chcccs015 Case Study Tully tully Is A 75-year-old Female Who Has An Medical School Essay Help

Interview with a Training Professional need essay help

For this interview, I chose the president and spokeswoman of a non-profit service dog organization in Texas. Her job as a training professional is very interesting because not only does she have to train her employees and volunteers, the participants (those receiving a service dog) also have to be trained before they take their dog home. These, of course, are different kinds of training, but this non-profit businesswoman is in charge of all the training that happens within her organization. My interview with Ms. Stoltz was interesting because many of her answers to my questions applied to both the training of the organization employees and participants, which proves that no matter who is being trained in a typical business or even a non-profit, similar training techniques are used for many different training purposes. The following are my questions and Ms. Stoltz’ paraphrased and summarized answers and conclusions.

What is the first step you make when training new employees for your organization?

Well, the first thing I have to do is figure out what our most pressing needs are. Since we are reliant on donations from individuals and other, profit-based businesses, sometimes we mainly need people who can go out and acquire these donations by promoting our cause of helping those in need while helping abandoned and abused dogs. And, we always need trainers who train and take care of the dogs, and then help train our soon-to-be dog owner/recipients to know how to keep up with the training the dog has already learned. It would seem that Ms. Stoltz’ first step follows under the “needs assessment” stage as the first stage of training.

How would you say the training programs are designed for acquiring donations, employees/volunteers, and the soon-to-be dog recipients?

The programs for those who are receiving one of our dogs is very strict and formulaic. The good things about dogs, is they tend to learn the same, and the people in need of a service dog generally come to us and are just thrilled to be getting help in the form of a cuddly friend, which tends to make them very willing to learn our process of positive reinforcement training with the dogs. Now, we get to be a little more creative when it comes to acquitting new employees and donations because each situation is different and I believe this is a very important and personal thing that we’re doing here—we’re helping those in need of assistance in their daily lives and giving them a loveable, furry friend to take home. The actual training is pretty easy since it’s so formulated. Acquiring the funds necessary to keep up with our mission, is a bit more complicated.

What would you say is the most important or necessary step in terms of the training within your organization?

Actually, the question you asked about the first step, which is figuring out what our most pressing needs are is extremely important. But, to add to that, I’d say actually putting our plans and goals to action and seeing them through to the end. No matter if we’re rescuing dogs, training new employees, or seeking donations, we can plan until we turn blue, but if we do not act on it with a positive, upbeat attitude, we have failed before we’ve even begun. Being positive, almost like a cheerleader, any non profit organization is doomed. It’s actually pretty easy for us, since we’re surrounded by our furry friends and making people happy in the end. But it’s an awful lot of hard work to get to that happy and rewarding end result.

References
Huxham, C., & Vangen, S. (n.d.). Working Together: Key Themes In The Management Of Relationships Between Public And Non-profit Organizations. International Journal of Public Sector Management, 5-17.
Dehejia, R., & Wahba, S. (n.d.). Causal Effects in Nonexperimental Studies: Reevaluating the Evaluation of Training Programs. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 1053-1053.
McGehee, W., & Thayer, P. (1961). Training in business and industry. New York: Wiley.
Service Dogs, Inc. – Helping Texans for over 25 years! (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2015, from http://www.servicedogs.org/

Implementing Healthcare Records need essay help

chcccs015 Case Study Tully
tully Is A 75-year-old Female Who Has An Medical School Essay Help

Adoption of Electronic Health Records is a major topic of discussion for many healthcare organizations. Transitioning from paper to an electronic health system requires through planning, research and consideration. This paper will different components that had to be considered when transitioning from paperless to electronic health records.

Salem Women’s Health is currently only using administrative information health computer systems to keep information used in the practices daily operations. The advantages of using administrative information health computer systems is that is allows the practice to evaluate, measure and improve the quality and efficiency of its operations. However, since it doesn’t involve operation that have a direct link to patient care, it does not provide support to the care of patients. Nor does it have an impact on improving quality patient care.

Salem Women’s Health handles all billing procedures in-house. Over the course of one year the practice transitioned to electronic coding and billing, claim submission, and reimbursement. They have been going strong with these electronic processes for four years. Although the practice was reluctant to change from the paper process they are so familiar with, the benefits of transition to electronic health records will be worthwhile. Some benefits include, such less errors, increased reimbursement quicker turnaround time for claim processing, and improved staff efficiency to name a few.

Systems Considered

Financing an electronic health system is one of the most important decisions a healthcare organization will make. Electronic health records computer selection can be an intense part of the transition process as there are many systems to choose from, and you want to ensure that system is the best fit for your organization. MediTouch EMR, Athena Clinicals, Epic Care EMR, Kareo EHR, CureMD EHR, Practice Fusion were some potential computer systems that we considered for Salem Women’s Health when researching the different vendors. However, we wanted to make sure that the system we select includes key capabilities such as health information and data, result management, order management, decision support, electronic communication and connectivity, patient support, administrative processes, and reporting and reporting and population health. (Key Capabilities of an Electronic Health Record System, 2003). We decided to discard MediTouch EMR, Athena Clinicals and CureMeD EHR because they were cloud-based systems and we were looking for web based. EpicCare and Practice Fusion were discarded because the system did not have all the features we were looking for. We decided to select Kareo because it had all the features we were looking for in an EHR system. We also found that it was more budget friendly, as cost played a factor in the selection.

Funding

There are several ways in which implementing electronic health records can be funded. Some funding options considered include leasing, Medicare and Medicaid incentives, grants, loans, vendor deferred payment plans, and cost sharing and group payment plans (US Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.) Before Salem Women’s Health decided on the funding options we would take advantage of, we assessed the practices cash flow, credit and whether or not we could get a loan if needed. We also established a budget for implementation that includes initial costs and cost of labor. Salem Women’s Health decided that leasing was a better fit for the practice because it would give more flexibility with the payment option, and is more cost effective as it does not require large upfront cost. It would allow the practice to finance the whole purchase, which would include any hardware, software, training and shipping cost. (What are my Financing Options? n.d.) Additionally, outdated software/hardware upgrades without having make a complete purchase all over again.

EHR Transition Team

Staff members that would be involved in the EHR transition include physicians, nurses, receptionists, medical assistants, compliance office staff and administrative staff. There will also be a lead physicians, project manager, and lead super user. The lead physician that will lead the practice throughout the implementation process and serve as a liaison between front line uses and technical and administrative staff.

The project manager will work with the vendor and all practice staff to keep stakeholders focused on their timelines, track progress and manage day to day issues. The lead super user will serve as the in house expert for the new EHR with configuring the HER software, creating templates and order sets, and developing revised workflows to address issues that front line users identify. (Hodgkins, 2015)

Process Changes

With the implementation of EHR, processes such as prescribing, appointment scheduling, laboratory orders, referral generation and management, clinical Documentation will be changed. These processes will be done electronically. There no longer be prescription pad, paper lab orders or paper records. The Lead Super User/Super Users will be responsible to develop a plan for the new processes as well as train the physicians and staff. The super users will train the physician and staff through Incremental process. This will allow them to learn certain parts of the new systems gradually before learning something new.

Stakeholders

Stakes holders that will have a role in the EHR transition include the medical director, medical staffing director, chair OBGYN department, and physicians. Their role will be to provide input early in the process hence, allowing their concerns to be addressed and their needs to be integrated in the EHR. Once the new HER system is implemented the stakeholders will be responsible for continuously monitoring the system for efficiency, and care outcomes, as well as the workflow so that any system modifications can be made as necessary.

Some of the physicians have been resistant to accept the implementing of EHR for fear that the new systems will not provide direct benefits to their users and the process of implantation itself will change the traditional practices of the clinical environment. (Farukhi, n.d.) To combat this resistance we have allowed the physician to be involved in the pre-implementation phase allowing them to tailor the system to meet the needs of the practice. We have successfully gained buy-in from the physicians and staff.

Challenges and Opportunities

Lack of adequate electronic data exchange between the EMR and other clinical data systems (such as lab, radiology, and referral systems) are some foreseen barriers for the practice. Also, we foresee that there could be challenges such as difficulty with technology, lack of support, financial incentives and the time needed for the staff to learn the new systems. However, we anticipate the opportunities that the transition to EHR will provide. Some of the opportunities are secure storage and retrieval, reducing erroneous diagnosis, reducing incorrect prescriptions and unnecessary doctor visits, and reduced healthcare cost.

Conclusion

Transitioning electronic health records is a major investment that also required a lot of time. Healthcare organizations must be careful not to rush the planning and research phase of the process because there are many factors to consider. It is significate time to determine what system fits your organization best as this system will bring about changes to the business and clinical processes.

References
Brooks, R., & Grotz, C. (2010). Implementation Of Electronic Medical Records: How Healthcare Providers Are Managing The Challenges Of Going Digital. Journal Of Business & Economics Research, 8(6), 73-84.
Farukhi, F. (n.d.) Clinical Decision Support Systems. Retrieved from http://www.cwru.edu/med/epidbio/mphp439/Clinical_Decision.htm
Hodgkins, M. (2015). Electronic Health Records Implementation. Retrieved from https://www.stepsforward.org/modules/ehr-implementation#section-steps
HealthIT.gov. (2014) How Much is This Going to Cost? Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov/providers-professionals/faqs/how-much-going-cost-me
US Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.) How to Budget and Fund EHR Projects. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/healthitimplementation/implementationtopics/planbudgetsecurefunding/planbudgetsecurefunding_6.html
What are my Financing Options (2016)? Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/healthit/toolbox/healthitimplementation/implementationtopics/planbudgetsecurefunding/planbudgetsecurefunding_6.html

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Training need essay help

Training is highly significant within the area of diversity as it teaches professionals and students to convey ethical practices and methods within the workplace and ensures that they adhere to ethical protocols (Polchin, 2014). It also allows for the display of ethical behaviors that can further promote a particular business and a fair working environment. As such, diversity and training is significant to organizations and their people as it allows them to both grow and develop and encourages the achievement of goals and higher work outputs. Training is key in also maintaining positive working relationships and maintaining morale within an organization. Employees feel a sense of worth and value when their organization provides essential training courses. Training shows employees that the organization cares about their respective development (Business Performance, 2015).

The major components of an effective training plan include professional development, a foundation in theoretical and practical requirements or components, gradual improvement and progression in difficulty throughout the respective training plan, the provision of a number of obstacles and challenges and an end state or goal (Business Performance, 2015). Ultimately, the training plan aims at improving the respective knowledge and abilities of its participants. The organization in response, will be provided with a higher skill level and improved capability to reach its own goals and to strive to improve and succeed in the future. A better trained workforce results in greater results and the ability to diversify and further challenge its respective aims, objectives and overall mission (Polchin, 2014). Training allows respective individuals to grow and progress within their particular career field.

Training inspires employees and organizations to reach greater heights and to actively search for greater opportunities and reasons to succeed in the future. Employees can maintain high levels of motivation if they understand that training plans aim at improving their overall knowledge and most significantly, preparing them for further progression and development in the future.

References
Business Performance. (2015). Why Measure Training Effectiveness? Business Performance, Retrieved from http://www.businessperform.com/workplace-training/evaluating_training_effectiven.html Accessed on 3 September 2015.
Polchin, R. (2014). Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Training Program. ICMI, Retrieved from http://www.icmi.com/Resources/Learning-and-Development/2014/07/Measuring-the-Effectiveness-of-Your-Training-Program Accessed on 3 September 2015.

E-Learning for Training and Potential Barriers need essay help

E-learning is basically what occurs when students take online classes; it’s learning in an electronic or virtual environment. Many such programs are Internet-based, meaning that a student can attend school or college from anywhere that they can access the Internet. And in the same way that educators can utilize a variety of multimedia resources in the classroom, they can likewise include such resources in the online learning environment, providing a robust and multifaceted learning experience. The factors that make e-learning so beneficial to education also make it appealing as a training method. This paper will explain e-learning as a training method, the potential barriers associated with e-learning readiness, how such readiness has affected my success at Ashford University, and what a trainer can do to prepare learners for e-learning.

While on the surface training may seem different from education, they are undoubtedly related. They serve a similar purpose: to prepare an individual for some sort of task through the communication and/or demonstration of knowledge and/or skills. However, training is more associated with teaching an individual a skill or information related to their job or profession in that context (that is, on-the-job), while e-learning in the educational context is associated with preparation for a job or profession (that is, pre-career preparation). Furthermore, e-learning can be thought of as a collection of principles for using technology in the learning environment; this means that anyone who will be teaching a group of people can employ those principles. According to Peters et al. (2012) “Over the past 15 years, e-learning has become a widely used training method in professional as well as student programmes,” noting that “30% of company training programmes have recourse to new technologies” (p. 375). In other words, the principles of learning and teaching which underpin the use of technology for education also inform training programs which are more condensed and focused than college courses. In fact, the far more condensed and focused nature of e-learning principles can serve the on-demand, self-guided, and time-sensitive needs for organizations (Peters et al., 2012).

However, despite the benefits of e-learning as a training method, there are barriers to e-learning readiness which must be considered. Such barriers include “change resistance, difficulty and expensive development of e-learning courses, and lack of time to follow the courses,” as well as “the lack of availability of the appropriate hardware and other infrastructure for learning” (Schreurs & Al-Huneidi, 2012, p. 4). All of these issues can be thought of as both organizational and individual factors which must be addressed in order for e-learning as a training method to be effective.

With regard to my own experiences, I am not resistant to change. But I did sometimes experience lack of time to follow e-courses like I should. My level of e-learning readiness has contributed positively to my success at Ashford University, primarily I think because I went into the courses knowing that they would require discipline on my part. I also knew that I was responsible for seeking assistance if I needed it, since it would not be immediately available the way it would be in the traditional classroom setting.

Easy access to assistance is going to be a key element of preparing learners for e-learning on the part of trainers; trainers need to make channels of assistance and support clear. Part of this is to make the transition to e-learning easier and to reduce resistance to change (Schreurs & Al-Huneidi, 2012). Trainers should also allocate time for learners to familiarize themselves with the online environment; if the learners can’t access critical course components, failure is likely since key infrastructure won’t be easily accessible (Schreurs & Al-Huneidi, 2012). Making the transition to the virtual environment and learning how to navigate that environment are important since it will be a critical tool in the learner’s e-learning experience.

References
Peters, S., Barbier, M., Faulx, D., & Hansez, I. (2012). Learning and motivation to transfer after an e-learning programme: Impact of trainees’ motivation to train, personal interaction and satisfaction. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 49(4), 375-387.
Schreurs, J., & Al-Huneidi, A. (2012). E-learning readiness in organizations: Case KBC Bank. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning, 5(1), 4-7. doi:10.3991/ijac.v5i1.1885

Cultural Assignment: Turkey’s Political Philosophy need essay help

IntroductionThe Republic of Turkey is a country situated in Southeast Europe. The nation is strategically placed, given that eight countries border it. While there are several interesting aspects related to this particular state, the current political philosophy is perhaps the most trending among researchers. In its most broad form, political philosophy refers to the study of fundamental questions regarding the state, liberty, politics, government, justice, as well as the enforcement of legal code through authority. In this paper, the purpose is to investigate Turkey’s political philosophy and its subsequent implications for the country’s global business market and productivity.

The existing political philosophy

As defined in the introductory part, the government is one of the key aspects of political philosophy. According to Todd (2015), the government of Turkey has increasingly tightened its control over the military. Indeed, over the last few months, the Prime Minister has been making concerted moves to consolidate the regime’s power. A recently failed coup has prompted this move. Regarding liberty, it has been revealed that, unlike the past, Turkey is vastly becoming an “unfree” country. As such, the government has been accused of harassing and detaining any individuals and groups, which it deems as being provocative (IES, 2016). For example, two people affiliated with the 3H Movement were recently illegally detained after hanging a banner, which carried the word “Korkmayn” translated as Do not Be Afraid. The government fined the two a total of $150 (IES, 2016). In addition, the regime blocked 40,000 websites, which included Twitter and YouTube (IES, 2016).

Recent cases have shown that justice in Turkey has increasingly become dependent on political power. To confirm this particular notion, the seizure of the Koza-İpek Group’s management can be used. The Turkish law states that the appointment of trustees can only be facilitated with the aim of establishing the truth. A police raid was recently carried out in the Koza-İpek Group principal offices and critical documents confiscated (Daily News, 2015). This necessarily shows that the government of Turkey is using its might to suppress justice. Clearly, the idea of raiding the firm is in contravention of the law. According to Daily News (2015), legislation is meant to guarantee the prevalence of justice in all activities that take place within the country. However, by not acting by the law, the Turkish government is evidently promoting a culture of injustice.

Effects on Turkey’s international business market and productivity

As a matter of fact, owing to the current political philosophy in Turkey, the confidence of foreign investors about the country as a desirable destination for FDIs has decreased tremendously. Many modern multinational companies are using the web to conduct important functions, which promote productivity. For instance, some businesses rely on such sites as YouTube, Twitter, and social media to advertise their products. Rather than having a physical presence, other multinationals have opted to use the Internet to carry out their trade. Nonetheless, with the Turkish government blocking most sites, a high number of foreign investors have chosen to leave the market. The issue has made even worse by the government’s tendency of illegally raiding businesses.

To many international investors, this is a political risk and can only be controlled by moving out of the country and instead, investing in another nation. The massive foreign investor walkouts have hit Turkey hard. As such, the country’s GDP is rapidly shrinking. In 2013, the state recorded GDP worth 823.24 billion dollars (Trading Economics, 2016). In 2014, the GDP fell, reaching a low of 798.8 billion dollars. In 2015, the economic growth plummeted after a GDP of 718.22 billion dollars was recorded (Trading Economics, 2016). In the 2016 fiscal year, it is projected that the productivity will fall even further.

Questions for the team

What do you think the Turkish government should do to restore the confidence of foreign investors?

Should the international community intervene?

References
Daily News (2015). The state of justice in Turkey. Retrieved from www.hurriyetdailynews.com/the-state-of-justice-in-turkey-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=90515
IES (2016). Liberty in Turkey: Past and Present. Retrieved from www.ies-europe.org/event.php?article_id=338#.V-kRooh94ch
Todd, G. (2015). The ABCs Of The Current Political Situation In Turkey–A Primer. NEO. Retrieved from http://journal-neo.org/2015/08/26/the-abcs-of-the-current-political-situation-in-turkey-a-primer/
Trading Economics (2016). Turkey GDP. Retrieved from www.tradingeconomics.com/turkey/gdp

Turkeys Hotel Industry need essay help

Over the past two years, Turkey has suffered political tension with neighboring countries such as Russia and the West. It also experiences a refugee crisis due to war and terrorism in the Middle East. Shortcomings such as these increase distress and debt in the country, besides scaring off tourists. The existing state regulation cannot adequately address the challenges unless the government introduces business reforms in the near future. The failing tourism sectors is a major blow to international Luxury hotels such as Hyatt, which enjoy a strong performance in other parts of the globe such as Africa and the EU. Even worse, the latest political coup attempt has scared off investors in the country, hence significantly shrinking the middle income earning population due to rising unemployment.

Further, the nose-diving tourism sector is a direct result of the dipping incomes of the population due to geopolitical events and failing currency. In particular, the polarization of domestic politics has serious negative consequences for the inbound market, national economy, and hotel industry. Currently, the Turkish government is trying to revive the ailing hospitality industry by restructuring more than $17 billion debt that luxury hotels such as Hyatt owe the local financial institutions. However, economic experts argue that the strategy is only a temporary solution to a deeply settled problem that can easily spiral out of control. Nonetheless, the government insists that it will continue the plan of minimizing the non-performing loans to tighten the lending regulations.

The decreasing tourist numbers have resulted in an oversupply of Hyatt hotel rooms in the country. Notably, the country’s hotel industry has expanded for more than a decade, considering the beautiful sceneries, secular culture, relative stability, and strategic geographical location Turkey (Akbaba, 2014). However, the economic woes in the European Union and Russia threaten the hotel’s performance. Hyatt’s management in Turkey admits that the development, coupled with weak global economic prospects, has pushed its subsidiaries to cut the room prices so that it can survive the turmoil.

Statistics indicate that annually, luxury hotels add more than 35, 000 beds in Antalya (A Turkish Mediterranean town). Already, the small town has more than half a million-bed capacity. It implies that Antalya needs more than a million tourists for profitability. Even worse, the Turkish government heavily taxes the luxury hotels like Hyatt, despite the poor business forecasts. The existing economic trend in the town and the country as a whole. In 2015, the hotel occupancy rate in Hyatt was 68%, an 8% fall from the same period in the year 2014.Contrastingly, the hotel occupancy rate at its US subsidiary was 83.9% (Statista, 2016).

Turkish hotel sector needs an all-inclusive publicity campaign especially in Russia to recover its tainted image. Further, the country lags behind in tourist income earnings even though Turkey ranks among top 5 global tourist destinations.

As of June 2016, Hyatt hotel reported a total debt of 1.5 billion dollars. While the global net national income increased by 67% to 3, 342 million dollars and adjusted EBITDA rose to $225 million (due to new subsidiaries in Shanghai), Turkeys, revenue dropped by 6% (Nasdaq, 2016).

In summary, turkey’s hotel industry is saturated after years of consistent growth. As a result, multinationals such as Hyatt suffer losses and low occupancy rate due to the weak tourism sector and the increasing number of local three-star hotels. Besides, the country faces major challenges as it tries to reassure the West about relative stability, particularly after a wave of terrorist attacks. A failed coup and subsequent crackdown on the opposition confirmed EU’s worst fears, hence resulting in a low hotel occupancy at Hyatt. In the end, the revenues have fallen sharply despite good performances by other subsidiaries across Asia and Africa.

References
Akbaba, A. (2014). Measuring Service Quality in the Hotel Industry: A Study in a Business Hotel in Turkey. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 25(2), 170-192.
Hyatt Hotels: revenue 2015 | Statistic. (2016). Statista. Retrieved 11 November 2016, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/257362/revenue-of-the-hyatt-hotels-corporation/
Revenue, EPS, & Dividend – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) – NASDAQ.com. (2016). NASDAQ.com. Retrieved 11 November 2016, from http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/h/revenue-eps

Human Trafficking need essay help

What is the problem?

The problem is human trafficking. It is important to define the problem. Human trafficking refers to the trade of humans. The trade is for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation, or forced labor, or sexual slavery for the traffickers or others. There are other articles that refer to the term as receipt of persons, harboring, transfer, transportation, or recruitment through the means of force, threat, forms of coercion, deception, fraud, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation. A large number of men, children, and women are trafficked each and every year (Force, 2014). This happens abroad and in their countries. Every nation in the globe has and is being affected by this problem of human trafficking. This whether as a country of transit, destination, or origin for victims affected. Out of the total international trade carried out per annum, human trade totals to approximately $31.7 billion. This is a value that was gotten in the year 2011. This problem is believed one of the activities in the trans-national organization that is growing at an alarming rate. Human trafficking is greatly opposed and condemned since it is a violation of human rights. It is condemned by the human rights by international conventions.

What are we doing now?

The United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) acts as a guardian of the United Nations Convention that is strictly against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) assists various countries when it come to the efforts of implementing laws and policies directed to preventing human trafficking, suppressing the act, and punishing individuals who are trafficking. The United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime provide practical help to various states when it comes to creating national anti-trafficking strategies that are comprehensive and drafting laws. It also gives a hand to states when it comes to resources required to implement the drafted laws and strategies. Various states get specialized assistance together with the development of local expertise and capacity (Macy & Graham, 2012). Apart from that, the states also receive support related to getting access to practical tools that are required to encourage cooperation across the border with regards to investigating and prosecuting human trafficker.

Is it working, Why or why not?

Some of the methods are not working. Positive results have been seen when it comes to the laws and strategies. The adoption of various strategies and laws directed towards preventing, suppressing trafficking act, and punishing traffickers trafficking individuals, especially children and women by the United Nations General Assembly. There has been a big milestone when it comes to international efforts directed towards stopping the trade of people. As the guardian of the laws directed towards preventing, suppressing, and punishing people who are trafficking, the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime do everything to address issues related to human trafficking. It does this through its Global Program that is against trafficking of persons. A large majority of countries have now signed and ratified the law directed against doing away with the issue of human trafficking. Translating the newly signed and ratified law now remains very problematic to various states. There are very few human trafficking criminals who are convicted each and year (Weitzer, 2015). Sometimes, a big number of victims are never assisted and also sometimes identified. Various states together with the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime have been working with regards to these issues since the late 1990s.

What would you do differently?

The United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime needs to increase or come up with comprehensive strategy that sets out complementary nature of the work of the United Nation Office on Drugs and crime when it comes to preventing and combating issues related to human trafficking. The body also has to define some of its immediate priorities for its future engagement and action with regards to human trafficking crime. The new strategies to be designed by the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime and other states should complement thematic program that is against Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking. The United Nation Office on Drugs and crime also needs to play a leading role when it comes to coordination and strengthening the criminal justice response to both smugglings of immigrants and human trafficking. The United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime should be in the forefront when it comes to acting as a guardian of Protocols on Trafficking in Smuggling and Persons of Migrants and Organized Crime Convention.

How much will it cost?

Coming up with the new comprehensive strategy by the United Nation Office on Drugs will require more funds. This is estimated to be about $120 million. This will work well in supporting this effort that is intended to do away with the new issue related to human trafficking. Others refer to it as modern slavery. This amount of cash is believed to be helpful when it comes to providing resources that are necessary for enhancing the process of implementation of the new strategy and laws that are comprehensive. It will be very hard to ensure that every dollar invested in the projected will be well accounted for, but it is the belief of the organization that the money will be well spent when it comes to preventing and fighting issues related to human trafficking. Additional funding may be required by the organization, in case, the available funds are not enough.

Intended and unintended consequences the proposal

The proposal is intended to come up with better and comprehensive ways directed towards preventing, suppressing, and punishing the people who are caught promotion the act of human trafficking. Through this, the cases related to human trafficking will be significantly reduced in many states. Translating the newly signed and ratified law had been problematic for a long time. The new proposal is also intended to make the newly signed and ratified law to be easily translated by various states. Easy translation of the newly signed and ratified law will make the process of implementation to be very easy, especially be the states that are significantly affected by the issue of human trafficking.

Who would be affected by the proposal?

The proposal will affect some parties. The victims of trafficking are one group that will benefit from the proposal. The proposal is intended to bring down the cases of human trafficking. This means that many people, especially women and children will not easily become the people to be trafficked. The trafficked individuals always go through many different types of suffering. Those who are trafficked for sex undergo many types of violence from different people who handle them. Doing away with the act will prevent any person from going through what these victims are experiencing. The human traffickers will also be affected. Having strict laws and policies will help prevent this group from easily getting way with what they are doing. A large number of the traffickers will be caught in the act of trafficking their victims. Others who will witness how the states are very active when it comes to doing away with the practice of trafficking will deter from human trafficking act. This will make the states accomplish their task when it comes to limiting the bad habit related to trafficking other humans.

References
Force, S. C. H. T. T. (2014). South Carolina state plan to address human trafficking/by the South

Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force. South Carolina State Documents Depository, 3(4), 51-76.
Macy, R. J., & Graham, L. M. (2012). Identifying domestic and international sex-trafficking

victims during human service provision. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 13(2), 59-76.
Weitzer, R. (2015). Human Trafficking and Contemporary Slavery. Annual Review of

Sociology, 41(1).

Problems Worldwide need essay help

In a perfect world, every nation would have everything they needed; every nation would have all the resources necessary to sustain themselves. If we lived in that world, there would be little risk of one nation taking up arms against another. But we do not live in a perfect world, and the question of how the status of the ecosystem weighs heavily when determining how safe each nation is. As the ecosystem grows worse, national security will decrease.

Coupled with a worsening ecosystem is a growing population: “global demand for natural resources has doubled since 1996” (Hale). With a growing population comes a growing need for resources. “By 2030, the report predicts it will take the equivalent of two planets to meet the current demand for resources” (Hale). Since resources are not evenly dispersed throughout the world, and some nations with high populations have low levels of resources, it is inevitable that these nations will be forced to seek resources outside their own nation. These impoverished nations will even use force if necessary.

Well developed nations with no shortage of resources (and therefore a potential target to nations with few resources) can do two things to ensure security. First, these nations can promote emigration into their countries. This will allow developed nations to put excess resources to good use, while easing the burden of poorer nations. Second, developed nations can share the technology to help other nations sustain themselves. While sharing technology may not sound desirable, giving it away will not jeopardize security, but rather lessen it because the nations receiving the technology will have less reason to attack other nations.

That answer to the security problem that resource shortages is causing is not increasing boarder security or flexing military strength, it is helping other nations to sustain themselves. When we do this, international relations will improve, the ecosystem will improve, and quality of life will improve.

References
Hale, Erin. “Earth’s environment getting worse, not better, says WWF ahead of Rio+20.” 2012. Web

The Ocean’s Majesty need essay help

The cool gentle breeze played across my shoulders, sweeping down my exposed neck and hugging my trembling body, raising every tiny hair in response to the welcoming call of the ocean. It wasn’t a warm jacket type of cool, but more a simple cozy sweater to cut the chill cool; a cool that came and went with the rhythm of the waves and the rise of the moon. Thankfully I found an old cotton shirt in the backseat – my weathered old plaid that I must have forgotten to take in last time. This added a layer of protection to my upper body even though everything in me said to roll up the sleeves and leave it unbuttoned. As I sat huddled high on the rocks oblivious to the cares of the world, a simple spectator enjoying the dance of nature, the tiny gusts blew through my worn shirt leaving a saline film on my skin. My bare legs, brown from years of working in the sun, responded to the stinging salty spray.

In the quiet of the evening darkness the only sound was the ebb and flow of the thunderous ocean as its gentle waves became powerful cymbals clashing against the rocks. These weren’t just any rocks. These rocks told the story of hundreds, maybe thousands, of years of relationship with the ocean. Jagged edges and smooth boulders coexist in the moonlit rays where ebony and slate grey compose the natural wall that separates the thrashing water from man’s architectural wonders behind me. This mountainous wall of granite pieces invites the smooth expanse on the horizon to meet it; to engage in a play of power, a contest of stamina. The response is incredible as the simple roll of water becomes a mighty wall in its own right and in a deafening crescendo claps its arms around the rocks below me, bursting into trillions of water pieces which fall away and subside back to the horizon from which they began. In a fleeting instant my ears experience the most beautiful symphony; greater than anything Mozart of Bach ever penned. Nature alone is the artist here; bold, brilliant, and breathtaking.

Darkness surrounds me. It is a serene darkness. Like a silk glove it wraps gently from the heavens to the earth, enveloping everything within its reach. Its tranquility, not broken, but emboldened by the silver rays emanating from the moon, is a powerful reminder of the forces that at any moment could pull me from my perch and throw me like a rag doll into the depths below. I am but a spec in this glorious expanse and ever mindful of my role as guardian and protector of this beauty. The brilliant light painting a wide swath across the calm water on the horizon, spreading eagerly into the white mass that thunders below me, fills me with longing; longing for calm in the storms of life.

The hours roll by and yet in the deafening silence, the swell of the ocean, it seems but mere minutes. My leather sandals, well-worn and comfortable, slosh under my feet as the salt and sand play their tricks against the rocks and find a place to hide between my now shriveled, naked toes. The goose bumps on my legs that once came and went with the breeze now seem permanent, like little blobs attached to my skin. While the cool gentle wind continues to play around me, the horizon rolls in and makes its play, bringing creatures from the deep and laying them like artwork on the glistening sand. Everything here is a masterpiece; a canvas that delights all the senses, beckoning closeness to the maker. To sit on this granite wall high above the watery mass, yet within reach of its many tentacles, is to be one with all that surrounds me.

San Francisco need essay help

I love the city of San Francisco. Located in California, it is my favorite place to vacation. The weather is temperate and it has many things to see. Thesis: San Francisco is one of the most beautiful places in the world where much culture can be found, especially the LGBT community.

When you ride over the Golden Gate Bridge and see the city of San Francisco, it just takes your breath away. The awesome scenery and sight of the Pacific Ocean is amazing. The smell of the crisp air is clean and fresh. What is even more spectacular is when you actually visit the city. Castro is an amazing area. I thought of LGBT activist Harvey Milk who lived in San Francisco and served as the first openly gay city supervisor. He helped gay people secure some rights and encourage this community to keep fighting for gay marriage.

When I saw many of the shops in San Francisco that discussed gay history, my eyes teared up. You can sense what LGBT people experienced. I recognized the streets and towns of San Francisco from the movie “Milk” and “Stonewall.” I walked up to the Haight-Ashbury sign and touched it, the past energy of LGBT protests and rallies heating my skin. LGBT people have not had an easy time, discrimination, prejudice, and hate crimes committed against this population. Now gay people walk down the street with smiles, holding hands.

Seeing Alcatraz was also amazing. I took a trolley up to Fisherman’s Wharf. As I peered out over the scintillating water, I saw Alcatraz, a lone prison where criminal Al Capone was jailed. Capone was one of the most famous mobsters of our time. The only way that once can get to it is to take a boat or maybe swim. In spite of the beauty and sun shining off of the water, I am sure that the inside of Alcatraz was a different story.

As you can see, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful places, the Pacific Ocean on its western coast. The city’s LGBT culture can be seen and felt, the energy and struggles alive in the city. People such as activist Harvey Milk advocated for gay rights, so that today, LGBT people can hold hands and love one another. Alcatraz is also another point of interest, its outer beauty masking what men inside have probably experienced. I will always love San Francisco.

Dancing Styles need essay help

Each of the dances viewed for this paper were striking in very different ways, portraying different historical influences and styles. At the beginning of the Cossack Dance, the orchestral introduction provides appropriate expectations for what the viewer is about to see; a formal display with military influence. The dancers are dressed in military-inspired uniforms and move very much in unison and as a team. By times they hold arms and work in pairs, at others times they display their individual skills, and sometimes they move in group formation altogether. There are twelve men in the troupe and they perform on a well-lit stage with the orchestra, in a darkened theater space. Their steps are often staccato and bouncy. They incorporate sword play in pairs and as a group. In the individual sections, solo dancers display skills such as high-jumping over a sword held in the dancer’s own hands, spinning low on one foot and executing aerials across the stage. The steps and skills they exhibit are traditional East-Slavic dance elements.

By contrast, the Gumboot Dance immediately conveys a much more utilitarian spectacle, with the performers wearing blue coveralls and rubber boots. Their stage is set outdoors in front of their audience and it is performed in daylight with no artificial lighting. Like the Cossack Dancers, they are all dressed the same but in blue coveralls and black rubber boots. They do not have music to back them up, however. Rather the 6 men and 3 women create the music by stomping their boots on the stage clapping their hands together and slapping their hands on their boots or legs. The techniques they use are less traditionally based and more in the realm of modern interpretation. Other than a few actions performed by singular dancers, such as calling out or modelling a sequence, they act in unison.

The Cuban Mambo begins with rhythm and flow immediately. There is no formal stage for these dancers. Instead, they appear to have taken over some type of village square. As with the Gumboot Dance, there is no artificial lighting, however their audience appears to surround them on three sides, instead of just at the “front” of their dance floor. The dancers are dressed informally in colorful, though faded, tones. The women’s dresses have fitted tops and skirts that twirl high when they spin. The men wear light-colored, collared shirts and white pants and shoes. Their movements are rhythmic as they sometimes strut together by gender and sometimes pair up in twos. Often their body gestures are in sync with one another, such as when pairs raise and roll their shoulders as they circle around each other and look at each other’s faces. The training is in traditional mambo style.

In the Cossack Dance, the men entered with their heads bowed, then they raised them and progressed with skips and leaps. Their arms were often raised demonstratively throughout the performance and they were usually all doing the same thing, other than the soloists. They made use of most of the stage by running in time to the music in various formations; sometimes lined up and sometimes in circles. At other times, they would pair up and circle each other, working off of their partners. Their movements were large, for the most part, and consisted of different sequences wherein groups or individuals repeated one skill for a number of measures until the group moved on to the next phase. The momentum moved forward quickly and with flow. The sequences seemed to build upon each other in canon form.

The Gumboot Dancers related to one another in a much less formal and less intermingled way. They repeated rhythmic slaps, claps and stomps as one and worked together to create various formations, however they did not pair up to reflect or complement each other’s actions. Their performance was also in canon form and they danced in unison, other than when one or another would step forward to display a type of call to action that the rest would follow or repeat. They used most of the space on the stage but not in the flowy way that the Cossacks did. Instead, their steps were taken in place, and every now and then they would smoothly seem to float to a new spot on the stage, replacing one another and forming different shapes and formations. Their limbs were not used to display expression. Their arms, hands and feet remained fairly tight to their bodies as they utilized them for sound and rhythm. The men and women did not exhibit different roles; they all made the same movements, regardless of gender.

In the Cuban Mambo, the group used the entire dance area, flowing and gliding smoothly from corners to the center throughout the performance. At times, the women moved in unison while the men drew slightly less attention to themselves, focusing their attention on the women. At other times, the men and women worked in pairs, creating texture and nuance, and using their bodies to bend toward each other, almost like animals or birds performing a mating ritual, or like trees bending their limbs in wave-like patterns. These dancers used pulse and rhythm to flow from step to step, playfully weaving among one another. They employed their arms dynamically and followed a cause-and-effect pattern between the genders; when the women made certain gestures, the men responded in kind.

The apparent intent of the Cossack dance was to artistically display the prowess of Cossack military history. The choreographer was trying to show the audience that the army that the dancers represented was strong, full of vigor, skilled and agile. The performers executed the intention of the dance effectively, portraying an army with many strong fighters with very unique talents, who all worked together to create a victorious force.

The Gumboot Dancers appeared to represent more of a working class group, or perhaps slaves or prisoners. The way they moved separately yet identically to each other, following the lead of one or another’s call, reflected a group following the orders of their master or boss. The group accomplished the portrayal well, diligently carrying out their repetitious “work” without showy or flowery expression.

The Cuban Mambo exhibited the flirtatious custom of teasing, luring and playfully enjoying a partner of the opposite sex. The intention of this display was to spiritedly entertain the audience with a depiction of courtship between man and woman. The performers moved lithely and inspired movement in the observer. It was fun to watch and it reminded one of innocent rites of relationship passage of a bygone era.

I believe that in all three performances, the choreographers were successful in their intentions. In each piece, I was able to come to an interpretation effortlessly and, I believe, accurately. The Cossack Dance made me want to see their skills and observe their dexterity, just as an army would want to create an air of intimidation in its enemies. The Gumboot Dance evoked in me a sense that the “prisoners” were making the best of a situation by incorporating rhythm and unison into their monotonous work. The Cuban Mambo felt playful, making me want to move the way they did to the compelling rhythm, and join in the informal and enticing ritual.

All of these performances evoked interesting and unique impressions. Whether the intention was to portray a robust army, tell a tale of suppression, or entertain an audience with desire-inspiring rhythm, they all achieved their intended purpose. From each, there is something to learn, not only about the art of dance in its different forms, but also about human nature and societal customs.

References
Chen Lizra, “Cuban Mambo danced by professional dancers in Havana, Cuba.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 13 August 2008. Web. 26 March 2016.
Waterford Kamhlaba. “Gumboot Dance.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 16 April 2013. Web. 26 March 2016.

Elected Officials – Northridge, CA. (91324) need essay help

U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D) Senator Feinstein became the Mayor of San Francisco in 1978 following the infamous assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. Prior to that she was on the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors serving two terms as Board President. In her two full terms as Mayor she balanced the budget nine times in a row and was named the country’s “Most Effectiive Mayor” in 1987. Feinstein has been the U.S. Senator from California since 1992. She is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence which is charged with the oversight of 16 military and civilian departments that comprise the U.S. Intelligence Community. In adddition Feinstein is on the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Committee on the Judiciary and Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. (Feinstein, 2015)

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D)

Senator Boxer spent six years on the Marin County (North Bay area) Board of Supervisors followed by 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives then, in 2010, was elected to her fourth term as U.S. Senator. She is the ranking member on the Committee on Environment and Public Works where she helped pass a transportation bill saving and/or creating almost three million jobs. Boxer is a among the Democratic leadership serving as Chief Deputy Whip and on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Select Committee on Ethics. She wrote legislation that funds after-school programs, ended taxpayer funded Wall Street bailouts and established the Senate Military Family Caucus. Boxer has received many awards acknowledging her work to clean the environment and for her continued commitment to deal with the risks associated with global climate change (Boxer, 2015)

U.S. Representative (30th District) Brad Sherman (D)

Representative Sherman was born and raised in Southern California and now lives in Sherman Oaks. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of California later graduating from Harvard Law School Magna Cum Laude. He is a tax law specialist and worked for one of the country’s largest CPA firms prior to his election to congress. He served on the California State Board of Equalization for five years prior to his election to the House in 1997 representing the San Fernando Valley. A consumer rights advocate, Sherman serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism and Nonproliferation and Trade. In addition, he is on the Financial Services Committee. (Sherman, 2015)

State Senate (District 27) Fran Pavley (D)

Senator Pavley has lived her entire life in the Los Angeles area, married to a teacher and raises guide dogs. She graduated with a master’s degree from California State and taught school for 28 years. Pavley was elected mayor after serving four terms on the Agoura Hills’ city council then, beginning in 2000, served three terms in the California State Assembly. She became a State Senator in 2008. She chairs the Select Committee on Climate Change and Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. In addition she is a member of Environmental Quality, Budget and Fiscal Review, Governance and Finance; and Legislative Ethics, Energy, Utilities, and Communications committees. She is also the chairperson of the Assembly Bill 32 Implementation committee. (Pavley, 2015).

State Assembly (District 45) Matthew Dababneh (D)

Assemblyman Dababneh was Representative Brad Sherman’s Chief of Staff prior to his own November 2013 election to the State Assembly. Dababneh became Assistant Majority Whip in 2014 then Chairman of the Banking and Finance Committee in 2015. In this position he intends to concentrate on increasing access to resources for previously underserved communities, helping youths to understand finances, strengthening consumer protections and fighting predatory lending. Dababneh also serves on the Privacy and Consumer Protection, Revenue and Taxation and Insurance Committees. He also volunteers his time for many community organizations such as the Valley Cultural Center, House of Hope, Phoenix House Juvenile Drug Rehabilitation Academy and Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. (Dababneh, 2015).

County Supervisor (District 3) Sheila Kuehl (D)

Baby boomers might recognize Supervisor Kuehl as Zelda Gilroy, the plain looking, intelligent and lovesick teenager on the Many Loves of Dobie Gilles, a television series that ran from 1959 to 1963. She also appeared in many other shows mainly during the 1960’s. (Nahmod, 2013). Kuehl also held many government positions prior to her election as County Supervisor in 2014. She spent six years as a State Assemblyman and eight years as a State Senator. A graduate of Harvard Law, Kuehl was a law professor at OSC, UCLA and Loyola then co-founded the California Women’s Law Center and was its managing attorney. She was the Public Policy Institute at Santa Monica College’s Founding Director and UCLA’s Regents’ Professor in Public Policy in 2012. While an attorney, she drafted and advocated for laws to protect women and children from family violence. She was California’s Assembly’s first Speaker Pro Tempore and the first person who was openly gay or lesbian elected to the Legislature where she was chair of the Natural Resources and Water Committee, Judiciary Committee and Budget Subcommittee on Water. While in the Senate she served on the Health and Human Services Committee. Kuehl sponsored more than 170 bills that became law including legislation that instituted nurse to patient ratios for hospitals, paid family leave in addition to laws that protected the Santa Monica Mountains and banned workplace gender and disability discrimination in the workplace. She was also on the forefront of establishing universal health care in the State. (Kuehl, 2015)

City Council (District 12) Mitchell Englander (D)

Councilman Englander is a two-term councilmember who owned a small business prior to his entry in public service. This experience has benefited local businesses. He has fought against overdevelopment while guiding community campaigns for sensible zoning regulations. Englander has also worked to prevent the closing of many of Fire Stations throughout the County. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley he was the unanimous choice among his council colleagues to be President Pro Tempore in 2013. He serves as Vice-Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and is a member of the Executive Employee Relations and Planning and Land Use Management Committees. Englander also serves as a member of the National League of Cities Public Safety Steering Committee California Contract Cities Association, Independent Cities Association and is on the San Fernando Valley Coalition of Governments. Among his many accomplishments and duties, Englander won re-election with 100 percent of the votes this year and was National Father’s Day Council’s 2006 Father of the Year. (Englander, 2015).

Mayor Eric Garcetti (D)

Mayor Garcetti, served on the city council from 2001 until he has elected Los Angeles’ 42nd mayor in 2013. He was a four-term Los Angeles City Council President from 2006 to 2012. Garcetti’s “back to basic’s” approach to government focuses on solving the fundamental problems for residents. His term in the city council saw dramatic revitalizing programs launched for the 13th District, an agenda which he is taking city-wide as mayor. He spent his childhood in the San Fernando Valley area then earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Columbia University. His Rhodes scholarship allowed him to study at Oxford’s London School of Economics then he came back to Los Angeles to teach at USC and Occidental College. Garcetti is a U.S. Navy Lieutenant reservist. His hobbies include photography and jazz piano. (Garcetti, 2015).

References
Boxer, Barbara. Senate.gov. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://www.boxer.senate.gov/about/biography.html
Dababneh, Matt. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://asmdc.org/members/a45/about/biography
Englander, Mitch. LA City Council Member 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://cd12.lacity.org/AboutMitch/AbouttheCouncilman/index.htm
Feinstein, Dianne. “Biography.” Senate.gov. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/biography
Garcetti, Eric. Los Angeles Mayor. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://www.lamayor.org/bio
Kuehl, Sheila. County of Los Angeles. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://file.lacounty.gov/lac/cms1_223918.pdf
Nahmod, David-Elijah. “Sheila Kuehl: Classic sitcom star becomes LGBT champion.” Windy City Times. July, 2013. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Sheila-Kuehl-Classic-sitcom-star-becomes-LGBT-champion/43745.html
Pavley, Fran. Senate.ca.gov. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://sd27.senate.ca.gov/biography
Sherman, Brad. House.gov. 2015. Web. Sept. 17, 2015. http://sherman.house.gov/about-brad/congressman-brad-sherman

Creating Research II need essay help

Introduction

Social media has helped to connect people throughout the world. Despite the rise in social media, little is known as to how social media affects the health of children and family dymanics. Some studies have demonstrated that social media use adversely affects the child’s performance in school (Gentile et al., 2004; Tu & McIsaac, 2002; Jacobsen & Forste, 2011). However, other studies have demonstrated that social media use may expose children to risky behaviors including cyberbullying, sexting, and ‘Facebook depression’ (O’Keeffe & O’Clarke-Pearson, 2011). Despite the negative findings of social media use, some studies have demonstrated that using social media helps to increase family cohesion (Williams & Merten, 2011; Yoo & Alavi, 2001; Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010). Schulz, Auvinen, and Crotty (2013) provide similar conclusions in a meta-analysis finding that social media usage in children helps to promote shared information, increase the child’s social interactions with others, and positively affect the child’s peer/emotional support. The conflicting finding in previous research demonstrates that social media may positively or negatively influence the child’s health and family functioning. The purpose of this research is to explore how parental social media use affects the child’s performance at school, their social relationships, and the child’s mental health.

Research Questions

The following research questions have been identified for this study:

How does parental social media usage influence the child’s performance in school?

How does parental social media usage influence the child’s social relationships?

How does the parental social media usage influence the child’s mental health?

Hypothesis

HO: 1. Parents who use social media frequently will have children that exhibit stronger social skills.

HO: 2. Parents who use social media frequently will have children who report a higher performance in school.

HO: 3. The parent’s social media usage will not increase the likelihood that the child suffers from mental health problems.

Methodology

Setting

The research will be conducted online through a survey website.

Population/Sample

All participants will report having school-aged children at home. Participant will further be required to have at least one social media account (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Snap Chat, etc.).

Type of Research

The research will conduct a mixed-methods internet based survey to assess the role parental social media usage has on the child’s academic performance, social/emotional support, and mental health. The quantitative aspects of this study will focus on the amount of time parents spend on social media websites, and how parents distribute their time on social media websites (Creswell, 2013). The purpose of exploring the way parents distribute their time on social media websites is to determine whether or not the individual social media website the parents use influence’s the child’s mental health, academic performance, and social/emotional support. In order to increase the reliability of this study, the researcher will use O’Keeffe and Clark-Pearson’s definition of social media, which states,

Any website that allows social interaction is consider a social media site, including: social networking sites such as Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter; gaming sites and virtual worlds such as Second Life and Sims, video sties such as YouTube; and blogs (O’Keeffe and Clark-Pearson’s, 2011, p. 800)

The qualitative aspects of this study will explore the child’s academic performance, social/emotional support, and the child’s mental health. Parents will be asked to rate their child’s academic performance using a likert scale (Creswell, 2013). Parents will further be asked to rate their child’s level of social/emotional support using a qualitative scale. Although the mental health portion of this research will further use qualitative measures, this will be done in two questions. The initial question will ask parents to identify whether or not their child has been diagnosed with a mental illness. Parents that answer yes to this question will then be asked to identify what specific mental illness (or mental illnesses) the child suffers from.

Quantitative Experiment

In assessing the quantitative aspects of this study, the researcher will use descriptive statistics to assess central tendencies associated with the amount of time the parent spends on social media websites.

References
Creswell J.W. (2013) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods. Los Angeles, CA: Sage Publications.
Gentile, D. A., Lynch, P. J., Linder, J. R., & Walsh, D. A. (2004). The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, 27(1), 5–22.
Jacobsen, W. C., & Forste, R. (2011). The wired generation: Academic and social outcomes of electronic media use among university students. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 14(5), 275–280.
Kaplan, A. M., & Haenlein, M. (2010). Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of Social Media. Business Horizons, 53(1), 59–68.
O’Keeffe G.S., Clarke-Pearsons K. (2011) The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families. American Academy of Pediatrics 127(4), 800-804.
Schulz P., Auvinen A.M., Crotty B. (2013) A New Dimension of Health Care: Systematic Review of Uses, Benefits, and Limitations of Social Media for Health Communications. Journal of Medical Internet Research 15(4), e85-e91.
Tu, C.-H., & McIsaac, M. (2002). The relationship of social presence and interaction in online classes. The American Journal of Distance Education, 16(3), 131–150.
Williams, A. L., & Merten, M. J. (2011). iFamily: internet and social media technology in the family context. Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, 40(2), 150–170.
Yoo, Y., & Alavi, M. (2001). Media and group cohesion: Relative influences on social presence, task participation, and group consensus. MIS Quarterly, 371–390.

Research Paper for a Speech Class need essay help

Interpersonal communication is a term describing interactions between two persons who know each other as well as share common goals. Amid a variety of interpersonal communication theories, Social Penetration Theory has been effectively used to explain and modify the issue of interpersonal communication. This paper provides an account of how applying Social Penetration Theory has changed the way of communication in a personal relationship, Firstly, it focuses on the theoretical background for the experiment, describing Social Penetration Theory and its major concepts. Secondly, it focuses on the background of the situation and the hypothesis based on Social Penetration Theory, with reference to how the latter could potentially be used to improve the outcome of communication. Thirdly, it describes what happened after the author has made the intended change and interprets the findings.

Social Penetration Theory

Social Penetration Theory states that with the development of relationships communication undergoes evolution moving from non-intimate and shallow to more trusting and deeper, as people gradually reveal themselves to each other with time (Altman & Taylor). One of the primary concepts of this theory is self-disclosure. The basis of social penetration, self-disclosure can be defined as the intentional information sharing about self. Self-disclosure may involve both low-risk and high-risk information sharing along with personal experiences, attitudes, values, ideas, life stories, hopes, past facts, goals, and ambitions, etc. Within Social Penetration Theory self-disclosure is viewed as the gradual sharing of information about self. With reference to the gradual component, this theory is also called as “the onion theory” of personality, because layers of personality get penetrated as intimacy grows with time.

As for the process of self-disclosure, it is influenced by three principal factors, based on Altman & Taylor: personal characteristics, situational context, as well as reward/cost assessments. Personal characteristics factor refers to structuring a personality with the categories of breadth and depth: whereas some issues (sport, politics, work, etc) are superficial and make up the breadth category, others (such as religion, personal fears, etc) are those of depth. The latter are disclosed only to a few selected people The issues of breadth are used by people to hide the core layers of their personalities, which, if revealed, may spur the feeling of vulnerability. The situational factor refers to the situational context, where at the early stages of involvement communication easily penetrates the layers and then considerably slows. One of the most important factors shaping the rates of self-disclosure is reward/cost outcomes. It is assumed that people are only willing to share their core values when they see the reward of this self-disclosure and if it outweighs the costs. Based on all that has been said about “the onion theory” of interpersonal communication, the latter can be represented graphically in the following way:

(Baack, Fogliasso, & Harris, 41)

Research Hypothesis

The situation that was selected for the experiment was interpersonal communication with one college friend. My friend and I have been friends since the time we were freshmen. The friendship was like most guys of our age have: with lots of making fun and hanging out. Three months ago my friend started dating Laura and became absorbed in the relationship. I felt that he wanted to confide in me, but hesitated about doing so. That was probably were did not share about such personal things before and he feared that I would make fun of him or share with others. In this way, my friend remained pretty cautious about disclosing his feelings although sometimes I felt he would want to share.

The change I decided to make was based on Social Penetration Theory, since my intended outcome was to move our relationship to more trusting and deeper by increasing self-disclosure and making rewards explicit. With regard to this, I theorized that if I start disclosing about my own personal relationships and feeling, my friend would see that I trust him and I am not afraid to be vulnerable, and would readily confide in me. The intended change was supposed to lead to a positive outcome since it would move our communication to a deeper level, increase our trust, make us view each other as those who can support.

Findings and Discussion

The findings of the experiment proved the usefulness of Social Penetration Theory in developing interpersonal communication and relationships between my friend and me. I chose to self-disclose one day after I found my friend depressed and absolutely uninterested in any activities that he enjoyed earlier. My friend was reticent and unwilling to speak, but after we watched a movie, he said, “You should not trust any woman, because they date us just for fun before they find someone they think is more cool.” I said that judging my the film we watched this seems true, but in reality all women are different, it depends on their upbringing, values, interests, and character. My friend asked if I know any examples of attractive and smart girls, who would act differently. I said that I certainly do. I told about my sister’s relationship with her partner, in which she continues to love him and care about him despite his serious illness – he has grown visually impaired and cannot function without outside help. Also, I talked about my own feelings: how I misinterpreted the words and actions of the person I dated and broke up only to find out with time that it was my fault, I was too jealous without sufficient reason and did not give my partner any chance to explain. In this way, I explained, I punished myself: first, I was torturing myself with artificially created suspicions and insults, later I started regretting my decision. Once I decided to talk to my ex-date, I found that person avoiding me at any cost. I never resumed the relationship.

My friend was looking at me with his eyes wide open. I think he was stunned. After thinking for a minute, he shared with me the reason for his depression: his girlfriend shared with him about her previous partners, and following the conversation, she went home for a few days. My friend was thinking she was still dating some of her exs. He was smiling as he was talking about this, because, as he said, he understood there was no reason to be jealous so far. He also heartily thanked me for talking about this. The results were positive because we have known each other for quite a long time and have already disclosed things about ourselves. Also, we were both willing to grow closer as friends.

Conclusion

Social Penetration Theory can be used both to understand and improve interpersonal communication and relationship. It only requires wise self-disclosure and being attentive to other persons’ attitudes.

References
Altman, I., & Taylor, D. “Social Penetration: The Development of Interpersonal

Relationships. NewYork: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1973. Print.
Baack, Donald, Fogliasso, Christine, & Harris, James. “The Personal Impact of Ethical

Decisions: A Social Penetration Theory.” Journal of Business Ethics, 24 (2000): 39-49. Print.