Thursday, October 31, 2019

Seminar Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Seminar Question - Essay Example Simply put, if you promise that you will do something for another person and in return, that person agrees to pay you something, then you and that person have made a contract. A contract can be in verbal or written form but the most important thing is that there would be an agreement especially between two parties. Likewise, according to the labour laws of many countries, both the worker and the employee are bound by certain statutory regulations that would ensure that no party will breach the agreed contract. Indeed, when a person has decided to enter into an agreement with someone, both parties should have a common ground of understanding of the nature of the contract they would be agreeing upon so as to avoid conflict and misunderstanding in the future. Thus, the case involving Will Bearing can be attributed to as unfair dismissal or termination of contract as a result of foreseen circumstances that were meant to benefit the foreman but which he apparently refused to endorse as a driver. The foreman wanted Will Bearing to falsify a tachograph reading in the lorry which he was to drive but he refused which led to an altercation between the two leading to a fight. Unfortunately, the consequences led to Will’s dismissal without notice and he was denied any representation. Legally, he is entitled to be represented in such a situation under the terms of agreement in the contract. His dismissal is unfair as well as the allegations of subsequent discovery that Will had been pilfering with some of the loads which he carried. This could have been brought to his attention before his dismissal if that could have been the case. One thing that is disturbing and unfair in Will’s dismissal is that he has not been given the reason fo r instant termination of his contract and he stands better chances of winning his case in the court of law. In the event of a successful claim, Will stands better chances of being reinstated to his

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

The Nature of class relations in 1880s Canada Essay Example for Free

The Nature of class relations in 1880s Canada Essay In Canada, the response to industrial capitalism was evident between the year 1867 and 1892 by the Toronto workers. The exercise began in the late 1960s at the Toronto University. In North America Universities this period was very exciting whereby many of them accepted the dogmas and came under vigorous re-examination. However, the history of Canadian was one of the disciplines which did not address the question of the events which were prevailing by that time. The Canadian traditional histography had been very narrow until the times of leader Harold Innis who came up with considerable useful system of work on the political economy of Canadians.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Class was one among the factors which had been completely ignored by Canadian historical writing. Although there was a great value of historian sources, the work was somehow antiquarian and also indicated a conservative methodology. Involved in the list of the generalization’s list were political economists like Eugene Forsey and Logan both whom had restrictions towards the study of the working class in narrow sense of institution. The essence for account of the working class in Canadian which was a new approach in history and methodological innovations which was very apparent. After several studies, it indicated that a community study seemed to be the place by then to start reconstruction of Canadian working class experience. The main reason of choosing the Toronto city was due to its economic importance and also its key role in development of the earliest labor movements. Toronto workers who used to live in Ontario’s leading city were among the first group to experience the industrial revolution to join Unions of Institutions so as to create the city labor centre and also to national labor organizations. More so, Toronto proved to the especially to the rich that it had achieved holdings pertinent to the studies which were proposed (Alexander 1962, p. 43).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the nineteenth century the city’s press was very vibrant and also well preserved. It had very well maintained trade union records and the other materials of work. The city also had a very lively labor press where much of it was still extant. The essence of choosing the period of the nineteenth century was to capture the Toronto’s working class at its conception. The establishment of the class relations lay in the workers and industrialization’s response to that process. Such was a study of the interaction of economic transformation and the emerging working class that both of them shaped and was on the other hand shaped by the new class. The emergence of trade unionism, the struggle for shorter hours in the 1870s, the surge of oppositional cultures based on the knights of labor in the years of 1880s and the establishment of institutional framework for movements of trade unions lay during this period.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Important new organizations were created from the development of the working class. To achieve the full analysis, it required that the placement of the economic transformation context and cultural adaptations which were denied to them by the institutional labor history. In the decade of 1880s, the industrial conservative and industrial expansion ruled not on even a single important measure on behalf of industrial workers which was placed upon Dominion’s book of statute. In 1889, the government passed measures which had no division and in turn removed the afforded protection by the Act of 1872. Also, the same regulation in the labor interest was declared but for this case, by the provinces. According to Armstrong report, it states that Armstrong was primarily an employee in the Toronto daily meal since 1872. He later became a leader in one of unions. He was later appointed to head an investigation committee whereby he analyzed the membership in terms of eligibility, reliability and other past records. He ensured promotion of the female organizations in terms of labor and rated their wages according to the work completed. In his report, he stressed that childhood labor should have very tough laws in its enforcement. He recommended that, boards of arbitration should deal and handle cases and disputes of the workers who complain about long working hours. To this case, he recommended for shortening of the long and exploitative hours. He further suggested that all Canadian laborers or workmen should have proper compensation which should be fully supported by the union. Contrary to that, he was however opposed by all other private agencies that offered employment services. http://www.books.google.com/books?isbn=0802039987   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to the testimony of A W. Wright, he testified for the Son of Man who is against the offspring of prediction. It stresses on setting for the father and obedience to God’s elect, testified by the month of he lord, angles and men. With a true discovery of a bundle of equivocations, confusions and hypocrisy in those who term themselves as preachers and to the light with all men. Richard Dennis he argues that in Canada, exists a long history of suburban working class settlement. However, the conditions have improved. The workers in suburban once lived at the frontier line of the urban economy, after 1945, they occupied a more standardized and financial subdivisions, they became apart and parcel of its consumer apotheosis.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There has been a noted variation in working conditions across different trades. For instance, when compared to Canada, the trade union membership in Australian grew dramatically. Comparative analysis of to steel and iron plants in Australia and Canada there was a broad union growth in a five time. One firm was locate at New South Wales while the other at Sydney. The workers at both firms unionized and the union of the Sydney firm collapsed due to strike. The union of steel and iron did not revive at the Sydney Firm until the time of World War I. with the exception of a brief period, steel and iron unionism continued under examination at the lith grow plant. The ideas of employers about the proper economic relations and their power in the workplace varied from a location to another according to different writers. Their suggestions included the problems which were encountered in the service employee international unions which needed to be addressed. They also suggests that many of the issues that would not be resolved without the unions establishment. There was a need to blow up the worse unions before fixing them incrementally as a result to dysfunctional unions. Improper distribution of the enough money in the economy was the main problem. There was also a suggestion that the people should be independent and be able to provide for themselves. There was attacked to the major organizations through their way of exploiting their workers in cutting their benefits. To most of the workers, there was the idea of benefiting from the employees because this drastically raised their incomes in the workplace. After industrialization in Canada, most of the employees were forked to join the trade union. As a result majority were affected by the laid down regulations like termination of child labor and standardization of wages and salaries as they were used to exploitation. Their powers in the work place was adversely reduce because they were forced to abide to the unions rules had limited powers in the workplace (Alexander 1962, p 66).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Before the industrialization in Canada, the employees had negative attitudes towards the labor organizations. Such included low organization in preventive measures while at work among other risky and exploitative measures.   Immediately after the industrialization was put in place, there was mobilization in formal sector. There was also appeal to the government for provision of welfare benefits. According to study, neoliberal reform surprisingly had opened up new channels for the informal workers which contributed them as a class. The employers also put more emphasis to organization and improvement of the workers conditions of safety in the workplace. Due to along period of exploitation and intimation in the work place before Canada’s industrialization, the employees reviewed themselves as devaluated in the workplace. Their rights were not considered, for instance through working for long hours and paid very little money, working under danger situations without protection among other work threats. After industrialization in 1880s, the employees were better placed because most of their problems were addressed in the international union guide. It protected their rights in payments according to the work done, ensured provision of protective measures while at work for instance when working in mines and mills among many. Most of the employees in America joined trade unions just as their colleagues did elsewhere. This caused eruption of strikes. For instance, some worked out of the American Railway Union’s in protest of the Pullman Company’s treatment of its operatives because violent. Majority showed a little or no desire in reduction of employment hours. In the real sense, the unions formed served to boost their wages and also improved their working conditions. Their sporting events, dinner, lectures and others enhanced their quality of life. Also the well developed insurance plans enabled the vagaries of life to be very manageable. As a result of the social role being more in evidence in the membership’s daily experience than were the Union’s economic responsibilities, many employees were drawn to knight labor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The knights of labor was a good representation of a significant experience in the phase of Canadian working class formation. This was the group of renegade intellectuals who brought the labor questions into federal and provincial politics. They aimed at articulating labor’s struggles. However, it faced many challenges for instance the employee resistance, the 1880’s economic crisis and trade unions which opposed an internal divisions. Most of the members of knights of labor were usually wave earners who could work for long hours in very hazardous conditions. They lived in utter poverty whereby their dwellings were tenants and hovels, their wages however were too little even to cater for their necessities. On the other hand the knights were highly cooperatives which practiced state ownership of all the public utilities they believe in sincerity and honesty of all the members. They were neatly knit together and maintained secret of order. Consequently, they together created a movement culture of alternative, potential social and cultural difficulties. This was the main reason why some workers were drawn to the knights’ labor. Various groups approach in the subject of women and children labor. Before 1880, the women labor force was endless and very diverse. Some of jobs include helping the men in the fields at planting and harvesting times among other household duties. According to Colonial theory, a woman was by no means a weak culture at the beginning of the 19th century, the industrialization in market place began and also the flowering of capitalism. The change established new hierarchies for work between unpaid and paid labor. This was because of absorption of large numbers of men where some women were involved in work or wages outside their homes. In 1880s, although most of women in working class worked outside their homes, there was still a notion by middle class society that the woman’s place was the home where the work had less value. Although the number of women workers in paid labor force raised in percentage from 23.7 percent to 26.3 percent between 1880 and 1920 the total women working number tripled. Due to this, the society accepted the fact that women should work and should do so having their reputations ruined. Although their number increased, this was not nearly significantly as the shift in the occupations. This however left the laws status of women in the work force unchanged. For the case of children’s labor, according to many of the writers, many children were involved in work place. The opportunity of paid employment widened the minority of children not attending schools. Due to Canada’s industrialization and urbanization new children jobs become available especially in Montrà ©al textile mills, Cape Breton and BC mines, Hamilton and also in small manufacturing enterprises. As a result, several conditions combined to end child labor in Canada. This was due to most of the jobs being dead end and poorly paid mineral jobs which led no advancement opportunities. Consequently, by the end of 1980, a large number of children under the age of 14 had been excluded from mines and factory employment. There was a great depression when many adults sought some of the jobs formally done by children hence the children were forced back to school (Alexander 1962, p.98). According to the Freed report, which basically gave 10 years, outlook of the Canadians labor market between the periods of 2004 to 2003, the Freed’s report articulated to the views of employers who attained the sustainable economic growth. This resulted from utilization of high skilled labor due to educational standards of Canada’s labor force which had kept pace with the skilled demand. Also the low skilled occupations had been created. For the medium term, employment growth was determined by demographic development and economy which reduced employment rate through creation of slow and sustained growth. The difference between Armstrong’s report and Freed’s report was that with Armstrong, there was analyzation of membership reliability, eligibility and prevention of child labor. It also considered the unpaid working hours and advocated for rectification. It also ensured union’s support in workplace. For Freeds, it only stressed on better skills which can improve the outcome in occupations. Training for career was his most requirements to venture in to any workplace so as to growth in economy. Reference. Alexander R, (1962). Labor Relations in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. New York.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Case Study on Adolescent Depression

Case Study on Adolescent Depression This case study concerns a teenage service user whom we shall refer to using a pseudo name, Katie, to maintain confidentiality in line with the Nursing Midwifery Council Code of Conduct (NMC, 2015). Katie suffers from a comorbidity of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and depression, and the focus of case study is on thedepression component. Managing and treating depression has proved to be sometimes difficult for both practitioners and patients due to its multi-dimensional aetiology which is attributed to a combination of biological, environmental and personal factors. Its impact is equally challenging as it usually associated with poor disease control, adverse health outcomes and quality of life impairment (Andreoulakis, Hyphantis, Kandylis, Iacovides, 2012).The case study will explore pathophysiological and psychological perspectives in the aetiology of depression. The objective of the survey is to undertake a systematic enquiry (Holloway, Wheeler, 2010). Using a real world situation to ga in a deeper understanding of the situation to try and solve a problem and improve the current situation (Aitken Marshall, 2007).The utility of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is discussed as the intervention that was prescribed for Katie. The rationale is that CBT is relevant to the assessment outcomes and the symptoms presented by Katie. The GP referral to the Community Mental Health Team states that Katie is a 16-year-old enthusiastic teenager, who is in full-time education and enjoys extramural activities in school and also enjoys socialising. Recently Katie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and prescribed insulin pump therapy. Following this diagnosis, Katie became remarkably withdrawn from friends and family, with expressions of hopelessness and low self-esteem. She has lost interest in the activities that she has been enjoying in her life. Her GP diagnosed depression. The condition has been getting worse and persistent for three weeks, putting a significant strain on her parents, including two siblings who live with her. The GP concluded the case warranted specialist attention and referred Kate to the Community Mental Health Team. Katies referral notes suggested that her depression should be assessed further due to deterioration in her mental health. The assessment highlighted significant depression symptoms such as poor sleeping patterns, weight loss, burdensomeness, constant feeling of sadness (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2016). Also, self- loathing, insomnia, lack of energy, irritable mood, physical pains and a gloomy outlook on life including diminished pleasure in enjoyable activities were the contemporary (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2016). The symptoms are likely to impact on the ability to cope, personal relationships and the general quality of life (Pryjmachuk, 2011). To determine the severity of Katies mental health, the Registered Nursing Practitioner took the lead in completing a Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-9) with Katie. Katie scored as having major depression. This self-reporting tool is critical in aiding practitioners to conceptualise depress ion as it can be used to monitor, diagnose, and measure the severity of depression (Wu, 2014). The risk of harm is critical to the assessment of depression (NICE, 2016). Studies show that mental disorders are present in 90% of suicide cases in the UK, with depression found in 60% of the cases (Centre for Suicide Research, 2012). Hence, Katie was assessed on the risk of self-harm. However, she did not state any thoughts or actions of self-harm or suicide attempts. Due to the severity and the diverse nature of her symptoms an appointment was arranged for Katie to see the team Psychiatrist. Katie agreed to the decision. This led to the intervention discussed later in the essay. Katies symptoms include loss of appetite, and there is substantial evidence that links eating disorders with depression, especially among young females (Allen, Crosby, Oddy, Byrne, 2013). As pointed out by Allen et al. (2013) Eating disorders can lead to over eating, which contributes to other problems such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, Loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition, Loss of weight and fatigue. Eating problems also lead to stomach aches, cramps and constipation (Allen et al. 2013). Literature also shows that depression is linked to nearly every other physical and mental illness, as according to the joint report (Royal College of Psychiatrists and Royal College of General Practitioners, 2009). Also, there is sufficient of evidence that physical illness disturbs our feelings and thinking, just as social, and personal stress can cause ill health (Royal College of Psychiatrists and Royal College of General Practitioners, 2009). Also, other diseases can trigger stress and o nset depression, as is the case with Katie who got depressed after a diagnosis of diabetes. Oladeji Gureje (2013) suggest that patients can be caught in a vicious circle in which depression contributes to other present conditions and vice versa. Conceptualising the pathophysiology of depression is made complicated by the fact that while the majority of patients respond to pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants, some patients remain partially or wholly unresponsive to drugs (Cryan, Leonard, 2010).In these illustrations, there are individual differences in the manifestation of depression that cannot be addressed in current drug regimes. It follows that treatment for depression needs to be observed according to how each patients response to treatment(Andersson, Cuijpers, 2008).And this should provide guidance in formulating Katies care plan in this study. However, there is research evidence that links depression for the maintenance of the homoeostasis and stress levels (Leonard, 2005; Cryan, Leonard, 2010). Stress is often well-defined as a state of real or perceived threat to homoeostasis (Leonard, 2005). The homoeostasis process function is to provide the essential balance and stability in the body systems to e nable cells to sustain life (Clancy, McVicar, 2011).Stress to the homoeostasis will activate stress response to provide the required body function balance (Leonard, 2005). Critically to the depression paradigm, the stress response mechanism is mediated by multiple responses that involve the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, which are collectively known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) (Cryan, Leonard, 2010). Changes that happen to the HPA and the immune system as a result of chronic stress can trigger anxiety and depression (Leonard, 2005). Depression is also ascribed to imbalances that arise in the brain about serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine (Charney, Feder Nestler, 2009). Evidence suggests that the physiological functions that are mediated by neurotransmitter serotonin include sleep, aggression, eating, sexual behaviour and mood (Nutt, Demyttenaere, Janka, Aarre, Bourin, Canonico, Stahl, 2007). All these symptoms are much dominant in most depression cases, and indeed symptoms such as insomnia, loss of appetite experienced by Katie. Research also suggests that reduced production of serotonergic neurones that make serotonin has an impact on mood states and contributes to depression (Nutt et al. 2007). However, several lines of evidence suggest that neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in motivation that drives to seek reward and pleasure, and it is believed low levels on this transmitter play a role when depressed people cease to enjoy activities that they enjoyed in the past (Charney et al. 2009). Katie had been a vibrant juvenile and lost all the passion for passion when she was diagnosed with depression. Research suggests antidepressants play a role in improving neurotransmitter imbalances (Anderson, 2013). However, in the case of Katie, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, NICE (2017), recommends that antidepressants should be used in young people and children only after alternative therapies have been considered. The psychological impact of depression on the patient is concerned with the patients concepts of self, how they conceptualise their illness and the world around them (Barlow, 2014). It is quite critical as this impact on behaviour and treatment outcomes (Sanders Hill, 2014). Above all, an analysis of Katies symptoms and assessment suggest there are significant psychological issues. The symptoms that relate to behaviour include lack of motivation as shown by poor school work and lack of interest in social events that she enjoyed before. She is no longer taking responsibility for daily actions and routines. Katies care plan and treatment should aim to address this. There are also symptoms that relate to self. She felt continuously sad about her present condition, resulting in emergency visits to her GP. In other words, Katie may have felt a loss of status and purpose, having become remarkably withdrawn from friends and family, she was not able to retain a sense of confidence in her th e future. Some of Katies psychological concerns can be addressed within the Community Mental Health Team working with other professionals and Katies Care-Coordinator, and also with Katies family. The support of family and friends could be mobilised to give emotional, spiritual and financial assistance, with her family assuming an influential changing role and responsibilities when one person is ill (Washington Leaver, 2009). The motivation for Katies to participate in daily activities could be initiated by working with the Occupational Therapy to engage in activities at the community centre. Sanders and Hill (2014) examined the psychological impact of depression, in so far as it is conceptualised by the patient, as grounded in the concept of self. They assert that the idea of self is concerned with perceptions and awareness of being, the pattern of perceptions, which is also concerned with consequences for personality and change (Sanders Hill, 2014). Also, a well-functioning self-characterised by assimilation and ability to respond to new experiences. However, a good self-process can become impeded by other impaired person -processes such as intrusive thoughts and any other perceptions that pose a threat and target the self (Sanders Hill, 2014). Threats to the self, which can be internal or external, can culminate in patterned restrictions on perceptions and response which is configured as depression expressed in symptoms such as pervasive feelings of negativity (Sanders and Hill, 2014). This conceptualisation encapsulates Katies perception of herself as Katie could st ill enjoy her life only if she could change her perception of herself. Katies intervention needs to focus on changing her perception of herself. Specifically, the Nursing process involves identification of priorities as well as the determination of appropriate patient-specific outcomes and arbitration, thus determine the urgency of the identified problem and prioritising the patients needs (Ackley, Ladwig, 2013). In other words, mutual goal setting, along with symptom, pattern, recognition and triggers, will help prioritise interventions and determine which intervention is going to provide the greatest impact (Ackley, Ladwig, 2013). Heeramun-Aubeeluck, Luo, (2012) assert that collaborative care, behavioural interventions, and psycho-education are helpful in encouraging patients to maintain treatment and enhance psychological well-being and quality of life. The intervention chosen for Katie in this case study is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). CBT can be accessed through referral to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). CBT is supported by NICE (2017), and also various government publications over the years have recommended the use of CBT such as No Health without Mental Health (Department of Health, 2011) and Talking Therapies. CBT is concerned with how people think (cognition), how they feel (emotion) and how they act (behaviour) (Daniels, 2015). CBT is psychoeducational and focused on changing the way people conceptualise illness to influence their behaviour and attitude (Daniels, 2015). The objective of cognitive processing is to examine patients thoughts and help them to learn the skills of acknowledging negative thoughts, often referred to as negative automatic thoughts (NATs). They will then be able to re-evaluate these ideas using an objective framework, and this can involve using approach to gathering evidence for the validity of ideas, such as proof against and for, surveys, or asking a trusted other (Grist, 2011). The rationale for CBT in this study is that its characteristics as a therapy would be helpful to address Katies symptoms and profile, as mostly the symptoms that impact on her quality of life are of cognitive and behavioural nature. Equally important, a problem-solving approach will be adopted to structure and organise Katies nursing care and treatment. Katie will be involved in the whole process to empower her in her care plan through a person-centred approach and intervention that is evidence-based. Evidence-based interventions are practices or programs that have peer-reviewed, documented empirical evidence of effectiveness. Evidence-based interventions use a continuum of activities, strategies, integrated policies, and services whose effectiveness has been verified or informed by research and evaluation (National Resources Centre for Mental Health Promotion Youth Violence Prevention, 2017).Gulanick Myers (2016) contend that intervention is a basis for excellence in nursing practice, which includes correctly identifying existing needs, as well as recognising potential needs or risk, planning, delivering care in own fashion to address actual and prospective needs as well as evaluating the effectiveness care. More importantly, nurses must be able to work autonomously with confidence with significant others, such as families, friends, and carers to ensure Katies needs are met, including self-care arrangement (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015). Besides, as the name suggests, CBT comprises distinct therapy approaches that the address either the cognitive or the behavioural aspects associated with mood disorders, including depression. In CBT cognitive and behavioural approaches can be used in combination or unilaterally (Dobson Dozois, 2009). The behavioural perspective in CBT looks at the environment and behaviour of the patient. Depressive symptoms are attributed to a decrease in environmental reward, reinforcement of depressive reactions and avoiding alternative actions that facilitate good health (Hopko, Lejuez, Lepage, Hopko, McNeil, 2003). The behavioural perspective to depression underpinned by the works of Lewisohn (1974), who concluded that the pleasure obtained through interaction with ones environment increases the likelihood of a rewarding behaviour. Further, change in the environment could result in deficient response-contingent positive reinforcement (RCPR) which directly contributes to depression (Dobson Dozois, 2009). Dobson Dozois, (2009) highlights Response-Contingent Positive Reinforcement as positive or pleasurable effects deriving from the behaviour of a person within their environment and the likelihood of increasing such conduct. Behavioural Activation therapy has proved to be useful in addressing deficient RCPR and improving mood and thoughts. This treatment focuses on availing activities that support environmental reinforcement (Hopko et al. 2003). Both the cognitive a nd the behavioural components of treatment would benefit Katie. Sheldon (2011) contends that CBT is a therapeutic approach that involves talks and conferences. In this therapy, the patients are involved in discussions, and they express their feelings, behaviours and thoughts to a CBT professional during the initial assessment (Sheldon, 2011). Kassel (2016)asserts the value of CBT as a therapy that teaches individuals how to think and react to certain stressful situations appropriately and can be used for some across a range of disorders including phobias, schizophrenia, depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and relationship difficulties. When embarking on CBT interventions, the therapist uses information collected from an interview the patient; in this case, it would be with Katie and guides her through a description of the CBT model of depression as it applies to her profile and symptoms (Kassel, 2016). Also, general models of how thoughts, moods, behaviours, and physica l sensations interact are discussed, enabling identification of a model as it relates to the patients life. Several lines of evidence suggest that CBT is one of the most effective treatments when anxiety and depression present as the primary symptoms (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2009). Further, CBT helps to make sense of a profound problem by breaking it down into smaller bits (Kassel, 2016). The National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2012) highlights that a combination therapy consisting of medical drugs and CBT has been establishing to be more efficient when that when medication is used alone in patients with more severe, recurrent or chronic forms of depression in the acute treatment phase. However, as highlighted by RCP (2009) CBT does not a quick fix, and if the patient is feeling depressed, it will be difficult to concentrate on getting them motivated. Further, CBT courses can last for six weeks to sixths months depending on the type of problem, and how motivated the patient is on engaging. CBT offers some significant advantages as an alternative therapy. Given all that h as been mentioned so far, it is evident that CBT has considerable influence on the disease burden of depression as the treatment is safe and cheap (RCP, 2009). Also, it can administer as a self-help programme. CBT is now also delivered online, however, the quality of these trails is not always right (Andersson, Cuijpers, 2008). RCP (2009) notes that some research suggests that CBT may be better than antidepressant at preventing depression relapses. However, it is necessary for the patient to keep practising their CBT skills, even after they are feeling better CONCLUSION The two dominant approaches to conceptualising and treating depression that is the physiological perspective and psychological perspective, offer plausible concepts in understanding the aetiology of depression, yet the patient may attach different conceptualization of the illness, which results from the idea of the self. The idea of the self is quite critical in treatment outcomes in so far as it mediates changes in cognition and behaviour. However, it has not yet been clearly established how the perspectives interact to cause depression symptoms. This case study highlights that when treating depression, it is essential to carefully monitor the response to treatment as some people will not respond to available therapies. Further, as some people dont respond to treatment, there is a lot of research that needs to be done to understand how antidepressants work in different people entirely. Finally, cognitive behavioural therapy has numerous benefits for patients, including, decreased ps ychological distress, improved pain management, increasing self-efficacy, execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations, better quality of life and function. References Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B. (2013). Nursing diagnosis handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care (10th ed.). St. Louis, Mo;London; Elsevier Mosby Allen, K. L., Crosby, R. D., Oddy, W. H., Byrne, S. M. (2013). Eating disorder symptom Trajectories in adolescence: Effects of time, participant sex, and early adolescent depressive symptoms. Journal of Eating Disorders, 1, 32. doi.org/10.1186/2050-2974-1-32 Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P. (2008). Pros and cons of online cognitive-behavioural therapy. The British Journal of Psychiatry: The Journal of Mental Science, 193(4), 270. Anderson, I. (2013). How do antidepressants work? British Journal of Psychiatry, 202(1), 41-41. doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.111.100669 Aitken, L. M., Marshall, A. P. (2007). Writing a case study: Ensuring a meaningful contribution to the literature. Australian Critical Care, 20(4), 132-136. doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2007.08.002 Andreoulakis, E., Hyphantis, T., Kandylis, D., Iacovides, A. (2012). Depression in diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive review. Hippokratia, 16(3), 205. Barlow, D. H. (Ed.). (2014). Clinical handbook of psychological disorders: A step-by-step treatment manual. Guilford Publications. Centre for Suicide Research (2012) Assessment of suicide risk in people with depression. Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford. Retrieved from http://cebmh.warne.ox.ac.uk/csr/clinicalguide/docs/Assessment-of-suicide-riskclinical-guide.pdf Charney, D. S., Feder, A., Nestler, E. J. (2009). Psychobiology and molecular genetics of resilience. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(6), 446-457. doi.org/10.1038/nrn2649 Clancy, J., McVicar, A. (2011). Homoeostasis, part 1. homoeostasis versus homeodynamism. British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing), 20(3), 176. Cryan, J. F., Leonard, B. E. (Eds.). (2010). Depression: from psychopathology to pharmacotherapy (Vol. 27). Karger Medical and Scientific Publishers. Daniels, S. (2015). Cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with cancer. Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology, 6(1), 54. Dobson, K. S. and Dozois, D. J. A. (2009) Handbook of Cognitive Behavioural Therapies, 3rd Ed. New York: Guilford Press. Grist, S. (2011). Exploring the role of CBT in mental health. (Cognitive behavioural therapy). London: Macmillan Publishing Ltd. Gulanick, M., Myers, J. L. (2016). Nursing care Plans: Diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes (8th ed.). St. Louis, Mo; London; Mosby. Heeramun-Aubeeluck, A., Lu, Z., Luo, Y. (2012). Comorbidity of depression and diabetes: in a nutshell. Psychology, 3(09), 787. Hopko, D. R., Lejuez, C. W., Lepage, J. P., Hopko, S. D., McNeil, D. W. (2003). A brief behavioural activation treatment for depression: A randomised pilot trial within an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Behaviour Modification, 27(4), 458-469. doi. doi.org/10.1177/0145445503255489. Holloway, I., Wheeler, S. (2010). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare (3rd ed.). Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Kassel, (2016). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Rational Emotive Therapy; Rational Behaviour Therapy; Rational Living Therapy; Dialectic Behaviour Therapy; Schema Focused Therapy. Retrieved from http://www.vnacarenewengland.org/encyclopedia/details.cfm?chunkid=101930lang=Englishdb=hlt Leonard, B. E. (2005). The HPA and immune axes in stress: The involvement of the serotonergic system. European Psychiatry, 20, S302-S306. doi.org/10.1016/S0924-9338(05)80180-4 National Resources Centre for Mental Health Promotion Youth Violence Prevention (2017) Evidence-Based Interventions. American Institutes for Research. Retrieved From http://www.healthysafechildren.org/topics/evidence-based-interventions National Centre for Biotechnology Information, (2012). The use of cognitive behavioural therapy in the treatment of resistant depression in adolescents. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916016/ National Institute for Health and Care Excellence,(2016). Depression in adults: recognition and management. Retrieved From https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/chapter/1-Guidance#care-of-all-people-with-depression National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (2016). Depression in adults: recognition and management. Retrieved From https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/chapter/Introduction National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (2016) Depression in adults: recognition and management. Retrieved From https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg90/chapter/1-guidance?unlid=1368490820159920020#care-of-all-people-with-depression National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (2017) Using antidepressants in children and young people. Retrieved From https://pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/depression/using-antidepressants-in-children-and-young-people National Health Service (NHS), (2016) Cognitive behavioural therapy. Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy/pages/introduction.aspx Nutt, D., Demyttenaere, K., Janka, Z., Aarre, T., Bourin, M., Canonico, P. L., . . . Stahl, S. (2007). The other face of depression, reduced positive affect: The role of catecholamines in causation and cure. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 21(5), 461-471. doi.org/10.1177/0269881106069938 Nursing and Midwifery Council. (2015). Professional Standards of Practice and Behaviour for Nurses and Midwives. Retrieved from https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc-publications/nmc-code.pdf Nursing and Midwifery Council, (2015). The Code, Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses and midwives. Retrieved from https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc-publications/nmc-code.pdf Nursing and Midwifery Council, (2015). Standards for pre-registration nursing education. Retrieved from https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/standards/nmc-standards-for-pre-registration-nursing-education.pdf Oladeji, B. D., Gureje, O. (2013). The comorbidity between depression and diabetes. Current Psychiatry Reports, 15(9), 390. Pryjmachuk, S. (2011). Mental health nursing: An evidence-based introduction. London; Los Angeles; SAGE. Royal College of Psychiatrists and Royal College of General Practitioners (2009) The management of patients with physical and psychological problems in primary care: a practical guide. Retrieved from: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/files/pdfversion/cr152x.pdf Royal College of Psychiatrists, (2009) improving the lives of people with mental illness. Retrieved from http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/therapies/cognitivebehaviouraltherapy.aspx Sanders, P and Hill, A. (2014) Counselling for Depression: A person Centred and Experiential Approach to Practice. Sage: London. Sheldon, B. (2011). Cognitive-behavioural therapy: Research and practice in health and social care (2nd ed.). London: Routledge. The Department of Health (2011) No Health without Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/213761/dh_124058.pdf Washington, C. M., Leaver, D. T. (2009). Principles and practice of radiation therapy (3rd ed.). Edinburgh: Mosby. Wu, S. V. (2014). Rapid screening of psychological well-being of patients with chronic illness: Reliability and validity test on WHO-5 and PHQ-9 scales. Depression Research and Treatment, 2014, 1-9. doi.org/10.1155/2014/239490

Friday, October 25, 2019

the koran Essay -- essays research papers

The Koran The document â€Å"the Koran† is written through God’s impact on people’s present situation and their situation in the next world, which is called the revelation of God. Further revelations to Muhammad were copied word for word in what came to be the Qur†an, or Koran. The message offered Arabs a faith founded on a book. The Koran also tells us that Muhammad was sent to all in order to present a message understandable to everyone in the world, the Koran had to speak a language that everyone could understand. Muhammad was simply God’s messenger and that he merited no special veneration or worship (Kishlansky 211). The Koran had to address the simple and the sophisticated, the shepherd and the philosopher, the scientist and the artist. The Koran elaborates on the ways in which the followers of the prophets, specifically the Jews and the Christians, have or have not lived up to the visionary messages. It issues instructions on how to live a life pleasing to God. It tells people that they should pray, fast, and take care of the needy. â€Å"If ye make your alms to appear, it is well; but if ye conceal them, and give them unto the poor, this will be better for you, and will remove some of your sins: and God is well informed of that which ye do (Kishlansky 146). This means if you give yourself to others you will be rewarded by God. It goes into great detail concerning human interrelationships - such as laws of inheritance and marriage in a manner reminiscent of parts of the Hebr...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Civil liberties during war-time Essay

Civil Liberties are for example freedom of speech and freedom of the press as defined by the first amendment. These freedoms have been challenged by the threat of war, but should they be taken away because of it? The first amendment states that â€Å"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.† These are our civil liberties that we are promised as citizens of the U.S. In the past these liberties have been interfered with. The main cause for this interference was war. The government wanted to abolish any chances of treason or leaking of information to the enemies and to do this they passed act such as the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Alien and Sedition Acts made it illegal to write, print, speak, or publish anything false or untrue about to United States. We can understand how certain precautions must be made to insure safety in times of war but to go so far as to take away our freedoms are out of bounds. There are numerous other ways to make us safe without interfering with our liberties. For example: tighter security. After 9/11 security became very tight at airports and other areas where terrorists might be able to enter the country. Although this extra security was tedious and time consuming to get through, it was well within the lines of the 1st amendment because it did not take away any of our freedoms. I do not believe that our civil liberties should be taken away during wartime. This is a democracy and should remain one whether engaged in war or not. The government can think of more ways to protect us other than limiting our freedoms of speech or of the press, and certainly without interfering with our privacy unless there is just cause to do so.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

My First Day of School Essay

I have been reading in Beaconhouse Sri Inaigot up early in the morning of 8th July to get myself prepared. With my tutor I started towards my new school. On the way it began to rain. When we reached the school we were completely wet. Secondary School for four years. I still remember my first day at this school. On that fortunate day, I got freedom from the control of my tutor who loaded me with heavy home task. I had no holiday in a week. You can think of my joy when I was told that I would be sent to a new school. The sight of the grand building made me nervous. I was uneasy in mind. I entered the office where I found four people sitting behind the counter. My tutor got a form from one of them. Then we entered the Principal’s Office. My tutor gave the form to him. He looked at it carefully. He stuck a bell. At once a peon rushed in. He ordered him to take us to the staff room. The peon led us to the room where I found the teachers seated round a long table. He gave the form to one of them. The teacher put my knowledge to test my English. He found me up to the mark. Then another teacher gave me five sums to solve. I solved them with great ease. Both the teachers wrote some thing on the form. Again my tutor entered to the office and deposits my dues. I was sent to classroom with a chit. I reached the classroom and took my seat in the last row. In front of me there was a big blackboard on the wall. Near it there were descent chair and a table for the teachers. After a few minutes a teacher entered into the class. I gave the chit to him. He wrote my name in the register. To my good luck the teacher is an interesting fellow. He passed a few funny remarks. He also made some interesting and harmless jokes. As the recess bell rang, we rushed out of the class. It was the recess period. The playground becomes the centre of activity. Finding me alone some boys approached me. They cut jokes. One of them asked me â€Å"from which jungle are you coming†? I was salient. Fortunately three boys ran for my help. They took me round the school building. With them I saw the reading room and library. We also reached the hall. I found it decorated with pictures and paintings. In the meanwhile the bell rang and we were again in the class room. One by one other teacher come but none taught us. t 12:30 the last bell went. The classes were dispersed. When I reached home, my head was full of new ideas. I told my mother how great school was. She was very glad to hear the account of my first day.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Haitian and French Revolution Essay Example

Haitian and French Revolution Essay Example Haitian and French Revolution Essay Haitian and French Revolution Essay Both the French and Haitian revolutions were spurred for similar reasons by distressed people, with an unfair distribution between social classes, restricted liberties and also a large gap between the rich and the poor which was the main impulse. There were significant overall economic differences between Haiti and France before the revolutions occurred. France was nearly bankrupt by the time that the revolution began and the American revolution had been extremely costly for France. The large economic ache on France caused abundant pain on France and cause heavy taxation of the bottom social class. In contrast, the economy of Haiti was not a factor that fueled the Revolution. The Haitian economy was flourished. Free labor from slaves created a excess of goods. The social class situations of Haiti and France were the main causes of both revolutions. The Haitian social class system was particularly flaky because it was based on race. The French system was also very stratified and consisted on the lower class. A meager of the people had privileges, comfort, and luxury while the majority if people suffered. The lowest class of each society realized that their strength in numbers of their cause. : The third estate broke Free from France and created the Declaration of the Rights of Man. This document outlined a set of rights that pertained to every man from any social class. From there, the third estate moved forward in taking the country. The Haitian slaves overthrew their oppressors. Francias Toussaint Loverture was the leader of the revolution and was a big factor in how they defeated the Europeans. The slave revolution was not just a clash in Social classes, but also a clash between races. Unlike the French Revolution, the two sides of the Haitian revolution were racially different.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Using Writing Bursts to Generate Ideas and Enthusiasm

Using Writing Bursts to Generate Ideas and Enthusiasm Using Writing Bursts to Generate Ideas and Enthusiasm Using Writing Bursts to Generate Ideas and Enthusiasm By Ali Hale Many of us want to write fiction but rarely manage to get round to it. We struggle to find a free hour to write in – or the energy to write. Doing writing bursts is a great way to get going when time is short and motivation flagging. What is a writing burst? I came across the concept in Robert Graham’s How to Write Fiction (And Think About It). Mini-exercises are scattered throughout the book, and Graham explains: Every class I teach begins with a 10 minute writing exercise which I call a writing burst. I give a stimulus and ask the class to start writing, keep writing for 10 minutes and not to worry for one second about the quality of the work appearing on the paper. When the thought of sitting down and writing a whole short story is daunting, it’s much easier to find 10 minutes. Open your notebook or word-processing program of choice, write the burst at the top, then set a timer – and write without stopping or looking back. How do writing bursts help? I use writing bursts when I have very little time in the day to write, but wanted to feel I’ve achieved something. They’re also great for establishing a creative mood at the beginning of a longer writing session. You can use the material you produce as a starting point for longer pieces. One of mine became a thousand-word â€Å"twist in the tale† short story that I’ve submitted to a woman’s fiction magazine. The bursts help you to generate new or unusual ideas – I come up with more creative and interesting concepts than usual, because I don’t stop to self-edit. Where do you find them? There are plenty of sources for writing burst prompts. The Writers’ Book of Matches, by Writers’ Digest Books, is a collection of â€Å"1,001 prompts to ignite your fiction†. The Pocket Muse: Ideas and Inspirations for Writing has some similar exercises, as well as photo prompts to help spark your writing. Competitions which give a first line can be used as writing bursts. Famous quotes can work well, so long as they’re short. Phrases or lines from a story you’ve read that inspire you are also good starting points. What variations are there? If you’ve tried a few writing bursts and you’re starting to get bored, the concept is open to any number of tweaks. When ten minutes starts to seem too rushed, you could lengthen the burst to fifteen or twenty minutes. If your ideas seem stale or trite, try writing with a friend: use the same prompt and swap the pieces that emerge. Alternatively, use multiple prompts – pick two prompts at random and figure out how to use them both. If you’re writing a novel or extended piece of fiction and have ground to a halt, use a prompt to get going again. You can always cut the scene out later – but it just may give your story the new life it needs. Some writing prompts After completing a solo camping trip, a woman gets her film developed and discovers that several photos are of her †¦ sleeping. (From 1,001 Prompts) â€Å"That was the moment I wished I could remember what we’d been taught.† (from How to Write Fiction) â€Å"She’s been told.† (from How to Write Fiction) â€Å"When a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.† (Samuel Johnson) A man sneezes painfully. He looks into his handkerchief and finds something that looks like a microchip. (From 1,001 Prompts) â€Å"The place is very well and quiet and the children scream only in a low voice.† (Byron) Pick one of the prompts now – you can afford ten minutes – grab that blank page, and go! Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:20 Great Similes from Literature to Inspire YouComma Before ButList of 50 Compliments and Nice Things to Say!

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Belief And Faith In Organisations Cultural Studies Essay

Belief And Faith In Organisations Cultural Studies Essay Religion and think of an organization is tradition. It's a term which is not unusual and is understood to nearly every person on earth. It outlined and could be equally discussed freely or it may be simply comprehended mutually, in other words, without stating anything-but could be represented in the only functions of even a company, team or a person. It's something not absent in all facets of our own lives. To put it differently, it's the real reason for an individual's behavior. But tradition may emerge in a variety of circumstances including cultural tradition and culture. It's worthy and a development of praise. You will find five measurements of the tradition: Masculity, Uncertainty prevention, Personal Group and Power Space Ferminity. Culture may be understood to be the organized manner to do things within an company where principles and beliefs which can be created inside the company is discussed. Therefore, the tradition direct the behavior of the people in the business. Additionally it is referred to as business lifestyle and is an integral facet of any workplace or business environment. Several occasionally we notice people make claims like: "Here Is just how is done points here". They may be the truth is that revealing or speaking in regards to the tradition. For varieties of Business civilizations are Bureaucratic, Flexible and Corperative. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_culture Records from Pitch Hand-Outs Some Notes from Company Conduite. Cultural lifestyle is how individuals act according from what they've realized out of society or their family. This can be usually according to the competition anyone lives in or the state that she or he is from. It includes emphasizing ways that are specific that the items are complete and do-ing specific things. Distinct civilizations 've gotten distinct understandings of issues that were seeing. Something which could possibly be dismissed or as standard in one single tradition that was cultural might be considered to not be as low overlook in another. For instance,for instance, the notion of relationship in the tradition that is Oriental as well as the American tradition and each additional differ. It's an average matter to get a few to call home together without marriage in the lifestyle that is American. Yet, in the Oriental lifestyle (primarily Indian) it's really an excellent failure to do such factor plus in addition, it exhibits contempt for the ideals organized in their opi nion. Discovering the huge difference between both of these civilizations is this in Organisational tradition CHANGE usually takes spot frequently and readily. Say in case a kiwi supervisor of the business modifications, it is not unlikely the way points are complete because business may furthermore alter in accordance with the supervisor that is newest. Organisational lifestyle is generated from whoever owns the organisation/firm it self as well as the individuals who work with him. Organisational lifestyle period is dependent upon the operating as well as the equilibrium of their direction and such specific company. Organisational tradition h-AS boundation that is regular /connection by means of the people dealing together. Although the change in the tradition that is Racial just isn't a typical stuff that will occur often. Actually when there is an alteration, it could consider under consideration in to quite a few additional matters prior to the real selection is manufactured. Number of individuals creates racial culture /society discussing thoughts and sam-e opinions from previous period of time. Tradition period that is cultural typically are from wonderful earlier of forefathers. Ethnic lifestyle have really near heartedly connection by means of the people of this society. Racial tradition functions from spiritual and the tradition about the notion. Cultural lifestyle h AS less versatility because it's just adjustable lifestyle that is low and static. Cultural lifestyle h-AS host of diversity and selection when it comes to food, considering, clothing. Cultural traditions assistance is restricted for the individuals who make an effort to alter themselves in accordance with the scenario. Schein, E.H. (1985-2005) Business Tradition and Management, 3rd Ed., Josseybass ISBN 0-787-9-7597-4 Pitch hand-outs by Mona Some Notes from Company Conduite. (2) Direction Lifestyle - Describe how social understandings might affect behavior as well as the direction design of business or the person The direction instance that I've selected for the 2 concerns that are following, is the fact that of my Supervisor. He lately transferred to Nz and stems in the Sydney. COMPONENT A It's an extremely frequent consideration to listen to some one state: "No person is exactly the same". Lots of that time period this term can be used to generate folks realise that every person h AS diverse skills which it would unwise to examine yourself by means of another person only to be deterred by particular things one particular can-not execute while another may. Therefore, also an individual's understanding and each additional differ. Understanding means the method whereby individuals arrange, obtain and inter-Pret details in the surroundings. Numerous variables bring about individuals having intelligent that is various. As an example from, the household ideals which they obtained, the culture or the surroundings they was raised in etc. Since tradition is related to the conduct of somebody, it's quite probably that there's a large sway of the way in which issues are viewed by a person and execute things which could change from your additional man. It-no question performs an important part in the specialist area because lifestyle is apparent in all facets of our lifestyles. His ethnic heritage is greatly depicted by the authority fashion of my Mgr.. He comes from Sydney as cited before, as well as the tradition there's not rather same from my own, personal lifestyle. It's quite obvious in my experience that his authority design displays extremely on such a after having an exchange with him about his breeding and tradition. As a person, he aims to carry through his purpose as a supervisor and takes his career critically. Yet, he doesn't offer large respect to his standing on a regular basis. Usually, he and his workers joke, whether it is about a few other subjects or perform. He considers that employed within an company is in the manner of a household According to his tradition, offering because of the demands of his family is hardly unimportant which simply will not me-an purchasing them the necessary however in once getting quality moment away to invest together. So when work hrs are finished he requests every one depart the leftover employment for 24 hours later and to abandon the premises. It may be figured, his ethnic understanding is reflected by his management job. ( Address hand-outs by Mona ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_culture Some Records and Information from Company Conduite. COMPONENT B Me definitely does impress, particularly just how he applies to the fact along with his employees that he's quite friendly. On the other hand, being from a culture that is totally diverse, my strategy could not be rather same. While I 'd enjoy to get the easiness between my employees and me, I might at once anticipate they understand and value the place whom I got in the business. This greatly demonstrates from my ethnic heritage from my facet of the household, where we occur after every person and the predominantly organization values and values their regulators that are higher. On the other hand, that doesn't me-an that acknowledgement is required on a regular basis by this strategy but frequently on when more than a few of these have a tendency to overlook their independence being easygoing by means of the personnel causes some trouble later. Like the majority of the civilizations, for the households needs offering is crucial within my lifestyle. In a somewhat dissimilar circumstance from the lifestyle of my supervisor, our perception is not and to get the perform done when possible to depart the benefit to-morrow of today's. So, work that was hard is established during his or her mindset towards his work, earning a method for promotional material or their evaluation. Obligation is some thing of esteem that is large and is valued at facets and all amounts of the area that is operating. As an Indian, I realized that Foreign tend to be mo-Re sensitive and painful plus they welcome the strategy which comes directly to them-which signifies they connect you in the standing of equivalence in the place of standing of ethnic brilliance While having a dialogue that was friendly with the personnel is beneficial to develop their regard and admiration, it's urged to not allow it to be a custom wherein one forgets to cover regard to those they've been afflicted by. For instance,for instance, frequently and fully being a supervisor concerning your-self in gags during work-hours would unethical. The motives behind this are warranted from my understanding. There could make sure individuals who could easily get offended at this reality plus reason which they don't fit in the company and they might begin to distance themselves from the others. So, my strategy and that of my supervisor as a result of our distinct ethnic understandings might surely vary. As I will be an indian ( Address hand-outs by Mona ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_culture Some Records and Information from Company Conduite. COMPONENT III - Multi-Cultural company Every organisation consists of individuals. Individuals, that are people that are exceptional, also have various understandings for things that are different and come from other ethnic backdrops. An expression which is popular in describing companies is "multi-cultural organisation". The phrase variety is frequently connected to the expression. Variety is a phrase utilized to refer to the big difference among individuals on the job , which might be according to expertise, age, sex, the competition etc. Business that is Multi-cultural identifies the existence of distinct ethnicities in a business. A number of the features of a multicultural company are: Pluralism- People of civilizations, whether bulk or fraction get the capacity to affect the environment of procedures and essential beliefs. Architectural integration- associates from your fraction-tradition are reasonably re-presented in most occupations in any way amounts as well as in most practical duties. Casual community integration- fraction-lifestyle members get help in the profession improvement in types of support and coaching groups. Lack of splendour and bias - the demand to remove the lifestyle- through the use of various coaching and taskforce actions team prejudices. Minimal intergroup discord- variety will not encourage harmful clashes between members of fraction and bulk ethnicities. You'll find lots of advantages as well as drawbacks of being a true innovator in a cultural business that is multi. Edges Embracing lifestyle, practices and custom - It can help someone to manage the struggles between residence lifestyle/conventions and lifestyle that is fresh /conventions. In case that one discovers fresh vocabulary it really is a masterkey for the tradition that is second. C-Reative problemsolving - It can help anyone to generate alternative to your difficulty. In case that issue is being solved by one for whom the position enhances the option should both have worth, certainly resolve the mentioned difficulty or valued by some body. Minuses Battle increases - Really Being A innovator and battle can be created by functioning with individuals from varied places. Scenario appears are prepared with sights and several thoughts or were the other folks will not be ready to acknowledge the orders and attempts. Social issue - Social difficulties have been all seen by us in the course of our existence associations that are extended may not be easy to handle. Our self-esteem trust and is influenced this way, it are able to make li Fe that is handling change hard and give rise to conversation abilities that are previously lousy. Direction managing problems - Really Being A head its among the job that is difficult since you've got therefore a lot of people functioning from characteristics, behaviours, distinct ethnicities and age alongside you. S O at the same period one seems to function until it is often worst or the recommendations are prepared by him which the others must follow along with should they must live for the reason that firm. Thing that is certain like preparation and prediction, evaluation of aggressive and hazards, doubt tendering must be handled. Pitch giveaways by Mona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organizational_culture Some Notes from Company Conduite.

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Situation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Situation - Essay Example According to the constitution, the federal government cannot enter into treaties with an entity, unless it is fully sovereign. The US government between the years 1790 and 1870 has entered into 371 treaties that affirm their sovereignty that is now both inherent and constitutionally valid (Churchill, 1985, p. 31). Throughout history, there have been numerous instances, besides the occupation of their homeland, whereby the government has failed to safeguard the interest of the Native Americans. Furthermore, from an economic point of view, the territories under the Native American tribes are extremely well-endowed with minerals and energy resources. Hence, not only from an ethical viewpoint, the Native American population deserves to enjoy the status of a Nation from a legal and economic perspective as well. The Native population is further divided into three very distinct racial units. Hence essentially there is no all-encompassing term for the numerous racial divisions of the indigenous population of North America (Churchill, 1985, p. 30). Despite the fact that the American constitution has was composed in order to safe guard the interest of every group, but so far it has failed to do anything for the indigenous people or even control the crimes that take place within these tribes. Inherent sovereignty may be a barrier, but it further demonstrates one of the key flaws within the country’s legislative and judicial system that has been unable to reach a position of compromise with the Native American tribesmen and the Government. The situation of the indigenous population is the perfect embodiment of the concept of ‘Internal colonialism’; which is the glaring disparity in development between two regions within the same society. As pointed out and elaborated by Churchill, it is truly a shame that the system fails to protect the rights of the

Too big to fail Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Too big to fail - Essay Example However there is another school of thought that correlates size with stability and calls the ‘too big to fail’ a farce. According to this thought stability of big names comes from high investor confidence, well-framed insurance policies and regulations etc. The big names are associated with trust and long-term customer relationship. However, the big banks increase the systematic risks causing smaller banks to collapse. Also with the size increases monopoly in the economy with larger names hoarding over the business scene with little or no advantage to the smaller players. This unfair treatment creates resentment in the smaller units and thus the level playing field is not achieved. Having used many interventions in the past years, the Fed has now somewhat taken a back seat towards protecting the large banks. As the huge structures demand huge funds which are simply unavailable to save them nowadays. This brings us to the Dodd-Frank Act that was enacted in 2010 as a preventive measure after the 2008 crises. ‘ Its first objective is to limit the risk of contemporary finance – what critics often call the shadow banking system; and the second is to limit the damage caused by the failure of a large financial institution.’ (Skeel, 2011) This act has made some regulatory changes, identifying non-banking financial system and regulating bank holding companies. An important part of this act is the Volcker Rule that refrains US banks to enter into speculative investments, thus keeping the commercial banks separate from the investment banks. Thus the size brings stability and returns leading to economic growth for a country. But overdoing of goodness turns bitter and in the same manner a bank too big will eventually topple over and when it does the smaller units will be crushed under it. The too big to fail slogan is right but only to a certain extent as the government will

Term PAper D Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Term PAper D - Essay Example Hence, in our organization much attention was given for the training and development of the workers. How to make these training and development programmes more effective is a challenge to the human resource department. Hence, alternate strategies were tried and tested. This paper explains the nature of our organization and the challenges faced by the human resource department and the level of success achieved. With the huzz and buzz created by globalization, there is opportunity everywhere because of the world becoming a small market place, thanks to internet! So when everybody talks about global competition or global standards, the focus of any organization should be on human resource. The human resource is one resource that controls other resources in an organization. In the new economy there is a lot of attention given on the development of human resource and knowledge management. Welcome to my world. With this scenario as the backdrop, I want to tell you about my company. My company is a textile yarn manufacturing company. You may ask what is yarn Yarn is the thread that is made from polyester or cotton. The thread is then dyed, woven into cloth, which is then stitched into garments. But in our company we buy polyester and make the yarn and supply them to the customer. To make this yarn, we have nearly fifteen hundred workers divided into various departments according to the various processes of production. I work in the human resource department as training and development coordinator. Our department is responsible for recruiting, staffing, counseling, separation and training and development. Of all the activities in our department the management allocates a lot of resources for the training and development part. Why is that so Firstly, our management has realized that the quality of the people decides the quality of the product. Secondly, there is a high chance of accidents happening on the job which may result in temporary and permanent disabilities of workers. Thirdly, the yarn we produce are exported to very quality conscious customers who may reject the whole order if the product is not of the specified quality. OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES We organize workshops and panel discussions every Saturday. The main objective of these sessions are to improve the motivation of the employees, to keep them updated on the latest technology and trends and to create workable relationships to facilitate efficient functioning. The topics include quality control and assurance, better shop floor safety, machinery maintenance, excellence in a team, effective leadership, etc, etc. it is compulsory for the shop floor workers and the middle level management to attend these programmes. The resource persons for these programmes include us, i.e., from the human resource department and external faculty and sometimes professional and technical consultants. These programmes often serve as a platform for exchanging information between us and the workers. In this process we also come across various issues which were overlooked by the management and we also get an insight into those issues. ONE WAY TRAFFIC First it was difficult to make the employees come to the workshops. And then it was made compulsory and we had full attendance, but the workers tried to avoid these

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Professional Practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Professional Practice - Essay Example urse-led clinics which have provided opportunities to adjust patient care plans in meeting current needs and reducing the worsening of health issues (Schraeder, et.al., 2008). Nurse led clinics also assist in the collaboration process with physicians, helping identify roles, scope of practice and accepted communication avenues. They also help ensure timely and efficient communication about the patient’s status between the patient and the physician (Schraeder, et.al., 2008). Through follow-up contacts with the nurses in the nurse-led clinics, nurses help provide support for the patients in handling and understanding their condition (Rydeman and Tornkvist, 2005). Post-discharge support is an important aspect of chronic patient care because it reduces their admissions and improves their health outcomes. Nurse-led clinics are also important in managing chronic illnesses in the sense that they assist in the self-management of chronic diseases. They help provide support for the pati ents, as well as emotional bonds which provide patient compliance with the treatment processes (Furler, et.al., 2008). Patients discuss how they are able to establish a semblance of control over their condition with the support of health professionals, in the case of nurse-led clinics, the nurses are able to provide support for these chronically ill patients within their community and even their home setting. In effect, these clinics secure quality, consistent, and constant patient care for the chronically ill. D. (2008). The emotional context of self-management in chronic illness: A qualitative study of the role of health professional support in the self-management of type 2 diabetes. BMC Health Services Research, volume 8

Marketing Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Marketing Principles - Essay Example As noted in the report, when intending to launch a new product, market research should be carried out first in order to establish the needs of the people. Marketing messages should be tailored in such a way that the product is presented as better than other similar products offered in the market. The message should also be designed in such a way that it can positively change the behaviour and attitude of people. Table of contents 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Task1 3 1.2 How Nike increases customer satisfaction 5 2.1 Task 2 6 2.2 Segmentation criteria used by Nike 7 2.3 Market targeting used by Nike 8 2.4 Consumer behaviour 9 2.5 Perception maps 9 2.6 B2B marketing strategy used by Nike 12 2.7 International marketing 13 3.0 Task 3: Nike introducing new jersey 13 3.1 Marketing mix for the new jersey 14 3.2 Place 14 3.3 Price 14 3.4 Promotion 14 3.5 Extended marketing mi 15 3.6 Conclusion 17 References 19 1.0 Introduction This case study based essay seeks to evaluate and explain the marketing concepts that can be implemented by Nike in order to operate viably. The report is divided into three sections which deal with different marketing concepts and how they can be implemented by Nike group in order for it to achieve merit/distinction criteria in its operations. The first task deals with explaining the meaning of marketing as well as carrying out a SWOT analysis for Nike. The second task is particularly concerned with explaining different marketing concepts such as positioning, targeting as well as micro and macro economic factors and how they are impacting on Nike. The third task is an individual report about designing a marketing plan for a new Nike product as well as outlining the marketing strategy that can be used to present the product to the market. The last part of the report gives recommendations that can be adopted by Nike in order to operate effectively so that it can gain a large market share. 1.1 Task I Nike Inc. uses various elements of the marketing proce ss to develop and promote their product as well as to market them so that they can satisfy the needs and wants of the customers. In order to understand how these marketing elements are utilised by Nike, it is imperative to begin by explaining the meaning of the term marketing. a. Strydom (2004, p. 2) define marketing as â€Å"a social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others.† On the other hand, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) define marketing as â€Å"the management process that responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.† From these two definitions, it can be seen that marketing is a managerial function that is concerned with satisfying the needs of the customers as well as the organization profitably. According to Reuters (2013), NIKE, Inc. â€Å"is engaged in the design, development and worldwide mark eting and selling of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services.† No doubt Nike embraces the basic tenets of marketing in its operations in a bid to satisfy the needs of the customers profitably. The company harnesses the strategy of brand equity to gain a competitive advantage given that its products are valued and treated with great esteem by the customers since they are different from other similar products in

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Term PAper D Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Term PAper D - Essay Example Hence, in our organization much attention was given for the training and development of the workers. How to make these training and development programmes more effective is a challenge to the human resource department. Hence, alternate strategies were tried and tested. This paper explains the nature of our organization and the challenges faced by the human resource department and the level of success achieved. With the huzz and buzz created by globalization, there is opportunity everywhere because of the world becoming a small market place, thanks to internet! So when everybody talks about global competition or global standards, the focus of any organization should be on human resource. The human resource is one resource that controls other resources in an organization. In the new economy there is a lot of attention given on the development of human resource and knowledge management. Welcome to my world. With this scenario as the backdrop, I want to tell you about my company. My company is a textile yarn manufacturing company. You may ask what is yarn Yarn is the thread that is made from polyester or cotton. The thread is then dyed, woven into cloth, which is then stitched into garments. But in our company we buy polyester and make the yarn and supply them to the customer. To make this yarn, we have nearly fifteen hundred workers divided into various departments according to the various processes of production. I work in the human resource department as training and development coordinator. Our department is responsible for recruiting, staffing, counseling, separation and training and development. Of all the activities in our department the management allocates a lot of resources for the training and development part. Why is that so Firstly, our management has realized that the quality of the people decides the quality of the product. Secondly, there is a high chance of accidents happening on the job which may result in temporary and permanent disabilities of workers. Thirdly, the yarn we produce are exported to very quality conscious customers who may reject the whole order if the product is not of the specified quality. OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES We organize workshops and panel discussions every Saturday. The main objective of these sessions are to improve the motivation of the employees, to keep them updated on the latest technology and trends and to create workable relationships to facilitate efficient functioning. The topics include quality control and assurance, better shop floor safety, machinery maintenance, excellence in a team, effective leadership, etc, etc. it is compulsory for the shop floor workers and the middle level management to attend these programmes. The resource persons for these programmes include us, i.e., from the human resource department and external faculty and sometimes professional and technical consultants. These programmes often serve as a platform for exchanging information between us and the workers. In this process we also come across various issues which were overlooked by the management and we also get an insight into those issues. ONE WAY TRAFFIC First it was difficult to make the employees come to the workshops. And then it was made compulsory and we had full attendance, but the workers tried to avoid these

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Marketing Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Marketing Principles - Essay Example As noted in the report, when intending to launch a new product, market research should be carried out first in order to establish the needs of the people. Marketing messages should be tailored in such a way that the product is presented as better than other similar products offered in the market. The message should also be designed in such a way that it can positively change the behaviour and attitude of people. Table of contents 1.0 Introduction 3 1.1 Task1 3 1.2 How Nike increases customer satisfaction 5 2.1 Task 2 6 2.2 Segmentation criteria used by Nike 7 2.3 Market targeting used by Nike 8 2.4 Consumer behaviour 9 2.5 Perception maps 9 2.6 B2B marketing strategy used by Nike 12 2.7 International marketing 13 3.0 Task 3: Nike introducing new jersey 13 3.1 Marketing mix for the new jersey 14 3.2 Place 14 3.3 Price 14 3.4 Promotion 14 3.5 Extended marketing mi 15 3.6 Conclusion 17 References 19 1.0 Introduction This case study based essay seeks to evaluate and explain the marketing concepts that can be implemented by Nike in order to operate viably. The report is divided into three sections which deal with different marketing concepts and how they can be implemented by Nike group in order for it to achieve merit/distinction criteria in its operations. The first task deals with explaining the meaning of marketing as well as carrying out a SWOT analysis for Nike. The second task is particularly concerned with explaining different marketing concepts such as positioning, targeting as well as micro and macro economic factors and how they are impacting on Nike. The third task is an individual report about designing a marketing plan for a new Nike product as well as outlining the marketing strategy that can be used to present the product to the market. The last part of the report gives recommendations that can be adopted by Nike in order to operate effectively so that it can gain a large market share. 1.1 Task I Nike Inc. uses various elements of the marketing proce ss to develop and promote their product as well as to market them so that they can satisfy the needs and wants of the customers. In order to understand how these marketing elements are utilised by Nike, it is imperative to begin by explaining the meaning of the term marketing. a. Strydom (2004, p. 2) define marketing as â€Å"a social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others.† On the other hand, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) define marketing as â€Å"the management process that responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.† From these two definitions, it can be seen that marketing is a managerial function that is concerned with satisfying the needs of the customers as well as the organization profitably. According to Reuters (2013), NIKE, Inc. â€Å"is engaged in the design, development and worldwide mark eting and selling of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories and services.† No doubt Nike embraces the basic tenets of marketing in its operations in a bid to satisfy the needs of the customers profitably. The company harnesses the strategy of brand equity to gain a competitive advantage given that its products are valued and treated with great esteem by the customers since they are different from other similar products in

International Students Essay Example for Free

International Students Essay Most young people believe that studying in a different country is a privilege because they are able to experience other cultures, and learn from them. However, in the United States it is not as good as they thought because International students have much more pressure being in this country, and sometimes they cannot handle it very well. Therefore, in the United States the life of an international student is very unfavorable if people compare it to the life of an American student. International students have to learn a new language to study, they cannot work while studying, and their tuition is much more expensive. When people moves to the United Stated to study they imagine that it will be very helpful, and they believe that learning a new language (English) will not be a problem. However, when they really start studying their major, they find out that it is not easy since people have to really understand and appreciate the language. First of all, in order to have success in university in the United States people have to compose a number of essays which if people do not understand their structure, they will be incorrect , so international students have to really learn English, and they have to know how to write it in order to have success. Also, for them to have success in university they have to participate in class, and analyze an amount of readings, and because they are international students, it is very difficult to achieve since they believe that Americans are going to laugh at them or make jokes of them if they say something incorrectly. For example, some Americans do not realize sometimes how hard is for international students being in a different country, with different people, learning a new language, and experiencing different cultures, so some of them do not really appreciate the effort that international students put on being in the United States. They just think that it is easy and do not care about how they feel. On the other hand, American students since they are in middle school they are taught how to write very good essays , so when they get in college they do not have any problem creating essays. They know their structure and have a very superior vocabulary, so they can compose excellent essays. In addition, since American students speak English very well, they do not have any problem participating in class. They have confidence in themselves, so they will not be afraid of saying something wrong. Consequently, because American students do not have to learn any language to study their mayor, it is much easier for them to achieve excellent grades. Most university students feel the necessity of working since they would like to have their own money in order to be independent from their parents. It is not the exception for International students because they also feel the necessity of working to be independent from their parents or whoever is responsible for them. However, for international students to work in the United States it is very difficult because they are only allowed to work on campus. These kinds of jobs are very limited since some of the campuses in which they study are very small. Also for an international student to find a job on campus is difficult because people prefer to employee an American student who is not going to have any problem speaking the language. For example, last semester a friend from Venezuela who is studying at Miami Dade College decided that he wanted to get a job in order to have his own money. He went to every single place where he could be employee. However, when he went to all these places, all the people told him that at that time they did not need any person, so he realize that to get a job on campus was very difficult, and not only that but a few weeks later he noticed that a new person was working in the campus coffee, so he proves that for an international student to get a job on campus is very difficult. On the contrary, American students can work wherever and whenever they want and it does not matter if they are studying or no. They can have their own money and support themselves while being in university. As a result, the fact that they can work while studying really helps them to have more confidence and to achieve better possessions. Because American students can work while studying, it is better to be a citizen of the United States than an international student. The most important difference between International students and American students is the tuition that they pay. International students are require to pay a very expensive tuitions if it is compare with the tuitions that American students have to pay. The tuition is very inequality, and it is only because they are international al students. Sometimes it seems to be very difficult for international students to pay the tuition because it is very expensive. For instance, an international student who studies in Miami Dade College is require to take twelve credits or more per semester which represents three thousand seven hundred dollars. However, an American student only has to pay for the same amount of credits twelve hundred dollars per semester. It is very inequality and unfair that just because they are from a different country, they would have to pay so much more money than an American student. On the contrary, it is very easy for American students to pay the tuition that the university requires. They can even pay for it with their own money. Therefore, it is easy for them to achieve their goals, and to have their independency from their parents. In conclusion, an international student has to put a lot of effort if he or she wants to be success in college. However, although American students also have to put a lot of effort to be success, it is easier for them since they already know the language, they can work while studying, and their tuition is pretty much inexpensive. Also, people have to keep in mind that being an American student is a privilege, and they should take advantage of it in order to achieve their goals in life.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Coping As A Stepmom

Coping As A Stepmom As far back as I can remember, the one thing I always wanted to be was a mom. I had dreams of being the perfect mother, giving and showing love and affection to my children and having them give that same kind of unconditional love back to me. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. It seems God had something else in store for me, something that I wasnt totally prepared for, and that was the role of a stepmom. Helping to raise one child that is not biologically yours is difficult, imagine having three of them. Coping as a stepmom is truly a work in progress, filled with rewards and challenges, and many of those challenges have to be dealt with through understanding, compromise, and love. My adventure in becoming a stepmom began on October 29, 2005 the day I married my husband and his three children. He had been divorced from his ex-wife for four years when we finally tied the knot. When I met him in 2004, he had been a bachelor and single dad for three years. Of course, he and his kids got use to being together and doing things together, so it wasnt easy trying to fit in especially for and with the kids. They quickly let me know they had a mother and werent too interested in having another one. One challenge we had to address early on was what were the kids going to call me. When we first met, they called me Miss Sheryl, and that was okay because it was respectful. They didnt know that their father and I were really serious about each other, and had been talking about the possibility of marriage by the time I was introduced to them (which was 4 months after my husband and I started dating). Right before we got engaged, I remember saying to the kids that they should drop the Miss, and just call me by my first name. That was simple, and didnt sound so informal and unattached. The youngest at the time, 9-year-old Trey, and oldest, 13-year-old Haley, thought it was a good idea and made the change right away with no problem. On the other hand, it wasnt easy for the middle child, 10-year-old Lunden. She had the hardest time because she was not ready to let go of the idea that maybe her parents would get back together. Once the engagement was announced and wedding plans were under way, she came around. Out of the blue, she just started calling me by my first name. When the conversation came up as to what they should call me after their dad and I were married, I told them to continue calling me Sheryl. I didnt want to put any pressure on them to call me something that would make them uncomfortable. Parenting experts say in their desire to present a close-knit family image, step parents and parents often push for relationship terms as mom and dad, or mama and papa, or straight mother and father. They go on to say that for the kids, these terms could symbolize the replacement or loss of the biological parent, and instead of unifying the family, it can put up a barrier (Visher, Visher, 1982). This is certainly not what I wanted to happen. By allowing them to continue to call me by my first name, which is what they were use to and most comfortable with, the transition from dads girlfriend to wife and stepmom was seamless and painless in that respect. I know Im not their mother, and the last thing I wanted was to add to their stress level of feelin g disloyal to their mom because I was in their lives now. Speaking of their mother, the relationship between the two of us started out a little shaky. I must say this was one challenge that I didnt think would ever come to a peaceful solution, but it has to some degree. The first time Sharon and I met was awkward. My husband and I were still in the dating mode when we went to pick the kids up for a 4th of July picnic in the park. I tried to be as cordial as possible, but she wasnt having it. She gave me a quick and cold hello, and then went about her business of talking to my husband and her kids. I remember telling one of my girlfriends that I had never been treated so rudely, and that if she was going to treat me that way, I could easily reciprocate. But my girlfriend explained what Sharon was probably feeling because she herself felt the same way when she met her exs new girlfriend. Consequently, she told me to always keep the best interest of the children at the forefront. Audrey Seaton-Bacon, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist in Whittier, California says having your little ones see birth parents and step parent working as a team is valuable and helpful (Hunter, 2006). I have found that to be so true. When my step kids first heard that their parents and I actually sat down together to talk about them, I sensed they were shocked and relieved. My husband, his ex-wife and I try to keep the lines of communication open at all times. Author Anne Burt says this is the most important thing. She also says no matter how much dislike there may be between a biological parent and a step p arent remain respectful and never show any hostility or resentment in front of your child its important for mother and stepmother to be grown-ups (Burt, 2007). Now we all attend school plays, concerts, and other events as a family as much as we can be as a family without discomfort. A childs public events should be an opportunity for the whole family to bond (Burt, 2007). I think once my step kids mom realized that I wasnt a threat to her and she could never be replaced, she became less jealous of me and now shes even friendlier. That has been a positive for all of us. The kids love and respect her as their mom, and they give me the same as their step mom. Seaton-Bacon says its actually good for kids to develop a healthy attachment to a step parent (Hunter, 2006). We all agreed early on that when it came to the discipline issue, dad and mom would handle that. Like many stepmoms, I didnt want that responsibility for fear of resentment. On the other hand, I felt that my husband was too laid back and needed to improve in that department. It was hard for me to sit back and say nothing but I learned that was best. In one of her ten parenting tips for stepmoms, Rachelle Katz says when stepchildren misbehave, first focus your attention on your partner rather than the children. Let him know, gently and calmly, that you feel he needs to assert his authority in order to help his children grow and develop, and feel secure and protected. If he isnt capable of being a strong parent, then your life, his life, and your stepchildrens lives will suffer (Katz, 2010). This was and still is a touchy subject. No matter how gently I try to bring this to my husbands attention, he doesnt seem to take it too well. Im not giving up though, or backing down from sharing my feelings or thoughts on the matter. While trying to develop a cordial, working relationship with my step kids mom, I was also trying to find my place in the family structure. I know my husband loves me, but I had some hard truths to deal with the fact that he was married before, and that he had kids. I, too, was married before but did not have any kids. Therefore, my husband doesnt have to deal with my ex the way I have to deal with his. Extended family situations come up quite frequently, with his family or her family, and it takes a lot of patience and understanding to handle those situations. What seems to help me the most is remembering that I am his wife now, and my main role is to be my husbands wife and help mate. By doing this, I feel I have found my place. We are growing together and bonding as a family each and every day, and this process will continue for years to come. One thing that we had to do was come up with house rules that involved making changes and setting boundaries. At first, I always felt like an outsider, and I think that had a lot to do with not knowing what I was allowed to do or say in my own home. Once we established the house rules that each of us had to abide by, I was finally able to speak up, based on whether or not the rules were being followed. In her book, How to handle your husbands kids, stepmom and author Jacquelyn Fletcher says this is when she finally got some relief. One house rule for her family (and mine as well) was to keep common areas clean. Fletcher says she finally got to say, Hey guys, remember we have to take our toys upstairs. House rules (McKinnell, 2007). Just like her, I was finally able to say what I needed to say without holding back and holding it in. The new rules also helped my husband and I grow closer because we found common ground and a way to parent together. When everyone in the family knows the house rules, you and your partner can back each other up when a transgression occurs. Working together as a team is important for you as a couple and teaches children that they cant divide and conquer (Katz, 2010). As my stepchildren and I have grown closer, weve developed quality relationships. The three of them have very distinct personalities and have to be treated accordingly. Parenting experts say enjoying time with your stepchildren is a necessity. Now that theyre all teenagers, Ive found ways to hang out with each of them that they enjoy. The oldest and I go shopping together. Our tastes in clothes are very different due to our ages, but she seems to value my opinion, and asks my advice. My middle stepdaughter and I spend a lot of time just talking. She is the one that needs lots of attention, and always seems to have something on her mind that she needs to discuss, so I provide that listening ear. My 14-year-old stepson is easy. Hes very creative and outgoing. Right now he is into writing song and rap lyrics. He asks for my opinions and suggestions all the time. The fact that I show an interest in what hes writing and why hes writing it has made all the difference in our relationship. H e is always thanking me for my support. The book, The Happy Stepmother, states that in order to have a good relationship with your stepchildren, youve got to spend some quality time with them. Since quality relationships are built from one-on-one interactions, spend private time with each of your stepchildren. Find common interests and activities, such as a hobby or a sport, to do with them (Katz, 2010). It has taken some time, but we understand and accept each other without any added pressure or stress. We feel what we feel, and thats okay. Love is an emotion that cant be forced. If you love your stepchildren, thats wonderful. If you dont, thats also acceptable, as long as you provide kindness, compassion and respect to them. No more and no less should be expected of you (Katz, 2010). I found that to be so true. Once I realized that I didnt have to love my stepchildren right away, and that they didnt have to love me back right away, it was easier for us to bond. All we had to do wa s be nice, kind, and respectful to each other. Finding the right family blend in a stepfamily situation can be difficult at best. There are so many obstacles to overcome and feelings to consider, but these family units can become strong. It has taken a lot of hard work but we have built a foundation based on trust and good communication skills listening and talking to each other. We know that were different from normal or first families both structurally and emotionally. An article written in 1997 for The Coalition for Collaborative Divorce states that stepfamilies would be the most common type of family in the country by the year 2010 this year! So maybe were normal after all. And weve already taken on some of the helpful actions listed in the article to deal with common stepfamily challenges and develop a happy and successful stepfamily life. As I mentioned before, we find time to sit, talk and listen to each other about what we were feeling. Dealing with and recognizing emotions are important factors when building a strong family unit. It is wise to assume that people have good reasons for their emotions and reactions, even if the reasons are not obvious. This attitude helps build respect and trust (Aronsohn, 1997). Weve come up with a new family tradition. Once a month, we get together for the Williams Family Gathering. This includes my husbands immediate family (his mom, siblings, and their families). This is where we all come together, bring a dish or two, and rotate eating at a different home. This is quality family time that we value and look forward to doing. This simple routine allows a sense of something stable, something to count on, something this family does (Aronsohn, 1997). My step kids are always asking when and where this month. They absolutely love it, and its something that wasnt done before I came along so it really is our new tradition. This extended family togetherness is good for our immediate stepfamily. The love, care and concern thats shown when I interact with my in-laws has also helped me to build solid relationships with my step kids. In conclusion, coping as a stepmom is not the same as the role of mom. It can sometimes seem like youre on a roller coaster ride that never stops. The frustrations, misunderstandings, and hurt that are part of that ride are too much to bear at times. Stepmoms have to tread lightly and cautiously. Every situation is different and needs to be handled in its own way. Weve had our ups and downs over the last 5 years, and Im sure well have many more. But now we have a stronger foundation from which to work from. We just need to accept and address each issue as it comes up. This work in progress will continue to remind us of the valuable lessons weve learned like understanding and compromising to develop stronger, more loving, and successful relationships between us. By working together and appreciating each others role in our blended stepfamily, weve reached some common ground that seems to be working for all of us. The challenges have not come without rewards. And one of those rewards was huge for me. During a celebration for my 50th birthday this past March, my three stepchildren stood together at the podium and told our family and friends that they consider me more of a mom than a stepmom. That was music to my ears. They admitted Ive made a difference in their lives and the life of their father. When they said how much they loved and appreciated me, it brought tears to my eyes. For the first time, I felt like Im doing something right as a stepmom.