Ritz Carlton Essay examples -- essays research papers

In 1983, President and COO, Horst Schulze, decided upon a strategy to manage the Ritz Carlton in order to compete on quality. The strategy affected the entire organization, with significant differences in:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Defining traits of all company products defined in the company Credo  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Translating the Credo into basic standards to clarify the responsibilities for employees  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Personally train employees the new Ritz-Carlton Credo and basic standards (the Gold Standards)  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aggressively instilling a passion for excellence Five years later, Schulze began using the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award criteria to develop a system of business excellence. This system used the Deming Wheel in order to achieve optimum performance levels throughout the organization. With these new policies in place, Schulze lead Ritz Carlton to the first recipient of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award for Service. The 1999 Ritz-Carlton application summary is as follows: Criteria 1: Leadership â€Å"Plan† – There are seven specific decisions collectively made by Senior Leaders to set direction for business excellence:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10 year vision  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Strategy  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  5 year mission  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Methods  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 year objective  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚ ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Foundation  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1 year tactic  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The senior leaders formed the Gold Standards, which are comprised of the Credo, The Basics, Three Steps of Service, the Motto, and the Employee Promise. Together, the Gold Standards have the ability to empower employees to take initiative in thinking and acting with innovation and independence, for the overall benefit of not only the company, but the customers as well. â€Å"Do† – Specific actions by senior leaders in order to properly manage the new leadership approach are made up of three salient processes:  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ensuring each new hotel’s goods and services are characteristic of all other Ritz Carlton’s on opening day.  ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The results of seven specific decisions defined at the annual ... ... well as drivers of employee satisfaction. 7.4  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Supplier and Partner Results The Ritz-Carlton ensures that performance requirements of their suppliers are met through a thorough Supplier Compliance and Quality survey that measures key aspects of supplier quality. Purchasing personnel at each hotel fill out the survey every six months and rate specific issues, for example, fit for use, accuracy and service, etc. Suppliers who achieve an 80% or better overall rating on all attributes meet Ritz-Carlton’s quality requirements. 7.5  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Organizational Effectiveness Results Ritz-Carlton’s C.A.R.E. program of systematic preventive maintenance has kept their property and equipment at world-class levels at reduced costs. This is in line with their goal of pursuing a defect-free environment. With unemployment at a low and significant competition for skilled workers, the Ritz-Carlton embarked on a major project to improve the cycle time from when a potential new-hire walks in the door and a job offer is tendered. Using scientific quality approaches, the Ritz-Carlton has improved cycle time from 21 days in 1996 to just 1 day in 1999.

Cafs Half Yearly Notes

CAFS HALF YEARLY NOTES * Parenting & Caring Becoming Parents and Carers: Parenting: The process of raising and nurturing children in a family Caring: The process of looking after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability Biological parents: The parent who has provided the genetic material, either sperm or ovum, to create a foetus. Pregnancy Planned Pregnancy: Planned pregnancies involve a strategic choice on when to parent * There are physical, emotional and economic impacts that result form this decision * A planned pregnancy is generally better for both the parents and child Unplanned Pregnancy: * May result from poor knowledge about contraception or the fertility cycle or failure with contraception methods * Become pregnant due to a consequence of tragic circumstances such as rape Assisted reproductive technologies: * In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) are examples of assisted reproductive technologie s.This means assistance in terms of expertise and technology is used to aid conception. Social Parents: Many individuals have parenting responsibilities towards a child with whom they do not share a genetic relationship. Adoption: * Adoption is the process by which legal responsibility of parenting of a child is given to a family or parent other than the biological parent. There are 3 types of adoption: 1. The child is already placed with prospective parents, such as a step-parent 2. Local adoption & overseas adoption . Adoption of a child with special needs Legal Implications: * Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) & Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth) * All legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents * The change in parenting is permanent, so the birth parent loses all rights to the child. They may maintain the right to information and contact * The adoptive parents must be either married or in a de-facto relationship; or the step-parent must have lived with the child for 2 years or moreSocial Implications: * Society’s changing attitudes has resulted in fewer adoptions, due to greater acceptance of single mothers & the use of the contraceptive pill * Decision of telling the child that he or she is adopted can be distressing to adoptive parents * The child must overcome feelings of rejection by birth parents * Adoptive child verses the biological child acceptance if the parents have other children Fostering: Fostering provides an alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them in their family * The caregivers are volunteers who are paid a fortnightly allowance to help them meet the needs of the child * Foster care can range from a few days to a few years and includes: * Temporary care, * Respite care * Pre-adoptive foster care * Long term care * A child must be put into foster care if: * They are considered to be at risk of harm Their basic physical and emotional n eeds are not being met * There may be risk of abuse or exposure to domestic violence Legal Implications: * Foster care is regulated by legislation, such as Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) * Any person fostering children who is not related to them must have a licence to foster. In NSW a license is issued by the Department of Community Services about various parenting issues * The foster carer make medical decisions or take legal proceedings on behalf of the child Social Implications: Carers must encourage contact with the young persons birth family and accept that he or she will most likely return to their birth family * 30% of foster children have been abused in their biological family * Problems between biological family and the foster child may force the foster family to take a restraining order Step Parenting: * When a man or woman married or forms a de-facto relationship with a partner, who has a child or children from previous relationships, they become a step-parent * New family members need to be accepted, roles and responsibilities must be shared Legal Implications: A step parent has no legal responsibility towards the child * A step-parent who has acted as parent to a child for a long time, and who is now being divorced from the biological parent, may have visitation rights if judge decides that is best for the child’s interests * If a child is adopted by a step parent, rights and inheritance from biological parents are lost Social Implications: Community perception often holds that an intact original nuclear family is superior to any variety of blended family; a stepfamily may be seen as ‘deficient’ form of a nuclear family * Conflict can occur between the child and step parent, primary relationships and responsibilities become a blur * Partners may have different visions of family life and parenting styles that may need to be discussed * Poor relationships with step parents are recognised as a sign ificant factor in causing young people to leave home, with unresolved family issuesSurrogacy: * An arrangement made between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on the couples behalf. The child is handed to the couple after delivery * A woman may need a surrogate If she is: * Infertile * Suffers from a serious medical condition * Uncontrollable diabetes * Cardiomyopathy * Moderate renal failure Surrogacy often means IVF treatment as the surrogate mother may use donor ova or sperm or the partners own egg & sperm * The infertile couple must apply to adopt the child to be listed on the birth certificate as the child’s legal parents * The court must get consent from the surrogate mother to give up parental rights Legal Implications: * Surrogacy is legally a ‘grey’ area in NSW, it is neither prohibited or encouraged * Very specific criteria needs to be established for both parties based on a honour agreement that is not legally binding * Payme nt cannot be madeSocial Implications: * The surrogate mother may have an ongoing attachment to the baby after giving birth * If the surrogate mother goes back on the agreement, there may be great disappointment between the parties * Community accepted may be mixed, as surrogacy isn’t a widely accepted practice * Surrogacy is very costly and may affect the parents economically * Social parents may change their mind and leave the baby with the surrogate mother who may not have the adequate resources or family support Carer Relationships:Carers are people who look after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability. Carers may be paid or unpaid. Many circumstances may be planned and lead to a person requiring care, these included: * A planned pregnancy * Adoption or fostering * Grand parenting * Looking after an aged parent Some circumstances may be unplanned and are unexpected and thus afford fewer preparations: * An unplanned pregnancy * Grand parenting * Health problems * Accident * Birth abnormalities When the caring role has been planned, decision-making will most likely be difficult-especially during initial stages * Both planned and unplanned care may require the primary carer to reallocate household roles Voluntary Carers: * Voluntary carers are unpaid, they are regularly family members (parents, partners, siblings, friends or children) * Carers may undertake the caring role for a few hours a week or all day everyday * Some carers are eligible for government benefits * Voluntary carers are often women, with 71% of primary carers & 54% of all carers in Australia being women Paid Carers: Paid carers undertake the role of caring as a form of employment and therefore receive financial payment * Types of paid carers can include: * Family day carer * Nanny * Doctor * Foster carer * Teacher * Nurse * Palliative carer Managing Parenting and Caring Responsibilities: * With effective management strategies, a person is more likely to be able to achieve goals * Physical, social, emotional and economic changes will need to occur during preparations for becoming a parent or carer Physical preparations:Biological Parenting: * Optimise physical health before conception and during pregnancy * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and develop awareness of special needs during pregnancy * No use of alcohol or tobacco and other drugs * Participate in regular exercise * Attend regular paternal courses to learn about physical and emotional needs during pregnancy and birth * Attend regular appointments with a general practitioner to monitor the baby’s growth and development and undertake ultra sounds and other tests Social Parenting: The physical preparations for social parenting are often similar to the first 4 points of biological parenting Caring: * Participate in regular exercise to maintain optimum physical & emotional health * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure physical needs are met as cari ng can place a strain on wellbeing * Practise safe lifting skills to assist with the mobility needs of the dependent * Practise how to give an injection or use an oxygen mask * Investigate and install physical aids in the home, such as railings and ramps Social preparations:Biological Parenting: * Attend prenatal classes to meet others in the same situation- these friendships may continue after delivery * Investigate child friendly social activities in the local area * Locate parenting groups in the community * Organise baby free-time with partner Social Parenting: * Develop relationships with other parents, such as through child’s sport and recreational activities * Locate parenting groups in the local community * Arrange child-free time with partner to develop and maintain own relationship Caring: * Enlist the support of family members Identify necessary support groups, such as carers of people with dementia or cancer * Be aware of support groups, that cater for cultural an d language differences * Let close friends know about the situation Emotional preparations: Biological Parenting: * Discuss moods and emotions with partner, family & friends * Investigate and practice relationship techniques Social Parenting: * Discuss the concerns, fears and thoughts with the partner and other parents to identify with others and gain insight into possible actions and solutions * Recognise if help is required from a formal or informal support network Caring: Enlist in a support group to deal with varied emotions * Make friends with others in a similar situation-often carers lose touch with family and friends * Grieve for changed personal situation but be aware of potential for depression and sources of help Economic preparations: Biological Parenting: * Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate maternity and paternity leave and provisions in the workplace * Investigate payments from Centrelink Social Parenting: * These actions are similar to the ones above Caring: Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate leave provisions in the workplace Factors influencing resource management in the caring relationship: * The values and goals of parents and carers within relationships, such as families, provide the incentive for management and will therefore impact decision-making * Age, skills & capabilities and special needs of the dependent will influence both the resources identified by the parent or the carer and the strategies selected to effectively manage their parenting or caring role Age: The age and maturity of the dependent will determine the level of care required * If a child has a disability or illness, it may not be possible to leave them on their own at any time * An aged person may not require care just because they are elderly Skills & Capabilities: * Once the de pendent has developed a variety of personal skills and capabilities, it will be possible for he or she to contribute to the relationship and management resources * Skills may need to be interchanged or substitutedSpecial Needs: * Special needs can refer to those of the dependent or the carer and can affect what services are needed either temporarily or permanent * Modifications mays be needed for housing in the form of ramps and railings * The parent may have the special needs and the young person is responsible to act as a carer * Services such as Centrelink payments may be required Resources: * The resources that require management and prioritisation most often are time, energy, finance and housing. Access to services such as support networks is vital * Negotiating and using these resources can lead to difficulties in the caring relationship Time: * The personal care of dependents, such as feeding and washing * Developing close relationships * Communicating and sharing activities * Personal pursuits (transporting children to sports training) Energy: * Feeding, changing and playing with infants * Transporting adolescents to leisure activities Shopping and providing house maintenance for an aged parent * Feeding and lifting a child, such as one with a cerebral palsy Finance: * Finance is required to access many other resources required for parenting and caring such as material goods and formal support networks * Circumstances of the dependent relationship will determine the demands on finances Housing: * Suitable housing is required to meet the needs of the dependent and carer * The family home may require modification Other housing choices can include a hostel or nursing home Access to Services: * Educational: schools and pre schools * Health: doctors, hospitals, early childhood centres * Homecare assistance: Meals on Wheels, home care * Recreational: libraries, sporting clubs and dance groups * Financial: Centrelink * Housing: Department of Housing, nursing homes and hostels, Ronald McDonald houses * Transport: community transport, maxi-taxis * Spiritual: church, synagogues, mosques Management strategies: The actions that will assist when the management of a specific situation is required * Strategies may be utilised together to achieve the desired goal: * Management decisions involve the use of resources to achieve goals * The two most important factors that affect decision-making are the values of the family and the resources available to them * Values determine that goals will be set and resources determine how well the goals will be achieved * Management strategies that are a starting point for action as the need to be applied to situations that are in need of managing: * Identifying values Setting and prioritising goals * Establishing standards * Identifying resources and using them wisely * Maintaining a positive attitude * Encouraging cooperation * Aiming to have flexible attitudes when necessary * Sharing role allocation * Havi ng effective time management * Developing sound planning procedures * Establishing routines * Using a problem-solving approach Recognising ‘change’ not whether it is good or bad Parenting and caring relationships: Roles in Parenting and caring: * A variety of people play a role of parenting and caring within society. This role is associated with meeting the needs and wellbeing of the individual in care, as well as modelling behaviour that is acceptable to the wider society. Individuals and groups who adopt roles: Parents: Biological and social parents play an important role, the importance of providing love, support and encouragement as well as providing physical needs * Overtime the parenting role is increasingly shared between parents compared to the past as the female taking responsibility of the care of the child at home * Non- custodial parent: the one who may have the child visit on the weekends and holidays parents (divorced/separated parents)Grandparents: * Chil d-rearing: passing on family traditions and culture * Children develop special affection for and interest in their grandparents * Increase emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence * Grandparents may meet the needs of family members by assisting in childcare for their grandchildren * Valuable in providing economic, social & emotional support Relatives, including siblings: Members form extended family can provide support to parents by being alternative role models meaning for sporting activities or leisure * Many adolescents take on responsibility for younger siblings baby sitting, transport, cooking Teachers, including childcare staff: * Physical needs providing play activities and encouraging a balanced diet * Intellectual needs teaching skills and knowledge * Social needs providing encouragement and support in learning to work ith others, following school rules and resolving conflict * Cultural needs teaching children about the culture in which the way they live, history & traditions * Emotional needs developing self-esteem of students through recognition and rewards, as well as teaching resilience and coping skills * Spiritual needs some schools a particular faith is taught and students have the opportunity for prayer, worship and fellowship Paid Carers: The most convenient and expensive form of childcare is a nanny, the child can develop a bond with parents are constantly absent * Carers provide assistance to the aged, chronically ill or disabled Homecare helping with cooking and housework Significant others: * Doctor can provide immunisation and treat illnesses within children or assist with mental health issues * Neighbours and friends may provide practical assistance or occasional care for children if parent needs to run an errand * Social workers improve the socio-emotional wellbeing of a child or dependent by explaining the situation.The assist with the child, dependent, parent or carer to develop strategies to deal with hard situations Signif icance of gender roles and parenting: * The mothers roles was originally: nurturing and feeding while the father was the provider and the disciplinarian * It has dramatically changed. E. g. fathers can receive paternity leave, to allow the bonding process with his child to begin earlier. Men also participate in more tasks at home to make sure the household functions correctly * Discipline and financial providers are seen as more shared responsibilities in contemporary familiesFactors influencing parenting and caring relationships: Age: * Age of parents and carers can influence the relationships developed with those in their care * With age comes experience * Older adults may have carefully planned for parenting to occur at a time when finances and relationships are stable * Size of age gap can influence the relationship when the age gap is smaller, closer relationships can develop Culture and religion: Many people are born into a culture which beliefs and customs are passed from one generation to another * Persons culture can be significant influence on nurturing and the development of parenting and caring relationships as sharing culture and belief can be a source of bonding * In the multicultural society conflict can erupt in relationships when cultural norms are different to one another * Adolescence and early adulthood can be a time when people are searching for identity, with religious exploration being a part of the process * Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents observant of their faith Education: * The form of education may very from formal schooling to specific courses offered at TAFE. An educated parent or carer is more likely to be aware of support services available and have the confidence to use them * If a carer is formally qualified or has significant experience in caring, the dependent will usually have a higher quality of care offered Gender: * Because of socialisation, people of different genders behave distinctly and this carries through parenting and caring roles * A child’s concept of ‘female’ and ‘male’ develops from observing parents behaviour * Demonstrating flexibility in household responsibilities linked to gender roles, reflects in less conflict and greater cooperation * Expectations of parents hold for their children will influence their interaction with them and the other gender * In caring professions such as nursing, teaching and social welfare majority are females Previous experience and upbringing: If a person comes from a positive family life and experiences this will be repeated for their own children feel more secure and valued and leading to stronger bonds * Negative experiences may lead the parent to reconsider the values from their own experience and upbringing Socioeconomic Status: * Is influenced by the income received, level of education & the occupation of the parents * Some parents with high incomes are forced to work longer hours wi th less involvement in their children’s lives * A lower socioeconomic family enjoys low-cost recreational activities, such as bowling or camping opportunities for effective bonding and communication Media: The media pervades all aspects of life in our society, individuals are exposed to behaviours and opinions that are expressed on television, radio & internet * Parenting and caring relationships may emulate interactions in relationships in the media without even realising that they are doing so * Internet websites such as Facebook and MySpace can interrupt with ‘family time’ Style of parenting: Authoritarian: * characterises a demanding and inflexible parent who usually has a preconceived goal to achieve * allow children to put little input into decisions that may affect them * this can result in the child being resentful and distant * ‘My way or the highway’ Democratic: * this style invites all family members to have a say in decisions made * child ren feel appreciated, especially when their ideas form part of the solution Cafs Half Yearly Notes CAFS HALF YEARLY NOTES * Parenting & Caring Becoming Parents and Carers: Parenting: The process of raising and nurturing children in a family Caring: The process of looking after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability Biological parents: The parent who has provided the genetic material, either sperm or ovum, to create a foetus. Pregnancy Planned Pregnancy: Planned pregnancies involve a strategic choice on when to parent * There are physical, emotional and economic impacts that result form this decision * A planned pregnancy is generally better for both the parents and child Unplanned Pregnancy: * May result from poor knowledge about contraception or the fertility cycle or failure with contraception methods * Become pregnant due to a consequence of tragic circumstances such as rape Assisted reproductive technologies: * In-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) are examples of assisted reproductive technologie s.This means assistance in terms of expertise and technology is used to aid conception. Social Parents: Many individuals have parenting responsibilities towards a child with whom they do not share a genetic relationship. Adoption: * Adoption is the process by which legal responsibility of parenting of a child is given to a family or parent other than the biological parent. There are 3 types of adoption: 1. The child is already placed with prospective parents, such as a step-parent 2. Local adoption & overseas adoption . Adoption of a child with special needs Legal Implications: * Adoption Act 2000 (NSW) & Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth) * All legal rights and responsibilities are transferred from the birth parents to the adoptive parents * The change in parenting is permanent, so the birth parent loses all rights to the child. They may maintain the right to information and contact * The adoptive parents must be either married or in a de-facto relationship; or the step-parent must have lived with the child for 2 years or moreSocial Implications: * Society’s changing attitudes has resulted in fewer adoptions, due to greater acceptance of single mothers & the use of the contraceptive pill * Decision of telling the child that he or she is adopted can be distressing to adoptive parents * The child must overcome feelings of rejection by birth parents * Adoptive child verses the biological child acceptance if the parents have other children Fostering: Fostering provides an alternative living arrangement for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them in their family * The caregivers are volunteers who are paid a fortnightly allowance to help them meet the needs of the child * Foster care can range from a few days to a few years and includes: * Temporary care, * Respite care * Pre-adoptive foster care * Long term care * A child must be put into foster care if: * They are considered to be at risk of harm Their basic physical and emotional n eeds are not being met * There may be risk of abuse or exposure to domestic violence Legal Implications: * Foster care is regulated by legislation, such as Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW) * Any person fostering children who is not related to them must have a licence to foster. In NSW a license is issued by the Department of Community Services about various parenting issues * The foster carer make medical decisions or take legal proceedings on behalf of the child Social Implications: Carers must encourage contact with the young persons birth family and accept that he or she will most likely return to their birth family * 30% of foster children have been abused in their biological family * Problems between biological family and the foster child may force the foster family to take a restraining order Step Parenting: * When a man or woman married or forms a de-facto relationship with a partner, who has a child or children from previous relationships, they become a step-parent * New family members need to be accepted, roles and responsibilities must be shared Legal Implications: A step parent has no legal responsibility towards the child * A step-parent who has acted as parent to a child for a long time, and who is now being divorced from the biological parent, may have visitation rights if judge decides that is best for the child’s interests * If a child is adopted by a step parent, rights and inheritance from biological parents are lost Social Implications: Community perception often holds that an intact original nuclear family is superior to any variety of blended family; a stepfamily may be seen as ‘deficient’ form of a nuclear family * Conflict can occur between the child and step parent, primary relationships and responsibilities become a blur * Partners may have different visions of family life and parenting styles that may need to be discussed * Poor relationships with step parents are recognised as a sign ificant factor in causing young people to leave home, with unresolved family issuesSurrogacy: * An arrangement made between a couple who cannot have a baby and a woman who gets pregnant on the couples behalf. The child is handed to the couple after delivery * A woman may need a surrogate If she is: * Infertile * Suffers from a serious medical condition * Uncontrollable diabetes * Cardiomyopathy * Moderate renal failure Surrogacy often means IVF treatment as the surrogate mother may use donor ova or sperm or the partners own egg & sperm * The infertile couple must apply to adopt the child to be listed on the birth certificate as the child’s legal parents * The court must get consent from the surrogate mother to give up parental rights Legal Implications: * Surrogacy is legally a ‘grey’ area in NSW, it is neither prohibited or encouraged * Very specific criteria needs to be established for both parties based on a honour agreement that is not legally binding * Payme nt cannot be madeSocial Implications: * The surrogate mother may have an ongoing attachment to the baby after giving birth * If the surrogate mother goes back on the agreement, there may be great disappointment between the parties * Community accepted may be mixed, as surrogacy isn’t a widely accepted practice * Surrogacy is very costly and may affect the parents economically * Social parents may change their mind and leave the baby with the surrogate mother who may not have the adequate resources or family support Carer Relationships:Carers are people who look after the needs and wellbeing of another person due to their age, illness and/or disability. Carers may be paid or unpaid. Many circumstances may be planned and lead to a person requiring care, these included: * A planned pregnancy * Adoption or fostering * Grand parenting * Looking after an aged parent Some circumstances may be unplanned and are unexpected and thus afford fewer preparations: * An unplanned pregnancy * Grand parenting * Health problems * Accident * Birth abnormalities When the caring role has been planned, decision-making will most likely be difficult-especially during initial stages * Both planned and unplanned care may require the primary carer to reallocate household roles Voluntary Carers: * Voluntary carers are unpaid, they are regularly family members (parents, partners, siblings, friends or children) * Carers may undertake the caring role for a few hours a week or all day everyday * Some carers are eligible for government benefits * Voluntary carers are often women, with 71% of primary carers & 54% of all carers in Australia being women Paid Carers: Paid carers undertake the role of caring as a form of employment and therefore receive financial payment * Types of paid carers can include: * Family day carer * Nanny * Doctor * Foster carer * Teacher * Nurse * Palliative carer Managing Parenting and Caring Responsibilities: * With effective management strategies, a person is more likely to be able to achieve goals * Physical, social, emotional and economic changes will need to occur during preparations for becoming a parent or carer Physical preparations:Biological Parenting: * Optimise physical health before conception and during pregnancy * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet and develop awareness of special needs during pregnancy * No use of alcohol or tobacco and other drugs * Participate in regular exercise * Attend regular paternal courses to learn about physical and emotional needs during pregnancy and birth * Attend regular appointments with a general practitioner to monitor the baby’s growth and development and undertake ultra sounds and other tests Social Parenting: The physical preparations for social parenting are often similar to the first 4 points of biological parenting Caring: * Participate in regular exercise to maintain optimum physical & emotional health * Maintain a healthy, balanced diet to ensure physical needs are met as cari ng can place a strain on wellbeing * Practise safe lifting skills to assist with the mobility needs of the dependent * Practise how to give an injection or use an oxygen mask * Investigate and install physical aids in the home, such as railings and ramps Social preparations:Biological Parenting: * Attend prenatal classes to meet others in the same situation- these friendships may continue after delivery * Investigate child friendly social activities in the local area * Locate parenting groups in the community * Organise baby free-time with partner Social Parenting: * Develop relationships with other parents, such as through child’s sport and recreational activities * Locate parenting groups in the local community * Arrange child-free time with partner to develop and maintain own relationship Caring: * Enlist the support of family members Identify necessary support groups, such as carers of people with dementia or cancer * Be aware of support groups, that cater for cultural an d language differences * Let close friends know about the situation Emotional preparations: Biological Parenting: * Discuss moods and emotions with partner, family & friends * Investigate and practice relationship techniques Social Parenting: * Discuss the concerns, fears and thoughts with the partner and other parents to identify with others and gain insight into possible actions and solutions * Recognise if help is required from a formal or informal support network Caring: Enlist in a support group to deal with varied emotions * Make friends with others in a similar situation-often carers lose touch with family and friends * Grieve for changed personal situation but be aware of potential for depression and sources of help Economic preparations: Biological Parenting: * Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate maternity and paternity leave and provisions in the workplace * Investigate payments from Centrelink Social Parenting: * These actions are similar to the ones above Caring: Plan for financial management; prepare and stick to a budget * Analyse and adjust finances, such as mortgage payments * Investigate leave provisions in the workplace Factors influencing resource management in the caring relationship: * The values and goals of parents and carers within relationships, such as families, provide the incentive for management and will therefore impact decision-making * Age, skills & capabilities and special needs of the dependent will influence both the resources identified by the parent or the carer and the strategies selected to effectively manage their parenting or caring role Age: The age and maturity of the dependent will determine the level of care required * If a child has a disability or illness, it may not be possible to leave them on their own at any time * An aged person may not require care just because they are elderly Skills & Capabilities: * Once the de pendent has developed a variety of personal skills and capabilities, it will be possible for he or she to contribute to the relationship and management resources * Skills may need to be interchanged or substitutedSpecial Needs: * Special needs can refer to those of the dependent or the carer and can affect what services are needed either temporarily or permanent * Modifications mays be needed for housing in the form of ramps and railings * The parent may have the special needs and the young person is responsible to act as a carer * Services such as Centrelink payments may be required Resources: * The resources that require management and prioritisation most often are time, energy, finance and housing. Access to services such as support networks is vital * Negotiating and using these resources can lead to difficulties in the caring relationship Time: * The personal care of dependents, such as feeding and washing * Developing close relationships * Communicating and sharing activities * Personal pursuits (transporting children to sports training) Energy: * Feeding, changing and playing with infants * Transporting adolescents to leisure activities Shopping and providing house maintenance for an aged parent * Feeding and lifting a child, such as one with a cerebral palsy Finance: * Finance is required to access many other resources required for parenting and caring such as material goods and formal support networks * Circumstances of the dependent relationship will determine the demands on finances Housing: * Suitable housing is required to meet the needs of the dependent and carer * The family home may require modification Other housing choices can include a hostel or nursing home Access to Services: * Educational: schools and pre schools * Health: doctors, hospitals, early childhood centres * Homecare assistance: Meals on Wheels, home care * Recreational: libraries, sporting clubs and dance groups * Financial: Centrelink * Housing: Department of Housing, nursing homes and hostels, Ronald McDonald houses * Transport: community transport, maxi-taxis * Spiritual: church, synagogues, mosques Management strategies: The actions that will assist when the management of a specific situation is required * Strategies may be utilised together to achieve the desired goal: * Management decisions involve the use of resources to achieve goals * The two most important factors that affect decision-making are the values of the family and the resources available to them * Values determine that goals will be set and resources determine how well the goals will be achieved * Management strategies that are a starting point for action as the need to be applied to situations that are in need of managing: * Identifying values Setting and prioritising goals * Establishing standards * Identifying resources and using them wisely * Maintaining a positive attitude * Encouraging cooperation * Aiming to have flexible attitudes when necessary * Sharing role allocation * Havi ng effective time management * Developing sound planning procedures * Establishing routines * Using a problem-solving approach Recognising ‘change’ not whether it is good or bad Parenting and caring relationships: Roles in Parenting and caring: * A variety of people play a role of parenting and caring within society. This role is associated with meeting the needs and wellbeing of the individual in care, as well as modelling behaviour that is acceptable to the wider society. Individuals and groups who adopt roles: Parents: Biological and social parents play an important role, the importance of providing love, support and encouragement as well as providing physical needs * Overtime the parenting role is increasingly shared between parents compared to the past as the female taking responsibility of the care of the child at home * Non- custodial parent: the one who may have the child visit on the weekends and holidays parents (divorced/separated parents)Grandparents: * Chil d-rearing: passing on family traditions and culture * Children develop special affection for and interest in their grandparents * Increase emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence * Grandparents may meet the needs of family members by assisting in childcare for their grandchildren * Valuable in providing economic, social & emotional support Relatives, including siblings: Members form extended family can provide support to parents by being alternative role models meaning for sporting activities or leisure * Many adolescents take on responsibility for younger siblings baby sitting, transport, cooking Teachers, including childcare staff: * Physical needs providing play activities and encouraging a balanced diet * Intellectual needs teaching skills and knowledge * Social needs providing encouragement and support in learning to work ith others, following school rules and resolving conflict * Cultural needs teaching children about the culture in which the way they live, history & traditions * Emotional needs developing self-esteem of students through recognition and rewards, as well as teaching resilience and coping skills * Spiritual needs some schools a particular faith is taught and students have the opportunity for prayer, worship and fellowship Paid Carers: The most convenient and expensive form of childcare is a nanny, the child can develop a bond with parents are constantly absent * Carers provide assistance to the aged, chronically ill or disabled Homecare helping with cooking and housework Significant others: * Doctor can provide immunisation and treat illnesses within children or assist with mental health issues * Neighbours and friends may provide practical assistance or occasional care for children if parent needs to run an errand * Social workers improve the socio-emotional wellbeing of a child or dependent by explaining the situation.The assist with the child, dependent, parent or carer to develop strategies to deal with hard situations Signif icance of gender roles and parenting: * The mothers roles was originally: nurturing and feeding while the father was the provider and the disciplinarian * It has dramatically changed. E. g. fathers can receive paternity leave, to allow the bonding process with his child to begin earlier. Men also participate in more tasks at home to make sure the household functions correctly * Discipline and financial providers are seen as more shared responsibilities in contemporary familiesFactors influencing parenting and caring relationships: Age: * Age of parents and carers can influence the relationships developed with those in their care * With age comes experience * Older adults may have carefully planned for parenting to occur at a time when finances and relationships are stable * Size of age gap can influence the relationship when the age gap is smaller, closer relationships can develop Culture and religion: Many people are born into a culture which beliefs and customs are passed from one generation to another * Persons culture can be significant influence on nurturing and the development of parenting and caring relationships as sharing culture and belief can be a source of bonding * In the multicultural society conflict can erupt in relationships when cultural norms are different to one another * Adolescence and early adulthood can be a time when people are searching for identity, with religious exploration being a part of the process * Carers need to respect the religion and values of their dependents observant of their faith Education: * The form of education may very from formal schooling to specific courses offered at TAFE. An educated parent or carer is more likely to be aware of support services available and have the confidence to use them * If a carer is formally qualified or has significant experience in caring, the dependent will usually have a higher quality of care offered Gender: * Because of socialisation, people of different genders behave distinctly and this carries through parenting and caring roles * A child’s concept of ‘female’ and ‘male’ develops from observing parents behaviour * Demonstrating flexibility in household responsibilities linked to gender roles, reflects in less conflict and greater cooperation * Expectations of parents hold for their children will influence their interaction with them and the other gender * In caring professions such as nursing, teaching and social welfare majority are females Previous experience and upbringing: If a person comes from a positive family life and experiences this will be repeated for their own children feel more secure and valued and leading to stronger bonds * Negative experiences may lead the parent to reconsider the values from their own experience and upbringing Socioeconomic Status: * Is influenced by the income received, level of education & the occupation of the parents * Some parents with high incomes are forced to work longer hours wi th less involvement in their children’s lives * A lower socioeconomic family enjoys low-cost recreational activities, such as bowling or camping opportunities for effective bonding and communication Media: The media pervades all aspects of life in our society, individuals are exposed to behaviours and opinions that are expressed on television, radio & internet * Parenting and caring relationships may emulate interactions in relationships in the media without even realising that they are doing so * Internet websites such as Facebook and MySpace can interrupt with ‘family time’ Style of parenting: Authoritarian: * characterises a demanding and inflexible parent who usually has a preconceived goal to achieve * allow children to put little input into decisions that may affect them * this can result in the child being resentful and distant * ‘My way or the highway’ Democratic: * this style invites all family members to have a say in decisions made * child ren feel appreciated, especially when their ideas form part of the solution

Teacher Emotional Management in the Classroom

Teacher Emotional Management in the Classroom Introduction Teacher burnout is a significant problem that affects effective delivery of educational services to students. Although there are many factors that contribute to teacher burnout, emotional reactions that teachers experience in classroom is one of the factors that cause burnout and emotional enervation.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Teacher Emotional Management in the Classroom specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Disruptive behaviors of students in classroom elicit unpleasant emotional reactions in teachers when they make appraisals and thus contribute to burnout. Teachers usually strain to comprehend disruptive behaviors in an attempt to bring order and appraisal of disruptive behaviors is emotionally taxing leading to burnout. Therefore, disruptive behavior in classroom is the main factor that contributes to teacher burnout since appraisal reactions elicit unpleasant emotions that are emotional ly taxing. According to Chang (2009), the purpose of the study, â€Å"Teacher Emotion Management in the Classroom: Appraisal, Regulation, and Coping†, is to explore how novice teachers appraise disruptive behaviors of students in classroom and how unpleasant emotional responses contribute to burnout (p.11). The study further investigates how teachers can cope with unpleasant emotions by regulation them to alleviate emotional exhaustion and subsequent burnout. The hypothesis of the study is that, effective emotional regulation of unpleasant emotions can significantly alleviate burnout that emanates from disruptive behaviors of students in classroom. The problem statement of the study is very appropriate since literature review confirms that teacher burnout is the major problem that affects effective delivery of educational services to students. When teachers are in classroom, they experience varied disruptive behaviors that trigger appraisal and consequently unpleasant emotion s. The unpleasant emotions cause emotional strain that leads to teacher burnout and thus interfere with effective delivery of services by teachers. The problem of teacher burnout due to disruptive behavior is therefore plausible because it has its basis on personal experience and literature review.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The purpose of the study is very objective as it aims at identifying disruptive behaviors and experiences of novice teachers with a view of formulating appropriate interventions of regulating unpleasant emotions emanating from teachers’ appraisals and subsequently preventing emotional exhaustion and burnout. The hypothesis of the study is clear and consistent with the objective of the study, which states that effective management and regulation of unpleasant emotions can help alleviate impacts of disruptive classroom behaviors of s tudents and thus prevent burnout in teachers. Moreover, for clarity, the study defined operational terms such as emotional appraisal, burnout, coping, emotional exhaustion, and emotional regulation amongst others. Definitions of operational terms enable readers to understand varied concepts and scope of the study. Methodology Process The study utilized online survey by selecting 555 novice teachers, females, 437, and males, 113, from a region of Midwestern United States. The online surveys targeted novice teachers who had teaching experience of 1-5 years and employed email as means of inviting and administering questionnaires to 4500 teachers. Out of the 4500 teachers, 713 teachers were willing to participate but only 555 filled their questionnaires accurately and thus participated in the study. To examine thoroughly how disruptive behaviors contribute to teacher burnout, the study design focused on general measurement and context-specific measurement. Concerning general measurement s, the study aimed at collecting data that depicts how teachers view unpleasant emotions, experience burnout, regulate motions, and efficacy of teaching. To obtain comprehensive data, the study employed scales such as emotional regulation questionnaire, sense of efficacy scale, and burnout scale in the administered questionnaires. Regarding context-specific measurement, participants identified and described a disruptive behavior that recently challenged them and further explained how they appraise and cope with unpleasant emotions.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Teacher Emotional Management in the Classroom specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this case, to measure specific variables, the study used emotional appraisal scale, discrete scale, and coping scale. Ultimately, the study utilized statistical design of structured and closed questionnaire to enhance collection and analysis of the data. Evaluation Selection of 555 novice teachers was quite random thus eliminates selection bias that usually affect validity of research findings. Moreover, the survey targeted 4500 teachers using online surveys out of which 555 teachers qualified to participate in the study, hence signifies randomness in selection of participants. Furthermore, the online surveys are cost-effective and eliminate suggestive influence of interview on data collection. The study design that involved general and context-specific measurements is also appropriate because it focuses on both general views and recent personal experiences of novice teachers thus provide an in-depth focus of disruptive behaviors of students, appraisal tendencies of teachers, and regulation of unpleasant emotions. In the study, questionnaire was an integral component of the survey as it provided assessment of numerous variables and measurements using different scales such as emotional regulation scale, efficacy scale, appraisal scale, coping s cale, and discrete scale. Hence, different types of scales provided a broad perspective of collecting comprehensive data for analysis. Structured and closed form of questionnaires is appropriate in minimizing huge amount of data, which would otherwise be bulky if collected using other methods. Moreover, structured and closed questionnaire enhances statistical analysis of data and accurate determination of research findings. Results Process To analyze collected data effectively, the study employed technique of structural equation modeling (SEM) to determine relationship of various variables collected in survey. Structural equation modeling is a set of statistical techniques, which test how different variables and constructs of the study relate to each other. Using structural equation modeling, the study analyzed data in four steps viz. screening of data, model identification, model testing, and model estimation. Subsequently, the study used statistical package for social sciences (SP SS) to come up with various statistical analyses. Concerning presentation of the results, the study employed tables and figures in explaining research findings.Advertising Looking for critical writing on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The tables presented how different scales rank varied parameters such as emotional regulation, coping, appraising disruptive behaviors, unpleasant emotions, burnout and efficacy of teaching. The figures demonstrated how various variables such as disruptive behaviors, teachers’ appraisals, unpleasant emotions, and regulation of emotions interact in bringing about emotional exhaustion and burnout in teachers. Thus, SEM and SPSS analyzed collected data and the findings presented using tables and figures. Evaluation Since the study used two hypothetical models viz. unpleasant emotions regulation model and process of coping model, SEM technique of analyzing numerous variables and establishing their relationships was quite appropriate. Given that the study has numerous questionnaires, which are also detailed, preliminary analysis using multiple statistical techniques of SEM provides a basis of carrying further analysis and drawing reliable inferences from research findings. Moreove r, the ordinal nature of data collected required statistical analysis package of SPSS, which is quite accurate and reliable in carrying out various statistical analyses. SPSS is appropriate in analyzing both descriptive and inferential statistics with regard to multiple variables that affect burnout, for instance disruptive behaviors, appraisals, unpleasant emotions, and burnout. The study also employed tables and figures in presentation of the results to enhance clarity. The figures demonstrated how hypothesized models and numerous variables interact, resulting into burnout. Therefore, tables and figures enhanced presentation of the research findings for readers to comprehend. Discussion Process The research findings were consistent with earlier findings dealing with emotional management and burnout among teachers. Moreover, the study has also added significant contribution to growing body of research on teachers’ emotions and burnout. Since the study established that novice teachers experience unpleasant emotions after appraising disruptive behaviors of students, it has demonstrated that unpleasant emotions considerably contribute to burnout in teachers. In this context, the study suggests that, unpleasant emotions emanate from disruptive behaviors of students that strain teachers’ appraisals and lead to burnout. The study further asserts that effective regulation of emotions can cushion teachers from experiencing unpleasant emotions and consequently alleviate burnout and thus, it has formulated a model that demonstrates how disruptive behaviors, teachers’ appraisals, emotional regulation, and burnout interact. In addition to educational importance of the study, it has also made considerable contribution to appraisal theory in terms of enhanced unpleasant emotions on secondary appraisals and that appraisal of disruptive behaviors elicits significant unpleasant emotions that contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion. The study conclu sively found out that emotional regulation of unpleasant emotions due to disruptive behaviors in classroom determines extent of burnout in teachers. Evaluation The study findings were quite valid because the study employed different models to elucidate relationships between different variables that contribute or mediate burnout in classroom. Research design, random selection of participants, use of comprehensive models, and statistical techniques has considerably enhanced internal validity and credibility of the findings. However, the study has low external validity that limits generalization of the findings because the participants were novice teachers who had experience of 1-5 years, hence did not represent teachers across all ranges of experience. Moreover, it is difficult to generalize the findings because the study occurred in one state; moreover, it targeted only participants who can access internet and there was low response rate of questionnaires. Thus, the study has more in ternal validity as compared to external validity, hence limits extrapolation of the findings. Reference Chang, M. (2009). Teacher Emotional Management in the Classroom: Appraisals, Regulation, and Coping with Emotions. American Educational Research  Association, 1-122.

The Color of Paradise Essays

The Color of Paradise Essays The Color of Paradise Essay The Color of Paradise Essay was just absolutely gorgeous; my favorite scene in the movie, it was just so brilliantly beautiful! I was not prepared for the ending of the film. It got my tears going again when the grandmother passed away; and the scene where the bridge breaks, was truly epic. My heart was pounding so hard when Muhammed and his horse fell into the river and started floating down, but I’m almost positive it stopped when I saw that his fuck of a father did nothing but watched. I couldn’t believe it, I almost wanted to stand up and shout; but I decided against it. I was so sad when he died Toner! SO SAD! Why you gotta make me cry man? But seriously, I think this really is a great example of wonderful film making.

buy custom Forms of Writing essay

buy custom Forms of Writing essay An individual requires the shoe-tying skills in order to tie shoes (Breaux, 2005). Technical writing requires the use of numbering (Gerson Gerson, 2003). Hold one end of the shoestring in each hand. Cross the ends, making an X. Pass one end of the shoestring under the other and pull tight. Fold one shoestring in half while holding the strings tight. Twine the other end around the folded end. Grasp the lace in the middle and bend it into a flat loop and pull, making a bow. Beautiful Residential Places Some residential places in the United States are very beautiful. They contain flower gardens, which have a variety of flowers that provide a olorful scenery and sweet fragrance (Bunting Hewitt, 2008). Because such residential places are far from industrial areas, common sounds involve cool music. The roads are very smooth, such that an individual feels comfortable while in a fast moving car. Most restaurants and pubs around the residential places in WisconsinState provide cool and sweet refreshment drink (Messervy Abell, 2007). Technical and Expository Writings Explaining the shoe-tying procedure to an individual is an example of technical writings while describing the beauty of a residential place is an example of expository writings. Expository writings persuade individuals to agree with certain opinions while technical writings focus on explaining procedures and concepts to audience (Hutchinson, 2005). Expositorry writing should be exciting while technical writing should be serious. The structure of technical writing includes numbering while expository writing requires the use of paragraphs (Gerson Gerson, 2003). Technical writing and other forms of writing Technical writing is a unique form of writing because it requires the use of numbering in listing the steps of executing a task (Gerson Gerson, 2003). Therefore, technical writing is different from other forms of writing usually in terms of format and purpose. Expository writing is more persuasive than technical writing (Hutchinson, 2005). Technical writing is the most common in the corporate environment because there is a need to explain various concepts to the members. Buy custom Forms of Writing essay

Church Reform and Religious Enthusiasm in late 11th-early 12th century Essay

Church Reform and Religious Enthusiasm in late 11th-early 12th century - Essay Example instituted was to ensure that the Church became the sole focus of all individuals in Western Europe, so that it could not only enforce its authority over the whole of Christendom, but it could also be the main arbiter between the diverse secular rulers who ruled the principalities and kingdoms of Europe. One of the most controversial issues to come about because of these reforms was lay investiture, which developed because of the determination of the Church to ensure that there was a complete removal of secular influence on clerical appointments. It was believed that lay investiture had a corrupting influence on the Church and that it was the reason why the Church had moved away from its original spiritual nature to one which was almost completely immersed in secular interests. Thus, while in the short-term the ban in lay investiture promoted the Church’s power, in the long-term, it led to the erosion of this power as powerful monarchs came to disregard the authority of the po pe. The lay investiture controversy that came about as a result of the Gregorian reforms has come to be considered as a major turning point not only in the history of the Church, but also that of Europe as well. This is because it led to a situation where the Church chose to take up the authority, which had essentially been usurped by monarchs for centuries. Lay investiture involved the practice of secular rulers conferring clerical titles to individuals without necessarily having to seek the approval of the papacy.2 It is essential to note that during the medieval period, monarchs often had almost absolute authority over the church in their domains and they used this authority to ensure that the Church did their bidding, especially through the appointment of either their relatives or strong supporters into powerful positions within it.3 Thus, archbishops, bishops, and even abbots and abbesses were often the relatives of the lay rulers to whom they owed their first loyalty before their

Cte d'Ivoire Outline & Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Cte d'Ivoire Outline & Report - Research Paper Example Since the issue of who will lead the country has already been resolved, Ivory Coast is in the process of moving forward and breaking all barriers caused by war. The government has concrete plans on turning the fortune of the country. In addition, foreign aid and investments have been pledged to boost the country’s economy. Another issue that prevents Ivory Coast from improving is the lack of human capital development. The level of investment provided to improve cocoa farmers is low. The government needs to pay attention to this segment as majority of the population are into agriculture. Prices of commodities have to remain competitive and taxes should be reduced. I. Country Profile The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast is a country situated in West Africa. The country has a total land area 322,460 square kilometers and shares borders with Liberia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, and Burkina Faso. The southern boundary of the country includes a 515-coastline from the Gu lf of Guinea. Ivory Coast’s terrain includes lagoons in the southeast, dense forests in the southwest, and savannah areas in the north. The west part of the country is mostly mountainous with wide plains. The country’s climate is warm and transitions from tropical to equatorial. Ivory Coast experiences heavy rains during the months of June to October and dry periods from December to April. The average temperature is at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius with the lowest at 10 degrees Celsius and highest at 40 degrees Celsius (CIA, 2011). As of July 2011, Cote d'Ivoire has an estimated population of 21,504,162 which ranks the country 56th in the world. The population comprises of major ethnic groups; the biggest which is Akan with 42% of the total population. The other ethnic groups from largest to smallest include Gur, Northern Mandes, Krous and Southern Mandes. Each year, the population of the country increases by 2.0 percent with a birth rate of 31 per 1,000 people and death ra te of 10 per 1,000 people. Life expectancy on the average is at 57 years with males reaching 56 years and females reaching 58 years (CIA, 2011). Ivory Coast’s largest city is Abidjan where the seat of government is located. The capital city of Yamoussoukro and the government is divided into 19 regions and 81 departments. Other main cities include Bouake, Daloa, Korhogo, San Pedro and Divo. The country’s official language is French but the use of English has been observed. About 39% of the people are Muslims, 32% are Christians, 12% are indigenous and the rest have no established religion. Ivory Coast is 51% urbanized and the rate on urbanization is at 3.7% change annually. Literacy rate is at 49% where 61% of the men and 38 of women can read and write. In terms of age structure, 57% are aged between 15 to 64 years old, 40% are between 0 to 14 years old and the rest of the population is over 65 years old (CIA, 2011). II. History There have been documents stating there w ere pre-historic human settlements in Ivory Coast. Most of the groups that established communities in the country were tribes that broke away from powerful groups in West Africa. The lush forests have served as barrier preventing foreign tribes from coming in. Hence Ivory Coast has limited foreign influence and has limited awareness as to what is happening outside. During the 18th century, most communities were