To Be A Working Mom Essay Example for Free

To Be A Working Mom Essay A baby changes the lives of parents, most especially, the mothers. A mother may intend to work or may decide to stay at home and take care of his children. For moms who stay at home, work appears to be less important than it used to, while working moms believe working would benefit the financial conditions of the family. This issue has become a controversy in most families all over the world, and mothers are are torn about whether to stay at home or work for the family. Mothers who are earning money from work could improve the financial condition of the family. A working mother can buy her children toys and nicer things or even enroll her children to a better school (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?, 4). Children may more likely become mature and independent and could also gain more respect and satisfaction to what he or does or achieves in school. Moreover, the mother’s daily interaction and mental stimulation positively affect her personal growth as a woman (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 4). Therefore, ambitions are fulfilled and make her become a better mother. However, working moms could miss an opportunity to witness special events in their child’s life. She will feel the hurt whenever she leaves her child crying, giving the mother much worries and anxiety (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 5). A mother who works and leaves her child with a family member or a household helper feels the sadness when that person becomes closer to her child and sees the happiness of her child’s firsts. Besides, a working mother might want to be with her child knowing she cannot, therefore, neglecting the emotional needs of the child.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mothers who prefer to stay at home and take care of her children have more quality time spent and can always attend the needs of her child, such as being sick or doing difficult assignments. Babies who are well taken care of and have been watched over by their mothers are guided correctly and feel more secured. Children more disciplined and have good values and attitudes towards other people (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?, 3). According to some psychologists, babies who are separated from their mothers become troubled during his or her adolescence and have less chances of excelling in school (Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work, 2). A child could appreciate the sacrifices her mother has made when he or she grows up. In contrast, a stay-at-home mom would lead to reduced income of the family. The family may only afford a small house and could not afford to buy a car (Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home, 4). The mother will have less social interaction and intellectual stimulation is hindered. Every mother has a choice. Either work for the family’s financial stability or take care of the child at home. In my opinion, a mother who prefers to stay at home has a greater achievement than mothers who are successful in their profession. No award or career achievement could ever replace the joys of a mother who has disciplined, loving and emotionally secured children. A child who is nurtured and has enough attention and love by her mother succeeds emotionally and socially. The father could work for the family, or the mother could get a home-based job in order to cope with the family’s financial needs. The sacrifices of every mother who chooses to stay at home and surrender her aspirations as a career woman is a lot more fruitful than working mothers. Whether a mother prefers to work or stay at home, she must always give importance to the needs of her child. A child’s values and success reflects the priorities and thinking of a mother. Works Cited: â€Å"Should You Go Back to Work or Stay at Home?† Smart Momma. 2005. 20 July 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.smartmomma.com/work_career/go_to_work_or_stay_home.htm â€Å"Stay-at Home Mothers vs. Mothers who return to Work.† Developmental Psychology   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Student Netletter. 2002. 20 July 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d46/psy/dev/Spring02/infancy/homevswork.html

Organisations and People Management Report Nationwide Building Society

Organisations and People Management Report Nationwide Building Society Nationwide is Worlds largest Building Society and one of the major players in the U.K. banking sector. Having one of the seven group members as an employee of Nationwide Building Society, this management report has been developed to critically evaluate certain aspects of Nationwide. In this report, we have wished to brief our readers about Nationwides business strategy, structure, culture, management and leadership. This will be followed by a conclusion of the groups review about the chosen organization and finally certain recommendations will be made. Index Contents Page 1. Introduction a. Terms of reference 3 b. Background 3 2. Methods a. Data collection methods 4 b. Issues and challenges 4 c. Analysis 4 3. Results a. Overview of corporate strategy business goals 5 b. Explanation of organisational structure 8 c. Analysis of organisational culture 11 d. Critical evaluation of Management Leadership practices 14 4. To end with a. SWOT analysis 17 b. Recommendations 18 c. Conclusions 18 5. References 20 6. Appendix-1 22 7. Appendix-2 23 8. Appendix-3 24 Organisations People Management Report Introduction Terms of reference: This report aims at providing an overview of Nationwide Building Society and critically evaluates its business strategy, structure, culture, leadership and management. The findings shall present some key features of the organization. Some recommendations provided at the end shall help the management of Nationwide to improve certain practices. Background: Nationwide Building Society, started its journey back in 1946 as carrying the name Provident Union Building Society in Ramsbury, Wiltshire, in 1848 it moved in Northampton as the Northampton Town and Country Freehold Land Society and finally in London as Co-operative Permanent Building society in 1884. Thriving on well-over 160 years glorious history and over hundred mergers, it has become the third largest mortgage provider and second largest savings provider in the UK. More significantly, Nationwide is the largest building society in the world (History (Nationwide Building Society, 2010)). Today Nationwides portfolio consists of over fourteen million customers, total assets over  £200 billion and over 900 outlets countrywide. Being the largest building society in the world (Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09) Nationwide also thrives with its mutual heritage which made the enterprise unique among other financial industries in the marketplace. The CEO, Graham Beale described Nationwide Building Society in the following way in Corporate Responsibility report (2008/09, p.2): Being a building society makes us fundamentally different from the big banks we compete with. We dont have shareholders, we are owned by our members. So you set our agenda. Methods Data collection methods: To make this venture less difficult, we had an early start with regular group meetings every Wednesday 4pm at room M5 or Main Arts building. Minutes for each meet were maintained. In-depth qualitative and few quantitative data were obtained through a personal interview with a senior Branch Manager, personal observation (and one of our group members personal experiences as a nationwide employee), internet and company publications. Theory and ideas were culled from several books, journals and websites. Issues and challenges: This report is the product of combined efforts of all our hearts and minds and has been framed within a month. Due to limited time and fund, we could gain access to mostly branch level information. After a struggle for appointment, we had been able to explore Nationwide through a senior Branch Manager at local branch. No sensitive questions were asked and no rules were violated during the research process. Analysis: A pure qualitative analysis has been made with a combination of exploratory and descriptive approach using the following process suggested by Saunders et al (2009, p. 489-490) Summarizing : condensation of meanings Categorization : grouping of meanings Structuring: Ordering of meanings using narrative. Results Missions: To describe companys mission large companies publish a statement called mission statement which comprises of organisations purpose and general direction that they are going to follow, its guiding values, principals and goals (Lynch, 2000). Adcock et al. (1995, p.298) provide a comprehensive description on business organisations mission statement which as follows: A mission statement indicates how that organisation intends to fulfil main business objectives while recognising the legitimate interests of other stakeholders such as customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities in which the organisation operates. Hence the mission statement carries a significant value for the organisation in terms of companys business, service, and goals; it has to be dynamic, transparent and easy to understand by all classes of stakeholders, otherwise it could create a confusion among colleagues and customers alike (Trapp, 1999). In light of above argument Nationwides mission statement is below: As a UK based mutual we exist solely for the benefit of our members. We help them and their families meet their financial needs in a sustainable, responsible and secure way as we have done since 1846, in a manner that is open, honest, and fair. (Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09, p4) Since a financial organisation, Nationwide clearly visualizes its mission by aforementioned statement; which is dynamic, transparent and easily understandable to all; especially about its history (1846), organisation structure (mutual), services (financial needs), qualities (sustainable, responsible and secure), accountability (members) and business strategy (open, honest and fair) and goal (meeting customers financial needs). Nationwides intention is not only generating asset and profit from the business, but also sharing its profit and providing world class financial services to better off its customers in an open, honest, fair and amicable atmosphere; where customers feel valued and secured to conduct their financial businesses. Goals: Mullins (2002, p126) describes the goals of an organisation are the reason for its existence. The activities of the organisation are directed to the attainment of its goals. A goal is a future expectation, some desired future state. It is something the organisation is striving to accomplish. Goals can be described number of ways; such as, the overall purposes of an organisation, the execution of specific requirements, and so on. The core difference between functions and goals of an organisation is, goals are more specific and they are determined by the inputs and outputs of that organisation. Goals can also be named as objectives that every organisation tends to achieve (Mullins, 2002). Goals create a number of functions for the organisation to accomplish. Such as firstly, goals provide a certain standard in organisational structure which help the staff-members to figure out the way of performing their necessary activities, and also help the management to find out the right direction of planning and decision-making towards success. Secondly, goals help to determine the technology that will be compatible with organisations structure to perform all activities securely and smoothly. Thirdly, goals can help reward systems to motivate and drive staff-members of the organisation to accomplish their individual and group tasks. Finally, goals can represent the organisation to the external clients; can evaluate the organisation for further improvement (products and services); also can help to set objectives as well as policies for the organisation (Kast and Rosenzweig, 1985). Being a financial organisation, Nationwide sets up its corporate goals on annual basis (April to following years March). Every year they run a seminar, called Employee Corporate Cascade to indicate corporate plans and goals. According to Employee Corporate Cascade conference presentation (2010) Nationwide declared its business goals based on customer, market positioning, income, profitability, efficiency, capital and liquidity which are as follows: Becoming number-one in customer service satisfaction position; Keeping position on as third largest mortgage and savings provider, obtaining 10% of main current account and 5% of other products provider in the whole UK retail banking market and generating profit contribution of  £50m+ for each business line; Generating Non-margin profit by 50%; Raising  £1bn+ profit in year 2010/11; Gaining cost income ratio 49%; Maintaining core tier1 (a regulation implemented by Bank for International Settlements on banks capital adequacy requirement to continue its business) solvency ratio of 12% or more. Comply with Individual Liquidity Guidance. Above goals are clearly drawing a sketch on Nationwides future and desired expectations; which will assist the management to frame out proper business strategies towards achieving its goals. Business strategy: According to Huczynski and Buchanan (2007, p 524), the direction in which an organisation moves is influenced by the decisions that are made about its strategy. Business strategy is a part of the corporate strategy of the company which related to companys business divisions. Tilles (1969) discuses the importance of having an explicit business strategy to expand the company, he explains without having a certain strategy it is difficult to integrate co-ordinated action with industrial effort. In addition, there are number of other good reasons for company to have an explicit business strategy. Firstly, for making people to or-ordinate each-other to achieve goals with mutual effort; secondly, for changing companys environmental conditions (Mullins, 2002). Without a proper business strategy the company runs like a ship without a captain; nobody knows where to go and what to do. In that situation members of the company may start working cross-purposes; top management may not be able to communicate with lower management who is suppose to drive the employees to set up their target towards the goal. If company continues in absence of a proper business strategy, the survival of that company may be in question. However creative effort is necessary to create a strategy; moreover, to make a strategy successful it may require adapting different methods in behaviour as well as basic change in the way of interactions among managers (Johnson and Scholes, 1998). Being the largest building society in the world, Nationwide is always well ahead with its business strategy which is one of the main instruments of its ongoing glorious success. Nationwides vision is to plan ahead for longer period rather than shorter term, because in short period of time the implementation of new strategy may not acquire proper success. However, Nationwides managers follow a flexible attitude in their business strategy; as they may amend the strategy if necessary. According to Corporate Responsibility report, 2008/09, in September 2009, Nationwide has set up its three years business strategy which includes three core strands. Such as: becoming the full service provider (for, mortgages, lending, savings, consumer banking, insurance, investments, protection and wealth planning); becoming a challenger brand in the U.K. financial market; offering traditional mutual (member-oriented) delivery model in business. From above discussion, it is tangible that Nationwides business strategy is absolutely explicit about what they want to achieve; which helps managers and employees to plan towards its goals and acquiring the successes accordingly. Organisational Structure Various academic literatures have defined the term organizational structure in various ways: As a framework in which organizations achieve their goals or as a division of activities in an organization and how they can be coordinated. However despite these varying views, most cooperate organizations will agree that structures exits to maintain procedures. According to (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p.446)the definition of a structure is a formal system of task and reporting relationship that control, coordinates and motivates employees so that they work together to achieve organizational goals. Mullins (2002, p.530) also defines it as the pattern of relationships among positions in the organization and among members of the organization. Structure makes possible the application of the process of management and creates a framework of order and command to which the activities of the organization can be planned, organized, directed and controlled. Martinsons and Martinsons (1994) say ther e are three types of organizational structure; Functional, Divisional and Matrix Organizational Structure, in which one of these structures is relevant to Nationwide. Functional Structure: This structure depends on groups functions that are present in an organization. This type of structure originates from the beaucratic structure. It is most affective when there is division of work in the organization. Whats more this kind of structure creates the environment for specialization which helps in the functional areas and which helps to smoothen the progress of synchronization among its members (Martinsons and Martinsons, 1994). Divisional Structure: It is adopted by firms when they want to broaden their business and spread their product line. Based upon its different product or market, the company divides into separate units. Pascale (1990) explains the company breaks upon its operations into manageable units or little companies, which then operates under a mechanistic structure. Matrix Structure: This employs both the functional and divisional type of structures allowing a downwards control of its functional departments and coordination of its department. Since its a hybrid of two structures, it has two lines of authority with employees reporting to two bosses. (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007) Organizational structure helps in identifying the pattern of communication in an organization. The existence of a structure communicates the rules and regulations to the employees, as they are informed as to what is required of them in relation to their jobs. It also makes clear the rewards that are available to deserving employees, in terms of promotion etc. as well as elaborating the goals and objectives of the organization. Secondly, structures also identify authority and responsibilities associated with it by clarifying who makes the decision and who is accountable to whom. Decision making and information sharing is effectively carried out with the appropriate structures in place. When decisions are taken from top management, it is easily dropped down to the lower level management. In the same way the feedback from employees and lower levels easily get back to top management, which leads to job satisfaction. Finally, when the right organizational structure is implemented, it serves as a source of competitive advantage that can accrue economic efficiency and productivity for the organization. As rightly said by Drucker (1989, p.223) Good organization structure does not by itself produce good performance. But a poor organizational structure make good performance impossible, no matter how good individual managers may beà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.to improve organizational structure there for improve performance. Nationwide as an organization believes and recognizes the need to have a good structure to increase productivity and profitability. This is captured in Nationwide Chief Executives annual meeting report. There is no doubt that strong management and sound leadership really make a difference and are important qualities to get right in an executive team. Having the right structure in place to support the delivery of our corporate plan is critically important to our success (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008/09). Please see Appendix-1 2 for full Organizational Structure Chart and current Management Structure of Nationwide. Nationwide is a mutual society, with its Headquarters in the U.K. It is one of the largest financial companies which deal with a number of profitable products with different customers. Nationwide as an organization implements the Functional form of structure. In this structure there are a number of boards of directors who play key role in the management of Nationwide, but do not interfere in the day to day activities of the society. They deal with major issues concerning Nationwide when it is deemed necessary. However, when it comes to the day to day running of Nationwide the Chief Executive is the one with such responsibility, he occupies the highest position in the hierarchy, with a number of executive directors who are accountable to him. They are, Chris Rhodes (Executive Director Group Product Marketing), Matthew Wyles (Executive Director Group Distribution), David Rigney (Executive Director Group Operations), Mark Remison (Executive Director Group Finance), Tony Prestedge (Executive Director Group Development) and Maxine Taylor (Divisional Director Corporate Affairs) (Management (Nationwide Building Society, 2010)). Beneath these departments are sub units, however attention will be given to the Executive Director and Group Distribution Department and its sub units, since the structure is the same for the various departments. This department has the Divisional Director who operates Branch Network, with assistance of the Regional Directors, Area Directors, District sales Managers and Branch Managers. All work at different levels of the hierarchy as represented by the organizational chart in Appendix-1. This enables Nationwide to assess how well these sub units perform; and if performance doesnt show satisfactory, managers can decide to take right approaches that need to be taken. Functions of key Departments: The Cooperate office headed by Maxine Taylor have the responsibilities of ensuring Nationwides vision, its strategy, goals, values and plans so that it workers can be motivated to give of their best performance. In its media relation and member engagements, it is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the name and image of Nationwide is well managed in the media, as Nationwide is U.Ks largest building society. This department also manages the Nationwide Foundation charity for the community, as it is committed in making a difference to peoples life. Nationwides Group Finance and Risk with Mark Rennison as the Executive Director are keen to ensuring that their financial objectives are achieved within the set time frame. This they do by ensuring that the Society performs favorably in the financial market and also managing any risk that may arise. They also look out for opportunities such as partnership, merger, and acquisition by investigating the financial benefits before any corporate decisions are taken. Division of Labor and Communication: In Nationwide each department has its own policies to control its day to day activities, even though rules are regulated from the top of the hierarchy. This enables the various managers to take charge of their departments, with the subordinates in those departments accountable to them. This type of structure allows the different departments to function independently but then reports directly to the CEO. The structure also enhances the communication pattern in Nationwide by enabling the various departments at all levels to engage in decision making and problem solving process. Coordination: In Nationwide, each department has given the autonomy to carry out its activities. However, each director in his given department is responsible for coordinating these various activities in his/her department in order to be productive. Nationwide has the Group Product and Marketing Department headed by Chris Rhodes. This department has the sole responsibility of developing products that will add value and meet the needs and expectations of their customers; thus the department needs to coordinate the various activities of its sub units .i.e. Banking, Lending, Investment, Insurance, Business Strategy Marketing Division in a harmonious manner, to achieve its departmental goals.. Organizational Culture For all of the enterprises the organizational culture has been regarded as one of the core competitiveness of corporation. It plays an important role in the process of construction and development of enterprises. As a rising management concept, the organizational culture can determine and influence the behavior of their workforce, members and visitors. Distinctive ethos of enterprises which include the values, beliefs and various patterns of behavior that forms in a long-term development of corporation. It endows the enterprises with vital force which can be a basic element that makes corporation survive, develop and become stronger in the future. However, the meanings of organizational culture may very in different enterprises. Generally, organizational culture can be defined as the collection of relatively uniform and enduring values, beliefs, customs, traditions and practices; which are shared by an organizations members, learned by new recruits and transmitted from one generation of employees to the next (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p. 623). Additionally, in Scheins (1985) Three Levels of Culture theory, the organizational culture can be considered from three levels which include the following steps: Surface manifestation of culture: The surface manifestation of culture is a visible form of culture which can be seen, heard or felt (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007, p. 625). For instance, the visible form of culture can be regarded as the organizational structure, system, and procedure which can be a norm of organization to condition or influence the behavior of employees. As the most reachable aspect that can be observed by people, the surface manifestation of culture can also help enterprises to transmit a message to their members, visitors and customers by the operating direction, the societal image and the belief of the organization (Huczynski and Buchanan, 2007). In the case of Nationwide, the surface manifestation of culture can be reflected by their operating direction. Nationwide offers products and services including savings, current accounts, loans, mortgages, insurance and so on, which belongs to banking and financial services culture. Moreover, being a mutual organization, Nationwide has its particular corporate banking and financial culture which has been reflected in its aforementioned mission statement. Therefore, the core element which makes Nationwide quite different from any other banking organizations is the meaning of the members. The meaning of members can be explained as that once a person opens an account, he or she becomes the member of Nationwide. Hence Nationwide always considers its customers first due to its mutuality model because Nationwide does not have any shareholder and is oriented by its members. Therefore the goal of its operation is to generate profit and share that profit among the members offering world-class service, cheaper rate on borrowing, more return in investment and so on. According to the chart-1, it is tangible that Nationwides culture based on its CR strategy which comprises of four core elements. Such as, first: improving customers financial capability and become a responsible lender; second: supporting, helping and encouraging members in housing; third: implementing ethical choice in business to save environment, in particular reducing carbon foo tprint; fourth: engaging employees and members to support communities. Chart-1: Nationwides Corporate Responsibility Strategy The corporate values: The corporate values are the core of enterprise culture. It can be defined as operating philosophies or principles that guide enterprises internal conducts as well as its relationship with the external world. Core values are often shown in the mission statement. Based on Scheins (1985) three levels of culture, organizational values have been deemed as the second level which comprises of all sorts of public advocacy values; including mission, purpose, behaviors and standards which support the surface manifestation level. In addition, Peters and Waterman (1982) pointed out that values always combine with enterprise success and many relevant important elements which are staffs, skills, style and strategy. At the same time, values are offered a general direction for all the staffs and affect their behaviors. At Nationwide, one of the specific features is its mutuality. A mutual organization is based on the principle of mutuality. Unlike the co-operative society, members in mutual organization usually do not contribute any fund to the corporate directly; nevertheless the members derive their rights towards profits. Over 160 years of development, Nationwide has become a powerful society. Due to modern mutuality, it forms its unique traditional values to the customers. Banks pay back millions to their shareholders, where as Nationwide shares millions with its customers. Nationwide operates its strong organizational culture called Putting customers first which is based on five distinct values (Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008/09): Open: The Company is an inclusive organization membership that is open to all, and all of their members have a say in how the company run. Nationwide arranges the annual general meeting (AGM) every year which ask for members to take part to express their opinion. Each member can do this by voting on a series of issues. Fair: Nationwide treats customers fairly by offering better rewards those who entrust company with more of their businesses. Responsible: Nationwides business model is low risk, stable and sustainable. They safeguard customers money and data at all times. Unlike traditional business model of investment banks, Nationwide pursuits of low risk and stable in the process of development. Committed: Going the extra mile and taking level best care of customers are traditions of Nationwide. Nationwide always keep its promises, In Corporate Responsibility Report 2008/09, CEO, Graham Beale mentioned we say what we are going to do and then do it. Adult to adult: Nationwide believe in adult relationships. They dont patronize, rather they treat people as equal. Due to the modern mutual with values, customers are also owners who always reserve some special rights, notably the voting right. These are rights that people dont have if they are only customers of other ordinary bank. Customers in Nationwide have the opportunity to assist shaping how Nationwide to run. Each customer can observe whether Nationwide is treating customers equally and offers fairness, low risk, stability, sustainability in its products and services. The core value is obviously that putting customers first in Nationwide. Organizational Management Business Dictionary (2010) defines Management as Organization and coordination of the activities of an enterprise in accordance with certain policies and in achievement of clearly defined objectives. It includes the functions of POSDCORB (Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Co-ordinating, Reporting and Budgeting) and also managing the organizational culture and structure discussed previously. Often seen as one of the factor of production, the approach to management adopted differs with the size and function of the organization. Except the military and a few government and private bodies, most companies today are following the modern approach to management due to the various drawbacks of traditional management style like strict result orientation, use of fear force to get the work done, no care or importance given to employees interests, well-being and so on. Now the companies understand that the basic function of management of any service organization like a bank revolves rou nd the well being of the human resources both the officers and workmen staff  working within. (Sen Gupta, 2009) Banking is one of the most prominent among the 12 services classified under the services definition of GATS (General Agreement on Trade of Services). Nationwide certainly has a good hand over banking and being a large sized Building Society, its day-to-day management is primarily in the hands of the senior management team along with a large number of committees all under the power of the Board of Directors. The policies formulated by this Board of directors are implemented by the Chief Executive. With Centralized decision making in place, Nationwide takes good care of its employees and makes sure that they retain the best ones permanently. (Read Bolton and Gold, 1995, Career management at Nationwide Building Society using a soft systems approach.) Simple motivational techniques like praising the employees for the job saying well done; providing training when the performance is not satisfactory; offering good working conditions and facilities; running employee welfare programs; sendin g  £30 as Christmas surprise gift to every employee; and even a simple thank you makes a considerable difference in their performance. Another factor influencing the performance of a building society is market competition which has intensified over time especially in terms of savings and mortgages. Snape, et al. (1993) suggested the integration of business strategy and human resource strategy as a solution to this problem. They also mentioned that a more dynamic market, with a stronger emphasis on sales performance, placed new demands on employees, and many societies responded by espousing the ideals of human resource management. Bartel (2000) in her study confirms that Human resource management related actions have the potential to improve branch level performance in banking industry, but concludes by saying that even though all managers in a bank are given a formal set of human resource policies, they appear to have considerable discretion in their application. A lot of organizational performance also depends on the type of leader; his practices and they way groups are made and function. Groups in Nationwide: According to Nationwide Corporate Responsibility Report, 2008-09, Nationwide is classified into a large number of groups ranging from Branch Network, Intermediary Sales and Corporate Accounts, Business Planning and Research, Internet Channels, Telephone Channels, Channel Integration, Integration and Operations, Regional Brands and Regional Brands Branch Network. The Product and Marketing Division works in close liaison with these teams to build a high performance culture as the teams pull out all the stops to deliver an outstanding customer experience. These teams work in isolation towards achieving vital synergies that lead to significant reduction in their costs and improvement in sales performance. Leadership Business Dictionary (2010) def

Uncertainty in Illness Theory Analysis

Uncertainty in Illness Theory Analysis UNCERTAINTY IN ILLNESS THEORY MIDDLE RANGE THEORY ASSIGNMENT BYÂ  STEPHANIE MORRIS Background and credentials Merle Mishel strives to enhance patient outcome and care during uncertainty by identifying uncertainties and addressing them. Mishel has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Boston University and Master of Science in nursing from the University of California. She also has a Master of Arts degree in psychology and a postgraduate degree in psychology (Bailey Stewart, 2014). Mishel had an experience with uncertainty via her father. Mishel’s father had colon cancer and his experience influenced her to develop the theory of uncertainty in illness. Mishel’s father was not able to understand what was happening to him and was unable to cope with the disease. Mishel’s father tried to control some aspects of his life while dealing with uncertainty of his disease. Mishel started focusing on uncertainty after she began her doctoral study in psychology. Her dissertation focused on the development of uncertainty measures and testing of the measures (Polit Beck, 2008) . She developed the theory of uncertainty in illness to understand how patients can deal with uncertainty caused by their illness. Mishel described the patients experience as ambiguity over uncertainty. She developed a scale to test perceived ambiguity in illness and later renamed the scale to Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale (MUIS) (Bailey Stewart, 2014). Middle range nursing theories provide clear guidance for nursing practice and they are less conceptual and abstract as compared to other theories (Alligood, 2014). The uncertainty in illness theory is considered a middle range theory as it fits into the definition above. Mishel used scientific and empirical evidence to develop the theory and the MUIS tool (Bailey Stewart, 2014). Theoretical source and empirical evidence Mishel used empirical and scientific evidence to develop the theory. Study findings on uncertainty were used to develop the antecedents of the uncertainty in illness theory. Research in cognitive psychology and uncertainty in diseases was useful in developing the antecedent concept. The appraisal concept was developed utilizing clinical data and discussion with friends. Clinical data showed uncertainty was a preferred state in some situations. She also used empirical evidence on stress and coping to develop the theory (Liehr Smith, 2014). Primary sources Mishel used different sources to develop the theory of uncertainty in illness. She combined research in different areas including managing dangerous events, cognitive processing and uncertainty. She used studies published before on stress and coping that examined uncertainty as a stressful event. She reevaluated her previous concept and used existing models from Warburton (1979). She used various different other studies and research such as Budner’s (1962) study which analyzed a certain event as the cause of uncertainty. Mishel significantly considered the stress-coping-adaptation method of Lazarus and Folkman (1984) in her theory. (Bailey Stewart, 2014). These theorist’s views influenced how she viewed uncertainty as a cognitive state instead of an emotional response, and helped her to examine uncertainty as a complex cognitive stressor. Basic considerations The main concept in the theory of uncertainty of illness is uncertainty. Uncertainity is the lack of ability to determine the meaning of events related to a disease. For instance, patients are unable to determine the outcomes correctly and assign value. Another concept is cognitive schema. Cognitive schema is an individual’s subjective interpretation of events related to the disease. There are three major themes related to the concepts identified above (Polit Beck, 2008). They include antecedents of uncertainty, appraisal of uncertainty and coping with uncertainty. Antecedents of uncertainty refers to things that happen before the disease experience that impact the patient’s thinking. They include pain, perception and earlier experiences. Appraisal of uncertainty entails placing value on the uncertain circumstance. Coping with uncertainty refers to activities the patient uses to deal with the uncertainty (Liehr Smith, 2014). Mishel has discussed the metaparadigm concepts in her theory including the environment, health, nursing and person. A person is an individual who experiences uncertainty in diseases. The uncertainty affects interpersonal relationships as the body changes. The environment refers to the healthcare environment where the theory is applicable. Uncertainity caused by diseases affects a patient’s health and patients should develop coping mechanisms to cope with the uncertainty. Healthcare professionals use MUIS tool to identify areas of the disease that are causing uncertainty. Then they address the areas to help the patient develop coping mechanisms that will enhance his health. Nursing is aimed at helping patients and families comprehend uncertainty in diseases and learn new ways of life. Nurses play a critical role in helping patients understand uncertainty in diseases and cope (Liehr Smith, 2014). Mishel made various assumptions when developing the theory. She assumed uncertainty is a cognitive state that represents insufficiency of a current cognitive schema to support the interpretation of events related to a disease (Polit Beck, 2008). Besides, she assumed that uncertainty was a neutral experience not harmful until it is appraised as harmful. She also assumed that individuals can cope with uncertainty in diseases and hence improve their outcome and quality of life. She also claimed that people do not function in an equilibrium state and they need time to concentrate on self. Thus, they are unable to incorporate the uncertainty into their view of life if there is not enough time (Liehr Smith, 2014). The uncertainty in illness schema consists of different themes related to the main concepts. The themes are antecedents of uncertainty, appraisal of uncertainty and coping with uncertainty. The antecedent theme comprises of stimuli frame, structure providers and cognitive capacity. Stimuli frame refers to the form and structure of the stimuli an individual perceives. The stimuli frame consists of symptom pattern, event knowledge and event congruence (Polit Beck, 2008). Symptom patterns imply the extent to which symptoms have a pattern. Event familiarity is the extent to which a situation has recognized cues. Event congruence implies the consistency between the expected disease related events and the events experienced. Cognitive capacity and structure providers impact the stimuli frame. Cognitive capacity refers to a person’s ability to process information (Liehr Smith, 2014). Logical Form The development of nursing theories should follow a logical process and must be in line with the underlying objectives (Polit Beck, 2008). Concepts and sub concepts should be clearly stated and described consistently without ambiguity. The uncertainty in illness theory is well developed as the concepts are clearly presented and easily understood. After Michel reexamined her concept in 1990 the uncertainty of illness theory became deductive due to her using qualitative studies and chaos theory. These research studies lead her to change the direction of the theory. The theory now states that people’s uncertainty is always changing due to major life events and illnesses (Bailey Stewart, 2014). Relationship to Research, Education and Advanced Practice in Nursing The theory of uncertainty in illness can be applied in different areas including education, nursing research and advanced nursing practice. The theory is used in advanced nursing practice to address uncertainty in different diseases and hence patient concerns regarding their diseases. This improves their outcome and quality of life. Patients learn how to cope with uncertain events by understanding the disease process. The theory can be applied in nursing research as it helps researchers understand experience of patients with chronic and terminal diseases (Polit Beck, 2008). The uncertainty in illness theory has been used in studies that focus on uncertainty related to cancer to understand sources of uncertainty in the population how to resolve them. It also used in education to equip nursing students with knowledge and skills required to understand disease uncertainty and coping mechanisms. Implications The uncertainty in illness theory has implications on advanced nursing practice. The theory influences caring of patients as it permits nurses to offer information to patients and families with uncertainty about the disease. Nurses are supposed to provide support to patients and families with uncertainty about their diseases. As a result, patients become emotionally and physically healthier and have strength to cope with the disease. The empowerment offered to patients and families enables them view life differently and increases quality of life (Liehr Smith, 2014). The uncertainty in illness theory can be used to care for a cancer patient the theory is useful in helping a cancer patient cope with the disease and eliminating uncertainty. Cancer can lead to stress because of the uncertainty around the disease, treatment and side effects. Cancer patients are unable to understand events related to the disease and these results to uncertainty and negatively impact their health. The theory can be used to help the patient understand the disease situation and make meaning and thus participate in the plan of care. Therefore, the theory is useful in educating the patient about cancer and addressing their concerns (Liehr Smith, 2014). Summary Merle H. Mishel’s theory of Uncertainty in Illness was initially focused on the person’s ability to resolve uncertainty. Although, she reevaluated and added the notion that uncertainty may never resolve, but will become part of the person’s identity and affect their perceptions and quality of life. The uncertainty in illness theory is essential in transforming patient care and experience. The theory helps patients understand uncertainty related with their illness and address the causes of uncertainty. They developing coping skills and hence are able to cope with the disease. The concepts are clear and well described. The theory can be used in nursing practice, nursing research and education as it is easy to understand and apply. References Alligood, M.R. (2014). Nursing theorists and their work. (8th ed.) St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc. Bailey, Jr., D. E., Stewart, J. L. (2014). Uncertainty in Illness Theory. In M. R. Alligood, Nursing Theorists and Their Work (8th ed., pp. 555-573). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. Liehr, P.R.., Smith, M. J. (2014).Middle range theory for nursing. New York, NY: Springer Polit, D.F. Beck, C. T. (2008).Nursing research. Philadephia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins Appendix A: Schematic

Soil Spatial Variability of Fluoride as Affected by Land Uses Essay

Abstract— Fluoride (F) is an essential element for life. At low concentrations, it is generally believed that fluoride deficiencies can arise, but at high fluoride concentrations other deleterious effects can certainly transpire. This study was conducted to evaluate F content and its spatial variability in Isfahan province. This area covers different land uses including agricultural, industrial, urban and uncultivated lands. Two hundred and fifty five topsoil samples (0- 20 cm) in a study area of 6800 km ² were collected. Total fluoride and water soluble fluoride were measured. The results of this research showed that two forms of soil F were controlled by intrinsic factors such as parent material and extrinsic factors such as fertilization. The total fluoride concentration in 96% of the data was less than the globule suggested average (200 mg kg†¾Ã‚ ¹) and water soluble fluoride concentration in 72 % of the samples exceeded the suggested averaged(0.5 mg kg†¾Ã‚ ¹). Key words- water soluble fluoride; total fluoride; kriging; spatial distribution I. INTRODUCTION Fluorine is one of the essential micronutrient for both human and animals. It is present in soils, rocks, water and the biological chains of animal and plant lives [13]. The F concentrations vary in relation to many factors such as geogenic and anthropogenic processes. A large number of industries emit F in atmosphere, including brick and tile manufactures, steel and aluminum manufacture and the production of phosphoric acid, super phosphate fertilizer and elementary phosphorus [9]. Application of phosphate fertilizers, sewage sludges and some pesticides also bring F to soil [6] but the majority of any added F becomes fixed by one or more of soil components [11] and F may... ...ater soluble fluoride in the soils were 100.7 and 0.9 mg kg†¾Ã‚ ¹, respectively. Also, the results of this study show that the urban and agricultural activities have significantly increase the concentration of F in surface soils of the study region. The application of phosphate fertilizers and sewage sludge and some pesticides in our study agricultural land bring fluoride to the soil. On the other hands, in urban and industrial regions, fluoride is brought to the soil surface by fall out of particulate fluorides and through absorption of fluorides in rain and snow. But the soils in central Iran are alkaline and calcareous. So, most of the added fluorides to the soil is either effectively fixed by the soil component such as clay, Ca and P. Anthropogenic activities were an important factor controlling the spatial distribution of soil F concentration.

Miscarriage of Justice Essay -- sensational criminal trials

Arguably three of the most sensational criminal trials in American history are the Commonwealth vs. Borden, California vs. Simpson and Los Angeles vs. Rodney King. All three of these cases received unprecedented amounts of media attention and verdicts from the jury that shocked the country. In my opinion justice, especially social and moral justice, was not achieved in these trials. Social class, race and gender all had a huge impact on the jury’s decisions in each of these cases. High priced defense attorneys were able to place reasonable doubt in the minds of the jurors despite the substantial amount of evidence proving the seemingly obvious guilt of Borden, Simpson and the Los Angeles Police department. This paper will focus on these criminal trials and the fact that justice or moral rightness was not achieved by the outcome of the jury verdicts. The trial of Lizzie Borden, in June of 1893, captivated the nation. It was covered extensively in newspapers throughout the country probably, in part, because it was extremely rare for a woman to commit a horrific act such as the one she was accused of. Being from a wealthy family that outwardly seemed happy and normal, made it very difficult for people to believe that a woman with her background could be responsible for the bludgeoning death of her father Andrew Borden, a predominate member of town, and her stepmother Abby Borden. The police, however, came to the conclusion that the Borden’s murderer must have been someone within the home since the house was otherwise untouched, nothing was missing and there was no sign of any commotion. The only person having both the motive and opportunity to commit these murders was Thirty three year old Lizzie Borden. Here are some intriguing fa... ...ing was awarded a 3.8 million dollar settlement. This case, however, will surely haunt the LAPD indefinitely and caused further contention between an already distrusting, leery minority population and law enforcement. In conclusion, these extraordinary criminal trials hold their place in history as some of the most palpable miscarriages of justice. In all three cases, it is almost impossible to comprehend the enormity of the evidence convicting each of the defendants. These trials prove that people’s intrinsic preconceived notions regarding the way in which certain people are apt to behave can have more of an influence on an individual’s opinion than solid evidence. I believe the defendants discussed in this paper were guilty of the crimes brought against them. It is a shame that our court system allows procedure and regulation to take precedence over justice.

Junk Food Research Papaer

It too can be tied in with so many children eating junk food and fast food. There are many reasons that American children suffer from obesity, like not eating healthy meals at home or school, no one to prepare healthy meals for them or simply, love to eat fast food and junk food. Despite limited evidence, there is a growing concern that junk food in schools has contributed to the childhood obesity epidemic. The IBM (body mass index) is a collected weight and height measurements of children who are overweight by eating fast food and junk food.They can run down to the local corner tore and grab chips and a coke for a meal which can lead to unhealthy results later. Studies have shown, that junk foods can lead to certain illness and diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fatigue and even different types of cancers. Can relate to the serious disease, type II diabetes too well. My father and my late husband was diagnosed with the disease. Watched both my father and my husband gorg e on junk foods and unhealthy foods, then go give themselves insulin shots. I never understood the irony of that concept.Overtime, high levels of sugar and carbohydrates in junk food can lead to type II diabetes. Type II diabetes occurs when your pancreas makes little or no insulin, which help keeps your blood sugar level in the right range for your body. Having type II diabetes can potentially lead to other health risks if the blood sugar level gets too high and too often. High blood sugar levels can also have serious effects on your blood vessels by thinning the lining of them. Believe it or not, thinning blood vessels can lead to heart attacks and stoke in people.One of the main reasons that some men have erectile dysfunction is because the thin lining that the blood vessels and could be an early sign of something more to come. Because junk food doesn't contain the protein or complex carbohydrates that your body needs to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, your blood sugar le vels will drop suddenly soon after eating. You'll crave sugar and likely end up eating more junk food. Over time, this stress damages your body's ability to use the insulin secreted by your pancreas.A healthy diet can help maintain your body's insulin sensitivity. You may wonder if you have to give up all fast food once you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Common sense says that fast food is not likely to be on the preferred foods list for people with diabetes. A typical fast food breakfast can put you at or over your daily limit for fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates. There are, better choices you can make to get the nutrition you need and take advantage of fast food's convenience. First of all, fast food doesn't have to mean eating the fatty offerings.Planning ahead is the key. Many fast food chains now feature healthier choices to eat and these are the restaurants you want to go to grab a quick and fast healthy meal. Doesn't seem like high blood pressure and diabetes go h and and hand. High blood pressure is also one of the leading cause and major risks of heart attacks and strokes. Fast food contains unhealthy amounts of sodium and fat, which can negatively affect blood pressure. About 90 percent of Americans eat too much sodium, according to the Centers for Disease Control.It's estimated that Americans eat on average 3,300 milliards of sodium each day, which is more than the recommended intake of 2,300 milliards, according to the CDC. Roughly a quarter of the sodium you eat comes from restaurant foods, estimates the CDC. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into the arteries (blood vessels) which carry the blood throughout the body. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is above the normal range. In most cases, no one knows what causes high blood pressure.What you eat can affect your blood pressure. Controlling your sodium intake is particularly c ritical as you get older, since blood pressure increases naturally with age. The risk of high blood pressure more than doubles once you reach age 35 and over. A single high fat, fast food could meal have a negative effect on blood pressure, according to a study published in â€Å"The Journal of Nutrition† in April 2007. In the study, healthy participants et two fast food meals containing 42 grams of fat on separate occasions, or two low-fat, non-fast food meals.The high fat, fast food meals caused blood pressure to rise and the heart to beat faster, compared the group who ate a low-fat meal. This data supports evidence that excess fat, particular saturated fat, contributes to sustained high blood pressure, according to the study. As you can see, national studies show how junk food can really be a negative substance to the body, no matter how good the taste.. Have you ever notice that you tired and fatigue, but you're getting plenty of est. every night, could junk food make yo u lazy or does being lazy make you eat junk food.Let's find out which one is more than other. A new study finds eating too much junk food doesn't only make you fat, it may also make you mentally slower or less motivated. At least that seems to be true in lab rats. New research from UCLA points found that eating sugary, processed, and high-fat foods can actually cause tiredness, a lack of motivation and decreased performance, according to a study published in the April 10 issue of Physiology & Behavior. In a study, thirty-two female rats were placed on one of two diets for six months.The first was a standard rat's diet of unprocessed foods like ground corn and fish meal. The second was made up of highly processed foods that included substantially more sugar, similar to a human junk food diet. After three months, the 16 rats on the junk food diet became much fatter than the others and they got lazier too. As part of the study, the rats were given a task in which they were required to press a lever to receive a food or water reward. The rats on the junk food diet demonstrated impaired performance, taking longer breaks than the lean rats before returning to the task.In a 30-minute session, the overweight rats took areas that were nearly twice as long as the lean ones. After six months, the rats' diets were switched, and the overweight rats were given the more nutritious diet for nine days. This change, however, didn't help reduce their weight or improve their responses. The reverse was also true: Placing the lean rats on the junk food diet for nine days didn't increase their weight noticeably or result in any reduction in their motivation on the lever task.These findings suggest that a pattern of consuming junk food, not just the occasional binge, is responsible for obesity and cognitive impairments. Have you heard of the term: you are what you eat? Well a person that eats fast food and foods that are high in fat and sugar tends to have a higher risk of contractin g bowel cancer. Although those high levels fast foods. Even though cancer us usually caused by genetic damage that happens inside an individual cell. There are so many different types of cancer that one can have like, skin cancer, blood cancers, colon cancer and even infectious cancer diseases such as AIDS.Some cancer can be contributed to high levels of fat in diets and unhealthy meals. Cancer is caused by a number factors, some of which we can control, and mom we cannot. One of the uncontrollable factors is the presence of gene mutations. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (APPC) recently filed suit against seven major restaurants and fast-food chains in the State Of California. McDonald's, Burger King, Chick-fill-A, Chili's, Applause's, Outback Steakhouse and T. G. I. Friday's. The reason for the suit?These companies are knowingly serving food containing carcinogens without a health warning to the consumer. The APPC commissioned an independent laboratory to test gr illed chicken products from California outlets of all seven chains. Pulp (one of a group of carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines) was found in every grilled chicken sample provided for testing. Heterocyclic amines were added to the list of known carcinogens in 2005 and Pulp specifically has been on the California governor's list of chemicals known to cause cancer for more than a decade. Grilled chicken can cause cancer and consumers deserve to know that this supposedly healthy product is actually just as bad for them as high-fat fried chicken,† says APPC President Neal Bernard, MD. â€Å"Even a grilled chicken salad increases the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer and other forms of his lethal disease. McDonald's, Burger King and Wend's were accused in a lawsuit of selling chicken they know contains a chemical that can cause cancer even in small amounts. McDonald's, the world's biggest restaurant company, and the other dining chains were sued in a state court in Hartford, Connecticut.The complaint, filed by Washington based Cancer Project on behalf of two Connecticut residents, seeking a class action lawsuit on the behalf of people who bought or ate the grilled chicken from October 2006. It's time to consider that the only way fast-food restaurants will start sharing our growing concern for healthier eating choices is if we stop going. It's time to seriously consider the risk to ourselves and our children, and weigh those risks against the â€Å"convenience† being offered by fast food. We have other options.Fast food is not the only choice for busy parents. If you have a busy life and can't believe there are other option Fast food is relatively cheap, comparing with traditional food. It may cost as low as a few dollars with no service charges or tips at all. It is highly accessible, which many of those fast food restaurants open 24 hours a day 7 says a week with no prior reservation required, and is ready to serve as soon as when people have just finished their orders. People have the choice of to dine in, take away or even drive through for their meals.These advantages, which fit and match the city life style seamlessly, make fast food so attractive and irreplaceable. However, as the raising awareness of people's health in recent days, fast food has been accused as one of the major harms to a healthy life. Fast food, usually serves with oversized hamburgers and fries, contains excessive fat, both trans-fat and non-trans fat, causing serious illnesses such as obesity and earth diseases, and beverages, like cream soda and coke, contains overdosed sweetener, is one of the major reasons causing diabetic.Moreover, preservatives and flavor enhancers mixed into those frozen ingredients would significantly decrease the nutrition value of the meals. In conclusion, fast food is definitely quick, cheap and highly accessible. It is always ready on the fly, and seems to be a very good and simple option when people hope to squeeze their packed schedules for some time. However, people might mistakenly overlook the quality of food, in particular ingredients and nutrition facts, and jeopardize and risk their health.

An Online Business Expansion Proposal Essay

Dancy’s Fancy Butter is a local, singly owned and operated butter/spread. This business is located in Jacksonville Michigan. The operation started out from a simple request from a friend who wanted to buy the Garlic butter for a party. It was then that Anna Dancy realized the family and friend’s favorite dinner addition was a possible money making venture. The actual business side was at first a bit taunting. Anna had never run her own business, nor had she worked in food service or distributing food. There was a lot to learn that went way beyond the product. She purchased a mobile kitchen unit, and started creating her butter spreads. It was not long before the Health inspector paid her a visit. She was fortunate that she was giving solid advice as to how to move forward with rules in running a food service business. The holdup was minimal and it gave her time to actually prepare for bring her product to a larger customer base then family and friends. Farmer’s markets are the primary selling place for Dancy Fancy Butter. The product is made and kept preserved in the mobile kitchen, and then Anna and family helpers travel thought out the Jacksonville region setting up at Farmers Markets. It has been a great success. Now that she has a year under her belt, and with family and friends living outside of Jacksonville and the state of Michigan Anna Dancy had decided that she wants to explore expanding her internet presences and move into selling and shipping her product to a wider market. The advantages in today’s market for placing access to your product and services online are numerous. For Dancy Fancy Butter being online will open up an opportunity for a larger population to see the products offered. There is an international customer base available into Canada with the location of the company in Michigan. The possible challenges to building an online presence for this company will be assuring there is up-keep for everything from the website through the social media outlets. The online presence is bound to bring in more clients, the significance will be made clear and the management of the online environment will align with the overall goal to be successful in this endeavor. Current Online Competition The online completers that come up in a basic search for butter, butter spread and organic are, Home Earth Balance (http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/), Melt Up! (http://www.meltdirectnow.com/), and Bryanna’s Vegan Butter (http://vegan.com/recipes/bryanna-clark-grogan/bryannas-vegan-butter/). Earth Balance is an off shoot of the Smart Balance products whose parent company is GFA Brands, Inc. so even though this is an natural butter spread, it is still a part of a large company. The website is well organized, and has several appealing features such as a Recipe section and Kitchen Tips. There is not a ecommerce or shopping cart, so the product is only available in stores. The next company Melt Up! is an organic butter spread. The website is very basic. It does have a shopping cart and ecommerce. The site offers a newsletter and runs and RSS syndication on its front page. This sight is a good set up if you are familiar with the product. The third website like or close as a competitor is Bryanna’s Vegan butter. This site is connected to Vegan.com (http://vegan.com). It is more of a blog site. If the site does allow you to buy products, however it takes you off to Amazon to complete your purchase. This websites do have similar products as Dancy Fancy butter, however they are not homegrown, home town products. The advantage to Dancy Fancy butter is it will carry a local feel to all who visit the website. Online Marketing Suggestions and Strategies Three online strategies that are planned for the rolling out Dancy Fancy Butter online expansion will be an email campaign, a Facebook group for the company and third will be content strategy of building Cooking Tips videos for the website.