Duty to report, warn and protect

 

Duty to report, warn and protect

Josh’s case presents a situation where the counselor is faced by an ethical dilemma that is intricate to resolve. The state regulations and ethic codes oblige the counselor with the duties of reporting, warning and protecting individuals especially in situations where the client’s actions may cause threats to others (Simone & Fulero, 2005). However, the counselor should also value the guidelines of the informed consent and the consequences of his or her actions on the client’s welfare (Counseling Today, 2008). According to ACA code of ethics, counselors should adopt attentive ethical decision-making process when challenged by severe ethical dilemmas (ACS, 2005). This means that the counselor must find a polite approach of protecting the victim while valuing ethical considerations to ensure that he or she does not frighten the client. Josh’s approach of disciplining his son that include locking him in the house for a number of hours has potential of causing harm to the victim. According to states regulations, when a therapist identifies that the patient case highlights severe violence to another, the counselor has a “duty to protect” (Simone & Fulero, 2005). Consequently, the counselor in this case has a prime role of protecting Josh’s son who is a victim of serious violence. Werth & Rogers (2005) affirm that a counselor may protect victims by informing them or reporting the case to relevant authorities. However, considering that the victim in question is a juvenile, the appropriate option in this case is reporting the matter to relevant state authorities.

If I faced such a case while in my duty, I would consult my seniors and the organization’s manuals to establish if the firm has a precise protocol of reporting cases of child abuse. However, I would be cautious of the concept of “Do not harm” while reporting the case. ACA codes guide that counselors should act to avoid harming their clients and research participants (ACS, 2005). Consequently, I would ensure that my actions do not harm the feelings of the client by respecting the provision of informed consent (Werth & Rogers, 2005). Initially, I would discuss the subject with my client to make him understand the need of adopting my actions. This would include explaining to the client the essential regulations that control the case under discussion. I would let the client know that as a counselor, I am obliged with the responsibility of reporting all abuse cases. Particularly, I would ensure that the client get a clear highlight of all my choices or obligations as a counselor. With the knowledge of the matter, I would encourage the client to think through the consequences of the case. Subsequently, I would adopt an action that would include using an appropriate protocol to report the case to the agencies that deal with the child’s abuse cases. According to Werth & Rogers (2005), counselors should prioritize the client-based interventions because they are healthier and more productive. Consequently, I would encourage my client to contact the agencies by himself while in my presence. I would apply calculative strategies in convincing the client to report the case. This would include assuring him that the action has no ill motive, but is essential in helping him out of his problem (Counseling Today, 2008). I would let the client know that reporting the case to the relevant children’s agencies would provide him with the ultimate approach of finding a solution to his child’s aggressive behavior. This is because such organizations have effective tools for managing problems presented by juveniles. Furthermore, I would inform the client that his case is ordinary so he should not worry because I have handled such cases previously. However, if the client remains reluctant, I would personally contact the relevant agencies and report the case.

 

 

 

 

References

American Counseling Association (ACS) (2005). ACA Code of Ethics: As approved by the ACA Governing Council. Retrieved from www.counseling.org/ethics/feedback/aca2005code.pdf+&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgjq2IxvKnfKT3aXft8y_Rx6IWDVkjX6Jep4_y-nCedrPcKc79IM-6fTxXST-1789MUrTQh_gpVCSYqk9LCXr8dkEbM4dp9xYc6nQ3nKKY-4FQH43pBvADfIWL77VZoaBCLNxfp&sig=AHIEtbSkxFYOHnjicbtLcPE93OQWuPLIqQ

Counseling Today (2008). Protective protection pointers. American Counseling Association Publication. Retrieved from http://ct.counseling.org/2008/03/proactive-protection-pointers/

Simone, S. & Fulero, S. (2005). “Tarasoff and the duty to protect.” Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 11(1), 145-168. Doi: 10.1300/J146v11n01_12

Werth Jr., J. L., & Rogers, J. R. (2005). Assessing for impaired judgment as a means of meeting the “duty to protect” when a client is a potential harm-to-self: Implications for clients making end-of-life decisions. Mortality, 10(1), 7-21. Doi: 10.1080/13576270500030966

 

 

 

Mentoring and role modeling reflection

Part 1: The mentoring reflection

An interaction with my mentor has constructively affected the way I think, feel and practice as a nurse. I have learnt from my mentor that nursing is a unique, but challenging career that demands benevolence and self-motivated individuals. Particularly, I think of a nursing duty is a call, but not a mere job. The mentor has taught me that nursing career is not material oriented. This is because nurses take pride and achieve high degrees of satisfaction when they are able to better the lives of their patients. Furthermore, nurses should be caring because they routinely deals with the sick and the injured who needs sympathy (Vallano, 2008). Consequently, the mentorship has made me feel that as a nurse, I am privileged with an exceptional and sensitive role of serving others. This means that I should be willing to compromise my personal priorities, welfare and resources in order to improve the conditions of my clients.

The mentor has made me value the need of observing high degrees of professionalism when executing my nursing duty. Before interacting with the mentor, I took the nursing duty casually; however, the mentor has taught me the concepts of professionalism and ethics in nursing. I now know that nurses need to adopt decisions and actions that highlight professionalism while upholding the nursing code of ethics. This means moral and legal regulations expect nurses to be accountable of their actions (Vallano, 2008). Moreover, the mentor has taught me the need of promoting diligence in my activities. This is essential because the nursing role is highly sensitive and nurse’s actions play a vital role in managing the patient’s condition. The mentorship has also motivated in me in valuing the need of upholding creativity in my practices. The mentor has emphasized that often, nurses face dilemmas that can only be resolved by engaging creative minds. Conclusively, the mentorship has changed my perceptions, feeling and improved my practice skills.

Part 2: Role model reflection

The head of department nurse has been my role model in my nursing career. She has presented excellent personality and practice skills that have inspired me immensely. Initially, she has superb communication skills that are evident in her capability of establishing constructive rapport with the patient and her workmates. She has often reduced tension that creates a barrier to communication by using his delightful sense of humor. Furthermore, she is composed and has the capability of making situations appear less severe. This personality has enabled her make her clients feel safe and comfortable no matter the situation. She is also an intelligent and an attentive nurse (Vallano, 2008). She is quick at realizing unusual conditions and has frequently adopted fast, but rational decisions in responding to challenging situations. Through her, I have learnt that nurses should have the potential of adopting urgent action in order to save the patient. Her decisions and actions have confirmed her high capacity of judgment. Furthermore, she is accommodative and values diversity. Interestingly, she has potential of working with persons of virtually all personalities.

Her high performance emanating from her handwork has inspired me considerable. She is a hardworking nurse who is willing to do anything to manage the challenges presented by her clients. For example, she sacrifices her personal time to work for long hours when need arises. This includes visiting the sick at their homes during his off-duty time. Through her handwork, she has managed to realize high performance that has earned her attractive reputation. Consequently, she has inspired me in engaging creativity and handwork in order to attain high levels of success.

 

Reference

Vallano, A. (2008). Your career in nursing. New York, NY: Kaplan Pub.

 

 

Social and Criminal Justice Responses to Sex Work

Abstract

This research paper will be evaluating how the criminal justice responds to battering of sex workers. Of greatest focus is the continuing violence on women who sell sex. Indeed, the issue of sex-based violence has been ignored by society and media for a long time. A normative approach is critical in understanding how women issues have been addressed, and especially sexually motivated violence against women. Normative is a term derived from norm and is usually used to describe some form of general established rules or guidelines which aught to regulate behavior. In other words, a normative idea means the idea that defines what aught to be (Hechter and Dieter, 2005.).

Introduction

In contemporary society, social life is surrounded by and controlled by normative cultural ideas such as being responsible and cautious, self-control/ regulate, and avoiding unhealthy activities among other related messages. As a result, many people in society today concern themselves largely with normative issues such as reducing fear and attaining sense of safety. Ironically, ever since post world war period, many individuals have increasingly taken part any shown interest to voluntarily participate in risky activities such as mountain climbing (Lerner, 2006). This paper seeks to discuss how normative ideas about appropriate gendered behavior for women have influenced the social and criminal justice responses to sex work.

Research Questions

The following questioned were used to guide this study

1. Should women who sell sex be bashed?
2. How are social and criminal justice responses influenced by normative ideas about women?

Literature Review

Theories pertaining to violence against women abound (Middendorp, 2010). Middendorp writes, “Street sex workers in Australia encounter brutal treatment including abuse, harassment, rape, and assault” (p. 23). The women are exposed to the risk of developing mental illness, drug and alcohol related problems. While it is hard to avoid the paradoxical conclusion that society is scandalized by prostitution, it is our values that help keep street sex work viable in the streets, (Middendorp, 2010).

When referring to commercial sex, (Coontz, 2004) defines it as “social practices such as erotic dancing, strip shows, cybersex, phone-sex, escort services, prostitution, trafficking, and pornography” (p. 60). Feminist philosophers focus their debate on pornography and prostitution hence the other social activities are subsumed in either of these two wider categories (Coontz, 2004, P. 61). Scully (2005) explores the interaction between the criminal justice system and commercial sex. Scully observes that criminal justice systems have the important social duty to ensure safety and sovereignty of the people. Coontz (2004) argues that the legal systems have remained skeptical to the fact that women are capable of telling the truth. Put differently, the rights to safety and sovereignty have been gendered such that men have more rights than women.

Lerner (2006) looks the issues from a common law perspective. He argues that the law concerning rape crafted within the English common law framework requires men to be protected from possible false accusations by women, which literally means that women are prone to initiating false complaints. This is why a woman, who brings a case in court for rape allegations, is required by the law to furnish the court with other substantive evidence before legal action can be taken against the accused man (Lerner, 2006). This requirement in actual sense places the woman in an accomplice position to the man who raped her until the adduced evidence proves otherwise.

In the cases of domestic violence and criminal assault, the criminal legal system has tended to portray women as not as worthwhile as men to warrant criminal law application (Coontz, 2004). This can be seen for instance in cases where the woman is required to obtain a court injunction that will only have the effect of warning a man who sexually molested her, not to repeat again. In fact, the woman who is the victim in such circumstances is subjected to a legal process, which in the end only goes as far as decriminalizing the criminality or abuse she suffered (Coontz, 2004).

Methodology

This study adopted a critical social approach that is favored by Lyng (2005). This method was preferred over surveys or questionnaires because provides an in-depth view of the area under investigation. Several participants accepted to be interview, acting as advocates of the sex workers. Battering of sex workers is a common phenomena but it is not given coverage, as it should be because of lack of education and communication. The non-participant observation was also use din this study in a courtroom. This method appeared appropriate because of the nature of the study. In this manner, it was able to see the subjects of the study in their natural environment. It also provided a clear picture of how courts deal with the issue of prostitution.

Findings/ Analysis

On completion of both interview and visits to the courtrooms, it was evident that little information is available on the battering of sex workers. It was also found out that men in society might rape women while believing their behavior lies within the normative cultural boundaries. This view was advance by Diana Scully while attempting to establish a link between pornography and rape. Diana Scully observed that the coming up of cultural products like pornography in society serve to nurture and develop violence in men’s fantasies, both in quantity and quality. Scully argued that where society view/portray women as deriving pleasure from the pornographic violence, rape becomes a trivial subject and more men are encouraged to engage in such acts especially mythical facts such as ‘women secretly want to be raped’ (Lyng, 2005).

The criminal justice system has either disregarded or inadequately responded to crimes against sex workers (Hechter & Dieter, 2005). Most initiatives by governments, which are meant to improve sex workers’ safety, have greatly ignored the street sex workers. Instead, they have focused on brothels. As a result, the street workers are exposed to great health and safety risks since the environment in which they operate is unregulated. The criminal justice system through historical rulings on record, has failed to comprehend that women get to be raped without their consent in the course of their sex work. For example, in one of the court rulings an offender who was found guilty of using a knife to force into kidnapping, raping, and sexually assaulting a 28-year-old woman, was given a maximum sentence of only 3 years and 4 months. However, the sentence was increased to 4 years and 6 months after the prosecution appealed against what they considered inadequate sentence. In the earlier ruling, the judge had stated that were it not for her occupational history, the victim would have suffered lesser trauma following the assault (R v Hakopian, County Court of Victoria, 8 August 2012)

In contemporary liberal civil society, rights and freedoms of men are established by the social contract, based on which women’s subjection is also established. From interviews, it was found that men derive sexual access to women through implicit agreement (Lyng, 2005). This explains the existence of prostitution from the masculinity viewpoint in the contemporary socio-political systems since she contended that men derive specific rights to women by use of either informal prostitution contracts or the formal marital contracts (Lyng, 2005).

Generally, many feminists agree that women are harmed in the course of sex work. Some feminists associate such harm to the contingent characteristics within the social environment where the practice is done. However, according a female prostitute’s work is not the same as any other job since it displays the woman status as inferior in the socio-political realm. Furthermore, through prostitution, the woman sells her body and herself to undermine her integrity and identity that are founded upon her body and sexual capacity (Lyng, 2005). Similarly, prostitution actually reflects a kind of transaction where one individual is expected to take care of the other person’s desire hence the former becomes a social subordinate because the service she rendered cannot be reciprocated and in this sense, her job is different from any other low-status job (Lyng, 2005).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it must be emphasized that normative ideas, which appropriate gendered behavior for women have greatly influences the social and criminal justice responses to sex work in society today. The normative ideas of what is to be taken as either appropriate of inappropriate behavior for women in society has tended to directly extend the gender based cultural constructions into criminal judicial system hence continue to position women to levels of lesser significance even in circumstance where the women are victims of violence and sexual assault.

References

Coontz, P. (2004). Gender and Judicial Decisions: Do Female Judges Decide Cases Differently Than Male Judges?’ Gender Issues vol 18, pp. 59-73.

Hechter, M. & Karl-Dieter, O. (2005). Social Norms New York: Russell Sage Foundation

Lerner, G. (2006). The Creation of Patriarchy, New York: Oxford University Press, pp.124-137

Lyng S, (2005). Gender, Space, and Fear: a study of women’s edgework.  Journal of Sports and Social Issues 32 (1) (2008), pp. 24–47.

Middendorp, C. (2010). Is it OK to bash women if they are selling sex? Retrieved from http://www.workrights.com.au/work-rights-articles/2010/3/16/is-it-ok-to-bash-women-if-they-are-selling-sex/

R .v. Hakopian, County Court of Victoria: 8 August 2012.

 

Physical Aspect of Arsenal FC

Most of the people across the globe, including soccer players, attest that Arsenal FC practice does not involve physical impacts; however, the truth is that Arsenal FC incorporates the physical aspect that other sports team utilize. Most of the soccer players avoid Arsenal FC as its practitioners like gym teachers, and coaches have little or no respect on Arsenal club and the players involved. They believe that the practice that the team incorporates is wimpy, girly, and unrealistic (Gamble 36). Ideally, the team requires all aspects of physical strength, in some instances, it may be excess of the other sports’ requirement. Some of the activities are strenuous and needs perseverance, mental and physical strength. Americans, and clubs in English Premier League, should bestow respect to Arsenal FC and perceive it as one of the many physical teams across the globe.

With the tenderness and gentleness attributed to the team, many soccer players purports that the Arsenal FC should be a girls’ team. It may be true that women are articulated and engrossed to the team because the research shows that Arsenal FC is the popular team amongst American women. Although, currently, there is Arsenal Ladies’ team, men were the pioneers, and not women. In addition, most of the players who have left the club attest that the practice undertaken by the team is soft, and they are not subjected to hard training like the other teams. It is true that when Arsenal FC plays against a physical team like Stoke City, there are chances that one of the team’s players will be red-carded due to hard tackle or one of the players will sustain a long-term injury. One such case was with Aaron Ramsey who had a broken leg following a nasty tackle from Shawcross (Birmingham City player). Although such things may happen, it may be attributed to normal accidents happening on and off the pitch, but not wholly on the physical endurance of Arsenal players.

When analyzing the various variables involved in the team, it is evident that playing at Arsenal requires dedication and excessive training.  Indeed, from the experience I got as an Arsenal FC fan, I can fervently confirm that I understand the routine involved when practicing Arsenal training camp. Before commencing on stretching exercise, the team must first run in order to warm up their muscles. After stretching, the next step is ball drills where team players are guided on dribbling and passing technique that suits the modern football. Following this is the scrimmaging where small groups of eight practices for nearly an hour. After completing the warm up exercises, core training activities including leg lifts, sit-ups, and push-ups commences. Thereafter, the players are subjected to running in order to lessen their muscles, and then they stretch again. This is a schedule for Arsenal FC practice; whether they are set to play a friendly or competitive match.

When comparing Arsenal FC and other clubs like Chelsea FC—which is one of the perceived ‘physical teams’ in England—it is quite adept to postulate that there is no big difference between t their practice session. The training schedule of Chelsea FC is quite similar to that of Arsenal FC. In Arsenal the trend is runs, stretches, drills, scrimmages, core training, runs, and exercises, while in Chelsea it is runs, stretches, drills, scrimmages, and then lifting weight. It is clear that both the soccer teams need the team player to endure and harness his skills. However, players who have played in both the teams—for instance William Gallas and Ashley Cole—believes that Arsenal requires intensified practice and endurance due to their silky passing and possession of the ball (Reilly 85).

Arsenal FC is perceived to be a wimpy soccer team; however, regular injuries sustained by players have rendered the statement void and ill-advised. The team’s players are prone to injuries as they always come into contact with one another. Some of the injuries that the players have suffered include pulled muscles, torn ligaments, concussions, excessive bleeding, sprains, and broken bones (Beswick 68). The most vital places that injury occurs is on the neck, ankle, hamstring, upper and lower body, head, bottom, back, and ankle. Therefore, it is true to purport that Arsenal FC is a physical soccer team due to numerous injuries involved.

As a fan of Arsenal I have seen their players succumbing to injuries including Tomas Rosicky, Eduardo da Silva, and the recent Jack Wilshere. Some are accidents while others are purposeful taken. Indeed when a referee coordinates the play of 100 Arsenal games; chances are that 75% of the games played would consist of one injury that is long term (Beashel and Taylor 54). When watching English Premier League, one would see that injuries often occur in games involving Arsenal FC. Though it cannot be stated that other soccer teams in the premier league are immune to injuries, they also get their fair share of injuries. For instance, during Alexander Hleb career at Arsenal, the injuries that he got are infinite; ranging from minor to career-breaking injuries. He has drawn blood, trampled over, pulled muscles, and had a head knock. As such, it is not a doubt that playing in Arsenal FC can cause injuries either while in training or in a tournament.

Consequently, many requirements are currently in place to enable the team players to be effective, and this practice has made the team to be harder and injurious. A player is supposed to be agile, fast, strong, and coordinated. With these requirements, they are subjected to constant training, which builds their quantity of strength. They are trained to dribble the ball in a quick pace, tackle the opponent in an aggressive but safe manner, and fight off the defenders that slide tackles them. In addition to physical strength, mental strength is a necessity for one to flourish in Arsenal. Players should be able to understand the mind games that the opposition is undertaking in order to win the match. In most cases, pregame mind games are the most disturbing and they can have an impact on the field if the player is not mentally strong. As such, the mental readiness of the team’s players is crucial in determining the team that would emerge the winner.

After the above analysis on the various aspects of physical and mental strength of Arsenal FC, it would be wrong to state that the soccer team is a wimpy and fragile team. Currently, Arsenal team is admired by numerous young players because of their philosophy. Some of the Arsenal’s tournaments that are highly watched by fans include European Championship, English Premier League, and English FA. It is one of the teams that have been successful with the most outstanding support from the fans and a reliable manager. For one to qualify to play in such a world class soccer team, it requires endurance and perseverance from the players. Therefore, it will be prudent if all the soccer players should respect Arsenal FC and appreciate their physical aspect when playing games.

 

Works Cited

Beashel, Paul and Taylor John. Advanced studies in physical education and sport, London: Routledge, 2008. Print.

Beswick, Bill. Focused for soccer, Illinois: Human Kinetics, 2010. Print.

Gamble, Paul. Strength and conditioning for team sports: sport-specific physical preparation for high performance, London: Taylor & Francis, 2010. Print.

Reilly, Tom. The Science of Training Soccer: A scientific approach to developing strength, speed and endurance, London: Taylor & Francis, 2007. Print.

Human Factors and Crew Resource Management

 

Introduction

In the aviation industry, managers are concerned more with human factors than other aspects of aviation (Hayward and Lowe, 2000). This concern is based on realities that have been encountered through experience all over the world. The reality that influences the heavy focus on human factors is the high number of accidents caused by human error. It is estimated that more than 80% of all aviation accidents are caused by human error. Therefore, the manager’s perspective is mainly focused on the human factors and crew resource management that aims at minimizing risks and increasing efficiency. This focus deals with aspects such as training, creation of communication avenues and promotion of teamwork among crew members. Training requires motivation and safe working environment to enhance the potential of crew members and other aviation industry employees.

Human Factors Training

Human factors refer to how employees interact with their work environment and others at their place of work (Kanki, Helmreich and Anca, 2010). In aviations, the sum of the interactions between the living and working conditions determines whether a crew expert has the ability to safely control an aircraft or not. The ability to control an aircraft depends on the relationship among skills, personality and knowledge that a crew expert has. Given the complexity of flying operations, efficiency and operational skills can only be maintained through rigorous training. A good combination of skills knowledge and personality is used to measure a person’s level of professionalism. Managers, therefore, perceive human factors as an integral part of the aviation industry, which must be enhanced continuously. Therefore, human factors training should be an ongoing process that is part of an organization’s culture and work environment. To ensure that the right skills, knowledge and personality are nurtured; an education system should be developed for all crew members depending on the specialty. One such education system is Crew resource management.

Crew Resource Management

Crew resource management is a management model for responding to errors and threats in aviation (MacLeod, 2005). Managers perceived reduced threat and error as a means of attaining efficiency and success in their work. As such, they support crew resource management and define the aspects that should be included in the model. The following elements are included in the crew resource management:

• Detection of threats by being aware of the situation
• Response to threats using training, and following standard operation procedures, communication and coordination.
• External and internal operations’ awareness

To ensure the elements mentioned above are fulfilled, the crew resource management is crafted to include the following aspects in its structure:

• Decision making and communication skills
• Team building
• Workload

Decision making and communication skills

The core skills that are enhanced by crew resource management include communication and decision making skills (Salas, Bowers and Edens, 2001). These skills entail building up interpersonal skills among crew members with the aim of optimizing their performance. Managers are aware of the fact that information in aviation operations should be offered, requested or given promptly so that effective decision making can be done. Managers, therefore, ensure that the crew resource management programs instill knowledge on communication styles common within the industry for easy interpretation and swift action by the crew. If information is insufficient, or poor communication exists, efficient decision making may be hindered. Consequently, far reaching consequences may arise such as accidents.

Team Building

Team building involves concepts such as team management and leadership. Large aircrafts requires a team of people and not just the pilot. As such teams are required to work together and maximized their synergy especially in times of crises. The need for effective teams is necessitated by complexities that arise due to emergence of new technologies and changing customers’ tastes and preferences. The focus of crew resource management is on people’s behaviors in teams. One challenge that faces the teams is the differences in behavior in individual team members. They think and behave differently due to varied perceptions. Proper training through crew resource management reduces potential conflicts and enhances cohesion and understanding. Team leaders are also offered training in team management. Since teams are composed of different people with diverse backgrounds, conflicts are inevitable. The success of any team depends on how well the members are able to solve their problems amicably. Team leaders are, therefore, offered specialized training in managing teams to enhance its cohesion.

Workload

The concepts that managers perceive to be crucial to crew members include mission planning, work distribution and stress management. Accidents result when team capabilities are overwhelmed by workload. Although high workloads are known to cause accidents, low workloads have surprising been found to harbor potential to cause accidents. This potential arises from complacency by the crew members caused by low-arousal level factor.

Motivation

High morale at work translates to high performance and work output. Managers perceive motivation as one of the driving forces of a successful organization. People must have self drive to put to use their best effort in ensuring that the organization they work for achieve maximum success. As mentioned earlier, people have different perceptions and attitudes. When motivation is put under consideration, different people have different levels of motivation. There are those who are motivated more by extrinsic motivators while others are intrinsically motivated. The managers are in the aviation sector are keen to identify those factors that motivate different employees. To ensure that all employees are motivated to excel in their jobs, different rewards systems are created with the aim of rewarding those who have performed exceptionally well. Those employees who are extrinsically motivated prefer working conditions to be conducive for them to perform their duties maximally. They work beast when equipment and other physical aspects of their job are working according to their expectation. Safety at workplace, especially for crew members is very important (Flin, Connor and Crichton, 2008). When safety measures are taken, the crew members feel secure and are able to deliver quality service to their clients. On the other hand, some employees are intrinsically motivated and prefer job satisfaction. They are interested in growing and developing their jobs because they give them inner satisfaction. Managers are able to perceive the different needs and satisfy them according to different organizations’ policies. Managers use promotion slots as a way of motivating the intrinsically motivated employees. They also ensure good working conditions for employees who are extrinsically motivated.

Conclusion

Managers’ perspectives on crew resource management and human factors are mostly focused on training employees. The training takes place through crew resource management and concepts such decision making and communication skills, workload and team building. Moreover, managers are fully aware of the need to motivate employees more so because aviation is a service industry that involves immense interaction between crew members and clients.

 

References

Flin, R.H., O’Connor, P., & Crichton, M. (2008). Safety at the Sharp End: Training Non-Technical Skills. New York: Ashgate.

Hayward, B.J., & Lowe, A.R. (2000). Aviation resource management: proceedings of the Fourth Australian Aviation Psychology Symposium. New York: Ashgate.

Kanki, B.G., Helmreich, R.L., & Anca, J.M. (2010). Crew Resource Management. Academic Press.

MacLeod, N. (2005). Building Safe Systems in Aviation: Beyond Crew Resource Management. New York: Ashgate Publishing.

Salas, E., Bowers, C.A., & Edens E. (2001). Improving Teamwork in Organization: Applications of Resource Management Training. New York: Taylor & Francis Group.

 

Suicide in United States and Statistics

Abstract

Over many years, cases of people taking their own lives, either directly or indirectly has doubled. Suicide cases affect a diverse population in society, ranging from the young to the aged. The aim of this paper is to conceptualize the issue of suicide, its prevalence in the United States, reasons for committing suicide, and the outcomes of suicide on society. Suicide cases have been recorded among the employed, unemployed, students, whites, and African Americans. Particularly, cases of suicide in the US are evident in stressed individuals facing challenges of unemployment, marital problems, and drug abuse. The loss resulting from suicide has not only traumatized the bereaved families, relatives, and friends, but has also affected the country as a whole. Families have lost their breadwinners, while the economies of many countries have suffered as many laborers die in suicide cases. Therefore, there is a need for supportive services to address this social problem.

Keywords: suicide, causes, types, prevalence, outcomes

 

Table of Contents

Abstract 2

Table of Contents. 3

Introduction.. 4

Statistics Concerning Suicide. 6

Possible Causes of Suicide. 7

Types of Suicide. 8

Indirect suicide. 8

Murder Suicide. 9

Physician Assisted Suicide. 9

Rational Suicide. 9

Suicide Pacts. 10

Treatment for Suicide Attempt 10

Pharmacotherapy. 10

Counseling Therapy. 10

Prevention of Suicide Attempts. 11

Conclusion.. 11

References. 13

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Suicide, which is ranked by the National Safety Council as the sixth cause of deaths in the United States of America, refers to the act of taking one’s own life intentionally (Solin & Nikander, 2011, p. 5). It is also defined as the act of intended self-destruction, or annihilation (Mishara, 2010, p. 16). Indeed, the manner in which so many lives have been lost due to suicide is so high. According to Baudelot & Establet, (2008), about 30, 000 people in America commit suicide annually (p. 41). On a global scale, available data on suicide shows that it is the thirteenth leading cause of death as more than one million people lose their lives annually to suicide (Solin & Nikander, 2011, p. 44). In American, suicide is a significant contributor to the death toll across all age groups. The high number of deaths from suicide necessitates an analysis of the underlying factors that lead people to take away their lives. According to Marcovitz and Sheras, (2010), “suicide knows no social or economic barriers as rock starts, college students, parents and supermodels can find it as the only solution to their problems” (p. 10).

According to Solin & Nikander (2011),“approximately twenty five million people annually are rescued for failed suicide attempts” (p. 54). Moreover, due to its prevalence among young people, suicide is a social menace that requires urgent attention (Marcovitz and Sheras, 2010). The identification of the root cause of suicide is the first step in solving this issue that is threatening the lives of the mighty and the low in the society (Mishara, 2010).

Data collected from the victims’ close friends, relatives and families reveal a trend that points to the loss of hope by the victims as the cause of intentionally taking their own lives (Mishara & Kastenbaum, 2007). That is, a majority of people commit suicide as a last resort to end their tribulations and woes. A child who is continually abused either at school, playing field, home or both will, in most cases, resort to suicide (Baudelot & Establet, 2008). A sick person, especially terminally ill patient, would choose to take his or her own life by not taking his or her drugs, carelessly crossing the road or intentionally involving himself or herself in accident. In addition, such individuals may even induce their own death by forcing the police to shoot them by intentionally committing an armed crime (Baudelot & Establet, 2008). This is a case of n indirect murder. Continued pressure from work and the resulting depression may eventually push the victims to commit suicides. On the other hand, lack of job itself may also be a predisposing factor to individuals with suicidal thoughts. Moreover, alcoholism, cigarette smoking, drug abuse, and addictive gambling are all noted as the factors that lead to suicide. This is shown by the various studies conducted among people who had higher rates of suicides, and suicidal attempts (Marcovitz and Sheras, 2010, p. 35).

Because of the adverse effects of suicide in society, it is important for people to understand what suicide is, what causes it, the predisposing factors, and how it can be prevented (Mishara & Kastenbaum, 2007). Moreover, it is important for the survivors of suicidal attempts to be enrolled into a rehabilitation program to enable them recover from such traumatizing event in their lives. Indeed, it is important for people and communities to be educated about suicide. This will reduce stigma and ridicule and can be a good effort in addressing this social problem (Baudelot & Establet, 2008). Failure to carry out this important step might lead to the victim being secluded and consequently attempt another suicide. On the other hand, suicides cause economic loss to the families concerned. Therefore, it is important for world governments to curb the avoidable causes of suicide such as lack of employment and drug abuse among others (Solin & Nikander, 2011). This paper is aimed at defining suicide, giving evidence of its epidemiology and effects. Moreover, this paper also brings to light the various types of suicides, possible causes, treatment, and prevention of suicidal attempts (Epigee, 2009).

Suicide: The Last Decision a Person Will Make

Statistics Concerning Suicide

The statistics concerning suicide are staggering: 1 in 65,000 children ages 10-14 commit suicide each year. According to (Marcovitz and Sheras, 201, p. 227), 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year. In addition, 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide, while 80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully (Marcovitz and Sheras, 201, p. 330). On the other hand, 79 % of suicides in America are committed by males (Eagen, 2011, p. 35). However, women who commit suicide fall between 45 and 54-year bracket. In addition, statistics also indicate that women try to commit suicide three times in their lifetime (Eagen, 2011, p. 37).

Statistics are numbers, but suicides affect real people. Eagen (2011) holds that “suicide is never the answer, getting help is the answer” (p. 114). Several organizations have come along to help in mitigating suicidal behaviors across America (Mishara, 2010). One of them is suicide.org founded by Caruso. The mandate of this organization is to help those contemplating suicide as well as affected families (Eagen, 2011, p. 38). The company provides hot lines for those who may be contemplating suicide. This model creates an atmosphere of loving the person and giving him or her options other than suicide. In addition, the organization offers suggestions for clinical help to the victims. The website goes even further to offer aid to the families of those who have lost their loved ones to suicide. The purpose of such organizations is to apply healing to the families of the suicide victim, suicide survivors, and others who may be affected (Baudelot & Establet, 2008).

Possible Causes of Suicide

• Untreated depression: A mental disorder can easily degenerate into a suicide if it is not attended to quickly (Caruso, 2010). Over ninety percent of those who take away their lives have had a mental illness at the time of their death. The most common of the mental illnesses is depression (Eagen, 2011).
• Postpartum depression refers to some unexplained feeling of sadness experienced by some mothers after giving birth. A mother may feel lonely, annoyed, and afraid. Some women report some discomfort or even dislike for their babies. This feeling of mood swings after childbirth has been of great concern to researchers (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010, p. 109). Contrary to this, however, a mother may exhibit signs of depression, which depending on the length of time it may take to subside might cause adverse effects to both the mother and the family at large. According to Marcovitz and Sheras (2010), a relatively small number of women experience postpartum depression. One is likely to either fear causing harm to her baby and may contemplate committing suicide in some cases. This condition after delivery, in many occasions, goes undiagnosed. This has been attributed to fact that a mother wants to avoid embarrassment. She might feel guilty or fear to share willingly about her sensitively distressful feelings (Marcovitz and Sheras, 2010).
• Terminal Illness or Death of a Loved One: One of the darkest times in anyone’s life is losing a loved one. Depression follows and sometimes the surviving member feels they cannot go on without that loved one. When a person is diagnosed with a terminal illness, close family member should be closely monitored and counseled to avoid any incidences of suicide (Mishara & Kastenbaum, 2007).
• Losses such as jobs, marriage, house or money can make a person feel so depressed that they feel the only way out is suicide (Eagen, 2011).
• Bullying, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and legal problems can push a person over the edge and the person could contemplate ending his or her life (SAVE, 2010).

Causes of suicide are many-faceted. What is a tragedy to one person can be a trifling inconvenience to another. No matter what the reason for the suicide; the person feels there is no other way out except to take his or her life (Baudelot & Establet, 2008).

Types of Suicide

Indirect suicide

This type of suicide is caused by carelessness on the part of the person concerned. For instance, person might express his or her negligence by “not taking their medication or carelessly crossing a street in a dangerous manner” (Eagen, 2011, p. 116). This type of suicide is rather ‘reckless’ in that suicide may or may not be the result of this self-injury behavior. In some cases, a person might engage in a crime in the hope that, once caught, they will be sentenced to death (Eagen, 2011).

Murder Suicide

This is a common type of suicide and usually involves two intimate people (Hinduja & Patchin, 2010). However, the combination of murder and suicide has expressed itself in various ways. A person can take away his or her life after killing a spouse as, “a form of self-punishment due to guilt” (Epigee, 2009, p. 66). Suicide bombers fall in this class, since they commit suicide in order to kill others. Sometimes there is a morbid attraction between a perpetrator and the victim in murder-suicide (Epigee, 2009).

Physician Assisted Suicide

Assisted suicide is common and it occurs when a person helps another person to take away his or her life. It differs from euthanasia because in assisted suicide, a person provides the means, either by availing a drug or equipment for taking away one’s life. This type of suicide has received much press coverage in the recent past due to the American pathologist and right-to-die activist, Jack Kavorkian. Dr. Kavorkian spent a considerable amount of time in jail because assisting his patients to commit suicide (Eagen, 2011).

Rational Suicide

Suicide takes place when a person refuses to put up with life’s challenges. According to (Eagen, 2011), suicide might be the only solution for an individual at a given time. However, suicide is not the only best option, and for whatever reason. However, to some people, it is the only way to avoid the realities of life (Marcovitz and Sheras, 2010).

Suicide Pacts

The suicide pact is usually between two people who decide to die together. It occurs when an external problem arises in a certain relationship. The suicide pact is usually from poisoning and is extremely rare. The two people agree to take their lives at the same time, or in separate places but at a given time (SAVE, 2010).

Mass Suicide

Some people take away their lives due to social pressure. Mass suicides are organized by a group of people. For instance, in 1978, an estimated 900 of a religious cult led by Jim Jones ended their lives by taking a juice laced with cyanide (Baudelot & Establet, 2008, p. 19). Most of mass suicides are committed by religious cults.

Treatment for Suicide Attempt

The two major treatments for suicide prevention are pharmacotherapy and counseling therapies.

Pharmacotherapy

• The medicine therapies include Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Designer Antidepressants, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Azapirones, Augmentation Strategies, and Investigational Drugs (Baudelot & Establet, 2008).
• The counseling therapies include: Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Supportive Psychotherapy or Attention Intervention Problem Solving Therapy, Electroconvulsive Therapy, and Acupuncture

Counseling Therapy

Prevention of Suicide Attempts

The best prevention of suicide attempt according to Cholbi (2011) is to ‘reach out’ to someone. Cholbi (2011), writes, “If you are feeling suicidal, you should first call a suicide hotline. If you know someone who may be in danger due to the warning ‘signals’, get help immediately” (p. 53). To address PPD, a mother’s history during pregnancy should be understood by a nurse in order to help diagnose any instances of PPD. For instance, a nurse may want to establish if the mother suffered any form of depression including prenatal anxiety and stressful situations during pregnancy. Other risk factors to look for include; problems in marriage, menstrual cycle problems, history of mental problems, drug abuse and any other socio- economic issues. There are some tools such as Beck’s Postpartum Depression Checklist and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which can be deployed to screen for risk factors (Marcovitz and Sheras, 2010).

Marcovitz and Sheras (2010), posits that screening is an important method as it helps in detecting those at high risk of committing suicide. Several tools have been proposed that can help in carrying out screening tests. These tools take the form of self-report questionnaires, which assist in determining those who are most likely to commit suicide. According to Cholbi (2011, 76% of people who committed suicide had seen a physician shortly before their death. Effective screening and follow-ups could help minimize cases of suicide in America (Mishara & Kastenbaum, 2007).

Conclusion

America has worrying rates of suicide among its citizens. The effects of suicides take years or even decades to overcome. Family members as well as friends suffer for the rest of their lives, while those who commit this crime rob society of people who could otherwise contribute significantly to the development of their communities. As highlighted above, more men commit suicide than women do. There are as many reasons to commit suicide as there are people who are attempting to commit this crime. Suicide is a crime, not only legally, but a crime against humanity, to one’s own loved ones and family, a crime against society and a crime against one’s own humanness. Suicide is preventable if one would simply ‘ask’ for help. The warning signs and the types of suicide, which were noted in this paper, are all helps to the suicidal person and to the victim’s family. Depression is the number one reason for committing suicide and depression can come from a plethora of calamities in a person’s life: death of a loved one, loss of home or spouse; loss of income or possessions or just loss of a person near to us. Depression can be taken care of through counseling, therapies, or even medication. There is help for anyone who has thoughts of suicide and there are people who truly care about others. This is the one defining thought that a person, who is about to commit suicide, must have; there is someone who does care! It is paramount that each individual takes responsibility in identifying behavior that can lead to a suicide and work diligently with others in finding an amicable solution. This will help minimize deaths that occur due to suicide.

References

Baudelot, C. and Establet, R. (2008). Suicide: the hidden side of modernity. Boston: Polity.

Cholbi, M. (2011). Suicide: the philosophical dimensions. New York: Broadview Press.

Eagen, R. (2011). Suicide. New York: Crabtree Publishing Company.

Epigee, (2009). Suicide warning signs. Epigee Health and Fitness. Retrieved from: http://www.epigee.org/suicide/signs.html

Hinduja, S., & Patchin, J. W. (2010). Bullying, cyberbullying, and suicide. Archives of Suicide Research, 14(3), 206-221.

Marcovitz, H. and Sheras, L. P. (2010). Suicide. New York: ABDO.

Mishara, B.L., (2010).  Encyclopedia of death and dying. Retrieved from: http://www.deathreference.com/Sh-Sy/Suicide-Types.html

Mishara, B.L.,& Kastenbaum, R., (2007). Self-Injurious Behavior and Environmental Change in the Institutionalized Elderly. Aging and Human Development 4(2), 133–145.

SAVE (2010). Suicide awareness of voices of education. Retrieved from http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=705D5DF4-055B-F1EC-3F66462866FCB4E6

Solin, P., & Nikander, P. (2011). Targeting suicide – qualitative analysis of suicide prevention strategy documents in England and Finland. Mental Health Review Journal, 16(1), 5-14.

 

Marketing Smokeless Tobacco in Turkey

Introduction

Since our core task involved doing business in a foreign country, Turkey, we are governed by various laws and regulations thus the need to understand them.  Marketing products and services abroad is a better way to grow a company, but it is risky too (Mohan, 2009). Therefore as an entrepreneur selling smokeless tobacco in a foreign market, Turkey, there was need to first get information on the product/ service, make an export plan, and survey the market and finally source for finances.  It was essential for us to gather information to have a clear understanding of the nature of the host market, economic conditions and culture of people residing in Turkey.  We decided to make a pre-visit to the country to have a chance to talk to who will be potential buyers and determine their buying behaviors as well as the viable products and services that we would offer.  The prior visit helped us in familiarizing with channels of distribution, potential business ventures, competitors and the rules of the land.  We did a thorough examination of services offered and products, how competitors behave in the business as well as branding and labeling of such products. This would give us a clear view on the marketing of our products, smokeless tobacco.

We explored on other possible ways of transacting our business venture by following closely the proceedings of government delegates on trade missions in the country.  The fact that they are government officials they carry weight behind them ad are most likely to be given credible information concerning current market situations that proved beneficial to our service choice.  We consulted government of Turkey on the foreign investment policies and their laws concerning the same.  The visit also took us to the stock trading which proved helpful in the selection of smokeless tobacco as a product we were to market.  We finally concluded that   Smokeless tobacco was the product to market in Turkey.  This is because it fits the market viability and economies and rules of Turkey best suits its growth as a business venture.

Study of the Internal Environment

A thorough export plan is essential before the commencement of your operations in exportation; hence we came up with a well scheduled export plan.  Our market plan focused on all areas that affect our business internally but more so on; the opportunities of any kind, threats in the market and how to conduct and control them.  This helped in defining our objectives of exporting clearly thus realizing profitability.  Our environmental study thoroughly examined the threats and opportunities we face in the foreign country. Some of the threats included; the distribution channels, the completion from established competitors, strict taxation laws in Turkey as well as environmental restrictions.  Our timeline we had set for realization of the business goals also faced threat of dimensional completion.  Continuous evaluation of the plan we had set to keep abreast with our objectives proved paramount in project implementation. There were many channels of distribution in use such as retailers, direct sale or use of sale representatives, commission sale and provision to the malls. After a pre-visit, we decided to follow all methods in use for the distribution of the smokeless tobacco in Turkey.  This, we thought will be helpful in the piloting stage so that we get to establish ourselves before reducing the expenses in this line.

During the market analysis, we made sure that the right strategies were chosen for the smokeless marketing in Turkey.  Penetration of a foreign market is challenging and thus requires undivided attention and commitment when organizing this and implementation, an idea we put in practice in our tobacco project. We carefully organized to have a team that is fully behind the objectives, mission, goals and vision of the tobacco business in our efforts to realize them.  This is due to them being direct implementers of our tobacco marketing plan.  Effective leadership in the companies we visited was core to ensuring that all necessary coordination is achieved, thus our company will employ a team of managers that are effective in their work. Information is vital for the success of companies we sampled during the pre-visit, many of them reliably told us that to be competitive in the tobacco business, and requires updated information on marketing.  The success of smokeless tobacco marketing entirely rests in the market research we had carried out, and then concentrate on all areas of operation such as control and implementation. Just like those who had made success in the business and closely related business, we will put emphasis on all departments as they are part of the whole company and their coordination will be essential to our success.

In the course of your analysis, pay greater attention to the issues surrounding the environment and health (George, 2008).  It is evident that more countries all over the world are adapting stricter laws when it comes to the environment and heath and so is Turkey.  The governmental legislations on environment are tight and attract heftier fines.  In our plan we intend to put clear, the environmental implications on the smokeless comp-any so that the costs are reduced.  It is an issue that cuts across all sectors including consumer products. The smokeless tobacco is beneficial to the environment and would be our strength when it comes to environmental issues.  The foreign exchange bureau is also a point that comes out clearly in the organization of our company and projection of our profitability.  It is a fact that when you are exporting services or products, care need to be taken in the market analysis not to forget that various political and trade agreements differ from place to place. This includes factors such as custom requirements, bilateral trade agreements, trade zone that are free and multilateral agreements.  The market research gave us an opportunity to know the implications of these on the project and majorly the advantages that we will derive from it as well as restrictions. Trade tariffs are different in all nations and so are the customs that govern them all in the name of benefiting the locals.

Nevertheless this is a critical point of analysis in the market research since it will give us directions on which way to follow and succeed.   In the planning as well as implementing stage, a thorough knowledge of the logistics that will arise in the course of our tobacco exporting operation is vital. As we went through the foreign policies during market research, we discovered many logistics that we intend to put them in the costs. This will help us to have precise costs to avoid falling short of our projections. Some logistics such as shipping of the smokeless tobacco and clearance from the customs were also considered in costs estimates.   The controlling of the company costs will be made easier through such revelations.  The logistics can be eliminated or reduced with the assistance we intend to seek from authority and shipping consultants. Custom brokers just like the stock brokers are helpful in such situations.

International laws and regulations are complex in their context and a clear understanding of the same is paramount to good trade.  This is because they have direct implications on every part of the project process right from the start till the end.  We were advised by the government and players in the Turkey market business to get staff who know the laws and how they are applied in respect to trade, contracts and taxation as they too, are core to the success of marketing our smokeless tobacco.  Before the commencement of the project, the leadership should also find time to survey market research done on the same foreign countries and make comparisons from their own research to further remove any doubts.  This can be sourced from international trade administration which gives clarity in the market research as it provides a customized search on the issues that you request.   In the course of our research, we were convinced that not all marketing technique work successfully anywhere, but a grasp of it is truly essential.  The company will change this threat into an opportunity by putting in place a system of best marketing techniques that will be reviewed periodically.  The company will be ready for change and appreciate those products and their prices might be changed from time to time to satisfy the needs of the local consumer.  The pricing strategies to be applied will take into account of the local tariffs, demand, competitors pricing strategies and currency fluctuations among other factor (Ubavans, 1997).  The company faces many challenges and opportunities in its internal environment but we will face them and try minimizing threats and maximizing opportunities.

Since the project will be based in a foreign country, we are to might consider having a partner as the business takes root.  We will, at the same time be careful to choose our partners wisely and in accordance to the laws of Turkey to avoid crossing the law hence jeopardizing our business.  The company will be candid enough to specify the roles of our partnership if applicable and clearly understand the terms before committing ourselves.

Cost Analysis

Financiers prefer to fund sound figures and facts (Wyplosz, 2009).  Here, the company will have both the long term and short term financial plan.  I is essential to note that financial planning or projection is not only important in the export but to any business venture all over the world.  The Smokeless Tobacco Company will acquire a loan and use its own capital to fund the export of tobacco and purchasing of fixed assets for its operation.  Lenders would want security of their investment hence the point of coming up with a well planned cost benefit analysis.  We have us come up with a good analysis of the benefits that both the company and the Turkish government stand to reap. The analysis involves the foreseen cost of exporting and beginning of the business as well as the revenue to be generated from this venture. The expenses include the payment of human resource that will be required in the operation. We intend to employee a total of 400 personnel on permanent basis and a further 200 on contract terms. This will cost the company an accumulative total of $10,000,000 annually.

The budget on the exporting expenses that will involve designing and redesigning costs, consultation costs, marketing fees, distribution and travel expenses, miscellaneous expenses and every other aspect of expense that might be incurred in the course of our operation is estimated to be $100,000,000 yearly.  This is but a precise and detailed financial analysis on the cost to be incurred. The financial options as stated earlier will come from lending and own capital. The company will require a loan of approximately $200,000,000. Since the main aim of the cost benefit analysis is to acquire a loan and make the most from our tobacco project to cover up the lending, the following is a detailed description on how the company will manage the cost of expanding the tobacco business, acquiring of equipment and more importantly, how we will streamline our tobacco operation.

Return on Investment

Looking at the market statistics of Turkey, we believe that the company can make an annual sale of $320,000,000 but the estimates will increase in the subsequent years.  The company is expected to get a return on investment of around $10,000,000 before tax in the first year but this will change positively in the long run as the fixed costs will remain unchanged. This will give the general public the validity of the project in context and will definitely catch the eye of the lenders looking at this analysis.  The financial cost estimate and projections were arrived at by calculating the total projected sales less the total costs and expenses.  The return on investment will thus help the company grow quickly and expand rapidly to all parts of the country hence becoming a reputable brand in many households.

The Benefits of Tobacco

The project is expected to have massive benefits both in the short term and in the long run.  The host country is going to get accrued benefits in employment. The project will employ residents in all level of management. The employment will be direct and indirect Blades, (2006). The staff will get direct benefits of employment hence pensionable while brokers at the customs and retailers will acquire indirect employment.  The citizens will get benefits of leave, medical cover, and job security among other benefits. The government will get many benefits from this project through, direct taxation to the business, paying of custom duty and value added taxes. The licenses also require payment of fees that go to government.  The employees in the business will be taxed by the same government (Athur, 2003).

Society at large will reap the benefits of the project through improved infrastructure, economic development as well as technical expertise we intend to provide to locals.  This would leave Turkey a better country.  International trade will also receive a boost from such project putting Turkey and its people on the world map of fair trade. This is a positive indication to economy as it an indication of economic growth.  Having assessed the cost and benefit analysis of this venture, it leaves no doubt that implementing it, will go a long way in benefiting the society in the host country as well as the project itself.

References

Athur, S. (2003). Economics: Principles in action. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Blades, C. (2006). Understanding National Accounts. Paris: OECD.

George, C. (2008). From Colony to Superpower: U.S. Foreign Relations Since 1776.Oxford: Oxford University press.

Mohan, R. (2009). International Business. New York:  Oxford University Press.

Wyplosz, B. (2005). Macroeconomics: A European Text, Fourth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Ubvans, Z. (1997). Effects of international relations. London: Haper Press.

 

 

Phenomenology: Being family: The family experience when an adult member is hospitalized. 

Research Tradition and Design

The study’s objective was to examine and describe the family experience in situations of severe illness (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005). The researchers reviewed reliable literature and developed a conclusion that family nursing mainly examines family by focusing on individual family member instead of concentrating on the entire family. The researchers identify that earlier studies have failed to examine family experiences especially in situations severe illness on some family members. However, this is detrimental because family unit plays a significant role on nursing practices. Consequently, the review highlights that using family as the unit of analysis and collecting the family-level data would provide greater insight about family concerns (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005).

The researchers employed the qualitative method in analyzing their subject. The research design employed was adequate for the study because the approach was capable of examining all essential variables that would aid the formulation of an informed conclusion. The scholars are able to relate the subject of their study with the known phenomenon. The scholars observe that the study would provide a succinct highlight of the family experience that would promote nursing activities within the entire family. The study has a logical tradition and design that is capable of answering research questions. The scholars were able to create an explicit congruence among the research questions, examination procedure, design and particular research tradition. The scholars have identified essential variable and utilized effective data collection and evaluation tools in examining these variables. Furthermore, the variables are measurable because they can be quantified. The variables are related to the research questions and method because obtaining the participants’ respondents would highlight their feelings or experiences. This is essential considering that the research questions had an objective of determining mixed feelings among family members. Consequently, the study responded to this by recruiting by a diverse study sample comprising of different families and individuals of all age groups. Furthermore, the study’s procedure is informed by reliable theoretical framework (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005).

Sampling and Data Collection

The study has utilized effective sample selection and collection procedures. Initially, the study’s sample size is satisfactory. Furthermore, the scholars utilized a diverse sample that incorporated individuals of different gender and age groups (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005). This provided them with an opportunity of getting a real phenomenon of the families’ experiences. Moreover, these procedures are eligible because they obtained a sample from the appropriate group. There is less bias in the examination procedures because the scholars utilized standardized instruments. The researchers have utilized theoretical frameworks and guidelines in conducting their examination. For example, the scholars utilized relevant research theories and concepts in developing their data collection and analysis procedures. For example, the researchers utilized the Van Manen’s hermeneutic concept in the analyzing their data. This was a reliable instrument because the model’s validity has been approved by prior studies. The evaluation procedure is adequate because the study utilized family as investigation’s focus groups in determining answers to the research questions. Through active interactions, the researchers would easily capture the family’s experience from a primary source.

Data Analysis

The scholars utilized the descriptive approach in analyzing their data. This procedure was adequate because it provided the researchers with the opportunity of finding answers to research questions. Through the approach, the scholars would gather all essential information for drawing effective conclusion. For example, the study’s analysis procedure was able to examine the family experience of having a family member admitted with critical illness. Moreover, the procedure was able to reflect on the themes and patterns that are associated with the phenomenon of family experience (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005). The examination procedure identified that families of critically ill loved ones require information, assurance, support and comfort. Moreover, the analysis revealed that family establishes powerful bond as they suffered the experience of serious illness together. The examination also highlighted that families have the capacity of enduring the assaults of critical illness. This indicates that the researchers’ conceptualizations align with the data from the narratives. Moreover, the study’s examinations present meaningful and insightful overview of the phenomena of interest. From the analysis, it is apparent that focusing on the family’s experience is beneficial because the practice would enhance endurance among family members during harsh situations (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005).

Quality and Validity

The researchers who conducted the study had the capacity and essential skills for examining the study’s subject. For example, Eggenberger and Nelsms are associate professors in the school of nursing at Minnesota State University and Texa’s Women University respectively. Furthermore, the study was published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, which is a reputable journal. The study also followed ethical guidelines by ensuring that the rights of the participants are protected. For example, study obtained the endorsement from the institutional review boards and clinical facility (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005). Furthermore, the scholars obtained permission from the nursing department and requested the participants to sign consent forms. They also obtained permission from parents in situations where children of ages 13 to 18 participated in the study.

Application of Research into Practice

The nursing practice established in the concept of being family is vital in constructing new family theory that values the family’s greatest need. This would develop a concept were the family’s interest is considered an integral in the management of critical illness experience. Consequently, the research is strategic in development of effective procedures for managing critical illness dilemmas that pose a serious challenge to the nursing practice. The concept is applicable in other fields especial in the social institutions were dilemma’s of such nature are common (Eggenberger & Nelms, 2005). The research findings will empower nurses with essential information for applying effective procedures when dealing with critical illness challenges. The nurses will understand how to respond to the situation accordingly. Furthermore, the nurses will utilize the study’s findings in improving their performance by understanding areas that they need concentrate resources.

Conclusion

This is an informative study with strategic concepts for improving the nursing practice. The study evaluates a subject that was neglected by other scholars providing ideal highlights. Nurses have struggled with the problem of managing critical illness conditions. Moreover, caregivers have little knowledge of the family’s experiences during these incidents. Consequently, the study responds to these problems by describing essential concepts that may promote the development of informed nursing interventions. Furthermore, the study examined a subject that is of great important. Establishing knowledge about family experiences is essential considering the vital role of family in disease management.

 

 

 

Reference

Eggenberger, S., & Nelms, T. (2005). Being family: the family experience when an adult member is hospitalized with a critical illness, Journal of Clinical Nursing 16, 1618-1628,  doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2006.01659.

 

Cell Phones should never be Used While Driving.

The role that cellular phones play in the contemporary society is critical. However, debate continues on whether people should be allowed to use their phones while driving on the roads. Several countries have legislated laws to handle this issue (Sturnquist, 2007). Drivers use their cellular phone for the same purpose as ordinary people; make calls, receive calls or text messaging. Although cellular phones ensure communication with family members, colleagues and workmates, this paper argues that it is improper to use them while driving. Drivers should not compromise their lives and that of others by using their phones while driving. Indeed, accidents that occur on the roads continue to drain the resources of families, businesses and government, and as such, there is a need to ensure sanity on the roads.

Some opinions posit that people have the freedom do whatever they want in their vehicles as guaranteed by the constitution. They argue that people should do whatever he or she wants while inside their vehicles. They claim that using phones is not the only distraction in a vehicle. People can be distracted as they switch radio stations, or when talking to the other occupants (Soard & Maker, 2012). Indeed, phone-related accidents account for only 26% of all accidents reported in any given year (Sudhoff, 2012, p. 77). Although this claim may be valid, “because using cellular phones while driving can distract drivers from the road and cause harm to themselves and others” (Soard & Maker, 2012, p. 20). Accordingly, drivers ought to pull over either to receive calls, or postpone their use of the phones until when not driving.

The drivers who use cellular phone while driving not only risk their lives, but also the lives of others. Studies indicate that most accidents are caused by lack of concentration on the part of the driver. For example, using a cell phone leads to a reduction in a driver’s level of concentration. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2005), a driver using a cell phone is more likely to cause accidents than non-users. Indeed, it has been proved that even the best drivers can easily cause an accident when distracted by a ringing phone. According to a recent survey by the National Safety Council in the U.S., about 26% of accidents in the country are phone related.

Cause of accident	Phone	Messaging	Others
Accidents (percentage)	26%	5%	69%

Source: Sturnquist (2007, p. 177).

Motor vehicle accidents, which continue to be reported on our roads on a regular basis, are harmful in various ways. For the drivers and passengers, these accidents can result into injuries that might even be crippling to the people concerned (Sudhoff, 2012). In addition, motor vehicle collisions result in the damage of property worth millions of dollars, a cost that might prove difficult to recover in some cases. Moreover, there are other adverse ramifications of accidents which include time lost that could have been used in a constructive activity, health care expenses, litigation and other related administrative costs. These expenses can be avoided if people drove on the roads with much caution and avoided the use of cellular phones.

In towns or urban centers, accidents that occur during peak hours can be disheartening to many people. Such accidents induce a “surge in traffic congestion, response time, and grief to those affected” (Sturnquist, 2007, p.126). This means, if the use of cellular phones can cause such inconveniences, then motorists and other policy makers should be worried. Similarly, insurance companies and businesses that bear the burden of such accidents should be concerned and push for stiff penalties for those who use phones while driving (Sudhoff, 2012).

Empirical evidence shows that drivers should not engage in phone conversations while driving, since a lot of concentration is required on the road. Driver performance studies valuate how use of cell phones affects driver’s concentration. The studies look at the maneuvers that drivers engage in, for instance when looking for the phone to initiate a conversation or send a message, while driving (Sturnquist, 2007). In addition, studies evaluate the effect of picking a phone that has fallen as well as holding the phone close to the ear. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2005), reports that the various tasks and responsibilities required for each task takes a certain amount of time that should be focused on the road. The studies conclude that the use of cellular phones takes a considerable amount of a driver’s mental energy and coordination, and this might lead to some complications, which might lead to a collision. However, there is insufficient data on whether hands-free models are safer compared to hand-held models. Although there are those who argue that hands-free phones leads to a better driving experience, further studies are required to verify such claims (Sudhoff, 2012). Indeed, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), which came into force on October 26, 2009 allowed drivers to use phones in hands-free mode (Sudhoff, 2012).

The parameters involved in using cell phones while driving have raised many issues including the controversy over which element contributes more to road carnage. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2005), the most distracting element, while using a phone, is dialing. Indeed, available evident from Japan supports this assertion. In Japan most distractions come from conversions rather than dialing (Sudhoff, 2012). Sturnquist (2007), points out that conversation can get emotional leading to loss of control of the vehicle. Indeed, such distraction takes a considerable amount of the driver’s mental capability to steer the vehicle well on the road leading to a crash or collision (Sudhoff, 2012).

Case reports of accidents that involve the use of cellular phones are not common, and such data, to some extent, is hard to get in some states. Some 38 states ban texting while driving while 31 do not allow the use of phones while driving. However, in most cases police do not record information on whether the driver was using a cellular phone or not before a crash or collision. Even in places where such information is provided, there are serious doubts on whether the phone was the main cause of the accident. On the other hand, drivers are reluctant in reporting the use of phones while driving for fear of being held responsible for an accident. Although witnesses could be more reliable in providing such information, in most cases, they are not available or the information might be ignored by the police (Sudhoff, 2012). However, in some states such as Massachusetts, police have been vigilant on the use of phones while driving. For instance, Aaron Deveau, 18, was sentenced to “two years in prison for causing a fatal crash while by texting while driving on Feb. 20 2011” (Mach, 2011, par. 1). Deveau’s vehicle crashed head on into Donald Bowley’s truck, killing him instantly. Massachusetts has a law that makes it illegal to text while driving.

In conclusion, the use of phones while driving should not be allowed because of the inherent risks associated with such behavior. It is an imperceptible and ill advised to compromise one’s life on the road by using a phone to communicate. In addition, the costs that come with collisions and accidents are enormous for families, businesses, and governments to bear. Governments should legislate tougher laws for drivers who engage in such activities. In addition, traffic laws must be enforced strictly to ensure compliance with safe driving practices on the roads. If this is not done, society will continue to bear the high cost of road accidents.

References

Mach, A. (2011). Massachusetts Teen Sentenced To Prison for Texting While Driving. Retrieved from http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/06/06/12090348-massachusetts-teen-sentenced-to-prison-for-texting-while-driving

Soard, T. & Maker, S. (2012). Fleet Driver Safely. New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Sturnquist, D.M. (2007). Mobile Phones and Driving. New York: Nova Science Publishers.

Sudhoff, L. M. (2012). Effects of Cognitive Processing and Cell Phone Use While Driving. Washington, DC: BiblioBazaar.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2005). Traffic Safety Facts. Retrieved from http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/810623.pdf

 

Hottentot Venus and Beyonce Knowles

Beyonce is an actress, dancer, singer and songwriter based in the United States of America. She is one of the most adorable celebrities who have succeeded in their careers. On the other hand, Hottentot Venus (Sarah Saartjie Baartman) became a celebrity in Europe after being exhibited as a caged animal (Crais and Scully, 102). She was originally from South Africa and had extra-ordinary curves on her body, which made her famous among people in Europe.

Race is a major theme that has affected the lives of both Hottentot and Beyonce. Hottentot’s journey to Europe was preceded by the belief that African women had a heightened primitive sexuality. Her body was different in many ways compared to the white females known in Europe. For Instance, she had an enlarged flap that covered her vagina. Moreover, her enlarged buttocks and breasts were also used by Europeans to underscore inferior sexual status of the black women.  Therefore, the perceived inferior black woman sexuality was used as a means to discriminate African women. Hottentot was displayed as a caged animal because she was racially unequal to white people and was viewed as a slave (Holmes, 69). The historical colonial times during which Hottentot lived were very restrictive and left her no choice, but to comply with the colonizers. Racial degradation was directed to her, but had little defense for her dignity. However, despite the colonial control, she stood her ground and refused to reveal her genitalia for observation. The humiliation did not end there because when she died of illness, her vagina and brain were cut and displayed in Paris Museum of Natural history together with her skeleton for people to view. Her remains stayed at the museum for many years until 2002 when Nelson Mandela requested the French Government for the remains. They were taken back to her country (South Africa) and give n a decent burial.

On the other hand, Beyonce lives in a post colonial period when slavery is a topic of the past and racial discrimination is minimal. However, sexual degradation of black women continues on a voluntary basis. Many black women fought hard against such degradation with the hope that it would end one day. They hoped that their children would be treated with respect with regard to their sexuality. Indeed such degradation by other races is over. However, Black women have voluntarily continued to degrade their sexuality by posing naked on stage in the name of performance. They expose their bodies to the public willingly in search of fame. They have overdone it so much that it has become like a fashion of the black woman, especially in the United States. Beyonce is one such black woman who despite being rich, she portrays her sexuality on stage in a demeaning manner to the black woman.

Both Hottentot and Beyonce belong to the female gender. Hottentot’s gender role was used to demonstrate females as underdogs who could be used as commercial objects to please people, especially men as was the case during slavery of African Americans (Hooks, 76). Similarly, Beyonce’s gender role demonstrates her as an object of male entertainment. However, she has tremendous influence even beyond racial lines, although the role is still overshadowed by degradation of black woman sexuality. Indeed racism has marred both Hottentot’s history and Beyonce’s life.

Hottentot had sexual appeals due to her curves that were rare in Europe. For instance, she had extra-ordinarily large breasts and protruding genitalia that were uncommon in Europe (Crais and Scully, 44). Her sexual appeal to her audience was not necessarily based on beauty, but rather on sexual organs that were unusual to European people. On the other hand, Beyonce’s sexual appeal is based on both beauty and attractive body curves. Moreover, her mode of dressing enhances her sexual appeal as it matches with her body figure. To crown her sexuality, Beyonce has a sexy voice and is able to dance alongside her singing. The combination of singing, dancing, clothing and beauty, differentiates Beyonce’s sexuality from that of Hottentot.

Cultural capital refers to skills, knowledge and advantages that people have that facilitates their acquisition of high status in the society (Field, 10). Beyonce has good education; her music has brought her fame, which has created a forum to interact with famous and powerful people in the world including President Obama. However, all the education and fails to earn her dignity because of her lack of respect for her sexuality on stage. On the other hand, Hottentot had little cultural capital except for her body curves and unusual features. Due to her lack of influence, she was ill-treated and did not have any social status. Her African cultural background influenced one of her sexual appeals-extended genitalia, which was unique to some Khoikhoi women (Qureshi, 20). Despite being discriminated, she had some cultural capital, which was never appreciated by the white men. This capital was evident when she constantly refused to remove her clothes so that people could view her genitalia.

Sarah Baartman travelled to London in pursuit of affluence. She was exhibited and entertained people with her exotic origin. Her physical differences left the spectators fascinated especially due to her projecting buttocks and large breasts. The person who brought her to London was prosecuted, but Baartman argued that she was not under restraint and that she was guaranteed half of the profit (Crais and Scully, 56). The ruling of the court gave her publicity that increased her popularity as an exhibit. She continued her exhibition in other parts of Britain and Ireland. Later, she was sold in France where she was exhibited. Baartman’s primary audiences were scientists. The American singer, songwriter, actress and dancer; is a very popular artist in the world today. She has released several albums, acted several movies, participated in various dances and won several awards. Beyonce’s primary audience is young people who enjoy her songs, movies and dancing styles (Qureshi, 102). Sarah Baartman’s appeal was her physical appearance. The audiences were attracted to her projected buttocks and large breast. She was bold to stay nude in front of the audience and cameras. She only wore a small-apron like garment that covered only her genitalia. This is what interested the artists who came up with her portrait. The scientists were also excited with her cooperation and courage. The fact that she was different from white women made the audience curious and eager to explore the difference. Similarly, Beyonce has had a positive appeal to her audience. One of her appeals is that she is a professional dancer. Her dancing styles and moves attract much audience globally. She is also a great artist who has composed, produced and released several albums. This has kept her audience intact and satisfied. Her body is a source of attraction to many.  She has a great physical appearance that appeals to the audience. It has been argued that her physical appearance resembles that of Sarah Baartman. Her buttocks provide inspiration to a group of scientists in Australian who have named a new species of insect that ahs a golden posterior (Holmes, 78). Beyonce’s dress code is next to nudity. Her thighs and stomach are exposed. She only covers part of her breasts, buttocks and genitalia. The physical appearance and excellence in her performance appeal most to the audience (Crais and Scully). Sarah Baartman was the most famous Khoikhoi woman exhibited in Europe. She featured in exhibitions as freak show under the name Hottentot Venus (Holmes, 2). Her curved body made her famous. This is because the white people had not seen such a geographical woman. The fact that she exposed almost the whole of her body attracted much audience. One the other hand, Beyonce has become famous due to her ever-growing career. She has continued to offer the audience with more and more music thus keeping them intact. Her body is a source of attraction and the most talked about thing in the whole world (Holmes, 22). Some of the audience purchase Beyonce’s albums to view her body when dancing. Her dress code is different from artists such as Erykah Badu who wore a very large head wraps. Badu’s body is never exposed to the audience (Qureshi, 45) unlike Beyonce’s.

It is true that Beyonce is rich (Masterson, 1). Perhaps other may argue that she has made enough and there is no need of exposing her body to earn money. They might be wrong for some reasons. Beyonce commodified her body to appeal to the audience and make sales from her numerous albums. However, this became her identity. This means that whenever people hear of Beyonce, they think of her body. Consequently, her body is like a brand or trademark. Therefore, she can’t forego it for the sake of decency. This is parallel to Sarah Baartman who used her body as a trade commodity. Baartman displayed her body for money whereas Beyonce acted nude to supplement her performance. With time, Beyonce’s dress code became an identity that proved hard to let go. The circumstances demands that she wear outfits close to nudity during performances and video recordings. This is the only way to keep her fans intact. Sarah Baartman depended on her body to make money. She appeared in several exhibitions to show her body structure including her genitalia.

Works Cited

Crais, C. Crais & Scully, Pamela. Sara Baartman & the Hottentot Venus: A Ghost Story & a Biography. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. 2009. Print.

Field, John. Social capital. London: Routledge. 2008. Print.

Hook, Bell. Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center. Pluto Press. 2000. Print.

Hooks, Bell. Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black. South End Press. 1989. Print.

Holmes, Rachel. The Hottentot Venus. Bloomsbury: Random House, 2006. Print.

Masterson, Lawrie. “Is Beyonce Beyond Her Best?” The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on October 21, 2012 from: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/insider/is-beyonce-beyond-her-best/story-e6frewt9-1225697057494

Qureshi, Sadiah. Peoples on Parade: Exhibitions, Empire and Anthropology in Nineteenth-Century Britain. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2011. Print.