The Health Information Technology for Economic and...

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, as defined by the U.S. Department of Health Human Services, is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and was created to reduce health care costs by adoption of electronic medical records. It was officially signed into law on February 17, 2009, and aims to encourage the â€Å"adoption and meaningful use of health information technology.† Of particular interest is how it impacts affects the privacy and security rules of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Act of 1996. According to Subtitle D of HITECH, there are many provisions aimed at strengthening the criminal and civil enforcement, both criminal and civil, of HIPAA rules. The official Enforcement Interim Final Rule of HITECH states that HIPAA’s enforcement regulations must incorporate all HITECH â€Å"categories of violations,† which include tiered ranges of monetary penalty amounts, and a revision of limitations allowing for the imposition of penalties. The interim final rule became effective on November 30, 2009. What HIPAA Compliance Requirements did HITECH Make? The Health Resources and Services AdministrationUS Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) says that HITECH â€Å"expanded the scope of the privacy and security provisions of the HIPAA and its enabling regulations.† All of the changes can be found in the lengthy Enforcement Interim Final Rule of HITECH, but the HRSA highlights some of theShow MoreRelatedThe Health Information Technology For Economic And Clinical Health Act1146 Words   |  5 PagesPaving the Way to Computerized Charting The passage of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) Act â€Å"encouraged healthcare organizations and providers to adopt and effectively utilize certified electronic health records (EHRs)† (Conrad, Hanson, Hansenau, Stocker-Schneider, 2012, p. 443). In addition, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) instituted Meaningful Use (MU) as a form of â€Å"incentive programs that governs the use of EHRs and allowRead MoreHealth Information Technology For Economic And Clinical Health Act2217 Words   |  9 Pagesand President Obama enacted the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA). HITECH established the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) in statute and provided the authority, resources and infrastructure needed to stimulate the rapid, nationwide adoption and use of health IT, especially electronic health records (EHRs) and to establish programs to improve health care quality, safety, and efficiencyRead MoreInformation Technology For Economic And Clinical Health Act888 Words   |  4 Pagesframeworks to enhance patient care by healthcare suppliers. The National Quality Forum (NQF) created the idea of meaningful use; their thoughts included to enhance population health, coordination of forward planning, enhanced well-being, and patient engagement. The U.S. Healthcare Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) made motivators for embracing Meaningful Use criteria starting in 2012, with the likelihood of penalties for failing in attaining the benchmarks by 2015. In AugustRead MoreElectronic Record Case Study : Information Technology For Economic And Clinical Health Act Essay892 Words   |  4 Pagescongress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), (McGonigle Ga rver Mastrian, 2015). The purpose was to encourage health providers and organizations to implement meaningful use of the electronic health record (EHR). The first stage focuses on meaningful use criteria for the capture and sharing of data. The second stage advances health information exchange and implements greater patient control overRead MoreHealth Information Technology For Economic And Clinical Health1283 Words   |  6 Pagesthe U.S. Government passed The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology (Mangalmurti, Murtagh and Mello 2060). The HITECH Act authorizes grants and incentives to promote the â€Å"meaningful use† of electronic health records (EHR) by providers (2060). The effect is a high commitment to a technology-led system reform, urging a renewedRead MoreElectronic Health Research Paper 931 Words   |  4 PagesThe Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH Act) was passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on February 17, 2009. The road to patient-centered care was paved with the passing of the HITECH act, which authorized incentive payments through Medicare and Medicaid to clinicians and hospitals when they use EHRs privately and securely to achieve specified improvements in care delivery. If providers do not become meaningful users of EHRs by 2015,Read MoreHealthcare Ecosystems1442 Words   |  6 Pages1. State Health Information Exchange Cooperative Agreement Program The State HIE program falls under The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and funds the implementation and creation of statewide health information exchange. States can work independently to complete the task, or they can combine their finances and work together on a multi-state program. The awardees have the important job of creating and putting into action a State plan that makes sureRead MoreThe Electronic Health Records1146 Words   |  5 Pagesfunding for implementing healthcare information technology, electronic health records, protecting patient’s health information, and provides patients with greater access and control over their protected health information. Derived from the Health Insurance Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) that provides funding and incentives for the implementation of electronic health records. Title IV of division B of the ARRA is considered part of the HITECH Act. It addresses M edicare and MedicaidRead MoreHealth Information Technology And The Health Care Industry Essay1458 Words   |  6 PagesHealth information technology, also known as H.I.T, is an area of IT that involves the development and maintenance of information for the health care industry. This technology allows for healthcare information systems to be automated and interoperable, which leads to improved medical care, lower costs and increased efficiency. Some H.I.T. professions include: clinical data analyst, CMIO and nursing informaticist. A clinical data analyst develops, designs and manages data tracking systems and evaluatesRead MoreFuture Direction of Health Care1442 Words   |  6 Pageschallenges that are defining the future strategic direction of health care such as information technology advancements, access to health care, maintaining a skilled workforce, proposed health care reform and legislation, and rising costs. I will look at these challenges and how an organization may ad apt its direction and strategies in accordance with these challenges. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 marks a new era in American health care. Yet in many ways, this era began more than a year earlier

Abortion And Christianity. 2. Abortion And Christianity.

ABORTION AND CHRISTIANITY 2 Abortion and Christianity Abortion has been a controversial topic for many years with Christians fighting for the rights of the unborn. While they have been performed for thousands of years, they have not always been legal. It is a fight between what is morally just and what is not. Faith versus human worldly rights. As Christians living in a world filled with sin, it is by God’s grace that we work to rid the world of sin and flourish as humans on this Earth until our time here is over. Historical and Contemporary Overview In 1973, Roe v. Wade court case, legalized abortions across the United States (Ravitz, 2016). However, â€Å"states have enacted more than 1,074 laws to limit access to the procedure, according to†¦show more content†¦19). This lead to a emergent of groups such as the reproductive rights organization (Ravitz, 2016). The fight to legalize abortion between reproductive rights organization and Christians is still going on today. These organizations believe it is the woman’s body and therefore her right to choose, but from the Christians’ perspective, the fetus has rights too. However, these organizations would argue that the fetus is not a person until birth. Christian’s reference the bible verse, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you†¦ –Jeremiah 1:5. This means that the fetus is a living person even before conception. That God knew us before we were ever conceived. Cherish Character Our character defines who we are and even in a fallen state, we are still created in God’s image. As Christians, we must do what is right and what God would have us to do. The Bible states, Do not kill the innocent. –(Exodus 23:7) Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person. –(Deut. 27:25) On your skirts is found the blood of the lives of the poor innocents. I have not found it by secret search, but plainly†¦ Yet you say, Because I am innocent, Surely His anger shall turn from me. Behold [says God], I will plead My case against you, because you say, I have not sinned. –(Jer. 2:34-35) Your eyes and your heart are for nothing but your covetousness, for shedding innocent blood, and practicing oppression and violence. –(Jer. 22:17) For they have committedShow MoreRelatedThe Beliefs and Actions, Past and Present, on Church and Abortion1071 Words   |  5 PagesPast and Present, on Church and Abortion For as long as there has been recorded history, there have been recordings of the procedure now known as abortion. The Bible appears to be silent on the topic, which is of no support to Christian groups, especially Catholics, who believe that abortion is a mortal sin. In his book, â€Å"The Morality of Abortion: Legal and Historical Perspectives,† John T. Noonan (1970) states that â€Å"The Old Testament has nothing to say on abortion† (6). John Connery (1977) agreesRead MoreJewish, Christian, And Islamic Stance On Abortion969 Words   |  4 PagesJewish, Christian, and Islamic Stance on Abortion Certain religions frown upon various different acts, such as: premarital sex, homosexual relationships, and lying. But one event in which most religions strictly disapprove of is the act of abortion. The three major world religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all see the death of an unborn child as a treacherous act that should never be committed. Abortion is a topic that is â€Å"not to be spoken of† due to the amount of judgements on it, but inRead MoreAbortion Controversy in the Christian Life. Essay examples1258 Words   |  6 Pages Abortion Controversy in the Christian Life. In this life there are many things going on outside of what we want. one of which is a pregnancy or having children out of the will and the plans we make. If you become pregnant it will happen, its one thing to do is to abort the fetus. But it becomes a problem for Christianity as one of the ten commandments says do not kill. Then how if pregnancy occurs as a result of a rape or other abuses that caused the woman to bear the losses many timesRead MoreMedically Induced Abortions Are Murder1354 Words   |  6 PagesMedically Induced Abortions are Murder Abortion is the purposeful termination of a fetus, either naturally or medically (Abortion 2). In this instance, an unborn fetus perishes either through natural causes such as a miscarriage, or by medically induced methods (McFall 188). Medically induced methods are the most controversial of the two because a mother cannot control the natural circumstances of abortion, but medically induced methods are controllable and mothers hold full responsibility for endingRead MoreThe Teachings of Christianity on the Sanctity of Life in Realtion to Abortion1021 Words   |  5 PagesThe Teachings of Christianity on the Sanctity of Life in Realtion to Abortion Abortion is one of the most controversial topics faced by the world today. The number of abortions has doubled from 1971 to 1991, 100,000 abortions to 200,000 abortions. 500 abortions a day, 1 abortion in 3 women. This is still rising. In this piece of writing I will try to explain the different views on abortion based on the teachings of Christianity about the Sanctity of Life. First ofRead MoreA Literature Review of the Popular Opinion on Abortion1651 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Literature Review Popular Opinion on Abortion Abortion has long been a source of acrimonious and controversial debate. It touches upon key ethical, moral, philosophical, biological, and legal issues. Opinions about abortion tend to be rooted in fundamental personal values which are unlikely to change. Many people, especially Christians, regard abortion as murder. Such people oppose abortion in varying degrees, calling their position Pro-Life. Others regard abortion as an excruciating yet critical decisionRead MoreThe Catholic Views Of The Roman Catholic Church1351 Words   |  6 PagesThe Roman Catholic Church has consistently condemned abortion — the direct and purposeful taking of the life of the unborn child. In principle, Catholic Christians believe that all life is sacred from conception until natural death, and the taking of innocent human life, whether born or unborn, is morally wrong. The Church teaches, Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is itsRead MoreAbortion Is Not A New Idea1871 Words   |  8 PagesMerriam-Webster’s Dictionary abortion is, â€Å" the termination of a pregnancy after, accompanied by, resulting in, or closely followed by the death of the embryo or fetus.† Abortion is not a new idea, that is only understood in America. It is a procedure that has taken place worldwide for centuries. There is much debate over this topic because everyone has their own opinion of the idea. Some believe it should be banned forever and in all circumstances and others believe that abortion should be allowed andRead MorePro Life vs Pro Choice772 Words   |  4 PagesKathleen Sacchetti Professor Brenza Essay-2 March 17th 2015 Pro-life vs. Pro-choice The issue of abortion in the United States will always be a controversial one. Developing two sides of the debate, pro-life and pro-choice. Pro-life are the individuals who do not believe in the option of abortion. Pro-choice are the individuals who believe every woman has the choice to go through with their pregnancy or to not. Despite their contrasts, pro-life and pro-choice explore valid ideas of religionRead More The Separation of Church and State in America Should NOT Be Absolute 949 Words   |  4 PagesReligion is the most influential factor in human society. It is the core of our existence and has become a way of life in all cultures. The impact religion has had on the United States is overwhelming. This country was founded on the principle of Christianity. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, and James Madison articulated our countries constitution with the belief that the Christian faith would establish and govern this great society. Merriam-Websters online dictionary defines

Benchmarking and Lean Six Sigma to Facilitate Change

Question: Write an essay that demonstrates how both Benchmarking and Lean Six Sigma can be used by organisations to facilitate change in their business processes to enhance and sustain their competitive advantage. Answer: Introduction Quality is a measure of excellence that conforms to requirements and free from defects in a service or product and which meets the standards for a customer. Benchmarking is a method to compare the key metrics of the day to day operation with other companies in the same industry (Marksberry, 2011). This helps the companies to identify how they are performing, how they can improve their processes and systems and in turn become more competitive. Benching marking is a method to understand how to get the best performance in an organization, by the competitor or a different business and information obtained in this process, is used to identify the gaps in the operations of the business. Six Sigma and Benchmarking currently is the practical and cost-effective way to bring in the industry best practices to the company (Ray Das, 2010). Lean Six Sigma and Benchmarking The concept of Six Sigma started in the company Motorola and they are the pioneers in introducing Six Sigma Quality program. Lean Six Sigma is an approach followed by the management for problem-solving and to improve and streamline the processes using different combinations (Angelis Fernandes, 2012). Eliminating redundant and repetitive processes or tasks from operations along the value stream, where tasks can be automated, which requires less space and capital, cost effective and fewer defects is lean methodology. Following this approach, the management information system (MIS) becomes simple and more accurate (S. Reosekar D. Pohekar, 2014). It is a continuous process improvement system which is used in service and manufacturing industry. It is about creating the maximum value for the client using the minimal resources and time. Six Sigma is an approach, developed by Bill Smith an engineer at Motorola in the year 1986 which uses certain tools and techniques to eliminate the defect s from a data-focused approach which drives standard deviation between the mean and nearest specification limit. Simply put Six Sigma concept tries to accomplish zero defects with 3.4 defects in a million occurrences (M., 2015). Together the lean and Six Sigma methodology is a powerful and proven method for business process improvements and increasing the efficiency. The key factors on which the Lean Six Sigma works is customer focus, the value stream mapping ( understanding the flow of the process and how the work gets completed), management and improving the processes and ensuring the smooth process flow. Removing the redundant steps which do not add value to the operation, use the facts to reduce deviation and involve the right skilled people to complete the job and keep improving. Lean Six Sigma is a five-step process to improve the business or operations efficiency and they are DMAIC- Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (South, 2005). Define is to find the objective of the improvement and what is the problem statement. Measure is to streamline the process and to find the capability in improving the system. Analyze the data with tools and other specifications and find the root cause of the var iations and Improve and implement the process by working on the defects analyzed by eliminating them. The last step is Controlling the process improvements for better performance (Franchetti Yanik, 2011). Benchmarking is a method to find a measure, a benchmark and it is not a simple process or tool. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the processes, systems and operations of an organisation before using the benchmarking tool. The organisations have strict policies around the information to be procured and whom the practitioners can get in touch with, to get the information. Benchmarking is not about making inquiries to other organisations or documenting their processes and systems. A business should not limit its range in its own industry. It focuses on the industry best practices and works on continuous improvements, knowledge sharing, and information, strives to maintain a cut-throat competition and keeps on adapting to new changes based on the customer choices. It focuses on immaterial actions, inefficient actions and gap activities to accomplish business goals (Raharjo, Hin Chai, Xie, Brombacher, 2010). Business process changes that can be achieved by deploying the Lean Six Sigma techniques are enhancing quality and cost cut back, trim down the inefficiencies in the transactional exercise (Ray and John, 2011). Using this methodology, break the complex process and redesign into simpler processes with negligible variance and waste (Goh, 2014). This process change brings improvement in the client loyalty. The employees learn a new expertise, Lean Six Sigma, which would improve their job performance, with the application of these skills. Many Australian companies have deployed Lean Six Sigma in their operations and moved to another process like sales and production and other areas of the business (Moriarty, 2011). Application of Benchmarking enhances anybusiness processby exploiting industry best practices and then simply measuring the top performance and best practices bring the best results (Delpachitra, 2008). Organisations which have deployed the Benchmarking have increased opportunities tactically, operationally and economically. The Hackett Group is one of the top practitioners of Benchmarking tool and provides this service to various organisations. The companies need, to be honest enough to believe that another company in the same industry is doing better and they need to outdo, using the benchmarking tools (Presley and Meade, 2010). Motorola on applying the Lean Six Sigma principle became a successful organisation with a greater market share of its cell phone brand. The business didnt take any external assistance, but implemented the logic of Lean Six Sigma in their manufacturing process which removed the defects and adapted this process in all other departments and they continuously improved their processes, and sustained and controlled them on a day to day basis (Mandal, 2012). This process helped Motorola save seventeen billion dollars from 1986 to 2008 and Six Sigma became their trademark. It became an exemplary organisation inspiring many other companies to follow the same path. Samsung Electronics Co. is using the Lean Six Sigma tool to enhance its productivity, approaches its products, processes and development of human resources in an innovative way for efficiency and excellence. Since 1971 Samsung is using quality tools and techniques like Total Quality Management, Enterprise Resource Management and finally upgraded to Lean Six Sigma to improve its market position. The Six Sigma projects done by Samsung reduced their defects by 50% from 1999 to 2001. Without Lean Six Sigma there is no improvement and quality, and Samsung endorses this thought. All business examples, manufacturing, services, call centres, software is applicants for Lean Six Sigma (Mo Yang et al., 2007). The hospitality industry irrespective of its size has to be efficient by keeping the costs low, have a competent management and deliver quality services in the constantly changing economy (Kumar Sharma, 2012). Six Sigma and Lean are the proven principles implemented by the industries, example, General Electric, Starwood Hotels and Caesars Entertainment and Lockheed Martin, which have produced an incredible turnaround without compromising on the quality of services and products (Gray Anantatmula, 2009). Lean and Six Sigma methods have been used in the manufacturing industries which gives an impression that it would be not effective in the service industry. In the following part of this paper, the discussion would be on the Lean Six Sigma and Benchmarking principles that can be applied in the hospitality industry and discuss the methods to improve the efficiency of LOT1, Sydney. It is a three level venture that has re-energized the dining and socialising experience in Sydney, Austral ia. It boasts of its full three levels of Italian cuisine, LOT1 combines conventional Italian with a tapas style of dining so that their guests can taste everything on their menu. The principles of lean and Six Sigma have not been much into practice in the hotel industry. Here in this paper, we will see how to use the principles of Lean Six Sigma to make LOT1.1 Sydney cost efficient and profitable and best in class for quality service and defect free. The first step to achieving this would be to identify the problem and define the problem statement, issues in taking orders. Some of the common problems faced are customer service and management. Taking up the orders and overseeing them well is very critical and LOT1 should analyze this puzzle of its day to day operation. Some of the questions which it can think or ask to identify the issues would be, how many customers does LOT1 have on a daily basis and on weekends or holidays, keeping a track of the regular menus ordered and menus w hich are not so popular and if they can be taken off the list (Gupta, Acharya, Patwardhan, 2012) . What are the most lucrative menus and what are the costs and time were taken to make and the profit margin from that menu? Is there a budget for the labour charges and a benchmark when compared to other hotels and restaurants? To check for losses arising from the inventory and sales targets and whether LOT1 is meeting them or not. Some other points to consider are the customer service and thats the key to having happy and recurring customers. We need to ask whether LOT1 is handling its customers efficiently, is there a proper communication in addressing the needs and wants of the customers, understanding their dining experience, were the customers greeted well when they came in and when they left. Collate information on the USP of LOT1, the skills of the staff, good marketing through social media, friends, and other modes of marketing have been engaged or not. Once the issues and the cracks have been identified, then the next step would be to measure the gaps and defects. LOT1 is facing issues in taking orders. A sample data should be collected for a period, which is the core element of Six Sigma. Data should contain the orders details, the correctness of the orders taken and if there are any customizations in order, and if handled well, time is taken to deliver the order (lead time) and customer feedback need to be documented. The data gathered needs to be analyzed and Six Sigma relies on statistical analysis. Usually, the restaurant and hotel owners feel that they dont connect to these services and fear the key performance indicators(KPI), however, the data collected over a stipulated period of time gives a meaningful insight into the gaps and the performance issues (Garza-Reyes, 2015). Now LOT1 can work on the gaps identified and analyzed in their process, right from greeting the customer at the door, their orders, lead time taken to deliver order and custome r delight until the customer has left the place. A value stream map would be useful here to find out the redundant and non-value adding steps and developing a To-be process where the gaps in the performance have been handled. The next step for LOT1 is to improve the process of taking the orders, customer service management and communication by the developing an organization chart and hierarchy and implementing the improvements. Finally, it is the responsibility of the management and the staff to keep the improvements controlled and monitoring them continuously accomplish the goal of the defect free customer service, ordering and aim to get the customer delight. Leadership must devise a plan to overcome management that has been unenthusiastic to buy in Lean Six Sigma logic and perhaps engage new staff in the infrastructure. For the failures or accomplishments that have occurred, management will work out a plan to sustain the achievements and to improve the failures (Worley Doolen, 2 015). Conclusion With the implementation of Lean Six Sigma by Motorola in 1986, there has been a revolutionary change in the thinking on the business whether manufacturing or service are handled with high-quality controls in place and ensure the organisations take pre-emptive methods to prevent or minimize the errors. Adopting the Lean Six Sigma methodology has its set of advantages, which lays stress on measurable goals and implementation of those projects which would produce remarkable results (Salah, Rahim, Carretero, 2010). Six Sigma uses scientific techniques and accurate tools like Minitab and involves everyone in the business, leadership, and the different levels of management. The 5S of Lean-Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain have proven benefits on an organisation who have implemented them as it gives the organisations a clear picture what needs to be used and what needs to be eliminated (Ray Das, 2010). The Lean 5S are the essential A value stream map would be helpful here t o find out the wasteful and non-value adding steps and developing a To-be process where the gaps in the performance have been handled basics for a business to measure and drive for Kaizen which means to aim for continuous improvements and change for better. The principles of Lean and Six Sigma and Benchmarking training should be imbibed by all in the organization so that every person contributes to the high quality of service and products delivered and sustain the change and improvements incessantly (M.S. Campos, 2013). References Angelis, J. and Fernandes, B. (2012). Innovative lean: work practices and product and process improvements.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 3(1), pp.74-84. Delpachitra, S. (2008). Activity based costing and process benchmarking.Benchmarking: An International Journal, 15(2), pp.137-147. Franchetti, M. and Yanik, M. (2011). Continuous improvement and value stream analysis through the lean DMAIC Six Sigma approach: a manufacturing case study from Ohio, USA.IJSSCA, 6(4), p.278. Garza-Reyes, J. (2015). Green lean and the need for Six Sigma.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 6(3), pp.226-248. Goh, T. (2014). Some Practical Issues in the Application of Lean Six Sigma to Service Systems.Nang Yan Business Journal, 1(1). Gray, J. and Anantatmula, V. (2009). Managing Six Sigma projects through the integration of Six Sigma and project management processes.IJSSCA, 5(2), p.127. Gupta, V., Acharya, P. and Patwardhan, M. (2012). Monitoring quality goals through lean Six Sigma insures competitiveness.Int J Productivity Perf Mgmt, 61(2), pp.194-203. Kumar, A. and Sharma, N. (2012). Six Sigma DMAIC Methodology: A Powerful Tool for Improving Business Operations.AMR, 488-489, pp.1147-1150. M., V. (2015). Corporate perspectives: commonalities and differences between Six Sigma and Lean.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 6(3), pp.281-288. M.S. Campos, L. (2013). Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma based on Brazilian model PNQ.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 4(4), pp.355-369. Mandal, P. (2012). Improving process improvement: executing the analyze and improve phases of DMAIC better.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 3(3), pp.231-250. Marksberry, P. (2011). The Toyota Way a quantitative approach.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 2(2), pp.132-150. Mo Yang, H., Seok Choi, B., Jin Park, H., Soo Suh, M. and Chae, B. (2007). Supply chain management six sigma: a management innovation methodology at the Samsung Group.Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, 12(2), pp.88-95. Moriarty, J. (2011). A theory of benchmarking.Benchmarking: An International Journal, 18(4), pp.588-611. Presley, A. and Meade, L. (2010). Benchmarking for sustainability: an application to the sustainable construction industry.Benchmarking: An International Journal, 17(3), pp.435-451. Raharjo, H., Hin Chai, K., Xie, M. and Brombacher, A. (2010). Dynamic benchmarking methodology for quality function deployment.Benchmarking: An International Journal, 17(1), pp.27-43. Ray, S. and Das, P. (2010). Six Sigma project selection methodology.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 1(4), pp.293-309. Ray, S. and John, B. (2011). Lean Six Sigma application in business process outsourced organization.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 2(4), pp.371-380. Reosekar, R. and D. Pohekar, S. (2014). Six Sigma methodology: a structured review.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 5(4), pp.392-422. Salah, S., Rahim, A. and Carretero, J. (2010). The integration of Six Sigma and lean management.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 1(3), pp.249-274. South, S. (2005). Achieving Breakthrough Improvements With the Application of Lean Six Sigma Tools and Principles Within Process Excellence.Lab Med, 36(4), pp.240-242. Worley, J. and Doolen, T. (2015). Organizational structure, employee problem solving, and lean implementation.Lean Six Sigma Journal, 6(1), pp.39-58.

The Spiritual Realm of Avatar Essay Example

The Spiritual Realm of Avatar Essay Avatar is a strongly spiritual and meaningful film. In broad terms, the storyline is a love story; however there are many underlying spiritual and moral values intertwined throughout the duration of the film. I think this film is spiritual and shows moral significance, To briefly describe what the film is about, it is centred around Jake Scully, (Sam Worthington) a paraplegic former marine. Jake is taking the place of his dead brother in the secret Avatar programme on the distant planet of Pandora. It is set in the year 2154 and the Resource Development Administration, is mining a rare mineral named Unobtanium on Pandora in an attempt to get to the bottom of the Earths energy disaster. On his arrival in Pandora, Jake meets botanist Grace Augustine, (Sigourney Weaver) who effectively manages the Avatar programme. It is explained that the air in Pandora is highly toxic to humans and therefore their consciousness are linked to an Avatar, which is genetically engineered from human and Na vi (the natives of Pandora) DNA. Jake and Grace are to create a bridge of trust with the Navi in order for the mining operations to be expanded. Upon entry into Pandora as an Avatar, Jake meets Neytri, (Zoe Saldana) a beautiful and highly gifted Navi. Neytri sees Jake as ignorant of the forest as a living and nurturing place. Jake is invited to join Neytris clan to learn their ways. He is amazed by the beauty and mystery of the flora and fauna in the forest and the magnificence of the ancient Willow tree, named the Tree of Souls. This is a large part of the spirituality of the Navi as it is the Tree of Souls which allows them access to the psychic spirits of their deceased, which is how the Navi communicate with their ancestors. As the film progresses, Jake becomes a part of the Navi world and less a part of the human world. The lengthy battle scene near the end of the film shows his change of heart when he fights against the Resource Development We will write a custom essay sample on The Spiritual Realm of Avatar specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Spiritual Realm of Avatar specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Spiritual Realm of Avatar specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer