Adolescent Suicide Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Adolescent Suicide - Research Paper Example Even silly problems will be perceived as complicated ones and they may take decision to commit suicide to escape from such problems. In many cases, substance abuse, momentary lapse of emotional control, lack of counseling, negligence from parents and beloved ones, stressful events are motivating teenagers to commit suicide. Teenagers with family history of suicide show more tendencies to commit suicide. Nursing professionals can help teenage community immensely in preventing suicide. They can help teenagers to solve their physical as well as mental problems with the help of proper medications and counseling. This paper analyses the reasons of teenage suicide and the nursing implications with respect to this social problem. Adolescent Suicide Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds, and the third leading cause of death in 10 to 14 year olds. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): There are 25 attempted suicides to one completed suicide - with the ratio even higher in youth and the strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, substance abuse, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors (Teen Suicide, n.d). It is impossible to know the teenager who committed suicide first in this world. It is also impossible to predict who could be the last teenager to commit suicide. ... Although child death rates are decreasing steadily during the last few decades, youth suicide rate travels in the opposite direction in United Sates. Reasons for adolescent suicide and nursing implications According to Shilubane et al. (2012), â€Å"Lack of knowledge of available counselors, conflicts in interpersonal relationships, perceived accusations of negative behavior, inadequate social support, past family and peer suicide attempts and poor living circumstances were factors found to be related with suicide attempts† (Shilubane et al. 2012, p.177). As mentioned earlier, many teenagers are committing suicide because of a momentary lapse in emotional control. For example, love affairs or dating relationships are common among current teenagers all over the world and the case of America is also not an exception. Teenagers who have feeble mental power or self-confidence may think about committing suicide when their love affairs break. They may not bother too much to think ab out substituting the lost relationships with another one at that moment. For them breaking of their dating relationships is the end of the road. Nursing professionals can help teenagers to overcome the emotional catharsis at various moments in their life. Many studies have proved beyond doubt that lack of availability and access to counseling is the major reason for increased suicide rates among teenagers. Counseling should be done at individual levels and family levels to educate the public about how to overcome stressful events and avoid suicides. Family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a respected profession in America now and these professionals can help the community in general and teenage community in particular in overcoming the tendencies of suicide. Poor living condition is

Importance of Feasibility Study System Analysis and Design

Importance of Feasibility Study System Analysis and Design This report analyses the importance of Feasibility Analysis to businesses when they are deciding on the viability of a proposed business venture involving the implementation or improvement of an information system. This report is split into three parts the initial part defines a feasibility analysis, the second part explains how an IT feasibility analysis should be conducted using the template of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and the last section in this report examines a completed feasibility study by Powerco, a utilities distribution Company in New Zealand. What is a feasibility analysis? As the words feasibility analysis suggests a feasibility analysis is carried out to decide on the viability of a proposed venture; basically it answers the essential question of is it a viable option and should the project be implemented. All stages of the analysis are carried out in order to answer this question. When researching it is clear that the majority of all large successful businesses conduct a feasibility study to ensure they embark on a viable project, for example Microsoft have a large research department situated in many different cities throughout the globe, this department collaborates with many institutions producing many feasibility analyses a year. When examining successful businesses such as Microsoft, I discovered they will not commit to a new project without first thoroughly assessing all of the variables and reviewing the probability of success through a feasibility study. The feasibility analysis process As a feasibility analysis is often time consuming and expensive (many companies pay consultants to perform the analysis), a preliminary study is undertaken to determine if it would be worthwhile to proceed to the feasibility analysis, within this preliminary study the evaluation of alternatives is made along with brief cost and benefit analysis. A feasibility study is usually conducted after the project managers have discussed all project ideas and every possible scenario, only if the results are positive the feasibility study begins. The content of feasibility Analysis Within a feasibility study it is necessary to discuss a number of areas including; details of the present system; what are the functions and objectives, who are the Stakeholders and the reasons to improve or replace the current system for example inconsistencies / inadequacies in functionality or performance, is there any possible solution alternatives and the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives. Feasibility analysis can be split into four types; Operational factors; Operational feasibility is used to assess how well the information systems will work if implemented in the given environment. Define the urgency of the project If the project is implemented, will it be a success? Does management support the project? How do end users feel about the new system? People tend to resist change can this problem be overcome? Can management and end users adapt to the change? Has the proposed venture conflicted with organisational or government regulations? Schedule factors; It often takes time to build and implement an information system solution; will the project still be necessary on completion? The technology may exist, but are there the skills available to not only complete the project but complete it on schedule? Is the project deadline reasonable? Is the deadline desirable or mandatory? What are the results of failing to meet the project deadline? Technical; Technical feasibility is the measure of the practicality of specific technical information system solutions and the availability of technical resources. Often new technologies are solutions looking for a problem to solve: Is the technology for the information system solution practical? Does the necessary technology exist? Is the technology proven? Is the technology practical and reliable? Are the necessary skills available to design and implement the system? Is there the infrastructure to cope with ongoing maintenance (problems, upgrades) Economic; This is regularly the most important analysis made, it asks important questions; Is the project justified (i.e. will benefits outweigh costs)? Can the project be done, within given cost constraints? What is the minimal cost to attain a certain system? Which alternative offers the best return on investment? How much will it cost to maintain? The 12 Stages of an ITIL Feasibility Analysis ITIL is a global guidance document that provides worlds best practices for IT service management companies. ITIL guidelines are often used in feasibility studies and are broken down into twelve stages. These twelve stages are described in this next section and if necessary a brief example has been given; Introduction It is important that an introduction to the feasibility analysis is made; this introduction includes the content, the intent, the intended audience, the purpose, and organizational details of the feasibility analysis. Management Summary This stage summarises, what the other stages within the template will explain in more detail; this section provides a quick overview of the feasibility analysis and would include the following, an Introduction, Management Summary, Background of the Project, Objectives, Situation, Benefits, Problems and Risks, Technical Requirements, Options, Cost/Benefit Analysis, Financial/Budget Implications and Recommendations Background to the Project A project is proposed for a specific scenario and this step describes the reason the proposal exists. For example; current sales are at a low due to increased competition, the proposal is for a new company website, where customers are able to buy directly. Objectives The high level business purposes of the proposal, including the long-range management goals. For example, the proposed project is to increase sales by an estimated 15% per annum over the next ten years. Situation This step describes the present condition, without the service in place, including market conditions, it is necessary to highlight the need for the proposed system, and the consequences of the proposal not being authorized. Benefits In the benefits section, it is necessary to focus on the short term benefits of the proposal; this is different to the objective stage which focuses on the long term gains and the cost-benefit step which focuses primarily on the financial benefits. An example of this could be the increased customer satisfaction of the proposed website. Problems and Risks It is important to identify and assess possible problems and risks of the proposed project associated with it within the development, design, and deployment stages. This is done by doing a risk assessment on the proposed system; this will be used to identify problems in many different areas, including technologies, lack of user support, or resources. Technical Requirements Has the business the technological infrastructure for the proposed system? These requirements include knowledge of the hardware and software required, for example, does the business possess the database architecture, network structures, and hardware to sustain the website, will it be necessary to outsource? Options It is recommended in the ITIL framework that a feasibility analysis includes any alternatives to the proposal, including advantages and disadvantages and costs. An example of this could be advertising to increase sales and would show the estimated cost of this. Cost/Benefit In this step, the total cost of the project is calculated; this includes development, design, deployment, and maintenance of the new service. Costs include facilities, hardware, labor, and software. The project cost is compared to the financial benefits provided by the proposed system. What are benefits? These are examples of benefits, more accurate / timely information. Improved operation, increased flexibility of operation, increased output, error reductions, cost reductions; benefits can be placed into three different categories; Monetary; when money values can be calculated, Tangible; when benefits can be quantified, but monetary values cannot be calculated. Intangible; when neither of the others apply, this applies there is a benefit, but it cannot be quantified. There are different types of costs; Project related; development, purchasing, Installation, training costs, Operational costs; these costs are often ongoing costs and include; Maintenance on the hardware; maintenance, lease, materials Software; maintenance fees and contracts Personnel; operation, maintenance There are a number of tools used, which helps in the economic section of the feasibility analysis these are; Cost-benefit analysis (CBA); which estimates and totals up the equivalent money value of the benefits and costs of proposed projects to establish whether they are worthwhile. Payback Analysis; which is used to calculate how long it will take to pay the costs of the project Return on Investment Analysis; which compares the lifetime profitability of alternative solutions, Net Present Value Analysis: using current monetary values, profitability is determined of the proposed project, Return On Investment (ROI) compares the lifetime profitability of alternative solutions, (Lifetime benefits Lifetime costs) Lifetime costs and finally you can compare alternatives with the feasibility analysis matrix. Financial/Budget Implications Once the overall costs have been established, it is necessary to verify if the necessary funds are available, if so how? This may result in changes to the budget or priorities and reducing expenditure to accommodate the costs. Recommendations In this final step recommendations regarding the proposal are made including scheduling and budgeting Summary In summary these twelve steps that make up the ITIL is among the first activities a manager will undertake in preparation for a proposal for a new IT service, though it is important to remember these steps make a general guide and different information systems may require amendments. Examples of feasibility analysis Though the majority of businesses keep their own feasibility analysis private, research identified an interesting feasibility analysis conducted by Powerco. In this section I will briefly review this feasibility analysis in a case study due to the word restrictions on this essay and the extensiveness of the ITIL framework. Powerco has an estimated 410,000 consumers which makes it one of New Zealands largest utilities Companies. These customers expect a reliable service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Powerco applications are split between two platforms; Oracle RAC and Microsoft SQL Server, which has meant that the business had additional expenses of licensing, supporting, operating, and maintaining two systems. Additionally it was awkward for staff to alternate between the systems when working. As the Oracle platform of Powercos warranty cycle was approaching expiration, and the financial system was scheduled an important upgrade, it was clear to the company that it was time to reassess its options and whether it should consolidate to a single server platform or replace existing hardware. Powerco acknowledged that to consolidate the database platforms would create a more simple IT environment and would reduce the total cost of the database system significantly. The case for consolidation was simple why maintain two systems if you dont need to? explains Mr. Griffiths, Infrastructure Manager, Powerco. Powerco undertook preliminary study of the solutions and assessed the pros and c ons of Oracle versus SQL Server. This analysis pointed towards some significant advantages in choosing SQL Server over Oracle. These included reduced licensing and maintenance costs, ease of management and fewer requirements for a specialised skill set to manage and service the system. A feasibility study of migrating to SQL Server was then completed by consultants on Powercos behalf including a cost/benefit analysis, a risk assessment, analysis of the alternatives and the four factors discussed earlier in this report, this confirmed Powercos applications could be supported on SQL Server, with the remaining end of life applications being replaced with SQL Server compatible ones, the feasibility study showed that unlike other options Microsoft SQL Server, serving could be done in-house. Microsofts SQL Server was the cheapest option to license, maintain, and support, particularly because of the specialised nature of Oracle. The business would be more streamline and efficient with just the single platform. Increases security. Further Tangible and Non-tangible benefits. Due to the results of the feasibility study, Powerco changed from the two platforms to solely Microsoft SQL Server, the result of this consolidation has meant Powerco has been able to reduce costs significantly, also ensuring it was easier to maintain and manage in-house and eliminating the need for external consultants. The migration to SQL Server has cut the overall cost of ownership by $390,000 a year, also helping to streamline Powercos IT systems and have given a number of other Tangible and Non-tangible benefits. Conclusion In conclusion this report has explained what a feasibility study is and when it should be used, I have then reviewed the various stages which are recommended by the IT industry experts at the ITIL and have given an example of a successful feasibility study undertaken by Powerco. I believe to be objective this report should have explored examples of a unsuccessful feasibility study, however this was not possible due to my research not providing any suitable cases, but still the findings of this report are clear, it is advisable to do a feasibility analysis, as it is tried and tested and the vast majority of large and established companies use this method to check the viability of a proposed venture and are taking a substantial risk if a feasibility study is not carried out before embarking on new project.

Postmodernism: Myths and Realities Essay -- Postmodernism Philosophy E

Postmodernism: Myths and Realities A number of theorists and scholars have proclaimed that we now live in a postmodern world--a world better explained by theories and concepts different from those of the modern world dating from the Enlightenment and before. The theories and concepts of postmodernism are widely and prominently applied in adult education. So, how do postmodernists characterize postmodernism? What are the critics' critiques? Do proponents and critics agree on anything? Characterizing Postmodernism Discussing postmodernism and continuing education, Leicester (2000) writes that "postmodernism is not a systematic theory or unified movement so much as a loose umbrella term for a perspective" incorporating reactions against "the sovereignty of science, the dominance of 'western traditions' and the assumption of epistemological progress" (p. 73). However, some key features "overlap and criss-cross, appear and disappear in discussions about 'postmodernism' (ibid., p. 74): †¢Plurality of Perspectives. Multiple perspectives, accounts, and theories are respected. Eclectic thinking, drawing on and synthesizing multiple cultural traditions is encouraged. †¢Antiessentialism. A text (be it an individual word, a message, a concept, or any significant structure) has no inherent, essential meaning--no "one thing in common that makes us use the same word and which would give us the essence of the concept" (ibid., p. 74); rather, it is open to multiple interpretations. †¢Antifoundationalism. Truth and knowledge of it are not based on a fixed foundation of objective reality. Instead, truths are located in specific sociocultural contexts, outside of which no vantage point exists. †¢Antiscientism. In particu... ...The Postmodern Perspective on Home Economics History." Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 92, no. 1 (2000): 81-84. Sokal, A., and Bricmont, J. Fashionable Nonsense: Postmodern Intellectuals' Abuse of Science. New York: Picador USA, 1998. Stufflebeam, D. L. "Conflicts between Standards-Based and Postmodernist Evaluations: Toward Rapprochement." Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education 12, no. 3 (September 1998): 287-296. Thomas, R. M. "A Glossary of Postmodern Educational Terms." 1997. (ED 410 577) Tisdell, E. "Poststructural Feminist Pedagogies: The Possibilities and Limitations of Feminist Emancipatory Adult Learning Theory and Practice." Adult Education Quarterly 48, no. 3 (Spring 1998): 139-156. Usher, R.; Bryant, I.; and Johnston, R. Adult Education and the Postmodern Challenge: Learning beyond the Limits. New York: Routledge, 1997.

A blog for teenagers about using public transport

You're wearing your clothes, all dressed up to watch the X-Factor finals with your friends. But your dad's car broke down, and your mum has plans. What are you going to do? Have you considered using public transport? It's cheap, easy and very quick, however it does have its down sides. Using public transport is very cheap and free for all ages 16 and under. Mayor of London, Boris Johnson agreed that he would â€Å"look at what we can do next year to bear down on fares†. However if you lose your oyster card or are off by 20p you're forced to walk on your own two feet. So public transport isn't what it's cracked up to be. Using public transport teaches us to be more independent in terms of being capable as a person to navigate around networks and read maps as well as in terms of being able to get around without relying on your parents. In contrast, the media has shown that crime rates on public transport have increased. â€Å"Policeman reveals rape victim for EIGHT minutes before being thrown off bus for not having the full fair.† The 22-year-old student begged the bus driver to let her on board but he refused because she was only 20p short, â€Å"She was so badly battered that her mother failed to recognise her.† Reported the daily mail. Worried about the environment? Well, using public transport is a greener and a better mode of transport for the environment as oppose to going everywhere by car. Carbon emission will be reduced with your help. You could use public transport or bike to get around, as well as keeping you fit and healthy it's like a walk in the park. On the other hand waiting for the bus or train is a death penalty; you never know who is sitting next to you. Practically in urban areas there can be problems with behaviour and conduct with other passengers as well as the driver. Getting the train to get from A to B is the quickest way as you're avoiding all traffic and congestion. Although getting on the tube is like visiting a hospital, with all the germs around who know what you could catch. Viruses spread through the air and also transfer via hand-to-hand contact. On public transportation, the transfer takes place when you touch a support bar or strap that a sick person held. You rub your itchy eye, you welcome the Swine Flu. The most popular method of public transport as researchers have found the 64% of 14 – 19 year olds use the bus to manoeuvre, because it's the least cost effective. Whilst 64% of teenagers use the bus to get around only a mere 32% of parents encourage their children to use it. However public transport is a nightmare, delays and engineering works could ruin your day or night out. Sara Jama from Queens Park has been using public transport for 4 years now and says â€Å"I wouldn't use any other way, I have been using the bus to get to school, and haven't been late more than twice. It's very easy all i have to do is tap my oyster card and wait 'till my stop arrives. Using the train is similar, i top up my oyster card which costs around  £1.40, depending on where i'm going and sit in my seat. And if i ever get lost i've always got the tube map to help me.† As an experienced traveller i personally agree with Jama, using public transport is a piece of cake. So the next time you're ready to go out, but your dad's car broke down and your mum has plans, don't panic. Just grab your oyster card and hop on the nearest bus or train, but go with a sibling or arrange to meet up with a friend. Just in case, because public transport has the X-Factor. Evidence â€Å"I wouldn't use any other way, I have been using the bus to get to school, and haven't been late more than twice. It's very easy all i have to do is tap my oyster card and wait 'till my stop arrives. Using the train is similar, i top up my oyster card which costs around  £1.40, depending on where i'm going and sit in my seat. And if i ever get lost i've always got the tube map to help me.† – Sara Jama

Examining Cell Phone Effects Essay

Kailla Schlimm’s article â€Å"The Effect of Cell Phones in Modern Society† addresses issues on how cell phones have altered modern day society. Schlimm’s article is mainly targeted towards children and teenagers. She begins by expressing the main point that some people rely on their cell phones for everything and gives reason of why this may be and list examples. Schlimm then extends her argument and tells how cell phones are used and what they are used for. Schlimm also confers how cell phones may be great, but they also can cause problems. After each problem is addressed, the reader may want to stop and think about the positive effects and negative effects of cell phones. Schlimm focuses on the many problems that cell phones can cause. In doing so, she reveals examples of danger and harm that they may cause. She begins by proposing explanations of how cell phones can be used improperly. For example, she say â€Å"Phones of the twenty-first century may be great at times, but at the same time the do cause a few problems. For instance, there are people who text and drive† (Schlimm). Schlimm then makes a reference to how this problem may add to the chance of getting into a car wreck even more than drinking alcohol and driving. She explains how this increases problems for the safety of the person texting, as well as all the other drivers. Not only does Schlimm address problems that occur while driving, she also approaches problems that are increasing in schools and homes. Schlimm declares, â€Å"Children are becoming distant for their parents because they are always on their phones focused on other less important thing.† After her statement she explains how some children admit to playing games during dinner, or even church. Also how students use their cell phones to text during school, and their cameras to cheat. She ventures on to acknowledge how these actions cause problems in relationships, families, and the workplace. Overall, Schlimm has her article formatted well. She addresses and lists the problems the have arose since cell phones have become a vital part of society. She provides reasoning and examples behind each statement made. She says, â€Å" Cell phones are basically miniature computers.† She adds that sooner or later there will be no need for computers at all. If this statement is true, it proves that cell phones have had an enormous effect on society and have taken over lives. Schlimm’s essay was effective in many ways. She has fully presented each statement without out-weighing the positives and negatives. . One thing Schlimm could have done differently is given herself more credibility to equal out the balance of the logical and facts and examples she expresses. She could have given an example of a positive time where she has used a call phone and a negative. This would have made the reader feel more inclined to believe that all of her statements are true. With all the facts she finishes by saying that cell phones can be very negative at times and may cause problems, but when they are used properly they may be a wonderful thing. Works Cited Schlimm, Kaila. â€Å"The Effects of Cell Phones in Modern Society.† The Talon. 11 November 2010. Web. 5 February 2012. http://www.elhstalon.net/features/2010/ 11/11/the-effects-of-cell-phones-in-modern-society/