Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are the new buzzword today, almost everywhere people are talking about bitcoins, especially with the examples that someone has made millions in just one or two years by smartly investing in bitcoins. It definitely creates curiosity to others if it is right or legal to invest in bitcoins or is it just a bubble? With the market cap of more than $270 billion, the bitcoin gained momentum when its price touched whopping $16,500 last year. It’s not a new concept in fact, Bitcoin has existed since 2009 and was traded at a very low value initially, its growth was also linear for few years but then it picked up an exponential growth. It has been trading around $500 in year 2015 and touched $1000 by 2016 and then it broke all the records in year 2017 when a single bitcoin is valued at $6500. its quite fluctuating in beginning of this year and its current price could be around $14000. Interestingly, if you had invested just $100 in Bitcoin in 2009, you would now be richer to the tune of  £3,67 million. Bitcoin is not the only digital currency, there are other alternatives like Ethereum, Ripple, Dash, Litecoin, and NEO. So let’s understand the basic of Bitcoin. It’s a digital currency build on top of the block chain technology, It’s also known as virtual currency or cryptocurrency. Its virtual so yu can’t print, touch, feel, or store it. Technically, Its just a sequence of (0s and 1s) stored in some remote computers around the world. Bitcoin works over blockchain technology, Blockchain is considered one of the most safe technology to store data in a distributed manner. It createa, store, and manage digital transactions that are public, secure, and distributed. Bitcoin was first introduced in 2009 by an unknown individual or a group named Satoshi Nakamoto. It was an interesting way to pay for transactions without a third-party like a bank. It handles peer to peer transactions without any middlemen. There are no transaction fees and both parties are anonymous. Just like an email address, you create a bitcoin wallet account and then that address becomes your identity to be used for every transaction. Some experts predict that Bitcoin or Cryptocurrency is the future of money and it will eventually replace all other currencies in future. Today, many tech-savvy online retailers accept bitcoins. You can order services like Web hosting, buy merchandise, and even a coffee. Many online ecommerce portals accept bitcoins along with other cryptocurrency options like LiteCoin, and Dogecoin. Some known businesses which accept bitcoins include Virgin Galactic, Overstock.com, TigerDirect, Dish Network, Expedia, Newegg, Directnic, Microsoft, Zynga, Starbucks, and Subway. You might be thinking; why do I need bitcoins If I can buy everything using my credit card? Bitcoin is a new form of currency and enjoying an exponential growth, Some people believe that the value of bitcoins will keep on growing over time because more and more people and businesses will start using it. People buy bitcoins as an investment vehicle. As a matter of fact, the value of 1 bitcoin has increased from $500 to $16,000 in one year. Its always anonymous transaction when you do it through Bitcoins, Nobody would ever get to know about such transactions and the owner of the money. which lures lots of criminals to use bitcoins for their payments and transactions. There are several cryptocurrency marketplaces (online websites or apps) called cryptocurrency exchanges that allow people to buy or sell bitcoins using different currencies. You can buy bitcoins using your local currency and start buying and selling bitcoins like any stock trade. When you open an account, you get a digital address and that address is your identity to buy, sell, or pay in bitcoins. You can find some popular cryptocurrency exchanges like ,Coinone, Bitthumb, Bitfinex, Quoine, Bittrex, HitBTC, Poloniex, Kraken etc. Bitcoins are managed through your online accounts quite similar to your online bank account,. It is called a digital wallet. You can buy or sell bitcoins through your digital wallets. Bitcoin is a virtual currency and has no tangible value. You can’nt hide it like the real cash with the hope to use it in difficult times. Not everybody accept the bitcoins.. Bitcoin value fluctuates a lot. Even though the value of bitcoin is going higher, it doesn’t mean it will not go down. There may be a day, when bitcoin can go down 50% in just matter of hours. Some experts have even predicted that Bitcoin is a bubble. Because bitcoins are stored in digital wallets , more and more hackers will target bitcoins as the value grows. there have been many hacks into these wallets and bitcoins have been stolen. Bitcoin is not owned by a country, group, or person. Bitcoin is owned by users of bitcoin. Initially, new bitcoins have to be mined and the miners get some bitcoins, those later can be sold to other people. Bitcoin mining is also a interesting concept. There is a limit on total number of bitcoins, which can be produced. there are only 21 million Bitcoins that can be mined in total. Out of which 16 million bitcoins are already mined. The successful miner finding the new block is rewarded with newly created bitcoins and transaction fees. By last year, the reward amounted to 12.5 newly created bitcoins per block added to the blockchain. To miner can claim the reward through a special transaction called a coinbase. All bitcoins in existence have been created in such coinbase transactions. Bitcoin mining is the process of adding transaction records to Bitcoins public ledger of past transactions or blockchain. This ledger of past transactions is called the block chain as it is a chain of blocks. The block chain serves to confirm transactions to the rest of the network as having taken place. Bitcoin nodes use the block chain to distinguish legitimate Bitcoin transactions from attempts to re-spend coins that have already been spent elsewhere. Today, many large institutions and crypto leaders have invested heavily in Bitcoin. As a matter of fact, 4% of people own 96% of bitcoins. Bitcoin is not regulated or backed by any country or government. It is private peer-to-peer transaction. All parties in bitcoin transactions are anonymous. Bitcoin is not illegal but it has been regulated in some countries. Now, then Most people buying bitcoins for investment purposes are assuming the value of bitcoin will continue to grow. Some people use bitcoins to buy and sell products and services to hide their identity.

Environment and Space Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environment and Space - Assignment Example It is free from column ensuring maximum visibility from inside where the glass facades provide an attractive recreation environment. However, the building has an impressive multi-purpose banqueting hall that can hold approximately 2000 people in comfort. In addition, it has a landmark high office tower, a five star hotel, a retail mall, car parking, and residential accommodations (Stevenson, 1997). The Alfaselaya building is designed and supervised by a joint venture between Buro Happold and Foster and partners. The Buro Happold has a wide number of services such as design for construction and fit out, inspirational design, integrated design, intelligent reuse of sites and buildings, efficient and green design, and operational effectiveness of buildings. On the other hand, the foster and partners is one of the integrated design and innovative architecture practices in the globe. The practice has opened up a sustainable architectural approach over the past 4 decades. This is evident from it work that range from urban masterplans, airport, public infrastructure, offices and workplaces, civil and cultural buildings to product design an private houses (Stevenson, 1997). The Buro Happold and Foster and partners ventures came up with a thorough plan in designing of the Alfaselaya complex to ensure error free fit out and construction. There are a number of design directions provided by the two ventures. The first one was providing quality architectural design to ensure that the quality of Alfaselaya’s surrounding had a quality influence on peoples’ lives. The second one was environmental engineering design. The environmental engineers formed an integral part in ensuring electrical, mechanical and fire protection of the building (Stevenson, 1997). The third one was ensuring proper structural engineering. They came up with seismic and dynamic design to form a geometrical and conventional structure. The next one was coming up with a design that ensured

Teamwork in the multidisciplinary setting. Professional issues Essay

Teamwork in the multidisciplinary setting. Professional issues - Essay Example FORM OF EVIDENCE 9 INTRODUCTION 9 9 10 10 11 LEARNING OUTCOME ONE Multidisciplinary teams – critical analysis Psychiatrist Care Coordinator Advanced mental health practitioner 12 Personal reflection on Multidisciplinary teams 13 References 14 14 LEARNING OUTCOME 2 Critical Analysis of the use of Reflection in professional learning 15 References 15 Use of Primary Care Models to enhance care delivery 16 References LOCATION FORM OF EVIDENCE 16 18 LEARNING OUTCOME THREE Ethics 19 References 19 21 LEARNING OUTCOME FOUR Diversity 22 References 22 FINAL REFLECTION ON THE MODULE Course Outcome Number 1: The multi-disciplinary team Reflect on and critically analyse the roles, responsibilities, collaboration and inter-agency working within the multi-disciplinary team. PERSONAL AIM (Course Outcome 1) This first section is concerned with what YOU want to achieve and is based on personal aims that you identify at the start of the module. My personal aim in relation to this outcome was: To comprehend how multidisciplinary teams function and how they establish a coordinated plan of care to meet the patients multiple needs. Please complete one of the following: Where your personal aim was achieved? Please describe how achieving this aim has influenced your practice. Yes it was achieved, and I was able to understand how multidisciplinary teams work with each other and how their different skills when combined eventually achieve favorable patient outcomes. Where your personal aim was not achieved? Please state why you think this aim was not achieved. I believe that my personal aim was not achieved in terms of my assertiveness as part of the team. I did not try a more assertive approach during meetings and was not able to express my role as a member of the team. ACTUAL OUTCOME (Course Outcome 1) This second section concerns what you have achieved, in relation to this learning outcome. It should demonstrate, as comprehensively as possible, how your practice is different as a result of this module. Please list all the evidence that is included under this outcome and where it may be found. How does the evidence support your claim that you have achieved this outcome? What form does the evidence take? Location I established a critical assessment discussing the importance of multidisciplinary teams and to establish a personal reflection of an incident I witnessed while in my placement. References are also indicated in order to support the evidence I used. Critical and reflective accounts and references Page 9-13 Course Outcome Number 2: Nursing Theory Critically analyse the use of reflection in professional learning and the use of Nursing models to enhance care delivery. PERSONAL AIM (Course Outcome 2) This first section is concerned with what YOU want to achieve and is based on personal aims that you identify at the start of the module. My personal aim in relation to this outcome was: To comprehend the importance of reflection and the role of evidence in t he establishment of effective nursing practice. Please complete one of the following: Where your personal aim was achieved? Please describe how achieving this aim has influenced your practice. My personal aim was accomplished because I was able to critically assess the importance of reflection and how it can enhance my practice and learning. The assessment of the self-care model also helped me realize the importance of helping patients become

Current Issues in Athletics Essay Example for Free

Current Issues in Athletics Essay Deviant behaviour is defined as behaviour which does not adhere to widely-accepted social or cultural norms. Deviance in sports is not something that has just begun; rather, it has been portrayed and, at times, exaggerated to the extent where there are reflections of obvious problems in professional sports, if not society as a whole. Deviance in sports began as soon as sports became an important competitive lifestyle for the individuals participating and witnessing the events. The athlete is often the most scrutinized individual in terms of sports deviance. This is especially true today as many cultures have embraced individuals who want to live out their childhood dream to become a professional athlete as they have viewed top athletes as role models. With this constant pressure to perform well and the agenising lifestyle of constantly being in the spotlight, many athletes find themselves doing anything it takes to win. This article will look at the type of deviance associated with athletics for example: Drugs, gamesmanship etc. Playing sports brings out the competitive sides of many athletes. To most athletes, winning is everything, and they will do absolutely anything to make sure they win, including the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Performance- enhancing drugs include: 1. Anabolic Steroids 2. Hormones including: 1. Erythropoietin (EPO) 2. Human Growth Hormone (hGH) 3. Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) 4. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG) 5. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) 1. Beta-2-Agonists 2. Hormone Antagonists and Modulators 3. Diuretics 4. Even recreational drugs These substances are banned at ALL times. Using drugs to cheat in sport is not new, but it is becoming more effective. . The problem of drugs in athletics is that as fast as scientists devise new tests for detecting traces of drugs in the body, there are other scientists that are devising more new products that enhance performance. According to the Us Anti- Doping agency, if an athlete tests positive for doping of any of the banned substances there is a range of measures taken as punishment: 1. Loss of sponsorship deals 2. Loss of income 3. Wiping out of previous achievements 4. Damage to future career prospects Under their Code, if an athlete tests positive for a prohibited substance they are usually liable for a one-year ban. An athlete may be eligible for a reduced sanction if they can prove they bore ‘no significant fault or negligence’. Substances and methods used to dope have health consequences. Many can be lead to severe health issues or even death. The use of recreational or social drugs is banned in sport. Whilst an athlete can be in a compromising situation with peers outside sport, it’s important for athletes to recognise that social drugs such as cannabis can be detrimental to sporting performance and result in a positive test result weeks later. An example of drugs use is European champion sprinter Dwain Chambers. Who tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid in 2003. The allegation was strongly denied by his coach. He was one of Britains best hopes for a gold medal at following years Olympic Games, Chambers allegedly failed a test for the newly discovered drug tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) which was thought to be undetectable. Traces of the drug were found in a urine sample that the European 100 metres champion and record holder provided during an out-of-competition test at his training base in Saarbrucken, Germany, on August 1, the Guardian newspaper reported. At this time if Chambers failed the test and was banned from athletics for two years and from the Olympic Games for life. Though in 2008 he returned to athletics and competed in the European championships running the 60m to win silver. In the same year he also launched a High Court appeal against his lifetime ban from the Olympics but the decision of the British Olympic Authority (BOA) was upheld. Though in 2012 The Court of Arbitration for Sport over-ruled the BOAs lifetime Olympics ban for drug cheats, freeing Chambers up to compete at London 2012. He won the 100m at the UK Olympic trials with a time of 10.25sec and was selected for Team GB despite not running under the Olympic A standard. Another example of doping is female GB sprinter Bernice Wilson. She was banned by Uk athletics this year as she tested positive for the anabolic steroid testosterone and Clenbuterol. Clenbuterol, similar to the asthma drug salbutamol, is used to treat breathing disorders as a decongestant and bronchodilator. It causes an increase in aerobic capacity, blood pressure and oxygen transportation, and speeds the rate at which fats are burned. It is officially classified as a sympathomimetic steroid. She was given a 4 year ban from athletics by the court of appeal and she will not be allowed to compete until 2015. In my opinion I think athletes should be given lifetime bans from their sport because when their stories come out about them doping it doesn’t give them a good image towards the younger generations that look up to and idolise these athletes. Linford Christie who served a two year drug ban from athletics competeion, said that atheletics â€Å"is so corrupt now and I wouldn’t want my child doing it.† The world Anti-Doping agency has launched the campagin ‘Say NO to doping’ which aims to educate people on theeffects of performance enhancing drugs on both their health and sporting career. I believe more of these programmes should be set up and more people made aware of the consequences faced when taking drugs. Gamesmanship: Another form of deviance is Gamesmanship. There is a fine line between cheating and gamesmanship. What you might consider cheating simply could be â€Å"part of the game† to another. Gamesmanship is defined as the use of dubious methods to win or gain a serious advantage in a game or sport. It has been described as Pushing the rules to the limit without getting caught, using whatever dubious methods possible to achieve the desired end. A form of gamesmanship in athletics is a false start. An athlete can choose to abort the start after the â€Å"on your marks† and â€Å"set† commands and before the firing of the starting device by raising his hand or standing up. Thiscan intimitate the other competetiors on the starting blocks as once in the starting blocks the competetiors are not allowed to move until the gun has been sounded to signal the start of the event. The athlete may also be warned for improper conduct by the referee if the action was determined to be inappropriate. Sometimes competitors can disturb other athletes at the starting line and this may be considered a false start. If a starter isn’t satisfied that all competitors are ready to proceed with the race, he will order the competitors to â€Å"stand up.† The most famous example of a false start was Usain Bolt in the 100m final at the World Championships in Daegu. Bolt reacted, 0.104 seconds before the gun was fired. A second gun crack confirmed his his disqulification. Though in recent studies and slow-motion replays of the start of the race show how Blakes left leg twitched in the instant before Bolt pushed off from the blocks. Some commentators have suggested that Blake himself could, and maybe should, have been disqualified. The IAAF rules state that once the athletes are in the set position, they must not move, and Blakes leg clearly twitched. It was that rule which caused Dwain Chambers to be disqualified in his semi-final. Another example of a false start was Christine Ohuruogu who was disqualified from the 400m in the worldchampionships in 2011. Such events are extremely rare in the 400m, but Ohuruogu came out of her blocks way ahead of any of her rivals. She told Channel 4 that, I knew it was me straight away. I cant believe it. I just wanted to get a good start as I knew it was going to be a fast round. Under the new false-start regulations brought in by the IAAF at the start of 2010, she was allowed no warning nor second chance and was shown a red card by officials before being ushered off the track in a state of shock she commented to the BBC that, Ive just wasted all that hard work, its just wasted.† Gender issues and equality: Gender issue take two different forms in athletics. The two forms: 1. Gender equality- The number of men and woman in sport 2. Gender issues- Verifying the eligibility of an athlete to compete in a sporting event that is limited to a single sex. Gender issues are a rare occasion in athletics. The issue arose a number of times in the Olympic Games where it was alleged that male athletes attempted to compete as women in order to win. The first mandatory sex test issued by the IAAF for woman athletes was in July 1950 in the month before the European Championships in Belgium. All athletes were tested in their own countries. Sex testing at the games began at the 1966 European Athletics Championships in response to suspicion that several of the best women athletes from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe were actually men. At the Olympics, testing was introduced at the 1968 Olympic Winter Games in Grenoble. While it arose primarily from the Olympic Games, gender verification affects any sporting event. However, it most often becomes an issue in elite international competition. The most famous example is Caster Semenya, a South African middle-distance runner and world champion. Semenya won gold in the womens 800 metres at the 2009 World Championships with a time of 1:55.45 in the final. She was scrutinized because of her masculine appearance and it raised concerns and complaints to the International Association of Athletics Federations, the governing body for all international athletic competitions outside the Olympics. She was banned from competing as gender tests where carried out on her. It took until July 2010 for the IAAF cleared her to compete. The main issue is gender inequality in sport. In the past, and still to an extent today, many women have been stereotyped into domestic roles, leaving fewer opportunities or activites available for them to participate in as sports where viewed to be male dominant. It wasn’t until the 1980’s a more enlightened and equal approach began to emerge which allowed womans sports to blossom in the UK. For the first time in the 2012 London Olympic Games, every country that was competeing had women in their teams. Women this year made up approximately 45% of the atheltes whereas in 1948 in Los Angeles only 24% of those competing were women. Only 16 years ago, in Atlanta, 26 countries did not send any women at all, according to website Muslim Women in Sport. Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said: Weve had more women competing in these Games. Some of the big, high-profile moments have focused on women. Its really moved the agenda on. But Jowell said the ongoing gender imbalance was symptomatic of wider discrimination against women in sport. Sport England has an aim to get more women back into sport. Sport Englands most recent figures, published last month, showed that one in eight women play sport in regularly England compared with one in five men. Among disadvantaged communities, the number of women drops to one in 10. They will invest  £10 million into 20 projects to reduce the gender gap. Racism: Racism in sport is a problem which is manifest around the world. It has led to a wide range of controversial incidents which have been reported in the media. The sport itself does not induce racism. The people that participate in the playing, organization, and implementation of sports bring racism into sports. One of the most notorious examples of racism in an international sporting event occurred in the 1936 Olympics, which were held in Berlin, Germany, in the Nazi era. German Chancellor Adolf Hitler hoped that the Olympic events would display the superiority of the Aryan race—that is, he hoped that the white athletes would greatly surpass athletes of other racial or ethnic backgrounds. When black American track and field athlete Jesse Owens (1913–1980) won four gold medals, a stunned Hitler angrily left the stadium. German fans, however, received Owens well and cheered his accomplishments. Though in more recent events Greek champion triple jumper Voula Papachristou has became the first athlete banned from competing at the London 2012 Olympic Games for posting racist and offensive comments on Twitter. Papachristou a supporter of the far-right political party Golden Dawn, posted the offensive tweet, which she now claims was a joke. The tweet said: â€Å"With so many Africans in Greece, at least the West Nile mosquitoes will eat home made food!!!† This was to be her first Olympics where she was to be recognised for her triple jumping but instead she was recognised for all the wrong reasons. Another example of racism in athletics was the Australian athlete John Steffensen. He claims he was racially abused by Athletics Austrailia by not being selected for thr 4X400m relay event in the London Olympic Games. He commented in a Channel 9 interview saying, â€Å"I’ve put up with being racially vilified by this federation, being discriminated against on many teams,† he said of AA’s decision to name the 19-year-old Solomon ahead of him for the one-lap race.† â€Å"†¦You think I waste my time running at training for fun? For this?† â€Å"No, they can have athletics. I don’t need to do this no more.† â€Å"I don’t think it helps the legitimacy of our sport or the selection criteria, and I think it only makes our sport look stupid. Athletics Austraila chief Dallas O’Brien says John Steffensen’s claims of racism are â€Å"regrettable† but no disciplinary action will be taken against the 400m runner. Education and sport in schools: Physical education and sport in schools has become a key issue involved in education. Targets have been set for schools to create more time for sports. It is said that in primary schools pupils should have 75-90 minutes of physical education and in secondary school; the amount of time and range of activities can become mnore flexible. They must aim though for minimum of two hours of sport per week. According to the British government: Every secondary school will receive funding up to the end of the academic year in 2013 to pay for one day a week of a PE teacher’s time to be spent out of the classroom, encouraging greater take-up of competitive sport in primary schools and securing a fixture network for schools to increase the amount of intra- and inter-school competition. Lottery funding from Sport England will also be deployed to build a framework of competitions as part of the new School Games. Though in recent surveys, doctors found 17 per cent of boys and 16 per cent of girls between 12 and 15 are classed as either overweight or obese and nearly three quarters of children are not getting their recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. But with the recent London Olympics the number of children regularly taking part in competitive sport has gone up, a new government report shows, but its still less than half of all pupils – increasing from 28% last year to 39% this year. This shows major events have had an impact on younger children but as it states there is still not enough young peole taking part and there is a many of excuses for avoiding it. Even when people leave school at the age of 18 involvement in sport drops dramatically as they have no longer sport as a complusory part of their acedemic cirriculum. The British government along with Sport England have launched their campaign ‘Sport; a habit for life’ this will focus mainly on the youth, facilities and physical education in schools all over the UK with the aim of increasing participation.

A Great Helper in a Great Educators Educational Reforms, the Late Suza

Suzan Ari (1927 - 2002) - a woman rare among women A Great Helper in a Great Educator's Educational Reforms "...loss of Suzan Ari we are grieving" (Salih CoÅŸar - Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Democrat Party [Minister for Finance and Economy and formerly Minister of Education and Culture -kktc] ~HalkÄ ±n Sesi 26 November 2002) The Prime Minister of North Cyprus attended the funeral of this rare woman among women.. from Canada university teaching & education staff, and others in the USA & the UK who as 'auntie' referred to this extraordinary woman poured in messages, including from persons knighted by Britain and representing this unforgettable woman's nation in Europe, of commiseration... Suzan Ari in social educational cultural reforms and social progress of (especially Turkish speaking) Cypriots was a great helper in education efforts of her husband & educator, the late Orhan Seyfi Ari by the Minister of Education dubbed 'teacher of teachers', and "a vigorous fearless defender of liberties" in his columns -in articles on teachers, educators, and poems a thinker 'himself a school', "whose mark on the nation's history of education is not little", who a street is named after ~in the visionary teacher's, reformer's, successful educational cultural efforts this woman's help was enormous. As the Greek and Turkish Cypriot pupils of her husband's, teachers, and many people of the British Colony of Cyprus do teacher Orhan Ari's teaching and educational and cultural leadership as teacher at elementary then Cypriot and English secondary and grammar schools and head teacher at secondary schools and lecturer at institutes his efforts and also hers, so do many from the later Republic of Cyprus and the still later Nor... ...tory of education of Cyprus, in the education and cultural social progress of a Commonwealth nation now its men and women at its level of teaching, education, culture enjoying the highest percentage of university graduates in the European Union. Suzan Ari had been to prayers on Wednesday night on 20th November, 2002, met, chatted, prayed with her neighbours, friends ~the following morning this great woman contributor to educational cultural social progress was found to have peacefully passed away. These verses of the people's 'teacher of teachers -the Teacher' Orhan Ari apply to the extraordinary woman Suzan Ari -a great helper in educational, literacy, cultural social progress: The pure in heart truly die never Joyous be, in hearts they live forever Tulips representing donations in her honour to the educational trust surrounded Mrs. Ari's coffin.

Supporting Change

The organisation this report is based upon is NCO Europe Ltd (NCO) their European Head Office is based within Preston’s City Centre and the organisations head office is based in Pennsylvania US. NCO is part of a much larger group of companies namely Expert Global Solutions (EGS). The EGS Group is a business process outsource market leader employing in excess of 43,000 employees in 118 contact centres around the globe currently in 14 countries, with an annual turnover exceeding $2 Billion. EGS is a recognised tier one player in both Customer Relations Management (CRM) and Accounts Receivable Management (ARM) whose clients include 40% of the fortune 500. At the European Head Office, NCO currently employs approximately 500 employees at this site and is currently undergoing a rapid expansion program.An explanation of why your organisation needs to change identifying at least 6 internal and external factors that drive or influence the change.Over the last few years, businesses with in the UK have needed to adapt and change to the economic challenges posed by the long lasting recession that hit the financial markets back in the 2nd quarter of 2008. A major part of the organisations income stream is from debt recovery also known as ARM. The economical downturn had a direct impact on the organisations strategic objectives as this impeded revenue collected from those who fell into arrears. The organisation implemented a change in business strategy a new department was created to solely deal with debt management companies (DMCs) and customers in financial difficulties, as a result an increased revenue stream was created.The increase in business has resulted in a huge expansion both in the capacity of new employees required but also it has seen the organisation needing to relocate to a newly refurbished building along with investment in new technology to ensure they have both the capacity and the capability of fulfilling the client’s requirements. Change can be described as being inevitable, and those organisations who do not keep up with change may become unstable, with long-term survivability in question. There are events, or situations that occur that affect the way a business operates, either in a positive or negative way such as; Out-sourcing, Internal Reviews, Resignations, Mergers, The Recession or even Employee / Client expectations can all lead to change needing to be implemented within an organisation.Explain how change can impact an organisation’s businessChange can impact an organisation in numerous ways such as;I.Size – This is frequently a driving factor for a company’s structure. Smaller businesses won’t usually have a vast structure as the owner is usually responsible for all tasks. Larger organisations usually require a more intense framework for their organisations structure.II.Business Strategies – These can be a factor in a company’s organisational development structure. High -growth companies usually have smaller organisational structures so they can react to changes in the business environment quicker than other companies.III.Profitability – A positive effect of companies generating operational profits is the ability for companies to expand and grow their operations. Companies often reinvest a certain amount of profits earned from current operations into new business opportunities or expanding current operations to increase business output.Explain the main factors involved in the change process.There are a number of factors involved in an organisations change process such as; 1.Selling the benefits of change –Identifying potential threats and develop scenarios presenting what could take place in the future. Examining opportunities that should be, or could be exploited.2. Communication – Talk about the change vision, if people have anxieties then address these openly and honestly. Tie in the vision to all areas of the business from training to performance reviews3. Planning the change – Ensure that all research has been completed; examine the organisational structure, job descriptions, and performance and compensation systems to ensure they are in line with the vision.4.Analysing progress – After progress has been made analyse what went right and what needs improving. Set goals to build on the progress further to ensure that this is measurable this can be completed by using either a SWOT or PESTLE analysis.A comparison between at least 3 different approaches to managing changeK, Lewin is responsible for introducing force field analysis, which examines the driving and resisting forces in any change situation. The underlying principle is that driving forces must outweigh resisting forces in any situation if change is to happen. The second is about moving to a new state through participation, involvement and internalisation. The third focuses on refreezing and stabilizing the new state of affairs by setting policy, rewarding success and establishing new standards. Driving forces – These are forces which push in a direction that causes change to occur, facilitating change as they push the person in the desired direction. Restraining forces- They are forces that counter driving forces, these hnder change as they push the person on the opposite direction. Equilibrium – This is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no change occurs. Equilibrium can be raised or lowered by changes between the driving and restraining forces.Describe 3 behavioural responses seen when change occurs in an organisation.Fear Of The Unknown – Change often brings with it substantial uncertainty. Employees facing a technological change, such as the introduction of a new computer system, may resist the change because it introduces uncertainty into what was once a comfortable environment. Fear Of Loss – When change is about to occur, some employees may fear losing their jobs, especially where there is a merger or takeover about to happen. Employees may be worried that their operational site will be closed down and the work relocated to another site to save costs or they may fear their roles will become redundant.Poor Communication – Changes within an organisation start with key decision makers. It is up to them to pass along the details to team members and ensure all questions are answered before changes go into effect. Unfortunately, as news of a change spreads through the senior management, details are sometimes skewed and managers end up receiving second – hand information. Poor communication can therefore cause resistance to change.Explain at least 3 ways that HR can support individuals during change.At NCO the HR function is described as being a support function that assists with the operational running of the organisation. Whenever change occurs, the HR function acts as a role model for change, demonstrating th e behaviours that create a climate for change which includes communicating clearly any plans for change and developing a change strategy that aids with the implementation. It is also supportive to create a shared vision for the future of change within an organisation, employees are better placed to conform if they understand the benefits of any change which is implemented and understand exactly how this will affect them in there day to day interactions whilst being within their workplace. Encouraging discussion is another way the HR function can support employees, when the change process is implemented team members may experience negative feelings towards this such as surges in anxiety or fear of the unknown.Opening the lines of honest and open discussion can assist employees put their negative feelings or emotions aside? Employees who have had their voices heard and have had chance to ask questions surrounding the impending change are better placed to conform to change. Communicati on can also have a positive effect; it has the ability to instil excitement and create the acceptance once the change is fully understood and any questions posed have been answered fully and honestly.

Nursing Care Study Essay

The aim of this nursing care study is to demonstrate that, as a student nurse, the writer is capable of developing and delivering the skills needed for assessing and addressing each individual patient’s care needs. Included in these set of skills, is the ability to develop critical thinking, decisive decision making and the ability to reflect on events so as to become a better health care provider. The patient in which the writer will discuss was based upon an eighty three year old man, pseudonym Mr. Scott who was admitted into accident and emergency via a referral from his general practitioner presenting with exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a history of congestive cardiac failure (CCF). On admission to accident and emergency Mr. Scotts’ team took arterial blood gases, ordered a pulmonary function tests and a chest X-ray. Prior to the exacerbation of Mr. Scotts’ condition he regularly attended a cardiac clinic due to being a long term sufferer of congestive cardiac failure and also attended pulmonary function clinic for tests (pulmonary function tests). Through these clinics Mr. Scott was educated on his medications and current condition. On admission of Mr. Scott, the writer decided to use the frameworks Roper Logan and Tierney (2000); Orem’s Self Care Framework (1995) and Gibbs (1988); which incorporates each tool of assessment known as, plan, implementation, evaluation, educate and reflection. Using the above frameworks, an improvement of Mr. Scotts’ current exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was seen to have been resolved and a new evaluation of Mr. Scotts’ care was developed. The chosen tool of reflection used is known as the Gibbs cycle of reflection. The writer applied this tool in order to evaluate the patient care. The rationale behind this was to attempt to fully understand reflection so as to apply this to everyday practice, thus improving as a student nurse. The Gibbs cycle involves a description of the incident, feelings and thoughts experienced plus the evaluation and analysis of the incident, conclusions and action plan (Gibbs, 1988). According to Barnett (2005) using a tool of reflection, to give an account of experiences in the clinical setting can aid the nurse to analyse and explore their feelings regarding patient care. Main body Eighty three year old Mr. Scott was admitted to accident and emergency with a referral from his general practitioner, presenting with a recurrent upper respiratory tract infection and a history of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive cardiac disease. Due to his history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Mr. Scott was sent for a chest x ray to assess the deterioration of his lungs due to his condition. (Alexander et al. 2009) Post admission into accident and emergency, Mr. Scott was sent to St. Pat, Thomas, Johns’ ward where the writer was working at the time as a student nurse. The writer found, when assessing Mr. Scott, that he lived alone, locally, was a widower of ten years and had two daughters who also lived near by. Although Mr. Scott had many concerns, he also had a good social network such as the support of family and a home help package of six hours a week, which included meals on wheels. The local public health nurse also called to see Mr Scott on a social capacity. Presently the main health concerns which faced both Mr. Scott and his family were; the deterioration of his dyspnoea, related to his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; pressure ulcers, due to developing pressure ulcers while in hospital in previous years and anxiety from both Mr. Scott and his family due to the unknown. Reassurance was given and they were explained what care he was to receive. Issue # 1 Breathing. The key feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Barnett, 2009) is that of experiencing breathlessness. Being breathless for most patients can be both a stressful and frightening experience, which can raise anxiety levels. In past studies, men predominantly more than women were found to be affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); but in a recent study carried out by Meilan et al. (2007); research has found that cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are increasing in women world wide. The care Mr. Scott received was split in two, short term and long term care; both of which were constantly re-evaluated to maximise efficiency and quality of care. As part of the short term care plan the writer ensured that the bedside was set up with suctioning equipment help prepared for potential complications. To avoid complications, for example tachypnoea (rapid breathing) which is found to be an early indication of respiratory distress (Jevon and Evens 2001); the golden rule of thumb, depth and rate of breathing was monitored and recorded accurately (Jevon, 2010). Further reducing the risk of complications occurring, Mr. Scott was encouraged to sit up in a semi fowler position while enduring deep breathing exercises enabling him to breathe with greater ease and comfort. The rationale behind this was supported by a study carried out by Duggan et al. (2005). The long term goal was to ensure that an oxygen saturation level between 88%-94% is maintained (Alexander et al 2009). To monitor oxygen saturations levels, a pulse oximeter was place on Mr. Scott’s finger. The rationale for this is to detect oxygen absorption of haemoglobin (Plaice &Graham, 2000). A study carried out by Groeben (2003) shows that administering high concentrations of oxygen to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will reduce the respiratory drive, resulting in respiratory depression. This finding gives rationale to why a low flow of oxygen therapy is given to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Humidification was added to Mr. Scotts’ oxygen therapy to warm and moisten the gas (Jevon and Ewens 2001) promoting secretions while enhancing patient comfort (Woodrow 2005).The rationale for this is that oxygen is known to dehydrate exposed membranes in the upper respiratory tract. Issue #2 Pressure ulcers. According to Lawrence et al (2010), every individual’s skin changes with time, this is a normal process of ageing. With this change comes a decrease in its elasticity and turgor, therefore with age one has to ensure that vital care of skin is given in an attempt to avoid skin breakdown. Due to Mr. Scott being an elderly man of eighty three, the writer was concerned about skin integrity. A tool known as the water low score was used in order to assess the likelihood of Mr. Scott developing any pressure ulcers during his stay in the hospital (Whiteing 2009). As Mr. Scott had developed pressure ulcers in a past experience, he would have an increased chance of a re-occurrence. In an attempt to prevent this situation the writer requested that Mr.Scott be nursed on an air mattress. (Stafford and Brower 2009). Issue #3 safety and delerium Anxiety is an emotional state influenced by past experience, which exists at a given point in time with a level of intensity related to an upcoming perceived threat (Passer and Smith 2007) The provision of information is extremely important to the patient as studies from, Biswajit et al. (2009) has shown that an informed patient with a good understanding of their condition reduces anxiety. Harvey (2002), recommend shared control in patient-practitioner interactions in that patients effectively participate in controlling important events. After liaising with Mr Scott’s’ medical team regarding his anxiety, a low dose of Alprazolam brand name Xanax 5mg, was charted and given in an attempt to relieve his anxiety. Alprazolam reduces anxiety within patients (De Witte, et al 2002). Medical care administered On admission to the ward Mr. Scotts’ medical team ordered pulmonary function tests. These tests determine what type and extent of restriction the patient is experiencing (Alexander et al 2009); furthermore indicating any increase/decrease in their condition (Daly 2009). Arterial blood gasses were checked in order to determine the amount of O2 to be administered reducing the risk of hypoxia. The rationale for taking arterial blood gases was to determine the bloods Ph and the O2 levels circulating within the blood. (Alexander et al 2009). A sputum sample was also attained from Mr Scott and sent to the lab for culture and sensitivity testing to trace which bacteria is present in the sputum so as to treat the infection (Gray et al 2008). Through reflection the writer recalled that oedema may be present in the lower extremities secondary to Mr. Scotts history of congestive cardiac failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and recorded the findings. The rationale for this was that, Mr. Scott suffered with congestive cardiac failure which increased the risk of developing oedema while in juxtaposition, putting increased pressure on functioning internal organs (Morley et al. 2009). During the writers assessment of Mr. Scott it appeared that he was suffering from a sudden onset of dyspnoea, (laboured breathing). Using critical thinking, the writer administered oxygen therapy at maximum of twenty four percent and immediately informed Mr. Scotts’ team on his condition. The rationale behind administering low dose O2 is due to the fact that the hypoxic drive can be decreased by administering a large dose of O2 leading to respiratory failure and the worsening condition of the patient, (Simmons et al. 2004). Using the Gibbs reflection cycle, the writer believes students should be under constant supervision in order to attain the knowledge of administering O2 to patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The medical team looking after Mr. Scott prescribed an antibiotic called Tazocin (4.5grams three times a day) to be given intravenously. The rationale for administering this antibiotic was to attempt to fight any infection that the patient may have developed. Also prescribed for Mr. Scott was a steroid and bronchodilator. The rationale for charting a steroid and bronchodilator was that, they are found to decrease inflammation in the air way and also to open up the airway (Greenstein et al 2009). Due to Mr. Scotts’ condition he was a long term user of oral Corticosteroids. Studies (Walters et al. 2008) have shown that, corticosteroids reduce the need for additional medical therapy while, also shorting hospital stay. On previous reflection (Gibbs 1988) as a student nurse, the writers’ knowledge developed due to reflection from previous patient care. The writer knew that due to Mr. Scott being on steroids, his blood sugar levels needed to be checked once a day as to ensure it stayed within the normal range. The rationale behind monitoring Mr. Scott’s’ blood sugar once a day was due to the side effects that are directly related to the administration of corticosteroids. Such side effects are as mouth ulcers, weight gain and increased skin thinning (mayoclinic.com). The writer encouraged Mr. Scott to rinse his mouth out with water post administration of oral steroids to reduce the development of oral ulcers or a candida infection of the mouth, (Greenstein et al 2009). The Roper, Logan, Tierney (RLT) 2000 nursing framework aided the writer in focusing upon the care study. This model encompasses key factors such as social status, environmental factors as well as the physical/ psychological factors which influence people in their daily lives (Roper et al 1991; 2003, Newton 1991). This model is designed to be adaptable to any patient and not for the patient to adapt towards the model of nursing; therefore it allows the nurse to care for each patient on an individual level (Roper et al 2000). Nursing can therefore be defined through this model in terms of helping people to prevent, alleviate, solve or cope with problems (actual or potential) when relating to the activities of daily living, (Roper et al. 1990). Conclusion Although the Roper Logan and Tierney’s’ model of nursing covers a holistic view, a model known as the Orem’s Self Care Framework according to Fawcett (1995) concentrates on the individuals’ self maintenance and regulation through a type of action known as self-care. This model could be seen as beneficial to Mr.Scott as a patient whom has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as a main part in maintaining good health is a good understanding/ communication, knowledge and education of how to care for ones’ self (Eva et al. 2009). The aim of this piece of work was to assemble while using tools of assessment an individual care plan. This was to be drawn up together with the patient and the writer so the system of care would be of an individual status. The writer also aimed to demonstrate that with critical thinking and decisive decision making the patient involved received intervention when needed. As the writer worked on the ward mentioned a strong therapeutic relationship had been built between patient and student nurse, this allowed the patient to feel at ease when asking questions regarding his condition enabling the writer to educate the patient at a higher understanding. Upon Mr. Scott’s discharge he expressed a better understanding of his knowledge about his condition, he also felt that if or when he experienced another exacerbation he would not feel as anxious and be better able to cope with it. Hearing this as a student nurse the writer felt that it had enhanced professional development for further nursing practice. Reference List: Alexander, M.,Fawcett, J., Runciman, P.2009. Disorders of the Respiratory System IN: Edmond, C., Mc Clean, I., Mc Clean, J., Wilson, L.(eds.) Nursing Practice Hospital and Home. 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Livingstone. Alexander, M.,Fawcett, J., Runciman, P.2009.Nursing Practice Hospital and Home. 3rd ed. Edinburgh: Livingstone. 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