Human Resource Management Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Human Resource Management Questions - Essay Example For example, if there is an employment contract in existence, the employer and employee are subjects to terms spelled therein. Such a contract will provide circumstances under which an employee will be entitled to a termination as well as what actions constitutes a breach of the contract. It is thus advisable that the employer informs themselves of proper steps for firing an employee. An employer’s ability to lay-off an employee greatly depends on the groundwork set forth since the day they admit an employee in their system. This as follows: †¢ Have fairly designed rules This is to imply that an organisation must embody properly drafted and defined rules made known to every employee. †¢ Enforce the said regulations fairly Apart from the rules being fair in nature, they should get fair application to each employee without any discrimination. †¢ Problem documentation Employee’s misconduct and warnings so issued to them need proper documentation, which serves as evidence in case of eminent lawsuit. †¢ Proper incidence investigation There should be proper investigation for the problem in order to establish reasons for the employee’s deteriorated behaviour. After taking into account the above three steps an employer will have navigated liability cast upon them by unsatisfied laid off employees. The reason is that the employer will have a strong base upon which they can anchor their defence.

Strategic Management Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Strategic Management Analysis - Assignment Example The task of tour operators is to manage proper blend of aircraft, hotel, and tourism spots to make the holiday experience of customers easy, reasonable and expedient. They provide customers a variety of choices for spending on the holidays. In the year 1950, UK had first experienced inexpensive holiday package and since then this industry has become quite vast in the international market. Many big tour operator companies compete with each other for providing inexpensive holiday packages for family customer segment. In the study, the company which has been considered is easyJet. easyJet Holidays encompasses together the easyJet, an UK-based airline company and one of the foremost planners of accommodation in the UK lowcostbeds.com. The prime aim of easyJet Holidays is to provide immense ‘value for money’ beach holidays and city breaks to each destination’s of easyJet. easyJet Holidays offers a collection of around 100 destinations to select from and also provides a ir travels from around 13 airports of the UK with supreme choice, value as well as flexibility. easyJet Holidays also provides custom-made holiday tours along with availability of more than 10,000 hotels of quality in travel destinations arraying from 2 stars to 5 stars for its customers (easyJet Holidays, 2011). The package holiday is enormously popular for British tour creators. The package holiday industry provides people ranges of customised holiday packages to choose from (TUI UK Retail Limited, n.d.). 2.0 Task A 2.1 PESTEL Analysis PESTEL analysis helps to determine the external macro–environmental factors that can impact on the package holiday industry as a whole. 2.1.1 Political Aspects The political condition of any country can influence the laws of business. The political factors include the rules and laws of government and legal problems for operating a business. The political condition in the UK is relatively stable. Factors which can manipulate the package holida y industry are essentially the war and taxes on aviation among others. The UK government is currently trying to impose extra duty on aviation which can impact on the package holiday industry. easyJet, which is one of the biggest airline companies of the UK, had concluded that the hike of taxes on aviation can affect millions of customers and thus it can affect the profit of easyJet. The easyJet had already faced enormous tax increase for family trip i.e. tax had increased by 33%. It can affect the package holiday industry and the employment factor in the UK (Pierre, 2011). 2.1.2 Economical Aspects The economic factors can determine the purchasing power of people which affect the airline and package holiday companies’ offers. The economic condition includes the GDP growth rate, the

Two radio and two television genres Essay Example for Free

Two radio and two television genres Essay In at least one point in the day, every-one finds themselves tuned into one broadcast station or another, be it radio or television Be it for entertainment, relaxation, to be informed or merely a means of escapism. For whichever reasons it is, radio and television play an active role in our everyday life whether we are aware of it or not. Using South African examples, this assignment seeks to discuss two radio and two television genres. It is virtually impossible to discuss the issue genre before defining this term. Both the Oxford dictionary as well as Creeber (2001), defines genre as type or kind. Genres allow for the types or kinds of things to be categorised. For example in radio broadcasting, there are various different programs aired, such as talk shows, music shows, news broadcasts, drama shows and so on. Each of these shows are categorised into a particular genre based on their characteristics. The two radio genres that will be discussed are talk shows and music shows. The phenomenon of genre is not exclusive to radio and television alone. In fact according to Greeber, it [genre] has played an important role in the study of literature, theatre, film, television and other art and media forms (Creeber, G: 2001 pg.1). Radio-Talk Genre Radio stations like SAFM and 702 are almost entirely dedicated to the genre of talk show however almost every radio station incorporates this genre if not at least for a few minutes. The success of talk shows lie in participation by the audience. The audience is urged to call into the radio station and either view their opinion on the topic of discussion or pose questions to either an officiator or a panel. On SAFM for example, there was a program entitled The Life and Times of Dr. Bayers Nordea. The show was as the title implies, discussing and talking about Dr. Nordeas life. The show hosted family, colleagues and friends, who spoke about his life. Listeners also got the opportunity to add their comments, thoughts, as well as pose questions to the panel. The show was also officiated by the host or disk jockey (D.J) of the show, who not only directed most of the discussion, but also made sure that the show, ran smoothly. The nature of talk shows is such that the audience phones in either agreeing or disagreeing to the topic or question being discussed. This opens the door for others to voice their opinions. According to Barnard (2000), phone-in encourages a free flow of opinion and conversation within the safety of an artificially created community (Barnard, S: 2000). With out this element, the talk show would be deemed unsuccessful. Talk shows do not follow a particular protocol, meaning that any topic can be addressed. The mere action of a D.J. posing a question relating to any topic and receiving feedback from the audience constitutes the genre of talk show to be exercised. As any topic makes way for talk shows, it is common to find small inserts of talk show, even within a primarily music radio station. Highfeld Stereo is an example of a South African music radio station. It is common to find a situation where a D.J. poses a question and opens the lines to receive feedback. The D.J is thus officiating a talk show, within a music show. Listeners of talk shows however, are required to concentrate on the discussion if they are to understand what is being discussed, thus ones attention cannot divert from one thing to another. For example, one cannot talk to a friend on the phone, as well as remain focused on the discussion. Radio-Music Genre Although there is audience participation in the music genre, it differs from that of the talk genre. Regarding music radio, the audience is urged to call in to send dedications to friends or loved ones, choose songs they wish to hear, or vote for their favourite song rather than voice their opinions on a matter. Music as a genre is not so clear-cut like talk shows. Within the music genres, there are sub-genres, where by music is categorised according to style. Rock, rave, hip-hop and pop would all be examples of sub-genres of the music genre. The music genre requires less attention from the listener to be focused on the show. Namely, the listener can do various other activities without loosing out on the entertainment. For example, while driving a car and focusing on the road, or while working at ones desk, one can continue to listen to his or her favourite song and not be side tracked. Unlike the talk genre where if one was driving a car and focusing on the road they would more than likely loose track of what was being discussed-alternatively, they would possibly have an accident. As the genre implies, the emphasis in music shows is in fact music. Therefore it is common to find very little talking by the D.J. and more music being played. The show usually consists of popular songs in the specific sub-genre being aired. This genre also usually has a top 40 show, where the 40 most popular songs are aired. This is commonly known as contempory hit radio (Tomaselli/de Villiers: 1998). 5FM radio station for example has the Coca-Cola Top 40 music show which is aired every Sunday morning from 10:00- 14:00. Other radio stations like East Coast Radio host the Top 10 at 10 show, which airs the 10 most popular songs every Tuesday night at 22:00. These songs which make it onto the top 10 or top 40 lists, are songs which have been voted for by the public. Jacaranda FM in contrast to the mainstream radio stations of say 5FM for example would air music of a different sub-genre, however one would still find the most popular tracks of that specific sub-genre being aired, as well as top 10 shows occurring. In the music genre, the D.Js primary job is to play music and possible talk a little bit about the artist of the track, rather than being an officiator or a mediator of discussion, as is found in talk radio. Television-Documentary Genre As the term documentary implies, these shows are usually fact based and require research to be done on the particular topic being showed. Events are documented by a team of researchers and aired to the public. An example of a documentary would be found in the SABC 2 show 50/50. This is a documentary program that focuses on various aspects of the wild life. Documentaries however could focus on a variety of topics, including an event, person or idea. As the emphasis of documentaries is on information, enlightenment and facts, viewers usually watch documentaries as a means of being informed, rather than being entertained. The nature of documentaries is such that each episode is fully formed and has a definite conclusion even if left as an enquiry for the viewer to think about what they have just viewed. This allows the viewer to evaluate their knowledge of the topic against that of the show. Documentaries are also not usually serial form, as would be the case in a sitcom for example. Rather, they tend to be self-contained episodes with definite endings. Documentaries usually also adopt a narrative structure psychological relationship of the viewers to the program. The viewer is often addressed directly, in order to persuade the actual person watching at home that he or she is the you to whom the addresser is speaking (Allen,C: 1992 pg. 118). This also keeps the viewer interested in the show as well making them feel as if they actively involved in what is going on. Due to the fact that documentaries are not entertainment focused and are rather a means of transferring information, events, people or animals being documented are portrayed as realistically as possible. Animals, which are filmed in the 50/50 program, for example are filmed in their natural environments, rather than in zoos, in order to give the viewer the most realistic experience. As they are based on real occurrences, documentaries, unlike entertainment programmes such as sitcoms, do not focus as much on a specific plot. Television-Soap Opera As soap operas were originally targeted at the female audience (Brown, M: 1994), it is not surprising to find that many of the central characters within this genre are women. More importantly, they are strong, powerful and influential characters, rather than the stereotype housewife women. SABC 3 airs the soap opera Isidingo. Charel de Villiers and Leigh Haynes are two examples of strong, powerful and ambitious characters that play central roles in the show. It is important for these kinds of characters to exist, in order for the audience to which the show is targeted at to be able to relate. They [women] recognise some of there own identity in this product created by the media (Brown, M: 1994). People watch soap operas for a number of reasons. The fact that they are entertaining, allows the viewer to unwind, relax or escape from the stresses from every day life, for the duration of the show, as the audience get lost in the reality of the program (Anderson, M: 2004). Viewers could also be using the decision-making techniques and outcomes of the soap opera to work through their own issues (Anderson, M: 2004). Isidingo is an example of a program that deals with AIDS-an issue that the whole of South Africa is facing; it also provides solutions in the form of Nandipe-a married women infected with HIV. Her positive attitude allows her to live a productive life. Viewers may see Nandipe as a role model. Those viewers infected with HIV may in fact even echo her actions in order to try and increase productivity in their own lives. Characters in soap operas are usually found in the form of multiple characters (Brown, M: 1994) meaning that characters emphasize the group over the individual (Brown, M: 1994 pg 53), thus many people can relate to one specific character. This also makes way for viewers to find similarities between themselves and various other characters rather than one particular character. Brown believes that rather than relating to characters in soap operas, viewers implicate themselves to various characters, meaning that the viewer will see similarities between a particular character, or even characters, but when the character acts in a way that the viewer does not agree with, or feel comfortable with, the viewer will distance him or herself from the character (Brown, M: 1994). Soap operas adopt a visualization style, which gets the viewer to focus and identify with a specific character (Brown, M: 1994 pg. 53). On a radio talk show for example, a TV viewer called in with the opinion that the Isidingo villianess, Cherel de Villiers should be punished, as if the viewer could not differentiate between reality fiction. (Anderson, M: 2004). Apparently actors who play villainous characters are shunned offset by the public (Anderson, M: 2004). It is not only the relatable characters and entertaining style of soap operas that keep the audience hooked. It is also the continuous open-ended nature of episodes, set in the present and containing a number of alternating story lines which gives the audience sense of continuous pleasure (Brown, M: 1994, pg. 58). The fact that soap operas resists narrative closure, meaning that the story is continuous and never ending, means there is always hope for the future (Anderson, M: 2004). Thus viewers will continue to watch future episodes in order to come closer to seeing what will happen at the end (which never really comes). John Davies (1984)suggests about soap opera viewers that once hooked, they vacillate between their need to know, or the pleasure of anticipation that keeps viewers watching (Brown, M: 1994). In discussing two radio and two television genres with reference to two South African examples, it is evident that the complexities and intricacies of various broadcasts and genres are not as simple as one would imagine. As seen above, various genres and broadcasts draw in different audiences, and evoke various different responses in the viewer or listener. As technology continues to move forward, where will these broadcasts find themselves in the future? For now though, radio and television will continue to play an active part in almost all of our lives. BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, Robert C. 1992. Televisions modes of address the social context of T.V. viewing. In Channels of Discourse, reassembled. 2nd ed. Edited by Robert C. Allen. London: Routledge. Anderson, Muff. Soapies mirror SAs soul. Mail Guardian. 24 March 2004. Barnard, S. 2000. Studying Radio. New York: Arnold Hodder. Brown, Mary Ellen. 1994.Ch. 3: Soap opera and womens talk: The pleasure of resistance. Thousand Oaks: Sage. Creeber, G. (ed.). 2001. Introduction: What is genre? In Creeber, G (ed),The television genre book. London: British Film Institute, 1-7. Teer-Tomaselli, R and de Villiers, C. 1998. Radio: Theatre of the Mind. In De Beer, A (ed). Mass media toward the Millennium. Pretoria: Van Schaik, 147-175.

Effective Next-generation WAN Architecture

Effective Next-generation WAN Architecture WAN Architecture Get robust, scalable, and easy-to-use management tools that can handle the complexity of your multiservice and packet voice network.   WAN provides extensive, reliable, and scalable element management capabilities to help you rapidly deploy and manage services. The high-performance carrier-class element and network management product is deployed worldwide in some of the largest service provider networks. It can operate as a standalone system or can be integrated as an element using its northbound interfaces for highly efficient flow-through operations Enhanced operator workflow and usability simplify configuration, fault monitoring, and troubleshooting operations. The enterprise business is changing as new types of payroll systems.. As the number of branches continues to increase, the reliable and secure delivery of these evolving services demands a network that can similarly evolve to meet these demands and enable business success. IT professionals require higher network performance, scalability, availability, security, and service capabilities. The Branch-WAN payroll system architecture is developed to address these key areas of customer concerns. To meet these requirements, the Branch-WAN payroll system architecture features scalable and resilient network infrastructure, integrated security, wireless, and payroll system intelligence to provide seamless service capabilities that include Unified Communication, media collaboration, and data/Web 2.0. Architecture This is dedicated to delivering solutions that meet and exceed customers business and technology requirements by integrating best technologies, services, and platforms. The WAN Payroll system architecture is part of a comprehensive approach to providing an end-to-end enterprise network architecture. This model is known as Places in the Network architecture. The architecture addresses the differing requirements for systems design and deployment in the three principal network areas: the campus, the data center, Internet edge, and the WAN. See Figure 1 Figure 1: Architecture When discussing an enterprise network, it is important to consider that most networks are built from a discreet set of interconnected, architectural elements-each of which has its own requirements. A branch office, for example, may not have the same scalability requirements as a data center, but has a greater need for reduced form-factor devices with high-value integrated services. The typical corporate campus network offers users high speed and secure network connectivity, Unified Communication services, wireless services, and access to corporate payroll systems and databases. A well-engineered network must offer workers at branch sites the same network services as campus workers, to maximize productivity and ensure business objectives are met. The Branch-WAN payroll system architecture offers an end-to- end system design that delivers a flexible, scalable, and secure network that supports advanced network services for branch office workers. Figure 2: WAN Payroll system architecture (Frame work)   Ã‚   The WAN payroll system architecture shown in Figure 2 has the following layers: †¢Network Infrastructure-The foundation that provides routing, switching, quality-of-service (QoS), high availability, and other functionalities to ensure that the network is scalable, flexible, and resilient. †¢Integrated Security-This layer extends the corporate security policy to the branch, providing network infrastructure protection, secure communication, threat mitigation, and network monitoring across both the Branch and WAN PINs. †¢Wireless-this layer provides user network connectivity anywhere within the enterprise, giving employees greater flexibility, and increased productivity. †¢Payroll system Intelligence-this layer provides various payroll system optimization techniques using optimization (i.e., TCP flow optimization, data redundancy elimination) and control for payroll system classification and prioritization using QoS. This optimizes use of the WAN bandwidth and, enables branch users to access the same payroll systems as campus users, with similar user experience. †¢Management-this layer provides the ability to easily provision and monitor the network. With these layers, it is imperative that unified communication (i.e., Unified Communication), Media Collaboration (i.e., Tele presence, IP Video Surveillance, Desktop Video, and Digital Media Systems), and Data Web 2.0 (i.e., collaboration payroll systems) work seamlessly across the Branch-WAN solution. Technologies Considered Types: There are number of WAN technologies like point to point connection, circuit switching and packet switching. The WAN communication which is carried over a leased line is called point to point connection. In a point to point network the message from the customers end is traveled to the remote user via an ISP. Circuit switching is the data communication which is stared when there is need to communicate and it is terminated afterwards. It is like a telephone call. When the two users arte connected and identified, the data is transferred in other words voice is transferred. When the transmission of the data is complete the call is disconnected again. Packet switching data network is a WAN technology in which the network of the user is established in the carriers system. The examples of packet switching network include asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), switched multi megabyte data services (SMDS) and frame relay. Optimization The purpose of WAN optimization is to eliminate the flaws in the packet data transfer in shared WAN systems. There are many techniques of optimizing the WAN technology. These optimization techniques include duplication, compression, cashing, protocol spoofing, traffic shaping, equalizing, connection limits and simple rate limits. The process of duplication sends a reference of the actual data, this helps in preventing from data redundancy. In order to present data patterns in an efficient manner compression is used. The process of caching reduces the bandwidth up to 30%. The multiple requests are tied in one bundle using protocol spoofing. Traffic shaping controls the amount of data handling and also monitors and guides the data traffic. When the data is sent according to the priority of the data usage it is known as equalizing. Connection limit averts from the access grid locks in access points and routers due to the lack of service or peer to peer connection. Simple rate limits the users from getting more than the data which has been fixed for their use. The purport of WAN optimization is to overcome the difficulties such as expensive bandwidth and to decrease the users experience time. The scalability of WAN is nowadays an important consideration and hence WAN optimization is used to target such issues as well. The typical small branch design includes a 1.5 Mbps Ethernet private WAN connection. The router terminates the VPN and routing from the central site and implements QoS policy. The router also hosts the following integrated services: †¢Security (Firewall, IPS) †¢Unified Communications (SRST, FXO / FXS ports) †¢Payroll system intelligence The branch also includes a Layer-2 access switch with the following key features: †¢Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) †¢DHCP snooping †¢Spanning tree †¢Class-of-Service (CoS) on access ports †¢QoS †¢Port security †¢Dynamic Address Repayroll system architecture Protocol (ARP) Inspection Wireless LAN may be implemented with a router module or standalone controller/switch. New Issues The key to an effective next-generation WAN architecture? Match technologies and services to interconnection requirements. Herewith a blueprint: Data center-to-data center connectivity: Data center interconnectivity requires high-capacity, low latency links. Although multiprotocol label-switching (MPLS) can do the trick, its often an expensive solution. Telecom architects are increasingly turning to solutions such as carrier Ethernet (either point-to-point or virtual private LAN service, VPLS), or dark fiber or wavelength services. Seventy-one percent of organizations will be deploying some form of carrier Ethernet by the end of 2010, typically for data center-to-data center connectivity. Why? Three reasons: First is cost. On a per-megabit-per-second basis, carrier Ethernet can run 25% to 50% lower than other technologies. Second is bandwidth: with Carrier Ethernet, users are able to procure up to 10Gbps of bandwidth (the equivalent of 2.5 OC-768 circuits). As a result, as bandwidth requirements increase, carrier Ethernet becomes more appealing. Finally, theres the ease of deployment and management. Users report that carrier Ethernet is straightforward to install, and performs reliably. Right off the bat, it worked like a charm, says the CIO of a midsized professional services firm. Data center-to-branch, and branch-to-branch, connectivity: Most organizations (80%) have deployed MPLS, and plan to continue using it for site-to-site connectivity (at least for midsized-to-large sites). Some firms mostly leading-edge organizations are also looking at rolling out carrier Ethernet for the core WAN. The primary challenge? Availability. Carrier Ethernet isnt as widely-available as MPLS. Remote-site and micro branch connectivity: For smaller sites, companies are exploring a range of connectivity options. An Internet VPN is one approach (and one thats increasingly common). A more innovative approach is to deploy 4G wireless technologies, either direct to the router or to each individual employee. Again, the challenge here is availability: Most carriers are just beginning to roll out broadband wireless (in the U.S. at least). Another problem is capacity: Carriers havent designed their networks for use as wired-WAN replacements. References: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_architecture apparchguide.codeplex.com/ www.amazon.com/PatternsApplication-Architecture/0321127420

The Weimaraner: a Superior Breed Essay -- Dog Breeds, choosing a dog

When choosing a dog, I would choose a Weimaraner because they are some of the most playful, intelligent, athletic, beautiful, and loyal dogs that exist. Personality is one of the greatest aspects of these kinds of dogs. They are playful, smart, loving, and affectionate. Weimaraners have very strong and individual personalities of their own. These kinds of dogs are so smart and special that they have personalities and intelligence that may rival that of human beings. They need to be treated as a member of their people and family. The dog's athletic prowess is apparent in their genetic makeup. Their great physical structure is designed through their breeding for the purpose of being the very best gun dog. The Weimaraner's beautiful and shiny coat, tall stature in the best individuals of the breed, and their lean, strong, and sometimes almost wiry appearance indicates all of the breed’s superior athletic ability. Weimaraners are strong, fast, and excellent jumpers. Their intelligence enables the dogs to use their physical gifts better than other dogs whose physical abilities may approach or rival the Weimaraner's. These special dogs also have a need for constant human companionship. They are loyal to their people and are a fun loving breed which can be mischievous. That makes it fun and challenging for anyone who is able to provide the needs of the Weimaraner in order to be its life long partner or companion. The dog requires a variety of admirable qualities in a person to lead them correctly, and one must be physically fit to keep up with the dog and provide all of its needs, which includes giving the dog lots of walks and exercise. Weimaraners need a fenced yard with a tall fence they cannot dig under. They need to sleep i... ...o keep fit, these are the perfect dogs. Their excellent physical structure built for speed and enduring beauty makes them a perfect companion that keeps going persistently. Getting kisses from such a cute face with those long ears is endearing. The Weims’ loyalty and protectiveness make the leaders of these dogs feel special too. Their advanced learning skills and natural qualities bred for the hunt make them a pleasure to owners who want the best of all things from a large dog. Learning new things with the dog keeps the relationship between the dog and its leader full of growth and also keeps the relationship interesting. Weimaraners are perfect for young people who are looking for a new addition to their family that the leader can love and teach. Weimaraners are a great reward in themselves for all of the love and happiness they give to their people and family.

A Rose For Emily: Fallen From Grace :: essays research papers fc

A Rose for Emily: Fallen from Grace A comparative essay on the use of symbolism in William Faulkner's "A Rose for Emily." Authors traditionally use symbolism as a way to represent the sometimes intangible qualities of the characters, places, and events in their works. In his short story "A Rose for Emily," William Faulkner uses symbolism to compare the Grierson house with Emily Grierson's physical deterioration, her shift in social standing, and her reluctancy to accept change. When compared chronologically, the Grierson house is used to symbolize Miss Emily's physical attributes. In its prime, the Grierson house is described as "white, decorated with cupolas and spires and scrolled balconies in the heavily lightsome style of the seventies" (Faulkner 69). This description suggests that the house was built not only for function, but also to impress and engage the attention of the other townspeople. Similarly, the wealthy women of the era, Emily Grierson not withstanding, were dressed in a conspicuous manner. This, for the most part, is because their appearance was perceived as a direct reflection on their husbands and/or fathers. This display of extravagance was egotistically designed by men to give an impression of wealth to onlookers. Emily was regarded by her father as property. Her significance to him was strongly ornamental, just as their overly lavish home was. As the plot progresses, the reader is clearly made aware of the physical decline of both the house and Miss Emily. Just as the house is described as "smelling of dust and disuse," evidence of Emily's own aging is given when her voice in similarly said to be "harsh, and rusty, as if from disuse" (70-74). Ultimately, at the time of Emily's death, the house is seen by the townspeople as "an eyesore among eyesores," and Miss Emily is regarded as a "fallen monument" (69). Both are empty, and lifeless. Neither are even remotely representative of their former splendor. Just as their physical characteristics, Faulkner uses the Grierson house as a symbol for Miss Emily's change in social status. In its prime, the house was "big," and "squarish," and located on Jefferson's "most select street" (69). This description gives the reader the impression that the residence was not only extremely solid, but also larger than life, almost gothic in nature, and seemingly impervious to the petty problems of the common people. The members of the Grierson family, especially Emily, were also considered to be strong and powerful. The townspeople regarded them as regal. And Emily, as the last living Grierson, came to symbolize her family's, and possibly the entire south's, rich past. The townspeople's reveration of Emily soon decayed, however, once it

Future of Professional Nursing Development: Impact of the Institute of Medicine Report Essay

Future of Professional Nursing Development: Impact of the Institute of Medicine Report Future of nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2010) is a report issued by the Instituted of Medicine, which â€Å"calls on nurses to take a greater role in America’s increasingly complex health care system† (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d., para. 1). It gives an in-depth look into the future of the profession, while addressing four key messages, the first three of which are directly related to the nursing practice, education, and leadership. According to the report, â€Å"Many members of the profession lack the education and preparation necessary to adapt to new roles quickly in response to rapidly changing health care settings and an evolving health care system† (IOM, 2011, p. 25). This is alarming because nurses comprise a large portion of the system and are often those who provide most of the direct patient care. Education is addressed in one of the report’s key messages, which calls for increasing the number of baccalaureate level nurses to 80% by the year 2020 and doubling the number of doctorate degrees (Rosenberg & Pfeifer, 2012, p. 18). New York State (NYS) nursing leaders are lobbying for a bill that can lead this trend, requiring all nurses to receive a bachelor’s degree within ten years of licensure, which, according to Barbara Zittel, former executive secretary of the NYS BON, can ultimately have a cascade effect on other states (Crowley, 2011). As the health care system changes, nurses are providing care outside of the traditional environment and must be able to assume responsibility in a variety of settings. In anticipation of this even greater responsibility, the IOM recognizes the need for improved nursing education, which, with its multiple points of entry, has been a topic of debate for years. As stated by the IOM, ADN programs continue to be the most common start (IOM, 2011). For example, out of every 8,000 new RNs licensed each year in NYS, 5,000 are prepared at the ADN level (Crowley,  2011). This may be due to the shorter length of education, as well as its lower cost. In fact, cost may be a big factor for some nurses deciding to continue to achieve a BSN. However, new graduates do not have much choice but to find a way to fund their education further as having a BSN for entry into practice is becoming a requirement in many places. Being aware of this issue, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has been asked to investigate it further, although, â€Å"In the end, the committee decided not to include detailed discussion of the costs of nursing education in this report† (IOM, 2011, p. 168). Nonetheless, some recommendations are made; one example is that health care organizations offer tuition reimbursement and stipends as an incentive (IOM, 2011). The need for financial assistance is recognized as one of the features needed â€Å"to expand baccalaureate and higher education programs† (IOM, 2011, p. 176). In light of this, the report ascertains the need to reform and improve education, including the belief that â€Å"diploma programs should be phased out over the next 10 years† (IOM, 2011, p. 175). It is becoming undeniable that reaching at least a baccalaureate level is necessary, especially as more research studies highlight the link between higher education and better patient outcomes. Another key message addressed states, â€Å"Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education† (IOM, 2011, p. 85). The suggestion is to â€Å"lift the constraints of outdated policies, including those related to scope of practice† (IOM, 2011, p.85). The IOM advocates for a national standardization of practice that will enable advanced practice nurses (ADRN) to implement care they were trained and educated to provide, regardless of the location. As a result, APRNs will have the same responsibilities across state lines, which will facilitate their ability to meet the nation’s changing health care needs. Many more people have become insured because of the Affordable Care Act. However, reimbursement issues are limiting the progress of APRNs to practice fully of their educational background, thus limiting â€Å"American public access to the care they want,† which is â€Å"to receive care quickly from a competent person† (Hill, 2012, p. 5). Such barriers not only limit the public’s access to care but also fragment the health care system further. This necessitates a creation of environment with a single goal in mind: patient-centered care, which can be achieved by optimizing APRNs’ role in primary care since â€Å"there are simply not enough physicians to care for an  aging population† (IOM, 2011, p.112). By expanding practice, APRNs can spend more time doing what they have been for years: patient education and coordination of care, thereby leading the system towards a collaborative approach advocated by the IOM. The above recommendations are associated with another key message: full partnership of nurses with other health professionals (IOM, 2011). According to the IOM, better patient outcomes can be achieved by working together â€Å"in a context of mutual respect and collaboration† (IOM, 2011, p. 223). To contribute to this outcome, nurses need to acquire strong leadership skills through higher education and become more involved in issues such as those concerning health policy, thereby transforming to â€Å"thoughtful strategists† (IOM, 2011, p. 223). The report strives to empower nurses to lead â€Å"at every level and across all settings† (p. 225). When looking at the future of nursing based on IOM’s recommendations, it is optimistic but it is also â€Å"entirely dependent on the willingness of the profession to develop the role capacities and leadership essential to make a difference† (Porter-O’Grady, 2011, p. 34). Meeting the goals remains in the hands of the profession to play its full role by advocating and participating in the necessary changes that will ultimately create and more skilled and educated workforce. References