Financial Reporting. Company assigned - Informa Coursework

Financial Reporting. Company assigned - Informa - Coursework Example International accounting standards are the principles and the legislations and regulations implied by the local governments are the rules that needs to be followed and thus the symmetry of reporting around the world depends upon the adoption of the accounting standards in the regulations. Financial reporting are the highest regulated activity of business but due to the regulatory differences as to the extent of adoption of accounting standards the laxities provided in the reporting standards high profile corporates collapse, although the regulations in the financial reporting but there is much room available for development as due to the modern business techniques the regulations of financial reporting should be regulated accordingly besides the fact that the reporting base provided in the accounting standards are strong enough to maintain reporting symmetry. Standard Setting The international accounting standards are made in order to harmonize the financial reporting around the glob e in order to facilitate the user so the comparisons can be done. There are several bodies involved in the standard setting and their implication. International Accounting Standard Board is the main body where the standards formed and issued and in United States the American institute of CPAs. Exposure draft is issued based upon the issue arising in the financial reporting and the comments are taken upon the arose issue so responses from the different sectors of the businesses around the world can be taken and considered in order to get the involvement from different perspectives. The exposure draft is issued for a limited period and then it is considered by the experts and amended as per the needs and suggestions made by the experts around the globe. After the finalization of the exposure draft the accounting standard is formed and issued. After the issuance of the accounting standard the standard interpretation committee issues the interpretation regarding the accounting the stand ards and how the accounting standard deals with the different aspects of financial reporting. Whereas in United States the USGAAPs are issued to coincide with the international accounting standards so as to satisfy the uniformity in the accounting treatments around the globe. The accounting standards formed are based upon same basic concept and there is much less chances of conflict between the accounting standards and same is the case with the USGAAPs. However the two major bodies of setting accounting standards cannot implement the accounting implication around the world as the accounting standards are modified around the world varying country to country as per their legal requirement. The basis of accounting treatments is same but mostly the calculation and presentation is different so as to comfort the local reporting requirements. This brings the differentiation in the financial reporting as the reporting requirements in each country are not same. Thus the regulations in the re porting standards must be made strong enough so as to follow the required procedure in financial reporting and minimize the differences interstates so as to affirm the harmonization in the accounting treatments. Where the conflict between the accounting standard and local regulation arise the prevailing treatment is done as per the

Letter of Motivation Essay Example for Free

Letter of Motivation Essay Today’s world is like an open book. We people now have information at our fingertips and that has helped us in drastically improving the way we live. This change in our world, into one huge global entity can be attributed to the communication revolution that our world underwent. From the radio to the computer, the developments in the field of electronics have intrigued me since childhood. My interests became my passion and motivated me to pursue my Bachelor degree in Electronics and Communication. My quest for hands-on experience motivated me in making a radio receiver in my third semester of Bachelors. But after finishing my B-Tech, I realized that I had mastered only the basics and that there is still a lot more to learn to truly comprehend the nuances of the subject. This led to my decision to pursue a Master degree and broaden my knowledge base. I believe that being able to pursue a Master Degree program in Hochschule Darmstadt will also be a motivation for me to further study and research in a field that has interested me for so long. My decision of applying to Hochschule Darmstadt, for Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies is based mainly on the course structure and the various research opportunities that I will encounter there. The eminent panel of experts handling the various topics and the resources of the university assures me of the studying experience that I hope to have. As part of my Bachelors project I did a MATLAB based project named â€Å"Copter Eyes† with introduction of a new Video Mosaicing technique. My project brought forth a comprehensive technique of real time color Video Mosaicing which invited the attention and funding of two major Institutions namely â€Å"Center for Engineering Research and Development (CERD)† and â€Å"Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)†. As part of the mini project of my Bachelors course, I have also worked on a microcontroller based device that works on various modes and functioned as ASCII transmitter and receiver, Pulse Width Modulator, IR Tester, Capacitance and Frequency Meter, Signal Generator, Voltage meter and Logic Probe . This small endeavor of mine was greatly appreciated by my lecturers and has been adopted by the Communication Laboratory of my college. My initial idea for the Bachelor project was a communication based project, but due to the lack of technical knowhow I was not able to go through with my project. I believe that with the knowledge pool in Hochschule Darmstadt I would be able to work on this project and also hopefully on other new ideas. I have an interest in teaching and I am currently helping many Electronics and Communication students with their MATLAB based Engineering projects at the â€Å"Institute of Human Resource Development†. I am a firm believer that knowledge grows with spreading and my teaching helps me enrich myself and the young minds of India. I am also an active member of an international organization called ICPF (Inter Collegiate Prayer Fellowship) whose vision is to impact the new generation with the Lord’s Word. I was also the coordinator of â€Å"Electrino Association† of my college responsible for organization of seminars, project expos and technical fest in the field of electronics and communication. I have won many prizes in technical fests and technical quiz competitions. I am also a sport enthusiast and have won many prizes in athletics, especially in long jump. I believe that my involvement in extracurricular activities helped me to become a dynamic and responsible person. It is my greatest desire as a student, to pursue Masters Studies in a course that would help me stand out in a crowd, from a university that can offer an enriching and exciting academic life, so that I can propel my career with an excellent start. I sincerely hope that considering my academic record and my interests, I would be able to associate with your prestigious university in successfully pursuing a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies. I also hope to contribute to the research work being conducted in Hochschule Darmstadt and thereby gain significantly from the expertise that the university has in this prospective field.

Evaluation of a Psychodynamic Theory of Personality Development Essay

Evaluation of a Psychodynamic Theory of Personality Development The basis of Freud's psychoanalytic theory was that the mind contained three parts: The Id, Ego, and Superego. He argued that the Id controlled the primal instincts such as aggression and sexual desire ('libido'), and was found in the unconscious mind. Its purpose is to gain immediate gratification, according to the 'pleasure principle'. The Id, he said, was in competition with the ego. This is because the ego, working on the reality principle, is the more rational, and conscious mind. The superego oversees the Id and ego, and creates the sense of what is right and wrong. Freud believed that the Id was innate, that the Ego developed by the age of 2, and the superego by the age of 5. This aspect of Freud's theory is supported by research carried out by Dr. Solms. In his study, PET scans illustrated that during REM sleep (where the participant was dreaming), brain activity in the limbic system (the part of the brain that controls emotions, senses and long-term m...

Jane Eyre Persuasive Essay

Junie Jeong Mrs. Mesdjian English 2 H 21 February 2013 Jane Eyre Persuasive Essay In the novel Jane Eyre, our protagonist Jane faces many difficult situations that can be solved by different solutions. In one specific situation, Jane is faced with a complicated problem that demands her to decide either to marry Mr. Rochester and live comfortably while feeling personally restricted or to leave Rochester and start a sudden life on her own. Jane eventually decides to leave Mr.Rochester and runs away from Thornsfield, going through many trials and tribulations and eventually marries Rochester in the end. Although many people may feel that Jane’s runaway was inconvenient and unnecessary because the end result was similar, I believe that Jane’s journey away from Thornsfield was important and significant to her. Many people believe that Jane would have saved time and energy if she had married Rochester instead of running away on their wedding day.This can hold to be very reaso nable because Jane’s runaway resulted in several bad omens such as the Thornsfield mansion burning, the struggles of her friends and relatives to try and find her, and the unhappiness of her acquaintances, such as Adele. In the book, Bronte even writes about Adele’s unhappiness while at school; â€Å"Her frantic joy at beholding me again moved me much. She looked pale and thin: she said she was not happy. (Bronte 173)† One can possibly argue that these events could have been avoided if Jane had not run away and married Mr. Rochester on the spot.It is true that Jane could have saved much time, energy, and heartbreak if she decided to go along with the marriage on her wedding day. But sometimes, wasting time, energy, and going through heartbreak is necessary in order for a certain outcome. When Jane left Thornsfield, she was in a fragile emotional state—confused, betrayed, and still not confident in herself and her status, both as a woman and economically. Her childhood had left her scarred, thinking she was a person who would and could not receive love from others, so she could not love others in return. You never felt jealousy, did you, Miss Eyre? Of course not: I need not ask you; because you never felt love. (Bronte 137)† Jane’s journey away from Thornsfield helped to slowly change that and build her confidence—the fact that she had people who loved her and had friends who enjoyed her company soon hit her with realization and helped her understand that she was a person who deserved love too. If Jane had married before she realized this, she would have felt uncomfortable and restricted living with Mr.Rochester, always thinking that she â€Å"owed† him for loving her, and that she was not deserving of his love. If this mindset were constantly to be in Jane’s mind, it would result in an unhappy atmosphere for Jane and eventually an unhappy Jane. Whereas, in the ending, Jane lives happily with Rochest er knowing that they are equals. From the moment Jane was born, she believed that there were no other relatives besides her—and that she was alone ever since Mrs. Reed had raised her.Jane had always wished for a family, someone else to be there other than her. When Jane runs away from Thornsfield, she quickly resorts to begging, and the Rivers take Jane in and care for her. Later on in the story, she finds out that the Rivers are Jane’s relatives—something Jane has wanted ever since she was a child. When Jane is brought with news that she has other family, she decides to split her new fortune into equal parts with all her new relatives, something she also treasured, which proved how thankful she was for her new family. †¦. cannot at all imagine the craving I have for fraternal and sisterly love. I never had a home, I never had brothers or sisters; I must and will have them now†¦ (Bronte 413)†. When it comes to making right decisions, I believe Ja ne made the correct one when she left Thornsfield. There may have been many difficult times she had to suffer through, but the end results all paid off when she lived the happy ending she had always wished for.Other people may disagree and mention that the end result was the same, and that Jane put herself and others through too much because of her decision, that may be true, but in return everyone found happiness and got something even better in return. If she had never left, she may not have been able to find her cousins, a real gift she had been yearning for ever since she was young. I believe the decision Jane made in the story helped her reach the best personal level she could reach, and she gained happiness she would not have been able to gain through her pains.

Explore Dickens presentation of education in Hard Times Essay

Explore Dickens’ presentation of education in Hard Times and comment on how this reflects a Dickensian vision of Utilitarianism Dickens’ presents The Victorian education system in ‘Hard Times’ in a fundamentally negative way, Dickens’ expresses the idea that having an imaginative aspect to our education is essential. He does this through satirising the education system and mocking the characters. Throughout the novel, it is a purpose of Dickens being satirical towards the education system. Dickens opens the novel with a satirical description of Thomas Gradgrind and his utilitarian educational methods as he teaches the room full of students â€Å"Facts alone are wanted in life† (9) Dickens satirises Gradgrind’s commitment to an education comprised only of facts as Gradgrind exaggerates that facts are the only essential thing in life. â€Å"Fancy† (14) symbolises imagination and wonder compared to facts. Dickens emphasise â€Å"Fact† more than he does with â€Å"Fancy† he does this by repeating â€Å"fact† itself, sounds more forceful. Gradgrind’s view on education is his children are to never imagine or wonder. Gradgrind rejects the concept of â€Å"fancy† or imagination; ‘fancy’ has nothing to contribute to understanding; only things that can be measured are important. Gradgrind’s disapproving rant on fancy â€Å"You don’t walk upon flowers in fact† (14) to the students underlines that fancy is bad and it should be â€Å"facts! † (14) In his satirical description of Gradgrind, Dickens’ aim is of what he experienced in the industrial England during his time when education varied vastly, according to location, gender, and class, meaning that Dickens view on Utilitarianism is shown in a satirical way, and his beliefs stood out throughout the novel, this indicates how the education system was controlled. Dickens uses characters’ names to continue his satire of the utilitarian education system prevalent in Victorian Britain. Mr Gradgrind breaks into the word â€Å"Grind† as a means to crush, signifying his method of grinding down the students’ individuality and any imagination they may have entered the school with. Mr M’Choakumchild, breaks into â€Å"me, choke, child† Dickens’ exaggerates with the name as we don’t think the new teacher is literally choking the children in his care, that this Fact-obsessed creature will only choke imagination and feelings out of them. â€Å"If he had only learnt a little less, how infinitely better be he might have taught much more! † (15) This highlights that the utilitarianism system would function much better, if it were not so strung on facts. If Mr. M’Choakumchild had learnt less and been practically involved with his students more and would have taught far better. This is criticizing the way the system works. Dickens is suggesting that in the utilitarianism system, suggesting that ramming facts into students might not be the most effective way of teaching them. Not everything can be reduced to facts alone. Mr Gradgrind and Mr Bounderby are the main representations of utilitarianism and followers of the system. In Louisa’s proposed marriage to Bounderby, Dickens shows us a disastrous consequence of Gradgrind’s system that denied everything but facts. â€Å"You have been accustomed to consider every other question, simply as one of tangible Fact† (97) This illustrates that Gradgrind, who is incapable of expressing his emotions effectively toward Louisa, edges her into a marriage with Bounderby by stating various facts and statistics to her. Louisa is hesitant to communicate her feelings towards him â€Å"she returned, without any visible emotion† (96) David Lodge’s ‘How Successful Was Hard Times? ’ (1981) argues that Gradgrind’s ideology in his system is questionable, Lodge explains that it is a â€Å"primary index of what is wrong with his system† Mr Bounderby is also a character with utilitarian beliefs, doubtlessly one of the major characters that has a firm belief in the system, â€Å"you may force him to swallow boiling fat, but you shall never suppress force him to suppress the facts of his life† (23) He signifies the very essence of his ruthless principles that only has room for facts and statistics. ‘Hard Times’ outlines that a utilitarian approach to life is unsuccessful and costs those who follow their imaginations become robotic and inadequate to the system. Imagination and heart is found in the circus where Mr Bounderby and Mr Gradgrind despise â€Å"No young people have circus masters†¦ or attend circus lectures about circuses† (23) Gradgrind implies that circuses are not like a practical schoolroom. Dickens represents Sissy Jupe as an influential character of the novel who presents the value of a warm heart and embodies feelings and emotions. She is seen as a complete failure of Gradgrind’s system. However Dickens and the reader judge her as a success. The young innocent girl mocked by the teacher and presented as the â€Å"dumb† girl in the start of the novel, gradually turns out to be the most key character in the whole novel. Since the foundational significance of fact and the removal of fancy that Gradgrind’s education obliges, Sissy Jupe will never succeed. Nevertheless, in spite of the education, Sissy becomes a young woman who is able to maintain her own principles and beliefs. The contrasting descriptions of Sissy and Bitzer are shown in their appearance. For example Sissy is described as radiant and warm â€Å"dark eyed and dark haired† (11) referring to her as someone who is the face of vitality. However Bitzer is portrayed as â€Å"what little colour he ever possessed† (11) and â€Å"His cold eyes would hardly have been eyes† (11)) Demonstrating that he is cold and emotionless with no heart and all calculation. Dickens uses Bitzer to demonstrate that other students are influenced by him, showing that he is a follower of Gradgrind’s system, whereas Sissy is the foreigner to the system. The Utilitarian education system relates to the industrial town ‘Coketown’ which consists of factories and â€Å"large streets †¦ like one another †¦ people equally like one another† (27) The town is linked to a â€Å"painted face of a savage† (27) that is described as barbaric and uncultured, the children are being deprived from the â€Å"ill-smelling dye† (27) Dickens suggests the society that the children/workers are living in is unsanitary â€Å"Jail† (28) indicating that they have no escape from their problems. The utilitarian system stamps out all imagination in the pupils and prepares them perfectly for the life of drudgery. Dickens describes as their lot as ‘hands’ in Coketown’s factories. Education presented in ‘Hard Times’ is shown as satirical in Dickensian vision of Utilitarianism. This is because Dickens is able to create a fool out of the system cunningly. Furthermore it is certain that what Dickens has presented is humorous and convincing with making the utilitarian ideology seem absurd through the novel. I find David Lodge’s argument towards Dickens opinion as liberal and potent.

Women in the Media essays

Women in the Media essays There is literally and epidemic which has spread around the world over the past thirty years or so. This is a health problem, both physical and mental, that isnt caused by an elusive bacteria or a yet unnamed virus. This health problem is caused by greed. The corporate greed of big business which preys upon the physical and mental images of the consumer. The advertising and marketing companies of the world use stereotypical images and unrealistic ideals in order to sell their products. The result of this media bacteria is that the consumer, either consciously or subconsciously, risks severe physical and mental heath problems by trying to conform to the images portrayed. This paper will discuss the way in which women are presented in the media and the devastating effects this has had on the female population. This paper will show the current health risks related to the media image of the young women in America. The health risk is both physical and mental. In an article entitled The Portrayal of Men and Women in TV Ads Danielle Limpinnian states: From the images inflicted upon us in the patriarchal mass medial that surrounds us, it is assumed that we have been encouraged to mold ourselves into a set ideal. For women, that means having beauty, elegance, passivity and good domestic ability... Ms. Limpinnian goes on to discuss how the female image is portrayed in various TV commercials. Using her own research through small group discussions based on certain types of TV ads she demonstrates that the women are usually placed in a submissive role when doing any job that might require brains or creativity. Women are usually the experts only when it comes to womens products or a message that tends to portray the women as the expert in household management. From the home page of Rebecca Zarchifoff there is an article that brings two new terms to the discussion of ...

Definition and Examples of Catenative Verbs

Definition and Examples of Catenative Verbs In English grammar, a catenative verb is a  verb  that can link with other verbs to form a chain or series. Examples of catenative verbs include  ask,  keep, promise, help,  want, and  seem, among  many others. A catenative verb (also called a chain verb) takes as its  complement  a nonfinite construction (often an infinitive). Huddleston and Pullum point out that the term catenative is applied to the non-finite complement, and also to the verb that licenses it . . . and the construction containing the verb its complement (The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language, 2002). Examples and Observations She had a great many engagements, but  she usually managed to dine at home with her father, and that was about as much society as he cared for.(Willa Cather, Double Birthday. The Forum, 1929)Where is the politician who has not promised to fight to the death for lower taxes- and who has not proceeded to vote for the very spending projects that make tax cuts impossible?(Barry Goldwater, quoted by Wayne A. Root in The Conscience of a Libertarian, 2009)Only North Americans seem to believe that they always should, may, and actually can choose somebody with whom to share their blessings. Ultimately this attitude leads to bombing people into the acceptance of gifts.(Ivan Illich, Celebration of Awareness, 1969)She  had intended to take the Elevated, and naturally she looked in her purse to make certain she had the fare, and was pleased to find forty cents in the coin envelope.(Katherine Anne Porter, Theft. The Gyroscope, 1930)Out of the corners of her eyes she  saw him sit and pull   on his wet shoes.(Richard Wright, Bright and Morning Star. New Masses, 1939)ChainingA catenative verb is a verb that controls a non-finite complement. Catenative means chaining and reflects the way that the verb can link recursively with other catenatives to form a chain, as in:We decided to try to rent a house near the sea. Here there is a chain of three verbs: decide, try and rent, with to try to rent a house near the sea functioning as the catenative complement of decide, and to rent a house near the sea functioning as the catenative complement of try.(Angela Downing, English Grammar: A University Course. Routledge, 2006)Complements of Catenative VerbsThe term catenative is derived from the Latin word for chain, for the construction is repeatable in a way that enables us to form chains of verbs in which all except the last have a non-finite complement:​She seems to want to stop trying to avoid meeting him.Each of the italicized verbs here has a non-finite clause as complement.(Rodney Huddleston and Geoffrey K. Pullum, A Students Introduction to English Grammar. Cambridge University Press, 2006)Also SeeAuxiliary Verb  and  Helping VerbCausative VerbHendiadysRecursionTen Types of Verbs

Building a Marketing Budget How much is too much or too little

Building a Marketing Budget How much is too much or too little Often, I’m asked The reason behind the research is two-fold. One, it allows you to know the cost needed to reach your intended audience. Two, should you need to cut your budget, you can make an informed decision. One marketing piece every writer should have is a website. It’s a must! Aside from a website and the costs for keeping it reliably hosted, you may also want to consider researching the costs for the following: Advertisement placement (print, digital, or both) Advertisement creation Listing in BookBub, if book is free or discounted. Contest prizes for readers Author photos Travel Book Trailers Book release parties Freelance publicity (publicist) services Virtual assistant fees Promotional items (bookmarks, pens, giveaways, et al) Social Media (boosting posts, sponsored tweets, advertising) Fan club/ Street team rewards and supplies Mailing/Shipping A rule of thumb when building a budget is to research all of the costs for the above items you intend to use. Add them together. Then add an additional 20 percent to the total. The added percentage will allow for and offset unexpected expenditures. Researching any and all free places to promote is to your advantage and can help you defer money to other line items in your marketing budget. Some ideas for free promotion are: Create a hashtag on Twitter for your book Upload a chapter of your book to Wattpad Encourage friends, fans and readers to post reviews online Leave your book name/website address on all voicemail and email messages Offer to   meet with book clubs via Skype Solicit radio show interviews Create and submit press releases to local newspapers Celebrate your release with a Facebook party (ask fellow authors to join in) Submit articles to writers’ associations Submit for a listing on addictedtoebooks.com If this book is currently available for free, submit the book to be featured on Free Book Friday and/ or fill out the submission form for a free listing on Digital Book Today. No matter which promotional efforts you choose to promote your book, try to focus on discoverability rather than sales. When readers discover you, read your work and like it, they are more apt to tell their friends there

Quality and Superior Services of Restaurants Essay

Quality and Superior Services of Restaurants - Essay Example The essay "Quality and Superior Services of Restaurants" analyzes how any restaurant can achieve the status of being superior by investing in its basic services like the ambiance/decoration, the waiting staff, healthy food and the use of advanced equipment and technology since quality can be defined as perceived degree of product’s excellence. . If a company is offering products and services of unique features that made it surpass similar products in greatness then it means they have superior goods as compared to their competitors. â€Å"Differences in talent, ability, worth, appearance, status, and power often exist, but the low defense communicator seems to attach little importance to these distinctions.† This concept of quality and superiority can easily be understood by the example of restaurants. Most of the theses restaurants are providing quality services but very few of them are capable of providing superior services. Any restaurant can achieve the status of bei ng superior by investing in its basic services. People who want to dine out definitely requires something especial to feel and eat. Efforts should be made to impress the customers by providing them relax and pleasant environment. Furnishing should be comfortable yet functional. Few things that make the first impression about the restaurant, waiters/waitresses are among them. Hiring trained staff proved to be the backbone of the restaurant business. Customers expect friendly, polite and professional treatment from the waiting staff.

Electronic Surveillance at Work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Electronic Surveillance at Work - Essay Example A section of the report is dedicated to assessing the positive and negative impacts of using the electronic surveillance technique in the public. The positive implications of using the electronic surveillance technique in workplaces are also mentioned. the conclusion is of the report is framed by evaluating the need for the electronic surveillance techniques and assessing how the employer groups can use the system in the most value-adding manner. There may be two types of surveillance that can be employed in an organization. These are covert surveillance and covert surveillance. Electronic surveillance is a common type of overt surveillance used by organizations to monitor the activities and behaviors of employees in the workplace. Electronic surveillance at work refers to the use of different kinds of technological devices like computers, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) systems and other devices for the monitoring, recording, and tracking of the employee activities in their workplaces (Fuchs, Boersma, Alrechtslund and Sandoval, 2012). The electronic surveillance can be employed in real time as well as a record maintaining system. There are a number of electronic surveillance techniques that are used in the contemporary organizations. These include the use of computer and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems and telephone loggings, GPS tracking, mystery shopping, electronic recruitment and drug testing (Foster, 2011). T he developments in the electronic surveillance systems employed in the corporate world include the use of accelerometers in cell phones to monitor the activities of the employees, enterprise-wide computing device applications which are used to compile and monitor the information in the company that are posted by the employees in the social media applications and which are also used by the management of the firm and the facial recognition applications developed by Microsoft Corporation for assessing the mood of the individual.

IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH SCIENTIFIC AND OBJECTIVEEXPLAIN Essay

IS INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH SCIENTIFIC AND OBJECTIVEEXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER - Essay Example Moreover, the ongoing debate regarding the true nature of IR research will be discussed, as well as the theoretical formulation of positivism in international affairs. Scientific method implies constructing theories explicitly, obtaining sensibly consistent propositions from those theories, and methodically verifying those propositions through controlled assessments of cases. Hence, the scientific paradigm is concerned with identifying underlying or causal descriptions and with determining how well the recommended causal description forecasts trends across studies (Boucher 1998). Most fundamental attributes of the scientific approach, evidently, are not dissimilar in the field of social sciences from other disciplines, even though laboratory or controlled experiments are evidently awkward in social research (Crawford 2000). There is certainly nothing about in research in international relations that renders it oddly incompatible with scientific method (Navari 2000). Scientific approach obliges merely a few critical requirements on IR research. Nevertheless, researches in international affairs that are relatively founded on the scientific approach progress from a diversity of theoretical and substantive frameworks. The most recognised, numerous would argue only justifiable, challenger for the position of science and objectivity in IR is positivism, relating the conditions of knowledge directly to method, verifiability, and generality (Woods 1996). In a paradoxical distortion of the conservative positivist scorn for the simply analytic explanations of the political principle they aim to surpass, IR attains it scientific qualities more by characterisation than by demonstration. If the discipline keeps any apparent functionality it is a capability in explaining and sharpening the assumptions of positivist science (Cassels 1996). International relations research

Effective Team and Performance Management Essay - 11

Effective Team and Performance Management - Essay Example The paper is focused on the interpersonal relationship in the company. It proves that self-awareness of employees helps to increase effectiveness of the team management. The work describes how to develop self-awareness of employees. Some of the techniques include relationship orientation, soft skills, soliciting feedbacks, asking good questions, listening without justification etc. The author shows that relationship orientation revolves around safety, understanding, trust, sensitivity, and respect. â€Å"Soft skill† are usually heard skills that effect relationships at the work place. Consequently, employees will tent to feel that they are free in their attitudes and behaviors hence this can bring mutual respect. The work enumerates the three key tasks for the team leadership: supporting and coaching the team to succeed, maintaining and building a team as a performing unit, and lastly, creating a condition that will enable the team to embark on its work. The paper is supplied with the diagrams that illustrate the leadership skills in an organizational relationship. It provides the description of McGregor’s theory x and y as well as skills characteristics of theory x manager and y manager. The author concludes that interpersonal relationship is very essential in any given team or organization since this in one way or another that leads to either success or failure in organizational goals. It is important for one to evaluate oneself thoroughly in order to be self-aware so that to be able to manipulate those who are near correctly.

Summary for FAITH integration readings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary for FAITH integration readings - Essay Example Throughout the Bible, there are ideas and inferences that touch on the aspect of supply and demand in relation to the necessities of faith. One of the most important necessities of faith is the grace of God, upon which all other elements of Christianity and biblical spirituality are based. There are relations that connect the Biblical reference to grace and sin to the supply and demand elements of economics. This bearing is brought through the correlation between the offence of one man, Adam, and the subsequent death that resulted, and the grace and gift of righteousness that is bound to result from Christ (International Standard Version Rom. 5:17). From this, we can note that there is a relationship that exists between grace and sin according to the existences of both Adam and Jesus Christ. Additionally, there are elements of supply and demand in light of the relationship between sin and death such that as much as sin brought death, the Lord’s grace reigns through righteousne ss unto eternal life (International Standard Version Rom. 5:20-21). Therefore, the relationship that exists between grace and sin is of a supply-demand nature, and as such, grace counters whenever sin increases and sin also monitored by the grace and righteousness, much like in economic parlance. Still on the economic bearing, the grace of God has a price to it, which is following Jesus Christ. In supply and demand, the element of price plays a critical role in determining the equilibrium between the two forces (Marshall 228). The only way to grace and righteousness, therefore, is through embracing Christ and living by the ideals of righteousness. In this way, Christ is a representation of the grace of the Lord, and it is the only means for attaining righteousness. Therefore, the whole relationship between sin and grace or righteousness is based on the need and ability to

Effective Team and Performance Management Essay - 11

Effective Team and Performance Management - Essay Example The paper is focused on the interpersonal relationship in the company. It proves that self-awareness of employees helps to increase effectiveness of the team management. The work describes how to develop self-awareness of employees. Some of the techniques include relationship orientation, soft skills, soliciting feedbacks, asking good questions, listening without justification etc. The author shows that relationship orientation revolves around safety, understanding, trust, sensitivity, and respect. â€Å"Soft skill† are usually heard skills that effect relationships at the work place. Consequently, employees will tent to feel that they are free in their attitudes and behaviors hence this can bring mutual respect. The work enumerates the three key tasks for the team leadership: supporting and coaching the team to succeed, maintaining and building a team as a performing unit, and lastly, creating a condition that will enable the team to embark on its work. The paper is supplied with the diagrams that illustrate the leadership skills in an organizational relationship. It provides the description of McGregor’s theory x and y as well as skills characteristics of theory x manager and y manager. The author concludes that interpersonal relationship is very essential in any given team or organization since this in one way or another that leads to either success or failure in organizational goals. It is important for one to evaluate oneself thoroughly in order to be self-aware so that to be able to manipulate those who are near correctly.

Review and identify the standards set by the National Science Essay

Review and identify the standards set by the National Science Education Standards (NSES) - Essay Example The standards state the methods of teaching the students since it is believed that learners will acquire the skills and knowledge set by the standards. The standards are categorized into science teaching, science content, systems, assessment, programme, and science teacher development. The Mississippi state curriculum is prepared by the Centre for Education and Training Technology (CETT), which is based at Mississippi state university. The centre has been reviewing the state K-12 curriculum since 1996 (Hurd, 1998). It focuses on the development of materials to be used in teaching, and the training of the teachers in the whole state as well as the entire nation. The major objective of CETT is ensuring that the content and strategies of instruction to be used by the teachers in K-12 are well enhanced so that student achievement is guaranteed (Pushkin, 2002). Through this strategies science teachers get a clue of how to tackle the framework objectives. The aim of these strategies is to complement textbooks and any other resources used by the teachers (Hurd, 1998). The Mississippi state core curriculum has connections with the NSEC and INTASC in the following ways. First, these curriculums are geared towards ensuring that science teachers use several instructional strategies to enhance student understanding, second, promote professional development so that teachers are up-to-date with the happenings in the science environment and lastly, that there is adequate assessment of the student for them to continue with acquisition of skills and knowledge in

Ozone layer depletion Essay Example for Free

Ozone layer depletion Essay The increased cancer levels caused by exposure to this ultraviolet light could be enormous. Recent studies estimates that 60 million Americans born by the year 2075 will get skin cancer because of ozone depletion. About one million of these people will die. In addition to cancer, some research shows that a decreased ozone layer will increase rates of malaria and other infectious diseases. According to recent studies 17 million more cases of cataracts can also be expected. . The environment will also be negatively affected by ozone depletion. The life cycles of plants will change, disrupting the food chain. Effects on animals will also be severe, and are very difficult to foresee. Oceans will be hit hard as well. The most basic organisms such as plankton may not be able to survive. If that happened, it would mean that all of the other animals that are above plankton in the food chain would also die out. Other ecosystems such as forests and deserts will also be harmed. The planets climate could also be affected by depletion of the ozone layer. Wind patterns could change, resulting in climatic changes throughout the world. Global warming is the continuing rise in the average temperature of Earths atmosphere and oceans. Global warming is caused by increased concentrations of green house gases in the atmosphere, resulting from human activities such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. Some of the effects of global warming and climate change on the environment include the folloing

Assessing The Capacity Of A Person With Dementia Social Work Essay

Assessing The Capacity Of A Person With Dementia Social Work Essay The aim of this assignment is to discuss how a social worker would assess the mental capacity of a service user who has been diagnosed with dementia. This essay will discuss the various meanings of the different types of dementia and how their mental health diagnosis affects an individuals ability to make important decisions in their lives. This essay will discuss how the Person-Centred Dementia Care (VIPS) framework written by Tom Kitwood (1997) is able to guide the social worker in applying theoretical frameworks and also by applying Law and assessing the specific capacity of a person diagnosed with dementia. This assignment will also discuss how the citizenship, social and medical models differentiate in their understandings and meanings of dementia. When assessing capacity it is important to distinguish what type of capacity you are assessing. This could involve assessing decisions based on financial issues, housing situation, personal or domestic care needs, the ability to asses s risk and safety, and also regarding their physical health care needs. The social worker is able to apply the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to provide justification and guidance when assessing the service users mental capacity. The social worker will implement their professional judgement and accountability as well as work in a multidisciplinary manner and liaise with the GP, psychiatrist, neurologist, community psychiatric nurse or community mental health team. This would enable the social worker to obtain more evidence and reports in determining the mental capacity of the service user. The social worker will assess the mental capacity of a service user diagnosed with dementia through any form of assessment of need i.e. safeguarding needs, support needs, housing needs etc. It is also important to work in anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive manner when working alongside service users. The Alzheimers society (2010) found that diagnosable dementia occurs in 5% of those aged 65 years and over and in about a quarter of those aged 85 years. Of those with dementia, 50-60% will have Alzheimers disease and a further 10-15% a vascular or multi-infarct dementia. There are many forms of dementias, which include potentially reversible illnesses, such as alcohol-related dementia and those due to structural intracranial lesions. Dementia progresses as a very variable illness; in the early stages patients with dementia can continue to live at home with the support of family and friends. As the illness progresses, this support needs to be supplemented with targeted assistance to address aspects of daily living such as maintaining nutrition, self-care and compliance with medication. Tom Kitwood (1997) was the first writer to use the term personhood in relation to people with dementia. Kitwood (1997) defined personhood as a standing status that is bestowed upon human beings, by others, in the context of relationship and social being, it implies recognition, respect and trust (Kitwood, 1997:16). The person-centred dementia care framework brings together ideas and ways of working with the lived experience of people with dementia that emphasised communication and relationships. (Kitwood 1997 cited Brooker 2007:14). The person-centred care involves four major elements, the first being valuing people with dementia and those who care for them, promoting their citizenship rights and entitlements regardless of age or cognitive impairment Drake (1999:19) asserts; Citizenship is more than consumerism, which is where the expression of power is limited to making choices or expressing preferences it is about equality of opportunity and process although the outcome may be limited by the abilities of any individual. There are many ways of understanding dementia which consist of the medical model, the social approach and the citizenship approach to dementia The citizenship approach to dementia is a new approach which concentrates on how people with dementia can help society in terms of political, and social rights, talking part in work, leisure, political debates and religious celebration. This approach is based on reciprocity, which is why this is a new development as nobody was thinking about the people diagnosed with dementia as being able to give as well as receive. ..dementia describes a group of symptoms which result from the destruction of brain cells. Although dementia is a physical illness, most of the symptoms and problems caused by the illness require psychiatric expertise and care. (Brotchie 2003 p. 2) Dementia affects peoples ability to remember things for more than a few seconds, make sense of the world around them, cope with daily living tasks and express their feelings. Other factors which affect people with dementia are being able to think clearly and solve problems, make plans, unable cope with an over-stimulating environment and find it difficult to behave in a normal way. Dementia is one of the main conditions which are a result of mental confusion, memory loss, disorientation, intellectual impairment, or similar problems. (Mace et al 2006). Brotchie (2003) found that different people may suffer from different symptoms of dementia, depending on their personality and their illness which lead to dementia. Brotchie (2003) outlines four most common symptoms of dementia which are memory loss, changes in personality, difficulty in communicating and loss of practical skills. Memory loss is often a sign which occurs earlier and highlights something is not right, however could be mistaken for forgetfulness brought on my stress or feeling low in mood. A person with dementia may gradually forget where they are and how to get home; therefore emphasising there is a cognitive problem. People who may have dementia show changes in their personality as people struggle to function with a limited thinking capacity and over-react with everyday situations and daily tasks. People who are know to be calm may become aggressive or abusive, alternatively a person know to be reserved before they became ill may lose all social inhibitions. Changes in peoples behaviour are caused by damage to the brain and are not something the person can control or prevent. (Brotchie 2003 p.3) This view of damage to the brain as a cause of dementia is supported by the medical model. The medical model concentrates on brain damage and state there evidence by its nature of becoming worse as time goes on. Jacques Jackson (2000 p.4) emphasise the amount of; tibbs 2006 p16 ..damage dementia does to the lives of sufferers and those around them. It poses an enormous challenge to health and social services and to the community as a whole. People diagnosed with dementia may struggle in making themselves understood e.g. forgetting the name of simple objects or familiar people. They may also find it difficult to make sense of what is being said to them as a result being unable to carry out instructions. People with dementia may forget things a few minutes after they have been told which is done by mistake and not intentional. Another symptom which may occur with a person who has dementia is having serious problems with carrying out simple tasks such as tying a shoe lace or doing up a zip, other tasks such as eating, dressing and washing become more difficult as the illness becomes worse. The majority forms of dementia are irreversible, there are limited treatments but the most help a person can get is from their family to plan for the best form of care in the future. It is vital for a doctor at this stage to be involved in the persons care and treatment (Brotchie 2003). Cantley and Bowe (2004) found that there can be oth er causes for these symptoms which may not be linked to dementia such as a general medical illness, drug toxicity or a life changing event. In the more advanced stages of the illness dependence increases and there is often the need for residential or nursing care. Issues of capacity and consent are important at many stages of dementia and particularly affect financial issues, ability to assess risk and safety, and also decisions over physical healthcare (British Medical Association (2009). Marshall Tibbs (2006) found that the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which followed the Adult with Incapacity Act 2000, means that we are more able to offer protection in law to adults who lack mental capacity, including people diagnosed with dementia. A major change to this law emphasised that presumption against lack of capacity, which means a person is now presumed to be capable of making their own decisions until proved otherwise. The second element from the person-centred framework consists of treating people as individuals taking into consideration their unique personality, physical and mental health, social and economic resources and that these will affect their response to neurological impairment (Brooker 2007:12). Marshall Tibbs (2006), have argued that this involves the presence or absence of Mental Capacity, which can be determined by two questions in order for the service user to have the capacity to make the decision they should be able to comprehend and retain the information which is material to the decision, especially as to the consequences of making or not making the decision in question. It is important for the social worker to take this into consideration when assessing a person capacity and making a professional judgment. The service user should also be able to use the information and weigh it up as part of the process of arriving at a decision (Marshall Tibbs 2006:34). The social worker sho uld take into consideration that an individual may retain capacity to make certain decisions such as, the choice of what to eat but, lack the capacity to make serious decisions such as managing their finances i.e. paying bills. According to the British medical association (2009) all adults are assumed to have mental capacity unless there is evidence to prove this is not the case. There are many factors which can affect a persons capacity temporarily, such as dehydration, infection, medication or fatigue however assumptions about impairment cannot be based on age alone or frailty. It is important for the assessor to talk with the person when they are at their best taking in to consideration any physical problems which could affect their cognitive ability. A wide spectrum of ability is found in people deemed to have impaired competence, including those living with dementia or with learning disabilities. It is important, therefore, to see each person as an individual. Disease or other factors can result in temporary, fluctuating or enduring incapacity. British Medical Association (2009:34). There are issues which need to be addressed before a person is assessed to have capacity or not such as, behavioural or cultural differences which are not indicators of impaired cognition. On the other hand, decisions which come across as being rash or unconventional are not indictors of impaired cognition either but can lead to the process of a formal assessment. It can become clear by talking to a person with dementia if they have sufficient mental capacity to make particular decisions; however, if this is not clear a GP or psychiatrist are often the best professionals to give a view, especially if the person has had previous contact with them. It is vital to understand in these circumstances an assessment cannot be rushed and time should be taken in looking at the person medical history and the decision for which the person is being assessed. An individuals appearance and behaviour needs to be taken into account e.g. if they suffer from a mood disorder or a mental illness. If a person has suffered from damage to the brain, such as a stroke, this can make verbal communication near impossible however it is not necessarily an indicator of reduced mental capacity. Similarly, long term memory loss is not an indicator of reduced mental capacity however being unable to retain information long enough to make a decision would invalidate it. British Medical Association (2009). If a person has to make a serious decision and there is still doubt about their mental capacity it would be advised for a formal assessment to be completed. If a person lacks capacity it is usually possible to assess their ability through conversation, but if they refuse assessment, it cannot proceed unless required by court. If it is clear a person lacks mental capacity and they havent given their consent decisions on their behalf are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. According to Brown Barber (2008), the Mental Capacity Act 2005 begins, in Section 1, by emphasising five key principles to be followed whenever working within this framework of the Act. These are to work with the person with dementia with the assumption that they have capacity unless it is proved otherwise, not to treat the person as unable to make decision unless all the steps to help them to do so have been unsuccessful. The third principle of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 emphasises not to treat a person as unable to make decisions for themselves just because the person may make an unwise decision and a decision made, under this Act, on the behalf of a person who lacks capacity must be done, or made, their best interest. The final key principle of the Act is: Before the act is done, or the decision is made, regard must be had to whether the purpose for which it is needed can be as effectively achieved in a way that is less restrictive of the persons rights and freedom of action Brown Barber (2008:5-6). The third element of the person-centred approach is looking at the world from the perspective of the person with dementia, recognising that each persons experience has its own psychological validity, that people with dementia act from this perspective and that empathy with this perspective has its own therapeutic potential (Brooker 2007:63). The assessment process will consist of many areas that should consider their environment, such as their home and finances many individuals with early dementia retain the capacity to complete an enduring power of attorney which at a later date can be registered (Brooker 2007:67). The Mental Capacity Act 2005 includes the Lasting Powers of Attorney (section 9-12 and 22-23). A Lasting Power of Attorney in section 9 (1) as: a power of attorney under which the donor (P) confers on the done (or donees) authority to make decisions about all or any of the following- Ps personal welfare or specified matters concerning Ps personal welfare, and Ps property and affairs or specified matters concerning Ps property and affairs, and which includes authority to make such decisions in circumstances where P no longer has capacity. (Brown Barber 2008:41). The social worker will also assess safety and risk. Marshall Tibbs (2008:44) argue as dementia progresses the risk of self neglect, exploitation and wandering may determine a persons ability to live alone, while risks posed to other from driving and misuse of gas appliances may cause great concern still. In this situation the level of this would be too high for that person to continue to live within their home environment due to health and safety reasons. This may result in the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 for the purpose of permanent residential accommodation or 24 hour care by family members or carers. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Section 2 refers to the diagnostic test which is narrowed down to the functional test in order to identify the smallest area of decision-making to apply for the incapacity test. Further in the Act, Section 3 provides the test which should be used to determine a persons mental capacity on a particular decision e.g. refusal of medication. The Section 3 test is to establish whether a person is able to understand information relevant to the decision and if they are able to retain to information. The person is also tested of their abilities to use or weight that information as part of the process of making the decision or if they can communicate effectively regarding the decision (by talking, using sign language, or any other way) Brown Barber (2008). According to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, anyone involved in the care or support of a person could have a say in the capacity assessment, which would usually include, family members, health and social care workers, but most importantly doctors, psychiatrist and psychologists assessments would be crucial. Typically the people who are responsible to carry out capacity assessments are nurse practitioners, social workers, doctors and neuropsychologists (Halton Council 2008). There five key principles of the mental capacity act 2005 have to be considered if a professional is to do an assessment with a person diagnosed with dementia. It is important that the social worker begins with the assumption that the person has capacity. It is also important for the social worker to understand a persons appearance or diagnosis is not a sign of a lack of capacity, therefore highlighting the need to document accurate information for considering that a person may not have capacity in relation to a specific decision. The social worker has to consider mental capacity issues throughout the assessment as they would risk and safeguarding issues, noting the specific areas which raise concern. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice states: Where assessments of capacity relate to day-to-day decisions and caring actions, no formal assessment procedures or recorded documentation will be required. (Davies 2008:8) The Mental Capacity Act 2005, Code of Practice, gives guidance on when there is a need for a clearly documented assessment. This is where a decision which needs to be made has major consequences, such as a decision to change accommodation or a decision to accept or decline support at home. Another reason for a clearly documented assessment may be if there is a dispute with the person, their family or the care team, as to the capacity of the individual. The person who may need the assessment may be subject to challenge therefore requiring an assessment for capacity or there may be legal consequences of finding capacity. (Davies 2008:9) One main reason for a person to have an assessment for capacity is to reduce the risk the person poses to themselves in terms of preventable suffering or damage (Davies 2008). Not all of these circumstances are exact and require professional judgement and ongoing supervision. Davies (2008) explains in some circumstances the capacity for an individual ma y be related to a specific decision at a specific point in time therefore, the need for an on-going assessment for capacity may be required. Brown and Barber (2008) discuss the concept best interests in regards to the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The Act 2005 states that one crucial principle is that if a decision is made for or, on the behalf of someone else who lacks capacity must be done, or made in that persons best interest. This principle applies to anyone who is carrying out the responsibility for making the decision such as a family member, paid worker or carer, an attorney, a court-appointed deputy or health professionals. Brown and Barber (2008) assert the need for people who have the responsibility for making other peoples decisions, being familiar with the Acts new requirements for the checklist approach. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 new checklist approach is set out to contain common factors which should be measured on every occasion a decision is to be made. The Law Commission (1995, para 3.28) First, a checklist must not unduly burden any decision-maker or encourage unnecessary intervention; secondly it must not be applied too rigidly and should leave room for all considerations relevant to the particular case; thirdly, it should be confined to major points, so that it can adapt to changing views and attitudes. A person who has the responsibility to make decisions on the behalf of someone who lacks capacity should consider the following steps to ensure the best interest of that person. These steps are to firstly encourage participation, which is for the person making the decision to do their utmost to encourage and support the person with dementia to take part in making the decision, secondly identify all relevant circumstances, this is to try include all the things the person who lacks capacity would usually take into consideration if they were making the decision themselves. Thirdly, find out the persons views who lacks capacity such as their past, present wishes and feelings, any beliefs and values, and any other factors which the person would usually consider. An important factor is to avoid discrimination and not make statements about a person best interest because of their age, appearance or diagnosis. It is necessary to consider whether the person might regain capacity, if so can the decision wait until then? Finally, the person making the decision should consider if the decision concerns life-sustaining treatment, and should not make assumptions about how the person should or shouldnt live (Falconer 2007). The Mental Capacity Act 2005 also include consulting others an a key aspect of considering how a person best interest could be meet effectively. If it is appropriate to do so, discuss with other people for their opinions about the persons best interest, as they may have information about the person wishes and feelings. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 state the people that should be consulted are: anyone previously named by the person as someone to be consulted on either the decision in question or no similar issues, anyone engaged in caring for the person, close relative, friends or others who take an interest in the persons welfare, any attorney, and any deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions for the person. (Brown and Barber 2008:34) If the decision is for an important medical treatment and there is no one to confer with then an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) must be consulted. In safeguarding concerns if a person is deemed to have no capacity involving a specific type of risk and decisions, and family members are deemed inappropriate, it is essential that a IMCA is involved in important safeguarding investigations in providing best interest decisions for the individual. The Independent Mental Capacity (IMCA) Service was a late initiative to the Mental Capacity Act 2005, and has been available since October 2007. Section 35 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 highlights the main purpose of IMCA , which is to support and stand for the person concerned, to establish their wishes and feelings and to monitor that the Acts principles and the checklist are being met. The Mental Capacity Act 2005, highlights that a decision-maker does more than making a decision on someone behalf who lacks capacity, but also ensures the persons human rights are met. The Mental Health Act 1983 has a process whereby they are able to detain people who are mentally disordered which in specific circumstances would be an appropriate response, however the Mental Capacity Act 2005 have a different approach seeing restraint as deprivation of liberty. When a person is said to lack capacity it is difficult for them to decide about being in a particular place and is in effect deprived of their liberty, and there are several options which could be taken: scale down the level of restrictions to what would be seen as a restriction of movement rather than a deprivation of liberty arrange an assessment under the Mental Health Act with a view to using its powers make an application to the Court of Protection to make a personal welfare decisions follow the new Bournewood procedure consider short-term or emergency use of common law powers. (Brown Barber 2008 p.39) The Bournewood Judgement involved an NHS trust to remove an autistic man unable to speak and limited understanding from a day centre to an in-patient unit without his consent. In 2004, the European Court of Human Rights upheld the families view that detention under the Common Law of an incapable patient using the best interest argument was unlawful because it was too arbitrary (Marshall Tibbs 2006:43). If people are to be deprived of their liberty, there must be some lawful justification and some safeguards. For patients with mental illness, use of mental health legislation should be considered if the patients meet the statutory requirements. The Bournwood Judgment marked a significant step forwards in the recognition of the rights of incompetent individuals (British Medical Association 2009:87). It also enforced to the empowerment and rights of older people with impaired capacity. The fourth element of person-centred care is proving a supportive social environment, recognising that all human life is grounded in relationships and that people with dementia need an enriched social environment which both compensates for their impairment and fosters opportunities for personal growth (Brooker 2007:83). This is view of considering the social environment of a person with dementia is supported by the social model as it is based upon a person environment and social circumstance, considering dementia as an impairment which results in a person becoming unable to function as a normal person. This is a positive outlook on dementia as it can adopt a rehabilitation approach allowing chance for change and making the experience of dementia a better one, whereas, on the other hand the medical model which argues otherwise which is often a pessimistic view. Marshall Tibbs (2006) book expands the concepts of rehabilitation to include teamwork, working with families, prostheses, re moving causes of excess disability, learning motivation and focusing on what the main problem is which needs to be addressed. Whilst working with older people social workers must remember to work in an anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive manner at all stages, such as, an assessment, planning and intervention. The person-centred framework enables a social worker who works alongside people diagnosed with dementia to understand there medical conditions and to provide a package of care at a deeper level and to provide them with many opportunities in leading a valued and fulfilling life. These standards are underpinned by values and ethics that must support the development and delivery of practice. These include a social worker demonstrating respect for an individual, maintaining trust and maintaining confidentiality. Other values consist of understanding and making use of strategies to challenge discrimination, disadvantage and other forms of inequality and injustice (Crawford Walker 2009). Butler Lewis (1973 p.30) argue: Ageism can be seen as a process of systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish this for skin colour and gender. Crawford Walker (2009) argue that working with in older people may include people who are vulnerable, who may be oppressed and disadvantaged however, each person is individual and have their process of getting older (Crawford Walker, 2009:34) therefore it is important to treat each person individually. Whilst working with older people it is essential to consider a whole range of issues such as demonstrating awareness of the legal, policy, and political context of the work being completed, combined with an in-depth understanding of the experiences of that older person in their specific situation. The social worker must be attentive to potentially abusive situations, whilst at the same time working in a multidisciplinary manner with other relevant professionals and organisations. Social workers must work towards developing a holistic approach to assist their practice in working with older people as it allows them to take into account the persons situation in society and the values an d ethics of social work. Overall the main principle to assess a person diagnosed with dementia is to remember to assume the person has capacity if proved otherwise. Once an assessment is completed and the appropriate professionals are consulted and it is deemed that the person is deemed to lack capacity then it is vital to work towards the person best interest ensuring them of their human rights. This is done by using the checklist approach ensuring all the factors are covered before a decision is made. The person who has the responsibility for make the decision on someone behalf could be a professional, family relative, Power of Attorney or an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate. All these issues must be considered whilst working with someone who lacks capacity. It is crucial when assessing and determining a persons mental capacity to take into consideration all aspects of the persons life, health and important decisions that require to be made. It is also essential that the social worker has to take into consideration that a mental capacity is based on a specific aspect of a persons capacity for example managing finances, housing etc. Word Count: 4,740

Supporting a Smoking Ban Essay -- essays research papers

Smoking I am writing an essay about smoking and whether or not you smoke I would like to share my views with you. As well as my views I will also explain the views of others who support smoking. I chose this subject because it is something that really annoys me. My opinion is against it, especially in public places. My reasons are that it harms the smoker and others. Other people feel that smoking is not a bad thing and support it. My opinion of those people is that they are probably all smokers. My first argument against smoking is health. The health problems caused by smoking are serious and numerous. There is clear evidence here! Heart attacks, strokes, emphysema, abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute myeloid leukaemia, cataracts, cervical cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, periodontitis, pneumonia, stomach cancer ,bronchitis, heart disease. In young people, three out of four deaths are caused by smoking! That?s only those deaths caused by heart disease, but it?s a problem as lots of deaths caused by heart disease are due to heredity from parents, lack of exercise, diet, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress and anger and obesity. There are so many causes for heart attacks and death and four out of five are caused by smoking. This is the main argument against smoking, the health of the smoker. Secondly, the person who is smoking is creating smoke. This is not only damaging the environment, it is annoying others. The smell is bad but the smoke can go into people?s lungs and cause cancer which could then kill them. This is known as passive smoking. Heart and lung disease can be caused by smoking so passive smoking could also give you the illness. If someone is standing in a group of people that are smoking, even if ... ...ed to take care of them when they get ill and they probably don?t realise or think of that. Some people believe that when they quit smoking they will put on weight, this may be true as smoking burns off an average of 200 calories a day, nicotine is an appetite suppressant which means you won?t feel the urge to eat, just to smoke. Metabolism is boosted. To sum up, you they don?t get the calories burned off and will be eating more, probably un-healthy things. There are ways to quit and not put on weight. Exercise more, keep healthy snacks at hand, avoid alcohol, and take nicotine pills, patches, or fake cigarettes. In conclusion, there are arguments for and against this topic because people?s opinions can be very different. I am against smoking and have detailed my arguments against it but have also included some reasons for it because so many people do support it.

Employee Motivational Theories and Concepts Essay

Numerous theories on the subject of employee motivation have been developed and published for the better part of this century. While early employers thought of their workers as just another input into the production of goods and services (Lindner, 1998), employees were becoming increasingly dissatisfied with working conditions and malevolent management. As post-war, labor tensions mounted in the 1920s, employers needed to change their approach to employee relations if they were to avoid costly, and sometimes violent, labor strikes. Early motivational theories set the foundation for the development of 20th century concepts, including the move to get â€Å"Googled† and motivational techniques based on business strengths found in the corporate toolbox. Early Motivational Theories George Elton Mayo, an Australian-born psychologist and Harvard Professor, began significant research in 1927 in an attempt to demonstrate that employees, if appropriately motivated, are more productive and can achieve greater return through appropriate human relationship management techniques (Trahair & Zaleznik, 2005). This research, referred to as the â€Å"Hawthorne Studies,† found that employees are not only motivated by financial gain, but also by the behavior and attitude of their supervisors. During these studies, the employees responded positively to the mere fact that they were receiving attention from their supervisor as a result of the experiment. In his article, Gordon Marshall (1998) noted that â€Å"the term ‘Hawthorne effect’ is now widely used to refer to the behavior-modifying effects of being the subject of social investigation, regardless of the context of the investigation. More generally, the researchers concluded that supervisory style greatly affected worker productivity† (para. 1) and that â€Å"enhanced productivity therefore depends on management sensitivity to, and manipulation of, the ‘human relations’ of production† (para. 2). This represented a dramatic paradigm shift for employers and theorists alike. Subsequent to the conclusion of the infamous Hawthorne Studies, five primary motivational theories have developed that have increased the understanding of what truly motivates employees. They are Maslow’s need-hierarchy, Hertzberg’s two-factor system, Vroom’s expectancy theory, Adam’s equity theory, and Skinner’s reinforcement theory. Maslow identified that employees, in general, have five primary levels of needs that include psychological (e.g. air, food, shelter), safety (e.g. security, order, stability), belongingness (e.g. love, family, relationships), esteem (e.g. achievement, status, responsibility), and self-actualization (McLeod, 2007). Maslow further noted that, in order to provide motivation, the lower levels would need to be satisfied before one progressed to the higher levels. Hertzberg classified motivation into two, distinct factors. He believed that intrinsic factors (or motivators) produce job satisfaction through achievement and recognition while extrinsic (or hygiene) factors produce dissatisfaction. He identified extrinsic factors to be associated with compensation and perceived job security, or lack thereof. Vroom theorized that demonstrated effort would lead to performance which, in turn, would lead to reward (either positive or negative). The more positive the reward the more highly motivated the employee would be. To the contrary, negative rewards would result in a lesser motivated employee. Adams found that employees want to ensure that there is a sense of fairness and equity between themselves and their co-workers. He believed that equity is achieved when employees are contributing, in terms of input and output, at the same rate. Skinner’s theory was likely the most simplistic, He established that employees will repeat behaviors that lead to positive outcomes and eliminate or minimize behaviors that lead to negative outcomes. He conceived that, if managers positively reinforce desired behavior, it would lead to positive outcomes and that managers should negatively reinforce employee behavior that leads to negative outcomes (Lindner, 1998). James R. Lindner, Professor of Management and Research at Ohio State University, has conducted extensive research on this topic. In his paper â€Å"Understanding Employee Motivation,† he further extrapolated on the five theories, providing a comparative analysis, and offering a summary definition that focuses on the psychological process and â€Å"inner force† associated with the accomplishment of personal and organizational goals (Lindner, 1998). 20th Century Concepts In addition to studying popular theories associated with employee motivation, Lindner (1998) includes the methodology and outcomes of an independent study, conducted at Ohio State University, that sought to rank the importance of ten motivating factors. The results of this study were compelling; with â€Å"interesting work† ranking as number one over other more commonly identified motivators, such as wages and job security. In comparing these results with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, among others, he found that the results are mixed, with the highest ranked factor (interesting work) being one of self-actualization and contrary to Maslow’s findings (Lindner, 1998). This presents a divergent result that challenges Maslow’s assumption that the lower needs must be satisfied before a person can achieve their potential and self-actualize (McLeod, 2007, para.16). This does not negate Maslow’s work, but rather demonstrates that a natural evolution may have taken place with the modern workforce due to the progression of motivation strategies. This is a credit to the work of early theorists, and a call to arms for those that continue this research. Get Googled But history has yet to definitively answer the question, â€Å"what is the best method(s) to motivate employees?† The imprecise answer continues to be: it depends. Many successful organizations incorporate a variety of programs aimed at motivating their employees, based on their specific population. Google Inc., for example, is leading the way to restructure management so that employees can streamline creative ideas that produce blockbuster new products. They are rewarding employees with perks like onsite swimming pools, allowing employees to bring their pets to work, providing onsite child care, and all the free food employees want (â€Å"How Google Inc. Rewards Its Employees,† 2010, Thinking Leaders, para.1). While this may not be realistic for every organization, there is something to be said about the fact that Google, Inc. is consistently ranked by Fortune magazine as the best place in the U.S. to work. However there are things that a company can do to motivate their employees that are low or no cost and likely already exist in their corporate toolbox. The Corporate Toolbox Most successful organizations pride themselves on their ability to promote their product or service to achieve the desired level of profitability. They develop strategic plans, set production goals and persuade their customers that they are best of the best in their field. They are advertisers and peddlers of wares. So what does this have to do with motivation? Robert Hershey, Director of James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona and contributing author to the Journal of Managerial Psychology, contends that there is a significant correlation between an organization’s ability to successfully promote their business and thrive at motivating their employees. He notes that â€Å"we do not need one more theory of motivation; we need better insight into the psychology of advertising. We can take some tried-and-true product advertising techniques that have been found to be effective and use them in a human resources and management context. But before we do that, the point must be made that, as a practical matter, our vocabulary and attention require a shift from the motivation jargon of needs, expectancy, two-factor theories, etc., to an emphasis on communications practices, because persuasion requires the transmission of information† (Hershey, 1993). If Hershey is correct, then an emphasis on communication and inclusion would create an environment ripe for employee motivation. One could also argue that, if communication is key, allowing input and empowered decision making is the next logical step to producing a motivated employee. Carolyn Wiley, Professor of Business at Roosevelt University, concurs with this notion and provides the following supporting statements in her article â€Å"Creating an Environment for Employee Motivation†: When employees have an opportunity to provide input, this increases their survival rate and their sense of commitment. In many very small companies, a natural sense of owners hip often develops among the employees. However, as companies grow, feelings of ownership and commitment start to decline. To increase commitment as the organization grows, managers must change how they define who retains control. Shared decision making is essential both to company success and employee survival. Workers generally do not resist their own ideas and decisions. Rather, they are motivated to fulfill them. (Wiley, 1992, para.14) While this may seem threatening to traditional leaders, it should not be viewed as surrendering control. Employees that are empowered through inclusion are ambassadors for organizational success. It is only through mutual success that both the employee and company thrive. It seems so simple, but eludes even the most progressive of companies. Most organizations are more inclined to spend thousands of dollars creating recognition programs, building home office environments, developing bonus structures and hosting employee appreciation events rather than recognizing that most employees are merely looking to be valued. The same attention that motivated the Hawthorne workers applies to the modern employee who just wants to contribute and receive credit for their effort. Conclusion There is certainly compelling evidence to indicate that employee motivation comes in many forms. Whether one places their belief in the theoretical assumptions of a Maslow or Hertzberg, their financial backing in the creation of a Google-esque environment, or capitalize on their organizational strengths to communicate and persuade, there is clear agreement that the ability to successfully motivate employees is essential for corporate success and sustainability. The concept of positive human relation management has finally taken its place at the forefront of organizational strategies and, with it, the evolution of employee motivation. References Trahair, R. & Zaleznik, A. (2005). Elton Mayo: The Humanist Temper. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers Marshall, G. (1998). A Dictionary of Sociology; Hawthorne Studies. Retrieved from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O88-Hawthornestudies.html Lindner, James R. (1998). Journal of Extension; Understanding Employee Motivation. Retrieved from http://www.joe.org/joe/1998june/rb3.php McLeod, S. A. (2007). Simply Psychology; Maslow Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html How Google Inc. rewards its employees. (2010). Retrieved from Thinking Leaders website: http://www.thinkingleaders.com/archives/517 Hershey, R. (1993). A practitioner’s view of motivation. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 8(3), 10-10. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.arbor.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest. com/docview/ 215865845?accountid=13998 Wiley, C. (1992). Create an environment for employee motivation. HR Focus, 69(6), 14-14. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.arbor.edu:80/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/ docview/206781828?ac countid=13998

Applying Behavioral Theory to an Innovative School-Based Program for Preventing Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving

Edwena Corley African American Future A Review and Analysis of the American Journal of Health Studies’ Article Applying Behavioral Theory to an Innovative School-Based Program For Preventing Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving Diane Everett September 24, 2012 The article yields to the dangerous reality that underage drinking is a problem. The article further notes that it is also met publicity that peaks and shifts throughout decades.Currently all drunk drivers are being targeted on a national scale, but teen driving is not being addressed head on as it had been previously. One model and theory, the transtheoretical model and the social cognitive theory, were presented within the article in an effort to explain why underage drinking takes place and also why adolescents who have been drinking, regardless of whether or not they are intoxicated, believe that they are able to function and drive at the same rate and with the same control as when they are sober.They also present solutions at interpersonal and community levels. The interpersonal level of change seeks to alter peer influence and the community level promotes positive behaviors such as abstaining from alcohol and denounces negative behaviors such as drinking and driving. The latter is generally presented in the form of real life scenarios. Price et al. (2009) notes that alcohol is the premier drug of choice for adolescents, with the onset of underage drinking occurring, on average, around age 13.In 2001, 13% percent of high school students reported operating a vehicle on one of more occasions after or while drinking alcohol, and 31% reported being a passenger to a peer who had been drinking. These statistics are startling but not as much as the following facts derived from that same year: 3,608 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed and an additional 337,000 were injured in car crashes. Approximately 25% of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 who are killed in crashes were legally intoxicated.Peer pressure, the liberal attitudes that parents possess toward underage drinking, and also the concentrated levels of alcohol advertising campaigns have been identified as roots causes of underage drinking. Some parents believe it is acceptable if their children and their friends drink as long as they are purchasing the alcohol for them, and are monitoring their use of the substance in home (Price et al. , 2009). The article mentions a program known as Shattered Dreams sought to weed out the issues or variables that influence underage drinking.The data gathered from this program was used to bring about awareness and offer solutions. The transtheoretical model that the authors propose for the execution of combative solution to the issue of underage drinking and driving has five stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The precontemplation stage deals with the subject being in denial about their problematic behavior, while in the co ntemplation stage the subject realizes that a problem exists, however they have not yet begun to take steps toward correcting the issue(s) at hand.The preparation stage acts a mile marker because it is suggestive of the subject actually making a conscious decision to change their problematic behavior by utilizing their newly acquire skills and continuing to learn new skills that are conducive to more effective and continuous change. The action stage speaks for itself, as the subject then begins to put into motion the new behaviors that will replace the negative behaviors. Maintenance, the final stage of the transtheoretical model, focuses on consistency (Price et al. 2009). Teenagers, more than any other group of people believe that they are invincible, which is why underage drinking and driving is an issue; it is also why sexually transmitted diseases spread rapidly throughout high schools, and why teenage pregnancy is continuing to spiral out of control. Teenagers are often in den ial for multiple reasons; the primary reason being not wanting to feel vulnerable. The admittance of fault makes an individual feel as though they are inferior of someone or something.Admitting that one’s underage drinking is an issue could also mean no longer bring viewed as cool or part of the in crowd, because peer pressure plays a huge role in teenage social interactions. To overcome denial still does not mean that one is ready to go forth in terms of discontinuing their drinking, or drinking and opting to find a designated driver. The ultimate goal of the teenager should be to abstain because they have yet to reach the age of maturity in their state where if they would then be lawful to purchase alcohol.When an underage driver decides to abstain from alcohol altogether because they are aware that it is a crime, they must also realize that drinking and getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle is hazardous to themselves, and also anyone else with whom they share the roa d. When applying the transtheoretical model to underage drinking and driving, precontemplation occurs when the underage person realizes that they are endangering the lives of many, but they still drink due to both obvious and unforeseen reasons (i. e. peer pressure and/or undiagnosed depression).If the adolescent suffers from depression that is unfounded to a healthcare professional, they may choose to participate in other problematic behaviors which cause them to be further engulfed in a lifestyle that will prove to be even more complicated to change. The contemplation stage may be reached when something monumental transpires, such as a close friend dying in a car accident because they too chose to drink and drive. This stage brings about a sense of urgency to change, be it brought on by fear or a true desire to change.Whatever the matter, the individual will benefit if they are willing to take the steps to help themselves. When undergoing the preparation stage the at-risk adolesce nt may seek help from a parent by asking them to set up an appointment with a therapist, depending on the severity of the alcohol related behaviors. If the drinking has reached a very reckless stage then the adolescent may meet with their parent and a healthcare professional to discuss being admitted to an institution. The action stage would consist of the teen actually going to a session of therapy.Furthermore, if the therapist proposes that the client also attend alcoholic anonymous (AA) meetings, they would be wise to attend as it compliments their treatment. If the teen is aware that they need to be in an alcohol treatment facility they would follow through with their plan to be admitted on their admit date. The most important part of the action stage is the maintenance stage because they go hand in hand. Attending only one therapy session and one AA meeting will not help or heal the issue. To be consistent with one’s treatment insures far more belief in oneself to abstai n for newly introduced reasons.The maintenance stage within an alcohol treatment facility is both simple and complex in nature. While in the facility the professionals house therein will see to it that mandatory sobriety is maintained, but the tricky part is remaining abstinent upon one’s release from the institution. The way that the social cognitive theory (SCT) fits into this model is simple. It climbs through all of the stages, rearranging the social aspects of it and calling for a sense of initiative in maintaining self-efficacy. According to Bandura (1986) and Price et al. 2009) social cognitive theory (SCT) assumes that people, their behavior, and their environments interact continuously and that specific mediators facilitate behavioral change. Thus if peer pressure is the root of underage drinking, then modifying of social spheres is necessary, but due to the self-efficacy aspect, it is the prerogative of the subject or adolescent to denounce troublesome friendships a nd establish new healthy ones. It is in no way possible to undergo treatment and continue to hang out with peers who drink and drive.Even if the new-found abstinent teen continues to act as a passenger to the intoxicated party, they may lose their lives in a fatal accident as a result. The specific mediators that are to encourage the behavioral evolution of the subject would be the aforementioned healthcare professions, parents, or a combination of both. While drinking and driving will more than likely continue to be a problem the ages, the best way to tackle it is to bring about a sense of enlightenment and urgency among teens.This has been done through preliminary findings that are indicative of improved student awareness of the risks and consequences of underage drinking and driving and suggested that students' expectations about alcohol use were less positive after participation in the program (Price et al. , 2009). Furthermore, other programs, in certain states and school distr icts across the nation vehicles that have been involved in drunk driving accidents have been approved for placement outside of high school, on the lawn or next to the signage While some students view it as a scare tactic, it is proven to work for others.The students who are unfazed by it, perceive it as a prop, but the horror is that those same individuals who do not accept the change that is imperative to protect their family, friends and ultimately themselves will more than likely end up dying in one of those cars; thereafter their vehicle or the vehicle of their victim being placed outside someone else’s school. The overall goal of this article was to urge helping professionals to bring to light the issue of underage drinking and driving but approach it as hinting that the student involved have an issue and leaving them to evolve on their own.This is because teenagers generally warm up to positive behavior faster and are more apt to accept participate in said behaviors, if they believe it was their idea, versus it being forced upon them.Bibliography Price, M. A. , Salazar, C. I. , Villarreal, C. L. , Guerra, C. M. , Villarreal, R. , ;amp; Stewart, R. M. (2009). Applying Behavioral Theory To an Innovative School-Based Program For Preventing Underage Drinking and Impaired. American Journal of Health Studies, 24(1), 223-231. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

The Many Beneficial Effects of Adopting a Pet

The Many Beneficial Effects of Adopting a Pet Adopting a pet is advantageous to both the pet owner and the pet. When considering the pros and cons of welcoming a furry friend into the family, many are unaware of the fringe benefits that are gained from having a pet. These benefits are not Just one sided either – both the pet and the owner gain by the association. Besides having an affectionate pal, pet owners experience healthful side effects as a result of their relationship. For adopted animals, the most significant endorsement is much more basic and often overlooked: life.Still, many people are hesitant to take n the responsibility of a pet for various different reasons. We recently decided to make room in our household for a new resident. Having weathered the death of our 14 year old terrier Hercules, we wanted adopt another pet. Prior to arriving at that decision, we did some research to determine what type of animal would best fit into our home, which includes two cats. Of the many choices available to us, we finally settled on adopting another cat from a shelter. Here are my top compelling reasons to own a cat from a local humane organization.It comes as no surprise that each year millions of animals enter shelters and a igh percentage are put to sleep due to overpopulation (Salk, 2013). Pet adoptions from non-profit organizations, shelters or humane societies drastically reduce the necessity to euthanize these displaced animals and provide them with safe, loving homes. Adoption also creates an opportunity for new animals to receive help by freeing up space and resources. In addition to adoption, many humane organizations offer vaccinations, micro chips for tracking and spay or neuter services.There is a common misconception that animals in shelters are there because of behavioral or temperament issues. The reality is that most shelter animals are abandoned for reasons such as divorce, relocation, or financial constraints (Salk, 2013), making thei r situation all the more heart wrenching. Providing a healthy, loving environment is most certainly a wonderful gift to a homeless animal. And while the advantage to the animal is obvious, owners also receive unsought personal benefits. Pets are faithful friends that offer unconditional love and companionship.They keep secrets, aren't Judgmental and simply bloom when shown attention. Cats in particular adore snuggling and appear to be the happiest when in the presence of heir owner. Historically, cats have been characterized as solitary creatures, given to â€Å"diva† personality traits and snooty dispositions. While this might accurately describe the temperament of a few, cats are most commonly known for being loving, playful and inquisitive. It's not unusual for my cat to follow me around the house as I complete chores, watch TV with me or wait patiently outside the door for my re- emergence from the bathroom.As an only child, many times I found myself with the family cat a s my only companion. Though it was sometimes quiet, I never felt alone. When I moved into my first apartment, a cat proved to be the best option for my situation. Cats are the pertect pet tor apartment dwellers due in part to their relatively small size. Unlike dogs, cats are quiet – no raucous barking or whining to annoy the neighbors. They require only small amounts of food for survival and do not need to engage in long sessions of strenuous play for exercise.This makes them a budget friendly, low maintenance pet option. Additionally, cats are independent creatures that typically sleep the majority of the day, making them self-sufficient and very easy o maintain. Unlike many pets, cats require little input from their owner. For entertainment, simply give a cat a ball of yarn and he or she will be quite content to pass the time rolling around on the floor playing. Other playthings, such as cat nip laced balls or feather toys not only provide amusement but have the added adva ntage of providing active cats with exercise.Window sills afford cats the enjoyable opportunity to engage in favorite pastimes such as observing the outside world or soaking up the sun while napping. The low upkeep required for a cat is particularly convenient for hose with busy schedules or limited space. Another time saver is the fact that cats need little training. This is especially helpful when it comes to the potty. While training some animals to use the bathroom can be a time intensive labor of love, cats are quite intelligent and require very little direction.Show a cat the location of the litter box and essentially you're done. Cats are very persnickety about their hygiene and environment; therefore, if the litter box is scooped regularly, there are usually no potty accidents to address. Fastidious creatures, cats are incredibly lean animals and spend hours a day grooming themselves. This behavior is intuitive, much like their ability as hunters. Cats are great contributors to the household and earn their keep. Excellent hunters, cats can often be seen relentlessly chasing a fly or mosquito around the house.Spiders, mice, frogs and other small beasties, all fall prey to playful yet determined cats. Having a cat in residence growing up, we never had to purchase traps or other devices to maintain a vermin free household. While being a hunter is an important aspect of their personalities, cats also provide actual health benefits to heir owners. Studies have shown that pet owners receive quantifiable health benefits directly attributable to their pet. Pets are known to lower blood pressure (Sweat, 2013), reduce stress and even strengthen the immune system (Nazario, 2012).Cats are intuitive and sense the emotional state of their owners. It's been my personal experience that when I'm ill, my cat will not leave my side until I'm better. Loyal companions in sickness and in health, cats can be counted on to provide quiet support, sympathy and affection to assi st their caretakers in overcoming depression or other melancholy moods (Sweat, 2013). Did you know that having a special buddy around even helps to alleviate loneliness? With so many upsides, who wouldn't want a pet?There are countless reasons to own a pet in general and a cat in particular. Cats are the ideal pet for any circumstance, whether living in a house or in the small confines of an apartment. Cats are low maintenance, clean, intelligent and make wonderful friends for all ages. As with any animal, there is no greater expression of love then to offer them a safe haven. To homeless animals, adoption means the difference between life and death. In return, you get a friend for life and improved health. My cats are more than pets – they are my family.