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Soliloquies used by Iago in Othello

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Soliloquies used by Iago in Othello

Iago is a well known character in the play Othello, and he is a character that attracts a lot of attention. He has a deep hate for Othello and is often heard talking about what he intends to do to him. His motives and intentions for the evil and malicious acts he regularly performs are realized through his soliloquies. The audience is able to fully understand what Iago thinks about, in a clear manner (Shakespeare 1032). This paper seeks to give a critical analysis of how the soliloquies used by Iago are a representation of his real character.

The first soliloquy takes place upon the departure of Othello from Cyprus. It is here that Iago says that “And it is thought abroad, that ‘txit my sheets/ He has done my office” (1.3.388-389). From the statement it is evident that ‘abroad’ refers to everywhere. Also, the term ‘my office’, which is a function refers to the fact that Othello had sex with Iago’s wife in between his sheets. According to Iago, no one can deny the fact that everyone is right when they are talking about the scandal that is going on. People are claiming that Othello is sleeping around with Iago’s wife. However, when the play continues, the truth is revealed and there is no relationship between his wife and Othello (Zender 323). The two have no interest in each other, but Iago continues to lie because of his own selfish reasons. The truth does not matter to him because he does not change the attitude he has towards Othello.

Iago is a complex character to the point whereby, the audience cannot understand him well. The other characters believe that he is a trustworthy and honest character. However, after the soliloquy, his true character is revealed. Iago says that “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse, For I mine own gained knowledge should profane, if I would time expend with such snipe, but for my sport and profit” (1.3.386). The lines clearly prove that he does not intend to waste his time with a character such as Roderigo whom he considers to be a fool. The only reason why he associates with Roderigo is because of his own profit and gain (Shakespeare 1049). He is lucky enough to gain from the relationship because he takes advantage of others without caring about them.

The audience becomes aware of Iago’s nature and even refers to him as ‘Honest Iago’. On the other hand, the other characters in the play have no idea about his evil side. This can be seen in another soliloquy in Act I Scene 3 when Iago claims that “I hate Moor” (1.3.386). He keeps on repeating the sentence during the initial acts of the play. He has the vast hatred because he might be a racist. Iago keeps on using terms that are derogative when referring to Othello with words such as ‘old black rum’, ‘devil’ and ‘Barbary Horse’. Also, the fact that Cassio was given a better position than him by Othello is another reason for him using the word. In reality, the Moors are known to be honest and good people who do nothing but good (Zender 325). It is thus evident that Iago’s nature, as well as his words are those of an evil person pretending to be good natured.

Work Cited

Bevington, David. The Necessary Shakespeare. New York: Pearson Education, Inc, 2004.Print.

Zender, Karl. “The Humiliation of Iago”. Studies in English Literature 34 (1994):323-330.

Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello. Literature Approaches to Fiction, Poetry and Drama. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2006. 1012-1095.

Name an aspect of your life that is directly influenced by a public organization and identify whether this influence is a res

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Political Science

Name an aspect of your life that is directly influenced by a public organization and identify whether this influence is a responsibility of the federal government or a provincial/territorial, local/ band level of government.

Answer: There are many activities that take place where I live in the Nova Scotia area. In fact, at times I fall sick and I have to obtain the services of a doctor. Since the cost of health is extremely high in private health institutions, I have to find ways of obtaining cheap treatment and medication. Therefore, I go to one the many public hospitals in Nova Scotia where the services offered are affordable. The hospitals are funded by the federal government as part of its plan to ensure that Canadian citizens have access to health care (Francis 34). The nurses, doctors and all the other people working in the hospitals are paid by the federal government. Also, the drugs at the hospital are sometimes given by other countries that have relations with Canada. However, not everyone in Nova Scotia can afford to go to the public hospitals. Since my health is a priority in my life, I am aware that I have to invest in a good healthcare provider. At the moment, it is only a public hospital that can do that for me. The federal government should find ways of ensuring that its hospitals provide high quality and affordable services to everyone. The public is a concern of the government in every way possible (Francis 75). For example, the homeless often do not have the privilege of acquiring services from the hospitals. This is despite the fact that the hospitals are cheap and accessible. This is a problem that is affecting the public health system and it needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Therefore, the federal government should put more funds aside to be used to improve the health care system in Canada and especially in Nova Scotia.

What kinds of input should senior public servants be allowed in the development of public policy choices?

Answer: There is a lot that is being done to ensure that the senior public servants in Nova Scotia engage in developing public policy choices. Seniors serve in various public organizations, as well as in the community and the government. They have a right to participate in making public policy decisions just like any other citizen. The government should ensure that senior public servants become well informed about the various policies that exist. Furthermore, they should ensure that the come up with polices that will serve the interests of all the community members. Seniors should be given research and information that is up to date (Miljan 52). This means that they will be able to make informed decisions that will influence policy. Seniors serving in public office should be allowed to build partnerships and coalitions with likeminded champions, allies and groups. Also, they should be provided with a forum whereby they can connect on a regular basis with the media and local politicians. Therefore, workshops can be established for them so that they can give their opinions and ideas concerning public policy issues. Senior public servants have a lot to contribute in matters that concern public policy (Miljan 60). They have served in various capacities while working and thus have knowledge on issues that need to be addressed. Their input as has been mentioned is highly valuable and should be taken into consideration.

Work Cited

Miljan, Lydia. Public Policy in Canada: An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008.Print.

Francis, Daniel. Discovering Canada’s Government. Oxford: Oxford Press, 2001.Print.

US involvement in Afghanistan in 80’s

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Outline

Why the US involved/trained/supported the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan in the 80’s

Introduction

There is evidence that proves that in the middle of the 1970’s at approximately the same time troops were deployed to Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, the United States started pursuing its interest in this country. America gave millions of dollars in the form of aid to the Afghan insurgents known as Mujahedeen to help them fight their enemies. They were the Soviet Army in an operation known as Cyclone and the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan. Afghan Arabs who were popular and known Muslim volunteers assisted the Afghan Mujahedeen. In fact, Osama Bin Laden was one of the Afghan Arabs, he was a pious and wealthy Saudi that used his money as well raised money from people in the rich Gulf States. It is even claimed that the CIA helped train Osama Bin Laden in an effort to ensure that the mujahedeen succeeded in their quest (Miniter 1).

Thesis Statement

This paper will seek to give a critical analysis of why the United States supported the Mujahedeen in different ways during the 1980’s in Afghanistan.

Body Paragraph with bullet points

How the Afghanistan War started

It is during the end of the year 1978 that an uprising that was against the communist government of Khalq started. The deeply religious and conservative country did not want the Soviet-style socialism to be imposed on them. After a year, it became clear that Afghanistan could not control this type of government. In turn, the USSR applied their Brezhnev Doctrine that sort to have a Limited Contingent in Afghanistan (Giplin 32). This is what led to the start of the war as well as the rise of the Mujahedeen. The countries that wanted to support Afghanistan were some Arab and European states, China, Iran, Pakistan and most especially the United States. However, at first the Mujahedeen were not successful because of the following reasons;

Afghan village and tribal leaders were undermined by the various religious leaders of the existing factions.

There were constant conflicts among the various factions.

A centralized leadership did not exist.

A chain of command was not followed.

The KGB impersonated the CIA and was able to provoke fighting and flash out rebel groups.

Reasons why the United States choose to support the Afghan Mujahedeen

A Mujahedeen warrior always fought for his religion, tribe and family. He did this because they were volunteers who were not paid, had a sense of duty and loved freedom. The fighters had various family responsibilities were from local tribes. They were part timers and were untrained, and often engaged in uncouth practices (Lester 68). For example, they would sell some of their weapons in Pakistani markets. Later on after some years in the war, the Mujahedeen fighters were a new and improved kind and the Americans decided to invest in them because of the following reasons.

They had a high social status and were educated.

They were committed to their religion and had leadership abilities.

They were led by the force of achieving consensus, moral persuasion and personality.

Some of them who were ex-fighters had exceptional planning and military technical skills.

It was quite easy for the Americans to teach the Mujahedeen on war tactics.

Two theories that relate to the reason as to why the Mujahedeen were supported by the United States.

There are a number of theories that can be used in explaining why the United States involved itself with the Afghans who were fighting the Soviets. In this case the theories that will be referenced to are national value and offensive realism. The United States has been the world’s leading super power and thus often sees the need to engage in the affairs of other countries.

Offensive Realism- This theory seeks to give an explanation as to why the international system is archaic and in turn, this leads to aggressive behavior being expressed in the arena of international politics. Furthermore, great powers most times tend to be the key actors in the international system. In this case, the United States engaged in offensive realism because it believed that it could solve the Soviet and Afghanistan issues based upon its strengths. It is no wonder that it supplied the Mujahedeen with a lot of money, as well as providing them with the required military strength. The CIA was aware that they could easily manipulate the afghan Mujahedeen because they had resources and thus used this to have an influence over them. In fact, according to Robert Gates, a former CIA director, the intelligence services had already started supporting the Mujahedeen as early as six months before the soviet intervention begun. The United States knew that if the soviets defeated the Mujahedeen, they would have a lot of power and thus threaten the power of America. Furthermore, the United States was trying to eliminate any challenges that it would face in the future even if it meant having new rivals (Toft 392).

National Value- This theory claims that nations will always want to ensure that their power as well as value is maintained in order to benefit. America is a country known for its military strength and technology, and thus during the 1980’s it ensured that the world was aware of this issue. The fact that Afghans did not have patriotism or nationhood, which in turn led to political instability, inspired the United States to try and resolve the existing problems (Roy 66). The Mujahedeen needed help in fighting their enemies and could not be able to resist the assistance they were being offered. They were provided with high-tech equipment such as satellites, anti-missile tankers and rifles, among others. The Americans event as far as providing Afghan children with books that had illustrations of how America would help them fight the Soviets (Bergen 90). Schools were built by the Americans so that they offer the Mujahedeen extensive training on how to use weapons so that they could succeed in war. The Americans were only interested in improving their national value as they had to means to do so. It is evident that the United States interests in the Afghanistan and Mujahedeen was hypocritical.

Conclusion

The United States wanted to ensure that it maintained its position as a super power, and by assisting the Mujahedeen it could achieve this goal.

The Soviet Union was fast becoming a powerful nation and if it spread its doctrines to Afghanistan it would undermine the strength of the United States.

Afghanistan has many valuable resources, which would benefit America and through helping and befriending the Mujahedeen it would be possible to benefit.

Work Cited

Lester, W. “The Bear went Over the Mountain”. Washington DC: National Defense University, 1996. Print.

Giplin, Robert. War and Change in World Politics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1981. Print.

Toft, Peter. “John J. Mearsheimer: an offensive realist between geopolitics and power.” Journal of International Relations and Development 8 (2005): 381-408.

, Olivier. Globalized Islam: the Search for a New Ummah. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004. Print.

Miniter, Richard. “Dispelling the CIA-Bin Laden Myth”. International Fox News. 23 Sep. 2003. Web. 12 Nov 2013.

Bergen, Peter. Holy War Inc. New York: Free Press, 2001. Print.

User interface design needs to follow usability and efficiency guidelines

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25th August, 2013

User interface design needs to follow usability and efficiency guidelines which should target large user base. CSS contains rules which determine how controls and elements are being formatted on the web page. It is the most flexible language as it can be designed outside web page and then applied to it. Therefore a single HTML page can be directed to be presented in different ways, perhaps under different situations. For e.g., CSS can direct the webpage to format itself for a mobile screen or a large widescreen desktop. So instead of coding different HTML pages with its own unique designs and presentation formats, the CSS eliminates that need and instead contains all that information in a single or a few CSS files.

This saves a lot of time for the developers and also reduces the burden on the web server overall optimizing the website as the overall code is lighter which enables faster download times. Also there is a consistency in design, if the designer has to design each page individually for different situations, and then there might be some discrepancies. Such discrepancies are also eliminated as the designs are originating from a single source. Since these designs are centralized, it is also easier to maintain and update.

The book puts light on the fact that CSS can be executed across browsers i.e. both old and new. In addition to this, whenever a new version of CSS is introduced, it gives an easy-to-understand platform to developers. This is so because most of the components remain same and hence there is little learning curve. CSS is a set of rules. But this does not mean that they are difficult to construct or implement. CSS provides a simple rule construct which can be used even with little understanding of its components.

This let designers to focus on the desired presentation of content rather than on learning the tedious syntax and then implement it. CSS allows designers to define rules in any order i.e. it does not matter whether heading rule is defined after a paragraph rule. It is a huge benefit as designers need not to remember the order of tags used in the html. Web designers do not have put write rules in html file. They can very well define them in a separate file and then call the file in html. This feature of CSS adheres to separation of concern property of development world.

Social Media Obituaries

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Social Media Obituaries

A facebook post about an occasion that happened some time ago triggered my interest in taking up this topic for study. In the said post, the lady was lamenting about how she learnt of her brother’s death. The story was that the brother was a worker with a multinational company. During the cause of duty in Asia, there was a fatal accident and the brother was one of the victims. Immediately after the accident, R.I.P messages started appearing on the brother’s wall; incidentally, the lady was checking out her brother’s profile, and she was shocked by what she was seeing. The company had not even finalized the process of informing the family since it was only thirty minutes from the accident. Her weighty question was, ‘Has facebook introduced dying in real time’. During my use of social media, I have always found status updates from friends on facebook that are either announcing the passing on of the friends’ parents, children, siblings, friends or relatives. I almost always wonder the motivation behind sharing such personal information was. The question that always lingers on the mind is what will one feel when they learn of the demise of their loved ones through facebook or twitter? Are social networks making us so inhuman as not to consider the feelings of others? Are we in a race to establish who breaks news of an event without considering the humane and ethics side of our actions?

For the research, I choose to look for respondents who had either reported a death on social media or one who had learnt of the demise of a loved one from the media. I requested my friends to try to remember if anybody in their connections had ever posted anything close to that. From my friends, I got a list of eleven possible candidates. I then visited these candidates’ profiles to try and pull up these updates and found that three of them had already deleted the posts or ‘unfollowed’ them. The first consideration I made was the time elapsed since the post was made. This was necessary since I did not want my interviewees to be people who were recently bereaved on such a sensitive subject. Next I narrowed down by geographical location since I preferred to do a face to face interview. At the end, I settled on two candidates, one a college student and the other a married man who only gave his age as ‘in the mid thirties’ For the purposes of this write up, I will only use alliances of Joe and Mary for the man and the college lady respectively.

Both candidates had been using facebook for upwards of four years and as thus were well versed in uses and limitations. The college student was on a camping trip when one of her friends drowned. Immediately most of her friends went online to announce the incident with some mentioning the name of the victim in their posts or through the auto name link function of facebook. Mary insisted that she was not among the first to post this but on reflection she felt that the only reason might have been because she had been too much shocked and had to be taken to the hospital. Asked how it would have been had she been the relative and learnt of the occasion on facebook, she said she would be extremely troubled and actually termed it ‘disgusting’. Joe lost his young son after a short illness. Being a Muslim, the young boy’s body had to be interred the same day. His wife was in shock and all planning was left to Joe. With family to be notified and logistics to be handled, it was all too much for him. Then an idea hit him, why not just it on facebook? He did exactly that, and he says he has no regrets. The post acts as his condolence book and most of his friends and family even those who live in faraway places were able to condole with him. Ilana Gershon uses the term Idioms of practice to describe the situation where people decide communally how to use various media and their appropriateness in certain situations. (2010, p.6). This implies that a majority of the users of social sites subscribe to certain ways of thinking about and understanding of the use of facebook.

It can thus be said most users were in agreement that: first, posting about others catastrophes without a pause to think of the repercussions was insensitive. Second, that as a means of conveying grave information it was not the right channel and that thirdly, the facebook wall is a fitting condolence book. From the last observation, there arose the argument that in no way can it replace the personal touch and image of concern that is portrayed by the traditional handwritten condolence or card.

Works CitedTop of Form

Andrews, Lori B. I Know Who You Are and I Saw What You Did: Social Networks and the Death of Privacy. New York: Free Press, 2012. Print.

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Bradburn, Norman M, Seymour Sudman, and Edward Blair. Improving Interview Method and Questionnaire Design. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1979. Print.

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Carroll, Evan, and John Romano. Your Digital Afterlife: When Facebook, Flickr and Twitter Are Your Estate, What’s Your Legacy? Berkeley, CA: New Riders, 2011. Print.

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Gershon, Ilana. The Breakup 2.0: Disconnecting Over New Media. Ithaca, N.Y: Cornell University Press, 2010. Print.

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Stannard, David E. The Puritan Way of Death: A Study in Religion, Culture, and Social Change. New York: Oxford University Press, 1977. Print.

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Appendix 1: Questionnaire

Name

Age

Marital Status

Career

Are you on facebook?

If yes, how regularly do you use it?

How many facebook friends do you have?

Sorry for your loss, after how long did you post anything to do with it on Facebook?

Do you feel that posting about the event helped in any way?

Do you feel that people posting about the loss of others on facebook infringes in private affairs that should be left to those closely concerned to deal with?

How different would your reaction have been for you if you had learnt of the loss on facebook?

Paradise Lost” by John Milton

“Paradise Lost” by John Milton

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“Paradise Lost” by John Milton

“Paradise Lost” is a poem which was written by John Milton-an English poet in the 16th century. The original edition of the poem was published in the year 1667 (Martindale, 1986). The work created a stable stand for the author since it is one of his most significant works. The poem is a ‘Christian epic of humanity.’ The epic draws its origin from a common and simple biblical story of Adam and Eve. It focuses on the events which led to the fall of man due to their disobedience to God. In his story, Milton holds that Lucifer (who later became the devil) was thrown into hell by angels from heaven. The events came after he could not accept that God was supreme. Lucifer stayed in a lake of fire for nine days before he arose and declared that everything had not been lost. He decided to take revenge on God and aroused allies. He brought allies in the form of spirits and started working towards his purpose which was to deceive and influence God’s creation into disobedience. The devil (Satan) organized a meeting with his allies to deliberate on the actions they would take against God. Satan got into a snake inform of a spirit and influenced Eve to eat a fruit which was forbidden by God. The act was sinful and led to disobedience of God. Through his unique way of writing, the reader understands how people can easily fall into evil and the outcome of the sin.

Milton uses a simple story in his epic. The story of human ‘fall’ blends well with different ideologies such as puritan ideas, domestic and political ideals, and Renaissance humanism (Martindale, 1986). At the beginning of the epic, Milton prays to God to help him write well. The epic has several themes. One of the major themes is explained in the justification of the disobedience of God which leads to the fall of man. God’s actions and his later decision to bring salvation to people depicts that God is right. The author explores the events that led to the disobedience of man. The primary cause of the fall is disobeying God which is caused by Eve. Although Eve cannot justify her reasons for revolt, Adam disobeys God for a mare reason that he wants companionship from Eve. Through this justification, he holds on the reasons as to why people must act rationally.

The decision by Adam to eat the forbidden fruit justifies the free will of a person. A person should be able to make choices whether they are good or bad. However, people should take responsibility for their actions. Milton does not hold that God had all the plans on the destiny of the man before his creation. Milton is a humanist who has faith in the adventure and faith of man. He believes that God was right to leave Adam and Eve alone for a while so that their reasoning would be free. By exposing them to evil, He justified that people are creatures that can take care of themselves. His punishment to Adam and Eve was also justified. Milton also believes in the orthodox views of the second redemption. He argues that the redemption of human beings through Christ will bring a better outcome than paradise. Therefore, he believes that Adam and Eve act of sinning was useful towards the redemption of humanity.

Paradise Lost can be seen as a mental pilgrimage. Losing the first paradise leads to finding another one within our lives, which may have better results in the future. Garden of Eden restricts Adam and Eve. Although God may have been impressed by their way of living, Adam and Eve could never have developed spiritually. God withheld knowledge from Adam and Eve, and thus their obedience can be seen as insignificant. The fall of man and the loss of Paradise can be seen as a result of ignorance and innocence. Men, therefore, can attain a rebirth spiritually through the ability to control their passions. Milton uses an engaging writing style in the Paradise Lost. The style presents ideas in a way that is well-crafted, elevated, and unique from that styles used by other authors. Some analysts and readers are fascinated by the language which is used in the epic. His poetry has a lot of Latin influence, and some critics argue that the author compromised the English language. However, the poem has contributed to crafting of English language as a literary tool. Milton unique style is seen through different aspects; the theme, music and rhythm, figures used in the speech, dignity, diction, and syntax.

Milton rhythm or meter in his poem is known as the blank verse. Although it is not an ordinary black verse like in other literary works, he uses several lines which do not rhyme. Analysts hold that he uses the blank verse for his purpose as well as convenience. In his epic poem, Milton uses lines which contain ten syllables. However, the lines do not have a specific number of stresses. The lines have a minimum of three and a maximum of eight stresses. His style does not, therefore, follow the traditional style of variation in poetry. Stresses’ position and degree also vary in the poem. Another crucial feature in the poem is the caesura or the pause. Milton uses a style whereby; the caesura is found in different positions of each line. The weight of the pause falls also vary with the shorter and lighter as well as long or heavy breaks bringing out a different effect to the storyline of the poem. In his poem, Milton uses diction which is more of Latin. Some of the English words also have connotations which are Latin. The language and the words are carefully chosen. There are also English words which are pedantic and unfamiliar. The English and Latin words have both literal as well as symbolic meaning. Milton uses images and pictures to bright specific themes and changes tone with the change of setting and description.

In Paradise Lost, Milton uses a simple and familiar story of Adam and Eve to explain how the fall of man comes happened. The story focuses on sin and the implications of the sin. Through his theme of disobedience to God and its outcome, the reader can understand how people can easily fall into evil.

References

Martindale, C. (1986). John Milton and the transformation of ancient epic (p. 131). London: Croom Helm.

Tool Use Of Chimpanzees

Tool Use Of Chimpanzees

I chose this topic because of all of the living primates, I would say that chimpanzees are the closest to ourselves. They are the most advanced of the living primates and have the most extensive tool use. I also chose it because I think the tool use of primates is the easiest way to distinguish between their cultures. I believe that through generations of trial-and-error tool discovery, and passing down behaviors, they have developed more advanced cultures then any other species, next to humans.It is interesting to me to think that this is how the evolution of humans started out with just a few primitive tools used for nutrition, grooming, intimidation, and defense. In a few million years, they could be evolved to our level. With that, where might we be at that point.One of the most interesting aspects but less common of their tool use is their ability to defend themselves with clubs, missiles, or stones. Some use theses just as show but some really mean business. It has been observed that only savanna chimpanzees are capable of any really effectiveness and accuracy while forest chimps while poorly aimed attempts of throwing are only used for show.It has been speculated that African apes are dehumanized descendents of savanna hominoids that were forced to retreat into the forests in the wake of hominid hunters who had invented spears. This brings the question of weather those were our early ancestors and if that chimps are nearly at that point in their evolution.

During thunderstorms , Gombe chimps get excited, break off or pick up and brandish branches a dash around precipitately in defense as if being alarmed at something. Occasionally, they would strike another chimp or another animal with their stick, often releasing just before striking. This, to me, seems to be a sign that they are ready to defend themselves from whatever danger is coming their way. During periods of excitement in banana feeding grounds, they threw sticks, stones, or handfuls of vegetation as part of displays directed towards other chimpanzees, baboons and humans. Less then half of the males that participated exhibited signs of actual aiming and rarely hit their target. They tried throwing both overhand as well as underhand. During the banana episode observed, as the frequency of aggression increased, more males engaged in it as well as youngsters as well as one adult female chimp. As it went on the ration of hit per miss increased as well.

This observation means to me that they might be conscious that they are tapping into a possible breakthrough but cannot yet realize the possibilities of what regular spear throwing could bring. I believe it is yet generations from possibly their true realization of the usefulness of the spears or “missiles”. It is becoming instinctive however but not yet as refined yet as is their tools for fishing termites.In a rare instance, a Gombe adult male, Mike, threw a sizeable rock (25cm x 10cm x 10cm) at a group of brush pigs, striking one. He and his companions had surrounded the pigs and when the pigs retreated into the brush, Mike and his companions caught a piglet and ate it. In an earlier observed instance, Mike had used a 4 gallon kerosene can to display and bluff his way into the pinnacle of the group, past the before leader, Goliath. Since that instance, he has been knocked from his position of power.

This tells me that there are chimps with a higher capacity to understand weapons and the abilities of them. He however didn’t fallow up on this as much as he could have. It is puzzling that they fear things like that but cannot grasp it enough to consistently use weapons for hunting and some other purposes.

In one observation in Bossou, chimps threw underhand sticks of 100-400 cm in length at their observers. Their effectiveness and accuracy unfortunately was evident on the observers. They would climb a branch into a position nearly right above the observers and hurl them underhand. After further observation, when the chimps were further accustomed to the human observers, they stopped throwing sticks at them. The only ones that still threw sticks at them were the younger chimps, throwing less menacing sticks of only 40-100 cm in length.This seems to be a good example of cultural diversity in chimps due to tool use. It seems to have been a more prominent part of their lives because they seem to have developed an actual technique to throwing their spears. It is unknown why they had become more accustomed to using spears or what they had been exposed to.

In a study of Zaire chimps, observers confronted them with large caged felines and a dummy stuffed leopard. When sticks and clubs were available, they would brandish clubs or throw the sticks at the potential attacking cats. I think that one of the most important traits that all chimpanzees could catch onto would be the use of weaponry. It could also cause them to branch off between the chimps who had developed spears and clubs. Those brandishing spears and clubs could run the more primitive chimps out of their area. It would be a big step in their evolution as it could have been a large step in our evolution.

Another important “branch” in the tool use of chimpanzees is their use of sticks as probes for fishing out insects as well as other things. This is an important part of most chimp’s daily lives with the exception of the chimps in Budongo who have not exhibited any tool use at all. I don’t believe that this has anything to do with their intellectual capacity but more to do with their need. The needs of their lives have been met and there is no need for growth of their culture. When the need comes to adapt, it will be survival of the fittest.Chimps have been observed using sticks, stems, slender twigs, strips of bark fiber, and vine sections to fish for alate termites. The average length being between six to twelve inches. Out of 145 tools measured in a study, their average length was 30.7 cm.

The chimps inspect the mounds on their daily rounds. Tools are inspected variable before, during, and after mound inspection. They searched no further then ten meters away to find a new tool to use as a probe but were noted to have brought used tools from old mounds up to 100 yards away. This tells me that they have a conscious plan and definitely know where they are going. Various tools are sometimes used sequentially to find the best ones. Their tools were modified; stems were denuded of leaves, wide grass or bark was divided longitudinally, frayed or bend ends were nipped off. They apparently have an idea of their tool and know what they are making.

Fishing tools aloud chimps first helpings on the termites. Birds, other monkeys, and baboons wait until time for their migration and they fly out of their mounds. This is a sign of the advanced intelligence exhibited by chimpanzees.

Gombe chimps were also observed using sticks to extract two species of ants from subterranean and arboreal nests. These sticks were observed to be between 1.5 and 3.5 feet in length and ripped off nearby vegetation or picked up off the ground.The chimps observed the previously raided nests and fallowed ants to pristine nests. When they spotted surface perturbations that indicated the presence of unraided subterranean nests, they dug rapidly into the nests with their hands and ants rapidly swarmed to the entrance in defense of their nest. To avoid being bitten, they would sit on logs, branches or saplings. They dash in, insert the smaller end of the probe in and twist it down tightly, then move away. They pull out the stick when it is about three quarters covered by the ants. The chimp then holds the ant covered end to their mouth and with their other hand, swiftly sweep the ants into their mouth and chew rapidly. The bunch is about the size of a hen’s egg and contains upwards three hundred ants.

This is an important trait of chimps because it is probably the most widely used tool throughout Africa. Probing ant and termite hills is one of the only tools uses observed in chimps in both eastern and western Africa.The drinking sop is another observation made in chimps. They insert wads of masticated leaves into tree holes and suck out the steeped liquid. This is observed in Gombe chimps to such the oil from palm oil trees.A very interesting behavior observed in chimps is the use of tools for hygene. It is hard to believe that any animal is conscious of their hygiene. I believe that chimps are however the closest thing to a human being that there is.

Several chimps in captivity were observed using sticks for oral hygiene. Infant chimps were observed using sticks as picks to clean out their noses. Other mature chimps used sticks as picks to clean out their teeth. The most interesting of these was a 9 year old female named Belle who became the regular dental hygienist for 4 other chimps. She employed her fingers as well as an assortment of handy wooden tools, one of which being a piece of red cedar denuded of leaves, used for picking foreign particles from the teeth. She even extracted a deciduous molar from the mouth of a patient supine male.Oral hygiene isn’t the only thing that chimps worry about. They also use leaves for various grooming purposes and toiletries. They were observed using plucked leaves to wipe mud, blood, feces, urine, and sticky food residue from honey and fruit juices from various parts of their bodies.

It is interesting that chimps are conscious of such things as grooming because some things just don’t seem practical. It seems that some of those behaviors could be pure vanity. I don’t see the hazard that could be caused by some things.Interest lies in another use of tools in the daily life of some chimps. Cracking nuts adds a new dimension to their intellect it seems, multiple tool use. The use of “hammer and anvil” is a more advanced behavior then it seems. It employs a cooperation of tools.

In the Sapo forest of Liberia, chimps are observed cracking 4 species of nuts: Coula edulis, Panda oleosa, Parinari excelsa, and Sacoglottis gabonensis. They pound with stone hammers of about 3.3 pounds on boulders and tree roots.On the Tiwai Island researches found cracked shells around hard tree roots with lacerations. They didn’t observe any chimps fleeing with stones in their hands and found no stones nearby that would be effective hammers but found several serviceable clubs nearby. They also found stone anvils with cracked shells scattered around them.

An interesting fact is that Gombe chimps are not observed cracking nuts. One of the most highly eaten nuts are the ones that come from the oil palm trees and the pulp from these trees make up a significant part of their diet. As well as the palm trees providing a good anvil for cracking the nuts.Due to the lack of hazard, younger chimps have been observed fishing for termites, wipe for toilet use, and sponge with leaves. They however do not get into ant dipping until later age. Their tool use is shown to be a learned trait from parents of chimps, primarily the mothers. This backs up my idea of cultures evolving through generations within their specific groups.At six months of age, the infant chimps are noticed reaching for twigs and leaves but are making no use of them, only mimicking their mothers. It is not until 8 months that they manipulate possible crude use but still do not use them. They don’t begin their termite dipping until they reach the age of 2. At 2 years of age, they select inappropriate tools and use them crudely and inefficiently. At three to four years of age, the novice termite fishers are improving but not yet as persistent as mature adults. It as at this age that they also develop into successful leaf spongers.

While their mothers are dipping for ants, they cling tightly to their mothers and watch intently but stay as far away from danger as they can. They have been observed practicing the ant dipping method away from ant hills. They aren’t usually successful ant dippers until they reach adolescence at 7 years of age. The youngest successful ant dipper, however, was observed at 46 months of age.An interesting observation made in captivity was that when face with problem solving situations to be solved with tools, the more mature and older chimps were more successful. Probably due to their practice with using tools throughout their life in non-problematic situations.

Sex also plays an important role in dietary tool use. Seventy-five percent of females engage in dietary tool use whereas only forty-five percent of males use tools for dietary purposes. Females engage in slightly longer bouts of termite dipping on average then do males. They also engage in more ant dipping sessions that last for more then one hour.The question of efficiency posses an interesting question. I believe that females will make more advancements in tools then will males because of more practice that they have at tool use. This clashes with some facts that it is the males that are making more advancements in tool use for weapons because nearly all males will pick up a weapon before a female. This poses an interesting question. I believe that the answer is in male aggression. The males are more aggressive then females and as such will be more likely to pick up a weapon.I believe that the tool use of chimps is what divides their specific cultures from one another. Some say that it is the feeding habits of them but that ties in directly with tool use. I believe that the dominant cultures of chimpanzees will be those that develop advanced weapons and those that don’t develop weapons will be pushed out or maybe not even survive. I believe this because it is what seems to separate our cultures in human civilization. It seems to be all about the ability to adapt to one another and built the better tools. That is what divides the men from the beasts and I believe that chimps are narrowing that gap more then any other primate or any animal.

Bibliography

Primate Behaviors, by Bernstein, Irwin S.; Academic Press; 1970

Apes of the World, by Tuttle, Russel H.; Noyes Press; 1986

www.cnn.com

www.wildchimps.org

This research aimed at addressing itself to the causes of stress in paramedics and the effects it has on their morale, motiva

TOC o “1-3” h z u Abstract PAGEREF _Toc358825046 h 31.0Introduction PAGEREF _Toc358825047 h 52.0Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc358825048 h 53.0Methodology PAGEREF _Toc358825049 h 8Research Design PAGEREF _Toc358825050 h 8Sampling Method PAGEREF _Toc358825051 h 8Data Collection Method PAGEREF _Toc358825052 h 9Ethical Considerations PAGEREF _Toc358825053 h 114.0Results and Findings PAGEREF _Toc358825054 h 12Positive work effects PAGEREF _Toc358825055 h 12Stress factors PAGEREF _Toc358825056 h 12Effects of stress PAGEREF _Toc358825057 h 135.0Discussion PAGEREF _Toc358825058 h 146.0Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc358825059 h 167.0Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc358825060 h 17References PAGEREF _Toc358825061 h 18APPENDICES PAGEREF _Toc358825062 h 20Appendix 1: Interview Guide for the Respondents PAGEREF _Toc358825063 h 20Apendix 2: Preliminary Data Analysis PAGEREF _Toc358825064 h 20Apendix 2a: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 001 PAGEREF _Toc358825065 h 20Apendix 2b: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 002 PAGEREF _Toc358825066 h 26Apendix 2c: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 003 PAGEREF _Toc358825067 h 30Apendix 2d: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 004 PAGEREF _Toc358825068 h 35Appendix 3: Thematic analyses PAGEREF _Toc358825069 h 41Appendix 4: Face Sheets PAGEREF _Toc358825070 h 45Appendix 4a: Face Sheet 001 PAGEREF _Toc358825071 h 45Appendix 4b: Face Sheet 002 PAGEREF _Toc358825072 h 45Appendix 4c: Face Sheet 003 PAGEREF _Toc358825073 h 46Appendix 4d: Face Sheet 004 PAGEREF _Toc358825074 h 46Appendix 5: Ethics Form A PAGEREF _Toc358825075 h 47Appendix 5: Ethics Form B PAGEREF _Toc358825076 h 79

AbstractThis study aimed to establish the effects that stress had on the motivation, morale and overall performance of Paramedics. It sought to establish the relationship that existed between these causes and the effects. The study was descriptive in nature and aimed at exploration of experiences, views, perceptions and observations. Qualitative data collection methods were adopted and the researcher used one on one interviews. The population was defined as paramedic students in Flinders University who had worked in Saudi Arabia, and involved a sample of four purposively selected respondents. The study found that although paramedics feel motivated by adequate training and service to people, a wide range of factors contributes to them getting job related stress. These factors include work overload, long working hours and poor channels of communication among others. The research also established that stress causes reduced performance, low morale and increased rate of absenteeism among paramedics. The study concludes that stress in paramedicine comes from many sources and all stakeholders are contributors as well as victims of the stress. It then goes ahead and suggests some ways in which stakeholders can reduce the causative agents of stress.

1.0IntroductionWork related stress is a well-known phenomenon in many professions. However, some professions are more prone to it than others. Paramedicine, by its very nature, is among the professions with the highest risks of stress and its many manifestations. Extensive research has been carried out on stress, its characteristics and effects on paramedics (McFarlane, Williamson and Barton, 2009).

This research aimed at addressing itself to the causes of stress in paramedics and the effects it has on their morale, motivation and performance. The study approached the issue on a causal – effect theory with the aim of determining how the paramedics felt the various factors that they feel predispose them to stress would affect their overall on-the-job performance. The study also sought to fill a gap left by other studies in that it did not draw its own recommendations but will sought to gather these from the paramedics themselves thereby emerging with home-grown solutions for Paramedics problems.

2.0Literature ReviewStress has been found to heavily affect the level of employee output.

Data Analysis & Presentation

To analyse the research data collected, preliminary data analysis (Appendix 2) and then thematic analysis (Appendix 3: Thematic analysis) approach were used. Preliminary analysis involves studying the obtained patterns of responses or observations from the respondents (Grbich 1999). In this case, the transcripts prepared from the interviews and the obtained findings based on the responses given by the respondents were presented through the use of the descriptions given by the respondents during the interview and in response to the asked questions.

Thematic analysis is an important analysis tool in qualitative research since it identifies the implicit and explicit concepts captured in collected data. It puts its emphasis on the description and organisation of a data set. The method can be used inductively or deductively and the researcher opts on the application depending on the epistemology of their study (Boyatzis, 1998). Since the data collected was intact, the researcher used the Block, group and label approach to thematic analysis. The first step involved identifying which among the collected data was relevant to the research (Corbin and Strauss, 2008). Next, the researcher used the Preliminary Data analysis sheets a (Apendix 2) to group the data into columns and used it to prepare the thematic analysis sheets (Appendix 3).

Ethical Considerations

It is important to note that the sampling process, piloting and actual data collection processes were conducted informally and with the verbal consent of participants. For the purpose of observation guidelines, the researcher sought the approval of the Social and Behavioural research ethics Committee (Apendix 2: Ethics form)

As the data collected during this study contains very sensitive and personal information, all participants were assured of total confidentiality, anonymity and guaranteed that the findings of this research shall not cause them any professional or reputational harm whatsoever (Mantri 2009; Grbich 1999). It was important for the researcher to identify the possible harm or damage, both personal and professional, which could be caused on the participants if any of the information given was traced back to them. Finally, the findings of this result were used and disseminated exclusively for academic purposes.

4.0Results and FindingsMajority of the participants in the research were practicing paramedics seeking further education in medical related fields. The data was organised into face sheets (Appendix 4). Four themes were identified in the description of the available data and labelled, positive work aspects, stress factors, stressor effects and possible solutions. The participants provided concise information for the different themes identified. They discussed their work experiences and identified numerous challenges which faced them when undertaking their duties as paramedics.

Positive work effectsThis theme aimed at capturing the specific elements inherent in the work that boosted the morale of the practitioners. The participants identified factors including adequate training which made feel them competent enough to offer the services required to them. The most prevalent motivation under this theme though was the service to the people angle with 75% of the respondents saying that they derive satisfaction from having saving lives or assisted a person in need of medical services. As Respondent number two put it,

“Most people in Saudi Arabia cannot access medical care . . . . . . . being able to serve people so desperately in need of medical care is inspiring.”

Stress factorsThe aim of this theme was to establish the various factors that paramedics consider as the major causes of job related stress. This was the main theme of the research. It emerged that a wide range of factors contribute to stress in the workplace. Huge workload was the most prevalently mentioned source of work related stress with 75% of the respondents mentioning it directly or mentioning some of its causes. The workload was said to be caused by understaffing, terrorism and violence. Another cause of stress which was mentioned by 50% of the respondents was long work hours which lead to burnout. Poor communication channels were also cited as a factor leading to stress. The respondents also mentioned Traffic congestion, lack of crowd control mechanisms and the ever increasing threat of malpractice litigation as factors that interfere with their work reducing efficiency which then interprets to frustration and stress.

Figure 1: Causes of stress among Saudi paramedics

Effects of stressThe respondents were unanimously (100%) agreed that the major result observed on stressed paramedics is reduced morale and motivation. This was also indicated to result in reduced efficiency and productivity by 75% of the respondents. 50% of the respondents said that a stressed paramedic was prone to errors. In the long run, the respondents (75%) indicated that stress takes its toll on the health of the individual which directly results in absenteeism and higher incidence of elongated sick leaves.

5.0DiscussionThe toll that work related stress and burnout takes on the psyche, motivation and morale of paramedics cannot be gainsaid. The daily encounters in their operations leave indelible marks on the paramedics’ psychological state (Clohessy and Ehlers, 1999). As enumerated by the previous studies analysed in the literature, this affects not only the paramedics but also the society in terms of resources needed to replace paramedics and the opportunity cost of losing one. McFarlane, Williamson and Barton (2009) draw a correlation between the factors to dissatisfaction, errors and decreased attention to patients. The characteristic responses to these factors as have been shown in the studies rhyme with those listed by Vettor and Kosninski (2000). These include emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and negative assessment of oneself.

Coping theory has been identified as the most effective way of dealing with the problem. The theory involves two broad types; problem and emotion focused coping. Problem focused coping involves exerting effort in the solution or management of the problem which resulted in the distress. Kilburn and Whitlock (n.d) explains that with this approach, the focus is in the assimilation relevant information to assist in planning and making decisions aimed at resolving the differences. On the other hand, emotional focused coping focuses on the alleviation of the emotional distress by adoption of cognitive processes like positive attitude, emotional support or stop gap measures like smoking and alcohol (Kilburn and Whitlock, n.d.).

The use of peer support in helping the victims has been identified as one of the most effective tools in dealing with affected workers. Okada et al (2007) has suggested that the individuals can be guided towards a positive coping mechanism like the adoption of beneficial hobbies like exercising rather than alcohol and smoking. Pre service training on stress management and coping has also been suggested as an essential tool to ward off possibilities of having to deal with adverse effects of stress in the future.

However, as shown by Robinson (2002), it is not all doom and gloom, the improvement in levels of stress management from the 1993 levels if well build upon can be enhanced. Further research is therefore necessary to identify the factors that have led to this improvement with an aim of capitalising on them. This would greatly benefit the paramedicine profession by retaining more employees and at a higher efficiency and motivation level. This would in turn ease the pressure on resources and also ease the resources for other improvement areas in the profession.

6.0RecommendationsStress and its causes are not quantifiable or easy to separate. It is thus recommended that the best way to deal with stress is to first and foremost tackle its causes. The researcher sough suggestions from the respondents on what they would recommend and the suggestions were as varied as were the causes. What emerges as the recurrent theme is that all stakeholders have a role to play in this. It is therefore recommended that the policy makers endeavour to make adequate staffing to ease the workload on paramedics, shifts should also be reviewed so as to make a balance between the available staff and fatigue levels. It would also help if proper communication channels were established through which two way information would flow swiftly. Civic education would also play a great role in avoiding crowd interference in scenes.

The government should also establish legal assistance programs for Paramedics against wrongful malpractice litigation. On the other hand, it is upon the paramedics themselves to change their attitudes towards some factors and ways of coping. As noted earlier, some people adopt proactive product focused coping mechanism which differs a lot from the reactive emotion focused mechanism. The management should also organise counselling sessions for the paramedics and make arrangements for debriefings after traumatising assignments and experiences.

7.0ConclusionThough the research cannot be said to be entirely indicative of the entire paramedicine field owing to its limited target population and the small sample size explored, it nevertheless points to a justifiable conclusion that stress is a formidable risk in the profession. The stress as described from the respondents emerges from many aspects of the field including the practice itself, the administration as well as personal attitudes of the paramedics themselves.

All stakeholders can therefore be said to be the source as well as victims of the effects of the stress with the authorities having to contend with increased pressure on resources needed to alleviate the effects on the paramedics and the patients. The wider population has also been shown to contribute to stress through frustration and as consumers of the services they become victims of the stress when the quality of services offered becomes compromised. The paramedics too contribute to stress through negative attitudes and coping mechanisms that are not proactive which end up complicating the matter further.

It is therefore not farfetched to say that the cyclic nature of stress factors could continue in perpetuity unless concerted efforts are made by all concerned to break the vicious cycle.

ReferencesBlau, G, Chapman, S & Gibson, G 2011, ‘Exploring the Importance of Different Items as Reasons for Leaving Emergency Medical Services Between Fully Compensated, Partially Compensated, and Non-Compensated/Volunteer Samples’, Journal of Allied Health, vol. 40, no. 3, pp.e33-e37.

Boyatzis, R. 1998. Transforming qualitative information: Thematic analysis and code development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Clohessy, S & Ehlers, A 1999, ‘PTSD symptoms, response to intrusive memories and coping in ambulance service workers’, British Journal of Clinical Psychology, vol.38, pp.251-265.

Corbin, J. and Strauss, A. 2008. Basics of Qualitative Research 3rd Ed. Sage: Thousand Oaks, Ca.Top of Form

Glanz, K., Rimer, B. K., & Lewis, F. M. 2002. Health behavior and health education: theory, research, and practice. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.Bottom of Form

Grbich, C 1999, Qualitative Research in Health: An Introduction, Allen & Unwin, NSW.

Kilburn, E & Whitlock, J n.d., ‘Coping’, Cornell Research Program on Self Injurious Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults, viewed on 6 September 2012, <http://www.crpsib.com/userfiles/File/Coping%20Lit%20Review.pdf>.

Kumar, R 2008, Research Methodology, APH Publishing Corporation, New Delhi.LeBlanc, V, MacDonald, R, McArthur, B, King, K, &Lepine, T 2005, ‘Paramedic Performance in Calculating Drug Dosages Following Stressful Scenarios, Prehospital Emergency Care, vol.9, no.4, pp.439-444.

Mantri, J 2009, Research methodology on data envelopment analysis, Universal Press, Florida.

McBurney, DH & White, TL 2009, Research Methods, Cengage Learning, London.McFarlane, A, Williamson, P & Barton, C 2009, ‘The Impact of Traumatic Stressors in Civilian Occupational Settings’, Journal of Public Health Policy, vol.30, no.3, pp.311-327.

Nirel, N, Goldwag, R, Feigenberg, Z, Abadi, D & Halpern, P 2008, ‘Stress, Work Overload, Burnout, and Satisfaction among Paramedics in Israel’, Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, vol. 23, no.6, pp.537-546.Okada, N, Ishii, N, Nakata, M & Nakyama, S 2005, ‘Occupational Stress among Japanese Emergency Medical Technicians: Hyogo Prefecture’, Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, vol. 20, no. 2, pp.115-121.

Robinson, R 2002, ‘Follow-up Study of Health and Stress in Ambulance Services of Victoria, Australia, Victorian Ambulance Crisis Counselling Unit, Report 1, pp.1-54.

Vettor, S & Kosninski, F 2000, ‘Work-stress burnout in emergency medical technicians and the use of early recollections’, Journal of Employment Counselling, vol. 37, no.4, pp.216-228.

APPENDICESAppendix 1: Interview Guide for the RespondentsTell me a little about your work as a paramedic prior to study in Australia?

Probe: How many years working

What was the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia?

What do you see as the main causes of stress for Saudi paramedics?

How do these stressors effect the operation (efficiency) of paramedics?

Probes: days of sick leave?

Probes: morale?

What could the administration or management at the various Emergency Centres do to lower the levels of stress experienced and to deal with their resultant effects?

Has your study in Australia helped with how you can manage stress when you return to paramedic practice?

Apendix 2: Preliminary Data AnalysisApendix 2a: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 001Research Question: How does stress affect the operation of paramedics?

Methodological notes Transcript 1 Preliminary Data Analysis

Questions well answered

Respondent does not mainly identify factors directly related to the health unit. More focused on Stress with regard to Saudi Arabia. Interviewer: Tell me a little about your work as a paramedic prior to study in Australia, Like, how many years did you work?

Int 001: Prior to my study in Australia, I worked as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia, which is my native country. I worked as a paramedic based in ambulances within the Saudi capital of Riyadh for seven years.

Interviewer: Do you have any speciality?

Int 001: Within the environment I worked, we normally responded to minimal emergency cases offering limited services in emergency situations.

Interviewer: What was the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia?

Int 001: The training offered to paramedics in Saudi Arabia remains the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic within the country. This training has significantly improved my working capability as a paramedic and offered me an opportunity to enjoy being a paramedic. Though the job has many challenges, training has significantly improved my capacity to handle the various challenges I face during my working period.

Interviewer: What do you see as the main causes of stress for Saudi paramedics?

Int 001: There are many stressing factors while working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia. The cities are normally characterized with constant traffic congestions, which prevent paramedics from reaching their destinations quickly. During emergency response like ambulances, failure to reach patients in time could be seen as inefficiency of paramedics. The delays resulting from traffic congestion stresses paramedics greatly. Another stressing factor, applying to accident scenes, is the presence of crowds of people on accident scenes. These individuals make it difficult for paramedics to reach the people requiring medical assistance.

Interviewer: How do these stressors effect the operation (efficiency) of paramedics? What effect do they have on your morale and sick leave days?

Int 001: When paramedics encounter these stressing factors, pressure normally increases on their side in offering sufficient services. Delays caused by traffic congestion, could reduce the time available for paramedics to attend to emergency calls. This might mean the paramedics work quickly and efficiency of their services could become compromised. Working under strict time deadlines within the profession becomes dangerous and the paramedics become prone to errors. The morale of paramedics working under these circumstances becomes immensely reduced because of the pressure and limited time available for attending patient. This remains so because paramedics remain aware of consequences which might follow erroneous operation. The paramedics can be held responsible if patient suffer damage as a result of delayed response.

Interviewer: What could the administration or management at the various Emergency Centers do to lower the levels of stress experienced and to deal with their resultant effects?

Int 001: The administration at various emergency centers should seek to change the methods applied in estimating the time required to make an emergency call response. Consideration should be undertaken based on various regions in order to cater for delays resulting from traffic congestion within city roads. The administration should seek to establish a government sponsored program aimed at informing the population about the necessary steps to take in accident scenes. With increased knowledge, people would not crowd around accident scenes in order to see paramedics perform their duties.

Interviewer: Has your study in Australia helped with how you can manage stress when you return to paramedic practice?

Int 001: Studying in Australia has offered me with efficient information regarding management of the stressing factors, upon returning to paramedic practice. The study has significantly improved my capacity to remain focused on delivering essential services and effectively minimizing the influence of external factors like crowds. The study has significantly enhanced my understanding that crowds must always be there as they are the people who normally call for assistance under these situation. This study has also enlightened me with the knowledge that these factors are also available in other counties, and their management could surmount to successful paramedic career.

Has previous paramedic experience before current study

No specialization

Stress among paramedics

External factors

Limited time to meet strict deadlines.

Increased workload and fatigue

Reduced morale and motivation to work

Role of the administration in reducing stress levels

Effective communication channel as a possible solution.

Public Education

Paramedic study in Australia is beneficial in reducing stress levels among paramedics.

Apendix 2b: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 002Research Question: How does stress affect the operation of paramedics?

Methodological notes Transcript 1 Preliminary Data Analysis

Questions well answered

Relevant answers given

Respondent attentive and keen on answering all questions

Interviewer: Tell me a little about your work as a paramedic prior to study in Australia, Like, how many years did you work?

Int 002: I have been working as a paramedic for five years now; this will be my sixth year.

Interviewer: Do you have any speciality?

Int 002: No I do not have any special training I am just a general paramedic.

Interviewer: What was the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia?

Int 002: I could say the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia is the fact that I have to handle many people who are critically sick. Most people in Saudi Arabia cannot get access to medical care. The people are often desperate to get medical attention. Being able to efficiently serve people who are so desperately in need of medical care is positive aspect.

Additionally, and contrary to what people might think there is adequate equipment to be used by paramedics in Saudi Arabia. Most people often think that there is lack of equipment in Saudi Arabia but this is not the case. As a matter of fact, there is high class equipment available for use. This is a very positive aspect when working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia as I have all the equipment I need at my disposal.

Interviewer: What do you see as the main causes of stress for Saudi paramedics?

Int 002: There are various causes of stress for paramedics in Saudi Arabia, and none of them can be pin pointed as being the main cause. Attending to emergency cases that involve issues like accidents or terrorist/ violent attacks, whereby, the patients are in too much agony and pain is a real stress factor for many paramedics in Saudi Arabia. There are also cases of patients’ deaths which paramedics have to deal with. Such deaths occur regularly if not daily. It particularly becomes stressful when they have to break such bad news to the family and friends of the deceased.

Interviewer: How do these stressors effect the operation (efficiency) of paramedics? What effect do they have on your morale and sick leave days?

Int 002: These stressors have an impact on the paramedics in that they often extend the days of sick leave as they need time to deal with the stress. Stress is detrimental to the human body and it leads to increase in blood pressure. It also leads to decrease in the immune system and hence the paramedics can develop a weakness in their natural ability to fight bacteria and viruses. This leads to occurrence of sickness and they have more days of sick leave.

Interviewer: Any effect on ones morale?

Int 002: Oh! That? Stress definitely leads to low morale especially stress caused by death since the paramedics consider themselves as being failures when patients die under their care.

Interviewer: What could the administration or management at the various Emergency Centres do to lower the levels of stress experienced and to deal with their resultant effects?

Int 002: The administration can come up with employee assistance programs which can make counsellors and other specialists accessible for the employees. These specialists can assist the paramedics in the management of their stress. They can also provide debriefing sessions for the paramedics in cases of violence or traumatic events

Interviewer: Has your study in Australia helped with how you can manage stress when you return to paramedic practice?

Int 002: Yes, my study in Australia has really been of great help. I will surely apply what I have learned in Australia when I return to Saudi Arabia, and I am sure I will be able to manage any stress that I will encounter there.

Prior 5 years working experience

No specialization

Service to others and self satisfaction

Facilities and equipment available for efficient operation.

Stress factors

Witnessing the Intense pain and death of patients during emergency cases identified as major stress factors.

Impact of stress on the health of the paramedic results into extended sick leave days.

Reduced morale and encouragement

Role of the administration in reducing stress levels

Counselling and debriefing of paramedics for stress management

Public Education

Paramedic study in Australia is beneficial in stress management.

Apendix 2c: Preliminary Data Analysis – Interview 003Research Question: How does stress affect the operation of paramedics?

Methodological notes Transcript 1 Preliminary Data Analysis

Questions well answered

Relevant answers given

Question well and deeply answered

Answer too brief: More information was necessary

Interviewer: Tell me a little about your work as a paramedic prior to study in Australia?

Int 003: Generally, the work involved a 24hour system of emergency response. Each day would come with its own challenges, and the need to do a good job always imposed a lot of pressure on our service delivery as paramedics. Besides, working in Saudi Arabia meant that we had to go an extra mile to meet the best expectation of every patient and majority of them would complain even for very minor issues simply because they felt that they deserved more attention than other patients. Anyway, the whole experience of working as a paramedic prior to studying in Australia was an eye opener to purse the roots of higher training so as to enhance my professional performance as a paramedic.

Int 003: I have worked as a paramedic for 4½yrs

Interviewer: Do you have any speciality?

Int 003: Not really, just been involved in general paramedical practice.

Interviewer: What was the most positive aspect of working as a paramedic in Saudi Arabia?

Int 003: Despite the many challenges, the most important aspect of the whole experience revolves around the fact that our paramedic services saved hundreds of lives. Working in Saudi Arabia was also a great source of inspiration seeing people appreciating our work and encouraging us to continue helping the society in providing healthcare emergency response.

Interviewer: What do you see as the main causes of stress for Saudi paramedics?

Int 003: The main causes of stress included overwhelming workload due to understaffing. On the other hand, the society has become excessively concerned with the issues of patients rights and ethical practice. Any slight mistake would be blown out of proportion in trying to qualify it as a matter of professional negligence or malpractice. While this remained the biggest cause of stress, withdrawing one’s services was not an option especially when bound by the moral obligation to save life, alleviate suffering and promote good health.

Interviewer: How do these stressors effect the operation (efficiency) of paramedics? What effect do they have on your morale and sick leave days?

Int 003: Owing to the fact that we work longer hours almost 7days a week, most of us often develop fatigue and burnout. This reduces our productivity and sometimes sick leaves are inevitable when one of us is worn down by fatigue and burnout. Typically, the sick leaves may last for even one week or two depending on the magnitude of psychological breakdown.

Threats of malpractice claims also demoralize some paramedics. Personally, this has often discouraged me from taking initiative to help a patient while off duty because of no proper legal protection accorded to use out of the ordinary course of duty. If anything goes wrong, I would be held personally liable. Furthermore, we find it necessary to make the best of our free time to socialize with family and friends and jut avoid anything to do with normal paramedics duties because this in the only time we have to rest and relieve a whole week’s work related stress.

Interviewer: What could the administration or management at the various Emergency Centers do to lower the levels of

Strategic goals for the Hospital

To: Professor Alteri

From: Briana Young, HR Manager

Date: September 22, 2019

Subject: Strategic goals for the Hospital

Summary: Lately my hospital has gone through technology problems and with the merging of two hospitals. My hospital wants to take care of our patients. With these 10 different organizational units. Patients receive care in all different areas of the hospital, so their care needs to be coordinated across these units. When a smaller hospital merges with a bigger, better-equipped hospital system, patients in a smaller hospital can gain better access to experts and sophisticated medical technology, such as high-tech imaging and electronic medical recording devices. I recommend to the hospital that they should write down all the strengths and weakness of their hospital and what they should improve on.

New Strategic Intent. The Strategic intent I selected for the hospital is Organizational collaboration. More cooperation and team unity are crucial to achieve high quality patient care, excellent service, and organizational efficiency. Employees must use the same book to operate and pull in the same direction. Teamwork is vital to enhance the efficiency of hospitals in critical operating fields. Employees, doctors and other stakeholders want to know that the organization has a bright future and what the vision will look like once it is achieved. They want to understand where the organization is going and how it’s going to get there, in other words. In the case of staff, this dedication applies to their general career as well as their day-to-day work, and may result in enhanced productivity and a greater level of workplace involvement. In the case of patients, this commitment is about trusting their health or even their very lives to the hospital.

Structural dimensions of organizational design for this hospital. The dimension would be Centralization because it refers to hierarchical level and decision making which the organization is centralized. The hospital has to establish goals and deciding marketing territories. Formalization explains about different documentation and job descriptions and also regulations. Specialization explains how organizational tasks are divided into separate jobs. The specialization has to be high because if it becomes low the employees will perform a wide range of takes in their jobs. Hierarchy explains on who to report to like the president or a manger. The hierarchy of authority will be low and short. Complexity explains how the number of departments within the organization.

Effectiveness approaches. I think the hospital approach should be to expand market share around different organizations