'Critical review of the implementation of enterprise resourse planning Coursework

'Critical review of the implementation of enterprise resourse planning ES(ERP) at Nestle' - Coursework Example are not integrated and different divisions operate their own information systems, it becomes vital to standardize these processes in order to receive timely and accurate data to remain competitive in the market. The benefits of an ERP system in Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s case are very large. It could standardize the business processes and work around the globe with employees and managers accessing one database and getting the same information no matter in what part of the world they operate. Decision making at all levels of management will be enhanced with range of capabilities that could help in managing performance by delivering consistent and accurate business information and knowledge. The major risk is that it could become unsuccessful if any small mistake occurs in the implementation process. The risk could also be associated with employee resistance and overall management non-cooperativeness. The overall success of ERP implementation depends on the attitudes and willingness of the people in the organization as to how far can they go to make their jobs easier and ultimately their company competitive globally. Nestle is the world’s largest food company with its largest industrial home base in Switzerland. It has a workforce of almost 230,000 people working in almost 500 factories situated in 84 countries. The Nestle group includes: Due to the fact that the company has many groups, it has a decentralized management system. By decentralizing the system and delegating decision making, the local Nestle companies can response to local environments readily. The implementation of DB2 Database Partitioning Function of IBM will pave the way for Nestlà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s future business systems architecture implementation globally. This will provide a high end proof point giving directions for implementation of systems in future. Nestle is being pushed to work on its information and knowledge management initiatives. For this, the company needs to integrate its information systems of its

The high rate of violence on TV and video games causes the high rate Research Paper

The high rate of violence on TV and video games causes the high rate of depression and sadness in American society - Research Paper Example demonstrates that trauma felt in childhood can often carry over into adulthood, causing distress, depression, and increased violence in the individual. This is true of television as well, and there is definitely a connection between watching television and increased feeling of depression and violence in adulthood. According to psychodynamic theory, something is generally â€Å"missing† from an individual’s life as the cause of depression, and for those that watch far too much television as children. This missing element can often be play with other children or interaction with family (some psychologists have referred to television as a detrimental type of babysitter for families). Studies show that television is an integral part of culture and many families spend more time in front of the television than they do conversing. Hence, this lack of social and familiar interaction can also contribute to the depression present in those that are exposed to too much television, along with the psychological trauma inflicted by violent television. Furthermore, the violence witnessed on television also creates problems from a psychodynamic standpoint and leads to depression. Trauma experienced via watching television in childhood can carry through to adulthood and cause further problems of depression for adults that viewed too much violence on television as children. Like psychodynamic theory states, this â€Å"dynamic† of television is the problem that roots itself in childhood and carries itself through adulthood, causing depression. The first part of this problem comes from the fact that television is in high demand in our culture. Many children and adults watch 21-23 of television per week, and 3 to 5 violent acts per hour ("Media Violence (RE9526)" 1). Many families have taken to watching television while eating dinner, and most families admit that they watch television when they eat instead of having conversations with each other. This can often attribute to

E-marketing in UK Private Hospitals Dissertation

E-marketing in UK Private Hospitals - Dissertation Example This research will aim on providing an insight about application of e-marketing in the healthcare sector of UK. In present days, internet has become one of the major trends in business and is being used widely in several sectors. Internet not only offers free exchange of information, but is also emerging as one of the dominant networks for business marketing. In the current era, internet facilities are observed to deliver various new opportunities for businesses, especially in terms of marketing communication. The online consumers can enjoy ranges of products or services in more reasonable prices and in more convenient manner. Today, E-marketing gives consumers an opportunity to gather information and choose the right product or services at the right time. Therefore, several new entrepreneurs as well as existing small and medium size enterprises are nowadays exploring the e-marketing services in order to improve their business operations and discover the new business opportunities. I n service sector such as health care industry, financial establishments, hospitality and tourism industry are now using the e-marking extensively. The use of internet for collecting information has already become much significant in healthcare sector and will probably become more vital in upcoming days. The extensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) movement reveals changing demands on the healthcare industry with societal transformation, with rising life anticipation, with shifting form of illness, and with altering scientific competencies (Marrow, n.d.). In present days, the e-marketing, in hospitals of UK had observed impressive growth. Several hospitals in the UK have initiated ICT in order to cope up with other businesses. The consumers are becoming ever more comfortable with uses of internet technology and are also purchasing ranges of products and services through it. Likewise, huge numbers of consumers are using internet in order to gain information about medic al and health (Sanchez, 2000). In contrast with other organisations, hospitals in UK are experiencing a rapid knowledge about using ICT. Traditionally, the use of internet as marketing in the healthcare industry was limited due to lack of knowledge about its advantages. Though these limitations have not ended yet, but hospitals in UK are now becoming more open-minded and conscious about the possible paybacks they can gain by using internet as marketing tool. Besides, implementation of internet as marketing in other industry had also contributed to this trend in hospital organisations. Even though for small organisations are unable to bear the expense of using E-marketing, but several large hospitals in the UK have recognised that the benefit for this expense are great once made-up. Similarly, several private hospitals are developing good websites which can increase brand awareness, raise productivities and also to some extent save cost in other extents of business (Sanchez, 2000). 1 .2. Problem Statement Presently, the healthcare industry is witnessing enormous challenges because of continuous increase in public demands. Private hospitals are under great stress of continuous improvement of services to the rising patients, habitually with insufficient funds. The hospitals are much cognisant about using e-marketing compared to other industries. However, the enormous challenges of hospitals relate to better productivity to exploit inadequate funds and

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 16

Economics - Essay Example The UK economy has undergone through very critical evolutionary steps in the 1980s through the implementation of Gower report and the enactment of the subsequent 1986 financial services act (Ellwood, 2002, 565-594). It is acknowledged that these changes are responsible of many developments that the economy has had throughout the late 20th century and the subsequent years in 21st century. This paper therefore focuses on analyzing the critical role that financial services sector play within the UK economy after the Gower report and the financial services act in the late 20th century and subsequent enactment of FSAct in 1986. The Gower report established a platform through which the UK financial sector can provide insights, financial services as well as advise to investors both locally and at the international front. The financial sector specializes in services such as finance and accountancy, banking, financial planning, insurance as well as pension and investments. Over the years that followed the 1980 Gower report, the United Kingdom has moved from the state of passive sale and display of manufacturing produce to become a leading determiner of what is manufactured as well as consumed. The financial services sector shifted the attention of services provide towards retailing and wholesaling industries within the country. Moreover the enactment of the 1986 financial act has been pointed out to have contributed towards increased regulation and compliance requirements within the sector (Llewellyn, 1999, p. 309-316). The importance of such regulation cannot be overlooked as it has the main aim geared toward s consumer protection. Through the act, the industry has been streamlined towards effectiveness in service delivery through overcoming information asymmetry between the service providers and the customers. The importance in regulation is also based on the reason that many institutions are

Media Analysis on Simon Dalby’s Challenging Carboniferous Capitalism Essay Example for Free

Media Analysis on Simon Dalby’s Challenging Carboniferous Capitalism Essay The main concept expressed in Simon Dalby’s Challenging Carboniferous Capitalism is about capitalist economics. It stated the different issues and concerns related to how capitalist economics work. The article expressed the relevance of knowing the connection of the current situation of the environment to the different decisions made in the political economy that could lead to social change. Describing the process of how capitalist economics works, one can see definite manifestations of the improper distribution of resources that is now also slowly depleting despite the growing demand. The scope of the problem is also sufficiently explained making one able to picture a world that will later lead to distraction if not given due attention soon. The article greatly gave emphasis to the environmental problems and catastrophes resulted from political movement that is basing nominal figures of growth rather than understanding nature and its role in every people’s lives. It is greatly connected to the issue of consumerism. The article is putting forward what consumerism has done to our environment and to people that are economically or financially challenged. It is magnifying on the inequality present because of selfishness and greed. According to Anup Shah’s article Consumption and Consumerism, the impacts of consumerism both positive and negative are very significant to all aspects of people’s lives and the planet. He specifically pointed out the imbalance of the distribution of benefits to people. As a capitalist economy is fed by consumerism, both these concepts are seen together in the picture. Dalby cited different developments in how environmentalists today assert their cause in saving mother Earth. He also mentioned the nasty ways people try to meet with the growing demand for material needs both necessity and luxury, the benefit of reducing consumerism and seeing the value of one’s action as it affects everyone. In the whole, Dalby expressed abhorrence to the reality today that to instill the value of life to people one is to base their arguments to highly technical matters as trading quotas and industrial standards just to make corporations understand that they are trying to destroy the environment in making money. The highlighted issue in Dalby’s article greatly pictures the situation of our times today, known and unknown to many. It is known because there have been many environmental catastrophes happening for the past ten years such as the hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in Thailand, the storm Ondoy in the Philippines, and many others. But it is unknown still to many because people never see consumerism and a capitalist economic system are one of the culprits to these disasters. As mentioned, the Kyoto Protocol and other climate change negotiations have failed to encourage all nations to act on their part in saving mother Earth. One of them was China which is now reported as the second largest economic power passing Japan (The New York Times, 16 Aug 2010). In the article, it was said that China â€Å"is reluctant to play a greater role in the debate over climate change or how to slow the growth of greenhouse gases,† though they are currently instilling an ambitious program to cut energy it uses on economic output by 20 percent by the end of 2010. This initiative is yet to be seen. The concept, capitalist economy as discussed in Challenging Carboniferous Capitalism is not really defining much of the top players in the issue which I believe is the capitalists. It greatly centered on the effects of capitalist economy to what people value best in life—which is now more on materialism. Because of the author’s emphasis, he connected other concepts as consumerism and materialism to further his explanation. The point that is seen relevant starting with this concept is on how the policy making of government and institutions are influenced by capitalist economic system because the money is there and the capitalists are the ones seen in the spotlight when talking about a country’s economic standing. The concept can not put directly into account the individuals, which are the consumers that support it. The question that one can raise in putting this concept affront in this article is that, why not directly mention the capitalists need to see the value of life rather than directing to the consumers? Bibliography http://finance. yahoo. com/news/China-Passes-Japan-as-nytimes-2766831302. html? x=0. v=1 China passes Japan as second-largest economy, 2010. 16 Aug 2010. 16 Aug 2010. Shah, Anup. â€Å"Consumption and Consumerism. † http://www. globalissues. org/issue/235/consumption-and-consumerism. Global issues, 03 September 2008. 16 August 2010,

A Critical Analysis Of The

A Critical Analysis Of The This essay will present a reflective account of communication skills in practice whist undertaking assessment and history taking of two Intensive Care patients with a similar condition. It will endeavour to explore all aspects of non verbal and verbal communication styles and reflect upon these areas using Gibbs reflective cycle (1988). Scenario A Mrs James, 34, a passenger in a road traffic collision who was not wearing a seatbelt was thrown through the windscreen resulting in multiple facial wounds with extensive facial swelling which required her to be intubated and sedated. She currently has cervical spine immobilisation and is awaiting a secondary trauma CT. Mr James was also involved in the accident. Scenario B Mr James, 37, husband of Mrs James, the driver of the car, was wearing his seat belt. He had minor superficial facial wounds, fractured ribs and a fractured right arm. He is alert and orientated but currently breathless and requiring high oxygen concentrations. Patients who are admitted to Intensive Care are typically admitted due to serious ill health or trauma that may also have a potential to develop life threatening complications (Udwadia, 2005). These patients are usually unconscious, have limited movement and have sensation deprivation due to sedation and/or disease processes. These critical conditions rely upon modern technical support and invasive procedures for the purpose of monitoring and regulation of physiological functions. Having the ability to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues and their close relatives is a fundamental clinical skill in Intensive Care and central to a skilful nursing practice. Communication in Intensive Care is therefore of high importance (Elliot, 1999) to provide information and support to the critically ill patient in order to reduce their anxieties, stresses and preserve self identity, self esteem and reduce social isolation (Joà £o: 2009, Alasad: 2004, Newmarch:2006). Effective communic ation is the key to the collection of patient information, delivering quality of care and ensuring patient safety. Gaining a patients history is one of the most important skills in medicine and is a foundation for both the diagnosis and patient clinician relationship, and is increasingly being undertaken by nurses (Crumbie, 2006). Commonly a patient may be critically ill and therefore the ability to perform a timely assessment whilst being prepared to administer life saving treatment is crucial (Carr, 2005). Often the patient is transferred from a ward or department within the hospital where a comprehensive history has been taken with documentation of a full examination; investigations, working diagnosis and the appropriate treatment taken. However, the patients history may not have been collected on this admission if it was not appropriate to do so. Where available patients medical notes can provide essential information. In relation to the scenarios where the patient is breathless or the patient had a reduced conscious level and requires sedation and intubation, effective communication is restricted and obtaining a comprehensive history would be inappropriate and almost certainly unsafe. The Nursing Midwifery Council promotes the importance of keeping clear and accurate records within the Code: Standards of Conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives (NMC, 2008). Therefore if taking a patients history is unsafe to do so, this required to be documented. Breathing is a fundamental life process that usually occurs without conscious thought and, for the healthy person is taken for granted (Booker, 2004). In Scenario A, Mrs Jamess arrived on Intensive care and was intubated following her facial wounds and localised swelling. Facial trauma by its self is not a life threatening injury, although it has often been accompanied with other injuries such as traumatic brain injury and complications such as airway obstruction. This may have been caused by further swelling, bleeding or bone structure damage (Parks, 2003). Without an artificial airway and ventilatory support Mrs James would have struggled to breathe adequately and the potential to become in respiratory arrest. Within scenario B, Mr James had suffered multiple rib fractures causing difficulty in expansion of his lungs. Fractured ribs are amongst the most frequent of injuries sustained to the chest, accounting for over half of the thoracic injuries from non-penetrating trauma (Middle ton, 2003). When ribs are fractured due to the nature and site of the injury there is potential for underlying organ contusions and damage. The consequence of having a flail chest is pain. Painful expansion of the chest would result in inadequate ventilation of the lungs resulting in hypoxia and retention of secretions and the inability to communicate effectively. These combined increase the risk of the patient developing a chest infection and possible respiratory failure and potential to require intubation (Middleton, 2003). The key issue of Intensive Care is to provide patients and relatives with effective communication at all times to ensure that a holistic nursing approach is achieved. Intensive care nurses care for patients predominantly with respiratory failure and over the years have taken on an extended role. They are expected to examine a patient and interpret their findings and results (Booker, 2004). In these situations patient requires supportive treatments as soon as possible. Intensive Care nurse should have the ability and competence to carry out a physical assessment and collect the patients history in a systemic, professional and sensitive approach. Effective communication skills are one of the many essential skills involved in this role. As an Intensive Care nurse, introducing yourself to the patient as soon as possible would be the first step in the history and assessment taking process (Outlined in Appendix A). Whilst introducing yourself there is also the aim to gaining consent for the assessment where possible, in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Councils Code of Professional Conduct (NMC, 2008). Conducting a comprehensive clinical history is usually more helpful in making a provisional diagnosis than the physical examination (Ford, 2005). Within Intensive Care the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure/Examination (ABCDE) assessment process is widely used. It is essential for survival that the oxygen is delivered to blood cells and the oxygen cannot reach the lungs without a patent airway. With poor circulation, oxygen does not get transported away from the lungs to the cells (Carr, 2005). The ABCDE approach is a simple approach that all team members use and allows for rapid assessment, co ntinuity of care and the reduction of errors. Communication reflects our social world and helps us to construct it (Weinmann Giles et al 1988). Communication of information, messages, opinions, speech and thoughts are transferred by different forms. Basic communication is achieved by speaking, sign language, body language touch and eye contact, as technology has developed communication has been achieved by media, such as emails, telephone and mobile technology (Aarti, 2010). There are two main ways of communication: Verbal and non verbal. Verbal communication is the simplest and quickest way of transferring information and interacting when face to face. It is usually a two way process where a message is sent, understood and feedback is given (Leigh, 2001). When effective communication is given, what the sender encodes is what the receiver decodes (Zastrow, 2001). Key verbal features of communication are made up of sounds, words, and language. Mr James was alert and orientated and had some ability to communicate; he was breathless due to painful fractured ribs which hindered his verbal communication. In order to help him to breath and communicate effectively, his pain must be controlled. Breathless patients may be only able to speak two or more words at a time, inhibiting conversation. The use of closed questions can allow breathless patients to communicate without exerting themselves. Closed questions such as is it painful when you breathe in? or is your breathing feeling worse? can be answered with non verbal communi cation such as a shake or nod of the head. Taking a patients history in this way can be time consuming and it is essential that the clinician do not make assumptions on behalf of the patient. Alternatively, encouraging patients to use other forms of communication can aid the process. Non verbal communication involves physical aspects such as written or visual of communication. Sign language and symbols are also included in non-verbal communication. Non verbal communication can be considered as gestures, body language, writing, drawing, physiological cues, using communication devices, mouthing words, head nods, and touch (Happ et al:2000, Alasad:2004). Body language, posture and physical contact is a form of non verbal communication. Body language can convey vast amounts of information. Slouched posture, or folded arms and crossed legs can portray negative signals. Facial gestures and expressions and eye contact are all different cues of communication. Although Mr. James could verbal ly communicate, being short of breath and in pain meant that he also needed to use both verbal and non verbal communication styles. A patients stay in Intensive Care can vary from days to months. Although this is a temporary situation and many patients will make a good recovery, the psychological impact may be longer lasting (MacAuley, 2010). When caring for the patient who may be unconscious or sedated and does not appear to be awake, hearing may be one of the last senses to fade when they become unconscious (Leigh, 2000). Sedation is used in Intensive Care units to enable patients to be tolerable of ventilation. It aims to allow comfort and synchrony between the patient and ventilator. Poor sedation can lead to ventilator asynchrony, patient stress and anxiety, and an increased risk of self extubation and hypoxia. Over sedation can lead to ventilator associated pneumonias, cardiac instability and prolonged ventilation and Intensive Care delirium. Delirium is found to be a predictor of death in Intensive Care patients (Page, 2008). Every day a patient spends in delirium has been associated with a 20% increase ri sk of intensive care bed days and a 10% increased risk of morbidity. The single most profound risk factor for delirium in Intensive Care is sedation (Page, 2008) Within this stage of sedation or delirium it is impossible to know what the patients have heard, understood or precessed. Ashworth (1980) recognised that nurses often failed to communicate with unconscious patients on the basis that they were unable to respond. Although, research (Lawrence, 1995) indicates that patients who are unconscious could hear and understand conversations around them and respond emotionally to verbal communication however could not respond physically. This emphasises the importance and the need for communication remains (Leigh, 2001). Neurological status would unavoidably have an effect on Mrs Jamess capacity to communicate in a usual way. It is therefore important to provide Mrs James with all information necessary to reduce her stress and anxieties via the different forms of communication. For the unconscious patient, both verbal communication and non verbal communication are of importance, verbal communication and touch being the most appropriate. There are two forms of touch (Aarti, 2010), firstly a task orientated touch when a patient is being moved, washed or having a dressing changed and secondly a caring touch holding Mrs James hand to explain where she was and why she was there is an example of this. This would enhance communication when informing and reassuring Mrs James that her husband was alive and doing well. Nurses may initially find the process of talking to an unconscious patient embarrassing, pointless or of low importance as it is a one way conversation (Ashworth, 1980) however as previously mentioned researched shows patients have the ability to hear. Barriers to communication may be caused by physical inabilities from the patients however there are many types of other communication barriers. A barrier of communication is where there is a breakdown in the communication process. This could happen if the message was not encoded or decoded as it should have been. If a patient is under sedation, delirious or hard of hearing verbal communication could be misinterpreted. However there could also be barriers in the transfer of communication process as the Intensive Care environment in itself can cause communication barriers. Intensive Care can be noisy environment (Newmarch, 2006). Other barriers can simply include language barriers, fatigue, stress, distractions and jargon. Communication aids can promote effective communication between patient and clinician. Pen and paper is the simplest form of non verbal communication for those with adequate strength (Newmarch, 2006). Weakness of patients can affect the movement of hands and arms making gestures and handwriting frustration and difficult. Patients may also be attached to monitors and infusions resulting in restricted movements which can lead to patients feeling trapped and disturbed (Ashw orth, 1980). MacAulay (2010) mentions that Intensive Care nurses are highly skilled at anticipating the communication needs of patients who are trying to communicate but find the interpretation of their communication time consuming and difficult. The University of Dundee (ICU-Talk, 2010) conducted a three year multi disciplinary study research project to develop and evaluate a computer based communication aid specifically designed for Intensive Care patients. The trial is currently ongoing, however this may become a breakthrough in quick and effective patient clinical and patient relative communication in future care. This assignment has explored communication within Intensive Care and reflected upon previous experiences. Communication involves both verbal and non verbal communication in order to communicate effectively in all situations. Researching this topic has highlighted areas in Intensive Care nursing which may be overlooked, for example ventilator alarms and general noise within a unit may feel like a normal environment for the clinians however for patients and relatives this may cause considerable amounts of concern. Simply giving explanations for such alarms will easily alleviate concerns and provide reassurance. From overall research (Alasad: 2004, Leigh: 2001, MacAuley, 2010: Craig, 2007) Intensive Care nurses believed communication with critically ill patients was an important part of their role however disappointedly some nurses perceived this as time consuming or of low importance when the conversation was one way (Ashworth, 1980). Further education within Intensive Care may be requ ired to improve communication and highlight the importance of communication at all times. Communication is key to ensuring patients receive quality high standard care from a multidisciplinary team, where all members appreciate the skills and contribution that others offer to improve patients care.

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Applied to Teaching Techno

Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development Applied to Teaching Technology Erik Erikson believed that individual development takes place in a social context. He believed that development is a lifelong process. His theory contains eight stages of development that occur at different points in an individual’s life. At each stage, the individual has, what he coined as, a developmental crisis. Developmental crises are issues in the stage that must be dealt with in order to move on to the next stage. Each stage offers an outcome as to what will happen if the crisis is not resolved. Incomplete development of one stage can effect later development. Erikson’s developmental model can be used to determine when it is appropriate for an individual to learn how to use computers. The model can also help determine what computer skills are appropriate for each stage. Erikson’s first stage of development is trust versus mistrust. This stage occurs from birth until about one year. During the first year of life infants rely on others for their basic needs. Infants must learn to rely and trust their caregivers to provide for them. If the infant’s needs are met, then the he or she will develop a secure attachment to the caregivers and learn to trust his or her environment. If the infants do not pass this stage, then they will likely mistrust others and the things in their environment. The infant will either view the world as supportive or unsupportive. For successful completion of this stage, parents should aid in the developmental process by responding consistently to the needs of the infant. During this stage of development, teaching computers is not a possibility. Children in this stage have not yet reached the ability t... ...Longitudinal analysis of midlife generativity, intergenerational roles, and caregiving. Psychology and Aging, 17, 161-168. Sharey, J., Son, L., Kuehne, V., Hauser, S., & Vaillant, G. (1987). The role of parenting in men's psychosocial development: A longitudinal study of early adulthood infertility and midlife generativity. Developmental Psychology, 23, 593-603. Smart Solutions Partners, LLC Enterprises. (2003). Smart solutions. Retrieved Mar 7, 2004 from http://www.sspdirect.com. Sternberg, R. & Williams, W. (2002). Educational Psychology. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. Too old for computers? (1999). Retrieved Mar 7 2004, from http://web.pdx.edu/~psu01435/tooold.html. Zucker, A., Ostrove, J., and Stewart, A. (2002). College-educated women's personality development in adulthood: Perceptions and age differences. Psychology and Aging, 17, 236-244.