Answer

The Visions of Governance

The efforts of establishing governmental structures began in November 1977 when the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation. This was the first written constitution of the United States. The Articles of Confederation failed to be ratified in 1978. However, it remained as the operative constitution until late in 1978. The primary aim of the Articles of Confederation was to limit the powers of the central government. The powers of the government were divided, whereby both states and national governments were assigned different roles and powers. Nonetheless, national leaders found many problems with governance under the Article of Confederation, spurring the drafting of a new constitution. This paper outlines the differences in the powers of the states and the national government, as presented in the articles of confederation.  Further, the paper discusses the problems that national leaders saw in governance under the Articles of Confederation that led to the creation of the constitution and how the Constitution endowed the national government with the tools of coercion and the continuing ability to replenish its right to rule.

The Articles of Confederation created different powers for both states and the national government. Clearly, the states were assigned a lot of powers. Each state retained its Independence, sovereignty, powers, and freedom. Every amendment could only be with the consent of the states. Indeed, states remained powerful under the Articles of Confederation. Although leadership powers were designated to the national government, the states were left with powers to collect taxes (Ginsberg et al., 2019: 38). The states were given full economic power of collecting taxes from the citizens. The national government did not have the power to raise money directly from taxes, however, they requested the states for funds or borrowed from foreign governments. Further, the states had the powers over the commercial and development activities such as building various infrastructure. Finally, the states had the powers to pass and enforce bills into laws. All the states were represented in Congress, and no bill could pass into law before getting the approval of nine out of thirteen states.

Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government enjoyed powers that were expressively delegated by the states. However, the powers assigned to the national government were very limited. The national government had the powers to declare wars and make peace. Further, it conducted foreign affairs activities, settling inter-state disputes and requesting money from the states.  The national government also regulated the armed forces, appointed the civil servants regulating Indian Affairs. Unfortunately, the powers of the national government were limited due to financial constraints (Ginsberg et al., 2019: 39).  It was difficult for the national government to declare war or even control the military effectively because it lacked economic power. Furthermore, the national government depended on the states’ ability to pass and enforce laws. Every bill in Congress could only pass after seeking the consent of the majority of the states. In short, the national government depended on the states for law enforcement and financial support. Comparing the two, under the Articles of Confederation, the states were supreme over the national government. This caused significant rifts and problems in leadership.

After the declaration of independence and development of the Articles of Confederation, the transpiration was not enough to hold America together. Although, the Articles of Confederation, became the first document to create powers for states and national government, it created power problems. The national leaders perceived various problems with the Articles of Confederation. For example, the stiff competition among the states created division among the states. As the states competed for both economic and political powers, European powers joined hands to takes sides with states making America more weak and vulnerable.  At some point, when a leader in the Independence struggle named John Adams was sent to the British to negotiate a new treaty, the British government rejected the proposal claiming that the United States had failed to enforce the agreements within the individual states. This way, the national leaders saw that the Article of Confederation would only divide the American States and allow enemies to control the country (Ginsberg et al., 2019: 39). This spurred the need for developing a new constitution that would effectively unite Americans.

 Another problem perceived was the continuous domestic economic turmoil. Every state had the power to control and make commercial decisions. This created economic rivalry between the states and the national government. The states with few resources became less powerful. Further, the dependence of the national government on the states for revenue frustrated government affairs. This also made the national government less powerful to perform the assigned roles. The national government over-depended on the states to make essential decisions. Since they lacked financial and law enforcement power, the national government could not effectively carry out its roles. For example, it was difficult to control the military, declare war, and make foreign decisions without legislative and commercial powers. Generally, the national government seemed to be enjoying virtual powers. Without economic power and the powers to enforce the law, the national government was like a toothless dog. Therefore, the national leaders perceived a situation where America would be controlled by foreign powers. Furthermore, the leaders needed a balance in the country's leadership, spurring the creation of the new constitution.

The framers of the new constitution created a way forward for peace and coercion through various tools. First, unlike in the Articles of Confederation, the constitution established an overall President of the United States. The president became the symbol of national unity. All the sates fell under the presidency. Further, the constitution created a federal judiciary. The rights and freedoms of all Americans were protected under the federal judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court unlike in the Articles of Confederation where the judiciary system that was controlled by the states. Further, the constitution created a bicameral legislature. Initially, the legislature was a unicameral system where the states appointed the delegates to the Congress (Ginsberg et al., 2019: 44). However, in the new system, each state was represented by two senators elected in the housed depending on the population of the state. The new constitution also gave Congress the economic power to collect taxes and regulate commerce while also controlling and maintaining the army[i]. Lastly, the constitution the constitution created three branches of the government that oversights each other. In short, the constitution eliminated the power struggles, and assigned the national government with adequate power and mandates to control the country.

In conclusion, governance in America followed a series of steps. It began by the creation of Articles for Confederation to the new constitution. While the Articles of Confederation gave more powers to the states, it spurred the writing of a new constitution that created a balance between states and the national government. The new constitution endowed the national government with adequate tools such as presidency, the power to collect taxes, proper judiciary system and a bicameral legislature with well-defined powers. The constitution was a tool for accountability, coercion, and tranquility.

Specific powers the Constitution gives to the national government   

QUESTION

Explain the specific powers the Constitution gives to the national government

ANSWER

Powers the Constitution Gives to the National Government and their Limitations

Powers the Constitution Gives to the National Government

The U.S. constitution gives three types of power to the government; namely, delegated powers, implied powers and inherent powers. Delegated powers allow the government to regulate commerce, declare war, raise and the power to regulate the value of the foreign currency. Implied powers, on the other hand, are the powers that allow the government to act independently. Notably, they grant the parliament the authority to acquire territories, regulate trade within the state, establish local government and conduct national elections (Nisbet, 2009).

Limitation of framers to national government under constitution

Although the government has the power to execute functions according to the constitution, it has the obligation to first consult the citizens. Thus, the government only implements the policies that have been approved by the citizens. This prevents dictatorship form of the government. Framers also limited the national government from maintaining rigid systems of the country. This would enable them to change the constitution as the country changed (Boin et al.,2009).

Gratification of power by framers to government

In 2014, Kelly discussed that framers understood that absolute power of government often resulted in misuse of the power and instability in the country, and thus came up with regulating principles that would ensure that all branches of the government were interdependent of each other. They include; popular sovereignty and separation of power.

Reason for Imposing Limitations on the Government

One of the main reasons why framers of the constitution placed limits on the powers granted to the government was to promote peace and order in the country by ensuring that people participated in formulating polies so that their voices could be heard and interests considered. 

References

Boin, A., 't Hart, P., & McConnell, A. (2009). Crisis exploitation: political and policy impacts of framing contests. Journal of European Public Policy, 16(1), 81-106.

Kelly, J. B. (2014). Governing with the Charter: legislative and judicial activism and framers'        intent. UBC Press.

Nisbet, M. C. (2009). Framing science: A new paradigm in public engagement. Understanding      science: New agendas in science communication, 40, 67.

Crane, M. T. (2014). Framing authority: Sayings, self, and society in sixteenth-century England.    Princeton University Press.

15

Sampling theory and how it applies to nursing research     

QUESTION

Describe sampling theory and how it applies to nursing research     

ANSWER

Sampling Theory in Nursing Research

           Research is a fundamental component that assists in acquiring information, remaining updated on issues, and correcting misunderstanding in a specific field of focus such as healthcare. Nursing research is crucial in assisting registered nurses in determining operational best practices and improving patients’ care. Consequently, sampling theory is a vital principle of effective research in nursing, and its results affect the general population of focus. This paper, therefore, examines and discusses the sampling theory. Additionally, it reflects on generalizability and how it applies to nurse research. 

           Sampling theory is a principle or code of research developed to help determine the most efficient criteria for acquiring samples that precisely depict and represent the population of understudy. In the nursing research context, sampling theory describes individuals or populations of focus as samples or elements. Additionally, the theory employs various approaches to probability sampling, such as simple, stratified, systematic, and cluster random sampling (Elfil & Negida, 2017). For example, it can be used in nursing research that examines the use of nutritional information among a targeted population. A plus-digit or random-digit-dialing process can be used to select various individual families.

           Generalization is a degree of how a result from a study can be applied in making  conclusion on a broader population, circumstance or phenomenon. Additionally, generalization is the extension of findings from a study from the sampled population to the larger community of focus. Therefore, in nursing research, generalization can be applied in using the results from nursing study participants to determine the health of the general population.     

Reference

Elfil, M., & Negida, A. (2017). Sampling methods in clinical research; an educational review. Emergency, 5(1).

16

Elopement in a skill nursing nursing

QUESTION

Discuss what is meant by Elopement in a skill nursing nursing  

ANSWER

Theoretical Framework for Implementation of Elopement Prevention in a Skill Nursing Facility

Theoretical Framework for Implementation of Elopement Prevention in a Skill Nursing Facility

Nursing homes have been facing a persistent problem when it comes to elopement since a majority of their residents are demented, so they tend to engage in dangerous activities if not monitored closely. As highlighted in the preceding assignment, the solution to this problem lies in the establishment of effective patient monitoring systems and security measures. Such a realization led to the belief that wander alarm bracelets and coded electric doors would be instrumental in mitigating these incidences in the skill nursing facility. For such an intervention to demonstrate efficacy, it must be implemented systematically. Theoretical frameworks such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and Lewin’s 3-Stages of Change are instrumental in facilitating success throughout the process (Cameron & Green, 2018). The present paper provides in-depth discussion on how these models can be applied in the implementation of the highlighted intervention (employment of wander alarm bracelets and coded electric doors).

Plan-Do-Study-Act

Background

            PDSA is a four-stage framework that is commonly used by problem-solvers to implement change. These phases include planning (P), doing (implementing) (D), studying (evaluation) (S), and acting (improvisation) (A). When applying this strategy, it is important to consider three fundamental drivers including the end-goal, anticipated change, and actions needed to facilitate the transformation. The first stage is planning, and it necessitates a plethora of activities including recruiting a team, developing an aim statement, describing the process, describing the problem, and identifying solutions and alternatives (Morelli, 2016). It appears wise to point out the facts that this is the most comprehensive phase which in line with the three strategies mentioned earlier. Once a clear blueprint is designed for the implementation, the team can proceed to the implementation phase. At this point, the team should be vigilant in the documentation of problems and outcomes based on observation (Morelli, 2016). Each milestone should be scrutinized carefully to ensure that the intervention offers a sustainable solution. Some of the issues to consider include outcomes vs. expectations, trends, and side effects (Morelli, 2016). Analytical findings developed from this observation should guide the organization in case of needed improvements: noteworthy is the fact that the final stage involves reflection, and strategic improvisation.

Application in the Proposed Intervention

Plan

As far as the proposed intervention is concerned, the change agent (nurse leader) will recruit a team of technology experts to collaborate with the organization’s nursing team in ensuring that all residents are logged into the system. This process is highly likely to demand some training for nurses to learn basic technical skills to manage the system as soon as the technology experts are dismissed. The leadership will then share the plan, during brainstorming sessions, to bring all relevant stakeholders (mainly the practitioners) on board for the sake of commitment and seamlessness.

Do

The technology team will install a software in the hospitals information system, then distribute logged wearables to the patients, who will then become traceable through a graphical user interface. Four electric doors will replace the old manual ones to ensure that only people with a passcode can open them. Also, the system will be alerting the nurse on duty whether the door is tampered with, or when a resident is close to it. Such a proactive approach will allow the team to keep tabs on risky movements. As long as the plan is detailed and clear, this implementation phase will be seamless.

Study

            It suffices to argue that the implementation phase should be segmented to ensure that each milestone is measured separately to guide further steps. The process will be divided into three sub-phases including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation. The outcomes of these stages will be measured at this point: emphasis shall be placed on the results vs. the anticipated outcomes.

Act

            This stage will capitalize on the findings recorded after evaluation (the preceding phase). Any failures or need for improvement will be resolved through the formulation, and implementation of a new plan.

Kotter’s 8-Step Model

Background

            Kotter’s change management theory is among the most popular models in the world, and it is grounded on the idea that change is often implemented in eight phases. According to the theorist, the first stage involves creating an urgency. The change agent executes this phase by identifying and highlighting inevitable inefficiencies bound to plague the organization if change is not implemented (Galli, 2018). With this knowledge, the change agent proceeds to the second stage which mandates the formation of coalitions with guiding teams (key stakeholders). Once the team understands the stakes, they collaborate in fine tuning the change agent’s vision to the organizational purpose (Galli, 2018). This vision is then conveyed to other team members who will partake in the execution. Kotter believes that the best move is empowerment, so that the team players can enact the vision (Galli, 2018). This phase usually necessitates the provision of essential resources and rewards. The sixth stage is usually implemented through the generation of short-term wins to foster improvements and maintain high motivation levels. The penultimate phase calls for the consolidation of goals (based on observation) to accelerate sustainable change (Galli, 2018). Once the transformation is deemed sustainable, it is then anchored in the organizational system and culture.

Application in the Proposed Intervention

Creating an Urgency

            Like the PDSA concept, Kotter’s 8-step technique can also be applied to promote success in the proposed initiative. The nurse leader will first create an urgency by researching and highlighting the obvious threat elopement poses on the runaway resident’s lives as well as the institution’s reputation.

Building Coalitions

Such a clear outlook will allow the change agent to form alliances with other organizational leaders in the finance, technology, and nursing departments. These stakeholders are instrumental in the success of the intervention since they have the authority to implement such initiatives.

Developing and Inspiring Vision

            Of course, the change agent often has a vision from the word go; however, the highlighted stakeholders must have a role in fine-tuning, or at least, affirming the vision so that it is in line with the organization’s values, vision, and mission. This vision will focus on explaining how the wearable monitoring bracelets and the coded electric doors will promote resident safety and the organization’s prestige.

Conveying the New Vision

            Once the key stakeholders are confident in the vision, they will then share it with other team members including nurses, technology experts, and other vested parties including patients’ families.

Empowering the Team to Implement the Vision

            Empowerment is a crucial ingredient in any change process, since people tend to resist the same. For this reason, the leadership will ensure that all the necessary financial, human, and technological resources are available to safeguard the project. It would also be fair to offer rewards for top performers during the process.

Short Term Wins

            Short term-wins can only be attained through the division of the project into goals. As highlighted in the PDSA model, process will be divided into three sub-phases including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation. These goals will give the team an opportunity to experience short-term wins.

Sustaining Acceleration

            This phase is usually important since it marks the point where the team reflects on outcomes and develops further plans to accelerate the change process. As far as the proposed intervention is concerned, the leaders will evaluate data recorded during the previous stage to determine the types of improvements needed.

Instituting Change

            If the outcomes of process will be satisfactory, the intervention will then transition to this phase. This point will be marked by the integration of the new developments into day-to-day organizational activities and rules.

Kurt Lewin’s 3-Step Change Model

Background

            Unlike Kotter’s multi-thronged strategy, this one defines the change process as a simple three phase activity which involves unfreezing, changing, and refreezing normative practice. The first step involves challenging the status quo (Hussain, et al., 2018). Here, the change agent is expected to prove why the current practices are detrimental to the organization. The tension created at this point inspires the entire organization to implement the change (Doppelet, 2017). Lewin urges leaders to maintain keen observation and analysis during this stage since it determines whether the organization will move forward or backwards. Once the change is implemented, it is established as the new status quo (Hussain, et al., 2018).

Application

Unfreezing

            As highlighted in the previous techniques, the first stage will involve exploring and exposing the current errors facing the facility with regards to elopement. The team will be taken through insightful brainstorming sessions to convince them that the current state is not beneficial for the residents, and the organization at large. When the majority are convinced that change is necessary, the leaders will then share the desired vision and purpose (Hussain, et al., 2018).

Changing

            This implementation phase will rely on effective observation and analysis skills; therefore, the process will be divided into three parts including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation respectively. Each phase will be closely monitored and analyzed before proceeding to the next phase.

Refreezing

            Once the change is made, the organization’s leadership will convene meetings whereby new rules shall be formulate to ensure that this intervention is normalized as a sustainable organizational practice. The clinical practitioners will have to learn how to manage the systems without overreliance on contract-based technology experts.

Conclusion

            Clearly, implementing change is a process that demands systematic thinking and acting. A thorough exploration of the PDSA, 8-Step, and 3-Stage models of problem-solving has showed the usefulness of each of them. As a matter of fact, they all tend to apply a somehow standard approach: emphasis on challenging the system, planning an intervention, implementing the change, and evaluating the outcomes. One of these techniques can be utilized in the intervention proposed earlier.

References

Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2019). Making sense of change management: A complete guide to the models, tools and techniques of organizational change. NY, USA: Kogan Page Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.uop.edu.pk/ocontents/Change%20Management%20Book.pdf

Doppelt, B. (2017). Leading change toward sustainability: A change-management guide for business, government and civil society. London, UK: Routledge. Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books/about/Leading_Change_Toward_Sustainability.html?id=2bHjQwAACAAJ

Galli, B. J. (2018). Change management models: A comparative analysis and concerns. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 46(3), 124-132. Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8486843/

Hussain, S. T., Lei, S., Akram, T., Haider, M. J., Hussain, S. H., & Ali, M. (2018). Kurt Lewin's change model: A critical review of the role of leadership and employee involvement in organizational change. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(3), 123-127. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444569X16300087

Morelli, M. S. (2016). Using the plan, do, study, act model to implement a quality improvement program in your practice. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 111(9), 1220-1222. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/2016/09000/Using_the_Plan,_Do,_Study,_Act_Model_to_Implement.2.aspx

16

Identifying questions that highlight an organization’s legal and reputational risks    

QUESTION

The financial and reputational costs associated with legal non-compliance make it clear that legal compliance and adherence to best practices need to be addressed at a senior managerial level. discuss the types of questions that you could ask your chosen organization’s senior managers and general counsel to gauge the organization’s exposure to the risks associated with legal compliance, and the adequacy of their preparations.

ANSWER

Risks Associated with Legal Compliance

            To remain in business, an organization needs to follow all the necessary rules and regulations. Failure to conform results in fines and penalties among other unwanted outcomes. Any organization therefore ought to understand the risk associated with legal compliance. This paper highlights some questions that would be useful to gauge an organization’s exposure to the risks associated with legal compliance and the adequacy of their preparations. 

What controls over the risks associated with legal compliance are in place and how are those controls conveyed to the necessary staff? Any organization needs some form of control over the risk it faces concerning legal compliance. Deutsch (2017) believes that these established controls ought to be tested periodically to ensure that the organization is protected. Moreover, it is not adequate to have controls over risks but how they are incorporated into the organization matters equally. Do they include the controls in the organization’s policies and procedures? These are some important questions that would gauge the organizations exposure to risk associated with legal compliance. 

            Are there any organizational weak spots that may expose the organization to the risks associated with legal compliance? Simple things that usually go unnoticed can put an organization at risk. Behaviors such as lack of transparency can put the organization at great risk (Deloach, 2017). Does the organization do a periodic review of its culture and policies to ensure there are no weak spots? Such questions are a great tool in gauging the organization’s exposure to the risks associated with legal compliance and the adequacy of their preparations.

            In summary, an organization needs to follow all the necessary rules to remain in business. What controls over the risks associated with legal compliance are in place and how are those controls conveyed to the necessary staff? Are there any organizational weak spots that may expose the organization to the risks associated with legal compliance? These are some useful questions that can gauge an organization’s exposure to the risks associated with legal compliance and the adequacy of their preparations. 

References

Deutsch, Gary. Posted on April 12, 2017. “Corporate Counsel Oversight of the Risk Assessment Process.” LexisNexis. https://www.lexisnexis.com/lexis-practice-advisor/the-journal/b/lpa/posts/corporate-counsel-oversight-of-the-risk-assessment-process( Accessed June 23, 2020).

Deloach, Jim.  Updated on February 18, 2018. “10 Questions You Should Ask About Risk Management.” Corporate Compliance Insights. https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/ten-questions-you-should-ask-about-risk-management/(Accessed on June 23, 2020).

17

NIH materials: Protecting the rights of human research participants.    

QUESTION

Describe the circumstances that influenced the need for a policy to protect human research subjects. Give examples of specific ways human research subjects can be harmed by researchers.
Identify three vulnerable populations and the special restrictions associated with human research among these groups. Evaluate the requirements and restrictions. Do you think they are adequate? Why or why not?
The Belmont Report summarizes the ethical principles and guidelines for research involving human subjects. Three core principles are identified: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Even though these principles are considered equal, prioritize them in order of importance to you. Explain your decisions.

ANSWER

Reflection on the Rights of Human Research Participants Protection.

           The involvement of human beings in research as subjects or participants is a critical subject in health-related studies. Participants or subjects are individuals who volunteer to take part in a research. Typically, they are provided with consent forms to sign as a confirmation of agreement of their willingness to partake as subjects without coercion. Consequently, it is imperative to protect the rights of any individual who chooses to participate in research. This paper, therefore, reflects on the protection of the rights of human research subjects. Consequently, it describes the circumstances that influenced the need for a policy to protect human research subjects. Additionally, it identifies a vulnerable population and special restrictions that are associated with human research, and prioritizes the ethical principles in the order of their importance. 

Circumstances that Influenced the Need for a policy to Protect Human Research Subjects

           The need for the policy to protect human research participants was influenced by several circumstances. Generally, the need was initiated as a result of egregious research abuses (Breault, 2006). More specifically, the need was to thwart the overexploitation by the researchers on vulnerable individuals like patients. Patients frequently enrolled as research participants have various reasons including the hope of improving their medical conditions (Breault, 2006). Additionally, the need was to protect human research participants from being hurt in the process of their participation (Breault, 2006). An example is the cause of pain, suffering, and even death. Therefore, the need to prevent and hinder subject abuses during research, avoidance of subject overexploitation, and minimize of eliminated injuries during the research are some of the circumstances the influenced the need for a policy to protect human research subjects. 

Vulnerable Populations and Specific Restrictions Associated with Human Research.

           A vulnerable population is a group of people who are susceptible to unethical research participation, hence requires protection. A vulnerable population is a disadvantaged section of a community that requires uttermost attention including protection under research. Additionally, a vulnerable population includes, but unlimited to children and minors, the elderly, and educationally and economically disabled (Shivayogi, 2013). Consequently, this group of individuals has special restrictions that are associated with human research. These restrictions include timely and efficient communication, data privacy, and therapeutic deliberations (Shivayogi, 2013). Therefore, such a population needs protection during their participation in human research.

Prioritization of Ethical Principles as Summarized in the Belmont Report

            In the move to protect the rights of human research participants, the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects for Biomedical and Behavioral Research came with the Ethical principle report. The Belmont report summarizes the report into three core ethical principles. In prioritizing the three principles in order of importance, respect for persons becomes the first followed by beneficence, and lastly justice. Respect for persons is important since it allows an individual to accept or decline to participate in research (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). Additionally, it becomes a priority among the ethical principles since it is after the acceptance that leads to the benefits and justices (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2016). Moreover, the beneficences supersede the principle justices since it enables the targeted population under study to benefit optimally.

Reference

Breault, J. L. (2006). Protecting human research subjects: The past defines the future. Ochsner Journal, 6(1), 15-20.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Optimizing the nation's investment in academic research: A new regulatory framework for the 21st century. National Academies Press.

Shivayogi, P. (2013). Vulnerable population and methods for their safeguard. Perspectives in clinical research, 4(1), 53.

17

Causes of the American Revolution

QUESTION

Analyze and evaluate the causes of the American Revolution using both primary and secondary sources   

ANSWER

Causes of the American Revolution

      The American Revolution is the insurgence mounted on the decree of the great British by the American nationalists. The revolt occurred between 1765 and 1783, where the American colonists defeated and won their independence from the British with the help of France. Notably, the foundation and basis of the revolution were complicated since it was concocting with time. However, there were various actions imposed by Great Britain on the American colonies that eventually led to the explosion of the revolution. This essay, therefore, identifies, analyzes, and evaluates the causes of the American Revolution.

Opposing of Taxation without Representation

      One of the main causes of the American Revolution was the demurral to the taxation of American colonies by the parliamentary arm of the government of Great Britain. Notably, the parliament has several mandates, including making law laws of the land and notifying the communities of any Act that affect them. Hence, the Act to tax the Americans was a scheme that was choreographed under the taxation Act and was to pass through the parliament. In reaction to the Act, the American colonies antagonized and opposed the scheme stating that they will not pay tax without being represented. Subsequently, they first demanded that there was no way an Englishman would be tax without personal consent as an individual (Jenyns 1). Secondly, they demanded that it was only through the consent of those elected to represent them that they would pay the taxes. Third, the Americans only if the majority of their parliamentary representatives' consent to allow them to pay tax is when they will comply with the Taxation Act. Arguably, the Act was purposed to collect a portion of the resources from the community earnings for budgeting to ensure prosperity and the safety of the nation (Samuel 1). Additionally, the British government used the collected tax to provide protection and other services to the Americans – their subjects. Regrettably, the British government found the Americans demand unrealistic and unachievable hence the antagonism because of disagreement. Therefore, it was the resentment and opposition of the Taxation Act that led to the American revolution.  

Increased Sense of Independent among Colonists

      Increased sense of independence was another cause of the American Revolution against the British. The Americans, unlike other British colonies, including Africa and Asia, were not under oppression. Consequently, their revolution was a quest for independence – freedom to enable them to handle their domestic matters. It is the American colony’s increased sense of independence that pushed them to congress the Resolution of the Stamp Act Congress on October 19th, 1765 (Pennsylvanian 2). The Americans were bold enough to articulate their thirst for freedom and liberation. In their boldness, they claimed their entitlement to the inherent liberty. They also demanded their complete independence by demanding that they form their local legislature, responsible for their consent of taxation, and the inherent and the invaluable of the trial jury of the colonies (Pennsylvanian 2). Additionally, their increased sense of independence made them demand liberty and rose against the British government from interfering with their local matters. Moreover, the government's move to allowed them to muster troops and passing of laws increased their sense of independence (Pennsylvanian 2). Moreover, The Americans wanted to thwart the intrusion to control of their economy by the British government. Therefore, the privileges that the colonies were allowed to enjoy increased their sense of independence; hence they demanded it, leading to the revolution.

           In the quest for independence, the Americans revolted against the nullification of the Declaratory Act of March 18, 1766, by the parliament of the great British. After realizing the benefits of independent governance, the Americans made claims that they recommended being passed through The American colonies had recommended and passed legislation through votes, resolutions, and orders derogatory legislative authority by the parliament (Danby 1). Their claims included the taxation of the Majesty’s subjects within the plantations. However, their demands were nullified following comprehensive consultation among the hierarchy of British governance. Subsequently, the declaration that the claim was null and void triggered the Americans colonies the revolt against the British government in the quest for their liberty.

      More importantly, the sons of liberty's formation also greatly contributed to the commencement of the American Revolution. The group was primarily formed to fight the taxation act by the British government on the American colonies. Consequently, they came up with strategies that would instill fear cause intimidation. Additionally, they used force and violence, protested, and ensured that the Stamp Act was repealed. Notably, the group reemerged on the plantation in Boston and other American colonies.

Furthermore, they pushed for the assortment and approval of the rights of the British colonies. Therefore, it was the bravery of the group that initiated the struggle for the independence of America. It was through a revolution that they led.

Conclusion

      In conclusion, the revolt that occurred between 1765 and 1783 led to the American colonists defeating and winning their independence from the Great British with the help of France. Notably, the foundation and basis of the revolution were complicated since it was concocting with time. However, there were various actions imposed by Great Britain on the American colonies that eventually led to the explosion of the revolution. The revolution was caused by the American colonies revolting due to a lack of tax consent and the consent of their representatives on the taxes in parliament. Additionally, it was caused by an increased sense of independence, which resulted from the colonies being allowed to exercise some duties like tax collection by the local legislatures. Furthermore, it was caused by declaring their claim on the tax paid by the Majesty’s subjects by the local legislature null and void. Moreover, the sons of liberty group were also another cause since it was the force behind the revolution. Therefore, the two main causes of the main American Revolution were opposing being taxed without the consent either directly or through their representatives and their increased sense of independence.     

Works Cited

Jenyns, Soame. The object to the Taxation of Our American Colonies by the Legislature of the Great Britain, briefly consider’d. 1765. Print

Johnson, Samuel. Taxation no Tyranny. 1775. Print

Pennsylvanian, John Dickenson. The Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress October 19 1765. 1765. Print.

Pickering, Danby. Great Britain: Parliament - The Declaratory Act; March 18, 1766. 1766. Printed by Benthem, for C. Bathhurst; London, 1762-1869.

Otis, James. The rights of the British colonies asserted and proved. Boston: Edes and Gill, 1764.

18

Nursing informatics project

QUESTION

Propose a nursing informatics project for your organization that you advocate to improve patient outcomes or patient-care efficiency     

ANSWER

Nursing Informatics Project Proposal

            The advancement in technology has prompted many corporations and government agencies to embrace this disruptive change. The health sector has not been left behind in this technological trend. The industry has witnessed many developments such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems used in most healthcare facilities across the world. There has been momentous progress in adopting the EMR system to foster technological inventions and innovations in a bid to store patients’ records and ensures easy retrieval of these data, proper diagnosis of chronic and mils illness through better devices for detecting diseases and manufacturing quality and effective drugs. This project describes EMR systems and identifies stakeholders affected by the project. It also explains patient outcomes or care efficiencies that the project seeks to improve and how the improvements would occur. Moreover, it identifies technologies needed to implement the project, roles of the project team, and how nurse informatics will be incorporated in the project.

The Chosen Project

             This proposal seeks to offer a comprehensive report on the needs and uses of EMR systems in hospitals. EMR system is a modern trend in many healthcare facilities that allows healthcare practitioners to record a patient medical data in a computer thereby reducing the use of paperwork in documenting the treatment history of most patients (Buntin, Burke, Hoaglin, & Blumenthal, 2011). In hospitals, EMR systems help physicians to formulate data on various disease diagnoses that in long run assist researchers to gain primary information about a particular disease.

Stakeholders Influenced By the Project

             Health system is characterized by various autonomous organizations that work jointly to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services. Similarly, in the establishment of EMR system, several stakeholders within the healthcare sector must share their views on the adoption and use of the system within their facilities. Some of the stakeholders who share their views about the system entail health caregivers, hospital, team from the information and technology industry, managers of healthcare facilities, and patients.

              The hospital provides the financial support needed to develop and adopt EMR systems. It also formulates a legal framework upon which the system will be founded on. Similarly, health caregivers have primary information on the impacts of using paper charts in reviewing patient data. Moreover, their contribution assists other stakeholders to understand the challenges they endure as they seek to monitor and understand the treatment history of their patients (CGonigle, & Mastrian, 2017). Similarly, the information and technology team designs, installs, and implements the EMR systems in healthcare facilities while hospital managers supervise the effective adoption and administration of the EMR systems. The managers also partner with the information and technology teams to ensure that the system functions properly as designed.  As the end users of EMR systems, the patients make decisions in order to create awareness amongst themselves.

Patient Outcomes the Project Seeks To Improve

             One of the major reasons for developing the EMR systems is to incorporate the technology in the healthcare sector to foster inventions and innovations. The technological advancement has prompted the need to create a digitalized system that ensures effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of services in the healthcare industry and across other sectors. Menachemi and Brooks (2006) contended that the technology has shortened diagnosis procedures and improve effectiveness and quality in the delivery of healthcare services to patients.

            A key feature attributed to EMR systems is the financial benefits that come along with its adoption. Although the initial cost of installing the EMR systems can be relatively high, Rutherford (2008) alleged that costs of maintaining the system are low. The decision by hospitals to use EMR systems rather than paper recording has an immense positive outcome on the financial investment of the hospital. Moreover, physicians saved many expenses on drugs as there was an improvement in the efficiency of radiological diagnosis and tests, as well as, improved billing and record systems that consequently reduced possibilities of billing mistakes in the hospital.

             The main purpose of developing EMR systems was to help various health caregivers track patients’ medical records for an extended period. As such, the system can recognize those patients who urgently need preventive screening and checkup sessions. Wang, Kung and Byrd (2018) posited that the systems can detect and monitor how each patient responds to simple medical processes such as vaccinations, body temperature readings, and monitoring and reading their blood pressures among others. EMR systems were also established to help eradicate tiresome paperwork. Undoubtedly, various patients had different health care charts and preparing such charts was tedious and consumed much time. Moreover, it was difficult to ensure high level of accuracy because the charts were not drawn accurately by various health caregivers. Nonetheless, adopting the EMR systems will enable patients to access a summary of their clinical appointments that are conveyed to within a short period (Buntin, Burke, Hoaglin & Blumenthal, 2011). Sending briefed medical data by hospitals creates an opportunity for patients to understand and embrace what transpired during their clinical appointments. The summary of the clinical appointments to the patients encompass the medical care offered during the appointment, the recommended treatment and any follow up appointment.

Technology Required For Implementing the Project

To implement this project (EMR system), the most appropriate technology that will be used is Health Information Technology (HIT) system. In healthcare facilities, the EMR system helps nurses and other healthcare practitioners to manage patients’ medical data (CGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). It contains information such as patient’s medical history that health attendants collect. The EMR system is a considered a HIT system that performs numerous functions in various hospitals. Some of the functions of EMR systems in healthcare facilities encompasses educational, administrative, as well as, research related studies. As administrative tool, the EMR system helps track progress of patients, as well as, their respective treatment history that assists various health caregivers to provide specialized healthcare services to these individuals based on their previous diagnoses of various illnesses (Menachemi & Brooks, 2006). As an educational tool, the EMR system offer critical information regarding patients and their medical records. Such information can be accessed and thus offer an effective platform for making reasonable decisions among healthcare practitioners on the most appropriate healthcare services to render to their clients. More importantly, hospitals can use the diagnosis data to formulate permanent solutions to deal with chronic disorders.

 Roles of Project Team and How the Nurse Informaticist Will Be Incorporated In the Project

             The EMR systems are managed by certified doctors, nurses, and doctors within the hospital. The system is installed in each department in the healthcare facility and this implies that nurses at the recording sections can access the data recorded by pharmacist into the system. This ensures that all experts within the healthcare are brought on board and patients’ treatment history is tracked to supervise quality medical attention. Nonetheless, for the purposes of maintenance, hospitals should hire and deploy experts in their information and technology control department to will ensure that the EMR systems function as expected. Disputably, Rutherford (2008) posited that the EMR systems should be put in the Information and Technology department in the administrative arrangement of the healthcare facility.

             Nurse informaticist will be incorporated in the project during the trial phase of the workability of the EMR system software to train different stakeholders. The stakeholders are trained to enable them understand the system before implementing it. The informaticist will be involved in setting a nationwide pilot program for training various stakeholders within the healthcare sector. More importantly, he or she will be involved in training members of the information and technology to enable them install, implement, operate, and maintain the systems with least supervision.

References

Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The benefits of health information technology: a review of the recent literature shows predominantly positive results. Health affairs, 30(3), 464-471.

CGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. G. (2017). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (4th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Menachemi, N., & Brooks, R. G. (2006). Reviewing the benefits and costs of electronic health records and associated patient safety technologies. Journal of medical systems, 30(3), 159-168.

Rutherford, M. A. (2008). Standardized nursing language: What does it mean for nursing practice? Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 13(1), 1–12.

Wang, Y. Kung, L., & Byrd, T. A. (2018). Big data analytics: Understanding its capabilities and potential benefits for healthcare organizations. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 126(1), 3–13.

20

Modalities and Trends    

QUESTION

Explain the difference between Modalities and Trends    

ANSWER

Use of Feedback in Curriculum Development

            Feedback remains an excellent way of developing a curriculum. This work develops a proposal on how and when to include stakeholder feedback into the development of curriculum. It starts off with the nurse educator’s role in soliciting stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum followed by a highlight of the role of internal and external subject matter experts in curriculum development. The work then delves into the faculty members’ roles in curriculum development and how to use faculty and student feedback in the implementation, evaluation, development and revision of curriculum. It concludes with a brief overview of the value of piloting courses before their full implementation.

Nurse Educator’s Role in Soliciting Stakeholder Feedback

            The nurse educator performs several roles to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum. Through formative (throughout the year) and summative (toward the end of the school year) assessments, nurse educators generate feedback from students which enables them to evaluate the curriculum (Staykova, 2013). Through a peer feedback model, nurse educators can observe one another and thus provide feedback and support to each other while identifying areas to be revised in the curricula (Gormally, Evans, & Brickman, 2014). For clinicians and nurse managers, the nurse educator plays a consultative role in soliciting their feedback concerning the curriculum (Belita, Carter, & Bryant-Lukosius, 2019). Hence, the nurse educator performs several roles to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum.

Role of Internal and External Subject Matter Experts in Curriculum Development

            Internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development. Subject matter experts (SMEs) have worked in a field long enough for their knowledge to be considered second nature. Thus, they help define objectives, provide content, identify likely scenarios, validate and refine the course material (Gumienny, 2017). The external SMEs however, have a separate vantage point and thus can easily spot errors not easily noted by an internal SME. Thus, they complement each other. Therefore, internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development. 

Faculty members’ roles in curriculum development

            Faculty members play several roles in curriculum development. As Keating (2017) explains, nursing schools are recruiting new faculty, with little or no experience in academia, to address the nursing faculty shortage. Faculty members are thus tasked with the responsibility of orienting and mentoring such staff to familiarize them with the curriculum requirements for its effective implementation and development. By applying learner-centered theories, faculty members are also charged with the responsibility of effective teaching for the implantation and development of curriculum. Apart from taking part in curriculum accreditation activities, they are also expected to ensure the curriculum is up to date and in line with current educational trends. Therefore, faculty members play several roles in curriculum development.

Using Faculty and Student Feedback in the Implementation, Evaluation, Development and Revision of Curriculum

            For the best results, a two-stage process should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback. First, the feedback is analyzed. Do the faculty members or students find any fault with the curriculum? Is there need for a review? These, among other questions, are addressed in the analysis. Second, solutions are designed based on the feedback and the problems identified from the analysis. This ensures the views of key stakeholders (faculty members and students) are incorporated into the curriculum. Thus, a two-stage process should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback to ensure optimum results.

Use of Piloting Courses

            Piloting courses are very important before fully implementing them. As Hassan, Schattner and Mazza (2006) concur, the pilot courses help to identify flaws before the full implementation. Furthermore, it provides a better understanding of how to implement the courses. Hence, piloting courses are very important before fully implementing them. 

            In summary, feedback remains an excellent way of developing a curriculum. The nurse educator performs several roles such as student assessments, peer feedback and consultations to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum. Internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development as an external SME has a separate vantage point and thus can easily spot errors not easily noted by an internal SME. Faculty members are tasked with several responsibilities in curriculum development such as orienting and mentoring new staff, effective teaching taking part in curriculum accreditation activities and ensuring the curriculum is up to date and in line with current educational trends. A two-stage process, analysis and design of solutions, should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback for optimum results. Finally, piloting courses offer immense use in identifying flaws and better implementation procedures before their full implementation.

References

Belita, E., Carter, N., & Bryant-Lukosius, D. (2019). Stakeholder Engagement in Nursing Curriculum Development and Renewal Initiatives: A Review of the Literature. Quality Advancement in Nursing Education-Avancées en formation infirmière, 6(1), 2.

Gormally, C., Evans, M., & Brickman, P. (2014). Feedback about teaching in higher ed: Neglected opportunities to promote change. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 13(2), 187-199.

Gumienny, K. (2017). The SME Role in Course Development. Retrieved from on https://www.microassist.com/learning-dispatch/sme-course-development/ June 14, 2020.

Hassan, Z. A., Schattner, P., & Mazza, D. (2006). Doing a pilot study: why is it essential?. Malaysian family physician: the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, 1(2-3), 70.

Keating, S., B. (2017). The Role of Faculty in Curriculum Development and Evaluation. Retrieved from https://nursekey.com/the-role-of-faculty-in-curriculum-development-and-evaluation/ on June 14, 2020.

 Staykova, M. P. (2013). Curriculum Pearls for Faculty Members. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 2(1), 74-82.

21

  International business transactions and the law    

QUESTION

Explain the relationship between  International business transactions and the law    

ANSWER

International Business Transactions and the Law (79603)

Autumn 2020

Take-Home Exam (50% of final mark in IBTL)

This exam includes two questions. You must answer both questions. Each question is of equal weighting.  Approx. 1,250 words (10% leeway) should be sufficient to answer each question.

The questions require you to advise hypothetical clients regarding their rights and/or liabilities in the scenarios outlined, with reference to relevant rules/laws and case law.

It is recommended that students use some headings and sub-headings, because that usually assists in providing a clear and easy-to-follow structure. Students may use footnotes if they wish; if so, consistency is the key -- the AGLC is recommended. A bibliography may also be provided (recommended).

Where relevant, your answers should clearly state any assumptions you are making, and/or any additional information that would change the advice provided to your hypothetical clients

For the questions below, assume that Kamaria is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and has ratified all relevant WTO agreements.

Furthermore, please assume that Kamaria has also ratified the following: 

• the Amended Hague-Visby Rules;
• The Vienna Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG)
• the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration; and
• the UN Conference on International Commercial Arbitration Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards;

Student answers to this exam must be submitted by 5.00pm on  Wednesday 17 June 2020 via Turnitin. There is no requirement to submit paper copies of your answers.

QUESTION 1

Kamaria Garden Supplies Inc (KGS) is a company based in Kamaria which is a leading retailer of garden supplies. KGS has been in email communications with the Australian company Brisbane Garden Gnomes Pty Ltd (BGG) to negotiate a contract for a large consignment of fluorescent garden gnomes.

After exchanging several emails BGG agrees to deliver to KGS a consignment of 500 fluorescent garden gnomes, CIF Port Smith in Kamaria. This will be one of the largest single consignments that BGG has delivered so far. As BGG and KGS are looking to develop a long term business relationship, they agree that any disputes will be resolved by a panel of three arbitrators at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre.

BGG packs and sends the consignment of 500 fluorescent garden gnomes to KGS. However when the fluorescent garden gnomes arrive in Port Smith, KGS finds that a large number of the garden gnomes have been smashed and cracked during the voyage. Also, when the shipping documentation for the consignment arrives at its office, KGS notices there are no indications of an insurance policy for the consignment. The General Manager of KGS is very annoyed with this situation as several of his customers have placed orders for the fluorescent garden gnomes. He emails BGG and demands that they send another consignment of 500 fluorescent garden immediately. However the manager of BGG demands full payment for the first consignment from KGS.   

After several further emails, BGG and KGS agree to have their dispute resolved by a panel of three arbitrators at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. After considering the submissions from both parties (including the email correspondence), the arbitral panel finds in favour of KGS and orders BGG to deliver a replacement consignment to KGS, and to compensate KGS for the costs it has incurred in relation to the arbitration.

The manager of BGG is not happy with the arbitral panel’s determination; therefore, he seeks your advice on the correctness of the panel’s decision, and is also interested in whether this arbitral award may be enforced through the Australian courts.

QUESTION 2

Over recent years, Kamaria has significantly expanded its car manufacturing industry, which has flourished due to Kamaria’s very low labour costs and the generous government grants and tax exceptions which the Kamarian government provides to exporters.

Kamaria has progressively increased the numbers of cars that it is exporting to overseas markets, including Australia. By contrast, due to increasing production costs, Australia’s car market has been struggling. It has been estimated that Kamarian-made cars sell for around half the price of Australian-made cars.

The Australian Car Manufacturing Council, which is the peak body for Australian car manufacturers, is very concerned at Kamaria’s practices – which it sees as undermining the “level playing field” in car manufacturing. The Council fears Kamaria’s practices could make Australian car manufacturing plants unviable and ultimately lead to the collapse of Australia’s car manufacturing industry. After consulting with their members, the Council decides to request the Australian federal government to take urgent action to address the current situation. 

The Australian Car Manufacturing Council seeks your advice about the possible measures it could request the Australian federal government to take in this scenario.

22

Patent Monopoly and High Drug Prices in the United States 

QUESTION

Discuss Patent Monopoly and High Drug Prices in the United States 

ANSWER

Patent Monopoly and High Drug Prices in the United States

            The United States of America pays considerably higher prices compared to the rest of the developed world for prescription drugs because of limited competition amongst drugs firms or companies. The country has also set up regulatory apparatus that mainly focuses on drug safety; nevertheless the regulators have not been able to underscore cost-effectiveness when it comes to both existing and new and drugs. The limited number of companies alongside the numerous regulations has led to monopoly in the drug industry. Monopoly is characterized with profit maximization without taking into account consumer welfare. Because only a single firm has the patent right to manufacture, it is evident that it will set drug prices as high as possible to make supernormal profits.

The honest explanation for the high prices of drugs in the United States is, therefore, monopoly pricing. It is clear that via Food and Drug Administration marketing exclusivity and patent protection, the United States government is granting the pharmaceutical firms a monopoly on brand-names drugs, knowing very well that monopoly is a recipe for disproportionate or high prices. The monopolies can sometimes ensure reduced production of drugs with an aim of reducing supply which in turn increases prices and subsequently revenue. Each time the Congress attempts to debate drug prices, the industry volubly claim that lowering prices of drugs will significantly impede innovative research. Even though the argument may be germane, the patent rights that United States government has given to the drug industry makes it to control the prices of drugs without the government’s input. The lack of competition between drug manufacturers as a result of issuance of patent rights is the primary cause of higher drug prices in the United States.

23

International Juvenile Justice

24

How does social media shape personal identity

QUESTION

How does social media shape personal identity? In what sense might its role in identity development be considered problematic, and are there senses in which it might be liberating or promote personal growth? Your essay should have a clear thesis statement, i.e., a debatable position for which you must offer support, and the body of your essay should consist of a compelling argument and evidence supporting your claims.

ANSWER

Influence of Social Media on Personal Identity

Introduction     

The increased usage of technology in the current 21^st century has enhanced the rates at which users benefit from online platforms, for example, improved communication and enhanced living experience. According to Gündüz (2017), the use of digital networks has resulted to an enhanced experience for users by creating a platform where the users can showcase their livelihood experiences. Social media usage provides a reflection of the various dimensions about the user’s position in the physical and virtual social life. This further suggests that people have a role to play in the social arena. Gündüz (2017) further states that social media enables our identity exploration, expression and experimentation, which is a natural aspect of human experience. Social media is, therefore, a tool that influences behavior, and accordingly aids in the crafting of personal identity. Although social media results in the establishment of therapeutic advantages, the use of the social networks can also result to the negative self-development, which further influences the general mental health and wellbeing of the users. This paper argues that digital media directly shapes personal identity by influencing the users’ behavioral change.

The theory of the Self

The theory of the self, proposed by Skinner suggests that a person’s behavior will always be influenced by the rewards which he/she gets from conforming to several group behaviors guided by their roles and performance. In-person interactions are effective in understanding how people interact online. The use of social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, is a phenomenon that is continually gaining prominence in the world today. The digital platforms make it possible for users to create profiles which they can further utilize to communicate details about their lives and establish networks with friends and other users (Westgate & Wilson, 2018). As a result, the friends or followers can visualize one post and read their comments as they navigate through one’s profile. It is, therefore, likely that users of social media platforms are likely to suffer from physical and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

How Social Media Shapes Personal Identity

                In the current digital age, the internet is considered as one of the most essential tools. It connects people by facilitating the process of sharing diverse media content regardless of their geographical locations. However, its usage is also associated with drastic negative impacts. For instance, digital media use is associated with the widespread of violence and pornographic content which can be accessed by young people whose psychology is not prepared to process or consume this kind of information. According to Schneider, Gruman and Coutts (2012), adults are also affected negatively when they are exposed to pornographic content shared on some social media platforms. The social media creates an environment defined by a wide pool of information which users can access.

                The content which the social media users are exposed to when using social media changes how they think about others and themselves. Schneider, Gruman and Coutts (2012) argue that young people are highly influenced by the values embraced by the use of social media. Evidently, social media will offer numerous interpretations of what it means to be attractive, beautiful and sexy. The users are known to be vulnerable to the influences especially when they are accurately engaged with the use of social media platforms. Schneider, Gruman and Coutts (2012) provide an emphasis on the fact that adolescents are at a vulnerable stage associated with the formation of identity. Notably, people establish a sense of the self from creating an impression which they wish to provide to others (Schneider, Gruman & Coutts, 2012).

Adolescents and young adults, those between the age of 18 and 20 years, will often rely on their social contacts with an aim of figuring who they are. With the social media emergence, the process of establishing a sense of the self has been moved into the virtual sphere. Thus, the individuals may be tempted to construct a false self-presentation to ensure that they fit within their social circle group. In this case, the established self might be based on false constructs that social media offers to the world. For instance, the concepts of good, pretty, appealing and tempting may be wrongly constructed over the social media, which a person may embrace as a self-identity. Arguably, all the aspects which represent the one true self will not conform to the notions, and hence may be rejected by an individual.

                Additionally, social media imagery can result to exaggerated body dissatisfaction, which further exposes users to be at a risk for eating disorders such as anorexia. This situation is mainly true for the case of female users. On the other hand, male users can be exposed to violent media content that can increase their chances of engaging in violent behaviors (Schneider, Gruman & Coutts, 2012). Therefore, it is a fact that the social media significantly affects how people view the surrounding world as well as the relationship that people have with themselves and the others.

When the Role of Social Media in Identity Development is Considered                Problematic

                The role of social media in identity development will be considered problematic when  it aids the identification of the false self-concept. According to Vannucci, Flannery and Ohannessian (2017), an association exists between the use of social media and depression symptoms. Evidently, passive social media users can establish symptoms of depression mainly expressed through poor self-esteem and reduced mood. Notably, when social media users go through the content written by other users, in the news feeds or other social media posts, they are more likely to go into a depression based on how they interpret the content. According to Westgate and Wilson (2018), social media users have the ability to develop cognitive biases, which further makes it easier for them to misinterpret the behaviors and actions of the others as threatening or self-referent. As a result, when in the virtual environment whereby one cannot avoid viewing the information posted by other social media users, a site visitor may be prompted to be suspicious about his/her identity, and this can again result to the development of depression.

                According to Aalbers et al. (2019), passive social media usage also proves to be problematic as it exposes users to an environment where they can develop negative feelings after developing false identities. Arguably, social media sites have the capacity to elicit a downward comparison whereby a user considers him/herself to be less favorable in comparison to other social media users (Aalbers et al. 2019). With the development of social comparisons, users further establish social ranks whereby they relate themselves to others based on relative power or social attractiveness (Aalbers et al. 2019). This development of perceived social ranks development can be detrimental to the users’ health in that it results to poor mood and a low self-esteem (Westgate & Wilson, 2018). Moreover, the negative social comparison which users engage in while using social media increases their chances of developing depression due to repeated experiences of low self-esteem.  

                Despite the negative impacts of the influence of social media on personal identity, social media use can facilitate personal growth of the users. Evidently, social media networks have increasingly gained popularity and in turn influenced millions of users, especially college and university students and teenagers. The social networks can promote personal circle development due to the platforms’ ability to facilitate interaction and socialization. According to Ukpong (2014), social media is associated with a form of immediacy in contrast to the traditional means of communication. The immediacy and the associated features of the media has influenced theories and further affected the study of business as well as enhanced the means of interaction. Notably, users who lacked self-confidence while interacting with others on a face-to-face platform can now overcome their fears and develop self-confidence when interacting with others virtually. Moreover, Ukpong (2014) establishes that social media has improved users’ self-confident, which has consequently played a significant role in promoting personal growth by enhancing their communication skills. Furthermore, social media use has provided the youths and other users with unique opportunities to interact people from different religions, cultural backgrounds and geographical locations, thereby improving their intercultural competence and social awareness (Ukpong, 2014).

                Lastly, social media is also known to have a strong capability of positively influencing mental health. Schneider, Gruman and Coutts (2012) are of the view that emotions expressed over the online platform influences an individual’s mood. This means that social media does not only aid in relieving social isolation, but it also opens new communication pathways and provides the required support. With social media, for example, users can share their experiences and thoughts that are fundamental towards establishing their identity. Additionally, social media usage benefits mental health by allowing the users to develop an enhanced self-expression talent without fear.

Recommendations for Development

                The rate at which people use social media indicates that more users will continue using the digital platforms in the future despite its drastic impacts (Trifiro & Gerson, 2019). It is, therefore, recommended that effective measures should be undertaken to prevent the detrimental health effects associated with accessing social media sites (Trifiro & Gerson, 2019). This can include coming up with a universal measure for development. A universal measure for passive and active social media use would be established to meet several requirements. For instance, similar behaviors should first be identified over several social media platforms such as text-based and image-based sites, including Twitter and Instagram. Moreover, since the social media landscape is constantly changing, it is important that the measures to be developed should meet the needs and requirements of day-to-day changes experienced over the platforms (Trifiro & Gerson, 2019). The language used in developing the social media platforms should be also generalized and understandable by all users. Subsequently, the scale would need to be validated through the use of multiple social media sites to ensure that it is reliable and applicable across several platforms (Trifiro & Gerson, 2019).

Conclusion

                Although social media use results in the establishment of therapeutic advantages, the use of the sites can result in the development of negative self-image,  which can influence the general mental health and wellbeing of the users. The use of social media platforms directly impacts the creation of personal identity. Evidently, the use of digital platforms exposes the users to an environment where they can reflect on both the virtual and physical aspects of life. Additionally, social media platforms allow the users to express their emotions and explore their self-identity. Furthermore, being a constant social media user allows one to create an identity based on the content available in the media.

One can develop a negative self-identity based on negative beliefs crafted by the information accessed passively over the platforms. The outcome is devastating as the potential for developing drastic mental effects is intensified alongside the loss of self-esteem. While social media sites can result to the development of negative impacts on self-identity development, it can also aid in positive development, especially from the communication perspective. Notably, social media sites have enhanced the way people communicate across different boundaries. Since people do not have to communication on a face-to-face basis over the platforms, confidence in communication is enhanced among non-confident users.

References

Aalbers, G., McNally, R. J., Heeren, A., de Wit, S., & Fried, E. I. (2019). Social media and depression symptoms: A network perspective. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(8), 1454-1462.  

Gündüz, U. (2017). The Effect of Social Media on Identity Construction. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. 8. 10.1515/mjss-2017-0026.

Schneider, F. W., Gruman, J. A. & Coutts, L. M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA SAGE Productions, Inc.

Trifiro, B. & Gerson, J. (2019). Social Media Usage Patterns: Research Note Regarding the Lack of Universal Validated Measures for Active and Passive Use. Sagepub.

Upkong, E. (2014). The Positive and Negative Effects of Social Media. Munich: GRIN Verlag.

Vannucci, A., Flannery, K. M., & Ohannessian, C. M. (2017). Social media use and anxiety in emerging adults. Journal of affective disorders, 207, 163-166.

Westgate, E. C., & Wilson, T. D. (2018). Boring thoughts and bored minds: The MAC model of boredom and cognitive engagement. Psychological Review, 125(5), 689.

25

How police interacting with juveniles

QUESTION

ANSWER

How Police Interacting with Juveniles at a Young age Changes the Future of Society by Building a Relationship with the Public      

Introduction

Forging working partnerships between police departments on one hand, and the youth, and human services organizations on the other has been marked in diverse literature for immediate action in light of growing concern regarding the intersection of children in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Undeniably, youth in this category are today termed “crossover youth,” as their lives characteristically begin in the child welfare system, before transiting through foster care to the juvenile justice system. Studies have consistently pointed out that the predictable overlap which integrates many family members, is often cross-generational, and attracts a considerable amount of agency resources (Pollack, 2017). This paper scrutinizes the concept of police interaction with juveniles at a young age and how such a possibility may change the future of society by building a relationship with the public. Specifically focus is made on positive results of interactions between police and juveniles which are idealized, and subsequently, identified as improved police-youth relations, improved involvement of police in positive youth programs, and increased number of police officers who are experienced with and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. In contrast, police interactions with juveniles are also associated with negative outcomes such as heightened worries of violence, and a continued hostility, in a mutually reinforcing way. Current discussion draws from many studies to establish a positive relationship between moral engagement, police justice, and nonviolent juvenile behavior with police interaction with juveniles at a young age.

Positive Effects of Interactions between Police and Juveniles

Improved police-youth relations

An assessment of a community-based intermediation plan intended to encourage positive youth growth and to craft progressive connections between police and youth in a “non-enforcement environment” have been investigated by Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli and LaMotte (2017). The study, proposes constructive police and youth programs as a positive model for enhancing police-youth relationships. An assessment of the plan by “pre- and post- tests” of both police and youth representatives report positive police outlooks toward the youth due to lessons learnt from their engagement with the plan irrespective of the gender, race, ethnicity, or duration of service of the concerned officers (Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli & LaMotte, 2017). Similarly, the youth were found to espouse more positive attitudes toward the police as a direct consequence of involvement in such programs. In addition, the study revealed that perceptions of the youth towards the police changed faster for both youth from non-white backgrounds and victims of previous altercations with the police. Accordingly, Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli, and LaMotte (2017) concur that such collaborations may increase chances of youth and police engagement to the advantage of community by stimulating constructive youth engagement as well as raising the number of police officers with requisite knowledge and experience in youth in non-enforcement undertakings.

Increased Involvement of Police in Positive Youth Development

Prospects of police programs engendering positive youth development have been enhanced by time-honored and innovative engagements between the police and the youth. Since such programs are initiated from the side of law enforcement, they are believed to be intended to facilitate communication and foster interactions with the youth and the wider public in a spontaneous way. For instance, Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli, and LaMotte (2017) cites the Police Athletic League (PAL) as an effective plan for that can instigate greater outcomes for the youth. The plan is described as an effective plan anchored on the belief that the police and the communities simultaneously gain in atmospheres of positive and productive relationships. However, a new innovative program, referred to as Strategies for Youth (SFY) established in 2009, has been recently been emphasized as a national agency that is mainly dedicated to cultivating police–youth relations, and promoting training public safety officers on matters of child and youth welfare and psychosocial care, and supporting communities to entrench strong police-youth partnerships. Also, SFY’s “Policing the Teen Brain” programs have been identified with five types of youth focused community based organizations to work together with officers. Reviewed literature so far credits both programs, and others not considered in this paper with the benefit of escalating enforcement officers’ responsiveness to these programs in their communities of operation as well as to inspire them to link with program staff. In the final analysis, increased communication and interpersonal engagements during the trainings will enable SFY to empower officers with information on less martial alternatives to demeaning arrests and increased access to community based options for youth in need of additional support.

Increasing the number of police officers who are experienced with and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities

Benefits of police interactions with juveniles at a young age have been understood from studies by DeCunzo (2017) focusing on the police decision-making and the initial detention of juveniles. The study specifically found that police decisions can be greatly improved from positive engagements with the juvenile communities as such for a can produce a direct impact on juvenile outcomes. This is particularly relevant in the United States where the law authorizes police officers to exercise discretion in the execution of various aspects of their roles. As discretion is mainly applicable to determination of future outcomes for adults, as it is applicable to matters affecting the youth as well, it is inevitable that the police officer should be experienced and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. Consequently, it is necessary for the law enforcement officer to comprehend the conditions under which law enforcers go beyond commencing contact with the youth to escalating the plan to initial detention. The consequences of police association with youth across various points of contact are determined by flexible decision-making as determined by several circumstantial dynamics. These forces include legal factors such as severity of an offense and previous criminal record and societal factors such as scale of community violence social inefficiency and racial and ethnic composition of the community (Leiber & Boggess 2012; Maggard, 2015). In addition, understanding of context specific factors such as attitude and behavioral factors, dealings with aberrant peers and other factors relating to the youth can only be internalized when enforcement departments engage meaningfully with them (Pollack 2014). The study by DeCunzo (2017) outlines the importance of discretion by focusing on Montana law enforcement officers. The officers are granted constitutional freedom of choice in the performance of duties relating to the decision to arrest and initially detain a youth (Pollack, 2017). Specifically, concerning initial detention, the law requires that on every occasion that the “peace officer believes, on reasonable grounds that the youth must be detained, the peace officer shall notify the juvenile probation officer immediately and shall, as soon as practicable, provide the juvenile probation officer with a written report of the peace officer’s reasons for holding the youth in detention” (Pollack, 2017). By inference, we can conclude that this scale of discretion highlights the significance of understanding various forces that determine and influence police decision-making. The foregoing feat can only be attained when police department continue with constructive engagements with the youth.

Negative Outcomes associated with police-juvenile interactions  

Apart from positive aspects of police interactions with juveniles, available literature also suggests that police contact with the youth can produce aggravating negative effects (Pollack, 2017). For instance, studies by Theriot (2016) highlights inherent cracks in the school safety program as a contemporary indicator of the disadvantages of sustained youth interactions with law enforcement. Specifically, studies have associated the deployment of school resource officers (SROs), or law enforcement officers to schools and juvenile learning institutions with negative attitudes of students towards law enforcement officers. Despite the fact that school safety programs have been in operation from the middle of the 20^th century, recent school shootings such as Littleton, Colorado, and Jonesboro and public concerns about “lethal violence and safety needs at schools” have seen an increase in the number of SROs in schools. In school settings, the SROs variously referred to as school police officers or school liaison officers principally tasked with maintenance of “law and order” and are additionally expected to be vital figures at their schools. Further, the SRO’s duties include patrolling school buildings, open spaces, conducting investigations of felonious grievances, and extending support with student discipline. A number of studies, namely, Theriot (2016) argue that the focus on “visible and active patrolling”  buttress the routine activity theory of crime prevention as the strategy is intended to reduce chances of mischief or criminal inclinations. SROs also are also responsible for enlightening students and staff on personal security, prevention of violence, and modelling students’ behavior towards appropriate and courteous behavior (Theriot, 2016). It is worth noting that the law enforcement officers are typically armed and uniformed and are recipients of wide-ranging training in issues related to school-based law enforcement, and teen-age growth and development. As pointed out, the SROs actual training coupled with the expectation that they should execute roles that exceed correctional, crime prevention, and law and order characterize SROs as different from ordinary law enforcement officers who perform law enforcement duties exclusively. The vastness of the breath and scope of their jobs in schools also breeds the expectation that they should play conspicuous roles in schools. It is also sensible to presume that SROs exert some positive impact on students’ behavior specifically, and perceptions of school, generally. However, both Pollack (2017) and Theriot (2016) have contended that presence of SROs will increase students’ worries of violence and so unfavorably present the school environment in bad light. The study by Theriot (2016) specifically focused on 230 high school students, showed that the vast majority idealized school police officers as necessary for keeping schools safer. However, the same students did not support increasing the number of SROs in schools. The study also showed that school police officers and other security approaches had little consequence on the frequency of drugs and weapons at schools (Theriot, 2016). Contrastingly, the study showed that middle schools and high schools which had a law enforcement officer reported reduced apprehensions for “weapons possession and assault charges” but considerably more detentions for orgies than schools that did not benefit from deployment of law enforcement.

Closing paragraph

Findings from this paper reveal a deficiency of research data on moral detachment among offending teenagers. Specifically, additional research is needed to facilitate the discovery and interrogation of other possible factors or specific kinds of moral reasoning strategies that relate more potently with delinquency than others. For instance, as already pointed out negative experiences of youth in the hands of law enforcement have resulted in reduced respect for the police and ingrained sentiments of hostility towards them. Therefore, owing to the aforestated experiences, youth who are conscious of justice may show heightened proclivity to develop moral detachment strategies that seem to justify their actions under the dust of lack of respect for have been linked with the aforesaid undesirable results. Increased perception of threat emanating from hurtful proclamations by police compared to other types of moral reasoning, such as cognitive reorganization, reduction of personal responsibility for negative actions, and shifting blame to the victims of one’s aberrant acts. Additionally, as numerous works have established a positive relationship between poor perceptions of police by the youth, the proposed interventions targeting the moral disengagements is essential. Such interventions should go beyond identification moral disengagement procedures to facilitating the youth to pinpoint alternative approaches to moral detachment as efficacious intervention toolkits for holistic development of responsible youth. 

Conclusion

All things considered, the foregoing assessment of impacts of police interaction with juveniles at a young age and changes to the future of society by building a relationship with the public, recommends such synergetic partnerships for keeping society safer. Specifically, this paper identifies positive relationship between moral engagement, police justice, and nonviolent juvenile behavior as essential for a healthy police interaction with juveniles at a young age. The domino effect of such healthy relations should extend to greater benefits for the society as a whole in future. The benefits of interactions between police and juveniles have been identified as necessary for enhancing police-youth relations, improving involvement of law enforcement officers in positive youth programs, and increased number of experienced and competent police officers capable of interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. This paper has also outlined an undesirable outcome of police interactions with juveniles in terms of heightened fear of targeted violence by law enforcement, and a continued hostility, in which perpetuates distrust in a mutually reinforcing way.

References

DeCunzo, T. G. (2017). Police Decision-Making and the Initial Detention of Juveniles.

Lee, H., Heafner, J., Sabatelli, R. M., & LaMotte, V. (2017). Side-by-side: An evaluation of Connecticut’s police and youth interaction model. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 27(8), 806-816.

Leiber, M. J., & Boggess, L. N. (2012). Race, probation violations, and structured secure detention decision making in three jurisdictions. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 10(4), 333-353.

Maggard, S. R. (2015). Assessing the impact of the juvenile detention alternatives initiative (JDAI): Predictors of secure detention and length of stay before and after JDAI. Justice Quarterly, 32(4), 571-597.

Pollack, D. (2017). Forging a Partnership Between Police, Youth, and Human Services Agencies.

Theriot, M. T. (2016). The impact of school resource officer interaction on students’ feelings about school and school police. Crime & Delinquency, 62(4), 446-469.

Zapolski, T. C., Banks, D. E., Lau, K. S., & Aalsma, M. C. (2018). Perceived police injustice, moral disengagement, and aggression among juvenile offenders: Utilizing the general strain theory model. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 49(2), 290-297.

15

Competitive strategy    

QUESTION

Define the meaning of Competitive strategy    

ANSWER

Competitive Strategy

            Strategy is at the core of every successful business model, brand, and/or process. As the business world transitions to a highly competitive level following transformations fostered by digitization and globalization, organizational leaders are compelled to leverage effective strategies to record success. The present paper provides a multi-perspective discussion on the application and implications of strategic competitiveness in the business arena based on case studies of notable multinational corporations including Cisco, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart China, Qantas Airlines, and Procter and Gamble (P&G). This author is geared by the belief that efficacy on this note allows an organization to stay ahead of its competition while delivering value to the market for a sustainable period.

Cisco’s Organizational Capabilities

            Organizational capabilities are the primary features of a brand that give it competitive advantage over fellow industry participants. Cisco’s consistent investment in mergers and acquisition (M&A) is a major capability that enhances its operations and outcomes. For the sake of this argument, it is important to establish the fact that M&A is among the most favored expansionist business strategies since it allows brands to quickly and seamlessly penetrate into uncharted paths. As evidenced in the case study, this organization has capitalized on mergers and acquisitions to enhance its products (goods and services) as well as its reach into related and unrelated fields. This kind of diversification and expansion enhances the firm’s competitiveness in the sense that it allows the company to offer a plethora of products across diverse domains of practice.

            Sustainability is a crucial dynamic when exploring the value of M&A in building Cisco’s core competencies. The present world is characterized by rampant market disruptions following the emergence of novel innovations, especially in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector. Such transformations appear beneficial to Cisco’s growth as it continues to acquire innovative brands such as Meraki to facilitate its transition to an ‘all-everything network’. When placed into perspective, Cisco will translate its current strength in M&A deals to promote and safeguard a strong performance in futuristic technology areas including Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Virtual Reality for years to come.

Challenges Facing Walmart in the Implementation of an International Strategy

            The assigned reading on Walmart’s internationalization strategy engages its audience in a mind-blowing discourse on the challenges that plague organizations that seek the fruits of globalization. As highlighted, Walmart’s challenges revolve around political, economic, cultural, and geographic differences between foreign nations such as China and its home, the United States (Salomon, 2016). Political challenges that are bound to emerge during the implementation of its internationalization strategy might include high taxes and strict regulations on its monopolistic approaches. When reflecting on its tough time in China, it is fair to take the region’s communist doctrines into consideration. The Chinese political system makes it almost impossible for an organization, whether local or foreign, to emerge as a monopoly without the government’s control of a significant portion of its resources and operations.

Inevitable cultural challenges are also at large, especially since the Chinese people take pride in their high-context traditions and beliefs, which is vastly distinct from that of Americans. The fact that culture is a broad concept makes it even harder for Walmart to fine tune its strategy to serve the needs of people in this foreign land. Like the preceding factors, economic differences present an obvious challenge to Walmart as it pursues its internationalization strategy. Maintaining seamless operations across countries that are not economically at par often drives some organizations out of business as they are highly likely to operate on losses. Such disparities compel the management to find means of promoting a balance on matters pertaining to resource acquisitions and profitability. Geographic factors also seem to be challenging, especially when the foreign location has limited infrastructure: emphasis on transportation, communication, and power supply among others. As evidenced in Walmart’s operations in China, some regions in the country are highly remote to the disadvantage of organizations that depend on seamless logistics.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Qantas’ International Strategy

            After a rigorous exploration of Qantas Group’s global operations since 2016, it is apparent that the management is pursuing vertical diversification as an internationalization strategy. This approach has allowed the brand to optimize its current resources and competencies to record commendable growth. Economy changes always transform people’s spending patterns. Qantas witnessed this transformation in the local Australian transport market, when there was a surge in the number of local-bound flights. Diversification allows the brand to maintain an active portfolio even when a particular line of business is on a decline (Gyan, Brahmana, & Bakri, 2017). Qantas’ approach also enables it to optimize its resources for a strategic purpose. The brand’s entry into the insurance market presents a classic case of resource optimization: Qantas leveraged its financial strengths and the huge body of loyal customers to offer relevant insurance services.

            Unfortunately, diversification has notable disadvantages including mismanagement due to excessive ambition and lack of expertise in the new ventures. For instance, Qantas entry into insurance might prove costly, especially when the brand experiences huge mishaps such as flight accidents and rampant flight delays. Diversification is also believed to impede an organization’s response to market transformations following the broad areas of operations that can destabilize in case of hasty business moves (Gyan, Brahmana, & Bakri, 2017). It does not seem too far-fetched to assert that the company has to reflect on how each move it makes affects its numerous lines of business. Such a scenario is not beneficial for an organization seeking industry dominance.

Ethical Decision-Making at Procter and Gamble (P&G)

            Procter and Gamble’s organic expansion strategy is arguably one of the most sustainable path to growth, but it is often stained by misconduct following the high pressure employees receive from their leadership. Such a strong postulation is deeply ingrained on the fact that such organizations depend on innovativeness and massive sales records to attain and maintain industry dominance. These kinds of pressure tend to manifest as triggers for unethical practice. It is not uncommon to hear of a group of employees tangled up in cases of corporate mismanagement such as selling botched products and defrauding customers. Top managers at P&G can mitigate such occurrences by fostering a culture of integrity. An organization that bases its decisions on integrity often prevails amidst the storms that face businesses (Paine, 1994). The company’s management can steer their human resource towards such a progressive goal by advocating for and implementing systems that promote open communication, accountability, education, and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Such an approach is bound to promote ethical practice within an organization since everyone in the team will bear a shared responsibility with respect to the same.

Coca-Cola Amatil Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

            Coca Cola Amatil (CCA) is currently striving to improve its social impact through strategic partnerships with pro-health organizations such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help the public transition into healthier beverage options, such as Mount Franklin’s bottled water. Of course, such a move incorporates a broad range of stakeholders, including consumers, investors, and employees. Consumers are seeking healthy beverage options, so their main expectations revolve around safety, hygiene, and environmental sustainability. They need Coca Cola to offer healthy water in a manner that does not damage the environment. On the other hand, employees expect the organization to safeguard their jobs while offering resources for innovativeness, especially now that packaging has to be transformed to meet environmental sustainability demands. Also known as shareholders, investors are primarily interested in their profits as well as the organization’s reputation. For this reason, this group of stakeholders expect the company to innovate effective means of packaging bottled water to improve the sales rates among environmentally conscious consumers.

Conclusion

            At this juncture, it is fair to remark that competitive strategies go a long way in boosting organizational outcomes. This takeaway point is inspired by the performances recorded by Qantas, P&G, Coca Cola, and Cisco. Walmart’s partial failure in China serves as a cautionary lesson for organizations seeking globalization. It is important to understand that the process is often characterized by intense opportunities and inconveniences that must be carefully analyzed prior to and during implementation.

References

Gyan, A. K., Brahmana, R., & Bakri, A. K. (2017). Diversification strategy, efficiency, and firm performance: Insight from emerging market. Research in International Business and Finance, 42, 1103-1114.

Paine, L.S. (1994). Managing for Organizational Integrity. Harvard Business Review.

Salomon, R. (2016). Global vision: How companies can overcome the pitfalls of globalization. London, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

16

Proposing questions to assess your organization’s security technology 

QUESTION

The financial and reputational costs associated with legal non-compliance make it clear that legal compliance and adherence to best practices need to be addressed at a senior managerial level. discuss the types of questions that you could ask your chosen organization’s senior managers and general counsel to gauge the organization’s exposure to the risks associated with legal compliance, and the adequacy of their preparations.

ANSWER

Accessing Organizational IT Security

                Regulatory compliance is a factor which is ever-increasing and impacting how firms conduct their business. Information technology firms face a challenge when it comes to establishing a policy based on the new requirements as they struggle to establish concrete controls that can be effectively deployed within the firm. Information security is a critical asset that the firm’s management should consider protecting to uphold legal considerations.[i] This paper documents the questions which the senior managers within a firm can be asks to understand the level of firm’s exposure to risks related with legal compliance. The questions are focused on establishing if the firm is adequately prepared to handle the best practices needed for the legal and non-legal compliance.

Are the critical IT systems within the organization able to observe data confidentiality?

                This is an important question as it seeks to determine if the confidentiality of the data held within the system can be managed. Evidently, cases involving confidentiality breach is one of the common cases reported by the media which suggest non-compliance to the required measures aimed at protecting sensitive customer information.[i] With this question, the senior management will be required to explore other set of sub questions as outlined below.

Can third party users access the information available on the system without proper authorization?

What actions are undertaken to ensure that only authorized people will have an access to sensitive data?

What are some of the back-up plans that the firm is prepared to initiate in the events where they learn of a potential confidentiality breach to prevent the loss of sensitive data?

How is the firm prepared to handle integrity issues?

                With information systems, unauthorized users can have access to the system and hence make alterations to its source. Firms ought to be prepared to show a legal and regulatory compliance to avoid instances of potential integrity breach and concerns. Additional questions to be explored under this area are outlined below.

How can you verify that the information source is genuine and has not alterations whatsoever before trusting the content?

What measures do you have in place to keep off attackers from the system to prevent any form of malicious activities related with the breach of data integrity?

How often do you schedule checks and auditing procedures to ensure that the data integrity is maintained at the required minimum and that the content of information on the system is legit?

Is information always available to the authorized users?

                Information availability is an important element of computer systems suggesting a legal and regulatory compliance.[i] Therefore, this is one of the important areas which should be examined to prevent potential litigations in the event of a breach. Some of the potential questions to be explored in this case are outlined below.

What measures do you have in place to prevent instances of denial of service attacks?

Natural disasters may be beyond your control. However, how do you plan to promote the availability of data and information to all authorized users in the events of a natural disaster or unexpected human actions?

Do you engage in constant system updates?

What measures do you have in place to ensure the normal use of the systems and data availability in the events of system failures?

References

Breithaupt, Jim. and Merkow, Mark. Information Security Principles of Success. Pearson, 2014

17

Environmental Pollution Presentation    

QUESTION

ANSWER

There have been a lot of campaigns, formation of organizations, and enactment of laws specifically to save the planet from pollution, which has the capacity to destroy the earth and its contents. Specifically, environmental pollution such as air pollution contaminate the earth with certain gases that have got negative health effects to people ( Kim et al., 2018). Global warming, as a result of increased greenhouses gases has seen several forests destroyed hence damage of the environment. Increased health issues that are caused by pollution reduces productivity of people. Lastly, pollution causes death and extinction of certain species.

The fact that my community falls within the urban centers makes it surrounded with different factories that manufacture diverse materials hence emit different components into the air. Basically, in some instances, one can see dark smoke being released from the chimneys of the companies. According to  Ha (2020), the contents of such smoke include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matters from the companies.

The ability to meet the demand of people to provide some commodities has increased the rate of production and manufacturing the commodities. One of the most used source of power to drive the machines during production is fossil fuel and coal. As they burn the by products that are known as greenhouse gases are released to the atmosphere which then accumulate into the air ( Kim et al., 2018). Some of such gases are carbon dioxide, Sulphur oxide, and carbon monoxide. Additionally, the companies also produce certain gases that include that are released to the atmosphere in combination with the reaction

There are several ways through which air pollution has been identified. The first one is through smell and sight. It is clearly seen when some companies emit dark smoke through their chimneys into the atmosphere. In some instances, there is foul smell that denotes that there are certain substances on air that should not be there ( Ha, 2020). Additionally, there have been acidic rain which affects the building materials. The acid in the rains reacts with building materials hence erodes them.  Most of the iron sheet in my neighborhood are brownish in color as a result of the acidic rain.

The data above proves that air pollution remains one of the scariest environmental pollution that causes many lives and a predisposing factor for several diseases particularly respiratory diseases, which are also the leading cause of death in the United States (Ha, 2020). Particularly, air pollution kills about 5 million people per year either directly or indirectly

In the event that the major cause of air pollution in my community are industries and factories that originate, the first way of addressing the problem is venturing on the use of green energy such as solar (Kim et al., 2020). Secondly, the effluents as well as the by products can be treated to an extent that they do not cause harm to the environment before they are released to the atmosphere. Lastly, other products such as carbon dioxide can be trapped and use to make other products such as fire extinguishers. Lastly, companies should venture into planning trees that use the emitted carbon dioxide.

Conclusion

• Environmental pollution is the greatest threat to humanity and the planet as a whole.
• One of the forms of the environmental pollution that affects my community is air pollution.
• It is majorly caused by emissions and particles from the factories.
• Such emissions include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and Sulphur oxide.
• Some of the ways through which air pollution has been identified are through smell and sight, acid rain, and deteriorating building materials.
• The effective ways of addressing the issue is through use of solar as source of energy, planning trees, and treating the effluents.

References

• Kim, Y., Knowles, S., Manley, J., & Radoias, V. (2017). Long-run health consequences of air pollution: Evidence from Indonesia's forest fires of 1997. Economics & Human Biology, 26, 186-198.
• Ha, E. (2020). Impact of Air Pollution Hazards on Human Development. In Health Impacts of Developmental Exposure to Environmental Chemicals(pp. 223-245). Springer, Singapore.
• da Costa, G. M., Alves, D. D., Martins, D. P., Adam, K. N., Vieira, S. A., de Quevedo, D. M., & Osório, D. M. M. (2019). Climate Changes and Atmospheric Pollution: Global and Regional Impacts. In Global Perspectives on Air Pollution Prevention and Control System Design(pp. 86-132). IGI Global.

18

 Powers the Constitution gives to the national government    

QUESTION

The authors of the text argue that "the framers sought to create a new government capable of promoting commerce and protecting property from radical state legislatures and populist forces hostile to the interests of the commercial and propertied classes" (Ginsberg et. al. 2019: 41).

In your initial post, please give two examples of specific powers the Constitution gives to the national government and two ways in which the framers limited the national government’s power under the Constitution. Discuss why the framers granted the two powers that you identify to the national government and why the framers placed such limits on the government they had just created?

ANSWER

Powers the Constitution Gives to the National Government and their Limitations

Powers the Constitution Gives to the National Government

The U.S. constitution gives three types of power to the government; namely, delegated powers, implied powers and inherent powers. Delegated powers allow the government to regulate commerce, declare war, raise and the power to regulate the value of the foreign currency. Implied powers, on the other hand, are the powers that allow the government to act independently. Notably, they grant the parliament the authority to acquire territories, regulate trade within the state, establish local government and conduct national elections (Nisbet, 2009).

Limitation of framers to national government under constitution

Although the government has the power to execute functions according to the constitution, it has the obligation to first consult the citizens. Thus, the government only implements the policies that have been approved by the citizens. This prevents dictatorship form of the government. Framers also limited the national government from maintaining rigid systems of the country. This would enable them to change the constitution as the country changed (Boin et al.,2009).

Gratification of power by framers to government

In 2014, Kelly discussed that framers understood that absolute power of government often resulted in misuse of the power and instability in the country, and thus came up with regulating principles that would ensure that all branches of the government were interdependent of each other. They include; popular sovereignty and separation of power.

Reason for Imposing Limitations on the Government

One of the main reasons why framers of the constitution placed limits on the powers granted to the government was to promote peace and order in the country by ensuring that people participated in formulating polies so that their voices could be heard and interests considered. 

References

Boin, A., 't Hart, P., & McConnell, A. (2009). Crisis exploitation: political and policy impacts of framing contests. Journal of European Public Policy, 16(1), 81-106.

Kelly, J. B. (2014). Governing with the Charter: legislative and judicial activism and framers'        intent. UBC Press.

Nisbet, M. C. (2009). Framing science: A new paradigm in public engagement. Understanding      science: New agendas in science communication, 40, 67.

Crane, M. T. (2014). Framing authority: Sayings, self, and society in sixteenth-century England.    Princeton University Press.

19

Topic

Chronic Care

QUESTION

Discuss the meaning of Chronic Care

ANSWER

 Chronic Care: Mr. James Store Case Study

Risk Factors

            Risk factors for type II diabetes include a combination of lifestyle and genetic. For Mr. James Storey, the risk factors can be identified as chronic diseases such as hypertension, routine use of alcohol, smoking, obesity, advanced age, sedentary lifestyle, family history of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and high-fat diet. These are risk factors because they make it impossible to maintain healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels. With age comes less more inactivity, weight gain, and muscle mass loss which predisposes one to type 2 diabetes. James at 66 years is at risk of contracting the disease. His inactivity levels after closing his business because it was causing him stress and had developed feelings of tiredness also poses a risk. Although he rarely eats sugar, James takes in high carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread and too many fresh fruits as snacks. Drinking beer also increases the number of processed carbohydrates taken while smoking raises the patient’s oxidative stress and consequently chances of type 2 diabetes. Uncontrolled hypertension is also a predisposing factor to type-2 diabetes in this case (Tsimihodimos et al., 2018).

Assessment Priorities

            A comprehensive assessment of Mr. James should include the initial and follow up evaluations, comorbid conditions management, psychosocial assessment, and patient engagement through the assessment process (American Diabetes Association (ADA), 2018). The assessment components should be prioritized depending on the available time and resources to offer information that will ensure the patients get optimal healthcare support. Laboratory tests and physical examinations should also be administered to guide on routine immunizations and assess the patient’s psychosocial health, nutrition, and self-management behaviors for hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Consideration should also be given to the assessment of sleep duration and pattern (Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, 2017). Follow-up visits should be scheduled after 2 months for Mr. James because he has indicated non-adherence to medication intake and home diabetes monitoring until he is stable and able to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Assessment of the amount of education received should be conducted to determine whether the patient needs more self-management advice and training. Modifiable risk factors should be assessed and addressed (American Diabetes Association (ADA), 2018). For Mr. James, modifiable risk factors involve identification of smoking status and how it can be stopped, exercise, and how it can be incorporated in his life, dietary patterns, and how they can be modified to improve glycaemic control, and alcohol intake and how to stop.

Self-Management Priorities

            Self-management stimulates patients and provides to utilize a collaborative approach to problem identification, priority setting, goal setting, and treatment plan creation to resolve issues as they arise (Carpenter et al., 2019). The major aim of diabetes self-management is to keep glucose levels close to the optimal range of 4-6mmol/L to prevent both long term and short term complications. One of the self-management activities for Mr. James is eating well. This will facilitate proper management of the glucose levels in the blood and the patient’s body weight. Self-management will also include regular monitoring tests on how the treatment is adhered to facilitate blood glucose level management and help determine when a treatment adjustment is required (Klinkner et al., 2017). Exercising is also required to increase the efficiency of insulin, reduce heart disease risk, and lower the patient’s blood pressure (Tsimihodimos et al., 2018). Mr. James should also be enrolled in smoking and alcohol drinking therapy training to aid in stopping their use. Emphasis should be laid on proper medication intake to increase their effectiveness in managing the blood glucose levels (Carpenter et al., 2019). Since Mr. James has indicated weak adherence to medication, he should be linked to a local support group.

SMART Goal

            I will eat 50 grams of healthy carbohydrates per meal and engage in 30 minutes of brisk walking per day split into two mornings and evening 15-minute sets to lose I pound per week and 10 pounds over a 3 months duration.

            One of the most optimal methods of diabetes management is reducing body weight and fat index (Klinkner et al., 2017). This is achieved through a combination of a low carbohydrate diet and increased physical exercise. A low carbohydrate diet reduces the amount of stored sugar and hence reduces the blood sugar levels responsible for type 2 diabetes. Physical exercise, on the other hand, helps in burning excess body fats which are predisposing factors for type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the SMART goal was selected because it gives the required amount of carbohydrates and physical exercise needed to achieve the 1 pound loss of body fat per day. This will also strengthen Mr. James physically to eliminate comorbidities resulting from type 2 diabetes complications and incidences of cardiovascular diseases registered in the family history.

Impact of Goal Setting

            Patient engagement in goal setting creates a holistic plan in the management of their health (Klinkner et al., 2017). When the patient is involved in setting the self-management goals, they are inclined to be more active (Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, 2017). Besides, patient likelihood to follow a plan increases when they know there is an important goal to achieve (Van Smoorenburg et al., 2019). For instance, for Mr. James, reducing the amount of carbohydrate and engaging in physical activity would mean avoiding comorbidities, eliminating cardiovascular disease risk, and reopening his business.

            Patient engagement in goal setting also ensures they are par with the healthcare professionals (Van Smoorenburg et al., 2019). For instance, Mr. James believes that a healthy diet means the elimination of refined sugar while for type 2 diabetes it includes a reduction of carbohydrate intake. Therefore, engaging the patient in goal setting enables them to understand the meaning of each element contained therein to adhere to the intended care plan (Klinkner et al., 2017).

Engagement also creates accountability (Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council, 2017). Measurable goals with a deadline encourage the patient to participate in the care plan (Klinkner et al., 2017). For instance, dividing the physical wellness exercises into two parts will enable Mr. James to avoid feeling overburdened. Besides, regular monitoring of weight loss after every week will facilitate tracking of the progress which he can do as an individual or part of a support group comprising of like-minded individuals.

References

American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2018). 4. Comprehensive medical evaluation

and assessment of comorbidities: Standards of medical care in diabetes—2019. Diabetes Care, 42(Supplement 1), S34-S45. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-s004

Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. (2017, March 3). National strategic

framework for chronic conditions (11643). Australian Government. Canberra. https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-strategic-framework-for-chronic-conditions

Carpenter, R., DiChiacchio, T., & Barker, K. (2019). Interventions for self-management

of type 2 diabetes: An integrative review. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 6(1), 70-91.

Klinkner, G. E., Yaeger, K. M., Brenny-Fitzpatrick, M. T., & Vorderstrasse, A. A.

(2017). Improving diabetes self-management support: Goal-setting across the continuum of care. Clinical Diabetes, 35(5), 305-312. https://doi.org/10.2337/cd17-0029

Tsimihodimos, V., Gonzalez-Villalpando, C., Meigs, J. B., & Ferrannini, E. (2018).

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Hypertension, 71(3), 422-428. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.10546

Van Smoorenburg, A. N., Hertroijs, D. F., Dekkers, T., Elissen, A. M., & Melles, M. (2019).

Patients’ perspective on self-management: type 2 diabetes in daily life. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1).

20

Role of nursing

QUESTION

An important role of nursing is to provide health promotion and disease prevention. Review the 2020 Topics and Objectives on the Healthy People website. Choose a topic of interest that you would like to address, in conjunction with a population at-risk for the associated topic. Submit the topic and associated group to your instructor for approval. 

ANSWER

Nursing has a primary responsibility of advocating for and promoting care to individuals of all ethnic origins and religious grounds. However, some members of the population tend to be more vulnerable, thereby demanding more care. Essentially, chronic conditions creates the need for more care, especially in the case of diabetes, which makes the elderly at a higher risk. The United States health sector has in this line had impressive organizations and resource allocation that helps in targeting this group. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is critical in such resource allocation and support to research activities within the sector for better management of these conditions.

Nursing has a primary responsibility of advocating for and promoting care to individuals of all ethnic origins and religious grounds. However, some members of the population tend to be more vulnerable, thereby demanding more care. Essentially, chronic conditions creates the need for more care, especially in the case of diabetes, which makes the elderly at a higher risk. The United States health sector has in this line had impressive organizations and resource allocation that helps in targeting this group. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is critical in such resource allocation and support to research activities within the sector for better management of these conditions.

The American Diabetes Association works in collaboration with other stakeholders in the health sector to help in overcoming the deadly consequences of diabetes across the United States. They do this through funding research aimed at preventing, curing, and managing diabetes. Besides, they provide objective and credible information concerning the risks, nutrition, fitness, advocacy, and community involvement through their websites. This further helps in giving a voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.  Through this initiatives, achieving the vision and mission becomes a possibility.

The World Diabetes Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Denmark that works toward improving the course of health in collaboration with other organizations based in individual countries such as the American Diabetes Association. Primarily, this organization works toward empowering governments, civil societies, and other non-state actors to deliver global healthcare for people affected by diabetes. The partnerships help acting as a catalyst to the quest and formulate exciting innovative projects that prevent, cure, and suppress the consequences of diabetes.

These resources are essential in ensuring that research remains viable. Advocacy roles also require significant resource allocation, which these organizations have to lobby for the ultimate good of the people. Furthermore, through support to education, it becomes possible to drive the aim of a world free from diabetes and alleviate suffering. Research has proved very integral in nursing and in the management of lifestyle diseases. Therefore, the need for evidence-based practice has created an inevitable demand for lifelong education, which nurses can only achieve through such resources and education programs.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). National diabetes statistics report, 2020. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services.
• Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J., Cypress, M., Duker, P., Funnell, M. M., Fischl, A. H., ... & Vivian, E. (2017). Diabetes self-management education and support in type 2 diabetes: a joint position statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The Diabetes Educator, 43(1), 40-53.
• Sadler, M. D., Saperstein, S. L., Carpenter, C., Devchand, R., Tuncer, D., O’Brian, C., ... & Gallivan, J. (2017). Community evaluation of the national diabetes education program’s diabetes HealthSense website. The Diabetes Educator, 43(5), 476-485.

21

The Golden Thirteen    

QUESTION

Discuss and analyze the movie:    The Golden Thirteen    

ANSWER

Coast Guard Station Quillayute River Small Boat Mishap

                The Coast Guard’s unofficial moto is “You have to go out, but you don’t have to come back” (Wells, 2006).  Senior enlisted leaders need to remember the lessons from the Quillayute River motor lifeboat mishap so they will not repeat the mistakes of the past.  This paper will provide a background of the Quillayute River mishap, present the findings of the investigation, and show the resulting changes to Coast Guard search and rescue stations.

Background

                Station Quillayute River, one of the most remotely located search and rescue stations, is located on the Quileute Native American reservation in La Push, Washington at the mouth of the Quillayute River.  One of only 20 designated surf stations; the 26 members assigned are highly trained in operating 44-foot steel hulled, motor lifeboats.  In service since the early 1960s 44-foot motor lifeboats known for their incredible strength and stability, are designed to be self-righting and self-bailing.  A 44-footer can negotiate waves up to 30ft, and maneuver in breaking surf up to 20ft.  Operating within 50 nautical miles of the coast, 44-foot motor lifeboats require a crew of four: a coxswain (member in charge), a boat engineer, and two crewmembers.  Since surf stations experience extreme sea conditions, they have an additional requirement to have a qualified surfman onboard while operating in breaking seas.  A surfman takes the place of the coxswain and is required to be on-duty at the unit if weather conditions exceed the established limits set by headquarters.

                On the night of February 12, 1997, the station received a radio call from a sailing vessel reporting they were encountering heavy rain, wind, and seas.  They wanted to enter port to avoid the forecasted gale.  Unit personnel noticed the wind had increased significantly, more than forecasted, and the entrance of the river or the bar was most likely impassible due to heavy seas and breaking waves.  Before the station could collect further information, the sailing vessel called MAYDAY and reported they were taking on water and drifting towards shore.  Since the weather report did not forecast breaking seas, a qualified surfman was not on duty at the station.  The station sounded the alarm and launched motor lifeboat CG44363.  As CG44363 approached the river entrance, the Station Officer in Charge ordered the crew to “check out the bar to see if they could cross” (Nobel, 2002, p. 88).  The Coxswain soon reported they had crossed the bar, but were encountering 16-18 foot seas.  Moments later the unit heard a faint radio call reporting they had rolled.  CG44363 re-righted, but as the seas continued to build, it rolled two more times throwing three of the crewmembers into the water.  As the breaking waves continued to push CG44363, the fourth crewmember remained tethered to the boat, safely making it ashore.  Searching throughout the night, two Coast Guard helicopters and the second 44-footer, with a surfman onboard, eventually located and recovered the bodies of the three missing crewmembers.  With the background provided, this paper will now present the findings of the investigation.

Findings of the Investigation

                The investigation of this mishap looked at a number of areas, including; crew training, environment, and human error.  Ultimately, the reported leading cause was:

                a series of human errors.…a combined disregard of risk assessment by elements of the                Search and Response system…evidenced by the lack of adequate briefings to evaluate        the nature of the distress, the on-scene weather, and the capabilities of the potential     response platform prior to launching (Nobel, 2002, p. 172). 

Investigators determined, if the unit was fully aware of the weather conditions and conducted a proper risk assessment they would have ensured a surfman was onboard the lifeboat.  Also considered a contributing factor was the coxswain’s sense of urgency to respond.  The crew not wearing helmets and not properly tethered to the boat, is indicative of their desire to respond as quickly as possible.  The final contributing factor stated, “he failed to recognize his own limitations regarding his qualifications and experience handling the boat in these conditions and therefore did not demonstrate the standard of care of a reasonably prudent…Coxswain” (Nobel, 2002, p. 169).  Of additionally note, in previous studies the U.S. Department of Transportation (2001) reported consistent understaffing at search and rescue stations.  At the time of the mishap, the station had one surfman position unfilled.  With the findings of the investigation presented, this paper will show the resulting changes to Coast Guard search and rescue stations  

Changes

The findings of the investigation led to many changes.  An increase in tour lengths to improve local knowledge and experience, establishment of a prospective surfman program to identify and train members desiring to qualify as surfman, and changes to “sea duty” advancement requirements to keep highly trained members in the surf community.  Crew protective equipment upgrades included; requirements for dry-suits, helmets, and a redesign of harnesses used to tether the crew during a rollover.  Headquarters now requires all members to receive training in risk assessment and Team Coordination Training, “to teach members how to analyze potentially hazardous situations while working together as a team.…curriculum focuses on knowing one’s limitations before taking actions” (Pollinger, 2007).

                This paper provided the background of the Quillayute mishap, presented the findings of the investigation, and showed the resulting changes to Coast Guard search and rescue stations.  Coast Guard senior enlisted leaders need to remember the lessons learned from the Quillayute mishap so they will not repeat the mistakes from the past.  The 1934 Instructions for United States Coast Guard Stations (Gibbons, 1934) included, “The statement of the keeper that he did not try to use the boat because the sea or surf was too heavy will not be accepted unless attempts to launch it were actually made and failed” (p. 4).  Coast Guard rescue crews operate in extreme conditions and make difficult decisions every day, but sometimes the hardest decision they can make is when not to go.

References

Gibbons, S. B. (1934). 1934 Instructions for United States Coast Guard Stations. Washington,      DC: Assistant Treasury Secretary. Retrieved from           https://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/1934InstructionsCoastGuardStations.pdf 

Noble, D. L. (2002). The rescue of the gale runner. Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida.

Pollinger, J. (2007, March 23). Past tragedy leads to safer future. Coast Guard News. Retrieved from http://coastguardnews.com/past-trgedy-leads-to-safer-future/2007/03/23

U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General for Auditing. (2001). Audit of     the Small Boat Station Search and Rescue Program United States Coast Guard. (MH-   2001-094). Retrieved from https://www.oig.dot.gov/sites/default/files/mh2001094.pdf

Wells, W. R., II. (2006). Semper paratus: the meaning. Retrieved from                 https://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/SemperParatusTheMeaning.pdf

22

One Georgia Supreme Court Case

QUESTION

Pick One Georgia Supreme Court Case That Involves Georgia Criminal Procedure And Complete A Case Brief For That Particular Case .The Case Must Involve Some Type Of Crime . Jackson V The State    

ANSWER

Jackson v. State [2019] S19A0343

Facts

Jaramus Jackson (the appellant) was charged with felony murder and a firearm offense. Specifically, he was accused of fatally shooting Carlos Wallace in 2015. Notably, Wallace was shot and died from the complications of the gunshot wound in 2015. The appellant together with Ronney Jackson were charged with malice murder, felony murder, damage to property, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm.

Procedural History

The appellant was tried at the trial court between 9-13 January, 2017 and was found guilty of all crimes he was charged with except malice murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. However, the appellant filed motions for a new trial, which was denied by the trial court. As such, he filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Georgia.

Issue

The issue for determination in the Supreme Court was whether the trial court erred when it allowed the State to tender evidence under CGA § 24-4-404 (b) to the effect that the appellant shot at someone else a decade before the present matter (shooting).

Rule

The applicable rule is § 24-4-404  (b) which states that evidence of previous crimes or wrongful acts shall be inadmissible in as long as they prove the character of a person in order to demonstrate any action in conformity with a present case.

Holding

There was no plain error review on the part of the trial court. Even if there was any available plain error review, the appellant failed to establish such an error.

Reasoning

The Court is not convinced that the decision of the jury or the trial court was affected by hearing that; many years ago, the appellant was arrested for murder and subsequently released.

23

Case study of patient    

QUESTION

Case Study Questions: Julian Sullivan

ANSWER

Case Study Questions: Jane Sullivan

Question One

I would diagnose Jane with depression. Depression is a mental disorder that is characterized by continuous loss of interest in certain activities or depressed moods that cause significant disruption of daily activities (Jokela et al., 2016). The reason behind this diagnosis is based on the Jane’s symptoms as well her past history. The patient looks exhausted and tired. She is teary and states that she has no place to go and what to do about her life, something that indicates that she is helplessness about life. Depression in the patient is also marked with the extreme sadness that has been caused not only by the death of her husband, but also her parents. Based on the history of the patient, she states that she felt the same when she lost her father some years ago and she was diagnosed with depression. The patient is also lonely as she says that those who should be close to her also have certain problems that has forced her to stay alone or with the midwife only. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) for depression, the patient qualifies to be diagnosed with depression (Zimmerman, 2018).

Question Two

My biggest concern in this case is the depressed moods. According to the study conducted by Elhai et al. (2015), depressed moods can cause several harms including inability to handle daily activities. In this case, depression is the reason Jane cannot only take care of her own, but also people around her, particularly her 18 month-old son. If she continues to exhibit depressed moods, she is likely not to eat, a factor that will endanger the life of her unborn baby as well as her own. It is in this context that despite the loss of her husband, her moods should be stabilized in order to accept the loss and perform daily activities as she used to do. As indicated by Zimmerman (2017), emotions such as sadness, anxiety and stress have the ability to increase particular hormones in a woman’s body that can affect the unborn baby’s developing brain and body.

Question Three

In order to manage depression that Jane is currently experiencing, certain pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are required. Pharmacological interventions are medications that have the ability to stabilize moods, also known as antidepressants. One of the best pharmacological agents for this patient is sertraline. This is anti-depressant that belongs to the class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (Chen et al., 2016). The drug assists people to recover from depressive symptoms by altering chemical composition of the brain. For this particular patient, I would start with the lowest dose of sertraline that is 50gm a day and increase the dose based on the response of the patient. It is important to note that the maximum dose for the drug is 200gm and should be changed when the patient is not responding. On the same note, the drug can also be changed when side effects are severe (Cuomo et al., 2018). The expected outcome after four weeks include reduced mania and depressive symptoms. For example, the patient should be able to concentrate and sleep well at night. The client should also reduce the rate at which she thinks about the trepidations of the past as well as the future.

One the other hand, non-pharmacological interventions that I would like to use in this case is psychotherapy. One of the most psychotherapy intervention that I would use is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). According to Sadock and Ruiz (2018), cognitive behavioral therapy is a method of psychological treatment that is effective for a wide range of psychological problems. Its major aim is to change one’s negative interactive and thinking methods. Particularly, it is premeditated to decrease troublesome and destructive behaviors by enlightening clients about the coping skills to manage or handle the problematic feelings and situations. By using cognitive behavioral therapy, the client is able to learn how to modify or change his negative thoughts, interrupts the cycle of depressive and mania episodes, and eliminate destructive thoughts.

Question Four

A decision to use antidepressants during pregnancy is majorly based on the balance between benefits and risks. One of the major risks is birth defect that may occur when the child is exposed to antidepressants. While the risk of birth defects and other complications is low among mothers who take antidepressants, using some antidepressants has extreme risks (Chen et al., 2016). It is in this context that Jane’s pregnancy influences my decision to use a pharmacological agent that has the lowest side effects not only to the mother, but also to the unborn baby. Based on the side effects, it is important to note that sertraline is one of the most effective antidepressants with the lowest side effects to pregnant women, hence it is likely to cause no or little complication both to the mother and the child (Cuomo et al., 2018). Additionally, exposure to the medication must be minimized to prescribing a single medication also known as monotherapy at the lowest level in the event that the mother is in her first trimester.

Question Five

Just like his mother, James needs intervention for an effective and normal development. Basically, according to Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, James belongs to Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt. In this stage, the child begins to explore their own world and learn to control their own environment (Cherry, 2018). It is in this context that she keeps on looking at her mother’s eyes when she is crying and able to identify that his dad is unavailable. One of the most effective interventions for James is providing ultimate affection and attention. However, as it is, this is lacking since his mother is depressed and has lost interest in certain activities such taking care of the kid as well as her own. If no affection is given to James, he is likely to act strangely and develop certain condition such as avoidance disorder at an early age. Additionally, the mother should avoid exposing James to issues or conditions that reveal to him that things are not normal to avoid growing with low self-esteem.

Question Six

There are certain benefits that a widow and children of dead military personnel enjoy. However, laws differ from one country to the other. In the United States, the spouse and children get death gratuity. This is a sum of $100,000 that is paid to the next of kin of the military officer who died in line of duty (Hosek et al., 2018). This amount is tax free and not a subject to inflation. Secondly, there is a death pension that is given to the surviving spouse and children (Nuttman-Shwartz et al., 2019). Additionally, there is basic allowance for housing for the children and the spouse for a period of one year. Alternatively, the spouse and the children are allowed to remain and live in government houses or military quarters for a period of one year, after which they should leave. In this case, Jane qualifies for such benefits only if they were legally married since a marriage certificate is an important factor in ensuring that they get the services. In this regard, she should not get worried about the place she is going to stay since she is allowed to rent or live in the military premises for a period of one year.

Question Seven

There are various support groups that are meant to assist young widowers and widows in my community.  The support groups have several benefits including emotional support to those grieving as well as financial support to assist the families that have been left behind. Additionally, in my community there is Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). This is a non-profit organization in the United States that has its branches in several parts of the country (Dooley et al., 2018). The main function of this organization is to provide care and support to families and friends of the bereaved. It was founded in 1994 by Bonnie Carroll after the death of her husband and other seven individuals who were died in a plane crash in Alaska.

References

Chen, S. T., Narvaez, T. A., Harwood, D. G., Leskin, L. P., Brommelhoff, J. A., Bussel, N., & Sultzer, D. L. (2016). Sertraline for the treatment of depression in vascular cognitive impairment. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 24(3), S171-S172.

Cherry, K. (2018). Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Retrieved Juny, 5, 2018.

Cuomo, A., Maina, G., Neal, S. M., De Montis, G., Rosso, G., Scheggi, S., ... & Ferretti, F. (2018). Using sertraline in postpartum and breastfeeding: balancing risks and benefits. Expert opinion on drug safety, 17(7), 719-725.

Dooley, C. M., Carroll, B., Fry, L. E., Seamon-Lahiff, G., & Bartone, P. T. (2019). A model for supporting grief recovery following traumatic loss: the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Military medicine, 184(7-8), 166-170.

Elhai, J. D., Contractor, A. A., Tamburrino, M., Fine, T. H., Cohen, G., Shirley, E., ... & Galea, S. (2015). Structural relations between DSM-5 PTSD and major depression symptoms in military soldiers. Journal of Affective Disorders, 175, 373-378.

Hosek, J., Asch, B. J., Mattock, M. G., Gutierrez, I. A., Tong, P. K., & Knutson, F. (2018). An Assessment of the Military Survivor Benefit Plan. RAND Corporation.

Jokela, M., Virtanen, M., Batty, G. D., & Kivimäki, M. (2016). Inflammation and specific symptoms of depression. JAMA psychiatry, 73(1), 87-88.

Nuttman-Shwartz, O., Shorer, S., & Dekel, R. (2019). Long-term grief and sharing courses among military widows who remarried. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.

Zimmerman, M. (2017). Measures of the DSM–5 mixed-features specifier of major depressive disorder. CNS spectrums, 22(2), 196-202.

24

Paulsen Company  

QUESTION

When making the determination of whether or not a selling price should be increased there are many different aspects to take into consideration. Paulsen Company sells only one product. The regular selling price is $50. Variable costs are 70% of this selling price, and fixed costs are $7,500 per month.

Management decides to increase the selling price from $50 to $55 per unit. Assume that the cost of the product and the fixed operating expenses are not changed by this pricing decision. In a response of 400-600 words answer the following:

1. What cost-volume relationships should Paulsen take into consideration for the original price and the proposed new selling price?
2. Discuss the non-monetary factors that should be taken into consideration before raising a selling price.

ANSWER

Paulsen Company Analysis

            Before deciding on whether or not to increase the prices of their products, companies must consider numerous factors. In most cases, they use cost-volume-profit analysis or break even analysis to establish how changes in their selling prices and costs will affect the volume of their profit within the short run. Cafferky (2010) noted that a careful and accurate break even analysis require companies to have knowledge about their costs, as well as, variable and fixed behaviors that changes with changes in profit volume. Therefore, this paper outlines cost-volume relationships that Paulsen Company should consider before increasing its selling price. It also describes non-monetary factors that the organization must consider before increasing the selling price.

Cost-Volume Relationships That Paulsen Company Should Consider

             Paulsen Company should be alive to the fact that raising the selling price of each unit will not influence its monthly fixed costs and variable costs per unit. Regardless of an increase or decrease in sales volume, fixed costs of operating and maintaining the business will not change. Fixed costs are expenses that do not relate with the products sold (Williams, 2016). Paulsen Company should understand that although fixed costs will not affect the products sold, they will make the contribution margin to rise from $35 to $38.50. While it is not unclear whether this revenue will constitute the product and monthly fixed costs, Paulsen Company should consider the precise place the revenue will place it in terms of performance. In case it does not record any profit, Paulsen Company should increase its selling price to a level that can make it break-even but does not make it incur any loss or gain any profit. Undoubtedly, any amount that is relatively below the cost of the product is ultimately regarded as a loss, and will consequently result in business collapse or failures.

Non-Monetary Factors to Consider Before Increasing a Selling Price

             Some of the non-monetary factors that Paulsen Company should consider before increasing its selling price include competition, customers’ response, the demand of the product, value, as well as, the financial condition of the economy. The company should conduct a research to understand how customers respond to changes in price because such changes are likely to influence the demand of its products. The company should also consider demographic factors such as the age of the targeted customers and where such clients are located, particularly when the suggested selling price will change the company’s position in the market. Although increasing its selling price can make Paulsen Company earn more profit, it should understand that doing so can potentially decrease the demand of the product thus lowering its sales volume and profit margin. In addition to price, factors such as customers’ need influence the demand of a product in the market (Haron, 2016). Reportedly, customers’ desire to buy a particular product changes when such a product is either in low or high demand and this influences the amount of the product sold. Thus, Paulsen Company should establish the demand of the product in the market before increasing the selling price. For Paulsen Company to attract new customers and maintain loyal ones, its selling price should match that of its close competitors. Therefore, before increasing its selling price, it should consider the level of competition in the market by analyzing the prices offered by its close competitors. Haron (2016) posited that once customers notice that the same product of equal value is offered by other firms at a relatively lower price, they are unlikely to purchase the product from Paulsen Company. Paulsen Company should also consider the value of the product before deciding to increase its selling price. Even when its customers decide to remain loyal after it has raised its selling price, the customers would be less motivated to buy a product of a lower value.

            In conclusion, understanding market conditions and customers usually help companies to exploit market opportunities thereby maximizing profits. In light of that, Paulsen Company should understand the prevailing conditions in the market by conducting extensive market research before deciding on whether to increase its selling price or not.

References

Cafferky, M. (2010). Breakeven Analysis: The definitive guide to cost-volume-profit analysis. Business Expert Press.

Haron, A. J. (2016). Factors influencing pricing decisions. International Journal of Economics & Management Sciences, 5(1), 1-4.

Williams, J. R. (2016). Cost-volume relationships. In J. R. Williams, Financial and managerial accounting: The basis for business decisions, Eighteenth Edition (p.883). New York: McGraw-Hill Education.

25

Project Aims, Values, and Desired Outcomes    

QUESTION

ANSWER

The Role of the Leader in Preventing Falls among the Elderly

Preventing Falls among the Elderly: Project Aims, Values and desired Outcomes

The elderly, due to the nature of their advanced age, are prone to suffering from accidents and falls. Previous studies have revealed that the elderly suffer from a variety of susceptible conditions that render their stability to be affected. This is associated with decrease in bone density and loss of stability following hearing problems. Literature has revealed that elderly individuals are prone to falls because of the old age effects on their bodies (Abraham & Cimino-Fiallos, 2017). It is on the basis of the adverse outcomes and poor quality of life associated with serious injuries emanating from falls that a change is necessary. In this regard, the aim of this project, its values, and desirable outcomes must be assessed in order to determine if it has positive effect on reducing falls among the elderly population and improving their quality life.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is to reduce, or if possible eliminate, cases of patient falls that are majorly experienced during their stay in hospitals. This is primarily because the proposed change, which is the use of bed exit alarms, monitors the movement of patients within their beds. Bed exit alarms are designed to sense or detect the movement of the patient in their beds which then increases staff surveillance of physically or cognitively impaired residents who are at risk of bed related falls (Gelbard et al., 2014). The alarms send a signal that the patient is at the edge of the bed or is about to fall. The nurses can then come to the rescue of such patients. Other than alerting the care providers, bed exit alarms also warn patients that that they are likely to fall hence resume the correct position. The implementation of these changes are thus bound to achieve the objectives of advancing the safety of the elderly by preventing falls. 

Project Value

The health of the elderly is at the forefront in the execution of the project. According to Alshammari et al. (2018), 56.0% of the adult inpatient injurious falls occur while the patients are getting out of or back to bed. This reveals that bed fall is a factor that threatens the quality of life of the elderly individuals. By effectively implementing the use of bed exit alarms, cases of injuries and fatalities from falls will be positively impacted as the changes will be sufficient to ensure that the well-being of the elderly is duly prioritized and thus eliminating these cases (Gelbard et al., 2014). Practically, the project ensures that patient care services are accorded even outside the medical facility thus advancing clinical microsystems. In essence, this project adds value to the observation of the movement of the elderly and further advances patient safety and care towards a population that is prone and susceptible to grievous injuries and even possible injurious falls.

Project Desired Outcomes

It is projected that a large portion of the incomes of the elderly are usually spent on medical treatment and associated care after cases of falls. As such, falls have been found to be among the top factors that primarily affect the well-being and health of the elderly. In the implementation of this project, the anticipated outcomes include a reduction in costs spent on healthcare by the elderly in relation to falls (Gelbard et al., 2014). Secondly, it is anticipated that with the observance of the projected changes, the elderly population will make fewer visits to the clinic over matters relating to falls. This will be measured through comparing the number of visits that are made to the clinic with regard to falls among the elderly before and after the implementation of the project. Thirdly it will reduce the mortality rate and low quality of life of the elderly individuals. This can be measured using the number of deaths and injuries that have been caused by cases of falls. 

Conclusion

The elderly population is affected by various factors especially in terms of their health. Ensuring that the risk factors associated with falls are eliminated serves to ensure that the well-being and safety of the elderly is assured. The implementation of the changes not only secures the safety of the elderly, but also makes hospital and residential homes safe for patients. The project’s aims, values and desired outcome thus are all tailored to reducing the falls hence ensuring safety of elderly during their stay in the hospitals.

References

Abraham, M. & Cimino-Fiallos, N. (2017). Falls in the elderly: Causes, injuries and management. MedScape  (February 1, 2017) Retrieved from https://reference.medscape.com/features/slideshow/falls-in-the-elderly#page=5

Alshammari, S. A., Alhassan, A. M., Aldawsari, M. A., Bazuhair, F. O., Alotaibi, F. K., Aldakhil, A. A., & Abdulfattah, F. W. (2018). Falls among elderly and its relation with their health problems and surrounding environmental factors in Riyadh. Journal of family & community medicine, 25(1), 29.

Gelbard, R., Inaba, K., Okoye, O. T., Morrell, M., Saadi, Z., Lam, L., ... & Demetriades, D. (2014). Falls in the elderly: a modern look at an old problem. The American Journal of Surgery, 208(2), 249-253.

26

Australian property law 

QUESTION

Discuss the Australian property law 

ANSWER

The requirements of a right to light were met during 1996 and the right constitutes a valid easement (s.121 of Property Law Act (PLA) 1969). Notably, the Transfer of Land Act (TLA) 1893 holds that easements may be registered against either freehold of Crown land. However, s.195 of the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA) provides that easements may be registered without a dominant tenement.  The requirements for the grant of easement were provided by the Court in Re Ellenborough Park [1955] relating to dominant and servient tenement, dominant and servient tenements not owned by one person, easements must accommodate the dominant tenement, and it must be capable of forming the subject matter of a grant. The right to light, in the present case, is a valid easement satisfies the requirement that it must be dominant land and servient land (Stanley has the dominant tenement and Patrick the servient). Additionally, the dominant and servient owners are different (Stanley and Patrick). The easement accommodates the dominant easement as opposed to the personal rights of the owner of the dominant tenement. Also, the right to light is capable of forming a subject matter of a grant because it was created with clarity and the interests are ascertainable. As such, the requirements of the right to light were met.

Question 1.2. 

The easement; in the form of the right to light, could be extinguished through various possible ways. One of those is implied conduct such as the erection of a wall by Patrick. It could also be extinguished by express agreement between the parties to the easement (s.52 of PLA). Specifically, the easement holder may; through an express consent, agree to give up the burden to the servient tenement. In the present case, Stanley may expressly release the burden (right of light) on Patrick’s tenement. Unity of ownership can also be a possible way of extinguishing the right to light. If Stanley comes to own both the dominant and the servient tenement, then the easement will be released automatically because the elements provided for under Re Ellenborough Park [1955] will not be met. Also, subdivision of the dominant tenements or increase in burden are changes in circumstances, which may lead to the extinguishment of the right to land as an easement. A change of use is also a possible way that the right to light may be extinguished. For instance, the erection of the wall is a change in the circumstances, which makes the right to light obsolete and the original purpose of the easement cannot be achieved because the wall will block light from entering into Stanley’s tenement. In  Odey v Barber [2008] the Court held that easements may also be extinguished via abandonment.  In the case of abandonment, no-use of easement and an intention are required to be proven. Since, owners of 168 were not making use of their easement, they can be deemed to have abandoned it. However, an intention to abandon should be proved.

Question 1.3.

Stanley is entitled to demolish the brick wall because it encroaches on his property. The wall is against the terms of the restrictive covenant entered between the parties. Specifically, the wall is not consistent with Stanley’s right of light because it blocks light from entering into his land. However, he would only claim the ownership of the wall because it lies on his property and has exclusive possession of property in his land. The doctrine of fixture holds that the land owner can claim chattels that have become affixed to his land. However, to claim ownership of the wall, Stanley must demonstrate that the wall is annexed to his land. Two tests can be used to determine whether a chattel is annexed to the land (Holland v Hodgson [1872]). These include both the degree of annexation (Reid v Smith [1905]) as well as the intention of the annexation (Palumberi v Palumberi [1986]). In the present case, Stanley must show that the wall has been integrated into his land and the intention was for the wall to become part of his property. Also, Stanley will have to prove that the wall was for the better enjoyment of his land that it has become a vital feature of his land. However, as stated in NAB v Blacker [2000], whether the wall is an annexure to Stanley’s property will be based on a wide range of factors and a holistic approach will be used.

Question 1.4.

Stanley would be entitled to prevent Patrick from building the boutique shop because such a shop would be inconsistent with his (Stanley’s) use and enjoyment of his land. Additionally, the terms of the restrictive covenant do not allow the building of the boutique shop. Notably, a restrictive covenant is an encumbrance because it limits the use/development of land for the benefit of the other’s land. In the present case, the restrictive covenant apply to both titles (167 and 168) and thus, they are both burdened land. Additionally, the restrictions are designed to protect other’s land by limiting the type of structures that can be erected on the land. Although there is a rule against passing the burden of a restrictive covenant, Stanley can demonstrate that the restrictive covenant which barred the construction of certain structures in the land satisfied the “touch and concern” test (Congleton v Pattison [1808]). Specifically, he can demonstrate that the restrictive covenant in place has a direct effect on the enjoyment of his land as well as the quality/nature of the benefited land and its value (Tulk v Moxhay [1848]). These grounds make Stanley have the right to prevent Patrick from building the boutique shop.

Question 1.5. 

Stanley can claim the ownership of the disputed land because he possesses the proprietary title to such land. Notably, although the land has been in the possession of Patrick, Stanley holds the title to the land and thus, can still claim its ownership. A prior possessory holder of a title will always defeat that of a person who is in possession of the land. However, the doctrine of adverse possession might work in favor of Patrick who has been using the land for a long time. Principally when squatters prove all the grounds of adverse possession, they may be able to get ownership of a land (Asher v Whitlock [1865]). Also, in Perry v Clissold PC [1907], the Court held that an adverse possessor who has satisfied the conditions set out for adverse possession; such as the length of time they have been possessing the land in question, then they can acquire title and bring actions against others. In the present case, Patrick has been possessing the disputed parcel of land for many years and although Stanley can claim the ownership of the land in question, Patrick may acquire title to the land through the principle of adverse possession. However, to claim adverse possession, Patrick has to show that factual and exclusive possession (s.138T of LTA). In the present case, Patrick was in exclusive possession of the land for many years and thus, satisfies adverse possession requirements.

Question 2

Question 2.1.

(a).

Upon the death of Harry Taylor, Mary Taylor is granted a freehold estate in the form of a life estate because she is given the right to exclusively possess and use the land for the “rest of her life” (s.4 of the Wills Act 1997 (Vic)). Notably, a life estate is conveyed to a person and with the statement to the appropriate words of limitation set out (Zapletal V Wright [1957]). In the current case, Harry Taylor is clear that Mary will have the farm Daisy Hill for the rest of her life and as long as she does not remarry. In this case, Mary has both the proprietary rights that include the right to possession and the right to deal with the property in question (farm Daisy Hill). Moreover, as provided for under the doctrine of  Life estate pur autre vie, a life estate is given by the grantor to a party for only the duration of their life and then transfer to a third party. However, for Wendy, she has a reversionary interest because if Mary remarries, the interests will revert to her.

(b).

Upon the death of Mary Taylor, both Tony and Angela will get some future interests from the land in question. Tony Taylor gets the land in the form of vested remainder interests. Specifically, the grantor of the estate states in his will that Tony will get the farm on the land for at least five years after the death of Mary Taylor. Such an interests is futuristic. However, Angela Taylor gets the exclusive possession and proprietary title to the land through resulting trust. Notably, a resulting trust is inferred in a situation whereby one person holds the proprietary for the benefit of another person. In the current case, the interest on farm Daisy Hill will go to Harry’s daughter Angela when she reaches the age of 21. As such, she has a resulting interest in the land.

Question 2.2.

 Both Tony and Angela can still prevent the registration of the land to in the name of Pauli Tarantino on the basis that such a registration is in breach of trust. Notably, in his will, Harry put some restrictions on alienation of the land. Specifically, he states that nether Toby nor Angela could alienate or dispose of their interests in the land in question without offering each other the land for sale. Notably, in Nitschke Nominees Pty Ltd v Hahndorf Golf Club [2004], and Warren v Lawton [2016], it was held that co-owners of a legitimate entitlement can control the identity of the person with who they co-own property. In the present case, the wording of the will is that both Tony and Angela become the co-owners of farm Daisy Hill. As such, as long as the alienation is not contrary to public policy, then it should be enforceable (Hall v Busst [1960]). However, any clause that has the effect of fully restraining the right to alienate is void because its contrary to public policy and private property should always be fully alienable. As such, Tony and Angela can stop the registration of the land in the name of Pauli Tarantino on the basis that it goes against the restriction on the alienation imposed by the attachment of a condition. However, restrictions on alienability in the grant of an estate will most likely be struck down, whether in the form of a conditional estate of by the use of a covenant in deed.

Question 2.3.

Angela cannot rely on clause 2 of the will to acquire interests of Tony in respect of the farm because the breach of the trust is not by the fault of any party and specific performance is not available. Clause 2 provides that neither Tony or her sister (Angela) are allowed to alienate or dispose of their interest in the land without offering the interests for sale to one another. Even if Tony and Angela were successful in the claim to prevent the registration of the farm in the name of Tarantino, Angela Taylor cannot rely on clause 2 because other circumstances have changed the dynamics of the clause. Specifically, the right of Agrico Bank, especially on the power of sale supersedes those of Angela and Tony. Additionally, in the circumstances, specific performance is unavailable because the land has already been encumbered by the loan that Tony advanced from the Bank. The interests that Agrico Bank has on the land are legal one whereas both Angela and Tony only have equitable. As it was held in Latec Investments v Hotel Terrigal [1965], a legal right, such as the power of sale, will always prevail over mere equity. Additionally, in Ruthol Pty Ltd v Mills [2004], the Court decided that where third parties are involved, the enforceability of mere equity on a wrongdoing cannot be accepted.  The current case provides such a scenario where the Bank is a third party that has gained interests because of the wrongdoing of Tony and thus, Angela cannot acquire the interests of Tony.

References

Asher v Whitlock [1865] LR 1 QB 1.

Congleton v Pattison [1808] EWHC KB J66.

Hall v Busst [1960]104 CLR 206.

Holland v Hodgson [1872] LR 7 CP 328.

Land Administration Act (LAA), 1997.

Latec Investments v Hotel Terrigal [1965] HCA 17.

NAB v Blacker [2000] 104 FCR 288.

Nitschke Nominees Pty Ltd v Hahndorf Golf Club [2004] SASC 128.

Odey v Barber [2008] EWHC 3109 (Ch).

Palumberi v Palumberi [1986] NSW ConvR 55-287.

Perry v Clissold PC [1907] A.C. 73 PC (Aus).

Property Law Act (PLA), 1969

Re Ellenborough Park [1955] EWCA Civ 4.

Reid v Smith [1905] HCA 54.

Ruthol Pty Ltd v Mills [2004] NSWSC 547.

Transfer of Land Act (TLA), 1893

Tulk v Moxhay [1848] EWHC Ch J34.

Warren v Lawton [2016] WASC 285.

Wills Act 1997, (Vic).

Zapletal V Wright [1957] Tas SR 211.

27

Reducing Carbon Footprint

QUESTION

Write an essay about dealing with the constantly rising global temperatures

ANSWER

Reducing my Carbon Footprint

            The average carbon footprint for a single individual needs to be reduced to help in dealing with the constantly rising global temperatures. According to my calculations, I have a carbon footprint of approximately 38 ton CO₂/year. Although it is within the same range as other similar households, there are some areas which I can improve on to reduce this figure. These include transportation, housing and shopping.

Figure 1: My Carbon Footprint

            I have decided to sell my current vehicle which uses diesel, and replace it with a hybrid. I think this move will ensure that the total amount of fuel used has been reduced (McBain et al., 2018). Hence, my carbon emission will also be lower. Additionally, I intend to come up with a plan where there are days that I will be riding my bicycle rather than using the vehicle. I will also incorporate public transportation. The plan will ensure that I will only use my vehicle when necessary.

            As for the changes with my housing, I intend to make changes that will ensure that the energy used is mostly solar-based. For example, my water heating system will be replaced by a solar water heater. Where solar cannot be used, I intend to purchase green electricity. Finally, I will plant more trees in my backyard and learn to recycle so that my waste is also reduced (Wakeland, Cholette & Venkat, 2012). This move will help in reducing my carbon footprint.

            Lastly, regarding my shopping, I have decided to go organic. Every purchase I make will be organic so that I also promote businesses that are organic (Wakeland, Cholette & Venkat, 2012). With an organic shopping, the carbon footprint will be reduced drastically, especially since businesses will also feel compelled to make changes that will accommodate their customer preferences.

References

McBain, B., Lenzen, M., Albrecht, G., & Wackernagel, M. (2018). Reducing the ecological footprint of urban cars. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 12:2, 117-127, DOI: 10.1080/15568318.2017.1336264

Wakeland, W., Cholette, S., & Venkat, K. (2012). Food transportation issues and reducing carbon footprint. In: Boye J., Arcand Y. (eds) Green Technologies in Food Production and Processing. Food Engineering Series. Springer, Boston, MA.

28

Overcoming adversity

QUESTION

Choose a time when you overcame adversity and write a clear, coherent argument. A time in your life in which you overcame something a serious difficulty or setback. Be sure to detail how you dealt with the situation, and what you learned from the challenge.

ANSWER

Overcoming Adversity

Achieving greater academic heights had been my dream when I was growing up. My parents always encouraged me, and I was optimistic that I would accomplish all that I planned in my life. However, this did not happen so. I became pregnant at the age of 17, and by age 18, I was already a single mother. Besides, I just joined my tenth grade when this terrible incident happened. I still had a lot to do to complete my education. With the responsibility that comes with motherhood and the fact that I was a single mother, it became difficult to continue my education. I dropped in the tenth grade. Everything was falling apart, I had made a mistake, and I considered myself a misfit. All my friends continued with their studies while I had to sit at home caring for my child.

The pressure was too much on me. At some point, I thought I would never get back to school and achieve my dreams. Primarily, accepting the role of motherhood came with emotional and mental distress such as being fearful and worrisome. I was undergoing through a period of depression and all my plans became disrupted. I was regretting for the mistake that I did, which I could have avoided. I knew I was wrong, and I wished that I could reverse time and make the right decisions. The sense of guilt was all over me. I was having physical tension and ineffective relationship with family members. Everyone had left me to learn the hard way from the mistake that I had made.

However, I overcame the challenges of teen single motherhood. I decided to take care of my child and commit to making life better. Nonetheless, the dream to continue with education did not fade. The only way I would completely feel better is by undoing the wrongs I did early in my life, I had to proceed with my education. At the age of 45, I went to get my GED and proceeded to Miami Dade College to undertake associate degree in accounting. Currently, I am attending Florida international University for my Bachelors in Administration in Finance and Management.

My journey as an older student, especially when I went for my GED and my time in Miami Dade College was not a pleasant one. I experienced many challenges, but these did not deter my progress and determination to achieve my objective. For instance, I found it a bit challenging balancing school and other life responsibilities. It demanded a lot of commitment from me. I had to do assignments, attend class, and at the same time attend to my responsibilities at home. Furthermore, connecting with the younger classmates was difficult, most of them were not comfortable with me, and it made me feel out of place. It was also difficult balancing the financial resources to pay for school and implement other financial burden at home. I got it wrong as a teenager but by determination to get it right did not die. I wanted to encourage my children and grandchildren that everything is possible if there is a will. The adversities we meet in our lives should not derail our plans to success; they should be significant push factors to realize our goals.

29

Elements of family

QUESTION

Then write an essay discussing the fact that Gregor is trapped in ways similar to the characters in the Poe stories. Discuss elements of family, work, society, and mental state that add to the trapped feeling that all these characters experience. Don't write in vague generalities. Write about concrete things that happen in the stories that feed your imagination and that are ripe for comparison in these various "nightmare" worlds. You are basically also discussing how life itself is sometimes like being trapped in a nightmare, something all these pieces suggest.

ANSWER

Both Frank Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Edgar Poe’s short stories describe how the characters are living in entrapped, terrible and miserable situations. The autobiographical aspects in the technology Metamorphosis propose that Kafka himself might have felt trapped by specific restraints in his own life. Kafka was alienated from Prague society where he was living as a German-Jew and likewise separated from his family. Kafka viewed his dad as impudent, overbearing and persistently critical of a son he did not comprehend. Likewise, Kafka was under profound pressure from his dad in his adulthood to venture into business. Thus, Kafka’s sentiments of entrapment by situations beyond his control resemble those of Gregor. An illustration of this scenario is illustrated when Gregor wakes up as an enormous, extremely disgusting bug.

 The Metamorphosis describes the protagonist, Gregor Samsa, who feels inferior that an insect toiling away at a dehumanizing job he dislikes. Gregor’s sentiments of being inferior than an insect attest themselves in his body as he realizes he is a giant insect. Gregor’s entirely sudden and unexplained transformation is compared with several really routine daily details of waking-up late and cleaning the house. Also, Gregor’s family is upset with him for being casual with his roles which signifies Kafka’s yearning to venture into a different profession. Indeed, Gregor’s dad’s conduct and his harsh treatment of Gregor as a bug might replicate how Kafka felt several times when his family misunderstood his passion and dreams.

 The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Poe illustrate the same pattern of nightmare where two characters like Gregor are imprisoned in situations they cannot control. Montresor capitalizes on Fortunato’s selfishness, his desire for Amontillado and his ultimate drunkenness to trap Fortunato into catacombs in "The Cask of Amontillado". Hence these catacombs become Fortunato’s grave as Montresor construct a wall that make it inescapable for Fortunato. The physical encounter of being wall-trapped resonates with Gregor’s physical encounter of getting entombed in a bug’s exoskeleton.

In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the killer-narrator is ensnared by his crumbling mental condition same as Gregor is ensnared by his estrangement. This can be comprehended plainly as a cockroach and metaphorically as a Jewish artist living his lifestyle in a society judgmental of him. Poe’s storyteller cannot dodge his misgiving on his homicide victim resided under the floorboards. The storyteller buried him there and this mistrust wins ultimately. The narrator yearns for liberty from the ensnare of his doing and ultimately, he admits to his wrongdoing. Sarcastically this incident will inexorably lead him to another type of trap of imprisonment or death. However, he is compassionately liberated from his fear of being caught. Likewise, Gregor’s demise has a same sense of reprieve from his encounter of being confined.

Kafka discloses more to Gregor’s transformation. Gregor’s transformation impacts the existence of his family and relationship. Likewise, his family changed and Gregor realized their potent to work. Both Kafka and Poe initiate the readers imaginations with dismaying circumstances that offer the reader motive to question themselves what they would do if they were ensnared in similar situations. Maybe the reader would likewise discover death as respite, an emotion condition which is a nightmare in it and of itself. Kafka and Poe help the reader in comprehending the power of the family and society support. the characters snare demonstrates a particular realism of human’s sentiments concerning being ensnared via this pandemic. People cannot hug or hang-out anymore because they are quarantined and are practicing social distance measures. The situation is more difficult for the elderly because they cannot get people to visit them and share memories that enliven their lives. Same as Gregor’s snare in his room walls notwithstanding living with his family mad him feel lonely and alienated.

Likewise, this pandemic is likened to this metamorphosis where people have lost loved ones, are unemployed, got furloughed and some are homeless because they cannot pay rent anymore as a result of job loss. Several people had to adjust their lifestyle to live in the present challenging circumstances. Kafka illustrates the various results for these misfortunes that engulf Gregor’s family. Gregor’s change pushes his family from their comfort zone. When Gregor’s family realized that he could not provide anymore, they began working to support one another as a family. Remote learning, lockdowns and pandemic doubt have increased unease and depression. The COVID-19 has transformed how people work, play and study. Schools have closed, sports leagues cancelled and several individuals asked to work from home. The good side of this pandemic is that people are appreciating the benefits that come with remote working and how technology is transforming working and school delivery methods.

30

Biblical Images of Salvation    

QUESTION

Complete a theological essay that will address the relationship of human sinfulness to an aspect of the doctrine of salvation. Students will examine one of the biblical images of salvation (adoption, conversion, regeneration, redemption, reconciliation, justification, election, sanctification, or glorification) and define and describe the doctrine with its biblical, historical and theological contours as well as discuss how this image of salvation relates to and addresses the problem of sin. Finally, the student will apply the implications of this doctrine to the Christian life and for the student’s chosen vocation. The essay will be 800-1,000 words. Refer to the "Course Policies" in the course syllabus for the formatting expectations in this course. This assignment aligns with MLO’s A-D and the following FSLOs: Christianity and Contexts 2-4, Communication and Information Literacy 1-5, Critical Thinking 1, 2.

ANSWER

Adoption and Salvation

Introduction

In a layman’s language, the term ‘Adoption’ refers to the assumption of parenthood to a child who legally or biologically belongs to another parent. The concept of adoption has been widely utilized in the physical world whereby the child being adopted is purported to be saved from tribulations that will affect his or her life. In retrospect, this analogy is relatively applicable in the spiritual world whereby through salvation, all human beings become God’s children. Although sin has separated people from God, His agape love towards His creation has made Him reconsider the barrier by implementing strategies that will guarantee the establishment of a reunion with His beings.

Description

Although many would consider the spiritual perception of adoption as vague, it has been proved, theologically, that we are the children of God. In Christian life, adoption means being admitted into God’s family. This suggests that God is not our biological Father, rather our spiritual Father, our Creator, and our Abba, who wanted us as His own. He chose us to be part of His family. In the book of John 1: 11-12 the Bible clearly spells out that Jesus came to that which He considered as His own (meaning everything that belonged to Him, including His world, His creation, His possession), but those who he presumes to be His own (the Jewish Nation) rejected Him. However, those who received and welcomed Him were given the right which is the authority and privilege) to become God’s children. 

From the above assertion, Jesus, who was sent by God, came to reclaim what he values the most, and in this case, it was His people. Some rejected Him, but those who believed in Him were considered to be the children of God. This scripture reiterates the act of adoption very vividly. When we, as His people, welcome Jesus into our lives, our hearts, and assent Him, He adopts us to be his children. 

Another verse that supports this idea is Hebrews 12:7, where the author insinuates that we must submit to correction every time we sin as it is the purpose of discipline. God is dealing with us as His children because if a child is not disciplined he or she may turn out to be an abomination to society. In this verse, we are told that He will discipline us like our earthly parents. He disciplines us because He loves us and wants us to benefit from being corrected. 

Since the beginning of time, God has always referred to us as His children. In the book of Galatians 4:6-7, the author tells us that because we are His sons, God has sent the spirit of Jesus into our hearts. With this, we are no longer slaves to sin but heir to his throne. In broader prospects, when a child, in the natural world, is adopted, he or she is given, by default, all the benefits, and rights belonging to his or her adoptive parents. In the assumption that he/she is their biological child, the child definitely becomes the sole haired of whatever his or her parents will leave behind after death. In like manner, God also stresses that we are his heirs. In Romans 8:17, the author suggests that if we are His heirs we will suffer just as Jesus (His Son) did but we will also share His glory. When Jesus came to earth to dies for our sins, he went through spiritual and physical suffering. In a similar way, God suggests that all His people are bound to experience the same fate. But since Jesus is now sitting in His father’s glory, all people who believe in Him will also enjoy similar benefits. 

After creation, God clearly set out a plan on how we will forever be his children but the introduction of sin seemed to have affected the entire blueprint. However, since God has always been faithful, He ensured that human beings will gain salvation and that after all is finished, the end of the world, those who heeded His guideline will experience the true nature of being His Children. Even so, in the modern world that we are living in, many people are insensible about salvation and some do not a good as well as a clear idea of what it means by being adopted by God, its possibilities, and how special it is. When we sin, we tend to feel unworthy and distant from God and when we are told that God still wants to adopt us, the perception of this act becomes vague. What, people don’t understand is that despite their sinful nature, God is always willing to accept them only if they repent their sins and accept heed to his instructions.

Application

The practicality of this belief is rather relevant in modern society but people tend to overlook the parameters involved in the process. Take, for instance, if you see a child in the streets, abandoned, alone, looking dirty, thirsty, hungry, and doesn’t seem to have anywhere to go, since he or she has nowhere to live or any person to take care of them, what would be the most probable and humane thing to do? When a Christian is subjected to this question, the most probable answer would be taking the child as their own and administering all aspects of care. This is because, such a child needs love, something which has been absent in his or her life for a long time. Ostensibly, this is the exact same thing that God would do to us, sinners. Though we may wander away and thrive in sinning, God is always ready to take us back, feed us, close us, and love us as his own.

Conclusion

Although sin has played a major role in separating us from our creator, God has always laid out plans to reinstate this relationship. Jesus dying for our sins sealed the plan of salvation for all human beings in that we are now adopted and considered as his Children.

31

 The End of the Soviet Union.

QUESTION

 Using ONLY the material provided in the lecture, thoroughly discuss in as much detail as you can provide the material discussed in lecture 15, which deals with the collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union.

Here is the link to Lecture 15:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/5hmzl3h211in853/15.%20The%20End%20of%20the%20Soviet%20Union.mp4?dl=0

ANSWER

                                                        The End of the Soviet Union

The collapse of the Soviet Union started during the great economic depression that affected most European countries, especially Germany and most eastern European countries. However, other political events that would follow also led to the end of the Soviet Union rule. For example, the death of Joseph Stalin was an essential event towards the decline of the rule. Nikita Khrushchev became the leader of the Soviet Union. However, he did not denounce the weaknesses of Stalin. He continued the Stalin way of leadership. Primarily, the system was bound to fail by 1990 since the new administration did not change the earlier inhuman practices of the regime. The freeing of one million people from the Stalin Gulag camp was instrumental to the genesis of the collapse of the Soviet Union. The new leadership set the detainees free. However, they did not address the heinous charges that were wrongfully leveled against the prisoners. Besides, there was recognition of the harm that they experienced while in detention. The union experienced a period of de-Stalinization. Authors, especially those who had experienced the brutality of Gulag camps established by Stalin, began to write dirty things that they experienced while in detention for the crimes they dint commit.  

Economic miracle between 1963 and 1965 took place in most European countries. They experienced an increase in per capita income and employment rates. For instance, the USSR experienced an impressive 3.8 percent individual growth rate. Khrushchev created a housing system that helped to develop the sector. However, they were not of quality, and they were tiny. Besides, he revived soviet agriculture through his program of the Virgin Lands. The Soviet population was not used to agriculture, and the resources that he committed to the program never realized productivity. Thus, he failed to address the immediate agricultural challenges before setting to embark on such a practice. Brezhnev took over from Khrushchev and introduced a more robust system by rejuvenating the arms development and taking an active role in the cold war. Brezhnev era, however, experienced meager economic progress. The main export of Russia is oil, and its economy was highly influenced by the fluctuating oil prices; that is, the economy improved when the oil prices went high and slumped when the prices of oil went down. 

One of the main challenges that faced the Soviet Union in the late 80s was health. Some hospitals operated on electricity, which was provided for only twelve hours a day. Thus, scheduling important health practices such as operations became difficult. Besides, the problem of alcohol also affected the health of many people. The life expectancy significantly reduced. During 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan as part of the grand plan to control the Gulf oil and this had negative influence to soviet rule. The ascending of Mikhail Gorbachev to the leadership of the Soviet Union in 1985 realized a generational change of leadership. His leadership was based on the aftermath of the Second World War. He realized that the Soviet economy was backward and embarked on an economic recovery process. He recognized the failure of the agricultural sector in the country. Although there was no much change since the shelves were empty of agricultural products, he eventually succeeded in opening up the Soviet society. For instance, he established independent publications that the government did not influence. He realized the economy and freedom would be achieved through openness. 

Mikhail Gorbachev brought some political changes to the leadership of the Soviet Union. For instance, he established the congress of people deputies in 1988, a legislature system. The remaining seats in the legislature were reserved for the communists. However, some seats were challenged on free and fair elections. The men who would emerge and the leader of the chamber of the deputies would be the leader of Russia as the Soviet Union ends. Nonetheless, he developed an open foreign policy, where Russia was ready to engage other countries to realize the desired economic development.

For instance, he meets the United States of America president, President Reagan, in 1986 at Reykjavik. He signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty of 1986 to prevent further manufacturing of nuclear from both sides. This was a hopeful step that one day there would be zero manufacturing of nuclear weapons. The Soviet armies were withdrawn from Afghanistan under the leadership of Gorbachev. Primarily, what marked the end of the Soviet Union is the November 1989 crossing into West Berlin. Besides, Gorbachev gave a speech at the UN conference in 1988 that ideological differences were not to cause problems in the global stage. He encouraged people not to limit or lock themselves within the confines of values. Gorbachev allowed the nations of Eastern Europe to gain independence. He failed to send troops into those states to enforce the communist ideologies. After the attempted coup on the Soviet government, the Soviet Union stopped to exist in 1991.

32

Country Selection Questionnaire

QUESTION

1. Select a country from those you have learned (One of the given below) about to focus your final paper on.
   (Roman Empire, Egypt, Sumeria, Babylon, China, India, Greece, French, Germany, United States, Canada)
   2. Paste three web article links on the country's current use of price/wage controls. (Three web article links that shows that the country you selected still exercises price/wage controls today)
   3. Briefly tell me why you selected this country of all the ones you learned about.

Country Selection Questionnaire

Country:

The country Selected for this report is China.

Web Articles’ Links

https://journals.openedition.org/chinaperspectives/3063

https://www.china-briefing.com/news/minimum-wages-china-2021/

https://www.ft.com/content/a49d39f4-f17b-11df-8609-00144feab49a

Reason for Selecting China

China became the assembly centre of the world, gained practical experience cantered on work, sent a simple trade-off that enabled a continuous expansion in the complexity of goods. More or less, its development process was to collect and offer common products to the world.

The initial phase was troublesome for this process. In 1978, three quarter of the modern structure of the country was introduced by state-claimed enterprises controlled by the middle way, following halfway of yield targets. Collective horticulture was the norm. Under Deng's administration, minor changes were made to spending (following the inherent double value framework, allowing standard and market value), allowing sub-public governments to move more explicitly toward financial self-government towards the venture and drive development, while further in the private sector. Was developed. The nation was left open for exchange, a closed though further supported by the introduction of the current financial structure.

Not later than a year ago, China grew at a slower pace since the 1990s. In the main quarter of 2016, the country's GDP growth was 6.7%. What was the deal? Assembling and development yields fell sharply, most recently China's primary drivers of growth. In any case, some of the different issues probably became the most important factor, considering the three-time principle elements is the long-running development, function, efficiency and capital.

33

Correction Programs

QUESTION

Imagine you work in a correctional institution and oversee the programs offered to offenders. The budget only has room for one program at this time, and you must determine which would provide the most benefit to inmates. You have been tasked with analyzing different programs and proposing one program to implement. You will provide an executive summary of your proposal to your supervisor.

Review the Corrections & Reentry page from crimesolutions.gov.

Access the following programs:

Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program (Washington)
Allegheny County (Penn.) Jail-Based Reentry Specialist Program

Create a 700- to 1,050-word executive summary in which you:

Compare the programs by explaining the program goals, target population, and program components for each program.
Analyze the program outcomes of each program.
Determine which is most effective and propose a program to implement. Provide statistical research to support your proposal for your answer.
Explain how this program will benefit your correctional institution.

ANSWER

Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program (Washington)

vs
Allegheny County (Penn.) Jail-Based Reentry Specialist Program

Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program was developed in Washington to provide intensive correctional services to the persons who have persistent mental illness and about to be released to the community. The Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program follows an assertive community treatment offered through the clock access in a multidisciplinary staff who provide specialized services to the person to meet arrays of service for the benefit of fitting back in the society from jail. While on the other hand, Allegheny County (Penn.) Jail-Based Reentry Specialist Program commits itself to reduce the levels of recidivism through the preparation of the inmate to reentry into society after spending time in jail. The program offers services to inmates as well as returning citizens. This executive summary aims to explain the similarities and differences in the two programs, analyse their outcomes, and determine the effectiveness of both and their related benefits to the correctional institutions.

Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program (Washington): there have been significant positive results that mentally ill persons using an ACT model have been reported to be less time in custody and lower rates in the rearrest (Silva, 2019). Persons who have had these program are better reportedly to have attained a better life standard since they rarely spend time in custody for retentions for violations of the law. Positive results from this program involve; unlimited freedom to reenter the community or the prison. Outcomes from various studies indicate that more than 75% of the participants in this program who had severe mental problems and undergone through the programs are positively matched into the society with changed behaviour. Participants of the Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program substantially have lower rates of convictions due to felony offences (25% vs 39%) in a follow-up interval of two years after the release from jail (Silva, 2019). The program is aimed to target people with low risks and high needy in society.

The targeted population for the program requires that an individual has to suffer from a mood disorder, depression, bipolar depression, schizophrenia and is not capable of acquiring adequate housing and medication treatment from other facilities. According to the correctional staff, the targeted population for this treatment must have had direct influences on their crime and deemed unlikely to re-offend again if exposed to mental health treatment at an early stage (Silva, 2019). Participants who have undergone this program have fewer chances of reoffending only if they voluntarily join the program. They decide to participate. They are finally judged by the correctional staff, where most of the studies pose that these participants are motivated and have a likelihood of benefiting from the treatment.

Allegheny County (Penn.) Jail-Based Reentry Specialist Program; is a program that aims at reducing the recidivism levels through preparing inmates for re-entry into society after spending time in prisons. The programs’ significant activity involves incarcerating and assisting inmates returning to the community from the prisons (Hewitt, 2020). The program for inmates has various services that include behaviour therapies in the areas where inmates seem to be unconscious of their actions, drug, alcohol and substance. It also offers rehabilitation for addicts and potential addicts, GED classes, vocational lessons and specialized batterer intervention, and family support. The programs’ reentry services are drug, alcohol and substance assessment, behavioural and cognitive therapies, specialized battered interventions, housing and accommodation services, GED, training and transportation activities, and job training and placements. The two programs are designed to reduce the chances of inmates re-offending, and these are done through need assessments, coordinated planning of reentry, and are coupled with the use of evidence-based practices and programs. The program targets the already released inmates from correctional institutions.

The most effective method to use is the Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program; this is because the technique focuses on correctional services to persons with persistent mental illness and about to be released to the community (Silva, 2019). The program determines the behaviour response of the participants before they are released to society, which is a progressive move to the development of the correctional institution and hence recommendable to the institutions. According to Smith (2020), the statistical analysis for the program shows that the outcomes from various studies indicate that more than 75% of the participants in this program who had severe mental problems and undergone the programs are positively matched into the society with changed behaviour.

The program will benefit the correctional institution by providing a reputation of effective corrections to criminal offenders who are expected to be role model to society once they are released from jail (Silva, 2019). The program also will be helpful to most of the participants since it provides assessment classes to the offenders. They will be of great importance to their life experiences, such as job training assessments similar to those in the second program and the critical observations by the correctional staff, which will enhance as a counselling session for offenders, making them responsible citizens after release from jail.

In conclusion, both the Mentally Ill Offender Community Transition Program (Washington) and the Allegheny County (Penn.) Jail-Based Reentry Specialist Program is advanced methods of dealing with offenders who are increasingly committing crimes and continue being a threat to society in various dimensions harming the young generation. Prison mental health has adversely caused high rates of reoffending against inmates even when they are in prisons. Hence, there is a need for either of the programs to be initiated with the current technological developments to enhance a better society in the future through correctional institutions.

References

Hewitt, C. J. (2020). Jail sanctions: Recommendations to increase jail-based treatment.

Silva, J. (2019). Medication-assisted treatment in criminal justice systems: a qualitative study on treatment orientation, barriers, and facilitators of Allegheny County Jail (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pittsburgh).

Smith, S. C. (2020). Predicting Recidivism Following Participation in Treatment/Intervention Programs for Ex-offenders.

34

 Anchor Points    

QUESTION

Explain the relationship between community, crime prevention and problem-oriented policing, and how each can identify and address crime in so-called “anchor points.”

ANSWER

Relationship Between Community Crime Prevention and Problem-Oriented Policing

Crime prevention is one of the primary roles of policing. Notably, crime prevention entails different strategies and approaches adopted to reduce the risks of crime from occurring and alleviate the potentially harmful effects of the same on both individuals and the society (Maguire, Uchida, and Hassell 72). Some of the mechanisms for community prevention include community crime prevention and problem-oriented policing. Whereas community crime prevention focuses on the prevention of crime using community culture and infrastructure as well as the engagement of community residents, problem-oriented policing focuses on crime hotspots and anchor points for the source of crime.

Although people often confuse community crime prevention from problem-oriented policing, the two are different. One of the differences lies in the key focus of prevention measures. For instance, in community crime prevention, the major focus is on the entirety of the community residents without paying majorly focusing on the crime hotspots (Gill et al. 400) However, in problem-oriented policing, the focus of crime prevention measures is on the anchor points and areas considered to be the crime hotspots in the community. Additionally, some of the examples of community crime prevention approaches include community policing, urban and physical design, and other multi-disciplinary approaches (Maguire, Uchida, and Hassell 72). Problem-oriented policing examples, on the other hand, include the installation of cameras on areas that the police consider to have some underlying problems (Cozens and Love 393). Specifically, the police will mostly target the areas where there is a high likelihood of crime occurring and hence, apply their crime preventive measures towards those anchor points (Porter and Graycar 423). Moreover, whereas in community crime prevention there is a cooperation between the police and the local community residents to prevent crime, in problem-oriented policing, the police only cooperate with the community members to identify the hotspots.

Despite the differences in the two forms of community policing, they have different similarities in the manner in which they identify and address crime from the so-called anchor points. For instance, in community crime prevention, strategies devised for the mitigation of crime are aimed at areas in the community where there is a likelihood of crime occurring (Gill et al. 399). For instance, in areas where there is low lighting and only a few people, the community crime prevention strategies are used to ensure that such anchor points are the focus of crime prevention (Maguire, Uchida, and Hassell 73). However, in the case of problem-oriented policing, the police identify the underlying problems in a community from different areas. After such identification, they then choose the most appropriate preventive measures, which can be applied in such targeted areas and anchor points to ensure increased monitoring and hence deterrence of crime (Porter and Graycar 423). As such, both types of crime prevention ensures that crime anchor points are addressed to create an environment that deters crime.

In conclusion, although people may use the words community crime prevention and problem-oriented policing interchangeably, the two have differences. Specifically, whereas community crime prevention focuses on the entirely of the community in the prevention of crime, problem-oriented policing focuses on special underlying problems in a community and hence adopt targeted crime anchor points. However, both forms of community policing ensure that more attention is paid to crime anchor points through different measures that increase monitoring and deter any criminal activities from happening.

Works Cited

Cozens, Paul, and Terence Love. "A review and current status of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)." Journal of Planning Literature vol. 30, no. 4 (2015): 393-412.

Gill, Charlotte, et al. "Community-oriented policing to reduce crime, disorder and fear and increase satisfaction and legitimacy among citizens: A systematic review." Journal of experimental criminology, vol. 10, no. 4, 2014: 399-428.

Maguire, Edward R., Craig D. Uchida, and Kimberly D. Hassell. "Problem-oriented policing in Colorado Springs: A content analysis of 753 cases." Crime & Delinquency, vol. 61, no. 1, 2015: 71-95.

Porter, Louise E., and Adam Graycar. "Hotspots of corruption: Applying a problem-oriented policing approach to preventing corruption in the public sector." Security Journal vol. 29, no. 3,  2016: 423-441.

35

 TED TALK ANALYSIS

QUESTION

Discuss about Empowering Women of Color through Media Representations

ANSWER

 Empowering Women of Color through Media Representations

In her TEDx Talk, Dianna Feng provides a discussion of the various ways in which women of color have been underrepresented in the media. For instance, she provides the examples of heroes in films, whereby, she argues that people are likely to think of white male actors such as Harry Potter as the heroes as opposed to women of color (TEDx Talks 5). Additionally, in the Fortune 500, Feng argues that women of color take only a small percentage of the members of the Board. However, she argues that the only way that such women can be empowered is by encouraging them, recognizing them, and listening to their narratives as opposed to those that they have been given (TEDx Talks 7-9). Specifically, Feng feels that the only way that women of color can be helped is making them feel confident and defy stereotypes. Although such measures are vital in ensuring women of color have higher self-esteem, it does not entirely help them to explore opportunities that exist such as their white counterparts. The key solutions to empowering women of color include ensuring that there is no discrimination in society and in the media representations. For instance, women of color should not be represented by white women with whit modes. They should be given an equal opportunity to tell and advance their narratives. Feng's propositions on how to empower women seek to assume that the only problem that stands between women of color and success is low self-esteem and failure to defy stereotypes. However, the problem of underrepresentation is more entrenched into the social fabric and addressing it requires social and political changes that give more opportunities to women of color.

Works Cited

TEDx Talks. “Empowering Women of Color through Media Representations | Dianna Feng | TEDxPittsburgh.” YouTube, 2019. https://www.youtub

36

Documentary - Racism - A History (Part 2)    

QUESTION

 Analyze and discussion: Documentary - Racism - A History (Part 2)    

ANSWER

Analysis and Discussion of a Documentary: Racism - A History (Part 2)

In part 2 of Tickell’s documentary, Racism: A History, the idea of scientific racism is brought out. Specifically, the documentary examines how the idea of scientific racism born in the 19^th century has come to be discredited by contemporary ideas of phrenology in the justification of racism and slavery. One of the themes, in the documentary, is that racism and slavery can be justified based on biology. Additionally, the second part demonstrates how eugenics were used by the Nazi to adopt racial policies based on the master race. Watching the documentary feels disheartening because it seeks to support the ideology that race and slavery can be justified based on mental faculties. Being born an Indian, I can relate on the various struggles that people of color and those with dark skins faced when facing slavery and racism. I felt for the people in the documentary who were enslaved and discriminated against because it was believed that their mental faculties were inferior because of their dark skin. I have always known that phrenology is a baseless racist ground and it does not work. Living in a family of mixed skin tones, I can relate with the discrimination that people experience in the society even in the contemporary times. However, it feels very unfortunate that people could use an idea that has failed the test of science to enslave others and discriminate against them. The documentary is enlightening, especially on how unreliable scientific methods were used to entrench slavery and racism in the society, which is an unfortunate scenario.

Works Cited

Tickell, Paul [Director]. “Racism - A History (Part 2 of 3).” BBC Four, 2007.

37

Starbucks Corporation.

QUESTION

1. Review the Case 31.2 found on page 555 entitled Martin v. McDonald’s Corporation. Using IRAC, how should this case have been decided and why? 2. Review the Critical Legal Thinking Case found on page 440 entitled Massey v. Starbucks Corporation. Using IRAC, how should this case have been decided and why? 

ANSWER

Review of Past Court Cases

Martin v. McDonald’s Corporation

Facts

On November 29, 1979, six women were working to clean up the Oak Forest Illinois McDonald's restaurant after closing hours. A man, Peter Logan, appeared from the back of the restaurant and ordered the employees into a refrigerator. He ordered the assistant manager to open the safe and give him money. While moving them to the refrigerator, one of the employees, Laura Martin, was shot and killed while Maureen Kincaid and Therese Dudek were assaulted by the assailant. McDonald’s restaurant had earlier on acknowledged the peril of armed robbery and formed a branch of its corporation commissioned to handle security problems. It also developed a bible for security procedures. The parents of Laura Martin petitioned for damages from McDonald's Corporation for the wrongful death of their daughter. Therese Dudek and Maureen Kincaid petitioned for damages for the negligent infliction of emotional distress. The trial court granted damages to all three victims.

Issue

The Appellate Court of Illinois was tasked with deciding whether or not McDonald’s Corporation negligently performed its duty to offer protection to the six women.

Rule

From Nelson v. Union Wire Rope Corp. (1964), case law dictates that when a person undertakes a voluntary duty, negligent performance of the same may result in liability (Hebert, 1974)

Application

The defendant assumed the role of care for the plaintiffs when it willingly acknowledged the peril of armed robbery and formed a branch of its corporation commissioned to handle security problems. The role was also assumed when the defendant developed a bible for security procedures. The bible of security procedures required that the backdoor not be used to dispose of garbage or go out after dark. The defendant negligently performed this assumed role since the managers never checked to ensure the backdoor was not being used after dark yet the robber used the backdoor during the robbery. Also, testimonies from employees indicated that they had never received a security handbook or been instructed not to use the backdoor after dark. Furthermore, there were no warning signs on the backdoor to remind employees of the same.

Conclusion

There was ample evidence to suggest that McDonald’s Corporation had breached its assumed duty of care and protection. Thus, compensation for damages to the plaintiffs should have been the decision of this case.

Massey v. Starbucks Corporation

Facts

On February 18, 2003, Kenya Massey and Raymond Rodriquez, went into a Starbucks store on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. It was in the evening towards the closing time of the store. The two ordered two beverages, paid for them and went towards the seating area waiting for them to be prepared. The shift supervisor informed Massey that she could not sit as they were about to close the store. Massey asked what time the store closed and realized that there was still eight minutes to the closing time. The shift supervisor told the employee preparing the drinks to cancel the order and refund Massey’s money. A wordy confrontation ensued between Massey and one of the employees who told her that she gets off work at ten o'clock and they could go outside and settle the matter. As the couple leaves the premises, two employees hold the door for them to leave. Walking away, Massey and the employees keep yelling profanities at each other. The employees are annoyed and they run after Massey and a physical altercation occurs. Massey is assaulted in the process as her face is bleeding. Massey pressed charges against the employees and the Starbucks store. The court finds the employees guilty but the Starbucks store is not liable.        

Issue

The court was tasked with determining whether or not Starbucks employees were acting within the scope of their employment when they assaulted Massey.

Rule

Case law obtained from Pizzuto v. County of Nassau, (2003) dictates that a master is held responsible for the actions of the servant if the servant was acting within the scope of employment.

Application

The employees were not motivated by a desire to close the store (which is part of their job description) when they ran after Massey and assaulted her. Their role as employees ended when they held the door open for Massey to leave. Whatever they did past that was out of their own volition and not in response to the employment contract they had with the defendant.

Conclusion    

The employees acted out of their scope of employment in assaulting Massey. Thus, no compensation from the defendant to Massey was necessary. 

References

Hebert, M. (1974). Workmen's Compensation Insurers-A Duty to Inspect?. Louisiana Law Review, 34(4), 11.

Martin v. McDonald's Corp., 213 Ill. App. 3d 487, 572 N.E.2d 1073 (Ill. App. Ct. 1991)

Massey v. Starbucks Corp., No. 03 Civ. 7279 (SAS) (S.D.N.Y. Jul. 9, 2004)

38

Current event   

QUESTION

Research and summarize one geography-related news story per week from the popular media and post a brief summary of this story. Your initial post must be at least 300 words, and your student response at least five complete sentences 

ANSWER

Evolution of Islands

                One of the most aggravating effects of climate change is the rising of sea levels, which in turn, has various other devastating effects. For instance, experts have warned that marine life would be mostly affected with fears that other lives could become extinct. Even more so, human habitation in the planet would become harder as rising sea levels would also increase floods and reduce plant growth. More recently, scientists have also raised fears of beautiful islands sinking below the sea levels – bringing about even more concerns. However, a recent International study has raised hopes, claiming that this perceived fate is far from a foregone conclusion. Would islands evolve amidst this exasperating conditions? This paper evaluates and summarizes the result of this interesting and somewhat relieving recent revelation.

                A recent study conducted by the University of Plymouth (2020) numerically models how reef islands could respond to rise in sea levels. Interestingly, the result show that islands composed of gravel materials may evolve in the face of overtopping waves. This largely insinuates that these islands’ crest rise along with the sea levels. This, as the scientists from science news believe, could bring near-term habitability. Furthermore, the news claim that it is important to understand that these same islands have been developed through the same process of wave overtopping, with the height of an island being determined by the strength of the wave.

                In conclusion, this recent news insinuates that coral reef islands across the world could naturally adapt to the impact of rising sea levels around the world. Despite their being too many worries around the globe about the constant rise of sea levels and their somewhat apocalyptic dangers they pose, this new research could help better the situation as experts seek for a better solution for climate change.

References

University of Plymouth. (2020, June 10). Island 'drowning' is not inevitable as sea levels rise. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 15, 2020 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200610152015.htm

39

Osteoarthritis (OA)

QUESTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, age related disorder of synovial joints. Describe the pathophysiology and provide the treatment options. Do you know anyone with this disease?

ANSWER

Osteoarthritis (OA) Pathophysiology and Treatment Options

In the Western world, the most common arthropathy is osteoarthritis, which also happens to be the leading cause of pain and disability. When considering the pathophysiology of this condition, its pathogenesis involves the degradation of cartilage and the remodeling of bone. This occurs because of chondrocytes’ active response in the articular cartilage and inflammatory cells (Knapik et al., 2018). Consequently, the released enzymes from the cells are responsible for the breakdown of collagen and proteoglycans, ultimately destroying the articular cartilage. The destruction of the articular cartilage then leads to sclerosis development because of the underlying subchondral bone exposure. The sclerosis is then followed by critical changes whose results are the formation of osteophytes and subchondral bone cysts (Knapik et al., 2018). This leads to a subsequent loss of joint space over time, a loss that occurs progressively.

The condition has several risk factors, including advancement in age, manual labor, obesity, and gender (female). The condition is further common in small joints of the feet and hands, knee joint, and hip joint. In this case, the treatment options revolve around the different diagnoses, which are essential in finding the right remedy depending on the type of joints affected (Mora et al., 2018). Therefore, the management of the osteoarthritis can range from a conservative approach to medical to surgical, depending on the intensity. The conservative approach involves educating the people on how they can protect the joints with the most effective strategies like physiotherapy. In contrast, the medical method uses simple analgesics and topical NSAIDs to manage osteoarthritis with varying success experienced using the intra-articular steroid injections (Mora et al., 2018). In case of a difficulty to manage the condition with the two approaches, the next treatment option is to embrace surgical intervention whose choice depends on the affected site; the options include arthroplasty, arthrodesis, and osteotomy.

References

Knapik, J. J., Pope, R., Orr, R., & Schram, B. (2018). Osteoarthritis: Pathophysiology, Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Exercise for Reducing Pain and Disability. Journal of special operations medicine: a peer reviewed journal for SOF medical professionals, 18(3), 94-102.

Mora, J. C., Przkora, R., & Cruz-Almeida, Y. (2018). Knee osteoarthritis: pathophysiology and current treatment modalities. Journal of pain research, 11, 2189.

40

 Alzheimer's   

QUESTION

Write an essay about Alzheimer's   

ANSWER

Alzheimer: Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography

Alzheimer's Association. (2018). 2018 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 14(3), 367-429.

The article by the Alzheimer's association primarily offers a public description of the public health effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It provides essential information such as the incidence and prevalence, costs of care, morbidity, mortality, and the general effect on society and caregivers. Essentially, the article aimed at examining the benefits of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's, especially in the stage of mild cognitive impairment arising from AD. The disease has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States with a massive projection of 13.8 million people, while as of 2018; an approximation of 5.7 million Americans lived with AD. The statistics and analysis in this article are essential in this research since it gives well-founded information on AD, which remains invaluable when determining the contemporary influence of the disease on society. Subsequently, it helps in understanding whatever it will take the United States and the globe to reduce the impact of the disease through various approaches. With the realization of the benefits of an early diagnosis, research in this topic should only make such progress better to help in suppressing the health and socioeconomic effects of the disease.

Bird, T. D. (2018). Alzheimer's disease overview. In GeneReviews®[Internet]. University of Washington, Seattle.

The article by Thomas Bird focuses on providing an overview of Alzheimer's disease to increase clinical awareness concerning Alzheimer's disease (AD), its causes, and subsequent management. According to Bird, AD usually begins with subtle and poorly recognized memory failure, which develops to become severe and ultimately incapacitating the patient. In some extreme cases, death can arise primarily because of general inanition, pneumonia, and malnutrition. Because of the causes of this disease, clinicians need to develop a precise understanding of the circumstances around the condition, which then helps in embracing the most effective treatment options. Since the disease can also arise from genetic associations, an early and proper diagnosis is vital toward finding a lasting solution to the problem, which, although may fail to eliminate the disease, can reduce its influence. 

Therefore, the article is essential in this research since it contributes to a significant base of knowledge that will help in understanding the basics of the disease. The study will seek to conceptualize the causes and management of the disease, in which the article provides its overview adequately.

Bradburn, S., Murgatroyd, C., & Ray, N. (2019). Neuroinflammation in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A meta-analysis. Ageing research reviews, 50, 1-8.

Bradburn, Murgatroyd, and Ray provide a detailed meta-analysis to examine neuroinflammation in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. According to the article, neuroinflammation plays a critical in the progression of dementia, which provides a precise opportunity to examine the existence of spatial or temporal susceptibility to neuroinflammatory processes in the brain and their correspondence to the development of AD. In the quest to research about the AD, this article offers extensive insights since it involved 28 studies with an incredible 755 subjects as well as 37 brain regions. This increases the reliability of the information contained in the article, thereby becoming relevant for the research. Besides, the study found a significant association of increased neuroinflammation in the progression of AD, mild cognitive impairment, which is relative to healthy controls. 

The Research: Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer's disease is one of the common neurological disorders dominating the globe with a significant presence in the United States. The disease involves the death of brain cells, which then causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is also the most common type of dementia and accounts for over 60 percent of dementia cases in the United States alone. At the initial stages, patients tend to show mild symptoms, which further develops severely over time. Therefore, the disease is a progressive disorder that causes degeneration and subsequent cell death. At the early stages, a person with AD can forget recent events and conversations, which later grow into severe memory impairment and further loses the ability to undertake daily tasks. Although very common among the elderly, AD is not a disease for the age despite increasing age being one of the primary underlying factors. According to Bird (2018), several younger Americans live with AD, a group known as early-onset Alzheimer's. 

Causes and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Although there is room for further research on the exact causes of AD, genetic mutations are likely to be the cause, especially in early-onset Alzheimer's. According to Bird (2018), individuals with a family history of this condition are likely to experience the condition. Besides, late-onset situations usually involve multiple susceptibility genes. That is, the state, in this case, arises from a complex series of brain changes that occur over a long period. These can be a result of a combination of lifestyle factors, environmental conditions, and genetics. Moreover, there is a significant correlation between sown syndrome and AD since there is clinical evidence showing that individuals with Down syndrome tend to show cognitive decline (Bird, 2018). 

Conversely, individuals suffering from this disorder tend to exhibit difficulty in recalling recent events and newly acquired information in its initial stages. However, with time, the disease develops further and becomes noticeable with a slowed thinking and occasional problems in remembering simple things. With the brain cells further affected, the memory loss becomes more severe, confusion is likely to arise, and the individual may experience significant changes in the mind. Interestingly, people with this condition may find it difficult to recognize they have a problem, such that the changes in mood, behaviors, and the disorientations may only be noticeable by the caregivers (Bradburn et al., 2019). Notwithstanding, people with this condition can also find it difficult to perform everyday duties such as preparing a meal, driving, and settling due bills. They can also ask simple questions that may seem rhetoric to the caregivers when they need a response. As it progresses to advanced stages, the patient may become violent, angry, and worried. 

Treatment and Management Options

Currently, there is no absolute cure for AD. However, clinicians and caregivers help manage the symptoms, which helps prolong life after diagnosis. In most cases, individuals suffering from this disease can last up to four years when they are 80 years and older at the time of diagnosis (Bird, 2018). However, they can also take up to 10 years when diagnosed at an early stage and age. The main challenge with the condition lies in the reality that the death of brain cells is irreversible. 

Despite there being no cure, therapeutic interventions can make it easier for people to live longer with the disease even after diagnosis. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 2018, it is essential to manage every condition that occurs alongside AD. It is also critical to embrace activities and daycare programs as we involve the patients in support groups and services (Alzheimer's Association, 2018). Moreover, there are drug options to help in managing the symptoms to improve quality of life. The drugs under this category in the United States include Donepezil, Tacrine, and Rivastigmine. 

Effects 

Since the disease has no cure, the consequences can be very devastating for both patient, family, and loved ones. Especially in the long-term, the effects worsen to include suicidal thoughts and behaviors. There is a possibility of developing an inability to communicate the pain and symptoms of the illnesses. The patient can also experience a sense of loss of self, severe injuries arising from falling, inability to swallow properly, and increased vulnerability to pneumonia. Acute stages of this disease lead to the holistic spread of plaques and tangles in the brain (Bird, 2018). This makes the tissues shrink significantly, thereby rendering the patient unstable with no chances of communicating and at the full support of the caregivers. In the event of premature death, the family can experience a significant loss, especially if the patient was the primary provider. 

Conclusion

Despite being the most common type of dementia and one of the leading causes of death in the United States, Alzheimer's disease still has no cure. The disease occurs when plaques form in the brain with the spread progressive enough to cause the death of brain cells. Reversal of the dead cells has proven challenging currently, with the clinicians and caregivers only working to manage the symptoms through various methods. Since the disease is progressive, the symptoms often worsen, and it becomes difficult to remember recent conversations, events, newly learned concepts, and even recognize people because of memory loss. However, according to Alzheimer's Association, early diagnosis of the condition is critical as it helps in providing essential medical, emotional, and social benefits to the patient, family, and society. Furthermore, early diagnosis is useful as it helps save the cost of healthcare and provides better decision-making opportunities when the patient can still reason. It is also critical for individuals to occult their doctors in situations when they feel worrying concerns about memory loss since other conditions also tend to show dementia symptoms without necessarily being Alzheimer's. 

References

Alzheimer's Association. (2018). 2018 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 14(3), 367-429.

Bird, T. D. (2018). Alzheimer disease overview. In GeneReviews®[Internet]. University of Washington, Seattle.

Bradburn, S., Murgatroyd, C., & Ray, N. (2019). Neuroinflammation in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease: A meta-analysis. Ageing research reviews, 50, 1-8.

41

Workplace Violence: "In Hindsight, We Could See It Coming!"    

QUESTION

Order Notes

ANSWER

Aggressive and Violent Behavior: Case Study

What the City Could Have Done Differently

            In the hindsight, the City of Ft. Lauderdale could have implemented different personnel selection, training, and planning of the organizational factors to reduce the chances of aggression and violence. Personnel selection should have been comprised of programs emphasizing on the need to screen potential workers. The City should have tested to discover any employees with the likelihood of exhibiting violent and aggressive behavior in the future. This proactive approach identifies violent and aggressive behavior for prior considerations before they are hired (Nankervis et al., 2019). Therefore, it had been applied in selection, it would have informed the city on whether Clifton McCree was a suitable employee for the organization.

            The City should have included and communicated a clear workplace violence and aggression policy to minimize incidents (Yragui et al., 2016). Anti-violence and anti-aggression policies can help curb future impacts of violent behavior such as murder and suicide expedited by Clifton McCree. Training is also a critical prevention program that the City should have utilized. Training both the management and employees would have instilled hands-on knowledge and skills to deal with workplace violence and aggression (Nankervis et al., 2019).

Liability of the City

            All employees reserve a right to guaranteed security at the workplace (Yragui et al., 2016). The City should have formulated a violence and aggression policy to guide workers on what was termed acceptable and unacceptable behavior but it did not until 1994. Besides, even after termination for to violence and aggressive behavior, Clifton McCree still gained entry into the recreation department. As a result, workers were exposed to imminent and predictable danger resulting as a frustration and possible depression consequence from McCree’s termination and inability to get another employment contract (Nankervis et al., 2019). Therefore, the City should be held liable for failure to provide guidelines of reporting aggressive behavior which delayed termination of Clifton McCree and enhanced his violent and actions. The City can also be liable for not prohibiting his entry into the recreation department after dismissal.

Effect of Discharging Clifton McCree

            Discharging Clifton McCree was the most optimal solution for the city considering the danger he was posing to himself and other workers. However, after working for eighteen years in the organization and with 9 years of aggressive and violent threats and behavior, Clifton McCree may have thought that his behavior was already acceptable or rather tolerable by the colleagues and organizational management. Thus, being discharged without prior records of his aggressive tendencies created an abrupt life turnaround, for which he was unprepared. The inability to find alternative work increased his frustrations. Thus, by not having a credible backing to support his dismissals such as previous substantiated reports of aggression and violence, the city increased the chances of retaliation.

Strategies to Minimize Tragedies

            Aggressive behavior for communities affected by drug abuse, ethnic and racial unrest, and with ease of access to weapons by disgruntled employees is a major workplace challenge. Therefore, the human resource (HR) manager should encourage the early reporting of aggressive and violent tendencies and take immediate action to stop their propagation (Yragui et al., 2016). The HR department should implement training sessions for managers and employees on how to manage workplace aggression and violence. Besides, companies should develop a strong violence and aggression policy to inform employees of appropriate workplace behavior and the consequences of inappropriate actions. The HR Manager should also accompany employee punishment with a reinforcement methods such as recommendation for counseling to enable the affected worker to overcome the negative behavioral trend and reinforce forge positive workplace relationships(Nankervis et al., 2019).

References

Nankervis, A., Baird, M., Coffey, D. J., & Shields, J. (2019). Human Resource Management.

            Cengage AU.

Yragui, N. L., Demsky, C. A., Hammer, L. B., Van Dyck, S., & Neradilek, M. B. (2016).

Linking workplace aggression to employee well-being and work: The moderating role of family-supportive supervisor behaviors (FSSB). Journal of Business and Psychology, 32(2), 179-196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-016-9443-z

42

Drug rehabilitation vs. Incarceration    

QUESTION

Revise thesis statement below
""Incarceration is a long-standing practice within the criminal justice system and it mainly entails the institutionalization of offenders in jails and prisons. A major factor that has increased the rate of incarceration in the US is the institutionalization of individuals for drug-related offences. In numerous occasions, courts have ruled that the said individuals be sent to jails and prisons. This has not only heightened the rate of recidivism thus increasing crime rates, but it has also meant that billions of dollars will be spent on running the prisons and jails. In light of the foregoing, it is imperative that focus is placed on ensuring that drug offenders are rehabilitated as opposed to being incarcerated. The research paper will provide an in-depth evaluation of the extent to which drug rehabilitation should be the primary tool used by the criminal justice system (with respect to drug-related cases) as opposed to incarceration.
I selected this topic because I believe that a fundamental role that ought to be played by the criminal justice system is the provision of rehabilitation to offenders. This is an inexpensive and effective way of handling drug-related charges. The aspects of the topic that I anticipate pursuing in my research relates to the ineffectiveness of incarceration in relation to drug-related offences; the extent to which incarceration in fact leads to recidivism and heightened crime rates; and the effectiveness of drug rehabilitation. I intend to make reference to empirical studies that have been conducted by scholars in the field; statistical information that has been provided by government agencies; as well as, books and peer reviewed journal articles."""
END OF THESIS STATEMENT
Did you know that one department store chain has two forensics labs in the United States? One is in the western states and the other is located in the Northeast, and both locations process fingerprints and other forensics evidence. Did you know that one of the fast-food restaurant chains has a huge security department that is responsible for global security and an intelligence unit that tracks terrorism worldwide? Also, did you know that every professional sports team, most Fortune 500 companies, and amusement parks have security, quick response teams, and investigation teams?

In the selection of your topic for your final project, examine all possible areas of interest, both in the public and private sectors. Research topics of interest in which you would love to have a career.

Based on the feedback from your instructor and peers regarding your topic, finalize the thesis that you will pursue for your research. Now, you will develop a research plan that will include the following

Thesis statement: This statement presents the problem or issue you intend to research, and it should be clear and concise.
Hypothesis: This is a statement of prediction regarding the results of the problem or issue. Briefly identify your working solution to the problem. How might your working solution solve the problem? Be sure to note that your working solution will evolve through continued research and analysis.
Measurement and analysis approach: Define the key points that you will research, and explain how you will gather and analyze the data you find. Intend to incorporate information related to technology and crime statistics that apply to your issue.
Applicable resources: Identify 5 sources that you have found that are the most relevant and best support your purpose statement. List the sources, and then record the main idea as notes to use as part of your research later. Identify case studies, library, Web, and other scholarly resources.
Ethical standards: What are ethical and legal responsibilities to ensure that your final report will be of the highest ethical standards?

ANSWER

Drug Rehabilitation v. Incarceration

America Intercontinental University

Thesis Statement

Prisons and jails cost the government huge amounts of money due to the high numbers of prison populations. The tough economic times have made policymakers in different jurisdictions of the criminal justice system to consider ways in which they can reduce the resources expedited on incarceration. Notably, in the US alone incur incarceration costs of around $80 billion per year (Lewis and Lockwood, 2019). However, such a figure is considered to be an underestimate of the true costs of imprisonment because it ignores aspects such as social costs. When courts have ordered that drug offenders be sent to prison, billions of dollars have been spent and the likelihood of recidivism increases (Byrne, Pattavina, & Taxman, 2015). However, drug rehabilitation is one of the approaches that is a cheaper and more effective method for addressing drug offenders. The rehabilitation of drug offenders is an effective alternative to incarceration because of its ability to socially reintegrate drug offenders and also reduce prison populations and ultimately, the cost of incarceration. The proposed study will research the impact of using rehabilitation as opposed to the incarceration of drug offenders on the prison population and the costs of running prisons and jails.

Research Questions

The proposed report will seek to respond to the following research questions:-

RQ1: What are the effects of drug rehabilitation compared to incarceration on the criminal justice system?

RQ2: What is the impact of drug rehabilitation compared to incarceration on the lives of the drug offenders?

Hypothesis

            At the end of the study, it is expected that rehabilitation will be found to be an effective method for the resolution of the problem of the high number of prison populations as well as the high costs of running the prison and jails. Additionally, it is hypothesized that rehabilitation will be found to be a better alternative to incarceration because it leads to better lives for drug offenders who are socially reintegrated into society.  When more drug offenders are sent to rehabilitation, the prison populations decrease because a significant number of those incarcerated are those found guilty of different drug-related offences. Additionally, the costs of running prisons and jails are expected to reduce because, with a smaller number of prisoners, the amounts expended on providing for their stay in prison will be significantly reduced. However, it is vital to note that the effects of rehabilitation in the resolution of the problem of high costs and overcrowding of prisons and jails will evolve as the research progresses.

Measurement and Analysis

The key points that will be the focus of the proposed research are how rehabilitation can be used as an alternative to incarceration. Specifically, the study will seek to find out the effects that rehabilitation will have on the issues of high prison populations and high costs of running the prisons. Data on these issues will be gathered through a variety of scholarly articles. Articles, books, and reports will be used for the collection of vital information for the study. Additionally, drug-related crime statistics from different government reports will be gathered. After the collection of data from different sources, the analysis will be done via thematic analysis. Specifically, common themes will be identified from the data and information gathered to make meaning out the information. The analysis made from such data and information will then, form the basis for any conclusions made about the impact of rehabilitation on prison populations and the costs of running prison facilities.

Annotated Bibliography

Orrick, E. A., & Vieraitis, L. M. (2015). The cost of incarceration in Texas: Estimating the benefits of reducing the prison population. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(2), 399-415.

The main idea of this case study is that incarceration resulting from drug-related offences in Texas is very expensive because it has resulted in the ballooning of the state budgets. As such, the authors suggest that alternative solutions such as rehabilitation can lead to a reduction in prison populations and save on costs of incarceration.

Byrne, J. M., Pattavina, A., & Taxman, F. S. (2015). International trends in prison upsizing and downsizing: in search of evidence of a global rehabilitation revolution. Victims & Offenders, 10(4), 420-451.

            This article’s main idea is that prisons all over the world are turning into rehabilitation as one of the approaches to downsize prisons through the use of treatment options for those charged and convicted with drug abuse. This article proposes the use of a global rehabilitation revolution that will see an abandonment of incarceration as the primary mechanism for handling drug-related crimes.

Lutman, B., Lynch, C., & Monk-Turner, E. (2015). De-demonizing the ‘Monstrous’ drug addict: A qualitative look at social reintegration through rehabilitation and employment. Critical Criminology, 23(1), 57-72.

The principal idea; in this article, is that those found guilty of drug addiction charges should be specifically integrated through both rehabilitation and employment. The author considers the costs associated with incarceration as well as how incarceration can lead to recidivism. As such, the article proposes that drug addicts should be rehabilitated and finally employed to prevent them from engaging in further drug-related crime.

Clark, N., Dolan, K., & Farabee, D. (2017). Public health alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 23(3).

This paper argues that many jurisdictions have come to recognize the various negative effects of incarceration for those found guilty of drug-related offences. As such, it proposes that the provision of treatment and rehabilitation, as well as the social reintegration of drug offenders, can lead to decongestion of prisons and better lives for the offenders.

Supchokpul, A. (2018). The Possibility of Using Electronic Monitoring as an Alternative to Imprisonment for Drug Offenders. International Journal of Crime, Law and Social Issues, 5(1).

The authors of this paper appreciate the importance of finding alternatives to imprisonment. Specifically, they propose that electronic monitoring of the offenders can be used as an approach to ensuring the betterment of the drug offenders. Additionally, rehabilitation is touted; in the article, as a possible method for dealing with drug offenders.

Ethical Standards

            To make sure that the final report will be of the highest ethical standards, various ethical and legal responsibilities will be observed. One of those is ensuring that the resources used in the report are well referenced. Specifically, any information, from other scholars, used in the report will be well cited inside the report and at the end. Notably, it is vital to acknowledge other people work. As such, plagiarism will be avoided by ensuring that the work of others is acknowledged. The legal issue that will be considered is that of possible breach of intellectual property rights. The researcher will ensure that all works of others are acknowledged and cited in a standard manner to address this legal issue.

References

Byrne, J. M., Pattavina, A., & Taxman, F. S. (2015). International trends in prison upsizing and downsizing: in search of evidence of a global rehabilitation revolution. Victims & Offenders, 10(4), 420-451.

Clark, N., Dolan, K., & Farabee, D. (2017). Public health alternatives to incarceration for drug offenders. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 23(3).

Lewis, N. And Lockwood, B. (2019). The Hidden Cost of Incarceration. The Marshal Project. Retrieved from https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/12/17/the-hidden-cost-of-incarceration

Lutman, B., Lynch, C., & Monk-Turner, E. (2015). De-demonizing the ‘Monstrous’ drug addict: A qualitative look at social reintegration through rehabilitation and employment. Critical Criminology, 23(1), 57-72.

Orrick, E. A., & Vieraitis, L. M. (2015). The cost of incarceration in Texas: Estimating the benefits of reducing the prison population. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(2), 399-415.

Supchokpul, A. (2018). The Possibility of Using Electronic Monitoring as an Alternative to Imprisonment for Drug Offenders. International Journal of Crime, Law and Social Issues, 5(1).

43

Free and fair trade issues between at least two countries  

QUESTION

Article must be less than one month old from a reputable news source.
Summarize article
What is the issue?
Explain why this issue is important to the global community
Evaluate the source
What is your opinion?
Scan a copy of the article required.  

ANSWER

Free and Fair Trade Issues between China and United States

Summary

The article by Laura He under the CNN Business column provides an exciting overview of a possible escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China over mutual blame over the coronavirus pandemic. The Article highlights that the pandemic has left both economies in deepest contractions with massive job losses that they would not stand another trade war. Nonetheless, the trade relationship between the two global bigwigs was already in the balance before the pandemic with the United States’ President Trump threatening with new tariffs on China. This fate could only worsen with the intensifying technology war. The article further points out the unrealistic demands by the U.S, which, when examined from China’s perspective and economic reality, only threatens the global economic recovery after the pandemic.

The Issue and its Importance

The global economic challenges arising from coronavirus pandemic puts the economy in a situation that the newly emerging trade wars can only further complicate the recovery. The situation demands ultimate cooperation by major global countries, which makes the US-china trade war the last thing the economy needs. The trade relationship between U.S and China was already at its worst before the pandemic, which makes the fact that Wuhan city of China being the epicenter of the outbreak can only worsen the situation. The tariffs and limitations on the use of U.S software by Chinese technological firms make honoring such unrealistic demands impossible, a stale that will affect the trade deals and global economic recovery.

Opinion and Source Evaluation

The trade wars between these countries are not only going to affect their economies but the globe. Therefore, with most countries still struggling to contain the virus, the rising tensions and trade wars will slow critical technological innovations and global economic recovery. The CNN Business column that has provided this article is one of the most reliable sources with well-researched information that considers experts’ opinions. 

Reference

He, L. (May 19, 2020). A US-China trade war is the last thing the world economy needs now. Retrieved from: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/19/economy/us-china-trade-war-resume-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html

44

Modalities and Trends    

QUESTION

Discuss Modalities and Trends    

ANSWER

Use of Feedback in Curriculum Development

Use of Feedback in Curriculum Development

            Feedback remains an excellent way of developing a curriculum. This work develops a proposal on how and when to include stakeholder feedback into the development of curriculum. It starts off with the nurse educator’s role in soliciting stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum followed by a highlight of the role of internal and external subject matter experts in curriculum development. The work then delves into the faculty members’ roles in curriculum development and how to use faculty and student feedback in the implementation, evaluation, development and revision of curriculum. It concludes with a brief overview of the value of piloting courses before their full implementation.

Nurse Educator’s Role in Soliciting Stakeholder Feedback

            The nurse educator performs several roles to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum. Through formative (throughout the year) and summative (toward the end of the school year) assessments, nurse educators generate feedback from students which enables them to evaluate the curriculum (Staykova, 2013). Through a peer feedback model, nurse educators can observe one another and thus provide feedback and support to each other while identifying areas to be revised in the curricula (Gormally, Evans, & Brickman, 2014). For clinicians and nurse managers, the nurse educator plays a consultative role in soliciting their feedback concerning the curriculum (Belita, Carter, & Bryant-Lukosius, 2019). Hence, the nurse educator performs several roles to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum.

Role of Internal and External Subject Matter Experts in Curriculum Development

            Internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development. Subject matter experts (SMEs) have worked in a field long enough for their knowledge to be considered second nature. Thus, they help define objectives, provide content, identify likely scenarios, validate and refine the course material (Gumienny, 2017). The external SMEs however, have a separate vantage point and thus can easily spot errors not easily noted by an internal SME. Thus, they complement each other. Therefore, internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development. 

Faculty members’ roles in curriculum development

            Faculty members play several roles in curriculum development. As Keating (2017) explains, nursing schools are recruiting new faculty, with little or no experience in academia, to address the nursing faculty shortage. Faculty members are thus tasked with the responsibility of orienting and mentoring such staff to familiarize them with the curriculum requirements for its effective implementation and development. By applying learner-centered theories, faculty members are also charged with the responsibility of effective teaching for the implantation and development of curriculum. Apart from taking part in curriculum accreditation activities, they are also expected to ensure the curriculum is up to date and in line with current educational trends. Therefore, faculty members play several roles in curriculum development.

Using Faculty and Student Feedback in the Implementation, Evaluation, Development and Revision of Curriculum

            For the best results, a two-stage process should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback. First, the feedback is analyzed. Do the faculty members or students find any fault with the curriculum? Is there need for a review? These, among other questions, are addressed in the analysis. Second, solutions are designed based on the feedback and the problems identified from the analysis. This ensures the views of key stakeholders (faculty members and students) are incorporated into the curriculum. Thus, a two-stage process should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback to ensure optimum results.

Use of Piloting Courses

            Piloting courses are very important before fully implementing them. As Hassan, Schattner and Mazza (2006) concur, the pilot courses help to identify flaws before the full implementation. Furthermore, it provides a better understanding of how to implement the courses. Hence, piloting courses are very important before fully implementing them. 

            In summary, feedback remains an excellent way of developing a curriculum. The nurse educator performs several roles such as student assessments, peer feedback and consultations to solicit stakeholder feedback for the creation and revision of curriculum. Internal and external subject matter experts play a complementary role in curriculum development as an external SME has a separate vantage point and thus can easily spot errors not easily noted by an internal SME. Faculty members are tasked with several responsibilities in curriculum development such as orienting and mentoring new staff, effective teaching taking part in curriculum accreditation activities and ensuring the curriculum is up to date and in line with current educational trends. A two-stage process, analysis and design of solutions, should be adopted in the use of faculty and student feedback for optimum results. Finally, piloting courses offer immense use in identifying flaws and better implementation procedures before their full implementation.

References

Belita, E., Carter, N., & Bryant-Lukosius, D. (2019). Stakeholder Engagement in Nursing Curriculum Development and Renewal Initiatives: A Review of the Literature. Quality Advancement in Nursing Education-Avancées en formation infirmière, 6(1), 2.

Gormally, C., Evans, M., & Brickman, P. (2014). Feedback about teaching in higher ed: Neglected opportunities to promote change. CBE—Life Sciences Education, 13(2), 187-199.

Gumienny, K. (2017). The SME Role in Course Development. Retrieved from on https://www.microassist.com/learning-dispatch/sme-course-development/ June 14, 2020.

Hassan, Z. A., Schattner, P., & Mazza, D. (2006). Doing a pilot study: why is it essential?. Malaysian family physician: the official journal of the Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia, 1(2-3), 70.

Keating, S., B. (2017). The Role of Faculty in Curriculum Development and Evaluation. Retrieved from https://nursekey.com/the-role-of-faculty-in-curriculum-development-and-evaluation/ on June 14, 2020.

 Staykova, M. P. (2013). Curriculum Pearls for Faculty Members. Journal of Curriculum and Teaching, 2(1), 74-82.

45

Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care

QUESTION

Task one:
Using an appropriate reflective model, provide a reflective account on the experience of producing your improvement plans for Liverpool Community Health Trust (70 marks).

Task two:
Design a Personal Development Plan to address any skills gap that you identified (during your reflection) in producing your improvement plans. (20 marks).

Reading List/ Resources/ References
1. Juran J. (1988). On Planning for Quality: Free Press: New York

2. The Chartered Quality Institute (2017) What is Quality? available at
https://www.quality.org

3. www.nice.org.uk www.england.nhs.uk

4. The Kings Fund (2015) Leadership and Leadership Development in Healthcare: The Evidence Base
London: FMLM

5. Moon, J (2004). A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning London, Routledge Falmer
6. Buchanan D & Huczniski A. (2017). Organizational Behaviour (9th edition)

7. Mullins,L.(2016). Management and Organisational Behaviour (16th edition) Pearson: Edinburgh

8. Bessant, J. & Tidd, J. (2015) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sussex: Wiley

9. Harrison, M. (2004). Implementing Change in Health System London: Sage

ANSWER

REFLECTIVE ACCOUNT

Introduction

This is a reflective account of my experience on writingassignment for an improvement plan for Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust (LCH). I researched and read about LCH case study to understand the issue that should be addressed in my writing assignment. According to Kirkup (2018, p.5)LCH trouble began when the Trust set infeasible cost improvement measures and got fixated on attaining the Foundation Trust (FT) status. The cost improvement approach meant that LCH had to implement massive cost-savings, which included a reduction in staff numbers. The workers who raised concerns about poor service delivery were bullied and distraught and became afraid to voice their dissatisfaction. Likewise, the staff lacked training in medication management, record keeping, and patient management, resulting in drug administration errors, deaths of patients, and avoidable patient harm. Similarly, these failures were replicated in the HMP Liverpool health center, where LCH provide healthcare services to prisoners (Kirkup, 2018, p.7). This paper reflects onmy experience writing an improvement plan for LCH case study and a personal development plan to address my shortcomings during the experience and an action plan on how to improve my skills.

Gibbs's Reflective Cycle Steps

Graham Gibbs in 1988 created the Gibbs Reflective Cycle to encourage individuals to think systematically regarding their experiences during a particular circumstance, event or activity. I am using the Gibbs reflective cycle to reflect on my writing experience developing an improvement plan for LCH case study. The Gibb’s model gives me the opportunity to learn what I can do to improve patient care in my practice as a community nurse after learning from the LCH case study the causes of patient harm.  Learning happens when a nurse undertakes reflection on the incidences experienced on duty or on academic work. The Gibbs's reflective cycle has six phases: situation description, feelings, evaluation, analysis of what is learned, conclusion, and the action plan for the future. 

Step One: Description

I am reflecting on my experience on writing an improvement plan to address the patient harm safety concern for LCH. I started by mapping out my research ideas by writing down the factors as per the case study caused patient harm. I used a mind map tool to settle on the research topic of “Preventing Patient Harm at LCH” as a single map. Afterwards, I listed all the sources and created branches for each page I wanted to use that relates to this research topic. Next to the source title, I wrote down the topics covered in each source, its main question and significant passages that I thought I wanted to quote in my research. The incident at hand was providing an improvement plan for LCH after the CQC report highlighted that LCH caused unnecessary patient harm for several years and undue stress to employees who sometimes were bullied and harassed when they raised worries about the deterioration regarding patient services.

Developing the mind map took me a day. I had to be mindful with managing my time because the assignment had a deadline which was almost due and I have not started writing the assignment. After connecting ideas in the mind map, I narrowed down to the following as the possible improvement plan for preventing patient harm at LCH:

• Reinforcing the usage of the electronic prescribing and alert framework. Use automated information systems like computerized provider order entry (CPOE) to decrease the alert burden by concentrating on clinical-related warnings. Drugs order will be processed via CPOE.
• Education and training of the employees is a crucial element in improving safety in LCH. Education interventions to enhance the prescription and administration of drugs might influence clinical conduct about enhanced adherence to guidelines.
• Fostering and supporting the usage of medication reconciliation by clinicians. Medication reconciliation is the formal procedure of creating and recording a reliable, definitive list of drugs across transitions of care and afterward fixing any inconsistencies. Increased drug inconsistencies at discharge are linked with an amplified number of prescribed medications, emphasizing the need to tackle poly-pharmacy as a multi-faceted risk to patient health.

Step Two: Feelings

I was afraid that I would not complete the assignment on time because the CQC report was so detailed with several pages to read from and make recommendations. I decided to use a diary to plan my tasks daily. Making a task plan made me feel I was making progress because I had a task goal of reading three pages of the CQC report daily and making suggestions from what I read. I was able to complete reading the CQC report in two days.

Step Three: Evaluation

The things that were good was that from writing this assignment, I learned as a community nurse, importanceof examining the medication chart meticulously while adhering to the five rights of drugs administration. I felt upset to learn that these patient harms happened and were never reported for several years. The fact that such mistakes happened and remained unreported emphasized shortcomings in the LCH system(Marquis and Huston 2009, p.30). I learned a lot from the LCH case study regarding procedures, factual insights, and prescribing abilities. I now acknowledge the significance of clinical cases reporting and guaranteeing that systems foster individual and team learning. What did not work well to my advantage was the time constraint that I had. The short time-span I had to submit the assignment made me forgo social meetings for four daysjust to finalize on my work.

Step Four: Analysis

This writing experience made me apprehend how easy it is for severe errors to happen and possibly cause patient harm when operating in a complex and bulldozed structure as LCH. The significance of a supportive environment, interpersonal communication, employee training, and personal responsibility were emphasized.  The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 highlighted that several patients suffer injury or death yearly because of preventable medical errors (WHO 2016, P.10). Drug administration is among the highest-risk areas of nursing practice, which should be given considerable attention by LCH stakeholders. Accordingly, meticulous ad comprehensive processes and standards exist to ensure secure, legal, and effective practice. Examples are the Medicines Act (1968) and the NMC’s Regulations for medicines administration. The QCQ report on LCH highlighted that factors such as overworked employees, lack of training, poor communication between healthcare providers and patients, inefficient drug knowledge and experience, insufficient patient knowledge, and inadequate perception of risk were responsible patient harm. The 1987 Consumer Protection Act and 1968 Medicines Act demand that to administer drugs, the practitioners must ensure that the correct medication is given, at the proper time, to the right patient, in suitable drug form, and at the right dose.

The NMC (2015) Code highlights that medication administration is an area of worry for public security and the principles outlined by the law should be followed. LCH patient harm as a safety concern underscored the need for vigilance as practitioners. Concerning the reporting of patient harm as a result of drug errors,Stein (2003, p.460) discovered that nurses indicated fear of disciplinary action if they report patient harm cases. The regulations for medicine administration by the NMC (2015) advises healthcare providers that an open culture should exist to foster the prompt reporting of errors or cases. To learn from mistakes, Hewitt-Taylor (2013, p.35) argue that practitioners first should admit that a mistake has happened. These mistakes should be used as a learning experience to deliberate on and avoid them from occurring again.

As stated by Stein (2003, p.462), medical errors can be partly linked to the failure of several health practitioners to deliberate on their professional practice. The ability to decisively reflect on one’s practice is vital to improving and maintaining proficiency. In 2008, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) employed national standards in developing goals and measurable results for reflective practice groups to enhance mental awareness of employees, with the intent of producing beneficial transformations both to an individual’s practice and the hospital procedures and practice (NICE, 2009).

Step Five:Conclusion

In retrospect, the knowledge I have gained from this writing experience I would use it to do things differently as a community nurse working at Hertforshire NHS Community Trust.  As a community nurse, this writing experience made me learn the significance of putting the patients' well-being at the forefront by providing quality care. Quality care can be provided when a nurse is competent and knowledgeable hence personal development as a practitioner is crucial(Harrison 2004, p.35). I could have advocated for increased staffing because employee’s burnout resulted in patient harm because of high workload and tiredness if I was a Nurse Director at LCH. Increasing the staffing ratios could have prevented the ensuing chain of events.

Step Six: Action Plan

In future, I intend to enroll in leadership training course because I aspire to become a nurse director. The leadership training will give me the knowledge of effective governance in a healthcare setting and creating a friendly and supportive environment that fosters a culture of excellence. Likewise, I intend to enroll in drug management training course to become more competent andknowledgeable in this field and also empower me in dealing with diverse patients. 

Learning Style

My preferred learning style was Peter Honey and Alan Mumford (1986). After filling the Honey and Mumford questionnaire, the score indicated that I am a pragmatist learner. For example,while researching on the LCH case, I discovered about the 1987 Consumer Protection Act and 1968 Medicines Act that as a community nurse I should follow when dispensing medication. Hence, after completing my BSN, I plan to pursue a course in medication management.

Critical Incident

Researching and writing this assignment made me realize as a future nurse leader, the significantof havingcompetent nursing staff in providing quality care. While reading the CQC report, I noticed that lack of training and work overload were the primary reason for medical errors. As a community nurse this incident made me realize the significance of employee training in improving productivity.

Skills Gap Analysis

I realized that I have great analysis and critical thinking skills because I analyzed the case study and suggested improvement plans suitable for LCH scenario. However, I realized that my time management skills required some improvement I did not complete the assignment as planned in my task diary. Also, I need to improve on my grammar and punctuation because when I reviewed my work, I realized some punctuation and grammatical errors.

How the Context Influenced My Experience (Covid-19)

The LCH case context as a community nurse enhanced my awareness on self-care more so during this COVID-19 period. Likewise, the case context highlighted the significance of due diligence as a nurse practioner in delivering patient care. During this COVID-19 I follow due diligence by washing my hands, keeping social distance and wearing a mask to prevent infection and following COVID-19 protocols at the hospital to keep patients safe. Likewise, I sensitize my neighborhood residents on these safety measures too.

Time Management Issues

I deliveredthe assignment before the deadline, but I did not operate within the timeframe as I wrote down in my task diary. The assignment completion delayed by one more day because I needed more time to review my work.

What I Learned and How it Will Impact My Future Career

From this writing experience, I learned that quality care can be provided when a nurse is competent and knowledgeable hence personal development as a practitioner is crucial. This has inspired me to complete my BSN. I plan to study and get an Adult Acute/Critical Care Nursing certification. Behavioral theory best supports my role as a team leader during this teamwork.

Personal Development Plan (PDP)

A PDP is a written explanation of self-reflection and development, which act as a detailed action plan utilized in fulfilling academic, career or personal centered goals. The purpose of a PDP is to assist workforce attain short and long-term career objectives and also improve present job performance (Greenan, 2016, p.330).

Part 1 – Personal Analysis

Setting Goals

Part 3

Personal Objectives

In conclusion, this writing assignment made me learnthat leaders with emotional intelligence allow their members to express their sentiments openly and honestly to avert patient safety issues. Likewise completing this assignment made me contemplate on my personal analysis as a nurse practitioner, andI devised a personal development plan as a blueprint on how to enhance my skills to improve in my career. Likewise, I used this personal reflection to learn more concerning myself. To handle my weaknesses as a transformative leader, I cautiously examined the abilities that I lacked or needed improvements and devised an action plan to attain my goals.

Reference List

Greenan, P., 2016. Personal development plans: insights from a case-based approach. Journal of Workplace Learning.28(5), pp.322-334.

Harrison, M.I., 2004. Implementing change in health systems: market reforms in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Sage.

Hewitt-Taylor, J., 2013. Planning successful change incorporating processes and people. Nursing Standard (through 2013), 27(38), p.35.

Marquis, B.L., and Huston, C.J., 2009. Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Moon, J. A., 2004. A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. Psychology Press.

National Institute for Clinical Excellence, 2009. Using national standards to develop aims, objectives, and measurable outcomes for reflective practice groups on older people’s mental health wards. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nice.org.uk/usingguidance.sharedlearningimplementingniceguidance/examplesofimplementation/eximpresults.jsp?o=344

 Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015. The Code. Available at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/nmc-publications/nmc-code.pdf

Stein, H., 2003. From (non-)reflective practice to medical mistakes: a case within a story. Families, Systems & Health, 21(4), 459-463.

Kirkup, B., 2018. Report of the Liverpool Community Health independent review. NHS Improvement. retrieved from https://improvement.nhs.uk/documents/2403/LiverpoolCommunityHealth_IndependentReviewReport_V2.pdf

World Health Organization, 2016.  Medication Errors. Retrieved from https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/252274/9789241511643-eng.pdf;jsessionid=814FF7B760E643D4ECFF4A9123AE05DA?sequence=1

46

Community Health NHS Trust

QUESTION

Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust
Patients suffered “significant harm” because of multiple serious failings by a
“dysfunctional” NHS trust, an independent inquiry has found. Liverpool Community Health NHS trust (LCH) provided poor, unsafe and ineffective care to patients, including inmates at HMP Liverpool, the scathing report concluded.
An independent panel, commissioned by the regulator NHS Improvement, also found that the trust had “a climate of fear” as a result of the harassment and bullying of staff who raised concerns.
The findings of the panel, led by Dr Bill Kirkup, are among the most damning of an NHS trust’s actions since Robert Francis QC’s landmark report into the Mid Staffs care scandal, published five years ago.
“The trust not only failed in its duty to provide safe and effective services, it concealed this from external bodies. Both patients and staff suffered harm for too long as a result,” said the panel, which investigated LCH’s conduct between 2010 and 2014.
The trust’s board “became blind to the real concerns that began to arise throughout the organisation” as staff voiced anxiety about plans to reduce its headcount and the impact that would have on patient care.
“Serious incidents causing patient harm were not reported, not investigated and lessons not learned. The result was unnecessary harm to patients,” the report added.
The panel highlighted a catalogue of failings by LCH, including that:
• It sought to achieve unfeasibly ambitious savings targets in a bid to become a semi-independent NHS foundation trust. While 4% is the usual upper limit of annual gains, it tried to save 15% of its budget in one year.
• The “drastic cost improvement measures” it decided to pursue mainly involved cutting staff, even though it was already understaffed.
• Staff who raised concerns about those plans suffered harassment, bullying and “extreme action”, including being suspended for months at a time without being told what they had done wrong.
But mounting problems at LCH went undetected for four years because NHS local and national bodies, including the Care Quality Commission and NHS England, failed to monitor it properly, the inquiry found.
“Patients put their faith in the NHS, and they should be able to trust that dangerous and dysfunctional services will be dealt with immediately. Sadly, that has not been the case here and it took the help of a local MP to sound the alarm, and many years for the full facts to emerge,” said Jeremy Taylor, chief executive of National Voices, a coalition of more than 150 health and social care charities.
Ian Dalton, NHS Improvement’s chief executive, said he would not comment on Kirkup’s findings until March, despite their seriousness. The Department of Health and Social Care said: “The leadership failings identified at Liverpool Community Health trust before 2014 were unacceptable and highlight the importance of fundamental reforms to patient safety that the government has made, including the CQC’s independent inspection regime and the special measures programme, which identifies quickly where hospitals have difficulties and puts in place a
comprehensive package of support to help improve care for patients.” (The
Guardian 2018)
Task one:
Using process mapping as a tool, identify and analyse an aspect of service failure in the above case study. Note that you are expected to undertake wider research on the case study. (50 marks)
Task two:
Following your analysis, provide five recommendations for improving the service delivery. (20 marks).
Task three:
Devise an implementation plan which could be used to implement two of your above suggested recommendations. (20 marks).
10 marks will be reserved for the overall quality of the assignment in terms of: appropriate use of referencing, extent and evidence of research, structure of the submission, coverage of issues, presentation and use of appropriate language.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Task one points to consider
• Inquiry Findings; focus on only one aspect of service failure
• Process mapping; failure map versus ideal map
• Organizational standards and expectations; (mission / vision of the organisation)
• National Quality Standards; NICE / CQC
Task two points to consider
• National & Local quality standards
• Evidence based practice
• Benchmarking
• Your recommendations need to directly address the service failure that you have analysed
Task three points to consider
• Stakeholder groups
• SMART objectives; tabular format

About this Module -Introduction

In this era of accessible information, health and social care consumers are more knowledgeable and demand high quality service and products; yesterday’s base-standards are soon not enough, and quality improvement is at the core of health and social care delivery. The Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care module will deepen the quality improvement capability and capacity of the postgraduate MBA students.

Ideas about improvement stem largely from the early days of the quality revolution with the pioneering (Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA)) work of W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran’s trilogy of quality (control, planning and improvement) and Crosby and Peters four absolutes of quality, and Six Sigma in the post second world war years. This paved the way for the work of Donabedian and Ovretveit in a health care context. It can be argued that Improvement as a set of concepts and principles is a natural successor to notions embodied within Total Quality Management (TQM).

A key focus for this module is the emphasis on the link between theory and practice, which is aimed at enabling the student to appreciate key concepts surrounding improvement by applying them to real-life health and social care practice contexts. Using scenarios and real-life case studies, students will have the opportunity to develop their abilities and skills to analyse real-life professional practice issues. In concert with such analysis, students will explore the range of achievable plans for quality improvement. Students will also develop skills to critique the implementation of each plan formulated, especially its implementation, in consideration of leveraging any actual or anticipated drivers including change agents, while addressing barriers and resistance; by way of proposing management action to drive quality improvement.

Reading List/ Resources/ References
1. Juran J. (1988). On Planning for Quality: Free Press: New York

2. The Chartered Quality Institute (2017) What is Quality? available at
https://www.quality.org

3. www.nice.org.uk www.england.nhs.uk

4. The Kings Fund (2015) Leadership and Leadership Development in Healthcare: The Evidence Base
London: FMLM

5. Moon, J (2004). A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning London, Routledge Falmer
6. Buchanan D & Huczniski A. (2017). Organizational Behaviour (9th edition)

7, Mullins,L.(2016). Management and Organisational Behaviour (16th edition) Pearson: Edinburgh

8. Bessant, J. & Tidd, J. (2015) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sussex: Wiley

9. Harrison, M. (2004). Implementing Change in Health System London: Sage

ANSWER

Quality Improvement in Health and Social Care

Introduction

Liverpool Community Hospital NHS Trust was formed with a new Board and senior employees and got insufficient inspection since it was perceived as low-risk, partly because of the nature of the services offered. The outcome was avoidable harm to patients over several years and preventable stress for employees who were, in some instances, bullied and distraught when they attempted to raise concerns regarding worsening inpatient services. These failures were recurrent in the health services LCH offered to HMP Liverpool and added partly to the more significant challenges facing the prison. This paper analyzes the aspect of patient harm as service failure from this case study. This paper also provides recommendations and improvement plans on how LCH can correct the patient harm challenges.

Task 1

In the recent past, substantial investment has been channeled to healthcare service restructuring methods in dealing with the rising problems confronted by the sector, such as the aging population, limited funding, and medical inflation.  Appleby (2015) highlights that as the Health and Social Care Act began in 2012, the UK government spent averagely £1.5 billion in launching prevalent performance development changes to NHS services. Initiatives like process remodel, and health data structures implementation is always pursued togrow the productivity and quality of healthcare supplied while concurrently decreasing waiting times. Pickles et al. (2008, p.5) assert that health service restructuring programs have conventionally concentrated on two areas; performance improvement and supervisory limitations, patient encounter, and less consideration. A competent and conforming procedure does not certainly imply an extraordinary experience will be conveyed (Bate & Robert,2006, p.308). For example, a patient might get an appointment fast, but their broad experience will be miserable if, for instance, the waiting room is congested. The patient encounter should be the primary objective, together with delivering performance enhancement and meeting limitations. 

From the outset, LCH was a dysfunctional organisation that acted inaptly in pursuit of Foundation Trust (FT) status, planning infeasible financial targets that dented patient services. LCH provided services that were ill-equipped to handle mainly prison healthcare in HMP Liverpool. The Board and Senor leadership of LCH failed to acknowledge that LCH was beyond its depth and never considered the outcomes. Employees were overburdened, demotivated, and in some situations, bullied. External NHS bodies failed to realize the challenges for four years as the management team as inexperienced and new (Kirkup, 2018, p.3). LCH Board's main goal was to become an FT, although frontline employees never shared this viewpoint. This goal dominated the management team's time and focus, and they and the Board became blind to the real concerns that started arising in the company. 

LCH has enough contract revenue to continue with the previous service level when it started. LCH was asked by its commissioners to attain a very substantial cost-saving over the next four years. It seems to have provided no challenges to the viability of achieving this while sustaining current service levels. CCGs and NHSE commissioned LCH services, and it is not apparent that any had a general view on the cumulative effect. This naivety on the LCH part tipped it into a situation of massive cost pressures. Coupled with their acknowledgment of an unsustainable revenue position, LCH undertook to produce an enormous cash surplus in the same period (Kirkup, 2018, p.4). This seems to have been triggered by the desire to show a strong financial position to get the FT application. However, the cumulative effect of this with the revenue reduction was not sufficiently deliberated. To tackle the external and self-imposed cost pressures, the management team began on various radical cost-improvement measures. The suggested cost improvement primarily entailed decreasing staff numbers given the community services nature. Suggestions were subject to quality impact assessment (QIA). This procedure should have recognized the adverse impacts on services and whether they could alleviate. If adverse impacts were deemedinsurmountable, the suggestion would have been abandoned. However, these evaluations were deficient in LCH and failed to recognize the visible adverse impacts of the proposals that were executed. When QIAs are done, they were not actively handled nor thoroughly reviewed. 

The adverse effects of such an ambitious cost improvement program were firstly a demotivated staff. The staff were not involved in the staff reductions plan and felt they were not listened to. Hence sick leave amongst staff rose, which worsened staffing levels further. Secondly, though it was apparent that most staff endeared to compensate for employee reductions, it is equally evident that services started to suffer irrespective of their efforts (Kirkup, 2018, p.4). The frequency of patient harm cases subject to compulsory reporting nationally grew, comprising pressure ulcers and falls. Other occurrences, some grave, should have been reported and investigated. But staff highlighted that reporting was dejected, the investigation was inadequate, events were continually downgraded in significance, andaction planning for improvement was lacking or invisible.

At Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust (LCH), patient experience was not considered in their healthcare delivery.  Prevention of patient harm is foremost to health services quality, comprising their safety, and relies on some vital elements. Firstly, clinical care must be offered based on evidence-based criteria, by adequately experienced and skilled staff working collaboratively. Secondly, there must be an organizational culture that fosters openness and learning through operative professional and managerial leadership and administration (Harrison, 2004, p.20). Thirdly, clinical governance must be useful, to allow timely identification of any deviation from the necessary standards, so that the causes are highlighted, and corrective measures executed speedily. According to the CQC’s report, staff who were confronted with substantial and always overwhelming challenges from the situations they were operating in, reacted to the problems by putting in more time, not taking days off, and training to manage excessive caseloads. Employees were doing their best to uphold patient safety and guarantee that they were treated with empathy and dignity regardless of the problems. Irrespective of these efforts, CQC’s report discovered that the care provided amid the review period was unsafe in noteworthy areas, that employees should not have been put in this situation, and that avoidable harm came to patients (Kirkup, 2018, p.15). The most affected services were community dentistry, intermediate care, and healthcare in HMP Liverpool. LCH staff operated in a reactive environment, and prevention work was not established promptly. LCH lacked appropriate reporting and care planning, which were severe patient safety indicators that should have provoked immediate action and an evaluation of the reporting culture in the Trust.

The process mapping tool below illustrate the barriers the patients experienced when accessing LCH services at the emergency department, and how these barriers were severe patient safety signs that should have triggered prompt action to prevent patient harm.

Task 2

Recommendations

LCH should embrace caring for patients as a team activity. Competent patient care depends on individual staff in a department working in effective collaboration. During complex care management, precise objectives should be written and agreed with patients, which all team members should know and communicate (Langley et al., 2009, p30). As a team, the staff should know their roles in enhancing the patient outcome and for the optimum delivery of care. Hence this calls for constant evaluations, reviews, handovers, briefings, and feedback amongst team members to foster professional relationships and Trust. Also, it encourages seamless care delivery and a transparent environment, mostly to avert care delays. LCH should improve their multi-disciplinary teamwork and communication during handovers and across the management and leadership at all levels. Also, clinicians should be actively involved in decision-making procedures.

LCH should adopt a “Just” culture where honesty and transparency are a crucial ingredient to recognize the root cause if care does not meet standards, or when care is not executed as planned. It mandates that staff operate in an open and transparent setting, where employees expose cases and identify near-miss incidences to avert adverse occurrences on care. Likewise, it obliges employees to pursue a duty of forthrightness procedure with patients and families when a patient safety incident happens and impairpublic confidence (Langley et al., 2009, p.20). LCH’s culture of prejudice,distrust, andanxiety, with an apparent absence of care for the employees' capability to offer services to the standards needed, impaired their compliance to declare incidents and learn from them.

LCH should adhere to Regulation 17 HSCA (RA) on good governance. LCH systems and procedures as per the CQC report were not often operated effectively in ensuring that the risks about the health, safety, and wellbeing of service users and others were evaluated, monitored and mitigated in a timely way. LCH has unacceptable waiting times in some allied health and treatment specialisms. The number of patients reporting to one team leader was excessive, and though this was documented as a danger, steps were not taken to mitigate this risk in a timely way. Operational, clinical governance is a prerequisite for all NHS providers to guarantee that patient safety and clinical efficiency are monitored and enhanced. This was lapses in care standards are recognized and corrected immediately. It relies on useful information, structures to supervise and evaluate, and leadership to guarantee that signals are not only accepted but are likewise acted upon (Langley et al., 2009, p35). Good clinical governance relies on pro-active intervention, mostly to guarantee that risks are acknowledged and that learning from safety occurrences leads to improvement.

To enhance patient safety, LCH should encourage constant staff training to be up to date with compulsory and legal training prerequisites, comprising fundamental life support training, which is of concern in a high-risk environment. 

LCH should use the decision support toolkit authorized by NICE to foster the systematic method of ascertaining the nursing staff necessities. Also, LCH should identify the suitable expertise and nursing aptitude mix needed in the team in meeting the nursing needs of LCH patients. The nursing staff requirement should be based on the staff hours and the activities that can be safelyassigned to trained and skilled staff. This will ease the problem of burdening staff excess workload. LCH should likewise consider hiring more staff because the current staff number they have been overwhelmed.

Task 3

Reducing Medication Management Errors using Root Cause Analysis

Safe care requires healthcare providers to make choices and act when facing dangerous circumstances that imperil patient security and handle possible incidents. Patient safety implies lessening the risk of unwarranted harm to a tolerable minimum. The healthcare providers oversee the risk process evaluation for the resultant decrease and prevention of patient harm. Mostly in inpatient settings, various factors add to incidents happening like patient severity, the usage of sophisticated equipment, amongst other factors. 

From the case study, IG&QC Meeting minutes in December 2014, an incident was identified where a patient was not given the prescribed epilepsy drugs, resulting in the patient having a seizure the next day. Also, there has been a near-miss when another patient was not given their medications for four weeks at HMP Liverpool (Kirkup, 2018, p.32). HMP Liverpool had no secure and suitable processes in place for controlled drugs management. There were no verifying and no double-signatory when drugs were distributed. The staff was not trained, and there was a failure to undertake continuously controlled medicine register inspections and weekly balance assessments when these incidents happened. The team was giving substitute drugs if the prescribed medication were out of stock. The staff was under pressure to administer medicine to many patients in a limited time, leading to teams finding inadequate methods to save time. 

The review further highlighted another medical error case where the patient was given medicine that was not prescribed for that medical condition. The notification registries highlighted that the drug was suspended and not communicated. From the interviews and observations done by the CQC report team, it was revealed that the medical warning is transcribed on an individual’s card for every patient and is used for workforces as a guide for drug administration (Kirkup, 2018, p.33). The cards are not customarily updated during the sift due to time constraints. Following case analysis, these unsafe actions were identified as the staff failure to revise the patient's card, which is a circumstance that could be avoided if the staff had communicated the change. Hence, insufficient communication amongst the nursing team, poor drug administration, lack of staff training, and competence and policies and procedures not being followed were identified as the contributing factors to the medication management errors at LCH that caused patient harm.

Therefore, to ensure safe care for patients at LCH, LCH must train the multi-disciplinary team on communication with importance given to topics linked to efficient communication when providing patient care (Kim & Bates,2006, p.150). Also, LCH must implement a program for the induction of staff and integrate this program in the Trust. For quality improvement to become an essential and daily practice at LCH, the Trust will establish a Quality Improvement Committee by August 30, 2020. The Committee will be tasked with ensuring that LCH receives zero patient harm cases through monitoring the performance improvement outcomes of staff and helping in key processes when needed.  Also, the Committee will perform monthly performance reviews. The Committee will also ensure that the team is trained on the quality improvement plan annually and other training on improving patient safety.

Plan, Do, Study, and Act Approach to Reduce Patient Harm Through Staff Training

Aim

By December 2020, LCH intends to improve on service delivery at HMP Liverpool caused by poor organizational culture, lack of systematic clinical governance, and clinical competence from 10% to 60%.

Plan

Activities to be done to effect the change.

Predict what will occur when the activity is done

Do: Describe what occurred when the activity was done.

Study: Describe the measured outcomes and how they compared to the predictions

Act: Describe what modification to the plan will be made for the next cycle from what you learned

In conclusion, this paper has adequately discussed the patient harm aspect of service failure in the case study. Also, this paper has provided recommendations for improvement, and devised an implementation plan for avoiding medical management errors and staff training.

Bibliography

Appleby, J., 2015. The Cost of Reform. Retrieved from http://www. kingsfund. org. uk/blog/2015/02/cost-reform.

Bate, P., and Robert, G., 2006. Experience-based design: from redesigning the system around the patient to co-designing services with the patient. BMJ quality & safety, 15(5), pp.307-310.

Bate, P., and Robert, G., 2006. Experience-based design: from redesigning the system around the patient to co-designing services with the patient. BMJ quality & safety, 15(5), pp.307-310.

Campbell, D. February 8, 2018. Liverpool NHS Trust 'Dysfunctional' and Unsafe, The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/08/liverpool-nhs-trust-dysfunctional-and-unsafe-report-finds

Harrison, M.I., 2004. Implementing change in health systems: market reforms in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Sage.

Kim, J., and Bates, D.W., 2006. Results of a survey on medical error reporting systems in Korean hospitals. International journal of medical informatics, 75(2), pp.148-155.

Kirkup, B., 2018. Report of the Liverpool Community Health independent review. NHS Improvement. retrieved from https://improvement.nhs.uk/documents/2403/LiverpoolCommunityHealth_IndependentReviewReport_V2.pdf

Langley, G.J., Moen, R.D., Nolan, K.M., Nolan, T.W., Norman, C.L., and Provost, L.P., 2009. The improvement guide: a practical approach to enhancing organizational performance. John Wiley & Sons.

Rogers, H., Pickles, J., Hide, E., and Maher, L., 2008. Experience-based design: a practical method of working with patients to redesign services. Clinical Governance: An International Journal.

47

Variable and absorption costing.

QUESTION

How they differ? And financial reporting through both.    

ANSWER

Absorption and Variable Costing Financial Reporting and Decision Making for Luxury Hotels in Egypt

Table of content for the study

1. Executive Summary
2. Abstract
3. Chapter 1: Introduction

• General description of areas of concern
• Significance of the problem
• Analysis of the theoretical basis of the study
• Criticize and analyze relevant literature
• Problem Statement
• Research questions objectives, and hypotheses of the study

4. Chapter 2: A Literature Review

• Historical background
• Theory related to research questions and hypotheses
• Current empirical literature related to research questions and hypotheses

5. Chapter 3: Research Methodology

• Participants of the study or the sampling technique for the study
• A measure of data.
• Research design
• Procedures
• Data analysis

6. Chapter 4: Results

• Statistical analysis to answer the research questions and hypotheses
• Data presented in tables and figures

7. Chapter 5: Discussions

• Summary of the study
• Conclusions of the study
• Limitations of the study
• Recommendations for future research

8. References
9. Appendices

Executive Summary

The main purpose for the study is to investigate the application of absorption and variable costing methods and their influence on financial reporting and decision making for hotel managers. The main demographics for the study include luxury hotels in the Egyptian market. The reason behind this study is the limited application of costing methods in the hotel industry. Besides studies in costing has had more focus in the manufacturing sector more than for service sectors such as the hotel industry. The research is structured as follows. First, there is a brief description of cost management in the hotel industry with an emphasis on the peculiarities of the sector and the offered products and services. Under the literature review section, there is an analysis of cost management issues in the hotel industry. The last section of this paper includes a detailed analysis of the research findings from a survey conducted on luxury hotels in Egypt.

Abstract

Managers make decisions based on internal and external factors surrounding their operations. Most external information depends on the overall state of the economy in which a firm and its rivals operate. The management of private information varies from one organization to another. Regardless of the type and industry of data, the internal reporting system depends on the firm's accounting channels, specifically management accounting. Management accounting, including budgeting and budgetary control and cost-based management, is concerned with the estimation of expenses and investments that a firm proposes to achieve its goals and objectives. Using the right control system such as marginal costing, absorption costing, activity-based costing combined with the right information technology system can significantly improve information flow and decision-making process for managers. A field of particular interest in studying management accounting techniques is the tourism sector, especially luxury hotels. Cost accounting techniques in the hotel industry aim to control costs to improve quality and performance and use the information in making strategic and tactical decisions. Although many theories on management accounting have relied on the manufacturing industry, this research is set to identify the peculiarities and unique circumstances that the hotel industry require using existing approaches. Therefore, the research will identify absorption and variable costing models adopted by the hotel industry and investigate how the latter influence financial reporting and decision-making process for managers.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1. General Description of the Areas of Concern

Cost accounting systems have become an important concept in the hotel industry as they improve the decision-making process. The development and evolvement of cost accounting theories accompanied by advances in information technology are vocal in improving the theoretical capabilities of cost accounting in the hotel industry. However, two main questions remain unanswered within the hotel industry. First is whether cost accounting theories play a role in significant improvements in the decision-making process for hotel managers. Second is whether many variables drive the success of cost accounting systems, including absorption and variable costing methods. The research aims to show how hotel managers need to be convinced of the application and use of cost accounting theories to make informed decisions on performance and improvement in the hotel industry.

1. Significance of the Problem

Managers across different industries are faced with management accounting decisions to provide accurate and timely information about internal and external factors affecting the business. While gathering this information, managers must uphold accounting principles such as transparency, reliability, and relevance to provide a true and fair view of the business affairs. Regardless of the type of information that varies from one organization to another, each organization has a peculiar internal reporting system that depends on accounting and management accounting channels. Management accounting mainly dwells on the budget and budgeting control systems and cost-based management techniques applied by the organization. Particularly, the budgeting part of every organization includes the estimation of expenses and allocation of resources within different cost centers to achieve its business goals and objectives. For improved control procedures, an organization must apply the right costing system. Some of the common costing systems include absorption costing, activity-based costing, marginal costing, and standard costing models. With the right information technology support, the costing models can significantly improve the information flows to management or directors for the hotel industry. The effectiveness of a combined costing and information technology system is reflected by the sound decision-making process measured in performance targets within the hotel industry (John, 1973). As a business grows, the demand for compliance and reporting to its stakeholders multiply. In this case, organizations in the hotel industry are allowed to customize their internal control processes for strategic and tactical decisions on management accounting issues for their stakeholders. 

• Theoretical Analysis of the Study

While many studies on managerial accounting have focused on the manufacturing industry, there is a particular interest in studying its application in the tourism industry, especially for hotels. Costing for hotel items has the objective of controlling costs, improving quality, and using the latter to make strategic and tactical decisions for competitive advantage. In the last decade, there has been significant growth in the hotel sector through the expansion of services and the expansion of hotels across borders. Luxury hotels such as the Hilton, Kempinski, Sarova, among others, not only do they offer lodging and food and beverage services but also offer a wide range of services, among them conference facilities, golf courses, and spa. Besides these services, luxurious hotels as a service industry offer coincide with consumer consumption (Collins International, 2013). The number of peculiarities and services in the hotel industry complicate cost and management accounting issues in determining the cost and return relationships and the making of vital tactical and strategic decisions. The cost and return relationship on individual activities are no longer applicable in the hotel industry because certain aspects of the business do not generate adequate revenues (Hemmington and King, 2000). In a simpler sense, there is a lack of management accounting capabilities to perform multiple costing systems in the hotel industry. Furthermore, the structure of tourist and hotel packages, especially the all-inclusive ones, make costing considerations more difficult for the industry (Bekiaris and Pinakoulaki, 2006).  Due to these arising challenges, the study of this research, therefore, makes it relevant in understanding cost accounting theories and how their application can improve decision-making procedures for luxurious hotels in Egypt. 

1. Problem Statement

Based on these challenges on applying the right costing system, there is a need for cost-based management specifically for absorption and variable costing. Previous studies in this area have documented cost accounting theories, including Mongeilo and Harris, 2006, and Harris and Brown, 1998. The use of cost accounting systems would help reveal the strengths and weaknesses, pricing and strategies, economies of scale, and help define key features and relationships that link, labor, capital, and materials for the hotel industry. However, there are relatively few research studies that have investigated the adoption and application of costing systems (absorption and variable costing) by hotel accountants and managers (Colin, et al., 2008). The research will investigate hotel managers' perceptions and accountants on how the cost management systems and decisions are interlinked in the hotel industry. This research focuses on the luxury hotel sector in Egypt, including hotels with strong seasonality, publicly traded, and family-owned hotels.

1. Research Questions, Objectives and Hypotheses of the Study

The main research question for the study include the following;

Do luxury hotels in Egypt apply absorption and variable costing systems for financial reporting and decision making?

Research Objectives;

1. To investigate whether luxury hotels in Egypt apply absorption and variable costing for decision making.
2. To investigate which costing method is better for Luxury hotels in Egypt between Absorption and Variable Costing.
3. To investigate financial reporting framework for absorption and variable costing for luxury hotels in Egypt.

Research Hypotheses

The research hypotheses for this study is dependent on the theoretical framework and previous research done in this area. The main hypotheses for the study include the following;

Hotel managers for luxury hotels in Egypt apply absorption and variable costing methods for decision making and financial reporting

Chapter 2: Literature Review

1. Historical Background

                        Luxury hotels in Egypt adopt cost accounting techniques in pricing their products and services. Some of the commonly applied costing methods include absorption and variable costing methods. Absorption costing methods is a managerial technique that captures all costing associated with the manufacture of a specific product. For the hotel industry, all direct and indirect costs, including direct labor, direct materials, insurance, bills, and rent, are accounted for using the full absorption costing method. In the United States, absorption costing is the accepted method as per the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for external reporting. Through this method, the fixed overhead charges of an organization are included as part of the production or service costs. In contrast, variable costing is a costing methodology that only accounts for variable costs. In this approach, all overhead costs are charged to the expense in the period incurred while overhead costs and direct materials are charged to the inventory. The variable costing method is not applicable to financial reporting since accounting frameworks such as the internal financial reporting (IFRS) , Egypt Accounting Standards, and GAAP require that an organization overhead be allocated to inventory. However, the variable costing method is applicable in break-even analysis in matching revenue and expenses, establishing the lowest price at which a product can be sold, and the formulation of internal financial statements and contribution margin. In the hotel industry, both costing methods are applicable for financial reporting and the formulation of internal financial statements.

                        As highlighted above, there exists a significant difference between absorption and variable costing in the hotel industry. The main difference between the two costing methods is on the treatment of fixed overhead costs. While absorption costing allocates fixed overheads across all production units for the period, variable costing sums up all fixed costs and reports the expense as one line item separate from the cost of goods sold and available for sale items. The variable costing method does not determine the fixed overhead per unit. Absorption costing is a more preferred method for financial reporting purposes as it separates cost items between overhead fixed and variable costs to items attributable to the cost of goods sold and those attributable to the inventory (Baker & Collier, 2003). Thus, for reporting purposes, absorption costing provides more accurate accounting ending inventory because expenses linked to the inventory are valued at full cost. Besides, more expenses are accounted for unsold items, which reduces the actual expense reported in the current fiscal year in the income statement, resulting in higher incomes than the variable costing technique. Therefore, firms in the hotel industry need to apply the right costing procedure to reflect the accurate, reliable, and true and fair view of its financial statements to stakeholders (Banai & Tulimieri , 2013). Besides hotel accountants, and managers rely on prudent financial reporting standards to make informed decisions on performance and comparability for competitive advantage purposes.

                        Costing records in the hotel industry provides financial and non-financial information about the current status of the organization. The information from costing methods is important both for financial and management accounting purposes (Hilton et al., 2000). Costing for a hotel business is comprised of several techniques and concepts that are aimed at alleviating information gathering, use of historical costs, and analysis for the decision-making process. Like the manufacturing industry, hotel managers and accountants require accurate and timely information to make tactical and strategic decisions. However, due to differences between the manufacturing and hotel industry on a wide range of services, geographical distribution, idle costs, hotel chains, and cost structures, some costing systems applicable to the former may not be applicable for hotel firms (Jones & Lockwood, 1995).  According to Pellinen (2003), there is no adequate literature on the use of cost by the hotel and tourism industry. Further, Potter and Schmidgall (1999) propose that the application of managerial accounting in the hotel industry has attracted huge interest as businesses look to control costs and maximize revenues for their businesses. The cost identification process for a hotel business is quite similar to that of manufacturing firms. An indicative list of hotel products and services is as follow:

• Lodging services.
• Laundry services.
• Food and beverage services.
• Swimming pool services.
• Computer and fax services.
• Secretarial services.
• Transportation services to and from the airport.
• Health services, including massage, spa, and therapy.
• Cultural and art services
• Safe-deposit services.

The cost structure for hotel businesses is based on the operations and administrative structure, dependent on the organogram of a specific firm. For every department, division, or segment of a hotel business, there is a corresponding cost center, profit center, and investment center. The basic cost centers for hotel business are as follows;

• Hotel operation functions
• Finance and accounting functions.
• Human resource and administration functions
• Marketing and sales functions
• Supply and procurement functions

1. Theory Related to Research Questions and Hypotheses

The basic functions are further divided into sub-categories such as tourism product development, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. More specifically, every hotel unit or division is allocated to a corresponding cost center. Based on the internal reporting systems of a hotel business, itemized expenses are distributed and allocated to functions responsible for incurring operational costs. The support functions are distributed to support centers, which are then matched with the main cost centers (Choi & Mattila , 2004). Hotel businesses have a peculiar feature in terms of products and services offered. Operational departments often act as both profit and cost centers in the sense that profits received from bookings and services are matched with the expenses such as food and beverages. The matching of revenues and costs enables the hotel business to determine the amount of profit generated from each unit or division (Bita , 2019). If we further sum up the market costs, the hotel business can analyze the amount of gross income received from every department in a given hotel. The latter assesses the productivity, performance, and profitability that encompass divisions of the hotel business.

From previous research findings conducted in Belgium (Kerremans et al., 1991), UK (Drury et al., 1993), and Australia (Blaney and Joye, 1990), a common conclusion was reached that 75% of production costs relate to direct costs while 25% is attributed to indirect costs in the hotel industry. According to Drury (1993), 13% of the surveyed population revealed that indirect costs relate to 12% of production costs in the UK. Many luxury hotels globally are faced with high fixed costs to maintain their operations inclusive of bills, insurance, rent, among others (Kotas, 1997), which accounts for three-quarters of the total production costs. For example, according to Drury's study in the UK, fixed costs relating to hotel rooms inclusive of personnel and salaries correspond to 15% of the sales revenues. Variable costs for hotels are usually lower, comprising of internal supplies, energy, and laundry expenses. Other related fixed costs for hotel businesses include food and beverage services. As a result of high fixed costs, this translates to high gross margins that imply an increase in hotel revenue and significant growth in net income (Kotas, 1982). Therefore, hotel businesses must apply the right cost structures to differentiate between fixed and variable overheads within their operations.

John Lesure (1973) conducted a survey on cost allocation systems for hotels. According to the study, absorption costing is common in accounting for health delivery systems in order to meet financial reporting requirements for third-party billing agencies. There is also a need for distribution of overhead expenses and fixed costs in hotel operations in the hotel industry. The allocation of costs is needed for both internal and external uses. Within the internal system for hotel businesses, managers utilize the cost allocation for the decision-making process. Stakeholders, including suppliers, will evaluate the costing system to evaluate their pricing for products and services to different hotels.

• Current Empirical Literature Related to Research Questions and Hypotheses

A survey conducted by Brignall et al. (1991) observed that hotel chain operations normally define their cost structure guidelines. The research concluded that hotels normally prefer the net profit margin ration rather than the contribution margin ratio to reflect the business's fixed cost elements. Besides, cost management for a hotel business is dependent on cost centers allocated to hotel functions and departments.

Further to this study, Hyvoven (2005), conducted a survey concerning corporate attitudes towards managerial accounting systems from a sample of 132 Finnish companies drawn from the electronic industry, forestry, and basic materials. The management accounting systems were graded from their benefits and compared with a similar study in Australia by (Chenhall and Langfield, 1998). The study results found that 94% of the sample businesses applied marginal costing, followed by absorption costing at 86%, and activity-based costing at 86%. The results were further supported by Lukka and Granlund (1996), who concluded that marginal costing is quite conversant with Finnish firms. In a follow-up survey by Brignall (1997), his study found that hotel businesses less adopt standard costing than manufacturing firms. From his study, service sector firms such as the hotel industry apply a costing process that maximizes their dynamic operating parameters. According to Hyvonen (2005), Finnish firms' common practices for better control of costs include;

• Budgeting for cost control
• The profitability of products and services per the profit centers
• Marginal accounting

Activity-based costing has low adoption rates in service sectors, such as the hotel industry. Most importantly, service sectors pay close attention to profitability per product or service offered. Service industries conduct regular surveys for customer satisfaction while a balanced scorecard is used in evaluating profit centers. Overall, firms observe cost management techniques relevant to a given industry; however, for a service sector like the hotel, absorption or marginal costing is much relevant in matching cost and profit centers.

             Pellinen (2003) surveyed six tourism businesses. The observations from the research indicated that variable costing is much applicable for internal financial statements for hotel businesses. The inclusion of variable costs is based on the fact that only indirect costs are attributable to products and services as the sources for these costs are objectively measured on consumption levels. 

                        Anita and Paula (2014) conducted a study on costing methods applied in the hotel industry. The researchers sought to find out the improvement of management accounting in the public food and tourism industry. The research identified problems in management and cost calculation for the tourism and public food industry with the aim of improving its processes. The findings from the study indicated that the separation of fixed and variable costs is vital in business processes. If the simplified direct costing (variable costing) is applied in the hotel industry, standards can be introduced to identify the costing method that maximizes the profitability of the organization.

Chapter 4: Research Methodology

1. Sampling Technique for the Study

The research or survey was conducted during the months of March, April, and May 2020. The survey population consisted of all the Luxury survey hotels in Egypt, including the five-star rating hotels as per the Greek hotel legislation. The legislation defines the different categorization of hotels based on products and services offered within Egypt's tourism industry.  In order to collect the corresponding data on costing models, the researchers used a hotel database from Egypt's Chamber of Commerce. Some of the underlined five-star hotels were Royal Maxim Kempinski Cairo, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo, Marriot Mena House Cairo, Four Seasons Resort, and The St. Regis. The reason behind Egypt's luxury is because they better conform to international financial reporting standards in accounting and the requirements of the research. Besides, luxury hotels attract the best human talent, have formalized accounting departments, have better cost control measures, and can adopt more than one accounting system in their models. The sampling method was census-based as data was requested from the whole target population of over 100 Egyptian luxury hotels. The luxury hotels are inclusive of major players, including the Marriot International, Accor SA, Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Radisson Hotels, and the Melia Hotels International SA (Collins International, 2013). 

1. A measure of Data

In order to ensure the reliability and relevance of data, an initial pilot survey was conducted for ten luxury hotels. Based on the outcomes of the pilot study and review of relevant literature, the survey questionnaire was redefined in order to get better reflect the goals of the research. Data on cost accounting systems were mainly collected from hotel accountants and finance managers since they are actively involved in their daily usage.

• Research Design

Research design used for the purpose of this study includes the survey technique. Through observation of costing techniques applied by hotel managers and accountants, research questionnaires were distributed over the defined period. The census technique was seen as objective as the target population was clearly defined improving the credibility of the study.

1. Procedures

A quantitative research process was applied for this study. After collection of data from the target population, a survey of relevant literature was done to provide conclusive evidence. A test of the hypotheses was done to understand the correct position on application of the costing methods for financial reporting and decision making for hotel managers.

1. Data Analysis

Data analysis for this study was done using excel spreadsheets in finding out how many luxuries applied the costing methods in their organization and their impact in decision making process.

4. Chapter 4: Research Results
5. Statistical Analysis to Answer the Research Question and Hypotheses

Based on the aforementioned surveys, the research was aimed at collecting and analyzing data for the following cost and management accounting issues, information technology, and accounting practices of Egypt luxury hotels:

• The adoption of different types of cost and management accounting systems for Egypt Luxury hotels.
• The handling of particular issues in the costing process of hotel operations in Egypt.
• The mixture of costing and information technology for financial reporting and decision making for hotel accountants and managers.
• Presentation of hotel personnel opinions related to their satisfaction from using their costing system (absorption and variable costing systems).
• Presentation of additional needs for cost control in hotels and decision making, as stated by hotel accountants and managers.

Effectiveness of Pricing Methods Based on Absorption and Variable Costing for Financial Reporting and Decision Making

 The key questioned circulated during the survey was to evaluate the application of absorption and variable costing systems within luxury hotels in Egypt. Surveyed personnel, including hotel accountants and managers, could grade the application on a 5-grade Likert scale with the values ranging from "inadequate" to "very good." According to the findings of the survey, 33% of the respondents graded the system average, while 47% gave a grade of well explained by the nature of the hotel operations. Table 1 below gives a summary of research findings on the application of absorption and variable costing within Luxury hotels in Egypt. On the application of absorption costing in their operations and costing procedures, 53% rated good, and 23% rated average on the application of variable costing 42% rated average while 35% rated good. 

Absorption and variable costing are used by hotels for cost structure and pricing reasons. Direct costs for hotels consist of the largest part of their production costs (Kloock and Sschiller, 1997). In addition, the costing methods are used for short-term and long-term planning of hotel businesses. Our surveys are conclusive that to those of international surveys that conclude that absorption costing is the widely used accounting system for modern luxury hotels, it matches the financial reporting framework as per the GAAP and IFRS standards.

 With regard to variable costings, the respondents gave their opinion on the difficulties they face while applying the variable costing method. From the findings of the survey, the conclusion was 77% of respondents who marked average or good was of the opinion that variable costing is best applicable in matching cost and profit centers. In seasonal businesses such as hotels, adoption of the variable costing method creates problems since fixed cost elements comprise a huge element for hotel businesses. According to Brignall (1997), variable costing for hotels is most applicable for internal purposes due to the low-level activities during certain periods of the year.  Besides, the absorption and variable costing methods, the respondents were asked to suggest other costing structures in the hotel industry. Marginal costing, standard costing, and activity-based costing methods were suggested as other methods applicable in the hotel industry.

User’s Satisfaction from Information Technology and Accounting Costing System

A modern managerial accounting information system is vital in providing management with specialized financial reports for decision making. Some of the specialized reports include budget and budgetary statements, or deviations from norms and responsibilities within the department (Hall, 1998). Management control systems include mechanisms and techniques used by hotel businesses in achieving their goals and objectives. One important of measuring corporate performance for hotel businesses is the application is the use of accounting information systems. Through these applications, corporate performance can be conducted with ease using financial ratios to determine whether expectations have been met. Respondents were requested to give their opinion regarding the application of information systems in costing. Most of the responses were positive that the use of accounting information systems is vital for efficiency, generation of reports for decision making. Management can generate up to date reports for cost control measures and maximization of revenues within the organization. In many cases the goals of an operating unit for costing is related to the following management information system goals and objectives;

• Accuracy of recording corporate performance
• Exercising pricing strategies for hotel bookings, food, and beverages, among other services.
• Better control of costs within the business units.
• Analyzing activity levels within which the business achieves optimal cost and maximizes its revenues for every department and division in the hotel business.

In consideration of the special characteristics of Luxury hotels in the Egyptian tourism sector, the survey sought to seek the level of satisfaction from hotel accountants and managers on the use of a hotel's accounting costing systems. Respondents were requested to grade the level of satisfaction on a 5-grade Likert scale with grading ranging from "Somewhat dissatisfied" to "Very satisfied." Based on the responses, it is worth noting that most of the respondents were highly satisfied with the use of an accounting costing system to implement cost control measures within a hotel. The findings from the respondents are as summarized below;

Table 2: Satisfaction Level Regarding Application of Accounting System for a Hotel Business in Egypt

As discussed earlier, Egyptian firms use the Egyptian Accounting System for the preparation of their accounts. Egypt is yet to adopt international financial reporting standards for both listed and unlisted firms (International Accounting Standards, 2020). The EAS standards have defined the cost monitoring accounts. The CMA is mainly concerned with the identification of cost centers and basic organizational functions. CMA also identifies the cost of goods in each category and does accounting monitoring based on type, volume, and value. Further, the CMA procedures are responsible for allocating inventory expenses, including salaries, insurance, taxes, and rent, and matching revenues to determine the profit margins per cost center. The model is highly applicable to the service sectors, especially the Egyptian hotel industry, through a proper accounting information system. The survey sought to seek an understanding of the use of the CMA rules in a specific hotel. The response was highly positive, as over 90% of the respondents indicated that they complied with CMA rules on the allocation of costs. However, respondents noted that lack of proper accounting information systems results in low compliance with CMA rules raising auditing issues. Therefore, there is a need for improved communication on financial information in the hotel management for the proper allocation of costs in different cost centers.

The final survey question sought to understand whether the application of absorption and variable costing influences the decision-making process for hotel managers. The relevant question for the purpose was as follows; "Are you monitoring performance using costing and accounting information system? Do you believe that the cost criteria in your hotel are useful in decision making? Based on the responses gathered, only 43 hotels monitored performance and considered the costing structure useful for decision making. Hence, selecting a costing system and installing an information system is vital for influencing the decision-making process for hotel managers.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

1. Summary and Conclusion of the Study

The hotel industry plays a crucial role in the global economy. As witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the hospitality and tourism sector has been one of the hardest-hit sectors. The world has experienced one of the worst recessions in the hotel sector due to low bookings resulting in massive layoffs, low revenues, and earnings. Despite these disruptions, hotel managers should monitor both internal and external business environments to determine appropriate and effective tactical and strategic decisions. Decision making for hotel managers should consider management accounting tools, including budgeting and budgetary control measures and costing. The separation of hotel operations into different segments and identification of costs is an away to analyze information, profitability, performance, and financial status of a hotel. Using appropriate costing systems such as the full absorption costing and variable costing is vital to proper identification of costs and profitability of different hotel units. Furthermore, hotel costing systems should contribute to budgets as forecasting tools to improve the business environment. Summarizing the findings of the survey, it is worth noting the following;

• Egypt luxury hotels use cost accounting tools to allocate costs per cost centers and profit centers. Allocation of costs is not per customer type or room type but within departments and divisions of the hotel.
• Almost half of the surveyed hotels were satisfied with accounting information systems in the allocation of costs in the hotel industry. The use of information systems improves transparency, reliability, and relevance of accounting data. The modern accounting system is very much conversant with IT use for efficiency and improving business processes.
• Many hotels comply with the use of CAMs for compliance with the Egyptian Accounting Standards.

1. Limitations of the Study

The main limitation for the study is that there exists limited research for application of costing methods in the hotel industry. There is, therefore, less comparisons on the current results with previous literature. Luxury hotels in Egypt are majorly the big hotel chains which sometimes prefer to comply with the international financial reporting standards. It was, therefore, difficult to determine whether current application with the Egyptian Accounting Standards was conclusive. The research had time constraints in getting respondents from the respondents. In some cases, hotel managers preferred the junior accountants to provide the important data. This would bring bias to the results of the study as the higher-level employees are more involved in the decision-making process. Management accounting reports are also not part of accounting publishing; hence, it was hard to get verifiable data on the application process and use of accounting information systems. 

• Recommendations for Future Research

As described in the introductory section, the costing system's main goal is to ensure accuracy, recording, and allocation of costs to products and services within the hotel industry. With the use of managerial accounting tools, the elements improve the quality of information flow for decision making for hotel managers. Decision making is reliable when the costing systems provide accurate, complete, flexible, timely, and value-based information (Connors & Martinsons, 2006). The use of accounting information systems is deemed necessary in the hotel sector to minimize costs related to the allocation and transfer of data to end-users. Further, the information systems ensure timely and continuous data feedback, which improves the auditing and monitoring systems. In Summary, the study has a broader research perspective on budgeting and costing studies for hotels. If all tools in cost and management accounting are deployed within hotel settings and monitored by accounting information systems, hotel managers will have more complete, timely, and accurate information on cost behaviors and short-term and long-term decision making. The research recommends extending the research to the whole hotel industry. The application of the right costing is important to the hotel industry as it helps in better management of costs and maximization of revenues. Further, the research recommends more research on costing methods in the service industry as more focus has been on the manufacturing industry.

Reference List

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Appendices

Appendix 1: Questionnaire for the Survey

The purpose for this study is to investigate the application of absorption and variable costing for financial reporting and decision making for hotel industry in Egypt.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us: All information provided is for research purposes only and will be reserved with high confidentiality.

1. Demographic Data

Name (optional:

Age:

Gender: ____

Name of the organization:

Email Address (optional):

Position:

Number of years in the organization:

Notes: This section is optional. The questions asking for demographic data should be relevant to the survey goal and must point to the characteristics of the target population.

1. How would you rate your overall experience in application of costing methods (Absorption and Variable Costings) in your organization?

            □ Highly satisfactory

            □ Satisfactory

            □ Neutral

            □ Unsatisfactory

            □ Highly Unsatisfactory

• How would you rate your overall experience in application of accounting information systems in your organization?

            □ Highly satisfactory

            □ Satisfactory

            □ Neutral

            □ Unsatisfactory

            □ Highly Unsatisfactory

1. Do you apply costing methods in your organization for decision making?

      □ Yes                                      □ No

END OF SURVEY

48

 The Importance of Accountability

QUESTION

Why is accountability important in the health care industry?
How is an employee's accountability measured in the health care industry?
How does accountability apply to ethical considerations in leadership and management?
What does a checks-and-balances process look like in a successful organization?
How does accountability affect an organization's working culture?
How can you maintain a positive working culture and avoid a culture of blame?

ANSWER

Importance of Accountability in Healthcare

The concept of accountability, although varying in definition from one setting to another, gains elevation in the healthcare industry as in other sectors. Presently, it can be conceptualized as “the obligation of individuals and agencies to provide information about, and/or justification for, their actions to other actors, along with the imposition of sanctions for failure to comply and/or engage in appropriate action” (Brinkerhoff, 2004: p. 372). There is consensus that improved accountability has becomes a central element to the improvement of the performance of the health care system. This paper examines the importance of accountability in the health care industry.

Importance of Accountability

Everywhere around the globe, governments and healthcare entities face pressure to provide efficient, equitable, and effective health services. Efforts to strengthen and reform health systems, thus realizing improvement, have adopted a wide range approaches that range from privatization to downsizing, citizen participation, increased competition and performance measurement just to mention but a few. A point of convergence of these approaches is the emphasis on accountability, which is now recognized as an integral element for implementation of health system performance and reform (Nurunnabi & Islam, 2012). The importance of accountability in healthcare can best be understood through examination of its essence in terms of answerability, which in every respect relates to the notion of transparency (Brinkerhoff, 2004). In this vein, accountability implies actors are obliged to explain and answer any questions concerning their actions and/or decisions. Thus, based on accountability, information can be provided relating to aspects like budgetary allocations and various activities as well as outputs whereby justifications and explanations are given.

As already mentioned, accountability drives the reform agenda in the healthcare industry. In many ways, this also relates to improved health system performance as would be achieved through sanctions that overseeing actors impose on accountable actors for any inappropriate behavior or action(s). These sanctions may constitute penalties, practice standards and requirements embodied in regulations, statutes, and laws. Equally captured in this context are the ideas underlying accountability such as reporting on, accounting for, mitigating, and explaining actions and, more importantly, taking responsibility for contextual outcomes. Hospital boards, managers, and other actors within the healthcare system remain accountable for their actions, which is a very important aspect of healthcare governance more so as far as the delivery of quality health care is concerned (Abor, 2015).

Measuring Employee Accountability in the Health Care Industry

Employee accountability in the healthcare industry is measured using quality indicators, which entail measuring the quality of services that employees provide (Forster & van Walraven, 2012). Conceptual quality indicators capture aspects such as patient-centeredness, safety, effectiveness, and timeliness just to mention but a few. The use of quality indicators, as explained by Forster and van Walraven, is premised on the fact that they statistically and conceptually reflect certain attributes of healthcare excellence. Given the role played by quality indicators in this respect, there is need for the health care sector to invest in research on the same so that performance and quality measures are as accurate as possible.

Accountability and Ethical Considerations in Leadership and Management

The nature of today’s business environment requires that leaders and managers make ethically appropriate decisions from time to time (Hsieh, 2017). Thus, in their capacity as ethical leaders (and managers), these actors are tasked with promoting, sustaining, and maintaining ethical behavior in the people they lead. Interest in ethics in the context of leadership and management has increased in recent times given the frequency and magnitude of scandals being witnessed (Ardelean, 2015). Indeed, given the volatile nature of the global economy, leaders and managers are, day in day out, confronted with complex situations and ethical dilemmas, a fact that elevates ethical decision-making as an integral element of leadership. It is in this regard that accountability emerges as a mechanism for promoting and enhancing ethical behavior within the organization. It equally applies to both leaders/managers and followers since, for the former, self-accountability ensures one is accountable to self, hence self-awareness even when others are not present. It creates a sense of responsibility and self-awareness more so when making decisions (Peloza et al., 2013). As to followers and other organizational members in general, accountability is an important construct for assessing beliefs, feelings, and actions, so that overall it is the basis upon which behavior and performance are monitored and evaluated.

Checks-and-balances Process in a Successful Organizations

With a system of checks and balances in place, an organization ensures not only shared responsibility but also the spread of power and control so that no one individual or departmental entity within the organizations enjoys absolute control and power. Thus, a successful organization would have a checks-and-balances process in which the concepts of responsibility and answerability apply equally across the organization, so that as each individual or departmental entity pursues specified goals and objectives, no absolute control and/or power is enjoyed, for instance over decisions. Everyone remains accountable so that at some point all decisions and actions must be explained and justified.

Accountability’s Effect on Working Culture

With the benefits and need for accountability clear, most organizations make efforts to build a culture rooted in accountability. However, staff longevity becomes a barrier since members of staff who have worked long enough in the organization tend to become rigid and unwilling to embrace change.  Furthermore, if employees are afraid that any mistakes made may potentially land them in trouble, they are highly likely to be display resistance to adoption of a culture of taking responsibility (hence accountability). In this regard, it is possible that if employee lack the resources then need to make optimal decisions and as such anticipate punishment in case they make poor decisions, a scenario arises whereby the organizations witnesses resistance to any efforts of initiatives geared towards enhancing accountability. While the benefits of accountability may be acknowledged by many in the organization, it may lead to a working culture characterized by rigidity to change as well as resentment to accountability initiatives for fear of being punished or sanctioned.

How to Maintain a Positive Working Culture

To maintain a positive working culture and avoid a culture of blame, the fear of being accountable and transparent should be confronted since it can be counterproductive and detrimental. It is imperative for organizations to critically analyze their current cultures and as such be able to determine what could be making employees not want or be willing to assume responsibility. As opposed to being risk-averse and taking a hardline punitive approach to dealing with emerging problems, organizations should seek alternatives that do not discourage accountability. Cultivating a culture of shared responsibility can go a long way in avoiding blame since everyone, be it management or subordinate, feels to be part of a whole so that while remaining accountable for individual decisions and actions, the sense of shared responsibility, success, and failure does not go away.

References

Abor, P. A. (2015). The effects of healthcare governance and ownership structure on the performance of hospitals in Ghana. International Journal of Law and Management, 57,107–140.

Ardelean, A. (2015). Perceptions on audit quality based on the ethical behaviour ofauditors. Audit Financiar, 3(123), 61-73.

Brinkerhoff,D.W. (2004). Accountability and health systems: Toward conceptual clarity and policy relevance. Health and Policy Planning, 19(6), 371-379.

Forster, A.J., & van Walraven, C. (2012). The use of quality indicators to promote accountability in health care: The good, the bad, the ugly. Open Medicine, 6(2), e75-e79.

Hsieh, N. (2017). The responsibilities and role of business in relation to society: Back to basics? Business Ethics Quarterly, 27(2), 293-314.

Nurunnabi, M., & Islam, S. K. (2012). Accountability in the Bangladeshi privatized healthcare sector. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, 25, 625–644.

Peloza, J., White, K., and Shang, J. (2013). Good and guilt-free: The role of self accountability in influencing references for products with ethical attributes. Journal of Marketing, 77(1),104-119.

49

Elopement in a skill nursing nursing

QUESTION

Discuss what is meant by Elopement in a skill nursing nursing  

ANSWER

Theoretical Framework for Implementation of Elopement Prevention in a Skill Nursing Facility

Theoretical Framework for Implementation of Elopement Prevention in a Skill Nursing Facility

Nursing homes have been facing a persistent problem when it comes to elopement since a majority of their residents are demented, so they tend to engage in dangerous activities if not monitored closely. As highlighted in the preceding assignment, the solution to this problem lies in the establishment of effective patient monitoring systems and security measures. Such a realization led to the belief that wander alarm bracelets and coded electric doors would be instrumental in mitigating these incidences in the skill nursing facility. For such an intervention to demonstrate efficacy, it must be implemented systematically. Theoretical frameworks such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA), Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and Lewin’s 3-Stages of Change are instrumental in facilitating success throughout the process (Cameron & Green, 2018). The present paper provides in-depth discussion on how these models can be applied in the implementation of the highlighted intervention (employment of wander alarm bracelets and coded electric doors).

Plan-Do-Study-Act

Background

            PDSA is a four-stage framework that is commonly used by problem-solvers to implement change. These phases include planning (P), doing (implementing) (D), studying (evaluation) (S), and acting (improvisation) (A). When applying this strategy, it is important to consider three fundamental drivers including the end-goal, anticipated change, and actions needed to facilitate the transformation. The first stage is planning, and it necessitates a plethora of activities including recruiting a team, developing an aim statement, describing the process, describing the problem, and identifying solutions and alternatives (Morelli, 2016). It appears wise to point out the facts that this is the most comprehensive phase which in line with the three strategies mentioned earlier. Once a clear blueprint is designed for the implementation, the team can proceed to the implementation phase. At this point, the team should be vigilant in the documentation of problems and outcomes based on observation (Morelli, 2016). Each milestone should be scrutinized carefully to ensure that the intervention offers a sustainable solution. Some of the issues to consider include outcomes vs. expectations, trends, and side effects (Morelli, 2016). Analytical findings developed from this observation should guide the organization in case of needed improvements: noteworthy is the fact that the final stage involves reflection, and strategic improvisation.

Application in the Proposed Intervention

Plan

As far as the proposed intervention is concerned, the change agent (nurse leader) will recruit a team of technology experts to collaborate with the organization’s nursing team in ensuring that all residents are logged into the system. This process is highly likely to demand some training for nurses to learn basic technical skills to manage the system as soon as the technology experts are dismissed. The leadership will then share the plan, during brainstorming sessions, to bring all relevant stakeholders (mainly the practitioners) on board for the sake of commitment and seamlessness.

Do

The technology team will install a software in the hospitals information system, then distribute logged wearables to the patients, who will then become traceable through a graphical user interface. Four electric doors will replace the old manual ones to ensure that only people with a passcode can open them. Also, the system will be alerting the nurse on duty whether the door is tampered with, or when a resident is close to it. Such a proactive approach will allow the team to keep tabs on risky movements. As long as the plan is detailed and clear, this implementation phase will be seamless.

Study

            It suffices to argue that the implementation phase should be segmented to ensure that each milestone is measured separately to guide further steps. The process will be divided into three sub-phases including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation. The outcomes of these stages will be measured at this point: emphasis shall be placed on the results vs. the anticipated outcomes.

Act

            This stage will capitalize on the findings recorded after evaluation (the preceding phase). Any failures or need for improvement will be resolved through the formulation, and implementation of a new plan.

Kotter’s 8-Step Model

Background

            Kotter’s change management theory is among the most popular models in the world, and it is grounded on the idea that change is often implemented in eight phases. According to the theorist, the first stage involves creating an urgency. The change agent executes this phase by identifying and highlighting inevitable inefficiencies bound to plague the organization if change is not implemented (Galli, 2018). With this knowledge, the change agent proceeds to the second stage which mandates the formation of coalitions with guiding teams (key stakeholders). Once the team understands the stakes, they collaborate in fine tuning the change agent’s vision to the organizational purpose (Galli, 2018). This vision is then conveyed to other team members who will partake in the execution. Kotter believes that the best move is empowerment, so that the team players can enact the vision (Galli, 2018). This phase usually necessitates the provision of essential resources and rewards. The sixth stage is usually implemented through the generation of short-term wins to foster improvements and maintain high motivation levels. The penultimate phase calls for the consolidation of goals (based on observation) to accelerate sustainable change (Galli, 2018). Once the transformation is deemed sustainable, it is then anchored in the organizational system and culture.

Application in the Proposed Intervention

Creating an Urgency

            Like the PDSA concept, Kotter’s 8-step technique can also be applied to promote success in the proposed initiative. The nurse leader will first create an urgency by researching and highlighting the obvious threat elopement poses on the runaway resident’s lives as well as the institution’s reputation.

Building Coalitions

Such a clear outlook will allow the change agent to form alliances with other organizational leaders in the finance, technology, and nursing departments. These stakeholders are instrumental in the success of the intervention since they have the authority to implement such initiatives.

Developing and Inspiring Vision

            Of course, the change agent often has a vision from the word go; however, the highlighted stakeholders must have a role in fine-tuning, or at least, affirming the vision so that it is in line with the organization’s values, vision, and mission. This vision will focus on explaining how the wearable monitoring bracelets and the coded electric doors will promote resident safety and the organization’s prestige.

Conveying the New Vision

            Once the key stakeholders are confident in the vision, they will then share it with other team members including nurses, technology experts, and other vested parties including patients’ families.

Empowering the Team to Implement the Vision

            Empowerment is a crucial ingredient in any change process, since people tend to resist the same. For this reason, the leadership will ensure that all the necessary financial, human, and technological resources are available to safeguard the project. It would also be fair to offer rewards for top performers during the process.

Short Term Wins

            Short term-wins can only be attained through the division of the project into goals. As highlighted in the PDSA model, process will be divided into three sub-phases including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation. These goals will give the team an opportunity to experience short-term wins.

Sustaining Acceleration

            This phase is usually important since it marks the point where the team reflects on outcomes and develops further plans to accelerate the change process. As far as the proposed intervention is concerned, the leaders will evaluate data recorded during the previous stage to determine the types of improvements needed.

Instituting Change

            If the outcomes of process will be satisfactory, the intervention will then transition to this phase. This point will be marked by the integration of the new developments into day-to-day organizational activities and rules.

Kurt Lewin’s 3-Step Change Model

Background

            Unlike Kotter’s multi-thronged strategy, this one defines the change process as a simple three phase activity which involves unfreezing, changing, and refreezing normative practice. The first step involves challenging the status quo (Hussain, et al., 2018). Here, the change agent is expected to prove why the current practices are detrimental to the organization. The tension created at this point inspires the entire organization to implement the change (Doppelet, 2017). Lewin urges leaders to maintain keen observation and analysis during this stage since it determines whether the organization will move forward or backwards. Once the change is implemented, it is established as the new status quo (Hussain, et al., 2018).

Application

Unfreezing

            As highlighted in the previous techniques, the first stage will involve exploring and exposing the current errors facing the facility with regards to elopement. The team will be taken through insightful brainstorming sessions to convince them that the current state is not beneficial for the residents, and the organization at large. When the majority are convinced that change is necessary, the leaders will then share the desired vision and purpose (Hussain, et al., 2018).

Changing

            This implementation phase will rely on effective observation and analysis skills; therefore, the process will be divided into three parts including software installation and training, resident registration, and electric door installation respectively. Each phase will be closely monitored and analyzed before proceeding to the next phase.

Refreezing

            Once the change is made, the organization’s leadership will convene meetings whereby new rules shall be formulate to ensure that this intervention is normalized as a sustainable organizational practice. The clinical practitioners will have to learn how to manage the systems without overreliance on contract-based technology experts.

Conclusion

            Clearly, implementing change is a process that demands systematic thinking and acting. A thorough exploration of the PDSA, 8-Step, and 3-Stage models of problem-solving has showed the usefulness of each of them. As a matter of fact, they all tend to apply a somehow standard approach: emphasis on challenging the system, planning an intervention, implementing the change, and evaluating the outcomes. One of these techniques can be utilized in the intervention proposed earlier.

References

Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2019). Making sense of change management: A complete guide to the models, tools and techniques of organizational change. NY, USA: Kogan Page Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.uop.edu.pk/ocontents/Change%20Management%20Book.pdf

Doppelt, B. (2017). Leading change toward sustainability: A change-management guide for business, government and civil society. London, UK: Routledge. Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books/about/Leading_Change_Toward_Sustainability.html?id=2bHjQwAACAAJ

Galli, B. J. (2018). Change management models: A comparative analysis and concerns. IEEE Engineering Management Review, 46(3), 124-132. Retrieved from https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8486843/

Hussain, S. T., Lei, S., Akram, T., Haider, M. J., Hussain, S. H., & Ali, M. (2018). Kurt Lewin's change model: A critical review of the role of leadership and employee involvement in organizational change. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 3(3), 123-127. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444569X16300087

Morelli, M. S. (2016). Using the plan, do, study, act model to implement a quality improvement program in your practice. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 111(9), 1220-1222. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/ajg/Fulltext/2016/09000/Using_the_Plan,_Do,_Study,_Act_Model_to_Implement.2.aspx

50

How police interacting with juveniles

QUESTION

ANSWER

How Police Interacting with Juveniles at a Young age Changes the Future of Society by Building a Relationship with the Public      

Introduction

Forging working partnerships between police departments on one hand, and the youth, and human services organizations on the other has been marked in diverse literature for immediate action in light of growing concern regarding the intersection of children in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Undeniably, youth in this category are today termed “crossover youth,” as their lives characteristically begin in the child welfare system, before transiting through foster care to the juvenile justice system. Studies have consistently pointed out that the predictable overlap which integrates many family members, is often cross-generational, and attracts a considerable amount of agency resources (Pollack, 2017). This paper scrutinizes the concept of police interaction with juveniles at a young age and how such a possibility may change the future of society by building a relationship with the public. Specifically focus is made on positive results of interactions between police and juveniles which are idealized, and subsequently, identified as improved police-youth relations, improved involvement of police in positive youth programs, and increased number of police officers who are experienced with and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. In contrast, police interactions with juveniles are also associated with negative outcomes such as heightened worries of violence, and a continued hostility, in a mutually reinforcing way. Current discussion draws from many studies to establish a positive relationship between moral engagement, police justice, and nonviolent juvenile behavior with police interaction with juveniles at a young age.

Positive Effects of Interactions between Police and Juveniles

Improved police-youth relations

An assessment of a community-based intermediation plan intended to encourage positive youth growth and to craft progressive connections between police and youth in a “non-enforcement environment” have been investigated by Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli and LaMotte (2017). The study, proposes constructive police and youth programs as a positive model for enhancing police-youth relationships. An assessment of the plan by “pre- and post- tests” of both police and youth representatives report positive police outlooks toward the youth due to lessons learnt from their engagement with the plan irrespective of the gender, race, ethnicity, or duration of service of the concerned officers (Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli & LaMotte, 2017). Similarly, the youth were found to espouse more positive attitudes toward the police as a direct consequence of involvement in such programs. In addition, the study revealed that perceptions of the youth towards the police changed faster for both youth from non-white backgrounds and victims of previous altercations with the police. Accordingly, Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli, and LaMotte (2017) concur that such collaborations may increase chances of youth and police engagement to the advantage of community by stimulating constructive youth engagement as well as raising the number of police officers with requisite knowledge and experience in youth in non-enforcement undertakings.

Increased Involvement of Police in Positive Youth Development

Prospects of police programs engendering positive youth development have been enhanced by time-honored and innovative engagements between the police and the youth. Since such programs are initiated from the side of law enforcement, they are believed to be intended to facilitate communication and foster interactions with the youth and the wider public in a spontaneous way. For instance, Lee, Heafner, Sabatelli, and LaMotte (2017) cites the Police Athletic League (PAL) as an effective plan for that can instigate greater outcomes for the youth. The plan is described as an effective plan anchored on the belief that the police and the communities simultaneously gain in atmospheres of positive and productive relationships. However, a new innovative program, referred to as Strategies for Youth (SFY) established in 2009, has been recently been emphasized as a national agency that is mainly dedicated to cultivating police–youth relations, and promoting training public safety officers on matters of child and youth welfare and psychosocial care, and supporting communities to entrench strong police-youth partnerships. Also, SFY’s “Policing the Teen Brain” programs have been identified with five types of youth focused community based organizations to work together with officers. Reviewed literature so far credits both programs, and others not considered in this paper with the benefit of escalating enforcement officers’ responsiveness to these programs in their communities of operation as well as to inspire them to link with program staff. In the final analysis, increased communication and interpersonal engagements during the trainings will enable SFY to empower officers with information on less martial alternatives to demeaning arrests and increased access to community based options for youth in need of additional support.

Increasing the number of police officers who are experienced with and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities

Benefits of police interactions with juveniles at a young age have been understood from studies by DeCunzo (2017) focusing on the police decision-making and the initial detention of juveniles. The study specifically found that police decisions can be greatly improved from positive engagements with the juvenile communities as such for a can produce a direct impact on juvenile outcomes. This is particularly relevant in the United States where the law authorizes police officers to exercise discretion in the execution of various aspects of their roles. As discretion is mainly applicable to determination of future outcomes for adults, as it is applicable to matters affecting the youth as well, it is inevitable that the police officer should be experienced and comfortable interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. Consequently, it is necessary for the law enforcement officer to comprehend the conditions under which law enforcers go beyond commencing contact with the youth to escalating the plan to initial detention. The consequences of police association with youth across various points of contact are determined by flexible decision-making as determined by several circumstantial dynamics. These forces include legal factors such as severity of an offense and previous criminal record and societal factors such as scale of community violence social inefficiency and racial and ethnic composition of the community (Leiber & Boggess 2012; Maggard, 2015). In addition, understanding of context specific factors such as attitude and behavioral factors, dealings with aberrant peers and other factors relating to the youth can only be internalized when enforcement departments engage meaningfully with them (Pollack 2014). The study by DeCunzo (2017) outlines the importance of discretion by focusing on Montana law enforcement officers. The officers are granted constitutional freedom of choice in the performance of duties relating to the decision to arrest and initially detain a youth (Pollack, 2017). Specifically, concerning initial detention, the law requires that on every occasion that the “peace officer believes, on reasonable grounds that the youth must be detained, the peace officer shall notify the juvenile probation officer immediately and shall, as soon as practicable, provide the juvenile probation officer with a written report of the peace officer’s reasons for holding the youth in detention” (Pollack, 2017). By inference, we can conclude that this scale of discretion highlights the significance of understanding various forces that determine and influence police decision-making. The foregoing feat can only be attained when police department continue with constructive engagements with the youth.

Negative Outcomes associated with police-juvenile interactions  

Apart from positive aspects of police interactions with juveniles, available literature also suggests that police contact with the youth can produce aggravating negative effects (Pollack, 2017). For instance, studies by Theriot (2016) highlights inherent cracks in the school safety program as a contemporary indicator of the disadvantages of sustained youth interactions with law enforcement. Specifically, studies have associated the deployment of school resource officers (SROs), or law enforcement officers to schools and juvenile learning institutions with negative attitudes of students towards law enforcement officers. Despite the fact that school safety programs have been in operation from the middle of the 20^th century, recent school shootings such as Littleton, Colorado, and Jonesboro and public concerns about “lethal violence and safety needs at schools” have seen an increase in the number of SROs in schools. In school settings, the SROs variously referred to as school police officers or school liaison officers principally tasked with maintenance of “law and order” and are additionally expected to be vital figures at their schools. Further, the SRO’s duties include patrolling school buildings, open spaces, conducting investigations of felonious grievances, and extending support with student discipline. A number of studies, namely, Theriot (2016) argue that the focus on “visible and active patrolling”  buttress the routine activity theory of crime prevention as the strategy is intended to reduce chances of mischief or criminal inclinations. SROs also are also responsible for enlightening students and staff on personal security, prevention of violence, and modelling students’ behavior towards appropriate and courteous behavior (Theriot, 2016). It is worth noting that the law enforcement officers are typically armed and uniformed and are recipients of wide-ranging training in issues related to school-based law enforcement, and teen-age growth and development. As pointed out, the SROs actual training coupled with the expectation that they should execute roles that exceed correctional, crime prevention, and law and order characterize SROs as different from ordinary law enforcement officers who perform law enforcement duties exclusively. The vastness of the breath and scope of their jobs in schools also breeds the expectation that they should play conspicuous roles in schools. It is also sensible to presume that SROs exert some positive impact on students’ behavior specifically, and perceptions of school, generally. However, both Pollack (2017) and Theriot (2016) have contended that presence of SROs will increase students’ worries of violence and so unfavorably present the school environment in bad light. The study by Theriot (2016) specifically focused on 230 high school students, showed that the vast majority idealized school police officers as necessary for keeping schools safer. However, the same students did not support increasing the number of SROs in schools. The study also showed that school police officers and other security approaches had little consequence on the frequency of drugs and weapons at schools (Theriot, 2016). Contrastingly, the study showed that middle schools and high schools which had a law enforcement officer reported reduced apprehensions for “weapons possession and assault charges” but considerably more detentions for orgies than schools that did not benefit from deployment of law enforcement.

Closing paragraph

Findings from this paper reveal a deficiency of research data on moral detachment among offending teenagers. Specifically, additional research is needed to facilitate the discovery and interrogation of other possible factors or specific kinds of moral reasoning strategies that relate more potently with delinquency than others. For instance, as already pointed out negative experiences of youth in the hands of law enforcement have resulted in reduced respect for the police and ingrained sentiments of hostility towards them. Therefore, owing to the aforestated experiences, youth who are conscious of justice may show heightened proclivity to develop moral detachment strategies that seem to justify their actions under the dust of lack of respect for have been linked with the aforesaid undesirable results. Increased perception of threat emanating from hurtful proclamations by police compared to other types of moral reasoning, such as cognitive reorganization, reduction of personal responsibility for negative actions, and shifting blame to the victims of one’s aberrant acts. Additionally, as numerous works have established a positive relationship between poor perceptions of police by the youth, the proposed interventions targeting the moral disengagements is essential. Such interventions should go beyond identification moral disengagement procedures to facilitating the youth to pinpoint alternative approaches to moral detachment as efficacious intervention toolkits for holistic development of responsible youth. 

Conclusion

All things considered, the foregoing assessment of impacts of police interaction with juveniles at a young age and changes to the future of society by building a relationship with the public, recommends such synergetic partnerships for keeping society safer. Specifically, this paper identifies positive relationship between moral engagement, police justice, and nonviolent juvenile behavior as essential for a healthy police interaction with juveniles at a young age. The domino effect of such healthy relations should extend to greater benefits for the society as a whole in future. The benefits of interactions between police and juveniles have been identified as necessary for enhancing police-youth relations, improving involvement of law enforcement officers in positive youth programs, and increased number of experienced and competent police officers capable of interacting with youth in non-enforcement activities. This paper has also outlined an undesirable outcome of police interactions with juveniles in terms of heightened fear of targeted violence by law enforcement, and a continued hostility, in which perpetuates distrust in a mutually reinforcing way.

References

DeCunzo, T. G. (2017). Police Decision-Making and the Initial Detention of Juveniles.

Lee, H., Heafner, J., Sabatelli, R. M., & LaMotte, V. (2017). Side-by-side: An evaluation of Connecticut’s police and youth interaction model. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 27(8), 806-816.

Leiber, M. J., & Boggess, L. N. (2012). Race, probation violations, and structured secure detention decision making in three jurisdictions. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 10(4), 333-353.

Maggard, S. R. (2015). Assessing the impact of the juvenile detention alternatives initiative (JDAI): Predictors of secure detention and length of stay before and after JDAI. Justice Quarterly, 32(4), 571-597.

Pollack, D. (2017). Forging a Partnership Between Police, Youth, and Human Services Agencies.

Theriot, M. T. (2016). The impact of school resource officer interaction on students’ feelings about school and school police. Crime & Delinquency, 62(4), 446-469.

Zapolski, T. C., Banks, D. E., Lau, K. S., & Aalsma, M. C. (2018). Perceived police injustice, moral disengagement, and aggression among juvenile offenders: Utilizing the general strain theory model. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 49(2), 290-297.