Issues on Paid College Athletes

Should college athletes be paid? Many have different opinions on this subject. Some feel that a fully paid scholarship is enough for these talented individuals. But for the athletes it†s not enough. Allen Sack, a former football player said: † No matter their economic circumstances, college scholarship athletes, almost universally agree that there needs to be a way for money to find its way into their hands ligitimatley.† But what most the public doesn†t know is that intercollegiate athletics is a primary source of income for colleges and universities in the United States, and the athletes aren†t seeing a penny of it. The N.C.A.A. is what†s keeping the athletes from seeing some of the money they deserve by calling it â€Å"Amateurism.† Rule 2.9 says: † The principal of Amateurism Student athletes shall be amateurs in an intercollegiate sport, and their participation should be motivated primarily by education and the physical, mental and social benefits to be derives. Student participation in intercollegiate athletics is an avocation, and student athletes should be protected from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises.† These rules show you how the N.C.A.A. controls the actions of the student athletes, only to allow them to be manipulated by their universities and take away their freedom to earn money on their own. College athletes who come from low-income families have little or no money, leading them to accept money and gifts illegally. Presidents of division I schools are allowing boosters to offer big money to talented athletes for competing on the fields of play, and try to attract wealthy TV networks to commercialize the sports and make Billions off the consumers. College athletes are young and naive and maybe that†s why they accept money and gifts. Maybe they feel they deserve it and lack the fear of any consequences or maybe they truly need the money since they can†t make it elsewhere. Athletes know they have a scholarship, but they also know that a scholarship doesn†t give you any money for normal everyday spending. For whatever reason student athletes accept money, whether good or bad, they still take it and they always will as long as it†s offered. The star athlete is basically hired to bring success to a certain sports program, regardless of his or her educational goals or intellectual background. Technically it is a phrase describing an individual student who engages in a sport for the academic institution they represent. But the problem that haunts the N.C.A.A. is the realization that the student athlete is truly two different words, describing two different groups of people and one day they will have to admit that they are separate. The bottom line is winning, and winning requires talented athletes, but some athletes realize their value and demand some compensation for their efforts. With all their long hours of hard work and endless practice, they put everything on the line. They risk life and limb for the university they represent and for what? Why undergo the stress and strain of a season, year after year, to only be tossed aside after their eligibility or talent is used up? Obviously for some, it†s that small possibility one day turning professional, but for others it†s the question of why can†t I get paid for my work now? Universities realize that they take in millions of dollars in revenue, and in return all the athlete gets is a scholarship. It all adds up from grants-in-aid to student athletes which generates about 5 million dollars a year. Add that to the millions spent on travel, housing, equipment, health care and other costs, pretty soon were talking about real money. According to the Bureau of Census is that the free education a scholarship athlete has, typically generates an extra $500,000 or more in that persons future. An education is priceless, and the student athletes at American colleges and universities reap the benefits of the finest higher education system in the world. So the knowledge that a student athlete gains in the classroom is something that will never depreciate. What paying players would do is free them from a system in which they do most of the work and assume all of the risk, yet are prevented from sharing in the results of their labor. This in effect, would terminate any forms off corruption and exploitation of intercollegiate athletics. It would also benefit the universities, while still profiting from their athletic programs they would also be scandal free and have the pressures of winning taken off their shoulders. The majority of the pressure would be carried by the already high paid coaches and soon to be high paid athletes. The N.C.A.A. could benefit by engaging in more high profit venues and would be relived of enormous amounts of pressure due to an employee situation within the system. Overall, a system of salary paid athletes put into intercollegiate athletics would change the views of many. Whether it would benefit society depends on such a proposal. I see no reason why such a proposal could not be created.

Quality Nursing Care

NURSING EXAMPLE A Summary of Proposed Research Program for Master of Philosophy Title: The Delivery of Quality Nursing Care: A Grounded Theory Study of the Nurses' Perspective Abstract The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the delivery of quality nursing care from the perspective of practising nurses working in the acute public hospital setting of Western Australia (WA). The study will examine the actions and interactions attributed to quality, and factors identified as enhancing or inhibiting the delivery of quality nursing care. A grounded theory approach is proposed. The sample for the study will be drawn from nurses working in an acute public hospital located in Perth, WA. Data will be collected using semi-structured interviews and some observation. It is estimated that approximately 10-15 interviews will be performed. Theoretical sampling will guide the selection of participants. The significance of this research will be to increase understanding of this complex phenomenon and contribute to efforts aimed at improving and maintaining quality nursing care within the current context of the WA health care system. A substantive theory explaining the process of quality care, focussing on the nurses' perspective, in an acute public hospital setting, will be developed. Implications for practice will be discussed and directions for further research in this area will be provided. Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore and describe the delivery of quality nursing care from the perspective of practising nurses, working in the acute public hospital setting of WA. The study will examine the actions and interactions attributed to quality, and factors identified as enhancing or inhibiting the delivery of quality nursing care. The objectives guiding this proposed study are: 1. To explore and describe nurses' perceptions of the meaning of quality nursing care. 2. To describe nurses' experiences in the delivery of nursing care given to patients in hospital and to compare these with their expectations of quality nursing care. 3. To explore factors identified by nurses as enhancing and as inhibiting quality nursing care. 4. To develop a substantive theory which explains the process used to deliver quality nursing care in an acute public hospital setting, as perceived by nurses. Background The provision of quality patient care is a priority in all health care institutions (Erith-Toth & Spencer, 1991). Formal definitions of what constitutes quality are numerous (Ambler Peters, 1991), as are the approaches used to assess the quality of patient care (Harvey, 1991; MacGuire, 1991). Although much has been written about the phenomenon of quality care, significant variations exist in its interpretation and use, â€Å"unaware or undeterred by the conceptual confusion, quality care continues to be assured, controlled, evaluated and managed in the Health Service today† (Attree, 1993, p. 55). Furthermore, definitions and assessment of quality have rarely considered the reality faced by nurses on a daily basis, in the practice and delivery of quality care. Quality nursing care has been studied from various perspectives using different methods. Much of the research reported in the literature has been quantitative in nature and undertaken in countries other than Australia, pa rticularly North America. Some studies have focussed on the measurement of quality nursing care (Gilloran, McGlew, McKee, Robertson & Wight, 1993; MacGuire, 1991; Pearson, Durant & Punton, 1989; Kitson, 1985), or the meaning of quality nursing care from either the nurses' perspective (Janhonen, 1993; Forchuk ; Kirkpatrick, 1991; Whelan, 1988; Jenkins, 1988) or the patients' perspective (Irurita, 1993; Erith-Toth & Spencer, 1991; Deeny & McCrea, 1991; Rempusheski, Chamberlain, Picard, Ruzanski & Collier, 1988). Other studies have compared the perceptions of quality nursing care from the perspective of nurses and patients (Norman, Redfern, Tomalin & Oliver, 1992; Yonge, 1989; Varholak, 1989; Board, 1988). Of the studies that have explored nurses' perceptions of quality care, two included some elements of the delivery of nursing care (Forchuk ; Kirkpatrick, 1991; Jenkins, 1988). Those studies differ from this proposed study in context, as both were carried out in North America and used health settings other than acute public hospitals. Forchuk ; Kirkpatrick (1991) used survey methods in their study of quality care in a psychiatric facility where nurses indicated that the nursing care they 2 delivered was â€Å"†¦ the best possible under unfavourable conditions† (p8). Barriers to quality nursing care were identified as â€Å"heavy workload and staffing issues† (p8). However, the results of this study are limited by use of a convenience sample and administration of a questionnaire for which reliability and validity were not demonstrated. Jenkins studied quality nursing care in a small hospital in the United States and used a similar design to that proposed for this study. Using the grounded theory method, the characteristics of quality nursing care from the nurses' perspective were found to be â€Å"technical care, adequate time, assessment, observation, teaching, communication, and individualised care†. Some enhancing and inhibiting factors were identified, as well as positive and negative outcomes in the status of the patients. This proposed study is justified in that although the methodology is similar, the study by Jenkins was undertaken in a small hospital, whilst this study will be undertaken in a large acute public hospital. Furthermore, the cultural aspects of this proposed study are different. Another study of quality nursing care was carried out within the context of an acute public hospital setting in WA (Irurita, 1993). This study used grounded theory to explore quality nursing care from the patients' perspective. Patients described different levels of care and suggested that high quality nursing care could not be expected due to intervening conditions such as lack of time, high patient turnover, competing demands on the nurse, lack of consistency and continuity in nurses assigned to their care, ageism, shortage of staff, lack of co-ordination on ward, and communication problems between doctornurse- patients. These findings raise questions requiring further exploration, including the nurses' perspective. A number of factors may determine the quality of care delivered by nurses to patients. A review of the literature by Fitzpatrick, While, and Roberts (1992) identified nursing competence, use of research, communication skills, care management and organisation of workload, provision of health education and health promotion, creative thinking and reflection as elements of high quality patient care. A number of research studies have equated the quality of nursing with the ability of the nurse to exhibit caring behaviours towards their patients. Some of these studies have explored the behaviours identified by nurses (From, 1992; Clarke & Wheeler, 1992; Mangold, 1991; Chipman, 1991; Schaefer & Lucke, 1990; Morrison, 1990; Forrest, 1989; Larson, 1986), while others the behaviours identified by patients (Fosbinder, 1991; Cronin & Harrison, 1988; Brown, 1986; Rieman, 1986; Larson, 1984). Some of the research has compared the views of nurses and patients (Appleton, 1993; Smit & Spoelstra, 1991; Lapsley, 1989; Larson, 1987; Mayer, 1986). Whereas caring has been described as an important component of quality nursing care, exploratory research is lacking in the study of factors which may influence the nurses' ability to exhibit caring behaviours under varying conditions, and what additional factors may be involved in the delivery of quality nursing care. There is evidence in the literature to suggest that although nurses may be capable of providing quality care and know what constitutes quality care, their performance in practice may be affected by factors such as decreased numbers and the resulting reduction in available time, which can prevent the delivery of quality nursing care (Forchuk ; Kirkpatrick, 1991; Hendrickson, Doddato ; Kovner, 1990). A recent survey of 2,488 Australian nurses (Millis ; Tattam, 1994) found that budgetary cuts and management restructuring were having a negative impact on nurses' work environment. Increased workload, reduced standards of care (particularly in the public sector), and a lack of improvement in patient care were also said to be apparent. In WA, hundreds of nurses protested at a rally organised by the Australian Nursing Federation to express concerns about the effects of economic cutbacks in the WA health environment. Specifically, the dismantling of the WA Nurses' Career Structure and the reduction of nursing positions were said to be having a negative effect on the delivery of quality nursing care (Bartley, 1994). Nursing staff in the hospital environment of WA are currently challenged to maintain and improve the quality of care in the face of changing work patterns and moves to promote earlier discharge of hospitalised patients resulting from increasing economic restrictions (Health Observer, 1994). The indication that problems exist in the delivery of quality nursing care in WA warrants closer examination, to discover how nurses deliver quality care and factors which nurses perceive to affect the delivery of quality nursing care in the resent context of acute public hospitals in WA. Increasingly it is recognised that gaps exist between theory and practice (Chine ; Jacobs, 1987; Riley ; Oermann, 1992), an understanding may exist among nurses as to what constitutes quality nursing care, but what actually occurs in practice, under varying conditions, may differ from the recognised standard. Documentation of strategies used by nurses to maintain quality when conditions are adverse are 3 bsent in the literature, as is information indicating what circumstances are favourable to quality care provision and what constitutes the highest quality of nursing care. The suggestion that the delivery of quality nursing care within the public hospital context of WA may be subject to variation and be influenced by different conditions requires further investigation. As stated earlier in this proposal, some research has been performed in other countries on this phenomenon, but few studies have explored quality nursing care from the perspective of practising nurses. The use of the grounded theory method to research the phenomenon of quality nursing care allows exploration in terms of the current time, place and culture and can give new insights into a topic central to the practice of nursing (Chenitz ; Swanson, 1986). Furthermore, the gap between theory and practice may be reduced by a substantive theory developed in this way. Significance The significance of this research will be to increase our understanding of this complex phenomenon and contribute to efforts aimed at improving and maintaining quality nursing care, within the context of the WA health care system. A substantive theory explaining the process of quality nursing care, focussing on the nurses' perspective, in an acute public hospital setting will be developed. Implications for practice will be discussed and directions for further research in this area will be provided. Research Method A qualitative research method is proposed for this study, using the grounded theory approach (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). This method, which has its roots in Symbolic Interactionism, will reveal the reality of the quality ursing for nurses by interpreting data using a systematic set of procedures to develop a theory of the phenomenon, grounded in the findings (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Sample Selection The sample for the study will be drawn from nurses working in one area of an acute public hospital located in Perth, WA. Initially, a purposive sampling technique will be used to select nurses for interview. Only Registered Nurses with a minimum of six months post registration nursing experience (of which at least three must have been worked in the study area) will be approached. Participants will need to be able to reflect on and be willing to share detailed experiential information about the phenomenon. Volunteers will be sought initially at staff meetings and a contact number will be left on the notice board in each of the ward areas. Further participants will be approached using a theoretical sampling technique where initial analysis of data guides the researcher to subsequent specific data sources (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). When this technique is used, sampling continues until ‘theoretical saturation' occurs. This is recognised by the establishment and denseness of identified categories as well as an absence of new concepts in the data (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). It is estimated that approximately 10-15 participants will be selected for interview, the final number being determined by theoretical saturation. Procedure Data will be collected from nurses through tape-recorded interviews guided by questions reflecting the objectives of the study (Appendix A). A semi-structured interviews technique will be used where, â€Å"use of the interview guide is not rigidly adhered to by the interviewer† (Chenitz & Swanson, 1986, p. 67). In this technique the researcher explores different aspects of the topic in detail using probes such as how, what, where and when. Interviews will take place in mutually agreeable private venues where the risk of interruptions is perceived to be minimal. Basic demographic information will be gathered from participants before the interview commences (Appendix B). The primary source of data will be the transcribed interviews, however, published literature and some observation will be used as additional data sources. The observations will be performed by the researcher (who is regularly assigned to clinical areas) and recorded by field notes. The main objective of these observations will be to verify data obtained by interview. Furthermore, additional aspects may be noted to be included in subsequent interviews. Data Analysis The constant comparative method of data analysis will be used, whereby data are simultaneously collected, coded and analysed, in a way that allows the creativity necessary for the generation of a theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Interviews will be transcribed verbatim on a word processor and organised for 4 analysis using the Ethnograph computer software (Seidel, 1988). This package numbers each line of the interview transcript and allows for segments of the interview to be coded and selected as required. Firstly, interview transcripts will be coded line by line, sentence by sentence, by a process of ‘open coding', to identify and label common themes and categories by asking questions about the content (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). This will be done by extensively reading the data and listening to the tapes. Categories and subcategories will be developed from this, abbreviated and ‘mapped' onto the numbered interview transcript through the Ethnograph. Coded segments from the interviews will be accessed from the computer for ‘Axial Coding'. This involves putting the data back together again in new ways by making connections between the coded categories and subcategories. ‘Memos' and ‘diagrams' will be used throughout the process of analysis. ‘Selective coding' in which the core category is identified, relationships validated and sub-categories expanded, will take place before a ‘conditional matrix' is constructed and a substantive theory developed (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Reliability and Validity A number of strategies will be employed throughout this study to ensure that he data collection and interpretation accurately reflects the phenomenon. Guba (1981) and LeCompte and Goetz (1982) discuss a number of ways in which reliability and validity issues of qualitative research can be addressed. This study has been designed to incorporate measures to address these issues as follows: †¢ To avoid bias in the data collection and analysis, the researcher (who possesses current personal experience of nursing in a hospital setting) will raise awareness of own preconceptions and bias to the topic by being interviewed by another researcher, using the proposed interview guide. The researcher will avoid imposing these preconceptions on the data collection and analysis. Furthermore, interview transcripts will be reviewed by an independent person to detect the presence of any such bias. A personal diary will also be kept. †¢ Interviews will be transcribed verbatim and transcripts will be checked for accuracy by listening to the tape recording. †¢ The process of data collection and analysis will be clearly described. †¢ During the coding of the data, other researchers will be asked to separately code segments of the transcripts to confirm the categories identified by the researcher. Once the description of the phenomenon is complete, a sample of participants will be approached and asked to validate the description by reading it and seeing if it makes sense in terms of their own experience. Ethical Issues The proposed research will be submitted through the Human Research Ethical Committee at Curtin University of Technology. The study has already been approved for implementation by the Nursing Research and Ethical Review Committee at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Each participant will be informed of the purpose of the study. Participants' personal contribution together with their human rights will be explained and the opportunity to ask questions about the study will be provided. Once the participant is satisfied with the requirements of the study, a consent form will be signed. The consent outlines the purpose of the study, its voluntary nature, the right to withdraw at any time without penalty, as well as providing an assurance that all information provided will be treated in a non-identifiable, confidential manner (Appendix C). The consent form will be signed by the participant and the researcher, and a copy will be kept by each. Participants will be identified on the interview transcript by a numerical number. The identity of the participants will be known only to the researcher who will keep names and workplace details in a secure place, separate to the transcripts (this information will be required if further contact is necessary). In keeping with the requirements of the University, the transcribed interviews and field notes will be kept for a period of five years. Facilities and Resources The majority of expenses related to this project have already been funded by the Nursing Division of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Additional expenses are estimated as follows: Photocopying and paper 5 reams @ $8 $440 5 Inter-Library Loans $200 Audio tapes 5 tapes @ $3 $15 Batteries 6 batteries @ $1 $6 Travel $100 Micro cassette recorder $400 Total: $1 161 Data Storage Data collected will be qualitative in nature and will be stored on a computer while analyses using Ethnograph computer software are completed. The data files will be maintained for five years after which they will be destroyed. Timeline June-August Year 1 Proposal submitted to University Ethics Committee August Year 1-January Year 2 Data collection and analysis February-June Year 2 Writing of final report 6 References Ambler Peters, D. (1991). Measuring quality: Inspection of opportunity. Holistic Nurse Practitioner, 5(3), 1-7. Appleton, C. (1993). The art of nursing: The experience of patients and nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18, 892-899. Attree, M. (1993). An analysis of the concept â€Å"quality† as it relates to contemporary nursing care. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 30(4), 355-369. Bartley, J. (1994). Hundreds of nurses protest parliament rally huge success. Australian Nursing Federation Newsletter, 10(4), 1-4. Board, R. F. J. (1988). The relationship of expertise to views of quality of nursing care for hospitalized prenatal women. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Michigan. (From Combined International Nursing and Allied Health Literature, 1994, Abstract No. 1990114296) Brown, L. (1986). The experience of care: patient perspectives. Topics in Clinical Nursing, July, 56-62, Chenitz, C. , ; Swanson, C. (1986). From practice to grounded theory: Qualitative research in nursing. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley. Chinn, P. L. , ; Jacobs, M. K. (1987). Theory and nursing. The C. V. Mosby Company, USA. Chipman, Y. (1991). Caring: Its meaning and place in the practice of nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 30(4), 171-175. Clarke, J. B. , ; Wheeler, S. J. (1992). A view of the phenomenon of caring in nursing practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 17, 1283-1290. Cronin, S. N. , ; Harrison, B. (1988). Importance of nurse caring behaviours as perceived by patients after myocardial infarction. Heart and Lung, 17(4), 374-380. Deeny, P. , ; McCrea, H. (1991). Stoma care: the patient's perspective. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16, 39-46. Erith-Toth, P. , & Spencer, M. (1991). A survey of patient perception of quality care. Journal of Enterostomal Therapy Nursing, 18, 122-125. Fitzpatrick, J. M. , While, A. E. , & Roberts, J. D. (1992). The role of the nurse in high quality patient care: a review of the literature. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 17, 1210-1219. Forchuk, C. , & Kirkpatrick, H. (1991). Nurses' perception of quality of care. Canadian Journal of Nursing Administration, September/October, 7-16. Forrest, D. (1989). The experience of caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 14, 815-823. Fosbinder, D. M. (1991). Nursing care through the eyes of the patient. DNSc Thesis, University of San Diego (From Combined International Nursing and Allied Health Literature, 1994, Abstract No. 1992143848). From, M. A. (1992). The development of a caring nursing student. Abstract from Book of Abstracts, International State of the Science Congress, Washington DC, August, 208. Gilloran, A. J. , McGlew, T. , McKee, K. , Robertson, A. , ; Wight, D. (1993). Measuring the quality of care in psychogeriatric wards. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 18, 269-275. Glaser, B. , ; Strauss, A. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory. Chicago: Aldine. Guba, E. S. 1981). Criteria for assessing the trustworthiness of naturalistic inquiries. Educational Communication and Technology Journal, 29, 75-92. Harvey, G. (1991). An evaluation of approaches to assessing the quality of nursing care using (predetermined) quality assurance tools. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16, 277-286. Health Observer (1994). Silver Chain promotes early discharge. May, 18. Hendrickson, G. and Doddato, T. M. (1989). Setting priorities during the shortage. Nursing Outlook, 37(6), 280-284. Hendrickson, G. , Doddato, T. M. , ; Kovuer, C. T. (1990). How do nurses use their time? Journal of Nursing Administration, 20(3), 31-37. Irurita, V. (1993). From person to patient: Nursing care from the patient's perspective. Unpublished report, Department of Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA. Janhonen, S. (1993). Finnish nurse instructors' view of the core of nursing. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 30(2), 157-169. Jenkins, J. B. (1988). Quality in patient care as perceived by nursing care providers. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Texas at Austin. (From Combined International Nursing and Allied Health Literature, 1994, Abstract No. 112616) Kitson, A. L. (1986). Indicators of quality in nursing care – an alternative approach. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 11, 133-144. 7 Larson, P. J. (1984). Important nurse caring behaviours perceived by patients with cancer. Oncology Nurses Forum, 11(6), 46-50. Larson, P. J. (1986). Cancer nurses' perceptions of caring. Cancer Nursing, 9(2), 86-91 Larson, P. J. (1987). Comparison of cancer patients' and professional nurses' perceptions of important nurse caring behaviours. Heart and Lung, 16(2), 187-193. Lapsley, J. (1989). The caring nurse: Patient dimensions perceptions and expectations. Unpublished project, Perth, WA. Le Compte, M. D. , & Goetz, J. P. (1982). Problems of reliability and validity in ethnographic research. Review of Educational Research, 52(1), 31-60. MacGuire, J. M. (1991). Quality care assessed: using the Senior Monitor index in three wards for the elderly before and after a change in primary nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 16, 511-520. Mangold, A. M. (1991). Senior nursing students’ and professional nurses’ perceptions of effective caring behaviours: A comparative study. Journal of Nursing Education, 30(3), 134-9. Mayer, D. K. (1986). Cancer patients’ and families perceptions of nursing caring behaviours. Topics in Clinical Nursing, 8(2), 63-69. Millis, G. , & Tattum, A. (1994). ANJ readership survey. The Australian Nursing Journal, 1(6), 14-16. Morrison, P. (1990). The caring attitude in nursing practice: a repertory grid study of trained nurses’ perceptions. Nurse Education Today, 11, 3-12. Norman, I. J. , Redfern, S. J. , Tomalin, D. A. , & Oliver, S. (1992). Developing Flanagann’s critical incident technique to elicit indicators of high and low quality nursing care from patients and their nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 17, 590-600. Pearson, A. , Durant, I. , & Punton, S. 1989). Determining quality in a unit where nursing is the primary intervention. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 14, 269-273. Rempusheski, V. F. , Chamberlain, S. L. , Picard, H. B. , Ruzanski, J. , & Collier, M. (1988). Expected and received care: patient perceptions. Nursing Administrative Quarterly, 12(3), 42-50. Rieman, D. J. (1986). Noncaring and caring in the clinical setting: patientsâ€℠¢ decriptions. Topics in Clinical Nursing, 8(2), 30-36. Riley, D. , & Oermann, M. (1992). Clinical teaching in nursing education (2nd edition). National League for Nursing: New York. Schaefer, K. M. & Lucke, K. T. (1990). Caring – the work of the Clinical Nurse Specialist. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 4(2), 87-92. Seidal, J. V. (1988). The Ethnograph version 3. 0 [computer program]. Corvallis, O. R. Qualis Research Associates. Smit, J. & Spoelstra, S. (1991). Do patients and nurses agree? Caring Magazine, October, 34-36. Strauss, A. , & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research. Graounded theory procedures and techniques. Sage: California. Varholak, D. M. (1989). Experiencing quality nursing care in a long term setting: A patient-nurse perspective. Unpublished manuscript. Columbia University Teachers College. Whelan, J. (1988). Ward sisters' management styles and their effects on nurses' perceptions of quality care. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 13, 125-138. Yonge, O. J. ( 1989). Nurses ‘ and patients' ‘ perceptions of constant care in an acute care psychiatric facility: A descriptive qualitative study. Unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Alberta, Canada. 8 APPENDIX A Interview Guide What does quality nursing care mean to you? How does one ensure that quality nursing care is given? Give examples, in your experience, where you think high quality nursing care was given. Describe an incident). What are some of the most important aspects to consider in the delivery of quality nursing care? Can these be prioritised? What factors (if any) prevent you from achieving the delivery of quality nursing care to your patients (or patients generally)? What factors enable or help in the delivery of quality nursing care? Give examples of where improvement s in nursing care delivery could have been made. How would you rate the quality of care given to patients in your area of work? 9 APPENDIX B Demographic Information 1. Length of time employed at this hospital:_____________ 2. Length of time employed as a nurse:_____________ 3. Length of time employed on present ward:___________ 4. Level: New graduate______ Level 1_____ Level 2______ 5. Part-time______ Full-time______ 6. Initial nursing education: Hospital_________ College/University__________ 7. Year completed__________ 8. Post basic educational achievements: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 9. Current studies: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 10. Male_______ Female________ 11. Age_________

A School for My Village

Kaguri tells his story of how he overcame tremendous odds on building a tuition-free school for HIV/AIDS orphans in his home village of Nyakagyezi, Uganda. This amazing story combines his own story of growing up in Nyaka, the events that led him promoter for HIV/AIDS, and his journey toward founding/ developing the school. Growing up in rural Uganda, Kaguri lived on his family’s small farm and often-worked long hours for his father. His parents were barely able to send him to college with the little money that they had saved, but Kaguri overcame the odds and eventually became a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York City. He overcame poverty to earn a degree and worked as a human rights advocate. When he returned to his village in Uganda with his wife after earning his degree, the number of orphans who were the victims of the HIV/AIDS epidemic overwhelmed him with dissatisfaction, so he vowed to open the first tuition-free school in the district for these innocent children who desperately needed it. Faced with many daunting obstacles, including little money, skepticism among friends in both the U. S. and Uganda, corrupt school inspectors, and a lack of supplies, he and his wife doggedly built one classroom after another until they had an accredited primary school filled with students dreaming of becoming the future doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and even presidents of Uganda. This inspiring story is a very heart warming one that makes you realize how lucky you actually are for the life that you have and the amount of opportunities you can get that you are able to succeed in. This story really teaches you to not be selfish and I believe that is an important aspect that every human being needs to learn better. Who knew one person could make such an impact on so many lives for the better? Kaguri answered that question on a whole new level with his actions that he had completed and been successful in. A School For My Village teaches readers that anything is possible if you put hard work into it. It also teaches you to never give up no matter how many things are not in your favor or working in your manor. Kaguri did not want the children of his hometown to be held back because of the opportunities/ learning utensils that they did not have, so he found a way to give them what they need in order to be successful. Those heroic efforts accomplished by Kaguri are truly unbelievable and definitely need to be known throughout the world. A School for My Village Kaguri tells his story of how he overcame tremendous odds on building a tuition-free school for HIV/AIDS orphans in his home village of Nyakagyezi, Uganda. This amazing story combines his own story of growing up in Nyaka, the events that led him promoter for HIV/AIDS, and his journey toward founding/ developing the school. Growing up in rural Uganda, Kaguri lived on his family’s small farm and often-worked long hours for his father. His parents were barely able to send him to college with the little money that they had saved, but Kaguri overcame the odds and eventually became a visiting scholar at Columbia University in New York City. He overcame poverty to earn a degree and worked as a human rights advocate. When he returned to his village in Uganda with his wife after earning his degree, the number of orphans who were the victims of the HIV/AIDS epidemic overwhelmed him with dissatisfaction, so he vowed to open the first tuition-free school in the district for these innocent children who desperately needed it. Faced with many daunting obstacles, including little money, skepticism among friends in both the U. S. and Uganda, corrupt school inspectors, and a lack of supplies, he and his wife doggedly built one classroom after another until they had an accredited primary school filled with students dreaming of becoming the future doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers, and even presidents of Uganda. This inspiring story is a very heart warming one that makes you realize how lucky you actually are for the life that you have and the amount of opportunities you can get that you are able to succeed in. This story really teaches you to not be selfish and I believe that is an important aspect that every human being needs to learn better. Who knew one person could make such an impact on so many lives for the better? Kaguri answered that question on a whole new level with his actions that he had completed and been successful in. A School For My Village teaches readers that anything is possible if you put hard work into it. It also teaches you to never give up no matter how many things are not in your favor or working in your manor. Kaguri did not want the children of his hometown to be held back because of the opportunities/ learning utensils that they did not have, so he found a way to give them what they need in order to be successful. Those heroic efforts accomplished by Kaguri are truly unbelievable and definitely need to be known throughout the world.

Project management 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Project management 2 - Essay Example The house stands on a 3000 square feet plot. Approximately 1500 square feet area will be used for building space. The house will have two storeys and an elaborate garage capable of housing two huge SUV's. It will be surrounded by a huge garden with fountains and fences. The project is named Lovely Palace and is indicated by the name LP throughout the process. Memphis construction is a huge company handling several such projects. They work on several housing projects at a time and there are specific teams to take care of each process in the project. The researcher is the team leader for the project LP. 6 teams work under him to complete the assigned tasks on time. A detailed Gantt chart is drawn assigning various tasks and sub tasks to these teams and 3 team leaders are supposed to report to the project leader at specific time intervals. Gantt chart There are several tools designed to help planning a project in a step by step manner. Many advanced tools help in scheduling the project hour wise. The minimum or maximum time necessary to complete the project can be calculated using them. The planning and scheduling process is simplified beyond belief in the modern days through such tools. Gantt chart is one such tool used to represent the progress of a project in a graphical way. It is similar to a bar chart, but gives a much detailed view of the project with exact time schedules. It can be created using Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Project. The main advantage of using Gantt chart is its capability to break the project into tasks and subtasks. This paves way for better management of the project. Colours used in the Gantt Charts In the attached Gantt chart all the tasks are represented through a black bar and the sub tasks are represented through a blue bar. The time frame for each task, sub task and which team the task is assigned is mentioned in the chart clearly. One look at the graphical Gantt chart will help us determine the progress of the project time wise an d budget wise. The time for parallel processes, the minor delays in the projects as well as the total budget can be determined easily using this Gantt chart. Memphis Construction has skilled employees working in the consulting and planning department capable of creating a multifaceted Gantt chart which is easily amendable. They create it after detailed discussion with various team leaders and present the final draft to the LP project head. Each member involved in the project has a copy of their assigned tasks and its time frame. They are requested to stick strictly to the schedule and report to their respective team leaders regarding the progress or delay in the work at the end of each day. Project development Stages Stage 1: Finalizing the plan Memphis Construction Company assigns the project to the project head in this case the researcher, once a customer approaches the company for a plan. The work starts from the day the customer agrees to work with them. The engineers and design ers in the company draw a plan based on the customer’s specification. The initial consultation for the customer is free. Once the architect team presents the plan, the customer can fix any number of sittings with them and get it modified according to their necessity. Each sitting costs around $90 per

PRINCESS DIANA 2nd part Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

PRINCESS DIANA 2nd part - Essay Example Also, cultural variables relevant not only to Britain but also to the entire world were reflected in her personality, also certain expectations were naturally associated with her (Mattern 2006). Also, being a courageous woman, the factor of gender also added in to maintain her leadership style per se and managed to positively affect her followers` base. The concept of gender also created chaos in her life as the conspiracy theories associated with her character were quite intense in nature. There is no second opinion on the fact that Lady Diana had quite a charisma in her character, which made her one of the most charming yet influential women in the world. The transformational phases overriding her life, and her inclination toward the ordinary lifestyle despite the royalty makes her distinct from other leaders. Leadership Member Exchange View theory implies that the leaders impact the followers via direct and indirect interactions, and the followers are influenced by the persona and beliefs of the leaders. Personal Charisma, involvement in the personal affairs of the followers, concern with the issues of the people and the understanding of the popular culture of the society are a few must-have traits possessed by the leaders portraying LMX approach (Kippenberg 2002). Lady Diana clearly possesses these traits as she had quite a charming personality and a kind heart. She was deeply concerned with those less well off in the society, and took issues pertaining in the society with dire seriousness. Her interaction patterns with the common people helped her connect well with the followers, owing to which the masses were very fond of her. Thus, she didn`t have to exercise power tactics to influence other, in fact her character was impactful enough for her followers. Similarly, Transformational Le adership style deals with the positive transformation of the followers by virtue of effective leadership,

Advanced Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Advanced Strategic Management - Essay Example Advanced Strategic Management Its strategic decisions in advancing its objectives are highlighted in its diverse business activities and business linkages that promote networking with other business entities. Thus, its decision to acquire Nest is integral part of its strategic initiative that is designed to give it an innovative edge in the market and generate strategic profit in the smart homes. Google works in an environment of intense competition where originality and differentiation are key issues to retain competitive leverage. Porter strongly asserts that firms can outdo others if they can establish a difference and exploit it for achieving their wider goals. Indeed, Google has been distinct in its customer centric policies, growth strategies and organizational culture that nurture creativity. Its state of the art research and development facility constantly strives to anticipate the changing preferences of its customers. They have made significant breakthrough in exploiting the vast potential of internet through their new products and services as well as diversifying business goals through business alliances and acquisitions. Acquisitions of Facebook, twitter, Motorola etc. have been important part of their strategic business decisions that have contributed to its leadership position in the market. The recent acquisition of Nest is seen as key part of its future planni ng and long term goals of penetrating new market of smart homes.

Nursing Education Around the Globe Research Paper

Nursing Education Around the Globe - Research Paper Example ya The major comparison in the government influence of the nursing education between China and Kenya is that; both countries’ initiative to establish nursing training and certification were started by the respective governments, with the Kenyan training and certification program running for 31/2 years, while the Chinese program took 4 years (Xu, Xu & Zhang, 2000). Political control has also characterized the nursing profession and development in both Kenya and China, where the respective governments, through the ministries of health, have been responsible for approving the nursing courses and certification programs in the countries (Klopper & Uys, 2003). The governments have been involved in establishing regulations and laws that governs and controls the nursing profession. Several laws and ordinances have been established by the two governments, to act as the tools through which the nursing profession is politically controlled. In Kenya, the 1946 June Ordinance No. 16 was est ablished to control the health activities of the nurses (Mule, 1986). Similarly, the political control of nursing profession in China can be traced back to 1949, when the education reform in China abolished the post-secondary nursing training, instead introducing the 3-year nursing training, following the 9 years of primary and secondary education (Xu, Xu & Zhang, 2000). Both countries have established Nursing organizations, responsible for uniting, developing, and promoting nursing professionalism, with the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) being the peak body of the nursing profession in the country, while the Chinese Nursing Association (CAN), is similarly the peak nursing organization in China (Xu, Xu & Zhang, 2000). Both the organizations are responsible for establishing the nursing syllabus... This paper approves that the Current System of Nursing Education in both China and Kenya occur in various cadres. Both China and Kenya have certification programs for ursing, in form of 3-years comprehensive training, which caters for the preliminary training, ward rotation and theory in clinical training. The comparison in both countries is that; the qualification for nursing certification program is the completion of secondary education. The characteristic of the current systems of nursing education in both countries is that; both countries have established post-basic nursing qualifications, which include diplomas, bachelor of nursing degree, and masters in nursing. The comparison is that the doctorate program in nursing is yet to be fully commissioned in both countries, following the governments’ regulations that have not yet approved the doctorate in nursing. All the post-basic nursing qualifications programs are undertaken in hospital-based training institutions, where the trainees in this profession are full-time based course attendants. this essay makes a conclusion that Nursing Education in both China and Kenya bears universal fundamental characteristics, in terms of government and Nursing organizations control, training and growth, notwithstanding that the nursing profession in both countries is a function of the western missionary arrival into the countries. Additionally, the high standards of qualifications are also eminent requirements in this profession for both countries, while the training period for the nurses and the areas of training are similar.

International Business Strategies in Action Assignment

International Business Strategies in Action - Assignment Example The saturation of the traditional markets and the growing opportunities in the emerging markets like India and China has prompted the firm to take up this strategic decision. The company plans to use its existing low cost no frills model as a part of a low cost strategy to capture the target market. RyanAir is a UK based airline firm established in the year 1985 and has grown presently to a mammoth organization having a fleet strength of 272 aircrafts (RyanAir, 2011). RyanAir mainly operates flights to various destinations around Europe and is one of the most successful brands in Europe. The company aims to replicate its low cost model in India to gain strategic advantage. External Environment Analysis PESTEL PESTEL is a tool that is used to analyze the external environment of a business organization. The tool analyses the political, economic, sociological, technological, environmental and legal aspects of a particular market (Kay, 2010, p.23). Political Political factors affecting R yanAir’s business interests include the extent of market deregulation, taxes as well as permits of operation. The Indian government is a democratically elected and stable government that largely advocates business houses to set up base in India. The Directorate General of Civil Aviations controls the airline industry in the nation. The government has advocated a deregulation policy that has allowed a healthy competition in the nation in the industry segment (Mazumdar, 2008, p.104). The elections are held every five years that gives considerable stability to the government. The administration of the government is divided into executive, legislature and judiciary departments (CIA, 2011). Economic Economic factors that affect the business prospects of an airline company include the economic growth rate and other macro economic data that affect the levels of disposable income of individuals within a nation. India has an impressive GDP growth rate of 10.4 percent as of 2010. The G DP in terms of purchasing power parity stands at 4.06 trillion US dollars that provides a good impetus for RyanAir to expand into India. The GDP in terms of per capita income is about 10.4 percent (CIA, 2011). Figure 1: Sector Wide GDP contribution (Source: CIA, 2011) The oil prices also have a significant effect on the business prospects of the airline companies. Oil prices have recorded widespread fluctuations over the past years and continue to rise at very high levels. The figure below shows the historic as well as projected oil prices. Figure 2: Oil Price Movements (Source: Ringbeck, Gautam & Pietsch, 2009, p.40) The Indian aviation industry also represents good demand growth in terms of future demand as the Asia Pacific region represents wide scope and options for aviation companies. Figure 3: Demand Projections (Source: CII & PriceWaterHouse Coopers, 2010, p.13) Sociological Sociological aspects include demographical aspects and consumer behavior of the target market. India i s the second largest populated nation of the world that helps

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth Essay

The Debates over Environment, Population and Industrial Growth - Essay Example It is the environment that form proper catchment areas for water and provide means through which production is possible. Economic growth on the other side relates to a quantitative change in human lives in relation to population growth rate, education, poverty eradication, social systems and sanitation. Debates have been developed in the past which have centred in eradication of poverty, reduction of human population and others geared towards economic growth in the past especially in the less developed states of the world. However, the change and effects out of the discussions therein is yet to be seen and even so to be acknowledged. Industrial growth is an economic issue in most states affected by high rates of population growth, deficits in the balance of payments, poverty, education, research and development among other issues. Politics in any state and the cultural intake significantly impact on the ways issues in growth and development are carried out as debates on these issues rotate around them. It is the cultural content and belief that determines the need to conserve the environment, control population or even to contribute to the economic growth. The political contributions of the state also determine the extent of measures taken to eliminate stagnation and promote industrial growth. The paper seeks to show how debates on environment, industrial growth and population are politically and culturally driven. Environmental debate Politics have been used in most cases to drive desired change in certain cases. Environment preservation and the issue of global warming has been a serious problem globally and most states have come together to set parameters of control. Leaders in many countries have had debates and set standards towards such effects, which have not been realized or little effort has been done to mitigate such issues. Issues of urbanization, overgrazing, population growth and settlement in water catchment areas are related to the environment as well as pollution which still remains to be a key area. Proper control measures of pollution of the surroundings and policies set in most states are yet to be well implanted. All this is affected by the political stand and the cultural diversity which are centred in the region affected by such problems. Politicians have gained opportunities both positively and negatively to mitigate such problems and provide a way forward some for their own selfish gains. Debates held in the past years concerning environment have been captured and brought forward by contestants for considerations by the public. Such issues in relation to the environment have been used by political leaders to gain power and stand against opponents with little change been done. Some have held false promises with regard to environmental protection with several related to the road network preparation and construction, water and sanitation improvement, waste disposal, human settlement only to go back upon their words the moment their dreams are achieved. Measures and policies put and implemented on pollution of the environment are easily waiver by key political leaders and some laws made favour vital sectors believed to be led by key elements in governments. Funds for environs control even through donations have been misappropriated through campaigns especially in the lees developed states. Politics is thus a key issue on which debates

The death penalty of Kasab Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The death penalty of Kasab - Essay Example A major ethical issue is whether the death penalty of Ajmal Amir Kasab was justified or not as several agencies of human rights and the leaders of several minority groups have asked this question against the decision or verdict of The Indian Supreme Court as according to them, death penalty cannot be justified in any case. The death penalty of Ajmal Kasab can be considered as one of the favorite debatable or argumentative topics. The article mentioned in the appendix is full of ethical issues as Ajmal Kasab killed innocent people without any reason only for the sake of terrorism and religion. On the other hand, human rights and the leaders of minority groups demanded mercy of Kasab for the sake of ethics and non-violence. Therefore, it can be considered as an ethical issue. Argumentative Analysis There are two different types of ethical theories regarding the source of value and integrity, such as non-consequential reasoning and consequential reasoning. The ethical issue in the death penalty of Kasab will be discussed through the use of the above mentioned theories. Consequential Reasoning It is true that ethical theorists or thinkers have criticized the effectiveness and justification of consequential reasoning as this ethical reasoning generally ignores the basic value of moral assumptions and categories. A consequential theory generally judges the wrongness or rightness of a particular action based on the consequences of a specific action.

Holocaust Post to World War II Essay Example for Free

Holocaust Post to World War II Essay Let us begin by quoting the superb words of Elie Wiesel (1995), the Nobel laureate for peace in 1986 and Holocaust survivor: For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and the living. He has no right to deprive future generations of a past that belongs to our collective memory. To forget would be not only dangerous but offensive; to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time. The witness has forced himself to testify. For the youth of today, for the children who will be born tomorrow. He does not want his past to become their future (cited in Hill and Wang, c2006, pg 15). Cruel Massacre Against Humanity in Holocaust Post to WWII Holocaust post to the beginning of World War II gave an account of tragedy and massive killings of majorly Jews in millions. Other killings involved the people of Gypsies who are descendant of Egypt in history, the mentally and physically challenged ancient individuals, political enemies to the ruling government of Nazi of Germany, and racially undesirable individuals who met an untimely dead end in the Nazi Camps of Germany after . This holocaust occurred between the years 1939 and the commencement of World War II. It is a great destruction that is characterized by extensive loss of human lives through means such as fire, nuclear arms et cetera. Holocaust at times is also used to represent the genocide in Armenian and Hellenic. Hellenic are Greece speaking people who suffered massive religious killing of about 3 million Christians in Turkey between the years 1915 to 1925 (Dawidowicz, 1975). Prior to the World War II, over six million Jewish people were targeted and destroyed by the then Nazi government and its co-sponsors. Nazi government of Germany developed a great hatred for the people of Jews who have spread and had established tent all over European States. The destruction was caused by an expression of superiority over the perceived â€Å"inferior Jews†. The spreading and the success of the Jews over some citizen of Europe became a matter of crucial talk among the cabinet members of Nazi. Nazi saw them as strange people who must not live. Later on, Nazi resulted into racial war against the Jews. In addition to the Jews, Nazi also developed similar racial hatred to other set of people in the all over world. The list includes â€Å"the people of Roma called Gypsies, the physically challenged or formally called the handicapped, the Slavic people of Russia, Poland and others as mentioned earlier† (Yahil L. 1990). In addition to the basis of destruction on perception of racial inferiority, political and theological reasons were also confirmed as part of the basis for destruction of certain other set of people. Thirdly is the massive destruction based on ideological group belonging and on cultural hatred for the Jews, one of the prominent groups by then were the Communist, the Socialist groups, and the Jehovah Witness movement. Certain homosexual were not spared in the killing. Due to the presence of certain members of the Nazi government who were homosexuals, there was mixed feelings development towards the extermination this set of people. The Jehovah witness movement group recorded the lowest number of casualties because they were less concentrated in a place unlike others. The achievement was made possible owing to regional concentration of the target people to be destroyed. Some were taken on hostage within a wide range of land for a long period before they were been destroyed by biological weapons, diseases, famine, and other forms of military maltreatment. For the physically challenged group, Nazi carried out his mission by including in his policy the so called â€Å"Euthanasia Program† (early killing to prevent prolong living in serious discomfort and pain). Some able body target among the Jews and Poland were captured and unofficially sentenced to hard labor till they meet their death. Post-World War II Holocaust After the WWII, there was an arrival of a different dimension to the war. Holocaust in the mid-1940 to the early 90s was basically the existence of relative tension, and fragile calmness. This is due to the modernized existence of nuclear and atomic destruction that posed more colossal figures in potential victims. On the basis of nuclear power possession, nations were termed superpower of the world. The era was termed cold war among the two major powerful unions – the United States and the Soviet Union of Eastern Europe, Northern and Central Asian continent. The United State came in following the 1942 Washington Act to deliver the Jews from total extinction. Holocaust Literature In the modern study of holocaust, many theories are used to propose the origin of holocaust. While the Intentionalists accept that holocaust is a deliberate act initiated by Adolf Hitler, the Functionalists argue that the genesis of holocaust was rather a policy failure by the government of Nazi to regulate immigration to Europe and expel other migrants out of Europe. Hence, the Jews find their way in with ease and dominate the Europe in their millions. Functionalists disagree on several claims by the Intentionalism on several of their literature pointing finger on the lack of adequate plan on population growth as the genesis of holocaust. There also exist â€Å"holocaust theology† that reviews God’s kindness and protection shield on His own people.

Economy Oil and gas Essay Example for Free

Economy Oil and gas Essay Qatar occupies a small peninsula that extends in to the gulf from the east side of the Arabian Penisula countries bordering it are Saudi Arabia to the west and the United Arab Emirates to the south it’s located in the Middle East and borders Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Its population is approximately 907,229 with a population growth of 2. 4 %. The birth rate is 15. 6/1000 and has an infant mortality of 17. 5/1000. The life expectancy is 74. 1 and the population density per square meter is 214. Males from 0-14 years and 15-64 years are more than females and generally males are more than females. The death rate is currently 4. 82/1000. The total fertility rate is 2. 75 children per woman. Life expectancy is 76 years for women and 71 years for men. The population is under threat as women are marrying later in life and the abortion rates are increasing The official language in Qatar is Arabic and English is the second common language. The highest percentage of its population is Arab that forms approximately 40% the Pakistan and Indians constitute each 18% of the total population while Iranian and other races form 24%. 95% of its citizens are Muslim. Qatar’s total area is 11,437 km2 all of which is on land. The climate is arid mild and has pleasant winters but very hot and humid summers. The terrain is mostly flat and barren desert that is covered with loose Island and gravel. The natural resources in this state are petroleum and natural gas. Qatar territories include a number of islands and the most renowned Island is Hawar Island. Halul is the export terminal for the offshore oil fields. (http://www. infoplease. com/ce6/world/A0840678. html) It consists of flat rocky surfaces but has some hills and sand dunes, which reach an altitude of 40m above the sea level, in the western and northern parts. It has a rainwater-draining basis in the North and Central areas. The climate is a desert one with hot summers and mild winter. Coral reefs along the ports and shallow waters make navigation difficult especially on those areas where channels have not been dredged. Long summers from June through September have intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity with temperatures exceeding 55 degrees centigrade. From November through May there are moderate temperatures. Winter temperatures can fall to 17 degrees centigrade. The country receives very little rainfall that fills small ravines and the dry wadis. Water is saline and hence unsuitable for drinking or for irrigation purposes due to the high mineral content. Desalination of seawater is a common practice in Qatar. Through desalination In the North West there are jagged limestone outcroppings that rise over 40 meters high. To the South, impressive sand dunes rise up to 60 meters. Other notable features include coastal salt pans that are elevated by limestone formations along the west coast where Durkhan Oil fields and massive sand dunes surrounding Khor al Udaid which is an inlet of the gulf in the South East known as inland sea. Halul, the most important island, lies about 90 kilometers east of Doha and it serves as a storage area and as a loading terminal for oil from surrounding offshore fields. Qatar is limestone and dolomite peninsula of both flat and rocky surfaces and extreme desert conditions. The coasts are generally low with marine terraces and Sabkhas in several places. The sand dunes have moved progressively southwards due to the effect of the prevailing winds. Major Sand dunes are situated in the south eastern parts while limestones are to the western and northern parts of the country. Most land is quiet, uncultivated and scenically beautiful. It contains geographical features that are peculiar to the western side of the Arabian Gulf. There are the rainwater draining basin to the north and central parts which are considered the most fertile and attract heavy agricultural investment. Khor al-Udaid is a deep inlet from the sea on the south east coast. It is a ‘water sanctuary’ and fishing for commercial purposes is banned. It is a sea bay that harbors sea animals like sea turtles, water fowls, and sea birds. It is also an important breeding ground for dolphins. Flamingos also gather there during winter. It also has ponds like the Umm-Said sewage pond and Salwa road ponds. Al-Aliyah Island is also an important feature. It is located 13kilometers to the north east of the capital, Doha. It consist weathered limestone rocks and has uneven patches of salt tolerant bushes. It is an abode of shore birds, gulls, and* Al-Dhakita mangrove located 7 km north Al Khor consist of a group salt water bays. With dense mangrove growth with broad mud flats and salt marshy vegetation. It has valuable fish and shrimp stocks and is important destination for wintering birds and water ducks and flamingoes. Sabkha refers to flat saline areas of sand or silt lying above the water table and often containing soft nodules and veins of gypsum and a hydrite that was deposited over a long time by the action of wind blown sand. They have a crust of halite and gypsum. Caves or dulus are also widespread in Qatar. Ground water and rainwater reaction with soft surface and subsurface dissolves in limestone and gypsum creating cavities and the ceilings may collapse exposing the interior. It contains ten substantial caves although most have collapsed to form depressions and dolines of the northern Qatar. Sand dunes are also prominent features in Qatar. They have a crescent shape as the wind ward face is ripped off by the wind action. The leeward side collapses under the driving wind. Qatar has an interesting plateau of tertiary limestone standing out in the desert about 20meters high. This is between Dukhan through Umm Bab towards the Saudi Arabian border. Low hills are mushroom shaped due to erosion of underlying softer rocks. Gypsum crystals are also common. They are found south of Umm Said and are formed when high tides bring sea water into Sabkha. As the water evaporates, it forms gypsum crystals that appear as low crystalline forms. To the western side Geodes are found. Natural hazards that are dominant here are haze dust storms and the common sand storms. Most of its population is literate and the illiteracy levels are very minimal. Political system The government type of Qatar is emirate. The capital city is Doha. There are 10 municipalities that include. Al Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumaliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan, Al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Said and Umm Salal. The 3rdSeptember is the national holiday when people commemorate their independence. The capita city Doha is located on the central East Coast and it’s major functions are administrative, commercial and it is a population center. It is located on a harbour. Other ports include Umm Said Al Khor and Al Wakrah, Umm Said and Doha handle commercial shipping . The legal system is based on Islamic and civil law codes and the Amir controls the discretionary system of law. However civil codes are being implemented. The Islamic law dominates family and personal matters. Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has been the chief of the state since 27th June 1995 after a bloodless coup. His father was not able to handle the country’s economic reforms. Since it is a monarchial government the father did not lose his title as much power was already in his sons. Crown prince Jassim did not want to be king and he abdicated in favor of his younger brother. He rose to power after outdoing his father Amir Khalifa. The government is constitutional monarchy and the president’s fourth son Tamin bin Hamad is the selected heir. Amir Hamad was the Armed forces commander and defense minister when he seized power from his father who was out of the country. He retains that title to date. He survived an attempted coup in 1996. He had also taken his father t court on alleged state fund misappropriation. However this matter was solved outside the court. Amir Hamad Khalifa father had deposed his cousin Emir Al-Thani family continued to hold power after independence in 1971. Government departments are responsible for ensuring economic and social progress. The emir’s leadership is influenced by consultation’s consensus and personal appeal. He is not accountable to anyone and he cannot violate the Islamic laws sharia. In per taking his functions he must seek the opinion of the leading notable and religious leaders. Expatriate and residents are excluded from elections. The role of municipal council is not executive but offering advice to the minister. . The prime minister is Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani since April 3rd 2007. His deputy is Abdullah bin Hamad al-Atiyah. He replaced Abdullah bin Khalifa who resigned April 2007. The cabinet comprises of council of ministers all of which are appointed by the monarchy. Elections are rarely done since the system of ruling is monarchial. However in April 2003 it held nationwide election for a 29-member central municipal council (CMC). The CMC has consultative powers geared to improving the efficiency in provision of municipal service. The advisory council or Maljis al-shura has 35 members who are appointed by the monarchy. Council members have their terms extended after every four years. However since the establishment of a new constitution in 2005, 10 more positions were to be introduced and the public had a chance to elect 2/3 of the seats while Amir the president appoints the other 1/3. Introduction of the first constitution would guarantee freedom expression assembly and religion and increment of parliament seats. Elections are to be conducted late this year. Amir appoints all judges based on recommendations of supreme judiciary council. The branches of the judiciary are courts of first instance appeal and cassation. Since it’s a monarchial government there are no political leaders or parties and political pressure groups. Women were allowed to vote for the first time in 1999 and municipal consisted of 29 members. Democracy is being incorporated ever since Amir brought liberal changes in to the economy. Economy Oil and gas are the dominant trade goods. They both account for more than 60% of the countries GDP. They also contribute to a tune of 85% of the country’s export earnings and 70% of the government’s revenue. They are the reasons the country is one of the world fastest growing countries. They have seen it’s per capital rise to equal that of European Union. Due to sustained high oil prices the country is able to build its budget trade surpluses and foreign reserves. The oil reserves in this country are more than 15 billion barrels and they can sustain continued surplus for more than 20 years. Natural gas reserves are also abundant. They exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, which is more than 5% of the word total and 3rd largest in the world. The country is undertaking measures to develop its gas field in ensuring that the country becomes the world’s top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. Foreign investment is also being encouraged so that non- energy projects can be improved by liberalizing the economy further. The country’s GDP real growth rate in 2006 was 7. 1% and the per capita GDP was $29,800. Composition of the GDP is mainly industry, which is 75. 8%, and service sector, which is 24. 1%. The unemployment rate was 3. 2% in 2006 and the inflation rate was 11. 8%. The major trading partners with Qatar are Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, France, U. S, Saudi Arabia, united Arabs emirates, Germany and UK. Major imports are machinery and transport equipments manufactured goods, food and live animals. Japan receives the largest proportion of Qatar exports. Other important trading partners include South Korea and France. The service sector accounts for approximately a ? of the total GDP and creates employment for the Qatar people. The government is promoting the tourism sector in an effort to trying to make it match other industries in the economy. Qatar is the richest country in the Islam-dominated countries rising global demand for oil ensure increase prices of oil and this leads to increase economic growth. The economy of this country is not diversified it depends so much on oil and gas. Qatar’s industrial plants are located in Umm Said. There is a fertilizer plant for urea and ammonia a steel plant and a petrochemical plant. These industries use gas as their source of energy ands they are owned by state or European and Japanese firms. http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Qatar. html To control the influx of expatriate workers Qatar is tightening the administration of its foreign manpower programs. Foreign educated Qatar’s are returning back home to develop their home country. Development of other industries will enable the economy to withstand future possible negative oil shocks. Real economic growth had slowed down in 2002 after OPEC enforced oil output cuts. The gas industry was however not affected. Private investment is encouraged to ensure that the country’s economic growth does not decline with changes in the market. Steel industries have been making profits for the past 10 years, non-oil sectors in Qatar are building and construction, real estate communication, agriculture, fishing water and electricity and banking. The state provides incentives to foreign investors, which include security loans from Qatar Industrial bank QIB eliminates quantitative quotas on imports no income tax on salaries of expatriates no export duties and no taxes on corporate profit for pre determined periods. The country has a comparatively high public sector external debt. Debt has been incurred to finance LNG and other industrial products. The GDP is raising and thus the ratio of public external debt to GDP is declining. http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Qatar. html The economic challenge that the country faces is to maintain global competitiveness. There is need to improve on the macro-economic management and the public sector institutions. Absorption of new technologies ought to be done at a faster rate. This translates to more revenues being redirected in imports over reliance on one industry is an issue that needs to be addressed. Diversifying the economy is a safe approach of ensuring toast hock ups in oil industry will not adversely affect the countries economy. Investment in quality education will also be a wise approach of addressing the country’s issue. It will reduce the number of foreign employees in the country by substituting them with the locals. Leadership or quality of government also ought to be changed. Democracy will go along way in maintaining economic stability in the long run. The monarchial system needs to be reformed. Levels of unemployment ought to be completely eradicated investing heavily in human capita and education city project sponsored by the Qatar foundation has seen worlds top universities and research centers to the country. Qatar joined other emirates of the Tricia coast in forming the United Arab Emirates but together with Bahrain they disagreed about the merger but instead formed independent nations. (Crystal Jill,1995) A border dispute with Saudi Arabia was settled in 1992 although the dispute with Bahrain remains unsolved. It signed a defense pact with the US and it became the third country in the Gulf to do so. It is home of the immensely popular but controversial Arabic Satellite Television Network Al Jazeera. Contraversial because it is accused of not being free and fair in its broadcasts. Al Jazeera is not only popular in the Arab world but also globally. It was the only channel allowed to operate from Afghanistan and the first to air Osama bin Laden’s statement in October 2001. It favors those who are its allies and does not criticize or air anything negative about its own Government. (El-Nawawy et al, 2002) Pollution from oil and gas industries has negative impact on the diversity of species. It is an issue that ought to be addressed. Qatar is surrounded by sea on three sides and its territorial waters encompass 35,000 square kilometers. Marine life has to adapt to the harsh conditions of salty water and soaring temperatures.

Business Issues And The Context Of Human Resources Commerce Essay

Business Issues And The Context Of Human Resources Commerce Essay XX is a leading International Healthcare Group with the purpose to help people lead longer, healthier and happier lives. The organisation does that by providing a broad range of healthcare services, support and advice to people throughout their lives. With no shareholders and its global presence in 190 countires, the organisation is said to be a industry leader. XXX is a 60 years old organisation providing services like Health insurance and Wellbeing, Healthcare provision, Healthcare Analytics and Care Services. The organisations vision to be world leader in the health care sector has been supported by the following objectives: Listen to its customers, act quickly and professionally. Living and Breathing organisations values monitored by HR on regular basis. Make a difference in peoples lives by offering all high quality and value added healthcare Creating diverse and mix work force of highly skilled and knowledgeable employees and invest in their development within the company via organised HR function. This report has been commissioned by the CEO of XXX. FINDINGS 3.1 Forces shaping the HR agenda Our purpose is to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives and the 52,000 people we employ are at the heart of making this a reality. John Handley, HR Director, XXX International It is essential for XXX to have a strong and distinctive identity that clearly seperates the organisation from others in the field. Everyone in XXX has a part to play in this and hence thats where the HR plays a vital role. Examples of External Forces that have shaped the HR agenda are Competition, Markets, Economic trends and the changing face of the Health Industry. Increasing expectations of the customers from the oraganisation and more competitors offering similar policies and products at lower rates, made XXX to look more further into the product designs and customer service management, which resulted in hiring more talented and knowledgeable people skilled in their sector to provide the best customer service to the customers and partners. To make sure that the right number of people are available to service the customers and are able to effectively deliver the right results to the costumers, HR department works in partnership with the management. They decided to provide the right environment for the people to learn, grow and develop them through Innovative Learning Approach and by recognising people for their contribution to the organisations success. By investing into the right people, XXXs objective was to provide the best customer service through all channels to its members. HR proposed to offer its employees both an open environment and an informal culture, encouraging fresh ideas and helping employees realise their true potential. To reflect their different business needs, all the business units have a tailored HR department i.e.operational HR, organisational development, reward, HR systems, employee recognition, and HR support. These units works exclusively to provide a direct, informed and tailored service to meet its unique needs. 3.2 HRs contribution to Organisational Effectiveness Creating competitive advantage through people. Group HR Management works in partnership with the Management. All business units individual HR heads who reports to the HR Director. This is to make sure that all the departments on its own are delivering higher levels of performance to the benefit of our customers and the bottom line. Individual HR in all these units perform common bundle of processes which impacts on organisational performance. Recruitment of talent that matches XXXs values. Leadership and management practices/ competencies Performance management Succession planning Recognition Organisational climate and workplace environment Facilitating effective change management Management development and training Career development 360 feedback tools All business units have their own Administration and Training departments. The Administration department looks after Payroll, HR Systems and Database Management to make sure that all the employee details are correct, secure and as a result in them being treated fairly. All the employees are paid correctly It has its own Change Management team who deals with changes in processes and work culture. The Training department works in partnership with the business in all individual units to create appropriate, skilled and tailored training solutions to keep up with the changing business needs. 3.3 HRs roles and functions in management structures XXX HR Map Administration Training Departments are in each business units and have individual Change Management Teams IS HR Organisational Development HR Director HR UK Membership International HR Group HR Management Development Care Services Information Systems HR Training Development Group HR Functions Reward Recognition Business Technology Training IS Resource Management Group Resource Management Pensions Benefits HR Systems XXX One Life HR within XXX works as a strategic partner, hence plays a very important role in finance, operations and other business departments within the organisation. The main objective is to provide high returns on the businesss investment in its people. XXX does not follow any set models of HR but do relates with the Harvard model in some manner. It sees employees as resources. It emphasises on issues like involving people in decision making and developing an organisational culture based on trust and teamwork. It has shared goals for coordination and control and a flat structure to minimise status culture. It employs the multiple stakeholder model in which employees are seen as having interests along with other stakeholders, management, unions and government. The HR outlines four main policy areas which are Human resource flows : HR manages the flow of people within XXXs individual business units through recruitment and selection, through the organisation by placement, appraisal and promotion and lastly through out of the organisation by termination. It also makes sure at right number of people are available at all the times according to the business needs. Reward Systems : Even though each business unit has separate Reward System in place, it serves a common purpose to attract, motivate and keep employees happy within the organisation. Employee Influence : People being the heart of the organisation, their views and concerns are given equal importance as of stakeholders and customers. Work Systems : With the ever changing business needs and the medical climate, XXX makes sure that the information and technology used within the organisation provides the best outcomes. The HR function in all the business units currently concentrates on achieving the four Cs of the model. Commitment, Congruence, Competence, Cost Effectiveness. The XXXs hr structure also somehow resembles the Ulrichs hr model as all the business units do individually have their own separate departments to deal with change, strategies and administration. 3.4 Business Ethics and Accountability XXX follows a code of professional ethics which are based on the principles that determine the way employees behave and Brand personality that describes the way employees are suppose to perceive. Brand Values : Caring we genuinely care about peoples health and wellbeing. We exist for no other reason. Respectful : We respect peoples individuality, privacy and dignity and try to respond to their individual needs. Ethical : We are committed to acting responsibly and in the best interests of people and the environments. Enabling : We empower people with our knowledge and experience to help them choose the most appropriate solutions. Dedicated : We are dedicated to providing a professional, reassuring service and seek oppurtunities to go the extra mile to exceed peoples expectations. Accountable : We are accountable for the quality, efficiency and value of our services, and act in the best interests of our customers. Brand Personality : Warm Human Caring Understanding Approachable Health Care Expert Global Outlook BUPA Employee Individual Business units do have their own code of conducts in line with the group values. For example, the training and development department in all units have professional code of conduct from the Institute of Management Consultants which covers ethics as Integrity, Independence, Objectivity and Responsbility to the profession. All the core values and ethics are explained on the XXXs intranet which is available for all the employees across the organisation. It clearly mentions how employees are expected to act in relation to the various policies like Treating Customers Fairly, Health and Safety at work, Data Matters, Security Matters Policy and Data Protection Policy As a global healthcare company, XXX deals with the personal details, medical data and financial records of millions of people around the world. Protecting that information is essential is a key responsibility for all of us. XXX Chief Executive XXX as a major healthcare services provider, plays a very important role in designing and delivering medical procedures and policies. It works closely with NHS and makes sure that all the treatments offered to the members in their centres are within the medical guidelines applied by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence). XXX has its media policy, Risk Management and Fraud Protection policies. XXX has its own Corporate Responsbility and Sustainability Policy under which it is made sure that healthcare expertise is used in the way that is good for business and communities. It covers many areas including employee giving support and volunteering, community health and wellness partnerships, addressing and minimising our impact on environment and affiliations with like-minded businesses and organisations (e.g Nuffield Health Centres, Physio Centres, Conservative treatment centres, etc.) XXX is an active partner with Life Education which supports youth health and drug education programs and with Can Too to raise funds for Cure Cancer. The Group HR provides support, encouragement and motivation to its employees to participate in various activities conducted to fulfil its corporate responsibility. Employees are expected to actively promote these services while having interactions with the customers at all the times. 4.1 HRs role in strategy formulation and interpretation All organisations will at some point need to focus on the activities and actions that it will undertake to meet its long term aims and objectives. XXXs vision taking care of the lives in our hands is at the heart of all strategies that are planned and practiced within the organisation. The two main objectives helping HR to form strategies within the organisation are Management capability : Through validated processes and development, this objective is met by XXX recruiting, retaining and developing managers the meet the business challenges of today and future. It involves different strategies designed around Recruitment, Core competencies, Performance Management, Succession Planning, XXX One Life, Climate Surveys, Change Management, Management Development, Career Development, 360 feedback tools and Customisable Questionnaire. Enabling systems and processes : This objective is met by developing and maintaining a performance-oriented culture. It includes Induction and Measures of Success. Business priorities are cascaded through the different levels of the organisation through a process whereby they become increasingly more detailed and focused. They trigger departmental objectives which are translated into team objectives and in turn provide the foundation for personal objectives which are based on SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound) targets that are to be met on consistent basis. These objectives are discussed, set and measured as part of the performance management plan of all employees depending on their roles and business units. XXX does not fit into any particular model of relationship between the HRM and the Business Strategies but it does work on the theories based within these models. In the best fit model (Schuler and Jackson example), employees are seen as key in the implementation of the declared organisational strategy and the HR strategy is designed to fit with this. XXXs individual departments propose strategies to be implemented via management surrounding functions, systems and processes within the department which enable the functional strategy to be achieved. This is then responded by the HR by defining the strategy to meet organisational needs. In the Resource based approach, the focus is to sustain competitive advantage through development of human capital rather than aligning human resources to current strategic goals. XXX invests in regular development of its employees within the organisation to make sure that they are updated with all the knowledge required to perform their job well and so to add value to the company. 4.2 Business and HR Strategies Each business within XXX evaluates its current position, its market and competitor environement and identifies its key strategies and plans in its annual 3 Strategic Year Plan (explained in 5.3). They work together in order to achieve common objectives of the organisation. Two of these most important objectives to be achieved in XXX are Cost Control : To utilise the resources in the most productive and effective way. To recruit and retain effective and skilled staff More training and development options to the existing employees to perform various roles Flexible working patterns according to the business needs Authorising treatments that are medically appropriate and within clinical guidelines only, leaving a small room for exceptional cases Covering as many as health-care workers to work within XXX limits to make sure that the customers are happy with the policies Competion : to regularly update the products and services offered within the health and care sector. To provide best customer service on levels of the business To design and offer most flexible and tailored policies to the members. To retain customers by offering alternative treatment options and longer support services. HRs role in meeting this objectives has been analyised through SWOT/STEEPLE which looks at the internal strengths and weaknesses and the external oppurtunities and threats. Below is the combined SWOT Analysis for XXX Strenghts : No Shareholders : this enables all the profits to be utilised to provide better customer service and products to the members. People : highly skilled and mix work force which knowledge of various sectors and products. Team of qualified health care consultants and providers. Customer-focus work culture Technology : Most advanced technology in the health care sector relating to the processes and procedures for medical treatments. Guidance on health issues online and on the phone. Operations : Working with various organisations and health groups to provide the best health care to everyone. Weeknesses : No Shareholders : If profits margins not gained, not enough money to invest back into the business People : mix work force and long-serving staff who are resistant to change. People lacking knowledge of all the departments as specialising in one specific area. Operations : because of the high turn-over of the staff, no standard operating procedures. Regular changes to keep up with the changing demands of the business. Cost-control : Staff redundancies in many business units resulting in low moral within the organisation and heavy work load on the rest of the workforce. Oppurtunities : Partnership with various organisations within the healthcare sector. As a lead health care service provider, had access to higher numbers of consultants and medically trained people Works closely with NHS, hence very influential when it comes to decisions relating medical treatments and funding for certain experimental treatments International presence to make sure private healthcare is available and provided to people around the world. Threats : Competition from other insurance providers who offer private health insurances on lower rates. Outsourcing of many business units which lacks communication and information transformation in a quick and appropriate manner. Higher medical costs which makes the premiums of the policies go higher every year. Increased customer demands to cover more experimental treatments and drugs because of globalisation. 4.3 Vertical and Horizontal Integration XXX works with NHS and other health-care providers to provide better health care services. The Vertical Integration is practiced within XXX as many of the services are offered via other providers who specialises in Travel, Home Care and Conservative treatment. This does serves the purpose to achieve the organisation to provide more treatment options to its customers which results in more appropriate and affordable policies been given to its customers. The option of been treated via NHS or Privately is always available for the customers leaving room for them to choose the most appropriate and time-saving option. The horizontal integration is defined within XXX as all the HR functions are inter-related and inter-connected to each-other. This is achieved by a business units specially looking for skilled employees in customer service, information technology, nursing and administration sector which leads to internal recruitment or resourcing, further leading to development, performance management, rewards and recognition and employee relations. 5.1 HRs role in Business Planning The Global expansion of XXX in the current times have resulted in fine-tuning of the policies and functions throughout the organisation to ensure that required support is provided to drive XXX forward. This has created a demanding and fast changing environment to work in. XXX expect high standards from every one of its team members and in return offer the opportunity to enhance their career with one of the most biggest and most successful brands in private healthcare. HR being the part of the Organisation Development team within the Group functions, has a very wide role to play to achieve the organisations one common goal. It works to make sure that all business units within XXX had right level of people with right level of skills are available to effectively deliver results to its customers at all times. Introduction to flexible working hours, change in employment contracts, inter-departmental transfers to suit the business needs, more systems and procedures to work with resulted in introduction to the change management team within HR of all business units. The things that caused XXX to go through change are Challenges of growth within global market i.e increasing cost of medical treatments and more experimental treatments introduced within UK market Technological changes i.e different technologies to work with to make sure that all processes and procedures are up to date according to the changing demands of the business Customer Pressure i.e. customers looking for more options and better services at lower costs The HRs involvement in various aspects of change was identified as Restructuring the recruitment and resourcing policies Advising team managers in skills available within the organisation, career development and transfer oppurtunities. Assessing the impact of change in one department on another part of the organisation. Making sure that the communication is clear and consistent within all departments of all business units within the organisations. Helping its to cope with change , performance management and motivation. 5.2 Environmental Planning It is very important for XXX to scan through the environment and consider all the present and future forces affecting the direction and goals of the organisation. Environment Planning involves external factors like trends and markets and internal factors like infrastructure and personnel. The STEEPLE analysis for XXX shows all the forces affecting organisational change Social Technology Economic Environment Political Legal Ethical Lifestyle changes of the customers involved with the company Energy costs and usage Inflation rates Natural resrouces Regulations related to private healthcare Employment Laws Reputation Living conditions of its employees and customers related to the business Changes in IT new systems and processes Consumer confidence within the companys products and services Strong Environmental policy Safety regulations Consumer Protection Business Ethics Income distribution within the community New inventions and software developments Medical costs Recycling Trade policies/ globalisation Trade Unions Client Confidentiality 5.3 Measures of Effectiveness What gets measured, gets attention and gets done. Tom Peters XXX has its own business priorities. To keep them accountable and focused on their key objectives, all businesses in XXX go through an annual process of setting their major priorities for the coming year. These are agreed in annual meetings, together with the key financial targets and from the basis of what the business will be measured on the following year. This is a similar process as Performance Management in employees. The organisation has The 3 year Strategic Plan (3YP) which describes the direction the Group as a whole and the individual business units will take over the next 3 years. This plan is completed every year and is an important part of XXXs strategy and planning processes. Group HR delivers this plan to different business units which is then cascaded to its employees. The context of each business is then evaluated on the basis of three important management tools. The Annual Operating Plan : It sets the detailed financial targets for the year for each individual department including HR. (sets targets for sales, costs, profits, etc) The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each individual in each business units. Thess are set of key operational, customer, strategic and people performance metrics. The Business priorties : The change acceptance rate of all individuals within the organisation. All these tools are available on organisations intranet for the convenience of all its employees. Performances of the employees are measured with the Brand values and behaviours been achieved, delivered and maintained. These are maintanined within the organisaiton as Performance Review and once completed along with the Development Plans are then sent to their respective HRs administration department who works closely with the training and development team to provide immediate attention to key issues. This process of measuring the human capital and oraganisations data provides a clearer picture within the working culture of the organisation. So, in this way, management, training and development team and HR administration works together to manage people and policies to achieve set business objectives. CONCLUSIONS XXXs vision to provide the best healthcare options in the world to every individual possible is a long term goal to be achieved along with the changing face of the medical sector and economic trends. It provides value-added products and services to its customers on the possible grounds making sure that the increasing private health insurance cost does not put the customer off from using the private healthcare. It needs policies and procedures to be updated all the time to match the technology offered within the market. XXXs diverse network of organisational structure which is divided in separate business units gives an opportunity to the organisation to look into greater details and specialise in its area of expertise. HR within XXX perform within its own business units providing tailored services to its people which makes its more approachable and easier for it to stay in touch with the business requirements. International HR looking after all the aspects of border control, trade ru les and regulations, etc contributes highly to the organisation to go through globalisation. The Group HR looks after all the functions of the organisational development and Rewards recognition which is kept separate from the administration department to give it more time and resources to look into organisational strategies and planning and run smoothly. Though it looks like a complex structure, it does allow the organisation to perform and deliver its objectives on consistent basis. People being the heart of the business, the organisations investment in its resources is incredibly valued. RECOMMENDATIONS Leadership Development : Employees within the organisation to go through planned management traingin to deliver consistent business results. HR to be more influential in individuals growth through a leadership development programme. This should discussed and put in place in the next 3YP meeting. More uniformed structure of Training and Development : Stuctured and uniform induction program for all employees delivered by HR. Learning and Development team then to look into more specialised training of its employees. This should be auctioned immediately with ongoing continuous improvement plan. Adaption of Competency Framework : Even though employees are evaluated on the brand values and behaviours, a competency based mapping should be followed in the performance development plans. This will help to achieve higher levels of organisational and employee effectiveness.