Cultural Economy of the Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Cultural Economy of the Media - Essay Example A study of 540 students at the Carnegie Mellon University reveals that 89% of students at this institution gave their real names, and 61% of students managed to upload their real photos in the social networking site of Facebook (May, 2013). These users did not alter their privacy settings, and therefore it was possible to access their information publicly. On this note, therefore, Facebook has come under criticisms for failure of providing adequate privacy options for its various users. These criticisms arise on the background that the information that users provide can cause serious security problems to the individual concerned and to the country as a whole. The social network sites also process enormous information on a daily basis. Features in these social network sites, such as open platform applications, invitations, messages, and photos are avenues in which the private information of a user is made public. To protect users from inappropriate use of their information/data, it is important to enact measures that will regulate the nature of information that the public can view (Austin, 2003). The criterion of choosing this kind of information should be on the background of the effect the data can cause to the individual if it is exposed to the public. This paper analyzes the roles of privacy in the social networking sites. In analyzing these roles, this paper uses Helen Nissenbaum’s theory of privacy, known as the contextual integrity theory. It also identifies the specific European Union and UK privacy laws that seek to regulate the privacy of an individual, and it demonstrates the business interests of these social networks in relation to the information they control. This paper has a conclusion, which is a summary of the main points addressed in it. Privacy in a social networking site protects the information of an individual from being used by people who are not authorised to use the information (Ritzer and Jurgenson, 2010). The current trends in regard to gathering data and disseminating the same by data collecting companies involve the perusals of information from social networking sites. The intention of these companies is to sell the information to marketing companies. On most occasions, they collect and use this information without the knowledge of its owners. According to the contextual integrity theory, this amounts to a breach of an individual’s privacy. According to this theory, it is impossible for an individual to have complete privacy. On this basis, therefore, people will share their personal information, as long as there are certain principles that govern the nature in which they share their personal information (Pollach, 2005). However, if these principles are contravened, without the permission of the parties involved, then a breach of privacy has occurred. Take, for example, these data collecting companies, accessing the information of an individual through their social networking account, and using t he information they gain to produce a marketing campaign without their knowledge. According to the contextual integrity theory, this is a breach of an individual’s privacy. This theory further goes on to identify two types of behaviors that determine whether there is a breach of an individual’s privacy or not (Mowlabocus, 2004). These norms are the norms of distribution and that of appropriateness.

Arauco Case study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arauco Case study - Research Paper Example The overall contribution made by the new proposed pulp manufacturing facility will result into the expansion of the production capacity of the firm by more than 3 millions. This increase in capacity will therefore make the firm one of the leading manufacturers of pulp in the world in terms of overall production capacity. With an estimated investment of $1 Billion, the new project is estimated to produce sales of $350million per year. Since the overall estimated economic life of the plant would be 30 to 40 years therefore overall revenues will be equal to $14.00 Billions over the period of 40 years thus contributing significantly to the value of the firm. Though no specific discount rate is given however, given the sales generating capacity of the proposed project suggest that it will add significant value to the firm and firm’s shareholders will gain value from the proposed investment. Any organization willing to make its strategic move therefore has to look into its core comp etencies and must examine its core strengths. In past firms have made forward integration moves however, such moves proved fatal because of the integrated nature of the process. (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson). Suppressed demand for paper can seriously damage the profitability of the pulp business also because of the integrated nature of both the processes. It therefore becomes more critical to look into those aspects of the strategy where they can offer an insight into the ability of the firm to actually utilize its existing strengths in more effective manner rather than spending its energies on the development of new set of skills and competencies in order to compete in a market which has remained relatively untapped by the firm. Firm’s decision to move away from Pulp only could also be the direct result of its decision to diversify the business in other segments. Though the firm has expanded into related businesses however, diversifying from pulp business can be mostly a res ult of capitalizing on firm’s core competencies in manufacturing pulp at relatively low cost. It is also important to understand that the pulp sales of the firm have increased over the period of time suggesting that due to high demand and better cost efficiency, firm is able to sell its pulp products at relatively premium prices in the market. Such acceptability in the export markets therefore indicates that the firm has already established itself in international market in this segment of the business. Pulp is used for just 50% of the paper manufacturing therefore firm will have to acquire new set of skills and efficiency with which to use other remaining material and ingredients to produce better quality and low cost products. This would therefore invariably put the firm on a new learning curve thus slowing down its progress to become the market leader in the business. Recommendations Firm derives its competitive advantage from its low cost production and market reputation in the international market. Since firm is already backward integrated with access to high quality wood to manufacture pulp and other allied products therefore it is recommended that the firm should take the decision of horizontal expansion rather than engaging into forward integration. The proposed move will increase the production capacity of the firm by large

The Importance of Nursing Theory Research Paper

The Importance of Nursing Theory - Research Paper Example The Roy Adaptation model, a grand theory model, is significant in nursing theory for its pragmatic and logical considerations about real-life health environments and the human condition. This paper describes the importance of generalized nursing theory to the nursing profession and, using the Roy Adaptation Model as the appropriate guidance, this paper will describe how this model impacts patient care, the purpose of this particular model, and how this theory would view nursing leadership and education. The Roy Adaptation Model is one of the most viable models in nursing theory. The Importance and Validity of Nursing Theory Study Nursing theory provides a great deal of quantifiable and justified assumptions that assist in building an effective model of nursing practice to improve productivity, interpersonal relationship development between nurse, patient or organizational groups, and can assist in deciding a best practice model taking into consideration environment, biopsychosocial c haracteristics of the nurse, and patient needs. Unlike mathematical models that are often used in organizational science that consider proper utilization of distinct tangible resources, nursing theory is sensible and practical, recognizing the complexity of human behavior and various coping strategies that are integrated into a model of practice to understand the dynamics of relationships and actual patient care. Nursing theory, unlike other models, do not limit the scope of human knowledge to equation modeling or consider the role of the nurse practitioner as being autonomous of their emotional states. In a health environment where inherent emotional responses are going to surface in practice, and where patient emotional and rationalization capacities create adaptable situations, it would be unrealistic to assume that a health care organization could be structured effectively (or training delivered properly) without recognition of these variables in the cycle of nursing care. For t he aforementioned reasons, nursing theory is critical to improving the nursing profession and facilitating more effective care to patients. It identifies the potential hindrances or barriers to communication or group functioning so as to create a template by which to combat these situations. Such theoretical modeling also illustrates how one care or leadership function is inter-dependent on another in a health system, identifying redundancies that might occur in practice or opportunities to improve practice responses. Nursing theory, by drawing on real-life case studies or other supporting qualitative research, creates a knowledge base about legitimate, contemporary nursing requirements or human needs to assist in identifying more effective organizational systems or interpersonal relationship development. Examining the complexities of patient needs, as another relevant example through various studies, creates testable hypotheses about how to handle various emotional constructs in pa tients to deliver better care. Nursing theory can identify certain socio-demographics or ethnographic knowledge about patient personalities in identified cultural groups so that different strategies

Arauco Case study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Arauco Case study - Research Paper Example The overall contribution made by the new proposed pulp manufacturing facility will result into the expansion of the production capacity of the firm by more than 3 millions. This increase in capacity will therefore make the firm one of the leading manufacturers of pulp in the world in terms of overall production capacity. With an estimated investment of $1 Billion, the new project is estimated to produce sales of $350million per year. Since the overall estimated economic life of the plant would be 30 to 40 years therefore overall revenues will be equal to $14.00 Billions over the period of 40 years thus contributing significantly to the value of the firm. Though no specific discount rate is given however, given the sales generating capacity of the proposed project suggest that it will add significant value to the firm and firm’s shareholders will gain value from the proposed investment. Any organization willing to make its strategic move therefore has to look into its core comp etencies and must examine its core strengths. In past firms have made forward integration moves however, such moves proved fatal because of the integrated nature of the process. (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson). Suppressed demand for paper can seriously damage the profitability of the pulp business also because of the integrated nature of both the processes. It therefore becomes more critical to look into those aspects of the strategy where they can offer an insight into the ability of the firm to actually utilize its existing strengths in more effective manner rather than spending its energies on the development of new set of skills and competencies in order to compete in a market which has remained relatively untapped by the firm. Firm’s decision to move away from Pulp only could also be the direct result of its decision to diversify the business in other segments. Though the firm has expanded into related businesses however, diversifying from pulp business can be mostly a res ult of capitalizing on firm’s core competencies in manufacturing pulp at relatively low cost. It is also important to understand that the pulp sales of the firm have increased over the period of time suggesting that due to high demand and better cost efficiency, firm is able to sell its pulp products at relatively premium prices in the market. Such acceptability in the export markets therefore indicates that the firm has already established itself in international market in this segment of the business. Pulp is used for just 50% of the paper manufacturing therefore firm will have to acquire new set of skills and efficiency with which to use other remaining material and ingredients to produce better quality and low cost products. This would therefore invariably put the firm on a new learning curve thus slowing down its progress to become the market leader in the business. Recommendations Firm derives its competitive advantage from its low cost production and market reputation in the international market. Since firm is already backward integrated with access to high quality wood to manufacture pulp and other allied products therefore it is recommended that the firm should take the decision of horizontal expansion rather than engaging into forward integration. The proposed move will increase the production capacity of the firm by large

Short Response # 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Short Response # 4 - Essay Example When he met Gina Desander, a mature, independent woman in her thirties, everything changed. Gina saw in him a potentially vibrant and handsome young man. In the short time they spent together Gina taught Trip everything he needed to know about women and about his own virility. The "mantle of a lover" has been conveyed on to Trip. (71) He has begun his journey as a great lover, drawing women to his person as if he were a magnet. After his trysts with Gina, Trip changed from the person his friends once knew. He seemed to have transformed from a chubby boy to a muscular and striking young man. Trip has now changed his manner of dress. He deviated from "school boy shirts and pants" to "western outfits" which resembled the outfits worn by admirers of Gina, his first love. His voice deepened both owing to his physical development and the confidence that comes from being loved and initiated by an adept older woman. His scent also changed from a boyish freshness to the musky scent of a confident young man who knows what he wants and how to get it. Eugenides alluded to the fact that Trip was a responsible A student before his Gina experience.

Information systems Essay Example for Free

Information systems Essay None -Course objectives Information is perhaps the most important of all business resources, and the ability to manage it effectively on a global level is a essential organizational capability. Information systems are the tools that firms use to manage information, and it is critical for managers to understand how to use them. This course introduces you to key information systems concepts, issues and questions that will help you to accomplish this. The focus of the course is managerial little prior knowledge of  information systems is required, and you certainly won’t be doing any programming! It is assumed that you already possess the basic computer skills needed to use various office suite products (word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, etc. ), or will acquire these skills independently of this course. The objective of the course is to provide a basic knowledge set that will allow you to understand the most common information systems issues that exist in today’s organizations, to ask critical questions, and participate in IT decision making. P a g e | 2 Organization of the Course Pedagogy  This course relies on a diversity of teaching media, including lectures, readings, and case discussions. Inclass discussions are important and quality class participation is expected from each student. It is your responsibility to read the appropriate material before class. Unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor, no late assignments will be accepted. Assigned Reading There is a readings package for this course that contains required articles and cases. As well we have an open source text: John Gallaugher, â€Å"Information Systems: A Manager’s Guide to Harnessing Technology†, Flat World,Version1. 1, 2011. Go to this website to access the text: http://www. flatworldstudents. com/course? cid=453963bid=38086. You can read it online for free. If you pay $29 or thereabouts you can download an e-reader version or a pdf. A printed text is $40 and a color text is $60. We cover a large volume of material in this course. When preparing for class, you should review the overheads, carefully read the assigned articles and cases and try to identify what you believe are key points or issues. Always ask yourself the following question â€Å"As a manager, what issues does this raise for me? † Evaluation of Student Performance. The course grading scheme for Master’s level courses at Schulich uses a 9-value grade-point system. The possible course letter grades for a course (and the corresponding grade points awarded for each grade are: A+ 9 grade points A 8 A7 B+ 6 B 5 B4 C+ 3 C 2 C1 F 0 (Students are reminded that they must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 4. 2 to remain in good standing and continue in the program, and a minimum of 4. 4 to qualify for their degree. Schulich grading guidelines mandate a section grade point average [‘GPA’] of between 4. 7 and 6. 1 for core courses and a section GPA of between 5. 2 and 6. 2 for electives. ) Where instructors use numerical or percentage grades, Schulich grading policy does not require a preset translation of percentages into specific letter grades P a g e | 3 Participation 20 % Individual Assignment 30 % Group Assignment 50% In class Five pages maximum, handed in at the beginning of session 4 Presentation 20%, session 6 Peer evaluation 5%, session 6 Final report 25%, No later than 1 day after final session Participation (20%) Good class participation by all class members is necessary in order to get the most out of the cases and readings. You are encouraged to take advantage of this gathering of your peers to improve your communication skills and obtain feedback on your views in a relatively low-risk environment. Attendance is not participation. Your attendance is expected for the full duration of the class. If you miss more than two classes, you have failed the course. If you feel that you have to miss a class or any part of a class please inform the instructor before the class so that you will not be called upon in class and so that the instructor can advise you on how to keep up with the rest of the class. I expect that you will: a) Be prepared for class. b) Be on time for class. c) Keep me informed. Do not suffer in silence. Let the instructor know if you are having problems. Let it be known if you cannot attend class. With only six sessions, you do not want to miss anything. d) Come to class with a readable name card. This is important for monitoring your participation. Identify all your work completely with student number and name. Both of these actions will help the instructor to get to know you as an individual. In-class participation will be graded on quality not quantity. Timely and regular attendance, comments and questions that demonstrate knowledge of the topic and intellectual acuity can enhance your participation grade. Be respectful of other’s desire to participate, so be brief and relevant. Individual assignment (30%) The course includes an individual assignment, worth 30%. The total length of the individual assignment is 5 pages maximum, including all materials, except an optional cover page, and a reference list (if required). I will provide details on this assignment in the first class. Group Assignment (50%) You will be placed into groups. Each group will be required to perform an analysis of a business problem that deals with IT issues. Details of the group assignment will be provided in session 1. The group assignment includes three deliverables: 1. Final Report Final report (25%) – each group will submit a final report due no later than 1 day following the final class session. The report will be no longer than 20 pages, including all components, except for a title page and references. The following sections are required: Executive Summary (1page only), Introduction, Summary, and Conclusions. Other sections are up to you P a g e | 4 2. Management presentation Management presentation (20%) – each group will deliver a 10 minute presentation during the final class session. No extra time will be allowed. Maximum 10 slides. Please provide me with a copy of the presentation slides the evening before the final class session by 6 p. m. at the latest. 3. Peer evaluation Peer evaluation (5%) – you will be asked to evaluate the performance of your fellow group members. I will hand out a form for this in week 6. Academic Honesty Academic honesty is fundamental to the integrity of university education and degree programs. The Schulich School will investigate and will act to enforce academic honesty policies where apparent violations occur. Students should familiarize themselves with York University’s policy on academic honesty. It is printed in full in your student handbook and can also viewed on-line on the Schulich website, clicking through as indicated: MBA/IMBA. Schulich website ‘Programs’ ‘Master’s Degree’ ‘Learn More’ ‘Academic Policy’ While academic dishonesty can take many forms, there are several forms of which students should be highly aware because they are the ones that are most likely to occur in the context of a specific course. [1] Plagiarism. Plagiarism is the presentation of information, ideas, or analysis generated by other people as being your own. It includes direct quotations as well a substantive paraphrases where the course of that information or idea is not clearly identified to the reader. Students should be careful to present their written work in a way that makes it completely clear in each and every cases where a quotation, a paraphrase, or an analysis is based on the work of other people. (This includes information from all sources, including websites. ) [2] Cheating. Cheating is an attempt to gain an unfair advantage in an evaluation. Examples of such violations include (but are not limited to) consulting prohibited materials during an examination or copying from another student. [3] Failure to follow limitations on collaborative work with other students in preparing academic assignments. Each class differs in the mix of assignments and group-versus-individual preparation that is allowed. The instructor will make clear the extent of collaboration among students that is acceptable among students on various pieces of assigned work. Students should abide by those limitations and, if they are unsure about whether a certain level or form of collaboration would be acceptable, to clarify that question with the instructor in advance. [4] Aiding and abetting. A student is guilty of violating academic honesty expectations if he/she acts in a way that enables another student to engage in academic dishonesty. If a student knows (or should reasonably expect) that an action would enable another student to cheat or plagiarize, that student’s action constitutes an academic honesty violation. Illustrative examples include making your exam paper easily visible to others in the same exam or providing your own working or finished documents for an ‘individual assignment’ to another student (even if that other student said that he/she just wanted to ‘get an idea of how to approach the assignment’ or ‘to check whether they had done theirs correctly’). [5] Use of academic work in more than one course. Generally, academic work done for every course is ‘new’ work, done for that course only. If a student wishes to use some or all of the academic work done for an assigned task in one course in another course, the student must get explicit, prior permission from both instructors so that they agree that the scope and nature of the overlapping use of that work is such that it can fairly be counted toward both courses. P a g e | 5 Schedule of Topics and Readings The following list of lecture topics and readings indicate the material to be read, reviewed and/or prepared for the various class sessions. If any changes in this schedule become necessary, notifications will be posted in the course CMD, and where such changes need to be announced between class sessions, an email will be sent to students’ Lotus Notes email accounts, notifying them of the change. Date Topic(s) Session 1 Key question: What is an information system and why is it Feb 27 important? IS Ch 1, Lecture: Introduction to management information systems and enterprise Ch 5 Ch technology management 10 Lecture: Technology fundamentals Reading: A conversation about information technology 1. In your experience, does this conversation ring true? 2. Why are many business managers frustrated with organizational IT? 3. Why are many IT managers frustrated with ‘the business side’? 4. What can be done to improve relations between the two sides? Activity: A group discussion of Open versus Closed systems models. Session 2 Key question: How can you use information systems to get the Mar 5 most out of organizations? IS Ch 11 Lecture: Organizational information systems Enterprise systems Case: Business Intelligence Software at SYSCO Activity: Information structures organizational effectiveness Session 3 How can you manage the balance between security and privacy, Mar 12 openness and access? IS Ch 6, Ch 12, Ch 13 Lecture: IS ethics, privacy, computer crime, and security Case: ChoicePoint (A) 1. What is your appraisal of ChoicePoint’s business model? 2. How legitimate are the concerns voiced by the industry critics? 3. In Derek Smith’s position, what internal changes, if any, would you make to address the issues discussed in the case? 4. In Derek Smith’s position, what would you recommend to the U. S. Congress regarding regulation of the personal data industry? Discussion: Information security vs privacy P a g e | 6 Session 4 Key question: How can you use information systems for a Mar 19 sustainable competitive advantage? IS Ch 2, Lecture: IS for competitive advantage IS Planning and project Ch 7 Ch management 8 Reading: Investing in the IT That Makes a Competitive Difference Case: MDCM Inc. 1. Could MDCM fulfill Horizon 2000 without a strong focus on transforming IT? Why or why not? 2. Define MDCM’s overall corporate strategy and business goals, and match these with the company’s high-level IT objectives. Present your findings in a report to the senior management team. *Individual assignment due Session 5 Mar 26 IS Ch 9 Ch 14 Key question: How to effectively manage information systems in a changing global environment? Lecture: IS development and Global IT outsourcing Reading: Outsourcing: From Cost Management to Innovation and Business Value Case: Future Vision Digital Services 1. As Blake Randolph, what would you do to deal with the immediate problem? 2. Does the blame reside with Gregoire for being difficult to manage, or with Randolph, for not being able to manage Gregoire? 3. Would you use Gregoire on another project? Why or why not? 4. If you answered yes to Q3, would you change the way you manage Gregoire? How? Session 6 Apr 2 Apr 3 Group presentations Final reports due.

The Historical Perspective Of Social Work Social Work Essay

The Historical Perspective Of Social Work Social Work Essay The purpose of this essay is to examine the historical and political perspective of social work provision in relation to people with dementia. It will explore how the development of social work practice has transformed these groups, the impact of social exclusion they experienced that lead to discrimination and/or oppression and the benefit of listening to service users views. The primary mission of social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty (Baker 1999 Pg 55). Social work has an important role to play in coordinating efforts to support people with dementia who may often have negative experiences of mental health services. As a result, it will be a challenge to provide effective social support to these groups in an environment where their views are being seen as significant and where they do not receive services fairly and uniformly (SCIE July 2008). The medical terms dementia has developed since the 19th century and was used to describe people whose mental disabilities were secondary to acquired brain damage, usually degenerative and often associated with old age (Tibbs 2001). Before the 19th century, a person with dementia would probably have been confined to the workhouses. (Marshall et al 2006). During this period, many sufferers were taken away to a  Workhouse Infirmary with medical care on hand and given outdoor relief (Denney 1998). Whereas charities began to emerge during this era however there were no good measures in place to deliver social work services; no criteria to determine who the deserving and undeserving poor were, therefore help provided were viewed as indiscriminate (Howe 2009). As the 1940s progressed, there were new developments and approaches in the treatment of people with mental disorders. Poor houses for destitute elderly people were slowly replaced by old peoples homes (Marshall et al 2006). The period after the Second World War saw the development of the welfare state. There was a national agreement that the state has an obligation to provide full services in order to respond to problems of poverty, mental health, old age etc (Tibbs 2001). The implementation of Beverage report published in 1942 directed at abolition of squalor, want, ignorance, disease and idleness. The National Assistant Act 1948 laid a foundation upon which future social work was built and created departments to meet the needs of different client groups (Tibbs 2001). During the late 20th century, both conservative and New Labour legislation have an impact on Mental Health reformation. The establishment of Social Service Departments introduced in 1970 reviewed in Seebohm reports (1969), enabled Local Authorities to promote welfare services for the elderly which had not already been included within the framework of some other statutory body. (Tibbs 2001). The 1983 Mental Health Act introduced during the conservative regime mark a further move towards legislation to improve matters with statutory requirements and procedures for social workers to be properly trained in order to carry out professional assessments. The Act ensures professionals who work with elderly people with dementia and indeed those who suffer from mental disorder have a basic understanding of the Mental Health Act, even if they do not act as Approved Social Workers (Tibbs 2001). The role of carers have also been crucial in the field of dementia care through the introduction of The Carers Act 1995 2000, which gave statutory recognition and right to carers, and funding through provision of Direct Payment (Marshall et al 2006). The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is also a relevant Act to people with dementia and their carers. It includes the provision of independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCA) to protect vulnerable people and dementia sufferers to gain more control over their lives, plan for the future and have their retained abilities recognised. It is important to address the impact of discrimination on these service groups as they suffer disability and as a result are subject to degrading treatment from the relatively powerful groups within the society. (Tibbs 2001). Research shows that the societys fear towards dementia causes them to avoid people with the condition making them feeling isolated and stigmatised (BBC 2010). According to Thompson (2006), discrimination is a process through which a difference is identified, and can be positive or negative. He suggests that negative discrimination also involves making a negative attribution and attaching devalued label to a person. Dementia is one of the major causes of disability in the elderly, affecting personal care, everyday cognitive activities and social behaviour. To be diagnosed as having dementia involves a great deal of stigma, often resulting in disadvantage and loss of life chances by the sufferers. (Kitwood 1997). Although, dementia is strongly associated to elderly but research shows that increase number of people diagnosed with the ill-health are under 65 years of age and are referred to as young onset dementia (SCIE not dated). These service users are likely to experience inequality because society and professionals fail to recognise that dementia exists in this age group and they can continue to integrate within the society (SCIE not dated). They will have different circumstances in life from older people with dementia because they are more likely to be in paid employment, have young children and have financial commitments. They will have to discontinue employment as most services are not able to cope with their condition which means promotion prospect and pension entitlements are lost. (Marshall et al 2006). Feelings of discrimination and oppression may also be a barrier to people asking for support (Downs et al 2008). From experience, some people from black minority ethnic groups (Asian and Black Community) diagnosed with the ill-health would rather keep it in the family than to get help because they see it as being shameful (BBC 2010). Furthermore, accessing services can be complicated because there are no age-specific services available as most of the developed services are for older people with dementia (Tibbs 2001). Lack of access to services could result in extra burden being placed on families when the care needs exceed the ability to provide (Downs et al 2008). Emotional impact is one of the significant factors experienced by dementia sufferers. There is also a prejudice with sufferers because of the association with madness and psychiatric disorder that the label creates. (Brooker 2007). They also experience social isolation due to withdrawal of friends which diminishes their social networks and inability to meet a perceived societal expectation. (Crawford 2004). From experience with elderly, people sometimes hold ageist view against them by the way they talk to them e.g. name calling as sweet old lady. According to the Alzheimer Society publication, ageist societal attitudes compound the experience of elderly people with dementia who already appear to be prejudiced because of their age and intellectual decline. (Crawford 2004). Health professionals often consciously or otherwise oppress elderly with dementia because of their position of authority which could prevent them from making their own choice thereby disempowering them (Crawford 2004). From experience, professionals sometimes in their attitudes assumed elderly people with dementia are incapable of providing valid information or making decision for themselves, by constantly focusing their attention to their carers instead of the service users. They are often seen as being a burden to the state economy resources and are subjected to considerable pity as they are deemed to be out of their mind Crawford (2004). Research shows that it is often assumed that people with dementia are not articulated enough to express their opinion or views on any aspect of their lives because of problems with communication through speech (Brooker 2007). As a result, practitioners inclined to rely on alternative views, usually provided by family carers, rather than their view. However, the needs, experience and perception of the carer might be different from that of the person they are caring. Empowerment and giving voices to people with dementia is a vital part of anti discriminatory/oppressive practice. (Tibbs 2001). The needs for communicating and empowering dementia sufferers by involving them in decision making became major considerations within social works field. It is anticipated that the Mental Capacity Act, 2005 will address some of these issues. Begum (2006, P.3) defined user involvement as participation of users of services in decisions that affect their lives. People with dementia voices can be valued by promoting active participation within care relationship regardless of their age or cognitive impairment rooting out discriminatory practice. (Marthorpe et al 2003). Involving service users in decision making often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. (Chaston et al, 2004, P.19) quotes that It is good to feel valued and to be somebody, not just anybody Effective service therefore must be provided to change the needs of people with dementia (Cantley 2001). One of the main principles to consider in social work code of practice as stipulated by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) is the right of service users to be treated with dignity and respect in order for them to make informed choices about the services they received. Practitioners must therefore acknowledge who they are, listen to their circumstances; treat them as a unique person with worthy of dignity and respect. It is therefore imperative that during intervention with service users with dementia, health practitioners should go beyond safety to promote their choice, maintain independence, autonomy and their self determination Cantley (2001). It is essential to encourage these service user groups to express their views and preferences in order to build their personal strengths and confidence. Listening to them will provide them the opportunity to express their views on how dementia affects them, what they consider important in their lives, including how services should meet their health and social care needs (Tibbs 2001). People with dementia, either independently or in small groups, should be given the right to participate directly in service planning and development processes (Warren 2007). Practitioners can provide a range of methods and approaches which will enable them to make a choice that will influence future service provisions. They can be engaged to make decision through direct observation and communicating using specific tools or systems (Warren 2007). This will enabled the practitioners to have a better understanding of individual needs particularly, of people diagnosed with dementia that have complex needs and communication impairment. Research shows that these service users groups can still articulate their opinions about their well-being and quality of care even though they are severely cognitively impaired (Mozley et al 1999). For example, Talking Mat is an innovative method of allowing their views to be heard in order to make decision about managing different aspect of their life (SCIE not dated). They can also be involved in activities through collective approach which will provide them the opportunity to be in control by acting collectively to influence services and the broader communities. Such activities are often combined with elements of peer support and empower them through collective involvement (Cantley 2001). It is also important to devise services that will fulfil their needs by obtaining the necessary information from them, which could be by occasionally adjusting services that were designed to meet their needs as perceived by others. Information about their routines, choices, preferences, culture before, during and after they are diagnosed with the ill-health, which is important to their well-being and at their best interest must be documented in their care plan in order to meet their needs and to organise their care support effectively. (Cantley 2001). Organisations such Alzheimer Society and Social Care Institute of Excellence provide support to carers and health professionals to improve the quality of life of people affected with Dementia through web resources, free e-learning programmes etc in order for their voice to be heard (Alzheimers Society). Also, The National Dementia Declaration for England has made a pledge to improve services for service users and carers by ensuring that they have choice and control over the decisions that affect them and live in a supportive environment (Community Care 2010). Overall, it can be concluded that over the years, there have been changes in development of social work provision which has brought about important legislations to tackle the issues of discrimination and oppression on people with dementia. It has been evaluated that public and professional attitudes towards ageing and the ill-health are now changing rapidly. It was also recognised that through good social work practice, involving dementia sufferers in decision making would enhance empowerment; promote their choices and self determination while maintaining independence. This provided me with understanding of how services views are essential in improving social service provisions. It is therefore imperative to encourage further learning within social work provision to ensure good practice is sustained.