BUS 409 SU Compensation Management & Strategies Practices & Challenges Presentation

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For this assignment, assume you are a compensation analyst in a large financial services company. You have been in your role for almost a year. At your weekly one-on-one with your boss, she tells you that the human resources representatives at the company are fielding a number of questions from employees and applicants about compensation. The human resource representatives’ knowledge of compensation is not deep.

Instructions: Please show all of your work. Question: Assuming that a simple random sample of size 250 is being selected from a population that is approximately normally distributed (N=100,000). As

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Instructions: Please show all of your work.

Question: Assuming that a simple random sample of size 250 is being selected from a population that is approximately normally distributed (N=100,000). Assuming that the population SD (standard deviation) is equal to 5 and the sample average is equal to 30, determine a 90% confidence interval for the true average of this population. (If this confidence interval can not be determined, explain why not.)

I am supposed to identify which of the three confidence interval types this is (population average, population proportion, or population percentage), and then solve the problem. However, I have no clue how to determine which confidence interval this problem is. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

ITEC metropolitan IT area Compare and contrast Client/Server to Peer-to-Peer networks

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Answer the following short answer questions in clear, concise sentences. Each response should not be fewer than 100-words but not more than 425 words; citation to sources does not count as part of word counts. (Worth 10% each or 10 points each)

COMPANY NAME (WHITE CLAW HARD SELZER)

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COMPANY: WHITE CLAW HARD SELZER

INSTRUCTION: 6-7 PAGES (ANSWER QUESTIONS 1-10)

15 POWERPOINT SLICES

 

 

Week 8: Final Project Group Presentation (In-Class Only)

COMPANY NAME (WHITE CLAW HARD SELZER)

Your professor will assign groups of two students for this final project. Work with your assigned group to create a written paper and a PowerPoint presentation, using proper APA 7.0 format, in which groups will provide an analysis of an organization’s target market and marketing with respect to principles of consumer behavior discussed in class.

Students will show how the marketer is utilizing the principles we have covered to enhance the effectiveness of their marketing. The presentation should be about 15-25 slides in length and should take no more than 15-20 minutes to present. It should include a title and reference slide, listing all the references.  You and your team members are required to deliver this presentation in class. No late submissions are acceptable as the class grading closes in the following few days.

Your work here for this final summary assignment will be graded based on the following:

40% — In class presentation by team members; all team members are required to present and may be graded differently based on the quality of the information presented and the presentation itself.

60% — The quality, organization, and detail of the presentation for this final assignment.  (All team members can submit the same paper independently, with all names on the cover sheet.)

Be sure to address the following:

Company Overview – You and your group will be assigned one of the following companies.  Conduct an analysis of the organization’s target market and marketing strategies and actions through consumer behavior principles discussed in class.

One slide to present background on chosen company.  Include major facts that will give a sense of the industry, the size and scope of the brand: products/services, extent of global business, market share in selected market.

 

Focus on the Target Market – Provide a good characterization of the target market for this organization and product or service. Each product/service will have a specific target market. Outline how this audience has been or should be segmented by the brand.

· Demographics

· Geographics

· Psychographics

· Behavioral Tendencies

Consumer Behavior Insights – Demonstrate your now advanced understanding to present your team’s analysis of the how the marketer is applying principles of consumer behavior to attract, interest, make an impression, and develop a relationship with their target consumer market.

1.      What aspects of motivation, ability and opportunity are most relevant for this target?

2.      How does the marketer take the consumer from exposure to comprehension?

3.      Are there aspects of memory and knowledge that the marketer is leveraging?  Explain and give examples.

4.      What principles of attitudes based on high or low effort is the marketer appealing to?  How are they using the principles discussed in class to help consumers form attitudes and judgements that will influence their purchase intentions?

5.      What are the problem recognition triggers for this product?  How can a marketer help to bring them about?

6.      What kind of typical information search will the consumer engage in?  How can the marketer influence this to the brand’s advantage?

7.      What are the methods this brand is using to stimulate social influences on consumers?  Brand awareness and preference, social media, influencers, etc. How well are these working?

8.      Are there particular household and/or social class issues that the marketer is using to appeal to consumers?  What are they?

9.      How do consumer values, personality and lifestyle factor into the marketer’s plans and actions?

10.  Social Responsibility.  Give a rating from 1-10, 1=best, 10=worst for this company overall and document why you give them this rating.  What do you expect from this company relative to the triple bottom line?

Internal and external users apply various analytical tools, such as horizontal analysis, vertical analysis, and ratio analysis, to evaluate the performance and financial condition of a company

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Internal and external users apply various analytical tools, such as horizontal analysis, vertical analysis, and ratio analysis, to evaluate the performance and financial condition of a company. Imagine that you are looking at investing in a company, but you feel you need to learn a little more about the company to see how it has performed in the past. You want to know if the investment is a safe one.

In this situation, which of the three analytical tools mentioned above would you use to evaluate the company’s performance and financial condition? Why would you choose that analytical tool? What would you be able to learn about the company based on that tool?

5-7 sentences

Based on what you have studied in this course, what do you believe will be your greatest challenge in relation to financial risk management? Describe a time when you had to make a financial decision that had a component of risk. Were you able to apply the decision-making framework of applying intelligence and considering your goals? Explain your answer.

You have been hired as a consultant to help Ford Motor Company return to its glory days, when either Henry Ford or Alan Mulally ran the company. In doing so, you must produce a short report to Jim Hackett, Ford’s CEO, that conveys your observations of Ford’s current situation (situational analysis), and a proposal of strategic actions Ford should take to be the model automotive company of the 21st century. Thus, you task is to answer the following questions based solely on the information provided in the case:

Using cases to support your argument,  critically evaluate whether or not cultural appropriation causes harm

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Using cases to support your argument,  critically evaluate whether or not cultural appropriation causes harm. 

In answering this question, you are expected to cover the debate on cultural appropriation, demonstrating insight into the arguments that debate what counts as cultural appropriation and what not. Clearly state whether or not cultural appropriation causes harm, why, how and under what conditions, and explain the reasoning for your judgement.

This individual essay assignment provides the opportunity to engage with one form of cultural encounter in substantial depth.

This is an academic essay and should demonstrate significant engagement with academic concepts and draw upon a  range of sources in order to support your answer to the question that you choose. The essay should adopt an academic tone and be professionally and clearly presented throughout.

 

You are permitted to use sources from the module reading list including the textbook and the weekly journal articles. However,  you need to also demonstrate research skills and the ability to substantiate an argument with evidence by engaging more widely with other academic sources. If you have any questions as to what counts as an academic source, please contact me. You are encouraged and permitted to draw upon non-academic sources for further evidence to support your argument such as from reputable newspaper and magazine articles. However, the emphasis for the essay should be on academic engagement.

 

The essay should be clearly structured with an introduction which will then be supported by clearly organised supporting paragraphs. You should include a conclusion which summarises your argument.

 

All references, academic and non-academic, must be appropriately referenced both within the text and in the reference list at the end of the essay. Please consult the library website for referencing guidance:    https://libguides.dundee.ac.uk/business/referencing

 

A

 

-The essay is exemplary in demonstrating intellectual depth, depth of understanding and critical analysis as evidenced by critical and conceptual engagement with the meaning and consequences of cultural appropriation

-The essay is coherent, carefully put together and perfectly organised

-The essay follows an arch in the argument resulting in a clearly defined position

-The essay relies on the outstanding use of resources to make its case

-The resources are credible and relevant

-Referencing is exemplary

 

B / C / D

 

In declining degree,

-the essay is very good, good, average in demonstrating intellectual depth, depth of understanding and critical analysis

-lacks coherence, care and organisation

-lacks a clear argument and the position on the issue is less well defined, or lacking

-the essay does not rely on resources in a clearly defined sense that demonstrates knowledge of their content

-the essay lacks in relevant and credible references and referencing ranges from very good to poor

Which of the following contributes to variations in our feelings of hunger and thirst

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Question 1 (2.5 points)

 

 

Which of the following contributes to variations in our feelings of hunger and thirst.

 

Question 1 options:

 
a)  

The lateral hypothalamus, when stimulated, decreases our desire for food

 

 
 
b)  

The environment we are in plays a role in signaling to us when we should eat

 

 
 
c)  

Factors such as glucose levels, insulin levels, and leptin affect our hunger

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 2 (2.5 points)

 

 

When we are  most anxious,  such as during the taking of a test, our performance

will probably be

 

Question 2 options:

 
a)  

At its best

 

 
 
b)  

Moderately good

 

 
 
c)  

At its worst

 

 
 
d)  

Will not be affected by the anxiety

 

 

Question 3 (2.5 points)

 

 

Which of the following is true of  Drive Reduction Theory

 

Question 3 options:

 
a)  

We are motivated to act in some manner in order to reduce an internal need state

 

 
 
b)  

Drive Reduction Theory helps to explain why we act the way we do in certain situations

 

 
 
c)  

Basic need states include deprivation of such items as food and water

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 4 (2.5 points)

 

 

The correct sequence of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, from most basic to most advanced, is

 

Question 4 options:

 
a)  

Physical, Safety, Social, Self-actualization, Self-esteem needs

 

 
 
b)  

Safety, Physical, Social, Self-esteem, Self-actualization needs

 

 
 
c)  

Physical, Safety, Self-esteem, Social, Self-actualization needs

 

 
 
d)  

Physical, Safety, Social, Self-esteem, Self-actualization needs

 

 

Question 5 (2.5 points)

 

 

Factors that influence a person’s weight and their ability to lose weight include

 

Question 5 options:

 
a)  

Biological/hereditary factors

 

 
 
b)  

One’s environment

 

 
 
c)  

Only  conscious choices

 

 
 
d)  

a and b

 

 

Question 6 (2.5 points)

 

 

Which of the following is involved in  direct signaling to the brain  that one’s stomach is empty (contracted) and therefore causes us to feel hungry

 

Question 6 options:

 
a)  

Gastric signals

 

 
 
b)  

Blood glucose levels

 

 
 
c)  

Insulin levels

 

 
 
d)  

Leptin

 

 

Question 7 (2.5 points)

 

 

A similarity between anorexia nervosa and bulimia is that  [read this carefully]

 

Question 7 options:

 
a)  

There is a preoccupation with weight gain in both illnesses

 

 
 
b)  

Bulimia is easier to hide from others than is anorexia

 

 
 
c)  

Food intake with anorexia often starts out with not eating certain foods and then generalizes to many different food items

 

 
 
d)  

An anorexic’s weight remains  relatively stable while a bulimic’s weight fluctuates greatly

 

 

Question 8 (2.5 points)

 

 

The Cannon-Bard theory of emotions states which of the following

 

Question 8 options:

 
a)  

Emotions, physiological reactions, and behavior all occur at the same time

 

 
 
b)  

Arousal triggers perceived emotions which then lead to behavior

 

 
 
c)  

Neurotransmitter are the sole trigger of our emotions

 

 
 
d)  

Emotions can be misperceived

 

 

Question 9 (2.5 points)

 

 

When someone is motivated by  internal or ‘intrinsic’  factors, this means that

 

Question 9 options:

 
a)  

They are seeking some external reward

 

 
 
b)  

They perform a task because it has meaning for them

 

 
 
c)  

A person is unable to be a self-starter

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 10 (2.5 points)

 

 

Learned helplessness stems from

 

Question 10 options:

 
a)  

Ease  of escape from a stressful situation

 

 
 
b)  

Regardless of how hard one tries, no progress seems to be made

 

 
 
c)  

Moving on to another task to try to succeed

 

 
 
d)  

Biological, not environmental, factors

 

 

Question 11 (2.5 points)

 

 

Which of the following  is not  a factor involved in diagnosing a mental illness  [read carefully]

 

Question 11 options:

 
a)  

The fact that there is  some,  but not an overly amount, of disruption to the persons daily routine

 

 
 
b)  

The behavior that the person displays can be regarded  as straying far from the expectations of society and its norms

 

 
 
c)  

Conditions or events that cause a  great deal of personal distress in one’s life

 

 
 
d)  

Significant difficulty when dealing with others

 

 

Question 12 (2.5 points)

 

 

Phobias involve

 

Question 12 options:

 
a)  

General anxiety  to  all things around us

 

 
 
b)  

An  intense, irrational fear about a  particular  object or situation

 

 
 
c)  

A  passing phase for most people

 

 
 
d)  

Always  require the use of medication in order to treat the disorder

 

 

Question 13 (2.5 points)

 

 

The most common phobia people have is

 

Question 13 options:

 
a)  

Agoraphobia

 

 
 
b)  

Public speaking

 

 
 
c)  

Fear of snakes

 

 
 
d)  

Fear of heights

 

 

Question 14 (2.5 points)

 

 

A person with  Bipolar I  disorder typically displays which of the following behavior patterns

 

Question 14 options:

 
a)  

Large swings in mood from very active to becoming severely depressed

 

 
 
b)  

When in a manic state, they have a grandiose belief that they can do anything

 

 
 
c)  

When is a manic state, the person has a great deal of energy, often leading to an inability to sleep

 

 
 
d)  

All the above.

 

 

Question 15 (2.5 points)

 

 

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by

 

Question 15 options:

 
a)  

A period of a least 6 months of constant worry

 

 
 
b)  

The inability to state what is making one anxious

 

 
 
c)  

Significant interference in one’s day to day life

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 16 (2.5 points)

 

 

Major Depression involves which of the following symptoms

 

Question 16 options:

 
a)  

Changes in eating and sleeping patterns

 

 
 
b)  

Loss of interest in activities

 

 
 
c)  

Loss of energy and motivation

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 17 (2.5 points)

 

 

In the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,  compulsions refer to

 

Question 17 options:

 
a)  

Persistent, obtrusive unwanted thoughts

 

 
 
b)  

Ritualistic patterns of behavior that can occur for extreme periods of time

 

 
 
c)  

An intense fear of a particular object or event

 

 
 
d)  

Feelings of impending doom

 

 

Question 18 (2.5 points)

 

 

People with schizophrenia may display which of the following symptoms

 

Question 18 options:

 
a)  

Delusional thinking

 

 
 
b)  

Hallucinations

 

 
 
c)  

‘Peculiar’ motor movements

 

 
 
d)  

A break from reality

 

 
 
e)  

All the above

 

 

Question 19 (2.5 points)

 

 

Based on what constitutes the criteria within which we define abnormal behavior/thought in our society, bringing a curtain rod to class would be considered  (yes, this is a serious question, and there is only  one  answer that will be accepted.)

 

Question 19 options:

 
a)  

A severe problem

 

 
 
b)  

A moderate problem

 

 
 
c)  

A relatively minor eccentricity

 

 
 
d)  

No abnormality at all

 

 

Question 20 (2.5 points)

 

 

When we are part of a group, which of the following is  most likely to result

 

Question 20 options:

 
a)  

We are usually able to maintain our sense of identity

 

 
 
b)  

Depending on the situation, we may either become lazier or become more active

 

 
 
c)  

We tend to conform to the group standards/norms

 

 
 
d)  

Both b and c

 

 

Question 21 (2.5 points)

 

 

In  Asch’s classic study of group influence on a subject’s correctly picking out one line that was equal in length to one within a set of three, what was the most frequent response of the ‘unfortunate’ subjects in the experiment

 

Question 21 options:

 
a)  

They would usually pick  the correct line despite the group’s picking a wrong choice

 

 
 
b)  

They would  pick the line correctly  but would have serious doubts about whether their choice was the right one

 

 
 
c)  

The less cohesive (together) the group’s answer was, the greater the likelihood that the subject would choose the correct line

 

 
 
d)  

No differences were found between the subjects choices whether the group gave the same answer or whether the group=s answer was split regarding the correctness of the choice

 

 

Question 22 (2.5 points)

 

 

For most people, group conformity can have the effect of

 

Question 22 options:

 
a)  

Wanting to stand out and hence  not bow to the pressures of the group

 

 
 
b)  

Influencing us to do things that, if left on our own, we would not typically do

 

 
 
c)  

Decreasing our need of approval for the things we do

 

 
 
d)  

Allowing us to  think more independently  as part of a group of people if something criminal is being carried out

 

 

Question 23 (2.5 points)

 

 

Altruism is defined as

 

Question 23 options:

 
a)  

Helping someone for material gain

 

 
 
b)  

Assisting someone without any expectation of reciprocity

 

 
 
c)  

A way to boost our self-esteem when we feel lousy

 

 
 
d)  

Pay me and I’ll help!

 

 

Question 24 (2.5 points)

 

 

Which of the following  is a factor  in the outcome of events whereby Kitty Genovese was murdered  (look at every answer-this one is straight from the text.)

 

Question 24 options:

 
a)  

People  were willing to help but did not know what to do

 

 
 
b)  

Those that heard her shouts of pain, etc. came to the conclusion that  someone else was already in the process of helping her

 

 
 
c)  

Because the situation that was  occurring may have been unclear to all the bystanders, they may not have perceived the situation as something that was of potential harm

 

 
 
d) b. and c,

 

Question 25 (2.5 points)

 

 

Milgram’s classic study on obedience to authority found that

 

Question 25 options:

 
a)  

Most people  act rationally when confronted with authority

 

 
 
b)  

Most people  end up doing whatever it is that they are asked to do

 

 
 
c)  

Most will  simply get up and walk away from something they find objectionable to do

 

 
 
d)  

People will  always question the legitimacy  of an authority figure

 

 

Question 26 (2.5 points)

 

 

A person has a greater chance of being helped in an emergency situation when there are  [this is part of the bystander effect related to Kitty Genovese]

 

Question 26 options:

 
a)  

Many people around

 

 
 
b)  

Only 1 or 2 people around

 

 
 
c)  

When we perceive the person to be more similar to us

 

 
 
d)  

b and c

 

 

Question 27 (2.5 points)

 

 

Approximately what percentage of the population will be diagnosed with a mental disorder during the course of  a lifetime

 

Question 27 options:

 
a)  

25%

 

 
 
b)  

50%

 

 
 
c)  

75%

 

 
 
d)  

90%

 

 

Question 28 (2.5 points)

 

 

Behaviors that typically constitute compulsions include

 

Question 28 options:

 
a)  

Hand washing

 

 
 
b)  

Counting

 

 
 
c)  

Cleaning

 

 
 
d)  

All the above

 

 

Question 29 (2 points)

 

 

After weeding through all the information gathered from this course during the semester, one conclusion you can  most certainly  come to about the field of psychology is that

 

Question 29 options:

 
a)  

Your instructor is nuts!!! No wonder he’s in the field!!!

 

 
 
b)  

I plan on forgetting everything I worked so hard for in order to get a good grade

 

 
 
c)  

Was this a course in psychology? I thought I signed up for music appreciation!

 

 
 
d)  

Why did I take this course in the first place?

 

 
 
e) Perhaps I can actually use what I learned here to better my life, that of others, and the world.

 

Question 30 (10 points)

 

 

Pick one of the following (12.5 points)

1. A. Mental illness is a serious event in the life of a person and those who are involved with the individual. Briefly discuss some of the factors that the separate ‘mental illness’ from ‘eccentric’ or odd behavior and thought processes (we covered these in class and they are noted in the readings from your textbook as well.)  Provide adequate detail and examples in order to answer this question for full credit.

OR

A. Obesity is considered to be an epidemic in today’s American society, costing billions of dollars in additional health care spending.  First , do you believe there truly is an obesity epidemic- why  or why not? Or, do you believe that people are being ‘seduced’ into eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia .  Second,  briefly describe  at least 3 factors  that may cause or lay the foundation that contributes to situations where people become obese or suffer from eating disorders and  Third,  what we can do  as a society to reduce the extent of these problems (if you believe there is a problem).

 

Question 30 options:

 

Question 31 (9 points)

 

 

What are the symptoms and at least one possible treatment for the following:

1.  Major Depressive Disorder

2.  Bipolar I Disorder (make sure to explain what a manic episode

entails)

3.  Bipolar II Disorder (what makes this different than Bipolar I)

 

Question 31 options:

 

Question 32 (9 points)

 

 

Your text and the video shown in class presented several classic works of research in social psychology- Asch’s work on group conformity, Milgram’s work on obedience, and Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment.

1.Briefly  review the results of each study,  relate these results to events we witness in society and around the world and

2.N ote some possible future implications for human behavior involving the effects of a group on individuals and obedience to authority.

 

Question 32 options:

 

Question 33 (5 points)

 

 

This course has provided you with a substantial ( and, admittedly, a substantially overwhelming! ) amount of information. Pick a specific area that has most interested you about the course and indicate how you will be able to  apply the material you learned in your daily lives.

 

Question 33 options:

Black Wall Street and Massacre Timeline Activity

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Black Wall Street and Massacre Timeline Activity

 

Directions: Using the sources posted to Google Classroom, follow the To Do list and Stops Guideline to complete your Timeline.

 

https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/hbo-2019/the-massacre-of-black-wall-street/3217/

 

To Do:

· Choose a partner or decide to work by yourself

· Develop the template for your timeline using Canva, Slides, Drawings or Prezi

· Use the sources posted to the assignment on Google Classroom to investigate what happened

· Determine the 5 stops on your timeline

· Make your timeline look professional and as if it could educate someone on the progression of Black Wall St to the Aftermath of the massacre.

· Submit to Google Classroom by the start of our next class.

Stops Guideline

The stops on your timeline SHOULD be:

1. Describe Black Wall Street. What was the significance of Greenwood, Oklahoma at the time?

2. What were significant national AND local factors that you believed caused the event?

3. Describe what happened at the event. How would you describe what you see in the images?

4. What was the aftermath? What controversial narrative was being told about what happened?

5. How do the events at Tulsa help us understand some aspects of race relations today?

*Each needs to be addressed in 2-3 COMPLETE sentences. Remember, you are telling the story from the start to the aftermath. What is “need to know” information?*

Draw Something Project

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Draw Something Project

 

Objective:

· Create graphical JavaScript programs that draw shapes on the canvas

· Locate points on the graphics canvas using (x, y) coordinates

 

 

(Combo of checklist (lower level) + Rubric for key stuff)

You are tasked to draw something using shapes as well as using input or mouse clicked.

 

 

     
Criteria Points Yes/No
Uses at least 4 different shapes 1  
Has a detailed main character. This can be a thing(car, building, etc). At least one thing drawn should be detailed. 2  
Has a detailed background. 1  
Functions were used 1  
Comments were used to show how to run the program and describes sections of code 1  
Mouse Event or User input is used. 1  
Uses an additional set of code that was not discussed in class. You need to look up a command in the documentation area. 1  
Total: 8

 

  

 

Student Examples

 

  MFT-5101 Week 02 Systems Theory Terms

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  MFT-5101_week_02_systems_theory_terms

Systems Theory Terminology – Part 1

The core of the MFT field lies in systems theory. Therefore, it is imperative that you fully grasp this major concept and the crucial elements that comprise it.

MFT-5101_week_02_systems_theory_terms (ncu.edu)

It is important to take your time with this week’s assignment as well as those for Weeks 3 and 4. This approach will help you begin to think in a systemic way—an approach that emphasizes the nature of people being intertwined within their existence with the multiple contexts they live in.

This week’s resources introduce you to systems theory, which inspired the pioneers in the MFT field and contributed to the development of a relational understanding of human interactions. You will be asked to review resources and prepare a written summary and reflection that focus on your understanding of systems theory concepts and assumptions.

Launch in a separate window

Review the resources listed below (and previously provided resources, as needed) to prepare for this week’s assignments. The resources may include textbook reading assignments, journal articles, websites, links to tools or software, videos, handouts, rubrics, etc.

 

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Show data table for This chart displays the number of completed topics versus the total number of topics within module Week 2..

List of Topics and Sub-Modules for Week 2

· Week 2 – Assignment: Examine Systems Theory Concepts

Assignment

 

 

Top of Form

Due December 18 at 11:59 PM

Bottom of Form

After reviewing all the resources for this week, prepare a written summary and reflection to demonstrate your initial understanding of systems theory.

Be sure to address the following:

· Begin with a brief introduction to systems theory concepts.

· Explore and reflect on specific systems theory concepts that you identified within the resources. (Hint: In the role play video, you will discover concepts such as context, open vs. closed systems, homeostasis, and more.)

· Document any other systems theory concepts you are able to recognize in the resources.

Length: 3-5 pages, not including title and reference pages

References: Include a minimum of 2 scholarly resources.

Your assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Be sure to adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Upload your document, and then click the  Submit to Dropbox button.

 

Building Blocks to Conceptualizing Family: A Family System’s Perspective

Valerie Q. Glass, PhD, LMFT

Background of Systemic Thinking

Systemic thinking, for some, means trying on a new and unique lens when considering “presenting problems” that arise in therapeutic settings. Most mental and emotional health backgrounds study individual cognitive and emotional processes, systemic thinking means a shift in looking at one person to looking at a whole system. Keeney (1983) calls this change in professional theory an epistemological shift. Epistemology, most basically, is the way one understands what is in front of them, and the root with which decisions are made. Helping fields all develop from different epistemologies. Psychiatry views medicine and biology as their epistemological construct of how or why people act the way they do. Much of the epistemological focus of social work fields embraces the necessity or connecting to resources and social support as a catalyst for change. Psychology explores the make-up of the individual’s mind and develops steps for change. Family systems, and the main focus of this paper, dive into the epistemology of looking at families through the constructs with which we might look at various systems. You are at the beginning of a new epistemological journey. As part of that journey, new concepts will be presented that allow you to consider the role of systems in presenting problems and in change. Mechanical and biological systemic terminology will be used to highlight how families work like systems to both maintain “presenting problems” as well as healing or changing these “presenting problems.” This epistemological stance might fit with your natural understanding of the world and how problems arise or are maintained or these ideas may deviate slightly from your perspectives on problems. Marriage and family therapy, as a profession, holds a foundational epistemological view that family systems play a major role in how we view clients, presenting problems, the maintenance of problems, and the keys to change and growth (Jackson & Weakland, 2016). Davey et al. (2012) states: “the practice of family therapy is based on the idea that individuals and their problems are best understood and treated within a relational context” (p. 75).

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Biological and Mechanical Systems

The major representation of the idea of family systems is in the construct of “system.” If you think about anything where a bunch of separate parts work together to generate a working system, this idea of a system can be visualized. Consider a natural ecosystem where you have plants bringing in air and growing from nutrients in the soil and sun. Then you have animals eating the plants and bigger animals preying on the smaller animals. Finally, you have dead animals decaying to provide nutrients to the soil. This is an example of an ecological system. If you view the one plant separate from the system, it does not make sense, you cannot break apart how the plant works and grows without including the other parts of the system. Additionally, if the plant does not survive, it does not do this alone; it is dependent on the system around it and their role in the plant’s survival.

A second example of a system could be a mechanical system. Consider a car; it has a bunch of different systems working together to help it run properly. If you saw just a steering wheel by itself, that would not make sense and would not function without the rest of the mechanical system. Also, if one part of a car’s system does not work – let’s say the tire is low on air – the rest of the system compensates (the driver has to hold the steering wheel tighter in one direction, the engine works harder, the other tires wear because they are pushed in a different direction).

We could name many different systems (e.g., a human body, an air conditioning system, a ship, a sports team, a traffic light, a computer) the list is endless. The commonality is that systems need all the parts to “function.” The parts can “function” independently. Using this background of mechanical or biological systems, apply these ideas to family functioning. A family works to maintain their “normal” (or homeostasis which we will talk about later). Each member in a family system has a job or a role in helping that family function in the way that is normal to them. To see a person independently, we cannot understand their role in that family system without seeing or learning about the family context. These systemic constructs help us view family dynamics from this systemic perspective. They lead us to consider how that system is working, what the system’s “normal” is, and the identification of the strengths and weaknesses in the entire system. Keeney (1982) shares that change, which from the systemic perspective, involves “facilitating alternative structures to maintain the family organization” (p. 87). In other words, therapy helps the system find a new (healthier) way of working.

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Historical Backdrop of Systemic Theory

The process of looking at family through a systemic lens is known as “systems theory,” “general systems theory,” or “family systems theory.” Minuchin (1985) describes a system as an “organized whole” (p. 289) or a group or parts that organize around one idea or function. Considering theory is important to your work as a family therapist, because your identity as an MFT, from this point forward, will take into account the very foundational idea that family is a whole system and functions much like mechanical and biological systems. There is not one major contributor to the idea of systemic thinking and the application to families; however, there seemed to be somewhat of a movement that began around 1950 and solidified as a specific theory within the next 20 or so years. We will only consider some of the names that were involved in developing the metaphor of systems as they are applied to thinking about family dynamics.

Don Jackson. In the 1960s, Jackson developed what he coined an “Interactional Theory” where he explored the idea that families seem to want to maintain a normality, or their sense of normality (called homeostasis which will be defined later) (see Jackson, 1968a; Jackson, 1968b). In addition, Jackson identified that working with the family allowed clinicians to observe family systemic interactions and utilize them as part of treatment.

Harry Stack Sullivan. Sullivan influenced some of Jackson’s ideas by stating that clinicians cannot look at mental health of one individual independently from the family context. He argued that mental health is a result of both internal and external forces (Stack Sullivan, 1939).

Gregory Bateson. Bateson worked closely with two other familiar names in MFT history: John Weakland and Jay Haley (Ray & Brasher, 2010). Together, they solidified some of the foundational research in the field of systemic thinking by researching the role of homeostasis and communication patterns in families. Bateson opened the door to systemic thinking about how patterns were part of family systems (Keeney & Thomas, 1986). Bateson also worked with other founders of systemic thinking, such as Watzawick (see below); they theorized the connection of cybernetics in family patterns.

Watzlawick, Fisch, and Weakland. Weakland expanded on his work with Bateson and Haley to develop a theory of family therapy with Watzlawick and Fisch titled MRI Brief Therapy (Ray & Brasher, 2010). MRI Brief is often labelled as the foundational theory of family systems therapy. One of the major assumptions of the MRI group was that therapy should explore the interactional patterns between people. In addition, these therapists explored the roles of family members in maintaining problems.

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Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. Von Bertalanffy was an Austrian biologist who eschewed the reductive view of systems that had previously existed and embraced the idea that scientific principles were bigger than the one object or idea. He stressed that context had to be considered to better understand the element (Bond, 2009). Von Bertalanffy’s ideas about systemic thinking were applicable to all areas of the world: ecology, biology, politics, or global systems, humankind, or groupings of any kind. He argued the global solutions could not be addressed without considering the larger systemic context.

Alfred Adler. Adler predated family systems thinking; however, he did add to the construction of the systemic thinking in the mental health and psychology fields (Carich & Willingham, 1987). Adler argued that there was an individual that was examined from a psychological context; however, the psychologist should still remember their social environment and the role this might play in who they are. In addition, Adler discusses the role of causation in mental health. He labeled causation as “circular processes” (similar to circular causality that will be discussed later). This is the idea that psychologists cannot just hone in on one specific cause for mental health issues, he stated that there was a more complex process involved that included the client’s context and social interactions.

The convergence of ideas or a shift in epistemology, brought on by great thinkers from many fields, led to the constructs of systemic thinking. The over-arching ideas presented the foundation for many concepts that help family systems theorists discuss and define family dynamics. In the next section, many concepts that have emerged will be presented, defined, and applied to families.

Systemic Concepts

In the next few pages, this paper will define and explain many constructs that are used in family systems theory. These constructs link to the idea of mechanical and biological systems, using metaphor to explain family functioning. Families work as a whole unit and function wholly rather than as individual members, according to family systems theory. Each of these constructs help us identify, define, and expand on family and how family interacts to as a systemic whole.

Homeostasis

One of the most common concepts that is utilized in the family therapy field is that of homeostasis. Homeostasis is a systems natural restructuring to maintain the intended function (Messer, 1971). In physics, the concept of equilibrium means a constant state; homeostasis is the system’s ability to return to that equilibrium. Consider an ocean and

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the constant ebb and flow of the waters at high and low tide; this is the ocean’s homeostasis. If a powerful hurricane takes over the seafront, the ocean tides rise over the land; however, after the passing of the hurricane, the oceans will fall back into their regular flow, returning to homeostasis. Homeostasis can “move,” for example, if there were many hurricanes and the constant force of the high waters destroyed and overtook part of the land; that would be the “new” homeostasis.

Homeostasis can be used to describe family dynamics; more importantly, homeostasis can be used to define healthy and unhealthy dynamics within family systems. Each family has a homeostasis. Sometimes these homeostatic states are working, are functional and “healthy,” and other times they are not (Messer, 1971). If a “healthy” family experiences stressful scenarios, then that family might adjust and develop a new “unhealthy” (or less functional) homeostasis. Consider for a moment that family that we have all met, the family that seems to remain in a constant chaotic state. The family may seem to resolve one issue, yet there seems to be another, just as serious, right behind it. This state of chaos is that family’s homeostasis, they seem to retreat to this place of functioning that is consistent and comfortable for the system. On the flip side of this example, consider what you might call a more functioning homeostasis in a family – a “healthy” family. Maybe this family experiences the sudden death of someone in their family system. The family experiences a great deal of grief and go through that process; however, somehow they are able to bounce back to their “healthy” functioning – their healthy homeostasis. Family systems theorists research and theorize about what makes for a more functional or dysfunctional homeostasis; however, as the root of family systems thinking is the idea that there is some systemic regularity going on in families. Systemic therapists understand that de-regulating this homeostasis can lead to change.

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Systems Theory Terminology – Part 1

The core of the MFT field lies in systems theory. Therefore, it is imperative that you fully grasp this major concept and the crucial elements that comprise it.

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It is important to take your time with this week’s assignment as well as those for Weeks 3 and 4. This approach will help you begin to think in a systemic way—an approach that emphasizes the nature of people being intertwined within their existence with the multiple contexts they live in.

This week’s resources introduce you to systems theory, which inspired the pioneers in the MFT field and contributed to the development of a relational understanding of human interactions. You will be asked to review resources and prepare a written summary and reflection that focus on your understanding of systems theory concepts and assumptions.

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Review the resources listed below (and previously provided resources, as needed) to prepare for this week’s assignments. The resources may include textbook reading assignments, journal articles, websites, links to tools or software, videos, handouts, rubrics, etc.

 

There was a tree with leave with information on it to

complete the assignment. so, I got the in information from each leaf

 

A system concepts

A system refers to any group of interconnected parts for examples, include families, group of people who work together, whole communities, companies, and government, organizations. The human body can even consider a system because it includes many different parts that are all interconnected. The behavior each part is affected by and has been impact on the other part.

The found of MFT philosophy theory

 

1 Narrative therapy is founded on systems and social constructionism narrative therapy holds that people develop narratives/ stories to make sense of their lives, these narratives are influenced by culture and family, to move beyond the problem, clients need a new story, the narrative therapist meets the client as separate from the problem, and help the client understand that they are not the problem.

 

2 Collaborative therapy built on the foundation of family therapy an overtly integrated post modern assumption to understand how individuals within family systems had their own unique language, these individuals made meaning differently based on their unique contexts. This model focuses on a collaborative therapist// client relationship and collaborative conversations.

 

-3. solution – Based Model. These models are strengths -based, positive, and active models that seek to assist clients which achieving the outcome they desire. As the name implies, they focus on solution instead problems in fact, the solution may not even be related to the problem these include solution-focused brief therapy

(SFBT), solution -oriented therapy, and solution oriented. Erickson an

Hypnosis

 

4 Recovery Model, the recovery refers to a process by which a person can develop a positive sense of self and belonging and develop a meaningful life while managing their mental health and/ or substance use conditions. The recovery model is a person-centered, holistic approach that believes recovery from serious mental illness possible, the Recovery model now serves as a primary model for treatment in mental health clinic across the United States and in an important addition to training of marriage and family therapist.

 

5 Structural model, the ideal behind the structural family therapy model is that the family system is skewed somehow, and the family therapist’s job is to work to appropriately balance the system. This re-balancing led to resolution of the problem that brought the family to therapy

6 Bowen Model, Murray Bowen introduced what is the most well-developed theoretical approach to working with families in Bowen family therapy (crossing 2011). Bowen defined international family dynamics and explored how these dynamics influence current family challenges. the approach includes a strong emphasis on the importance of gaining the ability to manage anxiety. Bowen thought of families as systems and often feeding one another anxiety, creating a bigger challenge. He advocated for differentiation on among family members. Differentiation is defined by being able to separate emotion from the thought. As well-differentiated family is able to support one another without feeling stuck or “stucked into” family anxiety issues.

 

7. Strategic/ Brief Strategic Model, Strategic Therapy assumes that “the problem” in therapy comes from a cycle of interacting between family members that need to be interrupted or reversed. By strategic therapist utilizes some techniques where the therapist breaks the cycle of interacting by joining the system and challenging the system.

 

8. Contextual Model, the contextual model embraces the idea that people are influenced by intergenerational “hurts” (eig, feeling of disloyalty, trust, and fairness). Clients would explore the post hurts and find a way to both make amends and move forward from these scenarios.

 

9. Experiential Model, experiential therapies focus on the “experiences” within the therapy room. These experiential models are. 1 Symbolic experiential, 2 Human validation process model, and 3 Emotion-focused therapy, Martin (2011) describes experiential therapy in this way “the main goal o the theory is not provide insight but focus on experiencing the process of therapy to produce change in the family” (pp147). Each of the three models provides this experience in a slightly different way.

 

10. Psychoanalytic Model, psychoanalytic family therapy explores the role of the presenting problem within the family’s experience (martin,2016) with roots in psychoanalytic theory. psychoanalytic family therapy help client to understand the reasoning for their behaviors by diving into experiences that might have cause emotional limitations during crucial.

 

Development stages this exploration is met with discussion, understanding, coping, and education, family psychotherapy is a major element of the psychoanalytic family therapy model.

 

 

11. Cognitive Behavioral, cognitive behavioral family therapy (CBT) theory examines the interactions between cognitions, behaviors, and emotions and how they affect relationships ( Cluxton-Leler.2011) additionally, this model incorporates family cognition and how the lead to presenting problem. A CBFT therapist would bring to light some of the false cognitions that the family has embraced and help them explore new ways of looking at the challenges that bring to therapy.

 

System concepts= A system refers to any group of interconnected parts. Examples include families, group of people who work together, whole communities, companies, and government organizations. The human body can even be considered a system because it includes many different parts that are all interconnected the behavior of each part as affected by and has an impact on the other parts.

 

Application, you will need to learn how each system-based concept can be applied in your clinical work; you will develop a lens that you will use to look at the world, the application of such lens will probably influence not only your clinical work, but your whole, creating a paradigm shift in how your experience your relational connections with the world.

 

Adaptation each part is capable of continually adapting to what is doing by responding to what is happening elsewhere within the system. You would not consider a stack of book or a pile of laundry to be a system because the parts cannot continually adjust their behaviors in response to each other the fact that the parts of a system can continually adapt their behavior gives system a very special feature; they are dynamic which mean system in involve the ongoing movement and adjustment of their part