Analysis of Great Global Warming Swindle

The Great Global Warming Swindle (GGWS) is a controversial documentary on climate change by British television producer Martin Durkin1. It first aired on the BBCs channel 4 on March 8, 20072. This documentary argues against conventional scientific understanding of the degree and cause of recent, observed climate change. The overwhelming view amongst climate scientists is that twentieth century global warming is largely due to an increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases resulting from increased industrialization during the last 100- 150 years.His program collides sharply with the premise outlined in former Vice President Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary, â€Å"An Inconvenient Truth,† which presents a bleak picture of how a buildup in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide affects the global climate, with potentially disastrous consequences. Durkin presents an alternative view that recent global warming is neither significant nor due to human activity.The documentary does not attempt to argue the latter view through any critical deconstruction of climate science orthodoxies. Rather, it contends that modern climate scientists are at best seriously misguided in their collective opinion on the nature and causes of global warming, or are at worst guilty of lying to the rest of the community. Publicity for the documentary leans heavily towards the latter, stating that global warming is â€Å"the biggest scam of modern times†.The documentary uses a series of techniques to shake the viewer’s belief in current orthodox understanding and to present an amenable contrary viewpoint. Several experts, labeled as ‘authoritative’, are interviewed to lend credibility to the documentary.These commentators are presented as ‘insiders’ who cast doubt on the integrity   of climate change science and the IPCC assessment process that has led to current orthodox understanding. Alternate scientific contentions are presented in a credible way by selectively presenting facts and heightening uncertainties without context or by specious reference to the actual published science. The motivation and morality of scientists driving current orthodox understanding is questioned through aspersions that are conspiratorial in nature.Many of the people that were interviewed did not have the proper credentials and were under qualified. For example, Patrick Moore is a Canadian Professor who has no training in climate science. He makes public statements in favor of genetic engineering and logging in the Amazon. In 1986 Moore had an altercation with Greenpeace and has since put most of his energies into undermining the arguments of environmentalists, particularly his former colleagues. His main claims involve the idea that environmentalists ‘treat humans as scum’.In the 1990s, Moore worked as a consultant for the British Columbian Timber Products Association, undermining the attempts of Greenpeace to preserve fo rests. Also various large corporations and companies paid many of the people that were interviewed off. Fred Singer is a retired Professor from the University of Virginia and has never had an article accepted for a peer reviewed scientific journal in the last 20 years. He has argued that CFCs do not cause Ozone Depletion. There are numerous scientific studies that disprove his ludacris assertion. In 1990, Singer founded ‘The Science and Environment Policy project’, which contradicts climate science and has received direct funding from Exxon, Shell, Unocal and ARCO 2000.Patrick Michaels is another such person interviewed in The Great Global Warming Swindle. He is one of the most prominent climate change skeptics in the US and made the claim (in the movie) â€Å"I’ve never been paid a nickel by the old and gas companies†. This is actually not true as according to journalist Ross Gebspan, Michaels has received direct funding from German Coal Mining Associatio n ($49,000), Edison Electric Institute ($15,000), and the Western Fuels Association ($63,000), which is one of the post powerful funders of Global Warming Skeptics in the US. However, one of the more credible people interviewed in the movie was Richard Lindzen.He is a meteorology professor at MIT and is known as one of the most reputable climate change skeptics in the US. Some of his most notable claims include those published in the Wall Street Journal in June 2011 maintaining that â€Å"there is no consensus, unanimous or otherwise, about long-term climate trends or what causes them†. Lindzen is known to charge oil and coal interests 2,500 USD a day for his consulting services and in 1991, he testified in front of a senate committee, after receiving funding from the company Western Fuels. He is a member of the  Advisory Council of the Annapolis Center for Science Based Public Policy which receives a large proportion of its funding from Exxon Mobil.In summary the documenta ry is not scientifically sound and presents a flawed and very misleading interpretation of the science. While giving the impression of being based on peer-reviewed science, much of the material presented is either out-of-date, already discredited or of uncertain origin. A number of the graphs and figures used in the documentary are not based on any known or published climate data, while others are presented schematically, and hence may confuse and mislead the viewer.The general arguments in the movie are; that climate change is a natural occurrence, that Global temperature actually dropped during the period of greatest anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions, that carbon dioxide is not a significant greenhouse gas that the greenhouse effect isn’t being enhanced and that carbon dioxide concentration increases do not cause increased temperature. The format of the documentary itself is sound in that it shows the opinions of various source, the problem is that the interviews were taken out of context and visual imagery was often manipulated.The documentary attempts to support the claim that temperatures were higher in the recent past with the graph ‘Temp – 1000 Years’ – attributed to the â€Å"IPCC†. This graph purports to show global average temperature between AD 900 and â€Å"now†, with the highest values recorded between about 1100 and 1300 (labeled as â€Å"Medieval Warm Period†).The graph is actually reproduction of a schematic diagram published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its First Assessment Report in 1990 (Figure 2). It is important to note that this schematic is largely based upon early reconstructions of European temperature changes such as that of Lamb (1988). Critically, the 1990 IPCC Report cautioned, â€Å"it is still not clear whether all the fluctuations indicated were truly global†, and underlying the fact that neither regional temperature averages nor tem perature records from single locations can be used as proxies for global temperature.This 17 year-old graph has been superseded by numerous more recent studies, with the IPCC successively publishing updated records of â€Å"near global†Ã‚  temperature in its Second Assessment Report in 1995, its Third Assessment Report in 2001, and its Fourth Assessment Report in 2007. The most up-to- date figure for the Northern Hemisphere, from IPCC (2007), is reproduced in Figure 3, which shows 12 different reconstructions. These consistently show that, for the Northern Hemisphere, the past century is exceptionally warm, and that the warmth of recent decades clearly exceeds that of the Medieval Warm Period in all cases.The United States National Academies published a report in 2006 (NAS 2006) that reviewed the published scientific evidence on surface temperature reconstructions for the last 2000 years. It found that â€Å"evidence for regional warmth during medieval times [centered around AD 1000] can be found in a diverse but more limited set of records including ice cores, tree rings, marine sediments, and historical sources from Europe and Asia, but the exact timing and duration of warm periods may have varied from region to region, and the magnitude and geographic extent of the warmth are uncertain†.Based on a review of the scientific literature, the report concluded â€Å"none of the large-scale surface temperature reconstructions show medieval temperatures as warm as the last few decades of the 20th century.† Very clearly, the documentary has misrepresented the early IPCC figure, and ignored all IPCC updates to this figure. The analyses published by the IPCC strongly contradict the documentary. Another such scientific inaccuracy is the claim that the rising temperatures of the planet stared to plateau around 1940 and then didn’t continue to rise again until 1970, and therefore that this represents evidence that human activities don’t influence the climate.This is clearly a tactic employed by the movie’s makers and interviewees to manipulate the audience as the logic behind this is very flawed. The years leading up to and during the second World War were a time of great industrialization for many countries in the northern hemisphere (which contains a majority of the Earth’s landmass), causing large amounts of carbon dioxide to be pumped into the atmosphere. This industrialization also created a large amount of pollutants that stayed in the lower atmosphere which reflect incoming sunlight back into space, thereby causing temporary cooling.These lower level pollutants, including sulphate aerosols only have residency times of a few months (as opposed to about 100 years for  C02) and therefore warming resumes (refer to figure 1 in appendix). The current data from the IPCC shows that since then, the temperature has been increasing faster than it has in the last 10,000 years17. While there were clearly many attempts at manipulations and scientific errors in the Global Warming Swindle, there were a few valid points that were made. The argument that Global warming is (in some cases) being used in such a way that keeps developing countries from the rapid development needed to create better standards of living for the general population in a valid one.It is very simple for the theory to be used in a way that makes actions such as preventing the use of fossil fuels in developing countries seem valid, despite the fact that this often a necessary step in the development process. Developed countries currently emit a vast majority of global greenhouse emissions and the media frequently depicts countries such as China and India as the colloquially termed ‘bad guys’ because they refuse to maintain the necessary reductions in greenhouse emissions. The movie showed a short clip of an interview in a hospital in a rural area of an developing countries where the power from a solar p anel was clearly not enough to power the hospital. Such instances are common in rural areas of Africa where NGOs, in an attempt to reduce Global emissions, install inappropriate technologies.The movie is also has a sound format in that it is in documentary ‘style’ (disregarding the validity of the points presented), and it shows clips from various different scientists and Climate skeptics in different fields. Climate change Skeptic Bjorn Lomborg has been criticized for using very few researchers belonging to a very narrow spectrum of fields to validate his claims18. In comparison, The Global Warming Swindle has presented a decent number of sources and ‘experts’. The general format was also such that it intertwined interviews, narration and visual aids. This method is quite effective in maintaining the interest of the audience throughout the movie.The inaccuracies presented in Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ needed to be responded to an d the general idea of creating a documentary to address this issue was a good one. Al Gore only barely presented the other side of the argument and there are some very valid cases relating to the fact that Global Warming may not have anthropogenic causes. In fact, if the Global Warming Swindle is correct in its assertion that Global warming isn’t manmade then there really isn’t much  that can be done and our resources really would be better spent elsewhere and any real action would mean convincing every nation on Earth to cut down on fuel emissions-which data suggests, is unlikely.Despite these valid points, arguments can be made to the contrary, especially with consideration to their presentation and the omission of certain information. The Global Warming Swindle implies that there are official expectations for developing countries to cut emissions by the same amount as developed countries. This isn’t true. The Kyoto protocol explicitly stated that there was nothing expected from developing countries in this regard.This was yet another attempt to manipulate the audience into believing the producer’s agenda. The inclusion of this fact may have made the movie seem a little more credible and balanced but this information is omitted. For the most part, it is now understood that economic development has to go hand in hand with climate policy. There is currently no legitimate environmental movement that says that the worlds less developed should have their access to energy restricted. There is also a very valid argument to the effect that sustainable development is a possible route towards economic development.Regardless, even if sustainable development doesn’t occur, the use of fossil fuels for development in developing countries wouldn’t have a significant effect on the environment. Costs estimate that the upper bound for the annual cost of emissions reductions consistent with the stabilization of CO2 levels would equal about 1% of the world’s GDP by 205020. This shows that, despite the cost, continual development is possible and that these actions will prevent the possible occurrence of Global Warming related phenomena that could have a detrimental effect to global development. The issue about how scientists now use the theory of manmade global warming to fund their research is completely true. On the other hand, this is not a new phenomenon.In order to prove or disprove a theory, scientists need to find sources of funding for their research. Obviously using arguably the most in ‘vogue’ scientific issue of our time is an easy way to get funding. Before the theory of Global Warming was being researched, scientists still had to present their research and find modes of funding. Therefore using this as a way to argue that Global Warming isn’t the result of anthropogenic greenhouse gases seems a weak argument that is rather off topic.The Great Global Warming Swindle does not represent the current state of knowledge in climate science. Skepticism in science is a healthy thing, and the presence of orthodox scientific skepticism in climate change is ubiquitous. Many of the hypotheses presented in the Great Global Warming Swindle have been considered and rejected by due scientific process. This documentary is far from an objective, critical examination of climate science. Instead the Great Global Warming Swindle goes to great lengths to present outdated, incorrect or ambiguous data in such a way as to grossly distort the true understanding of climate change science, and to support a set of extremely controversial views.

I’m a child anorexic Essay

In 2006 the BBC made a documentary called ‘I’m a child anorexic’ (appendix 1) it focuses on â€Å"Rhodes Farm† – a treatment clinic in north London that specialises in children suffering from anorexia nervosa from girls as young as 12 years old. The programme follows the girls’ highs and lows at the clinic – the initial tantrums as they struggle to eat the foods they fear most, their interactions with staff, the friendships they make, their family dealings and then the tears of sadness when they finally have to leave. The documentary focuses primarily on the struggle of 2 young girls in particular, 12-year-old Natasha and 13-year-old Naomi. I have chosen this clip because as well as educating about anorexia in young girls, it does a brilliant job of illustrating different types of relationships the girls have with the people surrounding them during this difficult time. It portrays variances in communication between them and their families, carers and peers. It also reveals how the young girls are feeling during their time at the clinic and demonstrates examples of how they are made to feel isolated and different. Wherever you are and however you may be nobody likes to feel isolated and alone; being part of a community has a positive impact on your life. A sense of loneliness leads to feelings of sadness and anxiety, which consequently can complicate health problems. In health care settings in particular it is important that individuals feel a sense of belonging among other things. For this reason if progress is to be made by the girls at Rhodes Farm then is important that their care follows the ‘relationship-centred’ framework. This framework has been developed so that all participants (staff included) experience a sense of: security, belonging, continuity, purpose, achievement and significance (Nolan et al. 2006). Whilst this framework was designed with a focus on older people, the six senses have wider applicability to other clinical areas to. The concept is that if all these senses are met, then the care you are giving and receiving is at its highest possible level. Throughout the clip there are arious scenes that demonstrate how happy the girls are to have one another. It is extremely important, in their fragile states that they are not going through this journey alone and the fact that there are other girls of similar ages going through the same thing means that the girls can all relate to one another. This is important because it makes them conscious that they are not the only ones that are suffering with this illness. By establishing these close friendships the girls are achieving a sense of belonging within the clinic. Having others that are going through the same as them also gives them the security to know they are not alone, which helps to ease sadness and pain. It is through communication that we build these friendships. Effective mutual communication is of paramount importance. Research shows that in order to make a difference to children’s lives healthcare practitioners must be able to relate to the children, support them in making decisions, listen to them, and involve them. â€Å"Good communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential† (Nice 2012). There are numerous scenes in the clip where Dr Dee Dawson founder of Rhodes Farm (referred to as Dr D throughout) is seen talking directly to the girls, both individually and in group situations; and in my opinion she does not always demonstrate good communication or meet all the senses from the framework I have mentioned earlier. It can be very difficult to judge what a child understands or knows (NHS), and this is apparent when Dr D is talking to Naomi about her personal progress at the clinic. Dr D presumes that Naomi is aware about the calorific content of water, and by repeating her question and raising the tone and volume of her voice she appears to patronise Naomi quite significantly. This represents a distinct lack of empathy on Dr D’s part. Additionally what that caught my attention in this scene was how the majority of what Dr D has to say focuses on the negative aspects of Naomi’s journey; such as failing all her weekends away and how they feel she is keen to stay on, instead of picking up on the more positive aspects such as the meals she has eaten and the weight she may have gained. You also see in this scene that because of the emotional and cognitive impacts that the illness has on Naomi, alongside the pressure from Dr D, she really struggles to verbalise her feelings. This is validated when Naomi breaks down in tears. One of the key qualities central to therapeutic communication is the ability to truly ‘attend’ to the other person. This has been referred to as giving ‘free attention (Egan 1990). Heron (1975) described this as, â€Å"a subtle and intense activity of being present for the client. â€Å"Talking is the main ingredient in medical care and it is the fundamental instrument by which the doctor-patient relationship is crafted and by which therapeutic goals are achieved† (Rotter and Hall 1992). In the clip, there is a scene that shows Naomi being made to drink water, as punishment for her behaviour. What is interesting about this scene is the difference in communication and in the relationship between the carer and Naomi comp ared with that of Dr D. The carer uses a more healing style when talking to her, using more positive phrases such as, â€Å"you can do it,† and generally being more encouraging. She points out to Naomi what has already achieved in order to support her with what she has remaining. Carers are taught the basic principles of motivational interviewing (Miller and Rollnick, 1991). When people are hostile or hesitant to change the principles of this approach should be used. This approach can be summarised in the phrase ‘less is more’. Less serves as an acronym for the fundamental principles of this approach: listen, empathy not sympathy and sharing, af? rmation and support. Whitaker et al. 2005) Chitty and Black (2007, p. 218) explain that communication is the exchange of information, thoughts and ideas through verbal and non-verbal communication at the same time. They explain that verbal communication consists of entirely speech whereas non-verbal communication consists of gestures, postures, facial expressions, tone and level of volume. Children in particular once they have grown out of infancy, are acute observers of body language and the mood of ot hers. In the scene where Dr D is standing at the front of the room talking to the girls as a group I noticed that body language is evident from her and the girls. I also noted that she shows very little empathy or support towards them. In this scene the girls are sat at a lower level, they therefore need to look up to her as if she is more important than them. In doing this she is distancing herself from the girls. In their fragile conditions they already see her as the authoritative figure, and this positioning clarifies that further. You can see in the girl’s facial expressions that they lack interest in what she has to say; their faces appear jaded. There is little eye contact made between the doctor and the girls as the majority of them have their heads down; some have their faces in their hands, other are picking their nails. These are common signs of disinterest and anxiety. The language that Dr D uses here is derogatory and I imagine makes the girls feel even more alienated. She emphasises this by categorising them, using phrases such as, â€Å"you people† and referring to non-anorexic people as â€Å"normal people†. It is highlighted in studies how important it is to transfer warm, af? rming and respectful methods of communication however as seen in this clip Dr D seems neither warm nor affirming. I do not feel that she is seen to be being respectful of their low self-esteem and I do not see any example of her making an effort to be heartfelt or affectionate. To be able to identify and accommodate to the particular conversational practices of different social groups, you must have what Hymes calls ‘communicative competence’ (Hymes, 1972. This is a term used to describe a speaker’s potential for communicating effectively. Proficiency must be shown across a wide range of social, interpersonal and cultural contexts. This skill is a prerequisite for Dr D when communicating with these young girls and I would have thought that as the doctor who set up the clinic and therefore presumably has a keen interest in young people with this illness, that she would practice this theory in or der to engage with the girls more and make them feel more at home and comfortable. Studies show that an adult’s values and attitudes effect children close to them quite substantially, therefore it is vitally important that adults develop the insights; self-awareness and skills that are needed to guide the child, especially within a setting such as Rhodes Farm. From the day they are born children start to develop a sense of who they are. One of the main factors that contribute to their identities is relationships; this can be with family members, other adults and children, friends and other figures such as members of their community. As well as being a standard of ethical practice, finding out what children and young people are feeling, hoping, thinking, and fearing in regards to their treatment, as well as decision making which affects them directly is now a statuary requirement. (Department of Health 2002) Family are important in any environment where young children are involved as they create a balance between change and stability. In early 1960s when Bowlby and Robertson established that there were negative consequences to he well-being of a child that is hospitalised and recognition of the family as a unit increased (cited by Alsop-Shields and Mohay 2001). The concept of family-centred care (FCC) has become much more frequently used to describe a practice that identifies the family as the fundamental source of support. It also considers the deliberate involvement of the family essential to promote the health of all family members (Franck and Callery 2004, Shields et al. 2006). The classic view of parent – adolescent relationships is one of conflict, Anderson and Clarke (1982) opposed this view. In the scene where Natasha is about to go out for a meal with her father for the first time since being at the clinic, she is talking to the camera about how hard it is has been for her to spend time without seeing her family. In a situation where Natasha was not sick or separated from her family for a long amount of time, her feelings and reactions on this subject may not be the same. When the parents arrive at Rhodes Farm to see the girls, the girls run out to hug them. Research suggests that children of a young age rely on the support of their families. Through hugging the girls the parents show them love, affection and support. To feel secure, attention to the essential physiological and psychological needs need to be met and part of this can be done through hugging. In the clip when Natasha is alone with her father, I noticed that one of first thing that Natasha’s father tells her is how great she is looking. Giving children messages of love, approval, encouragement and above all respect, allows them to develop a positive sense of who they are. Sick children in particular need to feel this; it can be one of the factors that contribute towards a faster recovery. These messages give them the confidence to voice their own feelings, views and opinions and aid them in making their own choices when appropriate. In Natasha’s case this support her father is showing her could have a direct influence on the way she perceives herself and therefore speed up her recovery. As Faulkner (1998) stated: â€Å"To be able to communicate effectively with others is at the heart of all patient care. † All the relationships seen in this clip have an immediate and vast impact on the girls. Dr D demonstrates how not relating to the girls makes it hard for her to gain their attention and presumably respect. When she talks to them as a group they have little interest in what she has to say, when she has one of the girls on her own the girl struggles to verbalise her feelings, resulting in tears. The relationships between the girls are what keep them motivated and happy. Without these friendships I imagine that the girls would feel so much more isolated and less inspired to get better. The carer’s positive attitude and encouraging words are also key factors in making the girls feel safe giving them a sense of achievement and making them feel secure in these particular surrounding, The relationships between the father and daughter also gives the girl a sense of security as well as continuity. He is supporting her and showing love, which will give her the confidence she needs to get well. Within any type of relationship, especially within a care setting, it is imperative that the senses of belonging and security are met. Once these have been met, a trust is in place that makes communication much easier.

Net Present Value/Present Value Index

Net Present Value/Present Value Index The management team at Savage Corporation is evaluating two alternative capital investment opportunities. The first alternative, modernizing the company’s current machinery, costs $45,000. Management estimates the modernization project will reduce annual net cash outflows by $12,500 per year for the next five years. The second alternative, purchasing a new machine, costs $56,500. The new machine is expected to have a five-year useful life and a $4,000 salvage value. Management estimates the new machine will generate cash inflows of $15,000 per year.Savage’s cost of capital is 10%. Required a. Determine the present value of the cash flow savings expected from the modernization program. Using the data from Appendix on page 1169 of our text 15000*3. 790787 = 47,385, which should be the PV cash flow savings expected from the first option of modernization program. b. Determine the net present value of the modernization project. I believe the NPV of the 1st project is calculated by subtracting current machinery, costs $45,000 from the figure above which equals 2,385. 00 c. Determine the net present value of investing in the new machine.This is determined by valuing the future cash flows. Using the same appendix in table 2 data, annual cash flow of 15,000 * 3. 790787 =56862. 00 Salvage cost of 4,000 * . 620921 (table 3 on page 523) = 2484. 00 Total=59,346. 00 less the cost of machinery 56,500 = 2486. 00 as the NPV d. Use a present value index to determine which investment alternative will yield the higher rate of return. PI= $15,000*. 620921/56,500 = . 16 This investment is not acceptable because it has a PI of less than 1. 0 therefore the modernization project or the first alternative will have higher rate of return.Exercise 24-4A Determining the present value of an annuity The dean of the School of Social Science is trying to decide whether to purchase a copy machine to place in the lobby of the building. The machi ne would add to student convenience, but the dean feels compelled to earn an 8 percent return on the investment of funds. Estimates of cash inflows from copy machines that have been placed in other university buildings indicate that the copy machine would probably produce incremental cash inflows of approximately $8,000 per year.The machine is expected to have a three-year useful life with a zero salvage value. Required a. Use Present Value Table 1 in Appendix A to determine the maximum amount of cash the dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine. Years 1 – 3; where N = 1 r at 8%, N =2, [email  protected] 8%, N = 3 r @ 8% 8000*. 925926 = 7,407. 41 8000*. 857339 = 6,858. 71 8000*. 793832 = 6,350. 66 Present Value / Ordinary Annuity = ($) 20,617. 00 Present Value / Annuity-Due = ($) 22,266 b. Use Present Value Table 2 in Appendix A to determine the maximum amount of cash the dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine.Based on table 2 in appendix a, the maximum am ount of cash the Dean should be willing to pay for a copy machine is ($) 20,617. 00 c. Explain the consistency or lack of consistency in the answers to Requirements a & b. The consistency in the answers are so seeing that table 2 in appendix A appears to be the sum of the PV for each of the 3 years in table 1. Exercise 24-8A Determining the internal rate of return Medina Manufacturing Company has an opportunity to purchase some technologically advanced equipment that will reduce the company’s cash outflow for operating expenses by $1,280,000 per year.The cost of the equipment is $6,186,530. 56. Medina expects it to have a 10-year useful life and a zero salvage value. The company has established an investment opportunity hurdle rate of 15 percent and uses the straight-line method for depreciation. Required a. Calculate the internal rate of return of the investment opportunity. YearExplanationCash FlowDiscount Factor 1 (hurdle rate of 15)DiscountDiscount Factor 2Cash Flow @Disc ount 0Cost to purchase some technologically advanced equipment(6,186,530. 56)(6,186,530. 56) 1,280,0005. 01877$6,424,0264. 6565,959,680Net present value$$237,495($226,851) b. Indicate whether the investment opportunity should be accepted. The Internal Rate of Return appears to be higher than the established investment opportunity hurdle rate of 15 percent therefore it would be a good idea to accept this investment opportunity. Exercise 24-6A Determining net present value Travis Vintor is seeking part-time employment while he attends school. He is considering purchasing technical equipment that will enable him to start a small training services company that will offer tutorial services over the Internet.Travis expects demand for the service to grow rapidly in the first two years of operation as customers learn about the availability of the Internet assistance. Thereafter, he expects demand to stabilize. The following table presents the expected cash flows. Year of Operation Cash Infl ow Cash Outflow 2006 $5,400 $3,600 2007 7,800 4,800 2008 8,400 5,040 2009 8,400 5,040In addition to these cash flows, Mr. Vintor expects to pay $8,400 for the equipment. He also expects to pay $1,440 for a major overhaul and updating of the equipment at the end of the second year of operation. The equipment is expected to have a $600 salvage value and a four-year useful life. Mr. Vintor desires to earn a rate of return of 8 percent. Year ExplanationinflowsoutflowsNet Discount @8%Discounted 2006 beginningCost of equipment $ – $ 8,400 $ (8,400)1 $ (8,400) 2006Operational cash flows $ 5,400 $ 3,600 $ 1,800 0. 925926 $ 1,667 007Operational cash flows $ 7,800 $ 4,800 $ 3,000 0. 857339 $ 2,572 2007Major overhaul $ – $ 1,440 $ (1,440)0. 857339 $ (1,235) 2008Operational cash flows $ 8,400 $ 5,040 $ 3,360 0. 793832 $ 2,667 2009Operational cash flows $ 8,400 $ 5,040 $ 3,360 0. 73503 $ 2,470 2009Salvage value of equipment $ 600 $ – $ 600 0. 73503 $ 441 Net present value of Investment Opportunity $ 182 Required (Round computations to the nearest whole penny. ) a. Calculate the net present value of the investment opportunity. . Indicate whether the investment opportunity is expected to earn a return that is above or below the desired rate of return and whether it should be accepted. General rule with NPV is that if NPV of a prospective project is positive, it should be accepted. However, if NPV is negative it should not be accepted. The calculations, If correct present a positive NPV therefore the investment opportunity should be accepted. Problem 19-24A Assessing simultaneous changes in CVP relationships Green Shades Inc. (GSI) sells hammocks; variable costs are $75 each, and the hammocks are sold for $125 each.GSI incurs $250,000 of fixed operating expenses annually. Required a. Determine the sales volume in units and dollars required to attain a $50,000 profit. Sales = Contribution Margin per Unit = Revenues per Unit – Variable Expenses per U nit = 250,000 + 50,000/125 – 75= 6,000 in units Verify your answer by preparing an income statement using the contribution margin format. Break-even Sales Dollars = Sales Price per Unit ? Break-even Sales Units Break-even Point in Sales Dollars = 125 * 6000 = 750,000 Income Statement Green Shades Inc. As of October 17, 2012 Sales750,000 Variable Costs(450,000)Contribution Margin300, 000 Fixed Costs250,000 Net Income 50,000 b. GSI is considering implementing a quality improvement program. The program will require a $10 increase in the variable cost per unit. To inform its customers of the quality improvements, the company plans to spend an additional $20,000 for advertising. Assuming that the improvement program will increase sales to a level that is 3,000 units above the amount computed in Requirement a, should GSI proceed with plans to improve product quality? Support your answer by preparing a budgeted income statement. Income Statement Green Shades Inc. As of October 17, 2 012Sales1,125,000 Variable Costs(765,000) Contribution Margin360, 000 Fixed Costs(270,000) Net Income 90,000 The company might want to consider going forward seeing the likelihood of profitability. c. Determine the new break-even point in units and sales dollars as well as the margin of safety percentage, assuming that the quality improvement program is implemented. Fixed Costs/Contribution Margin per Unit = 270,000/ 125-85 = 6750 Break-even Sales Dollars = Sales Price per Unit ? Break-even Sales Units Break-even Point in Sales Dollars = 125 * 6750= 843,750 Margin of SafetyMeasured in UnitsMeasured in DollarsSales @ Budged 90001125000 Break Even6750843,750 Margin2250281,250 281250/1125000 =. 25 or 25% Problem 18-17B Process cost system cost of production report At the beginning of 2004, Dozier Company had 1,800 units of product in its work in process inventory, and it started 19,200 additional units of product during the year. At the end of the year, 6,000 units of product were in t he work in process inventory. The ending work in process inventory was estimated to be 50 percent complete. The cost of work in process inventory at the beginning of the period was $9,000, and $108,000 of product costs was added during the period.Required Prepare a cost of production report showing the following. a. The number of equivalent units of production. Equivalent units of production ACTUALEquivalent Beginning 1,800 Additional units of product19,200 Total21,000 Ending6,000 @50%3,000 To be transferred15,000 @100%15,000 Total21,00018,000 b. The product cost per equivalent unit. Beginning is 9,000 added to production of 108,000 to total 117,000 c. The total cost allocated between the ending Work in Process Inventory and Finished Goods Inventory accounts. 117,000/18,000 = 6. 50 cost per unit 15000*6. 50 = 97,500 finished goods 000 of equivalent units above*6. 50= 19,500 Total 117,000 Problem 15-17A Identifying cost behavior Required Identify the following costs as fixed or varia ble. Costs related to plane trips between San Diego, California, and Orlando, Florida, follow. Pilots are paid on a per trip basis. a. Pilots’ salaries relative to the number of trips flown. variable b. Depreciation relative to the number of planes in service. variable c. Cost of refreshments relative to the number of passengers. variable d. Pilots’ salaries relative to the number of passengers on a particular trip. ixed e. Cost of a maintenance check relative to the number of passengers on a particular trip. fixed f. Fuel costs relative to the number of trips. variable National Union Bank operates several branch offices in grocery stores. Each branch employs a supervisor and two tellers. g. Tellers’ salaries relative to the number of tellers in a particular district. variable h. Supplies cost relative to the number of transactions processed in a particular branch. variable i. Tellers’ salaries relative to the number of customers served at a particular br anch. Fixed j.Supervisors’ salaries relative to the number of branches operated. Fixed k. Supervisors’ salaries relative to the number of customers served in a particular branch. Fixed l. Facility rental costs relative to the size of customer deposits. Fixed Costs related to operating a fast-food restaurant follow. m. Depreciation of equipment relative to the number of restaurants. variable n. Building rental cost relative to the number of customers served in a particular restaurant. Fixed o. Manager’s salary of a particular restaurant relative to the number of employees.Fixed p. Food cost relative to the number of customers. variable q. Utility cost relative to the number of restaurants in operation. variable r. Company president’s salary relative to the number of restaurants in operation. Fixed s. Land costs relative to the number of hamburgers sold at a particular restaurant. Fixed t. Depreciation of equipment relative to the number of customers served at a particular restaurant. fixed Exercise 15-6B Fixed versus variable cost behavior Professional Chairs Corporation produces ergonomically designed chairs favored by architects.The company normally produces and sells from 5,000 to 8,000 chairs per year. The following cost data apply to various productions activity levels. Number of Chairs5,0006,0007,0008,000 Total costs incurred Fixed$ 84,000 Variable 60,000 Total costs$144,000 Per unit chair cost Fixed$16. 80 Variable12. 00 Total cost per chair$28. 80 Required a. Complete the preceding table by filling in the missing amounts for the levels of activity shown in the first row of the table. b. Explain why the total cost per chair decreases as the number of chairs increases.Exercise 15-12B Effect of cost structure on projected profits Logan and Martin compete in the same market. The following budgeted income statements illustrate their cost structures. Income Statements Company Logan Martin Number of Customers (a) 160 160 Sales Reven ue (n x $75) $12,000 $ 12,000 Variable Cost (n x $0) 12,800 Contribution Margin 12,000 (800) Fixed Cost (6,400) 0 Net Income (Loss) $ 5,600 $ (800) Required a. Assume that Logan can lure all 80 customers away from Martin by lowering its sales price to $75 per customer.Reconstruct Logan’s income statement based on 160 customers. b. Assume that Martin can lure all 80 customers away from Logan by lowering its sales price to $75 per customer. Reconstruct Martin’s income statement based on 160 customers. c. Why does the price-cutting strategy increase Logan’s profits but result in a net loss for Martin? This is so in that when sales to 160 clients at 75 (12,000), more revenue is produced as opposed to sales to a lesser amount (80 clients) at 125 (10,000). Fixed costs contributes to Logans increases in sales revenue. Exercise 16-9A Allocating overhead cost to accomplish smoothingMimosa Corporation expects to incur indirect overhead costs of $72,000 per month and direc t manufacturing costs of $11 per unit. The expected production activity for the first four months of 2007 is as follows. January February March April Estimated production in units 4,000 7,000 3,000 6,000 Required a. Calculate a predetermined overhead rate based on the number of units of product expected to be made during the first four months of the year. MonthJanuaryFebruaryMarchApriltotalEstimated production in units 400070003000600020000 72000*4/20,000=14. 40 per unit b. Allocate overhead costs to each month using the overhead rate computed in Requirement a. MonthJanFebMarchAprilTotal Rate14. 4014. 4014. 4014. 40 Base4,0007,0003,0006,000 Cost57,600100,80043,20086,400288,000 c. Calculate the total cost per unit for each month using the overhead allocated in Requirement b. MonthUnits (A)Overhead (B)Cost (A*11)TotalCost Per Unit (d/a) Jan4000576004400010160025. 40 Feb70001008007700017780025. 40 March300043200330007620025. 40 April6000864006600015240025. 40

How The Patient Care Has Influenced Career Essay

How The Patient Care Has Influenced Career - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that whereas it can be beneficial to read a great deal of information concerning the healthcare profession and understand the palliative care that can be given with respect to a great range of health issues, nothing within a textbook or a laboratory manual can prepare an individual for the psychological and sociological implications that hands-on experience can provide. Most importantly, with regards to the ability to enhance a desire to further healthcare education, the experience in question was instrumental in helping me to appreciate the nuanced level of approach that the healthcare professional must be responsible for integrating in order to affect a positive resolution within the living patient. Further, even though the first section of this analysis has been concentric on the degree and extent to which no level of memorize Asian or classroom participation can prepare a student for direct patient care, it was also noted, during the expe rience, that a great depth of knowledge was yet to be attained with regards to ameliorating the issues that patients might have, an understanding of complex city of biological issues that might be evidenced. Of all of the factors that have thus far been discussed, it is the impact upon my desire to further my education within the field that is perhaps the most profound. Had it not been for the direct patient care and hands-on experience that was derived during this period of time, it is doubtful that I would have been further drawn to participating in additional education within the healthcare field. This is not due to the fact that I find the healthcare profession in and of itself unappealing. Rather, I would merely not had been presented with the full nuance of the health care profession as it exists for the actual practitioner. As a result of this experience, it is my firm belief that each and every individual, regardless of their career path, should have at least some modicum of hands-on experience so they will at the very least have an expectation for what they might come to experience each and every day of a professional career within such a field of study. Similarly, with regards to what I believe could be an important contribution to my engagement in the nursing profession, this must be understood in something of relative terms. Firstly, nursing, although within the medical profession, is a direct patient interaction that takes place on many different levels. As such, the importance of empathy, relationships, and interaction is of the utmost importance. One does not need to take an exhaustive course in psychology to understand that a great many different types of personalities exist. As such, it is not only important to consider the range of personalities that exist but also the range of cultures, religions, and worldviews that are likely to be presented to an individual but is interested in integrating with such a profession in the future. As such, on e of the unique talents and abilities that I have oftentimes been congratulated upon within my own life is the ability to engage individuals from a diverse background and provide them with a sense of security and belonging with regards to whatever needs they might have. Naturally, I expect this particular talent to be utilized within the medical profession. Moreover, I also expected to be honed and polished so that the needs of a diverse patient mixture will be able to be met within my work. Finally, identifying with individuals and getting along with them is not in and of itself the only talent or requirement that must be utilized in order to affect a positive level of patient care.

Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on the Kingdom of Bahrain and Essay

Effects of the Global Financial Crisis on the Kingdom of Bahrain and Its Central Bank - Essay Example Eventually, major stock markets across the globe collapsed as big financial organizations failed or had to be bought out. The financial crisis had negative impacts on the gross domestic product of countries which in most cases declined indicating slowed economic growth rate (Mohsen, Abdulla and Jalal 1). The financial crisis also led to a reduction in employment rates globally and the general livelihood of the people deteriorated. The Kingdom of Bahrain is no exception to the devastating outcomes of the crisis. Even though the small Island in the Middle East has its economy supported by the oil and natural gas sector, the financial sector also contributes greatly to its economic development (Hamad 1). Effects Financial Crisis on the Economy the Kingdom Of Bahrain Like all other countries, the financial crisis affected the kingdom of Bahrain’s overall economic growth. Economic development of every country depends on continued investment. However, following the financial crisis, there were reduced liquidity levels in Bahrain which meant that capital investment reduced (Hamad 1). As in other countries globally, the financial crisis also resulted in slowed employment growth rate in Bahrain due to a reduction in the total economic output. Another notable aftermath of the global recession on Bahrain was a significant collapse of some financial institutions. In addition, the financial crisis negatively affected the profitability of banks since financial sector is a major contributor of economic growth, and slowed down the growth in GDP since financial institutions also influence asset acquisition and capital investment. and with the global financial crisis, the country experienced slowed investment rates (Mohsen, Abdulla and Jalal 4). The 2007/2008 financial crisis led to negative social impacts on the people of Bahrain. Following the financial crisis, liquidity reduced affecting the purchasing power of the people is negatively affected. Consequently, the welfa re of the people in Bahrain was adversely affected by the crisis. Those mostly hit by the financial crisis were in the low income bracket, especially since most of them lost their jobs. In addition, Bahrain benefits from trade tourism as people coming from different regions to trade (Hamad 1). However, the financial crisis made it more expensive for tourists to visit the country, significantly reducing the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The collapse of the stock market and some financial institutions also led to some people from Bahrain losing their investment, leading to psychological shock. Psychological shock also affected individuals who are dismissed from work or whose businesses had to be closed down. Despite the far reaching effects of the financial downturn, the financial health of Bahrain remained relatively stable. Although Bahrain’s economy was affected, it still grew at a steady rate and the banking sector remained relatively stable. According to Hama d, the relatively minimal effect of the global financial crisis on Bahrain resulted from the fact that the country does not approach its economic development in a â€Å"boom and bust approach† (1). The country has used a steady and gradual approach to economic and financial development while keeping the markets regulated. However, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has been instrumental in ensuring that it averted the negative outcome of current financial crisis. The Role of Central Bank in Bahrain The

Business Environments in the Single European Market Essay

Business Environments in the Single European Market - Essay Example The common market refers to a phase in the process of international integration, which according to a ruling of the Court of Justice, aims at doing away with all the barriers to trade between communities with a view of bring together national markets into one large market, forming conditions that are as close as possible to a legitimate internal market. It is important to tone that the Lisbon Treaty does not take into consideration the ‘single market’ concepts and those of the ‘common market.’ The words ‘common market’ were replaced the outcome of this stage of the process of integration, by the treaty, which on the operations of the European Union, according to the Treaty’s Article 26 is composed of an area that do not have internal frontiers whereby the free movement of individuals, capital, services and goods is ensured according to the Treaties’ stipulations (Barnard, 2012, p.99). There are several challenges that the community had to deal with during the stage of common market so as to attain the objective of single market. First, the formation of the common market needed the eradication of all export and import duties that existed between the member states of the community before the European Economic Community was formed. The member states successfully eliminated the custom obstacles even before the deadline set by the Treaty had expired and how they begun to put up some other barriers between them, immediately after they dismantled the tariffs, especially the technical barriers that were even more hard to deal with in some instances (Blanpain, 2012, p.65). The formation of a common market that looked like an internal market does not only mean that there was the trade liberalization among the member states that were taking part but also called for free movement of individuals, factors of production such as services, capital and labor. Furthermore, it involves a free formation of corporations and indivi duals in all the boundary of the member states so as to be in a position of exercising their business or professional activities (Rogovsky and Salais, 2012, p.73). Therefore, in order to talk about a common market, there has to be the availability of four major freedoms between the participating member states, including freedom of movement of services and goods, due to the eradication of the barriers of trade; freedom of movement of workers who are salaried and those that are not, as a result of the eradication of all the barriers to their entrance together with residence in the other member states; the freedom of formation of corporations and persons within the boundaries of the member states as well as of the offering of services by them within the countries that host them; and the freedom of movement of capital for the purposes of business and individual. Freedom seems like the key or main word of the common market (Lejour & Mooij & Nahuis, 2001, p.65). This paper will also raise awareness about the enlargement of

Fundamentals of Marketing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fundamentals of Marketing - Assignment Example enjoys significant brand reputation, it is important to engage in road shows to enhance popularity of products especially to promote its numerous innovations (Solomon et al. 2011). 5.0 Conclusion 11 This paper critiques the marketing strategy of Apple Company in Australia. It is a US multinational company dealing in a wide range of technology products and services such as computers, mobile phones, software, computer peripherals, media auxiliaries, and networking services among other electronics. The company has accomplished rapid growth in the consumer electronics market as part of its brand extension strategy. It presents an industry overview, environmental analysis and the marketing strategy of Apple, which also includes how the 4-Ps of marketing mix is applied. The paper highlights some recommendations on the appropriate measures to be undertaken to improve the company’s marketing performance in the next 1-3 years. Marketing is a significant process that helps businesses to effectively interact with customers for the purpose of understanding their needs and creating the desired value. An organization that satisfies the needs of its customers is able to maintain profitability and long term sustainability. It is important that the operating environment is understood to enhance development of a successful marketing strategy. A company needs to select the right marketing mix that gives it a competitive advantage over competitors. Environmental analysis is important as it presents an overview of the micro and macro-environmental factors that influence a company’s competitiveness in the market. The marketing strategies applied by different companies are focused on maintaining a competitive advantage in the market. Effective segmentation, targeting and positioning enhance the overall success. The 4-Ps in marketing mix represents Product, Price, Place and Promotion, which are essential in satis fying consumer needs and enhancing profitability (Kim & Meyers-Levy,

History of Germany Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

History of Germany - Assignment Example 2. The environmental concerns were multiple. First of all, because of enormous coal mining in Germany, the coal resources were slowly reducing; moreover, because of the coal mining there were huge mounds of rock and waste of the industry, which occupied huge territories. Also, development of industries was gradually destroying atmosphere and polluting air. Furthermore, the issue of air pollution was extremely important in those times, because they were new and people hadn’t yet created any solutions for the issues like that. The population boom rose up a question concerning overpopulation in Germany and hence the demand for production of goods and resources also increased, which led to partial depletion of natural resources. 3. Weimar Constitution was very vicious as it was extremely delusional in its democratic focus. First of all, it made people think that they lived in democratic republic and had their right to take control over political power. In fact, it helped Hitler to rise to power, as he used the opportunity of free speech and liberal values in order to establish his authoritarian power. The problem was that Hitler’s party was the biggest in those times and therefore it acquired more votes than any other party in the elections of 1933. Moreover, people were dissatisfied with Socialist Democrats ruling, so Hitler’s party was the only appropriate choice for them. 4. The very first reason why women voted for Hitler back in 1933 was that Nazi Party was proclaimed to be a Christian party and they stated that they were standing for Christianity, so women, who are considered to be greater fighters for their religious values than men, were glad that such a religious party was going to rule. Talking about urban women, they were more open-minded and well-informed of what was going on in the country, so voting for Nazi Party was the only choice for them, as well as for the men who agreed that Socialist

Research Methods for Managerial Decisions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Research Methods for Managerial Decisions - Essay Example Therefore, the observed values would be different for each case, hence the difference in the results. Coming to the problem of optimization, the only variable that is used for estimating the optimal values is known as the coefficient of multiple determinations, which is denoted by R2. According to theory, R2 is used to determine the proportion of the variation in the dependent variable that is explained by the set of independent variables. For the above 2 cases, R2 was found to be 0.546 & 0.570 respectively. This signifies that in the analysis, only 54.6% and 57% of the variation in the revenue can be accounted for by the 3 variables taken into consideration. If indeed one were to make the solution optimal, then it can only be done if the model were to explain the results in terms of the largest variation in the dependent variables along with the use of the fewest number of independent variables. As such, it would be optimal to include all the lagged values in the regression equation (as they are dependent variables), but along with this it would also be necessary to include the normal values (current advertising expenditure as well as the price index). The estimated advertising costs (under normal values) must be excluded, as it is not required. Under this scheme, the R2 turns out to be 0,756, which is the largest obtained among all possible combinations, and hence the most optimal. Under the following scenario, we adopt the Normal distribu

Affirmative Action Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Affirmative Action - Research Paper Example in moving what seemed to be unmovable in United States society’s African American rights, precipitated to the creation of the Affirmative Action law. Many quarters, especially the minorities and the women, saw the law as a milestone in human rights history. The affected societal members saw the law as an imperfect but preferable tool to eradicate the current social disease called discrimination (Boit, 2012). Further, the term Affirmative Action centers on the legal provisions of the action. The provisions ensure that equal opportunity is given to people from all walks of life. The law focuses on granting better work opportunities, school opportunities, and other social opportunities within the United States environment. The law specifically states that discrimination occurs when the individuals are unfairly treated because of their gender, race, or ethnicity (Boit, 2012). In the Ricci vs DeStefano case, 557 U.S. 2 (2009), The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that the New Haven, Connecticut violated the Affirmative Action law when the government leaders discriminated against 20 firefighters. The firefighters passed the promotion examinations. However, the firefighters were promoted on the ground of race. Most of the complaints were African Americans. Two of complainants were Latinos. The Court gave a majority decision stating the government leaders committed discriminated against the 20 firefighters when they discarded the results of the complaining firefighter’s tests. Consequently, the discrimination violated Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Forst & Dempsey, 2011). Furthermore, the law focuses on two major discrimination areas. First, the equal opportunities are granting females and minorities in terms of work and other benefits. Likewise, the Affirmative Action law ensures that United States society is made up of a diversity of individuals, not a segregation of individuals. The law gives the disadvantaged female and minority individual the right to

Withholding and withdrawal of Medical treatment decisions from Case Study

Withholding and withdrawal of Medical treatment decisions from Children and neonates - Case Study Example Parents, doctors, the health care team have a common goal in ensuring good health and sustaining the life of children and neonates. Although advanced technology makes it possible to prolong life, prolonging life beyond a meaningful point in some neonatal and children's cases involves making difficult decisions on when and how life sustaining treatment is to be withheld or withdrawn. The Ethics Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (EAC - RCPCH) has defined five categories in which the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining medical treatment can be done.With holding or withdrawing does not even mean that the child will receive no care. Such a decision is followed by palliative care for the child. The withholding and withdrawing decisions is made by only experienced senior doctors. Clinical situations of these decisions include Non-resuscitation of a baby at birth with congenital abnormalities like anencephaly, making the child incompatible for su rvival; Non- resuscitation of a baby born with a gestational period of twenty three weeks or less making the baby neurologically impaired; withdrawal of ventilation from the baby with birth asphyxia leading to brain damage.The frequency of selective non treatment of extremely premature, critically or mal formed infants in Level III intensive care nursery (ICU) and the reasons documented by neonatologists for their decisions to withdraw or with hold life support has been well documented (Wall, 1997). They reviewed all the medical records of 165 infants who died at a level III (ICN) during 3 years. One hundred and eight infant deaths were found to be due to withdrawal of life support and thirteen deaths due to withhold of treatment. End of life decisions in new born with incurable diseases are difficult for pediatricians. In Netherlands, deliberate ending of life can be acceptable choice if a life full of severe and sustained suffering that cannot be relieved by any other means is expected of the child (Verhagen 2005). During a study for the period from January 1988 through December 1991, of 529 neonates admitted in Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 524 had been found dead of which 28 were due to the disease and 24 cases due to withdrawn or withheld treatment. In 15 of the 24, treatment was withdrawn due to severe congenital anomalies; in 9 of the 24, treatment was withdrawn because of serious complications. But in all the cases withdrawal was done unanimously after lengthy discussions between doctors, nurses and the parents (Hazebroek, 1993). Withdrawal of treatment in pediatric intensive care units accounts for between 43% and 72% of deaths in U.K (Mcmillan 2000). The Law:- All such professional decisions are done within the framework of law. The children Act (England and Wales 1989) safeguard the children's welfare. The Act also introduces the concept of parental responsibility. A number of judgments on withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatment have proved that there is no obligation on part of the doctors to give treatment which is futile and burdensome and such a treatment could be treated as an assault. They have also given enough scope for the treatment goals to be changed in case of a dying child. These judgments have legalized the withdrawal of feeding and medical treatment In such cases in the best interests of the children. Withdrawal of life sustaining treatment in appropriate cases is not active killing, nor does it breach the article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Decision Making: Initially the medical team must wait for enough information about the clinical status of the child. The decision making process involves all members of the Health Care Team and the parents. In practice, a decision to withdraw treatment is usually a matter of consensus. However such major decisions always require a second opinion, legal as well as clinical.

Inuit Art & Canadian Nationalism Essay Example for Free

Inuit Art Canadian Nationalism Essay Inuit refers to a certain group of people who had acclimatized and inhabits the cold and harsh climatic regions of Canada. They are similar to Eskimos who live in Arctic regions of Russia and Europe and North America. Their art is a reflection of urbanization with elements of cultural experiences which denote the activities carried out within their daily life as dictated by the environment. A good Inuit art work is the one mended with vast landscape and traditional Inuit culture. Achieving such Inuit art work is sometimes challenging and controversial but it is a reflection of honest work. The Canadian Inuit art is a good example such as the one brought out by James Houston writings. James Houston was first artist to get involved in the Canadian Inuit art in 1948 with the objective of searching new land to paint. People living in the new land were very friendly, warm and the environment was vast, beautiful and cold. Interaction with the Indian and Inuit people in the Arctic provided the best opportunity for James to introduce Inuit culture to the world. Introduction of Inuit culture was made possible with the use of remarkable stories and art. There are four main particular exciting Inuit art work by James Houston in his writings. These include the White Archer, Akavak, Worlfrun and Tiktaliktak (Graburn, 2). The art work was collected in a good volume which illustrates the story about Arctic and nationalism. Many Canadian art and craft galleries, souvenir shops, and museum stores clearly confirm that tourist art is a measure of Canadian and Inuit work. Inuit art for the last say half a century has been appropriated by people living in the southern part of Canada. In addition, Inuit art is seen as one of the brightest jewels representing Canadian cultural mosaic. Inuit art is considered as one of the most important resource in establishment of Canadian identity. In many particular instances, Inuit images are viewed as symbols for identification in part or whole of the Canadian identity. Many Canadians identify themselves with Inuit art as it is one of the unquestionable means of identity. The Canadian government is usually devoted to identify between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal peoples. The rhetorical power is used to establish a body of identifications for national identity. However, there are other indigenous images used by Canadians to represent national identity but Inuit art is the most outstanding. Indigenous art also play a very important part in identification and act as a symbol for national community identification. Organizational, individual and institutional identification needs in Canada are served through striking graphic power, prints, carvings and ability to be recognized (Maryllbelle, 1). The good graphical work creates expressive symbols for federal government. This is a clear representation of Canadian symbolism in the form of art graphics. Successive governments have tried to recognize the construction of unique Canadian identity as one of the most critical part of their mandate. For purpose of maintaining consistency, the Canadian government has tried to distinguish Canada from other countries through the use of Inuit art. A line on map could have been used to differentiate Canada from other countries but since confederation, art graphics have been in use. There are certain drawbacks in any given state that result to individual division such as ethnicity, language or religion. The use of Inuit art has no negative effects as are related to religion, language or ethnicity. Canadians have tried to differentiate themselves from U. S and other countries through the use of symbols or identity with genuine characteristics. Canadian identity has been constructed by constant shifting rhetorical identification and division process that aim at bringing communities together. It also aims at separating communities from one another as history shows how Canadians have tried to negotiate the nature of the countries core values. Identification of core values is shaped by discursive resources which were developed in the course of European settlement in Canada. Association of parties with material objects creates a marker which supports a sense of nationalism. A wide or broad group of cultural producers creates relevant material objects that interprets objects deemed fit for forming cultural equipment. Artists, dancers, painters, filmmakers, musicians, writers and sculptors play a very important part in promotion of patriotic education. This has been performed since the early twentieth century whereby material objects are provided in styles which fit the service of nationalism. In addition, societies rely on advertisers, teachers, publishers, journalists and other opinion leaders to interpret material objects. The same artists and opinion leaders disseminate the interpreted information to people with a view of constructing an appropriate conceptual linkage between material objects and national feeling (Marryllbelle, 1). The Canadian government plays a very important role in promotion of art work through incorporation of educational programs in schools and other public social gatherings. The Canadian government officially clarifies stresses and introduces appropriate pieties for material resource assortment that reflects values of country through public presentations, campaigns and internet. The use of public campaigns is to familiarize people about cultural products which help to promote art work. Canadian citizens store have their confidence in attitudes relating to resources for future reference. The retrieval of cultural attitudes arises in instances when certain national institutions try to stir up patriotic passion. Vocabularies at national levels are considered as reasons for, results of, and development of identification constructions on the basis of common interests of the citizens. The Inuit art is a reflection of Canadian language which tries to emphasis on cultural values leading to diversity of human ideas. Language is one main tool of identification which provides individuals with self worth and a sense of belonging. In the event a small group of community living within a given state loses its language, the members of the community feel left out in their identity as a cultural group. To avoid loosing identity by certain minority groups, certain commissions are formed to fight for rights of such minority communities (Stern Stevenson, 8). Other alternative way of preserving the dignity of minority groups is through the use of art work which reflects the cultural believes of the individuals. A close look on the Canadian native art reveals that it has contributed to international exposure over the past centuries. Huge budgets have been drawn by government to support promotion of art with a view of carving out a national identity. Promotion of Eskimo art is one relative example to reflect the level at which government is in support of the Inuit art. The history of Canada showed that establishment of a national identity figure was made to promote cultural features. The desire to establish an iconic identification figure arose since the 19th century. This is a time when the Canadians wanted to establish their own identity separate from that of United States and British. After the First World War, considerations relating to public opinions changed through the efforts of seven artists (Grabaum, 1). Although they had no roots in Canada many of them were trained in Europe, their exposure and expertise into artistic work made the group of seven to travel many parts of Canada and established became one of the most sought Canadian arts. The spirit of Canada was captured in the national art and a modern style was clearly identified as suitable and had unique features reflecting Canadian culture. A large number of young artists in Canada started painting in the same vein as the seven artists. The disbursement of the seven artists group led to promotion of art work in the entire Canada. The Second World War provided a chance for Canada to establish Canadians artists (Pupchek, 7). This marked the turning point in the category of Canadian art history. Canada was very enlightened and happy with their war time military in addition to artistic efforts. This led to a revival in Canadian nationalism in various fields of art and culture which has been depicted in many journals and magazines. Nationalization of the Canadian art was a step prompted by government position to increase its support to art work. James Houston’s travel to the North gave him the chance to meet with the Inuit’s where he collected some of their art work, crafts and souvenirs. He inspired other artists who eventually started to carve small figures using soapstone which were basically used to make pots and lamps. The Inuit art was very instrumental as it was used to establish Canada as a great Northern power. The favorable image of Inuit art being products of nature, creativity of artists in ecological matters, lack of competition with mainstream art and adept at creation of materials made it possible for Inuit art to be used as a sign of Canadian national heritage.

Cell Phones And Academic Performance English Language Essay

Cell Phones And Academic Performance English Language Essay The adoption of cell phones by young generation has been a global phenomenon in recent years. Thus, with the emergence of this technology almost everyone has tried to adopt these cell phones. We found in this research that cell phone usage had a negative impact on students GPA. Students using their cell phone during class, they also receiving and sending text messages during their class so they were able to pay less attention to lecture and thus it had negative impact on students performance. Key terms: Cell phones usage, Academic performance, GPA Introduction Since the commercialization of cellular phones technology, the use of this communication device has rapidly increased. Today, the global cellular phone market now stands at approximately 1.8 billion subscribers, and is forecasted to reach 3 billion by the end of 2010 (Reid and Reid, 2007). In Pakistan total subscribers for cell phones till 12 September 2012 have reached to 120,513,430 (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). The adoption of cell phones by young generation has been a global phenomenon in recent years. This cell phone was originally created for adults for business use (Aoki Downes, 2003). It has become an integral part of adolescents daily life and one of the most popular forms of electronic communication. In todays world almost every student is having cell phone in their pocket, clipped to a belt, or hidden in a brief case or purse and knows perfect usage of it. As technology is growing every day at very fast rate, and is bringing positive and negative effects for soc iety and so is with cell phone technology that has brought both positive and negative effects. It is commonly observed that these cell phones have also become status symbol for youth and they have indulged themselves in the competition of having best and most updated cell phone with maximum features. Todays youth prefer cell phones more as compared to internet or any other social activity. Not only young people own cell phone, they have symbolic and affective investment in them (Lobet-maris, 2003) and they also want to upgrade it as soon as new model is launched in the market. Cell phones are that much involved in our life that the person who own cell phone is tend to be thought socially connected, independent, modern and in demand by the society. One of the most used applications of cell phones by our young generation is text messaging and these cellular network companies have also played a vital role in negatively affecting our young generation by introducing a number of packages for text messaging and calls also. Students of today are master in fastest text messaging and are seen text messaging while at home, at university, traveling ,in classroom and specially while studying. Communication with fellow students, professors, parents, and everyone else is just a click away. In New Zealand study 56% of high school students reported that the most important reason for using a cell phone was to talk and text with friends and family (Netsafe, 2005). This research paper explores the impact of cell phones` usage on students academic performance. We examined the affect of mobile usage on the grades among university students. Literature Review Cell phones and academic performance: The invention of the fixed telephone in the late 19th century in the United States changed the way that people interacted and communicated (Marilyn, 2005). This has been paralleled in the early 21st century by the advent of the cell phone (Marilyn, 2005). This is extremely similar to the fixed telephone in the early 20th century, where telephone engineers explained that the telephone was made for the business world and not for social conversation (Flinchy, 1997). The growth of cell phone technology is demonstrated by the fact that in 2002 the number of cell phone users worldwide, surpassed those of fixed-phone users (Srivastava, 2005). In 2005, the number of cell phone subscribers worldwide will reach 2 billion (Deloitte Research, 2005) and in Australia will reach 19.2 million (Fisher, 2005). And in Pakistan total fixed phone subscriber by December 2011 reached to only 3,098,117, less than mobile phone subscriber that were 120,151,253 till December 2011 (Pakistan Telecommunication Au thority). In Norway in 1999, 80% of 13 to 20-year-olds owned a cell phone, while in the United Kingdom in 2001, 90% of young people under the age of 16 did so (www.capacitybuilder.co.uk). In 2003, in Italy, 56% of children aged 9 and 10-years-old owned cell phones and of the 44% who didnt, all expressed a desire to own one (Guardian Unlimited, 2003), and amongst teenage girls in Tokyo, the adoption rate is almost 100% (Srivastava, 2005). In Australia in 2004, a survey by iTouch found that 50,000 children aged between 5 and 9 years of age owned a cell phone, one third of children aged 10 to 13-years old and 45% of 13 to 15-year-olds also owned the device (Allison, 2004). Surveys have consistently shown that young people even prefer their cell phone to television or the Internet (Enpocket, 2005; Hession, 2001). It is childrens favourite method of communication (Livingstone Bober, 2005) with younger adolescents (school years 7 to 9) more attached to their cell phones than older adoles cents (school years 10 to 12) as they reported needing to return home to collect their phone if they forget it (Matthews, 2004). Young people also save text messages which they value and cherish (Taylor Harper, 2003).Thus, with the emergence of this technology almost everyone has tried to adopted these cell phones. The main issue for teachers is the disturbance created in class room due to cell phone calls and texting. The functionality of SMS lets students send and receive messages unobtrusively (Geser, 2004). Combining this with the ease of hiding the device due to its small size, makes it very difficult for teachers to control. Because of the short time frame in which an answer is expected to a message (Kasesniemi Rautiainen, 2002), the excitement of finding out who has called and what the message is (similar to snail mail letters), young people are reluctant to turn off their cell phone during class time. In an Italian survey of 9- and 10-year-olds, 86% of students who owned cell phones kept them on during lessons (Guardian Unlimited, 2003). The New Zealand survey also found that 66% of students who took a mobile phone to school kept it turned on at school (Netsafe, 2005). Campbell (2006) found that students and faculty view the ringing of cell phones in class to be a serious problem. It is clear that if students are spending time texting, they are not paying attention to the class lecture, will not be able to understand the topic and will not be able to produce good result in class, this will have impact on their grade points. Through common observation today students are busy with this technology, spends 90% of their time with cell phones and dont pay attention to their studies. And if they pretend to their parents that they are studying in their room, they are actually dodging their parents, it is such a small device that they can easily hide them and lie with their parents. Students are trying to make as many friends whether girl or boy as they can, keeping themselves busy all day and night, as these network companies for their own profit have introduced a lots of cheap packages for call and messaging. All these activities in which students have en gaged themselves in todays world are demolishing their present and future. Students are using this technology not only for text messaging in class but also use it as source of cheating in examination. Students have always cheated via taking notes into class, or writing notes on hands (Ling, 2000a). For example, 12 students at the University of Maryland were caught cheating during an accounting exam (Anonymous 2003). With many cell phones now incorporating a digital camera or video, there is a danger in schools, colleges and universities that inappropriate pictures will be taken because of the portability and discrete nature of the camera (Marilyn, 2005). Pictures can be taken quickly without the knowledge of the person being photographed. Stealing of cell phones is also an issue which can impact on school staff (Williams Williams, 2005). Most victims of mobile phone theft are under 18 years of age and the phones are stolen by the same age group as well. This can put additional strain on school administration if the theft occurs at or near school and staff are expected to investigate (Marilyn, 2005). After explaining negative aspect there are some positive impact also, it helps students to stay connected with their group members when assigned some group work from their teacher. In school it also helps teacher to tell their parents about any serious problem happened to the students and also helps teacher to text their parent if they are absent from school. Students are supposed to use mobile phones whole night texting their friends. It is interesting to note that there are few common family rules about young peoples use of the cell phone. In fact, many adolescents (58%) reported that there were no rules set by their parents about their cell phone use, and only 12% reported that their parents used removal of their cell phones as punishment (Matthews, 2004). In New Zealand, this increased to 26% of young cell people reporting being threatened, with the phone being confiscated, as a form of punishment (Netsafe, 2005). It has been found that some young peoples sleep is disturbed when friends call them on their cell phone to talk or when a text message is deposited (Anderson, 2003). In New Zealand 11% of young people reported being woken every night by a text message or voice call (Netsafe, 2005). Probably because of the sleeping issue it has been found that the most common rule set by parents (56%) was that children have to leave their cel l phones out of their rooms at night. Ten percent of young people also reported that their parents frequently had to ask them to stop using their mobile phone late at night with 12% saying that this was the most common disagreement between them and their parents (Matthews, 2004). Along with academic performance cell phones have also positively and negatively affected social relationships. With the emergence of mobile phones individuals are able to stay connected with their friends, family and relatives living abroad. In addition to keeping up with social relationships, individuals have also been able to increase productivity with their work because they can be hundreds of miles away from the office, and still have instant access to their e-mail, documents and contacts wherever they are (Tully, 2003). A trend that is becoming more apparent is present absences; this is the concept of how an individuals presence in a social setting changes regardless of their physical presence, they are only half-present (Fortunati 2008). After a ring or buzz of their cell phone, they are drawn away somewhere else, away from their present situation and/or conversation. Through observation, researchers have found that individuals typically will not hesitate to interrupt an ongoin g conversation to answer the ringing of their cell phone. Cell phones have given a new way to individuals to form new relationships and to strengthen existing ones. Teens admitted spending nearly an equal amount of time talking as they do texting each month. The feature is so important to them that if texting was no longer an option, 47 percent of teens say their social life would end or be worsened especially among females (54 percent compared to 40 percent of males) (CTIA Survey 2008). Before the emergence of mobile technology, individuals have regular interaction with one another. As they have very little telephonic contact with one another so they are used to visit each other homes regularly. Even if any one of the family member is in hospital, their loved ones even if out of city make a visit instantly or the next day but now with the emergence of cell phones people are supposed to just ask about their health on phone call with their cell phones. Hypothesis Cell phones` usage will have a negative affect on students` academic performance. Model Cell phone usage Academic performance Methodology The data was collected by distributing questionnaire to students of different universities in Pakistan with the ages ranging between eighteen and thirty. A sample size of 150 students was taken in which 65 respondents were male and 85 respondents were female. The survey consisted of 24 questions, including cell phone impacts on students academic performance and social relationship. Multiple choice questions were asked. The reliability of the instrument was calculated by using SPSS. The instrument was personally administered to the sample. Demographic information (e.g., age, gender, university, degree, GPA) was also collected. Results After successfully collecting the data through distributing questionnaires in different universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, we have inserted that data in SPSS software data sheet and run desired functions necessary to know that what impact does independent variable (cell phone usage ) have on dependent variable (students academic performance). We have evaluated students academic performance by considering their GPA. From the correlation results as shown in TABLE 1, we have find that cell phone usage is having negative impact on students GPA i.e. (r= -0.303, p TABLE 1 Correlation Results M S.D 1 2 3 4 Age 21.487 1.8672 1 Gender 1.58 0.49521 -0.184* Cell phone usage 3.267 0.4512 0.045 -0.149 1 GPA 1.9911 0.57583 -0.154 0.246** -0.303** 1 **. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *. Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed). TABLE 2 Regression Results Predictor Academic performance(GPA) ÃŽÂ ² Ά Sig. Step 1 Age -0.27 0.164 Gender 0.205 0.006 Step 2 Age -0.26 0.167 Gender 0.169 0.020 Cell phone usage -0.212 0.072 0.001 The table 2 shows the regression result of dependent and independent variable. In step 1 control variables i.e. age, gender is shown and in step 2 independent variable i.e. cell phone usage is shown. In horizontal line we have dependent variable i.e. academic performance measured using students GPA. The fluctuation in students academic performance (GPA) due to cell phone usage is 72%. The impact of cell phones usage on student academic performance is negative i.e. (ÃŽÂ ² = -0.212). Which implies that the student whose usage of cell phone is more is having low GPA i.e. showing poor academic performance. Discussion In this research paper we have evaluated that what impact students cell phone usage has on their academic performance by considering their GPA. Students age and gender is also taken into account while running analysis using SPSS. Cell phone usage is taken as independent variable and students academic performance is taken as dependent variable. Questionnaires are given to be filled by students of different universities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad between the age of 18 and 30. The data collected is analyzed by using SPSS software and evaluated the impact of cell phones usage on students academic performance. The result shows that cell phones usage is negatively impacting students academic performance. This means that the students who are using cell phone more are having low GPA. On asking questions on how much time they spend on using their cell phone and in how many classes they use cell phone, we have found that there is negative relationship of these two questions with students GPA. That is the students who are using cell phone almost 7-10 hours and those also who use cell phone during their most of the classes are having low GPA. On asking random questions we have found that one of the most used feature of cell phone is text messaging used by 67% students (female 37% and male 30%). Almost 81% students (female 46%, male 35%) are using standard text messages as compared to multimedia messages or other. 43% students (31% female and 13% male) say that they put their mobile phone on silent mode while attending class. 35% students (20% female and 15% male) say that they occasionally receiv e or send text messages while the class was in session. 55% students (35% female and 20% male) agree on policy that mobile should be kept by students but they should set it in vibration mode. 61% students (40% female, 21% male) say that they do not use night packages on their cell phone. 42% students (23% female, 19% male) say that they use day packages on their cell phone. 67% students (39% female, 27% male) say that they spent 10% of their pocket money on cell phones. 56% students (32% female, 24% male) say that they sometimes use their cell phone while doing their assignments. As results show that those students who spend most of their time on cell phone are achieving low GPA, which is in accordance with the literature and common observation. Students are using their cell phone during class, they are also receiving and sending text messages during their class so they will be able to pay less attention to lecture and thus it will have negative impact on students performance. Some students are also using night packages on their cell phone which will make them unable to be attentive in their morning class or may be unable to attend the first class. It is better to activate missed call alert on their cell phone and put it off during class and when they will on it they will receive message of all the calls they missed when the cell phone was off. In last concluding all cell phone usage is significantly impacting our youth who are misusing this technology, and thus showing poor academic performance and demolishing their career opportunities.

The Relationship Between Man And Woman English Literature Essay

The Relationship Between Man And Woman English Literature Essay Thesis: Developing a healthy relationship between a man and a woman is a challenging endeavor. The step from a relationship to a commitment of marriage passes several stages. A man marries a woman for who she is and not for who she trying to be. Audience: Fellow students and Dr. Janssens Purpose: To illustrate the possible challenging factors for a woman and a man in a relationship; to nurture and maintain all the way to the altar. Everyone heard the story about the prince who marries the town maiden. Or the handsome eligible bachelor who could have any girl he wants, nevertheless who falls in love with an ordinary woman who is difficult to deal with. At the wedding, the guy feels like luckiest guy in the universe. Meanwhile, his family is popping antacids wondering, Why her? Then the speculation starts: Is it the cooking? Is it the sex? Did she brainwash him? What they are dying to do is pull the guy aside and ask him point-blank, Why are you marrying such a bitch? Four years ago, after my 36th birthday party once again I ask myself a question, Why are you still single? I was never a kind of women that would chaise a man and push him into a commitment. Nevertheless, I have always wondered, What is that one thing (or perhaps more) that blocking me from finding my soul mate? So, one day, I was in a book store and I could not take away my eyes from a title that said, Why Man Marry Bitch? I have to admit that I have never thought about any married woman being cruel or damn, instead I always have thought that they were most fortuned woman in the world. So, with curiosity of what is behind this book title, I brought the book. S. Argon is the author of the US national bestseller Why Man Love Bitches and Why Man Marry Bitches. The author has contributed to more than thirty magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Esquire. Her books have been featured on prime-time sitcoms as well as on The OReilly Factor, Fox Magazine, and the View and are published in more than twenty languages. In Why Man Marry Bitches S. Argon is not giving another how to fetch a man advise. This book captured my attention not by it remotely suggesting that I am incomplete until I find my better half. This book challenges convention, broaden our understanding of why some relationships dont progress, and modernize the way we think, about how man chooses his soul mate. The author encourages woman who feel like doormats to develop a sense of independence. When the author uses the word bitch, the woman she is describing is not cruel or mean. Throughout the book the author uses bitch in a tongue-in-cheek (Argon 12) way. As the author claims, this term intent to be satirical (53) However, content of the book is faraway from actual meaning of this word, so I think the title of the book has to be magnetic for all types of woman, including married and single. In my opinion, married woman would stay away from this book as title offends her even in the context of the book bitch described as a strong, secure, independent woman. Therefore, the title of the book might drop down the number of readers that are concerned about the book cover. Moreover, readers of this book might be man as well as woman in order to understand both sides of conflicts in relationships. The plot of this book is following. As a physiatrist and relationship expert, the author questions hundreds of man and woman in order to solve each and every aspect of relationship, leaving nothing unsolved. Throughout the book, the author draws several conclusions, attached with graphs of surveys that she researched over the past ten years. Every other page includes Relationship Principle # according to results of survey and different perspectives on a particular situation in relationship between man and woman. The author claims that when woman thinks that she need to need a man (25) she is wrong. I agree with the author as I think woman should have sense of independence where she can see and perceive things with broader mind. For example, in the movie Closer Natalie Portman asks Judie Law, why he is madly in love with the photographer (played by Julia Roberts) It is because she is successful? No. He said it is because she doesnt need him.(78) Another interesting fact from the book says, There is nothing more puzzled to a man than something he had to wait for, work for, or struggle a little bit to get. (40) Who would argue with that? Not me. I believe that men are natural-born competitors. When a man is in pursuit mode, he gets the same feeling he gets when hes playing a slot machine in a casino. He can lose ten times in a row, but hell still be on the edge of his seat thinking, Im almost winning. Every time he thinks he is losing, all women have to do is sweeten the pot. If his woman asks him to fix something, she makes him feel like a winner. If she convince him he had a great idea, he is winner. In conclusion, Why Man Marry Bitch challenging woman and man to look beyond their capability of problem solving in relationship and make an effort to understand, to respect ones opinion, to open new challenges, to like and to love, but to always keep that silky curtains between two genders. No matter how equal and powerful each gender can be, there are always break-points when one could do not more than other and so one could need no more from other, however, still could love and cherish each other. Finally, Why Man Marry Bitches? Perhaps man marry woman because à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Once upon a time there was a princess. Along came a prince who asked her if she would like to ride on his white horse. She said, Id like to take a ride on your horse, but I cant right now because Im a little busy getting my own horse. Go ride off into the sunset without me, and Ill catch up to you a little later. Suddenly, the prince is dumbfounded. He is never heard anything like this before. Something clicks inside him, and it starts a fire within him that he cant put out, because she doesnt need him. And then he says, I have to be with her for the rest of my life.(225) Words count: 1020

Business/Industry Standards and Vocational Program Accountability :: Work Employees Employers Essays

Business/Industry Standards and Vocational Program Accountability Industry skill standards are already in place for many industries in the United States and in a number of statewide vocational education programs that serve those industries. The linkage of skill standards between industry and vocational education hinges on a competency-based approach to education and training. The effectiveness of this approach has been recognized by other countries, such as Denmark and Great Britain, that have adopted this process for establishing their industry skill standards. The National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), developed in Great Britain, is one example of competency-based skill standards used to assess performance. This Digest looks at the motivations behind the initiation of industry standards and of national and state skill standards that would provide vocational program accountability. It examines the competency-based approach to the development of standards in relation to their effect on vocational education, drawing on reviews of the NVQs in Gre at Britain. Why Industries Set Skill Standards The gap between existing skills and desired or required skills is the basic impetus for the development of business/industry standards at all levels-local, state, and national. Many of these standards were developed over time, industry by industry, in response to competition from other industrialized nations and for the purpose of quality control. In the early 1970s, for example, automobile manufacturers were finding that graduates of automotive technology classes were lacking the skills necessary to work on cars with advanced technology systems. The public, losing faith in the quality of new car repair, were either not buying new cars or not buying cars made in the United States. Therefore, to improve worker competence, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence began to require that auto mechanics be certified (Fretwell and Pritz 1994). Over the years the professional associations of many industries have taken the initiative in setting skill standards. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, for example, has developed and implemented a national certification program through which it administers the Certified Public Accountants exam. The American Welding Society likewise administers tests for certification of workers in the welding profession. State licensing exams are used to certify workers in certain occupations as well, e.g., barber and chauffeur. On a national level, the Federal Aviation Administration has set standards for air traffic controllers, although in this case public safety is the primary force driving the action. The Need for Skill Standards in Vocational Education Most industry standards are established to improve worker competence and the products and services the workers provide.