Abstract
This paper explains that the existence of a union within a team culture can be detrimental to promoting the fundamental concepts of self-directed teamwork. The author points out that, while it would seem that the political problems could possibly be overcome as trust builds over time, the basic problems are the seniority provisions of collective bargaining agreements versus the basic concepts of self-directed teamwork. The paper states that, as long as the seniority rules with respect to job promotions and craft boundaries continue to exist, unionized companies will never be able to fully realize the benefits of a self-directed team-based work force and, if not corrected, unionized companies will continue to pay out huge production bonuses but only get a fraction of the pay off.

Table of Contents
Terms Defined
The Issue of Union Seniority versus Team Culture
Union Politics
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In the 1980's, while American manufacturing companies were utilizing organizational charts and multi-layered management personnel, foreign countries were restructuring their organizations to be streamlined, flexible, and responsive to customer needs. Consequently, American manufacturers lost a significant amount of business to the foreign markets. Many of the foreign manufacturers were practicing the principle that each employee had unused potential and that all organizations could run leaner by encouraging greater levels of employee participation. Manufacturers began to realize that to meet the demand for shorter delivery time and higher customer satisfaction, employees at the lower levels would have to become more responsible for the outcome of the product."

Tags:directed, seniority, employee, promotions, boundaries

Abstract
This paper discusses how in this millennium, and especially among those who live in the developed world, particularly the West, we are living in a society of other-directed people. In doing so, the paper highlights what this means for individuality, agency and activism. We will do so by comparing the approaches of two blockbuster films, "Fight Club" and "The Matrix." From this it will be clear that the conditions of our society have changed such that we are now other-directed, and this is evident in all aspects of our lives.

From the Paper
"Within the realm of sociology, or any other study of humans and how they act, there are many interesting observations to be made, and especially as the years pass and societies change. In his book, The Lonely Crowd, author David Riesman discusses how people have changed in terms of their social motivations and thus how they live their lives. These motivations are starkly different for different people depending on when they lived (or live), where (country, and rural/urban), and a plethora of other factors. In this essay we will discuss how in this millennium, and especially among those who live in the developed world, particularly the West, we are..."

Tags:other, directed, people

Abstract
This essay answers the question of whether we live in a society dominated by other directed people. It suggests that we do live in an other directed society. The film 'Fight Club' is used in conjunction with arguments made by academics to prove this central argument.

From the Paper
"Sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists and a whole range of other researchers have been struggling with the question of what type of society we live in. Many of these researchers have taken a special interest on what informs and motivates individuals. In particular many of these researchers are interested in whether society is being dominated by other directed people."

Tags:other, directed, people

Abstract
This paper describes and researches the value, need and importance for self-directed teams in the changing business environment.

Tags:self, directed, teams

Abstract
The paper defines self-directed work teams and describes their characteristics that include proper planning, preparation and education. The paper first examines various studies regarding the personal traits and competence of self-directed team members that show the complexity of these groups and their makeup. The paper then shows how, because one is dealing with the variability of human personality, behavior and skills, forming and implementing successful self-directed teams is not an easy process. The paper concludes with three main points and emphasizes that as with any new program, introducing self-directed work teams can bring excellent results only if implemented the correct way.

Outline:
Abstract
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Self-directed work teams are becoming increasingly popular in both manufacturing and service organizations, because of their positive characteristics of focusing on team contributions and solutions, collaboration, continuous improvement, competency and positive results to productivity. However, a company must think carefully about the ramifications on both the management and the personnel when implementing these teams. They will impact everyone in the organization, including both management and employees."

Tags:self-management, emotional, intelligence, personality, competence

Abstract
It is suggested that adults should be taught by more means than one and adults are also more likely to enjoy self-directed learning. However, since adults are not easily transformed, it is advised that they should be asked if self-directed learning tools like tutorials would work for them.

Abstract
The paper presents a literature review of various instructors' perceptions of self-directed learning, specifically focusing on foreign language teaching and learning at the university level. The paper includes a review of teaching strategies, learning theories and how self-directed learning is viewed by instructors in this field.

From the Paper
"This theory of a self-directed learning community suggests that unique synaptic connections are created when learners take control of the teaching as well as the reception of knowledge. Foreign language teacher's perceptions have inevitably been affected by this new emphasis on self-directed learning, causing a shift from seeing the student as the receptor of knowledge to an active participant in creating his or her knowledge. As noted by Ormond (2000), there has been a considerable debate between individual instructors who see learning as innate versus as imposed upon by the outside. While foreign language learning might seem to be obviously 'learned' and taught by an instructor, self-directed learning taps upon the way that learning is achieved even on a first-language basis, through interaction and discovery."

Tags:teaching, instructors, knowledge, retention

Abstract
The paper examines how it has become important to attempt to curb public spending for health care, while maintaining quality of care and service. The writer proposes that providing the consumer with greater control in the field of health care decision making, is one way to control public spending. This manifests itself in consumer-directed health care (CDHC). The paper discusses how one can already see the benefits of CDHC, but these benefits are seen mainly among the wealthy. The paper concludes that extending these benefits to all, wealthy and poor, will reduce health costs and therefore, public spending.

Outline:
(1) Nature of the Issue
(2) Political and Social Impacts/Implications
(3) Policy
(4) Budget
(5) Conclusion

From the Paper
"Lower prices and higher quality are two of the concrete benefits of CDHC. Herrick (2006) for example states that physicians are seeking alternatives to high overhead and low reimbursements. In order to alleviate this problem, associations have been formed to keep the consumer informed of the price differences between services. Other associations, as mentioned above, offer cash options for incidental needs, thus cutting their billing costs, resulting in an ability to offer lower fees to their patients."

Tags:preventive, cost-reducing, incentive, reduce, billing, costs

Abstract
This paper discusses how finding the ideal path for the career-minded individual is a function of matching the person's desires and innate talents with the responsibilities of a particular career and how making these matches possible is the purpose of Dr. John Holland's Self-Directed Search Assessment (SDS). It discusses the purpose and description of the SDS inventory by its application to a fictional psychologist named Wendy and attempts to show how people who choose careers that match their own types are most likely to be both satisfied and successful.

From the Paper
"With more than 500 publications stimulated since his original theoretical explanation in the 1959 publication of A Theory of Vocational Choice, Holland's theory stands as the most influential of the extant theories (Isaacson & Brown, 1999, p. 26.). Having successfully combined the science and practice of career development, Holland has authored several books in support of his SDS evaluation, including among others Self-Directed Search for Career Planning (Holland, 1970), Manual for the Vocational Preference Inventory (Holland, 1967), the Vocational Exploration and Insight Kit (Holland et al., 1980), My Vocational Situation--An Experimental Diagnostic Form (Holland, 1980), and Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes (Gottfredson, Holland, & Ogawa, 1982)."

Tags:career, path

Abstract
In this high-level paper the writer discusses what type of organizational model can best provide optimal patient care delivery across all levels of care. The writer notes that the proposed hypothesis is that a medically managed model, rather than a managerial based model would provide the best care throughout the organization. Current research and existing literature support the hypothesis.

From the Paper
"Since the mid-90's, many major medical centers and hospitals have joined the managed care health systems model. This allows for cost-effectiveness in administration, increased patient access to healthcare and for many areas, improved quality of care. However, the majority of the focus is on financial savings, especially in the light of decreased capital funding for healthcare organizations. Tallia, Stange, McDaniel, Aita, Miller and Crabtree tell us that hospital systems provide for economies of scale allowing for capital financing, integration of administrative functions and "the potential for information sharing." This view, however, focuses on the management of the financial rather than patient delivery across all platforms. Tietze tells us that the growth of managed care has also significantly affected the role of practitioners in their ability to provide effective patient care and services, often causing professional conflicts between hospital administrators and ... "

Tags:organizational, physician, executive