Client care vrq assessment

As a mobile nail technician my procedures for encouraging the use of additional services and products are:- Via verbal communication to a new client upon discussion of booking an appointment. This may take place either in person or over the telephone. I will listen carefully to the client's request for a particular treatment and will ascertain what outcome they want from the treatment. I am then able to inform them of any additional treatment options I offer which would be of benefit to them.Via verbal communication to an new or existing client during the consultation process before he beginning of a treatment. For example if the client has booked a manicure treatment, having assessed their skin and nail type/condition, if their skin is dry I would take the opportunity to recommend a paraffin wax treatment to supplement the manicure and specifically target their dry skin. During the treatment, I would answer any questions the client may have and this may Include the recommendation of another service or a product that would be of benefit to them.As a rule I would not give advice during the treatment UNLESS the client asks I want them to feel relaxed and to enjoy the experience. Aftercare leaflets are given to each client which recommend products they are able to purchase from me, and each client is given a price list detailing all of the treatments I offer. When home based, my price list is on display under the glass top of the nail station. Promotional offers on seasonal treatments and/or products to encourage a client to try something new.When the treatment is completed I will ask the client if they would like to book another appointment and will take the opportunity to ask If they would like to try any of the additional treatments that they have shown an Interest In over the course of today's retirement. When explaining aftercare, and handing them an aftercare leaflet, I can advise them of any products they could purchase that will be beneficial to help maint ain the effect of the treatment they have had and improve on any condition they may have, such as dry skin.What promoting additional services means to the Therapist If self employed – an increase in income. If employed – an increase in income or commission. An increase in sales may lead to promotion. Positive appraisals and respect. Helps to keep therapist up-to-date with new treatments and products. May be given further training to broaden their knowledge. Helps to show to clients that you are experienced and knowledgeable, leading to an Increase In regular clients. Shows confidence What promoting additional services means to the client The client receives targeted advice for their particular needs.Makes the client aware of new treatments and/or treatments they have no prior knowledge of so they can make an informed decision as to what treatments they would like. Client will be able to maintain the benefit of their treatment for longer if they try new services recomme nded especially for them, and particularly if they purchase professional reduces to use at home in between salon visits. They will feel confident that they are getting the best care from their therapist. What promoting additional services means to the Salon – Increase in sales and therefore income.Gain new clients and an increase in loyal & regular clients. Keeps the salon up to date with new treatments and products. Keeps the salon competitive in an ever growing industry. Helps with stock control & rotation. If you have products not selling very well – a promotion on these may increase sales and help reduce stock. Why is it important to understand the features and benefits of your stock? Describe what is meant by the benefit of a product- The benefit of a product is what the product can do/achieve – for example the benefit of a hand cream is that is nourishes the skin.Products contain a variety of ingredients and different products will have certain features th at provide particular benefits, for example an exfoliated may contain alpha hydroxyl acids (Shahs) from fruit, the benefit of which is to exfoliate the skin and help the production of new skin cells. Understanding the features and benefits of the products that you stock enables you to use the most appropriate reduce for your particular client to ensure they are receiving the best treatment for them that will give them the best outcome.If you are knowledgeable about what your product features and benefits are you are best able to advise your client on products they could purchase that will benefit them, giving them the best service you can, along with helping you sell the product to increase your sales and therefore income. It is also important to understand the features of your stock, as particular products may be unsuitable for a particular client for example due to an allergy they may have.Explain the benefits of a service Manicure – A manicure improves the appearance of th e hands and nails, offering a beneficial treatment that can improve dry skin, weak or brittle nails and prevent damage to the nails and cuticles. Filing the free edge of the nail improves appearance and prevents splitting, peeling and breaking. Softening and removing excess cuticle keeps them tidy and healthy and prevents the formation of hang nails. Massage of the hand and lower arm increases circulation, aids the removal of excess fluid and toxins, relieves stress and promotes relaxation.Skin is exfoliated and rushed, feeling softer to the touch. For a client with weak, splitting or peeling nails a nail strengthener product could be used, and retailed to the client to continue using at home. A paraffin wax treatment complements a manicure, particularly for clients with dry skin. This warming treatment is also beneficial for someone with arthritis. Other treatments that could be offered are:- Hand Mask, this can also be used along with heated mittens. Warm oil treatment. Products y ou could retail to the client include:- Nail file, Cuticle Oil, Hand Cream, Nail Varnish color of their choiceHow would you recognize a client's interest and when would be the most appropriate time to talk about other services? I would recognize a client's interest by listening carefully to them, watching their body language and facial expressions (such as nodding in agreement, smiling) and by asking them questions to find out what they are looking for/wanting to achieve. A client may ask a lot of questions about a particular product or treatment and this would be a great time to advise them on other features & benefits of the product or services beneficial to them. They may moment on my skin or nails and I could inform them of treatments I use.If a client commented on the lovely smell and feel of a product during a treatment I could inform them that we sell that particular product so they could continue to use it at home. A client may spend some time reading through a particular se ction of the salon's brochure so I could ask if they had any questions about something they may like to try. A client may mention a holiday in the sun they have Just booked – a good opportunity to mention how lovely it is to have a pedicure to treat the feet before ongoing flip flops & sandals, along with a waxing treatment to be ‘beach ready'!The most appropriate times to talk about other services would be during the booking process when you are ascertaining what treatment the client would like – there is an opportunity here to give them a few different options. During the consultation before the start of the treatment, once you have established any particular problems the client may have, you could offer advice on other services that will be of benefit to them. During treatment there may be occasions where the client asks questions, which should be answered.They may also be keen to chat for example when their feet are soaking or when their hands or feet are in heated mittens or booties. (Although it would be inappropriate to discuss other services if the client is showing signs that they Just want to relax during times in the treatment such as during massage, soaking feet etc). Give a brief summary of what the following laws stand for: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the main legislation in the UK that provides the legal framework to ensure a safe working environment is provided for employers, employees and clients.Everyone has a duty to comply with the Act, including employers, employees and the self-employed. The Act places duties on the employer and the employee to promote high standards of health and safety in the workplace. Provide and maintain safe systems of work and safety equipment. Ensure the proper handling, storage, transportation and use of materials. Provide information, training and supervision. Provide a safe working environment. Have a written Health & Safety Policy and conduct written risk assessments. Look aft er the health and safety of there, for example clients.Some examples of employees duties under the Act are:- Take care of their own health and safety and that of others. Co-operate with their employers for example by complying with regulations to wear personal protective equipment (PEP) where necessary. To report any accidents, near misses and faulty equipment to the delegated Health and Safety Representative/Officer or Salon Manager The Consumer Protection Act 1987 protects the consumer by legislating that the products and services that consumers purchase must be safe and suitable for use I. E. Not defective.Products must be of merchantable quality and ‘fit for purpose'. There are strict measures for liability for damage caused by defective products. Government bodies are able to intervene to regulate the quality of products, and it makes giving misleading price information a criminal offence. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 legislates that information provided by the manufac turer and retailer about products and services, must be accurate and must not be misleading. You should not make false or exaggerated claims about the benefits of a product or service to a consumer/client – to do so is illegal.Products and services should be ‘as described', be of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 protect consumers when they buy, hire and return goods. These Acts legislate that goods must be:- Of good quality, as described, fit for purpose. The goods must also match any sample that a consumer is shown in-store. A consumer enters into a contract with a retailer when they purchase goods, and if those goods fail to meet the above standards then the consumer is entitled to a full refund or can make a claim under these Acts.The Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982 legislates to protect the consumer/client from the provision of a poor service or against bad workmanship. Under this A ct all services provided, for example a manicure, must be undertaken with reasonable care and skill and for a reasonable price and within a reasonable timescale. Treatment – Manicure. Possible links to suggest: Paraffin Wax Treatment Mask Treatment Hot Oil Treatment Exfoliation Hand Scrub Forearm waxing French Polish Finish Pedicure with matching or contrasting nail varnish color Natural Nail Overlay Nail Enhancements Purchase of cuticle oilPurchase of nail strengthener Purchase of nail varnish and/or backseat and/or topcoat Treatment – Pedicure. Possible links to suggest:- Leg and/or Toe Wax Manicure with matching or contrasting nail varnish color Nail Art Purchase of heel repair cream Treatment – Leg Wax. Possible links to suggest: Pedicure Waxing on other areas such as bikini, underarm Spray Tanning Purchase of exfoliating scrub Purchase of leg & foot cream Treatment – Facials. Possible links to suggest:- Eyebrow shape Eyebrow tint Eyebrow wax Lash tin t Lash extensions Make Up application or lesson Indian Head Massage Lip waxElectrolysis Purchase of eye cream Purchase of face creams/serums Purchase of make-up What is meant by the term ‘body language? Body language is non-verbal communication such as smiling, nodding, appropriate posture and personal space, eye contact. Treatments you would promote for each season:- Spring: Mother's Day Gift Vouchers . ‘Get ready for Summer' packages including Manicure & Pedicure, Facials, Waxing & Spray Tanning. Easter Nail Art with/without such as reflexology and Hopi ear candles. Exfoliation treatments such as micro determination, and body wrap treatments to ‘shed' your winter skin.Promotion of nail varnishes in spring colors – think of floral colors such as pink roses and yellow daffodils. Greens, lilacs and blues. Summer: Pre-holiday packages that include Leg, Bikini and Underarm Waxing along with eyebrow wax and tint and a pedicure. Bridal Package that includes brida l make up (trial and application on day), relaxing massage of choice and manicure with French polish. Spray Tanning Promotion such as 1/2 price matching file and polish on hands with every summer pedicure. Special offer on combinations of waxing.Promote pastel shades of nail varnish and make up and and/face creams that contain UP protection. Autumn: Target sun-damage repair with treatments such as facials, body wraps, exfoliation/micro determination. Spray tanning – ‘Keep your summer tan for longer' promotion. Halloween Nail Art. Bonfire Night Nail Art. Manicure treatments to promote nail growth ready for the Christmas party season. Promote autumn colors in nail varnish and make-up – oranges, reds, greens. Winter: Gift Vouchers for Christmas Presents. Christmas Party Packages – Manicures with Christmas nail art and Pedicures with Twinkle Toes.Body wraps and socials to keep skin hydrated during the cold winter months. Clients may not want wax treatments as regularly during winter due to covering up in warm clothes so a promotion of a buy one get one free/half price wax treatment e. G. Have a leg wax and get a bikini wax free or half price so you maintain your regular customers over the winter. Or a half price leg wax with a spray tan treatment. Promote the darker color nail varnishes such as black and blues and purples along with glitter finishes and anything that sparkles for the party season.How could you learn about new products or services for the salon? You can learn about new services or products for the salon in a variety of ways. It is good practice to continually refresh and update your skills by attending regular training courses and refresher courses which will keep you up to date with new techniques and products. Other ways are:- Subscribing to industry magazines and reading other literature for example from manufacturers, will keep you up-to-date on new products and services on the market.Researching new and other service s and products that via on-line research or via your wholesaler, other stores and manufacturers. Trialing the products yourself – use new products at home for a time to see the benefits for yourself. Receive other and new treatments to experience the treatment for yourself. Attend manufacturers sessions aimed at educating you on their products. Attend trade shows. Information sharing by all technicians within the salon. Ask questions/ shadow more experienced technicians. How will any new services benefit the salon?New services will benefit the salon by increasing the client base and therefore the salon's income. Existing clients will enjoy trying new treatments which they may then kook in regularly for. New clients wishing for these particular services will be attracted to the salon, and then may become a regular for that treatment and other treatments the salon offers. New services will mean the salon remains competitive in confident that the technicians in the salon are tra ined regularly to be able to provide the new services.The more services a salon can offer, the more the ability to adapt a treatment to suit a particular client. New services may bring a new range of products that that salon can promote for retail, increasing sales and income. Technicians will come multi-skilled and more knowledgeable, gaining client's confidence and helping to keep clients loyal to the salon. New services mean new training for the technicians which will keep them interested and enthused in their work, creating a positive working environment where the technicians feel valued.What are the main factors that might influence clients to use your products or services? Good Advertising and a good image. Positive word-of-mouth from existing clients. Convenient location. Technicians that are pleasant, professional, knowledgeable, with good presentation and personal hygiene. A clean and tidy salon. Competitive prices, loyalty schemes and promotions. A good range of services a nd products offered, that can be confidently tailored to the clients individual needs. Professional range of products.Client feels valued and looked after and has confidence in the technicians knowledge and abilities. How would you introduce a new service to a nervous client? The ‘hard sell' approach rarely works and could intimidate a nervous client. I would use clear verbal communication they can understand with no Jargon, together with encouraging body language and would be aware of the client's body language to indicate if they are interested or not, seem happy/comfortable or not, and I would ensure I am giving them enough personal space.Building a good rapport with a nervous client and demonstrating knowledge and confidence will help the client feel confident that they can trust my advice. Promotion of a new service should be timed appropriately. I would answer any questions the client has and let them sample the products that would be used, along with clearly explaining the features and benefits of the service, the length of time the service will take, the cost and the process involved. If they seem unsure – I would give them time to think it over and let them know they can call back anytime if they have any further queries.What factors must you take into account when selling a new service or product, especially if you cannot perform the treatment yourself? When selling a new service or product you must ensure you are complying with consumer legislation, for example the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 and the Trade Descriptions Act 1968. You need to be well informed about the service and product – in particular you need determine if it is suitable for the particular client. If it is a high maintenance retirement – does the client have enough commitment and time to keep on top of it?You would need to know how long the treatment takes, what products are used – their features and benefits – and how much the treatme nt or product costs. You need to be aware of your client's body language – are they really interested in the sale or not? If you cannot perform the treatment yourself you will not be the best person to give the client advice as you may not be well informed about the treatment and the products used. The client may end up disappointed with the results which could lead to them making a complaint or not coming back to the salon.You could put the client at risk if you promoted a service or product you did not know enough about as it may be an inappropriate treatment for the client for example due to an allergy they may have. The client may sue for compensation and the salon may be held liable. You should find out what you need to know to answer a client's questions by asking a therapist who can perform the treatment and/or has received the product training. Or you could ask this therapist to speak to the client.If a client had reservations about a product or service I would clearl y and simply explain the features and infinite, using terminology they will understand. I would explain why this service or product would be advantageous for them. I would let the client try a sample of the product and answer any questions they have, demonstrating its usage. There may be some literature such as a brochure about the product/service that the client could read. I would not put pressure on the client, but allow them to take their time to decide. They may want to go away and think about it.If it is a treatment they are unsure about I would talk them through it step by step so they would know what to expect. The client may want to talk to a more experience therapist, or someone who has had the treatment/used the product. I would ask the clients questions to determine what they are unsure about. If they are concerned about the price of a product I would let them know how long it will last, or show them different size options. Giving appropriate and balanced information to clients is possible if you have good knowledge and experience with the treatments and products you use & sell.Keep up to date with training on existing and new products and services. Doing a thorough linen consultation, and asking the client questions for further information will mean you are best able to advise them on what is best for them, or alternatively what would NOT be ideal for them. Asking plenty of open questions which allows the client to give you more detailed answers will help you ascertain more about the client and their expectations. Noting the skin and nail type a client has will help you adapt any treatments for any particular problems they may have.You need to consider any financial restraints the client may have that might make a more ‘high maintenance' treatment unsuitable for them. They may or may not have the time or commitment needed to properly maintain some treatments, for example nail enhancements. Be honest with the client about their expectations à ¢â‚¬â€œ if what they want cannot be achieved you must tell them, and offer alternatives. The ‘hard sell' approach rarely works and the client will not appreciated feeling they are being pushed into a sale. Encouraged, to ask questions as a client becomes educated about a product or service by asking questions that are answered confidently and with knowledge by the therapist. If a client is educated about their treatment and the products they arches they are more likely to be happy with the service and effects of the treatment, and will be more likely to return to the salon for regular treatments. They will get more out of their treatment by keeping up with good homemade advice and by using products correctly.They are less likely to use products incorrectly therefore will put themselves at less risk of contra-actions following a treatment or use of a product. If the therapist questions the client, they will be best able to determine what treatment or product would be most benef icial for them, and be able to adapt treatments specifically for their needs. Better homemade advice can be given and the client will find the benefits of the treatment last longer and will feel valued as a client, and will feel confident in the skills and knowledge of the therapist.A client who asks questions, and is questioned by the therapist , is less likely to have unachievable expectations, but instead will know what benefits to realistically expect. Questioning the client gives you the opportunity to find out whether they have understood what you have said. Giving them time to ask you questions means they will not feel pressured, and you are more likely to build a rapport with the client. One question can lead to another, and you may get the opportunity to promote new services and products.Question 24, page 17 Ensure you have given the client all the necessary information about the product or treatment. They can still change their mind so stay positive with encouraging body l anguage and verbal communication. Ask the client if they would like to book their appointment now for the treatment, but do allow them time to make the final decision so they don't feel pressured – make sure they have your contact details if they prefer to call back at a later date to make the booking. If they are purchasing a product you can move the sale along by asking encouraging questions such as â€Å"Which size would you like to take today? , or â€Å"Would you like a bag for that? â€Å". Take payment from the client using the methods accepted by the salon Question 25, page 18 Some treatments are quite ‘high maintenance', for example acrylic nail enhancements. A client having acrylic nail enhancements needs to be made aware of the maintenance needed and therefore time to be committed to regular appointments for infill's and rebalanced. Once the client understands this – they can aka an informed decision on whether the enhancements are the right treatme nt for them.If a client makes a booking for a new and/or luxury treatment they have not had before it is important they understand how long the treatment will take – if they don't, they may end up running late for another appointment they have made which will spoil the treatment for them if they are feeling stressed about time. Clients also need to be made aware that it is important that they are not late for their treatment – it is unfair for the client booked in after them to have to be made to wait, and it may prevent this. This will lead to disappointment for this client.If a product the client would like to purchase is currently out of stock this could lead to disappointment – but if they are clearly informed when it will be available, and that you will track the order for them and contact them as soon as it is back in stock – you are more likely to keep them happy and keep them returning to the salon. Clear and effective communication with a client will prevent any misunderstandings and disappointment for the client. They may want to try a new treatment but it is only offered by a small number of therapists in the salon, meaning there is a longer dating list.Client's who are well informed are more likely to remain loyal to the salon. Theory Evidence Sheet 2 Question 1, page 19 Personal space is the area around a person that they perceive to be private, and if that area is intruded upon it makes them feel uncomfortable. The size of that area will be different to each individual and can be different depending on whom they are communicating with/close to e. G. Whether it is a friend or a stranger. Some people can feel very stressed and anxious when their personal space is invaded. They can feel threatened, upset or angry.Question 2, page 19 Feedback from clients on client care can be gained via the following methods:- In person via verbal communication – you or your Manager can ask your clients how they would rate the care they have received and whether any improvements could be made. Just be aware that a client could feel ‘put on the spot' when asked such questions in person and they may feel uncomfortable in giving an honest answer. Over the telephone – this could be done by the client's own therapist, the Salon Manager or another employee given the task to survey client's opinions on care.They ay be more honest with their answers than if asked in person. You would need to ensure you have up to date telephone numbers for your clients and this could be a costly and time consuming way to do a survey. By post or e-mail – using written communication. A short survey could be posted or e-mailed to clients. If done via post the clients answers could by anonymous therefore you may be more likely to get honest opinions. E-mail would be the cheaper option. The benefits of a written survey is that the client is less likely to feel pressured into completing it and can do it in their own tim e. You may though get a low response.Up to date client records would be essential to ensure you have up to date addresses and e-mail addresses. Via the Salon's website – clients could be encouraged to view the website and complete a short survey (anonymously if they wish). Clients may be more likely to complete a survey if they have an incentive such as a half price treatment or product. Any survey should be kept short and ask the most important questions first in case they do not get time to finish it. Feedback should show where you are doing well with client care and where there are areas of improvement needed. Training needs can be

Holistic Nursing

Holistic assessments in nursing provide a unique quality of care to the individual patient. Holism in the provision of care includes assessments obtaining data about the physiological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, developmental, cultural and environmental aspects. It is imperative that the nurse conducting these assessments adopts methods in the nursing process that reflects the standards outlined in Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse to ensure the health and wellbeing of the patient is maximized and maintained throughout the time health care is received.Nursing processes are directed at restoring overall harmony for the patient therefore an understanding of the individual as a whole person must be assessed. During the nursing process, the nurse will perform the assessment, diagnose, plan, implement and evaluate the patient in an ongoing process. This essay will outline the importance of a holistic approach in nu rsing assessment and the importance assessment in the nursing process. ultural, spiritual and psychological aspects of the holistic assessment and the relevance of these components in the provision of care will be discussed and how AMNC standards apply to care in nursing. A holistic approach in nursing assessment establishes the patients’ physiological, psychological, sociological, spiritual, developmental, cultural and environmental aspects in their life. Obtaining data holistically is vital in assisting a patients’ ability to manage their symptoms and emotional status maximizing quality of life during the stages of illness or health changes (Margereson & Trenoweth 2009: 104).The aim of the holistic approach in nursing assessment is to establish the type of support and care required for the individual, developing a quality of care that assists their wellbeing as a whole person (Margereson & Trenoweth 2009: 104). When assessing the patient it is important that the nurs e â€Å"collects data that relates to physiological, psychological, spiritual, socio-economic and cultural variables on an ongoing basis† as outlined in ANMC competency 5. 1 (ANMC 2006, p. ). The ANMC competency is supported by, Margereson & Trenoweth (2009:104), who describes the assessment process as ongoing and is determined by the changing needs of the patient, their family and their carer’s. Margereson & Trenoweth (2009: 104) further describes that the holistic approach supports the patient to build psychological resilience and wellbeing, to maintain independence as well as developing care and support networks that is best suited to the individual.The holistic approach in nursing assessment provides the patient assistance in decision making, achieving goals, addressing needs and desires and can build on strengths (Margereson & Trenoweth 2009: 104). Therefore, it is crucial to obtain data holistically in assessment to support and maximise the patients’ healt h and wellbeing. Assessment in the nursing process is an important aspect, as the information gathered enables a comprehensive response to the patients’ health status.It is important for the nurse to adopt an approach following the guidelines outlined in the ANMC, Domain 5, â€Å"Provision and coordination of care† (ANMC 2006, p. 8) to ensure preferences are met an accuracy is maintained when carrying out assessment. The nursing process is a cyclic method that involves assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating (Kozier & Erb 2012: 213). Kozier & Erb (2012: p. 212-213) describes the nursing process as an overlapping lapping sequence that focuses on establishing the patients social, cultural, emotional, spiritual as well as physical needs.Assessment will establish this data as well as a patients’ health history, concerns, health status and their ability to manage their own health care needs (Kozier & Erb: 213). Kozier & Erb (2012: 212) also maint ain that data collected in the assessment phase enables the patients’ lifestyle and routines to be incorporated into the care plan. Assessment is about collecting as much information as possible enabling problem solving throughout the nursing process.Assessment in the nursing process will establish the patients' ongoing needs and provide a quality of care best suited to the individual, to achieve a desirable health outcome. Cultural aspects of holistic assessment is relevant in the provision of nursing care as it provides the care team with an overview of cultural needs of the patient as well as providing information in which the patients’ health problems have arisen. Culture is defined as values, beliefs, artifacts, behaviors, attitudes and customs influencing and regulating interactions between members of a social group (Stein-Parbury 2010: 91; Johnstone 2006: 67).It is the nurses responsibility to adhere to the ANMC, competency 2. 3, ‘accepts individuals/group s to whom care is provided regardless of race, culture, religion, age, gender, sexual preference, physical or mental state’ (ANMC 2006, p. 4). Kozier & Erb (2012: 360) discuss that cultural sensitivity, appropriateness, competency and safety are all factors that are required to be taken into consideration so that the patient can be provided with the best possible health care.Kozier & Erb (2012: 360) also explain that conflicts in health care have been apparent due to cultural misunderstandings. An example of a cultural misunderstanding is the level of pain. In some cultures, it is normal to dramatically express ones level of pain whereas in other cultures people do not complain when in pain (Stein-Parbury 2010: 94). Culture is also an important aspect as it can explain nutrition, environmental and home status and level of education ( Kozier & Erb: 360) which all relate to the provision of care to be given.The holistic assessment of a patients cultural aspects enable the best suitable approach in the provision of care, upholding the patients’ rights, addressing their needs and minimizing misunderstandings. Spiritual needs are often emphasized in times of ill health or other health related crisis therefore it is imperative that spirituality of the patient is understood in order to maximize provision of care. Kozier & Erb (2012: 1154) define spirituality as a way in which a person lives their life, bound in beliefs and values and how their own meaning or perception is viewed.A holistic assessment will determine the spiritual needs of the patient to enable the nurse to respond appropriately to the patient whilst adhering to ANMC, competency 9. 5, ‘Facilitates a physical, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual environment that promotes individual/group safety and security’ (ANMC 2006, p. 12). Narayanasamy (2009:886-890), describes spirituality as a fundamental aspect in holistic assessment as it can promote the patients mind, body and spiri t as well as determining there state of mind in relation to spiritual distress such as loss of hope.Spirituality is an important part of the healing process as it can provide comfort, reduce suffering and assist in the physical and mental healing of the patient (Kozier & Erb 2012: 1154). Kozier & Erb (2012: 1155) state that the nurse who attends to their own spiritual needs is able to assist others and have a better understanding of the patients spiritual needs. Therefore, the provision of care will be heightened and the spiritual needs of the patient can be addressed in a holistic assessment.Psychological aspects of mind-body interactions are of great importance in the holistic assessment process in order to provide provision of care. The nurse is obligated to follow ANMC, competency 5. 1 ‘Uses a relevant evidence-based assessment framework to collect data and the physical socio-cultural and mental health of the individual/group’ (ANMC 2006, p. 8). Kozier & Erb (2012:3 45), explain that mind-body interactions can have a good or ill effect on the body for example, stress can lead to an altered body function such as an increased urinary frequency.Assessment of psychological status is imperative to establish the correct provision of care to be provided. Kozier & Erb (2012: 345) maintain that the minds ability to influence health status is receiving more attention and treatments such as relaxation techniques are being more commonly used to combat symptoms of stress. Illnesses have the ability to create emotional responses as well such as fear and depression, therefore the nurse must take into consideration these variables when conducting an holistic assessment to provide quality care to the patient.Holism in the provision of care is imperative to maintain in the nursing process. Holistic assessments carried out are unique and individual for each patient. This can be obtained in the nursing process by gathering data holistically by assessing the physio logical, psychological, sociological, spiritual, developmental, cultural and environmental aspects of the patient. A better understanding of the patients’ needs and requirements for care can be developed to provide health restoration in the best possible manner suited to the individual.The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse outlines the requirements for nurses to follow to ensure health care is delivered at the highest standard. References Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council 2006, National Competency Standards For The Registered Nurse, 4th edn, viewed 2 September 2012, . Berman, A et al. , 2012, Kozier and Erb’s fundamentals of nursing, Australian adaptation, 2nd edn, Pearson, Sydney.Ellis, HK & Narayanasamy, A 2009, ‘An Investigation into the Role of Spirituality in Nursing', British Journal of Nursing, Vol. 18, No. 14, pp. 886-890. Johnstone, M 2006, Bioethics: a nursing perspective, Elsevier Austr alia, Marrickville, NSW. Margereson, C & Trenoweth, S 2009, Developing Holistic Care for Long-term Conditions, Routledge, New York. Stein-Parbury, J 2009, Patient and Person: Interpersonal Skills in Nursing, 4th edn, Elsevier, Marrickville.

Bpo Attrition- the Problem and Its Solution

Human Resources In Indian Business Process Outsourcing Organizations- Attrition. Is there any solution? Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is likely to be the next big thing for services in this decade. The industry is very diverse, with several sub-segments, each displaying its own unique characteristics. The BPO players need to be excellent in every facet of operations as the market is highly competitive at every level and re-defining itself every day. Being a People-Centric industry what are the people issues that, the HR will have to handle? What are the challenges faced by HR in dealing with them? HI Before this, one needs to gain an understanding about BPOs and what businesses are Indian companies doing in this segment? BPO is based on the premise that whatever competencies are not very important for an organization   (not their core competencies); outsource or ask somebody else who is adept at doing it, to do it for the organization. In this way the organization can concentrate on its core competencies and not worry about on trivial issues, which are not strategic in nature. But these days we even find organizations outsourcing their core competencies or the core business aspects to BPOs to gain the advantage of cost cutting and quality issues. Typically, BPO would include call centers, problem solving in insurance sector to other sophisticated activities like research and other back office dealings. India has the advantage of low cost, highly qualified English speaking labour, thus most of the BPO ventures in India are call centers, although of late, companies are entering into high-end areas like research. But for sometime at least we can assume that most of the companies would be doing the call center kind of business. Most of these kinds of jobs get done in the night in India to account for the 12-hour time lag between US and India. Over a period of time the biological rhythm of the employee changes, causing various kind of disorders like indigestion, fatigue, headaches etc. so the health of the employee is a major concern for the HR, more so because most of them are graduates in their early twenties. In addition the jobs are monotonous, often nerve wracking. So it is a challenge for HR to adequately rotate the jobs of employees and provide them with enough time to refresh, so that they are able to deliver service of highest quality. Although many companies are targeting fresh graduates, they are not able to retain them. Attrition continues to be high 35%. HR has to ensure that a proper career path is chalked out so that graduates increasingly see this area as a potential career for them. Clients in US, UK and other European Countries are very quality conscious and as increasingly complex jobs get outsourced, it becomes important that HR ensures right quality people are selected and the right quality of training is provided to them. This ensures that later they do not face embarrassing time from their clients. There has been enormous requirement in this sector for manpower and huge salaries are up for taking. The times are good for this industry, but one has to keep in mind that this industry is still in its way to figure out in the growth stage. One cannot predict the future so easily and the sour experience of software companies is still fresh in minds. So a little bit of caution is to be exercised in this matter and proper trends have to be forecast by the HR to ensure that they do not go the software way when ultimately the industry stabilizes. Attrition †¦ A major problem rocking the Industry. Some Facts to Ponder about†¦ * 95% companies in the industry have Attrition problems * The small-sized and medium-sized companies loose more people * Turnover rates are as high as 30% in some reputed BPOs and over all around 35% in the Industry. Employees move to smaller companies for exciting opportunities and greater identity and move to large companies for defined roles, clearer career paths and better HR systems. Loyalty towards their employer or towards the organization has slowly seems to have disappeared. Executives know that fast-moving markets require fast-moving organizations that are continually refreshed with new talent, and they have become quite adept to outside hiring. Even companies are quite comfortable with bringing in talent; they remain distinctly uncomfortable about seeing talent leave. The competition to headhunt employees with good performance ratings of other organizations is an open ploy. The mediators (so called Consultants) make this job easy for the organizations by gaining the data bases of employees and they lure the employees by offering huge pay packages finally making them to move from their job. One of the biggest assets of the BPO Industry is manpower. So, the biggest challenge in this industry is to attract and retain knowledgeable manpower. Today, BPO companies are facing a shortage of knowledge workers because the rate at which they lose employees is almost ouble the rate at which they hire. A major proportion of the turnover issue is attributed to the movement of manpower to the Companies who lure them by offering either better pay or higher designation. The average stay of an employee in bpo companies has dropped to one year. In such a scenario where companies are fighting to combat global business competition, and struggling to survive, employee turnover comes as a double blow. And the issue of managing employee separation often gets ignored. Just because a business is dependent on Communication skills, for instance, doesnt mean that it has to go to great lengths to retain its employees. If theres a large pool of people with good communication skills available, it might want to focus on recruitment rather than retention. Moreover, since new hires have lower salaries than long-term employees, the company is able to keep a lid on compensation levels. Cooperating with competitors is another way of dealing with retention. Because of the intensity of talent-war, companies instinctively view retention and recruitment as competitive exercises. But history shows that cooperation, even among competitors, can be one of the most effective ways of dealing with talent shortages. A New concept called Anti Poaching agreement between BPO organizations is on the Move. According to this agreement, the parties getting in to the agreement will share their employee databases with each other and so will restrain employees to shift in to each other companies. Lets hope that this works good for the BPOs. Frequent job-hopping of employees is not good for any one, neither for the company nor for the employee in terms of Growth.

Work Pressure and Challenges among Medical Doctors in Private Clinic Dissertation

Work Pressure and Challenges among Medical Doctors in Private Clinic in Hong Kong - Dissertation Example The healthcare system of Hong Kong is considered to be almost similar with the best hospitals in Asian region such as Singapore, Malaysia as well as Thailand. Primary as well as secondary medical services are offered to the patients by these hospitals. Most of the people tend to access these facilities primarily via their medical insurance, either held by them personally or by means of their employment (Taylor, 2012). It has been observed that the stressful life of doctors and nurses in Hong Kong makes them prone to psychological exhaustion in terms of depression, especially in the private sector. Depression is considered to be one of the most significant health issues because of its associated result. As per the anticipation of the World Health Organisation, by the end of the year 2020, depression is likely to become the second main reason behind dysfunction within workplaces, including the healthcare sector, playing a major role towards the increasing ratio of psychological ill-hea lth in the world population owing to the fact that traumatic life events normally lead to psychological indications. Hence, it can be affirmed that if the level of stress is quite high then in such circumstances, there are greater chances of psychological indications (Bayati, Beigi & Salehi, 2009). The chief objective of the paper has been to evaluate the work pressure and challenges faced by the medical doctors in private clinics in Hong Kong. It also aims to gauge the levels of occupational stress among the doctors who are working at private clinics followed by the analysis of their depression levels owing to high work pressure impacting their job performance and satisfaction level. The study also attempts to measure the adverse effects of intensive workload on doctors working in private clinics by means of evaluation of the depressive disorders caused by extensive workloads. In this regards, the paper further elaborates on The Karaek Job-Demands Control Model (1979), The Effort-R eward Imbalance Model and Job Demands-Resources Model. Level of Care Offered By Private Sectors Hong Kong has about 12 major private hospitals among which 4 hospitals are featured as profit making hospitals while 8 hospitals are regarded to be functioning as non-profit making concerns. One of the common characteristics among these healthcare concerns is that all the private hospitals primarily tend to rely upon outside doctors for rendering high quality services to the admitted patients (Gauld & Gould, 2002). It can be mentioned in this regards that the private hospitals of Hong Kong do not have spare capacity in order to meet the additional demands. The reason behind this fact is that the ‘bed occupancy rates’ of these hospitals is quite high (Industry HK, 2012). In the recent years, lack of manpower in the private hospitals of Hong Kong was found to be a significant problem that forced the hospital authorities to take several measures in terms of costs and quality ser vices. According to the evaluation done by the Public Doctor Association, the major causes of the problem include heavy workload pressures on the professionals, poor promotion prospects along with the inconsistency in the financial reward system taking place amid the public institutions. This in turn leads to excessive flow of the doctors in the private sector. Such issues are further observed to cause stress among the doctors, ultimately giving rise to depression which in turn hampers the quality of service or rather medical support rendered by them (Wong, 2008). Contextually, it can be revealed that private healthcare sector

Emily Dickinson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Emily Dickinson - Essay Example In a tumultuous time, American writing became introspective and biographical (Casper, 19), and Dickinson's melancholic poetry of the self reflected both her immediate surroundings and her nationality. The mid-nineteenth century was also a time of high expectations for the future, and this was a theme that Dickinson picked up on in her work. The reader's expectations play a huge role in literature, and Dickinson played with them mercilessly, asking why we expect certain things and completely blind-siding us. Although it can be argued that our expectations of literature are merely to be entertained, and occasionally provoked, this essay will look at expectations as a motif of literature, both internal and external. This essay will look at five of Dickinson's poems, of varying lengths, styles and subjects, and show how the poet uses and manipulates the motif of 'expectation' to constantly surprise the reader, in ways both good and bad. It is difficult to date much of Dickinson's work, a s her copious output was private, and typically her texts lack titles. The first line of the first poem to be discussed is â€Å"I had been hungry all the years†, and is a perfect introduction to the idea of subverted expectations. The extended metaphor of the poem uses lunch to represent a long anticipation for an event which turns out to be extremely disappointing – although it sounds silly, Dickinson's use of rhyme and rhythm creates a pounding tone which reinforces the sense of misfortune, and of high hopes dashed. The speaker describes herself as â€Å"trembling† (3) in impatience to eat the food, only to find that it makes her feel â€Å"ill and odd† (14), and that â€Å"Nature's dining-room† (12) in which she ate before is far more suited to her temperament. This could be an allegory of growing up, as the speaker fails to mention if she was allowed to return. The final stanza concludes the moral of the story, that the mere fact of not being able to eat creates hunger, which â€Å"The entering [into the new realm] takes away† (20). The speaker's expectations were always fruitless. The repetition of the word 'hungry' grounds the poem, reminding the reader of the physicality of the subject. Punctuation provides the same function in â€Å"Frequently the woods are pink†, a poem which subverts the very notion of expectation itself. The speaker of â€Å"Frequently† expresses wonder at the â€Å"Wonderful Rotation!† (11) of the earth, turning everything alternately â€Å"pink† (1) and â€Å"brown† (2). The liberal sprinkling of dashes and exclamation marks – five of the former and three of the latter, in a poem just twelve lives long – induces the reader to pause at certain points in the poem, enhancing the effect of the preceding line. The pauses echo the speaker's surprise, and implicitly encourage the reader to ask themselves: why do we not find the fast rotation of th e earth as impressive and amazing as it is? Extending the question, does being accustomed to a phenomenon necessarily mean that we forget its wonder? The interjection of â€Å"– they tell me –† (9) increases the sense of wonder, as if the speaker cannot quite believe what â€Å"they† say. Sunrise and sunset are so magical as to deserve such a â€Å"Wonderful†

Encoding Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Encoding Study - Essay Example In the following report, an understanding on how two primary procedures of encoding are rather effectively affecting the memory use of the young students shall be examined. Through an experimentation process, the entire study shall be based on evidence proven approach that would likely involve the use of certain willing participants and the evaluation of the results that are to be handled by the researchers early on. 2 The process by which the mind stores an awful lot of information in the head of human individuals is a great and awesome truth about the amazing capabilities of the human body’s capability to respond to the environment that a person lives in. Not a single super computer could amount to the capability of the human mind to store information about a hundredfold of details about different matters of consideration that a person is most likely interested in. 3 This particular capability of the mind is the basic reason why there is learning. The belief that growth comes along with the process of mindful maturity and the amount of information stored and utilized by the human minds is indeed considered as the basic foundation of the reasons behind the establishment of several learning institutions today.4 Truthfully, the entire process of storing and utilization of information is taken considerably by the human mind as the main function that it contributes to the function of the human body. However, not all human individuals are able to utilize the memory function of their minds. Some are able to develop an easier personal process of storing information in their minds, while some others find it hard to recall certain details that they were already supposed to know since their mind has already been fed with the information that they need to know.5 For this particular reason, the need to develop and investigate existing procedures of memory enhancement among students is pursued by many educators

The Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium Research Paper

The Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium - Research Paper Example Concepts of Phyletic Gradualism and Punctuated Equilibrium: The concept of phyletic gradualism was developed by Charles Darwin and supports the fact that the evolutionary process and speciation occurred gradually. On the other hand, the concept of punctuated equilibrium supports the fact that the process of evolution had been a rapid process and this concept was suggested by the naturalists, N. Eldredge and S.J. Gould. Although both the techniques tend to involve similar mechanisms of allopatric, parapatric, and sympatric speciation, yet the difference occurs in the rates of changes that have been suggested by the theorists. It is still a continuing study that might be able to determine which model had actually supported the evolutionary process. It has been realized that complete records of fossils would be able to assist such a study. According to the punctuated equilibrium theory, modifications occurred in the evolutionary process in smaller levels and were separated over longer p eriods of time. It was termed as punctuated equilibrium as it reflected â€Å"periods of stasis punctuated by rapid evolutionary change† (Shukla, 2009, pp.28-29). Thus the two theories represent two different concepts regarding the process of evolution. ... Based on this concept it could be obtained that if new species were developing in an allotropical manner and in small secluded levels, it could be suggested that speciation might have occurred. Before this new species leaves fossils record in the location of its antecedent, it could be observed that they had fully developed. Such transitions would not be recorded at the concerned location since the fossils would remain incomplete indicating the occurrence of an evolution. The concept of stabilizing selection was used to explain stasis as obtained through the fossil records (Ridley, 2004, p.599). Processes of Rapid Evolution: Two processes that can explain the production of rapid evolution are the processes of polyploidy and RNA Recoding. Polyploidy in the botanical environment provides the mechanism that proves that evolution can occur in a rapid manner thus leading to speciation in a single generation. Allopolyploidy is another related process that represents similar possibility of speciation within a particular generation. With the passage of time, this process has also proved its significance in the animal kingdom as well as among the insects proving rapid evolution. RNA Recoding is the other process that involves the ribosomes influencing the synthesis of proteins in the body that created rapid speciation in the process of evolution (Corey, 1994, pp.283-285). As described by the supporters of punctuated equilibrium, it can be understood that the change from one evolution to another leads to the periods of rapid speciation to be followed by periods of relative stasis. The primary factors responsible in the process reflect the â€Å"macroevolutionary forces of change† present in the evolutionary society on earth (Prentiss,

M6A2-Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

M6A2-Conflict - Essay Example Leadership also helps in influencing the efforts of the conflicting parties and ensuring that parties take the responsibility of ending the conflict (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). Leadership also ensures that all parties involve participate in decision-making through provision of opportunities to express their won perspectives, feelings and points of view regarding the conflict (Lansford, 2008). I have learned that leadership in conflict management must aim at proper planning of meeting schedules, installing shared beliefs and strengthening social cohesion. Accordingly, leadership will enable conflict experts adequately identify tasks, differing interests or objectives that require cooperation in ending conflicts (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). From my interview with Professor Marco Turk, I have acknowledged that values play an important role in conflict resolution. The Professor agreed that personality traits, beliefs and perceptions of the conflicting parties might either hinder or foster success ful conflict resolution. I agree that openness to new challenges, open-mindedness, and cooperative values will foster shared goals during the conflict resolution process among the conflicting parties (Jeong, 1999). ... Values such as emotional intelligence, self-awareness and emotional stability helps the conflicting parties minimize negative perceptions or aggressive behaviors such as verbal attacks that may compromise the process (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). My modified personal working model for conflict resolution is ideal for interpersonal conflict as well as group-to-group situation conflict (Jeong, 1999). However, leadership, trust and values are more essential in resolving interpersonal conflicts compared to group-to-group situation. Interpersonal conflicts mainly result from differences in personality, poor communication, cross-cultural differences and task conflicts between two or members in an organization (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). Power struggles and poor leadership within an organization may also lead to instances of conflicts among the staff. The first step is to identify the underlying causes of conflict. Accordingly, I believe the conflict expert will then create urgency for a solution thr ough identifying the detrimental impacts of the conflict to the workplace. Successful leaders must be able to identify the possible negative impacts such as decline in profitability, poor relationships among conflicting employees, poor customer service and lack of cooperation within the organization (Donohue & Kolt, 1994). According to my modified model, the next step will involve creating a favorable environment for resolving the conflict. This step will involve use of essential leadership qualities such as ability to ensure open communication, ability to encourage dialogue and appreciate diversity of opinions among the conflicting parties (Jeong, 1999). In addition, the conflicting parties

Sustainability Challenge of Food Waste Management Research Paper - 1

Sustainability Challenge of Food Waste Management - Research Paper Example According to the research findings, Hong Kong as a city gets involved in practices that aim at creating awareness of the environment as well as nutrition issues that are brought forth by food wastage. To see this come to pass, the city of Hong Kong is in the sustainability challenge will ultimately manage food that is wasted in the city and its surroundings. Particularly, this report considers Hong Kong’s Langham Hotel and their attempt to manage food wastage with the aim of providing a sustainable answer to the city dwellers. For this reason, reducing food wastage requires strategies that revolve around improving the bottom line, giving support to the community ad reduction of greenhouse facility emissions. Currently, Hong Kong experiences a problem in its food waste management. Presently, it disposes of it wasted food as well as other municipal solid wastes (MSW) at distinct landfills. As a result, numerous tones of municipal solid waste and food waste are disposed of. Much of the wasted food emanate from commercial industries that include marketplaces, restaurants and food production and processing industries among others in Hong Kong. The practice regarding disposing biodegradable wastes at landfills in Hong Kong is not a better one. This is because it undesirably reduces and depletes limited space at the landfills. It comes with other disadvantages that include generation of bad odor, leaches, and landfill gases. All these need further action to mitigate their negative impact on the environment. Hong Kong’s Langham Hotel will provide a good base for discussing sustainability challenges associated with food waste management.

Personal Philosophy Paper Assignment Essay Example for Free

Personal Philosophy Paper Assignment Essay I think that individuals in a society should function in a way to help each other to sustain a community alive and well. In order to keep the flow within a society continuous, the individuals in the society should abide by the rules of their community, which are set to prevent disorder or avoid a halt a community’s progress, and in this way a society can go on with its processes. Individuals should respect each other, and the rest, within their community; it is on these bases that humans have evolved with the basic morals that we recognize today. However religions have improved and streamlined basic regulations of ancient communities, and those dogmas or rules, from whatever origin theyre from, are what influenced organizations to get to how they are today, like the Puritan, Anglican, and traditional British influences on the US Constitution. I believe that people should be educated especially if they are interested in receiving that knowledge, preferably with vocational schooling or internships, just like the apprenticeships that were popular in Europe long ago, but as for less technical subjects or careers, the traditional lectures should be adequate, like it should be in a university. I think that schools should be free for those that would truly benefit and thrive in them, but they’re not. However some reasons why people do not support free college are not unjustified. Students who wouldn’t commit themselves to take advantage of that free education would be obviously wasting people’s tax money. But unfortunately I’m not sure that’s the only reason why college isnt free, like it is in Europe and elsewhere. Along the lines of morals, I believe them to be as they are in the Christian tradition, but as for culture, since religion can’t explain that, I am left to decide myself what is better for me. I personally find the culture of 21st century America to be repulsive in some respects but worthy of credit in others, I find customs of other cultures to be interesting. Here in America, many are interested entirely in materialism in life and are often driven by greed and vain pleasure. There are too many that (specifically and es pecially around the neighborhood and community where I live) steal, kill, fornicate, and commit all kinds of crimes and immoralities. One of the most heartrending things is the lack of spiritually zealous individuals, most are totally uninterested in what they participate in, and I think it has to do with the fact that they don’t know the history, the reason or rationality behind things. This is why I don’t have any close friends because none that I know of, or rather scarcely any fall into the categorizations that I respect. I have high regards for Sir Thomas More for keeping to his stand in the face of death and against the violation of what he held to be true and just. I also respect G F Handel for following through with his artistic passion, even when the situations where grim and difficult. There are several others, who I revere for their works and deeds, but I can’t make much use of these people’s legacies – I know I don’t have the capacity to accomplish feats at their level. I hardly have any skill, talent, or much else that is uniquely useful or applicable to anythi ng, and whatever qualities that I may genuinely have, they are of little use because I’m usually lacking in some other aspect that would otherwise allow me to accomplish a task effectively. I believe people in society do have responsibilities that are not written down, nor written out in some special contract, rather there are those responsibilities that are expected to be followed regardless of the circumstances. Raising a child to be compatible with social norms, communal requisites, and the law, is an example of these responsibilities, but of course there are other such responsibilities that are followed by people of all walks of life; but as everyone in this world had parents at one point in their life, the position as a parent is thus of upmost importance. Technically, as a parent or guardian you are required by the law to be the caretaker of your own son or daughter (i.e. not just expected), but the law doesn’t get too specific on other details, and as a result these seemingly minor but meaningful details often go unaccounted for. Because some people are unprepared to have children and they do unexpectedly, a â€Å"gap† is left in each individual thereafter, where ordinarily there would be certain skills that would help a person to be socially adept as well as have the ability to pass on those attributes or skills if that individual decides to have children of his/her own. Personally I know that I do have such a chink, and it is also present in both of my parents as well – my father grew up with about a dozen other siblings, and his father had to work in the fields from sunrise to sunset, while his mother had to do what else she could, such as tailoring or making dresses to raise some extra money, my mother on the other hand, grew up as if she was an orphan, her mother being the eldest of again about a dozen other siblings, my mother’s father having been lost to a casualty, her mother set out to find work, leaving my mother to live on her grandparents’ farm with her other uncles, au nts, and cousins, as if they were siblings. As you might expect, my parents grew up in poverty, never went to college, and had to find work in new frontiers, ending up in occupations unlike those of their own parents. I don’t think having children is wrong at all – far from that mentality – but I think that people should plan or be ready to have a child and provide them with all the nurture and attention they are supposed to give him/her, or else, a pattern of spiritual, mental, social, and emotional poverty could possibly repeat itself. If you ask me if I’d like to be employed in a trade like the one of my father, I would have to decline, because put simply, I have never even received any kind of preparation from my father (not that I need much) in the occupation that he is in today, and I don’t blame him. My father has always told me that he wants the best for me, and that he wants me to get a proper education in order to lead a better lifestyle than his own. However, I don’t feel as if I’ve been adequately prepared to achieve that.

The Simplistic View Of Westminster Models

The Simplistic View Of Westminster Models The argument that the Westminster model is a simplistic view of the British policy process could be said to be true as there have been a number of changes in British politics in recent years. This essay will evaluate this argument and to help do this will look at Rhodes differentiated polity model, Marsh, Richards and Smiths asymmetric policy model and use the policy area of tuition fees to help understand the changes and advancements that have taken place within the policy process. The Westminster model does not have one individually conclusive version as many political scientists have differing interpretations of the model. However there are a few key features that are agreed on. It is agreed that the Westminster model has strong centralised cabinet government controlled by the political party in power at the time. Parliamentary sovereignty is also key with power only within government and Westminster (Richards, 2008). The majority party is the party that implements policy and support for the policies are normally supported by their partys backbenchers. A two party system is present under this model and the opposition party is there to indicate faults of the elected partys policies as the opposition partys aim is to look the stronger party with the intention of being elected at a coming election (Garnett Lynch, 2007). It is also a feature that policies are easily accountable as it is only the government involved in the policy process (Richards, 2008), where m inisters elected by the public are representatives of the public and work for their benefit (Kavanagh, Richards, Smith Geddes, 2006). Civil servants are there to implement policy, they are neutral and defend the government and House of Commons (Garnett et al, 2007). The model is regarded as an elitist, hierarchical, top down system and is seen as the traditional British political way of policy making (Richards Smith, 2002). The model sees the Prime Minister exercising control over government ministers, who control the civil servants. The central government also exerts control of local government (Richards, 2002). These characteristics of governing shows that government have the power to dominate or guide society as they see fit (Kavanagh et al, 2006). The Westminster model has shaped government actions over the years and provides guidance on how public policy and government is effectively run. It has become evident over the past few decades that the Westminster model is no longer completely evident in British politics. According to Kavanagh et al (2006) the period from 1945-1970 the model was apparent as state power was at a high level. However the changing governments and Prime Ministers have continuously changed and altered the way policy is made. The model has become limited and no longer helps us understand the policy process. The fact that Britain has an uncodified constitution may generate problems for the sustainability of the Westminster model. The political scientist Ralph Rhodes developed a critique of the Westminster model which he named the Differentiated Polity Model which included a change to governance rather than government, power dependence, policy networks, a segmented executive, intergovernmental relations and a hollowed out state (Kavanagh et al, 2006). All of these characteristics attempt to explain why the Westminster model could now be said to be a s implistic view of the British policy process. It has been argued that there has been a transition of the state from acting as government of the people to governance of the people. This implies that Westminster no longer makes decisions in terms of following official rules and through government organisations within the core executive, but decision making is done by many actors at a number of levels such as local, regional or national level (Garnett et al, 2007). It is seen as a new way in which the public is governed. Making decisions requires cooperation, negotiation and bargaining with a number of actors within and outside government. Under governance the amount of policy actors has grown with the increase in the use of the private sector and out with the core executive it has extended the boundaries of the state. The aim of a coalition between government and the private sector is to increase their possibility of getting the best outcomes in society (Marsh, Richards Smith, 2003). Therefore the policy process has become fragme nted and government has now adopted more of a regulatory role (Garnett et al, 2007). Some institutions such as schools and universities now have a bigger role in how they operate but are regulated through inspections (Garnett et al, 2007). Universities are given grants to fund teaching and resources however financial circumstances have meant public institutions have been handed over to market forces where it is now over to the individual or the private sector to fund higher education. This coincides with the argument that there is no longer government but governance in Britain. The Browne report which reviewed Englandà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s higher education funding system has recommended a number of changes to this system. The report advised that public funding in terms of the teaching grants should be reduced meaning the state will have less power in universities as there will be higher private funding than government funding. The report also recommended that caps shoul d be lifted on tuition fees where there are no limits on what universities can charge (At a Glance: Browne Report) {online}. This would according to Minister David Willets reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for universities through students and effectively improve education (Students face tuition fees rising to  £9,000) {online}. This move from state funding to private funding of universities therefore supports the idea of a change to governance as governing of universities by the state has been reduced and replaced by regulation. The Westminster model has also changed in that government depends on other agencies rather than only those In the political hierarchy (Garnett et al, 2007). These external groups do not have any significant power but can have a say in policy (Dugget, 2009). The term governance implies there has been a shift away from the state control and passed over to individual interests and market forces to influence and enforce policies. There is opinion that inter-governmental relations have weakened the Westminster model. This is the idea that there has been an expansion in the number of governmental organisations involved in policy making and implementation at a number of levels. For instance we have the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and London. This has in effect made policy making for these nations more direct to the public (Garnett et al, 2007) and has eliminated a level of responsibility from Westminster (Dunleavy, Heffernan, Cowley Hay, 2006). Therefore devolution has removed much of the centralised parliamentary sovereignty feature of the Westminster model. Devolution has meant Scotland has their own policies on education and tuition fees where Scotland believe in a free education to broaden opportunities for everyone regardless of their income. (Students face tuition fees rising to  £9,000) {online}. Also the introduction of the membership of the European Union in 1973 into British politics has meant there has been a transfer of power from Westminster. The European Union can have a large influence on policy making. According to Dunleavy et al (2006) up to 70% of new policies in Britain are developed by the European Union. This shows again power is lost to other actors and the EU membership has reshaped and challenged British politics. Under the Westminster model local government did not have much impact on policy making (Dunleavy et al, 2006). However it is evident politics is moving away from the traditional Westminster model as local service delivery is being handed to external agencies instead (Garnet et al, 2007). Also the purpose and existence of local government has been questioned as it has limited powers. There are many more institutions and public, private and voluntary departments within policy which has become a new method for implementing policy. Within funding bodies there are a number of government agencies which help fund tuition fees such as the student lo ans company (SLC) and Local Education Authorities (LEAs) who are also included in the instalment of tuition fees and grants. This fragmentation can cause confusion in administration. The National Committee of Enquiry into Higher Education also recommended that funding process needs to be simplified as there are currently four higher education funding bodies in the UK (The National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education) {online}. There are also agencies which help to maintain standards such as the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and the Higher Education Academy (HEA) (Distinction and Diversity in Higher Education) {Online}. Therefore in the tuition fees policy area we can see that there are now a wide range of organisations that are involved in delivering services. A further criticism of the Westminster model is the argument towards a segmented executive. This explains there are divisions of government departments, ministers and civil servants who posses their own resources which are to be exchanged (Marsh et al, 2003). It is argued the core executive works in exchange relationships and these relationships are not said to be zero sum however, as no actor has equal resources (Marsh, Richards, Smith, 2001). Each actor has resources that another actor requires (Marsh et al, 2003). The structure of the executive has become segmented as the civil service has generated what is called policy chimneys. This phrase originates from the idea that policies are developed by a department but they tend not to take into consideration the effects it may have on any other policy area. According to Marsh et al (2001) departments can be unwilling to work with other departments on a policy which overlaps with other policy areas in government. For example raising t he tuition fees may have an effect on employment policies as rising tuition fees could mean more people looking for unskilled jobs rather than furthering their education to fill jobs that require more skill. However Rhodes points out that the Prime Minister for example can not be concerned with every policy area (Marsh et al, 2003). As the core executive has become segmented the 1997 Blair government wanted to coordinate and control what was going on in the policy arena as there was a lack of direction. However it is believed that this could lead to further fragmentation and ineffective policy making (Garnett et al, 2007). Power has moved away from the centre and into policy networks involving negotiation and bargaining (Dunleavy et al, 2006) where power is shared and making decisions is not solely reserved for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet (Garnett et al, 2007). However although there are many actors involved in the policy process the Prime Minister still remains a key actor. Departments are also a key actor within the exchange relationships as a large part of policies are made at the departmental level (Marsh et al, 2003). Evidence that the core executive is segmented is the fact that there have been attempts to bring back control of the centre by labour. The policy network approach is also useful to use as a criticism of the Westminster model. Policy networks have grown along with the need for state intervention. Policy networks have been a simplifying device in the policy process as they can effectively deny access to groups who do not abide by the rules of the game in the policy process. Policy networks examine an individual policy area. Around the policy area networks are present where a variety of actors are included. This emphasises that it is not only government that is involved in policy formation but other actors such as pressure groups used for information on the policy area. The network approach breaks down policy to a number of actors to provide the best advice for better policy delivery and better policies for the public. Government depends greatly on organisations in networks for service delivery (Marsh et al, 2001). There are different kinds of policy networks; the first being policy communities where there are limited and consistent members as too many groups to consult is undesirable in the network, power of the members is equal, interaction is frequent and of a high standard. Members are dependent on each other as all have resources and therefore exchange relationships as all have resources. Additionally bargaining and negotiation is involved in the exchange of resources. Another form of policy network is an issue network which are the opposite of policy communities. There are a number of participants, membership changes and is more open. There can be conflict and negotiation deriving from consultation rather than negotiation of resources. Power is said to be a zero sum game as members have differing levels of power and resources (Kavanagh et al, 2006). Within policy networks government tends to be the key actor as they usually have considerably more resources (Marsh et al, 2001). As the policy networks involve exchange relationships, the more resources external groups have to exchange the tigh ter the relationships tend to be. These groups also depend on government as government has better resources which these groups cannot access (Marsh et al, 2001). Furthermore the features of policy networks do change over time because governments opinions on policy networks differ. For example the Conservative government was ideologically against consultation with others as it believed this was a sign of weak government. Thatcher used the market to implement services which fragmented the policy process (Rhodes, 2007). This decreased government power and limited their role as the negotiator. These changed again under the Labour government as Labour approved of policy networks and were revived under Blair (Marsh et al, 2003). This contrasts the Westminster model as resources have moved away from the core executive to different actors and therefore it seems governing is not as straightforward as the Westminster model implies (Marsh et al, 2003). Furthermore although the policy process h as changed, central government does continue to have a large impact on which policies are implemented (Marsh et al, 2003). Policy networks determine who they wish to be involved in the policy process. It is very rare for the government to deliver policy on its own therefore government is very much dependent on other interest groups and there are strong dependency relationships in the policy process. Policy networks relating to tuition fees include a number of groups who try to influence policies through the network process. The private report by Lord Browne has managed to influence government into changing how education is funded. The key actors in the policy network would be the Prime Minister, the current deputy Prime Minister and education ministers. Negotiations had to be made between these two actors as Nick Clegg had previously signed an agreement which agreed to no increases in tuition fees. However with much negotiation and bargaining it was agreed the deal for increases wer e better than the previous funding system. (Nick Clegg regrets signing anti-tuition fees pledge) {online}. Ministers depend on agencies for resources such as the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Pressure groups such as the National Union of Students have also played a key role recently in attempting to influence the stop to the rise of tuition fees policy using mass demonstrations to get their views heard that they are against the public funding cuts. The government also depends on students for information. The Browne report recommends students are used more and will therefore have more of a say in how their future is shaped (Independent Review of Higher Education Funding Student Finance in England). Teachers Unions are also against the rise in tuition fees and believe it will result in poorer people being denied access to universities and result in damages within society (NUT) {online}. Another move away from the Westminster model is the idea of Rhodes hollowing out of the state. It is claimed the British state has been hollowed out as of the changes in government which have arguably reduced central governments authority, autonomy and power (Kavanagh et al, 2006). It is described as the most radical aspect of the differentiated polity model as the boundaries of the state have changed (Marsh et al, 2003). According to Rhodes (cited in Marsh et al, 2003) the policy networks approach has been the most influential aspect of hollowing out of the state in what he terms sideways, and also intergovernmental relations has led to hollowing out downwards. Additionally the Rhodes model believes power has adjusted upwards to international organisations as a result of joining the EU and globalization as it has meant these institutions have more of a say on British policies and British government is restricted (Marsh et al, 2003). The European Parliament and the European Courts po wers have increased meaning many British policies have become Europeanized (Marsh et al, 2003). However there are many who are against the hollowing out of the state argument such as Holliday (2000, cited in Marsh et al 2003) who believed the centre were more able to control policy outcomes it tried to obtain in the twenty first century (Marsh et al, 2003). The recent further use of policy networks has meant the increase in the private sector and market testing (Kavanagh et al, 2006). Privatisation has meant that government has lost power and exists more as regulatory body as the private sector now has a bigger role in providing public services. (tuition fee;s) The number of quangos, non departmental public bodies and Next Step agencies have grown and hollowed out the state and given power below the core executive. This has led to fragmentation in the policy process as power has moved from the centre. Quangos and agencies help deliver policy as they have specialist knowledge of spec ific policy areas as different policies have to be approached differently (Kavanagh et al, 2006). These changes within the British political system have meant accountability for policies has become more difficult as there are many more actors involved in implementation than previously. This goes against the Westminster models assumption of parliamentary sovereignty where the executive are the main political actors (Marsh et al, 2003). The argument that the state has been hollowed out can be seen in relation to tuition fees. The number of external agencies that fund university fees has grown as there are four regulatory bodies; the higher education funding council for England (HEFCE), the Scottish funding council (SFC), Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and the Department for Employment and Learning, Northern Ireland (DEL). Under Lord Brownes report these would be scrapped and replaced by one Higher Education Council which would regulate standards, students and the i nstitutions (Politics) {online}. Globalisation has also had an impact on tuition fees as institutions now need more funding to keep up their status as one of the worlds best for higher education. The removal of the caps on tuition fees would mean more funding for universities as the government have to reduce the public contributions as of the current economic climate and therefore institutions would depend more so on student contributions. It is claimed the rise in tuition fees would improve education and increase choice (Students face tuition fees rising to  £9000) {online}. Marsh, Richards and Smith criticised Rhodes differentiated polity model and came up with their own angle on the changes of the Westminster model that Rhodes assessed called the Asymmetric power model. Key features were structured inequality, the British political tradition, asymmetric power, a pattern of exchange relationships, a strong segmented executive and a limited pattern of external constraints. In sum the asymmetric power model marginally agrees with Rhodes model to an extent. However Marsh et al believe the idea of pluralism is over pronounced. The asymmetric model believed more in the direction of the Westminster model and argue the dominant actors in the policy process are the core executive. Their main argument and focus is the asymmetries in the exchange relationship (Marsh et al, 2003).

Teachers Salary :: National Budget Teaching Pay Essays

Teachers' Salary When was the last time that you saw a teacher sporting off a brand new Lexus? Or when was it that you heard of a teacher owning a ranch? The answer to this question is probably never. Although material possessions such as owning a luxurious home or driving an extravagant car might be chump change for people like the rich and famous, for teachers this kind of spending is literally an arm and a leg. Even simple necessities are out of reach with a teacher’s salary. The reason for this problem is due to our nation’s budget. Teachers along with others in the school system are underpaid and are not being adequately compensated for their services. Instead of rewarding teachers with higher pay the government is undermining their work. As a result, teachers are unable to buy that expensive car or even pay off that Honda that they bought when they were in college working for their teaching degree. School budgets must be increased immensely in order to insure the educational growt h of students and the professional development of teachers. There are four main reasons that are discussed in this paper, as to why more money should be spent on education. There are a number of key reasons why we must ensure adequate funding of our schools. To start, we must increase the accessibility of the Internet in our schools. With our society growing by the minute the need for technology is rapidly on the run. Today we depend heavily on the Internet to provide us with fast information. It is used in high tech businesses, in homes and in schools. Through the Internet we enable students to explore new and interesting issues. In addition to the books found in our local library, the Internet serves as a fundamental tool for education. With all of the assets that the Internet provides not all schools have it at their disposal. â€Å"According to a 1999 survey, conducted by Education Week only 87%, in states like Pennsylvania had Internet access† (Gazette 99). â€Å"This number however rose to 90% in 1999.† Although the numbers did rise there are other states that are not even close to that number of access. This poses as a major proble m because while other students are building their skills and are learning more, others still rely on books and articles. Through Internet use students will not only be introduced to a wide a ray of topics and search engines but will also be able to familiarize themselves with technology.

Kurt Vonnegut Essay -- Essays Papers

Kurt Vonnegut Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. is a contemporary American author whose works have been described by Richard Giannone as "comic masks covering the tragic farce that is our contemporary life" (Draper, 3784). Vonnegut's life has had a number of significant influences on his works. Influences from his personal philosophy, his life and experiences, and his family are evident elements in his works. Among his "comic masks" are three novels: Cat's Cradle, The Sirens of Titan, and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Throughout these novels, elements such as attitude, detail, narrative technique, setting, and theme can be viewed with more understanding when related to certain aspects of his life. These correlations are best examined in terms of each influence. One of the most significant influences from Vonnegut's life on his personal philosophy has been his participation in World War II. During the war, Vonnegut served in the American army in Europe and was captured by German soldiers. As a prisoner of war, he witnessed the Allied bombing of the city of Dresden, in which more than 135,000 people died due to the resulting fires (Draper, 3785). This experience had a profound impact on Vonnegut. From it, he developed his existential personal philosophy and his ideas about the evils of technology. He states, "I am the enemy of all technological progress that threatens mankind" (Nuwer, 39). The influence of Dresden shows up in each of the novels. In Cat's Cradle, one element of his experience at Dresden that Vonnegut portrays is his fear of technology. Initially, the intention of the story is for the narrator to write about what the scientists who invented the atomic bomb were doing the day it was dropped on Hiroshima. To this effect, one of the scientists in the story said, "Science has now known sin," to which another replied, "What is sin?" (Vonnegut, Cradle, 21). The focus on technology quickly changes to a material called ice-nine, which has the ability to freeze water at room temperature. This technological breakthrough, by a scientist who worked on developing the atomic bomb, has the ability to destroy the world by freezing all its water. Even though the people with ice-nine are very careful all through the plot, they lose control of it in the end and the world becomes frozen. With ice-nine, Vonnegut thematically demonstrates how relatively simple technolog... ...84). Bibliography: Draper, James P., editor. "Kurt Vonnegut, Jr." World Literature Criticism: 1500 to the Present. 1992 ed. "Existentialism." Microsoft Bookshelf '94. (CDROM) N.p.: Microsoft Corporation, 1994. "Kurt Vonnegut, Jr." Concise Dictionary of American Literary Biography: Broadening Views, 1968-1988. 1989 ed. Mantell, Harold, producer. Kurt Vonnegut: A Self Portrait. Films for the Humanities, Inc. 1975. Nuwer, Hank. "Kurt Vonnegut Close Up." The Saturday Evening Post. May/June 1986. pp. 3839. Reed, Peter J. Writers for the 70's: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. U.S.A. Warner Books, Inc. 1972. Streitfeld, David. "Vonnegut, Existentially Speaking." Washington Post (DC) 29 August 1991. Newsbank, People, 1991, fiche 36, grid C13. Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr. Cat's Cradle. New York. Dell Publishing Co., Inc. 1963. "Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr." Discovering Authors. (CDROM) N.p.: Gale Research, Inc., 1993. Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr. God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. New York. Dell Publishing Co., Inc. 1965. Vonnegut, Kurt, Jr. The Sirens of Titan. New York. Dell Publishing Co., Inc. 1959. Wakeman, John, editor. "Vonnegut, Kurt (Jr.)." World Authors 1950-1970. 1975 ed.

Challenges of Small Businesses :: Essays Papers

Challenges of Small Businesses Growth in the small and medium business in Canada and other developed countries has been very significant. This sector of the business community now represents about 40 percent of GDP and accounts more than half of total employment. Today small businesses are more diverse and more vigorous than ever, but they also faces newer and more challenges or inhibitors to their growth than their older conter parts. This research will attempt to find the answer to the following hypothetical question: "What are the barrier to entry, inhibitors to growth, and detriments to the health of small business and entrepreneurship today?" Access to capital and credit at various stages in the business life cycle is identified as the major hurdle by the entrepreneurs. For many small firms and most start-ups, the personal funds of the business owners and entrepreneur and those of relatives and acquaintances constitute as the major source of capital. For many small businesses, especially during the early years of their operation, credit is simply not available. For many others, the limited available credit is not through bank loans. Due to this many of them rely on multiple credit card balances and home equity loans as major sources of credit for start-up firm. Because banks are bound by laws and regulations to prudent lending standards that require them a risk management assessment for each loan made. These regulations were made more vigor during the late 1980'' and early 1990 . Banks always found that lending to manufacturing firm with hard asset such as property, equipment, and inventory has always been easier than lending to today's expanding service sector firms. Because the service sector firms own few hard asses, therefor lending judgment have to be based in terms of character, markets, and cashflow, which make it difficult to the bank to meet the regulations for the approval of the loan. Additional, the banking industry, as well as the entire financial sector of the economy, is undergoing rapid change. In the future banking industry will be divided into global, national and super-regional banks and a much smaller number of community banks. It is expected of these banks primarily super regional banks and community banks will extend their services to the needs smaller business through large loan processing centers utilizing credit-scoring techniques and "intelligent models" (artificial intelligence-derived computer-based models) .

Noh Extended Essay

Every culture in the world has its own theater. In Japan one of the most ancient forms of theater is Noh. The Noh theater found its form in the fourteenth century and continues in much the same form, with many of the same plays, in present day Japan. A Noh play portrays one all-encompassing emotion dominating the main character, the  shite. Whether jealousy, rage, or sorrow, all music, gesture, dance, and recitation are used to build the emotion to its final climax at the close of the play. Often the plays depict the return of a historical personage, in spirit – or â€Å"ghostly† – form, to the site of a significant event in his or her life.A warrior might return to the battle field, or young woman to the scene of a love affair. According to Buddhism of the fourteenth century, a person could not find spiritual release even after death if he still possessed a strong emotion or desire. To exorcise this emotion, the warrior might appear in his armor and recreate t he battle in a dance. The dance would reveal his humiliation at suffering defeat. Noh plays are extremely intense. In order to express something so abstract as an emotion, words are often inadequate. As the play progresses, then, dance and poetry are used to express the tortured heart.Other elements which contribute to an intensification of the mood are the bare simplicity of the stage which allows no distraction from the main character, and the gorgeous costumes of the main character himself. The stylized movements also help to focus the energy on the emotion rather than on the individual personalities. In Noh as in classical ballet, every movement is choreographed and often symbolic. There is no individual interpretation. Masks are used in many different cultures. In Japan, Noh masks are used for theatre and dance performances.Each mask represents a certain person, hero, devil, ghost, or legendary animal, depending on what the character is in the performance. As Noh is an art form that utilizes masks, there is a great variety of them. There were originally about 60 basic types of noh masks, but today there are well over 200 different kinds in use. Noh performers feel that the noh mask has a certain power inherent in it which makes it much more spiritual than a prop used to change ones appearance. Taking into account the status of a certain noh, the noh performer will carefully choose a noh mask, known also as a noh-men or omote.In most cases, the exact mask is not predetermined, but depending on which noh is being done, the shite has a variety to choose from. In the end, it is up to the shite to make the final determination as to which mask is chosen. Exactly when the noh mask came into being is not entirely clear however it is believed that masks, and their names still used today, were developed from the mid to latter part of the Muromachi period (1392-1573). Previous to that time, the mask conventions were not entirely set and masks themselves had stronger religious connotations.It was during the Muromachi period that the religious significance of the masks began to wane and they took on more human characteristics. It is thought that as performers started to think more about the use of yugen (mysterious beauty) and profundity, they felt they needed to hide the unattractive aspects of their own faces and concentrate on making the beauty of noh stronger. Between the end of the Muromachi period and the modern age the art of making noh masks was established as a hereditary art with a long lineage.Two examples are the Deme family from Echizen (present day Fukui prefecture) and the Iseki family from Ohmi (present day Shiga prefecture). Following the establishment of noh mask making families, the stylization of noh masks significantly advanced. Even today there are many independent mask makers. While some nohgaku performers still make their own masks, the performance world and the mask-making world are essentially independent of each other. As it is often difficult to tell the actual feelings expressed in a noh mask, it is said to be made with a â€Å"neutral† expression.The mask carver tries to instill a variety of emotions in the mask. It is up to the performer to imbue the mask with emotion. One of the techniques used in this task is to slightly tilt the mask up or down. With terasu (tilting upwards) the mask appears to be slightly smiling or laughing and the expression lightens somewhat. While kumorasu (tilting downwards), produces a slight frown and can express sadness or crying. Basically, by using minute movements, the performer is able to express very fully. Noh masks, like costumes and props, are extremely valuable heirlooms and handed down from generation to generation.After having the costume put on, the shite then goes to the kagami no ma (mirror room) where in front of a mirror, the shite faces the mask. In putting the mask on, the word kaburu (putting on clothing) is not used. Instead the word kak eru (to hang) or tsukeru (to attach) is used. In this way, it is implying that the performer is â€Å"becoming† the mask, and its emotions, in order to better express the characters feelings. In reality, a noh mask does not entirely cover a noh performer’s face when it is being worn. In fact, it is thought best if some part of the chin and/or jowls show.Also, as the eye holes of the mask are very small, the field of vision of the performer is very limited when wearing the mask. Consequently the simple design of the stage and the use of hashira (pillars) assists in helping the performer know their location during a performance. Not all the main performers on stage wear masks in noh. Usually the shite and the tsure wear masks and occasionally there are instances where the ai will as well. The waki as a rule, playing a character who is living in the present, does not wear a mask. This is called hitamen or a â€Å"direct mask. However, even without wearing a mask, the per former is meant to â€Å"make their face a mask. † The performer must inject power and emotion into their performance while not using their face to express. In some genzai noh the shite or tsure do not wear masks. Noh performances reflect upon the daily life and times of the Japanese. An extremely stylized art form which dates back to the feudal period, the masks used convey the mood and character of the part played by the performer. Thus, each mask is a manifestation of elegant simplicity and rustic tranquility.