NursingResearch critique part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

NursingResearch critique part 2 - Essay Example The introduction is not very clear. There is quite a lot of information there but this reader found that it had to be re-read several times to assure that it were understood. It does create interest in the study and there is good reason for the target audience to read it. It just needs to be better organized and more succinct. The problem was stated twice and in a clear manner and it very clearly important to nursing. This about turning patients and preventing pressure ulcers. It is definitely a caring, patient advocate type of problem. A qualitative approach could have been used here but the quantitative approach makes more sense and the result would lead to a process change. The study question, "does repositioning alternately 2 hours in a lateral position and 4 hours in a supine position reduce the incidence of pressure ulcer lesions in comparison with repositioning every 4 hours in patients lying on a pressure-reducing mattress" In looking at this in PICO statements, it meets the needs of a research question and the literature review is consistent. The synthesis of the literature review was quite well done, organized, and easy to understand. This reader has some question as to whether it is up to date as many of the articles were written between 1992 and 1996 and this particular research was conducted in 2006. There have been many changes in nursing and nursing process since the 90's so this reader is concerned that there may have been better research out there. There is definitely reason after this research to continue to study this problem in an effort to solve it. Conceptual Framework The key concepts are well defined and well organized as is the framework of the study. There is also good description of how the randomization was done and the methods used to frame and carry out the work Conclusion: This a well conducted and well written study though in places such as the introduction, it is wordy and unclear. The information is there but is cumbersome to read. Qualitative Study A qualitative study of smoking during pregnancy Title: This title does tell the reader what the article is about but it really does not tell the reader what the study is looking for or what the content of the study is. This study is really about finding ways to stop young females from smoking not only during pregnancy but before and after pregnancy. It does not waste words; there are probably not enough of them. Abstract This abstract is more succinct though it is more in narrative form than the quantitative study. It does clearly summarize what is in the study. Introduction The introduction is short and really does not say much. It does talk about some of the recommendations that have been made by other researchers and how those recommendations tie into this study but overall it does not tell me what to expect of the study. It is something important for the target population to read but it does not generate

Exploring Qualitative Problems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exploring Qualitative Problems - Essay Example This may be due to them holding down a full time job, or their personal commitments that do not allow them to travel to school. Some students may be ill or may not be in a position to move out of their present residence to be able to attend college. Distance education schools provide such student with the chance to study and add to their knowledge and expertise without attending daily classes. These courses may be run via the internet by publishing lectures, by sending course material and receiving physical or electronic assignments from students or by using podcasts and interactive sessions on occasion. Many schools combine a number of methods in order to provide the best possible learning experience to their students. But often, this experience does fall quite short of the benchmark set by regular courses. This is often attributed to the reduced stimulation received by students taking distance education courses. Thus, a large body of research has been attempting to understand and a ddress this concern over the last few years. Research Addressing Quality Enhancement In a study by De Smet, Van Keer, and  Valcke (2008), the interactions amongst fourth year students who were trained to be peer tutors and freshmen were analyzed using content analysis (Shank, 2006; Bogdan, & Biklen; 2007). The study attempted to evaluate the kind of interactions and the topics covered by tutors and the support strategies provided by them in asynchronous discussion conditions. The authors evaluated the discussion threads and collected data by identifying the type of discussions and the points of change in topics. It was found that the importance of tutors was constant throughout. The discussions among participants and the strategies used by the tutors varied as per the discussion themes; but did not evolve to higher levels of conversation. The study also used cluster analysis to identify the types of tutors; and found three styles - motivators’, ‘informers’ and ‘knowledge constructors’. This was taken as more proof for the importance of tutors. While content analysis of conversation amongst peer tutors and the students has provided valuable information on this study (Bogdan, & Biklen; 2007); it would have been more valuable if some professional tutors were also to interact with students. The value and need of tutors is dependent on the students’ need to gain information that may not be otherwise accessible. Professional tutors may handle discussions differently from peers, and these differences may help us identify the kind of inputs that help distance education participants’ gain more knowledge and skills from their courses. The content analysis also gives us the type of interaction and the styles of interaction used to approach a given problem. This is a truly valuable technique in this case, as it helps us identify the structure of conversation that best helps in student development in a given topic. Another s tudy published by Menchaca and Bekele in 2008 provides an understanding of the elements that contribute to making distance education a success. The researchers wanted to identify the strategies and the tools that helped both instructors and students to succeed in online courses. To this end, they collected data from students, instructors and administrators over a long period and applied a qualitative method for constant comparative analysis

Performance management or performance evaluation Essay Example for Free

Performance management or performance evaluation Essay The basic aim of performance management is to create an environment for the employees where they can work at their best. It begins when a particular job is defined whereas it ends when the employee quits from the organization and performance management basically serves as a replacement of the traditional appraisal system. There are certain advantages of performance management and the most important one is the goal of developing clear job descriptions for the employees that can be easily comprehended by them. The second advantage is that it helps the employer to hire the best candidates for the job that suits them and at the same time, performance management helps them to negotiate with the employees on various issues. When the employee is finally hired, he can be provided with necessary training followed by the feedback of the coach that enable organization to develop sessions in which issues regarding performance development can be discussed and according to the results of the performance of the employees, the remuneration package can be designed. Moreover, performance management also provides various career opportunities for the employees and can also provide assistance when conducting exit interviews to know why the employees choose to leave the organization. The concept of annual performance is a bit different from that of performance management. When managing other people, the manager has to conduct performance appraisals in order to know how the employees are performing and this can help motivate the employees to work well in future. Annual performance is basically done to evaluate the performance of the employee and to know how well they have worked throughout the year and the contributions that they have made for the progress of the organization. It not only helps in the development of the staff but it also improves the communication between the staff and the managers, however annual performance has some disadvantages as well. When conducting performance appraisals, employees might ask for feedbacks from their friends in the organization who are more likely to give positive feedbacks and may avoid any negative comments of the employee. Moreover, when conducting appraisals the companies often send evaluations to the raters without telling them how to accurately do the appraisal and without advance notice. (Leat, 2001). Reference Leat,M. (2001). Exploring Employee Relations. Butterworth-Heinemann.

British Airways PESTLE Analysis

British Airways PESTLE Analysis The macro environment will be described by the PESTEL analysis, which helps to analyze general, long-term market influences. This is the best tool to analyse the external environment. It serves as a basic analytical tool for knowing market decline or growth. The framework helps to understand the impact of legal, political, economical, social and technological factors for the business environment. It helps to understand how the external environment may create opportunities or threats for an organization. The six different environments are often referred to as PESTAL and allow a PESTAL analysis to be conducted this allows the organisation to review and consider the environment in which it operates. The PEST factor that has contributed to the airlines industry for many years, but has brought a drastic change was from the disaster on September 11th 2001. (P)olitical: Airlines have to work within an operating restrictions. Alliance with other airlines increases the reachability of the airlines on top of it route alliance helps the alliance members to embark on political benefit mutually. Last decade was one of the testing times for the airline industry in terms of security with events like terror attacks across US in 2001 and in UK in 2005 which caused political imbalance and crisis. Customer confidence was all time down due to the terror attacks in the past 10 years and has resulted in strict safety laws in the US and European skies for airlines. Currentlys even the product and price are in the control of the government with the restrictions on flying. Though the open skies policy does exists it is not adopted by majority of the players and is still biased. Although great reforms have taken place, giving BA opportunity to grow and compete with other airlines. BA being a deregulated company needs processes which allow fast decision making. BA must consider the influence of the political factors along with the ecological and environmental issues with more emphasis on legal regulations on employee and customer interest. Political environment concerns the role of the government and its affects in an organisation it also includes the extent to which the government intervenes in the economy. Due to the terrorist attack many airlines such as British Airways stopped flights to certain countries such as the middles east and the main countries involved with the fear of their planes being attacked. This is therefore caused up a political stir with the fact that Britains fear them maybe the next victims of terrorist attacks. This has had a negative effects on the airlines as they have lost out on a lot of money because of the stoppage of flights to certain destinations. The authorities have had to make sure that certain rules have been put into place to make sure that the airlines are safe and that they abide by the rules. British Airways have had to rely on the political and environment effects on the feedback that they get to decide on what course if action to take on the airline. (E)conomical: The amount of economic activity in the economic environment is extremely important. The economic environment for airline industry in Europe can be described as difficult. In particular, challenges arise from the co-occurrence of adverse natural factors (especially for BA the ash storm). The global economy experienced a sharp downturn during the last decade, and this affected the air travel demand. In 2008 the economy of the developed countries as well as from the emerging markets experienced a dramatically decrease in growth. The airline industry lost a huge part of its usual profits. These changes lead to a change in demand; costumers are not ready and not able to pay former prices for the airlines. Some competitors of BA decrease there price level already. The demand for air travel is characterised by a high income elasticity.Therefore, as the world economy grows, the demand for air travel will also improve. The political situation in Iraq has helped to drive oil prices to a record high and for BA, the oil price rise might add  £100 million to their costs. In response, the cost of fuel surcharges is always at risk . BA is in the business of transporting people to and from worldwide destinations for both business and pleasure. If the international economy slows down, business trades less and fewer business people will use planes. Equally, people may choose less exciting holidays. Capacity in Europe outstrips demand, which leads to rate wars, equaling lower yields for companies. Economically, alliances lead to a control on capacity, therefore reducing competition and increasing yields. Alliances also reduce the near term possibilities of airport expansion. By code sharing airlines are able to not only split costs but to offer services and enter markets, they might ill afford to do on their own. This leads to less aircraft at airports, less space being required, and is another way in gaining access to prime airports, which can expand no further. (S)ocio-Cultural (Demographical / Sociological): On an average older fliers in European countries force airlines to develop new strategies in relation to their target groups. This is also required in view of the fact that higher numbers of commuters and the demand of lower cost airlines show an attitude change regarding airlines, potentially causing image problems for companies giving higher-cost air service. Airline customers use brand appeal as the main factor when they come to use airline service. Thus, this changing demand and lifestyle influenced airlines to concentrate on the look of their airlines and build powerful brand to gain small gain rather than loosing market share. The social and cultural influences on business vary from country to country however it is important that such factors are considered and include demographic and cultural aspects. These factors affect customer needs and the size of potential markets. Demographic changes have resulted in the development of the à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¹Ã…“greyà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ market who are spending more on leisure and travelling. Lifestyles, tastes and fashions are all changing; customers require opportunities to visit new and interesting, often long-haul, destinations. (T)echnological: In the airline industry, companies are forced to invest huge sums into RD measures to foster technological development and be cutting-edge. Currently, the focus lies in the fields of security and alternative energies. Advance technology is used by BA to increase engineering and the service quality of the flights which are the route to competitive advantage. In order to profitably satisfy customer needs, an organisation must understand its external and internal situation including the customer, the market and its own capabilities. Furthermore, it needs to understand and adapt to the dynamic and uncontrollable factors of the environment in which it operates. The technological environment is ever changing and therefore it is essential that a structured, detailed and continuous analysis of the principal dimensions of the technical environment is made. Technology in this industry is fast moving and very expensive. Alliances, give the opportunity for joint investment ventures, such as shared check-in systems. (E)cological: In view of high media covering, ecological influences become increasingly important. Especially airline companies have to show that they responsibly use the available resources and care for the environment. Following, BA reduced fuel and energy consumptions, which required improvements in engine technology and aerodynamics. BA is the airline which started reporting their environmental results 2 decades back. They make sure that they have least impact on the environment by more efficient operations, latest technology-engines and alternative fuels. They have goals of having zero waste to landfill in UK-2010, reduce the average noise per flight, cut down the CO2 emissions by half-2050 and improve in carbon efficiency by 25%-2025. For the ecological factors they have developed special programes for controlling climate change by controlling the carbon dioxide emissions. In order to make world a nicer place to live they are concentrating on recycling and reducing their waste material. (L)egal: A significant legal factor affecting BA is the power of trade Unions. BA has suffered many strike actions (August 2004 and August 2005) and is aware of the implications that the trade unions can cause. The walkout that recently happened in March 2010, expected to last three days, had forced the airline to cancel thousands of flights. A total of 1,100 flights out of the 1,950 flights scheduled to operate during the walkout were canceled. The airline had leased planes and crew from rival carriers to take up some of the shortfall. The Unite union of cabin crew had gathered some support from unions in the United States, Germany and Spain for its action taken to protest a pay freeze and changes to working conditions but the other unions had so far stopped short of pledging direct action that would affect BAs ability to refuel and service its planes. Talks broke down over a pay freeze and staffing changes. Analysts estimated that BA had lost more than 25 million pounds because of canceled tickets and the cost of contingency plans, which include leasing fully crewed planes from other airlines. Prime Minister Gordon Brown called for the strike to be called off immediately. Unite had planned a second, four-day walkout to begin March 27 and had said more strikes will be scheduled for after April 14 if the dispute was not resolved. It had pledged not to walk out over the busy Easter period. This is a case of cabin crew crisis but is because of the legal problems that BA faces quite often on regular basis. Firm resolution to this problem should be found to reduce risk and increase the returns. PESTEL analysis is a useful strategic tool for product development, sales planning, executing strategies and operational planning as well. It checks that the firms result are in line with the external impact of changes.

Objections to Charles Peirces Article, A Neglected Argument for the Re

Objections to Charles Peirce's Article, A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God ABSTRACT: Charles S. Peirce sketches "a nest of three arguments for the Reality of God" in his article "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God." I provide careful analysis and explication of Peirce's argument, along with consideration of some objections. I argue that (1) there are significant differences between Peirce's neglected argument and the traditional arguments for God's existence; (2) Peirce's analysis of the neglected argument into three arguments is misleading; (3) there are two distinct levels of argument that Peirce does not recognize; and (4) it is doubtful whether the argument meets all the criteria set by Peirce himself. Charles S. Peirce published in the Hibbert Journal in 1908 an article titled, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God." The article sketches what Peirce calls, in a later comment, "a nest of three arguments for the Reality of God" (6.486). (1) I provide an analysis of Peirce's argument and his interpretation of it along with a consideration of some objections. I shall argue: (1) that there are significant differences between Peirce's neglected argument and the traditional arguments for God's existence; (2) that Peirce's own analysis of the neglected argument into three arguments is misleading; (3) that there are two distinct levels of argument that Peirce does not acknowledge, and (4) that it is doubtful the argument meets all the criteria Peirce himself establishes. I trust that your response to what I have to say will not mirror the response Michael Raposa reports he received from a "prominent American philosophical theologian," when he gave a presentation on this topic; that... ... 77-78. Also, if we follow Karl Barth. s interpretation of Anselm. s ontological argument, then the prayerful context in which Anselm offers his argument gives it a more religious cast. However, whatever similarities may exist I think it vital to recognize the differences otherwise one will expect to find yet another bit of metaphysical argumentation about God and be disappointed at not finding it. (5) It must, however, be admitted that if everyone who mused reached the same conclusion, this rather impressive fact would cry out for some explanation. (6) C.F. Delany, "Peirce on the Hypothesis of God," op. cit., p. 735. (7) Donna Orange, Peirce's Conception of God. op. cit., p. 86. (8) Michael L. Raposa, Peirce's Philosophy of Religion. op. cit., p. 128. (9) John E. Smith, "The Tension Between Direct Experience and Argument in Religion." op. cit., p. 497.

Abortion Essay - GOD is Pro-life :: Argumentative Persuasive Topics

Abortion: GOD is Pro-life The reason I am pro-life, and oppose abortion, is because GOD is pro-life, and opposes abortion. Scriptural evidence of this is abundant; consider the words of Ps. 139:13-14: "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." God then forbids the taking of innocent life [viz. a life not guilty of a capital crime, according to the law of God]. This is evident from verses such as Ex. 23:7, which says this: "Keep yourself far from a false matter; DO NOT KILL THE INNOCENT and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked Next, we ought to address our second question: Why not sit on our hands, and wait for the Lord to take us out of the wicked world? This is a very pertinent question today, and it directly affects a large percentage of evangelical Christians in America. Many are silent on abortion (and other abominations) because they believe that they can do nothing, and that the darker the days become the closer the coming of the Lord. In other words, "Why shine the rails on a sinking ship?" This view, though prominent, is perverse and anti-Scriptural. Christ our Lord commanded that we go into the world and spread the Gospel of grace, and in so doing bring about real change, and the extension of the kingdom of Jesus, our Risen Sovereign. Here are Christ's words to us, from Matt. 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Our third query is related to what we just observed, but it has its own nuance to it: "With the whole world against us, why put up a fight at all?" This is a faithless point of view, and it denies the ultimate power of God over the universe. On top of that, how would we have liked it if God took an attitude and approach like this to our salvation: "Since they're such wicked sinners--I'll just send them all to Hell!?

Nissan Motor Company Ltd

Nissan motor company is a famous car manufacturing company that is recognized in the manufacture of Nissan type of cares. It is one of the largest car manufacturing companies in the world. Why demand and sales volume for a specific region are important when planning marketing strategies Cost allocation Marketing is a costly affair and as such its planning is quite essential. Some geographical regions demand more of the Nissan Motor cars than others. The essence of marketing is to create awareness of the existence and benefit of any commodity. Demand sales volume is therefore an important phenomenon when marketing as more costs will be allocated to geographical areas with low demand and poor sales volume. For areas when the demand and subsequent sales of the Nissan cars is considerably high, the firm need not pour lot of resources for the purpose of marketing. Demand When an analysis is carried out on demand in terms of classes of customers or age, it will help the organization in knowing the marketing methodologies to apply. If the Nissan cars are mostly used by young people, then marketing will also be done by young people and be carried in a manner to capture the attention of young people. The same applies when it is found out that it is elderly people who demand the cars more oftenly. Then the marketing would have to be strategize in away to accommodate them. Product differentiation Forecasting demand and sales volume provides a useful pattern of purchase by customers. When this is further stratified, it is possible to identify how the sales differed across different products. The same product’s demand might change due to product differentiation. Product packaging will then be strategized in a way to conform with what customers require more. Forecasts on where the industry will go in the future For the past 20 years the sales of Nissan Motor Company have increased by about 20%. This is due to intense auto – advertising campaigns. It is believed that the company will in the near future engulf the entire global market because of the awareness caused through better improved marketing strategies. It has also been forecasted that the industry will in future be the market leaders. Intelligent rationale as to why think this way This is because of extensive and hi – tech marketing. It is also because of the fact that many customers would be reached. Lastly, other companies are likely to be overshadowed by the Nissan Motor Company thus leaving it as almost monopolistic firms. Forecast on how the state of industry will change over the course of the foreseeable future Initially the company advertised its fleet of vehicles through the audio – visual media only i.e. through the radios and television. This was found not to be satisfactory and convincing on the customers. Then came the marketing through the company journals being circulated in offices and other working places for all and sundry to read and understand. The company has also used the web where various websites portray/ give various places of information. It is forecasted that in future the company would embrace â€Å"trade – exhibitions† us its marketing strategy. This involves displaying of their cars openly for the public view. It also allows customers to physically view the vehicles and where marketers more them around the workshops answering their questions in the process. How the changes came about These marketing changes came as a result of a number of factors. These are a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stiff Competition There was need to deviate from the usual marketing strategies being practiced by similar firms in the industry to more sophisticated and relevant ones. b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Globalization / free trade The exhibitions especially in other countries have been facilitated due to globalization and free market. Countries now allow other countries to freely market their products in their own motherland and this has enhanced marketing for the Nissan Motor Company. c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Need to reach wider market The domestic market is quite insufficient and cannot be therefore relied upon by any organization to improve its sales volume. The need to reach a wider market has therefore led to such an evolution of the marketing industry from just a media exercise to Mega trade exhibitions. d)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Global demand for product Because of their nature, Nissan cars attract a significant demand. They are efficient in fuel consumption and durable. This makes them highly preferably compared to other makes/ types of cares. This high demand calls for extensive and global advertisement and marketing by the Nissan motor company. Impact of the changes on the industry a)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Considerable growth The evolution of the marketing strategies has led to the opening branches and /or selling points for the motor company. b)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   High profitability The new marketing strategies have led to a tremendous improvement of the company’s profits though the advertising costs have also gone upwards. c)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Reduced competition Other similar firms have failed to fairly compete with the motor company due to its unique strategies Impact on buyers The buyers have maintained their loyalty on the Nissan cars due to the trade exhibitions which offer buyers the opportunity to physically see their products and ask questions. And because of their appreciation of their vehicles, average prices at which the buyers are willing to pay for them has also gone upwards.