Substance Abuse - Alcohol and Drugs Essay Example for Free

Substance Abuse Alcohol and Drugs Essay World Health Organization has played a huge role in the management of substance abuse and its prevention especially among the vulnerable groups. It has supported countries to reduce and prevent problems caused by the use of psychoactive substances in terms of regulations and policy implementation. Its main mandate is to; â€Å"recommend reduction and prevention mechanisms which can able to prevent relapse and assess substance that highly contribute to relapse hence able to advise the U.N on what regulations to pursue†. The department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse under it has been mandated to overlook issues of curbing relapse and also substance abuse in general (Laws and Ward, 2000). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines substance abuse as â€Å"the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances which include illicit drugs and alcohol†. A prolonged or repeated use of such substances can lead to addiction which is usually evident with continued use of the substances despite the fact that physical and mental deterioration is being noticed. In fact, various researchers in the world have come up with different conclusions and suggestions regarding the causes, effects, solutions and recommendations on how to deal with substance abuse (Laws and Ward, 2000). Substance abuse is a global issue. Reports reveal that the illegal drug business accounts for $400 billion of world trade, and is second only to the worldwide arms market, it is larger than the global iron and steel industries.(Cherry, Dillon, and Rugh, 2002) The 2000 World Drug Report noted that there were at least 180 million drug abusers globally, including 9 million heroin addicts, 29 million amphetamine users, and 14 million cocaine users (ODCCP, 2000)(Cherry, Dillon, and Rugh, 2002). Untreated cases of substance abuse, addiction and relapse add significant effects to communities and families. â€Å"The main effects that can be immediately noticed are; property and violence crimes, criminal and court related costs, health care utilization costs, lack of child support, prison   expenses for the government, welfare and foster care costs, child abuse, unemployment and emergency room visits† (Marks, A. Donovan, 2005). Treatment options Scientific research which has been conducted in the past have shown that effective treatment from substance abuse can help people completely recover from destructive behaviors after undoing   treatment or recovery process from substance abuse. People can successfully remove themselves from a life of substance abuse through effective treatment and long-term commitments. It includes the following; Pharmacotheraphies To a greater or lesser extent, certain drugs and alcohols have been developed and manufactured to assist in solving issues of relapse. They include opioid medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, morphine, oxycodone etc. which have been used as remedies of relapse. One of the most successful ones include bogaine which, according to medics, can help reduce the temptation of going back to substance abuse and is specifically suited for narcotics and alcohol. It is believed to interrupt  Ã‚   both psychological cravings and physical dependence on stimulants, nicotine and alcohol. Other antidepressants are able to moderate substance use particularly narcotics. All these Pharmacotheraphies have helped in the reduction of addiction and relapse of substance abuse for all genders. Rehabilitation Most of the judicial systems have been able to convict substance abusers to rehabilitation programs and to cope with withdrawal symptoms. The detoxification process of addiction involves the abrupt cessation of drug use and physical tolerance of the temptation. Medics promote the use of rehabilitation strategies to minimize effects of relapse since it is a slow but sure process of withdrawal. The method involves the use of psychological dependency which attempts to teach and train the victim new methods of freely interacting with a drug-free environment and avoid relapse. Isolation of victims or patients of relapse from people who are still substance abusers is very important as it prevents them from admiring the practice. In some organizations, moderations are utilized to allow substance abusers to re-examine their habits and compare themselves before and after stopping the practice. Many other programs utilize rehabilitation initiatives to make their initiatives more effective (Pham-Kanter, 2001). Justice systems Drug involved offenders have frequently been cycled through the judicial system whereby the substance abusers have become common to probation officers and police officers. This is an evidence that relapse is common and that the judicial system is doing very little to address it. As jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers and other correctional facilities get congested, all stakeholders in the medical field are examining newer solutions to prevent relapse. One of them is the criminal justice settings where substance abusers who are most likely to be criminals are only allowed to re-enter back into the community when they have completely recovered from substance abuse and are not likely to be affected by relapse. Relapse Prevention Therapy RPT was originally designed as a maintenance program for replace victims. It entails treatment of addictive behaviors which is used as stand-alone program that in most cases is designed to teach individuals to try and maintain changes initiated in the treatment process. Every individual has an effective response system to cope with incidences of high risk situations but the problem is the guts to do so. Post-implementation survey on suitability of RPT has shown that relapse had decreased significantly as a result of the program. RPT strategies are categorized to three groups; lifestyle modification, coping skills training and cognitive therapies. All of these strategies round up to both cognitive and behavioral techniques and approaches that provide victims of relapse with ways to reframe their habits once more and change processes in learning experiences with setbacks on how they can meet challenges of recovery. Life modifications strategies include; exercise, spiritual practices, meditation among others (Pham-Kanter, 2001). Side Effects of Addiction The most common side effect of substance abuse i.e. alcohol and drug is what is termed as substance relapse. Relapse is a situation of ‘converting back’ from a condition after a short or long abstinences. In drug addiction and substance abuse, it can be defined as â€Å"the resumption of the use of drugs after leaving it for some time† that is according to World Health Organization in the year 2004 (Laws and Ward, 2000). Substance abuse relapse is a condition where one feels to have failed to recover fully from addiction to drugs or substance abuse despite the fact that they have gone under a professional recovery plan. It means that individuals are tempted to use the drugs even after they have undergone a medical response process. Relapse to substance abuse is a common problem that can have devastating effects on the victim especially physical and emotional impacts. It requires good communication and counseling between the counselor and the patient. Recovery from substance abuse especially is not a complete failure to eradication but a step further; in real sense, a positive way to strengthen the process of recovery that is difficult to address given the complexity nature of the issue. There are three ways of severity of relapse which is normally used to determine the most suitable medical or counseling response. The first level is slip where the victim briefly resumes drug use but have no signs of drug dependence or symptoms of addiction.   The second level is several level of drug abuse. This is the most severe form because the victim resumes substance abuse for several days during the treatment process. This should be used as a learning process where the patient should learn from experience and prevent further relapse. The last level is the sustained drug use evidenced by resumption of addiction. The victims of substance abuse fully relapse to addiction and eventually drops out treatment and those medics and counselors need to start from scratch (Marks, A. Donovan, 2005). The Relapse Process Any use of a substance after a period of abstinence is a measure of the relapse rates. Previous research has indicated that temporal patterning of the relapse process and that the circumstances under which the process occurs across all the genders is under is difficult to comprehend especially by unprofessional persons and the victims themselves. Hence the commonalities across all substance abusers are an indication of the relapse rates and it involves a sense of perceived control and self-efficacy (Marks, A. Donovan, 2005).       Reference Cherry, A, Dillon, M, Rugh, D (2002): Substance abuse a global view. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press Laws, D. Ward, T. (2000): Remaking relapse prevention with sex offenders: The sourcebook. Newbury Park, CA; Sage Publications Marks, A. Donovan, D. (2005): Relapse prevention; Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd Ed.). New York: Guilford Press Pham-Kanter, G. (2001): Substance abuse and dependence. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine Second Edition Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group,

Developing Evaluative Skills Through Critiquing Quantitative Research

Developing Evaluative Skills Through Critiquing Quantitative Research Nursing is becoming a progressively evidence base profession. Arguably, Nightingale first popularised the link between nursing theory, nursing practice and research to inform an appropriate evidence base, and progress towards this goal has been ongoing ever since (Graham 2003). In nursing, a critique is often seen as a first step in learning the research process. However, conducting a critique is not a basic skill (Burns and Grove 2004). The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2008) ruled it mandatory for the pre-registration nursing curriculum to teach EBP as a fundamental principle of proficiency. Research has become a priority for nurses of all specialities. This paper seeks to demonstrate how these evaluative skills can be developed by critiquing a quantitative research study. An acknowledgement of the credibility of the authors, the publishing journal, and the methods used the data collection and analysis, findings, ethical issues and the strengths and weakness of the research is made. The paper will be considered using the CASP critique tool for methodological consistency and ease of presentation (CASP 2000); shown in appendix 1; a copy of the tool is enclosed. The article, on which this critique research is made, was published in the journal of Advanced Nursing. The title of the article is, Tablet-splitting: a common yet not so innocent practice. The title of this article outlined above, is seemingly clear and explicit, although not as concise as Frances et al,(2007) would prefer; between ten and fifteen words. The title of this paper suggests that tablet splitting is a common practice, which is probably true, but it suggests that it is not so innocent, which smacks more of journalism than an academic paper. It is possible that the original Belgian text does not translate perfectly into English and this may be a translational syntactical inaccuracy. The article was accepted on 6 August 2010 and it was published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(1), pages 26-32. Elsevier (2009) State that they only print manuscripts that have been peer reviewed with any necessary revisions made. This is favourable for the credibility of the article as the reader is assured that it has been scrutinised by an independent body of a similar field to the author/s. Elsevier also clarifies that the author must have the appropriate clinical and educational credentials for the research study. The four authors are all highly qualified, each with a PhD, three in academic pharmacology and a fourth who is a professor of geriatrics. A substantial literature search does not show any other publications by these authors. Quantitative research is formal and objective research that is concerned with collecting and analysing data that focuses on numbers and frequencies, rather than meaning or experience, it examines cause-and-effect interactions among variables using a systematic process (Burns and Grove, 1997; Ogier, 1999). The research that has been carried out for this published paper is an example of quantitative research and has been carried out using a randomised control trial method. A randomised control trial (R.C.T.) is a true experiment characterised by the manipulation of the independent variable, random assignment of individual subjects to the conditions and all other factors being controlled (Ogier, 1999). The R.C.T. was carried out as a small study in which five volunteers were asked to split eight tablets of different sizes and shapes, including medicines for Parkinsons disease, heart failure and arthritis. Participants used three different methods to split their pills: a splitting device , scissors or manual spitting for scored tablets, and a kitchen knife. In the article under scrutiny, the authors point out the fact that it is observed to be common clinical practice, particularly in nursing homes, to split tablets so that a proportion of the tablet dose can be conveniently given. This can be for economic or purely practical reasons as tablets are often supplied from stock and not always in the exact form or dose prescribed. They cite a German study in support (Quinzler et al 2006) which found that nearly 25% of administered drugs were split. It should however, be noted that on closer inspection, the Quinzler study is not particularly relevant to the UK situation, has a number of serious methodological errors and also did not consider a wide spectrum of clinical applications, nor is it in close agreement with other studies in this area. Its findings therefore are not particularly generalizable and are a poor choice of evidence in support of this paper. There is no doubt however, from taking a further overview of the available literature, that tablet-splitting does occur with a degree of regularity in clinical situations, and as such, the authors consider this investigation justified. The Abstract in this case is perfectly adequate, outlining the main points of the study. The main contentious issue is a comment in the Abstract conclusion which states that Large dose deviationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. occurred when splitting tablets (Verrue et al 2011, p.26), a comment which is not actually borne out by the findings of the study. Close inspection of the results suggest that deviations of more than 25% of the original tablet mass occurred in 19% of cases, but the authors included those cases where one half spontaneously split further, and therefore would have no real clinical or practical significance. It has also to be noted that there is no indication in the abstract, of the methods of sample selection or whether this was in any way a controlled trial. It does however; serve the prime objective of an Abstract, which is to offer the reader sufficient information to determine whether further reading of the article would be appropriate (Robson 2006). The Introduction is comparatively short. The point about the citation of the Quinzler study has already been made, but the rest of the Introduction effectively sets out the rationale for the study, together with the justification for clinical relevance. It has to be observed that the literature review is comparatively brief with some comparatively old papers being cited (Barker et al 1982 and Babbington 1997) when there are a number of perfectly respectable authorities to make the same points that are much newer and would therefore be considered both more relevant and appropriate (Coombes et al 2009). The aims of the study are clearly stated, although the actual study design is not. It requires further reading through the paper to actually determine the methodology used (this is found under data collection), the sample selection, (this is found under Discussion which is really quite inappropriate) and also the means of determining the results (also found under data collection). It is also the case that the clinical significance of the rationale for the study is neither explicitly set out nor addressed. This is very relevant to the issue of tablet-splitting as if, as the cited literature suggests, there is a 25% variance in actual dose administration after splitting, then the degree to which it could be clinically important should be presented. One could suggest that in all but the most extreme cases, a 25% variation in the dose of Aspirin given is not likely to be hugely clinically significant, whereas a 25% variation in the dose of a cytotoxic drug may have profound consequences for the patient. There is no real consideration of this point, nor any concession to its absence (Polgar et al 2000). This element of the review of the literature in the introduction therefore has major deficiencies. The study design is quantitative in nature. The authors have used five healthcare professionals for the task of tablet-splitting. One has to read through to the study limitations segment to determine that the authors used an administrative co-worker, a laboratory technician, a pharmacy student and two pharmacists as the study cohort. On reflection, this seems a strange choice, as it is neither homogenous nor rational, as none of these groups are likely to be involved in tablet-splitting in the situation of the nursing home, which the authors have chosen to investigate (nor many other clinically relevant situations, in all probability). This choice seriously weakens both the generalizability of the findings and also the applicability of the study to the clinical evidence base for nursing. Another major shortcoming of the methodology of this paper is the fact that the authors included cases where the tablet split into more than two pieces as deviations from the mean. In most clinical situations the administration of a tablet, which has split into two halves, and one half has then broken further, is no less accurate if the pieces are administered as one piece or as several. The authors make no concession on this point and therefore are likely to significantly overestimate the inaccuracies in their findings. (Schulz et al 2005) Issues of sample selection have already been addressed above. Sample size appears to be completely arbitrary with a total of 1,200 operations spread over the group being considered a reasonable sample size. It is usual, in academic studies such as this to see calculations of minimum sample size to determine the power of significance. Its omission further reduces the applicability of the study (Rosenthal 2004). The ethical considerations are explicitly addressed, as ethical committee approval was not required because patients were neither involved nor personal details recorded (Bowling 2002). Some of the elements of bias and limitation have already been addressed. The results obtained have been subjected to a modest degree of statistical analysis with a one way ANOVA and a Turkeys post hoc analysis being carried out. One has to observe however, that the nature of the study is such that a more sophisticated data analysis is not really appropriate (Argyrous 2000). The results are presented in a clear and logical fashion, with 5 tables showing how the results were distributed. It is clear from the presentation of the results exactly what the authors have found; for example using a splitting device was the most accurate method. It still produced a 15 to 25 per cent error margin in 13 per cent of cases, but this was lower than the 22 per cent for scissors and the 17 per cent for the knife. Further critical reading is not necessary in this respect. An interesting feature of the study is the fact that weight loss of the tablet occasioned by the splitting process has also been determined, for example some tablets were much easier to split accurately than others. The easiest to split produced an overall error margin of 15 per cent deviation or more and the most difficult tablets produced an error margin of 19 per cent. Closer examination of the results however, shows that this does not just reflect the amount of material lost as powder or small fragments, as one might initially consider, but also the amount of the tablet that was inadvertently dropped on the floor. The authors rationalised this on the basis that a tablet, once having been on the floor, would not be subsequently given to the patient, which although undoubtedly true, does rather distort the results that are presented (Rosner 2006). The discussion element of this paper is something of a disappointment. The first element is a consideration of the study limitations, which entirely appropriate (Gomm et al 2000). The authors spontaneously point out the fact that the clinical effects or consequences of their findings are not presented (Verrue at el 2011 p. 29). This is a major detraction from the usefulness of this paper and would make the interpretation of the results by a non-clinician more difficult. The authors also concede that no nurses were selected for the experimental splitting group. This is quite remarkable, as one could intuitively suggest that it would be nurses, of various grades, who would actually be responsible for tablet-splitting in the vast majority of clinical circumstances. It is actually of little practical relevance for nursing homes to be able to understand how effective a Professor of Pharmacology is at splitting tablets. The authors go on to compare and contrast their findings with other work in the area (Mcdevitt et al 1998,Birton et al. 1999, Peek et al. 2002, Teng et al. 2002, Cook et al 2003) and point out the similarities and differences in their findings. This is an entirely appropriate and useful segment with the authors pointing out the specific fact that this type of study has not been done before and also that much of the similar work in this area is already a few years old (Verrue et al 2011 p.30) The discussion segment also notes that we aimed at providing nursing homes with advice for the best tablet-splitting technique in daily practice (Verrue et al 2011, p.30). One would suggest that this is not in congruence with the stated aims of the study (although it is tangentially relevant). One could also observe that the one thing that this study does not do, is to offer nursing homes a suitable evidence base on which to base their practices, as no clinically relevant staff were involved in the study. Some of the participants are unlikely to have a concept of the clinical significance of exactly halving the dose of the medication. This is a low grade study which had the potential to make an impact on the evidence base in an important clinical area. The methodological shortcomings and a lack of generalizability, greatly reduce any possibility of such an impact. The paper, although superficially well presented, with an admirable display of tables and easy to interpret data, has major flaws which become apparent on even the most superficial levels of critical analysis. The initial interest generated by a reading of the Abstract, did not translate into clinically useful data which could be applied into everyday nursing practice. An overview of the methodology suggests that the authors might have made a significant contribution to the evidence base in this area with a little more forethought and pre-study design consideration. This belief is given credence by the fact that the authors criticise themselves in the Study limitations segment, in areas which could quite reasonably have been considered before the actual investigation took place. This study does not materially contribute to the evidence base in this area. Appendix 1 Quantitative Research Papers Critiquing Tool A Framework for Critiquing Quantitative Research Papers Include full reference of paper here: (i.e. Author/s (date) Title of article. Journal title. Volume, Number, page numbers.) Critiquing Framework Title of Paper Is the aim or purpose of the study clear? Are the main variables of interest indicated? Is the study design or research method clear from the title? Is there any reference to the population from whom the data are collected? The Abstract/Summary Does this summarise the whole study? Is information provided regarding background, literature, aim/and objectives, hypotheses (if RCT), methods, sample size, measures used etc, results and conclusions? Does it suggest that a more detailed reading of the rest of the paper would be worthwhile? Introduction/Literature Review Background/rationale Why was the topic chosen, what is the background to the study? Is there a critical review of previous literature and related theoretical concepts? Are gaps in the literature identified? Aim and objectives What problem or issue is being investigated? How clearly is this problem or issue defined or explained? Is there a clearly stated aim? Do the research objectives or research questions support this aim? Are the variables of interest clearly defined `and are relationships between these evident and clearly stated? Which are the independent and dependent variables? Are hypotheses (if RCT) stated in a way that makes them testable? Method Research design What is the study design and is it clearly explained and appropriate for the research questions? Could the design be improved? Was there a pilot study? Research questionnaires What measures are used? Are validity and reliability reported for these measures either in the paper or clearly referenced? Have the authors dealt appropriately with any unreliable questionnaires or scales? Sample Is the population appropriate for the research question? How were the sample chosen? What is the sample size? Are statistical power considerations discussed? Are inclusion and exclusion criteria described? Can the results be reasonably generalised on the basis of this sample? Ethics Are ethical considerations presented. Is it suggested that ethical approval was granted? Results/Findings/Data analysis Does the paper explain clearly how the data are analysed? Are statistical techniques clearly and adequately described? Are the statistics presented at a simple descriptive level or are inferential statistics also included? How are the results presented? Does the text adequately explain any tables or graphs? Have any tests of significance established whether differences, or associations, between groups could have happened by chance? What p values are used? Are non-significant results clearly indicated? Discussion Is the discussion an accurate account of the results? Could there be other ways of interpreting the data? Does the discussion address the research aim and objectives? Are all the research questions answered? Conclusion Are the conclusions of the study consistent with the results of the statistical analyses? Are alternative conclusions suggested? Are theoretical and practical implications of the results adequately discussed? Are the recommendations suggested feasible? Limitations What are the limitations and are these acknowledged by the authors? Overall impression (CASP 2000)

A Focus On Research Methodology Business Essay

A Focus On Research Methodology Business Essay 3.1 Introduction: The previous chapter discussed about the existing literature of how the innovation process and product life cycle works within a company. This chapter will focus on research methodology which is the set of method, providing a systematic technique to accomplish research aims and objectives and research questions. As per Kumar (2005), research methodology is the way to answer all the research questions. The researcher will clarify the types of research methods and also it will illustrate the correct process to meet the research aims and objectives, data collection process and evaluation of the data. The centre point of any research is to data collection and the analysis. Saunders et al. (2009, p-106) described this centre point as a centre of an onion which has different layers that need to be peeled away to get into the centre point. This onion is known as a research onion, which is shown below: Figure 3.1: Research Onion Source: Saunders et al. (2009) 3.2 Research philosophy: According to Saunders et al. (2009) research philosophy is the term that develops the knowledge and there is a strong relation between the nature of that knowledge and the research. To support to select the research strategy method it is important to take the supposition of the research. As per Johnson and Clark (2006) stated in Saunders et al. (2009, p.108) the management and business researchers need to be aware of the philosophies that be chosen for research report. They also added the significance of the research need to understand by investigation. In addition, there is been supportive statement by Saunders et al. (2009, p.108), The important issue is not so much whether our research should be philosophically informed, but it is how well we are able to reflect upon our philosophical choices and defend them in relation to the alternatives we could have adopted. According to research onion from Saunders et al. (2009, p.108), there are four main areas which cover the research philosophy. These are as follows: Pragmatism Interpretivism Realism Positivism 3.2.1 Pragmatism: In research philosophy pragmatism is the most important determination that focuses on the research question. In this part it is also possible to argue within both positivist and interpretivist view. This is also applicable for practical approach. It helps to collect and analyze data by integrating different perspectives. (Saunders et al. (2009, p.109) 3.2.2 Interpretivism: The term interpretivism stands for, as a researcher it is required to be aware of the difference between humans in their role as social actors. According to Saunders et al. (2009, p.116), The difference between conducting research among people rather than objects such as trucks and computers. The term social actors is quite significant here. In the same way we interpret our everyday social roles in accordance with the meaning we give to these roles. In addition, we interpret the social roles of others in accordance with our own set of meaning. 3.2.3 Realism: Realism is another important point of research philosophy which focuses on scientific enquiry. In other word, the existence of autonomous reality of the human mind is the realism. As per Saunders et al. (2009, p.114), quoted that, The philosophy of realism is that there is a reality quite independent of the mind. In this sense, realism is opposed to idealism, the theory that only the mind and its contents exist. Realism is a branch of epistemology which is similar to positivism in that it assumes a scientific approach to the development of knowledge. 3.2.4 Positivism: Positivism is the epistemological view that promotes working with a clear social reality. As a researcher when reflects their research with positivism philosophy, then that research adopt the natural scientist philosophical stance. Saunders et al. (2009, p.113) The research idea came from the business background of author which has driven to develop the knowledge of product life cycle and innovation process from the customer perception of Nokia mobile phone. To generate a research it is important to develop research hypothesis. According to Porte (2010), in order to focus the study, to give the flow of reading, researcher should able to meet the research question or hypothesis. As a researcher the following hypothesis can be identified: H1: Rapid changes in the product attributes over last few years as customers taste changes with diversified culture. H2: Technology facilitated more innovation and increasing rate of product obsolescence resulting changes in the product life cycle strategy. H3: Growing trend of open market economy is the reason of innovation. 3.3 Research approaches: The final outcome of the research is determined by the way the project is being designed. This is the first step to investigate the phenomenon and the type philosophy that will be guided to investigate the process. As Saunders et al. (2009, p.124) stated that The extent to which you are clear about the theory at the beginning of your research raises an important question concerning the design of tour research project. This is whether your research should use the deductive approach, in which you develop a theory and hypothesis (or hypotheses) and design a research strategy to test the hypothesis, or the inductive approach, in which you would collect data and develop theory as a result of your data analysis, insofar as is useful to attach these research approaches to the different research philosophies. There are two types of research approaches. These are as follow: Deductive approach Inductive approach 3.3.1 Deductive approach: Deductive approach is the method of purely formed theories arises as a generalization from observable data that are going to be explained. This approach was first introduced by Sir Isaac Newton (1643- 1726) in the late 17th century. (Holzinger, 2010). Research hypothesis and theory can be tested by collecting and analysis the data. According to Saunders et al. (2009, p.125), the theoretical plan of research approach needs to test by implementing the strategy which is particularly designed to test the hypothesis. Moreover Pathirage et al. (2008) added, deductive approach moves from theory to data. 3.3.2 Inductive approach: This is an alternative approach to conduct the research. Drosg (2009) stated that, inductive research depends on the variation of data values, which is a set of data of statically analysis. This kind of research is directly involved with the management research, because it involve with data analysis, issues and problems. Afterwards the researchers develop the theory based on those investigations. However, Crowther and Lancaster (2008) mentioned that inductive approach is flexible for sample size and data, because it does not require any established theory. Deductive emphasises Inductive emphasises Scientific principles Gaining an understanding of the meanings humans attach to events. Moving from theory to data A close understanding of the research context The need to explain casual relationship between variables. The collection of qualitative data. The collection of quantitative data. A more flexible structure to permit changes of research emphasis as the research progresses. The application of controls to ensure validity of data. A realisation that the researcher is part of the research process. The operationalisation of concepts to ensure clarity of definition. Less concern with the need to generalise. A highly structured approach. Researcher independence of what is being researched. The necessity to select samples of sufficient size in order to generalise conclusions. Table 3.1: Major differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research. Source: Saunders et al. (2009, p.127) This research is to design to investigate the impact and influence of product life cycle and customer perceptions on business innovation strategy. As per above discussion, this research will conduct through deductive approach. This will apply the related theory of product life cycle and innovation process; it will also find out the effectiveness of these theories with Nokia mobile company. 3.4 Research design: Research design reflects on research questions. This is to be contingent with research objectives which are obtained from research questions. Saunders et al. (2009, p.137) stated that, researcher need valid reason for research design and the justification of research rely on research questions, objectives and research philosophy. According to Heppner et al. (2008) research design is the centre component of scientific inquiry and the most difficult part is selecting a research design whose strengths and weaknesses help the researcher to examine research questions. 3.5 Research Strategy: Research strategy is the general plan to answer the research questions. As per Saunders et al. (2009, p.141) no research strategy is inherently superior; this is not important which label is attached with strategy, but this is most important whether this strategy will allow the researcher to answer the research questions. The following research strategy can be identified (Saunders et al.,2009, p.141): Experiment Survey Case study Action research Grounded theory Ethnography Archival research Experiment: This type of research is based on natural science research. However, social science and specially psychology types of research are fall into this category. This involves with a link of two variables. Survey: This is a deductive research. The main area of this research is business and management research. As a result, it more likely exercised for exploratory and descriptive research. Case study: Robson (2002, p.178) cited in Saunders et al. (2009, p.145) a strategy for doing research which involves an empirical investigation of a particular contemporary phenomenon within its real life context using multiple of evidence. Case study mainly concentrates to gain and understand the knowledge of a specific area. Action research: This research is concerned about the change management and collaboration with practitioner and researcher. This is a management research. Grounded theory: This is an inductive research. Here theory is developed and data is generated by further observation. Ethnography: The strategy that focus on the description and interpretation of the social world from the first hand side. This type of research is very time consuming. Archival research: This final strategy considers the administrative records and documents for its principle source of data. From above discussion, it has been decided by the author, this research topic will go along with case study strategy. This research is based on theory of product life cycle and innovation strategy, which is fall into deductive approach and supported by this strategy. This research will build the knowledge of product life cycle and innovation process by collecting the information from Nokia Research Centre and will compare with the most up to date theory. 3.6 Data collection method: There are two kinds of data collection process for research project (Saunders et al. (2009). These are as follow: Primary data and Secondary data. 3.6.1 Primary data: The data gathered solely for research purposes to meet the research question is known as primary data. Saunders et al. (2009, p.598) quoted, data collected specially for the research project being undertaken. The primary data can be collected through interviews, surveys, questionnaires and discussions. This reflects on the real scenario of the project and there is presence of validation by the secondary data. 3.6.2 Secondary data: The data that have already been published and reanalysing for some other reason is called secondary data. According to Saunders et al. (2009, p.256-258) secondary data contains both raw and published data. These data can be both quantitative and qualitative and can be used in both descriptive and explanatory research. Secondary data can be collected through documentary, multiple source and survey. Advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary data: Advantages Disadvantages Primary Data Specifically addresses the research question Collecting and analysing data can be expensive Reliability, credibility and accuracy are known Researcher must have the necessary skills to conduct primary research Can address almost any research question Primary research is time consuming Secondary Data Can be very cost effective Reliability, credibility and accuracy may not be known Can usually be gathered quickly Units of measurement may not be appropriate Does not require the same expert skills as primary data collection Data may not be presented in a usable format Interpretation and analysis skills are still required Data may be untimely or out of date Source or sponsor of the research may not be known Table 3.2: Advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary data Source: Morgan and Summers (2005) This research will conduct by collecting both primary and secondary data to attain the aims and objectives. Secondary data will be collected from journals, newspapers, internet (online publications) and specially Nokia Research Centre (NRC). The primary data will be collected by conducting questionnaire design on 200 customers to get the outcome of the customer perception of Nokia mobile phone. 3.7 Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Saunders et al. (2009, p. 151) quoted that, Quantitative is predominantly used as a synonym for any data collection techniques (such as questionnaire) or data analysis procedure (such as graphs or statistics) that generates or uses numerical data. In contrast, qualitative is used predominantly as a synonym for any data collection techniques (such as an interview) or data analysis procedure (such as categorising data) that generates or uses non- numerical data. The researcher will use both quantitative and qualitative data for this research. However, this research is mostly based on qualitative data; as this research will consider with the modern theory of product life cycle and innovation process. The quantitative data will also be considered to calculate the customer perceptions. 3.8 Evaluation techniques: Evaluation techniques depend on the types of research and how the data will be analysed. The researcher will analyse both quantitative and qualitative data. There are some specific ways to measure these kinds of data. UWE (n.d.) stated that, the quantitative data analysis often consider descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data analysis may do by considering analysis of visual data and analysis of narrative data. To evaluate the both primary and secondary data, the researcher will represent them with graphical, tabular and chart context. The researcher will also investigate the Nokia Research Centre (NRC) website for their product life cycle and innovation strategy to compare with the most recent situation. 3.9 Limitations: This research project has certain limitation in context of the entire study. However, this limitation can be taken as a scope for further research. The first limitation of this study is not taking any primary data direct from Nokia head office, which is situated in Europe and this research is conducting from London. 3.10 Summary: This study will collect the data from secondary sources and designing questionnaires for the customers. This methodology of the task can be a number of procedures that have followed to prepare a meaningful report. The findings and analysis will be discussed in the following chaper.

one hundred years of solitude :: essays research papers

31.03.2005  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are times when surreal is so naturally expressed that it becomes real. In One Hundred Years of Solitude, Garcia Marquez perfectly combines extraordinary events with everyday life. The magic realism in Marquez’s novel transforms the extraordinary into reality by the use of religion, myth and belief systems. Although these themes make the novel magical, the story is a representation of the reality of Latin America before industrialism with a Civil War going on and the reactions of the people to modernization. The novel also clearly expresses how magic and religion overcome the realities of life – magic becomes more real than reality itself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The theme of religion and different perspectives on issue are introduced by different characters. The indigenous members of the Buendia family are very flexible toward religion. For example, Jose Arcadio Buendia teases the priest. Most of the Buendias have incestuous relationships. Most of the Buendia men have affairs with prostitutes. These examples do not prove that the Buendias are nonreligious but on the contrary they believe that religion is an institution between God and man itself and no mediators are needed. As a counter-example on the issue of flexibility on religion in the Buendia family is the newcomer member, Fernanda del Carpio, is strictly religious and an inflexible follower of Catholism. She gains the control of the Buendia house by imposing her vain religious discipline. Fernanda’s nonflexible religious side reaches its climax where she forces her daughter Amaranta Ursula to become a nun because of her relationship with Mauricio Babilonia wh ich Fernanda disapproves and Mauricio is shot and becomes paralyzed in Fernanda’s command and their illegitimate son Aureliano is locked into a room. Remedios the Beauty, the daughter of Santa Sofia and Arcadio, floats to heaven and Amaranta, the daughter of Ursula Iguaran and Jose Arcadio Buendia, dies as a virgin. These characters can be also counted as biblical symbols of heaven and Mary the Virgin.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One Hundred Years of Solitude can be perceived as the Bible of Macondo since it outlines the genesis and apocalypse of Macondo in which the biblical myths are fulfilled. Initially, Macondo is an uncivilized, innocent settlement and Jose Arcadio Buendia and Ursula Iguaran populates Macondo as Adam and Eve did the world. Besides, Jose Arcadio Buendia surely represents Adam since he is tied up to a tree because of insanity caused by his quest for knowledge similar to Adam and Eve being exiled from Eden after eating from the Tree of Knowledge.

Comparing the Behavioral Perspective and the Cognitive Perspective :: Psychology

Comparing the Behavioral Perspective and the Cognitive Perspective   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The behavioral perspective is the idea that if psychology was to be a science, then it must focus on events, which are directly observable on behavior, rather than on mental life. The behavioral perspective maintains the primary emphasis on observable behavior and its relation to environmental events. Behavioral perspective is through reinforcement, which is the idea that patterns of emitted behavior can be selected by their consequences. Cognitive perspective is centered on the description of the nature and development of the representation of knowledge. It comes from three points of view, which are the theory of information processing, the inability of behaviorism to provide a comprehensive account for all aspects of human behavior, and the invention of the computer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Behavioral perspective is the theory that the majority of all behavior is learned from the environment after birth. Freewill is considered to be an illusion, because our environment determines behavior. Behaviorists believe that only behavior should be observed, not our minds, since we cannot see into other people’s minds. There is no way to know if a person is honestly answering a question so it is irrelevant. Behaviorists use strict laboratory experiments, usually on animals, such as rats or pigeons. They test animals because the laws of learning are universal, there are only a quantitative difference between animals and humans, and animals are practically and ethically more convenient to test.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cognitive psychologists think that mental processes should and can be investigated scientifically. Comparing the Behavioral Perspective and the Cognitive Perspective :: Psychology Comparing the Behavioral Perspective and the Cognitive Perspective   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The behavioral perspective is the idea that if psychology was to be a science, then it must focus on events, which are directly observable on behavior, rather than on mental life. The behavioral perspective maintains the primary emphasis on observable behavior and its relation to environmental events. Behavioral perspective is through reinforcement, which is the idea that patterns of emitted behavior can be selected by their consequences. Cognitive perspective is centered on the description of the nature and development of the representation of knowledge. It comes from three points of view, which are the theory of information processing, the inability of behaviorism to provide a comprehensive account for all aspects of human behavior, and the invention of the computer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Behavioral perspective is the theory that the majority of all behavior is learned from the environment after birth. Freewill is considered to be an illusion, because our environment determines behavior. Behaviorists believe that only behavior should be observed, not our minds, since we cannot see into other people’s minds. There is no way to know if a person is honestly answering a question so it is irrelevant. Behaviorists use strict laboratory experiments, usually on animals, such as rats or pigeons. They test animals because the laws of learning are universal, there are only a quantitative difference between animals and humans, and animals are practically and ethically more convenient to test.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cognitive psychologists think that mental processes should and can be investigated scientifically.

Resources for Food Storage Warehouse Requirements

Warehouse Sanitation Workshop Handbook, by Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) – PDF http://www. eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. jsp? nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED201821&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED201821 Foreword (pg 31/67)| There is good description of the scope of how they define ‘Food Warehouse’ and differentiate it from Food Manufacturing| II Buildings and Grounds (pg 31 – 32)III Fixtures and Equipment (pg 32)| Can be used for Section 2: Warehouse exterior and surroundings| IV Sanitary Facilities (pg 32-33)V Sanitary Operations (pg 33-34)VI Procedures & Controls – Part I, J, K (pg 35 – 36)| Can be used for Section 8: Hygiene of premises including housekeeping, personal hygiene, pest control and waste disposal| VI Procedures & Controls – Part A to H (pg 34 – 35)| Can be used for Section 7: Safe Handling of Food| VII Personnel (pg 36)| Can be used for Sect ion 11: Appointment of hygiene officers and personnel training| Appendix (pg37-39)| Could be used as our Appendix and Checklist too| 2.Food Safety for Warehousing and Distribution (a training course that comes with a copy of the AIB International Consolidated Standards for Inspection: Food Distribution Centres) https://secure. aibonline. org/php/ecomm-catalog. php? catalogNbr=11-3375 3. Food Establishment Regulations, by Southern Nevada Health District – PDF http://www. southernnevadahealthdistrict. org/food-regulations/index. php Chapter 1 Purpose and DefinitionsChapter 9-1 Definitions| Can be used for Section 1: Definitions| Chapter 2 Management and Personnel Supervision| Can be used for Section 11: Appointment of hygiene officers and personnel training| Chapter 3-305. 11 Food Storage (pg 35/166)Chapter 3-305. 2 Food Storage prohibited areas (pg 36)| Can be used for Section 6: Safe storage conditions of food| Chapter 9-202 General Warehouses| Can be used for Section 3: Ware house structure, design and maintenance| Chapter 9-302 General Warehouses| Can be used for Section 7: Safe handling of food|Chapter 9-302. 17 to . 19| Can be used for Section 8: Hygiene of premises| Chapter 9-302. 20 Transportation| Can be used for Section 9: Transportation requirements| 4. Oregon ODA Food Safety Division http://oregon. gov/ODA/FSD/reg_law_index. shtml Division 25 – Food Establishment Standards and Standards for Retail Food Service Activities http://arcweb. sos. state. or. us/pages/rules/oars_600/oar_603/603_025. tml 603-025-0010 Definitions| Can be used for Section 1: Definitions Definition of Food Storage Warehouse: means any building or place where food is stored as a commercial venture or business, or stored in connection with or as a part of a commercial venture or business, but does not include a home, restaurant, rooming house, hotel or similar place where food is stored to be used or consumed by the owner or served to employees, customers, or guests, nor an establishment licensed by the department under other laws| 603-025-0020 General Standards (1) and (2)| Can be used for Section 2: Warehouse exterior and surroundings| 603-025-0020 General Standards (3) – (8)| Can be used for Section 3: Warehouse structure| 603-025-0020 General Standards (9) – (11)| Can be used for Section 8: Hygiene| 603-025-0020 General Standards (12)| Can be used for Section 11: Personnel| 603-025-0020 General Standards (13),(14),(16)| Can be used for Section 7: Safe handling| 603-025-0020 General Standards (15)| Can be used for Section 9: Transportation requirements| 603-025-0140 Food Storage WarehousesIn addition to the provisions of OAR 603-025-0020, a food storage warehouse shall comply with the following: (1) Cold Storage: Each cold storage room in a food storage warehouse shall be equipped with an accurate and easily visible thermometer with the sensing element at least five feet above the floor. (2) Morgue: The operator of a food storag e warehouse shall provide an area for the accumulation and holding of all damaged foods or foods which are or may be unwholesome. The operator shall maintain a program of timely and proper disposal of damaged or unwholesome foods to prevent development of insanitary conditions or vermin breeding places and rodent harborage.5. Organic Food Federation Storage, Warehouse & Transport Standards (PDF) http://www. orgfoodfed. com/Our%20Standards. htm 6. International Food Safety & Quality Network http://www. ifsqn. com/ http://www. ifsqn. om/brc-storage-and-distribution-quality-management-system-p-94. html 7. Wholesale Food Warehouse Risk Control Plan Workbook (PDF) sandiegohealth. org/food/wholesale_workbook. pdfSimilar Chapter III Food Storage Procedures| Can be used for Section 6: Safe storageCan be used for Section 7: Safe handling| Chapter IV Receiving, Transportation| Can be used for Section 9: Transportation requirements| Chapter V Food Security| Can be used for Section 11: Personnel| Chapter VI RecallChapter VII Traceback| Can be used for Section 13: Recall| Chapter X Pest Control| Can be used for Section 8: Hygiene| Sample Self-Inspection Form (pg 64/74)| Can be used as Appendix|

Foundation of Leadership Essay

How do leaders of today become what they are now? What experiences did they gone through in stabilizing their foundations of good and ideal leadership? There are just too many aspects in life that will mold you to become an efficient leader. Every experience, person you will meet, and their ideals will contribute to create a leader out of you. 1. Create a diagram that demonstrates the interplay of your life. Include the aspects that you think are important. The diagram shows how an individual gain his skills and knowledge through social interaction. Personal experiences teach an individual what to do and what he will become in the future. The relationship and interaction with the people around you mold and stabilize your character. The work and experience that you have or have been engaged in will create the kind of leader you are or can be after surpassing circumstances and pressures. Your goals and desires will determine how far you can go. 2. What principles surfaced to you from your readings of â€Å"Synchronicity†? To what extent have you practiced any or all of the disciplines in the context of your personal life? Synchronicity, a book written by Joseph Jaworski, also discussed about important insights in leadership. He presented the value of servant leadership; wherein in an organization an individual is after the group instead of one’s self interest. Servant leaders should know how to listen, empathize, be aware, heal himself and the members, conceptualize, foresee, persuade, commit, and build his community. Servant leaders should also know how to keep the harmonious relationship among members. From my own experience, I have proven that servant leadership works. A leader who values the group members and their opinion has too far to go in leading. Listening, empathy and awareness are very important. Moreover, respect is also being gained in return. You can also expand and develop ideas through brainstorming. Jaworski also discussed the importance of advance planning and conceptualizing. You will be able to estimate and assume future events and circumstances, enabling you to know what to do or avoid in the future. Learning from the past is also important, past experiences can be one’s pattern in decision-making. Leadership skills can be developed and improved through one’s knowledge and experiences. Different styles can be used depending on the situation for a more efficient results, only proper decision-making should be done wisely. To be knowledgeable and ideal leader, explore the world and learn more things in life. Be responsible. 3. Locate one or more websites and journals that explore leadership traits and styles, and discuss management and leadership. A group of researchers led by Kurt Lewin, conducted an experiment in order to study and identify specific types of leadership. In result, the group established three major types: the authoritarian leadership (autocratic), Participative (democratic), and delegative (laissez-faire). (Kendra Van Wagner) In authoritarian leadership, clear expectations of all the details is provided such as what, when, and where something should be done. Leaders decide independently with a little contribution from the rest of the group, or even nothing at all. In this type of leadership, less creativity in decision-making is being formed by the group. However, it is applicable in situations wherein there is minimal time for group discussion or when the leader is the most knowledgable and reliable member of the group. (Kendra Van Wagner) Participative leadership allows everyone to take part in the discussion and decision-making processes and is guided by the leader. The output of the work lead by democratic leaders is more creative. Members are being more motivated and creative as the leader encourage them to participate, but preserve the final decision to him. (Kendra Van Wagner) Members under delegative leadership work independently with a little or no guidance at all from the leader and leave decision-making to the rest of the group. On the other hand, this style can be useful for members that are highly competent in an area of proficiency, but frequently results into weakly defined roles and lack of enthusiasm. (Kendra Van Wagner) Leadership goes hand in hand with management. Though the two are inseparable terms, it is important to know the distinction between them. Leadership deals with the concept and rationale while management is into the logistic details such as who, when and when. Leaders direct the organizarion while managers handle the process towards a certain goal. Leaders motivate others to go beyond their limit and explore whereas managers make others do what they need to do. Managers are focused on present circumstances; leaders conentrate on conceptualizing and foreseeing. Leaders plan; managers make things done. They have different jobs and responsibillities, yet the two are directly linked to each other. How can you plan for the future and lead if you don’t know how to manage and work things out? (Webb) Works Cited Jaworski, Joseph. Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership . Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1st ed edition , March 1996. Kendra Van Wagner. â€Å"Leadership Theories. † 2007. About. com. 26 September 2007 . Webb, Bert. My Two Cents: Leadership vs. Management. 26 September 2007 .