The House On MAngo Street Essay example -- essays research papers

Everyone has specific characteristics and qualities that make them the way they present themselves. Young, middle-aged, and old people are constantly forming the essentials that affect their self-awareness through their periodic activities. Forming ones identity is an ongoing process, because every person in the world can change people one way or another. In The House on Mango Street, the experiences young Esperanza faced day to day develop her true individuality. Young people are easily persuaded and if someone so desired, they could mold them into the person they want. Commonly, young children develop their identity from going the school, playing with other children, and from their home life. When children go to school, if they are teased for being ethnic, colored, unkempt or anything else, this could cause them to be introverted, or ashamed of how they present themselves. On the other hand, the constant teasing from schoolmates may begin to brew strong feelings of anger. If they are spurned by society, when they are just starting to form an identity, this will probably have a negative effect upon them and their surrounding communities. The identity, also, comes largely from the family, neighborhood and a small crowd of friends. A supportive and functional home life will be positive to a little childs identity. If children incur their parents fighting, the neighborhood they live in is a slum, they are around drugs and addictions, and then most...

US Foreign and Defence Policies Essay -- Politics International Relati

US Foreign and Defence PoliciesWithin America, there has long been a strain between those who describe themselves as realists or idealists - a tension that suggests a stark choice between the narrow pursuit of interests or an endless hunt to impose our values I reject this choice. President Barack Obama, Nobel Peace Prize Remarks, 10 December 2009Since the end of the Cold War, U.S. grand strategy has revolved about maintaining this countrys overwhelming military, eco zero(pre no.inal)ic, and political preponderance. However America is changing, President Barack Obama is shifting American foreign policy from its historical norms based on exceptionalism, isolation, and bipartisanship. President Obama has asserted that the join States will us its economic and military power as a stabilizing influence that America will multilaterally engage other world partners to earn security, economic, financial, and environmental problems and he will become a post partisan President bridging the party divide in foreign policy ideology. Thus, President Obama has reconceptualised US foreign policy resulting in a grand redefinition, an ideological shift, which will realign America role in the world. When we examine Obamas foreign policy from a perspective of exceptionalism, we see a departure from the US historical understanding of its role. The United States of American has a long believed that is a unique nation, a nation that was created and developed differently, a nation unlike any other in the world, a nation that is blessed by God, a nation that is exceptional. The US has firmly held to exceptional view that they are the dominant defenders of democracy, liberty, freedom, equality, and capitalism. Traditionally because of its mi... ...07) 71-83.DeConde, Alexander. Isolation and security ideas and interests in twentieth-century American foreign policy. Durham, NC Duke University Press, 1957.McCormick, John. American Exceptionalism The Implications for Europe. Journ al of Transatlantic Studies Vol 3, no. 2 (Autumn 2005) 200-205, 213-214.Obama, Barack. President Barack Obamas Inaugural Address. The Whitehouse. January 20, 2009. http//www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-barack-obamas-inaugural-address (accessed Novemeber 16, 2010).. Remarks by the President at the Acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. The Whitehouse. December 10, 2009. http//www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-acceptance-nobel-peace-prize (accessed November 16, 2010).Schwarz, Benjamin, and Christopher Layne. A New Grand Strategy. Atlantic Monthly 289, no. 1 (January 2002) 36-42.

Essays --

Animal Testing According to the Foundation for Biomedical Research, animal research has had a huge role in to the highest degree every study medical related discovery of the past century. (Jarrett) I believe scientific testing on animals should remain legal, both for human and veterinary health. From declivity transfusions to anitbiotics, from chemotherapy to vaccinations, and joint replacement to bypass surgery basically every current day emergency for prevention, treatment, control of disease, pain, and even cure is even based on knowledge achieved through research with lab animals. I believe it should remain legal because, the information we learn from the testing is very helpful, it has helped advancement in products that are used in our everyday lives. Animal research and testing has played a part in almost every medical breakthrough of the lowest century. It has saved hundreds of millions of lives worldwide... (Ryan) In a survey it has said that 99% of the physicia ns in the United States, agree that animal research has highly progressed medical research. In fact, almost 97% of those p...

One of Canadas Greatest Authors, Margaret Laurence :: Biography Biographies Essays

The Early long time The Beginnings of a WriterSunday, July 18th 1926, at 730pm at the Neepawa General Hospital, one of Canadas greatest authors, Margaret Laurence, was born to proud parents Robert and Verna Wemyss. Vernas father, bum Simpson, was a self- do man. innate(p) in 1853 in Middletown Ontario, tail attended school, training to be a cabinetmaker. In the 1870s John, with only his change in his pocket, made his way towards Portage la Prairie Manitoba, in an attempt to unite with a cousin who sold clothing there. While working in the clothing store, John met his proximo wife, Jane Bailey. Four forms afterward marrying Jane the Simpson family decided to move north, towards to the newly planted town of Neepawa. Margarets Laurences grandmother, Margaret Weymss, whom she was named after, came from a proud family. Margaret Weymss great-grandfather was the Minister of Agriculture, and at one point the Premier of Manitoba. Margaret Laurences grandfather, John Weymss, came from En gland to Neepawa in 1883. John Weymss, Neepawas primary lawyer, was a bright aristocratic man dying tragically, two weeks after the birth of his granddaughter Margaret. This was only the beginning of the many tragic deaths that Margarets family endured in her set-back xx years of life. At the young age of four, Margarets mother Verna Simpson died. The death of Margarets mother had a profound effect on the at once bright and bubbly girl. It was Verna who prime(prenominal) nicknamed her daughter Margaret, Peggy, a name by which Margaret was addressed as for almost 40 years. After Vernas death, her older sister, Margaret Simpson, quickly locomote in with Peggy and her father. A year after moving in, Margaret Simpson married Robert Weymss, becoming mother to Peggy. In 1935, another tragedy shook the Weymss household. Peggys father Robert died after staining pneumonia. Margarets last family death in her early years was in 1936 when Peggys grandmother Jane, contracted Polio. It was around this time that Peggy began to write, in an attempt to escape the horrible incubus she was living, by creating imaginary worlds. Margaret found that writing was the only way she could control external events, such as life and death.At the age of thirteen Margaret Laurences first story Pillars of a state was create in the newspaper TheWinnipeg Free pack. The fictional town name Manawaka first appeared in this story. Her second work published in the Winnipeg Free Press was The Case of the Blond Butcher only a few months after the first.One of Canadas Greatest Authors, Margaret Laurence Biography Biographies EssaysThe Early Years The Beginnings of a WriterSunday, July 18th 1926, at 730pm at the Neepawa General Hospital, one of Canadas greatest authors, Margaret Laurence, was born to proud parents Robert and Verna Wemyss. Vernas father, John Simpson, was a self-made man. Born in 1853 in Middletown Ontario, John attended school, training to be a cabinetmaker. In the 1870s J ohn, with only his change in his pocket, made his way towards Portage la Prairie Manitoba, in an attempt to unite with a cousin who sold clothing there. While working in the clothing store, John met his future wife, Jane Bailey. Four years after marrying Jane the Simpson family decided to move north, towards to the newly founded town of Neepawa. Margarets Laurences grandmother, Margaret Weymss, whom she was named after, came from a proud family. Margaret Weymss great-grandfather was the Minister of Agriculture, and at one point the Premier of Manitoba. Margaret Laurences grandfather, John Weymss, came from England to Neepawa in 1883. John Weymss, Neepawas first lawyer, was a bright aristocratic man dying tragically, two weeks after the birth of his granddaughter Margaret. This was only the beginning of the many tragic deaths that Margarets family endured in her first twenty years of life. At the young age of four, Margarets mother Verna Simpson died. The death of Margarets mother ha d a profound effect on the once bright and bubbly girl. It was Verna who first nicknamed her daughter Margaret, Peggy, a name by which Margaret was addressed as for almost 40 years. After Vernas death, her older sister, Margaret Simpson, quickly moved in with Peggy and her father. A year after moving in, Margaret Simpson married Robert Weymss, becoming mother to Peggy. In 1935, another tragedy shook the Weymss household. Peggys father Robert died after catching pneumonia. Margarets last family death in her early years was in 1936 when Peggys grandmother Jane, contracted Polio. It was around this time that Peggy began to write, in an attempt to escape the horrible nightmare she was living, by creating imaginary worlds. Margaret found that writing was the only way she could control external events, such as life and death.At the age of thirteen Margaret Laurences first story Pillars of a Nation was published in the newspaper TheWinnipeg Free Press. The fictional town name Manawaka firs t appeared in this story. Her second work published in the Winnipeg Free Press was The Case of the Blond Butcher only a few months after the first.

Stress and Anger Essay -- Stress Anger Psychology Essays

Stress and AngerStress and Anger generate endlessly been related with each other. There have been countless studies, even more theories, about stress and anger and how they relate. But, no matter how many studies are conducted, on that point will always be the questions about whether or not stress and anger are related. But, I am here to provide the facts on two stress and anger, and then allow you, as the reader, to suss out the relationship, be understanding all-in-all, I feel that stress and anger can and cant be related, depending on the circumstance. If psychologists completely silent how stress and fears developed, we would know how to produce and reduce a phobia or an anxiety state. We dont. There seems to be a wide variety of life experiences which resultant role in some form of stress, fear, anxiety, or psychosomatic illness. It would be convenient if life were simpler but it isnt. Perhaps a summary will help you refresh the ways you might become stressed and anxious Changes, such as sudden trauma, several big crises, or many small daily hassles, cause stress. Intense stress years earlier, especially in childhood, can predispose us to over-react to current stress. Events, such as barriers and conflicts that prevent the changes and goals we want, create stress. Having little view as over our lives, e.g. being on the assembly line instead of the boss, contrary to popular belief, often increases stress and illness. Many environmental factors, including excessive or unacceptable demands, noise, boring or lonely work, stupid rules, unpleasant people, etc., cause stress. Conflicts in our interpersonal relationships cause stress directly and can eventually cause anxieties and horny disorders. The human body has different ways of responding to stress one quick responding nerve-hormonal system involving adrenaline, another long-lasting system involving cortisol, and perhaps others. These systems not only determine the intensity of our anxiety reactio ns but also our attitudes, energy level, depression, and physical health after the stressful events are over. As individuals, our nervous systems differ however, according to Richard Dienstbier at the University of Nebraska, we may be able to modify our unique physiological reactions by learning coping skills. The genetic, constitutional, and intrauterine factors influence stress. Some of us may have been born nerv... ...nd anti-social behavior. It is also known that a viral infection, called rabies, causes violent behavior. About 90% of women report being irritable before menstruation. Furthermore, 50% of all crimes by women in prison occurred during their menstrual period or premenstrual period. By chance only 29% of crimes would have occurred during those eight days. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) increases during the premenstrual period and it causes irritability. In all of these possibilities--instinct, heredity, hormones, or brain dysfunction--the aggression occurs without ap parent provocation from the environment (although there is almost always a target). concord to some of these theories, the need or urge to be aggressive is boiling within each of us and seeks opportunities to express itself. There is also clear rise that alcohol consumption and hotter temperatures release aggression, but no one thinks there is something in alcohol or heat that generates meanness. The socialization process, i.e. becoming a uprise person, involves taming these destructive, savage, self-serving urges that probably helped us humans survive one million years ago but threatens our survival today.

Stress and Anger Essay -- Stress Anger Psychology Essays

Stress and AngerStress and Anger have always been related with each other. There have been countless studies, even more(prenominal) theories, about attempt and anger and how they relate. But, no matter how many studies are conducted, in that location will always be the questions about whether or not stress and anger are related. But, I am here to provide the facts on both stress and anger, and then allow you, as the reader, to determine the relationship, because all-in-all, I timbre that stress and anger can and cant be related, depending on the circumstance. If psychologists completely understood how stress and fears developed, we would know how to produce and reduce a phobia or an anxiety state. We dont. There seems to be a wide variety of life experiences which result in some form of stress, fear, anxiety, or psychosomatic illness. It would be accessible if life were simpler but it isnt. Perhaps a summary will help you review the ways you might become stressed and anxious Cha nges, such as sudden trauma, several big crises, or many small daily hassles, cause stress. Intense stress years earlier, especially in childhood, can incline us to over-react to current stress. Events, such as barriers and conflicts that prevent the changes and goals we want, create stress. Having little control over our lives, e.g. being on the assembly line instead of the boss, obstinate to popular belief, often increases stress and illness. Many environmental factors, including excessive or impossible demands, noise, boring or lonely work, stupid rules, unpleasant people, etc., cause stress. Conflicts in our interpersonal relationships cause stress directly and can eventually cause anxieties and emotional disorders. The human body has different ways of responding to stress one speedily responding nerve-hormonal system involving adrenaline, another long-lasting system involving cortisol, and perhaps others. These systems not only determine the intensity of our anxiety reaction s but also our attitudes, energy level, depression, and physical wellness after the stressful events are over. As individuals, our nervous systems differ however, according to Richard Dienstbier at the University of Nebraska, we may be able to modify our unique physiological reactions by learning coping skills. The genetic, constitutional, and intrauterine factors influence stress. Some of us may have been born nerv... ...nd anti-social behavior. It is also known that a viral infection, called rabies, causes violent behavior. astir(predicate) 90% of women report being irritable before menstruation. Furthermore, 50% of all crimes by women in prison occurred during their menstrual period or premenstrual period. By chance only 29% of crimes would have occurred during those eight days. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) increases during the premenstrual period and it causes irritability. In all of these possibilities--instinct, heredity, hormones, or brain dysfunction--the aggression occu rs without unmingled provocation from the environment (although there is almost always a target). According to some of these theories, the need or urge to be aggressive is turn within each of us and seeks opportunities to express itself. There is also clear evidence that alcohol consumption and hotter temperatures release aggression, but no one thinks there is something in alcohol or heat that generates meanness. The socialization process, i.e. becoming a mature person, involves taming these destructive, savage, self-serving urges that probably helped us humans survive one gazillion years ago but threatens our survival today.

West Side Story

In the context of 1960s, chain camps and junto wars be prevalent mingled with Latin and unobjectionable American youthfuls. For the reason that the etiolated American adolescents despise and discriminate against the Latin Americans (particularly the Puerto Rican race), the unobjectionables resort to bully the minorities and they even ostracize the Latin Americans by depriving them of their rights to use recreation places like the streets basketball game court, food theaters, and the like upon believing that the White Americans atomic number 18 the roughly superior and the better race than the Latin Americans and in so doing, the White Americans perceive and con fontr that should not mingle with those inferior and minority race (such that of the Latin Americans as an example) who were different from them (Brian 2005).Moreover, in this pictorial matter directed in 1961 by Jerome Robbins & Robert Wise authorise westbound stance Story, the encroach between the two oppos ing races micturately the White and the Latin Americans was except described through presentation of some usual scenarios that the Latin Americans un unspoiled encounter and experience with the White Americans. Body The west lieu Story is a movie adapted from Broadways musicale. It was an adaptation of the infamous Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet (UAPI 2009).Starred by Natalie Wood as maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, and George Chakiris as Bernardo, the rest of supporting features of the cinema includes Russ Tamblyn as ripple, Rita Moreno as Anita, Simon Oakland as Lieutenant Schrank, Ned rubbish as whom they call Doc, William Bramley (as the notorious police of the street) named, military officer Krupke, Tucker Smith as Ice, Tony Mordente as Action, Eliot Feld as the Baby John, and lastly, David Winters, as the one who portrayed the character of A-Rab (Shulman 1961). The Plot of the western hemisphere cheek Story The Movie West Side Story was depicted in the life of the citizens of the White and Latin Americans living in the 1950s in Manhattan streets of the unify States.A division was clearly unmixed as it was created and recognized by the adolescents of the east coast and west coast of Manhattan. The range begins in the mentioned streets of Manhattan as a self-gratifying and self-centered musical call was call by the Jets (the name for the White Americans gang and clique). Throughout the song sung by the Jets, the Puerto Ricans/Latin American adolescent gang led by Bernardo were discriminated and ostracized. First instance was when a fruit held by one of the Sharks (the name of the Latin adolescent Americans)it was abruptly grabbed by an separate fellow member of the Jets without consent and respect to the quiet Latino. Moreover, the Latin Americans/ Puerto Ricans were mostly driven away and out of establishments and public leisure places.It was evident in the entire picture show that the height of secernment and bias occurred in th e late 1950s to early 1960s and it was shown how the Latinos were mostly bullied by the White Americans (Dirks 1961). The compass of the West Side Story is at the basketball court of Manhattan. Even if the scenario in the court, it was obvious that the Latin Americans were discriminated as they were not favored to play in the kindred court with the White Americans. It was evident however, that there was a rival even in basketball for the two different races. Furthermore, a representative member of the Jets (White American adolescents) vandalized a wall and wrote Sharks stink Upon catching this adolescent in the act, the Sharks saw what the White American adolescent did and so they chased later on him and the sedition between the White and the Latin Americans began (Howe 2003). The Sharks (East berth) and the Jets (West expression) A hot-tempered and authoritative cop was assigned in monitoring the activities of the two distinct groups, The Sharks and Jets. The cops name was Of ficer Krupke, play by the actor William Bramley. Officer Krupkes major task and obligation is to control and to minimize the rate of crime and consequently concord pause and order in the streets of Manhattan. Meanwhile, the Jets (West view) were preoccupied in praising themselves with all pride and self-centered egoism. According to the Jets, they walk tall as they con postr themselves the kings of the streets in Manhattan.The Jets perceive that the east boldness, Sharks (the Latin Americans) were a threat to their dream of being the king of the streets, in so doing, the Jets consisting of the White Americans salutary would not s pass away throwing scoff at the Latinos and drive them away wherever the Jets hang out. Further, the Sharks or the Latin Americans led by Bernardo just kept themselves mum at a fourth dimension just to keep their group away from trouble. However their threshold of patience was reached at a certain point of them when Bernardo was mocked by the cop, O fficer Krupke himselfshowing that he was in favor of the White Americans. In this case, Bernardo patch upd he would stand up for his group and race and they decided to contradict in defense of those Jets and other White Americans who interfere with their freedom and right of quietness (RC 2008).Upon Bernardos (leader of the Sharks in west grimace) and his groups implicit decision to fight for their right of freedom, respect, and peace in Manhattan, they resort to fight with the Jets in a dance showdown. From that dance, the difference of the two cultures was shown in terms of their specialties in music genre the Latinos were expert dancers of boogie, salsa, twist, and cha-cha, whereas for the sporty Americans, they are good dancers but not as good and as creative dancers as the Latin Americans. During the dance showdown, two look met as if they were magnetised to notice each other inspite of the numerous Sharks and Jets saltation on the floor.The two love birds were mare (p layed by the famous Natalie Wood) and Tony (as portrayed by Richard Beymer). mare (a Puerto Rican/ Latin American woman) fell in love at graduation exercise sight with Tony ( a member of the Jets, a white American) during the first dance showdown between the White Americans and the Latin American adolescents. Further, the dance showdown halted as soon as Bernardo ( female horses brother) noticed the undesirable scene. Bernardo obviously did not want his sis to fall in love with a White American especially with belonging in their opponent Jets (Shulman 1961). In the next scene of the film, the West nerve Jets claim they have departed the social norm that is why they are anti-social and juvenile delinquents.According to the songs they sing, they rent help and they could not be blamed for their bearing since each one of them have their issues and problems in their families. Most of them were misunderstood and belonging in broken family adapt-up. At the end of their song, they ad dress officer Krupke (RC 2008). The climax of this lift is when the conflict between the Jets and the Sharks became intense up to the point that both parties decided to pick a fight and end their rival in duel. ON the other hand, female horse (Bernardos sister and Tonys girlfriend) secretly meet with Tony even she knows that it is dangerous for the both of them. Since Tony was ghastlyly in love with mare, he took the risk and courted Maria. However, Maria requested and pleaded her Tony to analyse to occluded front the war between the two groups.Tony, hesitant at first for the difficult request of Maria, agreed to do his best and try to unwrap the fight as soon as possible (Shulman 1961). The West Side Story A grand slam receiver of Academy pillages Having been released by the United Artists in 1961, the West side composition gained praise and at the same time critiques from the viewers and it also achieved the title of the 2nd highest grossing movie in 1961. The West side fable received a total of ten Academy awards and it achieved several nominations and intuitions in the United States. This award winning movie, West Side Story achieved success in depicting the current existing culture of the Americans (both for the White and Latin Americans) during the 1960s.The West side story achieved several honors and Academy awards to wit for the future(a) categories for ruff Picture, viewing Robert Wise is the producer surmount for Supporting Actor played by George Chakiris as Bernardo Best Supporting Actress for Rita Moreno who portrayed the role of Anita some other Academy award for the films Best Art Direction category considering the aspects of the right choice of set color and design, claimed by Victor Gangelin and Boris Leven Best in Cinematography category good choice and quality for the films color which induces the movies theme, claimed by Daniel Fapp another award of Best in Costume Design for Irene Sharaff Best in Directing for Robert Wise a nd Jerome Robbins Best Academy award in admit Editing for Thomas Stanford Award for the films Original Music Score and of the Musical Picture credited to Johnny Green, Saul Chaplin, Sid Ramin, and Irwin Kostal and last but not the least, the West side story also gained the Academy award Academy for Best Sound as credit to Fred Hynes (Todd-AO SSD) and Gordon Sawyer (Samuel Goldwyn SSD) (Howe 2003). In addition, the West side story achieved further learnings, awards, and nominations were the result of the cooperation of the cast and those working staff behind the scenes.In 1997, the film was promoted by the United States Library of Congress (USLC) as it has been considered as a film that is being culturally significant and it was chosen to be preserved in the collection of the National Film Registry. Similarly, the West side story achieved further awards and recognition as Best in Writing and Screenplay based on material from another medium, as credited to Mr. Ernest Lehman another received award by this film is the Academy Award for Brilliant Achievements in the Art of Choreography on Film credit to and for Jerome Robbins (one of the directors of the West side story). Furthermore, the west side story achieved 1998 American Film Institution Recognition (AFI) as rating number 41 out of 100 movies in the United States.In 2002, it also gained American Film Institution Recognition (AFI) as rated number three in the Passions of the United States for 100 years. The songs used in the West side story also top rated the charts especially for the songs Somewhere (rated number 20 for 100 years), also for the song America (rated number 35 for 100 years), and also including the song, To darkness (rated number 59 for 100 years) consecutively as recorded in 2004 charts. In 2006, it achieved recognition of100 Years of Musicals rating number 2 from AFI and apparently, the West side story achieved the recognition of 100 Years for 100 Movies in its tenth (10th) Anniversary Edi tion rating number 51 from AFI, as put into account in year 2007 (Howe 2003).The Soundtrack used in the West Side Story In order for a great multi-million dollar winning movie to start possible, the choice of songs as background music for the movies soundtrack plays a very important factor in determining the success of the movie. Originally, the West side story was a musical created by Johnny Richards. In 1961, West side story was adapted and recorded by the Stan Kenton Orchestra as musical collection jazz orchestra utilise Bernstein scores. However the Stan Kenton Orchestras adaptation was viewed and evaluated by the film directors of the West side story, it was the different displacement of musicale from the musicale included in the ongoing film.In fact, upon planing the Stans orchestra jazz version, the directors claim that they should have used Stans version as soundtrack of the film but it was too late and a new and different version was created by the song directors to be used in the West side story. Although The Stan Kentons version was not used as the basis of musicale background of the film, it gained a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Recording of a large group in 1962 (Shulman 196). This is not saying that West side story was free from flaws and considered therefore as perfect, but it was generally agreed by majority that the film was a good and timely musicale reflecting the current cultural norms and values of the Americans in 1960s. In manner of clo thing, perception of power, basis for conflict, the prevalent prejudice and discrimination, and the diverse nature of language, music, and dance steps.The difference between the White and Latin Americans was explicitly described and presented in the portrayal of the main and supporting characters of the movie (RC 2008). Characteristics of the Characters in West side story Described as pertly Yorks classic of the 1960s, West side story was astoundingly studded with magnificent and good starts who sang the songs like Tonight, Maria, I Feel Pretty, America, Officer Krupke, A Place for Us, and I Have Love (citation). Although Maria was criticized for delivering some lines the songs with uncertain accent, the musicale was a success for its overall success in portraying the life and culture of the adolescent, White and Latin Americans in 1960s.The characters of the West side story played a major role in making the film on of the best musicale created in the United States. First and foremost, Rita Moreno (girlfriend of Bernardo) and the one who played the role of Anita, delivered a great portrayal of her character in the movie. Anita, as a Latin American, was a graceful and flexible dancer, and at the same time, was good singer as she sang some songs in the film. Similarly, Russ Tamblyn, who played the role of Rif, was the persuasive leader of the Westside Jets and portrayed his character fairly as well. Having been contend the role of Maria, Natalie Wood portrayed her character as an innocent-looking, young, and a graceful dancer and singer, Maria.The character Maria fell in love with Tony, the member of the Jets gang in the west side. On the other hand, George Chakiris playing the role of Bernardo, as the brother of Maria and leader of the Sharks in the East side, portrayed the role of a discriminated leader of a minority group of the Latino adolescents in Manhattan. Bernardo could be quiet and soft spoken at times but he has the endeavor for aggression to assert himself and represent his group in defending their race against discrimination and prejudice of the white Americans. Most and the rest of the characters exerted their best performance level in portraying their roles for the West side story (UAPI 2009). The Significance and Recommendation of the West side storyThought the West side story was just presented in such a simple way, it successfully addressed the important issues and problems in the society existing long, long time ago at the flack of 1960 s and still exists nowadays. The social issues of family set up of the adolescents (particularly as sung by the Jets), the lack of attention parents and school personnel who should aid the personality ontogenesis of the disturbed adolescents, the racial issues, conflict, discrimination and prejudice existing among culturally-diverse communities, increased the awareness of the viewers (who may be a parent, a policymaker, or district focus counselor) and so, they could devise ways and create programs for the benefit of the currently growing adolescents.Even if the culture describe in the film was during the 1960s it is obvious that discrimination and prejudice is still occurring in some communities in the United States in so doing, this film may serve as a guide for the adolescents and the adults to address and give up solutions to current problems in the society and its membersespecially for the benefit of the adolescents who are in pressing need of guidance, understanding, attenti on, and advice from the adults. In such case, the West side story is must- agnizen (UAPI 2009). Indeed, the West side story is a re- read or a remake and a musical version of the popular novel/movie Romeo and Juliet (citation).It is a musical play with soul-inspiring and enervating song lines sung by the stars of the film. Just like the tragic Shakespearean play Romeo and Juliet, the West side story ended with a tragic accident of devouring the major characters in the movie namely Bernardo and Tony. Maria was left alone by her two loved ones due to the hatred strengthened between the Jets and the Sharks of Upper West side Manhattan, New York City (RC 2008). Compared between the rival between Montague and Capulet families of Romeo and Juliet, the gangs Jets and Sharks hate could not stand each other as well. And so the gang wars between the two different races began (war existed between the Latin and White Americans in Manhattan, New York).Thus, the creation of the West side story was just in time to support the cinema/ silver entomb in competition with the shows on television popularized during the 1960s (UAPI 2009). The Staff behind the Scenes of the West side story The film version of the West side story was based from the book of Arthur Laurents having the same title. Further, the musicale collection based from the collection of musical scores of Leonard Bernstein. The lyrics of the songs sung by the stars in the West side story were composed by Stephen Sondheim. Moreover, the choreography and the musical concept were contributed of Jerome Robbins. Further, the screenplay was written by Ernest Lehman. Producers of this film were Walter Mirisch, Robert Wise, and Saul Chaplin respectively.The motion-picture photography on the other hand, was powered by the creative mind of Daniel Fapp. Color for the film was also powered by Technicolor and thus, the film itself was taken in Panavision 700. This movie was astoundingly directed two of the greatest director s of the era namely, Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise (UAPI 2009). The Relationship of the West side story to Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet The West side story was indeed a vibrant film which is full of life among the characters. Further the Broadway musicale style of the 1961 film written by Laurents and directed by Robbins was a hit top-notching the charts of the best movies in 1960s in the silver screen.Replicating the tragic, Shakespearean novel, Romeo and Juliet, the West side story has the same characteristics of the play Romeo and Juliet since the lovers in the story, Tony and Maria attempted to risk the danger of having a relationship despite of their difference in their races. Maria was Puerto Rican and Tony was a White American making them members of the two opposite races (UAPI 2009). The two opposing and distinct races and ethnicities, White and Latin Americans were the focus of this movie. In order to present the differences in culture of the White and Latin Americans, th e movie was able to show the attitude of White, European adolescents towards the Latin, Puerto Ricans. Further, the story was presented by producing the story using a ground-breaking, exhilarating musicale with an astounding well-performed choreography by the various outstanding artists.The West side story poses the emerging conflict present among the inhabitants of the Upper West Side Manhattan in New York City during the 1960s. The movie poses the problems of the adolescents in engaging in criminal chain and gang wars which obstructs the peace and order in the connection of Upper West side New York. Moreover, in order to present such existing culture and social problems of the United States in 1960, the entire movie was taken and shot in the streets of Upper West side New York City and in Manhattan. However, some of the parts and scenes in the movie were shot and recorded on the improvised sets and studios prepared by the floor directors (UAPI 2009).In comparison of the West side story in Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet, The Montague family came to be the counterparts of the White American Jets in the West side story. Similarly, the Capulet family was the counterpart of the Puerto Rican/ Latin American Sharks. Relatively, Bernardos sneakion of Riff in a gang fight (Tonys elder brother), simulates the standardised scenario of the tragic accident of Mercutio (Romeos friend in Romeo and Juliet) being cancel outed by Tybalt, who appears to be Juliets cousin. As a result, Romeo resorted to kill Tybalt as well as a revenge for the death of his friend Mercutio. Apparently, the same related scenario of revenge in a fight simulates the scene where Tony abducted Bernardo after stabbing Tonys elder brother, Riff.Furthermore several characters in the west side story have their counterpart or equivalent characters that portrayed similar roles in Romeo and Juliet and these are the following Anita in the West side story portraying the Nurse (Juliets confidante in Romeo a nd Juliet) and Doc in the West side story portraying the role of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet novel. But it is to put into account that the tragic suicide of Romeo and Juliet at the end of the story was not the same with the ending of the West side story since Maria, after the death of her beloved Tony, did not kill herself but she just furiously pointed the blame to the pointless, mad proneness of the Shark and Jets gang (citation). Critiques argue for the West side story that the movie was a similar recreation of other classic hit musicales like the itinerant and the Dolls. However it was interpreted that way by critiques and viewers,The West side story is considered as one of the Americas masterpiece output signal in the world(prenominal) silver screen. The West side story was a hit for it was a divergence from the current popular culture of movies in the 1960s. The unique musicale of the West side story discussed social problems in the United States gang wars, racial d iscrimination, juvenile delinquencies and family problems through the songs sung by the adolescents, Jets in the entire movie (Zoglin 2009). Salient points to consider and some important scenarios in the West side story Focusing on Maria and Tonys love affair, they seem to risk what danger could hand the moment the other members of the Sharks and Jets the get to know the proscribe relationship of Maria and Tony.When the lovers hear the arrival of Anita (Bernardos girlfriend) Tony pronto escaped his way out of the hearthstone and he said Maria that they should meet at the drug store owned by Doc to elope and get married. However, Anita accidentally caught the presence of Tony quickly escaping the house. Anita was ball over and reacted negatively at first but she listened when Maria explained how she loved Tony so much. Inspite of Anitas grievance over Bernardos death she resorts to help Maria arrange their plan of eloping and getting married. Moreover, Anita gave Maria a hint th at Chino of the Sharks is after Tony to kill him with a pistol (Zoglin 2009). As the officer, Lt. Schrank arrived at Marias house he questioned Maria for the riot/gang wars that recently occurred between the Sharks and the Jets. Maria was careful enough for covering up Tony in order to protect him from the further questioning and investigation of the officer. Maria lured the Lt. Schrank by sending Anita as an errand to Docs drugstore to buy a medicine to relieve the pain she is looking in her head. Such action of Anita was for the purpose of delivering a depicted object to Tony at the drugstore that Maria could not come and meet her for Maria was held as a detainee a under investigation of Lt. Schrank. However, upon entering the drugstore, Anita did not expect that she was going to be mocked by the White American, Jets.Not only this, the Jets tried to chivvy her as an insult to her being a Puerto Rican. Maria was disrespected by the rest of the Jets not giving her a chance to de liver Marias message for Tony. In so doing, the circumstance really made Anita really furious. Consequentially, Anita distorted the real message that she has to deliver (that Maria was detained due to Lt. Schranks queries) and she imparted that her message was to tell Tony that Maria was shot dead by Chino with a gun. The chaos was stopped by Doc as he yelled to them inside the drugstore and also, for the Jets to stop harassing and making fun of the Puerto Rican lady, Anita. The jets stopped and listen to the old man (Doc).However, Doc went down to the basement and checked out the hiding Tony. Further, he relayed Anitas untrue, insalubrious news to Tony that Maria was shot dead by Chino. So, Tony abruptly ran his way up and out of the drugstores basement and then he searched for Chino with bleakness and hopelessness and how hed wish that Chino would kill him as well (Zoglin 2009). While searching for Chino, Tony saw Maria on the road. The lovers were so happy to see each other aga in especially Tony when he thought that his beloved Maria was already dead. Suddenly, Chino appeared in the scene and shoot Tony. Maria was so startled as her lover fell on his knees and landed on Marias arms.Maria, trying to comfort her dying lover sang a song for him so that he will not be afraid. The lovers affirmed that if their love was not possible here, they should continue their love somewhere place as they should see each other again in their next life and in the other world. The White Jets and the Puerto Ricans Sharks ran towards the death scene together with the cops (including Officer Krupke in the scene). Maria was infuriated with the mere presence of officer Krupke and she yelled at him not to even dare to come closer the dead body of his beloved Tony. Maria took the gun from the suspect Chino and there she pointed the gun ate everyone the Sharks and the Jets.She blamed that the death of Riff, Bernardo, and Tony was the fault of the both gangs and the result to all the ir selfish hatred. So for the reason that Officer Krupke was hindered by Maria to get even closer to Tony, some of the members of the Jets and Sharks took the initiative in carrying Tonys corpse. After the tragic killings of the leaders of the Jets and Sharks in the streets of Manhattan, New York, the gang war between the two gangs was considered over (Zoglin 2009). Realism was shown and achieved in the West side story since the songs used in the entire movie were a form of English and Spanish songs. In order to reflect the underlying multicultural theme of the story, the songs were carefully selected and very well performed by the actors/singers.Together jam-packed with a set of dance steps, pirouette, leaps in its choreography, the overall mood of the movie was an exciting one (citation). The West side story was indeed a must-seen movie since it is very full-blooded and culturally significant. In order for battalion to understand the nature of conflict in different groups, and the reason for discrimination and prejudice, the West side story successfully presented the conflicts occurring among the adolescents resulting to their behavior problems and maladjustment in the society. In the form of musicale of songs and dances, the message of the film was carried out through the innovative and creative performances of the carefully-selected artists of the film (Zoglin 2009).Modified by Ernest Lehman, the rewrite version of the West side story had remained a striking and filled with energetic and enthusiastic songs reflected from its lyrics. Furthermore, the book version of the West side story play was containing songs which are mostly composed by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. The talented directors of the West side story are Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins. Considering Robert Wises expertise I the field of directing, the quislingism with the professional dance choreographer, Jerome Robbins was a very intelligent decision and resulted to make the movie a real big hit in the silver screen (Zoglin 2009).Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins respectively gained recognition for the West side story. However, Jerome Robbins was pulled out of the West side story project since he was frequently the reason for procrastination of the shoots, budget-exceeding production rates, and also, Robbins frequent disagreement with Wise was a reason for the rest of the staff to remove him from the direction of the West side story. Robbins ideals for the completion of the West side story were becoming overwhelmingly expensive just for his wish to make the movie close to perfection. Four of the dynamic dance steps which Robbins choreographed in the West side story were the following Somethings coming, Prologue, Cool, and America. The West side story is also focused on the love story of two different people having different races. However love was the foundation, Tony and Maria were separated due to hatred and violence. Tony was Marias first love. She loved the man inspite of the fact that they were belonging in different race and that her brother and their group of minority Puerto Rican gang (Sharks) not in good terms with the White American gang (Jets). When Maria first set her eyes with Tony, she fall (right then and there) madly in love with Tony and vice versa these first encounter of Maria and Tony happened during the dance showdown between the prank and the Sharks.Tonys on the other hand, who was previously preoccupied with the activities with his gang in the West side has diverted his attention to Maria when he fell in love with her. However, considering the obvious fact that Marias brother, Bernardo was a leader of the Sharks and his prospect lover Tony was member of the opponent Jets, Maria still persists to pursue her forbidden and controversial love affair with Tony. Maria knows that Bernardo would never approve of her love affair with Tony for Bernardo knows how cruel, prejudicial, and discriminating the White American race w as. Meanwhile, Jets Sharks just would not stop claiming right over the west side streets of New York for their gangs territory.At first, the Sharks could be observed that they do not have any objective of keeping the streets to their own, but the Jets just would not stop bullying and discriminating, and driving them away wherever they see them. The Sharks think, especially Bernardo (as their leader) that this was too much and they believe they deserve a right to whatever the White Americans enjoy doing and hanging around. So what the Sharks did is to engage in a fight with the Jets most of the time to defend themselves from the partial dominance of the Jets. Consequentially, the rival lead to a fight between the Jets and the Sharks and this caused the death of Riff, Bernardo, and Tony as well (Zoglin 2009). Maria requested Tony if he could no something to stop the mad fight between the two gangs.At first, Tony hesitated to give in to Maris request but because he loves her so much and he would love to tie her, he agreed with Maria and he said he would do everything he can to stop the war between the two gangs. The sad thing is, Tony did not expect that his brother Riff was going to be killed in the gang war. So, to avenge the sudden death of his brother in Bernardos hands, Tony resorts to abduct Bernardo as well due to the sudden rage of his emotions (Zoglin 2009). The 1960s showed a great importance to the subculture created by adolescent Americans. Although the Americans are a culture in itself, it has different influence of subcultures branching out and one example of this subculture is the Puerto Ricans.The multicultural society of the gangs among the adolescent White Americans and Puerto Ricans in the New York, West side community was emerged during the 1960s where gang wars chain gangs had become eminent and widely spread in the local news (Zoglin 2009). The West side story was indeed an enticing film by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. Similar to the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet, the west side story successfully addressed the social problem of juvenile delinquency and discrimination in the multicultural society of the United States during the 1950s to 1960s. Relatively, the love story of Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) is similar to the love story of Romeo and Juliet that the lovers crossed boundaries despite their difference in ethnicity, race, and culture. This shows that the heart does not choose the one to love.For Tony, It does not matter if Maria is a Puerto Rican, discriminated and a member of their enemy, Sharks. Same for Maria she does not care if Tony is a white American, a mocker, discriminating, and a member of the Jets gang which is the opponent of Marias brother, Bernardo. The west side story was able to accomplish a creative, upbeat, and animated choreography of dance steps and overwhelming lyrics of the songs sang by the characters in the West side story (Zoglin 2009). This invigorating and el ating film is dazzling with the combination of songs and dance steps interpreting the lifestyle and culture of adolescent Americans in the United States during the 1960s.It was plausible to the extent that the prevalent gang wars among the diverging culture of the Puerto Ricans against the White Americans was portrayed in such a way that it seems less violent and therefore, there was no violent bloodshed in the movie. However, there was no need for blood-shedding, serious fight in the entire film in order to present how serious the outcome would be for engaging in gang wars of the New York streets (Zoglin 2009). Officer Shrank warned both the Jets and the Sharks to avoid fighting on his streets or else, Officer Shrank threatened the boys that he would beat the boys up. After the encounter with Officer Schrank and Officer Krupke, Riff led his group to sing a song which is praise for the Jets.The Jets despise the Sharks for they were a threat to the streets in which the Jets wants to own. He persuaded the rest of his Jets members to perceive that their gang is the most strenuous, invincible, and superior team and that they deserve the right to everything especially in the streets of the Upper West side New York. Riff was very anxious to control the public exposure volume of the Sharks since it was a tendency that the Sharks might hulk the streets of New York, should the latter multiply its members. In so doing, Riff persuaded his gang mates that they should fight against the Sharks/Puerto Ricans and kill them if they have to so as to control their proliferation in the streets.The one who should win the fight would be declared as the winner and therefore, would have the right to dominate in the Manhattan streets of New York. Moreover, Riff resorts to fighting their rival gang, Sharks with deadly weapon like a dagger for instance (Zoglin 2009). Overall, the story shows that there is both a similarity and difference in the culture of the Puerto Ricans and the Whi te Americans. Though they are different in race, color, and ethnicity, both races was shown to have the same interests like in dancing, singing, basketball, and favourite(a) hang-outs. Because of such similarity and interests, the White American Jets, led by Riff was pissed off upon always seeing the Puerto American Sharks wherever they go and overleap their time.Further, it was explicitly shown that the Jets are more confident than the Puerto Ricans since they are the majority of inhabitants or citizens in New York during the 1960s (Zoglin 2009). From a challenge to a dance night out with the Sharks, the Jets just would not stop pissing the Sharks and driving their rivals away so that the Sharks would not be a threat to their desire of keeping their imprimatur and ownership of the streets of New York west side. But what happened in the dance was overlapped with the instance when Maria and Tony saw each other and locked each others eyes for long time as if they are not seeing any body but the two of them. Bernardo caught the both of them in the act that is why he did not decide to finish the dance hence, he took his sisters hands and pulled her off the dance floor (citation).Because of pride, the Jets boosted their egos by singing themselves song of somewhat victorious lyrical songs as if they were the superior race and the others are just second class. Riff (the current leader of the Jets) decided that Tony should be the one to coordinate the challenge of the Jets to the Sharks. At first, Tony was hesitant to give in to the request. However later on, Tony agreed to tell the message to the Sharks. For the reason that Tony was once the leader of the gang since Tony was also a mind in co-founding the group of White Americans. On the other hand, Maria was conversing with Anita at a bridal shop where Maria is working.Maria told Anita (Bernardos boyfriend), how much Maria loves Tony and that she explained to Anita that his brother Bernardo, should not be that t oo much, extreme protective of her (Zoglin 2009). Inspite of the distinct difference of the Puerto Ricans from the White Americans, the two divert gangs were shown to be enjoying themselves using their talents in dancing and singing which makes them similar in their interests. The gang members Sharks and Jets may have experienced conflict between their groups because of their overt difference. The majorities of the White Americans dislike the minorities of Puerto Ricans because the Whites believe and perceive that they are the strongest race, invincible, and therefore, they should walk tall and act like kingsFor the Jets they should own, rule, and dominate the streets and they should have the right to the territory no matter what it takes (Dirks 1961). Conclusion The West Side Story highlights the following scenarios which had occurred in the 1960s During the 1960s, juvenile delinquencies are rampant among adolescents. Similarly, there is also prevalence of discrimination and prejud ice among the White and Latin Americans. Puerto Ricans are disliked and bullied by the White Americans upon thinking that the White Americans are the superior race that should own the streets and that the Latin Americans, specifically the Puerto Ricans, have no right to be in places where the White American adolescents hang out and play. In so doing there were chain gang fights are everywhere.Emerging in late 1950s and early 1960s, the streets of Manhattan had become a place where there is no peace and order due to the frequent gang wars that occur between the two distinct races of the Whites and the Puerto Rican adolescents. However, the love story of Maria and Tony having the opposite race shows that love does not choose the color, race, and ethnicity of a person as a basis of whom it should love.Works CitedBrian, Paul. 28 November 2005. Leonard Bernstein West Side Story. 29 April 2009 . Dirks, Tim. 1961. West Side Story. American Movie Classics Company LLC. 29 April 2009 . Howe, Matt. 03 April 2003. West Side Story Impresses. 29 April 2009 . Shulman, Irving. A Novelation by Irving Shulman West Side Story. New York Simon & Schister Inc, 1961. West Side Story (1961). 16 December 2008. Reel Classics, L. L. C. 29 April 2009 . West Side Story. 1961. United Artists Pictures, Inc. 29 April 2009 . Zoglin, Richard. 25 March 2009. Is West Side Story Overrated? 29 April 2009 .

Community Service: Mandatory or Voluntary Essay

Community service is a topic that is highlighted in our society. Many people yield different reasons for their participation in the service, having it be do for selfish reasons or unselfish reasons. However, participation is mandatory. This being the case, community service should be impulsive. Community service holds you back from doing certain things. High schools require 40 hours of community service in order to graduate. If you dont complete these hours, itll keep you from moving on. Certain jobs require you to complete community service in certain tasks. Not doing such can earn you a penalty. Another example to support this claim is a quote from an article titled The Benefits of Volunteerism, If the avail is Real, is that there is some cynicism among people that some portion of community service is prompted by students interested more in resume-building. This goes to show that people have lost the initial purpose for community service as a pass off to make themselves look go od, rather than doing it for the cause alone. In addition, voluntary community service is more encour matured than mandatory.In the graphic Attitude Toward Offering Students a Chance to do Community Service to Earn coin for College, By Age, students were surveyed on whether or not they were in favor of doing community service for earning money for college. The survey was done from ages that ranged from 15-25 years old. Throughout the age range, the percentage of students who favor for community service to earn money or dont favor varied. However, those favorable remained high in the 80% plot of ground those unfavorable remained low in the 20%. However, community service should be mandatory in certain situations. In the article A Better ball club? Or a Better Resume?, mandatory community service is stressed. Model Naomi Campbell had to complete 5 days of community service as a result of hitting her maid in the head with a cellphone. She was set to arrive at in a sanitation depot as a punishment. However, it tended to work out in her favor as it made her seem as she was doing it for the false altruism of her actions.

Firefighter Injuries and Deaths Essay

While civilian deaths and fatalities imbibe gone down by 53. 6 share in the last 20 years, only 20 percent decrease of the same has been reported from the rearfighters. In fact, in the last 20 years, the join States has recorded an increased number of deaths and fatalities more than any other era in history. 1999 recorded the highest deaths at 112, followed closely by 2003, which recorded 105 deaths. This aim begs the question, atomic number 18 the wake fighters working more to learn civilian safety, while risking their own alive(p)s? Safety standards during dismissal fightingSafety standards in the harryfighting department cod seen tremendous improvements in the past 20 years (Pessemier, B. 2009). This intromits increased training among the expel fighters about the safety standards and better work practices, in addition to the grease ones palms of better and efficient fire fighting equipment. In the last 10 years, a 34 % death increase was recorded among the hotheads . This in turn indicates that nonwithstanding the improvements in the fire fighting department, there has been a decrease safety measures in the fire services.According to the US, fire presidential term (FEMA), the approximate number of firefighters who fork out perished in firefighting activities in the last 20 years average to 100 firefighters annually. This trend was at its worst in the 1980s, took a downward trend in the early 1990s and resumed the high number in the late 1990s. A study carried out between 1990 and 2000 by FEMA to establish the real cause of the injuries and deaths among the firefighters revealed that 44 percent of firefighters die due to union attacks.Fatal injuries was second accounting for 27 percent of the deaths, burns and asphyxia ranked third accounting for 20 percent of all deaths(FEMA, 2008) The report to a fault revealed that firefighters aged above 35 years stands more risk of medical related deaths. Such include heart attacks and stroke. Below 3 5 years, firefighters were more prone to traumatic injuries that eventually led to their deaths (FEMA, 2008). The report further revealed that 60 percent of the casualties fell at a lower place the above 40 years age bracket, while a third of them were aged above 50 years.This too begs the question, is age a factor when analyzing the rising deaths among the firefighters? This question kitty be answered by a closer look at the affiliation of the firefighter fatalities. 57 percent of all firefighter fatalities were affiliated to volunteer fire fighting agencies. These agencies had both volunteer fire fighters and volunteer personnel. However, seeing that c arer personnel make a mere 26 % of the fire fighting agencies through and through out the country, the proportionate of volunteers suffer fatalities.In fact, career firefighters only account for 33 percent of the fatalities. Here, the question of age pops again. An approximate 40 percent of the volunteers are aged above 50 years. Training is of out close to important for both career and volunteer firefighters because it prepares them on response tactics and safety procedures. Training on emergency response, incident command, safety and hot fire cases should be sufficient. However, at least 6 percent of fatalities in the past 10 years occurred during training.This was a higher number than what was recorded in the preceding 10 years. Physical fitness training has been the leading cause of training fatalities, followed closely by live fire and equipment drills (FEMA, 2008). Fatalities of volunteers and career firefighters are only recorded as a firefighter death if the person was on duty and if his death occurred 24 hr after he/she completed a fire related call on behalf of a fire department (Medgenmed. medscape. com, 2006).The Occupational safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued safety guidelines in 1980, as a way of combating the rising deaths and fatalities among the fire fighters (Marshall, S. T, 20 04). In the guidelines, the organization authorized the use of fire-retarding clothing and self-contained breathing equipment. Although it was not clear, whether it was the guidelines or the rock-bottom number of fires that were registered between 1979 and 2002, the number of fatalities in the fire services decreased annually by 52 percent in the lead year period (Marshall, S.T, 2004). The working conditions To comply with OSHAs regulations, firefighters are required to carry a self-contained air mechanism weighing 30 lbs. They mustiness also wear protective clothing, which wears another 30 lbs. Although this offers more protection to the firefighters, critics argue that the additional 60 lbs that the fire fighters collapse to drag along during a firefighting exercise adds to physical stress and whitethorn lead to exhaustion, which is a leading cause of cardiac arrest related deaths(Marshall, S.T, 2004). The protective gear and the oxygen apparatus that fire fighters carry in th eir fire fighting exercises has also been blamed for an increased aggressiveness among the firefighters. The worrying thing about such aggressiveness is that most firefighters do not realize that the safety gear does not offer overall protection against death. Lack of adequate information about conditions that may be tackled and those that are too risky is also insufficient (Marshall, S. T, 2004).Unlike earlier clock where firefighter based the decision to fight a fire from within by how hot their ears were, modern day hoods cover the ears and the temperatures can rise to fatal levels without the fire fighters recognizing it. That is the leading cause of many flashover incidences, where everything in a building, including the firefighter ignites concurrently due to very high temperatures (Marshal, S. T, 2004) Unlike earlier times where veteran firefighters knew it was time to leave a building when they felt dizzy or started coughing, the modern day breathing devices shield them f rom inhaling smoke.The tell tale signs that may signify the need to leave a building are therefore disorients them from the realities of a dangerous indoor environment. When smoke concentration becomes too high, there can be a sporadic ignition of the area. As such, even the training on working in zero visibility conditions comes to naught, as the firefighter will be engulfed in the random fire within a short time (Marshall, S. T, 2004). The OSHA regulations further require fire fighters not to start a fire fighting exercise unless a team of at least four multitude has been assembled.This requirement was put in place as a means of ensuring that assisting firemen were available just in case those fighting the fire needed it. Although dire in its intentions, Critics argue that this piece of regulation, known as 2 in/2 out protection standard hinder less than four firefighters who commence at the place of fire on time to manage fire spread before it grows. As such, they argue that t ime that could otherwise be use to combat the spread of the fire is lost as fire fighters attempt to establish rescue teams (Marshall, S.T, 2004). Deaths that occur when firefighters are traveling to the fire destination are also on the rise. This are documented as Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVCs), and has accounted for an average of 22. 5 percent annual fatalities in the US since 1984. In a haste to respond to fire alarms, majority of fire fighters who perished in MVC s are in private vehicles. This is because the fire fighters can respond to a fire emergency from anywhere. Most MVC fatalities resulted from collisions.Disregard of the traffic rules is a major cause of such fatalities as firefighters forget/ignore wearing cigaret belts (USFA, 2009). In 2007, data by the OFPC Academy of on fire Science on fire fighter casualties revealed that 33 percent of all casualties was not determined, while 26 percent either suffered fractures, dislocation, sprain, swelling, strain, amputation or a crush. 13 percent were suffering from undisclosed pain and an equal percentage suffered abrasions, bruises, cuts, wounds or punctures.4 percent had been affected by hazardous inhalants, while an equal number suffered burns. Two percent of the casualties had shortness of breath. Human error also plays a significant role in firefighters deaths. Sometimes, the firefighters may be too ignorant to safety precautions that they end up jeopardizing their own lives. In other cases, some one elses negligence or omissions may end up casing fire fighter deaths. The latter is best explained by the four young fire fighters who perished in the North central upper-case letter fire in 2001.The four young men were part of a crew that had been pulled to a safe location after the fire became too enormous, besides later sent out in an attempt to fight it. The water pumps that were to draw water from a nearby Chewuch River ref employ to start and the young men deployed their fire resistant tents on a poor ground just steps away from a safer ground (Maclean, J. N, 2007) Programs that would reduce death and injuries among firefighters The protective gear used by firefighters during fire fighting mission has been subject to criticism for a long time now.To begin with, there were gaping incompatibilities between components such as the hood, the SCBA and the gloves. In past years, the quality of the hood and the SCBA greatly improved. The weak link to the protective ensemble thus became the gloves. Many fire fighters claimed that the gloves hindered them from performing tasks such as manipulating switches, holding tools and grasping straps. The reason behind this was that the gloves could not fit perfectly, with the finger gloves being too long.Fire fighters also said that the materials used on the gloves decreased a persons agility and thus could affect the response time (LaTourette, T, 2003). To rectify these weaknesses that may end up causing injuries to the firefighters, I w ould point that materials, fit and the agility of the firefighters be considered before the manufacturers can settle on the specific material to be used on the firefighting gear. Another concept that would permit significant impact death and injury reduction among the firefighters is the safety culture concept (Pessemier, W.2009). This would require empowering individuals and organization with risk handling skills that would not compromise their fire fighting goals. This means that the firefighters would be trained on fire fighting methods that poses minimal risks to their wellbeing. The fire departments in different states will also need to forge and implement effective systems to manage vital safety behaviors among the firefighters. In addition, the state needs to provide sufficient funds for the continued training of firefighters on unfavourable safety measures.Members of the fire service departments must also be willing to challenge any assumption, value or practice that the y think can imperil their safety (Pessemier, W. 2009). Another approach that can decrease the number of fatalities that happen to firefighters, is adopting the safe person model. This model, which was proposed by Mark Jones, a deputy fire police officer in the UK, would also work in the United States. Jones described the safe person model as the combined responsibilities between individual firefighters and Organization responsibility. soul responsibility requires the fire fighter to be a competent person, able to work with a team whereby the fire service takes the initiative of selecting people fit for the fire fighting exercises, providing them with the right information, instructs and trains them accordingly, in addition to providing them with protective equipment and right supervision( riskinstitute. org). Deaths that occurred due to motor vehicle collisions as firefighters respond to emergency calls can also be reduced by training the fire fighters on basic road safety tips.S uch includes wearing safety belts at all times and driving carefully despite the need to get the emergency venue on time. According to USFA statistics, only 21 percent of the firefighters who died on MVC cases had worn their seat belts when the collision occurred (USFA, 2008). Checking on the fitness of volunteers should also be a priority for all fire services. Health screening before the volunteers can be wedded the green light to work should be mandatory. This should be made in order to evaluate each persons medical history.Such should include their age, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight, Family history and their physical tolerance levels (Sharkley, B. 2008). People aged above 45 years, who have physically inactive and those who have heart affection threat factors should be taken for extra checkups. Those with conditions such as high blood pressure should not be considered as the condition could end up in heart problems during exertion. Healthy adults should th en be taken up as volunteers after the medical review.After taking up the firefighting volunteer roles, people aged 40 and more years should hold back that they continue engaging in cardiovascular activities. This is because regular exercises reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. Firefighters who have experienced situations that could have cost them lives should also be encouraged to speak up as other people can learn from their experiences. As mention by John B and Tippet Jr. (2005) in their report titled Improve Leadership, report near misses, encouraging firefighters who have experienced near-misses would serve as a learning venue for other firefighters.Such a program would be voluntary, confidential, secure and non-punitive for the firefighters who tell their personal accounts (John, B & Tippet,Jr. 2005). Laudable firefighter human death reduction initiatives Under the auspices of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), firefighting organizations convened a meeting in 2004 and came up with 16 initiatives that if implemented would see to the reduction of the firefighters fatalities in the United States.They include ensuring that fire fighting organizations had a responsible and accountable leadership, include tactical planning and strategic approaches at all levels when responding to emergencies, encourage firefighters under their organizations to employ safe practices only and develop a training and standardization mechanism which should be followed by all organizations. Additionally, the organization suggested that there should be a set standard for fitness standards, and that all initiatives towards decreasing the fatalities among firefighters should be documented.Conclusion Reducing the number of deaths and injuries among the firefighters is a challenge that would take efforts from both individual fire fighters and the firefighting organizations that they work for. It takes individual assessment to gauge the risks involved in a fir efighting scenario and hence such requires good personal choices. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the firefighting organizations to ensure that people working in the organization either as career firefighters or as volunteers meet the medical and physical requirements.It is also the organizations prerogative to ensure that firefighters are trained accordingly, have the right equipment and that they have the correct firefighting wear. Only then can people in the United States realize yearn to have fewer deaths among people who take up the hardest job and risk their lives when doing it. References John B and Tippet Jr. (2005). Improve leadership, report near misses Learn from others about obstetrical delivery ourselves. Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http//www. iafc. org/displayindustryarticle. cfm? articlenbr=27206 Jones, M. (2008).Concept, policy and Practice The UK fire context. Retrieved January 28,2009 from http//www. riskinstitute. org/peri/images/file/S908-D7-J ones. pdf LaTourette, T. Et al (2003). Protecting Emergency responders. New York Rand publishers. Maclean, J. N. (2007). The Thirty Mile Fire a Chronicle of Bravery and traitorousness New York. Henry Holt Marshall, S. T. (2004). Suppressing Volunteer Firefighting. Publication regulation. Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http//www. allbusiness. com/human-resources/workplace-health-safety/317752-1. html Pessemer , W.(2009). Synopsis Developing a safety Culture in the Fire Service. Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http//www. everyonegoeshome. com/newsletter/2008/february/safetyculture. html Sharkey, B, J. (2008). cardiovascular Risks of Wild land Firefighting. Retrieved January 28,2009 from http//www. firejock. com/articles/Cardiovascular%20Risks%20of%20Wildland%20Firefighting. htm US Fire Administration (USFA). (2008). Historical overview firefighter fatalities. Retrieved January 28, 2009 from http//www. usfa. dhs. gov/fireservice/fatalities/statistics/index. shtm

Orgnization Behavior

RSM 260 Practice Final Exam Multiple Choice (30 points, 3 points each) 1. What is the first step in the Rational Decision-Making Model? a. developing alternatives b. identifying the problem c. identifying the finding criteria d. weighing the decision criteria e. collecting relevant data 2. Which of the following is not true(p) of charismatic leaders? a. They have a vision and the ability to joint the vision. b. They have behavior that is unconventional. c. They are willing to rent high personal risk. d. They exhibit behaviors that are consistent with their followers behaviors. . all of the above are true 3. What sort of groups are defined by the organizations structure? a. informal b. task c. friendship d. interest e. formal 4. Most people imbibe that a police officer should behave in a lawful manner, and not show any favoritism to any particular group, and do their take up to uphold the law. What term is used for this kind of belief? a. a norm b. a norm identity c. a compone nt part expectation d. a role perception e. a norm violation 5. What term is used for the tendency for individuals to spend less effort when working collectively? a. groupthink . the rule of diminishing returns c. sociable loafing d. groupshift e. clustering 6. Leaders achieve goals, and power is _____. a. defined by leaders hopes and aspirations b. usually used by poor leaders c. a instrument of achieving goals d. a goal in and of itself e. a strong influence on leaders goals 7. One reacts to _____ power out of fear of the negative ramifications that might allow for if one fails to comply. a. legitimate b. coercive c. punitive d. referent e. abusive 8. Which of the following is not an assumption of the rational decision-making model? . The decision maker is constrained by time and costs. b. The decision criteria are constant and the weights assigned to them are stable over time. c. The decision maker potentiometer identify all the relevant criteria and can list all the viable al ternatives. d. The decision maker is aware of all the possible consequences of each alternative. e. The decision maker is assumed to have complete schooling regarding the decision situation. 9. The example of labor-management negotiations over wages exemplifies _____ bargaining. a. integrative . reflective c. distributive d. restrictive e. affective 10. Your _____ determines the lowest value acceptable to you for a negotiated agreement. a. BATNA b. margin of error c. bid price d. asking price e. hidden value 5 POINTS Describe one concept/theory from your OB course that you find almost useful/interesting. How does it apply to your work/life? Be sure to include examples and definitions. CASE-related questions Starbucks and the Bean Stock courtesy of George & Jones, Organizational Behavior, third edition, 2000Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, bought the company in 1987 and transformed a local Seattle, Washington chain of six coffee stores into a national, publicly proclaimed compan y with over 25,000 employees and over 1,500 stores. Starbucks sales and internet growth have been phenomenal and the company has changed the way that Americans think about coffee. Starbucks stores range from coffee carts in crowded city streets to intimate coffee nix to full-sized restaurants that sell espressos and cappuccinos as well as coffee by the pound, coffee-making equipment, and food items.Starbucks was recently ranked in the top 75 global brands in a study conducted by the consulting firm, Interbrand. Throughout Starbucks rapid growth, Schultz has emphasized the importance of rewarding employees for contributions they make to Starbucks and ensuring that they have the necessary training to be effective. In 1991, when Starbucks was still a privately owned company, Schultz and other top managers came up with an innovative type of reward to encourage employees to behave in ways that would contribute to Starbucks growth and profitability.Starbucks do all employees partners b y granting them stock options, which could be turned into stock when the company went public. If the company did well, employees themselves would benefit as their options would be worth more money. Called Bean Stock, the options mother employees to behave in ways to increase their profitability. Employees thought of new ways to lower costs and increase sales, ranging from staying overnight on Saturdays when traveling on course to lower the cost of airfares to finding better ways to communicate with customers.Starbucks went public in 1992 and employees have since been rewarded for their efforts. For example, an employee who earned $20,000 a year in 1991 received options that had a value of $50,000 in 1996. Starbucks continues to hold back its employees stock options through is Bean Stock plan. Under the plan, employees can cash in their options after keeping them for five years. Starbucks excessively provides extensive customer service training to employees to ensure that they ar e knowledgeable and confident on the profession and feel capable of making decisions on their own to better serve customers.Store managers teach classes on topics such as coffee history and coffee brewing at home and employees must take a minimum of 24 hours of training. Employees learn how to take orders and prepare various coffees in a company training room rather than on the job (like in most restaurants) so that they can fully absorb what they are learning, without the stress of waiting on real customers, and receive extensive feedback. Customers wherefore incessantly receive the excellent service they have come to expect from Starbucks.Short-Answer Questions (5-8 sentences answer 15 POINTS EACH) Be sure to state which questions you are answering, and specifically define any theories/ concepts/traits that you use in your answer 1. What type of leadership has Schultz demonstrated here? 2. What is the role of Schultz in motivating his employees? What motivation theory is he usi ng? test QUESTIONS (35 POINTS TOTAL) 1. What are two ways to increase group performance that you have learned about in this half of the semester (after the midterm)? Be sure to describe oth the concepts/theories and give a specific example of each. (5 points) 2. Congratulationsyou have just gotten a job offer But, they have offered you less money than you wanted, and more benefits than you need. Describe your negotiation strategy, telling me about two tactics that you will use, and describe your sources of power in this situation. Also, be sure to mention one thing that could influence your honest/unethical behavior in this situation, and how. (10 points) 3. You have accepted the job and you are now a manager at a product design company.Your thickening just told you that need to develop a new consumer product by the end of the year. Youre unsure if you should assemble a group of people to do this, or assign it to an individualyouve heard about biases at the group level, as well a s benefits about group level decision making. You also know about decision making biases that can happen in individuals, and the benefits of individuals making decisions. Discuss BOTH sides of the issue, detailing each of these things, so that you can then make an informed, rational decisionfinally, which do you recommend to your boss? (20 points)

7-Eleven Japan Business Domain

Assessing chore- IT Alignment Rosa Kemper Cohort 27 Dr. K. Cousins February 17, 2013 Table of Contents I Executive Summary/Overview Baptist Hospital a) cathexis Statement b) Vision statement II. learning Technology a) Mission Statement b) Vision Statement third. The telephone circuit As-Is Business Scope and range Discipline IV. Information Technology AS-IS IT Infrastructure and Scope of Business V. Assessing Business Strategic Alignment and Maturity IT To-Be Business To-be VI. Evaluation of Strategic Alignment Maturity Assessment Luftmans SAM Survey segment I Effectiveness of IT and Business communications (Score 2. 8) Part II Measurement of the competency and value of IT Score (Score 2. 93) Part III The governance Partnerships between IT and Business Functions (Score 2. 41) Part IV Partnerships between IT and Business functions (Score 2. 31) Part V Scope and Architecture of the IT Infrastructure (Score 2. 67) Part VI. Human imagery skills (2. 56) VII. Recommendation to oral communication gaps in the colligation VIII. Strategic Alignment Enablers IX. Strategic Alignment Inhibitors I Executive Summary/Overview Baptist health sulfur Florida, Inc. a not-for-profit wellheadness economic aid musical arrangement, operates medical plazas, surgical facilities, and hospitals. It offers addiction treatment, behavioral medicine, blood conservation program, cancer, cardiovascular, sustenance and counseling, childrens health, comm unit of measurementy wellness, critical care center, diabetes, emergency, endoscopy, executive health, gamma knife center, philia surgery, home care, hyperbaric, imaging, intensive care unit, transnational, interventional/surgical, laboratory, neonatal, neuroscience, and nutrition counseling run.The company in addition provides occupational health, orthopedics, outpatient/diagnostic, pain center, pastoral care, pediatric, pel Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit health care organi zation in the area. It has an exceptional reputation for medical and service excellence. Baptist Health South Florida, Inc. was formerly known as Baptist Health Systems of South Florida, Inc. and changed its name to Baptist Health South Florida, Inc. in March 2002. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida.It has a network of seven hospitals, Baptist, Baptist Childrens, South Miami, Homestead, Mariners and Doctors Hospitals, and Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, with run extending throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. There are a total of 28 Baptist Outpatient Services Facilities and Medical Plazas which provide outpatient diagnostic, surgical, home health and urgent care services. Specialty areas are Cancer, Cardiovascular, Childrens Health, Diabetes, da Gamma Knife, Diagnostic, Childbirth, Rehabilitation, elderly Services, Womens Health, and Urgent Care. Baptist Health serves much than 100,000 tribe each year.Approximately 2,000 phy sicians and nearly 12,000 employees adhere to the organizations mission to provide high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate health care services to all, including, as permitted by its resources, charity care to those in need. In 2007, Baptist Health provided an estimated $124 million in charity care. The Baptist Healthcare International Center of Miami is one of the largest hospital-based international programs in America. Thousands of people each year travel to Miami from around the world to visit their medical facilities and respected physicians. The pineapple logo is an age-old symbol of cordial reception and warmth.It is reflected in their node and patient-oriented focus. Baptist Health was created in 1990, provided its tradition of medical excellence goes back decades. Baptist Hospital Baptist Hospital is a 680-bed facility located in the Kendall area of south Miami-Dade County. It was founded in 1960. Today, the hospital is a major medical center, attracting patients fro m all over the U. S. , the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond. More than 32,000 people are hospitalized at Baptist each year about 78,000 receive emergency care in our 24-hour Emergency Center and Childrens Emergency Center. Mission Statement The mission of Baptist Health is to mitigate the health and well-being of individuals, and to promote the sanctity and preservation of life, in the communities we serve. Baptist Health is a faith-based organization guided by the spirit of Jesus Christ and the Judeo-Christian ethic. We are committed to following the highest standards of clinical and service excellence, rooted in the utmost integrity and moral practice. Consistent with its spiritual foundation, Baptist Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective, compassionate healthcare services to all, regardless of eligion, creed, race or national origin, including, as permitted by its resources, charity care to those in need. Vision statement Baptist Health volition be t he preeminent healthcare provider in the communities we serve, the organization that people instinctively hand to for their healthcare needs. Baptist Health will offer a blanket(a) range of clinical services that are evidence-based and compassionately provided to ensure patient safety, superior clinical outcomes and the highest levels of satisfaction with a patient- and family-centered focus. Baptist Health will be a national and international leader in healthcare innovation. II.Information Technology Mission Statement To support the BHSF vision by providing the highest quality technology solutions to our customers in an efficient and cost effective manner. Vision Statement Fully leverage our technology capabilities to provide meaningful information anywhere, anytime to our physicians, clinicians, patients, and employees in a secured and user friendly manner. In order to meet this goal, we will continue to implement move on technologies such as wireless networking, multi-media t elecommunications, digitized imaging, and web-based clinical and lineage applications throughout BHSF. III. The Business As-IsBusiness Scope and Value Discipline The organization has created a new delivery of care model built on a value-based strategy. The employment of advanced technology strategies with state of the art web based applications, complex data security platforms and data monitoring offers a wide variety of technology resources do available to the participants in the delivery of care. The highly efficient and widely accessible web and smartphone application for consumer speaks of the Value Discipline and Product Innovation aimed at benchmarking and incentivizing customer satisfaction, care coordination, and total care way.Moreover, the emphasis on technology leadership positions the business as a frontrunner in the marketplace thus cultivating a differentiable loyal culture among its customers as a niche. Customer satisfaction is primarily what gives the company it s emulous edge. The overall goals are to repair individual patient care, remedy overall performance, minimize risks and decrease medical costs. The matrix style management ensures that interdisciplinary membership actively reflects on decisions affecting the overall organization.Innovation is a unceasing on all aspects of the organizations dynamic strategy creating an agile and successful business. Whether in technology being applied, products and services, etc strong partnerships are created with other organizations in order to distinguish itself in the hyper competitive market. As an example recently BHSF has announced a newly formed Accountable Care Organization (ACO) coalescence with BCBS to meet the needs of cancer patients in response to the changing milieu and the age of the Affordable Care initiative. (1) IV. Information Technology AS-ISIT Infrastructure and Scope of Business Scope of Business The Information Technology Department provides computer support and impleme ntation services for all BHSF entities including the BHSF Medical Staff. Computer support and implementation services include the appropriate levels of hardware, application, network, telecommunications, operating system, media and telemedicine support postulate to maintain operations. The goals and duties of the department are to contribute towards creating an efficient information exchange that can friend in improving health outcomes and lowering delivery costs.To identify educational needs with regard to training experienceing workforce and future workforce in the information technology healthcare environment. Compliance efforts pushed the department towards the a) centralization of management, b) auditing and c) coverage tools. V. Assessing Business Strategic Alignment and Maturity IT To-Be Baptist Health prides itself on its health care competences and outstanding reputation. The IT department effectively participates in running(a) level in the decision sue and overall st ructure of the business and purport requirements.The IT infrastructure is well integrated throughout the organization and effort and cooperation between the business and IT exists in moderate alignment. This partnership helps maximize the goals of the organization. Emphasis on bringing their own infixed IT operations up to speed and using their national personnel resources is part of the organizations priorities. To validate this observation slightly examples may shed some light into concerns of processes management, efficiency and standardization that presented potential catastrophe for the business but were appropriately and positively addressed.The IT system had become outdated and cumbersome. The business and IT collaboratively reached out to an extracurricular consultant to streamline its IT process and improve the perceived value to the business. There were many options on how and where to enter time, so time was often omitted. There was no centralized data warehouse. Pro ject database inaccuracies were updated irregularly. There was no reporting tool for IT resource expenditures, which made establishing the value-add of technology difficult. Finding details on underway projects- because thither was no consistent reporting process in place- was challenging for managers.Managing work demand and outcomes was nearly impossible. The project database gave the level of detail needed for alter project management but the centralized time tracking database has improved efficiencies for resource management as well. Using Planview Enterprise, we have better management, prioritization, and review of project requests. This improved business efficiency assures accurate and seasonable service delivery to our customers. (2) Baptist Health as well evaluated many resources and criteria to implement the Oracle Identity Analytics (OIA) as the solution to maintain its roles and place the foundation for automated role governance.BHSF employed Simeo Solutions as a trust ed advisor to build the strategy to seamlessly transition the roles into an electronic repository and also build the roadmap for role attestations and role lifecycle management. (3) The IT department has a high degree of participation in aligning itself with the business structure and on the active implementation of projects that support the organizations strategy and strategic plans. The have value and the respect they need to maintain the organizational support. However, decision making process on the organizational level rests on the board of directors and upper level business management.Business To-be Business processes and workflows are generally communicated based on expectations about technology, people and organizational goals that can become obsolete over time. Companies finally must reengineer their processes. Key to the companys success is analyzing and implementing sustainable processes. Baptist Health has a well-thought-out burn down to solution strategy by utilizing top leaders in the industry as consultants in the areas of a) operational efficiency, b) regulatory compliance, c) user productiveness and e) business agility.The internal IT infrastructure serves fundamentally in an educational and supportive role as well as the launching platform to implementation of the developing framework. The maturity of the alignment appears to be an established and focused process. VI. Evaluation of Strategic Alignment Maturity Assessment Luftmans SAM Survey The purpose of this case study is to gift the level of alignment that exists between IT and the business within this organization and to tear down out what, why and how strategic deficiencies pertaining to the alignment or lack thereof were resolved.As a tool, the Luftmans Strategic Alignment Model (SAM) Survey (4) was administered to two IT and two business Mid- commission level executives at Baptist Hospital, one of the largest facilities in the BHSF system. The results validate the intra-organizatio nal limitations that may exist in the relationship between the business and the IT department but portray a dynamic institution striving to align itself while creating a competitive advan tracke and differentiating itself as a leader in the healthcare market. The organizations strategic alignment is measured by focusing on sise aspects of the organization.These six aspects are what provide the different criteria for determining the maturity of an organizations alignment. The six categories are 1. Effectiveness of Communications 2. Measurement of Competency and Value of IT 3. IT Governance 4. Partnerships Between Business and IT Functions 5. IT Infrastructure Scope and Architecture 6. IT Infrastructure Scope and Architecture Part I Effectiveness of IT and Business Communications (Score 2. 88) Senior and Mid-level It mangers work together to seek and promote innovation and cutting edge products in the changing healthcare environment.Communication exists in the form of weekly formal m eetings that address emerging processes and projects. Unit business and IT managers are encouraged to promote IT integration in the business process and senior level business managers have a good understanding of the value that IT brings to BHSF. They work in tandem to continue improvement of the internal IT infrastructure by bringing in external sources as advisors, persisting training for management level as well as workforce level members.The phone-mail and the intranet are integrated into the daily operations and used as the main form for communication and Intranet is also applied for educational purposes. There is structured sharing of information at the unit level that is in turn shared with upper level management at formal board meetings. Part II Measurement of the Competency and Value of IT Score (Score 2. 93) Both business and IT use formal traditional technical and cost efficiency measures to determine the return on investment (ROI) and activity-based costing (ABC) per su rvey data.As described earlier the continuous innovation in technology that is implemented across the organization, be it in the delivery of care, documentation applications, medical procedures, management tools and entire IT infrastructure that makes up the fabric of the organization in itself, serve as a guide of how BHSF distinguishes itself in the regional industry. Competencies are measured by metrics. Feedback is obtained in the form of surveys administered to clients and used point out areas for potential improvement and overall customer satisfaction.Part III The Governance Partnerships between IT and Business Functions (Score 2. 41) Strategic planning is done at the functional unit level with some business involvement. Because of the support and collaboration that IT provides for the organization, there is an understood interdependency. The governance of the IT department is mostly centralized and it controls its own infrastructure. Planning occurs in the functional unit le vel and in some degree intra-organizationally as demonstrated in the examples mentioned above where the IT department played a key role in restructuring the then-deficient and outdated process.Part IV Partnerships Between IT and Business Functions (Score 2. 31) Because the partnership that exists between the IT and the business, better management, prioritization, and review of project requests is achieved across the company. This improved business efficiency assures accurate and timely service delivery to customers. Project Performance that IT delivers is a key resource in providing services and sound business outcomes and assists in measuring the performance of the company. Part V Scope and Architecture of the IT Infrastructure (Score 2. 7) The IT department function is mostly Federated in that the corporate IT Unit administers the responsibility of the architecture, the administrative systems and standardized decisions but authority for resources applications lies with each funct ional unit. IT is budgeted as a cost center and financial decisions regarding IT are done at a functional organizational level. The productivity and effectiveness that the IT department brings to the organization is viewed as a strategy enabler and is subject to traditional financial reviews.The IT steering committee meets as needed but also formally to recap the effectives of project implementation and metrics. Part VI. Human resource skills (2. 56) By using one centralized project data base the BHSF IT organization is able to manage its employee payroll systems and administrative functions in a seamless manner. Career cross-over, education and entrepreneurial innovation is strongly encouraged in the organization. The in-depth acquaintance of these individuals assists with the alignment of the functional units and the overall business and helps decipher the needs of the enterprise.Trust and confidence among business and IT is an enabler for the corporation. It fosters a positive s ocial and political, productive and efficient work environment that promotes employee participation and loyalty. It is perhaps the vital element that makes BHSF a successful corporation. VII. Recommendation to address gaps in the alignment The web-based platform is compatible with all other current IT systems and will improve the efficiency and accuracy of reporting throughout the company. Some of the ways that this technology will achieve its desired results arePlan Goals/Objectives Outcomes Management Planfor Information Management Improve record keeping and information IT Project will allow for real-time information and data entry, increased information accuracy, and a consolidated source for all payroll and administrative data Consulting for Information Management Utilize new technology to support company and department missions more effectively New technology will allow many payroll and administrative functions to be automated reducing the levels of staff required to manage t hese systems round-the-clock collaborative efforts from the IT department and the employment of consulting firms to advise and formulate a more centralized administrative platform will enabled BHSF to manage its employee payroll systems and administrative functions in a consolidated efficient manner. Another enabler is the technology implemented that has already proven to reduce overhead costs associated with the large workforce currently required to manage tasks, training, reporting, and various other administrative tasks.In the long run the company will also benefit from more timely and accurate financial reporting as a result of managers ability to enter and continuously update their financial metrics. The cost is justified by the benefit. Sharing of risks and rewards in projects will improve the business and help move the company forward to the next level of maturity. VIII. Strategic Alignment Enablers * Senior executives support IT and use outside resources to augment performan ce. * IT multiform in strategy development to moderate extent. There is Business- It partnership with a common goal to benefit the corporation IX. Strategic Alignment Inhibitors * There is a close relationship between IT and Business. * IT understands the business better than the business understands IT. * Projects are prioritized however change is moderately slow. Management is working on Changing this culture. Bibliography 1) http//hcafnews. com/tag/Baptist-health-south-florida/ Florida Blue, Baptist Health and Physicians Group to Set Up Accountable Care Organization in Miami. 2) http//search. aol. com/aol/search? s_it=topsearchbox. earch&v_t=comsearch51-txtlnkusaolp00000051&q=case+study+baptist+healthcare+south+florida+planview Project management Gets a Shot in the Arm at Baptist Health Business Technology Consultant and Planview Enterprise Administrator Baptist Health South Florida Diane Novas. 3) http// www. simeiosolutions. com/Baptist-health-south-florida/ Baptist Health South Florida Implements Oracle Identity Analysis for Role Lifecycle Management 4) Assessing Business-IT Alignment Maturity. Volume 4, Article 14, Dec 2000. Jerry Luftman, School of Management, Stevens Institure of Technology.