Conducting an Environmental Analysis Assignment

Conducting an Environmental Analysis - Assignment Example g all the time, it becomes increasingly difficult for the administrator to understand them and work to ensure that they do not affect the competitiveness of the organization. Moreover, Healey and Marchese (2012) note that it is unrealistic to expect hospital administrators to be aware of all these changes, specifically those changes that impact on the environment of the hospital. Therefore, as administrators continue to manage internal factors that influence their hospital facilities, Ginter et al (2013) ask whether it is realistic for the same administrators to be cognizant of their external environment at the same time. The answer to this is that hospital administration requires not only the management its internal confines, but also anticipation and management of factors and trends on the outside that impact the hospital’s operations and competitiveness. Changes in the political and economic environment, which are external to the hospital, need to be evaluated by the administrator for them to understand how they will impact the strategy and competitiveness of the hospital. The political environment is dynamic and constantly changing. For example, every hospital administrator is aware that the briefs received from state agencies, along with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare result in substantial requirements for paperwork that must be understood, assessed, addressed, and implemented (Noh et al, 2011). However, there are also other political forces that are not directly linked to the healthcare sector that could portend formidable impact on the hospital’s environment. Elected officials and special interest groups may not view the issue at hand, such as obesity, from the same perspective, normally espousing competing and diverse interests. Moreover, the partisan agenda of the Republican and Democratic Party also have to be f actored into the assessment of the hospital’s environment, particularly because the party that holds a majority has the political

Global warming Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Global warming - Thesis Example The major controversies surrounding global warming, include - skepticism regarding the change in climate beyond natural variations; questionable evidences against the factors responsible for global warming as well as the likely scope and extent of its impact; effectiveness and validity of the strategies suggested to combat global warming and for reducing carbon footprints; and the estimated size, effect and consequences of the phenomenon. Skeptics have raised serious concerns and questions regarding the scientific consensus about the effects of global warming as well as the adequacy of facts and evidence supporting the theories of global warming. The debates and cynicism regarding the far reaching effects of global warming are large observed among the policy makers and political spheres, rather than within the scientific communities. Furthermore, doubts have also been raised regarding the causes of global warming. According to some the main cause of global warming is yet to be explor ed while others consider it as a natural phenomenon while yet others consider human activities, responsible for the phenomenon. There are various arguments put forward by skeptics, and the same have been rebutted with facts and evidences in the following section, thus further substantiating and reaffirming the fact that global warming is indeed real and not a myth, contrary to rising opinion. Criticisms and Rebuttals: 1. The earth is not warming, instead, it has cooled down over the past decade: According to the skeptics, the earth is not warming, as claimed by the scientists and even if it is, the extent of damage as predicted by them is over exaggerated. They further claim that there exists data / scientific evidence which suggest that the earth is in fact, cooling, rather than warming. It is further stated that the planet was warming during the 20th century but the warming had stopped over a decade ago, and the Earth has been cooling ever since 1998 (Singer & Avery, 2007). This i s supported by the fact that the periods between December 2007 and November 2008 have been the coldest periods of the decade (Singer & Avery, 2007). It is argued that although the earth may not be cooling, but the evidence claiming that the earth is warming, is not credible and holds no relevance. Rebuttal: Although the evidence showing that the average temperature has fallen during the decade holds relevance, but the same, does not prove that the earth is cooling. The differences in temperatures is mostly because of the factors used for comparison, for instance, the year 1998 which was used as a base, was the hottest year of the century. Contrary to the claims made by the skeptics regarding â€Å"cooling of the Earth† the planet never stopped warming. The temperatures during the year 1997 were hotter as compared to that in the year 1995, while 1998 soon surpassed 1997 to become the hottest year of the decade, which in turn was replaced by years 2002 and 2003. According to NA SA, the year 2007 was the hottest year of the century on record. All these reports clearly show that the temperature is constantly rising, with no signs of slowing down (Casper, 2009; Robinson, 2007; Singer & Avery, 2007). 2. Statistics related to surface temperatures are unreliable and are blown out of proportion. The crisis

Video games Essay Example for Free

Video games Essay â€Å"What Video Games Have to teach us about Learning and Literacy† I’m sure that we all are, or were at one time, around video games whether we were playing the game or someone we know was playing. Most adults think children spend too much time playing video games. I know my mom is constantly yelling at my 10 15-year-old brothers to get off. My mom thinks that video games for so long will eventually ruin their eyesight. My brothers are video game addicts. My brothers always complain when my mom tells them to get off. Maybe my mom is wrong about video games. Maybe they could actually help my brothers. James Gee has a different thought than my mom and most parents. James Gee is also a father of his 11-year-old son, which made Gee â€Å"immigrate† to the world of video games. James would sit there with his son and play with him, until one day he decided that he would play on his own. After playing by him, James realized that there is a lot more to video games and they can actually in a way be positive. James sees video games as a way for children to use their brains. You have to learn how to play the game before you play it or else you will not be able to move forward in the game. Most games have a goal that you have to learn how to get there. By the children learning how to play, it is positive and in scary way actually benefits the children even though parents would never think it. Gee and Prensky’s views are similar. In Prensky’s essay he says that he thinks it would be the right time for us to advance our educational system because as we can see, technology is now a big part of our generation and it is only going to grow. Prensky referred to the students of the world today as â€Å"digital natives† because we grew up with digital technology. Growing up into the world of technology made us adjust and get used to using it so quickly. The teachers don’t know as much as the â€Å"digital natives† (students) do about new technology. In my opinion, I think technology is a great thing in the world today. As a student in college, technology plays a huge part. I use my computer for 99% of my schoolwork. I use it in class, to take notes, for homework, for research, to print, etc. I’m sure I am not the only one that doesn’t like to read, so instead of us students using the library to use books for research, we can do it on our computers. I personally do not play video games and cannot see myself sitting there like my brothers for countless hours learning how to play. I definitely do agree with Gee, and can see video games benefiting people of all ages.

War PropagandaPast, Present and Future Essay -- Essays Paspers

War PropagandaPast, Present and Future Part 1: An In-depth Look at War Propaganda Propaganda consists of the planned use of any form of public of mass-produced communication designed to affect the minds and emotions of a given group for a specific purpose, whether military, economic, or political. -Linebarger, Paul Myron Anthony In every aspect of life, there tends to be a desire to have others see things the way we see them. In theory, if we all share the same views and opinions, we can unite for common goals. Propaganda consists of a communicators objective to impose or manipulate a person, or group of people into adopting his ideals. Perhaps the most common place that Propaganda is used is during times of war. Given the choice, most people would most likely not express a love for war. Some are passionately against it, others, though not in love with the idea, support it when it’s necessary. Due to the raw nature of war and people’s reactions to it, there seems to be some force working to mask the negative feelings towards war and unite people in support of it. With regard to war, the purpose of propaganda is to make a particular group of people forget that another group is human. By focusing on a few, simple target ideas that reinforce the notion that another group of people are harmful and inhumane, propaganda is able to unite people in an unrealistic mindset. Understandably, however, governments have a priority to nurture the morale of its people and the armed forces that represent it by intimidating the enemy with the force of natural will. The question of whether or not we choose to accept this harsh reality remains ambiguous, as there will always be two sides to the argument. So as it stands, it is... ...11. Starick, Paul. Iraq War Propaganda; War of Words- the Battle for Hearts and Minds. The Advertiser. March 29, 2003. 12. http://www.disinfopedia.org Propaganda Versus Democracy 13. www.globalissues.org Shah, Anup. War, Propaganda and the Media. August 2004. 14. www.independent.org Horten, Gerd. Radio Goes to War: The Politics of Propaganda World War II. 15. www.medialens.org Miller, David. Eliminating Truth: The Development of War Propaganda 16. www.onlinejournal.com 17. www.propagandacritic.com 18. www.socialistworker.org Pro-war Propaganda Machine. March 2003. 19. www.stentorian.com/propagan.html Levinson, William A. An Introduction to Propaganda. 1999. 20. www.truthout.org Morgan, David. Critic Accuses Media of Aiding US War Propaganda. May 2, 2003. 21. www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk

Marijuana Legalization Outline

The Legalization of Marijuana Thesis Statement: The legalization of marijuana in the United States would create a drastic change by forming a more productive society through all of the positive uses of cannabis, physically, economically, and socially. I. Examination of the plant A. The other common names—hemp, cannabis, bud, and weed B. Society’s views on the plant are very stereotypical 1. Known as harmful, deathly, and hazardous 2. It is said that one’s attitude can be alarming and harmful to others C. Marijuana can be consumed in baked goods, vaporized, or even brewed 1. Brownies can be cooked with marijuana . Tea or coffee can be brewed with the plant D. THC is the main chemical 1. The amount can be regulated 2. It determines the strength of the high E. Marijuana has been proved to help and cure many diseases and health problems 1. Glaucoma, epilepsy, arthritis, chronic pain, and depression can be cured and prevented with the use of marijuana 2. Marijuana can even help one with aids II. Past legality in the United States A. At one point in time, it was 100% legal 1. It was one of the largest agricultural crops in the world 2. The first law to exist in the U. S. was a law demanding the U. S. armers to grow hemp B. In 1920, cannabis, hemp, and marijuana became illegal 1. It remained illegal until World War II 2. In 1948, all forms of marijuana were illegal again and still remains to be illegal. III. The United States’ debt and taxation A. As of February of 2013, the national debt was $16,797,828,899,087. B. The death rates are more common for other abused substances 1. 50,000 people each year die from alcohol poisoning. 2. More than 400,000 deaths are attributed to tobacco smoking. 3. There are zero deaths related to the use of cannabis. C. The amount of Americans who smoke is substantial . 25 million Americans smoke marijuana in the past year. 2. More than 14 million people smoke regularly. D. Enforcing marijuana prohibition costs taxpayers an estimated $10 billion annually. 1. More than 750,000 individuals are arrested per year 2. The amount of money taxpayers pay to equip the state and federal prison facilities is substantial and would decrease with the legalization of marijuana IV. Regulations in stores vs. on the streets A. Cigarettes and alcohol are monitored 1. One must be 18 to purchase any tobacco product 2. One must be 21 to purchase an alcoholic beverage B.Marijuana is sold on the streets to anyone who wishes to purchase it 1. The legalization could help prevent the smoking of underage teens 2. Crime rates would decrease, as well as drug cartels V. Dangers A. Studies of the harm to the body caused by marijuana 1. It shows no sign of brain cell damage 2. Not one case of lung cancer has been found caused solely by marijuana B. Overdose will not occur if one smoked too much 1. One would have to smoke 750 joints in about 20 minutes 2. One wouldn’t die from smoking marijuana where the death would be caused from carbon monoxide poisoning VI.California A. Decriminalized Marijuana 1. California was the first state to decriminalize it 2. The crime percentage dropped by 24% VII. Legalization in Colorado and Washington A. Illegal to anyone under the age of 21 1. An adult can legally possess up to 1oz of dried marijuana, 16oz of marijuana solids (edibles), and 72oz of cannabis infused liquids 2. Minors are still arrested and/or charged and will face sentencing B. Public consumption would remain a violation in both states, but a civil, not criminal, one 1. Crime rates have decreased 2. Debt has decreased

Moral of Washington Irvings The Legend of Sleepy Hollow...

Moral of Washington Irvings The Legend of Sleepy Hollow In Washington Irving’s short story â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,† the conflict between Enlightenment and Romantic ideals is narrativized. Irving’s story is an exploration of the conflict between these two schools of thought. Irving uses his setting, his characters, and his â€Å"moral† (or lack thereof) to critique the Enlightenment. At first reading, â€Å"Sleepy Hollow† may seem no more than a dreamy folk tale. But when read in the context of the emerging resistance to Enlightenment thinking, it reveals itself to be a striking denunciation of the ideals of the Enlightenment. The Age of Enlightenment was characterized by the reign of reason. Enlightenment thinkers believed†¦show more content†¦Sleepy Hollow is described first of all as â€Å"one of the quietest places in the whole world.† (p. 379) The absence of noise, particularly of the noise of human activity, is clearly important. Irving goes on to note that the settlers of this place are descended from the original Dutch settlers, who have maintained traditions and ways of life that predate the Enlightenment. Also, as members of a local, rustic, Dutch community, the inhabitants are placed distinctly outside the dominant English culture. Irving then creates the aesthetic atmosphere that will dominate the story, which is the atmosphere of the Gothic. Sleepy Hollow is characterized as a place that exudes a magical, languid ambience, a place where imagination rules and reason fails: Certain it is, the place still continues under the sway of some witching power, that holds a spell over the minds of the good people, causing them to walk in a continual reverie. They are given to all kinds of marvellous beliefs; are subject to trances and visions; and frequently see strange sights, and hear music and voices in the air. The whole neighborhood abounds with local tales, haunted spots, and twilight superstitions; stars shoot and meteors glare oftener across the valley than in any other part of the country, and the nightmare, with herShow MoreRelatedWashington Irving s The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow Essay1604 Words   |  7 PagesWashington Irving was born in New York City on April 3, 1783 (â€Å"Washington Irvingâ € ). As a teenager, he traveled through Europe for seventeen years (â€Å"Washington Irving†). The experience gave him an appreciation for a culture deeply rooted in a rich history (â€Å"Washington Irving†). His distinguished list of works became well known in America and in England, and his success allowed him to be recognized as â€Å"the father of American Literature† (â€Å"Washington Irving†). Irving was the first American writer toRead MoreSleepy Hollow: The Film and The Story Essay1473 Words   |  6 PagesWashington Irving’s short story, â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,† was adapted into a movie titled â€Å"Sleepy Hollow† directed by Tim Burton nearly two centuries after the original publication. When the story was adapted as a film, several extensive changes were made. A short story easily read in one sitting was turned into a nearly two-hour thriller, mystery, and horror movie by incorporating new details and modify ing the original version of the story. 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Washington Irving was born and raised in New York City on April 3, 1783, and he was the youngest of eleven children. Washington Irving was the first American to make a living as an author during his career in the early 1800’s. His short stories left a lasting and of most influentialRead MoreBlackness and Gothic depictions in American Literature1666 Words   |  7 Pageswriting. Washington Irving and Herman Melville involve the occupation of lawyers and Justices to bring in a patriotic element to influence residents of the young country as a way to share their concerns and inspire ambition. Their usage of metaphors and metonymy subtly convey a message of hope to white residents while, deflating the optimism of the soon to be freed slaves. This essay will prove that a critica l reading of Melville’s â€Å"Bartleby, the Scrivener,† and Irving’s â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow†Read MoreSupernatural Elements Of The Nineteenth Century1693 Words   |  7 Pagesotherwise known as the Supernatural. 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Washington Irving was born to a Scottish immigrant familyRead MoreThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Summary and Analysis11462 Words   |  46 PagesThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow Summary and Analysis Major Themes Veracity in Storytelling Veracity in storytelling is a defining theme of â€Å"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.† The story is distantly removed from the reader—Crayon has found the story in Diedrich Knickerbocker’s papers, who is dead, and who at the end of the story writes that he heard it from an old gentleman, who claimed to not have even believed half of it himself, ultimately getting much of the story from primary or even other secondaryRead MoreHistory of the Development of the Short Story.3660 Words   |  15 Pagesthe story. Short sections of verse might focus on individual narratives that could be told at one sitting. The overall arc of the tale would emerge only through the telling of multiple such sections. Fables, succinct tales with an explicit moral, were said by the Greek historian Herodotus to have been invented in the 6th century BCE by a Greek slave named Aesop, though other times and nationalities have also been given for him. These ancient fables are today known as Aesops Fables. Read MoreANALIZ TEXT INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS28843 Words   |  116 Pagesseries of separate and largely self-contained episodes, resembling so many beads on a string. The unifying element is the protagonist, as he wanders into and out of a series of adventures that, in their totality, initiate him to life and provide his moral education. A third type of chronologically arranged plot is encountered in psychological novels, such as James Joyce’s Ulysses, Virginia Wolf’s To the Lighthouse, in which the reader’s attention is centered on the protagonist’s unfolding state of

What to Expect from College Meal Plans

One of the big differences between high school and college doesnt happen in the classroom,  but at meal time. No longer will you eat meals around the family table. Instead, youll make your own food choices in the college dining hall. To pay for your meals, chances are youll need to purchase a meal plan for at least part of your college career. This article explores some of the questions you may have about these plans. Key Takeaways: College Meal Plans Most colleges require residential students to get a meal plan. This is especially true for first-year students.The price of meal plans will vary significantly from school to school and the type of plan. Options ranging from 7 to 21 meals a week may be available.At most schools, your meal card will work at all dining facilities on campus giving you a wide range of options.At some schools, the money for unused meals can be spent at a campus convenience store or even with local merchants. What Is a Meal Plan? Essentially, a meal plan is pre-paid account for your on-campus meals. At the start of the term, you pay for all the meals you’ll eat in the dining halls. You’ll then swipe your student ID or a special meal card every time you enter a dining area, and the value of your meal will be deducted from your account. How Much Do Meal Plans Cost? Whenever you look at the cost of college, youll need to factor in much more than tuition. Room and board costs vary widely, typically between $7,000 and $14,000 a year. Meals will often be half of that cost. Meal prices dont tend to be unreasonable, but they certainly arent as cheap as making meals in your own kitchen. Colleges usually subcontract meal services to a for-profit company, and the college will also earn a percentage of the meal fees. Students who live off campus and enjoy cooking can often eat well and save money compared to a meal plan. At the same time, the convenience and variety of a meal plan have many advantages. Do You Need to Buy a Meal Plan? At most schools, first-year students are required to have a meal plan. This requirement might be waved if you are commuting from home. Mandatory meal plans have a variety of purposes. Schools often want first-year students to become engaged in the campus community, and on-campus meals play an important part in that process. It’s also possible the requirement is coming from a contract with the food service provider, not the college itself. And, of course, the college makes money from the meal plan, so it benefits the schools bottom line when a plan is required. Which Meal Plan Should You Get? Most colleges offer many different meal plans—you may see options for 21, 19, 14, or 7 meals a week. Before purchasing a plan, ask yourself some questions. Are you likely to get up in time for breakfast? Are you likely to go out to the local pizza joint for dinner? Few students actually use 21 meals a week. If the reality is that you often skip breakfast and tend to eat pizza at one in the morning, then you might want to choose a less expensive meal plan and spend your saved money buying food at local eateries at the times that better match your habits. What Happens If You Don't Use All Your Meals? This varies from school to school, but often unused meals are money lost. Depending on the plan, the credit for unused meals may disappear at the end of the week or the end of the semester. You’ll want to check your balance frequently—some schools have small grocery stores where you can spend the money from unused meals. Some schools also have arrangements with local merchants, restaurants, and even farmers market that make it possible to spend dining dollars off campus. Should You Get a Bigger Meal Plan if You Eat a Lot? Nearly all college campuses offer all-you-can-eat dining in at least some of the dining halls, so the same meal plan can accommodate you whether you eat like a mouse or a horse. Just watch out for that freshman 15—all-you-can-eat can be bad for your waistline! Nevertheless, athletes with giant appetites rarely complain about going hungry in college. What Can You Do if You Have Special Dietary Needs? When a college has thousands or tens of thousands of students, it is going to have many students who cant eat gluten, have dairy allergies, or are vegetarian or vegan. Food service providers at colleges are prepared to handle students special dietary restrictions. Some schools even have entire dining halls dedicated to vegan and vegetarian options. At very small colleges, its not unusual for students to develop relationships with the food service staff to have custom meals prepared for them. When Your Friends or Family Visit, Can They Eat with You? Yes. Most schools allow you to swipe in guests with your meal card. If not, your guests can always pay cash to eat in the dining hall. More College Life Essentials How Are College Academics Different from High School?10 Things You Should Know Before You Start CollegeWhat to Pack for College10 Tips for Getting Along with Your College Roommate