Cone Health Organizational Chart and Structure Essay Example for Free

Cone Health Organizational Chart and Structure Essay The classical theory consists of organizational design that subdivides work and specifies tasks. The classical theory allows the different departments to run with efficiency by giving staff members different task to perform. The classical theory is composed of four elements: division and specialization of labor, chain of command, organizational structure, and span of command. Division and specialization of labor reduces the workload of the employee that will increase proficiency throughout the organization. The chain of command is authority, power, and responsibility delegated from high levels of authority to the lower levels. Organizational structures are how the departments are arranged and how command is maintained and how communication is achieved through a formal system. The span of control is how many employees a manager can effectively manage. (Sullivan, 2012).†¨ The structure of this organization provides for an environment for client centered care by offering services of acute care with different levels of care such as emergency services, med-surgical units, intermediate care unit, intensive care and labor and delivery. Each division is managed by a specific leader, such as the manager, who reports to the chief of nursing. The managers are more in contact with staff and have direct communication with staff members as well as patients in the hospital. This personal level of communication allows for managers effectively to communicate the importance of the mission of the hospital, which is to exceed expectations and provide quality health care to all at all times. With this mission in mind, it can lead to a close relationship with client care. The use of information systems is the way to communicate throughout the hospital to staff members. There are two charting systems used in the organization and an assignment board system in each department. The first one is Emergency Data Management, which is used in the emergency department, and the second is the Meditech, used in the other departments in the hospital. All information systems are visible to all nursing staff but cannot be edited interdepartmentally. Verbal communication method can be in the form of informing peers concerning the level of care already delivered to a patient and expecting others to follow through. We are expected to formally inform each other of what need to be done concerning our patient via the Emergency Data Management and Meditech. The GroupWise E-mail system is used by staff for internal communication and exchange purposes, and it can be accessed both in the hospital and at home via the internal intranet. Information from different departments comes to staff via e-mail, and all are encouraged to check their email daily. Staff members are also provided with a physical mailbox, with their names on it where everyone is provided with departmental information. Decision-making regarding policy change may be done by departmental basis, but must be approved by the chief nursing executive. For example, the standard of work was change in the triage process, but before management implemented the change, it had to be approved by the chief nurse executive, and he or she will decide based on the Nurse Practice Act. Restructuring of nurse leadership is currently in progress to allow nurses to have more input on leadership and its decision making pattern in organizations. The chief nurse executive reports to the regional vice-president of nursing, whereas all directors of each nursing department reports to the chief nurse executive. The organizational structure has its strength and weakness. One weakness that exists in this structure is the lack of communication between departments. Strength in this structure is that the chief-nursing executive is not left to make all decisions on his or her own because they have the help of managers and directors of the different departments. These informal structures of the organization is constantly at test as staff do frequently communicate with each other about what is expected in the plan of care to achieve an efficient client centered care. The charge nurse writing on the assignment board the activity of plan of care into the system as per each department to allocate patients to nurses and the staff nurse reports uses formal communication in the day-to-day operations of the organization the activity of plan of care into the system as per each department. For example there are formal meetings daily with the house supervisor, the managers, and leaders of the department to discuss bed availability in the hospital. Issues of power and control exist between the different floors and the emergency department. There is always competition for staffing resources, and if there is a float pool nurse on call, the charge nurses have to show who has a greater need for the float pool nurse leading to charge nurses to compete for the nurse.†¨ St. Luke’s Hospital is located in a lower middle-class neighborhood and caters to all ages. The hospital caters socially to the infants and pediatric patients. It has recently expanded the acute-stroke and short-stay unit also known as an observation unit. There are patients of different ethnicities while there are many patients who do not speak English; the use of the language phone has come into use quite often. The language phone removes language barriers between the patient and the health care provider and allows the patient to receive proper care. A lot of patients in the community have stated they come to our hospital because they have read in magazines that we are a great hospital.†¨ Generational differences that influence organizational culture are on the rise in the work environment. There are a great number of new younger nurses coming out of nursing schools, which means new ideas. The older nurses sometimes have problems accepting new nurses because they seem to want to change things. Some of the older nurses feel they are being pushed out of the nursing field by the new nurses and feel they are being forced to retire.†¨ In this paper there has been a discussion of organizational structure and functions, creation of client-centered care, information systems, power issues within the organization as well as decision making abilities. There have been discussions about social and cultural influences and how they integrate into delivery of care in the organization, and finally how generational differences influence organizational culture of the workplace as it shapes the future. It will be appropriate to expect more input into decision making culture via a developed formal and informal system to increase the input from the first responder group-the staff nurses and certified nursing assistants. References Sullivan, E. J. (2012). Effective leadership and management in nursing (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Eccentric and Concentric Bench Press Comparison

Eccentric and Concentric Bench Press Comparison Introduction Resistance training is an exercise modality that can be defined as a movement working against an external load resulting in physical adaptations (McArdle, Katch Katch, 2014). It is utilised by many as a means of increasing muscular strength, improving athletic performance, reducing the risk of injury and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. An average resistance training programme would incorporate a variety of static and dynamic movements whilst under an external load (Jones, 2009). Whilst the muscles are static, the fibres are in a fixed state and no change in length occurs. However, in a dynamic movement muscles go through a shortening and lengthening process. The concentric phase involving the shortening of muscle fibres, and the eccentric phase involving the lengthening of the fibres. Current literature proposes that eccentric and concentric training illicit different training responses and therefore could produce different muscular adaptations (Rosete et al. 2015). Although there are a variety of methods to provide resistance in a training sense, traditional exercises involve moving a load in opposite directions (i.e. push/pull) where there is a shortening (Concentric) and subsequent lengthening of the muscles (Eccentric). Proske (2001) describes the concentric phase as the actions that initiate movement, whereas the eccentric phase slows movement or brings it to a halt. Some research indicates that muscles acting in an eccentric fashion produce more force than when working concentrically. Other research shows eccentric movements have different fatigue patterns to concentric movements which could explain their apparent superiority. The intended purpose of this proposal is to quantify if concentric bench press yields less strength than eccentric bench press, measured via a 1 rep max max test. Literature Review As previously defined, resistance training is movement working against an external load resulting in physical adaptations. The health benefits of resistance training are widely documented with most of the literature reporting on musculoskeletal adaptations. Recently there has been an emergence of literature detailing other outcomes of resistance exercise such as benefits for metabolic disease (Jurca, 2005), bone density health (Lohman et al, 2003), all-cause mortality (Metter et al, 2002), mobility (Janssen et al, 2002) and quality of life (Levinger et al, 2007). Furthermore, resistance training provides a means of exercise for people whose current cardio vascular based regimes such as jogging or swimming have become too difficult. Based on these findings, resistance exercise is now considered an imperative component of a regular training program. The eccentric phase of a muscle action is when the force generate by a muscle is inferior to the external load. This is characterised by a lengthening of the muscle even though an actin-myosin cross bridge is formed. In this instance when actin separates from myosin it is regarded as a mechanical separating rather than chemical (Flint Hurst, 1978). In contrast, a concentric muscle action involves the actin filaments being pulled over the myosin filaments as the muscle shortens. This is commonly known as the Sliding Filament Theory (SFT).ÂÂ   SFT refers to the movement of actin and myosin sliding over one and other. (Baechle Earle, 2000). Cross bridges are separated through the splitting of an Adenosine Tri Phosphate molecule, thus making it a chemical reaction rather than mechanical. This is a more energy dependant process and should result in less trauma to the muscles. Eccentric muscle action, when used in a resistance training setting has been shown to improve neural activation (Enoka, 1996), muscular strength (Hortobagyi, 1996) and increase muscle size (Vikne et al, 2006). Enoka (1996) goes on to suggest that muscles become more resistant to fatigue when working eccentrically. Placing emphasis on the eccentric phase of an exercise has been proven in some studies to be effective at improving strength than an even split of eccentric/concentric (Brandenburg Docherty, 2002). Research has been conducted to examine the physiological and metabolic effects of concentric actions versus eccentric muscle actions. A study by Hollander et al, (2008) examined if contraction type (Eccentric/Concentric) or load (Absolute/Relative) has a greater metabolic impact on resistance exercise. Seven resistance trained men were included in the study. Their concentric 1 rep max determined for several exercises then their 1 rep max for eccentric was estimated at 20% greater. On completion of the initial 1 rep max testing, participants completed a further 2 bouts of maximum lifts in a random order: concentric only lift and an eccentric only lift. They were then assessed on rating of perceived exertion, pain rating and heart rate. Tests were conducted to take samples of blood PRE/POST exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise had finished to identify lactate and cortisol levels. To analyse the data, a repeated-measure ANOVA was used. No differences were noted between concentric and eccentric trials for pain rating and perceived exertion. Heart rate was significantly higher in every exercise except lat pulldown. Levels of lactate were significantly higher directly post exercise and 15 minutes after following concentric training compared to eccentric training. The study shows that at a relatively lower intensity, concentric and eccentric training show similar rate of perceived exertion pain perception under a relative load (%eccentric1RM= %concentric1RM +20%).ÂÂ   This suggests that you can overload the eccentric phase of an exercise with 20% more than the concentric phase and the body is not negatively affected. Heart rate was maintained at a lower threshold throughout training apart from in one instance despite the eccentric phase holding a 20% greater load. This potentially indicates that eccentric exercise could be deemed as a safer modality of exercise than concentric Enoka (1996) conducted a study highlighting the differences in concentric and eccentric muscle actions in regards to neural activity. Previous studies suggest that neuralogical factors can augment strength gains in trained (Edgerton et al, 1986) and untrained individuals (Komi, 1986) whilst also increase the efficiency in which they can lift sub-maximal loads (Ploutz et al, 1994). It is also noted that neural factors increase the synchronization of motor units (Milner-Brown et al, 1975). A motor unit is defined as motoneuron and all its associated fibres (Bachle Earle 2002). An action potential is passed through the motor neuron, this releases a hormone which passes across a neural junction resulting muscle fibre activation (Baechle Earle, 2000). To increase the force generated by a muscle, motor unit activation must increase frequency, or recruit more motor units at once. Usually motor units activate in a uniform sequence, inferior unitsÂÂ   activate first with superior units coming in to play when the external load becomes too great, commonly termed as the size principal (Baechle Earle, 2000). In order to generate maximum force, it is necessary for all of the motor units within a muscle to activate. In most people the size principle applies, lower threshold units being activated then the higher threshold as the load increases. Some research suggests that resistance exercise increases the efficiency that a person can recruit the higher threshold motor units (Sale, 1987). Enoka (1996) goes on to suggest that this differs for muscles working eccentrically. Research has identified that it is not likely to recruit all motor units during maximum eccentric contraction despite that fact that eccentric strength is usually 20% greater than concentric (Tesch et al, 1990). Aims Previous literature suggests that the strength of the eccentric portion of an exercise can be anything up to 120% greater than that of concentric (Hortobagyi, 1990). Current literature also proposes that eccentric and concentric training illicit different training responses and therefore could produce different muscular adaptations (Baechle Earle, 2000). From the previously mentioned literature, the following was hypothesised: Eccentric 1 Rep Max bench press will yield greater strength than concentric. Objectives The main objective of this proposal is to quantify the differences in eccentric and concentric bench press scores. Methodology Participants Twenty six males between the ages of 18 and 31 who have been taking part in resistance training for over 1 year volunteered for the study. For the purposes of this study resistance training experience is defined as having regularly trained bench press( 1p/w) over the year leading up to the study. Volunteers for the study where students recruited from sport and exercise science classes at The University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton Campus. It was required of the students involved in the study to firstly complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire to ensure that they were physically fit enough to engage in the study. It was also required of the students to complete an Informed Consent document outlining how the study would be carried out, how it affects them and highlighting that they have the right to withdraw themselves at any time. Exclusion criteria from the study included: orthopaedic injuries, hypertension, cardiovascular issues and abuse of anabolic agents. Current dietary intake will not be monitored throughout the study, but it will have to remain consistent throughout its entirety. Once the study begins, participants may not take part in any resistance training out with study. The assumption is made that all participants will follow all testing protocols relayed to them for completion out with the laboratory. The participant is also required to abstain from exercise that is greater than the needs for daily living during the testing period. They must also refrain from taking any ergogenic supplements or making dietary changes throughout the testing period. Protocol The study will consist of 3 testing sessions over an 8-week period. Testing will be conducted in the strength and conditioning laboratory in the University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton Campus. Participants will be split into 2 even groups for testing, concentric and eccentric. Participants will be prompted to complete an informed consent document providing their approval to take part in the study. Once the document is completed and reviewed, anthropometric measurements will be taken: weight, height and body composition. Following anthropometric measurements, participants will perform a cardiovascular warm up on a cycle ergometer for (90RPM 5 minutes). This will be followed by an incremental warm up protocol for bench pressing (10,5 and 3 repetitions). The weight used here will be self-selective and should increase with every set (Baechle Earle, 2000). All three testing sessions will include the cardio vascular warm up, bench press warm up followed by 1 Rep Max testing in eithe r eccentric/concentric bench press, depending on what group the individual has been placed in. Participants will be allowed to have a few practice attempts with an unloaded barbell to familiarise themselves with how the testing will operate. The concentric group will perform their lifts by lying supine on a bench from the chest until they can fully straighten their arm, extending the elbow. The bar will be lowered down to their chest prior to each rep to ensure that only a concentric muscle action is being measured. This will be done via a pulley system and two additional spotters positioned at either end of the barbell. When the participant is unable to completely straighten the arms to complete the concentric bench press, the repetition will be deemed a failed rep. The eccentric bench press will involve the slow and controlled lowering of a barbell from full extension down to the chest. It should take the participant three seconds to perform this movement and tempo will be kept with a metronome to help to identify successful reps. On completion of a rep the barbell will be returned to the original position via pulley system and assistance from spotters. If the participant is unable to control the descent of the bar, allowing it to touch their chest before the 3 seconds ends the repetition n will be classed as a failure. To ensure that all the participants are safe, stringent measure will be taken. Spotters will be used during all exercise sets, warm up and testing. The pulley system will be lowered to the appropriate height for each user, this will be marked to ensure consistency with the operator. Chalk will be made available on request to reduce the likelihood of the barbell slipping from the hands. Statistics All data collected in the study will be analysed using an SPSS software. The data will be initially inspected to make sure it is acceptable. The mean and standard deviation will be calculated using a paired T test which will help to identify if there is a significant difference between concentric one repetition maximums and eccentric. References Baechle, T.R., Earle, R.W. (eds.). (2000). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 2nd Edition. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL. Brandenburg, J.P., and Docherty, D. (2002). The effects of accentuated eccentric loading on strength, muscle hypertrophy, and neural adaptations in trained individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 16(1), 25-32. Lohman, E.C., Cussler, T.G., Going, S.B., Houtkooper, L.B., Metcalfe, L.L., Teixeira, P.J. (2003). Weight lifted in strength training predicts bone changes in postmenopausal women. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 35(1), 10- 17 Edgerton, V.R., Roy, R.R., Gregor, R.J., Rugg, S. (1986). Morphological basis of skeletal muscle power output. In: Human Muscle Power, N.L. Jones, N. McCartney, A.J. McComas, eds. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 43-64. Enoka, R.M. (1996). Eccentric contractions require unique activation strategies by the nervous system. Journal of Applied Physiology, 81(6), 2339-2346 Flitney, F.W., and Hirst, D.G. (1978). Cross-bridge detachment and sarcomere give during stretch of active frogs muscle. Journal of Physiology, 276, 449-465 Hollander, D.B., Kilpatrick, M.W., Ramadan, Z.G., Reeves, G.V., Francois, M., Kraemer, R.R. (2008). Load rather than contraction type influences rate of perceived exertion and pain. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22, 1184-1193. Hortobagyi, T., Devita, P., Money, J., Barrier, J. (2001). Effects of standard and eccentric overload strength training in young women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(7), 1206-1212 Hortobagyi, T., Hill, J.P., Houmard, J.A., Fraser, D.D., Lambert, N.J., Israel, R.G. (1996). Adaptive responses to muscle lengthening and shortening in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology, 80(3), 765-772. Janssen, I., Heymsfield, S.B., and Ross, R. (2002). Low relative skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) in older persons is associated with functional impairment and physical disability. Journal of American Geriatric Society, 50, 889-896. Jones, Gareth. Strength Training. 1st ed. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2009. Print Jurca, R., Lamonte, M.J., Barlow, C.E., Kampert, J.B., Church, T.S., and Blair, S.N. (2005). Association of muscular strength with incidence of metabolic syndrome in men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(11), 1849-1855 Komi, P.V. (1986). Training of muscle strength and power: interaction of neuromotoric, hypertrophic, and mechanical factors. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 7, 10-15. Levinger, I., Goodman, C., Hare, D.L., Jerums, G., Selig, S. (2007). The effect of resistance training on functional capacity and quality of life in individuals with high and low numbers of metabolic risk factors. Diabetes Care, 30(9), 2205-2210 McArdle, William D, Frank I Katch, and Victor L Katch. Essentials Of Exercise Physiology. 1st ed. Print. Metter, E.J., Talbot, L.A., Schrager, M., Conwit, R. (2002). Skeletal muscle strength as a predictor of all cause mortality in healthy men. Journal of Gerontology, 57(10), 359-365 Milner-Brown, H.S., Stein, R.B., Lee, R.G. (1975). Synchronization of motor units: possible roles of exercise and supraspinal reflexes. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 38, 245-254 Ploutz, L.L., Tesch, P.A., Biro, R.L., Dudly, G.A., (1994). Effect of resistance training on muscle use during exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 76, 1675-1681 Rosete, Fernando A. et al. Eccentric, Concentric, And Isometric Strength In Trained And Untrained Older Adults. Medicine Science in Sports Exercise 47 (2015): 24-25. Web. Sale, D.G. (1987). Influence of exercise and training on motor unit activation, Exercise Sport Science Reviews, 15(1), 95-151. Tesch, P.A., Dudley, G.A., Duvoisin, M.R., Hather, B.M., Harris, R.T. (1990). Force and EMG signal patterns during repeated bouts of concentric or eccentric muscle actions. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 138, 263-271. Vikne, H., Refsnes, P.E., Ekmark, M., Medbo, J.I., Gundersen, V., Gundersen, K. (2006). Muscular performance after concentric and eccentric exercise in trained men. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(10), 1770-1781

Research methodology: Experiences of social work managers

Research methodology: Experiences of social work managers Methodology This chapter will outline the manner in which the research was planned and completed, with reference to literature when necessary. Furthermore, it includes an important discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that had to be considered during the sampling and subsequent interview processes. Approach This piece of research aimed to explore the experiences of managers in social work, and set out to cast light in surprisingly under researched areas. One of the central aims of this piece of research was to obtain data that was readily analysable (Arksey and Knight 1999) and valid (Whittaker 2012). The nature of the research meant a qualitative approach was used to explore the various themes that emerged from the review of the literature. This was preferred over a quantitative method, particularly as the latter usually requires larger samples for generating statistics and quantifiable data. Qualitative methods focus on seeking out and interpreting the meanings that people ascribe to their own actions (McLaughlin 2007), and allows for exploration of opinion and experience (Shaw 2003). Interpretative topics were at the core of this research; core values, which despite being substantially constant across societies and throughout history, is inherently subjective. A qualitative approach enabled the collation of data that is rich in description, detail and character (Neuman 1997). Social work research is required to enhance and develop knowledge (McLaughlin 2007), and can help explore people and communities, paying particular focus to the wider social and structural issues that affect them (Cheetham 2000). The profession is embedded in practice; therefore research that informs behaviour and questions the known and unknown elements of practice is vital to encourage lateral thinking and dynamism amongst frontline workers, as well as going someway towards boosting the professional status of social work (Bledsoe et al. 2005). With this in mind, it was interesting to note some of the barriers to accessing informants, not from social workers themselves, but from organisations. Dealing with rejection from one local council was personally frustrating, but has wider consequences for the profession. â€Å"To understand social work†¦ we must understand how knowledge is validated within the profession† (Askeland and Payne 2001:14) Furthermore, â€Å"Social work research is about social workers, what they think, what they believe, what knowledge they claim and what they do with it.† (Butler 2002:241). With this in mind, the implications of a blasà © attitude to research, albeit a small project such as this one, are significant. One of the themes that arose from the interviews, as will be discussed in more detail later, was the increasingly diverse and heavy workload of managers. Lack of time is a commonly quoted barrier to research participation amongst practitioners (Sheldon and Chivers 2000), and this is one of the reasons research remains a low priority for workers in the field (McLaughlin 2007). Furthermore, as is commented on further at the end of this chapter, having to go through organisational protocol first has implications for anonymity, and arguably has consequences on worker willingness to take part (Lewis 2003). Literature review Research into the topic of core values started with certain core textbook readings, which expanded into their recommended reading lists and cited articles. A range of literature databases including Ingenta, Social Sciences Citation Index, Social Services Abstracts were searched using keywords such as â€Å"core values†, â€Å"social work manager†, â€Å"social work management†, â€Å"managerialism and social work†, and â€Å"performance indicators† in various different orders. The search extended to databases such as Oxford University Press Journals, SocINDEX, SwetsWise and Academic Search Elite. Furthermore, using university’s Searcher Electronic Database it was possible to search a plethora of databases at one time. This was further augmented with internet searches and the use of Google Scholar. Initially, there was not a lot of research regarding retention of core values among managers, indeed this was indicative of social work as an under researched area in general. Nevertheless, broadening my search using the above keywords and Boolean operators such as OR and AND proved to be more fruitful. Interview sampling The dearth of research available in this area, and regarding social work managers more generally, proved an impetus to focusing on a particular sample. Interviewees were approached a couple of months before the interviews took place, and had been chosen specifically due to their current management related roles. Having a purposive sample avoided the common issue of ending up with a large amount of irrelevant or disconnected data (Thurlow Brown 1988) as such a method usually means that the sample has a certain level of knowledge and experience in relation to the topic (Smith 2009). A total of six interviews took place over a four week period, with all working in hospital social work at management level. This represents a small sample, but it was within the limits of this piece of work, and since qualitative methods are not reliant on large samples for credibility unlike quantitative methods (Anastas 2004), coupled with the level of research undertaken, meant a greater understanding of the issues could be uncovered (Denscombe 2007). Working with a smaller sample allows for more depth and detail of meaning, and subsequently avoids a more general and abstracted level of explanation (McLaughlin 2007). Indeed, it allowed for a more sharpened focus of this study, particularly as all the informants were in very similar roles. During the interview process, informants offered recommendations of others to interview, otherwise known as snowball sampling (Knight 2002). Whilst this was appreciated, the recommendations involved other areas of social work. Although this would have generated further data, it was felt that having a random sample would obfuscate more pertinent findings from the core interviewees and affect the generalisability of the findings. The criticisms of using a convenience sample are well noted, particularly the impact this has on generalisability to the wider population (Bryman 2012). Using informants who are already known to the researcher may have its drawbacks, but it is argued that these are outweighed by merits of such projects being used to further larger studies (Herr and Anderson 2005). Interviews Interviews were arranged through email, at which point the respondents were told of the nature and purpose of the study and what was going to be covered in the interview. This involved a general overview of the main themes that were to be explored. It was not felt necessary to give the informants a copy of the interview schedule for fear that this would impact on the conversational flow that was being aimed for. Interviews followed a semi-structured model and enabled the investigative process to remain mostly conversational and informal; the inherent flexibility of this approach allowing for detailed probing when necessary (Becker and Bryman 2004). It is a simple method of data collection but allows for detailed excavation of people’s experiences. Open ended questions were consciously used to avoid bias and encourage a free flowing narrative that was in line with the interviewees’ views and opinions whilst also following the overarching themes that were being explored (Rubin and Babbie 2007). Whilst the interview schedule did not have to be strictly adhered to, it was designed in a way that started with descriptive, open questions such as â€Å"Can you give me a description of your current role?† and slowly moved to more direct questions that aimed to elicit thoughts and opinion, â€Å"How do you feel about the statement ‘If you can manage a factory, you can manag e a team of social workers?’† Having the interview designed in this meant that the range of questions were general enough to stimulate free flowing dialogue, but also specific enough to gather relevant data. All of the interviews were recorded, and subsequently transcribed as soon as possible for reasons of confidentiality; informants could be indirectly attributed through a collection of characteristics (McLaughlin 2007). This was particularly important as the sample represents the majority of two local authority management teams, in secondary settings, and therefore could be easily identified. For this reason, transcripts of interviews were not provided in an appendix and no contextual detail has been provided about any of the interviewees. Despite the onerous process of transcribing data (O’Leary 2004: 169), it was important because it meant that more attention could be spent actively listening and tuning in, as opposed to writing notes. The interview itself, as a communication interchange establishing a framework for future evaluation and enquiry, lies at the heart of social work practice (McLaughlin 2007), and drew on some of the skills that had been developed on placement, p articularly active listening, signposting and probing. Qualitative methodologies mirror the focus placed upon person-centredness in social work practice (Connelly and Harms 2012). This highlights the transferability of skills from practice into research and vice versa. With this in mind, it was important to use these skills to ensure interviews was being guided and not led. This meant avoiding leading questions and generally putting words in the mouth of the informant. For example, asking â€Å"What do you feel the main reasons for this are?†, as opposed to â€Å"Is this a direct consequence of the increased use of key performance indicators?† Key findings and discussion Thematic analysis is a commonly used method for analysing such data (Bryman 2008, Davies 2007), and was used to explore the transcripts and highlight recurrent themes as it has been defined as a method for identifying, analysing and recording themes within data (Braun and Clarke 2006). Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six stage thematic analysis model was used as a guide, and involved getting immersed in the data in the first instance followed by creating, searching, reviewing and defining/naming themes. Initial coding was done by highlighting particular extracts that were interesting (Boyatzis 1998), separated by different colours to represent the various different topics that emerged. This was a useful way of organising what was initially a large amount of data by marking recurrent topics and words (Ryan and Bernard 2003). This stage represented an organisation of data into individual building blocks of particular topics; the next stage aimed to bring together blocks into groups of similar colours. At this stage, it was possible to identify themes. Limitations of study It would be nave to think that such a study could be generalised to a wider population (Gomm 2008, Smith 2009). However, it has been argued that although such studies are not generalisable in the traditional sense, they have redeeming qualities which set them above that requirement (Myers 2000). Small scale research highlights the importance of viewing such studies as focusing on discovery, and not proof (Denscombe 1998). The development of managerialism is not unique to the UK (Politt and Bouckaert 1997, Hood et al. 1999, Brunsson and Sahlin- Andersson 2000), and highlights the relevance and necessity of shedding light on management experiences within a paradigm that triumphs managerial prerogative (Thomas and Davies 2005). The sample represent one of convenience, as all but one of the informants were known to the researcher in a professional capacity. Whilst this has been deemed the least credible of sampling techniques (Bryman 2008), it must also be stressed that it was also purposive as highlighted previously. With this in mind it is important to recognise how the researcher’s own views and values can create a bias, particularly as the constructivist framework of qualitative research states that individuals construct their own understanding through experience (Denscombe 2003, Kuper 2008). Rigorous testing of the interview schedule was done to avoid any bias by recognising and removing leading questions. Ethics It was necessary to follow well established protocol within the university school, as well as the local council to ensure that the study was carried out in a way that was ethically sound. This firstly involved completing an ethical level one self audit, as well as qualitative appraisal tool identified in literature (McLaughlin 2007). It was important to gain informed consent from the interviewees, and discuss the extent and manner in which absolute confidentiality was to be achieved. Contingent confidentiality (Dominelli 2005) is more commonly discussed in social work, as it is necessary to spell out the precise conditions this would need to be broken, such as a criminal offense being disclosed, however this was not the case in this study. The local council’s policy on research meant that the research design was scrutinised to glean what use this had. Indeed the request form specifically states answer â€Å"What benefit will the dissertation offer to the council, if any?†. The question better asked would be â€Å"What benefit will the dissertation offer social work?†, as the organisation would arguably benefit if their goals were parallel with social work. Social work as a profession risks having its own priorities sidelined for those of employing organisations, and although workers are accountable to their organisation, social work’s struggle with developing an evidence base (Marsh and Fisher 2005) highlights the need to build a solid research infrastructure that informs best practice (Davies et al. 2000, Trinder 2000). The council procedure involved providing information on was to be interviewed and the interview schedule itself. As was briefly discussed earlier, having to tell the council who was being interviewed and the impact this has on anonymity is questionable; indeed the impact of tighter ethical and regulatory frameworks for social work students and having a research capable workforce are well noted (Dominelli and Holloway 2008). Arguably, social work research should place ethics at the centre of what it aims to achieve, and this is well noted (Hugman and Smith 1995). This is particularly important as ethics are or at least should be at the centre of practice. What this raises are issues of accountability for the researcher that mirror those of workers and managers as is discussed in the following chapters. As a social work researcher, to whom am I accountable? The current research governance framework (Department of Health 2005) has been seen to focus more towards accountability to funder s and regulators as opposed to anybody else (Dominelli and Holloway 2008). How this affects larger research projects is unclear, but as an ethical researcher, since I was unable to guarantee the anonymity of further informants it was decided that a sample of six was enough. How this subsequently affects participation is interesting but unfortunately not within the scope of this particular piece of research. References Anastas 2004 Arksey, H., Knight, P. T. (1999) Interviewing for social scientists: An introductory resource with examples. Sage. Askeland, G. A. and Payne, M. (2001) â€Å"What is Valid Knowledge for Social Workers?† Social Work in Europe, 8 (3): pp. 13-23 Becker, S. Bryman, A. (2004) Understanding Research for Social Policy and Practice: Themes, Methods and Approaches Bristol, The Policy Press Bledsoe, S., Bellamy, J., Mullen, E. Shlonsky, A. (2005) â€Å"From concept to implementation: Challenges facing evidence based social work† Evidence and Policy 1, pp. 143-151 Boyatsiz, RE. (1998) Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development Thousand Oaks, Sage Butler, I. (2002) â€Å"A code of ethics for social work and social care research† British Journal of Social Work 32 (2): pp. 239 -248 Braun, V. Clarke, V. (2006) â€Å"Using thematic analysis in psychology† Qualitative Research in Psychology 3, pp. 77 – 101 Bryman, A. (2008) Social research methods 3rd edition Oxford, Oxford University Press Bryman, A. (2012) Social Work Methods (4th Ed.) Oxford University Press Cheetham, J. (2000) â€Å"The importance of research in the education of care professionals† in Pierce, R. and Weinstein, J. (eds) Innovative Education and Training for Care Professionals. A Providers Guide London, Jessica Kingsley Connelly, M. and Harms, L. (2012) Social Work: From theory to practice Melbourne, Cambridge University Press Davies, MB. (2007) Doing a successful research project: Using qualitative or quantitative methods Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan Davies, H.T.O., Nutley, S.M. and Smith, P.C. (eds) (2000) What works? Evidencebased policy and practice in public services Bristol, The Policy Press Denscombe, M. (1998) The Good Research Guide for Small Scale Social Research Projects Buckingham, Open University Press Department of Health (2005) The Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care London, Department of Health Dominelli, L. (2005) â€Å"Social work research: Contested knowledge for practice† in Adams, R., Dominelli, L. and Payne, M. (eds) Social Work Futures, London, Palgrave/Macmillan Dominelli, L., Holloway, M. (2008). Ethics and governance in social work research in the UK. British Journal of Social Work, 38(5), 1009-1024. Gomm, R. (2008) Social Research Methodology: a critical introduction, 2nd Edition Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan Herr, K. and Anderson, G. (2005) The action research dissertation: A guide for students and faculty London, SAGE Publications Hugman, R. Smith, D. (1995) Ethical issues in social work: an overview London, Routledge Knight, P. (2002) Small Scale Research London, SAGE Publications Kuper, A. (2008) â€Å"Critically Appraising Qualitative Research† The British Medical Journal 337, pp.1035 – 1043 Lewis, J. (2003) â€Å"Design issues† in Ritchie, J., Lewis, J. (Eds.) Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage. Marsh, P. and Fisher, M. (2005) Developing the Evidence Base for Social Work and Social Care Practice London, Social Care Institute for Excellence. McLaughlin, H. (2007). Understanding social work research. Sage. Myers, M. (2000) â€Å"Qualitative research and the generalizability question: Standing firm with Proteus.† The qualitative report, 4(3/4): pp. 1-9. Neuman, W. (1997) Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches 3rd Ed. Boston, Allyn and Bacon O’Leary, Z. (2004) The Essential Guide to Doing Research London, Sage Payne, G. Payne, J. (2004) Key Concepts in Social Research London, Sage Rubin, A. Babbie, E. (2007) Essential Methods for Social Work California, Thomson Higher Education Ryan, G. Bernard, H. (2003) â€Å"Techniques to Identify Themes† Field Methods 15, pp. 85-109 Shaw, I. (2003) â€Å"Cutting edge issues in social work research† British Journal of Social Work 33, pp. 1268-1282 Sheldon, B. Chivers, R. (2000) Evidence-based Social Care: A Study of Prospects and Problems Lyme Regis, Russell House Publishing Smith, R. (2009) Doing Social Work Research Berkshire, Open University Press Thurlow Brown, N. (1988) The Curate’s Egg. Unpublished conference paper. North East Essay Mental Health Trust Trinder, L. (2000) ‘Evidence-based practice in social work and probation’, in L. Trinder and S. Reynolds (eds) Evidence-based Practice: A critical appraisal, Oxford: Blackwell Science, pp 138-162.

Mohandas Gandhi`s life and Accomplishments :: essays research papers

Mohandas Gandhi Leo Peters Section 567-01 Mid-Term Paper This Essay will be about the life and accomplishments of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. And will also discuss Civil Disobedience. Throughout history most national heroes have been warriors, but Gandhi ended British rule over his native India without striking a single blow. A frail man, he devoted his life to peace and brotherhood in order to achieve social and political progress. Yet less than six months after his nonviolent resistance to British rule won independence for India, he was assassinated by a religious fanatic. Gandhi was one of the gentlest of men, a devout and almost mystical Hindu, but he had an iron core of determination. Nothing could change his convictions. This combination of traits made him the leader of India's nationalist movement. Some observers called him a master politician. Others believed him a saint. To millions of Hindus he was their beloved Mahatma, meaning "great soul." Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on Oct. 2, 1869, in Porbandar, near Bombay. His family belonged to the Hindu merchant caste Vaisya. His father had been prime minister of several small native states. Gandhi was married when he was only 13 years old. When he was 19 he defied custom by going abroad to study. He studied law at University College in London. Fellow students snubbed him because he was an Indian. In his lonely hours he studied philosophy. In his reading he discovered the principle of nonviolence as enunciated in Henry David Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience," and he was persuaded by John Ruskin's plea to give up industrialism for farm life and traditional handicrafts--ideals similar to many Hindu religious ideas. In 1891 Gandhi returned to India. Unsuccessful in Bombay, he went to South Africa in 1893. At Natal he was the first so-called "colored" lawyer admitted to the supreme court. He then built a large practice. His interest soon turned to the problem of fellow Indians who had come to South Africa as laborers. He had seen how they were treated as inferiors in India, in England, and then in South Africa. In 1894 he founded the Natal Indian Congress to agitate for Indian rights. Yet he remained loyal to the British Empire. In 1899, during the Boer War, he raised an ambulance corps and served the South African government. In 1906 he gave aid against the Zulu revolt. Later in 1906, however, Gandhi began his peaceful revolution. He declared he would go to jail or even die before obeying an anti-Asian law. Thousands of Indians joined him in this civil disobedience campaign. He was imprisoned twice. Yet in World War I he again organized an ambulance corps for

Database Integration :: essays research papers

1. System Architektur Folgende Tools werden von uns fà ¼r verwendet, die es uns erlauben unseren Partnern eine sichere E-commerce Là ¶sung anzubieten.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Apache Web Server  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mod_SSL – Ein Modul fà ¼r SSL (Secure Socket Layers)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  OpenSSL – Open Source Toolkit (benà ¶tigt fà ¼r Mod_SSL)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  MySQL – Ein SQL Datenbank-Server  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  PHP4/Zend – Eine Server Sided Scripting Language Diagramm 1; System Architektur 2. Datenbank Integration Um den Kunden online Preisvergleiche anbieten zu kà ¶nnen, mà ¼ssen wir unsere Partner integrieren. Dazu benà ¶tigen wir eine Datenbank, die uns erlaubt die Politzen zu kalkulieren und es Ihnen ermà ¶glicht durch unser Back End die Daten mit einem Klick zu erneuern. Zur Integration der Datenbank mà ¶chten wir folgende Schritte vorschlagen:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Festhaltung Ihres Datenbanksystems  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Eruierung der Variablen die fà ¼r die Kalkulation benà ¶tigt werden  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Erstellung der Datenbank die Sie zum uploaden verwenden kà ¶nnen (Praktisch werden in der bereits bestehenden RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) neue Tabellen erstellt, die die Variablen zur Berechnung enthalten. Sollten sich Tarife à ¤ndern kà ¶nnen Sie dann selbstà ¤ndig Ihre Daten erneuern (Back End))  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Entwicklung des Back End (siehe 3. Das Back End) Systems Diagramm 2; Datenbank Integration 3. Das Back End Das Back End ermà ¶glicht es unseren Partnern Ihre Datenbank selbstà ¤ndig up-zuloaden. Dafà ¼r entwickeln wir eine Userplattform, in der Sie mit einem Username/Passwort – Erkennung Ihre Datenbank uploaden kà ¶nnen. Weiters checken wir Ihre IP – Adresse um sicher zu gehen, damit niemand anders Zugriff auf die Daten hat. Das Back End ist eine Webseite, auf die unter der URL http://www.versicherungsmarkt.at, mit einer anderen Portnummer (:2001) auf die mit den Sicherheitsdevicen zugegriffen werden kann. Username/Passwort – Erkennung  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Die Username/Passwort – Erkennung wird mit PHP4/Zend erstellt, und ermà ¶glicht es Ihnen im Gegensatz zu einer Apache – Erkennung „auszu-loggen.â€Å"  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Es ermà ¶glicht uns die Zugriffszeit zu limitieren. Zum Beispiel, wenn jemand fà ¼r im System eingeloggt ist und die Seite fà ¼r 30 Minuten nicht gebrowst hat, wird bei erneuten Zugriff eine Username/Passwort – Erkennung verlangt.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Die Erkennung erfolgt pro Seite. Sie kà ¶nnen auf Seitenbasis bestimmen, fà ¼r welche Seiten eine Erkennung zu erfolgen hat. Checking IP – Address Durch das Checken der IP – Adresse kà ¶nnen wir sicherstellen, dass nur bestimmte Rechner auf das Back – End Zugriff haben.

Needs and Concerns of New France Essay

I am writing to you on the issues and needs of New France. Some of the concerns and needs are, the on going war with the Iroquois, population, and industry in agriculture. The Iroquois are a grand part of concern on our people in New France. Presently there is war going on amongst us and the Iroquois. Our people are afraid to go hunting or fishing. If the people are not able to hunt or fish New France is going to struggle because there will not be enough food to be provided. We will also fall behind in fur trading. Since the people are frightened we can not go on exploring lands as it may be risky because of the Iroquois. The Iroquois do not let us cross their lands, so we can not get to our preferred destination. So being in danger of the Iroquois had its disadvantages such as, being afraid so we are not able to hunt or fish, not exploring further, and not getting to our specifies destination. The population in New France is struggling with men and women. I am trying to motivate our people by giving them rewards for marrying and giving birth early. If they do not they will receive penalties. In New France we are in need of more women. So they can get married and give birth. This will increase New France’s population, and you will not have to bring in more females after that. Also there are not enough residents to occupy Canada and live in it. This is a big issue if France wants to gain power and control over other land. So I suggest that before we get more women I ask if you could send in more people to New France. In addition the population has increased in men rather so then women. This again is a problem. So again our concerns are that we are lacking women, there are not enough people in New France to later expand to a big country Canada, and more men increased then women making the population gender wise unbalanced. New France also has to develop its own agriculture and industries. In New France there is a need for agriculture businesses. In the agriculture businesses we need to organize transportation to carry crops and livestock. This will also make it easier to deliver. Another need for New France is to become fewer dependant on France, in terms of supplies, food, people, and etc. Our growing industries are also beginning to drain out France’s finances. Since we are asking for too much and not giving back enough. We should receive a loan to start of industries or to improve on them to provide us with necessities which after we trade or sell and pay off the loan. So, there is a need for agricultural businesses. New France to become more independent and our industries are beginning to drain out France’s finances. You’re Majesty now that I have stated the concerns and needs for New France which are, the on going war with the Iroquois, population problems, and agriculture and its industries. I hope you will take into account the needs and concerns and hopefully come up with solutions. Thank you for taking your valuable time on this letter.

A Mother’s Love to a child

As a mother I have cared and tried to push my son†s education so that he can succeed in his life. I came from a large family in Brazil. I wasn†t the only child; I learned to share, how provide for myself, and for my 3 sisters, and 3 brothers. My father was a serious man; he had a job, and still came home to provide for all of us. During dinnertime he insisted that everyone had to be home and had to sit down at the table and talk about their day. This was a must in my family too. The reason why he had that rule was because he was a religious man, and meals should be shared with the family as well as conversations. No one had any choice of not sitting at the table, unless we didn†t want to eat. When I had a child, I waited for the right time to have one. I didn†t want to rush into motherhood responsibility until I had everything in order to support my child. My husband had to find a job, and so did I. We had a house, a car, and jobs to support my child; we were ready. When my child was born, I chose to go to the United States of America, so that my child can have a better life. In Brazil, the education is not challenging, and not recognized in other parts of the world as a higher education. For him to have a better education, a better standard of living, and for him to have what we never had, we had to give up our lives in Brazil. As the years went by I was always there for my son. Through my eyes as he grows older, he is still the little boy that I held in my arms for the first time. In his teenage years I have seen him grow further away from me. Every day when he gets home he goes to his room without talking to me, or saying anything about his day. I guess that is what all kids go through in these years, because of the stage of exploration of new things in life. Like driving, video games, girls, and puberty. I still love my son, and even if he doesn†t want to talk to me then I guess he has everything in order in his life. He is very intelligent, and I trust that he knows what to do, and do the right thing. I have noticed that he hasn†t come to me to say if he has had any problems in school. I guess to me he has no problems going on, or maybe he has it in control. I have always said to him every time he comes home, how was your day Miguel? He would always say, it was ok. When I heard that my son was having problems in reading, I was shocked. I couldn†t believe my bright boy was having such problems. I tried my best to make him study more, and succeed in life. Now it looks like he needs help in reading, and I am going to be there for him. The teacher told me that he had to memorize a book in order to pass the class. I was with him every day when he got home, helping him to study and memorize the story. When the day came for him to tell the story, I was waiting for him at home. When he got home, I looked into his eyes and he said â€Å"Mom, I did it. I passed! † I was so happy, and I knew he could do it. From that day on, I have never doubted my son on what he can do. He is a bright young man, intelligent, respectful, and responsible when it comes to work that is given to him.