in June 1972 and now has a mission to develop human resources in the public sector though the provision of quality training programmes. Source: National Institute of Public Administration, Malaysia. http://www.intanbk.intan.my/i-portal/en/about-intan/intan-in-brief.html The Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU) was initially created as the Development Administrative Unit (DAU) in 1966. The DAU was created based on a report by Prof. John D. Montgomery dan Milton J. Esma in Development Administrative in Malaysia which called for steps to improve professionalism in the public service by providing training and conducting educational programmes for all levels of the civil service. DAU was responsible to spearhead improvements in the civil service. In 1972, DAU was merged with the Implementation, Coordination and Evaluation Unit (ICEU) to form the Implementation, Coordination and Development Administration Unit (ICDAU). MAMPU was set up in 1977 as a new agency which took over the responsibilities of modernising and human resources planning from the ICDAU. Source: 1. Malaysian Administrative Modernization and Management Planning Unit, Prime Ministers Department. http://www.mampu.gov.my/mampu/sejarah1 2. Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Ministers Department. http://www.icu.gov.my/icuV9/pg/indexV9.php?pg=prof The Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) under the Prime Ministers Department was mooted by former Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak. It started operations on 2 August 1971 and is the leading organisation in Malaysia for the management and monitoring of public complaints regarding government departments and agencies (Suddle, 2009). Source: Suddle, 2009. Report on Study Tour of PUBLIC COMPLAINTS BUREAU MALAYSIA. http://www.asianombudsman.com/ORC/RETAreports/FTO_report.pdf Probably the most well known effort by the government to improve the civil service by reducing instances of corruption would be the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) which was mooted by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi which officially commenced operations on 1 January 2009. The history of MACC began as an agency when the National Bureau of Investigation was set up in 1973 to consolidate corruption and other special cases which were being handled by different teams in the police, Prime Ministers Department and the Law Ministry. The name was then changed to the Anti-Corruption Agency in 1982 to reflect its role as the main agency in Malaysia in the fight against corruption. Source: Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. http://www.sprm.gov.my/ To improve civil service performance, former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in January 2005 had suggested various means on reinventing the civil service in Malaysian. According to him, to safeguard the image of civil service, public sector employees must be creative, inventive, fluid, consultative and free of corrupt practices. He addressed this issue to 3000 decision makers in public sector, ministers and chief executive officers of government-linked companies in order to have a free flow of ideas between top-level officers and their subordinates for the betterment of the service. He said civil servant must be able to think out of the box and make strategic adjustments so that they could act speedily when faced with adversity. On free flow of ideas within the service, department heads must be willing to acknowledge good suggestions which were given by their subordinates. Civil servants should be encouraged to provide feedback on approaches undertaken and these responses mu st be taken seriously by decision makers who should also institute changes whenever necessary. Source: The Star, January 2005 In February 2005, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi reminded the civil service to increase emphasis on integrity, accountability and high work ethics in its efforts to improve efficiency in serving the people and the business community to safeguard the image of the public sector in order to enjoy the support and confidence of the people. Source: The Star, February 2005 The Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) was established on 7 February 2007 under the Prime Ministers Department. Mooted by former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the terms of reference for the objectives and operations of PEMUDAH is as follows: To review the status of the public services delivery system in terms of processes, procedures, legislation and human resource towards introducing improvements; To study best practices in the private sector that can be adopted by the public sector; To coordinate programs across public sector agencies towards enhancing Malaysias competitiveness; To monitor the implementation of policies, strategies and procedures aimed towards improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the public delivery system; and To take appropriate action in addressing issues raised during Cabinet meetings regarding the public delivery system. Source: PEMUDAH Secretariat Office, Ministry of International Trade and Industry. http://www.pemudah.gov.my/297 On 13 April 2007, the government introduced the concept of One Stop Centre (OSC) for local government agencies under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. According to Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan, the OSC was set up based on the concept of No Wrong Door whereby it will be a single point of entry which allows customers to obtain various services from multiple agencies using an integrated method. OSC will coordinate all stages from documentation submission until a decision is reached and provided to the customer. Source: The Office of Chief Secretary to the Government. About One Stop Centre. http://www.pmo.gov.my/ksn/?frontpage/speech/detail/1470 Within half a year of assuming office, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had mooted and established the Performance Management Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) on 16 September 2009. A unit under the Prime Ministers Department, its main role and objective is to oversee the implementation and assess the progress of the government transformation programme (GTP) and to facilitate and support the delivery of both National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) and Ministry Key Result Areas (MKRAs) of the various ministries and government agencies. Source: Performance Management Delivery Unit, Prime Ministers Department. http://www.transformation.gov.my/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=205Itemid=144lang=en On 1 January 2010, the MBAS Complaints Portal was launched as an online application to allow the public to lodge complaints to the local authority. The portal accepts submissions both online and though Short Message Service (SMS). The public can then follow up on complaints lodged though the portal. The portal also provides a forum for the council to receive feedback from the public. Source: MBAS Complaints Portal. About Complaints Portal. http://aduan.mbas.gov.my:2000/aduan/news.php 1.4 Research Problem Many business organisations these days would no doubt agree that the environments in which they do their businesses is becoming more and more complex and more challenging to understand due to rapid pace of change. There have been many studies which concluded that no business can be successful without taking the needs of their customers into serious consideration. There are several factors which have played significant roles which has changed the impact customers have on businesses. One of them would be the rise of consumerism in the 20th century. Rapid economic expansion due to the agricultural and industrial revolutions along with explosive population growth has rapidly increased the number of consumers in the market. Prior to this, only a small percentage of the population had sufficient disposable incomes to make an impact outside of their local societies. Due to rapid economic growth, more and more people earned enough to start having significant levels of disposable income which could be used for discretionary purchases. New inventions and improvements allowed businesses to transport goods faster and cheaper allowing more people to have increasing choices in the goods and services available to them. The services industry started being recognised as an arm of the economy in its own right and in more advanced economies, is more important t han manufacturing and trading industries. Customers now have more choices and could demand more from businesses. Any business which does not respond adequately to the rapidly changing business environments may face overwhelming challenges and can even go out of business. As a local authority and a government body, while it is very difficult for MBAS to go out of business per se, it is still a service organisation that provides multiple services to the people. MBAS cannot deny the expectations of its customers because their customers are taxpayers and voters. As a government body, it receives all income from public sources (i.e. taxpayers) and if they are not happy, they will show their displeasure during elections and effect changes through the government. We can thus surmise that employees in service organisations play an important role in ensuring that customers have a positive first impression. If customers are not provided with a level of service which they expect, this will lead to dissatisfaction and as a consequence, the number of complaints will increase. According to MBAS Public Relations Section, the authority receives on average 29 complaints per day sent by the public through various channels namely the MBAS Complains Portal, telephone, m ail and fax. In order to reduce dissatisfaction with its services and thus the number of complaints, it is necessary for MBAS to increase the quality of services it provides. It is highly important for them to plan, coordinate and then implement a comprehensive program to promote and disseminate the mindset of service quality excellence among employees in the organisation. It is imperative for MBAS to improve its services because its customers (the public) expect to interact with competent employees who are able to display high levels of professionalism and provide equally high levels of service quality whether in terms of explanation or physical services provided. Local authorities play an important role in the growth of both in the state they are located in and their own jurisdiction. You can go to virtually any part of Alor Setar and the name of the local authority administrating the city can be clearly seen. This has an effect of ensuring that services (or in contrast, the lack of services) provided by MBAS is always in the public eye. For example, a pedestrian bridge along Jalan Alor Setar-Sungai Petani at Batu 3, Tandop which has been in a state of disrepair for some time caused a scare when a large metal piece measuring 3 x 24 metres and a banner celebrating the Sultans recent birthdaye road isrepair for some time caused a scare when piecen of S is always in the public eye. t services or fell on the road underneath the bridge. While no vehicles or people were hurt in the incident, there has been several earlier incidents of smaller pieces of metal falling off the bridge. A road user claimed that he had informed MBAS about the earlier inc idents but thus far no action has been taken. A few questions had arose from the incident namely why the local authority did not take any action upon receiving complains about the bridge earlier? While there may be a lack of allocation at this time to repair the bridge, perhaps if MBAS had more competent staff, perhaps any loose metal pieces could have been removed and the bridge temporarily closed while awaiting allocation to fully repair the bridge. This would have helped to ensure no untoward incident happens. http://www.sinarharian.com.my/bterkini/4941.asp Landscaping and beautification activities of public areas and amenities are one of the local authorities primary functions. It was reported recently that the Taman PKNK football field has not been properly maintained for several months. This had made the field unusable due to the tall grass which has now became homes to poisonous snakes and other animals. According to the news report, MBAS follows a schedule whereby grass will be cut on fields located in residential areas every 21 days. The questions that are being asked is what had caused the oversight in maintaining the field? The oversight was not noticed by the council despite multiple 21 days cycles having passed. Could it be due to incompetence of MBAS employees that lead to the oversight in providing the required service? Employees should be more innovative and creative in overcoming obstacles faced when providing such services. http://www.sinarharian.com.my/utr/content/story5181294.asp The attitudes and procedures of MBAS once again came into question when a conflict occurred between the council and Chinese associations over what was felt as a new requirement to pay two different license fees for mahjong activities. The council had issued a letter on 7 July 2010 requesting payment for licensing fee but the associations had already paid a licensing fee to the Kota Setar district office for their mahjong activities. According to them, that is the only license they have always paid to conduct their activities. It was later clarified by Alor Setar Mayor Datuk Khazali Din that the license paid to the district office was to conduct mahjong activities but a separate license for the premises was also required to be paid to the council but was not enforced earlier. The questions raised in this incident relates to why if there were indeed such rules, it was not informed or explained to the Chinese associations earlier to prevent the misunderstanding from occurring in the fir st place. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/18/nation/6689157sec=nation As the mahjong activities has been going on for some time, the point now is that the attitude of the council and lack of tack in approaching the matter had caused the disruption of legitimate activities of other people. The approach used to approach the Chinese associations regarding the licensing issue reveals the inflexibility of the council. MBAS could have used more gentle approaches when approaching the associations and prevent the misunderstanding from occurring in the first place like giving them a suitable grace period rather than threatening immediate fines and legal action for non-compliance with its demands. MBAS will be categorised as a quality service provider if its employees have initiative, accountability, motivation and work as a team to accomplish their tasks or projects. Perhaps if the council had employees with the correct competencies in place, the various incidents mentioned above would not have happened? MBAS has to provide sufficient skills, ability, and the correct knowledge and resources to their employees and place them at the right positions. At the same time, the council should also adopt new forms of work organisation such as work teams, management delayering, job sharing, reengineering and downsizing redundant employees. In this context, MBAS should not only improve business performance but must also focus itself on making the necessary management changes related to combination of factors such as employee competencies, new computing and communications technologies and measure the productivity of service staff and knowledge workers. There is precious little studies in the past to measure perceived service quality in MBAS. As a service provider, MBAS is expected to be more competent and innovative. Given the situation that the council now finds itself in, service quality will be an undoubtedly interesting area to study. 1.5 Research Objectives The objective of this study is to determine if service quality at MBAS is driven by employee competencies. To be more specific, we want to: Identify employee competencies which is important for MBAS to improve customer satisfaction; Examine customer satisfaction as perceived by the public at MBAS; and Investigate the relationship of employee competencies in relation to perceived customer satisfaction in MBAS. 1.6 Research Question This study was motivated by our determination to answer the following questions: What are the competencies that employees at MBAS should have? What is customer satisfaction as perceived by the public? What are the relationships between employee competencies and perceived customer satisfaction? 1.7 Definition of Terms Local Government Employee A worker who is employed to provide services to a company on a regular basic in exchange for compensation and who does not provide these services as part of an independent or self-employed business. Competencies A cluster of related knowledge, skills and attitudes that affects a major part of role or responsibility that correlates with performance on the job, that can be against well accepted standards, and that can be improved via training (Competencies Workgroup, September 2002). Service Service can be defined as any primary com

history of women in the early century :: essays research papers

WOMEN'S RIGHTS. Throughout most of history women generally have had fewer legal rights and career opportunities than men. Wifehood and motherhood were regarded as women's most significant professions. In the 20th century, however, women in most nations won the right to vote and increased their educational and job opportunities. Perhaps most important, they fought for and to a large degree accomplished a reevaluation of traditional views of their role in society. Early Attitudes Toward Women Since early times women have been uniquely viewed as a creative source of human life. Historically, however, they have been considered not only intellectually inferior to men but also a major source of temptation and evil. In Greek mythology, for example, it was a woman, Pandora, who opened the forbidden box and brought plagues and unhappiness to mankind. Early Roman law described women as children, forever inferior to men. Early Christian theology perpetuated these views. St. Jerome, a 4th-century Latin father of the Christian church, said: "Woman is the gate of the devil, the path of wickedness, the sting of the serpent, in a word a perilous object." Thomas Aquinas, the 13th-century Christian theologian, said that woman was "created to be man's helpmeet, but her unique role is in conception . . . since for other purposes men would be better assisted by other men." The attitude toward women in the East was at first more favorable. In ancient India, for example, women were not deprived of property rights or individual freedoms by marriage. But Hinduism, which evolved in India after about 500 BC, required obedience of women toward men. Women had to walk behind their husbands. Women could not own property, and widows could not remarry. In both East and West, male children were preferred over female children. Nevertheless, when they were allowed personal and intellectual freedom, women made significant achievements. During the Middle Ages nuns played a key role in the religious life of Europe. Aristocratic women enjoyed power and prestige. Whole eras were influenced by women rulers for instance, Queen Elizabeth of England in the 16th century, Catherine the Great of Russia in the 18th century, and Queen Victoria of England in the 19th century. The Weaker Sex? Women were long considered naturally weaker than men, squeamish, and unable to perform work requiring muscular or intellectual development. In most preindustrial societies, for example, domestic chores were relegated to women, leaving "heavier" labor such as hunting and plowing to men.