Women And The Workplace English Language Essay

Women And The Workplace English Language Essay In many societies in the whole world women were patronized and viewed as the weaker sex. Women are commonly perceived of not being fit to go to work and because of societal pressure and expectations retreat to a life of raising children and cooking meals at home for their family. This has become a very important issue and the biggest workplace challenges facing women today revolve around gender. Females are earning less than their male counterparts doing the same kind of work or job, encountering with the glass ceiling in the workplace, balancing their families and career, and what will it take to establish a work environment where gender is a non issue, has always been a challenge for them. Objective of this paper In this paper we will try to study the main factors which cause inequality in the workplace between men and women. Most women have difficulty advancing in the corporate world because of the gender differences. There are several factors that lead to the failure of women to be successful. For example, if a man demands his proceeding employees to complete a certain task harshly, almost in a barking manner, each employee will listen to him and will do the work immediately. However, women have to find a different way to place these demands so that she will not seem as harsh or rude. The question is, do they really have to try so hard? Throughout this paper, gender is classified as men or women for convenience. We will try comparing the work of each gender within the workplace and try to find out the differences. We will also try to reason out the challenges that women are facing and find the ways to which they can overcome them, and to examine how the gender roles for women in the workplace have changed or they havent. Literature Review Heilman and Welle (1998) conducted a study whereby the effects of gender diversity initiatives on the perceptions of competence were examined. Carol Gillian wrote, In a Different Voice, where women were struggling to find their place in the corporate World. Two of their biggest challenges involve the glass ceiling that still blocks women at many companies from advancing to their full potential and the formidable task of balancing career, family and personal lives, says Heather Shea in her article. Lahle Wolfe wrote in her book of how Women Can Overcome Challenges in Business and theWorkplace. Methodology Primary Data: The instrument being used here in this paper is the questionnaire. Population: Because of the geographical, time and money constrain, methods of a simple random sampling of a number of people in Delhi which were selected and thus the element of the target population has an equal chance of being selected into the sample. Sample size: A sample size of 30 respondents was taken into account. Secondary Data: Relevant secondary data was gathered from authenticated websites and books. Discussions Each business of corporation involves using gender at the workplace and each individual has their own responsibilities and goals. Even though most people think that the man has the dominant role in the workplace, it is women who do not get full credit and appreciation that she deserve for the work she has done. Even if the women have high recognition in the workplace and has achieved a high level of acceptance, it still seems as if the men won all the glory. The effects of this gender stratification and differences have taken its toll in the corporate world. Most women admit that there is something within themselves that prevents them from advancing to a higher position. However, if the working environment were to be equal then women would feel confident within themselves to take a step up and show the work force what they are all about. The gender diversity was not taken seriously into consideration and most companies have very little knowledge on how to take advantage of it, despit e many efforts to increase diversity of workforce over recent decades, the number of female in the workplace has remained disproportionately low. Although it may not be true for every country, in the USA women now represent approximately half of the working population, while in the UK women constitute just over 50 percent of the total workforce and considerable evidence has been gathered that these women are mostly in the executive level positions. According to leading US research organisation Catalyst, there is a difference between companies that managed to take advantage of gender diversity and those companies that did not. It is therefore very important that organisations should take a closer look at the issue of gender diversity internally within their workforce which will impact the working condition in the workplace. Gender diversity within the workplace was revealed in a study by Heilman and Welle, that gender diversity was a consideration in group member selection increases stereotyping. This gender-role stereotype reflects how peoples perceive the differences in the personality traits and behaviours related to the persons gender. While social change over the past 50 years has been widespread, research has shown that it has not been followed. Although there was a dramatic increase in the number of women participating in the labour force has taken place in the past decade, women have played a secondary role in that work force since the ancient civilization of man. The value of women was and still is viewed as less than that of a man. Traditionally a womens role in society was that of raising children and handling the duties of the household but now most women want and desire careers and their own place in this world. They want to stand on their own two feet, become self-sustaining individuals an d become independent and free of others limits. In todays world, it has become clear that women in all careers are striving to gain equality in the work force. There are many issues that still surround women in the workplace and for a long time women have been at a disadvantage when it came to competing with men. Women were not given the educational opportunities that the men were given and women were stereotyped into certain jobs. For years this discrimination has been fed by gender bias and proven by the fact that women entering the workforce have been paid less than a man for doing the same job. Even though women in the workplace have had the odds stacked against them, they manage to make great contributions towards the organisation that they are working with. Through determination, women have been the driving force in the enactment of laws to protect not only themselves but others in the workplace. These laws are designed not just for protection from gender discrimination but al so protection from discrimination based on marital status, pregnancy, race, disabilities, sexual preference and age. This gives women the ability to break out of the gender roles that were created for them by society long ago. Organisations actually learned from women. In todays workplace women have a unique role that has evolved over the last twenty years. In the past the feminine ability to nurture and to be empathetic were frowned upon or seen as weak. But today, businesses recognize the importance of these softer skills in managing teams, leading, mentoring and developing trust among clients. Today both men and women enter the workplace with a different set of rules. The natural skills that Gillian described in her landmark book, the ability to be empathetic, the ability to listen, the tendency to put people before results were considered negative. In fact, Gillian wrote, Psychologists tended to regard male behaviour as the norm and female behaviour as some kind of deviation from that norm. What Gillian discovered was that men and women played differently as boys and girls. These games led to normative behaviours that transcended into the workplace. What she particularly found was that men were more concerned with rules and women about relation ships. Todays workplace values teams and team work. Teams are built on trust, strong communication, listening, and rapport building. What we have learned over the last 20 years is that bringing women and their unique abilities into the workplace, combined with the male tendency toward competition and results created a longer-lasting and more profitable work environment. Once women stopped trying to be men and instead maximized their strengths, everyone benefited. Lets look at some of the things that have changed in the workplace as a result of a feminine/masculine environment: Teams. There are more teams and teams are the norm. If one cannot work on a team, he/she cannot work in a corporate world. Mentoring and Coaching Programs. Women recognized the need to help other women become successful at work. At first they developed informal mentoring programs for themselves. Now, most companies have mentoring programs or coaching for all new employees. Self-Assessments. Many companies are doing more and more self- assessments to help people learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. Win/Win Leadership. In the past the goal was Win/Lose. In fact the kind of manager who got results regardless of the people he left behind was admired. Today, we search for consensus and opportunities to build relationships through win/win. Most marketing materials target benefits. How can I help youbefore a product is ever sold. Social Consciousness. Many organizations and companies look beyond their products to the impact of that product on the world. Organizations identify these companies. Being environmentally, internationally and socially conscious has become a symbol for the most successful companies. Women have set the pace for a workplace that no longer eats people up, but welcomes them as individuals with a heart, a soul as well as two productive hands. The rules have definitely changed. Work-Related Challenges This is a great time for women in business. There are more opportunities available than ever before, and a high demand for people with leadership, management and marketing skills. At the same time, however, women continue to face challenges in getting ahead, achieving the recognition they deserve, and integrating the career and personal life they most desire. Two of their biggest challenges involve the glass ceiling that still blocks women at many companies from advancing to their full potential and the formidable task of balancing career, family and personal lives , says Heather Shea in the article The Glass Ceiling Those women who can follow a dream or find support within an organization stay long enough. Yet many women reach a point where they feel that nobodys interested in backing or training them. As a result, every 11 seconds, a woman leaves corporate world to start her own business reported The National Foundation for Women Business Owners. The number one reason why, is to pursue their personal dreams. Before making this leap, many of these new entrepreneurs bump up against a glass ceiling in their organization that says, You can advance just this far, but no farther. In fact, too often, instead of cracking over the years, the glass ceiling turn to cement. When women discover they have a harder time than ever moving beyond that ceiling, they ask, Why bother? and move on to create work environments that are more supportive of their goals. Or, these days those who do break through sometimes look around and they dont like what they see which forced them to leave and quit the job. Women need to be realistic about whats holding them back, however. The glass ceiling implies gender issues and these may or may not be the problem. There are other reasons some women dont get promoted. Sometimes, theres a skill they need to learn or a person they need to know, who can help them. There are other reasons women leave companies, too. Maybe theyre not having fun anymore because opportunities are becoming more limited. Whatever the reason, when women feel stuck, its time dust off their skills, look around and reinvent themselves. They need to ask themselves: What is my goal? What excites me? What could I do? What other type of organization might I like to work for? Am I certain I wont run into the same issues there? Do I want to start my own business? If so, they need some self assessment. Starting a company is not right for everyone. Whats the right strategic move? The reality is that while companies are changing, its still going to take more time for the old male-oriented structures to become more woman-friendly. No matter now successful a woman is. Cultural differences remain, and women have to be realistic about how these differences play out in the corporate world. Look closely at how people are treated and promoted within an organisation and Know the gender issues in the environment. Balancing Work and Family. Another major issue for women at work is how to balance work and life. Fortunately, companies are recognizing that part of this balancing-taking care of family matters, including raising children, isnt just a womens issue, but a mans issue, too. Fortune magazine recently ran an issue on fathers at work and the impact that balancing work/family is having on them. Employers also have to deal with the fact that many workers are single parents. This raises many new concerns for women at work. The question for some becomes not only, How do I break through the glass ceiling? But Do I really want to work that hard and make the sacrifices to my family that I need to make in order to break through it? More and more people, including successful and well-known women-and men, are saying, My family comes first. The fact especially that if a single parent and supporter of two young children has definitely influenced the career choices the persons make. It is important for that person to have break fast every morning and dinner at night with his or her children. For a single parent, cancelling major presentations to make sure to show up at the Christmas play or any important event is a common practise in the US. People no longer want to work as a senior executive for a major organization. The strategic move has been to work as a professional speaker with an organization that would give a person more opportunity to be home. From the start, they will have to explain that they will work really hard for an organisation, but whats important also is to spend time with the children. That was a career choice they will have to make. Yes, sometimes making these choices can be career changing, but whats most important is to be true to yourself and your personal priorities. The goal is not to choose work or family. Its to balance and integrate both worlds successfully. Whatever choices ones make, women have experienced that the whole notion of You can have it all in work and life doesnt p lay out quite like they thought it would be. Working mothers, who are actively involved in their families and careers are exhausted. On that note, when balancing work and life, a women have to take care of herself first. Overall, the job market is changing, and more women and men are openly expressing how important balancing work and life is to them. But this is not discouraging because, organizations now adays are discovering that in order to maintain top talent, they have to be family-friendly. Women Role In Society How the society defines a gender is what is the womans role in society is. Men and women are by no means equal. There are always going to be certain attributes of each gender that the other gender cannot duplicate. This does mean that the one is better than the other. Even though we are seeing more and more women succeeding in life than men, our society still defines a woman as unequal. Society has set men and women apart by labeling them. It is common for men to be seen as strong and women to be seen as weak. The society thinks that women cannot do jobs like men do or doesnt fit for them to be; such as firefighters, security force and especially the role of leading a society like a headman, etc and if they do these jobs, the society looks at these women in a negative side because these jobs are masculine and women are not supposed to do these jobs. Furthermore, society defines a woman as a sensitive person; however in order to obtain these jobs, you have to be aggressive and tough a nd a woman is not like that. The gender wage gap is a very objective representation of an accepted form of male dominance, whether it is fair or not. In business, men have always been in control. Now, women are fighting for equality in the workplace. However, our society wants a woman to be a house wife, to just stay home and take care of children. Why should they? They have the right to make their own decisions. If a woman is interested in a job and meets the qualifications that employer requires, she should be considered eligible for that job. The point is that men have treated women as subordinates throughout history because that is what they have been taught by the culture: that women are not equal to men. When it comes to sexuality, the culture still does not defines women as equal. Women should be allowed to do whatever they desire in their heart, just like any men do. I see no reason other than ignorance that woman should be aware of in order to change the societys perception . Challenges For Women At Home And To Overcome Them. If women are going to achieve balance in their lives and be able to have a career and a meaningful life outside of work, they will only achieve it with the good support around them, especially that of their partners. Many men are changing quite considerably around these issues. They are reassessing whether work is the be-all and end-all of everything. They have often learnt it the hard way after a relationship break-up because in the greatest majority of break-ups it is the woman who leaves. She leaves because her needs werent given sufficient weight in the relationship. There are also many young men today who saw their baby boomer fathers make absolute commitments to their jobs only to be retrenched in the later part of their lives by the companies to whom they had given their all. They have learnt from that work isnt everything.These men are much more team players with their women. They understand they are in a partnership and want to work on the work/family balance challenge toge ther, taking their individual and respective needs into consideration. There are, however, still men around with 1950s masculinity, especially in a country like ours, they are happy for their women to work if they can manage it around all their other commitments at home. They expect their working wives to do everything that their stay-at-home mothers did. They expect to have, outside of work, the freedom that their fathers had to do whatever they wanted to do because theyve worked hard all week. Their work is real work. They are the breadwinners. The work their women do is not real. It provides grocery money or school shoe money. When their women get overwhelmed by the responsibility of looking after everyone and everything, these men offer no support except to tell their wives that they will have to leave their job if they cant cope.Many women do because relationships are important to women. But there are other ways around this. Women have to learn how to have those important conversations with the men about teamwork, partnerships and helping one anot her achieve their respective dreams. Challenges For Women In TheWorkplace And To Overcome Them. Women business owners and working women face certain challenges and obstacles that men do not. Working women who have children experience even more demands on time, energy and resources, and women face gender discrimination in business and on the job. But women are not less successful than men, in fact, statistics show that women are starting businesses at more than twice the rate of all other businesses. Women are resourceful, and able to succeed, despite many challenges. Here are ways that women are overcoming the challenges facing women in business. Finding the Right Work-Life Balance For Busy Working Women. Many women struggle with finding better ways to balance work and life and often this guilt comes from outside sources like pressure from husbands, family, and friends. Some women opt to spend more time with their families, while others, like billionaire and super entrepreneur Marilyn Carlson Nelson believe that women should not feel guilty about having a passion for work. Overcoming Gender Discrimination against Women in Business. Gender lines are drawn early, and exclusions for women continue throughout adulthood. Not only are women discriminated against in private businesses, but also by the Federal government. Gender bias begins in elementary school continuing on into college. Even though more women hold higher degrees than men, they are still passed over for jobs that go to less-educated and less-qualified males, and they also receive less compensation than men for the same job. Womens Business Issues and Political Challenges. There are laws that protect women, and laws that hurt women in the workplace and it is important for women to consider how far they have come in legislative changes and how far they have to go. Job Fields and Industries Women in Business Are Dominating. Women do face many challenges including discrimination and are often paid less than men for doing the same job. But there are some industries where women are competing and even dominate. Knowing where women are succeeding can help them decide areas to grow their business and identify obstacles in male-dominated industries. Government Challenges and Resources for Women The Government offers many programs and resources to help business women. But the government is also one of the worse offenders when it comes to discriminating against women in regards to awarding federal contracts. Knowing the resources available to women, this can help them compete better in both the private sector and for Government contracts. Finding Inspiration and Support From Other Business Women on Fire In addition to having a mentor, many women find reading the success stories, tips, and advice from other women who are already successful in business helpful and inspiring. Women in business feature profiles of famous business women, as well as small businesses owned by successful women entrepreneurs, and working moms to encourage you on your own path to success. Analysis of Primary Data From the Primary data collected it is found that 40% of the respondents says that the workplace are changing and there are no gender inequality or women discrimination now in the present workplace. But a different view of the majority of 60% of the respondents admits that Gender inequality still exist now a days. The followings are the different opinions by the respondents during the interview with them. Ritas friend, Jenny Briganza, left her office because Sam Gera, barely a month old in the organization bagged a promotion over her. She quit her job because nobody from her company often made her feel uncomfortable around him. Archita Nayar, an executive with a Delhi based MNC is on the verge of quitting her job. The reason: Her boss recently pulled her cheeks while congratulating her for meeting her monthly targets. Ramakanth Misra, a legal advisor says, In todays world being clueless about your legal rights is not cool, it is like roaming around in a war zone without a shield. As per the Indian legal system women are not helpless at all. They can battle almost any problem under the sun as long as you are aware of their rights. Kamal Mehta, an advocate says, The problem with most women in our society is that they are not aware of their legal rights despite being educated and holding a number of degrees. Atul Gupta, social worker says, Women in our country have ample rights but have been brought up in such a way that they feel scared to raise their voice against injustice. They feel timid to fight back in this male dominated society. Only a handful of them have the guts to file a report or complain. Shalini Jain, HR Manager says, Women feel insecure only because they are ignorant of the power and protection that the Indian Legal System offers them. A number of women suffer at their workplace. Whether it is the corporate world or a small retail outlet, most women have complaints about their bosss inappropriate behaviour. Workplace woes can be sorted out provided you know what to do. Garima Khanna, call centre executive says, I was going crazy at my new office when a group of rowdy boys would corner me whenever they could and bombard sleazy jokes. My boss would never take this seriously. I then made a complaint in writing to the HR (Human Resource) Manager in my organization and immediate action was taken against the lot. Razia Khan, Senior Associate in an MNC says, It was my second job and as per my faith, I had always cover my head with a scarf. My team leader started calling me Taliban just because I was a Muslim. Initially, I ignored his remarks but the teasing continued. I soon realized that his comments were targeted in a communal way. I reported the matter to the ombudsperson in my office and an investigation was carried out in which my Team Leader was found guilty of harassment. Mira Nandi, executive in an event management firm says, I went through a very hard time when my boss hit on me big time. Hed merrily walk past and slap my back or pinch me publicly. I reported sexual harassment and he was fired. Seema Ahuja, a Lawyer says, The Supreme Court says that any act that has a sexual overtone/nature and causes you o feel uncomfortable amounts to sexual harassment. All you need to do is file a written complaint against such behavior to the HR department of your organization and take a receipt for it. There should be a person designated (a woman) to look into these issues as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court as your employer is bound by the law to provide a safe and conductive work environment to all the employees. Another common type of harassment at the workplace is gender bias. If the boss tends to have a soft corner for the male species and treats women like dirt and is even paying women a lesser salary as compared with the male colleagues for the same post and same amount of work done by a women, its high time you read the Equal Remuneration Act to the boss,says Liviana, a Lawyer. Kavita Bishnoi, corporate counselor says, The Equal Remuneration Act is applicable to all employees including those in the private and informal sectors. It states that employees of both genders doing the same or similar work of the same value be paid equal remuneration in cash and kind. Angita Choudhary, trainer in an MNC says, I was infuriated when my boss gave me a call one week after my delivery and said that she was going to fire me because I had not told her that I was planning a baby at the time of joining the organization. It is often difficult to deal with an unsympathetic boss. But even she cant do much about the Maternity Benefits Act. According to the Act a woman is entitled to payment during her maternity leave at the rate at which she was working prior to the leave period. The maximum period of maternity leave you are entitled to is 12 weeks, which can be taken either before or after the delivery. In case of a miscarriage or abortion, you are entitled to six weeks of paid leave. You can only apply for maternity leave if you have worked with the organization for a period of at least 80 days. It is prohibited to employ female employees during the six weeks after a delivery, miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. Conclusion In todays world, stereotypical views about womens suffrage, educational expectations and athletic abilities have all advanced over the years. In many aspects of our society, women are now expected to compete with their male counterparts. Currently, it is not uncommon to hear of a women CEO or Vice President in businesses or even a women politician. Women have now emerged from laundry rooms and kitchens across the country and changed the demographics of the worlds workforce. The best way to safeguard their own interests is to know all about the rights. Sitting with a legal counselor and get to know about it in a few hours is a good way to know all about the rights. Knowledge is power and if Women can make that extra effort to be aware of their rights, this will surely make their future secure at the workplace. After all, it is a choice to work in a healthy atmosphere conducive to growth or take the filth in the name of ignorance and live with it forever. Suggestions This new age mantra is only to remind all the divas that accessing their rights on time shows their smartness and capability of handling themselves. They need to stop feeling sorry for themselves and get rid of the Im the victim sign and fight back. Bibliography Books: In A Different Voice by Carol Gillian How Women Can Overcome Challenges in Business and The Workplace Women in Business Organization: ByJoan Curtis Websites: Articles Women in the Workplace (http://ezinearticles.com/?Women-in-the- Workplaceid=777543) Challenges for Women Leaders (http://womenleadingthefuture.com/blog/challenges-women-leaders-0)

Mental Health Well-being of Dementia Carers

Mental Health Well-being of Dementia Carers Introduction Research is undertaken and applied across many different professions and disciplines, as it offers a basis for increasing knowledge, informed decision making and action (Minichiello, Sullivan, Greenwood Axford, 2004; DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Within the nursing profession research is the link between theory and practice and has influenced many changes to the way that nurses practice (Schneider, Elliot, LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2003). Research has brought about improvements in the delivery of care which in turn contributes to improved patient outcomes (Loiselle, Profetto-McGrath, Poilt, Beck, 2007). Nursing research has made available the best evidence to support and underpin nursing practice as it is currently: this is essential to the achievement of optimum biopsychosocial results for the patient, their family members and their wider community. Furthermore research guides legislation and regulations at a government organisation level (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Da vies Logan, 2012). Health research topic This assignment will explore how research is designed, conducted and applied to investigate and inform the improvement of mental health wellbeing of those who care for people with dementia. In an international study on the global prevalence of dementia published in 2006, experts estimated that there were 24.3 million people with dementia, with 4.6 million new cases of dementia every year, one new case every 7 seconds (Ferri, Prince, Brayne, Brodaty, Fratiglioni, Ganguli Scazufca, 2006). It is estimated that there are 50,000 New Zealanders currently diagnosed with dementia and by 2026 it is estimated to be close to 78,000 (Ministry of Health, 2013). The prevalence of this cognitive disease necessitates research to better understand the effects and implications dementia has on people and society and how society can be better equipped to face the psychosocial challenges dementia presents for those in caregiver roles. Research Paradigms Depoy and Gitlin (2011) define research as â€Å"multiple, systematic strategies to generate knowledge about human behaviour, human experience, and human environments in which the thinking and action processes of the research are clearly specified so that they are logical, understandable, confirmable, and useful† (Depoy Gitlin, 2011, pg. 6). There are two major research paradigms that underpin these systematic strategies, determining how a researcher will ‘think and act’. They are positivist and the naturalistic. A positivist paradigm is most closely allied with quantitative research and naturalistic paradigm is most often associated with qualitative research (Christensen Johnson, 2012, Loiselle et al. 2011). Each paradigm or approach is a perspective on research based on a set of shared assumptions, concepts, values, and practices (Christensen and Johnson, 2012). These two paradigms have two very distinct ontological, epistemological and methodological foundati ons. Quantitative research views the nature of the knowable and the nature of reality as being objective, material and structural. This worldview or perspective is that there is a reality ‘out there’ that is separable and independent from individual. That this reality can be verified and discovered through the scientific method is the fundamental assumption of positivism or the positivist paradigm (DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Loiselle et al. 2011; Christensen Johnson, 2012). The positivist or experimental-type perspective employed by quantitative research primarily follows the confirmatory scientific method because it focuses on hypothesis testing and theory testing (Christensen Johnson, 2012). Logical positivists believe that there is a single reality that can be discovered by reducing it into parts, and discovering the relationships among them. In other words, the logical, structural principles that guide some component of reality can be known. This concept is known as reductionism (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Quantitative researchers typically use deductive reasoning to identify a single reality and generate predictions or hypotheses. They then use a systematic approach, progressing logically through a series of steps, according to a prespecified plan. The researchers use various â€Å"controls† to minimise biases and maximise precision and validity (DePoy Gitlin, 2011; Loiselle et al. 2011). Empirical evidence is rigorously and systematically gathered (directly or indirectly through the senses rather than personal hunches) using tested means. Quantitative information, being numeric information, is gathered then subsequently analyzed and measured through statistical procedures to deduce if a hypothesis is true or false (Loiselle et al, 2011). The hypothesis is confirmed or rejected on the basis of these empirical results. Qualitative research, on the other hand, take the view that as nature of the knowable and reality are mentally constructed by individual, they are multiple, subjective and personal. This worldview claims that reality is not a fixed entity but rather a construction of individuals participating in the research. That reality exists within a context, and many constructions are possible is the fundamental assumption of a naturalistic paradigm (Loiselle et al. 2011; Christensen and Johnson, 2012). Naturalistic inquiry theorists believe that ideas and individual interpretations are the lenses through which each individual knows and comes to understand and define the world. â€Å"Knowledge is based on how the individual perceives their experiences and how he or she understands his or her world† (Depoy Gitlin, p. 26). Naturalistic methods of enquiry attempt to capture these dynamic, holistic and individual aspects of phenomena in their entirety, within the context of those who are experiencing them. Therefore, naturalistic investigators emphasize understanding the human experience as it is lived, usually through the collection and analysis of qualitative materials that are narrative and subjective (Loiselle et al. 2011). Qualitative methods differ from that of quantitative in that procedures are flexible and can be modified to capitalize on findings that emerge during the course of study. Qualitative studies take place locally, in a natural setting, in the field, frequently over extended periods of time. Data collection and data analysis typically progress simultaneously . Consequently, naturalistic studies yield rich, in-depth information that can potentially clarify the multiple dimensions of a complicated phenomenon (Loiselle et al. 2011).t The scope of this assignment is to further examine and analyse quantitative research design and methodology and how it relates to the research of dementia†¦ Quantitative Experimental Design In experimental-type research, DePoy and Gitlin (p. 84) describe design as the plan or blueprint that specifies the procedures used to obtain empirical evidence to determine the relationship among variables of the study. In other words, the design is structured in such a way as to enable an examination of a hypothesized relationship among variables. Generally in quantitative research, hypotheses are constructed from general principles prior to data collection and then tested during the study. Experimental design is therefore well suited to answering questions about cause and effect or causation (Minichiello et al, 2004). The specific procedures actioned to obtain empirical evidence depend on the study and the design method used, but generally quantitative experimental designs involve sampling, data collection, data analysis and reporting. Investigators employ sampling techniques to select a subgroup that can accurately represent a population, defined as a group of persons, elements or both that share a set of common characteristics as predefined by the investigator. The intent is to be able to draw accurate conclusions about the population by studying a smaller group of elements (sample) (Minichiello et al, 2004, DePoy Gitlin, 2011). In quantitative research the collecting of data, quantifying information or measurement is a primary concern. Therefore the researcher must ensure the data instrument used is reliable and valid (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Reliability refers to the degree of consistency with which an instrument measures an attribute and validity addresses the critical issue of the relationshi p between a concept and its measurement. It asks if whether what is being measured is a reflection of the underlying concept (Minichiello et al, 2004, DePoy Gitlin, 2011). The instrument can be one that the researcher designed themself, modified from another study, or an intact instrument that has been used by another researcher (Creswell, 1994). When experimental-type research is conducted, the researcher’s first preference is the selection of instruments that have demonstrated reliability and validity for the specific populations or phenomena the investigator wants to study. As is the case in the quantitative research articles explored later in this assignment. Statistical analysis is an important action process in experimental-type research that occurs at the conclusion of data collection and data preparation. It is at this juncture that data become meaningful, and lead to knowledge building that is descriptive, inferential or associational. From this analysis investigato rs can interpret and summarize data, generalise findings to the population from which the sample is drawn, and make causal statements and predictions (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). That part done. now how to tie this one to the next one below. True experimental design has three distinguishing properties namely; a randomised population sample, an intervention otherwise known as a manipulation and a control group for comparison (Nieswiadomy, 2008; Davis Logan, 2012). By randomly assigning subjects to an experimental group and a control group, the investigator attempts to develop equivalence, or eliminate subject bias, caused by inherent differences that may occur in the two groups (DePoy Gitlin, 2011). Investigators then manipulate an independent variable (IV) so that the effect of its presence, absence, or degree on the dependent variable (DV) can be observed. Manipulation is the action process of manoeuvring the independent variable for example the (IV) could be medication, a teaching plan or treatment etc. (Minichiello et al. 2004; LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; DePoy Gitlin, 2011). The dependent variable is the variable that has changed due to the result of the manipulation e.g. the measured end result (Dempsey Dempsey , 2000; Minichiello et al, 2004). This enables researchers to study ‘cause and effect’ relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; Hedges Williams, 2014). Within the health arena the ‘causes’ are often the interventions or treatments and the ‘effects’ are the final outcomes (Minichiello et al, 2004; Moule Hek, 2011). The control group is the comparison group that receives the usual treatment or care, compared to the experimental one under scrutiny. This ‘true’ experimental design is referred to as a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). RCT’s are considered the ‘superior’ design when investigating cause and effect relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010; Loiselle et al. 2011). This control of variance and over extraneous influences inherent in experimental design allows the researcher to state with a degree of statistical assuredness that the study outcomes are a consequence of either the manipulation of the independent variable or the consequence of that which was observed and analysed. In other words, the design provides a degree of certainty that an investigators observations are not haphazard or random but reflect what is considered to be a true and objective reality. Quantitative experimental designs therefore eliminate bias and the intrusion of unwanted factors that could confound findings and make them less credible (Depoy Gitlin, 2011). Although the true-experiment design is continually upheld as the best design to use to predict causal relationships, being the most ‘objective’ and ‘true’ scientific approach, it may be inappropriate for other forms of inquiry in health and human services. This is because not all research questions seek to predict causal relationships between independent and dependent variables. Moreover, in some cases, using a true-experimental design may present critical ethical concerns such that other design strategies may be more appropriate. this part doesnt quite fit yet. According to DePoy Gitlin (2011) quantitative or experimental type research define four categories namely non-experimental, quasi-experimental, pre-experimental and true experimental. In relation to the chosen articles, experimental design will be discussed as both articles are randomized controlled trials. Should we delete this paragraph? dunno. what does part 2 say about experimental and non-experimental. Depoy Gitlin (2011) suggest that a design in the experimental-type tradition should be chosen purposively because it fits the question, level of theory development, and setting or environment in which the research will be conducted. The next part of this assignment will examine two such pieces of research demonstrating purposeful use of experimental design in the specific research of curtailing psychosocial effects such as depression and mental health wellbeing of caregivers caring for someone with dementia. Experimental Research Examples The research articles chosen to critique are both RCT’s. Both are trials investigating the wellbeing of family caregivers of people with dementia. The objective of one study was to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention of a home based training programme supporting family caregivers with a family member who have dementia. The study used the â€Å"Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Survey† to collect data on physical well-being and the Chinese adaptation â€Å"Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale† to measure depressive symptoms (Kao, Huang, Huang, Lian, Chiu, Chen, Kwok, Hsu Shy, 2012). Results from the design showed positive statistical measurements for each category of physical health outcomes and a decreased rate in risk of depression for those in the experimental group compared with the control group. This study concluded that the home based caregiver training programme significantly improved the quality of life relating to heal th and decreased the risk for depressive symptoms (Kao, Huang, Huang, Lian, Chiu, Chen, Kwok, Hsu Shy, 2012) . The other RCT was investigating the effectiveness of an internet intervention â€Å"Mastery over Dementia† supporting family caregivers of people with dementia. Results from the regression analyses showed caregivers of the experimental group had decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Concluding that the internet course was an effective treatment (Blom, Zarit, GrootZwaaftink, Culjipers Pot, 2015). Experimental research design has strengths and weaknesses. The main strength of experimental research design is that they are the most effective for measuring cause and effect relationships (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). Due to the data obtained from experimental research designs knowledge has been applied and changes have been integrated in to action (Carr, 1994). The strength of random sampling is that it increases the possibility of being generalizable in the finding, however random selection is very time-consuming (Carr, 1994). With experimental type design the researcher remains detached from the subjects, the strength of this approach is prevention of researcher involvement guarding against any bias within the study (Carr, 1994). However they are often complex and unrealistic to measure in clinical environments and can be disruptive to peoples routine when implemented (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010) . Other variables that can impact on findings is that when an intervention is bei ng administered by different people e.g. it is impossible to ensure different nurses deliver the intervention in the same way with each person (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). A further weakness is that many interventions required for studies are not agreeable to ethical consent e.g. doing an experimental design on people who smoke to measure adverse side effects (LoBiondo-Wood Harber, 2010). Due to these weaknesses many researchers resort to quazi-experimental design (Rewrite in own words)There is nothing inherently good or bad about a design. Every research study design has its particular strengths and weaknesses. The adequacy of a design is based on how well the design answers the research question that is posed. That is the most important criteria for evaluating a design. If it does not answer the research question then the design, regardless how rigorous it may appear, is not appropriate. It is also important to identify and understand the relative strength and weakness of each design element (DePoy Gitlin, 2011).

South Africa :: History Essays

South Africa South African landscapes provide us with the lush greens of the jungle, the dry grass of the savanna, the majesty of the mountains, the eroded clay of the desert and the high-rise mortar of the city. A filmmaker can find there any background desired as the scenery for his motion picture, but variety is not the only true value of the African landscape. Here we find the lush, well tended greens that represent the wealth and control of the Europeans who have invaded the country; the dry savannas where the animals roam freely, but the native peoples are restricted; the eroded clay that somehow manages to sustain life and reminds us of the outlying township slums that somehow sustain oppressed lives; and the stifling city where a restrictive government and looming skyscrapers bear down to oppress the human spirit. According to Hugo Munsterberg, "the photoplay tells us the human story by overcoming the forms of the outer world, namely, space, time and causality, and by adjusting the events to the forms of the inner world, namely attention, memory, imagination, and emotion" (104). The South African landscape reflects its country’s history and the struggle of its people, and when a director chooses it carefully for background in his film, it can add emotional and symbolic depth to his message. In 1652, the Dutch East India Company came from Europe to South African soil to set up a fort for the purpose of replenishing their ships with supplies. The Europeans, in their high and mighty way, saw South Africa as land for the taking complete with savages and rugged landscapes to be tamed and civilized, and so begin the colonization of the country. When Cy Enfield’s Zulu (1964) opens, Lieutenant John Chard is attempting to tame a piece of that landscape as he is trying to build a bridge across the river at Rourke’s Drift. Ironically, the mountains surrounding Rourke’s Drift present an untamable foe to the one hundred forty British soldiers camped there. The soldiers have been informed that the Zulu are coming, and the audience is drawn into the soldiers’ world while together they watch for the destined attack along the elevated landscape. The soldiers find themselves facing thousands of skillful and determined native warriors who seem to appear from nowhere with the help of the natural mountain formations and the dry grass that hides them.

Stereotyping in Society :: essays research papers

Stereotyping in Society I think it is pretty hard to go through a week without experiencing at least two or three incidents where someone or a group of people is being sterotyped. Whether it comes from jokes, television, comics, or just hearing people talk about other people, stereotyping is around all the time. The first example of stereotyping that I witnessed comes from the television show "That 70s Show." At least every episode the "crew," or group of friends always hang out, and they have a foreign exchange student for a friend. They don't know what country he's from but they always make fun of foreigners on the show. They crack jokes about him floating over on a raft to the United States and always make references to him being from different countries that he's not from just because his skin is dark. The jokes are funny and they aren't supposed to hurt the character's feelings, but they are very stereotypical. I saw a commercial the other day that was an advertisement for using protection during sex to help the fight against the spread of AIDS. The commercial starts out talking about how African Americans represent the leaders of sports because they have the best basketball players, leaders in baseball, and have the fastest track runners. Then at the end of the commercial they say that they are also leading the population of the United States in being diagnosed with the AIDS virus. When I saw the commercial I didn't really know where it was going and it is good that it ended with a serious message, but I didn't really agree with the way they presented it. It is probably true that African Americans make up most of some sports, but they didn't have to make it sounds like African Americans are superior to white people when it comes to sports. The third example that I witnessed was from the show Seinfeld. It was the episode where the character Elaine met a new boyfriend and she didn't know what race he was. The guy was slightly dark complected and a different race than white was expected so Elaine kept on taking him to different restaurants trying to figure out what race he was.

Miss Brill Essay

The short story, â€Å"Miss Brill† by Katherine Mansfield conveys to the readers of loneliness of a person and how that loneliness can seem to warp the reality around that person. The story revolves around the main character Miss Brill who goes to the park every Sunday afternoon. She wears a fox fur pelt around her neck and she strokes it as she eavesdrops on other people’s conversations. She gives emotions and voice to the fox pelt personifying the inanimate object. This suggests that she wants company to converse with; however, with no one around except the fox pelt around her neck, it is the only thing she can converse with. The readers who are observing her from objective view are given slight hints that Miss Brill is lonely but Miss Brill herself is not aware of this fact. This can be seen when she compares the old couple that were sitting nearby her to those that came out of an old cupboard. This comparison suggests she sees the old couple has these old dusty cups that have been forgotten about in the back of the cupboard. Throughout the story, Miss Brill tries to convince herself that she is part of a play and that she belongs in that play, that she holds as much importance as everybody else around her. However, as the story progresses she realizes that she is indeed alone and lonely. After hearing what the young couple had to say about her she heads for her home. Once she is home she puts the fox back in its box, but says she heard something crying. The something crying is most likely Miss Brill herself realizing the sad truth and becomes depressed.

The Beginnings of Industrialization

The Beginnings of Industrialization A. Perceiving Cause and Effect: As you read this section, make notes in the chart to explain how each factor listed contributed to an Industrial Revolution in Great Britain Factor Contribution to the Industrial Revolution 1 . Agricultural Revolution- boosted demand for products and provided labor led to an increase of population increased Food supplies. 2. Abundant Natural Resources- Surplus of natural resources such as coal, ore harbors and ports. 3.Political Stability- allowed Britain to devote its energy and resources to the economic expansion. 4. Factors of Production- Britain had most the resources to produce products. 5. Technological advances- had improved the quality and speed of cloth production Higher profits. 6. Entrepreneurs- they had provided organization skills and took financial risk in creating a business. 7. Building of factories- allowed the industry to move in and out of the home into a main location. 8. Railroad boom- gave an in expensive solution to transport materials created new jobs. B.Enclosure: the enclosure of the agriculture produce to contain u rope rotation: the rotation Of crops to industrial industry Explain how both paved the way for an agricultural revolution. Both of these paved the way for agricultural revolution by the growth of the crops and the enclosure that the agriculture needs C. Define the following terms: Industrial Revolution- the revolution for agriculture use. Industrialization- the change of agriculture to man made products. Factors of production- factory, place, time, management Factory- a place that produces or builds products for a profit Entrepreneur- a type of business person.

What Is The Value Of Keeping An Accurate Inventory

Inventory keeping plays an important role in the supply chain of many companies and organizations. Efficient inventory control and management to a large extent depends on the way and manner inventory records are kept. Good record keeping makes it easier for inventory to be kept properly, whereas bad or inaccurate record keeping unduly stalls movement of raw materials and finished goods in the supply chain. In this paper, an attempt shall be made to highlight the value of keeping one’s inventory accurate. Helps in achieving Operational excellence The value of keeping one’s inventory records accurate has been emphasized by several research workers (Kok and Shang, 2006; Smaros, Lehtonen, Appelgyist and Holmstrom, 2003; Cachon and Fisher, 2000). Commenting on this subject, Kok and Shang (2006) for example, pointed out that inventory record inaccuracy is a major obstacle to achieving operational excellence. To these authors, for one to achieve operational excellence, every effort should be made to keep one’s inventory records consistently accurate. Helps in lowering total distribution costs According to the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) (1994), total distribution cost is the summation of the costs incurred in transporting, warehousing, order processing and documentation, inventory, packaging, lost sales for failing to meet set standards of goods. The relationship between these variables and distribution can be expressed mathematically as: D= T + W + O + I + P + S where: D is total distribution cost T is transportation cost W is warehousing cost O is order processing and documentation cost I is inventory cost P is packaging cost. S is lost sales as a result of failing to meet required standards From this formula, any undertaking which lowers the cost of these variables in the supply chain would also contribute in making the total distribution cost lower and therefore more cost-effective. Keeping a company’s inventory accurate therefore helps in this direction. The reverse is what takes place when inaccurate inventory is kept. Distribution is component of the classical marketing model known as the 4Ps. Distribution can therefore be a good source of competitive advantage at the marketplace. Companies that make their distribution network more cost-effective can have a huge advantage over their competitors. Helps in building trust in the supply chain In today’s business world, it is not uncommon to find companies share their inventory records with partners, some of which could even be competitors. Some of these information exchanges take place in real time and also defies geographical boundaries. Many of these relationships and arrangements are founded on trust. As such, the value of keeping accurate record cannot be over-emphasized. This is because inaccurate presentations do not only undermine the work of the company in question but also all the significant others which used that piece of information to plan and manage their work. Helps in demand estimation For existing companies, past inventory records greatly assist in estimating future Demand for goods and services at the beginning of the financial year. From such information, the quantity of goods that should be manufactured at any given time can be estimated accurately. Helps in sourcing and procurement for cheaper raw materials. Accurate inventory records also help in sourcing for and procurement of cheaper raw materials for the company. The cost savings from such undertakings can then be passed on to the final customer in cheaper prices. On the other hand, inaccurate records hinder procurement departments in establishing present stock levels and the replenishments that must be procured. Helps in the arrangement of logistics Similarly, inventory records assist the distribution outfit of the company to arrange for transportation and other logistics to convey the manufactured goods to the final customers in the value-chain. In situations therefore, where the inventory information provided to the aforementioned departments are inaccurate, it can seriously hamper their work which can be lead to severe losses to the company. Let us consider a scenario where the company’s stocks are full at the storage depots but her significant partners are informed that stock levels are at 50 percent. A raw material supplier to this company would make arrangements for materials to be sent to this company, only to be told that the company does not need these materials until the present stocks have been cleared. Equally, the company’s outsourced logistics partner would restrict herself to transporting goods equivalent to half the capacity of the company’s warehouse to the retailing units. The transporters get to the warehouse to find that they are not adequately resourced to carry out the logistical task ahead. If they are not fortunate to find that all the available transports have been booked, clearing the warehouse of existing stocks would be a Herculean task, if not impossible to the outsourcee company. Helps in Business planning and coordination. Apart from helping to estimate demand accurately, keeping accurate inventory records also help in business planning and coordination itself. With accurate inventory records, it is easier for a company to plan its way forward. For example, if it is learnt from past inventory records that the company obtained its highest sales in the first quarter of the year and not the last quarter, it can plan to augment its sales personnel during this period. By employing several part-time and temporal workers, it can comfortably fulfill customer demands at such peak periods. Similarly, it can use the low- through periods to train its staff or allow them to take their vacations. Wilson (1995) has pointed out that susceptibility of materials planning systems to record errors reduce their effectiveness. Thus, in situations where remedial steps such as cycle counting programmes are not implemented to correct deficiencies, the performance of the company can seriously deteriorate. Helps in production scheduling The importance of keeping accurate inventory records to the producer in sourcing for raw materials has already been stressed. Another value such an undertaking brings to the producer or manufacturer is in the area of scheduling the production itself. Mass customization of goods has become the order of day in many market sectors and industries. Whereas this system de-emphasizes storage of goods, in some instances it depends on inventory records to determine whether a specific request should be manufactured or one is ready available to be sent to the customer. In that respect, accurate inventory records contribute greatly in scheduling production of goods cost-effectively. Helps in Inventory control. Accurate records help in controlling inventory itself. According to Lamb, Hair and McDaniel (2000) an inventory control system develops and maintains an adequate assortment of materials and products to meet the demands of manufacturers and the final consumer. If the input furnished the inventory is inaccurate, that deficiency can seriously affect the manufacturer and the customer alike. A typical example of this distortion is when too many goods are kept in the inventory. This development leads to increases in storage cost and in some cases losses attributable to theft and spoilage. In the same vein, when goods are under stocked, it can lead to severe shortages and also angry and unfulfilled customers. A reflection of Managerial capabilities The way and manner inventory records are kept in a company is also a reflection on inventory managerial capabilities of the management team of the company or the logistics and distribution department. If available records are full of errors and inconsistencies, it simply tells any cursory reviewer that sufficient supervisory oversight is not being administered. On the other hand, an accurately kept inventory records is indicative that the managerial staff are up to the task. Helps in warehouse management Warehouse management plays a vital role in the supply chain of some companies. They serve as an effective link between manufacturers and market intermediaries such as wholesales, middlemen, retailers, etc. Accurate keeping of inventory records constitutes an integral part of warehouse management. It is difficult to manage warehouses properly if records of inventory are not properly kept. If that occurs the warehouses could be receiving newer stock when in fact they should be rejecting on the basis of present stock levels. In like manner they could be rejecting stocks when they should be accepting them. Any of these scenarios place additional costs to the warehouse manager. In the same vein, it also makes the handling of materials difficult. Helps in the identification, sorting and labeling of goods Accurate inventory records helps in identifying, sorting and labeling goods (Lamb, Hair and McDaniel, 2000) either for storage or to the distribution and manufacturing centers. Goods that are properly identified sorted out and labeled are easier to handle than those which are not. They also save material handlers or workers valuable time and thereby increase their productivity. Helps in securing financial assistance As with every segment of a business entity, good record keeping, including that of inventory, helps greatly in securing financial assistance. For existing companies, the financing institution may review existing records to gain insight into how the company has been managed. If inventory records have been badly kept, it indirectly tells how the company has been managed. Furthermore, if management of inventory were one the criteria being used to decide whether financial assistance should be extended to the company or not, it is obvious that the company with an accurately kept inventory shall receive the assistance whereas those with improperly kept data refused the needed financial help. Inventory records themselves are also useful in the preparation of business proposals and plans for financial assistance. Helps in order processing Keeping accurate inventory records also helps in processing received orders correctly. If an order is received and the information is relayed to the manufacturing centre, whether that order gets fulfilled immediately depends on whether accurate inventory records have been kept. If the inventory records are inaccurate, the customer may be sold a good that does not match his requirements or the fulfillment of that order may be unduly delayed. Helps in Replenishment of stocks Accurate inventory makes replenishment of goods either at the warehouse or in store shelves easier to suppliers, be they manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers. Whereas, if doubts are expressed about inventory records, they make replenishment extremely difficult. The difficulty stems from the fact one is not entirely sure about the quantity of goods that should be supplied at any given period. Consequently, over- and under-replenishment becomes common. This development has cost implication to the supplier. For example, if goods are sent to their desired destination and it is found that there is no space to accommodate them because stock levels were understated, those goods would have to be transported back to the supplier. On the other hand, if inventory records were accurate, the goods supplied would be delivered with no extra cost to the supplier. Helps in lowering supply chain costs Generally, it has been established that accurate inventory records reduces order processing and supply chain costs (Cachon and Fisher, 2000). For example, if the time taken to identify inaccurate inventory records and have them rectified is 20 percent of the total time spent at customer-seller interface by the customer, that figure represents the extent of convenience and also loss of man-hours experienced by the customer and sales personnel, respectively. Helps in providing excellent customer service Accurate inventory records also help in providing excellent services to customers. It makes it easier for goods actually needed by customers to be known and supplied with. Furthermore, it enables the needs of customers to be identified and promptly catered for. It also prevents wastage of store shelves by filling them up with goods that are in great demand by customers. Conclusion From the foregoing account, it has been clearly shown that keeping a company’s inventory accurate is a valuable undertaking. Companies with inventory that adhere to set inventory practices reap several benefits, whereas those which do not incur losses. In an era where inventory building is being de-emphasized, the need for companies to keep their inventory records accurate has become even more paramount.