Blog

River Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, and longest in china. It is 6,300 kilometers long

River Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, and longest in china. It is 6,300 kilometers long

YANGTZE RIVER

Name

Professor

Course

Date

Introduction

River Yangtze is the third longest river in the world, and longest in china. It is 6,300 kilometers long. Its source is on the western side of Geladandong Mountain, the main peak of the Tangula Mountains on the flat land of Geladandong southwest of china. The most attractive part of the river is the gorges. This include the Qutang, Xling, Wuxia gorges also known as the Sanxia.

Qutang Gorge

The gorge is eight kilometers long; it starts from Baidicheng in the county of Fengjie to Daxizhen in the county of Wushan. It is the shortest of the three gorges, and the most magnificent. Immediately the raging river gets into the gorge it comes together with the daunting Kuimen Gate. The Rocky Mountains stand straight on both sides of the river, narrowing the river to 100 to 200metres, with the narrowest section measuring a few meters in breadth as it gets to the gorge. The raging waters flowing into the gorge makes the most glorious scenes. There are numerous, attractive sites in the gorge. On top of the hill on the northern bank lies Baidicheng town. On the southern banks is the legendary Meng Liang’s Ladder.

Wuxia Gorge  

The gorge is approximately 45 kilometers long. It begins in Danning River in the county of Wushan to Guandukou situated the county of Badong, Hubei province. The deep and peaceful scenes make the gorge a main attraction. The most beautiful is the twelve peaks found on both sides of the river banks. There are numerous historical sites too. Zigui town receives many tourists as it is the homeland of the beautiful Wang Zhaojun and the famous poet Qu Yuan. On the western entrance, of the gorge is flanked by unusual peaks such as the Dicui, Bawu, and Longmen with some going up into the clouds presenting an extraordinary sight.

 Xling Gorge

It is the longest of the three gorges. It starts from the west all through to the east and is approximately 76 kilometers long. It starts from the Xiangxi River in Zigui, in the province of Hubei to Nanjing. The gorge is split in two sections; the western section is consists up of the military Book, Sword Gorge, Lung gorge, Kong ling gorge, and Bulls Liver gorge. The east section consists of the Shadow Play gorge, and the yellow Cat Gorge also called the Yinchuan in the Hubei Province. There are various ancient sites on the gorge which includes the Huangling Temple, Luyou Fountain, and the Visitors cave.

Pollution

In the recent past, the Yangtze River has been under threat due to pollution. It absorbs 40 percent of china’s waste water with 80 percent being untreated. The major culprits of polluting the river are industries, agricultural pollution, and waste from ships. It was found that most industries dumped untreated waste into the river. Chemicals being used by farmers are being washed into the river. Shipping vessels also dump untreated waste in the river. Some local people are also ignoring the damage to the river, most of them are still continuing with activities causing pollution like ship building, chemical making, and other harmful activities.

Conclusion

People living along the river should take the initiative of protecting the river themselves as it is their source of water. Local governments should take the necessary steps to deal with the people who are polluting the river, and put in place tough measures to discourage other people from polluting the river. The community living along the river should be educated on the importance of keeping the river clean.

Aloian, Molly. The Yangtze: China’s majestic river. New York: Crabtree Pub., 2010.

Posted in Uncategorized

Nursing Staffing

Nursing Staffing

Nursing Staffing

Name:

Professor:

Course:

Date:

Question One

Nurses aid normally take care of patients by bathing them, feeding them and toilet them. Every day, the nursing staff, ensures that they get the patients up and take them to the dining room. The nursing staff usually works alone because they have little or no assistance available. Despite the fact that the limit to nursing staff is 16 nurses’ aide, just about 13 perform direct care. The nursing staff, therefore, is often loaded with heavy duties and rarely completes their cores. Nursing entrepreneurs are the true change agents in nursing (Sullivan, 2000). Entrepreneurs have the virtue of persistence in work, and they capture enthusiasm, imaginations and creativity necessary to adapt to new ventures. When nursing becomes a business, it means the nurses practice on a freelance basis and are self-employed. Nursing practice can be done in research, clinical or education as a business. For any healthcare business success, it must have quality services; it must be cost efficient and easily accessible.

Question Two

Nurse’s scope of study and practice is based on experiences, professionalism, educational qualifications. These subjects determine the level of autonomy practice. Strategies for enhancing are based on the provision of support for accelerating the professionalism in nursing and a clear expectation for the nursing decision (Melnyk & Overholt, 2011).

Clarification of the Expectation on the Autonomy

When nurses clearly communicate and organize their work, then they can enhance autonomy. This means they will have the freedom to decide on the clinical judgment. For a nurse to describe expected behavior, he has to understand the clinical patient, science, and art of nursing. This may involve, support of independent decision-making and expectation of the nursing action. The nurse’s decision involves interdependent and independent actions. Incorporating the expertise in nursing facilitates autonomous practice into the care of patients. For instance, the organization of patients care units to be judged by nurses based on the recommendation of the treatment plan. If nurses were given an opportunity to make their judgment in the clinical rounds, then this would maximize the contribution of their unique understanding of the care of patients. Investing in an input means the care of patients will be improved more solutions will be explored communication improved to supplement the plans.

If autonomous practice is recognized, then this can enhance communicated expectations. Suppose you if you acknowledge excellent performance, you will provide a venue for displaying autonomous practice. Role modeling, rewarding and recognizing exemplary performance by nurses encourages the autonomous actions. Nurse leaders and specialists should also be involved in behaviors reflective of autonomy. They can also serve as role models and mentoring excellence in performance. A sample of coaching autonomy may include addressing an unexpected behavior. For example, coachers can compare the expected action and the actual action of nurses and illustrate how to make expected autonomy more explicit. There can always be feed back if nurses do not meet their expectations. In recent studies, it has been confirmed that favorable environment will facilitate excellent autonomy.

Enhance Competitive Practice

A competitive nursing expertise will establish a sound clinical judgment. Nursing expertise constitutes skill, knowledge and extensive experience. Autonomy can be foster by creating a learning environment and implementing strategies to enhance competence. If confidence and competence are enhanced, then autonomy will be fostered. In meetings, clinicians can share patient scenarios that can that challenged them. By doing this, they get feedback and advice on how to tackle such complicated patient scenarios. Nurses should be encouraged to participate in continuous examinations that assess the degree of autonomy that they present in their judgment. Enhancement of autonomy can also be through the establishment of an evidence based practice approach.

Strategies that enhance Control over the Practice of Nursing

Nurses, being employees, must work within the imposed regulations and rules of hospitals. This has a profound effect in the work they practice. If nurses sincerely wanted to exercise their practice, they must possess the power to make decisions based on their profession.

Decision-Making Requires Practice

Authorities in power have often dictated Participationory and empowerment management. Representatives in an organization are known, and all nurses are expected to put some input. Staff nurses are responsible and accountable for solutions and issues discussed in the structure. The accountability and responsibility of nurses for nurses cannot be stressed adequately. This is where many shared governments get awry.

Question Three

Growth of Knowledge

The growth of knowledge in nursing is centered in the creation of culture and systems whereby nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, increasing nursing education and supporting nurses in practicing to the extent of their training and education. In a report, Steven Wartman, the chief executive officer of the Association of Academic Health Centre, said that the future of nursing recommendations is “not surprising”. In that boardroom, Wartman’s speech brought a wider perspective to the discussion. For example, it is advisable to increase the percentage of baccalaureate degree to 80 percent in the next 10 years. In the United States, only 50 percent of nurses meet this target. Wartman suggests that while it is necessary to increase nurses’ education, it has always been considered as a fractured career. The fracture is known to take place between baccalaureate and the two-year programs.

An issue in this report is the consensus model about certification and education requirements. “The nursing organizations have signed to it” Haller, the vice president of Patient care and Nursing services. The report also suggested doubling the number of nurses with a doctorate in the next 10 years.

Fulfilling individual Potential

If the nurses can fully utilize their knowledge in the profession, then increased education would be useful. However, nurses usually confront the institutional policies and government regulations that prevent them from performing to the best of the ability. The laws that are for or against the practice of advanced nursing to examine patients independently, prescribe drugs, and interpret lab tests vary from state to state. How then can we move to a national framework? In the near future, the need for implementation of consistent practice of advanced nursing laws will be higher. Hill mentioned that they would need professionals to lead in that sector.

Not everyone is with the agreement that advanced practice nurses should take the role of primary care providers. The Dean of the School of medicine, Edward Miller, said that if the report’s recommendation were taken to the ultimate level, the nurses would practice independently.

Working with Our Colleagues

These are changes that penetrate across various disciplines and affect the entire healthcare team. They need an enormous amount of collaboration, communication, and respect. Wartman pointed out challenge. “Healthcare professions should practice within guided the framework, and this mentality prohibits the changes that we’d like to see taken place. Perhaps there are Hopkins’s steps taken within the environment that can stop it.” The question involves moving that interdisciplinary environment from the research lab and to the classroom and hospital. What would be the main obstacle? “We have schools for medicine, nursing and public health with three calendars,” Hill said. Planning joint classes, interdisciplinary lectures, and or student organizations while on various schedules “presents a huge problem and those are what challenges us.” Jim Yager, PhD, said, “I think we are comfortable working together between the schools of nursing public and health,” The Senior Associate added “Perhaps we could share some best practices. Nevertheless, our different academic calendars do create difficulties. “If we want to do something good, we must have a single schedule for the three schools. That would eliminate a couple of barriers,” Miller agreed, while he spoke for the School of Medicine.  They paused while they imagined the possibilities.

Specific Recommendations

Scope-of-Practice Obstacles ought to be removed

Highly accomplished practice registered nurses ought to capable of practicing to the full degree of their learning and schooling. The following actions are proposed; the congress must expand the Medicare course to take in coverage of the services of highly accomplished practice registered nurse, which are inside the range of practice under appropriate state decree, just like the way physician services are presently covered.

The congress should adjust the Medicare plan to sanction highly accomplished practice registered nurses to carry out admission evaluations, in addition to, official recognition of residence Health Care Services (HCS) patients and for admittance to hospital and trained nursing facilities. There should be an expansion of chances for nurses to direct and circulate collaborative development endeavors. Private, as well as public funders, health care associations, nursing education courses, and nursing organizations should increase chances for nurses to direct and deal with collaborative endeavors with general practitioners. Moreover, the extra associates of the health care panel to carry out research and to revamp and develop practice surroundings, as well as health systems. These units should as well provide opportunities chances (Helton et al., 2012). The Center for Medicare along with Medicaid Innovation ought to sustain the growth and valuation of payment models and care delivery, which utilizes nurses in an extended and leadership capability to develop health results and decrease costs. Performance measures are supposed to be expanded and executed speedily. This should be enhanced in places where top practices are apparent to mirror the nurses’ contributions, as well as, guarantee better-quality care.

Execution of Nurse Citizenship Programs

Nursing State boards, certifying entities, the federal administration, as well as health care associations must implement methods to support nurses’ achievement of a transition-to-practice course (nurse citizenship). This is after their completion of a pre licensure or highly accomplished and superior practice degree course in the event they are changing into new medical practice areas (Massachusetts Nurse Advocate, 2007). The following deeds and actions ought to be implemented to execute and support nurse citizenship courses. Nursing State boards, in partnership with certifying bodies, for instance, the Joint Commission ought to support nurses’ attainment of a citizenship program subsequent to their completion of a pre licensure or highly accomplished practice degree course. This should also be the case in aspects of changing into new medical practice areas.

Increasing the Nurses’ Percentage having a Baccalaureate Degree

Academic nurse directors across all nursing institutions should work jointly to boost the percentage of nurses having a baccalaureate degree. This figure should be improved from 50 to above 80 percent by the year 2020. These directors should collaborate with education certifying bodies, private along with public funders, as well as employers to guarantee funding, check growth, and amplify the diversity of scholars to produce a personnel set to meet the stipulations of various populations across the existence of people.

Doubling the Figure of Nurses Who Have Attained a Doctorate by the Year 2020

Nursing Schools, with the support of private along with civic funders, educational officers with university trustees, and certifying bodies are supposed to double the nurses having a doctorate by the year 2020. This is for the intention of adding to the nurse staff cadre and investigators, with concentration to heightening diversity.

Ensuring that Nurses Participate in Lifelong Learning

Certifying institutions, nursing institutions, health care associations, and long-lasting proficiency educators from manifold health professions are supposed to work together to guarantee that nurses, as well as, nursing scholars and faculty carry on their edification and participate in lifelong learning for the reason of gaining the knowledge required to give care for varied peoples across the existence of people.

Exemplar of a Nursing Leader

This paper reviews Jamie Ellis who is a RN Category I Personnel Nurse in 8 South. She says that, in the perspective of a nurse who is involved in pediatric cardiology, the truth is that nature is not all the time just. Daily, children are delivered with different congenital anomalies. These babies deserve an opportunity to share life’s experiences normally. In partnership with a panel of specialists, Jamie Ellis totally changes infants’ lives and the unprivileged families. From atrial failings to transposition, Ellis has had the accountability to campaign for eminence of unprivileged persons with heart problems. Ellis assists and supports needy patients. Moreover, she educates the victims on the subject of healthy livelihood. Jamie Ellis depicts that there is never a career that requires such faith and selflessness.

Every nurse usually has a tale or remembrance of a child that psychologically, morally and professionally has influenced their life. She depicts her encounter with Lexis on her arrival to the hospital. She looked magnificent although she had heart disorders. She had an extensive cardiac history and was brought to the hospital for cardiac biopsy (Fricano, 2011). Jamie Ellis depicts that Lexi merely wanted a person to share the small girl stuff like dolls and cosmetics. For an infant who has exhausted more than fifty days on ECMO following a heart transfer, Lexi is evidence that infancy resiliency overshadows no risk taking. Lexi has taught her how imperative disruption is for hurting procedures. Even though, she negotiated for no IV Jamie coped with the difficulty to string the catheter whilst holding her in discussion about Lexi’s February holiday to Disney. She as well educated Jamie on how imperative “play” is to an infant, particularly in the sickbay. Jamie took her sister and monitored all the aspects while she was in bed. Jamie is comforted realizing that her nursing involvements made Lexi, as well as, her mother remain less distressing. Jamie realizes that she has encountered frequent sufferings in her short life. Moreover, there are many other patients having heart problems similar to Lexi’s situation.

References

Fricano, J. E. (2011). Skilled Healthcare: The Impact of Statutory Nursing Staffing Standards.

(Cover story). Health Law Litigation, 9(1), 1-19.

Helton, J., Langabeer, J., DelliFraine, J., & Chiehwen, H. (2012). do EHR investments lead to

lower staffing levels?. Hfm (Healthcare Financial Management), 66(2), 54-60. Retrieved

June 9, 2012

Massachusetts Nurse Advocate. (2007, October). A Special Message For ED Nurses Why

H.2059, The Patient Safety Act, Will Improve both Patient Care and your Working Conditions. Massachusetts Nurse Advocate, pp. 6-7. Retrieved June 9, 2012

Melnyk, B.M. Overholt, E. (2011). Evidence-Based Practice In Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide To Best Practice. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Sullivan, E.J. (2000). Creating Nursing’s Future: Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges St.

Louis: Mosby.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Carnival is arguably the largest party on the planet, and Brazil is the proud host country

The Carnival is arguably the largest party on the planet, and Brazil is the proud host country

Introduction.The Carnival is arguably the largest party on the planet, and Brazil is the proud host country. For most of the local youth as well as tourists visiting the country, it is a period of celebrations and fun. The samba being the feast’s trademark dance is quickly learned, and preparations are made for four days of feasting, dancing and making merry. However, the festival has a religious connotation. Carnival is a period just before Lent, during which meat is eaten in preparation for the fast. After the commencement of Lent, meat is not consumed in this traditional Catholic country. During Carnival, many Samba troupes – called ‘blocos’ – compete before a jury for the prestigious title of best dance group. Use of evocative costumes and floats is common in establishing and advancing each bloco’s theme. Most of Brazil closes up during this festival that attracts tourists from many parts of the world in their hundreds of thousands, even millions, come to witness, participate, and enjoy what many accept to be the largest festival in the world. Brazilians out of their country, either as emigrants, students or tourists on work or business, have been instrumental in introducing Carnival to the countries they reside in. The United States provides a good example of such a country. This paper seeks to look into Brazil’s tourism industry from a festival, and parade perspective. Carnival provides the best option to do this.

Brazil at a glance.As the 5th largest country in the world, and the second largest on the American continent, Brazil enjoys a wide geographical region. It is divided into four main regions, namely; the Paraguay basin, Amazon basin, two depressions and a long coastline. Large parts of the country are unpopulated, especially the Amazon basin, and large populations reside in the urban regions – especially large cities, as reported by Greenberg (1993).

Brazil has an estimated population of 171 million people, divided into several ethnicities. 55% are of European descent, 38% are mullato, and 6 % are African. This translates to origins of Brazilians being; Portuguese, Spanish, Germans, Japanese, Amerindians, and Africans. Portuguese language is the official language, but Spanish, English, and French are used locally.

Brazil is one of the fastest growing countries in the world from an economic perspective. Being the largest producer of oranges and coffee, the country also performs splendidly in terms of soybeans, rice, sugar cane, corn and animal products. However, agriculture accounts for less than a tenth of its GDP, with the manufacturing industry contributing 33%, and service industry more than 55%. Chemicals, textiles, metal ore and shoes products from most of the industrial products.

Brazil’s tourism pull-factors.

Brazil’s tourism industry is a vibrant affair, as millions visit the country every year bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. Some factors have been identified that are integral in promoting this industry. Soccer is perhaps the most famous, since one cannot mention Brazil without thinking of soccer. Being the only country to have won the world cup four times, Brazil is touted as one of – if not – the best team in the world. Pele, one of the best football players in history is Brazilian, as are Kaka, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo. These, and the Maracan – the largest football stadium in the world – make Brazil a tourist attraction that sees millions travel to the country each year.

According to Selby (1998), the Amazon is the largest natural rainforest in the world. This vast belt of flora and fauna is large and diverse, attracting an equally vast array of tourists ranging from adventure- driven individuals, to scientists and explorers. It is estimated that more than 15 thousand individual species of animals and plants are yet to be identified, as well as a few human tribes, and scientific phenomena. The Amazon –longest river in the world – also flows through Brazil’s Amazon’s part of the Amazonia, bringing in throngs of adrenaline driven, nature-conscious, and conservation-driven tourists. Many more come to just awe at the sight of the world’s largest natural park.

The Carnival is characterized by numerous parades and festival throughout the country, but the ones at its capital city are the largest and most glamorous. The Guinness Book of World Records reports that as the largest festival, as attendance exceeds a million people. In 2013, the attendance in Rio de Janiero alone was estimated at 1.3 million according to the Tourism Company of the Municipality of Rio. In addition, an interesting aspect to this fact is that a third of the attendees were foreign tourists.

The entire country’s revenue from this year’s festival is reported to be more than US $ 2.9billion. This is from the 6.2 million people who attended the entire country’s parades and festivals. Such figures portray the event’s importance as an important contributor to the country’s domestic and foreign tourism industry.

History of the Brazilian Carnival.Immigrants from the Portuguese islands of Acores, Madeiras, and Cabo Verde are the earliest reported sources of the culture that precipitated Carnival. In 1723, they introduced ‘Entrudo’, a parade that involved throwing lime and water on the streets. Historical accounts present a case of a lady arrested in 1855 after throwing lime at Don Pedro’s escorts. That is stated as the first arrest of an unlawful attendee of the Carnival. Jose Nogueira de Azevedo also contributed to the inception of the Carnival through his street parades. He would march in the streets, tambourines, drums and pans in hand as he welcomed everyone to the fun.

In contrast to the informal setup if earlier Carnival parades, the Great Societies was a more organized parade that involved a number of aristocrats in masks, luxury costumes, and flowers. In the presence of the Emperor, these eighty individuals danced and three groups stood out as the best. These are; ‘Fenanios’, ‘Democraticos’ and ‘Tenentes do Diabo’, and were considered the origin of blocos. A couple of decades later, in the 1870’s, concepts such as poverty, aristocracy, witchcraft and religion, were introduces into the now popular festival. Masks formed using papier-mache, and portraying all the themes were worn

Local investors identified the potential of such festivals and parades, and started sponsoring the events. A brewery in Hanseatica sponsored the works of the Bahia group in popularizing the Carnival’s festivals. Based on the popular culture of drinking during the same, such investment paid off for their donors, and played an integral role in familiarizing the parades to other parts of the country and world. Beatie (2004), points out how the 1940’s and 1950’s, Samba became the trademark dance of the Carnival. Later, Samba schools were set up, and competition encouraged leading to the modern Carnival.

Factors influencing the Carnival and tourism in Brazil.

Carnival’s largest parade, the Rio de Janiero one, is a major tourist attraction as stated by the country’s tourism governing body. Some factors have been identified as important contributors to this great festival, and are also directly responsible for Brazil’s tourism growth.

The transport infrastructure in Brazil is quite advanced and supportive tot tourism. Its national airline, Varig, has direct flights to all major cities in America, Asia and Europe. This makes coming to either Rio de Janiero, or Sao Paulo very easy. Brazil being the fifth largest country in the world, makes travelling on the land an arduous affair. Thus, internal flights are also a common means of travelling. This demand has led to the emergence of a booming regional jet manufacturing industry in the form of the Embraer Company. Most roads are surfaced and the existence of good coach service complemented by a good railway system make it easy to move around Brazil. All these facilities are important in moving the millions that visit Brazil especially during the Carnival.

Accommodating more than 6 million tourists for less than a week for the Carnival is a tricky affair. The range of services available for tourists ranges from bed and breakfasts installations, to five and seven star luxury facilities. Many of the international heavy weights in terms of hospitality are present in Sao Paulo, as well as Rio de Janiero, making attending the Carnival easier.

Brazilian cuisine plays an important role in attracting and retaining tourists. During the period preceding Lent, which is when Carnival takes place, meat dishes are commonly consumed in anticipation for the fast and abstinence from meat foods, according to Karoff (1989). Feijoada is a dish that presents a wide variety of meats with beans and other accompaniments.

Sea food is also common during the parades, with fish in tangerine sauce as the favorite. These coupled with other common dishes, such as fruit cake and spicy sauces complement the general atmosphere that engulfs millions during this period of festivity. Numerous cocktails, liquors and beers are consumed alongside the dishes. Rum, Wines and other alcoholic beverages are the mainstay.

Political stability supports development, which in turn provides conducive environments for social activity, including tourism. Brazil gained independence in 1822, after which the country underwent a long period of military regimes and oppressive dictatorships. In the middle of this century, the country changed regimes and started fair democratic processes, which are supported the current social, economic and technological development. Tourists coming for the Carnival or any other activity are convinced that their safety is guaranteed on seeing the currently stable, political scenario.

Problems associated with Carnival and tourism in Brazil general.

Over 6million tourists visited Rio de Janiero alone this year for the Carnival festival, precipitating an already bad overpopulation problem. Rio is a city already overflowing and suffering under the burden of sustaining more inhabitants than its infrastructure and resources were designed for. The Carnival pits these happy revelers against disgruntled locals in celebrations that make managing such large crowds virtually impossible.

A large gathering such Carnival bringing together high spirited, young and old people presents the best scenario for law breakers to carry out all sorts of evils. Anything from urinating in the streets, to pilferage, muggings and even stabbings have been reported as the party and festivities carry on. Military police officers have to be deployed to assist normal policing instruments, and even these fail in trying to curb the wave of crime that hits Brazil each time the Carnival takes place. Most of the lawbreakers are charged with indecent behavior, automotive infractions and dumping, but these are simple crimes compared to rape, abduction, murder and sexual slavery cases that get reported each year, dampening the spirit of potential tourists.

Social-economic problems brought to light during the Carnival include; homosexuality, indecency, drug use and abuse, racism and difference in social class. Albuquerque (2004), reports that homosexuals and transsexual individuals openly display themselves thus portraying Brazil – a traditionally Catholic country – as a supporter of the same. Drugs are peddled and used during the parades leading to increased crime. Racism, a common problem in multiethnic Brazil, comes to the limelight as the minority Black and mullato individuals are shunned by whites. Poverty is also demonstrated by the numerous street families residing in the alleys as the affluent foreign and domestic tourists enjoy themselves, oblivious of the suffering around them.

Pollution levels from the festivity and parade activities are another problem, as tones of garbage are produced on a daily basis. Those attending Carnival on the street level consume hundreds of thousands of liters of juices, beer and water. These are packaged in plastic containers that are most often dumped irresponsibly. Estimates put daily waste at more than 700 tones of such according to Rossi (2013), a concern for the country in times when global efforts to conserve and recycle are in high gear. In addition to these, urination and defecation present another major problem since amenities cannot cater for the sudden influx of millions in a city already struggling to handle its domestic waste. Numerous cars are used during the Carnival adding a large portion to Rio’s already large carbon footprint.

The current global economic hardships present another problem that faces the Carnival. The Rio City government has had to dig into its pockets for some years now since tourists numbers have been on a steady decline, rendering the city unable to meet the costs of the large Carnival. Large Brazilian companies are also pulling out of the Carnival as stated by Nlemar (2013), leaving the city government with the large burden of handling the large deficits involved.

Conclusion.Carnival continues to be an integral part of Brazil’s tourism industry, supplying the large Latin American nation with millions of eager tourists annually. As a festival that has been present for more than a century, Carnival has undergone numerous changes from its early years as an informal dance in the remote parts of colonial Brazil, to the current phenomena. Brazil’s economical welfare depends on tourism among other industries as has been demonstrated.

However, these important festivities come at a dear price. Carnival has been associated with sexual slavery, as abducted foreigners are forced into this heinous industry affecting the image of the country. Rape and murder are more crimes that occur during the 4 days that Brazil closes its normal operations, as well as the normal vices associated with such gatherings; muggings, robbery, stampedes, dumping, indecency and looting. Pollution, overpopulation, and congestion present more problems for the local authorities.

Reference list.Greenberg, A. (1993). Brazil On Your Own. Lincolnwood, Chicago: NTC Publishing Group

Hofstede, G. (1997). Cultures and Organizations, Software of the Mind. Untied States of America: McGraw-Hill

Karoff, B. (1989). South American Cooking, Foods & Feasts form the New World. Berkeley, California: Aris Books

Selby, N. (1998). Lonely Planet, Brazil. Hawthorn, Australia: Lonely Planet Publications

Internet

“Carnival Time in Brazil: Busiest Tourist Season.” The Epoch Times 1.1 (2013): 1. http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/s/business/. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.

B, Nlemar. “whenthenextdaycomes.” whenthenextdaycomes. Version 1. wordpress.com, 1 Jan. 2013. Web. 2 Nov. 2013. <http://whenthenextdaycomes.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/case-study-the-carnival-in-rio-de-janiero/>.

Beattie, Peter. The Human Tradition in Modern Brazil Issue 7 of Human tradition around the world. Sao Paulo: Rowman & Littlefield, 0. Print.

Albuquerque, Severino. Tentative Transgressions: Homosexuality, AIDS, and the Theater in Brazil. Pittsburg: Univ of Wisconsin Press, 2004. Print.

Posted in Uncategorized

Terry v. Ohio

Terry v. Ohio

Terry v. Ohio

Student’s name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Tittle

Professor’s Name

Date

Terry v Ohio

Terry v. Ohio was a landmark decision made in the Supreme Court of the United States whereby the court ruled that it is not a defiance of the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures for public members who the police officers stop for cross-examining and pat-down probe. The dominant themes of this case are searches and seizures, “Terry stop-and-frisk,” the exclusionary rule, the right to privacy included in the Fourth Amendment, and the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (as the foundation for the exclusionary rule). The case resulted from the action of a police detective known as Martin McFadden from Cleveland searching for an armed robbery. On the afternoon of October 31, 1963, McFadden showed a pat-down search on three men he presumed to have had plans to defraud a particular store. John Terry and Richard Chilton were the two men out of three who McFadden found to have carried pistols. As a result, they were tried and convicted for being found in possession of concealed weapons. The suspects moved to the court of Appeal, whereby they appealed that the police obtained the evidence used to convict them in an illegal frisking search. 

The Supreme Court of the United States argued Terry’s case in 1967. The Chief Justice by that time, known as Earl Warren, wrote the opinion of the majority that McFadden had the authority to conduct a pat-down search for weapons and drugs because the suspects were seen taking part in suspicious behavior that warranted inquiry by the police. According to him, the search did not break the Fourth Amendment, prohibiting unreasonable searches or seizures. The court rejected the argument that pat-down search was a pretty indignity to anyone subjected to it. The Supreme Court’s ruling favored the state of OHIO and the Cleveland police who conducted stop and frisk of a suspect named Terry. It held that the limited search that happened, in this case, was not a constitutional violation of the 4th Amendment right to privacy since the search was done with reasonable suspension that the suspect had taken part in criminal activities. On the other hand, the frisk was done with reasonable cause to believe that the suspect was armed and needed a protective pat-down. The court’s verdict distinguished a “search incident to a lawful arrest” from a “stop-and-frisk,” remarking that a “search incident to a lawful arrest” would need the raised standard of likely cause to conduct an arrest which is a form of seizure.

William O. Douglas being the only dissenter, took his independent stand and argued that the police were being provided with more legal authority to conduct searches by the court than a judge would issue a court order authorizing an investigation or a seizure. Douglas held his stand that police searches should remain under control or restricted by the standard threshold of probable cause. After making its ruling, the court did not create a separating category of police actions that did not meet the probable constitutional cause. The court investigation focused on whether the officer’s action was reasonable and justifiable other than McFadden disregarded Terry’s constitutional protections against unreasonable pat-down search. Stop, and frisk was regarded to detect concealed weapons and drugs on the person than collecting pieces of evidence for a crime committed or about to be executed. (Swartz, 2017).

The participants of this case were Justices Warren, Black, Harlan, Brennan, Stewart, White, Fortas, Marshall. These were the majority. The one who was dissenting was Justice Douglas. The petitioner was John Terry. This case’s decision was a ruling in favor of the appellees grounded on the court’s verdict that the law enforcement agency had sensible reason to be sure that Terry was carrying weapons. For the police to protect the citizens from Terry, he had the right to do a limited search of him for weapons. The Law court decided to state that the law enforcement agency had a right to “stop” him because they had a reasonable doubt of criminal activity and that they could, therefore, make “judicious investigations” on that basis. The court of law settled that such a limited and “reasonable” search was consistent with the Fourth Amendment right to privacy and that any private possessions grabbed during that search could suitably be used as evidence and must not be subject to the exclusionary rule.

This case has shaped criminal justice because the court considers pat-down searches for persons believed to have weapons constitutional since they do not disregard the Fourth Amendment on the ban for unreasonable searches and seizures. This case had great significance, and in the modern days, it provides guidance on cases similar to Terry v Ohio. In the modern days, the court can refer to this case when referring or when stuck in deciding on similar cases. Terry v. Ohio case determined the legality of stop-and-frisk whereby it established that police officers would stop passersby on the street and inspect them for illegal contraband. The Supreme Court established that the practice was lawful under the Fourth Amendment if the police show that he had a “reasonable suspicion” that the suspect was armed and dangerous. In the majority’s opinion, Terry’s conviction declaration shows transparency and integrity in the courts. The police have legitimate authority, which corresponds to criminal justice by ruling that public and questioning members’ stoppage does not defy the Fourth Amendment. Still, it serves as a detection method for concealed weapons, thus a crime prevention practice. (MacFarlane, 2018). There should be a drawn authority that allows reasonable search for munitions by police officers, once the suspect they are dealing with an armed and a dangerous person. And this acts as a crime prevention practice. It is not the aim of the police officer to specific an individual is armed.

    In summary, Terry was convicted even after appealing that an illegal search provided the proof used to convict him. The court ruled out that the police can stop an individual from interrogating and pat-down whenever they suspect him/her of being in possession of armed and dangerous weapons. It is constitutional because it does not violate the Fourth Amendment proscription of unreasonable searches and seizures. Thus, the court discovered that stop and frisk is a search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment and certain conditions because it acts as a crime prevention practice. The court provided the police with more legal authority in reasonable search on persons suspected to be armed; to detect any concealed weapons. Hence it is a rule to allow valid search for weapons by police officers. Besides, the court ruled that the search of the petitioner’s outer clothing and his cohorts was appropriately limited in time and scope in order for him to determine the presence of weapons and neutralize the danger posed.

References

MacFarlane, K. (2018). Introduction: Terry v. Ohio at 50: The Past, Present, & Future of Stop and Frisk. Idaho Law Review, 54.

Parr, C. K. (2018). The Trimvirate’s Stranglehold on Our Constitutional Rights: The Loophole within Hiibel v. Sixth Judicial Dist. The court, Terry v. Ohio, and Utah V. Strieff That Shields Police Misconduct. SUL Rev., 46, 80.

Stoughton, S. W. (2017). Terry v. Ohio and the (un) forgettable frisk. Ohio St. J. Crim. L., 15, 19.

Swartz, J. D. (2017). Terry v. Ohio at 50: What It Created, What It Has Meant, Is It under Attack and Is the Court Opening the Door to Police Misconduct. N. Ill. UL Rev., 38, 44.

Posted in Uncategorized

Manage Your Health Inc

Manage Your Health Inc

Manage Your Health Inc

Student’s Name

Institution

Manage Your Health Inc.

Project Management

Project Comparison

Assuming we are planning to construct a facility that will boost the efficiency of our business; the options that we have could be as follows. We have four different projects: A, B, C and D.

Criteria used Project A Project B Project C Project D

Compatible with business objectives 20% 85 95 60 50

Has many internal donors 20% 70 85 40 30

Strong customer influence 10% 55 95 55 30

Favorable level of technology 15% 20 90 45 60

Takes shorter time to implement 10% 25 25 60 80

NPV greater than zero 15% 45 75 60 60

Fairly low risks associated with it 10% 30 60 55 9

Weighted Project Scores 100% 51.25 78.75 52.75 54.5

. Summary

Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, securing, managing, leading, and controlling resources to achieve specific goals. This essay is mainly concerned about project selection, development of a business case and preparation of a project charter for a potential project.

A variety of project selection criteria can be used to determine the viability of a project. These techniques include traditional and modern methods. In this regard, traditional methods include payback period and return on investment. On the other hand, modern methods include net present value, internal rate of return and profitability index method (David, I, C. & Roland, G., 2006).

Besides, the essay shall discuss different aspects of a project rather than the ones cited above. The research shall majorly focus on project comparison, weighted scoring model, business case and project charter.

In this case, it is imperative for us to choose a case study for us to be able to apply these concepts in real life situations according to the stipulations of the question. We can choose a couple of similar projects like buying business vehicles (Martin, S. 2002). This may sound a little inappropriate but it is a project and it will serve the basic purpose of giving an example. The purpose is application of different selection criteria to determine the best project.

The Weighted Scoring Model for Manage Your Health Inc

Weighted scoring model can be defined as a method of scoring options against a requirements list to determine which option best fits the selection criteria. However, according to Zimmer, weighted scoring refers to a technique for putting a semblance of objectivity into a subjective process. Zimmer explained this technique as using a list of criteria to analyze the appropriateness of a particular project. It involves assigning numerical values to the list of projects. These numerical values can also be called weights (Phillips, J., 2003).

The activity can be best carried out by using Microsoft excel. The ability of a project to meet the required specifications or standards can easily be determined by summing the weighted values. The weights must add up to a hundred. The merits of using the weighted scoring model are many. Different individuals can assign weights to the list of potential projects and therefore average scores are used. The viability of scores is determined by a range of values. A variety of criteria from probabilities assigned to ability of a project to meet business objectives can be used.

Business Case

A business case is a document that is formerly written to explore all the feasible approaches to a problem for the purpose of selecting the option that best suits an organization.

If we were to apply business case in the Manage Your Health Inc scenario, by assuming that the name of the project B above is “From Trash to Capital”. This project could be the best idea compared to constructing new premises to manufacture our products. This kind of a project would use recycling as an alternative to buying new products or constructing premises to manufacture the required products.

In this case, the business case document will look like this:

Manage Your Health Inc

Sponsored by New York city council

Project manager: Joshua M. Kariithi.

The project scope

The project will cover two major geographical locations: the New York City damping sites and recycling will take place within our business headquarters (Jubilee Manufacturers Ltd).This project entails collecting of aluminium tins and other aluminium material from the damping sites for recycling. This will help the business to cut down on its expenses of buying or manufacturing new aluminium products.

The enterprise will employ people and mostly street boys to collect aluminium made wastes from the dumping sites and this will be another way of creating employment for these boys. The tins and cans will be washed through acid and purified before they are melted to create new useful products. In other words, the project will both be important in cleaning the environment and creating jobs.

Objectives of the Manage Your Health Inc Project

To cut down costs of buying or manufacturing new aluminum products.

To create new employment opportunities

To reduce non-biodegradable material from the city’s dumping sites.

To enable the business to manage increases in demand with ease

To set a good example to other companies to help in conserving the environment through recycling other non-biodegradable materials like plastics.

Financial Benefits of Manage Your Health Inc

This project will have great financial benefits. The raw material- aluminum wastes are very cheap to obtain. Selling our finished goods (aluminium products) will earn the business a lot of money. Therefore, the project will enjoy economy of scale by reducing its expenses on raw materials and maximizing its gains. This will make it enjoy a competitive advantage over others.

Other Benefits

Apart from financial and direct non-financial benefits, the project will also benefit the communities by creating new employment for them. Since corporate social responsibility is our priority, we will be able to help to conserve the environment, though indirectly, but for the benefit of the community.

Project Charter

In the service charter for the Manage Your Health Inc, the following will be included:

List of stakeholders,

Role and responsibility matrix,

Management and

Comment section.

List of Stake holders

The stake holders involved in this project will include the following:

Investors

Clients

Government

Trade Unions

Suppliers and

General public

Key Resources

The key resources needed for the project to be complete are as follows:-

Food and other supplies for fulltime workers,

Building material like ballast, cement and sand,

Human resource including supervisors, the technical team and labor force,

Wood and land resource for expansion of business area.

Time Scale

This project is supposed to take three years and two months for it to be completely implemented. Several arrangements have to be made with the New York City Council. This arrangement together with acquisition and leveling of the land is expected to take approximately two months.

Construction of all the required premises is expected to take two and a half years. This includes the factory buildings and all the necessary links to supply of raw material. The key milestone in achieving this goal is the nature of the terrain around the site where the factory is to be located. Leveling the ragged terrain will increase both time and cost estimates (Sebastian, N., 2007).

Estimated Cost

The project will require construction of a recycling factory which will cost an approximate of 42343562 $. Apart from construction of the factory, the project will incur transportation costs of approximately 635664$ per year. Payment for the aliminium collectors will amount to an approximate of 342784$ per financial year. In total, the cost estimate will be 43322010$.

Expected risks

The following are some of the major risks that the project may face:

Lack of proper utilities to support the high level of technical complexity.

Not many people like working at the damping sites and this may result to inadequacy in labor.

People working at the damping sites may contract infections and thus slowing the work down. This may also force us to provide medical support to them and hence increasing the overall cost expected.

Leveling of the terrain may be a risky affair. Workers may suffer lots of injuries if not so cautious.

References

David, I, C. & Roland, G. (2006). Global Project Management Handbook. The evolution

Project management”. McGraw-Hill Professional.Lewis, R. I. (2006) Project Management. McGraw-Hill Professional.

Lock, D. (2007) Project Management (9th Ed.) Gower Publishing, Ltd.

Martin, S. (2002). Project Management Pathways. Association for Project Management. APM

Publishing Limited.

Phillips, J. (2003). Project Management Professional Study Guide. McGraw-Hill Professional.Sebastian, N. (2007) 2nd Ed The Definitive Guide to Project Management. London.

Posted in Uncategorized

Two issues that arise after reading

Two issues that arise after reading

Two issues that arise after reading this article is that not all states monitor for nitrates in the drinking water, and this is something that needs to be changed, because people should know what they are drinking. The other issue is that even when state governments do monitor for nitrates, the findings can be inaccurate.

This article has a lot of information about nitrate levels in drinking water and how it is related to income level, race and location. Residents in a majority of counties across the United States are exposed to potentially unsafe levels of nitrate from drinking water.

It is also vital to note that disparities in drinking water exposures to nitrate are quite common in both rural and urban communities and persist even after accounting for differences in income, age, race/ethnicity, education and other factors.

Many of the disparities are attributed to differences in the percentage of African Americans- and Hispanics- among residents within the same county. In addition to race/ethnicity, disparities may also be associated with location. In one study, nitrate concentrations differed by up to threefold between areas of a county with high rates of poverty and those with low rates of poverty.

Futhermore, Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the organisation that monitors and regulates drinking water quality, has deemed the general population to be exposed to nitrate concentrations in excess of 10 ug/L, the level where all health effects from ingestion, inhalation and skin contact would be expected to occur.

In most cases, nitrate levels were found in excess of that level for both African Americans and Hispanics, but not as large a disparity between African American and white residents.

The SDWA limits states to setting a maximum nitrate concentration in drinking water of 10 ug/L.

Posted in Uncategorized

SURVEY #3

SURVEY #3

SURVEY #3

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Professor’s Name

Course

Date

Discuss three significant changes in race relations (i.e., laws, amendments, labor arrangements, working conditions, migration patterns, and socioeconomic changes) that resulted from the reconstruction.

During the age of American Imperialism in America, reconstruction led to various changes in race relations regarding amendments, working conditions, migration patterns, laws, labor arrangements, and socioeconomic differences. For instance, historical researchers indicate that one of the significant changes that reconstruction brought to America was the thirteen amendments, which advocated for the abolition of slavery, especially for African Americans (Bouzitoune et al., 2020).

The Fourteenth Amendment advocated for equal citizenship rights and protection law. Finally, the fifteen Amendment for democracy for all people abolished racial discrimination in voting rights based on race and color. Enslaved people that Blacks, both men, and women, were now entitled a right to exercise their democratic right to vote (Nelson, 2009).

Through these amendments, African Americans, both men and women could experience freedom from their slaveholders. And as a result, the Freedom of Bureau was formed that was aimed at helping freedom enslaved people to settle peacefully in society, and they could seek jobs in various parts and work in good working conditions. Research indicates that some formerly enslaved people quickly moved to the neighborhood, while others remained to be wage laborers for their slaveholders. This is because African Americans could make their own decisions based on where they labored (Bouzitoune et al., 2020).

Describe two consequences of industrialization on American politics and society.

Industrialization in America had a significant impact on American politics and society at large. This is because industrialization led to the movement of people from their families to urban centers in search of jobs. Through massive migration of people to urban centers, there was available and cheap labor to work in various industries at a lower price. That movement changed American society since it led to the rapid growth of American cities (Stearns, 2020).

Research done by various historical researchers indicates that the availability of cheaper labor in urban centers where industries were situated contributed to lowering the high cost of living. And as a result, it led to a price reduction of primary or essential products such as clothing, and household goods, among other products.

Moreover, industrialization in America had significant changes in American politics. This is because it led to emerging of the United States as the global economic power, the passage of labor-associated legislation, and a clash between the traditional culture and new modern progress (Stearns, 2020).

Explain the rise of the progressive movement by describing the role of religion and social morality in promoting progressive reforms.

Historical research indicates that the Progressive movement in America was a political movement around the beginning of the 20th century that specifically was concerned with the advancement of social and political change or revolution, reducing or curbing political corruption that was facilitated by the political machine and restricting political impact or sway of big businesses. The progressive movement was started by protestant leaders and Christian progressives named social gospel in 1970. Social gospel promoted progressive reforms based on the principle that all church leaders should be involved or participate in social reforms. When this initiative began, many church clergy members became politically active and ultimately assisted in passing legislation promoting labor rights and other social reforms. It was thought that battling social injustice would usher in a kind of Heaven on Earth and bring about personal redemption (Mattson, 2010).

During this period, it was mainly defined by significant reforms. For instance, the Anti-prostitution campaign progressive led to the Mann Act, which prohibited women from trafficking for immoral reasons or intentions. Another reform that could define the progressive era was women's suffrage, which gave women the right to vote as law and participate in national or local elections (Connelly, 2018).

Moreover, the progressive movement significantly impacted American politics because it led to social liberalism. This is because, through progressive movements, various amendments and legislation led to the representation of the ordinary people's interests that led to political change and support of government actions (Haveman et al., 2007). And as a result, it contributed to establishing a more transparent and accountable government primarily concerned with American society.

Explain the role of American imperialism in leading the United States into World War 1 and

American imperialism led the United States into World War 1 through the expansion of European nations as empires, which led to increased tensions among the European countries (Ninkovich, 2001). For instance, Britain and French increased pressure through the expansion of their empires. Research indicates that tensions increased since many colonies were acquired through coercion, and some nations never wanted to lose their territories. And as a result of British and French expansionism, they inserted tension into opposing empires, leading to World War 1 (Ninkovich, 2001).

Research indicates that American imperialism contributed to the Spanish-American war in 1898 (Řepová, 2021). This was facilitated by Cuba's struggle for independence from (their colonizers) Spain. The sensationalist American journalism of the Cuban conflict and the mysterious decline of the American Navy battleship enabled the Spanish-American war. This was because the United States was actively involved in helping other countries gain independence and defend its democratic ideals. When Spain noticed losing its colony, it began fighting the United States, which resulted in the Spanish-American war (Řepová, 2021).

References

Bouzitoune, K., Nezzar, K., & Filali, B. (2020). The Anguish of the 19th century race relations African Americans post-reconstruction.

Connelly, M. T. (2018). The response to prostitution in the progressive era. UNC Press Books.

Haveman, H. A., Rao, H., & Paruchuri, S. (2007). The winds of change: The progressive movement and the bureaucratization of thrift. American sociological review, 72(1), 117-142.

Mattson, K. (2010). Creating a democratic public: The struggle for urban participatory democracy during the progressive era. Penn State Press.

Nelson, W. E. (2009). The Fourteenth Amendment: from political principle to Judicial doctrine. Harvard University Press.

Ninkovich, F. (2001). The United States and Imperialism. A Companion to American Foreign Relations, 79.

Řepová, V. (2021). The Spanish-American War of 1898.

Stearns, P. N. (2020). The industrial revolution in world history. Routledge.

Describe two consequences of industrialization on American politics and/or

Posted in Uncategorized

Open Innovation Strategies

Open Innovation Strategies

Open Innovation Strategies

Name

Institution Netflix Uses an Outside-in Open Innovation Strategy

The American company, Netflix, embraced a publicly open innovation strategy to handle some of their complex problems and encourage the development of its products and services. Netflix Prize is the process innovation challenge that Netflix used to encourage the general public to compete in the generation of a suitable filtering algorithm that would improve user series or movie suggestions by about 10 percent. Precisely, the competition was open for every person other than those professionally linked with Netflix. Accordingly, Netflix would offer a grand prize of one million USD for the winner.

In less than two years, more than 40, 000 teams from at least 186 nations had participated in the competition. Subsequently, Netflix found the most effective solution within three years after the participation of 51,051 contestants. Besides, two teams provided suitable solutions, but only one won the prize. However, Netflix opted to utilize an alternative solution that attracted, and improvement rate of 8.43 percent since adoption of the algorithm of the grand-prize winner was too costly. Therefore, Netflix emerged victorious by using talented programmers from a wide pool of individuals in the public domain.

Even so, the participants in the project embraced the use of teams to facilitate better creativity and innovation. Professional programmers gained synergy for developing and refining their algorithms by working in teams. Luckily, the relatively large number of contestants suggests that the public open innovation strategy enjoys contributions from a wide array of professionals. Besides, Netflix managed to acquire an appropriate solution on time because contestants had the freedom to choose their most preferred partners.

Serko

Serko is a New Zealand firm that relies on inside-out intercompany open innovation strategy to facilitate the development and resolution of problems. In July 2019, Serko sought support and contributions from FaceMe to develop a digital travel assistant. The two companies teamed up to develop a better solution for handling travel services. Luckily, each firm made vital contributions following its expertise and competence in their different areas of specialization. Serko strives to develop the most appropriate solutions for handling corporate travel and management of expenditures. On the other hand, FaceMe focuses on digital human technology. Consequently, the team created a digital, visual representation of a human assistant.

Serko used its original online travel booking platform called Zeno as the baseline for the new development. Accordingly, the innovation would effectively work with the existing infrastructure. Fortunately, the digital human assistant communicates and interacts with travelers in a human-like version. Specifically, FaceMe’s Intelligent Digital Human platform powers and improves Zeno’s functionality. Thus, the team emerged victorious by developing the first digital human travel assistant that offer personalized booking services.

Hence, it could be impossible for either Serko or FaceMe to develop a working digital human travel assistant since each firm has unique capabilities. The innovation demanded contributions from a firm with advanced skills and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (FaceMe) as well as in the tours and travel industry (Serko). Accordingly, Serko offers Zeno, a next-generation online booking tool that processes over 20,000 bookings per day with lots of efficiency and accuracy.

Effectiveness of Netflix’s Publicly Open Innovation Strategy

Netflix realized its target goal of developing a suitable algorithm for filtering recommendations by its clients. Moreover, the company reached out to numerous persons, thus expanding its popularity. Therefore, the publicly open strategy (outside-in) could serve as a marketing tool for firms that target the general public. However, Netflix is not a hundred percent successful because it (Netflix) chose an algorithm that compromises the privacy of customers.

Effectiveness of Serko’s Intercompany Innovation Strategy

Serko’s intercompany inside-out innovation strategy is highly effective because it resulted in the development of a digital human travel assistant that integrates well with its existing online booking platform. Besides, Serko’s corporate clients are enjoying seamless booking services and better interactions and communications. Likewise, FaceMe enjoys an improved reputation following its contributions on matters about Artificial Intelligence. Moreover, each firm finds hidden expertise in their partners. Serko could probably not understand and appreciate FaceMe’s expertise in AI, if not for the engagement. Similarly, FaceMe could perhaps not apprehend and acknowledge Serko’s expertise in online booking systems if not for the joined venture. Fortunately, the two companies gain synergy by exploring their collective knowledge.

Netflix financial result based on its innovation strategy

Very little can be attributed to Netflix's finances in regards to its outside-in public open innovation strategy. It can also be notable that Netflix had planned to hold the innovation challenge annually. However, Netflix's prize was canceled after a multi-million dollar suit was brought against them in California for privacy invasion. This lawsuit came as a result of them embracing an outside-in open innovation strategy where they lacked an in-house team who knew what to do within the limits of the law. It is therefore advisable for any organization to use inside-out innovation strategy as they use their research and development department that is well aware of the full effect of the law.

Still, Netflix's choice of process innovation as the type of innovation strategy did little to reduce the cost of operations. The team that won the Netflix prize provided a complex inapplicable model that prove challenging to implement in real life. So in a way, the organization spent money that they probably would not recover.

It is also arguable that since the competition was open to the public, there were several entries which had very little to do with the competition hence a lot of operational costs incurred by judges who either accept or rejects entries.

Serko financial result based on its innovation strategy

Serko has been able to reap benefits from its inside-out approach. Its financial resources have been used to enhance the simple online booking system; hence most of their clients have benefited. Moreover, Serko enjoys high-financial prosperity with operating revenue growth of 28 percent. By the end of 2019, Serko was working with operating revenue of $23.4M, which attributes to their intercompany strategy. With success on the human digital online booking system, Serko has been able to manage 20,000 bookings accumulating over 4.5 billion dollars annually, with total estimated operating revenue at the end of March 2020 expected to have risen by 20%.

Serko has also seen an upward shift in its share price from $4.44 to $5.23 in four days in December 2019. A clear indication of excellent quality performance possibly derived from using its resources and competence to develop Zeno.

Comparison between Serko and Netflix

Serko (Inside-out, product innovation intercompany strategy) Netflix (outside-in, process innovation public strategy)

The development team has several resources at its disposal. Since the development team is from members of the public, it will be hard to find enough finances to use in product development.

Mainly not customer-centered. Since members of the public are engaged, they try to adopt the publics’ idea.

Easy to adapt to changes as the organization quickly adopt the critical changes with speed, as of late implementation result in loss of opportunities Very difficult to embrace changes as the product developed has to be tested and piloted to see if its application is economical to the organization.

Beliefs that customers don’t know what they want and try to provide any want that the consumer may wish to. Beliefs that every consumer knows what they want, and can provide a clear view of the same.

Enhance well-established distribution channels. Expect growth and development of new distribution channels.

A well-established product by the company’s effort result in significant profit for the firm. An in-depth analysis of the market needs and wants the result to reasonable profit for the firm.

Well improved product. A well-improved method of production.

Conclusion

An organization should embrace a balanced combination of inside-out and outside-in approach as when the two are effectively utilized, and they result in maximum yields. The reason is because of outside-in figures out what consumer wants, the value each consumer derives from the product, and the consumers’ cultural demographics. Whereas an inside-in approach mainly uses organization resources, competencies, and talents to the attainment of a new or improved product, services, delivery method, marketing styles, and designs. The two ways of open innovation are essential and provide the best output when using hand in hand.

In regards to the type of innovation, it is crucial to use the product innovation method as it concerns improving the product that the customers consume. An improved product tends to get a broader market compared to a normal product despite changing the process of innovation. Like in the case of Serko, Serko was able to achieve high profit and are likely to continue with the intercompany open innovation strategy because they were focusing on product enhancement. Netflix, on the other hand, through its Netflix Prize, was only able to get a new way of selecting optional programs for their customer. As that is just a delivery concept and not the product or service, it is hard to get any reasonable financial gain from it.

The use of intercompany strategy also provided Serko with high capital (in terms of money and even machinery), competency (relevant skills and know-how), and personnel that Serko might have lacked in respect to FaceMe digital Human Interface. So it is therefore advisable for companies to try and embrace a model that allows it to have access to enough funds, skilled workforce and the right technology. Still, there is a specialization that leads to comparative advantage enabling Serko to produce in large quantities what it is known for and expected to provide.

References

Bell, R.and Koren, Y. (2007). Lessons from the Netflix prize challenge. ACM SIGKDD Explorations Newsletter, 9(2), p.75.

Business Travel Executive | News. (2020). Business Travel Executive | News. [online] Available at: https://www.businesstravelexecutive.com/news/serko-and-faceme-to-unveil-digital-human-for-corporate-travel [Accessed 19 Feb. 2020].

Eriksson Lundström, J., Wiberg, M., Hrastinski, S., Edenius, M. and Ȧgerfalk, P. (2013). Managing Open Innovation Technologies. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.

The Netflix Prize: Crowdsourcing to Improve DVD Recommendations – Digital Eriksson Lundström, J., Wiberg, M., Hrastinski, S., Edenius, M. and Ȧgerfalk, P. (2013). Managing Open Innovation Technologies. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer.

Posted in Uncategorized

Many of us have a long list of memories

Many of us have a long list of memories

Many of us have a long list of memories, a slew of childhood or present stories and experiences that we feel are relevant to who we are at this present moment. Some of these instances can be positive or negative, however we wouldn’t be who we are unless we went through those obstacles in life. There are many events in my life that I feel shaped me into the woman I am today but specifically it would be watching my mother take on the roles of many while managing her main role as mom. She may not know this but shadowing her has allowed me to pick up and respect her independence, patience, and possession of a loving spirit. I am the baby girl of six children and the remaining are all males so you can only imagine how tough that would be for a mother, but she wore her superhero cape at all times. She raised us all on her own and made it look easy. This is where I picked up on her independence trait. I witnessed my mom do it all and there were times she’d be told no and to, “do it yourself” and she often did do just that. Often, she’d reflect that same lesson on me and tell me “put your big girl pants on” just so I’d have the confidence in knowing I could do things myself as well.

My mother displayed before me, the definition of independence and my hat has been off to her since I reached the age of understanding. Living in a house of seven, patience is key. My brothers were all heavily involved in sports. They were rough and dangerous; I guess just being boy. We all have different personalities, so that comes with differences and which result in disagreements and fights. The boys were boys and always hurt and banged up so I spent most times watching my mom handle each delicately as a doctor would with the upmost patience. If my mother could do everything, managing a household of six all on her own I should have no excuses. Respect was one of the first words I learned to spell and understand. My mom held no tolerance for disrespect no matter who or what the case was. Later she led me on to understanding when you give respect that respect come back to you. She raised us all to respect each other’s time, space, and differences. Respect others by watching your words, tone, and body language. I learned everyone wasn’t raised with such beliefs and that’s fine but when dealing with who I am today, if the conversation is to continue, there’s going to be a understanding of respect and how it goes both ways before it gets too far. My mother deserves a medal for her commitment to being the best woman and mom she can be, and I don’t think I’m being biased when I give her the credit I do. Truthfully, there’s no amount of credit I this lifetime that could come close to what she deserves. There have been countless amounts of times where I wanted to give up after many failed attempts and discouraging moments, but I used my mom as a reference and motivation to keep myself levelheaded and going. A mothers’ influence on there child(ren) holds more weight in that kids’ life than you can imagine so to have someone as light hearted, kind, patient, transparent, and independent as my mother is the most amazing feeling in the world. My mom didn’t aim to be a role model, her main focus was to raise my siblings and I the best way she knew how, with what she learned through her parents and preparations based off the shock of her own experiences. I couldn’t thank my mother enough for passing her work ethic and dedication on to me, especially during times like today. I’ve been tested on my patience and dedication the last six-months. Remaining calm in hectic situations is a talent and gift I received from my mother. With having switching schools and moving back to my home state mid-semester, things get complicating and frustrating. I didn’t want to even think about another class once I finished my summer classes, because the toll the previous weeks took over me prior to such. If my mom weren’t there to comfort and remind me daily what I’m working towards, I would’ve lost it. Having to change your whole life routine unexpectedly, hasn’t been the easiest and I think I’m speaking from everyone’s perspective. My mom has made no signs of frustration yet due to all the changes lately, she just adapts and keeps it moving which I admire so much. Having to remain calm in situations because you have younger generations looking up to you must be so draining and comment her for doing such for so long. Watching her all my life and still struggling to figure out how she does it will always be a challenge for me, but I’ve mastered it to some point. My mom teaches me lessons and gives me that guidance every day and I thank her so much for it.

Within life comes many obstacles and you either fall under or rise above. My mom taught me dedication is more about self-decline than any other behavior. You have to want something within this life for the better of yourself. No one can do things for you forever nor want it for you, with that being said I keep the circle going within myself. I think it’s safe to say I wouldn’t be the young woman I am without my mother’s influence. She’s a role model, leader, and my most favorite, a Mother. I can only wish to pass down such great qualities and teachings my mother gave to me, to my later kids. They say, “you’ve never helped someone until you’ve helped someone who can’t help you back”, and my mother can truly say she’s helped someone.

Posted in Uncategorized

Management Issues in Nokia (4)

Management Issues in Nokia (4)

Management Issues in Nokia

Name

Institution

Management Issues in Nokia

IntroductionNokia is a multinational electronics company that was once leading globally in the manufacture and sale of mobile devices. The firm which had its headquarters in Espoo, Finland, was enjoying a large market share of over 40 percent of the global market (Peltonen, 2019). However, the company’s market share drastically declined forcing its owners to sell it off to Microsoft in 2013. Poor organizational culture was the main cause of the downfall of Nokia. Specifically, the prevalent culture in the company was reliance on a traditional method of management that was strictly dictatorial and not concerned with cultural diversity among its staff and employees. Nokia relied on lots of filters and censorship to control communications between top management, subordinate staff, and other employees. Subsequently, management theory and management of workplace diversity would be employed to adequately understand the problem which faced Nokia (Alexander, Havercome & Mujtaba, 2015). Accordingly, this paper will analyze the issue mentioned above and provide three recommendations that could help Nokia effectively handle the problem and remain competitive.

2.0 Management Issue DiscussionThe main issue identified in Nokia is poor organizational culture that is marked by reliance on a traditional dictatorship approach of management that does not consider and appreciate cultural diversity in the work environment. Accordingly, the organization could not remain competitive and accommodative to its employees. As a critical aspect, appropriate organizational culture has significant influence on workers of an organization since it could motivate employees, thus making them more productive and efficient (Yuso, Said & Ali, 2016). At the case of Nokia, employees were dissatisfied and demotivated by the dictatorship approach of management. Besides, the unsupportive cultural environment in Nokia discourages creativity and innovation, practices that could attract additional benefits to the firm by making its processes more efficient and effective for higher competitiveness. A suitable organizational culture would favor employees from varied cultural backgrounds, considers their requirements and contributions for better performance, and enables workers to adequately understand the vision and mission of their firm.

Consequently, the cultural issue in Nokia is related to planning since organizations should establish suitable roadmaps that stipulates necessary measures and tools for controlling and monitoring their processes and management practices to ensure that they remain favorable to every employee and facilitate smooth operations. Thus, Nokia should have planned well to ensure that its management team exhibits appropriate conduct that supports cultural diversity and considers changes in the world's dynamic business environment. Thus, this study would illuminate on participatory and contingency planning theories for adequate understanding of the management issues facing Nokia. Therefore, the company collapsed since it failed to consider the adverse effects of relying on a dictatorship and dormant leadership that does not acknowledge and appreciate cultural diversity.

3.0 Critical Discussion

3.1 Participatory Planning: Positive Aspects

Participatory planning has lots of advantages to virtually all stakeholders of a business since it encourages contributions of every interested person. When every interested individual is engaged in decision-making processes, the eventual outcome would probably be satisfying to everyone. It is imperative that participatory planning acknowledges and appreciates diversities that exist in different types of people. Subsequently, every stakeholder enjoys a sense of ownership, an aspect that draws benefits that entail motivation of employees, assumption of responsibility by all stakeholders, and encouragement of every stakeholder to contribute towards betterment of their entity. Similarly, every stakeholder strives to ensure timely and appropriate responses to varied occurrences as responsible and empowered persons with sound understanding of their firm’s goal and target objectives. Eventually, all the stakeholders would be proud owners and originators of every intervention strategy that promote positive growth and development of their organization. Also, participatory planning has high chances of providing sound decisions, promotes creativity and innovation by relying on contributions from several individuals with varying levels of understanding, expertise, experiences and values.

Besides, participatory planning promotes development of trust among involved people. Consequently, beneficial relationships would prevail in an organization that embraces such type of planning. Moreover, local communities and other engaged parties would be ready and willing to share vital information that facilitate development of apt solutions to existing gaps and barriers, thus promoting peaceful and profitable coexistence. Still, employees and other engaged parties would exhibit high performance since their contributions, concerns and opinions are respected and valued by their firm.

3.2 Participatory Planning: Negative Aspects

Participatory planning consumes lots to time and energy since it endeavors to collect and consider contributions from every stakeholder. The relatively large number of participants who are engaged in participatory planning require more time to present their opinions, suggestions and other contributions. Further, some of the engaged parties may generate remote and less useful information that does not support development of the desired decisions. Thus, a firm would spend much time which could otherwise have been used to accomplish other essential activities such as development of products and services.

Moreover, participatory planning promotes sharing of information, a practice that may result in leakage of sensitive and critical information that malicious individuals could utilize to harm an organization, its processes or employees. Some information that should be preserved for top management and other few personnel would spread to several individuals. Hence, an organization may not adequately preserve security and privacy of its sensitive information.

3.3 Contingency Planning: Positive Aspects

A contingency plan is vital for an organization since it serves as a suitable alternative and backup plan that a firm would adopt when the predetermined processes and operations fail. Accordingly, a contingency plan is a rescue strategy for a firm when anticipated risks emerge. Since a contingency plan offers all details including actions to be done and individuals who will be engaged, a firm would handle a disaster with more comfort and limited or no instances of panic and confusion. During emergencies, organizations may not have sufficient time to make sound decisions, thus, contingency plans are crucial because they are developed and tested on time to ensure they are effective in addressing a disaster. Moreover, a firm would take advantage of new opportunities by developing and embracing an appropriate contingency plan that ensures allocation of adequate resources for embracing new and better business strategies that may arise. Subsequently, a contingency plan is well-developed and actionable, rendering highly-applicable during instances of crises. Besides, a firm has high chances of emerging successful by embracing an appropriate contingency plan since it (contingency plan) offers detailed procedures of implementing applicable processes. As a result, an organization minimizes damages and avoids bad public image and reputation by establishing a contingency plan that strives to ensure that its operations continue smoothly with the least or no interference from an emergency. Also, virtually all stakeholders of a business are reassured of safety and positive progress of their project despite looming risks.

3.4 Contingency Planning: Negative Aspects

A contingency plan is only applicable when an organization is preparing to handle identified risks only. Since the plan is not suitable for unknown risks, a firm is vulnerable to unforeseen perils. Moreover, contingency planning does not prevent a risk from occurring, but rather endeavors to reduce its (risk’s) impact. Still, contingency planning consumes lots of time, funds and energy which could otherwise be used to accomplish other vital processes. A firm would use lots of its resources in planning, training its employees and doing other preparatory activities for an event that my never happen. Further, a firm would spend extra resources and time for constantly updating its contingency plan as the dynamic business environment presents new challenges and threats. Hence, a contingency plan may not prove beneficial since it strives to elaborate and explain how an organization can deal with an anticipated disaster instead of establishing strategies of avoiding such unwanted occurrences.

4.0 Recommendations

As discussed above, Nokia could adequately address the issues facing its management by employing either participatory or contingency plan. Nokia lags behind in development and collapses because it embraces an unsuitable form of management that does not acknowledge and appreciate cultural diversities among its staff members. Consequently, the organization relies on an unmotivated and dissatisfied workforce due to its (Nokia’s) unsupportive culture that uses commands to accomplish its operations without considering needs of its employees and changes in the industry. Conversely, the organization could utilize participatory planning to address the undesired culture. Precisely, the firm should encourage all of its stakeholders, including employees, to contribute towards resolving prevailing and anticipated issues by offering their opinions, suggestions and perceptions according to the participatory theory. Thus, Nokia could engage its workforce and other stakeholders in developing appropriate solutions for addressing the current crisis while preparing to avoid similar situation in future.

On the other hand, Nokia could utilize the contingency planning approach to develop and execute an appropriate strategy for addressing the prevailing management issues. Since the organization failed to establish a suitable contingency plan, it has no strategy for resolving the current management issues. The firm does not have sufficient time to develop and test a contingency plan before using it to handle the crisis that has occurred. However, the firm could develop suitable strategies for handling similar or other management issues in future. Therefore, it is advisable for Nokia to adopt a participatory planning strategy to ensure that it effectively address the current issue while developing suitable strategies for preventing similar situations in future.

5.0 Conclusion

This report concludes that Nokia could adequately address its current management issues by adopting a participatory planning strategy that encourages contributions from all stakeholders, including its employees. Moreover, the participatory planning is useful in preventing recurrence of such and related issues because it facilitates development of informed decisions that favor all the engaged parties.

Reference ListAlexander, V., Havercome, C., & Mujtaba, B. G. (2015). Effectively managing employees to get results in a diverse workplace such as American Express. Journal of Business Studies Quarterly, 7(1), 13. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/openview/a9cd7938231dc194c962119b2e89615a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1056382

Peltonen, T. (2019). Case Study 4: The Collapse of Nokia’s Mobile Phone Business. In Towards Wise Management (pp. 163-188). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.

Yusof, H. S. M., Said, N. S. M., & Ali, S. R. O. (2016). A study of organizational culture and employee motivation in private sector company. Journal of Applied Environment and Biology Sciences, 6(3S), 50-54.

Posted in Uncategorized