Examining The Professional Services Firm KMPG Information Technology Essay Essays

Examining The Professional Services Firm KMPG Information Technology Essay Essays Examining The Professional Services Firm KMPG Information Technology Essay Essay Examining The Professional Services Firm KMPG Information Technology Essay Essay Introduction What KPMG Does KPMG is one of the large four professional services houses, consisting 135,000 employees in more than 140 states. Specifically in Australia, there are 4800 people. The construction is organised harmonizing to their three key services: Audit, Tax and Advisory. KPMG prides itself on its cognition of industry, committedness to quality and to its clients, and a civilization of intellectuality, diligence, unity and empathy. ( KPMG 2010 ) What IPCG Does IPCG exists within the domain of Advisory, and beneath that, the Internal Audit, Risk A ; Control Services group ( IARCS ) . Its chief intent is driven by the clear demand by package companies to protect their bottom line. Research conducted by International Data Corporation ( IDC ) in 2005 concluded that the universe s package companies were losing USD34 billion in gross to unaccredited installings ( KPMG Intranet ) . The chief issue is that content distributers are supplying an intangible good that contains rational belongings, and for which they are entitled to royalties. However, the distribution frequently relies on good religion of the self-reporting of a company s package deployment. The easiness with which buccaneering can be undertaken unnoticed consequences in a demand to hold a systematic auditing procedure of licencing versus deployment to guarantee right conformity, and to guarantee that any disagreements are remedied financially. The state of affairs is rendered more hard since most companies, despite their good purposes, are non savvy with the regulations and models associated with rational belongings ( IP ) , do non to the full understand their licensing entitlements, and may hold haphazard IT substructure, i.e. developing SAM. KPMG s occupation is to set about audits of a client s package on behalf of their clients, and to make so in a timely and accurate manner, while keeping a positive relationship with all parties involved. It is beguiling the balance between clip efficiency and truth that is a cardinal concern of KPMG, but besides one in which it has a comparative competitory advantage. KPMG is besides embarking further into the kingdom of SAM as a related and valuable extension of its current auditing activities. Models 1. Information Systems Success Model ( DeLone A ; McLean, 2003 ) Overview The DeLone A ; McLean theoretical account was foremost proposed in 1992, but updated in 2003, as a manner of explicating IS success , and deriving a better apprehension of the value and efficaciousness of IS direction actions and IS investings ( DeLone A ; McLean 2003, p.10 ) . By 2003 the theoretical account had been referenced in over 300 journal articles, frequently in a really positive visible radiation. Its popularity might be attributable to its theoretical and empirical foundation, its simpleness and pertinence to a assortment of state of affairss, and its ability to synthesise old research affecting IS success ( DeLone A ; McLean 2003, p.10 ) . The theoretical account is a consecutive theoretical account which implies that the first three factors of information quality, system quality and service quality straight lead to the usage of ( or purpose to utilize ) the IS in add-on to user satisfaction, and that this in bend leads to a net benefit ( Klobas A ; McGill 2010, p.116 ) . That is, for an IS to be successful, it relies on high quality end products ; accordingly this will take to utilize of the system, which in bend provides benefits and therefore user satisfaction. This satisfaction so encourages further usage of the system. The deduction is that if any of the end products are of a low criterion, so the system will either non be utilized, or non supply the needed benefits. In the specific context of a communicating flow, DeLone and McLean define systems quality as the truth and efficiency of the communicating system that produces information ; information quality as the success of the information in conveying the intended significance ; and user satisfaction as the consequence of the information on the receiving system . Service quality is kindred to a client service or CRM factor. ( Delone A ; McLean 1992, p.61 ) Application to KPMG ( Critique ) In the context of KPMG s Internal Audit, Risk and Control Services ( IARCS ) , and specifically the Intellectual Property A ; Contract Governance group ( IPCG ) , the theoretical account can supply a many-sided penetration into bettering both employee and client satisfaction, and besides assist streamline procedures to increase efficiency. Information System: One of the major information flows in IPCG is that which goes from the client to the KPMG audit squad. Specifically, the information system is any manual ( e.g. walkabout ) or computerised procedure ( e.g. batch books ) which are utilized to find the use of licensable package on all machines ( physical and practical waiters, workstations and other devices ) , and so comparing that with that client s entitlement to that use as governed by purchased licences. The generalized procedure is illustrated in the diagram below, along with really approximative clip frames: The process of pull outing and scrutinizing information from a given client is alone, but by and large follows the above stairss. A cardinal concern in heightening efficiency is finding where the constrictions occur. The procedures which are highlighted in the above figure by and large pose a greater chance of hold, as normally these stairss are contingent on a client s actions. This is because these actions are by and large non at the top of a client s precedence list. The DeLone A ; McLean theoretical account says that for this IS to be successful, the information and the procedures must be of sufficient quality so that the terminal merchandise is utilized and good. It is contended that KPMG has had comparative success in the country of IPCG, as it represents a cardinal participant in the Australian market, and has experienced consistent and strong growing in grosss. The chief purpose is whether the DeLone and McLean theoretical account, as applied to KPMG, can explicate the IPCG group s success, and besides account for any skips. The chief IS we are analyzing is the initial informations extraction. Information Quality: the IS Success Model contends that an IS must be successful at conveying a significance ; i.e. that an IS s end product is of necessity, accurate quality. At the really nucleus of the IPCG s activities is the bite of information in the signifier of an Effective License Position study. It is the truth and seasonableness of this study that gives KPMG its competitory advantage. A major hurdle for IPCG is the heavy trust on manual procedures at all phases of the procedure, specifically in the informations aggregation and informations analysis phases. Manual procedures can take to human mistake, and therefore cut down informations unity. This is of peculiar concern here since a client s satisfaction is straight linked to the truth of the informations so KPMG s findings straight correspond to restitution sought by the client from the client. The issue is complicated by the fact that find of information, in the signifier of a client s purchases and use of package, requ ires important cooperation from the client. Furthermore, there is a basic demand to understand a client s IT substructure, and surprisingly sometimes even the clients do nt to the full understand all facets of it. Hence the trust on manual process and the dependance on a knowing and antiphonal client both influence the end product of the quality of information that is extracted. System Quality: the IS Success theoretical account besides emphasises that an IS should bring forth its end product expeditiously. In IPCG this country has been noted as being a defect of the information system, and action has been taken to heighten its effectivity. Within the last 18 months, there has been a realization of the overdependence on manual procedures that are susceptible to monotony, incompatibility and human mistake. This is due to the differing systems adopted by cardinal clients which become hard to consolidate, and the deficiency of mechanization of both the aggregation and analysis of client informations. This means that the production rate of studies is greatly lower than some of its abroad challengers. Nevertheless, KPMG Australia provides a value-add that is attractive to its local clients, for case through its fosterage of client relationship direction. Specifically, KPMG has hired a proficient specializer who intends to integrate engineering in order to streamline procedures. There are four chief proposals: foremost to roll up, create and polish batch books, which are powerful and adaptable to different IT infrastructures. Improvement is still possible because the batches are non available for all plans and/or IT setups ; they need to be editable, but the staff here do non hold expertness in programming. Second, there will be creative activity of tools that automate the analysis of informations which is extracted by the batch books. The purpose is to hold sophisticated tools with a grade of intelligence, which will ensue in a decrease of rhythm times and mistakes in analysis. For case, a typical mistake may affect the definition of cores and processors , a confusing differentiation that is frequently inconsistently applied among clients. Third, a trial waiter will be installed in order to host databases and act as a trial Centre for these new books. Finally, there is an purpose to document all communications in an organized construction, so that any disagreements between KPMG and clients ( e.g. when perceptual experiences change ) can be corrected more rapidly. Finally, direction has considered but non yet implemented a database system to assist with both capacity direction, and to place chances and hazard early on. It will besides help with informations mining for new SAM chances, and as such represents a value-add for KPMG. This will assist help the seasonableness and truth of ELP studies. Service Quality: To supply the topmost service, KPMG s staff demand to be familiar with the different package applications clients are using. This is because they need to clearly understand both how use is defined, and how to deduce and construe the use figures. As such, the thought of merchandise title-holders has been implemented to guarantee that there will be merchandise specializers who can portion their cognition with other staff when they have any questions. Second, KPMG has had a great grade of success because its client relationship direction is seen as paramount. Indeed, their ability to make and keep strong links with their clients is an of import component of their competitory advantage. The IPCG group has maintained this CRM by keeping knowledge-sharing Sessionss to discourse pertinent issues ; KPMG issues white documents to show and portion thoughts for free ; and twice a twelvemonth they hold a common feedback session to supply honest feedback to each other. Management has besides noted the demand in all client battles to supply a high quality service by: responding rapidly ; expecting jobs proactively ; and listening intently to them ( beyond what they re stating, e.g. the tone of their communicating ) . Finding The IS success theoretical account is a utile theoretical account in that it can be applied to assorted scenarios, and besides since it goes to the nucleus of what makes an effectual information system. One of the chief IS in the IPCG group is the extraction of informations from the client. Equally long as the end product is of a high quality, and that the procedure is streamlined, and every bit significantly that KPMG is happy with the end product of the IS, so by deduction the IS must be a successful 1. The theoretical account s strength is that it encompasses both the proficient and human elements of an IS. In the context of KPMG the use factor was non relevant. Possibly the lone downside of the theoretical account is that it does non order the ways in which to accomplish greater truth or efficiency, but making so would decrease the theoretical account s generalization. Iivari ( 2005 ) through empirical observation tested the DeLone A ; McLean theoretical account, and his consequences back up the rationality of the DeLone-McLean theoretical account as a prognostic theoretical account , but besides with the caution that users of IS may be satisfied but non really utilize the IS ( p.16 ) . This unfavorable judgment is non relevant to the IPCG, since its information systems are an indispensable portion of the scrutinizing procedure, and the inquiry is how to guarantee that they are efficient. Iivari besides discusses the ambiguity environing the construct of user satisfaction ( p.18 ) . This lone agreements with the IPCG experiences in that there is trouble in quantifying satisfaction with information systems into a individual metric. However, the factor remains polar to the IS Success theoretical account, both in the sense that it must be met in order to accomplish a successful result, and besides that a strong IS has a high likeliness of taking to satisfaction. Indeed the consequences of Iivari s empirical survey show that perceived system quality and perceived information quality are important forecasters of user satisfaction ( p.8 ) . 2. Implementing Strategic Decisions Model ( Miller, 1997 ) Overview Miller ( 1997 ) elucidates the key factors which determine an effectual execution of a strategic determination. Her attack is to analyze 11 alteration enterprises across six entities, and specifically to rank these alteration executions, so that she can place the chief factors lending to execution success. There is a differentiation made between realizers and enablers . Realizers are the four key factors which are deemed most of import when it comes to alter direction, viz. : backup, clear purpose ( assessability ) , be aftering ( specificity ) and conductive clime ( cultural receptiveness ) . Enablers are merely factors which allow for possible execution success, but are non claimed to be decisive factors. These are summarised as: acquaintance, precedence, resource handiness, structural facilitation and flexibleness. Miller believes that all these factors would use to any alteration execution regardless of the industry or ownership of the house. Miller s first measure is to specify what a successful execution entails. There are three cardinal elements which are discussed: completion, accomplishment A ; acceptableness. Completion means the grade to which everything intended to be done, is done, within the expected clip period ; achievement signifies the grade to which what was done performs as intended ; acceptableness is the grade to which the method of execution and results are satisfactory to those involved in, or affected by, execution . The statement is that a failure in any of these countries will sabotage the success of the venture. Application to KPMG ( Critique ) The IARCS group within KPMG assists clients to place hazards that may endanger their ability to accomplish concern goalsaˆÂ ¦ manage those hazards and finally better the administration s public presentation ( KPMG intranet ) . IPCG is a group within IARCS that specifically assists clients prevent gross escape and protect rational belongings where the client has third-party relationships governed by an understanding . It is clear that an aim of KPMG is a committedness to the client. Hence bettering the efficiency and truth of their auditing activities would accomplish a win-win for both KPMG and their clients. The IPCG group has two cardinal clients with which it has formed extended relationships. As such, it is indispensable that these relationships be maintained, due to the big volume of work which they provide when it comes to scrutinizing their legion clients. In fact the gross from IPCG group entirely accounts for about tierce of the IARCS entire gross watercourse. However there are some cardinal defects which are doing inefficiencies of the scrutinizing procedure as compared to some other houses. As such, direction has recognised a demand to implement alteration to guarantee that KPMG can remain at the head of package licencing audits in Australia, the human dynamo of IPCG, and remain in front of its challengers. This is where the Miller theoretical account becomes relevant working out whether the proposed alterations have had/will continue to hold their intended effect of streamlining and cut downing mistake. Some of the proposed alterations to the IPCG that have been put frontward by direction were initiated 18 months ago. The overall program is to duplicate the group s gross within 5 old ages, and this requires an one-year return of about 30 % p.a. In order to accomplish this, direction s proposals have included: rotary motion of staff between clients in order to portion cognition and resources ; standardizing procedures ; mechanization of procedures to replace manual labor which is susceptible to human mistake ; proviso of common feedback with clients ; furthering those client relationships to larn about information and chances ; happening new clients ; sharing cognition with the planetary KPMG work force ; and distributing out into new and moneymaking concern chances such as SAM and Digital Rights Management ( DRM ) . These alterations appear strong on paper, but how efficaciously these schemes are implemented will be the cardinal determiner of their success. Backing At KPMG, betterment is decidedly at the head of the heads of spouses and directors likewise. Miller emphasises the demand for go oning supportaˆÂ ¦ from those who authorize what goes on every bit good as support from those required to implement the alterations . KPMG has legion meetings, for case monthly workgroup meetings, hebdomadal squad meetings and Knowledge Inc. At these meetings people of all degrees of the administration are given the ability to voice their sentiment, and inquire for elucidation about any proposed alterations. The usual docket at these meetings is how KPMG can better its procedures. At team meetings, directors guarantee that the allotment of undertakings is just and sensible. At workgroup meetings, directors frequently discuss ways that employees can ease procedures and besides portion their expertness so that both employees and directors can accomplish their purposes in a more timely and accurate mode. At Knowledge Inc, advanced thoughts are communica ted between workgroups, and big wins and strong public presentation are congratulated. It is clear that at all degrees invention and alteration is encouraged and discussed often. Clear purposes This inquiry relates to the grade to which the success of execution can be evaluated with preciseness . How will KPMG cognize that it has achieved its cardinal execution aims? The use of splashboard prosodies is one cardinal manner that KPMG ensures procedures are on path, and these are distributed to all the workers in IARCS. These prosodies cover steps such as mean cured rate, realization, productiveness, lockup yearss A ; FTE among others. Attach toing these prosodies is how the figures compare with marks associated with the alteration mechanism. Besides, all persons have semi-annual advancement reappraisals with their directors to guarantee the formation of ends and supervising whether employees are on path to run into this ends. These aims are by and large tied to betterment at a personal degree, and there is a peculiar accent on the taking up of relevant preparation plans ( e.g. a Chartered Accountant making ) . Planing Miller argues that a scheme execution will by and large merely be successful if precise inside informations of execution undertakings and activities are determined early on. One strength of the KPMG scheme is that talk about betterment is non given from a strictly theoretical point of position. Rather, there is a clear deputation of new undertakings to all employees which aim to accomplish the specific aim of heightening efficiency. One illustration is the execution of budget preparation i.e. learning senior advisors how to budget their undertakings harmonizing to clip and cost. This is meant to guarantee answerability, consciousness of new jobs early, cut down ambiguity and enhance capacity direction. Senior advisors were given a specific spreadsheet, every bit good as a elaborate account of how the spreadsheet should be completed, to guarantee they are filled out in an accurate mode in order to help direction. Another illustration of a specific execution program is the proposed new cardinal cognition database, which is a depository of what every employee has worked on, is presently involved in, and pertinent information about clients ( including history of interactions with KPMG ) . A director is meant to be able to look at the database and see where the strain and handiness lies i.e. a speedy position of the large image. Finally, the database is meant to be utilised for informations excavation intents specifically to seek for SAM chances, i.e. the country that IPCG wishes to prosecute. Clarizen has been selected as a tool to precisely accomplish this intent, although its execution has been delayed. Finally, late the thought of merchandise title-holders has been proposed and implemented in the IARCS group as a agency of harvesting the benefits of specialization. Basically, expertness in each of the client s merchandises is a fillip when it comes to scrutinizing clients, since these client meetings may affect proficient slang which must be understood to ease the procedure and demonstrate experience. However, to distribute out the work, it has been proposed that brace of employees can specialize in each merchandise and be the mention point for all future questions. Each brace was delegated the undertaking of composing a five page study refering to issues associating to each merchandise, what it does, how it is licensed and so forth. They will besides be asked to give presentations to the IPCG group. As such this alteration promises success because it is clear to each employee what is required, and it has been punctually carried out because it is for their ain common benefit when interacting with their several clients. Conducive Climate KPMG Australia is per se tied to other planetary subordinates through the Project Management Office online forum. This forum facilitates sharing of tools and cognition in order to heighten efficiency and truth. For case KPMG in Denmark are seen as being at the head of bring forthing batch books which automate the licence scrutinizing procedure. There is besides a dedicated employee who actively travels to different KPMG offices globally in order to better understand their procedures, and expression for cagey solutions to the efficiency issue. Hence the KPMG clime is really contributing to implementing alteration in KPMG as different offices have solutions which can be shared with all other offices and readily accessed, in bend helping employees to be more efficient. Finding Miller s theoretical account seems to thoroughly encompass viing factors which explain effectual alteration direction. Her list of realisers decidedly agreements with observations in the IPCG group. However, Miller expounds upon the fact that her research is limited to more disconnected alteration enterprises, as it is technically hard to analyze its pertinence to more progressive alterations. The trouble is that the prevailing big alterations within the IPCG group have by and large non been disconnected. At KPMG there is a calculated ground for this, viz. a belief that excessively much alteration might hold a damaging impact on employee public assistance whereby they are more likely to be afraid, unsure and unmotivated. As such by sing the alterations at KPMG, anecdotal grounds is provided as to whether Miller s or other factors are more polar in elusive alteration execution. One component that Miller s theoretical account does nt underscore is that people are the polar dimension when it comes to alter. For case Eaton ( 2010 ) explains that betterment is more about people than about the procedure and that persons will be believing at every phase about what is in it for them ( p.31 ) . The nature of KPMG s work is that about all the value of the company is derived from its people. People facilitate alteration, but people are besides the biggest hindrance to alter enterprises. Eaton provides four issues which complicate execution: ignorance, lassitude, commissions and inflexibleness. As an exemplifying illustration of this at KPMG, during the Global Financial Crisis the ICPG group was at the same time undergoing its ain emphasiss. As it began to implement stairss to counter the recession, there was at the same time an undermanning at the director and in-charge degrees. Consequently junior staff were required to set about some of the directors duties. This led to a job in that the junior staff believed that their proficient cognition exceeded that of direction, and that they could easy take on managerial duties. Lines became bleary, and therefore they became disenchanted and sought publicity. However, they could non see the array of other duties that direction entailed, and debates grew heated. Some people were laid away to rectify the state of affairs. Kotter ( 2007 ) besides proposes surrogate factors which he believes important when it comes to alter execution. He proposes seven cardinal stairss, but basically they converge on pass oning a vision with a sense of urgency. Miller references precedence, but suggests that it is merely an enabler ; she mentions specificity as connoting the demand for good communicating. Kotter nevertheless suggests that communicating is non merely of import for the intent of lucidity and apprehension, but besides motive in the more successful instances I have witnessed, an person or group ever facilitates a blunt treatment of potentially unpleasant facts , even if they artificially manufactured a crisis . He besides says the vision works best if it is easy to pass on and entreaties to [ all stakeholders ] . Maurer ( 2009, p.29 ) besides attests to the demand for an effectual leader who ensures clear ends, communicates each member s functions, Fosters cooperation and dainties all reasonably. At KPMG, the execution of alteration resides someplace in the center of Miller and Kotter s theoretical accounts. On the one manus, alteration is nt every bit ingrained in every piece of communicating and action as Kotter would propose. This may be because it could be perceived as overbearing. On the other manus, occupation descriptions, public presentation assessments and group meetings all emphasise the demand to turn, better and introduce. This is reinforced by KPMG s big aggregation of preparation plans which are available to all employees who would materially profit from it. This attack works at KPMG because the purpose is to hold a more elusive alteration a realization that the employee must actively recognize and move in conformity with the alteration enterprises, but non be so overburdened by its demands that they lose motive. I believe this mix to be more effectual than the rigorous Kotter or Miller theoretical accounts in the context that KPMG finds itself in. Their impres sive and consistent grosss attest to this fact. 3.Six Sigma Overview The Six Sigma theoretical account falls within the Entire Quality Management ( TQM ) subject. Moosa A ; Sajid ( 2010 ) say that TQM purposes to specify, put, control and better the effectivity of an administration within its restraints ( 2010, p.745 ) . They describe how the subject has changed over the last 60 old ages to integrate measurement, control and betterment in all sections in all types of houses . Any corporation that is utilising TQM is basically utilizing the doctrine of standardization, client satisfaction and continual betterment . Six Sigma represents the newest theoretical account to use TQM to an administration. Six Sigma is specifically defined as a methodological analysis for prosecuting uninterrupted betterment in client satisfaction and net income that goes beyond defect decrease and emphasizes concern procedure betterment in general . Obviously at its nucleus the theoretical account prioritises the minimization of mistakes in the proviso of a service or good, but it besides incorporates the accomplishment of consistent additions in procedure efficiencies at all degrees of the administration, predictability and statistical measuring. Goh ( 2010 ) describes some of the cardinal strengths and failings of the Six Sigma theoretical account. First, the theoretical account requires a common, realistic metric for quality appraisal and betterment . In fabrication sectors, this might be a defects per million chances , but in service proviso a better step may be the critical-to-quality measuring. Yun A ; Chun ( 2008 ) explain that CTQ steps may incorporate prosodies refering to upper and lower specification bounds , and run intoing clients functional demands. Once it is recognised that defects have arisen, there is a systematic procedure associated with Six Sigma called DMAIC, in order to cut down defects to an acceptable degree. DMAIC is an acronym for Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve A ; Control. DMAIC is of import as service quality that consequences in client satisfactionaˆÂ ¦ leads to making loyal clients ; it besides costs a batch more to pull a new client than to retain an old client ( Kumar et al. 2009 ) . Application to KPMG ( Critique ) Define: The procedure in demand of betterment is identified ( Kumar et al. 2009 ) . The job needs to be quantified in a mensurable statistic. For case in the instance of KPMG that could be clip to finish an audit from start to complete, but this would hold to be complemented with a step for audit quality. Other of import results from the procedure would be heightening and keeping strong client and client relationships following each audit. Measure: As is apparent, summarizing an inherently complex procedure into a individual figure may represent an simplism, yet would besides be good in tracking betterments and flagging jobs rapidly. Time is evidently a reasonably easy metric that can be utilised, although a complication is that client holds outside of KPMG s control could skew it as a step. Nevertheless IPCG is rather effectual at maintaining path of each outstanding client, and holds are rapidly resolved or escalated to their clients. Measuring quality, nevertheless, is hard. One informal manner is to estimate client and client feedback, which occurs at KPMG in the signifier of one-year tiffins. Possibly they could besides implement the usage of studies and questionnaires following audits. Analyse: The strict usage of budgets to account for both cost and clip outgos is used in IPCG to guarantee that audits are completed in an acceptable manner. Meetings are held on a regular basis to guarantee that audit procedures are being conducted swimmingly. Key issues are raised in hebdomadal squad meetings, and most of the clip holds are caused by client armed robberies, non inefficiencies in IPCG s direction. IPCG are required to reach a client legion times before the issue is escalated to the client. Better: Get the better ofing the holds associated with client armed robberies is hard, as it is contingent on activities outside KPMG s control. Customers can besides be rather restrictive in footings of how an audit will be conducted, for case necessitating minimum obstructor to the conducting of concern, being excessively concerned about privateness, and by and large being hard. However, what KPMG can make is further its relationships with its clients to guarantee that their activities become a more important precedence to its clients. Besides, holding a greater presence on-site can assist further these client relationships, both by heightening societal acquaintance but besides acquiring to understand the elaboratenesss of the client s IT substructure, SAM, and package deployment protocols. It is besides important that KPMG establishes a repute of being sensitive to a client s demands, as they may non openly portion these but merely allude to them. Control: Long-run CRM helps guarantee that clients are more antiphonal to IPCG s petitions for informations aggregation. Time delays within IPCG are remedied through increased staff, preparation, squad experience, and the development of machine-controlled batch books to simplify and speed up the procedure. Finding The Six Sigma theoretical account has the needed generalization to be applicable to legion industries, including the service industry. However, coming up with quantifiable statistics for what is a complex and alone procedure is the most hard portion. Besides, the theoretical account does nt give adequate attending to the importance of non merely accomplishing production rapidly and accurately, but besides doing certain that all parties involved are content with the procedure and its results. Decision This study has examined three separate theoretical accounts from the Information Systems and Management and Business academe. All of the theoretical accounts have provided penetration into the success of KPMG s IPCG group, both in explicating grounds for success every bit good as bespeaking ways in which processes can go even more streamlined, accurate and acceptable.

Patient Hourly Rounding Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Patient Hourly Rounding - Term Paper Example This understanding only reinforces the need for changes in the delivery of nursing care and health care services, towards excellence in ensuring patient safety and patient satisfaction. To satisfy this objective, however, the best means to changes that provide it have to be uncovered (Grove, 2008). Patient Hourly Rounding The concept of patient hourly rounding originated in England, where it was termed patient comfort rounds. Patient hourly rounding is built on predetermined definite protocols. The norm for protocols in patient hourly rounding is founded on four P’s, which stand for pain, personal needs, positioning, and placement. Other issues that could be a part of the protocol for hourly rounding include changing of dressings, administration of medications, and patient education. The concept of hourly rounding is based on compassionate care, and the strengthening of interpersonal relationship between the patient and the nurse, with the essential ingredient of anticipation of the needs of patients and meeting these needs (Charmel, Frameton, & Plantree, 2009). Patient hourly rounding are, thus a systematic nursing function that consists of nurses undertaking bedside rounds of patients, with a specific set of actions, and conducted over specific intervals. Thought the ultimate goal in patient hourly rounding is patient safety and patient satisfaction, the immediate objective is prevention of potential patient problems or to inhibit exacerbation of actual problems (McCartney, 2009). Recommended Change Patient hourly rounding is the recommended change in nursing care practice. The specific actions included in the patient hourly rounding are: Greet the patient Inquire if the patient needs toileting, pain control, repositioning, and blanket Place call light, telephone, tissue box, bed table, and TV control within convenient reach of the patient Provide mouth care, if required Give oral fluid, if required Provide any clarifications sought by the patient Inqu ire if the patient requires any other assistance Inform the patient when the next round will be performed (Adapted from Gardner et al, 2009, & Olrich, Kalman & Nigolian, 2012). The specific time interval will be hourly rounding. Evidence suggests that hourly rounding is superior to bi-hourly rounding in delivering patient safety and patient satisfaction (Meade, Bursell & Ketelsen, 2006). Theoretical Framework Lewin’s Change Model is an early model for planned change. The concept in this model is that a static state of behaviors in an organization occurs when the forces pushing for change and the forces striving to maintain status quo are almost equal. In other words, change is possible only when the forces pushing for change is increased, and the forces striving to maintain status quo is decreased. Lewin’s change model recommends a three step process towards attaining this objective in planned change. The first step is unfreezing, which consists of reducing the forces striving to maintain status quo. In this case, the first step is reducing the support among nurses for opposition to patient hourly ro

Neoottomanism in Turkey and the Role of Turkey in the new formation of Essay

Neoottomanism in Turkey and the Role of Turkey in the new formation of the Arab world - Essay Example Thus, ottomanism transformed into the ideology of pan-Turkism. The Turkish leaders of the late XX - early XXI century, especially Recep Tayyip Erdogan, updated the doctrine of ottamanism-pan-Turkism, turning it into so-called neoottomanism. Modern Turkish leaders advocated the creation of an integrated economic and cultural-linguistic space that has commonality of interests; it is the main essence of this ideology. However, neo-Ottomanism implies the dominant influence of Turkey not only on Turks, but even more - non-Turkic peoples and countries that were part of the Ottoman Empire at different time. The doctrine of "neoottomanism" was not completely comprehended even by its originators. Nowadays a lot of European and American politicians are greatly concerned about the given ideology and they do not want to stay away from it. United States, for example, hatch the plans to create a unified Turkic political space dominated by Turkey, and are interested in supporting the sovereignty of newly independent states of Central Eurasia. A heavy blow to this "subtle pan-Turkism", i.e. neoottomanism, was stroke by the Collective Security Treaty Organization, members of which were two Turkic states - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Islamic one – Tajikistan. Uzbekistan led its own political game for a certain period, but then, joined the CSTO. Turkmenistan's foreign policy tends to neutrality at the present time. Under the auspices of the U.S., such projects as The Black Sea Cooperation and GUAM were developed. If earlier the U.S. was more interested in strengthening Turkey's influence on the Balkans, nowadays - on Northern and Southern Caucasus, Crimea, Ukraine, Bessarabia, as well as Syria, Lebanon and Iraq - as vectors, amplifying the Turkish-Russian confrontation. "Political and operational" role of Turkey in these regions is the most attractive for the U.S. But practice shows that the U.S. is not confident in the effectiveness of such role-based participation of Turkey, even in these projects. Yes, Turkey could play a leading role in the formation and activity of GUAM, but Western politicians are in no hurry to pedal its role. Turkey activities in Georgia, especially in some regions, such as Ajaria and Abkhazia, as well as in Dagestan and Chechnya, Kabardino-Balkaria, Adygeya, Krasnodar territory, Bulgaria, Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo Macedonia, and Bessarabia can only be seen in part of a joint Turkish-American project. All other joint plans of the United States and Turkey in Central Asia are minor, in fact. Issues, related to the presence of Turkey military machine in the Balkans, the Caucasus and Crimea, are always discussed between the military and intelligence services of both countries. Turkey's position in these regions is much stronger than that in Central Asia. Only the situation in Iran, especially in its north-western regions, can be compared with Turkey positions in the above regions. In 2001, the present minister of foreign affair s of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu published his voluminous work â€Å"Strategic depth: the international position of Turkey†, in which he analyzed the regional and geopolitical interests and priorities of Turkey; he also put forward a series of theoretical assessments and propositions. After

Neoliberal in Latin America by Samir Sader Essay Example for Free

Neoliberal in Latin America by Samir Sader Essay This paper examines the role of the neo-liberalism approach to development in Latin America. The paper aims to establish whether the approach has facilitated the attainment of the developmental goals of the Latin American region. Through literature review, the study finds out that the neo-liberalism approach has attained a certain degree of progress in the Latin American region. However, the overwhelming evidence emerges in support of alternative development approaches. This realization is made after it is established that neo-liberalism has contributed towards retarded economic growth, political instability and other social ills in the continent. The paper finally concludes that seeking alternative approaches to growth is necessary if the Latin American region is to achieve further progress. Introduction Neo-liberalism is a market led model to social and economic policies premised on the neoclassical theories of economics, which aim to utilize maximally the private sector in choosing the economic, political and social priorities of a state. The aim of the model is to shift risks from the public corporate to individuals. This indicates that the primary role of the approach is to increase efficiency premised on the belief that governments were not in a position to attain such a goal (Cohen, 2007). The neo-liberalism approach was introduced in the Latin American continent to achieve the benefits associated with it on theory. After decades of applying the approach, the Latin American region still finds itself lagging behind in terms of economic and social growth and development. This leads to a host of queries regarding to what would have gone wrong. Research questions This paper examines the following research questions: Has the neo-liberalism approach facilitated economic growth in the Latin American region? Has neo-liberalism led to political instability in the Latin American region? Has neo-liberalism failed to achieve its goals in the Latin America continent? If neo-liberalism has failed, are there alternatives to replace it? Literature review Neo-liberalism was first applied in Latin America at the turn of the new century. Latin America chose to offer a ground in which the forces of neo-liberalism contentions squared off. Such lead to a construction of both resistance and seeking of alternatives. The neoliberal dispensation adopted in the 1990’s in Latin America led to serious setbacks. For instance, the huge inequalities, which characterize Latin America, point to this position. Though neo-liberalism was not the cause of the inequality problem, it served to exacerbate the gap (Sader, 2008). The neoliberal model was imposed in Latin America. Towards privatization condition was give n requiring that successive governments in the continent should defeat and disarm the earlier left wing movements and any organized labor groups. During this time, the developmentally agenda was premised on the import substitution model. This model was particularly used in Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil; however, the model was also in use in countries like Columbia, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and Uruguay (Sader, 2008). The model was heavily doctored in a way, which encouraged wide political projects based on the ideology of strengthening the working class and trade unions with backing from local parties and national blocs submerged in the context of nationalistic identities and ideologies. Instead of leading to the sought after development, the neoliberal agenda turned tragic as countries in the Latin American region became engaged in military coups time and time again beginning at the 1960’s (Sader, 2008). The combination between military coups and the neoliberal growth models led to adrift in the balance of power in reference to the social classes in the region. In countries like Chile, Uruguay and Argentina, it was near impossible attempting to privatize national industries. Simply put, the state governments had to suppress the nationals into accepting the sell-outs. Initially, states offered a certain degree of protection as they regulated local markets and thus guaranteed the social well-being of the population. However, privatization became necessary to clear the path for the neoliberal agenda. Argentina suffices as the best example in this line of thinking as illustrated by the complete transfer of public resources to the private sector followed by the abolition of the hard fought for social rights. In a nutshell, the neoliberal model was dismantling the norms in Latin America. At the turn of the 1990’s, neo-liberalism had taken its toll in the Latin American continent. Its effects were fraught throughout the political spectrum. Originally, the program was implemented in Chile, later, Peru, Mexico, Bolivia followed suit (Sader, 2008). One stark reality that emerges is rested on the failure of the neo-liberalism model to consolidate the required social forces for sustenance. This meant there was constant instability paving way for a host of crises right from its onset. This finds support in the Mexico crisis of1994, the Brazil crisis of 1999 and the Argentina crisis of 2002. These nations were ravaged by astounding levels of inflation, which were however controlled at a significantly high cost. The effects of hyperinflation are quite adverse as for instance, economic growth of a region or a state comes under paralysis. Instead of achieving the expected growth and development in the Latin American countries, adverse effects like, stagnating economies, growing wealth gaps, spiraling public deficits, expropriation of individual rights (in reference to employment and labor unionization) took precedence. Further to this, the general population’s rights were curtailed. However, the growth of the public debts negatively exposed the Latin American economies. The poor economic performance led to the ouster of Alberto Fujimori in Peru, Menem in Argentina, Henrique Fernando Cardoso in Brazil, Gonzalo Sanchez in Bolivia, among others (Sader, 2008). The neoliberal model of growth encouraged the internationalization of economies. This pushed the corporate elites into striking an alliance with international capital. Towards achieving the neoliberal agenda, the pro neo-liberalists supported military dictatorships in the southern Cone. The support was extended even to guerillas as far as they were in support of the export-oriented model (Sader, 2008). The adherence to the neoliberal policies meant that gains made in reference to trade unionism had to be reversed. This also affected the leftwing forces as they were equally disabled by the neoliberal agenda. This was further worsened following the collapse of the former Soviet Union. Labor unions like the Brazilian Workers Party (PT) the Nicaraguan Frente Sandinista and the Uruguayan Frente Amplio evolved into parties in order to camouflage from being phased out by the respective governments. They occupied a central wing to achieve their goals. However, left wing groupings such as the VPR and ALN in Brazil, the PRT-ERP in Argentina and the MIR in Chile were dissolved (Sader, 2008). The political ideologies in Latin America became remodeled on the lines of the neoliberal policies. The emerging new world order further reinforced the neoliberal hegemony. Popular forces were abandoned as the former nationalists and social democrats got sucked into the neo-liberal agenda. However, this group has continued to pressure the leaders into discarding the policies in favor of more socialistic ones. This group argues that neo-liberalism has disabled the state from performing its functions as ideally expected. The group’s militancy against neo-liberalism is premised on the wholesale privatization of state resources and expropriation of individual rights with particular reference to formal employment, education and health. The overthrow of the neoliberal government of Sanchez de Lozada was down to the agitations brought forth by disgruntled elements based on advances by the government to privatize water (Sader, 2008). The neoliberal agenda remained committed to creating polarity between the public and the market sector. Ne-liberalism is committed to the extension of market relations. Initially, the state was connected with the social aspect of humanity. However, at the advent of neo-liberalism, the state was required to divorce with this aspect, leading to a critical clash in the process (Sader, 2008). Chile was among the first nations to support neo-liberalism in the Latin American continent. Augusto Pinochet offered support to the approach during his 17-year reign. However, successive governments after the overthrow of the dictator did not introduce significant changes into the system. Against suggestions that neo-liberalism was anti-growth, much was attained in Chile. For instance, in the year 2009, the United Nations Development Report ranked Chile as a country characterized y high quality of life, highly competitive, political stability, high levels of globalization, low perceptions on corruption, economic freedom and low poverty levels. However, it should be noted that Chile remained a country with rampant wealth disparities with a distorted nature of distribution of resources (Cohen, 2007). Between the period of 1930 and 1970, a good number of Latin American countries used the import substitution model to put up own industries which contributed into a reduction of dependency levels. The other effect was on urbanization. The urban centers witnessed a growing population as a result of the increasing number of the working class. Protests by left-wing parties and trade unions grew due to economic crises. The economic crises and the theoretical prospects of the model were the major reason why leaders chose to implement neo-liberal approaches. In the end, neo-liberalism contributed to informal unemployment, urban unemployment, urban poverty and insecurity (Fischer, Ratna and Carlos, 2002). As unemployment and insecurity grew, the rich segment of the society continued to become richer. At this time, the poor sections of the society continued to be poorer. However, in some countries wealth creation increased following the introduction of the neoliberal policies. Despite the increase, instate wealth, the distribution remained inequitable. In turn, inequality contributed to political instability across the continent. Inequality breeds discontent and despair among the poor, this leads to formation of groups, which engage in criminal activities. Some groups end up forming feeder groups to rebel gangs. It is thus no surprise that political overthrows were rampant in Latin America. As Ong (2006) observes oopponents of neo-liberalism argue that liberalisation and globalisation play a big role in subverting a state’s ability of self-determination. As a result, states are reduced to speculators in the bigger globe. The approach leads to negative economic consequences like inequality and contributes towards the deterioration of people’s living standards. Neo-liberalism distorts power by reducing the one held by governments and transferring t into corporations. This in turn facilitates the transfer of benefits from the poor to the wealthy. Neo-liberalism creates struggles both at the social and local fronts as reflected by the inability of citizens to chart their own destiny. Deregulation predisposes states and citizens to cyclical movements of economic forces. This sums it all that neo-liberalism has led to more harm than good. The neoliberal policies brewed a war between different stakeholders at the state level to jostle for positions of controlling the countries. On the one hand, is the elected leadership, o the other hand are the social movements. Social movements include rural movements, trade unions and employees in the education and health sectors of the public. However, governments like the Brazilian one attempted to adopt social oriented measures to gain popular citizenry support. Others include Nicaragua, Argentina and Uruguay though to a lesser extent. These countries’ policies remain friendly in reference to allowing for open economies as opposed to other states in the region (Sader, 2008). In Latin America, there are two groups of countries, one in favor, and the other group against integration at a regional level Costa Rica. Peru, Mexico, Chile have entered integration deals individually while Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Cuba and Bolivia remain more keen on integration (Sader, 2008). Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba and Ecuador have taken big steps towards the establishment of an alternative growth model to the neoliberal approach. The four countries have proposed the ‘Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas’ to tackling continent’s issues. This has expanded to incorporate Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, ALBA has attempted to reduce the efficacy of the neoliberal model by insisting on fair trade. This calls for shunning of trade regulations based on the WTO and market rate norms. The trade practices between Cuba and Venezuela in which case a form of barter trade takes place serves as a strong pointer to the proposed way in the region. In the trade between the two, Cuba swaps oil with education services from Venezuela (Sader, 2008). Analysis of findings It thus emerges that neo-liberalism performed dismally in the Latin American continent. This aside, the consequences were lethal in reference to the instability emerging from the model of development. When economies are performing poorly, the masses suffer and loose faith in governments. The neoliberal agenda as established leaned on silencing the public if the model was to turn out a success. This explains why governments had to curtail the freedoms of citizens as exhibited by the suppression of labor and left wing unions. However, this is tantamount to breeding discontent in the populations. Simply put, these measures sowed the seeds of discord in any nation. It was thus not surprising that the instability generated in the Latin American countries was largely due to the focus on the neoliberal policies of development. The neo-liberal approach stands accused for playing a huge role in the emergence and recurrence of dictatorship in the region. States, which supported the approach, were encouraged and offered support to suppress popular opinion on country or state governance. This contributes directly to promotion of dictatorial tendencies. This further aggravates the political instability associated with repressive regimes since; such contributes to sowing seeds of discontent in populations. The repressive regimes further contributed to the loss of gains made in regards to trade unionism as such were discouraged. However, groups have formed in these countries to fight for their rights especially in reference to basic needs. A case in point is captured in Brazil where in 2002, landless peasants ganged up in resistance to privatization of water in Cochabamba. This contributes towards creating social and political unrest in these countries. As a result, neo-liberalism was directly responsible for political instability in the region. It is established in the paper that the neoliberal model of growth has painstakingly failed o advance the developmental agenda of the Latin American continent. This implies that seeking alternative measures is the only promising way out f this fiasco. True to this, some countries like Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Cuba and Bolivia remain focused on integrating at a regional level. This points that neo-liberalism has failed in the Latin American continent and as a result, the search for alternative models of growth remains in top gear. The forms of integration shown by some of the Latin American country appear to be the best alternative to enable the region achieve the desired growth as opposed to borrowing models of growth from the West. The fact that the region is well endowed with natural resources like oil puts it at a driving seat if integration is allowed to thrive. Countries opposed to the neoliberal agenda have chosen to ally with the protagonists of the United States of America like the People’s Republic of China and Russia. Limitation This paper solely relies on works of other scholars as it is based on literature review. Literature is of invaluable contribution to studies. This is held because literature forms the basis upon which studies are carried out. However, literature may be subject to subjectivity especially if the authors/researchers fail to remain objective. Nevertheless, this paper has reviewed four works to ensure that the reviewed literature does not raise inconsistencies. The paper though, heavily focuses on the works of Sader. Based on this, the paper is a useful contribution to the discourse on the neo-liberalism approach and development in Latin America. Conclusion This paper concludes that neo-liberalism is not the appropriate development model in the Latin American region. This is based on the realization that the developmental approach has occasioned a number of adverse outcomes as enumerated in the literature review. However, in countries like Chile, the developmental record has been impressive. Despite this, the overall rating of the approach is poor as indicated that even in Chile, its adverse effects like widening the gap between the rich and the poor remains clearly manifested. It is thus not surprising that measures like integration are being sought by countries from the Latin American region. If the neoliberal approach was good as earlier expected then the Latin American countries would have achieved the desired development long ago. Instead, after decades of using the approach, negative effects such as political instability, social and economic problems have reared their ugly faces repeatedly. It is thus held that seeking alternatives to the neo-liberal approach is in the best interests of the Latin American countries. Reference List Cohen, J. N. (2007). The Impact of Neoliberalism, Political Institutions and Financial Autonomy on Economic Development, 1980–2003 Dissertation, Department of Sociology, Princeton University. Fischer, S. , Ratna, S. Carlos, A. (2002). Modern Hyper- and High Inflations Journal of Economic Literature: 837–880. Ong, A. (2006). Neoliberalism as Exception: Mutations in Citizenship and Sovereignty. Duke University Press. Sader, E. (2008). The Weakest Link? Neoliberalism in Latin America. New Left Review, 52.

Diabetes :: essays research papers

Diabetes (diabetes mellitus) Diabetes is a disease characterized by excessive urination. Diabetes mellitus is caused by insufficient insulin production or lack of responsiveness to insulin, resulting in hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels). There are 2 primary types of diabetes mellitus, type I (insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset), which may be caused by an autoimmune response, and type II (non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset). Diabetes insipidus is typically due to hormonal dysregulation. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder caused by an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin, an anabolic hormone. Insulin is produced in the pancreas by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. Absence, destruction, or loss of these cells causes an absolute deficiency of insulin, leading to type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]). Most children with diabetes have IDDM and a lifetime dependence on exogenous insulin. Type 2 diabetes (non–insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]) is a heterogeneous disorder. Patients with NIDDM have insulin resistance, and their beta cells lack the ability to overcome this resistance. Although this form of diabetes previously was uncommon in children, 20% or more of new patients with diabetes in childhood and adolescence now have NIDDM, a change associated with increased rates of obesity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Insulin is essential to process carbohydrate, fat, and protein. Insulin reduces blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter muscle cells and fat cells and by stimulating the conversion of glucose to glycogen as a carbohydrate store. Insulin also inhibits the release of stored glucose from liver glycogen and slows the breakdown of fat to triglycerides, free fatty acids, and ketones. Additionally, insulin slows the breakdown of protein for glucose production. Hyperglycemia results when insulin deficiency leads to uninhibited gluconeogenesis and prevents the use and storage of circulating glucose. The kidneys cannot reabsorb the excess glucose load, causing glycosuria, osmotic diuresis, thirst, and dehydration. Increased fat and protein breakdown leads to ketone production and weight loss. Without insulin, a child with IDDM wastes away and eventually dies from diabetic ketoacidosis. Information on mortality rates is difficult to ascertain without complete national registers of childhood diabetes, although age-specific mortality probably is double that of the general population. Particularly at risk are children aged 1-4 years who may die with DKA at the time of diagnosis. Adolescents also are a high-risk group. Most deaths result from delayed diagnosis or neglected treatment and subsequent cerebral edema during treatment for DKA, although untreated hypoglycemia also causes some deaths.

Information Technology and Health Care Essay

Overview of current and emerging information technology systems and devices that are commonly used by healthcare organizations The utilization of information technology systems and devices in all areas of the work place is expanding. With the advent of the microcomputer, computer use has spread to all areas of work including healthcare organizations. Computer systems in health care facilities today may encompass a network of microcomputers in the future. A primary use of computers in health care is for the documentation of the patient’s data. Today, computer programs that are designed to create patient records abound. These programs allow input of admission data, recording of nursing progress records, development of nursing care plans (both standardized and individualized), documentation of patient teaching completed, scheduling of patients, recording of dietary intake and documentation of medication orders and administration. Some programs are so complete that they have virtually replaced the standard patient chart. The advent of information technology springs from the idea that information superhighway is made available to all people from all walks of life.   All sorts of information are made accessible at the tip of one’s fingers and can be retrieved in a short period of time through the amazing Internet technology, computerized or electronically processed data system. What used to be data, like records or public documents, gathered for weeks or days can now be obtained in minutes or seconds. What used to be information for selected or privileged few intellectuals are now exposed to the public regardless of state, race, ethnical culture, sex or status, not to mention a few restricted information that are confined to certain age levels, or those that are sensitive to security and privacy (Winkler 1997). Potential risks and constraints associated with each of these technology systems 1. The Assessment Process The Assessment process in a healthcare system is highly confidential. All patients have the right to confidentiality. Patient care information such as diagnosis, prognosis and care plans should be kept secret to those not concerned with the patient’s condition. Only authorized individuals should have access to information about a patient.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Medical records must be kept in a secure place where only those authorized to have access can obtain the records. The patient has a right to access his or her own record, and only by obtaining the patient’s permission can records or information be released to others. Agencies are required by state, federal and accrediting rules to have policies by the nurse periodically followed. However, there are potential risks associated with these new technology systems especially in the assessment area. If a smart agent works with a patient in conducting on-line assessment through a wireless phone device, then a potential risk here would be the improper assessment due to a wrong registration of the patient’s voice even if coded repetitively (Dertouzos & Gerschenfeld as qtd in Skiba and Cohen 2003). In the same manner, a constraint here would involve extracting information from the encounter. It is important to remember that the transaction cannot be completed without at least some exchange of intelligence between the patient and another person. These digital systems that collect, analyze and respond to client condition can assess wrongly any information initially given. Even if they are rarely down or suboptimal, still, a patient’s life cannot be entrusted to a technology system no matter how smart it may be. The Assessment process still is an important stage in any healthcare system that needs personal analysis and evaluation. Thus, a foreseeable constraint here is the fact that people may not really use it readily since they would still prefer someone with whom they could talk to in a more relaxed manner.   Leaving the assessment part to any device is not that reliable because it can still malfunction and give a wrong assessment that can send a distressed patient in a more distressed state. The seamless voice recognition may capture the wrong data. Even if the human computer interface uses natural language structure, there is a possibility that the human computer will not know the underlying codification structure (Dertouzos & Gerschenfeld as qtd in Skiba and Cohen 2003). This is the probably constraint that may interfere with the successful implementation of each system. 2. Communications Technology Systems In the area of Communications, being primarily electronic and multidimensional will be a great leap in the future when one can easily communicate with health care professionals using both synchronous and asynchronous communication. (Skiba & Cohen, 2003). According to researches, there are more than 100 nations that are currently engaged in espionage against US companied. Distinctions between global and local are now slowly being eradicated. Company shifts industrial boundaries from the static to the dynamic. The result is global competition of a uniquely unpredictable nature. Enterprises that previously worked hand in hand in different areas may now find themselves at odds with each other, even spying on each other. Since millions of information is readily accessed nowadays, the possibility of disseminating mixed-up, false or misleading information is high. This can be dangerous when used and relied upon for legitimate purposes.   Moreover, some information and data need to be protected and if allowed for public consumption, the parties concerned have to ensure that the information must be updated, reliable and truthful before they are released to the public. The credibility and integrity are at stake at all times if their data are found to be scrupulous, unreliable, and erroneous. Similarly, data bank sources or data controllers must take possible measures to protect the personal data that they are held accountable in viewing such information for unlawful, harmful and questionable purposes (Skiba & Cohen, 2003). 3.   Monitoring process Future gadgets in monitoring for the healthcare system will be state-of –the-art such that smart devices will then be attached to one’s personal Bodynet. This is the term used for the personal network coordinating the devices and both transmit and receive information within the premises of the hospital. It can even be hooked up such that these monitoring devices can reach until the homes of these patients. There will be such a thing as ubiquitous monitoring such that lifestyle factors are monitored too. Even the amount of food in a refrigerator can be monitored making all behaviors and actions available for monitoring purposes. (Skiba & Cohen 2003). Since monitoring can extend beyond hospital walls, the likelihood of information being transferred from one data source to another is highly possible. Smart devices that automatically monitor a patient’s electronic record can provide wrong electronic records. A possible constraint here is the refusal of parties to avail of such devices since it can be restricting. Devices may be available but only the agreeable parties will readily avail of it. Besides, it can be prohibitive in price. The focal point of good risk management is the identification and treatment of these risks, an integral component of any organization’s strategic management. In a healthcare system set-up, the monitoring process can run awry if the devices used in attachments are improperly done. (Stoneburner, G. et al). IT security practitioners assigned to healthcare systems are responsible for proper implementation of security requirements in their IT systems especially in the monitoring process. As changes occur in the existing IT system environment, the IT security practitioners must support or use the risk management process to identify and assess new potential risks and implement new security controls as required to safeguard their IT systems. According to Pamela Matthews, conducting these efficient management researches for the results of patients test will prove to be very helpful in coming up with an effective and technologically advanced solutions that would be the answer to treatment. Conclusion In the final analysis, informatization streamlines troubleshooting of complex systems. Technology today is embedded in and around products in ways that facilitate a steady stream of information about medical transactions and the use to which products and services are put. It is essential that a balance be done on both technology and the health care system where most people prefer a more caring and personalized method. REFERENCES Dertouzos, M. (1998). What will be: How the new world of information will change our lives. New York: HarperEdge. (context link from Skiba & Cohen) Gerschenfeld, N. (2000). When things start to think. New York: Henry Holt & Co. (context link from Skiba & Cohen) Matthews, P. (2000). Leveraging Technology for Success. Journal of Healthcare Information Management Vol. 14 No. 2 . Retrieved Sept. 11, 2006 from http://www.himss.org/asp/ContentRedirector.asp?ContentID=749

What Is Positive Psychology - 765 Words

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