Managing performance and participation Assignment

Managing performance and participation - Assignment Example Following are some issues, which are especially related to recruiting the artists faced by Cirque: Increasing no. of artists Initially, Cirque required around 50 artists every year and their casting staff had to travel only those areas where they believe that their required artists will be sought out. In the recent years, as the number of shows started to increase as well as the increase in artist turnover at Cirque, the casting staff now currently has to recruit at least 100 artists in a year. In order to address this issue, Cirque spread out the auditions in around 20 countries across the globe. However, the cast division of Cirque found themselves out in a burnt out situation due to so much travelling. They have started feeling monotonic in conducting auditions, which may cause leaving out some potential artists from recruitment process because casters are not fresh enough to concentrate. Child Artists Another important concern for Cirque regarding the recruitment of artists is th e inclusion of child artists in their artistic portfolio. Generally, the kids who live at the streets pose a problem for Cirque because of their growing up problems. For this issue, Cirque concentrated especially on recruiting those children who are supported and guarded by their parents. For those children who lack their family guardianship are less considered by Cirque. Individual artist out of the box At times, it happened that when conducting auditions especially in far off area like villages, only 1 or 2 artists are able to impress the casting teams. Since those artists is not educated and not aware of the cultural problems that he might have to face if he is recruited by Cirque as they cannot interact and mingle with other casts easily. It becomes a dilemma for Cirque as how to handle those artists. So in order to resolve this issue, the casting division made a strategy according to which a single artist from that village or area is not recruited rather several individuals wit h same talent are sought out and then the whole group is recruited because in the form of group, those artists can understand and help out each other. Management The management of those artists is still not a big problem for Cirque administration as appropriate coaching staff is recruited to enhance the skills and arts of the artists. Only the concerning issue is that as number of artists being recruited are increasing, the responsibilities and workload of coaching and training staff are increased but still they are under control not causing stress to them. Motivation Some of the artists blame Cirque as one of the place where artists are somewhat underemployed as they are only paid when the show is on. Fixed salaries are not paid to the artists, which stimulates a sense of being not equitable. However, according to some other artists working at Cirque, whatever the compensation is provided by Cirque is some double or triple from other industry participants. Apparently, it seems that management of Cirque has created a very flexible yet stable blend of providing rewards to its artists. As far as extrinsic rewards are concerned, triple times pay is something, which is more than enough to motivate the artists, as this much is extremely handsome for them even though their compensations are contingent upon the number of shows being conducted by Cirque. Conversely, Cirque believes highly upon providing the artists

Beer Industry Case Study Essay Example for Free

Beer Industry Case Study Essay Beer industry is one of the oldest industries particular in EU as it is one of the biggest beer consumption markets. This industry has seen fluctuation of the demand and consumption of the beer over the last quarter of 20th century due to many factors. This analysis will look in to those factors by taking into account the case given and will analyze the general reasons, growth and effects of the industry keeping in mind the macro-environment and its main component such as political, legal, environmental, economical, technological, social- cultural, and international aspects. Furthermore industry analysis will be discussed in details by analyzing the critical factors such as the threats of new entrants, suppliers and buyers power on the industry, product substitutions, and alliance and merging of the companies. The details of micro-environment and industry analysis will be available in the appendices. In addition, current strategy, links between the micro-environment and industry analysis, will be discussed along with brief recommendations. The fore European brewing company will be analyzed in terms of strength and weakness. Current strategy The beer industry has been in the existence for as long as the barley have been harvested and used for the making of the beer. The drink is mixed with alcohol in order to give it tantalizing taste with addictive quality. The beer is used as an everyday drink by many around the world and it by creating a taste and demand in the market. It probably will not be controversial, if argued that it is in the top 5 most drinkable beverage in the world. The demand of the beer has increased significantly in the last half of the century and some cultural such as German has included it, as part of their culture and celebrates beer drinking festivals annually. The industry has been facing some threats in the market due to increased number of brewery companies, who over supplies cheap beer in the market, which could possibly kill the industry. Some other new and non-traditional threats such as increased health risks, potential abuse of the beer, new legal challenges, globalization and environmental has put a question mark on the future of the industry. These threats are real and the industry needs to address them effectively and efficiently in order to survive in the future. Some of the threats are addressed by adopting new strategies, such as being environmentally friendly production line, innovation, GM foods, and many more in order to be in the market and create consumer for the future. Summary of macro environment analysis Economic One of the biggest current threats almost on every business is the current financial crisis and the beer industry is not immune to it at all. The global crises have forced many workers out of their jobs, increased unemployment, which means less finance to purchase basics for a everyday life. Many had to cut unnecessary activities such as going to the local pub for a drink after work on regular basis or purchasing beer off the self from super markets. The uncertain financial times have dropped the consumer confidence and most of the people are afraid of spending any money on unnecessary activates. There is very strong evidence that consumers are saving money during these crunch times. Europe has been one of the hardest hit by the financial crisis, and some of the countries such as Island were almost to the brink of the bankruptcy. This uncertainty will have huge impact on the industry in short term and will affect the profitability. The usual willing buyers might cut down to consumption of the beer significantly or even chose to switch to a cheaper brand in the market, in order to fulfill their alcohol appetite. In terms of macro-environment, it simply means the buyers becomes price sensitive. The fuel price and beer have direct relationship, since the early stages of this crisis, the fuel prices had dropped significantly which means less overheads cost for the company in terms of logistics and supplies, however this drop in fuel prices may drop the beer price but it will not be enough to create a demand and increase sales for the beer in the market due to the financial crisis. Financial crisis would mean the availability of credit will be almost none existence for the company to borrow and carry their daily operations across the borders. Not only the credit will be a major issue, but the unavailability of the funds means, less money to compete in the market and high chances of being takeover, merged, and acquisitions with other major companies. Irrespective of the size of the company, the threats will remain hanging around their heads for as long as the markets picks up. The different taxation law around the European countries remains another challenge for the industry as despite being as a collective states and regulating a common taxation law around the Europe. The gradually increasing labor cost remains as a constant threat for the industry, regardless of the any other factor, it will be a long term threat to be dealt with on a regular basis. Political/Legal The expansions of EU will certainly be positive point towards the industry as it will increase the business boundaries and will create an open market. It also mean, increased customers to be targeted for the beer industry and at the same time it will increase competition among the existing breweries and the invader breweries. The competition will bring down the price for the customer and decrease the profitability for the business. The over consumption of alcohol due to many reason has forced the politician and law makers to make much more stricter legislation and rules with the use of alcohol in particular with drink driving. Forcing a very limited pubs and bars opening hours will reduce the consumption of the beer by a large margin. It is defiantly a negative effect on the business and high chance of getting harder in the near future. The well known negative effects of alcohol on the public health means that it would cost more to the government’s health sector annual budgets. The government will try to decrees the consumption of alcohol as much as possible as alcohol related health cost are rising on the government. It is a negative effect on the industry as customers are discouraged to drink alcohol as it carries health risks. Other factors may also include to limitation on the issued licenses for the breweries to make beer, which means less breweries. Over all the political side of the macro-environment remains negative for the industry in short and long terms as anti-alcohol sentiments are echoed in the legal and political section of the EU. Technological The advancement of the technology has affected the way businesses are operated and products are produced. The use of robot in the brewery for the propose of production line, assembly line and in particular packaging of the product has been used significantly and reduced the reliability of the labour and their costs and overheads. The on time tracking of the barley to the brewery and finished product to the stores are made much easy as GPS are used to track the movement of the product and on time deliveries are made possible. On the other hand it may in occur as a one-off purchase cost to the company, but the long term use and benefits outweigh the costs. The advancement in technology will be able to make mini home brewery, so the customers could have their own personal brewery at home. It will be a negative effect on the industry, as customer will make their own beer at home, however the home brewery will not be able to compete with the taste produced by the master brewer for the major brands. Environmental The climate change will affect the industry as unpredicted weather patterns are expected, which will affect the crops produced for the brewery. In this case the imports of barley from other countries cannot be ruled out, but the importation will carry transportation costs with it and it will certainly be passed on the customers at end of the supply chain. The climate change has affected Europe in many ways, as some parts are getting too cold for the barley to be grown and some parts are totally opposite to it. Climate change has affected the supply of water for the farmers, as less water simply means less crop for the industry. The industry does not have any alternative to use for the beer making as barley remains the one and only key ingredients. Water is not only required for the crops to grow but also for the making of the beer in the brewery, a good quality water will be hard to find in the future. The Genetically Modified (GM) crops could possibly be an option, which requires less water to grow and gives a batter taste to the beer. However the GM is still in the experimental stages and there are question in terms of reliability and health benefits with the GM. Social-cultural The social and cultural effects on the beer industry will be mix as demographically arguing that European populations are getting old but at the same time they are replaced by ever binge drinking younger population, however the replacement are not sufficient enough. The female buying power have increased as more and more European female are working and socializing outside and have the money to spend. The new fruity flavored beer are specifically designed for the female and it has been very successful to capture the feminine side of the industry. It is positive sign for the future of the industry. The increased EU population has been effected by a very reasonable number of Islamic community, who does not consumer beer due to religious reasons. It will carry negative effect on the industry unless non-alcoholic beers are produced to target this section of the industry. The excessive consumption of beer has not been approved by the society as a whole due to the valid reasons such as increased obesity, alcohol related violence and health related issues and underage drinking. It will be a negative effect on the industry and will be carried away in the future. International The international side of the beer market seems to be very interesting in regards to the political shifts of power from West to Asian region. In the near future the growing Asian market will play heavily on the industry as more and more beers are brewed and consumed in Asian region. European companies will have to make strategic moves towards the Asian market and possibly will be required to make alliances in order to survive. The shift will not affect the European market and it possible means decrees in the beer cost as beer produced in Asian will come to the European market for the customers. Globalization has promoted the free trade, which has opened new market and dropped the tariffs but it may result as negative to the European breweries as the cheap Asian beer will pour in the market. The cross border business might have some barriers as the taxation and tariff law differs from one state to another. Summary of industry environment Threats of new entrants The threats of a new entrants remains reasonably low as it is subjected to the scale of operation for the new entrants. Business within the local or regional area will require very little set up capital, however on an a broad scale of import and export across to the EU will require much bigger capital, logistics and distribution channels. The new entrants will face the brand loyalty and product differentiation as the existing customers already have mature tastes for their brands available in the market. Certainly the threats remain high for the current players, however the survival in this tight industry might be very hard as existing brands have very strong marketing knowledge and established customers. Bargaining power of supplies In this industry the barley suppliers does not have much of bargaining power as the alternative use of the crops are very limited and the suppliers does not have much of a choice. The number of suppliers out weights the buyers and there are huge number of buyers but the major beer companies purchase barley in huge volumes and has the upper hand. The bargaining power may increase in case of a natural disaster, which could destroy the crop of an entire regain and decreases the quantity demanded for the beer market, but the chances of it happening is very less. The suppliers might have an alternative option of forward integration as to enter in the brewery industry, however the life within the industry may be short lived due to monopolistic nature of the industry by the brewers. The demand for a skilled master brewer remains very high and the skill supplier has the upper hand in this case. Bargaining power of buyers According to the analysis in the appendix 2, the buyer seems to be in a much stronger position then the suppliers. Due to the very nature of the critical product barley, which can not be stored and needs to be sold to the buyers as soon as its harvested. The buyers uses the volume perches power to negotiate with the suppliers and gets a better price. The number of suppliers are increasing within the European market and in some case the raw product could possibly be imported from Asian and South American destination with much cheaper price. Over all the buyers have the power to control the industry and manipulate in many ways. Substitutes The substitutes available in the market are one of the real threat to this industry as the negative effects of the alcohol are coming forward, which are backed by strong scientific evidence. The number of substitutes such as Water, milk, soft drinks, wine, tea, coffee, energy drinks, and traditional cultural drinks are and most of them almost posses no health threats of any kind. In fact the substitutes are well accepted socially, legally, economically and does not have any age restriction of any kind when consumed. Industry rivalry The issue of rivalry depends on the sector of market controlled by the companies. In general Europe has a very high number of companies operating within the EU. Europe has one of the highest consumption of beer then US and Asian market, so competitors has very good reasons to be in EU market. Some of the companies are merging in order to create an oligopoly or even a pure-monopolistic markets to drive out others from the industry. Generally the rivalry remains very high at all times, with the other companies in the industries. Interconnections between two analyses The beer industry is one of the oldest industry and growing over times. It has seen some fluctuations over the last half of the 20th century, but it has not deterred it any way. The macro-environment’s components faces constant changes as factors such as environmental, economical, political, and technological are interrelated to one and other. These factors are beyond the control of the industry and the industry does not have any other choice to adapt the micro-environmental changes in order to survive. The effects of the micro-environment carries on the industry and many ways such as environmental changes will increase or decrease the power of suppliers and buyers. The ever changing weather pattern does not guarantee crops for the next year and breweries remains uncertain at all time. The globalization remains another unavoidable factor affecting the macro-environment and the industry as whole. Recommendations what will it take in 2015 to be an industry leader and who may that be? Recommendation and 2015 directions * The future of the industry remains clear as long as the industry remains flexible to change. * The environmentally friendly approaches needs to be taken on for the production and packaging. * Globalization is a fact and EU beer industry needs to make changes, accept players coming from USA and Asian markets. The same could be expected to USA and Asian markets. * In order to gain maximum market shares, merger with other companies should be encouraged as it will decrease the operational cost, exchange of expertise in particular master brewer. It will make them a strong player in the industry. * More investment are required in area of new flavor. * GM barley needs to experimented as it could possibly provide benefits both ways. * Non-alcoholic beer should be produced to target the growing Islamic community in EU and in the Middle East. * Geographic expansion needs to be considered out of EU. * In order to reduce the harsher law against the use of excessive alcohol, industry needs to educate their customer and advice them of moderate drinking habits. * With the assistance of the transportation department, Community based programs should be designed to educate the new drivers, of the dangers of the drink driving. The strength and weakness of the fore brewing companies As appendix 3 provides detail list of the weakness and strength of the fore brewing industry as 1. Heiniken ( The Netherlands) Strengths One of the biggest brewery in Europe as with the sales of more than 8bn pound in 2006, it’s a global company expending in to Asian markets and US by 5% and 17 percents. Weakness The weakness of the Heiniken would be as it has given more attention to the EU and ignored the ever growing Asian market. It may be enjoying the current EU market but the future holds with the Asian and Sub-continents. The future will be bright if the company considers moves in to other markets and makes alliances with intended region. 2. Grolsch (The Netherland) Strengths It is one of the oldest brewery with experience of all time. It has moved out of its European bases in to the US market and has successfully make alliance. It is one of the most innovative brewery and has a specialized experimental brewery. More then 50% of the products are exported out of Europe. Weaknesses The only weakness of the Grolsh would that it uses only one brewery to produce all it productions. The distance between the only brewery and some of the markets are enormous, which occurs in to huge logistics and transportation cost. The future looks very good as it does not rely on one market and the some of the new experimental beer could become market leading brands. 3. InBev (Belgium/Brazil) Strengths The largest brewery in the world as it is merger of the two companies. It is the largest market power to manipulate the price. It has gained big sector in to the Asian markets and are very innovative and environmentally conscious. Weakness Their does not seems to any weakness except the ignoring of the US market. The future seems to be very bright as it has the capacity and resources to grow and lead the market. 4. Scottish and Newcastle (UK) Strengths It is the 4th largest in Europe and 4 major established brand in the Europe. It looks in to the future and has tried to shares into the other bewaring companies. Weakness The company is not a big one and has tried to stretch it self into other breweries. The over reliance on the 4 brands has stopped them of innovation with new brands of beer. The future in European market seems to be well underway successfully but the entrance in the Asian market might be very risky as some of the major companies are well established in that market. APPENDICES Appendix 1 Macro-environment analysis Factor | Issues | Effects on Industry | Rulings | Economic | * The economic downturn * Increased unemployment * Uncertain financial times * Job insecurity of the customers * Global recession * Expansion of Euro * Tariffs and taxes * The increasing oil price * Labour cost | Controversial, as it may or may not increase the demand for beer. Could mean less money to spend on of going out for drinks at pubs and bars. People tend to save money as times are uncertainIt could possibly bring a very positive effect on the brewery business as the expansion will increased market boundaries with more customers to target. The expansion might be good on one hand, but on the other it will increase the Tariffs on the product as it has to go through many state borders. The taxation law varies from on EU country to the others, it will affect the profitability in short and long terms. The inevitable increasing oil price will need to be passed on the customer eventually. The labour market will demand an increase in their pay in the future, which will have to be included in the beer price. | +/-__++/-+/-__Final rulingsNeutral | Political/Legal| * Expansion of EU * Greater concern from politicians about effects of alcohol * Stronger legislation around drink-driving * Legislation on the pollutions * Marketing campaigns around effects of binge-drinking * Competition policy Licensing controls| It will increase the customer approaches as the boundaries will be diminished, creating open borders will encourage competition among the business within EU. The negative affects of alcohol will make the politician to take drastic action as to limit the use alcohol to reduce certain effects of it. The well known effects of alcohol, will put pressure on the customers to decrease the amount of consumption at pubs. Tighter legislation on the pollutions will put pressure to be environmentally clean industry. Health sector and public outcry will force the government to make stricter law for the use of beer. It may not be as an issue as the EU is very flexible with the licensing. | +____+Final rulingNegative | Technological| * Efficient production systems * GPS for tracking transportation Logistics and supply chain management * Product enhancements Bottling and packaging alternatives * Mini home Brewing | With use of robot in the production and assembly line will become efficient and effective also decreases the overheads Will monitor and make sure the product gets on time with the efficient routs to the customs and suppliers. It may incur some cost to the industry. The packaging and bottling cost will decrees with the use of alternative packaging such as plastics and papers. The compact mini home brewery will have minimal effect on the market as some of the customer will produce their own beer at home. | +++ +Final Ruling Positive | Environmental | * Climate change Variable * Seasonality of weather * Natural disasters * GM products * Pollution * Water scarcity * Energy costs| The increased outcry will affect the industry as the climate change will affect the production of crop by the farmers. The unpredictable weather with variation in rain pattern will put doubts the crops. The changing climate has made the nature unpredictable as Europe is getting colder every year and barley cannot be grown in a cold environment. The GM product will be beneficial to the industry as it will assist to produce the specific kind of crop, resistant to the pesticide and herbicides with maximum yield. As a result of the production, the industry will produce different kinds of wastes or pollutions. Beer brewing requires good quality water and it good quality water will be scares in the future. The energy cost will increase most of the source of energies are extracted from scares natural resources. | ___+_ _ _Final RulingNegative | Socio-Culture| * Ageing population * Feminine buying power * Increased multiculturalism * Peer pressure * Stress-relieving * Binge drinking * concerns about obesity * Alcohol related health issues * Under-age drinking| The EU population is getting old, it will not make much of difference on the industry as the younger binge drinker will replace them. Female are coming in the market with money to spend and adopting the beer tastes. EU’s population has increased significantly by multicultural, Islamic community, who does not drink beer. With the youth, the peer pressure makes them to act alike and promotes binge drinking culture. The current economic down turn has resulted into job losses, which has resulted into high level of stress. excessive beer is used as stress-relieving. Obesity is not accepted socially and considered to be unhealthy. Beer may be blamed to be one of the causes and it would affect the industry in future. The modern research has found strong reasons on the side effects of the alcohol and continued to do so. It will affect the business in long term. One of the unacceptable issues will be the underage drinking; however it may not be an issue when supervised. | ++ _++__+/-Final ruling Positive | International| * Shift in geo-political power to Asia * Increased awareness and global consumption of alcohol * Alternative religious aspects on alcohol * Falling tariffs * Global alliances * Globalization| Increased political power means increased income, which means more demand for the beer in the Asian market. New findings and Research increase the global awareness, most of them awareness appears to be advising to decrease the consumption of the beer. The increasing religious influences globally means less beer consumption as most of the religions discourages the use of alcohols such as Islamic religion with more than followers. The globalization has promoted the free trade among the states, which results in falling tariffs. The global alliances of the companies will help to increase their power in the market and act like a monopolistic. The globalization opens new markets and drops the tariffs, but it may result badly for the EU as the cheap Asian beer might pour in the market. | +__+++Final ruling Positive | Appendix 2 Details of Industry Analysis Factor| Issue Analysis| Rating of the Threat| Threat of New Entrants | Market Type:Monopolistic, with many number of brewer, Entry conditions: Relatively easy, with limited resource required on small level production. Product Differentiation: It is one of the key factors in this industry, the new comer will be required to create different and an acceptable taste for the customers, who already has matured tastes and brand loyalty with available brands in the market. Switching Cost: The switching cost for the buyers is very low as the product price is very low and trying another brand does not cost as much. Brand Loyalty: Most of the customer have a very strong brand loyalty and it will be very had to break that cycle in the market. EU well known brand such as Heineken, Inbev, Baltika, and Coopers. Logistics requirements:The new comer will have to establish a chain of logistics and supply from suppliers and to the brewery to the customers. Capital requirement:a very low capital is needed to enter in the market at a local level, however as on the international level the capital requirements will be medium to high. Globalization:Due to the globalization and open market, non EU players with cheap labor cost could enter in the EU and penetrate the market with cheap brands. Islamic countries:The market will not be allowed to enter in some of the Islamic countries as the consumption of alcohol is prohibited. | LowHigh LowHighLowMedium Medium Medium Low | Bargaining Power of Supplier| Master Brewer: The human capital of master brewer has the power of switching the company and move to another one of even changing jobs. Barley suppliers: The barley suppliers does not have much of choice to sell the crop to the brewery as the alternative use of the barley are very limited. Presents of substitute input:There is no other substitute for barley to be used in the making of the beer, so the supplier could have power in this regards. Due to a very high number of suppliers in the market, this power eliminates itself. Threats of forward integration:The supplier could possibly enter in the market as the entrances are too easy. In this case the suppliers will have huge impact on the industry. Switching cost of supplier: The numbers of suppliers are enormous as the buyers could easily switch suppliers in the market. It gives less power to the suppliers. | High Medium Medium Low Low | Bargaining Power of Buyers| Presents of substitute: A buyer does have power in the market as the product will needs to be purchased within a short time as use of barley in other products are very limited and it cannot be stored for a long time. Impotents of volume to buyers:The high volume of purchase decreases the power of supplier and increases the power of buyers. Buyers concentration: There are less buyers compared to the number of suppliers in the market for the use of barley, which means more power for the buyers to bargain with the suppliers. | High Low Low | Power of Substitutes | Strong substitutes : There are a very large number of substitute available in the market for the end user, such as Water, milk, soft drinks, wine, tea, coffee, energy drinks, and traditional cultural drinks. Most of the entire alternative has less or no side effects at all in the human body, which makes them all time favorite and increased in their demand for the future. | High | Appendix 3 Four Brewing Companies in EU Company| Strength| Weakness| Future outlook| Heiniken( The Netherlands)| * Biggest brewery in EU * 2006 sales 8bn pound * 5 % sales in Asia * 17% in US * Family business * Uses local business to sell their products | * More attention into EU and forget the ever growing Asian market * Very tight controlled due to family business in nature| Positive in EU, but negative in the Asian and US market. Over all in a good health. | Grolsch (The Netherland)| * One of the oldest * Medium size * Has alliances with US * Innovative with products * Licensed to export 50% of their products overseas * Has specialized brewery for experiment | * Centralizes brewery, uses only one brewery for the production| Looks good compared to its size and exports 50%. The innovation and experimental beer might capture market in the future. | InBev (Belgium/Brazil)| * Merger of two companies * The largest brewery in the world * Market power * Second largest in Chinese market * Looks for innovations * Environmentally conscious | | Very good and bright future due to the innovations, size, market power, environmentally awareness. | Scottish and Newcastle (UK)| * 4th largest in EU * 4 major established brands * Has global approach by purchasing shares in other brewing company. | * Over stretched company due to its size. * Lack of innovation with new tastes. | The future seems to be in doubt as company is entering to Asian market where the biggest brewery are well established brands. | REFERNCES Hubbard, G Rice, J Beamish, P 2008, Strategic Management: Thinking, Analysis, Action, 3rd edn. , Pearson Prentice Hall, French Forest, NSW, Austra

Interventions for Sexual Issues and Dysfunctions Essay Example for Free

Interventions for Sexual Issues and Dysfunctions Essay Interventions for Sexual Issues and Dysfunctions LaShawnda Ogle Walden University The Wilson’s are currently experiencing some sexual dysfunctions, a condition that can cause a lot of distress during intercourse (Hecker amp; Wetchler, 2010). In the case study Mrs. Wilson has been diagnosed with having Vaginismus. Vaginismus is known for causing some severe pain and as a result causes the female to avoid sexual activity (p. 377). It’s formally defined as the involuntary spastic contraction of the outer one-third of the vagina. There can be treatment techniques. The two sexual therapy interventions I would suggest for the Wilson’s are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a medically treated approach using a vaginal dilator. The one intervention method suggested for Mrs. Wilson would be that of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. According to Hecker amp; Wetchler, (2010), women with vaginismus can show fear and have some anxiety with the thought of penetration. In order to help decrease those fears and anxieties CBT may help Mrs. Wilson’s sexual satisfaction increase as well as her over all well-being: addressing not only the physical pain or discomfort of sex but also the psychological aspects. For example: there are cognitive strategies such as: sexual exercises and relaxation techniques that can be applied with CBT in order to help relieve the pain associated with vaginismus (Hecker amp; Wetchler, 2010). CBT can also offer some coping skills along with restructuring a person’s way of thinking. Another intervention treatment method for sexual disorders such as that of Mrs. Wilson is more of a medically treated approach. Hecker amp; Wetchler, (2010) suggest a vaginal dilator as being a useful technique for modifying a conditioned response. Vaginal dilators are used to teach control of circumvaginal muscles (p. 377). In order to use these dilators they are generally supplied to people from a doctor’s office with or without the presence of the person’s partner. The private space offers the opportunity to help decrease the fear and anxiety with sex so that penetration can occur. The similarities of both CBT therapy and the medically treated approach using a vaginal dilator are that they both focus on calming the painful symptoms associated with sexual discourse in females. Another similarity with the two interventions is that they both offer suggestions in how to cope and deal with the shame and/or guilt associated with sexual dysfunctions. The only differences are the methods used to intervene. CBT focuses more on the cognition of dealing with negative thoughts that often occur with sexual disorders. The vaginal dilators focus on ways to relieve the stress without the conditioned fear response (p. 377). A challenge with using CBT therapy and vaginal dilators is that it encourages having both partners actively involved (Hecker amp; Wetchler, 2010). Sexual intercourse and dysfunctions can be a touchy subject that does not resolve itself without partner interaction, so getting both partners together could be somewhat of a challenge. In order to know whether or not a treatment intervention is working, both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson need to report the improvements in the symptoms of Mrs. Wilson. I would also like to know from both partners if increased enjoyment has occurred after treatment, in order to know whether or not my treatment interventions were working. Nonetheless, getting both partners together to discuss a sexual dysfunction is something I see as a challenge. References Hecker, L. , L. , amp; Wetchler, J. L. , eds. (2003). An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy (1st ed. ). Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Clinical Practice Press.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy A recently adopted form of psychotherapy known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has become very popular. It was created in the 90s by Steven Hayes and is a form of behavioral and cognitive therapy. These therapy methods have long been used to treat behavioral issues like anxiety, stress due to traumatic situations, and depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to take a negative thought and evaluate all the reasons why it is false. However, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) will allow the patient to accept that thought right away. Those thoughts may even be allowed to continue or repeat until the intensity of them is naturally reduced. These unwanted thoughts are not readily released but instead are accepted. Professional therapists who use the ACT technique have argued that this method more successful in a shorter amount of time. It allows a person to understand that they can still take action with having to modify or altar your feelings in any way. You can realize that you are having these disconcerting feelings but still are able to act on the opposite. ACT stresses the idea of Mindfulness, which is a practice of being present in thoughts and daily living. You will also be taught to identify your personal set of values and chose behaviors and actions that agree with your values. Data has shown that from 1996 to the present, that there has been a high effectiveness rate in a variety of situations. Founder and supporters of this therapy method believe that a higher level of fulfillment is achieved when we can overcome thoughts and feelings that are negative. Patients are taught to choose to take positive action event when destructive situations arise. Even this therapys acronym implies that in the end you need to act to make in any positive change. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a great tool for people dealing with substance abuse, physical or emotional abuse, as well as patients with OCD, phobias, and bi-polar disorders. Couples and families have also been able to benefit from this method and grow closer and more intimate with each other. Adult A.D.D. Adult A.D.D or Adult Attention Deficit Disorder is where people have difficulty focusing for a certain amount of time or on one thing at a time. Many people with varying types of Attention Deficit Disorders feel that others easily misunderstand them. They do not see the world in the same way as others. Diagnosis of this disorder is underrepresented in adults and possibly over diagnosed in children. In fact, adults often dont realize what the symptoms that they are A.D.D until their children get diagnosed with it. Adults who suffer from this condition have problems with continuing a task, being organized, or getting things done on time. Additionally, those dealing with this have issues with having long-term relationships and controlling mood swings. The test used to help diagnose an adult is relatively the same as children, but instead of word like school, the adult will use work. So if you score with the range of having this condition, what do you do next? You will need to have a doctor eliminate other possible reasons for your symptoms like, OCD, bi-polar, depression, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances. Early menopause and pre-menopause can also cause women to exhibit similar signs of attention deficit. At first, your doctor may give you antidepressants because depression is common in adults with this disorder. If these dont work, then they may progress to a stimulant drug if you dont have a history of drug abuse as this medication can be addicting. For this reason, people with this disorder feel that the treatment is worse then the condition. There are ways to cope with Adult A.D.D naturally. Modifying your lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise can help you deal with the disorder without medical side effects. Regular exercise helps you to relieve stress and can even reduce depression. Nutrition is very important when we need to focus. Brain boosting foods with amino and fatty acids are key to helping you reduce attention deficit symptoms. Lastly, make lists. Lists can help you stay on task. Place duties of the highest importance first and practice going in order. You will feel proud of yourself each night when all of your tasks have been completed. Depression Quiz Depression is much more than mere sadness. It is defined as emotional dejection and withdrawal. We often say that we are depressed because something unfortunate happened during our day or we couldnt get our way. However, real depression is a clinically diagnosed condition that often needs therapy and or medication to relieve. There is a way to find out if you have a tendency toward this condition. It is called a depression quiz. This test helps you determine whether you are showing signs of being depressed by the symptoms you express. This test wont show results of how deeply this condition is felt, but it is very helpful toward getting a diagnosis and determining your state of mind. Showing your doctor this test will help him or her to ascertain the level of your condition and what steps will need to be taken. This test is geared towards making you aware of the general signs and symptoms of this condition but providing important and relevant facts. The test contains a set of questions that will determine if your condition is mild to severe, acute to chronic. You can effectively create a list of the symptoms that you are suffering from or experiencing whenever you answer yes to any of the questions. Three or more yes answers can be evidence of an acute form of depression. A temporarily depressed person will notice these symptoms reduce as the problems that caused them also fade. However, symptoms that remain over a period of a month or more can be evidence of a more serious condition. In this case, you should contact a medical professional. These symptoms consist of fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and thoughts of suicide. If you feel any of these symptoms or just a feeling that things arent right, then you should take a depression quiz. Please be aware that his test is not a substitution for a medical diagnosis. It should be used as a way to determine your state of mind and make you aware of the symptoms one can face with this condition. Show your results to your doctor to determine the next step toward mental health. Astrology Matching Marriage in this day and age is a complex endeavor. Finding your perfect soul mate has become a gamble that many couples are losing every year. Many bachelors and bachelorettes worry that they may never be able to find the right person to grow old with. People all over the world have sought various resources in find a partner. There are so many match making websites and companies that it is hard to weed out the bogus ones. However, there is one method that is an ancient way of find Mr. or Mrs. Right; its astrology matching. This practice uses a persons star signs to determine what type of mate would be the best for them. Using this type of compatibility scale you can find someone to share your life with. Astrologers gather information by using stars, planets and the sun. They believe that these elements often influence our behavior and increase the probability of finding a partner. In some cultures, parents consult astrologers to help them find a suitable husband or wife for their children. The information provided by the astrologer will influence the decision to agree with the marriage. These readings wont tell you the precise future, but it can let you know what characteristic you need to look for in a mate. These characteristics will be the most compatible to your own or balance out your weaknesses. For example, if you are shy, you may want to search for someone a little more outgoing. If you have a temper, you should look for someone more mild tempered. These things can help keep your relationship interesting and less strenuous. Knowing how that particular sign acts, thinks, and feels will give you an advantage when searching for a mate. Even when you do find a person with a compatible horoscope it isnt guaranteed that it will last. There are many variables to astrological matching that you have to consider. This technique should only be used as a tool to narrow down your search. You may be compatible with many different horoscopes, but if you are not compatible with Virgos for example, you could be aware of that. You will still have to work at any relationship. You will need to bring the best parts of your personality out to show potential suitors. Leo Astrology Symbol Individual who are born under the Leo astrology symbol or sign are those born between July 23rd and August 22nd. Leo is ruled by the Sun and their element is fire. This is considered a very independent sign. Leo is the fifth astrological sign and is from the constellation of Leo which represents the lions tail. Men born under this sign are warm and high spirited and prone to action. He loves to be the center of attention. He is highly social and his enthusiasm spreads to all his friends. He isnt just a fun time friend, but you can also depend on him when times are hard. Leos are great, natural born leaders with quality leadership skills. They are honest, loyal and positive and prefer to lead out front. They are able to relate to people from different lifestyles and are very diplomatic. Even though they are great at delegating tasks to others, they dont easily accept them. Leos are dont like to accept failure and are determined to succeed. Leos love romance with candlelit dinners and hospitality. They prefer luxury and living very comfortable. You have to stroke the Leos ego as they love praise and admiration when they have achieved something. They are naturally very sensitive creatures. Leos are very strong willed and dominant, so two together can be a serious issue. Generally Leos are generous, warm, loving, proud, and creative. However, they can also be bossy, dogmatic, conceited, interfering, and power hunger. They like children, living lavishly, quality food, business, and drama. They dislike people that are mean spirited, cheap, or small-minded. Some famous people who are also born under this sign are Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, and Robert DeNiro. Business partnerships for any Leo would be more compatible with the Sagittarius than any other sign. They both exhibit common sense as it pertains to business and can maintain respect for each other. Leos would be better served to enter business fields like architecture, ministry, entertainment, public speaking, executive positions, education, and the political arenas. If you are a under the Leo astrology symbol or sign, you certainly can relate to some of the characteristics stated above.

The Holistic Assessment of a Patient Admitted to a Hospital :: Nursing Medical Papers Surgery

The purpose of this essay is to describe the holistic assessment of a 66 year old male patient who has been admitted to hospital for bowel surgery following the diagnosis of a cancerous tumor. The operation will result in the patient having a part of his bowel removed after which the patient will require a colostomy bag for the elimination of feces (see patient profile in appendix 1 for further details). A Pseudonym will be used to protect the patient’s confidentiality and he will be referred to as ‘Peter’ in this essay which is in line with the nurses’ code of conduct guidelines (NMC 2002). The process of the assessment will be described along with the nursing model chosen. The nursing model gives the student nurse a framework to help direct and guide her throughout the assessment process (Aggleton and Chalmers, 2000). The Roper, Tierney and Logan model (1986) has been chosen as it is the model the ward follows for all assessment procedures. The assessment process using the Roper, Tierney and Logan model is holistic because it relates to the study of the human being as a whole rather than its individual parts. A holistic view point includes two basic beliefs: 1) The individual always responds as a unified whole, 2) Individuals as a whole are different from and more than the sum of their parts (Pearson, Vaughan and Fitzgerald, 2000). Thus the assessment process would not be as accurate if you concentrated on individual systems or parts of the human body. This holistic approach takes into consideration the biological, social and cultural factors that will affect the outcome of the assessment. The nursing process was introduced as a method of nursing that concerns itself with individual’s physical, social and psychological reactions to disease, and which takes into account that the patient is a member of society, which may affect his reaction to disease (Faulkner, 1996). The nursing process is a sequence of steps (Person, Vaughan and Fitzgerald, 1997) passed through in order to achieve the

The causes and effects of the stock crashes Essay -- essays papers

The causes and effects of the stock crashes Almost 75 years and almost 20 years ago, there were huge crashes in New York. These crashes caused an uproar throughout the nation. Number of people died, billions of dollars lost and damaged lots of lives. Those crashes had been called most severe of the 20th century. Those crashes are symbolized as Black Days. Well, you might think that those crashes could be car crashes or plane crashes or train crashes. You might also think that if nation could have lost billions of dollars and lots of lives, those could be car or plane or train crashes. But as you thought, those were not car or plane or train crashes 75 and 20 years ago. The reasons were different than what you are thinking. The main reasons to lost billions of dollars, lost precious lives and lots of damages to the nation were the Stock Market Crashes. On Thursday October 24, 1929 and on Monday October 19, 1987, there was a crash of stock prices on New York stock Exchange. It was a huge crash of stock prices in a single day. Billions of dollars and a number of precious lives were lost. But what we particularly think about Stock Crashes and how does it affect to common lives. The stock markets crashes and its affects are interrelated. The term stock crash came in to English Dictionary around 200 years ago. There was a first stock market crash in the history of economy and in early industrialization era, in the year 1878. It occurred in Wall Street and followed by huge opposition of stock system. But, if we define stock crash, it is a devaluation of stocks or shares of different industries since their price on the vary day. The devaluation of stocks may goes down from 1% to 50 %. It depends on the time and the parameters. And also we need to know what is the stock market. The Stock Market is a place of commerce where people can come and buy or sell parts of companies called "stocks" or "shares". For example, if you wanted to buy 30 shares of "Hevini Enterprise’s stock for $5.00 a share, you spend $150.00. Then you sell 20 shares to your friend Joe at $20.00 a share. That means that you make a net income of $250. This is the reason that the Stock Market is so popular with investors. This is how investors make their money. A stock is a certificate of a share of ownership in a business corporation, entitling it's owner to dividends, that i... ...before. People jumped from buildings to death. That was the Great Depression. World wide economic crisis has been raised following the New York Stock market crash in 1929. The stock market crash symbolizes the superficiality and greed of industrialization. It is caused by the thousands of people and it does affect millions of people. The crash teaches people to stop taking great risks and living carefree lives and be more responsible. The crashes break the nerves of economy and the nation. Following crash nation may lose all its economical growth and financial stability. So, Stock market crash is as danger as one might not think. Crash can be deadly like other disaster. It damages economy, thousands of lives and the it does affect psychologically. Bibliography: Works Cited â€Å"Analytical essay on the 1920’s† , January 21, 2000. Babson, John.† Stock Prices break on a dark prophecy†. New York Times. Friday September 6, 1929, page1, Col. 7. â€Å"Key events: Black Monday crash of 1987 Rocks Stock Markets† http://www.facts.com/cd/v00066.htm >, January 14, 2000. â€Å"The 1987 Stock Market crash†, January 14, 2000. â€Å" The 1929 Stock Market crash†. January 14, 2000.

Symmetrical Communication Essay -- Business, Win-Win Solutions

Introduction This essay will argue for an extended role for dialogue and relational communication in public relations practice. The rhetorical turn that public relations has taken over the last ten years as well as the expanded role that public relations practitioners need to play as organizational counsellors is discussed. Several case studies are examined and used to support the arguments for an expanded role of public relations advocacy and management. Body Effective definition of symmetrical communication Grunig and Hunt (1984) defined symmetrical communication as† the management of communication between organizations and its publics† (p. 6). Symmetrical communication is interactive behaviour in which two or more systems construct thoughts and attitudes together so that they behave in ways that are either â€Å"collaborative or symbiotic† (Grunig, 1989. P. 13). Explanation of symmetrical communication The symmetrical communication is important because it concerns the degree to which the organization adapts to or cooperates with its environment (Grunig 1984). The purpose of symmetrical communication is to adjust the relationship between the organization and its environment. With symmetrical communication publics can change organization and organization can change publics. This form of external communication can form and improve relationships because it involves â€Å"creating a sense of openness, trust, and understanding between the organization and the key public, as well as a willingness to negotiate, collaborate, and mediate solutions to issues of concern to both the organization and critical publics† (Bruning &Ledingam 1999: 158). Symmetrical communication serves as a tool for negotiation and compromise, a... ...s, 1990). The communication style of organizational members (such as grocery store cashiers) can affect the attitudes of persons outside of the organization. If the effect is positive, those persons become more willing to tell others about the service, such as recommending a grocery store. Even though the service is courteous, however, customers are not significantly more likely to do other favours, such as purchase more products (Ford, 1995). In remember that organizations attempt to assimilate into the values, institutions, and expectations of society at large. Organizations attempt to get people who are not its members to support its goals, whether to buy products, donate funds, support public education, or whatever. Organizations are not likely to last long if they attempt to stand alone and are ignorant of or unresponsive to their environment. Symmetrical Communication Essay -- Business, Win-Win Solutions Introduction This essay will argue for an extended role for dialogue and relational communication in public relations practice. The rhetorical turn that public relations has taken over the last ten years as well as the expanded role that public relations practitioners need to play as organizational counsellors is discussed. Several case studies are examined and used to support the arguments for an expanded role of public relations advocacy and management. Body Effective definition of symmetrical communication Grunig and Hunt (1984) defined symmetrical communication as† the management of communication between organizations and its publics† (p. 6). Symmetrical communication is interactive behaviour in which two or more systems construct thoughts and attitudes together so that they behave in ways that are either â€Å"collaborative or symbiotic† (Grunig, 1989. P. 13). Explanation of symmetrical communication The symmetrical communication is important because it concerns the degree to which the organization adapts to or cooperates with its environment (Grunig 1984). The purpose of symmetrical communication is to adjust the relationship between the organization and its environment. With symmetrical communication publics can change organization and organization can change publics. This form of external communication can form and improve relationships because it involves â€Å"creating a sense of openness, trust, and understanding between the organization and the key public, as well as a willingness to negotiate, collaborate, and mediate solutions to issues of concern to both the organization and critical publics† (Bruning &Ledingam 1999: 158). Symmetrical communication serves as a tool for negotiation and compromise, a... ...s, 1990). The communication style of organizational members (such as grocery store cashiers) can affect the attitudes of persons outside of the organization. If the effect is positive, those persons become more willing to tell others about the service, such as recommending a grocery store. Even though the service is courteous, however, customers are not significantly more likely to do other favours, such as purchase more products (Ford, 1995). In remember that organizations attempt to assimilate into the values, institutions, and expectations of society at large. Organizations attempt to get people who are not its members to support its goals, whether to buy products, donate funds, support public education, or whatever. Organizations are not likely to last long if they attempt to stand alone and are ignorant of or unresponsive to their environment.