Case Study One- Rio Tinto: Redesigning HR Essay

1. Synopsis Rio Tinto, an international London based mining and mineral company was severely impacted by the global recession in 2008. Such an impact forced unprecedented workforce reductions worldwide and decentralized HR management had to be brought in under a single umbrella to insure an orderly and efficient system that would support the organization’s future productivity. This new proactive approach to management, utilization of technology, and preparation of the employees proved to help save the company and set the stage for continued future operations. 2. Answer the Questions Q1. How did Rio Tinto’s revamping of HR help with minimizing the potential problems with the reduction in force? The entirety of management to engage in strategic human resource planning is what had been revamped in the Rio Tinto organization. Engaging in centralized global planning, maintaining effectiveness, awareness in serving the best interests of the entire organization, and not carrying out decentralized single focused HR at all sixty individual business sites was a positive, yet necessary culture shift leading to increased efficiency. The intention to control issues and serve the best company interests were to maintain integrity, hold down costs (which could have been in legal fights and time), sensitivity to those affected persons and business units, and establish a data management system that handles international staffing and succession planning. What role would an HRIS have to play in managing a RIF? The role of Human Resource Information System(s) in any organization is to give employee asset visibility to enable management decisions and planning easier. In a perfect world, all employee records from hire to decision time would give a more complete picture on all employees past, present, and future value to the organization. The comprehensiveness of a database with all the intricacies loaded in to handle future plans, regional requirements,  training and education, critical skills, performance data, and succession planning allows managers the ability to see exactly where to eliminate positions and personnel that do not add to organizational productivity. Q2. Without a consistent philosophy, policies, and approaches to reduction in force (or any other disruptions in the future) what would the likely reactions from employees be? The first collective employee reaction management will see, whether the entire reduction in force plan is revealed, would be that of the union(s) being up in arms that there will be any employees getting the pink slip. The on the job efficiencies and reduction in productiveness could occur if employees become disenfranchised and are left wondering on whether they have a job tomorrow. Managers and employees who generally have a minor trust issue normally will withdraw from each other, which will result in work team dysfunctional behaviors and creativity will stalemate. If left to its own devices, strikes, walkouts, or employee sabotage could become the extreme results of poorly constructed philosophy, policies, and management approaches. 3. Describe a Similar Personal Experience During the mid-to-end of the 1990s, during my career in the US Army, we had a reduction in force (RIF) that was conducted very poorly. The perceived best interests (Washington politics) for the organization and centralized decisions were implemented without regard for the work units spread across the globe. There was no real use of a common sense approach to succession planning and ultimately we lost an unacceptable amount of mid-level managers that caused a knowledge gap that took nearly ten years to correct. At the time, the HRIS was not fully in place with management understanding the capability of the tools possible in making decisions. Changes since that time have improved in teaching management to leaders and in the near future, a RIF is on the way with the drawdown after we get our forces back here from the Middle East. We should watch and evaluate the historical lessons of the past.

Business strategy: A guide to Effective Decision making Essay

Strategies decisions depends highly on perceptions, people’s attitudes and assumptions, therefore they are rarely straightforward or simple. Strategic decisions determine the direction as well as success of an organization, which is why it is essential for decision-makers to understand the decision-making process in order to make the right decisions. Chapter 2, 3, and 4 focus on introducing forces which will form a decision, including ideas, developments and potential pitfalls. In chapter 4, a practical and useful framework is also created to guide step by step in a decision-making process. Chapter 8 outlines insights and techniques for implementing and improving decisions in order to have a competitive strategy. Chapter 12 introduces forces which will have affection in sales, marketing and brand management decisions. It is necessary to understand the decision-making process and other involved factors to be able to create a practical and competitive strategy. Right decisions will make a huge impact on company’s directions as well as success in the future. Chapter 2: Ideas at Work Setting a strategy has always been complex due to the changes that company has to face over time. There are several factors that will affect the decision making process. Decision-making approaches The classical administrator The classical administrator, which was founded by Henri Fayol, has become the most traditional model of the decision-makers or strategists. A set of common activities and principles of managements was developed and divided into five sections: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating and controlling. Planning involves setting the goals of the organization and developing an action plan for future success. Organizing involves structuring the organization and using necessary resources to achieve these aims. Commanding makes sure the optimum return from people, which is usually considered the most expensive component of a business. Coordinating involves focusing on people’s effort to achieve the goals. Control makes sure that everything is going according to plan, making adjustment when necessary to ensure success. The design planner When the strategy is planned, the techniques of the classical administrator would be used to implement the strategy. Design planning will help the implementation process and it requires expertise in two areas: Analyzing and anticipating the future environment, techniques and models. Be aware of the external opportunities and threats; internal strengths and weaknesses. The role player The role player involves in the strategic decision-maker’s job as a reflective and analyzing planner and controller, to make sure the plan is realistic and practical. The competitive positioner It is crucial for competitive positioner to understand the power of the external environment in order to achieve competitive advantage. Customers and suppliers, substitute products, present and potential competitors are considered competitive forces. The competitive positioned should be able to eliminate barriers to enter its market, set a competitive prices, reduce operating costs and be aware of its rivals. The visionary transformer Vision is one of the fundamental tools to make a strategic decision, and it should focus on answering the following questions: Where in the market should the organization position itself? Brand positioning? How should the organization achieve its goal? However, visions should be achievable and visionary transformers should be able to ensure that they are achieved. The self-organizer The self-organizer needs the ability to network, innovate and collaborate with people to achieve the organization’s goal. The turnaround strategist The turnaround strategist focuses on turning around the performance of an organization once a visionary leader has failed. It is important to adapt new control systems quickly, find out the reasons for failing and be able to reverse them. Financial issues There are three financial issues that influence strategic decisions, they are: cash management, risk management and budgeting. It is important for company to be able to manage its cash flow and have an effective financial control while implementing strategic decisions. Controlling costs Controlling costs, by saving money, making cost-cutting is one way to boost profits and reduce losses. Managing for value: implementing the balanced scorecard The balances scorecard takes into account four important perspective of activity, they are: financial perspective, customers, internal processes, innovation and learning perspective. The main stages of implementing the balanced scorecard include: Preparing and defining the strategy, deciding what to measure, finalizing and implementing the plan, publicizing a d using the results, reviewing and revising the system. The rise of technology and the impact on technology on decision-making The rise of technology has opened up a multiple ways to add value, increase sales, reduce costs and manage more efficiently, therefore technology has made a huge and diverse impact on business decisions. Factors that affect a business and decision-making such as: adding value, understanding customer needs, competitive advantage and assessing costs can be done much faster and more efficient with the help of technology. That is why it is definitely important to use and manage information systems properly to take the best out of it. Chapter 3: Pitfalls In this chapter, several types of failure may be encountered in decision-making process, such as: thinking flaws, leadership flaws and cultural flaws. Behavioral flaws In order to avoid traps made by human brain while making decisions, common traps should be recognized and understood which ones are likely to influence decision-maker’s thinking. Some common traps which were mentioned in this chapter were: the anchoring trap, the status quo trap, the sunk-cost trap, the confirming-evidence trap, the overconfidence trap, the framing trap, the recent event trap, and the prudence trap. Leadership flaws Leadership flaws can also affect strategic decisions. One of them is failure of understanding, when the leader does not properly understand a problem. Another common flaw is rationalistic planning, when everybody assumes that there is only one effective choice, therefore, leads to only one conclusion. Decision-making pitfalls Cultural flaws The culture of an organization can make a negative effect on strategic decision, and fragmentation occurs when people are in disagreement. In the other hand, groupthink is when an idea is given because it is supposed to harmony with the majority. Such behaviors are common and therefore, decisions may be affected by the cultural of an organization. Failure to respond to change It is important to sense when to change before the business goes down and gets bankrupt. Responding to the need to change may be not easy, due to other external factors, but changing in the right way and at the right time is crucial to remain the business in the market. Overcoming decision-making problems It is usually much more difficult to over problems than just pointing them out. When looking for a solution, two main factors should be considered seriously: the ability of the decision maker and the importance of testing and perfecting decisions. Some other ways to overcome problems and aim to effective decision-making are: being aware (and raising awareness among others), avoiding subjective or irrational analysis, being sensitive, establishing clear priorities and objectives, fostering creativity and innovation, understanding substantive issues and last but not least, focusing on the relevance and potency of the business idea. Organizational learning and scenarios Two popular approaches that can be used to avoid the pitfalls of strategic thinking are adaptive organizational learning and scenario thinking. Adaptive organizational learning means continuing the process by adapting new changes to suit the organizational environment and to improve performance. Scenario thinking is a process which is divided into two parts: a formal element designed by managers, and an informal part, characterized by casual conversations. Chapter 4: Rational or intuitive? Frameworks for decision-making The rational approach Assessing the situation Assessing the situation is the first step of rational decision-making process. It starts by asking whether the decision relates to a permanent issue or it is the result of an isolated event, therefore the decision-maker may have some idea of what to do in the next step. Defining the critical issues When considering a decision, all aspects should be taken into account, and funneling is a useful and rational technique to be used. The method involves collecting information, then prioritizes and eliminates issues that aroused based on the data that were collected and analyzed. Specifying the decision This step defines what the decision must achieve. By defining the minimum set of goals, this helps to ensure focus and smooth implementation. Making the decision Compromise is usually involved in the decision-making process. In this stage of the process, embracing with creativity and innovation may ensure the strategic decision will be implemented successfully. Implementing the decision After defining the decision, executing it is usually the most critical and time-consuming phase. These following factors are involved: planning how it will be implemented, assigning the tasks clearly and specifically, communicating, motivating and rewarding, managing resources to ensure that people carrying out the decision have the necessary equipment to complete their task. Monitoring and making adjustments It is very important to monitor the implementation so that everything is going according to plan and adjustments can be made in time. Decision-making is a cycle, from the last step comes back to the first step again, therefore the assessment of the next decisions should start will the monitoring of current ones. The intuitive approach

Abortion should only be used to empower women Essay

Dear Chris Christie, â€Å"The advocates of abortion on demand falsely assume two things: that women must suffer if the lives of unborn children are legally protected; and that women can only attain equality by having the legal option of destroying their innocent offspring in the womb.†(Casey). Abortion is a legal common act in almost most countries, leading to an estimate of 2 million destroyed unborn babies. Although abortion seems like an equal fair right towards women, murder isn’t an â€Å"equal right† to embrace or granted to a certain gender. As of the law, it is illegal to commit a crime of harm or death to a human being (murder). Robert Casey is trying to say that abortion shouldn’t be viewed as a positive right. Abortion officially started in the late 1800s, â€Å"women healers† in Europe and the U.S. Provided abortions and trained other women to follow along with this same act (Reproductive Health).Now, abortion is still taken action and is in some cases 100% legal without any strict rules/cases. In this case, abortion should be strictly looked after, but legal for medical emergencies. The fetus shouldn’t be harmed but available to put up for adoption. Before delving deeper into the history of abortion, it is important to simply look at the fact of its existence and participants in the United States. According to studies released in 2005 by the Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health (PRCH) and The Guttmacher Institute, there were 1.29 million abortions performed in this country. Research by the same group shows that in 1994, approximately half of all pregnancies in the United States were unintended, with only about half of those actually ending in abortion. In comparison to other countries, the U.S. accounted for three percent of worldwide abortions in 1995 (PRCH and Guttmacher). With that said, the political history of abortion has been a bit scary and the position that the Supreme Court takes on abortion 100% influences the issue. Although, with the many performances of abortion there leads to ongoing reasons for the pro choices of this action. From the point of view of many humans, decisions makeu  human’s everyday lives and gives us the right to independence. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor wrote in the 1992 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, â€Å"The ability of women to participate equally in the economic and social life of the Nation has been facilitated by their ability to control their reproductive lives.† (O’Connor). From this point of view, because women are now financial to equality in the U.S, having the right to control their own bodies is an improvement to the ranking of fair treatment and the act of fitting into society’s social and economic requirements. Therefore, there is an automatic option for women with the struggling fetus issues. Not only does this advantage their rights, but it puts their privacy in control. The Constitution gives a gu arantee of certain areas or zones of privacy, and that this right of privacy is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy (The 7-2 decision). This gives women the advantage of safe privacy, in which their business is only open to them and/or their partner. The government cannot and should not control a woman’s fetus and if so, this will Outdo the exact purpose of the 7-2 decision. Not only that but, but abortion can be a serious decision to prevent financial future conflicts. â€Å"Many couples†¦ don’t have the resources, don’t have the emotional stamina, don’t have the family support [to raise a child with disabilities]. As of the United States, 1 billion babies have been bored with a disability.† (UOP Student) .Going through the pain of raising a baby without the advantage of fair money (for medication), family support, or strong determination towards the child isn’t worth raising an offspring. In which, may lead to the option of abortion. However, there are many serious outcomes and effects that make abortion a strict case. From sources of doctors and professional professors, abortion leads to health risks involving serious amounts of pain. Doctors who perform abortions at this stage of pregnancy -a rarity, according to a 2012 Italy by the Centers for Disease control and prevention- must provide Anesthetic or analgesic to alleviate organic pain to the unborn child. It also requires doctors to tell women that Substantial medical evidence shows that a 20-week fetus may feel pain during an abortion.(USA law). Babies may come to a chance of experience of pain, resulting in an act of murder. Based on the government, murder is viewed as a crime, so abortion should be considered as an illegal practice. Not only does this affect the fetus itself, but it’ll result in health issues towards the actual human carrying the fetus.   Approximately 10 percent of women undergoing induced abortion suffer from immediate complica tions, of which one fifth was considered major. Many women who had an abortion state that they went through these types of physical and mental complications of abortion (Elliot Institute). Abortion can lead to lack of healthy mental states and may even cause serious important health risks. This will vastly impact the lives of these women in a negative way and may lead to a reduced lifespan. Lastly, the act of abortion affects a woman’s happiness. This lowers the chance of adoption rates. According to the U.S department of health and human services, â€Å"as the result of lack of women putting their children up for adoption, The number of infant US adoptions dropped from about 90,000 in 1971 to 18,000 in 2007. Around 3.6 million women were trying to adopt children as on 2002 .† (USDHHS). Due to abortion, there were and still are, fewer chances of other families with the abilities to have a child and becoming parents. The rates of women in want of children are outrageous while the rate of orphans is accurate but has drastically dropped. So far, Mothers are throwing away their opportunities of life and aren’t creating a positive perspective. In conclusion, abortion is supportive of a women’s rights and own decisions but does lead to health risks and blocking the ability of a precious treasure. Therefore, abortion needs to be strictly looked after and MOSTLY used for important serious issues. But a Woman should ALWAYS have full privilege over their bodies.    Works Cited â€Å"Abortion ProCon.org.† ProConorg Headlines. Web. 30 May 2017. â€Å"Pros and Cons of Abortion.† HealthGuidance.org. Web. 30 May 2017. â€Å"[query].† InstaGrok. Web. 30 May 2017. CONDADO, ANAKAREN. â€Å"Abortion Pros and Cons.† DiginetXpress. N.p., 15 Nov. 2011. Web. 30 May 2017.

Career Success at What Cost? Essay

This essay is about how a woman adjusts and sacrifices her life to be able to meet needs of the work life balance vs. the personal life balance. It is achieved by looking closely at the two main characters and how they constantly have to choose between personal and work life and to be able to maintain a balance or rather not. It is a good choice of movie to look into the theme of work life vs personal life, as this is a common existing problem in today’s work culture and it enlightens the choices and options one has to choose from. This essay looks at two different women who work in a same field yet are worlds apart and end up having to choose either or . The essay then concludes about that choices needed or demanded to be made and sacrifices are made by every individual in the end whether they want to or not. We all hope to have a boss who guides and inspires us to fulfil our professional goals as we contribute to our organization’s success. However, recognizing how rare that kind of mentor is, many of us are satisified to work for someone who is unsuccessful, but pleasant to work with, someone who would guide us and be approachable without biting our heads off. Such a person is, at least, more tolerable than a boss who makes every workday a living hell. The Devil Wears Prada brings to life that very terrifying scenario. Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a college graduate who won writing prizes as a student but is unable to secure a job in journalism, had to settle for a job that is related creatively to her choice of expertise. Andrea (Andy) is assigned as the assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), who is the editor in chief of Runway magazine based in the busy lives of Manhattan. The tasks Miranda assigns her – range from finding and fetching only vaguely described pants to scoring the latest unpublished Harry Potter manuscript within a very limited time frame. All these have nothing in relation to Andy’s passion of journalism. This is the first evidence of sacrifice that is made by Andy. She chose to work in a place not familiar or relevant to her but she has to work in order to earn to be able to support herself. One problem Andy faces is her inability to fit in with Runway’s corporate culture. Whereas her co-workers dress in perfectly put-together top-designer clothes, Andy wears a comfortable off-the-rack sweater and sensible shoes. She sees no reason to change herself for a job she is using only as a steppingstone for a job at a† real† magazine such as The New Yorker. (Frankel,pg42) This is the next choice Andy makes. She chooses to remain her own self and be in her comfort zone rather than trying to fit into an image which is not favoured by her. She ignores the taunts of her co-worker Emily (Emily Blunt), who puts down Andy’s uninspired outfits. Andy, who sees fashion as useless and irrelevant, has no intention of becoming a part of the fashion industry. For her, this job is just a means to an end. Here she chooses her personal life style over the professional expected level. For Andy it is more convenient and easier to portray her as she identifies with her own choices of clothes rather than branded items that many choose otherwise. Andy eventually comes to recognize that Runway sells an image, and that her loyalty to this image is part of her job description. Through her hard work and efficiency on being able to meet deadlines before time, she becomes a walking advertisement for Runway. As she concedes her previous image to one of style, grace, and elegance framed by the clothing of the designers she once found so disgraceful, she crosses a boundary. Her friends and boyfriend question her transformation. But Andy, striving to fit into her new role and please her boss, is too busy for introspection. (Bolen, Everywoman,pg 262). This again is another example of choice and sacrifice evident in the movie. At first Andy was not willing to change her image but eventually she gives up her stand to be able to fit in with her company’s image. A pure example of sacrifice of own personal choices over the need to impress her co-workers and her demanding boss. Andy’s transformation increases her willingness to respond to Miranda’s unreasonable requests, which becomes irritating as they seem to come at any time of the day. From 6 a. m. until 2 a. m. , Andy can be found answering the phone, dropping whatever she is doing to attend to Miranda’s demands. (Bolen, Everywoman, pg 265). When Andy skips out on friends and family, telling them – and herself – that she is working hard only in order to attain her ultimate goal of a position as a true journalist, her friends worry that she has been seduced by her current job responsibilities, which she has come to take seriously. In time, putting work first costs Andy her closest friendships, including her relationship with her boyfriend. As Andy’s job at Runway collides her nonworking life, she complains to Nigel, who has become her mentor and confidant, â€Å"My personal life is hanging by a thread. † He explains, â€Å"That’s what happens when you start doing well at work. Tell me when your whole life goes up in smoke. That means it’s time for a promotion. †(The Devil Wears Prada, 2006). The main theme of the movie of work life vs. personal life is utmost the most central at this point in time. Andy sacrifices her personal life; she risks her relationships in order to suit needs of her work life. She is constantly being put on spot to choose either way. Her work life has driven her much to the place where she time and again sacrifices her personal life and chooses her work life. She ends up on a unbalanced sea saw where her work life is proving to be on the heavier scale compared to her personal choices and the relationships that existed way before she had a compelled full on work life. It is interesting to compare Andy’s sacrifices with Miranda’s efforts to separate her own personal and work lives. When Andy is required to deliver mock-ups of the magazine to Miranda’s home after ten o’clock each weeknight, she is banned from interacting with Miranda’s children or even going beyond the first floor. Although Miranda does not have the time to be a caring mother, she thinks often of her children, whose daily schedules she coordinates and whose special occasions she celebrates. Miranda chooses to maintain a balance with her work and personal life but ends up losing a bit of both. Although she is able to make time to be there for important functions for her children, she is not able to shower them upon with lots of time and love from day to day as her work life demands and makes up most of her life’s space. Although it may seem like Miranda is able to juggle both, it is evident in the movie that she cannot always have what she wants and ends up losing one or the other. For example, when the weather turns horrific, she is unable to attend her children’s recital. On the other hand, to be able to meet with Miranda needs and get her across the state, Andy ends up sacrificing her time with her father to be able to find a suitable flight for Miranada. In this scenario both are on the losing end. Miranda ends up not being able to reach the function as she could not put her work to hold and Andy ahs to sacrifice her personal life (time with her father/family) to be able to please her boss. The question that raises here is â€Å"Can people at the upper level of a corporation afford to have meaningful personal lives? Not necessarily† (Betts, 2003). According to The Devil Wears Prada, by the time someone makes it to a top spot, it may be too late. Certainly Miranda is not immune to work’s erosion of her personal life. Already twice-divorced, she learns that her third husband d wants out. Apparently, one cannot hold a highly well paid, demanding, and prestigious job and also maintain a fulfilling personal life at the same time. Miranda’s life is based around this. Her sacrifice is her personal life. She chooses her career and her work over her personal time with the family. Due to this she has experienced fall outs from her ex partners and also has a very disconnected relationship with her twin daughters. As mentioned before, although she is able to make it to important family functions at times, she is not fully present as Miranda a mother or wife. She is there as Miranda Priestly, the chief in editor of the Runway magazine. Her image is more important to her and she ends up sacrificing her personal life over and over again. The supporting characters repeatedly tell Andy that she has a choice – that she can decide to leave her job. She has to decide whether to surrender her personal life for the advantages that working for Miranda Priestly confers. She makes her choice. Work over personal life. As Emily observes she says to Andy, â€Å"You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos. †(The Devil wears Prada, 2006). Whether or not the job is worth Andy’s personal and social life, this becomes the driving point of the film. As work consumes almost all of her time, she cancels dinner dates, loses sleep, and misses her boyfriend’s birthday party. Her single and resounding excuse is that she has work and that she has no choice in the matter, to which everyone responds with that she does have a choice — and that choice is to quit. Andy refuses, claiming that she is not the kind of person that quits. Yet again Andy chooses work over personal life, another sacrifice of her personal life. When Andy accepts Miranda’s invitation to accompany her to Paris for fashion week, she knows full well that she is taking Emily’s place. In Paris, Andy sees Miranda backstab a dear friend in order to keep her job. Andy tells Miranda that she could never backstab a friend. Miranda reminds her that she has already betrayed Emily. MIRANDA: You chose to get ahead. If you want this life, those choices are necessary. ANDY: But what if this isn’t what I want? What if I don’t want to live the way you live? MIRANDA: Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Andrea! Everybody wants this. Everybody wants to be us. (The Devil wears Prada, 2006) The job is Andy’s choice, and she has chosen to live life this way. Andy then has a revelation about what she seems important in her life. In a negative gesture, she flings her company-issued cell phone into a nearby fountain. Here she sacrifices her fame and image and chooses herself. The image with which she identifies with and the way she used to live before entering these prestigious and demanding work lives. After leaving Runway, Andy applies for a job at a newspaper. With a positive, although brief, reference from Miranda, she gets the job. The film ends happily enough, as we are left to infer that Miranda, despite her cold behaviour and exploitation of Andy, she is satisfied with the choice Andy has made for her. Through her journey of ridiculous errands, stressful assignments, and overworked life, Andy has developed a deeper understanding of the role work plays in her life. She may live for the job, but that does not mean that it is all she lives for. (The Devil wears Prada, 2006) Conclusion This scenario is quite common in today’s work life ethics. Success, image and good earning jobs are becoming so demanding in today’s work life cycle that most people end up choosing their wok life over the personal aspects. The movie depicts a lot of uprising newbie’s in the workplace especially woman who have the need to be able to create a self image and respect in the society and to be independent, compared to the past where women were limited to nursing and nurturing duties in the boundaries of their homes. The need for strive is increasing rapidly at the cost of having to sacrifice time and again. In the movie, on many occasions the characters were compelled to making a choice between work and personal life. It was more like sacrificing one to meet the needs of the other. The characters, Andy and Miranda consistently chose work over every other aspect present and part of their life. Andy ruins her personal relationships with her loved ones and Miranda is seen having difficulties in playing for the caring and loving motherly role. In the end they both make sacrifices. Both are not entirely happy neither are they fully sad. The fact remains that we can’t have the best of both worlds without having to make adjustments and sacrifices now and then. It is also evident that people always end up making a choice and have to lose one or the other. Andy chose to restore her normal way of life over the high class flashy life that she got used to. She ended up giving her demanding work life which offered her being in the limelight often. Yet she was happy to be back in a place where she was more comfortable with and with which she could easily identify herself with. Miranda ends up choosing her work life again over the personal life and is shown to still have the power and success and keep her personal life shaky and unstable as they way it started off with. In life everyone has to make choices and sacrifices, at some point in time. The question remains, which way do we go because naturally you have to give up something in order to get the other.

Leadership Vision Paper Essay

The vision statement continues the expression of the desired service and the level of achievement necessary to achieve the mission. The values selected are those that support example of innovation-based mission, vision, and values statement (Porter-O’Grady & Malloch, 2011.) My vision statement is: To treat all patients with dignity and respect at all times. To explain not only what I am about to do for them, but why. I will provide Evidence-based research, when available, for their knowledge. I will allow them autonomy, in their decisions. I will provide each patient compassion and empathy, at all times. I will remember they are a person not just a patient. We will come to understand the vision through the various sections of this paper. The sections are: Key concepts of vision, Critique of evidence, Importance in nursing and lastly, the Summary. Key concepts of vision I believe that when a patient is given the evidence-based information in a clear and concise manner, they are in a better position to make better medical decisions. While I am providing each patient with evidence-based research, I am proving them with the necessary tools to make the informed decisions. In turn, giving them the autonomy they deserve. Being respectful, showing empathy and compassion are all easy tasks to perform, when the patient is thought of as a person, not just a patient. An example would be when I explain why I am about to perform some task, not simply that I am going to perform the task. I need to ask permission of the patient, giving them the opportunity to reject the task. It may be in their best interest to have the task performed, but, if I respect them, then I will respect their decision. Critique of evidence In an article titled, Toward the ‘Tipping Point’: Decision Aids and Informed patient Choice, â€Å"there is strong evidence that patient decision aids not only improve decision quality but also prevent the overuse of options that informed patients do not value†. Which I believe aids in better patient satisfaction. Policymakers increasingly believe that encouraging patients to play a more active role in their health care could improve quality, efficiency, and health outcomes (Coulter & Ellins, 2007). Another area that I have an important stance on is that the patient is a person, not just a patient. In an article by Danielle Ofri, she talks about a crowded waiting area where the medical assistant is yelling out the patient’s name, so cattle-like. â€Å"Nevertheless it feels horrible to me, so demeaning, like we’re in the DMV instead of a medical clinic. I want the environment to be more humane, more civilized, and so when I go out to call a patient, I use a much softer voice, with a tone that I hope conveys more respect.† Importance to nursing According to Lesly Simmons, a blogger for Georgetown University, the Nursing profession is the most ethical and honest profession for the 11th year in the Gallup survey. â€Å"Nurses have been the highest ranked profession for 11 out of 12 years.† So why is that? Nurses consistently capture patient and public trust by performing in accordance with a Code of Ethics for Nurses that supports the best interests of patients, families, and communities. They often are the strongest advocates for patients who are vulnerable and in need of support (Sachs & Jones, 2012). Summary Treating the patient as a person shows the patient that I respect them as a person. When I respect them as a person, I have more compassion and empathy for them. When I have empathy, compassion and respect for them, I can help them make better choices. By giving them evidence-based research I am providing them with the tools so they can be more informed. By being more informed, they have a better understanding of their situation. By them understanding their situation, they will then have autonomy. Allowing the patient autonomy, gains respect from the patient for the nurse. Hence, making the nursing profession the most honest and ethical profession over the last decade. So, I continue to keep my vision statement close at hand. References Coulter, Angela., & Ellins, Jo. (2007). Effectiveness of strategies for informing, educating and involving patients. BMJ 2007;335:24 O’Connor, A. M., Wennberg, J. E., Legare, F., Llewelllyn-Thomas, H. A., Moulton, B. W., Sepucha, K. R.,Sodano, A. G., & King, J. S. (2007). Toward the ‘Tipping Point’:Decision Aids and Informed Patient Choice. Health Affairs. May 2007. Vol. 26(3) p716-725. Ofri, Danielle. (2012). Humanizing Medicine and Respecting the Patient. A Sweet Life. January 19, 2012. Retrieved on January 16, 2013 from http://asweetlife.org/feature/humanizing-medicine-and-respecting-the-patient/ Porter-O’grady, T., & Malloch, K. (2011). Quantum leadership: Advancing innovativion, transforming health care. Strategies to integrate and advance innovation. 3rd ed. p149. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Sachs, Adam & Jones, Jemarion. (2012). Nurses Earn Highest Ranking Ever, Remain Most Ethical of Professions in Poll ANA Urges Policymakers to Listen to Nurses on Health Care Policy, Funding. American Nurses Association. News Release December 4, 2012. Simmons, Lesly. (2011). Nurses Most Respected Profession for 11th Year. Nursing@Georgetown Blog. May 16th, 2011.

Despite the costs of organising nutrition support teams in hospitals, Essay

Despite the costs of organising nutrition support teams in hospitals, there is an overall saving in health care cost - Essay Example The nutritional support team provides artificial nutrition and maintains itself as the supreme source of evidence-based information about nutritional assessment and support. It audits practical standards of care and organizes ways to nutritional screening, monitoring, and assessment for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Nutritional Support Team also assesses different feeding routes and advises on alternative treatment options. Nutritional Support Team activities contribute to a shorter hospital stay, lower mortality rate, improved nutrition, and reduced complications (IrSPEN, 2013; Tan Tock Seng Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics Department 2015). Therefore, Nutritional Support Team decreases complications and healthcare costs through reductions in unrequited treatments and prevention of complications. Organizing of nutritional support teams incurs several costs. The costs are incurred in the clinicians or departments involved in the provision of adequate nutrition for patients. First, we have the catering staff. It is concerned with providing sufficient quantities of quality food to limit the unnecessary use of nutrition support. Patients who cannot feed on their receive food in a favorable environment. Therefore, there is spending of much cash in the provision of quality food and maintaining a healthy environment. Secondly, there are the dietitians who are concerned with the provision of nutritional support for patients who are unable to derive adequate nourishment from food. Dietitians provide nutritional screening and assessment, together with the stipulation of supplementary through oral, parenteral, and enteral routes to patients undergoing malnutrition. However, it is expensive to maintain the dietitians hence many finances spent. Third, the ward nurses look after the patients, undertake screening process, and instigate associated care pathways. They ensure

None Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 29

None - Essay Example Package is also important because of the exclusive control that the product storeowner has over it. Unlike brand that depends on influence for creation and sustenance, package remains the same and as created by the product owner (Black 1). Marketers also and erroneously assume that packaging aims at capturing a customer’s attention into purchase. One of the roles of packaging is attraction and retention of customers. Sensitivity to the target market and branding objectives is important to effects of packaging on the role. A package, which can also develop a brand, may be effective to attract new customers and to retain existing customers through visibility and attractive features or disrupt existing customers. Packaging can also be used to communicate changes in product and in brand into effective marketing. It also informs customers of product features and quality to help in closing sales. This is because of information that package can offer about a product, such as ingredients, that makes a product outstanding from its competitors (Black 1). Black, James. â€Å"What is your product saying to consumers? Rethinking the role of the package in communications.† AdAge. January 18, 2011. Web. March 10, 2015.

Steinbeck's depiction of the struggle of Agricultural workers during Essay

Steinbeck's depiction of the struggle of Agricultural workers during the Depression, his role as a social commentator, and its impact upon his work - Essay Example The novels also serve the purpose of a social documentary and present a picture of the prevailing systemic injustices in the United States. It is fashionable with the new breed of novelists to separate politics from art. But in the case of John Steinbeck, this distinction is not evident. The author, in the process of creating a work of art had also taken upon himself to ask questions of social injustices in general and economic disparities in particular. Hence, Steinbeck’s body of work are in essence are full of his own perspective on the state of rural American society; the medium of the novel have given Steinbeck the requisite scope and opportunity to fulfill his role as a social commentator. The rest of the essay will cite instances from the two novels as well as foray into the biographical aspects of the author himself to support this assertion. To understand this social activist trait in Steinbeck’s character one has to look at the experiences and circumstances that shaped his vision of America. Firstly, his years as an adolescent in Salinas, where he got a first hand experience of his parents’ struggle for survival is a formative influence. It is the next phase of his life however, that will prove more important – his long-time relationship with the radical social worker Carol Henning. The influence of Carol Henning cannot be underestimated, for her socialist views on life had clearly rubbed off on Steinbeck, which is evident from the earliest journalistic assignments that Steinbeck undertook. His years as a novice journalist also had a key role in the shaping of his character, for these early writing assignments were the foundations for his later literary pursuits. In both the works in discussion – The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, the influences of these formative stages of his early l ife are quite obvious. While Steinbeck never really espoused a

Business future Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business future - Assignment Example Chongqing has an average of 67 institutions of higher education with about 600,000 undergraduates entering them yearly. The region has 236 vocational schools housing half a million of the students. Therefore, this makes the availability of local skilled labor and the R&D operations cost effective. The region has a lower production cost therefore it makes the price index moderate unlike in Eastern China and the Western neighbor Chengdu (Liu, Zhang & Zhang, 2010, pp.72). Compared to Chinese cities like Shanghai and Beijing, Chongqing, strategically positioned, one can relatively move with ease from the metropolitan part of the city. Just next to the city center, the Southern Mountains provide plenty of outdoor opportunities and peace. At the outskirt, the rice paddies and historic villages are easily visible. The area is safe from gangsters and corruption. In 2009, the authorities in the city under the municipal Communist Party secretary by the name of Bo Xilai took a large-scale crackdown by arresting 4,893-suspected thugs, corrupt and the outlaws’ cadres. The arrests saw an end to the period of gangsters (Thompson, Lane & Bedford, 2010, pp. 98). The air quality is a most significant health concern in China. The region enjoys moderately good air quality compared to other areas in China. Its beautiful Riverside has been a key source of attraction. However, it experiences moderate instances of air pollution from the production industries around the city. The cultural life has the entire infrastructure needed. For example, the region has the traditional museums, the contemporary art, modern opera building, art schools, live houses, and the small theaters where the people watch Sichuan opera. English entertainment is quite limited (Liu, Zhang & Zhang, 2010, pp.88). The healthcare in the region is not as advanced like those in the cities of Shanghai and Chengdu. The global hospital clinic preferred among the expats

Problem of corporate social responsibility Essay

Problem of corporate social responsibility - Essay Example In such an analysis, the movie ‘Wall street’ as acted in 1987 features such manipulations of a stock broker (Bud) who gets into trade deals with an unscrupulous corporate raider (Gordon Gekko) through whom we see the attributes of manipulation. The character of Bud is clearly brought to light through the greed for quick wealth, which led him into the heinous acts in trade. In one such an incident, after he is much involved in illegal trade affairs with his mentor Gekko, he learns the business and opts to practice it himself against his corporate friend. He deceives Gekko to invest in Bluestar airlines after which he cunningly drives the stock up with an intention of bringing them later down for his own gain against his friend Gekko. This therefore illustrates such an example to business manipulation which is against CSR and which is driven by profit motive. Bud is interested in the unethical behavior of manipulating business performance for own gain through profit maximi zation (IMDb, para 1-7). Manipulation would therefore involve such practices as intentionally overpricing of business goods, over valuation or devaluation as well as the intentional price distortion for the purpose of personal gains. Manipulation has effects in affecting the market forces, which are responsible in regulating demand and supply. At macro level, interest rates and the stock values have great influence on performance of an economy. They also influence the lending rates by financial institutions, which have an equal capacity of encouraging investors into a country. This illustration of manipulation through stock over-valuation and undervaluation therefore has the capacity of destabilizing forces of demand as well as supply hence distort the economy, both at micro as well as macro level. It is also worth noting that manipulations by price distortions ahs the capacity of creating unfavorable competition within the markets whose effects would be felt within the whole econom y. Tax evasion In other instances, business people may intentionally evade payment of tax as a paramount practice for corporate social responsibility. It is the expectation of every governance regime that business firms honor their role in payment of tax for building on government revenues. The governments therefore raise their funds through taxation and as such imposes legal frame worst through which full compliance from any trading firm is expected. This therefore brings in the local and international norms against which individual traders or firms are liable to facing legal charges. However, it is a common practice for trading businesses or individuals to avoid payment of taxes. Such ways through which tax evasion occurs is through understating the profit returns, failure to update books of account on timely manner as well as corruption where traders would cooperate with authorities at a lower fee instead of honoring the obligation of paying taxes. These are common practices, whi ch are against business ethics that trading firms or individuals engage in for purposes of maximizing own profit. However, despite the increased efforts in creating awareness and regulation, unethical behavior through such means as tax evasion is increasingly being experienced (Cox, Friedman and Edward, 263-265). Dishonesty practices are equally common phenomena in trading businesses

Examining the Use of online tools and their Impact on Learning in the Essay

Examining the Use of online tools and their Impact on Learning in the higher education - Essay Example 4). This leads to the improvement of educational quality. Colleges and universities are now adopting online tools in offering higher education through social sites, graphics, videos, audios, and words (Reuben 2009, p. 1). This paper examines the use of online tools that include blogs, wikis, RSS, and cloud computing and their impact on learning in the higher education. Cloud computing is a new technological evolution that is applicable in higher education. Various computer tasks rely on cloud computing, which depicts an improvement on the traditional learning practices. Through cloud computing, users can access data outside the traditional data center walls. We can define cloud computing as the aspect of replacing software traditionally installed on campus computers with new internet applications that seek to reduce IT complexities and cost in learning institutions that offer higher education (Nicholson 2009). Higher education institutions using cloud computing derive the capacity to gain significant flexibility and agility (Nicholson 2009). Indeed, the increased use of cloud computing in offering higher education emanates from the fact that this online tool guarantees higher accessibility, availability, and efficiency of higher education. However, in using cloud-based services, higher education institutions bear the liability of addressing security, legal, and compliance issues subject to the large number of users (Nicholson 2009). Indeed, higher education institutions define their responsibilities and focus on fundamental privacy and security issues in adopting cloud computing. Nevertheless, it is evident that the cloud-based services offered in the modern education system allow these institutions to replace the traditional learning tools with advanced learning tools that improve the quality of education. More so, cloud computing allows students

Schizophrenia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Schizophrenia - Essay Example What sets the two forms of schizophrenia apart is that the person who is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia believes themselves to be wanted or hunted, usually by the voices that they hear in their head or the people that they believe they can see. They develop schizophrenia as well as paranoia. Schizophrenia affects at least one per cent of Americans, with the majority of them being teenagers or young adults. Schizophrenia is most common in people during their late adolescence until their mid-twenties if they are men and their late twenties if they are female. The chance of getting schizophrenia is equal between gender and ethnic groups. Schizophrenia is also a disease that can be passed down from someone who already has the disease, or has had it. This can be done genetically, or if someone, especially a child, is subjected for great lengths of time to someone who has schizophrenia. A person is more likely to get the disease themselves if they are related, even distantly, to someone who has already had it. As there is no real definable cause of schizophrenia, it is difficult to predict if somebody will get it. People are often misdiagnosed due to the lack of understanding that comes with schizophrenia; there have been many cases when someone has been diagnosed, come to later find out that it was something unrelated to schizophrenia. It is a very shaky disease to diagnose properly. With all types of schizophrenia, the majority of the symptoms remain the same. There are only one or two striking differences that set the different branches apart from each other. There are considered to be three branches of symptoms, which are positive, negative, and cognitive. Positive symptoms are considered to be the obvious behaviors that are not normal to a healthy person. These symptoms are easy to spot and are easiest to treat. Positive symptoms include unusual thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions. They are symptoms that verbally and visually pull a person

Development Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Development Economics - Essay Example Conversely, macroeconomics is a broader view of economy and its effect is identified in the entire nation and in the international market as a whole. Besides, it is the analysis of a country’s economic performance and structure along with the government policies affecting the economic condition (McConnell & et al., 2009). In many developing nations, economic issues faced by the inhabitants of a society and a business are in terms of distribution of scared resources. Inequity and development is the key issues in any economy in which inequity refers to differences in income or wealth, consumption and other variable that are related to the social welfare. In this context, inequity has emerged as the central problem for every economy that threatens the upward mobility of a nation (Chilosi, 2010). Correspondingly, the essay highlights the development issue in relation to the high level of inequity problem in an economy. The most possible effect of inequality in the development along with the possible remedial measure to eradicate the inequality will also be discussed. Furthermore, the analysis helps to have a better understanding about the economic issue of inequality and its possible impact on the economic development of the nations. The concept of inequality is based on a multidimensional approach that refers to the comparability of elements. This comparability is done between specific characteristics, which are measure with adequate indices and indexes. Difficulty arises when the concept are been framed in the societal context, which ultimately creates economic problem. As stated above, the concept of inequality is related to the differences in income, consumption and other components of social welfares. In some of the nations, top earners enjoy larger part of overall distribution of wealth and gains, whereas the others are having little shares. Growing level of

Construction of gender and sexual identities Essay

Construction of gender and sexual identities - Essay Example It has aptly been observed that every culture of the world maintains some specific characteristics and traits, which distinguishes it with the rest of the cultural groups and communities at large prevailing within the same natural and physical phenomena. This distinction is generally dependent of several sub-cultures existing under one culture, which not only divide the individuals into factions and groups, but also provide them with identification on the basis of their likes and dislikes, and priorities and aversions as well. Consequently, the sub-cultures of society work in an active and effective way by not only uniting the like-minded people under one platform, but also helping them in respect of winning their rights and privileges particularly at the time when the majority of the population appears to be standing at the opposite side, censuring and condemning the minority group in one way or the other. It is especially the case with the homosexuals, which have established their specific sub-culture, and have invented and introduced particular terms and jargons in order to convey their messages to their community members on one hand, and conceal it from the members of outer groups on the other (Warren 1998). The present paper aims to concentrate upon the gender and sexual identities with reference to the homosexuals in order to get acquainted with their sub-culture and mode of communication while living in the societies, an imperative majority of which still regard same-sex relations as perversion and deviant behavior (Macionis 2007). Sexual identity and the terms related to it, according to Ponse (1978), are applied in quite a different way in gay and lesbian environment to the dominant mainstream social set up. In addition, there also exists a sub-culture within the gay environment, which could only be comprehended with by the members of homosexual community, as well as the individuals interested in the same. As a result, an imperative proportion of the m ajority population remains almost unaware of the terms to be applied in order to express some specific action, performance or identity in general. For instance, the term gay had frequently been applied in order to demonstrate the individuals carrying jolly and care-free disposition in past; though, the same adjective has become entirely confined to defining homosexual males and females, and the previous usage of the word focusing jovial people has ceased to exist in main culture and homosexual sub-culture as well (Sherwin 2006). However, some of the terms are exclusively applied to identify homosexuality. Unger & Crawford (1993) argue that the feminists have articulated various terms in order to make division between sex and gender, determining the biological characteristics, and social traits and qualities of the homosexuals respectively. For instance, the notion lesbian explains a female engaged in a homosexual relationship, though in past it was donated to the individuals belongi ng to the Greek island Lesbos (248). Similarly, the notion active simply describes a vigorous and energetic person, though in homosexual acts, the same defines the person playing dominant part in homosexual relationships by penetrating into the recipient or passive partner; the terms dominant and top also define the penetrating partner, while submissive and bottom signify the receiver respectively. Hence, Ponse (246-47) appears to be justified in her claim that the terms used by the majority of the population are applied interchangeably in gay culture, and hence display the meanings that are quite different to the actual application of the same in their nature and scope. On the contrary, the essentialists strictly confine sexual behavior on the basis of the biological characteristics of males and females. As a result, males and females should always play dominant and submissive roles as per the demand of their sex organs and biological traits.

Federal Court System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Federal Court System - Essay Example â€Å"Within limits set by Congress and the Constitution, the district courts or trail courts have jurisdiction to hear nearly all categories of federal cases, including both civil and criminal matters†(Federal Court Structure, n. d.). For convenience, America is divided into 94 federal judicial districts and at least one federal judicial district is operating in each state. Bigger states may have more than one federal judicial district whereas the smaller states may have only one federal judicial district. Even though trial courts are normally operating on district-wise, two special trail courts such as The Court of International Trade and The United States Court of Federal Claims, operate nationally. Appellate courts are operating regionally. The 94 judicial districts are arranged in 12 regions and each region consists of an Appellate court. Appellate courts normally hear the unresolved cases in judicial districts under its jurisdiction. Appeals from federal agencies will also be heard in appellate courts. â€Å"In addition, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals in specialized cases, such as those involving patent laws and cases decided by the Court of International Trade and the Court of Federal Claims† (Federal Court Structure, n.

Using the arguments of two of the three liberal scholars just Essay

Using the arguments of two of the three liberal scholars just mentioned (considering Keohane and Nye as one scholar), provide arguments as to why the internatio - Essay Example Moreover, violent conflict may not always arise in every situation because certain kinds of disagreements, such as those on economic issues, may preclude military action and the effects of such action would in any case, be costly and uncertain. Among the industrialized nations, with development in international relations and diplomatic initiatives, the perceived margin of safety has also widened and fears of attack have declined, hence force has become unimportant as an instrument of policy2. The use of nuclear power functions as yet another deterrent to violent conflict, since the destructiveness of nuclear weapons make their use as a threat equally as effective as the actual force of force.3 In democratic countries, the opposition to prolonged military conflicts from members of the public is also very high and thereby limits and restricts engagement in violent conflict by those countries. As also pointed out by Keohane and Nye, in a world characterized by complex interdependence, military security may not be the dominant goal of states. Each state may have a variety of other state goals to be achieved, and with variations in the distribution of power and political processes, militarily strong states are likely to find it more difficult to use their military dominance, when the use of military force is devalued for reasons such as those mentioned above. Linkage among the various issues, the strategies and defenses against them will pose a complex set of strategic choices, not all of which may be resolved through violent conflict, since the awareness of potential gains and losses and the level of interdependence between States, both economically and politically, may limit the use of force in terms of the goals it can achieve. John Mueller argues that the international system is not necessarily war prone, as revealed by the strong rivalry

A Company Reporting on its Supply Chain Activities Essay

A Company Reporting on its Supply Chain Activities - Essay Example A Company Reporting on its Supply Chain Activities One of the companies exemplified in the report was Steel Dynamics where the current situation reported by Stundza (2010) was manifested as weak demand for products such as merchant bars, wire rod, light structural products, mini-mill made steel, special quality bar, structural steel and fabricated rebar, among others. The raw materials for these products are highly dependent on the availability and prices of scrap, briquettes, pellets, the types of steel to be produced, and operational factors. The end products are marketed to consumers of which the following were mentioned: automakers, automotive parts producers, residential and non-residential building construction, export markets and the nuclear industry. The crucial information that affects the supply chain are factors affecting supply and demand. As revealed, there is currently low demand or sluggish movement in both residential and non-residential building construction, and the prices of raw materials, particularly scrap. Further, export markets deem to be a lesser viable alternative to market their products due to end prices that would not be competitive in Europe and Asian nations because of including custom-duties, insurance fees, freight costs and availability of ships for export. Other relevant factors that affect pricing strategies for the products are the rising cost of scrap due to seasonality in supply and the strong demand for export markets.

Health Care Administration Ethics Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Health Care Administration Ethics - Movie Review Example On this basis, he was not an expert of a leverage buyout. Initiating a merger with the company would have proved successful, and on this note, it was surprising for him to engage in a buyout. Another issue is that he tried to remodel RJR Nabisco, which was a company that consisted of a diverse group of companies. He was not successful in this attempt. However, his decision to buy RJR Nabisco experienced some challenges with the emergence of another company, referred to as KKR. These are experts in LBO buyouts, and this result in a series of negotiations and exchanges, leading to the failure of the buyout. One of the opinions raised by the author is that leveraged buyouts have to be conducted by people experienced in the same. This is because the author is able to depict in the movie that Ross Johnson was not qualified enough to engage in a leveraged buyout because he was an expert of a buyout, and not a merger (Thomas, 74). On this basis, the KKR Company was better placed to handle the buyout, as opposed to the firm employed by Ross Johnson that is Shearson Lehmann. Furthermore, the author is against leverage buyout, and this is because it uses the company’s debts and equity as collateral in purchasing a given company. In the view of the author, this is unethical business practice. Furthermore, the author identifies the greed and corrupt activities of Wall Street managers, whose ambition is driven by making more money. This was the case of Ross Johnson, as well as the managers of KKR Company. They were engaged in a series of price wars, and negotiations, without involving the shareholders, or even catering for the interests of the shareholders (Russell, 17). These opinions by the author are valid, and they are even reflected in the real life situation of the business world. For instance, Lehman Brothers was an equity investment company that collapsed in

What Matters in Time Essay Example for Free

What Matters in Time Essay Im never gonna do that again . . . . During my work as a staff nurse, any time I heard one of the patients going through detox make this vow, I would cringe and think: Sure, you will. You all do. Its just a matter of time. I dont know why you even bother going through detox. Its a waste of time and money. You just need to stop doing whatever youve been doing and just stop drinking. Its plain and simple. Just quit drinking. Those thoughts, however, occured prior to my attending the Therapeutic Interventions (Alcohol) Course. While attending this seminar, the more I learned about detox from alcohol, the more I began to assess my faulty thinking regarding individuals who, for whatever reasons, seemed incapable or unwilling to change their destructive drinking patterns. Most of the people I worked with, I felt, were not at the ideal point I heard about during this training, where they wanted to change and/or stop drinking. (Raistrick, 2004, p. 41) Those I encountered in my work at an acute medical ward had usually been admitted wiith high alcohol intake. Most of the time, my feelings toward them were ambivalent. During the time they were in my care, withdrawing from alcohol on Benzodiazepins-Chordiazepoxide, I treated them without empathy. I felt I knew each of these patients, even before I heard their story or studied their chart. Even though I didnt consider myself to be at the point I was void of any feelings toward these individuals, nevertheless, I made a point to keep a safe emotional distance from them. In a sense, my feelings were numbed as I repeatedly watched what I perceived to be a merry-go-round of their self-inflicted madness. In my mind, these individuals needed something more than what they were receiving from the detox program. More often than not, I found myself thinking disparaging thoughts, as I watched those struggling through planned detoxifications, alongside others unwillingly commited to the detox program. In planned detoxifications, I learned during training, individuals are more likely to succeed with maintinaing sobriety, if they want to discontinue drinking. During an immenent need to detox, however, when someone is hospitalized or has been arrested and/or locked up to begin serving a prison sentence, when alcohol detoxification may or may not be pre-planned, if the person does not want to change, success is less likely. A second detox scenario occurs when individuals enter a residential treatment program. At this time, alcohol detoxification is considered routine. A third type detoxification tranpires at times, following a period of sobriety, in order for a person to restablaize. (Raistrick, 2004, p. 41) Toms detox, I felt, represented the third kind. Prior to detox training, my feelings of frustration intensifired whenever I would work with some of the repeat detoxers like Tom*, an old man in his early forties. I had watched Tom go through the same detox scenario four times during the past two years. Tom sometimes became so confused he would forget where he was and try to leave the unit. I have to go home now. My wife wants me to cook lunch for her today. Its her birthday. Tom told me one day right before his evening meal. I knew Toms wife had left him several years ago. Later, I had to stop him when he tried to walk out the door behind one of the orderlies. No, Tom, you cant leave here yet. Youve only been in detos two days, I said. You have to remain here at least another 5 days. Attending this course helped me understand that like Toms, a patients confusion during detox is normal. Individuals detoxing, one speaker stressed, may display symptoms from anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, and with increasing severity, hallucinations . . . to the terrors of delirium tremens in which orientation in time, place and person is lost, and vivid hallucinations are experienced along with clouding of consciousness (akin to dreaming whilst awake). (Petersen Mcbride, 2002, p. 167) Prior to attending the Therapeutic Interventions (Alcohol) Course, I did not seriously note that one of the vital reasons detox needs to take place within care of medical personnel as â€Å"detoxing from alcohol can be fatal. Alcohol, para. 2) When alcohol is suddenly taken away from a person who has been abusing it for a long period of time, that persons body experiences reactions which could prove to be deadly. Matrisha*, another patient I became frustrated with during her detox, on the other hand, knew exactly where she was, along with the date and time. She also made a point to repeatedly upset the others in the ward. Recently, when another nurses caught Matrisha riffling through another patients night stand and helping herself to candy, she confronted her. Matrisha, like other detoxing patients at times, became aggressive and violent. Although I tried to understand patients like Tom and Matrisha, however, the merry-go-round these patients seemed to choose to ride didnt make sense. Knowledge I gained while attending the Therapeutic Interventions( Alcohol) Course helped me begin understand concepts contributing to the mirage of difficulties those detoxing regularly experience. The time invested in this learning also helped me begin to see these people as individuals just like me. Even though we may struggle with different scenarios in life, and even though at times, I may not fully understand what those in detox were going through, this training helped me realize I could try to empahatize with them. Instead of building a fence between myself and patients in detox, I could remember a point promoted by one prominent speaker. The success of these centres (sic) depends upon training staff to feel confident about monitoring withdrawal in order to identify those clients who are in need of medical help, and training that enablesstaff quickly to form a helping alliance with clients. (Raistrick, 2004, p. 41- 42) I could also make a point to be one of the staff to take training seriouusly and whenever possible help without cringing. I could also, as AD counselor encourage those going through alcohol detox and treatment, look within myself to see how I could change for the better. Attending the Therapeutic Interventions (Alcohol) Course proved to be more helpful than I anticipated and allowed me to see how I could improve within my self and strengthen my professional and personal skills. As I reflect on things I learned, I understand that I could have listened more to what patents were telling me with their words and actions. I remind myself often that my job as as a staff nurse in detox is to help bring those going through the painful difficult medical, physical, and emotional aspects is vital. Alcohol detox is the first step in the treatment of alcoholism. The recovery of the alcoholic cannot begin until they have undergone alcohol detox. And since alcoholism is a disease that kills, alcohol detox is the first line of defense in saving the patients life. ALCOHOl† para. 1-5; 7) As I work with others to try to help problems drinkers come to a point they are ready to change and realize their life would be better without alcohol, I no longer focus on their past failures. I stive, instead, to be supportive and encourage them to do their best today. (Raistrick, 2004, p. 40) Toady, I no longer cringe when someone tells me, Im never gonna do that again . . .. Nor does something in detox that does not make sense upset me. Some things, I realize, dont have to be completely understood. When I try to understand what it feels like to walk in another persons shoes and look at the world through their eyes, however, that matters. Today, I have more respect for the patients entrusted to my care. I have gained a sense of empathy for their plight. What does matter, I now understand, is that time invested in helping another person, in or out of detox, does matter. *Names of indviduals portrayed in paper have been changed. References ALCOHOL DETOX. retrieved May 5, 2006 from http://www. spencerrecovery. com/alcohol- detox. html. Champney-Smith, J. (2002). Chapter 22 Dual Diagnosis. In Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice, Petersen, T. Mcbride, A. (Eds. ) (pp. 267-273). New York: Routledge. Lewis, J. , Williams, S. (2002). Chapter 15 Home Detoxification. In Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice, Petersen, T. Mcbride, A. (Eds. ) (pp. 197-204). New York: Routledge. Petersen, T. Mcbride, A. (Eds. ). (2002). Working with Substance Misusers: A Guide to Theory and Practice. New York: Routledge. Raistrick, D. (2004). Chapter 3 Alcohol Withdrawal and Detoxification. In The Essential Handbook of Treatment and Prevention of Alcohol Problems, Heather, N. Stockwell, T. (Eds. ) (pp. 35-48). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Instructional strategies for ELL classrooms Essay Example for Free

Instructional strategies for ELL classrooms Essay Second language acquisition is different from learning one’s first language. Second language learners have different instructional needs. As such teachers of English Language Learners (ELLs) must apply a distinct set of instructional strategies and techniques in order to aid students in their English language learning. A clear understanding of the instructional strategies that must be used in ELL classroom requires an analysis of the concept of second language acquisition. In order to be effective, teachers must consider the theory of second language acquisition and see to it that the principles of this theory are realized in his instruction. Stephen Krashen’s theory of Second Language Acquisition provides hypotheses as to how learners learn a second language. One of such hypotheses is the Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis. The hypothesis stated that there are two independent systems at work in second language performance, the acquired system and the learned system. According to Krashen (1988), the acquired system or acquisition is produced by a subconscious process. This process is very similar to a process that the learner underwent when he learned his first language. This system requires the learner to be immersed in the target language. He must have meaningful interaction in the said language. According to Schutz (2007) the learner must engage in natural communication, â€Å"In which speakers are concentrated not in the form of their utterances, but in the communicative act. † The second system, the learned system is produced by formal instruction. Schutz (2007) states, â€Å"It comprises a conscious process which results in conscious knowledge about the language, for example knowledge of grammar rules. † This hypothesis tells language teachers to ensure that the learner engages himself in the target language in a natural way. This requires communicative elements of instruction from the teacher. At the same time, the teacher must ensure that formal instruction is provided as well. It is this combination that enhances English language learning. The principles of this theory are reflected in the instructional strategies that have been developed for second language learning. Instructional practices that aim to make content more comprehensible for ELLs are called sheltered instruction. (Wallace, 2004) One model of sheltered instruction is called the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). The SIOP provides teachers with a lesson planning checklist. It contains thirty components that guide the teacher on how to go about the lesson. The SIOP is highly effective for it is based on research and has been field-tested. More importantly, the SIOP was not tailor made for any particular proficiency level or age group of English language learners. According to Wallace (2004), â€Å"The thirty components of the SIOP lesson-planning checklist can be used with any curriculum or program, for students at any age or level of English proficiency. Experienced teachers recognize the SIOP components as effective teaching strategies for all students. † The SIOP has several components that aid English language teaching. One of this is comprehensible input. This component requires instructors to speak in a way that will meet the learners’ proficiency level. Also, the teacher must explain clearly the tasks involved. This involves a step-by-step discussion of the task. Visuals can also help the teacher explain better the task. Finally, Haynes (n. d) states that comprehensible input requires teachers to, â€Å"Use of a variety of techniques to make content concepts clear. † The use of modeling, hands-on materials, demonstrations, and gestures are some of the techniques that a teacher can utilize in order to make the concepts clearer and more understandable for the students. The SIOP model also emphasizes the concept of building on the students’ backgrounds. What this means is that the teacher must attempt to link the concepts being taught to students’ experiences. Also, the teacher must try to relate the new concepts to what the students have learned previously. The clear explanation of key vocabulary must also be made. The teacher must pinpoint the key terms that are vital to the students’ understanding of the most important concepts in the lesson. The explanations must be simple and demonstrations of the contextual use of the terms must be made. Using synonyms and cognates are also useful ways to convey the contextual meaning of the terms. Building vocabulary is essential in language teaching. According to Echevarria et al (2004), â€Å"There is a strong correlation between vocabulary knowledge and student achievement. † There are several strategies that a teacher can employ to help students build their vocabulary. Vocabulary self-selection is one of these strategies. This strategy requires students to select on their own the vocabulary that they deem as essential to their understanding of the concepts of the lesson. This strategy allows students to choose the most appropriate key vocabulary. This strategy is highly effective for more advanced learners. For children, one way to build vocabulary is through the use of songs. Visuals can also aid vocabulary development. The concept definition map is one visual that provides a means by which complex concepts can be discussed and clarified. Another important component of the SIOP is grouping. Peer instruction is highly effective. However, the teacher must ensure that he varies grouping structures. According to Echevarria et al (2004), â€Å"Effective classes are characterized by a variety of grouping structures. † Furthermore, in one day, at least two grouping structures must be utilized. (Echevarria et al, 2004) Varying grouping structures from day to day must be made for in order to keep students interested and to increase student involvement. Grouping configurations must be varied not only based on the structure but also based on the characteristics of students. The groups must be heterogeneous in the sense that students in a group vary in terms of gender, language proficiency, and ability. This brings up the next valuable component of the SIOP model, student engagement. Students must be constantly engaged throughout the lesson. The students must remain active all throughout the lesson. The teacher must ensure that he talks far less than the students. Engaging the students can mean utilizing various activities. Grouping students, as earlier mentioned, increases student involvement. The teacher must provide various opportunities for the students to apply what they are being taught. The must be involved in constant interaction either with their peers or with the teacher. When delivering the lesson, the teacher must see to it that students get to practice all the language skills, speaking, writing, listening, and reading. According to Bilingual and Compensatory Education Resource Team (2002), â€Å"Effective teachers strive to provide a more balanced linguistic exchange between themselves and their students—ELL students need the practice in speaking. † Furthermore, â€Å"When students spend their time actively engaged in activities that relate strongly to the materials they will be tested on, they learn more of the material. † (Bilingual and Compensatory Education Resource Team, 2002) The importance of constant student engagement cannot be stressed enough. Teachers must always provide activities that promote student interaction and participation. Another important component of the SIOP model that is essential in English language teaching is feedback. Teachers must give students immediate feedback on their work. Immediate feedback from the teacher lets students know if they are on the right track. Feedback also allows teachers to clarify concepts and correct misconceptions of students. Feedback can be given in a formal or informal manner. In correcting students’ works such as essays or exams, the teacher can write their feedback. They can identify the points that the students must work on. Also, teachers can provide informal feedback. Teachers can provide oral feedback and support this by facial expressions or body language. For instance, a nod from the teacher lets the student know that what he is doing is correct. A smile also lets the student know that he is doing well. A puzzled look lets the student know that something is not right with what he is saying or with what he is doing. The ways by which feedback is given can depend on the age group and proficiency level of the class as well. For young students and beginners, oral feedback is more appropriate. At this age and level, students may find it hard to understand written feedback. For older and more advanced students, written feedback may be of more use since teachers will be able provide a more detailed and specific feedback. The SIOP model is one of the many approaches to second language teaching. It can cater to various ages and language groups. Using such model allows the teacher to adjust the lesson to the students’ level and age. This model provides various strategies that can be used in ELL classrooms. Using the model, ELL teachers can provide better instruction that will lead to the development of their students’ English language skills. References Bilingual and Compensatory Education Resource Team. (2002).Making Content Comprehensible for English Language Learners—SIOP Model- SHELTERED INSTRUCTION— for Academic Achievement. Dearborn Public Schools. Retrieved 2 December 2007 from: http://www. misd. net/bilingual/ELL. pdf. Echevarria, J. , Vogt, M. , Short, D.(2004) Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners: The SIOP Model (Second Edition). Needham Hts. , MA: Allyn and Bacon. Krashen, S. (1988). Second Language Acquisition and Second Language Learning. Prentice-Hall International. Schutz, R. (2007). Stephen Krashens Theory of Second Language Acquisition. English Made in Brazil. Retrieved 2 December 2007 from: http://www. sk. com. br/sk-krash. html. Wallace, S. (2004). Effective Instructional Strategies for English Language Learners in Mainstream Classrooms. New Horizons for Learning. Retrieved 2 December 2007 from: http://www. newhorizons. org/spneeds/ell/wallace. htm.

Vertebrate Success in the Urban Environment

Vertebrate Success in the Urban Environment Dr Giles Johnson Lay Abstract Despite urban expansion causing an overall decrease in the number and variety of animals that inhabit a given area, some vertebrate species have made a success of urban living. Using the red fox, the Norway rat, the rock dove, and the peregrine falcon as case studies, this review analyses the resources and features that allow these animals to thrive in human settlements; and in turn how living in such environments affects them. The literature provides evidence of the ample food that urban centres provide for vertebrates, primarily in the form of waste. In the case of the peregrine falcon, the arrival of the pigeon has provided a source of prey. The living requirements of each species differed due to differences in size, reproductive behaviour and the ability to fly. Living in urban environments has dramatic effects on these species; changes in social behaviour and reproduction contribute to more efficient exploitation of the resources available. We argue that a flexible strategy in t erms of behaviour and diet is fundamental to urban success in vertebrates. Knowledge in this area may provide the means to better control populations, curbing the spread of pest species and encouraging desirable species into urban centres. Scientific Abstract Despite the homogenising effect of urban expansion on species richness some vertebrates have successfully colonised the urban niche. Using Vulpes vulpes, Rattus norgevicus, Columba livia, and Falco peregrinus as case studies, this review analyses the resources available to these species and in the strategies employed to better exploit them. Urban centres provide ample food for vertebrates primarily in the form of human waste. In the case of F.peregrinus the establishment of colonies of C.livia provides a constant prey source encouraging expansion into urban centres; providing an example of secondary succession. Differences in size and behaviour as well as terrestrial and aerial lifestyles result in different living requirements and thus preference in urban density. Living in urban environments also exerts pressures on these species. Spatio-temporal changes in resources specifically result in changes in social behaviour as well as reproductive behaviour and physiology as an adaptive r esponse. We argue that plasticity in response to diet, behaviour and physiology are fundamental to urban vertebrate success. We suggest further research into whether such responses are genotypic or phenotypic. Better understanding of such phenomena may provide humans with better means to manage urban ecology. Introduction A 2014 report on urbanisation by the UN found 54% of the global population lived in urban centres at the time, meaning for the first time in human history more people live in urban than rural environments. This figure compares to 30% in 1950 with a projection to reach 66% by 2050. These trends are encouraged by both migration and an expected rise in the population from 7.2 billion to 9.6 billion by 2050 (UN, 2014). Despite urbanisation being attributed to threatening 8% of terrestrial species (Mcdonald et al., 2008) and having a homogenising effect on biodiversity (Clergeau et al., 2006), Angold et al. (2006) state that wildlife can indeed prosper in the urban environment. Although, Mckinney et al. (2006) correctly point out that some urban adaptable species tend to dominate the urban niche and spread globally resulting in biotic homogenisation. This review is concerned with vertebrate species that dominate the urban environment; assessing both the causes of such success and observin g the effects that urban life has upon these species. The introduction will define urbanisation and address both the potential negative and positive effects on overall biodiversity and on individual species. The body of this review will use two mammal and two bird species as case studies focusing on food, shelter, group behaviour, and reproduction as indicators of how species exploit the urban niche, and how in turn urban life can cause changes in these species. Jones and Leather (2012) define an urban area as a human settlement with a population greater than 10,000, characterised by a mosaic of land uses including residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructural with occasional green spaces. Moller et al. (2009) define urbanisation as the conversion of natural habitats into areas partly covered by buildings, heavily fragmented and with a high level of edge effects. Bateman and Fleming (2012) argue that urbanisation is difficult to define and will not only vary from region to region, but also exists on a scale with cities offering the most extreme of disturbed anthropogenic altered environments, through to towns and villages as well as infrastructure and parkland. It is often difficult to quantify the direct impact of urbanisation on an ecosystem due to urban centres usually predating modern ecological analysis, but, although caution should be taken with estimation, studies that compare urban systems to undisturbed natural ecosystems can provide some insight. One such study by Brook et al. (2003) assessed the impact that potential habitat loss in Singapore had on local biodiversity since the British colonised the region in 1819. The analysis combined historic documentation on land clearance and development with evidence of recent extinctions in the area. They calculated that 95% of the rainforest habitat had been cleared, estimating that the figure for overall biodiversity loss could be at minimum 28% with a vertebrate extinction rate between 34-43%. They further highlight the bleak outlook for wildlife in the region with 77% of local wildlife currently threatened. A recent study by Newbold et al. (2015) analysed the impact of land use on loca l biodiversity. The findings suggest that local richness, rarefied richness and abundance decrease as the intensity of human interference and population density increases, attributes all associated with urbanisation. These analyses draw attention to the impact that habitat loss caused through urban development can have on animal biodiversity. Destruction of habitat can also cause habitat fragmentation; the process of a habitat breaking apart and becoming increasingly isolated (Fahrig, 2003). Haddad et al. (2015) analysed data collected from over 35 years from several biomes globally and various fragment sizes. They found that fragmentation reduced biodiversity by between 13-70% with the effect greatest on the smallest and oldest fragments. The size and scale of this study provides strong evidence for such effects. Fragmentation can also exert genetic effects on a population by creating barriers through which genetic information cannot easily flow (Templeton et al., 1990). The smaller and more genetically isolated these populations are the greater likelihood the population will go extinct (Slatkin, 1977). Behavioural and morphological effects have also been observed in fragmented populations. The work of Hill et al. (1999) on the butterfly Hesperia comma in the South Downs found that individuals residing in more isolated f ragments tended to invest in larger flight muscles; a trait associated with increased dispersal distances, whereas individuals in less fragmented habitats tended to invest less in flight muscles and more in larger reproductive organs. Despite the negative impact on biodiversity there are opportunities in the urban ecosystem for animals that can take advantage. Anthropogenic food sources in the form of refuse (Gardner-Santana et al., 2009), spillage (Murton, 1972), and cultural feeding practices (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1990) all provide ample food supply for urban populations. Although buildings and infrastructure can cause fragmentation and mortality risk (Bateman and Fleming, 2012), the patchwork mosaic of commercial, residential and green spaces provides a variety of potential homes for animals (Angold et al., 2006). Once initial colonisation has taken place, the dramatic reduction in competition and abundance of resources allows a niche shift, contributing to a rapid establishment (Diamond, 1970). Despite the potential benefits, urban environments are still one of the most challenging for animals to live in due to the high level and wide range of anthropogenic disturbances; mostly in the form of development a nd traffic (Bateman and Fleming, 2012). This review will make the case that in this shifting environment a high level of behavioural, physiological and morphological plasticity contributes greatly to a species success. The four case studies were selected with three criteria in mind. First a sufficient body of literature to allow for detailed comparison. Second to provide insight into the effects urbanisation has on urban vertebrates. Third species were selected that offer specific challenges to society such as pest or endangeredÂÂ   species. The four vertebrate case studies analysed in this paper are the red fox, Vulpes vulpes; the Norway rat, Rattus norgevicus; the urban pigeon or rock dove, Columba livia; and the peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus. V.vulpes was selected due to the the well documented comparison between both its urban and rural ecology and behaviour. C.livia is another well studied urban species with a long urban history; originally being kept as a source of protein throughout the middle ages (Murton et al., 1972). The ecology R.norgevicus is less well studied. This is surprising as it isone of the most ecologically destructive vertebrates (Higgins et al., 2015), regarded amo ng the most numerous and pervasive of urban pests (Feng et al., 2012), and known to harbour many zoonotic pathogens (Himsowrth et al., 2013) making it an important topic for study. C.livia also presents similar problems, befouling public spaces through defecation, the fine particles of which are loaded with zoonotic pathogens creating a risk to public health (Hetmanski et al., 2010). F.peregrinus Is a particularly interesting case of an urban success story as they also represent one of the great conservation management success stories of the last century. In the Midwest it now exclusively resides in urban centres where it was extirpated following the population crash during the 50s and 60s (Caballero, 2016). Understanding what makes these species successful could potentially help with population control of dangerous pest species such as the Norway rat and the pigeon. Understanding the factors that contribute to these species success may also allow us to build environments that encourage desirable animals, such as the peregrine and the fox, as well as creating opportunities for less successful species.This review will analyse the traits that allow successful vertebrates to exploit the anthropogenic resources available, primarily in the form of food and shelter. It will also cover the behavioural and reproductive effects that the urban environment exerts upon these groups. Resources: Food Contesse et al. (2004) found that 85% of households in Zurich had anthropogenic food accessible to foxes. There is a vast array of literature that supports the claim that V.vulpes exploits such sources. Doncaster and Macdonald (1990) analysed the diet of the fox population in Oxford finding that a majority of 37% of the average annual food intake was scavenged, a result reflected by Contesse et al. (2004) in the city of Zurich where it reached 50%. Interestingly, in both studies this figure fluctuates in response to seasonal variation. Doncaster and Macdonald (1990) found scavenging was highest during the winter when other food sources were lower, and lowest during the late summer/autumn when seasonal fruits were abundant. This flexibility in diet is reflected in studies of V.vulpes in rural environments. One study in southern England found two thirds of the diet comprised of game, withÂÂ   mostly rodents and fruit making up the remainder (Reynolds and Tapper, 1995). Whilst anot her found that for foxes inhabiting mountainous regions in the Czech Republic rodents made up the majority, supported by varying quantities of beetles, ungulates, plant matter and fruit depending on the season (Hartova-Nentichova et al., 2010). In the urban context Contesse et al. (2004) note that the more extreme urban environments, such as the city centre, were associated with increased levels of dietary scavenge. Baker and Harris (2007) suggest opportunistic feeding a factor in the successful colonisation of the urban niche and these studies support such a claim. Pickett et al. (2001) propose that the increased quantity and continuous source of food in the form of human food waste as well as the cultural practice of feeding urban wildlife has a positive impact on the fox population. Further to this, Contesse et al. (2004) calculated that the surplus of refuse removed food as a limiting factor for the fox population in Zurich which has resulted in a large and increasing population . Unlike the Zurich fox population food is usually determines carrying capacity for urban rat populations (Higgins et al., 2015). This is possibly due to the varying lengths of time these populations have been established. V.vulpes colonised the UK in the 1930s (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1990) and Zurich in the 1980s (Contesse et al., 2004) whilst the commensal rat population has potentially lived alongside humans for thousands of years (Feng et al, 2014). An opportunistic generalist, R.norgevicus occupies urban centres and feeds primarily on refuse (Gardner-Santana et al, 2009). Schein and Orgain (1953) calculated that one third of anthropogenic refuse is a suitable food source for rats providing a constantly replenishing food source in urban areas. The Norway rat is so well adapted to urban life that it is rarely found in the wild, suggesting they require humans to survive (Feng and Himsworth, 2014). Although dietary flexibility has contributed to the colonisation of the urban niche t he suggestion that this species are now completely dependent upon it for survival might imply a lack of flexibility once established. A comparative study by Murton and Westwood (1966) found the rural population of C.livia nesting on the cliffs at Farnborough head fed on a variety of grains, legumes weed seeds and some small invertebrates; the ratios of which fluctuated in response to the agricultural season. The diet of the population in Leeds consisted primarily of bread but also fruit cake and commercial seed mix provided by the public. However, much of the produce found in the rural population was also present in the urban population. Murton and Westwood (1966) attributed this to the public but a study by Rose et al. (2006) provides further insight. The study analysed the spatio-temporal use of the urban habitat of C.livia in the city of Basel. They found that there were three different foraging strategies employed: 1) in the streets, squares and parks near the home site 2) In agricultural areas surrounding the city 3) on docks and railway lines in the harbour. Most individuals stayed within 0.3km of their nesti ng site in the city with only 7.5% of the population flying to the agricultural and dock sites which were over 2km away. It was found that these foraging strategies were only employed in conjunction with foraging near the home site suggesting they were secondary strategies when access to local sources was restricted. Evidence that urban pigeons employ a flexible foraging strategy. Ali et al. (2013) suggests that the worldwide urban pigeon population has boomed due to the continuous supply of anthropogenic food compared to seasonal fluctuations in rural environments. Interestingly, this population boom has potentially aided the colonisation of the urban niche and the recovery of the peregrine falcon. A study by Drewitt and Dixon (2008) analysed the diet of peregrines in three British cities: Bristol, Bath and Exeter. They found that pigeons and other doves comprised 47% of the peregrine diet making up the majority of the peregrine diet; reflecting figures from a study in Warsaw 32% (Rejt, 2001). Both studies observed seasonal fluctuations in the proportion of pigeon taken. Drewitt and Dixon (2008) noted that during the starling breeding season juveniles can make up 19% of the peregrine diet, whilst Rejt (2001) recorded a drop to 10-19% of pigeon in the diet during the migration season and exceeding 50% over the harsher winter months. It is thought that the coun tershading present on migrating birds which is beneficial in natural light is maladaptive in the artificial glare of the city lights allowing the peregrines to take advantage (Ruxton et al., 2004). TheseÂÂ   studies provide evidence for a flexible, opportunistic feeding strategy. Interestingly from an ecological perspective, the urban pigeon forming the base prey for urban peregrines (Cade and Bird, 1990) suggests secondary succession occurring in the urban environment; with the pioneer species C.livia allowing the establishment of F.peregrinus. These four case studies not only highlight the variety of food sources available to urban species but also provide insight in the type of feeding strategy enables species to exploit this niche. Although diet and preference might vary, a generalist opportunistic approach strategy is favoured, suited to the often constant but highly varied anthropogenic food types available. Resources: Places to Live Throughout the year V.vulpes rest in lays, structures that provide the fox with shelter, situationally (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1990). However, during the breeding season red foxes require open ground to construct breeding dens, due to this they prefer less dense residential areas where open ground provides suitable sites (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1990). In comparison the requirements of R.norgevicus are minimal, being smaller in size and less particular in regards to breeding sites. All that is needed is adequate harborage and a nearby food source, typically refuse (Gardner et al., 1948). Rats will burrow in soil, use abandoned structures, and even climb buildings and make nests from anthropogenic materials (Gardner et al., 1948). As a result rats thrive in run down neighbourhoods where there are more abandoned and neglected properties that provide harbourage (Himsworth et al., 2013). Although these two species require both refuge and food, differences in size and breeding behaviou r results in different requirements. As a consequence the fox faces greater restriction. Although birds face similar problems the spatial differences in habitat mean birds are less affected by fragmentation (Fahrig, 2003). A study by Ali et al., (2013) on the ecology of C.livia in Islamabad found pigeons to be present on bridges, tall buildings, as well as in semi urban spaces such as parks and gardens. Interestingly, population density increased around urban centres and decreased around semi-urban spaces showing a clear bias to extreme urban environments. The human environment also provides suitable nesting sites for F.peregrinus, with urban peregrines roosting on the tallest buildings in an urban space (Cade and Bird, 1990). It could be suggested that tall man-made structures such as skyscrapers mimic the cliff side habitat of these species allowing successful colonisation to occur. Effects: Range and Group Behaviour The urban environment is characterised by high level of disturbance. Construction, demolition and changes in human population all contribute to fluctuations in the spatial distribution of resources (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1990). In response to this we see high levels of plasticity in fox social behaviour (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1991; Baker et al., 1998). The home range of urban foxes is dramatically reduced usually extending for less than 100ha (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1991), whilst in rural individuals it can exceed 2000ha (Contesse et al., 2004). This is associated with increased resources over a smaller area which also results in increased population density (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1991). Interestingly, this has implications for the social behaviour of urban foxes. Red foxes are usually solitary animals that form pairs during the breeding season, but in urban settings live in groups of three to five (Doncaster and Macdonald, 1991). This is best explained by the spatio-tempo ral variation in the availability of resources in the anthropogenic environment which impacts both individual benefit and defence costs potentially leading to group formation (Doncaster and Macdonald, (1991); Baker et al., (1998). The spatial distribution of resources in towns and cities is such that with only two members the perimeter cannot be fully defended whilst the amount of resources within a territory are often abundant enough to promote group formation (Donacaster and Macdonald, 1991). These changes in social structure show high levels of behavioural plasticity which has potentially aided the expansion of the red fox into the urban niche. There are interesting parallels to draw between urban rat and fox populations, particularly in relation to range and social behaviour. The home range of urban rats is typically small; consisting of narrow strips between the animals harbourage and its food supply (Davis, 1953). Gardner-Santana et al. (2009) proposed that the range of urban rats is much smaller in urban environments, ranging from 25-150m (Davis, 1953), compared to those of rats in rural environments, which range from 260-2000m (Taylor and Quy, 1978). Feng et al. (2014) suggest that range is dependent on the availability of suitable harborage and food sources as well as pressure from conspecifics. This is comparable to the reduction in fox range which was attributed to a high density of anthropogenic resources in the urban environment. Like the red fox, urban rats also exist in larger colonies than their rural counterparts although, unlike foxes, they lack co-operative behaviour (Feng et al., 2014). In fact, the increas ed population density and fierce competition often results in increased levels of aggression (Feng et al., 2014). There is also evidence that spatio-temporal distribution of resources affects group size and behaviour in C.livia. Murton et al. (1972) noted that the flock size of C.livia was directly related to the quantity of daily food spillage, unlike in the closely related wood pigeon, C.palambus, where seasonal food supply dictates flock size. Murton also observed that pigeonsociety exists in hierarchical structure with some birds occupying the centre of the flock and having preferential access to the best feeding spots. Despite differences in social structure, the changes in range and group living in the fox, rat and pigeon offer insight into the effects that urban living can exert upon the behaviour of species. It could be suggested that the plastic nature of these behaviours has contributed to the success of these animals in the urban niche. Questioning whether such effects stem from the environment working on established plasticity within the genotype or whether such changes are the resul t of natural selection would provide an interesting topic for further study. Effects: Reproduction and Population Due to their high fecundity, even in urban environments with an abundant resources, food usually determines the carrying capacity of the urban rat population. A sexually mature female can produce five litters per year with 4-8 pups per litter (Margulis, 1977). The work of Ziporyn and McClintock (1991) noted that females living in groups often establish oestrus in synchrony, observing that when this occurred 80% of pups would survive compared to asynchronous breeders. These co-ordinated events result in population booms (ibid) which maintains the numerous population. Glass and Herbert (1988) also noted that urban rats grow faster and reach sexual maturity sooner than their rural counterparts, suggesting the abundance of anthropogenic resources as a cause. Understanding when these booms occur could help humans better control urban rat populations. The effect of increased resources on rats draws parallels with the population dynamics of C.livia. Hetmanski et al. (2010) found that the size of a pigeon population in an urban environment was linked not only to the size of the urban environment but also with the density of the human population, suggesting a correlation with increased anthropogenic resources. Murton et al. (1972) noted that due to the copious food supply there is little migration resulting in nest sites remaining occupied all year and rarely becoming available. This change in behaviour meant that two thirds of the pigeon population failed to breed potentially decreasing the effective population size. Further to this, there is evidence that males carry an allele that lengthens the breeding season and increases fertility (Murton et al., 1973) suggesting there is a selective advantage for remaining sexually active for longer. Changes in reproductive strategy in urban F.peregrinus have been attributed to the speed of its recovery since the population crash in the 50s/60s. A study by Kauffman et al. (2003) compared the survival rate of rural and urban peregrines in California. During the first year it was found that urban young had a 65% chance of survival compared to 28% in rural individuals. Caballero et al. (2016) also found that the urban clutch size tends to be larger, with an average clutch size reaching 4-5 in urban environments compared to 3 in rural. This effect has resulted in a population boom with populations in the UK and Germany already exceeding pre-crash levels (Rejt, 2001) Although the mechanisms differ, there is a clear pattern for increased fecundity in urban populations of these species contributing to their success. Conclusions The case studies discussed provide evidence of the opportunities available to vertebrates with the means to take advantage of them. Despite different needs, the human habitat offers ample shelter for vertebrates, with rats and foxes occupying spaces determined by their size and behaviour whilst man-made structures mimicking the natural habitat of peregrines and pigeons offer nesting sites. Anthropogenic waste and cultural practice supplies foxes, rats and pigeons with an abundant food supply that, although fluctuates spatio-temporally in relation to human rhythms, does not suffer the same seasonal fluctuations which characterise the rural environment. This combines with the opportunistic generalist nature that characterises these species allowing them to take advantage of such resources. Consequentially, there are marked changes in behaviour with determined by the change in urban resource distribution. This has resulted in increased group size and co-operation in V.vulpes; alteration in flock size relating to daily opposed to seasonal resource fluctuations in C.livia; and larger more aggressive colonies of R.norgevicus. Peregrines also benefit from a constant food supply in the form of the anthopogenically supported pigeon population; an example of secondary succession of the urban environment. They exhibit opportunistic behaviour in both the species they hunt and their potential use of skyscrapers as hunting aids. The argument for a degree of behavioural plasticity allowing these species to take better advantage of such resources is well supported but questions are still to be answered on whether such changes are a result of natural selection or are phenotypic responses to changes in environment. Similar questions also arise when considering the effects the urban environment has on reproduction. Although the mechanisms differ, we see a pattern of increased fecundity across the case studies. Increase in fledgeling success in F.peregrinus is easily explained by ecological factors, but the change in peregrine clutch size and the increased growth and approach to sexual maturity in R.norgevicus are less easily determined. The identification of an allele in C.livia that extends the breeding season suggests a genetic cause in this instance. However, each case should be considered independently and these situations open up a multitude of questions in relation to whether cases of behavioural and physiological plasticity is related to the genotype or phenotype of an organism. There are surprising gaps in the literature and areas that appear to be poorly replicated. Reviews on urban rats comment on the lack of ecological understanding of R.norgevicus. From a utilitarian perspective this is counterintuitive considering the risk it poses ecologically, economically, and to public health. Conversely, the literature on urban foxes is both extensive and varied, perhaps denoting the popularity of this animal in the public mind. From a practical perspective this information is perhaps less useful although the cultural impact of urban wildlife should not be dismissed or undervalued. The projected increase of urbanisation highlights the importance of understanding both the traits of successful species and qualities of the environment that encourage vertebrate success. Such information can provide us with the means to better manage urban populations. In regards to pest species this could aid efforts to control and minimise their success, whilst better planning could attract not only current successful species but also edge species into the urban environment. References Ali, S., Rakha, B., Hussain, I., Nadeem, M. Rafique, M. (2013). Ecology of Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) in Urban Areas of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 45(5), 1229-1234. 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