Issues and conclusions from the construction case that also apply to Essay

Issues and conclusions from the construction case that also apply to information technology projects - Essay Example The elements include planning, budgeting, risk management and scheduling of activities. They also include setting of viable objectives, support teams and good communication channels. In projects, proper coordination of activities and setting of effective timelines is key. This is to; ensure adequate identification of the limiting factors that may hinder the realization of excellent re4sults. Information technology projects require a high level of innovation and creativity that is achievable through systematic approaches. IT projects entail execution of delicate activities due to the level of expertise, equipment and resources required to drive their operations. The paper discuses issues from the construction case that also apply to the information technology sector. It also covers the processes that are involved in planning, budgeting and scheduling of activities. Recommendations for accountability maintenance Accountability maintenance is the process of ensuring transparent coordina tion and execution of activities. It involves proper planning, coordination and allocation of resources in affair manner. The process is integral in facilitating effective operation in institutions (Gurmin, 2010). It enables project managers and stakeholders to gain full knowledge on the operating procedures and utilization of resources. As noted, projects that are driven without the integration of accountability maintenance incentives operate in the brinks of collapse. Such projects cannot register exemplary performance due to eminent misappropriations that are instigated with inferior systems (Gurmin, 2010). Indeed, IT project managers should design viable operating guidelines that are ideological, economically viable and socially acceptable. The guidelines should also be specific, attainable and realistic in nature. The recommendations are set to avert unwarranted complications that may compromise accountability in the administration of activities and resources. It is imperative to note that construction and information technology projects are designed to transform stakeholder’s lifestyle. The projects hold immense significance in the current environment and should be executed under stringent measures that facilitate accountability. Drinkwater (2011) provided key elements that IT projects managers should adopt to advance accountability maintenance. The recommended elements include development of proper planning techniques. This is crucial since planning entails allocation of resources, workforce, scheduling of activities and budgeting. The process should be undertaken after effective determination of the goals, assessment of the factors that drive operations and evaluation of the available resources. This is to; facilitate the development of sustainable plans that hold limited complications (Bart, 2011). Consequently, early identification and assessment of risk is critical in minimizing accountability issues. It ensures prior discovery, elimination o f unwarranted activities and unqualified personnel that can pose a severe threat to the projects overall performance. Project managers can also develop strong control measures to curb mismanagement of resources (Drinkwater, 2011). The control measures that are worth adoption include use of password system, authorization process and segregation of duties. That is no fund is to be utilized without authorization and use of password to control access to crucial data. Reasons for the position The position and recommendations a

Sleep and behavior Essay Example for Free

Sleep and behavior Essay Less than what others actually presume to be true, sleep is an essential factor of human development especially concerning young-adults. It is important that people begin to recognize this particular fact if they are to assist themselves in developing to becoming well developed in terms of physical and emotional stability, especially during the years of adolescence. This and the other issues concerned with insufficiency of sleep among adolescents shall be discussed within the paper that follows. INSUFFICIENT SLEEP AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING PROCEDURES OF ADOLESCENTS Introduction Sleeping is a highly important part of any individual’s development. It could be obviously observed that those who are having lesser hours spent in sleeping usually have a hard time adjusting to the different challenges that they are supposed to face in their daily activities. This is especially true with those who are involved within the developing years towards adulthood (Punjabi 2004). Most likely, the years that include the adolescent development is within the bracket of those who actually need ample sleep in order to develop properly in terms of behavior, personality as well as with the physical development of the said individuals. It has been noted though that through numerous studies, it has been found out that adolescents are usually having a hard time taking close attention to the way that they sleep (Carskadon Et al 1998). Aside from the fact that they are undergoing numerous physical changes and hormonal adjustments, their want of doing many things actually brings them to the dilemma of having problems with sleeping. Statement of the Problem This is the reason why in this particular paper, the problem of adolescent individuals facing the issues on sleep differences shall be discussed in such a way that the focus of the informations presented would be on the major effects of the said issue upon the physical and behavioral development of the adolescent individuals (Thomas 2004). To be able to outline the said discussion, the following questions shall be carried into consideration: (a) Since adolescents are known to be facing the problems of hormonal changes, how do their bodies react to the said adjustments and how do the changes affect their sleeping patter? (b) It could not be denied that sleeping is a vital part for the human body’s continuous development. If this is the issue, how then could the adolescents face their problems with regards sleeping? Literature Review Sleeping is an essential aspect of growth. For the young ones who are expected to have ample time to regenerate their body systems, it is important that they are getting enough sleep that is supposed to get them going in the morning. Not being able to gain ample sleep may cause different aspects of changes among the said young individuals. According to Wolfson and Carskadon (1998), numerous areas of human development are affected by the human’s sleep pattern. Most likely, this particularly involves both the physical and emotional stability of the individual. Concerning this, the study of the said authors outline the different issues that are related with the issue and the ways by which it could be solved through psychological and activity-based adjustments on the part of the adolescents themselves. Constant consideration of sleep’s importance on the development of one in terms of physical and emotional stability shall help the adolescents realize their need of becoming constantly able to gain the sleep that they are particularly supposed to have (Mukhametova et al). It is undeniable that the major concern in this matter is the way by which the youngsters are able to use the time that they have at the most productive process that could help them grow towards maturity in a better way. The youthful years of a person are his investments towards a better future that is supposed to help him out in becoming a better individual not only for himself but also for the people living around him. In context, as the study itself portrays, the importance of sleep in such a large scope of involvement may not be seen as easy as it is supposed to be by observers. However, if the behavioral developments of the ones who have been gaining ample hours of sleep while they were still at their adolescent years would be observed, the experiences of the said individuals could attest to the fact that they have been well benefited by their discipline in following a considerably reasonable pattern of sleeping. (Walker 2006) Findings According to the studies conducted in an aim of identifying the different effects of the differential sleep pattern of adolescents, there is a special link that makes it easier for the readers to understand the issue being presented within this research as well as with the others that have already been completed. The undeniable fact that links the different researches together is that it is quite noticeable that adolescent individuals are usually having a hard time getting their sleep compare to that of the school-age young ones. Most likely, it has been found out that the different pressures that the said individuals are supposed to face in their own fields of interest [especially including school pressures] they are already having lesser chances of sleeping. This fact includes the idea that the said age actually requires one to spend longer times in recreation than that of the fact that they are interested in being able to rest themselves. (Hobson 1977). This is the reason why most of the adolescent aged individuals experience the shifting hours of their sleep whereas they are usually awake in the evening and are more pushed to sleep in the earlier hours of the morning. At some point, although the body of the individual already insists that sleep be applied for rest, the mind of the individuals chooses not to just because it ought to do something more than just sleeping. Because of the wanting of becoming able to do more, adolescents find it hard to view the importance of sleeping as it is. Discussions As a result of the findings, it has been found out that major adjustments in the behavioral and physical progress of he adolescents could be noted as the years pass. At some point, the changes may not be as obvious as immediately as expected. However, as the behavior of the individuals is to be observed, it could be noted that the changes are massive and thus need serious consideration (Hobson 1977). One of the most significant change is that of obvious depression and massive mood changes within the hours of daily activities of the said adolescents. This particular change occurrence actually makes it harder for the individuals to adjust immediately. However, the changes are usually dependent on the discipline of the individuals themselves. Without the consideration that the individuals put on the importance of sleep in their lives, it is undeniable that the major effects of this problem could not be solved unless discipline is applied well. (Wlaker 2006) Aside from the major mood changes, the study also presents that the academic performance of the young learners is harshly affected. This is mainly because of the fact that the development of the mind depends on one’s sleep patterns. Once the sleep pattern is given a lesser attention, the capability of the mind to perform well becomes strongly destructed. Hence, as a result, poor grades and lesser ability to perform well in their future jobs become one of the most annoying expectations as the problem continuous to persist among young learners at present. (Walker 2006) Conclusion As repeatedly mentioned in this research, sleep is an undeniable part of human development. Most of the time however, it is one factor that most people least care about. Because of the fact that some [especially the adolescent individuals] see it as a mere loosing of time, they are less able to enjoy the fact that they are able to regain their strength and their thinking ability through attaining ample time for sleeping and resting. However hard it may seem to get some sleep for young learners today because of the busy lifestyle that they are particularly accustomed with, it is always essential to take notice of the importance of sleep as a major factor of human growth and development. As noted earlier, failure to gain the ample hours of sleep may result to dreadful situations for the adolescent individual. It is not only the behavior of the individual that is being jeopardized by the said lack of discipline in attaining the sleep necessary for resting one’s body and mind, the capabilities and the skills of the person are also being directly affected as well. Hence, taking the necessary actions needed to fix the said issue should be well considered. Scheduling the activities as well as arranging the activities for the day should be well recognized as an essential factor of human discipline. Moreover, applying the said suggestions would not only solve the issues brought about by lack of sleep, it would also regulate the capabilities of the individual to perform well in his own appointed tasks. References: Walker, Matthew P. (2006), Sleep to Remember, American Scientist 94 (4): pp. 326-333. Van Dongen HP, Maislin G, Mullington JM, Dinges DF. The cumulative cost of additional wakefulness: dose-response effects on neurobehavioral functions and sleep physiology from chronic sleep restriction and total sleep deprivation. Sleep. 2003 Mar 15;26(2):117–26. Hobson, J. A. , McCarley, R. (1977). The brain as a dream state generator: An activation-synthesis hypothesis of the dream process. American Journal of Psychiatry, 134, 1335–1348. Mukhametova LM; Supina AY, Polyakovaa IG (1977-10-14). Interhemispheric asymmetry of the electroencephalographic sleep patterns in dolphins. Brain Research 134 (3): pp. 581–584. Gilmartin G, Thomas R (Nov 2004). Mechanisms of arousal from sleep and their consequences. . Curr Opin Pulm Med 10 (6): 468-74. PMID 15510052. Gottlieb D, Punjabi N, Newman A, Resnick H, Redline S, Baldwin C, Nieto F (Apr 25 2005). Association of sleep time with diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance. . Arch Intern Med 165 (8): 863-7. PMID 15851636. Wolfson Carskadon. (August 1998). Sleep Schedules and Daytime Functioning in Adolescents. Child Development Volume 69 Number 4.

Teenage Mother Case Study

Teenage Mother Case Study Introduction This essay deals with the circumstances and challenges faced by 22 year old Betty, who became pregnant when she was 15, and now lives with Candy, her six year old daughter. Betty has been referred to the social services cell of the local authority for appropriate social work intervention. She has been engaging in bouts of bingeing and has in the recent past been suffering from vomiting, weight loss and amenorrhoea. A brief case overview is provided below, followed by its analysis and its various implications for social work intervention. Case Overview and Analysis Bettys mother left her father and her sisters when they were very young because of problems in dealing consumption of alcohol. The child and her sisters were thereafter sent to a home for children, where they lived for many years. Whilst the children did not have any further contact with their mother, they would occasionally receive visits from their father, who worked in a brewery and also suffered from alcohol related problems. Betty and her sisters spent their childhood in the childrens home, from where they first attended the childrens village school and thereafter went to a comprehensive secondary school near the residence of her father. Betty began to develop truancy tendencies in her early teens and became pregnant from her relationship with an African Caribbean person, when they were both 14. She decided to keep her child who was named Candy, rather than give her up for adoption, and was placed in a foster home situated at a distance from where she had lived for many years. With the childrens home closing down, Bettys sisters, followed by Betty and Candy, came to live with their father. All the children, including Betty and Candy, lived with their father for the next 6 years. Betty first met a social worker when she was 22. She thereafter moved with her daughter to a small flat, which she liked and made efforts to make nice and homely. Whilst shifting to her new home proved to be beneficial for both Betty and candy, the death of her father, which occurred soon after she moved out of his home, traumatised her severely. She suffers from bouts of speaking difficulties, weight loss and vomiting and amenorrhoea. Her social service records reveal that she suffered from speech disorder episodes in her childhood as well. Betty has also spoken to her social worker about her difficult relationship with her daughter Candy. Whilst the child is doing well in school and is liked by people, she behaves very badly with her mother. An investigation of Bettys history reveals that she may well have been neglected during her childhood. Both her father and mother had alcohol related problems. Her mother left home when Betty and her sisters were very young, following which she was placed in a home for children. Child neglect can be defined to be a condition, wherein individuals responsible for taking care of children permit them, either deliberately or because of inattentiveness, (a) to experience suffering that is avoidable, and (b) otherwise fail to provide the environment required for the development of their physical, emotional and mental capabilities. Neglect can be physical, emotional or educational (Butler Gwenda, 2004, p 76). Betty and her sisters were taken in the care of social services when they were young and placed in a childrens home. Whilst their physical needs were met adequately and they were sent first to the village and later to secondary school, it is very possible that they suffered from educat ional and emotional neglect (Grinnell Yvonne, 2008, p 46). They certainly did not have anybody to provide them with emotional or psychological support or to help them with their school work. Educational neglect includes the failure of care takers to acknowledge and correct acts of truancy by children, even as emotional neglect can arise from inattention to the requirement of children for emotional support and sustenance (Ghate Ramella, 2002, p 66). It is evident that conditions in homes for children are unlikely to have emotionally or educationally enriching environments (Ghate Ramella, 2002, p 66). Neglect during childhood can have adverse effects on the physical, social, intellectual and psychological development of young people (Ghate Ramella, 2002, p 68). Studies reveal that neglected children are prone to development of insecure, anxious or disoriented attachments with their care givers (Howe, 2009, p 37). Such lack of security in attachment can lead to hyperactivity, lack of attention and involvement in class and lack of initiative and confidence to work on their own (Howe, 2009, p 37). Child neglect is also associated with greater incidence of substance abuse, delinquent behaviour, and early pregnancy (Howe, 2009, p 37). Betty developed tendencies for truancy, both in her school and in her childrens home, and became pregnant when she was 14 from her relationship with a boy of her age. Teenage pregnancy is widely prevalent in UK, with the country having a highest rate for such pregnancies in all of Europe. Studies reveal that girls from social class V are at greatest risk of becoming teenage mothers. Research evidence also reveals higher incidence of teenage pregnancy in (a) young people in care, (b) young people leaving care, (c) homeless young people, (d) truants and (e) young people involved in crime. Whilst parenthood can certainly be a positive and enriching experience for normal people, it can also bring about many negative consequences for teenage mothers (Duncan, 2007, p 307). Such problems include (a) adverse physical and mental health outcomes, (b) lesser chances of completing education, (c) greater likelihood of living in the households of others, and (d) greater probability of being lone parent (Duncan, 2007, p 307). Teenagers who become parents are known to suffer from greater socio-economic deprivation, low self esteem and greater incidence of sexual abuse (Duncan, 2007, p 307). The children of such parents tend to have lower birth weights, lesser likelihood of being breast fed, greater chances of growing up in lone parent families, and greater probabilities of experiencing poverty, poor quality housing and poor nutrition. Such people also show greater tendencies for smoking and alcohol abuse (Duncan, 2007, p 307). Common problems amongst teenage mothers include depression and anxiety during pregnancy, financial, social and partnership problems and more negative life events (relationship break-ups, parental separation and lack of community and family support). Teenage mothers are more likely to diet or to smoke during pregnancy. The high smoking prevalence amongst people facing social and economic deprivation suggests that smoking may be used as a stress coping mechanism. However, there is a close association between smoking during pregnancy and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, infant mortality and delays in child development. (DHSSPS, 2004, p 1) Betty, whilst she has lived in a designated childrens home, and has been educated in standard schools, may have suffered from neglect during her childhood and has experienced pregnancy in her early teens. Both these experiences can result in adverse physical, emotional and psychological outcomes. A social work report reveals that she was prone to suffer from speaking difficulties in her childhood, which could well be the outcome of an emotional and mental distress at being separated from her parents. This speech disorder surfaced again when she was 22, very possibly on account of her emotional traumatisation at the death of her father, who had provided her with shelter for 6 years after the closure of her childrens home. Her other ailments namely bingeing, vomiting and amenorrhoea could also be related to her disturbed upbringing and her psychologically disturbed state, which appears to have been aggravated by the death of her father. Methods of Intervention Betty is emotionally and mentally disturbed because of the death of her father and the behaviour of her child, Candy, towards her. Such emotional disturbances appear to have resulted in eating disorders, vomiting and weight loss. Apart from these ailments, Betty is also suffering from amenorrhoea. She needs medical and possibly psychiatric help and should be referred to mental health professionals and the local GP for appropriate support. Bettys basic vulnerability arises from her status as a single parent, her past of a teen mother, her lack of earning capacity and her difficult relationship with her daughter. Such problems could lead to reduction of self esteem, depression and consequent mental and physical ailments. Social work practice in such circumstances should first focus on understanding her case and her background and thereafter formulate appropriate intervention strategies. Social workers must in the first case adopt appropriate anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and person centred approaches in dealing with her case (Nash, et al, 2005, p 23).Thompson, (2001, p 7), advances the theory that anti-discriminatory approaches essentially arise from personal, cultural and social (infrastructural) influences that are experienced by individuals over the course of their lives. These influences affect the socialisation of individuals and result in deeply entrenched attitudes that surface unconsciously and influence their actions and behaviour (Thompson, 2001, p 11). Social workers, many of whom come from affluent and educated backgrounds, are very likely to have developed entrenched discriminatory attitudes towards disadvantaged segments of society and could well approach the problems of service users, from different racial, ethnic, social and income backgrounds, with preconceived notions and attitudes (Butler Gwenda, 2004, p 83). Dominelli (2005, p 41) has also time and again emphasised that discrimination is pervasive in UK society and its social work infrastructure. Modern social work theory and practice also recommends the adoption of person centred approaches towards service users. Service users, it is now widely accepted, should be placed at the centre of the social work process; with due regard given to their need for dignity, independence and self determination (Howe, 2009, p 48). Social workers, whilst dealing with Betty, with her history of living in a childrens home, teenage truancy, and teenage pregnancy, can very likely (a) have preconceived notions about her background, upbringing, education and attitudes, (b) take little cognisance of her helpful nature, her love for her father and her affection for her child, and (c) adopt attitudes of I know best condescension in their assessment and intervention practice. It is thus imperative for the social worker dealing with her case to consciously overcome discriminatory attitudes, adopt a person centred approach, communicate with understanding and empathy and involve Betty in all intervention suggestions. The social worker should in these circumstances engage Betty with open ended questions about her problems and difficulties. Betty should be allowed to express herself as completely as possible without interruption in order to obtain a more complete realisation of her physical, emotional and mental strength (Brachmann, 2010, p 1). She should be asked to explain the ways and means in which she has coped with the various crises in her life and asked to explore and discuss her various strengths and weaknesses (Brachmann, 2010, p 1). Such discussions can well help in alleviating her feelings about the difficulties and hopelessness of her situation, enable her to think about positive lines of action and formulate suitable exit strategies (Grinnell Yvonne, 2008, p 55). Betty should be asked to choose the different reasons for her crises, focus on one issue at a time, and thereafter sequentially explore and analyse the different challenges confronting her. Such a strategy will help her to address the different crisis factors and find effective ways to address the diverse challenges (Adams, et al, 2009, p 107). It would thus be possible for her to individually focus on her physical and emotional difficulties, her problems with bringing up her child, and her financial challenges. The social worker should lead Betty in conversations that emphasise non-directive exploration of the various crisis issues (Adams, et al, 2009, p 107). Encouraging her to open up by asking different types of open-ended questions may help in obtaining revelations or in greater realisation of the various issues, which in turn can help her and the social worker in the making of informed choices (Brachmann, 2010, p 1). The social worker, once she expresses something specific or s omething that she would wish to alter, can become more direct in asking her to implement such changes (Howe, 2009, p 53). Betty is now 22 and has brought up her child for 6 years as a teen parent, doing her best at the same time to help as a non earning member in her fathers family. Whilst Betty can no longer be technically classified as a teen parent, she continues to suffer from the vulnerabilities of such people, who are considered to be among the most vulnerable members of British society. Studies consistently reveal that children born to teenage mothers are more likely to have comparatively worse outcomes in terms of physical and mental health and education. Adolescent births are also related to higher levels of mental health difficulties, violence with partners and social exclusion (Coley Chase-Landsdale, 1998, p 152). Contemporary teenage mothers have lesser likelihoods of competing in the job market. With teenage child bearing being automatically disruptive for secondary education, it is far more difficult for such people to complete their education in the more expensive contemporary day enviro nment (Clemmens, 2003, p 94). The children of teenage parents are thus more likely to be economically deprived and socially excluded. When adolescents become parents, their education is likely to be delayed and even discontinued. Their employment opportunities are lesser, their incomes are likely to be low and they are less likely to develop long lasting relationships. Such people often require welfare support for prolonged periods (Duncan, 2007, p 307). Betty, it is evident, suffers from physical and emotional problems. Adequate medical attention needs to be provided to her physical and mental condition in order to ensure that she recovers from the traumatic experience of her fathers death, is able to overcome her eating disorders and develops a stable, enriching and rewarding relationship with her daughter. The UK governments social work policies and infrastructure for teenage mothers provide for a number of intervention programmes (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 2). Social workers provide case management support by visiting teen mothers and members of their families in their homes. Such visits help in promoting problem solving behaviours, identifying personal difficulties and challenges and in finding ways and means for overcoming them (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 2). They encourage mothers to find jobs and pursue their education further. Case managers also plan and hold meetings with such mothers and their family members, wherein all participants work towards developing appropriate support plans (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 2). Social workers help teen mothers by the development of mutual assistance groups, where such people can receive and give assistance between each other. Young mothers like Betty can also be appropriately educated and trained in developing and managing small businesses (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 2). They are, after the completion of such training makes them ready to run their businesses, assisted to develop and formulate business plans for their projects. The funding for start up costs for such project is provided after project plans are approved by trainers (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 2). Social work programmes also provide education in life skills, which is delivered over 8 weeks in group formats (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 7). Such sessions promote the enhancement of knowledge and skills in various areas associated with parenting, social understanding and behaviour management. Leadership development amongst such mothers is promoted by giving them various responsibilities and roles in different types of group activities like planning of social events and development of committees (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 9). Studies on these various projects reveal that their use leads to increase in the educational achievements of mothers and lessens the chances of repeat pregnancies. It also enhances their sense of well being and reduces utilisation of illegal substances. Studies on these programmes are however yet to reveal their impact upon child outcomes (Asmussen Weizel, 2010, p 9) The various techniques that can be used by the social worker to make Betty open up and focus on her various challenges have already been discussed before in the course of this essay. The social worker should, in line with such techniques, encourage Betty to think and discuss about her specific challenges, namely (a) overcoming her present physical and mental difficulties, (b) establishing a stable and rewarding relationship with her daughter, (c) furthering her education, (d) increasing her earning capacity and (e) leading a more enriching and socially inclusive life. Open ended questions and discussions over different sessions on each of these issues can help Betty in becoming emotionally more positive and in finding appropriate exit strategies for her different challenges (Butler Gwenda, 2004, p 92). The social worker can help her in discussing various alternatives like (a) medical and psychological health, (b) counselling sessions with her daughter, (c) formulation of programmes for completion of education and / or increase of earning capacity and (d) greater inclusion in social and community life. Appropriate intervention plans can be made after obtaining taking Bettys active agreement on specific action plans. Conclusion This essay concerns the social and economic and challenges faced by 22 year old Betty, who became pregnant at 15 and now lives alone with her six year old daughter. Betty has been engaging in bingeing bouts and is suffering from vomiting, weight loss and amenorrhoea. Bettys mother left the family when the children were very young because of alcohol related problems. She and her sisters were sent to a home for children, where they would occasionally receive visits from their father. Betty and her sisters first attended the childrens village school and thereafter went to a comprehensive secondary school. Betty began to develop truant in her early teens and became pregnant from a relationship with a boy when both of them were 14. Deciding to keep her child, Betty, her child, Candy, and her sisters spent the last 6 years with their father, following which she moved out with her child to their own small home. She was severely traumatised by the death of her father and is concerned about the negative attitude of her child towards her. She now suffers from eating and speech disorders, is losing weight and experiences episodes of amenorrhoea. An analysis of Bettys history reveals that she may well have been neglected during her childhood. Childhood neglect can adversely affect the physical, social, intellectual and psychological development of young people. Early parenthood can also bring negative consequences like adverse physical and mental health outcomes, lesser chances of completing education, greater probability of living in the households of others, and more chances of being lone parents. Such people suffer from greater socio-economic deprivation, low self esteem and greater incidence of sexual abuse. Social work practice, in such circumstances, should first focus on understanding her case and thereafter formulate suitable intervention strategies. Social workers must adopt appropriate anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and person centred approaches in dealing with her case. It is imperative for the social worker to deliberately prevail over discriminatory attitudes, adopt a person centred approach, communicate with understanding and empathy and involve Betty in all suggestions. The UK government has a number of social work policies and intervention programmes for young mothers. The social worker should engage Betty with open ended questions about her challenges and difficulties. She should be allowed to express herself freely in order to obtain a fuller understanding of her challenges as well as her physical, emotional and mental strengths. The social worker should discuss different options like (a) her medical and emotional status, (b) engaging in counselling sessions with her daughter, (c) formulation of programmes for completion of her education and / or increase of her earning abilities and (d) ways and means for increasing her inclusion in social and community life. Appropriate intervention plans should be made after obtaining Bettys active agreement on specific intervention programmes.

The Age of Reason Essay -- history

The Age of Reason The Age of Reason was a period in time that took place from the Peace of Utrecht (1713), to the French Revolution of 1789. It was a period when reason basically replaced religion as the guiding principle in art, thought, and the governance of men. Unquestioned acceptance of the old order of society and the old ways of statecraft yielded to a new spirit of critical inquiry which demanded some rational justification for the existing social system. People thought that the general application of reason would free Europe from the artificialities, restrictions, injustices, and superstitions which that was inherited from the Dark Ages. Reason would create a society of law and order. The traditions, customs, and autonomous rights of the nobility and the church were essentially alien to the spirit of rationalism and operated to block the establishment of centralized, well ordered states. In central and eastern Europe and many minor states of the continent, the main contenders against the powers of the nobility and the clergy were the dynastic sovereigns. Competition between the great states was ruthless and the monarchy which failed to overhaul its internal administration, faced dismemberment. Seeking to focus on their own authority, the crowned heads struggled with the separatism of provinces, which their royal houses had inherited through medieval and 17th century wars and marriages. They tried to introduce uniformity in law and administration th...

Cookies Invading Our Privacy :: Internet Technology Computers

Cookies Invading Our Privacy Cookies now constitute a real threat to personal privacy, but they are perfectly legal. A cookie is a tiny file that a Web sites place on the user’s hard drive when the user accesses the web page. Each cookie has a specific identification number. The cookie can gather personal information such as email addresses, full names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers, and then it sends the information back to the web site (Samborn 26). Whereas TV, radio, and print record only demographics or neighborhoods, a cookie keeps record of what an individual is actually looking at and doing on the net. As a result, Web site operators or companies are able to build very detailed profiles from that behavior (Green 48). These profiles play a major role in online marketing. In the past, marketers knew their customers just as a number, but when DoubleClick, an Internet advertising company, bought out Abacus Direct, DoubleClick was able to combine its databases with the names and addresses form Abacus’ catalog customers. Now web surfers can no longer surf the net without their computers being tagged to their names. (Quinn 63) Even more disturbing, hackers can now intercept the data from the cookie. With a specially constructed URL, a hacker can read cookies from any domain because the special URL fools a computer into thinking that the hacker’s computer is the domain site. As things stand now, Federal laws are far from clear when it comes to what cookies can collect and how the information can be used. According to US Sen. Robert Torricelli, â€Å"Congress has considered several privacy bills in the past few years, but only one, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, has been passed† (Samborn 27). This problem is only going to escalate if something isn’t done to limit what Internet sites and marketing agencies can collect from people surfing the Web. Cookies Invading Our Privacy :: Internet Technology Computers Cookies Invading Our Privacy Cookies now constitute a real threat to personal privacy, but they are perfectly legal. A cookie is a tiny file that a Web sites place on the user’s hard drive when the user accesses the web page. Each cookie has a specific identification number. The cookie can gather personal information such as email addresses, full names, mailing addresses, and phone numbers, and then it sends the information back to the web site (Samborn 26). Whereas TV, radio, and print record only demographics or neighborhoods, a cookie keeps record of what an individual is actually looking at and doing on the net. As a result, Web site operators or companies are able to build very detailed profiles from that behavior (Green 48). These profiles play a major role in online marketing. In the past, marketers knew their customers just as a number, but when DoubleClick, an Internet advertising company, bought out Abacus Direct, DoubleClick was able to combine its databases with the names and addresses form Abacus’ catalog customers. Now web surfers can no longer surf the net without their computers being tagged to their names. (Quinn 63) Even more disturbing, hackers can now intercept the data from the cookie. With a specially constructed URL, a hacker can read cookies from any domain because the special URL fools a computer into thinking that the hacker’s computer is the domain site. As things stand now, Federal laws are far from clear when it comes to what cookies can collect and how the information can be used. According to US Sen. Robert Torricelli, â€Å"Congress has considered several privacy bills in the past few years, but only one, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, has been passed† (Samborn 27). This problem is only going to escalate if something isn’t done to limit what Internet sites and marketing agencies can collect from people surfing the Web.

Who Is The Hero :: essays research papers

Shane, WHO IS THE HERO? Movies have evolved a great deal since the days when a couple fighting scenes and a small love story satisfied audiences. Today movie plots are much more complicated and have much more action, thanks to modern day technologies. Although these new technologies seem to make movies increasingly complicated, some crucial roles in movies will never change. One thing that has remained constant in the film industry is the role of the hero. No matter what the genera of the film and or when the film was made the hero’s always share similar characteristics and are put through similar series of tests to prove their heroism. When these tests are completed it seems to pull everything together in their films. Although the hero Shane in the movie Shane and the hero Ripley in the movie Aliens are from two separate generas and are also from separate time periods, the hero’s in each movie share characteristics and are put through similar tests that make them, in theory, one in the same. Heroic characteristics start to become evident right from the start of each of the movies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the beginning of the movie Shane we see (the hero) Shane on his horse, coming from the mountains and we are not really given much backround as to where he came from. Similarly, at the beginning of the movie Aliens we see Ripley (the hero) in some sort of bed, and when she is introduced we are not given much backround as to where she is from. In both movies the hero’s were introduced without giving much information on there past. This is a characteristic of movie hero’s because at the start of movies director’s don’t want the audience know much about the hero’s. They do this so the audience has the task of slowly looking for characteristics throughout the movie that makes the â€Å"hero† actually fit his or her title. These so called â€Å"tests† of heroism that the audience must look for are also very similar in movies and can also be illustrated in these two films.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the first tests in both films that the hero’s endured was a test of their character strength. For example in the movie Shane even though Joe doubted him at the start he still sticks up for him when Ryker harasses him because that is what he believes in. This is similar to Ripley’s situation near the beginning of the movie Aliens.

Wal-Mart Seafood Supply Chain Case Study

Coursework Header Sheet186714-156 | | Course| BUSI1150: E-Log & Int Sup Chain Mgt 15c| Course School/Level| BU/PG| Coursework| Research Report| Assessment Weight| 70. 00%| Tutor| Y Lin| Submission Deadline| 30/03/2012| Coursework is receipted on the understanding that it is the student's own work and that it has not, in whole or part, been presented elsewhere for assessment. Where material has been used from other sources it has been properly acknowledged in accordance with the University's Regulations regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. | 00714534  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Shabbir Bhanpurawala   Tutor's comments | Grade Awarded___________| For Office Use Only__________| Final Grade_________| Moderation required:  yes/no| Tutor______________________| Date _______________| How should Wal-Mart rationalize its seafood supply chain to reduce costs and promote sustainability? In? depth analysis on the case ‘Wal-Mart’s sustainabi lity strategy (C): Inventory management in the seafood supply chain’. And to analyze ‘How should Walmart rationalize its seafood supply chain to reduce costs and promote sustainability? ’ 1. IntroductionAccording to (Anon, 2012) Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is an U. S based multinational retailer that runs chain of large discounted departmental stores ; warehouse store and was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and it was labeled Walmart in 2000. It’s headquarter is located in Bentonville, Arkansas. In the former year (2011) it generated revenue of US$ 421. 849 billion. It has around 8500 stores in 15 countries, under 55 different names. It operates as Walmex in Mexico, Asda in United Kingdom, Seiyu in Japan, Sam’s Club in North America, Walmart itself in U. S. A ; in India as Best Price.Walmart is also the world’s largest private employer with above 2 million employees ; also the biggest retailer in the whole world. Walmart had also to face severe compet ition from its rivals in numerous parts of the world. Sea-food is a key aspect of Walmart. As it is a largest sea-food retailer in whole world, the company is facing certain drawbacks ; challenges of cultivating sea-food sustainability at a low cost. There is an upward trend on the demand of sea-food which is 5 times more than during the last five decades. This resulted into fishing of three quarters of the world fisheries at sustainable limits or crossing the limits.Walmart is also working with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Conservation International (CI) for producing sustainable sea-food. All these organizations as a one are trying to motivate the sea-food suppliers to build again the stocks, promote plants that bind together fishery management practices and encourage reducing impact on the nature to support the ecosystem as well. The main aim ; objective of this report on Walmart sea-food supply chain is that how Walmart should rationalize its v alue chain to reduce cost and promote sustainability 2. Challenges of Wal-Mart’s supply chainAccording to (Denend, 2010) Wal-Mart’s income was around $750 million annually in sea food during 2007. Though in 1900 the output of world fisheries decreased to three per cent, Wal-Mart’s sea-food business was booming at approximately 25% every year as a result the continuous supply was alone the biggest challenge faced by the sea-food network. One of the challenges for the company to sustain strategy was to get its suppliers to take up the Marine Stewardship Council’s certification program because then by end of 2011 the company would be able to sell 100 percent MSC certified wild caught sea-food.Also, to achieve the goal of selling only MSC certified wild fish; Walmart will have to increase the number of fisheries ; supplying plants through its suppliers as a result it will become more complex, time consuming ; increase more efforts without increasing the profi ts. According to (Chilcote, 2012) there is a huge problem with the wild pacific salmon as the population is decreasing day-by-day from past 100 years ; trillions of dollars are being spent to stop the decrease.Nonetheless, wild pacific salmon are fished near the shore or the ocean between May and September because they spawn in their river habitats during these months. The other challenge was that wild pacific salmon were depleting and protecting them was a great challenge as it was indirectly posing a threat to Walmart and its sea food supply chain. According to (Denend, 2010) major challenge was that commercial fishing of wild salmon was only permitted to the people who had permits that also for a limited period of time or season.Also, the duration of this season fluctuated each year so that the wild pacific salmon of each type would be protected and they would return back to spawn in the river habitats. As a result, Walmart would not have sufficient amount of stock for wild pacif ic salmon and was posing a threat to its supply chain ; the duration of fishing was volatile because if salmon would come back in greater quantity then the fishing season would continue for an extended period of time; if they would go back then the season would shut down earlier, so the quantity and availability was not fixed in nature and this was also among the few ossible challenging reason for Walmart. There are numerous other factors present which would increase the cost price of Wal-Mart’s supply chain either directly or indirectly which are also the major challenges for Wal-Mart’s sea-food supply chain. Like, The Fishin’ Company was a major supplier of frozen fish fillets in U. S. A to Walmart and this company used to buy directly from the commercial fisherman where the market had a great fluctuation in prices i. e. pproximately 30% in between the season, also the trading would suddenly stop without a prior notice due to early shut down of the season. Thi s scenario would cause an impact on the average prices which was approximately one dollar per lbs. of chum or pink salmon both gutted ; headed. Then the Fishin’ Company would export the fish to China for packing in containers that would cost around 15 cents per lbs. In next stage the containers are sent for packaging, forwarding, labeling ; re-freezing which adds upto more 15 U.S cents per lbs. in that case also only half of the fish is usable for fillets and rest is abandon. The other stages involved frozen storage facility that was 1 cent per lbs. , then handling ; holding fee altogether cost $0. 6 per lbs. per month and the last fee which incurred 15 U. S cents was for transportation. So in totality it would cost Walmart $2. 05 per pound and plus other expenses for shipping the fish to its super centers.As a result it was adding up to the cost price which was not only a challenge in Wal-Mart’s supply chain but also it posed as a threat from its competitors. Accordin g to (Denend, 2010) there could be another way to process the fish and that was in Alaska but it also had certain drawbacks like the labor cost was pretty expensive as compared to China and also similar processor was used for various distinct types of fish coming from various nations that also on different time throughout the year. This would again increase the cost price which was indeed a big challenge.The other challenges that sea food supplier face in context with sustainable sea-food ccommitments are that â€Å"customers are not willing to pay for the increased costs associated with a more sustainable product and the inability to calculate a return on the investment made in implementation can restrict resources and can challenge support for the policy internally† (Rogers, 2011). One more problem related to this quote is that due to scattered ; lengthy supply chain, verifying and controlling is a hard task because certain situations like power are not in avor as well as t he relationship with the suppliers are delicate. This set-back was a direct challenge to the Wal-Mart’s supply chain. Also the price of MSC certified fish was 20% more than that of non-certified fish of the same category. However, it was next to impossible for Walmart to charge an extra amount of money because their consumers did not understand the value of MSC Eco label. (Plambeck ; Denend, 2011) According to (Owens, 2008) the main challenge or threat for the Walmarts sea food supply chain was over-fishing.As we know that fish is a natural food resource, it is still being hunted on an international scale as a result there is scarcity of the stock. On the other the farmed fish are of inferior qualtiy as compared to wild fish. The consequences of over fishing are drastic. From the expert source it is concluded that as of 2003, Twenty nine percent of open sea fisheries are depleting ; furthermore if the practises still continues then it is predicted that there will be a world w ide collapse of mairne fisheries by 2050.Moreover the United Nations Food ; Agriculture Organization has stated that Fifty-two percent of the global stock of fish are being exploited to the maximum; where twenty four percent are over exploited, diminishing or recovering, twenty one percent are exploited on a medium scale whereas; only three percent of the total population are under exploited. This statistics will create a direct effect on Walmart and its share holders as well.The above mentioned ideas, attributes ; statistics are major source for challenges to the Walmarts sea-food supply chain. These are causing a threat to Walmarts sea-food supplu chain, its consumers, stakeholders, sea-food suppliers and also to the environment. 3. Recommendations For all the challenges ; the drawbacks mentioned in the case study, there are certain solutions in which Walmart can rationalize its sea-food supply chain to reduce cost ; promote sustainability.According to (Walmart, 2008) they have st arted carrying MSC certified Chilean Sea Bass across three hundred stores worldwide in 2007 ; are also working together to make sure that all of its wild caught frozen fish are MSC certified which meets the independent environmental standards as a result it will promote sustainability. Walmart, apart from certifying products they are also working with Conservation International ; other such organizations to research in Marine Protected Areas that is helpful in preserving wildlife fish.One of the recommendations to Walmarts sea-food supply chain to reduce cost can be that it can provide incentives ; bonuses to the fisherman and also to the fish boat operators based on the maximum amount of salmon they could catch as fast as possible during the peak time of the season and till the season ends. As a result it will boost the fish mongers for the incentives ; create competition amongst them and directly there will be enough supply of sea-food to the Walmart and can easily cut down the co st price when there is abundant stock of wild fish (Denend, 2010).Managing the supply chain is a bit difficult task but while doing it there are certain aspects to be kept in mind which will help to defeat the risk of the sea food supply chain of Walmart in order to reduce cost and promote sustainability. Those aspects are analyzing ; realizing the main source of threat of the supply chain, concluding the serious outcomes of the process, considering the main aspects responsible and giving solutions to decrease the risk ; challenges of the value chain.Walmart has undertaken MSC certification program to promote sustainability but on the contrary it is very time consuming as it takes one year to complete the process. Moreover, it is quite expensive and a tough job to acquire the certificate for its suppliers and plus it is very complex as there are lots of steps involved in obtaining it. So, the solution to this challenge is that rather than forcing its suppliers to under take the MSC certificate; Walmart can establish its own quality control check in order to reduce the cost and sustain the sea food value chain.The main advantage of such quality control check will be that it will not be as expensive as compared to the MSC certificate program and plus it will be less time consuming which will have a direct impact on the cost of production ; the supply chain. As a result the consumers wont end paying a premium price on the product because consumers are more obsessed about the price factor rather than being concerned about the label ; brand of the Marine Stewardship Council (Denend, 2010). Also the challenge of Walmart related to its supply of near future term was that its business is based on transaction.So, if one buyer price is higher than normal then the procurement of abundant fish supply was a tough task for the company even though the company has made an agreement. Also the supplier in the upcoming consignment starts provding fish of poor quality as compared to product supplied initially. Hence it is recommended that the company needs to take the certification of MSC in order to deal with such kind of set-backs. On the other hand the company can try to cut down the cost of MSC certification.Boat operators and fishermen pay the direct cost for the processing plants and also there might be indirect cost related to the certification. Suppose in case while repopulation take place and the most depleted fish stock fisheries supposed to reduce their catches, indirect cost gets associated. Few of the fisheries can identify differentiation opportunities thru competition. With the help of certification ; discipline, supply can be maintained for a longer period of time. Also the cost of production will tend to reduce creating a great value to the supply chain.Another solution to promote sustainability is that Walmart can breed farm raised fish. As we know that species of wild sea-food are on the verge of extinction and plus it is forecasted that within fifty years it will collapse, so one of the possible recommendation is to farm raise the salmon. There are advantages of farm raised or rather organic fish i. e. organic fishes do not contain heavy metal pollutants, on the other hand wild fish are likely to be more contaminated. As a result it will create an impact on the consumers who are more health conscious nowadays (The Natural Path, 2012).Evironmental sustainability is also important for Walmart because doing the right thing pro-actively builds a relationship ; bond of trust with its share holders which indirectly effects the supply chain. Walmart should also introduce eco-labeling which has become a key tool in comsumer awareness and can be exemplified by examples like fair trade, certified organic, etc. The aim of eco-label is to communicate with the customers regarding the environmental as well as social effects on manufacturing a commondity ; to decrease the negative impacts.As a result there will be a greater marke t share, price mark ups ; high margin of profits which is one of the recommendations to gain high profit and promote its sustainability (Owens, 2008). According to (Store Brand Decision, 2010) a major strategy for Walmart which will reduce the the cost of its supply chain is to combine all the purchasing stores across the nations as a result it will diminish the involvement of intermediaries and they can buy directly from the producers which will have an direct impact on the supply chain which in return will help to reduce cost. Although Walmart spend around One hundred billion U.S Dollars on store brand apparel ; great value commodities like frozen sea food, not more than twenty percent is bought from the producers. The company which is known for its pugnacious supplier bargain ; has the power to leverage its scale for discounts operating in more than fifteen nations worldwide has obtain commodities nation by nation which is intend to shift. Within five years they are planning the move, to direct manufacurer purchasing that could take anywhere between five ; fifteen percent of cost from the value chain as result the company’s savings would be anywhere around four billion to twelve billion U.S Dollars with sales above four hundred billion U. S dollars worldwide. Walmart can rationalize their sea-food supply chain management by reducing the involvement of middlemen ; intermediaries, rendering network partner assistance to suppliers, formulating and discovering new ideas, technologies and also finding its goals ; objectives. They can also merge direct providers of goods ; commodities, play a role of a corporate having social responsibility ; certifying, labeling, etc environmentally sustainable goods. Also by licensing environmental creations and upgradation.Walmart can also restructure ; redevelop the buyers role as well as commit to higher amount of environmental ; eco-friendly sustainable products. These are various aspects and criteria which Walmart c an apply to rationalize its value chain. In the past Walmart mainly focused on the demands of consumers in terms of pricing decision ; assortment of product for a long period of time, but in the present and near future the company needs to re-structure to keep sustainability intact into its product assortment and pricing decision in order to grow and move ahead.This will result into additional purchase and also attracting new consumers with the greening of brand new products, while it decrease the demand of the current ongoing commodities of conventional products. On the other hand it may also tend to increase the inventory cost and sourcing mainly because of product assortment at the initial stage. Walmart should also communicate with its consumers by conducting feedback or surveys, as the company always felt that they had hardships in communicating with its customers.Their mode/channel of communication requires to advertise cautiously the performance of green and eco-friendly good s so as a result it will have an impact on its current conventional commodities. They should also posses certain relative and reliable piece of information which will help them to defend and justify the advantages of the goods in terms of health, safety ; environmental friendly. Such kind of promotion of attributes is next to impossible for a commodity, if the company itself is in doubt about the impacts on environment, its safety and effectiveness. . Conclusion So hence we can sum all the challenges and recommendations and can conclude that sustaniability is not the problem which can be differentiated from the business of the Walmart neither it can be analyzed with an un-existing program or with a corporate socail responsibility practice of Walmart. It runs parallel to its mission, model ; culture. Similar is the case with the sae-food supply chain. On concluding this report it is outlined on how to reduce cost and promote sustainability. Certain giant leap has to be undertaken in regarding with this case.This attributes can only be achievable if Walmart recognized its set-backs and assess the circumstances correctly. They can also introduce certain metrics models to inject into its business to achieve sustainability and reduce its cost both at the same time. Also their strategies and policy should be in the favor of the nature and environment so as to promote sustainability. References Bibliography Anon. (2012, March 25). An introduction to walmart. com. Retrieved March 25, 2012, from www. walmart. com: http://www. walmart. com/cp/An-Introduction-to-Walmart. com/542413 Chilcote, D. S. (2012).Riverscape Analysis Project. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from www. umt. edu: http://www. umt. edu/flbs/research/Whitepapers/The%20Riverscape%20Analysis%20Project%20v5. pdf Decision, S. B. (2010, January 5). Wal-Mart to Reduce Supply Chain Costs Systemwide. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from www. storebrandsdecision. com: http://www. storebrandsdecisions. com/news/2010/01/05/wal -mart-to-reduce-supply-chain-costs-systemwide Denend, L. (2010, June 12). Walmart's sustainability strategy (C): Inventory management in the sea-food supplu chain. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from www. gsb. stanford. edu: http://www. gsb. tanford. edu/scforum/login/documents/OIT71. pdf Owens, M. (2008). An analysis of MSC. Sustainable Seafood Labeling. Path, T. N. (2012). Organic Meat, Organic Dairy Products and Farm Raised Fish. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from www. the-natural-path. com: http://www. the-natural-path. com/organic-meat. html Plambeck, E. , & Denend, L. (2011). The Greening of Walmart's Supply Chain. Supply Chain Management Review. Rogers, E. (2011). Exercising Responsibility in the Seafood Supply Chain. Walmart. (2008, May). WAL-MART STORES, INC. IS OFFERING SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from www. almart. com: http://walmartstores. com/Sustainability/7951. aspx Works Cited Anon. (2012, March 25). An introduction to walmart. com. Retrieved March 25, 2012 , from www. walmart. com: http://www. walmart. com/cp/An-Introduction-to-Walmart. com/542413 Chilcote, D. S. (2012). Riverscape Analysis Project. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from www. umt. edu: http://www. umt. edu/flbs/research/Whitepapers/The%20Riverscape%20Analysis%20Project%20v5. pdf Decision, S. B. (2010, January 5). Wal-Mart to Reduce Supply Chain Costs Systemwide. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from www. storebrandsdecision. com: http://www. torebrandsdecisions. com/news/2010/01/05/wal-mart-to-reduce-supply-chain-costs-systemwide Denend, L. (2010, June 12). Walmart's sustainability strategy (C): Inventory management in the sea-food supplu chain. Retrieved March 26, 2012, from www. gsb. stanford. edu: http://www. gsb. stanford. edu/scforum/login/documents/OIT71. pdf Owens, M. (2008). An analysis of MSC. Sustainable Seafood Labeling. Path, T. N. (2012). Organic Meat, Organic Dairy Products and Farm Raised Fish. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from www. the-natural-path. com: http://www. the- natural-path. com/organic-meat. html Plambeck, E. , &