The Emergent Threat of Bio-Terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Emergent Threat of Bio-Terrorism - Essay Example This paper weighs the pros and cons on whether al Qaeda or any other international terrorist group indeed has the motivation and capability to develop and use bio-weapons to carry out their missions of terror against the civilized world. If biological weapons represent the new threat to world peace and security that it is feared to be, we need to examine the desire and capability of authorities to deal with this yet to be experienced challenge to existing health and defense systems. Together with chemical and nuclear weapons, modern biological weapons are commonly classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and have been used as such on many occasions in the past. Biochemical weapons may appeal to terrorists for three major reasons: 1) they are easier and cheaper to acquire than nuclear devices and cause more casualties; 2) their effects on target population are hard to detect and counter; and 3) the threat of their use causes fear, which element the terrorists love most (Danitz, 1998, p. 3). The use of bio-weapons actually goes back to the siege warfare in Medieval Ages, among which was the recorded attempt to spread disease through dead horses at northern France in 1340. In 1346, cadavers of plague victims were dumped on the defenders at Caffa in Crimea, while human and animal manure was used at Karlstein in Bohemia in 1422. The most successful was said to be the bio-attack at Caffa, where a large number of the defenders came down with the Bubonic plague (Wheelis, 2002, p. 12). On the American frontier, some of the disease outbreaks between the 18th and early 20th centuries might have been deliberately instigated (Fenn, 2000). The best documented of those early bio-attacks took place at Fort Pitt in Pennsylvania at the height of the Pontiac rebellion in 1763, when British troops gifted the Fort Pitt defenders with blankets and handkerchiefs from smallpox patients. The latter-day known incident of that nature happened between 1957 and 1965 when land speculators and corrupt agents of the Brazilian Indian Protective Service introduced smallpox, measles, flu and tuberculosis into the American Indians on the Amazonian basin. For smallpox, fomites were used and for the other diseases the culprits had the sick whites mixed with tribe members (Wheelis, 2002, p. 13). War records starting from the American Revolutionary War to the Cold War era also reveal the extensive use of bio-weapons. There was the story of how British troops attacked the Continental Army in Boston and Quebec on several occasions with smallpox by driving infected civilians into the enemy fold. In World War I, the Germans waged a covert bio-attack by having secret agents inject anthrax and glanders cultures into farm animals penned for shipment to Allied countries. Japan resorted to the same tactic during World War II mostly against the Chinese. In the 1942 Chekiang campaign, for example, retreating Japanese agents poisoned wells, sprayed the ground behind them with microbial cultures and left infected foodstuff for the

International Management Essay Example for Free

International Management Essay Problem Statement Jabwood International is contemplating international expansion into new markets specifically, Saudi Arabia and China to compensate for a decline in revenues. Problem Causes The Middle Eastern situation, specifically the uprising in Syria. The borders between Lebanon and Syria being closed causing the company’s main wood supplier TANITA to expand to other timber companies. Jabwood’s market share and sales volume had a drop of 20 %. Jabwood does not have any business in Saudi Arabia which has the Biggest Market in the Middle East for wood products. Jabwood does not have any business in China which the potential for wood products have increased every year due to the population. The company depends on one major Supplier, which constituted 60 to 70 percent of its revenue source. Managers are under tremendous Pressure to meet sales quotas and avoid any conflict with TANITA because it generates most of Jabwoods revenue. Jabwood has no succession plan incorporated and discussion for it is considered Taboo. Finally managerial positions were only extended to family members only, which shows favoritism to those individuals and no advancement or promotion to other employees. Possible Alternatives Jabwood needs to incorporate a succession plan as well as extend managerial positions to non-family members, doing so will reinvigorate the employees and change their views on the company. Jabwood has two difficult decisions whether to expand to a place they know Saudi- Arabia or to China which they have no Knowledge in. Saudi-Arabia Expansion Jabwood operated in Saudi Arabia before and had established operations with one of the Jabado brothers Adnan During the time they had business in the country. Saudi- Arabia generated half of Jabwood international sales. Jabwoods market share dropped once they withdrew from Saudi-Arabia. Expansion with Saudi- Arabia does have its pros and cons. Pros First year sales are 10% of the target market. Sales growth is estimated at 100 % in two years. There are no restrictions on mobility of funds. Capital can be 100% foreign. Processed wood products are exempted from import taxes. Government Stability is at 61 which means it is not likely for the country to go unstable. Saudi- Arabia is in the Middle East and it also an Islamic country which Jabwood international is familiar with that market. Cons Tariffs on lumber are 12%. 28 million population does not compare to the 13 population in China and the citizens who need homes there. 0% forest areas 1 million CBM to import wood. 82 % of the country are urban areas meaning less places required for wood construction. $686.00 to import per container. Sawn timber is not needed. China Expansion China is a huge market for wood products, Demand for wood is through the roof. The Chinese wood industry has been Prospering since 2010. They have become the biggest producer and exporter of WBP and plywood in the world, they are the second biggest importer of wood products in the world. Pros A new regulation in Shanghai allows the replacement of sloppy rooftops to be replaced with sawn timber, this would be a huge market for Jabwood International. Tariffs on lumber are low. Only 150 million CBM is produced locally. The 13 billion population alone makes the demand at an astounding number for wood. Rural areas are at a higher percentage, meaning more room for building houses. Cost of imports are at a less cost than in Saudi-Arabia. Sawn timber is needed. Cons First years sales are at 2% of the target market. Sales growth estimates are at 0% by the second year. China law does not guarantee re-transfer of capital, annual transfer of dividends, and transfer of capital in cases of termination. No exclusivity to sell TANITA products in China. Establishing a representative office in a foreign country in $60,000. The Chinese wood market is known to have stringent requirements with regard to wood sizes and quality. The Communist laws in China might lead to issues in business practices. Staff must know Chinese regulations and speak Chinese to have an easier time trying to cope with the strict business administrative procedures. Chinese people are afraid that houses made of wood are prone to natural disasters. Decision Jabwood International should make the decision to re-establish its connections in Saudi-Arabia and began working there immediately. Justification Even though the Market in China is more in demand since there are 13 billion people. There are much more cons to expand there than there would be in Saudi-Arabia. Also expanding in China would be very risky, since Jabwood International never did any type of business there before. Jabwood International has experience in Saudi-Arabia and they made about 50% of their sales when they did do business there, which justifies why they should return there. Action Steps Fayez Jabado should conduct a meeting with Imad and Mahmoud Jabado since they are familiar with the Saudi market and begin plans to expand out there as soon as possible. Adnan Jabado should be head leader or in charge of the operations in Saudi-Arabia since he has done so before. It only takes 5 days to start a business in the country so operations can began sooner than expected. Some issues that may arise are the high costs of tariffs and corporate tax rate. The Jabado brothers should divide the tasks among each other so the expansion can go as smoothly as possible.

Business Leadership :: essays research papers

Parallel to the evolution that has occured in the business world in decades past, is the evolution of views on participative leadership among managers. Participative leadership refers to the manner in which employers have come to treat their employees. This treatment has evolved from days of traditional, autocratic relationships– in which employees were told exactly what tasks to do, without regard to their feelings or what intelligent input could be made– to today’s spectrum of treatment defined by two terms, human relations and human resources. Managers’ approaches today, now consider, not only the employees feelings, but the potential added benefits they might be able to bring to the firm. The difference between human relations and human resources lies in the goals and expectations of the manager. With human relations, the manager’s primary concern is reducing employee resistance to authority with the satisfaction of the employee’s basic n eeds to feel accomplishment and belonging in the company; secondary is the performance and added benefits the employee may be able to contribute once morale is increased. On the other hand, managers who practices human resources look to empower their employees by encouraging them to take initiative and reach goals by their own capabilities and resources. With the sense of self-accomplishment gained by doing this, it is then that employee morale will be raised. Not only will the employee’s presence truly matter, but the company’s productivity and success will also be greater. Managers’ stances today are headed in the direction of the human resources model, a beneficial move for the welfare of company relations and success, but there are those who still practice human relations. Many companies demonstrate both models, proving employer/employee relationships in today’s companies continue to range the spectrum.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Two guiding companies of the human resource model are Lucent Technologies and Miller Brewing Company. The employees of these firms have been empowered with the ability to work in teams and achieve goals on their own. This flexibility has resulted in creativity and productivity unseen before. The effect: greater employee morale, respect, and overall company success. With the human relations model, such success is uncomparable. Understandably, there are those who still advocate it though. Those people might look at such successful companies as Mary Kay Cosmetics. The consultants of this firm enjoy the encouragement and widespread support, making job loyalty and morale very high. However, in reality, employees of Mary Kay don’t have the opportunity or flexibility to explore their ideas in terms of corporate and influential decisions.

Ameliorating Hospital Working Conditions Essay -- Nursing, CISM

It is found that most â€Å"nurses love their work and hate their jobs† (Berliner and Ginzberg 2742). Due to the current quality of the nurses’ environments, this is of no surprise. The major factor hindering the quality of hospitals is the level of stress in the workforce. While it is inevitable to eliminate stressors in all medical centers, how stress is perceived is a controllable factor. The idea of stress being controlled emphasizes the need for CISM programs in all health facilities of America to cope with the critical incidents and stress that occur on a daily basis. CISM, as defined by Tracy, is a â€Å"comprehensive, multi-component program based upon counseling principals and peer support processes designed to assist emergency health professionals’ when dealing effectively with the stressful components of their work† (28). The program is thought to be the most effective type of counseling in hospitals for critical incidents and stress, due to it s extensive step-by-step guideline. CISM is expected to increase nursing staff, patient satisfaction, and overall create more efficient health care facilities by mitigating negative stress reactions in hospital workers. The program will provide a safer and healthier environment for both the nurses and patients in the medical centers. In a study, it was found that hospitals with more positive work environments for their nurses have higher patient satisfaction (Greenslade and Jimmieson 1189). The higher patient satisfaction is most likely due to nurse’s more emotionally prepared to care for their patients in a thriving environment. CISM programs provide that healthier environment and better working conditions in the hospital. CISM was created by Jeffrey Mitchell initially to reduce the ... ... (2003). Crisis Intervention and CISM: A Research Summary. Ellicott City, Maryland, International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Retrieved from http://cism.cap.gov/files/articles/CISM%20Research%20Summary.pdf Parsley, Lee Ann, Conditions and strategies Affecting Interagency Collaboration in the Development of Critical Incident Stress Management Programs. Diss. U. of Ohio, 2003. UMI, 3093687. Print. Sieben, Laura. Staff Debriefing after a Critical Incident in the Emergency Department. Diss. College of Scholastica, 2009, UMI, 14738626. Print. Tracy, Scott. How Cumulative Stress Affected the Lived Experience of Emergency Medical Service Workers after a Horrific Natural Disaster: Implications for Professional Counselors. Diss. Duquesne University, 2007. UMI, 3292249. Print.

Constitutional Amendments

The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited liquor with the exception of the use of liquor for religious purposes. As a result, it became difficult to consume let alone obtain alcohol at the time. Organized crime in the country became prevalent as people began to obtain alcohol illegally and as people began to organize themselves for alcohol trade and sales despite the increasing pressure brought forth by the government. Corruption in several government agencies became prevalent as people were tempted to bribe government officials in order to obtain alcohol with their approval.The Amendment’s impact on contemporary society is that it gave the government a learning lesson with regard to unpopular legislations in the face of the demands of the public. Today, the effects of the Eighteenth Amendment can no longer be observed as the American public is now allowed to purchase and consume liquor and other alcoholic drinks. Nevertheless, there are existing government restrictions on the legal age of obtaining and consuming alcohol. There are also current restrictions on drinking when together with other activities such as driving.Less than two decades after the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment, the Twenty-first Amendment was ratified. The latter Amendment repealed the provisions of the Eighteenth Amendment concerning the nationwide prohibition on the use of liquor. However, the second section of the Twenty-first Amendment prohibits the importation or transport of alcoholic beverages to States where doing so would violate the laws thereof. One of the effects of the ratification of the Twenty-first Amendment is that numerous states retained their laws prohibiting alcohol consumption long after the Amendment was enforced.Countless public bars remained under State prohibition from selling intoxicating liquor to the public which effectively gave States control over liquor. Today, numerous States have passed the authority to control public alcohol distribution or sale s to their different counties and municipalities. In any case, the industry of alcoholic beverages in the United States is now thriving to the point that the manufacturers of these beverages continue to export their products abroad on a regular basis.While some of the prohibition on local bars on a municipal or county-level led to lawsuits citing First Amendment rights, alcoholic beverages continue to be distributed, sold and consumed for the most part of the country although their distribution, selling and consumption are required to be within the legal limits. The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution proscribes both the federal government and the different states from denying Americans from their right to vote on the basis of a person’s sex.The apparent result of the ratification of the amendment is that women became part of the population eligible to vote for candidates running for government positions. The amendment effectively abolished the limitation of the right to suffrage which was previously accorder only to men. Women became entitled with the right to vote without having to worry about legal restrictions imposed by the government and opposition from other individuals. The effect of the Amendment continues to this day as women continue to partake in the American electoral process.In essence, the consequences of the Amendment are very visible in public especially during elections. The Twentieth Amendment puts in detail the start and end of the terms of elected federal government officials such as the President and the Vice-President. The Amendment further specifies the role of Congress in appointing a President when the Presidency is vacant. It specifies the order of succession to the Presidency in times when President dies. It also specifies the day in which Congress shall convene unless otherwise legally appointed on a different day.The effect of the Amendment after ratification is that it gave elected federal government officials the urg ency of time to immediately occupy their positions in order to deal with important matters the soonest time possible. It also prevented Congress from convening for a futile session right after the elections as the start of the Congressional session was moved to every third day of January, less than two weeks before the start of the term of the newly elected President and Vice-President. The case of President Barack Obama serves as a contemporary example.His case illustrates the urgency for the President to start working the soonest time possible in order to address important national concerns, one of which is the current economic crisis that has hit the country and other parts of the world. Finally, the Twenty-second Amendment to the U. S. Constitution sets the limit for the Presidential term. Specifically, the elected President is given up to two four-year terms in office. However, an acting President who has served the remaining two years of office is also entitled to a full two f our-year terms in office—the maximum term that a person can hold the position of President is ten years.As for acting Presidents who have held the position for more than two years, they can only hold office for no more than one term after completing their term as acting President. At the time after the ratification of the Amendment, Dwight Eisenhower was the President. He argued that a second-term President would simply be reduced to a â€Å"lame duck† because his political influence and vested powers would be diminished considering that such a President faces an apparent and irreversible deadline on his term.The President who is about to leave office becomes ineffective to a certain degree because politicians in the government will become more interested in the search for and support of their presidential candidates than in the affairs of the executive branch. These things have been one of the main concerns of the incumbent president—Dwight Eisenhower—at the time of the ratification of the amendment. In more recent times, Americans who oppose the Bush policies on war saw the two-term limit as their saving grace. After the inauguration of George W.Bush for his second term in office, he was quick to issue several foreign and local policies because he understood that he faces the risk of being a â€Å"lame duck† president by the time his second term in office is about to expire. As for current U. S. President Barack Obama, he is entitled to the same two four-year terms that former president George W. Bush had since the time of Eisenhower. Reference Constitution of the United States: Amendments 11-27. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from http://www. archives. gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_amendments_11-27. html

The Dutch Health Care System The WritePass Journal

The Dutch Health Care System Introduction The Dutch Health Care System EHCI rankings (Arne BJornberg, 2012).   Analysts report that this consistent performance is mainly due to the policy reforms and the introduction of the ‘Health Insurance act’ of 2006. Not only did the Netherlands top the EHCI which is generally regarded as   measure of ‘consumer friendliness’ of the national health care policy, but it also ranked among the top three nations when measured for outcomes related to critical and chronic conditions such as cardiac problems, diabetes, HIV and Hepatitis   (Arne BJornberg, 2012). The appendix A includes graphical figures showing the performance of Netherlands in some of the important healthcare metrics such as infant mortality levels, elective surgery waiting time, etc.   Reports suggest that though there is some scope for improvement in terms of reducing the waiting time and the overall accessibility of services, the Dutch healthcare system has hardly any weakspots (Arne BJornberg, 2012) The success of the Dutch model has bought increasing global focus on its model of care delivery. This paper therefore explores the vital aspects of the Dutch health care system. Methodology This is a secondary research and involved searching for national reports and health policy documents and journal articles pertaining to the health care policy of Netherlands. Pubmed database was searched for a combination of keywords such as Dutch Healthcare system, health insurance, structural reforms, etc. Google search was also conducted on these keywords and this provided access to comprehensive national reports. Since the search resulted in a wide array of documents only those reports and articles which were authentic sources such as the Dutch ministry of health and articles from peer reviewed journals and magazines were selected for use in this report. The Dutch Health Care system (The problems that existed) The healthcare system in the Netherlands was totally different before 2006, when it was restructured with the introduction of the ‘Health insurance act’ (Zorgverzekeringswet, Zvw). A brief overview of the earlier system would help us better understand the evolutionary response and the introduction of the much touted ‘health insurance act’ of 2006. Earlier, universal health coverage was achieved by a combination of government funded and privately funded insurance systems. Social health insurance (ZFW) funded by the government provided coverage for all those who were under the prescribed income limit. The vast majority of the Dutch population was under the ZFW coverage. Another government funded program known as the AWBZ (exceptional medical insurance act) provided coverage for long term care and other exceptional medical treatments. Around 30% of the Dutch population who were above the prescribed low income level to qualify for the ZFW were encouraged to purc hase coverage from private health insurance services (PHI) (David, 2008). These private health insurance schemes were mostly funded by the employers or in some instances directly by the individuals. While the Dutch system was working good in providing universal access to coverage there were systemic problems. Sustainability of the system was one of the pressing issues. For instance, the aging population and the growing health care needs implied that the majority government- funded health coverage would consume a significant portion of the national GDP. (14% and above). Secondly the model did not provide sufficient quality incentives for the care providing organizations and there were also growing concerns about the accessibility to some services. Particularly, there was a tendency to postpone elective procedures at the end of the year for pure accounting purposes. Thirdly, insurance premiums under the PHI or private providers were rising considerably for those with chronic conditions and this, in fact, discouraged many from the PHI schemes and such people went without insurance. Last but not the least, was the problem of insurance portability(David, 2008). Owing to participation of numerous small insurance companies in the PHI scheme, there were significant coverage limitations. To eradicate all these problems the Dutch government came up with fundamental changes in the delivery model with the majority government funded social insurance system giving way to a privately insured, yet government regulated, model of care delivery. This has greatly improved the healthcare system by addressing the above mentioned problems. The Health care Act (2006) (A sustainable solution) This act structurally redesigned the Dutch healthcare system by introducing private social insurance (ZVW) as a mandatory coverage for all citizens above 18 years of age while the government covers all those below 18 years of age. The important feature of the ZVW scheme is that it provides universal coverage for all citizens without any restrictions based on their age, health status, pre existing conditions, etc. Also the distinguishing feature between the ZVW and the earlier ZFW is that it is totally managed by private insurers. This act is a significant move towards the private free market. However, it is regulated by the government and the price for the basic benefit package under the ZVW is stipulated based on annual projections. The ZVW covers all routine checkups, hospitalizations, medication and doctor’s fees. Other services that do not come under the ZVW such as dentistry, cosmetic services, physiotherapy, etc could be optionally covered through supplementary policies (Maarsse, 2011). The following illustration depicts the prevailing health care insurance system in Netherlands Fig : Health Insurance system after the 2006 Health Insurance act (Maarsse, 2011) The ZVW (A hybrid system) Health care as a market service is not recommendable as governments do not see health care as a business but as a social provision. Under these circumstances the introduction of the private ‘for –profit’ business entities to provide insurance coverage creates undesirable consequences that might affect the equitable distribution of health care. Such discrepancies in service provision by private insurance entities in the US offer a clear case that confirm the fears that markets are not the ideal way to deliver health. (Angell, 2008)   However, one of the highlights of the Dutch healthcare system is the uniformness of coverage that it allows. Dutch lawmakers have incorporated several legal features that protect the consumers and ensure that the ZVW is a hybrid form of the social insurance and the private insurance (VWS, 2012). Since the Dutch government compensates the insurers for high risk patients in the form of the risk equalization fund the system avoids â€Å"cherry picking† which is a pressing problem in countries such as the US where private insurers are very selective in covering high risk patients. (Angell, 2008). The Dutch model on the other hand, by compensating insurers for enrollees with a higher risk prediction, encourages them to provide coverage for everyone without a risk bias. The concept of risk equalization therefore helps to achieve universal coverage even under a ‘for –profit’ private insurer based system. As Michael Borowitz, a senior health policy analyst with OECD says, this system provides insurance companies â€Å"no incentive to pick people who are only healthy†. (PBS, 2009) This is a key policy control mechanism that aids with the success of the universal coverage and the absence of such a policy control in the US created a pure business like approach where the goal of profit maximization naturally discourages private insurers from providing coverage for people under a higher risk category (Angell, 2008). Insurer Competition and Consumer Freedom Another aspect of the thoroughly regulated Dutch private insurance system is that it creates healthy competition between insurers. The government permits health consumers to switch between insurers once every year.   Thus the privately administered and government regulated insurance model provides choice to the consumer and serves to improve the quality of services by the insurance providers.   The health insurance act also provides sufficient freedom of choice to the consumer. For instance, enrollees can opt for policy in- kind or a restitution policy. In the first instance, the insurance company itself takes care of all the details including finding the appropriate health providers and the payments etc. In the restitution option the enrollee can choose his/her own providers, at their own time, and also pay up for the services. The cost of such services is then reimbursed by the insurance provider. The later option is referred to as the personal care budget (pgb or persoonsgebon den budget) (Daley Gubb, 2013). On top of this flexibility, the Dutch ZVW insurance scheme also provides for compensatory features such as deductibles. Deductibles apply to any enrollee that has not utilized the health services beyond a minimum cost during the year and these are automatically applied to the premium in the next year (David , 2008). This feature adds to the solidarity of the Dutch insurance system. GP’s as Gatekeepers As in the UK, the Dutch also adopt the gatekeeper approach when it comes to availing specialist care. The General Practitioner (GP) is the primary care provider of the patient and is usually the family physician. Any consultations with specialist service providers operating in secondary and tertiary care units is made possible only through a referral from the  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   GP. This method is applied in order to contain health care costs associated with unnecessary specialist consultations (Daley Gubb, 2013). Quality of care is a high priority in the national health policy. The policy allows insurers to select hospitals or care providers based on the quality of their service. If any providers are found wanting in quality, insurers have the option not to contract such providers.   Furthermore feedback from patients are considered and promptly attended to. The General administrative law act makes it a priority for the AWBZ implementing body to promptly assess and address any cu stomer grievance. If the customer is not satisfied with the response from the AWBZ body then he/she could lodge a complaint with the national ombudsman which would not only assess the provider for upholding contractual provisions, but also verify if the patient was meted out equal treatment, reasonableness and proper care. Furthermore, if the Ombudsman received many complaints of similar nature the problem is referred to the health ministry which would take it into consideration for further changes to the health care policy(VWS, 2012). These feedback systems ensure that the experience for the patient at the point of care delivery is motivating and positive. Conclusion The health insurance act of 2006 bought a significant reform to the way healthcare is delivered in the Netherlands.   Widely praised as a successful evolutionary response, the health insurance act created a move away from the segmented structure of insurance towards a mandatory single scheme for all citizens. Equity of access, quality of health services and financial risk protection are the key aspects that govern universal coverage. The inclusion of social preconditions such as the provision of equitable coverage for all citizens, as well as insurer and consumer friendly components such as ‘risk equalization fund’ and ‘deductibles’ have made private insurance based universal coverage a reality. In Netherlands, strict government regulation of private insurance has created a level playing field, stimulating healthy competition among the insurers while at the same time providing freedom of choice for the health consumer. References Claire Daley James Gubb (2013) , Healthcare Systems : The Netherlands , viewed March 26th 2013, www.civitas.org.uk/nhs/download/netherlands.pdf Arne BJornberg (2012), Euro health consumer Index, 2012 report, published by Health Consumer Powerhouse Maarse, H (2011), Dutch Health Care Reform at the Crossroads, The Hastings Centre, viewed March 26th 2013, http://healthcarecostmonitor.thehastingscenter.org/files/2011/06/Maarse-Dutch-health-care-reform-at-the-crossroads-long-version1.pdf Marcia Angell (2008), Privatizing healthcare is not the answer: Lessons from the United States, CMAJ 179 (9), 916-919. Naidoo J Wills J (2005), Public health and health promotion: Developing practice, London, Elsevier. PBS (2009), Comparing international health care systems, viewed March 27th, 2013, pbs.org/newshour/updates/health/july-dec09/insurance_10-06.html Perott, David, (2008), The Dutch Health care system: Possible model for America? Physician Executive, 34(6), 16- 8 20-3 VWS (2012), Health insurance in the Netherlands, Ministry of health and sports publication, viewed March 26th 2012, www.government.nl//health-insurance-in-the-netherlands.pdf

What Authors Actually Think of Amazon’s Pay-Per-Page Model

What Authors Actually Think of Amazon’s Pay-Per-Page Model What authors actually think of Amazon’s Pay-Per-Page Model This past month's buzz about Amazon’s announcement of a Pay-Per-Page  model for Kindle Unlimited authors has received a myriad of responses. Much of it has consisted of information being blown completely out of proportion on various media pages. Vocal journalists have expressed their fear of Amazon promoting length over quality, or of Amazon total dominance of the publishing industry. It all made us think: â€Å"what do authors actually think about it?† So we went ahead and asked a few â€Å"indie† and hybrid authors - the ones affected most by the changes.Amazon’s â€Å"Pay-per-page† responds to author feedbackIt turns out that the main thing that the media have been forgetting to say is that Amazon’s change is actually prompted by authors requesting it. When Kindle Unlimited was launched, Amazon paid authors for a full â€Å"borrow† as soon as the reader read more than 10% of the book. This means that authors who were writing long er novels were being undercut, but the ones writing shorter books were sliding under the radar and collecting their checks every time a reader made it 10% of the way through a book. If you are reading a short novel, 10% may not be many pages at all.This is what indie author Lindsay Buroker and hybrid author Bob Mayer point out:â€Å"The changes seem to be more a response to author feedback, and perhaps reader feedback as well. I know many novelists who were frustrated that short stories and installments of serialized fiction made as much as their full-length novels. Were readers also frustrated with all of the short fiction and chopped up books?† - Lindsay Buroker, author of  The Emperor's Edgeâ€Å"Overall, authors who wrote full length novels were actually getting screwed. If I’d wanted to game the system, I should have focused on writing five 20,000 words stories (earning $6.60 if all are borrowed) rather than one 100,000 page book (earning only $1.32 if borrowe d). Under Kindle Unlimited my income would have been five times what it is. Under the new system, my income is more, as long as those pages get read.† - Bob Mayer, author of the Area 51 seriesClick on the image to tweet it!Sharing is caring! Click on any images above to tweet the quote with the author's handle!What is  your opinion on the Amazon pay-per-page change? Are subscription services a threat to authors in the long term? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

The Rise and Fall of the Borgia Family

The Rise and Fall of the Borgia Family The Borgias are the most infamous family of Renaissance Italy, and their history normally hinges around four key individuals: Pope Calixtus III, his nephew Pope Alexander IV, his son Cesare and daughter Lucrezia. Thanks to the actions of the middle pair, the family name is associated with greed, power, lust, and murder. The Rise of the Borgias The most famous branch of the Borgia family originated with Alfons Borja from Valencia in Spain, the son of a middling family. Alfons went to university and studied canon and civil law, where he demonstrated talent and after graduation began to rise through the local church. After representing his diocese in national matters, Alfons was appointed secretary to King Alfonso V of Aragon and became deeply involved in politics, sometimes acting as envoy for the monarch. Soon Alfons became Vice-Chancellor, a trusted and relied upon aide, and then regent when the king went to conquer Naples. While demonstrating skills as an administrator, he also promoted his family, even interfering with a murder trial to secure his kin’s safety. When the king returned, Alfons led negotiations over a rival pope who was living in Aragon. He secured a delicate success which impressed Rome and became both a priest and a bishop. A few years later Alfons went to Naples - now ruled by the King of Aragon – and reorganized the government. In 1439 Alfons represented Aragon at a council to try and unite the eastern and western churches. It failed, but he impressed. When the king finally negotiated papal approval for his hold of Naples (in return for defending Rome against central Italian rivals), Alfons did the work  and was appointed a cardinal in 1444 as a reward. He thus moved to Rome in 1445, aged 67, and changed his name to Borgia. Oddly for the age, Alfons was not a pluralist, keeping only one church appointment, and was also honest and sober. The next generation of Borgia would be very different, and Alfons’s nephews now arrived in Rome. The youngest, Rodrigo, was destined for the church and studied canon law in Italy, where he established a reputation as a ladies man. An elder nephew, Pedro Luis, was destined for military command. Calixtus III: The First Borgia Pope Hulton Archive / Getty Images On April 8th, 1455, a brief time after being made a cardinal, Alfons was elected as Pope, largely because he belonged to no major factions and seemed destined for a short reign due to age. He took the name Calixtus III. As a Spaniard, Calixtus had many ready-made enemies in Rome, and he began his rule carefully, keen to avoid Rome’s factions, even though his first ceremony was interrupted by a riot. However, Calixtus also broke with his former king, Alfonso, after the former ignored the latter’s request for a crusade. While Calixtus refused to promote King Alfonso’s sons as a punishment, he was busy promoting his own family: nepotism was not unusual in the papacy. Indeed, it allowed the Popes to create a base of supporters. Rodrigo was made a cardinal at 25, and a slightly older brother the same, acts which scandalized Rome because of their youth, and ensuing debauchery. But Rodrigo, sent to a difficult region as a papal legate, was skilled and successful. Pedro was given an army command, and the promotions and wealth flowed in: Rodrigo became second in command of the church, and Pedro a Duke and Prefect, while other family took a range of positions. Indeed, when King Alfonso died, Pedro was sent to seize Naples which had defaulted back to Rome. Critics believed Calixtus intended to give it to Pedro. However, matters came to a head between Pedro and his rivals over this, and he had to flee enemies, although he died shortly after of Malaria. In aiding him, Rodrigo demonstrated a physical bra very  and was with Calixtus when he too died in 1458. Rodrigo: Journey to the Papacy German School / Getty Images In the conclave following Calixtus’s death, Rodrigo was the most junior cardinal. He played a key role in electing the new Pope – Pius II – a role that required courage and gambling his career. The move worked, and for a young foreign outsider who had lost his patron, Rodrigo found himself a key ally of the new pope and confirmed Vice-Chancellor. To be fair, Rodrigo was a man of great ability and was perfectly capable in this role, but he also loved women, wealth, and glory. He thus abandoned the example of his uncle Calixtus and set about acquiring benefices and land to secure his position: castles, bishoprics, and money flowed in. Rodrigo also earned official reprimands from the Pope for his licentiousness. Rodrigo’s response was to cover his tracks more. However, he had many children, including a son called Cesare in 1475 and a daughter called Lucrezia in 1480, and Rodrigo would give them key positions. Rodrigo then survived a plague and welcomed a friend as Pope, and stayed on as Vice-Chancellor. By the next conclave, Rodrigo was powerful enough to influence the election, and was sent as a papal legate to Spain with permission to approve or deny the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, and thus the union of Aragon and Castile. In approving the match, and working to get Spain to accept them, Rodrigo earned the support of King Ferdinand. On returning to Rome, Rodrigo kept his head down as the new pope became the center of plotting and intrigue in Italy. His children were given routes to success: his eldest son became a Duke, while daughters were married to secure alliances. A papal conclave in 1484 demurred from making Rodrigo pope, but the Borgia leader had his eye on the throne, and worked hard to secure allies for what he considered his last chance, and was aided by the current pope causing violence and chaos. In 1492, with the death of the Pope, Rodrigo put all his work together with a huge amount of bribes and was elected Alexander VI. It has been said, not without validity, that he bought the papacy. Alexander VI: The Second Borgia Pope Hulton Archive / Getty Images Alexander had widespread public support  and was capable, diplomatic and skilled, as well as rich, hedonistic and concerned with ostentatious displays. While Alexander at first tried to keep his role separate from family, his children soon benefited from his election, and received huge wealth; Cesare became a cardinal in 1493.  Relatives arrived in Rome and were rewarded, and the Borgias were soon endemic in Italy. While many other Popes had been nepotists, Alexander was promoting his own children and had a range of mistresses, something that further fuelled a growing and negative reputation. At this point, some of the Borgia children also began to cause problems, as they annoyed their new families, and at one point Alexander appears to have threatened to excommunicate a mistress for returning to her husband. Alexander soon had to navigate a way through the warring states and families which surrounded him, and at first, he tried negotiation, including the marriage of a twelve-year-old Lucrezia to Giovanni Sforza. He had some success with diplomacy, but it was short-lived. Meanwhile, Lucrezia’s husband proved a poor soldier, and he fled in opposition to the pope, who then had him divorced. We don’t know why he fled, but accounts claim he believed rumors of incest between Alexander and Lucrezia that persist to this day. France then entered the arena, competing for Italian land, and in 1494 King Charles VIII invaded Italy. His advance was barely stopped, and as Charles entered Rome, Alexander retired to a palace. He could have  fled  but stayed to use his ability against the neurotic Charles. He negotiated both his own survival and a compromise which ensured an independent papacy, but which left Cesare as both a papal legate and a hostage†¦ until he escaped. France took Naples, but the rest of Italy came together in a Holy League in which Alexander played a key role. However, when Charles retreated back through Rome, Alexander thought it best to leave this second time. Juan Borgia Alexander now turned on a  Roman family  who stayed loyal to France: the Orsini. The command was given to Alexander’s son Duke Juan, who was recalled from Spain, where he had earned a reputation for womanizing. Meanwhile, Rome echoed to the rumors of the excesses of the Borgia children. Alexander meant to give Juan first the vital Orsini land, and then strategic papal lands, but Juan was assassinated and his corpse thrown into the Tiber. He was 20. No one knows who did it. The Rise of Cesare Borgia Mondadori / Getty Images Juan had been Alexander’s  favorite  and his commander; that  honor  (and the rewards) were now diverted to Cesare, who wished to resign his cardinal’s hat and marry. Cesare seemed the future to Alexander, partly because the other male  Borgia  children were dying or weak. Cesare secularized himself fully in 1498. He was immediately given replacement wealth as the Duke of Valence through an alliance Alexander brokered with the new French King Louis XIII, in return for papal acts and aiding him in gaining Milan. Cesare also married into Louis’ family and was given an army. His wife became pregnant before he left for Italy, but neither she nor the child ever saw Cesare again. Louis was successful and Cesare, who was only 23 but with an iron will and strong drive, began a remarkable military career. The Wars of Cesare Borgia Alexander looked at the condition of the Papal States, left in disarray after the first French invasion, and decided military action was needed. He thus ordered Cesare, who was in Milan with his army, to pacify large areas of central Italy for the Borgias. Cesare had early success, although when his large French contingent returned to France, he needed a new army and returned to Rome. Cesare seemed to have control over his father now, and people after papal appointments and acts found it more profitable to seek out the son instead of Alexander. Cesare also became Captain-General of the churches armies  and a dominant figure in central Italy. Lucrezia’s husband was also killed, possibly on the orders of an angry Cesare, who also was rumored to be acting against those who badmouthed him in Rome by assassinations. Murder was common in Rome, and many of the unsolved deaths were attributed to the Borgias, and usually Cesare. With a substantial war chest from Alexander, Cesare conquered., and at one point marched to remove Naples from the control of the dynasty who had given the Borgias their start. When Alexander went south to oversee the division of land, Lucrezia was left behind in Rome as regent. The Borgia family gained great amounts of land in the  Papal States, which were now concentrated in the hands of one family more than ever before, and Lucrezia was packed off to marry Alfonso d’Este to secure a flank of Cesare’s conquests. The Fall of the Borgias As the alliance with France now seemed to be holding Cesare back, plans were made, deals struck, wealth acquired and enemies murdered to take a change of direction, but in mid-1503 Alexander died of malaria. Cesare found his benefactor gone, his realm not yet consolidated, large foreign armies in the north and south, and himself also deeply ill. Furthermore, with Cesare weak, his enemies rushed back from exile to threaten his lands, and when Cesare failed to coerce the papal conclave, he retreated from Rome. He persuaded the new pope to re-admit him safely, but that pontiff died after  twenty-six  days and Cesare had to flee. He supported a great Borgia rival, Cardinal  della  Rovere, as Pope Julius III, but with his lands conquered and his diplomacy rebuffed an annoyed Julius arrested Cesare. Borgias were now thrown out of their positions, or forced into keeping quiet. Developments allowed Cesare to be released, and he went to Naples, but he was arrested by Ferdinand of Arag on and locked up again. Cesare did escape after two years  but was killed in a skirmish in 1507. He was just 31. Lucrezia the Patron and the End of the Borgias Print Collector / Getty Images Lucrezia also survived  malaria and the loss of her father and brother. Her personality reconciled her to her husband, his  family, and her state, and she took up court positions, acting as regent. She  organized  the state, saw it through war, and created a court of great culture through her patronage. She was popular with her  subjects  and died in 1519. No Borgias ever rose to become as powerful as Alexander, but there were plenty of minor figures who held religious and political positions, and Francis Borgia (d. 1572) was made a saint. By Francis’ time the family was declining in importance, and by the end of the eighteenth century it had died out. The Borgia Legend Alexander and the Borgias have become infamous for corruption,  cruelty,  and murder. Yet what Alexander did as pope was rarely original, he just took things to a new extreme. Cesare was perhaps the supreme intersection of secular power wielded to spiritual power in Europe’s history, and the Borgias were renaissance  princes  no worse than many of their contemporaries. Indeed, Cesare was given the dubious distinction of Machiavelli, who knew Cesare, saying the Borgia general was a grand example of how to tackle power.

REGLECTION PERCEPTION KEYS Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

REGLECTION PERCEPTION KEYS - Assignment Example This is so because, the ‘must see’ impressive structure representing the building, is an art in itself. It largely display the artistic ways of the master brains behind the building. 3. Elevators take us to the top of the building, and then we can participate with the exhibited works of art by walking down the spiraling ramp. This enables us to see each work from many perspectives. Does this seem to you to be an interesting, efficient, and comfortable way of exhibiting works of art? Yes, this does seem to me as an interesting, efficient and comfortable way of exhibiting works of art. This is so because; the building in itself is enormous. So, it is advisable for one to start from the top going to the bottom as is an assured way out of the building. This will save one lots of energy and hence wont tire earlier hence will have a better view of the exhibitions. As we all know, it is easier to go down a hill that climbing it. 4. The front of the museum faces Fifth Avenue. The surrounding buildings are tall rectangular structures evenly lined up along the sidewalks. If possible, visit the site. Did Wright succeed in bringing his museum into a harmonious spatial relationship with these other buildings? Or was his purpose perhaps to make his museum stand out in sharp contrast, like a plant among inorganic shapes? But if so, does the museum fit successfully into the spatial context – â€Å"the power and embrace of the positioned interrelationships of things†? The major aim of Wright erecting his building next to ordinary looking buildings was to make his museum stand out in spiky contrast. This was to make it more eye catching like a rose among daffodils. The museum fits successfully into the spatial context this is so because, it made it look so unique hence bringing out its popularity (Martin & Jacobus, 2011). I don’t think that a park site would have been a better site for the building compared to

Valhalla Partners Due Diligence Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Valhalla Partners Due Diligence - Case Study Example Moreover, since 2002 it has been showing sustainable growth, and according to the projections, TX would achieve more than $50,000,000 million in annual revenue within four years with $5mm incremental profitability. Hence, in immediate future, the company would attain a considerable market position by maintaining an average deal size. The average one-time software revenue per deal point $250,000. Considering all these positive factors, Art Marks should vote to invest in Telco Exchange. As far as the risk factors are concerned, TX is led by a very traditional mode of the management team with a 70-year-old man as the CEO and his son as the CTO. However, Telco’s highly efficient software would address many of the so-called managerial limitations. Moreover, if Telco Exchange is ready to substitute the CEO with someone proposed by Valhalla, the issue cannot be counted as a constraint to the growth of the firm. As compared to the above stated competitive advantages, threats from comp etitors and managerial weakness are of little relevance to the investment plan. What Mark should assess more is the firm’s scope for business expansion and customer retention. Since investment memo evidently indicates the sustainable profitability of TX, Mark can vote to make an investment in this firm. 2. According to the investment memo, the most prevailing risk factor is the upcoming competitors. For instance, companies like Tango, Stonehouse Technologies, Teldata Control, Profile, and QUantumShift are more likely to come up with solutions for invoice processing through their software solutions. Secondly, a more advanced form of products can be expected from vendors who specialize in financial management. However, the most potent aspect of the TX lies with its ability to address rather basic problems through its integrated solutions which the rivals do not have in common. For example, Aberdeen’s solution tends to narrow its focus on cost management and does not addr ess strategic management. However, it is trying to complete outsourced solutions like dispute resolution services. Finally, as discussed earlier, the company’s mode of management is comparatively unproven and weak. However, this risk factor could be easily overcome once the TX is willing to agree with Valhalla’s proposal. As compared to other firms’ outsourcing approaches, Telco’s solutions’ direct strategies are highly effective. To be a bit skeptical about the consistency of the firm’s sustainability, one can point out the atypical track record of TX. To illustrate, TX has been seeking a series of financing since its beginning. Moreover, the emergence of the firm itself is strange in its nature. In fact, the company originated as an internal project of CICAT Networks which was also a subsidiary of Fairfax. However, since Telco Exchange has the provision to help to automate the ordering process, it can make the data available for all partie s involved. Hence, TX is highly leveraged with technological backup to meet the required standards of corporate policies. 3. Valhalla’s due diligence process seems brilliant from an investor’s point of view. Its due diligence calls identify the TX’s ability to compete with all other companies with its most integrated telecommunications management solutions. The diligence process has given higher emphasis on safe investment to ensure partners privileges. The memo clearly indicates the strong and weaker areas of TX along with very reasonable business forecasts.  Ã‚  

Meeting Organisational Development Needs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Meeting Organisational Development Needs - Essay Example Furthermore, T&D when imparted consistently provides many other advantages to the organisation such as boosting the morale of employees, increase their level of productivity, guarantee satisfaction of work, maintaining quality and consistency in work along with reduced expenses (Olaniyan & Ojo, 2008). The report will give a brief overview on the requirements in designing an effective Learning and Development (L&D) as a part of the T&D program of the organisation and will try to devise a few methods to conduct L&D in organisation in a successful manner. In order to promote quality L&D within organisational framework, organizations employ a range of techniques for identification of the L&D needs of its middle level managers. The tools provides sufficient information on how organisations can find out the L&D needs of employees and consequently, provide successful L&D, as per their identified and specific needs. The needs identified by organizations among its middle level managers indicated their search for recognition and need for becoming a future potential manager. Hence, to carve out their future leadership potential, organizations tend to employ such tools that can assist middle level managers to meet their required objectives. Although there are many tools that can be used to assess the L&D needs, still organizations that want to focus upon HR development needs can consider not adopting certain methods. These can be use of ‘Consensus techniques’ and ‘Learner centred analysis’, which are less challenging methods to develop the L&D needs. These techniques can be prohibited by organizations as they focus more upon the analysis of their self-learning requirements and synthesize information with the assistance of experts. Organizations can further deduct these techniques One of the tools organizations can use to

Dental office network design Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dental office network design - Case Study Example Considering that the dentists are mobile and involved in offering services in different locations, the network solution will contain better communication equipment in order to make provision of services efficient. The network should contain proper connection of persons from different five offices situated in different locations. There should be a link between the receptionists in all offices such that they communicate and respond to calls from all areas (White, 2012). The network should be able to allow access of information by all dentists offering services to patients regardless of their location. This means that the network will contain several computers linked to a server that will enable access of information or data for patients. The design of the network solution will require careful attention in order to develop effective computer systems for fostering operations by dentists in different locations (Plant & Murrell, 2007). The network should have proper systems of communicatio ns, for example, telephone and internet linked in a systematic manner. This will allow proper communication between the dentists, their assistants and receptionists. The network solution will contain an installation of a VPN server linked to computers from different offices. The network shall contain Metropolitan Area Network components integrated in manner that it supports the Local area Network (Stair & Reynolds, 2010). ... Identify the information that is to be protected and the related security requirements Although the network is to allow flow and access of information between the five offices and other locations that the dentists will perform their services, there must be protection of information from patients (White, 2012). The design of the network solution will ensure that there is a restriction of information access to individuals. This will ensure confidentiality of patient’s information. Protection of information is a requirement of Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HPAA). The organization requires the formation of appropriate national standards for electronic healthcare operations (Stair & Reynolds, 2010). The design of the network will allow information access for authorized persons. For example, there will be security measures, for example, use of passwords and security codes to ensure access by required persons. This will ensure information for patients is not accessed by un authorized individuals. The information to be protected includes electronic and that contained in the papers. In order to ensure safeguard of information, the network requires administrative, technical and physical protection (Plant & Murrell, 2007). Maintenance of security will be possible through implementation of documented security controls. Administrative protocols will have to indicate persons who will have access to protected data. The protocol will consider aspects of data access alteration and termination. Plans should exist for the purpose of tackling emergencies emanating from the network (White, 2012). In order to adhere to the rules of HPAA, the administration will ensure performance of

Visual Analysis paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Visual Analysis paper - Assignment Example Having emerged around 1910 in Europe, abstractionism disrupted the idea of classical beauty and aesthetics in art. It believed that the first steps towards new concept of abstractionism were made by Vasily Kandinsky, a remarkable painter of Russian descent, who created his abstract watercolors around 1910. Naturally, two world wars made a great contribution to changes in perception of painting and use of abstract concepts in visual art. Abstractionism ran through the works of such prominent innovators of the 20th century as Kazemir Malevich, Mark Rothko, Vasily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian (and his De Stijl group) and Frank Stella. The core of their legacy is represented by the basic principles of abstractionism, though their styles and perceptions of reflecting the reality in painting differ in certain aspects (for instance, Malevich’s special philosophy of suprematism). Specifically, the two most visible approaches seen in paintings of these artists are surely color field techni que and hard-edge painting. Moreover, there are tendencies of minimalism that could be traced in their styles. Among the mentioned artists, Frank Stella’s period of activity began later (which isn’t surprising as the author was born in 1936) and has endured until nowadays. The artists seems to have absorbed influence of abstractionist school and embodied key concepts in his works. The set of directions preferable for Stella includes hard-edge painting, minimalism and post-painterly abstraction. The latter presupposes distinct edges, harmony or contrast of simple forms and monumentality. Post-painterly abstraction finds its reflection in many works of this prolific painter, and – notwithstanding new elements in the style – it is clear from Stella’s paintings that this style is based mainly on traditions of abstract expressionism, lavishly cultivated by Malevich, Rothko, Kandinsky and Mondrian. It could be stated that Stella’s way of self-expr ession through abstract

Dental office network design Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dental office network design - Case Study Example Considering that the dentists are mobile and involved in offering services in different locations, the network solution will contain better communication equipment in order to make provision of services efficient. The network should contain proper connection of persons from different five offices situated in different locations. There should be a link between the receptionists in all offices such that they communicate and respond to calls from all areas (White, 2012). The network should be able to allow access of information by all dentists offering services to patients regardless of their location. This means that the network will contain several computers linked to a server that will enable access of information or data for patients. The design of the network solution will require careful attention in order to develop effective computer systems for fostering operations by dentists in different locations (Plant & Murrell, 2007). The network should have proper systems of communicatio ns, for example, telephone and internet linked in a systematic manner. This will allow proper communication between the dentists, their assistants and receptionists. The network solution will contain an installation of a VPN server linked to computers from different offices. The network shall contain Metropolitan Area Network components integrated in manner that it supports the Local area Network (Stair & Reynolds, 2010). ... Identify the information that is to be protected and the related security requirements Although the network is to allow flow and access of information between the five offices and other locations that the dentists will perform their services, there must be protection of information from patients (White, 2012). The design of the network solution will ensure that there is a restriction of information access to individuals. This will ensure confidentiality of patient’s information. Protection of information is a requirement of Health Insurance and Accountability Act (HPAA). The organization requires the formation of appropriate national standards for electronic healthcare operations (Stair & Reynolds, 2010). The design of the network will allow information access for authorized persons. For example, there will be security measures, for example, use of passwords and security codes to ensure access by required persons. This will ensure information for patients is not accessed by un authorized individuals. The information to be protected includes electronic and that contained in the papers. In order to ensure safeguard of information, the network requires administrative, technical and physical protection (Plant & Murrell, 2007). Maintenance of security will be possible through implementation of documented security controls. Administrative protocols will have to indicate persons who will have access to protected data. The protocol will consider aspects of data access alteration and termination. Plans should exist for the purpose of tackling emergencies emanating from the network (White, 2012). In order to adhere to the rules of HPAA, the administration will ensure performance of

Business Loans at Samba Bank Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Loans at Samba Bank - Research Paper Example They have assisted these individuals with the finances and the loan schemes which were more refining than any other Saudi Bank. Being the first private Saudi Bank, they managed to build a strong customer relationship and is known as one of the most trusted confidants of the elite’s wealth in Saudia. Their banking relationship consists of the relationship manger, a personal advisor and understands and advises the individuals in the protection and the growth of the portfolio of the assets. They have some award winning investment and wealth management experts who are working closely with the relationship manager and are known to every minute detail of the account. However they are confidential and trusted advisors, who provide the award winning services to their clients. SambaDiamond, Samba Gold, Ladies Banking, Alkhair Personal Loan, Alkhair Home Loan are some of the many finance and loans opportunities provided by Samba Bank at a personal level. Due to the high success rate and reasonable interest rates where the turnover of the bank is also very high. Due to its long history with high success and confidentiality rate, Samba Bank saw a lot of investors trusting Samba with their money. This is the reason primarily why Samba was shortlisted in the Top Ten Safest Banks of the Middle east and ranked at number four. â€Å"The top ten world’s safest banks 2011 in the Middle East list includes National Bank of Abu Dhabi at the top ladder followed by the National Bank of Kuwait, Qatar National Bank, Samba Financial Group (Saudi Arabia), National Commercial Bank (Saudi Arabia), tie for ranking number six between Al-Rajhi Bank (Saudi Arabia), Riyad Bank (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Kuwait Finance House and Saudi British Bank (Saudi Arabia).† (Saudi Arabia hosts 5 out of 10 safest banks in ME - Arab News ) Keeping in mind the trust and high turnover rate generated by Samba Bank in the personal banking, it introduced the loans schemes in t he corporate sector as well which turned out to be equally successful. It is one of the largest providers of Corporate Banking financial products and strives to set a competitive edge which will help it get differentiated from the competitors. Thanks to the differentiated financial banking and the advisory services, Samba Bank has been able to build a very strong relationship with the government; public, private sectors. The primary focus of the bank is to empower the business owners to pay more attention to their business rather than the bank. Hence, Samba has introduced a number of loans and finances schemes on a commercial level which helps in the achievement of the critical success. It extends a helping hand to those businesses especially which have the potential but not the resources to grow and expand. Therefore, several options like working capital and long/short term loans fulfil the financing needs of the business owners. Some of the loans which are provided by Samba Bank i nclude: Working Capital Loans. Contract & Project Financing. Investment Loans. Islamic Financing Products. For the convenience of the business owners, there is the online corporate banking facility provided by the Bank so that they can access their account information online as well as view, download or print the information of their accounts as per the requirements. There are ecertain products provided as well as the financing schemes which have been designed with the requirement of the Islamic Banking. These products as well as services have been established

Patton Fuller Financial Statements Essay Example for Free

Patton Fuller Financial Statements Essay Financial statements hold a great deal of information on them and there are many things to consider when reviewing them. A financial statement can be audited or unaudited which vary in expense information. There are effects of revenue sources to consider and businesses have a different revenue every year. They can either be close in dollar amount or could vary significantly. The financial goal to how much revenue a business wants to make should be set in order to plan and control for expenses that the business must pay for in case of emergencies. Financial statements are very detailed and are well informative of the financial status of a business. Audited Versus Unaudited In the Patton-Fuller revenue and expense statement report, the audited or unaudited financial statements vary in their particular expense information. A considerable reduction in the analysis of income is the fundamental procurement of every doubtful account. The distinct term refers to fixed number of accounts receivable that will eventually become bad debt or standardized as unvaluable funds. A statement furnished concerning all third party reports shall always demonstrate the distribution of doubtful accounts noteworthy as an expenditure (Baker Baker, 2011). Management of the doubtful accounts have a million dollar increase particularly on the audited statement report in comparison to the unaudited report. All the allotments in the calculated amounts vary within the net income and operating income from signifying a profit that undoubtedly shows a loss. An audited balance statement affirms an amount of one million dollars that is reduced in revenue corresponding with the unaudited report on the present profit listed that relates to patient balance due.

19th and 20th Century Feminism Culture

19th and 20th Century Feminism Culture All throughout history women have been degraded and suppressed for not being a man. Starting in the roman days, women had to be reliant on the men and only them. Their husband was in control of them and what they did and if they werent married, they were under their fathers control. For instance, women were unable to teach due to the fact it gave them too much authority and leadership (Mountjoy 14). It was expected in the nineteenth century society that men were able to go to work and be able to socialize with others, while women were expected to watch the kids and make dinner. Throughout the 19th to the 20th century, women, as a group, fought for equality and the right to vote. They also wanted to have more laws about rape and abortion. Especially since sometimes in trials, men never get enough time in prison while women dont get enough closure. In the nineteenth century women right became more accounted for once they realized how males had much more choices than females. (Sailus). Literature was a major way that womens feelings and thoughts towards men were brought up. From then on women became more educated on the topic and women were able to grasp how they needed greater equality. This is when womens right activist started to share their opinions and used their voice as a way to connect with others. For example, in 1972 Mary Wollstonecraft published a book called, A Vindication on the Rights of Women. In this book she promoted the idea of sexual equality. Wollstonecraft inspired many others girl to become feminist. Feminist are people who believe in sexual equality, they could be women or men. Usually feminist are women mostly though. Some of the key feminist of the womens right movement are Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady (Mountjoy 46). Susan B. Anthony was one of the most famous woman involved in the womens right movement because she helped add the nineteenth amendment in the U.S constitution in August,26, 1920. The nineteenth amendment allowed any sex to have the right to vote without being denied by the United States or by any state. This amendment symbolled victory for women for the most part, but still things needed to be done (DeLuzio 93). Elizabeth Cady was another social activist that had a huge contribution to creating equal rights for women. She helped create the first womens right convention that was held in Seneca Fall, New York, in 1848. Cady also created the declaration of sentiments to inspire for womens suffrage (Mountjoy 42). Sociological perspective is a viewing of the behavior of groups in a systematic way (Thomas 4). Feminist can be looked at from a sociological perspective since you can look behind a common thought about this and see the hidden meaning. For example, people thought Feminist were stuck up girls who just wanted to be dramatic but when looked deeper into it, it is about women who want equality and to have the same rights as men. With this social perspective, it allowed more people to care about the topic and want to join into being a feminist. Sociological imagination is the ability to see the connection between the larger world and our personal lives (Thomas 5). Feminist can be seen by sociological imagination because in society women are thought to be not as smart and are less able to get jobs than men. This can be connected to someones personal life because every day a girl can say in school most teachers expect the boys to do better in a math test than a girl. This affected the world by people being able to relate to these situations and understanding how women felt. In chapter two we learn about ethnocentrism, which is the tendency to view ones own group or culture as superior to others (Thomas 35). The feminist in the nineteenth century demonstrate this by seeming more important than African Americans. During the nineteenth and twentieth century African Americans werent treated with respect and were thought of less than Caucasian people. Women acted as if they needed their rights more than African Americans, when in reality African Americans were treated worse. Although African Americans were having trouble, African American women still joined the feminist movement and protested equality with them (DeLuzio 29). Feminist also demonstrate ethnocentrism by making them seem better than men. With all of these protest, conventions and books being created, it made women seem as if men were horrible and didnt do anything for them. The power women were able to gain through this movement, allowed others to see how much better women were and that they wer ent getting credited and awarded. When women were acknowledged they were able to gain more freedom and rights, which changed the world (DeLuzio 133). A counterculture is a group that rejects the values, norms, and practices of the larger society and replace them with their own cultural pattern (Thomas 39). Feminist in the nineteenth century and twentieth century represent a counterculture because they reject norms and values of society. The group rejects the shared rules of conduct by taking actions in a situation and being the leader, when the usual norm was to lay back and let the men do everything (Mountjoy 14). For example, Carrie Chapman Catt took leadership into her own hands and created League Women voters, this promoted social welfare bills, protected legislative for women and eliminated discriminatory laws (DeLuzio 134).Feminist reject values by believing women sticking up for themselves were a good thing and letting men have more rights than them were bad. Back then, women sticking up for themselves was unusual and unheard of and wouldnt be taken seriously. For instance, creating confrontation and fighting back was thoug ht as not lady like but in the counterculture women saying things back was thought as empowering and heroic (Sailus). When Pauli Murray decided to speak up and use her voice to talk about how she was denied from Harvard University for being a girl, it expanded the meaning of freedom and justice for women but also surprised the world because most African American women wouldnt talk about that (DeLuzio 194). Cultural relativism is the belief that a group or culture should be judged by their own standards and not by others. Feminist behaved in the manner because of cultural relativism. They are justified because they were just looking to have rights and make people see gender relations. If they were judged by other standards, people would think that it was strange and stupid to expect equality. In a male dominated society, especially in different countries, they would look at this counterculture and be surprised. For instance, the Arapesh women were always given husband at a young age and then given at home jobs. Since this was the Arapesh tradition, people in America would judge Feminist because they want to have gender equality (Thomas 32). This is why cultural relativism is a good thing because women in the United States were able to earn equality without having to worry about being compared to other cultures. In my own opinion, I agree with my countercultures philosophy. I agree mostly because I am a female and I think women should have the same rights as men. I disagree on how useless women were treated back then. For example, when I learned women were never able to do certain careers because of men being worried women would be given leadership. I am actually very thankful for this group. Without them I wouldnt have been able to vote or get the education I am able to obtain now. I would have to stay at home and deal with cooking and taking care of kids. This counterculture allowed me to aspire to go into the engineering field because I realized I could do it, although most men overpopulate the engineering field. Work Cited DeLuzio, Crista. Womens Rights . ABC-CLIO, 2010. Mountjoy, Shane. The Womens Right Movement. New York City: Infobase Publishing, 2008. Sailus, Christopher. Study.com. n.d. 9 March 2017. Thomas, W. LaVerbe. Holt Sociology. Holt,Rineheart and Winston, 2003. textbook.

An Analysis of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s, A Very Old Man with Enormous W

A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings Analysis In Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s â€Å"A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings,† he was able to exaggerate an element of our lives in order to prove that everything we have known and come to believe is actually not what it seems. Marquez has twisted something so solid in our beliefs such as an angel, in order to help us understand that nothing can be assumed from popular belief and appearances. Upon immediate viewing of the angel, the perception of reality has changed in its entirety. All past knowledge has become irrelevant now that it has been proven false. In an instant, an entire belief system has crumbled. Pelayo and Elisenda refuse to think of this man as an angel even though he clearly was. â€Å"That was how they skipped over the inconvenience of the wings and quite intelligently concluded that he was a lonely castaway from some foreign ship wrecked by the storm.† Angels in our minds have been known as beautiful creatures that are pure and clean. They are the epitome of man’s view of perfection. Marquez has created an angel that is rank, disturbing...

The First Amendment Essay -- Bill Rights Constitution Government USA E

The First Amendment America was built on freedom. Freedom to speak, freedom to choose, freedom to worship, and freedom to do just about anything you want within the law. America’s law was designed to protect and preserve these freedoms. The reason the United States of America came to exist was because the colonists fled Great Britain to get back the freedoms that were taken away from them by the Monarchy. In countries where Monarchies and Dictatorships rule, there is little if any freedom to speak of. Citizens of these countries are persecuted or even killed if they attempt to exercise any of the basic freedoms. In these countries there is no free speech, no right to choose government, no right to express religion, no right to own property. This is why I believe the first amendment in the Bill of Rights under the Constitution is the most important amendment. The First Amendment clearly voices a great American respect toward the freedom of religion. It also prevents the government from "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Since the early history of our country, the protection of basic freedoms has been of the utmost importance to Americans. The American voice on freedom has been shaped throughout the course of history by the initial democratic notions of the immigrants to the same desire for greater freedom that we have today. Ever since colon...

Beowulf as a hero in modern society Essay

In the historic epic Beowulf, its title character, Beowulf, is perceived as an unconventional as well as a traditional hero in current society. Beowulf, the son of Ecgtheow and Hygelac’s thane, is presented as a fearless warrior to the audience. This acknowledgment of Beowulf causes the readers to instantly recognize that Beowulf is a well-respected man. Beowulf’s magnitude is seen at the very beginning of the poem as the narrator states, â€Å"The man whose name was known for courage, the Geat Leader† (Heaney 25). Beowulf is announced to the Danish people with magnificence. Before proving Beowulf’s heroic qualities, the viewers are conscious of the fact that Beowulf is a great warrior and the son of a well admired man. It can be distinguished that from Beowulf’s opening statements he will become a hero. Bravery is a key characteristic that identifies a hero. Throughout the entire poem Beowulf appeared to possess infinite valor. He displayed courage in his swimming competition with Breca, and in his fights with Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon that fatally wounded him. In all of Beowulf’s struggles, he revels wisdom, strength, and motivation. In his clash against Grendel, Beowulf utilizes his sheer strength to kill Grendel. He used his mighty strength to rip off the monster’s arm from the shoulder. As stated by the narrator, â€Å"The monster’s whole body was in pain; a tremendous wound appeared on his shoulder†¦ Beowulf was granted the glory of winning†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Heaney 55). The defeat of Grendel fulfills Beowulf’s heroic duty. This is also seen with Grendel’s mother. After Grendel’s death, Grendel’s mother desires to avenge her child. Beowulf fights her in water and still prevails. By keeping true to his word Beowulf is able to prove his worth. Near the end of poem, Beowulf faces his last episode. He takes on a dragon that is creating havoc upon the city. Before facing the dragon he knows that he might die and yet still fights with glory and all of his might. On page 171 Beowulf states, â€Å"This fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me†¦ I shall win the gold by my courage, or else mortal combat, doom of battle, will bear your lord away† (Heaney 171). Beowulf yet again completes his task as he kills the dragon, however, he immediately dies from his wounds. Beowulf, a true hero, confronts his death with bravery. It is Beowulf’s strength, determination, and courage that enable him to become a distinguishable hero in modern society. Although Beowulf is portrayed as a true Anglo-Saxon hero, he has qualities that would depict him not as one in current society. From Beowulf’s initial introduction he is seen as being conceited and aggressive. During the first feast, Beowulf tells of the story of his swimming race. Beowulf states, â€Å"I was the strongest swimmer of all†¦Time and again, foul things attacked me†¦but I lashed out, gave as good as I got with my sword†¦My sword had killed nine sea-monsters. Such night-dangers and hard ordeals I have never heard of nor of a man more desolate in surging waves.† (Heaney 37). This quote reveals the cockiness of Beowulf. He is very arrogant as he believes that he is the best and the bravest. Arrogance is not a characteristic of a hero. Another flaw is shown in Beowulf’s character as he fights Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Beowulf’s quarrel with Grendel exposes his true expression of violence. While Grendel and Beowulf are wrestling, Beowulf manages to get Grendel in such as position where he ripped off Grendel’s arm from the socket. This violent act can be seen as very brutal. The killing of Grendel in such a way would deny the right to name Beowulf as a hero in present society. In addition, the killing of Grendel’s mother has the same effect. While battling Grendel’s mother, Beowulf seeks assistance from an ancient blade. With this sword, he delivers a final blow to the neck of the monster. After determining that she is death, he still proceeds and decapitates her. He then returns with the head and displays it in Heorot. The decapitation of Grendel’s mother illustrates Beowulf as disrespectful and in violation of the heroic code, which doesn’t identify him as a hero. In the eyes of contemporary society Beowulf can be recognize as a paradoxical character as he is embodied by both heroic and callous qualities.

Medicine in Colonial America

Medicine in Colonial America was much different from today, but gave us a lot of insight in the human body’s needs. Due to lack of education, experience, proper tools, and hygiene, many patients died. However, there were also many people who were saved through the medical procedures and lived full and healthy lives. Few doctors in Colonial America actually received a formal education through a medical school, because there was really only one school: the Pennsylvania Hospital (Rorke, n. d. ). This program was far too expensive and for some located too far away, thus they could not attend.Furthermore, because of the lack of complete knowledge, these schools would not have provided any more information than one would obtain by learning from another doctor, which in most cases would be a much cheaper education, thus, most doctors learned through apprenticeships. They had to complete a 7 year apprenticeship before being considered a doctor. Of course there were Quacks, or citizens who pretended to have medical knowledge just to make a profit. Moreover, there were female medical practitioners, called midwives.They received no formal education and learned through apprenticeships as well. They birthed children and cared for the ill that could not afford a doctor’s care, or lived too far from a medical facility. When not even a midwife was available to treat a patient, the women of the households were responsible for the family health. Another group that provided medical care was Catholic monks who came over from Europe and brought along their wisdom of operating techniques, healing herbs and essential oils. These monks had a special way of numbing their patients with a plant called henbane.Their patients overcame the operations more quickly while less of them died in contrast to using barbaric operation and healing techniques that many colonial doctors were using. Today, we have many medical schools that are still very expensive and vigorous, but provide a more well-rounded education. Just like the doctors of Colonial America, doctors today undergo a sort of required apprenticeship after medical school, called a residency, which, for a surgeon ranges from five to eight years, depending on their specialty.Midwives are still available, but usually take care of pregnancies. Today, midwives must go through special training to become either a CNM- certified nurse midwife, or a CM- certified midwife. There have been great advances in medical procedures since the late 1700’s. For example, according to Rorke (n. d. ) to amputate a limb, doctors in colonial times would first numb the patients’ pain by intoxicating them with brandy or rum and have them bite on a wooden stick.Then, the medical team would hold them down on the table, while the doctor tied a leather tourniquet around the patients’ limb. The surgeon would start to cut through the flesh with his amputation knife and then saw through the bone itself using an a mputation saw. Subsequently, the bone shavings were removed by pouring whiskey or just plain water over the wound. Conversely, the remaining limb was burned with a hot iron to close the blood vessels and veins. They could then wrap the stump with pure cotton bandages and let it heal. Only approximately 35% of patients survived this procedure!The procedure itself sounds cruel, but the patients’ lives might have been at risk if it had not taken place, such as the rotting of the flesh, or blood poisoning, caused by an accident, or being shot with a bullet or poisoned arrow. Another example would be dentistry. Most colonists had awful teeth, because they did not have toothbrushes and toothpaste. Thus, teeth needed to be pulled. Because there are no anesthetics, having your teeth pulled was a very painful process. The dentist would hold the patient down on a chair and yank the tooth out using a pair of everyday pliers.Once again, there were many quacks in this field that would pul l good teeth from patients and sell them to people who wanted real-tooth dentures. Moreover, in 2009, archeological teams found human remains where someone, presumably a doctor, had drilled three holes into the skull. This may have been done to relieve the skull of pressure caused by a blow to the head. Archeologists believe that this could have been the first attempt at brain surgery and may have planted the seed for today’s brain surgery procedures (CBSnews. com, 11 Feb. 2009).Hermann Boerhaave’s theory of wellbeing was that a person has four humors: bile, phlegm, blood and urine. If these humors were imbalanced, a person would become ill. To make him or her feel better, you must balance the humors (Brinkley, 2004). According to Rorke, â€Å"one must sweeten acids, purify the stomach, and rid impurities by bleeding and purging† or by using leeches to increase blood production, to balance these again. Most doctors actually let patients bleed out, because their â€Å"humors† were not balanced, whereas midwives prescribed laxatives to remove bile.Furthermore, Boerhaave believed that a â€Å"fever was the body’s attempt to keep from dying,† even though we now know that it is actually the body’s response to killing whatever is making the body sick. Although this sounds absurd when considering our knowledge with today’s medicine, many doctors and midwives used this theory to aid the ill and actually succeeded in some cases. Hygiene was the one major contribution to nosocomial, or hospital obtained, infections. Because doctors in the colonial times did not know about bacteria, viruses, and contagious diseases, they did not clean the equipment or even their hands.Today, doctors and surgical staffs take extra care to clean everything. Surgeons take an average of five minutes to wash, scrub, and sanitize hands, whereas surgeons in colonial times took an average of zero seconds. Doctors would not even wash their h ands when rotating between patients. As discussed in class, doctors would go from a person with a severe flu to a woman giving birth without washing their hands. This could not only sicken the woman, but also make the child ill. The death rate of women suffering from Puerperal fever was extremely high.This fever is caused by a bacterial infection from unsterile equipment and conditions during childbirth, and the woman’s body not being able to rid the toxins from childbirth fast enough. This could ultimately lead to death. One cannot stress the importance of hand washing and personal hygiene enough! Obviously, or at least it is obvious today, one must clean any equipment that touched a person, even if it’s just a stethoscope. Disease could spread from such an object to another person causing them to become ill as well. Scalpels, saws, drills, anything that goes into a person, must be sanitized.Today, hospitals heat the instruments so that almost all of the bacteria die, and then they soak them in an antibacterial solution to ensure there are no harmful things on them. Furthermore, some hospitals send the tools to be sanitized to a company that sanitizes them for the hospital. This cuts back on hours cleaning and provides security that the equipment is safe and clean, resulting in happy patients and staff. I believe today’s health care is mostly based around customer service. You want to make sure the patient is happy, healthy, and satisfied with your performance.The patient even has a choice to live or die by signing a DNR- do not resuscitate- form. In colonial America, however, the doctor really did not care if you enjoyed their service or not, they were trying to help you in the long run. Doctors also had more freedom to refuse treatment than they do today. In some ways I would like our health care to be like that of colonial America in regards to customer service, because there are so many people going to the emergency room who have a mi ld cold and hold up the patients who are in critical condition and really need to be seen as soon as possible.I am indifferent to DNR’s. I believe a person must be in critical condition, such as terminal cancer, to be eligible to sign this form. As previously mentioned, medicine has evolved tremendously between colonial America and now. It is still ever-changing, because we find a cure to diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Doctors can achieve great things, but only with the help of education, experience, sterile tools, and personal hygiene.

Drug Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Drug Plan - Essay Example There would remain many essential aspects to consider, when addressing the issue of the drug problem nationwide, with prevention being one of the stronger factors. Prevention sought through the treatment of offenders and the increased awareness within the community bodies, of the real dangers that exist within the world of drug exposure. As it would come to the military, most notably the National Guard, those resources would best be suited through placement at the borders. Another monetary option would be the providing of foreign aid to the farmers in the regions of South America and Mexico, so they wouldn't feel as compelled to grow the crops and still would be able to earn something even closer to being considered as being a living wage that they could support their families on. Diverting a substantial portion of the budget available to a measure such as this, along with the usage of the military arm of the government, would be a step toward the opportunity of being able to curb the drug supply at the source. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (2009), "The Trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs inflict tremendous harm upon individuals, families, and communities throughout the country," (National Drug Threat Summary, para. 1).

Banking Secrecy Laws Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Banking Secrecy Laws - Essay Example The article talks about the evil practice of evading taxes and the topic has been narrowed down by the author and primarily focuses upon the citizens of Switzerland. There are about 52000 American depositors who have intentionally hidden some information regarding tax evasion with the help of their Swiss Bank accounts, the Swiss authorities are known for their secrecy and this is a double edged weapon and it is certainly proving out to be that way. The US government is putting extreme pressure on the Swiss government to provide them with information of the American citizens who have Swiss bank accounts. The US government has even launched a civil suit in Miami to get access to this pivotal information. The US government firmly believes that the American citizens have hidden their potential worth of about $ 14.8 billion in various Swiss bank accounts and recently a Swiss bank by the name UBS provided information important information to the US authorities of as many as 250 US citizens who have their bank accounts with the bank. The Swiss government is trying really hard to implement a tax system which will complement their secrecy but this has not been implemented yet. The French president has also got involved in this and he recently said that Switzerland would be put in a black list of the G-20 members for being a tax- haven nation.

Economics for transport managers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Economics for transport managers - Essay Example 637.25 Therefore, change in Real GDP between 2003-04 and 2004-05 will be given by; Change = 637.25 – 621.052 = 16.198 % change = (16.198/621.052)*100 = 2.6% (virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us, 2011). Question 2 Consumer Price Index is largely used as a cost of living index, but in technical terms it is not. CPI measures average change over time in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of goods and/or services. Cost of living index would however measure all changes over time in the amount consumers need to spend to reach a certain level of utility or standard of living. CPI ignores vital changes in taxes, water and air quality, crime levels, consumer safety, and quality of education. Additionally, personal experiences may vary from what is indicated by the CPI, this is because an individual's purchasing pattern may differ from the standard market basket. Families which have children have different buying patterns than households of the elderly. The CPI also does not represent the experiences of rural dwellers. CPI measurement limitations fall into two broad categories. Sampling errors CPI only measures the prices of just a sample of items from a sample of shops in a sample of localities. Those items are chosen randomly by the using of Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES). Non-sampling errors These are usually more significant than sampling errors. They bias the CPI upwards or downwards, so the CPI would normally tend to report higher inflation than what consumers are actually experiencing. a) Invention of LCD TVs will lead to lower level Substitution bias Consumers usually tend to respond to changes in price by substituting relatively cheaper goods for goods which have become more expensive. This is referred to as substitution bias. Substitution bias can either occur within item categories (lower level bias) or across item categories (higher level bias). b) Introduction of GPS units in cars will lead to Quality Change Bias If a product is 5% better than its pr edecessor, and its price rises by 10%, then the Bureau of Labor Statistics will record a price increase of only 5%.This reflects what is known as Quality Change Bias. c) Increased personal computer purchase in response to decline in their price will lead to New Outlet/Discount Bias. A discount outlet or price fall gives consumers the opportunity to purchase the same goods at a lower price. The current CPI ignores these price changes. Totally taking the price changes into account usually biases the CPI downwards. d) Greater use of bicycles after price levels increase will lead to high level substitution bias. Since consumers are switching from using cars to using bicycles, this is referred to as higher level substitution bias. e) Higher fuel taxes will lead to high level substitution bias. Since consumers will switch from fuel to using other energy sources, this will be a case of higher level substitution bias. Question 3 Factors that affect the rate of savings in an economy: A case study of Bangladesh Saving is defined as the process of setting aside a certain amount of current income for use in the future, or any resources that may be accumulated in this way over a certain period of time. How much individuals in an economy save is affected by their personal preferences for future over their present consumption and also their expectations of their future income. If people