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The Market Revolution – Grossmont – Cuyamaca Community College District

The capitalism is critical to understanding the early development of the United States. Describe the contributions including basic economic theory of two of the economic theorists presented in class. Next describe the development of both transportation and communications networks and their importance. Describe the differences in commercial farming between the North and South.

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Designing and Management: The Role of an Architect

Designing and Management: The Role of an Architect

Introduction 3

An architect as a construction industry professional 4

The Value of an Architect to the Society 6

Stage 0 to Stage 1: Project Onset 6

Stage 2 to Stage 4: Project Design 7

Stage 5: Project Construction 9

Stage 6 to Stage 7: Project conclusion 10

Conclusion 10

References 12

Designing and Management: The Role of an Architect

Introduction

Anyone is able to design a structure, and build it either himself or find someone else to do it. Whether it turns out well or foul is another matter. Historically, architects were derived from masons, carpenters, master-builders, and so on (Chappell, 2008). What holds architecture together as a field is based on what the society ascribed to it. As such, becoming an architect today involves a right of initiation – academic qualification. Architecture is a branch of knowledge that is studied in higher education. Previously, the architecture knowledge was highly guarded and passed down to generations via apprenticeships. Today, that knowledge is passed down by attending schools of architecture and then working at a practice until one obtains a license by an accredited professional body (Atkins & Simpson, 2008). The knowledge acquisition process entails picking up building and behavioral codes to enable learners dress, reason, and draw like an architect. Students must also be knowledgeable of punishments, such as fines and prison sentences upon failure to uphold legal and cultural demands of the profession. Accordingly, to uphold the legitimacy of the discipline, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work 2013 has organized key processes for architects to brief, design, construct, maintain, operate, and use building projects. The tasks and inputs therein are categorized into 8 stages to ensure architects adhere to the knowledge they obtained in higher education. As professionals in the construction industry, architects are valuable assets for the society as they design buildings, examine construction sites, develop cost estimates, assist in contractor selection, and supervise the project until its completion.

An architect as a construction industry professional

An architect is one of the key professionals in the construction industry who deals with issues of project resources, such as material, equipment, people, money, time, and technology (Smith, 2009). Even so, it is generally perceived that architects’ main role is to design a structure, which includes preparing the appropriate plans and drawings, as well as selecting the appropriate material required for construction of the structure (Chappell & Willis, 2013). It is imperative to state that management of a construction project is a highly challenging and demanding profession. It involves significant number of workers and partnerships. To realize the project objectives, a team of project professionals underpins the successful completion of the construction.

In the current industrialized world with significant technological advances, construction entails translating imaginations into reality (Smith, 2009). The architect uses AutoCAD, a drafting software to develop basic geometry that exemplifies real life (Smith, 2009). In addition, the architect uses Revit to create a geometry equipped with real life information (Vipul et al., 2016). According to Vipul et al. (2016), both software have revolutionized 2D drawings (floor plans, elevations, details, and so on), 3D models and objects, documentation of construction, and rendered images. However, only a design team can ensure that vision is achieved by putting the imagination on paper or a computer, planning the physical requirements, and integrating all resources to deliver an actual tangible construction work (Chappell & Willis, 2013). Usually, the design consists of drawing and putting down specifics, which is done by a design team comprising of an architect, interior designer, surveyor, quantity surveyor, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and structural engineer.

To promote simultaneous collaboration across the team, the Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used to facilitate refined, feasible, and sustainable end product (Suermann & Issa, 2007). According to Suermann & Issa (2007), the innovative parametric software ensures the efficiency of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) as the architect can monitor, address, and manage project complexities and demands of designers and contractors. Prior to BIM, efficiency and productivity were barely difficult to meet (Cerovsek, 2011). Cerovsek (2011), points that with the many actors in the building industry, customers’ quality demands could not be achieved with high inefficiency. As such, building professionals today use this technology for the purpose of quality and efficiency in the construction industry (Suermann & Issa, 2007). Overall, in the construction industry, an architect must have a digital background to plan, design, and oversight construction projects.

The professional translates the needs of the user into the requirements of the builder. That means, he or she must meticulously comprehend the building and operations codes ascribed to professionals in the construction industry, ranging from designing to safety (Choi and Kim, 2008). That is why the level of knowledge of an architect has is fundamental. Obtained from higher education, the discipline equips architects to adhere to all construction requirements and produce clear, consistent, and definite services to a client (Atkins & Simpson, 2006). According to Atkins and Simson (2006), it is imperative that an engineer understands and suggests the various construction options available for the client to produce the best results within an explicit time and cost boundaries.

Moreover, the architect observes construction work during different construction phases to ensure that the contractor and subcontractors adhere to the work plan and deliver the project in light of the architect’s design. Apparently, the architect is almost completely familiar with the work at hand, and thus, suitable to report on the overall progress and quality of the job to the owner (Chappell & Willis, 2013). At this point, it is imperative to state that an architect does not achieve all these tasks individually. As such, as a construction professional, an architect fosters teamwork as he or she has to work with a team of project professionals that underpin the successful completion of the construction. The work of architects is to collaborate with local authorities to assess hazards to the community (Burns & Royce, 1994). Thus, architects are significant professionals in ensuring objects, systems, and organizations come together for outstanding infrastructures in the human society.

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The Value of an Architect to the Society

There is no doubt that architects are invaluable assets to the society. According to the RIBA (2013), it was imperative to redefine the responsibilities of an architect to include lead designer, client advisor, building service engineer, cost consultant, and health and safety consultant. This demonstrates that architects are valuable to the society at different stages of a construction project.

Stage 0 to Stage 1: Project Onset

These stages involve strategic definition and preparation and brief (RIBA, 2013). In this stage, the architect’s main responsibility is to establish the business case and strategic brief, among other core project requirements (RIBA, 2013). In addition, the architect facilitates considerations for assembling a project team, establishing project program, and reviewing feedback from previous projects. Furthermore, in the second stage, the architect develops the project objectives. Among other things, they outline the project quality objectives and outcomes, and budgeting. The architect will also review the project program and prepare strategies for ending the project via astute communication channels (RIBA, 2013).

An architect ensures that a contractor and/or subcontractors assigned to set up a construction in a community is reliable (Cerovsek, 2011). In fact, Cerovsek (2011), points that the professional may undertake the responsibility to make reasonable inquiries regarding the (sub)contractors’ solvency and suitability to participate in a community project. In Equitable Debenture Assets Corp. Ltd v William Moss Group Ltd (1984) 2 Con. L.R.1, the judge found the architects liable for making inadequate inquiries regarding the subcontractor who delivered curtain walling.

Another case involving Pratt (Valerie) v George J Hill Associates [1987] 38 BLR 25 CA) further demonstrates that architect have the responsibility to ensure contractors are reliable to deliver outstanding structures. These cases show that architects enhance the confidence of the society on builders assigned construction projects in the community. More so, the architect ensures that the people he or she is working for pay nothing more than what the project costs. This is where integrity comes in. Burns and Royce (1994), notes it is common for an architect to be asked to provide an estimate of what a project is likely to cost. In this responsibility, this professional provides a figure that is reasonable taking into account the impact of inflation and the cost to the society (Burns & Royce, 1994). Additionally, the costs must fit within the budget of the client rather than imposed. As such, an architect ascertains that the estimates provided to clients are within specific limits (Suermann and Issa, 2007). Today, an architect plays an important role in ensuring that infrastructure in the society is built by competent people who do not intend to swindle the client.

Stage 2 to Stage 4: Project Design

This section involves the design – concept design, developed design, and technical design (RIBA, 2013). In the second stage of RIBA Plan Work 2013, the architect prepares a concept design, which incorporates proposals, alongside cost information and project strategies. In the third stage and fourth stage, the architect prepares a developed design and technical design, respectively, incorporating coordination and update of proposals for designs, cost information, strategies, as well as designing a responsibility matrix (RIBA, 2013).

Third party consultation is vital in this design stage for proper risk assessment, sustainability, and ensuring health and safety, and this must be accompanied by reviews and updates of those processes (RIBA, 2013).

Aforementioned, architects have been known for designing construction work. To ensure community safety and aesthetic appeals, an architect prepares the necessary plans and drawings, and selects the right construction material. Needless to say, Chappell (2008), maintains that visual appearance are solely within the coffers of the architect and not the structural engineer. For instance, when a structural engineer works out deflections of a wall, the architect will decide whether the wall with those deflections will be aesthetically satisfactory to the local community upon the end of the project. As earlier stated, architects participate in cost estimation to ensure transparency.

In Nye Saunders &Partners v. Alan E Bristow (1987) 37 BLR 92(CA), Bristow offered architects the responsibility to refurbish his Elizabethan mansion in Surrey. His budget was £250,000 (but the original estimates were £238,000). Over a period of 9 months, the expenditure had shot up to £440,000, and still escalating. The defendant declined to pay the architects and discontinued the project because he believed the architects were supposed to warn him of the effects of inflation. If the architects provided information on inflation, the court would not have ruled that they were negligent. Most imperatively, an architect ensures that construction work done protects the local communities from environmental degradation and the client from construction failures due to poor soil examination (Cerovsek, 2011). Burns & Royce (1994), note that in fact, architects can be held responsible for using inaccurate and correct methods for assessing a site, such as excavation, and soil breaking and removal. Prudent architects examine a site for proposed development project to ensure they provide valuable construction strategies. In the case of Earnes London Estates Ltd vNorth Hertfordshire District Council ((1981)EG 491), the architect designed the foundation of an industrial building, but failed to assess the soil for he assumed it was an embankment of an old railway. His negligence is evident as he specified pier loadings without confirming the breaking capacity of the ground. Besides, when a practical man at the site questioned the adequacy of the foundation depth, he failed to act (Ibid). This reinforced the assertion that the role of an architect goes beyond basically designing a structure to become aware of the potential hazards their project exposes the builders, users, and local communities. In the 21st century, architects ensure their designs are not costly to the community in terms of resources and safety.

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Stage 5: Project Construction

This section entails setting up the project. The role of the architect is to oversite both onsite and offsite construction according to the project program and resolve design issues that arise from the construction site (RIBA, 2013). Besides reviewing the initial project strategies, the architect administers regular site inspections to ensure the construction adheres to both the project program and the law.

Construction professionals has the responsibility to supervise and/or inspect construction work to ensure it adheres to the standards established in the previous stages of the project. An architect provides reasonable supervision to provide an honest record of the project execution (Burns & Royce, 1994). At this point, the architect should highly collaborate with the project team as well as external regulators to ensure construction project is not defective and risky to the lives of the builders, users, and community. In Sutcliffe v Chippendale and Edmondson [1971] 18 BLR149), the trial Judge established that the role of the architect is to supervise the contractor and ensure the project is not defective. In that line, the architect also ensures that the contractor implements health and safety procedures in accordance with the construction industry best practices (Cerovsek, 2011). Through supervision, espoused by RIBA, modern architects ensure that a community receives a quality construction project that is within the budget, with less if not any, casualties.

Stage 6 to Stage 7: Project conclusion

This stage entails finalizing and handing over the project to the client to be used by the intended users. Atkins & Simpson (2008), note that this stage is often neglected. According to the author, many projects fail to have lucid end-points as they do not include sign-offs (Atkins & Simpson, 2008). Architects ensures that clients and the communities are informed that a project has ended, no more work would be carried out, and that the final construction work is ready for use. According to RIBA (2013), the architect not only provides feedback on the project but also updates key project information. Upon the closure of the project, the architect evaluates the project manager’s review, and records points that need to be addressed in the future, as well as the successes of the construction (Vipul et al., 2016). If the project is not closed, the client’s and community resources will continue to be utilized.

Conclusion

Architecture is a discipline that passes down building and construction knowledge to students to equip them with appropriate professional skills from the start to the end of a project. Learners acquire building and behavioral codes to present themselves as professionals in the construction industry. Architects had been sued for acting unprofessionally. Today, architects leverage technology to ensure project efficiency and productivity, with limited damage to the biosphere. As such, architects are valuable to the society as they use digital information to promote sustainability when delivering cutting-edge construction projects.

 

References

Atkins, J. B., & Simpson, G. A. (2008). Managing project risk: Best practices for architects and related professionals. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Burns, A., & Royce, N. (1994). The legal obligations of the architect. London: Butterworths.

Chappell, D. (2008). Contractual Correspondence for Architects and Project Managers. Oxford: John Wiley & Sons.

Cerovsek, T. (2011). A Review and Outlook for a Building Information Model (BIM): A Multi-Standpoint Framework for Technological Development. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 25, 224-44.

Chappell, D., & Willis, A. (2013). The Architect in Practice. Hoboken: Wiley.

Choi, J., and Kim, I. (2008). An Approach to Share Architectural Drawing Information and Document for Automated Code Checking System. Tsinghua Science and Technology, 13, 171-8.

RIBA (2013). RIBA Plan of Work 2013: Overview. Portland Place, London: RIBA.

Smith, M. (2009). Curating Architectural 3D CAD Models. The International Journal of Digital Curation, 1(4), 98-106.

Suermann, P. C., and Issa, R. R. A. (2007). Evaluating the Impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Construction. Ph.D. dissertation, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

Vipul G., et al. (2016). 3D Modeling of Amity University Noida Campus using Revit Architecture and ArcGIS. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 7(4), 48–61.

Earnes London Estates Ltd vNorth Hertfordshire District Council ((1981)EG 491).

Equitable Debenture Assets Corp. Ltd v William Moss Group Ltd (1984) 2 Con. L.R.1.

Nye Saunders &Partners v. Alan E Bristow (1987) 37 BLR 92(CA).

Pratt (Valerie) v George J Hill Associates [1987] 38 BLR 25 CA) .

Sutcliffe v Chippendale and Edmondson [1971] 18 BLR149).

 

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Tourism industry in Australia

Tourism industry in Australia

Table of contents

1.0 Introduction 3

2.0 Current business operations 6

2.1 Products 6

2.2 Pricing models 7

2.3 Customer segment 8

2.4 Branding and positioning 9

2.5 Promotion and marketing 10

3.0 Future campaign 11

4.0 Innovative idea in marketing 11

References 12

1.0 Introduction

This business portfolio aims at exploring the tourism industry in the Australia. Tourism is one of the most important component of economy in Australia contributing over A$40 billion annually. Furthermore, tourism is a source of employment across various sectors and also contribute to about 5% of the total export earnings (Michael, 2002 p. 118). Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia include the three major coast cities that is Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Other prominent destinations are also found in Gold Coast, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland and Tasmanian wilderness among others. There are over 500 national parks in Australia, each having distinct features such as variety of flora and fauna, spectacular rock and reefs, beaches and beautiful landscape scenery. Interestingly, domestic tourist is the dominant source of income compared to international visitors (Fig. 1).

Figure 1: Australian share of tourism (Source: ABS, 2011)

Kakadu National Park (Fig. 2) is one of the major the major tourist destinations located in the northern territory owned by aboriginal people. The spectacular features found here include Jim Jim and Twin falls, Kangaroos, crocodiles, rare plants and animals in the rainforest, higher bird population and various fish species. However, the fascinating rock art that is thought to be painted over the past 20 millennials in Ubirr and Nourlangie depict the history of aboriginal people.

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Figure 2: Kakadudu National Park (Source Wikitravel, 2017)

Many tourists also visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Fig. 3) due to enormous rocks consisting of 32 rock domes. It is named due two major rocks namely the Kata Tjuta and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Within these parks there are wide variety of animals and plants.

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Figure 3: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Source: Australian Sky, 2018)

Port Campbell National Park (Fig. 4) is best destination characterized by oceanic and rock formations. The waves from the ocean led to formation of limestone rock formations in the park. The Great Ocean Road, the three historic sites namely Grotto, Lord Ard Gorge and London Arch forms beautiful scenery for the visitors. Furthermore, the giant limestone structures forming the Twelve Apostles, orchids and wildlife draws millions of visitors to the park annually.

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Figure 4: Port Campbell National Park (Australian Sky, 2018)

Lastly, Nambung National Park is also another destination combining ocean and rock formations. These rock rise near the ocean and in the surrounding Pinnacles desert area thus the limestone formations are known as pinnacles. Furthermore, the park is rich in biodiversity having over 150 species of animals and birds. One can easily see the dingoes, whales and red or grey kangaroos when walking along the beach.

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2.0 Current business operations

2.1 Products

There are numerous tourism products in Australia attributed to the named parks above. The biodiversity particularly wildlife, plant species and numerous physical features like rock formations that the major tourist attraction in Australia (Higham and Bejder, 2008 p. 77). There are also numerous opportunities accrued to local that is associated with the tourism sector such as hotels and accommodation and the transport system. The prominent Sydney Opera House (Fig. 5) attracts tourists to Australia. The major products are transport, accommodation and attractive touring products.

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Figure 5: Sydney Opera House

Location and distribution

This element is meant to bring the travelers and the tourism service providers together. There is widest distribution of attraction sites, transport and communication channels as well as accommodation services. Since tourism is a service industry, the most common distribution channels is the use of travel agents and tour operators (Kao et al., 2008 p. 21).

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Figure 6: Distribution channels (Source: Slide Share)

2.2 Pricing models

The pricing strategy for the tourism industry in Australia is highly diverse due to difference in locations of attraction sites and nature of the travelers. However, the prices are more market based since companies compare price within the market for similar services by the competitors. The charges for certain tourist destinations like national parks are constant for domestic and international tourists. However, the accommodation operators tend to change pricing based on seasons of the year and demands (Zhang, Song and Huang, 2009 p. 345). Package deals, commission and discounts are also common among travel agents and tour operators.

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Figure 7: Source: Slide share

2.3 Customer segment

Very often the customer segment in tourism industry is based on the following components: age, socioeconomic status, geography and the type of travel (Ryu, Han and Kim, 2008 p. 463). However, each player in tourism industry has to identify its customers and learn about them in order to meet their needs. Thus geographic, demographic, sociocultural and psychographic segmentation can be adopted for segmenting customers in tourism industry.

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Figure 8: Customer segmentation (source: Tourism School, 2017)

2.4 Branding and positioning

Brand positioning also known as brand strategy refers to positioning the organizational brand in the minds of the customers (Park et al., 2007 p. 404). There are numerous strategies for owning a market niche for services offered including pricing and promotions. To create unique brand in tourism industry, the companies are using value based positioning ideas and the brand positioning statements that help differentiating from the competitors (Fig. 9, Ju, 2016).

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Figure 9: Brand positioning (source: Ju, 2016)

2.5 Promotion and marketing

The tourism industry targets sale of places and other services offered by the support industries. Australia is competing with other countries to promote its destinations therefore it has to engage in intense marketing to create interests on broad scale to attract tourists. Various organizations in tourism industry are using advertising to get attention of the customers. The national parks and companies offering transport and accommodation are using ads, magazines and television to advertise their products.

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Figure 10: advisement ad (Source: Travel techie, 2017)

3.0 Future campaign

There are numerous marketing campaigns that can be integrated together to achieve effective marketing. To promote local tourism traditional visual media like Television and radios will be used together with websites, blogs and email marketing. Furthermore, trade shows will be conducted by partnering with various stakeholders in transport, communication and hotels to sell various destinations. Evers and Knight (2008 p. 545) argued that trade shows are effective in that it draws media, public and travel agencies together thus help draw their customers.

4.0 Innovative idea in marketing

There is increased number of people using social network due to decreased cost of smartphones. The use of various social network platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Snapchat helps in attracting the adventurous youths. Stelzner (2014 p. 21) reported that social media marketing is a powerful tool for business to reach customers as it is fast and cost effective.

References

ABS, 2011. Australian Tourism Industry. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/bulletin/2011/dec/3.html

Australian Sky, 2018. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from https://www.australiansky.co.uk/wildlife-holidays/top-10-national-parks-in-australia

Evers, N. and Knight, J., 2008. Role of international trade shows in small firm internationalization: a network perspective. International Marketing Review25(5), pp.544-562.

Higham, J.E. and Bejder, L., 2008. Managing wildlife-based tourism: Edging slowly towards sustainability?. Current issues in tourism11(1), pp.75-83.

Ju, Z, 2016. Why Brand Management Is Even More Important in a Slowing China. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from http://www.labbrand.com/brandsource/issue-article/why-brand-management-even-more-important-slowing-china.

Kao, M.C., Patterson, I., Scott, N. and Li, C.K., 2008. Motivations and satisfactions of Taiwanese tourists who visit Australia: An exploratory study. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing24(1), pp.17-33.

Michael, E., 2002. Antiques and tourism in Australia. Tourism Management23(2), pp.117-125.

Parks and Wildlife Service, 2017. Nambung National Park. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/nambung

Ryu, K., Han, H. and Kim, T.H., 2008. The relationships among overall quick-casual restaurant image, perceived value, customer satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. International Journal of Hospitality Management27(3), pp.459-469.

Stelzner, M., 2014. 2014 Social Media Marketing Industry Report. Social media examiner, pp.1-52.

Tourism School, 2017. Customer segmentation. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 https://tourismeschool.com/5-steps-to-create-social-media-content-tourism-marketing/

Travel Techie, 2017. Tourism Australia embarks on an integrated marketing campaign. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from http://www.traveltechie.com/news/Tourism-Australia-embarks-on-an-integrated-marketing-campaign/8308.

Wikitravel, 2017. Kakadudu National Park. Retrieved on June 5, 2018 from https://www.google.com/search?q=Kakadu+National+Park&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjG3PrmobzbAhXI6Y8KHdgeB0cQ_AUICigB#imgrc=Kfxnph1bLbV_tM:

Zhang, X., Song, H. and Huang, G.Q., 2009. Tourism supply chain management: A new research agenda. Tourism management30(3), pp.345-358.

Park, J., Rajagopal, P., Dillon, W., Chaiy, S. and DeSarbo, W., 2017. A new bayesian spatial model for brand positioning. Journal of Modelling in Management12(3), pp.404-431.

 

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ymca research

  1. Mission and/or Include Vision Statement

The mission statement of YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice by use of programs which build a healthy spirit, body and mind for all people (Beets et al., 2014).

  1. Goals (SMART)

Enhance growth of programs and capabilities by strengthening the young people in developing partnerships and data collection.

Improvement of facilities through expansion of programs

Development of staff and volunteers through recruitment of many volunteers, provision of part time employment opportunities and recognition of staff teams.

  1. History

The YMCA was founded during the industrial revolution with an aim of providing low cost housing facilities to the many youths who were migrating to the cities. Thus the YMCA made a combination of the preaching the streets and distributing religious tracts. These centers thus were viewed as places of recreation so that the young people would be preserved from gambling, prostitutions and alcohol among other vices (http://www.ymca.net/).

  1. Founded by whom

This association was founded by George Williams, who was a London-based draper during the industrial revolution.

  1. Length of Existence

YMCA was founded in the year 1844, and thus has been existence for the last 174 years.

  1. Strategic Plan/Future Programming

The YMCA 2018 to 2023 strategic plan is:

Be a key anchor of driving social, economic and health developments among the local communities (YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantfor, 2018). To deepen their impacts in improving health equity. To extend their reach to the vulnerable and at risk communities by engaging all people. They also plan to transform their relationships with technology so enhance improved community service delivery.

  1. Previous Projects

This association engages in several activities through programs whereby many young people have been beneficiaries. Some of its activities include engagement in charitable activities, classes for skills development, promotion of Christianity and humanitarian activities, and funding athletics among many more activities.

The chatterboxes is a project which is run by disabled youths aged between eleven to twenty-five years.

8. Review

– 990 Filing

Since the YMCA is a charitable organization, it is exempted from taxes for reporting child care. The customers should thus have a child providers’ EIN number to perform e-filing.

– Donor List

Humana Inc

Deloitte

Charter communications

Bank of America charitable foundation inc

Howard Johnson

Center for disease control and prevention (CDC)

AARP foundation

National basketball foundation

Points of light

Office of the juvenile justice and delinquency prevention

Wallace foundation

Wells Fargo

Simons foundation

Robert wood Johnson foundation

References

YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington and Brantfor, (2018). YMCA strategic plan 2018-2023. Retrieved from https://www.ymcahbb.ca/CWP/media/HBB/Documents/About%20Us/YMCA_HBB_StrategicPlan_18-web.pdf

Beets, M. W., Weaver, R. G., Turner-McGrievy, G., Moore, J. B., Webster, C., Brazendale, K., … & Beighle, A. (2016). Are we there yet? Compliance with physical activity standards in YMCA afterschool programs. Childhood Obesity, 12(4), 237-246.

Beets, M. W., Weaver, R. G., Moore, J. B., Turner-McGrievy, G., Pate, R. R., Webster, C., & Beighle, A. (2014). From policy to practice: strategies to meet physical activity standards in YMCA afterschool programs. American journal of preventive medicine, 46(3), 281-288.

http://www.ymca.net/

 

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THE NOVEL: Nella Larsen, Passing

1.write an essay in which you analyze the use of point of view in the novel’s narration. Is the
point of view omniscient, limited, etc. How does point of view in the novel affect (facilitate
or frustrate) the reader’s attempts at interpretation?
750-1000 words

ANSWER

PART 1:

Nella Larsen’s novel ‘Passing’ is written from a third person omniscient point of view. The point of view emanates from Irene one of the main characters and it allows the readers to know what she is thinking and doing. However, there are varying aspects of an unreliable narration within the novel displayed through the existence of uncertainty in some sequences of events. The point of view is quite unique to the plot as it brings in aspects of sympathy throughout the text whereby readers can relate with the characters. It allows readers to form relationships with the characters taking into account their opinions and judging them through Irene’s eyes. This segment explores the point of view in ‘Passing’ analyzing how it affects readers attempts at interpretation.

Passing can be described as a conventionally structured novel telling a tale from a controlled omniscient perspective. In the narration, tension emanates from the main character and concludes in a web of mystery and ambiguity. The narrations purpose lies within varying psychological and social problem areas illuminating various racial and personal relationship dilemmas. Larsen who was an African-American writer and participant of the Harlem Renaissance explores varying aspects of her times narrating the life of a light skinned African American who decides to live in the society as a white hiding her true racial history from the world. Passing also studies marital issues that emanate from suspicion, jealousy, financial problems, need for personal fulfillment and infidelity. The individual who initiates the narration and propels it Clare Kendry. Clare causes the examinations of personal values and the confrontation of identity and I should think that she herself is literally passing through the narrative. Larsen focuses on the lives of two African American ladies whose live took radically different path. The two ladies seek out each other and meet after years of separation. Clare has been deliberately distancing herself from her past and has decided to live as a white woman. However, Irene, from whose perspective readers get their point of view, has remained true to her racial identity and is willing yet with a heavy heart to accept her friends request to help her reconnect with her race.

Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield are two complex characters within the novel ‘Passing’ and the third person point of view makes their stories even more complex and confusing. However, the point of view in the narration focuses more on what Irene is feeling, thinking and doing. This makes it difficult to understand what the other characters are thinking but raises and facilitates aspects of sympathy for Irene more than the other characters. Irene in the passage seems to be more loving and caring in the way she stays true to her identity and race. This causes the readers to be sympathetic to her even though in the end one may tend to dispute this interpretation and raise the question of whether Irene is still deserving of our sympathy. Additionally, Irene is exceedingly judgmental in the way she harshly judges Clare’s actions, criticizes Gertrude for marrying a white man and negatively speaks about her husband. This kind of interpretation arises from the third person point of view where readers are able to identify all of Irene’s flaws through the exhibition of her feelings, thoughts and attitudes. These aspects tend to oppose the aspect of Irene being caring and loving highlighting her as to been harsh jealous and judgmental.

The third person omniscient point of view in ‘Passing’ is largely based on aspects of being sympathetic with the characters. One can sympathize with Clare from the beginning of the narration due to her loneliness and tough situation of trying to live a lie. Due to varying social and economic reasons Clare chooses to live a lie hiding from her own personal identity. However, through the narration, readers understand her ply since she come from an exceedingly difficult past. Her past was overcrowded by loss and mistreatment. Therefore, her loneliness combined together with her difficult past greatly affects the way we as readers view her. Additionally, her longing to connect with her ‘black side’ makes readers know that she is genuine and sympathize with her. Her longing for reconnection is often seen in the way she always wants to join her friend Irene in dances, gatherings and occasions that bring together African Americans. Furthermore, one can feel her remorse as she tells Irene that she is the wiser, happier and safer one. Despite of this friendship between Clare and Irene, it is evident that Clare was exceedingly jealous of Irene and did not care about any of her feelings. This is seen in the way Clare gets close to Irene’s husband. However, Clare gets an unexpected and horrible ending as she was pushed through a window by an unknown character.

 

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Critical Review

THIS IS THE JOURNAL THAT YOU WILL USE AND THE TITLE OF THE ESSAY:

Sneddon, R., (2000) ‘Language and literacy: Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism3(4), pp.265-282.

DOI: 10.1080/13670050008667711

BELOW IS THE OUTLINE OF THE CRITICAL REVIEW (2500 WORDS).

As outlined in the ERE module handbook:

Structure of the critical review

Please use these three main headings to support you in undertaking this exercise.

The paper should be 2,500 words excluding the bibliography (+/- 10%).

.

  1. Article summary – what this research is about
  • Topic of the paper
  • Where does this topic fit in the broader research field? (Use the information the article gives on the research literature or key concepts to answer this question)
  • Main research aims and specific research questions

2. Methods – what the researchers did

  • Sample – who was involved in the study? What kind of sampling approach is this?
  • What methods did the researchers use to collect the data; and in what form?
  • What was the process for involving participants?
  • What ethical issues did the study raise and how did the researchers deal with them?
  • Why is this research design appropriate for the research questions being asked?

3. Contribution of the research:

  • How were the data analysed and presented in the article?
  • What conclusions did the researcher(s) draw from the analysis?
  • What contribution might the findings make:
    • To the academic field within which the research is situated – do they challenge existing thinking or extend it in some way?
    • To informing policy and/or practice?
  • How do you assess the strengths and weaknesses of the approaches adopted in this study?

 

RESPONSE

Title of Review:

A Critical Review: Sneddon, R., (2000) ‘Language and literacy: Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 3(4), pp.265-282. DOI: 10.1080/13670050008667711

Sneddon, R., (2000) ‘Language and literacy: Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, 3(4), pp.265-282. DOI: 10.1080/13670050008667711: A Critical Review.

  1. Article summary – what this research is about

Sneddon’s article, ‘Language and literacy: Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’ published by the International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism, considers literacy as a part of a child’s ability to understand and use both spoken and written language. This position is supported by Hoff (2014), who maintains that language and literacy development is fundamental for life and learning. Language is used to communicate, share and express feelings, provide and obtain information, and comprehend ideas and thoughts. Sneddon (2000) set to explore the relationship between language and literacy in a multilingual family. Accordingly, the researcher assessed 36 children in North-East London. The children were aged 3.5 years, 7 years, and 11 years from a Gujerati and Urdu-speaking Muslim community. The language and literacy experiences, relating to educational achievement and the use of local community cultural and religious centers, were explored in the families, community, and school, and the data obtained via interviews, recordings, and observations. The subsequent data revealed that children who accessed the cultural and religious centers had higher linguistic vitality levels in Gujerati, and told highly creative stories in both Gujerati and English than children who did not have that privilege (Seddon, 2002). Even so, Seddon (2002), established that the use of Gujerati at home did not contribute significantly to the children’s literacy achievements. Moreover, English language was mainly supported by books, but neither had a positive impact.

In the broader research field of language and literacy, Seddon’s (2002), study is highly relevant. First, the article delves into language maintenance and shift. Apparently, children’s language proficiency level, especially in their mother tongue, is an influence of sociolinguistic variables (Hoff, 2014). Some of the variables include, but are not limited to the extent and range at which the language is used at home and in the community. More so, the density of social networks in the child’s environment will influence their ability to maintain and change their language. As established by Seddon (2002), the respondents ‘… spoke almost entirely Gujerati (with a little Urdu) to their grandparents, both English and Gujerati to
their parents and a great deal more English to their siblings’ (pp. 271). Secondly, the article factors in literacies in homes and school. Significant language and literacy studies such as Wells (1986), and Tizard and Hughes (1984), have documented that literacy experiences at home directly influences their academic achievement in school. Indeed, Seddon (2002), was able to establish that the use of Gujerati, Urdu, and English at home and at the community centers had varying impacts on academic achievement of children at different ages – 3.5 years, 7 years, and 11 years. The third important aspect that makes the study fit in the broader language and literacy research is the fact that it addressed the impact of bilingualism in education. Significant studies in this research field have, unfortunately, produced contradictory findings. For instance, Hamers and Blanc (1989) and Baker (1996) studies concluded that bilingualism contributed to low academic performance for minority community children. On the other hand, a study by Bialystock (1991), deduced that bilingualism contributed to positive cognitive benefits. Seddon (2002), research comes in to contribute to these contradictory results. Accordingly, the author established, in light of bilingualism in education, that the use of Gujerati at home did not contribute significantly to the children’s literacy achievements.

To realize the above results, the aim of the study was ‘… to explore in greater depth, through a focused investigation in Gujerati speaking families, the home literacy experiences of children in a multilingual environment and the factors that may have an impact on these’ (226). Salkind (2010) maintains that research aims should be clear and signal what and where the researcher aspires to be by the end of the study. Indeed, the research aim is clear considering that Seddon (2002), lucidly outlines what he hoped to do, that is, his overall intention in the project. Since it only points the research to be conducted, the research aim is broad, and thus, the development of research questions. Accordingly, Seddon (2002) centered on the following four broad questions, which guided the investigation:

(1) In a multilingual context, what kinds of support for literacy do parents provide for their children in English and in the languages of the home? (2) What impact do both these kinds of support have on children’s achievement in the classroom in English? Is there evidence of a transfer of skills from home languages to English? (3) In the context of very varied language backgrounds and levels of bilingualism, what language experiences in home and community influence children’s own use of language? Does involvement with an organisation that supports the community’s language and culture have any impact on this? (4) Does the linguistic vitality of a community have any influence on children’s literacy experiences in the home? (pp. 266).

Research questions are a fundamental aspect of any study. It allows the researcher to focus the study, determine the research methodology to be used, and guide all the stages involving inquiry, data analysis, and reporting (Salkind, 2010). Indeed, Seddon (2002), identified four research questions derived from the research problem ‘Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’. From this, the author drafted the four questions, which he used to develop appropriate research methods.

2. Methods – what the researchers did

The process of sampling simply involves the researcher selecting his sample. While it seems straightforward, the process is quite involving as revealed in Sneddon’s (2002), study. Sneddon’s (2002), sample was selected from the general population. The research assistant collected information about the sample from the Local Education Authority, the local primary schools headteachers, community center staff, and the prior knowledge of the researcher. The author also an inclusion criteria to consider the sample for the research. According to Salkind (2010), inclusion and exclusion criteria are set traits to be used to identify who will and who will not participate in a research study. For instance, in Sneddon’s (2002) research, all participants were to be born in Britain, their families spoke Gujerati as their first language and knowledgeable of Urdu, they belonged to mainstream primary schools that have similar bilingual children intakes and policies; this was his inclusion criteria. 50 percent of the sample was selected from families living near community centers and used the facilities therein. The other half included children who lived far away from community centers and did not use any. Then, Sneddon (2002), developed a matched pair. The children were matched in light of gender, age, sibling number, family position, parents’ education levels, father’s occupation, and housing type and ownership. Moreover, the respondents were selected in light of 3 age groups – 3.5 years (just beginning nursery school), 7 years (in Year 6), and 11 years (in the final Year of primary schooling). In the end, 36 children participated in Sneddon’s (2002) study as the sample population. The researcher used a stratified sampling technique by dividing the population in terms of the factors (proximity to and use of community centers) that might influence the variables being measured.

In order to respond to the research questions, Sneddon (2002), collected quantitative data, which were quantified in various ways. The first aspect of quantification was on language use of parents and children in different social settings. A device known as Three Language Box was used to visually present Gujereti, Urnu, and English for the parents, and the children aged 7 and 11 years old. This was later interpreted in terms of percentages for analysis. Subsequently, the Index of Interaction Opportunity was derived from the percentages for both parents and children. The second aspect of quantification was literacy experiences. This was done by ranking families in terms of their Gujerati, Urnu, and English literacy. The third element of quantification was support for literacy. This provide parents the opportunity to explain about their children’s story telling, reading and hearing, and the frequency of Gujerati/Urnu occurrence. The fourth quantification element was were the scores on the standardized texts. Various tests, such as Draw a Person test and Marie Clay’s test were used to establish the children’s general intellectual maturity (Sneddon, 2002). Accordingly, questionnaires were used to obtain more quantitative data on literacy events, family involvement, books accessibility, media use, language development, attitude towards maintaining traditions, parent-school relationship, and reading training for the children. More so, the researcher encouraged open ended questions to promote the discussion of various issues raised at different stages. The subsequent qualitative data alongside the parents’ comments were used to explain and interpret other data founded. Other information was obtained from storybook reading, which were recorded by the researcher. Age 3.5 years participants used ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Carle (1992); age 7 years participants used Stone & Desai’s (1989) ‘Naughty Mouse’, whereas the age 11’s read ‘Raja’s Big Ears’ by Desai (1989). Other data was collected via school interviews. The children were asked to retell their stories and interviewed on their language use.

To involve the participants, the Sneddon (2002), conducted home interviews for parents. The parents responded to long questionnaires, providing qualitative data and their socioeconomic and educational status nedded for the matching process. Meanwhile, story books were used to assess the children’s ability to read. Sneddon (2002), involved age 3.5 years participants in reading ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ by Carle (1992); age 7 years participants read Stone & Desai’s (1989) ‘Naughty Mouse’, whereas the age 11’s read ‘Raja’s Big Ears’ by Desai (1989). After two weeks, the children retold their stories in Gujerati while the research assistant recorded the experience. The final recording was transcribed and assessed in both English and Gujerati. This allowed the researcher to establish the language the children were most fluent in and used most. Finally, the researcher conducted school interviews. Here, the children were allowed to participate in discussions about their language use. In a research involving humans, IRB clearance has to be obtained (Burns, 2000). Apparently, Sneddon’s (2002), study not only involves humans but also minors. As such, besides IRB clearance, the researcher had to obtain the parent’s consent for their children to participate in the study. Even so, Sneddon (2002), in his article does not elaborate on this crucial aspect of research project. Neither did he express how he dealt with them.

Overall, the research design was appropriate for this study. At first, Sneddon (2002) intended to conduct a longitudinal study, but considering time constraint, he opted for a cross-sectional design using the three age groups. A cross-sectional study design is used to obtain information in light of the data collected for a particular point of time (Kothari, 2005). The researcher collects data in terms of the participants’ characteristics and demographics. Accordinglt, Sneddon (2002), was interested in the participants’ gender, age, education, geographic locations, ethnicity, and other variables. This allowed the researcher to respond to the research questions in a less costly manner within a limited time period. The researcher was also able to address the research aim by capturing real time information using multiple variables.

  1. Contribution of the research:

In any research, it is imperative to identify the methods used to collect the data (Kothari, 2005). This allows the readers to trace how the researcher obtained his data and from which sources. Equally imperative is the interpretation of that data using analytical tools to organize the data in a clear, coherent, and deductive fashion (Duquia et al., 2014). Accordingly, Sneddon’s (2002), used thematic content analysis to identify common patterns across the data collected via literature reviews, interviews and observations. It involved the researcher familiarizing himself with previous literature, as well as the undergoing interviews and observations, and coding the texts. Then, the researcher searched for themes and assigned them meaning. After reviewing the themes, ascertaining they fit the data, Sneddon (2002) defined the themes and developed coherent narratives from the interviewees. This was especially facilitated by the open ended questions. He also used the Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between children’s IIO and their Gujerati use with their siblings (Sneddon, 2002). Moreover, the author also analyzed ‘… word length, vocabulary used, sentence structure and references to underlying meaning revealed a strong relationship between the children’s two main languages (Sneddon, 2002, pp. 276)’. The data was presented in form of percentages, on tables and graphs to facilitate seamless analysis. Tables were used to organize the data in accordance with their occurrence and results, allowing the researcher to analyze variable distributions. Burns (2000) elaborates that frequency distributions are crucial for representing categorical variable in either tables or graphs. To achieve that, Sneddon (2002), counted the observations and presented the distribution in percentage form. For instance, in estimating the percentage of Gujerati and Urnu the children spoke to their immediate families, the table below.

The advantage of tables is that they are self-explanatory and clear. Moreover, the author used a chart to provide a visual representation of the ‘total scores for literacy practices in Gujerati, Urdu and English in families who use the Community Centre and families who do not’ (Sneddon, 2002, pp. 273). The advantage of this approach is the ability of the author to present results in a clear and easily understood.

From the analysis, the researcher drew various conclusions. First, Sneddon (2002), the researcher concluded that while the Common Underlying Proficiency was ‘… designed to explain the process of transfer of communicative and academic language skills from one language to another … the experience of the children in the present study does not fit easily into this model’ (pp. 280). He also deduced that self-help in communities played a significant role in language development and academic outcomes. Even so, Sneddon (2002), maintained it was difficult to quantify the various factors that make a difference in learning outcomes, such as rich, complex language and literacy environment. Sneddon (2002), further concluded that the statistical analysis was inconclusive. Nevertheless, he concluded that bilingualism did not interfere with children’s English language by the time they completed their primary schooling. Accordingly, the author suggests collaboration between mother tongue teaching organizations and mainstream schools to enhance language and literacy among the bilingual children.

These conclusion contribute significantly to the field of education and more so, informs policy and practice in the education sector. The study challenges the preexisting perceptions that mother tongue affected the ability of children to develop fluent English language. It support, like some studies with differing opinion, the development of children’s first language as well as English to promote an experiential learning environment in the classroom. More so, the study informs policy and practice. Accordingly, professional educators, both in the mainstream schools and in organizations that provide mother tongue lessons and activities, are able to appreciate the importance of both mother tongue and English in the overall academic experience of a child. This will influence collaboration between the two entities. More so, policy makers can be influenced by this study to establish policies that incorporate learning mother tongue during the first schooling years to enhance children’s creativity and overall academic output.

Finally, to assess the strengths and the weaknesses of the approaches adopted in the study, one must considered the research design and techniques. The benefit of a good methodology is that it is a powerful means of enhancing practice (Burns, 2000). Another important element of analysis is the resource consumption of that research. According to Burns (2000), a research good studies cost effectively achieve the research objectives. These can be evident in Sneddon’s (2002), study, in which the author opted to use a cross-sectional research design to enhance the ability of the researcher to respond to the research questions in a less costly manner within a limited time period. The researcher was also able to address the research aim by capturing real time information using multiple variables.

References

Baker, C. (1996). Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism (2nd edn). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.

Bialystok, E. (1991). Metalinguistic dimensions of bilingual language proficiency. In E. Bialystok (ed.) Language Processing in Bilingual Children. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Burns, R. B. (2000). Introduction to research methods. London: SAGE.

Carle, E. (1992). The Very Hungry Caterpillar(English and Gujerati edn). London: Mantra.

Duquia, R. P., Bastos, J. L., Bonamigo, R. R., González-Chica, D. A., & Martínez-Mesa, J. (2014). Presenting data in tables and charts . Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89(2), 280–285. http://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143388

Hamers. J.F. and Blanc, M.H.A. (1989). Bilinguality and Bilingualism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Hoff, E. (2014). Language development. Belmont, CA Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.

Kothari, C. R. (2005). Research methodology: Methods & techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (P) Ltd.

Salkind, N. J. (2010). Encyclopedia of research design Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781412961288

Sneddon, R., (2000) ‘Language and literacy: Children’s experiences in multilingual environments’, International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism3(4), pp.265-282. DOI: 10.1080/13670050008667711

Stone, S. and Desai, N. (1989). The Naughty Mouse. London: Mantra.

Tizard, B. and Hughes, M. (1984). Young ChildrenLearning: Talking and Thinking at Home and at School. London: Fontana.

Wells, G. (1986). The Meaning Makers. Sevenoaks: Hodder and Stoughton.

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Doctors Explain Why U.S. Healthcare Is So Expensive (HBO)

4pages

A written review about a health insurance and reimbursement topic from the chapter slide attached

Identify a discussion topics from the slide, it is found at beginning of each chapter.. Convey your thoughts and ideas in writing on the challenges inherent in providing health care coverage for individuals as well as providing reimbursement to those who provide care.

 

  • National Care for Policy Analysis

Watch Video

Doctors Explain Why U.S. Healthcare Is So Expensive (HBO)

User: n/a – Added: 7/17/17

YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-QftFQfJrE

 

ANSWER

Challenges in providing health care coverage

 

Introduction

There is great crisis in the American healthcare due to lack of equitable healthcare system. Various reports and studies have shown that it is no guarantee for all Americans especially the low-income communities to receiver high quality care for particular health problems. As a result, numerous deaths have been reported that are attributed to medical errors, various cancers and vehicle accidents among others. The American patients have expressed dissatisfaction with care accorded to them as they find it difficult to receive treatments from healthcare providers as well as reimbursements from the health insurance providers. Similarly, the nurses and the physicians have also expressed concerns over unsafe working conditions that negatively impact their ability to deliver quality care. This shows that there is need to carry out reforms to enhance efficacy in deliverance of proper healthcare.

Increasing patient’s needs

The advancement in medical science, healthcare delivery and technology has impacted positively on the well-being of American patients thus increasing their life expectancy. Significant proportions of American population (35 million people or 13% of total population) consist of elderly above 65 years (Greiner & Knebel, 2003). It is evident that chronic conditions increases as the population ages. Recent reports have indicated that there are few medical programs geared towards chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases thus the chronically ill patients find it difficult to obtain care from the primary care physician due to huge associated cost of treatment. Poor communication is another challenges since there is no proper transfer of information from the hospitals to nursing home thus lowering treatment outcomes. Additionally, there is an increasing mortality associated with behavioral pattern that patients and physicians can easily modified. As a result, there is need for health professionals to emphasize the need of prevention and health promotion to lower hospitalization and the medical cost. The American population is further characterized by people of diverse background in terms of race, religion, sexual orientation and ethnic groups among other personal characteristics. The individuals belonging to minority racial or ethnic groups tend to receive low quality care due to difference in income or insurance status compared to Caucasians.

Challenges in providing health care coverage

The passage of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) brought significant reforms in health insurance companies and healthcare providers in the US (PPAC, 2010). As a result, the number of American citizens without insurance coverage fell to about 9 million people (10%). The main feature of ACA is that the providers are paid based on the patient’s outcomes rather than the number of treatments provided. The value-based payment system was adopted to curb ever increasing cost of healthcare and spending by the government. However, there is still millions of Americans that are underinsured or uninsured. Furthermore, the Americans have been granted opportunity to choose their preferred health plans from a variety of health insurance options. The elderly may go for government’s insurance plan known as Medicare or chose plans from private insurers that have been approved. However, recent studies have indicated that individuals, especially the elderly lack information and insurance literacy to enable them pick plan that suits their needs and preference thus many of them may pay more for the insurance coverage (Berkman et al., 2011).

Though majority of the elderly above 65 years old are covered by Medicare, such persons still need to incur some expenses that are not gathered by Medicare through obtaining private insurance. However, the health insurance has become unaffordable due to higher medical cost resulting in higher premiums. The increase in cost and prices of medical care is partly due to inflation and partly due to the increasing intensity of services provided to the patients (Keehan et al., 2015). The small firms are worst hit as they find it difficult to purchase insurance for its employees due to rising health care costs and insurance premiums. The employees with preexisting conditions are also negatively affected since many insurers prefer not to sell policies to such persons. Since employer is required to share cost with the employee in some instances, the employers are forcing its employees to incur higher cost when sharing premiums and medical care. The high cost is affecting profitability of firms thus companies are shifting more cost of insurance coverage to employees. Therefore, the rising cost is known to shrink workers’ earnings as well as the corporate profits.

The Obamacare further had huge complexities making it difficult to build health-insurance marketplace. This is because the individuals seeking coverage are required to provide huge information such as place of residence and total earnings among others as they shop online regardless of whether one is purchasing private insurance or Medicaid coverage.

Challenges in providing reimbursement to those who provide care

Despite health care services being integral part of overall well-being of citizens, the doctors are threatening not to provide best care to the patients due to lack of proper reimbursement. The reduced medical reimbursement on the service rendered is putting more pressure on physicians and the whole industry (Danzon, 2014). Many doctors have opted-out of Medicare and Medicaid while others have left medicine due to increased cost associated with such coverage that has lowered profitability of their organizations. Furthermore, not all medical services are covered by insurance companies. The consumers are price sensitive thus they tend to inquire from the physician whether a particular service is insured, if not they will decline that service.

A number of doctors are reluctant to see Medicaid patients due to low reimbursement rates. Though the rater varies according to states, Medicaid pays approximately 60% of what Medicare pays thus discouraging physicians from attending to patients with such coverage. Another reasons for such reluctance is long waiting times and complex paper work required to be filled out. Furthermore, these reimbursement is causing more friction between the insurance companies and the healthcare providers. The hospitals are demanding higher reimbursements to meet high cost associated with Medicaid and healthcare cost.

Conclusions

Health is one of the major priorities for American government as seen by various strategies adopted across different states to tackle healthcare crisis. The rising cost of healthcare has caused huge financial constraint to American citizens while others have been forced to bear burden due to lack of insurance coverage. As a result, the government has initiated Medicare and Medicaid to enable its citizen get insurance coverage. However, there has been huge challenges facing insurance coverage including high cost of medical services, poor insurance literacy and high cost of private insurance. Furthermore, low reimbursement rates and long waiting rate has caused huge friction between insurers and medical care providers thus hampering healthcare provision.

References

Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., & Crotty, K. (2011). Low health literacy and health outcomes: an updated systematic review. Annals of internal medicine155(2), 97-107.

Danzon, P. M. (2014). Pricing and reimbursement of biopharmaceuticals and medical devices in the USA. Encyclopedia of health economics. Elsevier, 127-s35.

Greiner, A. C., & Knebel, E. (2003). Challenges Facing the Health System and Implications for Educational Reform.

Keehan, S. P., Cuckler, G. A., Sisko, A. M., Madison, A. J., Smith, S. D., Stone, D. A., … & Lizonitz, J. M. (2015). National health expenditure projections, 2014–24: spending growth faster than recent trends. Health Affairs34(8), 1407-1417.

Protection, P., & Act, A. C. (PPAC; 2010). Patient protection and affordable care act. Public law111(48), 759-762.

 

 

 

 

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Crisis Management Plan

This study to be done for TESLA Company with responding to following:

• Complete a SWOT and PEST analysis for the chosen organization
• Highlight the corporate strategy of the organization as well as one of its main business strategies
• In the context of the landscape survey (internal and external analysis) you have conducted, determine the types of crises this
organization is most likely to face as a result of adopting the described strategies therein (Just list them with a brief definition)
• Complete only these sections of the Crisis Management Plan for the organization:
• Cover page
• Purpose of the Crisis Management Team
• Definition of a crisis
• Activation of the CMT
• CMT role responsibilities (only the CMT leader and the spokesperson)
• Response (step-by-step) to 1 specific crisis or 1 specific type/family of crises (as previously determined)
• Appendix 1: SWOT analysis
• Appendix 2: PEST analysis

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How Social Media Affects People’s Self-Esteem

 

Research Topic: Social Media and Self-esteem

Research Question: How does Social Media Affect People’s Self-esteem?

Argument: Though it is often claimed that social media might help people feel less isolated, an increasing amount of research indicates the opposite may be true. Self-esteem and other conditions may develop when people compare themselves to others on social media.

Paragraph/section 1: Description focused on how self-esteem tends to lower when people are cyber-bullied on social media. Academic book publisher Taylor & Francis Group found that a lack of “likes” on a post can have an adverse influence on a person’s sense of self-worth; this would start as a good introduction to the topic. I will use Bilton’s Journal as my reference.

Paragraph/section 2: Provide facts drawn from a study conducted to analyze quantitative and qualitative data to find links between social media use and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and shifts in self-perception. I will also explain how it is often claimed that social media might help people feel less isolated; a growing body of evidence suggests the opposite may be true. Mental health problems like anxiety and sadness may develop when people compare themselves to others. (Cite; “The Influences of Social Media: Depression, Anxiety, and Self-Concept”)

Paragraph/section 3: Describe how social media platforms are starting to give the option to “hide your likes” on a post. Kate Conger states in her article that social networks in Australia are beginning to provide the opportunity to keep personal likes, video view counts, and other measurements on posts (Cite; Facebook Tests Hiding ‘Likes’ On Social Media Posts, Published, 2019). I will explain that while social media can help people meet new people and lessen feelings of isolation, studies show that too much time spent on these sites can negatively affect a person’s sense of worth.

Paragraph/section 4: Describe the relationship between self-esteem, media influence, and how it pushes people to unhealthy behaviours. I will use numerous studies showing that time spent on social media is linked to higher rates of mental health problems like sadness, low self-esteem, isolation, and anxiety. Some research suggests that social media usage can lower one’s sense of self-worth, particularly among young women (10-14 years old).

Paragraph/section 5: Describe social media’s influence on teen self-esteem. These days, social media and other forms of online interaction are practically indispensable. I will also explain the benefits and drawbacks of social media have been the subject of numerous academic research. Positive profile feedback boosted adolescents’ social self-esteem and well-being, but negative comments lowered these factors. (Cite; “The Influence of Social Media on Teens Self-Esteem”)

Paragraph/section 6: Describe the satisfaction of life and self-esteem level people feel from social media. I will describe when young people are aware of their abilities and talents; this can lead to a stronger overall sense of contentment with their own lives, contributing to increased self-esteem. A similar phenomenon occurs when people tend to underestimate their capabilities: this can lead to a lower level of positive self-esteem.

Paragraph/section 7: Discuss different ways content on social media makes people feel about their bodies. I will explain how One’s body image may suffer if one spends too much time on social media since they are overexposed to “idealized” body types (Cite; What Students Are Saying About How Social Media Affects Their Body). While sharing selfies on social media may improve one’s body image, it’s not a good idea to modify them to hide perceived defects. Unfollowing accounts, joining positive communities and taking regular breaks are ways to make your social media experience less harmful.

Paragraph/section 8: Discuss what exactly is making people compare themselves so much to what they see on social media. I will include the ability to make comparisons that enables us to establish a benchmark for where we are in life and where we aspire to be in the future. They make it possible for us to take stock of ourselves and calibrate ourselves compared to our peers, fellow students, friends and coworkers, and the individuals we look up to.

Paragraph/section 9: Explanation of how users perceived influence compared to how much studies show social media influence them. I will describe how social media can give the impression that many people support a particular viewpoint. These anticipations, often referred to as “prior beliefs,” allow us to make meaning of what we are witnessing in the present by drawing on similar experiences from the past. (Cite; Experience sampling self-reports of social media use has comparable predictive validity to digital trace measures).

Paragraph/section 10: I will conclude my paper by summarizing what social media sites allow their users to post and its impact on other users. Most research show that in as much as there may be negative impacts, there may also be positive impacts on self-esteem. Social media has positive societal effects as well. It has the potential to facilitate communication and foster closer bonds among individuals. Students’ use of social media bolsters learning and development. And it may empower businesses to increase their audiences and boost their bottom line.

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History of the HR function

Abstract

The Human Resources function has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Once seen as purely administrative and operational, the role of HR is now shifting to that of a strategic partner. This change is driven by several factors, including the increasing complexity of the workforce, the changing nature of work, and the need for organizations to be more agile and responsive to change.

A growing body of research supports the idea that HR can be a significant source of competitive advantage for organizations. HR functions aligned with business strategy and focusing on talent management, employee engagement, and organizational development are more likely to be successful in driving business results.

Organizations that have successfully made the shift to a strategic HR function have typically done so by making several key changes. They have aligned HR with business strategy, clarified the roles and responsibilities of HR staff, and invested in developing the skills and capabilities of HR staff. They have also implemented systems and processes to support the new HR function and engaged employees in the change process.

Google has transitioned from an administrative and operational HR function to a more strategic partner. This is due to their focus on employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and talent development. They can attract and retain the best talent by investing in these areas. Google has aligned its HR goals with its business objectives by creating a people operations team focused on attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent. Google has also developed a deep understanding of its talent needs through comprehensive data analysis.

History of the HR Function

Introduction

The Human Resources function has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Once seen as nothing more than a necessary evil, HR is now considered a critical business function that can majorly impact an organization’s bottom line. As the role of HR has changed, so has the required skill set. HR professionals must now be strategic thinkers who can see the big picture and align their activities with the organization’s goals. One of the most important changes HR must make moving from an administrative and operational focus to a strategic one. To be effective, HR must be involved in the strategic planning process and be able to contribute to the overall success of the organization. HR must also become more proactive instead of reactive to anticipate and address potential problems before they become actual problems. The organization that I have chosen to research is Google. Google has successfully transitioned from administrative HR management to a strategic partner. The paper will discuss how Google has made this transition and its impact on the organization.

HR Management needs to transform from an administrative and operational function to a strategic partner because the HR function is responsible for many of the most critical aspects of an organization, including recruiting and retaining talent, managing employee benefits and compensation, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations (Ingram, 2017). HR plays a strategic role in an organization by aligning the organization’s goals and objectives with the workforce. When HR is aligned with the organization’s strategy, it can attract and retain the talent it needs to achieve its goals. Additionally, HR can help create a culture supporting the organization’s goals and objectives.

The history of the HR function dates back to the early 1900s when organizations began to realize the importance of managing their human resources. In the early days of the HR function, the focus was on administrative tasks such as payroll and benefits administration(Pohirieth, 2022). As the role of HR evolved, the focus shifted to employee relations and compliance with employment regulations. Today, the HR function is responsible for various tasks, including recruiting and retaining talent, managing employee benefits, and compensation, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations.

In the early days of the HR function, the focus was on administrative tasks such as payroll and benefits administration. As the role of HR evolved, the focus shifted to employee relations and compliance with employment regulations. Today, the HR function is responsible for various tasks, including recruiting and retaining talent, managing employee benefits, and compensation, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations.

Today, human resources function is more important than ever before. Companies are facing a war for talent, and the human resources department is responsible for finding, attracting, and retaining the best employees(Lloyd & Aho, 2022). In addition, the human resources department is responsible for managing employee benefits, compensation, and compliance with labor laws. The human resources department is also responsible for employee training and development.

HR Management needs to transform from an administrative and operational function to a strategic partner because the HR function is responsible for many of the most critical aspects of an organization, including recruiting and retaining talent, managing employee benefits, and compensation, and ensuring compliance with employment regulations. HR plays a strategic role in an organization by aligning the organization’s goals and objectives with the workforce. When HR is aligned with the organization’s strategy, it can attract and retain the talent it needs to achieve its goals. Additionally, HR can help create a culture supporting the organization’s goals and objectives.

One organization that has successfully made the transition to a strategic HR function is Google. Google has aligned its HR goals with its business objectives by creating a people operations team focused on attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent. The role of HR within organizations has shifted in recent years from primarily an administrative and operational function to a more strategic partner (Pratap, 2022). This transition has been successful for many organizations, including Google. This research will explore how Google has made this transition and why it has been successful.

Communication is key in any organization, but it is especially important in Google. Google has a flat organizational structure, meaning communication needs to be open and frequent for the company to function correctly. Google has managed this by encouraging its employees to share information and ideas freely. This has allowed Google to tap into the collective knowledge of its employees and make better decisions.

Google has aligned its HR goals with its business objectives by creating a people operations team focused on attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent since its inception. Google has been an innovative and forward-thinking company. Unsurprisingly, they would also be at the forefront of HR management. In the company’s early days, HR focused on attracting and retaining top talent. This was done through competitive salaries and benefits and by creating a positive and fun work environment.

As the company grew, so did the role of HR. They began to focus more on employee development and creating a company culture that would attract and retain the best talent. It included things like developing training and mentorship programs, as well as creating an environment that was conducive to innovation and creativity. The company collects a lot of data to inform its decisions. This data-driven approach has helped Google make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Today, HR at Google is focused on three main areas: employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and talent development( Robinson, 2014). They are constantly working on new initiatives in these areas to attract and retain the best talent. Employee engagement is an important priority for HR at Google. They believe that engaged employees are more productive and creative and more likely to stay with the company. To this end, they offer a variety of programs and benefits that encourage employees to stay engaged with their work. These include flexible work hours, remote options, and opportunities to participate in company-sponsored activities.

Diversity and inclusion are also key priorities for HR at Google. They believe that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce, and they are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. To this end, they offer a variety of programs and benefits that support diversity and inclusion. These include unconscious bias training, mentorship programs for underrepresented groups, and job postings specifically designed to attract a diverse pool of applicants. Transparency is also important to Google. The company is very open about its decision-making process and regularly shares information with its employees. This helps to build trust and keep everyone on the same page. Google has also been transparent about its mistakes, which has helped to build even more trust.

Talent development is the third key priority for HR at Google. They believe investing in their employees’ development is an investment in the company’s future. To this end, they offer a variety of programs and benefits that support employee development. These include tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs. The company has built strong relationships with line managers by involving them in the recruiting process and giving them access to data on employee performance. Google has developed a robust communication plan to engage employees, which includes regular updates on the company’s HR initiatives.

Google has transitioned from an administrative and operational HR function to a more strategic partner. This is due to their focus on employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and talent development. They can attract and retain the best talent by investing in these areas. Google has aligned its HR goals with its business objectives by creating a people operations team focused on attracting, developing, and retaining the best talent. Google has also developed a deep understanding of its talent needs through comprehensive data analysis.

Conclusion

In sum, HR Management needs to transform from an administrative and operational function to a strategic partner because HR plays a critical role in organizational success. A company’s human resources department is responsible for managing the most important asset of the organization and its human capital. An organization’s human capital consists of the organization’s employees’ knowledge, skills, abilities, and potential. HR Management needs to transform from an administrative and operational function to a strategic partner because HR plays a critical role in organizational success. A company’s human resources department is responsible for managing the most important asset of the organization – its human capital. HR must be integrated into the organization’s overall business strategy to be an effective strategic partner. Many organizations have successfully transitioned from an administrative and operational function to a strategic partner, and one such organization is Google.

References

Lloyd, D. R., & Aho, D. W. (2022). Chapter 3 – the functions of modern HR practice. THE HISTORY OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN THE UNITED STATES A PRIMER ON MODERN PRACTICE. Retrieved November 17, 2022, from https://fhsu.pressbooks.pub/hr-fundamentals/chapter/chapter-3-the-functions-of-modern-hr-practice/

Pohirieth, G. B. (2022, March 8). What is the history of Human Resource Management? appvizer.com. Retrieved November 17, 2022, from https://www.appvizer.com/magazine/hr/hrms/history-of-human-resource-management

Robinson, R. (2014, April 10). Significance of Human Resources Information Systems at Google Inc.. Russia Robinson. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://russiarobinson.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/significance-of-human-resources-information-systems-at-google-inc/

Pratap, A. (2022, August 30). Google’s human resource management strategy. Notesmatic. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://www.notesmatic.com/googles-human-resource-management-strategy/

Ingram, D. (2017, November 21). Why is it important for HR management to transform from administrative to strategic contributors? Small Business – Chron.com. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/important-hr-management-transform-administrative-strategic-contributors-10236.html

 

 

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