type of Girl

Are they or aren’t they? Gerald Anderson and Kim Chiu aren’t saying the real score but their exchange of touching lines and fab presents is proof of that kilig thing they have for each other.

In Gerald Anderson’s words, Kim Chiu is exactly the type of girl he sees himself marrying. But that would be skipping ahead of the story.

Nevertheless, if one asks Gerald now, he’d say: “It is too early to say, but yes. If you ask me 10 years from now, I’m sure I will still say yes. When I saw Kim, she wasn’t what I was actually looking for, but in my heart, I knew she was it.”

 

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RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN HOLLYWOOD FILMS

Representation of Race and Ethnicity in Hollywood Films

 

Introduction

            This paper discusses the different situations that race and ethnicity is represented in Hollywood films.  It is concentrated on the recent state of the Black actors and actresses in Hollywood industry.  This paper also cited relevant information on interviews and comments from the black men and women in Hollywood.  Popular black Hollywood celebrities were also taken as significant examples in the study, 

In the United States, where Hollywood is, race and ethnicity is not more of a factor in many of their industries.  The most evident is the dominance of the blacks in the US National Basketball Association, whether African-American or Black-Americans.  As a matter of fact, you can rarely even see white Americans in the All American Basketball Association.

There has been a thin line that separates the whites from the blacks.  For the fact that the mixture of the two classes has only one outcome – black, there has been a threat of the shortage of the whites.  This will take us to the racism in the America before.  With this practical reason, racism until now is evident in the U.S., especially in the Hollywood. 

Scarcity of roles for the black actresses in Hollywood

According to the latest figures from the , Black actresses are cast in only 10 out of 29 percent of all female roles in major film and TV projects. Moreover, in 1990, not a single Black actress made the list of Top 10 box office attractions - not one.   

In terms of awards, no black actress has ever won a best actress Oscar, and Whoopi Goldberg--only the second Black actress ever to win an Oscar--became the first Black actress to win since Hattie McDaniel took best supporting actress for Gone With The Wind in 1939 ( 1991).  This significantly portrays a noticeable discrimination going on in the industry. That is quite a long time not to be recognized.  The reason roots to the chances and number of roles available for the black actresses. 

The paucity of roles for Black actresses—and Hollywood's limited vision of them as maids, hookers, sidekicks and best friends--makes it tremendously difficult for them to keep on keeping on, never mind find steady work.  As  points out, "The way for Black actresses to start getting more roles is for Black women to start directing and producing their own films."  It would take great an effort for a black woman to get into a movie or a commercial to deserve for it to get past the industries narrow-minded obsession of the “Barbie-Doll Starlet”.

In Hollywood films, most Black women who landed in a role that every Black actress wanted, tremendous expectations and pressure placed were upon them, says Lynn Whitfield who won the title role--and critical raves--for her portrayal of Baker in the HBO production.  

Racism in Hollywood

 

Three black actors are up for the top acting prize at the 2002 Academy Awards. It should be a cause for rejoicing. Instead, it points to the appalling racism in the film industry today. Best Actress nominee Halle Berry said as much recently when she accepted the Best Actress award from the Screen Actors Guild for her role in “Monster's Ball”.

Berry is right - though the big players in the Dream Factory do not appreciate ingratitude, and her remark may cost her the other prize. When it comes to what is euphemistically known as "The Business", blacks are not considered people with whom business is done. This is despite the enormous box-office clout, well out of proportion to their numbers, that black people wield. Indeed, if African Americans were a separate nation, we would give Bollywood a run for its money.

The three nominations - aside from Berry, there is Will Smith for “Ali” and Denzel Washington for “Training Day” - are, according to most black people in Hollywood, just that: three nominations, nothing more or less. They are no benchmark, no watershed. Sidney Poitier, who is being honored this year for his contribution to the industry, calls Hollywood "deeply disappointing", although he is happy for and proud of the three nominated actors ( 2002).

 

            Julia Roberts is campaigning for Denzel Washington finally to win the prize he deserves - but even the Queen of Hollywood cannot break through the curtain that keeps black people at the back of the bus.  This has greatly created an impact in the way Hollywood presents a film.  There hasn’t been an equal privileged for the blacks that would give back to every effort the have contributed in the industry.  

 

The specter of racism is everywhere; just don’t say it out loud.  Just as Howard E. Rollins Jr. did when he began to speak out about the discrimination he had witnessed even though he was nominated Best Supporting Actor that time.  Nothing better for him followed after and eventually made him vanished from the silver screen.

 

The last time that three black actors were nominated for lead roles in the same year was in 1972: Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson for “Sounder” and Diana Ross for “Lady Sings the Blues”. None of the films was memorable, but they were indicative of the liberal, post-civil rights, Vietnamera sentiment of the time.

 

Hollywood in Transition

 

Black people have been in Hollywood since the early two-reelers almost a century ago. Yet so far, here are the numbers that count: Hattie McDaniel, Best Supporting Actress, “Gone with the Wind”, 1939; Sidney Poitier, Best Actor, “Lilies of the Field”, 1963. 

 

In the 38 Academy Award ceremonies since Poitier's triumph, no other black leading actor or actress has won the top prize. Despite 780 total acting nominations and 152 winners since Poitier's award, only four winners have been black, and all have won in supporting roles: Louis Gossett Jr in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Denzel Washington in Glory (1989), Whoopi Goldberg in Ghost (1990) and Cuba Gooding Jr in Jerry Maguire (1996).

 

Between 1975 and 1980, there were no black acting nominees at all, until protests started. The most recent protest began in 1995 after a People magazine cover story, titled “Hollywood blackout", pointed out that only one of that year's 166 Oscar nominees was black: the director Dianne Houston, co-nominated for a short film. She lost.

 

, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, has stated that black people in LA are keeping their heads down so as not to scupper the three actors' chances.

But the problem of black under-representation has not been solved and will not go away even if Berry and Washington or Smith wins. Actors may be in the limelight, but black producers, directors, writers, directors of photography and techies still find it difficult to get jobs. Most important of all, there are no black faces among the studio execs who can give the green light to a project. These are the people needed to change the industry, and they are not there.

 

The bottom line is that Hollywood is about relationships: who wants to be seen with whom, who wants to secure favors from whom, who wants to "hook up". It's a question of familiarity, comfort-zone casting, and who's seen "in the ranks".

 

It has been almost a century since cinema's first undisputed masterpiece: D W Griffith's Birth of a Nation, a celebration of the Ku Klux Klan. It has been more than 70 years since Al Jolson put on blackface to cry "Mammy!" and open up the movies to sound, yet black people are relatively no better off in Hollywood back then.

 

Come to think of this - four black people on 24 March, posing together for the press backstage after the ceremony: Sidney Poitier with his Special Achievement Oscar; Halle Berry, Best Actress; Will Smith or Denzel Washington, Best Actor; and past Oscar winner and compare Whoopi Goldberg.  It was captioned: “In your dreams”.

            Whether related to roles or awards, black actors and actresses haven’t got much to deserve it.  Even through time, the issues of race and ethnicity in the Hollywood industry are still left up in the air.  Even the portrayal of most Hollywood films says it all.  Contributions of the blacks in the industry are remarkably far more significant than the subject of what they are and where they came from.  Even with an increasing number of black actors and actresses, only a few of them, mostly veterans, are recognized; and to note that this documentation took several decades before regaining it.

 

            The case immensely reflects to the way race and ethnicity is represented in Hollywood films.  This industry is no longer an inclusive one; many outside nationalities have wanted to be in the Dream Factory as Hollywood goes global.  In this case, the depiction of race and ethnicity in the Hollywood films should take a smooth and fair description.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFERENCES

 

 

 

 

 

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Organizational Change on Nokia

Introduction

What is the call for an organizational change of a company? Before the decision reached its final, the organization must first identify the reasons for the organizational change. The organization is the brain of the business, this is the place where you will find different of people but working together to reach the growth potential of the business. The collection of people that aiming for the success of the business and they are the head the thinking for some possibilities on how to make the success come to life.

The organization is an essential part of the business that composes of different creative minds and if the ideas are insufficient, the brainstorming steps in. Sometimes, organizational change happens for the good of the business, they are only inviting the fresh ideas to come.

Organizational Change on Nokia

            Some firms have had to change dramatically to stay in business. Nokia began life as a lumber company, making the equipment and supplies needed to cut down forests in Finland. It moved through into paper and from there into the ‘paperless office’ world of IT – and from there into mobile telephones.1

As the world leader in mobility, Nokia is driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. The company makes a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as the enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus.2

            It seems like every year, the company acknowledges the organizational change and reshuffling the leaders. The company planned further changes in its sales and marketing activities in the Markets unit, which is expected to affect about 450 employees, maximum 100 in Finland.3 Joining with the occurrences of change, it is deliberately needed intense adjustments especially on the newly-deputies.

The Aims:

1.     To follow-up the company’s reorganization in the past year that target to strengthen the customer interface, and ensuring that all resources are well allocated to meet the business needs and de-layer the organization.

2.    To make the Nokia Research Center (NRC), which specialize long-term research activities, sharpen its focus on fewer but stronger research areas.

3.    The company is planning to relocate their activities in a more convenient site.

4.    The company also plans some smaller workforce adjustments in global process operations.

Organizational Change Models

            There are two possible organizational change models that the Nokia used in establishing their efforts that falls under the Strategic Planning model. There is various kind of approach and two are picked-up for careful examination. The two models are Alignment Model and Scenario Planning Model.4

Alignment Model

This kind of model ensures the strong alignment among the organization’s mission and its resources to effectively operate the organization. This model is useful for organizations that need to fine-tune strategies or find out why they are not working. An organization might also choose this model if it is experiencing a large number of issues around internal efficiencies. Overall steps include:

1.    The planning group outlines the organization’s mission, programs, resources, and needed support.

2.    Identify what’s working well and what needs adjustment.

3.    Identify how these adjustments should be made.

4.    Include the adjustments as strategies in the strategic plan

Scenario Planning

This approach might be used in conjunction with other models to ensure planners truly undertake strategic thinking. The model may be useful, particularly in identifying strategic issues and goals.

1.    Comes with the selection of several external forces and imagining the related changes which might influence the organization.

2.    For each change in a force, discuss three different future organizational scenarios which might arise with the organization as a result of each change. Reviewing the worst-case scenario often provokes strong motivation to change the organization.

3.    Suggestions are formulated what the organization might do, or potential strategies, in each of the three scenarios to respond to each change.

4.    Planners soon detect common considerations or strategies that must be addressed to respond to possible external changes.

5.    The selection of the most likely external changes to effect the organization, and identifying the most reasonable strategies the organization can undertake to respond to the change.

Stakeholders

Stakeholders are any constituencies in the organization’s external environment that are affected by the organization’s decisions and actions. These groups have a stake in or are significantly influenced by what the organization does. One reason is that it can lead to other organizational outcomes such as improved predictability of environmental changes, more successful innovations, greater degrees of trust among stakeholders, and greater organizational flexibility to reduce the impact of change.5

Conclusion
            The Nokia is really connecting its people, though there are employees that will affected by the organizational changes. An effectiveness of an organizational change is satisfying the stakeholders goal’s and interests. The effect of organizational change in the view of the stakeholders is inconceivably high. The possibilities of the success and loss plays in the middle of the company, not until every proposed projects was deployed. No matter how many times a company imposed organizational change; the success for the new plan will be useless if the appointees were not cooperating.

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Poverty

Social Issue: POVERTY

 

Introduction

The world has undergone several changes. A number of new technologies and innovations have been introduced, making work and living seem easier for some. However, in spite of these changes and developments, problems still arise. In the economic aspect, perhaps, one of the major and omnipresent problems of the world is poverty. People may be aware about it, what it is and why there is such a problem. Nonetheless, people are less knowledgeable or active in understanding how this problem can be resolved. Indeed it is ironic that in spite of the worsening status of poverty worldwide, a solution is still left undefined.

            People understand poverty in various ways. Some aspects of these definitions are measurable, while some are not. Typically, people define and understand poverty as the inability to provide for ones needs. This condition or state is often termed as “moneylessness”. In a broader yet less concrete perspective, poverty is also considered as an aspect of social pathology, which includes not only the state of moneylessness but also the conditions of helplessness, lack of political influence, dependency and other similar situations. In this case, poverty is also a state of powerlessness. This type of poverty is less easily measured. 

            In the sense of moneylessness, poverty is defined as a problem of not having enough basic medium of exchange in order to satisfy the basic human needs as well as to function socially and economically. Within any society or part of the world, basic human needs always exist. Although the standards of living tend to vary from place to place, elementary human needs are basically the same. These include nutritious food, shelter, clothing, sanitation, medical attention, and for some affluent societies, recreation and entertainment. People who are suffering from poverty lack the financial resources, or money to acquire these basic needs. Accordingly, poverty is the point where the total earnings are inadequate to acquire the minimum necessities of life for mere physical efficiency.

            Several other studies have given similar definitions of poverty. For instance, poverty may also be defined as the point wherein resources are seriously below the average family or individual. As the resources of an individual or family continue to diminish, the poor tends to withdraw themselves from participating in activities and customs sanctioned by the culture. This tendency to withdraw is also recognized as poverty line or threshold. More specifically, poverty can be defined in this way: Persons, families or groups are considered to be in poverty when they have insufficient resources to acquire the types of diet, participate in activities, and obtain the living conditions that are usual or at least widely approved or encouraged within the societies where they belong.

The size of a person’s income is not only factor that makes poor people different from others. Many are dependent economically as well as psychologically. People in poverty have higher than average rates of suicide, criminality, physical and mental illness, alcoholism and narcotics addiction. Poor people are likely to live within unhealthy environments and in physically unsafe structures. Moreover, social and family disorganizations are highly prevalent among poor people. These observations and problems of poverty encompass the feeling of powerlessness. Majority of the poor people lead lives that appear to be regulated outside their control. Most likely, evil forces or those in positions of authority are then ones monitoring people in poverty. This point is further emphasized by the concept of relative deprivation. As argued by  (1979), the market generates certain levels of deprivation that systematically hinders the poor from participating in economic and social activities of the society.

 

Poverty and Health of Individual

Because of poverty, there are many other social issues and concerns that emerge. One of these is in accordance with the health status of people. According to the United Nations Development, poverty has a direct effect on the people’s health status, and in fact, causes the growing number of sick people worldwide. This makes health a sound indicator of economic development. Thus, when a society is prosperous, the health status of the population is highly promoted. From this perspective, the UNDP noted that a two-way relationship is existent between economic development and health and suggested that reducing poverty rate should serve as a prerequisite for the success of various health reforms.

            Indeed, among others, people suffering from poverty often experience poorer health status in all aspects. This is primarily because poor people are most likely to be unemployed or working in low-paying jobs, have low levels of education, live within unsanitary or damp physical environments and have less access to health services. Poor people are likely to smoke or drink excessive alcohol, have inadequate or poor food intake as well as less exercise. Moreover, being in the poverty line makes it difficult for people to access health care. This in turn reduces their motivation and opportunity to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

            While poverty is considered as one of the main indicators of health status, poor health also serves as a cause and indicator of poverty. In a study conducted in 2001, about two-thirds of the households headed by a disabled or ill person fell below the sixty percent poverty line. Apparently, people suffering from serious disabilities or illnesses render them unable to work. As a result, most of them had been dependent on welfare payments. The medical costs, combined with the financial burden of their unemployment and other expenses usually turn into a family issue, contributing to intergenerational poverty. Their status is further worsened by the insufficient financial resources, inadequate capabilities to improve their current situation as well as the inaccessible and insufficient services.

 

Conclusion

            Poverty is a broad term which can be defined and understood in many ways. While people would normally relate poverty as a state of having insufficient resources to provide for daily need, various authors have also given their own definitions. In general, poverty is defined as the situation wherein resources are depleted, making the person unable to interact or participate socially. At varying levels, poverty has been a condition observed in all parts of the world.

            Indeed, poverty has been a growing problem worldwide. Yet, in spite of the problem’s worsening status, a solution is yet to be identified. Meanwhile, a growing number of people under the poverty line suffer from this economic and social problem. While poverty has led to several difficulties and challenges, the health status of the poor have been recognized as among the major concerns.

 

 

 

 

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Implementing Developmental Changes in the School

Implementing Developmental Changes in the School

 

Introducing the Interactive Whiteboard Technology to Primary Schools

 

Introduction

 

            Education is one of the necessities and the rights of each individual in the world. Parents or guardians have the responsibility of providing education to their children, as this serves as the foundation of learning and knowledge. This is why at an early age, children are sent to school to start and establish a good way of looking at things and gathering knowledge. Through knowledge and education, children can become involved to different activities, which do not only develop their mental abilities, but their personalities as well.

              (2006) reports that education is the knowledge of putting a person’s potential to maximum use, and is important for training the human mind, which makes man a right thinker and it tells one to think and make decisions. Without education, man is as though a closed room, but through education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open towards outside world (2006).

            With this importance, it is always better to provide some changes and improvement to the system of education. School improvement programs must be planned effectively and implemented efficiently to help the development of the curriculum, for the enhancement of the learning process of each student. Moreover, school change or improvement programs will also help the teachers improve on their understanding on their subject matter, and thus, enhance their teaching skills. The usage of modern technology in education is an important factor for the speedy reception and understanding of many teachers and students. The change in using ICT or interactive whiteboards in teaching primary schools can be beneficial for more receptive and participative students and more enthusiastic teachers. This paper aims to examine and evaluate the nature, processes, theories and outcomes of implementing developmental changes in the school. It discusses the effectiveness of using the ICT or interactive whiteboards in teaching the primary school, as being supported by related texts.

 

Literature Review

 

Rationale and Theories

            It has been reported that the national curriculum is compulsory in all state schools throughout England, and is formulated and monitored by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (2006). Its aim is to raise standards and to ensure that schools around the country are following the same courses. It is also brought in key stage tests, which mean that students are assessed at various stages throughout their education. These national curriculum tests are popularly known as ‘Sats’ even though the proper term would be ‘national curriculum’ or ‘key stage’ tests (2006). Under this curriculum is primary education, where children five to eleven years old undergo education. Primary schools are often run by the board of governors under Local Management of Schools scheme (2006).    

Changes or improvement in the school curriculum is an important determinant of the institution’s desire of further developing the knowledge of their students and teachers. It has been reported that effective school improvement is high on the agenda of the educational policies of most countries, and strongly focuses on student outcomes and the characteristics of schools and classrooms that are associated with these outcomes ( 2004). In the United Kingdom, effective school improvement is also aimed in primary schools, for better development of education. One of the proposed effective school improvement strategies is the implementation of the Interactive Whiteboard technology in the United Kingdom. This is a good application of the technology in education, which could stimulate the interest of students and teachers as well.

            It has already been mentioned that changes are essential in the development and improvement of the school curriculum. These changes can be supported by developmental theories, which support the importance of improvement in approach in the learning of students and teachers in an institution. One theory is constructivism, which applies to learners of all ages, acknowledges the individual and social processes associated with meaning making, and stresses the importance of experience and collaboration in learning ( 2006). This theory can support the implementation of using Interactive Whiteboards in the primary school, as it not only allows learning through visual stimulation, but also allows the students and teachers to interact effectively. This theory defines the collaboration of activities, because of using the new technique.

            The other theory is the transformative theory. This theory allows adults to examine the socially constructed nature of their current beliefs and consider changes, and helps adults acquire the level of awareness and cognitive skills needed to perform critical processes ( 2006). Through this theory, teachers are able to accept the process of changes being implemented and adopt these changes to be applied to their classes. This also allows the teachers to learn the new process of Interactive Whiteboards, accept them, and be able to relate the new process to their students.  

 

Interactive Whiteboard Technology

            The importance of school improvement has already been determined. From this, it is essential to discuss the new program or technique called the Interactive Whiteboard.

Accordingly, it has been reported that high quality direct teaching is an oral, interactive and lively discussion; a two-way process in which students are expected to play an active part by answering questions, contributing points to discussions, and explaining and demonstrating their methods to the class (2002). Through the advancement and development in technology nowadays, ICT or information and communications technology can now contribute in the classroom, supporting the teacher and enabling whole class teaching with the use of the Interactive Whiteboard (2002).

It has been reported that the Interactive Whiteboard technology offers one approach to ICT-based classroom teaching, and its use is becoming increasingly widespread in both the primary and secondary schools (2002). It is said to comprise three main pieces of equipment, namely, a computer, which is connected to a projector, and a touch-sensitive whiteboard. The computer screen image is projected onto the whiteboard, from which an electronic ‘pen’ allows the computer to be controlled (2002). The Interactive Whiteboard technology enables enhanced presentation of content, allows a student to absorb information more easily and to participate in classroom discussions by freeing them from copious taking down of notes (2002). On the part of the teachers, it saves them valuable time for preparation of lessons and visual aids (2002), and allows them to become familiar of using new approaches, such as the application of technology.

           

Related Study

            In relation to the new technology, a study was made by (2002) to explore the perceptions of teachers and learners of the impact of adopting the new technology in two secondary schools, and to investigate some of the issues arising at an early stage of implementation. This study also aims to assess the impact of the Interactive Whiteboard technology on teaching in a range of subject areas and similarly, on its impact on the learning experiences in a range of subject areas of the students (2002). Classroom observations were made as a means of enabling researchers to identify key features of current practice and to develop lines to be followed up by means of interviews with the teachers and students (2002).

            The study presented positive results, as educational and support practice in both schools have improved. Many technical and practical difficulties have been resolved, and there has been more extensive staff involvement in training. This lead to the installment of more Interactive Whiteboard units in one of the schools, and resulted to more participation in school activities involving the use of the new technology (2002). More positive results were observed than negative ones, which lead to the conclusion of the study to suggest that implementing and providing the Interactive Whiteboard technology to secondary schools are highly effective in stimulating learning. With this, its implementation to primary schools can be also as highly effective and stimulating to learning.

 

Survey

            Before the implementation of the proposed study, a survey was made to obtain the opinions of how teachers, parents and students would see the benefits and negative aspects of the new technology. For the survey, six student representatives, six parent representatives, and eight teachers were randomly asked to answer a simple questionnaire. The questionnaire has 20 items to answer, where each question corresponds to ways on how they can perceive the implementation of the new technology as a benefit or an added nuisance. The data were gathered and compiled to come up with reliable results. Scores were tallied to see the majority of answers, which will be considered to represent the whole population or community.

            Summary of the results of the survey indicates that majority of the participants perceive that the trial of the new technology can be maximized and utilized effectively if it will be implemented six months during the school year. Fourteen participants answered six months, 3 participants answered 3 months and three participants answered 1 month, while no participant would want to implement the technology for the whole year. In relation to the training or briefing of the teachers before the implementation of the technology, all of the participants agreed that teachers must undergo a seminar regarding the use of the new technology. In the questionnaires are provided blanks to where participants can write in their comments and suggestions. Most of the participants suggested that teachers can undergo training in several ways, and these include training through classroom-type discussions, through one-on-one briefing, through hands-on exercises, through modules, examinations, and through an actual simulation of the teaching method. With these methods, the teachers can be taught of the new method and technology efficiently and effectively. Moreover, majority of the participants agreed on the implementation of the new teaching method, in accordance to the method’s aim to improve and develop the learning abilities of students and increase their scores in examinations. In figures, fifteen participants agreed that the new method would be beneficial, while five answered otherwise.

            However, results also suggest that the participants also perceive the new method as a disadvantage. All twenty of the participants agreed that the new teaching method is very expensive, and this entails cost cutting of school expenses. In addition, all eight of the teachers and four students, for a total of twelve participants agreed that if the new method will be implemented, then they would have to study new information to be able to cope with the changes. While some teachers are already old, some believe that studying new technologies is essential for them. This leads us to address the problem with technophobia. Moreover, all teachers and students agreed that due to the new method, new lesson and examination modules must be developed, which would double the effort of teachers and students to adopt the new method.      

 

Methodology

 

            Similar to the study made by (2002), two classes in the primary school from different institutions will be selected and will be invited to participate in the study. Each class will have 20 to 30 students, having both males and females. The schools to be considered will vary in location, the one belonging to a rural area, and the other in an urban city. From this, several aspects will be considered, such as the socioeconomic status of the students and teachers, their exposure to technology, and their receptivity with technology. From these considerations, it can be a good basis to measure the effectiveness of introducing the Interactive Whiteboard technology.     

            The Interactive Whiteboard technology will be simultaneously introduced to both of the classes, as a means of having a new teaching method. The classes will be asked to use the technology for the duration of 3 months. The teachers will be asked to use the new technique in teaching the Science subject, for this subject has various concepts, which requires excellent visual aids for better understanding. From this, the researcher will be taking down notes based on his or her observations during class discussions. The researcher will take note of the teacher’s use of the Interactive Whiteboard, and will assess his or her skills in using the technology based on the teacher’s creativity and enthusiasm. On the other hand, the researcher will also take note of his or her observations on the students based on their facial expressions and interest on the subject matter. Observations will also be obtained through the participation of the students during class discussions.

            Aside from the gathering of observation during class discussions, the effectiveness of the use of the Interactive Whiteboard technology will be assessed through the performance of the students in their examination scores. After the 3-month duration of using the Interactive Whiteboard technology in teaching the Science subject, the study will be assessing its effectiveness in learning through visual stimulation by the examination scores of the students in the subject. The higher the scores of the students in the examination, the effective the Interactive Whiteboard technology becomes. A good means of evaluation is through examinations, for these indicate the retention of information in the minds of the students.

            In assessing the performance of the teachers, a questionnaire will be asked to be answered by the participating teachers. Obtaining data through the questionnaire will be easier for evaluation of the teacher’s exposure and receptivity to new technologies. The questionnaire will have 20 questions, to be answered by the participating teacher with the supervision of the researcher. In addition, a simple interview will be administered for interaction with the teacher and the students as well.

            To check the reliability and the significance of the study, statistical analysis will also be used. Statistical tools will be helpful to assess the significance and the correlations of the identified socio-demographic factors with the data gathered from the participants. All the calculations will be weighed to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the Interactive Whiteboard as being used in teaching and education. In this light, the researcher can examine its results and can compare them with the recent study done by (2002). Moreover, the researcher can suggest and can make recommendations on its implementation in different institutions for the improvement of education.   

 

Problems in Managing Change

 

            It has been reported that managing school change and improvement is one of the most complex tasks of school leadership (1995). Moreover, it has been pointed out that school leaders need to understand the change process in order to lead and manage change and improvement efforts effectively, and must learn to overcome barriers and cope with the chaos that naturally exists during the complex process of change (1995). Problems still arise despite the intentions of improving a school’s curriculum and improve its educational system. With the implementation of the Interactive Whiteboard technology, several problems can also be encountered, in relation to the teachers, students and the institution itself.

            One of the problems that could be encountered is the issue of ‘technophobia’. Technophobia is the fear of or revulsion to modern technology, and its supporters argue that certain technology is too powerful for humanity to be trusted with (2005). The introduction of the Interactive Whiteboard technology might encourage some ‘technophobic’ teachers to decline the use of the proposal of the new teaching technique. In relation to technophobic individuals, some teachers can also be slow in learning new techniques. This could somehow decrease the possibility of implementing the Interactive Whiteboard technology.

               Another problem that can be encountered is the cost of the Interactive Whiteboard technology package. This could be very expensive for the institution if every classroom will be provided with the new technology. Aside from these, the installation of the technology in the schools can add to the cost of the package. With this, the institution must make sure that their budget will suffice or surpass the demand for the technology in their institution, if they really aim for the improvement of their curriculum.

Moreover, the health and safety of the students and the teachers can also present some threats, as an implication of using projection equipments. All projectors, if misused, have the potential to cause eye injury, so it is best to make clear to all users that no one should stare directly into the beam of the projector, and to supervise children at all times when a projector is being used ( 2005).

            With these possible problems to be encountered, it is best to take note of some guidelines for managing change. , the Executive Director of the National Staff Development Council, offers some tips for managing the complex and difficult change process ( 2006). These include educating the leaders of change, such as the principals and the teachers; using an “systems” approach to ensure that all aspects of the school organization are considered when planning and implementing change; using a team approach that involves many stakeholders in the change process; sharing the power with teachers and others, to encourage the implementation of the change efforts; developing plans, but knowing that they will have to be adapted to change as needs change; realizing the tension between establishing readiness for change and the need to get people implementing new approaches quickly; provide considerable amounts of training and staff development; choosing innovative practices for and with teachers that are research-based and “classroom friendly”; recognizing that change happens only through people; helping educators to develop an “intellectual understanding” of the new practices; seeking out “paradigm shifters” and “idea champions”; and realizing that change takes time and should not be forced to occur too quickly ( 2006).

            These tips are helpful in preventing several problems to occur in the academic institution. These can somehow serve as precautionary measures in dealing with future problems in relation to implementation of changes in the school, such as the change proposed in this paper. Implementation of using the Interactive Whiteboard technology in the primary school can be challenging to some of the academic institutions. This is why these tips can be helpful for the institutions, for serving as guides in providing solutions to issues or problems to be encountered.

 

Survey

            After addressing the problems and issues related to the implementation of the new method, another survey was performed. This survey addresses the problem on deciding how to implement the new method to the school and see if the parents, teachers and students see the changes as an advantage and disadvantage. After presenting the changes that will take place on its implementation, twenty participants were asked to answer a questionnaire, which corresponds to their agreement or disagreement on the new method. Likewise, participants were chosen randomly from the population.

            Summary of the results shows that all of the participants recognized the changes that happened in the curriculum. To be able to implement the new method effectively, majority of the participants recognized the need for teachers to undergo seminar or training to improve their skills in teaching and adopt the new teaching method. Seventeen participants recognized the need for training, while three participants, specifically teachers thought the training to be a tedious task. In addition, majority of the parents believe that the implementation of this new method would be beneficial for their children, for with the use of advanced and new technology, children will be able to develop their visual and analytical skills that would enable them to enhance their learning ability. However, majority of the teachers and school administration representatives perceive these changes both as an advantage and a disadvantage because it is expensive and entails the modification of the school’s curriculum. As an advantage, they perceive the changes as an edge over other institutions, for they can provide more advanced and improved ways of learning, ensuring the high-standard education of their students.   

 

Conclusion and Recommendation

 

            The saying “change is inevitable” seems to be a good application to this study, as being proved by the different changes in implementations in several academic institutions in the United Kingdom. The introduction and implementation of the Interactive Whiteboard technology to different primary schools in the United Kingdom is one change process that can present a myriad of positive results, as suggested by the study done by in 2002. The use of the Interactive Whiteboard technology would largely improve the learning processes of the many students, especially during primary school years, where visual stimulation is the most effective strategy for easy learning. The introduction of this practice would also improve the teaching skills of many teachers, as they would be able to apply the latest technology for the benefit of better education. Although a handful of problems and issues can be encountered in the implementation of the new technology, several tips in managing change can still be followed, to prevent the adverse effects brought about the these changes. Moreover, changes must not be treated negatively, but perhaps, must be given attention and understanding to maximize its potential and turning it as an advantage.

            As recommendations, this study can suggest that to be able for the new method of teaching to be effective, teachers must undergo more training to be able to understand the technique, thus, improving the grades and the learning ability of students. Another point to consider is that despite the number of academic institutions using the technique, few only recognize its advantages and its benefits. This is why, this study can be an effective tool in informing authorities and other academic institutions to use the method. In addition, many organizations can focus on developing instruments for the Interactive Whiteboard, for it to become less expensive. Moreover, this study can inform the government to disseminate the information regarding this new technology to the entire United Kingdom. This would somehow help the other academic institutions and the parents to become aware of the latest development in technology in the country. The government can fund some events, such as forums and conventions, to present the technology to the nation, and to other countries as well. They could also disseminate information through leaflets or flyers and through the internet. Another recommendation is that the government can help provide academic institutions the new technology, especially if these institutions have no means for providing for themselves. The government can set aside budget for this project and aim to provide schools with the technology for the betterment of their education.

 

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A Sample Personal Essay

 

,(1) The year 2001 marked a significant turning point in my life.  I faced the most difficult challenge in my life when I left Hong Kong to attend high school in the United States. That August, when I arrived in the United States, I faced the personal challenges of adjusting to life in a new country as well as the loss of close family members.  In March of 2001, before I came to the United States, my beloved aunt died from cancer.  I was still suffering from that loss when I arrived in Michigan in August. At the same time, I was also hampered tremendously by my difficulty in speaking and understanding English in the new environment.

As I coped with my personal problems, the world faced the crisis of September 11th.  I watched the terrified, crying people of New York and I felt their pain.  This was the most devastating event that had happened since my arrival in the Untied States.

I couldn’t have anticipated further tragedy, in October my much-loved uncle died of a heart attack in Hong Kong.  Losing two family members in the same year was one of the greatest trials I have ever experienced. I was very close to my aunt and uncle, neither of who had children of their own.  Now they are gone, it fills me with great sorrow that they won’t be able to see me graduate. 

I responded to all the death with tremendous sadness.  At the same time leaving Hong Kong was a great personal sacrifice for me.  Not only did I have to learn a new language but also I was separated from my friends and family.  I felt insecure of my new environment and how meaningless life seemed!  That December, I returned to Hong Kong for the Christmas holidays, gloomy and overcome by my difficulties.  My father, upset to see me so depressed, reminded me that, “Life is short.  We should be more tenacious and concentrate on living more meaningful lives.  Contribute what you can to society, help others and do your best in order to be thankful for the love you received from your aunt and uncle.”  That night I dreamt, conjuring up the memories of those now dead who once meant so much to me.  I realized that I, too, had to adjust.  I had to stop mourning, accept the challenges of my new situation and get on with my own life.

As a result, the expatriate experience was a blessing.  I learned to value another culture, have become much more independent in both my personal and academic life. My high school grades and acceptance into University reflects my renewed effort and enthusiasm.  I also recognize that any obstacle, no matter how great, can be overcome.

(2) Since I was 5 years old, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to a variety of countries and cultures.  Before I moved to the United States at fifteen from Hong Kong, I often traveled with my parents when there are local holidays and sometimes accompanied my father on business trips, attending exhibitions and trade fairs.  Throughout my journeys, I learned and encountered many different cultures and found out we live in a dynamic and diverse global business environment.  No matter what the difference in culture and nationalities, in our ,global community, most modern careers in business, politics or education involves working and interacting with people from a variety of cultures; in order to communicate and solve problems and market the business, it is essential to be able to understand the world from a multitude of perspectives.  My experienced in traveling and coming to study in America and learning to think and act in new ways has certainly broadened my own ability to communicate and empathize with others who are different from me. 

(3) This winter quarter, I enrolled “COM 499” class and participated in a research project called “Ethnic Media in the United States”. America, being the melting pot of all ethnicities in the world saw a steady growth in number of ethnic media that caters to many different ethnic groups. I, in particular belongs to a large population of Asian ethnic group. The diversity of ethnicity is very evident in my class. There are black Americans, Europeans and Asians. My groupmates assigned me as the leader and the over-all coordinator for the project. I was not expecting the role, but since, as they reasoned out that the Chinese ethnic media be a good starting point for our study, they picked me to lead the group since I would have more connections and I can provide in depth understanding of the topic. I was at first hesitant, for to be honest, I never really had connections with the Chinese ethnic media industry. But taking this as an opportunity to practice my leadership and social interaction skill for bigger roles to come, I accepted the challenge and the role. Being the leader of the group, I was responsible for almost everything from coordination, assigning of tasks and even acting as moderator when we do discussions about the project. I was able to meet and actually interviewed people from the ethnic Chinese media industry, the very same people I sometimes saw on T.V when I watch Chinese programs here. The experience was so helpful to me because it actually developed my personality by gaining lots of self confidence.

(4)  I am the first child of the family to get into college.  Not only to keep the promise of my parent, but also it feels like I am dedicating my study to both my aunt and uncle, who just recently pass away, where I saw and experienced from them kindness, warmth and love. Both my parents are very supportive and encouraged me to study abroad to have a wider perspective and gain a very quality education.  I lived and studied in two vastly dissimilar cultures – Hong Kong and America. To me, pursuing a career in business is a very pragmatic solution to my future welfare.  My father, being a businessman in Hong Kong, seems like I am following his footsteps.  I have had numerous opportunities to watch him work. And thru him, I have discovered my own interests in the business field.  I find it intriguing and exciting to know the differences and similarities the way business operates in the East and West.  I hope that with my global citizen outlook, I can use this as leverage to my future career in business by understanding cultural trends between East and the West which is significant to my own business. At present, I’m hoping that I can share my knowledge and unique experience of the East and West culture and serve as a bridge as my own contribution to my academic community.

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Influence of a Film Star on Mainstream Fashion

 

            This paper will try to discuss the influence of a film star on mainstream fashion. It will try to state the link that connects the media and the fashion world. It will also try to illustrate and analyze the relationship that exists between these two concepts. Before a proper discussion of the topic, a brief introduction and definition of the term cinema and fashion is important in truly understanding the relationship between the two.

            Film is a term that encompasses motion pictures as individual projects, as well as the field in general. The origin of the name comes from the fact that photographic film has historically been the primary medium for recording and displaying motion pictures. Many other terms exist — motion pictures or just pictures, the silver screen, photoplays, the cinema, picture shows, flicks and most commonly movies. trends

            The term fashion applies to a prevailing mode of expression. Inherent in the term is the idea that the mode will change more quickly than the culture as a whole. The terms "fashionable" and "unfashionable" are employed to describe whether someone or something fits in with the currently popular mode of expression. Fashion can suggest or signal status in a social group. Groups with high cultural status like to keep 'in fashion' to display their position. Because keeping 'in fashion' often requires considerable amounts of money, fashion can be used to show off wealth. Adherence to fashion trends can thus form an index of social affluence and an indicator of social mobility.

Bean Pole is a casual clothing brand of Cheil Industries, a Samsung affiliate that focuses in producing high-quality products along with a high-class image. To enhance brand awareness of Bean Pole abroad, the company has decided to designate Gwyneth Paltrow as their new model. Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow then appeared in a commercial that aims to establish Cheil Industries’ casual-wear brand Bean Pole on a global scale. She is also assigned as the new spokesmodel for the company’s line of clothing. In the endorsement, Paltrow is partnered with Korea-American actor Daniel Henney. Bean Pole executive Won Jong-woon said Paltrow’s elegant and intelligent image and Henney’s mysterious oriental aura were ideal for the brand’s classy image. The company added that it had its eye on the Paltrow amd Henney from the early stages of the casting process.

Paltrow said she was pleased with the opportunity to get to know Korea better. Cheil Industries said the star was hoping to reveal a new side of herself in the commercial, which will be shot in London. Because of the endorsement made by Gwyneth Paltrow the sales of Bean pole products and clothing apparel noticeably increased. The sales are estimated at KRW 205.6 billion increased by approx. 28% in 2005 compared with previous year. Woman's suit shows the increase in actual sales compared with the same period of previous year. In case casual wear product of the company, the profit on sales increased by approx. 27% compared with the same period of previous year.

Endorsements and advertisement using films and other mass media devices are called product placement Product placement is a promotional tactic used by marketers in which characters in a fictional play, feature film, television series, music video, video-game or book use a real commercial product (Cronin 102). Basically either the product or logo is shown and the favorable qualities of the product are mentioned. The product price is not mentioned nor is any negative features or comparisons to similar products. Very generally, product placement involves placing a product in highly visible situations. The most common form is movie and television placements.

In movies, an early example of product placement is the 1949 film Love Happy, in which Harpo Marx cavorts on a rooftop among various billboards and at one point escapes from the villains on the old Mobil logo. A later but better-known instance of product placement can be seen in the 1982 film E.T. Product placement companies work to ensure that their clients’ products receive maximum screen time and exposure. Other examples of product placement is  the Nokia phone that Agent Sydney Bristow uses on Alias, the Lacoste polo shirt that Alex Hitchens wears in the feature film Hitch or the Rimowa pilot case Gil Grissom carries as he arrives at crime scenes on CSI.

The most basic form of product placement is the inclusion of a product name or logo in the foreground or background of a scene. Payments are based on exposure, including the number of times the product is shown or mentioned, the duration of that exposure, and the degree of inclusion of the product in the story line.

Other times, product usage is negotiated rather than paid for. Some placements provide productions with below-the-line savings, with products such as props, clothes and cars being loaned for the production’s use, thereby saving them purchase or rental fees. Barter systems and service deals like cell phones and computers are also common practices. Producers may also seek out companies for product placements as another savings or revenue stream for the movie, with, for example, products used in exchange for help funding advertisements tied-in with a film's release, a show's new season or other event .

Famous actresses and actors are chosen to endorse and advertise clothing products because fashion companies are riding on the popularity and fame of the actress or actor who is making the endorsement of a product by an actress like Gwyneth Paltrow. First, the viewers and the society as a whole freely and continually view the product or the style of fashion advocated by the company (Hines 99). The actress or actor who endorses the product serves as a “walking billboard” for a specific line of clothing. The actress can wear a specific style of fashion while he/she is attending an awards night, television shows or press gatherings thereby implicitly advertising the line of clothing to the public without using the mass media.

This action is also beneficial to the fashion industry since it will increase the sales and profits of the company due to the on spot advertisement being made by an endorser.  Endorsement made by an actress can also facilitate easier product recall where products are specifically attached to a particular movie personality. This is effective form of advertisement since consumers can have no difficulty in making choices and decisions about clothes to buy. Consumers will only be seeing an image of a celebrity but instantly remembering the brand and style of fashion that this individual advocates.

Another advantage of using actresses and famous stars for product endorsement is that it pushes innovation and novelties into the minds of the public. If a new design or a product is not exposed to the eyes of the public, this design or product will never be financially successful. It would remain as a novelty and unique idea but has no use for the buying consumers. To familiarize and to bring into light a new and innovative product massive public limelight must be shed on the product to make it known to the public. Effective publicity must be used to be able to drive to the public the importance, usefulness and the effectivity of a line of clothing.

A new line of clothing or a fashion style must have a specific appeal and impact that will be instantly recognizable to the public. A new product must also be highlighted and talked about by the public to make it well-known to the consumers. A new product would also be common if it is associated with something ort someone that is easily remembered by the society. Due to this factors, a celebrity and actress/actor is the most likely choice for endorsing a product that is new to the in the market. Advertisers are banking on the popularity, fame and status of a celebrity in making the product they advertise a staple product that will be bought by the market.

Companies and fashion designers are also using actresses specifically movie actresses because of the popularity and faster dissemination of the product thru theaters, movie premieres and cinema press conference. During these important occasions, the new fashion is practically seen by the public. Endorsers are also hoping on the effectivity of the halo effect which states that a person’s of another is influenced by their appearance. In marketing and advertisement, a halo effect is one where the perceived features of a particular item extend to a broader brand.

In this perspective, the perceived features and characteristics of an endorser is expanded to include the products and the fashion that he/she promotes. Promoters and companies are also using celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow to endorse a particular line of clothing since celebrities have a large fan base that can be translated to a huge and potential market if the image and popularity of an actress is properly maximized. A large consumer base can be properly exploited if an actress has a huge fan base composed of individuals who are part of the target market. Actresses therefore serve as endorsers and as market magnets for the products and styles of clothing.

Because cinemas affect directly the content and tone of our consciousness, they exert a powerful influence on individuals and consumers. Cinemas induce psychological energies and impulses which are magnified and reinforced by the hundreds, or even millions, of people who share them. If the content of cinemas and films are mainly positive and uplifting, the largest segment of the market goes toward satisfying the demand of the lower human appetites which includes styles of fashion which will be imitated. Advertising thru cinemas and celebrities tends to manipulative and where people are bombarded with appeals to there appetites and desires.

The mental effect of a well-adapted advertisement using the cinema is diverse. It appeals to the memory. Whatever a consumer read at a newspaper or watches on a trailer or film in a theater is firmly embedded in the memory to be remembered at another time. It will therefore be more valuable if an advertisement is vivid and has an impact on the viewers.

Although there are inherent advantages of using actresses and celebrities as endorsers and image models, there are also pitfalls and drawbacks that must be properly seen and remedied. Among the negative effect of endorsements of new fashion styles is that there is no proper proof evidence that will correlate the fashion endorsed by an actress with the body type of the consumer that will wear the finished product. Since it is an advertisement where the primary goal is the highlighting of products for the buying public, the ragged edges and the disadvantages that can be derived from that specific line of clothing is glossed over or is not mentioned.

Another negative effect of this relationship between the fashion industry and the cinemas and celebrity endorser is that it creates a bandwagon effect that has negative effects on the consumer. A bandwagon effect happens when people often do or believe things and ideas because other people do the same . In this example people buy things and other products just because they are being endorsed by celebrities. For example, an actress is endorsing a particular line of clothing, viewers will want to buy and wear the same line of clothing since this is endorsed by an actress. This mentality would in turn make people totally believe what they are seeing on the TV or cinemas even if it is only gimmickry and promotional stunts aimed at capturing a target market.

Another effect of this practice it that it promotes blind consumerism in the society since they are just using and taking advantage of the status of an individual to sell their products without totally presenting the product with its bad and good points. This practice promotes and cultivates unintelligent consumerism where people are blindly buying products and wearing clothes that are just endorsed by famous individuals without looking and thinking if these products and clothes are useful and necessary.

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Enhancing Nursing Care

 

Nursing is the process of caring for, or nurturing, for an individual known as the ‘patient’. More specifically, nursing refers to the functions and duties carried out by persons who have had formal education and training in the art and science of nursing. To promote the restoration and maintenance of health in their clients, nurses became more particular in enhancing their knowledge through integrating with health and biological sciences.

 

            According to the Code of Professional Conduct, a registered nurse, midwife or health visitor is accountable for what they practice. Furthermore it noted that the following should be followed when caring for patients and clients:

 

o        “respect the patient or client as an individual

o        Obtain consent before you give any treatment or care

o        protect confidential information

o        co-operate with others in the team

o        maintain your professional knowledge and competence

o        be trustworthy

o        act to identify and minimize risk to patients and clients”.

 

            On the other hand, according to the College of Registered Nurses of Nova, the nursing profession has the following interrelated standards:

 

1)     “ Accountability – the registered nurse is accountable to the public for competent , safe and ethical nursing practice

2)     Continuing Competence – the registered nurse attains and maintains competencies relevant to own scope of nursing practice

3)     Application Knowledge, Skills and Judgment – the registered nurse demonstrates competencies relevant to own scope of nursing practice

4)     Professional Relationships and Advocacy – the registered nurse establishes professional therapeutic relationships with clients and advocates for clients in their relationship with the health system

5)     Professional Leadership – the registered nurse demonstrates professional leadership in the delivery of quality nursing and healthcare services to the public

6)     Self – Regulation – the registered nurse assumes personal accountability to practice nursing competently and ethically.”

 

            According to an interview with a hospital lead nurse (assigned in older people’s acute care) people published in the Evening Chronicle,  good nursing practice is defined as:

 

            “Good nursing practice is all about providing holistic, personalized care that is respectful of the individual and nurses are at their best when caring for older people”

 

The individual healthcare professional's ability to do what is proposed with proper competence and skill is, of course, crucial in ensuring safe clinical care. But professional competence is only part of the picture. Good people, with good skills and good intentions, sometimes make mistakes. As part of this professional issue, to be a nurse is to observe a dynamic process of caring based on a theoretical body of knowledge.

 

The role of the nurse as a vital member of the healthcare team through collaborative professional practice must always give priority through caring its patient. The primary goal of being a nurse is to assist individuals in the achievement of an optimal level of wellness. The focus of nursing practice is on individuals' specific needs based on their healthcare choices related to physiological, psychological, socio-cultural, developmental and spiritual dimensions of individual lifestyles.

 

            Therefore, a good nursing practice is one that involves the patient in his own care. The patient’s role in his own care must be acknowledged and given importance by the healthcare professional

 

A specific example of a good nursing practice I have witnessed is having an open (and effective) communication between the patient (and / or the patient’s family) and the healthcare professional. First and foremost, the healthcare professional consults the patient about what are his preferences regarding his care and / or treatment. This is of significance in the patient – healthcare professional relationship; because it will prevent any misunderstanding that might arise when a decision regarding the patient’s care and / or treatment must be made. The patient is also given accurate and / or truthful information of his condition. Furthermore, the information regarding the patient’s condition is not relayed on very technical terms but rather using terms and / or language that is easily understood by the patient. This provides a better understanding for the patient on his medical condition. If in case a patient refuses to accept or undergo a treatment, the patient’s wishes are respected and followed by the healthcare professional.

 

Furthermore, a patient’s consent is first obtained before any treatment (and / or operation) is performed on the patient. The patient is informed of the effects and / or benefits of the treatment.  And if the patient refuses the treatment and / or operation, his wishes are respected. And in cases such as that (a patient refuses treatment), the patient is informed of the consequences of the non-treatment and at the same time, possible alternative treatments (in place of the refused treatment) and the possible consequences and / or effects of the alternative treatments. In case, the patient was not able to give his consent an able (and legal) representative of the patient will be informed of the patient’s condition and asked for consent on the proposed treatment.

 

 This is significant so that the healthcare professional will not be made liable on possible unfortunate consequences of the treatment or non-treatment; since it is the patient’s decision that has been respected and obeyed. Aside from that, the patient will have a better understanding of his condition and would feel more responsible about his health. Furthermore, he would be able to think over his refusal of the treatment and might concede to the healthcare professionals’ opinion or decision.

 

Another aspect of patient’s consent is his consent regarding on his medical records. Not only a patient is informed of his medical records but at the same time, he is informed on who has access to it and / or who knows about his medical records and how the information on his medical records are used in relation to his care and / or treatment.  Furthermore, the patient’s consent is obtained regarding on who among his family members or other relations should learn of his medical condition and / or have access on his medical records.

 

Aside from that, the healthcare professional works as a team. Each and every healthcare professional that works in relation to a patient’s care and / or treatment coordinates with one another. Each and every one of them respects each other’s abilities, skills and opinions regarding the patient’s medical condition. A harmonious relationship lessens if not totally avoid misunderstandings, conflicts and tensions within the healthcare institution. Thus, a harmonious relationship in the medical team produces better results in the patient’s medication. Aside from that, a harmonious relationship amongst the healthcare professionals improves their performance which leads to better service and / or care to the patient.

 

Hand Washing as an Infection Control

In the healthcare surroundings, hand washing is frequently referred to as the main weapon in the disease control arsenal. The principle of hand washing in the healthcare setting is microbial diminution in an attempt to diminish the risk of nosocomial infections.

Hand sanitation can also be a dilemma in demanding health centers and clinics where patients are seen both in growing numbers and taken care of in rapid series.  Deterrence and control of communicable actions are intended to limit the increase of contamination and give protected surroundings for all patients, in spite of the locale.In light of the materialization of antibiotic defiant organisms, useful infection control measures, such as hand washing, are necessary to avoidance.

Hand sanitation is commonly recognized to be the only most essential activity for reducing the spread of illness, however facts imply that many health care professionals do not disinfect their hands as frequently as they require to or utilize the right method which means that spots of the hands can be missed. Hands should be disinfected before direct contact with patients and after any activity or contact that infects the hands, as well as following the removal of gloves. While alcohol hand gels and rubs are a practical alternative to soap and water, alcohol is not a cleaning agent. Hands that are visibly dirty or potentially grossly contaminated must be washed with soap and water and dried thoroughly. Hand preparation increases the effectiveness of decontamination. Adequate hand washing facilities must be available and easily accessible in all patient areas, treatment rooms, sluices and kitchens. Basins in clinical areas should have elbow or wrist lever operated mixer taps or automated controls and be provided with liquid soap dispensers, paper hand towels and foot-operated waste bins. Alcohol hand gel must also be available at ‘point of care’ in all primary and secondary care settings. All health care workers should bring any lack of, or inappropriately placed facilities to the notice of their managers (or matron). They also have a duty of care to patients and themselves and must use facilities provided to prevent cross infection.

 

Infection control is significantly significant to the successful condition and organization of healthcare services. On the other hand, it is a locale of nursing theory and practice that has been inadequately studied and has gone nearly uncontested. Contamination control needs a vital understanding of the epidemiology of diseases caused by frequently encountered micro-organisms, of the danger that augment patients' vulnerability to infection by these micro-organisms, and the exercises, measures and cures that encourage infections. In the study of a small number of nurses inquire about principles, clinical practices or educational programs in infection control. Paradoxically, this took place at a time when disease control teams are progressively more moving away from the everyday gathering of hospital infection rates towards target observation programs.

Nurses have the opportunity to practice infection control as an integral part of patient care on a day-to-day basis. However, the results of several studies suggest an overall lack of understanding of the components that make up informed infection control care. Hospital-acquired infections are often related to inappropriate patient care practices. This may be due largely to non-compliance with infection control policies, which in turn is attributed to poor knowledge, a lack of motivation and low awareness of the need for infection control. It is important, therefore, that infection control personnel understand what factors influence compliance and how compliance can best be achieved. A review of nosocomial infection control indicated that the incidence and subsequent cost of hospital infections can be reduced significantly by implementing an active infection control program.

One solution that could encourage change in infection control practice is the development of an infection control audit program. The aim of clinical audit is to improve the delivery of care to patients as well as promote multidisciplinary working in clinical teams. It involves simply taking note of what nurses do, learning from it and changing practices if necessary. Clinically-based audits ensure that the infection control nurse can examine practices where care is actually being delivered. A standardized infection control audit tool could be used by all care providers. This would furnish purchasers with a measurable standard in relation to quality in infection control.

The risk to patients of infection is much higher than for the general population, partly due to under- lying intrinsic risk factors and the need for invasive therapy. The spread of infection is also increased when patients with existing infections are in close proximity to other susceptible patients. Assessment of infection status can be divided into two distinct categories, the patient who has an infection which could spread to another patient, and the patient who is at risk of acquiring infection. These findings reveal that the majority of hospitals included in the study assessed the risk of infection through the nursing process. However, the nursing process does not necessarily offer a framework for risk assessment for infection control. Only one hospital had an infection control risk assessment tool applied by the clinical nurses and evaluated by the infection control nurses, suggested that the rate of infection can be altered significantly by staff awareness and the risk of infection reduced by a number of recognized healthcare practices, including risk assessment.

Often guidelines for infection control precautions are standardized and based on a medical model of care. Infection control is also perceived as 'rules and routines' that are grafted onto care plans. In reality, infection prevention and control is the basis of all care. Findings from this study demonstrate that the nurses' approach to applying infection control precautions in the clinical setting was inconsistent. Infection control nurses in each of the six hospitals viewed the hand washing technique of nursing staff as poor, with insufficient time allowed for the procedure. The seriousness of this finding was reinforced by a study on compliance with treatment by patients undergoing isolation nursing. The researcher found, among other things, that a failure by nurses to wash their hands after contact with patients known to be potentially infectious meant that the acquisition of pathogens was highly likely.

While no harm is likely to befall a patient as a result of hand washing, one potential adverse effect of hand washing for healthcare workers is skin irritation. Indeed, skin irritation constitutes an important barrier to appropriate compliance with hand washing guidelines. Soaps and detergents can damage the skin when applied on a regular basis. Alcohol-based preparations are less irritating to the skin, and with the addition of emollients, may be tolerated better.

Another potential harm of increasing compliance with hand washing is the amount of time required to do it adequately. Current recommendations for standard hand washing suggest 15-30 seconds of hand washing is necessary for adequate hand hygiene. Given the many times during a nursing shift that hand washing should occur, this is a significant time commitment that could potentially impede the performance of other patient care duties. In fact, lack of time is one of the most common reasons cited for failure to wash hands.11 Since alcohol-based hand rubs require much less time, it has been suggested that they might resolve this concern. In fact, a recent study which modeled compliance time for hand washing as compared with alcoholic rubs, suggested that, given 100% compliance, hand washing would consume 16 hours of nursing time per standard day shift, while alcohol rub would consume only 3 hours.

Conclusion

            Nursing a profession that has been around since the middle ages, that began from health restoration of ill and wounded persons in wars, is now an institutionalized profession that faces a lot of issues, but is never the less stable in enhancing their skills through training and studies.       Based on the analysis, we can conclude that nursing is a sacred profession for it aims to help patients/ clients gain insight and access to their subjective experience.

             Indeed it is no argument in saying that in time, the nurses have increased their roles in the society. This is proven by the numerous specializations that were made in the past years that were employed in the field. Through periods of rapid changes in industrialization, and in the present day information technology, nursing institutions have designed nursing care appropriate to expectations of the patients and clients. Theoretical and practical management has evolved in this institution from the time it was formed.

            Even in the event of modern thinking and high technology, the latest gadgets that enhance medical practices and the theories taught in the universities cannot replace the effectiveness of actual and personal involvement of the nurses to their patients. The nurse-patient involvement is crucial for wellness of the patient for it is one of the few interactions of the patient to other people while recuperating. Human interaction avoids the patient from being depressed. Furthermore, nurse-patient interaction provides the nurse with additional experience and promotes professional growth.

Practical knowledge supports praxis for it is indispensable, in the nursing field. A nurse needs to integrate his skills, experience and technical knowledge to result into a better and effective performance. Praxis has many implications in the field of nurturing and caring. Despite criticisms and complex issues, the theory Clinical Effectiveness should be present in a nurse’s profile for him to handle situations with patients in distress. Technical knowledge supports evidence based practice, practical knowledge endorses practical knowledge and emancipatory knowledge gives both nurses and patients interaction and ease.

 All health care professionals who have a clinical responsibility for patients must include infection prevention and control as part of their every day practice. The RCN believes all health care staff should receive mandatory infection control training as part of their induction and on an ongoing annual basis. It is particularly important that knowledge and skills are continually updated. The training should cover all the general principles of infection prevention and control, to emphasize the key role that health care professionals play in minimizing the spread of infection; to highlight what can happen as a result of bad practice and underline the importance of good communication.

 

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