Healthcare Management - SWOT analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Healthcare Management - SWOT analysis - Essay Example They have made three locations in their community area to cover all people of the community. This strengthens up their organization as people will be able to access them easily and effectively and the availability of services will be fast and sure. The first weakness which every new emerging company can face is the lack of customer flow towards it as the existing organization in the market makes up their credibility with time in people. And especially when the matter comes to health, people prefer and become more fastidious in trusting an organization. The other common weakness the company faces is lack and unavailability of facilities and experienced staff. The weakness of any organization is basically internal; which exist within the organization .So such weaknesses and internal defects can be overcome with time and proper strategies. The factors like professional environment, proper medical treatments, proper administration and caring and responsible working staff can lead in forming a good respectable image in community. And with a strong mission of the organization Group, the outcome of the organization can be expected to be good. The internal setup of the company also makes an impact on management and efficiently of workers. The proper training program organized by The Group would provide the staff a professional training and will train them in performing their work properly. The competitors around the community with more established and experienced setup are huge threats. These threats can include more specialized and experienced doctors, more capacity of indoor patients, latest technology treatments, availability of doctors and specialist in emergencies etc. Every organization faces external threats which aren’t in control of the organization. One can not remove these threats from the environment but can deal and fight with

Emerging trends in Human Resources Management Essay Example for Free

Emerging trends in Human Resources Management Essay Session Outcomes: †¢ Discover the global trends affecting human  resources management, †¢ Describe the impact these trends are having on  organizations and the management of human  resources, †¢ Develop an appreciation of the changing role of  human resources management in supporting  organizational strategy. Emerging Trends in Human Resources Management (HRM) †¢ How would you define or describe Human Resources  Management (HRM)? – What is it? – How do you define it? †¢ Turn to the person next to you and share your thoughts  regarding what you think what Human Resources  Management is. †¢ I will select a number of people to share what they came up with. †¢ You have 2 minutes to do this.

Buddhism As A Path To Enlightenment

Buddhism As A Path To Enlightenment Buddhism is not about God or Gods, it does not supply a theory about what may happen in the afterlife, nor does it express views about creation; it is based in the world of daily living. Most religions have deep theoretical foundations they are built upon, and most people within such religions have faith that the theory is true. Buddhism does not address theories; it does not agree or disagree with any religion, but rather acknowledges religion as a means to live in a positive manner. Buddhism is about enlightening the person, regaining the compassion and wisdom inside, thus resulting in freedom from suffering. Buddhism is about living a life of peaceful serenity. Originating in a region near India over two-thousand years ago, Buddhism is becoming a religion that is revered and practiced worldwide. Buddhist spirituality is viewed as something from within, an innate goodness in all humans that has been lost can now be found through practice and meditation. Buddhists must motivate themselves, and rely on their own efforts, not those of a charismatic leader. If followers of the Buddha began to revere the man, they would become distracted from their task impeding spiritual progress. Mark W. Muesse, a professor of religious studies, reveals, Buddhist spirituality promotes a form of life that provides an antidote to the stresses of modern living. As a counterpoint to the haste and hurry, the noise and confusion of this world, Buddhism prescribes a life of quietness and tranquility, a life of contemplation and gentle awareness. (Muesse, 2002). Buddhists may have come from a variety of religions; for example, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, and Atheism. To find true wisdom and compassion is to see the world as it really is, and live life without being the center of the whole. To be s uccessful, Buddhism teaches a person to actively practice, and work to channel the mindset of self-centeredness into one of compassion. Buddhism originated in India around the sixth or fourth centuries BCE, and is based on the teachings of also referred to as the Buddha. (Muesse, 2002). Siddharthas journey to find truth, spirituality, and learn how to solve the problems of suffering, led him to extensive meditations. Over a period of about seven years, he endured exhaustion and starvation while experimenting with various meditations searching for enlightenment, but made no progress. On the verge of death due to fatigue, he finally rested, had a nutritious meal, and then decided to meditate again until he found the answer to suffering. As the sky began to lighten following day, he too felt illuminated, happy, and relieved; after seven years of searching, Siddhartha reached the state of enlightenment. He then realized that in order to become enlightened, he must keep himself healthy so his mind would be fit. He set forth to teach others, regardless of caste, his enlightenment, the method of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Siddhartha traveled from city to city teaching the importance of not losing ones self by allowing passions to consume, but rather exis t without indulging in selfish cravings, leaving one free to be happy. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). (Armstrong, 2001). The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and the Eightfold Path are the starting points for all Buddhist variations. This doctrine is Buddhas (Siddharthas) diagnosis and prescription for treating human suffering and finding true happiness. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). Noble Truth one: Life Is Suffering. Birth is suffering, illness is suffering, aging is suffering, and death is suffering. When a person looks at life realistically, it is full of fleeting happiness followed by inevitable sorrow, the years go by faster, and faster, it is a no-exit path to death. Even when things seem to be at their best, it is not completely satisfying. People have come to want more and more from life and that is the core of the problem, egocentric desire. This is Buddhas diagnosis. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). Noble Truth two: The Root of Suffering. Egocentric desires are the root of suffering; the selfish grasping after pleasures and evasion of pain. Self-centered yearnings can never truly be fulfilled, leaving behind feelings of irritation, frustration, and even anger. Anger is one of the main reasons for causing distress to others; it also will cause suffering within. People constantly engage in actions that cause anguish, either directly or indirectly. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). Noble Truth three: You Can End Suffering. Knowing that going beyond suffering is possible through internal transformation is the point of this truth. Suffering and the causes of suffering are dependant on a persons state of mind, therefore, by changing the way one perceives the world mentally, also changes the amount of suffering incurred. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). Noble Truth four: The Eightfold Path. This is the prescription, a means to find freedom from suffering. People can end their suffering and dilemmas by controlling the body and mind in a positive manner to help others instead of doing them harm, and by creating mental wisdom. Once this renewal is complete, a person can enjoy the state of Nirvana, free of problems. This is the path leading to the mental transformation, and cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path is a guide meant to help people work out their difficulties, become liberated from suffering, and come across happiness. Right Views is the first step on this path to discover happiness. Once a person understands what is wrong and becomes familiarized with the transformation process, gaining the knowledge of what will need to be accomplished in order to achieve success, they will be pointed in the right direction. Right Intention is the second step. A person has to feel this is really what they want to do, and be willing to maintain this commitment along their journey. Dedication to this endeavor is necessary to become successful. The third step is Right Speech, meaning a person needs to listen to what is said, how it was said, and why it was said. Curbing the use of negative intonations, and derogatory remarks will contribute to the positivity inside instead of nourishing the negativity inside. Awareness and self-examination can help a person communicate in a more positive, harmonious way. Right Conduct is the fourth step, encouraging a person to be aware of their motives, as well as their conduct. Upon self-observation, a person may become aware of unconscious actions that incur negativity. Then reflect on those negative actions, discover the motivation, and work towards positive actions. The fifth step on the path to enlightenment is Right Livelihood. Most people spend the majority of their lives working; find inner peace in a positive occupation. A person working in a negative environment acquires negative feelings. These negative feelings can become overwhelming, and then aimed in the direction of others, in turn causing suffering. Right Effort is the sixth step. By exerting positive effort, a person will begin to notice positive changes within their life. Right effort also means to pace ones self; do not over examine every word said or action taken, as this can become disturbing over a short period of time. The seventh step is Right Tho ught. This step lends confidence in taming the mind. Thoughts, feelings, and sensations are erratic, and short-lived. Simpkins explained this simply, The concrete sense people have of themselves is merely a series of experiences that seem to blend together into one. In reality, the ego is nothing more than this series of experiences. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000, p.56). Right Concentration is the final step on the Eightfold Path to enlightenment. In this step, a person pulls together the skills learned from each of the previous steps and places them into the practice of meditation. Meditation, concentrated awareness, allows a person to see through the illusions, seeing the world as it really is, a direct perception. (Simpkins Simpkins, 2000). All religions incorporate meditations in with their faith in one form or another; such as prayer, reciting mantras, all the way to induced states wherein visions are seen, gibberish is spoken in the language of tongues, or voices are heard, which are usually the deities, spirits, or other supernatural beings for that particular religion. Buddhist meditations are different. Francis Story points out, The Christian who has seen Jesus, or the Hindu who has conversed with Bhagavan Krishna may be quite satisfied that he has fulfilled the purpose of his religious life, but the Buddhist who sees a vision of the Buddha knows by that very fact that he has only succeeded in objectifying a concept in his own mind. (Story, 1995-2010). Buddhists embrace two distinct types of meditation: dhyana, meditation that clears the mind, and prajna, meditation that fills the mind. Usually these two meditations are performed together. Several variations of Buddhist meditations exist today, some methods are fo r developing mindfulness and concentration, yet others focus on breathing and visualizations. Meditation enhances awareness, and by being aware, one becomes wise. Meditation also calms the mind, allowing a person to feel at ease while reflecting upon life with positive focus. The discipline that Buddhist meditations establishes in a person can be applied to life situations; it teaches clear thinking without bias, and concentration so the mind will be able focus intently on any given situation. Buddhism is a religion based on real life without theorizing about things that can never be solidified. It is a religion that holds no bias toward any other religion, nor do many other religions hold a bias for Buddhism. The doctrines within Buddhism urges the need for humanity to become humane again, to let go of selfish desires, negative intentions, and be thoughtful of all. Experiences, and a persons reactions to them, create the ambience of the path of life a person leads. Buddhism is the embodiment of peaceful existence in a world that has become wrought with despair and suffering.

The Urban Legend of Bloody Mary Essay -- Urban Legends Ghost Stories

Bloody Mary Version 3 The story of Bloody Mary is told in different versions all around the world has been included in nine different movies (three in the past two years) (The Internet Movie Database). This particular version of the popular urban legend of Bloody Mary originates locally from North Potomac, Maryland. The storyteller is a female 19-year-old Caucasian sophomore student, currently studying psychology at the University. The story was collected in the spring on the University campus. After dinner, in a one-on-one environment, she began the story of an urban legend from her childhood. I remember this from back in second grade. It scared me so much. It was Friday the 13th. Back in elementary school, we always lined up in classes on the blacktop before school. This morning, a classmate told me about a girl that had been buried alive on Friday the 13th because her stepmother hated her and wanted her dead. Then she told me, as if it was completely true, that if I went home that night and turned around three times in front of the mirror while chanting, ‘Bloody Mary,’ her ghost would appear in it and if I looked into her eyes I would turn to stone. [Me:] Do you remember who told you this story or where the story happened? [Storyteller:] I don’t really remember. I do remember that when I went home that night, I made my mom cover my mirror with a towel before I agreed to go to bed. [Me:] So you never actually tested it out? [Storyteller:] No way. The tale of Bloody Mary seems to be a popular urban legend, according to researched sources, and its variations can be categorized into two groups: a set of simple instructions and those that tell the actual legend of the ghost. Most of the variatio... ...rite of passage to adulthood by overcoming their fears and anxieties. For those too young and immature to attempt this â€Å"dangerous† ritual, such as the storyteller at the age when she was told the urban legend, this urban legend serves as a point in their maturity when their desire to overcome their fears actually overcomes their fears. This urban legend serves as an important marker in the phase of adolescent life and their process towards maturity. Works Cited "Bloody Mary." No date. Urban Legends & Superstitions. 8 Apr. 2006 http://urbanlegendsonline.com/mirrors/bloodymary.html. IMDb Search. 2006. The Internet Movie Database. 9 Apr. 2006 http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=bloody+mary. Mikkelson, Barbara and David. "Bloody Mary." Urban Legends Reference Pages. 27 Oct. 2005. Snopes.com. 8 Apr. 2006 http://www.snopes.com/horrors/ghosts/bloodymary.asp. The Urban Legend of Bloody Mary Essay -- Urban Legends Ghost Stories Bloody Mary Version 3 The story of Bloody Mary is told in different versions all around the world has been included in nine different movies (three in the past two years) (The Internet Movie Database). This particular version of the popular urban legend of Bloody Mary originates locally from North Potomac, Maryland. The storyteller is a female 19-year-old Caucasian sophomore student, currently studying psychology at the University. The story was collected in the spring on the University campus. After dinner, in a one-on-one environment, she began the story of an urban legend from her childhood. I remember this from back in second grade. It scared me so much. It was Friday the 13th. Back in elementary school, we always lined up in classes on the blacktop before school. This morning, a classmate told me about a girl that had been buried alive on Friday the 13th because her stepmother hated her and wanted her dead. Then she told me, as if it was completely true, that if I went home that night and turned around three times in front of the mirror while chanting, ‘Bloody Mary,’ her ghost would appear in it and if I looked into her eyes I would turn to stone. [Me:] Do you remember who told you this story or where the story happened? [Storyteller:] I don’t really remember. I do remember that when I went home that night, I made my mom cover my mirror with a towel before I agreed to go to bed. [Me:] So you never actually tested it out? [Storyteller:] No way. The tale of Bloody Mary seems to be a popular urban legend, according to researched sources, and its variations can be categorized into two groups: a set of simple instructions and those that tell the actual legend of the ghost. Most of the variatio... ...rite of passage to adulthood by overcoming their fears and anxieties. For those too young and immature to attempt this â€Å"dangerous† ritual, such as the storyteller at the age when she was told the urban legend, this urban legend serves as a point in their maturity when their desire to overcome their fears actually overcomes their fears. This urban legend serves as an important marker in the phase of adolescent life and their process towards maturity. Works Cited "Bloody Mary." No date. Urban Legends & Superstitions. 8 Apr. 2006 http://urbanlegendsonline.com/mirrors/bloodymary.html. IMDb Search. 2006. The Internet Movie Database. 9 Apr. 2006 http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=bloody+mary. Mikkelson, Barbara and David. "Bloody Mary." Urban Legends Reference Pages. 27 Oct. 2005. Snopes.com. 8 Apr. 2006 http://www.snopes.com/horrors/ghosts/bloodymary.asp.

Interactive Learning Essay

E-Learning reaches beyond traditional face-to-face classroom learning environments by combining teaching and the Internet so students have the option of learning in a different modality. E-Learning uses technological devices and computer software applications to deliver the curriculum. The instructor uses the Internet to deliver the curriculum over methods and applications like Web-based training (WBT), computer-based training (CBT), synchronous, and asynchronous classroom modalities, and digital delivery. Students learn through self-paced or instructor-led delivery. E-Learning Purposes and Characteristics The purpose of e-Learning is combining technology and communication to provide an alternate method for students to earn a degree without physically attending a traditional classroom setting or academic institution). E-Learning is available for academic progress from grade school through doctoral degrees. E-Learning teaches sequentially so student learning builds upon the previous curriculum. E-Learning makes learning fun for the students by varying the curriculum. Instructors combine imagery and content that creates student attention and engages interaction so students retain the material . Students receive immediate feedback so they can correct assumptions and misunderstandings. E-Learning encourages students interact with each other by using chat rooms, instant messaging, e-mail, and discussion forums to communicate with other students and the e-Learning instructor). E-Learning Benefits E-Learning easily accommodates numerous delivery and learning styles globally. Students have convenience and flexibility within the e-Learning modality that traditional classrooms lack). Students have several options to select among the different e-Learning modalities thereby creating a student-centric learning environment catering to his or her needs urriculum and supporting classroom materials through the Internet. Flex-net classes combine online and face-to-face instruction. Ease of location and convenience is crucial to e-Learning students because the only requirement to attend class is a computer with Internet accessibility and proper hardware and software applications Students can attend class anywhere in the  world that has access to the Internet. E-Learning allows students the ability to work full-time, part-time, or stay-at-home while earning a degree. E-Learning reduces expenses for students because they do not have to pay for gas, parking, or vehicle maintenance Another convenience factor is the pace of the e-Learning classes. Students attend class by setting their own pace of learning. The self-directed learning allows students to complete and submit assignments within the deadlines while maintaining an appropriate comfort level so to reduce unnecessary stress E-Learning Challenges Some of the challenges for e-Learning students are the same as the benefits. These challenges include flexibility, the lack of a traditional classroom, self-motivation, and accountability. Students need a computer with proper hardware, software, and Internet accessibility connections to attend e-Learning courses . They also need a working knowledge of the computer and intermediate to advanced computer skills. Students need self-discipline, time management skills, and good study habits to attend an e-Learning class or they may fail (E-Learning, 2011). Students also needing face-to-face interactions may find that e-Learning is not beneficial because of the lack of communication and interpersonal skills. They cannot work alone because of a lack of self-motivation. Another challenge is the global aspect, as some students may believe this hinders networking opportunities because of professional applications E-Learning Instructional Methods Instructional methods to use within e-Learning include incorporating technology, teaching, and interactive learning specific to the audience into each lesson plan curriculum. The lesson plan needs course related objectives, organized material, and easy navigation. The course should not exceed one hour of CBT . Instructional designers often create a storyboard to organize materials and include student activities like games into the lesson plan. Storyboards allow the designer a visual representation of the web pages of the curriculum so to identify missing content or kinks easily Once the designer creates the storyboard or outline, the presentation can  vary by adding text, audio, video clips, and animation to help students retain information visually and orally . The incorporation of visual and oral content must reflect the subject matter into the context use and expand on existing knowledge levels among the students Quizzes, games, and discussions help students use critical thinking skills to identify the correct response by combining visual representations with content Interactions with different outcomes allow the designer to incorporate web-based games. Students watch a video game and select the appropriate animated action response as a best solution to the learning they receive. These selections create a final game scenario that the instructor grades from correct moves The immediate grade and feedback allow the student to learn and correct mistakes. Conclusion E-Learning eliminates the boundaries of traditional classroom learning to reach a global environment. E-Learning combines teaching, communication, and the Internet so students enjoy learning and engage within classroom activities . Students decide which e-Learning platform to attend based on their learning preferences. Instructors vary the content and incorporate text, video, animation, and audio so students retain content through visual and oral methods The most popular benefits to e-Learning include a globally diverse student body, convenience, flexibility, self-motivation, and self-paced curriculum). The challenges include needing a computer with appropriate Internet accessibility, a working knowledge of the computer, solid study habits, self-discipline, and accountability. The student may fail the course without possessing these items and traits.

Analysis and Problems of Global Communications

The pending expansion of Global Communications into the international arena has significant implications, both positive and negative, for the corporation. Although the company is going through a difficult time at the present, with stock depreciations, a lack of innovation, and pending layoffs, the potential for growth and for increased profitability with the new direction chosen by the company's executives is very real. If Global Communications can address the challenges immediately facing it, take advantage of the opportunities which are available, and at the same time balance the needs of competing groups of stakeholders, it can realize several of its long-term goals as outlined later in this paper. Diminishing returns across the entire telecommunications industry have negatively affected the stock and profitability of Global Communications. Excessive amounts of competition from companies worldwide have diluted the market as well as offered a wide range of features that Global Communications does not currently provide. Small providers offer specialized services, and larger multinationals offer lower prices and more competitive service choices. Global Communications has chosen to address this problem by simultaneously attempting to cut costs while expanding internationally; their primary method of achieving these immediate goals is through closing some domestic call centers and opening new centers overseas. The employees' union has obvious problems with this strategy of layoffs and outsourcing, and has questioned Global Communications' loyalty to its workers. The company faces significant problems, both fiscally and intangible issues such as employee loyalty. The first of these issues is the declining price of Global Communications stock, presumably due to the increased amount of competition in the field. Such a decline in overall profitability is the most pressing problem facing the company; however, it is also the broadest in that several more specific problems contribute to this overall issue. One of the contributing factors is the need for new services and innovations in research and development. Such innovations require capital and financial resources, which relates to the problem of declining confidence among stockholders, who are wondering if they industry can recover from the competitive situation in which it currently finds itself. The problem of stockholder confidence therefore contributes to the lack of funds available for innovations and research, meaning that the company must find a way to increase profits without depending on stockholder confidence. The initial attempt to address these financial issues, outsourcing many jobs to Ireland and India, has also created more problems for Global. The employee union feels betrayed and is threatening legal action regarding the layoffs. Additionally, the public relations issue regarding this outsourcing is an important one for Global to address in order to prevent a public backlash in response to the outsourcing and union-relations issues. Despite the many problems facing Global, several opportunities exist for the company to grow and become as profitable as it was during the previous era. There is an immediate opportunity available to lower the costs of labor facing the company by utilizing the outsourcing plan and the labor available overseas. Such an action will free up company resources to be spent on research and development of new services and products, which will rebuild the base of Global Communications customers through the many services offered. Additionally, such an expansion in services will increase the market share for Global among small business owners, one of the company's overall goals, and offer the opportunity to reinforce a public perception of Global as one of the leaders in telecommunications technology. Besides these profitability issues, there is an opportunity to establish new norms regarding the union and employee relations within Global. Perhaps an established plan of communication or route of information dissemination can be created, and career counseling and training could be offered for the employees who were laid off, helping re-establish the public and in-company perception of Global. The most obvious opportunity for Global is also the broadest; the chance for the company to grow and return to previous years' profitability is one that exists in the current atmosphere of change. Global leaders must take advantage of the many opportunities to change the company, its relationships, and its products and technology as soon as possible. Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas There are several groups of stakeholders in this discussion; from the individual stockholders to the union members to the highest executives, the different groups all have different priorities in the Global restructuring. Stockholders have at heart the long-term profitability and growth of the company, similar to the priority of global executives to see the company grow and profit overall. Other groups, notably the employees and union representatives, have as their first priority the job security and salary of employees as their first priority; the relationship with management and the pending layoffs are more important to these groups than profitability or growth. Finally, the executives in the U. S. ave more concern over these job cuts than do the global executives, since they are the ones who will be most adversely affected by the layoffs and outsourcing. The struggle between these groups to have their own needs prioritized represents an ethical dilemma for Global; the negative affects of the layoffs must be weighed against the overall survival of the company; the detriment to individual employees and public perception must be weighed against continuing Global's position as an innovator and industry leader. Global Communications and the employees' union can both benefit from the increased profitability which will happen as a result of the outsourcing and shift in services offered; in the long-term, both groups can work to create benefit and profit for individual stockholders as well as company executives and management. This long-term benefit will additionally give Global employees greater job security. The progress of Global toward the situations possible by the many opportunities available to it can be measured through several objective methods. One that is mentioned in the 3/2/04 memo is a concrete goal of reducing costs by 40%. Such a goal will naturally benefit the company based on the reduction of cost and increase of profits. Additionally, a concrete goal to resolve the issues with the employees' union without legal or governmental action would be an excellent way to re-establish the relationship between the company and the union. Another measurable goal would be to return the stock price to a certain level, for example, that of the previously profitably $28/share. Global Communications faces some immediate and important problems, such as decreased profitability, decreased stockholder confidence, pending layoffs and the public-relations issues which accompany them, and increased competition within the telecommunications industry which requires new innovations and development. Despite these immediate problems, there are many opportunities for Global to benefit from its current situation; it can take advantage of the chance to reduce costs by outsourcing and then increase research and development with those funds; it can re-negotiate the relationship with its employees' union to a more beneficial one for both parties; and it can remodel itself as a modern, cutting-edge competitor in the field of telecommunications. Such opportunities can benefit all stakeholders in Global, from the individual stockholders to employees to global executives, by strengthening the financial and community/social situations of the company. Although the implementation of these changes may be uncomfortable at times and even immediately painful for several groups (the employees' union, for example), the overall benefit for everyone involved must be kept in mind. Long-term goals can be used to track the company's progress toward achieving its end goal of returning to an innovating, profitable organization