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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve

Introduction Advancements in information technology have significantly transformed the manner in which businesses, organizations and even institutions are run throughout the world. This essay summarizes the issues in a case study which revolves around adoption of information technology as compared to traditional ways of delivering health services. The paper further analyzes several commentaries done by different experts.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Body Like many other institutions in the world, Peachtree Healthcare is in the dilemma of upgrading its system to incorporate technological applications. The CEO believes in providing the best services to customers. This notion makes him reach a compromise of supporting selective standardization of the institution (Glaser 1). Although many areas of clinical treatment like record keeping, immunizations, would significantly benefit from the idea, part of the management has opposing views. Furthermore, other physicians believe that a switch to partial digital operations would threaten the safety of patients in the hospital. Max, the CEO of Peachtree Healthcare has witnessed problems encountered during breakdowns in other institutions and argues that such technology needed experts in order to handle malfunctioning systems and manage urgent repairs (Glaser 2). Doctors further argue that some level of technology would affect their delivery of services, causing them to go against the Hippocratic Oath (Glaser 4). This is due to the role they play in hospitals and other health centers where they are mainly charged with saving of lives. It was also not easy for hospitals to engage in mergers as compared to other forms of business and company structures which allowed merging. From the case, it is also clear that integration of information technology comes with costs which have to be incurre d by the institution. Such expenses usually emanate from the installation of infrastructure, purchase of required materials and equipment and the charge for technical expertise involved. Another challenge which Peachtree Healthcare is faced with is the fact that the company to be contracted is still young in the business and has no record of previous services offered elsewhere. As a result, the management lacks confidence in OSA as they may provide low quality services.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Additionally, quantifiable cost can not be provided by SOA although it argues that the idea would be cost effective than the traditional monolithic system (Glaser 6). According to Halvorson, the proposed case is risky due to the fact that it has not been tested in healthcare systems, has undetermined costs and its benefits are undoubtedly uncertain. Although the status at Peachtre e Healthcare warrants a better and more efficient system, Halvorson affirms that this cannot be enough reason for the institution to adopt a risky system which has not been tested. An understanding of what Peachtree Healthcare aspires to achieve is important in adopting the most suitable package for the institution. A strategy is therefore essential to draw a pathway which clearly defines intended outcomes of the project (Halvorson 7). Halvorson notes that the success of standardization outside healthcare is not enough reason for the adoption of the idea at Peachtree Healthcare. Additionally, there is no substantive evidence that generates the need for the proposed standardization. The author concludes by challenging Peachtree Healthcare to develop a strategic plan for the idea before adopting it. On the other hand, Heffner supports the idea of standardization as proposed by Max, the CEO of Peachtree Healthcare. He affirms that the idea is aimed at augmenting flexibility and efficac y in service delivery. He further notes that SOA is well established in North America, Asia and Europe with several enterprises having adopted it. Additionally, most of SOA users have confirmed better results based on experience (Heffner 9). He supports Max’s idea, reiterating how record keeping would be enhanced through the proposed standardization process. Regarding costs, he views the process of retrofitting older systems with better business interfaces to be more affordable than replacement. He summarizes by recommending SOA as the best technological match for Peachtree Healthcare. Ford notes that the company’s tolerance to risk is unknown, which would be important in implementing the proposed information system. He recommends a gradual move towards SOA’s direction by dividing the process in achievable chunks. This would allow easy management and control procedure as compared to having a whole package at ago (Ford 8).Advertising We will write a custom e ssay sample on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Ford, the idea is viable if it is adopted in a manner that eliminates risks by increasing reliability. He recommends the adoption SOA’s approach from a commonsense approach that retains what is still productive in the system. Kastor sees Max’s dilemma as common problem among leaders in the healthcare system planning to standardize operations. He notes that a major problem would be among older doctors who may not be well versed with technology and some of the existing challenges. Although doctors appreciate the technology, many would turn down a more sophisticated approach (Kastor 10). He recommends the need to maintain essential features at Peachtree Healthcare to allow efficiency in community hospitals. Conclusion The case presents a real scenario that faces leaders around the world even as standardization of operations becomes a necessity. Both commentaries view the case from various viable perspectives with supporting evidence and argument. Nevertheless, a strategic plan is important to outline factors which necessitate the adoption of SOA system. Works Cited Ford, Monte. â€Å"How should Peachtree try to fix its IT infrastructure problem?† Harvard Business Review (2007): 8. Print. Glaser, John. â€Å"Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve?† Harvard Business Review (2007): 1-6. Print. Halvorson, George. â€Å"How should Peachtree try to fix its IT infrastructure problem?† Harvard Business Review (2007): 7. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Heffner, Randy. â€Å"How should Peachtree try to fix its IT infrastructure problem?† Harvard Business Review (2007): 9. Print. Kastor, John. â€Å"How should Peachtree try to fix its IT infrastructure problem?† Harvard Business Review (2007): 10. Print. This essay on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve? was written and submitted by user Lauren D. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve The management of Peachtree Healthcare has to determine to what extent their technologies should be standardized. They can choose a monolithic information system that will be implemented in each hospital and clinic that is currently run by Peachtree Healthcare.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Yet, they can also adopt a Service-Oriented Architecture that will enable this organization to conduct a selective standardization of their technologies and major practices. In both cases, the company will have to spend a significant amount of money, but the success of this investment cannot be fully ensured. Thus, the management will need to determine which model best suits the needs of the organization. This is the main question that is going to be discussed. One of the approaches that this organization can take is complete standardization of technologies and practices. This strategy can give several benefits, for example, cost savings and better time-efficiency. Therefore, they can choose a monolithic information system which is a single set of technologies and applications that will be installed in every clinic or hospital of Peachtree Healthcare. The main advantage of this strategy is that technologies and practices will be consistent throughout the organization. Yet, one should take into account several structural factors. Peachtree Healthcare includes trauma centers, community hospitals, teaching clinics, or rehabilitation centers. Thus, it may be difficult to develop a single information system that can fit the needs of these medical institutions. Furthermore, as it has been noted in the case study, many procedures cannot be effectively standardized. For instance, pharmacy record keeping can be based on the best practices. Yet, one cannot say the same thing about the protocol for treating different forms of cancer.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is one of the reasons why complete standardization is not always possible. Apart from that, physicians should be able to care about the wellbeing of the patient without being limited by standards or restrictions imposed from outside. Furthermore, the adoption of a monolith information system will necessitate the redesign of many business processes, and extra training of the staff. Apart from that, the complete redesign of the existing IT infrastructure may not be efficient. The thing is that some of their current technologies can function quite effectively and there is no need to remove them. Finally, the management of Peachtree Healthcare should not forget that the adoption of a monolithic system will make this organization less responsive to change. For example, hospitals can adopt business models or medical practices when they are given some degree of autonomy. Complete standardization can deprive them of this autonomy. These are the main drawbacks and benefits of this approach. Another strategy that this organization can choose is to implement a Service-Oriented Architecture. The main benefit of these technologies is that they allow a greater degree of flexibility. In particular, some physicians have various note-filling preferences. Some of them choose to enter the information about the patient directly into a database, while others chose to dictate these data for later transcription. Apart from that, SOA can help this company to standardize only some elements of their IT infrastructure while allowing various hospitals and clinics select software. The main limitation is that this technology has not been widely adopted in healthcare setting.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The main limitation of this model is that SOA have not been fully tested in medical institutions. The management of Peachtree Healthcare cannot guarantee that this technology will prove efficient. On the whole, the discussion of these issues shows that Peachtree Healthcare should adopt a Service-Oriented Architecture. As it has been said before, this framework will enable this organization to replace those parts of IT infrastructure that do not function properly. As it has been shown in the case study, the management of Peachtree Healthcare feels insecure about the adoption of this technology because it has not been widely used in healthcare organizations. Yet, one should take into account that the adoption of SOA infrastructure is a gradual process. The company can replace some poor-functioning components of their IT systems with SOA-built services. Provided that these changes yield good results, the company can continue their adoption of SOA information system. Moreover, the developers of SOA information systems will be willing to suit the needs of Peachtree Healthcare. They will even agree on lower price for their services, because they also want to win the trust of healthcare institutions. Under such circumstances, Peachtree Healthcare can receive a high-quality product at a reasonable price. Overall, these examples show that the redesign of an IT system should be based on close analysis of organizational structure, its size, and major activities. Peachtree Healthcare would have to adopt a system that can allow the greatest degree of flexibility.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such a goal can be achieved by using a SOA-based information system. Admittedly, this strategy can be associated with some risks, but the same thing can be said about the so-called monolith systems. This organization should strive for the standardization that is based on the best practices, but the management must make sure that Peachtree Healthcare remains open to new ideas, models, and practices. This result can be achieved with the help of SOA infrastructure. This case study on Too Far Ahead of the IT Curve was written and submitted by user Alberto Boyle to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Strategische Marketing

Strategische Marketing This is a first for Sisley, in an overtly gay male campaign, to feature women together. It was featured in Mx Racks, as giveaway postcard ads.While most fashion brands use sexy models to sell their clothes, Benetton is known for its not-so-pretty, controversial advertising that depicts the likes of a frail man with AIDS and death row inmates. Though it has toyed with gay vague imagery before, Benetton has never directly dealt with gay themes - until Sisley.The Italian clothing company's new brand is trying on envelope-pushing ads, one of which looks something like the beginning of a gay porn movie. This one includes two men walking hand-in-hand, one wearing a cartoon-like horse's head.The other ad, which ran in OUT magazine, shows a shirtless young man reclined in bed as he pushes another guy's face toward his crotch (just a thin band of clothing remains).Giancarlo Fisichella driving for Benetton Formula ...And in coded reference to young males, known as "chicken," the ingredients fo r a Palm Springs Chicken Salad appears on the page with the boyish couple.Unlike Benetton ads, Sisley's first gay media advertising is sexually charged and out of the closet."Sisley is a sexy brand, it's about sex and feeling sexy when you're wearing the product," says Benetton spokesman Mark Major. "There are not a lot of companies in OUT doing this." Despite the fashion industry's omnipresent use of sex to sell its merchandise - often "forgetting" to include the very clothing they're trying to sell - few have actually used overtly gay imagery. Designers including Calvin Klein, Gucci, Versace, Abercrombie Fitch and even Benetton itself have only teased consumers with gay vague imagery.In 1994, Benetton created an ad with two twenty-something men wearing pastel shirts in a cheek-to-cheek embrace that left many wondering...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Kabbalahs Place in Jewish Mysticism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Kabbalahs Place in Jewish Mysticism - Essay Example The essay "Kabbalah’s Place in Jewish Mysticism" is interested in exploring its impact upon the individual and collective life of the Jews on the one hand, and its association with Christian philosophy on the other. Since mysticism is considered to be the way of unveiling the concealed realities of universal phenomena through soul’s direct or indirect encounter with the Creator, by seeking inspiration from Him. It is therefore, one particular class out of the followers belonging to all Abrahamic faiths practice the same in one way or the other in order to obtain wisdom, unique mystic experience and spiritual uplift as well through meditation, rumination and contemplation. However, the ways and methods adopted by various sects appear to be divergent ones in nature, though the destination is one and the same i.e. examination of the truth and realities of universe in order to approach the Creator; the same is applied to Kabbalah, which not only enjoys imperative status in spiritualism and mysticism, but also appears to be the foundation of Jewish mysticism, followed by various communities and cultures in different forms. The first and oldest one among the three Abrahamic religious faiths, Judaism serves as one of the ancient belief systems of the world, which seeks its inspiration from divine revelation and complete code of leading a systematic life under the commandments introduced by the prophets of God to the progeny of Abraham by direct spiritual guidelines sent from the Creator of the universe to the holy men.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Enhancing the efficacy of fresh produce washing operations Essay

Enhancing the efficacy of fresh produce washing operations - Essay Example The KKT allows for the actual translation of the research findings into pragmatic applications and commercial possibilities (OMAFRA 2010). Moreover, KTT facilitates a real life platform to the researchers so as to enable them to test the viability of their findings in the light of the real life problems and issues (OMAFRA 2010). One other salient aspect of KTT is that it helps in the identification of the possible commercial applications of a research finding, thereby making way for a rapid commercialization and actual application of the research findings (OMAFRA 2010). In a way KTT effectively bridges the gap between the scientific research and practical application, thereby accelerating the transfer of the research generated knowledge into commercially viable products and services. This paper intends to furnish a KTT plan for a research project to be presented to the University of Guelph, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Food Science. The research title is Enhancing the Efficacy of Fresh Produce Washing Operations. In the last few years the fresh produce washing industry has witnessed an immense growth. It has been estimated that the fresh cut industry produces approximately 6 million bags of salad daily (Bowen et al. 2006, Doyle et al. 2008). The per capita consumption of the fresh cut vegetables has increased by 30 percent in the period 1991 to 2006 (Doyle et al. 2008; Warriner et al. 2009). This translates into an average market growth of 1.7 percent per annum (Doyle et al. 2008; Warriner et al. 2009). However, this impressive growth of the processed fresh produce to a great extent has been eclipsed by a rising incidence of the food borne illnesses associated with the fresh cut produce (Bowen et al. 2006). No wonder, the fresh cut produce is a viable source of disease causing pathogens. In fact more cases of food borne illnesses have been

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Relevance of integrated transport policies and accessibility Essay

Relevance of integrated transport policies and accessibility strategies in the development of tourism - Essay Example Consequently, there are article key factors for successful holiday and tourism public transport provision. There is need for rethinking transport policy by choosing a demand-oriented approach and realizing the importance of additional accompanying efforts in the areas of marketing, transparency and quality. Focusing on the demand side, with its individual attitudes and likings, leads to a new understanding of traffic preparation by adopting a bottom up, instead of a top down approach. Tourist places consist of a range of products and services, which the tourist guzzles, usually at the point of production. Along with these, transport is often ignored, despite the highly important input it makes to the overall tourism product both as a catalyst, providing access to and from the destination, and as a provider of tourist mobility around the desired area. The contribution of good internal convenience to destination quality and pleasure is progressively more being recognized. However, a lack of clarity regarding the division of responsibility between various destination stakeholders often affects the delivery of quality transport for tourism and leisure purposes. Moreover, there is a lack of detailed research on tourists as users of transport networks, with the result that attempts to furnish for this market may be at best poorly knowledgeable, at worst mistaken. At the same time, it is increasingly obvious that visitor destinations are under pressure to cope with larg e amounts of traffic and overcrowding, in urban areas as well as rural. (Smith, Robinson, 2006) Brighton is a town on the south coast of England and with its neighbor Hove forms the city of Brighton and Hove. The ancient settlement of Brighthelmston dates before the Domesday Book in 1086 but it emerged as a health resort during the 18th Century and in 1841, it became a desired place for day-trippers after the arrival of the railway. Brighton experienced rapid population growth reaching over 160,000 by 1961. Modern Brighton is stretching along the coast, with a population of around 480,000. 8 million tourists every year visit Brighton. The town also has a substantial business conference industry. Brighton has two universities and a medical school. The arrival of the railway in 1841 brought Brighton within the reach of tourists from London and population growth from around 7,000 in 1801 to over 120,000 by 1901. The Victorian era buildings of many major attractions including the Grand Hotel built in 1864, the West Pier in 1866and the Palace Pier in 1899. (Bullen, 2005) The land area of Brighton increased from 1,640acres(7km) in 1854 to 14,347acres(58km) in 1952, after boundary changes between 1873 and 1952. New housing estates were established in the acquired areas including Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Coldean and Whitehawk. The major expansion of 1928 also incorporated the villages of Patcham, Ovingdean and Rottingdean, and much council housing was built in parts of Woodingdean after the Second World War. Recently, gentrification of much of Brighton has seen a return of the fashionable image which characterised the growth of the Regency period. Recent housing in the North Laine, has been designed in keeping with the area. In 1997 Brighton and Hove were joined to form the unitary authority of Brighton and Hove, which was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the millennium celebrations

Friday, November 15, 2019

Factors Causing Substance Abuse Relapse

Factors Causing Substance Abuse Relapse Relapse among substance abusers after treatment is an old phenomenon that has always been the nemesis of nations all around the world (Golestan, Abdullah, Ahmad Anjomshoa, 2010). For long, studies have found that through several generations, relapse to substance abuse after treatment remains one of the greatest challenges in the treatment of all forms of substance abuse including alcohol, marijuana, heroin and cocaine (Marlatt George, 1984; Polivy Herman, 2002; Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004). Many a study posits that when people attempt to change an undesired or problematic behavior, there is a high possibility of an initial lapse (Golestan et al., 2010; Marlatt George, 1984; Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004). Drug dependency has been typified as a persistent relapsing disorder (McLellan, Lewis, O’Brien Kleber, 2000). In clinical terms, relapse is defined as a return to a maladaptive use of substance, such as marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, heroin, cocaine or other illicit psychoactive drugs after having been previously treated for the same substance abuse disorder (Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004). Researches on the substance abuse phenomenon posit that on the average, within a year of receiving treatment, most patients revert to previous levels of substance use (Hall, Havassy Wasserman, 1990; Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004). Substance abuse clients and counselors both consider relapse as a major challenge militating against substance abuse prevention strategies (Golestan et al., 2010). Global statistics on the rate of relapse to substance use is disturbing. Both counselors and clients admit that whereas it is tough for a client to quit the use of drugs, it is even tougher to stay off the drug after intensive treatment (Ducray, Darker, Smyth, 2012; Moeller et al., 2001). Notwithstanding the client-focused and intensive treatment modules available for substance abuse, most treated clients return to the use of the abused substance after a period of abstinence (Polivy Herman, 2002). Substance abuse is shrouded with personal and social problems including the health of society regarding its political, social, economic and cultural issues in various degree (Hendershot, Witkiewitz, George, Marlatt, 2011). The price for using and abusing illicit drugs are weighty and incontestable. The attendant health complications, poor psychosocial functioning and adverse economic implications such as government’s expenditure on treatments and rehabilitation of substance abusers have all been well documented (Burger, 2008; Parrott et al., 2004; Pressley McCormick, 2007; United Nations Office on Drug and Crime’s report, 2013). Piggot, Carson, Saha, Torbeyns, Stock and Ingenito (2003) have stated that relapse to substance abuse could lead to such consequences as cognitive impairment, non-adherence to medication, personal distress, imprisonment and hospitalization. Decades of research on substance abuse have implicated psychosocial factors such as mental health, significant life events and social functioning as playing critical roles in influencing the relapse rates and the abuse of drugs among clients who have previously been treated for substance abuse disorders (Hammerbacher Lyvers, 2006; Melberg, Lauritzen, Ravndal, 2003). Contextual factors such as living and working environments have been considered as relevant when accounting for relapse precipitants in substance abusers (Reece, 2007). Consistently, researchers have identified psychosocial factors including self-efficacy, negative affects, ineffective coping responses and a host of high-risk situations as precipitating the relapse to substance use (Connors, Maisto Zywiak, 1996; Larimer, Palmer Marlatt, 1999; Marhe, Waters, Van de Wetering Franken, 2013; Mattoo, Chakrabarti Anjaiah, 2009; Reece, 2007). Several other psychosocial factors including fights and interpersonal conflicts, peer pressure, divorce, strained relationship with friends, family and co-workers (Broome, Simpson Joe, 2001; McLellan, Lewis, O’Brien Kleber, 2000) have been found to increase the risk of relapse to substance abuse. Community supports (Ibrahim Kumar, 2009), support from family and friends (Broome et al., 2001) and stressful life events (Wills, Vaccaro McNamara, 1992) have also been found to determine clients relapse state after rehabilitation. Information about psychological and social (contextual) factors relating to relapse and substance abuse may both be critical and important for planning clinical intervention strategies as well as contribute to aftercare and community-based interventions. Literature is replete with studies correlating cultural and religious variables to relapse to substance abuse. Ethno-cultural identity and religiosity have been found to moderate substance use among particular groups of people (Chen, Dormitzer, Bejaro Anthony, 2004). In particular, there has been a significant negative correlation found among people with higher levels of religious practice (religious devotion) and substance abuse (Chen et al., 2004; Kliewer Murrelle, 2007). Since four decades ago when scientific approach into the study of relapse has started (Marlatt Gordon, 1984), there has been ample evidence that suggest various relapse rates for various substances. In one earlier study, about 90% of alcoholics who received treatment experienced at least one relapse over a 4-year period (Polich, Armor, Braiker, 1981). In another study, Cornelius et al. (2003) found that 66% of the respondents had resumed their drug use within six months after treatment. There exist various relapse rates for the various substances of abuse. Differences in these rates could be attributed to several factors including the definition of relapse, individual’s variables, characteristics of the addiction and the effectiveness and success of treatment (Connors, G.J., Maisto Zwiak, 1996). Substance abuse and relapse phenomenon have been conceptualized and explained through a number of theories. In particular, the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Relapse Process (Marlatt Gordon 1984, 1985; Witkiezie Marlatt, 2004) and the Relapse Syndrome Model (Gorski Miller, 1982; Gorski, 1990) have expansively explained the process and indicators involved in relapse to substance abuse. Other theories that explicate relapse to substance abuse include the Stress-diathesis Model (Gatchel, 1993), the Self-medication Hypothesis (Duncan, 1974; Khantzian, Mack, Schatzberg, 1974), the Bidirectional Model (Biafora Jr. et al., 1994), the Psychological Distress Model (Mercier et al., 1992) and the Behavioral Choice Model (Bickel Vuchinich, 2000). The Cognitive-Behavioral Model of Relapse Process and the Relapse Syndrome Model – the foundations of this study are discussed comprehensively in the next chapter. In general, substance use is attributed to a number of factors, including, psychosocial, biological and contextual variables (Nordfjà ¦rn, 2011). In particular, psychosocial factors have been known to be critical determinants of relapse to substance abuse. Significant life events, psychosocial distress and self-efficacy have all been identified as significant predictors of relapse to substance abuse (Hendershot, Witkiewitz, George, Marlatt, 2011; Nordfjà ¦rn, 2011). Studies have found major positive and negative events, similar to those found in the general population, have significant influence in the lives of substance abusers (Melberg et al., 2003; Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004). Periods such as the loss of a loved one, or social occasions and events such as funerals, wedding celebrations, and birthday parties have been found to have influenced the return to alcohol and drug abuse (Melberg et al., 2003; Saunders Kershaw, 2006). For instance, a client discharged from a substance abuse rehabilitation facility after treatment could remain sober for a long period only to lapse during a funeral or wedding celebrations. Unquestionably, the role of psychological distresses, including depression, interpersonal conflicts, and anxiety in substance abuse and relapse have long been noted (Grant et al., 2004). Continuous interpersonal conflicts with a spouse or a co-worker, for example, could lead to depression, or outburst of anger and frustrations. The individual could revert to alcohol and drugs to either help take cope the situation or to empower him or her to face the perpetrator. Empirical supports linking psychological distress to substance use and abuse exist. In one study, clients with psychological distress were found to abused alcohol and drugs than those without any psychological distresses (Grella, Hser, Joshi, Rounds-Bryant, 2001). Self-efficacy, defined as one’s belief that a task can be carried out successfully to achieve a desired outcome (Bandura, 1997), has been associated with substance abuse and relapse (Nordfjà ¦rn, 2011). Clients who show low levels of self-efficacy, for instance, have been found to have shown high levels of alcohol and substance abuse (Hendershot, Witkiewitz, George, Marlatt, 2011). Individuals who lose confidence in themselves and in their efforts to succeed, no matter the venture, could for long remain depressed and frustrated. The individual may then resort to substance use, amid the frustration, to enflame some happiness. Gradually from a lapse, the substance abuse behavior may continue and become a full blown relapse. 1.1 Statement of the problem Unquestionably, the abuse of alcohol and drugs remains problematic in most countries of the world. The 2013 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) revealed that over 35 million people, representing 0.8% of the adult population worldwide use heroin, cocaine or a combination of both. Of this population, it is estimated that 10-13% will become drug dependent and will forfeit their sobriety (UNODC Report, 2013). The UNODC’s statistics for 2013 on the worldwide estimate of substance abuse is even more frightening. The report revealed that in 2012, between 167 and 315 million people aged 15–64 were estimated to have used an illicit substance in the preceding year. West Africa is not excluded from the problem of drug trafficking and abuse. About a decade ago the region was declared as a transit route for hard drugs (Drug News Africa, 2012). According to the Ghana Demographic Health Survey Report (GDHS) for 2009, the sub-region had become not only a transitory route, but more disturbingly, a consumer market of these illicit psychoactive drugs (GDHS Report, 2009). The report concluded that the abuse of hard drugs was on the increase and had attracted the attention of most health professionals in Ghana (GDHS Report, 2009). The Out-patient Monthly Morbidity Returns (OMMR) records for 2012 from the Department of Psychiatric of the Regional Hospital, Sunyani, showed that of the 2,284 patients who accessed the facility for the year, about 596(26%) were alcohol and drug abuse related cases. In the same year, out of the 1,047 new cases seen, 413 were substance abuse related disorders, with 138 having been either re-admitted or treated on at least one other occasion for the same diagnosis. This statistics showed a 12% increase in substance abuse and relapse cases as compared to that of the preceding year (OMMR for Psychiatric Unit: Regional Hospital, Sunyani, 2012). The Drug News Africa states that about 1.25 million Ghanaians in 2012 had drug addiction problems, mostly marijuana (Drug News Africa, 2012). Studies on substance abuse in Ghana (Affinnih, 1999a Lamptey, 2005; Redvers et al., 2006) estimate more worrisome statistics. In no doubt, more people may be abusing drugs in Ghana than is estimated. This is very disturbing since the rates of relapse to substance abuse after treatment remain high. For instance, Brandon, Vidrine and Litvin (2007) noted that the relapse rates for most individuals after the cessation of alcohol or tobacco for a year ranges from 80 – 95%. Notwithstanding the type and frequency of the drug in use, the penalties are always grave. Witkiewitz and Marlatt (2004) noted that violence, legal problems, depression and suicide attempts are some of the adverse consequences of substance use. The availability and the increasing use of these illicit psychoactive drugs results in its dependence with its attendant psychosoci al adverse effects. Undoubtedly, substance abuse has profound health, economic and psychosocial consequences to the individual, family, community and nation. Studies (Berk, 2007; Large, Sharma, Compton, Slade, Olav, 2011; Witkiewitz Marlatt, 2004) have shown a number of physical, psychological and health-related consequences following the continuous use and abuse of substances. At the personal level, substance abuse has been associated with adverse biopsychosocial consequences, including heart failure, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, cancer, stroke and capillary haemorrhages, irritability and restlessness, mild paranoia, physical exhaustion, mental confusion, loss of weight; fatigue or depression and unemployment (Davison, Neale, Kring, 2004; Kring, Davison, Neale, Johnson, 2007). Similarly, the families of substance abusers also share in the consequences. In particular, the loss of productive hours in care of the substance abuser and the cost of treatment have been documented (Moos, 2007; Redve rs et al., 2006). A number of social and economic implications have also been noted at the community and national levels. Increase in crime rates, unemployment, poor academic or job performance, school dropout, divorce and the diversion of scarce national resources for treatment and rehabilitation of substance abusers have been associated with substance abuse (Burger, 2008; Parrott et al., 2004; Pressley McCormick, 2007). 1.2 Aim and objectives of the study Willig (2008) argues from a pragmatic viewpoint that the aim of research is not about generating abstract truth free from the experience of people but rather to provide insight that will inure to the benefit of humanity. Hence the aim of this study is to explore the psychosocial precipitants of relapse and the rate of relapse among substance abusers in the Sunyani Metropolis. More specifically, the objectives of this study are: To explore the various psychosocial factors that contribute to relapse of substance abusers in the Sunyani Metropolis To estimate how often respondents return to pre-treatment levels of substance abuse after treatment To explore the role of the family, culture and religion in relapse or abstinence among respondents. To explore the preventive/coping strategies clients use to prevent relapse. To explore the psycho-socioeconomic consequences of relapse to the respondents, their families and society. 1.3 Relevance of the study In 2005, a total of 86,003 outpatient attendances were recorded by the three psychiatric hospitals in Ghana (Ofori-Atta et al., 2010). Substance abuse disorders were among the top psychiatric diagnoses for the attendance, accounting for about 22.8%. Even more frightening was the number of substance abusers projected to develop psychological disorders in the course of time. The passage of the Ghana Psychological Bill and the Ghana Mental Health Law in 2012 mandates the Ghana Health Service to employ Clinical Psychologists to all regional and district hospitals in the country to treat and manage the myriad psychological problems faced by clients. In no doubt, substance abuse and relapse would be one of the major clinical diagnoses these clinicians would encounter. Reece (2007) has postulated that contextual and environmental factors are critical determinants of relapse among substance abusers. Certainly the environmental conditions of Europe and elsewhere are significantly different from those in Ghana and the rest of Africa. Consequently, one cannot readily attribute the factors found to have precipitated substance abuse and the resultant relapse of a different context to that in Ghana. More widely, findings from this research would aid Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurses, policymakers and relatives of clients to better understand the psychosocial factors that precipitate the relapse phenomenon and the rates at which relapse to substance abuse occur when deciding how best to offer treatment options to develop effective relapse preventive strategies which are contextual in the management of the relapse phenomenon. Furthermore, although there are studies on substance abuse in Ghana (Affinnih, 1999a Lamptey, 2005; Redvers et al., 2006), there is a paucity of data regarding the psychosocial factors that influence relapse to substance abuse. The rates of relapse to substance abuse among substance abusers have also not been well documented. Of equal importance, the findings from this study would add to the literature on the relapse

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Learning in a Group Essay

1. What do you learn from working in a group? I learnt that by working in a group, we work towards a shared purpose and common goals in doing so shared our varied experiences and skills and in the cooperation with each other. Students are much likely to perform well when they work effectively in a group. This is because good group work creates synergy – where it combine effect of the group is greater than the sum of individual effort. Working together as a group can apply individual perspectives, experiences and skills to solve complex problems, creating new solutions and ideas that, and be beyond the scope of any one individual. As well as enhancing class performance. Good group work benefits individual too. It enables mutual support and learning, can generate a sense of belonging and commitment. I also learnt the following benefits on working in groups: †¢Apply a mix of skills that go beyond the scope of one individual. †¢Solve complex problems that take more than one mud. †¢Generates new ideas. †¢Provide support and help group members. †¢Give students a sense of belonging. †¢Enhance communication. †¢Help students to learn from each other and develop. †¢Generate commitment. Q. 2 what do you think can be done to make this course (Lifelong Education/ more interesting. INTRODUCTION Lifelong learning skills are wide concern in tertiary education. Fostering these skills requires reconsideration and changes to traditional approaches to teaching and learning. We are living in a time of knowledge explosion. University or colleges are unlikely to be able to teach all the essential knowledge a student needs for their whole career within a four-year period. Moreover, much of the knowledge student learn in the university will be out of date when they leave, because of the rapid technical developments. This means student and have to master a self-learning method and a set of lifelong learning skills in order to meet the demand of their future, professional lives. Quality teaching and learning in tertiary education should aim to develop student’s lifelong learning skills. Each teacher should make a contribution in developing these skills when teaching a certain course. How to make the course (lifelong Education) more interesting includes †¢Group working tutorials; workshop tutorial classes are aimed at developing student’s self directed leaving, group work and interpersonal skill the classroom for intervals should have movable desk and class. Each interval class should contain about 15 student and last one hour. The tutor will ask question to guide students to think and to work together to determine potential solutions to a problem. Some questions will challenging and relevant to real world, while some are from previous lectures and assignments. Student in each group are expected to work with each other, to share their ideas to discuss, and to debate and convince each other, thus creating an active and interactive learning environment. One student in each group will be asked to give a short presentation to the whole class. †¢Interaction in lectures Whatever the similarities and differences in learning styles and intelligence among your student, you can help your entire student by employing a range of active learning approaches (talking and listening, writing, reading, reflecting) and by using varied teaching techniques and strategies. †¢ The course lifelong education is suppose to be handle by a professional lecturers, people like Prof . M. B Shitu, Mal. Sani Bala Hassan, those who during the lectures will give students the opportunity to think and talk, and set some time during lectures for asking question or encouraging student to answer and ask question: In this way student understanding can be assess and make them engage with the activity. There is also need to introduce hardware demonstration in lectures. Although software demonstration are cheap and convenient, it is a virtual world . When doing demonstration let student predict what will happen next, and ask them to observe things going on and explain the theory behind it . Some question may follow to make the student learn interactively and to establish connections between pre-existing knowledge and new information. In this way student are expected to develop observational skills and thinking and these will make the course more interesting. †¢The lecturer supposes to use two o three case studies in the course. Case studies tell real and complete story, usually interdisciplinary and set in a real world context, and have academic and professional significance and social implications. With case studies, students can develop problem solving skills for seeking and assessing information and interdisciplinary knowledge. †¢Students should be taught according to their aptitude. Give excellent student’s additional training. For example, a few exemplary students will be encouraged to give mini lectures to review material or less important sections. Thus, they develop oral and leadership skills from the process of searching for information and inquiry about classmates understanding. †¢Lecturers for the course must consider the features of their courses and the characteristics of their learners before they think about what kind of knowledge and skills students will learn from the course. Then they must decide which teaching strategies are suited to their course. They should try and adapt contemporary teaching strategies to create a more student – centred teaching and learning climate for developing students’ lifelong learning skills. Students are expected to develop problem solving skills, lateral thinking skills, group work ability, self-directed learning skills, and communication skills in the cause of lifelong education. †¢Lecturers’ must adopt student-centred approaches in teaching and learning. The so called student-centred approach means that teachers should think about how the learners learn and make the student actively involved in the teaching process. In most cases, a combination of several teaching outcomes. Lectures in this course should work out the suitable strategies for themselves, the students and the course content. CONCLUSION Teaching and learning is a cooperative process between teachers and students. Before a lecturer tries to teach in a different way, he/she needs to introduce students to new teaching and learning theories. And also need to seek colleagues support and finds to implement appropriate changes. The work may be challenging and time consuming. Hopefully, opportunities will coexist with challenges. A good lecturer motivates him/her self in pursing quality teaching.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Interesting Passages Response from Things Fall Apart

â€Å"Clearly his personal god or chi was not made for great things. A man could not rise beyond the destiny of his chi. The saying of the elders was not true- that if a man said yea his chi also affirmed. Here was a man whose chi said nay despite his own affirmation. † (Achebe, 131) This passage created a question in my mind. Who’s perspective are we reading from? It seems as thought we are reading what a narrator is saying, but the narrator is somebody from that tribe. In most books, if a character doesn’t do the narration, the narrator knows what is really going on or what is going to happen.In this book, and shown in this passage, the narrator seems to have full believe in everything he is saying. When it comes to what the passage itself says, I start to think about what their beliefs are doing to them. Is this what they are born to believe? Their chi seems to be pulling them back for than helping them move along. It and their other beliefs are always stoppin g them from something, which is more beneficial then they know. For example, what is so bad about having twins? If anything, that should be a blessing because the family has more children, but with a shorter wait. . â€Å"He sighed heavily, and as if in sympathy the smoldering log also sighed. And immediately Okonkwo’s eyes were opened and he saw the whole matter clearly. Living fire begets cold, impotent ash. He sighed again, deeply. † (153) This was the last paragraph in Okonkwo’s thoughts on Nwoye and also were he sated that he was popularly called the â€Å"Roaring Flame†. He then started to compare himself to the fire. I really liked this passage and what was written before it for various reasons.This action shows us that he and his people aren’t any different than other human beings. We have different beliefs and different life styles, but when it comes down to it there human just like us. We all relate ourselves to things. One example used i n English is the use of similes. Similes are just one way we relate ourselves to living and non-living things. Probably the best reason to why I like this passage so much is because I can really relate to it. I don’t mean I once compared or portrayed myself as something I’m not like you’d do in a simile.I mean that in one point in my life I actually compared myself to a burning fire. I still have that comparison. I could really understand where Okonkwo was coming from with this cold ash thing because I’ve done a comparison a lot like it. I even mentioned a dead fire when I ended that comparison and this wasn’t some poem I wrote for a grade, but an actual journal entry and not just something to get a grade. What I am trying to say is, I really liked this passage and I liked how metaphoric Okonkwo was when he said it.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Slave Colonies of the Seventee essays

Slave Colonies of the Seventee essays In Barbados and Jamaica (the sugar islands) sugar was a major crop. The owners of these sugar plantations were badly in need of laborers to work for them year round, and because the natives died off so speedily, they needed to bring in someone to do the grueling tasks for them. They tried to use indentured servants, but this was extremely difficult because sugar is a year round, demanding sort of crop and nobody sought after work on those plantations. Any person who had any other kind of alternative would choose to go anywhere else. Eventually they started importing slaves because they were not only cheaper, but easier to replace when they died, as most people who came to these islands did. By 1650, there were approximately 20,000 black slaves in Barbados; and by 1700, nearly as many as 45,000 black slaves in Jamaica (the prevalent sugar producer at this point in time). It was in these West Indian Islands that slavery not only got started for the English, but grew the fastest. South Carolina began as a colony of Barbados. They came there to cultivate crops such as rice and indigo. These settlers brought their slavery practices with them. This idea of growing rice worked well due to the fact that the slaves had experience prior to this experience working with it, and they were just in a good area for growing such a crop. By 1770, black people were nearly eighty percent of the population in South Carolina and the colony of Georgia. Tobacco production in the Chesapeake was growing due to an enormous demand for the product in England. The demand for tobacco in England had grown during the eighteenth century over ten times what it had been originally. With so much expansion in the plantations is was necessary to acquire as many people to work them as possible. In the beginning, indentured servitude was still used. In fact, it was the most common way for settlers to gain passage to America. Working in the Chesapeake wasn &apos...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Genre Theory Essay Essays

Genre Theory Essay Essays Genre Theory Essay Paper Genre Theory Essay Paper Essay Topic: Equus Genres what are they. and why are they so of import in the movie industry? Genres a sort of label or class something people can establish what topographic point outlooks or derive a general thought of what the movie is about. and will be like. However most genres will probably hold a bomber genre Harmonizing to Goodyknootz. B. . A ; Jacobs. C. P. ( 2014 ) Movie: From watching to seeing ( 2nd ed. ) CH4. â€Å"Many genres besides have a assortment of related Subgenres with more narrowly defined expressions and outlooks. † Having these smaller categorizations set giving a mix of class. and outlooks allows for a batch more alone assortment. Some movies can frequently blend 4 genres into a individual movie leting the Godhead the free usage of his imaginativeness. nevertheless even these movies finally will fall into a major genre class. Unfortunately genres can besides do some people to frequently judge a movie based on it’s genre. if they’ve seen a certain movie that was a Western for case that they did non specialness enjoy they will presume all movies under this genre are non worth their clip. As stated in Goodyknootz. B. . A ; Jacobs. C. P. ( 2014 ) Movie: From watching to seeing ( 2nd ed. ) CH4. : â€Å"It is non a preordained step of quality. despite the manner some movie theoreticians and critics might disregard a â€Å"genre† film formulaic for serious dramatic analysis† despite this genres are really of import. they label the movies doing it easier for viewing audiences to happen the kind of film they are desiring the see at any giving clip. These labels help people make determinations when picking a movie to watch. either doing them to desire or non desire to see certain movies based on its genre word pictures. When looking at specific genres they frequently have their reoccurring features that instantly allow that movie to fall into a specific genre. for illustration Westerns Harmonizing to Goodyknootz. B. . A ; Jacobs. C. P. ( 2014 ) Movie: From watching to seeing ( 2nd ed. ) CH4. â€Å"At its GENRE THEORY 3 simplest. a Western is a adult male and his Equus caballus. taking on the battles of nature and his fellow man† . Most Horse operas are set in a mainframe of 1800’s-1900’s giving them the natural state wild American frontier feel. and the chief characters are frequently outlaws or underdogs. taking out the wild West. The most recent Western movie I personally have seen was 3:10 to Yuma. this film was about a little rancher and. Civil War veteran Dan Evans who was wounded losing his leg. now after the wars end is fighting to back up his married woman and kids. When a wanted pack leader Ben Wade is captured in his country after robbing a stagecoach. he volunteers to escort the captive to the train station to do the 3:10 to Yuma for $ 200. As Dan Evans and the jurisprudence work forces head to the train station his group is pursued by the Outlaw Ben Wades pack of unsafe criminals. Bing set shortly after the civil war 3:10 to Yuma this puts the narrative in a clip frame where most of the West was still really unsettled. and wild. This movie besides has many 1800’s manner fire battles affecting six-guns and individual shooting rifles. opposing the gunman pack of homicidal criminals against the law officers who fight to keep order on the frontier. and Dan Wade who fights for his household. 3:10 to Yuma is non merely a Western movie but the chief elements that made this movie so good. and the ground I personally enjoyed it was to Drama goaded narrative of how the Outlaw Ben Wade easy becomes friends with Civil War vet Dan Evans. As the movie progresses Ben starts to understand. and sympathise with Dan Evans state of affairs of he lost his leg and how he feels useless in back uping his household as a cripple. Near the terminal of the movie Ben Wade begins to assist Dan Evans with acquiring him to the train so Dan Evans can roll up the $ 200 premium promised by the GENRE THEORY 4 jurisprudence work forces. When Dan Evans eventually acquire Ben Wade to the train his is fatally shot by the pro-suing pack but non before his boy see’s him acquiring Ben to the train leting him to decease a hero to his boy. In the terminal to me genres and basic plot line are a really necessary thing for films it allows you to hold a basic understand of what you’re about to watch without destroying the secret plan before you have to opportunity to plunge into the narrative. and acquire the enjoyment of a fresh narrative for yourself.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Stengart Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Stengart - Assignment Example 2. The above decision will have an impact on the company when planning to form policies concerning personal communication. This will include the fact that the company will find it difficult to regulate and monitor the use of computers in the workplace as the employees would use only part of the policy for their own advantage. The company may also find it hard to enforce policies that would protect the company and at the same time the welfare of the employees (Brandeis & Warren, 2014). 3. Such a state statute that prohibits pornographic, terroristic, and false emailing should not withstand constitutional scrutiny because vices like fraudulent emailing sent to millions of online users slow down the progress of the site and waste a lot of time. Pornography and other unwanted emails on the recipient’s side are not protected by the U.S law. 4. Spam is far much not good. According to Casey, E. 2011, it violates the law because it causes a number of potential issues for the servers that belong to a specified company. Spamming can cause huge problems to the entire company staff and machines that depend on the network in all operations, thus causing a waste in time and

Friday, November 1, 2019

Assessment of the Current Economic Condition in the USA Research Paper

Assessment of the Current Economic Condition in the USA - Research Paper Example During the last two years employment level in the country continuously declined and as such the pace of economic growth has slowed down. As such the overall role of FED becomes relatively more critical because of the monetary policy regulator of the country. A critical assessment of the overall economic situation of the country is therefore of critical importance as it will allow a better policy formulation as well as provide a broader understanding of how the different variables are acting together to create this sort of economic crisis. The basic purpose of this report is to assess the overall economic conditions of the country, an assessment of the steps undertaken by FED so far and to produce set of policy recommendations which may be considered by FOMC in its next meeting. In order to discuss and assess the current status of the economy, it is important that the background information must also be provided in order to assess the core issues faced currently faced by the US economy. During 2008, the Bureau of Economic Research publically announced that the US economy is in a deep recession. This announcement was just a mere acknowledgment of the fact that the country’s economy was already under a threat from going into the recession and probably depression also. If one attempts to trace the origins of the current economic crisis, it will emerge that the situation started to get worse when the financial sector as a whole was gradually de-regulated by the authorities. The de-regulation of the financial sector allowed banks and other financial institutions to engage in the practices which were relatively risky for the long-term survival of the firms. As such the focus was on the achievement of short-term results rather than ensuring that the long-term stability is achieved.