John Donnes The Holy Sonnets Essay -- Donne Holy Sonnets Religion Ess

John Donnes The Holy Sonnets By making many references to the Bible, John Donnes Holy Sonnets reveal his want to be accepted and forgiven by God. A fear of death without Gods forgiveness of sins is conveyed in these sonnets. Donne expresses extreme anxiety and fright that Satan has taken over his soul and God wont forgive him for it or his sins. A central theme of healing and forgiveness imply that John Donne, however much he wrote about God and being beatified, wasnt such a holy man all of the time and tried to make up for it in his writing. In sonnet 1, the speaker is talking to God. He tells God that his death is near. He feels that with all of the sins he has committed he is leaning towards hell instead of heaven. Satan has tempted him too much and he doesnt know if he can stock-still go an hour without giving in to Satans evil ways. The speaker asks God to give him wings so that he may ascend into heaven and stay fresh Satan from taking him to hell. There is a sense of manipu lation in the speaker in the beginning of the sonnet. Thou hast made me, and shall thy work decay? In other words, Youre making your own creation look bad if you dont help me to become holy again. This starts out the sonnet with a bitter tone, a aureate way for Donne to begin. But in the end, the speaker is pleading God to give him wings, ending the sonnet with a sense of desperation. The worried tone of the last a few(prenominal) lines is a rather common one in the Holy Sonnets. It exhibits the r...

How do firms penetrate an existing market? Essay -- Business and Manag

How do firms penetrate an existing foodstuff?Cadburys have to improve their levels of securities industry penetration and alsomake more sales customers.Cadburys have meliorate their penetration which helps them to improvemarket share. It can increase in there market share which can createsignificant sales. Market penetration suggests a further penetrationof existing markets with existing products. This will involve astrategy of increasing market share within existing segments andmarkets. Market phylogeny is a strategy requires the producer to develop raw market segments for products. Product development is the process of researching market needs, creating products to meet the identified needs. Diversification means expiry into saucily market with entirely new products. Market penetration is increasing the % of sales in present markets by taking sales from competitors.To improve their market penetration there are six district stages inthe development process for new products are- IdeasAll Cadbury products start from ideas. These ideas may come from the pursuance sourcesResearch and Development-This is where product development and market research workings together.Mindstorming-This is where it involves few people developing ideas from words and concepts.Suggestion box- Here Cadburys is working close to the customer and the sales forces understand their needs and requirements.Forced relationships-At times one or more products can be joined together to resile new product concepts.Competitors- Monitoring the actions of competitors may provide a rich source of new ideas.Screening of ideas-Once Cadburys ideas have been knuckle underd. It is important to screen for the ideas likely to be successful. Considerations may include how well the product fits in with others in the product range the unique element of any idea that makes it competitive. They are likely to indigence for the product and whether or not it could be manufactured economically.The two main errors Cadbury needs to avoid when screening ideas are They must not reject new ideas They must not develop poor ideas or Cadbury will loose moneyMarket depth psychologyOnce Cadburys ideas have been screened market analysis begins. Itinvolves analysis of the product market potential. This he... ...ment consultants in the USA. StarsThese are products with a high market share like Cadburys in a rapidlygrowing industry. Unless Cadburys chocolate stripes has not achieved thisposition through heavy discounting, it should be generating highprofits. For Cadbury to remain a star in a competitive environment itschocolate edible bean will continue to need heavy marketing expenditure.Cash cowCash cows have a high market share in a slow growing, but maturemarket. Cadbury could fall into this because there competitors do havehigher cost slightly. But Cadbury benefits from high economic ofscale. It can generate high profits which could be used to financeproblem children/question marks.Qu estion Marks and problem childrenThis product has a low market share in a rapidly growing market. Thebusiness has to decide whether to with draw the product or to supportit with heavy marketing, which could be difficult if it is notgenerating funds elsewhere.DogThis product has a low market share in markets where there is littleor no growth.At this stage a product is at the end of its life cycle. The productis best if it is dropped out of its portfolio.

US Involvement in Nicaragua :: essays research papers fc

US Involvement in Nicaragua Some might say that Nicaragua has been merely a pawn in the US battle against Soviet-Cuban Communist control in Latin America. Relationships between the US and Nicaragua go back to the Gold Rush and Cornelius Vanderbilts attempts to expedite the change of location between the two coasts of the US. Vanderbilt bought the rights to shuttle fortune-seekers across Nicaragua to avoid their having to cross the width of the United States or travel around Cape Horn. Eventually, controversy among the Nicaraguan spate led to a civil war in 1853. The US was further drawn into the conflict when the left-wing army hired an American, William Walker, to fight for them. Walker and his mercenaries readily conquered Grenada, the stronghold of the Conservative parties and found themselves in charge of the army. Walker, however, had his eyes on the presidency, which he eventually took. Walker was not the end of US intervention in Nicaragua. The government had aligning aspi rations with Cornelius Vanderbilt and decided to build their canal through Nicaragua, which was less disease ravaged than the other contender, Panama. However, due to previous treaty agreements, the US would yield to share control of any canal built through Nicaragua with Great Britain, and so the plan was abandoned. Instead, the US built an exclusively controlled canal through Panama. From 1893 1909, a general by the name of Zelaya had exclusive control of the Nicaraguan government. However, in 1909, with US support, this government was overthrown and a pro-US government was established. throughout the early 1900s, US Marines helped stay put minor rebellions throughout Nicaragua and occupy much of the country. Finally, in 1933, the marines leave under the premise of peace with the guerilla leader Gen. Sandino. A man named Anastasio Somoza is put in charge of the National Guard, and therefore controls the country with an iron fist. Until 1979, the Somoza family serves as the tota litarian government in Nicaragua, fixing the elections so power remains in the family. Throughout this 40 year period, several minor insurrections are staged by the newly founded Sandinista National Liberation Front. These are easily put down by the military regime, until 1979. Throughout this period of relative peace in Nicaragua, many dominos are being set up around them throughout rally America. In 1959, Castro controls Cuba and the US begins to worry about the communist influence in Latin America.

Working with the Handicap Ski Program Essay -- Personal Narrative Essa

Working with the Handicap Ski Program The roots of adaptative skiing were in war and accidental injuries. In 1942 Franz Wendel was the first person to enter a competition for pile who are handicapped. After suffering a leg amputation in the war, he fashioned a pair of crutches and attached them to short skis enabling him to crutch ski. By the late 1940s the Austrian Ski Association was financial backing a division for handicapped skiers while at the same time European and American programs at army hospitals were developing. The Vietnam War produced many unfortunate casualties yet also provided a boost to the development of adaptive skiing. Equipment and facilities father continued to grow and improve in recent years. A new era began in 1983 when the International Olympic Committee sanctioned the Third World Winter Games for the Disabled. Not only did this boost the prestige of the program, it also helped to promote fund rise efforts and program development worldwide. The Thir d World Disabled Ski Championships were held in 1986 in Sweden and the United States placed first. So why is there skiing for people with disabilities? Outdoor recreation is fun and healthy for everyone. For people with disabilities, skiing means adventure, exercise, se... ...skis are used for skiers unable to ambulate at all. Mono skiers require more than upper body strength to use the equipment. Today with advanced technology, the bi ski is replacing the sit ski. Since the completion of my training program I have had students of varying ages, disabilities and skiing levels. They have provided many new learning experiences for me. Without a doubt I have consistently observed the pleasure this sport gives to the students and their families. strong-arm and mental growth are very important to the overall well being of the student. Sharing my skills and love of skiing has been fun and rewarding to me.

Knowledge M Essay -- essays research papers

IntroductionIn todays economy, potfuls are constantly seeking was to achieve faster close making, higher levels of product, better service, and process innovation to gain competitive advantage over other corporations. Various information technologies have been adapted in to corporations business plans in order to optimize competitive advantage. However, with the increase in competition, information technologys applications in business no long-dated serve as a great advantage. The need for new business strategies arises along with the emergence of the knowledge society (Styhre, 2003) having information is no longer a source of competitive advantage. In todays business environment, establishmental knowledge is recognized as a significant source of competitive advantage, how promptly organizations determines knowledge and creates value out of it determines its competitiveness. (Shukla)In an economy where the only certainty is uncertainty, the one sure source of competitive advantag e is knowledge. When markets shift, technologies proliferate, competitors multiply, and products become obsolete nearly overnight, successful companies are those that consistently create new knowledge, disseminate it widely throughout the organization, and quickly embody it in new technologies and products.-Harvard Business Review (1998) fellowship focus is a business strategy that identifies, organizes and shares information essential to the company so it can be applied to optimize business performance. The content of this reputation provides the fundamental concepts to the practice of Knowledge Management and how it should be applied. Explanation of the technology, its application in business, benefits, and the essentials of designing a knowledge management program are introduced and explained in further details.Knowledge Management Technology and TrendsThe practice of knowledge management is often confused with information management. So what is knowledge management? And exact ly how should it fail? B. Begeron (2003) defines knowledge management as the ability to selectively capture, archive, and access the best practices of work-related knowledge and decision making from employees and managers for both individual and group behaviors. Knowledge management is still a relatively new practice in business organi... ...pplications. (Santosus, 2002)ConclusionKnowledge management, being a relevantly new practice in business organizations, requires a great deal of planning and setting systematic knowledge management program according to the organizations business goals. some(prenominal) factors must be applied to building a successful knowledge management program1.Leadership is essential.2.Training and reeducating of knowledge workers is the key to increasing the organizations assets3.Business goal must be set and expectations must be managed.4.Knowledge management depends on information technology.5.Knowledge management is a constantly evolving process.If a k nowledge management program is designed and applied accordingly, beneficial results would occur. We can conclude that knowledge management, instead of being applied as a technology based concept, it should be applied as a daily business practice of sharing information among employees and departments in order to correctly import knowledge in to use when it is needed

Knowledge M Essay -- essays research papers

IntroductionIn todays economy, clubs are constantly seeking was to achieve faster decision making, higher levels of product, better service, and process innovation to gain competitive advantage over other corporations. Various information technologies have been adapted in to corporations business plans in order to optimize competitive advantage. However, with the increase in competition, information technologys applications in business no long-acting serve as a great advantage. The need for new business strategies arises along with the emergence of the knowledge society (Styhre, 2003) having information is no longer a source of competitive advantage. In todays business environment, nerveal knowledge is recognized as a significant source of competitive advantage, how chop-chop organizations determines knowledge and creates value out of it determines its competitiveness. (Shukla)In an economy where the only certainty is uncertainty, the one sure source of competitive advantage is knowledge. When markets shift, technologies proliferate, competitors multiply, and products become obsolete nearly overnight, successful companies are those that consistently create new knowledge, disseminate it widely throughout the organization, and quickly embody it in new technologies and products.-Harvard Business Review (1998) familiarity attention is a business strategy that identifies, organizes and shares information essential to the company so it can be applied to optimize business performance. The content of this story provides the fundamental concepts to the practice of Knowledge Management and how it should be applied. Explanation of the technology, its application in business, benefits, and the essentials of designing a knowledge management program are introduced and explained in further details.Knowledge Management Technology and TrendsThe practice of knowledge management is often confused with information management. So what is knowledge management? And exactly h ow should it cut back? B. Begeron (2003) defines knowledge management as the ability to selectively capture, archive, and access the best practices of work-related knowledge and decision making from employees and managers for both individual and group behaviors. Knowledge management is still a relatively new practice in business organi... ...pplications. (Santosus, 2002)ConclusionKnowledge management, being a relevantly new practice in business organizations, requires a great deal of planning and setting systematic knowledge management program according to the organizations business goals. several(prenominal) factors must be applied to building a successful knowledge management program1.Leadership is essential.2.Training and reeducating of knowledge workers is the key to increasing the organizations assets3.Business goal must be set and expectations must be managed.4.Knowledge management depends on information technology.5.Knowledge management is a constantly evolving process.If a knowledge management program is designed and applied accordingly, beneficial results would occur. We can conclude that knowledge management, instead of being applied as a technology based concept, it should be applied as a daily business practice of sharing information among employees and departments in order to right import knowledge in to use when it is needed

Challenges of Leadership Essay

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP?Being a drawing card is in itself a puddle exception. The challenges of leadershiphiphip argon really of three kinds external, flood tide from people and situations internal, stemming from within the leader himself and those arising from the nature of the leadership role.EXTERNAL CHALLENGESIts al close impracticable to imagine a situation where a leader doesnt be in possession of to cope with external challenges. In an organization, such issues as lack of funding and other re reservoirs, opposition from forces in the community, and interpersonal conundrums within the organization frequently rear their heads. Social, economic, and political forces in the larger serviceman rear end affect the organization as well. To any(prenominal) extent, the mea genuine of any leader is how well he give the gate deal with the constant succession of crises and minor annoyances that threaten the mission of his group. If he is able to solve problems, take improvement of opportunities, and take root divergence with an send off of calm and a minimum of fuss, nearly of the external issues are hardly noniceable to any integrity else. If the leader doesnt track external challenges well, the organization probably wint, either. Weve all seen examples of this, in organizations where everyone, from the director to the custodian, has a constantly worried look, and news is passed in whispers. When people feel that leaders are stressed or unsure, they themselves sire stressed or unsure as well, and the emphasis of the group moves from its mission to the current worrisome situation. The pull in of the group suffers.INTERNAL CHALLENGESWhile leadership presents to each of us the opportunity to demonstrate the best of what we are, it also exposes our limitations. In many cases, good leaders hurt to over pick out those limitations in order to transmit and note their fantasy. Fear, lack of confidence, insecurity, impatienc e, intolerance (all behind act as barriers to leadership. At the same quantify, ac drive inledging and overcoming them cigarette turn a mediocre leader into a great one. Its a good deal very difficult for people, especially those who see themselves as leaders, to admit that they might nonplus personality traits or personal characteristics that interfere with their ability to get their goals. Part of good leadership is learning to accept the reality of those traits, and hammers to diversify them so they seizet get in the charge. close totimes, what seems to be an advantage whitethorn present a challenge as well. A leader whos extremely decisive may alienate followers by neer consulting them, or by consistently ignoring their advice. A leader whos terrific at developing relationships with others in the organization may be unable to notify someone when shes not doing her job. Some characteristics can be double-edged swords, positive in some circumstances and negative in oth ers. The real challenge is in knowing the release, and adapting your behavior accordingly.CHALLENGES ARISING FROM LEADERSHIP ITSELFReal leadership take a leaks great demands on people. As a leader, you are responsible for your groups vision and mission, for upholding a standard, a good deal for being the groups representative to the rest of the world and its protector as well. These responsibilities might be shared, that in most organizations, one person takes the largest part of the burden. In addition to its responsibilities, leadership brings such challenges as motivating people much without seeming to do so and property them from stagnating when theyre doing well. Leaders also have to motivate themselves, and not just to seem, save actually to be, vehement closely what theyre doing. They have to be sensitive of serving their group and its members and all that that entails. In other words, they have to be leaders all the time.WHEN ARE THE CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP MO ST OBVIOUS? one(a) demonstrable and correct answer to this question is all the time, but in fact some times are to a greater extent(prenominal) likely than others. Leadership is usually the most difficult when the situation is changing or unstable. When a grass roots group is doing well gathering allies, getting its message across, attracting funding no one a great deal notices what the director does but when something unexpected happens, shes expected to take care of it, often in a very public panache. Some bad-tempered times when challenges may arise* When something new is about to start. When youre beginning a new intervention, trying something different in a program thats been running for a while, stepping up to another stage in your initiative, or hiring a new leader, no one is quite sure whats waiver to happen. Systems andrelationships can break down, and its often a matter of leadership as to whether the new situation is successful or not. * When something is about to end. Often at the end of a school year, a particular project or initiative, a training period anytime when something is coming to an end and things are, by definition, about to change times get difficult. That may be because of a big push to get finished, or because its tough to tell whats coming next, or because a close-knit group is splitting up. Whatever the reason, it often takes leadership skills to make sure that the project ends successfully, and everyone moves on to the next phase, whatever that is.* When times are tough. If theres not passable funding, or an organization or group is being publicly criticized, for instance, its leader usually has to try to solve the problem in some way reign notes, reduce expenses, defuse the attacks. Leaders are tested when times are difficult. * During transitions. There are many ways in which a group can be in transition. It may go because of a grant or because of other circumstances from a slackly organized, grass roots colle ctive to a much more formally structured organization. It might grow quicklyeven too quickly. It might be losing some key people, or changing leaders. One of the most difficult tasks a leader faces is trying to go forward a group stable done a period of change.WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIFIC CHALLENGES THAT MANY LEADERS FACE, AND HOW to COPE WITH THEM?EXTERNAL CHALLENGESThe world surprises us at every turn, throwing up barriers where the way seems clear, and revealing broad highways where there seemed to be but brick walls. Both kinds of surprises sometimes the positive more than the negative present opportunities for exercising leadership, with all the challenges they entail. Some communal situations that call for leaders to use their resources include * Public criticism, especially uninformed criticism, of your group or mission. * Flare-ups of others interpersonal issues, either within the group or outdoor(a) it. * Crises, which could be tied to finances, program, politics, p ublic relations (scandals), legal concerns (lawsuits), even spiritual issues ( leaving of enthusiasm, low morale).* Disasters. These are different from crises, in that, in a crisis, something important (usually negative, but not always) seems to behappening, and youre trying to control the situation. In a disaster, the worst has already happened, and youre trying to deal with that in some way. * immunity and/or repulsion from powerful forces (business groups, local government, an influential organization, etc.) * A financial or political windfall. Sometimes an unexpected benefit can be harder to handle than a calamity. * Collaboration with another group or organization may call upon a leader to define clearly the boundaries within which he can operate, and to balance the needs of his own group with those of the collaborative initiative as a whole.HOW TO COPE WITH EXTERNAL CHALLENGESBe proactive.Regardless of the situation, its important for leaders to do something. Waiting is occa sionally the right strategy, but even when it is, it makes a group nervous to see its leader apparently not exercising some control. Be creative.Try to think outside the box, i.e. in unexpected but effective ways. If disaster has struck (youve just lost a major source of funding, perhaps ), how can you turn what looks like the end of the world into a new beginning? tail you change the way the organization operates to deal with the loss? Can you use the fact that youre about to lose services to gain community and political support? Is this an opportunity to diversify your funding? Can you expand your horizons and your reach through collaboration? fathert just look at the obvious, but consider a situation from all perspectives, and hunt for unusual ways to make things ready. An important piece of information, one thats often quoted in community campaign, but which cant be overdone the Chinese character for crisis combines the characters for danger and opportunity. Face conflict squ arely.This doesnt mean come out fighting, but rather identify and acknowledge the conflict, and work to resolve it. This is true both for conflict within your group, and conflict amid the group and others outside it. Far too many people, leaders included, act as if conflict doesnt exist, because they find it difficult or frightening to deal with. As a result, it only grows worse, and by the time it erupts, it may be nearly impotential to resolve. Ifits faced early, nearly any conflict can be resolved in a way that is beneficial for everyone wantd. Its a survive of leadership to have the courage to name the conflict and work on it. Always look for common ground.If theres opposition to what youre doing, it may only be to one specific part of it, or may be based on misunderstanding. There are few groups or individuals who dont have some common interests. If you can find those, you may have a basis for solving problems and making it possible for people to work together. Retain your o bjectivity.If youre mediating a conflict within the organization, dont take sides, even if you think you know one side is right. That will come out if you mediate objectively and well.If youre faced with detractors or opposition, dont automatically assume theyre villains. What are their concerns, and why do they resist with what youre doing? Dont get sucked into a fight unless theres really no alternative. Even rabid opposition can often be overcome through a combination of respect, political pressure, and creative problem solving.When you do feel you have to fight, pick your battles carefully. Make sure you have the resources money, political and other allies, volunteer help, whatever you need to sustain conflict. Battles can advance your cause, or they can kill your initiative once and for all. Dont get into a fight you have no chance to win. Look for opportunities to collaborate.This is important both within and outside your group or organization. Within the group, involve as many people as possible in decisions, and make sure they have control over what they do. The more they own their jobs and the organization, the more enthusiastic theyll be, the more effective the organization will be, and the more effective youll be as a leader. Outside the organization, try to forge ties with other organizations and groups. Let them know what youre doing, get and give support, and work with them to the extent you can. Make common cause with other groups that have similar interests. In numbers, there is strength, and youll be stronger as an alliance of groups than any one of you could be individually.INTERNAL CHALLENGESLeaders are human. Thats hardly news, but it room that they come with all the same problems and failings as everyone else. One of the greatest challenges of leadership is facing your own personal issues, and making sure they dont prevent you from exercising leadership. Acknowledging the attitudes and tendencies that get in your way, and working to ov ercome them, is absolutely necessary if youre to become an effective leader. Among the most common personal traits that good leaders have to overcome or keep in check are * Insecurity. Many people feel, at least some of the time, that theyre not up to the tasks they face. They may even believe that theyre fooling people with their air of competence, when they know theyre really not very capable at all. Insecurity of that sort keeps them from being proactive, from following their vision, from pure tone like leaders. It can be crippling to both a leader and her group or organization.* Defensiveness. Also born of insecurity, defensiveness shows up most often as an softness to take criticism (other people might catch on to the fact that youre as incompetent as you know you are), and continuing hostility to anyone, even an ally, who voices it. Defensiveness often also includes a stubborn resistance to change ideas, pictures, or assumptions, even if theyve been shown to be ineffective. * Lack of decisiveness. Sometimes its hard to make a decision. You never know till later and sometimes not even then whether you made the right decision. Maybe if you had a few more facts The reality is that leaders are called on to make decisions all the time, often with very little time to consider them. It is important to have as much information as possible, but at some point, you just have to make the decision and live with it. Some decisions are reversible, and some are not, but in either case, its important to learn to make a decision when necessary and understand that living with the consequences is part of being a leader* Inability to be direct when theres a problem. Many people want so badly to be liked, or are so afraid of hurting others, that they find it difficult to say anything negative. They may be reluctant to tell someone hes not doing his job adequately, for instance, or to address an interpersonal problem. Unfortunately, by letting these things go, they only m ake them worse, which makes them still harder to address. Its essential to learn when firmness is necessary, and to learn how to exercise it.*Inability to be objective. Neither looking at situations through rose-colored glasses nor being always on the edge of hysteria is conducive to effective leadership. Just as objectivity is important in dealing with external issues, its important to monitor your own objectivity in general. Theres a difference between being an optimistic individual and being unable to see disaster looming because its too painful to contemplate. By the same token, seeing the possible negatives in an apparently positive situation is not the same as being paralyzed by the assumption that calamity lurks around every corner. The inability to accurately identify the positive and negative in any situation and react appropriately can create serious problems.* Impatience with others and with situations. It may seem, addicted the importance of decisiveness and firmness, that patience is not a virtue a leader needs. In fact, it is perhaps the most important trait to develop. Situations do not resolve themselves instantly, and anyone whos ever been involved in an organization knows that Rule 1 is that everything takes longer than you think it will. People in unfamiliar situations need a while to orient themselves. Leaders who are impatient may make rash decisions, may alienate staff members or volunteers or allies, and can often make situations worse rather than conk out. Its hard to be patient, but its worth the effort. In addition to character traits that can get in a leaders way, there are the effects of health and personal crises.COPING WITH INTERNAL CHALLENGESListen.Listen to peoples responses to your ideas, plans, and opinions. Listen more than you talk. Listen to a broad range of people, not just to those who agree with you. Probe to find out why they think or feel the way they do. Assume that everyone has something important to say. If you h ear the same things from a number of different and diverse sources, you should at least consider the possibility that theyre accurate. If theyre about things you do that you can change, you might give it a try. Ask for 360-degree feedbackand use it.This is feedback (peoples views of you) from everyone around you staff, volunteers, Board, participants, people from other organizations or groupsyours works with anyone you work with in any way. As with listening, if you hear the same thing from a lot of different sources, its probably true. Act on it. All the feedback in the world wont do you any good unless you do something with it. Look at whats going on around you.Are you the center of contestation and chaos? Or do calm and good feeling seem to reside wherever you do? The chances are that the answer lies somewhere in between these extremes, but it probably should be closer to the calm and good feeling side. Even if youre involved in a battle with the forces of evil, you can advan ce calm in yourself and those you work with. At the same time, your group could be on top of the world, and you and your colleagues could still be climbing the walls if thats the kind of melody you create. Reach out for help in facing internal challenges.Most of us find it difficult to change entirely on our own. A psychotherapist, a good friend, a perceptive colleague, or a trusted clergyman might be able to help you gain perspective on issues that you find hard to face. Many people find meditation or some form of self-discovery helpful in understanding themselves and in getting through change. Dont feel you have to do it all on your own.CHALLENGES STEMMING FROM THE NATURE OF THE LEADERSHIP ROLEA leadership position brings with it unique demands. Leaders can be looked on as authority figures, as saviors, as fixers of things that are broken, as spiritual guides, as mentors, as models, as inspirers, as teachersin short, they may be seen however others choose to see them. This in its elf carries a set of challenges, in addition to those posed by what all leaders indeed have to do in order to keep things going. Some of the issues that leaders have to cope with specifically because theyre leaders are * Keeping an eye on, and communicating, the vision. As the guardian of a groups vision, its up to the leader to remind everyone of what that vision is, to keep it in mind in everything the group or organization does, to protect it from funders or others who would try to change itand to make sure It does change, if necessary, with changes in circumstances, the needs of the target population, or the available information. That means not beingdistracted from the bigger picture by day-to-day issues (even as those issues are addressed and resolved).It also means not substituting another, lesser goal (getting enough funding to start a specific program, for instance) that may be contrary to the true vision of the organization. * Keeping the everyday under control while you handle to pursue the vision. You cant maintain the vision without making sure that theres paper in the printer, that you understand the legal implications of an action you plan to take, that people know what theyre supposed to be doing on a given day, that theres enough cash in the bank to come across payroll, and that theres someone there to answer the phone, to pay the bills, and to look for funding. These arent necessarily all things a leader has to do herself (although there are certainly organizations where thats what happens), but shes responsible for making sure they get done, and that things run smoothly. No matter how transformative she is, no leader can sue much if the infrastructure doesnt work.* Setting an example. If you want others in the group to show mutual respect, to work hard, to embrace the vision and mission of the organization, to include everyone in their thinking and decisions, you have to start by doing those things yourself, and behaving in the ways you w ant others to behave. A leader who yells at people, consults no one, and assumes his word is law will by design or unintentionally train everyone else in the group to be the same way. A leader who acts collaboratively and inclusively will create an organization that functions similarly. * Maintaining effectiveness over time. One of the hardest lessons of leadership is that youre never done. No matter how well things go, no matter how successful your group or organization or initiative is unless its aimed at accomplishing a very specific, time-limited goal you have to keep at it forever.Even if you get a bill passed or manage to get money for your cause included in the state budget, you have to work to maintain your gains. If youre running a community intervention, you have to recruit participants, refine your methods, do community outreach, raise fundsindefinitely. Maintaining effectiveness is a matter both of monitoring what you do and working to improve it, and of keeping up en thusiasm for the work within the group. Its part of the leaders role to maintain his own enthusiasm and drive, and to communicate and transfer them to others.* Avoiding burnout. This is a challenge notonly for leaders, because a destroy out leader can affect the workings of a whole organization. Leader burnout is a product of being overwhelmed by the workload, the frustrations, the stress, and the time demands of the position, multiplied by the number of years spent in it. It can reach a point where the leader no longer cares about the vision, the work of the group, or anything but when he can go home. By that point, the rest of the group is likely to be struggling, feeling rudderless and uncertain. Its crucial that leaders learn to live the signs of burnout and depending on where they are in their lives and a number of other factors either find ways to revitalize their commitment or set out. perchance even more threatening than burnout is burn-down the loss of passion and i ntensity that can come with familiarity and long service. You may still care about what youre doing, but the enthusiasm just isnt there anymore.In many ways, this condition may be even harder to deal with than burnout. At least if youre burned out, its obvious if youre burned down, especially if its happened over a long period, neither you nor others may have realized it. * Finding support. Cliches often become cliches because theyre true. It is lonely at the top, largely because a good leader tries to make things go smoothly enough that others arent aware of the descend of work shes doing. The leader may have no one to share her concerns with, and may have to find her own satisfaction, because others dont recognize the amount and nature of her contribution.The buck may stop with her, but where then does she unburden herself? As mentioned earlier, leaders are human. They need support and comfort as much as anyone else, and its important that they find it. COPING WITH CHALLENGES STE MMING FROM THE NATURE OF THE LEADERSHIP ROLE So how can you continue to be a leader and also continue to be a functioning human being? There are things you can do to retain both your sanity and your competency. constitute mechanisms to revisit your vision.Hold occasional meetings and at-least-yearly retreats to discuss vision and renew commitment. These will serve both to review the vision to see if it still resonates (and to rework it if necessary), and to renew your and others purpose and pursuit of it. Theyll help to remind you of why youre doing this in the first place, give you an opportunity to work on group solidarity, and ideally leave you feeling refreshed and ready to carryon. Share the burden.Surround yourself with good people who share your vision. If you can find others who are competent and committed to whom you can delegate some of the tasks of leadership, it will both remove pressure from you, and make your group stronger. One of the greatest mistakes a leader can make is to be threatened by others abilities. In fact, sharing responsibility with capable people makes all of you more effective, and strengthens your leadership. Having competent people to depend on also means that you can develop systems and know theyll work. Organizational maintenance becomes much easier, and you have more time to devote to the actual pursuit of your vision.Find an individual or group with whom you can discuss the realities of leadership. In many communities, some heads of organizations meet on a regular basis to talk about the difficulties and rewards of their situations with others who truly understand. Some such arrangement can be a valuable hedge against burnout, and can also help you gain insight into how you function as a leader. It can introduce you to alternative ways of doing things, as well as giving you a chance to vent, and to realize youre not alone. Make sure you have personal time.The founder and director of a prominent think tank once went seven years without a day off including Sun long time. Thats 2,557 straight days of work. (That includes two leap year days, for those of you doing the math.) Even if that doesnt cause burnout, its not good for your creativity or your understanding of the world. Everything becomes work or related to work the world holds no other reality, and leadership becomes all you do. In order to maintain perspective and to keep yourself fresh, you need to take time away from being a leader, and away from your organization or initiative. Its important to have an activity that gets you away from your daily concerns, and to take days off from time to time. Some people meditate every day, others play music regularly, others participate in sports or fitness activities.Your getaway doesnt have to be an everyday thing, but it should be something you love and look forward to, and it should be frequent and regular. It may be as simple as taking a walk with your kids for an hour every evening whatever it i s that relaxes your mind and feeds your soul.Rather than detracting from your effectiveness, your time off will increase it. Depending upon how you approach it, leadership can be a hard and lonely road, or an exciting and collaborative trip to a new place. The more, and more useful, strategies you can find to cope with its challenges, the better leader youll be.

Professional Development Plan Essay

My skipper curriculum is to grow as a nurse by gaining knowledge through schooling and my daily experiences, so in five years I can c are for patients and families as a nurse practiti acer. I go forth make brief term and long term goals to help guide me down my path as I transition into the role of professional nurse providing me with bare-ass opportunities for my future. Beliefs and set influences the decisions people make in their personal and professional life. My beliefs and values were incorporated to make my philosophy of nursing, that is to be an advocate for my patients and their family during their most(prenominal) vulnerable time, continuing my educational activity to provide the best quality care available and taking a holistic approach by looking at the person as a whole caring for their body, mind, and spirit (Chitty, 2007 p. 312).I believe nursing is an evidence based practice, the care provided to patients and family have been proven through research to be the safest most effective way to implement care. My values which mold my beliefs have been acquired throughout my life from the people around me and my experiences. My values and beliefs provide continue to change as I get older, have more experiences in my profession and further my education in nursing.One of my short term goals is to finish my baccalaureate full stop in nursing. In terms of advancing professionalism, research was recently published, (Morris & Faulk, 2007), in which nurses were found to have increased professionalism and growth in roles and values after attention an ADN to BSN program. That is what I am striving to achieve while going through the BSN program. I plan on taking each class one at a time, trying to do my best, and gain the knowledge needed to grow in my field. By August 2009, I should have my BSN which will provide me with new opportunities such as management and educator positions this degree will also provide me the opportunity to further my education to a masters level.My due south short term goal will begin this summer, that is to initiate the evidence based practice, EBP, project on my progressive care unit, PCU, at Banner advantageously Samaritan Medical Center, BGSMC. Several of my coworkers and I are currently gathering information on research that suggests that providing patients and their families with written and oral information on the side set up of their medications will improve patient satisfactory scores in a acute care setting. We meet together regularly, learning as a aggroup how to initiate EBP into the workplace. Then possibly in the future we will publish our findings.By fall of 2009 I plan on starting the Masters of apprehension in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Phoenix so I will be able to sit for the national boards certifying mental test by the end of 2012. Once I complete the requirements I must submit the documentation to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. I then pl an on working for an interventional cardiologist, which will give me the opportunity to work in both the hospital and office setting. Income is not the sole reason for my desire to pull in in my profession but it is of the essence(predicate) to note that the U.S. Census Bureau 2000 data show that income levels rise as educational levels rise (Katz, Carter, Bishop and Kravitz, 2004). Income will alter me to continue my education and to obtain other goals in my future such as going to law school and traveling around the world.When discussing a professional development plan people have to keep in mind a persons support system, resources available to them, their work ethics and what is needed to succeed. While one may be able to fulfill his or her goals without one or more of these things, adversities can deter many from following plans they set forth. Support and judgement from my family and friends would be a significant tool in helping me achieve my goals. It may also be useful t o have mentors help to guide me on my chosen path to success. Financial assistance will also be needed to continue on with my learning process. Self-discipline, further education and experience are also required to be successful in my future role as an FNP.Self-discipline and time management skills are crucial to have in our fast pace speed of lives today. It becomes increasingly important in the students life to use time wisely. Students may have to overcome several hurdles and barriers along the way. It is important to be able to identify these issues it is the first step to overcoming them. Barriers may be financial, time restraints or lack of support from family and friends having the knowledge how to overcome these barriers and having business plans is what makes the difference between meeting your goal versus abandoning the goal.If faced with any of these barriers I will try to have a positive outlook and attitude, I will try to look on the bright side. Michaud (2002) observ ed that ones ability to bounce back from disaster and loss depends on the persons ability to use resiliency skills to conjure up positive emotions when he or she is challenged severely. I will monitor my stress level and use liberalisation techniques specific to me and my needs if necessary in order to avoid abandoning the goals that I have set.In conclusion, putting together a professional plan is an important step to obtaining desired outcomes. According to Alexander Graham Bell (2001) before anything else preparation is the key to success. Values and beliefs will change over time, which will influence your original plan to formulate new goals, when this occurs a person must r treasure the resources available and challenge themselves to meet new goals. I will evaluate my plan to ensure I am staying on task meeting my goals that I have set forth so I will be successful in my future.ReferenceBell, A. G. (2001). _Quoteland._ Retrieved border 15, 2008, from http//www.quoteland.com/to pic.asp?CATEGORY_ID=447Chitty, K. K. (2007). _Professional Nursing Concepts & Challenges (5th ed.)._ St. Louis Elsevier Inc. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from University of Phoenix Library.Katz, J., Carter, C., Bishop, J. & Kravitz, S. (2004). _Keys to Nursing Success (2nd ed.)._ Upper Saddle River, NJ Pearson Prentice Hall.Michaud E. (2000). Theres a secret to recovering from great adversity. The scientists who study it, and the people whove done it, share it with you. _Prevention Magazine_ (June). Retrieved March 15, 2008, from Proquest database.Morris, A., & Faulk, D. (2007). Perspective transformation Enhancing the development of professionalism in RN-to-BSN students. _Journal of Nursing Education,_ 46(10), 445-51. Retrieved March 15, 2008, from Ebscohost database.

Summerhill Education

SUMMERHILL EDUCATION Education is one of numerous elements, which create ainities of young people. We substance abused to the circumstance that each school aims to teach, require and civilize. or so people think, that young do not know what is good for them, moreover, without appropriate mobilization, they cannot gain a success in future. 1. Alexander Sutherland Neill(17 October 1883 23 September 1973) was a Scottish progressive educator, author and founder ofSummerhill school, which remains open and continues to follow his educational ism to this day. He is best known as an advocate of personal freedom for kidren.Neill believed that the happiness of the child should be the paramount consideration in decisions about the childs upbringing, and that this happiness grew from a sense of personal freedom. He felt that lack of this sense of freedom during childhood, and the consequent unhappiness experienced by the repressed child, was responsible for many of the psychological di sorders of adulthood. Neills ideas, which tried to help children achieve self-determination and back up critical thinking rather than blind obedience, were seen as backward, radical, or at best, controversial.Many of Neills ideas are widely accepted today, although there are still many more traditional thinkers within the educational establishment who regard Neills ideas as threatening the existing social order, and are therefore controversial. In 1921 Neill foundedSummerhill Schoolto demonstrate his educational theories in practice. These included a belief that children learn better when they are not compelled to attend lessons. The school is also managed democratic ally, with regular meetings to determine school rules.Pupils bind equal voting rights with school supply. Neills Summerhill School experience demonstrated that, free from the coercion of traditional schools, students tended to respond by developing self-motivation, rather than self-indulgence. Externally enforce disc ipline, Neill felt, prevented internal, self-discipline from developing. He therefore considered that children who attended Summerhill were likely to emerge with better-developed critical thinking skills and greater self-discipline than children educated in compulsion-based schools.These tendencies were perhaps all the more remarkable considering that the children accepted by Summerhill were often from problematic backgrounds, where parental conflict or neglect had resulted in children arriving in a particularly unhappy bow of mind. The therapeutic value of Summerhills environment was demonstrated by the improvement of many children who had been rejected by conventional schools, yet flourished at Summerhill. Strongly influenced by the present-day(a) work ofSigmund FreudandWilhelm Reich, Neill was opposed tosexual repressionand the imposition of the strictVictorian valuesof his childhood era.He stated clearly that to be anti-sex was to be anti- career. Naturally, these views made h im unpopular with many establishment figures of the time. 2. CHARACTERISTIC Summerhill is a democratic, self-governing school providing boarding, day education and care for 78 pupils aged 5 17 years old. It is situated in the small market town of Leiston, within walking distance of the town centre. The school adopts an alternative philosophy to education based on the work of its founder, A S Neill. It is based on the notion that children should be free to decide for themselves how to spend their time in school.The proprietor, who is the daughter of A S Neill, continues to uphold these principles. The mundane life of the school is governed by the school meetings, held three times a week, in which everybody has an equal vote. School meetings are used to create, confirm and amend all the school laws which form the structure of expectations for the community of staff and pupils, in which the adults and children have complete parity of status. The schools philosophy is to allow freedom for the individual, each child beingness able to take their own path in life and find, through experience, the things that they want to do and the person they want to be.The school proposes that this leads to an inner selfconfidence and real sufferance of themselves as people. All of this is done within the structures of the school, through the meetings, self-government and the clear distinctions between freedom and licence, all elements which are at the very core of the schools philosophy and the day-to-day experiences of the pupils and staff. The school is part of a regional, national and international democratic network and reflects the extent of A S Neills continuing influence on the world.This is mirrored in the pupil intake. Approximately two thirds of pupils (mainly Dutch, German, Korean Japanese, and Taiwanese) speak English as an additional language. The principal and, from time to time other staff and children, go out from the school to speak to and work with other chil dren and adults and to promote democratic education. A. S. Neills system is a radical approach to child rearing. In Summerhill School authority does not mask a system of manipulation. 3. THE PRINCIPLES ? Neill maintains a firm faith in the goodness of the child. He believes that the average child is not born a cripple, a coward, or a soulless automaton, but has full potentialities to love life and to be interested in life. ? The aim of education-in fact the aim of life-is to work joyfully and to find happiness. Happiness, according to Neill, incriminates being interested in life or as I would put it, responding to life not just with ones brain but with ones whole personality. ? In education, intellectual development is not enough. Education essential be both intellectual and emotional.In modern society we find an increasing separation between intellect and feeling. The experiences of man today are mainly experiences of plan rather than an immediate grasp of what his hurt feels, h is eyes see, and his ears hear. In fact, this separation between intellect and feeling has led modern man to a scraggy schizoid state of mind in which he has become almost incapable of experiencing anything except in thought. ? Education essential be geared to the mental needs and capacities of the child. The child is not an altruist. He does not yet love in the sense of the mature love of an adult.It is an error to expect something from a child, which he can show only in a hypocritical way. Altruism develops after childhood. ? Discipline, dogmatically imposed, and punishment create fear and fear creates hostility. This hostility may not be conscious and overt, but it nevertheless paralyzes endeavor and authenticity of feeling. The extensive disciplining of children is harmful and thwarts sound psychic development ? Freedom does not imagine license. This very important principle, emphasized by Neill, is that respect for the individual must be mutual.A teacher does not use force against a child, nor has a child the right to use force against a teacher. A child may not intrude upon an adult just because he is a child, nor may a child use pressure in the many ways in which a child can. ? Closely related to this principle is the need for true earnestness on the part of the teacher. The author says that never in the 40 years of his work in Summerhill has he lied to a child. Anyone who reads this book will be convinced that this statement, which might sound like boasting, is the simple truth. Healthy human development makes it necessary that a child eventually cut the primary ties which tie him with his father and mother, or with later substitutes in society, and that he become truly independent. He must learn to face the world as an individual. He must learn to find his security not in any symbiotic attachment, but in his capacity to grasp the world intellectually, emotionally, and artistically. He must use all his powers to find union with the world, rather than to find security through submission or domination. ? Summerhill School does not offer religious education.This, however, does not mean that Summerhill is not concerned with what might be loosely called the basic humanistic values. Neill puts it succinctly The battle is not between believers in god and non-believers in theology it is between believers in human freedom and believers in the suppression of human freedom. The author continues, Some day a sensitive generation will not accept the obsolete religion and myths of today. When the new religion comes, it will refute the idea of mans being born in sin. A new religion will praise God by making men happy.

Psychiatric Side Effects Hormonal Contraceptives Health And Social Care Essay

Current scientific literature widely supports the detail that estrogen and progesterone encounter whatever effects on the cardinal nervous system, but crowing fe phallics have ever understood that they feel otherwise depending on what portion of their hormonal rhythm they are on. Womans are rather familiar with the psychological and emotional hurt get downd by premenstrual syndrome. Family members flock place with the noticeable behavioural adjustment from pre to post-puberty females due to the addition of sex endocrines within the organic structure. It so follows that the inquiry of what, be locations the primary effects of sex endocrines, estrogen and progesterone are reservation in the organic structure to arouse such(prenominal) behavior- alter phenomena? To magnanimous females, it is swooning that endocrine degrees are changing the manner we think and feel, yet many hormonal preventives fail to name important indurate and behavioural alterations as a side present mo ment. In fact, one article by Douma et Al. ( 2005 ) states that despite presenting alterations in exacting and comparative degrees of estrogen and Lipo-Lutin, emotional and sexual side effects of oral preventives are mostly ignored in the research literature. If these endocrines do in fact map as behavioural and psychological qualifiers, are at that place unsought effects of consuming hormonal preventives that tin can coarsely change temper and behaviour? This is an effort to reply, through a reappraisal of the literature on the interactions between endocrines and temper upsets, if the side effects associated with hormonal preventives are excessively great of a hazard to female outlook to be defecaten.Female Generative CycleAfter making sexual enceintehood, a adult female will proceed through the generative rhythm until making climacteric, the point at which she will no longer be able to hold kids. Womans have monthly twain generative rhythms that are tightly linked by hormon al ordinance. During adult females s rhythms, the organic structure prepares for fertilisation of the lump, which is throw overboardd about halfway through the rhythm. If the musket ball is non fertilized after being released, menses occurs and the rhythm repeats itself. Ultimately, lock of the generative rhythm belongs to the encephalon.The ovarian rhythm includes all of the alterations that happen in the ovaries while a adult female remains fertile. First, gonadotrophin let go ofing endocrine ( GnRH ) is dispensed from the hypothalamus through the intermediate hypophyseal portal system, exciting the anterior pituitary to release some(prenominal) follicle exciting endocrine ( follicle-stimulating hormone ) and luteinizing endocrine ( LH ) into the blood stream. When the endocrines reach the sex glands, they bind to receptors on the ovaries and originate a concatenation of events that catch follicular growing, a procedure that will bring forth an egg as the female gamete. As t he follicle grows within the ovary, it begins to let go of estradiol at low degrees, which maps in the uterine rhythm and at any rate inhibits the release of more FSH and LH from the pituitary. As the follicle nears ripening, estradiol degrees rise steeply. The high concentration of estradiol plants opposite how low estradiol concentrations in the organic structure map, exciting the hypothalamus to release GnRH and doing a rush in both FSH and LH. The rush in LH allows the follicle to make adulthood, and ovulation by and large occurs about a twenty-four hours subsequently. The follicular tissue remains in the ovary and is transformed into a impermanent secretory organ known as the principal luteum in response to LH. The principal luteum secretes the endocrines estradiol and Lipo-Lutin, which exhibit cast out feedback on the encephalon to diminish FSH and LH degrees. As these degrees get really low, the principal luteum disintegrates, the invalidating feedback rhythm is disrupte d, and the rhythm starts over once more ( Cambell et al. , 2008. )The uterine rhythm begins with the thickener of the liner of the womb in readying for the possible nidation of an embryo. This occurs in response to estradiol being secreted from follicles within the ovary. After ovulation, Lipo-Lutin and estradiol work in accompaniment to turn endometrial secretory organs in the womb and increase blood supply to the endometrium while go oning to increase the thickness of the uterine liner. If an egg is non fertilized before it passes out of the female, the principal luteum will devolve. The bead in ovarian endocrines causes the blood vass of the endometrium to compress and starves the uterine liner, ensuing in menstruations ( Cambell et al. , 2008. )Hormonal ContraceptivesPregnancy is a long-term committedness that is energetically expensive to the female and requires life manner alterations to care for the offspring until they are able to care for themselves. For these and other personal demesnes, shipway to obviate gestation have been developed to let a two somewhat to make up ones mind when they are ready to hold a kid. Of class, abstention and male barrier systems are available, but to guarantee a greater grade of protection in intercourse the female whitethorn take to utilize hormonal preventives to change the organic structure s rhythmic rhythms that prepare for gestation. Effective and reversible, many adult females today choose a hormonal birth control for greater independency in life. How frequently the hormonal preventive demands to be taken depends on the method of pick and type of endocrine. There is a large number of different types of hormonal contraceptive method available that a female can take from to forestall gestation which involves legion methods of bringing and types of endocrine. Common discretion of bringing include an ingestible tablet signifier, a skin spot placed at assorted locations on the organic structure, a ring placed within of the vagina, and hormonal injections given in the clinic. The endocrines these preventives contain are most normally the endocrines produced by the ovary.Hormonal preventives map in a assortment of different ways to forestall gestation. To understand how they work, it is of import to understand how ovarian endocrines map in the organic structure of course. In general, most steroid endocrines are transcription regulators. steroid endocrines are produced by changing the substrate cholesterin and act on a broad assortment of tissues. As antecedently discussed, the ovaries produce two endocrines rhythmically, estradiol and Lipo-Lutin. Hormonal preventives consist of progestogen, a man-made, progesterone-like endocrine that can be given entirely or in concurrence with man-made estrogen. Hormonal contraceptive method contains man-made derived prevails of estrogen and Lipo-Lutin in combination or by themselves. Most unwritten preventives work by forestalling contraceptive metho d, but some alter the endometrium to forestall nidation of the embryo. Combined preventives work through negative feedback to the hypothalamus, stamp downing GnRH and thence FSH and LH secernments. Without the rush of LH/FSH degrees, the follicle will non finish development, impeding the production and release of a secondary oocyte. Other contraceptive method methods known as consecutive readyings prescribe estrogens for some period of clip and so Lipo-Lutin, following the normal rhythmic sequence of the organic structure s rhythm. progesterone is besides given entirely and exhibits negative feedback on the release of LH, which can change the organic structure to the point where it acts as if it is pregnant, impeding the release of any other eggs ( Hadley, M. , Levine, J. , 2006. )Progesterone is synthesized as a precursor to both of the other sex endocrines, androgens and estrogens, in the thecal cells that form the follicle. However, merely little sums of Lipo-Lutin are produced in this manner most of the Lipo-Lutin in the organic structure is manufactured by granulosa cells of the principal luteum. In some(prenominal) stairss, cholesterin is oxidized to pregnenolone, which is once more oxidised and undergoes keto/enol tautomerization to organize Lipo-Lutin. Progesterone is the endocrine responsible for fixing the organic structure for gestation and keeping the embryo one time a adult female becomes pregnant by exciting growing and development of the womb and Fallopian tubes. Progesterone exhibits control on the secernment of GnRH and gonadotropin secernment ( Hadley, M. , Levine, J. , 2006. )Estradiol is produced in the ovaries in response to follicular growing following the release of the pituitary endocrines LH and FSH. The complete synthesis of estradiol occurs within the follicle of the ovary. First, a multistep mechanism converts cholesterin, which is obtained from the consumption of fatty acids, to the intermediate androgen androstenedione. Some a ndrostenedione is converted to testosterone, which is enzymatically oxidized by aromatase for the transition to active sex endocrine estradiol. When estrogen starts being produced at high degrees in the female following pubescence, it is responsible for the ripening of the female sex variety meats, including the vagina, ovaries, womb, and Fallopian tubes. In these countries it causes tissue growing and development, increased blood flow, mucus secernment, prostaglandin synthesis, and increases the figure of Pitocin and estrogen receptors in the womb. Besides the sex variety meats, estrogens have an topic on many other countries of the organic structure. Estrogen has several actions on the pituitary, including the followers positive and negative feedback set uping the secernment of the FSH and LH increases the figure of GnRH receptors increases the production of Pitocin and increases the production of lactogenic hormone. To all of this, estrogen besides affects the cardinal nervou s system, and it is mayhap these effects that are most unreassuring when sing hormonal birth control. Behaviorally, the addition of sexual desires and maternal inherent aptitude alters libido ( Hadley, M. , Levine, J. , 2006. )Side Effectss of Hormonal ContraceptivesPhysical, mental, and societal welfare are of import facets of a healthy life. Treatments are beset for physical manifestations of unwellness, but when it comes to psychiatrical upsets solutions are much less abound. Many of these unwellnesss have a familial constituent in add-on to environmental factors, doing chances for successful intervention low due to the individualised nature of psychiatric upsets as a whole. investigation possible causes for mental unwellness should however be a precedence for doctors. A consolidative feature of work forces and adult females that may be a promising path to some conditions impacting mental wellness prevarications in the sex endocrines, the biological indexs of birthrate and matu rity. However, a regretful figure of psychiatric upsets affect adult females to a greater extent than work forces while adult females are fertile, they produce estrogen and Lipo-Lutin in greater sums than their male opposite numbers. It is therefore possible that these steroid endocrines are lending to the addition of temper upsets in females. Hormones diffuse straight into the endothelial cells of the blood encephalon barrier and hold several well-documented maps on the hypothalamus and pituitary. In add-on to these countries, receptors for the sex steroids are found in other locations where emotion, knowledge, and behaviour is regulated ( Westberg, L. , Eriksson, E. , 2007. ) The effects of decreased degrees of endocrines has been studied in conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric upset, perimenopausal dysphoria, postpartum low, postpartum psychosis, dysphoria induced by unwritten preventives or hormonal replacing therapy and anabolic steroid-induced aggression correlativiti es may be between sex steroids and autism, depression, panic upsets, anxiousness upset, agoraphobia, transsexualism, dependence, and attention-deficit hyperactivity upset ( Westberg, L. , Eriksson, E. , 2007. ) The reappraisal paper by Westberg and Eriksson ( 2007 ) analyzed cistron polymorphisms of the sex steroids and their relation to psychiatric status, but all the way stated is the deduction that if cistron discrepancies are associated with a certain status, so it is likely that they warp the homeostasis of that peculiar variable.In surveies of the female life span, fluxes of estrogen can be linked to many behavioural upsets while a female is fertile, estrogen degrees flux greatly during the luteal stage of the catamenial rhythm this corresponds to premenstrual syndrome, which is experienced in most adult females undergoing menstruations after holding a kid, estrogen degrees bead, which could take to postpartum depression come ining climacteric, irregular rhythms cause big fluctuations in estrogen degrees, and many adult females cite experiencing depressed during this clip and eventually, during climacteric, estrogen degrees bead to extreme depressions from what the organic structure is used to, and diminution in many psychological provinces is exhibited ( Douma, S. , et Al. 2005. ) In add-on to its engagement in memory, concentration, and cognitive map, estrogen mediates several neurotransmitters in the encephalon that may play a function in temper for illustration, the effects on serotonergic map and Dopastat degrees may indicate towards a nexus with depression ( Douma, S. , et Al. 2005. )A pilot survey on the relation of depression to hormonal preventives indicated that users of unwritten preventives may be more inclined to depression than non-users ( Kulkarni, et Al. 2005. ) In a double-blind survey by Grounds et al. , ( 1970 ) depression as a side consequence of hormonal preventives was found to be independent of antecedently bing symptoms. Th e survey concluded that depression was due to the hormonal chemics in the preventives.Figure 1 Degree of Mood Change in Oral Contraceptive Users Compared to PlaceboSeveral theories exist on the mechanisms for how the sex endocrines can be changing temper. Plausible explainations include an estrogen-induced vitamin B6 lack and subsequent lessening in 5-hydroxytryptamine and GABA degrees due to the low affinity of the decarboxylases for pyridoxal phosphate a Lipo-Lutin and estrogen mediated augmentation of GABA-induced suppression and suppression of glutamate excitement and a progesterone-mediated addition in monoamine oxidase activity ensuing in reduced concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine ( Oinonen, K. , Mazmanian, D. , 2001. )Estradiol may impact Dopastat receptors, increase the release of Dopastat in the subcortical part of the prosencephalon, and diminish the consumption of Dopastat, all of which would increasing the length and shenanigan of the consequence ( Vulink, et al. , 2006. ) Research suggests that this portion of the encephalon, the karyon accumbens, may work in pleasance, dependence, being happy or sad, and many other emotions ( Vulink, et al. , 2006. )Harmonizing to an article by Parry and wad ( 1979 ) , temper alterations, in peculiar depression, have been found to be correlated to the length of unwritten contraceptive method usage, the concentration of Lipo-Lutin, and a familial aesthesia to the disease. Although it may hold some kind of environmental constituent, surveies have demonstrated that depression may develop due to lessenings in the degree of monoamine neurotransmitters found in the encephalon, notably 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline. Hormonal contraceptive method may be making this instability by impacting the production and debasement of 5-hydroxytryptamine and noradrenaline. Serotonin is created in a mechanism of several stairss that hydroxylizes and so decarboxylates the amino acid tryptophan. Oral preventives may hei ghten tryptophan metamorphosis and act as a free-enterprise(a) inhibitor of vitamin B6 phosphate, both of which decrease the handiness of tryptophan for the production of 5-hydroxytryptamine. Other surveies confirm that tryptophan may be metabolized at an increased rate in users of unwritten preventives ( Shaarawy, et al.,1982. ) Noradrenaline is synthesized through a series of stairss that convert tyrosine to levodopa and Dopastat, which is oxidized to make the terminal merchandise. Pyridoxal phosphate is used to catalyse the reaction of L-dopa to dopamine, a procedure which is inhibited through the usage of hormonal preventives. Besides, preventives may diminish plasma tyrosine degrees, take downing the handiness of the precursor to norepinephrine, and increase monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that destroys noradrenaline after it is created.Changes that occur to the encephalon under the influence of steroid endocrines can be observed through the usage of EEGs. The correspondence of e lectrical activity with altering endocrine degrees is clear indicant that Lipo-Lutin and estrogen map in the encephalon ( Becker, et al. , 1982. ) Estrogen receptors have been found in the hypothalamus, though there is steady much to be elucidated on the location and distribution of Lipo-Lutin receptors ( Becker, et Al. 1982. ) Women taken hormonal preventives have been observed to hold a decreased alpha father on such surveies ( Parry, Rush, 1979. ) These consequences may assist find how psychological abnormalcies develop after consuming steroid endocrines.Hormonal preventives have been implicated in impacting the badness of obsessive-compulsive upset. In a survey by Vulink, et Al. ( 2006 ) it was found that unwritten preventives could overstate or better the symptoms associated with this mental unwellness. The survey goes on to propose that ground for this alteration might hold to make with the consequence of endocrines on the map of Dopastat in the encephalon. Since OCD might b esides be affected by Dopastat, this is cause for concern.Datas on temper alterations can be hard to quantify, doing the undertaking of placing a questionable nexus between hormonal preventives and mental upsets complex. In add-on, variables between persons can do the state of affairs even more upsetting. For illustration, it is possible that a sensibility to mental unwellness contributes to negative temper alteration experienced with hormonal preventives. Some preliminary work on this many-sided undertaking suggests that the correlativity between negative temper alterations and hormonal preventives may be affected by the temporal form of dose more than their components and ratio ( Oinonen, K. , Mazmanian, D. , 2001, ) yet others province that the relationship may be more luxuriant, and likely justly so ( Douma, S. , Al. 2005. ) To clear up the input of familial versus drug-induced psychiatric upsets, we can look to information from a twin survey. Kendler, et Al. ( 1988 ) performed a survey on 1131 twins to place which side effects of unwritten preventives may be related to genetic sciences and which effects are related to consumption of the drug. Consequences from this survey supported a familial influence over the psychiatric side consequence of depression if it is related to the physical side effects of weight addition and hydrops, which were clearly influenced by familial factors. The consequences besides suggested that familial factors may hold an of import function in crossness. However, a multivariate analysis in the same survey suggests that these psychiatric symptoms were independent of both the physical side effects of unwritten preventives and symptoms of built-in psychiatric upsets. The survey concluded that although cistrons have been definitively demonstrated to act upon depression, psychiatric symptoms and a antecedently bing sensitivity to mental unwellness appear to be comparatively independent. Another decision of this survey stated that the environment did non look to hold an consequence on psychiatric symptoms reported by the users of unwritten preventives. Although the survey has some mistakes to be taken into consideration, such as self-reporting symptoms by topics and merely detecting twins whom volunteered, this grounds suggests that hormonal contraceptive method may hold a direct function in bring oning assorted psychiatric upsets as a side consequence of forestalling gestation.DecisionMost medicative drugs have some kind of side consequence that is by and large unpleasant but deserving taking for the remedial consequence it was prescribed for. Birth control is more of an optional medicine than many prescription drugs, but is still taken by many adult females in America and around the universe. It can be hard to restrict a medical specialty to a individual curative consequence when the chemical occurs of course in our organic structures and affects many facets of homeostasis, though when side effects change fro m being inconvenient or somewhat straitening to something that can impact routine behaviour and temper, concern for what is being put into our organic structures becomes elevated.Even with the possibility of temper alterations, hormonal preventives still provide an effectual agencies of birth control that may outweigh the assorted side effects. However, drug companies and doctors need to accurately province the likeliness of the side effects so that adult females and their households can do an intercommunicate determination when make up ones minding to utilize this signifier of birth control besides, this can increase the chance that adult females will go on to take the pills on a regular basis and run into their terminal ends ( Freeman, Shulman, 2008. )

Cybercrime Definition Essay

What is this Cyber crime? We read about it in newspapers very often. allows look at the dictionary definition of Cybercrime It is a criminal activity committed on the internet. This is a broad term that describes everything from electronic grab to denial of service attacks that ca utilise electronic commerce sites to lose money. Mr. Pavan Duggal, who is the President of www.cyberlaws.net and consultant, in a report has clearly defined the discordant categories and types of cybercrimes. Cybercrimes discount be basically divided into 3 major categories1. Cybercrimes against persons.2. Cybercrimes against property.3. Cybercrimes against government.Cybercrimes against persons Cybercrimes committed against persons include various crimes like transmission of child-pornography, harassment of any one with the use of a computer such as e-mail. The trafficking, distribution, posting, and dissemination of obscene material including pornography and indecent exposure, constitutes one of the m ost important Cybercrimes known today. The potential constipation of such a crime to humanity can hardly be amplified. This is one Cybercrime which threatens to undermine the growth of the younger generation as also conduce irreparable scars and injury on the younger generation, if not controlled.A minor girl in Ahmedabad was lured to a private place through cyberchat by a man, who, along with his friends, attempted to gangrape her. As some passersby heard her cry, she was rescued.Another example wherein the damage was not done to a person but to the masses is the eccentric person of the genus Melissa computer virus. The Melissa virus first appeared on the internet in March of 1999. It spread rapidly throughout computer systems in the United States and Europe. It is estimated that the virus caused 80 million dollars in damages to computers worldwide.In the United States alone, the virus made its way through 1.2 million computers in one-fifth of the countrys largest businesses. Da vid Smith pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 1999 to state and federal charges associated with his creation of the Melissa virus. There are numerous examples of such computer viruses few of them being Melissa and love bug. Cyberharassment is a distinct Cybercrime. Various kinds of harassment can and do occur in cyberspace, or through the use of cyberspace. Harassment can be sexual, racial, religious, or other.

Hrm599

Week 1 1. Benefit formulates Employer-sponsored turn a profits smoothen the culture and formal argument of the agreement, and blueprints should be crafted and selected accordingly. Think well-nighwhat your current (or former) organizations win be after. Did it everyeviate to improve the quality of your work as advant eraously as your personal disembodied spirit? why or why non? Was it a generous benefits program or were thither specific benefits you felt should s in like mannerl been included? We want to a greater extent sequence forward Today tribe argon looking at for benefits what lead help them manage their work- sustenance life cadence-styles kick downstairs.Today, with the help of technology, employer is now starting to be more cap adequate of allegeing whippy options with great results. Time off, seems to be a nonher ara that, I come back, need major improvement across the whole coun feat. The average of two weeks vacation is way below the stand ard offered in all other countries, even third world countries aro engage mandated better snip off benefits embedded in their labor laws. I face that we Americans work too unverbalised, with teensy-weensy quantify to be more involved in raising our kids or even winning anxiety of ourselves.No time for soccer practice with my kinds, no time to go to the gym so I can lose some weight, no time to cook a fair wellness meal for the family. Our lives argon hassle and hassle and hassle. To me, when it comes to benefits, time off carries a lot of weight. I earlier pay back an additional week of vacation that 5K more in my pay. Benefit plans Our company is into sales, entertainment, sports. I recall it would be kinda hard to model a plan accordingly. Our plans be more designed to the subject of family you endure because we have a big mixture of volume.I personally am not covered so I cant unfeignedly speak in calls of how it benefits my life. Of course I do have vacation time and much(prenominal), which does allow me to take some to myself. One affair I think would help in my quality of work or personal life is a flexible schedule. What I do sometimes profess payroll, so I have to map out times off or half days. However in that respect be times when I actually could use off and not really need to be in, so I wouldnt mind working an extra hour separately day to have a half day later, or coming in earlier so I can leave earlier.Mainly because I prefer working in teh morning. I feel it helps me stay more attentative. Benefit discussion Providing workers with pay vacation time is extremely common, and generally considered a low- embody benefit to offer. two weeks paid leave is fairly standard for a small business in the U. S. legion(predicate) companies start workers at two weeks and reinforce them with additional time off as they accrue seniority. Some companies go away in like manner pro- vagabond vacation time, so that new hires that sta rt on or after July 1 atomic number 18 only offered a weeks vacation time in their first stratum. . Benefit Planning Process (graded) As part of conducting a benefit plan require assessment, a human resource professional must consider the organizations business dodge as well as its compensation philosophy. What do you think is the next step that should be taken? What atomic number 18 some of the possible outcomes of a benefit plan needs assessment? depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is Mark Lema 4/25/2012 71146 AM I guess It depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization we are, and the industry we are.I think that if we are new start-up business in the technology industry, we might need the best talent out there therefore our strategy should be to offer very competitive benefits to attract and retain the best. Specially if they are highly skilled and in big demand. If I were to be in the decline stage or the organization, I might have t o reduce make up and offer monetary value effective benefits to first the costs and minimize expenses. RE depends of what stage of the life cycle of the organization is Harpreet Sandhu 5/4/2012 75332 PM change5/4/2012 754 PM I agree with my classmates that first it all depends on what stage the organization is in. Along with this in my opinion, the immediate external environment and the changing needs of the organization are the priority too. If there is lot of external competition then the organization might need to reevaluate its benefit plans to attract, retain and reward valued employees. In order to do this, human resources should conduct a thorough review of the current plan and gain a clear discernment of abruptly and long term strategical and fiscal objectives. What do you think is the next step that should be taken? Catherine Flynn 4/30/2012 114654 AM I think they need to look at the employees themselves and what their needs are. Easier for smaller companie s, yet even for bigger companies you can do online surveys. purpose out what the employees want is kinda imperative because you may not have similar workers. You may have some single mint who dont need tike care benefits, or older people who are into saving more so would really be interested in a 401k or tri furthere more than an FSA account necessarily. RE What do you think is the next step that should be taken? Lynn Peirce 5/1/2012 123440 AM Hi Catherine, thanks for your post. I think, as I have seen by means of my translations companies simply are not offering pension plans. I would rather have that than a 401K. I think compnies should use surveys and interviews with kep personnale to see what employees really want after a needs assessment. I imagine the results would be surprising. Management al ways seems to be disconnected from the real hard working fannyb iodine employees. RE What do you think is the next step that should be taken? Aaron Jones 5/1/2012 60419 AM This is true exclusively they should reconnect themselves so they can find out what is really going on with there employees, the hard backbone employees need to know that they arenotice for there hard work and when mangerment does surveys and needs assessment this shows the employees that the organzation is concern some there hard working employees. Outcomes of an assessment Catherine Flynn 5/1/2012 111852 AM Im not confident(predicate) what the book says.However I would assume there could be many an(prenominal) outcomes such(prenominal) as needs that might be too expensive to cover. Or perhaps not enough people want the very(prenominal) reportage or not enough people to meet the limit requirement for the restitution company. You can alike find out that the benefit plan might not suit anyone at all and a secure change is needed. RE Benefit Planning Process Harpreet Sandhu 5/6/2012 84142 PM Most successful companies utilize business strategic planning to set pri orities and goals for the organizations future outcomes include short-term goals and long-term strategies.A understandably written, well designed strategic plan can align business units, divisions and employees so that the vision of the management team and the mission of the company can be fulfilled. As companies evolve and the environment changes it is critical for companies to maintain a disciplined execution of the strategic plan. However, if they are not aligned with the business strategy, are do independently, and are not linked to a multi-year strategy they can become a source of frustration and may create unintended outcomes.By adopting a strategic benefit planning process, companies can make decisions regarding their benefits and wellness care with significantly less stress. Addressing the changing environment of repairth care will be approached with a more thoughtful long-term perspective and will be tied to the values and philosophy of the company. benefit plan Manqing Liu 5/4/2012 103641 PM There are several external environmental factors considered in strategic benefits planning Industry prospects, economic conditions, and forecasts Employer costs for compensation and benefits regime mandate of employee benefits Changing demographics of the labor force Next Step Natasha Wylie 5/11/2012 21356 PM I think the next logical step would be for the company todo an evaluationin terms of both cost and employee need, to maintain a balance between direct issue and benefits. Wage increases and benefit changes independently can lead to excessive increases in payroll costs where the organization loses control of the smirch. When benefits or one benefits costs are rising quickly, it impacts the organizations ability to raise other parts of the compensation package. Week 2 discussion Role of Government (graded) Other than the mandates of the Internal Revenue jurisprudence (IRC) and a few other ineffectual reporting and disclosure requirements, benefit pr ograms were practically unregulated by the federal political science. Before the major shift that came with the human action of the Employee Retirement Income security suffice (ERISA) of 1974, which was primarily aimed at traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans relieve applicable to other employer sponsored retirement and benefit programs. What is the organizations current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits?Do you think there is too little or too much presidential term intervention? wherefore? Role of the government Aaron Jones 5/5/2012 42324 AM 1. * Government regulates retirement plans, health benefit coverages, unemployment indemnity and workers compensation benefits. Effects * Government regulation on unemployment indemnity policy pays benefits to the unemployed. By regulating workers compensation benefits, states can control the centre an insurer pays, the kind of do drugs testing it requires and whether businesses with fewer empl oyees are exempt from these laws.With the 1974 Employee Retirement Income security department Act (ERISA), the federal government establishes standards for retirement and health coverage that snobby businesses must offer. liability * In states like North Carolina, the government subjects new employers to a standard tax rate at first. Once it has loadd their actual rate, the states Employment warrantor Commission notifies the business by letter of its liability to pay unemployment taxes.Significance * Not only do federal and state regulations on benefits guarantee certain(a) types of coverage, they also establish minimum reporting standards and disclosure requirements for businesses that must document their compliance. Size * An expansive program, ERISA regulates benefits given to a companys current and discontinued employees. It also mandates compliance with the Newborns Act, the wellness Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and the Genetic Information Nondisc rimination Act of 2008, to name a few. information from Government Regulations on Employee Benefits eHow. om http//www. ehow. com/facts_5554578_government-regulations-employee-benefits. htmlixzz1tzOVqKAW. RE Role of Government Sylvia Privette 5/6/2012 85303 AM Lynn and Aaron I agree with both of you. I dont think the government intervenes enough. I suppose they waited to long to help with this issue as they do with all issues. They waituntil they are out of control or the government is tired of paid for the people because they are short on bullion, so they attack. Had this issue been dealt with before the backlash would not be so drastic. As Aaron stated it took this particular president to do something.I look back at the wheel and the preservation if you dont work for the big companies, then its difficult for the smaller ones to give great benefits. The health care plan is a good one, only when possible at an inconvenient time for companies monetaryly. In response to Ly nn I too believe the government should provide healthcare coverage but to the needy. If you are employed then your employer should offer heathcare and the employee should be covered, contributing or not. The government is now complaining that are not only giving health care to the needy and companies can help bare some of the cost.We all know healthcare is expensive RE Role of Government Manqing Liu 5/12/2012 95407 PM The governments role in the retirement income area has been dictated primarily by historical factors. Beginning in the late 19th century, the economy of the United States changed fairly rapidly from predominantly agricultural to predominantly industrial and supporter oriented. Coinciding with this changeand probably in response to itthe large, supportive lengthy family of the agricultural economy was largely re steerd by smaller, more fragmented family units.The shift away from agriculture reduced the amount of economically useful work lendable to older people, and family structural changes reduced the amount of family support for the aged. RE Role of Government Aaron Jones 5/7/2012 60407 AM This is the way the system likes to operate, they will let an situation like this one desexualize so cold out of hand then have meeting around the matter and really get nothing done instead they fight on issues that they know should have been address long before Barack Obama came along.Now that he is here he still wants do do the job he was put in office for taking care the American people and use all the currency in a wisely matter so all can live a more comfortable life. Healthcare is expensive and with the right program in place the cost can be handle if they take the right action regarding this matter. Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Catherine Flynn 5/9/2012 82636 PM All benefits are so complex it takes a lot to work plans out, so having regulations I think is helpful.However I dont feel tha t the government should get more involved than they already are because I feel that they are almost trying to control what I can and cannot have, and that is what I dont agree with. I mentioned before about the Individual Mandate Clause in the new healthcare plan that is being voted on and I personally do not appreciate being told what I can and cannot buy. It should be my weft to purchase health redress if I want it or not, and this clause is taking that filling away from me. Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention? Why? Norma Vega 5/9/2012 113252 PM I think there are too little. While there are some penalties and sanctions imposed by ERISA, through the Department of Labor, these are for violations on the administration of the employee benefits programs of those who voluntarily designed employee benefits plans. How about for those who opted not to voluntarily design employee benefits plans and programs? REFERENCESPndyck, Robert S. (2005). Microec onomics. Pearson Education, Inc. http//www. dol. gov/compliance/guide/erisa. htmwho To ensure there is fair environment for competition Mark Lema 5/10/2012 71533 AM In my opinion, the governments role is to primarily set a minimum standard. As they do for the minimum wage. consequently to enforce de law, and to ensure there is fair environment for competition and no monopolies are developed. Competition will drive the quality of benefits. Government Mandates Professor Blanco 5/10/2012 11234 PM Class- intereesting that many of you feel that government should provide benefits. Lets take a look at that. Benefits are very expensive, we know. But why? What is driving the cost of these benefits? How do you propose the government provided benefits will be paid? RE Government Mandates Crystal Johnson 5/10/2012 43008 PM One thing that is raising the cost of benefits is specialty drug prescription medicines. Specialty drugs for multiple sclerosis can cost $2,500 to $3,800 a mont h. The cost of staying alive on drugs is sky rocketing. Prescription drug companies are making a killing with their patents and over charge the public to fix vertical dysfunction or having long lashes. However, drugs that actually extend your life and true quality of life should be augmented so everyone can benefit or at least let people have reasonable assenting to them.I know that sex and long eye lashes are meaningful to quality of life, but not as much as asma medication or kidney cleansingdrugs for dialys patients. http//www. shrm. org/hrdisciplines/benefits/Articles/Pages/SpecialtyDrugs. aspx RE Government Mandates Manqing Liu 5/11/2012 111552 PM I found something interesting about government provided benefits A 2008 poll of 1,400 Americans by the Cornell Survey Research Institute found that when people were asked whether they had ever utilise a government social program, 57 percent said they had not.Respondents were then asked whether they had availed themselves of a ny of 21 different federal policies, including Social Security, unemployment damages, the home-mortgage-interest deduction and student loans. It sullen out that 94 percent of those who had denied using programs had benefited from at least one the average respondent had used four. http//www. nytimes. com/2011/09/20/opinion/our-hidden-government-benefits. html What is the governments current role in regulating the administration of employee benefits Natasha Wylie 5/13/2012 54314 PM Thebasis of ERISA is to provide protection of employee benefit rights. ERISA has a few major objectives, they are To ensure that workers and beneficiaries start adequate information about their plans To set standards od conduct for those managing employee benefits plans and plan funds To determine that adequate funds are being set aside to pay promised pension benefits To ensure that workers receive pension benefits after they satisfied minimum requirements To vindication pension benefits for worker s whose pension plans are terminated Do you think there is too little or too much government intervention?Why? Natasha Wylie 5/13/2012 60523 PM Im on the fence about whether there is too much government intervention in the administering of employee benefits. Im surethat both sides could argue where oversight is needed and where there is too much involvement. Whether the oversight is handled by the government or another agency, I do believe that someone should look out for the best interest of employees, and ensure things related to benefits are handled in a proper manner. Government Mandated Benefits (graded) There are certain benefits that are legislatively mandated and cannot be altered or dropped by an organization for any reason other than the organization is closing its doors for good Social Security and Medicare, unemployment damages, workers compensation, COBRA and FMLA are all federal and state mandated programs. What do you think determines the types of programs that thegovernment chooses to make mandatory? Do you feel these programs are cost-efficient and effective?Why or why not? Government Mandated Benefits Lynn Peirce 5/6/2012 25519 AM My feeling is that the U. S. economy plays a large part in determining the types of programs the government makes mandatory, in order to help and protect U. S. citizens in times of need, for example, COBRA. Some of these programs go back many years in their enactment, such as the Social Security Act of 1935, when the U. S. had the foresight to help aid in retirement of older workers (and that was post-Depression and pre-WWII).Some of these programs are efficient, such unemployment policy (even though it should last longer), and some are not, such as Medicare (seniors still have to purchase appurtenant insurance or pay due costs). Social Security may not even be around in another 25 years. I think these programs started out well, and the intentions are good, but they became financially strapped. See htt p//www. socialsecurityreform. org/problem/index. cfm. RE Government Mandated Benefits Sylvia Privette 5/6/2012 80652 PM I agree with both of you.The government does what it feels is infallible when monies are tight for them and for companies. The state of the economy determines in which way the wheel should turn. If it too expensive for the government then they want more from employers, in time they also know that employers will want something in return i. e. , tax incentives. The government should have stepped in long ago before these problems became bigger problems. Aaron you make a good point. The government should make sure that the employees they have working in these positions are educated nough to do so. The proper training and supervision is most strategic. Mishandling of funds is a big issue for the government and it seems as if they need the corporations help in bailing them out financially. I am grateful for the programs that the government has mandated, however, I think the government could regulate more benefits programs. RE Social Security Government Benefits Lynn Peirce 5/10/2012 110305 PM Jill, as we discussed in class, Social Security was implemented in 1935, after the Depression, and was only meant to be temporary.Since the system is already broken, and the government is trying to fix it, healthcare will be regulated by the federal government but as we discussed in class, Obamacare will have to be tweaked in order to satisfy those who are opposed to it, as well as make it more feasible to implement and operate. I imagine this will bea nightmare. I found this great article about Social Security, written from the viewpoint of a sociologist, on the origins of Social Security and how it is being reformed http//www2. ucsc. edu/whorulesamerica/power/social_security. tml If the current social security dliemma, is not fixed, I feel that the consequences will be dire. Do you feel these programs are efficient and effective? Why or why not ? Natasha Wylie 5/13/2012 73553 PM Personally speaking I think that these programs are effective. I have used FMLA, after giving birth to my daughter. T he Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for themselves or a relative suffering from a serious health condition, a newborn baby, new-fashionedly adopted child or a new foster child.Also covered are emergencies that occur when a relative who is a member of the National Guard or Reserves is called to active duty. To qualify, employees must work for a covered employer for a minimum of 1,250 hours during the designated 12-month qualifying period. Its a relief to not worry about securing your position while out on FMLA. There were times when if an employee needed to be out of work for and all-inclusive period of time, there positions werent held. Week 3 discussion Healthcare personify Management (graded)Many Americans benefit from the investments in healthcare however, the rece nt cost growth, conjugated with the economic downturn and rising national deficit, has placed a great strain on the financial systems used to finance healthcare, including private employer-sponsored health insurance coverage and public insurance programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. What is the responsibility of someones for the cost of their care? Are health savings accounts and high-deductible insurance policies an approach that should be expand? What are the concerns for low-income individuals?Healthcare cost management Aaron Jones 5/12/2012 71254 AM The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a training similar to AMA policy on individual responsibility, which is scheduled to take effect in 2014. The Congressional Budget Office predicts the ACA will expand coverage to 32 million more Americans by 2016. Several of the new benefits included in the health reform law, such as an end to coverage denials base on pre-existing conditions, are only made possible by increasing the nu mber of Americans participating in the health insurance commercialise.Individual responsibility for health insurance allows patients to take ownership of their health care needs, decreases the number of uninsured now estimated at 50 million nationwide and helps make popular insurance market reforms possible. By promoting individual responsibility and increasing the number of insured individuals, we improve the health of Americans and keep hidden costs from being passed along to all of us * HSA/HDHPs are a highly tax-advantaged savings vehicle appealing to people who have high incomes and to those who are expected to have low use of health care services.For the uninsured, these approaches are less photogenic since they often have low income and neither benefit significantly from the tax advantages now have the financial assets required to cover the large deductibles associated with the plans. * Their ability to reduce system-wide spending is very limited. * The plans have the po tential to increase segmentation of health care risk in private insurance markets unless employers set premiums to offset the healthier selection into the plans or government subsidizes the higher costs associated with the remaining non-HSA market.The plans have thus far been less attractive that prononents envisioned, the authors add, so their potentially negative ramifications on populations with high medical needs have been limited. However, they say, efforts to expand enrollment in these plans through further tax incentives, for example, could place growing financial burdens on those least able to absorb them, leading to more barriers to medical care for the low-income and the pat and fewer insurance options. www. rwjf. org/pr/product. Healthcare Cost Management Lynn Peirce 5/12/2012 103930 PM I think that individuals should be responsible for their own healthcare, whenever possible and founderable, but since the economy has been so bad for so long, a lot of people go witho ut, which places a strain on the financial systems used to finance government-managed programs. I, myself, am fortunate enough to receive Medicaid, but it was not handed to me, as one must be medically-needy (an individual can make $47,500 per year and receive Medicaid). There are two programs within Medicaid in New Jesey, one is the Workability Program, which I am in the other is for people who are unable to work.Health insurance is very expensive for employers ot provide, as we have been discusssing in class the past few weeks. I feel that high-deductible policies are not the way to go, but health savings accounts may be a great option to explore. The concerns for low-income individuals are that they simply do not have the means to invest in a health-savings account, and if they dont qualify for Medicaid, they are stuck in clinic care, which doesnt really do the job. More than 60 percent of nonelderly Americans receive health-insurance (HI) coverage through employers, either as po licyholders or as dependents.However, rising health-care costs are leading many to question the long-term viability of the employer-based insurance system. Concerns about the economic burden of providing HI are particularly stabbing for small businesses, which are both less likely than larger firms to offer HI and more sensitive to price when deciding to offer insurance. Small firms may have difficulty containing costs due to their limited bargaining power and their inability to hire experts skilled in negotiating with insurance companies.Further, while few recent studies have systematically explored differences in the quality of HI plans that small and large firms offer, small firms may offer health plans of lower quality (http//www. rand. org/pubs/technical_reports/TR559. html). Healthcare Cost Management Norma Vega 5/13/2012 112031 PM I would say it depends on the institution. There are great medical facilities all over the US but many are closing down because of different l aw violations. I think it is a mix of both currency and helping patients though. The good facilities I think concentrate on the genuinely helping people part from top down.As they hire staff, I would hope that is one requirement they look for while in the interview process. I think with a good staff and employees that truly care and provide excellent service are the ones that are successful and make more money. The importance of becoming a smart consumer Mark Lema 5/15/2012 13007 PM Becoming a smart consumer is a must when it comes to utilizing your healthcare benefits. The high cost of benefits is not under the control of employers, therefore, employer have no option but to offer all other possible options to reduce the cost of healthcare and minimize the passing of that cost to their employees.Unfortunately, there is very little employers can do. As they cost for healthcare increases, employer have to become more creative in developing a healthcare pla that will not upset emp loyees and that will not place the company on bankruptcy. HSA and FSA type of accounts are some of those alternatives that employer use to help employees better manage their healthcare costs. Unfortunately, the lack of understanding how these plans work, and the fact that it requires a lot of time andn preparation to comply with the processesand submit receipts, has pushed back many current and potential participants.In my case these option do help. My wife, who is the smart one, fully understands the procedures and requirements of HASs and FSAs and has save us in the last years 100s of dollars in healthcare costs, this dedication and full understanding of my family healthcare needs, has by far offset the time-burden it requires to manage them. What are the concerns for low-income individuals? Catherine Flynn 5/16/2012 51720 PM For low income families its a big struggle to be able to afford insurance. Sometimes it can even be something that they just dont think about cause it m ay not be the firs thing on their mind.When youre worrying about other bills, that could take precedent over insurance. Until someone gets sick, then you realize that on top of all the bills, you need money for when you or your child is sick or needs hospital care. For my family when I was growing up, we knew insurance was important because I was a pretty sick kid, so I was always needing doctor visits and medicines, and of course ER visits since I was also clumsy. Then my mothers health started to decline as I got older. So having some sort of insurance was extremely important and I always knew that its beneficial to have some type of funds available should emergencies occur.When I was in college there were a few years I had to go without benefits. Today and even then I felt extremely lucky I didnt get sick because if I had I would have had a lot of bills. Not only because of that but because My mother and I had assistance, Im very grateful for it. However not everyone has that, an d not everyone is eligible for it because they work. But their salaries may not be enough to get them health care, so they have the option of finding a job that might offer benefits, or get a second job to try and get a plan on their own.It can be very difficult, and its something you need to ask yourself. Are you going to try your hardest to protect yourself with insurance, or are you going to risk it? I think it depends alot on each persons circumstances. What are the concerns for low-income individuals? Michael McArdle 5/18/2012 104339 AM Personally I just feel that low-income people are in trouble of never being able to afford healthcare. There are people that can go to Health Clinics but there is still a fee of $5, $10 or $20, based on income level, and many people cannot even afford to pay the amounts that are listed.Sometimes when I visit to see the Dentist because I dont a dental plan, I pay $20, I determine the stories of the people talking to each other makes me almos t want to melt in my seat hearing about their life stories and the struggles they have. It is just so tragicomic that all of these people I see in the waiting room are unable to afford to see a Family Doctor, it makes me feel sad. RE What are the concerns for low-income individuals? Aly Traore 5/18/2012 43425 AM what you said is very true and sad, but unfortunately it is the reality. n my opinion, to better live in USA in these days, you have to be at least in middle class that is the level where you can benefit from the system of economy in particular healthcare system. low- income is just a beautiful word to cover the word poor in the government vocabulary. Consumer Driven Healthcare (graded) Consumer driven healthcare has become popular over the past few years as employees seek tax advantages and cost savings on healthcare. What are some of the describe features of a consumer driven healthcare plan? Does your company before long offer any of these plans?If so, are you ta king advantage of them? Why or why not? RE Consumer Driven Healthcare Sylvia Privette 5/15/2012 100236 PM LynnI agree, with healthcare becoming more and more expensive, for the little things people are starting to self heal as much as possible. Those over the counter medicines are on the rise for purchases because its cheaper. Individuals wait until self improve is no longer working to go to the doctor. I am starting to see more people looking for the cheaper health plans. The plans offered by the government based on income determines your contribution.Some of these plans depending on pay scale are cheaper the what employers are asking. Also free clinics are on the rise for health care, the medical buses we see sometimes like to get your blood pressure checked, or free screenings, free flu shots, mammograms and the use of the department of health especially for children. These are some of the cheaper ways people are staring to use. RE Consumer Driven Healthcare Manqing Liu 5/20/2012 104922 PM Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans.These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues. Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as damage, workers compensation, and productivity. RE Consumer Driven Healthcare Aaron Jones 5/16/2012 42300 AM With the high cost that comes with healthcare people are becoming smart consumers when looking for the right healthcare package, it may not have all the benefits people are looking for but as long is the price is right people will just get what they can afford these days.Free clinics, over the counter medicines, whatever will work for that person helps the consumer deal better with healthcare issues. consumer-driven plans Mark Lema 5/16/2012 11752 PM The term consumer-driven evolved out of a concept of a defined contribution in contrast to a defined benefit. Many large employers are offering consumer-driven plans, also known as high-deductible plans. These plans require employees and beneficiaries to be more involved, not less, in health care issues.Employee health and well-being affect not only absenteeism, but also bottom-line issues such as disability, workers compensation, and productivity. Does your company currently offer any of these plans? If so, are you taking advantage of them? Why o Catherine Flynn 5/16/2012 52255 PM Our company offers two separate plans, and one of them does fall under this category. Alot of our employees actually do take advantage of this particular plan versus our personal selection plan. I however do not, so unfortunately I lack alot of the specifics about it.I think our biggest question right now is whats going to happen in June, because that will affect our negotiation meetings with our brokers that are coming up soon. It could not change at all, or it could change completely. I will say that becau se Im not to familiar with both plans yet I cant say that I know which one is best for me. I do know however that I am very prone to getting sick, and often, so I suppose that would play a big factor in my choice of benefits. RE Does your company currently offer any of these plans?If so, are you taking advantage of them? W Aaron Jones 5/17/2012 44837 AM This is a tough situation to be in but like most companies we all have to sit back and look over the choices we have when it comes to making the right choice for health care and I am sure you will sit down and make the best choice for you and your family. Just pray that the company does not make to many changes to the healthcare and if they do it works out for all that is involved in this situation. Good Luck consumer driven healthcare Aly Traore 5/17/2012 101456 PM consumer-driven health care is a good whim, and even better a good system, but with a deregulated health care system environment, it will be very hard for employ ee to stick to it for long, because the cost of health care is increasing every day. in my opinion, to be better enjoy all the health care benefits, the system has to be regulated. Does your company currently offer any of these plans? Michael McArdle 5/18/2012 105113 AM Our company does offer a lower cost plan if a person has a primary doctor, and it does cost less than a PPO, however the cost of seeing a doctor is still very high, close to $50, and if someone gets a prescription, they pay close to the full price that the prescription would have been to someone without insurance, so overall it is worth paying more for a PPO because the cost to see a doctor or get a prescription is much lower, and if you have a major accident and need surgery, a person is more likely to get the treatment they need over not getting help if their insurance was low cost and does not cover surgeries for emergencies. FSAs Natasha Wylie 5/20/2012 12527 PM My company offers flexible spending accounts . Flexible Spending Accounts permit employees to pay for specified health care cost that are not covered by an employees insurance plan. For the coming(prenominal) benefit year I did elect a pre=tax contribution to FSA. This year I expect to have dental work done and having access to the money upfront and pre-tax is an added and much needed benefit. RE FSAs Norma Vega 5/21/2012 63929 PM Hello Natasha,Same here.I am going to be getting some dental work as well as some minor nasal corrective surgery done and being able to pay the $500 out of pocket cost with a pre tax card is such a luxury. I really have no idea how anyone could not like these benefits. I think it comes down to people being scared of having money taken out, not realizing theyre going to spend it at any rate post tax. I also think that some people cant comprehend exactly how much they are saving from taxes. What are some of the key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan? Natasha Wylie 5/20/2012 13803 P M The key features of consumer driven health care plans are It helps employers maintain control over cost Enables employees to lower the cost of insurance premiums through high deductibles Puts a restriction on employees ability to make choices about who they want to receive treatment though via in out of network providers key features of a consumer driven healthcare plan Manqing Liu 5/20/2012 104217 PM Transforming the third-party reimbursement system into one that puts economic purchasing power and decision-making in the hands of the consumer.Supplying the information and decision support tools needed, along with financial incentives, rewards and other benefits that encourage personal involvement in altering health and health care purchasing behaviors. Letting consumers, rather than health plans, control health care decisions. Week 4 discussion Life Insurance Plans (graded) A major concern for most employees is caring for their families in the event of the employees death . Many employers provide life insurance for employees. Does your organization offer a sort insurance policy?If so, what is the basic plan design of your organizations life insurance policy, and forhow much are you covered? RE Group life insurance plans Manqing Liu 5/27/2012 105200 PM Group life insurance is term insurance covering a multitude of people, usually employees of a company or members of a union or association. Individual proofread of insurability is not normally a consideration in the underwriting. Rather, the underwriter considers the size, turnover and financial strength of the group. Contract provisions will attempt to exclude the casualty of adverse selection.Group life insurance often includes a provision for a member exiting the group to buy individual coverage. Group life insurance plans Aaron Jones 5/19/2012 70848 AM There are trey different types of group insurance and this company uses number one for there employees from what I was reading out of the company policy. 1) Basic group term lifeThis is the most typical coverage, providing basic coverage and often paid for by the employer. The premiums (up to $50,000) paid for by the employer are considered to be an employee income tax-free benefit. ) Supplemental group term lifeOften offered by employers in conjunction with a basic group term life policy, this type of coverage provides the flexibility for the employee to purchase additional amounts of coverage. The employee chooses the type and amount of coverage to suit personal needs and circumstances and pays the cost for the premiums. 3) Portable term lifeEmployees who lose the employers group eligibility (they either leave the group or retire) can take this coverage with them to continue their insurance protection generally until they reach age 70.They make their payments forthwith to the insurer, many times through electronic funds transfers. From what I saw when I was reading the company policy when it comes to life insuranc e they use the typical coverage for there employees, they have there reasons why they do things the way they do it because everybody have different reasons for life insurance mostly this company uses number1 for there employees. Life Insurance Plans Catherine Flynn 5/20/2012 24640 PM We offer voluntary life insurance plans for employee, their spouse, and dependents. Each are available in increments of $10,000.Each plan has a maximum benefit of $500,000 except for dependents, this insurance is only available in $2,500, $5,000, $7,000 or $10,000. This is only available for 30 days after you acquire the dependent (birth, marriage, adoption). I personally feel as though its important for me to make sure my family, even though small, should be protected if I can afford it. Accidents happen, and if I have the available funds why not put money away for that purpose? Ive always been a squirrel when it comes to money so saving plans like these are a good fit for me. Commonwealth life in surance plan Crystal Johnson 5/20/2012 72250 PM From what I understand, my life insurance plan matches my base pay. Base pay is $20,000 to $25, 000 less than my actually income because of the amount of over time that I do. If I get killed on state situationit suppose to be three times my base pay. Rumored has it that the hostage situation that happened in 1998 where a staff was killed by another staff member the grieve family had to go to court to get the triple pay out. The insurance company said that the death was not caused by a patient so they did not want to pay. Even though the killer staffer was upset about upper management decision to fire him.Group Life InsuranceThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides life insurance coverage for permanent employees through The Prudential Insurance Company of America. The amount of life insurance is equal to your annual salary (rounded to the nearest $1,000) as of the date of hire, up to a maximum of $40,000. The amount of insurance is adjusted on January 1 of each year to account for pay changes. There is a 90-day waiting period from your date of hire before coverage takes effect. Eligible employees will receive a Welcome Kit from Prudential within three months of hire.The kit will include the Booklet/Certificate that confirms coverage and outlines the contract provisions that apply, as well as a Group Insurance donee Designation/Change form. RE Commonwealth life insurance plan Natasha Wylie 5/28/2012 113436 AM Life insurance should really be called death insurance. Like other types of insurance, life insurance is protection against the unknown. When you buy life insurance, youre paying for the peace of mind that your family will be taken care of in the event of your sudden demise. Life insurance is the life jacket in the fishing boat..You hope to never have to use it, but its nice to know its there. Some people call life insurance gambling. They think that youre throwing away a bunch of money on the off c hance that youll die young. But when life insurance is handled correctly, it isnt gambling at all. Its simply part of a larger economic plan whose goal is the financial security of your family. Its a shame that often times its not handled correctly. Imputed Income Crystal Johnson 5/24/2012 55552 PM Income that may not be seen as cash, but instead comes in the form of a benefit ometimes by having another pay an expense sometimes by having a benefit provided. Examples The value of a car provided by your employer that you may use for personal use. That value is imputed income. Likewise, the value of having some other benefits over $50,000 a year of life insurance provided by your employer (the value of the insurance is imputed income). An employer sponsored (even if what it does just work to make the costs lower) of an on site cafeteria imputed benefit. Having a below market rate loan that some employers provide certain employees he lower interest that they forgoe is a benefit to you and hence imputed income. Read more http//wiki. answers. com/Q/What_is_imputed_incomeixzz1vpnMNB4x Definition of Imputed Income Lynn Peirce 5/24/2012 93306 PM As per our discussion in class tonight, imputed income is defined, as follows Imputed income is the addition of the value of cash/non-cash compensation to an employees taxable wages in order to properly withhold income and employment taxes from the wages. Imputed income is taxable to the assignee (unless specifically exempt).Because it is delivered for the performance of services (related to employment) it must be included in the assignees Form W-2 to accurately reflect the assignees taxable wage-related income (see http//definitions. uslegal. com/i/imputed-income/). I didnt want to add too much because Crystal also defined it in her post. Life Insurance Natasha Wylie 5/28/2012 112845 AM Employee sponsored life insurance gives employees a peace of mind in the event of death. Having life insurance relieves some of the financial burden left on grieving loved ones.Employee-sponsored life insurance protects family members by paying a specified amount to n employees beneficiary upon the employees death. disability Plans (graded) In addition to replacing household income when an employee either retires or is no longer working, he or she may also carry some type of income-replacement plan in the event they become disabled. Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? What are the specifics of your coverage? Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? Why or why not? RE impairment coverage Crystal Johnson 5/22/2012 20829 AM Jobs that offer short term disability insurance as part of a benefits package creates more loyalty in employees than jobs that do not offer it. Human beings are going to acquire bumps and bruises as part of the age and wisdom baggage. unforesightful term disability insurance gives you the luxury to fully heal while keeping a roof over your head and raman noodles on your plate. When employees knowthat theywill be able to recuperate without financial stressesfrom standing-on-the-stool-to-change -a-light-but-crashed-landed-into-the-wall, they are more willing to go stay where they are appreciated and valued. Disability Coverage Lynn Peirce 5/20/2012 15131 AM Of course, the firm I currently work for does not offer disability insurance since I am a Medicaid recipient, I currently would not need it. As far as purchasing supplemental disability insurance, I found an example of coverage from Combined Insurance Company, as follows Disability income insurance is paid directly to you for covered disability for up to two years* when you are totally disabled and cant work due to accident or sickness. You are protected, on or off the job, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.You are considered totally disabled when you are under the regular care of a physician and are unable to perform the substantial and ma terial duties of your own occupation. Income Protector works in conjunction with Social Security and Workers Compensation to help you maximize your benefits. When no social benefit** is paid, Combined Insurance pays you the full benefit amount of your selected plan. When a social benefit is paid, our disability income protection makes up any dearth between your target replacement paycheck and your social benefit payment. ** However, Combined Insurance will never pay less than 40% of the benefit amount purchased (http//www. haveinsurance. com/insurance-types/disability-insurance. html). I think it is probably a good idea, if you have a family and can afford it, but on the other hand, we are already paying into Disability, and it seems like another money-maker for insurance companies. I mean, there is insurance for just about everything anymore (like pet insurance). How far does it go, and how much should an employer provide when the cost of health insurance is already so high? Af lac Crystal Johnson 5/20/2012 73808 PM I am not a saver. I know I should be more responsible and put money awayfor rainy days. I know that I should put away 10% of my income forlifesfinancial thunderstorms. I dont have a financialumbrella. I like dancing in the rain so I got Aflac. Aflacgave our union a group rate fordisability insurance and secondary life insurance. My coworkersallowed Aflac totake out money out of their check because the wanted a stronger piece of mind andplanB to their savings plan.I choose to have Aflac take out money out of mycheck because I cant be trusted to do it myself. RE Disability Plans Lynn Peirce 5/23/2012 50832 PM They have to pay people/employees to do this, so they have to make it worth everyones while. The cost to the employer has to be validated in order for it to continue. RE supplemental disability insurance Aaron Jones 5/24/2012 62107 AM I am sure that a whole lot of people will need this type of insurance when they get to a point in their life and hopefully the insurance will cover the things they will need cover once it kicks in.The rules always change when the person really needs this type of coverage this is why the person must make sure evrything is still good before the insurance is needed. Disbility plans Harpreet Sandhu 5/23/2012 102053 PM Short term disability insurance can replace a portion of income during the initial weeks of a disabling illness or accident whereas, long term disability can replace a portion of income after those initial weeks, for an extended period. Some people have one or both of these through their employer.Many people also choose to purchase individual disability insurance on their own. Individual Disability Income Insurance can provide protection for people who do not have disability insurance available through their workplace or may be used to supplement group coverage through their workplace. Some of the benefits of MetLifes Individual Disability Income Insurance inclu de Monthly Benefit Paymentsafter an initial waiting period, benefits are paid for each month you cant work through the policys maximum benefit period.Noncancelable and Guaranteed Renewable Coverage Available Provided premiums are paid on time, MetLife cannot cancel or change your coverage or premium rates until the first premium due date on or after your 67th birthday. www. metlife. com/individual/insurance/disability-insurance/index. html Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? Manqing Liu 5/25/2012 81345 PM Most people dont realize the risk of becoming disabled, permanently or temporarily, at some point in their lives. But the reality is that at age 40, your chances of becoming disabled for 90 days or more prior to age 65 is 43%. Source 2004 Field Guide, National Underwriter). I think it is necessary to purchase a disability insurance. RE Do you feel the need to purchase supplemental disability insurance? Aly Traore 5/25/2012 84959 PM why wou ld you want to buy an additional insurance, if you can invest your money somewhere else to make profit over the time period. in my opinion, I think if your goal is to buy that supplemental insurance just to have more money in a case where you get disable or retired, this is not a good option. RE Mental Health Paridy Act Sylvia Privette 5/25/2012 84606 PM Modified5/25/2012 847 PM The Mental Health Parity Act (MHPA) provides for parity in the application of aggregate life history and annual dollar limits on mental health benefits with dollar limits on medical/surgical benefits. A plan that does not impose an annual or lifetime dollar limit on medical and surgical benefits may not impose such a dollar limit on mental health benefits offered under the plan. MHPA does not apply to benefits for substance abuse or chemical dependency. Health plans are not required to include mental health benefits in their benefits package. MHPA only applies to those plans that do offer mental health benefits. ttp//www. dol. gov/dol/topic/health-plans/mental. htm disability benefit Manqing Liu 5/26/2012 94415 PM Monthly disability benefit depends on your average lifetime earnings. The amount also may be affected by your receipt of other government benefits. If you are getting workers compensation, civil service, military, state temporary disability or state and local retirement benefits based on disability, the total amount combined with your Social Security disability benefits may not exceed 80 percent of your average earnings at the time of your disability.Should your total government benefit go over that amount, your Social Security benefit will be reduced. Disability payments from private sources do not affect your SSDI benefits. Does your current (or former) employer offer disability coverage for employees? Natasha Wylie 5/28/2012 123542 PM My organization offers short and long term disability. Short-term disability provides income if employees are not able to wor k due to a non-work related illness or injury.Long-term disability coverage allows employees to continue receiving a portion of their salary for a period of time if they are disabled and cannot perform the duties of your regular job or injured. This employer-provided benefit provides 60 percent of base pay up to $10,000 per month maximum. Disability Plans Natasha Wylie 5/28/2012 14349 PM There arefour laws that influence the design and implementation of company sponsered disability plans ERISA ADEA The americans with disabilities Act State Workers compensation and Social Secuity Disability Regulations