Task 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Task 2 - Essay Example Decision making is often seen as the central job of the managers who decides what is to be done, who has to do it, where, when and how it is to be done. Decision making is regarded to the first step in the planning even when it is done quickly by taking a little time to decide and also influences an action just for a minute (Koontz and Weihrich, 2006). There are various theories related to philosophical, mathematical and economic sources. This study highlights on the various theories of decision making. The Classical Model The classical decision theory is straightforward. It assumes that there is only one best solution to the problem; the decision maker needs to identify it, select it and then finally implement it. According the following sequential steps has been designed. Step 1: Identification of the problem The actual and the desired outcome should be determined and then any type of disparity existing between the two should be identified. Step 2: Diagnose the problem The informat ion should be collected and should be analysed properly in order to gain a clear explanation of the nature of the problem. Step 3: Define the alternatives After understanding the nature of the problem the potential options to the solution of the problems must be developed. Step 4: Examine the consequences The probable consequences of all the potential alternatives should be examined rigorously. Step 5: Make the decision The best amongst the potential alternatives must be chosen. While choosing the best alternative one should see that the objective and the goals are maximised. Step 6: Do it The decision must be implemented. The classical model leads to the optimization of strategy. This approach stands on the classical economic theory that is based on the assumptions of apparent goal, full information and cognitive ability to deeply analyse the problem. However practical problems exists that follows this perspective. Decision makers are human beings who have emotions, feelings and a variety of interests. Compromise and diversity are the stuffs that are their everyday requirement. One objective may be favoured over the other but no one allows one single goal that is an unrealistic one dimensionality to dominate in the working life (Hoy and Miskel, 1991). The notion that the organizational goals are simple and clear is oversimplification. Goals of the organization are often conflicting and complex. The problem of improbability is essential for the organization. Dealing with the problem of improbability has now become a common agenda in the organization share (Mintzberg, 1983). However there is no such common criterion for dealing with the improbability in the decision making (Thompson, 1967). It is virtually not possible to select the best alternative when the consequences are not known. Improbability makes optimizing an impractical choice. The unnecessary demand for human cognition that cannot be met is another problem with the optimizing strategy. Neither any o rganization nor any person is capable and smart such that they can conduct maximum utilization of anything. Even the modern computers are incapable to achieve this feat. For instance the computers are incapable of handling the huge quantity of information that is required to choose the simplified move in the game of chess (Feldman and Kanter, 1965; Hoy and Miskel, 19

My topic about overweight and obesity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

My topic about overweight and obesity - Essay Example As compared to 1980s, the rate of obesity has doubled in Australia and now Australians are equal to Americans in the case of overweight and obesity. Long time television watching is said to be the major cause of the increased obesity rate in Australia. Many researchers describe obesity as an epidemic in Australia. According to an Amen Clinic research report â€Å"as one’s weight goes up the function of one’s prefrontal goes down† (GATS Program, 2011). In 2007, WHO surveys on overweight and obesity have found that Australia possesses 21st rank in the world. Indigenous populations are the most affected groups by obesity in Australia. It is alarming that obesity rates among Australian children have rapidly risen during the last two decades. Medical science has proved that obesity and related health features may lead to ranges of severe diseases. Therefore, as Gard (2011, p. 64) opines, this uncontrollable increase of obese persons in Australian badly affects Austral ian healthcare as well as the entire economy. Statistics It is necessary to analyse the both Australian and international statistical data regarding obesity so as to explore the level of difference and thereby potential reasons. Australian as well as international obesity statistics are described below. Australian statistics This diagram indicates the prevalence of overweight in Anglosphere and is based on the data published by World Health Organization in 2007. From the graph, it is obvious that overweight prevalence of Australia ranks 3rd in Anglosphere. We know that United Kingdom is approximately three times bigger than Australia; however, the overweight rate of UK is 63.8% whereas it is 67.4% in the case of Australia. The obesity rate of Australia is much more than that of international obesity rate and this condition reflects the dreadfulness of overweight and obesity in Australia. A study conducted by Janus, Laatikainen, Dunbar, Kilkkinen, Bunker, Philpot, Tideman, Trimacco, and Heistaro (2007) reflects that â€Å"the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity combined was 74.1% in men and 64.1% in women† (Janus et al, 2007,p. 147). Although, obesity is comparatively less prevalent in Australian young women, it is observed that they show a rapid rise in their body mass index. At the same time, According to Gard (2011, p. 64), a higher rate of obesity is observed among women of 35 -44 age group; and Australia spends an average of $13 billion per year in order to tackle the severe issues of obesity and related diseases. WHO also adds that nearly a million Australian people now have type 2 diabetes and a major portion of which can be surely attributed to the aftereffects of obesity. International statistics According to world health organization, ‘there are more than 1 billion overweight adults’ globally including 300 million obese (WHO). Since this disorder is not caused by a specific reason, it is very difficult to control this dise ase by medical treatment. Jones’ (n.d) report on obesity reflects that 1.5 billion adults under the ages 20 and above were overweight in 2008; among these certified overweight figures, 200 million men and nearly 300 million women were obese. This international statistical data indicate that women are the most affected group of obesity while the Australian obesity statistics

Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Nursing Essay

Legal And Ethical Issues In Mental Health Nursing Nursing Essay This assignment aims to critically appraise an ethical conflict in relation to the care provided to a patient. It will explore how ethical decisions are reached and how they can directly influence patient care. To achieve this aim the author will examine a case study of a patient whose care he was involved with whilst in placement. We will look at how, after an episode of self-harm, the patient refused any medical treatment for the wound and how this posed an ethical dilemma for the nursing staff involved in their care. Using the application of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) (Great Britain (GB) 2005) and an established model for ethical decision making, we will look at how the decision of whether or not to enforce treatment for the wound was formulated and actioned. Ethics can be seen as the study of human conduct and morality (Buka 2008). It is about people reasoning, thinking and applying a process of reflection (Adshead 2010); however these people may have opposing views, values and experiences on which to base their moral judgements to define what is the right and wrong course of action (Hendrick 2009) and the principles used to decide this, not only by the individual but also within social groups and societies. (Adshead 2010). From this we can surmise that ethics is a complex system of reflective thinking, which is used in the search for a standard that can be used to judge your own actions, or the actions of others, within your own moral code. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2008) stipulates that nurses must respect a patients right to confidentiality at all times and ensure that the patient is informed about how information concerning them is shared. In accordance with this the name of the patient has been changed and permission has been sought from the patient to use them in the case study (Appendix 1). Case Study. Anitas story. Anita is a young woman with a primary diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder borderline type as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO 2010). During a one-to-one therapeutic session Anita disclosed that she was having strong urges to self-harm. As such the therapeutic session concentrated on exploring her feelings surrounding her impulses, alternative coping mechanisms to manage her thoughts of self-harm and strategies to help maintain her safety upon the ward. As she felt that the pressure of being constantly watched would unsettle her further, thus not allowing her to manage her own feelings it was initially agreed to place Anita on intermittent observation as opposed to constant within the policy on self harm produced by the service that was caring for her (Oxford Health DATE). This approach was agreed in collaboration with Anita and the wider team as a way of her taking responsibility for her own decisions. Later in the shift Anita approached staff and stated that she had overwhelming urges to self-harm and that she had acted upon them. She was taken to the clinic room where the wound could be cleaned and assessed. Anita presented with a laceration to the inside of her thigh which was deep enough to expose the adipose tissue beneath, however was not deemed by the medical staff to be life threatening. Staff explained to Anita that the wound was deep enough to require stitching although not life threatening and advised her that she would need to attend the minor injuries unit of the local general hospital for assessment of the wound. At this time Anita, due to her mental state, could not fully appreciate the nature of the wound and felt that she needed to punish herself further by refusing treatment. The nurses on duty cleaned and bandaged the wound and allowed Anita time to consider the implications of her decision further. When Anita had calmed the nurse had a discussion surrounding the implications of not having the wound sutured such as infection, Anitas possible need to attack the wound in the future and pain relief issues, However Anita maintained her decision not to have the wound sutured. Following a wider team discussion around whether Anita understood the severity of the wound, thus having capacity to make a decision to refuse treatment, the Responsible Clinician (RC) spoke to Anita and attempted to persuade her to have the wound sutured. As Anita was still refusing to have the wound sutured the RC decided that an assessment would need to be carried out to ascertain whether Anita had the capacity to decide to refuse treatment. Upon completion of the assessment it was decided that Anita did have capacity to make decisions surrounding treatment at that time, within the framework of the Mental Capacity Act (GB 2005). This decision was reached due to Anita being able to understand the information being given to her, being able to retain the information and weigh it up to make a decision to refuse treatment. Although this appeared to be an unwise decision, which felt uncomfortable to the team, it was agreed to monitor the wound, keep it clean and dry and continue to talk to Anita about her thoughts and feelings surrounding getting medical treatment for the wound. This collaborative approach allowed Anita opportunities to explore her emotions, thoughts and feelings and promote her autonomy whilst still allowing her to decide to have the wound sutured should she change her mind. The main legal and ethical dilemmas that can be extracted from this case study are whether the Anitas capacity to make decisions about her treatment should be overridden by use of the Mental Capacity Act (GB 2005) and whether Anitas ability to make autonomous decisions surrounding her care should outweigh the nurses obligation towards beneficence. The Legal Dilemma. Mental Capacity. What legal Dilemma can be hypothesised as underpinning the decision making process of the mental health professionals in this case? Anita initially made her decision to refuse treatment shortly after self-harming. Self-harm has been strongly associated with borderline personality disorder (Motz 2008) where thoughts of self-loathing and self-punishment are common precipitators; the act of self harm can be seen as a symptom of internal turmoil, an expression of internal pain or as controlling factor to maintain a level of care (Grocutt 2009). This may indicate that Anita was under a great deal of distress at the time, which could have affected her capacity to make sound decisions; however her later decision of continuing to refuse treatment was based on her own morals and values towards her body that may have included these thoughts of self-loathing and the need to be punished. Although a person, under part four Mental Health Act (GB 2007) can be treated for mental disorder without the ir consent, it is important to note that a physical problem can only be treated without consent should the person lacks capacity and treatment is deemed to be in their best interests under the auspice of the Mental Capacity Act (GB 2007, MIND 2009). To help determine whether Anita has capacity, The Mental Capacity Act (2005) sets out a two stage functional approach. Firstly the practitioner needs to ascertain whether the person being assessed has some sort of disturbance of the mind and, if such a disturbance exists then it must affect their ability to make decisions when they need to (Department of Constitutional Affairs (DoCA) 2007:45). If this is not the case then the person cannot be seen as lacking capacity under the Act (GB 2005, DoCA 2007). In considering whether Anita needed to make the decision around treatment, we can see that, as the wound was not life threatening, it was decided to allow her time to settle and re-approach the question of treatment. The Mental Capacity Act (GB 2005) is clear in expressing that capacity is time and decision specific. In deciding that the decision could be made at a later time not only complies with the Act but also promotes Anitas autonomy. As the wound could be safely managed in the s hort term upon the ward the decision to allow Anita time to weigh up the information was the correct one to make. Conflicting ethical principles and dilemmas Lakeman (2009) points out that an ethical dilemma occurs when there are a multitude of alternative courses of action to deal with a particular situation. Conflicting moral principles may create difficult ethical dilemmas for nurses by having to contravene one moral obligation to uphold another (Beauchamp Childress 2009). Anitas ability to make autonomous decisions surrounding her care should outweigh the nurses obligation towards beneficence. However this may not feel entirely comfortable for the nurse. In mental health nursing, autonomy is sometimes overridden in the interests of promoting the principle of beneficence (Lakeman 2009). Which can make the nurses ethical dilemma difficult to manage due to balancing the two valid ethical principles of autonomy (respecting and supporting decisions making) and beneficence (relieving or minimising harm in the best interest of the patient) (Hendrick 2004, Beauchamp Childress 2009). To answer the question we need to examine how the dilemma sits within an ethical theory and the principles that apply. Beauchamp and Childress (2009) devised four basic moral principles which function as guidelines for professional ethical decision making. The principles of autonomy (freedom to act on your own belief), Nonmaleficence (obligation to avoid doing harm), Beneficence (providing benefits and help) and Justice (fair distribution of benefits, risk and cost) which are derived from a duty based theory of Emmanuel Kant (1724-1804) (Beauchamp Childress 2009). Principle 1 Autonomy. Respect for autonomy flows from the recognition that all persons have unconditional worth, each having the capacity to determine his or her own moral destiny. To violate a persons autonomy is to treat that person merely as a means: that is, in accordance with others goals without regard to the persons own goals. Beauchamp Childress (2009: 103) after Kant Autonomy is the freedom and ability to act in a self determined manner (Butts Rich 2008: 42) and the right of a rational person to achieve personal decisions without any outside interference. Therefore the principle of respecting autonomy concerns the nurses acknowledgement of, and obligation in respecting, Anitas decision over her own life. It may be that Anita is already feeling a loss of autonomy or disempowerment by the very nature of being a patient upon a secure ward and being under the Mental Health Act (GB 2007) and the restriction of her basic autonomous decisions such as when to eat, sleep or who she resides with. Therefore it may need to be considered whether Anitas is refusal of treatment is something that she feels in control of, thus a way in which she feels empowered. Principle 2 Beneficence. Morality requires not only that we treat persons autonomously and refrain from harming them, but also that we contribute to their welfareà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦[is therefore]à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a moral obligation to act for the benefit of others. These beneficial actions fall under the heading of beneficence. Beauchamp and Childress (2009: 197) Beneficence can be seen as actions to benefit and promote the welfare of others (Butts Rich 2008). All actions that are performed by nurses can be regarded as having a moral dimension, most of which are for the benefit of the patient (Edwards 2009). The NMC Code of Professional Conduct is clear in stating that nurses have an obligation to both protect and promote the health and wellbeing of patients as their primary consideration (NMC 2008:2) and this is no different for mental health nurses working with patients who self-harm. This statement clearly incorporates the principle of beneficence and shows that the nurses in the case study are considering whether Anita should have medical treatment for the wound enforced upon her due to the principle of beneficence as described due to the worries of the wound becoming infected if not sutured. The dilemma. When nurses experience the ethical dilemma of having to enforce treatment irrespective of a patients right to autonomy, they can be seen as working in a paternalistic manner (Butts Rich 2008). In Anitas case, the nurses worry that the consequences of the wound becoming infected is driving their desire to treat the wound irrespective of Anitas wishes. However, although the actions on behalf of nurses is clearly driven by obligations towards beneficence, nurses need to weigh up the harms and benefits of enforcing treatment before acting in such a way as to produce the best outcome for Anita (Edwards 2009). A paternalistic approach is frequently used to infringe upon a persons right to autonomy. This infringement is supported by the principle of beneficence, which is the argument frequently used to impose treatment on patients whether they want it or not (Buka 2008: 29). Should the decision to treat Anita for her self harm regardless of her wishes have gone ahead, there may have been a risk of impacting on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. This relationship is built upon trust as well as purposeful and effective communication (Buka 2008) and is considered to be the cornerstone of nursing care (Lakeman 2009, Pryjmachuk 2011).Therefore the nurses would need to consider future risk as part of the ethical decision making process. Enforcing treatment on Anita may produce barriers to the therapeutic relationship such as difficulties in trusting the nurse in the future, disengagement from therapeutic communication, opposition and rejection of future treatment, increased self harming behaviours due to the trauma and hostility towards others (Kettles et al 2007, Byrt 2010), all of which may stop Anita from telling the nursing team when she self-harms in future episodes of distress. Which raises the principle of Nonmaleficence (doing no harm), in thi s instance to the therapeutic relationship, wellbeing and care of Anita. The decision to manage the wound on the ward and allow Anita time to calm and consider her options is, in the authors opinion, the correct course of action to take. As the wound was neither life threatening or of such a degree that it could not be safety managed upon the ward enabled the staff to consider the possibility of allowing Anita to make an autonomous choice. In considering Anitas wishes and agreeing a management plan to care for the wound incorporates both principles of Anitas autonomy and the nurses obligation towards beneficence. Beneficence could be interpreted to incorporate the patients autonomous choice as the best interests of the patient are intimately linked with their preferences [from which]à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are derived our primary duties towards them (Beauchamp Childress 2009:207). If the nurses obligation to act beneficently is informed by the patients choices and preferences, then the respect for the patients autonomy will ultimately override any paternalistic actions on the part of the nurse (Beauchamp Childress 2009). This would not only encourage a supportive nurse-patient relationship but also provides care that is holistic, develops Anitas confidence in being able to negotiate her care and allows her to take greater personal responsibility, thus instilling empowerment and hope, all of which improve the potential for recovery. The practice of paternalism is now generally discouraged in health care (Butts Rich) and is considered unjustifiable in cases where the patient has capacity to make a decision (Edwards 2009, Beauchamp Childress 2009). Conclusion. Every decision that a nurse makes concerning the care of a patient needs to be considered from an ethical base. Any decision made from this ethical viewpoint has a higher probability of producing the best outcome under any given circumstance. The conflicting principles of autonomy and beneficence that have been presented within this case study would both be ethically and morally correct courses of action to take. From this we can surmise that a morally correct course of action may involve two opposing principles being applicable in any one situation. Are large proportion of moral and ethical dilemmas that are faced by nurses stem from the conflicting principles of autonomy and beneficence. However, the nurses ability to critically appraise risks and benefits will help them to make decisions that are beneficial to the patient involved. In encouraging autonomy for Anita involves taking risks on the part of the nurses which may go against their principles of Nonmaleficence and beneficence. However with collaborative working practices this case study has shown that solutions can be found in even the most complicated of nursing dilemmas. Word Count 2687.

Investigate how the concentration of hydrochloric acid effects the rate at which it reacts with calcium carbonate :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

Investigate how the concentration of hydrochloric acid effects the rate at which it reacts with calcium carbonate Investigation Plan Aim === Investigate how increasing the concentration of the solution hydrochloric acid effects and alters the rate at which it reacts with marble chip, calcium carbonate. Rate of reaction is affected by six main factors * Temperature * Surface area of a solid * Concentration of a solution * Pressure of a gas * By using catalysts * Using biological catalysts called Enzymes As outlined above the rate of a reaction increases when temperature increases, the concentration of dissolved reactants increases, the pressure of gases increases, solid reactants are in smaller pieces and of greater surface area and also if a catalyst is used. For this experiment I have been asked to pay particular attention to the factor CONCENTRATION, and the ways in which it affects the rate at which a reaction takes place. We can measure the rate of reaction by measuring the time at which the products of the reaction are produced or the reactants used up and there are a few different ways of doing this such as: By measuring gas volume Here the marble chips and dilute hydrochloric acid are put in a conical flask. This is connected to a gas syringe, which collects and measures the volume of gas formed. At regular time intervals a measurement is then taken of the volume of gas collected. Another way to measure the volume of gas produced is to displace water from a measuring cylinder as per diagram below. We can also measure the rate of reaction by measuring mass loss here when a gas is lost the mass decreases, which can be measured by placing the flask on a balance. The last way is to note how long it takes for a precipitate to form such as in the chemical reaction "the thiosulphate reaction". I conducted a preliminary experiment and from this determined that the most reliable and accurate way to measure the release of carbon dioxide gas would be by using a measuring cylinder to see the displacement of water and therefore determining how much carbon dioxide has been produced. Hypothesis I predict that as time increases so will the amount of carbon dioxide produced however throughout the experiment the rate of reaction will slow because as time increases there will be less and less un-reacted particles present to take part in fruitful collisions and result in carbon dioxide water and calcium chloride being formed, this means that the time between fruitful collisions will increase because a particle will take longer to find another un-reacted particle with enough activation energy to collide and react with. I hypothesise that as the concentration of the hydrochloric acid

Engineering HSC Civil Structures

1. What development in motor cars led to the need to replace the block brake? What was the replacement? With the adoption of pneumatic rubber tyres for cars in 1895, the block brake became impractical and was replaced as an automobile brake, and was replaced by the contracting band brake. 2. Who invented the drum brake? In what year did this occur? In 1902 Louis Renault invented the internal expanding drum brake. 3. Why was the drum brake superior to its predecessors? First, the shoes are enclosed on the drum so the friction lining is away from water or dirt, so they last longer. The drum brake also exhibits servo-assistance, in both forward and reverse; the leading shoe exhibits servo assistance in forward travel, the trailing shoe in reverse travel. 4. Why are the disc brakes used extensively now? The disc brake offers better heat dissipation than the drum brake and also offers better weather performance as water is thrown off the disc by centrifugal force. 5. Why is asbestos still allowed in brake linings in Australia? Asbestos gave the break lining greater stability at higher temperatures, thus the linings are more resistant to break failure form the heat. 6. The coefficient of friction (Â µ) is ratio between what two values? The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force present and the normal reaction to the matting surfaces. Â µ=FFRN 7. What is the tensile stress in a brake cable of diameter 2 mm if the tensile force in the cable is 200N? 8. Draw a stress strain curve for mild steel; label the proportional limit, the upper and lower yield points and the UTS. . What is the difference between elastic and plastic deformation? 10. State Pascals principle. Why is it important to hydraulics? 11. What is steel? 12. What is the difference between austenite and ferrite? 13. What is pearlite? 14. What happens to the hardness of steel as the amount of cementite increases? 15. Describe what martensite is. 16. Why is manganese added to steels? 17. What effect will nickel have if added to a low alloy steel? 18. Why is molybdenum added to the nickel-chromium steels? 19. Why is Hadfield steel used for? What is different about its structure at room temperature as opposed to plain carbon steels? 20. There are three types of stainless steels available. List three and describe the uses of each? 21. Which stainless steel is non-magnetic? 22. What is the difference cast iron and steel? 23. Carbon appears in different forms in cast irons, how does it appear in white cast iron and grey cast iron? 24. Which type of grey cast iron is stronger, fine or course? 25. How do SG cast iron and CG cast iron differ? 26. Blackheart malleable cast iron has free carbon present in Whiteheart malleable cast iron? 27. Is free carbon present in Whiteheart malleable cast iron? 28. Why is copper added to break pads? 29. What type of resin is used to bind the break pad together? 30. Draw two stress strain diagrams, one showing high toughness, and one displaying high strength but a brittle failure. 31. What are the four hardness tests available? 32. Find the tension in the vertical and horizontal cables for the brake system shown. Slove this problem graphically then analytically.

Hum 176 Sylabus

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the U. S. and around the world. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. †¢Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies govern ing your current class modality. Course Materials Campbell, R. , Martin, C. R. , & Fabos, B (2012) Media & culture: An introduction to mass communication (8th. New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: The Formative Influence of Mass Media on American Culture DetailsDuePoints Objectives1. 1. Summarize the evolution of mass media. 1. 2. Identify the effects of mass media on American culture. ReadingRead Ch. 1 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"The Media and Democracy† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Agenda Setting and Gate-Keeping† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions listed below. 15 Week One DQ#1Do traditional media have an advantage over emerging media? If so, what are they? If not, why not? Week One DQ#2 The Internet has provided many forms of social media and new forms are continuously emerging. Which forms of social media do you use on a regular basis and why? Are there any social media that you previously used but no longer use? If so, why? If not, why not? Week One DQ#3 Identify a single type of media (Internet, social media, newspaper, magazine, radio, or television) and describe the changes that have occurred to that type of media over the last 5 to 10 years.What implications so you see for the next 5 years? Explain. Week One DQ#4 If you were a reporter with access to all forms of media distribution, which do you choose first to tell a story? Why? How you might have answered this question differently 20 years ago? Week One DQ#5 In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, television news was broadcast by three major television networks. There were practically no opportunities to â€Å"talk back† to the television. Now, through the Internet, there are many ways to respond to both television and Internet news. Do you think this has had a positive or negative effect on A merican culture?Why? Week One DQ#6 Is new media â€Å"mass† or not? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMass Media: Research the evolution of mass media, which has changed significantly over the last 100 years. Some forms of mass media have changed so much that they are almost unrecognizable. What are the implications of these changes? How do you see these changes continuing to change the industry? Briefly describe how this activity applied to the weekly concepts. Mass Media Effects on American Culture:Choose an aspect of American life or culture that is or has been influenced by mass media. What are the effects of this influence? What effects does the media influence have on that part of the culture? Is this beneficial? Explain. Assignment Effects of Mass Media WorksheetResources: Week One Readings and Videos Compose answers to fill in the Effects of M ass Media Worksheet. 50 Week Two: Critical Approaches to Mass Media DetailsDuePoints Objectives2. 1. Explain the implications of media convergence, in terms of both technology and business. 2. 2. Identify issues resulting from dependency on mass media. . 3. Describe the value of media literacy. ReadingRead Ch. 1 and 2 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Going Viral: Political Campaigns and Video† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Tablets, Technology, and the Classroom† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Impact of Media Ownership† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Two DQ#1 From your own experience, think of an example in which the media have been accused of unfairness. Draw on comments from parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians, and so forth.Do you think these criticisms were justified? Why, or why not? Week Two DQ#2 Although in some ways postmodern fo rms of communication, such as e-mail, smartphones, and Twitter, have helped people participate in global life, do you think these media have also caused harm to traditional or native cultures? If so, how and why? If not, why not? Week Two DQ#3 How would you define media literacy? What do you think it would take to be considered â€Å"media literate†? Week Two DQ#5 Imagine that you are in a situation for an extended period of time without access to mass media. Would your life style be significantly different?Explain. Week Two DQ#6 According to the textbook, which form of media convergence, technology or business, has the most influence on your news consumption? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMedia Convergence: The term media convergence refers to the merging of media content. One definition applies to technology, and the second refers to business: c orporate media conglomerates (see Ch. 1 & 12). Research the implications of this latter phenomenon.What conflicts of interest could occur within media conglomerates, and how could such conflicts affect society’s media consumption? Briefly describe how this activity applied to the weekly concepts. Mass Media: Consider the many different mass media resources for gathering information, such as the Internet, radio, television, and so on. If you were to obtain information from only one of the sources, would your information be reliable and accurate? Why or why not? Assignment Media Convergence WorksheetResources: Week Two readings and videos Compose answers to fill in the Media Convergence Worksheet. 50Week Three: The Significance of the Internet and the Digital Age DetailsDuePoints Objectives3. 1. Explain the implications of easily obtainable information in the digital age. 3. 2. Assess credibility issues regarding information on the Internet. 3. 3. Explain the concept of the dig ital divide. ReadingRead Ch. 2, 11, 13 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"User-Generated Content† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Net Neutrality† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Three DQ#1 Do you think the Internet can make democracy work better?If so, how? If not, why not? Week Three DQ#2 Do you think the Internet has a significant influence on political campaigns? Why or why not? Week Three DQ#3 Do you think the concentration of media ownership limits the number of voices in the marketplace? Explain. Week Three DQ#4 How do you know whether you can trust Wikipedia or another online resource? Week Three DQ#5 The digital divide refers to people that have access to digital media versus those that do not. Are people who do not have a smartphone at a disadvantage (that is, are they on the wrong side of the digital divide)? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsArtists in the Digital Age: The Internet allows for numerous ways for the public to obtain music without paying for it. The Internet also provides numerous ways for artists to promote tours, new music, and memorabilia. Do you think the Internet has created more harm than good to artists in the music industry? Explain your answer. Ethical Responsibilities: What are the ethical responsibilities of Internet users? Include at least two basic ethical responsibilities to which Internet users should always adhere.Do you practice specific manners or â€Å"netiquette† during online interactions that you also expect from others? What kinds of ethical compliance do you expect in online transactions? Assignment Internet and Information PaperYour pen pal from a part of the world that lacks ready access to the Internet has written you a letter and asks you to explain several concep ts. Hello, I hear so many good things and am so fascinated with what you can do with the Internet. Finding all this information so quickly must make your life very easy. But please tell me: how do you assess the value of all this information you find on the Internet?How can you be sure that it is reliable and credible? Also, I have heard the term â€Å"digital divide. † What exactly does it mean, and how do you think this divide could be bridged? Thank you for helping me to understand these issues! Best regards, Your friend Resources: Week Three Readings and Videos Write a 700-to 1,050-word letter in which you respond to your friend’s questions. 50 Week Four: The Role of Social Media and Virtual Networks DetailsDuePoints Objectives4. 1. Explain the role of social media and virtual networks in a broader media culture. 4. 2. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of social media.ReadingRead Ch. 11 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"The Rise of Social Media† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Four DQ#1 The Week Four Toolwire Learnscape explores the effectiveness of using social media to bring attention to WhizBang Games. In general, do you think the benefits outweigh the problems of publicizing any business in this way? Why, or why not? Week Four DQ#2 Social media appears to add different benefits and values. What benefits do social media offer for your personal use?What type of negative experiences, if any, have you had from social media? Compare your answers with those of your classmates. How do they differ? Week Four DQ#3 Do you think virtual interactive communities are genuine communities? Why, or why not? Week Four DQ#4 Given the trends in online gaming, what roles beyond entertainment do you see for gaming in the near future? Week Four DQ#5 Do you think the makers of violent and sexually themed games should be held responsible for the behavior of those who play them? Why, or why not? How much responsibility do parents have in allowing children exposure to these sources?Week Four DQ#6 At what age do you think is appropriate for a child to have access to social media? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsControversial Issue in Gaming: In this week’s Toolwire ® Learnscape, you meet with advertisers for the game you are promoting for WhizBang. You must provide the VP with details regarding controversial issues in electronic gaming. What are the most controversial issues in electronic gaming today? Mass Media Posters:Social media has grown over the last few years, infiltrating many different categories of people. Choose an age group that you can identify with. Create two posters, using Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® slides, depicting the advantages and the disadvantages of social medi a on society. Take into consideration the effect that social media has on your age group. Share your two posters with your class as a reply to this thread. Read through your classmates’ posters and comment on the ideas expressed in the posters. Assignment Social Media AssignmentChoose one of the following options:Option 1: Toolwire ®: Examining the Use of Social Media Access the Toolwire ® Learnscape: Examining the Use of Social Media through the link located on the student website. Complete the Learnscape Activities. Complete the Toolwire ® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. Write 250 word response to each of the following questions: †¢What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? †¢How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social media? Option 2: Social Media Paper Write 700- to 1,050-word paper and address each of the following: Identify at least three different social media networks and describe ho w they are used. †¢Explain the advantages and disadvantages of social media. †¢Explain how knowing the advantages and disadvantages might alter how a person would use social media. Support your findings with specific examples. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. 100 Week Five: The Impact of Audio Entertainment: Music and Radio DetailsDuePoints Objectives5. 1. Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the audio entertainment media. 5. 2. Assess how music and radio have affected American values. 5. 3.Analyze the influence of music and radio on social behavior. ReadingRead Ch. 6 and 7 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"Recording Music Today† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Alternative Strategies for Music Marketing† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Radio: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Going Visual: Video, Radio, and the Web† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Five DQ#1 Over the last century, do you think music has changed from being about artistic expression to being more about money and business?Why or why not? Week Five DQ#2 Is it possible for a band or artist to make topical or political commentary in a song today while focusing on turning a profit? Week Five DQ#3 Can you think of a particular song or album that strongly affected your understanding of culture and society? If so, how did it do so? If not, why don’t you think you had that experience? Week Five DQ#4 Should National Public Radio (NPR), a source for news, commentary, and culture, continue to receive public funding? Why, or why not? Week Five DQ#5 Which of the two do you think had more influence on American culture: rock usic of the ’70s or talk radio of the ’90s? Why? Week Five DQ#6 What artists and bands have had the greatest effect on popular culture? Explain why. Do you t hink the changing genre of popular music influences the culture of different eras? If so, how? If not, why not? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMedia Effectiveness: Select a breaking news story and find out how many ways that story is being delivered to an audience: online, traditional media, radio, or television.Which is most effective, and why? Did Music Rock Your World? Reflect back on your childhood and how you absorbed information and entertainment. Did you listen to music on the radio or from another source? How did music influence you as a child? How did music affect your social behavior? Assignment Influence of Music Presentation Resources: Week Five Readings and Videos Create a 5- to 8-PowerPoint ® slides to answer and illustrate the following: †¢In what ways have music and radio shaped American culture and its values? †¢Identify and introd uce your favorite musician, band, or type of music. Explain how American culture and social behavior have been shaped by the music you listen to. †¢Conclude your presentation by summarizing how audio media either reflect or influence social behavior and attitudes. 100 Week Six: The Power of Images: Television and Film DetailsDuePoints Objectives6. 1. Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the visual entertainment media. 6. 2. Assess how television and film have affected American values. 6. 3. Analyze the influence of television and film on social behavior. ReadingRead Ch. 8, 9 and 15 of Exploring Media & Culture.Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"Blurring the Lines: Marketing Programs Across Platforms† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"What Makes Public Television ‘Public’? † on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Based On: Making Books Into Movies† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"More Than a Movie: Social Issues and Fi lm† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Six DQ#1 Choose a movie or show of a time you are familiar with that best reflected the popular culture of this country. What cultural aspects were present that made the movie or show appealing?Do you think those movies or television shows are still relevant and accurate? Why, or why not? Week Six DQ#2 Imagine a world without movies. What would it be like? Why? Week Six DQ#3 Some people consciously decide to not own a television set. Do you think they are wise, or are they missing out? Why do you think so? Week Six DQ#4 YouTube could be called television of the future. Do you think YouTube and television are more alike or different? Why? Week Six DQ#5 In 1939 Gone With the Wind was released with a swear word in it: â€Å"Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn. † Today it would hardly be noticed.What do you think this change says about American culture? Participatio nParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsEntertainment Think of an entertainment event that influenced you in some way. What effect did that event have on your life? What influence does that type of event have on American culture? Good or Bad? Television and film have been intricately woven into the fabric of American culture over the last 60 years. Think of a specific television program or film that you think affected American culture in a positive or negative way.Explain your opinion. Did it have a lasting effect or create a permanent change? Do you see this as a good or bad result? Assignment Influence of Visual Media Paper Resources: Week Six Readings and Videos Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you investigate the interrelationship between culture and the visual entertainment media, such as television and film. Include answers to the following questions: †¢In what w ays have various forms of visual entertainment media shaped American culture and its values? †¢Are the social influences of the visual entertainment media mostly positive or negative?Explain. Illustrate your answers with specific examples. Conclude your paper by summarizing how visual media either reflect or influence social behavior and attitudes. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. 75 Week Seven: The News Media: Journalism and Democracy DetailsDuePoints Objectives7. 1. Assess how information media affect American values. 7. 2. Explain the social responsibilities of the news media. 7. 3. Describe the role of the news media in politics. 7. 4. Evaluate the transformative effect of electronic media on journalism. ReadingRead Ch. and 14 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Newspapers and the Internet: Convergence† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Fake News/Real News: A Fine Line† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"News papers Now: Balancing Citizen Journalism and Investigative Reporting† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Journalism Ethics: What News Is Fit to Print? † on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Objectivity Myth† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Contemporary Journalist: Pundit or Reporter? † on Video Central. Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. Discussion QuestionsParticipationWeek Seven DQ#1 How comfortable are you with the credibility of the information you find on the Internet? For example, consider websites such as dailykos. com, drudgereport. com, huffingtonpost. com, mrc. org, and so on. What, if anything, makes you comfortable about the credibility of these sources? Why? Week Seven DQ#2 Many news media now attempt to increase popularity by incorporating entertainment value into their news items along with information value. Do you think this affects the ability of news media to uphold their social responsibilities? Week Seven DQ#3During the past election, did you ever find yourself following a political story or candidate on the Internet? Did you follow similar stories on candidates through television or in your local paper? What were the differences between Internet reporting and television/newspaper reporting? In your opinion, what are the general effects of the Internet on politics? Week Seven DQ#4 Do you think news reporting has changed significantly with the advent of the Internet and converging media? Why, or why not? Week Seven DQ#5 Do you think the media adequately holds politicians accountable for their actions?Why, or why not? Week Seven DQ#6 American newspapers are reputedly dying. Do you think electronic media have had a major or minor influence on their alleged demise? Explain. 15 Participate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. Supplemental QuestionsPrinciples of Journalism Walter Cronkite, a well-respected American journalist, defin ed the principles of journalism this way: fairness, balance, truth, and honesty. Do you think these principles exist in today’s news journalism? If so, how? If not, how does today’s practice diverge from them?Give specific examples. Political Balancing Act Think about a recent media event involving a political issue that interests you. What role did the news media play? In your opinion, did the news media act ethically? Did they present a balanced or unbalanced view of the event? In what ways? 10 Assignment News MediaChoose one of the following options: Option 1: Toolwire ® Learnscape Credibility and Impact Access the Toolwire ® Learnscape: Credibility and Impact: Exploring the Internet and Politics through the link located on the student website. Complete the Learnscape Activities.Complete the Toolwire ® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. Write 250-word response to the following question: †¢Do the information media have social responsibility? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not? Option 2: Journalist E-mail You are a rookie news journalist, and you just completed your first major assignment covering a political campaign, including extensive research of websites to provide the political background of your story. Your best friend emails you and asks how it went. Write a 350-to 700-word e-mail to your friend in which you detail the challenges you faced regarding the following: Your responsibility as a journalist to provide fair, honest, and balanced coverage. †¢How you struggled with whether your story was socially responsible. †¢Assessing the credibility of the political Internet sites you visited for your research (consider Drudge Report, Daily Kos, Politico, Colbert Nation, The Hill, etc. ). Your awareness of how political news reporting might influence public opinion and American values. †¢100 Week Eight: Advertising and the Culture of Consumerism DetailsDuePoints Objectives8. 1. Explain the role of advertising i n a culture of consumerism. 8. . Outline key persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising. 8. 3. Identify critical issues in advertising. ReadingRead Ch. 12 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Advertising and Effects on Children† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Advertising in the Digital Age† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Filling the News Hole: Video News Releases† on Video Central. Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. Discussion Questions ParticipationWeek Eight DQ#1 Can you think of an experience where advertising shaped your consumption? Explain.Week Eight DQ#2 Controversial topics in advertising include targeting children(sometimes even in schools); advertising alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs; creating a culture of excessive consumerism; promoting unrealistic ideals of beauty and gender roles; deceptive marketing; and aggressive political advertising. Which of these issues do you find most problematic? Why? Week Eight DQ#3 Are there particular advertisements that you find offensive? Which ones, and why? Week Eight DQ#4 Are there particular advertisements that you find annoying? Which ones, and why? Week Eight DQ#5The city of San Francisco in 2010 banned toys in McDonald’s children’s meals. McDonalds responded by offering the toys for a nominal additional cost to the meal. How important do you think the toys were to the sales of those meals? Why? 15 Participate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. Supplement QuestionsCommercial Comparison Find a commercial from the 1960s or 1970s from the Electronic Reserve Reading page or elsewhere, and then a recent one for the same brand or a comparable product. Write a 200-word paragraph comparing the two commercials.What elements have changed in the presentation of the product and in the strategies to sell it? Include links to both commerc ials. Consumer Advertising Techniques Paragraph Consumer advertising has infiltrated all aspects of life. Identify one online advertisement and the persuasive techniques it uses. Evaluate whether these techniques are effective or ineffective. Write a 200-word paragraph discussing the techniques. What elements have influenced the techniques? 10 Assignment Effects of Advertising PresentationResources: Week Eight Readings and Videos Choose a product or service from these examples: †¢Fast food Class of consumer product †¢Personal care †¢Automobile Research online to analyze how that product or service has been advertised. Prepare an 8-to 12-slide PowerPoint ® presentation in which you investigate the role of advertising in a culture of consumerism. Be sure to discuss the following areas: †¢What are the key persuasive techniques used in advertising for your selected product or service? Illustrate with specific examples, explaining how each technique works. †¢Di scuss whether any of the following critical issues that related or connected with you product or service: oChildren and advertising oAdvertising in schools Health and advertising oPolitical advertising †¢Find one example of a commercial or advertisement of your product or service that strikes you as particularly creative and appealing. Consider some of the following questions: oWhat are the elements that are unusual? oWhat is the target group of the commercial? oHow does the commercial appeal to consumers? oWhy do you believe this commercial to be effective in brand name recognition? oWho determines ethical standards for advertising? oHow are ethical standards met (or pushed to their limits)? †¢Summarize the ways in which advertising has affected American culture.Illustrate your findings with specific examples. If you use external references, make sure to list your references on the last slide. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. 100 Week Nine: Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age DetailsDuePoints Objectives9. 1. Assess the tension between free speech and constraints on free speech in media. 9. 2. Explain the legal and regulatory safeguards on free speech in the media. ReadingReview Ch. 7, 15 and 16 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Bloggers and Legal Rights† on Video Central.Watch â€Å"The First Amendment and Student Speech† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Nine DQ#1 Do you think online content should ever be censored? Explain. Week Nine DQ#2 Do you think the current movie rating system serves its intended purpose, or should it be changed? Why, or why not? Week Nine DQ#3 Between 1949 and 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was an FCC rule designed to provide â€Å"reasonable, although not necessarily equal† opportunities in presenting opposing viewpoints in radio broadcasting in order to avoid one-sided presentations.The practice was repealed under President Reagan as part of a wider deregulation effort. Do you think the Fairness Doctrine should be revived, revised, or left dead? Why? Week Nine DQ#4 Some organizations and political figures have declared that Internet access is a civil right. Do you agree or disagree with this thinking? Why? Week Nine DQ#5 What if an Internet search engine limited results to one political viewpoint or another? Would that be legal? Ethical? Explain. Week Nine DQ#6Occasionally search engines and social media sites have been accused of bias or slanted results when they appeared to curtail or advocate one political stance or another. This becomes a subject of debate because these tools are so universally accessed. However, what if a search engine excluded results that promoted hate speech, Internet piracy, or pornography? Is it appropriate to violate some individuals' rights of freedom of speech in any of those cases, or does freedom of speech trump all other concerns? Explain your thoughts. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplement QuestionsFree Speech Paragraph Identify an aspect of free speech. What are the legal safeguards in the Constitution protecting it? Do these regulations apply differently at the personal level than at the media level? Free Speech Activity Identify an aspect of free speech. Research the legal safeguards around it. Create a single Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® slide depicting those safeguards. Include speaker notes. Share your slide with the class as a reply to this thread. Assignment Free Speech PresentationResources: Week Nine Readings and VideosSelect and research a recent controversial issue in the media that stretched societal tolerance of free speech. Create a presentation, using Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® (6 to 10 slides) or another multimedia tool, in which you explain and discuss the following: †¢The issue itself and why it caused controversy †¢What was done to resolve the controversy? †¢If a legal case, what were the grounds for the verdict? †¢Do you agree with the outcome, or would you have liked to see a more stringent or more lenient resolution? Why? Illustrate your responses. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. 150