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Tom O’Leary’s article “Use Your Team for Recruitment
Tom O’Leary’s article “Use Your Team for Recruitment: A Retention Strategy” emphasizes on the importance of a new genre of recruitment strategy which is based on the method of using existing team members as effective means for recruiting new and efficient employees. The article is also focused on the relation between this new kind of recruitment strategy with the strategy of retention. The new trend of involving existing employees to recruit new employees adhere to different sorts of strategies and processes but the article focuses mainly on three common strategies encompassing the use of employees as agents for recruitment, the use of employees as contributing evaluators, and using existing employees as sponsor or peer mentor.
The primary purpose of the article is to convey to the readers the effectiveness of existing team members/employees in recruiting new employees for an organization. The article has been written mainly based on the principles of inductive logic. Going through the article it can be understood that the author has (in an explicit manner) observed the process that is followed by myriads of business organizations while employing their existing team members as agents for recruiting new employees. And it is due to this thorough observation of the author which has enabled him to recommend different proven strategies that can be useful in the realm of using existing employees as means for recruiting new employees. Moreover, it is due to adhering to the principle of induction while observing the utility of using employees as agents for recruitment that the author has been able to recommend some strategies that can help the managements of different organizations to use their existing employees as sources for new recruitments. Furthermore, it must be stated that through the important information (on which the article is based) that the author has ultimately rendered an effective outcome which can be related directly to the process of retention.
The result of the composition of the article is the revelation of a process through which existing team members/employees can be used for recruiting new employees and through which the existing employees can contribute effectively to the retention of the newly recruited employees. The effectiveness of the article can be found in the fact (revealed through it) that by improving the perceptions of new recruits and through the active participation of existing employees in improving the perceptions of the new recruits that an organization can strengthen its recruitment efforts simultaneously with the effort of retaining those new recruits who are both efficient and effective (O’Leary, n.d.). O’Leary’s article should also be considered important because by going through this article the readers (including the students of business management) can understand the fact that “Fostering a sense of community by inclusion will make recruiting and retention efforts more effective” (“Use Your Team for Recruitment: A Retention Strategy”, n.d.). Moreover, the article should be considered an easy-to-follow one because of the ploy of the author to convey the vital information through sub-headings and bulleted points. The segmentation of the article into three different sectors of discussion including the section dealing with the role of employees as agents for recruitment, the section dealing with the use of employees as contributing evaluators, and the section dealing with the usage of existing employees as sponsor or peer mentor, has also made it easy for the readers to get the gist of the article in a comprehensive, yet concise manner.
It must be noted that Tom O’Leary is a Staff Development Consultant in Ireland with over 15 years of business experience (“Use Your Team for Recruitment: A Retention Strategy”, n.d.), and this experience has enabled him to compose an article which has been successful in proving the relation between involving existing employees as effective recruitment agents, evaluators, and mentors, and the retention of effective new recruits. It is always fruitful to provide an article, emphasizing on any particular business strategies, with real-life examples of the implementation and outcome of the implementation of such strategies. Even though the article is explicit and well-organized, the author should have expanded the article a little more by citing and discussing about the implementation of the concerned recruitment and retention strategy by a real (and not fictional) business organization. Such discussion would have enriched the article even more by paving the way for the readers to connect the recommendations directly to the practical world of business strategies and their implications. And, so, for this reason, the author should have provided a practical example of the implementation of the explicitly discussed strategy of recruitment and retention.
(757 words)
References
O’Leary, T. (n.d.). Use Your Team for Recruitment: A Retention Strategy. Retrieved August 31, 2013, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/employeeretention/a/teamrecruitment.htm
TOGAF AND FEAF Reference Models
TOGAF AND FEAF Reference Models
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Executive Summary
In modern day business environment, it is advisable to relate to reference models as this ensures that quality and customer assurance are upheld at various levels of organizational development. In the technical world, reference models are commonly known as framework for enterprise architecture. In addition, the technology debut presents a more critical situation that needs strategic approaches in dealing with different situations. A good example of these reference models is the TOGAF and FEAF, which presents reliable reference that organizations can references from periodically. TOGAF is the acronym for The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) while FEAF is the acronym for Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework (FEAF). The commencing research will attempt to prove that these reference models are instrumental in providing organizations with reliable technical blueprints that can be applied to meet standards and business models.
Similarities
The two approaches courtesy of TOGAF and FEAF provides a framework of effective management that can be applied in organizations to achieve sufficiency. Taleb (2012, pp. 44) argues TOGAF distinguishes four different subsets of an enterprise architecture. This is a close similarity with FEAF, which also champions the use of data application and technology architecture to arrive to give set of business strategies. Like FEAF, TOGAF is instrumental in conducting a process to guide the development of an EAF and not necessary framework structures. For this reason, both TOGAF and FEAF builds enterprise by enabling it construct its own processes.
Secondly, TOGAF provides a distinct layer for business information application and technology. This is a close similarity with TEAF, which provides a public domain in relation to technology. The central purpose of TEAF is to support architecture development and management in a technology platform. Thus in summary, one will notice that both FEAF and TOGAF combines different perspectives and allow modeling on different levels of management abstraction. The two combines focus on the presentation of intra-organizational elements and provide support in developing close cultural, organizational collaborations. The two approaches also cover a broader area than AIOS and this focuses on a course-gained on strategic issues and not necessary operational issues such as model driven development. Additionally, it is good to note that the two approaches are vital in apprehending clarity, blurry, and varying definitions of essential terms and as well, a number of elements that lead to organizational, professional development.
Differences
While the TOGAF approaches focuses, on possible designing, governing and implementing enterprise information architecture, on the other hand, the FEAF advocates for the strategic technology and business management for design and performance improvement. TOGAF sponsors a generic architecture which is tailored to ensure that specific organizational goals are met with appropriate artifacts and tools. Secondly, it is good to note that TOGAF is flexible and enables enterprise developers to integrate and use other frameworks proactively. In contrast, FEAF approach advocates the usage of Zachman’s framework. While this approach is appropriate and versatile, it is good to note that this approach is relatively rigid. Technically, the Zachman’s approach is confounded in a data and function column. The column is modeled separately from views a violation of orthogonality principle.
Moreover, FEAF is developed by the federal system, which as well maintains and manages the architectures in a meta-architecture framework. Based on this approach, Camarinha-Matos Paraskakis and Afsarmanesh (2009, p. 189) argues that FEAF is independently developed and maintained and managed architectures that are subsequently integrated into the meta-architecture framework and this can be applied by government institutions and private businesses. This approach specifies the abilities of migration, interoperability, and conformance. For this reason, it is good to note that FEAF allows specific business units to have various architectures developed and governed on the standalone architecture projects. The approach is crucial since there is a wider possibility of developing architecture and keeping flexible and well documented.
In contrast, TOGAF empowers business enterprises to foster their own independent strategies of architecture development. Manuputty and Wijaya (2013, pp. 177) argues that TOGAF provides a foundation for the development of independent disciplines. For this case, the application architecture provides a blueprint for individual application systems deployed in interactions with relationships formulation business processes. The data architecture usually provides description to the organizational, physical and logical data assets and data management. Data is controlled by the nature and quality of software and hardware being pursued by the organization. These are controlled by two levels of services, which are business services and information services distinguished by the TOGAF approach. Now this is a lucrative strategy since it empowers the independent development of frameworks based on organization requirements. Through this approach, developers are in a better position of developing independent frameworks proactively.
Usefulness of these frameworks
Both frameworks are essential in encouraging the development of I.T framework that are proactive and widely responsive to the overall management strategies. In this regard, it is notable that the issue of strategic management becomes a crucial prerequisite that for both of these approaches. This is in line with aligning business and technical platforms to achieve a widely desired organizational agility. The goal is to improve organizational performance by providing a guide from federal and corporate references. As a result, execute business goals are examined and the approaches are responsive to various needs of the organization. Hence, it is good to note that both approaches are imperative in mitigating cost by fostering accountability and efficiency although their usefulness varies.
Usefulness of TOGAF
In applying TOGAF, developers need to determine the nature of existing environment. This reinstatement of based on the ability to apply TOGAF terms and views and constraints in external environments. For this reason, TOGAF operates in certification programs that seek to govern how architectures should be developed in line with the wider policy development goals. In fact, Nakakawa et al, (2013, pp. 135) argues that the TOGAF certification prerequisites enable the application of tools, training and services for consultants based on the products and services which are certified on the conformance of TOGAF standards.
By using the TOGAF approach, the business stands a wider advantage of netting customers by use of legal binding warranty of conformance. Warranty of conformance not only ensures that the customers are assured of good services but as well enables the development of positive service orientation one that is based on decorum. Moreover, TOGAF specifies training tools and courses, which can be certified and seeks to offer maximum productivity in relation to quality and ability to ensure that the specified services are delivered on time. The alongside certificate ensures that an organization can compete favorably in relation to the Association of Open Group Enterprise Architects (AOGEA) with limited costs (Sasmito, 2013, pp. 135).
Furthermore, the certificate is specified with the logs and this act as the wider promotion offerings. In summary, it should be noted that TOGAF ensures that professionalism is handling services is upheld. The industry standards are commercially responsible for the supply of products in the market. Hence, the statement acts as an assurance that customers get what they had requested in registered Enterprise Architects.
Usefulness of FEAF
On this hand, the FEAF provides a plethora of benefits to users and it should be recalled that the advantages seek to foster layered framework and models for enterprise architecture. The good thing is that the FEAF is empowered by the federal system and this encourages the development of assurance levels. For this reason, it is notable that the government involvement in providing standards is responsible in enhancing quality assurances in various levels of deploying services.
Barratt, Acheson and Luken (2010, pp. 45) argues that when applying the FEAF model, the organization is rest assured of integration of formal models, which are advanced and are industry conscious and are based on planning tools. For this reasons, there are several benefits that the users experiences. Firstly, there is a general reduced cost in the long-run. Secondly, there is a participatory gain in a diverse set of stakeholders. Secondly, through the FEAF approach, there is a widespread consistency of standards, which are maintained in very organizations. Thirdly, using FEAF ensures that flexibility is upheld at several levels of the architectural design. Fourthly, the FEAF ensures that current trends of technology are applied in line with industry requirements. Fifthly, the FEAF ensures that the quality is maintained at various levels of product evolution.
The basic philosophy of FEAF is enabling of appliance of advanced technologies such as ITS. ITS has been in evolution since 1990 and itself representation an SE exercise of the basic structure organized around the user service which is derived from the user needs and requirements. For this reason, it is notable that ITS’ ensures that their links between organization mission and technology investments decisions. In fact, FEAF architecture policy ensures that transit project and system engineering are upheld in various sections of product enrollment. Indeed, Kasmaee, Nassiri and Shabgahi (2010, pp. 117) argues that this reference model ensures that all agencies of different sizes and abilities are in a position to apply these frameworks proactively. Hence, in summary, for the user, it is a welcome message in relation to quality and standard maintenance, which are universal.
Strengths and weaknesses of TOGAF and FEAF
Although these references models have several benefits in relation to the quality, it should be noted that there are underlying weaknesses that are associated with them. For strengths, these references models ensure that there is identification of the structure and model of enterprise architecture, which are relevant to componentized modular I.T architecture. Ideally, both of these models focus on timing, location, resources, data, process and motivation. Hence, this presents reliable strengths, which are vital in delivering information on the nature of enterprise architecture analysis and modeling. Additionally, a variety of business tools is oriented from these frameworks. A close example of these tools is the Enterprise Resource Management system, which acts proactively to deliver services.
However, as stated, these reference models have a plethora of weakness. Firstly, it is good to note that the two TOGAF and FEAF do not define enterprise architecture but only focuses on the process. Most of these process are not configurable in an ideal business situation since most businesses do have different requirements altogether. In addition, the framework per analysis does not design tradeoffs and design rationale documentation of architecture non-functional requirements, and evolution of architecture to address architecture infrastructure. The FEAF and TOGAF are designed to implement, manage, and monitor system, procedures, resources and services with intent of meeting organizational objectives. However, most organizational objectives are divergent to expectations of a given reference model. In most situations, developers are forced to alter vital requirements of any reference model to ensure that organizational goals come first and not the template model. This was the case with Microsoft when it introduced Microsoft Solutions Framework to supplement from TOGAF shortages.
Conclusion
Both of these reference models courtesy of TOGAF and FEAF provides the user with preconfigured templates that are suitable in any organizational setting. The research has explored in depth the nature of these reference models. In this case, the two reference models have a similar approach to technical business conditions, although the two are debuted on divergent business approaches. Further to this, the research has detailed possible similarities and differences of the two reference models. For this reason, an acute distinction has been constructed to specify that each of the reference can be pursued although it is up for the organization to integrate the reference model in the business organizational settings.
References
Barratt, C. C., Acheson, P., & Luken, E. (2010). Reference models in the electronic library: The
Miller Learning Center at the University of Georgia. Reference Services Review 8(1),44 56.
Camarinha-Matos, L., Paraskakis, I., & Afsarmanesh, H. (2009). Leveraging knowledge for
innovation in collaborative networks: 10th IFIP WG 5.5 working conference on virtual
enterprises, PRO-VE 2009, Thessaloniki, Greece, October, 7-9, 2009. proceedings. Berlin: Springer.
Kasmaee, F. K., Nassiri, R., & Shabgahi, G. L. (2010). Achieving CMMI Maturity Level 3 by
Implementing FEAF Reference Models. International Journal of Advancements in Computing Technology , 2(4), 115-122.
Manuputty, A. D., & Wijaya, A. F. (2013). Information System/Information Technology
Strategic Planning in Order Information Technology Development Strategy Using TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) Methodology in Achieving World Class University in Satya Wacana Christian University. Intelligent Information Management, 05(06), 175-181.
Nakakawa, A., Bommel, P. V., & Proper, H. A. (2013). Supplementing Enterprise Architecture
Approaches With Support For Executing Collaborative Tasks — A Case Of Togaf Adm. International Journal of Cooperative Information Systems, 22(02), 135.
Sasmito, G. W. (2013). Annual Performance Planning Information System with Enterprise
Architecture Modelling the Secretariat of the Central Java Province Parliament Used Framework Togaf. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 6, 334-338.
Taleb, M. (2012). Pattern-Oriented Approach for Enterprise Architecture: TOGAF Framework.
journal of software engineering and applications, 05(01), 45-50.
Toddler with failure to thrive secondary to atopic dermatitis
Toddler with failure to thrive secondary to atopic dermatitis
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Diseases have been pert of mankind for as long as one can remember, various diseases affect different parts of the body and the causes of such conditions are also different, the skin of a human being is also prone to some diseases. One of the diseases that affect the skin is Atomic dermatitis, the disease affects a significant number of the world’s population, and another aspect of the disease is that it is long lasting.
The term atopic is derived from a Greek word meaning “strange”. Dermatitis means “inflammation of the skin”. The condition causes the skin to become tremendously itchy, red, and even swelling. Cracking of the skin, scaling, vesicle formation and weeping are the other conditions associated with the disease. Another condition that affects almost all the people suffering from atopic dermatitis is dry skin. The disease mainly affects young children, and infants, but it may continue to adulthood.
JT is a 2 YOWM who is brought to the medical clinic by his mother, JT has been experiencing itchy rash on some parts of the body such as the hands, face, and neck. JT has been experiencing the condition for approximately 2 months, JT also coughs a lot during the night, and has congested chest. JT has another sibling 5 YO sister who is suffering from asthma. JTs mother and father are separated, the father is paying for the child support as for now but is threatening to stop, JT also has to be taken to a day care 3 times a week at a neighbor’s home.
The condition that JT is suffering from is at times hereditary, and after enquiries it was established that the family has numerous cases of allergies. JT’s father was diagnosed and treated of asthma as a child. Upon examination JT was found to show symptoms associated with dermatitis, he had crusted plaques, on the neck, extensor surfaces, groin, and face. He has also lost some weight from about 11.6 down to 11 kg. JT has no appetite, the mother is also not sure of the right food to give to JT.
JT currently is eating well according to the mother, but unfortunately he is loosing weight, the mother on the other hand is not sure on what to give JT. From the information gathered from the mother it can be ascertained the mother is not giving JT proper food. From a research carried out by the American Academy of Pediatrics it was established that feeding children exclusively on breast milk prevented them from developing dermatitis as opposed to children who were fed on milk formulas from the cows. Some children may also be allergic to some types of food thus it is very important that the type of food a child takes in not causing any reactions on the skin. JT reacted positively to some foods such as milk, wheat, and even milk that at times cause allergies to some people. JT also reacted positively to certain elements that at times causes allergies such as dust, and also cat dander. By getting access to such information I would be able to advise JTs mother accordingly on what food to give to the child so that the condition can be eliminated entirely or managed. Children of different ages need different food with nutritious value and such information will be helpful in providing proper guidance (Larsen, 2012).
So as to help JTs mother feed him properly, a menu had to be given to her. The menu that was devised took into consideration a number issues such as age. Children such as JT who is suffering from dermatitis needs to be fed on foods that will help in managing or eliminating the disease. After looking at the foods that were not affecting JT, the recommended menu is: For breakfast t the child should be given extensively hydrolyzed formulas mixed with some small amount of cereals. For lunch the child should be fed on a mixture of blended fruits and milk. For supper the child should be given any food made of cereals that the child can be able to eat comfortably.
When at home with the child, JTs mother should make sure that the child has breakfast at the same time on a daily basis, as it will make the child feed better. She should also ensure that the child is given some light food in between the day. Children feed well in the morning if given the food at a particular time, changing the time might have an effect on the child’s appetite. When the child is taken to day care the mother should always call just to remind whoever is looking after the child on the feeding time. JTs mother should also give a copy of the menu to the person looking after the baby together with feeding times (Larsen, 2012).
Case
JT is a 2 YOWM who is brought to the medical clinic by his mother, this after the mother noticed that he had some inflammation on the skin, the child was also coughing and had a congested chest. He had crusted plaques on various parts of the body such as the groins, neck, and the face. On admission the child weighed 11 kg and a length of 83 cm the weight was ideal for his height, but it was a decrease from the last visit when he weighed 11.6 at 18 months. JT was very irritable and did not cooperate in any way as he was very uncomfortable. Two months later JT had to be taken to an allergist as signs of dermatitis were still visible but was not irritated as the first visit. The allergist carried some tests so as to be able to ascertain the allergens that could aggravate atopic dermatitis. The RD confirmed that
Initial assessment and diagnosis
As it is required in any initial assessment, the medical records for the patient had to be reviewed by the RD. The health history given by the mother was able to reveal that the family had a history of allergies; JTs father had asthma as a child and was eventually treated. JTs sister was also suffering from asthma and was receiving treatment (Wong, 2011).
Nutrition Diagnostic Reasoning
After looking at the assessment the RD was able to compare the result with potential nutrition diagnosis and ruled out a possibility of the food taken by the child as the cause of the condition. Clearly JT had an irritated skin. The RD was not able to point out any considerable nutrition problems that were causing the allergy. The history of allergies in the family prompted the Physician to recommend Disprosone cream that was to be applied on all the affected areas.
Determining the Nutrition Prescription
The nutrition Prescription is based on the condition of the health of the patient and the result of the diagnosis. It is also based on the current standards of reference and the guidelines which have been adjusted to fit the needs of the patient (Wong, 2011).
Nutrition intervention
Nutrition intervention is specifically designed to improve the nutrition diagnosis. In this particular case the food prescribed will help in managing the condition as it is the only way that can be used together with the application of the cream. Once the diet is issued to the patient, the dietetic technician registered commonly known as the (DTR) will be at liberty to report any problem to the RD (Larsen, 2012).
Monitoring
As the child will be mostly at home with the mother it will be the responsibility of the mother to make sure that the child is fed on the recommended diet. The mother is also required to make sure that the child is taken back to the hospital for check ups or if there is a problem. The mother should also make sure that the child does not live in conditions that are likely to aggravate the condition. The measures that can be taken by the mother is making sure the areas where the child is staying is dust free, and the room free from cigar smoke (Wong, 2011).
Conclusion
Some medical conditions can be treated by giving the patient the right nutrition; however the method of implementation can really make a difference. Proper diagnosis of a condition is the first step towards eliminating or improving the condition. Atopic dermatitis is a disease that affects mostly the children, and then disappears by itself. At times the disease may persist even in adults mostly in cases where the disease has been inherited, but even in such cases the disease can be managed so that the condition is not aggravated.
Reference
Wong, D. L. (2011). Wong’s nursing care of infants and children (9th ed.). New York: Mosby/Elsevier.Larsen, L. (2012). Childhood diseases and disorders sourcebook: basic consumer health information about the physical, mental, and developmental health of pre-adolescent children … (3rd ed.). Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.