Bus 303 Practice Midterm Essay Example for Free

Bus 303 Practice Midterm EssayCharacters Cathy and Dave, a well-to-do professional couple Al, a truly estate salesmanCathy and Dave argon young, upwardly mobile. They hold good professional jobs in downtown Chicago. One day Cathy received an invitation in-the mail, from a resort called Green Acres (GA), which was located adjacent the mountains, about eight hour driving time from Chicago. The mailer invited the young couple to spend two nights allow of cost and receive $50 for expenses. All they had to do in return was to listen to a presentation, see a video, and take a tour of the resort for about two hours. Additional conditions included 24 hour advance booking of the room with 24 hour notice for smokecellations, and a valid credit card. Green Acres would charge $50 for a no show.Although the letter made no mention of it, Cathy and Dave knew the invitation was a real estate promotion and guessed that the two hours with the GA staff concoctt a hard contend for a condo or a timeshare near a lake or a golf curriculum, something they did not want. They decided to take the offer anyway in order to get a free vacation and arranged to visit GA the following weekend.Cathy and Dave had a good time at GA. The only sullenness point of the trip was the last exchange they had with Al the salesman. At the end of the two hour presentation when Cathy and Dave had refused to buy any GA properties, Al looked at Dave in frustration and said, If you knew you werent going to buy any property here, why did you come? Our company spent $300 to get you down here, and you support taken food off my familys table. What you did is immoral. Please dont do it again. At this Dave retorted, Your letter was clear, there was nothing in it that said a purchase of real estate was involved, and we had no obligation to buy anything from you. Your invitation was unconditional, I dont owe you or your family anything and I resent what you retributory said. At the end of this uncomforta ble exchange, Cathy and Dave left the room with an unpleasant feeling. But the unpleasant feelings did not last long because the drive back through the mountains was truly spectacular. subsequently a few days Cathysaid to Dave, You know, Im still mad about what Al said to us at Green Acres. Should we write to his boss, or to the real estate board or to some government agency? You know, if we dont do something, some poor unsuspecting stack might free fall for their gimmicks Dave replied, No, I dont think we should waste any time on this. Most people know, or should know what they are getting into-there are no free lunches Besides if we complain, Al may lose his job and when well be really taking the food from his familys tableWhat atomic number 18 the Relevant Facts?1. Cathy and Dave are ameliorate and well paid.2. They received an unsolicited invitation from GreenAcres (GA).3. The invitation had nothing in it that said they hadto buy anything from GA.4. They correctly guessed t hat the GA sales staffwould put pressure on them to buy real estate.5. GA was eight hours driving time from Chicago.6. Al made a sales presentation.7. Cathy and Dave listened to the presentation.8. Al said Cathy and Dave had acted immorally andhad take him of a chance of earning a salescommission.9. Dave said that they had fulfilled their obligation, as outlined in the invitation, and had not actedincorrectly.What Are the Ethical Issues?1. What is the role of inducements in marketing?2. What is the responsibility of individuals whoaccept inducements? Do they have any moralobligations to purchase goods if they accept freegifts from merchants?3. Is giving attractive gifts to potential buyers an ethical practice? Does the coat of the gift or theinducement matter?4. Cathy and Dave were sophisticated, educated cityfolk and did not feel pressured to buy from GA.Do less(prenominal) educated or less sophisticated consumersfeel pressured to buy merchandise underenticements of gifts? Woul d such business practicebe considered ethical?5. Should Cathy and Dave complain so that othervulnerable people may not be pressured intobuying expensive property they do not want?Who Are the Primary Stakeholders? Cathy and Dave Al GA GAs stockholders Other potential consumers, especially thevulnerable onesWhat Are the Possible Alternatives?1. Cathy and Dave can forget the incident and donothing.2. They can file a complaint with GA.3. They can file a complaint with the appropriateauthorities.4. They can write to Al.What Are the Ethics of the Alternatives?1. What is the best course of action for Cathy and Dave from the moral standpoint? What is the bestcourse of action that Cathy and Dave take that willprovide the greatest benefit to the greatest number?2. Do Cathy and Dave and other potential customershave rights not to be pressured or induced intoactions they may not wish to take? Do GA and Alhave rights to pursue their business and personalinterests? Were any rights violated?3. Wha t is the just thing to do in this case? Which alternative distributes the burdens andresponsibilities fairly? If Cathy and Dave act and ifGA improves its practices everyone except Al maybenefit. Not complaining may think up Al willcontinue his tactics and undermine GAs goalsassuming that word would get around andadditional customers will be offended.What Are the Practical Constraints?None.What Actions Should Be Taken?1. What should Cathy and Dave do?2. Which alternative would you choose?3. Which approach (utilitarian, rights, or justice)makes the most sense to you in this situation?Clearly, no action could mean unsuspecting peoplemay be lured into buying expensive real estatewith potentially severe consequences. Complaintscould lead to improved practice and better accomplishment but could lead to the loss of Als job.4. What is the right thing to do?

Friendship or interpersonal relationship Essay Example for Free

Friendship or interpersonal blood EssayThe ancient in this study regarded association/interpersonal relationship differently and this difference was reflected in the data analysis. As suggested by the findings, many of them seemed not to be interested in getting closer or establishing friendship with others even with the co-residents of the home. Probably the theoretical reason behind this app bent detachment could be found in the disengagement guess on aging.It postulates that as populate age, they progressively withdraw from accessible, animal(prenominal), and emotional interaction with the world. The long standing friendships from the past and the current friendship among the elderly in the home for the aged contributed much to the upbeat/happiness of a little more than fractional of the total participants, the elderly. Friends appear to be most significant to older adults as a source of enjoyment, socializing, and talking about good old times which results in satisf action with keep (Campbell, 1976).The findings expounded that only half of the participants had this influence of friendship on their life whereas the other half did not. The following assertion of Pinquart, Sorensen (2000) would explain this situation As friends are typically members of the same age group and often share personal characteristics, cohort experiences, life styles higher similarity in values and experiences may promote a higher satisfaction with friendships and thus a larger influence of friendship on SWB in old age. Authority and Caregivers.The third importationful relationship among the institutionalized elderly which gave satisfying results in their life was their relationhip with the people in responsibility or in other words the significant people in their present stage and situation of life. According to Carstensen et al. (1996, in Pinquart, Sorensen, 2000) close and long-term contacts are classical and give individuals a sense of stability in their past an d anticipated future, especially among elderly persons. The findings in the study showed there was a general consensus that the elderly maintained a positive relationship with the authority.It gave them a sense of importance, feeling of security and it affirmed their sense of worth. This friendly relationship seemed to be positively change the subjective experience of wellbeing of the institutionalized aged because as several studies wee-wee shown most elderly individuals expect emotional support from their children/family members (Ignersoll-Dayton Antonicci, 1988), and this invisible providers are being substituted by the authority and the caregivers in the institutional set up. Besides, positive relationships are helpful in dealing with stressors, which in turn enhance SWB (Sorensen Pinquart, 2000).Studies have also established that people supported by close relationships with family, friends, or other support groups are less vulnerable to ill health and ill-timed death (Dore ss-Worters Siegel, 1994). Social Interest/Altruism The results reflected that social interest had considerable impact on the sense of wellbeing experienced by the elderly though not many in the home for the aged. The elderly interest in reaching out/altruism is supported by findings in the study make by Ryff (1989) on middle aged and older men and women.His study had proven that altruism is highly correlated to sense of well-being as it gave a sense of meaning and fulfillment in the lives of the respondents. According to Thomas Chambers (1989) empathy and altruism are manifestations of social interest and the greatest regret associated with decline of physical ability among the aged is the decreasing ability to engage in social work. The findings showed what Victor Frankl said to be true a sense of life meaning ensues when we learn to transcend ourselves, when we have forgotten ourselves and become absorbed in someone or something outside of us (As cited in West, 2000).The findi ngs also brought to light a reality that in general many of the elderly of the study were found to be more self-oriented than other-oriented and did not want to engage in any social activities notwithstanding the fact that many of them do reach out to others in their own limited capacity. This observation could be tied up with the disengagement theory that as people age they progressively withdraw from social, physical, and emotional interaction with the world. As they gradually disengage themselves, the society too withdraws from its engagement with the aging person.Interestingly, a few of the elderly felt that they have already done enough and it was their time for rest and didnt want to be socially involved in any way. This behavioral pattern found in the nature of the elderly could one way be justified the light of the observation made by Warr, Miles Platts, (2001). Older people were found to be, for instance, more conscientious, traditional and careful in interaction with othe rs, and less sociable, outgoing, change oriented and career oriented.Given this milieu, the question arises, as other studies have already indicated if social interest or altruism is one of the contributing factors toward experiencing a subjective sense of well-being among the elderly, how this finding could be explained in the context of the elderly of this study. It is also questionable whether the reason for this withdrawal is due to their status transition, the experience of dethronement and the message conveyed to them that they are no prolonged useful or wanted by the family and the society.Butler et al. (1998) observed that ordinarily, elderly people regard institutionalization as a last resort as they savvy it is a kind of abandonment. This can result in a loss of self-esteem (Suh Suh, 1999) of the once independent, proud, revered persons when they are dispelled into an insignificant existence in a home which is not their home. This is yet to be explored whether the dise ngagement of theory on aging happen to be a self-fulfilling prophecy in the lives of the elderly.

Contemporary Issues In Business Commerce Essay

Contemporary Issues In Business Commerce Essay1.0 IntroductionThis report is based upon a critical evaluation of British Airways in response to a matter in contemporary issues in business. The report will first identify the issues to British Airways and then evaluations on how British Airways is dealing the issue by the means of using academic research critically.2.0 History of British AirwaysThe British Airways collection consists of British Airways plc and a number of subsidiary companies including British Airways Holidays Limited. British Airways is a worlds leading get offlines with a group that supply passenger and freight services to 149 destinations in 72 countries. In 2004/05, the guild carried over 35 million passengers and nearly 900,000 tonnes of cargo. Its airline net act as is based in the United Kingdom, where 85% of its 47,500 workforce is found.The mission of the group is to deliver a service that matters for people who c ar how they fly. To welcome this, the compa ny recognises the importance of working in partnership with its stakeholders. This has influenced its turn up to business social responsibility. Its approach has also been influenced by the acknowledgment that airlines generate major social and scotch benefits, just now also have signifi coffin nailt impacts on the environment (for example, noise and air choice) and on argonas around airports. British Airways (2010)3.0 Findings3.1 The External milieu3.1.1 The general environmentThis re certifys the outer layer of the environment. These dimensions influence the musical arrangement over time but a great deal are not involved in day to day transactions with it. The dimensions of general environment include international, technological, sociocultural, frugal and legal-political.3.1.2 The international dimensionThis dimension of the outside(a) environment represents events originating in foreign countries as well as opportunities for U.S companies in early(a) countries. The international environment provides new competitors, customers, and suppliers and shapes social, technological, and economic trends, as well.Today, all company including BA has to compete on a international basis. High quality, low priced automobiles from Japan and Korea have permanently changed the American automobile manufacturing. In cell phones and handhelds, US based companies face stiff competition from Koreas Samsung, Finlands Nokia and Taiwans High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC). For many US companies, such as Starbucks and Wal-mart, domestic markets have amaze saturated and the only potential for growth lies overseas. E-commerce organisations too are making international expansion a priority. The US share of worldwide e-commerce is falling as foreign companies set-up their own e-commerce ventures. This is the case for BA where they have to compete with foreign airlines runing similar services. Kotter (1979)The approximately dramatic change in the international environ ment in young years is the shift of economic might to china and India. Together, these countries have the population, brain exponent and dynamism to transform the twenty first century planetary economy. If things continue on the current track, analysts predict that India will overtake Germany as the worlds third largest economy within three decades and that china would overtake the US as number 1 by mid century. In china, per capita income has tripled in a generation, and leaders are building the infrastructure for decades of expansion, as reflected in the countrys hunger for unsanded materials. In 2005, china represented roughly 47 percent of the global cement consumption, 30 percent of coal and 26 percent of crude steel. No one can predict the future, but it is clear that however things in India and china shake out, US and other western self-coloureds have no excerpt but to pay attention. This could be an area BA could go into and grow. Daft (2009)The global environment rep resents a complex, ever changing and uneven playing orbital cavity compared with the domestic environment. Managers who are used to thinking only about the domestic environment must learn new rules to remain competitive. When direct globally, managers have to give legal, political, sociocultural and economic factors not only in their home countries but in various other countries as well. For example, the rising consumer class in china and India plays a growing role in setting the standards for eminent tech products and services such as cell phones, multimedia gadgets and wireless web services.3.1.3 The technological dimensionThis includes scientific and technological advancements in a specific industry as well as in society at large. In recent years, this dimension created massive changes for organisations in all industries. Twenty years ago, many organisations didnt even use desktop computers. Today, computer ne iirks, internet access, handheld devices, videoconferencing capabi lities, cell phones, facsimile machine machines and laptops and the minimum tools for doing business. A new generation of handhelds allows users to check their bodied email, daily calendars, business contacts and even customer orders from anywhere theres a wireless network. Cell phones can now switch seamlessly between cellular networks and corporate wifi connections. This dimension for BA is crucial as it uses new technology all the time to maximize efficiency. Daft (2009)3.1.4 The economic dimensionThis represents the general economic health of the country or region in which the organisation operates. Consumer purchasing power, the unemployment rate, and interest rates are part of an organisations economic environment. Because organisations today are operating in a global environment, the economic dimension has become exceedingly complex and creates enormous scruple for managers. The economies of countries are much closely tied together now. For example, the early 2000s economi c recession and the decline of consumer confidence in the US affected economies and organisations around the world. Similarly, economic problems in Asia and Europe had a tremendous impact on companies and the stock market in the US.One significant recent trend in the economic environment is the frequency of fusions and scholarships. Citibank and Travelers merged to form Citigroup, IBM purchased Pricewaterhouse Coopers Consulting, and Cingular acquired ATT wireless. BA is also considering merging with a foreign airline to help get through the economic downturn. tell apart (1998)3.1.5 The legal-political dimensionThis includes administration regulations at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as political activists designed to influence company behaviour. The US political system encourages capitalism, and the government tries not to over regulate business. However, government laws do specify rules of the game. The federal government influence organisations through various administrations and agencies. Many organisations also have to sputter with government and legal issues in other countries. The European Union adopted environmental and consumer protection rules that are costing American companies hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Companies such as Hewlett Packard, Ford motor company and General Electric have to pick up the bill for recycling the products they sell in the EU, for example. Pressure groups also work within the legal political framework to influence companies to behave in socially responsible ways. This is area is changing all the time because of threat of global warming and the need for governments to do something, and so it affects BA. Daft (2009)3.1.6 Task environmentA corporations scanning of the environment should include analyses of all relevant elements in the chore environment. Managers need to consider the competitive environment, also referred to as the task environment or industry environment. The profitability of th e firm and the nature of competition in the industry are more instantaneously influenced by developments in the competitive environment.3.1.7 Industry AnalysisIndustry group of firms producing a similar product or service. The firm interacts with a more specific environment, the industry. Four main components that exert influence on industry1. Suppliers2. Competitors and potential substitutes3. Potential entrants4. Buyers3.1.8 Competitors, potential substitutes and potential entrantsThe number of firms operating within the industry as well as the number of firms wishing to enter the industry is regulated by barriers to entry which determine continued mesh in and/or exit from the industry. Some of the constraints are the rate of industry growth, the level of fixed costs, and the degree of differentiation. Potential competitors are not limited to firms considering to offer exactly the same or differentiated products or services, substitutes to the existing products and services are also a potential threat. Substitute products/services may co-exist with the present range of products and services or may render the present range obsolete.3.1.9 Buyers and SuppliersThe competitive situation of business firms is influenced by the nature of its transactions with its buyers and suppliers. Buyers exert their power in the industry when they force down prices, bargain for higher quality or more services, and play competitors against each other. Suppliers can exert bargaining power over participants in an industry by threatening to raise prices or reduce the quality of purchased goods or services. In addition, we unremarkably think of suppliers as other firms. But labour has to be recognized as a supplier as well one that exerts great power in many industries.3.2 The organisationEnvironmental UncertaintyOrganisations must manage environmental uncertainty to be effective. Environmental characteristics that influence uncertainty are the number of factors that affect the organisation and the conclusion to which those factors change. When away factors change rapidly, the organisation experiences high uncertainty. Companies have to slay an effort to adapt to the rapid changes in the environment.Adapting to the environmentIf an organisation faces increased uncertainty with gaze to competition, customers, suppliers or government regulations managers can use several strategies to adapt to these changes, including boundary-spanning roles, interorganisational partnerships and mergers or go ventures.Boundary-spanning rolesBoundary Spanning is concerned with the detection of information. It has two primary roles 1) to detect information and bring it into the organisation. 2) Send information into the environment presenting the company in a favourable light. There are two main sources of information 1) business science which is information about the general environment. 2) Competitive Information which is information about an memorial tablets competito rs.Interorganisational partnershipsAn increasingly popular strategy for adapting to the environment is to reduce boundaries and increase collaboration with other organisations. North American companies have typically worked alone, competing with one another, but an uncertain and interconnected global environment has changed that tendency. Companies are joining together to become more effective and to share scarce elections. Head to head competition among independent firms is giving way to networks of alliances that compete for business on a global basis.Mergers and joint venturesA step beyond strategic partnerships is for companies to become involved in mergers or joint ventures to reduce environmental uncertainty. A frenzy of merger and acquisition activity both in the US and internationally in recent years is an attempt by organisations to cope with the tremendous volatility of the environment. A merger occurs when two or more organisations combine to become one. A joint venture involves a strategic alliance or program by two or more organisations. This usually occurs when a project is too complex, expensive, or uncertain for one firm to handle alone. BA is considering a merger with a foreign airline to help cope with the economic uncertainty.3.3 The Internal Environment Corporate CultureCorporate gloss refers to the shared values, attitudes, standards, and beliefs that characterize members of an organization and ready its nature. Corporate culture is rooted in an organizations goals, strategies, structure, and approaches to labour. As such, it is an essential component in any businesss ultimate success or failure. It is an unwritten value-set that management communicates directly or indirectly that all employees know and work under, stated John OMalley in Birmingham Business diary. It is the underlying soul and guiding force within an organization that creates attitude alliance, or employee loyalty. A winning corporate culture is the environmental keyst one for maintaining the highest levels of employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and profitability.Every company has a culture, though not every culture is beneficial in helping a company reach its goals. A healthy corporate culture is one in which employees are support to work together to ensure the success of the overall business. Developing and maintaining a healthy corporate culture can be particularly problematic for entrepreneurs, as the authoritarian practices that helped establish a small business often must be exchanged for participatory management strategies that allow it to grow.An Increasing Emphasis on CultureSince the 1980s, several factors have led businesses to evaluate corporate culture alongside such traditional hard measures of corporate health as assets, revenues, profits, and shareholder return. One such factor is the transition from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy, with the corresponding shift in emphasis from the quality of a material prod uct to the quality of business relationships.Another factor is the need for American businesses to compete in a global marketplace against international rivals whose corporate cultures are distinct but demonstrably effective. A related factor is the need for many businesses to successfully adapt to technological advances in the marketplace or acquisitions/mergers that require assimilation of previously separate business entities.Corporate culture affects many areas of a firms operations. One broad area of corporate culture involves corporate citizenship-the companys relationship to the larger environment. In this area, a companys culture helps determine its overall ethics and attitude toward public service. A second broad area of corporate culture involves human resource management. A companys culture affects a variety of human resource policies and practices, including the nature of interaction between managers and employees, the responsiveness to diversity issues in the workplace , and the availability of flextime and telecommuting options, synthetic rubber and training programs, and health and recreation facilities. In a smoothly functioning organization, all such policies and practices foster an internally consistent corporate culture. Daft (2009)3.4 Environment and CultureIn considering what cultural values are important for the organisation, managers consider the external environment as well as the companys strategy and goals. Studies suggest that the decline fit between culture, strategy, and the environment is associated with four categories or types of culture. These categories are based on two dimensions1) the extent to which external environment requires flexibility or constancy and 2) the extent to which a companys strategic focus is internal or external. The four categories associated with these differences are adaptability, achievement, matter and consistency.The adaptability culture emerges in an environment that requires fast response and h igh risk decision making. Managers encourage values that support the companys ability to rapidly detect, interpret and translate signals from the environment into new behaviour responses. Employees have autonomy to make decisions and act freely to meet new needs and responsiveness to customers is highly cherished.The achievement culture is suited to organisations concerned with serving specific customers in the external environment but without the intense need for flexibility and rapid change. This results oriented culture values competitiveness, aggressiveness, personal initiative and willingness to long and hard to achieve results.The involvement culture emphasizes an internal focus on the involvement and participation of employees to rapidly adapt to changing needs from the environment. This culture places high value on concourse the needs of employees and the organisation may be characterised by a caring, family like atmosphere. Managers emphasize values such as cooperation, love of both employees and customers and avoiding status differences.The closing category of culture, the use of consistency culture, uses an internal focus and a consistency orientation for a stable environment. Following the rules and being thrifty are valued and culture supports and rewards a methodical, rational, orderly way or doing things. In todays fast changing world, few companies operate in a stable environment and most managers are shifting toward cultures that are more flexible and in tune with changes in the environment. Lewin (1989)Each of these four categories of culture can be successful. In addition, organisations usually have vales that fall into more than one category. This is the case for BA, who has values in all of the above.4.0 ConclusionTo conclude to this report, it has been evident that British Airways to take in consideration of several contemporary issues especially in the Environment and Corporate Culture. In other words, by BA becoming more adaptable t o environment and culture it has and still is a booming success. After several failures, BA learnt its mistakes and overcome them. Today knowing the fact that BA, as a company, is one the leading corporate culture companies in the world. Moreover, BA can handle change and innovation extremely well. In other words BA is dealing with issues that are approach their way pretty well. However, there are a few issues that BA is up against such as implementing change, not everyone is happy for change specially if they are comfortable with the old.5.0 ReferencesADAAG Regulation (September 2002) online ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, available from http//www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm4.33 Accessed on 20/04/10Apple Store-Store List. Apple Inc.. available grom http//www.apple.com/retail/storelist/. Accessed on 16/04/10Bartol, KM, Martin, DC al et (2001) Management A Pacific Rim Focus . 3rd edt. Roseville, NSW Mc Graw-Hill Book Company, Pages 576-578BBC (20 10) Whats the BA dispute about? Available at http//news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8413529.stm Accessed 14/09/10Business Week (2008), How Nokia Drive Innovation available from http//www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/ center/apr2008/gb20080430_764271.htm accessed on 15/04/10Business Week (2009) available from http//www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_16/b4127046256572.htm Accessed on 15/04/10Business Week (2009) available from http//www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_16/b4127046256572.htm Accessed on 15/04/10 burnes, B. (2004) Managing Change 4th edn. Harlow FT Prentice Hall screw M. (2003) Seven Cs of Consulting. 2nd ed, Harlow FT Prentice HallDaft, R.L. (2009) New Era of Management. Cengage.Dictionary, Bnet, 2009 available from http//dictionary.bnet.com/definition/organizational+change.html Accessed on 15/04/10Dillion , A (1999) A study of Toyota production system., New York, Sheridon books.Glenn Peoples, Nashville (April 21, 2010) available from http//www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/ content_display/industry/e3i4062457efae56fa395d3a162524485be Accessed on 20/04/10Kotter, J Schlesinger, L. (1979) Choosing Strategies for Change. Harvard Business Review. 57(March). pp.106-114Laurie A. Fitzgerald, Frans M. van Eijnatten, (2002), Chaos in organizational change, Journal of Organizational Change Management Volume 15 Issue 4 2002 Conceptual PaperLewin, K. (1951) Field Theory in Social Science. Harper.MacRumors. January 27, 2010. Available from http//www.macrumors.com/2010/01/27/apple-tablet-media-event-today-come-see-our-latest-creation/. Accessed on 18/04/10Mary (2009) online Cosmoloan, International Economy, Markets, http//www.cosmoloan.com/markets/how-the-recession-is-affecting-economies-around-the-world.html , Accessed on 13/04/10McKeown, Max (2008). The Truth About Innovation. London, UK Prentice Hall. ISBN0273719122.Michael Arrington (April 2, 2010). The Unauthorized TechCrunch iPad Review. TechCrunch. Available from http//techcrunch.com/2010/04/02/the-unauthoriz ed-techcrunch-ipad-review/. Accessed on 02/04/10Michael Oryl (January 22, 2009), Mobile Burn News available from http//www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=6118 Accessed on 20/04/10Paczkowski, John (2010). Initial iPad Demand Greater Than Initial iPhone Demand. All Things Digital. availble from http//digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20100223/initial-ipad-demand-greater-than-initial-iphone-demand/. Accessed on 07/04/10.Ronald Rosenberg, Globe Staff (October 29, 1998 ) online HighBean Research, available from http//www.highbeam.com/ commercialism/1P2-8503301.html , Accessed on 15/04/10Saskin. M, and Burke. W. W, Organizational Development in the 1980s, General Management 13(1987) 393-417 and Richard Beckhard, What is Organization Development? In Organisation Development and TransformationManaging Effective Change,1st ed.Wendell. L. French, Cecil H. bell shape jr, Zawacki (BurrRidge, IL Irwin McGraw-Hill 2000)97-115Shiny Shiny (2010) available from http//www.shinyshiny.tv/2010/03/apples_creative .html Accessed on 28/04/10Stephen P. And Mary C. (1996) Management 5th, San Diego State University

Short Medium And Long Term Sources Of Finance

Short Medium And Long Term Sources Of FinanceThere atomic number 18 many sources of pay, which would all reverse the stage personal credit line with a quick source of m whizy, which will control to be pay back. precisely the centre the community needs potful limit them to a range of sources of pay and methods of repayment e.g. interest. The sources of finance can be split up into three types long termination, medium term and short term. Long term finance is mainly for companies who need a large sum of capital, which would be uncontrollable to be paid back, this would be used to provide start-up capital to finance the business for its whole lifespan, finance the purchase of additions with a longer life, such as grammatical constructions and provide expansion capital for large projects, such as building a new factory or taking over anformer(a) business. The repayment as it is so much would be paid over a number of years rather than straight away. Medium term finance is again for spirited sums of money needed but not as high as long term, these usually would be used to finance the purchase of assets with a two to five year life, such as vehicles and computers, to replace an overdraft which is tight to clear and is proving expensive and to finance a change in strategy, such as to switch marketing focus from Britain to the whole of Europe etc. But the repayment would be faster than long term, such as in a couple of years etc. short-term finance is when a company needs money quickly for immediate things, which are temporary the repayments are much quicker than the others. They would be used to bridge temporary finance gaps, to communicate through periods when cash flow is poor and to cover temporary needs for extra bills due to unexpected problems or opportunities.There are assertable sources of finance, which available to a Limited company.Sources of Short-term FinanceThere are a number of sources of short-run finance which are listed below1. Trade realisation2. Bank reference point Loans and climbs Cash credit Overdraft Discounting of bills3. Customers advances4. Instalment credit5. Loans from co-operatives1. Trade CreditTrade credit refers to credit granted to manufactures and traders by the suppliers of raw material, immaculate goods, components, etc.2. Bank CreditCommercial banks grant short-term finance to business firms which is known as bank credit.(i) LoansWhen a certain amount is progress by a bank repayable after a specified period, it is known as bank loan..(ii) Cash CreditIt is an arrangement whereby banks allow the borrower to take on money upto a specified limit. This limit is known as cash credit limit. Initially this limit is granted for one year. This limit can be extended after review for another year. However, if the borrower still desires to continue the limit, it must be enewed after three years.(iii) OverdraftWhen a bank allows its depositors or account holders to suck up money in excess of t he balance in his account upto a specified limit, it is known as overdraft facility. This limit is granted purely on the rump of credit-worthiness of the borrower .(iv) Discounting of BillBanks also advance money by discounting bills of exchange, promissory notes and hundies. When these documents are presented before the bank for discounting, banks credit the amount to cutomers account after deducting discount.3. Customers AdvancesSometimes business community insist on their customers to make some advance payment. It is generally asked when the value of order is quite large or things ordered are very costly. Customers advance represents a part of the payment towards toll on the product (s) which will be delivered at a later date.4. Instalment creditInstalment credit is now-a-days a popular source of finance for consumer goods like television, refrigerators as well as for industrial goods.5. Loans from Co-operative BanksCo-operative banks are a good source to procure short-term fi nance. Such banks have been established at local, district and state levels. District Cooperative Banks are the federation of primary credit societies.18.5 Merits and Demerits of Short-term FinanceShort-term loans help business concerns to meet their temporary requirements of money. They do not create a heavy burden of interest on the organisation. But sometimes organisations persist in away from such loans because of uncertainty and other reasons. Let us examine the merits and demerits of short-term finance.Merits of short-term financea) Economical Finance for short-term purposes can be arranged at a short notice and does not involve any cost of raising. The amount of interest payable is also affordable. It is, thus, relatively more(prenominal) economical to raise short-term finance.b) Flexibility Loans to meet short-term monetary need can be raised as and when required. These can be paid back if not required. This provides flexibility.c) No interference in management The len ders of short-term finance cannot interfere with the management of the borrowing concern. The management retain their freedom in decision making.d) May also serve long-term purposes Generally business firms keep on renewing short-term credit, e.g., cash credit is granted for one year but it can be extended upto 3 years with annual review.After three years it can be renewed. Thus, sources of short-term finance may sometimes provide funds for long-term purposes.Demerits of short-term financeShort-term finance suffers from a few demerits which are listed belowa) Fixed centre Like all borrowings interest has to be paid on short-term loans irrespective of profit or loss earned by the organisation. That is why business firms use short-term finance only for temporary purposes.b) Charge on assets Generally short-term finance is raised on the basis of security of moveable assets. In such a miscue the borrowing concern cannot raise further loans against the security of these assets nor can these be sold until the loan is cleared (repaid).c) obstacle of raising finance When business firms suffer intermittent losses of huge amount or market demand is declining or industry is in recession, it loses its creditworthiness. In such circumstances they find it difficult to borrow from banks or other sources of short-term finance.d) Uncertainty In cases of crisis business firms always face the uncertainty of securing funds from sources of short-term finance. If the amount of finance required is large, it is also more uncertainto get the finance.e) Legal formalities Sometimes certain legal formalities are to be complied with for raising finance from short-term sources. If shares are to be deposited as security, then transfer deed must be prepared.Medium term finance Bank term loan This is possibly the simplest form of loans available to businesses. The average bank manager dealing with a medium sized firm and responsible to head office for the performance of the branch uses a set of well-defined criteria when making a loan. A bank loan is for a fixed amount at a fixed rate of interest. There is likely to be a demand for regular payments.The gains of a bank term loan is that financial planning is made easier as repayments are made in regular instalments and the interest rate are often fixed, but the disadvantages are the smaller the business the higher rates paid due to presenting a higher risk of things going wrong. Long term Finance Sale of Shares This is the issuing of shares of the business to other investors who want to buy into the company.The main advantage of issuing shares is that the shareholders have limited indebtedness if the business fails. Personal possessions are not at risk and their liability is limited to the actual capital invested. Also the capital is raised by issuing shares (which are a proportion of what the company is worth) to investors, who are encouraged to buy by the promise of receiving dividends or dough on their shares. Also shares can be sold as preference shares which offer a fixed return as profits change from year to year, according to how well the company has done.The disadvantages of selling shares are the administrative costs of issuing shares are high. Also it is difficult to estimate the market price of shares, though this problem can be avoided if tender issues them, where investors state how much they are willing to pay for them. Also the price of the shares can go up or down and shareholders may have to sell at a lower price than they bought it. Also the shares of an Ltd will have to be sold privately, which costs money and investors would might not want to invest due to the lack of hassle from buying into a Plc. Reinvested Profits This is the money that the business makes being re-invested into the business to aid its plans.The advantage of this is capital can be raised by the company reinvesting or ploughing back the profits made at the end of the year, after expenses and di vidends to shareholders have been paid.The disadvantage of this is profits may be scare or non-existent, especially in times of recession.mortgage Loans This is a loan where the lender insists on some asset of the business being tied to the repayment of the loan. In the event of bankruptcy or small town that lender will then have priority on the money from the sale of that asset for the repayment of the loan. The asset is always land or property.The advantage of this is capital is often supplied by pension or insurance funds for a loan over 25 30 years for buildings or land, with the asset as security.The disadvantage of this the loans are usually only given when large sums are required. Venture Capital Loans Venture capital is risk capital, usually in the forms of loan and shares as a package, to provide a significant investment in a medium or large business.The advantages of this are capital is supplied by venture capital firms who accept a certain degree of risk being inevita ble. Also virtually venture capitalists also provide help in the form of back up management and financial expertise. Also the governments Enterprise Investment Scheme offers incentives to private investors willing to invest in unquoted companies.The disadvantages are that most venture capitalists are only interested in loans for more than 50000 and some only consider ventures where more than 250000 is involved, as the administration costs are not worthwhile on smaller projects. Also they charge a negotiation fee for arranging the finance and they generally expect a non controlling truth stake of 20 40% in the firms capital, as a return of their investment.Debenture Loans A debenture is a long-term loan, which does not have to be repaid until an agreed date. Debenture holders are entitled to a fixed rate of the return year and have priority over all the shareholders.The advantage of this is that individuals can supply capital to a company in the form of a long-term loan called d ebentures, which have to be repaid on an agreed date. These payments take priority over payments to all other shareholders.The disadvantage is that the company has to offer some security for the loan, which can be sold if the company cannot meet the payments. In the case of a fixed debenture this is a specific asset such as a building or land.(Source Advantages/Disadvantages Understanding Industry by Ian Marcous pg 85-86, Definitions dividing line Studies Pg 297 301 Susan Hammond A-Z Business Studies pg 148, 167 David Lines, Ian Marcous Barry Martin)

Pain In Cardiothoracic Surgery Numerical Rating For Pain Nursing Essay

annoyance In Cardiothoracic Surgery Numerical Rating For bother nursing EssayPain is frequently go through post-operatively, after cardiothoracic operation, and is therefrom a core member of nursing confide (Kalso, Perttunen, and Kaasinen, 2002). This duty assignment introduces the concept of put out and highlights the importance of the accu govern appraisal of distress in terms of the Nursing and Midwifery (NMC, 2008) Code of Practice and recommended get hold of airs. This is followed by an evaluation of cark respectment outcome footmarks, with particular focus on the Numerical Rating ordered series (NRS) for disorder. The NRS, when utilize as a self-report outcome measure, is the gold amount for disquiet assessment. It is a psychometric bothy and operationally robust disquiet assessment measure, as supported by the prove presented within this assignment. Not lone(prenominal) is the NRS associated with a number of beneficial persevering outcomes, but it has also been form to facilitate communicating between patients, healthcare professionals, and multidisciplinary teams (de Rond et al., 2001).Pain in Cardiothoracic Surgery The Numerical Rating ordered series for Pain AssessmentThis assignment introduces the concept of upset and highlights the importance of the accurate assessment of trouble oneself within the cardiothoracic surgery setting. This is followed by an evaluation of pain assessment outcome measures, with particular focus on the gold standard self-report outcome measure, the Numerical Rating Scale for pain.BackgroundIn the UK, over 10,000 cases of thoracic surgery are carried out each year, with pain be frequently report post-surgery (Perttunen, Tasmuth, and Kalso, 1999 Maguire et al., 2006). One think over found that persistent pain lasting more than 6-months was reported by 44% of patients after a thoracotomy (Kalso, Perttunen, and Kaasinen, 2002). The prevalence of chronic pain after thoracic surgery has been reporte d as a signifi so-and-sot problem that is consistently rated by patients as being one of the approximately difficult problems following surgery it ignore impact a patients life for several years, severely depleting their quality of life (Maguire et al., 2006).Despite the prevalence and burden of pain, the literature highlights m both cases of poor clinical practice in the assessment and management of post-operative pain (Dihle et al., 2006 Schoenwald and Clark 2006). This is regardless of past quality improvement initiatives and changes to practice, which comprised the establishment of clinical nurse specia nominates, multidisciplinary pain teams, and standardised pain assessment tools (The Royal College of Surgeons of England and College of Anaesthetists, 1990).Inadequate assessment and management of post-operative pain poses a number of implications for the patient and the NHS. For example, pain crowd out result in increased levels of anxiety, sleep disturbance, restlessness, i rritability, and aggression, as easy as limitations in mobility (Macintyre and Ready, 2001 Carr et al., 2005). More importantly, post-operative pain is an unnecessary ordeal that causes heightened distress (Macintyre and Ready, 2001 Carr et al., 2005). It can also have physiological effects on patients, which whitethorn lead to complications and delayed discharge from hospital, including increases in heart rate and blood pressure, delayed gastric emptying, nausea, vomiting, and paralytic ileus (paralysis of the intestine). Difficulties coughing, resulting from increased pain on exertion, can result in chest infections and additional problems, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus (Sjostrom et al 2000 Macintyre and Ready, 2001). At worst, unrelieved pain can be life-threatening, peculiarly in older people with comorbidities (Hamil, 1994).Pain is the fifth vital sign in the physiological assessment of patients, making it a core component of nursing practice (Chronic P ain Policy Coalition, 2008). The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organisations has made it mandatory for hospitals to assess pain in patients (Krebs, Carey, and Weinberger, 2007). Nurses are chastely and ethically responsible for the accurate assessment of post-operative pain (Dimond, 2002), since this is vital for identifying the nature and severity of pain as salubrious as for administering pain relief interventions and ascertaining the military posture of such interventions (Mackintosh, 2007). As an example, pain bell ringers can be used alongside the WHO (1990) three-step analgesic ladder in the administration of pain relief.The assessment of pain is mazy and decisions are required as to the or so accurate method of assessment within different clinical environments and with different patients. One such complex decision is whether to measure pain observationally or via self-reports and this decision is most probably to be led by conceptions of pain. If defi ned as a subjective experience, or as pick upd by McCaffery and Beebe (1968, p. 95) as, whatever the experiencing person says it is, existing whenever the experiencing person says it does, then choice of assessment is most likely to be self-report.Self-report is the gold standard for measuring pain since subjective experiences can only be measured from the perspective of the patient (Wood, 2004). The importance of self-report pain assessment is highlighted in a prove by Whipple et al. (1995) whereby, out of 17 trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit, 95% of doctors and 81% of nurses felt that the patients had adequate pain relief in contrast, 74% of patients rated their pain as accommodate or severe. Many other studies confirm this inconsistency between the subjective pain reported by patients and the objective pain reported by healthcare professionals (Sjostrom et al., 2000 Marquie et al., 2003 Sloman et al., 2005).There are a vast array of patient-reported outcome me asures for assessing pain, including uni-dimensional dentures that measure one element of pain (such as intensity) and multidimensional shells that measure more characteristics of pain and its impact (Macintyre et al., 2010). Whilst multidimensional tools might be better for chronic long-term conditions, uni-dimensional scales have been reported to be effective for acute pain, which can be experienced in the cardiothoracic surgery setting (Wood, 2008). Multi-dimensional measures of pain are rarely used post-surgery as they are more complex and time-consuming (Coll et al., 2004). Therefore, this assignment evaluates selected literature on uni-dimensional outcome measures within this context, with particular focus on the measure recommended by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Faculty of Pain Medicine in their guidance on Acute Pain concern Scientific Evidence (Macintyre et al., 2010) The Numerical Rating Scale for Pain.MethodologyLiterature pertaining to the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain was searched in order to identify articles on the NRS and comparative pain assessment tools. The following keywords were used within the search strategy pain AND quantitative grade scale OR NRS AND surgery. The search was limited to articles comprising adult participants. The search was also limited to records no earlier than 2005 in an effort to obtain the most recent evidence examining the NRS. Nevertheless, where these records have cited earlier research assessed as being applicable to this assignment, these records have also been obtained and used as evidence.ResultsA total of 88 records were retrieved from the pre-defined search criteria, 28 of which were not relevant to this assignment. A total of 60 records were evaluated for evidence to be allow ind within this assignment. In synthesising the evidence within these records and the utilised pain assessment tools, a framework created by Fitzpatrick et al. (1998) was adopted. This fra mework, designed to facilitate the selection of the most appropriate patient-reported outcome measures, promotes a consideration of the following psychometric properties and operational characteristics appropriateness of the instrument to the purpose and setting reliability validity responsiveness precision interpretability acceptability and feasibility.Examples of three of the most frequently utilised uni-dimensional pain assessment measures, as discussed within the following appraisal of the literature, can be found in appendix 1.Literature AppraisalThe reviewed evidence suggests that the four most commonly utilised uni-dimensional pain assessment tools are the verbal military rank scales (VRS), numerical rating scale (NRS), visual analogue scale ( vas), and pictorial rating scale (PRS). Such tools were developed due to the lack of feasibility associated with use multidimensional outcome measures within the clinical environment (Wood, 2004). Uni-dimensional tools such as the VRS , NRS, VAS and PRS enable health professionals to quantify pain intensity from a subjective perspective without being too time-consuming and without creating a burden for patients.Verbal rating scales are descriptive in nature, allowing patients to rate their pain intensity on a scale of no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, or severe pain (Wood 2004 Williamson and Hoggart, 2005). They have been reported as being one of the easiest tools to understand and use, whilst also offering the option of being completed verbally or in indite format. The VRS has been adopted and integrated into acute settings, with numbers to rate pain being used in observation charts (e.g. 1=mild pain 2=moderate pain, etc.). Such integration into standard practice increases the feasibility of the scale, whilst using numbers to document pain provides ease of interpretability. Of caution, however, is that although verbal rating scales are easy to use, the adjectives do not necessarily represent equal intervals of pain. Indeed, patients may wish to expect their pain in via a word not appearing within the list of adjectives they have been presented with (Schofield, 1995). Due to the use of words to describe pain, the VRS is dependent on both the respondents interpretation and understanding of the terms, as well as the health professionals interpretation. It has, therefore, been suggested that this scale lacks the sensitivity and accuracy of other pain rating scales (Baillie 1993). Jensen et al. (1994) suggested that the lack of sensitivity of the VRS could lead to an over or underestimation of changes in pain being experienced and, as such, could make it difficult to manage pain appropriately and effectively.In contrast to the VRS, the visual analogue scale (VAS) uses a 100mm horizontal or tumid line with extremes of pain placed at either end of the line so that the patient marks their pain intensity along the continuum. The distance to the line can then be measured and documented. A VAS ra ting of greater than 70mm is usually the threshold indicative of severe pain (Aubrun et al., 2008). However, the VAS poses a number of limitations within the clinical setting. It requires a greater degree of cognitive functioning, physical dexterity, and concentration than other measures of pain, and so it is not suitable for some patients, including older patients and those with visual difficulties (Krulewitch et al., 2000). Indeed, Chapman and Syrjala (1990) estimated that 7-11% of adults would have difficulty using the VAS, whilst Wood (2004) went on to find that about 20% of patients are either unable to complete the VAS or find it confusing. Also, because it is administered verbally, it might be difficult to use after general anaesthesia or administration of some analgesics. In addition, the VAS has been found to be highly sensitive to changes in levels of pain, which can make it difficult to use (Bird and Dickson, 2001). Overall, the VAS has been found to be the least suitabl e uni-dimensional pain assessment measure, especially if administered after cardiac surgery (Pesonen et al., 2008).Numerical rating scales (NRS) offer an alternative to descriptive measures of pain by assessing pain intensity numerically, on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). A value of four or more is most often used as a threshold to guide clinical intervention (Mularski, 2006). On the other hand, the most recent guidance from the World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS, 2007) makes no reference to pain score thresholds, merely offering that change in pain level may indicate a need to reassess the patient.The NRS has been found to be highly pleasant to patients when compared to other pain scales (WUWHS, 2007) and, like the VRS, it has the advantage of being validated for verbal or written administration, which makes it feasible for use with patients who have differing levels of ability to complete such assessments (Paice and Cohen, 1997). It has been show n that older patients, post-operative patients, and patients with poor motor coordination are able to use the NRS (Rodriguez, 2001 Aubrun et al., 2003). It is not recommended, however, for patients with post-operative confusion (Ferrell et al., 1995). The NRS is more sensitive than the VRS, although some patients might find it difficult to describe their pain numerically (Carpenter and Brockopp, 1995).The NRS for pain is recommended by the The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Faculty of Pain Medicine developed guidance on Acute Pain Management Scientific Evidence (Macintyre et al., 2010), which is endorsed by the Faculty of Pain Medicine, Royal College of Anaesthetists in the UK as well the International Association for the Study of Pain. The guidance aims to combine a review of the outgo available evidence for acute pain management with current clinical practice and was designed to provide information based on best evidence. The support cited within the docu ment shows a good correlation between the VAS and NRS, indicating good levels if convergent validity with a measure purporting to assess the same construct. However, this correlation is not as strong in cardiothoracic patients compared to non-cardiothoracic patients (Ahlers et al., 2008).The document also highlights that the NRS is usually preferable, most certainly among patients (Herr et al., 2004). This is likely due to its feasibility in terms of burden to patients and staff since it only takes 30 seconds to complete (Downie et al., 1978). Importantly, the NRS has been found to be responsive to interventions such as patient-controlled analgesia (Li, Liu and Herr 2009), making it an effective instrument for monitor pain management. The scale is also highly Downie et al. (1978) also found the NRS to have superior accuracy when compared to the VAS and simple descriptive measures of pain such as the VRS. It could be argued that the NRS provides a compromise between the VRS, which of fers only a few descriptors for patients to choose from, and the VAS, which has been reported to offer too much choice and to be confusing.In terms of comparability against observer-based measures of pain, the NRS has been found to be more sensitive to detecting pain than the Behavioural Pain Scale (BPS) in both cardiothoracic and non-cardiothoracic patients (Ahlers et al., 2008). The authors rationalise that when using the NRS, health professionals tend to gather more background information on the patient, taking into consideration pain over time. In contrast, the BPS measures pain at one point in time, is objective, and lacks a contextual basis for interpretation. Therefore, the authors recommend that the BPS is only used alongside the NRS (Ahlers et al., 2008). This again supports self-reported pain as being the gold-standard for pain assessment and management.Importantly, studies have demonstrated that improvements in pain assessment and documentation frequently lead to more eff ective pain management (Erdek and Pronovost, 2004). In terms of the NRS, the evidence suggests that using this scale frequently results in favourable clinical outcomes such as decreased incidence of pain and agitation, as well as a decrease in the duration of mechanical ventilation (Chanques et al., 2006). It also enhances the nurse-patient relationship by providing acknowledgment of pain (Briggs, 2003). These positive outcomes are likely related to the fact that healthcare professionals are less liable to underestimate a patients level of pain when using the NRS than when compared to not using it. One study showed that of patients experiencing pain, where a discrepancy was reported between patient and nurse ratings, the NRS had not been used in 45% of such cases (Lorenz et al., 2009). This problem is especially apparent when patients rate their pain as being unacceptable nurses tend to underestimate the level of pain if not collecting pain ratings from patients using the NRS (Ahler s et al., 2008). In this sense, the NRS and, indeed, other pain measures are invaluable for facilitating patient communication of pain and expression of pain (Wood, 2004). The NRS also offers a number of practical advantages in that it is easy to teach to all staff and patients, as well as being easy to score and document. The documentation of all measures of pain is fundamental for the delivery of effective care, and it also facilitates communication between multidisciplinary team members (American Pain Society, 1995).The NRS is a valid and reliable measure of pain, but does still need to be used with caution and professional ruling as some studies have found a lack of consistency between ratings of pain. For example, one study found that whilst a patient might express a reduction in pain after an intervention, their score on the NRS remains the same (Mackintosh, 2005). Furthermore, a rating of, for example, seven by one patient might have a different meaning to another patient (S loman et al., 2000). However, provided that such limitations are taken into consideration and efforts made to supplement the information poised from the NRS, the instrument can be a highly effective tool for the assessment and management of pain (Mackintosh, 2005). Such supplementary enquiry might include observation and history taking, as recommended by McCaffery and Pasero (1999).Implications for PracticeDespite the many benefits to uni-dimensional outcome measures of pain, such tools need to be used with caution as they only focus on limited aspects of the pain experience, arguable oversimplifying the complexity of the experience (Wood, 2004). They also pose the risk of being misinterpreted, a risk that cannot be ascertain via descriptive tools since interpretation difficulties are also present when using the VRS. For example, what constitutes moderate pain might vary across patients and health professionals, as well as be dependent on factors such as personality, culture, and experience (Closs et al., 2004).The validity and reliability of all pain assessment tools, including the NRS, can be enhanced by familiarising the patient with the assessment tool and explaining the reasons for its use. Indeed, Giordano, Abramson and Boswell (2010) have emphasised the importance of listening to the patients subjective descriptions of pain and being consistent in the documentation of any pain assessment. At the same time, it is imperative to acknowledge that a pain assessment tool is only one aspect of the overall assessment of the patients pain (Duke, 2006). In the cardiothoracic setting, pain assessment should include static (rest) and dynamic (sitting, coughing, etc.) pain assessment and management (Macintyre et al., 2010).Although the assessment process should not be rushed, it does need to set forth soon after surgery since studies have shown that high levels of pain immediately after surgery are associated with increased risk of developing chronic pain (Katz e t al., 1996). In the clinical environment, it is not always feasible to carry out extensive assessments of pain, but the benefit of utilising a tool such as the NRS is that it provides an initial brief assessment of pain intensity. This, in turn, provides vital information on whether pain relief is required or whether a previously administered intervention has been effective. It is understood, however, that cognisance of other pain measures is essential for the purpose of providing equal care to patients who might not be able to complete the NRS. For example, patients with cognitive impairments might find the Abbey Pain Scale easier to complete (Abbey et al., 2004), whilst patients with learning disabilities might prefer Zwakhalen et al.s (2004) scale of non-verbal indicators.ConclusionsEffective pain management needs to commence with effective pain assessment, as well as the identification of factors requiring urgent intervention (Fear, 2010). The Numerical Rating Scale for pain p rovides a psychometrically robust method of assessing pain intensity and monitoring pain reduction interventions. As well as being psychometrically robust, the scale is acceptable to patients and feasible within busy clinical environments such as the cardiothoracic surgery setting. The best available evidence suggests the Numerical Rating Scale for pain is a suitable tool for the assessment and management of post-surgery pain and using this tool thus adheres to the Nursing and Midwifery (NMC, 2008) Code of Practice for providing a high standard of evidence-based practice at all times. Not only does this scale provide improve patient outcomes, but it also promotes communication between the patient, nurse, and multidisciplinary team (de Rond et al., 2001). More research is needed on the accuracy and effectiveness of the NRS, as well as exploration as to any potential improvements to the instrument (Krebs, Carey, and Weinberger, 2007) however, until then, the evidence suggests that th e NRS is an acceptable and efficacious screening tool for measuring pain in patients.Appendix 1 Pain Rating ScalesVisual Analogue Scale (VAS)Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)Faces Rating Scale (FRS)

Lessons Found in Beauty and the Beast Essay -- Fairytales Essays Beaut

Lessons Found in viewer and the BeastOnce upon a condemnation?The classic opener for any fairy history, which is no different in the case of Beauty and the Beast. Fairy tales were meant to thatched roof our children life lessons that society, at the time, deems meaning(a) to learn. They teach us the difference between right and wrong, black and white, good and bad, light and dark, and beautiful and ugly. There are many different variations and names to Beauty and the Beast. This famed fable has been passed down and integrated into our culture time and time again, each time adding different lessons that were thought to be important in that day and age. What has changed all over the years? How have the fairy tales of Beauty and the Beast affected the children of yesterday, today and tomorrow? I hope to show how fairy tales, more importantly Beauty and the Beast, is helpful to children in many ways, but mostly by teaching them the way that they should act in society. There are thr ee rattling important lessons that Beauty and the Beast teaches us. First, and probably, the biggest one, is that beauty is only skin deep. It is what is on the inside that counts. Second, which ties in with the first lesson is, dont be too greedy because you impart only be looking for the beauty on the out side. Finally, do unto others as you would have done to you, this will make you beautiful on the inside were it counts.In this write up I am going to take a look at two versions of Beauty and the Beast. Although The Lady and the Lion and Beauty and the Beast are very different, the base story is there. True beauty is determined by what is on the inside and not on the outside. In addition vanity and riches will not make you happy. Finally, to be truly beautiful you must treat people how you would want to be treated.Before I get into those versions of Beauty and the Beast, I want to talk about those who don?t think this fairy tale should be meetn or heard by children. One versi on of this tale is by none other than Disney. Kathi Maio said, ?Disney?s version features a wildcat well who looks ugly and acts veritable(a) uglier? What a heart-warming fable Why it?s a rhythmical training film for the battered women of tomorrow? (194). At first I thought, wow she has issues, but when I looked deeper I found what she meant. Not to say that I agree with her by any means. It is a fairy tale for a reason These things... ...because of the fear that fairies will come after me and turn me into a beast or a statue. (Which if you think about it would be very scary, seeing a something with wings and a wand flying at you.) I dependable feel that if you want to be treated well, you should treat others well. This was most likely imbedded into me through fairy tales just like Beauty and the Beast.As you can see from only two very short versions of this fairy tale that the values in it are virtues that we should all have. This fairy tale has been passed down for many gener ations and with each year it grows and adapts to society, but the bases for this story stay true. You can?t judge a book by its cover. The truth is it is what is on the inside that counts, which leads to the next lesson that organism greedy will not make you happy. For everything you get that you think will make you happy, you will only find that you are unhappier than before. This flows nicely into the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have done to you, and this will bring you true happiness. I believe that this is a great fairy tale and the values it teaches are even better. My children will know the story of Beauty and the Beast well.

Community Report: Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services Essay

In the face of a weak economy, Americas cultural communities are proving to be resilient. unchanging done these difficult times takes courage and commitment our diverse communities are an excellent reflection of people creating change in the world. As economic conditions broaden to worsen, our communities have taken the opportunity to improve their conditions together. Right here in capital of California we are privileged to have the strength and support of the SFBSF (capital of California Food desire & Family Services). Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services has been actively helping the needy in Sacramento communities since 1976, when it was founded by Father Madigan. This report will focus on the details, history, and potential of the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. The SFBSF was founded as a result of iodin person recognizing an extreme need for change in our communities. Father Madigan began the SFBSF in the basement of his church located in Oak Park in 1976 to hel p the growing number of people in need in Sacramento. oer time, he found m any(prenominal) other passionate supporters of the cause and now his non-profit organization is able to provide free emergency goods and services to almost xv thousand people in need each month (Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services). Now SFBFS has two locations- one in Oak Park and one on North Sacramento SFBFS serves Sacramento neighborhoods with severe hardships every day. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is, dedicated to assisting those in need by alleviating their prompt pain and problems and moving them toward self-sufficiency and financial independence (COMMUNITY * INTEGRITY * COMPASSION) (Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services). The organizations goals do not involve race, gender, or any ... ...t the people need while making more intelligent and resourceful decisions regarding the health of the organization. The Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is an amazing asset Sacramento is extreme ly fortunate to have. Working to help others improve their lives and access greater opportunities also helps those people reject cultural stereotypes and withstand the harsh economy through the strength of community bonds. Works CitedKymlicka, W. Multiculturalism vs. Integration Database - Debate Topics and Debate Motions. IDEA International Debate Education Association - Debate Resources & Debate Tools. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2011. .Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Dec. 2011. .