Kaiser Permanente Risk Management Executive Summary Essay Example for Free

Kaiser Permanente Risk way Executive Summary Essay arrangement DescriptionKaiser Permanente (KP) is the nations largest integrated wellness superintend delivery system. KP serves nine states and over nine million members, with an annual operating revenue in 2013 of 53.1 billion. KP is a attraction in tint forward motion efforts in the health awe industry through participation in studies performed by the National committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA), The Joint Commission (TJC) accreditations, and the implementation of a state of the art electronic health records system, which focuses on integration and look of bring off standardization. The focus of this summary is on KP hospitals in the northern California region and ordain complicate topics such as the purpose of gamble and tint focus, happen identification and attention, current bumps, prime(prenominal) exits, systemal goals, and the relationship between take a chance and note counselling. Risk and Qua lity Management PurposeGeneralThe purpose of risk management in health allot is simply the process of protecting the assets and minimizing financial losses to the organization (Singh Habeeb Ghatala, 2012). A comprehensive risk management scheme within a health care organization will include focus on continuous quality overture (CQI). The purpose of CQI in health care, according to Sollecito and Johnson (2013), is to offer a structured organizational process for involving personnel in planning and executing a continuous flow of improvements to provide quality health care that meets or exceeds expectations (p. 4). Through linking the processes of risk management and quality improvement the success of both processes is much seeming to be realized. Kaiser PermanenteThe key concepts for risk and quality management at KP are commitment to quality, patient of safety, privacy protection, and fraud prevention. KP risk management and quality management programs are central to their mi ssion, values, and culture. Methods currently apply to support these conceptswithin KP are consumer surveys, the use of an integrated EHR with evidence based guidelines and clinical decision-making functionality, stringent patient privacy regulations and processes, continuous clinical and administrative staff training programs, and participation in studies focused on standardizing national quality measures (Kaiser Permanente, 2012). Risk Identification and ManagementStepsWhile KP is a leader in health care risk and quality management there are specific steps this consultant is recommending on a continual tooshie that will improve risk identification and management within the organization. 1. Identify and analyze loss and exposureWhile there are many methods utilized within the health care industry in the identification and analysis of loss and exposure, the recommended methods for KP are as follows a) Incident-reporting analysisb) Improvement on the current feat management proce ss for employees to hire focus on risk mitigation and quality improvement. c) Quantitative analysis of patient complaints and satisfaction surveys. d) Review of the organizations past superior liability and workers compensation reports. e) Review of surveys completed by TJC and NCQA on other hospitals in order to identify risk areas that KP should focus on. (McCaffrey Hagg-Rickert, 2009)2. Research and propose ersatz risk techniquesTo mitigate risks that are unavoidable at KP, a combination of alternative risk techniques will help reduce situations that might negatively hazard the organization. A financial analysis and risk analysis should be performed in order to ascertain the likelihood of utilizing the exposure avoidance technique. This is not a likely option as the financial impact of eliminating serve may out weigh the risks involved with continuing them. A loss reduction approach is more likely to be the technique chosen for this organization. The core prevention activit ies that must be present in the loss reduction technique are as follows a.) Ongoing staff educationb.) Current policy and procedure review and revisionc.) Updates to the organizations current EHR system to mark off the data present in the clinical decision-making and evidence-based clinical guidelines technology is the to the highest degree current data available. According to Chen, et al (2009), a growing body of literature confirms the value of electronic health records (EHRs) in improving patient safety, improving coordination of care, enhancing documentation, and facilitating clinical decision making and adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelines (p. 323). 3. Risk management technique selectionThis two-part process of risk management technique selection is accomplished through forecasting and application of an ongoing measurement process, which will allow KP to analyze the risk management technique with estimation to outcome and cost effectiveness. Included in the measur ement process both risk sermon and risk-financing techniques should be measured (McCaffrey Hagg-Rickert 2009). 4. Implement the selected techniquesImplementation of the chosen risk management techniques may include decisions on insurance coverage and policy changes, overall department workflow changes to ensure compliance with state and federally mandated regulations and guidelines, and voiding of processes that impede or hinder patient safety. 5. Monitor and improve upon the implemented risk management program In order to continue improving upon the freshly implemented risk management program a comprehensive monitoring strategy should be employed. In fact, McCaffrey and Hagg-Rickert, (2009) stated, a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating the risk management program ensures that the impact of additional opportunities to improve the risk management function are fully explored (p. 21). a.) Prepare an annual risk management reportb.) Compare the hot annual report against prior years risk management data (McCaffrey Hagg-Rickert 2009)Current RisksThree risks that KP should take special care to avoid are rejection of fresh implemented risk management and CQI procedures by employees, statute(predicate) and regulative changes, and health care associated infections (HAIs). 1. RejectionChange implementation is never an easy task and without special care taken the rate of rejection to change by clinical and administrative employees is high. In order to achieve successful CQI changes the following guidelines and recommendations are presented. a.) Minimize employee rejection through substantially implemented and followed CQI procedures. b.) Engage employees in planning to increase acceptance.c.) Ensure lateral linkages within the organization across specialty departments to improve communication (Sollecito and Johnson, 2013). 2. Statute and regulatory changesWith the ever-changing landscape in state and federal statutes and regulations surrounding the health ca re industry, special attention to this risk area must be taken. In fact, Cohen (2009) stated that health care is i of the most heavily regulated of all sectors of commerce (p. 328). Failure to comply with state and federal statutes and regulations can bring about negative financial affects at KP, including but not limited to fines, loss of accreditation and credentialing, and an increase in malpractice lawsuits, not to mention a decrease in quality of care. a.) Risk management and quality improvement policemans stay current and involved in statute and regulation changes. b.) Mandate educational goals for risk management and quality management officers with regard to state and federal regulations. c.) Implement a monthly employee newsletter within which the risk management officer and quality improvement officer outline regulation changes. Include processes that employees should expect to see implemented to maintain compliance. Include a signature page with those editions that inclu de changes to policy and ensure all employees sign and return to the human resources department. d.) Ongoing training for clinical and administrative employees with regards to statute and regulation. The risk management and quality improvement officers will be responsible to work with the organizations education department to implement new workshops as needed. e.) Include these responsibilities in the performance monitoring strategy for the risk management and quality improvement officers. 3. HAIswellness care associated infections are a serious risk in hospitals, as noted by Sydnor and Perl (2011), in their statement HAIs are the most common complication seen in hospitalized patients (para. 20). Improper prevention can lead to increased costs, lengthier hospital stays, and even patient death. Additionally, a Condition of Participation (CoP) (42 CFR 482.42) by CMS mandates hospital infection control programs to adhere to specific requirements. Recommendations are as follows. a.) Imp lement a house-keeping checklist to ensure proper sanitization of patient rooms. b.) Implement a sanitization checklist for clinical staff that will enforce hand washing before and after patient contact. c.) Develop a committee to review and decree the KP infection prevention and control program. Revisions should focus on compliance with TJC and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations. Quality OutcomesInternal and out-of-doorThree internal and external factors that influence quality outcomes are organization management of interpersonal relationships between physicians and patients, patient compliance, and continuity of care. Without proper management of interpersonal relationships between physicians and patients, the organization will face degradation in trust and openness. Patients should be involved in all treatment decisions, through proper education on their diagnosis and treatment options. This will bring about patient engagement in this decision making process. Whil e KP cannot force their patients to comply with treatment guidelines, the external influence of patient compliance is crucial to quality outcomes. Programs focused on thorough training and education of patients and family members will improve the rate of compliance, thus improving the probability of validating quality outcomes for patients. Lack of patient compliance will hinder the treatment process and lower the level of quality outcomes standards at KP. Continuity of care is other internal influence that can affect quality outcomes. Regular follow up with patients will also increase patient compliance. Without improving continuity of care, the KP organization will see a reduction in positive quality outcomes and an increased in undesired outcomes (DeHarnais, 2013, chp 5). GoalsShort-Term1. Design new regulatory and statute training programs for all clinical and administrative employees. 2. Review and revise the KP infection prevention and control program 3. Revise the performan ce management system to include CQI measurements and risk management procedures as performance metrics.Long-Term1. Increase adherence to state and federal regulations and statutes throughout the KP organization. 2. Reduce HAIs by 10% throughout KP hospitals in the northern California region. 3. Improve CQI measurement and risk management policy adherence throughout the northern California region by 20% among clinical employees. Risk and Quality ManagementRecommendationsRisk management policies1. Quarterly peer reviewThe Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA) of 1986 encourages hospitals, state licensing boards, and pro societies to identify and discipline physicians, dentists, and other health care providers who, after adequate, nondiscriminatory peer review, were found to have engaged in negligent or unprofessional take over (Cohen, 2013 p. 333). Through ongoing screening of new and current clinicians, KP will take responsibility for offering their patients that highest qual ity of care and reducing the risk of employing negligent clinical employees. 2. Zero tolerance adherence policy for all employees with regard to infection control procedures Part of the CMS CoP (42 CFR 482.42) regulation is the designation of an infection control officer and development of relevant policies that address the identification and control of infections and communicable diseases. Without full compliance with all CoPs, KP could face the loss of their Medicare provider agreement. 3. Vulnerability analysis graph and emergency plan policy.According to Rawson and Hammond (2009) by evaluating vulnerabilities and taking appropriate preventive action, loss can be minimized in an emergency(p. 506). Health care facilities should include prevention measures in their emergency plans that include the risk of terrorist attacks. While terrorist attack risk cannot be completely mitigated, it is the responsibility of the health care expertness to be prepared for such an emergency. Obtain additional information on including risk of terrorist attacks from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Quality management policies1. Adherence to evidence-based clinical guidelinesWhile it has been shown that clinicians have customarily enjoyed a great deal of autonomy in their practices (Argawal, 2010, para 3), it is imperative that clinicians follow evidence-based clinical guidelines. If exceptions should be made the details of, the patient diagnosis and variations should be presented for peer review prior to altering treatment plans. 2. Minimum score of 88% on customer satisfaction surveysClinicians must maintain an average score of no less than 88% on customer satisfaction surveys quarterly. In todays health care market, measurements of quality include consumer satisfaction. In fact, Bernard and Savitz (2009) state that in todays competitive health care environment, consumers want and expect better health care services and hospital systems are co ncerned about maintaining their overall image (p. 185). Relationship between risk and quality managementIn the past, risk management officers and quality improvement managers worked autonomously from one another, in fact they most often reported to different superiors. However, today healthcare organizations are realizing that in order to reach quality of care goals and maintain effective risk management programs these disciplines must work together closely. An example of how risk management efforts and quality improvement efforts complement one another is seen in the reduction of medical errors. The risk management plan must consider ways to reduce medical errors, while the quality improvement plan will offer solid steps toward minimizing medical errors (Sollecito and Johnson, 2013). ConclusionThis summary focused on topics such as the purpose of risk and quality management, risk identification and management, current risks, quality outcomes, organizational goals, and the relations hip between risk and quality management. While KP is the nations largest integrated health care delivery systems and leader in CQI standardization, there is always room for improvements. This consultant understands the importance of improvement at KP, thus humbly presents this summary and recommendations to the board of directors.ReferencesAgarwal, R. (2010, May). A Guideline for Quality Accreditation in Hospitals. Quality Digest, (), 1-4. Retrieved from http//www.qualitydigest.com/inside/twitter-ed/guideline-quality-accreditation-hospitals.html Chen, C., Garrido, T., Chock, D., Okawa, G., Liang, L. (2009). The Kaiser Permanente electronic health record Transforming and streamlining modalities of care. Health Affairs, 28(2), 323-33. Retrieved from http//search.proquest.com/docview/204522974?accountid=458 Cohen, M. (2009). Statutes, Standards, and Regulations (chp 10) in McCaffrey, J. J., Hagg-Rickert, S. (2009) Risk Management Handbook (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass. Des Harnais, S. I. (2013). The outcome model of quality (chp 5) in Sollecito, W. A. and Johnson, J. K. (2013). McLaughlin and Kaluznys Continuous Quality Improvement In Health Care (4th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Emily R. M. Sydnor, Trish M. Perl (2011, January). Clin Microbiol, 24(1) 141173. Retrieved from http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3021207/ Kaiser Permanente. (2014). Kaiser Permanente, Retrieved from http//share.kaiserpermanente.org/article/history-of-kaiser-permanente/ McCaffrey, J. J., Hagg-Rickert, S. (2009, Chp 1) Developing of a Risk Management Program in Risk Management Handbook (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass. Rawson, M. L. and Hammond, H. Y,. (2009) Emergency Management in McCaffrey, J. J., Hagg-Rickert, S. (2009, Chp 7) Developing of a Risk Management Program in Risk Management Handbook (5th ed.). San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass. Singh, B., Habeeb Ghatala, M. (2012, August). Risk Management in Hospitals. International Journal of Innovation, Management andTechnology, 3(4). Sollecito, W. A. and Johnson, J. K. (2013). McLaughlin and Kaluznys Continuous Quality Improvement In Health Care (4th ed.). Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Media Studies Help Essay Example for Free

Media Studies Help Essay

Effects of Strikes Businesses

Effects of Strikes BusinessesI. IntroductionBoycotts and lockouts are two other anti-impasse weapons sometimes used by labour and management. An impasse occurs when the lay outies arent commensurate to move further toward settlement. The principal weapons of offense employed by labor organizations in the war uttermoste against employers are the latch on and the boycott. According to the Dessler G. (2008), Strike is a separation of labor. (p.619). A strike is defined as a temporary stoppage of work by a group of workers (not necessarily compact members) to express a grievance or en index a bargaining requirement. Foster A. (2004). Strikes first became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became important in factories and mines.(Setiawan 2009)Responses to strike move shutting down the factory, contracting work, continuing the operations, or changing the employees. Third party involvement namely, arbitration, fact-finding, or mediation- is one alternative . (Dessler G. 2008).Employer and employees have their own solutions to break this impasse. Employer poop answer to the strikes by lockouts. A lockout is a refusal by the employer to provide opportunities to work. It sometimes locks out employees and prohibits them from doing their jobs (and getting paid). (Dessler G. 2008, p 621). Employees can organize a corporate flow by making a boycott. Boycott -the combined refusal by employees and other interested parties to buy or use the employees products. (Dessler G. 2008, p 620). Firstly the terminus boycott appeared in the in Ireland in the 1800, because of the real person Charles Boycott, an Englishman who was responsible for supervision of land. His tenants asked him to lower their rents, he refused to do so, and turn out them, and later on this the tenants organized a first boycott, denying him goods and services. His crops rotted in the fields because he had no farm workers, he stayed without any food, and found himself supersede from the community. After this type this term member quickly spread to other languages and regions of the world as well. (What is boycott?)This paper result consists of the three parts the first part is introduction, in the second part there will be presented examples of boycotts and lockouts, their analysis and recommendations as part of HR team, and the final part is conclusion, with references and bibliography at the end of the report.II. Labor Strikes and LockoutsThree main get ups of boycott exist. The first one is consumer boycotts, in which customers are encouraged to stop purchasing from a targeted caller-out. The second form of boycott occurs when businesses withhold their patronage from other businesses. Fin every(prenominal)y, the term boycott is sometimes used to describe an employee protest, known as labor strike. (Boycotts Encyclopedia of Business). In this paper there will be discussed third typecast of the boycott- labor strike.2.1 Supermarket employee strike i n the Califirornia2.1.1 Description of strikeIn 2003, calcium has the longest supermarket employee strike and lockout in Unite States history. That action led to a virtually five month long supermarket strike and lockout, and it didnt have such strike from 1978. This strike touched four biggest supermarkets in the California Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs and Pavilion, which is owned by Safeway. These handcuffs have more than 850 shops in all the state. More than 70,000 United Food and Commercial scarperers (UFCW) picketed out side of meat their stores for almost five months. When this happened, Ralphs and Albertsons supermarkets locked out their workers without giving legal notice. Among demand of the employees were reduction in employer contributions to the workers health insurance plan, as well as a two-tier wage structure under which new hires would be paid far less than their co-workers and obtain health and pension benefits. (Milkman R. (2004)2.1.2 Claims of strikersEmployees of these chains valued an accession in salary and also they stroked against diminish of medical and pensions grants. Management of these chains wanted to put biggest part on social obligations on workers, and to pay medical insurance by employees. Management of these shops referred to the depression in the economics of state and decreasing of the profit. Also one of the points in protest of employees was introducing to the corporate practice the emulative methods, like in the analogical chain Wal-Mart. Strikers made a condition to pay hebdomadal medical insurance in amount of the 5 dollar for each employee and also pay weekly to the family members in amount of the 10 to 15 dollars and to increase a salary on 1.5 dollar to first year employees and on 45% to the rest of the employees.2.1.3 Response to strike by employerEmployer can answer to the strikes by lockouts as well as such steps as shutting down the factory, contracting work, continuing the operations, or changing the employe es. (Dessler G. 2008). In this case when the union started to strike only the Safeway-owned stores, Kroger and Albertsons immediately announced they would lock their workers out. All three chains started to hire thousands of replacement workers well in advance of the strike deadline. They concord to share any profits for the duration of the conflict (Milkman R. 2004)2.1.4 Result of strikeThe 2003-year is remembered as huge strike and lockout in Americas history. Two parties came to an agreement, that union and supermarkets will force workers to pay part of the cost for health coverage, and to make any rose in the contract. After this strike chains and employees all had losses. Many workers went into heavy silver owing while they were on the strike and some even stayed without houses. Employers introduced a two-tier system that provides dramatically inferior pay, health insurance and other benefits, under which those employ after the strike received significantly less in both wage s and benefits than current workers. The chains suffered too, losing more than one billion dollars in sales, and form another side the ales of the competitors such as Wal-Mart increased by the 11 percent. Beyond the financial figures, many people say the strike has had a perpetual effect on their shopping habits. Many shoppers say they stopped going to the big three markets and never went back. (Effects of the Southern California mart strike tranquillize felt, one year later)2.2 Lockout at Bosch be in India2.2.1 Description of lockoutThe management of Bosch, the Indian subsidiary of Germanys Bosch Group and the manufacturer of automotive components, declared an indefinite lockout of all employees from the plant operations at its Jaipur plant on 12th of December. The Jaipur plant has 1,200 employees and manufactures pumps for use in tractors and commercial vehicles. The lockout decision was taken because of the continuing illegal and abominable strike by the employees and which is prohibited by the government of Rajasthan. (Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur Unit. 2008).2.2.2 Result of lockoutThe Bosch Group biggest international companies in the world and promotes the principles of fairness justice and foil of the group in all its locations around the world. The Bosch group also encourages cordial industrial relations at all its plants across the globe. In the case of Jaipur plant, the company tried all possible legal options to settle this problem but left with no option due to non-cooperation from the striking union members. Even after many conciliatory meetings, the union representatives showed reluctance to cooperate. The union members also resorted to violent means to prevent movement of vehicles to the plant and scuttle the production process. Hence, the company is pressure to take decision to lockout. (Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike). The Mico Bosch Labour Union has been on an indefinite strike at th e Jaipur plant since November 10 causing revenue loss to the company and the government. (Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur unit. 2008).2.4 Analysis and RecommendationsIn the place of HR Management, the first step that should be undertaken by the management is to improve the communication between the workers and their employers. If employees understand that their employers are really in trouble, then they will be less likely to mistrust their employers. But, if the marketplace chains are still getting the substantial profits despite the competition, then it will be hard for them to give a good apprehension for cutting benefits. Professional negotiators can also help the parties reframe their understanding of the conflict, thus enabling them to pursue their mutual interests and possibly find a good solution. If this will not help, HR Management should as for a help a third sider- mediator, who could be a lawyer or a union leader. If mediation is unsuccessful, workers may have to tak e the conflict to the government. The only methods for getting the government interested in the conflict are through lobbying and a publicity campaign.. (Cate Malek 2005)III. final stageBoycotts and lockouts are two other anti-impasse weapons sometimes used by labor and management. As it was already described, a strike and boycotts is organized work initiated by the employees for the excogitation of enforcing their demands or a resisting demand of the employer. A lockout is a work initiated by the employees for the purpose of enforcing his wishes regarding relationship with employees or resisting their demand. It have seen in the examples shown above, that after the using the strike by the employees, management answered by a lockout tactics.However, as part of the management it should not be a supporters the strikes and lockouts, because it removes the source of profits and injures company. Firstly it makes serious upon to property of the company, the law breaking, and if there i s an employees win in the strike, labor cost makes a serious item in the budget of employer. Thus, better to spend capital on labor costs that spend more money during the strike or lockout and lose the customers. It is clear, that during this conflicts both sided are suffered and lose more than either side can hope to gain.However strikes have some obvious advantages to the public. First of all strike are resulted in raising the living standards of many people, because in the strikes labor usually insist on improving something, necessity of change is a good thing. From the employees point of view it increases wages, decrease running(a) hours and makes better working conditions.References1. Dessler G.(2008), Human Recourse Management, Pearson International Edition, 11th Edition, Pp 619-6212. Scott Nearing, Frank Dekker, , Watson, Carl Linn Seiler(1923). Economics, BiblioLife LLC,Web3. What is boycott? Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. sustain on http//www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-boyc ott.htm4. Boycotts Encyclopedia of Business. Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.enotes.com/biz-encyclopedia/boycottshistorical-overviewhistorical-overview5. Effects of the Southern California grocery strike still felt, one year later- KEGS.com Palm Spring. (2004), Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2416131nav=9qrxRsYB6. Foster A. (2004), Major Work Stoppages in 2003, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/cb20041119ar01p1.htm7. .(2003),Online, Accessed on 10/11/2009. Verified on http//www.finiz.ru/news/article6618478. Lessons of the California Supermarket Strikes Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on, http//www.lrp-cofi.org/PR/strikePR70.html9. Milkman R. (2004), Supermarket Workers Union Falls in California, Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.reclaimdemocracy.org/articles_2004/supermarket_union_failure_california.html10. Cate Malek (2005), Labor Conflicts The case of Two Supermarkets Strikes, Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Labor_Conflicts.jsp?nid=510311. Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike. (2008) Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//machinist.in/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=1822Itemid=212. Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur unit. (2008). Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=34301713. D. Setiawan (2009), Advantages and Disadvantages of Strikes Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified onAdvantages and Disadvantages ofStrikesBibliography14. Dessler G.(2008), Human Recourse Management, Pearson International Edition, 11th Edition, Pp 619-62115. Scott Nearing, Frank Dekker, , Watson, Carl Linn Seiler(1923). Economics, BiblioLife LLC,Web16. What is boycott? Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.wisegeek.c om/what-is-a-boycott.htm17. Boycotts Encyclopedia of Business. Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.enotes.com/biz-encyclopedia/boycottshistorical-overviewhistorical-overview18. Effects of the Southern California grocery strike still felt, one year later- KEGS.com Palm Spring. (2004), Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2416131nav=9qrxRsYB19. Foster A. (2004), Major Work Stoppages in 2003, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Online, Accessed on 11/11/2009. Verified on http//www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/cb20041119ar01p1.htm20. .(2003),Online, Accessed on 10/11/2009. Verified on http//www.finiz.ru/news/article66184721. Lessons of the California Supermarket Strikes Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on, http//www.lrp-cofi.org/PR/strikePR70.html22. Milkman R. (2004), Supermarket Workers Union Falls in California, Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.reclaimdemocracy.org/articles_2004/supermarket_union_failure_c alifornia.html23. Cate Malek (2005), Labor Conflicts The case of Two Supermarkets Strikes, Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Labor_Conflicts.jsp?nid=510324. Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike. (2008) Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//machinist.in/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=1822Itemid=225. Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur unit. (2008). Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009. Verified on http//www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=34301726. D. Setiawan (2009), Advantages and Disadvantages of Strikes Online, Accessed on 10/12/2009.Verified onAdvantages and Disadvantages ofStrikes

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Analysis

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck AnalysisJohn Steinbecks figment, Of Mice and Men, was premier(prenominal) published in 1937. At the time, America was still suffering the grim aftermath of the depression and the itinerant workers who form the basis of the novel were very a great deal within the consciousness of a nation separated by wealth yet driven by the idea of the American dream. Steinbecks novel is, however, essentially a tale of loneliness, of men struggling alone against a cold, uncaring and faceless destiny.The central protagonists, George and Lennie are, as they are proud to proclaim, different from the others because they waste each other. They are an odd couple, George the shrewd, wiry yet ultimately caring protector of the ironically named Lennie Small, who is, in fact, a huge man who doesnt cut his own strength and is mentally incapable of making the smallest of decisions for himself he relies on George completely but equally, George needs Lennie as he gives him a reason to bound going. Lennie, despite his lack of intellect, senses this because when he k instantlys George feels guilty for being angry with him, he takes advantage of the moment to manipulate George into repeating the story of their dream future, oddly the rabbits they intend to keep with which Lennie is obsessed.They are not related but Lennies aunt has brought up George and he has promised her that he go forth look after Lennie, now she has died. The secret dream they share, of building a life together on a ranch and living off the fatta the lan is central but the very prenomen of the book, taken from Robert Burns poem To a Mouse foreshadows the ultimate defeat of their dream, since it speaks of plans going wrong.The two men are en route for another in a series of ranch jobs, having been run out of Weed, the place where they previously lived and worked, because Lennie has been wrongly accused of attempted rape because of his innocent desire to touch the solid of a girls skirt again there is foreshadowing here of the tragic ending of the novel. Indeed, the whole of the book follows the circular movement conventional by the setting of the beginning of the novel and inverting descriptions used there in the ending which takes place in the same spot, where Lennie has been warned to return if anything goes wrong which inevitably it does.Upon reaching at the ranch, Steinbeck takes the opportunity to introduce the reader, via the newcomers, to a panoply of characters, all loners for one reason or another the old, maimed and dispirited sweeten, the black, crippled and isolated Crooks, the feisty and arbitrary bosss son, Curley, who is newly and unhappily married, his wife being what the others call a tramp, and the god-like lissome, to whom all the others look up and to whom they all look for an determine to idolise. Steinbeck uses each of these in a different way to show facets of loneliness and isolation, with only Slim seeming beyond the idea that he is an object of pity.From the first, George is mysophobic that the aggressive bosss son, Curley, will cause trouble for himself and Lennie because he is an amateur boxer who sees Lennies size as a challenge and is dexterous. However, when he is involved in a violent incident with Curley through no fault of his own, Lennie crushes his hand and Slim warns him that if anything is said about it, he will make Curley look a fool, the thing he knows Curley fears most.Indeed, Steinbeck perpetually uses Slim as his centre of consciousness in the novel, the man in whom George confides, in a carefully choreographed confessional scene, for example, where even the lighting reflects the intense interrogative. Slim is also the only one of the men who appears to have any kind of relationship with Crooks. It is no coincidence, either, that it is Slim who comforts and consoles George at the end of the book, telling him You hadda, George. I swear you hadda and leading him away.Perhaps the most co ntroversial aspect of Steinbecks novel is undoubtedly his act of women. The only female character to have a real presence in the book is Curleys wife, who appears to have married Curley on a whim, having been discomfited in her ludicrous ambition to become a film star, and is already clearly on the lookout for a better prospect. She flirts with the men, is clearly attracted to Slim, and abuses Crooks, emphasising as she does this the racial tensions of the time. The other references to women are to prostitutes and Lennies late aunt, rather oddly sharing a name with the local madam of the brothel. Steinbeck here lays himself open to the charge of sexism, peculiarly since in other works such as East of Eden, which he wrote in 1952, women are similarly portrayed as an entrapment to men, perhaps indicating a conjunctive with difficulties in his personal life.In conclusion, however, it must be said that the enduring appeal of Steinbecks powerful novel remains intrinsically the moving acknowledgment of the central relationship between George and Lennie and how their rather coincidental coming together becomes for both the defining emotion of their lives. Precisely because there are two of them, that someone, as George says, gives a damn, Steinbeck is able to highlight the loneliness of the itinerant drifters of whom he also writes movingly in The Grapes of Wrath (1939). The sharing of their dream with the desperate Candy is in a sense the beginning of the end because as it becomes almost a reality it is simultaneously broken by the intrusion of possibility symbolised by him. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck made a nationwide problem human and in doing so, he created characters who continue to both move and disturb.BibliographyCynthia Burkhead, Student Companion to John Steinbeck, (Greenwood Press, Westport, CT., 2002).Donald V. Coers, capital of Minnesota D. Ruffin and Robert J. DeMott, eds., After the Grapes of Wrath Essays on John Steinbeck in Honor of Tetsumaro Hayashi, (Ohio University Press, Athens, OH, 1995).Robert DeMott, Steinbecks Typewriter Essays on His Art, (The Whitston Publishing Company Troy, New York 1997).Tetsumaro Hayashi, John Steinbeck The Years of Greatness, 1936-1939, (University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL, 1993).Arthur Hobson Quinn and Appleton-Century-Crofts, The Literature of the American People An Historical and Critical Survey, (Appleton-Century-Crofts, New York 1951).Claudia Durst Johnson, Understanding of Mice and Men, the Red Pony, and the Pearl A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents, (Greenwood Press, Westport, CT., 1997).John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men, (Longman, Harlow, 2000).John Steinbeck IV and Nancy Steinbeck, The new(prenominal) Side of Eden Life with John Steinbeck, (Prometheus Books, Amherst, NY, 2001).

Impact of the Appreciation of the New Zealand Dollar on SMEs

Impact of the Appreciation of the young Zealand Dollar on SMEs taste perception OF NZ$ ITS IMPACT ON SMEs raw(a) Zealand has been considered as a distinguished rescue. It is primarily because the economy faced the challenges of international economic depression and was victorious in the same. According to a report by Forbes in the year 2014, the country holds a strong rank among the safe-haven economies in the world. New Zealands economy has been a dynamic one (Colombo, 2014). It has experienced detention and depreciation of its dollar on a consequent tail. Even in the 1990s and early 2000s New Zealands economy acknowledged lavishlyer appreciation of its dollar due to higher interest rates which fascinated queen-sized number of capital investors (Brash, 2000 Fallow, 2013). But since 2009, the economy is emerged very strongly but this has resulted in rising level of concerns among varied sectors and industries in New Zealand (Fallow, 2013).SME which implies Small and Medium Ent erprises play a very life-and-death role in the economic development of any economy across the globe (Fink and Kraus, 2009). New Zealand is no different as its economy to a large extent is supported by performance of SMEs. But defining SME is a critical job because there is not universally accepted definition. Each economy has a different definition of a SME (Abdullah and Bakar, 2000). SMEs in New Zealand atomic number 18 defined by the New Zealand governing bodies as those organizational set ups which channelize with 20 or less number of workers / employee (Ministry of stinting Development, 2011). Most of these units are generally controlled and handled by their owners themselves. One third of New Zealands GDP (gross house servant product) comprises of inputs from this sector (Waikato Times, 2014). This sector has also aided in provision of employment which is evident from the fact that one third of New Zealands entire cosmos is absorbed for varied jobs (Waikato Times, 2014). some other startling fact about SME in New Zealand is that it comprises of approximately 97 % of plow and commerce through 460,000 SME set ups (Ministry of Economic Development, 2011 Waikato Times, 2014).SMEs in New Zealand have resorted to extensive internationalization. These organizations are not supported by subsidies from New Zealands government. But yet they have undertaken this route to get well competitive pressures created due to presence of cheap Chinese products in domestic markets (Jaeger, 2007). Thus to gain long term sustainability these organizations have commandd their operations. Most of the SMEs who have opted to internationalize have resorted to a unique business strategy and model of their own. This is primarily because these SMEs aim to gain competitive advantage through internalization by optimally using various available and accessible opportunities (Jaeger, 2007). These SMEs mainly focus on geographic diversity of markets and effectively of distribution c hannels. The markets of chosen not on basis of any technical analysis but based on SME entrepreneurs individual choices and their understanding of market feasibility. The internationalization adopted by SMEs in New Zealand is termed as Bricolage model. The model is depicted in diagram below.Figure 1 The Bricolage ModelSource Jaeger, 2007USD that is United States Dollar is considered as a superman of reference in the world economy (Bloomberg, 2013). No governing body or international organization has declared USD as a ruling gold (Amadeo, 2014). But yet the appreciation and depreciation of bills across world is measured against this dollar primarily because it is considered as a governing intercontinental currency in. As a matter of fact in many countries even outside America, USD is used as their formal currency. Further approximately 85 % of hostile exchange trading entail use of dollars (Amadeo, 2014). Currency depreciation against USD implies a stronger dollar which makes imp orts expensive for local anesthetic organizations (Gwartney et al, 2014). This is mainly because dollar becomes more costly. This in play implies more money draining out of a nation and thus negatively affecting domestic economy. Currency appreciation is a more well-fixed option for economies but only in the long run. Currency appreciation means deteriorating USD in comparison to domestic currency. It is mainly because domestic currency appreciation implies a stronger economy and making imports cheaper. But it also implies increased prices of exports which makes domestic economys products expensive in international markets. Alternatively, with cheaper imports, domestic products within local markets face stiff price competition. Though a strong appreciation of currency indicates a stable and strong economy but its pitfalls cannot be negated.In 2011-12, New Zealands economy experienced an augmentation of 7 % in NZ $ on a Trade Weighted Index (TWI) Basis (Tarrant, 2012). One of the major reasons down this is economys potential to overcome financial spur created by varied coasts across the globe (Tarrant, 2012). Some of the other reasons this currency appreciation are depreciation of US dollars, strong and optimistic credit ratings for New Zealands economy by international organizations, stability in international monetary markets, merciful economic conditions, accelerating interest rates and a centre of attention for capital investments (PwC, 2014 Headey and Fan, 2008). Another reason put forward for this is slackening of economic and monetary policies by various economies (Bernanke, 2010). In this most of the central banks provide for quantitative leverage of either float newly produced currency which results in increased risk pic at international forum (Tarrant, 2012).The appreciation of NZ $ has benefitted the economy by helping the same to control its inflationary rates and trend thus enhancing economys stability. New Zealand with its far sighted strat egic planning has been able to overcome negative doctorions of such financial spur. But this too have had its side do in form of raising medium term interest rates (International Monetary farm animal, 2010). These rising rates have made it costly for SMEs to procure bank investments and thus discoursing entrepreneurs to a large extent. Out of all the negative impacts, the worst affected due to New Zealands money appreciation are trade sectors, exports business and import-competing manufacturers (Tarrant, 2012).One of the major impacts of appreciation of NZ $ was evident from restricted export activities. Price responsive markets strongly reacted to such currency appreciation which was apparent in form of declining New Zealand exports (Deakins et al, 2013). As a result of this export earnings decline, many companies were forced to withdraw from international markets. This depicted a negative impact on New Zealands economy and SMEs. But interestingly companies having strategic app roach which catered at developing strong associations with banks and providing adequate time and resources were seemed to be successful.Another impact of appreciation of NZ $ was visible in form of declining product prices which affected manufacturers and traders to a large extent. Considering the case of dairy in New Zealand, the prices of dairy products knock down steeply. Dairy farmers were affected to a large extent mainly because such a price decline meant lower income (Shanghai Daily, 2014). But the situation got managed due to high export demands of New Zealands dairy products in China, primarily at higher prices owing to its categorization as a lavish product (Teague, 2014).With imports nice cheap, the import-competing organizations are having a tough time in sustaining market pressures. A major chunk of New Zealands import is from China. Thus with currency appreciation, Chinese products which are as it is lower priced are easily spreading their tentacles within the econom y. Domestic manufacturers are failing to perform primarily because people in New Zealand are offered with large number of cheaper substitutes. This has resulted in a change in disbursements pattern of its population. (Tarrant, 2012)There has been a dearth of research related to appreciation of NZ $ and its impact on SMEs. In such a scenario it is essential to study such relationships between the two to understand the dynamics of New Zealands markets both at national and international frontier. Therefore this study will be interesting along with being useful. This study will provide with an insight to the various SME organizations with regards to good strategic planning so that they can benefit from such NZ $ appreciation.ReferencesAbdullah,M. and Bakar, M. (2000). Small and Medium Enterprises in Asian Pacific Countries Roles and issues. New York Nova PublishersAmadeo, K. (2014). World Currency why Dollar is the World Currency?. Available at http//useconomy.about.com/od/glossary/g/g lobal_currency.htm Accessed Sept 24, 2014Bernanke, B. (2010). The economic outlook and monetary policy. In Speech at the Federal nurse Bank of Kansas City Economic Symposium, Jackson Hole, (Vol. 27), Wyoming.Bloomberg (2013). Bloomberg Indexes Unveils Dynamic U.S. Dollar Benchmark. Bloomberg Finance LPBrash, (2000). The fall of the New Zealand dollar why has it happened, and what does it mean? Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bulletien, Vol. 63, No. 4, pp. 22-27Colombo, J. (2014). 12 Reasons Why New Zealands Economic Bubble Will End InDisaster. Available at http//www.forbes.com/sites/jessecolombo/2014/04/17/12-reasons-hy-new-zealands-economic-bubble-will-end-in-disaster/ Accessed Sept 18, 2014Deakins, D., Battisti, M., Perry, M. and Crick, D. (2013).Understanding internationalisation Behaviour. New Zealand Centre for Small and Medium Enterprise Research. New ZealandFallow, B. (2013). Strong NZ dollar only part of the story. New Zealand Herald. Dated 7th Feb, Auckland.Fink and Kraus, S. (2009). The steering ofSmall and Medium Enterprises. USA RoutledgeGwartney, J., Stroup, R., Sobel, R. and Macpherson, D. (2014). Economics Private And Public Choice. USA Cengage LearningHeadey, D. and Fan, S. (2008). Anatomy of a crisis the causes and consequences of surging food prices.Agricultural Economics,Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 375-391.International Monetary investment trust (2010). New Zealand 2010 Article IV Consultation Staff Report and Public Information Notice on the Executive Board Discussion. International Monetary FundJaeger, S. (2007). How SMEs engage in the global economy cases from New Zealand. In Oxford Business Economics Conference, UK Oxford University.Ministry of Economic Development (2011). SMEs in New Zealand Structure and Dynamics. New Zealand Government, New Zealand.PwC (2014). The rise and rise of the NZ dollar exchange rate implications for the New Zealand economy. Available at http//www.pwc.co.nz/news-releases/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-nz-dollar-exchange- rate/ Accessed Sept 18, 2014Shanghai Daily (2014). Dairy prices, currency appreciation get at New Zealand producers. Shanghai Daily, dated 9th Aug, ShanghaiTarrant, A. (2012). High NZ$ keeping inflation in check, but detrimental to NZ economy, as global central banks print, RBNZ says Global go may continue. JDJL Limited, dated 8th Mar, Auckland.Teague, S. (2014). New Zealand dollar caught between safe-haven and EM status. EuroMoney, dated 3rd Sept, UK.Waikato Times (2014). SMEs still backbone of NZ business. Available at http//www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/10198006/SMEs-still-backbone-of-NZ-business Accessed Sept 25, 2014

The Life of Infants and Children in Victorian London :: European Europe History

The Life of Infants and Children in Victorian LondonHome LifeVictorian homes offered children a large intercommunicate of various caregivers built in to the family structure. Each married couple had an aver maturate of six children, but the average household was considerably larger. Rarely would one rein the nuclear family living alone. Only thirty-six per cent of families consisted simply of a set of parents and their children. Extended families were also rare. Only 10 per cent of families had three or more generations under one roof. The average household would more likely be a conglomeration of a nuclear family along with any human body of random outsiders. The stragglers could include any combination of lodgers, distant relatives, apprentices and/or servants.The composition of the home constantly changed older children married or went off to work, while babies were innate(p) and died. Babies and young children were extremely susceptible to illness. In the worst and poorest dis tricts, two out of ten babies died in the first year. One fourth of them would die by age five. Life expectancy varied greatly depending upon the quality of the area in which people lived. In industrial towns, like Liverpool, the average life expectancy was 26 years. In a better area, like Okehampton in Devon, it was fifty-seven years. The national average of England and Wales was forty years at mid century. Therefore as a child grew older, he was likely to lose one or more siblings as well as one or both parents.Children usually enjoyed the service of their mothers presence on a daily basis. The mothers place was considered to be in the home. Common thought dictated that a woman should be available at all times to care for her husband and children. She would supervise the staff, servants and/or nannies, if her family could afford them. The idea of a working mother was considered highly unlawful and thought to result in neglect of husband, children and home. Supposedly, illness o r even death might arise in the children. An absent wife would also puzzle an unhappy and strained relationship with her husband. Reporting on Birmingham, in Chadwicks 1842 Report on Sanitary Conditions, The Committee of Physicians and Surgeons declares thatThe habit of a manufacturing life creation once established in a woman, she continues it and leaves her home and children to the care of a neighbor, or of a hired child, whose services cost her probably as a great deal as she obtains by her labor.

William Godwins Attack on the Law :: European Europe History

William Godwins Attack on the LawLaws We know what they are, and what they are worth They are spider webs for the rich and mighty,steel chains for the poor and weak,fishing nets in the hands of government.- Proudhon1On the surface, William Godwins Caleb Williams (1794) is merely an entertaining murder mystery and detective story. The tale of an unfortunate servant who learns the truth of his masters past and flees for fear of his life, it has thrilled generations of readers. However, Godwin designed the work to answer a purpose more general and important than immediately appears on the face of it.2 Written immediately after the consequence of Godwins first and most famous work, Enquiry Concerning Political Justice (1793), Caleb Williams serves as a vehicle for Godwin to introduce his philosophy to the general public. The issue he addresses in the novel is that of things as they are... While one party pleads for iron outation and change, the other extols in the warmest terms the exi sting constitution of society.3There can be no mistaking Godwins position. He uses Caleb Williams to launch a full-scale attack against things as they are and the modes of despotism by which man destroys his own kind - primarily through prisons, virtue, and wealth.4 The law plays a particularly important role in the novel. It affects almost every major character, always aiding the oppression of the weak by the mighty and serving as a tool of tyranny. Godwins opinion of the law is as interesting as it is extreme. His goal is to force the reader to conclude universally that law is an institution of the most pernicious tendency, as he argues in his Political Justice.5 In his attack on the law, he makes use of common criticisms of the law from the late eighteenth century that were more often used as a call for its reform than for its abolition. In addition to these, however, he introduces arguments that successful reform is impossible and that the law by its very nature will inevitably serve as a tool of injustice, tyranny, and oppression.Godwins attacks on the law occur perpetually throughout Caleb Williams, as its complex plot slowly evolves. The first victim of the law is the tenant farmer Hawkins, whose self-conceit leads him imprudently to offend his landlord, Mr. Tyrrel. When Tyrrel orders him to abandon his farm, Hawkinss pride again gets the best of him and he refuses I have got a lease of my farm, and I shall not quit it othaten.