Essay Giving Stimulants to Children with ADHD - 603 Words

In this day and age, drugs are being prescribed without hesitation. In fact, many of these drugs are being prescribed for children with various disorders. One of these disorders is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An estimated five to ten percent of children are diagnosed with this syndrome (Taylor 11). One of the methods to treat this disorder is to use stimulants, specifically Ritalin. This method is controversial because it has many side effects and its long-term effects are unknown. It can also lead to addiction. Approximately two to three percent of elementary school children are taking some kind of stimulant to treat ADHD (Taylor 64). Since so many children are taking this medication, new problems have arisen.†¦show more content†¦ADHD children have trouble in school with reading, handwriting and paying attention to what is important. They constantly fidget and squirm and cant express their thoughts into words. Detecting ADHD is a complicated mat ter since there are no blood tests or evident genetic tests to confirm this syndrome. The most common way to treat ADHD is with stimulants or anti-depressants. These medications stimulate the childs brake pedal whereas without treatment the child is all gas pedal (Taylor 63). The most common drugs prescribed for this disorder are Dexedrine, Ritalin and Cylert. They are effective for a four to five hour time period while the sustained-released tablets are effective for seven to eight hour time periods. The drugs stimulate the central nervous system similar to amphetamines. It activates the brain stem arousal system and the cortex (Bailey 2). Ritalin, the most common drug prescribed for ADHD, has many side effects. It can cause a variety of symptoms including nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, high blood pressure and heart rate, skin rashes, abdominal pain, weight loss, digestive problems, toxic psychosis, psychotic episodes, drug dependence, and anxiety (Bailey 3). These drugs also cause food cravings (mainly sweets), hinder allergies, psychosis and pre-existing tics. Long-term effects of Ritalin consist ofShow MoreRelatedOverprescribing Of Stimulants For ADHD Case Study969 Words   |  4 PagesOverprescribing of Stimulants for ADHD The most extensively studied childhood neurobehavioral disorder is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a chronic condition that occurs in about 8% of children and youth (Harstad Levy, 2014). Stimulant medications (i.e. methylphenidate and amphetamine) are very effective in decreasing the core symptoms of ADHD (Harstad Levy, 2014). Due to the increasing rates of stimulant prescriptions, there is now controversy on whether overdiagnosis of ADHD in youthRead MoreSymptoms And Diagnosis Of Adhd920 Words   |  4 PagesADHD is one of the most studied psychiatric disorder, and one of the most common cognitive disorders, yet there are still concerns and questions about the validity of ADHD diagnosis. The truth is, there is no one simple test for ADHD. To be diagnosed with this disorder, a person must meet criteria described in DSM 5. How do we know if a person met the criteria? Well, it is simple, the clinical picture is drawn by patients’ (or parents’, teachers’) subjective description of symptoms. Yes, the diagnosisRead MoreAttentention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD and What Can be Done About It967 Words   |  4 PagesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also known as ADHD is the common childhood brain disorders and can continue through adolescence and even adulthood. The symptoms of ADHD includes sign of inattention, hyperactivity and implusivity. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), 2012). Children with ADHD tend to experience problems in completing a task, academic performance and are often unpopular among peers. (Barlow Durand, 2012). Treatments for ADHD is classified into non medicine treatments andRead MoreThe Ethics of Giving Children ADHD Medication1642 Words   |  7 PagesAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder that causes children to have problems with paying attention, trouble with following instructions, have impulsive behaviors and become easily distracted. Medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, are used to treat the symptoms of this disorder by helping the patient to focus and pay attention while also curbing their impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. Side effects of these medications are, but not limited to, anxiety, addictionRead MoreAdhd : Synthetic Medication Vs. Holistic Approach1013 Words   |  5 Pages ADHD: Synthetic Medication Vs. Holistic Approach Ashley McKnight American College of Healthcare Sciences ADHD: Synthetic Medication Vs. Holistic Approach Little Johnny was exhibiting all the signs of ADHD. His parents had school conferences with his teachers and it was agreed that his parents would get him tested. Paperwork was filled out and little Johnny was tested for ADHD. When the test came back, it was confirmed that little Johnny had ADHD. So, what now? The parentsRead MoreAn In-Depth Analysis on the Prescription of Stimulant Medication as a Treatment for ADHD1141 Words   |  5 Pages Stimulant medication could be the miracle drug, or the most harmful thing to hit the younger generations. Medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are playing a prominent role in many adolescents’ lives, or the lives of people close to them. There is an â€Å"underground market† for medications like these, and the market is growing quickly. Whether just to make sure they pass that next test, or if they really believe they need it, stimulants’ popularity is soaring, and not just among adolescents butRead MoreChildren Wi th Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder1525 Words   |  7 Pageslunch. Unfortunately, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) don’t have it so easy. Daily life in and outside of the classroom can be extremely difficult for such children; however, there are ways to help. The drug Ritalin helps elementary aged male children with ADHD improve test scores by allowing them to focus in the classroom and concentrate on schoolwork (Bronson). Not using a stimulant like Ritalin has negative consequences for children with ADHD. Although they may beRead MoreAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Essay1474 Words   |  6 Pagesmore difficult, but this does not only apply to the one diagnosed. Living with someone with ADHD or even being friends with someone with ADHD can have an effect on a person’s life. From the patients impulsive actions, all the way to their inability to pay attention to what someone is saying can affect everyone around them. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder does have a temporary cure though. Stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse all the way to exercise. Although some medicines have great benefitsRead More Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Essay1551 Words   |  7 Pagesnothing wrong, and gets straight A’s; parenting still is difficult. When a child has a disorder such as ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactive disorder), the child needs much more from the parent tha n most parents bargain for. Parenting roles for a child with ADHD change greatly; from the time that a parent needs to spend helping the child tie their shoe, or taking the child out for a run in the park. ADHD is not a very easy concept to define, that being because there is no medical proof that the disorderRead MoreAdhd And Its Effects On Children Essay1588 Words   |  7 Pagesdiagnosed with ADHD, 60 million children and adults in the U.S. who struggle with learning and attention issues as reported by the National Center of Learning Disabilities. Approximately 5% of school-aged children and adolescents are highly affected. Currently, medication seems to be the first line of treatment for ADHD and there are many side effects that go along with that because it is a stimulant medication. Stimulant medicines do not help with all behaviors and signs of ADHD. ADHD is the most common

Nurses As Leaders For Quality Improvement Initiatives

Nurses as leaders in quality improvement initiatives In the evolving health care environment, a guiding policy and personnel planning is required with respect to the numbers, types and mix of professionals. To overcome the challenges of the existing health care system and practice environment, â€Å"nurses need to be well educated, team oriented, adaptable and able to apply competencies relevant to leadership† (The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, 2011, p. 270). Health care system is complex and has conflicting interests. Nurse helps the patient and family to connect to their social support systems and help to coordinate care and improve patient outcomes. Evidence shows that high quality nursing care can reduce cost†¦show more content†¦Its goals is to promote quality with professional practice and to recognize excellence in the delivery of nursing services to patients; and, to disseminate best practices in nursing services (Grant, Colello, Rie hl, Dende, 2010). Quality improvement stems from nurses who are technologically knowledgeable and use technology to facilitate seamless care in which the patient is the center of the care and technology should not take time away from the patient. Nurses are the key caregivers in the hospital and have a significant influence on the quality of care provided and ultimately on treatment and patient outcomes. As a result, the hospitals pursuit of high quality patient care is on their ability to utilize nursing resources most effectively, which can become even more challenging due to the anticipated shortage of nurses. As the participation of hospitals in quality improvement initiatives increases, so will the role of nurses because â€Å"Nurses are the largest deliverer of health care in the US† (Draper, Felland, Liebhaber, Melichar, 2008, p.2). Therefore, further research on the characteristics preferred for nurses for their involvement in quality improvement initiative s would be beneficial for positive health care reforms in the hospitals and other settings. Research in this area to evaluate the characteristics most important to nurses in quality

Coordinate business resources free essay sample

What is the link between resource acquisition and quality outputs? High quality inputs with constant monitoring and controls equals high quality outputs. By having a sound action plan, the necessary processes for a smooth running project can be developed. This involves agreeing on expectations, budgets, suppliers and skilled staff with appropriate training to name a few. 4. Are the customers for the outputs of a team/section/division/plant different from the customers for an organisation? Explain. No. They all expect a quality item/solution on time and within budget. They both have needs that they need to have met and are dependent on your leadership skills to ensure this happens. Having said that, external customers usually have agreed on an output and signed off with a contract. It is my experience, that internal people can often ‘move the goal post’, and internal customers should be tied down with a similar type of agreement. Assessment Activity 2 1. What might the consequences be of failing to involve a wide range of people in resource planning? It would be a foolish planner to think that they ‘know it all’. The involvement of others with relevant skills and knowledge means that opportunities are not missed and over expenditure or underestimation of requirements does not occur. By not consulting with a rich knowledge base available, it could lead to average approaches not being replaced with exceptional ideas. 2. When planning resource use and acquisition what methodologies can be used to consult with customers, other stakeholders and employees? Organising meetings with customers/clients, stakeholders and employees to determine agreement, expectations, best practice and availability. Also the use of surveys and questionnaires, both new and historical, and analysing the resulting data. Reviewing historical information of a similar plan with similar resource requirements allows a view of changing requirements and the advancements made in technology. Assessment Activity 3 1. Explain how procedures can support effective resource management. By having procedures in place, such as requisitioning, recording, and reporting, a greater control of the flow and use of resources can be kept. This helps eliminate over ordering, waste and theft. By maintaining control of resources, future requirements can be estimated and ordering to meet future project demands can planned for. In the case of capital expenditure items, the asset register can also be checked for the location of major resources, or decisions made on the acquisition of extra resources. 2. Create a procedure that an organisation could implement for their employees to submit a resource proposal – proposed resource purchase or expenditure item. -Assess the current situation and evaluate the need for the resource. Gather data -Cost vs. benefit evaluation -Risk assessment, highlighting if necessary the benefits of change/upgrade -Recommendation -Present a report with all written evidence pointing out the need for acquisition/change Include: Quotes (3 if possible, including preferred supplier, if available) Alternatives (items or procedures) Impact of non-acceptance (to company, safety, morale, production, profit etc. ) Assessment Activity 4 1. Why is hiring the right people for the job a critical factor for resource management? The right selection to meet the job requirement will assist in maintaining a quality output. The wrong selection can cost time and money, as well as often causing dissention or low morale in current staff, where their expectation of the new hire is not met. As with any resource management, current stakeholders have a vested interest in the correct acquisition. The employer must also be aware that they have also specified the job correctly, so that new hires personal goals and objectives can be met and that they can see a growth path within the organisation. 2. How does measuring and monitoring individual or work group performance link with the management of effective business resources? Measuring and monitoring performance works for both the organisation and the individual. Evaluations can highlight gaps and allow for the opportunity for training, coaching or mentoring. A ‘poor’ evaluation in some areas should not be seen as failure, but rather a path to improvement, which offers employees motivation and further commitment to the organisation. This measuring and monitoring can also help with group performance, by evaluating  where there is a skill gap that cannot be filled by current staff (usually through constraints of time or commitment to other projects), and needs to be filled with employment of extra resources. It may be found after full analysis of incoming data that, rather than physical resources, equipment change/upgrade is a better option. The saying ‘You cannot control that which you cannot measure’ should be observed, so that calculated, rather than opinionated, decisions can be made in the arena of resource management. Assessment Activity 5 1. How important is it to the achievement of objectives, targets and goals is the management of human resources? Explain. By managing human resources effectively, and ensuring that teams remain motivated, the successful execution of goals is almost guaranteed. Praising achievements, monitoring their actions and making sure they have the necessary skills and tools to perform their tasks leads to a happy, loyal and productive team. This is achieved through good leadership skills and it can be seen in organisations that nurture these values have teams that become a formidable force, always seeking improvement for their own and companies benefit. 2. What is likely to happen if information is not freely shared in an organisation, or is not available when it is needed? The first casualties of secrecy and non-disclosure in an organisation are mistrust, fear, disloyalty and resentment. This in turn leads to low morale, stress, anger and mistakes. These are effects directly affecting employees. The organisation then suffers from costly ill-informed decision making, unnecessary reproduction of tasks, loss of business and poorly motivated teams, to name a few. Assessment Activity 6 1. Why must stock be controlled and, if required, rationalised? To provide a well-managed production/order plan by having stock when needed and not holding onto costly unused stores. Excess stock is a cost to organisations, tying up finances for other projects, reducing supply and profitability. It is as important to not over-order as it is to under-order. Over-ordering (for instance where ‘use by dates’ must be strictly adhered to) causes waste and financial loss. Stock control and monitoring usage helps to control this. Rationalisation on inventory is essential to ensure that organisational costs (of holding excess inventory), does not lower profit and returns on investment capital. 2. What inventory management systems are commonly used in organisations? There are many available, depending on the type and size of the organisation. JIT (Just in time) is a method where goods arrive when needed rather than be held in inventory. This is a double edged and often criticised system as some companies abuse it and cause high cost to the supplier as they have to ‘wear’ the cost of warehousing. It is not uncommon in today’s environment for penalties to be imposed for every day commitment is not met (both to the company ordering and the supplier). Fixed point re-ordering is usually a software solution that triggers an order when certain reduction in inventory is realised. This can be used in supermarkets through to large production environments needing raw materials to produce their own products. Fixed interval recording is similar to the above but is triggered on a time line rather than quantity. This type of ordering depends on accurate forecasting and analysis by qualified staff. Economic order quantity (EOQ) is based on a calculation using the 4 costs involved in inventory and determining the square root. This is established by determining (twice the forecast demand multiplied by ordering cost) divided by (the value price multiplied by the carrying cost of total inventory) and then calculating the square root of the answer. This can be used to balance purchase quantity against ordering and carrying costs and determining the most economic ordering size. 3. How can an organisation ensure quality outsourced resource supplies? Firstly by research, both internal and external, as to the satisfaction of performance and supply by others who have dealt with them. After a supplier is decided the ongoing relationship must be maintained. By involving suppliers in the quality monitoring loop, whereby a relationship is built to mutual benefit, where they are preferred supplier, ensuring they understand your requirements and want to maintain a ‘preferred supplier’ status. This is mutually beneficial as they have continuity of custom and the organisation is usually ensured discounts through their loyalty along with products that meet their predetermined standards. 4. What action can be taken to build effective, quality-based relationships with suppliers? Regular meetings with suppliers where a free flow of information is exchanged. Outlining to them your on-going needs, and conversely listening to some of their concerns regarding dealing with your organisation. This could involve late/short deliveries, unreasonable expectations or continuing late payment. Whatever concerns, on whichever side must be addressed swiftly to enable a continued mutually beneficial relationship. 5. What are the benefits of building such relationships? Apart from saving an organisation time and lowering costs, a good relationship usually enhances quality control, reliability and trust. The supplier respects and understands the organisational needs, often offering better or cost effective solutions through this understanding. 6. Is it best to use external suppliers with whom you have built effective relationships, or should you constantly shop aroud for the cheapest deal? Explain. Yes. However, activities and advancements in the chosen sector must always be monitored. Better solutions/models may be available that your supplier cannot offer. In the case of solely monitoring price, it should be stated to your current preferred supplier to see if he can match or better it. This does not mean that you should abandon a supplier over a few dollars, but in the case of a major asset, the alternative must be considered if it is substantially lower (say 7% of a million dollar purchase). Assessment Activity 7 1. Explain how resource management is related to quality management and to continuous improvement. Poor quality management systems result in resource wastage. By having good resource management, increases in organisational effectiveness and profitability are seen, standards are met across all relationships, resources meet and match requirements. Continuous improvement raises the potential for increased profit and market share, and enhances the company’s ability to hold onto a competitive edge. These issues, interacting, overall would be the result of good quality management systems being in place and constantly examined. 2. Describe a situation with which you are familiar where you encountered a resourcing problem. What impact did it have on you being able to achieve your goals? How did you overcome the problem? Problem: A large mining company moved the deadline for completion of a Reclaimer. This was moved forward from the agreed date that had previously been signed off. The initial impact was the time taken in contract re-negotiation and adjusting the project plan. Solution: The project plan was adjusted and a new critical path circulated to all management involved. More physical resources were employed (from a large company resource database) and other resources obtained through the company’s asset register and through hire from trusted suppliers. A committed core team of managers, with teams that respected and trusted them, ensured it happened and the new deadline was met with no impact on the quality of result.

Step by Step Guide To Learn How To Write A Dissertation

If you are working towards earning a PhD, know that dissertation writing is an important part of your journey. Graduate students start the process of writing their dissertation with great zeal and enthusiasm. However, the process can be long and tedious, due to conducting research and writing. Which sometimes leads to procrastination and even failure. But not to worry! We have got you covered. Before continuing your dissertation read this step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation. It will help you get started! Quick Links 1. Dissertation Definition 1.1 Dissertation Definition 2. How to Write a Dissertation? 2.1 Dissertation Topic 2.2 Dissertation Proposal 2.3 Dissertation Research 2.4 Dissertation Format 2.4.1 Dissertation Titles 2.4.2 Dissertation Introduction 2.4.3 Literature Reviews 2.4.4 Research Methodology 2.4.5 Research Findings 2.4.6 Discussion 2.4.7 References 2.4.8 Dissertation Abstract 2.5 Rough Draft 2.6 Edit and Proofread 3. Dissertation Example 4. Dissertation Template 1. Dissertation Definition A dissertation is a challenging paper that a student must complete in order to earn their doctorate. Dissertation writing is similar to writing a book. It too, is divided into several chapters and is longer than your normal academic essays. It is important to first ask, what is a dissertation? Lets take a look now. 1.1 Dissertation Definition The aim of the dissertation is to conduct in-depth research on a topic chosen by the student. And to then produce an independent piece of work relevant to that subject. This helps showcase an individual's abilities as a researcher, their ability to explore a subject extensively. And to demonstrate how successfully they can manage a research project while using appropriate research tools. 2. How to Write a Dissertation? Consider the following step-by-step process to find out what it takes for completing your dissertation logically and efficiently. 2.1 Dissertation Topic This is the most crucial part of the process. Brainstorm as much as you can, go to different lengths of finding out the necessary information.. Seek help from your mentors and instructors, they know about the latest trends. Look for existing PhD dissertations, they might provide you with useful insights for future improvements. Another tip is to hit your college library and skim through the titles and abstracts of the previous students dissertations. You want to make sure there is plenty of research material available on your topic before you have started writing. Also, think of an idea which will attract the most amount of funding. 2.2 Dissertation Proposal A dissertation proposal is a short persuasive document written to be reviewed by the committee members. It comprises of the following: Introduction of the problem youre going to tackle, Aims and objectives of the research, How you will carry out the research, Research methodology (tools used for carrying out the research), Limitations and drawbacks of the research, The significance of the topic and the research question. In a nutshell, the dissertation proposal must be written to convince the committee members.. And ensure that your area of interest is valuable to your field of study and academic community. 2.3 Dissertation Research Writing a dissertation requires extensive and exhaustive research and fine tuned organizational skills. One of the most important things to do when writing a dissertation is to make sure you use reputable source materials. You can make use of a number of research methodologies: peer reviewed essays, case studies, surveys, interviews, historical research, etc. 2.4 Dissertation Format You have gathered your resource information and have carried out all necessary research. The next step is to determine the structure/format of your dissertation paper. A dissertation follows the template given below: 2.4.1 Dissertation Titles Choose the dissertation title, question and theme. Before you finalize your dissertation title, it is good to discuss some alternatives with your instructor. 2.4.2 Dissertation Introduction In this chapter you present the idea and knowledge gathered throughout the research process. A dissertation introduction should include the following elements: Background information of the topic and issue at hand. The purpose and value of your study. Research aims and objectives. Expectations of the end results. 2.4.3 Literature Reviews A literature review is a study of existing research on relevant topics such as: books, journal articles, scholarly sources. It isnt merely a summary of the sources but an analysis of the key findings, variables, concepts about a research problem. 2.4.4 Research Methodology In this section, you discuss the research methodology that you used to collect data and carry out the research. In some cases you must also justify using these methods. The two main types of research used in dissertation writing are qualitative and quantitative. 2.4.5 Research Findings In this section of the dissertation, you must discuss and explain your findings. Depending on the type of your results, you can utilize graphs, figures, tables, etc. 2.4.6 Discussion Here, you leave the reader to think critically about the issue as it pertains to your findings. Note: You need not use formal vocabulary when expressing your thoughts but try avoiding pronouns such as me, my, mine, etc. 2.4.7 References The last part is to cite all the references used throughout the dissertation. The key to include all the references is to make a list of them as you go. There are four different citation styles; APA, MLA, Harvard and Chicago. Every educational institution follows a particular format. Be sure to determine which format you will be using before you begin your paper. 2.4.8 Dissertation Abstract In the dissertation abstract, you summarize the entire document. It isnt a mere introduction of the dissertation. It includes the key elements in a way that the reader gets the idea of the entire document. An abstract shouldnt exceed the word limit of 350. 2.5 Rough Draft Once you have determined the dissertation structure that must be followed, the actual work will begin. Begin with a rough draft of your dissertation, go chapter by chapter. The first chapter should talk about the significance and the aims and objectives of your research. The next section is the literature review or context of your research. Discuss existing researches taken place, show your understanding of the study, present findings, facts and figures, and cite references as you go. Next, talk about your chosen research method and justify using it. The fifth and usually the last chapter of the dissertation is the conclusion. Here you will summarize the entire research, how you have provided solutions for your research question. 2.6 Edit and Proofread The last and final step of this exhausting lifecycle of dissertation writing is editing and proofreading. Make sure you have plenty of time to show your work to others. Show it to your mentors, peers, friends and family for corrections and improvements, ask for feedback. There you go, we have explained the major dissertation writing steps along with the dissertation template. 3. Dissertation Example Here is a dissertation example that you can use as a reference; however, dont copy the work as it is. Dissertation Proposal Example 4. Dissertation Template Use this dissertation template to improve your understanding. Dissertation Proposal Template Although we have included all the necessary steps and tips. But writing a dissertation requires a whole lot of hard work unlike other type of academic writing. Students often get stuck during the dissertation writing process and wonder whether there are dissertation writing services to help them out. Lucky for you, 5staressays are at your service once again. Our dissertation writers can provide you with a well-written document to get you your degree. Get in touch with our customer support representative today and avail top-notch dissertation writing services by experts. With that, we will conclude this article. Were these steps helpful to jumpstart your dissertation writing process?

Free Essays on Feudalism

The feudal system was a way of government based on obligations between the lord or king and vassal. The king gave large estates to his friends and relatives. These estates known as the fief included houses, barns, tools, animals, and serfs or peasants. The king also promised to protect the vassal on the field or in the courts. In return the nobles who were granted the fiefs swore an oath of loyalty to the king. The nobles promised never to fight against the king. They also had to give the king whatever he asked for. The king may ask for men to fight a war, money, or advice. The nobles also gave the king a place to stay when he traveled. Each of the king's vassals was also a lord or tenant in chief with vassals of his own. Each vassal would be an overlord to those he granted fiefs while remaining a vassal of the king. The subtenants in turn subdivided the land. Sometimes there were many levels of lords who had vassals under them. The most important promise of the vassal to the lord was the military. The vassal usually served as a knight. This service lasted about 40 to 60 days a year. If they actually had to fight in a war they usually did so for two months. If there was no war the knights did 40 days of training at the castle. There were only a few nobles. Most people, approximately nine-tenths, were serfs who worked the land for a noble. The serf was bound to the land. If the noble sold the land the serf went with it. This was not much better than being a slave. A peasant village had between ten to sixty families. Each family lived in a hut made out of wood or straw. The floor was covered with straw or reeds. Beds were made from a pile of dried leaves or straw. Animal skins were used as blankets. A cooking fire burned in the middle of the hut with the smoke escaping through a hole in the roof. Furnishings included a plank table, a few stools, and a chest. Each hut had its own vegetable garden. About half the serfs... Free Essays on Feudalism Free Essays on Feudalism The feudal system was a way of government based on obligations between the lord or king and vassal. The king gave large estates to his friends and relatives. These estates known as the fief included houses, barns, tools, animals, and serfs or peasants. The king also promised to protect the vassal on the field or in the courts. In return the nobles who were granted the fiefs swore an oath of loyalty to the king. The nobles promised never to fight against the king. They also had to give the king whatever he asked for. The king may ask for men to fight a war, money, or advice. The nobles also gave the king a place to stay when he traveled. Each of the king's vassals was also a lord or tenant in chief with vassals of his own. Each vassal would be an overlord to those he granted fiefs while remaining a vassal of the king. The subtenants in turn subdivided the land. Sometimes there were many levels of lords who had vassals under them. The most important promise of the vassal to the lord was the military. The vassal usually served as a knight. This service lasted about 40 to 60 days a year. If they actually had to fight in a war they usually did so for two months. If there was no war the knights did 40 days of training at the castle. There were only a few nobles. Most people, approximately nine-tenths, were serfs who worked the land for a noble. The serf was bound to the land. If the noble sold the land the serf went with it. This was not much better than being a slave. A peasant village had between ten to sixty families. Each family lived in a hut made out of wood or straw. The floor was covered with straw or reeds. Beds were made from a pile of dried leaves or straw. Animal skins were used as blankets. A cooking fire burned in the middle of the hut with the smoke escaping through a hole in the roof. Furnishings included a plank table, a few stools, and a chest. Each hut had its own vegetable garden. About half the serfs...

The Social Significance of the Blues and its Impact on Jazz essays

The Social Significance of the Blues and its Impact on Jazz essays The Social Significance of the Blues and its Impact on Jazz To understand the part played by the blues in American society, we need to consider what psychological imprints the blacks inherited from the years of slavery as well as what cultural and artistic forms existed during those times. The spirituals, plantation songs, work songs, banjo music, fiddle tunes and dances. All these elements were present, and to understand how and why the blues emerged at the end of the nineteenth century, we must first look at the society of slavery. In 1661 the colony of Virginia legalized slavery and the other colonies soon followed. At the time of the American War of Independence (1775-1783), the Northern states declared slavery illegal, but the South did not. The wealth of the Southern land owners depended on it, as did the prosperity of the slave traders of Bistrol and Liverpool. When the slave trade was officially abolished in 1807, the Southern states virtually ignored it and illicit trade continued. The ban had the effect of increasing the value of slaves and breeding was intensified. It was the American Civil War of 1861-1865 which finally dealt the death blow to slavery in the South. Torn from their own environment, terrified and bewildered, the survivors of the Atlantic crossing brought with them what little they could of their own way of life. But for the majority of the Africans, their culture was rapidly suppressed. 2. Tribes were deliberately split up, their religious practices banned and the majority of their music ceased. There wasnt any formal means of communication among the slaves in the fields, so as a form of communication and comfort they would sing. As a form of music or a type of song, the blues did not come from the time of slavery. Slaves never sang what...

Leadership theory skills approach Research Paper

Leadership theory skills approach - Research Paper Example What particular skills do effective leaders possess? Why do some leaders possess remarkable problem-solving skills while others do not? (Northouse, 2009, 47) In general, the researchers tried to find out the leadership aspects that bring about commendable performance in real-world organizations. Derived from the wide-ranging findings of the research, Mumford and associates (2000) developed a skill-oriented leadership approach. The approach is defined as a capability framework because it focuses on the correlation between the skills and knowledge of a leader and his/her actual performance. Leadership skills can be learned or acquired over time through practice, experience, and training (Northouse, 2009; Rowe & Guerrero, 2010). Not like the ‘great man’ theory, which states that leadership is limited to a talented and exceptional few, the skills model argues that most individuals have the potential to become great leaders. If individuals are able to learn or acquire positive outcomes from their experiences, they can develop leadership skills (Northouse, 2009, 47-48). Instead of highlighting the behavior or actions of leaders, the skills model views leadership as the skills and knowledge that facilitate successful leadership. The leadership skills approach resembles the trait model, but rather than placing emphasis on the traits of a leader, leader skills are regarded to be the most important ingredient for successful leadership. The leadership skills approach focuses on the behavior of the leader. Nevertheless, the skills approach argues that leadership behavior cannot be separated from its social setting (Daft, 2008). Furthermore, the skills approach implies that leadership capabilities are enhanced through experience. Knowledge is the core leadership capability that is talked about in skills theory (Lussier &