NURSING CARE PLAN Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

NURSING CARE PLAN - Research Paper Example Dorothea Orem considered all human beings as basically biopsychosocial beings with capabilities and willingness to take care of themselves and also be dependent on others. It is through these capabilities that human beings live and maintain health (Clark, 1986). The ultimate aim of these capabilities is to meet 3 groups of needs, which are known as 'self-care requisites' and they are universal, developmental and health deviation (Orem, 1985; cited in Comley, 1994 ). The requisite for Mr. C at this current juncture is health deviation. Mr. C is in congestive heart failure, has anemia and also deep vein thrombosis. He also has hypothyroidism. He is on lasix and metoprolol for heart failure and coumadin for deeep vein thrombosis. He is very pale because of low hemoglobin and also congestive heart failure. His laboratory tests are suggestive of renal impairment. In view of congestive heart failure, he is dyspneic and his saturations are low. Mr. C needs to feel comfortable at breathing. He is dysneic and his saturations are low.

Genealogy Revised Essay Example for Free

Genealogy Revised Essay Hundred years ago, the thought of bringing enough cash to purchase your dream house was outrageous. In a modern setting, holding a rectangular piece of plastic smaller than the size of your palm can get you almost anything you want. A credit card was thought to bring convenience to humanity. No longer do people need to bring a stack of cash out or fearing that they might have the financial incapacity to get the latest Gucci bag on the showcase. Go crazy with your shopping-spree but can you really handle it? Credit card is a â€Å"silent killer† to many people, causing a lot of unforeseeable harms as deadly as cancer-cells. BlackBerry Mobile phones have become a necessity to numerous people in the modern world. Cliche as it may sound, mobile phones have brought people closer together. However, how close do you really want it to be? With the of BlackBerrys introduction, business executives and even students can now have access to information from a device the size of their palms. Users can be in their own little world without fearing or worrying the world outside them. The work load of a business person has increased because the idea â€Å"not bringing work home† is long applicable. BlackBerry is a â€Å"devil’s device† that shares a similar implication to George Orwell’s â€Å"Big Brother is watching you! † in the novel 1984, because with a BlackBerry, there is no excuse to not respond to a call or any other form of communication. Female Undergarment Wearing a pair of low-cut jeans and revealing part of the underwear is no longer considered inappropriate in certain societies. Originally, the female undergarment’s primary function is to comfot, support and enhance the femalebody form. In addition, the modern function of the under garment also are also inclined to modesty and erotic display purposes. Diamond When it comes to diamond, many may connect diamond to the purity and longevity of a marriage. Nowadays, in a world where marriage no longer lasts forever, the diamond has become ironic in what its qualities represent. Structurally, the is bonded by several carbon molecules. Despite the various possible substitutes for diamonds were introduced such as crystal, synthetic diamonds and even plastics, but the uniqueness and the superiority of a

Unit 1 Assignment †an Introduction to Working with Children Essay Example for Free

Unit 1 Assignment – an Introduction to Working with Children Essay Nursery schools are a statutory setting for children under five. The main purpose of them is to provide pre-school education and sessional care for children aged 2-4. They are entitled to 15 hours free each week at a nursery school. Nursery schools are usually open from 9am 12pm and 1pm 3pm and most are attached to a primary school. They follow a curriculum, the EYFS, to educate the children. Nursery school are also a valuable provision because going to nursery can provide children with many different experiences and can help them to develop their social skills and begin forming relationships with other children. A statutory setting for over fives is primary school. Primary schools provide education for children aged between 4 and 11 years old. They are usually open from 9am 3pm. Primary schools follow a curriculum which covers, the EYFS in reception class and also Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, from year 1 to year 6. Children can also further develop key social skills, in primary school, through the interactions and relationships they have with other children. D2 One provision in the private sector, for children under five, are nannies. Nannies provide childcare within the family’s home. A nanny will often live with the family, depending on the individual circumstances, allowing 24hour care to be provided. Nannies may care for children of any age, although maternity nannies or night nannies, will generally only provide care for children from newborn to five years old. After school clubs are one childcare setting, in the private sector, for children aged between five and seven. Often parents working hours will not coincide with the school hours of the children, in that case after school clubs are a very useful provision. An after school club provides care for school age children, from the end of the school day, usually 3pm up until 6pm at the latest. They will usually be based in or near schools and provide a variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts and many others. D3 Play specialists work with children, of all ages, and their families, within the family’s home or with children in hospital. They can provide advice and ideas for parents on ways to engage their children in play, if parents are experiencing difficulties. They aim to provide children with a variety of play activities to meet the child’s individual play needs. Both therapeutic and developmental activities for the children can be provided by play therapists, to help explore existing problems and provide coping strategies for children and their families, keeping in mind the individual emotional, physical, developmental and social needs of the child. Within a hospital setting they can help children to feel more comfortable and at home, by helping them to cope with the separation from their family and prepare them for the stress and difficulties the child might face during their treatment. D4 + C1 + A + D8. One of your professional responsibilities within a childcare setting is to keep information about children and their families confidential. All confidential information that the setting holds should be kept in a locked filing cabinet. As well as this all staff, volunteers and students must read and sign the setting’s confidentiality policy. ‘Information that you learn during the course of your work is confidential and you must be careful not to discuss it outside of the workplace or with anyone who does not have direct involvement,’ page 315, Child Care and Education, Penny Tassoni. This means that staff members and students on placement in a childcare setting must not discuss any information they have been told, outside of the setting or even in the setting’s staffroom, as they could be overheard, by people who do not need to know that information and should not know about it. Care must be taken at all times by staff that they do not gossip or accidentally let slip about any information they know to staff or anyone else, who does not need to know that information. The parents or guardians of the children, in the setting, must always be informed of what information is held about them, in accordance with the Data Protection Act. This is also important in building trust between you and the parents, for example if you did let slip a piece of confidential information about a child, outside of the setting and the parents found out about it, you would loose their trust in you and in future they may be far more reluctant to tell you information about the child and their home life, which could actually be very important for you to know. However, there are some instances in which you should refer information about children and families to other professionals in the setting. For example, if you notice a child coming into the setting, with unexplained injuries, such as cuts and bruises and are concerned that this could indicate possible abuse, this should be reported to your supervisor, so they can pass this information onto the appropriate professionals and the matter can be investigated further. Also if a child tells you something or you notice unusual changes in their behaviour, which leads you to believe that child could be a victim of abuse, this should also be reported to your supervisor, as the health and safety of the children in your care should always be put first. Another example of this could be if a child presents particularly challenging behaviour, which begins to be a worry. In this case the parents should be notified of the problem and it may also be necessary to refer the child to a specialist. D5 + B1 When preparing to work in a placement it is important to first find out about the placement. If the setting has a website, it may be a good idea to look it up and read through the information on there, so you know a little bit more about how they work, what exactly they do their and what they provide. It is also essential that you get in contact with the placement yourself, either by writing them a letter, calling them on the phone or sending an e-mail, so you can ask them what they expect you to wear, what time you should arrive, what time you will finish, who your supervisor will be and if there is anything you will need to bring with you. The placement should provide you with a copy of their rules and policies, when you start. However, if they don’t you should ask them for a copy as it is vital you read these. First impressions are very important, so on arrival at your placement it is important that you maintain a certain standard of behaviour, making sure you know how you will get to the placement and how long it will take you is a good start, so that you can ensure you will be punctual. Also making sure you are dressed smartly and well prepared. This shows the placement that you respect them, that you want to be there and that you are taking it seriously. It is very important to give a good impression on placement, as this will help build their trust in you. First impressions also tend to stick in the mind and the impression you give could affect their view of you for the remainder of the time you spend there and how likely they would be to accept you for another placement there in future or even a job. D6 + D7 Having a variety of dolls, within a childcare setting, that show diversity, for example dolls with different coloured skin or dolls that are depicted with a disability, such as being in a wheelchair, is a good and easy way of catering to the individual children in your care. For example, having a doll that resembles themself may help a child of a different race feel more relaxed and less out of place, in a setting, where perhaps there are very few or no other children of their race. Also this can help children begin to learn about diversity and get used to the fact that other people may look very different to themselves and may have disabilities. Another good way of showing the value of each individual is to show an awareness of different cultures within the setting. One way of doing this could be by teaching the children songs and dances from different countries. The children can begin to learn from this that everyone likes to sing and dance, but different cultures have their own special ways of doing this. Also to expand on this activity you could also provide instruments from different countries for the children to experiment with as well or even ask parents if they have instruments that the children could bring in to listen to or try out. B2 + D8 It is important to always show a positive attitude to work while in a childcare setting and you can demonstrate this in many ways. ‘Always remember to say please and thank you even if you are in a rush,’ page 316 Child Care and Education, Penny Tassoni. Saying please and thank you is an example of basic courtesy, you do not want to appear rude or ungrateful and so it is very important that you are careful to use proper manners anywhere you work. You should also always try to remain non-judgemental and not allow your own prejudices or personal feelings to influence how you treat your colleagues, the children and parents of the children. Showing that you respect the parents is also very important. If you need to speak to a parent or a parent wishes to speak to you about something confidential, you should  take them to the office or another room where it will be private, if at all possible, as this is a good way to show that you respect the parent. Teamwork, communication skills and showing some initiative are also very important. When given a task, always make sure you fully understand it and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about anything, you should always ask for help when you need it. If you have a lot of tasks to complete, figure out which are the most essential and do those first before carrying out the less important tasks, this is one way to show your initiative. You can also demonstrate a positive attitude through using positive, open body language and smiling, by doing this people will feel more comfortable around you and more able to approach you. A* There are three different learning styles, auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. Recognising your preferred learning style can be very useful in planning your studies and revising. For example, an auditory learner could benefit from listening to a recording of important points as they go to sleep, while a visual learner would probably benefit more from highlighting different key words in their notes. I am predominantly a visual learner and there are many ways I could use this knowledge to aid in my learning. While taking notes during class for instance, I could draw diagrams and sketches that illustrate the topic and relate to specific paragraphs, which would make the information a lot easier to remember and would help find the key points quicker when revising. Also drawing flowcharts, where applicable, and using mind maps would be useful to help me study and would also be very valuable to revise from later on. The visual journey or story technique could also be a good way to remember things for a visual learner, such as myself, as this technique links information you need to remember to a visual journey or story, which helps when trying to memorize something that you can’t necessarily ‘see. ’ It could also be useful for me to think about the way I layout my notes as the organization and layout of notes, could help to make them more visual and therefore easier to remember and revise from. D8 Bibliography Tassoni, Penny. 12th October 2000, Certificate in Childcare and Education, Heinemann 1st edition.

Research Methodology Chapter | Qualitative Research

Research Methodology Chapter | Qualitative Research The aim of this chapter is to undertake a critical review of the research method used, including an awareness of alternatives approach and the basic research question is discussed. This chapter describes the approach that the researcher undertake in order to carry out the research needs of this paper. The research objectives are to examine the marketing strategies, how a company creates the good relationships between customer and the service provider in telecom sector. This chapter plays an important role as a part of dissertation because it discusses the methods available to the researcher and justifies the method chosen. Its implication lies on the fact that it supports the findings of the researcher by validating the selected technique as appropriate for the situation. In the first stage of this chapter researcher defined the methods and techniques in detail and in the later part of this chapter the reason has been provided which research method was suitable for this study of rela tionship marketing. A research methodology is a method for how research study is to be carried. It helps the researcher to answer questions authentically, completely and precisely. Research methodology refers to the procedural framework within which the research is conducted (Remenyi et al., 1998). There are many factors to be considered when choosing an appropriate research methodology, with the topic to be researched and the specific research question being primary drivers (Remenyi et al., 1998). (Kumar, 1999, Blaxter, Hughes Tight, 1996) argue that the basic characteristics of study are intend to be, a designed, careful, methodical and dependable means of finding out or deepening understanding. McGrath (1982) posit that the choices make it apparent that there are no perfect solutions, only a sequence of compromises. Patton (1990) expresses the same view: research, like diplomacy, is the art of the possible. Noteworthy, however, a methodology must not, regardless of all other conditions, dominate the research procedure. A preliminary framework for this study was developed from the literatures about the relationship marketing, the role of CRM, Customer loyalty and information technology to create relationships (Hagel and Singer, 1999; Peppers et al., 1999). This framework has the three usual parts of a system: inputs, processes and outputs. That is, inputs of Internet information about customers are processed and converged with a firms customer databases, to produce a series of strategic outputs such as improved customer relationship management. As a result of the diverse ways of understanding relationship marketing, no set of best practice has been promoted although several approaches nevertheless have been proposed (e.g. DeSouza, 1992; Rosenberg and Czepiel, 1984; Stone and Woodcock, 1995). It has even been suggested that no guidelines exist that guarantee an effective design, implementation, monitoring and measurement of a relationship marketing programme (Grande, 1996; Pinto, 1997). For example, when the term relationship marketing is used in so many different ways that confusion sets in (Palmer, 1998, p. 106) is it then not possible to identify activities that, if practised, can be presented as substantive evidence of the practice of relationship marketing itself? Also, how are programmes of relationship marketing implemented and subsequently monitored (Cravens, 1998; Gummesson, 1998)? Finally, Gummesson (1997) notes that the measuring of returns on relationship marketing is still in its infancy so in what way(s), if at all, are returns on relationship marketing measured? 3.2 Research Paradigm Research can be conducted in a number of ways. It is important to determine which paradigm is most suitable for this research. Paradigm offers a framework comprising an accepted set of theories, methods and ways of defining data (Hussey Hussey, 1997). There are two research paradigms exist: Positivist and phenomenological. The principles of these two paradigms will be discussed in terms of their relevant strength and weaknesses in order to justify the researchers choice. 3.2.1 Positivism Paradigm Positivism is that the social world exists externally and its properties should be measured through objective methods rather than subjective methods through sensation or intuition (Smith, 2002). Positivists emphasize on highly structured methodology and to develop quantitative data for an appropriate set of preconceived hypotheses is to be tested. They consider objective criteria rather than human beliefs and interests to determine the study area. (Smith, Thorpe lowe, 2002; Saunders, Lewis Thornhill, 2003). According to Hussey (1997) research undertaken in this way will be precise, objective and the process of researching will have no affect on what is being researched. This type of research is performed in order to invent, confirm or reject an accepted theory. A key criticism of this approach is it is difficult to treat people as being separate from their social contexts and they cannot be understood without examining the perceptions they have (Hussey Hussey, 1997). However, consistency is high with generalisations being possible from data collected from a sample or population. In testing a theory, research will either attempt to prove or disprove a theory. Positivists emphasize on highly structured methodology and to develop quantitative data for an appropriate set of preconceived hypotheses is to be tested. They consider objective criteria rather than human beliefs and interests to determine the study area. (Smith, Thorpe lowe, 2002; Saunders, Lewis Thornhill, 2003). 3.2.2 Phenomenological Paradigm Phenomenological (interpretive science) investigation uses qualitative and naturalistic ways to inductively identify individual experience in context-specific situation. This approach attempts to recognize and describe a phenomenon, rather than exploring for exterior reason or primary laws (Easterby-Smith, 1991; Remenyi et al., 1998). Because of criticism on the positivist paradigm, the phenomenological paradigm was developed. According to Bryman(1999) understanding human behaviour from the participants own frame of reference. The main advantage of using the phenomenological paradigm is its ability to enable the researcher to elaborate and embrace several different themes simultaneously to achieve a greater understanding of what is occurring in the phenomena. The major disadvantage of this paradigm is that the reliability is very low. Thus the generalizations to a wider population cannot be made to any degree of accuracy. 3.3 Research Methods In the perspective of data collection, Jackowicz (1995) defines method as a systematic and orderly approach taken towards the collection of data so that the information can be obtained from those data. One of the most difficult tasks of a researcher is to turn the data into information. To explain the difference between data and information, the main characteristics of data is that it is raw, specific, undigested and therefore largely meaningless; information in contrast of data is what comes out when data have been arranged in such a way that uncertainty is lessened, queries resolved, and questions answered. To get data to generate literature review, two paths are followed one is the theoretical concepts, and the other is investigation of secondary sources of data within telecom industry. The literature review is designed to give critique of the area of relationship marketing. Its aim is to create a background for the primary and secondary research. Within the methodological field in marketing research the two wide ways of quantitative and qualitative work have fascinated both appreciation and disapproval (Birn et al., 1990; Goodyear, 2000). Research can be classified into two dissimilar types Quantitative Method. Qualitative Method. In quantitative method data is gathered and analysed using statistical tools. The data is often gathered through surveys, interview, questionnaires, etc. Edem (1994) argues that quantitative methodology validate research findings and gives the researcher a security of completion or reassurance in contributing to the development of knowledge. Bryman (1993) condemns quantitative research methods for their obvious method and linearity, and their lack of concern over the influence of resource limitations. Gable (1994) considers quantitative research to be relatively weak when used with the objective of discovery and during data collection. 3.4 Qualitative Research Method The principal consideration is to identify research methods that increase ones understanding of an issue rather then build upon existing theories and test relevant hypothesis. This position is supported by Bell (1993), according to Bell Researchers who adopt a qualitative perspective are more concerned to understand individuals perceptions of the world. They seek insight rather than statistical analysis. (Bell, 1993) The selection of qualitative methodology dictates the character of data gathering approaches done in relationship marketing context which is largely inductive (Creswell, 1994; Cuba and Lincoln, 1994; Quinn-Patton, 1987). The inductive logic means research should evolve in an undefined pattern rather than a determined specific result oriented pattern. Research therefore emerges from the field research with the interactions between the participants and the interviewees, as well as through the observations. In essence, this means while researching on relationship marketing services the framework in the beginning will be limited and predetermined on few objectives, after that the research will be let to evolve itself. In most of the cases it is hard to dissociate all deductive aspects but the plan is to keep this to a minimum. It is for this reason that the use of qualitative rather than quantitative research methods shall be employed. With the decision to use qualitative method decided, it becomes necessary to consider the specific applications that shall be used. Basically, it is necessary to consider the resources available to the research process. Many of the constraints placed upon qualitative methods involved issues regarding the amount of time available to the process. According to Bell The extent of your data collecting will be influenced by the amount of time you have. this may seem a rather negative approach, but there is no point in producing a grandiose scheme that requires a year and a team of researchers if you are your own, have no funds and in any case have to hand in the project report in three months . (Bell, 1993) This position makes several valid points, reminding us that one must ensure that the resources that are available to the research process are utilised fully. A qualitative, rather than quantitative approach is chosen because it is considered that many of the key factors in relationship marketing are socially constructed. (Hirschman, 1986). Phenomenological method has been used to provide informative and interesting interpretations of behaviour by a growing number of consumer researchers. However, at the onset it is important to note that phenomenology is not just a set of techniques for gathering, analysing and interpreting data; it is as much a philosophy whose intellectual foundations need to be understood if the method is to be implemented in its true form (Christina Goulding, 1999). It is decided to take a phenomenological approach, rather than positivist one, the reason to choose phenomenological, it was considered the subject matter of the study was unlikely to be objectively determined, this being the criteria for the positivist approach (Easter by-Smith et al, 1999), and the approach was suited to the socially constructed phenomen a that is the chosen area of research. A qualitative is used to aim to draw first hand experiences, in-depth motivations and personal feelings of interviewees towards relationship marketing and its role in telecom industry. One fundamental importance to this study is the fact that qualitative research will disclose problems, answers and insights that may go unnoticed in a quantitative study using closed or list questions. This may have limited the usefulness of the study and would probably not do justice to the fascinating and dynamic nature of marketing strategy. 3.4.1 Benefits of chosen approach: The benefit of qualitative research starts firstly with the fact it is not very time consuming. As Gilmore and Carson (1996) advocates qualitative techniques are highly appropriate for marketing research in the services industry, given the dynamic nature of the service delivery and they mostly occur through human interaction. They felt that the examination of complex and dynamic service situations could be more effectively achieved since the qualitative research process offers an open, flexible and experiential approach. It provides with the subjective information which may help to analyze the complex questions that cannot be answered. Respondents are encouraged to answer in their own words providing rich, fertile, but disorganized data Jankowicz (1993). It also provides the opportunity and opens the doors for the new research areas because of richer source of ideas. The qualitative research literature ( Kirk and Miller, 1986; Cresswell, 1994; Carson et al., 2001) proposes that quali tative research in common is reliable, valid and trustworthy, the authors were mostly watchful of the reliability, validity and general matters that are connected with drawing conclusions and making implications from non-probabilistic, small samples (Patton, 1990; Bock and Sargeant, 2002). Because of time restraints and availability of resources, the qualitative approach was the best option for the researcher conducting a single study. The value of qualitative approaches has become more apparent in consumer research over the past ten years with a number of researchers gaining insight into the phenomena not easily understood through quantitative measures (Woodruff and Schumann, 1993; Masberg and Silverman, 1996). 3.5 Data Collection Methodology Basically the data was collected in two stages, shown below. First Stage: Theory Study The first part of the research was completed by examining and reviewing previous literature, which facilitated to develop the themes which were discussed in more depth by the later stage of the research study. Second Stage: Focus Groups exploration In the second stage the researcher is trying to demonstrate the need for the appropriate approach from all the available methods in qualitative research methods because of the exploratory nature of the study. Convenient sampling method was used fort he chosen method: focus groups. Convenience sampling is the method used for selecting the sample for the chosen research methods: focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Although these methods of non-probability sampling are less scientific than the more robust methods of probability sampling (Zikmund, 2000), it is appropriate for the purpose of this study as it is best utilized for exploratory research (Zikmund, 2000). The groups enabled the researcher to explore themes, and expressed feelings much better than the questionnaire, which would not have enabled the expansion of topics in the same way. According to (Morgan and Krueger, 1998) The goal in focus groups is to gain an understanding by hearing from people in depth and this requires selecting a purposive sample that will generate the most productive discussion in the focus groups. A purposive sampling strategy chooses the focus group participants according to the projects goals. Focus groups are a qualitative technique allowing for the explicit use of group interaction to produce data and insights that would be less accessible without the interaction found in a group (Morgan, 1990). Focus groups are an admirable technique at establishing the why behind the informant perspectives (Morgan, 1990). Focus group is an addition to an individual interview as focus groups are thought to produce more critical explanation than personal interviews (Watts and Ebbutt, 1987). The focus allows the interaction between the people of different races and careers to express them their feeling and share their thoughts or experiences. Different people are gathered and brought into conversation for a focuses discussion related to a specific subject or question the results are used to increase understanding of that particular topic. In market research focus groups have been exercised to learn about consumers approaches and feelings as well as developing marketing strategies (Crabtre e and Miller, 1992; Hedges, 1985; Keown, 1983). This method is open-ended. That is, they use a form of questioning in which the respondents are encouraged to answer in their own words while the researcher may have an idea about the kind of answers that should be expected, it is not possible to specify assumptions in advance. In focus groups the moderator asks a question to each member in turn. Inside these restrictions, though, the meaning has reasonably broader limitations and several ways of collecting data are viable (Mitchell and Branigan, 2000). The focus group is relatively unstructured and unrestricted; they provide bulky amounts of productive but disorganized data. Some new forms of focus groups are also emerging these days as online focus groups they have facilitated qualitative research to be the beneficiary for the electronic development. Conducting online qualitative research is getting more famous and significant as a method of gathering information and data to know the methodologies and its key benefits (Sweet, 2001). Focus are not always easy to plan and execute as Atiken (1996) argues the benefits of focus groups, but also point out that they are not easy to arrange, run and report on. Focus groups are also helpful if the respondents are friendly towards the researcher as qualitative interviews this also depends on the association between interviewer and interviewees in raising an open dialogue which can allow a joint construction of understanding in the interview (Kvale, 1996). Overall the chosen methodology which has suited the study better than that of a more quantitative nature, as the properties involved are not physical or easily measurable In the paradigm of qualitative research focus groups have many advantages and disadvantages that can be taken into consideration while exploring the research better synopsis could not be found on the limitations and strengths of the focus group method as qualitative consumer research than one written by Morgan and Spanish (1984, p. 260): In essence, the strengths of focus groups come from a compromise between the strengths found in other qualitative methods. Like participant observation, they allow access to a process that qualitative researchers are often centrally interested in: interaction. Like in-depth interviewing, they allow access to the content that readers are often interested in: the attitudes and experiences of our respondents. As a compromise, focus groups are neither as strong as participant observation on the naturalistic observation of interaction, nor as strong as interviewing on the direct probing of informant knowledge, but they do a better job of combining these two goals than either of the other two techniques. The researcher believes this is a useful combination and one which, for some types of research questions, may represent the best of both worlds. The focus group enables the researcher to explore themes, and expresses feeling much better than questionnaire. As Lovelock (1996) posits, focus group have been used very effectively to illicit useful information about likes, dislikes, wants and desires of the participants. Focus groups have these disadvantages which comprises of standing, information and cultural differences among respondents, group domination by intellectual persons, forceful agreement and are deficient in inconsistency in viewpoints (McDonald, 1993; Ulmenstein, 1995). The outcomes of the focus groups are unstructured. This deficiency of structure possibly will leave participants lacking a sense of completion and may provide respondent disappointment (Van de Ven and Delbecq, 1974). 3.6 Focus Group interviews The qualitative part of this study was designed to include both focus-group and semi structured interviews. It included two different kinds of tools for interviewing and collecting the qualitative data in order to achieve appropriate richness in terms of understanding the variables behind the relationship marketing and customers evaluations in the telecom sector. The researcher himself acted as a moderator because he knows that moderator can have a deep impact on the usefulness of focus groups, in view of the fact that he can control equally the content of what is said by respondents, (Myers, 1998) and manage of participation (Morgan, 1996). The researcher before deciding the participants of focus group always kept the goals in his mind about the different styles, status and experience participant remain involve. The first part of qualitative study involved two focus groups moderated by a research professional. Two sessions were conducted, including a two hour discussion per group. The two focus groups consisted of three people each. Some of them were students; users and the rest of them were from different call centres. This criterion was set partly because researcher want to compare the results under investigation to other groups. Prior to interviews, formal introductory letters stating the research objectives were sent to interviewees in o rder to remind and trust along with establishing relationship. These will be followed up by telephone calls and re-inforcement of research objectives which will enable interviewees to address any queries they have prior to the interviews. Semi-structured interviews of approximately forty minutes to one hour are used from the people who are working in call centres for managing customer relations and providing customer service. Focus group are also a consideration for this research, because interaction among respondents might have stimulated new ideas and thoughts that may not have arisen during one to one interviews, group pressures are immediate, the greatest potential for distorting the focus group research is during the group interview itself (McDaniel and Gates,1996) For example, focus group may be subject to unstructured discussions which drift far from research objectives. Furthermore focus group may also contain introverted and non-respondents. But for the research of relationship marketing in telecom industry focus group is a good option. From the 1970s, focus group used mainly in the sphere of market research (Morgan, 1997). They are now widely used in anthropology, communication, education, marketing, political science, psychology, nursing and public health. It is not easy to define an interview questions because of the variety of the types of interview. According to Patton (1980), it is a useful starting point: the purpose of interviewing is to find out what is in and on someone elses mind. Researcher interview people to find out from them those things we cannot directly observe. A variety of open-ended questions are considered for inclusion in focus group discussion and in interviews. A key consideration during the discussion is the accuracy of the information collected. Interviews and group discussion will not be capable of being repeated due to time constraints and professionalism. Throughout the session, questioning was purposeful to acquire the reason what participants feel about relationship marketing in current business. The best the researcher could do was to encourage the respondent to express their thoughts and experiences. Researcher tried let the discussion remain focused as he has to play the key role throughout. Analysis of the outcome of the groups was undertaken by collating the comments made and categorizing responses. According to Marshall and Rossman (1989), the advantages of interviewing that face-to-face meeting with informants obtains large amount of expansive and contextual data which facilitate access for immediate follow-up. Data collection for clarification and omissions is possible. Data are collected in natural setting because data obtains on non-verbal behaviour and communication. Interview facilitates analysis, validity checks, and triangulation, which also provides background context for more focus on activities, behaviours, and events. Interviewing is great utility for uncovering the subjective side, the natives perspective of organisational processes. Some of the disadvantages of interviewing that data are open to misinterpretation due to cultural differences, especially in diverse society. Depends on the co-operation of a small group of key informants and procedure are not always explicit. Interviewing depends on researchers opportunity or characteristics because data are often sub ject to observer effects; obtrusive or reactive because its dependent on the honesty of those providing the data , dependent on the ability of the researcher to be resourceful, systematic and honest; to control bias. 3.7 Analysis: Unquestionably, data analysis is the most composite and puzzling of all of the phases of a qualitative project (Thorne, 2000).Therefore, to analyze the data, it was important to choose a relevant method which suited the research approach. Considering all possibilities available Grounded Theory was decided to be the most suitable form of analysis, as grounded theory offers a way of attending in detail the qualitative material in order to develop systematically theories about the phenomena which have been observed (Turner, 1983). It also gives internal validity to a study because of its systematic processes. The discussion from each focus group was listened to a couple of times, and the transcription read a couple of times so as to develop a familiarity to the researcher with the content, as Hague and Jackson (1999) points out that with interviews it is generally good practice to transcribe them into typed up context and carry out analysis with this material. A lot of revelations became and most noticeable being the differences and similarities between the groups. The researcher spent time on examining upon the different parts of the discussions so as to attain a right understanding of what was actually meant by the respondents. Interpreting the data and simplifying meaning from the analysis (Miles and Huberman, 1994) is difficult task. All the emerging ideas were examined further at each stage of analysis, with the regular refining which formed the recoding stage of the grounded theory process. All through this analysis stage an attempt was made to relate the concepts to the previous re search where possible. Accessibility is essential to people within the organizations i.e. telecom industry that are involved in customer relationship management, management of customer data to retain the data of existing customers. Such sources would give key insights into how organizations are responding to the threats and opportunities of relationship marketing in the electronic age and with a freshness and energy that would deliver inspirational and perhaps leading edge thinking into e-marketing and the link with content. In summary the methodology of this research is developed from the question, to get better understanding of the concept relationship marketing. How content is being used to build relationship with existing customers. Throughout the development of the methodology, the most suitable research design methods is chosen with regards to this question alongside other more practical considerations. The limitations of research methodology are included accessibility to the research population of interest and time constraint. A major consideration in this study was perceptual and subjective bias although this is likely to apply to any research of this type and topic. However, ultimately the interpretation of the results is subject to the researchers own perception especially due to the researchers natural interest in the subject matter. 3.8 Methodological Critique This section reveals the flaws and defects which may have resulted because of the chosen methodology. Firstly, the qualitative approach was chosen but some practitioners who still believe that the qualitative research even now experiences from an uncertain image (Coldwell, 1990). The qualitative research which does not meet the requirements of validity and reliability as opponents of qualitative research time and again refer to the fact that this kind of research does not meet the demands of validity and reliability, standard which are usually viewed as the basis of any research. Indeed, as a consequence of the relative choice and lack of structure and inflexibility characteristic of most qualitative research methods it is simple to question validity and reliability in their conventional sense (Kirk and Miller, 1986; Warren, 1991; Warren and Cragg, 1991). Even the selected sample size was too small and cannot be said to provide the accuracy for the research as the small, qualitative study cannot maintain the power; mainly the sample studied cannot stand for the whole population sight and feelings. Methodological triangulation can be utilized to improve the reliability and validity of the facts (Denzin, 1989). Triangulation, whereby methods are derived from se veral sources, ideally using both qualitative and quantitative data would have been a superior approach this enhances validity (Threlfall, 1999). It would have also allowed cross referencing of data. As the researcher himself was the moderator, so it cannot be said a perfect condition for the focus group because a moderator for the focus group facilitation should be experienced and have some topic background, if available, would be an ideal moderator (Seggern and Young, 2003). The methodology of using focus groups and the availability of past research allowed the researcher to have data from different sources. The participants were known to the researcher and the majority were friends and colleagues, so the biasness to the discussion could have been created by them and the direction given by the moderator at times did not allow the respondents to express their true view, as the data acquired from the focus group is likely to symbolize the preconceived thoughts of the moderator as the approach of the subject interviewed (Threlfall, 1999). The group discussion in the focus group may let the respondents to leave the major conflicting views as it has been argued that group interaction can also be a major disadvantage of focus groups as it may inhibit the exchange of opinions and ideas and lead to the loss of minority or opposing points of view (Gordon and Langmaid, 1988). The discussion for this kind of study have provided the researcher with the substantial amount of data, some of which were relevant to the study and much which had no direct connection with the topic investigated because participants focus on one another rather than the researcher (Kitzinger, 1994). During the focus group discussion, respondents engaged in active talks to reach a same view for the group and it was hard to correctly record this conversation with a tape recorder, since on many occasions more than one respondent was conversing at one time. There is a possibility that the topic remain less or more inert throughout the discussion because the guide given by the questioner which may escort them the other way (Threlfall, 1999). In other terms researcher can say that the information gathered

Essay on the Character of Katharina in Taming of the Shrew

The Character of Katharina in The Taming of the Shrew      Ã‚   Michael W. Shurgot has written that The Taming of the Shrew "may never be as intellectually stimulating as reading, say, The Merchant of Venice or Hamlet or The Winter's Tale" and that the characters that seem one-dimensional on the page can only become interesting on the stage (328).   Shurgot would seem to imply that Shakespeare did not fully develop his characters, and that the play is only entertaining after a director has taken creative license with the stage directions.   A close reading of the play itself will show it to be interesting enough indeed, for it reveals clues to the motivation of both Katharina's shrewishness and later submissiveness, and the manner in which her character is to be portrayed and viewed.       Agnes Mure Mackenzie would have audiences believe that "Katharina's revolt is temperamental apparently: at least we are given no reason for it in its beginnings," (24).   Baptista says that his daughters will have "a good bringing up," (1.1.99), implying that he has always tried to raise the girls right.   Katharina, he would have us believe, has turned out shrewish despite his best intentions.   He also says that he intends to school his daughters.   This does not necessarily mean that Katharina is intelligent, but she has probably been encouraged to think.   Like it or not, Baptista has reared an independently thinking female.       An audience might assume that Katharina has always been shrewish; her reputation seems to have already been established, as is evidenced by Hortensio and Gremio's heckling in the first scene (1.1.55-61).   This does not mean she is a shrew by nature, only that she had been exhibiting this behavior f... ...hout his even knowing it.       So we see that Katharina is indeed a very complex and interesting character.   Generations of readers and performers have misunderstood her character, and probably misrepresented her.   Tucking Katharina into the "crazy shrew" package may be very convenient for the director looking for an easy production, but it is probably incorrect.   In fact, no production that produces the play as a straightforward farce does the character of Katharina any justice.    Works Cited MacKenzie, Agnes Mure.   The Women in Shakespeare's Plays.   London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1924. Ring.   "Was shrewish Shakespeare a feminist bard?" from http://web.uvic.ca/ucom/Ring/99feb19/bard.htm Shurgot, Michael W.   "From Fiction to Reality: Character and Stagecraft in The taming of the shrew."   Theatre Journal, October 1981, 327-340.

A Feminist Analysis of Cloud Nine Essay -- essays research papers fc

Feminist Analysis of Cloud Nine In 1979, Caryl Churchill wrote a feminist play entitled Cloud Nine. It was the result of a workshop for the Joint Stock Theatre Group and was intended to be about sexual politics. Within the writing she included a myriad of different themes ranging from homosexuality and homophobia to female objectification and oppression. â€Å"Churchill clearly intended to raise questions of gender, sexual orientation, and race as ideological issues; she accomplished this largely by cross-dressing and role-doubling the actors, thereby alienating them from the characters they play.† (Worthen, 807) The play takes part in two acts; in the first we see Clive, his family, friends, and servants in a Victorian British Colony in Africa; the second act takes place in 1979 London, but only twenty-five years have passed for the family. The choice to contrast the Victorian and Modern era becomes vitally important when analyzing this text from a materialist feminist view; materialist feminism relies heav ily on history. Cloud Nine is a materialist feminist play; within it one can find examples that support all the tenets of materialist feminism as outlined in the Feminism handout (Bryant-Bertail, 1).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The system of patriarchy allies itself to economic power (Bryant-Bertail, 1). In the first act of the play, several references are made that allude to the economic power being held by the men. The play opens with the line â€Å"Come gather, sons of England, come gather in your pride† (Churchill, 810) and in Clive’s opening speech he makes several fatherly references; â€Å"I am father to the natives here, and father to my family so dear† (810). In the next song the line â€Å"The forge of war shall weld the chains of brotherhood secure† (810) can be found. It is interesting to also note that intermixed with these lines are references to Queen Victoria’s sovereignty. Several lines such as, â€Å"we serve the queen wherever we may roam† and â€Å"O’er countless numbers she, our Queen, Victoria reigns supreme† (810) can be found. The author intended these lines to be ironic and humorous. Even though the male cha racters are the ones saying them, they really don’t have any respect for her as a person, just as a figure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women are hierarchized into classes (Bryant-Bertail, 2). In this story many of the women are in separate classes. I... ...up psychology is not isolated, but considered in relation to larger institutions (Bryant-Bertail, 2). The entire play is aimed directly at this tenet. In Act One, all of the characters think one way and act another. For example while Ellen may actually be a lesbian in love with Betty, she goes ahead and marries Harry because it is â€Å"the right thing to do†. However, in Act Two, the characters no longer feel the need to hide what they are from each other. Overall we are left to compare these competing mindsets not just to each other but to the larger institutional psychology; Act One is blatantly Victorian and Act Two is set in the 1970’s. The author purposefully chose these two eras because they so heavily contrast each other. The rigidity of Victorianism and the liberation of the late 70’s when compared with the characters show us that times may change but what people think doesn’t.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1995 Churchill, Caryl In Worthen, W. B. ed. The Harcourt Brace Anthology of Drama. Fortworth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 2000.

Exploring different types of comedy :: Drama

Exploring different types of comedy I am part of a group working on a devised piece based on the theme of comedy. We have explored different types of comedy and are devising ways of using these in a piece of drama. We were given some stimulus material about commedia dell'arte, this literally means artistic comedy. It started in the later half of the 16th century and this was a period where plays were stylish, classic and cold. So, commedia dell'arte was the complete opposite and soon loud, colourful representations cropped up all over Italy. The rules of theatre were subverted in this new style. Commedia dell'arte is mainly based on free improvisation on stage. Actors starting performing on simple stages set outdoors with a simple yet essential background. These improvised performances were never subtle and the humour was very often bawdy and coarse. There are a number of traditional characters that are related to commedia dell'arte. Harlequin is probably the best known out of all of the characters. He is comic servant who is lazy but energetic and both stupid and clever. He adds to the comedy that is being created on stage by the pure stupidity of the things that he does. He is often seen leaping into the air, dancing and walking on stilts. Another well known character is Pantaloon. He is a comic old merchant from Venice. He loves to give advice although he often receives blows from his servants, which creates comedy on stage. Even though commedia dell'arte didn't generate specific ideas for characters as such it did provide us with ideas for basic plot, as this genre achieves most of its humour on stage from the ridiculous situations that the characters are faced with. Our group was given a second stimulus of pantomime, and we were given 'Dick Whittington', written by Derek Dwyer and Merlin Price. In British theatre pantomime is a Christmas or New Year entertainment, but its origins can be traced back to the 16th century improvised comic drama, commedia dell'arte. This can be seen as pantomime retained a number of elements of commedia dell'arte, including the actress playing the part of the principle boy, and the actor playing the dame. Some new elements were also added into pantomime as it developed throughout the ages such as popular songs, topical humour, audience participation and a number of guest appearances from popular entertainers of the day. Many of these characteristics of typical pantomime can be seen in the extract that we have been given of 'Dick Whittington'. For example, before anyone even speaks there is a song to begin the show. This is