Pre award and Post award Issues in Contract Management & Procurement

Question: Discuss about the Pre-award and Post-award Issues in Contract Management and Procurement. Answer: Introduction The Contract management and the procurement have the best strategy and the practices applied for the monitoring and documenting the performance. The guidelines over the strategies and to the issues majorly cover the long term services on the contract basis. It usually covers all the areas for the delivering the services, managing the relationships, contracting administration services, improvements made in seeking the performances and managing the changes. While the main focus on the guidelines based on the contracts and to the commercial providers is to the follow the major principles based on the guidance which is equally applicable to the arrangements with the in-house providers and to public sectors. Effective procurement is the best way of practicing and becoming an important factor in the Health department. It is the process that mainly ensures both the parties for to fulfil the desires meet to their respective obligations effectively and efficiently. Contract Management and Procurement Contract Management can be defined as the continuous reviews and the management of the contractual terms or the services which is been specified to all the service level agreements which is been secured through the procurement process for ensuring about the outcomes agreed are be delivered by the suppliers and partners. Health contract management and governance have the limited resources and largely ineffective when the issues were unaddressed. Procurement It can be defined as the process of the acquiring the goods and services. It helps in processing the whole cycle of the organisation from identification of the needs from the end process of the services for the end of the useful life of the asset and its disposal. It has the main concerned for securing the goods and services that fulfils the best needs of the users and towards the local community in order to achieve the main object and fulfilling all the priorities (Shaw et al., 2013). Pre-Award Issues Health development and their management staff work according to the given program offices to develop the program offices according to the development of the opportunities. It is the key communication between the applicants and the health security staff during the pre-awarded process. The information is been collected on the basis of submission of the task which is generally been collected regarding to the applications for the prior knowledge to award for the level of efforts etc. Generally, the organisation have the equal ratio of getting the risks and it is basic to prevent from the risks, if it gets fail to identify the risks and to overcome from it, the potential benefits are lost. The procurement has led for identifying and initializing for addressing many issues and being raised in the contract (Petsoulas et al., 2014). Health is taking an initiative for initialising and performing all the essential activities to ensure the superior oversight over the agreements. Issues The various issues were raised due to unclear policies and procedures made when the process was initiated. Difficulty was cause due to the issues and the Procurement delegations regarding to the Contract depending on its nature and value. The main issue was been raised on and mainly affected due to: Governance and accountability for the management of the contract was poor due to Lack of Documentation The arrangements made regarding to the fundamental contract management were not properly established. Mis-management and inefficient monitoring of the contract management plan Guidelines provided regarding the implementation of the contract were not applied properly during the implementation phase Performance was based on the Data centre availability, management of the incidence, accuracy and timely updating the configuration of the management database, accuracy in the billing (Sampson et al., 2012). Root cause of issues The main concept of the contract management and the procurement was been designed on the basis of delivering the various services and the activities. The organisation was involved with the large contracts made between the government and to the private sector that must have the continue process of doing the work well. Because of this organisation is ready and willing to provide the facilities and the services to the government. The possible benefits of the arrangements made are undeniable (Wye et al., 2015). However these services were not presented during the delivery time. Analysis on the Pre-award Issues The arrangements was made at the initial level before implementing the services was not properly initiated due to the lack of the skills which were unable to identify the necessities of the health department for having the proper usability of the computing services. There were less number of specialists and they too failed to identify and to implement the main objectives and the goal with the proper strategies and designed solution. There was no appropriate management for monitoring the contract performance and to cover the entire data centre for operating and monitoring to the sole data centre for ensuring about the disaster recovery and to the services which mainly lack in the essential capacity of the health care department. For this the earlier action was not recognised because of the undedicated management. The specialist was not in the practice when the contract was commenced (Checkland et al., 2013). The guidelines which was specified and mentioned was not followed properly during the delivery time of the services been made because the plan which was designed by the management expertise were unable to access the potential risks and mitigating the effects been made and to identify the potential risks on the basis of the recording and monitoring of the contract to the purchased IT equipments. Performance based on the inadequacy of the contract failed to the delivery of the services and to the periodic performance were mainly have the different aspects of covering the different aspects of the contract. The provision of the database was not appropriate as they were not updating the database and to store the current data into the database was failed due to the configuration was not made on time and it was not accurately accessed by the managers. The analysis was made on the inaccuracy of the billing as it was not made on the time been specified in the contract (Taylor-Phillips et al., 2014). Post-Award Issues Post award is been referred when the awards been received and the research is done on the basis of the issues been raise. It is been raised due to the bad impacts of the poor planning. The contractors ensured that they will assist the best quality of services to the organisation that complies with the terms and conditions but they intently failed to deliver because of lack of management and resources which had a bigger impact on the loss of huge costs and to the organisation budgets. Issues The Services provided by the contractors were inadequate and incapable of addressing the demands of the health care system. Lack of Inter-changeability between the system Contractors was unable to update the description of the solution by 6 months Knowledge Management was not according to the contract terms. Tracking of the assets and management was not properly managed. Analysis on the Post-award issues System design was not dedicated to perform the operations and the ability of the data centre were unable for the best practices between the data centres Development of the Specifications was essential to have the clear specifications so as to overcome from the risks of the contract disputes, cost blow outs and from the poor outcomes (Wye et al., 2015). Due to the poor documentation meant that contractors were unable to determine the extent of the various level of delivering the services regarding to the various executives level of health. Knowledge management is an integral part of the business management, it is essential that a provision is made for the knowledge management within the system; Moreover the system was not having the appropriate provision. It was not been dealt according to the specified terms and conditions during the contract time. Tracking of the organisation asset was not functionalised and even the tracking cost was not appropriate to monitor the contract expenditure on time. The analysis was also made on the tracking cost against the budget because the variations were made continuously to the cost (Gridley et al., 2012). Conclusion The organisation should be aware of the large contracts made between the government and to the private sector that must have the continue process of doing the work well. Government are unable to deliver the skills and capabilities to deliver the services. Because of this organisation is ready and willing to provide the facilities and the services to the government. The possible benefits of the arrangements made are undeniable. Generally they have the equal ratio of getting the risks and it is necessary to prevent from the risks, if it gets fail to identify the risks and to overcome from it, the potential benefits are lost. Health IT branch is managing all the operational activities so as the same things should not appear in the near future. References Checkland, K., Coleman, A., McDermott, I., Segar, J., Miller, R., Petsoulas, C., Wallace, A., Harrison, S. and Peckham, S., 2013. Primary care-led commissioning: applying lessons from the past to the early development of clinical commissioning groups in England.Br J Gen Pract,63(614), pp.e611-e619. Gridley, K., Spiers, G., Aspinal, F., Bernard, S., Atkin, K. and Parker, G., 2012. Can general practitioner commissioning deliver equity and excellence? Evidence from two studies of service improvement in the English NHS.Journal of health services research policy,17(2), pp.87-93. Petsoulas, C., Allen, P., Checkland, K., Coleman, A., Segar, J., Peckham, S. and Mcdermott, I., 2014. Views of NHS commissioners on commissioning support provision. Evidence from a qualitative study examining the early development of clinical commissioning groups in England.BMJ open,4(10), p.e005970. Petsoulas, C., Allen, P., Checkland, K., Coleman, A., Segar, J., Peckham, S. and Mcdermott, I., 2014. Views of NHS commissioners on commissioning support provision. Evidence from a qualitative study examining the early development of clinical commissioning groups in England.BMJ open,4(10), p.e005970. Sampson, F., O'cathain, A., Strong, M., Pickin, M. and Esmonde, L., 2012. Commissioning processes in primary care trusts: a repeated cross-sectional survey of health care commissioners in England.Journal of Health Services Research Policy,17(1_suppl), pp.31-39. Shaw, S.E., Smith, J.A., Porter, A., Rosen, R. and Mays, N., 2013. The work of commissioning: a multisite case study of healthcare commissioning in England9s NHS.BMJ open,3(9), p.e003341. Smith, J. and Woodin, J., 2011. Purchasing healthcare.Healthcare management,2. Taylor-Phillips, S., Clarke, A., Grove, A., Swan, J., Parsons, H., Gkeredakis, E., Mills, P., Powell, J., Nicolini, D., Roginski, C. and Scarbrough, H., 2014. Coproduction in commissioning decisions: is there an association with decision satisfaction for commissioners working in the NHS? A cross-sectional survey 2010/2011.BMJ open,4(6), p.e004810. Wye, L., Brangan, E., Cameron, A., Gabbay, J., Klein, J.H. and Pope, C., 2015. Knowledge exchange in health-care commissioning: case studies of the use of commercial, not-for-profit and public sector agencies, 201114. Wye, L., Brangan, E., Cameron, A., Gabbay, J., Klein, J.H., Anthwal, R. and Pope, C., 2015. What do external consultants from private and not-for-profit companies offer healthcare commissioners? A qualitative study of knowledge exchange.BMJ open,5(2), p.e006558.

PREFACE In An Extensive Article In The Summer-Autumn 1990 Issue Of Top

PREFACE In an extensive article in the Summer-Autumn 1990 issue of "Top Secret", Prof J. Segal and Dr. L. Segal outline their theory that AIDS is a man-made disease, originating at Pentagon bacteriological warfare labs at Fort Detrick, Maryland. "Top Secret" is the international edition of the German magazine Geheim and is considered by many to be a sister publication to the American Covert Action Information Bulletin (CAIB). In fact, Top Secret carries the Naming Names column, which CAIB is prevented from doing by the American government, and which names CIA agents in different locations in the world. The article, named "AIDS: US-Made Monster" and subtitled "AIDS - its Nature and its Origins," is lengthy, has a lot of professional terminology and is dotted with footnotes. AIDS FACTS "The fatal weakening of the immune system which has given AIDS its name (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome)," write the Segals, "has been traced back to a destruction or a functional failure of the T4- lymphocytes, also called 'helper cells`, which play a regulatory role in the production of antibodies in the immune system." In the course of the illness, the number of functional T4- cells is reduced greatly so that new anti-bodies cannot be produced and the defenceless patient remains exposed to a range of infections that under other circumstances would have been harmless. Most AIDS patients die from opportunistic infections rather than from the AIDS virus itself. The initial infection is characterized by diarrhea, erysipelas and intermittent fever. An apparent recovery follows after 2-3 weeks, and in many cases the patient remains without symptoms and functions normally for years. Occasionally a swelling of the lymph glands, which does not affect the patient's well-being, can be observed. After several years, the pre-AIDS stage, known as ARC (Aids- Related Complex) sets in. This stage includes disorders in the digestive tract, kidneys and lungs. In most cases it develops into ful l-blown AIDS in about a year, at which point opportunistic illnesses occur. Parallel to this syndrome, disorders in various organ systems occur, the most severe in the brain, the symptoms of which range from motoric disorders to severe dementia and death. This set of symptoms, say the Segals, is identical in every detail with the Visna sickness which occurs in sheep, mainly in Iceland. (Visna means tiredness in Icelandic). However, the visna virus is not pathogenic for human beings. The Segals note that despite the fact that AIDS is transmitted only through sexual intercourse, blood transfusions and non- sterile hypodermic needles, the infection has spread dramatically. During the first few years after its discovery, the number of AIDS patients doubled every six months, and is still doubling every 12 months now though numerous measures have been taken against it. Based on these figures, it is estimated that in the US, which had 120,000 cases of AIDS at the end of 1988, 900,000 peopl e will have AIDS or will have died of it by the end of 1991. It is also estimated that the number of people infected is at least ten times the number of those suffering from an acute case of AIDS. That in the year 1995 there will be between 10-14 million cases of AIDS and an additional 100 million people infected, 80 percent of them in the US, while a possible vaccination will not be available before 1995 by the most optimistic estimates. Even when such vaccination becomes available, it will not help those already infected. These and following figures have been reached at by several different mainstream sources, such as the US Surgeon General and the Chief of the medical services of the US Army. "AIDS does not merely bring certain dangers with it; it is clearly a programmed catastrophe for the human race, whose magnitude is comparable only with that of a nuclear war", say the Segals. " They later explain what they mean by "programmed," showing that the virus was produced by humans, namely Dr. Robert Gallo of the Bethesda Cancer Research Center in Maryland. When proceeding to prove their claims, the Segals are careful to note that: "We have given preference to the investigative results of highly renowned laboratories, whose objective contents cannot be doubted. We must emphasize, in this

Wreck, Wreak, and Other [rek] Words

Wreck, Wreak, and Other [rek] Words Wreck, Wreak, and Other [rek] Words Wreck, Wreak, and Other [rek] Words By Maeve Maddox I saw this in an article about caring for a laptop: If you store your laptop in the vehicle for any period of time, keep in mind that the extreme temperature ranges within the vehicle could wreck havoc with your laptop. Its not the first time Ive seen the word wreck substituted for wreak in the expression wreak havoc. Both words have similar origins, but in modern usage they are pronounced differently and have different meanings. wreak [reek] v. to bring about, inflict, as in wreak havoc, wreak vengeance wreck [reck] v. to cause ruin or damage wreck [reck] n. something that has been ruined The Old English verb wrecan meant to drive, drive out, avenge. Old Norse had a similar word. In Anglo-French these words evolved into a noun, wrec meaning goods cast ashore after a shipwreck, flotsam. The word reckless has a different origin. The Old English word reccan (past tense rohte) meant to care, to trouble about, heed. From it came a noun, rece meaning care. A reckless person doesnt care what happens. The word reckon comes from another OE verb spelled reccan (past tense reahte). This one meant to expound, relate. One still talks about reckoning accounts, or, in a metaphorical sense, the Final Reckoning. I reckon is a dialect expression for I guess, I suppose. Then theres reek. reek [reek] n. a bad smell reek [reek] v. to emit a bad smell The Old English word rec meant smoke from burning material. Reek acquired the sense of stench in the 17th century. So, back to the words that inspired this article: the next time you want to wreak havoc, dont wreck your credibility by misspelling or mispronouncing wreak. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Cost-Effective vs. Cost-EfficientConnotations of 35 Words for Funny PeopleHow Long Should a Synopsis Be?

American Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy

American Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy Pragmatism and analytic philosophy are considered to be the two famous traditions in American philosophy. Analytic philosophy started its development in the XX century and spread over numerous English-speaking countries in several years. American pragmatism is one of the tendencies, which considerably influenced the rise of analytic philosophy in the whole world. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on American Pragmatism and Analytic Philosophy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More American philosophy attracts the attention of many people and is respected by the other cultures and philosophies. Together, analytic philosophy and pragmatism become one of the most unique American movements, which differ in many ways from European philosophy at one and the same period of time and deserve recognition and respect. Charles Peirce was a father of pragmatism and presented the pragmatic maxim at the end of the 19 century. â€Å"Pragmati sm, especially in the hands of Peirce, has strong affinities with analytic philosophy and thereby prepared the ground for the latter’s favourable reception from the 1930s onwards.† (Glock 2008) It is necessary to admit that pragmatism was also contrasted with analytic philosophy and even connected to continental one. According to Peirce, pragmatism was a movement that rejected all ideas of subjectivism and underlined the importance of real effects and truth. Taking into consideration that analytic philosophy grounds on the ideas that all arguments are crucially important for people, it is quite possible to unite pragmatism and analytic philosophy and prove their power, sense, and uniqueness. The representatives of American analytic philosophy believe that they can achieve the desirable goals and comprehend the essence of this life be means of analysis of language and respect to all natural science. American people are considered to be rather practical; they prefer to u se clear and strong evidences in order to prove their points of view. In such cases, their words will be hardly called in questions, and the vast majority of people will easily accept their ideas. With the help of the ideas taken from natural sciences, their thorough analysis, and concentration of truth, American philosophers can easily present the necessary arguments and amaze the people all over the world. Lots of European philosophers consider pragmatism as the way of how Americans deal with truth, their knowledge, and evidences. They also find out a deep connection between analytic philosophy and pragmatism as they have the same goals, standpoints, and a certain connection to science. Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Such intentions to grasp the truth and follow only reliable ways during life raise American philosophy considerably. Nowadays, American philosophy is assoc iated with American pragmatism that may easily criticize all traditional philosophical ideas with the help of scientific and even social developments. Lots of people still believe that â€Å"pragmatism is the only unique contribution American philosophy has made to the tradition known as Western philosophy.† (Hammer 2003) However, it is necessary to admit that without proper contribution of analytic philosophy, pragmatism will hardly achieve the success that American philosophy has nowadays. People need to believe in something, and they need to have certain concepts to rely on. This is why the traditions, offered by the representatives of pragmatism and analytic philosophy such as Charles Peirce, William James, and John Dewey, significance of arguments, and truth turn out to be rather unique and important for Americans, distinguish American philosophy from the other countries, nations, and their traditions, and make a lot of European philosopher respect the chosen approaches . Reference List Glock, H. J. (2008). What Is Analytic Philosophy? Cambridge University Press. Hammer, M. G. (2003). American Pragmatism: A Religious Genealogy. Oxford University Press US. Outline Introduction Main Body: Pragmatism Analytic Philosophy European Attitude to American Philosophy Conclusion

Human Resource procedures Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Human Resource procedures - Assignment Example Responding to this phenomenon, the tutor who is responsible for the Human Resource Management course of Swinburne University has tried to teach students in regard to both the theoretical and practical aspects of HR activities and processes. A series of tasks has been developed within the classroom for helping the students to understand the nature of HR procedures and their contribution in practicing HR activities. The Classroom activities related to the above course are presented below. The literature published in this field has been also employed for explaining the value of HR procedures and the challenges that a person who aims to work in this area is expected to face. Section A - HR procedures used in practicing HR activities HR procedures – overview HR procedures are partially standardized. This means that the forms of HR procedures used worldwide tend to be similar, based on frameworks and principles that have only minor differences. There is no specific definition in reg ard to HR processes. Rather, the role and the characteristics of these processes can be understood by checking their position in the context of HR management. The HR management, as a concept, has a series of functions, which are divided into categories, such as ‘political, environmental, social and so on’ (Mathis and Jackson 2010, p.6). ... Selection process The selection process has a vital role: it aims to identify the level at which a candidate is appropriate for a particular role, i.e. whether the candidate meets the requirements of a position, as these requirements have been already set using the Job Analysis Process (Armstrong 2012). The success of the selection process is depended on the effectiveness of the schemes chosen for developing the above process. Interviews are commonly used as a tool for selecting employees (Armstrong 2012). Interviews have been related to a series of advantages: a) the interviewer has the chance for a face-to-face discussion with the candidate, a condition that it is necessary in order to check the candidate’s perceptions in regard to a series of issues and to understand his readiness to identify solutions for emergent problems, as these problems can be set, as examples, by the interviewer (Armstrong 2012); b) through the interview the interviewer is able to check whether the c andidate would fit in the business environment and in the position to which the interview refers (Armstrong 2012), c) during the interview the candidate has the chance to set questions in regard to the organizational environment and the characteristics/ demands of the particular position (Armstrong 2012). However, the interview has also certain disadvantages, such as the excessive dependency on the interviewer’s skills and the risk of developing false impression for the suitability of a candidate for a specific position (Armstrong 2012). The risks to which interviews are exposed could be minimized by using structured interviews, i.e. ‘interviews based on a defined framework’ (Armstrong 2012, p.230). It should be noted that in each

Breach of Confidentiality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Breach of Confidentiality - Essay Example This means that a physician cannot reveal any information of the patient during the course of treatment unless under the patients approval. The essence of physician’s responsibility is to preserve patients’ confidentiality, and help them to be open and able to give all the information regarding their health status. This is done with the assurance that the physician will safeguard such personal information. The honest revelation by the patient provides for a proper and effective treatment of the condition. There are, however, exemptions, for instance, if a patient may hurt others or himself or herself. A breach of confidentiality refers to the revelation of the patients’ medical information to another person without the patients’ permission by a physician or medical health expert. The revelation can be electronically, through word of mouth, or through writing. Thus, the physician’s responsibility of safeguarding the patients’ medical records sometimes has to relent to the interests of the whole. Â  In Estate of Behringer v Princeton Medical Centre (1990), the late Behringer, working as a surgeon at the medical centre, suffered from AIDS. Behringer received treatment from the same hospital. His chart containing information about his diagnosis was not safeguarded at the nurses’ location on the floor where it was kept. The exposure of the information on his diagnosis revealed his medical condition, making the hospital necessitate his patients to sign a form recognizing the dangers to their health. Eventually, this resulted to the deferral of the doctor’s surgical rights (McHale, 1993). The inability of the hospital to protect his personal medical information led to Behringer’s estate suing the hospital for breach of confidentiality. The breach of confidentiality occurred in the sense that the hospital was supposed to safeguard the chart containing the surgeon’s diagnosis information. However, they instead left the chart

Ethical Theories Essay Example for Free

Ethical Theories Essay A virtue is a trait of a certain person that is valued as being good from a particular point of view and answers the question of what actions are moral and what are not. Also, morality is the basis of being ethically correct and good. There had been several different ethical theories that exist in the society and each having different standards or basis for morality. One of the well known theories in the contemporary time in the field is virtue ethics which is one of the 3 major normative ethics approaches.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Virtue ethics originated in the ancient Greek times that takes inspiration from the works of the Greek philosopher, Aristotle while other theories in virtue ethics also incorporate elements from the works of Hume, Plato, Aquinas and as well as Nietzsche. Basically, virtue ethics gives importance on the character of a person.   Thus, it is the character of a person that is the key element and the basis of being good or morally correct rather than laws/rules or even the consequences or outcome brought about by a particular action.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to virtue ethics, we should look at the character of a person rather than his or her duties and actions. It is how one can be better person that is given emphasis rather than the right thing to do. It is easy to live a virtuous life according to Aristotle and that the main reason for those who do so is to be happy. Thus, a virtuous life gives happiness which is the main or ultimate goal of every human being according to virtue ethics.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to become a better person, virtue ethics suggest that one must practice virtuous acts on a regular basis. These acts will eventually become habitual and thus, making the habit of doing such acts as a natural day to day activity which in the long run, will make the person a better being. Thus, the ultimate aim of the particular person is to make people happy. Virtue ethics suggests that a person living a virtuous life will eventually do virtuous things not only to be happy but as well as to make people happy which in turn will be their main objective and goal in life of a virtues person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Virtue ethics also assumes that all humans have capacities that are inherited and that, as stated earlier, actions that could improve these capacities are considered as ethical and those that hinder the improvement of these capacities are not, that is, if an action is able to develop the potential of the particular person, it is the morally right thing to do and otherwise, morally wrong. These, inherited potentials, according to ethical theories are wisdom and intelligence and so, in order to live a virtues life, we must be able to develop our wisdom and intelligence. Thus, rather than trying to define goodness or righteousness, improving one’s character is given the importance and is the basis of ethically good actions and is virtue ethics’ central theme.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     By giving emphasis on the person’s being rather than actions, virtue ethics aims to achieve something that is genuinely wanted by the person rather than focusing on the incoherent ideas about the after-life which are found to be arguable. It is said that virtue ethics is applicable to all, can easily be understood and fits into both dos and don’ts of philosophies and as well as religion. Therefore, it is like a combination of both religion and philosophy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Every ethical theory suggests standards of morality and according to virtue ethics, right actions are the results of being a moral person. It is by becoming a moral person that we will eventually know what actions are righteous from what are wrong and thus, we flourished as human beings. Virtue ethics also suggests that virtue is an important and admirable human characteristic just as courage and kindness. Virtue ethics also suggests that a good society is a result and accomplishments of virtuous people in that particular community. Thus, it can be said the virtue ethics is far more different than other ethical theories present such as Consequentialism that focuses on the results of a certain actions or Deontology that focuses on certain rules and duties of every individual as set by the society. Consequentialism would ask what actions will bring the most benefit and the least harm to the persons that are involved and will be affected by the action. On the other hand, Deontology will ask what actions are approved by the society and that are accordance to the moral rules or laws as dictated by the society or culture. Still, as mentioned earlier, virtue ethics does not focus on the action itself or on the result of that action or even in the set of rules that are present in the society but rather, on the character of the person involved in making the decision. By evaluating the points of these ethical theories, it can be said that all have their own strength and as well as weak points when it comes to decision making and one cannot be considered as superior to the other. Still, taking either side will also be dependent on the points of view of the person making the decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One problem with virtue ethics is that it is mostly not applicable or of little help to persons who are facing dilemma. The same thing also goes for Consequentialism and Deontology.   If for example, you can save a friend by lying to a certain person or group, would lying be the action by a virtuous man or is it considered as a simple lie that a virtuous man should avoid? In this case, it can be said that virtue ethics cannot be applied and does not help the person in making a decision.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another problem faced by virtue ethics is that it cannot justify a certain problem for doing so would require a basis of what is moral. In this case, the decision on which virtues are considered morally correct and which are not are has to be made which is definitely a hard thing to do. Thus justifying certain actions based on what virtues are moral and what are not are still a big question.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, it can also be said that the one of the distinct strength of virtue ethics is that it gives emphasis on the connection between our characters and our acts. It also views our character as whole and unified rather than treating each as isolated when it comes to making ethical decisions. Thus, a person’s virtue is considered as a totality and not as fragment of different aspects and that one character/trait is not isolated from the other. Thus, virtue ethics looks at the individual, something that most ethical theories fail to do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is no absolute theory that exists in which all will agree that it is definitely the right standard of living a virtuous life. Thus, every theory has its own critique and opponents. This is because of the difference in the experiences, knowledge and points of view of every individual, being unique in different ways. Thus, an ultimate theory can never really exist. The actions that must be taken by every individual defends on both his or her experiences and values together with the situation at hand and no theory will be able to solely suggest what ought to be and not be done. Therefore, decision making is not just a matter of theories and principles but of experiences, knowledge of the situation and of the people involved and the complete being of a person making the decision. Reference Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2000). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved April 28, 2008   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/#3