Induction of Employees Essay

Starting a new job is stressful for most employees because of the initial feeling of being out of place and under pressure to make a positive impression to fellow co-workers and managers. It is therefore important that all new employees are made to feel welcome and valued and are also made aware of what is expected of them during their employment (Macdonald 2004, p. 104). Induction is regarded as the final stage of recruitment and selection but the first phase in the training and development of new employees. Induction is the process of familiarizing new employees to the company and their jobs with the aim of giving the employees a proper understanding of how things are done. Induction also known as orientation serves the purpose of providing a transition for the employee from college to work life. Since most employees start their work with a desire to succeed, induction programs offer the opportunity for them to achieve this (Compton and Nankervis 2009). Ideally an induction program involves a tour of the building showing the fire exit points, toilets, meeting and break rooms, important offices like the CEO’s office, supplies office and the Human Resources Department. The induction program will be determined by the type of job, cultural practices and structure of the organization. Induction for smaller companies might even involve a conversation with the Human Resources Manager while that for large organizations might involve several weeks of training and supervision (Compton and Nankervis, 2009). During the recruiting process, new recruits always have high expectations about their new jobs and the company. They might also have unrealistic expectations which might not be met leading the recruits to have feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety. In general, unmet expectations lead to employee dissatisfaction which in turn leads to high employee turnover (Werner and DeSimone 2009). Some companies do not view the orientation of employees into an organization as important. Some take it as a waste of time and they therefore conduct the programs in a haphazard way. Others might not have the programs at all which will result in the employee going straight into the job without any idea on what to do. The induction of employees has benefits such as reduced employee turnover, lower recruitment and selection costs, increase in employee morale. It also reduces the anxiety levels of employees. Overly anxious employees might increase costs in the area of education and development, turnover and absenteeism (Compton and Nankervis 2009). In today’s competitive working environment, orientation programs are not meeting the goals they were designed for. The reason these programs fall short is due to lack of planning, lack of expectations and the feeling of disillusionment by most employees. Attracting qualified workers includes offering higher salaries, better benefits and career advancement opportunities. With such increased costs, retention of employees becomes the main focus of a company instead of production (Squidoo 2010). Mistakes that are made during the induction process include activities such as bombarding new recruits with a lot of information on the first day and expecting them to memorize it, showing boring or outdated orientation videos, giving lengthy lectures about irrelevant information and failing to provide the new worker with a work station that has necessary facilities such as a computer, phone, printer and internet connection. Some employers also fail to give out any work leading the recruits to sit idle for most of the day (Squidoo 2010). The most frequent complaints about employee orientation programs is that they are overwhelming to the new employee thereby not providing the smooth transition that is needed to begin working. It becomes overwhelming especially if there is a test or quiz at the end of the program which requires the new recruits to remember all the information they have just been presented with. This adds on more pressure to the already anxious worker. Most Human Resource Managers involve a lot of paperwork on the first day especially if the information required has a deadline. They might require the employee to fill in forms with regards to their pay, compensation and benefits. There might also be contractual paperwork which the employee has to go through and sign. This process might take a lot of time and there might be some issues which the employee does not understand and there is no one around to clarify (Werner and DeSimone 2006). Other shortfalls of induction programs are the fact that there is a lot of one way communication instead of two way communication. The program coordinator usually fails to involve the recruits in the exercise which explains why it ends up being boring. Encouraging participation will ensure the program is lively and runs smoothly. The programs also fail to evaluate the recruits properly. Most induction coordinators use tests or quizzes as methods of evaluating the employees which are not the best. This puts on more pressure and anxiety to the employee who is already too anxious. Induction programs also lack follow-up in some companies meaning once they are done the employees are all on their own. This is especially the case if the program runs for only one day. Assigning mentors ensures that they have someone to turn to in the event they face a problem while carrying out their jobs (Werner and DeSimone 2006). Swinton (2005) provides examples of induction plans that fail in their intended purpose. Such an example is the pitiful induction plan where there is basically no induction program that has been prepared. According to her the new recruit will be lucky to have his own workspace or have co-workers introduce themselves to him or her. Since there is no effort for orientation, the recruit finds it hard to put in effort in their work especially when they do not know what to do and how to do it. Another example of a failed plan is the mediocre induction plan where the coordinator uses past orientation material that is outdated and irrelevant to conduct the program. This plan also uses very detailed information which proves to be overwhelming, cumbersome and boring to the new recruits. Some also use financial reports, health records and company reports as a way of informing the employees about the new company (Swinton 2005). Having other workers conduct the orientation program has its benefits as well as disadvantages. While the worker gets the actual feel of how the job is done, they are more prone to bad influence from the workers inducting them. Bad influence comes in the form of misuse of office supplies, taking extended breaks, coming late to work and leaving early before the recommended time. Those employees who do not undergo proper induction learn by observing what their fellow co-workers do. This might be to their detriment as they are more likely to pick up bad habits from co-workers who come to work late and spent a small amount of time in a day doing actual work. Induction programs that are not conducted properly end up being a waste of time and resources for both the employer and the employee. The quality of the staff induction program says a lot about a company and how important it views its employees. Employees will work harder for a company that shows it values them by providing quality induction programs. Companies should put in the same effort they do to induction programs when they create programs for attracting and retaining customers.

Compare & Contrast Woodchucks and Traveling Through the Dark Essay

Max Kumin’s , â€Å"Woodchucks† provides an interesting and creative perspective Into the mind state of those influenced by Nazi warfare. What begins as a seemingly Humorous cat and mouse hunt, soon develops into an insatiable lust for blood. However, â€Å" Traveling through the Dark† by William Stafford, presents an innocent soul lost by the unawareness of man and the death of an unborn innocent. Both Kumin’s and Stafford’s descriptive language and overall theme provides the reader with the insight necessary to understand to the speaker’s psychology as they are driven beyond the boundaries of pacifism and genocide. The poem â€Å"Woodchucks† indeed has a rhyme scheme, yet doesn’t conform to conventional forms of rhyme , each stanza seems to follow the order of A, B, C, A, C, B, which may not be apparent to the reader at first, but doesn’t hinder the poem’s effectiveness. The first stanza begins with the speaker describing their failed attempt at eliminating the pests. The first attempt was described as merciful: â€Å"The Knockout bomb bone†. However, the following lines offer a bit of humor to the chase as it seems the woodchuck has outsmarted the speaker as a result of their overconfidence: â€Å"and the case we had against them was airtight, both exits shoehorned shut with puddingstone, but they had a sub-sub-basement out of range†. This first stanza sets the stage for what would appear to be a humorous battle of wit’s between the speaker and the woodchucks. While in â€Å" Traveling through the Dark† consist of no rhyme scheme, and follows a contemplative tone, that comes from the decision of life and death, which sets the moods of the poem include: sadness, despair. The following stanza continues in this vein with the cynical statement, â€Å"Next morning they turned up again, no worse for the cyanide than we for our cigarettes and state-store Scotch, all of us up to scratch†. However, those that follow are slowly indicative of the speaker’s mental deterioration. The statements of the food being eaten by the woodchucks are filled with bitterness as the language begins to resemble that of a killer. â€Å"They brought down the marigolds as a matter of course and then took over the vegetable patch nipping the broccoli shoots, beheading the carrots†. This is especially evident in the reference to the carrots being â€Å"beheaded† which provides an appropriate transition into the next stanza. On the other hand Stafford’s poem uses the use of figurative language, like alliteration, and imagery in order to convey the disheartening emotions that come with being forced to make a life threatening decision. The poem by Stafford, â€Å"Traveling through the Dark† presents readers with an uncomfortable and rather grim instance of the intersection of the natural world and that of man. Technology, in this case cars and the man-made road, are seen as something invasive and harmful in this poem. In order to convey the meaning of the poem â€Å"Traveling through the Dark† by William Stafford uses a conversational style to communicate the theme in the poem of the role of technology in modern life and , more importantly, the theme of man versus nature becomes apparent. Then again Kumin presents a sense of human behavior vs. animal behavior in a way that allows the symbolism of World War II to come through. Through out the poems, both poets not only convey an everyday scene into an underlying theme, by the use of figurative language and the selection of words and phrases. Common themes of the poems are life, death, and conflicting forces lie in each poem. Both poets allow for an underlying theme to be portrayed in a way that reflects on the original scene of the poem.

Belonging Strictly Ballroom

Understanding nourishes belonging†¦ a lack of understanding prevents it Understanding can nourish belonging and let it grow, however a lack of understanding can damage a person’s sense of belonging and prevent it. This concept is portrayed in Baz Luhrman’s film â€Å"strictly ballroom† and related text poem â€Å"Rhapsody on a windy night† by T S Elliot. These texts depict the way a lack of understanding may damage a person’s sense of belonging and the foundation of belonging is powerful to one’s self identity.Lack of a sense of belonging is portrayed in the ‘mockumentary’ film â€Å"Strictly Ballroom† through the character Scott Hastings as he is treated as an outcast because he refuse to conform to the mainstream way of ballroom dance. The opening scene portrays the false, fairytale feeling of the world of ballroom dance through the motif showing big red curtains opening with matching theatrical music. The over the top fakery is shown through the fluffy costumes and over the top hair of the dancers in the opening scene.They are shown hugging and exchanging high fives, portraying that they belong because they have conformed to the mainstream way of dance presented by Barry Fife. â€Å"You can dance any steps you like but it doesn’t mean you will win. † This quote spoken by Barry fife shows the power he holds because he controls who wins. Unless you perform his steps that are shown in the video ‘The right way to dance’ you are not going to win. In the extreme close up of his mouth, we see the crooked rotten teeth because symbolically he is a crooked rotten person.When Scott dances his own steps the scene is shown in slow motion with a freeze frame, beautiful music with a pleasing crowd reaction to match shows that everyone including Scott was enjoying the dance. The camera switches to the furious faces of Shirley and Barry fife showing that everyone loved the new steps except for everyone who had confirmed that sat on the federation leaders table. The Table is situated higher than the dancers and audience depicting how they are in charge. Liz’s lack of understanding for Scotts love for his own steps is shown when she threatens Scott to conform to the federation steps for Ballroom dancing. I'm not dancing with you until you are supposed to† Barry has programmed the dancers like robots to follow his ‘Right steps’ â€Å"what did you think of the steps? †Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. â€Å"I don’t think! † Fran as a beginner dancer does not belong in the ballroom dancing world. Her frizzy hair, acne covered skin, thick unattractive glasses and covered figureless body makes her a target for nasty comments. The Slapstick humour when Liz and Scott knocking over Fran when she is trying to comfort them shows how she is not respected and over looked. Understanding however can give a person a sense of belonging in society or within themselves.Fran and Scott both feel like outcasts because they love to dance their own steps and not conform to the federation â€Å"I want to dance with you your way†. When the song â€Å"time after time† plays while Scott and Fran are dancing, Fran shows Scott what she is capable of proving that she is not a hopeless dancer like everyone stereotypes her to be. Scott tells her to dance without her glasses and we notice throughout the movie the tighter clothing she wears to reveal her toned elegant body structure, portraying as she feels a sense of comfort and understanding towards Scott, she starts to gain her own identity.

Genetic Engineering Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Genetic Engineering - Research Paper Example Genetic engineering has been used to develop GM foods for human and animal consumption. Contrary to what the proponents of GE present to consumers, these foods are harmful and dangerous. There are various health risks associated with GM foods, both in the long term and the short term. The potential effects of GM foods on human and animal health result from the increased intake of ant-nutrients, the transfer of antibiotic resistant genes and use of viral DNA in plants (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 165). For example, the introduction of a new gene can cause an increase of the anti-nutrients, and when such products are consumed, drug resistant genes can be transferred to humans (Dona & Arvanitoyannis, 165). There have been reported deaths as a result of GM foods. In 1989, many Americans died and thousands others impaired when they consumed the genetically modified supplement L-tryptophan which caused an ailment referred to as Eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS) (Batalion, 11). In addition, pe ople have suffered near deaths and allergic reactions after consuming GM foods. In 1996, Pioneer Hi-Bred Company used Brazil nut genes to increase protein methionine in soybeans. Unfortunately, many people suffered allergies after consuming the soybeans (Batalion, 11). Furthermore, certain GM foods are known to increase cancer cases (Pusztai & Bardocz, 12). For instance, the GH protein hormone is injected in cows to increase the production of milk. However, the genetically modified version, rBGH, has been known to increase IGF-1, which is a potent chemical hormone that is associated with breast and colorectal cancer (Batalion, 12). Although proponents of GM foods and products have argued that these products are not harmful to human health, studies reveal that such claims are false. For example, Bt corn and Bt cotton plants, which are genetically modified, contain Bt-toxins which exert toxicity to human cells. According to a report by

General Electric Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

General Electric - Research Paper Example Since then the company has had innovations with the electric fan in 1902, electric toaster in 1905, the high frequency alternator n 1906 which makes broadcasting possible, heating and cooking device in 1907. These have been followed by numerous innovations. Since then there has been a number of inventions and innovations which has given the company a competitive advantage. The company has a workforce of approximately 305,000 employees with 134,000 in the US and sales revenue of approximately $147.3 billion. The company is now a diversified technology and financial services conglomerate (Forbes 2013). The company is currently on Forbes lists in the following positions: The breath of GE’s operations has allowed it to sell it goods in more than 160 countries (GE 2003, p. 17). The company focuses its effort on things that matters by using the best people and technologies and tacking on some of the greatest challenges to find solutions in areas such as energy, health, home transportation and finance by not just using imagination but by ‘building, powering, moving and curing the world’ (GE 2003, p. 17) . Over the last ten years the company has invested in businesses that were adjacent to its original business line and so pursued opportunities that relate to the company’s core business. Approximately one-third of the company’s revenue in the area of infrastructure is generated from new business ventures of less then ten years old, including Oil & Gas which are considered to be fast growing business areas. This growth can be attributed to both acquisitions as well as organic investments. A major acquisition that was star ted in 2012 is that of Avio - a supplier of engine parts. This acquisition is designed to help lead the way to the new generation of engines – LEAP in 2016 and GEDx later. Additionally, it served to bring a critical aspect of the aviation supply chain in-house. The product and

Web-base enterprise applications security guidelines Research Paper

Web-base enterprise applications security guidelines - Research Paper Example Furthermore, the project also provides certain approaches and guidelines that should be maintained in order to ensure security of web based enterprise applications. In the contemporary business environment almost every enterprise have online existence not only for providing information, but also for interacting with key stakeholders such as customers, clients and dealers among others through different web based applications. From online communicating application to electronic investment, enterprises are constantly spawning web based applications that provide increased access to vital information. Currently web based applications are regarded as lifeblood of today’s modern enterprises as they permit employees to perform crucial business activities. When these applications are allowed to access enterprise networks, they can easily share information. Earlier, when the web based applications were developed, the information security strategies were fairly simple to impose, nevertheless, modern enterprises are grappling with numerous security threats. Consumer driven tools have released a new trend of web based applications which can easily be breached and can simply evade the traditional enterprise network security barriers (Fortinet, â€Å"Controlling Web 2.0 Applications in the Enterprise†). As businesses are growing, enterprises are becoming more dependent on web based applications, the complex units are becoming more challenging to secure. Several enterprises secure their network through installing firewalls and ‘Secure Socket Layer’ (SSL) among others, but most of the web-based attacks are focussed on the application level, rather than network level and these security tactics are unable to prevent those attacks. Accordingly, the key motivation for undertaking this study is to devise certain guidelines in order to protect and secure the enterprise network. Additionally, the paper also intends to discuss approaches in order to enhance the

Podcasts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Podcasts - Essay Example In this scenario, subscribers are able to listen to podcasts using their computers, rather than sending them to a portable audio player. In fact, it is expected that coming editions of podcasting will include video signal. In this scenario, the cell phones with video potential will be capable of playing video podcasts. Actually, Adam Curry presented the idea of Podcasting. The application of this idea rose extensively with the emergence of networks and radio making material available for podcast fans. According to a research conducted by â€Å"USA Today† in February 2005 stated that over 3,300 podcast applications were available, immediately few months after its opening (Egger; Kayne; Lesinski, Walker and Leveque). Moreover, innovative technology based media has often replaced older media. However, it immediately does not take place that way. In fact, there are various aspects that turn out to be strictly out-of-date and have been replaced because of harsh boundaries they had (smoke signals are not that well-known any longer) however by and large, latest and innovative technology based media immediately supplements older media. Though, gestures did not turn out to be out of date for the reason that of speech. Additionally, the speech did not move away for the reason that of writing. In the same way, books did not put back the trend of letters. In addition, radio did not make books go absent, and neither did TV replace radio. On the other hand, the media backdrop is developing and the various kinds of media are affecting each other. Since people usually like to watch the Super Bowl on TV in place of listening to it on the radio. However, that is not equivalent "replacement". Additionally, radio certainly had to alter when TVs turned out to be well-known, however on the alternately, the number of radio stations almost certainly has augmented in those days (Egger; Kayne; Lesinski, Walker and Leveque). In this scenario, we have

My Journey as a Future Educator Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

My Journey as a Future Educator - Essay Example As my first day as a teacher’s assistant approached, my self-confidence took a huge dip. I felt so nervous, as I watched children in a playground in the school I’ve passed on my way home one day. The children I’ve estimated to be in the age group I will be working with seemed so intimidating all of a sudden. The older ones would climb to the highest point of the tower in the play equipment, flailing their arms ignoring the adults’ warnings way below them on the ground. I thought these children were fearless! I was afraid for myself. I guess it won’t be a piece of cake after all. My initial observation inspired me to turn to more studying about children at this age and how I should deal with them. I read several theories about this stage. I learned that working with all children regardless of age involves many considerations. One is to see each child at his or her own developmental level and create activities and opportunities appropriate to their pa rticular levels. The child needs to develop holistically, meaning each developmental area is given attention to so growth and development as a whole person ensues. The teacher needs careful planning and implementation of activities so that children under their care grow in all areas.The process of growth and maturity of an individual entails development in physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral areas. Development in one area affects another. In children, this is very obvious, as they are at a stage in life when development occurs rapidly.... Physically, a child’s body grows in accordance to the genetic structure he was born with. Logically, children grow bigger and taller and every year, their growth is obviously apparent in the clothes that don’t fit them anymore from a few months before, and the height and weight that drastically increased from their last doctor’s check-up. Physically, young children develop more strength as their bodies’ proportions become more adult-like. Beginnings of athletic skills such as running, jumping and hopping are manifested. Fine motors skills, such as writing and drawing, develop slowly Their motor skills also develop in accordance to their developmental needs. This means, the older they get, the more things they are expected to do, so they develop physical skills to be able to do such tasks. Intelligence is another area where one grows over time. I learned that by the time a child steps into the early childhood stage, his brain has attained 90% of its adult w eight by age 5 (Developmental Stages, 2011). This develops faster than any other body part. Jean Piaget, among others, has outlined a remarkable framework in the cognitive development of a person and describes each stage. Five to seven year old children belong to Piaget’s Preoperational Period. This marks the time when a child becomes able to represent objects and knowledge through imitation, symbolic play, drawing, mental images and spoken language. Lack of conservation skills is also characteristic of this stage. â€Å"Conservation is defined as the knowledge that the number, mass, area, length, weight, and volume of objects are not changed by physically rearranging the objects.† (Brewer, 2001, p. 58). The seven year olds are actually in transition to the next cognitive stage which is the Concrete

Social Factors in Language Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Factors in Language Learning - Essay Example This paper declares that nowadays the English language undergoes several variations due to different factors. Among them people can distinguish regional, social, personal and even gender variations. The most widespread and obvious one is regional variation of the English language. This discussion explores that thanks to the popularity of American media and British culture the speakers of both models adopt certain vocabulary and pronunciation from each other. This process is commonly called accommodation. Apart from two main models of English regional variety of this language includes several dialectal variations. There are regional dialects of English both, in the USA and Great Britain. Dialects vary mostly in vocabulary and these differences are quite large and numerous. Unfortunately, this contrast between speakers sometimes leads to conflicts and bulling because one dialect is considered to be more privileged than the other. However, people should abandon this prejudice and treat everyone equally. Depending on people’s social identities, they use different types of language. There are many factors which predetermine the usage of certain constructions, words and intonation. They include the level of education, sex, occupying job and age. In some count ries with English speaking population social variation of the language does not play a huge role.

Zlatas Diary Essay Example for Free

Zlatas Diary Essay Imagine yourself as a child again, your living life in a tiny, freezing cold house with no gas, electricity or water and insufficient food. You cant go anywhere outside because it isnt safe. There is no school for you to attend because there are too many risks and no one is willing to teach. You dont ever see your friends, and the thought of them in danger is always on your mind. You have played with all your toys and read all your books. You don’t make any loud noises because your house faces the snipers. Youre growing out of all your clothes and your shoes no longer fit. Your always scared, and frightened to death because people around keep getting killed. And you dont know how long this is going to go on for, or if it’s ever going to end, and when it’s your turn to be shot at†¦ That’s what Zlata had to live with. Zlatas Diary is a diary text written by a young girl named Zlata Filipovic. The Diary begins in September of 1991 as a typical fifth-grader excited and enthusiastic about starting school, she records the beginning of starting school in Sarajevo. Within six weeks of the diary, her hometown was involved in terrible war, and she was soon facing deprivation and the death of close friends and classmates. Zlata and her father were forced to haul buckets of water to their apartment building. Bombs were falling continuously around the house, and sometimes smashing through windows, sometimes forcing the family to move into their damp, dark cellar. Sometimes Zlata would be left by herself while both of her parents tried to work. Constantly worried about the safety of her relatives and her own well being, she feared that the war would never end and she poured her deepest feelings into her beloved childhood diary, which she named Mimmy. During the war, Zlata and her family lose almost everything. Zlatas mothers place of work is soon totally destroyed. Zlata cant go to school with any regularity at all. She almost forgets what fruit and vegetables taste like! Some of Zlatas friends are murdered horribly, innocent children caught in the crossfire of someone elses war. Sarajevo soon transforms from an educated center of culture and friends, to a destroyed blood-pit in which survival for people becomes very difficult. Zlata even contemplates suicide but tries to be strong, especially for her mother, who is finding it extremely hard to deal with the war and the loss of her close friends and relatives, and also her job. Zlata admits she is a child without a childhood who only wants peace for Christmas in 1993. This line in the book especially was upsetting, as no child should ever be stripped of their childhood and innocence. Despite the horrible cycle of devastation and death, the neighborhood becomes a bit of a family, all sticking together. There are good people who look out for the children and make sure that Zlata and the other children around still gets an occasional chocolate bar, some clothes to fit their growing bodies and small birthday presents. The new family tries to still celebrate the holidays and birthdays and marriages that still occur. Zlata’s diary is soon published, it’s published during the war itself, and it was the only thing to save Zlata and her family. It was their ticket out of Sarajevo. Luckily, Zlata has a happy ending, happier than some of her friends and relatives. And of course, Zlata has never forgotten the war. She still continues to speak about the war. Zlatas Diary is a personal and sad record of a childhood lost to war. It was a truly inspirational and emotional book with an author who I feel deeply for. I would read this book again. It helps me to realize how lucky I have things and how precious life is.

Non Medical Independent And Supplementary Prescribing V300 Nursing Essay

Non Medical Independent And Supplementary Prescribing V300 Nursing Essay This essay discusses the evolution of nurse prescribing in the context of legislation and political element, with the consideration of how this has changed and assisted the clinical nurse specialist role, with particularly emphasis on Heart failure. The pathophysiology of heart failure will be discussed and integrated into the relation of drug actions with particular interest into Diuretics. Alongside this; the importance of effective history taking, assessment and consultation skills to treat the patient accurately and at a high standard and quality is discussed. The decision making process and the importance of a shared approach in relation to heart failure is highlighted incorporating the importance of compliance in the maximising the treatment of heart failure. Sources of information and decision support systems that are available will be highlighted with a discussion on the importance of these in principles. Demonstration of ability to prescribe safely, rationally, cost effectively, and in consideration of the public health issues around medicine use are discussed and finally clinical governance through quality assurance and audit of prescribing practice is considered. For the purpose of the essay the following learning outcomes are discussed: Evaluate understanding and application of the relevant legislation and political context of the practice of non-medical prescribing Critically appraise sources of information/advice and decision support systems in prescribing practice and apply the principles of evidence based practice to decision making. Integrate and apply knowledge of drug actions in relation to pathophysiology of the condition being treated Demonstrate the ability to prescribe safely, rationally, cost effectively, and in consideration of the public health issues around medicines use Integrate a shared approach to decision making taking account of patients/carers wishes, values, religion or culture Evaluate effective history taking, assessment and consultation skills with patients/clients, parents and carers to inform working /differential diagnosis. Contribute to clinical governance through quality assurance and audit of prscribing practice and regular continuing professional development The controls of medicines in the UK has undergone a number of regulatory changes since the end of 1800s, climaxing in the Medicines Act (1968). Prior to 1992, doctors, veterinary surgeons and dentists were the only professions legally permitted to prescribe. This situation made the medical profession gatekeepers for medicines, certainly the case for those medicines considered more likely to cause harm or abuse such as controlled drugs i.e. morphine. Cumberledge Report (1986) identified the need for community nurses to prescribe, The Crown Report (1989) published findings of a review to determine the circumstances in which non-medical health professionals could undertake new roles with regard to prescribing, supply and administration of medicines and led to the development of protocols which we now know as Patient Group Directives (PGDs). The Crown Report (1999) recommended that legal authority to prescribe should be extended to include new groups of healthcare professionals, this also bought about the differentiation between Independent and Supplementary prescribers. This report noted that a doctor often rubber stamps a prescribing decision taken by a nurse, which is demeaning to nurses and doctors. (Cooper et al,2008) The Medicinal Products Act (1992) permitted qualified District Nurses and Health Visitors to independently prescribe, and this was only a limited number of medicines from a Community Practitioners Formulary. Over the next few years legislative changes occurred which involved, non community qualified nurses to train as prescribers, together with an increase in medications added to the Nurses Formulary. In 2003, nurses and Pharmacists were permitted to prescribe from the whole of the British National Formulary (BNF) as supplementary Prescribers, except controlled and unlicensed drugs. Controlled Drugs were prescribable by nurses and pharmacists using supplementary prescribing from 2005. During this time other allied Healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, Radiographers, Podiatrists and optometrists were also able to become supplementary prescribers. (DOH, 2005) These rapid changes in the development of non medical prescribers in the United Kingdom were a contrast to the gradual introduction to prescribing rights in the United States of America. (Armstrong,1995). The UK now has the most extended non medical prescribing rights in the world. (Armstrong, 1995) In 2006, DOH (2006) permitted trained nurses and pharmacists to independently prescribe all medicines within their clinical competence. The most recent changes have occurred to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations (2012) which now means that appropriately qualified nurses and pharmacists will be able to prescribe controlled drugs like morphine, diamorphine and prescription strength co-codamol. Currently there are more than 50,000 Non medical prescribers in the UK, around 19,000 nurses and almost 2,000 pharmacists are qualified as Independent and/or supplementary prescribers (Carey, 2011) The changing legislation of Non medical Prescribers has changed alongside with the environment of the NHS services. This is recognised in the guide produced by NMC (2010) stating that the services delivered by the NHS become more challenging and complex as there is an ever increasing need for improved productivity without the compromising of quality. Coronary Heart disease, puts great pressure and demands on the National Health Service (NHS). Hospital admissions for Chronic heart failure have increased markedly, chronic heart failure accounts for about 5% of all medical admissions and approximately 2% of total health care expenditure. Despite improvements in medical management, under treatment for heart failure is still common. (Mcmurray et al, 2002) In 2002, The British Heart Foundation (BHF) piloted a scheme and funded with the help of Big Lottery Fund ninety two Heart failure nurses throughout the United Kingdom. The results were shown in the final report BHF (2008) showing an average reduction in heart failure admissions of 43% and an average estimated saving, per heart failure patient of  £1, 826. Increasing the role of the Non medical prescribers therefore increasing the skills and knowledge of nurses/pharmacists only enhances the vital role within the field these nurses have in todays current fight to provide the highest quality care possible. It has been shown that registered nurses are extending their roles and responsibilities to work in new ways (Furlong + smith, 2005). Crowther et al (2003), Gattis et al (1999), Paniagua (2011) Lambrinou et al (2012) and Jaarsma (2010) have all shown that Heart failure nurse specialists are optimal providers to assist physicians with Heart failure care for this complex and time-consuming patient population. The management of heart failure is complex involving both pharmacological treatments and strategies to improve patients functional status and quality of life (Palmer et al, 2003) Heart failure can be defined as an abnormality of cardiac structure or function leading to failure of the heart to deliver oxygen at a rate commensurate with the requirements of the metabolizing tissues. (ESC, 2012) Clinically patients present with typical symptoms; breathlessness, ankle swelling and fatigue. And signs; elevated JVP, pulmonary crackles and displaced apex beat. Diagnosis of heart failure relies on a detailed history and accurate physical examination (NICE, 2010). These symptoms can be related to either a reduction of cardiac ourput (fatigue) or to excess fluid retention (dysapnea, orthopnea and cardiac wheezing) fluid retention also results in peripheral oedema and occasionally an increasing abdominal girth secondary to ascites. Symptoms and signs are often non-specific and could be related to other conditions. Knowledge on the use of other diagnostic services is necessary: Echocardiography, Electrograph, Chest Xray, Blood tests all contribute to the confirmation of diagnosis. Case study One demonstrates a typical presentation of a patient presenting with first presentation of heart failure symptoms; typically compromised and in need of expert medical treatment; Pharmacological and non pharmacological therapies. This patient presented with clear signs of congestion and volume retention of which a diuretic therapy plays a central role in the treatment (Felker and Mentz, 2012) As the heart fails, there is a reduction in both blood pressure and cardiac output, in response to this the body conserves water which results in oedema. Diuretics act at different sites of the kidneys, they then eliminate sodium and water through enhanced excretion from the kidneys so are able to relieve the symptoms of fluid congestion. Different classes of diuretics work at different points within the kidney tubules. (Davies et al, 2000) Appendix two shows the diuretics available. This patient was treated with Furosemide intravenously (IV), most patients receive a loop diuretic as first line treatment for heart failure (Faris et al, 2012.) Loop diuretics are the most frequently used diuretic in treatment of Chronic heart failure despite their unproven effect on survival, their indisputable efficacy in relieving congestive symptoms makes them first line therapy for most patients. (Bruyne, 2003) Appendix three shows how loop diuretics work. As already stated first line treatment for acute decompensated heart failure is intravenous diuretic therapy either as a bolus or via continuous infusion. Despite being available for decades, few randomized trials exist to guide dosing and administration of this drug. In 2011, the Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation (DOSE) trial used a prospective, randomized design to compare bolus versus continuous infusion of IV furosemide, as well as high-dose versus low-dose therapy. The study found no difference in the primary end point for continuous versus bolus infusion. High-dose diuretics were more effective than low dose without clinically important negative effects on renal function. Although no difference was found between IV and bolus dose there are benefits to both elements so clinical judgement would be made on the specific patient needs and requirements, for example, immobilization, duration of therapy requirements, haemodynamic status. The aim of using diuretics is to achie ve and maintain euvolaemia (the patients dry weight with the lowest achieveable dose. (ESC, 2012). Case study two identifies a patient whom is another example of heart failure but offers a different presentation; this accentuates the importance of a careful physical examination and valuable accurate history taking. The absent breathe sounds over the right base of lung field along with the history was an indication of pleural effusion and initiated the prescription of a radiograph chest to be performed. Absent or diminished breath sounds strongly suggest an effusion (Kalantri et al, 2007) unfortunately Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of a pleural effusion. (Enrique, 2008) Again, Pleural effusions from heart failure are managed with diuretic therapy, initially with a loop diuretic, intravenously titrated in response to clinical signs, daily weights and renal function to avoid excessive volume depletion. (Light, 2002) Non-compliance in patients with heart failure (HF) contributes to worsening HF symptoms and may lead to hospitalization. (Van der wal, 2006). Using skills that were taught during basic nursing training is imperative in conducting a beneficial and effective clinical examination, these interpersonal skills may dictate how the patient and carers perceive and acknowledge there diagnosis and may have an influence on the approach the patient has on his/her own health. Over the past 3 decades, the biopsychosocial model of health has become increasingly important in the effective practice of medicine. Central to this model is an emphasis on treating the patient as a whole person, including the biological, psychological, behavioral, and social aspects of their health (Engel, 1980). The American Heart Association (AHA) in collaboration with other professional societies has issued a new scientific statement for the management of patients with advanced heart failure. It emphasizes shared decision making and is designed to help physicians and other health professionals align medical treatment options with the wishes of the patients. Allen (2012) recognises the complexity of heart failure and complexity of the treatment options can be a barrier to shared decision making, but this only emphasizes why such a patient-centred approach should be undertaken in Advanced heart failure. Shared decision making has received particular emphasis in relation to the pre scribing of drug treatments. Traditionally, studies have identified 50% of patients with chronic conditions do not take their treatment as prescribed, with major reasons being because they do not share the doctors views, or they are worried about side effects. (REF QUOTE?) Therefore the aim is to explore these issues by adopting a shared decision making approach and reach a concordance between doctor and patients. Therefore getting patients involved in the planning and management of care, being sensitive to the individuals need, spending time figuring out what is important to them, will hopefully reduce some of the confusion and complexities concerning heart failure. Although knowledge alone does not insure compliance, patients can only comply when they possess some minimal level of knowledge about the disease and the health care regimen. (Van der wal, 2006). The National Prescribing Centre (2012) designed a competency framework which can be seen in appendix 3. One of the three domains is the consultation which highlights three areas of importance 1; Knowledge; pharmacological and pharmaceutical. 2; Options; concerning the diagnosis and management 3; Competency; involving shared decision making with parents, patients and carers. The data is clear that for the benefit of the patient and success with the treatment regimen it is vital to consider wishes of the patient/carer, ethical, cultural opinions, lifestyle of the patients. Also contributing factors which may cause non-complicance whether intentional or not for example: polypharmacy, complicated dose regimens, unpleasant side effects, and cognitive problems or physical disability preventing the patient taking the medicines. A large number of factors need to be incorporated into the thought process prior to getting to the point and writing a prescription. Surrounding issues that directly and indirectly support patient orientated prescribing Sources of information are on number of levels. In a hospital ward, for example, immediate sources of information include the British National Formulary (BNF) and ward pharmacist. The role of both is, at least in part, to assist in ensuring that, for any prescription, the correct dose and timing of administration are correct and appropriate for the indication. The BNF is widely available and accessible and can and should be used to assist in prescribing whenever there is any doubt about dose and timing. The Pharmacist provides an additional safety netting, by checking prescriptions before providing the medications. In addition, the pharmacists role includes ensuring that medications prescribed are available for administration. Further afield, but still within the hospital, local policies give guidance on what drugs are available and recommended for a particular indication. These policies may be produced by the hospital or by regional bodies, including SHA, Network PCTs, for example, local arrangement may mean that a particular statin is used for primary prevention of coronary heart disease, due to local procurement agreements or cost effectiveness analyses. Beyond the hospital setting, a number of sources provide guidance on what should actually be prescribed, or considered, for a given condition. Such sources might include national bodies, in particular National institute of clinical excellence (NICE) and specialist societies. The latter may be national and or international. For example, in the field of heart failure, NICE has given guidance on what medications should be administered and at what stage of the disease and symptoms. For all patients ACEI: should be given. There are many different ACE I. The guidelines recommend using only those which have actually been proven to be of benefit in heart failure; these [emailprotected]@@@@@@. For those who are intolerant of ACE; ARB should be used. Again, NICE recommends thoses that have shown efficacy in clinical trials, and these [emailprotected]@@@@@@. Beta-blockers are recommened but not any betablocker. Only those with proven @@@ in heart failure should be used; these are Aldosterone A ntagonists should also be used for patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA III/IV). Guidance recommends spironolactone, or eplernone if not tolerated (most usually due to gynaenomastia in men) From the above, it may be seen that the National guidance indicates which drugs from each class should be considered for each purpose. This leaves room for local policies and prescribers to decide which of the available agents is suitable for a particular individual. Pursuing the example of heart failure further, international guidelines are issued by a number of bodies. The principle of these is the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Of these, the ESC guidelines are most applicable to the United Kingdom. Societal guidelines tend to focus more on a particular disease and the available evidence to provide best treatment, whereas NICE guidelines have greater emphasis on appraisal of cost-effectiveness, which is of greater relevance to the local health economy in the UK. Furthermore, ESC guidelines give a strength of recommendation for a particular treatment (Class I, IIa, IIb) and an indication of the level of evidence behind the recommendation. (A, B, C) Ultimately, the source of information which informs societal guidelines comes from research, in the form of clinical trials, performed on the back of pre-clinical research. Therefore, the doses of drugs which are recommended for use usually reflects the dose and frequency of a drug or used in a clinical trial which demonstrated benefit. There are therefore numerous levels of information and advice which support prescribing practice. For many conditions, these are ultimately based on evidence derived from clinical trials, in some areas these will be the gold standard RCT. However, some trials provide softer evidence, such as observations data or even anecdotal. Understanding of these various trials and guidelines is important to understanding how local guidelines and daily prescribing practice come about and are supported by evidence. The trials/guidelines all mentioned above have provided convincing evidence that clinically significant improvements can be achieved in heart failure by appropriate drug treatment. Moynihan et al (2002) recognises that the adoption of more effective and/or safer drugs, new technologies are usually more expensive, aging of the population leads to increased morbidity and drug therapy, all play a role in increasing drug expenditure. Medicines are regarded an expenditure, but can also be an investment, if they are used rationally. Rational prescribing means cost effective use of safe and effective drugs. Specialist clinics for heart failure are a tool for delivering care according to clinical guidelines and providing diagnostic treatment. They provide optimal management of the condition, education of patient and carers about the signs and symptoms of worsening disease and medication compliance. Advances in medication and technology for heart failure are vast, which again strengthens the need and importance of such clinics to enable patient treatment to change accordingly and appropriately. Studies have shown that if patients are treated by Cardiology clinicians or Heart failure specialist nurses, clinical guidelines are more likely to be followed and readmission rates are lower for these patients. (Reis et al, 1997) An example of prescribing within heart failure is an investment for the patient and the NHS is the use of Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE I). These have been shown to improve symptoms, survival and slow progression of heart failure. (Luzier et al, 1998). ACE I are one of the essential therapies for all heart failure patients, if tolerated. Treatment should be maximised and in maximising the dose quite often you can reduce or stop the use of loop diuretics due to improved symptoms and clinical signs. (Hoyt et al, 2001) Therefore patients who are appropriately treated and titrated to maximal therapy therefore benefit clinically, may reduce other medicines and they can overall reduce the chances of hospital admission with decompensated heart failure which is beneficial to the patient and the NHS finances. A recent study by Dharmarajan et al (2013) covering three million hospitalizations showed that more than a third of readmissions (within 30 days of discharge) were for heart failure. Their thought was that many of these could have been preventable, with greater input from pharmacists, physicians, nurse specialists, and greater consideration to social elements; reducing readmission also reduces other risks involved in exposing patients to hospitalization. The National Heart failure Audit (2012) conducted by NICOR is an audit to monitor progress, clinical findings and patient outcomes of patients with heart failure. It is an essential audit for each NHS trust to comply and complete. ++. It provides critical information on management and outcomes which then provides data essential to drive future improvements. Conclusion: CASE STUDY ONE Description of clinical setting: Patient was an inpatient on the Cardiology ward; he was admitted the day before and had been referred to Heart failure clinical nurse specialist for review. Case history: An 84 year old retired postman was admitted from home with progressive worsening shortness of breath over the last 6 weeks. He had been to see the General Practitioner two weeks ago who treated him for a chest infection with a course of oral antibiotics (Amoxycillin). He denies any chest pain, however he complains of palpitations at times of exertion and a productive cough. Patient had not experienced any syncope, dizzy spells; only other complaint was loss of appetite and poor quality sleep. Patient has been sleeping with 4 pillows, waking regularly due to struggling for breathe and resulted to sleeping in the chair downstairs. Exercise tolerance had drastically reduced to 50 metres before having to stop due to breathlessness. On examination the patient was tachypnoeic, pulse was 95 and regular, sitting blood pressure was 110/62 standing 105/55. Weight 97kg. Oxygen Saturations on air 94%. Inspiratory crackles were clearly heard on both lung bases, no heart murmur could be auscultated and apex beat was misplaced to the anterior auxiliary line. JVP was raised +4. Pitting peripheral oedema up to thighs and a large distended abdomen, which was soft and not tender on palpation. ECG confirmed Sinus tachycardia with Q waves in antero lateral leads. Chest x-ray also confirmed cardiomegaly and interstitial oedema. Drug treatment pre admission: Aspirin 75mg once a day (OD) Blood pressure control Past medical history: Anterior lateral Myocardial infarction 7 years ago (2005) followed by Angioplasty to the right coronary artery. No further operations or admission to hospital. Blood results: Chemistry: Sodium 128mmol/l, Potassium 4.8 mmol, Urea 9 mmol/l, Creatinine 145 mmol/l, LFTs, HB and clotting was all unremarkable. Echo: severe left ventricular dysfunction, with minor tricuspid regurgitation. Social background: Patient lives with wife in a two bedroom bungalow, they are both normally well and independant. He has no allergies and takes no over the counter medications or recreational drugs in the past or present. Drug chart to date in hospital: Aspirin 75mg OD Frusemide 80 mg OD Ramipril 2.5 mg OD Discussion: Patient was fortunate enough to have had Echocardiography that morning, which offered me the definitive diagnosis. This gentleman presents with a common clinical presentation of progressive systolic dysfunction of an ischemic cause. The patient was comfortable and stable enough for a steady and methodical examination and history taking. On construction of a management plan for this patient, clearly first line treatment is diuretic therapy, T Effective dieresis and consequent adjustment of the loading conditions of the failing heart is generally regarded as essential (Raftery, 1994) This patient went on to be prescribed Intravenous Diuretics, instructions for Daily weights, Fluid balance, advice and rehabilitation for heart failure. Then longer term plan for titration of Heart failure medications to achieve maximum therapy suitable for this patient. Allen, L.A., Stevenson, L.W., Grady, K.L., Goldstein, N.E., Matlock, D.D., Arnold, R.M., Cook, N.R., Felker, G.M., Francis, G.S., Hauptman, P.J., Havranek, E.P., Krumholz, H.M., Mancini, D., Riegel, B. and Spertus, J.A., for the American Heart Association; Council on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia, 2012. Decision making in advanced heart failure: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 125(15), pp.1928-1952. Armstrong, P., McCleary, K. J. and Munchus, G., 1995. Nurse practitioners in the USA their past, present and future. Some implications for the health care management delivery system. Health Manpower Management, 21(3), pp.3-10. Avery, A.J. and Pringle, M., 2005. Extended prescribing by UK nurses and pharmacists. British Medical Journal, 331, pp.1154-1155. Bruyne, L.K., 2003. Mechanisms and management of diuretic resistance in congestive heart failure. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 79(931), pp.268-271. Carey, N. and Stenner, K., 2011. Does non-medical prescribing make a difference to patients? Nursing Times, 107(26), pp.14-16. Cooper, R., Guillaume, L., Avery, T., Anderson, C., Bissell, P., Hutchinson, M., Lynn, J., Murphy, E., Ward, P. and Ratcliffe, J., 2008. Non medical prescribing in the United Kingdom: developments and stakeholder interests. Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, 31(3), pp.244-252. Crowther, M., 2003. Optimal management of outpatients with heart failure using advanced practice nurses in a hospital-based heart failure centre. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 15, pp.260-265. Davies, M.K., Gibbs, C.R. and Lip, G.Y., 2000. ABC of heart failure. Management: diuretics, ACE inhibitors and nitrates. British Medical Journal, 320(7232), pp.428-431. Department of Health and Social Security, 1986. Neighbourhood nursing a focus for care (Cumberledge report) London, HMSO. Department of Health, 1989. Report of the Advisory Group on Nurse Prescribing (Crown report) London, HMSO. Department of Health, 2000. National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease. London, HMSO. Department of Health, 2005. Supplementary prescribing by nurses, pharmacists, chiropodists/podiatrists, physiotherapists and radiographers within the NHS in England. A guide for implementation. London, HMSO. Department of Health, 2006. Improving patient access to medicines: A guide to implementing Nurse and Pharmacists independent prescribing within the NHS in England. London, HMSO. Dharmarajan, K., Hsieh, A.F., Lin, Z., Bueno, H., Ross, J.S., Horwitz, L.I., Barreto-Filho, J.A., Kim, N., Bernheim, S.M., Suter, L.G., Drye, E.E. and Krumholz, H.M., 2013. Diagnosis and timing of 30 day readmissions after hospitalization for heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, or pneumonia. Journal of American Medical Association, 309, pp.355-363. Diaz-Guzman, E. and Budev, M., 2008. Accuracy of the physical examination in evaluating pleural effusion. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 75(4), pp.297-303. Faris, R.F., Flather, M., Purcell, H., Poole-Wilson, P.A. and Coats, A.J., 2012. Diuretics for heart failure. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003838. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003838.pub3. Felker, G.M., Lee, K.L., Bull, D.A., Redfield, M.M., Stevenson, L.W., Goldsmith, S.R., LeWinter, M.M., Deswal, A., Rouleau, J.L., Ofili, E.O., Anstrom, K.J., Hernandez, A.F., McNulty, S.E., Velazquez, E.J., Kfoury, A.G., Chen, H.H., Givertz, M.M., Semigran, M.J., Bart, B.A., Mascette, A.M., Braunwald, E., OConnor, C.M., for the NHLBI Heart Failure Clinical Research Network, 2011. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(9), pp.797-805. Felker, G.M. and Mentz, R.J., 2012. Diuretics and ultrafiltration in acute decompensated Heart failure. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 59(24), pp.2145-53. Furlong, E. and Smith, R., 2005. Advanced nursing practice. Policy, education and role development. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 14, pp.1059-1066. Gattis, W.S., Hasselbied., V., Whellan, D.J. and OConnor, C.M., 1999. Reduction in heart failure events by the addition of a clinical pharmacist to the heart failure management team. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159, pp.1939-1945. Hawkins, N.M., Petrie, M.C., Jhund, P.S., Chalmers, G.W., Dunn, F.G. and McMurray, J.J., 2009. Heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic pitfalls and epidemiology. European Journal of Heart Failure, 11, pp.130-139. Hoyt, R.E. and Bowling, L.S. 2001. Reducing readmission for congestive heart failure American Family Physician, 63(8), pp.1593-1598. Hunt, S.A., Baker, D.W., Chin, M.H., Cinquegrani, M.P., Feldman, A.M., Francis, G.S., Ganiats, T.G., Goldstein, S., Gregoratos, G., Jessup, M.L., Noble, R.J., Packer, M., Silver, M.A., Stevenson, L.W., Gibbons, R.J., Antman, E.M., Alpert, J.S., Faxon, D.P., Fuster, V., Gregoratos, G., Jacobs, A.K., Hiratzka, L.F., Russell, R.O. and Smith, S.C. Jr; American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee to Revise the 1995 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure); International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation; Heart Failure Society of America, 2001. ACC/AHA Guidelines for the evaluation and management of chronic heart failure in the adult: Executive Summary. A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Committee to Revise the 1995 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure): Developed in collaboration with the International S ociety for Heart and Lung Transplantation; Endorsed by the Heart Failure Society of America. Circulation, 104(24), pp.2996-3007. Jaarsma, T., 2010. Multidisciplinary approach in heart failure: evidence, experiences and challenges. Journal of Cardiac Failure, 16(9), pp.1071-9164. Kalantri, S., Joshi, R. and Lokhande, T., 2007.

stars :: essays research papers

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Pragmatism as a Philosophy :: Skepticism, Rationalism, Metaphysics

I have often heard people use the word pragmatic to describe actions, laws or feelings, but I never really looked at pragmatism as a philosophy before. As we studied this semester I found myself asking one question about each philosophy we covered. We discussed skepticism and the claim that we have no knowledge (Lawhead, W., The Philosophical Journey, 2009, p. 55). We compared rationalism and empiricism which posit that we do have knowledge, but disagree on whether that knowledge comes from intellect or experience (Lawhead, p. 55). Along with that we covered Kant’s attempt bridge the gap between rationalism and empiricism, known as constructivism (Lawhead, p. 120). We moved on to the different varieties of relativism, and I still found myself asking the same thing. So what? In other words, does any of this really matter? Then we got to pragmatism, and I found that it asked the same question. Pragmatism looks for the practical value of a belief. If I look at the oth er subjects we have studied pragmatically, I can determine which ideas have the most value to me. Apart from the epistemological philosophies, another area we have also covered is metaphysics. Within metaphysics we have covered dualism and two forms of monism, materialism and idealism. Each of these beliefs deal with what reality actually is. Idealism claims there is one type of reality and that it is mental or spiritual in nature (Lawhead, p. 97). If, as Berkeley claims, matter is a useless concept (Lawhead, p. 206), it would be useless for us to try manipulating the world around us. Since we do try to manipulate our world, Berkeley’s idealism does not work with how we live. It is not practical. The other form of monism, materialism, more specifically physicalism, may hold more practical value than idealism. In materialism, reality is entirely physical (Lawhead, p. 205). Physicalism is a materialist view that the mind can be completely explained by the physical makeup of the brain (Lawhead, p. 214). This has practical value because it leads to the ability to study the min d, and allows the mind to interact with the rest of the world. This form of monism seems to be the more practical of the two, but monism is not the only way to look at reality. Pragmatism as a Philosophy :: Skepticism, Rationalism, Metaphysics I have often heard people use the word pragmatic to describe actions, laws or feelings, but I never really looked at pragmatism as a philosophy before. As we studied this semester I found myself asking one question about each philosophy we covered. We discussed skepticism and the claim that we have no knowledge (Lawhead, W., The Philosophical Journey, 2009, p. 55). We compared rationalism and empiricism which posit that we do have knowledge, but disagree on whether that knowledge comes from intellect or experience (Lawhead, p. 55). Along with that we covered Kant’s attempt bridge the gap between rationalism and empiricism, known as constructivism (Lawhead, p. 120). We moved on to the different varieties of relativism, and I still found myself asking the same thing. So what? In other words, does any of this really matter? Then we got to pragmatism, and I found that it asked the same question. Pragmatism looks for the practical value of a belief. If I look at the oth er subjects we have studied pragmatically, I can determine which ideas have the most value to me. Apart from the epistemological philosophies, another area we have also covered is metaphysics. Within metaphysics we have covered dualism and two forms of monism, materialism and idealism. Each of these beliefs deal with what reality actually is. Idealism claims there is one type of reality and that it is mental or spiritual in nature (Lawhead, p. 97). If, as Berkeley claims, matter is a useless concept (Lawhead, p. 206), it would be useless for us to try manipulating the world around us. Since we do try to manipulate our world, Berkeley’s idealism does not work with how we live. It is not practical. The other form of monism, materialism, more specifically physicalism, may hold more practical value than idealism. In materialism, reality is entirely physical (Lawhead, p. 205). Physicalism is a materialist view that the mind can be completely explained by the physical makeup of the brain (Lawhead, p. 214). This has practical value because it leads to the ability to study the min d, and allows the mind to interact with the rest of the world. This form of monism seems to be the more practical of the two, but monism is not the only way to look at reality.

Tim Leary Essay -- essays research papers

Timothy Leary, also known as ‘Uncle Tim’, ‘The messiah of LSD’, and ‘The most dangerous man in America’, was born on October 22, 1920, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He went to a public high school where he discovered girls and the ability to attract attention from those in authority. After high school he attended Jesuit College Holy Cross, but Tim wasn’t satisfied with Holy Cross, so he took a test to get into West Point. He got very high marks and was accepted. Timothy was very enthused and proud to be at West Point. However, his enthusiasm faded when he realized that he was being trained not to think, but to follow. One day, on a return trip from a football game, Timothy was invited to drink with a few of the upper classmen who brought some bottles of whiskey. The illicit event was unfortunately discovered the next day, and the Cadet Honor Committee punished Tim by inflicting a kind of solitary confinement: everyone was forbidden to sp eak a word to him. A date was set for a court-martial. Timothy was aquitted in less than two minutes, which caused the disgruntled and unsatisfied Committee to maintain the silence punishment. Leary had to endure nine months of being ignored. When he became a sophomore, some of the cadet officers whom where not on the Honor Committee approached Tim to talk about the situation. They informed him that the whole business was causing morale problems. They wanted to make a deal for Tim's departure. He said that he would leave Westpoint if the honor committee would read a statement in the mess hall proclaiming his innocence. They returned two days later with an approval. Tim went back home and applied to more colleges. He was accepted to the University of Alabama where he became a psychology major. Shortly after, Tim was expelled for sleeping over at the girls’ dormitory. He was an A student. When he was kicked out of college he was sent to basic training in artillery at Fort Eusti s Virginia. The army needed psychologists, and since Tim had already started the major they let him finish his degree in the service. He was going to be stationed on an infantry boat in the south pacific. Luckily, his old friend from the University of Alabama was now the chief psychologist at the army hospital in Pennsylvania. He managed to get Tim a transfer to his hospital. 	In 1944, while training as a clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania, ... ...dia extravaganzas with live video and music. His books became graphic novels that were the products of desktop publishing and most profoundly his interests became focused towards the rise of the World Wide Web. Tim realized that this was what he was waiting for, a place where you can create and interact with your own worlds. Soon, Tim devoted his entire efforts to making his web site, http://leary.com, his home for his archives, ideas and his fans. After he learned he had inoperable prostate cancer in January of 1995, he embraced the dying experience as one of the greatest journeys of all time. He refused to become morbid and depressed over his situation. He was often entertaining guests and could often be seen at a number of events in the city in his formula one wheel chair. A home in cyberspace that can live on forever was one of Tim's last wishes. Timothy Leary was many things to many people, and he resisted most attempts to categorize himself. He often said at these times, "you get the Timothy Leary that you deserve." Overall it is accurate to call him a philosopher and a scientist, whose underlying motivations were human communication and understanding the mind.

A Book Report on A Slant of Sun: One Child`s Courage

A Slant of Sun: One Child’s Courage was named Best Book of the Year by Salon magazine and The Philadelphia Inquirer. The book is also a finalist for the 1998 National Book Award for Nonfiction. A Slat of Sun was quickly regarded as a contemporary classic, as it was highly commended for its heartwarming story about love in the face of a great challenge between mother and son.This book is a personal memoir of Beth Kephart, about her son, Jeremy, who had a PDD diagnosis. Kephart narrates her family’s search for medical and therapeutic assistance, as well as the answers she had found serendipitously along her way. In the face of a great challenge, a mother rediscovers herself and life in general. She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.According to one of the book reviews available online, A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage â€Å"gives voice to all of the mothers who ever wondered about their child’s â€Å"difference,† [and] the revised definition of mothe rhood in the shadow of disability,† (Gabovitch, 2002).Another review says, â€Å"Kephart's fears that her own maternal failings are somehow implicated in Jeremy's problem stand out as the emotional core of this memoir. Her faith in her son, perseverance, and eventual acceptance of herself play as important a role in his healing process† (DiLucchio, 1998).Both reviews focused on the rich message intended for mothers in A Slant of Sun. In her review, she notes that a child’s disability creates a new concept of motherhood, and ultimately, it redefines a mother’s life, especially the way she perceives herself as a mother.Indeed, A Slant of Sun tugs at mothers heart strings because motherhood is difficult as it is. A child’s difficulty multiplies the challenges in many ways, and as such, mothers are called to summon all their courage and give the best love that they can give so that their children can have a taste of a â€Å"normal life.†The main characters in the story are the author herself, and her son, Jeremy. They are supported by Bill, the husband and father. The characters each has a solid spirit that seems to have been designed for overcoming struggles.The parents’ amazing love for their child helped them through the situation, and ultimately helped Jeremy. It is difficult to divide sympathy among them, because each couldn’t possibly be suffering more than the other, considering how much love they have for each other.Jeremy’s case is called PDD or pervasive developmental disorder. It is as vague as it sounds, which made it even more difficult for Jeremy’s family to understand the scenario they were in. PDD is somehow related to the complex autism disorder, except PDD seemed â€Å"milder.†Evenso, there were no sufficiently authoritative medical conclusion about PDD, let alone manuals for parents whose children also have Jeremy’s disorder. The author said her child screamed eac h time strangers approached him and spent a lot of time daily rearranging his toys into some pattern that only he (Jeremy) can understand.I think the book is more than successful at bringing to public attention the case of PDD. For one, the author spoke from her home, and from her heart. When a highly technical or complicated disorder should be understood by the public, there is no better way than to tell it as it is experienced daily in the family. Not just families who are familiar with the disorder appreciate the book; practically every reader who loves his/her family could relate to it.The information and imagery within the story that chronicles the family’s daily reactions to Jeremy’s PDD episodes is related to the readers in a fantastic manner. Kephart should be commended for relaying a story so serious yet so full of positive vibe about it. There are even moments in the story when Kephart sounded life and rich in sense of humor. As it is written straight from a mother’s heart, every word was raw and striking, as if the conversation was personal and one-on-one.Jeremy’s parents found experts’ opinions lacking, so they took matters into their own loving hands. They allowed Jeremy to keep his interests – trains and cars to planes and trucks – and allowed him to react to strangers in his own way, while they stay close to back him up.More importantly, the parents made a wise decision by picking a good school for Jeremy’s learning progress. By clinging to her intuition and creative imagination, Jeremy’s mother helped him find his way through the dark tunnel of his disorder, which not many medical experts could do on their own. True enough, parents’ love, more specially a mother’s love, is the most powerful healer of all.The book made me appreciate my â€Å"normal† life more. I also think it is a powerful reminder that not everything can be solved by knowledge gained by educatio n. While education is important and its worth cannot be discounted, it is not the only solution to our life’s trials. In fact, a person’s strong will and sheer determination can help him get things done. Jeremy’s parents were not experts in Jeremy’s condition, but in the end, it was them who found the ways to make Jeremy function normally in the society.Ultimately, the parents’ unyielding belief that their child could be well has helped Jeremy overcome the difficulties caused by his disorder.BibliographyKephart, B. (1998). A Slant of Sun: One Child's Courage. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc.Harper Collins. Beth Kephart from Harper Collins Publishers.Retrieved November 9, 2006.Web site: http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/19248/Beth_Kephart/index.aspxGabovitch, E. (2002). Book Review: Mothers and Autism. Retrieved November 9, 2006. Web site: http://www.firstsigns.org/articles/mothers_2002.htmDiLucchio , P. (1998). Amazon’s Customer Review. Retrieved November 9, 2006.Website: http://www.amazon.ca/Slant-Sun-One-Childs-Courage/dp/product-  Ã‚   description/0393027422

Why Did the Gallipoli Campaign Fail?

The campaign ended in failure for several reasons. It was not the fault of the soldiers, but the men who where commanding them. For once there was a break down in our system. In brief, the campaign was a failure. It was a failure as we did not successfully push through the Turkish lines to Istanbul, and then on to attack the Germans on another front to help the Russians who were suffering heavy causualties at the time. So, heres why we retreated: * Second thoughts in Parliament: worth the casualties Supply lines were not working. Men did not get enough stuff * No one knew how to do an amphibious assault: we just rowed to shore * Lack of Leadership: General in charge changed, forces were not allowed to do anything without orders. When an order was given it would have to be carried out to the letter as it was from the British officers. No matter what. The orders were sometimes days old. * The Generals also had barely any knowledge of Turk tactics and the like.Their knowledge was very l imited, consisting of things like a 1912 manual of Turk tactics, a tourist guidebook and an outdated map. * No additional troops allowed: parliamentay decision * Royal Navy withdraws: No pressure on Turk capital, army artillery support gone * Turks had the high ground (really high ground) * No one prepared for modern warfare: just ran against a machine gun, men shooting with bolt action rifles and pistols * Terrain very difficult Naval mine-sweeps were poor. * A month's delay between the attacks in March and those in April†¦ it gace the Turkish/Ottoman troops plenty of time to prepare and fortify. Kitchener depended on the element of surprise, but because of this he only gained â€Å"Tactical† surprise; when and where he would strike, not â€Å"if† he would strike. Also, throw in the low morale of the troops due to the above factors, and also due to diseases such as dysentery and malaria

Polarization in Us Politics

Analyze the evidence that American politics is becoming more polarized. If so, is this a reaction to the polarization of political elites? Approx 1500 words 13/12/10 â€Å"The election of 2008†¦ marked the end of an epoch. No longer could Republicans count on the basic conservatism of the American people, the reflexive hostility to candidates who favour big government† (Darman, 2010, 34)In the 1970s and 1980s there was a consensus that the importance of political parties was in decline, that the shared conservative ideology of the American electorate was reflected in the similar ideology and policy of the Democratic and Republican party. Now, however, the parties are seemingly taking on renewed importance as the population of the United states grows less and less homogenous. There is now a consensus in the American media that their politics are increasingly Polarized between the liberal voters who vote Democrat, and the more traditional conservatives who support the Repub lican Party.This essay will assess the evidence for whether or not the American political system is indeed polarizing, and if so, then for what reasons? The role of political elites will also be examined, whether or not they are polarizing aswell, and whether this is a large contributing cause of the polarising of the mass? Many, including Marc Hetherington, contend that there has indeed been a period of mass and elite polarisation, and Hetherington believes that the mass polarization is a reaction to the elites increasing partisanship (2001, 621, 629).There is evidence in surveys that the political elite is polarizing; the amount of self proclaimed â€Å"very conservative† Republicans in congress and senate has risen from 12 to 30 percent since 1972, and the amount of â€Å"very liberal† Democrats has risen from 8 to 20 percent (Stone, 2010, 39), this shows that as much as half of delegates are radicals. For this reason political debate has grown more and more rancoro us, both in Washington DC and in the media. The role of information in Democracy cannot be understated, it is a cornerstone of Dahls Polyarchy (1972).Although some media companies may attest to attempting to provide news without bias, their agenda as businesses is to turn a profit and as it is common for them to take up political positions in order to gain market share. To illustrate this, Fox News 24 hour television station was introduced in 1996 (this in itself could be seen as evidence for polarization) and by 2000 had managed to attract 17 percent of the US population by adopting a staunchly conservative viewpoint (DellaVigna, Kaplan, 2007), while one must stop short of attributing the Republican success at the 2000 election to the introduction of a conservative news station.The same study shows that not Fox News' emergences causation with an increase in voter turnout (DellaVigna, Kaplan, 2007, 1228), arguably mobilising a previously disenchanted group. The radical left and righ t leaning delegates mentioned above are naturally the most visible politicians to the public in terms of media coverage as a result of the medias wont for framing politics in terms of conflict (Hetherington, 2001, 622).It follows that the mass public will draw their positions from the partisan opinions and attitudes which they are exposed to on their televisions and in their newspapers, either in support of, or by vehemently disagreeing with, the controversial politicians, political pundits and journalists, and will express these outlooks in the polls come election time. One tool which the media can use to project an image of a polarized country is by utilising state boundaries to show the success of the different parties in nationwide elections.The red state/ blue state maps are now a fixture of the news coverage as election results flood in, but it is interesting to note that as recently as 1984 Democratic victories were shown in red and Republican in blue. It is also curious that red, long the colour of Marxism, of Red China and Communist USSR (Patton, 2004). The only relevance of these points is to show that the apparent deep rooted polarized political situation is both modern and subject to quite sudden change. The red/ blue map shown in Figure one shows how modern Polarisation has manifested itself over the last four elections.The dark red and blue show that those states have voted Republican or democratic respectively all four times. Lighter shades show that party has won all but once, while purple shows states which have gone to the Republicans and Democrats twice each. On first glance this seems to back up the polarization theory, as Fiorina and Adams put it; â€Å"when the 2004 election almost reproduced the 2000 map, belief in the polarization narrative peaked as social conservatives gloated about the purported importance of â€Å"values voters† for the re-election of President Bush, and liberal commentators bitterly accepted that interpreta tion. â€Å"(2008, 564, 565)However when one examines the map in figure 2 which breaks down the 2008 election by county, rather than state. This map seems to throw an interesting side note onto the red state/ blue state theory. While there is seldom a completely red or blue dominated state, in terms of area covered on the map, there is far more covered by republican red. The fact that the democrats won the election with so much less area covered shows that the blue areas are high in population denstity- cities and large towns. Rather than Republican south versus Democratic coasts, Figure 2 indicates a division between Rural Republican and Urban Democrat areas.Fig. 1 Fig. 2 There are other problems with the above quote, which Fiorina and Abrams do draw attention to. For instance the assumed intrinsic connections common to the â€Å"value voters† are not as strong as they may seem. For instance Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry managed to pull one third of white eva ngelicals, and one third of gun owners (Fiorina and Abrams, 2008, 568). These are two criterion of the stereotypical conservative Bible-Belt citizen, and the media would have us believe that almost every single one would have supported the incumbent George W.Bush. This exaggeration is typical of the American media's attempt to depict American politics as more polarized than it is. Haley Barbour, governor of Mississippi and former chairman of the republican party here how he takes political news (in this case the pessimism about the future of the Republican party after the election of Barack Obama in 2008) with a pinch of salt; â€Å"In politics, things are never as good as they seem (in the media) and they're never as bad as they seem† (Darman, 2010)If there is such polarization in the USA, such defined political cleavages, why then is every election so tightly contested, which Barone calls â€Å"The 49 Percent Nation† (Kaus, 2004)? Surely if the nation was split along regional, urban/ rural, religious or ideological divides, then surely one group would be able to dominate the other, at least periodically, and one party would enjoy longer periods in office. In the past two decades no Presidential candidate has acheived more than 54% of the popular vote. Barbour implies that the greatest reason the democrats won the 2008 election is because it was simply â€Å"their turn† (Darman, 2010).Mickey Kaus of political comment website Slate Magazine, attributes this seemingly strange run of results to the Median Voter Theory, also known as the Black Theorem (Black, 1948). Kaus explains that the ideological positions of the Republican and Democratic parties are not fixed, they do not remain where the lines in figure 3 show, rather they will gravitate towards the point upon the scale which will guarantee the greatest support. Because of this, in both the upper and lower graphs (ie regardless of whether the voting public is polarized or not) both the main parties would lie more or less in the centre of the graph.The non proportional representation, two party electoral system reinforces this, as if their were many parties competing seriously it would allow for minority parties which could take up more extreme left or right points on the scale. Figure. 3- the vertical lines represent where ideology-driven liberal and conservative parties would be fixed upon the scale. The other line in each graph shows the how the voters are distributed along the political spectrum. In conclusion, there is significant evidence to show that a period of polarization has been occuring in the politics of the United States of America since approximately the mid 1990's.There are a myriad of reasons which could be applied, too many to be mentioned here, for example Hetherington mentions that Presidential approval ratings and poor economic performance can often lead to polarization. The greatest factor however, to stretch the US electorate's homogeneity i s the influence of the elites and the mass media. Arguably this could be seen as a give-and-take progression, with the elites emerging from the mass to elevated positions from which they may influence the mass, and the media reacting to the mass in order to produce a marketable service.Furthermore it is important to note that although the USA does exist in a somewhat polarized state, the extent of that polarization is not as clearcut as sections of the media would have one believe. The US is not simply a nation off older gun toting, gay hating, anti abortion Republicans and younger coastal, ethnically diverse gay loving pro-choice socialist Democrats. Perhaps a more apt description would be as a nation of centralist influenced by a small amount of more extreme outliers of liberal and conservative persuasion.Bibliography Political Polarization in the American Public, Fiorina, Morris and Abrams, Samuel, 2008, Stanford Resurgent Mass Partisanship: The Role of Elite Polarization, Hether ington, Marc, 2001, American Political Science Review The Fox News Effect; Media Bias and Voting, DellaVigna, Stefano and Kaplan, Ethan, 2007, Harvard On the Rationale of Group Decision Making, Black, Duncan, 1948, Chicago The Anti-Obama,Darman, Jonathan, 2010, Newsweek Fight Club, Thomas, Evan and Taylor Jr, Stuart, 2010, Newsweek

How do social roles and the environment affect behavior, attitudes and beliefs Essay

Our roles in social institutions and our various environments have a huge influence on our behaviours, attitudes and beliefs. When placed in an extreme environment, individuals usually begin to stress and feel unsafe. When assigned to authoritative roles, indivuals in toxic environments tend to act aggressive and arbitrarily in order to maintain control and avoid any form of harm directed at them. When placed in an extreme environment, one tends to assume that their values and morals can overcome the harsh situations in that environment. Unfortunately the sad reality is that these extreme environments usually take control over one’s behaviour and beliefs. This was proved in various experiments conducted such as Milgram’s Experiment on Obedience and Conformity and Zimbardo’s Experiment on the â€Å"Pathology of Prisoners†. Stanley Milgram’s Experiments on Obedience and Conformity. Under certain circumstances ordinary individuals, with no prior sadistic or violent history, can be pressured and convinced into harming others. These circumstances arise when the individuals committing the harmful acts are forced into believing that they are not going to be held accountable for any of the acts committed. Milgram’s experiment on Obedience and Conformity demonstrates this idea. Milgram’s experiment involved a researcher dressed in a lab coat, who instructed a subject referred to as the teacher to teach a pair of words to the subject known as the learner. Under instructions given by the researcher, the teacher was to administer an electric shock to the learner, whenever the answer he/ she gave was inaccurate. The severities of the shocks administered were to increase with each wrong answer given by the learner. Milgram found that majority of the participants administered  the highest level of the shock, despite the agonizing pleas and cries made by the learner. Milgram’s also came to the conclusion that ordinary individuals could become accomplices to harmful behaviours which violate human rights when they are persuaded into believing that they do not have to assume full responsibility for if anything harmful should occur to other individuals. Philip Zimbardo’s Stanford Experiment on the â€Å"Pathology of Imprisonment†. Roles assigned to us usually tend to have huge influences on our behaviours and attitudes towards others. We usually like to assume that our morals and values will triumph over destructive environments. The unfortunate reality is that when placed in an extreme environment, the environment usually takes control of our attitudes and beliefs. Zimbardo’s Experiment on the â€Å"Pathology of Imprisonment† would prove how difficult it is to overcome the temptation to abuse the power and authority granted individuals. Zimbardo’s experiment involved a mock prison in which participants were assigned their roles arbitrarily by the flip of a coin. Half were assigned the roles of prisoners, while the other half was expected to portray the roles of guards. After the first two days the participants seemed to become their roles, as opposed to them consciously acting out their roles. There was a sudden and extreme change in behaviours in which the guards developed a cruel and de grading approach towards the prisoners. The prisoners on the other hand became servile towards the guards and displayed signs of depression and resentment towards the guards. Zimbardo’s experiment reveals that because the guards were granted authority and power over the prisoners, they begun to act in ways in which they will not usually act, in their everyday normal lives. The prisoners on the other hand became depressed and servile due to the fact that they had no control or power in the environment in which they were placed in. The Documentary about Zimbardo’s experiment. In extreme and toxic environments such as Zimbardo’s mock prison, individuals with power exercise cruel and intimidating measures towards the people they control, in order to maintain order and a sense of power. In the  documentary about Zimbardo’s experiment, Psychologist Zimbardo along with other participants give detailed accounts of what occurred during the time period of the experiments. Dave Eshleman, who participated as a guard revealed that he instigated the method of harassment and verbal abuse against the prisoners in an attempt to show his authority and dominance over the prisoners. Eshleman also expressed his disbelief at the fact that none of the good guard made an attempt to point out his tyrannical abuse of power, but rather was stunned that the other prisoners went along with his harsh attitudes. Clay Ramsay, who participated as a prisoner, recalls losing his sense of comfort and also recounts having his thoughts become distorted under the constant ver bal and emotional abuse administered by the guards. Ramsey reveals that being placed under such an environment, made it easy for him to display signs of anxiety and severe stress. Referring to these accounts given by the participants, one can come to the conclusion that power corrupts. While individuals subjected to harsh and unjust abuse from authoritative figures find it difficult to stand up and defend themselves. This reveals that victims of abuse find it tough to stand up to their abuser out of fear. The Movie â€Å"Das Experiment†. When given a high position in a stressful and extreme environment, individuals with power desire respect and obedience from the people whom they control. In certain circumstances, authoritative figures resort to violence and aggressive behaviours to confirm their authority. This usually occurs when they people they control stand up to them, or challenge their actions. When given excessive power to establish regulations and exercise power, authorities become excessively aware of the power they hold and use the fear of their subjects to make them obedient. The movie â€Å"Das Experiment† conveys this idea. In the movie sadistic guard Berus is considered as the dominant guard among all the guards. He believes that the key to maintaining power and order is through humiliation and dehumanization of the prisoners. Berus authority and aggressive behaviour is challenged by Tarek, the dominant prisoner. Upon the realization that Tarek, is not a push over Berus and Exhert, another abusi ve prison guard, turn to drastic measures such as  urination on Tarek, and forcing him to clean the toilet with his clothes. Violence was also used as a means of taming Tarek and the other prisoners. The Movie â€Å"Das Experiment showed that when giving power and authority over others it is easy to become tyrannical in an attempt to maintain power and establish who is in control. Abu Ghraib Prison. Soldiers who run the prison located in Abu Ghraib turned the prison into a torture site for prisoners and captured prisoners. Prisoners brought in for interrogation, faced abusive treatments and harsh torturous measures, in an attempt on the part of the soldiers, to get the prisoners to crimes they may have or may have not committed. The soldiers in this environment had no previous known records of an abusive or sadistic history. These soldiers were normal individuals placed in a toxic and unsafe environment. The soldiers placed in the Abu Ghraib prison did not receive formal training, and may have felt threatened and insecure in an unstable environment such as Iraq. Thefore in order to remain and be perceived as the total authority figures, the soldiers ruled with dominance and fear. Prisoners were subjected to physical, sexual, mental and emotional abuses by the soldiers. This incident proves that even people considered normal, when place din stressful environment scan lose all sen se of morality. Similar to Zimbardo’s experiment, the soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison began to settle into their roles as authority figures and abused the prisoners in order to show their power and dominance.