A Career in Medical Assisting Essay Example

A Career in Medical Assisting Essay I have chosen to pursue a career in medical assisting. So far in this class I have learned a variety of information about this profession. I have learned exactly what a medical assistant does, what credentials and certificates I need to attain, current issues surrounding medical assisting, personality traits that will ensure success, different job opportunities available, and a copious amount of other things. I have also learned interesting things about other career paths and mapped out a career plan of my own.Overview of Medical Assisting Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in a diversity of office settings. There are a variety of things an individual can do after becoming a medical assistant. In general, medical assistants take patient history, record vital signs, prepare patients for any medical testing they might need, prepare and administer medications ordered by the physician, and much more. Some medical assistants work with medical coding and billing. Most medical assistants work 40 hour weeks, Monday through Friday after receiving their degree. Santiago, n. d. ) Educational Requirements There are two types of educational programs that can lead to becoming a medical assistant. Some schools offer a 1 year course while other schools require a 2 year course to receive an Associate’s Degree. Some health care professionals will provide on-the-job training, but most jobs are given to individuals who have received formal training. After completing an Associate’s Degree in medical assisting, an individual may choose to sit for a certification exam which will make him or her a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant).Some employers do not require a certification; however, CMA’s will typically have more job options than MA’s. (Santiago, n. d. ) Current Issues There are some current issues surrounding a medical assistant. Some confusion exists around state laws and whether a medical assistant can administer medications under the directive of someone other than a licensed physician, like a nurse practitioner. Along with the confusion around administering medication, there is also a concern about becoming an actual Certified Medical Assistant.Just because an individual graduates with a degree in medical assisting, it does not mean that he or she is certified. He or she must sit through and pass a certification exam after they graduate to become certified. (Balasa, 2013) Traits A medical assistant must be compassionate, a good listener, have strong communication skills, be empathetic, dependable, detail oriented, and have integrity. I learned from the personality profile in unit 3 that I am realistic, investigative, artistic, and social. Being realistic will help when I am faced with a difficult challenge and must come up with a solution.The fact that I am investigative will make it simple when I am taking a patients history. The artistic trait that I have will not assist me in my future career path unless I am working with children. I do not believe that I have all of the personality traits that are needed to be a medical assistant. There are a variety of traits I will personally need to work on before receiving my degree. I am not as detail oriented as I could be, nor do I currently have strong communication skills. I am, however, a very good listener and extremely dependable. Murphy, n. d. ) Career Goals I have very specific career goals that I want to achieve in the future. I want to get an Associate’s Degree through Kaplan first and foremost. The next step I plan to take is to sit through and pass the certification exam to become a CMA so that I have a better chance of getting a job in my chosen profession. My ultimate goal is to become a Sonographer or to be a medical assistant in an OB/GYN’s office. I am positive with the help of Kaplan that I will achieve these goals and become exactly what I want to be. The next 5 yearsIn the next 5 years I see myself wor king in a physician’s office or a hospital setting. I also hope to be on the path of continuing my education to receive a Bachelor’s Degree through Kaplan. I plan to use the Kaplan Career Services to perfect my resume, perform mock interviews, and to generally prepare me for starting my career. I am highly motivated to complete my degree and I truly believe that the Career Services at Kaplan will prepare me for using my degree in a real life setting. Conclusion It is obvious that I have learned a variety of information about becoming a medical assistant.I have expanded my horizons and thought deeply about the path that I have chosen for my life. I have also explored different career options that I can use with my degree. I am excited about the path I have chosen and look forward to continuing my education. References Balasa, D. (2013). Retrieved from http://aamalegaleye. wordpress. com/ Murphy, C. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. careerealism. com/medical-assistant -traits/ Santiago, A. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://healthcareers. about. com/od/healthcareerprofiles/p/MedAssist. htm

Proof Definition and Examples in Rhetoric

Proof Definition and Examples in Rhetoric In rhetoric, proof is the part of a speech or written composition that sets out the arguments in support of a thesis.  Also known as confirmation,  confirmatio, pistis, and probatio. In classical rhetoric, the three modes of rhetorical (or artistic) proof are ethos, pathos, and logos. At the heart of Aristotles theory of logical proof  is the rhetorical syllogism or enthymeme. For manuscript proof, see proof (editing) Etymology From the Latin, prove Examples and Observations In rhetoric, a proof is never absolute, since rhetoric is concerned with probable truth and its communication. . . . The fact is that we live much of our lives in the realm of the probabilities. Our important decisions, both at the national level and at the professional and personal level, are, in fact, based on probabilities. Such decisions are within the realm of rhetoric.- W. B. Horner, Rhetoric in the Classical Tradition. St. Martins Press, 1988If we regard confirmation or proof as the designation of that part where we get down to the main business of our discourse, this term can be extended to cover expository as well as argumentative prose. . . .As a general rule, in presenting our own arguments we should not descend from our strongest arguments to our weakest. . . . We want to leave our strongest argument ringing in the memory of our audience; hence we usually place it in the emphatic final position.- E. Corbett, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford University Pre ss, 1999 Proofs in Aristotles RhetoricThe opening [of Aristotles Rhetoric] defines rhetoric as the counterpart of dialectic, which seeks not to persuade but to find the appropriate means of persuasion in any given situation (1.1.1-4 and 1.2.1). These means are to be found in various kinds of proof or conviction (pistis). . . . Proofs are of two kinds: inartistic (not involving rhetorical art- e.g., in forensic [judicial] rhetoric: laws, witnesses, contracts, torture, and oaths) and artificial [artistic] (involving the art of rhetoric).- P. Rollinson, A Guide to Classical Rhetoric. Summertown, 1998 Quintilian on the Arrangement of a Speech [W]ith regard to the divisions which I have made, it is not to be understood that that which is to be delivered first is necessary to be contemplated first; for we ought to consider, before everything else, of what nature the cause is; what is the question in it; what may profit or injure it; next, what is to be maintained or refuted; and then, how the statement of facts should be made. For the statement is preparatory to proof, and cannot be made to advantage, unless it is first settled what it ought to promise as to proof. Last of all, it is to be considered how the judge is to be conciliated; for, until all the bearings of the cause be ascertained, we cannot know what sort of feeling it is proper to excite in the judge, whether inclined to severity or gentleness, to violence or laxity, to inflexibility or mercy.- Quintilian, Institutes of Oratory, 95 AD Intrinsic and Extrinsic Proofs Aristotle counseled the Greeks in his Treatise on Rhetoric that the means of persuasion must include both intrinsic and extrinsic proofs.By extrinsic proof Aristotle meant direct evidence that was not the creation of the speakers art. Direct evidence could include laws, contracts, and oaths, as well as the testimony of witnesses. In the legal proceedings of Aristotles time, this kind of evidence was usually obtained in advance, recorded, put in sealed urns, and read in court. Intrinsic proof was that created by the art of the orator. Aristotle distinguished three kinds of intrinsic proof: (1) originating in the character of the speaker; (2) resident in the mind of the audience; and (3) inherent in the form and phrase of the speech itself. Rhetoric is a form of persuasion that is to be approached from these three directions and in that order. - Ronald C. White, Lincolns Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural. Simon Schuster, 2002

Literature Review Viability of Nuclear Power as an Alternate Power Essay

Literature Review Viability of Nuclear Power as an Alternate Power Source - Essay Example Climate change is usually recognized as one of the most critical issues for the international community as it is known to influence many aspects of the environment as well as the society, together with the health of humans, ecological units, cultivation and irrigation, local and universal economies, sea levels and extreme weather conditions. There do exist more than a few ways to generate electrical energy without discharging air pollution. The most practicable means is nuclear energy, which presents not only a harmless, uncontaminated, and inexpensive alternative to other methods of producing electricity but can additionally be reprocessed. In comparison to the electricity produced by the burning of fossil fuels, nuclear energy is known to be relatively clean because there is no generation of either air pollution or carbon dioxide from the nuclear power plants except some quantity of release as a of result uranium processing which is used in nuclear reactors. The issue of viability of nuclear plants in comparison to fossil fuels actually depends on the values that are placed on the wastes that each type of plant produces. Nuclear power supplies large environmental advantages by nearly completely eliminating airborne wastes because it emits nil combustion byproducts, no acid gases, absolutely no greenhouse gases and the particulates which are produced throughout the power generation.The diminution of costs in the production of nuclear power is triggered by the production of relatively lesser volumes of radioactive wastes, preceding the final disposal. Since the volume of waste from the nuclear plant is significantly smaller than the amount in fossil fuels, and are nearly in solid form, they are all held inside the reactor stations. Nuclear power stations necessitate very small quantity of fuel, approximately only 100 tonnes per year consequently producing very small volumes of waste. Because of the absolute control of its wastes, nuclear power is publicized to be one of the very few power sources which has all of its external costs paid for in the price of electricity sold to the consumer. But is nuclear power actually economically viable In the 1970's nuclear power charged half as much as electricity from coal burning. By 1990 nuclear power cost doubled to electricity from coal burning (Slingerland et al, 2004). Today the costs of nuclear power are estimated to be about $0.05-0.07/kWh making it, on average, between 2 and 4 times more costly than electricity generated by burning fossil fuels. For example, France, where nuclear power accounts for 75% of total electricity production, it has been confessed that nuclear power is far more expensive than electricity from efficient fossil fuel burning power plants (Makhijani,

Data Collection Procedures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data Collection Procedures - Essay Example My research will however apply face-to-face interview with telephone interviews as an alternative, in cases of geographical barriers. The instrument is suitable for the research because of its success in similar scopes such as is application by Mignone, Klostermann and Chen (2009). The data collection technique defines an interviewer, and an interviewee who may be the direct source of required data or may have acquired the information from other sources. I particularly intend to implement a semi-structured interview that will have predetermined questions but will be flexible enough to facilitate in depth exploration of involved subjects (Kothari, 2009; Gill, Stewart, Treasure and Chadwick, 2008). Application of the technique also identifies a number of advantages that has influenced its choice. It allows for generation of extensive data that are further in depth and therefore facilitates adequate exploration of a topic. The technique also allows the interviewer to overcome the challenge of a respondent’s negative attitude towards the research or a question. Consequently, it enhances response rate and promotes clarity because the interviewer has the opportunity to explain uncertain concepts and terms. The technique also integrates easily with other approaches such as observation and therefore facilitates data collection. It can however be expensive, especially if respondents are sparsely distributed over a wide geographical region, and it is susceptible to researcher’s bias. It is also time consuming and requires interpersonal communication skills for developing rapport with respondents and lack of such skills may render it ineffective (Kothari, 2009). The research will also implement questionnaires. The technique is similarly suitable for the research, having been applied by Mignone, Klostermann and Chen (2009) in a research with similar scope of data. Like the interviews, questionnaires consist of predetermined, though

Famine, Affluence, and Morality Essay Example for Free

Famine, Affluence, and Morality Essay In Singer’s article Famine, Affluence, and Morality, his main goal is to get the point across that there are people in the developing world that are starving and have a lack of healthcare and the lack of shelters. He argues about how affluent countries react to the issues like Bengal and the way they look at the moral issue surrounding it. He also argues that the way of life is taken for granted by affluence people. The first counter- argument in the article is â€Å"the view that numbers do make a difference† (Singer, 1971). It refers to if every affluent person would give 5 dollars to the Bengal Relief Fund that money would add up. Therefore, there is no reason to have to give more money than anyone else in the same position. Singer argues that this is based off a hypothetical situation. He, however, says in the article that there is no way for that work since no one would give more than 5 dollars then there would not be enough money to provide food, shelter, and medical care. He says by giving more than 5 dollars he will be able to end more suffering. The second counter argument people do not judge the way Singer suggested they should. Many people tend to keep their judgments to themselves unless they go overboard, step out bounds, and break some type of moral code. The example that Singer uses is taking someone else’s property. Most people tend not to look bad on owning expensive items instead of giving to people less fortunate. Singer’s response to this argument is, â€Å"unless that principle is rejected, or the arguments are shown to be unsound, I think the conclusion must stand however strange it appears. It might, nevertheless, be interesting to consider why our society, and most other societies, do judge differently from the way I have suggested they should. † (Singer, 1972) At what point do people draw the line at what should be done and what is good but not mandatory. Singer brings up a point that, â€Å"In a society which held that no man should have more than enough while others have less than they need. † (Utilitarian Philosophers, NDG) Many people are influenced by the people around them. If people are giving less than people around them are likely to give less, but if people give more than people around him are likely to give more. The third counter argument is the difference between duty and charity. The argument is that in some utilitarian theory that everyone should work full time to increase happiness over misery. Meaning that, if people work more, are paid more money than people would not be as miserable, many people say money cannot buy happiness. Singer’s reaction to this counter- argument is that, â€Å"we ought to be preventing as much suffering as we can without sacrificing something else of comparable moral importance. † (Utilitarian Philosophers, NDG) Singer defines marginal utility as the level at which giving more would result in suffering in his dependents or himself. The meaning of this is that one would limit their material possessions to less than nothing. He further explains that he proposed a more moderate version of marginal utility, â€Å"that we should prevent bad occurrences unless, to do so, we had to sacrifice something morally significant, for one might hold that to reduce oneself and ones family to this level is to cause something significantly bad to happen. (Singer, 1972) It relates to his arguments because he insists that we need to limit our material possessions to that of the Bengal refugees. Singer compares the distinction between duty and charity as not an easy line to draw. However Singer gives an example as this, â€Å"The charitable man may be praised, but the man who is not charitable is not condemned. When we buy new clothes not to keep ourselves, warm but to look well-dressed we are not providing for any important need. We would not be sacrificing anything significant if we were to continue to wear our old clothes, and give the money to famine relief. By doing so, we would be preventing another person from starving. † (Singer, 1972) In other words, instead of buying expensive worthless stuff for yourself giving the extra money would benefit more people and make it more charitable; however, you do not give the extra money to charity you are not looked at any differently. I do agree with some parts of his article, however, I disagree with most of it. First, I think that his article come off with a major attitude in my mind. He does however make some good points like the way he talks about how some people are influenced by the people around them. Another good point that he made is it should not matter how far the distance is wither they are in the same area as you are thousands of miles away. I do not agree with how he insinuates that the richer you are the more you should give. I believe that a person should give as much as he or she wants. I also believe that a person giving charity should not be held at a higher pedestal then someone that is not able to give to charity.

Content and Process Theories of Work Motivation

Content and Process Theories of Work Motivation The work motivation theories can be broadly classified as content theories and process theories. The content theories are concerned with identifying the needs that people have and how needs are prioritized. They are concerned with types of incentives that drive people to attain need fulfillment. The Maslow hierarchy theory, Fredrick Herzbergs two factor theory and Alderfers ERG needs theory fall in this category. Although such a content approach has logic, is easy to understand, and can be readily translated in practice, the research evidence points out limitations. There is very little research support for these models theoretical basic and predictability. The trade off for simplicity sacrifices true understanding of the complexity of work motivation. On the positive side, however, the content models have given emphasis to important content factors that were largely ignored by human relationists. In addition the Alderfers ERG needs theory allows more flexibility and Herzbergs two-fa ctor theory is useful as an explanation for job satisfaction and as a point of departure for job design. The process theories are concerned with the cognitive antecedents that go into motivation and with the way they are related to one another. The theories given by Vroom, Porter and Lawler, equity theory and attribution theory fall in this category. These theories provide a much sounder explanation of work motivations. The expectancy model of Vroom and the extensions and the refinements provided by Porter and Lawler help explain the important cognitive variables and how they relate to one another in the process of work motivation. The Porter Lawler model also gives specific attention to the important relationship between performance and satisfaction. A growing research literature is somewhat supportive of these expectancy models, but conceptual and methodological problems remain. Unlike the content models, these expectancy models are relatively complex and difficult to translate into actual practice. They have also failed to meet the goals of prediction and control Motivation Theory 1 Adams Equity Theory of Work Motivation The theory explains that a major input into job performance and satisfaction is the degree of equity or inequity that people perceive in work situations. Adam depicts a specific process of how this motivation occurs. Inequality occurs when a person perceives that the ratio of his or her outcomes to inputs and the ratio of a relevant others outcomes to inputs are unequal. Our Outcomes Our Inputs Others Inputs Our Outcomes = Others Outcomes = Equity Our Inputs Others Inputs Our Outcomes > Others Outcomes = Inequity (over-rewarded) Our Inputs Others Inputs Both the inputs and the outputs of the person and the other are based upon the persons perceptions, which are affected by age, sex, education, social status, organizational position, qualifications, and how hard the person works, etc. Outcomes consist primarily of rewards such as pay, status, promotion, and intrinsic interest in the job. Equity sensitivity is the ratio based upon the persons perception of what the person is giving (inputs) and receiving (outcomes) versus the ratio of what the relevant is giving and receiving. This cognition may or may not be the same as someone elses observation of the ratios or the same as the actual situation. If the persons perceived ratio is not equal to the others, he or she will strive to restore the ratio to equity. This striving to restore equity is used as the explanation of work motivation. The strength of this motivation is in direct proportion to the perceived inequity that exists. Research suggests that individuals engage in illegal behaviors to maintain equity in relationships, either with their employing organization or with other people (Greenberg, 1990). The theory was later expanded with the concept of Organizational Justice. Organizational justice reflects the extend to which people perceive that they are treated fairly at work. It identified three different components of justice: distributive (The perceived fairness of how resources and rewards are distributed), procedural (The perceived fairness of the process and procedures used to make allocation decisions) and interactional (The perceived fairness of the decision makers behavior in the process of decision-making). (Copanzano, Rupp, Mohler and Schminke, 2001). Critiques: Equity theory is descriptive and it reflects much of our everyday experience. As a theory however equity is only partial in analysis and as a predictor. There are many societal and institutional variables (inequalities) that we all navigate. The theory ignores peoples natural resilience, their competitiveness, selflessness and selfishness, their ethical dilemmas in decision-making and their passions. It does not adequately explain interactions in close relationships such as marriage or emotional labor where we may provide care to others at a burdensome cost of declining personal well-being and self-denial. Norms of equity and reciprocity are often discounted in close and romantic friendships or where there are deep family bonds. In the social exchanges of business, causal, or stranger relationships, there may be more of a dominant assumption that inputs are offered with the expectation of a like response. There is more of a formal contract of tangible and intangible reward. A promise unfulfilled, without proper reciprocity incurs a debt of honor. A promise is broken. In our community, obligations of reciprocal response operate. We are expected to apply the Golden Rule and to help where we can an act ably demonstrated by the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Social exchange theory assumes rational, calculated action involving an expected pay-off. We do not always act rationally. Many will not be as selfish as rational action may suggest. Indeed our reward may be the inner glow of respecting oneself and living to ones own values. Such altruism, albeit self-referential, does not sit easily under the assumptions of the rational, economic-person model. Implications It is necessary to pay attention to what employees perceive to be fair and equitable. For example: In my company, one of my colleagues was assigned to a project that required him to work during non business hours frequently. He worked three days at the office and two days at home in a week for a month and half. This caused others to start working from home during business hours. Allow employees to have a voice and an opportunity to appeal. Organizational changes, promoting cooperation, etc. can come easier with equitable outcomes. Managements failure to achieve equity could be costly for the organization. For example: One of my technically team members was not very competent. He took double the time to complete any give work when compared to the others. Management failed to take any action; instead the others were given more work. Eventually, even the competent workers took it easy to restore equity causing project delays. Motivation Theory 2 Vrooms Expectancy Theory of Motivation: Expectancy theory provides a framework for analyzing work motivation, which is eminently practical. It provides a checklist of factors to be considered in any managerial situation and it points to the links between the relevant factors and the direction, which these factors tend to follow in their interrelationships. (Tony J. Watson, Routledge Kegan Paul, 1986). Expectancy theory holds that people are motivated to behave in ways that produce desired combinations of expected outcomes. It can be used to predict motivation and behavior in any situation in which a choice between two or more alternatives must be made. (Kreitner R. Kinicki A., Mcgraw Hill, 7th Edition). Vroom gave the following equation of Motivation: Motivation (M) = Valence (V) x Expectancy (E) Valence stands for the preference of an individual for a particular outcome. Thus, when an individual desires a particular outcome the value of V is positive. On the other hand when the individual does not desire a certain outcome, the value of V is negative. The value of expectancy ranges between zero and one. When a certain event will definitely not occur the value of E is zero. On the other hand when the event is sure to occur the value of E is one. Since its original conception, the expectancy theory model has been refined and extended many times. The better know of all is the Porter-Lawler model. Although conventional wisdom argues that satisfaction leads to performance, Porter and Lawler argued the reverse. If rewards are adequate, high levels of performance may lead to satisfaction. In addition to the features included in the original expectancy model, the Porter-Lawler model includes abilities, traits, and role perceptions. Critiques: Vrooms theory does not directly contribute to the techniques of motivating people. It is of value in understanding organizational behavior. It clarifies the relation between individuals and the organizational goals. The model is designed to help management understand and analyze employee motivation and identify some to the relevant variables. However, the theory falls short of providing specific solutions to the motivational problems. The theory also does not take into account the individual differences based on individual perceptions nor does it assume that most people have the same hierarchy of needs. It treats as a variable to be investigated just what it is that particular employees are seeking in their work. Thus the theory indicates only the conceptional determinants of motivation and how they are related. Research studies have confirmed that the association of both kinds of expectancies and valences with effort and performance. The motivated behavior of people arises from their valuing expected rewards, believing effort will lead to performance, and that performance will result in desired rewards. The expectancy theory explains motivation in the U.S. better than elsewhere and therefore may not be suitable for other regions. Implications This theory can be used by the managers to: Determine the primary outcome each employee wants. Decide what levels and kinds of performance are needed to meet organizational goals. Make sure the desired levels of performance are possible. Link desired outcomes and desired performance. Analyze the situation for conflicting expectations. Make sure the rewards are large enough. Make sure the overall system is equitable for everyone. Motivation Theory 3 Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Need: Maslow believed that within every individual, there exists a hierarchy of five needs and that each level of need must be satisfied before an individual pursues the next higher level of need (Maslow, 1943). As an individual progresses through the various levels of needs, the proceeding needs loose their motivational value. The basic human needs placed by Maslow in an ascending order of importance can be summarized and shown as below: The desire to become what one is capable of becoming. These are the needs to be held in esteem both by oneself and by others. These are the needs to belong and to be accepted by various groups. These are the needs to be free of physical danger. The safety needs look to the future. These are the basic needs for sustaining human life itself, such as food, water, warmth, shelter, and sleep. Maslow in his later work (Maslow, 1954) said: Gratification of the self-actualization need causes an increase in its importance rather than a decrease. Long deprivation of a given need, results in fixation for that need. Higher needs may emerge not after gratification, but rather by long deprivation, renunciation or suppression of lower needs. Human behavior is multi-determined and multi-motivated. Critiques: Part of the appeal of Maslows theory is that it provides both a theory of human motives by classifying basic human needs in a hierarchy and the theory of human motivation that relates these needs to general behavior. Maslows major contribution lies in the hierarchical concept. He was the first to recognize that a need once satisfied is a spent force and ceases to be a motivator. Maslows need hierarchy presents a paradox in as much as while the theory is widely accepted, there is a little research evidence available to support the theory. It is said that beyond structuring needs in a certain fashion Maslow does not give concrete guidance to the managers as to how they should motivate their employees. Implications: The need hierarchy as postulated by Maslow does not appear in practice. It is likely that over fulfillment of anyones particular need may result in fixation for the need. In that case even when a particular need is satisfied a person may still engage in the fulfillment of the same need. Furthermore, in a normal human being, all the needs are not always satisfied entirely. There remains an unsatisfied corner of every need in spite of which the person seeks fulfillment of the higher need. A person may move on to the next need in spite of the lower need being unfulfilled or being partly fulfilled. Conclusion No single motivation theory can suffice in todays workplace. Each motivational theory has its pros and cons. A theory may get the highest performance from an employee but may not from another employee. The organizations workplace has changed dramatically in the past decade. Companies are both downsizing and expanding (often at the same time, in different divisions or levels of the hierarchy). Work is being out-sourced to various regions and countries. The workforce is characterized by increased diversity with highly divergent needs and demands. Information technology has frequently changed both the manner and location of work activities. New organizational forms (such as e-commerce) are now common. Teams are redefining the notion of hierarchy, as well as traditional power distributions. The use of contingent workers is on the rise and globalization and the challenges of managing across borders are now the norm. These changes have had a profound influence on how companies attempt to attract, retain, and motivate their employees. Yet we lack new models capable of guiding managers in this new era of work. As management scholar Peter Cappelli notes, Most observers of the corporate world believe that the traditional relationship between employer and employee is gone, but there is little understanding of why it ended and even less about what is replacing that relationship (Cappelli, 1999). I believe that the existing work motivation and job performance theories are inadequate to cater to the present era of such diverse workforce. New theories of motivation are required to commensurate with this new era.

Charles Dickens engender sympathy Essay

How does Charles Dickens engender sympathy for his protagonist Pip in this extract from ‘Great Expectations’? In this essay on ‘Great Expectations’, I am going to explore how the experiences of the main character Pip, create sympathy from the reader for him and how Dickens has put this across. Charles Dickens has written a gripping novel, set in his time and he has created sympathy for Pip in many different ways throughout the text. A first example of this is when Pip visits Miss Havisham’s house and meets Estella. ‘She called me â€Å"boy† so often and with a carelessness that was far from complimentary7, this shows that the way Estella spoke to Pip and that, instead of addressing him by his name, she just called him boy as if he was not worthy of his name, and he could sense that she did not really like him because of the way she said this, as indicated in the quote. This makes the reader feel sorry for Pip as Estella was very rude to him and unwelcoming, and nobody would really like to be in his position. So as well as being uncomfortable at the way Estella treats him, Pip also feels uncomfortable with his new surroundings as he has grown up with Joe and his Sister in poor, working class conditions at a Blacksmith’s forge, whereas Satis House is very different. It is rich and grand but also scary for Pip. ‘The first thing I noticed was that the passages were all dark’, this shows that Pip must have been quite frightened because of the darkness, and he was in a strange place but it is even worse that it is the first thing he noticed about the house. Pip was frightened of his surroundings as they were gothic and dark and very different, but the fact that he did know anyone at all must have also been a challenging experience. ‘At last we came to the door of a room and she said, â€Å"Go in/’ I answered more in shyness than politeness, â€Å"After you miss. † To this she returned: â€Å"Don’t be ridiculous boy; I am not going in. † And scornfully walked away, and what was worse took the candle with her. ‘ This was very uncomfortable and I was half afraid/ This long quote, from the extract shows a lot, first of all that he was very shy and uncomfortable in everyway at where he was and that he didn’t know anyone and he was also afraid. When he entered Miss Havisham’s room he was afraid again because of the very strange surroundings he entered into. ‘No glimpse of daylight was to be seen in it! ‘ this shows that it was very unusual and he was quite frightened and also when he saw Miss Havisham, ‘the strangest lady I have ever seen or shall ever see/ As well as being very strange, Pip also noticed that she was extremely rich, ‘some bright jewels sparkled on her neck and her hands, and some other jewels lay sparkling on the table/ Pip was not used to seeing such finery or such unusual surroundings so all of this makes the reader feel very sympathetic towards him. Miss Havisham’s mental state could also be a coarse for concern as, since her fianci left her on their wedding day and broke her heart she went a bit mad and stopped all of the clocks in the house and, by never touching anything in her room she tried literally to stop time at the prosiest second her heart was broken. ‘Her watch had stopped at twenty minutes to nine’ and she says to Pip ‘†What do I touch? † â€Å"Your heart. † â€Å"Broken! â€Å"‘ This experience must have been very frightening and unsettling for a young naive boy who was not used to being in the presence of such an eccentric and slightly mad old lady. Not just the fact that Miss Havisham was strange and so were her surroundings she also spoke to Pip and ordered him in a very strange and suspicious/manner. ‘†I sometimes have sick fancies† â€Å"and I have a sick fancy that I want to see some play. There, there! † â€Å"Play, play, play! â€Å"‘ This order seems rather strange for an old woman to have a fancy to see a young boy play but also the repetitive way in which she commands him to ‘†Play, play, play! â€Å"‘ She says this three times and Pip does not really know what to do so he therefore feels very awkward. After the harsh words from Estella and meeting Miss Havisham, Pip starts to feel the realisation of his low social status. ‘ This boy, why he is a common labouring boy, these words from Estella hurt Pip deeply but he did not show his true emotions until he was alone. ‘As I cried, I kicked the wall and took a hard twist at my hair; so bitter where my feelings! ‘ Dickens has displayed this very well as you can also feel a connection with him, because it is written in first person narration I, so you feel like Pip is actually talking to you, and you could imagine if you were in Pip’s position you, yourself would feel very frightened and uncomfortable so you end up feeling sorry and sympathetic for him.

The Role of Government in Economy

Nowadays, there are debates on how far government should interfere with the economy. Government has played an impact on the economy with the purpose to maximize the well-being of society. What governments generally do is to assure the economy grows at a steady pace, increase level of employment and stabilize the price level. However, whether government should take active policies to interfere with economy or just let it grow naturally has raised widely discussion. This essay discusses the role of government by analyzing both thought of Keynes and Friedman and then prove the effectiveness of Friedman’s theory with historical examples. Firstly, the Great Depression of the 1930s has helped prove the importance of government’s intervention on the economy in the past. The Great Depression started with a decrease in stock prices in America and then quickly spread to most parts of the world (McElvaine, 1993, p 59). There was a tremendous decrease on the demand and global trade, followed by high unemployment rate. As a result, various measures were taken by governments worldwide in an attempt to accelerate the economy’s recovery and reduce the unemployment rate including stimulation on demand by spending much more than they took in (Fox, 2008, p 1). At the final several years of the Great Depression, Keynesian macroeconomic theory, which shows the importance of government’s role on the economy, has played an impact on interventionists’ policies. In Keynesian economics, when inefficient economic outcomes aroused from decisions of private sector, public sector needs to take active measures. By fiscal policy adjusting taxes and government spending and monetary policy which deals with the amount of money supplied and credit, government could help stabilize the economic growth rate, and then plays an impact on price level and employment rate in the process (Congdon, 2007, p 169). In the case of the Great Depression, Keynes said the low unemployment rate were the result of insufficient demand, thus intervention of government was important to run deficits, increase spending and/or cutting taxes, and so as to keep people fully employed (Aikins, 2009, p 403). However, the stagflation of 1970s has challenged Keynesian theory bringing debates on the intervention of government on the economy (Gittins, 2010, p 6). According to Bresiger (2009) it was the 1970s, economic growth was weak, resulting in rising unemployment that eventually reached double-digits. The easy-money policies, which financed huge budget deficits and were supported by political leaders, were then undertaken by the American central bank, in order to generate full employment. However, it also caused high inflation which began in late 1972 and didn't end until the early 1980s. The great inflation, and the recession that followed, wrecked many businesses and hurt countless individuals. As Bresiger (2009) concluded in his article that before inflation returned to low single digits, another brutal policy of tight money, including the acceptance of a recession would be expected, and meanwhile the unemployment rate would exceed 10%. Given the increasing skepticism towards usefulness of fiscal policy and its multiplier effects proposed by Keynesian theory, another macroeconomic policy named monetarism chiefly proposed by Milton Friedman has attracted growing supports (Issing, 2010, p 35). It was supported by Bernhut (2003) concerning monetary policy, emphasizing on the amounts of money that government should determine to supply in circulation. The theory of monetarism puts a stress on the benefits aroused from free market economics and weaknesses associated with government intervention on the economy (Congdon, 2007, p 200). The appropriate economic role for government is to manage the amount of money in circulation, so as to influence aggregate output in the short run and finally control the level of prices and inflation rate over longer periods. Particularly during the 1980s, some of the laissez-faire thoughts proposed by Friedman including monetary policy, privatization, deregulation and taxation, were used by governments (Congdon, 2007, p 202). After analyzing the thought of both Keynes and Friedman respectively, it may be better to give a comparison on the two theories in order to see what role government should take in the economy. As Issing (2010 p 1) says in his article, after the Great Depression, there was dominant belief on the Keynesian theory. However, the lessons obtained from the stagflation of 1970s, associated with Keynesian policies, are that unrestrained and neffectively planned intervention by government could give rise to market failure and adverse economic outcome (Aikins, 2009, p 405). The weakness of Keynesian theory was supported by Callaghan who stated that cutting taxes and boosting government spending during recession would inject higher inflation rate followed by higher rate of unemployment (Issing , 2010, p 2). On the contrary, rather than regarding insufficient demand as the key factor driven the Great Depression, Friedman argued it was largely caused by the Federal Reserve reducing the money supply. In the article, Issing (2010) plays an importance on the money by illustrating that ignoring monetary factors has led to the worst crisis since the Great Depression related to the asset price bubbles. Another example which helps prove the effectiveness of monetarism was given by Congdon (2007). When Margaret Thatcher won the 1979 general election in United Kingdom, Britain had several inflation for several year, with inflation rate rarely below 10%. Even worse, the rate had reached 27% by the time of the election. Thatcher implemented monetarism to control inflation, and successfully reduced the rate to 4% at 1983. There was a global recession at that time, and Thatcher's monetarist policies contributed to the success of fighting against the recession, meanwhile helped Britain become one of the nations which recover economic growth firstly. To sum up, this essay has examined two theories concerning about the role that government should take in economy. In Keynesian economy, fiscal policy is particularly an important tool that government should use when aggregate demand is not insufficient and keep full employment by running government deficit. Historical evidence has showed that it was not an efficient way to fight recession. Conversely the monetarism offers Keynesians a better view of monetary policy. It can be shown that the core ideology of monetarism can still work well today and monetary factors can not be neglected, thus government has a role to determine amount of money supplied as well as the volume of credit in all aspects, but not interfere with the economy unrestrainedly and ineffectively.

support homosexuality essays

support homosexuality essays Gays are standing up and ask for their right. They fight against Anti-Gays, and ask for their rights and ask to legalize their sexual relationship. For many religions and some countries, they are discussing how to resolve this problem, and that if they should legalize homosexual marriage or not. For some religions, the man and woman are made especially for each other. Gays, who committed in homosexual relationship, violate the natural law, and its mean that they committed a sin. Its hardly accepted by society and there are too many people against the Gays. For some societies, example in ancient China, having a Gay child should be a shame for the family, and the Gay child would bear the discrimination from the society. The hope of having a boy child having the family name will be hopeless. They considered this relationship as a mental disorder and listed it as a disease in the law. People are also afraid that if Gay relationship is legal, it may encourage many people, who are not Gay, follow and act like Gays, and it will be terrible problem for our society. Base on the view of Gays, they think that their relationship is natural. Its natural because they are born like that; God created them like that so their natures are Gays and the homosexual relationship is natural for them. They found the sexual attract from others. They try to find their partners and live together; they take care for each other as normal heterosexual couple. They even take good care of their partners kids and raise the children. For me, I think if someone is born as Gays its okay for them to commit in their homosexual relationship. They are born different than others; it doesnt mean that they will be abandoned by the whole society. We should understand and let them have their human rights and live their style life. But I dont mean to encourage someone who is not Gay but follow and act like Gay; this action will aga...

Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011

Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 According to Goffman (1963, p. 89), social stigma is a process whereby reactive approach from society destroys the existing normal identity of a person. The author further defines social stigma as a process of disapproving personal characteristics and beliefs which are considered to be against societal norms and beliefs.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Goffman in his work identifies three types of stigma. To begin with, he explores life long experience which may result from mental illness. The second aspect is that he attempts to address physical deformity or distinct traits which are undesired. Lastly, the aspect of associating an individual with certain beliefs, race or religions which are undesired in society has also been given special consideration by Goffman. Therefore, his definition of stigma can be viewed in different pers pectives depending on how he presents each element that makes up the whole definition. The author further divides relationship between an individual and stigma into three distinct groups. Firstly, the stigmatized are those individuals who suffer from the effects of stigma while normal individuals in society are those who do not bear the stigma. His third category consists of people who are wise and are considered normal even by those who have been stigmatized. These three categories are indeed very important when exploring significance of stigma in contemporary age. While his theory and concept on stigma may to a large extent be disputed by other scholars, it is still imperative to note that the author, to a large extent, offers the right direction towards understanding stigma. Needless to say, this may be an important step in the right direction even in 2011 when societal stigma on various aspects is still dominant. In modern society, stigma can be associated with necessity to be p owerful whether politically, economically or socially. However, in some circumstances, the role played by power can be clear while in some situations it may lack clarity. For instance, inmates often undergo stigma related experiences as a result of power that is associated with the institution. Thus, prisoners will be stigmatized on the basis that they are feeling powerless since they are being guarded. However, according to Goffman’s theory, the prisoners’ situation may not be equated to true stigmatization bearing in mind that they do not experience social, economic or political power in this situation. In addition, their thoughts are hardly directed towards the guards and hence, they are not seriously affected by the impact of stigmatization.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Goffman (1963, p.45), the aspect of stigma takes place when a pers on is considered deviant and linked with certain stereotypes which may be negative in nature. The present society still applies Goffman’s theory to illuminate how individuals are trying to manage their identities that are being perceived as undesirable in the presence of those who are normal. For instance, the model is still applied by individuals who have certain diseases such as HIV/AIDS which for a long time, has been considered as a deviant ailment associated with those who are sexually immoral. Therefore, HIV/AIDS patients try to manage their predicament even if they are disqualified from society by those individuals that Goffman termed as wise. However, Estroff (1989, p.189) argues that Goffman’s focus on the aspect of stigma is not fixed or inherent enough; the focus is a mere difference of meaning or experience faced by an individual (Goffman, 1963, p.53). Goffman also defined stigma as an aspect that violates the expectations of society in both natural and ord inary settings among certain groups of people. According to the author, an individual who has attributes which are considered less desirable and are out of what the society expects is considered tainted or stigmatized in terms of identity. Goffman argued that individuals with tainted identities have to be very cautious while presenting themselves in public. In addition, they need to critically determine the god or bad attribute to either hide or reveal to other individuals in certain circumstances (Estroff, 1989, p.190). In present world, the society expects heterosexual adults to get an ideal mate and get married. Therefore, failure to achieve this may be considered to be abnormal and not acceptable in society. Moreover, individuals who have attained certain age are expected to find a partner and start up a family and therefore those who fail to achieve this are considered to be having an attribute that is less desirable in the society. Nonetheless, in the society, there are still uniformly ingrained expectations of things that are considered natural and ordinary for individuals who decide to remain single even after attaining certain age (Fine Asch, 1988, p.21). The process of finding a mate should also meet the expectations of the society by being natural and normal.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Goffmans definition of stigma is still useful in 2011 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hence, aspects such as online dating which have become common in the 21st century are some instance that illustrates the usefulness of Goffman’s theory of stigma. Individuals who date online are considered to be violating the expected dating practices as they meet their potential mates online and thus they have a tainted identity which is double in nature. On the basis of Goffman’s theory, there is tainted identity as online daters face stigmatization from the society (Heatherton et al., 2000, p. 47). Additionally, Goffman’s theory has been used and is still useful in current researches on modern social stigma especially on diseases that are associated with social stigma. Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, psychiatric disorders and other physical disabilities are among diseases that are being researched and correlated to stigma using Goffman’s theory. For instance epilepsy is one of the neurological disorders associated with quite a number of social stigmas. For example, a study carried out by Chung-yan in Hong Kong used the model to carry out a research on public attitudes on individuals who have epilepsy. Therefore, the theory has been used by researchers to identify ways of handling and dealing with stigma. For example, the findings from the research have been used to formulate recommendations on ways of strengthening the system of rehabilitation centers not only in Hong Kong but also in other parts of the world. The theory has also been used to eliminate stigmas that are associated with mental illness (Goffman, 1959, p.78). Studies on HIV/AIDS have also used the theory in tackling stigma that is associated with the disease. It has been used with the aim of evaluating the impact of stigma on care and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Medical practitioners and counselors apply the theory in their daily activities to sensitize individuals on the diseases and avoid stigma. Thus, the theory has been individuals to come out in open and declare their status an aspect that have helped in curbing the spread of the disease (Anleu, 2006, p.34) A study carried out by Marshall, Douglas and McDonnell (2007, p. 67) evaluated some of the effects of stigma. It made use of Goffman’s theory in a study that consisted 210 people. Using the theory, the study found out that individuals who had high level of concerns regarding to their status did not respond and adhere to the medication while those who had low concerns regarding to the same adhered to their medications and other counseling services regarding their status. Therefore, the theory is still being used in 2011 to understand reasons why individuals who are HIV positive abscond the drugs or spread the disease or refuse to embrace voluntary testing services. Moreover, the theory has been used to explain why individuals are not usually ready to reveal their status to others. This is because these individuals are more sensitive to social stigma (Link Phelan, 2008, p.45)Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the aforementioned social stigma in Goffman’s theory in 2011 is still being associated with certain diseases and the effects of the stereotypes impact on people negatively. Furthermore, regardless of the nature of the stigma whether it impacts them negatively or positively the perceptions of individuals are usually altered regardless of the situation. Thus, the theory has been used and is still used in 2011 to create mutual understanding of stigma through education in order to eliminate it. Furthermore the Goffman’s theory has been used to classify different categories of stigma. For instance, according to Goffman (1963, p. 77), stigma takes the form of a disease or condition, obesity, dating types, gender, culture and even race. The theory has also been used to indicate how individuals who have been stigmatized feel that their lives is been changed from a normal to that which is tainted. The theory has also been used to individuals feel devalued and differe nt by their peers (Cardwell Flanagan, 2003, p.77). This has been used to address various occurrences in families, criminal justice systems, education, health care and workplace centers. Link and Phelan (2008, p.45) further point out that Goffman’s theory has been used to explain reasons why people are being affected by stigma. For example, people who are stigmatized, in most cases, tend to behave the way society that stigmatized them expects. Thus, the theory has been used and is still being used to explain how stigma not only changes behavior of individuals but also transforms their beliefs and emotions. Finally, it can be argued that the theory has been used to explain how stigma puts the social identity of people in situations that are threatening such as low self-esteem (Plummer, 1975, p.88). In summing up, it is imperative to reiterate that Goffman’s theory on social stigma may not be dismissed in totality in spite of some of the differences in thought that may b e evident when interpreting his arguments. As already mentioned, there are quite a number of infirmities that are still being associated with this theory especially in light of common stereotyping that is prevalent in society. It is also worthy to mention that irrespective of the nature of stigma, perceptions and feelings of individuals are usually transformed to some degree, in the sense that stigma may affect individuals either positively or negatively. Hence, Goffman’s theory on this subject is still relevant up to date. References Anleu, S. L. R. 2006. Deviance, Conformity and Control, New York: Pearson Longman. Cardwell, M. Flanagan, C.2003. Psychology A2: the complete companion. London: Nelson Thornes. Estroff, S.E. 1989. Self, identity and subjective experiences of schizophrenia: in search of the subject. Schizophrenia Bulletin 15:189-196. Fine, M, Asch, A. 1988. Disability beyond stigma: social interaction, discrimination, and activism. Journal of Social Issues 44:3 -22. Goffman, E. 1959. The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York: Anchor. Goffman,E, 1963. Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. New York. Prentice-Hall. Heatherton, T. F et al. 2000. The Social Psychology of Stigma, Melbourne: Guilford Press. Link, B. G. Phelan, J. C. 2008. ConceptualizingStigma. Annual Review of Sociology, 27, 363-85. Marshall, H., Douglas, K. McDonnell, D. 2007. Deviance and Social Control: Who Rules? Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Plummer, K. 1975. Sexual stigma: an interactionist account, New York: Routledge.

The Concept Of Political Correctness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Concept Of Political Correctness - Essay Example After much struggle and various trials and errors, our society has made a conscious effort to end racial bigotry in all its forms. This has given rise to the concept of political correctness. We have only to look at television programming and content to realize how stereotyping is perpetuated and accepted. In most television shows, the man portrayed as gay usually always has a lisp, the rapper is black, and the Latino is an illegal immigrant. The reality is far from it. We have only to look at the media to prove the point; in this case, we look at media celebrities. Clay Aiken and Ricky Martin, both gay men, do not have a lisp; Eminem, one of the best rappers of America, is white; George Lopez is not an illegal immigrant, in fact, he is an American born Latino.The Native-Americans find their lot no better. We have teams named â€Å"Indians† and â€Å"Chiefs† which portray stereotypical Native-Americans hooked noses, and feathers, as their mascots and logos, said to hono r the Native-Americans. Never mind the racially motivated names of the teams, their mascots and logos are enough to prove that it is no homage to the Native Americans, but massive stereotyping at work. In our times, it is unacceptable that any group of people is discriminated against, yet by perpetuating the stereotypes and tolerating them, we end up being passive bigots, as we, passively, accept that certain groups of people either look or behave in a certain way when we do not object to the stereotypical portrayal of such people.

SIM335 Managing Projects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

SIM335 Managing Projects - Essay Example Any concurrent activities, which activity follows which? The network diagram will look as below and boxes represent the following aspects: If activity A has duration of 4 days, earliest start time would be day 0 (zero) and the earliest finish would be day 4. The earliest start for activity B would be day 4 and the earliest finish would be day 9 as a result of adding. Earliest finish of activity A (4) + duration of activity B (5) = 9 early finish for activity B In general, earliest finish of previous activity+ duration of current activity= earliest finish of the current activity. (Early finish for earlier tasks becomes the early the start for next activity). For a case like activity G that has several preceding activities, we take the value, which has the largest earlier finish value (F 13). The latest start and latest finish are determined by working backwards through the project. Latest start for activity Q = earliest finish of activity Q because it is the last activity. In general: Latest start= latest finish– duration The latest start used as the latest finish for the previous activity. For instance, the latest start for activity Q is 93–5= 88 and this is used as the value for latest finish for activity P. for activities like I & J we use the latest start for activity K. for activity H we take the least value for latest start in this case is 34 (latest start for activity I). ... calculated by: Early finish– early start– duration=Total float For instance, to calculate total float between activities G &H =34–13–(13+8) =0 Critical path is the least amount of time that can be taken to complete the project. This means that there is no float, no free time and a delay in the critical path can lead to a delay in project completion. It can be determined by adding the duration of each activity in the sequence where there is no float. In our case, the critical path is from activity A to Q in the sequence: A(4)+F(9)+G(13)+H(8)+I(7)+K(8)+L(13)+M(9)+N(4)+O(4)+P(9)+Q(5) =93. It is very important as it helps in time scheduling of consecutive activities in a project. Events that occur here are known as milestone (Harold, 2009). If the activity begins on Monday January 16th, the project needs a total of 122 days to finish with a five-day working period then we find out how many weeks we be will need. If one week has a total of 5 working days then t he project will take 122?5=24 weeks and four days, then the project will end on Thursday 5th July 2012. In case activity B is delayed by two days, there would be no effect on the total project duration because it has a float of four days. This is however not the case for activities P and O, delaying activity P by two days or activity O by a day will affect the total duration of the project because there is no float for the two activities (Harold, 2009). Limitations of network diagrams The time estimates depend on personal bias, there is no specific formula for determining the duration of the activities and speculation is used. This may affect the whole project just in case any activity is delayed or takes a longer duration to finish. As seen from above, activities without float if delayed for any reason can