Analyse The Streingths and Weaknesses Of The Boston Matrix As An Aid T

In this essay I will look at the strengths and weaknesses of using the Boston Matrix to help make decisions in business. I will first briefly explain the Boston Matrix and then analyse its effectiveness as an aid to making a marketing strategy. Like Ansoff's matrix, the Boston Matrix is a well known tool for marketing managers. It was developed by the large US consulting group and is a way that a business can compare all of its products. The two aspects it looks at are market share (relative to that of competitors) and market growth. To use it you would look at all of your products and sort them into 4 categories, stars (products with a high market growth and a high market share), cash cows (high market share in a market with little growth), problem children/question marks (low market share in a growing market) and dogs (low market share in a market with no growth). There needs to be an equilibrium of the different types in your product portfolio. Never have any dogs, but try and keep the same amount of the other 3 types. This means that funds can be evenly distributed between the 3, money generated from cash cows needs to be spent turning problem children into stars, which will eventually become cash cows, and the cycle continues. Some problem children will become dogs, and money from cash cows m ay also have to be spent compensating for these failures. The Boston Matrix is commonly used to try and help plan the future of a company as well as simply categorising products. Bu...

Acct 542 Audit Proposal

Audit Proposal Audit Proposal Kudler Fine Foods has many different types of audit to consider that could be used for each functional areas of AP, AR, inventory management and payroll. This brief has the purpose to distinguish among the types of audits that could be used for each process; to recommend the audit most appropriate for each process; to explain how the audits will be conducted; and to identify events that could prevent reliance on auditing through the computer. Types of AuditDue to increasing economic and financial growth, many types of audit have been incorporated throughout the development process of internal activities. Audits can be performed manually or they can incorporate technology. According to Hunton and Bagranoff (2004), there are four main types of audit: 1) Attestation; 2) Findings and Recommendations; 3) SAS 70; and 4) SAS 94. Each type brings something unique to the table and can be used in different situations. Attestation. The Attestation audit present rep orts on examinations reviews or agreed-upon procedures.The auditor provides assurance on something for which the client is responsible. Findings and Recommendations. Findings and Recommendations is an audit that summarizes the audit work for each of the systems, which does not include an opinion. It could be considered â€Å"consulting† services. SAS 70 Audit. The SAS 70 is an auditing standard created by the AICPA and has two report types – Type I, which the auditor reports an opinion about the operating controls and Type II, that meets the objectives of the Type I additionally includes a detailed test of the effectiveness of the controls.SAS 94 Audit. SAS 94 audit deals with electronic records and have the purpose to guide and extend the auditor responsibilities in reference to internal controls knowledge as a part of a regular financial audit. Appropriate Audit Recommendations and Steps for each Process Accounts Payable. The appropriate IT audit for accounts payable (A/P) is the SAS 94 Audit. The steps that are taken for the SAS 94 Audit and ones that Kudler will use is the application software review. The steps are to do a limit, range, validity and completeness check. Accounts Receivable.The appropriate IT audit for accounts receivable (A/R) is also the SAS 94 Audit. This is for the same reasons. Kudler will check different areas to see how to handle different errors as they arise and to be sure that the system is checking for the errors within a timely manner by using software review. Inventory. The appropriate IT audit for inventory is also SAS 94 audit. SAS 94 audit uses administration review to determine how accurate the inventory is and how accurate the transactions for inventory are. The steps that are taken for this is to identify any areas that may have fraudulent information.According to COSO (2010), Inventory is the most misstated asset in an IT audit, pg 18. Para 14. Payroll. The appropriate IT audit for payroll is also SAS 94 aud it. SAS 94 audit software review uses the steps to test payroll in the same ways that it will test A/R and A/P. Kudler will have the ability to test payroll, A/R, and A/P in the same audit test and possibly at the same time. Events that could Prevent Reliance on Auditing through the Computer Since we have discussed what types of audits we recommended for each accounting process.We would now like to focus on certain events that can assist Kudler’s Fine Foods on the events that could prevent the reliance on auditing through a computer. The events that must happen involve testing the data, validate computer programs, review the system software, validate user accounts and access privileges, and embed modules to achieve continuous auditing. Testing the data. The first event that has to happen is gathering data that can be tested and see how the data is processed . In more complex systems the data have to be put through an integrated test facility in order to audit the operational settings.Data sometimes will go through a parallel simulation which is time consuming but will audit the processes to see if they are functioning according to company policies. Validate Computer Programs. The Next event deals with using audit techniques to validate new computer programs that upgrade or enhance the software by installing the internal controls to protect against unauthorized changes and it will also help develop better company software. This event also compare the new or enhanced program with the old software to see what processes or improved or useless. Review of System Software.The third event actually reviews the systems software controls of the operating system and its utility programs that perform the housekeeping. It also reviews the program library controls, monitors storage programs, and accesses control software. The event is do in order make sure all the controls are in place and functioning and to ensure all controls we approved the documentation or by usin g the software tools. Validate User Accounts and Access Privileges. The fourth event that is validating user accounts and access privileges that will ensure who has access to what data and what account have to be set up to ensure security and accuracy.The auditor needs to verify that the software parameters are there but make sure that the IT staff is using them correctly in or for this event to happen. Continuous Auditing. The last event is continuous auditing in which all the data will be audited as it is processed to ensure real time assurance and to provide faster financial reporting that is accurate. This process is done by embedded audit modules which capture the audit data, exception reporting that reject data that fall outside the predetermined specifications, transaction logging tag certain transaction so they can be reviewed to see f the controls in place are working, snapshot techniques examine the way special transactions are processed, and continuous simulation is invol ved in collecting data and comparing it to data in a database management system to look for discrepancies. These tools are designed to audit controls and procedures when no auditor is present. Conclusion In conclusion we feel that this audit proposal will effectively help the Kudler’s Fine Foods organization determine what type of audit to use for each accounting process. The recommendations will help this organization achieve the structural controls needed in order to function in the modern world.We will be pleased the help this organization in achieve continuous auditing which will help with getting away from auditing through a computer. By going through the various processes of auditing Kudler's Fine Foods will have success and continues to gain market share in its industry. References Bagranoff, N. A. , Simkin, M. G. , & Strand Norman (2008). Core Concepts of Accounting Information Systems (10th ed. ). New York: NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Galvenston (2012). How to Create Flowcharts for an Accounting Information System, eHow, Demand Media, Inc. , retrieved online July 8, 2012 from http://www. how. com/how_6827920_create-flowcharts-accounting-information-system. html. Grocery Store POS Software Solutions. (2010). Retrieved online July 8, 2012 from http://comcash. com/grocery. php Hunton, J. A. , Bryant, S. M. , & Bagranoff, N. A. (2004). Core Concepts of Information Technology Auditing. New York, New York: Wiley & Sons. O’Brien, J. A. , & Marakas, G. M. (2008). Management Information Systems (8th ed. ). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. COSO. (2010). Fraudulent Financial Reporting  . Retrieved from http://www. coso. org/documents/COSOFRAUDSTUDY2010_001. pdf

Governance mechanisms Essay

1). Evidence from empirical studies of short-run cost-output relationships lends support to the: 2). Break-even analysis usually assumes all of the following except: 3). In determining the shape of the cost-output relationship only ____ depreciation is relevant. Answer 4). In the linear breakeven model, the breakeven sales volume (in dollars) can be found by multiplying the breakeven sales volume (in units) by: 5). A firm in pure competition would shut down when: Selected Answer: price is less than average variable cost Correct Answer: price is less than average variable cost 6). Buyers anticipate that the temporary warehouse seller of unbranded computer equipment will Answer 7). An â€Å"experience good† is one that: 8). Experience goods are products or services 9). The demand curve facing the firm in ____ is the same as the industry demand curve. 10). In the electric power industry, residential customers have relatively ____ demand for electricity compared with large industrial users. But contrary to price discrimination, large industrial users generally are charged ____ rates. 11). The practice by telephone companies of charging lower long-distance rates at night than during the day is an example of: 12). Of the following, which is not an economic rationale for public utility regulation? 13). If a cartel seeks to maximize profits, the market share (or quota) for each firm should be set at a level such that the ____ of all firms is identical. 1 4). Which of the following is an example of an oligopolistic market structure? 15). Some market conditions make cartels MORE likely to succeed in collusion. Which of the following will make collusion more successful? 16). Even ideal cartels tend to be unstable because 17). In making promises that are not guaranteed by third parties and in imposing penalties that are not enforced by third parties, all of the following are credibility-enhancing mechanisms except 18). The Prisoner’s Dilemma involves two spies who are held in separate soundproof rooms. But  even if the two spies could communicate, what makes it difficult for them to achieve the cooperative solution (both not confessing)? 19). When airlines post prices on an electronic bulletin board at 8:00 a.m. each morning, the decision-makers are engaged in 20). To trust a potential cooperator until the first defection and then never cooperate thereafter is 21). Vacation tours to Europe invariably package visits to disparate regions: cities, mountains, and the seaside. Bundling, a type of second degree price discrimination, is most profitable when: 22). Firms that have a cover charge for their customers and charge for each item they purchase as well are exhibiting 23). The optimal mark-up is: m = -1/ (E+1). When the mark-up on cookware equals 50%, then demand elasticity (E) for cookware is: 24). Third-degree price discrimination exists whenever: 25). Governance mechanisms are designed 26). Vertical integration may be motivated by all of the following except: 27). Agency problems appear in many settings within a firm. All of the following are examples, except which is NOT a good example of this problem? 28). Reliant assets are always all of the following except: 29). ____ occurs whenever a third party receives or bears costs arising from an economic transaction in which the individual (or group) is not a direct participant. 30). The lower the barriers to entry and exit, the more nearly a market structure fits the ____ market model. 31). The ____ is equal to the some of the squares of the market shares of all the firms in an industry. 32). ____ yields the same results as the theory of perfect competition, but requires substantially fewer assumptions than the perfectly competitive model. 33).In determining the optimal capital budget, one should choose those project’s whose ____ exceeds the firm’s ____ cost of capital. 34). The ____ method assumes that the cash flows over the life of the project are reinvested at the ____. 35). Any current outlay that is expected to yield a flow of benefits beyond one year in the future is 36). Capital expendituresa

Palliative Care Essay

1. What is Palliative Care? (150 words) Palliative Care is a care provided when someone is living with, and dying from a fatal chronic condition where the primary goal is maintaining quality of life. It provides special supportive care for anyone who is suffering a life-threatening condition approaching the end of life. Palliative care is for any age, those with cancer or any other terminal diagnosis, people of any ethnic or cultural background, whether they may live in the countryside or the city. Palliative care maintains quality of life, provides comfort although it does not cure, It relieves pain and distress for patients who are on a terminal condition. Palliative care also offers support for the patient’s family members supporting them in bereavement 2. What is meant by a life limiting illness (50 words) A life limiting illness is the term used to describe the illnesses where death is expected to be the foreseeable future of that specified illness. This can be both malignant and non-malignant illness. Such illness may include cancer, renal disease, dementia, heart disease chronic liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 3. Identify five members of a Palliative care multi -disciplinary health care team and briefly state what knowledge and skills each discipline contributes to the team . 1) Nurses – Nurses are the front liners in patient care and directly deals with the patient. Registered Nurses plan, direct, and coordinate care. License practical nurses works with RNs and other health professionals to provide direct care. 2) Pharmacists – The pharmacist can educate the patient and the family on how to take and manage side effects of the medications; give the doctor advice on how to administer the medication, prepare the medication, help set a schedule of taking medication, and provide ongoing monitoring of all medications. 3) Chaplains – Chaplains addresses the spiritual needs of patients like praying and answering theological questions. The help with the search for meaning in the person’s life and in the reflection of matters of faith such as prayer and rituals 4)  Physician/Family Doctor – The physician is the one in charge of a person’s medical care and works closely with the patient, patient’s family, and the palliative home care. The family doctor can refer the patient for palliative care consult. 5) Social Workers – Social workers help the patient and family in dealing with personal and social problems of illness. They assist in making referrals to community services, planning discharge to home or to a hospice, and completing advance directives in case a person loses the ability to speak for himself. 4. Describe how nurses could facilitate a â€Å" good death† by following the palliative care approach (75 words) Nurses are the one that provide direct care to the patients. They are the one who assess the patient and the first one to see any improvements or any abnormalities on patient’s condition. Nurses are the one who manage the pain and any discomfort of the patient. They are the one whom the patient talks to about their feeling and nurses must use their therapeutic and non-therapeutic communications when handling palliative patients. Nurses must also provide a safe and comfortable environment to the patients and removing any stimuli. 5. Describe how respiratory and cardiovascular factors in terminal illnesses affect the clients ADLS ADL’s are greatly affected by respiratory and cardiovascular factors because they are unable to do things they used to do. In a simple walk they can be easily exhausted, fatigued and feeling weak. Sometimes they need assistance to do their daily routine because they cannot handle it by themselves. This is all because of the respiratory and cardiovascular factors that affected them, there will be decrease in circulation and oxygenation making them feel weak on doing simple tasks. In serious cases, patient might have other complications due to lack of exercise and immobility like pneumonia and pressure areas. 6. Research and summarise the practices of Aboriginal people in relation to death and dying (100 words ) Indigenous Australians have similar practices to the general Australian population the main differences that when they gather for the purpose to share their grief and sorrow they will never again speak the name of the deceased as they believe this may stop their spirit  from moving onto the next stage of life. At the wake they paint themselves with ochre body paint and sing, dance pray assisting the soul of their loved one to move along and return to their birthplace to be re born. Their belief is that all things may posses a soul and that the soul of the deceased may return in any form even that of a rock. These ways are very traditional and differ even between tribal areas and current beliefs of the individuals. 7. What is an Advanced Health Directive and describe the advantages of having a directive in place? A written document stating ones wishes for care, primarily life sustaining measures when he or she is no longer capable to express him/herself/ 8. What is meant by life sustaining measures? Put simply is when your bodies system fails and will not recover leaving the only outcome of death a machine is used to replace the function 9. What happens if a client has no AHD and becomes too ill to express their care wishes? (30 words) When a client has no AHD they are treated as normal under the health teams objective to preserve life meaning they will be resuscitated and all attempts will be made to maintain life. Alternatively this is where the decision-making can become that of the families or a member of family. 10. Can instructions be written for doctors to assist the client to die? and how (30 words ) Advance health directives are used by patients for their future treatment when they cannot be able to speak by themselves. Doctors cannot assist the patient to die unless it is the will of the patient. There cannot be written any instruction to assist the patient to die as currently this is illegal and the health practitioner that does perform such duties with be trialled for murder. 11 . Can a client change or revoke an AHD ?. (30 words )  Patient can change their advance health directive at any time, provided that they will still have the decision – making capacity. Patient can also revoke their AHD having their signature witnessed. 12. .A family is in conflict over the treatment of their family member who is dying .The patient is in a terrible amount of pain ,yet some members want less pain relief as they don’t want him to be too drowsy .Should the patient be able to die with dignity with controlled pain relief or live longer in pain ? Explain your rationale and reflect your thoughts on this .Also how would you support the family with this dilemma ? (100 words) The aim of palliative care is to maintain integrity and quality of client’s life while he/she is battling an incurable illness. Quality of life includes ensuring that the patient is comfortable and pain free. In this situation, providing education to the patient’s family is important by trying to make them understand the advantages as well as disadvantages of providing pain relief to the client. Providing terminally ill patients adequate pain relief is vital in the outcome of palliative care. 13. The care plan states that your patient is to have a shower every day at the family’s request .You are helping to get out of bed and she states â€Å" I don’t think I can shower today â€Å"You also note that she is short of breath. What is the appropriate response to this situation? What actions would you take? (50 words) I will assist the patient back in bed and elevate the head of bed to 45 degrees or higher then check her vital signs. In short, I will grant the patient’s wish of staying in bed and let the patient rest. If she prefers a bed bath because she’s not feeling well, then bed bath should be rendered. I will also assess her vital signs and neurological observations then inform the RN and the attending physician. How would you communicate these events to the patients family when they arrive ? Once the family arrives, we could inform them that the patient is not feeling well and is short of breath so she refused to be given a bath. Explain to them that vital signs were checked, attending physician has been informed of the situation, and appropriate intervention was already given. 14†¦Consider the following symptoms and list strategies you could use to implement to assist the client (150 words) Abdominal bloating and discomfort Moist gurgling respirations Reddened sacrum Dysphagia Opioid induced constipation Strategies include: Instruct client or family to avoid carbonated drinks and gas forming food such as cabbage and beans. Advise to chew slowly and not to eat too much food at once Inform the doctor about the condition for a medication to be ordered if not alleviated Maximising the client’s oxygenation through positioning the client upright Providing supplemental oxygen and maintaining patent airway through deep breathing exercises Suctioning if required Physiotherapy 15. Describe how you would respond to the following questions /request for information Why is he continuing to have pain when he is barely conscious? Although the client is barely conscious, it doesn’t mean that he is not in pain. The manifestations of pain could not only be appreciated through verbal or physical gestures but also through vital signs. Pain could cause the blood pressure to shoot up as well as the respiration and pulse rate. Why does her breathing sound so bad? The breathing is due to the decrease in oxygenation that causes the respirations to be rapid or slow, shallow and irregular. Breath sounds may become wet and noisy, which are due to the accumulation of mucus in the airways and the patient’s inability to expectorate their secretions due to muscle weakness and decreased gag reflex. How much longer will this go on for? (50 words) This kind of breathing will go on until the vital organs and systems stop  functioning. Generally, respiration ceases first. 16 . Palliative care can be challenging environment to work in. Discuss ways in which you could ensure you care for yourself and why this is so important It is important to maintain a healthy body & mind if you are to be working in such an environment as you are a key element of care to both the patient and their family. Ways to maintain your own health are to maintain a journal and to actively seek out and debrief or find a professional to discuss your personal concerns with. Fitness and physical activities or simple stretches and/or yoga or pilates sessions can also be just as beneficial as much as it is about your physical benefits it can also assist in relinquishing any built up stressors. 17†¦Mr J ones care plan states that he must have a blood transfusion if his HB falls below 8.0 .Hi test today shows 6.5 .He is short of breath and fatigued .As the RN leaves the room after informing Mr Jones that he is to have a transfusion he says that he does not want the transfusion and that he has had enough and just wants to die .What are your actions and response to this situation ? (50 words) As it is already established why he does not wish to receive the treatment I would simply discuss why the transfusion is done and how non invasive the process is and its benefits. However in saying this the situation presented is one where the patient is obviously in emotional distress. I would notify the RN, MO &/or Doctor. Depending upon the end resolve next of kin may also be notified should treatment cease so as they can be prepared for any outcome. In my scope I would notify & document. Provide education where needed and support the patient making referral to social services or identified individuals who have already had dealings with the patient on a faith or belief basis it may also be beneficial. The MO/Doctor will deem if the patient is of sound mind to make such decisions and/or discuss with the patients substitute decision maker/s. 18. .Access a local group or organization in your community and identify what resources the organization offers to patients and their families for  bereavement counselling ,education and support .How can clients access the information (50 words)? A good provider of a full range of services is the Salvation Army as being already well established they have an extensive knowledge base and well thought processes being implemented. Counseling and education is available over the phone 24/7 and can be useful for any circumstance from distress & grief to suicidal moments. They also offer face to face counceling and can cover a full topic range, along with those already mentioned they can also discuss and assist with finance, drug abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, youth issues and even hostel and aged care assistance. The salvation armies care line phone number nationally is 1300 36 36 22 19†¦Care of the body after death is a vital aspect of palliative care and is based on cultural and religious beliefs, which includes issues of organ donation ,post mortem and autopsy .Briefly provide some information on the above in regards to – The Jewish community ( 40 words ) From the time of death to the funeral the body is to always be accompanied and never alone. Jewish religious law also preserves the respect for the dead. These rites may include: Closing of eyes and mouth Applying clay over the eyelids Facing the body toward the door Placing the body on the floor for 20 minutes Placing the arms alongside the body rather than folded over the chest Purification of the body Wrapping the body in a white shroud and (for men) in a prayer shawl Customarily, only members of the same sex are permitted to touch the corpse These rituals may be facilitated by family members, the funeral home, and/or the Chevrah Kadish (burial society) Keeping with the Jewish laws of not mutilating a body autopsies and organ donations can also be prohibited but it has been known on occasion for organs to be donated to family members. – The Muslim community (40 words ) For those of Islam the process is quiet simple the body is to be bathed and  shrouded (3 pieces of cloth for men and 5 for women) and buried as soon as possible. In the meanwhile prays will be made and loved ones begin grieving and the mourning process over 3 days. The main points of interest is that the grave is to be aligned perpendicular to Mecca as for other burial traditions they vary between regions. Cremation is forbidden and organ donation is permissible generally as long as it is to save life. Autopsies are a grey area in that there is no religious decry but many would prefer not to as a quick burial is preferred however if it where for legal reasons it has been allowed. 20. Discuss three legal and ethical issues that are related to Palliative. Briefly discuss (80 words) http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/archive/news/giving-my-dad-final-dignity/story-e6freah3-1111118720637?nk=5be06e19d7df58d1a484641fb445fb30 Legal Issues: Currently under law and a part of all practitioners industry acts is to do no harm as I have discussed previously any practitioner under current legislation to participate in euthanasia would be tried for murder. I don’t agree with this personally and even more so that should the individual perform the duties themselves it would be considered suicide negating any legacy or insurances taken to look after their families as part of their comfort in knowing the family will be cared for. Ethically: I agree with the article (link above) in that humans do play god in most aspects of the anatomy and health care we provide interventions that would cease the natural course of any ailment, we preserve the life of those inflicted with chronic illnesses, we intervene in every aspect even without knowing the full course or purpose of the health issue in the first place. The results of intervention are starting to become clear in our society, reduced immunity, fragile and susceptible bodies I believe may only be the beginning what happens after a couple generations of this. Yet we will sit on our hands when the individual is left with no dignity, pride or human rights and wait for what could now almost be looked as The Miracle of Death. Did the gather hunters have it right back in the beginning? I think if I where void of all senses and only had very basic neurological activity and being kept alive for the sole purpose of viewing and an observation tool I think if I could speak I would speak of cruelty and probably win a court case for it.  Don’t get me wrong though, I am not pro euthanasia either however if we are to take a debate on that topic then why stop intervening in nature and playing god when it comes to end. 21. List some of the ways that you can manage the hydration and nutritional requirements of the client during the end of life stage (80 words ) A fluid balance chart, cardiovascular and visual observations of skin turgor, lips and mucousal linings would be a good indication for both hydration and nutrition. Depending how long the client has been in your care you may also be able to view changes in nails, hair and eyes these may also be good diagnostic tools and also ensure regular visits from the dietician and adherence to the plan. 22. Pain management is an important aspect of palliative care. Discuss six ways that pain symptoms can be managed without medication (50 words ) Any distraction can assist in removing the focus from pain. Massage can assist in relieving muscles, has a diversion and therapeutic effect also. Hot & cold packs, sleep, exercise, music, essential oils and simple stretches all can contribute in alleviating or reducing pain. 23 . List five barriers to effective pain management (30 words ) A barrier is as defined is anything that can restrict the patient from achieving an outcome. Given this as a starting point and making the target to be effective pain management or free of then the barriers are endless. They can range from family members to low medication supply through to increased resilience to medications or organ failure. Not to mention the individuals psyche emotion and physical state, they may manifest pain that doesn’t exist or they may be overly stressed causing pain to increase they may also be in blatant refusal of care, have fears, language & cultural differences, communication the barriers are endless and should I have a full education in multiple fields and endless time to study and read random information I’m sure there would be many others to add to the list. 24. List the five stages of dying according to Dr Kubler -Ross ( 10 words) The five stages of dying are  Denial- this is natural and defence mechanism where people may not accept the fact that they are dying or will die. Anger- Upon realisation of the situation to they may get frustrated and angry about their predicament, how and why it has happened. Bargaining- in this stage they realise that they are dying soon and pray for more time. Such phrases like ‘I’ll be a better person, father or Partner’ would be commonly heard. Depression- The person has accepted the fact and is sad about the fact they are dying. They have realised the ultimatum and may have regret over past choices or behaviours and can do nothing about it. Acceptance- People realise that they are dying and finally accept it and have come to a kind of peace with the situation. CASE STUDY # 2 Using this case study Outline some nursing interventions that demonstrate applying a palliative care approach using the following headings (150 words) – Spiritual: Patient in a palliative care often spend their time praying and they become closer to God as they get old. Always respect the patient’s beliefs and values. If the patient is praying do no interrupt him and to the procedures when he is finished praying. Ask him if he want a priest to visit him and give him some prays. Always know the patient’s religion and his beliefs to avoid conflict on giving care – Comfort: The main goal of the palliative care is to give provide comfort to the patient. Always ask the patient how they are feeling or if they need some help. Simple chat with the patient makes them comfort, a simple questions like â€Å"How are you?† can make them feel special and they might think there is still someone who cares to them. Giving what patient’s need and attend to those needs makes the patient feels comfortable. – Legal: Patient at this stage have their Advance Health Directives, it is a legal document for that the patient did for his future treatment and must be implemented. Always provide patient’s autonomy. We as EEN must always maintain confidentiality and privacy of the patient. – Pain management: Pain assessment is important for management of the pain. We must always assess the patient’s pain and must have intervention to the pain not only in a pharmacological way but also in a non-pharmacological way because some of the patient cannot take too much medicines. Always ask the patient how are they and report to us if they feel any pain. – Elimination bowel and urinary: At this time patient’s elimination changed unlike before, some of the patient are incontinent of urine and faeces due to deterioration of the body. Make sure to educate the patient about normal aging that incontinence is a normal process of aging. We must monitor their Input and Output and document it on a Fluid Balance Chart if necessary. If the patient is constipated encourage them to increase fibre in diet and have some exercise. Assist the patient always in the toilet early in the morning and use toilet chair if necessary. – Skin Integrity: As the patient goes old, their skin becomes dry and fragile. Encourage the patient to use lotion or moisturiser on their skin so that their skin will not be dry. Prevent the patient to have pressure areas by repositioning the patient to different sides every 4 hours. Assess the skin for pressure areas and put some cream on those areas. Document any abnormalities to patient’s skin such as redness and bruise. – Mobility: Provide patient independence on their care to promote range of motion. Refer patient to physiotherapist if necessary. Encourage the patient to exercise daily. If the patient have mobility aids educate the patient on how to use it properly. – Mental health physiological support: Patients at this point becomes depressed and feels alone. Always provide communication to the patient using therapeutic and non- therapeutic approach. Always talk to the patient or ask the family to visit the patient. Describe how you could improve the room and environment for Alexander (100 words) Ask the children to bring pictures of themselves and the parents to  bring in any items they think would make the room more comfortable but allow Alexander to decide if they stay†¦ Greenery never hurts and/or a fresh breeze through the window and perhaps a couple science orientated magazines on the side table to peak his curiosity as if you do a trade long enough you will always have a professional interest whether you want it or not. Reference: Crisp, J, Taylor, C, Douglas, C & Rebeiro, G 2013, Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing 4th Ed. Elsevier Mosby, Sydney. Brown, D., & Edwards, H. (2012). Lewis’s Medical Surgical Nursing (3rd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Mosby, Elsevier Department of Attorney General 2014, Advance Health Directives, viewed 10 September 2014, http://www.publicadvocate.wa.gov.au/A/advance_health_directives.aspx End of life Care Network, Life limiting illness, 2011, Viewed on 09 September 2014 http://www.endoflifecumbriaandlancashire.org.uk/info_patients_carers/life_limiting_illness.php Hibbert C 2014, Dealing with grief:The 5 Stages of Grief, viewed 10 September 2014, http://www.drchristinahibbert.com/dealing-with-grief/5-stages-of-grief/ O’Connor, M & Aranda, S 2003, Palliative Care Nursing – A Guide to Practice 2nd Ed. Ausmed Publications, Melbourne. NSW Board of Jewish Education 2012, Autopsy, Transplantation, Insemination and abortion, viewed 10 September 2014, http://www.bje.org.au/learning/judaism/ethics/bioethics/autopsy.html Palliative Care Council, What is Palliative Care, 2012, Viewed on 09 September 2014 http://www.pallcare.asn.au/about/what-is-palliative-care Tasmania Department of Health and Human Services 2013, Palliative Care Team, viewed 10 September 2014, http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/palliativecare/about/team World Health Organisation 2014, WHO definition of Palliative Care, viewed 10 September 2014, http://www.who.int/cancer/palliative/definition/en/

Analysis of Learning Theory Essay

Teaching and education in the church utilizes both the spiritual, as well as the psychological. Andy Stanley and Lane Jones in their book Communicating For A Change discuss teaching the Bible in a clear and concise way that encourages one to change. William Yount in his book Created to Learn examines traditional learning theory and how it applies to teaching the Bible. Andy Stanley has come up with three ways one can approach teaching the Bible. The first way is to teach the Bible to people. This method is just to educate the people about Bible facts. It does not address doctrine or to dig deeper into biblical truth. Stanley states, â€Å"This is the perfect approach for the communicator whose goal is to simply explain what the Bible teaches.† This is not a very helpful teaching method. Just knowing Bible knowledge will not impact one’s life. Change requires application. The second way to approach teaching Scripture is to teach people the Bible. This is the traditional way pastors and teachers approach the Scriptures. It is three points and a poem. Stanley states, â€Å"This goal differs from the first in that the communicator takes his audience into account as he plans his approach.† The third method of teaching is the method the authors present, which is hearing and doing. Stanley states, â€Å"A third goal, and the one I subscribe to, is to teach people how to live a life that reflects the values, principles and truths of the Bible. In short, my goal is change. I want them to do something different instead of just think about it.† This is best summed up when James states to be a doer of the Word not just a hearer, in the first chapter, talks about being a hearer and a doer of the Word. Appling the Word is the only way one will see any change in one’s life. Learning also has a psychological aspect as well. There are various theories on how one learns. One such theory is behavioral learning theory. Behavioral theory teaches that one learns through conditioning. Edward Thorndike has adapted traditional beha vioral learning to the classroom. William Yount describes Thorndike’s law of readiness. â€Å"The law of readiness states that learning proceeds best when learners are properly prepared to respond†¦In the classroom, learning proceeds best when learners are made ‘ready’ – when they are engaged in the subject – at the beginning of the session.† The law of readiness takes into account the environment where learning takes place. By providing the optimal learning environment, the teacher is creating an atmosphere that encourages learning. Learning also takes place through repetition and practice, which is known as the law of exercise. The third law Thorndike recognizes is the law of effect. Yount states, â€Å"The law of effect states that any response that is followed by pleasure or reward strengthens the association between that response and its stimulus.† This theory treats human learning just like training an animal. It does not take into consideration man’s spiritual nature. However, conditioning is useful in classroom management and conduct. Another theory of learning is social learning theory. Albert Bandura is the psychologist who popularized this theory. It has four stages. Stage one is known as attention. Yount states, â€Å"Attention is attracted, intentionally or not, by the perception that models help status competence, popularity, success, or similarity.† The concept of modeling is best described biblically as discipleship. The next phase is called retention. Yount states, â€Å"Retention – ‘retaining information or impressions’ – refers to the observer’s encoding of the model’s behavior into memory so that it can be remembered and produced at a later time.† This is done by mentally storing the information in one’s brain. The third stage is production. Production is practicing the observed behavior and adapting it based on feedback. This concept is learning by doing what one has seen in the model. Jesus sent out the disciples in groups of two to put into practice what they have learned. The fourth stage is motivation. The learning is motivated by their behavior being reinforced. This is done through feedback, both positive and negative. Social learning theory is consistent with the process of discipleship. Mentors are able to model what the Christian life looks like and the disciples put that behavior into practice. A third learning theory is cognitive learning theory. One form of cognitive learning is known as discovery learning. Yount states, â€Å"Discovery learning builds upon direct instruction to help students see the relationships among principles and concepts. It leads to longer-lasting retention of the material, as well as higher self-esteem in learners. Discovery learning encourages the development and use of creative thinking skills, involving formal logic, but more, including beliefs, desires expectations, emotions, and intentions of learners.† Discovery learning is made up of five concepts. The first concept is structure. This is organizing material in a concrete way in order to be taught. It is organizing material into outlines or graphs and the like. The next concept is presentation. Yount states, â€Å"Bruner believed that people possess different modes of under standing, and that these modes were available to learners of any age. He called these modes the enactive, the iconic, and the symbolic.† The enactive mode is learning by doing and seeing presentations. The iconic mode is learning visually by pictures and such. The symbolic mode is learning by describing complicated concepts verbally. The third concept is economy. This concept deals with the idea that providing too much information can cause overload and actually hinder learning. Stanley refers to this when evaluating traditional Bible teaching. The next concept is power. This power is best found in keeping learning simple and concise. Breaking concepts down into formulas or diagrams is helpful. The final concept of discovery learning is motivation. Yount states, â€Å"Intrinsic motivation sustains that will to learn; extrinsic motivation does not. Intrinsic motivation comes from the student’s own curiosity, their drive to achieve competence, and reciprocity – the desire to work cooperatively with others. These are rewarding in themselves, and thus, self-sustaining. The fourth learning theory is educational humanism. This concept takes the whole person into consideration and is learner focused. Yount states, â€Å"Learners are persons; therefore, life-changing learning engages personal attitudes, emotions, and values. The goal of educational humanism was to personalize the classroom.† There are several positive aspects to humanistic learning. One is the ability for teachers to build relationships with their students. This can also apply the modeling concept of social learning. Another positive aspect is the ability for students to explore their feelings and emotions. Yount states, â€Å"In the context of Bible study, exploring personal feelings and sharing personal testimonies are means to spiritual growth as God’s Word speaks, and Bible truths are discovered, personalized, and integrated into the authentic activities of life.† Learning theory impacts how one approaches teaching the Bible. In the opinion of the author, social learning theories, as well as, aspects of discovery learning and humanistic learning are effective in teaching the Scriptures. The concept of modeling is biblical. When Jesus told the disciples to follow Him, He was inviting them into a modeling relationship. This is the call to discipleship. By discovering biblical truth and applying to one’s life, both individually and in community, is how one grows in Christ. Bibliography Stanley, Andy and Lane Jones. Communicating For A Change. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2006. Yount, William R. Created to Learn: A Christian Teacher’s Introduction to Educational Psychology. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2010. ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Andy Stanley and Lane Jones, Communicating For A Change, (Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2006), 93. [ 2 ]. Stanley and Jones, 94. [ 3 ]. William R. Yount, Created to Learn: A Christian Teacher’s Introduction to Educational Psychology, (Nashville: B&H Academic, 2010), 178. [ 4 ]. Yount, 179. [ 5 ]. Ibid., 219. [ 6 ]. Ibid., 220. [ 7 ]. Ibid., 221. [ 8 ]. Ibid., 242. [ 9 ]. Ibid., 243. [ 10 ]. Stanley and Jones, 102. [ 11 ]. Yount, 244. [ 12 ]. Ibid., 313. [ 13 ]. Ibid., 323.

Salient features of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech, “I have a dream”

This essay describes the salient features of Martin Luther King Jr’s famous speech, â€Å" I have a dream†. It concentrates on reasons which contributed to making it so famous. This speech had many salient features which have made it so famous and acceptable to the audience. These are : Structure : The speech is very well structured. King first builds a base for his arguments, by saying that the demands that follow in his speech were guaranteed to the black Negroes long back.He then alleges that the American government nd the white people have not complied with these rights given to blacks. He then injects courage into the minds of the black audience, by using a special force known as ‘ repetition’. He repeats, â€Å" It is my dream that †, many times, and actually succeeds in forcing the minds of black audience to ‘ see’ that dream with him. Force : One more effective element in this speech is the invisible force behind it. The words ar e very strong, and the style is direct. A very direct attack is launched on the American government.The miserable torture that the blacks were undergoing is reported in a very direct, face to fact style. Nothing is indirect or implied. This force is more evident when he paints the picture of his vision of life of the Negroes in future. There is no rhetoric, no sarcasm. This adds the necessary force in the speech, which captivates the audience. Continuity : This is the third impressive feature. The three main parts of the speech, namely, the violation of promise, present condition of Negroes and his uture dream for the Negroes, are interwoven without any pause in between. The switch-over from one part to another part is very natural and automatic. This helps in binding the audience to the speech, till the end.Good use of linguistic tools : This speech uses tools offered by English language in a wonderful way. Many aspects are presented in a metaphoric way, to make the meaning very cl ear and leave no doubt in the minds of audience. The most distinct metaphor is comparing the failure of American government to keep ts promise towards the black Negroes, to a check returned by a bank, citing insufficient funds as a reason. Another impressive metaphor is his comparing the present status of Mississippi as ‘ sweltering with the heat of injustice’, while his dream compares the same Mississippi to an ‘ Oasis of freedom and justice †. His linguistic style is very picturesque, and that is what impresses the audience.For example, â€Å" On the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together on the table of rotherhood †. He communicates too many things in sentences which draw a picture in the minds of the audience. The sentences of this speech are seldom long, and never, very long. It is full of short, meaningful sentences. This is another example of excellent use of languag e. Non violence : Martin Luther King has strongly advocated non violence means as a tool for the fight towards freedom. Memories of the brutalities of world war II ( world war II ) and the success of non violence ( Mahatma Gandhi ) as a tool to ring political changes in India, were still afresh in the minds of people.This concept was immediately embraced in America also. Inclusion of specific instruction to fight in a non violent way, made his speech more effective and more acceptable. National flavor : Martin Luther King talks of each and every corner of the nation, by naming it. This adds a national dimension to his speech. There is hardly any region which he has not included in his speech. This helps in making a very wide, national impact.The TV audience : The TV audience must have also been mesmerized by the huge number of people which had gathered at Lincoln Memorial grounds on that day. It compromised of whites also. Inclusion of white people must have made a positive impact i n favor of King’s demands, in the minds of TV audience. The erect posture of King, coupled with oozing self confidence must have boosted the spirits of all listeners and spectators. â€Å" I have a dream â€Å", is a great speech even for all times in future !!

How the World Empires of the late Iron Age Near East (Assyria, Essay

How the World Empires of the late Iron Age Near East (Assyria, Babylon, Persia) fundamentally reshaped the political and socia - Essay Example This civilization started with the Sumerians at about 5000 BC and continued through the bronze and iron ages until the conquest by the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BC or Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. In fact, the iron age, the final technological and cultural stage in the Stone–Bronze–Iron-Age sequence, started in the Ancient Near East in about 1300 BC (Waldbaum 1978). During the Iron Age, there were several regional powers, each vying for dominance of the region. These powers include the kingdoms of Assyria, Babylonia, Luwian, Aramaic, Urartu and the Persian Empires. Following the reforms of Tiglath-Pileser III, Assyria assumed a position of great regional power, competing with its southern Mesopotamian rival Babylonia. The Persian Empire at the height of its power, rule over significant portions of Greater Iran. It was the largest empire of classical antiquity, spanning three continents that include Asia Minor, Thrace, many of the Black Sea, Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and all significant population centers of ancient Egypt as far west and east as Libya, Afghanistan, parts of Pakistan, and Central Asia. These kingdoms were, indeed, center of civilization (Waldbaum 1978). They were the first to practice intensive year-round agriculture by taking advantage of the accessible water supply, which provide water for irrigation, and the ideal climate. They also gave the rest of the world the first system of writing in addition to inventing the potter’s wheel and the vehicular- and mill wheel. Notable among their influence in history and contribution to civilization is their centralized system of government, law codes, social stratification, and organized warfare. In fact, the idea of political or legal authority is exerted or coordinated by a de facto political executive (king) to which all other authorities must submit have its root in the Ancient Near East. Furthermore, these empires gave th e world the first codified legal system. The Babylonian Code of Hammurabi provides an example: â€Å"If any one ensnares another, putting a ban upon him, but he cannot prove it, then he that ensnared him shall be put to death.† Their tax structure, which was basically rent, was apparently based on the principle that all of the conquered lands were the actual property of the king. One of their most influential contributions is their religious thoughts. For instance, the cosmogonies of Egypt, Babylonia, Phoenicia, and Anatolia were transmitted in part to the West and formed the basis of much of the cosmogonies of Hesiod and the Orphics before 600 BC, as well as the background for the cosmogonies of Thales and Anaximander in the 6th century BC (Encyclop?dia Britannica). In addition, the religious tradition of the Near East Kingdom also influenced Pythagorean and Platonic thinking. Furthermore Stoic philosophy was influenced by Babylonian astrology. As mentioned above, the empire s of the Near East are reputed for their centralized system of government. At the center of government was the Kings, known as king of kings. His court is composed of powerful hereditary landholders, the upper echelons of the army, the harem, religious functionaries, and the bureaucracy that administered the whole (Encyclop?dia Britannica). The provinces were administered by governors, appointed by the king of kings. The