Comparision of Retirement Plans for employees working in the private Essay

Theoretical This examination utilizes a quantitative overview strategy, and summed up information gathered is utilized to correspond results with listening abilities as its key rule (Punch, 1998). An overview was conveyed on the Internet and yielded results from different sexual orientation, financial foundations and training levels. Correspondence issues have been kept up by utilizing various methods.Advertising We will compose a custom exploration paper test on Listening Skills and Healthcare explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More Pain faces scale preparing of members and examination aides and keeping up great associations with members are utilized in our enrollment to additionally create organization between the investigation populace and scientists and to look after input. Each progression attempted to assemble and investigate information, approve discoveries and present examination results in which far reaching and available discoveries will be utilized to facili tative development and proceeded with improvement. The motivation behind this examination is to build up a superior comprehension of listening aptitudes and how better listening aptitudes well as capacity to perceive nonverbal articulations will help the human services industry and its purchasers. Presentation The merriam-webster word reference characterizes torment as â€Å"suffering or trouble of body or mind†. It is contended that viable correspondence between medicinal services supplier and patient is a significant component in improving treatment consistence. Holmes et al, (2007) then again gives that torment meddles person’s capacity to convey by changing ordinary examples of verbal and nonverbal correspondence. Listening aptitudes is something that has been underlined in the clinical field for a considerable length of time. Educators in clinical schools have been endeavoring to show their understudies to be better audience members to their patients (Holmes at al , 2007). As we try to coordinate powerful relational abilities in medicinal services, the best inquiry, but then hard to ask, is: does listening aptitudes, just as intentional nonverbal correspondence, while being applied, bound to improve the connection between social insurance suppliers and patients? Listening abilities is something that has been stressed in the clinical field for around 2,500 years and the issue of correspondence moves frequently prompting misdiagnosis has consistently been an issue. Frischenschlager and Pucher (2002) contend that portraying agony to a doctor falls exclusively on the patient. Also, as a rule, doctors regularly come up short on the aptitudes to peruse patient’s nonverbal signs or even decipher the slang they use.Advertising Looking for research paper on wellbeing medication? How about we check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore correspondence issues among suppliers and patients stay to be a si gnificant issue in the social insurance proficient. The supplier persistent as exhibited by the agony scale (figure 1-Appendix) represents their interrelationships. The exploration directed looked to address the inquiry, â€Å"Can torment faces be recognized from other passionate expressions?† Literature surveys on the capacity to perceive outward appearances and listening abilities issues confronting the two patients and medicinal services suppliers in social elements of human services proficient will be talked about. An exhaustive examination on correspondence of medical problems influencing these networks are represented which gives a combination of the current issues. This writing survey is authored around close to home and situational issues, just as experimental examination on the correspondence worries with help of explored of populace studies and topics are summed up. As the social setting of medical problems impacts our networks, sociological writing on this pandemic is featured. To assert this examination, specialists connected different reactions to investigate from the related zones and finished up with references for future exploration on the wellbeing and sociological measurements. The momentum writing was surveyed utilizing Communication Mass Media Complete database and looked through online article utilizing listening abilities and outward appearances in medicinal services as watchwords utilizing Google. The exploration focused on both youthful, center and mature age populace as my feature and structured my examination article around a torment face scales instruments to play out an intensive investigation on how members can distinguish non-verbal signs to impart their agony issues. The finding being that on the off chance that a â€Å"Lay† individual could do it WELL, at that point with a touch of preparing, a Healthcare Provider could do it too. Preparing that included investing more energy with their patients. Our cautious inves tigation and examination will at that point be utilized to distinguish the legitimacy and material confirmations that can be utilized in medicinal services rehearses Objective This paper looks to investigate the connection between human services supplier and the patient, featuring troubles they experience when imparting to one another about agony issues. Our examination targets giving confirm based rules that will give a lot of suggestions that can improve listening abilities on the patient and the administration provider.Advertising We will compose a custom exploration paper test on Listening Skills and Healthcare explicitly for you for just $16.05 $11/page Learn More While much has been done to urge doctors to improve their listening aptitudes, research demonstrates that tuning in, just as supplier persistent associations can improve with satisfactory preparing and development. As the quantity of studies expands, the outcomes, impacts and results of patient-supplier correspondence , there is as yet a much exploration to be done in the field. Foundation Questionnaires were planned and conveyed over the web. This condition permitted members to uninhibitedly and straightforwardly rate outward appearances however much as could be expected. Members were all around familiar with web and utilization of outward appearances in their everyday exercises. This outfitted them with extensive information on what was anticipated from them the same number of the articulations, for example, outrage, joy, misery, sicken, shock, dread and agony in outward appearances related well with their own encounters. Writing Review Analysis The most incessant objection among patients is torment. As indicated by Baird et al (2008), an estimation of 30 million individuals in the United States are experiencing incessant torment. It can not be accepted that the most common torment consistently happen normally. Obtaining viable relational abilities requires the work of perception and applicatio n practice of correspondence articulations. As indicated by the US Bureau of the Census (1995), about 7% of the US populace manages interminable torment each year focusing on it worry inside the human services network. Proof from the US Department of Commerce shows that torment related issues costs billions of dollars in the medicinal services industry. It includes that related issues, for example, interminable agony the board and how to successfully manage torment and cost the executives to be additionally of concern. Similar investigations additionally confirms high event of sedative reliance among the referenced gathering. Agony can be clarified in alternate points of view contingent upon singular encounters. Frischenschlager and Pucher (2002) give that agony can't be estimated or measured. Social insurance supplier ought to for this situation evaluate torment on singular viewpoints. Thusly verbal and non-verbal portrayal of their present wellbeing status relies exclusively upon the patient.Advertising Searching for research paper on wellbeing medication? We should check whether we can support you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Find out More This basically implies the general correspondence setting is affected by the dynamic trade of the specialist organization and patient association. In any case, this has never been the situation. As Frischenschlager and Pucher (2002) state, â€Å"problems with the correspondence among specialist and patient are an incessant outcome (p.416). Agony has frequently been characterized as a notice sign showing something incorrectly inside the body. Torment is characterized into two classifications; intense and ceaseless agony. Individuals in torment frequently experience extreme mental experience. Recognizing the significance of patients seeing how to react to torment is significant in conveying torment issues to the suppliers. Issues related with tolerant correspondence process are outside the extent of clinical examination. In such manner, Brannigan et al (2008) cites, â€Å"pain ought to be taken a gander at as a multi-dimensional issue and not only a one an admonition sign† (p.1 2). Subsequently, having the option to convey viably and realizing which messages to impart are similarly significant. Agony Theories Frishenchlager and Pucher (2002) arrange torment hypotheses into two gatherings; 1) the Frey hypothesis and 2) the Goldscheider’s approach. Frey’s hypothesis characterizes torment as unique agony pathways that interface torment explicit nerve endings prompting the cerebrum. The Goldscheider’s approach expresses that nerve endings are not explicit to any focal point of the mind and that torment must be experienced when the degree of agony scopes to an extraordinary point that can not be endure driving a patient to communicating their uneasiness. Frishenchlager and Pucher (2002) joins mental factors, for example, interruption, unwinding, dread, sadness, previous agony encounters, family and social impacts to be among factors that influence the way that individuals experience torment. In their investigation, Frishenchlager and Pucher (2002) rethink torment as,†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦unpleasant tangible and enthusiastic experience related with genuine or potential tissue harm or portrayed as far as such damage† (p.419).Their definition gives equivalent load to passionate and physical agony experience consequently the resurrection of door hypothesis that joins feelings

Security Plan For Longfellows Wine Group Information Technology Essay Essay Example

Security Plan For Longfellows Wine Group Information Technology Essay With the obligation for the private informations of 1000s of customers, its no deference that Longfellows bunch considers data security one of its top priorities. The finish of Longfellows security plan is to execute cost viable countermeasures that alleviate the exposures that will undoubtedly prompt misfortune. This paper talks about the threats which put Longfellows most at risk of misfortune and the controls which they utilize to countermeasure those dangers. An intricate security strategy is talked about, outlining single obligations, security processs and disaster recuperation programs. This paper other than makes future proposals with regards to how Longfellows could break increment the security of their frameworks into the great beyond. We will compose a custom paper test on Security Plan For Longfellows Wine Group Information Technology Essay explicitly for you for just $16.38 $13.9/page Request now We will compose a custom paper test on Security Plan For Longfellows Wine Group Information Technology Essay explicitly for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Recruit Writer We will compose a custom paper test on Security Plan For Longfellows Wine Group Information Technology Essay explicitly for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Recruit Writer Official Summary: 2 1. Presentation 4 2. Association Description 4 Involves Longfellows Insurance Brokers, Longfellows Wine Export Pty Ltd, Winefellows Pty ltd, and Longfellows Shanghai Trading Pty Ltd. By and by they have 5 full clasp workers in the Melbourne Office with two approved delegates for the protection protections firm one in QLD and one in NSW. The Melbourne office includes our boss/chief, Senior Insurance operator, Support Marketing and Administration trough, clerk and Wine Export Logistics and China contact. 4 There is eight staff in the Shanghai office including the Shanghai administrator entirely identified with net incomes and removal of wine sends out into China from Australia. 4 . 4 2.1 Current Networked System 4 2.2 Organizational Chart 5 3 Security Policy 6 3.1 Security Goals 6 3.1.1 Duties of the Principle Director 6 3.1.2 Duties of the Operations Manager 7 3.1.3 Duties of the Marketing Officer 7 3.1.4 Duties of the Financial Controller 8 3.1.5 Duties of the IT Manager 9 3.2 Duties for Goals 9 3.3 Committedness to Security. 10 4. Current Security Status 10 4.1 Accidents and Catastrophes 10 4.1.1 Threats and Controls 10 4.1.2 Data Analysis 11 4.1.3 Cost Effectiveness of Controls 11 4.2 Data Attacks 12 4.2.1 Threats and Controls 12 4.2.2 Data Analysis 12 4.2.3 Cost Effectiveness of Controls 13 5. Choices 13 6. Suggestions 14 6.1 Internal A ; External threats 14 6.1.1 Threats and Controls 14 6.1.2 Data Analysis 14 6.1.3 Cost Effectiveness of Controls 15 7. Execution of suggested controls 15 7.1 Timetabling 15 7.2 Responsibility 15 7.3 Schedule for Review of Security and Control Items 16 Notices 17 18 Reference section B 19 Reference section C 22 1. Presentation With the ever expanding threat from infection, spyware, programmers and distinction offense the interest for secure computing informations and hardware has arrived at new degrees in the cutting edge age. Each organization and registering machine client realizes all to well the damage pernicious bundle can make to a software engineering framework, with that in head, significant Information innovation organizations have create approaches to fight against these dangers and most utilize more than one procedure. Longfellows is Insurance organization which offers protections firm and arrangements to concern and single customers in like manner. Longfellows comprehends the interest to secure customer s individual informations using the best business examples and hardware accessible. Henry wadsworth longfellows do nt formally hold a security strategy according to its computing framework however hold one in topographic point for their workers. This papers will help to outline that arrangement and spot the obligations everything being equal. This papers boss point of convergence is to put those threats likely to do disappointment or misfortune to Longfellows figuring frameworks and to try to measure those hazards and set up the expense of the controls to diminish those dangers. 2. Organization Description Involves Longfellows Insurance Brokers, Longfellows Wine Export Pty Ltd, Winefellows Pty ltd, and Longfellows Shanghai Trading Pty Ltd. By and by they have 5 full clasp workers in the Melbourne Office with two approved delegates for the protection protections firm one in QLD and one in NSW. The Melbourne office includes our boss/director, Senior Insurance specialist, Support Marketing and Administration trough, clerk and Wine Export Logistics and China issue. There is eight staff in the Shanghai office including the Shanghai chief entirely identified with net incomes and removal of wine sends out into China from Australia. . 2.1 Current Networked System Work areas: They directly have 10 Desktop machines in the Melbourne office with two of these moving as servers and two of these are run on a splitter for the removal trough/selling. PC processing machines: Two workstations in Melbourne office for chief and senior specialist and approved reps have a PC each. Printers: Three One shading material air pocket stream/Two Black and white optical masers. Servers: One server runs HPML 10 Windowss Microsoft windows little concern server 2003 R2 and other one runs HP ML 10 Windows 2003 R2 Web association: Speed is ADSL 2 or more gave by TPG the internet 2.2 Organizational Chart George Zaal Executive Kellie Rose Organization/Marketing Insurance A ; Wine Export Alex Jenner Activity Manager Insurance Lee Yan Logisticss and Supply Office for vino send out Spirio Bombos IT Manager Johanna Garry Narratives Insurance and Wine Export 3 Security Policy 3.1 Security Goals 3.1.1 Duties of the Principle Director Longfellows rule supervisor guarantees the security of every ascertaining resource handled inside or remotely. ( Caelli, 1991 ) . This obligation involves the execution of equivalent safe watchmen, including physical, regulatory and capable, to secure individual ownership and other touchy informations, which may shack inside the organization s lawful force. Offering thought to Longfellows bing security designs and past occupations a capable security plan should fuse at any rate the adherents: Allot selective obligation of all equipment and bundle installings to Spirio or to the individuals who may win his place. Keep an appearing and meeting techniques for every one of the individuals who work or keep up registering machine frameworks with touchy organization informations. Levels of demonstrating ought to be performed by the fitting level of heading with equivalent achievements to pass judgment on campaigners for the capacity. Determine a control system, actualized by fitting bearing to ensure all new figuring machine applications and changes are truly and in fact safe from disappointment, if informations is curiously delicate so at a lower limit a plane arrangement of constabularies and obligations ought to be incorporated. Support all application modifications before introducing of the application and assurance the individual answerable for the security of the application has fitting gift. Audit and investigate all application demonstrating, to check whether the application meets affirmed security determinations. Endless supply of demonstrating, a change of the results ought to be archived. Any invested individuals should site the papers, there by admiting the application performs orchestrating to the preliminary procedure and meets the security approach. Longfellows rule chief and IT executive will continue and inconsistently manage the security insurances of delicate application informations. Any revisions will be archived and sorted out as bit of security paperss. Checking of framework applications will be resolved at fitting interims by heading and IT chief. Any procurance of new equipment, bundle or other computing peripherals are to be explored to ensure they run into suitable security requests and they fit in with bing security constabularies. Relegate obligation to the IT executive to carry on a risk investigation of each registering machine introducing. The danger examination should determine any conceivable falling flat with every constituent and help chop down loss of delicate informations in a ruinous occasion. An investigation ought to be performed at whatever point another bit of hardware is brought into the framework, preceding gift by course and at intermittent interims non rising above longer than three mature ages. Allocate obligations to ensure the fitting projection programs are topographic point to cover with a data misfortune occasion or hardware disappointment. These projects should detail the fitting activity/s and people in question so as to the arrival administrations. Plans ought to be evaluated when there are modifications to the framework or the subsequent losingss are expanded. 3.1.2 Duties of the Operations Manager The activities chief Alex Jenner ( current ) or antecedents will support the administrator and IT Manager in keeping the solidarity and security of all protection informations and customer contact inside informations. The tasks executive ought to hold fast to current security strategies and assurance all close to home and legitimacy protection informations is secure from disappointment. Should ensure that equivalent checks are performed before leting people to come in or change delicate informations. Should ensure in case of disappointment that data is recoverable and that losingss are keep to a lower limit. 3.1.3 Duties of the Marketing Officer The Marketing chief Kellie Rose ( current ) or antecedents will support the director and IT Manager in keeping the solidarity and security of all selling informations and email contact inside informations. The selling chief ought to cling to current security approaches and gu

Millennials and the Rise of Study Drugs

Millennials and the Rise of Study Drugs The Rise of Study Drugs Amongst Millennials The Rise of Study Drugs Amongst Millennials In post-secondary school, many students carry a full-time course load. Of course, with other commitments such as work, children, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities, this can leave little time for studying and school work altogether. Because of this, many students have turned to “study drugs” to gain more hours in the day strictly dedicated to studying; Adderall and Ritalin are medications that have been used to treat attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD) for many years, but are now being abused by students to stay awake and cram for final exams, essays, and group projects. In fact, 1 in 5 millennials has admit to using stimulants to enhance their studying. Gaining Access to Study Drugs So, how do students gain access to these drugs? Some will fake ADD-like symptoms to their doctors whom will willingly prescribe them this medication unaware that these displayed symptoms are actually fabricated. Alternatively, many students will find and purchase Adderall and Ritalin through classmates, friends, and even family members. Gain Versus Loss Obviously, many students try study stimulants as a means to focus on studying, stay awake, and really cram a large amount of work into a short period of time. Some see this as a last resort while others see this as an advantage to which they use on a regular basis. Unfortunately, there are a lot of downsides to taking these drugs if you truly don’t need them for medical purposes. Since Adderall helps to keep you awake, it can make it very difficult to fall asleep even after you’re done studying. Insomnia often occurs after taking this drug and as a result, you may end up performing poorly the next day due to the extreme exhaustion that is sure to hit. Non-prescription use of Adderall or other study drugs can also have extreme adverse effects on health including irregular heartbeat, seizures, high temperature, and even heart attack. It also eliminates appetite which can result in low-energy once the drug has worn off including the onset of fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Finally, taking a drug that is not yours is illegal. Many students forget this simple, yet obvious fact and although the term “study drug” sounds innocent enough, it is still drug-use and can get you into serious trouble if you aren’t prescribed for this under honest medical supervision. Study Drug Alternatives Clearly, the problem with non-prescription drug use is a growing concern. Like any drug, study drug stimulants can become addictive, cause many health problems, become financially unsustainable, and get you into serious trouble. Whatever your study needs may be, there is always a safer alternative than drug use. Instead of trying to cram for an exam, have one of our expert writers create a comprehensive study guide for you by ordering our coursework writing services. We also offer essay writing, editing, and even online tutoring to fit your specific needs. Treat your body and mind well and look for effective study alternatives that are safe and that work for you. Check out our services and see what we can do to assist you on your academic journey. Millennials and the Rise of Study Drugs The Rise of Study Drugs Amongst Millennials The Rise of Study Drugs Amongst Millennials In post-secondary school, many students carry a full-time course load. Of course, with other commitments such as work, children, extracurricular activities, and social opportunities, this can leave little time for studying and school work altogether. Because of this, many students have turned to “study drugs” to gain more hours in the day strictly dedicated to studying; Adderall and Ritalin are medications that have been used to treat attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD) for many years, but are now being abused by students to stay awake and cram for final exams, essays, and group projects. In fact, 1 in 5 millennials has admit to using stimulants to enhance their studying. Gaining Access to Study Drugs So, how do students gain access to these drugs? Some will fake ADD-like symptoms to their doctors whom will willingly prescribe them this medication unaware that these displayed symptoms are actually fabricated. Alternatively, many students will find and purchase Adderall and Ritalin through classmates, friends, and even family members. Gain Versus Loss Obviously, many students try study stimulants as a means to focus on studying, stay awake, and really cram a large amount of work into a short period of time. Some see this as a last resort while others see this as an advantage to which they use on a regular basis. Unfortunately, there are a lot of downsides to taking these drugs if you truly don’t need them for medical purposes. Since Adderall helps to keep you awake, it can make it very difficult to fall asleep even after you’re done studying. Insomnia often occurs after taking this drug and as a result, you may end up performing poorly the next day due to the extreme exhaustion that is sure to hit. Non-prescription use of Adderall or other study drugs can also have extreme adverse effects on health including irregular heartbeat, seizures, high temperature, and even heart attack. It also eliminates appetite which can result in low-energy once the drug has worn off including the onset of fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. Finally, taking a drug that is not yours is illegal. Many students forget this simple, yet obvious fact and although the term “study drug” sounds innocent enough, it is still drug-use and can get you into serious trouble if you aren’t prescribed for this under honest medical supervision. Study Drug Alternatives Clearly, the problem with non-prescription drug use is a growing concern. Like any drug, study drug stimulants can become addictive, cause many health problems, become financially unsustainable, and get you into serious trouble. Whatever your study needs may be, there is always a safer alternative than drug use. Instead of trying to cram for an exam, have one of our expert writers create a comprehensive study guide for you by ordering our coursework writing services. We also offer essay writing, editing, and even online tutoring to fit your specific needs. Treat your body and mind well and look for effective study alternatives that are safe and that work for you. Check out our services and see what we can do to assist you on your academic journey.

The Loss of Faith Exposed in A Very Old Man with Enormous...

The Loss of Faith Exposed in A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is about a small religious town that is faced with having to believe or not believe in something that once held an extremely important place in Catholic history. The inciting incident is when Pelayo finds the bedraggled angel face down in the mud. The rising actions occur within the treatment of the angel by Pelayo, Elisenda and the town’s people, and also in the questioning of the angel by Father Gonzaga. The turning point in â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings† is when the spider woman comes to town and takes focus away from the angel. â€Å" A spectacle like that, full of much human truth and with such a†¦show more content†¦Location also tells us that it is economically and socially underdeveloped, and is reinforced with the image of isolation given to us when Garcia Marquez writes of Father Gonzaga having to write and send a letter to the bishop. The time period of the story i s established as modern day when it is written â€Å"†¦in determining the difference between a hawk and an airplane†¦(Garcia Marquez 442).† The town’s people are portrayed as simple, primitive and crude as demonstrated when Garcia Marquez writes â€Å"†¦they did not have the heart to club him to death.† and then instead Pelayo â€Å"†¦dragged him out of the mud and locked him up with the hens in the wire chicken coop (441).† After the child’s fever breaks Pelayo and Elisenda â€Å"felt magnanimous and decided to put the angel on a raft with fresh water and provisions for three days and leave him to his fate on the high seas (441).† The town’s people treat the angel as one would a steer when they burn him with a branding iron to see if he is alive. Though we are led to a religious history of strong Catholic background, Marquez shows us that things have changed. â€Å"†¦the whole neighborhood in front of the chicken coop having fun with the angel without the slightest reverence†¦(442)† Marquez is telling us that despite the early beliefs that angels were to be put on a pedestal and extremely respected and even awed that this is not the case now. In earlier Catholic beliefs angels were believed in, without question. TheShow MoreRelatedModern History.Hsc.2012 Essay25799 Words   |  104 Pagesearning a unit Croix de guerre for their actions at Chateau-Thierry, Belleau Wood and Sechelt. * AEF doctrine called for the use of frontal assaults, which had long since been discarded by British Empire and French commanders because of the large loss of li USA – 1930’s Industrialisation in the 1930s – an incomplete scaffold... more detail needed; but probably enough to write a paragraph or two in an essay on industrialisation between 1919 and 1941... The nature of industrialisation in theRead MoreConfucianism in Journey to the West31834 Words   |  128 Pagesinfluence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on media content[4] combined with its usage of Confucianism to secure its own right to rule[5] make the Journey to the West television series the perfect medium to promote Confucianism to the masses. The enormous popularity of Journey to the West among Chinese citizens therefore further adds to the relevance of this thesis. Journey to the West serves as a large source of inspiration for many Chinese people, as can be concluded from the many musicals, stageRead MoreImpact of Science on Society38427 Words   |  154 Pageseven the length and quality of life itself, science has generated changes in the moral values and basic philosophies of mankind. Beginning with the plow, science has changed how we live and what we believe. By making life easier, science has given man the chance to pursue societal concerns such as ethics, aesth etics, education, and justice; to create cultures; and to improve human conditions. But it has also placed us in the unique position of being able to destroy ourselves. To celebrate the 25thRead MoreImpact of Science on Society38421 Words   |  154 Pageseven the length and quality of life itself, science has generated changes in the moral values and basic philosophies of mankind. Beginning with the plow, science has changed how we live and what we believe. By making life easier, science has given man the chance to pursue societal concerns such as ethics, aesthetics, education, and justice; to create cultures; and to improve human conditions. But it has also placed us in the unique position of being able to destroy ourselves. To celebrate the 25thRead MoreStrategy Safari by Mintzberg71628 Words   |  287 Pagessturdy side, At once began to brawl: God bless me but the Elephant Is very like a wall. The Second, feeling of the tusk, Cried, Ho! What have we here So very round and smooth and sharp? To me tis mighty clear This wonder of an Elephant Is very like a spear! The Third approached the animal, And happening to take The squirming trunk within his hands, Thus boldly up and spake: I see, quoth he, The Elephant Is very like a snake! The Fourth reached out an eager hand, And felt around the kneeRead MoreMarketing Mistakes and Successes175322 Words   |  702 Pagesback an oldie, and with updating, gain a new perspective. For new users, I hope the book will meet your full expectations and be an effective instructional tool. Although case books abound, you and your students may find this somewhat unique and very readable, a book that can help transform dry and rather remote concepts into practical reality, and lead to lively class discussions, and even debates. In the gentle environment of the classroom, students can hone their analytical skills and alsoRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 Pagesby sales representatives orwritten sales materials. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. 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This is primarily through the competitive intensity in every sphere of the market. When competition increases, as you know, every firm wants to be heard in the market. This will make the firms to be different than the competitors. Hence marketing becomes a very important functional area for every firm where the competition is very high. In a business firm

Compare the Ways H.G. Wells in the Island of Dr Moreau and...

Compare the ways H.G. Wells in The Island of Dr Moreau and William Golding in Lord of the Flies examine the struggle between civilisation and savagery in an isolated setting. H.G. Wells and William Golding diversely explore the struggle between civilisation and savagery in an isolated setting, through their novels: The Island of Doctor Moreau and Lord of the Flies. Both texts feature an untainted island location, where characters morality and humanity is challenged by fear and lack of order. Wells emphasises through vivid imagery and characterisation, the qualities of humanity that exist outside of the physical body, and employing rhetorical questions and biblical allusions, plays with class expectations and distinctions in his†¦show more content†¦Further examining the central conflict between the human impulse towards savagery and the rules of civilisation which direct it, Wells employs contrasting characters and biblical allusion, whilst Golding allegorically utilises symbols and clashes between central characters Ralph and Jack, who respectively represent civilisation and savagery. While Ralph uses his authority to protect the good of the gro up and enforce morality, insisting we must keep the fire burning, Jack abuses it, choosing to indulge his primal impulses. These distinctions are heightened through contrasting symbols: the conch shell which is associated with Ralph, Piggy’s glasses, and The Lord of the Flies which represents Jack. Ralph’s shell symbolises democratic order on the remote island, yet as the conflict between Jack and himself deepens, it becomes meaningless; ultimately signifying the deterioration of the islands civilisation, further enforced through alliterative imagery, where the sniggering of the savages became a loud, decisive jeer. Finally, during Piggy’s murder, its destruction whilst in Jack’s possession signifies the complete eradication of civilisation on the island. Correspondingly, the breaking of Piggys glasses represents a break from society, as Ralphs signal fire can no longer burn. Moreover, The Lord of the Flies represents the unity of the boys under Jacks rul e, as motivated by fear of the Beast, which symbolises

Normative Economics Free Essays

Republican and democratic candidates in the upcoming elections have tabled proposals on how to reform healthcare in the country. They all agree on need for reforms but differ on the proposed action. The debate has been sparked by reports indicating that many Americans are uninsured. We will write a custom essay sample on Normative Economics or any similar topic only for you Order Now According to U.S census bureau, 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2006 up from 44.8 million in 2005. An increase of 22 million or 15.8%. The proportion of the insured by government schemes also went down from 27.3% to 27.0% in that year (www.census.gov 2007).   A report by families USA puts the figures much higher. It indicates that 89.6 million Americans below 65 years of age were uninsured at time in the last two years. (www.familiesusa.org) These figures show that there really is a health insurance crisis in the country. This is by far biggest subject of the health reform debate in the country. Republicans propose that the government provide incentives for the poor to get private life insurance. They oppose government playing on active role in provision of insurance cover. The Democrats on their part advocate for a universal health care plan. Their proposals require that everybody must get covered. Thesis Democrats have a better health reform agenda than the Republicans. The Democrats proposal to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans is better than the republican proposal, which offer, subsidizes low-income families. Proponent’s Position. Democrats propose that to reform the health sector the government must come in to promote accessibility by all Americans through universal coverage. (www.democrats.org, 2007) Opponent’s Position Republicans emphasize on reforms in healthcare based on free market principles they would offer incentives to the people to taking private life insurance policies. (www.gop.com, 2007) Proponent’s Position Democrats have come up with a plan that ensures that everybody is covered and paying a premium that is within their means. They support a universal health care plan. The health plan targets the uninsured and those not satisfied with their current insurance. Senator Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan requires that the government and big employees make contribution to the employee’s health plan. Small businesses on their part will be let off. They wont contribute but will in fact receive tax credits so that they are able to cover their employees. Under the AHCP, insurance and drug companies will use be highly regulated. Insurance companies will not deny anybody cover due to a pre-existing condition for they foresee somebody falling sick. The drug manufacturers will be pushed to lower the cost of medication. She identifies the greed of these two industries as a major limiting factor to affordable health care for all.   In the AHCP, individuals must get insured. It is called ‘choices’ plan as it allows one to choose whether to retain current cover or get into the one provided by government. Individuals will pay a premium that is within their means. To keep the premiums low, they will be capped to correspond to individual’s income. This way nobody will be required to pay more than they can afford. The plan also avails tax credit to working families. That way, they are able to access quality insurance cover. The plan also aims at expanding Medicaid and children’s health insurance program to reach more people. John Edwards, another Democratic candidate unveiled almost similar plan to that of Senator Clinton. It also agitates for universal coverage with employers to government making contribution. The plan is also mandatory for all Americans. (johnedwards.com, 2007). To fund these grand plans, the candidates have indicated that they will rescind tax breaks and subsidies to insurance providers. Senator Clinton also requires that large employers make contribution towards their employee’s health cover. Her plan also emphasizes on cost cutting through increased efficiency and use of preventive medication Strengths of The Democrats’ Proposal. The proposed universal health care plans ensures that everybody affords insurance cover Senator Clinton’s AHCP ensures that every body is covered and paying an affordable premium. It makes it mandatory for all people to get health insurance coverage but allows them the choice of their policy. This way it does not force one in to buying insurance cover they are not comfortable with. The proposed plan also ensures that nobody is denied insurance coverage. Insurance providers are obliged to provide cover for all without discrimination on the grounds of a pre-existing condition or in anticipation of illness. This brings in a big number of people who were shunned by insurance companies due to condition such as schizophrenia and HIV/ AIDS. (www.democrats.org, 2007) The plan does not require small businesses to contribute to the universal health care plan rather it grants them tax credits. This way the employees of these small businesses stay afloat. This will be incentive for small businesses to expand. The AHCP also emphasizes on cost cutting in health care. It champions preventive measures that are cheaper than curative medication. It also champions greater efficiency and modernization in health care delivery that would bring down costs Weaknesses The universal health plan requires huge funding and this may result to higher taxes for the American public. Senator Clinton puts the cost of her plan at $110 billion while John Edward put his at $120 billion. The figure is tentative and might go higher than that. The planned source may also not deliver as much funds as projected senator Clintons plan to generate savings by boosting efficiency may also not generate enough funds. This would leave only the options of a tax rise as John Edwards concedes. (www.ontheissue.org) Higher taxes will burden the public further and will not be welcome. Government involvement will cause inefficiencies in service delivery. Government involvement will only lead to a huge bureaucracy with a lot of red tape. This might aggravate the crisis. Without a profit motive, he plan might offer sluggish and poor quality services Opponents’ position Republican candidates propose that the government subsidize low-income families to help them access health care rather than providing a universal plan as a way to enhance accessibility. The Republican are opposed to government involvement in provision of health insurance. (www.gop.com, 2007) Rudy Giuliani, a Republican candidate in his plan offers tax deductions of $15,000 to families and $7500 for individuals. These deductions will enable families to access health care. He also proposes to give families and individuals vouchers to buy policies. He would encourage individuals buy covers of their choice as a way to make savings. Individuals would have to pay for minor check-ups as they would to their cars. He also stressed the need for people to take care of their health and not leave it to the government. (Elliott, Philip, 2007) Mitt Romney is agitating for individuals to purchase private insurance. He stresses that government interference will worsen the situation. He proposed tax breaks but not universal coverage plan. That would push up taxes. (www.ontheissues.org, 2007) The Republican propose that health insurance should be left to individual’s choices rather than employer and government schemes. They offer what they call an American solution to the problem. They stand for free market principles and are opposed to socialist tendencies in health care. They do not require that everybody must have health insurance cover. They justify try to create an incentive for individuals to join. Strengths of The Republicans proposals The Republican proposals ensure that the freedom of choice of consumers is safeguarded. Since they know their health better, individuals will decide on which policy in the market suits them best. Health saving plans as proposed by republicans will encourage individuals to save for future health expenses. This will promote more health lifestyle among the people. The insured gain more control over the financing of their health care. Tax deductions and vouchers would enable a big number of people to access quality health care. Neither would they disrupt health care delivery the way universal plan would. These fiscal measures are actually being implemented and would not be experimental. The republican proposals are business friendly in that they do not require large employers to make huge contributions to their employee’s health covers They also come up with a health care service that is free of long bureaucratic procedures. Different insurance providers will compete to provide the most efficient and customer friendly covers. (www.joinrudy2008.com) Weaknesses The republicans fail to address the issue rising medical costs and rising insurance premiums. They give the insurance companies a free hand that results in only higher policies. The subsidies offered may not be adequate to male health insurance cover affordable to all people. This will lead to part of the population remaining uncovered. Most of the proposals made are similar to those implemented under the Bush administration. They are not offering any new solutions to the persisting problems of skyrocketing premiums and medical costs. They emphasize on free market principles that have put the countries in its current predicament. The republican proposals do not tackle the issue of discrimination by the insurance industry insurance providers are not obligated to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Vouchers will not be of any use to such people as they will not get covers anyway Conclusion The democrats’ health agenda is definitely better than the republican agenda on health. It talks the failures of the healthcare system in place today. The democrats have tabled plans on how to make health care more affordable and accessible that are more convincing. They require that every body be covered while leaving rooms for choice on the policy. Their plan covers everybody and also ensures that the premiums are affordable. The net wise in taxes will not be huge as the cost of not implementing the plan. When sick people cannot pay for their health cover the community will have to bear the burden. Universal coverage has been implemented in other advanced countries and would also improve health care in the US. References: Highlights, 2007. Health insurance coverage: 2006. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from    http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/hlthins/hlthin06/hlth06asc.html A Healthcare That Works for Everybody, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.democrats.org/a/national/affordable_health_care/ Making Healthcare Affordable to all Americans, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.gop.com/Issues/HealthCare/ American Health Choices Plan, 2007. Hillary for president. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/healthcareplan/summary.aspx Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/ Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s health plan, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.joinrudy2008.com/commitment.php?num=7 Mitt Romney on Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Mitt_Romney_Health_Care.htm Elliott, Philip, 2007. Giuliani: Dems Want Nanny Government. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from  Ã‚   http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070730/D8QN4AHO0.html How to cite Normative Economics, Essay examples Normative Economics Free Essays Republican and democratic candidates in the upcoming elections have tabled proposals on how to reform healthcare in the country. They all agree on need for reforms but differ on the proposed action. The debate has been sparked by reports indicating that many Americans are uninsured. We will write a custom essay sample on Normative Economics or any similar topic only for you Order Now According to U.S census bureau, 47 million Americans were uninsured in 2006 up from 44.8 million in 2005. An increase of 22 million or 15.8%. The proportion of the insured by government schemes also went down from 27.3% to 27.0% in that year (www.census.gov 2007).   A report by families USA puts the figures much higher. It indicates that 89.6 million Americans below 65 years of age were uninsured at time in the last two years. (www.familiesusa.org) These figures show that there really is a health insurance crisis in the country. This is by far biggest subject of the health reform debate in the country. Republicans propose that the government provide incentives for the poor to get private life insurance. They oppose government playing on active role in provision of insurance cover. The Democrats on their part advocate for a universal health care plan. Their proposals require that everybody must get covered. Thesis Democrats have a better health reform agenda than the Republicans. The Democrats proposal to make health care affordable and accessible to all Americans is better than the republican proposal, which offer, subsidizes low-income families.   Proponent’s Position. Democrats propose that to reform the health sector the government must come in to promote accessibility by all Americans through universal coverage. (www.democrats.org, 2007) Opponent’s Position Republicans emphasize on reforms in healthcare based on free market principles they would offer incentives to the people to taking private life insurance policies. (www.gop.com, 2007) Proponent’s Position Democrats have come up with a plan that ensures that everybody is covered and paying a premium that is within their means. They support a universal health care plan. The health plan targets the uninsured and those not satisfied with their current insurance. Senator Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan requires that the government and big employees make contribution to the employee’s health plan. Small businesses on their part will be let off. They wont contribute but will in fact receive tax credits so that they are able to cover their employees. Under the AHCP, insurance and drug companies will use be highly regulated. Insurance companies will not deny anybody cover due to a pre-existing condition for they foresee somebody falling sick. The drug manufacturers will be pushed to lower the cost of medication. She identifies the greed of these two industries as a major limiting factor to affordable health care for all. In the AHCP, individuals must get insured. It is called ‘choices’ plan as it allows one to choose whether to retain current cover or get into the one provided by government. Individuals will pay a premium that is within their means. To keep the premiums low, they will be capped to correspond to individual’s income. This way nobody will be required to pay more than they can afford. The plan also avails tax credit to working families. That way, they are able to access quality insurance cover. The plan also aims at expanding Medicaid and children’s health insurance program to reach more people. John Edwards, another Democratic candidate unveiled almost similar plan to that of Senator Clinton. It also agitates for universal coverage with employers to government making contribution. The plan is also mandatory for all Americans. (johnedwards.com, 2007). To fund these grand plans, the candidates have indicated that they will rescind tax breaks and subsidies to insurance providers. Senator Clinton also requires that large employers make contribution towards their employee’s health cover. Her plan also emphasizes on cost cutting through increased efficiency and use of preventive medication Strengths of The Democrats’ Proposal. The proposed universal health care plans ensures that everybody affords insurance cover Senator Clinton’s AHCP ensures that every body is covered and paying an affordable premium. It makes it mandatory for all people to get health insurance coverage but allows them the choice of their policy. This way it does not force one in to buying insurance cover they are not comfortable with. The proposed plan also ensures that nobody is denied insurance coverage. Insurance providers are obliged to provide cover for all without discrimination on the grounds of a pre-existing condition or in anticipation of illness. This brings in a big number of people who were shunned by insurance companies due to condition such as schizophrenia and HIV/ AIDS. (www.democrats.org, 2007) The plan does not require small businesses to contribute to the universal health care plan rather it grants them tax credits. This way the employees of these small businesses stay afloat. This will be incentive for small businesses to expand. The AHCP also emphasizes on cost cutting in health care. It champions preventive measures that are cheaper than curative medication. It also champions greater efficiency and modernization in health care delivery that would bring down costs Weaknesses The universal health plan requires huge funding and this may result to higher taxes for the American public. Senator Clinton puts the cost of her plan at $110 billion while John Edward put his at $120 billion. The figure is tentative and might go higher than that. The planned source may also not deliver as much funds as projected senator Clintons plan to generate savings by boosting efficiency may also not generate enough funds. This would leave only the options of a tax rise as John Edwards concedes. (www.ontheissue.org) Higher taxes will burden the public further and will not be welcome. Government involvement will cause inefficiencies in service delivery. Government involvement will only lead to a huge bureaucracy with a lot of red tape. This might aggravate the crisis. Without a profit motive, he plan might offer sluggish and poor quality services Opponents’ position Republican candidates propose that the government subsidize low-income families to help them access health care rather than providing a universal plan as a way to enhance accessibility. The Republican are opposed to government involvement in provision of health insurance. (www.gop.com, 2007) Rudy Giuliani, a Republican candidate in his plan offers tax deductions of $15,000 to families and $7500 for individuals. These deductions will enable families to access health care. He also proposes to give families and individuals vouchers to buy policies. He would encourage individuals buy covers of their choice as a way to make savings. Individuals would have to pay for minor check-ups as they would to their cars. He also stressed the need for people to take care of their health and not leave it to the government. (Elliott, Philip, 2007) Mitt Romney is agitating for individuals to purchase private insurance. He stresses that government interference will worsen the situation. He proposed tax breaks but not universal coverage plan. That would push up taxes. (www.ontheissues.org, 2007) The Republican propose that health insurance should be left to individual’s choices rather than employer and government schemes. They offer what they call an American solution to the problem. They stand for free market principles and are opposed to socialist tendencies in health care. They do not require that everybody must have health insurance cover. They justify try to create an incentive for individuals to join. Strengths of The Republicans proposals The Republican proposals ensure that the freedom of choice of consumers is safeguarded. Since they know their health better, individuals will decide on which policy in the market suits them best. Health saving plans as proposed by republicans will encourage individuals to save for future health expenses. This will promote more health lifestyle among the people. The insured gain more control over the financing of their health care. Tax deductions and vouchers would enable a big number of people to access quality health care. Neither would they disrupt health care delivery the way universal plan would. These fiscal measures are actually being implemented and would not be experimental. The republican proposals are business friendly in that they do not require large employers to make huge contributions to their employee’s health covers They also come up with a health care service that is free of long bureaucratic procedures. Different insurance providers will compete to provide the most efficient and customer friendly covers. (www.joinrudy2008.com) Weaknesses The republicans fail to address the issue rising medical costs and rising insurance premiums. They give the insurance companies a free hand that results in only higher policies. The subsidies offered may not be adequate to male health insurance cover affordable to all people. This will lead to part of the population remaining uncovered. Most of the proposals made are similar to those implemented under the Bush administration. They are not offering any new solutions to the persisting problems of skyrocketing premiums and medical costs. They emphasize on free market principles that have put the countries in its current predicament.   The republican proposals do not tackle the issue of discrimination by the insurance industry insurance providers are not obligated to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Vouchers will not be of any use to such people as they will not get covers anyway Conclusion The democrats’ health agenda is definitely better than the republican agenda on health. It talks the failures of the healthcare system in place today. The democrats have tabled plans on how to make health care more affordable and accessible that are more convincing. They require that every body be covered while leaving rooms for choice on the policy. Their plan covers everybody and also ensures that the premiums are affordable. The net wise in taxes will not be huge as the cost of not implementing the plan. When sick people cannot pay for their health cover the community will have to bear the burden. Universal coverage has been implemented in other advanced countries and would also improve health care in the US. References: Highlights, 2007. Health insurance coverage: 2006. Retrieved on 04/10/07 A Healthcare That Works for Everybody, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.democrats.org/a/national/affordable_health_care/ Making Healthcare Affordable to all Americans, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.gop.com/Issues/HealthCare/ American Health Choices Plan, 2007. Hillary for president. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.hillaryclinton.com/feature/healthcareplan/summary.aspx Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://johnedwards.com/issues/health-care/ Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s health plan, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.joinrudy2008.com/commitment.php?num=7 Mitt Romney on Healthcare, 2007. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Mitt_Romney_Health_Care.htm Elliott, Philip, 2007. Giuliani: Dems Want Nanny Government. Retrieved on 04/10/07 from  Ã‚   http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070730/D8QN4AHO0.html How to cite Normative Economics, Essay examples

Personal Story of a High School Student Essay Example For Students

Personal Story of a High School Student Essay It was another wonderful autumn day in southern Minnesota. It was a Friday in September. The warm weather was starting to fade, as it always does in Minnesota, but there was football to be played that night, plus it was the eve of my 16th birthday. I was particularly excited, because in my family owning a car was not a privlege, it was a momentous step showing who that person is. When you drive that car on your own for the first time, it is a sign of manhood. My father is one of the hardest working people Ive ever known. He is a mechinic and has been since he turned 22. Before that he owned many cars that he had built and raced by himself. One of the biggest thing he taught me was the satisfaction from doing something yourself makes it even better. As any boy does at one time, just being with my father and being able to watch him work is one of the fondest memories I have. My father has an eleborate garage that can easily fit three cars wide plus he has two hoists to lift the cars. I have worked on many things in the garage: my go-kart, dirtbike, snowmobiles, and countless other objects some kids only dream of. It was about the second week in September, I was going to school in Wisconsin, and we were playing against Minnesota Schools. We werent a very skilled class when it came to football, I think we were like 1-5 at the time, but every week, even though we would probably lose, we were so excited to be the talk of the school and couldnt wait to play. It was, once again, the best part about the fall playing football just talking to the other guys, wearing the same jerseys at school. Even if you didnt care for them it still felt like you were best of friends. Then came the end of the day when you become even more excited, because you know in a couple hours you would be suiting up and playing what could possibly be your last game. I was excitied to play, but being the starting tight end in a football team that ran the ball ninety percent of the time is not the funnest thing. I was really looking forward to that night, especially after the game. We were going to go out and party for my birthday, I couldnt wait. The game came and went and we got crushed again, but I didnt care, we were used to it. That night I had something like five of my closest friends over, and we did many things fifteen and sixteen year olds did. Stayed up late playing video games, drinking pop and just having a good time. The next morning was probably one of the most vivid day about my childhood. Some of the guys left around nine in the morning and then I took the rest home in my dads Jeep. My dads Jeep was a wrangler with a five speed, one of the most exciting things to drive with a short-wheel base. You can drift any turn you want to. I drove one of my friends to Winona to see his girlfriend, and the other one to his house in Onalaska Wisconsin. The drive from Winona to Wisconsin in the fall is one of the most beautiful drives the midwest has to offer. The colors are changing from green to red, almost as if the bluffs were on fire, and it reflects off the Mississippi River. After dropping him off, I made my way home driving reckless and taking every backroad I could find. I got home probably around two, two-thirthy. My father came up to me in an abnormallly, quick, and excitied pace, almost jogging he said we have to go. Surprised and confused I wanted to question it, but figured, what the hell, its my birthday. So of course we just left. It wasnt to far until we got out of town where they have auctions. Out front, I saw one of the coolest cars Ive ever seen. It had seen better days. The paint was coming off, the roof was smashed in three places, the back windshield was gone, and the interior was even worse. .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .postImageUrl , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:hover , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:visited , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:active { border:0!important; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:active , .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924 .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub968216bb2356278534b6c0a8ec50924:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Susan B. Anthony EssayThe only part that was still in the car that was left in tact was the seat, and that bench seat was ready to go. You could see the ground through the floor. The dash was all torn up and the trunk-well that was mostly gone. To me though I could see everything that this car had previously been. I could see someone elses dream that came to life, but now it had spent to long rusting and losing life. I said to my Dad, before he told me why we where there, I said that seventy two Chevelle needs a little work, but whoever bought it has one hell of a car. We walked in the building, expecting to see farm equipment and small farm toys. An older man came up to us and handed me a piece of paper and said, congratulations. Being a shy kid, I just said thank you curiously opening the folded piece of paper. I just wanted to run outside and jump in my new car. My eyes lit up brighter than those of a little kid for Christmas. I ran out to the car, and looked at my dad and said really, really I dont know what to say. We had to tow it home, and I spent the rest of the day working on the car. Around five oclock I sat down in my yard and just stared at it, not trully seeing all the work that needed to be done, but just admiring this beautiful piece of machinery. I could see it the way I already would have it built. Slammed on the ground, the loudest and biggest motor I could find for it,and every line and the flat black color that would be on it. The car looked bad to most people it should have been sent in for scrape metal, but not to me. I spent countless hours on getting it just the way I wanted it, and I dont care what other people say about it. To me the funnest part about cars is the fact that you can build it anyway you want. There will always be people out there that will like it. I found all the parts I wanted for it and started assembling it the way I want it. To me the car is perfect even thoough to many it should look like it originally did, but others just stare at me and wish they could own something like it. In my family cars arent just a way to get from place to place, they are a way of life and the car that you take there is a statement of the person that you are. It shows the pride you put into it the dedication, hardwork, sweat, and blood. Even tho other people take pride in there houses, wealth, and other material things, this is my families.

Addendum on Used To vs. Use To

Addendum on Used To vs. Use To Addendum on Used To vs. Use To Addendum on Used To vs. Use To By Maeve Maddox It sometimes happens that I write a post that I think is beautifully focused on one point of usage, and then I receive a slew of emails faulting me for misrepresenting the topic. That’s what happened with a post on the modal use of used and use to express habitual action in the past. When an article receives this kind of response, I have to assume that my intended explanation wasn’t as clear as I thought it was. The post was based on the following question from a reader: Which is correct    He USED to go to the game on Friday. He USE to go to the game on Friday. All I intended to point out in my answer was that used is the correct choice for the examples given, but that use is correct when it follows the negative didn’t. What I said was, When the statement is positive, as in the reader’s example, the expression is used to. In negative statements, the expression is use to. For example, â€Å"He didn’t use to go to the game on Friday.† One reader correctly commented, â€Å"The distinction is not really about positivity/negativity,† and offered the following sentences as evidence: He did use to go to the game on Friday. He never used to go to the game on Friday. The first example is correct as a contradictory statement. For example: Person A: He didn’t use to go to the game on Friday. Person B: He did use to go to the game on Friday. The second example contains the negative adverb never, but used is still the correct form. Any adverb, negative or otherwise, may modify the modal used: never used to go always used to go rarely used to go I apologize for my sweeping statements about positive and negative. Another reader asks, Can we say â€Å"usednt to† instead of  Ã¢â‚¬Å"didn’t  use to†? It depends. If you live in the UK or some other place where this expression is common, go ahead and use it. If you say it to an American speaker, you’re likely to get a puzzled look. For British speakers, here’s what it says about the different forms in The Penguin Writer’s Manual: The strictly correct negative form of used to is used not to, which can be shortened to usedn’t to: â€Å"You used not to (or usedn’t to) mind if we came in a little late.† This often sounds rather formal, so that did not use to or didn’t use to (but not didn’t used to) are generally acceptable in informal speech or writing. Likewise, the traditionally correct negative question form used you not to..? or usedn’t you to..? is often replaced, more informally, by didn’t you use to..? If neither of these options seems acceptable, you used to, didn’t you? can be used. Another reader demands, What is your authority for this? My usual authorities are the OED, Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary, and The Chicago Manual of Style. This time, however, I relied for the most part on British and American grammar sites that target English learners. BBC: When talking about things that we did in the past but dont do now we can use the expression  used to. The negative form, to talk about things which we didnt do in the past but do now, is  didnt use to.   Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries: Except in negatives and questions, the correct form is used to: â€Å"I used to go there every Saturday.† To form questions, use did: Did she use to have long hair? The negative form is usually didn’t use to, but in British English this is quite informal and is not usually used in writing. English Stack Exchange: Except in negatives and questions, the correct form is used to: â€Å"we used to go to the movies all the time† (not we use to go to the movies). However, in negatives and questions using the auxiliary verb do, the correct form is use to: â€Å"I didn’t use to like mushrooms† (not I didn’t used to like mushrooms). Finally, several readers wondered about the pronunciation of used to and use to. You’ll find a thorough treatment of British and American pronunciation of these forms at the Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries site. Thanks to all of you for your comments. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Redundant Phrases to Avoid55 Boxing IdiomsUlterior and Alterior

How to Live Large on an Entry Level Budget

How to Live Large on an Entry Level Budget You’ve finally landed an entry level job and everything has been going well.  Ã‚  You’ve gotten your first pay stub and you’re excited and ready to go out and spend that money on extravagant items. BUT WAIT, there’s one thing you forgot–you’ve got bills to pay! Now you find yourself in a position where you have to create a budget  so that you don’t spend your  money carelessly. Being an adult is tough work, but if you follow these 6 steps, you can develop an effective budget that will leave money in your pocket while still living large! 1.  Plan your budgetThe first, most obvious, step, is to make a budget. Mint is a great app that helps you track what you have coming in and where it goes where you spend it. It nudges you to remember to save some money for fun things like   entertainment, but also helps you save for large purchases or even retirement investments.2. Rent cheaper apartmentsYou have to live somewhere and it can be tempting to pick the coolest neighborhood or the shortest commute, near where your friends live or right by your favorite music venue. But casting your net a bit wider, geographically speaking, may help you maximize your floor plan while minimizing your monthly rent expenses.3.  Cook your own foodReal Talk: My first year of employment and New York living, the Chinese takeout near me knew my out-of-state area code and order so well they’d answer the phone with, â€Å"Yes, Virginia, steamed dumplings and†¦?† It was not a good look. As a newly fledged adult I’ve learned to cook the basics- proteins, pasta, roasted vegetables. Salt and pepper. Cooking even the simplest things is better for you than living on leftovers- and making smart (cheap) choices for breakfast and lunch lets you save a few bucks for a nice meal out now and then.4. Work on your bargain hunting skillsGet to know the stores that take consignment or accept trades. Sell back old textbooks. Build up your eBay skills so your listings are polished and professional, and see how your collectible former fads fare on the resale market.5.  Enjoy the FREE festivitiesMuseums and libraries are your new best friends; outdoor concerts are your bread and butter. Gallery openings, tourist offerings, offseason events with discounted fees, and of course apps like Groupon can all help you make the most out of that limited entertainment budget Mint helped you set aside!6. Take advantage of company perksThis will all depend on where you’re working, but often corporate employers have partnerships with entertainment venues, fitness centers, or educational organizations. They may even offer public transit rebates! Figure out how to make the most out of your employer’s strategic alliances to secure experiences or goods and services that make your life better!And finally, remember that this too shall pass- every annual review is a chance for a cost of living increase or a tit le bump. Eventually you will look back and wonder how you saved up all this money- and it’ll be because you developed responsible habits when you didn’t have much to spend.

Case study (12 Questions)_Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease Essay

Case study (12 Questions)_Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease - Essay Example Antibiotic therapy is directed at the most common pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Mild to moderate exacerbations of COPD are usually treated with older broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium. While doing the abovementioned management for the patient, detailed history should be done, if not obtained from the patient, from the companion. Risk factors, medications,measures done should be detailed. The vital signs of the patient should be checked constantly making sure that values are within normal. In-depth physical examination, not only of the respiratory system, but also of other systems should be done. The patient should be hooked on pulse oximeter to check for oxygenation status. Angela is also extremely distressed on arrival and asks "She is going to be all right isnt she? I know this is my fault - I wanted her to do everything – spend time with me when I knew she was busy!" Chronic pulmonary obstructive diseases is characterized by the inflammation of the lungs especially the small airways as a reaction of the body to inhaled toxins, cigarette smoke, dust and other particles due to air pollution or indoor cooking. Chronic productive cough, sputum and bronchoconstriction also result due to chronic bronchitis but ciliary dysfunctions may cause difficulties in expectorating (Devereux, 2006). The inflammation triggers a series of reactions that can lead to destruction of tissues, defense and repair mechanisms. Overworked proteases and antioxidants that fight off oxidative stress created by lung inflammation causes imbalance of these molecules in the lungs. Metalloproteases and other proteases increase due to increased number of macrophages, neutrophils, and T lymphocytes which are also involved in the pathogenesis of emphysema due to injuries in

History ID's Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History ID's - Assignment Example laid the ground for World War 2 because it is considered to be the main cause for the rise of the Nazis in Germany and it was violated by Germany due to the strict restrictions laid upon the nation. President Warren G. Harding was the president of the United States of America from 1921 to 1923. He just stayed for two years in rule because of his death in 1923 due to a heart attack. Warren G. Harding won his elections with the promise that he would pull America out of the war and its effects. He kept his word and proved to provide good economic policies for the country which included the formation of the federal budget bureau. He supported civil rights but his government was marred by scandals and particularly it was the Teapot Dome scandal. In this scandal his interior secretary Albert Fall sold the oil reserve rights in Teapot and other significant locations for money and other personal benefits. Archduke Francis Ferdinand was the Archduke of Austria. He was born in 1863 and was assassinated in 1914. In 1889 his cousin shot himself, giving the Archduke’s father the rights to throne and making Archduke Francis Ferdinand the successor to the throne. It was in 1896 after the death of his father that he became the heir apparent to the Austria-Hungarian throne. His assassination in 1914 in Sarajevo was a very important event in the history of the world because it sparked the First World War. Francis Ferdinand was assassinated by Gavrilo Princip of Serbia. This led to a war between Austria and Serbia. Austria was backed by Germany and Italy whereas Serbia was allied with Britain, France and Russia. This war was joined by other nations of the world and hence led to the world war. Ku Klux Klan is the name given to racist groups which emerged in the United States after the American Civil War. This group was composed of extremists who considered the whites to be superior over other races. They did not believe in equal rights. They resorted to violence and started

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Construction

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Construction Abstract The following dissertation focuses on a personal development technique called Continuing Professional Development (CPD). With the world of construction constantly changing, professionals in the industry need to keep up to speed with the changing elements of the industry nationally and internationally. This dissertation assesses the CPD process that the industrys institutions provide for members and assesses how CPD is carried out. It also looks at how beneficial CPD is to the professionals who participate and the company they work for. By the end of this dissertation the role of these institutions should be easily identifiable in professional development and how participation can give working professionals a competitive edge on-site and help them progress in their careers both in and outside their existing company. This dissertation also encapsulates the opinions of some of the professional members of the industry involved in CPD. It will assess how CPD has influenced them in their career and will make recommendations on how to refine the process. Introduction This chapter explains the core elements of the study which includes a definition, hypothesis, aims and objectives, parameters of study and research methodology. Definition of Topic The definition of CPD in general is continual learning, regardless of age or seniority, which focuses on professional competency in a professional role. Its aim is to improve personal performance and enhance career progression. Over recent years the benefits of structured CPD have been identified within the construction industry. To become a chartered professional under a construction based institution(e.g. the Chartered Institute of Building(CIOB)) professionals must show they have been involved in a structured CPD process. Records must be maintained to show this before professionals may transgress. With the current economic climate, construction professionals need to keep their knowledge and skills to the optimum to ensure progression within their company and give them an advantage when looking for work elsewhere. CPD not only applies to the working professional but also to those unemployed who want to increase their chances when opportunities occur. Hypothesis CPD improves the performance and enhances the career progression of a professional in the construction industry. Aim of Dissertation The aim of this dissertation is to produce a piece of work that explains the process of CPD in relation to the construction industry. The dissertation will also assess the advantages of CPD; identify why it is important and how it can be improved. Objectives The objectives of this dissertation are to: Explain what CPD is in general and in a construction context. Identify which construction related professional institutes provide a structured CPD system for their members. Assess CPD within these institutes; compare advantages or disadvantages of each and recommend measures to improve their CPD systems effectiveness. Establish how important CPD is to each participants professional performance, development and career progression. Establish how important effective CPD is to a professionals performance and the company that employ them. Gather together the opinion of working professional in the construction industry on the benefits of CPD. Parameter of Study This study contains a general overview of CPD in terms of professionalism as a whole in any career path. It then focuses on CPD specifically in the construction industry and gives an in depth analysis of the role of professional institutes and its members who participate. It also identifies how important CPD is the construction industry today, both to the individual themselves and the company that employ them. Research Methodology There were a number of different methods of research used to complete this study including both primary and secondary research which are detailed below. Secondary Research: Books Various books were sourced both in the GMIT library and the online library of the CIOB. These books and extracts from books were used as a reference and for background information and reading. Some books covered CPD overall and others covered CPD specifically in the construction industry. Electronic Journals Official Reports Surveys Many of the reports and surveys read were carried out within the last decade in regard to the construction industry as well as CPD in other professions across the UK and in Ireland. These gave a good insight into CPD in other professions, what elements of CPD are important and in what direction CPD in construction is heading. Internet There was a mass of information available on the internet which contained both up-to-date and older material. Not all sources found were reliable, but pockets of valid information was uncovered throughout my research on the internet. Much background information was found which was helpful in getting different partys opinions on CPD and how it should be carried out. Many official websites were also useful in getting information on how CPD is provided to individuals by professional bodies both in construction and outside too. A lot of information was gathered through these sites to establish how CPD was made available to construction professionals. Primary Research: The four leading professional bodies in construction were chosen as the basis of my primary study. These include the Chartered Institute of Building(CIOB), the Society of Chartered Surveyors(SCS), Engineers Ireland(IEI) and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland(RIAI). All four institutes have many members from various construction backgrounds and play a major role in the development of these professionals through CPD. Information on their CPD policy and practice was gathered and semi-structured interviews were then carried out with the relevant staff members of each institute to consolidate the information collected. Interviews were also carried out with members of the different institutes to get the receivers point of view. Format of Study This thesis will be carried out using the following chapter: Introduction to CPD In Chapter 2 CPD will be looked at in relation to the entire working world. CPD can be applied to any profession but also has similarities to the personal development of an individual. With the global economy rapidly evolving, new patterns of work and learning have emerged worldwide. Massive growth in sectors like information technology(IT) means that people working in that sector need to keep up with the changes or they will be left behind. The main purpose of continuing development personally is to maximise enjoyment of work and life. Therefore we need to be continually responding to the changing world around us. â€Å"Are you living to work or working to live?†(Megginson Whitaker, 2007) Continuing Professional Development(CPD) is based around the whole concept self-motivation and self management. It all depends on how motivated the participant is to learn about the career they are undertaking and can apply to any professional in the working world. It is particularly relevant to professions such as teaching, nursing and accountancy where ongoing learning is crucial.(Megginson Whitaker 2007) â€Å"The most precious asset any professional controls is knowledge of the discipline and the skill to apply it effectively. Over the long run it is more important to maintain the value of this asset than the office, the furniture, the computer hardware, or even the bank account.†(www.riai.ie/cpd Accessed 19/02/2010) History of CPD CPD has been around in various different forms for a long time. It is only over the past 25 years that CPD has been formalised and endorsed by professional membership bodies. Its history is as follows: 1850: Professionals met up in coffee houses to discuss practice and share notes 1984: Chartered Institute of Personal Development(CIPD) created a policy statement on CPD 1986: Construction Industry Council(CIC) defined CPD 1990: UK Inter-Professional Group(UKIPG 1977) CPD Forum set-up 1995: CPD becomes a requirement for all practicing CIPD Members 1999: CIC definition of CPD most commonly cited definition 2000: Institute of Professional Development(IPD) was granted a Royal Charter 2009: Aspirations to move from input to output and outcome-driven CPD schemes(Institute of Continuing Professional Development(ICPD) What is CPD? CPD is a process completed by the majority of professionals in the working world, either consciously or unconsciously. Its main purpose is to implement a system of continued learning and development separate to what they would learn through their daily work. Two definitions of CPD are as follows: â€Å"Continuing Professional Development(CPD) is the process by which individuals take control of their own learning and development, by engaging in an on-going process of reflection and action.†(Megginson, Whitaker, 2007) â€Å"The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individuals working life.†(Construction Industry Council, UK, 1986) CPD has many functions in the role of a professional. It ensures the professional maintains a high level of competence in their field and has the up-to-date skills and knowledge to provide a competent service to their client or employer. CPD also has a knock-on effect which encourages further development in many areas. This process empowers the individual to achieve their goals and encourages them to look at their career progression from a wider perspective. Self-motivation is a key element in this process, where the individual is the main driving force behind this new learning. It is their own responsibility to develop themselves and is not up their manager or employer. If the individual has no desire to learn CPD is a pointless process. Feedback from a CPD survey in 2008 indicates that members see two key benefits in undertaking CPD: It helps them maintain their knowledge and skills, and maintain professional and ethical standards.(PARN CPD survey 2008) Need for CPD CPD has evolved from the individuals thinking that career progression not only relates to secure job within an organisation but by the skills, knowledge and experiences obtained by the individual. CPD is also needed to ensure working professionals are providing an adequate service to their clients and employers. Services such as advice must be given so that changes to the environment associated with the decision are taken into account. This ensures the client gets the best service available for the fee paid. Soon to be professionals also need to maintain an adequate amount of CPD to progress to the next stage towards becoming chartered in most organisations. This goes a long way to fulfilling their need towards becoming a competent professional. Core Concepts of CPD How is CPD different to other types of training and development? The learner is in control-the whole CPD process is self-driven and managed where learning outcomes are directly proportionate to the time and effort participant puts into the process. They must be self- motivated, which means the participant must want to continue learning to be successful no matter what position or profession. It can apply to most aspects of life-CPD can apply to life outside work as well. For example, personal development can be achieved through implementing some of the knowledge or skills to improve family communications etc. There is a regular plan, do and evaluate process involved, which sets achievable goals and reflects on work put in which can spurs on further development. CPD can be beneficial without the support of others in their working environment. All professionals can complete CPD regardless of working situation, whether they work for a company or are self-employed and deal directly with their own clients. Of course support from employer would be more beneficial but it is not essential as interaction is mostly between the professional body and individual. Although some employers incorporate CPD into the training and development programmes of all employees. Methods of Learning through CPD CPD revolves around the whole learning process and the methods with which learning is provided is a very important part of the process. These methods ensure professionals can improve their skills and knowledge and gain relevant experience. Formal, non-formal and informal methods of learning include any process relevant to a profession that improves skills, knowledge and the experiences of a professional. CPD activities can include in-house training, open learning, conferences, seminars, workshops, structured reading, self-study, presentations and being a coach or mentor. Structured Unstructured CPD: All CPD comes under the heading of structured or unstructured CPD. Structured CPD is where the learning outcomes are identified in advance of learning. This CPD does not have to be provided or accredited by the participants institution or professional body. Structured CPD covers any educational event or programme run by a recognised educational or professional institution. Structured CPD must also be accompanied by attendance records or a certificate to prove process has been successfully completed. Unstructured CPD is an unplanned CPD activity that can be completed at any time or anywhere at the participants discretion. Activities that qualify as unstructured CPD include personal study or development, peer review and other activities such as case studies that are not part of other course requirements. Reflection on both of these CPD learning methods is crucial before CPD can be recorded. CPD methods of learning do not necessarily need to be provided by a professional body. They can be provided by an employer or other organisation which then can be accredited by the body as a worthwhile process. Constant reading of up to date reports, journals, magazines, newspapers and reviews relevant to a specific profession is probably the most common method. Reading is a very easy way of learning if the reader has an interest in the subject and puts the effort in to focus and concentrate on what they are reading. It is a very efficient method as it can be resumed over the space of a few minutes and it does not entail the use of another individuals time. Time management is a massive element in any professionals working life where they are always working to tight schedule. This means they may only have a few minutes a day to set aside for CPD of which reading is the perfect filler. Conferences and the gathering of professionals at CPD events are a fixed way of delivering CPD to practicing professionals. These may take place every few months and give attendees a chance to catch up with fellow professionals and discuss relevant issues. They may exchange ideas or opinions and can get in touch with useful contacts which may be important in the future. Seminars and lectures are also common where a leader of a profession may speak or organise a talk on issues that are changing the roles and lives of a professional or the industry they work in. Experts in the field may be asked to explain some new issue and give an opinion on what should be done. It is very important for professional bodies to hold these gatherings as it can influence and guide the way in which professionals across the world carry out there work. With resources on the internet constantly being upgraded it has now become very beneficial to CPD. Information is now much more accessible to the professional in their workplace, this method of learning is commonly known as e-learning. Readable information does not necessarily need to be sent to the professionals workplace anymore as these sources are now regularly being uploaded on professional body websites which are available 24 hours a day. This means waiting times are virtually eliminated as most magazines, reports and other such information are now available on the internet. Videos of seminars, conferences and podcasts can now be easily accessed which means information can be dispersed quickly and accurately straight to the professionals computer. This is a major time saving method as travelling times are eliminated and a much wider audience can be reached at one time. Assessments can also be uploaded onto a professional bodys website immediately after learning has taken place or can be submitted by email at any time. Records are much more easily kept when communicating through the internet; most websites make records accessible to professional membership which makes reflection a lot easier too. Professionals can be trained through workplace training which trains a small group of professionals within a company(s) on a specific topic. This method encourages participants to get more involved and can increase their understanding of the topic. A full list of CPD activities may include: Open distance learning(the internet, video packages, slide/tape packages, correspondence courses) Private study including systematic study of appropriate literature or research, or even learning a relevant language Technical and professional conferences, lectures, seminars, workshops, study tours, technical visits and short courses Courses leading to professional qualification or academic awards Writing articles for publication Teaching(for those not at teaching posts) Practice(for those in teaching posts) Preparing papers and contributing to technical meetings and study groups Examining, tutoring or mentoring(www.ciob.org.uk-Accessed 26/02/2010) Professional Bodies CPD is crucial to the success of any working professional. One crucial factor that determines the effectiveness of CPD to a professional is the professional body that provides the platform for this new learning. The majority of professional bodies, such as the CIOB, are non-profit making organisations that are established to support their professional members. They work to try and satisfy the needs of a specific group of people who work in the same field. Professional bodies simply started out as a group of professionals who got together to discuss relevant issues in their field and share ideas. There are hundreds of these bodies and institutes set up all over the world dealing in a multitude of different professions and even ordinary jobs, from secretaries to project managers. Professional organisations aim to assist and direct their members on the road to success. This is achieved by providing the tools to sharpen the professionals skills and knowledge. Being a member means you have unlimited access to all the educational resources and services needed to continue your professional development. They provide members with information, training, education, tips, advice and strategies to assist them in reaching the height of their professional career. It gives many opportunities to mingle with fellow professionals and employers in their specific field which could be of benefit when seeking career opportunities. This is one major reason why professionals join these organisations, to be recognised by the body and their codes of practice. Membership indicates to the existing or future employers that the individual is dedicated and has ambition to succeed in their profession. Professional bodies are also there to promote professionalism in their industry and help push members to achieve the standards of excellence associated with their profession. They are committed to developing and maintaining standards and policies for education within their profession and can also push for social awareness and debate. Some organisations can even influence government and industrial policy decisions.(www.nightcourses.com) CPD within Professional Bodies CPD was originally developed as part of the main objectives set out by these organisations, to educate their members. This process evolved and continual learning was identified as a pivotal part of the education process. This identifies clearly with the last three decades or so where the world of business has changed dramatically in every aspect. Professionals can no longer be content with sufficient skills and knowledge at a point in time, but have to be continually updating them to have a chance of survival. Professional bodies can now satisfy these needs through the use of CPD. The following figures from a survey carried out in the UK by the Professions Associations Research Network(PARN) show how widely CPD is used. 85% of professional bodies have CPD Policies in place 20% compulsory schemes(increased by 3% since 2003) 20% obligatory 43% voluntary 14% mixed (PARN survey for the International Accounting Education Standards Board(IAESB)) Recording Assessing CPD There are a number of different ways in which CPD can be recorded and assessed. This a crucial part of the process which is being implemented more and more. Recording what is learned is beneficial to both the participant and the body who assess them. Input based CPD is the most commonly used system where CPD is measured by recording the amount of time put into the process by the participant through the amount of hours they put in. Most professional bodies regulate the number of hours a professional needs to put in to progress within the organisation. This system is not as accurate as some other methods as the effort put in by the participant cannot be assessed. Smaller bodies tend to have more input-based CPD than the larger bodies as fewer resources are needed to run the programme compared to other systems. Input-based schemes are most commonly used in health, finance, law, business and management, with professional bodies with regulatory responsibilities currently favouring input-based schemes. Output-based CPD is another common system where the participant is assessed on what they have learned through CPD over a period of time. A regular peer review is a common method of assessment where experienced members of the profession review what has been learned. CPD can be self assessed also where participants reflect on what they have learned and how this can be applied to their daily working lives. Professional bodies may also require their members to complete an assessment or report directly after learning and send it to their body so it can be assessed and recorded. Engineering, construction and media bodies use mostly output-based schemes to assess their members progress. 66% of professional bodies measure CPD 28% input based(60% in hours/ 24% in points/ 12% other) 20% output-based(competency-based/ reflective/ peer review etc) 17% combination More measurement in other countries like Australia Canada CPD Cycle The CPD cycle is similar to most other management cycles and contains four key elements planning, action, evaluation and reflection on action. The cycle can be entered at two points, reflection on practice and action, but always ends at evaluation no matter which starting point is chosen. Reflection on practice-The CPD cycle may start at this stage if you think that you need to learn something maybe by not knowing something that you think you should know or by identifying an inadequacy when completing your day-to-day job. What needs to be learned may often be identified by looking back to any experience in your normal day-to-day work where something stands out or has gone wrong. Reflection on practice can be as simple as a personal interest which you would like to follow up. â€Å"What do I need to learn?† â€Å"How do I know thats what I need to learn?† Planning-Planning is essential to any process carried out in business. It enables the objectives and targets of the CPD to be identified before the process begins and gives people involved a better understanding. By looking back over the previous cycle the individual can work out what needs to be learned and how they can go about learning it. To plan the relevant CPD to be undertaken the participant must be able to identify gaps between current and needed competencies. Personal Development Plans(PDP) are a good way to help you think about where you would like to be professionally in the short, medium or long-term. â€Å"When do I need to learn it?† â€Å"How important is it for me to learn it?† â€Å"How exactly am I going to learn it-what are my options? Action-The CPD cycle can start at action purely by chance through unexpected learning that has occurred without previous planning. This is called ‘unscheduled learning where the individual hadnt consciously set out to learn. Action can also play a part in ‘scheduled learningwhere the process starts back at the reflection stage. Schedule learning occurs where an area for learning is uncovered and a plan is put in place before action is taken. â€Å"What have I gained from this action?† Evaluation-Evaluation is always the last stage of the CPD cycle and is one of the most important. The aim of this stage is to identify if plans set out and actions taken delivered on what they were set out to achieve and how this learning has been applied. If the objectives were achieved then a full cycle has taken place. CPD may not impact on the individuals work immediately after learning has taken place. The specific CPD cycle can be completed at a later stage when knowledge is put into use. If the process has not or has only partially delivered then the participant has to decide whether learning set out still has to happen or whether the topic lost its relevance along the way. â€Å"Did I learn what I set out to learn?† â€Å"How have I applied what I have learned?†(www.uptodate.org.uk-Accessed 19/02/2010) CPD in Construction Introduction The need for CPD is widely acknowledged in the construction industry. There are three main parties that need to co-operate fully in order to extract the most from CPD, the professional themselves, their employer and the professional body they are a member of. All three have responsibilities to uphold to carry out successful CPD which will be discussed later in the chapter. Other parties that also play a part include the government and independent CPD providers. The Individual Professional Whatever CPD is being undertaken the individual professional is central and has full control over what is learned and how much development occurs. Motivation is key in this aspect, no motivation means minimal learning and development takes place. Professionals may be self-motivated through their own drive or ambition to achieve; this can also be linked to the personality of the professional. Their working environment and the people around them can have significant affect also on a professionals motivation or will to achieve. Construction like many other industries forces the professionals working within it to constantly improve and is never at a stand still. From the day a professional graduates their skills and knowledge is gradually being out-dated and need to be improved to keep up to scratch. Most professional bodies set up a framework for their members to work from but it is the individuals own responsibility to implement this framework appropriately. This framework sets out various techniques to plan, implement, review and evaluate CPD. The Employer The employer can be very influential on how effective CPD is on the professionals they employ. The employers mind set and understanding of CPD is crucial in facilitating professionals with an adequate environment to carry out CPD. There are many benefits to the employer who invests time and money into the CPD needs of their employees which are explained below. To have the optimum effect employer must encourage their professionals to part take in CPD both at the workplace and with other CPD providers. This may be achieved by allowing professionals time off during working on an ongoing basis to complete external training courses, in-house training and other CPD events. Employers co-funding of CPD is also important to show the professional that they are being backed by their employer and that there is no financial downside on the professional by completing CPD. The employees of a good company are one of its most important assets. Supporting professionals CPD reaps many benefits for the company as a whole in the long run. Professionals become more competent in their jobs, increasing job satisfaction, and have a wider knowledge of the overall construction industry. They can also boost the knowledge and skills they have in a specific field and learn more about other areas in which they have an interest in. This may give them an extra dimension when opportunities in that area occur. Through allowing professionals to be trained and advised outside of the company, a stead stream of fresh knowledge and techniques is constantly flowing into the company. These techniques and knowledge can then be passed down to other employees and used throughout the company. CPD Costs The cost of attending seminars can be offset, by certain practices and self-employed professionals, against tax as a business expense. Professional Bodies in Construction Professional bodies are the key to the advancement of any professional in construction. Without them there would be no base for the continual learning and development of professionals outside their workplace. They provide a suitable environment and many useful resources for professionals to increase their knowledge and sharpen their skills. Each institutions definition of CPD varies to some extent and their policies tend to go in line with their interpretation of what CPD is. However the majority agree that CPD is essential. CPD was applied to the construction area in the 1980s and has become a crucial part of all professions involved in construction. The affects CPD has on a bodys members depends on how well their CPD policy is structured and how well the policy is implemented. Both are vital factors and need to be assessed before and during implementation to ensure they impact successfully on members. The core group of four professional bodies, studied later, within the construction industry are all old and established institutes, but they are the professional bodies of a large percentage of Irish professionals in the industry today. They are all well over 100 years old, whether they were established in Ireland or established in Britain and an Irish branch formed. These four institutes cater for managers, engineers, surveyors of every kind and architects in construction, but may also accept various other professionals whose work relates to construction but are not necessarily linked to construction as a whole profession, lawyers or legal professionals are a prime example. Some professionals can interlink between institutes and become a member in both if the specific area they are working in is Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Construction Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Construction Abstract The following dissertation focuses on a personal development technique called Continuing Professional Development (CPD). With the world of construction constantly changing, professionals in the industry need to keep up to speed with the changing elements of the industry nationally and internationally. This dissertation assesses the CPD process that the industrys institutions provide for members and assesses how CPD is carried out. It also looks at how beneficial CPD is to the professionals who participate and the company they work for. By the end of this dissertation the role of these institutions should be easily identifiable in professional development and how participation can give working professionals a competitive edge on-site and help them progress in their careers both in and outside their existing company. This dissertation also encapsulates the opinions of some of the professional members of the industry involved in CPD. It will assess how CPD has influenced them in their career and will make recommendations on how to refine the process. Introduction This chapter explains the core elements of the study which includes a definition, hypothesis, aims and objectives, parameters of study and research methodology. Definition of Topic The definition of CPD in general is continual learning, regardless of age or seniority, which focuses on professional competency in a professional role. Its aim is to improve personal performance and enhance career progression. Over recent years the benefits of structured CPD have been identified within the construction industry. To become a chartered professional under a construction based institution(e.g. the Chartered Institute of Building(CIOB)) professionals must show they have been involved in a structured CPD process. Records must be maintained to show this before professionals may transgress. With the current economic climate, construction professionals need to keep their knowledge and skills to the optimum to ensure progression within their company and give them an advantage when looking for work elsewhere. CPD not only applies to the working professional but also to those unemployed who want to increase their chances when opportunities occur. Hypothesis CPD improves the performance and enhances the career progression of a professional in the construction industry. Aim of Dissertation The aim of this dissertation is to produce a piece of work that explains the process of CPD in relation to the construction industry. The dissertation will also assess the advantages of CPD; identify why it is important and how it can be improved. Objectives The objectives of this dissertation are to: Explain what CPD is in general and in a construction context. Identify which construction related professional institutes provide a structured CPD system for their members. Assess CPD within these institutes; compare advantages or disadvantages of each and recommend measures to improve their CPD systems effectiveness. Establish how important CPD is to each participants professional performance, development and career progression. Establish how important effective CPD is to a professionals performance and the company that employ them. Gather together the opinion of working professional in the construction industry on the benefits of CPD. Parameter of Study This study contains a general overview of CPD in terms of professionalism as a whole in any career path. It then focuses on CPD specifically in the construction industry and gives an in depth analysis of the role of professional institutes and its members who participate. It also identifies how important CPD is the construction industry today, both to the individual themselves and the company that employ them. Research Methodology There were a number of different methods of research used to complete this study including both primary and secondary research which are detailed below. Secondary Research: Books Various books were sourced both in the GMIT library and the online library of the CIOB. These books and extracts from books were used as a reference and for background information and reading. Some books covered CPD overall and others covered CPD specifically in the construction industry. Electronic Journals Official Reports Surveys Many of the reports and surveys read were carried out within the last decade in regard to the construction industry as well as CPD in other professions across the UK and in Ireland. These gave a good insight into CPD in other professions, what elements of CPD are important and in what direction CPD in construction is heading. Internet There was a mass of information available on the internet which contained both up-to-date and older material. Not all sources found were reliable, but pockets of valid information was uncovered throughout my research on the internet. Much background information was found which was helpful in getting different partys opinions on CPD and how it should be carried out. Many official websites were also useful in getting information on how CPD is provided to individuals by professional bodies both in construction and outside too. A lot of information was gathered through these sites to establish how CPD was made available to construction professionals. Primary Research: The four leading professional bodies in construction were chosen as the basis of my primary study. These include the Chartered Institute of Building(CIOB), the Society of Chartered Surveyors(SCS), Engineers Ireland(IEI) and the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland(RIAI). All four institutes have many members from various construction backgrounds and play a major role in the development of these professionals through CPD. Information on their CPD policy and practice was gathered and semi-structured interviews were then carried out with the relevant staff members of each institute to consolidate the information collected. Interviews were also carried out with members of the different institutes to get the receivers point of view. Format of Study This thesis will be carried out using the following chapter: Introduction to CPD In Chapter 2 CPD will be looked at in relation to the entire working world. CPD can be applied to any profession but also has similarities to the personal development of an individual. With the global economy rapidly evolving, new patterns of work and learning have emerged worldwide. Massive growth in sectors like information technology(IT) means that people working in that sector need to keep up with the changes or they will be left behind. The main purpose of continuing development personally is to maximise enjoyment of work and life. Therefore we need to be continually responding to the changing world around us. â€Å"Are you living to work or working to live?†(Megginson Whitaker, 2007) Continuing Professional Development(CPD) is based around the whole concept self-motivation and self management. It all depends on how motivated the participant is to learn about the career they are undertaking and can apply to any professional in the working world. It is particularly relevant to professions such as teaching, nursing and accountancy where ongoing learning is crucial.(Megginson Whitaker 2007) â€Å"The most precious asset any professional controls is knowledge of the discipline and the skill to apply it effectively. Over the long run it is more important to maintain the value of this asset than the office, the furniture, the computer hardware, or even the bank account.†(www.riai.ie/cpd Accessed 19/02/2010) History of CPD CPD has been around in various different forms for a long time. It is only over the past 25 years that CPD has been formalised and endorsed by professional membership bodies. Its history is as follows: 1850: Professionals met up in coffee houses to discuss practice and share notes 1984: Chartered Institute of Personal Development(CIPD) created a policy statement on CPD 1986: Construction Industry Council(CIC) defined CPD 1990: UK Inter-Professional Group(UKIPG 1977) CPD Forum set-up 1995: CPD becomes a requirement for all practicing CIPD Members 1999: CIC definition of CPD most commonly cited definition 2000: Institute of Professional Development(IPD) was granted a Royal Charter 2009: Aspirations to move from input to output and outcome-driven CPD schemes(Institute of Continuing Professional Development(ICPD) What is CPD? CPD is a process completed by the majority of professionals in the working world, either consciously or unconsciously. Its main purpose is to implement a system of continued learning and development separate to what they would learn through their daily work. Two definitions of CPD are as follows: â€Å"Continuing Professional Development(CPD) is the process by which individuals take control of their own learning and development, by engaging in an on-going process of reflection and action.†(Megginson, Whitaker, 2007) â€Å"The systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills and the development of personal qualities necessary for execution of professional and technical duties throughout the individuals working life.†(Construction Industry Council, UK, 1986) CPD has many functions in the role of a professional. It ensures the professional maintains a high level of competence in their field and has the up-to-date skills and knowledge to provide a competent service to their client or employer. CPD also has a knock-on effect which encourages further development in many areas. This process empowers the individual to achieve their goals and encourages them to look at their career progression from a wider perspective. Self-motivation is a key element in this process, where the individual is the main driving force behind this new learning. It is their own responsibility to develop themselves and is not up their manager or employer. If the individual has no desire to learn CPD is a pointless process. Feedback from a CPD survey in 2008 indicates that members see two key benefits in undertaking CPD: It helps them maintain their knowledge and skills, and maintain professional and ethical standards.(PARN CPD survey 2008) Need for CPD CPD has evolved from the individuals thinking that career progression not only relates to secure job within an organisation but by the skills, knowledge and experiences obtained by the individual. CPD is also needed to ensure working professionals are providing an adequate service to their clients and employers. Services such as advice must be given so that changes to the environment associated with the decision are taken into account. This ensures the client gets the best service available for the fee paid. Soon to be professionals also need to maintain an adequate amount of CPD to progress to the next stage towards becoming chartered in most organisations. This goes a long way to fulfilling their need towards becoming a competent professional. Core Concepts of CPD How is CPD different to other types of training and development? The learner is in control-the whole CPD process is self-driven and managed where learning outcomes are directly proportionate to the time and effort participant puts into the process. They must be self- motivated, which means the participant must want to continue learning to be successful no matter what position or profession. It can apply to most aspects of life-CPD can apply to life outside work as well. For example, personal development can be achieved through implementing some of the knowledge or skills to improve family communications etc. There is a regular plan, do and evaluate process involved, which sets achievable goals and reflects on work put in which can spurs on further development. CPD can be beneficial without the support of others in their working environment. All professionals can complete CPD regardless of working situation, whether they work for a company or are self-employed and deal directly with their own clients. Of course support from employer would be more beneficial but it is not essential as interaction is mostly between the professional body and individual. Although some employers incorporate CPD into the training and development programmes of all employees. Methods of Learning through CPD CPD revolves around the whole learning process and the methods with which learning is provided is a very important part of the process. These methods ensure professionals can improve their skills and knowledge and gain relevant experience. Formal, non-formal and informal methods of learning include any process relevant to a profession that improves skills, knowledge and the experiences of a professional. CPD activities can include in-house training, open learning, conferences, seminars, workshops, structured reading, self-study, presentations and being a coach or mentor. Structured Unstructured CPD: All CPD comes under the heading of structured or unstructured CPD. Structured CPD is where the learning outcomes are identified in advance of learning. This CPD does not have to be provided or accredited by the participants institution or professional body. Structured CPD covers any educational event or programme run by a recognised educational or professional institution. Structured CPD must also be accompanied by attendance records or a certificate to prove process has been successfully completed. Unstructured CPD is an unplanned CPD activity that can be completed at any time or anywhere at the participants discretion. Activities that qualify as unstructured CPD include personal study or development, peer review and other activities such as case studies that are not part of other course requirements. Reflection on both of these CPD learning methods is crucial before CPD can be recorded. CPD methods of learning do not necessarily need to be provided by a professional body. They can be provided by an employer or other organisation which then can be accredited by the body as a worthwhile process. Constant reading of up to date reports, journals, magazines, newspapers and reviews relevant to a specific profession is probably the most common method. Reading is a very easy way of learning if the reader has an interest in the subject and puts the effort in to focus and concentrate on what they are reading. It is a very efficient method as it can be resumed over the space of a few minutes and it does not entail the use of another individuals time. Time management is a massive element in any professionals working life where they are always working to tight schedule. This means they may only have a few minutes a day to set aside for CPD of which reading is the perfect filler. Conferences and the gathering of professionals at CPD events are a fixed way of delivering CPD to practicing professionals. These may take place every few months and give attendees a chance to catch up with fellow professionals and discuss relevant issues. They may exchange ideas or opinions and can get in touch with useful contacts which may be important in the future. Seminars and lectures are also common where a leader of a profession may speak or organise a talk on issues that are changing the roles and lives of a professional or the industry they work in. Experts in the field may be asked to explain some new issue and give an opinion on what should be done. It is very important for professional bodies to hold these gatherings as it can influence and guide the way in which professionals across the world carry out there work. With resources on the internet constantly being upgraded it has now become very beneficial to CPD. Information is now much more accessible to the professional in their workplace, this method of learning is commonly known as e-learning. Readable information does not necessarily need to be sent to the professionals workplace anymore as these sources are now regularly being uploaded on professional body websites which are available 24 hours a day. This means waiting times are virtually eliminated as most magazines, reports and other such information are now available on the internet. Videos of seminars, conferences and podcasts can now be easily accessed which means information can be dispersed quickly and accurately straight to the professionals computer. This is a major time saving method as travelling times are eliminated and a much wider audience can be reached at one time. Assessments can also be uploaded onto a professional bodys website immediately after learning has taken place or can be submitted by email at any time. Records are much more easily kept when communicating through the internet; most websites make records accessible to professional membership which makes reflection a lot easier too. Professionals can be trained through workplace training which trains a small group of professionals within a company(s) on a specific topic. This method encourages participants to get more involved and can increase their understanding of the topic. A full list of CPD activities may include: Open distance learning(the internet, video packages, slide/tape packages, correspondence courses) Private study including systematic study of appropriate literature or research, or even learning a relevant language Technical and professional conferences, lectures, seminars, workshops, study tours, technical visits and short courses Courses leading to professional qualification or academic awards Writing articles for publication Teaching(for those not at teaching posts) Practice(for those in teaching posts) Preparing papers and contributing to technical meetings and study groups Examining, tutoring or mentoring(www.ciob.org.uk-Accessed 26/02/2010) Professional Bodies CPD is crucial to the success of any working professional. One crucial factor that determines the effectiveness of CPD to a professional is the professional body that provides the platform for this new learning. The majority of professional bodies, such as the CIOB, are non-profit making organisations that are established to support their professional members. They work to try and satisfy the needs of a specific group of people who work in the same field. Professional bodies simply started out as a group of professionals who got together to discuss relevant issues in their field and share ideas. There are hundreds of these bodies and institutes set up all over the world dealing in a multitude of different professions and even ordinary jobs, from secretaries to project managers. Professional organisations aim to assist and direct their members on the road to success. This is achieved by providing the tools to sharpen the professionals skills and knowledge. Being a member means you have unlimited access to all the educational resources and services needed to continue your professional development. They provide members with information, training, education, tips, advice and strategies to assist them in reaching the height of their professional career. It gives many opportunities to mingle with fellow professionals and employers in their specific field which could be of benefit when seeking career opportunities. This is one major reason why professionals join these organisations, to be recognised by the body and their codes of practice. Membership indicates to the existing or future employers that the individual is dedicated and has ambition to succeed in their profession. Professional bodies are also there to promote professionalism in their industry and help push members to achieve the standards of excellence associated with their profession. They are committed to developing and maintaining standards and policies for education within their profession and can also push for social awareness and debate. Some organisations can even influence government and industrial policy decisions.(www.nightcourses.com) CPD within Professional Bodies CPD was originally developed as part of the main objectives set out by these organisations, to educate their members. This process evolved and continual learning was identified as a pivotal part of the education process. This identifies clearly with the last three decades or so where the world of business has changed dramatically in every aspect. Professionals can no longer be content with sufficient skills and knowledge at a point in time, but have to be continually updating them to have a chance of survival. Professional bodies can now satisfy these needs through the use of CPD. The following figures from a survey carried out in the UK by the Professions Associations Research Network(PARN) show how widely CPD is used. 85% of professional bodies have CPD Policies in place 20% compulsory schemes(increased by 3% since 2003) 20% obligatory 43% voluntary 14% mixed (PARN survey for the International Accounting Education Standards Board(IAESB)) Recording Assessing CPD There are a number of different ways in which CPD can be recorded and assessed. This a crucial part of the process which is being implemented more and more. Recording what is learned is beneficial to both the participant and the body who assess them. Input based CPD is the most commonly used system where CPD is measured by recording the amount of time put into the process by the participant through the amount of hours they put in. Most professional bodies regulate the number of hours a professional needs to put in to progress within the organisation. This system is not as accurate as some other methods as the effort put in by the participant cannot be assessed. Smaller bodies tend to have more input-based CPD than the larger bodies as fewer resources are needed to run the programme compared to other systems. Input-based schemes are most commonly used in health, finance, law, business and management, with professional bodies with regulatory responsibilities currently favouring input-based schemes. Output-based CPD is another common system where the participant is assessed on what they have learned through CPD over a period of time. A regular peer review is a common method of assessment where experienced members of the profession review what has been learned. CPD can be self assessed also where participants reflect on what they have learned and how this can be applied to their daily working lives. Professional bodies may also require their members to complete an assessment or report directly after learning and send it to their body so it can be assessed and recorded. Engineering, construction and media bodies use mostly output-based schemes to assess their members progress. 66% of professional bodies measure CPD 28% input based(60% in hours/ 24% in points/ 12% other) 20% output-based(competency-based/ reflective/ peer review etc) 17% combination More measurement in other countries like Australia Canada CPD Cycle The CPD cycle is similar to most other management cycles and contains four key elements planning, action, evaluation and reflection on action. The cycle can be entered at two points, reflection on practice and action, but always ends at evaluation no matter which starting point is chosen. Reflection on practice-The CPD cycle may start at this stage if you think that you need to learn something maybe by not knowing something that you think you should know or by identifying an inadequacy when completing your day-to-day job. What needs to be learned may often be identified by looking back to any experience in your normal day-to-day work where something stands out or has gone wrong. Reflection on practice can be as simple as a personal interest which you would like to follow up. â€Å"What do I need to learn?† â€Å"How do I know thats what I need to learn?† Planning-Planning is essential to any process carried out in business. It enables the objectives and targets of the CPD to be identified before the process begins and gives people involved a better understanding. By looking back over the previous cycle the individual can work out what needs to be learned and how they can go about learning it. To plan the relevant CPD to be undertaken the participant must be able to identify gaps between current and needed competencies. Personal Development Plans(PDP) are a good way to help you think about where you would like to be professionally in the short, medium or long-term. â€Å"When do I need to learn it?† â€Å"How important is it for me to learn it?† â€Å"How exactly am I going to learn it-what are my options? Action-The CPD cycle can start at action purely by chance through unexpected learning that has occurred without previous planning. This is called ‘unscheduled learning where the individual hadnt consciously set out to learn. Action can also play a part in ‘scheduled learningwhere the process starts back at the reflection stage. Schedule learning occurs where an area for learning is uncovered and a plan is put in place before action is taken. â€Å"What have I gained from this action?† Evaluation-Evaluation is always the last stage of the CPD cycle and is one of the most important. The aim of this stage is to identify if plans set out and actions taken delivered on what they were set out to achieve and how this learning has been applied. If the objectives were achieved then a full cycle has taken place. CPD may not impact on the individuals work immediately after learning has taken place. The specific CPD cycle can be completed at a later stage when knowledge is put into use. If the process has not or has only partially delivered then the participant has to decide whether learning set out still has to happen or whether the topic lost its relevance along the way. â€Å"Did I learn what I set out to learn?† â€Å"How have I applied what I have learned?†(www.uptodate.org.uk-Accessed 19/02/2010) CPD in Construction Introduction The need for CPD is widely acknowledged in the construction industry. There are three main parties that need to co-operate fully in order to extract the most from CPD, the professional themselves, their employer and the professional body they are a member of. All three have responsibilities to uphold to carry out successful CPD which will be discussed later in the chapter. Other parties that also play a part include the government and independent CPD providers. The Individual Professional Whatever CPD is being undertaken the individual professional is central and has full control over what is learned and how much development occurs. Motivation is key in this aspect, no motivation means minimal learning and development takes place. Professionals may be self-motivated through their own drive or ambition to achieve; this can also be linked to the personality of the professional. Their working environment and the people around them can have significant affect also on a professionals motivation or will to achieve. Construction like many other industries forces the professionals working within it to constantly improve and is never at a stand still. From the day a professional graduates their skills and knowledge is gradually being out-dated and need to be improved to keep up to scratch. Most professional bodies set up a framework for their members to work from but it is the individuals own responsibility to implement this framework appropriately. This framework sets out various techniques to plan, implement, review and evaluate CPD. The Employer The employer can be very influential on how effective CPD is on the professionals they employ. The employers mind set and understanding of CPD is crucial in facilitating professionals with an adequate environment to carry out CPD. There are many benefits to the employer who invests time and money into the CPD needs of their employees which are explained below. To have the optimum effect employer must encourage their professionals to part take in CPD both at the workplace and with other CPD providers. This may be achieved by allowing professionals time off during working on an ongoing basis to complete external training courses, in-house training and other CPD events. Employers co-funding of CPD is also important to show the professional that they are being backed by their employer and that there is no financial downside on the professional by completing CPD. The employees of a good company are one of its most important assets. Supporting professionals CPD reaps many benefits for the company as a whole in the long run. Professionals become more competent in their jobs, increasing job satisfaction, and have a wider knowledge of the overall construction industry. They can also boost the knowledge and skills they have in a specific field and learn more about other areas in which they have an interest in. This may give them an extra dimension when opportunities in that area occur. Through allowing professionals to be trained and advised outside of the company, a stead stream of fresh knowledge and techniques is constantly flowing into the company. These techniques and knowledge can then be passed down to other employees and used throughout the company. CPD Costs The cost of attending seminars can be offset, by certain practices and self-employed professionals, against tax as a business expense. Professional Bodies in Construction Professional bodies are the key to the advancement of any professional in construction. Without them there would be no base for the continual learning and development of professionals outside their workplace. They provide a suitable environment and many useful resources for professionals to increase their knowledge and sharpen their skills. Each institutions definition of CPD varies to some extent and their policies tend to go in line with their interpretation of what CPD is. However the majority agree that CPD is essential. CPD was applied to the construction area in the 1980s and has become a crucial part of all professions involved in construction. The affects CPD has on a bodys members depends on how well their CPD policy is structured and how well the policy is implemented. Both are vital factors and need to be assessed before and during implementation to ensure they impact successfully on members. The core group of four professional bodies, studied later, within the construction industry are all old and established institutes, but they are the professional bodies of a large percentage of Irish professionals in the industry today. They are all well over 100 years old, whether they were established in Ireland or established in Britain and an Irish branch formed. These four institutes cater for managers, engineers, surveyors of every kind and architects in construction, but may also accept various other professionals whose work relates to construction but are not necessarily linked to construction as a whole profession, lawyers or legal professionals are a prime example. Some professionals can interlink between institutes and become a member in both if the specific area they are working in is