Women in Arab world Essays

Women in Arab world Essays Women in Arab world Essay Women in Arab world Essay Professional Development Competencies 1211-105 Q3. Discuss the position of women in Middle Eastern society as Scarbor- ough presents the subject. If you were training a small group of Arab engineers and accountants for Jobs in multinational companies, what advice would you give them? Women in Arab world Women in Arab society are facing big issues. They being persecution by men and they are not having their complete right. Actually, Scarborough mentions these issues in his article Arab World and Islam. He talks about women right in Arab world in three main issues, possibility to work, unable to drive, and fiercely by men. According to Scarborough womens possibilities to work are way less than men. Even though women have the knowledge and the experience that allow them to work in many places, they cannot have the same options as men especially on open areas where women and man are not separated. In fact, some countries stared to recognize women much better than before. However, there are few countries in Arab world still aving this issue such as Saudi Arabia.. The author Scarborough also talked women drivers in some Arab countries. However, now women driving issues is being recognized by the government. Many Arabian Gulf countries have these issues several years ago and now women can drive and they can go wherever they want to go. However, yet in Saudi Arabia women cannot drive and women still facing this problem. As matter of fact, there are some Bedouin women who live out of the cities drive and can go to the market with themselves. The government of Saudi Arabia is saying women will driving soon in this country but when the society get better understanding about women driver. According to Scarborough women in Arab world are been fiercely by men. In my opinion this is a wrong statement. Women in most of Arab countries have the right to do whatever they want. For example, if woman want to married and she agreed no one can stop her from marrying. Moreover, if women want to open their own business they can do it freely. During years ago Scarboroughs statement was a orrect statement about women in Arab world. However, women glass sealing has been broken. Finally, women in Arab world are facing many challenges to get their right. They are trying to make it clear that women are the same as men in working fields. Also, they need to have the right to allow them to drive in some countries. In addition, women have passed the fiercely by men and they now have much better freedom than before. However, they still have to ask for their right in many situations. By AbdulrahmanAlshehri

Spatial Interaction in Supply and Demand

Spatial Interaction in Supply and Demand Spatial interaction is the flow of products, people, services, or information among places, in response to localized supply and demand. It is a transportation supply and demand relationship that is often expressed over a geographical space. Spatial interactions usually include a variety of movements such as travel, migration, transmission of information, journeys to work or shopping, retailing activities, or freight distribution. Edward Ullman, perhaps the leading transportation geographer of the twentieth century, more formally addressed interaction as complementarity (a deficit of a good or product in one place and a ​surplus in another), transferability (possibility of transport of the good or product at a cost that the market will bear), and lack of intervening opportunities (where a similar good or product that is not available at a closer distance). Complementarity The first factor necessary for interaction to take place is complementarity. In order for the trade to take place, there has to be a surplus of the desired product in one area and a shortage of demand for that same product in another area. The greater the distance, between trip origin and trip destination, the less likelihood of a trip occurring and the lower the frequency of trips. An example of complementarity would be that you live in San Francisco, California and want to go to Disneyland for a vacation, which is located in Anaheim near Los Angeles, California. In this example, the product is Disneyland, a destination theme park, where San Francisco has two regional theme parks, but no destination theme park. Transferability The second factor necessary for interaction to take place is transferability. In some cases, it is simply not feasible to transport certain goods (or people) a great distance because the transportation costs are too high in comparison to the price of the product. In all other cases where the transportation costs are not out of line with price, we say that the product is transferable or that transferability exists. Using our Disneyland trip example, we need to know how many people are going, and the amount of time we have to do the trip (both travel time and time at the destination). If only one person is traveling to Disneyland and they need to travel in the same day, then flying may be the most realistic option of transferability at approximately $250 round-trip; however, it is the most expensive option on a per person basis. If a small number of people are traveling, and three days are available for the trip (two days for travel and one day at the park), then driving down in a personal car, a rental car or taking the train may be a realistic option. A car rental would be approximately $100 for a three-day rental (with for to six people in the car) not including fuel, or approximately $120 round-trip per person taking the train (i.e., either Amtraks Coast Starlight or the San Joaquin routes). If one is traveling with a large group of people (assuming 50 people or so), then it may make sense to charter a bus, which would cost approximately $2,500 or about $50 per person. As one can see, transferability can be accomplished by one of several different modes of transportation depending on the number of people, distance, the average cost to transport each person, and the time available for travel. Lack of Intervening Opportunities The third factor necessary for interaction to take place in the absence or lack of intervening opportunities. There may be a situation where complementarity exists between an area with a high demand for a product and several areas with a supply of that same product in excess of local demand. In this particular case, the first area would be unlikely to trade with all three suppliers, but would instead trade with the supplier that was closest or least costly. In our example of the trip to Disneyland, Is there any other destination theme park identical to Disneyland, providing an intervening opportunity between San Francisco and Los Angeles? The obvious answer would be no. However, if the question was, Is there any other regional theme park between San Francisco and Los Angeles that could be a potential intervening opportunity, then the answer would be yes, since Great America (Santa Clara, California), Magic Mountain (Santa Clarita, California), and Knotts Berry Farm (Buena Park, California) are all regional theme parks located between San Francisco and Anaheim. As you can see from this example, there are numerous factors that could affect complementarity, transferability, and lack of intervening opportunities. There are many other examples of these concepts in our daily lives, when it comes to planning your next vacation, watching the freight trains roll through your town or neighborhood, seeing the trucks on the highway, or when you ship a package overseas.

The movie, Secretary and masochism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The movie, Secretary and masochism - Essay Example The main heroine of the movie is Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who is a weirdo woman. The plot shows us that Lee Holloway is a rather smart woman, who returns back to her hometown in Florida after a brief stay in a special mental hospital where she was treated from suicidal inclinations. In search of everything that surrounds Lee, we see that she takes a job as a secretary at a little local law firm. Some spectators can suppose that Lee is not only a masochist, but also a perverted woman, but it is not true because Lee Holloway is so closed and oppressed person that she just cannot throw out her inner pain otherwise than through the physical pain. She cannot accept any scandal or hysterics, but she begins torturing herself, when she has some problems. Being the secretary Lee falls in love with her boss, Mr. Grey (James Spader), and pain already appears as a manifestation of his love for her, but at the same time, the pain loses its value for Lee, she needs Edward Gray to inflict her pain. Analyzing the movie Secretary from the position of human sexuality and masochism we can understand that masochism, like sadism, goes beyond human sexuality, and being associated with a person shows a very complex and diverse sources of its development. Thus, this form of deviation very rarely becomes a subject of litigation. Sexual needs are usually met within a partner’s union for a psychological standpoint to implement manifested expectations. Various psychological observations show that unions between persons endowed with sadistic and masochistic traits are very strong and complementary. They usually do not seek help and advice, but they feel good together, mutually satisfying their needs. This film demonstrates us that both Lee’s and Edward’s sadistic and masochistic traits occur simultaneously. In this case, main characters have more complex combinations of individual features and

INTERNATION FINANCIAL MARKETS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

INTERNATION FINANCIAL MARKETS - Essay Example nternational financial markets would lead to improvement in the economies of developing, less developed countries, and it would automatically enhance stability among developed countries. The major benefit accruing from international financial markets is more financial interconnection among different nations of world. It can also lead to a deeper integration of developing economies with the international financial markets. Especially the developing economies would be able to revamp and develop their financial system with the introduction of more complete, deeper, stable and better-regulated domestic financial markets because of their affiliation to international financial markets. Levine, (2001) suggests a better functioning financial system with more credit is likely to lead to faster economic growth. Apart from direct growth benefits, development of international financial markets is likely to result in other collateral benefits like promotion of the development of domestic financial sector and imposing disciplines on the macroeconomic policies of the governments. It also leads to generation of more efficiency by encouraging competition and results in enhanced corporate governance and functioning of better governments. Since these benefits occur over a longer period, it is usual that the costs of globalization are detected more easily. The collateral long-term benefits of international financial markets can be traced through equity inflow and increased foreign direct investments into the domestic financial markets. However, it is difficult to identify the benefits of international financial markets, which enhance the productivity through empirical studies. An analysis of structural, institutional and macroeconomic policies across the country leading to growth of GDP or productiv ity would prove the benefits resulting from international financial markets. At the micro level, the positive impact of international financial markets can be felt in the capital account

Project Time Management Essay Example for Free

Project Time Management Essay This essay on project management will briefly give a proper description of the project management and what it entails. It will further discuss all the tasks that are normally involved in proper time management. The major focus of this particular essay will be on the time constraint and how time can be properly managed and the general importance of managing time in IT projects. It will then be concluded by giving reasons as to why project managers should actually have their projects well managed especially in the time part of it if at all he would want to realize success at the end of the projects. Introduction Project management is that discipline that is concerned with planning, organization and resource management to bringing a specific project to a successful completion of its major objectives and goals (Baker, 2000). The major challenge of managing projects is to achieve its set objectives and goals while at the same time adhering to the constraints of project management which are normally scope, time, quality and budget. The secondary challenge is normally the optimization of the allocation and to integrate the necessary inputs in such a way that the pre-defined objectives may be met. A project may be well defined as set of different or even similar activities that make use of available resources such as money, materials, people, space and many others to achieve the set project goals and objectives. According to Conn, M (2007) the job of managing a project is quite often the major responsibility of an individual person who in this case is the project manager or the project management team. In most cases the project manager seldom takes part in a direct way in the various activities that will produce the final result, but rather he will strive to make sure that the general progress and the mutual interaction between his workers is well maintained so that the overall risk of the project failing is reduced or eradicated. The manager of a project is often an ambassador of his clients and therefore the needs of his clients are well determined and implemented by the project manager and this is usually based on the kind of enterprise they are representing. In any given field, the project manager should be able to envision the whole project that is from start to finish. He should also have the ability to ensure that the vision is realized by the project. This clearly tells someone that before you become a project manager, one should make sure that he is well informed and be ready to listen to the needs of clients which in most cases they are varied. Just like any other human undertaking, all projects have to be done and delivered through some well known constraints. Traditionally, the constraints are listed as time, scope and scope. These constraints are better known as the triangle of project management, where constraints are represented by each side of the triangle. This particular essay will have its major focus on the time constraint of project management (Cable, D. 2004). Project time management Project time management basically means the planning of the processes and organization of resources in a project to ensure its well-timed completion. The management of time is an important skill that is very critical and any project manager should have this vital skill. From surveys done by scholars on project management, the survey reports claim that most of the successful project managers have the history of completing their projects within their stipulated time and the project budget. Project failure from the past may have been caused by lack or absence of schedule management that is, defining, scheduling and implementing these tasks or activities that are to be undertaken by the steering team or manager. In the present world, there are so many softwares that project managers can use in time or schedule management within a project (Brooks, 2001). Tasks in a project The first task in a project time management is the activity definition. Here the main activities in the project are defined so that the management team knows what they are dealing within as the progress goes on. In preparation of the project schedule, the manager of the project should be fully aware of the content of each given tasks that are involved in the project, the length of time the task will require to be completed, the kind of resources that the tasks will need and the exact order the tasks should be done. The project manager should know that each of the said elements normally will have direct bearing on the time or schedule of the project. And if the project manager omits certain tasks then the project stands higher chances of not being completed. Once more, if a manager of a task does not take seriously the amount of required resources or the length of time required for a particular task then the project manager stands higher chances of missing the time schedule for his project. The time schedule can also be missed or rather be blown if the project manager makes a bad sequencing of the project tasks. While project schedule can be build by either listing, in a particular order, all the important tasks that have to be completed in some specific manner. This task is often referred to as activity sequencing. Assigning of order and specific duration in which it should occur in every given task will also help the project management team a great deal. After assigning of this sequence requirement project management team should now allocate all the required resources for that particular task. This should be followed by determining the tasks that should first be completed (predecessors) and determining the tasks should be completed last (successors) and this is normally a pretty simple exercise. Normally difficulties do arise in managing project schedule. In most cases the difficulty will arise when there is not enough time and resources for the proper completion of the tasks of a given project sequentially. It is therefore advised that the given tasks in a project be overlapped in such a way that more than one task is attended to at the same time (Cable, 2004). The softwares that are commonly used in managing projects normally simplify the tasks that are involved in the creation and management of project schedules by handling all sorts of iterations in the time logic for the project manager. When all the required tasks have been put in an ordered list, then they have been well resourced and put in a correct sequence, the manager of the project will be able to notice that some of the laid down tasks are flexible in terms of start and finish dates. Such flexibility in project management is well known as float. And other tasks do not have any kind of flexibility at all and therefore are zero floats. Therefore any line through all the given tasks that have zero floats is referred to as the critical path. All the tasks that are found on the critical path, and there is possibility that there can be multiple of them, paths that are parallel, they must come to a completion on the stated time if the entire project has also to be completed on time. The key task of a project manager is time management and the management of the critical path (Cavendish, 2003). The project manager should however be aware of any items can be removed or even added in the critical path, this may be due to changing of circumstances that may occur during the project execution. Regardless of how well a project manager manages his time schedule and the available resources then the project manager would only have budget management as the only critical element left. At this particular point, it is therefore advised that all managers of different projects be fully aware of all the tasks that are involved in the projects that they are managing. This will enable them to have full control of every progress in the tasks and it will ensure that the project in progress is completed within the specified time in the budget (Clough, 2005). Importance of project time management Project time management is an important aspect of project management. The following are some of the major importance of project time management. Proper project time management will ensure that project managers deliver their projects within the stated time on the project budget. That means that time and good schedule management will always work to the advantage of the project manager in that the project manager will always be delivering his projects without unnecessary delays that are normally brought about by poor time management (Baker, 2000). Another importance of time management in an IT project is that the project manager will be in a very good position to allocate resources and everything that will be needed in that particular project because when time is managed properly, the manager will be able to tell all that will required by specific tasks in the project. This will have a very positive impact on the IT project in that time will be well managed and resources well allocated and the end result will completion of the project in good time (Cohn, 2007). With time management in a project, the project manager will be able to plan everything that will have to take in every step. And this is one of the most vital things of time management that most managers of different projects agree upon. Effective management of time in projects often motivates the participating team members in such a way that they will always be willing to actively involved in planning the project. Involvement of the fellow members of the team in planning for the project will definitely increase the chances of the project realizing success. Time management will help the project manager to have his deadlines set. Normally projects should be done within a set period of time, but deadlines most of the times if not so well planned become unrealistic. With proper project time management skills together with skilled project manager, proper and realistic deadlines will be set which will ensure that a sense of urgency has been inducted into the team members. Again, the use of project time management skills in managing IT projects will ensure that the project manager keeps good track of the progress of the project and he will also be able to make priorities in his own work (Duane, 2007). Another important task in time project management is the scheduling of the project activities in the order that they should occur. This is very vital because it defines the activities to be prioritized and the trailing ones. This helps in determining the most important step from the less important step at any given time. Project time management is an important tool in project management in such a way that it helps the manager of the project to sift and sort out ideas concerning the progress of the project before the manager of the project commits himself in allocating resources. This is normally achieved by having objective criteria for his project selection and this will enable the manager to only approve those projects that are on priority (David, 2000). Conclusion Drawing from the essay, it can be said that it is very important for a project manager to be fully aware of what his project entails. Putting down all the activities in an ordered list or manner will help in time allocation of the various activities in the project. Using all the available tools of project management, a project manager will be able to deliver his projects on time since his work will be well planned. Meeting the deadlines in project management is the most important thing and using project time management is the only way towards achieving it.

Malawi and Tobacco Essay -- Trade Tobacco Malawi Essays

Malawi and Tobacco What strategies can Malawi use to overcome problems relating to a change in demand of its main export, tobacco. QUESTION- what strategies can Malawi use to overcome problems relating to a change in demand of its main export, tobacco? Malawi, a LEDC, located in Southern Africa, has a population of 10 million. Tobacco is its main export and this provides the majority of the countries export revenues. It has become dependant on exporting tobacco to firms based in MEDC's such as the United States. Demand for cigarettes has recently decreased because of health and ethical reasons. Cigarettes, has reached the end on its product lifecycle. However South East Asia remains a growing market, because of the effects of globalisation and dumping. The decrease in demand is a major problem for Malawi, a country that is not market orientated or market aware. Decline in demand for cigarettes will obviously have a direct effect on demand for tobacco because they are complimentary products. With decreased demand for its crops of tobacco, Malawi will find itself in a very dangerous situation that will not only threaten its economic position but the very lives of its population. Another concern that Malawi must take into account is the state of the tobacco industry. At present the market could be described as an oligopoly (see appendix) where suppliers compete on price. The outcome of this is that the firms involved have a high market share and therefore have much power to control supply and demand. They have the power to control prices of tobacco and they can exploit countries like Malawi. The national economy is dictated by exports of tobacco. The decreased revenue, due to loss of demand, will an... ...E UK (BRANDS): Two firms, Gallaher and Imperial Tobacco, who between them, control around 80% of the market, dominate the cigarette and tobacco market in the United Kingdom. One other major firm, British American Tobacco (BAT), manufactures cigarettes in the UK but sells almost all of them abroad. In 1999 BAT merged with Rothmans International thereby increasing its share of the world tobacco market to 15.4%, just behind the world leader Philip Morris which controls 17% of the global market. BIBLIOGRAPHY http://www.ash.org.uk http://www.tobacco.org http://www.mcspotlight.org http://www.cdc.gov http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Country_Specific/Malawi.html http://allafrica.com www.google.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk www.altavista.com www.theguardian.co.uk Nuffield Business and economics- Students Book

Models of Organization Diagnosis

Introduction The primary purpose of this essay is to understand various models of organization diagnosis and their differences also well as their similarities, and also evaluate their strength and weakness. In order to understand these OD models we will need to know what is organizational diagnosis. What is Organizational Diagnosis? This is a strategy implemented by organizations to increase its effectiveness. This involves assessing an organization’s existing levels of performance, to design a suitable change that will achieve the expected performance. In organizational diagnosis, diagnostic activities should centre its focus on 2 main areas: – Subsystem areas (management, group, individual unit) – Organization processes (decision-making process, communication model, relationships between groups and the setting of goals. Organizational diagnostician carries out this process of diagnosis considering the whole organization as a total system. They use data form internal and external sources for this purpose. The organizational diagnosticians direct their focus on the activities they think are the vital for the existence of the organization. When performing the diagnosis whole organization is put into focus when drastic changes are needed (French & Bell, 1995). Lastly in the organizational diagnosis process, all the data collected are communicated back to the organization’s management in order to begin the organizational change phase (Harrison 1987). Uses of Organizational Diagnosis Models Organizational diagnosis models help to clearly understand inefficiencies and diversions from organizational goals and targets. Organizational diagnosis models also provide a systematic way together, categorize and understand data. Models identify crucial organizational variables which are theorized to exist according to previous research. Models also reflect the nature of relationship between important variable. Without such models it would be hard to collect and interpret data. Here I will analyse three such organizational diagnosis model, – Weisbord’s Six Box Model – Sharp-image Diagnosis model – The Congruence Model Weisbord’s Six Box Model This model of organizational diagnosis consist six elements which are purpose, structure, relationship, rewards, leadership and helpful mechanism. The model focuses on the areas of dissatisfaction as a starting point. The areas of dissatisfactions considered are from the customer point (external), internal point of view (management and employees). The main advantages of this organizational diagnosis model have been its easy to understand and adopt. The model draws from a number of management theory schools -organisation design, behavioural, psychology and organisational learning. Due to its very simplistic approach it has a lack of theoretically basis to determine the actual gaps, degree of change and inefficiencies in an organization. Weisbord’s model also fails to provide the actions needed to close gaps, degree of change and inefficiencies of organization structure. Harrison and Shirom (1999) says that Weisbord’s model, on identification of gaps, â€Å"for each of these elements, consultants has to diagnosis the gaps and degree of changes. – Gap between what exists now and ought to be – Gaps between what are actually done and what the mangers say is done. The Congruence Model The Congruence model considers data from internal and external of the organization, strategies employed, product and services (output) and how the people of the organization are organised to convert the inputs into outputs. In order to understand the organization system and also how these factors influence in achieving intended results. The Congruence model’s most important element is the concept of fit. Organization success depends on the alignment of each factor (people, work, structure and culture) to one another. The tighter they fit the greater congruence and higher performance is achieved. Sharp-image Diagnosis model This model is a combination of open system and political frame, which aims at a border view of the organization initially but later focus on core problems and challenges (Harrison and Shirom 1999). Sharp-image diagnosis model uses 3 steps to evaluate: 1. Gather data to identify problems 2. Uses theoretical models targeted to specific problems 3. Development of a diagnostic model to identify the root causes of problems Weakness of this model has been The lack of predetermined tools to carry out the organizational diagnosis – Need for highly experienced practitioners to develop customised diagnosis models The strengths of this model has been – The customised diagnosis models targeted at specific problems – Deals with high levels of feedback to managers to understand the diagnostic results. Main Similarities All three, the six box model, sharp-image diagnosis and the congruence model are based on action research models. Action research involves data collection, feedback of data to management and planing for change based of data. These models focus on inefficiencies to bring about change in those areas, will bring benefits the organization. Apply Weisbord’s Six Box Model to â€Å"Lentil as Anything† Marvin Weisbord identified a process with six steps to assist business to diagnosis its business operations. These steps identified by him are purpose, leadership, reward, structure, relationships and helpful mechanisms. These steps were introduced to assist organizations to improve their internal processes. â€Å"Lentil as Anything† and ordinary business with an extraordinary mission, which as has been giving a new meaning to pricing of meals. The concept that Lentils as Anything functions under is â€Å"No Pricing†, here customers can decide what they think their meals valve or how much they can afford to pay. â€Å"Lentil as Anything† first started with two employees and in one location but now after 8 years it has over 100 staff and operates in 4 locations in Melbourne. Its purpose being to serve its customers with food wether they can afford or not as become a reality. The next step in the model is structure. Structure is where an organization splits workloads between staff members, as every member cannot do all types of work. Everyone in the organization has to know and understand what there are required to do and what they are suppose to do. If staff does not know what is expected form them, there would chose and no work would be done efficiently. â€Å"Lentil as Anything† has mainly 3 departments, which administration dept, front of house and back of house. All of them have specific jobs at Lentils. Admin dept coordinates the purchases, supervision and other admin duties. While the back of house is responsible for preparing quality meals and the front of house is responsible for delivering quality customer service and maintaining the restaurant floor. Another step in this model is rewards. Rewards systems include bonuses, vacation time, awards, promotions and recognition. According to Michael le Boeuf, â€Å"you get more of the Behaviour you reward’. If business wants to achieve success and have satisfied employees there should be a reward system in place. In â€Å"Lentils and Anything† the reward system as been in the way of promotions to employees. Which as kept most of the staff happy and content with the recognition give to their hard work? The next step in the model is leadership. According to Weisbord, Leadership’s tasks are to set goals, scan the environments for opportunities and keep performance to defined objectives. Lentil as Anything has a laid back leadership style. This fits this environment as there are no rule and special guide line that staff as to follow at Lentils. Shanaka Fernando has being able to get his staff to carry out his vision successfully. The former Secretary of State, Colin Powell once said, â€Å"†¦the essence of leadership is the willingness to make the tough, unambiguous choices that will have an impact of the fate of the organization. Another step of the model is relationships. This one of the important factor in an organization, this allows management to solve conflicts between top management and staff. At Lentil, even though the relationship between the managers and other staff is good there are some thinks that need to improve. That is from the side of the founder Shanaka, who does not like to take others opinion and advice when making decisions. This has lead to managers leaving the organization. The last element of this model is helpful mechanisms. Helpful mechanisms refer to the policies, programs, meetings, systems, and committees. Those facilitate concerted efforts to meet goals. They include budget systems and planning and control mechanisms. At Lentil as Anything management meeting are rare and there has not been any staff meeting held to discuss any sought of issues. And also there are no mechanisms for employee feedback but there is strong informal grapevine is used to communicate issues. Lentils do not provide any training for its employees, it basically fits in the staff where work need to be done. Conclusion While six box model uses a simple and straightforward method and predefined models look at the organizational strategy, structure, rewards, leadership, relationships and helpful mechanisms. The sharp-image diagnosis model uses customised model to depending on the problem. While the congruence model considers data from internal and external of the organization, strategies employed product and services (output) and how the people of the organization are organised to convert the inputs into outputs. Despite their differences these models derive from action research. When applying the organizational diagnosis model to Lentil as Anything, the best and easy model was Weisbord’s Six Box theory. This model allowed to see the inefficiencies that were at every level of the organization. Now it’s up to the Lentil as Anything management to implement the necessary changes where the inefficiencies were highlighted. References: Kotelnikov,V. (2001), â€Å"Effective Reward Systems. † E-coach. 19 December 2010 Powell, C. (2001) â€Å"18 Lessons for Leaders. † 1000 advices. 19 December 2010 Weisbord, M. (2005-2008) â€Å"Six Boxes. Proven Models. 19 December 2010. Harrison, M. I. (1987). Diagnosing organizations: Methods, models, and processes. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Nadler, D. A. & Tushman, M. L. (1980). A model for diagnosing organizational behavior. Organizational Dynamics, French, W. , & Bell, C. (1999). Organization development: Behavioural science interventions for organization improvement. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Ha ll. Harrison, M. I. & Shirom, A. (1998) Organizational Diagnosis and Assessment: Bridging Theory and Practice, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Personal Position paper on Psychotherapy Essay

Introduction â€Å"People are always changed by disasters, and other life events, but they need not be damaged by them.† -John D. Weaver   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When we study human behavior, specifically focusing on the development of personality and crucial to how a person or individual conducts him/herself, psychology offers a variety of dimensions. The concept of personality is central to our attempt to understand ourselves and others and is part of the way in which we account for the differences that contribute to our individuality. Psychologists have been particularly concerned with shaping of the personality in relation to genetic and environmental influences. We have been fortunate that the study of human personality has been thriving and fruitful. We can choose from as many models we can to help us see ourselves better and maintain good relationships.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the course of our study, every individual counselor – therapist eventually develops his/her own approach in the therapeutic process. The path that the practitioner takes concerning his/her choice of approach or model depends a lot on his/her own personal preferences, personality and understanding of human nature. An eclectic approach is usually the direction that anyone in this field would take; however, certain emphasis is made on some specific positions simply because these are the dominant theories which help guide him/her in focusing the essentials of the process with the client.   Though the attempt is said to be eclectic then, the therapist still has this open option to change or vary some details of his/her strategy along the course of the interaction or treatment phases. Discussion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a need for integration not only for its theoretical applicability but also for its practical usefulness. Presuppositions or philosophical conceptualizations are the pillars of any worldview, and to successfully establish a new one requires that changes or reinforcements be made at this plane. The integrative approaches were framed at this level so as to remove mental oppositions as they arise every time in one’s thoughts. When this is not adequately laid down, no audience can align their thoughts or understanding with what the author tries to convey. This paper is an attempt to convey a personal understanding of human behavior in the context of psychotherapeutic approaches that are modified for use by the author. It appreciates the accomplishments of the various approaches such as Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Existential, Humanistic, Family Systems, Gestalt and Client-Centered developments in the profes sion. The following reflects the views of the author in the healing process of the mind and emotions. Key Concepts of My Approach   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is therefore expected that though at this point I value the primary theories or perspectives that I am thus enumerating afterwards, this also implies that I am open to the various developments that are expectedly to occur in my practice in the future. Since this is an eclectic approach at employing strategies I have found to be beneficial personally and that of others, I wish to mention many of these in the following statements. I am persuaded further that key elements or themes are found all throughout my own version of the approach. The smaller yet finer points come only in the between. For the thrust that this paper is taking, I wish to mention then my views individually, on Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychoanalytic, Existential, Humanistic, Family Systems, Gestalt and Client-Centered approaches. Behavioral Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This model utilizes what is termed as the learning theory posited by Skinner and Watson and the rest of the Behaviorism school. It assumes that the principles in learning i.e., conditioning (Associative and Operant) are effective means to effect change in an individual. Generally, the thrust of this theoretical perspective is focused on the symptoms that a person is experiencing. Just as many of the errors of the patterns of behavior come from learning from the environment, it is also assumed that an individual will be able to unlearn some if not all these by using the techniques as applied based on the learning principles. To a certain extent I believe that this still works: reinforcements are effective to some extent and in some or many people hence I am incorporating this stance separate or distinct from the Cognitive-Behavioral approach.   In behavior therapy therefore, thoughts, feelings and all those â€Å"malfunctioning† an d unwanted manifestations revealed in one’s activities can be unlearned and the work of a behavior therapist. The basic concepts include â€Å"extinguishing† – utilized when maladaptive patterns are then weakened and removed and in their place habits that are healthy are established (developed and strengthened) in a series or progressive approach called â€Å"successive approximations. When these (factors) are reinforced such as through rewards in intrinsic and extrinsic means, the potential of a more secure and steady change in behavior is developed and firmly established (Rubinstein et al., 20074; Corey, 2004). Although few psychologists today would regard themselves as strict behaviorists, behaviorism has been very influential in the development of psychology as a scientific discipline. There are different emphases within this discipline though. Some behaviorists contend plainly that the observation of behavior is the best or most expedient method of exploring psychological and cognitive processes. Others consider that it is in reality the only way of examining such processes, while still others argue that behavior itself is the only appropriate subject of psychology, and that familiar psychological terms such as belief only refer to behavior. Albert Bandura’s social cognitive approach grew out of this movement. Bandura’s method emphasizes cognitive processes over and above observable behavior, concentrating on not only the influence of the person’s upbringing for example, but also â€Å"observation, imitation, and thought processes† (Plotnik, 2005). Cognitive-Behavioral   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the cognitive approach alone, the therapist understands that a client or patient comes into the healing relationship and the former’s role is to change or modify the latter’s maladjusted or error-filled thinking patterns. These patterns may include wishful thinking, unrealistic expectations, constant reliving and living in the past or even beyond the present and into the future, and overgeneralizing. These habits lead to confusion, frustration and eventual constant disappointment. This therapeutic approach stresses or accentuates the rational or logical and positive worldview: a viewpoint that takes into consideration that we are problem-solvers, have options in life and not that we are always left with no choice as many people think. It also looks into the fact that because we do have options then there are many things that await someone who have had bad choices in the past, and therefore can look positively into the futu re. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy postulated primarily by Ellis and Beck â€Å"facilitates a collaborative relationship between the patient and therapist.† With the idea that the counselor and patient together cooperate to attain a trusting relationship and agree which problems or issues need to come first in the course of the therapy. For the Cognitive Behaviorist Therapist, the immediate and presenting problem that the client is suffering and complaining from takes precedence and must be addressed and focused in the treatment. There is instantaneous relief from the symptoms, and may be encouraged or spurred on to pursue in-depth treatment and reduction of the ailments where possible. The relief from the symptoms from the primary problem or issue will inspire the client to imagine or think that change is not impossible after all. In this model, issues are dealt directly in a practical way. Coaching the patient on the step by step procedure of CBT is a basic and fundamental ingredient. Here the client is enlightened as to the patterns of his thinking and the errors of these thoughts which bore fruit in his attitudes and behavior. His/her thoughts and beliefs have connections on his/her behavior and must therefore be â€Å"reorganized.† For instance, the ways that a client looks at an issue of his/her life will direct the path of his reactivity to the issue. When corrected at this level, the behavior follows automatically (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). Psychodynamic Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Psychodynamic perspective is based on the work of Sigmund Freud. He created both a theory to explain personality and mental disorders, and the form of therapy known as psychoanalysis. The psychodynamic approach assumes that all behavior and mental processes reflect constant and often unconscious struggles within the person. These usually involved conflicts between our need to satisfy basic biological instincts, for example, for food, sex or aggression, and the restrictions imposed by society. Not all of those who take a psychodynamic approach accept all of Freud’s original ideas, but most would view abnormal or problematic behavior as the result of a failure to resolve conflicts adequately. Many of the disorders or mental illnesses recognized today without a doubt have their psychodynamic explanation aside from other viewpoints like that of the behaviourist, or the cognitivists. From simple childhood developmental diseases to Schizophrenia, there is a rationale that from Freud’s camp is able to explain (Kaplan et al, 1994). Existential Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Existential approach, as put forward by Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Heidegger, Rollo May, and Frankl, believes that the individual’s potential may lie dormant but that it is there waiting to be ushered in time. It recognizes that man is able to achieve great heights and that these are just waiting to be tapped not only by him/herself but that also when helped by a practitioner who is persuaded of this notion. It examines such major issues as free will and the challenges of exercising this free will, the issue of mortality, loneliness and in general, the meaning of life. The Therapy is effective when the practitioner works with elderly care and death and dying issues. It focuses on the individual needs but takes into consideration the significant relationships and the meanings they bring into the person’s life. Transcending the issues and problems are primary intentions of the therapist at the same time being realistic that certain limitations do exist and may hinder the process of recovery (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). Humanistic Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Allport, Bugental, Buhler, Maslow Rollo May, Murphy, Murray, Fritz Perls and Rogers are those that helped usher in the Humanistic theory and consequent therapy. It holds in view the individual as possessing the options or freedom to choose, creativity, and the capability to attain a state where he/she is more aware, freer, responsible and worthy of trust. Because the human mind has immense potential, the approach assesses as well that forces from the environment bear on with the individual and depending on the interplay that occurs within the individual person, the result will either be destructive or constructive to the person. In sum, humanism takes into the perspective that essentially humans are good and not evil, and that the therapy facilitates by harnessing on the human potential through the development of interpersonal skills. This results to an enhanced quality life and the individual becomes an asset rather than a liability to th e society where he revolves in (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). Family Systems Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This theoretical viewpoint has been the by-product of the works of Bateson, Minuchin, Bowen, Ackerman and many others. Usually done in pairs or by a team of practitioners, family systems therapy has its roots in behavioral and psychoanalytic principles. This model understands that the family is a unit and its members or any of its members with an issue or a problem must be addressed in the context of the family as a unit. It puts its emphasis on the relationships among the family members, their patterns of communication more than their individual traits and/or symptoms. The systems theory portion of the therapy indicates that whatever is occurring or happening is not isolated but is a working part of a bigger context. In the family systems approach then, no individual person can be understood when removed from his relationships whether in the present or past, and this is specially focused on the family he belongs to (Rubinstein et al., 200 7; Corey, 2004). Gestalt Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gestalt therapy has this goal of reducing if not removing the symptoms with the rationale that the individual has personal responsibility and that the here-and-now experience is thus very important. This two-fold emphasis on the present moment as experienced by the person and that another reality is that our existence is entangled actually with other aspects and parts of the environment. It is when we understand that we are related with other things that insights to our issues are achieved and help us in finding solutions to our existence. When we are free from the obstructions of things that are â€Å"unfinished† then we reduce the obstacles and enhance the opportunities to our optimal satisfaction and fulfillment and eventual growth (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). Client-Centered Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Developed and known because of the works by one person – Carl Rogers – Client Centered Therapy focuses on the person who needs aid and his/her improvement depends on the client himself although with the facilitation and assistance of the therapist. The rationale for the direction of the therapy lies in the notion that humans basically possess the ability to move towards the fulfillment of his/her possibilities. According to Rogers, â€Å"Individuals have within themselves vast resources for self-understanding and for altering their self-concepts, basic attitudes, and self-directed behavior; these resources can be tapped if a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided† (Rogers, 1980, p 115-117 in Rubinstein et al., 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This approach is very popular today and many therapists usually incorporate this model into their own eclectic method. Rogers identified three important concepts termed as conditions: these are congruence, unconditional positive regard and empathy. Many in the mental health circles have these in their day-to-day jargon. In the aforementioned conditions, a person moves toward what Rogers call â€Å"constructive direction† when these three conditions are afforded. The Role of the Therapist   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I aspire to be a therapist – counselor whose practice is characterized as empowering and collaborative. By empowering, I understand the limitations of my role and as such I am constrained at the same time to impart my best knowledge and efforts to enable my client/patient to understand him/herself, and lead the treatment to the point where he/she is able to stand on his/her own without my help anymore. Further, it means that I recognize the patient or client as a person who is not only complex, he/she is also is imbued with the nature that inherently can heal, grow and mature. They contribute to the process, and their attitude towards the whole duration of the healing relationship is a crucial aspect to the attainment of their goals. The therapist then must remove by all means any barrier or obstruction to the achievement of goals especially when these come potentially from the therapist him/herself (that’s me). By collaborative, again because there are set limitations on my capacities, I recognize the availability and expertise of others in realms that I hardly know and that working with them, collaborating with them, gives my client more options, and provides him/her the best and comprehensive interventions that there is in the field. A therapy that is beneficial looks beyond my set style and preferences of diagnosis and treatment; it is progressive and seeks to enhance the initial strategies that had been established and continually expands oneself by learning and researching. Most importantly, by collaboration, my client is the most significant â€Å"collaborator† and that notion should not be missed all throughout (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The effectiveness of therapy in counselling is dependent substantially on two factors; namely, the patient’s cooperation, and the expertise of the therapist. Many experts in the field of Psychology have observed the significant contribution of the client to the over-all process. The individual’s perception of the therapist is extremely crucial to the ensuing treatment. Without the needed initial positive perception of the therapist on the part of the one seeking treatment, the whole process will not generate a desired momentum that would set the entire scheme in a strategic stance. Of course, the expertise of the therapist is another major factor – actually, the other half – but it’s a given to the whole package of treatment (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since a â€Å"working alliance† has to be established first before the actual treatment is administered, there are important or vital considerations for this â€Å"working alliance† between client and therapist to occur, and this is in prà ©cis, the intentions of this paper. What we will be considering in this paper are the challenges that new therapists face as they practice their profession. The past baggage of the client.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From any vantage point, the level of trust by client on his therapist, whether that perception is based on attractiveness, trustworthiness or as someone who knows what he may be dealing with in terms of credentials, are valid, and is the utmost concern of the helping relationship. Trust in the part of the client is necessary for the healing process. However, because the full ramifications of the issue almost always hinge on the perceptions of the client, the problems and hindrances need to be addressed or at least cited for clarity and deliberation at the outset of the relationship. As hinted above, the client may be bringing (emotional) baggage into their mutual involvement which may be due to prior engagements with other professionals in the therapeutic relations, whether positive or negative. Oftentimes, in many cases, these may be liaisons which were unsuccessful, distasteful or even traumatic for a few. The author pointed out that any form of future therapy will be affected due to these previous experiences, and it has to be dealt with right away at the outset (Horvath & Luborsky, 1993, p. 4). The fitness of the therapist   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By fitness, we mean sufficient, wide-ranging exposure, and right training to the kind of illness/es or disorder/s that he may be dealing. Even with years spent in the academe will not guarantee the development of skills in handling such complex and true-to-life situations or scenarios. At times, the theoretic skills acquired, instead of enabling the new therapist, may deter or hamper the process. This means to say that the therapist must possess more than head-knowledge; he should not allow his schooling to affect him to the extent that it made him conceited with no room for more learning especially when additional knowledge are available in the patient himself. He must also have the sensitivity to employ his gut-feeling to at times, direct the course of the therapy (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). Therapeutic relationships are almost always exhausting, but it will be an undesirable experience for the alliance partners when just one of them becomes disinterested, hence as Luborsky pressed that â€Å"reciprocity† must be established, cultivated or maintained until the relationship is terminated, hopefully because the client is well (Horvath & Luborsky, 1993, p. 4). III. The Therapeutic Process   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The therapeutic process is initiated by the therapist primarily as soon as the client or others who refer or brought the patient in for the assumed long haul of the healing relationship. It would be impossible to do all approaches at one time. By eclectic and as frequently emphasized, the usage of any of the methods will be dependent on the need of the patient, and other pertinent information that help guide which of these the therapist will be using. The therapist then is enjoined to be able to diagnose well; it is at this stage that any practitioner is well aware of the risks should he/she fail to diagnose properly the needs and or issues /problems of the client. However, as he/she matures and advances in the profession, many instances occur that the mistakes made in diagnosis are oftentimes corrected while at the treatment stage, hence the traits of flexibility and humility (admitting mistakes for instance) are valued highly in this pro fession (Rogers, 1980, p 115-117 in Rubinstein et al., 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Employing the Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Existential, Humanistic, Family Systems, Gestalt and Client-Centered Eclectic stance primarily involves the incorporation of distinct concepts within a single framework. The important thing is that of flexibility and resiliency on my part when to apply or implement which of the theories in the context of my client. It starts with the identification of specific problems and especially the root causes. When this is confidently achieved, the therapist is actually midway to attaining his/her goals which includes not only the relief of the symptoms that the sufferer is currently experiencing but especially the reduction of the occurrence if not altogether eliminated. The specific treatment goals are likewise essential and it helps in the remaining aspects or levels of the process. The diagnostic part by itself in most cases is considered therapeutic since many clients have experienced immediate relief; in the language of psychoanalysis, the â€Å"cathartic† effect is helpful already. In addition, another important ingredient in the process is to identify effective reinforcers which help people in crisis for instance or those in acute and chronic mental and emotional anguish to sustain their plan for change and control of their disorders. Helping the client set up a kind of self-help management program is a very effective strategy to pursue within the relationship (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). ~Identifying clients in crisis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Despite breakthroughs in scientific researches and the success of many crisis interventions by established churches, there are â€Å"fly by night† operations which prey on funding of private and government groups on such types of operations. There are those who minister lacking the necessary spiritual maturity and corresponding abilities in this kind of endeavor, hence the necessity of proper credentials to minimize abuses in the profession (Buttman, p.59). Crucial to the treatment or interventions of people in crisis is the identification of clients experiencing crisis in life. â€Å"Knowledge of the three core components of crisis intervention theory (a precipitating event, client perception of the event, and the client’s usual coping methods)† is essential in this kind of work (Walsh et al, 2005). The Goal of Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Trauma inducing and crisis triggering situations have spiraled its occurrence and in its primacy in the US and in many other countries in recent years. Its broad spectrum ranges from the national disaster category such as that of Hurricane Katrina or the 911 terrorist strikes in New York, Spain and England, to private instances such as a loved one’s attempt at suicide, the murder of a spouse or child, the beginning of mental illness, and the worsening situation of domestic violence (Teller et al, 2006). The acute crisis episode is a consequence of people who experience life-threatening events and feel overwhelmed with difficulty resolving the inner conflicts or anxiety that threaten their lives. They seek the help of counselors, paramedics and other health workers in crisis intervention centers to tide them over the acute episodes they are encountering. These are defining moments for people and must be adequately addressed else they lead lives with dysfunctional conduct patterns or disorders (Roberts et al, 2006).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the integrated or eclectic approach the goal of the therapy is not just relief to the patient or client. Although an immediate relief is very helpful, this may not always be the case in most illnesses. The goal as mentioned in the preceding pages is to provide long-term reduction of the symptoms and the occurrence of the disease altogether if possible. The management then is not impossible but neither is this easy. Specifically, the counselee or patient must want to heal or believe that there is going to be curative effects in the process. It presupposes that he/she must learn to trust the therapist in his/her capabilities as well in leading or facilitating the changes or modifications. It is very much essential that (in the perspective of a cognitive-behaviorist) that the client understands ownership to the deeds and choices in thought patterns he/she made are crucial to the recurring or occurring condition that s/he experiences (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, the identification of specific treatments or interventions according to the diagnosed issue will be accommodated and implemented based on the chosen treatment modalities fit with the therapeutic approach utilized. It may be a single modality based on a single approach (e.g., learning principles and desensitization for a patient with specific phobias) or it maybe a combination of many modalities (CBT, Rogerian, Phenomenological, or Family systems) (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). The Nature of the Relationship between the Therapist and the Client   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The client throughout the process is a person in need of help and support and this reality is throughout reinforced in the process until the need to terminate the relationship. The therapist is the helper, who ushers the client to discover insights into his needs and problems and until the client is able to stand on his/her own the therapist aids him/her in more ways than one. Because of usual and common abuses that either the client suffers or that the therapist at times undergoes, definite boundaries are set in place at the outset. This must be established at the initial stage and from time to time emphasized to mind either of the parties in the limits of the relationship. The therapist is guided by morality and ethics of his/her profession in the proper exercise of his/her duties and bound by law to implement this in the process and make this known as well to the client. The therapist terminates the relationship readily or refer the cli ent to another competent practitioner should the limits be reached and the relationship has become unrealistically difficult for either of the two parties. Best Practices for Techniques   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Techniques or the utilization of various modalities come in a variety of forms and each when employed has the potential to meet the individual’s needs. The modality of choice at particular client/patient depends on such considerations as family support, financial constraints or financial capability, the patient’s preference, diagnosis, and age of patient (Rubinstein, et al., 2007). Employing the cathartic method, teaching the client to examine his/her thought patterns, to discern the errors of judgment and gain insight into him/herself, and to handle with patience the whole process are fundamentals in the process. When the therapist is able to shift effectively in various standpoints and enables the client to gain a better, realistic and eradicate unrealistic expectations of the self and others, they are both on the way to achieving wholeness and healing that which the client so need and aspire. This requires practice, or con stant training and endurance on the part of the therapist (Rubinstein et al., 2007; Corey, 2004). VII. Methods of Therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Every theoretical approach has its own assumptions. In the psychodynamic theory, the following three assumptions help guide a student of human behavior or an expert in this field determine the underlying factors that explain the overt manifestations of specific behaviors. These assumptions therefore, help guide the diagnosis of the presence or absence of mental illness. They are the same assumptions that guide the therapist in choosing what treatment that will better help heal, cure or alleviate the symptoms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   These assumptions are: â€Å"There are instinctive urges that drive personality formation.† â€Å"Personality growth is driven by conflict and resolving anxieties.† â€Å"Unresolved anxieties produce neurotic symptoms†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (Source: Kaplan et al, 1994).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The goals of treatment here include alleviating patient of the symptoms which specifically works to uncover and work through unconscious conflict. The task of psychodynamic therapy is â€Å"to make the unconscious conscious to the patient† (â€Å"Models of abnormality†, National Extension College Trust, Ltd). Employing the psychodynamic viewpoint, the therapist or social scientist believes that emotional conflicts, or neurosis, and/or disturbances in the mind are caused by unresolved conflicts which originated during childhood years. In the psychodynamic approach the treatment modality frequently used includes dreams and free association, at times hypnosis (as preferred by either the therapist or by the client). The therapist actively communicates with the client in the on-going sessions. The scenario appears that a given patient may have up to five times a week session and runs up to five years in length (Rubinstein et al., 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The methods of therapy incorporate the methods of the eight models. In Behavioral Therapy – the development of behavioral skills that encourage effective actions which is done through incorporating principles in learning or classical and operant conditioning. It utilizes shaping, modeling and such concepts as behavior modification, counterconditioning and exposure, and systematic desensitization.   Behavioral or action therapies utilize insight just as much as the psychodynamic model. Just as the cognitive–behavioral model also recognizes the concept of insight as well, this is only a matter of emphasis or focus. In behavioral/cognitive-behavioral therapies the focus is on the modification or control of behavior and insight usually becomes a tangential advantage. Techniques include CBT through such strategy as cognitive restructuring and the current frequently used REBT for Rational Emotive-Behavior Therapy where irrational beliefs are eliminated by examining them in a rational manner (Corey, 2004; Davison and Neale, 2001). Whereas in insight therapies the focus or emphasis is on the patient’s ability in understanding his/her issues basing on his inner conflicts, motives and fears. Techniques then include reflection of feelings and free association; the former as employed in the client–centered therapy and with the latter in psychodynamic therapy. Cognitive Strategies are utilized to promote functional thoughts which are likely to result in adaptive and healthy habits (Corey, 2004; Davison and Neale, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Client-centered therapy avoids the imposition of goals on the patient or client during therapy. It is the client who takes the lead in the session and of the conversation. It is the job of the therapist to create the conditions conducive to the client’s positive judgment of those experiences that are intrinsically satisfying to the client. The ‘goal’ then is to reach the point where the client desires to be a good and â€Å"civilized person.† Unconditional positive regard enhances this atmosphere however, and although the goal may be difficult to achieve, unconditional positive regard eventually, according to Rogers, encourages even the â€Å"`unbehaved† to conform or even transform (Corey, 2004; Davison and Neale, 2001). Gestalt therapy techniques on the other hand, include the I-language, The Empty Chair, Projection feelings, Attending to Nonverbal Cues, and the Use of Metaphor (Corey, 2004; Davison and Neale, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The techniques may sound a lot like pulling â€Å"this and that† from one’s tool box but in practice it is far from whimsical and impulsive. There is given time to much thought and analysis per client and an evaluation in between is mustered in order to be kept on track according to the specific goals that had been established at the outset. Here, professionalism counts and much of the efforts poured into every patient’s benefit.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to avoid what Corey says as a syncretistic and hodgepodge type of â€Å"eclectism† a theoretical rationale must be underpinning in the overall approach of the therapist (Corey, 2001, Article 29 in Lazarus, 1986, 1996; Lazarus, Beutler, & Norcross, 1992). This means that I as the therapist must establish firmly my own worldview, which contains my value system, and communicates this at the outset to the client and intermittently in the therapeutic process.

An Easy French-English Bilingual Story at the Beach

An Easy French-English Bilingual Story at the Beach Many people travel to France to enjoy its gorgeous beaches. Whether you prefer sunny â€Å"Cà ´te d’Azur†, the windy beaches or â€Å"Arcachon†, the historic â€Å"plages de Normandie† or the wild and rocky coasts of Brittany, you’ll have plenty of sea waters and beaches to choose from when traveling, for real or virtually to France. Explore the vocabulary related to beach activities with this learn French in context  story. This story is written mostly in the present tense and with simple sentence structures, so even beginners can follow the story once they have studied their  French beach vocabulary. And Now, Let's Go to the Beach! Mon mari, ma fille et moi, nous habitons en Bretagne, dans le nord-ouest de la France, en face de lAngleterre, dans une petite ville qui sappelle  «Ã‚  Paimpol  Ã‚ ». Jai de la chance car nous sommes cà ´tà © de la mer, au bord de la Manche plus prà ©cisà ©ment.   My husband, my daughter and myself, we live in Brittany, in the north-west of France, across from England, in a small town called Paimpol. I am lucky since we live by the sea, on the banks of the Channel more precisely. Ma fille Leyla et moi, nous adorons nager. Il y a une petite plage de sable 5 minutes pied de chez nous, et bien sà »r, nous y allons trà ¨s souvent. My daughter Leyla and I, we love to swim. There is a small sand beach five minutes walking distance from our house, and of course, we go there very often. Leyla a dix ans, et elle sait bien nager. Elle a pris des cours de natation la piscine avec son à ©cole, et aussi pendant les weekends, et donc vraiment elle nage bien la brasse, le crawl etc... Mais quand  elle va la plage, elle ne nage pas beaucoup : elle joue dans la mer, saute dans les petites vagues, patauge... Elle boit rarement la tasse, mais à §a arrive. Alors elle tousse, et elle replonge dans l’eau ! Elle aime bien aussi faire de grands chà ¢teaux de sable avec les autres enfants qui sont sur la plage. Leyla is ten, and she is a good swimmer. She took swimming lessons at the pool with her school, and also during the weekends, and therefore she can really swim the breaststroke,  the crawl etc well†¦ But when she goes to the beach, she doesnt swim much: she plays in the sea, jumps in the small waves, splashes around†¦ She rarely accidentally swallows sea water, but it happens. Then she coughs, and dives back in (the water)! She also enjoys making big sand castles with the other kids (who are) on the beach. Faire de la Voile = to go Sailing in French L’autre jour, Leyla a fait une journà ©e de voile avec son à ©cole. Et tout a coup, elle a vu deux dauphins !! Malheureusement, au dà ©but elle a pensà © que c’à ©tait des requins, et elle a eu trà ¨s peur... The other day, Leyla had a sailing outing with her school. And suddenly, she saw two Dolphins !! Unfortunately, at the beginning, she  thought  they  were  two sharks, and she was very scared. C’est un vrai dà ©mà ©nagement lorsque nous allons nous baigner ! Il faut prendre des pelles,  des seaux, un rà ¢teau, des serviettes de plage, et surtout ne pas oublier la crà ¨me solaire. Il fait souvent gris en Bretagne, mais le soleil est toujours l, en dessous des nuages, et il faut toujours mettre de la crà ¨me solaire pour ne pas attraper un coup de soleil. Nous ne prenons pas de  parasol, ni de chaise longue – on est en Bretagne, pas   St Trop’  !! Its like packing for a move when we go swimming! We have to take shovels, pails and a rake, beach towels and above all not forget the  sunscreen!! Its often overcast in Brittany, but the sun is always there, under the clouds, and you should always wear sunscreen so you dont get sunburnt. We dont bring a beach umbrella, nor a beach chair - were in Brittany, not Saint-Tropez !!

How to Write a Philosophy of Science Essay

How to Write a Philosophy of Science Essay Philosophy of Science Starting your essay How to create an outline Outline sample How to write a thesis for an philosophy of science essay How to write your introductionn How to construct body paragraphs Finishing your essay Revising your essay A philosophy of science essay sample Writing an essay on the philosophy of science is not hard as it may seem. Just like any other essay, you just have to follow the basic format and arrangement of ideas to be able to provide the message you want the readers to know. It needs to have the common features of an essay – introduction, body, and conclusion. The difference will only be in the content and how you are going to correlate all the ideas and thoughts into one single masterpiece. So, to help you in writing a perfect essay, here are some provided guidelines on how to start and finish the best paper about philosophy of science: Starting your essay Before a writer can properly start writing their essay, they will have to make an outline and a thesis statement first. The best way to efficiently create a paper regarding this topic, or any other topic for that matter, is to lay down first all the topics that he would want to discuss and combine them in one simple yet detailed sentence. How to create an outline In writing an outline, one just has to list down every possible issue that he may think of that is related to the specific philosophy of science he/she is writing about. So for example, the philosophy of science topic is about the battle between religion and science, and the author can provide information on both separately, and then include some mixed ideas such as comparing and contrasting both the subject matter to each other. Here is an example of an outline for this specific topic: Outline sample I. Introduction Common misconceptions about religion and science. Why religion and science should not be confused with each other. II. Body Definition and explanation of religion Definition and explanation of science Difference and similarities between science and religion What most scholars and philosophers say about the misconceptions on religion and science III. Conclusion Summary points on why religion and science should not be intertwined What people need to know about religion and science as individual and combined entities How to write a thesis for an philosophy of science essay After creating the outline, the writer may now write their thesis statement. For some people, however, it is easier for them to write the thesis statement first and then break it down into parts and come up with an outline. Whichever way the writer may choose, these guidelines still can be helpful in making the thesis statement: If one chooses to make the thesis statement first before the outline, he/she must try to be very particular on the issue that he wants to talk about. After that, he can now break it down into parts so he can make an outline. If one chooses otherwise, she just has to combine all the ideas in the outline and select the most important one and make it his thesis statement. Usually, the things that a writer would like to emphasize and the topic which is related to almost every thought in the essay is the most important one. A writer should not make long thesis statements. A one-liner sentence would suffice, but it should be detailed and specific. She/he shall make it comprehensive and understandable enough to make the readers realize his stand. How to write your introduction After having written the thesis statement and the outline, the writer may now start to write his introduction. It must be noted that introductions are really important because it is the first thing that is read in an essay. Therefore, it is in the introduction where the reader shall decide whether he will continue reading the paper or not. In making the introduction, here are some tips that might help: One must create a catchy and captivating introduction. Some writers use quotes from great philosophers and some use their own quotes to make their point. One must keep in mind that the introduction must already make his viewpoints obvious. Introduction should not be written in long sentences. It is the body’s duty to explain the writer’s opinion and thoughts. The introduction will only provide the things that are to be learned by the readers in the succeeding pages. The introduction should be related to the body of the paragraph itself. No reader would like to be confused on what she is reading. Having different thoughts on the introduction and the body will surely make the reader lose his interest to continue reading. Thus, there must be a connection between the introduction and the body. How to construct body paragraphs For most writers, writing the body is easier than actually writing the introduction and the conclusion. The reason is that because in the body, they just actually need to provide all the information that they want their readers to know. However, such is not the case for all people. So here are some strategies that might help in writing the body paragraphs: Align the paragraphs based on the thesis statement and the outline. After all, the latter was made beforehand as guidelines for the writer to be able to write his/her essay easily and smoothly. Unnecessary information is immaterial, so it should be kept simple but still informative. One should practice excluding facts which are not really relative and significant to the main point of the paper. Avoid using complex and obscure languages. The essay aims to provide information. Therefore, the usage of words should be kept simple and understandable. The paragraphs should be interconnected with each other. If not, then the readers would be confused on what the writer is trying to point out. The preceding paragraph should have a relation to the next one, strengthening the main point of the author. Do not make it boring. A philosophy of science essay is usually an informative one. Hence, there would be a lot of uninteresting facts and data. And to engage the readers, the paper should be written in an exciting and fun way. Finishing your essay While the introduction and the body should already have explained the main point, the conclusion must still show the strength of the argument. There must be a reiteration of the points, if needed, to toughen the opinions of the writer. To be able to do this, here are some tips that may be followed: Conclude your paper by making a brief summary of all the points and thoughts made throughout the essay. It does not have to be long. Just like the thesis statement, it should be concise and comprehensive. The writer should use his/her own words to strengthen his argument. The conclusion should provide a great impact on the readers. Whether the essay is an informative, an argumentative, or a persuasive one, the conclusion needs to be conclusive and certain. Make the readers realize what they should know. It is not enough to just provide a summary and a strong argument. One must convince his readers that his point is material and substantial in relation to the topic he chose to explain. Revising your essay It is not enough, of course, to pass or publish the paper once the writer finishes writing. It should be reviewed and proofread so the best out of it will come out. Here are some tips on how to revise a philosophical essay on science: Do not reread and edit immediately after writing. The best time for revisions is the day after. One shall need to have a clear and refreshed mind before he can actually see the mistakes that he has committed to writing the essay. Avoid being biased. It is actually best to have another person revise it, however, if there is no one available, the writer may do the revision on his own. Since it is his own work, he should be able to edit and revise it without being biased. A one-time revision is not enough. One must try reviewing and rereading it a lot of times before she may be able to come up with a well-written essay. You see, writing an essay about any philosophy of science is not difficult. It is just the same as writing a simple essay talking about other topics. All you have to do is believe that you can produce one. You may follow the guidelines stated above. Writing does not have to be hard. You just have to believe that you can. A philosophy of science essay sample Science comprises of natural and physical sciences. Sciences include biology, physics, chemistry, space science and earth science. The basic of sciences is making hypothesis which can be true or falls. From the hypothesis, scientific methods can be used to verify the hypothesis. In verifying the hypothesis, some assumptions can be made to validate the results; this assumption is mostly theoretical. For a long time scientific results, methods, assumptions, and hypothesis have not been verified as true or falls. To determine the truth in science, philosophy of science was introduced. Philosophy of science was introduced by philosophers to try and understand the actions of the scientists and the scientific theories. The philosophers were trying to link scientific evidence with what people could observe in nature; that is, the philosophers wanted to verify to the public the truth in scientific work. The philosophers were interested in elaborating the methods scientists use in their work. The philosophers also wanted to verify the truth in scientific theories. Also, philosophy of science is concerned with how science affects activities of nonscientists and nonscientific institutions. Philosophy of science is important in explaining what science cannot explain. Philosophy explains the basics of science to help people understand science better. For example, in mathematics, mathematicians use numbers on their daily basis, and no mathematician has ever dared to explain the meaning of numbers. Lack of knowing the definition of numbers can make ordinary people take mathematics as a tough course. Therefore, it’s the work of the philosophers to explain the meaning of numbers. In other circumstances, physicist use time in their working but they cannot explain what time is; this is also left for philosophers to explain. Philosophy of science, therefore, makes scientists and the general public understand some basics in science that cannot be answered by science facts alone. Philosophy of science is essential in the field of medicine. In the past, before the introduction of the philosophy of science, the medics believed that people were only sick at the point of visiting health facilities. The medics did not take medical history into perspective while dealing with their clients. Also, the medics did not have governing ethics in dealing with their clients. The introduction of the philosophy of science in medicine has so far changed how the medics operate. Philosophy makes medicine personnel understand the cause of a disease and the medical history of the clients. Philosophy has made it possible for medical personnel to view patients as humans and not ‘sick organs’; this has made it possible for the introduction of medical ethics. Through philosophy, medics can now predict and understand the cause of diseases. Philosophy of science is also crucial in explaining the origin of the world. For example, science can only explain what happened during the big bang and post big bang events but cannot explain what took place before the initialization of big bang. The fact that science cannot explain some events makes people lack understanding of their world. With the introduction of philosophy, it is now possible for scientists to explain what happened before the big bang. Also, other things like the origin of man can be explained easily because of philosophy. In conclusion, philosophy of science is essential in understanding our world. Philosophy addresses the questions of what, how and why in the science field.

Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies Essay

Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies - Essay Example Biomass combustion and geothermal plants release greenhouse gases in qualities that are comparable to coals was well as sulfur and nitrogen dioxides which pollute the air and cause acid rain. Finally, there is nuclear power, which poses catastrophic threats in case of accidents and the release of radioactive water and gases into the atmosphere in addition to the production of GHG from emergency diesel engines. Figure 1 Fig 1.1 World primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. (Hung 2010) Introduction In most of the world’s countries, the primary sources of energy are carbon based fossil fuels, this are however finite considering the fact that it takes millions of years for them to form although they are depleted in substantially less time. They are gradually becoming harder to extract as well as more expensive and this has in retrospect resulted into political conflict as nation’s battle each other in competition for these resources (Asif and Muneer, 2007). In additio n, the environmental impacts of fossil fuels have proved dire owing to the inevitable production of GHGs, which follows their combustion. The corollary has been a myriad of negative environmental effects such as a marked increase in the greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere that is threating to drastically change the global climate. In addition, the CLC that are also byproducts of burning carbon fuels have depleted the ozone layer and this exposes the world to dangerous infrared shortwave radiation, which poses a plethora of health danger for life on earth (Drabyk, 2001). More direct and short term impacts of fossil fuel include massive pollution of air and water the former resulting in acid rain, health problems such as Asthma and the latter mainly merging in oil seepages and leakages in water bodies. The innumerable problems attributed to fossil fuels and their apparent finiteness has necessitated a shift to renewable energy that many tout as the only feasible source of energy. Whil e conceding that renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric power portend clean and efficient energy, they are not a silver bullet and just like the non-renewable sources, they come with their share of environmental impacts (Letcher, 2008). This is in view of the fact that the new energy sources require significant investment in terms of resources and infrastructure to harvest them and this ultimately results in certain ramification for the environment that are however not very widely researched owing to the popular opinion that they are the embodiment of eco- friendly power Figure 2 Fig 2: Shares of energy sources used in electricity production, 2007. (Lenzen 2010) Solar power The sun is a source of a considerable amount of clean renewable energy that is arrested through solar panels and used to power machinery and generally provide energy both for industrial and domestic use. Notwithstanding, solar power plants have the potential to significantly impact the env ironment through; land use habitat loss and environmentally hazardous materials that are used in the manufacturing of the hardware. Large scale solar power plants have raised concerns about the land degradation and power loss, typically the amount of land that wil be require often depends on the topography or an area and the