Monday, September 30, 2019

Police Essay

Police generally perceive the risk of injury, assault, and even death to be greatest for domestic violence calls. Why do police have these beliefs, and what is the reality of the situation? When responding to calls few inspire more dread among police officers than answering to a domestic call. Police have generally the perception of risk of injury, assault and even death. There is always this perception among police officers when answering domestic calls. Such perception cannot be avoided because domestic calls most often than not have the element of unpredictability. Emotions are high and this can run even higher if coupled with drugs and alcohol. Indeed, responding to a domestic call can be very risky on the part of the police officers. When they respond to such call, they are perceived as the threat instead of being the protector. Traditionally, a police officer would respond to a call and restore peace as soon as possible and then clear from the call. The community policing philosophy dictates that the officer review of the problem, analyze it and try to come up with a solution to the problem. (Denise Papagno). However, this theory is not realistic at all. Upon responding to a domestic call, the police officer enters into a domestic abode as a protector, but in the eyes of the owners of the abode despite his good intentions, he will always be the intruder. Hence, the police officer cannot effectively do his job especially if the victim refuses to leave and instead would insist in not doing anything or even file a complaint for that matter. It is essentially difficult for police officers to face and respond to domestic calls as society now views domestic calls as a serious crime and not merely a private family quarrel. The fact that not all of the police are educated in handling domestic issues or why the victim does not leave her abuser or why the batterer abuses the victim. Because of this, the police fail to understand victims of domestic calls and are less inclined to help them in the next call. In your opinion, what is the most problematic myth associated with policing? Explain your answer. As early as the 18th century, police work or policing is associated in being a night watchman. The job basically entails maintaining order against threats to order itself – wild animals, fire or unruly behaviour. However, at the turn of the century, policing has evolved into something more than being a night watchman. Police not only has to maintain order in their respective communities but they are also tasked to solve and fight crimes. Hence, the notion that police can solve any crime reported to them grew. As crime fighters, this notion has proven to be an additional burden to policing. Even simple and private nuisances such as littering, drunkenness and unruly behaviour are called in and reported to the police. Hence, this takes up on the workload of policing instead of focusing more on the serious crime-solving work. But together with the notion of being crime-fighters came the myth of police brutality. The average citizen sees policemen as having â€Å"zero-tolerance†. For example, in domestic calls, instead of turning in their abuser, victims would opt not to do anything for fear of the police. If they fear their abusers, victims fear the police more. It does not help that there are also police mandates such as that of Rudy Giuliani who implemented a version of Broken Windows policing across New York City. Thus, policemen were tasked to become aggressive in stamping out public disorder such as drunkenness, jaywalking and noisiness. In reality however, policing is not just being brutal and aggressive towards those lawbreakers. The concept of â€Å"community policing† has made advancement in policing. Thus, police officers who are on foot patrol have elevated the common myth about policing because admittedly, an officer who is inside the squad car and safely sealed inside cannot relate with the other people from the neighbourhood.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Psychological Testing to Assess Motivation in the Workplace

Every employer seeks to find new employees that are a perfect match for the available position in their company. Many employers are now leaning towards organizational psychologists to assist them in finding the â€Å"perfect† employee. Organizational psychologist are able to assist companies in screening possible employees for personality traits that are necessary for the person to be successful at the potential job. Employers have also started to integrate psychological testing into the interview process to assist psychologists in picking out potential candidates who hold these desired traits. In addition, psychological testing is used to test current employees to determine what company improvements are needed to improve overall success. A largely researched topic in this area of psychology is motivation and reasons for motivation in employees. Article Summary The ability to measure factors that energize, channel, and sustain work behavior over time is essential for capturing employee motivation and for developing interventions aimed at enhancing motivation, job satisfaction, and performance (Tremblay, Blanchard, Taylor, Pelletier, & Villeneuve, 2009). Tremblay et al. (2009) suggests that self-determination theory (which focuses on why a person is motivated) applies to activities which people find interesting, challenging, or pleasing. This type of motivation is called intrinsic motivation. In addition, activities that are not experienced as interesting or pleasing are unlikely to get accomplished, unless there is an instrumental reason in doing so. This is called extrinsic motivation. The self-determination theory states that intrinsic motivation leads to the most positive outcomes, whereas extrinsic motivations lead to more negative outcomes such as counterproductive performance and employee withdraw (Tremblay et al. , 2009). Low work motivation has been linked to depression in employees, higher turnover rates, and job burnout (Tremblay et al. , 2009). Since better job performance, employee engagement, and employee retention as all considered vital for overall success of a company, it is important that research be conducted on tests that are able to determine otivational characteristics in company employees. The Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS) The WEIMS is a 18-item self-report scale that was developed by Tremblay et al. (2009) to measure both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in employees. The scale is also theorized to determine successful job performance based on six types of motivation determined by the self-determination theory. Partic ipants were asked to provide their answers to the 18 items on a Likert-type scale, ranging from 1 (does not correspond) to 5 (corresponds exactly) (Tremblay et al. , 2009). The researchers then created a formula to assess the scores of the scale. The total score derived from the formula reflects the individuals’ level of self determination. This research was conducted to determine the accuracy of using the WEIMS in different work environments to determine levels of motivation in employees. The WEIMS was hypothesized to predict positive and negative motivators based on the self-determination scale and to determine psychological ideas related to work motivation (Tremblay et al. , 2009). In addition, this research aimed to gain reliability and validity of the WEIMS scale. Three separate studies were conducted in an attempt to support the proposed hypotheses Effectiveness of the WEIMS In the first study, the WEIMS showed mid to high correlations for each type of motivation. Researchers indicated that this represents an indication of construct validity (Tremblay et al. , 2009). This study also determined that results indicated that extrinsic motivation was the main reason why employees were involved in their work. In study number two, results again indicated extrinsic motivation as the main motivation for employees (Tremblay et al. 2009). Results also indicated that a positive work environment leads to higher levels of self-determination, which in turn leads to the employee being more engaged in their work and a higher level of job satisfaction (Tremblay et al. , 2009). In addition, organizational support and positive work environment also showed a positive correlation with four of the types of motivation. In the third study, results were identical to t he first two studies. This indicates that the reliability and validity of the WEIMS measure is positive (Tremblay et al. , 2009). In addition, the original hypotheses that the WEIMS predicts positive and negative motivators based on the self-determination scale was supported (Tremblay et al. , 2009). The overall effectiveness of the WEIMS measure, as used in an employment setting, was positive. â€Å"The WEIMS has construct, content, and criterion validity for organizational settings† (Tremblay et al. , 2009, p. 221). In addition, results of all studies were consistent with the hypothesis that as self-determination increases, job satisfaction and commitment rises as well (Tremblay et al. , 2009). This study also supports that the WEIMS has the ability to predict positive and negative work experiences based on extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. Tremblay et al. (2009) did specify that although the found results are promising, further research is needed in order to determine if the WEIMS is useful in predicting future motivational behaviors based on this evaluation. Conclusion The use of psychological tests, such as the WEIMS, are able to provide employers with information that could potentially be used for improvement of overall work settings and ultimately the improvement of work performance. The use of the WEIMS by employers can contribute to a better understanding of of employee motivation and overall organizational functioning (Tremblay et al. , 2009). Increased motivation of employees is a critical asset in maximizing company profits in the current economy. With increased motivation of employees comes a more sufficient means of production, resulting in better quality and quantity of company products. Overall, psychological testing is able to assist employers in determining weaknesses in employees and the company. Using the results of testing to develop training strategies and programs to counteract negative feedback is vital in the improvement of any work setting. Psychological testing can also be used for positive feedback for the company, by using testing results to determine which employee traits work well for the success of that specific employer. The WEIMS, specifically, shows promising influence in determining both positive and negative aspects of employee motivation. This tool, if used correctly, has the potential to have a large impact on the way employers address overall motivation in the workplace.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

A Detailed Review Of The American Drama Series, The Son Of Anarchy

A Detailed Review Of The American Drama Series, The Son Of Anarchy When we were given the option to write about any television show we wanted to for this essay I immediately thought of Sons of Anarchy as an automatic go to. I started watching this show back in 2008 and still am tuned into the current and final season this year. I was immediately a fan of this show after hearing about if from my Father. Not really being a fan of many television shows at the time this program stood out to me because of the edgy violence, drug abuse, and gunfights. I think a lot of the being is based upon an outlaw motorcycle gang located in California is enough to pull in any teenage male at the time. As I got older and continued to watch the show I could see that it was more than just a show about action and violence. Especially while taking this class I began to look into the deeper meaning of the episodes and began to watch Youtube videos interviewing the director and cast to get a better understanding of it. I want to present what I believe this program aims to ac hieve and identify itself as, also I want to discuss some of the themes in the show that make it relate to the audience at a personal level. Sure not everybody gets up for work and hops on the motorcycle carrying a pistol for whatever the day may bring. However we all can relate to experiences with family struggles, having a sense of belonging, and standing up against something we might not agree with. These are just a few example of themes that this show presents. There are many more and I could probably write this paper on the entire first season but I will stick to the pilot episode. First, to begin with the technicalities of this show I did some research to learn that this show is shot upon live locations quite a bit however most of the common reoccurring scenes such as the clubhouse, are indeed Hollywood studio sets. This leads me to believe that this show utilizes both single camera and multi camera telefilm studio production techniques. I like how in the beginning of the Pilot episode you are right there on the road with main character Jackson Teller while he rides his bike along the California roads in the early morning. The camera work is all over the place on this show and I think that adds to the action aspect quite a bit as I have noticed since upon watching action shows and films. This show is a product of the convergence era seeing as how it kicked off in 2008, you can stream this show, purchase seasons online, and watch it on your phone if you please. Not only that you can catch previews of the upcoming episodes, aftermath specials with cast, and occa sionally a message from creator Kurt Sutter himself. I think these aspects of the modern era in media really engage the viewer to keep the spirit of the show going after the show is over even. Watching the show for a while you will learn that each episode ties in with the next and there is indeed a set reoccurring cast of the show. I believe it is a episodic serial format for those reasons, I would also like to mention how this show is shot in such a way that you feel that you need to know what happens in the next episode immediately after the current one is over. They leave you with perfectly shot cliff hangers. This also causes me to look at the way this show was shot in its entirety as more of a series of short films. If you put together all of the episodes for each season you could have movies with all of the content covered. Another reason why I absolutely love this show. I think you can enjoy this show really at any age around 16 to 17 and older. Although I would be advised to be 18+ to really understand some of the shows heavy content. When you are watching this show about a gang that deals guns, that are outlaws, that all work at a motorcycle shop you see almost two completely different sides of this family. I call them a family because they are that exactly and some really are related. Clay is the leader of the show, it doesn’t take long that connect him with being the dominant antagonist figure, along with him Gemma is at his side as his lover, she is also the mother of protagonist Jackson Teller. The crew themselves is not clearly defined as good or bad until later episodes reveal alliances towards â€Å"Jax† for short, and Clay. The pilot begins with a conflict that causes other gangs in the area to be involved with the Sons at a business and rivalry revengeful level. They must solve the issue to keep the business of selling guns going but that comes with great costs of risking their lives to do so.Leader of the Sons Clay is considered old school and not afraid to play dirty. Besides all of this going on Jax is expecting a baby boy on the way. Jax presented as a good looking, well-mannered bad boy figure right from the beginning of the pilot, he makes a discovery that changes his outlook on how the club was meant to operate, to keep it short, and this causes him to question the direction of the club. The club is structured as a democracy and there is a President, VP, Treasurer, and so on. They take votes and show respect to the hierarchy of the club. I think it is interesting that despite being outlaws they have order and like Italian mafia for example they show respect to one another until things get dirty! So really there is two stories going on at the same time during the pilot. Both focused on Jax primarily and defiantly and example of hailing him as the good guy. One of more of the gang related lifestyle of Jax and the other more human side of his life with his son being born. I think the reason behind this was to really show the viewer who the main character was as a person in all. Within the episode there are a few example of him standing up and doing the right thing. Jax does not believe in killing people if he doesn’t have to. Clay on the other hand does not think twice about killing of anyone pissed him off. This is just one example. Everyone looks out for each other and family is very important to everyone in the gang, for the most part. The themes he is faces with is what I would like to touch up on next because I find them to be very important to what makes the show able to relate to the audience. The show does reflect the life of badass bikers that drink, smoke, shoot people and deal guns. However these people still face hardships such as family struggles, paying bills, drug abuse, hard justice, and living everyday knowing you could get violently killed. The show clearly presents these people as criminal outlaws however you learn that most of them are good people at heart and have a strong love for family and community. Not many o ther shows present the criminal class of society in this way, nor do they show the concern for family and friends like this show does. What sets this television show aside from others is the mature content it carries yes, but also how values and disclosures are presented to the audience. You begin to see the rise of the good bad guy in a sense with Jax. You feel compassion for him as a young father because of his baby boys struggle for life. You also see him look at things differently to veer away from the gun dealing because he sees the violence it brings and the people involved in it. If I really had to put my finger on one dominant idea expressed by this show it would have to be that there are criminals with hearts that look out for one another, respect their community, and face the same issues normal people face. I think what makes this show great is its sense of identity with the motorcycle gang culture. Everyone looks it and acts it perfectly and does a good job convincing you it is there way of life. You start to establish favorite characters early on and side with them in a sense as things tensions rise. This is why I feel like this show does a great job at connecting to the audience.

Friday, September 27, 2019

2) Critically analysis the relationship between new forms of workspace Essay

2) Critically analysis the relationship between new forms of workspace architecture and focus on the style visibility in the new economy - Essay Example It also involves the ability to view things that are beyond the four walls. The main focus of this paper is to analyse the relationship between work space architecture and work space visibility. The relationship that exists between workspace architect and workspace visibility is that workspace architect mainly involve the relationship that exists between humans and space, it is exhibited inform of houses offices and other forms of structure to which humans work in. On the other hand visibility is the composition of what exists within the four walls of the work space architecture. This involves both the things that can be observed within the walls and those beyond the walls. Both workspace architect and workspace visibility are based upon the principle of â€Å"Build to Last†. This is because most architectural workspaces are not only built to make money but they are also built to create a lifetime impression. It is also to act as a legacy to remember someone when they die (Costea, 2014). Workspace architecture not only aims at creating working, living and moving environments but it also creates environments that are suitable for our own personalities, correspond to our sense, stimulates our minds and gives us the inspiration and motivation to work. This aims at not only good working conditions but also causes an improvement in the general outcome. But for a workspace architecture to fully satisfy the intended needs, it should be used hand in hand with workspace visibility, if the workspace visibility is easy to manage and solves the specific problems it was intended to solve then the workspace architecture will have a good visibility hence it would be effective in the new economy(Kumar, 2007). The workspace architecture should be cost effective and economical; it should have the ability to integrate easily into the business

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Low context culture of America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Low context culture of America - Essay Example This essay discusses that the USA has become the most influential state on the face of the earth for the last few decades. It has enjoyed the position of the strongest economy and attracted people from all nooks and corners of the world for employment. American citizenship is a dream for middle class of almost all societies. USA is the most lucrative name when it comes to lifestyle. It is increasingly becoming international because of two main reasons. People from all over the world are migrating to USA. They all have various values, belief and cultures as well. Their stay at the new place forces them to adopt the new lifestyle. The society is affected by their views as well. The blend of native values and the imported culture is making USA more and more diverse in its behaviours and culture. Also, because of a strong economy, USA enjoys strong political position in international forums. With these two strengths, it becomes the platform where rest of the countries discuss their issue s for solutions. Because of increased cooperation with the powerful nations and influence in the developing nations, USA is successful in absorbing others in it. So accordingly, these two points pave the way for dynamism at all levels in the country. Yet, it is important to mention that USA is not diluting its culture in the imported cultures. It is rather giving birth to an international culture in which all the people find room for themselves and rigidity for traditions is over. Having a considerable population of foreigners in various states of USA, its culture has overall become a blend of all cultures. Likewise, this characteristic of American culture which gives room for all others to adjust makes it a low context culture. It is a low context culture because of the presence of highly diverse population who have different perceptions, viewpoints, lifestyles, choices, family and educational backgrounds, social systems, religions etc (Kennedy and Everest, 191). It is impossible t o unite all of them under the same attitudes hence the culture has reduced its contextual rigidity and gives all of them the freedom of speech and action. The formality is replaced by informal ways which bring convenience for people to adjust. People working in low context culture need to talk clearly and pass instructions without any misunderstandings (Treven, Sonja, MatjazMulej and Lynn, 108). On the other hand in high context culture, people expect their converser to know what the message of the communication was, without being specifically told (Beer). Great importance is placed on decorum, ambience, manner of delivery and the relative status of the participants in the communication (Goman). America is a low context culture, mainly because of the variety of different cultures and nationality of people residing there. With so many people from such diverse cultural differences, the message needs to be clear, thorough and precise to be understood by all. That will be the only way t o communicate effectively in the workplace (Huckins, 73). This paper is about a particular American artifact or belief and its comparison with other countries. Artifacts are defined as tangible signs of the culture (Saunders & Skinner, 14). The artifacts are common in culture and give the culture a sense of identification. The artifacts can be historical as well as recent. Among historical artifacts, there are numerous archaeological patterns and architectural styles that help identify the particular culture. For example, the sign of triangle reflects Pentagon. Artifacts can be seen in various aspects of life like household items, office fixtures, technological tools, scientific instruments, medical instruments, farm tools, calculators etc. There is an artifact known as American eagle. The paper discusses the various

What are the principal barriers to secondary analysis of qualitative Essay

What are the principal barriers to secondary analysis of qualitative data Why should researchers pursue this approach - Essay Example This type of analysis can either be qualitative or quantitative, and aims at dealing with new study questions by investigating previously collected data. This discussion is focused on secondary analysis of qualitative data. There is no difference in definition to secondary analysis of data, except for the difference between qualitative and quantitative data involved. In the case of secondary analysis of qualitative data, the existing data use is qualitative rather than quantitative. Qualitative data is all about behaviour and attitudes which cannot be quantified. Quantitative data however, focuses on numerical data. Analysis involves large sets of data that are used to make predictions or generalizations3. Secondary analysis brings in a new body of knowledge. Mostly, secondary analyses have been carried out in cases where authors want to: Perform additional analysis to a subset of the original dataset, Perform additional analysis to the original dataset, Pursue distinct interests fro m the original analysis, Provide case material for teaching and methodological development, Apply a new conceptual focus or new perspective to the original research issues, and Describe the historical and contemporary attributes, and behaviour of groups, individuals, organizations or societies. Secondary analysis is also important in situations where the participants are difficult to access, especially in sensitive topics4. Secondary analysis for qualitative data focuses on qualitative research. An example could be, a research focusing on the attitudes of footballers towards the media. An analysis of these attitudes can be done on a primary level. A secondary analysis may have a different target, for example, it would say, the attitudes reveal the footballers’ real emotions, and use the primary data from the original research to prove the point. These secondary analyses to qualitative data have barriers and benefits. These are as discussed below. Barriers to Secondary Analysi s of Qualitative Data There is lack of familiarity with the data. When collecting primary data, the aim of the research guides the arrangement of such data, so that familiarity, with its structure and various features is not an issue. When conducting a secondary analysis however, a researcher has to take time finding out why certain qualitative data is coded as they are in the primary dataset. This means that the researcher will need a lot of time to decode the primary dataset, and in some cases, to understand the complexity of the dataset’s organization. If the qualitative dataset is found to be complex, it may discourage a secondary analysis. Complexity of a dataset and time taken to familiarize with specific variables in a qualitative dataset, are some of the barriers to such analyses5. Another barrier is the primary researchers’ legal and ethical obligation to keep such data confidential. Qualitative data may be characterised by the content of sensitive or private information. This is especially true about data obtained from interviews in which the interviewees entrust the primary researcher with sensitive or private information about them or their lives. The primary researcher has the obligation to protect the information, and maintain confidentiality as agreed upon before data collection. The main problem in secondary analysis is approaching such kind of researchers to analyse their data a second time. It could be an example of an ethical dilemma. The original researcher may want to share his or her data, but the confidential information that will be accessed by the secondary analysts may lead to a breach of contract between the primary resea

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

The house Queens, New York Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The house Queens, New York - Essay Example The house Queens, New York where I grew up in and spent most of my childhood, looked more formidable and forlorn than awe-inspiring. Its walls have now started to give in a little; the ceiling has begun to leak when it rains and the iron grills on the second floor windows have been leisurely yielding to rust and the changes in weather. At one glance it doesn't seem to show that the house bestowed us the best learning experience children could achieve. The house is now decrepit, dilapidating and in virtual disrepair, almost empty of laughter and gaiety, and wanting of the possessive warmth of its master. Not long ago, Queens was home for the five of us - me my two other sisters and my parents. When we were growing up, we divided the four-bedroom house into two wings; the right wing and its four rooms were our bedrooms. The second half of the house was turned into a library and a study as books, newspapers, magazines and journals littered the whole house from the kitchen to the front porch. We could not remember not reading. Since my mother taught all of us to read at a very early age of three, books have become integral parts of our growing up. My mother was a very persistent and patient woman - not giving up when we give up on learning how to read and understand difficult books. In fact, we started reading difficult books first than study children's books most parents would recommend their young children. My mother did not go to college as she married my father at a young age. We did not know where she learned how to teach. All we know was that, we started learning the alphabet at the age of two or three. Then, she would move on teaching us how to read words, shorter ones, and longer ones after, then phrases, then sentences. There were times when you have to read aloud passages from the American Constitution or Modern History of America as she listened attentively, observing closely if you were making a mistake on the enunciation of each word, and if you did, she wou ld ask you to start from the very beginning. It didn't really matter at first whether we understand a word we were reading or not, what was noteworthy was that we knew how to read simple to complex words. I realized later that my mother prepared us to learn independently. She explained that if you knew how to read words, you would know their meanings by searching for those words in the dictionary. My other relatives would give us a thick dictionary for Christmas as presents because of my mother's constant request for them to do so. As a result, the dictionary had always been our constant companion. Later on, all of us were able to scan and search for the definition of words as fast as we could. My parents bestowed us so much freedom to choose our own individual paths to learning. As the left wing of our house was turned into a library, we were given freedom to choose which books to read and our parents would never dictate on us which book to choose. If we made the wrong choice of book, it was our responsibility to pick and choose a better one next time. Much of my childhood was spent in the left wing of the house. The dingy rooms surrounded by cabinets and shelves reeked with the smell of old paper, ink and gaseous odor emanating from the damp newspapers, oak wood and leaves - but it represents a whole world to me. The cabinets and shelves were shrouded in dusts and soot but it didn't hinder me

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Political Economy and Public Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Political Economy and Public Policy - Essay Example I will attempt in this essay to specifically explain the meaning and implications on the imminent challenges that may be experienced while trying to achieve this objective. I will include the political considerations of the devolution of power from central government to the regions and local authorities. Also, I will look at the political willingness, and what government departments do, to pay attention to a stronger patient voice in this process. I will critically analyze the functions and compositions of public forums in the UK since the onset of this idea of transition from central government. Issues of partnerships and service delivery policies will also be discussed with the intention of shedding more light on their role in ensuring that citizens in this country get better health care through a decentralized framework. I will also draw on some internal documents and discussions within the central Department of Health to represent up to date changes taking place in the move towar ds decentralization. Organizational Initiatives such as Local Area Agreements (LAA's) and Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP's) will also be discussed at length in terms of their extensive utilization as key instruments in the health and social care sector in decentralization. Local Area Agreements are public initiatives designed to specifically handle issues of coordination between the central government, partnerships and the public in general on matters of social and health care. They are usually agreements between the central government, the local government and other major partners who take part in the provision of solutions to local issues. They are structured to promote safety among the societal members in terms of strengthening communities and to implement strategies necessary to safeguard people in the society through improved health and social care programs. The objectives of Local Area Agreements are to: help in linking up public services at the local level to the central government aid decision making processes at local levels of authorities reduce bureaucracy reduce the number of funding channels that are used to convey funds to local authorities, and to Promote structural partnerships among different groups of people. (Jeffrey A. & Ashman P, 2001) Local Strategic Partnerships LSP'S are non-statutory organizations designed to enable important decisions to be made at local level so that issues that need to be addressed at the community level are dealt with efficiently (ODPM panel report, July 2004). It also brings together the public, governments, private sectors and other interested parties to the community level to discuss issues that affect the people. In the UK, Local Strategic Partnership programs were developed in 2003 by a consortium of peer reviews to promote collaboration of performance management systems in the health care sector. (Democratic Health Network, 2006) It was designed to ensure that there is widespread ownership between the partners and communities. The peer review process involved various stakeholders who helped in outlining and promoting new experiences and insights about good practices on public health. Since that time, Peer review programs have been reviewed including the Coventry proceedings in October, 2003 which allowed for the scrutiny of how partnerships behave and act

Monday, September 23, 2019

Persuasive speech on child sex abuse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Persuasive speech on child sex abuse - Essay Example The immediate impact could be adverse, but in the long run, the future of these children is put into test especially the kind of adult people they become. III. National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) in 2007 reported that of all the cases confirmed or substantiated as either child neglect or abuse, 9.3 percent of them were related to sexual abuse (â€Å"The national centre for victims of crime† web). These figures translated to a total of 83,800 victims in that year alone. This is a worrying trend in the modern world, despite reports indicating of a declining trend in this problem. This number represents a high number of children who have to suffer for no cause under the arms of people who are supposed to be offering them protection and love. Such reality should raise alarm to all of us since at one particular time we will be parents in case we are not are already. None of us I am sure would want their children to suffer sexual abuse or molestation. IV. Thesis Statement: due to the numerous negative effects associated with child abuse, there is needed to implement laws that will ensure that children are treated properly without worry. First I will discuss the effects of child sexual abuse, followed by proposed solutions to the problem, which would be focused on promoting good treatment among the children. Finally, I will share on the various benefits associated with adopting laws meant to oversee proper treatment of children in the society. I. Disturbing figures indicate that 1.6% or 16 out of every one thousand children suffer from rape cases, as reported by the Bureau of Justice Statics report. Annually, close to 16% of the youth in the United States are sexually abused. Results from different studies in 1986, 2000, 2002 and 2005 reveals similar results that 63% of women who had suffered sexual abuse by a family member also reported to have been

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Behavioral scientists Essay Example for Free

Behavioral scientists Essay Gang violence is a social phenomenon that has caught the interests of behavioral scientists, psychologists and other related fields. At the forefront is the fact that gangs are social groups that have exclusive rules and strict codes of brotherhood which can actually provide the need for belongingness and affiliation as well as security in the harsh life in the city streets. Surprisingly, gangs have been associated with violence for the longest time, the term gang is already perceived as negative and that at present, gang is synonymous to violence, criminal acts and substance abuse. People join gangs for various reasons but it has been found that adolescents who have been victims of abuse, have dysfunctional family systems, school drop-outs and those in foster care generally join gangs more than the normal teenager. Thus, the final project is geared towards bringing about behavior change for adolescents at risk of joining gangs and or has a tendency for violence. Before drawing up a concrete behavior change program, it is important to examine how this could be brought about by factors like motivation and cultural awareness. Motivating people to change is not an easy feat, generally, if a person is set in his/her ways, then asking them to change something that they do not perceive to be evil or negative is a futile act. Central to the concept of motivation is that the goal offered to the individual must be meaningful to him/her, one that is personally desired and can be owned as a personal decision. This is where choice comes in, when a person is confronted with a choice; his/her reaction to it depends on their circumstances and present state of mind (Iyengar Lepper, 1999). In this context, choosing to change their behavior should come from their internal desire to change, to become better and to be removed from their present difficulties. For example, if the behavior that is targeted to be modified is expressions of anger, it makes sense to the person to change this if he/she can realize that his/her actions hurt other people and that it also causes people to avoid them and hence lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Gangs are often formed around cultural groups, that is one gang can be comprised of Latinos, others are blacks, and others Asians and or whites. Thus, a program for behavior change should also consider the different cultural underpinnings of the gang and its members, if the gang is made up of black Americans, then asking them to join a program geared towards changing them, might be construed as culturally motivated, they have to be changed because they are blacks. There is much emotionality when it comes to culturally specific gangs and it cannot be denied that emotion may get in the way of participating in a program that is designed to change them (Markus Kitayama, 1991) Motivation is also said to be affected by culture, one has to be able to correctly identify the cultural background of the gang or the participants of the project so as to provide a more culturally relevant and sensitive program. Lastly, motivation can be defined as extrinsic and intrinsic, it has been generally accepted that intrinsic motivation is more positive, more important and influential than extrinsic motivation thus the behavior change program should appeal to the intrinsic motivation of the participants. Intrinsic motivation is the feelings and behavior that drives the person to act in a certain way or to commit to a behavior change program. Internal means that it is something personal and valued by the person, it can be the desire for self-awareness, confidence and achievement, whereas extrinsic motivations are physical and tangible like prestige, money and awards (Sansone Harackiewicz, 2000). The behavior change program should be designed to spark the intrinsic motivation of the participants, thus conducting an orientation seminar will introduce the participant to the program and letting them experience how good it is to be able to know who they are, to know that they mattered and someone cared for them would facilitate rapport and trust between the researcher and the participant. If the concepts of choice, culture and motivation will be adequately examined and integrated into the planned program, then surely the project would be a success. References Iyengar, S. Lepper, M. (1999). Rethinking the role of choice: A cultural perspective on intrinsic motivation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76, 349-366. Markus, H. Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98, 224-253. Sansone, C. Harackiewicz, J. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation: The search for optimal motivation and performance. San Diego: Academic Press.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Effect of Community Care on Needs of Service Users

Effect of Community Care on Needs of Service Users Community Care Introduction Foster and Roberts (1998, p. i) indicate that there are deficiencies in †¦ the ‘triangular’ relationship between user, carer an community†. They point out that there is a â€Å"†¦common tendency to establish a two-way relationship, and disregard the perspective of the third party †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which â€Å"†¦obstructs the healthy functioning of the care system† (Foster and Roberts, 1998, p.i). Booker and Repper (1998, p. 4) expound upon the preceding in adding that â€Å"†¦ community living is particularly difficult for people who have serious mental illness, many of whom experience frequent re-admissions in times of crisis and survive inadequately: in poverty and isolation, without work, with poor social supports and networks, and at risk of victimisation, exploitation, homelessness and imprisonment†. They add that â€Å"Indeed the community tenure of this population is often dependent upon the support of informal carers who ine vitably have problems and needs themselves† Booker and Repper, 1998, p. 4). The foregoing points to valid issues brought out regarding the community care system that indicate need further examination, and which represents the focus of this examination. Such asks the question, ‘to what extent is current community care policy and practice responsive to the needs and concerns of service users and carers? The preceding represents an expansive discussion. In order to formulate a balanced assessment of these aspects, this examination shall seek to break down the context into the three frameworks as indicated by Foster and Roberts (1998, p. i), and examine key policy frameworks, and practice developments representing the four specific areas of disability, health, mental health and older people in community care. In said examination, this study shall consider the extent to which policy and practice has been shaped by factors other than the needs and concerns of service users and carers. In a study conducted by the Hull Community Care Development Project over a three year period, it found that â€Å"†¦ care and support issues have been largely neglected in area-based work† (Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2004). The following shall seek to reach a determination if that assessment is true in terms of the four areas identified, disability, health, mental health and older people. Community Care represents the help as well as support that is provided to individuals that aids them in being able to live either in their own homes, or in a home type setting in their community (careline.org.uk, 2007). The foregoing assistance can consist of representing help for the individual that needs the aid to live in the community as well as help and or assistance for the carer. The government’s policy on community care sets forth six key objectives (careline.org.uk, 2007). The first represents the providing of â€Å"†¦ home care, day and respite services †¦Ã¢â‚¬  that enables individuals, wherever feasible as well as possible, to live in their own homes (careline.org.uk, 2007). Secondly, it entails the making of a proper assessment concerning â€Å"†¦ need and good care management †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which represents â€Å"†¦ cornerstone of high quality care† (careline.org.uk, 2007). The third area represents the promoting and â€Å"†¦ t he development of a flourishing independent sector alongside good quality services† (careline.org.uk, 2007). The fourth element consists of the clarification of responsibilities to thus make it easier to hold the various agencies accountable for their performance (careline.org.uk, 2007). The fifth aspect represents, â€Å"†¦ to secure better value †¦Ã¢â‚¬  for expenditures as a result of the introduction of â€Å"†¦ new funding structures for social care† (careline.org.uk, 2007). With the last area, sixth, representing the providing of â€Å"†¦ additional help for carers †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as well as offering a choice for patients and the general public (careline.org.uk, 2007). Community Care services are available to support older people, individual with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health problems and chronic illness (careline.org.uk, 2007). The services that are available, which can differ slightly in some areas, basically consist of 1). Home care, that includes assistance with washing and dressing, 2) meals on wheels and frozen meals, 3) equipment as well as various adaptations to make living at home an easier prospect, 4) Day care centers that contain helpful activities, 5) respite services, 6) supported housing for individuals that with mental health and or disabilities. 7) intermediate care, 8) practical as well as financial assistance, 9) community nursing, 10) incontinence as well as NHS supplied nursing equipment (careline.org.uk, 2007). Community Care Policy The National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990, that was phased into operation over a three year period, established a system whereby the needs of individuals were assessed entailing an agreed upon care plan, assigned worker and regular progress reviews (BBC News, 1998). Part of the procedural aspects of the foregoing was identifying those individuals whom might represent a significant risk, either to themselves and or others (BBC News, 1998). Those so identified where placed onto a ‘Supervision Register’ to prevent them from ‘slipping through the net’, which of course did not, and has not proven full proof (BBC News, 1998). The purpose of the National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990 was to â€Å"†¦ split health and social care provision between purchasers and providers to create an internal market† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 16). This approach represented a means â€Å"To curb costs, purchasers were required to assess nee ds, while providers were intended to compete against each other to secure contracts from the purchasers† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 16). The foregoing represented efficiency from the standpoint of governmental administration, however, it shortchanged the ends users, and the patients, in that it immersed them into a bidding supply system that did not place their needs and concerns upper most in the hierarchy. Leathard (2003, p. 16) states that the preceding â€Å"The split between purchasers and providers, as well as the competition between the providers themselves, led to fragmentation of services but a collaborative momentum began to build up between the purchasers†. Important in the foregoing, is the understanding that the methodology provided the District Authorities with the power to purchase hospital care, and the family health service authorities had the responsibility â€Å"†¦for services provided by GPs, pharmacists, dentists and opticians, while local authorities covered the purchasing of all social services in the community† (Leathard, A., 2003, p. 18). The Secretary of the Central Association for Mental Welfare, Evelyn Fox, in 1930 stated the pure view of community care was one that has seemingly gotten lost in the translation to practice, (Fox, 1930, p. 71): â€Å"Community Care should vary from the giving of purely friendly advice and help to the various forms of state guardianship with compulsory power . . . It should include the power of affording every kind of assistance to the defective boarding out, maintenance grants, the provision of tools, travelling expenses to and from work, of temporary care, change of air in a word, all those things which will enable a defective to remain safely in his family . . . If the state has undertaken the duty and responsibility of active interference in the life of an individual by supervision, compulsory attention and so forth, it must undertake the corresponding duty of making his life as happy as possible. The effective control of a defective at home does inevitably mean a restriction in his complete freedom to go in and out as he pleases, to make what friends he chooses, to select what type of employment he likes out of those that are open to him. To impose these limitations without at the same time giving compensating interests is to court disaster†. Her statement, which has validity today, saw the family at the centre of community care. In fact, her view was that families should be co-opted to supply effective control (Fox, 1930, p. 73). The policy statements thus far put into action have tended to favour the carers more than the service users, which is shown by the following. The NHS and Community Care Act 1990 is based upon the â€Å"†¦ triumvirate of autonomy, empowerment and choice (Levick, 1992, pp. 76-81). Smart, 2002, p. 102) as well as Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) both state that the ‘Act’ has a major weaknesses in that it fails to account for any critical analysis concerning the role as well as daily practices of care managers. Clements (2000) provides a critical observation in stating that community care law bears the indelible stamp of its poor origins and that the present shape still resembles Beveridges vision of the welfare state. Care in the Community was a policy of the Margaret Thatcher government in the 1990’s whereby she questioned the existence of society and sought via the NHS as well as the Community Care Act 1990 to extend the privatisation agenda into health and community care through the creation of NHS trusts, the greater use of independent residential and nursing homes, and the general promotion of the mixed economy of care (reference.com, 2007). The preceding represented the second shift in the community care / health care approach. The third shift occurred under Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 which casts the definition of a public authority as â€Å"to embrace any person some of whose functions are of a public nature† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The preceding continues â€Å"The expansive nature of this concept was explained by the Lord Chancellor who stated that the key question is whether the body in question has functions of a public nature †¦ If it has any functions of a public nature, it qualifies as a public autho rity† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The foregoing means that â€Å"†¦ private community care providers as represented by residential care home owners, and or voluntary sector service providers such as Age Concern, MIND or housing associations are public authorities in relation to anyone for whom they provide publicly funded care† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). They continue that â€Å"Such providers now shoulder public responsibilities for their vulnerable clients and are accountable in public law for their actions† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). The Department of Health has accordingly emphasised the need for English social services departments to ensure that contractors and independent providers are made aware of their new duties† (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). Under Article number 2 of the Act, which relates to policy for the Community Care Act 1990, it requires that the government and local authorities take reasonable measures to protect life (Bacigalupo et al, 2002, p. 249). Studi es conducted by the Times (1994) found that relocating institutionalised elderly people to a new residence may have a dramatic effect on their mental health and life. A study by the Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) indicated that mortality rates run as high as 35% in such instances. Service Users and Carer Perspectives Both aspects point out the fact that the system was not geared to the well being of the users. Further evidence of the foregoing was also expressed by Hardy et al (1999, pp. 483-491) who pointed out that the changes as brought forth in policy by the 1989 white paper ‘Caring for People’ as well as the 1990 NHS and Community Care Act were to increase choices for users as well as carers. The preceding changes were as a result of the fact that service users had been subordinate to professional service providers (Hardy et al, 1999, pp. 483-491). In addition, their had also been an inherent bias of funding that was geared for residential and nursing care and that such had deprived service users of the choice of being cared for in their own homes (Hardy et al, 1999, pp. 483-491). This was expressed by Leathard (2003, p. 16) who stated, â€Å"The split between purchasers and providers, as well as the competition between the providers themselves, led to fragmentation of services but a collaborative momentum began to build up between the purchasers†. The preceding was a result of the efficiency the Act brought to community care which did not address the needs, wishes and concerns of the users as it put them into a bidding system that saved money, but resulted in poorer care. The foregoing included all four areas, disability patients, health patients, as well as mental health, and elderly patients who were caught in policy and practice developments. The Kings Fund Rehabilitation Programme (Hanford et al, 1999) addresses the foregoing deficiencies through policy initiatives based upon three themes, 1) working in partnership, 2) joint planning, and 3) commissioning. The preceding has been further developed through the King’s Fund updated statements on health and social care, in community based settings (King’s Fund, 2003). The combined initiatives have been devised to loosen governmental control and provide more accountability to patients and the local community (King’s Fund, 2003). Such a shift in policy will also affect hospitals as well as other what is termed as frontline providers to thus be more responsive to local needs and potentially improved performance (King’s Fund, 2003). The King’s Fund (1999) pointed out that the primary responsibility for the improvement in health programmes, specifically with regard to community care, lies with the health authorities, The King’s Fund (1999) also pointed out the however it is the local authorities that are expected to work out the objectives in improving the health and well being of their local communities. The initiatives put forth by the King’s Fund (1999) (2003) have been designed and crafted to achieve these lends through streamlining of the policy and operational facets. An important aspect of the 1999 King’s Fund initiative entailed calling for improved preventive services that called upon local authorities to aid users to take on as many tasks as they could for themselves for as long as they could, along with living in their own homes for as long as possible. The preceding was borne out of fiscal realities, in order to better conserve funds. However, in light of the findings of studies conducted by the London Times (1994) as well as the Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) that found that elderly patients that were institutionalized had morality rates that ran as high as 35% in many instances, means that this approach had definitive merits beyond the saving of funds. The foregoing approach was based upon older policy documents by the government that reinforced the methodology of fostering greater independence. Such was put forth by the Department of Health that stated the promotion of independence would â€Å"†¦ have a positive effect on informal or unpaid carers †¦ (King’s Fund, 1999). The King’s Fund (1999) also pointed out under ‘Best Value Initiatives’ â€Å"†¦ local authorities should reduce delays in providing housing adaptations as part of the general move towards increased accountability to local people†. The above recognizes the need as well as better care that users would and do receive from home based care that Evelyn Fox brought forth back in 1930. Her statement â€Å"If the state has undertaken the duty and responsibility of active interference in the life of an individual by supervision, compulsory attention and so forth, it must undertake the corresponding duty of making his life as happy as possible† (Fox, 1930, p. 71). The initiatives of the King’s Fund helped to remove the stigma as indicated by Clements (2000), that community care law bears the indelible stamp of its poor origins and that the present shape still resembles Beveridge’s vision of the welfare state. The initiative also addressed the observations of Smart, 2002, p. 102) as well as Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) who both stated that the ‘Act’ had a major weaknesses in that it failed to account for any critical analysis concerning the role as well as daily practices of care ma nagers. Through promoting more in home care for as long as possible, signaled a change in direction. Policy changes as brought forth in 1997 resulted in the United Kingdom government issuing in June of each year a policy document informing the Health Authorities of their purchasing intentions for the following year (NHS Executive, 1996). Resulting there from were three sets of objectives: long-term objectives and policies; medium-term priorities and objectives for the 1997/98 year; and baseline requirements and objectives for 1997/98 year (NHS Executive, 1996). In the longer term, performance will be assessed under three headings: equity, efficiency, and responsiveness (NHS Executive, 1996, pp. 11-21). Under the 1997 New Labour reforms, Health Authorities are to be responsible for drawing up three-year Health Improvement Programmes, which are to be the framework within which all purchasers and providers operate (NHS Executive, 1996, pp. 11-21). Under Section 17 of the Health Act 1999 it accords wide powers to the Secretary of State to give directions to Health Authorities, Primary C are Trusts, and NHS Trusts. Prior to the 1997 New Labour proposals, monitoring efforts in the UK’s internal market concentrated on a small set of dimensions of output: annual growth in activity, waiting times, and targets for improvements in the health of certain groups of the population (Propper, 1995, pp. 1685). The foregoing is why the Health Authorities had focused on performance being monitored, but not the needs, desires and wishes of patients and carers. Changes in Direction The preceding facets were thus corrected under the indicated 1997 New Labour proposals promise to broaden performance measures to â€Å"things that count for patients, including the costs and results of treatment and care† (Department of Health, 2007). This represented the backbone of the indicated King’s Fund (2003) initiatives that have resulted in better patient and carer involvement. The Human Rights Act has had implications both for service users as well as carers in terms of re-focusing upon rights afforded them. It provides for them to have the right to life, the right to be free from inhuman and or degrading treatment, as well as the right to respect for private and family life (Carers UK, 2005). These aspects might seem as being basic rights that carers should have had all along. However, governmental surveys have shown that all too often the rights of carers are ignored and need to be balanced against the people they care for (Carers UK, 2005). The United Kingdom’s National Strategy for Carers (Carers.UK, 2005) revealed, â€Å"carers’ rights are not adequately considered†. The preceding represents that under the Human Rights Act the rights of patients is balanced against the rights of the carer to mean that their views are considered by social services in the rendering of decisions. In addition, the research uncovered that all too frequently â€Å"carers’ rights are not real† (Carers.UK, 2005). The foregoing refers to assessments of carers regarding either their opinions and or rights as well as those expressed on behalf of their patients. Research conducted uncovered that carers’ all to frequently feel that their views and opinions are not considered in assessments and or decisions (Carers.UK, 2005). The third aspect of this facet represents the fact that carers’ as well as patients feel that â€Å"resources are inadequate to allow rights to be protected† (Carers.UK, 2005). The foregoing refers to the services needed are in all too many instances not available as a result of resources that are inadequate in terms of the cost and or staff time (Carers.UK, 2005). The last aspects refer to â€Å"good practice need not be expensive† (Carers.UK, 2005). The research conducted indicated that there are instances whereby imaginative good practice helped to safeguard the human rights of carers. One such example that was provided referred to the utilization of a 24-hour hotline that enabled carers as well as patients to arrange for support in cases of emergency thus referring to the ‘right to life’ aspect of human rights (Carers.UK, 2005). However, unfortunately, there are too few such examples. Conclusion The King’s Fund has been most progressive in being circumspect as well as balanced in their review and analysis of legislation, policy, procedures and rights as contained in documentation and as provided by carers and patients. Steps to shore up the human rights of carers as well as patients have been implemented under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995 (opsi.gov.uk, 1995) that calls for a separate assessment of carers at the same time one is carried out for patients. The vagueness is being addressed to clear up ambiguities in terms of words and phrases such as ‘substantial care’ services are a result of assessment, autonomy, health and safety, management of daily care routine and involvement (opsi, 2000). The preceding represents four key criteria under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 (opsi, 2000). It corrects the loopholes found under the Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995 in that anyone over the age of 16 years of age who are or intend to provide substantial care that will be on a regular basis for another individual over the age of 18 years of age is entitled to an assessment (opsi, 2000). The preceding occurs regardless of whether the individual for whom they provide care and or support to has refused community care services (opsi, 2000). Additionally, social workers are advised to provide potential carers of their rights through the hand out of a special booklet that sets forth the benefits in receiving a carers assessment (Carers.UK, 2005). All of the foregoing represent policy and practice developments that are and have addressed a number of carer and patients concerns and issues under community care for disability, health, mental health and the elderly, yet there is still room for improvement. As shown and evidenced throughout this examination, governmental policies in terms of community care policies and practice for the areas of disability, health, mental health and the elderly has been one of evolution. Sometimes however, representing backward steps before moving forward. Evelyn Fox (1930, p. 71) represents an example of progressive thinking and understanding that was not put into practice initially, but was gradually recognized as the approach later in the process. Her statement that placed the family at the center of community care was initially usurped by the efficiency of the National Health Service and Community Care Act of 1990 was devised to curb costs, but shortchanged patients and carers (Leathard, 2003, p. 16). As the system evolved, through its triumvirate of autonomy, empowerment and choice (Levick, 1992, pp. 76-81), it was impacted by the Human Rights Act 1998 and more recently by the combined initiatives of the King’s Fund (2003). These initiatives helped to reshape the inadequacies as presented by the efficient governmental system and adding more humanity, understanding and caring. Through addressing the observations of Smart, 2002, p. 102) along with Biggs and Powell (2000, pp. 41-49) who commented that the Act’s major weaknesses represented its failure to account for a critical analysis of the roles and daily care practices of carers and the importance of maintaining home care for as long as possible. Additionally, the King’s Fund (2003) initiatives brought forth the importance of the carer, patient voice in their affairs as a part of the overall community based care programmes. Thus, after 80 years, the system as swung back to Evelyn Fox (1930. p. 71). Family, after all, is the basis for the community, and as such is the foundation of community care. Bibliography Bacigalupo, V., Bornat, J., Bytheway, B., Johnson, J., Spurr, S. (2002) Understanding Care, Welfare and Community: A Reader. Routledge, London, United Kingdom BBC News (1998) The origins of care in the community. 29 July 1998. Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/background_briefings/politics_of_health/141204.stm Biggs, S., Powell, J. (2000) Surveillance and Elder Abuse: The Rationalities and Technologies of Community Care. Vol. 4, No. 1. Journal of Contemporary Health Booker, C., Repper, J. (1998) Serious Mental Health Problems in the Community: Policy, Practice and Research. Balliere Tindall, London, United Kingdom careline.org.uk (2007) What is Community Care? Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://www.careline.org.uk/section.asp?docid=166 Carers UK (2005) Whose rights are they anyway? Carers and the Human Rights Act. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.carersuk.org/Policyandpractice/PolicyResources/Research/ResearchHumanRightsReport.pdf Clements, L. (2000) Community Care and the Law. Legal Action, London, United Kingdom Department of Health (2007) The New NHS. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.archive.official-documents.co.uk/document/doh/newnhs/newnhs.htm Foster, A., Robert, V. (1998) Managing Mental Health Care in the Community: Chaos and Containment. Routledge, London, United Kingdom Fox, V. (1930) Community Schemes for the Social Control of Mental Defectives. Vol. 31. Mental Welfare Hanford, L., Easterbrook, L., Stevenson, J. (1999) King’s Fund Rehabilitation Programme. King’s Fund, London, United Kingdom Hardy, B., Young, R., Winslow, G. (1999) Dimensions of Choice in the assessment and care management process: the views of older people, carers and care mangers. Vol. 7, No. 6. Health and Social Care in the Community. Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2004) Community care development: a new concept. Retrieved on 11 May 2007 from http://www.jrf.org.uk/knowledge/findings/socialcare/534.asp Journal of American Geriatric Society (1994) Relocation of the aged and disabled. Vol. 11. of American Geriatric Society King’s Fund (2003) Kings Fund statement on the health and social care (community health and standards) bill. Retrieved on 13 May 2007 from http://www.kingsfund.org.uk/news/press_releases/kings_fund_34.html Leathard, A. (2003) Interprofessional Collaboration: From Policy to Practice in Health and Social Care. Brunner-Routledge, London, United Kingdom Levick, P. (1992) The Janus face of community care legislation: An opportunity for radical. Vol. 34. Critical Social Policy NHS Executive (1996) Priorities and Planning Guidance for the NHS. NHS Executive opsi.gov.uk (2000) Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/20000016.htm opsi.gov.uk (1995) Carers Recognition and Services Act 1995. Retrieved on 14 May 2007 from http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1995/Ukpga_19950012_en_1.htm Propper, C. (1995) Agency and Incentives in the NHS Internal Market. Vol. 40, No. 12. Social Science Medicine reference.com (2007) Care in the Community. Retrieved on 12 May 2007 from http://www.reference.com/browse/wiki/Care_in_the_Community Smart, B. (2002) Michel Foucault. Routledge, New York, N.Y., United States Times (1994) Elderly patients die within weeks of transfer. 7 July 1994. The Times, London, United Kingdom

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Problems With Standardized Testing Essay -- Standardized Testing Essay

In Standardized Testing and Its Victims, an article written for Education Week, Alfie Kohn states: Standardized testing has swelled and mutated, like a creature in one of those old horror movies, to the point that it now threatens to swallow our schools whole.... Our children are tested to an extent that is unprecedented in our history and unparalleled anywhere else in the world. While previous generations of American students have had to sit through tests, never have the tests been given so frequently, and never have they played such a prominent role in schooling. (1) Kohn accurately describes one of the main flaws in America’s education system: standardized testing. According to the article No Child Left Behind, legislation passed in 2002 requires schools to submit scores to the state every year for evaluation (1). Originally intended to be used for improvement, the scores of these annual assessments are overused and have become the sole representation of a school’s success. It is nearly impossible to create an advanced future by reforming schools based on an unreliable assessment tool. Standardized testing is an inaccurate measurement of a student’s abilities because it ignores other forms of aptitude, discriminates against certain students, and negatively affects education methods. Standardized testing piles an immense amount of pressure onto all parties involved. A report compiled by Joan L. Herman and Shari Golan entitled Effects of Standardized Testing on Teachers and Learning– Another Look explains the main causes of pressure from standardized testing. School districts use the scores to evaluate teachers and hold teachers accountable for the scores. Insufficient performance could endanger the teacher’s job and poten... ...a.edu/products/reports/Tech334.pdf Hicks, Molly G. â€Å"The Cons of Standardized Testing.† Standardized Testing. n.p., 2005. Web. 14 April 2012. http://astro.temple.edu/~mhicks/standardizedtestingcon.html â€Å"How Standardized Testing Damages Education.† Fairtest. n.p., 20 Aug 2007. Web. 17 April 2012. http://www.fairtest.org/facts/howharm.htm Kohn, Alfie. â€Å"Standardized Testing and Its Victims.† Education Week. Editorial Projects in Education, 27 Sep. 2000. Web. 15 April 2012. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2000/09/27/04kohn.h20.html â€Å"No Child Left Behind.† Education Week. Editorial Projects in Education, 19 Sep. 2011. Web. 14 Apr. 2012. http://www.fairtest.org/facts/howharm.htm Young, Katie. â€Å"What’s So Bad About Standardized Testing?† Standardized Testing. Michigan State University, n.d. Web. 17 April 2012. https://www.msu.edu/~youngka7/cons.html

Epidemic Outbreaks in Africa Essay -- Health Medical Disease History E

Epidemic Outbreaks in Africa One of the most devastating and frightening diseases to encroach on unsuspecting African communities is the deadly Ebola virus. This virus was believed to have first reared its ugly head in the mid 1970s with outbreaks in both the Sudan and Zaire. These epidemics resulted in more than 600 cases of people infected, and had alarming case fatality rates as high as 90 percent.1 Such profound numbers drove fear and panic into the hearts of the local population, with people confused and frightened about losing the entire members of their family. Yet, despite the severity of the 1970s outbreak, Ebola managed to remain fairly quiet for the next several years until a group of outbreaks occurred in the mid 1990s in northeast Gabon as well as Zaire. Several years later conveying the same sense of palpable fear, Ebola once again, entered the stage, this time around in Uganda in the year 2000.2 As a student volunteer working for a charitable health organization in Gulu, Uganda that summer, the reality of death and the effects of the disease consumed my thoughts as I pondered the risks I was taking each passing day by just being in the middle of an epidemic. Ten new suspected cases were diagnosed daily at the local hospital, and the medical staff were challenged by the overwhelming workload. Surgical supplies ran low as the need to constantly dispose of protective wear after each exposure occurred, due to the high contagious nature of the rapidly spreading virus. The smell of bleach and disinfectant pierced our nostrils, as our rubber boots and gear were sprayed down after any contact with the infected. The scene conveyed a sense of despair and uncertainty, as people questioned what had they done to... ... 5 Simpson, 11. 6 Ibid. 7 Smyth. 8 Vidal, 5. 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid., 6. 11 Ibid., 8. Works Cited: Associated Press. "Ebola Virus Outbreak Kills 37" The Guardian, 18 October 2000: B7+ McCarthy, Michael. "Ebola Outbreak Continues in Uganda," The Lancet 356 (2000): Science & Medicine section. Recer, Paul. "Sick Animals May be Source of Ebola" Associated Press Online, 15 January 2004: 1+ Simpson, D.I.H. "Marburg and Ebola Virus Infections: A Guide for Their Diagnosis, Management, and Control," WHO Offset Publication 36 (1997): 5-27 Smyth, Garry. "Six days in Hell: City Man Films Ebola Virus," St. John's Telegram (Newfoundland), 14 November 2000: sec. news; p.1. Front. Vidal, John. "Life: Mostly They Died, Ebola Devastates Whole Villages, But We Do Not Know Where it Comes From" The Guardian (London), 17 June 2004: 4-8.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles Essay -- Oedipus Tyrannos Sophocles Essa

Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles Sophocles uses a mixture of both visual and emotional imagery to create the morally questioning, Greek tragedy ‘Oedipus Tyrannos’. He presents the audience with an intense drama, which addresses the reality and importance of the gods that the Greeks fervently believed in. The play also forces the audience to ask themselves if there is such a concept as fate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the very beginning of Oedipus, it is made clear â€Å"that his destiny be one of fate and worse†. The irony is that Oedipus unknowingly repeatedly predicts his own fate: â€Å"It was I who called down these curses on that man.† Oedipus has unconsciously married his mother and killed his father, just as the Oracle predicted. Fate is proven to be unavoidable to Oedipus as the play shows a devout belief in the Greek gods. The Gods are seen as both â€Å"protectors† and â€Å"punishers†, who can â€Å"turn fate back away†. The gods are shown to have power over everything and everyone, and whoever ignores them will be cursed by the â€Å"darts no one escapes†. Oedipus is one of these people who is seen to have ignored the gods’ warnings and therefore has brought a curse upon himself, and all those around him: â€Å"Nothing grows in the earth, nothing in the wombs of the women.† With the idea of fate comes the question of fairness. Does Oedipus deserve his pitiful destiny and if it was so pre-decided then why? It was yet again the God’s powers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It may be difficult to avoid pitying Oedipus, as despite his obvious sins, he is shown to be a respectable and honest man: â€Å"I bear more pain for the people than for my own soul†. Sophocles uses irony to increase your growing pity for Oedipus as he searches for the ‘abomination’ that is soon to be revealed as none other than himself: â€Å"That man must reveal himself to me†. Oedipus is frantic to find the killer of Laios (his real father) so as to save the city from the â€Å"hateful plague† that the gods have brought upon them. When Oedipus gouges out his own eyes, the difference between visual sight and insight is clearly represented: â€Å"Light, let this be the last time I look on you†. Oedipus cannot bear to see the destruction that he has brought upon his family. â€Å"Would the sight of my children have been pleasant?† he asks himself, now left in the depths of shame. Due to the severe punishment that Oed ipus inflicts upon himself it makes it difficult for one ... ...time to pass judgement on himself by first gauging out his own eyes, â€Å"Ranting, they would not see what evil he was suffering, what evil he was doing†, and by then ordering his people to â€Å"Expel me from this land as quickly as you can.† Oedipus’ sense of dignity also swiftly disappears toward the end of the play, but he manages to redeem himself by accepting all blame for his actions and does not even attempt to pass it on to someone else. He could have blamed anyone from his parents, the servant that saved him as a baby and even the Oracle, but he does not. He shows great courage when he says: â€Å"My evils are mine and will affect no one but me.† Oedipus goes from a man who has unquestionable and perhaps a dangerous amount of power to a man who himself relinquishes all rule of his land to live a life of misery that he feels he deserves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The gods and fate play a massive role in creating the tragedy, but Sophocles leaves it up to the audience to pass final judgement on Oedipus. There is a definite moral to this play and that is no one can ever know their decided fate until they die, for â€Å"How can we say anyone is happy until he has crossed to the other side without suffering?† Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles Essay -- Oedipus Tyrannos Sophocles Essa Oedipus Tyrannos by Sophocles Sophocles uses a mixture of both visual and emotional imagery to create the morally questioning, Greek tragedy ‘Oedipus Tyrannos’. He presents the audience with an intense drama, which addresses the reality and importance of the gods that the Greeks fervently believed in. The play also forces the audience to ask themselves if there is such a concept as fate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From the very beginning of Oedipus, it is made clear â€Å"that his destiny be one of fate and worse†. The irony is that Oedipus unknowingly repeatedly predicts his own fate: â€Å"It was I who called down these curses on that man.† Oedipus has unconsciously married his mother and killed his father, just as the Oracle predicted. Fate is proven to be unavoidable to Oedipus as the play shows a devout belief in the Greek gods. The Gods are seen as both â€Å"protectors† and â€Å"punishers†, who can â€Å"turn fate back away†. The gods are shown to have power over everything and everyone, and whoever ignores them will be cursed by the â€Å"darts no one escapes†. Oedipus is one of these people who is seen to have ignored the gods’ warnings and therefore has brought a curse upon himself, and all those around him: â€Å"Nothing grows in the earth, nothing in the wombs of the women.† With the idea of fate comes the question of fairness. Does Oedipus deserve his pitiful destiny and if it was so pre-decided then why? It was yet again the God’s powers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It may be difficult to avoid pitying Oedipus, as despite his obvious sins, he is shown to be a respectable and honest man: â€Å"I bear more pain for the people than for my own soul†. Sophocles uses irony to increase your growing pity for Oedipus as he searches for the ‘abomination’ that is soon to be revealed as none other than himself: â€Å"That man must reveal himself to me†. Oedipus is frantic to find the killer of Laios (his real father) so as to save the city from the â€Å"hateful plague† that the gods have brought upon them. When Oedipus gouges out his own eyes, the difference between visual sight and insight is clearly represented: â€Å"Light, let this be the last time I look on you†. Oedipus cannot bear to see the destruction that he has brought upon his family. â€Å"Would the sight of my children have been pleasant?† he asks himself, now left in the depths of shame. Due to the severe punishment that Oed ipus inflicts upon himself it makes it difficult for one ... ...time to pass judgement on himself by first gauging out his own eyes, â€Å"Ranting, they would not see what evil he was suffering, what evil he was doing†, and by then ordering his people to â€Å"Expel me from this land as quickly as you can.† Oedipus’ sense of dignity also swiftly disappears toward the end of the play, but he manages to redeem himself by accepting all blame for his actions and does not even attempt to pass it on to someone else. He could have blamed anyone from his parents, the servant that saved him as a baby and even the Oracle, but he does not. He shows great courage when he says: â€Å"My evils are mine and will affect no one but me.† Oedipus goes from a man who has unquestionable and perhaps a dangerous amount of power to a man who himself relinquishes all rule of his land to live a life of misery that he feels he deserves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The gods and fate play a massive role in creating the tragedy, but Sophocles leaves it up to the audience to pass final judgement on Oedipus. There is a definite moral to this play and that is no one can ever know their decided fate until they die, for â€Å"How can we say anyone is happy until he has crossed to the other side without suffering?†

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Literature Review on Internal Audit

Survey finds internal audit risk assessments inconsistent Year: August, 2007 The report suggests that internal auditing needs to identify areas of high and moderate risk that are part of the internal audit plan but have been deferred or cancelled because of the organization's focus on Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404. It recommends that chief audit executives (CAEs) revisit the budgets, skills, and capabilities needed to achieve a comprehensive, balanced, and risk-based approach to auditing, as well as develop a process to advise the audit committee and senior management about emerging risks. In other findings, internal audit leaders say their greatest challenge is finding enough qualified talent to address the growing and increasingly complex needs of their stakeholders. To help address this problem, rotational staffing has become a key source of talent for more than 80 percent of respondents from Fortune 500 companies. Additionally, the report notes that audit departments are using report ratings, such as satisfaction or number scales, with mixed results. Although many CAEs say ratings allow them to communicate the potential level of exposure and risk associated with audit findings, 56 percent say ratings often create friction at their organizations and slow down the audit process. Finally, 43 percent of respondents use some form of continuous auditing or monitoring in their audit operations. The PwC report is available from the company's Web site, www. pwc. com/internalaudit. Reference: http://findarticles. om/p/articles/mi_m4153/is_4_64/ai_n27348378/ PwC Study: Internal Audits Lack Strategy for Risk Assessment Year: May 21, 2007 There continues to be a lack of consistency around the assessment of risk by internal auditors, according to the third annual study of current issues for the internal audit profession conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers. A number of divergent and conflicting trends related to risk assessment are a concern among internal audit executives. Although there is growing interest in enterprise risk management (more than 80 percent of respondents reported they conduct an annual enterprise-wide risk assessment), only a handful of those surveyed said they update the internal audit risk assessment continuously, while 64 percent may be doing little or nothing between annual assessments. At one-third of the companies surveyed, multiple enterprise-wide risk assessments are being conducted across the organization. Of this group, only 20 percent consider these assessments â€Å"well† aligned, while 50 percent said they are â€Å"somewhat† aligned and 30 percent said they are â€Å"not well† aligned, with little or no coordination among the parties making the assessments. PwC said six imperatives should be considered when strengthening the internal audit risk assessment process, as suggested by the study: Adopt a process approach to risk assessment and planning. Supplement annual risk assessments with quarterly or more frequent updates. Leverage your prior assessment results. Align and leverage risk assessments. Seek out the specialized talent you need. Coordinate effectively with other risk management groups. â€Å"Today, there is a growing awareness among chief audit executives of the importance of linking risk assessments and effective audit coverage,† said Richard Chambers, managing director with internal audit services at PwC. To help strengthen risk management within their companies, audit groups must focus on assessing risk on an ongoing basis and continue to monitor and update their enterprise-wide risk assessments. † In the areas of finance, compliance, and operations — sectors that might be characterized as traditional areas of focus for internal audit — respondents expressed fairly high degrees of confidence (64, 49, and 43 percent respectively) in their audit coverage of these types of risks. However, they were significantly less confident with their audit coverage when dealing with risks in the areas of technology, fraud, and strategic or business risks. The 2007 study also found that internal audit groups reporting to the CFO organization devote more time to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance than groups that report directly to the audit committee or the CEO. According to the study, only 31 percent of internal audit functions reporting directly to the audit committee or the CEO devote more than 50 percent of their time to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. By contrast, 46 percent of those who report directly to the CFO indicated that they dedicated more than 50 percent of their time to the Act during 2006. The study found that when internal audit reports to a level below the CFO in the finance organization, such as to the controller or treasurer, the time commitment to Sarbanes-Oxley compliance increases dramatically, with 69 percent of these internal audit functions reporting spending more than 50 percent of their time addressing compliance with the Act. Given the disparity of time dedicated to compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley depending on reporting relationships, these survey results naturally beg the question as to who is actually directing the focus and deployment of corporate audit resources,† added Anderson. Reference: http://www. accountingnet. com/x57724. xml Study: Impact of Economy on Internal Audit Profession *By: (SmartPros*) Year: June 15, 2009 The results of a new IIA survey have revealed perspectives on the cause and effects of the financial meltdown, as well as the views of internal auditors regarding how they are responding to the new economic and business environment. Speaking to a gathering of more than 2,000 internal auditors from around the world at The Institute of Internal Auditors’ (IIA’s) international conference held in mid-May in Johannesburg, South Africa, IIA President Richard Chambers, CIA, shared key results from the survey which reflected responses from 1,665 internal auditors in 57 countries. â€Å"This survey data gives us a global snapshot of how internal auditors view what has happened and how they are dealing with it,† said Chambers. â€Å"It also tells The IIA what we should look at closer for more in-depth analysis and development of new guidance. Three major areas of realization emerged from the survey results. Internal auditors’ views are split on whether risk management could have played a mitigating role in the financial crisis, and a majority felt there were more things internal audit activities could have done soften its impact. Organizations are redirecting their internal audit resources to cover recession-related risks. And within organizations receiving stimulus or rescue funds, more than a third of internal audit activities have not addressed risks related to the funding. The recession has had a trickle-down effect that has impacted the resources of internal audit functions. The European literature review on internal auditing: *How the internal audit function is changing in response to the shifts in global business practices*? Year: 2006 Purpose – By conducting the 2006 global Common Body of Knowledge (CBOK) study, The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) attempts to better understand the expanding scope of internal auditing practice throughout the world. The purpose of this review of recent internal auditing literature in Europe is to document how the internal audit function is changing in response to the shifts in global business practices. Design/methodology/approach – The literature in Europe is reviewed with a focus on developments that have implications for the expanded scope of internal auditing and the changing skill sets of internal auditors and their role in enhancing good corporate governance. This focus has implications for CBOK 2006. Findings – The literature indicates changes in the activities performed by internal auditors. The increasing complexity of business transactions, a more dynamic regulatory environment in Europe, and significant advances in information technology have resulted in opportunities and challenges for internal auditors. Although in 2004, The IIA responded to the changing organizational environment by updating the professional practices framework, more work needs to be done to prepare internal auditors for the expanded set of skills and knowledge required to perform audits of the future. Originality/value – By presenting an overview of past literature in Europe and discussing the shifting demands on internal audit services, the researchers hope to motivate further research in the field. PricewaterhouseCoopers' 2010 Global Internal Audit Study: Internal Auditors Should Serve as Strategic Advisors on Risk Assessment and Management *Year: April 1 ,*2010 NEW YORK, April 1 /PRNewswire/ — PricewaterhouseCoopers' sixth annual Global State of the Internal Audit Profession survey found that with global ndustries, economies and regulatory environments forever altered by the recent financial crisis, strategic risk management has become a key issue for business leaders. According to the 2010 survey of more than 2,000 executives from more than 50 territories, internal audit professionals have the companywide visibility and mandate to lead their organizations in enhancing this capability. This year's survey also demonstrated that, to remain relevant and meet stakehol der demands, internal audit must evolve to an enhanced â€Å"Internal Audit 2. 0†³ state that provides business leaders with actionable business risk intelligence. The financial crisis caused a heightened scrutiny of companies' risk management practices, as many have blamed the crisis on poor risk management,† said Brian Brown, principal and Internal Audit Advisory Services leader at PwC. Brown added that, â€Å"CEOs across all industries are looking to upgrade their enterprise-wide risk management capability to better prepare for success in what is expected to continue to be a very challenging business environment. Needs and expectations for internal audit have never been higher, so the key question is whether internal audit is delivering. There is also a challenge in building consensus for an expanded and more strategic role for internal audit,† said Brown. The 2010 State of the Internal Audit Profession study identifies three critical focus areas for internal audit departments: †¢ Critical risks and issues; †¢ Aligning internal audit's value position with its stakeholder's expectations; and †¢ Matching the staffing model with that value proposition However, these are also the three areas where internal audit leaders believe they have the most room to improve. What senior executives should take away from this survey is that, for an internal audit team to assume the role of strategic partner, members must employ highly experienced and skilled professionals who can pinpoint trouble spots, synthesize a lot of data, better utilize technology and help the organization be more successful in a very challenging business environment,† Brown said. With these new challenges in mind, PwC believes intern al audit must take a more radical approach to change than it has in the past, and rethink and redefine the way it works. The survey outlines several important steps that should be taken: †¢ Start with a plan Rethink risk assessment practices †¢ Fill the skills and capabilities gap †¢ Align with other assurance functions †¢ Focus on obtaining ROI from technology â€Å"In this year's survey, we introduced the concept of ‘Internal Audit 2. 0' to start organizations thinking about dramatic change,† said Brown. â€Å"As internal audit confronts new and continually changing needs and expectations, it must take the initiative to redefine its role. That means expanding its skill sets and preparing to take a leadership role as a more powerful resource for senior leadership, directors and boards in aligning strategy and risk identification, control and mitigation. â€Å"

Monday, September 16, 2019

Dhl Introduction

————————————————- DHL Express From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia â€Å"DHL† redirects here. For other uses, see  DHL (disambiguation). DHL Express Deutsche Post AG| | Type| Division| Industry| Express Logistics| Founded| 1969| Headquarters| Bonn,  Germany| Key people| Ken Allen (CEO, Chairman)[1] Adrian Dalsey  (co-founder) Larry Hillblom  (co-founder) Robert Lynn (co-founder)| Products| DHL Express Worldwide DHL Express 9:00 DHL Express 12:00|Owner(s)| Deutsche Post DHL| Employees| 275,000| Website| www. dhl. com| DHL Express  is a  division  of the German logistics company  Deutsche Post DHL  providing international  express mail  services. Deutsche Post  is the world's largest logistics company operating around the world. [2]  DHL is a world market leader in sea and air mail. [3][4] Originally founded in 1969 to deliver documents betwe en  San Francisco  and  Honolulu, the company expanded its service throughout the world by the late 1970s.The company was primarily interested in offshore and inter-continental deliveries, but the success of  FedEx  prompted their own intra-U. S. expansion starting in 1983. DHL aggressively expanded to countries that could not be served by any other delivery service, including the  Soviet Union,Eastern Bloc,  Iraq,  Iran,  China,  Vietnam  and  North Korea. In 1998,  Deutsche Post  began to acquire shares in DHL. It finally reached majority ownership in 2001, and completed the purchase in 2002.Deutsche Post then effectively absorbed DHL into its Express division, while expanding the use of the DHL brand to other Deutsche Post divisions, business units and subsidiaries. Today,  DHL Express  shares its well-known DHL brand with other Deutsche Post business units, such as  DHL Global Forwarding  and  DHL Supply Chain. The DHL Express Service has ce ased domestic operations in the United States of America, as of February 2009. [5]

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Local Literature Essay

Personality is the sum of one’s personal characteristics. It is one’s identity. The teachers, more than any other professional are momentarily subjected to scrutiny to the minutest detail and observation by those they associate with. Teachers are judged more strictly than the other professionals. The personality they project determined the impressions they make upon students’ and colleagues. Their poise, bearing and manner of dressing create a stunning and attractive appearance. Their facial expression communicates a friendly and amiable disposition. Personalities may be described as authoritative, weak, dynamic, or â€Å"magnetic†. Teachers’ personality must be natural and genuine, that is, devoid of pretenses and artificiality. They must be consistent, true and authentic. (Corpuz & Salandanan, 2006 p.12) In the highly complex world of human relations, it is essential that the conscientious teachers be concerned not only with how students’ interact with her but how they interact with their peers and with other adults. But concern is not enough. Little can be accomplished until students’ problems pertaining to human relations have been identified. (Salandanan, 2010 p.18) Once the teachers is more aware with the social relationships among her students’ she is in the better position to select a technique for teaching human relations. Toward this end, the teacher must first identify students’ problems pertaining to human relations. The identification such problem gives the teacher a basis for considering what techniques for improving human relations she might employ. (â€Å"Teaching techniques for improving human relations†, p.459 n.d) No single factor can contribute more to an improved student achievement than the guarantee of a quality teacher in every classroom. No amount of classroom facilities and instructional materials can produced the desired learning outcome without a teacher at the center stage. Quality is synonymous to competence, creativity and commitment, contextualized in the teaching profession. Competence highlights a teacher’s adequate knowledge, proficient skills and trustworthiness. Creativity is a kin to originality,  flexibility and innovativeness. Worthwhile values of compassion and commitment provide the fine ingredients that make teaching truly humane and enriched with a sincere feeling of accountability. Quality teachers’ can be found in our schools today. Adequately prepared through quality pre-service programs and continually motivated to grow while in the service, their competence to teach is assured. The attitudes and values that they project in and out of the classrooms, in the home and community, provide positively and satisfactorily the answer to the perennial search for quality teachers. As paragons of virtues and progressive attitudes, they truly deserve the priceless rewards, recognition and emulation of the whole nation. With full pride and confidence, every parent and community can lay upon their chests the growth and nurturance of their sons and daughters for a promising future. (â€Å"Quality teacher†, p.7-11 n.d) The teacher rightfully deserves to be enthroned at the center stage of any educational endeavor. She is the distinct ray of light that illumines the mind touches the heart and buoys aloft the spirit of the young. Every effort, initiative or enterprise aimed to educating the young needs a magic hand to provide the much-needed direction, guidance and energy throughout the educational journey. Assuming a number of roles that a leader, counselor, assistant and instructional manager, there is no task that demands more waking hours, strength and attention than the teaching-learning episode. Competent teachers produce competent students. The desire to grow and learn more and more is vital to the development of an exceptional proficiency and capability needed in the teaching profession. As a concluding statement, a definitive teacher personality is a picture of one who possesses outstanding mental, personal and social traits. Has a strong aptitude and interest in teaching the young, steep in worthwhile values and attitudes and competent in both content and teaching methodologies. The teacher with a definitive personality is bound to reach the minds and touch the hearts of the young. (Aquino, 2008 p. 35-38) Travis W. Twiford, Chair Mary E. Yakimowski-Srebnick Steven M. Janosik Louis O. Tonelson Stephen Parson (2012) â€Å"The Influence of Teaching Methods on Student Achievement on Virginia’s End of Course Standards of Learning Test for Algebra I† Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Virginia Beach, Virginia. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10062002-202857/unrestricted/HAASDISSERTATION.PDF SYED SHAFQAT ALI SHAH (2009) IMPACT OF TEACHER’S BEHAVIOUR ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. University Institute of Education and Research. Rawalpindi, Pakistan. http://prr.hec.gov.pk/Thesis/293S.pdf Amy C. Thomason (2011) TEACHER PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. North Carolina. http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/Thomason_uncg_0154D_10586.pdf Chang, Ya-Ching, â€Å"Students’ Percepti ons of Teaching Styles and Use of Learning Strategies. † Master’s Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2010. http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/782 Sylvie Marguerite Raymond (2008).Effective and Ineffective University Teaching from the Students’ and Faculty’s Perspectives: Matched or Mismatched Expectations. University of Exeter. Doctor of Education. https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10036/40767/RaymondS.pdf?sequence=1 Jeffrey Sprenger (n.d).STRESS AND COPING BEHAVIORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. Health Education and Promotion. http://thescholarship.ecu.edu/bitstream/handle/10342/3548/Sprenger_ecu_0600M_10405.pdf?sequence=1 UNPUBLISHED MATERIALS Abejuela R., almeniana C., Caballero J., Gomez N., Salles M. (2007). Teaching Beliefs and Teaching Intentions of Daycare Teachers. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Acuà ±a L., Gadia M., Gaspar R., Rodrigo J., (2008). Academic achievement of selected education students involved in extracurricular activities. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Aguilar A., Basibas K., Castillo R., Cruz M., Pontiyon A., et al (2007).Non-intellective factors affecting the Academic Performance of Freshman High School Students in Mathematics at Sta. Lucia High School.School year 2006-2007.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Balle M., Feraaro L., Guinto J., Palaming I., Umali C. (2011).Level of Social Skills and Academic Achievement of Selected Grade II Pupil. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Banzuela R., Pumas M., Peckson W. (2006).Self-Conceptand Academic Performance in Mathematics of Selected Pinagbuhatan High School Freshmen.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Barreno C., Casuga M., Intalan P., Ocampo D., (2007).Motivation on Teaching among First Year Bachelor of Elementary Education Students. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Bartolome J., Borlagdatan M., Cinco A. and Tumonog L., (2013).Teaching Strategies of Secondary Mathematics Teachers in Elementary Algebra and its Relation in the Performance of the Students.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Benito G., De leon M., Baga R., (2004).Teachers morale and work motivation at Pasig Central Elementary School Pasig City.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Calià ±go J., Laguitan L., Nagales M. and Tingson S., (2006). â€Å"The Relationship between the Self-Esteem and Achievement Motivation of selected College Freshmen. College of education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Castillo A., Santos K., Beltran L., Dueà ±as J., Ibardo I. (2006).â€Å"The relationship between Students Learning Styles and their Expectation of Relationship with Faculty.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Conise C., Rivera M., Vinarao M. (2008). 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