Saturday, February 22, 2020

Competition (BUSINESS 305 CASE ASSIGNMENT MODULE 3) Essay

Competition (BUSINESS 305 CASE ASSIGNMENT MODULE 3) - Essay Example While it may stand to reason that OPEC with its fair share in percentage of global oil production is able to effectively manage prices, it hasn’t necessarily happened that way. Increasing pressure from other factor including competing regions outside OPEC such as North Sea and Central Asian states, has resulted in large fluctuations in oil prices in recent past. Formed primarily to look after the oil exporting interests of member countries, OPEC has a clear set of objectives where it claims to balance member country requirements with needs to stabilize world oil prices. Its charter states that OPEC would strive to â€Å"eliminate harmful and unnecessary fluctuations† in global oil prices and ensure â€Å"efficient, economic and regular supply† to buying nations while at the same time coordinating among member countries to share and â€Å"unify† oil policies to protect their interests (OPEC Statute 1). Even though the oil cartel has been a major force in global economy for over 45 years, it has had its own set of shortcomings in vision. At least twice in the past OPEC tried to raise prices by reducing export of oil. In the first instance, in the early 70’s, the prices spiked by about 50% and in the second case, the maximum increase was 34% in 1980. In each period of OPEC intervention, the price increase was short lived and could not be maintained. The reason for not being able to sustain the price increase is rooted in the simple definition of economy that it is governed by people and its behavior. This behavior then defines the supply and demand relationship that forms the basis for price stability and trends. The sudden rise in oil prices as a result of OPEC’s cutting of exports happened because the supply and demand of oil, like any other commodity, is inelastic in the short term. When the OPEC countries

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Foundation of Occupational Therapy practice Essay

Foundation of Occupational Therapy practice - Essay Example There are standards, roles, and meaning that an individual derives from the occupations that they engage in. These activities and processes that an individual performs through his or her life, in some context, can collectively be referred to as occupation. The individuals’ occupation will be defined within the societal culture and norms and thus are geared towards the collective development and wellbeing of the society. An individual’s occupation will determine his or her contribution towards the objectives of the society. In this context, occupation can be put into three categories depending on their purpose namely self-care, productivity, or leisure activities. There is need to ensure a good balance in these activities. Different activities will involve sequential interrelated tasks that collectively constitute an occupation. These tasks will need different skills- an individual’s abilities to carry out the activities that will reflect on his performance of the given occupation. These skills can be enhanced through constant practice by the individual. Other than the mental abilities and skills, an occupation will also involve other physical actions. It is important that an individual engage in activity that is not stressful and that provides little or no threats to his or her life. The occupation should be meaningful and of some value to an individual. However, there are factors that can prevent an individual from engaging in an occupation that is of some value to the individual and the society. Occupational therapy is a practice that involves promoting health and well-being of an individual by engaging the individuals in some occupations. The occupational therapists will identify the social, political, cultural, environmental, mental, and psychological and even the political factors that can impede an individual’s engagement in an occupation. Having identified these factors, an occupational therapist will take the appropriate init iative to enable the individual to participate in an activity. This practice has no boundary limit and borrows from other disciplines like psychology (Creek, 2003, p.7). The therapist may encourage the individual to engage in activities and processes that will eventually provide them with an opportunity to be engaged in some occupation. The therapist may also attempt to alter the environmental condition to promote the individual’s participation in some occupation. As a profession, occupational therapy has a number of core values and beliefs that become the guiding philosophy of the practice and that are behind its principles and procedures. Firstly, the practice of occupational therapy is humanistic and self-centered. The practice shows human concern and respects the human values. Secondly, the practice does not consider the individual aspects of human function but provides a holistic perspective to depict individuals as being unique and independent. The physical, spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of human function are incorporated in occupational therapy practice. It is believed that every individual has his own ability. The difference that exists in the individual human values is also recognized in the practice. Besides, much value is attached to involvement in some occupational activity. Engagement in some occupation is regarded as a basic requirement that is essential for good health of the individual. The OT is supposed to provide the client with information, provide the necessary support, and