Healthcare Disparities And Lack Of Health Care - 1546 Words

In today’s society, there is still a great struggle with health care disparities and many lives are affected by the lack of this fundamental program in our society. There are millions of people who die each year because they are unable to afford quality healthcare. The debate still continues about healthcare inequalities, what causes this disparity and who are affected by it. Health care is more of a necessity rather than a luxury and even though skeptics may argue to the latter, it only underlines the importance of the need for the wellbeing and care of individuals. There are several factors that could contribute to the lack of health care in the United States which ranges from but not limited to race, gender, socio- economic status, and lack of insurance coverage. The truth is there is a great disproportion between who can really afford quality healthcare as appose to individuals who have it. One would imagine that an employed individual would easily afford quality healthc are but we could be no further from the truth, since one’s economic status is an essential determinant to its affordability. In looking on the subject of race you realize there is a racial stigma when it comes to health care. The American health care system is geared to treat the majority, while the minority suffers. As one looks at the African American society we see the racial discrimination in the health care system. According to the American heart association, â€Å"African Americans are 28% more likelyShow MoreRelatedDisparities Within The Health Care Environment1702 Words   |  7 PagesHealthcare Disparities Healthcare disparities have been an issue all over the world for a very long time. The purpose of this paper is to give you knowledge on disparities within the health care environment. This paper will discuss the definition of disparities, types of disparities, reasons for disparities, statistical data from trends and reports, and information on disparities elimination and improvements. What are healthcare disparities? Defining a disparity can eliminate confusion that disparitiesRead MoreLanguage And The Health Disparities1492 Words   |  6 PagesCan you imagine the how the healthcare industry would be without language, what seems to be impossible to imagine is the everyday reality of some patients because of their native language. Language is a major contribution to the health disparities that some populations face, because it makes it difficult for some patients to communicate their problems as well as understand the care they provided. Language contributes to the health disparities that some populations face because it creates a barrierRead MoreThe Heart Of A Healthcare System975 Words   |  4 PagesThe heart of a healthcare system is to ensure timely access to care and to ensure optimal outcomes in differing levels of disparity in healthcare. The Veteran Health Administration has made system wide transformation to expand access to care; however, women veter ans continue to experience sub-standardized care as compared to men (Washington, 2011). Women veterans’ lack of substantial income, knowledge to Veteran (VA) eligibility and services, identified this group as a vulnerable population in theRead MoreThe Patient Protection Affordable Care Act Essay1476 Words   |  6 Pages The Patient Protection Affordable Care Act has only been extended to cover 32 million uninsured individuals mandates. The main issue of access to affordable care will be to exacerbated by limited community- based resources that provide preventive services, primary care access and the continuum care for patients with chronic conditions. There is a need to increase capacity to serve more patients, while improving outcomes and reducing cost. Health disparities in the U.S. range from HIV/ Aids toRead MoreBarriers And Disparities Of Health Care826 Words   |  4 PagesBarriers and Disparities in Healthcare Barriers to healthcare include factors that restrict or hinder people from receiving adequate and quality health care service. Health care disparities are those differences that negatively affects less advantaged group (Mehta, 2014). Health care barriers play a significant role in comprehending causes of disparities. This paper will discuss the obstacles and disparities that exist and affects healthcare. Barriers that Exist and Affected Healthcare Financial barriersRead MoreHealth Disparities And Health System Barriers1745 Words   |  7 Pagesdefines Health Disparities as â€Å"the inequalities that occur in the provision of health care and access to health care across different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.† This means Health disparities are essentially discrepancies in the servicing of Healthcare as well as in access to healthcare amongst people of different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups. Health Disparities has many underlying factors that impact it, a factor in particular is Health system barriers. Health system barriersRead MoreNational Healthcare Quality And Disparities Report 20141013 Words   |  5 Pagesworst healthcare system (Davis, Stremikis, Squires, Schoen, 2014). This ranking does not come from a lack of funds, considering the United States spends more than twice as much per capita than the United Kingdom which is ranked at number one (Davis, Stremikis, Squires, Schoen, 2014). A major problem is America is the health disparities that vary across the nation. Health disparities â€Å"refer to differences in access to or availability of facilities and services. Health status disparities referRead MorePublic And Universal Healthcare System Essay1206 Words   |  5 PagesThe availability of healthcare is an extremely important issue in the United States. There are millions of Americans that are uninsured in the U.S. A high amount of uninsured people are from minority groups such as Hispanics and African-Americans. High deductible payments, the cost of prescription drugs, and lack of health insurance coverage cause many Americans to choose to live without insurance to save money for everyday expenses beside healthcare. Without health insurance, people do not haveRead MoreHigh Rates Among Various Ethnic Backgrounds1060 Words   |  5 Pages Healthcare disparities exist at higher rates among various ethnic backgrounds as well as individuals with disabilities. Although receiving good healthcare should be a privilege, statistics have shown that social determinants such as poor education, low income, limited access to quality care, as well as environmental factors have contributed to healthcare disparities. If society could improve barriers like health education, communication, and healthcare cost, quality healthcare could be successfullyRead MoreThe Culturally Competent Health Care Workforce949 Words   |  4 PagesThe Culturally Competent Health Care Workforce Reduces Disparities Cultural competence is the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the individual health care professionals when they treat individual patients who are from different race, ethnicity, and religion and diverse backgrounds. In the U.S, some patients receive equal treatment in the health care facilities, but others receive unequal treatment because they are from diverse backgrounds. In the article, â€Å"Cultural Clues† Melissa Hansen focuses

Life in Colonial America Essay - 2130 Words

The Puritans that arrived in America from 1630 to 1649 prompted by religious persecution made a commitment to the â€Å"covenant† with God, whom had ordered the puritans to â€Å"fly into the wilderness†, (Reich, 2011, p. 72). This â€Å"covenant† was to bind all residents tightly together both religiously and socially. Centered on a common pasture, a village could consist of a meetinghouse, land and multiple family homes that support the whole group or a â€Å"city on the hill† (Brinkley, 2010, p. 76), (Reich, 2011, p. 72). The social unit, whom was tightly knit in the early years of the Massachusetts colony, began to strain and many challenges arose as time passed affected this social structure, mainly the increasing commercialism of the surrounding New†¦show more content†¦184). This period revolved around the conflict between traditional views of a personal God involved within the individual’s lives, the new spirit of the enlightenm ent with the importance of intellect (science) and human reasoning. The old views placed high values on a stern moral code, which taught intellect is less important than faith became apparent not true (Kupperman, 2000, p. 118). The enlightenment also suggested that people had control over their lives and their societies. Therefore, religious toleration in the colonies flourished, there were so many types of religion it was impossible for the British rulers or puritans of the day to enforce some sort of code or religious enforcement of an official faith (Brinkley, 2010, pg. 80-81), (Kupperman, 2000, p. 118). Native Americans were very important to American history; they were the first people in America (Nash, 2010, p. 13). Native Americans have their own form of governing, vastly different language, religious beliefs, and dress and for some reason the Natives have been generally excluded from American success (Nash, 2010, pg. 14-15). This is especially true when we look at how A merica put into place the Manifest destiny the idea that the United States had the God-given right and duty to takeShow MoreRelatedLife in Colonial America1942 Words   |  8 PagesDuring colonial times life would not have been anything like it is today. They would not have a cell phone, computer or a global positioning system. The family would wake up to begin their day with chores depending on their sex, location, age and, the families’ social class. Families were large for various reasons - help on the farm, most children died before the age of five. Childbirth was extremely dangerous for women of the day. Doctors did not deliver infants. That job belonged to midwivesRead MoreLife For Women During Colonial America1993 Words   |  8 PagesLife for women in Colonial America was tougher to endure than life back in England. With daily home chores, that generally lasted all day, to keeping the children under control, women were often burdened by the amount of work they had. Luckily, settling down and finding a husband was inevitable. Although, many women who first came to America as indentured servants would have to wait for marriage until the end of their service. Life in the colonies was different for a female indentured servant andRead MoreNative Americans By James Axtell990 Words   |  4 Pagesgreatly to Colonial America, in ways the ordinary person would have never deliberated. James Axtell discusses these ways, as well as what Colonial America may have looked like without the Indians’ presence. Throughout his article, his thesis stands clear by his persistence of alteration the Native Americans had on our nation. James Axtell’s bias delightfully enhances his thesis, he provides a copious amount of evidence establishing how Native Americans contributed critically to the Colonial cultureRead MoreAmerican Life in the Seventeenth Century: Study Notes1206 Words   |  5 PagesAmerican colonies were laborers. 2. By 1700, English colonial landowners began to rely more heavily on African slavery because of a declining birthrate in England. 3. Regarding colonial life expectancy during the seventeenth century, life expectancy in New England was unusually high. 4. In the seventeenth century, white women in colonial Chesapeake averaged one pregnancy for every two years of marriage. 5. Compared to women in colonial Chesapeake, New England women were more likely to haveRead MoreWomen During The 19th Century1171 Words   |  5 Pagesposition of women in America as drastically changed, especially when noting the evolution of women in the 17th century to women in the 19th century. Women in colonial america were expected to stay at home, but this changed when the Republican Mother, a strong figure that became empowered after the American Revolution, influenced women around her. The roles of Colonial Women were directly correlated to their wealth. There were many different categories of women in Colonial America. Some of which areRead MoreEssay on American Colonization1660 Words   |  7 PagesToday, many people see America to be the land of opportunity and wealth. During the beginnings of the New World, this fact was relevant to the Europeans as well. The growing powers competed for land in America in order to become the omnipotent country of Europe. However, because America was overseas from Europe and direct supervision by the monarch was not possible, the land of opportunity was restricted to the European countries. Eventually, as history shows, all of the European powers who colonizedRead MoreColonial Americas without the Indians1566 Words   |  7 PagesCentral and South America would not have been the same without the Indians. History itself would be dissimilar in Colonial America without the Indians. There is a probably chance that slavery woul d have gained popularity quicker if there were not any Indians. History today would not be the same without the Indians. The Colonials learned guerilla warfare fighting from fighting against the Indians. Also the because of the existence of the Indians farming grew in the colonial Americas. The Indians didRead MoreStatus of Women in Colonial Society1243 Words   |  5 PagesJames American History 1151- Essay #1 Jan 7th,2016 Status of Women in Colonial Society Women were always considered inferior to men since day one. That belief had been existing until the eighteen century. During that period, English Colonists brought to America their ideologies with them. Women did not have the same rights as men did during that time. Women were tied in a leash, kept in the dark, and controlled by society. Life wasn’t easy for them. They were not allowed to express their opinionsRead MoreThe Differences Between The Spanish And Colonial Economic System, And The Colonial State And Church Essay1209 Words   |  5 PagesBe sure to write about the colonial social structure, the colonial economic system, and the colonial state and church. Also, include bible verses to support your argument. Be sure to include two additional sources to support your claim. Honors please have four sources. WH 10 Ch. 17 Essay In the sixteenth century, both Spain and Portugal established enormous colonial empires around the world. Spain ruled most of South America and parts of Central America and North America. Portugal primarily ruledRead MoreWas The Colonial Period A Golden Age? For Women?1010 Words   |  5 Pages Issue 1.3 Was the Colonial Period a â€Å"Golden Age† for Women in America? Amanda Tyler History 221 Dr. Coles September 30, 2014 Issue 1.3 Was the Colonial Period a â€Å"Golden Age† for Women in America? †¦ In the issue â€Å"Was the Colonial Period a â€Å"Golden Age† for Women in America?† the core difference of whether or not it was a golden age for women is seen in the variation of roles women had in the colonies compared to later generations and whether or not these differences led to them

Dhl Pricing Strategy free essay sample

Although DHL is cautious in charging for this differentiation because of lack of guarantee, their advertisements and strength are in that regards. -Value added services such as package tracking technology, consulting for international shipping requirements are offered for free within the shipment price itself -DHL’s strong custom relationship and network are high worth for parcel business specially for air express parcel business in Europe -DHL is rated high on â€Å"value for money†, so customers think they get more benefit for the price they pay to DHL. There is scope for 2. What are DHL’s strengths and weaknesses relative to the competition? Strengths: -DHL has a well-established brand name that is synonymous with reliability and value for money -Extensive International Network an accessibility of package shipment locations much more than its competitors. -Faster Speed of delivery By using a variety of scheduled international carriers, DHL is able to optimize its transport network to minimize deliver times -Worldwide scope, infrastructure, relationship network and people -Custom network and relationships for faster parcel clearing -Higher ratings in reliability and value for moneyStrong Europe foothold Weaknesses: -Very less global contracts (only 10)/ Less MNC accounts when DHL infrastructure is suited to serve widely spread out global companies -Single sales force selling both documents and parcels, although the decision makers for the two product lines are different at the customers’ end -The pricing scheme is complex and varies greatl y throughout the regions based on country managers decisions -Not a strong domestic player in large countries like US, Canada and Australia 3. What are some advantages and disadvantages of DHL’s current pricing structures?Are they exercising price leadership? Explain. Advantages: -Different pricing structures can accommodate different type country market customers. -Flexible pricing structures, which gives the regional managers direct control over pricing. The sales reps are allowed to give discounts to their biggest customers upto 35% without any approvals and upto 60% with upper management approvals which was beneficial in customizing proposals Disadvantages: -Due to different product lines of DOX and WPX, the frequency structure of either the half kilo structure didn’t yield optimized discounting strategy.Discounting should have been on revenue base than weight or frequency -Country managers had full control which sometimes led to unprofitable price setting or discounting -The monthly pricing structure was disadvantageous as an â€Å"all you can get† pricing. It also made it hard to increase the price without clear basis of the expected shipment costs increase DHL is exercises price leadership in new markets where the competitors base their prices off of them. They also have been charging a premium for their services and all the competitors are basing off their prices lower to that of DHL’s.They are the dominant firm and the competitors are compelled to match and beat their price. 4. In assessing these new pricing opportunities, should DHL establish a worldwide pricing policy or allow regional managers to customize prices locally? Clearly explain pros and cons. If you anticipate that your recommendation will generate conflict, explain how this will be managed. If you are going to forgo opportunities to customize prices, justify your strategy. Worldwide pricing model provides opportunity for simple and structured pricing. It could be useful for securing global contracts.Worldwide pricing policy will simplify accounting for them as well as allow a lower cost for their biggest customers. It will allow DHL to attract global contracts and MNC contracts. This will help increase penetration in the same accounts and reduce splitting of document and parcel contracts. Regional pricing allows DHL to effective extract a higher value from the customers in special areas like Africa – where they are the only service provider. Lowering the cost there won’t net them more customers, but will impact the company’s bottom line. Moreover, regional managers know their regions the best and they are responsible for profits and losses in their regions. Worldwide pricing is convenient but less profitable. Costs and profitability were significantly different between geographies and regions. So setting up worldwide pricing could be profitable in some and unprofitable in other regions as profitability analysis would be done based on average costs. A central pricing policy will minimize any impact that the regional managers may have.The pros for each approach are cons for the other. Given the facts in the case, the best option for DHL is to try a hybrid approach, where there is a base pricing structure which is worldwide. The regional managers have the authority to increase or decrease the price for their own regions depending on the type of the customer they are serving. DHL could come up with a structure which gives discounted pricing to worldwide contracts with the expectation of getting a larger share of the customer’s business in both document and parcels business.Bundling of document/parcels pricing will be great so that customers don’t split the two between two different air express companies. This approach is not expected to generate much conflict as pricing could be based on customer segments and geographic spread. Regional managers can customize their regions by providing discounts on top of the base pricing structure. As long as the regional managers have visibility and incentives to improve company profitability than just their own regions, it should result in less conflict. 5. Given your recommendation in (4), what should be the role of the corporate pricing manager? If you were in his/her shoes, how would you handle the upcoming meeting? As the Corporate Pricing Manager, I would ask all regional managers to come prepared with details such as size of customer segment, product line revenues (DOX,WPX), fixed and variable costs servicing these segments, PL statements, dynamics and interactions of their regions with others, analogous competitor prices, and recommendation of pricing structure for their region with the goal to maximize profitability while maintaining market share.As a team then we can establish as price floor for services in their particular regions. It will allow the sales reps to determine the level of discounts to offer to the biggest customers when they are negotiating with them. My agenda for the meeting will be to explore how prices in region affect the business in the other region. Specifically I would try to find out if the regions had the potential to cannibalize others. For e. g. the unprofitable regions like Canada exhibit 12.This meeting will be a great platform for all regions to figure out the pricing and profitability dynamics of overall company based on their individual actions. Goal from this meeting is to a) brainstorm a common framework to be used by all regions in tweaking their prices b) unify all regions by asking them to think more broadly in terms of cross price elasticity between regions. Enforce stricter discounting policies and enable regional managers to explain customers about the value created by DHL and associated pricing.Having a pricing strategy that is based on numbers and PL statements will be a much reasonable approach than arbitrary setting a worldwide pricing policy. Once backed by data, the regional managers are less likely to reject the pricing policy. Moreover, it’s important to keep them motivated as well. We will also discuss possibility of initiating a new team to help customers deal with regional pricing structure.

Impact and Role in International Marketing †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Impact and Role in International Marketing. Answer: Introduction: The main objective of marketing strategy is to increase the sales and accomplish the sustainable competitive advantages for an organization. It consists of both short and long-term activities in the area of marketing. Pongrass publishing systems are famous in Vietnam for supplying newspapers and magazines to the customers. The respected firm is working in this industry for 25 years. Along with this, products of the Pongrass are classified into the Classified Booking V6 and Classified Pagination. The efficient and effective marketing management strategy will help the respected firm to promote its goods and services among the customers of the nation. In context to this, digital marketing strategy is one of the most suitable strategies which will offer various benefits to the Pongrass publishing system and lead to enhance its sale and profitability (Papadopoulos and Heslop, 2014). Market entry strategies are planned method for delivering products and services to the new target market of the Vietnam along with distributing among them. Pongrass Publishing System can use this strategy for entraining into the new market of the nation. With the help of these plans, the company will achieve enhanced sales, brand awareness, and business stability. These strategies are explained below: Alternative Export Entry Strategies Alternative Export Entry strategies for Pongrass Publishing system are as follows: Direct Exporting of products or services: In this, the company will get the opportunity to sell and deliver its goods or services directly to the customers. Pongrass will negotiate, contract and work directly with the client while using this export strategy. The benefit of this approach is the unavailability of middleman which results to higher return on the investment and lower prices of items. Along with this, the organization will become more competitive while using the strategy for entering into the new target market. Proper use of this approach can develop a healthy and vigorous relationship with the customers of the nation as well. This approach will result to transfer the rights to build another firm at Vietnam along with the new partners (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2013). Indirect Exports: Irrespective of direct exporting of product strategy, this approach needs intermediate for selling and delivering products to the clients. The export is taking place in indirect form with the help of intermediary like an agent, foreign distributor, trading house, representative, etc. By offering an excellent and attractive price, these intermediates are always available for doing certain kind of work. Final Market Entry Strategy From the above analysis of the two export entry strategies management, it is clear that both have their advantages and limitations. Concerning the Pongrass publishing System, direct exporting of products or services is best entry strategy. This approach will offer the organization a chance to increase its customer base by developing new relations at the new target market of Vietnam. By using this, the company will able to create brand awareness and trust over the people concerning to its services or products (Schilke, Reimann and Thomas, 2013). Competitive Advantage and Market Positioning Evaluation Competitive Advantage Companies work for gaining competitive advantages by producing the goods or services at a lower price. Pongrass will have to understand the buying criteria of people of Vietnam and strategies of competitors for enhancing the sales and profit margin. The organization will use different importance matrix for gaining competitive advantages in the industry. With respect to this model, following areas are necessary to describe: Target Segment: In this, Pongrass Publishing will divide the market of Vietnam into the sections and concentrate on them by offering desired products they needed. The new target segment of the respected firm is newspaper industries of the cited firm. The organization will provide new systems integrated with latest technologies for publishing newspapers fast and efficiently. Individuals working in newspaper sector believe in deploying systems with latest tools and techniques for reducing the time and optimum utilization of resources (Felzensztein, Stringer, Benson-Rea and Freeman, 2014). Target segment evaluation(s) of key competitors: By analyzing the strategies of the competitors, the company will able to influence the target portion of the nation. From the analysis, benefit segmentation will be the best approach for the Pongress products. Market Positioning Options The perception of clients towards a brand or product with respect to the competing brands is called as market position. The process of developing the image or identity of a product for customers is called as market positioning management. For developing an active image of the brand at the new place, companies need to focus on it's distinguishing features. Pongrass Publishing System also needs to use effective market positioning strategy for developing an effective brand image of products and services among the customers of Vietnam. The company will utilize the following process for creating effective positioning strategy: Development of the positioning statement: In this step, Pongrass will have to develop statement having basic and formulaic sentence structure for sending an attractive and useful message to the customers regarding the products. To determine the uniqueness of product: In this, the organization will have to identify a unique feature of the product like latest techniques along with a low price or used quality brand, etc. which can influence clients to purchase items (Katsikeas, 2014). Development of positioning process: After the above step, the company will create process regarding the positioning by emphasizing the competitors, market target, and segments. Pongrass will also use an appropriate approach like positioning within a category, positioning along price lines, positioning according to product benefits, etc. For the respected firm, positioning by price and quality will be the right approach. This will fulfill the needs and want of the clients and tend to increase their satisfaction level. Perceptual Maps: This will include diagrammatic mental representation of individuals regarding the relative place different brands occupy within a category. The company can use any algorithm for developing this map as per its need. This includes cluster analysis, correspondence analysis, conjoint analysis, multidimensional scaling and many others (Pongrass Publishing Systems. 2017). The above steps will help Pongress to give shape to the preference of customers which is one of the primary sources for developing compelling brand image into the market. The appropriate strategy for market positioning will be positioning by price and quality. High-quality products in low price will attract people to purchase them which will lead Pongress to gain competitive advantages. References Czinkota, M.R. and Ronkainen, I.A., 2013.International marketing management. Cengage Learning. Felzensztein, C., Stringer, C., Benson-Rea, M. and Freeman, S., 2014. International marketing strategies in industrial clusters: Insights from the Southern Hemisphere.Journal of Business Research,67(5), pp.837-846. Katsikeas, C.S., 2014. Journal of International Marketing: Objectives, Challenges, and the Way Forward.Journal of International Marketing,22(1), pp.1-4. Papadopoulos, N. and Heslop, L.A., 2014.Product-country images: Impact and role in international marketing. Routledge. Schilke, O., Reimann, M., and Thomas, J.S., 2013, May. When does international marketing standardization matter to firm performance?. American Marketing Association. Pongrass Publishing Systems. 2017. [Online]. Available Through: https://www.pongrass.net/. [Accessed on 4th October 2017]

Whos an Artist free essay sample

Mysister was the Artist, given infinite amounts of paper, paints, markers andcrayons. I was the Intellectual, receiving books. I had no objections, preferringprivate worlds to messy pastels. But one day, while cleaning my room, Idiscovered an empty pad of watercolor paper. Further searching uncoveredwatercolors and a paintbrush aching for use. My music was blaring, and somelong-abandoned part of me twisting within the confines of the monotonous routineof school, books, and studying sprang free. Water was obtained and a picturedrawn. It was nothing incredible, but the feeling that I had poured into it was.From then on, I couldnt create enough. I composed, drew, painted always withmusic that intensified and clarified the emotions I put on paper. Slowly, Iimproved. And as I did, sitting in my unsatisfactory green room, I began to yearnfor something big, a masterpiece, an ongoing creation. The transition wasboth sensible and unthinkable. Sensible because in my mind it was a naturalprogression, unthinkable because I knew of no one who painted murals on theirbedroom walls. We will write a custom essay sample on Whos an Artist? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It began with a yellow moon set against a black night. If I hadknown how tiny the effort that moon took would be compared to my later creations,I might have given up then. That is the only time in my life that I am glad tohave been ignorant of something. My pictures grew around the moon.First the nature scenes, then the girl encircling them, then the comet. On and onwent my masterpiece. I, the girl who would only wear blue, could not believe thecolors bursting from my paintbrush. I slept facing my bright creation, the huesimprinting themselves on my previously monochromatic brain. At times thereseemed so little there, the amount of unpainted space enormous, and at times Icould not believe the amount of wall I had covered with color andfeeling. I knew I loved my walls, but I never grasped how much until theday I painted over them. My room was being re-decorated, and my pictures were notpart of the plan. I had painted them with the knowledge that they wouldnt last,but when the last remnant of color disappeared beneath pale blue, I was surprisedby the loss I felt. I fall asleep now staring at the clean, cool blueblanketing the colors beneath. They may now be covered, but I have had a taste ofthem. I have had a taste of shattering my own preconceptions, as well as those ofothers, of pushing through the surface to see what lies beneath. What I foundthere changed me, and no longer will I be so quick to dismiss the ideas I hear,the people I meet, or, most importantly, myself at face value.

buy custom The Medicare essay

buy custom The Medicare essay The US health care system continues to impose an additional burden of the taxpayers. Statistics have projected that, in the next ten years, this burden is likely to increase by seventy nine percent. This implies more than three quarters higher of its current sizes, thus exceeding five hundred billion dollars a year. Such an astronomical increase would certainly force the government to redirect funds from other crucial areas to cater for the mandatory Medicare. Twenty nine percent of the Medicare costs goes for inpatients medical costs. It is estimated that the cost will continue to increase with an annual projection growth rate of six percent. Most of these funds are spent for payment of medical expenses for a small number of patients with chronic conditions. These patients, who comprise mostly the elderly, tend to have multiple conditions such as diabetes and coronary diseases. Among the many challenges encountered in the health care system, are quality problems. According to Stone Goeffrey (2010) in their report to congress, one in every five patients discharged from US hospitals become readmitted within thirty days after being discharged. Most of the patient affected are those with multiple chronic diseases or conditions. This accounts for the increasing rates in usage of medicare funds among this group. The chronically ill patients also make up the highest percentage of te readmission cases. Stone Goeffrey (2010) further claim that most of the readmission cases can be prevented. This assumes that there is a higher readmission rate among the elderly inpatients after they are discharged from hospitals. This according to Stone Goeffrey (2010) is an indication of poor health care services and lack of proper coordination during the discharge process. Among the many factors that contribute to readmission of avoidable cases, include poor coordination in transition between the different care providers. This means that there is poor link between the hospital and the subsequent care providers after discharge. More appropriately, there is a lack of effective communication between the hospitals and community based care givers. Hospital readmission can affect the patients morale and prolong the recovery process (Ryan, Aloe, Mason-Johnson, 2009). In addition, readmission is a strain on the medical care providers as well as the hospitals. As such, it is a problem that needs to be researched and addressed. Problem Statement Most of the chronically ill patientsarereadmitted thirty days after being discharged. These readmissions can be avoided if hospitals improved their coordination with the community based care givers. Hypothesis Improved coordination between hospitals and community based care givers can drastically reduce readmission of the elderly chronically ill patients. Rationale for the research Many studies have shown that the health care system is burdened by unavoidable hospital readmissions. Available literature, indicates that one in every five patients discharged from hospitals get readmitted, within thirty days after being discharge (Struinin, Stone, Jack, 2007). Additionally, statistics indicate that the Medicare costs continue to increase exponentially, with a projection of over seventy percent gain within the next ten years. Such an increase already overburdened health care system and can impose serious quality issues if not checked and corrected. The research, therefore, is intended to develop alternative health care policies, which can adequately address the problem. Research Design The research will mainly address the problem of readmission among the elderly chronically ill patients. The admission data will, therefore, be required to determine whether individuals can be classified in this group. In addition, discharge data will be required to determine the coordination between the hospitals and community based care givers. Buy custom The Medicare essay

Emerging Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Emerging Technologies - Essay Example Peer-to-peer file sharing is highly beneficial to all users and other potential users based on the intent of use. In this regard, installation of bitTorrent clients is simple, as so is the configuration of all computers on the sharing network. With this in mind, time is saved for purposes that are more constructive rather than spending extended periods working on it. In addition, all resources required for file transfer are shared amongst peers making the file transfer process efficient. This is due to the elimination of servers that store content and are more susceptible to failure, which inconveniences users (Rodrigues and Druschel 2010, p.72). For this reason, p2p allows users to continue functionally without influencing other users thus; is more reliable as compared to server based sharing. In addition, it is relatively cheap as compared to other networks due to the few resources required and elimination of additional hardware. ... Concerning business, p2p sharing can be used for intra-business collaborative project management, where participants in project share documents and personal files with one another. Non-commercially, it can be used for academic purposes to publish research works between and amongst scholars as is seen in the LionShare Project in the Pennsylvania State University (Federal Trade Commission 2005, p.5). In addition, persons or users who do not wish to charge for their content, such as musicians providing free, legal downloads or artists providing writing, art photography and other electronic content may use it. However, despite this, P2p networks are difficult to secure due to the numerous hops made by the network to reach the required files and pieces making it one of the main hurdles that the technology faces. Since p2p is widely implemented over the internet, it is relatively easy to break into using erroneous code responses at the application and network levels leading to denial of se rvice (Krebs 2009). In addition, attacks on the network could occur through where certain users would like to store information, maliciously on available nodes/ user computers against what is allowed. With this, p2p is vulnerable, and trustworthiness of files shared remains in question. In conclusion, the development of p2p has been in progress for a long time and is yet to achieve its ultimate intended goal. As a result, it is crucial to understand its working and problems behind it and by overcoming the stated challenges, the technology could advance greatly for large-scale legal use. Cloud Computing Abstract Cloud computing is a technology that

Data Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Data Analysis - Essay Example The mean and standard deviation of the five sample data are 192.4 and 39.9554 respectively. From the sample data, the highest weight is 25o while the least weight is 140 hence resulting to a range of 110. The data is positively skewed with the figure standing at 0.311. Unlike in the box and whisker plot above, the graph above does not show a normal curve. There exists some outliers in the data hence the no normal distribution. The curve starts in a normal shape, deeps a bit then resumes to normal distribution. The whisker plot and the curve are different hence the data does not follow the Empirical Rule. In statistics the accuracy of the results is positively correlated to the number of the data variables. This explains the difference in mean and SD for the population and the sample variables. The population mean for the entire team is 214.3 pounds and population standard deviation for the entire team is 44.6 pounds. On the other hand, the sample mean and standard deviation are 192.4 and 39.9554 respectively. There is a big difference in terms of the statistics because of the difference in the number of data. In a nutshell; using the sample data the average weight of a football player is 192.4, while using the population data the average weight is 214.3. This gives 21.9 differences in mean. This is a very significant figure that cannot be assumed hence the sample statistics do not fairly represent the population parameters. The whisker plot and the normal curve both shows similar results in terms of mean and standard deviation. However, in terms of normal distribution these two analysis tools differ with whisker plots showing a normal distribution while the curve shows the opposite. In conclusion; the sample statistics does not give a good representation of the total population hence to ensure accurate measurement of the team’s weight then the number of data should be increased or the whole population data should be

The Death of the Traveling Salesman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Death of the Traveling Salesman - Essay Example Sometimes the silence can be deafening; the song of the birds can be maddening. At times I find myself thinking of some other places, meeting other people, living another life. It would be nice to have another friend, just perhaps to have somebody to tell me about other places and things that are far beyond the woods that surround me. But then I thought, it won't be long and Sonny and I will have another one with us, and I quietly smile in anticipation. I brought out mother's old lamp outside to clean it. It was dusty and dull, but if I just give it a scrub, it would show, though not quite as clearly now, the beautiful lamp it once had been. Gently, as if in reverence to my mother's relic, I let the rag touch the lamp. At once, I was lost in reminiscence of all those wonderful times when this lamp shone in the center of our room. The many nights that we spent together sitting around it telling stories and laughing at jokes seemed to flood back to my memory as I began to push with more force into the crevices of the lamp. Ah, how I miss all of them - my family and our life in this very same house. I missed them all, but I could not shake the thought of wishing that someday, I'd be somewhere else. Half-smiling, I meticulously worked on cleaning my lamp while lost in reverie when, suddenly, a crash somewhere down below jolted me back to the present. I looked out and waI looked out and waited, my heart pounding like a thousand drums inside my chest. What could that be It sounded like a giant rock falling down the ravine, but it could have been something else. I remember hearing a whirring sound before the crash, something like a car, but cars never go this way. Was it possible that a car jumped of the ravine Were there people inside Are they hurt I found myself trembling, not just because I worried about people I never even knew, but also because I was excited that someone had wandered this way. I was scared to know what happened to them, while at the same time it scared me not to know anything about them. I was thinking what to do when I heard footsteps coming towards the house. There in front of me was a man, middle-aged and dressed too impeccably for somebody wandering through the woods. Immediately, I thought, this man survived falling down the ravine. "Good afternoon, madam," he said. I just looked at him in shock: I was shocked that somebody got out of the car before it fell, shocked that he was still able to gather his things, shocked at finding him there in front of me. Then there was something else: perhaps, I was too dumbfounded to have someone else here to break the silence for me. He began to talk about his car; he had an accident he was saying. "Sonny ain't here now, but he'll be home soon," I told him, "he can pull your car out of the ravine for you." My husband Sonny could do just about anything; he is my hero. "Are you okay" He didn't seem to hear my question. He was looking at me with glazed eyes, as if he was looking at me but not seeing me. He was detached, as if his mind was wandering perhaps in disbelief at how he had survived the accident. I do not blame him. "I am still sick" he goes on to tell me that he isn't well. Before he could finish, I open the door to let him in, not knowing why I trusted this man to come inside with me. Perhaps I pity him for what happened, perhaps because I was lonely and I wanted some company. Probably because I could see that, despite his

patient health care professional communication

patient health care professional communication Discuss any three factors which must be considered by a HCP to improve health well being of individual support individuals in keeping healthy. This assignment will discuss how health care professionals can help progress patient care improving service user interaction by working effectively within interprofessional teams; demonstrating an understanding in patient behaviour and patient health care professional communication, values that can support patients health and well being. In improving service user interaction particular attention is advised to be paid to body language, the nonverbal communication between patient and health care professional (Martin Friedman 2005; MacDonald, 2004; Dillon, 2007). Dickson et al (1989) concurs that health care professionals would benefit from the use of effective communication in the context of interviewing patients. Sometimes body language portrayed by a patient may conflict with verbal messages; this would indicate they may be trying to facade something (Martin Friedman, 2005). The health care professional should make regular but not intrusive eye contact to show interest, a lack of eye contact can signal a lack of concern, embarrassment or submissiveness which could dissuade the patient from confiding (Myerscough Ford, 1996; MacDonald, 2004). Understanding can be conveyed with a relaxed body posture and appropriate facial expressions (Dickson et al, 1989). Sitting a suitable distance from the patient to allow touch to the patient if this is supportive, may encourage the patient to be more relaxed and open (Myerscough Ford, 1996). A simple gesture such as a handshake at the beginning of a meeting can reassure the patient and have a positive effect on the relationship (Myerscough Ford, 1996; Dickson et al, 1989). The health care professional should maintain enough distance to the patient to avoid interference into each others personal space whilst at the same time acquiring enough space to allow confidentiality (Workman Bennett, 2003; Dillon, 2007). There may be times when it is necessary to move closer to the patient, if a patient is hard of hearing, unable to move or for treatment (Myerscough Ford, 1996; Williams, 1997). To efficiently increase learning skills and improve communication health care professionals could receive and interpret information from patients (Dickson et al, 1989). Patients should be encouraged to have independence by making decisions about their treatment with guidance (Public Guardian, 2009). Clarifying questions can help to receive direct answers, asking too many questions at once may confuse the patient and they tend to only answer the last question asked (Minardi Riley, 1997). Paraphrasing and summarising is an effective way to make clear what is being discussed (Minardi Riley, 1997). Throughout any discussion with the patient the health care professional should respect their confidentiality (Servellen, 2008). Social background should make no difference as to how a patient is dealt with, each person deserves the time, commitment and treatment needed (Townsend et al, 1992). We live in a society with different cultures, genders and class; judgments can hinder relations between patient and health care professionals (Thompson, 2002; Dickson et al, 1989). Patients can often feel they lose individuality and feel their condition is treated and not them as a human being (Taylor, 1997). People with disabilities often feel isolated and frustrated, fear rejection and feel self conscious. Some people are either born with disabilities or have developed them through disease or accident. If a patient has an issue with a problem they have it is important to evade alienating them by ignoring their feelings (Myerscough Ford, 1996). Patients should feel they have enough time to describe any issues they have without feeling uncomfortable, analysed or criticised by the health care worker, who should remain impartial (Myerscough Ford, 1996). Health care professionals should not make assumptions about patients who may have some form of mental disability as this can reflect in the patients on self-esteem (Practice Nurse, 2003b). Showing empathy, not sympathy towards patients is important (Minardi Riley, 1997). Burnard (1992) advises it is wrong to make assumptions about someone just because of the way they dress, their lifestyle or attitude, as these can sometimes be interpreted poorly, health care professionals should reflect about how they came to those ideas and question what that says about them. All health care professionals would benefit from working as a team of interprofessionals to improve patients health care (Burnard, 1992). With numerous occupations in the health care profession it is remarkable how each individual has their own observation and diagnosis of the patient (Soothill et al, 1995). It is important to understand the roles of other health care professions and the responsibilities they face in order to work as a successful team (Thompson, 2002). Servellen (2008) explains coordination and quality of care are paramount and failure in provision can have an unconstructive effect on patients contentment, leading to lack of trust and reluctance to be treated. The use of written correspondence to avoid confusing messages can help improve overall care of patients (Mackay, 1993). Mistakes, such as wrong medication, treatment or food can have unnecessary effects on the patient (Mackay, 1993). Portraying self-awareness increases confidence in the patient and their family, combined with regularity in communication this provides increased trust from the patient (Servellen, 2008). There should be a balance of gentleness and assertiveness (Thompson, 2002). Continuous professional development adds new challenges, it shows the willingness to learn and expand knowledge that keeps motivation within the health care professionals job (Thompson, 2002). Evaluating involvement within the health care profession allows lessons to be learned from a professional and personal level, whilst evaluating practice enables assessment; this is good practice that identifies strengths and possible weaknesses that can be addressed to improve service user interaction, inter-professional working and health behaviour (Thompson, 2002). Reflective practice is a way of making sense of doubt. Learning to deal with situations, sometimes stressful, can be a constructive experience for the health care professional. Situations sometimes need to be hectic in order to learn under pressure. Without learning there is little improvement in the skills of the health care professional. Choices are made by health care professionals every minute of their working day (Ghaye Lillyman, 2000). To deal with health behaviour a health care professional can be the voice of the patient enabling them to express their beliefs, emotions, hopes and worries to find a way of dealing with their feelings, everyone has a voice and they may express their voice in different ways (Ghaye Lillyman, 2000). Values make a person who they are, why they do what they do and why (Ghaye Lillyman, 2000). It is not always an easy task to encourage a patient to change their views. A person may smoke because they believe it relieves stress regardless of the effect on their health (Townsend et al, 1992). All smoking accomplishes is to help a person forget about the stress they have for a short period of time, it then becomes a cycle that is tough to break (Townsend et al, 1992). Finding out why a person smokes and why they enjoy smoking can be of help in understanding any underlying problems the patient may have (Practice Nurse, 2003a). A situation where a person is strong willed in the wrong manner can make the health care professionals responsibility difficult (Lewis et al, 1993). It is important to keep to realistic goals for patients to aid with their motivation and confidence, in comparison, a patients improvement can be deterred by unrealistic goals being set (Thompson, 2002). Significance should be placed to avoid speaking in medical terms to a patient; this could confuse them unnecessarily and cause difficulty in communication (Thompson, 2002; MacDonald, 2004). A full explanation is needed to reassure the patient and clarify information to avoid anguish (Dickson et al, 1989). People in general have different ideas on improving their health. A health care professional can help to encourage a healthier lifestyle and reduce sickness by offering advice and assessing action taken by the patient (Lewis et al, 1993). Helping patients to refrain from suppressing their feelings can avert physiological difficulties; as when someone is tense, they can develop postural problems (Burnard, 1992). Physical stress symptoms may lead to a lack of rest, tiredness, little or no appetite and digestion disturbance, psychological stress affects the mind of patients and can lead to apprehension enthusiasm (Dillon, 2007; Practice Nurse, 2003a). Increased levels of stress in a patient of Ill health can reduce their ability to cope with everyday life lacking in enthusiasm (Dillon, 2007; Practice Nurse, 2003a). Burnard (1992) confers how it is important as health care professionals to recognise this, although this is not always easy to spot. As we gain knowledge we better understand there is a connection linking body posture, the muscles, joints and the mind, a relaxed mind would encourage a relaxed body. This essay has argued that patient care and well being can be improved through the implementation of good all round verbal and nonverbal communication without prejudice or discrimination (MacDonald, 1997; Dillon, 2007). Sometimes patients just need to be asked how their poor health affects them and the quality of their life (Baker, 2000). Engaging with other people enables interaction and understanding in communicating with people. Excellent communication and information given to patients is essential to patient care, organisation, well being and recovery (Taylor, 1997; Dickson et al, 1989; Martin Friedman, 2005). Health professionals play a significant part to ensuring good working practice and job satisfaction (Thompson, 2002). References (2003a) Smoking cessation. Practice Nurse, 26: 7, 52-56. (2003b) What is Stigma, Practice Nurse, 26: 10, 18-19. Baker, M. (2000) Modernising NHS, patient care (empowerment): the view from a national society, accessed 10th November 2009, 6.10pm, http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/320/7250/1660. Burnard, P. (1992) Effective communication skills for health professionals, Chapman Hall, London. Dickson, D.A., Hargie, O., Morrow, N.C. (1989) Communication skills training for health professionals, Chapman Hall, London. Dillon, P.M. (2007) Nursing health assessment; A critical thinking, case studies approach. 2nd Ed. F.A. Davies Company, Philadelphia. Ghaye, T., Lillyman, S. (2000) Reflection: Principles and practise for health care professionals, Quay Books, Wiltshire. Lewis, L.V.W., Timby, B. K., Frawley, B. (1993) Fundamental skills and concepts in patient care, 5th Ed, Chapman Hall, London. MacDonald, E. (Ed.) (2004) Difficult conversations in medicine, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Mackay, L. (1993) Conflicts in care: medicine and nursing, Chapman Hall, London. Martin, L.R., Friedman, H.S. (2005) ‘Nonverbal Communications and Health Care, In: Riggio, R.E., Feldman, R.S. (Eds.) Applications of nonverbal communication, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., London. pp.3-16. Minardi, H.A., Riley, M.J. (1997) Communication in health care: a skills based approach, Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston. Myerscough, P., Ford, M. (1996) Talking with patients, keys to good communication, 3rd Ed, Oxford University Press Inc, Oxford. Office of the Public Guardian (2009) The code of Practice, accessed 7th November 2009, 5.18pm http://www.publicguardian.gov.uk/docs/mca-code-parctice-0509.pdf Servellen, G.M.V. (2008) Communication skills for the health care professional; concept, practice and evidence, 2nd Ed, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, London. Soothill, K., Mackay, L., Webb, C. (Eds.) (1995) Interprofessional relations in health care, Edward Arnold, London. Taylor, S., Field, D. (Eds.) (1997) Sociology of health and health care, 2nd Ed, Blackwell Science Ltd, Oxford. Thompson, N. (2002) People skills, 2nd Ed. Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke. Townsend, P., Whitehead, M., Davidson, N. (Eds.) (1992) Inequalities in health: the black report the health divide, 2nd Ed. Penguin Books Ltd, London. Williams, D. (1997) Communication skills in practice: A practical guide for health professionals, Jessica Kingsley, London. Workman, B.A., Bennett, C.L. (2003) Key Nursing Skills, Whurr Publishers Ltd, London.

Mull :: essays research papers

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Audit Firm Culture

A company's culture has a large impact on the ethical behavior of employee's and an employee's ethical behavior plays an Important role In the quality of the audit. Now, there are several factors that affect the quality of an audit but the one that will be focused on In this paper Is the effect the audit firm culture has on the audit quality.Audit firm culture effects so many different things at a firm Including the kind of behavior that Is rewarded and determining how Important ethics are In the workplace. The audit firm culture has the largest Impact on the quality of an audit ND can either negatively or positively affect the audit outcome. Over the next few pages you will read and see Just why that Is. The kind of leadership that you have wealth a company sets the tone for the way the company holds Its standards.In a paper prepared for Ernst & Young it states that, â€Å"One fundamental driver of audit quality, agreed by all taking part in the discussion, was the need for the peo ple at the top of audit firm to set an appropriate tone and culture, to ensure that the work was carried out conscientiously, ethically, and in line with all appropriate standards and guidelines. Bender)† The management needs to be strong examples to their subordinates of how one should ethically behave and perform a quality audit. Management sets the tone and the employees will follow suit.If management does not reward or support positive ethical behavior then neither will the employees. An article called,† The Negative Affects of Corporate Culture,† (Mack) states that, â€Å"When managers are unethical, employees will emulate the bad behavior. † Employees look to management to show them how they should behave and they will copy what they see, even if it is negative or unethical. If they see managers cutting corners to get wings done faster or to save money, then employees will do the same which can cause the audit to be insufficient or poorly done.Managers should make sure they are always being strong examples of how everyone should behave, even when they think no one is looking, as they set the bar for how employees should behave. Another big building block in the positive firm culture is ethics training and enforcement. Teaching new employees during their nonbinding process the Importance of ethics within the workplace and teaching them about ethics will help to foster a trustworthy work environment. Even though most people know right from ring It Is Important to instill what Is ethically right as well.An article about ethics training In the workplace discusses how having a code of ethics typed out for employees to see helps them to see and understand what ethics are and how Important they are In the workplace. Also, showing them that there Is open honest communication and letting them know they can come to management with concerns will help employees feel empowered to work ethically (Lollipops). The article also states that, †Å"The expense of comprehensive ethics trailing carries the potential to more than pay for itself over the long term.Aside from potentially costly lawsuits, (Lollipops). † Teaching ethics will only enforce honesty and integrity, which will ultimately help teams to perform quality audits. Having strong ethics in your workplace can also allow employees to work with a clear conscience and be more productive, which makes for a better quality audit. An article that talks about how ethics makes you a better person in the workplace states that, â€Å"Ethical employees build trust in their workplace relationships†¦Gaining the trust of your co-workers can enhance your productivity by making it easier for you to communicate and work with there in the workplace (Ingram). † Having teammates who all trust one another due to strong ethics makes for a more cohesive team allowing them to work more productively together and helping them to create a quality audit. Another activity th at causes poor firm culture and effects audit quality is hyper competitiveness. In a firm people work together as a team to perform audits, they have to feel comfortable going to colleagues and upper management with questions.They need to feel supported by there team and feel the rewards of working as a team. If a company rewards a person's behavior to work towards their own personal goals to get ahead ether than contributing to the work of the entire team, employees may start cutting corners or doing things unethically to get ahead. As an article by Jarred Lewis states, â€Å"Fierce competition may also result in a â€Å"win at all costs† attitude that may even bring out the worst in some workers (Lewis). † This is not good for the quality of the audit.We want everyone on the team to be working together towards the same goal, a quality audit. That is the kind of behavior that should be rewarded. Encouraging competition within the audit workplace can also cause individ uals or teams to build rivalries against one another. Having any form of rivalry can cause the, â€Å"win at all costs† attitude but it can also cause people to start hating their Job or feeling stressed on the Job. When people are getting stressed at work or start disliking their job then usually their work will start suffering as well.According to an article called, â€Å"Stress Affects Work Performance of Nearly Half of Employees,† it states that, â€Å"It [stress] most often leads to difficulty concentrating, absenteeism and poor work quality (Apse, 2013). † Having employees that are working on an audit struggle to concentrating and are producing poor work is not in any way going to help with reforming a quality audit, it will do the opposite of that, it will hinder the audit. Poor discipline has another negative effect on audit firm culture, which also affects the quality of an audit.If employees are caught taking short cuts or cutting corners on audits and are not reprimanded or punished for it then it is only encouraging unethical behavior to continue. â€Å"If organizations did not have discipline and rules about the way their employees should behave, then quite simply they would be free to do anything they wanted and be able to get away with it – targets would not be et, work would not be completed, the workplace would be more like a zoo than a productive environment (Shipwright). It is important that employees not only understand corporate rules and ethics codes but that they are enforced as well and that those that break the codes are disciplined accordingly. If employees are not disciplined then it will only show employees that behaving unethically when performing an audit is k, which would then ruin the quality of the audit. Lack of open communication or employees feeling like they cannot go and talk to corporate culture and conducting a quality audit.According to Gaffing, featured in he Daily Reporter, he states that, â€Å"The rewards of honest communication in the workplace are not Just esoteric. Honesty can actually help reduce work-related stress (BROWN, 2005). † We already spoke about how beneficial unstressed employees are in the workplace but think about the amount of unethical situations that can be stopped when employees feel safe going to management and discussing such issues. Having open and honest communication in the workplace will help to stop unethical behavior in their tracks, which will also increase the quality of the audit.Arthur Anderson is a great example of how corporate culture can cause a firm to not reform quality audits, which also led to their demise. One of the problems with Arthur Andersen's culture was the, â€Å"Inability to question superior's practices and incapability to suggest new ways of doing things in all areas of the firm (mapped). † Just like we were talking about in the previous paragraph, the firm lacked open and honest communication allow ing unethical behavior to fester and flourish. This hindered the firm's ability to perform quality audits.They also lacked an ethically strong management to be an example to employees. â€Å"The root of the problem was top management figures who exemplified poor ethical practices (mapped). Clearly Arthur Anderson lacked a strong ethical and honest firm culture and it started at the top with its management. This enabled them from being able to perform quality audits, Enron was a shining example of how their audits were unsatisfactory, and most definitely lost the publics trust in them. Audit firm culture is very important in performing a quality audit.As small business chronicle states, â€Å"Companies with cultures valuing the highest standards create an atmosphere for workers to deliver products that meet those high standards (Cleaner). † When it comes to management, Ewing a good example, setting the appropriate tone, and ethical standards expected, is important. From ethic s training, to teaching the importance of ethics to employees, along with proper discipline, and open and honest communication, all of these things are important in creating a strong and positive corporate culture.

first impressions essays

first impressions essays How do we as people judge what is beautiful? There are no set rules or standards as to what can be called beautiful, so who determines this? Are things just meant to be left in the eye of the beholder? If this is so, and someone else sees this same object as unappealing, then which opinion is to be concluded? In the book Puzzles About Art: An Aesthetics Casebook, there is a case that exemplifies these queries. The case, called The Remains of the Incan Palace on page 30, tells the story of 4 friends hiking through the remote mountainous regions of Peru. The 4 hikers come across an ancient Incan palace, lavishly decorated with gold and jade ornaments and intricate carvings. The 4 hikers then express their opinions, each one different from the others: The first observer merely states, Beautiful, simply beautiful! The second observer acknowledges it as a wonderful discovery, but states, Its one of those ancient extravagances that were designed simply to be stared at; it lacks the warmth and functional humanity that makes things beautiful. The third observer states that since he only cares about bars and restaurants, the discovery does nothing for him. The fourth observer says that it is wonderful, grand, and magnificent, but knowing that it was built with the sweat, pain, and broken lives of slaves for the glorification of a ruling elite, I just cannot find it beautiful. If 4 people come across an object at the same time, and all 4 see this object differently, what is the real truth of the object? The first observer purely says that the Incan palace is beautiful. I feel that this is the most important statement that can be made about any finding or piece of artwork. By the observer stating the first thing that came to his or her mind, that expression shows the true feeling that the artwork gave. If a people are given time they often over analyze what they have se...

Chinas Growing Economy Essays - Economy Of China, China, Republics

China's Growing Economy Essays - Economy Of China, China, Republics China's Growing Economy After North America, Europe, and Japan, the area of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong is a fourth growth pole in the world economy (Jue 108) which in 1994 was expected to double in size by 2002. Today, the growth rate is still on track to fulfill that prediction. Recent Chinese economic policies have shot the country into the world economy at full speed. As testimony of this, Chinas gross domestic product has risen to seventh in the world, and its economy is growing at over nine percent per year (econ-gen 1). Starting in 1979, the Chinese have implemented numerous economic and political tactics to open the Chinese marketplace to the rest of the world. Chinese reform measures even anticipated the rush of foreign investment by opening newly expanded industries to out-of-country investors. As trade expands globally and countries within geographical proximity and of similar cultural descent and philosophies ally themselves in order to better compete on a world level, we are seeing the develop ment of increasing number of geographical trade alliances, whatever the underlying reasons behind each. The alliances that have been in place for a while are proving to be very successful in competing in the international markets, stimulating the economies of nearly all of their member states. Effects of this change in economic strategy by a world power can be felt by practically every nation of the globe involved in international trade. The change in the amount of imports and exports to and from China will increase the demand on countless markets. Also, with all the foreign investment China is receiving, the socialistic republic will only grow more and more interdependent upon the world economy. However, the impressive growth rate of Chinas economy is not without its shortcomings. Problems such as inflation and inefficient state-owned enterprises plague the rise of the Chinese economy. When China opened its economic borders 19 years ago, environmentalists spoke of the efficiency of their farming systems and how they used hardly any organic fuels in the production of food for their people relative to some of the other countries of the world-most notably the United States. What they neglected to mention, however, that one farmer at the end of one rake struggling to feed his family kept fuel consumption very low indeed. It was not, by any stretch, efficient. Matching conditions still exist today. Rumors of the wonderful prosperity of the south and eastern provinces have reached the more isolated-and less prosperous-interior provinces. Those current farmers who would travel in order to be more prosperous themselves are often stopped at the borders of industrial growth and made to turn back. Everyone in China seemingly wants a share, but the industrial provinces can physically support no more drain on their existing housing and infrastructures, and they are finding themselves unable to enhance their current positions despite their economic prosperity. When examining an issue, it is imperative to honestly look at all sides, and not all of Chinas sides are forthcoming. The country has indeed become more open toward foreign investment, and in fact openly courts it. China have been known to have placed several restrictions on the multinational companies that have opened operations within their borders, but they are generally not so restrictive as to be prohibitive. For example, after IBM accepted Chinas conditions regarding the true ownership of IBMs facilities and environmental rulings, it seemed that all of the rest of the world wanted to join in. Deng Xiaoping called Chinas entrance to and courting of the industrialized world crossing the river by feeling for the stones (The Economist 26). In feeling for the stones, Chinas already realized economic transformations have vastly improved the lives of hundreds of millions of people (The Economist 26)- Chinese people. Economic measures instituted by Deng Xiaoping have been grouped together, under the general term of gradualism, but many observers now say that in order for China to continue its double-sized growth over the long term and to rectify the problem of the state industries that are losing billions of dollars, economic shock therapy needs to be administered, and quickly. But the current plan of Chinas President Jiang Zemin and his advisors includes no such shock therapy. It does

Information Systems Analysis (case study analysis) Essay

Information Systems Analysis (case study analysis) - Essay Example Furthermore, the new automated system called Equipment Check-Out System (ECS) will help the Maintenance Department improve their services to the maintenance personnel as well as create timely reports and analytics required by management. The purpose of this baseline project plan report is to evaluate the needs of GB Manufacturing in the development of an Equipment Check-Out System (ECS) and determine the feasibility of integrating and implementing such system into their business processes. This project plan shall serve as a resolution to management and shall also serve as a guide to the ECS development team. The report is a preliminary investigation of developing the Equipment Check-Out System into the business processes of GB Manufacturing, specifically the Maintenance Department Equipment Depot Section. This project plan covers the identified problems, opportunities, management directives and recommendations. The baseline project plan report is written in three sections. First section is an investigation on the needs in developing a system that manages equipment check-in and check-out. Second section is the evaluation of the feasibility of developing an ECS. The last section is focused on the project management issues and proposed development methodologies. The equipment depot operation in the Maintenance Department of GB Manufacturing is experiencing several problems in terms of lost and stolen equipments. It is the primary function of the equipment depot to provide the necessary equipments required by the maintenance employees. However, the estimated amount of lost and stolen equipments exceed $50,000 worth of tools each year. In order to address the alarming issue of losses, the management and the Maintenance Department has two options. First alternative involves the improvement the existing manual

Business strategy in financila services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business strategy in financila services - Essay Example A host of modern pharmaceutical companies all started out as Rhine-based family dyestuff and chemical companies e.g. Hoffman-La Roche, Sandoz, Ciba-Geigy (the product of a merger between Ciba and Geigy), and Novartis1 etc. Most are still going strong today2. Over time many of these chemical companies moved into the production of pharmaceuticals and other synthetic chemicals and they gradually evolved into global players. There are certain factors like the introduction of the penicillin during the late 1940s, its success and relative success of many other innovative drugs which actually institutionalized the efforts of research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical industry. The industry expanded rapidly in the sixties, benefiting from new discoveries and a lax regulatory environment. During this period healthcare spending boomed as global economies prospered. The industry witnessed major developments in the seventies with the introduction of tighter regulatory controls, especially with the introduction of regulations governing the manufacture of 'generics'3. The new regulations revoked permanent patents and established fixed periods on patent protection for branded products, a result of which the market for 'branded generics'4 emerged. PESTLE Analysis PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding the "big picture" of the environment, in which you are operating, and the opportunities and threats that lie within it. By understanding the environment in which you operate (external to your company or department), you can take advantage of the opportunities and minimize the threats (RAPIDBI). Specifically the PEST or PESTLE analysis is a useful tool for understanding risks associated with market growth or decline, and as such the position, potential and direction for a business or organization. Technological advancements, tighter regulatory-compliance overheads, rafts of patent expiries and volatile investor confidence have made the modern pharmaceutical industry an increasingly tough and competitive environment. An analysis of the structure of the pharmaceutical industry using the PEST (political, economic, social and technological) model (Susanne, 2004) is given below. Increasing Political Attention Over the years, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed increased political attention due to the increased recognition of the economic importance of healthcare as a component of social welfare. Political interest has also been generated because of the increasing social and financial burden of healthcare. Examples are the UK's National Health Service debate and Medicare in the US. Increased Economic Value During the year 2003, there were many high value mergers and acquisitions which were witnessed by the global pharmaceutical industry. With a projected stock value growth rate of 10.5% (2003-2010) and Health Care growth rate of 12.5% (2003-2010), the audited value of the global pharmaceutical market is estimated to reach a huge 500 billion dollars by 2004. Only information technology has a higher expected growth rate of 12.6%. Majority of

Solar cooling technology in football stadiums Dissertation

Solar cooling technology in football stadiums - Dissertation Example It is this hint that brought about the cooling technology utilizing solar energy which could be applied in large capacity buildings i. e football stadiums. According to Solar power energy generation, (2010) solar energy will be the main source of power generation in the turn of the century. Aside the fact that the use of solar energy could be by far cheaper than the use of fuels or biofuels in certain technological operations, for the very fact that sunlight is not paid for, we must also take note that strength of the source is strong as the sun emanates over 15 million degrees Kelvin or about 27 million degrees Fahrenheit degrees of heat per minute ( NASA Cosmicopia,2009 ). But it is noteworthy to observe that the application or working process of this technology could be very complicated and needs accuracy in other to function properly and adequately. Now Qater has chosen to utilize the cooling technology by way of solar energy to generate cool air in its large capacity stadiums in the 2022 FIFA World cup. The first of the kind to be hosted in the middle east. This is the biggest challenge of the century for a small country like Qater who are determined to conquer the summer heat and make the atmosphere chilling and comfortable for people all over the world who will be at the tournament. Most of such people are Europeans who are used to cold and cool weather. At the same time Qatar has decided to reduce cost by employing this technology. But I must forewarn before we delve in depth into this research work, that if the subject matter is not understood properly, if the rudiments and nitty gritties of the technology are not clearly explained, if the step by step process of the workability of the technology are not clearly defined, if the dimensions of operations as projected by Qater sports development ministry are not accurately modified etc. this could lead to an unnecessary waste of taxpayers money and could be the most fatal mistake made by a Nation in recen t times. That is why a lot of time will be taken to explain the step by step process of the technology from various perspectives and works of authorities before i draw my conclusion and master plan. Thus the work will be divided into three broad parts. The first part will focus on the overall technology, the second part will focus on its application in Qater, in this part the following will be clearly explained though with stronger and more professional terminologies: 1- Solar Harvesting. 2- Storage. 3- Heat Conversion. 4- Cold Storage. 5- Chilled Air Delivery. The third part will show by picturesque diagrams, how the newly modified concepts will be pragmatic in its application. At the end of the research, the following will be accurately and professionally achieved: an improvement in the design concept with product design specification (PDS), accurate calculation such as the energy required for the stadium etc. Lastly this research will put forward the following in both a descripto ry and an analytic form for easy application by the end user i.e. †¢ Focus on low energy concepts to create thermal comfort. †¢ Apply innovative, green, highly efficient cooling technology. †¢ Produce electrical energy by integrated photovoltaic systems. The Objectives of the study which are as follows will be clearly and precisely achieved: - Introducing the new cooling technology. - Applying the cooling system into the outdoor stadiums. -

Conflict & Stress Management Essay Example for Free

Conflict Stress Management Essay 1.0 INTRODUCTION Stress and conflict are two major issues any organisation faces. They are inevitable in all facets of life, be individual or organisational. If not handled well they can be a hindrance for the company performance. Conflict and stress both varies according to the organisation and its culture. But both need to be managed well to avoid unnecessary problems. Conflict is a perception. Surveys show that employees spend as much as 42% of their time engaging in or attempting to resolve conflicts and 20% of managers’ time is taken up by conflict related issues (Gupta, Boyd, Kuzmits, 2011). This valuable time can be utilised in making the organisation a more efficient and an effective one. Organisations which fail to address conflict have the risk of losing their competitive advantage. Conflict can be viewed in many ways and there are different management styles which can deal with conflict. The leadership of the organisation must be involved in dealing with conflict as they would have to negotiate and bargain in order to overcome conflict. Stress is a major concern with today’s working people. This is because the world is developing in a faster pace which requires constant adaptation. Stress not only affects ones work-life balance, but also their personal life which creates chaos for individuals. According to some estimation, humankind losses 100 million workdays every year due to the aftermath of stress (Treven Potocan, 2005). Work stress needs to be managed well so it can actually improve the well being of the individuals as well as the organisation. Both of these factors will be viewed in the context of Nippon Lanka and will be analysed thoroughly on how they overcome these issues to maintain a healthy relationship with employees. Improvements and recommendations for the current methods will also be discussed. 2.0 OVERVIEW Nippon Lanka Pvt Ltd (NPLK) is a joint venture (JV) between the Nippon PLC Japan (NPJ) and Silicone Coatings Pvt Ltd (SC) Sri Lanka where the NPJ brought over 60% of Silicones shares. This joint venture is advantageous to both parties where NPJ is able to use this as an entry method and SC as an opportunity to be a part of a global industry. Formation of this JV took almost a year where Nippon Lanka studied SC and the relevant industry as whole to get an idea of the present market conditions. It was found that there was no better time to enter the Sri Lankan market due to the post war era development. Therefore SC was considered due to their strong presence in the market. Today after about three months from successfully forming the JV the company is going through a transition period. There aren’t any major changes to positions in the hierarchy but there are role changes and employees are finding it difficult to adapt to their new roles. Example: The Managing Director (MD) of the company who was the owner of the company still is the MD how ever to day the person is a salaried employee. The General Manager who was reporting directly to MD today has to report to the Board of directors where MD is just one out of the five directors. When examining the company culture towards conflict, the company culture and the value system which has been there for 35 years from the date of the establishment is now being changed. SC was established in 1979, as a small scale manufacture and a distributer of paint related ancillaries. By the time Nippon approached SC it had grown into the largest local player in the market where it was second only to the global giant Akzonobal by a 3% margin. It is evident that SC has been a one man show up to the time of the JV, the full value system and the operational procedures were laid down by the founder himself and not most of the managers found it enticing to be part of. Therefore the HR turnover was such that on average about six key resources left the company. In this back ground let’s see how the conflict and stress management function takes place within the organization. 3.0 CONFLICT AND CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 3.1 Conflict Management Styles Conflict can be defined as the process that begins when one party perceives that another party has negatively affected, or is about to negatively affect, something the first party cares about (Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2011:441). It is that point in an ongoing activity when an interaction crosses over to become an interparty conflict. Conflict can be seen as good and bad with corresponding positive and negative outcomes where this would all depend on how one views conflict. There are three basics views of conflict. These are the Traditional view, the Interactionist view and Managed conflict view. The traditional view sees conflict as bad and something that must be eliminated through the use of authority. Poor communication, lack of openness and failure to respond to employee needs could be seen as few of the causes. The interactionist view is that conflict is desirable, necessary for high performance teams and should be encouraged. The contemporary view is that conflict is inevitable and it may be positive or negative but it must be managed to be beneficial. Nippon Lanka follows a more interactionist view where conflict is encouraged and the company is of the view that a perfectly cooperative, harmonious group would hinder dynamism, creativity and innovation where a minimal level of conflict is needed to prevent a lacklustre, uninterested attitude among the group. As mentioned earlier, not all conflicts are good, and this view only supports functional conflict. Functional conflict is a constructive form of conflict that supports the goals of the group and improves performance. The type of conflict at hand would distinguish a functional conflict from a dysfunctional conflict. Although these are distinct types of conflict, the occurrence of one type of conflict can lead to a conflict of another type taking place. For example, the process of costing has been kept confidential, and this has led to the tension between the sales team and the costing team. 3.2TYPES OF CONFLICT PRESENT IN NIPPON LANKA 3.2.1Relationship conflict Conflicts between two people are known as relationship conflicts. These conflicts arise as a result of miscommunication, disagreements or misunderstandings between people. One such situation at Nippon Lanka arose between the Brand Manager and the Marketing Manager. The Brand manager has been with the company for 5 years and has previously worked with two Heads of marketing. Once the new marketing manager was appointed, it was found that the latter was less experienced and was not willing to corporate with the Marketing Head. This triggered huge problems for the new comer. The management was aware of this, but wasn’t able to remove him from the position due to the valuable connections the customers. However, the Marketing Manager understood this inferiority complex of the Brand Manager. Having gone through the initial hardships the new marketing manager somehow managed to win the trust of the Brand manager. Now they are working harmoniously, directing all their efforts towards the benefit of the company. 3.2.2.Data Conflict This occurs when decisions are made without adequate information. At Nippon Lanka, the costing department works in isolation. They do not consult the sales and marketing team when arriving at the costs, so more often than not, the cost of the product is either too high, depriving them of valuable orders and potential growth, or at times its too low depriving the opportunity for the company to charge a premium price on an innovative product or to achieve efficiency through specialisation. 3.2.3Interest Conflict Conflicts of interest mainly deal with psychological issues, where an individual or organisation behaves in a certain manner, with the aim of meeting a particular interest which is not shared by everyone else. The JV with the Japanese company was not disclosed or made public, even though doing so would have been acting in the best interests of the company. The MD did not like the idea of publicising the 60:40 JV that was taking place, as it would be viewed as a takeover. However, the rest of the company felt that some amount of public awareness would have positively impacted the companys future performance. Another example would be when the HR department wanted to minimise the over time cost they imposed a rule where all sales vehicle needs to be back at the HO by 5 pm. As an example what the Sales representatives would do is when they need to deliver goods up to Negombo, covering Wattala, Ja-ela, Seeduwa and Negombo. They would turn back from Seeduwa at 3.30 pm in order to make it back to office by 5 pm, without covering their full distance to Negombo. What followed was a delay in the delivery and travelling additional mileage, having to revisit incomplete routes taking the same path. 3.2.4 Structural Conflict Structural conflict arises from unclear and undefined roles and reporting lines. The RD and the production manger are directly reporting to the MD. The other managers report to the GM, where the GM reports to the MD. Currently when a sales representative needs to develop a sample for a particular customer, the sales representative will not have the adequate support since the request from the sales rep will not be taken seriously from the RD manager and the GM cannot question them for not doing it right. Only 10 out of 1 samples are successful and yet the RD manager has managed to survive, distracting the control and supervisory system of the top management since there is no clear reporting structure. 3.2.5 Value Conflict A value conflict comes about when two people or groups have dissenting views on moralitythat basic understanding of what is naturally right or wrong. As mentioned earlier, the cost manager considered himself and his department superior than the other departments, with the notion that the information handled need not be disclosed to anyone else. At present, the cost manager is in prison, facing charges of fraud. Although the environment helped the person to carry out fraud, this is a clear example of conflicting values. 3.3 THE CONFLICT PROCESS Figure 1: The Conflict Process (Source: Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2005:444) 3.3.1Stage I: Potential opposition or incompatibility The first stage talks about the conditions that are needed for conflict to arise. They may not directly lead to conflict, but they need to be present for conflict to surface. They can be referred to as the causes of conflict and can be condensed into three general categories, namely communications, structure and personal variables. Communication, either too much or too little information passed between members can result in potential opportunities for conflict to arise. At Nippon Lanka, the manner in which the costing of the products is carried out is not communicated to the members in the other dept and this has been the initiating factor for conflict to set in. Structure includes several variables such as size, degree of specialization in the tasks assigned to the group members, role clarity, member-goal compatibility, leadership styles, reward systems, and the degree of dependence among groups. The sales and promotions manager at Nippon Paints follow an aggressive, predator style of leadership where excuses were not tolerated and was only interested in the achievement of results and targets. An example would be, the samples taken from the production team that is used for sales and promotion does not meet the required standards of quality where 9 out of 10 samples would fail. Same time, the Sales and promotions manager would also be very demanding of the sales representatives in terms of getting the desired targets. In some cases, employees have resigned due this demanding nature. Personal variables are mainly due to differences in personal traits of individuals. Diverse issues such as prejudice and disagreements over ones contribution to the group, as well as the rewards one deserves. For example, at Nippon Paints, the General Manager is prepared to hire new trainees at Rs. 15,000/=, whereas the Sales and Promotions Manager feels that the market rate of Rs. 30,000/= should be paid to them. The low salaries have deterred attracting the talented individuals and therefore not achieving the fullest potential. 3.3.2Stage II: Cognition and Personalization If the conditions mentioned in stage I negatively affect something one party cares about, then the potential for opposition or incompatibility surfaces in the second stage. One or both parties must be aware and perceive that these conditions exist. However, just because it is perceived does not make the conflict personalized. It may not have an effect on either or both parties. The conflict has to be felt, for individuals become emotionally involved, leading to anxiety, tension, frustration or hostility. 3.3.3Stage III: Intentions Intentions get in the way of peoples perceptions and emotions and act as decisions for them to react the way they do to the situation at hand. They are important, as one has to make inferences of the other partys intentions to know and understand the reason behind that partys behavior and to respond accordingly. Conflicts tend to escalate at this point merely because of the wrong inferences being made. Sometimes a behavior might erroneously reflect the persons intentions. Two dimensions are used, namely cooperativeness (the degree to which one party attempts to satisfy the other partys concerns) and assertiveness (the degree to which one party attempt to satisfy his or her own concerns) to identify five conflict handling intentions. This has been attached to Appendix 1 with the styles explained. 3.3.4Stage IV: Behavior This stage includes actions, statements and reactions made by the conflicting parties. Intentions of each party are implemented through these behaviors and can be seen as a dynamic process of interaction. Conflicts usually start slow; characterized by indirect rather subtle forms of tension and escalate as the tension builds. At this latter stage things could become highly destructive where such conflicts are almost always dysfunctional. 3.3.5Stage V: Outcomes Behavior would lead to outcomes, where some are functional in that the conflict results in an improvement in the groups performance or it may also be dysfunctional in that it hinders group performance. Functional conflict can be beneficial for the company as it provides a medium through which problems can be aired and tensions released. This improves the quality of decisions, stimulates creativity and innovation, encourages interest and curiosity among group members and it forces and environment of self-evaluation and change. Some companies discourage conflict as they prefer yes-men, loyal to the higher ups to the point of never questioning company actions. As for dysfunctional conflict it would reduce group effectiveness and group cohesiveness. At the extreme, conflict can bring group functioning to a halt and potentially threaten the groups survival. Refer Appendix II for the example of a conflict Process at Nippon paints. 3.3 NEGOTIATING AND BARGAINING Before the organisation starts negotiating they should be aware of the nature of the conflict. There is a certain process that needs to be followed in negotiation. Negotiation is by definition the management of crossed demands, where each one of us expresses requests hoping the other will try to fulfil them (Lempereur, A. 2012). As it is said â€Å"Everything is negotiation in life†, so every party involved in the process would like to take the best out of it. 3.3.1 Bargaining Strategies There are two bargaining strategies that could be discussed. Distributive bargaining and integrative bargaining. In the current context what is more obvious is integrative bargaining which makes both the parties involved satisfied creating a win-win situation. An example for this was when a sales representative requests for a personal vehicle they need to achieve a certain level of sales targets. If they maintain the sales targets for a sustainable period they will be given a personal vehicle. But by any chance if they do not keep up to the said targets their salaries will be reduced in accordance with the cost of maintaining the vehicle by the company. Through a situation like this, what is created is a long term positive relationship for the company. As a company, they increase the sales levels and the employees will also be satisfied as their needs are also met. 3.3.2 Negotiation Process Negotiation can happen in 5 steps; these are preparation and planning, definition and ground rules, clarification and justification, bargaining and problem solving and closure and implementation. Some do not have a positive ending or a closure. But negotiations that have an effect for the organisation will go through a process. An example of this would be when the company needs to host certain function in hotels they would negotiate with them for the best bargain. As they have cost constraints, there are certain limitations and getting the best bargain with the best outcome would be the perfect scenario. Before the start of the negotiation with the relevant hoteliers the in-charge person will prepare the list of things that need to be discussed. These would be the pricing, menu items, additional services that are required and assess what the other party goals and prepare well for them. In this instance a budget per person would be Rs. 3,000. But the relevant hotels cost was higher. Then the menus for these relevant amounts will be compared. In the Sri Lankan context rather than a 4 or 5 course meal, action stations with koththu and hoppers have a vibrant feeling and also cost less. So in the negotiation table the other alternatives will be put across. Since information is all gathered, the representative will develop a strategy. The person will also determine the Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA). So here the BATNA will be to get cost per person at Rs. 3,000 having action stations with cocktail menu. The person will determine when and where to have the appointment. The ideal place would be at hotel premises because then the ambiance where service capacity can also be viewed. The meeting would be planned in the best time where both parties are not strained with other commitments and can concentrate for a best outcome. Once the initial stance is made then there will be further clarifications and explanations. Then both parties will try to come up with concessions in order to make a decision. Once both parties are satisfied they will formalize the agreement. In this process Nippon Lanka representatives will stress on the fact that if one event is made a success; then the hotel is winning a long term corporate client. This enhances their business. 3.3.3 Third Party Negotiation This is crucial for Nippon Lanka as they deal with lot of suppliers and customers. Advertising is a crucial part for this organisation and dealing with media is important to get a good advertising deal. Earlier they were dealing with the television and radio stations by themselves and it was quite strenuous. Getting a good deal that is worth their money was tough and time consuming, having deal with different organisations, so they decided to obtain third party involvement. The outcome was to get a consultant to act on media buying for the organisation. A consultant is a skilled and impartial third party who attempts to facilitate problem solving through communication and analysis (Robbins S., Judge T. Vohra N., 2011:457). They are there to improve the current status and to get a win-win solution for both parties. When Nippon started using a third party advertising firm to do media buying, they were able to get good deals from media as they have a high bargaining power. 4.0 WORK STRESS STRESS MANAGEMENT Stress is a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, demand, or resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important (Robbins, Judge Vohrs, 554). Most of the time stress is discussed in the negative contest but this is not true at all times. Stress can be taken into the system as an advantage. In the current organisation stress factor is not talked openly even though people are put under stress levels it is not considered as value adding option for the organisation. In the organisation currently what is seen is the challenge stresses but sometimes these same factors do become hindrance stressors for the employees. 4.1 Sources of stress The main sources of stress in the organisation comes from environmental and organisation factors. When it comes to environmental factors; the three types of uncertainties are economic, political and technological. These play a minimal role compared to organisational and personal factors. In considering environment factors; the workers are stressed on the technological aspect. Research and development team is always under pressure in getting a new product development before their competitors. Organisation heads are concerned about the Political uncertainty. Whenever a new rule or regulation is passed by government with regard to the consumer protection or protecting environment this takes a toll in the organisation activities. They must be aware of the new laws and how to tackle them, this adds a lot of strain in the management as they need to alter or change certain decisions according to political scenarios. Change in economic policies and recessions or booms in the economic cycle create stress on the organisation. Current economic down turn have made a toll in the sales teams as consumers are spending less and government projects have considerably reduced. At the same time government is not paying their debt and collections have become harder. Organisational factors are the ones that are created by the organisation which creates stress on employees. Task demands such as collecting debts in 90 days have a strain on the employee. This increases the job pressure. Role demands relate to pressure that occurs due to the job role. Managers and above have high role related pressures compared to subordinates due to the heavy work load which needs to be performed in less time. Most employees complain that they are given more work than they can handle and it stresses them out a lot. At the same time many complain the targets given are not practical. There is a minimal level of interpersonal demands where other employees are not supportive. Personal factors which increase stress are different to every individual. But this does create a hindrance in the organisation performance. All or some of these factors create a high turnover or absenteeism, reduction in productivity and decrease in job satisfaction. Sadly Nippon Lanka has not recognised the importance of stress management in order to curb it or cure it. The main organisational stress come comes from the current management change, this is because the task and role demands have changed and employees need to adjust to the new roles. Personal factors too trigger stress level of the employees. 4.2 Managing Stress at Nippon Lanka Pvt Ltd Based on the study, it is visible that Nippon Lanka uses stress as a positive motivator, but at some points it goes out of hand where it depletes the collaboration and coordination amongst the teams and also inter department. Based on the job roles, the department heads can think of the stress levels which can be imposed on the team members to get results and to meet targets. However the stress levels should be correctly managed so that it motivates results and not deplete and impede the team building and performance drive within the teams. As it is observed, some amount of stress comes from the non-alignment of the reporting lines. Therefore the suggestion is to relook at the reporting lines so that stress does not occur due to incorrect alignment of the business structure which has a negative impact and which creates unnecessary types of stress within teams. Together with the Job role enrichment, reporting lines should also be re-aligned so that the company will only be left with stress which causes the company to perform and not to impede. 5.0 CONCLUSION In conclusion conflict, negotiation and stress are all visible in Nippon Paint. Conflict is unavoidable at the organisation due to the dealings they have among the departments and the third parties. To overcome conflict certain understanding among employees and stakeholders must be implemented. It can be seen that conflict, negotiation and stress are interlinked with each other on some level. Organisational conflict styles may shape an organisations social environment, affecting the level of ongoing conflict and thus the level of stress among employees. Nippon Lanka to a great extent follows an integrative style of conflict management which leads to lower task conflict, reducing relationship conflict, which reduces stress. However, there are many instances where the management has not come up with a solution to the conflict at hand, where they are not willing to step in and the employees are left to resolve the matter, which at most times remains unresolved. The recommended improvements with regard to this has been discussed in Section 3.4. It is important that with the JV taking place, the new management plays an active role in resolving these long running issues so that the organisation and its performance does not get affected. The current JV could also trigger new conflicts and stress levels within the organisation where it is crucial that these issues are identified and resolved. The new management must take this opportunity to place greater prominence of recognizing the on-going stress levels within the organisation and deal with them appropriately. Improved management of conflict, negotiations and stress would benefit the individuals and the organisation in terms of high performing, content, dedicated employees who deliver results.