Ethical Issues In The Federal Government’s Department Of Defense Essay

If there could be anything in the American government that the world has long been admiring, it would always be its military strength. Besides its technology, high product standards, its money, transportation and educational facilities, the world has been looking up at America because of its excellence in the field war and battle. It would seem for the rest of the world that Uncle Sam’s haven offers a smooth-sailing life that people of different colors race and strive to come over. The big question to dig into is this: â€Å"Is America free of corruption and abuse? The answer to the question is a big no. In this paper, we will try to look into the ethical standards of the Federal Government for the purpose of having a benchmark in our evaluation of the ethical deviations inside the organization. Specifically, we will try to evaluate how the Department of Defense go through the process of procurement and will try to pinpoint where the flaw in such process is, resulting to fraud and abuse. This paper has included actual court cases where the Department of Defense was involved. Through these processes, we will be able to prove that no matter how powerful the policies and laws of the Federal Government, the powerful America cannot control its entire people and prevent them from overriding personal interests and public trust. At the end of this paper, the author hopes to have the readers convinced that Federal laws and policies still have flaws and that should be taken into consideration the soonest possible in order for the American nation and the rest of the world restore its fading trust and confidence over the people behind their security. President George Bush during his term, probably ensuring the public of their trust towards the government, issued a separate order that would serve as guideline for strict compliance of all personnel directly serving the public. Executive Order 12731 of October 17, 1990, entitled â€Å"Principles of Ethical Conduct for Government Officers and Employees† orders each government employee to avoid, prevent and help detect fraud and adhere to ethical standards at all times and situations. The first section of the EO12731 provides catchy ethical principles which prevent each employee to â€Å"hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duty† and engage in financial transactions using non-public government information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interest† (section 101-b and c). Subsections of the order also require each employee to act will full honesty in their duties and most importantly they are not allowed to use public office for private gain. The Federal Government, based on its laws and policies, has been straightforward and clear as to guiding its public servants to the proper, ethical behavior they should display all the time. So why are there still countless cases and accusations that have been polluting the air of the public servants? What is more frustrating to know is the fact that even in the Department of Defense, many employees and management personnel has been proven to be contributing to such corruption. The fact of unethical behavior existing in the Federal government is not just an outside observation but is also being recognized by those working inside the organization. In a press release issued by the Ethics Resource Center, it turned out that 52% of the Federal employees are aware and are witnesses of at least one type of misbehavior among their colleagues in the previous year. What is more is that only 30% of federal workers surveyed believe their organizations have well-implemented ethics and compliance programs and that only one in 10 said there is a strong ethical culture in their federal workplace (ERC 2008). Almost one quarter of public sector employees identifies their work environments as conducive to misconduct — places where there is strong pressure to compromise standards, where situations invite wrongdoing and/or employees’ personal values conflict with the values espoused at work† (Harned, Patricia cited in Smith, Ralph 2008). In reference to the reports mentioned above, this paper made an impression that there might be something inside the Federal government that attracts employees to disregard ethical considerations and to prefer personal interests over public trust. One thing obvious thing is money. The Federal government, even though have limited financial resources, has probably been the most liquid source of kickbacks for the â€Å"bad apples in the barrel. † It is worth noting that the â€Å"U. S. government is the largest consumer of prime contracts† (Lander, Gerald et. al. 2008). Using this mere information, we can clearly conclude that there is enough money for the bad apples on hand. Moreover, it would be very easy for us to extract the fact that the money is more attracting for those inside the procurement departments. As to federal spending, reports say that procurement contracts have been the fastest-growing part of the discretionary budget. In fact, procurement spending rose 86%, twice as fast as other discretionary spending, which rose 43% between 2000 and 2005. Moreover, such spending composed of 40 cents per dollar of discretionary spending (Ibid). The figures are quite more than attractive and conducive for the bad apples to abuse the trust and authorities vested on them by the public. Despite the fact that trust is held as the most important asset of the government, there is one thing that even the most powerful government cannot control: greed. It is a human element that the procurement agencies of the government intentionally or unintentionally tolerate. The uncontrollable fact of human greed is even recognized by the Department of Defense. As the spokesman of the Pentagon, Dan Howard has noted, †The acquisition system is sound but there is no system on the face of this earth that completely obviates the human factor – greed. And that is why we have policing systems† (The New York Times, June 26, 1988). The trust placed by the public over the Department of Defense continue to fade as more and more cases of fraud files in court have resulted to countless convictions. In Philadelphia alone, the investigation conducted at the Defense Personnel Support Center, resulted in the indictment of 28 individuals and companies on various fraud charges. Such procurement transactions involved textile and apparel industry which have government contracts on uniforms, tents, boots for the armed forces. Here then is the chance for us to ask these questions: What is the purpose of having ethical standards in the federal government? Are these statements of ethical behaviors for the sake of complying with the SEC requirements? Are the ethical standards unsound or the problem of abuse of power and ethical deviance matters of implementation flaws? Referring particularly to the Department of Defense, it is unlikely that these educated people came short of understanding the ethical concepts. In fact, the department’s publication, Armed Forces Comptroller, the author recognizes the fact that their personnel understand the concept of ethics. The author even stressed that â€Å"most of them are required to attend some form of mandatory ethics training† (Benoit, Diana 2006). The Department of Defense has in fact sound which they consider as forming the ethical foundation of the Dept of Defense personnel. For the purpose of evaluation, let us try to look into these then core concepts. The author stressed that these core concepts â€Å"reflect the standards and expectations of military personnel and federal employees throughout the organization† (Ibid). The first of the ethical concepts is honesty which they define as â€Å"being truthful and straightforward, regardless of grade or rank. Honesty is regarded by the department as an ethical concept that goes beyond being trustworthy that it encourages its employees to do not only what is legal but also what is right. Relative to this, abuse of power and betrayal of trust still include acts or attempts of hiding the truth. If the Department of Defense personnel clearly understand this concept, there should have been no reason to remain silent on issues that involves witnessing ethical deviance inside the organization. The ethical concept of honesty goes beyond the issues of actual money laundering. It encompasses keeping accurate records and completing tasks to the extent of one’s capacity and ability. This means that coming to the office late, going out early; taking breaks more than the allowable time are forms of cheating and thus are unethical behaviors. Cheating the taxpayers could also mean using office supplies for personal activities or lavish consumption of such resources. What is frustrating is that this concept is being disregarded by high ranking employees of the department at a considerably higher level of deception as mentioned above. Simple cheating in record keeping and of utilizing government resources for personal use can be detected and be prevented at the lower level of organization. However, it would be a different thing to know that cheating is even more practiced at the higher level of management who are expected to be the police in the department. In fact, the report released by the U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ) during the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, â€Å"the United States recouped more than $1. billion dollars in settlements and judgments pursuing allegations of fraud and in the next fiscal year, the government recovered a record total of more than $3. 1 billion in settlements and judgments from cases involving claims of fraud† (Lander et. al 2008). Closely related to the ethics of honesty is the concept of integrity which the DOD defines as â€Å"doing the right thing the first time and every time. † In an observation by one of the members of the Special Investigations Unit of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul, Special Agent Timothy J. O’Malley recognizes the temptations of fraud in their field. O’Malley said â€Å"police officers face greater temptations than they did just a decade or so ago† (Bladow, J. 1994). As an agent, he can pinpoint the fact that the department handles explosives and illegal drug cases which obviously involve a vast sum of money. Taking O’Malley’s exact words, â€Å"a tremendous amount of illicit cash fuels this market. † Here then lies one uncontrollable factor that we can consider. Money is the central thing that enables the government to run. It is money that is the main reason why people oftentimes compromise integrity and principles with dollars. Money enables the government to provide services to public. Employees have to be paid with salaries, supplies have to be bought, buildings have to be constructed, communication and transportation facilities have to be purchased and improved. In fact, America will never be the most powerful nation in the world without its money spent in technology, education and basic government facilities. Moreover, America cannot in anyway be respected or shall we say be feared by other nations if not for its military strength. It is a rare instance that this nation is being challenged by the terrorists during the 911 event. What this paper would like to point out is that even though money is an uncontrollable element in the federal government and particularly in the procurement agency of the department of Defense, transaction processes involving money are very much controllable. In fact, the DOD has sound policies and procedures expressed in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI). In brief, these regulations and guidelines were codified and implemented for procedure compliance purposes especially on procurement transactions undergone by the department. In its Section 201. 304, FAR requires the â€Å"approval of the USD (AT&L) before including in a department/agency or component supplement, or any other contracting regulation document such as a policy letter or clause book, any policy, procedure, clause, or form that has a significant effect beyond the internal operating procedures of the agency; or has a significant cost or administrative impact on contractors or offerors† (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI) 2004). Where then lays the procedure flaw- on the approving committee or on those who presents the facts of the procurement contracts? The answer does not solely lies on these precepts. The factors that corrupt integrity in the Department of Defense can be traced in the early stage of the hiring process. â€Å"The applicant selection process represents a critical, though sometimes overlooked, component of police ethics programs† (Bonczek, S. and D. Menzel 1994). The authors suggest that the agency should thoroughly conduct interviews, psychological tests, and extensive background checks (Ibid, p. 4). This would then ensure an applicant’s compatibility with the department’s ethical philosophy. This process can be beneficial in the early identification of â€Å"red flags† in an applicant’s personality before he gets into the department. Even if not all of the factors contributing to the unethical behavior of an employee can be detected at this stage, there are considerable preventive measures that are being done here that can prevent a rotten tomato mingle with the good ones inside the basket. The riskier the world becomes, the higher the standards should the department implement in order to maintain, if not to enhance the integrity of the defenders of the American security. As one observer have noted, it is important that high standards in the hiring process be maintained at all times because of the fact that â€Å"diminished standards or incomplete background checks have resulted in the hiring of armed robbers, burglars, and drug dealers as police officers† (D. Holmquist 1993, p. 38). We have to remember that temptations are everywhere and that is one uncontrollable factor inside the department of defense. Because DOD has got much money to offer especially in the procurement transactions, it clearly caters to a tempting environment. However it cannot really be an excuse neither it will justify one’s act of corruption. Deviance to ethical standards is a clear betrayal of trust and a blot in the name of the person, if he even cares enough for it. A recent study established that fast-talking, outgoing, assertive, and self-confident risk takers represent the best candidates for undercover work. While this may come as no surprise, the study also concluded that these personality traits â€Å"are often the same ones predisposing an officer to corruption and psychological distress† (Bladow, p. 12). This suggests that a good apple in the barrel has always the chance of being badly influenced by others. Strict hiring standards are therefore required to be implemented during the hiring process at all levels. â€Å"Police managers must view their hiring standards as components of managing for ethics† (Wells, S. A. 1993, p. 67). Strict adherence to employee selection is a must although diversity in the law enforcement departments must also be considered in order to foster diverse citizenry. â€Å"Agencies should not pursue the goal of a diversified workforce at the expense of one of law enforcement’s most valued asset- integrity† (Travis, M. A. 1994, p. 1717).

Main sources of water pollution in urban areas versus rural areas Essay

Water constitutes approximately 70 percent of the earth’s surface and therefore it is a significant resource (Krantz and Kifferstein (n. d. ). It is a vital resource for without water, life would cease to exist on earth. It is however unfortunate that despite being a precious commodity, water pollution is existent everywhere ranging from the rural areas to the urban areas. The World Factbook (2010, p. 1) defines pollution as â€Å"the contamination of a healthy environment by man-made waste. † In case of water pollution, there is introduction of large amounts of substances into the water rendering it unsuitable for intended use. Water pollutants are classified as either point source pollution or non-point source pollution. Either way, these occur in both rural and urban places but with differing magnitude. It is also notable that major sources of water pollution differ in urban and rural areas. This paper compares and contrasts between major water pollutants in rural and urban areas. Causes of water pollution in rural areas It is notable that water pollution in rural areas mainly affects ground water since ground water forms the major source of water for rural populations. Ground water is usually contaminated in case there are leakages and in the ground tanks or in case of municipal landfills. As earlier stated, water pollution can be point source pollution or nonpoint source pollution. In point source pollution; there is direct introduction of pollutants into the water as opposed to nonpoint source pollution whereby pollutants are indirectly introduced into the water. Krantz and Kifferstein (n. d. ) provide that run-off fertilizer is a good example of nonpoint water pollution whereas oil spill is a good illustration of point water pollution. From this illustration, it is evident that nonpoint forms of water pollution are more likely to be found in rural areas whereas point pollution is more likely to be witnessed in urban areas. In rural areas, the main source of water pollution is surface-runoff. This introduces a variety of pollutants especially chemicals that are used for agricultural purposes. Nitrates and phosphorous are commonly used in farming more so in European countries such as England, Wales and Ireland. These countries have gone to the extent of classifying some farms as nitrate vulnerable zones to indicate that the farms can easily cause nitrate pollution. The risk of nitrate and phosphorous pollution increases depending on the time when the fertilizers are applied, the rate at which the fertilizers are applied, how fertilizers are handled and the distance between the point where fertilizers are applied and watercourses (Murray, 2010). An increase in nitrates and phosphorus causes aquatic plants to proliferate thus causing oxygen depletion as well as turbidity not to mention the clogging of water passages. This is detrimental to aquatic life as well as dependants of aquatic resources. It is notable that run-off water pollution is also referred to as diffuse water pollution and it also entails run-off from farm buildings as well as farm roads. Manure is also likely to be washed down into water bodies during rainfall periods thus acting as a diffuse water pollution source. A study carried out by Nkwonta and Ochieng 2009) in Soghanguve area, rural South Africa, indicated that run-off from farms as well as household waste were the dominant pollutants in the local rivers. In addition, pollution from fertilizer run-off made up to 50 percent of the water run-off pollution. Other farming chemicals such as pesticides were significant water pollutants in the region thus confirming diffuse water pollution due to farming activities as the main water pollutant in rural areas. Silt and wash-off from fields causes eutrophication whereby water bodies tend to fill up and aquatic life is harmed due to impaired respiration and suffocation. Agro-based industries are mentioned as major sources of pollution in rural areas. According to Narendra (2010), effluents from agro-based industries have a striking role in pollution of water in rural areas. This is in combination with the already mentioned excessive application of chemical fertilizers. Narendra (2010) further reports that an assessment of 179,999 ground water sites in 26 states contains pollutants such as fluoride, nitrate, salinity, arsenic and iron as per a report by the department of Drinking Water Supply. Pollution in River Hindon is said to emanate from up to 28 agro-based industries. The release of chemicals from agro-based industries causes change in water pH as well as foaming thus interfering with the aquatic environment. Release of agrochemicals such as DDT pollutes water and the chemicals are passed through the food chain to human beings. Organic pollution especially from sewage is also a common source of water pollution in rural areas. The organic content in sewage promotes proliferation of microorganisms that pollute water by causing disease as well as using up oxygen contained in water as they decompose the organic substances. Oxygen depletion leads to an imbalanced aquatic ecosystem. Organic water pollutants in rural areas can also emanate from decomposing plants, pastures as well as livestock waste. It is important to identify that untreated organic waste such as sewage or farm runoffs introduce disease causing organisms such as bacteria and protozoan and diseases such as dysentery are a predictable outcome. To put extra emphasis on the contribution of agricultural wastes as water pollutants in rural areas, it is worth considering a country such as China. China stocks the largest number of pigs in the world (470 million pigs as compared to 950 million world pig stock) (Qing, 2007). China is also a leader in production of poultry and goats and therefore forming the largest water pollutant country. It is identified that most of the waste coming from the livestock farming activities is not treated well with pig farms discharging a lot of wastewater. The waste water from poultry and pig farms has low temperature and mire which is mainly organic leads to oxygen depletion once introduced into water bodies. It is estimated that if China continues to practice poultry and livestock farming, rural water pollution from these sources will exceed pollution from fertilizer and domestic wastes. Causes of water pollution in urban areas Urban areas usually depend on ground water as stored underground tanks. The main causes of water pollution in urban areas are leaking pipes and contamination from water and sewage being close. Since urban water is sourced from a particular point, contamination at the source is also a major phenomenon. Human waste, industrial effluents as well as household wastes have are important sources of water pollution in urban areas. Urban areas, just like rural areas, have runoff especially after rainfall and these contain pollutants that are of great concern. Sediments are a common component of urban runoff and these constitute the greatest components of urban water pollutants. Most sediment originates from the construction industry which thrives in most urban areas. The runoff may also contain other substances such as rubber, and automobile wastes (Environmental Health and Safety Online, 2009). Petroleum products are the main automobile wastes and these contain hydrocarbons. Other constituents of urban runoff include anti-icing chemicals, heavy metals, disease causing organisms such as bacteria, as well as organic materials. Pathogens and organic materials emanate from sewage, spoilt septic tanks, and grass and leaves. A notable source of organic waste is pet wastes whereas use of fertilizer in lawns and kitchen gardens is also common in urban areas. Nutrient pollutants like fertilizers and organic wastes enhance growth of microorganisms and decomposition of wastes thus causing a decrease in dissolved oxygen. These consequentially render aquatic life unbearable. An increase in fertilizer and pesticide pollution in Bagmati River in Kathmandu city of Nepal is a good example of an urban source of water pollution. It is also indicated that Bagmati River experiences direct discharge of industrial and domestic untreated wastes released from Patan city as indicated by an increase in faecal coliform in the polluted areas. This is an important difference in sources of urban water pollution because water from rural regions of Bagmati has normal chemistry and coliform numbers (SEARO. , n. d). Release of sewage without treatment or with poor treatment into water bodies in urban areas has the potential to introduce disease causing organisms such as coliform bacteria. Nitrates are found to be high even in treated sewage and therefore it is a great challenge as urban source of water contamination. Phosphates are also introduced in water bodies as a result of poorly treated sewage. Phosphates are notorious in speeding up the growth of algae as evidenced in the Broads Lake in the UK. As the Broads was expanding in terms of population increase, an increase in sewage with high content of phosphates was experienced with some of the sewage gaining way into the Broads Lake. Consequently, there was a spurt in algae growth whereas water plants died eventually disturbing the lake’s ecosystem (Srinivas, 2010). A similar phenomenon has been experienced in Lake Biwa in Japan where an excess of phosphorous and nitrogen led to excessive growth of algae as well as eutrophication. As earlier noted, urban areas depend on ground water which is prone to various forms of contamination. For instance, leaking oil from storage tanks and leaking sewage lines that are in close proximity with water pipes can end up polluting ground water. On another note, garbage can be intentionally dumped into water bodies or the mere garbage dump can end up contaminating surface water. Since urban areas usually have industries, the industries may cause water pollution indirectly by emitting gases like sulphur dioxide that cause acid rain. Acid rain ends up disturbing water chemistry and this is hazardous to living organisms. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (2005, para 3), â€Å"pavement and compacted areas, roofs, and reduced tree canopy and open space increase runoff volumes† eventually contaminating water significantly. In addition to increase in runoff volume the runoff is also at a high velocity thus increasing water pollution through increased erosion of stream banks, and depositing sediments in streams. The channels through which the high velocity runoff passes through are also incised leading to an increase in sediment deposition. Runoff from urban areas has a higher potential off causing water pollution since there exists no forests or grasslands to enhance water filtration into the ground as compared to such conditions in rural areas. Urban landscapes are nonporous thus there exists almost no opportunity for runoff to percolate. EPA also notes that runoff from highly developed urban areas can lead to increased water temperatures thus adversely affecting aquatic life and the quality of water in affected streams. If a wastewater treatment plant is not maintained well or if it is poorly cited, then there is the risk of causing water pollution in urban areas. Industrial wastes and emissions are a serious concern due to their contribution in water pollution in urban areas. With most urban areas having industries, industrial pollutants have been of major concern. It is noted that most industries are likely to be located close to water sources for industrial process (TutorVista, 2010). Unfortunately, these same industries end up mismanaging the precious resource by introducing hazardous chemicals. Industrial wastes include acids and alkalis, heavy metals like cadmium in addition to chemicals such as ammonia. Acids and alkalis alter the pH of water whereas detergents cause increased turbidity that has the potential to intoxicate aquatic organisms. Some of the industries cause an increase in water temperature which can be lethal to aquatic life. This is common with power plants and industries that use a lot of water for cooling purposes. It is also a common phenomenon to find oil spills in lakes and oceans. Although this cannot be purely be defined as an urban source of water pollution, it is important to know that oil spills can occur in lake regions located in urban areas. Furthermore, oil refineries can be located offshore and oil spills can occur. Oil spills lead to death of aquatic organisms since the oil covers the surface of water preventing oxygen from penetrating (TutorVista, 2010). Conclusion Looking at the main sources of water pollution in urban and rural areas, it is evident that runoff dominate as the main source of contaminant. It is clearly evident that water pollution in rural areas is point form pollution whereas pollution in urban areas is mainly nonpoint form. However, the content of the runoff differ with rural runoff contain contaminants that are mainly agricultural-based whereas urban areas have industrial-based runoff. In rural areas, runoff mainly contains fertilizer compounds such as nitrates and phosphorous causing a proliferation in algae and water plants. The consequent eutrophication leads to oxygen depletion and death of aquatic life. Runoff from livestock farms also introduces organic compounds that are lead to oxygen depletion as they are decomposed by microorganism. In urban areas, runoff is mainly composed of sediments from construction industries as well as industrial and automobile wastes. Urban runoff is more detrimental since percolation is rare unlike in the vegetated rural areas. Acid rain is a possible water pollutant in urban areas due to emission of noxious gases from the many industries in rural areas. In both rural and urban areas, human waste from poorly treated or untreated sewage is emergent as a popular water pollutant. Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses are also evident as water pollutants in both rural and urban areas as introduced by human and animal waste. Bibliography Environmental Health and Safety Online. (2009). Causes and control of water pollution in urban areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. ehso. com/ehshome/WaterPollution_Urban.htm Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). National management measures to control nonpoint source pollution from urban areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. epa. gov/nps/urbanmm/ Krantz, D. and Kifferstein, B. (nd). Water pollution and society. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. umich. edu/~gs265/society/waterpollution. htm Murray, P. (2010). Controlling diffuse water pollution in rural areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. netregs. gov. uk/netregs/100797. aspx Narendra, C. (2010, Mar. 10). Water pollution in surface resources and rural areas. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. mynews. in/News/Water_Pollution_in_Surface_Resources_and_Rural_Areas_N40334. html Nkwonta, O. I. and Ochieng, G. M. (2009). Water pollution in Soshanguwe environs of South Africa. World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 56: 499-503. Qing, C. (2007). Urban & rural water pollution: hazard & control. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. ecosanres. org/icss/proceedings/presentations/51–CHEN-Qing–EN. pdf SEARO. (n. d). National Environmental & Health Action Plan: Environmental problems. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. searo. who. int/LinkFiles/National_Environment_&_Health_Action_Plan_chp9a. pdf Srinivas, H. (2010). Urban water pollution. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. gdrc. org/uem/water/watershed/urban-water-pollution. html TutorVista. (2010). Water pollution. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from http://www. tutorvista. com/content/biology/biology-ii/environment-and-environmental-problems/water-pollution. php World Factbook. (2010). Environment – current issues. Retrieved 14, Aug. 2010 from https://www. cia. gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2032. html

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Is Hate Speech in the Media Directly Affecting our Culture (responses) - Assignment Example Henry is of the opinion that the kind of culture portrayed in the media makes human being lose their sense of humanity. By watching violent behaviour on television children tend to adopt what they have seen in the media. Societal degradation is rife and rising in the name of entertainment and glorification of America. People no longer care about each other and the poor and homeless are considered lazy. In his response he states that ‘†¦ many groups who are considered marginal because they are poor, unemployed, people of color, elderly or young have not just been excluded from the American dream but have become utterly redundant and disposable waste products of a society that no longer considers them of any value’. He adds that suffering and violence is applauded and recognized in holly wood. The homeless and poor are seen as a burden to the state and instead of having compassion for the homeless, homelessness is considered a crime. He adds that sleeping, sitting, soliciting lying down or loitering in public places is considered a criminal

HRIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

HRIS - Essay Example As stated, the self service portals help a lot in reduction of costs, which, from a return on investment (ROI) viewpoint, is a very effective method. The investment that the company makes in implementing one of the portals is returned by the low cost invested in employing HR personnel for the company. One of the best practices in implementing self service portals for the organizations is understanding the need of the organization, the size and the way the employees use the information. However, a common error that companies make is by implementing portals that are static and do not have interesting content, thus reducing the potential impact of the portal (Gueutal and Stone, 2012). Based on the reading material and the experiences from other people who have used the portals, I would recommend one of the portals to a current or previous employer. As is evident, the portals helps in managing information and communication channels between the employer and employer and also helps in reducing the costs faced by the

Financial Aspect of Health Care Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Financial Aspect of Health Care - Assignment Example This is because knowing the healthcare costs ensures financial efficiency of the patient. Cost knowledge enables the consumer to plan (budget) for products and services; this will enable him or her to choose the most appropriate and affordable health product or service provider. The exact total fraud value in the healthcare sector in the USA is not known. The Government Accountability Office, in 2010, illustrated that $48 billion dollars were used in improper payments in the health sector. That is approximately 10% of the outlays for that year totaling to $500 billion. However, Erick Holder, the US Attorney General illustrates that approximately $60-90 billion fraud in 2010 in the Medicaid and Medicare fraud (Pear, 2008). Waste occurs in the health sector programs through misallocation of financial resources; for example allocating a lot of finances to non essential projects. Cost containment entails controlling the expenses or costs needed in operating a healthcare organization, or implementing a health project within planned budgetary limits. Cost containment exercise is a significant management function, because it ensures cost efficiency. This is through using appropriate expenses to achieve intended healthcare targets. The most appropriate metaphor for cost containment is financial budget. This is because it sets limits in the financial use in healthcare, so as to realize efficiency and effective management of funds allocated for healthcare (Pear, 2008). Healthcare is considered a business because it applies the theory and principles of management. One of the principles of management illustrates a scalar chain of command. This describes the flow of authority and power from a single top level, to the lower levels of the health organizations. In healthcare, instructions flow from the top management of the health institution, through the middle management, to the lower and non-managerial staffs. Healthcare is a delivery system because; it aims at

Counter Terrorism & Emergency Responders Assignment

Counter Terrorism & Emergency Responders - Assignment Example There was a report of the use of biological weapons during the World War I. Alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron radiation result from nuclear decays of some reactive metals such as uranium. All the four types of radiation cause almost similar problems in human health. For humans, they cause stochastic and non-stochastic effects. Stochastic effects result from prolonged exposure to too low levels of the radiations. Among the disorders in this category, cancer is the most common though there are also problems such as mutations. The non-stochastic disorders result from short-term exposures to high levels of radiations. Such disorders have adverse effects on the health of animals and humans. The associated problems develop faster than the stochastic. Cancer is still top of the list, with others in this category being aging of the skin, burns and radiation conflict (US, EPA, 2015). While investigating the course of fire, experts depend on several observations as well as training techniques. Before the 1970s, fire investigation personnel did not depend on scientific approaches, but instead used witness-based methods. However, currently, they use experimental methods by first looking for the point of origin. They then proceed to look for ignition possibilities. In the event, that the fire investigators realize that the fire could have resulted from terrorism, they immediately inform the intelligence systems as a precaution. Usually, in the US, the counter-terrorism unit forms the core of the fights against terrorism (National Geographic, 2015). Usually, if someone swallows poison, the doctors induce vomiting after finding out from evidence what type of poison the victims might have consumed. For acids and alkalis, they do not induce vomiting because of the corrosive nature of such poisons. The vomit used gives a specimen for use in investigation and determination of the correct medication. For the case of corrosive vapor poisoning, the doctors do not have a

Patient’s history Essay Example for Free

Patient’s history Essay Nursing Diagnosis 1: Inadequate nutrition Debbie’s nutrition is not adequate for her age, as well as her weight. Due to frequent nausea/vomiting, emotional distress she lost weight. Her weight is less ( 89 pounds) compared to her usual weight ( 110 pounds). The assessment and management of weight is a major preoccupation in contemporary healthcare. Clinical interventions focus on achieving energy balance deficit and are premised on claims that excess weight/fatness (body mass index (BMI) 25) is a significant direct cause of morbidity and mortality and, correspondingly, that weight loss in fat (overweight or obese) people will reduce risk and/or improve health outcomes. (Aphramor, 2010). Desired Outcome 1 Desired Outcome 2 Nursing Intervention 1 Refer Debbie to nutritionist. Debbie will have more information regarding healthy eating within 2 weeks. She will realize the importance of her diet and metabolism. Debbie realized the importance of healthy nutrition and regimen. She gained weight in 2 months more than 10 pounds. She feels comfortable and happy. Nursing Intervention 2 Pharmacological intervention, education regarding medications. Debbie will control her weight also by controlling her nausea using the prescribed medication for nausea. She will receive information on how to use the medication, frequency, dosage, side effects in 2 days. After one week Debbie has more information regarding her medications, realized that medication helps her to control nausea and takes as ordered. Evaluation method Follow up visit in doctor’s office after discharge within 2 weeks, daily weights. Follow visit- patient weighs 12 pounds more, less nauseous, feels comfortable in her weight. Rationale Patient education, more information regarding nutrition, talking, relaxation techniques, pharmacological. Given instructions regarding future appointments and plans on her treatment, daily weights, weight control. Nursing Diagnosis 2: Educational deficit Debbie needs more information regarding her care. She needs education related to medications, self-catheterization, breast self-examination. Patient education is a central the practice of nursing and should be in part of their domain. The most important part of patient education is to prepare Debbie for independence in her care, increase the confidence and competence for self-management. (Bastable, 2006). Desired Outcome 1 Desired Outcome 2 Nursing Intervention 1 Instructions on how do self breast- examinations and self- catheterization, warning signs/symptoms. Debbie will be able to do breast self-examination herself in one week, will be able to perform intermittent self-catheterization. Two weeks passed. Debbie states how she performs breast self-examination, what she needs to look out for. She states how often she does the examination and demonstrates what positional changes she needs to do. Nursing Intervention 2 Patient education Debbie will know information about her medications, route, dosage, side effects in 2 days. Teach back achieved regarding medications. Debbie states that she was anxious previously as she thought the will not remember all the information given. She is happy as she did everything correct. Evaluation method Asked multiple cross questions, Debbie answers as educated, seems more interested in future education. Debbie made an organizer for her. The organizer contains medication regimen, few special considerations, reminders. Rationale Demonstrated Debbie how to do breast examination, catheterization. Used a kit and plastic body to demonstrate. Used the board to give important information regarding medication. Debbie demonstrates what she does at home to do the catheterization, breast self-examination, questions given, answered properly as was educated. Nursing Diagnosis 3: Emotional distress. Debbie is experiencing emotional distress, anxiety. As stated in case study she is tearful, has great concern regarding her future. Effective  communication among nurse and patient/family can improve care and relieve suffering. The diagnosis and treatment for cancer is a major challenge and it affects all aspects of life. By therapeutic communication, providing information, encouraging optimistic outlook, teaching how to reduce stress patient care will have better outcomes. (Yarbro, Wujchik, Gobel, 2010). Desired Outcome 1 Desired Outcome 2 Nursing Intervention 1 Debbie will get used to controlling her stress by daily walks, relaxation techniques, music, spending time with family in 2 weeks. Debbie states she feels better spending time with family, resting, being in the park, meeting friends when feeling lonely and anxious. Nursing Intervention 2 Debbie will be seen by spiritual care in 2 days. Debbie states that her conversations with spiritual care makes her feel more relaxed, she reads books, has prayers at her bedside. Evaluation method Given instructions on how to manage time and stress with different activities, planning activity and periods of rest. Asked questions regarding Debbie’s days, stress management. Rationale Educational packets, brochures, referrals provided. Multiple written stress tests used to find our patient’s emotional condition. Seems more relaxed and less anxious. References Aphramor, L. (2010, July). Validity of claims made in weight management research: a narrative review of dietetic articles. Nutrition Journal, 9(). Bastable, S. B. (2006). Essentials of Patient Education. : Jones Bartlett Learning. Yarbro, C., Wujchik, D., Gobel, B. (2010). Cancer Nursing: Principles and Practice (7th ed.). : Jones Bartlett Learning.

The Value Of Assessing Performance Business Essay

The Value Of Assessing Performance Business Essay An appraisal is an assessment of an employees performance, potential, and developmental needs. It is also an opportunity to review the employees quality of work, to reflect on what has been achieved during the period and agree upon the objectives going forward. Appraisals can benefit both employers and employees by improving their job performance, making it easier to identify what they are doing well, what they need to improve upon, and the most suitable action that needs to be taken for the future. I work for Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC); being a governmental authority DMCC is obligated to conduct annual and half yearly appraisal process. The mid-year appraisal helps to review the first six months performance and to highlight on areas that need improvement, thereby giving an employee adequate time to ensure that her/his individual objectives are achieved during the year-end performance review. This formal appraisal process is usually written and includes filling out a performance review form signed by both the line-manager and the employee. An important component of DMCCs performance appraisal process is the setting of SMART goals.   SMART Goals are extensively known and renowned tools in performance management.   Every employee is asked to document a series of goals that are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound. Subsequent to the line managers mutual approval the employee then works towards accomplishing these goals in the year ahead. Besides the two formal bi-annual appraisal sessions, we also conduct informal appraisal and feedback sessions every quarter. These sessions may include feedback that is not always positive. It is always better to encourage the employees to view their appraisal as an opportunity, not a threat to their professional wellbeing. More importantly the line-manager must ensure that the meeting is a two-way conversation, not a lecture. A performance appraisal needs to be honest, even when employees might not always want to hear what their line-manager has to say. The success of the appraisal process depends on the line-managers readiness to complete a productive and objective appraisal and on the employees readiness to respond to constructive suggestions and to work with her/his manager to reach future goals. Motivating the team to improve performance in the workplace There are various factors that influence how employees behave at workplace and it all depends on  the nature of work that she/he does. For instance, it is fair to assume that an employee working within customer services is going  to get influenced  by how the customers behave. Also, the environment at the work place is very influential of how other colleagues behave with each other. If colleagues do not get along with one another at work then they may not perform to the best of their ability and may struggle to meet the objectives that the employer has set. The  relationship  between employees and the employer is also another main factor that affects the behaviour of an employee. It is possible that the employees  are not happy with certain factors or motions at the  work place  and therefore they do not feel passionate about their work. Thus, the line manager must ensure that  her/his team members are happy and re-think what improvements can be made to ensure that all employees are influenced to positively. There is a universal rule that happy employees contribute significantly in having  a successful business.   While it is important to discipline an employee for wrong doing, it is equally important to praise someone for achieving a challenging task. Motivation can be of many different forms. No standard form of motivation works for every person. Each form influences unique behaviour. Since each persons personality differs, so does the type of motivation. I work as a Senior Financial Accountant at Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Having completed four years in my current role and six years overall I have seen myself grow and transform into different leadership styles. Currently supervising a team of three junior accountants, I am responsible of ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financial performance monthly. In my job I too have challenges to face when it comes to delivering management reports on time and ensuring that the reports have no material errors or omissions. There have been instances when the system goes down and reports have to be compiled manually, which can take longer time and require late sittings. Motivating juniors to be loyal and deliver despite odds is difficult if not done regularly. Incentive is a  common form of motivation that includes both monetary and nonmonetary rewards. I try and ensure my team is always content and the work load is shared evenly among the team. The weekly team meetings and q uarterly appraisals sessions are useful to gage a better understanding of the team and brainstorm collectively to find solutions to issues. Each one of us has different core competencies and utilizing the strengths of each individual productively is termed effective management. Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow established the motivation theory which categorizes the five human needs ranging from basic survival like food and shelter to the need for self-actualization. Maslow believed that once one need is satisfied, an individual pursues to attain the next need. When applied to workplace, the theory implies that the line-manager must understand the existing needs level of each employee to ascertain what will motivate her/him. To illustrate, a new hire that has been unemployed for an extended time will motivated mostly by the need for basic survival. Alternatively, an employee focused on career advancement would be more inclined to achieve self-actualization; thus it would be wise to allocate her/him to higher-level tasks. Carrot and Stick is the one of the most traditional motivational theory recognized by philosopher Jeremy Bentham. It splits motivation into two basic elements: incentives and fear. Some employees are motivated by the aspiration to earn higher compensation, a desire to achieve status and power by moving up the ladder, or the need for commendation. But some employees act better out of fear: the fear of losing a job, being reprimanded by their line-manager or the inability to adequately perform a task. In my team, I often use the carrot and stick technique depending on the situation. The need to achieve a higher rating during the performance appraisal review session encourages employees to perform better and the fear of being graded low encourages employees to pull up their socks and improve their productivity. Since the performance rating is directly linked to compensation increments, every employee is motivated by the higher monetary reward carrot. The value of feedback in the workplace Regular feedback is essential to improve efficiency and harmony within the team. In most mediocre companies accumulative feedback is given once during the annual performance appraisal session. Conversely in a productive workplace, effective feedback is given at each opportunity. The line manager must ensure that feedback be given both at an individual level as well as the team level. Feedback should be relevant, sincere, and more importantly positive feedback should outweigh negative feedback. Furthermore the line manager must ensure that she/he build a positive basis which makes any criticism more acceptable and understandable. Giving frequent positive feedback encourages discussion and helps the employee to accept correction or criticisms feedback with a healthy attitude. The line manager should also give feedback that is specific and individualized. Giving lump sum feedback or team feedback is generalized and does not contribute as much to motivate productivity or create positive change. When the feedback applies to specific goal, employee, or objective it is more effective and has more power to impact behaviour. Pages = 3 Words = 1,260