Evaluation of Canon’s Strategies

Evaluation of Canon’ Strategies The first part of this investigation involves an evaluation of the strategies used by Canon and the key factors for success. In order to being this review, it is first necessary to consider how the company has performed in recent years. Table 1 provided below provides an overall review of the organization’s performance in recent years. The data clearly suggests that Canon has made notable progress toward developing market share, revenues and profitability. In addition to reducing its debt to asset ratio in 2008, the organization also increased its stockholder equity to assert ratio.Table 1: Key Performance Indicators for Canon, 2004-2008 [pic] Data courtesy of: http://www. canon. com/ir/annual/2008/report2008. pdf Other indicators of Canon’s success are provided in Figures 1 and 2 below. These illustrations provide a review of net sales and ROE/ROA for 2003-2007. Figure 1: Net Sales for CanonFigure 2: ROE/ROA for Canon Data courtes y of: http://www. canon. com/ir/annual/2007/report2007. pdf With the realization that Canon has performed so well in recent years, it is pertinent to consider the specific areas which have promulgated success for the organization.A crucial review of the case information provided on the organization suggests that there are a number of pertinent strategy elements which have been pertinent to the success of the organization. In particular the organization has worked to develop a mission and vision which it has incorporated on all levels of its operations. The development of a guiding mission for the organization is essential for success (Henry 2007). Missions provide the foundation for the development of actionable processes which can be used for moving the organization toward specific goals (Johnson, Scholes & Whittington, 2008).In addition to developing a mission and vision which provided the organization with a directive for action, Canon also developed a firm strategy focused on at tainable goals for operations. Specifically, the organization set the specific goal of obtaining 30 percent of the world market by the 1980s. Research regarding the current state of achieving this objective suggests that even though Canon has not been able to maintain a 30 percent market share in the industry, it has overcome competitor Xerox to become second only to Hewlett Packard.Figure 3 below provides a review of global market share for companies competing in Canon’s industry. Figure 3: Global Market Share for Canon and Competitors [pic] (Data courtesy of â€Å"Office electronics industry profile,† 2008, p. 12) The focus on a specific goal for the organization has clearly had an impact on outcomes for operations. By using this specific goal for development, Canon has been able to set clear, measurable objectives which can be evaluated by the organization to determine outcomes. Setting measurable goals is an important component of developing a strategic plan for th e organization (Huang, 2009).Measurable goals are viewed as essential to the successful implementation of a strategic plan which provides significant results for the ongoing development of the organization. Another issue which appears to have had notable implications for the successful development of Canon is the use of specific core competencies to ensure the outcomes of operations. In addition to developing a strategic plan which provided clear and measurable objectives, the organization delineated specific core competencies which it has been able to optimize in order to coordinate its strategic objective and achieve its goals.A review of what has been noted regarding the use of core competencies suggests that core competencies can provide the organization with the ability to focus development in particular areas (Zook, 2007). This process, in turn, sets the stage for the development of management practice and shapes how the organization approaches the market and its competitors. Collis and Montgomery (2008) provide a more integral review of core competencies noting the importance of review intended core competencies in the context of the external environment in which an organization competes.As reported by these authors, organizations need to consider the external environment and competitors in developing core competencies. While it is evident that core competencies must meet the internal demands and capabilities of the organization, Collis and Montgomery assert that improper alignment of core competencies in light of competitors and the larger industry in which the organization operates will result in failure of core competencies to be effective. In developing its core competencies, Canon appears to have taken these issues into consideration.The specific outcomes in this area are witnessed by the fact that in the 1970s, Xerox held a majority market share, which it has subsequently lost to Canon. In the 1970s, Canon recognized that the formula for success b eing used by Xerox was not the same formula which it wanted to pursue in the development of its organization. In this context, Canon chose to pursue a different pathway for competitive development; one which enabled the company to synthesize its internal capabilities with the market environment to create a unique competitive advantage against its largest rival.Because of this process of developing particular core competencies for operations, Canon was able to maximize its internal capabilities and use this as a strategic advantage in the marketplace. In summarizing the overall approach used by Canon to develop its strategic plan and subsequent management processes, it seems reasonable to argue that Canon did more than just place words on paper to establish a foundation for the organization. Rather, the organization developed a comprehensive plan for vision, strategy and development which were implemented on every level of the organization’s operations.In addition to delineati ng the larger objectives for the organization, Canon developed all of the intermediate steps that would be needed to achieve these objectives. In doing so, the organization aligned all of its activities toward the achievement of the organization’s overall strategy. The development of strategy in this manner is commensurate with what scholars note about the strategic planning and management processes. Kaplan and Norton (2008) assert that the strategy planning and development processes for the organization often end in failure because of the inability of the organization to effectively execute its strategy.Further, these authors assert that strategy failure is common because of implementation problems which manifest as organizations attempt to make critical connections between strategy objectives and specific outcomes which will be achieved to ensure that objectives are reached. Placing this information into the case of Canon, it becomes evident that these issues did not arise. Rather than struggling to implement, the organization developed to tools and resources needed to effectively ensure that it built a foundation which would enable success.It is this specific process which has enabled the success of Cannon. When strategy development is formulated as more than just specific words on paper the end result is the development of a strategic plan which provides concrete action steps for the organization to take. With these action steps in place, the organization is better poised to control the development of the strategic plan and its implementation (Neilson, Martin & Powers, 2008). This element of control in the strategic planning process has been noted to be an important contributor to the success of strategic implementation.When control is established in the strategic planning process, the organization is able to dictate the specific changes which will occur and respond to outcomes in a manner that is commensurate with the capabilities of the company an d responsive to the specific external environment which will impact the outcomes of operations. What Other Companies Can Learn With a basic review of the success of Canon in the development of its strategy provided, it is now possible to consider what, if anything, can be learned by other companies from this case.In examining the development and outcomes of Canon, it becomes evident that the specific protocols and practices which have been used by the organization to achieve success should not be mimicked by other companies. Even though Canon has been quite successful in its efforts to develop its products and services, the reality is that other companies cannot expect to use the same formula for success and to achieve the same outcomes achieved by Canon. Other companies have attempted to use this approach in the past—i. . Circuit City, K-Mart, etc. Even though mimicking another organization may provide some benefits in the short-term, the reality is that the outcomes achieve d will not provide an organization with a long-term foundation for development. Even though companies examining the case of Canon may not be able to use the same specific tactics employed by the organization, Canon did employ a number of general models for strategic planning and development which could be considered by other organizations.In particular, the development of core competencies for operations is an important tool which other companies could consider for success. An examination of models for the development of core competencies in the organization suggests that companies need to begin with a core strategy for the development of their operations. Once this core strategy has been delineated, it is then possible to articulate specific areas of organizational development by attaching them directly to the core strategy.Figure 4 on the following page provides a generic model of how core competency development for the organization has been conceptualized in for translation of co re competencies into organizational practice. The application of this model to the development of core competency planning for the organization would serve as the foundation for the development of the basic ideas which could then be used for the further development of the organization. Based on the specific core competencies decided upon by the organization, a formal strategic plan for organizational development could be implemented.This plan would need to reflect the development of measurable goals to ensure the overall success of achieving core competencies. Figure 4: Generic Model for Core Competency Planning [pic] Image courtesy of: http://www. ulv. edu/cbpm/business/img/mba_exp_graphic. jpg Once the core competencies for the organization have been delineated, it will then be possible for companies to consider the development of a strategic plan. Examining the specific steps used by Canon, it becomes evident that solid advice for planning and development in this area are provide d in the case.In addition to developing a driving vision and mission, the organization also implemented critical success factors which enabled the organization to formulate goals. The goals were codified in the context of action steps which provided a concrete foundation for the organization to achieve success. All of these issues were supported by the core competencies established by the organization. Figure 4 below provides a review of this process and demonstrates how other organizations could effectively adopt this process to generate success in their strategic planning and management processes.Figure 5: General Strategic Planning Processes [pic] Figure courtesy of: http://www. bottomlineresultsonline. com/images/uploads/StrategicPlan-Graphic_t humb. jpg In the end, the most pertinent lessons that organizations can learn from the Canon case are those related to the development and execution of strategy. Although Canon’s success is due in part to the specific choices that it made, the development and implementation of strategy on every level of the organization’s operations clearly had implications for the success of the company.Other organizations seeking to capitalize on this success should consider the development of core competencies, the evolution of an integrated strategic plan and the development of clearly defined goals for execution which can be measured to ensure progress and outcomes. By following these basic processes, other organizations should be able to create notable success in strategic planning and development. Reference List Canon Annual Report (2007). Canon. Accessed April 19, 2009 at: http://www. canon. om/ir/annual/2007/report2007. pdf. Canon Annual Report (2008). Canon. Accessed April 19, 2009 at: http://www. canon. com/ir/annual/2008/report2008. pdf. Collis, D. J. , & Montgomery, C. A. (2008). Competing on resources. Harvard Business Review, 86(7/8), 140-150. Henry, A. (2007). Understanding Strategic Management. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Huang, H. C. (2009). Design a knowledge-based system for strategic planning: A balanced scorecard perspective. Expert Systems with Applications, 36(1), 209-218. Johnson, G. Scholes, K. , & Whittington, R. (2005). Exploring Corporate Strategy. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Kaplan, R. S. , & Norton, P. (2008). Mastering the management system. Harvard Business Review, 86(1), 62-77. Neilson, G. L. , Martin, K. L. , & Powers, E. (2008). The secrets to successful strategy execution. Harvard Business Review, 86(6), 60-70. Office electronics industry profile: Global. (2009, March). Datamonitor, 1-32. Zook, C. (2007). Finding your next core business. Harvard Business Review, 85(4), 66-75.

History of the Fornication Pants Essay

Jeans today are much more than a simple item of clothing; they are a staple, a comfort and an identity. They are not a piece of clothing that is unique to one culture or society; jeans are jeans no matter where you are. Jeans have transcended nationality, race and even war, and yet they are still one of the most ordinary parts of our lives. What many people take for granted is that Jeans have become such a part of their everyday lives that they never stop to think about where they come from, and what they have done for people. Jeans had a humble beginning, a colourful and influential life and have a bright future. They are a part of North American history and culture and have defined many people’s lives. Cotton denim started being produced in North America in the eighteenth century and with the American cotton industry came slave labour. Plantation owners relied on slaves to keep prices down, and in 1860 there were almost four million slaves in the southern United States. (Kyi p.10) Denim got its name from a French fabric woven of silk and wool. The fabric was made in Nimes, France, and as a result it was dubbed â€Å"serge de Nimes†, but when the fabric began being stocked in English stores, it was shortened to â€Å"deNimes† or â€Å"denim†. (Sullivan p.12) At the time, denim was the strongest fabric and was even thought to have been the fabric of choice for the sails of the ships that Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World. (Sullivan p.14) Jean manufacturers buying denim from mills requested dark blue cloth rather than the pale beige offered as it was a colour that would show less dirt and wear. So denim cloth began to be dyed using indigo, but because of the time needed to make the dye it was one of the most expensive dyes in the world. That changed in the 1880’s, when a German scientist by the name of Johann von Baeyer discovered a way to create the same colour in a lab. The colour blue was now much more accessible and cheaper to achieve using the new synthetic indigo dye. (Kyi p.10) There are two Jean companies that played a major part in the production and distribution of the pants at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, Levi Strauss & Co. and Lee Company. Levi Strauss was born Loeb Strauss in 1829 in Bavaria. After immigrating to the San Francisco, he opened up a whole sale business selling high quality fabrics. He struck it rich during the California gold rush in the 1860’s, but not by finding gold, but by selling his heavy duty work pants. (Kyi p.15) Around the same time in Nevada, a tailor named Jacob Davis, an immigrant from Latvia, was trying to figure out how to make his work pants stronger. Miners were constantly ripping the seams of their denim work pants. Finally while in his barn Davis realised that the copper rivets that were used to reinforce the seams of horse blankets could be used to reinforce pants as well. (Kyi p.18) His pants were a hit, so he contacted his denim supplier, Levi Strauss, to see if he would consider going into business with him and help him purchase a patent. Strauss was convinced and the two applied for a patent in 1873. This was the birth of blue jeans, although they were not called jeans yet. They were still being called high waist overalls or waist overalls. (Kyi p.21) The first cloth called â€Å"jean† was made in Genoa, Italy, and was worn by sailors. In Italian, Genoa is pronounced â€Å"Genes†, but Strauss did not use the Italian fabric and his pants were not worn by sailors so he never used the term â€Å"jeans†. It was not until years after his death that Levi Strauss & Co. Began using the word. (Contini p.158) It did not take long for the riveted jeans to catch on, and production began to soar and Strauss invited Davis to move to San Francisco, where the two hired dozens of seamstresses to work in their new factories. To distinguish which pants were his and to demonstrate how strong they were, Strauss had a leather label designed for the back waistband, that showed a pair of jeans tied between two draft horses going in opposite directions. The horses were trying to rip the jeans apart, but the fabric was too strong. The label worked so well that for decades the jeans were known as the Two-Horse brand. (Kyi p.23) In the 1890’s a pair of Levi Strauss’ jeans cost about one dollar US, about the equivalent of twenty dollars US today, which was enough to make Strauss rich. (Sullivan p.18) When he died in 1902, his company was left in the care of his three nephews, who were eager continue the company’s success, but they were facing competition. The patent on riveted pants expired in 1891, and in the early 20th century, a new clothing manufacturer appeared, Henry David Lee. Lee opened H.D. Lee Mercantile Company in Kansas City in 1899, selling fabric and furniture. Soon he opened up his own factory and began producing what would today be recognized as overalls. (Kyi p.25) He then came up with the idea to sew a denim shirt onto a pair of jeans to form a denim coverall. The Lee Union-All was first marketed to men who loved cars as it could be worn over other clothes to keep them clean. In 1913 it was popular with farmers, engineers, and factory workers, and soon became available for women and children. When the American Army was preparing to join WWI, thousands of Lee Union-Alls were ordered for the soldiers as they were found to be more durable than any other clothing. (Kyi p.26) In 1926, the Lee Company revolutionized jeans, by putting a zipper in place of the buttons in the fly to â€Å"ease access†. During the depression Lee Company managed to convince people that Lee jeans would last twice as long as other pants, making them a good investment. The Company even opened up a new factory in 1936. (Kyi p.31) During WWII, wartime rationing led to shortages of blue jeans, and owning them became a status symbol. At that time jeans were only available in North America, but when soldiers set sail for Europe and Asia, jeans were introduced to the rest of the world. (Kyi p.35) For women working in factories during the war, jeans or coveralls with a bandanna became their dress code, partly because of the famous portrait of Rosie the Riveter proclaiming â€Å"We Can Do It† while wearing a denim shirt. (Sullivan p.70) After the war, the young soldiers who came home became the first teen rebels. They no longer wanted coveralls but pants that fitted snugly around the waist more suited to motorcycle riding than farming. (Kyi p.39) This developed a style that was popularized by Hollywood and stars such as James Dean in Rebel without a Cause. (Sullivan p.92) Marilyn Monroe began wearing hip-hugging jeans that became popular for women in the 1950’s, making jeans sexy for women as well as men. (Sullivan p.96) Jeans were now something that you could wear while hanging out with your friends; they were no longer just for working on the farm or in a factory. Parents began to worry that their children were running wild, and jeans were banned in US schools and in churches in England. (Kyi p.41) It seemed as though Brigham Young could see into the future when in the 1830’s he called jeans the â€Å"fornication pant†, appalled at the button fly. (Sullivan p.9) Denim had left behind its army reputation and had become the newest style trend. Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Bridget Bardot began wearing them for press appearances and parties, and that’s when the worldwide love affair with denim began. (Sullivan p. 98) Jeans are now a staple of pretty much everyone’s wardrobe in the 21st century. No matter what ethnicity or social class, everyone wears jeans. You see them on movie stars, your teachers, Presidents and Princes, and when you see news footage of a peace rally in Israel; the protestors are wearing jeans. They now come in over 200 sizes and countless styles and washes, with some made for wear on the farm and others perfect for a date on a Friday night. In the 19th century a pair of Levi’s would set a buyer back about $1.50 US, but today the sky is the limit. Jeans vary in price (for adults) from around $20 US at Wal-Mart to a pair of diamond and gold studded jeans that were sold in 2001 in Italy for $500,000 US. (Kyi p.13) Light wash or dark wash, boot cut or flare, diamond studded or embroidered, jeans are jeans, and are a North American icon. Jeans are one of the only pieces of clothing that have survived over ten decade’s worth of styles, and have always looked pretty much the same, and will be around for many more years to come. Works Cited 1.Kyi, Tanya Lloyd. The Blue Jean Book: The Story behind the Seams. New York, New York: Annick Press, 2007. 2.Sullivan, James. Jeans: A Cultural History of an American Icon. New York, New York: Gotham Books, 2006. 3.Contini, Mila. 5000 Years of Fashion. Secaucus, New Jersey: Chartwell Books, Inc., 1977.

Audience Analysis Essay

Communication is one of the most important skills that an individual can possess when presenting to a group of people. The audience should always be focal point of the presenter as communication is an important foundation and can often determine the success or failure of a message being received. When communication is done properly it can build respect and trust between groups and help identity the issues at hand. The presenter must have a good understanding of the audience’s culture in order to effectively communicate with the group. In this assignment I have been asked to present quarterly sales information in an in-person meeting to a group of stakeholders that includes managers, salespeople, and customers. I have been asked to answer a number of different questions before I present my information to the audience. The following questions will be answered in this paper. 1.What are audience characteristics you need to consider?2.What communication channels would be appropriate and why?3.What are some considerations that you must keep in mind given the diversity of the audience?4.What would you do to ensure that your message is effective?Before you can prepare a presentation you must consider the characteristics of your audience. I know that my audience consists of managers, salespeople, and customers of this particular organization. Because I have identified my audience I now have a better understanding of the audience’s knowledge of the subject. I also understand their interest in the subject; I understand that the different groups of individuals may only be interested in certain results of the quarterly sales information that is being presented. Managers and salespeople may have different subject knowledge than the customers. I will needs to address the different needs of all parties in attendance. I will have to customize certain parts of my presentation in order to address the specific needs of each group within the audience. I will also need to understand what the audience is expecting to learn from my presentation. I should be able to meet and exceed their expectations and the audience should walk away with their questions answered and explained as well as have a better understanding of the quarterly sales information that was presented to them. Because this is an in-person meeting certain communication channels are more appropriate than others. Power-point presentations would be an appropriate method of communication between the presenter and the audience. This is an effective method because it not only allows the presenter to discuss the statistics; but will also allow the present to show the audience the statistics in detail and all together as a group. Printed handouts or documents are another method of communication that would be considered appropriate in an in-person meeting. This method allows the audience to take part in reading the information provided and also gives them something to take with them from the meeting for future reference. Because the majority of the information is being presented orally, the presenter must consider their own body language and speech effectiveness to the audience. Body language and speech are both very important as the audience will be feeding off of the enthusiasm of the presenter. If the presenter gets the attention of their audience it is important to keep it in order to effectively communicate the information. Because there is diversity in the audience certain considerations must be kept in mind when presenting quarterly sales information. Each group will have different levels of interest in the information being presented. The customers will probably not have the same level of interest in certain aspects of the presentation as the managers and salespeople. Another consideration that the presenter must keep in mind is the information that is being communicated to the group. There is a certain amount of statistical data that the organization might not want all the members of the audience to know about. This information might be better presented in a manager’s only meeting. Other considerations that a presenter may want to keep in mind given the diversity of the audience is the average age, gender, culture background, education, economic status, and group memberships of the attending audience. These considerations individually may not have a big impact on the methods of communication chosen by the presenter, but together will allow the presenter to understand the diversity of the audience to which the information is being communicated. To ensure that the presentation is a success and the information is received effectively I would make sure that I have a concrete agenda and use it. I would also make sure that I interact with the audience, for example when presenting the sales data I might ask the audience if anyone has any suggestions to help increase the sales in a particular area. I would ask some open-ended questions to help encourage audience participation. I would also ask the audience to participate in constructive group discussions and would frequently check for group consensus on particular issues and decisions. At the end of the meeting I would survey the group through E-mail, fax, letter to ensure that the information that was presented was received and understood. I would also make myself available to answer any questions that may need clarification on an individual level. References Locker, K., & Kienzer, D. (2008). Business and Administrative Communication (8th edition). McGraw-Hill, 2008 New York, NY. Retrieved from the University of Phoenix web-site. Payne, B. (2008). Effective group Communication. Retrieved on April 24, 2009 from the world wide web at: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nreninf.nsf/childdocs/-C835B1CE4BC7F1D04A2568B30004FC37-4FEBC5DEBF535AC1CA256BC8000410EB-5D3323C8EDE7C7EB4A256DEA00294D0A-B59DCFB30DB614C3CA256BCF000AD4E0?openPearson, Allyn & Bacon (1995-2009). Demographic Characteristics of Your Audience. Retrieved on April 24, 2009 from the world wide web at: http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_public_speaking_2/24/6223/1593259.cw/index.html . Copyright  © 1995 – 2009, Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Allyn & Bacon. McGee, J. Important Characteristics of your Audience. Writing and Designing Print Materials for Beneficiaries: A Guide for State Medicaid Agencies. Health Care Financing Administration, Baltimore, MD. HCFA Publication Number 10145. October 1999, page 66, and the Plain English Network Web site at http://www.plainlanguage.gov. Retrieved from the world wide web on April 26, 2009 at: http://www.talkingquality.gov/docs/section3/popups/characteristics_pop.htm

Employment Conditions and Impacts of New Technologies Essay

Employment Conditions and Impacts of New Technologies - Essay Example From a wider perspective, a nation’s human capital lays the parameters for success. Creativity is also increasingly becoming a chief strategic asset that boosts the economy, to grow, while still determining thriving amalgamation, into the rapidly altering world economy. Technically, broadcasting is a specific and somehow easy business comprising of sound and view transmissions to the audiences. Development in television in the future relies on the rise of medium throughput, possibility to integrate conventional and internet broadcasters, and generate fresh products that will result in integrating all Medias. Although these updates tend to be expensed intensive, they ensure quick return on investments. Journalism and the media in general have been central in embracing new technology, which has caused influential changes, in the employment conditions. The creative industry concept has its origin in Australia, but much significance was attributed to it by UK policy makers, when t he creative industries unit and  the task were set up. It is an indication of a shift in approach to probable commercial activities from the initial cultural industries. Howkins (2002, 98), has described key roles of Intellectual property classifying them into trademarks, copyright, patents and the ultimate product’s design configuration. ... rise the faction of creative industries, which vary from upstream actions, such as conventional arts, performing, literature and visual arts to the downstream activities which involve design, advertising and other media connected activities (Cunningham, 2005, 285). Therefore, creativity is resulting into being a significant input, employed in the production procedure of products, as it is deployed with a specifically high level of professional particularity. These results to activities referred to as the creative industries such as the IT advancements. These creative industries have contributed to an estimated seven percent world GDP according to the World Bank. Furthermore, according to the UK department for culture media and sports creative industries are already generating over ?110 billion of revenues and employed 1.3 million employees. Numerous other developed nations’ including Canada, Sweden, and Australia have also managed to triumph in applying their foothold, in thes e industries, and they are progressively achieving a gateway, to the novel information economy. Creative industries are immensely contributing to employment creation, and export progression in most leading developing nations; however, currently their potential is broadly unrealized. Fundamentally, they are indeed always correlated with a wobbly structure of job security, with stumpy value added and restricted export earnings. Consequently, there is a pressing requirement to modernize the sector and also strengthen the local capacities such that they augment their contribution to the creation of income thus contributing to reducing poverty. According to UNCTAD continuing research, industries from the creative sector are not only generating more labor and capital or even the conventional

Assessment Action Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Assessment Action Plan - Assignment Example To ensure the success of the Software Upgradation Project, it is important to partner with the best consultants in the Industry that have successfully implemented projects pertaining to migration from old versions of Windows to Windows Vista and from old versions of Word to Word 2007. It is understood that any software will never be 100% complete from the perspective of the Business Requirement Specifications and also the Word 2007 Application will serve as the lifeline of the business post implementation the way the current versions of Word are critical to business. The selected consultant is expected to have a sound track record, an experienced implementation & customization team, and a sound Project Management methodology. In order to assess if the consultants have genuinely worked upon such migration projects in the past, the following shall be verified: The process of verification shall be called the "Desktop Review". Overall such documents and records would be requested for verifications only and then returned back after the convincing exercise is completed. These documents & records are their intellectual properties and hence shall not be retained. The objective is to carry out an in-depth convincing exercise. ... (d) Does the consultant possess adequate documents & records that can be showcased to verify the in-house R&D efforts to build internal expertise and competencies The process of verification shall be called the "Desktop Review". Overall such documents and records would be requested for verifications only and then returned back after the convincing exercise is completed. These documents & records are their intellectual properties and hence shall not be retained. The objective is to carry out an in-depth convincing exercise. In addition to verifying these documents about the consultants, we plan to speak to the customer references provided by the consultants using a questionnaire. The consultants are expected to present a clear plan on what requirements are already mapped with their current competencies/track record and how the rest would be fulfilled. It is important to clearly identify the areas where a feasibility of implementation doesn't exist. The project management team of the consultant is expected to have adequate experience in bringing to table these finer details to enable the internal project committee to verify the acceptance by going back to the business requirement specifications and analyze the impacts on business of the infeasibility of certain requirements which cannot be met by the consultants. Detailed Assessment Action Plan: Before a contract is awarded to the final selected consultant, a number of parameters pertaining to the consultant and their competencies shall be evaluated. It is hereby proposed that the Project Committee would list down all parameters that can influence the decision, assign a weighting to each

#6 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

#6 - Coursework Example This ensures that citizens can go about their daily lives without fear of unreasonable intrusion by the government. Unreasonable search and seizure are both infringement on the rights of individuals to privacy and freedom. Search means the â€Å"examination of a person, place or vehicle for contraband or evidence of a crime† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 195-6). Seizure, on the other hand, means â€Å"the taking by law enforcement or other government agent of contraband, evidence of a crime or even a person into custody† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 195-6). => A stop is one of the ways â€Å"to balance the rights of an individual and the governments need for tools to carry out its jobof protecting society from lawbreakers† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 212). It is â€Å"a brief detention of a person based on specific and articulable facts for the purpose of investigating suspicious activity† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 212). However, a stop should be "[due to a] reasonable suspicion [and not merely a] reasonable belief† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 212). The difference of a stop from an arrest is that in an arrest, â€Å"the person is not free to go† (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 212). In an arrest, the Miranda warning is necessary, while in a stop, no such warning is needed. This is because a stop is not a detention and the person is usually free to go after a short time. One good example of a stop is when a driver is stopped because of a simple traffic violation. No Miranda warning is needed, and usually, the driver is free to go after a few minutes (Harr, Hess, and Orthmann 212). An arrest, however, is a more complex process. For example, a person is stopped or frisked and the police officer finds a probable cause for an arrest (i.e. drugs found in pockets), then the Miranda warning is delivered and an arrest ensues. => â€Å"A frisk is a limited pat-down search for weapons for the protection

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

THE GLOBAL ECONOMY - Assignment Example PEC and shale oil producers, end of Quantitative Easing (QE) in the US economy which led to the rise in the dollar value and subsequent fall in the oil prices. Oil prices fall when the world produces more oil than it is able to consume in which case there is a production surplus. Vice versa, a production deficit comes about when the demand for oil is greater than the amount of oil that is being manufactured. However, oil prices have plummeted to half of what they used to be since June. Crude oil has now dipped below $50 a barrel for the first time since May 2009 and US crude has also fallen below $50 a barrel† (2015). In the last decade, oil prices were high because of the rising demand for oil in most of the world but this growing demand could not be met and supply remained low due to conflicts in the oil producing Middle Eastern region, for example Iraq. By 2014, oil production increased exponentially and due to surplus oil being produced, the price of oil fell dramatically. This was caused by a significant increase in US oil production. Because of soaring oil prices, multiple American and Canadian companies started drilling for â€Å"new, hard-to-extract crude in North Dakotas shale formations and Albertas oil sands† and advanced methods like fracking and horizontal drilling began to be used (Plumer, 2015. The introduction of American shale oil in the market has added â€Å"4 million new barrels of crude oil per day† (Plumer, 2015) to the oil market while the global production is â€Å"75 million barrels per day† (Plumer, 2015). Iraq emerged as one of the major contributors to the recent boom in oil production. After the US led invasion of Iraq, oil production was disrupted due to constant war, turmoil and sanctions. However, since 2008 due to efforts being made to bring about stability and curb violence, we have seen a boom in Iraqi oil production. â€Å"Over the next five to seven years, Iraq could be supplying nearly half of the incremental growth in world oil

Informative Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Informative - Speech or Presentation Example Anorexia and bulimia are psychological disorders which affect a large percentage of people in the world today and it is most rampant in the United States. It is necessary for these disorders to be studied not only as psychological problems, but also as social problems and a chronology of experiences related to these problems should be made so that studies can be conducted to facilitate their cure. It is a fact that these conditions are extremely difficult to treat because it is often difficult to make an assessment of how the people affected by anorexia and bulimia behave as well as how to find ways of curing different individuals from these conditions (Lacey 1694). Among the greatest causes of anorexia and bulimia are the societal expectations that are pressed on those individuals affected by these conditions. Many of the patients with these conditions tend to have been brought up in an environment where the need to succeed and to excel in every aspect of their lives has led them to develop such a low opinion of themselves that they have developed an obsession with their bodies. One will find that the drive for these patients to succeed is so great and the societal expectations placed on them so great that the pressure becomes too much on them and these tend to affect them negatively as they try to fulfill these expectations. The mentors of these patients are often perfectionists and because the patients would like to emulate every aspect of their lives, the pressure to do so becomes very demanding because in order to impress their mentors, they often set such unreasonable goals for themselves that to achieve these goals becomes overwhelming for them. It is also a fact that anorexia and bulimia patients are often raised in environments where they are not given the required attention while growing up and this comes to affect them in later life (Strober et al, 394). This comes about because their parents are probably always too busy attempting to make a living f or their families and have not enough time to get to know their families better, creating a situation where their children grow up in isolation. Such environments end up making the children involved to develop low self-esteem which is one of the reasons for the development of anorexia and bulimia, and their increasing prevalence. Statistics show that while anorexia and bulimia are disorders that are more prevalent in upper classes of the society, there are also increasing cases of these disorders in the other strata of society and this trend is most worrying (Chakraborty and Basu 175). It has been stated that main reason for the prevalence of these conditions among the upper class is because of the higher expectations that are set for the members of such families and their feeling of inadequacy because of the fact that they are not able to fulfill these expectations. In the lower classes, on the other hand, it has been found that one of the most prevalent causes of anorexia and buli mia is the fact that the patients tend to be influenced by the media, especially that of perfection that is propagated by Hollywood as well as other forms of mass media. The increasing prevalence of anorexia and bulimia in society has made it necessary for all individuals within it to be made aware of the symptoms so that they can get a hint of the development of

Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 16

Question - Essay Example The study by Rabinowitz et al. (2005) offers a systematic review of the literature of animal sentinel to identify evidence that relates such events to the health of human beings. A weakness of this study was that it could not assess the factors causing failure of the animal sentinel studies to use cohort and case-control methods more. Such approaches prove time-consuming and expensive compared to such other methods as the aggregate and cross-sectional study designs. Funding limitations may possibly have influenced the choices of study methods of animal sentinel. Another weakness of this study is that its small sample size affects its capacity to offer valid evidence. The strength of this study is that the authors have suggested a set of linkage points which are helpful for the assessment of evidence to bridge an event of animal sentinel to the human health. The research recognized gaps in the existing knowledge like shared outcomes, inadequate shared exposures’ documentation, and the relative vulnerability between humans and animals for the hazards of

Creation Myths Around the World Essay Example for Free

Creation Myths Around the World Essay There are many commonalities between creation myths from around the world. Two items most creation stories have in common is that the god(s) improved the earth, and people generally view themselves as the center of reality. Human beings tend to liken themselves to the gods they worship. The theme of God(s) improving the earth in mythology can be noted in the bible when God keeps making improvements to the earth because He â€Å"saw how good [they] were† (New, 4). The creation story of the Aztecs is similar in that the gods kept replacing the world because each world’s people had moral flaws (World, 146). In essence, the world was being bettered for the human race. This theme is also incorporated into Greek mythology. The Greek approach is that at first there was only Chaos, but gradually, things like Love and Light and Day developed, making the world a less hostile place (Hamilton 65-66). While the gods did not necessarily contribute to this, the principle is the same. Humans imagine gods being on their side, fighting for them because gods are associated with human traits such as empathy and love. Another motif in creationism is that humans have a very human-centric perspective of the world, just as Americans tend to look at early civilizations from a Euro-centric perspective. One example of this is the bible. God â€Å"created man in His own image, in the divine image he created him†(New, 4). God creating the man in His own image shows that humans personify gods. God is viewed as human. A second specimen is not just Greek creationism, but Greek culture. Greek culture revolved around the appreciation of the basic human form, as evidenced by the Greek gods, whose human form is the very essence of their importance. The Aztec myth is similar to the biblical creation story because they believed that the man and woman were made from the blood and bones of gods, which shows that the Aztecs personified their gods. The theme of gods being created in the human image ties into the idea that humans view themselves as the center of reality. Yet another supporting detail is that in most creation stories, humans are divine. In the bible (New, 4-5), God lets man name the animals because he was above them and they were there to keep him company. This feeling of our race being at the center of everything we know is part of what makes us unique, but more importantly, what makes us human. These commonalities in creation stories that had no influence on each other tell a lot about humans as a whole. The grandest truth about human nature revealed by creationism is that humans think of their species as the center of their worlds. This is evident by the gods we worship, how we view other species, and how we take in our environment. Through our eyes, it seems as though everything is here for us.

Role Of Registered Nurses In Ambulatory Care Setting

Role Of Registered Nurses In Ambulatory Care Setting The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of Lewins change theory in introduction of modified role of Registered Nurses in ambulatory care. In particular, discussion will focus on role change from coordinating role to clinical role while utilising Lewins theory of transitional change. BACKGROUND Lewins theory of change was implemented to bring innovations in traditional roles of nurses at ambulatory care by introducing an ambulatory care nursing conceptual framework adopted by AAACN/ANA in 1998. Three main roles were introduced, clinical role, professional role and organization/system role. Nurses capacity buildings by professional and clinical education, empowerment and role and assignment modifications were key strategies to achieve this change. CONCLUSION: The change process is greatly enhanced by the application of a logical process through the identification of a problem, development of an implementation plan and clear monitoring and evaluation at all stages. The choice of a suitable change model/theory aided the course of development of role of ambulatory care RNs, which was visibly noted in the project with use of Lewins (1951) theory of transitional change. Developing the role of Registered Nurses in ambulatory care setting: A change management project AIMS: The primary purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of change process implementation in lieu of Lewins theory of transitional change to implement new roles of RNs in ambulatory care setting. INTRODUCTION: The concept of change may simply be defined as to make or become different (Mc Leod and Hanks, 1982, p. 72). Change is an inevitable phenomenon of the universe. For evolutionary purpose as well nothing remains constant. Change brings new life and energy in the existing systems which otherwise can be redundant over period of time. Baulcomb (2003) said that planned change represents an intentional attempt to improve operational and managerial effectiveness. The transition of changing from one practice to another is never easy. The literature stresses that the effective management of change includes empowering the people involved in the change and not utilizing an autocratic or top-down approach (Crotty 1996, Baileff 2000). However, it has been a common observation that usually change projects are forced from higher management to the employees which many time results either in unsuccessful project outcome or dissatisfaction of the employees. Ulrich, et al (2002) said that two thirds of quality projects fail because of the prevailing culture and the resistance of the people to change. (p. 211). Therefore, any successful change project requires honest commitment from leadership which leads the team with courage and motivation. Schifalacqua and Costello (2009) said: It is important that management practices are aligned to support and reinforce the change, such as clinical systems, staffing, and rewards. The changing of systems and structures are vital to lasting change. (p. 27). Todays healthcare is very different from what it was a just a decade ago. It has taken a shape of an industry/business which is growing at an incredible speed. This fast paced growth keeps the healthcare managers on toe to meet the challenges of rapidly changing world around them. Ferrara-Love (1997) said: Health care is not immune from the impact of change, and is still in its infancy of downsizing, mergers, and corporate buyoutsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ The changes health care is experiencing are not unique, but are reflective of changes in society. (p. 12). This can explicitly be seen today where everyone wants to have cost containment due to which institutional level changes are made at a rapid pace. Healthcare industry is not an exclusion from this change phenomenon, which many times put the employees at stress that may affect their work performance as well. Factors that can affect change also include: the attitudes of people, lack of perceived support during the change process, worker reluctance or resistance to change, lack of consideration of attitudes and beliefs of staff, fear, anxiety, uncertainty and loss of control (Crotty 1996, Telles 1996, Willmot 1998, Baileff 2000, Carney 2000, Tingle 2002). Any change process requires utilization of resources in terms of human, finance, and material; hence the change process needs frequent monitoring and evaluation for its applicability and effectiveness. Schifalacqua and Costello (2009) said the transition of moving from one practice change to another is never easy, and the people side of change is a dominant aspect that needs to be incorporated into the overall implementation plan. (p. 27). This can be seen in daily routines as people get accustomed to the practices over a period of time and usually it is difficult to change the practice which they ingrain in their daily lives. Hence, the successful change implementation depends upon the communication and shared values between the team members responsible for the change. Therefore, one should not expect a successful change to be implemented overnight. This requires thorough planning, critical thinking and engagement of relevant stakeholders which requires energy, dedication, time commitment and mutual respect between two parties that is the change agent and the client. Smith-Bla and Bradle (1999) said: Although health care organizational change is a constant phenomenon, little is understood as to how staff experiences this change. Unsuccessful change efforts have suggested the possible important relationship between understanding staffs experience and improved results. (p.340) This is a vital consideration to be taken into account by change management leaders as healthcare is growing at an incredible pace; the demand and supply ratio needs to be balanced by implementing innovative change strategies which should be cost effective as well as user friendly. If the clients input is not considered then the leaders might not be able to have a successful outcome from a change process which they might desire. BACKGROUND: The subject of change is not new. Poggenpoel (1992) affirms that change may lead to real innovation, providing abundant opportunities for creating a better way forward. This is particularly true in healthcare setting. Todays evidence based medicine and evidence based nursing practices primarily bring innovation and change in the field of health sciences which ultimately help in improving quality of life whether of patients in specific or society in general. However, the process of leading successful change requires effective communication, wide participation, facilitation and manipulating different interests towards the agreed goal (McLaren and Ross, 2000). Successful change cannot be a one man show and needs team effort which cannot occur without effective communication between team members who need to work with mutual understanding towards shared vision. The ambulatory clinics are an integral part of any hospital; clinics are the bridge between the hospital and the community, and are utilized as a pre-hospitalization center. Null and Bonser (1997) stressed: The outpatient /ambulatory services can be a vital stage in many patient journeys. It may be a patients only place in the hospital setting where they visit on continuous basis. So far this has been a department staffed by nurses who have no proficiency in any clinical specialty. Hence, they gain experience in several and expertise in none. (p. 325). The affirmation above was very true for staff nurses working at ambulatory care setting in my organization. Role of Registered Nurses (RNs) at ambulatory clinics had been a real discussion at my organization due to a general perception that there is no active clinical role of registered nurses in clinics thus they are underutilized. In addition due to cost containment projects, highly paid employees efficiency was also closely monitored therefore registered nurses being highly paid among other staff categories were objected for being underutilized at outpatient clinics. Out of 215 staff in ambulatory care setting, 75 (34.8%) are RNs who cover all the specialties. These registered nurses have gone through general nursing training in their graduating school of nursing. They develop clinic based competencies during their competency based orientation conducted in the unit within first three months of their job. This on-job training is supervised by Clinical Nurse Instructor (CNI) and Cli nical Nurse Specialist (CNS) of ambulatory care services. Haas (1998) said: Ambulatory care nursing is a unique realm of nursing practice. It is characterized by rapid, focused assessments of patients, long-term nurse/patient/family relationships, and teaching and translating prescriptions for care into doable activities for patients and their caregivers. (p. 16). However, at my institution this role was limited to initial assessment and giving some very basic education to patient like on diet and medication. While reflecting the factual nursing roles and practices at ambulatory care services of our setting in the light of definition by AAACN/ANA, a big room for improvement and innovation was seen to re-conceptualize RNs roles and practices. The existing roles and responsibilities carried out by clinic RNs were much more general than the efficient clinical roles which they should have been playing. It was now the responsibility of nursing management of ambulatory care services to relook at the roles and re-assign tasks so that the true need of registered nurses and their proper utilization could be justified. Literature search on RNs roles in outpatient clinics revealed that internationally there are RN-managed clinics, telephone medicated care by RNs, specialty based nurse educators, practitioner, consultants, and clinical nurse experts such as pre-operative nurse, oncology nurse, wound specialist nurse etc (Hamner, 2005). American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN, 1995) categorized roles of ambulatory care nurses as clinical, management, educational, and researcher roles. DISCUSSION: The goal of the management plan was to address the issue of strengthening the role of registered nurses at ambulatory care services, to justify their need in outpatient services; Lewins three stage model was chosen to introduce the change in RNs role. Lewins model has intuitive appeal and became an enduring influence because it was taken up as one of the foundation stones of the organizational development (OD) movement during the 1960s-1980s (Burnes 2000, Cummings Worley 2001).The reason behind choosing Lewins change theory was its easy and simple implementation and efficacy in bringing modification in existing practices by analyzing driving forces, restraining forces, and by targeting new innovations and implementation. The literature supports the effective use of said theory in various organizational change management projects (Mrayyan et al, 2007; Huber, 2006; Marquisand Huston, 2005). Fetherston et.al (2009) emphasized the importance of major change and endorsed that: Where a major change is implemented, models such as Lewins (1951) model of unfreezing, changing and refreezing can be a useful guide (p. 2586). As the alteration of RNs role at ambulatory clinic was a significant major change Lewins model proved to be a useful and effective guide for system modification. The system perspective of the Kurt Lewins theory suggests that the process of change occurs in three stages: unfreezing, moving and refreezing. For change to occur, a motivational factor should arise in order to break the ice. Baulcomb (2003) states that This theory places emphasis on the driving and resisting forces associated with any change, and to achieve success the importance lies with ensuring that driving forces outweigh resisting forcesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The intention is to reach a state of equilibrium. (p. 277). Green (1983) stated within every change situation forces exist either to push the system toward changing (pro-change forces), or push it away from changing (anti-change forces). (p.1623). Pro-change forces act to alter the status quo and are considered important aspects of change motivation. Anti-change forces, on the other hand, work toward maintaining equilibrium and are usually manifested as habits, rituals or policies. Unfreezing occurs when the driving forces (pro-change) become stronger than the restraining forces (anti-change). Stage 1: The unfreezing phase-becoming motivated to change: Schifalacqua and Costello (2009) said: Communication is vital to any change process. If the change is on the unit level, a question-and-answer format on the impact on patient care and/or the caregivers is very effective. (p.29). The key to this phase was to answer following questions: What is the problem which needs to be addresses by the change management project? Who needs to be involved in the change process? What will be the post change benefits to the organization? What would be the likely cost of the change? Huber (2006) asserted that the first stage is cognitive exposure to the change idea, diagnosis of the problem, and work to generate alternative solutions. (p.811). Discussion with the in charge nurse and staff nurses of ambulatory care services was held in which desired change and of role modification was highlighted. Majority was in consensus of the need of this change as they were also dissatisfied due to peoples perception of their role and lack of clinical utilization of them in their workplace. It was also shared that changing the nurses role would be potentially stressful for those taking the new role as well as for those with whom they work. Fetherston et.al (2009) stated that: When change is managed in systematic steps with adequate evaluation and communication throughout the process, it is more likely to result in successful outcomes. (p. 2582) From a broader perspective there was an impulsion for developing RNs to meet the need of multispecialty tasks at outpatient setting, with a need to demonstrate the effectiveness of any new roles created. This multispecialty tasking required RNs to gain competency in multispecialty. Miller, Flynn, Umadac (1998) said: Competency is the assessment of the employees ability to perform the skills and tasks of his or her position as defined in his or her job description. A competent staff member has the knowledge, skills, ability, and behaviors to perform required tasks correctly. (p. 10). Hence, in order to evaluate the competence of ambulatory care RNs baseline knowledge and practice assessment was done for 40 RNs to assess their insight related to clinical, professional and system roles in ambulatory work setting (please refer appendix A). Audit results showed only 41% involvement of nurses in clinical related knowledge and patient care tasks. Cork, A (2005) said: When examining the introduction of competencies in relation to force-field analysis it can be seen that one of the main drivers would be an improvement in nurses practice and a defined level of achieved competence for individual nurses. In addition, the projected benefit to patient care, through the acquisition and application of knowledge, would be a major driver. (p.40) The audit proved to be very useful in identifying gaps in the required standards of nursing knowledge and practice of RNs working in the clinic setting. Hence, it ultimately helped in planning and implementing educational strategies to overcome the identified gaps. Stage 2: The moving phase-change- what needs to be changed? Once mutual agreement for a desire for role modification was obtained, ambulatory care nursing conceptual framework by Haas, S.A. (2006) was searched from literature (please refer appendix B). The framework was liked by higher authorities and approved to be incorporated and introduced in the ambulatory care nursing model. Flannigan (1995) states, If you can define an ideal culture in terms of your strategy and leadership, particularly how the culture would be different from the way it is currently, then you have the basis for changing the culture. (p. 60). In order to gain shared vision for proposed changed culture the model was introduced to all ambulatory services RNs to obtain their feedback and open discussions were held through meetings with nursing management, ambulatory care nurses and medical colleagues. On this occasion, information concerning the change was provided through a discussion and presentation of research findings regarding development of outpatient nurses specialty based practices. Indeed, this increased knowledge about specialty based roles created dissatisfaction with the current system. Tross and Cavanagh (1996) claim that dissatisfaction with the status quo is the most influential factor in the initiation of change. However, rather than being an education issue, four nurses argued that it was an experiential issue and subsequently suggested that it may cause the difficulties in implementing specialty based roles. Being mindful of the normative re-educative strategy that was employed in the change process, provi sion was made to appreciate the resistors feelings. Nevertheless, it was asserted that if nurses did not have the theoretical knowledge, which underpins the specialty skills, they would be unlikely to be competent practically in this area (Reece and Walker, 1997). Accordingly, the resistors argument was diluted by providing them with abundant amounts of evidence to support the introduction of the project. A consensus was then reached and actions were prioritized for the change initiative in specialty based training. Smale (1998) highlights the benefits of actively involving staff that are closest to the problems, by explaining that they are closest to the solution. Consequently, Rigorous training sessions were arranged for nurses for clinical concepts such as triage, health assessments, specialty based diseases and case presentations, specialty based skills assistance, patient and family education and counseling techniques etc. Applicability of RN roles taken from the framework: Within pre-admission assessment, the aim was to develop the RN role so that s/he could get the patients medical history, and perform pre-consultation assessment accordingly. Nurse-led pre-admission assessment has shown to be effective and safe (Whiteley et al. 1997). The issue of developing advanced assessment skills was resolved through special courses by clinical nurse specialist. There is an evidence to suggest that developing the role of the nurse specialist or practitioner can increase the continuity of care whilst still maintaining clinical standards; examples include nurse-led rheumatology follow-up (Hill 1997) and breast care follow-up (Earnshaw 1997). Such a development not only enhanced stability but also free up consultants time within their clinic to see patients with more complex needs and to potentially increase the number of new patients that could be seen. A group of seven senior RNs was formed from different sections of ambulatory care, to be included in a review of ambulatory care related policies, protocols and work instructions. This group was also trained for supervisory skills to cater evening shifts and weekends in absence of head nurses of respective units. This role proved to be productive and satisfactory for nurses as well. Stage3: The refreezing phase-making the change permanent: The introduction of role changes were well appreciated by the consultants, management and RNs. Enhanced patient safety, patients and nurses satisfaction and most of all effective time utilization was evident. To fix these changes, slight modification in RNs job descriptions (JDs) was done to introduce these role aspects in their JDs. Furthermore, their schedules and assignments were fixed for three months period and then rotations were pre-planned. In this instance, Lewins (1951) force-field analysis also served as an assessment of the driving and restraining forces that impacted on the implementation of this change process. Driving forces facilitate change because they push employees in the desired direction (Kritsonis, 2004). These were RNs motivation and enthusiasm, pressure from higher management and doctors acceptance, patients safety and satisfaction. There was little resistance to change in first three months of the project. Those whoclosely working with RNs in out-patient setting were supportive of the project and worked with the team for achievement of goals. In fact, the slower than anticipated development meant that key stakeholders such as consultants did not feel threatened by the pace of the change. Evaluation: The outcome of the strategies through implementation of conceptual framework as a change agent was assessed through measurement audits. Audit of the nurses practices was carried out concurrently, while the patients experiences were being surveyed. The literature contends that change is not consolidated without continuous monitoring and observation (Smale, 1998). Furthermore, Dale (1994) asserts that internal auditing, scrutiny of records and objective observation help discover what is currently taking place. An audit tool was developed with 19 criteria, 80% nurses were evaluated on conceptual framework through this audit tool, 74.2% compliance was observed for knowledge and new role implementation. 50% of ambulatory nurses were trained for health assessment, performing health assessment of patients with clinical emergencies as a daily clinical task. 100% patients with clinical emergencies were identified by RNs of assigned clinics and received timely interventions and transfer to appropriate care facilities. 80% patients received education on disease, treatment plan and lifestyle modification from nurse educators in specialty based clinics. Other gains were safe and complex patient care delivery, evident by no clinical errors and incidences in that period. Increased patient satisfaction indicated by no clinical complaints reported by patients. Consequently nurses satisfaction was largely enhanced, assessed by subjective verbalization of nurses in open forums and meetings. Formal surveys for nurses and patient satisfaction need to be conducted to evaluate objectivity of these outcomes. CONCLUSION: The change process was greatly enhanced by the application of a logical process through the identification of a problem, development of an implementation plan and clear monitoring and evaluation at all stages. Furthermore, the selection of an appropriate change model aided this process, something clearly demonstrated in this project with use of Lewins (1951) theory of transitional change. It also discovered some very hopeful aspects with regard to professional development and team working. However, it was also experienced that change is not easy, sometimes filled with unwary troubles and sometimes intimidating. 3,304

J.p. Morgan :: essays research papers

J.P. Morgan Essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My life on the whole has helped the whole country prosper. I give away so much money to great causes. I also help the government with monetary crises. I admit that I am very wealthy. But is having money a crime in this capitalist country? Definitely not. I obtained my wealth by hard work and dedication. I never once backstabbed or stepped on people to get what I wanted.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I have helped and continue to help companies that are in need of money. I have financed International Harvester, American Telephone and Telegraph, and General Electric. Without the money I gave these companies, they would never have existed. In essence, I have helped create great companies such as the above. How is this unethical?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Not only do I help companies; I help the government whenever possible. After the panic of 1893, I helped reorganize railroad companies such as Northern Pacific, Erie, Southern, and the Philadelphia and Reading. The government didn’t have the capital to aid these companies so I did because it needed to be done. Also, in 1895 I sold my firm’s $62 million government bond issues. Due to this, I helped end the gold shortage in the U.S. Treasury. In 1907 I loaned money to banks to keep them from closing after the panic of 1907. As shown above, I have aided the government several times out of the generosity that is in my heart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Helping the government and companies is good, but I wanted to give back to society. In order to do this, I decided to donate and help found public associations. I founded the Lying-In Hospital in New York City and gave a large sum of money to the Harvard Medical School. In addition, as an ardent Episcopalian, I gave a large portion of funds to build the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City.

The Fall Of Satan :: essays research papers

The Arch-Fiend   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Arch-Fiend, in 'The fall of Satan'; by John Milton, is a minded firm person who gets his word across to others. His stubborn attitude and arrogance shows that he is the strongest and smartest. The pride that made him believe he 'equaled the Most High,'; meaning he felt equal to God. The story, describes Satan's appearance, his action, his words, and his effect on others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the story Milton describes Satan in many different manner. He first talks about him as a form of a snake, tempting 'our grand parents'; to eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Milton also shows Satan's appearance as a beast. Pretty much you can see how his appearance and personality are quite related. Milton gives us a vivid description of Satan. That he has eyes that sparking blaze, monstrous size. This describes to us how Satan looks now, but before Satan was an Angel. He is not the same being that he was before.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Satan's actions also are shown on Milton's writings. It starts out as early as the beginning of the earth. When Satan attracted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. In his speech to Beelzebub he said that ' good will never be their task, but ever to do ill our sole delight and out of good still find means of evil.'; This shows us that Satan tempts us to do evil actions and like it, and how most of us get pleasure or amusement out of it. Milton also writes that Satan with 'the force of subterranean wind transport a dill torn from Pelorus, or the shattered side of thundering Etna, whose combustible…aid the winds, and leave a singed bottom all involved with stench and smoke.'; Satan's actions are executed for one main purpose, and that is the rebellion he took on God. That came from his jealously and envy of mankind. Untill Satan wins his battle he will not stop making mankind attracted to evil.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Satan also led people to do evil through his words. He talked to Eve to eat the apple. He replied Beelzebub and said, 'out of out evil seek to bring forth good, our labor must be pervert that end, and out of good still to find means of evil.'; Satan telld mankind to do evil things just like God who tells us not to. Some choose to do bad and some good.

the Cathedral :: essays research papers

OUT and OUT The buzz-saw snarled and rattled in the yard And made dust and dropped stove-length sticks of wood, Sweet-scented stuff when the breeze drew across it. And from there those that lifted eyes could count Five mountain ranges one behind the other Under the sunset far into Vermont. And the saw snarled and rattled, snarled and rattled, As it ran light, or had to bear a load. And nothing happened: day was all but done. Call it a day, so they said To please the boy by giving him the half hour That a boy counts so much when saved from work. His sister stood beside them in her apron To tell them "Supper." At the word, As to put the saw down to rest As the saw knew what â€Å"supper† meant The saw, leaped out at the boy's hand, or seemed to leap He must have given it a flick of the hand. However it was, The saw met its final lay at rest on the arm of the girl. The boy's first outcry was a rueful laugh, As his sister remained silent as if nothing was of big matters As he froze in astonishment of what had just occurred, Half in appeal, but half as if to keep His sister’s life from spilling. Then the boy saw all Since he was old enough to know, big boy Doing a man's work, though a child at heart He could not bear to see what the saw has done. It was not his doing; but the saw, Or was it him that caused this atrocity? Why was he given the half hour? Why couldn’t they let him work into the evening? It was not his fault, His sister screamed â€Å"supper† to him. He saw all spoiled. "Don't them see who has done this The doctor, when he comes. Don't let him, sister!" Sister could not comprehend what has become of the boy, But the raising was done, and the outcome was the boy. What would happen to him? Not his sister, but to him? The doctor put him in the dark of ether. All attention was to be given to the boy’s sister. He cannot allow this to be his fault. He lay and puffed his lips out with his breath. He paced to and fro, thinking, thinking, Of what to do, what to say now. And then-the watcher of the girl’s pulse took fright. No one believed. They listened at her heart.

Origins Of Agriculture In African Sahara Essay

Several decades ago, Harlan et al. (1976) suggested that Africa, outside of the Nile River Valley, might be the most useful setting for developing a fuller understanding of plant domestication and agricultural origins (Harlan et al. , 5). It seems that in Africa the earliest indigenous plant domestication occurred relatively late (ca. 2000 BC) compared to most other regions of the world (Harlan et al, 7-8). Whether this was due to a method of harvesting that was not artificially selective, such as beating versus cutting with stone or iron sickles, a lack of intentional re-sowing of harvested grains, or reliance in some cases on non-domesticable plants remains unknown, but it seems clear that wild grain collection was part of a variety of adaptive strategies until at least about 2000 BC. Unlike the Near East, most of Africa’s native domestic plants appear to have different temporal and geographic origins. In other words, crop domestication in Africa did not arise in a single region, but developed from diverse vegetative zones (Harlan et al, 12). From the critical and historical perspectives, it is important to understand and analyze the development of agricultural patterns in any historio-geographical region, African Sahara in this particular case, because it is from there that the first evidence emerges of village-based communities, pastoralism and intensive use of wild grains. Over the past 75 years, theories of the origins and spread of agriculture have been numerous and diverse. Explanations have ranged from cultural progress, climate change, diffusion of agriculture from single hearths, to population pressure, status enhancement, feasting, and to simply viewing the variety of agricultural approaches around the globe as increasingly extractive adaptations of foraging behavior. Increasingly, however, it appears that multiple factors led to the development of agriculture and that the processes may have been different in each region of the world. Archaeological evidence from centers of independent domestication provides numerous opportunities to explain the process, but from the critical viewpoint, it gives little insight into what might have been the ultimate stimulus for such a broad shift. Today, the Egyptian Western Desert (also known as the Eastern Sahara or the Libyan Desert) is extremely inhospitable with little or no rainfall, high daily temperatures, relentless sandstorms, and life that can be supported only near the occasional well or oasis (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 1-5). Increased rainfall around 9000 BC led to the formation of seasonal ponds around Bir Kiseiba and Nabta Playa (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 2). Although the Eastern Sahara remained unpredictable, peoples migrating west from the Nile Valley or from the desert to the south began to temporarily inhabit its better-watered areas (Close and Wendorf, 64). No structures, storage pits, or wells were recovered from the earliest sites, and pottery was rare (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 5). Grinding stones were present in the oldest levels, and the plant remains suggest reliance on wild grasses (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 99). Wild animals such as hare and gazelle comprised the majority of faunal remains, and domesticated cattle were possibly included in the subsistence regime (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 103). By 8000 to 7000 BC, the area around Nabta was scattered with desert lakes and dotted with the trees of Tamarix, Acacia, and probably Ziziphus, swampy plants (sedges), and wild grasses (Close and Wendorf, 68). Occupation of the Western Desert was still likely seasonal, with abandonment during the summer monsoons. The sites were larger than those of the previous period, and the remains of small and large huts, bell-shaped storage pits, and deep wells suggest intensified habitation (Close and Wendorf, 69). Lithics, bone points, grinding stones, and pottery were present (though pottery was still somewhat rare), and the fauna continued to consist mainly of hare, gazelle, and possibly domesticated cattle (Wendorf and Schild 1998, 107). The evidence for domesticated cattle in these earliest levels is debated. Bones, tentatively identified as such, mainly teeth and foot remains, are morphologically similar to both modern domesticated and wild cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus and B. rimigenius, respectively), but not to other large bovids in the area. Gautier argues for the presence of domesticated cattle rather than wild cattle because the latter probably could not survive on their own in an arid climate without the aid of humans to guide them to known water sources (qtd in Close and Wendorf 1984, 61-62). Support for domesticated cattle comes also from the lack of bones from medium-sized bovids that typically roam with wild cattle (Wendorf and Schild 1998, 108). Cattle bones are present but not common in the assemblages, which is used to argue for cattle-keeping (for milk and blood) rather than for cattle-eating (Close and Wendorf, 66). Interestingly, Close and Wendorf suggest that it was this expansion into the Sahara that might have pushed cattle-herders towards cattle-keeping and not slaughter, as during the same time in the Nile Valley, cattle apparently were being killed for consumption and not maintained for their products (Close and Wendorf, 68). In addition to hunting, and cattle milk and blood, the collection of wild plants also provided food. The best studied plant remains come from the site of E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, dating to around 6000 BC (Wasylikowa, 128). Wendorf and Schild interpret the sites of Nabta Playa as representing an important transition in prehistory, that of incipient domestication (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 105). The intensive use of wild grains by pastoralist-hunters suggests a broad-spectrum approach to subsistence, but one that also incorporates semi-sedentism and delayed use of resources. Although the pastoralists at Nabta Playa apparently revisited the same locations on a seasonal basis, they probably were forced to remain mobile due to their reliance on cattle and the need for abundant grass cover. Archeologists and historians suggest that groups migrating from the west introduced domesticated African grains to the upper Middle Niger Delta (MND) is has been supported by material remains through various archeological sites (McIntosh, 56). For instance, ceramics and bone harpoon-type points with affinities to sites in the Mema and Dhar Tichitt suggest that there was some early interaction or occupation at Dia by fisher-forager and agro-pastoralist groups from these more western areas. Evidence from Dhar Tichitt suggests that domesticated millet was introduced prior to 1900 BC, and that millet farming and herding existed well before 600 BC (McIntosh, 71). Ceramics from Mema sites indicate that indigenous fisher-foragers first inhabited the Mema area, but by 1300-800 BC, pastoralist immigration into the region had begun. It has been proposed by Mcintosh that these groups of herders and fishers might have assimilated to some degree in the Mema, and then perhaps fissioned into proto-Bozo and Nono groups upon entering the modern MND sometime between 800 and 400 BC (McIntosh, 79). Movement into the deeper channels of the upper MND was likely one response to increasing desiccation of the ancient floodplain margins and encroachment of the Sahara during the early first millennium BC. The human-plant relationship at MND appears from the earliest times to be based on rice farming and collection of wild plant resources. This trend continues throughout the occupation of the sites, even during periods of seasonal habitation or partial abandonment (Horizons II and III of Dia). Early in the second millennium however, several species (pearl millet, bread wheat, and cotton) occur that suggest the development of new or intensified relationships between Dia and the outside world. The increased presence of pearl millet noted especially on Mara probably signals enhanced trade or exchange with other communities, or perhaps the movement of new peoples into the area. Mcintosh writes of oscillating drying trends during this time that might have allowed cultivation of pearl millet in areas previously too wet, perhaps at Dia or at outlying hamlets (Mcintosh, 83). This important cereal was likely domesticated somewhere between the Sahara and the Sahel of West Africa. The earliest evidence of domesticated pearl millet comes from Tichitt, dating 1900-1500 BC, and from Birimi in northern Ghana, where two grains were directly dated to 1740 BC and 1130-1250 BC (McIntosh, 93). Pearl millet occurs frequently at later sites and is a common and important cereal across much of West Africa. The four bread wheat grains found on both Shoma and Mara, one grain directly radiocarbon dated to AD 779-1157, may also signal trade, or more likely, visitors from abroad. Native to west Asia and introduced into North Africa by way of Egypt, these wheat grains probably made their way to MND via one of the major Saharan trade towns such as Sijilmasa, where to according to medieval Arabic travelers and traders, wheat was cultivated (McIntosh, 99-100). In sum, it increasingly appears that there was an independent domestication of cattle in the eastern Sahara around 8000 BC, well before the introduction of cattle, goat, and sheep from the Near East around 5000 BC. Practicing a broad-spectrum approach to food getting, these early herders spread west and south across the Sahara, eventually entering West Africa around 2000 BC. The earliest domesticated grass (pearl millet) occurs around this time in a broad band across the southern Sahara and Sahel beginning earliest at Dhar Tichitt (Mauritania) and moving rapidly eastward to Lake Chad (northeastern Nigeria) by about 1200 BC (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 122). These sites are invariably associated with the remains of domesticated cattle, suggesting that Saharan pastoralists introduced domesticated grasses into sub-Saharan Africa and played a pivotal role in the development of other African regions.

Humor of Flannery Oconnor

Aaron Kalman Professor Suppes Art of Literature 15 September 2012 Humor in â€Å"Good Country People† Flannery O’Connor has always liked to use various types of humor and irony in her stories centered around the dark, tragic, and uncomfortable ways of life. She uses these literary techniques to mask what she is truly trying to say. â€Å"Good Country People† by Flannery O'Connor is a prime example of humor and irony which makes fun of the simple, intellectual, as well as the incongruous people in the world. The most blatant and simple type of humor is found while observing the flat characters of Mrs. Freeman and Mrs.Hopewell. These two women begin the story by participating in routine gossip with one another. Their constant bickering and desire to feel superior to the other is humorous because of how uneducated they sound. O’Connor puts them in the category of â€Å"good country people† due to the fact that they are pure, simple, and honest. This is ironic because good country people are referred and compared to as trash multiple times in the story. Another example of irony includes when Mrs. Hopewell said that the Freemans were a â€Å"godsend,† but the reason she had hired them was that there were no other applicants.Despite Mrs. Freeman being extremely nosy, Mrs. Hopewell ironically refers to her as a â€Å"lady and that she was never ashamed to take her anywhere or introduce her to anybody they might meet† (O’Connor 379). O’Connor uses these two women to lighten up the mood of the story before introducing Mrs. Hopewell’s atheist and pessimistic daughter Joy. The humor that the author uses when describing Joy is more complex and tragic than any other character in the story. As a well-educated 32 year-old, Joy is not a pleasure to be around. Joy constantly suffers through tantrums and still dresses like a six year-old.While reading O’Connor’s description, it is hard not to lau gh at the way she acts towards her mother as well as visitors. Joy â€Å"slams doors, stomps noisily around on her wooden leg, and is in constant outrage† (O’Connor 378). An example of her disruptive behavior is when she associates Mrs. Freeman’s daughters, Glynese and Caramae, with Glycerin and Caramel. Joy changes her name to Hulga, which is ironically more suited to her personality. Her mother believes she does it to spite her, but Hulga really does it with the idea that her mother has to accept her by using the new name.This light humor becomes darker when Hulga gets ready to go on a date with the sadistic bible salesman, Manley Pointer. The bible salesman known as Manley Pointer contains a comical sense which makes taking him seriously extremely hard. First of all, the name he chooses to use is extraordinary in its own right. Manley Pointer has a cartoon character approach to him as he enters Mrs. Hopewell’s house. An example of this type of characte rization is shown when O’Connor states that the man â€Å"fell forward into her hall†¦as if the suitcase had moved first, jerking him after it† (O’Connor 382).Manley Pointer has a youthful and awkward approach to his customers mixed in with a hint of cleverness. Mrs. Hopewell states that â€Å"she never liked to be taken for a fool† (O’Connor 383). Her statement is ironic because of the slyness used by Manley to trick Mrs. Hopewell into inviting him over for dinner. As Manley fools Mrs. Hopewell, he begins his devilish act with Hulga. The climax of the humor in â€Å"Good Country People† occurs when Manley Pointer and Hulga go on a date.Manley and Hulga’s date begins with some comical light humor as Hulga tries to dress up in slacks, a dirty white shirt, and some vapex she finds in the medicine cabinet in order to seduce the bible salesman. This is humorous because its shows her ineptitude to do a basic task despite her having a PhD. Hulga thinks she is making Manley fall in love with her as he kisses her head to toe; however, ironically Manley is secretly seducing her. Her downfall occurs when she gullibly gives up her soul by entrusting Manley with her wooden leg. He then takes her leg and runs off into the distance with it, leaving Hulga stranded up in the hayloft.Satirically, the only person Hulga has ever given herself up to steals her life and breaks her heart. Throughout â€Å"Good Country People,† dark, uncomfortable, tragic as well as lighter and simple humor are all used by O’Connor. This and some situational and literal irony allowed all types of characters to be made fun of by the author. The ingenious humor and necessary irony by Flannery O’Connor in â€Å"Good Country People† are what make her story brilliant. Works Cited O’Connor, Flannery. â€Å"Good Country People. † Meyer, Michael, ed. The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2009. Print.

Did all Americans benefit from the boom in the 1920’s? Essay

The USA had massive industries and had lots of natural recourses. The post First World War boom started for a number of different reasons particularly the rise of new industries and new methods of industrialisation. It led the world in new technologies. It developed technology such as automobiles, telephones, and electrical appliances. America sold to Europe as well as to a domestic market and therefore national wealth grew. Henry Ford’s car plants employed many workers to assemble the cars, and many more were employed in supply industries such as steel, leather, glass and rubber. In addition there were thousands of people working in road construction for the cars to run on. Because of general prosperity many people could now buy products on credit or borrow money from the banks easily. Many of the Americans believed that they had a right to prosper; they wanted to have a nice house, a job and lots of food. People believed that the best way of life was to spend as much money as possible. The First World War also contributed to the boom, other countries who had borrowed money started to pay some of the money they owed with interest. Europe imported goods from America to help build up their own economies. The older industries such as coal, leather and textiles didn’t do to well. Coal had competition from oil and electricity which was being used at a bigger rate than coal. Leather and textiles didn’t have much competition from other countries but there was competition from man made materials. Also there was competition from the Southern States were the labourers were paid less for longer hours. The growth of industry made it worse for the ordinary people because they weren’t needed to do they’re jobs anymore because their jobs were taken over by machines which could do the work in half the time. 32% percent of America’s income went richest 5% of the population, 10% percent of the income was shared out between the poorest 42% of the people. The unemployed people included many of the poor whites but there was a bigger majority of unemployed blacks and Hispanic immigrants. Approximately 42% of Americans now lived below the poverty line and they didn’t even have enough money to buy food, clothing, housing, heating or any of the bare necessities for their families. Even though many of these people could not afford to buy products, the amount of goods had doubled. The farming industries were hit quite badly too. There was competition between the efficient Canadian farmers in the north who were importing wheat at much cheaper prices so America rather brought from them. America had also put tariffs onto exports and therefore Europe weren’t importing as much produce as they used to. There were many rural banks that went bankrupt because farmers weren’t getting enough money back to pay the banks. Another factor was that the population in America was falling and therefore there was less demand for the produce and there was tons of wheat that no one wanted. The farmers were producing enough food for exporting and for the country but there weren’t enough people to eat all of the food. There was enough food for the farmers and fourteen other families. At this time many Because of the introduction of technology and machinery less labourers were needed and in the 1920’s six million rural Americans were unemployed. These people didn’t have the right expertise to be employed in the cities. Three quarters of a million blacks were also unemployed when they lost their jobs on the farms. In conclusion, we can see that the boom did not bring prosperity to all. Rather, while the urban population, in particular those involved in the new industries as well as the middle classes generally certainly benefited during the ‘boom years’, the rural population particularly in the grain belt suffered as a result of over production and shrinking markets.

Limitations of New Media

New media technologies may have little impact on politics, even change politics for the worse. It has little effect on civic engagement. New media technologies increased political knowledge among citizens already interested in politics, for users who are not, public sphere online is meaningless. Social media activists are more democratic, more knowledgeable about current political events and also somewhat more understanding of anti-government sentiment. As the new media technologies provide a platform to talk without consequence and response, they have been widely sed by extreme groups to shape the citizenship and distort democracy.Such as 2011 England riots, the event was also called â€Å"BlackBerry riots† because people used mobile devices and social media such as twitter and facebook to organise. This Issue was launched majority by young people, who face the fierce competltlon and huge employment pressure. They are also the primary users of the social media network. In thi s Issue, two man , 20 year old Jordan Blackshaw and 22 year old Perry Sutcliffe- Keenan had been sentenced to 4 years In Jall for attempting to use Facebook to rganize and orchestrate† disorder.Blackshaw created a Fackbook event Smash Down Northwich Town, Sutcliffe-Keenan also set up a page encouraging rioting in Warrington. As Assistant Chief Constable Phil Thompson warned, â€Å"The sentences passed down today recognize how technology can be abused to incite criminal activity, and send a strong message to potential troublemakers about the extent to which ordionary people value safety and order in their lives and their communities. † As shown in the London riots, Twitter users send a message to millions. SoTendentious information and hate speech of the extremists can also spread quickly on the twitter, it would stimulate public dissatisfactions of government and make more people who dont know the truth fear and anger. So openness and freedom of the online platform prov ided by new media technologies reinforce the sense of citizenship and democracy but also have potential to disrupt social order and democracy. 2, Digital divide: Disadvantaged groups- (the poor, the elder, the undereducated, and thous In rural areas-continued to lag behind in their access to and use of the internet.People who lack required knowledge, skill and capital are not easily access to the Internet. Let alone use blogs or youtube. They continued to lag behind In access to the alternative public sphere. 3,For Journalists on social media such as Twitter: Issues of credlblllty. As social media has Impacted the speed of spread of Information and news. There are sometimes situations where the news can be misinterpreted and misleading. It Is only human nature to add and edit what they hear to make It sound better In their minds and this endency Is what makes the â€Å"unofficial news† unreliable.The User Generated Content usually lack of professionalism. It Is called cltlzen Journalism but when a story Is reported even in a post on Twitter or Facebook or Youtube, professionalism is key. story. But usually citizen Journalists record an event and present it to the public, very often without checking all the facts related to the event. 4,political inequality: The differenece between speaking and being heard. It is true that citizens face few formal barriers to posting their view on the twitter or youtube.This is openiness in the most trivial sense. But from the perspective of mass politics, we care most not about who posts but about get read. There are plenty of formal and informal barriers that hinder ordinary citizens' ability to reach an audience. For the enormity of the content available on social networking sites, people seem to cluster strongly around the top few information sources in a given category. Such as â€Å"trending topics† on the twitter, even through these topics recommened intent to help their users to know what is happening in t he world.Trending topics are ometimes the result of concerted efforts and manipulations by preteen and teenaged fans of certain celebrities or cultural phenomena. Public sphere provided by the new media technologies in some extent is not equal for the public to make voice. The elite domination still exists like in the mainstream media. 5, state interference, influence the watchdog function of social media, Although state interference in the political discussion on the social media is generally neglected in the Western world, it is still a major obstacle for truly open, free discussion to happen n less developed democracies.For example, the central government of China employs â€Å"professional writers† to insert the state voice in many corners of social media chat rooms in HongKong and help create a bottom-up participatory control. So falling to see actual political change to arise from their opinion expressions, normal citizens end up voicing the most extreme opinions. Sacri ficed in this process is the diversity of opinions and democracy. To conclude, Citizenship refers to the individual citizen self-awareness of his or her position in the nation.It concerns the right to know and speak for public in the democracy society. New media technologies reinforce the sense of citizenship and democratization because Rather than passively receive what the media want to inject to them, people in new media age are more active. The openness of the digital media would allow citizens to compete with Journalists for the creation and dissemination of political information. It broadens the â€Å"public sphere†, gives chances to citizens to engage in the political discussion, challenge domination and allows motivated itizens to be heard by a worldwide audience.But there are also limitations, the extensive use of new media technologies by extreme groups would incite criminal activities and distorts democracy. Disadvantaged groups continued to lag behind in their acc ess to the alternative public sphere. The new media technologies have served to level some existing political inequalities, but it has also created new ones. Government interference in the political discussion will break the Watchdog function of the new media.