Monday, January 27, 2020

Stigma of Tattoos in the Workplace

Stigma of Tattoos in the Workplace Anna Marks Jo Vale Abstract    This research looks at the stereotype of tattoos in the workplace today. The research draws upon mostly primary sources including telephone interviews and questionnaires. This report intends to demonstrate that social attitudes are changing in relation to tattoos and that by identifying that tattoos are a part of life now and will continue to be, the aim is to eliminate the assumption that all people with tattoos are involved with crime or unemployable. The results were surprising as they revealed that the younger generations were more conservative in relation to tattoos in a professional environment. Introduction By describing and analysing its most important aspects, this report intends to discuss and evaluate the results that originated through research into the stigma of tattoos in the workplace on people today. The issues covered by this report include; the percentage of people who feel discriminated against because of their tattoos and the people who dont agree with tattoos being on display in the workplace. This topic is important as now a fifth of all British adults have been tattooed (J Henley) and with that number, ever increasing tattoos are becoming the social norm, employers will have to start making some changes to their dress codes if they want a new generation of employees. Tattoos started as an exclusively female practice in ancient Egypt, mummies found with tattoos were usually dismissed and assumed they were of a dubious status (C Lineberry) and until the early 1990s this opinion was largely unchanged, with only 15% of baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) with tattoos and 59% having the opinion that if you had tattoos you were involved with crime or in enlisted military personnel. (J Squires) However, social attitudes are changing and that is simply not the case any more, with increasingly more professionals reporting they have tattoos. Methodology A mixed method approach was used as good variation in data collection usually, leads to greater validity within the work. This was demonstrated with a wide variety of responses from several different sources. The research was approached from a practical standpoint, qualitative and quantitative data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Quantitate data provided much-needed clarification throughout the research process. However, this method of data collection limited participant responses and are, therefore of little use if depth is required. The methodological approach involved qualitative methods within the research. This method is more suitably used when less information is known, this allows those who do not want to share too much to contribute, without losing out on important information. However, there was a small percentage of people who preferred not to divulge that private information. Primary sources were used more broadly, as the research contained some questions which some might find sensitive in nature and it allowed the questions that needed to be asked, to be asked. This was initially deemed unsuitable for primary data collection, however, the anonymity of the primary data method essentially worked in favour of the research as participants were much more open with their answers when provided with secrecy. Secondary sources were very valuable within research as it allowed statistic comparison and outside data to aid preliminary research. Comparisons of documents and records as well as the use of the census were helpful and reinforced the primary research done. The use of secondary sources helped construct an argument that would have been difficult to make without this information. However, information gathered through this source did create reconsiderations on how to go about the research, for example, secondary data offered a new perspective which introduced new ideas and gave the research more range. Results and Findings The findings suggested that people, in general, did not feel as victimised over their tattoos in the workplace as initially thought, it can be seen from the evidence that out of 88 tattooed individuals aged 18-61 only 5 people felt that they had been treated differently at work or not gained employment because of their tattoos, the small 5.7% of people thought that They will affect me in the future.   A much higher percentage of people did not feel discriminated against for their tattoos as those who did. This was an unexpected finding. The findings showed 94.3% of people who were asked did not feel that their employers had any issues with their tattoos at all. The results showed expectedly that some of the over 30s disliked visible tattoos in the workplace and thought that they should be covered, with most describing them as unprofessional and inappropriate    61% of people who took the survey without tattoos felt they should be covered up. Of that 61%, only 27% of them were over 30 making the majority between 18-26-year-olds who were against visible tattoos in a professional environment Discussion Out of the vast majority of participants with tattoos, 97% did not have any involvement with the navy/army or with crime. It was initially thought that these percentages would be higher as the stigma of tattooed people being involved in crime and/or enlisted is a popular reason in which most people do not appear to like them, with 1 participant saying Tattoos only used to be for thugs. The original hypothesis does not fit with the results maintained through the research, it was initially thought that there would be a significant difference between a younger persons positive attitude to visible tattoos in the work-place than an older persons negative attitude. This was an unexpected finding, however, to try and explain this Wallop (2015) discussed the impact of the so-called midlife crisiss affecting those over 30 and how it is becoming increasingly common for them to get tattoos later in life Tattoos, are now as much a part of a midlife crisis as scouring Facebook for old flames. A recent survey found that almost a quarter of 30 to 59-year-olds have a tattoo somewhere on their body, compared with less than one in six of those aged between 18 and 24. This shows the stigma of tattoos falling away slowly and the older generation gradually backing down on the hardened stereotyped view of tattoos. Backing this theory up, an article from Forbes, published in 2011 argues that tattoos still have a negative impact on employment (L Faw) However, in 2013 they retracted their statement, saying tattoos were no longer a kiss of death in the workplace (R Hennessey) This correlates with the data collected through previous research that was conducted and is interesting because, with just 2 years difference it can be seen from the evidence that social attitudes appeared to have changed, these results present an interesting finding as it seems that it is millennials that have become more conservative in their views. However, a study by CareerBuilder showed that 31% of employers said that having a visible tattoo is one of the reasons they would be less likely to promote an individual (2011) 86% of young professionals do not think tattoos reduce the chance of getting jobs (A Mishra S Mishra) and that grooming and business attire were more important indicators in the hiring decision than tattoos and piercings (J McLeod) as well as feeling that they feel more approachable by younger generations in the workplace. Conclusion The thesis of this report was to analyse and discuss conducted research into the stigma of tattoos in the workplace. In conclusion, from the evidence presented in this report, it can be seen that the hypothesis does not connect with the results presented. Initially, it was thought that younger people would be more open to displaying tattoos at work, in fact, this was not the case. 72.2% of 18-26-year-olds do not think tattoos showing in the workplace is appropriate, it was the older generation that had fewer problems with tattoos. However, with no information from the age range spanning between 27-29 statistics, it would be irresponsible to presume the figures that they fit into. Tattoos have been here for a long time and the findings suggest that they will be around for a lot more. It seems that tattoos may become more acceptable not only in the workplace but in general society References The rise and rise of the tattoo, J Henley, Tuesday 20 July 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2010/jul/20/tattoos Visible Tattoos And Other Corporate No-Nos, Larissa Faw, October 25 2011, http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeswomanfiles/2011/10/25/visible-tattoos-and-other-corporate-no-nos/#363efdd3670f Tattoos No Longer A Kiss Of Death In The Workplace, Rachel Hennessey, February 27, 2013 http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelhennessey/2013/02/27/having-a-tattoo-and-a-job/#120e998d5b92 Anurag Mishra Sasmita Mishra p.3, April, 2015 http://www.ijird.com/index.php/ijird/article/view/69975/54946 The Hidden Mark: An Ethnographic Examination of Visibility in Heavily Tattooed Professionals, Josh M. McLeod p.23 https://dspace.royalroads.ca/bitstream/handle/10170/703/mcleod_josh.pdf?sequence=1isAllowed=y Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder June 29, 2011, Bad Breath, Heavy Cologne and Wrinkled Clothes Among Factors That Can Make You Less Likely to Get Promoted, http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=6%2F30%2F2011id=pr642ed=12%2F31%2F2011 Bibliography The National Archives http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ The Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/annie-singer/tattoos-in-the-workplace-_b_9321408.html

Sunday, January 19, 2020

General Motors strategy and objectives Essay

GM is considered one of the world’s most treasured automotive companies over time and has attracted most loyalty from the esteemed customers in the automobile industry. To the suppliers and dealers, the GM has been the preferred business partner. To investors, GM means a blue chip holding by virtue of a long-term lucrative growth. GM led the global automobile sales for the past 77years successive years from 1931 through 2007, which is longer than any other manufacturer; it’s currently among the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer. General Motors strategy and objectives The GM Company operates to produce the highest quality automobiles in the market worldwide and in its recent strategies it has emerged among the best in terms of embracing new technology, business diversification. Out of the total number of automobile it produced in the year 2012, 72% of them were purchased. This is a positive indication of the influence and loyalty the firm has attained in the market. The sector of automotive is experiencing a lengthy period of declined profitability and sales. To ensure future growth, GM has proposed three strategies; Retrenchment strategy focuses on product redevelopment, more specifically brand reinvention. The next approach to GM’s redevelopment is a growth strategy, which has the option of expanding GM into emerging countries. The last strategy, is a restructuring strategy which explains a way to raise profits in the long term by revising the current pension plans and health care. The main strategy focuses on the retrenchment strategy it provides the greatest amount of near-term and sustainable profitability. How should GM use its scarce financial and human resources to stop its slide? GM needs to become more competitive and turn around its financial performance and ensure long-term profitability. For the past four years, GM has successfully been formulating and implementing effective strategies to enhance growth and profits in its worldwide market and some of these strategies include, investing almost $11 billion of its capital of 35 U.S.in expanding its facilities and since 2009 it has done so to ensure, more efficient productivity and to form higher quality vehicles. The joint projects in China, which have been constructing new factories that are anticipated to improvement the company’s production capacity by about 30 % to more than usual 5 million units annually by the coming year of 2015. So far in Europe, Opel that is one of GM’s affiliates is undertaking among the largest product belligerent in its history and is introducing 23 new vehicles and ten new engines due 2016 In addition, the South America’s GM affiliate energized its Chevrolet product inventory with a full assortment of refined, fuel-efficient and technologically advanced automobiles. In its process of relocating the GM headquarter to achieve a consolidated international operations to other parts like Singapore, which will help in sharpen the companies of south Asia region, Human Resource Balance scorecard is used to measure the performance of the financial and non-financial situation in General Motors Company. The score card entails financial perspective, customer perspective, internal perspective, and growth perspective. It enables General Motors to develop a comprehensive view of their operations and to better all operating and investment activities to long and short-term strategic objectives (Mural, 2008). Balance scorecard improves employee satisfaction and increases employees motivation, in general ensures human capital development. High-performance work system Open systems, autonomous work teams and performance-based pay are known as high-performance work system (Rouse, 2000). The system is known as a high involvement work system, high commitment, and flexible work systems. In GM there are only three factors that affect the high-performance work system; technology, retrenchment of employees and layout design. Retrenchment will cause GM lose employees who are much talented and subsequently lose a competitive edge. To surviving in a competitive environment, the company must rely on their workers creativity, strong teamwork, and problem-solving ability. The use of technology is a feature in the high-performance work system, all managers in every department of GM must be able to identify the technology they use in their firm. The information System can store data on employees that can help managers in deciding which employee is performing or not. Layout of GM offices and production plants is required to design to increase employee’s pro ductivity. The job designing would be performed well by the human resource manager. GM should come up with the proposals to transform the existing layout to an improved sustainability working layout. Sustainability strategies The company has adopted a Customer-Driven Sustainability strategy over the past few years. Its priorities have largely concentrated on building the foundation of the global sustainability practice, which aims at achieving the following, †¢ Creation of operational and product guarantees †¢ Identification of impact effective areas †¢ Enlargement of sustainability reporting practices and publication of the report †¢ Formation and alignment of corporate strategies and positions †¢ Development of processes for consistent global effecting, Most part of the foundational efforts is already completed, and the company anticipates spending the next several years of the building industry leadership in those areas of sustainability where we can make the greatest impact. Innovations that grow business by presenting new products and services that clients long for, while helping GM in responding to big trends and solving environmental issues and social disquiets.Integration that enhances sustainability is adopted embraced at all levels in GM at the global, regional and local stages across all strategic utilities and are vital in all the company’s undertakings. Transparency that is vital in building trust and accountability via the development of commitments to measure as well as manage progress through regular disclosure and reporting. Engagement with employees is encouraged in order creating a sustainable mindset in the whole company and with the external stakeholders to look for opinions on issues of concern and input for further improvements. Marketing GM has decided to reduce its product portfolios and direct the focus on Chevrolet, Cadillac as its â€Å"full-line marquis. The move is a drastic moving from their previous marketing strategy which includes offering an assortment of vehicles for every brand. This marketing strategy is formulated in order to prevent the opportunity for overlapping products. Instead of producing too many average vehicles, General Motors will be able to focus on great vehicles that will make the brand stand out. The Detroit News stated that all three brands GMC, Buick, and Pontiac will be offered under a single dealership. This change was made to increase productivity and branding within each dealership. Market information The following is a representation of the data that was adopted from the New York Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange. The Quarterly price variations based on the high and low prices from day to day trades of the GM common stock on the New York Stock Exchange, the principal market through which the stock is traded, are as follows (GM Annual report. Years Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2012 2011 High Low High Low Quarter HIGH LOW HIGH LOW1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27.08 $20.75 $39.18 $30.00 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27.0030 $19.24 $30.47 $28.17 3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $25.01$18.72 $32.08 $19.77 4th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28.88 $57.67 $26.55 $17.10 GM Company and its subsidiaries Successor Predecessor Years Ended December 31, July 10, 2009 Through December 31, 2009 January 1, 2009 July 9, 2009 Year Ended December 31, 2012 2011 2010 2008 Income Statement Data: Total net sales and revenue (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $152,254 $150,277 $135,591 $ 59,474 $ 47,115 $148,979Reorganization gains, net (b) . . . . . $128,155 $ Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,134 $ 9,286 $ 6,502 $ (3,786) $109,003 $ (31,051) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests . . . 52 (97) (331) 511) 115 108 Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (c) . . . . . . . . . $ 6,88$ 9,190$ 6,12 $ (4,297) $08,106 $(30,719) Net income (loss) from common stockholders . . . . $ 4,86 $ 7,585$ 4,608 $ (4,428) $109,118 $ (30,941) GM $0.01 par value common stock and Old GM $1-2/3 par Value common stock Basic earnings (loss) per share: (d)Net income (loss) from common Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3.11 $ 4.95 $ 3.12 $ (3.58) $ 178.63 $ (53.47) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (d)Net income (loss) attributable to common Stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2.91 $ 4.59 $ 2.88 $ (3.58) $ 178.55 $ (53.47) SWOT Analysis Strengths; it has manufacturing distribution, assembly offices and also warehouses operations in 55 countries.GM is well rooted not only in U.S but also throughout the world. GM shares are still aggressive in China experiences will make them come back in the competition. However, variety of different brands help them to reach all target markets. Weaknesses: GM has a debt with the government. Poor organizational structure since there is a lack of communication between employees from the top to bottom, profitability is decreasing. Downsizing thousands of people.Opportunities: GM can use its competitors ideas to get back, they still have loyal customers. Increasing demand for hybrid/electric vehicles, GM still have Opportunities in emerging markets. Changing clients demand new model types. Threats: The gas prices are increasing rapidly; competition is developing new car styles and efficient. The rising raw materials prices and environmental emission standards. The crisis is a threat in the USA, Europe, and Asia. Social responsibility GM addresses health and vitality of the global communities through financial contributions like donations and volunteer initiative. GM invests in projects that improves health, education, and safety and also address the needs for technology and innovation. Their actions are guided by values; they are the drivers of their decisions, essence of their code of conduct. At GM social responsibility starts with their core values particularly the values of integrity, individual responsibility, and respect. All their corporate activities are measured against these values. They put their values into practice through their Winning with Integrity guideline employee conduct. This summarizes their important legal obligations and policies in the conduct of the business. In summary, GM is working on building solutions to the challenges of the community involvement every day because they need to be a trusted company. Conclusion The determined relevant market value at the date of the overall financial statements applies to the complete year, in spite of the appropriate market value calculated during the previous quarters of the current year. Using the two-class technique to analyze basic earnings per a single share and the increased dilutive of the two-class or converting method to calculate diluted earnings per share in the previous due December 31 of 2012 and 2011. The two-class method for computing EPS, as well as undistributed earnings are oftenly allocated to common stock and the Series B Ideal Stock according to its respective contribution rights in the undistributed revenues, as if all the earnings for the time had been exhaustively been distributed.(Form 10-K Annual Report, P36-41). Unpredictability may result in calculating of earnings per share from time to time subject to whether the application of the two-class technique is essential. The application of the two-class technique occasioned to an allocation of undistributed incomes to the Series B as Preferred Stockholders and, consequently, 152 million common stock equivalent from the already conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock are usually not considered outstanding for purposes of determining the weighted-average mutual shares outstanding in the computation of diluted paychecks per share in the years (GM press release, January 2012) .December 31, 2012to the year ended2011.The MLC circulated approximately 272 million permits for its common stock for its unsecured creditors including the GUC Trust. The warrant holders can use their covers at any time proceeding to their respective expiration dates (GM press release, January 2012). Upon exercising of these warrants, the shares allotted will be encompassed in the number of basic dividends remaining that are used in the calculation of earnings per share. The securities and license necessary to buy 313 million shares of the common stock were unsettled at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and in which46 million shares were exempted in every year’s calculation of diluted incomes per share because the warrants’ exercise price was more than the prevailing market average worth of the common shares(GM press release, January 2012). Under the capital stock method, the presumed undertaking of the unsettled permits resulted in over 104 million and 130 million dilutive shares in the two consecutive years ended on December 31, 2012 and 2011.Diluted earnings per share comprised of the consequence of 15 million and 13 million investment in RSUs arranged to certain global executives in the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.In July 2011, the 61 million dividends of common stock funded the pension plans of January 2011 met the criteria to be eligible as plan resources for bookkeeping resolutions. The shares were considered unresolved for incomes per share purposes opening in July2011 (GM press release, January 2012). The totals in the year concluded on December 31, 2012 include dwindling charges relating to the investment in PSA of about $220 million, Income linked to numerous insurance retrievals of $169 million, a fee of $119 million in connection with the entry into the contract to sell the GMS business, which later led in a drop in the carrying value to proposed fair value, and appreciation of deferred returns from technology contracts with SGMW of $115 million(GM press release, January 2012). He total figures concluded in the year ended December 31, 2011included impairment charges associated to the investment of Ally Financial of $555 million, which is reflected as a gain on the sale of Ally Financial favored shares of $339 million, and appreciation of deferred revenue from technology contracts with SGMW of $113 million. On the other hand, the amounts in the year ended December 31, 2010 include the gains from the reversal of an accumulation for contingently issuable shares of GM Company common stock to the MLC of $162 million, which was a gain accrued after the sale of Saab valued $123 million, this resulted in an improvement on the acquisition of GMS of $66 million and an increase on the sale of Nexteer of $60 million (GM Annual Report, p51-58). References â€Å"GM Delivered 9.7 Million Vehicles Globally in 2013† (Press release). General Motors. Accessed 11th December 2014 â€Å"Form 10-K Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012 Commission File Number 001-34960. Accessed 11th December 2014 General Motors Company† (PDF). General Motors. February 15, 2013. Archived from the original on August 6, 2013. Accessed 11th December 2014 â€Å"About GM: GM Corporate Officers†. Media.gm.com. June 19, 2012. Accessed 11th December 2014 GM Press Release (January 20, 2012). â€Å"GM global sales up 7.6% in 2011 to 9.026M vehicles; China and US largest markets†. Green Car Congress. Accessed 11th December 2014 Source document

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Caring for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease does not form part of the common ageing process but a higher risk of experiencing this disease is more prevalent in the older population. Alzheimer’s disease emerged as a term when Dr. Alois Alzheimer reported in 1906 the condition of a fifty-five year-old woman suffering from the effects of progressive dementia, a condition that is strongly linked to old age. Edwards et al.Due to the progressive nature of the disease, the individual with Alzheimer’s disease together with the community within which the individual belongs also becomes affected. In the latter stages of the disease, the individual may suffer dementia manifested in the disorientation of surroundings, inability to recognize family members, and lack of awareness of daily needs and wants.Mahoney (2003) states that around four million of the American population is already suffering from Alzheimer’s disease with the number expected to multiply three-fold in 2050. The effects of the disease together with the expected increase in the population of people with Alzheimer’s disease has given importance to the enhancement of knowledge and practical experience on the part of caregivers with family members suffering from Alzheimer’s disease stressing on vigilance as a standard of care.Family Caregivers of Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease has been the subject of many studies covering its various areas from the determination of the causes and effects of this disease to the access and availability of healthcare for people with Alzheimer’s disease and then to the focus on caregivers and care giving standards.Some studies on caregivers are continuing because of the need to collect and collate information on the importance of families caring for members with Alzheimer’s disease together with the concurrent important role of nurses and other healthcare professionals in providing family caregivers with the informative and other forms of support they need to take on the task of dealing with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Mahoney (2003) explains that caregiver burden emerged in studies on the caregivers of family members with Alzheimer’s disease to describe the aggregate demands and issues faced by the caregivers.These cover the financial burden incurred by the family in caring for their family member with Alzheimer’s disease from seeking professional healthcare to continuing care at home as well as the emotional and social burdens of seeing or experiencing the symptoms of dementia such as the inability of the individual with Alzheimer’s to recognize family members or frequent disorientation. The failure of family caregivers to understand and effectively deal with these demands and issues could lead to fatigue and stress or even to psychological problems on the part of family caregivers.This means that apart from studying the cause, effect and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, there is also need to focus on providing multi-faceted support to family caregivers based on the underlying principle that family caregivers also need care. This implies the important role of health professionals, especially nurses that constantly deal with family caregivers to extent care to family caregivers. Care Issues of Family CaregiversWith the expected increase in the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in the succeeding decades, it is then important to make sure of the proper care not only for the patients but for their caregivers as well. As individuals depend on them for optimum care so that keeping abreast with current care giving trends and applications covering patient care and keeping themselves less stressed and fatigued are imperative. This ensures the caregiver’s health and competence in handling Alzheimer’s disease cases and patients.Sufficient and relevant data exist that prove the increased probability of caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease to experience symptoms related to depression. The financial burden, coupled by the physical and emotional turmoil of caring for elderly with Alzheimer’s may be some reasons for the increased risk of depression and health problems of caregivers. Wykle (1996) conducted an earlier study on family caregivers and recognized the extent that the Alzheimer’s disease takes its toll on the families caring for their members suffering from this disease.While studies on the cause and cure of Alzheimer’s disease are ongoing, there is also need to conduct parallel studies on alleviating the stress and pressure on families caring for their members with Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the recognition of the increases responsibility of families in caring for members with Alzheimer’s disease, these families are calling for appropriate and effective interventions in reducing family stress and supporting caregivers man aging the manifestations of dementia. After almost a decade, studies on caring for family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease continue to advance.Vitaliano, Katon and Unutzer (2005) studied caregiver health in the context of geriatric psychiatry in the five areas of: 1) caregiver outcomes in relation to the manifestations of the link between caregiver distress and physical indices in order to determine the intervention to caregivers; 2) assessing caregiver status and condition; 3) relationship between the caregiver and the recipient of care; 4) future studies; and 5) important areas to consider in applying interventions to family caregivers.These constitute important considerations for nurses providing support and care to family caregivers. Nursing Support for Family Caregivers Roper, Logan and Tierney (2001) developed a model for nursing care that incorporates a consideration of five factors, which are:1) activities of living,2) lifespan,3) continuous relationshi p of dependence and independence,4) factors affecting activities of living,5) individuality in living experiences.This means that throughout a person’s lifetime, a number of biological, psychological and environmental factors experienced by individuals either improve or threaten the physical, mental and emotions well-being of individuals. To prevent the threats, individuals engage in preventive activities such as being in a safe environment, communication, and having a healthy lifestyle. People go through these activities with other people, such as other family members, other families and healthcare professional, creating a continuous relationship of dependence and independence with the dependenceIn relation to nursing support for family caregivers, this model suggests that nurses play the important role of supporting family caregivers especially in the stages of dependence. This means that importance of determining when the dependence stages occur, the extent of support need ed by family caregivers, and the appropriate intervention to apply. To assist nurses in this task, Mahoney (2003) discuss the model of vigilance that applies to the relationship between the family caregiver and care recipient and the nurse’s relationship with the caregiver and care recipient.By applying the concepts of watchful supervision, protective intervening, anticipating, being on duty, and being there, patients with Alzheimer’s disease will be effectively cared for by family caregivers in the same way that family caregivers will be supported by nurses and other healthcare professionals. Salient Learning on Family Caregivers of Person’s with Alzheimer’s Disease Proper orientation prior to taking on the job of caring for family members with Alzheimer’s disease is important, so is periodic evaluation and assessment of the patient’s condition and the degree of influence it has over the caregiver.Caregivers must also allow sufficient time for leisure activities, rest and relaxation. It is also important for caregivers to be aware of the symptoms which may lead to their stress and fatigue. The symptoms they must look out for include denial, short and hot temper, anger (which may be prolonged or manifested in spurts), withdrawal from family members, friends and activities which were enjoyed previously, anxiety and agitation, sleeplessness, irritability, and exhaustion.These symptoms, if undetected, may give rise to serious health problems or even depression later on. Nurses play an important role in facilitating understanding and stress alleviation. Important Topics for Continuous Learning Although many studies have directed focus on diagnosing and treating family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, there are still areas that need further investigations and learning.On the part of nurses providing support to family caregivers, the existence of healthcare infrastructures to support the recognition of the importance of supporting family caregivers through the sharing of knowledge and experience to family caregivers constitutes one important topic for learning. This is because it is common for hospitals and nursing homes not to have their own Alzheimer’s disease care unit. Nurses and other healthcare providers may be commonly assigned from one station or area to the next which may limit the expertise gained if the said people concentrate only on a particular area.The lack of an Alzheimer’s disease unit may be due to lack of funds, hospital space, facilities, and different priorities. A possible area of learning could be the viability of establishing Alzheimer’s disease units in hospitals or nursing homes or stationing nurses in the care of Alzheimer’s patients to allow nurses to develop learning and best practices not only in treating patient’s with Alzheimer’s disease that they can use in understanding the issues of family caregivers and they can share as practical lessons to family caregivers.Another possible area of learning could be the differences in the experiences of family caregivers, caring for family members with varying manifestations of dementia, in terms of the degree of stress and fatigue and ways they apply in care giving. Concurrently, effective practical means that caregivers apply to alleviate care giving burden such as relaxation and leisure or group support become equally important. These areas of learning constitute important consideration in the orientation, evaluation, training and development of nursing care to family caregivers to assure the best care possible given to and extended to care recipients.Pertinent Actual and Potential Nursing Diagnoses of Family Caregivers Enough relevant and significant data are available that discusses the high risk of clinical depression and anxiety in family caregivers. The said depression and anxiety may be a result of the demanding physical and emotional w ork that caregivers who take care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease experience daily as part of their care routine. This may give rise to certain conditions that afflict the caregiver him/herself.â€Å"Hidden† patient is the term used to describe nurses or caregivers who suffer from anxiety and clinical depression, coupled with health problems (Parks and Novielli, 2003). Hidden in a sense that their despair and symptoms are commonly denied, not given attention to, or altogether ignored, which may give rise to graver threats later on. Caregiver depression is a condition that family caregivers may experience. These include persistent and untreatable pains and aches, irritability, weight loss and loss of appetite, exhaustion and lack of energy, insomnia and feelings of guilt and anxiety (Vitaliano, Katon, & Unutzer, 2005).Thus, nurses supporting caregivers should be well aware of the symptoms that may lead caregiver depression. Conclusion Due to the extent of the impac t of Alzheimer’s disease to the various people, including the family of the individual suffering from the disease, other people comprising the social network of the patient, and healthcare professionals, there is need to apply collaborative learning and information sharing in order to derive optimum and comprehensive understanding of best practices on the alleviation of the care giving burden of family caregivers.This is important since family caregivers able to handle and adjust to the care giving burden would lead to effective care outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.References Edwards, J. , Handy, R. , Lancaster, M. , & Turnbull, J. (Eds. ) (1998).Alzheimer's Disease: A Handbook for Caregivers. St. Louis, M. O. : Mosby. Mahoney, D. F. (2003).Vigilance: Evolution and Definition for Caregivers of Family Members with Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 29, 24-30 Parks, S. M. , & Novielli, K. D. (2003).Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers : Hidden Patients. Clinical Geriatrics, 11(5), 14-16. Roper, N. , Logan, W. , & Tierney, A. (2001).Roper-Logan-Tierney Model of Nursing: Based on Activities of the Living. London: Churchill Livingston. Vitaliano, P. P. , Katon, W. , & Unutzer, J. (2005).Making the Case for Caregiver Research in Geriatric Psychiatry. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 13, 834-843. Wykle, M. L. (1996).Interventions for Family Management of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. International Psychogeriatrics, 8, 109-111.

Friday, January 3, 2020

Swot Analysis of Starbucks - 1154 Words

Management 303 SWOT Analysis of Starbucks Corporation Section I – Organizational History / Mission Statement In 1971, Starbuck’s opened its first location in the touristy Pikes Place Market in Seattle. The Starbucks name is derived from the coffee-loving first mate in the novel, Moby Dick. The logo, a two-tailed mermaid encircled by the stores name, continues with the theme and background of the name. From the beginning, Starbucks prides themselves on not only providing their customers with high-quality whole bean coffees, but also with providing them with an inviting atmosphere. The mission statement, â€Å"to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time†, is seen today in the more than†¦show more content†¦In fact, this augured well for the company’s bottom line. What the company’s executives failed to see was the fact that if it wanted to saturate the market, its product and service offerings were not really meeting the characteristics of the market. That is why the market perceived Starbucks as merely concerned with growth in the number of stores and profits. The wide potential market base did not see Starbucks as concerned with their needs.† Starbucks goes through a lot of effort to get the opinions of their partners and their clients. They even have a board of people who read the queries on a monthly basis to see where improvements can be made. Since they are putting in all the effort, they need to follow through and start listening to the very people that give them their profits. Expanding will do no good if you don’t have any customers. The more they neglect what their partners and customers are saying, the more they are going to lose touch. Section III – Opportunities and Strengths In my opinion, the two biggest opportunities for Starbucks are increasing their CRM and database marketing and expanding into new product lines. Strength 1 – Increasing CRM and Database Marketing One of the greatest opportunities for Starbucks is to increase their CRM and Database Marketing. At the moment Starbucks just asks you what you want, you pay for it, they make your drink and you are on your way. In order toShow MoreRelatedSwot Analysis Of Starbucks1275 Words   |  6 Pages Starbucks Coffee SWOT Analysis Boyd Watson Columbia Southern University â€Æ' INTRODUCTION Starbucks Coffee Company is known on a global level for its retails stores, specialty operations, packaged coffee and beverage brands. They are the largest coffeehouse business in the world that has made huge advancements in all the major markets. Starbucks Coffee chain is strong but it always facing major threats in various markets around the world. For Starbucks to keep up with a competitive advantageRead MoreThe Swot Analysis For Starbucks1359 Words   |  6 PagesMoving towards the SWOT analysis, it is a valuable system for surveying an organization and its surroundings, condensing the primary environmental issue as circumstances and risk confronting an organization (Palmer, A.2012). The SWOT analysis for Starbucks is: One of the main strength of Starbucks is their robust financial performance which in turns helps it to become the market leader in the category of coffee. According to (Forbes, 2014) Starbucks Market cap is around $55.94 Billion which isRead MoreSWOT Analysis of Starbucks1304 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Starbucks SWOT Analysis Name Institutional Affiliation: Starbucks SWOT Analysis Introduction Starbucks Corporation is a world coffee company and a house chain with headquarters in Seattle, Washington. This company is the largest in the world with most of its activities dealing with coffee-products making. 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A company must reflect upon internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats, and consider the trends associated with each (SWOTRead MoreA Swot Analysis of Starbucks3360 Words   |  14 PagesIntroduction Starbucks is a famous coffeehouse. Until the mid-1980s it was only a provider of coffee to fine restaurants. Thereafter Howard Schultz, director of retail operations and marketing, was impressed of the popularity of coffee in Milan while he was in Europe . His idea was born. He wanted to bring the coffee bar culture to the Americans. So Starbucks started to realise his idea and so created a new trend. The clue is not only to sell coffee, but to sell an experience. Today Starbucks has gotRead MoreSwot Analysis : Starbucks Company1372 Words   |  6 PagesBackground (Situational Analysis) Starbucks’ Corporation is the world largest coffee company and renowned specialty coffee maker. It roast, market and retails specialty coffee under the flagship Starbucks brand. Starbucks’ founded originally in 1971,headquartered in Seattle, Washington has 16,635 stores in 50 countries out of which 8,832 are company – operated and 7,803 are licensed stores. Starbucks’ hold 75% market share in domestic market and is expanding aggressively in the international marketRead MoreSwot Analysis Of Starbucks1427 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks, unlike other American restaurant chains, typically favor one of two business models: the standard retail business model or the license model. To this day, most of Starbucks net revenue is generated by the retail locations the company owns. Starbucks targets highly populated areas with large volumes of foot traffic. Additionally, Starbucks is accommodating globalization by loosening its licensing agreement requirements, and using pieces of the franchise model to rapidly expose itself toRead MoreStarbucks SWOT Analysis1447 Words   |  6 PagesStarbucks-Via Synopsis: Inspired by the book and the movie about Moby Dick, Starbucks first opened as a storefront in Pike Place Market in 1971. It wasn’t until 1984 when Howard Schultz joined the operation as a chairman, president, and chief executive officer, and introduced to Starbucks the new Italian breed of coffee bean and Italian style of coffee drinking; a style that refreshed the idea of socializing and interacting among people of all walks in times that corporate life style was winning