The Effect of Deregulation Policies Essay Example for Free

The Effect of Deregulation Policies Essay 1.1 Background of the study Organization, corporations or establishment, just like the governments are governed by rules and regulations, in the same way every economy set out goals, which it achieves, through various means. Vibratory and fiscal policies are the stimulant to any nation economic development, especially with regards to Nigeria. However, in this study, the attention of this is mainly on the influence of deregulation on banks profitability in Nigeria. The discussion on the deregulation can be effectively carried out without understanding what monetary policy is all about. In this content, monetary policy could be defined as a policy which deals with discretionary control of money supply by the monetary authorities in order to achieve stated economic goal of society. The performance of the Nigeria economy has on the decline for a long time now. However the central bank has been issuing series of policies through which she tries to stabilize price in the country. The central bank which came into operation since 1959, has introduced monetary measures for the achievement of the national economic objectives, which range from the maintenance of a health balance of payment control or moderation of inflation through the acceleration of the peace of the economic development to the stabilization of the exchange rate of naira with foreign currencies. Deregulation could be defined as the removal of the unnecessary control which tends to inhabit or prevent the effective and efficient programme of economic and business activities. The regulators and deregulation in the banking sector/ industry have favored some banks while some other banks could not stand the weir of constant changes in the monetary and banking policies. However, deregulation goes with its merit which includes; the removal of inhibiting controls on economic activities, encouragement on investment and assurance of efficient allocation of resources. Over the years, Nigeria economic has witnessed changes in its economic policies. These changes have been carried out by the government and the monetary, growth and development these changes in policies have taken different sectors of the economy, directly including the banking industry. The financial sector and the banking industry in particular, due to its critical position and functions in the economy, have been the major focus of economic reforms. Reforms in the banking industry have taken the form of regulation and presently deregulation prior to 1952: banking industry was devoid of government interference this period regarded by financial operation and analysis as the era of free banking. It was characterized by free entry and exit with minimum of regulated of activities of operations. However, the laissez fair attitude contribution to early bank failure experienced in the industry between the activation of banks given its role as financial intermediaries (claiming saving to investments) in order to build a second and viable financial system. Also, regulation is used to correct distortions in the pricing mechanism of market forces. The country of the activity of the Nigerian banking industry stated with the enactment of the banking ordinance of 1952, which was followed by the central bank act of 1958, the exchange control act of 1962 and the banking act of 1969, the aims of regulation and economic efficiency and effective allocation of resources sometimes, the aims are not fully realized and experience has shown, especially in developing countries, that exclusive control by the stagnation. This is what happened in Nigeria in the early 2008 when the country was facing economic crisis of general rise in price of goods and services, unemployment, external debt problem , fall in total output and dividing revenue caused by fall in oil price. In other to overcome these economic crisis the country in 2007 to 2009, adopted a form of structural adjustment program (sap) with the objective of sustaining economic growth and development, price stability, exchange rate stability, prevention of unemployment and appreciable if not level of employment. These objectives were to be achieved through a determined price system and deregulation of economy. Deregulation is regarded as a major policy or strategy for revitalizing the economy. This is based on the fact that determination which embraces the removal of inhabiting controls on business and economic activities, will encourage competition, increase the level of investment and efficient allocation of resources. The financial sector and the banking industry in particular regarded as the oil that keeps the wheels of economy moving, has continued to experiences the force of deregulation in different areas of it operations. The deregulation of the industry started in 1987, with the liberalization of interest rate. The reform exercise has affected other areas of banking activities, against this background. The study will focus on the deregulation on the banking industry, process of deregulation, dimensions of deregulation, evaluation of reforms and effects on the banking industry. In the process of analysis, reference will be on the zenith Bank plc and Diamond Bank plc. 1.2 Statement of the problem: The banking industry, due to its intricate nature has been encountering problems, such as capital inadequacies, excessive liquidity, bank distress and subsequent legibility in order to minimize and eradicate most of these shortcomings there have been constant manipulations of strategies with the aim of strengthening the base of the banking industry. To overcome the above mentioned problems, then these questions will be considered:- i. How has regulation and subsequent deregulation affected the performance of the banking industry? ii. Have the banks performed better in term of profitability maximization of customer’s welfare and shareholders wealth as well as affected the economy positively under deregulation. iii. Should deregulation be supplemented with regulation in order monetary authorities to be able to achieve their aim and objective? In other to achieve the government objectives, monetary policies and other banking regulations must be implemented. The banking industry which is a major participant in the implementation of government regulation and deregulation faces some problems in its performance which for their study is measured in terms of profitability. This research therefore is to evaluate the impact of deregulation policies on profitability of banks in Nigeria. 1.3 Purpose of the study. The writers want to ascertain the effect of deregulation on the performance of banks, particularly on their profitability. The study will deal at length with the various Operational component of the banking activities which deregulation has affected. The study is aimed at i. Investigating the need for changes in banking deregulation policies. ii. Investigating the range of policies, that has been implemented within the period of study (1999-2009). iii. Determine the instruments of banking deregulations that should be used to ensure profitability and growth in the banking industry. To enhance the study, zenith bank plc and diamond bank plc will be used as reference banks. 1.4 Statement of hypothesis Ho: Deregulation has no direct effect on banks profitability H1: Deregulation has direct effect on banks profitability. 1.5 The scope of the study. The study covers the period of deregulation in the country but with in- depth study of what happen in the banking industry between 1999-2009. The activities of the supervisory and regulating authorities, during their period will also be examined, As well as how deregulation of the industry has affected profitability of the banks. The commercial banks selected for study are zenith bank plc and diamond bank plc. The choice of this bank is necessary since they have passed through all the area of banking policies in the country. 1.6 The significance of the study. Banks, be they commercial, deregulation or mortgage in every economy, ensure that profit is made through their credit facilities, as a result of the prevailing regulations, instituted by the regulatory authorities. This work will go a long way by helping the banks know the appropriate time to give loans. Also, it is the belief of the research to the already existing literature on the impact of deregulation policy on the profitability of the banks in Nigeria. Moreover, this work will have positive influence on educational studies and will aid other researches 1.7 Definition of terms i. Deregulation: is the removal or simplification of government rules and regulations that constrain the operation of market forces. In other word is the reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry usually enacted to create more competition within the industry? ii. Policy: a policy is typically described as a deliberate plan of action to guide the decision and achieve rational outcome. iii. Profitability: profit generally is the making of gain in business activity for the benefit of the owners of the business. iv. Banks: a bank is a financial intermediary that accepts deposit and channels. Banks are a fundamental component of a financial system and are also active player in an economic. v. Economy: Economies consist of the economic system of a country or other area, the labour capital and land resources, and the economic agent. vi. Rationale: the term rationale may refer to as the explanations on the basis or fundamental reasons for something. A justification or rationalization. vii. Interest rate: an interest rate is the price a borrower paid for the use of money they borrow from the lender, for instance a small company might borrow capital from bank. viii. Structural adjustment program: is an economic policy which countries must follow in other to qualify for new World Bank and international monetary fund CHAPTER TWO Literature Review 2.1 Introduction Over the years many outstanding scholars have conducted extensive studies on deregulation policies and financial system. In this chapter the researcher discusses briefly some of existing literature on deregulation policies and financial system. This chapter covers the overview of the Nigeria financial system, the Nigeria Banking system, an overview of commercial banking in Nigeria, problem of deregulation policies and lot more. 2.2Overview of the Nigeria financial system. The Nigeria financial system could be seen or defined as a set of rules, regulations, financial arrangements, institutions, agent and other mechanism whereby they relate to each other within the financial sector and the rest of other sectors of the economy†. Furthermore, financial system could be defined as a conglomerate of various institutions, market, instruments and operations interact within any economy to provide financial services (CBN 98/06 pi). These services provided may include resource mobilization and allocation, financial intermediate trade among others. In Nigeria, the financial system has undergone remarkable changes in terms of ownership structure, the instruments employed, the number of institution established, the economic environment and the regulatory framework within which the system operates the Nigerian financial system is made up of regulatory/supervisory authorities as well as banks and non-bank financial institutions. The federal ministry of finance(FMF), central bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria deposit insurance co-operation (SEC), national insurance commission (NIC), federal mortgage bank of Nigeria (FMB.N) and the national board for community banks (NBCB) are the regulatory and supervisory authorities, in Nigeria through the CBN report to the presidency through the federal ministry of finance in all monetary matter it has effectively assumed the leadership of all banking institutions in the financial system. To this effect, the CBN has the responsibility for the control and supervision of all commercial, merchant and co mmunity banks, people banks finance house, development banks and all discount house and other (ibid ppi-2) In recent times, the Nigeria financial system has witnessed some changes. Among these changes were financial malpractices in banks decree no.8 of 1994. The decree was promulgated to facilitate the prosecution of those who contribute to the failure of banks and to recover the debits used to the failed banks. Also, the inauguration of the financial services regulatory coordinating committee (FSRCC) by the central bank of Nigeria in 1994 to coordinate and standardize the regulatory policies of all financial institutions in the system. This committee is to ensure some level of co-operation among the regulatory agencies. However, in 1995 above, three (3) decrees were promulgated to further regulate the financial system. These were the money laundering decree, the Nigeria instrument promotion commission decree and the foreign exchange (monitoring and miscellaneous provision) i.e Decree no.3, no16, no17 respectively. The aim of decree no.3 is to prevent drug money and other illegally required asset from entering into the financial system, so that the damaging effect of such monetary injection is forestalled. This decree stipulated limited amount of cash dispositions or payment to be made or accepted in our banks to N500, 000 (five hundred thousand Naira) for an individual and N 2,000,000 (two million Naira) for a corporate entity, unlike the institution before this decree when one was forced to pay in or withdraw any amount of cash from the bank. The Nigerian investment promotion commission is challenged with the responsibility of encouraging. Promoting and co-coordinating investment activities in Nigeria. The commission is also empowered to institute and support the measures that would enhance the investment conditions for both Nigeria citizens and foreign investors too. On the other hand, the foreign exchange decree no.17 answers the CBN with the approval of the finance minister to issue guideline to regulate the producers for transaction in the ministry to market as well as other matter, which may enhance the effective operations of the market. The decree provides for any convertible foreign currency to be traded in the foreign exchange market. In 1994, the central bank of Nigeria –CBN decree no25 both of 1991 was amended. This includes the withdrawal of autonomy of the CBN with its supervision placed under the federal ministry of finance. The power of the CBN over the financial system was enhanced by this decree. This decree, also fixed the minimum capital requirement of both commercial and merchant banks at a uniform level of N 500m.(five hundred million naira) instead of the former N50m (Fifty million Naira) and N 40m (forty million naira) for commercial and merchant banks respectively. In addition, the Nigerian deposit insurance corporation (NDIC) decree no 22 of 1988 was amended to give more power to the corporation to deal with insured banks and act independently of CBN on matters affecting banks. 2.3 The Nigeria banking system Many countries of the world have for a long time now recognized the importance of banking services in the promotion of economic growth. In fact, to have a firm control of the economy, the entire financial system must be under control. In this order, a body, an entity or an agency must be in charge. In Nigeria, the central bank of Nigeria-CBN is the main organization that supervises the operation of the financial system; the CBN act of 1958 commenced its operations on 1st July, 1959 with the sole aim of making the monetary policies of the country. The CBN is the apex bank, the lender of last resort, banker’s bank, and it is responsible for the regulation of the entire banking operations. All these functions and more are being performed with directives from the presidency through the federal ministry of finance and in collaboration with Nigerian deposit insurance corporation (NDIC). One of the principle objectives of the CBN is to promote monetary stability and soundness of the financial system. To actualize this, CBN conducts regular supervision and examination of banks as a means of maintaining surveillance on banking operation to ensure compliance to decree spelt out by the industry authorities (CBN 2007). On the hierarchy of monetary management, the apex bank (CBN) comes first, then followed by other banks. These banks include commercial banks, merchant banks, development banks, people’s bank and community banks, amongst others. The peoples banks, has continue to increase in number from the date of establishment and as at 1996, the number of branches has come up to 175. The micro-finance bank is a self-sustaining or a group of communities. All the community banks are under the regulatory supervisory control of started in December 1990. As at 1996, the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) had given provisional license to 1366 community banks. The above is an x-ray of the banking industry in the country. An overview of commercial banking in the country is therefore relevant for a thorough understanding of the research. 2.4 An overview of commercial Banking In Nigeria A commercial bank could be defined according to section 41, subsection (1) Of the Nigerian banking decree of 1964, and paragraph (a) as â€Å"any person who transacts banking business in Nigeria and whose business includes the acceptance of deposits, withdraws able by cheque† The possession of a valid license duly granted by the commission of companies, duly incorporated in Nigeria is also a prerequisite for the transaction of banking business. Commercial banks are dual intermediaries in the domestic and international spheres. At the domestic level, the banks mobilize fund from the surplus sector or unity of the economy and at the international level, they provide the channel through which foreign exchange is transferred to or received from other countries of the world in the settlement of international transactions. Commercial banks are different from other banks because of the nature of services they render to their customers, which commercial banks started operation in 1982 and performed some functions. These Functions include acceptance of deposits, granting of loans and advances, the operation of payment and settlement mechanism. Merchant bank on their own are wholesale banks that take deposit and carter for need of corporate and institutional customers. Their main role is to provide a medium for long term financing by engaging in a activities such as equipment, leasing, loaning, syndication, debt factoring project financing. The first merchant bank in Nigeria is the Nigeria acceptance limited (NAL). This bank started operates in 1960. However, by December, 1996, there were about 51 merchant banks, with about 147 branches nationwide, while their total asset amounted to 111,206.9million compared with 91,803 million in 1995 (CBN OPP.5). On the other hand, the development bank in the country including the Nigeria Industrial Development Bank (NDIB) was established in 1964 to provide credit and other facilities to industries, especially to medium and large scale enterprises. The Nigeria bank for commerce and industry (NBCI) come into existence as a result of the promulgation of decree 22 of 1973, with the aim of developing indigenous enterprises particularly, the small and medium scale once. The Nigeria agriculture and commercial bank was established in 1973 mainly to financed agricultural development project and allied industries, Decree No22 of 1990 establish the people’s bank. The bank was ear-marked by the federal government in 1988 budget with an initial allocation of N 30m, through with legal statute in 1990. The bank was established to meet the credit needs of small borrowers who cannot satisfy the stringent collateral requirement being demanded by other banks. Other banks cannot do. These are the acceptance of saving account, current account and fixed deposit account from individuals, retail and corporate customers and the payment and collection of cheques. The service which commercial banks and other banks perform includes discounting of bills, undertaking of executorships and trustee services, safe custody of securities and other valuables. Commercial banks in the country have continued to dominate banking sector accounting for 82.6% and 90.4% of the banking industries total asset and deposit liabilities, respectively in 1996. The introduction of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) in 1987 brought about the establishment of many banks in the country and made banking business a lucrative nature. As at 1996, there were about 64 commercial banks in Nigeria with 2,402 branches as against 30 banks with 2397 in 1986. (CBN OPCIT P, E).The reason for this rapid growth is due to the introduction of SAP which led to the gradual deregulation of the economy. The increased number of banks notwithstanding, a significant proportion of the liabilities and assets of all commercial banks in Nigeria are still in the hand of 3 big banks (first bank, union bank, zenith bank and).since the event of global meltdown, they are the only banks in Nigeria capable to declared dividend. The control of the banking sector is in their hands and the rate at which they feel the impact of the monetary policies, bank regulation and deregulation would range from those of the smaller banks and the new generation banks. 2.5Monetary Policies in Nigeria Monetary policies could be seen as one of the policy tools available to the managers of the economy. It involves the variation in credit conditions- cost availability, impact with a view to achieving the economic objectives such as price stability that is prevention of inflation or deflection (as the case may be), economic growth and development, balance of payments equilibrium, high level of employment and equitable distribution of income. In other words, monetary policy could be defined as the regulation of the supply of money and bank credit for the promotion of selected economic objectives. According to Hanson (2007) â€Å"The purpose of monetary policy is to influence the supply of money in order to expand or contract the volume of the purchasing power in the volume of the purchasing power in the country. He went further to say that an increase in the volume of purchasing power is expected to stimulate demand and investment, increase output and reduce unemployment. The policies used by each country are varied in accordance with some economic laws, aimed at steering the economy towards a desired direction. However, these and other government directives or pronouncement are among the banking and deregulation policies.

Brahman Is The Highest And Most Supreme Religion Essay

Brahman Is The Highest And Most Supreme Religion Essay Brahman is the highest and most supreme of all Hindu gods. It is the transcendent, immanent, infinite, unchanging, eternal reality. The Divine Ground that sums up all the being, space, time energy, matter and all within and beyond this universe. Brahams nature is described as impersonal, personal and transpersonal. Brahman, conceived from the Hindu verb brh, means infinity and greatness. Brahman was born from Brahma who is the creator, the source and the seed of all that is in this world. Brahman, due to his functions as the creator of all, is not allowed to have a lot of devotees and is thus unpopular among the Hindu pantheon since his wok demands attention, concentration and introversion. As there is no more creation, he lost his importance to other gods; Vishnu and Siva, of the Hindu trinity. He is said to be father of Manu, from whom all Hindus descended from. Brahman is the universal substrate or the absolute reality and should not be confused with Brahma, god and the creator. T hey say that Brahman cannot be known through material means, and we cannot be made to be conscious of it as he is our very own being and consciousness. Atman on the other hand refers to the true self of a person. Philosophically it is the soul either individually or globally. It could also b defined as the source o all the individual souls. It is the indistinguishable, unchanging and eternal essence. According to Hinduism, any mortal existence has an immortal aspect and this is always hidden within every created object and this includes man. Atman provides experience of the pleasures and pain of earthly life thus giving us reason to live and imparts divine possibilities and qualities. Atman being the silent partner and dweller within us and all our experiences and deeds, can only be felt when no other sensory activities impact the mind. This is attained through yoga. In Buddhism however, the cause of misery is ignorance which is a prime consequence of the belief that there exists an atman that is unchanging. Our soul or atman is identifiable readily with Brahmans greater soul. Buddhism In Buddhism, Anatta is the selfless idea of non-self. It means that everything perceived is not in the I or mine sense and thus one should not cling on to. It encourages people o develop a sense of willingness to let go at any time as these perceived objects become unnecessary to ones self. The rebirth doctrine should be well differentiated from the reincarnation theory which refers to the soul transmigration and its material rebirth invariable. Buddhism does not recognize the existence of an eternal or unchanging soul that emanates from divine essence. It is in sharp contrast to Hinduisms self awareness ideology of atman. According to Buddhism there is nothing that is fixed or permanent in our existence. Everything is subject to destruction and decay. No man should identify himself with any form or name but rather be aware of the continuous change process of becoming. In Japanese Buddhism, Satori means enlightenment. It is a surge o sudden individual enlightenment and/or awareness. It is coined from the Zen Buddhist culture and considered as the embarkation or earlier step towards nirvana. Satori can and is often juxtaposed to the term kensho meaning viewing ones nature and character. Satori however, is a deeper spiritual state than kensho. Being an intuitive experience, It has been described as a situation like waking up one day to find yourself with an extra pair of arms to later learn how to use them. Satori is commonly attained from personal experiences by the traditional use of koans like the collection found in the Gateless Gate. They are theoretical puzzles students use in assistance of Satori realization. It does not occur to individuals but rather all concept realization individuals included therein. The Zen Buddhist student need to prepare their minds first with rigorous study with koans and then meditation which clears their minds from all attachments to the physical existence. In many Japanese folktales, Satori was referred to as a mountain dwelling creature with the rare ability to read the human mind and thoughts. Thus the only way to defeat a Satori was to empty ones mind completely. This way it will run in fear, leave due to boredom or die. Confucianism Confucianism put much emphasis on filial piety. I is on of the most important virtues and should be held highly. It is defined as the respect for ones parents and ancestors. The Classic of Xiao, a Confucian book written during the 400 B.C. period in a conversation between Zeng Shen, a student and Confucius. Filial piety, in Chinese culture, is the fist and foremost virtue. These religious traditions were until recent years, been enforced by law at times. It is a form of ancestral worship and its avoidance was punishable by law. This virtue should be shown to both the dead and the living alike and is a respect that has over the years bee extended to cover other five forms; friend to friend, elder brother to younger brother, husband to wife, father to son and ruler to ruled. The respect for elders was held in high reverence in all these forms of relationships and the living stood as sons of the dead. This filial piety idea adversely influenced the legal system in china. The book of fil ial piety written in the third century is the major source of filial piety importance and it was attributed to Confucius as well as hi son. Li is a Chinese word that is extensively used in Confucianism. It meaning is rather vague but in most cases it is attached to the word ritual. I is just an abstract idea and not and object of definitive nature. It has also been described and translated s the morals, etiquette or customs. It is generally a collection of rules of proper and good behavior. It broadly deals with the entirely whole spectrum of the contacts and interaction with nature, material objects and other human beings. Confucius, in his discussions, encompasses diverse topics like governance, mourning, titles, drinking tea, and learning among other things. Li entails the norms of proper behavior socially taught to us by government officials, village elders or parents. The teachings encourage loyalty, god faith, righteousness, brotherliness and filial submission. The Li influence has guided public expectations and has enhanced the loyalty to the community superiors and elders. Religious impulse. Religion has always been there perhaps even longer than human beings. There was an understanding of a supernatural force showed by Neanderthals millions of years ago. The most common and weird thread among the various religions in the world is the impulse to worship a supernatural being or just generally something at that matter. Therefore, religious impulse can be defined universally as the urge to put faith in a form that is always beyond our perception and understanding. Even in our era, a time of technological and scientific advancements, a lot of people believe in the unknown. Religion therefore is the belief in supernatural powers that control our fate that is entitled to our obedience, respect and worship. In every great religion, three aspects are paramount; charity, faith and hope. These are the ethics, ritual and theology respectively. It should entail conservation of values and be a system that involves a world view, a philosophy and a code of ethics. Different religions have different characteristics however most features are similar in different religions and these are; specific rules of conduct, sense of community and family, ethics system, institutions that are well organized, supernatural belief and life after death, soul existence and sacred scriptures and writings. The factors and root causes that may lead people towards religious impulses are the fear of death and whatever is lying in wait beyond that. Also humans are a curious bunch and the mystery of their existence pushes them towards a spiritual angle. Since we are incapable of answering most of lifes questions, like the purpose of our lives and the immaterial or the spiritual part of us, it creates a belief towards religion as the best form of explanation. Finally one just feels the need of a spiritual conscience to the materialism of modern life. The nature of the divine varies in different religious settings. Hindus for example, often think of themselves as monothei sts worshiping various divine aspects and no various divinities. However, outsiders always see Hinduism as similar to faiths inclined to traditional polytheistic. Idealistic Religion Among the above religions, Confucianism is the most appealing while I find Hinduism the least appealing. Hinduism consists of so many beliefs with a lot of intertwined gods and goddesses. The caste system of classes is also unrealistic as all human bins should be equal and receive equal opportunities. For a very long time his has bee the factor that has served most disservice to he Hindu religion. The idea of recognizing inequalities based on the lineage, family and birth and stating it as the will of god is alarming. Though Confucianism has shortcomings as well, its ethics and morals have positive influence on the society as a whole. The teachings of Li and filial piety are greatly important especially to children growing up. It is common sense to respect and obey ones elders and putting that into law is a great way of ensuring a society with good and polite morals. It involved action internalization allowing one to be open to the sensations panoply of the experience. It maintains a healthy selflessness practices to oneself and as an example set to others. Personal approaches as well as the approaches of the at large demonstrates how these values are utilized in everything, the good and the bad, the detailed and the broad, the formlessness and the form. The rituals and practices in Confucianism are dynamic. These practices have been modified and revised in accordance to emerging societal beliefs. Though the practices are bound to change, the fundamental ideology remains the core of the religious beliefs.

Feasibility Study Report Business Essay

Feasibility Study Report Business Essay Assumption As introduction of the assignment said. The school in the case should be in a small village, and both of the pupils, are in the age 5 to 11 years group. So that it should be envisaged it is a small computer room. By received government funding, there should have a network of 8 desktop computers within Internet connection. Assumed there are not mixed class in the computer room. There should be six groups totally. So the total user of the computer room is around forty two persons. Install two interactive whiteboards for classroom use and a networked laser printer is enough . I suggested the school should be install Windows XP as the operating system, make sure it is easier to maintenance and have much more higher compatibility in the software market. They also should have an off the shelf database for school administration. For example, teacher can keep the student attendance records at classes and keep the marks for tests, exams and assignments etc. Access in Microsoft office 2003 is suitable for the case. Because it have a higher performance, lower price with patched version. Two interactive whiteboards are also let the teaching staff to show the teaching materials which they find out from the Internet . In my own opinion, follow the whole project planning. The installation and working should be complete within six months successfully . TASK1 Feasibility study report Introduction This school has received government funding to buy a network of 8 desktop computers with Internet connection, two interactive whiteboards for classroom use, a networked laser printer and an off the shelf database for school specifically. We should complete the hold project within six months . School background This school is a locate in a small village with pupils in the age range 5 to 11 years . There is no in-house expertise to call upon. The senior management of the school is heavily reliant on this plan. We should complete this guide to let the school staff through the project and show what will have to be done to make it a success . The schools vision is to provide fast, reliable technical assistance to pupils and teaching staff on both study and teaching . Our mission is to : Teaching staff can keep records of student attendance at classes and marks for tests, exams and assignments . Teaching staff can also access the Internet for teaching materials that can be used on the interactive whiteboards . Envisaged students will access the Internet for research purposes, and for learning materials . Students can also prepare written assignments and print them out from networked printer . Option recommendation Hardware The recommended current model of item in the market. Shown in table 1.1. Why we choose these model of computer is because the Stability, enhanced security, efficiency, these PCs mean business : HPs most stable and secure business PCs with powerful technology and professional innovations such as energy efficient features and leading remote manageability solutions. Maximum flexibility. Global configurations, a range of ports, slots and bays and a wide variety of HP pre-qualified options and accessories allow you to maximize your investment . Energy Efficiency features. The HP 8000 Elite model has improved energy efficiency over previous generations by 30% when the PCs are at an idle. Take efficiency even further with low power processors and energy efficient power supplies. Enhanced manageability. Designed to be easy to deploy and manage, the HP Compaq 8000 Elite helps lower maintenance costs and protects your assets with a full range of remote management technologies from HP, Altiris and Intel. More secure, HP Protect Tools security software helps you more safely secure your hardware, software, firmware and OS, providing infrastructure protection that allows you to focus on your business, not your points of vulnerability. Global service and support. Get the most out of your investment with HP s world class global services and support portfolio, including HP Total Care and a worldwide network of partners to help you get the most out of your technology investment. Get the most out of your investment with HP s world clas s global services and support portfolio, including HP Total Care and a worldwide network of partners to help you get the most out of your technology investment. Warranty, protected by HP Services, including a 3 -3 -3 standard warranty delivering 3 years of parts and 3 year of both labour and on-site repair. Response time is next business-day and includes free telephone support 9. 00 am to 5. 00 pm. Terms and conditions vary by country. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply . Software I suggested that the school should be install Windows XP with service pack 3 as the operating system, make sure it is easier to maintenance and have much higher compatibility in the software market. The off the shelf database for school administration. The office 2007 as known as bugs in the program and office 2010 is still in the beta version. So I recommended to install Access in Microsoft office 2 003 is suitable for this case. Because it have a higher performance, lower price with patched version . Technical As I am the project manager. So do I will follow the technical problem and give solutions. Also, during the project, briefing of how to use those facilities will be given. So that both teaching staff and student can use it smoothly, reduce the maintenance times and keep those facilities have a longer working hours . Operational As the computer is build up to let the teaching staff and student to use. The first priority should be lesson first. Second, the after school time will be open for the student. To do further searching for there projects or studying materials . Economic If the briefing is given to both teaching staff and student. The working life of the facilities will become longer. So that those item will be more worth of it. Maintenance is also need to join after the warranty date is expiry. Then they were no need to buy or upgrade the computers shortly . Cost benefit Table 1 .1 Contract Item description Price Notes q HP COMPAQ 8000ELite Small Form Factor ** ( not include Mouse, DVD drive and Floppy Disk Drive )** CPU : Intel Core2QUAD Q9550 VPRO( 2.83GHz, 12M L2, Intel Q45 Chipset ) -Hard Dis k:160GB SATA VGA Display : Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 -RAM : 2GB ( PC3 DDR3-10600MHz ) Total RAM Slots : 4( spare slots : 2 ) Expansion Slots: 1 x low-profile PCI, 1x low-profile ( PCI-EX16 ), 2x low-profile ( PCI- EX1 ) External I/O ports : : Front: 4 x USB ports ; : Rear: 6 x USB ports ; Serial Port: 1 x Parallel port ; 1 x RJ 45 port ; 1 x VGA Port ; 1 x Audio input / output; -Sufficient Bays for installation internal hardware : 1 x optional SATA DVD drive ( internal ) or1 x hard disk ( internal ) with 104 Keyboard and OS License Dimensions : ( Width x Depth x Height ) 338 x 378 x 100 mm ( 13.3 x 14.9 x 3.95 in ); Weight : 8.5 kg ( 18.75 lb ) ; HK $ 4, 995. 0 q LCD Monitor : LG 17( 4 : 3 ) Brightness : 300 cd / m2 ; Contrast Ratio 8000: 1 ; Resolution : 1280 x 1024 ; Input ports : 15 Pin D sub ; à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ Dimensions : ( Width x Depth ( with monitor stand ) x Height ) 370 x 185 x 390 mm ( 14.57 x 7.28 x 15.35 in ) ; Weight :3.4 kg ( 7.5 lb ) ; à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ HK $ 1, 165.0 q DVD Drive: HP 16X SATA DVD RW Drive HK$ 203 .0 q Mouse:HP Wired Ball PS/2 2-button mouse with Wheel HK $ 7 .0 HP LaserJet P2055dPrinter, bundle with 15ftUSB printer cable à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ Print speed : Up to 33pages per minute ( ppm) Resolution : Up to 1200 dots per inch ( dpi ) Paper handing : Automatic two-sided printing Tray 1 : 50 sheet multipurpose tray, Tray 2 : 250 sheet input tray Recommended monthly print volume : 750 to 3000 pages Standard connectivity: parallel port, USB 2.0 port Dimensions ( width x depth x height ) : 365 x 368 x 268mm ( 14.4 x 14.5 x 10.6in ) ; Weight : 10.7kg ( 23.6lb ) ; HK $ 1, 240.0 à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ HANSHIN multi touchable interactive whiteboard Model :TB 01U- 105 105 Diagonal[16 : 9] 2367 x 1387 x 30 HK $ 20,000 ABC Network facility company Network installation HK $ 20, 000 Subtotal amount of project : Set of PC x 8 Network Printer x1 Interactive whiteboard x 1 Network installation HK $ 50, 960 HK $ 1, 240 HK $ 20, 000 HK $ 20, 000 Total amount of project : HK $ 92 ,200.0 Table 1. 1 show the total amount cost of the whole project . Cost / benefit analysis Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Hardware Costs $72, 200 $0 $0 $0 Installation $20, 000 $0 $0 $0 Total Cost $92, 200 $0 $0 $0 Savings Training Development $25, 000 $25, 000 $25,000 $25, 000 Maintenance Cost Free Free Free Free Table 1. 2 Table 1. 2 show that, besides the build up budget. School is no need to pay extra fund. In the first three years, there is no need to pay maintenance fee. Cost-effectiveness analysis is distinct from cost benefit analysis, which assigns a monetary value to the measure of effect .Cost effectiveness analysis is often used in the field of health services, where it may be inappropriate to monetize health effect. Typically the CEA is expressed in terms of a ratio where the denominator is a gain in health from a measure ( years of life, premature births averted, sight-years gained ) and the numerator is the cost associated with the health gain. The most commonly used outcome measure is quality-adjusted life years. Cost utility analysis is similar to cost-effectiveness analysis . Risk Assessment Risk assessment consists in an objective evaluation of risk in which assumptions and uncertainties are clearly considered and presented. Part of the difficulty of risk management is that measurement of both of the quantities in which risk assessment is concerned potential loss and probability of occurrence can be very difficult to measure. The chance of error in the measurement of these two concepts is large. A risk with a large potential loss and a low probability of occurring is often treated differently from one with a low potential loss and a high likelihood of occurring. In theory, both are of nearly equal priority in dealing with first, but in practice it can be very difficult to manage when faced with the scarcity of resources, especially time, in which to conduct the risk management process. Expressed mathematically . In auditing, risk assessment is a very crucial stage before accepting an audit engagement. According to ISA315 Understanding the Entity and its Environment and Assessing the Risks of Material Misstatement, the auditor should perform risk assessment procedures to obtain an understanding of the entity and its environment, including its internal control. There are two methods of risk assessment in information security field, qualitative and quantitative. Purely quantitative risk assessment is a mathematical calculation based on security metrics on the asset ( system or application ). Qualitative risk assessment is performed when the organization requires a risk assessment be performed in a relatively short time or to meet a small budget, a significant quantity of relevant data is not available, or the persons performing the assessment dont have the sophisticated mathematical, financial, and risk assessment expertise required. Qualitative risk assessment can be performed in a shorter period of time and with less data. Qualitative risk assessments are typically performed through interviews of a sample of personnel from all relevant groups within an organization charged with the security of the asset being assessed. Qualitative risk assessments are descriptive versus measurable . Number Case of risk solution recommendation 1 Lost data Purchase a backup tape drive See whether have budget or not after government funding 2 Computer repair Join maintenance Join maintenance after the third year 3 Abuse the computer and room facilities Limit the computer room open time Nominate some student leader to look after it 4 PC performance lower Upgrade parts in future See the cost of parts in future if necessary 5 Lost leakage Purchase encryption software See the cost of parts in future if necessary TASK2 The main activities to be undertaken in the project is shown as follow. The life cycle of it can be a waterfall diagram ( Table 2 .1 ) . Requirement Analysis Specification Analysis Design Code unit test Integration Test Staff training System acceptance test Table 2 .1 In Table 2. 1, show how the project run, it is a waterfall model. The waterfall development model has its origins in the manufacturing and construction industries; highly structured physical environments in which after-the-fact changes are prohibitively costly, if not impossible. Since no formal software development methodologies existed at the time, this hardware-oriented model was simply adapted for software development. To follow the waterfall model, one proceeds from one phase to the next in a sequential manner. For example, one first completes requirements specification, which after sign off are considered set in stone. When the requirements are fully completed, one proceeds to design. The software in question is designed and a blueprint is drawn for implementers (coders) to follow this design should be a plan for implementing the requirements given. When the design is fully completed, an implementation of that design is made by coders. Towards the later stages of this implementation phase, separate software components produced are combined to introduce new functionality and reduced risk through the removal of errors . We can find that there are six stages need to go throw. It is requirement analysis specification, analysis, design, code and unit test, integration test staff training, system acceptance test . TASK3 Contract Item description Price Notes q HP COMPAQ 8000ELite Small Form Factor ** ( not include Mouse, DVD drive and Floppy Disk Drive )** CPU : Intel Core2QUAD Q9550 VPRO( 2.83GHz, 12M L2, Intel Q45 Chipset ) -Hard Dis k:160GB SATA VGA Display : Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500 -RAM : 2GB ( PC3 DDR3-10600MHz ) Total RAM Slots : 4( spare slots : 2 ) Expansion Slots: 1 x low-profile PCI, 1x low-profile ( PCI-EX16 ), 2x low-profile ( PCI- EX1 ) External I/O ports : : Front: 4 x USB ports ; : Rear: 6 x USB ports ; Serial Port: 1 x Parallel port ; 1 x RJ 45 port ; 1 x VGA Port ; 1 x Audio input / output; -Sufficient Bays for installation internal hardware : 1 x optional SATA DVD drive ( internal ) or1 x hard disk ( internal ) with 104 Keyboard and OS License Dimensions : ( Width x Depth x Height ) 338 x 378 x 100 mm ( 13.3 x 14.9 x 3.95 in ); Weight : 8.5 kg ( 18.75 lb ) ; HK $ 4, 995. 0 q LCD Monitor : LG 17( 4 : 3 ) Brightness : 300 cd / m2 ; Contrast Ratio 8000: 1 ; Resolution : 1280 x 1024 ; Input ports : 15 Pin D sub ; à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ Dimensions : ( Width x Depth ( with monitor stand ) x Height ) 370 x 185 x 390 mm ( 14.57 x 7.28 x 15.35 in ) ; Weight :3.4 kg ( 7.5 lb ) ; à £Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€š ¬ HK $ 1, 165.0 q DVD Drive: HP 16X SATA DVD RW Drive HK$ 203 .0 q Mouse:HP Wired Ball PS/2 2-button mouse with Wheel HK $ 7 .0 Subtotal amount of project : Total amount of 8 set of PC HK $ 50, 960 TABLE 3. 1 In table 3. 1 show the requirement of PC that hardware recommend and should be meet . Software side, in the assumption. There was suggested to user Microsoft Office Access 2003 with service pack 3. Beacause Microsoft Office Access, previously known as Microsoft Access, is a pseudo relational database management system from Microsoft that combines the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software-development tools. It is a member of the Microsoft Office suite of applications, included in the Professional and higher editions or sold separately. In mid-May 2010, the current version Microsoft Office Access 2010 was released by Microsoft in Office 2010 ; Microsoft Access 2007 was the prior version. Access stores data in its own format based on the Access Jet Database Engine. It can also import or link directly to data stored in other applications and databases . Listed below are selection criteria of choosing both the hardware and off the shelf software which we need to purchases. We need to consider about both assessment of supplier, assessment of contractual and assessment of technical . Supplier assessment The main criteria to consider when evaluating the suitability of the supplier organization are as follows : Financial: Financial strength, time in market place, market presence, future plans, number of employees, R D investment . Culture : Values, risk sharing, openness, commitment, responsiveness, strategy, ethos . Capability : Size, number of staff and skills, location, track record, availability of staff, size of user base . Management : Standards, processes for quality, change control, risk management, planning, control . Contractual assessment The main criteria to consider when evaluating the suitability of the contract being drawn up between yourself and a third party supplier of the provision of goods or services are as follows : Financial : Pricing structures, penalty clauses, payment terms, disclaimers . Materials : Ownerships of materials, service level agreements, support and maintenance, change process . Personnel : Lines of demarcation, assignment of responsibilities, use of sub-contractors . Technical assessment The main criteria to consider when evaluating the technical capabilities of the proposed solution put forward by the supplier or organization are as follows : The product : Meets requirements, robust, sufficient features, adequate documentation, maintainable, capacity for growth . Modification : Is it needed, cost, support, how much, how easy, who will do it, time to do achieve, backup etc . Standards / quality : Does it match your standards, complies with standards and law, adequate resources, technical knowledge required . Environment : Will it work in your environment, complies with standards and law, adequate resources, technical knowledge required . TASK4 Stakeholder communicate method When will need to have communicate What purpose Senior management reports Specific review purposes User ( Teachers ) reports routine needs analysis User ( Students ) task assignments If use needs analysis Supplies specifications routine review purposes Table 4. 1 In table 4. 1 show how do the stakeholder work and communicate with the project manager. Make sure that their opinion can be easier to voice out and enhance the project. The project manager is directly under the senior management. Although the have not got a high knowledge in the information technology field. But they are deeply involve the whole planning and the school development. So the communication must needed. The review of project stage and effective is on a specific time, Too much will be disturb the development. In addition to it. Make sure the project run smoothly also can enhance by training, and also their opinion can be help us to develop other IT project in future. So, user s comment also need to take. But it is not regularly. On the other hand, communication with supplies is very important . Reference and Bibliographies: NCC Managing Business Projects. ( International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies ) 2008 Syllabus . Gofton, L. ( 1997 ). Business Market Research. London, Kogan page . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Total word count of this assignment : About 4200 words . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .

Chapter five is a very important part of Frankenstein because it best E

Chapter five is a very important part of Frankenstein because it best describes the monsters appearance and how he was created. Look at the significance of chapter five to the novel as a whole. Focus on the relevance and effect of the writer’s use of language to describe setting, character and what it shows about social and historical influences The novel â€Å"Frankenstein† is about a scientist name Victor Frankenstein who decides to create life using body parts and electricity, but the experiment goes terribly wrong. The deeper meaning of this novel was the social morals and the fact God should be the only designer on life. The novel was written when Mary Shelley and her husband and a good friend were on holiday in lake Geneva. On a stormy day they challenged each other to write the best horror story. Mary’s story won the competition, so this encouraged her to continue creating the novel in London. The social context of Frankenstein was to encourage scientists not to meddle with the laws of nature, and that al medical advances should not cross the boundary of creating life. Chapter five is a very important part of â€Å"Frankenstein† because it best describes the monsters appearance and how he was created. Chapter five was also another important part of the novel because it’s a crucial turning point in the novel because the story goes wrong from there e.g. the monster is created, Victor is thrown into a fit. At the end of chapter five the monster has ran away and Victor wakes from his fit, Victor thought his monster had died because of cholera though. Although Victor is constantly running away from his monster, the impact is that it’s a simile that Victor is always running away from his problems and this s... ... parent and runs away from his creation throughout the novel, this shows Victor’s lack of care, consideration for his monster and his creation. Since the monster grew with no one, he turned out bitter and evil, this links in with the theme of loneliness and isolation of the monster and Victor’s separation from his loved ones. The last theme is the social warning expressed by Mary Shelley, not to disturb the boundaries of nature, or gods creation, it’s not in peoples right to do so. To explain the 6 themes with a 19th century background, the important thing was the religious meaning (social warning) and the danger of obsession that could inflict with modern day science. Oxygen, and electricity where pat of the 19th century discoveries, whilst DNA, cloning and limb transplants are part of ours, those where the things Mary Shelley feared would happen though.

Active Intellect In Aristotle, :: essays research papers

All men by nature desire to know. An indication of this is the delight we take in our senses; for even apart from their usefulness they are loved for themselves; and above all others the sense of sight†. This is the foundation of human knowledge Aristotle presents us with in Book Alpha of the Metaphysics. The next question which we must naturally ask ourselves is, How? How is it that we can have any knowledge at all? We by our very nature desire to know and we love the senses in themselves but what is the relationship between the two and by what faculty are we able to call anything knowledge once sense perception has occurred?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aristotle sets up as his faculty for knowledge both the active and the passive intellects. We begin to have knowledge through sense experience. We cannot know without sense experienceand it is from sense experience that all knowledge is therefore generated. Knowledge for Aristotle is a knowledge of universals, that is, a knowledge of Essences. Thought is thus the faculty by which we come to comprehend universals. And since material objects are a composite unity of essence and existence, it naturally follows that we grasp the universal through our encounter with the particular. What follows is a series of events which leads to knowledge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The passive intellect receives the image from the sense data and it is stamped upon the passive intellect from the material impression. From this stamp the active intellect is to draw out of it and somehow make a universal concept from this particular experience. But there is something more at work here. There is something in the mind ( more specifically in the soul) that somehow comprehends and makes universals intelligible. Various theories have been postulated concerning this but we shall concentrate on Aristotle and leave the other philosophies for now.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What is at work in man is a divine reason immanent in man’s soul. Somehow man is connected to and shares in divine reason. A distinction must be made here. We are not saying that the human soul’s capacity to grasp universals is in some way a maker or shares in the pure act of God, but that without this divine reason at work in the souls of men no understanding of universals could take place at all. The mind works on the material given to it, that is it’s potential, and from this material it moves to actuality.

Racial Divide In America Health And Social Care Essay

The United States wellness attention system is considered missing when compared to other developed states. The issues refering the quality of wellness attention raises polarized argument across the state, yet everyone agrees that on the whole, the U.S. wellness attention system is one of the better attention systems in the universe. Despite immense investing and changeless reforms, there is an overpowering organic structure of literature back uping racial disparity in the wellness attention system, particularly amongst African-Americans. This paper explores the causes for the disparity in wellness attention that prevail against African-Americans. The surveies on wellness attention disparity portion common decision that African-Americans suffer from terrible wellness attention disadvantages. Research has besides shown that African Americans have higher mortality and morbidity rates1. They experience hapless wellness runing from infant mortality and diabetes to cardiac disease, HIV/AIDS, and other unwellnesss. 2 There are many factors lending to difference in the wellness attention quality among the races. One of the most perennial and common documented factor is the socio-economic factor. It is good documented and recognized that disparity in socio-economic across racial and cultural groups correlatives to disparity in the wellness attention. 3 SES affects handiness to quality wellness attention and better populating criterion which leads to healthy diet. It besides affects instruction quality that has deduction for future development. A recent analysis of 1991 to 2000 mortality informations concluded that, had mortality rates of African Americans been tantamount to that of Whites, over 880,000 deceases could hold been prevented.4 These 800,000 African americans died because of hapless wellness quality and carelessness on the supplier ‘s side. In add-on, African American babies are two to three times more likely than white babies to hold low birth weight-a cardinal index of baby mortality.5 Even after commanding economic factors, surveies show that African-Americans receive poorer quality intervention than their white opposite numbers with same insurance. So why are African Americans having hapless quality wellness attention? The reply to this inquiry encompasses an intricate organic structure of history of racism, wellness attention construction & A ; policy and environmental factors that has put minorities ‘ wellness at a disadvantage. In the yesteryear, a turning figure of research relied on socio- economic position factor to explicate the racial disparity. In recent old ages, racial prejudices are good recognized and documented to explicate the difference in wellness quality. In fact, in the most recent study by Institute of Medicine ( IOM ) , they found strong grounds that racial prejudice, favoritism, pigeonholing, and clinical uncertainness besides play a function. 6 In the book Health Care disparity in the United States by Donald Barr, he concludes that â€Å" unconscious prejudice † is the chief cause of disparity in the wellness care7. Dr Barr exerts that most doctors carry unconscious prejudice when they treat patients of differing cultural or racial background. Experimental surveies besides confirm that doctors can keep negative beliefs about their minority patients. The negative stereotypes in bend affect the type of intervention or prescription offered to them. Thus the difference in intervention and lack in wellness among African Americans is largely due to their doctor ‘s bias.8 These prejudices stem from race as a societal building that existed from long ago and continues to make so. The difference in wellness attention intervention based on race roots from U.S. history of racism based on negative stereotyping that plagued the state for decennaries. The unconscious racial prejudice held by doctors entirely can non account for the disparity. The construction of wellness attention system, and policies in which the attention is provided, besides contribute to the inequality of wellness attention. For illustration, quality of wellness attention resources depends on the vicinity in which wellness centre is located. Many Afro-american vicinities are extremely segregated from white communities. In such countries, doctors have greater troubles accessing high-quality specializers, diagnostic imagination, and non-emergency admittance of their patients to the infirmary, than doctors who serve preponderantly non-minority patients.9 The other consequence of race is its deduction on the individual. Person ‘s racial individuality can do them to be prone to certain diseases like bosom diseases, higher blood force per unit area due to emphasize, and favoritism subjected to them. There is a figure of research that really supports this. In fact Dr. Arline Geronimus of University of Michigan proposed the â€Å" weathering † hypothesis, which states that Afro-american experience early wellness impairment as a effect of the cumulative impact of perennial experience with societal or economic hardship and political marginalization.10 From 1990, the racial disparity drew serious attending from outside organic structures like United Nations and World Health attention organization.11 Ever since so these outside organic structures have been pressing U.S. authorities to take actions. There has been lot done to document the disparities and implicate policies to diminish the spread. In certain countries, wellness attention for African Americans seem to better, yet from a bigger position the quality of wellness attention seems to increase small or no alteration at all. For case, among African Americans, decease rates from bosom disease were 10 % lower than in White persons in 1980, but 30 % higher in 200012. Cancer is the second-leading cause of decease in the United States and African-Americans have moved from holding a decease rate from malignant neoplastic disease below that for Whites in1950 to a rate 30 % higher than for Whites in 200013. Such statistics calls for serious argument, it is sad to see widening racial disparity of wellness attention in a state that has the highest Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) . Studies point to new ways to incorporate racial determiners as cardinal factors to better the wellness attention for minorities. Dr. Barr in his decision calls for an addition in minorities in the wellness attention professionals. The racial disparity in wellness attention is a consequence of interaction of race with socio-economic factor, wellness attention construction, environmental conditions and biass. Merely as racial biass still pertain in today ‘s universe, the institutional racism in wellness attention besides pertains. The racial disparity in the United States is a serious issue that requires betterment and governmental attending. There has been lot done to bridge the spread, yet really small has improved. This issue requires calls for different professionals to work together. End Notes Kaplan, H Roy. The Myth of Post-Racial America. Old line state: Rowman & A ; Littlefield Education, 2011. Kahng, Sang Kyoung. â€Å" Can Racial Disparity in Health between Black and White Americans Be Attributed to Racial Disparities in Body Weight and Socio economic Status? † Health & A ; SocialWork, November 2010, 257-66. Kahng, Sang Kyoung 2 S.H. Woolf et al. , â€Å" The wellness impact of deciding racial disparities: An analysis of US mortality informations † , Public Health 2078, 2078-81 ( 2004 ) . Board on Health Science Policy: Unequal intervention: Confronting Racial and cultural disparities in Health Care, Consensus Report, March 20, 2003. Board on Health Science Policy 4 Barr, Donald, A. Health Disparities in the United States: Social Class, Race, Ethnicity, and Health. Old line state: The Johns Hopkins University Press.2008. Barr, Donald, A. 7 Dolores Acevedo-Garcia et al. , â€Å" Unequal Health Outcomes in the United States † , A Report to the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, January 2008. Arline T. Geronimus, ScD, Margaret Hicken, MPH, Danya Keene, MAT, and John Bound, PhD, â€Å" â€Å" Weathering † and Age Patterns of Allostatic Load Scores Among Blacks and Whites in the United States † , American Journal of Public Health, May 2006, Vol 96, No. 5 Kim, E Annice, Kumanyika Shiriki, Igweatu Daniel, and Kim, Son-Ho. â€Å" Coverage and Framing of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in US Newspapers, 1996-2005. † American Journal of Public Health, Supplement 2010, 224-31 Airhihenbuwa, O. Collins, & A ; Liburd, Leandris. â€Å" Eliminating Health Disparities in the African American Population: The Interface of Culture, Gender, and Power † Health Education & A ; Behavior, August 2006, 488-501 Airhihenbuwa, O. Collins, & A ; Liburd, Leandris 12

Logic Model

Logic model Brief history of evaluation and the logic Model Scriven (1991) would argue that evaluation has been around for many years, and is only now recognised as a discipline. He would go further and say it is like a knowledge which has been around for a decade before we were discussing its use, nature and logic. It is essentially different from science in its methods and thought. He would argue it is only recently we have appreciated its value as a discipline we still have a long way to go. Despite the current popularity of logic Models they date back to the 1970s. The first publication that used the term â€Å"logic model† was quoted as Evaluation: Promise and Performance by Joseph S. Wholey (1979). Suchman (1967) is similar to Bennett's hierarchy, The Seven Levels of Evidence (1975, 1976), well-known in Cooperative Extension circles, was an early predecessor of today's logic model. The backgrounds and footprints of logic model thinking can be seen in the private sector, public sector and non-profit sector. Private sector- The private sector has experienced total quality management (TQM) and performance measurement movements. TQM is an on-going process that involves management and staff to meet the requirements of clients and other stakeholders while keeping costs to a minimum. Moullin (2002) Public sector- The Government Performance targets with health and social care which asked for outcomes which were linked to funding. E. g. Accident and Emergency waiting times, more recently the push for released prisoners who are managed within the community by agencies will receive funding if they do not reoffend within a set time frame. This is similar to the payment by results concept within the health service. This saw the influx of program managers being employed within the public sector. We also have performance indicators within the Local Authority which measure assessment time frames and timely reviews of LAC. Non-profit sector- The non-profit sector is concerned with improving programs to produce outcomes. This has resulted from the new commissioning guide lines where contracts dictate agreed outcomes linked to funding. I have chosen the logic model for evaluation and am going to discuss its strengths and weaknesses. A logic model is an evaluation tool that provides a way of illustrating a program visually so it can be understood by all stake holders. It can be presented in table format which can be presented in easy read language thus can involve clients with disabilities. It shows planned activities and results expected from it and there is no right or wrong way of developing the model. It provides a picture or diagram of what is going to be done and what the program evaluation is going to be. The Logic model has three approaches to evaluation: It is a client centred (bottom up approach) approach it starts with the desired effects or results and works up to outlining how we will get the results. It is best used when evaluating an existing activity. Within this research it will look at the existing processes of weather the voice of the child is heard within the Looked after Children Review (LAC)? Top down approach starting with the pre-planned program activities and strategies that can evaluate a program in its developmental phase, within the process of LAC review where the voice of the child is a concept that the government is wanting in place. The Independent Reviewing Manager is responsible for ensuring the voice of the child is heard. The most important strength of the Logic Model is that both approaches can be used at the same time. Benefits and limitations of the Logic Model It is a usefully program planning and evaluation tool. It is simple yet complex it can be time consuming as you seek to involve all stake holders. It may not always address weather we are doing the right thing and get caught up in creating the model then weather the program is the right thing to do. It mat stifle creativity and spontaneity as it has clear phases to follow. It is easier for the stake holders to understand the overall purpose of the program and it ensures the inputs and outputs correspond. It identifies key questions to be evaluated. This may not always cover all the outcomes that may happen as a result of the evaluation, e. g. he question asked may result in other unexpected outcomes which may be overlooked. Taylor et al (2008) This model clearly outlines the intended key elements to all stake holders, staff, clients, policy makers and the agencies. The model often focuses on positive change sadly this may not be the result as change is not always positive. The model can reveal the break in steps in any part of the progra m activities, revealing the limitation where a great deal of patience is required. It may simplify the complicated process of cause and attribution where they may be many issues that influence process and outcomes. Scriven puts in very simple terms â€Å"The relation between mosquitos and mosquito bites† (Scriven, 1991: 77) it is important to realise the logic model only makes a statement of intent not reality. Taylor et al (2008) Theory under pinning the logic model Empowerment Empowerment is a contested concept which can be defined in many ways depending on peoples understanding and ideas. Adams (2003) According to Wallerstein (1992), states empowerment is a social-action process. It encourages participation of people, organizations, and communities towards the goals of Individual and community control. Towards political efficacy, improved quality of Life and social justice, While Whitmore (1988) feels the concept of Empowerment needs to be more clearly defined; she states that there are some common Underlying assumptions: Individuals are assumed to understand their own needs better than anyone else and therefore should have the power both to define and act upon them. All people possess strengths upon which they can build. Empowerment is a lifelong endeavour. Personal knowledge and experience are effective and useful in managing. McDougall (1997) suggests â€Å"empowerment is not an intervention or a strategy. Rather it is a fundamental way of thinking†. â€Å"Empowerment is not giving people power; people already have plenty of power, in the wealth of their knowledge and motivation, to do their jobs magnificently. We define empowerment as letting this power out† (Blanchard, K 1960). As we can see from some of the definitions of empowerment that the individuals carrying out the evaluation themselves need to be committed to the values of equality and social inclusion otherwise the outcomes may be affected highlighting one of the weakness of the theory and logic model where we can have unexpected outcomes, and influences we may not have anticipated. Participation Participation of children and young people in social work policy and practice has been a fairly new concept. For many years professionals interpretation of children’s feelings, needs and wishes have determined services and influenced research and policy. Franklin et al (2004). It has slowly dawned on professionals over the last 30 years that children and young people need to be involved in decision making and processes. This desire to involve children and young people has only increased since 2000 Oldfield et al (2004). Participation now is central to current government legislation, policy and guidance framework underpinning delivery of public services to children and young people. This thinking has been influenced by social and political changes at national and international levels. Literature Search on Participation It is important to suggest that you cannot have empowerment without participation and participation without empowerment. Alderson (1993) has made us aware through his research the competencies children have in getting involved in decision making, and children and young people have been identified as a group in their own right. Alderson particular focused on children and young people’s ability to discuss and give consent to surgery. Fanklin et al (2004) The emergence of the children’s rights agenda. Children and young people began to gain legal participatory rights in decision- making under the UN convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), it was ratified in the UK in 1991. This focused adults to think about how to involve children and young people in decision â€Å"appropriate to abilities and understanding† Franklin et al (2004:6). Marchant et al (2004:136) would suggest that too often we are focusing on children and young people’s competence to participate rather than on adult’s competence to support children and young people to make decisions and take action. There has been an increasing influence of the consumer; the concept that as consumer’s children and young people are given more power threw legislation and policy to exercise choice and influence over the services they receive. Franklin et al (2004). Sadly majority of LAC have had no choice in coming into care but within the system they should be given choice. The reality of choice is often restricted by resources. My question would be do they really have choice are the consumers? The impact of high profile child protection cases in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which uncovered systematic physical and sexual abuse by staff in children’s homes led to an acknowledgement that â€Å"adults know best† and will act in the interest of children and young people had failed many children. There was a â€Å"culture of collusion, neglect, indifference and silence on the part of staff† Landsdown (2001:3). Children were denied a voice ‘speaking with’, ‘listening to’ and actively involving children and young people would have ensured their protection. Scottish Executive (2004) There is a growing movement of children’s service user and carers, we have seen a development of groups such as the Children’s Rights Alliance for England (2005); the Children’s Society (2006), National Young Carers Initiative and A National Voice, who are working towards transforming the status of children and young people in the UK. Children’s participation in the United Kingdom (UK) has moved a long way. Children and young people can play a crucial role when organisations listen to them in delivering services. Wright et al (2006) Methods There are robust applied reasons to view qualitative evaluation methods as harmonious to quantitative methods. Reichardt et al (1994). There is a wide debateon the two methods. Datta (1994) suggested that the difference in the two models are less apparent in practice then in theory and that often evaluators will use more than one approach due to the complexity of the work they do. Reichardt (1994) The table below tries to show differences between qualitative and quantitative evaluation approaches. For this research we will be using both, questions and narrative approach to allow the stakeholders to express their views. It will be an indicative approach starting with the data and then making sense by looking at the themes that emerge through language, feelings and experience. It is a holistic approach which is empowering as it tries to represent all stake holder’s views as well as evaluators. It is considered a natural way where the research is not looking to lead the stakeholders in any one direction. Miles & Huberman, (1994) it is a holistic approach. Key Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation Approaches| Qualitative EvaluationIs Often Characterized by| Quantitative EvaluationIs Often Characterized by| †¢ Inductive approach to data gathering,interpretation, and reporting†¢ Holistic approach: finding gestalts for theevaluation results†¢ Verstehen: understanding the subjectivelived experiences of program stakeholders(discovering their truths)†¢ Using natural anguage throughout theevaluation process†¢ In-depth, detailed data collection†¢ Use of case studies†¢ The evaluator as the primary measuringinstrument†¢ A naturalistic approach: does not explicitlymanipulate the setting| †¢ Research hypotheses and questions that are tested in the evaluation†¢ Finding patterns that either corroborate ordisconfirm pa rticular hypotheses and answer the evaluation questions†¢ Understanding how social reality, asobserved by the evaluator, corroborates ordisconfirms hypotheses and evaluationquestions†¢ Emphasis on measurement procedures that lend themselves to numerical representations of variables†¢ Representative samples of stakeholder groups†¢ Use sample sizes with sufficient statisticalpower to detect expected outcomes†¢ Measuring instruments that are constructed with a view to making them reliable and valid†¢ Evaluator control and ability to manipulatethe setting, which improves the internalvalidity, the statistical conclusions validity,and the construct validity of the researchdesigns| (Miles & Huberman, 1994) We will be using a purposive sample of stakeholders to interview. The interviews will include 2 social workers, 2 families, 2 young people who have left care, 2 Independent reviewing managers and 2 foster carers. This is because for the research we want to interview people involved in the LAC review as our research is about children and young people going through the process and weather their voice is heard. The table below shows the advantages and disadvantages of sampling methods and why we have chosen purposive sampling. Sampling techniques: Advantages and disadvantage Technique| Descriptions| Advantages| Disadvantages| Simple random| Random sample from whole population| Highly representative if all subjects participate; the ideal| Not possible without complete list of population members; potentially uneconomical to achieve; can be disruptive to isolate members from a group; time-scale may be too long, data/sample could change| Stratified random| Random sample from identifiable groups (strata), subgroups, etc. Can ensure that specific groups are represented, even proportionally, in the sample(s) (e. g. , by gender), by selecting individuals from strata list| More complex, requires greater effort than simple random; strata must be carefully defined| Cluster| Random samples of successive clusters of subjects (e. g. , by institution) until small groups are chosen as units| Possible to select randomly when no single list of population members exists, but local lists do; data collected on groups may avoid introduction of confounding by isolating members| Clusters in a level must be equivalent and some natural ones are not for essential characteristics (e. g. geographic: numbers equal, but unemployment rates differ)| Stage| Combination of cluster (randomly selecting clusters) and random or stratified random sampling of individuals| Can make up probability sample by random at stages and within groups; possible to select random sample when population lists are very localized| Complex, combines limitations of cluster and stratified random sampling| Purposive| Hand-pick subjects on the basis of specific characteristics| Ensures balance of group sizes when multiple groups are t o be selected| Samples are not easily defensible as being representative of populations due to potential subjectivity of researcher| | Select individuals as they come to fill a quota by characteristics proportional to populations| Ensures selection of adequate numbers of subjects with appropriate characteristics| Not possible to prove that the sample is representative of designated population| Snowball| Subjects with desired traits or characteristics give names of further appropriate subjects| Possible to include members of groups where no lists or identifiable clusters even exist (e. g. , drug abusers, criminals)| No way of knowing whether the sample is representative of the population| Volunteer, accidental, convenience| Either asking for volunteers, or the consequence of not all those selected finally participating, or a set of subjects who just happen to be available| Inexpensive way of ensuring sufficient numbers of a study| Can be highly unrepresentative| Black, T. R. (1999:11 8) For this research the narrative approach for interviewing the sample has been chosen. What we mean by the word narrative is important to understand why we are using this approach. The  Oxford Mini Dictionary  defines narrative as ‘a spoken or written account of something’ (Hawker, 2002: 406). Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary  is not specific about the written or spoken, with its ‘an account of any occurrence’ Macdonald, (1972: 876) thereby including the possibility of other types of communication visual, aural, tactile and so on. This wider, inclusive definition is important because it recognizes and allows the use of signing, Braille, and other communications systems/languages. It provides the following through the interviews, locates the person in context describing setting, character and mental summary of events, conflict and outcomes. Mishler (1986) The narrative process will enable collection of data from the sample selected and they will be able to tell their stories this is very important within the LAC population as we have more black children and young people represented in our system. They will be able to tell their story from their cultural perspective Marshall et al (1995). The main advantage of the process is that in the interviews we will be able to find the voice of the participant in the particular time, place and setting in this case the LAC review. Connelly et al (1990) this can also lead to gaining insight into the organisational change which can lead to cultural change. Faber (1998), Boje (1991), Beech (2000) It can also bring insight into decision making through stories and how knowledge is transferred in the organisation. OiConnor, (1997) Darwent,( 2000). We need to also acknowledge the limitations of the narrative approach. We can have researcher bias which can influence the data, the sample may not be credible, sample could have been influenced by other studies they were involved in, and background information may be missing, the analysis of the researcher could be biased, the very presence of the researcher may affect the research and data, the present information may not influence the future. Heisenburg (1927) and building trust with the sample takes time the snapshot view and small sample may impact the outcomes as they may not be representative of the population. Hammersley et al (1983) Hammersley (1990) We will be using semi-structured interview method as it is complementary to using the narrative approach to asking questions, and its strengths and limitations. â€Å"Interviewing is a complex and demanding technique† (Frey and Oishi 1995:02) This researcher sets the environment for the data to be collected. The interviewee has time to share their views but the process relies on the interviewee willing to give an honest answer. Breakwell et al (1950). It allows the interviewer to ask open questions and supplement ones to clarify views, Frey and Oishi (1995). They may not be completely honest and ask elaborate questions back to ascertain exactly what the research is about. (Wimmer and Dominick (1997). The data and validity of the research may well be impacted by these. Breakwell et al (1995)