Money and capital Markets. Evaluate the potential and possible Essay

Money and capital Markets. Evaluate the potential and possible consequences of a systemic financial crisis - Essay Example ust be stated the paper will address the problems in UK but the general scenario of mainly of the U.S is expected including relevant information from the rest of the world. Eichengreen, Barry (2001) stated that there is no agreed definition of financial crises; economists and historians typically assert that â€Å"they know them when the see them.† (Krugman, 2000). He cited the attempt of Eichengreen and Portes (1985) define a financial crisis as a disturbance that leads to widespread distress among financial institutions and market participants, disrupts the market’s capacity to allocate financial resources efficiently, and has repercussions for the nonfinancial economy. Hence he said that international financial crisis, according to their definition, is one where these disturbances and their effects spill over national borders. He thus admits that 20 years later, he is of the view that , perhaps predictably, that it is still hard to improve on this definition. He argued that then that the generality of this definition points up the difficulty of moving from theory to empirics since disturbances to financial markets are not independently observed; thus they must be inferred from the behaviour of asset prices and quantities (Paraphrasing made). Eichengreen, Barry (2001) made it clear as a standard practice in the literature on currency and banking crises, where disturbances to the foreign exchange market are inferred from the behaviour of exchange rates, interest rates and foreign reserves and disturbances to the banking system are inferred from interbank rates and changes in deposits (Paraphrasing made). Is international crisis the same as systemic crisis? Eichengreen, Barry (2001) said, â€Å"International crises that affect different countries simultaneously are analytically distinct from systemic crises that threaten the stability of the global financial system, although the former are arguably a precondition for the latter. Systemic crises are harder to

New Paradigms in the Study of the Civil War Essay Example for Free

New Paradigms in the Study of the Civil War Essay A civil war is a war between organized groups within the same nation state or republic, or, less commonly, between two countries created from a formerly united nation state. The aim of one side may be to take control of the country or a region, to achieve independence for a region, or to change government policies. Civil wars since the end of World War II have lasted on average just over four years, a dramatic rise from the one-and-a-half year average of the 1900-1944 period. While the rate of emergence of new civil wars has been relatively steady since the mid-19th century, the increasing length of those wars resulted in increasing numbers of wars ongoing at any one time. For example, there were no more than five civil wars underway simultaneously in the first half of the 20th century, while over 20 concurrent civil wars were occurring at the end of the Cold War, before a significant decrease as conflicts strongly associated with the superpower rivalry came to an end. Since 1945, civil wars have resulted in the deaths of over 25 million people, as well as the forced displacement of millions more. Civil wars have further resulted in economic collapse; Somalia, Burma, Uganda and Angola are examples of nations that were considered to have promising futures before being engulfed in civil wars. Formal classification James Fearon, a scholar of civil wars at Stanford University, defines a civil war as a violent conflict within a country fought by organized groups that aim to take power at the center or in a region, or to change government policies. The Correlates of War, a dataset widely used by scholars of conflict, classifies civil wars as having over 1000 war-related casualties per year of conflict. This rate is a small fraction of the millions killed in the Second Sudanese Civil War and Cambodian Civil War, for example, but excludes several highly publicized conflicts, such as The Troubles of Northern Ireland and the struggle of the African National Congress in Apartheid-era South Africa. That the Party in revolt against the de jure Government possesses an organized military force, an authority responsible for its acts, acting within a determinate territory and having the means of respecting and ensuring respect for the Convention. That the legal Government is obliged to have recourse to the regular military forces against insurgents organized as military and in possession of a part of the national territory. That the de jure Government has recognized the insurgents as belligerents; or That it has claimed for itself the rights of a belligerent; or That it has accorded the insurgents recognition as belligerents for the purposes only of the present Convention; or That the dispute has been admitted to the agenda of the Security Council or the General Assembly of the United Nations as being a threat to international peace, a breach of the peace, or an act of aggression. That the insurgents have an organization purporting to have the characteristics of a State. That the insurgent civil authority exercises de facto authority over the population within a determinate portion of the national territory. That the armed forces act under the direction of an organized authority and are prepared to observe the ordinary laws of war. That the insurgent civil authority agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Convention. Causes of civil war in the Collier-Hoeffler Model Scholars investigating the cause of civil war are attracted by two opposing theories, greed versus grievance. Roughly stated: are conflicts caused by who people are, whether that be defined in terms of ethnicity, religion or other social affiliation, or do conflicts begin because it is in the economic best interests of individuals and groups to start them? Scholarly analysis supports the conclusion that economic and structural factors are more important than those of identity in predicting occurrences of civil war. A comprehensive studies of civil war was carried out by a team from the World Bank in the early 21st century. The study framework, which came to be called the Collier-Hoeffler Model, examined 78 five-year increments when civil war occurred from 1960 to 1999, as well as 1,167 five-year increments of no civil war for comparison, and subjected the data set to regression analysis to see the effect of various factors. The factors that were shown to have a statistically significant effect on the chance that a civil war would occur in any given five-year period were: Availability of finance A high proportion of primary commodities in national exports significantly increases the risk of a conflict. A country at peak danger, with commodities comprising 32% of gross domestic product, has a 22% risk of falling into civil war in a given five-year period, while a country with no primary commodity exports has a 1% risk. When disaggregated, only petroleum and non-petroleum groupings showed different results: a country with relatively low levels of dependence on petroleum exports is at slightly less risk, while a high-level of dependence on oil as an export results in slightly more risk of a civil war than national dependence on another primary commodity. The authors of the study interpreted this as being the result of the ease by which primary commodities may be extorted or captured compared to other forms of wealth, for example, it is easy to capture and control the output of a gold mine or oil field compared to a sector of garment manufacturing or hospitality services. A second source of finance is national diasporas, which can fund rebellions and insurgencies from abroad. The study found that statistically switching the size of a countrys diaspora from the smallest found in the study to the largest resulted in a sixfold increase in the chance of a civil war. Low per capita income has been proposed as a cause for grievance, prompting armed rebellion. However, for this to be true, one would expect economic inequality to also be a significant factor in rebellions, which it is not. The study therefore concluded that the economic model of opportunity cost better explained the findings. Population size The various factors contributing to the risk of civil war rise increase with population size. The risk of a civil war rises approximately proportionately with the size of a countrys population. Gleditsch et al. did not find a relationship between ethnic groups with polygyny and increased frequency of civil wars but nations having legal polygamy may have more civil wars. They argued that misogyny is a better explanation than polygyny. They found that increased womens rights were are associated with less civil wars and that legal polygamy had no effect after women’s rights were controlled for. Duration of civil wars Ann Hironaka, author of Neverending Wars, divides the modern history of civil wars into the pre-19th century, 19th century to early 20th century, and late 20th century. In 19th-century Europe, the length of civil wars fell significantly, largely due to the nature of the conflicts as battles for the power center of the state, the strength of centralized governments, and the normally quick and decisive intervention by other states to support the government. Following World War II the duration of civil wars grew past the norm of the pre-19th century, largely due to weakness of the many postcolonial states and the intervention by major powers on both sides of conflict. The most obvious commonality to civil wars are that they occur in fragile states. Civil wars in the 19th and early 20th centuries Civil wars through the 19th century to early 20th century tended to be short; the average length of a civil war between 1900 and 1944 was one and half years. The state itself was the obvious center of authority in the majority of cases, and the civil wars were thus fought for control of the state. This meant that whoever had control of the capital and the military could normally crush resistance. If a rebellion failed to quickly seize the capital and control of the military for itself, it was normally doomed to a quick destruction. For example, the fighting associated with the 1871 Paris Commune occurred almost entirely in Paris, and ended quickly once the military sided with the government. The power of non-state actors resulted in a lower value placed on sovereignty in the 18th and 19th centuries, which further reduced the number of civil wars. For example, the pirates of the Barbary Coast were recognized as de facto states because of their military power. The Barbary pirates thus had no need to rebel against the Ottoman Empire, who were their nominal state government, to gain recognition for their sovereignty. Conversely, states such as Virginia and Massachusetts in the United States of America did not have sovereign status, but had significant political and economic independence coupled with weak federal control, reducing the incentive to secede. The two major global ideologies, monarchism and democracy, led to several civil wars. However, a bi-polar world, divided between the two ideologies, did not develop, largely due the dominance of monarchists through most of the period. The monarchists would thus normally intervene in other countries to stop democratic movements taking control and forming democratic governments, which were seen by monarchists as being both dangerous and unpredictable. The Great Powers, defined in the 1815 Congress of Vienna as the United Kingdom, Habsburg Austria, Prussia, France, and Russia, would frequently coordinate interventions in other nations civil wars, nearly always on the side of the incumbent government. Given the military strength of the Great Powers, these interventions were nearly always decisive and quickly ended the civil wars. There were several exceptions from the general rule of quick civil wars during this period. The American Civil War was unusual for at least two reasons: it was fought around regional identities, rather than political ideologies, and it was ended through a war of attrition, rather than over a decisive battle over control of the capital, as was the norm. The Spanish Civil War was exceptional because both sides of the war received support from intervening great powers: Germany, Italy, and Portugal supported opposition leader Francisco Franco, while France and the Soviet Union supported the government . Civil wars since 1945 In the 1990s, about twenty civil wars were occurring concurrently during an average year, a rate about ten times the historical average since the 19th century. However, the rate of new civil wars had not increased appreciably; the drastic rise in the number of ongoing wars after World War II was a result of the tripling of the average duration of civil wars to over four years. This increase was a result of the increased number of states, the fragility of states formed after 1945, the decline in interstate war, and the Cold War rivalry. Following World War II, the major European powers divested themselves of their colonies at an increasing rate: the number of ex-colonial states jumped from about 30 to almost 120 after the war. The rate of state formation leveled off in the 1980s, at which point few colonies remained. More states also meant more states in which to have long civil wars. Hironaka statistically measures the impact of the increased number of ex-colonial states as increasing the post-WWII incidence of civil wars by +165% over the pre-1945 number. While the new ex-colonial states appeared to follow the blueprint of the idealized state centralized government, territory enclosed by defined borders, and citizenry with defined rights -, as well as accessories such as a national flag, an anthem, a seat at the United Nations and an official economic policy, they were in actuality far weaker than the Western states they were modeled after. In Western states, the structure of governments closely matched states actual capabilities, which had been arduously developed over centuries. The development of strong administrative structures, in particular those related to extraction of taxes, is closely associated with the intense warfare between predatory European states in the 17th and 18th centuries, or in Charles Tillys famous formulation: War made the state and the state made war. For example, the formation of the modern states of Germany and Italy in the 19th century is closely associated with the wars of expansion and consolidation led by Prussia and Sardinia, respectively. Such states are considered weak or fragile. The strong-weak categorization is not the same as Western-non-Western, as some Latin American states like Argentina and Brazil and Middle Eastern states like Egypt and Israel are considered to have strong administrative structures and economic infrastructure. Historically, the international community would have targeted weak states for territorial absorption or colonial domination or, alternatively, such states would fragment into pieces small enough to be effectively administered and secured by a local power. However, international norms towards sovereignty changed in the wake of WWII in ways that support and maintain the existence of weak states. Weak states are given de jure sovereignty equal to that of other states, even when they do not have de facto sovereignty or control of their own territory, including the privileges of international diplomatic recognition and an equal vote in the United Nations. Further, the international community offers development aid to weak states, which helps maintain the facade of a functioning modern state by giving the appearance that the state is capable of fulfilling its implied responsibilities of control and order. The formation of a strong international law regime and norms against territorial aggression is strongly associated with the dramatic drop in the number of interstate wars, though it has also been attributed to the effect of the Cold War or to the changing nature of economic development. Consequently, military aggression that results in territorial annexation became increasingly likely to prompt international condemnation, diplomatic censure, a reduction in international aid or the introduction of economic sanction, or, as in the case of 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, international military intervention to reverse the territorial aggression. Similarly, the international community has largely refused to recognize secessionist regions, while keeping some secessionist self-declared states such as Taiwan in diplomatic recognition limbo. While there is not a large body of academic work examining the relationship, Hironakas statistical study found a correlation that suggests that every major international anti-secessionist declaration increased the number of ongoing civil wars by +10%, or a total +114% from 1945 to 1997. The diplomatic and legal protection given by the international community, as well as economic support to weak governments and discouragement of secession, thus had the unintended effect of encouraging civil wars. There has been an enormous amount of international intervention in civil wars since 1945 that served to extend wars. While intervention has been practiced since the international system has existed, its nature changed substantially. It became common for both the state and opposition group to receive foreign support, allowing wars to continue well past the point when domestic resources had been exhausted. Superpowers, such as the European great powers, had always felt no compunction in intervening in civil wars that affected their interests, while distant regional powers such as the United States could declare the interventionist Monroe Doctrine of 1821 for events in its Central American backyard. However, the large population of weak states after 1945 allowed intervention by former colonial powers, regional powers and neighboring states who themselves often had scarce resources. On average, a civil war with interstate intervention was 300% longer than those without. When disaggregated, a civil war with intervention on only one side is 156% longer, while intervention on both sides lengthens the average civil war by an addition 92%. If one of the intervening states was a superpower, a civil war is extended a further 72%; a conflict such as the Angolan Civil War, in which there is two-sided foreign intervention, including by a superpower, would be 538% longer on average than a civil war without any international intervention. Effect of the Cold War The Cold War provided a global network of material and ideological support that perpetuated civil wars, which were mainly fought in weak ex-colonial states, rather than the relatively strong states that were aligned with the Warsaw Pact and North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In some cases, superpowers would superimpose Cold War ideology onto local conflicts, while in others local actors using Cold War ideology would attract the attention of a superpower to obtain support. Using a separate statistical evaluation than used above for interventions, civil wars that included pro- or anti-communist forces lasted 141% longer than the average non-Cold War conflict, while a Cold War civil war that attracted superpower intervention resulted in wars typically lasting over three times as long as other civil wars. Conversely, the end of the Cold War marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 resulted in a reduction in the duration of Cold War civil wars of 92% or, phrased another way, a roughly ten-fold increase in the rate of resolution of Cold War civil wars. Lengthy Cold War-associated civil conflicts that ground to a halt include the wars of Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua . See also The Logic of Violence in Civil War War of Independence Wars of national liberation References

Dutch Slave Trade Essay -- essays research papers

Dutch Slave Trade   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  During the 17th and 18th centuries, mercantilism was the emerging economic policy through which the slave trade developed in Europe. In the Netherlands many historical events gave rise to a desire for domination of international trade. They were serious tradesman and were heavily involved in the profitable business of slavery. The Dutch, intelligent and self-ruling tradesmen took no time in displaying their dominance over rival countries, Portugal, England and Spain, in the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. They established their international superiority in trade and impacted today’s society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  From 1609 to 1713, the Dutch Republic was going through â€Å"The Golden Age.† It was a time of economic wealth, and a higher standard of life compared to most European countries. However, the Netherlands had the highest cost of living out of all European countries. It was the period in which mercantilism expanded, and domination of trading power was necessity. England, France, and Portugal were also expanding their boundaries of trade, which will begin a long fight for mastery at sea. The Dutch was the trading capital of the world at this time; in which is represented in this quote,† Although the Dutch tenaciously resisted the new competition, the long distance trading system of Europe was transformed from one largely conducted through the Netherlands, with the Dutch as universal buyer-seller and shipper, to one of multiple routes and fierce competitiveness.†(Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. 24, pg. 890). The Netherlands operated in 7 provinces, k nown as the United Provinces, and the Dutch society was mainly consisted of bourgeoisie, sailors, and merchants. Because of the major trade industry in Holland, and that agricultural was secondary to the trading industry, the Dutch people were taxed extremely high for goods. However, a wave of culture flowed through Dutch Society, influenced by the economic profit that the Dutch gained from trade. The production of sugarcane and cotton in the New World increased the urgency for laborers in the new colonies, in which led to the major importation of African slaves. These plantations and farms, in the New World sparked the golden business of slave trading, a business that will guide the Dutch to economic wealth. The Dutch entered the slave trade around the 16th... ... ocean. These diseases were due to the minimum ventilation, light, food, and sanitation necessary to survive the trip across the ocean. The slaves were also chained to prevent revolts and committing suicides by jumping over-board. Traders even hired freed blacks to spy on the slaves, to prevent an uprising to occur. Nearly 1/4th of the slaves died during the journey across the Atlantic, which was an average of 2-3 months. The slave ship then had either two paths to take; one to the American colonies or to the West Indies. When the ship reached fresh water and land, the slaves were cheerful, explained here: It was reported that slaves danced with joy when they saw land and green trees again. For the managers of the slave ships, it was important that the slaves were in good spirits and looked healthy as they were prepared for the market. (Postma 168) When the slave ships arrived in the West, they had to be checked of any diseases that the slaves may have. Sometimes this inspection took almost 2 months. For example, the Vergenoegen was denied entrance into Surinam because of diseases. Once the disease had resided the ship was allowed to enter the harbor, and to sell its human cargo.

Drug Companies and Ethics Essay

After researching pharmaceutical companies, I quickly realized this is a very controversial topic. I’m not certain anyone in many of these companies have very many moral standards. Drug companies seemed to be very profitable from the researchers to the drug reps that deliver â€Å"gifts† and sample meds to the doctor’s offices that push their medications. Many activists will argue that drug companies put themselves before human rights. Companies violate health related human rights by prioritizing profits over peoples access to essential medications. Many large scale drug companies argue that they are proudly taking the stakeholder approach and striving to promote fair labor practices and non-discrimination in the workplace. They will also argue that the reason medication prices are so high is because of all of the research that is involved in developing a medication, while activists argue that meds are so expenisve due to the marketing they put into a drug in the first several years. I found researching the pharmaceutical companies to be very interesting. It was very hard to get past the negative controversies and debates to find anything positive about any one company. However, I finally found one company in particular, Merck & Co. that has taken responsibility and turned around some negative press by developing a program that helps thousands of people. Lynch 2 Merck is one of the largest and most profitable drug companies in the world, but they have also been a leader in a donation program that helps Third World countries in Africa, South America and Yemen since the 1980’s. Merck became one of the first drug companies to become socially responsible by donating to countries that could not afford the essential medications needed to prevent a disease that caused something as severe as blindness in hundreds of people. Their medication, Mectizan, taken annually can alleviate and has ultimately eliminated this disease in some countries. Since the 80’s when Merck started this program many other drug companies have jumped on board. Companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline have all started taking social responsibility and are now donating through programs to these Third World countries. These companies are donating medications that our country takes for granted and that we may not need in our everyday life. Johnson & Johnson donates a medication that rids their children of intestinal parasites while Pfizer donates Zithromax to eliminate trachoma. If it were not for these companies donating such large quantities of these drugs every year, millions of lives would be lost. I find it very interesting that the drug companies that many people complain about and that make millions a year in profits seem to also be able to do such wonderful things in these countries. I found many articles that complained about the CEO’s and about the terrible morals that some of these pharmaceutical companies are known for. I think that when it comes to morals and ethics people see what they want to see. Drug companies have had a bad name for many years so you don’t see a lot of positive press and articles such as the one I found. It was actually refreshing to read about the d rug companies that donate and the lives they save. Some of us may not agree with how these companies push their drugs into our doctor offices and we may even say that they do not practice great ethics, but it seems as if these companies are at least trying to keep a â€Å"good name.† I am certain that the people in these Third World countries are very grateful to the drug companies that donate because not only are these companies saving their lives but they are also saving the lives of their children.

Beneath the Hunger Games

Kate Raffety 22nd of May, 2012 BENEATH THE HUNGER GAMES The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an insightful allegory set in a post-apocalyptic future. Through a gripping plot and intriguing characters along with rich intertextuality, symbolism and themes, she raises concerns and gives her opinion on issues in our communities and governments, taking many to the extreme to reinforce her message, while keeping it a fast passed fictional story. Government control of people is the most prominent theme in The Hunger Games, as it is featured throughout the novel in a variety of ways.Propaganda, censorship, inequitable distribution of wealth, and manipulation are some of the many ways in which the Capitol controls people. All the wealth and resources flow to the Capitol and it is in control of everything. It uses propaganda and censorship to influence and direct public opinion, and the only information the districts receive is from the Capitol. The government broadcasts are compulsory viewi ng and all of it is extremely biased and misleading.Sometimes half the truth is just as effective as a lie, with the capitol only selecting parts of the information to release, in this way it is easy to guide people’s opinions. This technique is used on the districts, with all of the information they receive, and on the people from the Capitol, with the information they receive about the districts. Together the districts could easily overthrow the Capitol, so it is important that they be kept weak and separated. The most important of the Capitol’s strategies for gaining and maintaining power, however, is the age-old technique of divide and conquer.It involves breaking up larger concentrations of power into chunks that individually are isolated and weak. The Capitol has absolute power over the districts, which is ultimately demonstrated by the games themselves. â€Å"Taking the kids from our districts, forcing them to kill one another while we watch- this is the Capito l’s way of reminding us how totally we are at their mercy. [ ] To make it humiliating as well as torturous, the Capitol requires us to treat the Hunger Games as a festivity, a sporting event pitting every district against the others. (pg 22) The districts are battling starvation, while the capitol lives in luxury with anything they want at their disposal. At first glance the novel and our society seem quite different, but in reality there are many similarities. Whereas extreme inequity and class separation are noticeable in the novel, they are also prominent throughout the world, with great disparity in standards of living among and within countries. The Games are enjoyed as reality television for the people of the Capitol.Their acceptance of it as entertainment, and their lack of compassion towards the tributes is an example of voyeurism and desensitisation. These are two challenges that younger generations face with technology giving them access to television, the internet, video games and movies. They are becoming faster paced and increasingly violent and explicit and emotional responses can become dampened. Reality television is becoming common with people living vicariously through the drama and becoming detached from reality. The standards of humanity in this novel are quite low.There are key aspects of the novel, however, that show that human beings are essentially good when left to their own devices. After her father died, Katniss had to provide for her mother and younger sister. Katniss was searching for any morsel of sustenance to bring home to her family one night around the bakery when Peeta’s mother yelled at her to move on. Peeta, seeing her situation, let two loaves fall onto the coals of the oven and was punished for his carelessness. When he was told to feed them to the pigs, he instead slipped them to Katniss.The next day they caught each other’s eyes and when she looked away her eyes fell on a dandelion, which reminded h er of how her father taught her to live off the land and thus she realised how she would support her family. Peeta saved Katniss and she felt this was a debt she owed him that may never be repaid. He wasn’t obligated to help her, in fact he could have been penalized for it; he did simply because it was the right thing to do. Katniss cares about her family more than anything, especially her little sister.But against all odds her sister is chosen for reaping, and Katniss, driven wild with fear, volunteers to take her place. â€Å"In District 12, where the word tribute is pretty much synonymous where the word corpse, volunteers are all but extinct† (pg 27). Katniss believes certain death now awaits her in the arena, but knows that the loss of her sister would be far worse. While in the arena, Katniss meets Rue, the tribute from district 11 and the two form an alliance. Katniss protects and helps her as best she can, giving her food and her precious sleeping bag while she carries the majority of the responsibility.Rue can give little to Katniss for her to truly benefit from their partnership, however Katniss sees that Rue, the youngest of all the tributes, is vulnerable and does her best to keep her safe from harm, even if it means putting herself in danger. When Rue dies Katniss shows great respect for her and district 11. Katniss then finds Peeta, who has been severely injured and begins to nurse him back to health. He is too weak to sustain himself so Katniss takes on the full responsibility of providing for him, dressing his wounds and taking the majority of the night watches.It would have been much easier for Katniss to leave Peeta and escape up a tree where she feels secure, but despite this she does all she can to help him. She risks her life to save his when she goes to get the medicine and would have died if Thresh, the male tribute from district 11 hadn’t felt the need to repay the debt of helping Rue. Thus, both Thresh and Katniss s aved someone in a last-man-standing battle. This shows that they see themselves as more than just a pawn in the Capitol’s games, they never loose touch with their humanity.Inhumanity is portrayed in many ways in the novel including the Capitol making minors fight to the death, making previous victors mentor them, and inequitable distribution of wealth. In selecting minors as tributes, the Capitol’s message was plain, â€Å"look how we take your children and sacrifice them and there’s nothing you can do. If you lift a finger, we will destroy every last one of you† (pg 22). Taking children who are hardly considered old enough to fend for themselves and putting them in this position is inhumane on many levels.The Capitol sustains power by fear, granting minimal rights to district citizens, no freedom of speech, and harsh punishments for disobeying their many strict rules. They treat their people as chattels who exist only for their benefit. Whereas this them e has been exaggerated in the novel, it still has parallels to our society. There are many ways in which governments treat their people and how the people treat one another that Collins has commented on with The Hunger Games. The novel teaches us that the tyranny of a cruel and powerful government is a threat for which we must always remain vigilant.Collins raises concerns about the path that society is travelling down with her novel. In some ways The Hunger Games is a warning, the message simply being that society should never end up like the one in the novel. Throughout her novel Collins comments on government control, inequity, class separation, reality television, humanity, inhumanity and the path that society has taken. She has taken many of the themes in her novel to the extreme, but this only makes what she has to say stronger. Collins, S. 2009. The Hunger Games, Scholastic, London. 454 pg.

Maximilian Kolbe essays

Maximilian Kolbe essays His name wasn't always Maximilian. He was born the son of a poor weaver on 8/1/1984 At Zdunska Wola in Poland, and was given the baptismal name of Raymond. His parents were devout Christians with a particular devotion to Mary. In his infancy Kolbe seems to have been normally mischievous but we are told that one day, after his mother had scolded him for some mischief or other, her words took effect and brought about a radical change in the child's behavior. Later he explained this change. 'That night I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.' Thus early did the child believe and accept that he was destined for martyrdom. His belief in his dream colored all his future actions. He was received as a novice in September 1910 and with the habit he took the new name of Maximilian. From 1912 to 1915 he was in Rome studying philosophy at the Gregorian College, and from 1915 to 1919 theology at the Collegio Serafico. He was ordained in Rome on 28 April 1918. He formed several organizations to help aid the less fortunate. He did many good thing for his country and the people of his country he helped all kinds of people including Jews this resulted in him being sent to concentration camps. It is amazing to think that despite all this Fr Kolbe never lost faith in good he knew his calling and followed it whole heartedly never turning his back on those in need. Even when things seemed bleak Fr. Kolbe went on and with the help of God he helped others. I have learned much from his life and his good works. I have learned that we must trust in the good ness of God and to always try and do whats right. ...

Advantages of Using Trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean Trade essays

Advantages of Using Trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean Trade essays Traveling merchants were a major vehicle for creating vast interregional networks and trade routes in the great overland oceanic networks increased in importance (Interregional Pp). Transportation was an important factor, whether meaning better ships and navigation, or the increasingly widespread use of the camel as a ship of the desert (Tropical Pp). Before the 1st millennium CE, the Sahara was an almost impassable barrier separating the North African coast from sub-Saharan Africa (Tropical Pp). And the Atlantic Ocean not a highway for travel, but a barrier (Tropical Pp). The only route connecting the two areas was the Nile, however, in its southern reaches travel was made difficult by both rapids and surrounding jungle (Tropical Pp). The monsoon winds were the propulsion for ships, the driving force for navigation in the Indian Ocean, blowing ships northeast in summer, and then back southwest in winter (Tropical Pp). Indian Ocean trade first increased under local groups from southern Arabia, India, and Southeast Asia, then outside groups, such as the Chinese became involved and a network establishing a link between East African commercial city-states and the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia (Interregional Pp). By the 16th century, the Portuguese dominated this system and linked it directly, rather than through Mediterranean intermediaries, with Europe (Interregional Pp). Although products, such as spices from Southeast Asia and other expensive goods, continued to be exchanged, bulk good such as sugar and textiles were increasingly involved (Interregional Pp). With the introduction of the camel, the Sahara was no longer a barrier and people and trade good as well as warriors, could travel quickly across the desert (Tropical Pp). This transformed life in the West African grasslands because camel caravans that crossed the Sahara came primarily to ...

Joshua L. Chamberlain in the American Civil War

Joshua L. Chamberlain in the American Civil War Birth Early Life: Born in Brewer, ME on September 8, 1828, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was the son of Joshua Chamberlain and Sarah Dupee Brastow. The oldest of five children, his father desired that he pursue a career in the military while his mother encouraged him to become a preacher. A gifted student, he taught himself Greek and Latin in order to attend Bowdoin College in 1848. While at Bowdoin he met Harriet Beecher Stowe, the wife of Professor Calvin Ellis Stowe, and listened to readings of what would become Uncle Toms Cabin. After graduating in 1852, Chamberlain studied for three years at the Bangor Theological Seminary before returning to Bowdoin to teach. Serving as a professor of rhetoric, Chamberlain taught every subject with the exception of science and math. Personal Life: In 1855, Chamberlain married Frances (Fanny) Caroline Adams (1825-1905). The daughter of local clergyman, Fanny had five children with Chamberlain three of which died in infancy and two, Grace and Harold, which survived to adulthood. Following the end of the Civil War, the Chamberlains relationship became increasingly strained as Joshua had difficulty readjusting to civilian life. This was exacerbated by his election as Governor of Maine in 1866 which necessitated him being away from home for long periods.   Despite these problems, the two reconciled and remained together until her death in 1905. As Fanny aged, her sight deteriorated, leading Chamberlain to become a founding member of the Maine Institution of the Blind in 1905. Entering the Army: With the beginning of the Civil War, Chamberlain, whose forefathers had served in the American Revolution and War of 1812, sought to enlist. He was prevented from doing so by the administration at Bowdoin who stated he was too valuable to lose. In 1862, Chamberlain requested and was granted a leave of absence to study languages in Europe. Departing Bowdoin, he quickly volunteered his services to the governor of Maine, Israel Washburn, Jr. Offered command of the 20th Maine Infantry, Chamberlain declined stating he wished to learn the trade first and instead became the regiments lieutenant colonel on August 8, 1862. He was joined in the 20th Maine by his younger brother, Thomas D. Chamberlain. Serving under Colonel Adelbert Ames, Chamberlain and the 20th Maine mustered in on August 20, 1862. Assigned to the 1st Division (Major General George W. Morell), V Corps (Major General Fitz John Porter) of Major General George B. McClellans Army of the Potomac, the 20th Maine served at the Antietam, but was held in reserve and did not see action. Later that fall, the regiment was part of the attack on Maryes Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Though the regiment suffered relatively light casualties, Chamberlain was forced to spend the night on the cold battlefield using corpses for protection against Confederate fire. Escaping, the regiment missed the fight at Chancellorsville the following May due to a smallpox outbreak. As a result, they were posted to guard duty in the rear. Gettysburg: Shortly after Chancellorsville, Ames was promoted brigade command in Major General Oliver O. Howards XI Corps, and Chamberlain ascended to command of the 20th Maine. On July 2, 1863, the regiment entered action at Gettysburg. Assigned to hold Little Round Top on the extreme left of the Union line, the 20th Maine was tasked with ensuring the Army of the Potomacs position was not flanked. Late in the afternoon, Chamberlains men came under attack from Colonel William C. Oates 15th Alabama. Repelling multiple Confederate assaults, he continued to extend and refuse (bend back) his line to prevent the Alabamans from turning his flank.   With his line nearly bent back upon itself and his men running low on ammunition, Chamberlain boldly ordered a bayonet charge which routed and captured many of the Confederates. Chamberlains heroic defense of the hill earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor and the regiment everlasting fame. Overland Campaign Petersburg: Following Gettysburg, Chamberlain assumed command of the 20th Maines brigade and led this force during the Bristoe Campaign that fall.   Falling ill with malaria, he was suspended from duty in November and sent home to recover. Returning to the Army of the Potomac in April 1864, Chamberlain was promoted to back brigade command in June after the Battles of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House, and Cold Harbor. On June 18, while leading his men during an attack on Petersburg, he was shot through the right hip and groin. Supporting himself on his sword, he encouraged his men on before collapsing. Believing the wound to be fatal, Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant promoted Chamberlain to brigadier general as a final act. Over the following weeks, Chamberlain clung to life and managed to recover from his wounds after undergoing an operation by the 20th Maines surgeon, Dr. Abner Shaw, and Dr. Morris W. Townsend of the 44th New York. Returning to duty in November 1864, Chamberlain served for the remainder of the war. On March 29, 1865, his brigade led the Union attack at the Battle of Lewis Farm outside Petersburg. Wounded again, Chamberlain was brevetted to major general for his gallantry. On April 9, Chamberlain was alerted to the Confederates desire to surrender. The next day he was told by V Corps commander Major General Charles Griffin that of all the officers in the Union army, he had been selected to receive the Confederate surrender. On April 12, Chamberlain presided over the ceremony and ordered his men to attention and carry arms as a sign of respect for their vanquished foe. Postwar Career: Leaving the army, Chamberlain returned home to Maine and served as the states governor for four years. Stepping down in 1871, he was appointed to the presidency of Bowdoin. Over the next twelve years he revolutionized the schools curriculum and updated its facilities. Forced to retire in 1883, due to aggravation of his war wounds, Chamberlain remained active in public life, the Grand Army of the Republic, and in planning events for veterans. In 1898, he volunteered for service in the Spanish-American War and was bitterly disappointed when his request was turned down. On February 24, 1914, the Lion of Little Round Top died at the age of 85 in Portland, ME. His death was largely the result of complications of his wounds, making him the last Civil War veteran to die from wounds received in battle.

Market and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market and Society - Essay Example As such, there are various forms of capitalism, which includes state capitalism, welfare capitalism and laissez-faire (Bowles 2007, p. 41). Through the historical accounts, it is said that capitalism came into existence following the fall of feudal system and this explains its dominance in the western world in the earlier times, and now. Capitalism in this regard has been applied over a period in different geographical areas that embrace different cultures with varied political approaches (Ingham 2008, p. 34). Work in the Category of Economy in the Capitalist World In this case, work also referred to as labor, should be of significance purpose to the economy; it should be able to have a positive effect on the economic status of the society. This also explains why in the capitalist countries, there have been many endeavors to manage the labor so that the efficiency of their input can be maximized in the total output that is achieved. As explained above, capitalism is driven by the amo unt of profit, which interprets that in capitalism, work should be such that it maximizes profit for the company and should be exploited as possible for making profit be realized in the maximum possible way (Merino 2010, p. 63). Labor therefore play a major role in the capitalism economy; their purpose, and viability has to be established, as this will help in quantifying the output from every department and comparing it with the cost of hiring the labor and decide whether it is economically sound. To further explain the importance of work in capitalism, reference is made to the industrial revolution when there were many people involved in the production sector. During the industrial revolution, there were several raw materials for industrial productions that were obtained from agrarian revolution that was characterized by increased production from the farms. The western countries particularly wanted to maximize the opportunity by increasing the volume of work force and the hours in which the employees would work in a day (Silk and Mark 1996, p. 53). It will also be remembered that there were rampant child labor that was incorporated into the system to supplement labor requirement. The extent with which work was considered in the industrial revolution, which happened to have been facilitated by the capitalist, explains the rationale behind the consideration of work in capitalist system. There is a strong belief that work and economy goes together and in most cases, economy is considered a function of work and this provides adequate explanation for the situation that was presented during industrial revolution in the western countries. Work Categorized as a Moral in Capitalism With the view of capitalism considering work as a fundamental part of production for the economy to be driven, there are several ways through which work has been considered. The issue of management is geared towards the satisfaction the human resource such that they can be motivated and be enthusiastic to work for more production to be realized (Reich 1991, p. 66). In the management, several incentives are availed to the employees to enhance their efficiencies in performance and the relationship between the employee and the employer is expected to be symbiotic. This can be construed from the principal goal of the management of the human resource; a complete maximum prosperity from the employer and the employee is expected to exist. The use of ‘

Demographic Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Demographic Assignment - Essay Example Other than all formal meetings, I like to wear T-shirts and loose pants to give the impression of carelessness. Having tight budgets, I tend to travel by bus and train rather than airline. Part II. Select and watch 2 hours of television (does not have to be continuous), including the commercials. Based on what you’ve seen, provide a viewer profile for each show and discuss your findings. During the two hours, multiple programs are shown on Television. They include reality shows, news programs, commercials and entertainment shows. The audience of every type of program is different. Businessmen are mostly interested in current affairs; house wives are interested in commercials, while people of all age and profession are attracted by entertainment shows. It is because, it provides them an opportunity to change their mood and relax from the busy hectic daily routine. News headlines are attractive to all, while the detail is often skipped. Understanding of demographics will help firms to better design their products and marketing activities to fit customer preferences. They will design commercials to attract the specific target group and schedule their commercials keeping in view their

Argument Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 6

Argument - Essay Example It reflects the realities they face on a daily basis and their struggle to come to terms with the world around them. Far from encouraging young people into a life of drug addiction and gun crime, hip-hop can actually save them from it by proving a form of expression which can release their anger, stress and anxieties. This essay will explore the two sides to this hotly debated topic and attempt to understand just what role hip-hop plays in modern society. Jennifer McLune is a supporter of the idea that hip-hop is a damaging influence on modern society. Her focus is particularly on females, since she argues that hip-hop betrays its black women listeners by objectifying them. The basic premise for her argument is that far from offering an outlet for young black females, it actually encourages them to conform to roles delimitated along the lines of ‘baby mommas’, ‘chickenheads’ or ‘bitches’. Rather than offering positive role models for women, this music instead attempts to limit the role that women play in a society where men set the rules. This is an often levied criticism. At first listen lyrics to many hip-hop songs appear to have little respect for women beyond pure sexuality. McClure takes this point and develops it, in a distinctly feminist tone. McLune argues against Powell’s idea that the overt misogyny in hip-hop comes from socio-economic factors which have encourages this approach. She argues this point by indicating that women, too, have been raised in the exact same socio-economic conditions. Further, rich white males are just as capable as poor black ones of sexist slants. Her approach is an overtly feminist one which argues that women should not accept this war which men are waging on them. She argues that hip-hop culture is driven by sexism and that even artists which are opposed to this do not openly publicise the fact. It is so mainstream to hate women, it would

Salary packaging and Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Salary packaging and Taxation - Essay Example Fringe benefits tax will apply to both Chris and his employer for this agreement during the FBT year that begins in 1st April 2011 up to 31st March 2012. Superannuation is money put in for a person's retirement. Strict government policy prevent untimely access to conserved benefits except in extremely limited and constrained circumstances, as well as severe financial adversity or on a compassionate basis, such as for medical cure not obtainable through Medicare. Usually, superannuation benefits are in three categories: conserved benefits; restricted non-conserved benefits; and unhindered non-preserved benefits. Mainly superannuation is concessionary taxed at a level charge of 15% at two key points: on contributions, and on salary. Capital Gain Tax inside the fund though is taxed at a charge of 10% if the properties held for longer than twelve months. Contributions whether in the type of employer superannuation, or associate salary sacrifice are levied at this rate. In the majority of the industry funds, the salary tax is paid prior to profits are disbursed to associates so it appears as a lesser level of interest on the worker’s statement. From the time when it was introduced, employers have been obligated to make compulsory contributions to superannuation in place of the majority of their workers. ... Superannuation contributions made by Chris are not treated as fringe benefits but as employer contributions. The initial contribution that Chris was making was $17,000. He however, decided to increase it by $15,000. This contribution has to meet three conditions, which are; it must be an arrangement before service there should be an agreement between West Gate Pty Ltd and Chris and Chris should not have an access to the sacrificed salary (Marsden, 2010). According to the Australian tax office ruling, the superannuation contributions are taxed in the superannuation funds such as 15% (Australian National Audit Office, 1999). West Gate Pty Ltd will therefore, pay the following amount in tax for contribution: 15/100 x $32,000 = $ 4,800 Chris has salary packaged other items apart from the superannuation contributions. The first item is a laptop that one of his children requires for school. It is worth $3,300. This is a fringe benefit for Chris. According to the Australian tax office rulin g S23, the tax is levied at 46.5% for the FBT year ending 31st March. West Gate Pty limited will pay the following amount for the benefit; 46.5% x $3,300 = $1,534.50 Under this, the income test will take into account the fringe benefit received. This fringe benefit is not included in the employee’s assessable income. The employer will be giving a benefit directly to a relative of the employee. Anything is accomplished by the employer in any agreement, arrangement or transaction so as to award any benefit upon any individual other than the member of staff, whether directly or obliquely. The benefit would have been taxed if it had been contracted to the employee. The next item that Chris has packaged is a new car. A taxable benefit is be

Toms Coffee Cup on the Verge of Imminent Collapse Essay

Toms Coffee Cup - on the Verge of Imminent Collapse - Essay Example It is upon the decisions and actions taken by business management that determines the success or failure of a business. This report will review Coffee Cup’s business strategy and the decisions that have led to its rapid deterioration as a result of the actions taken by its management. The report will provide recommendations at the end based on various principles of management such as planning, organizing and leading. This will in part borrow most of the information from the popular P-O-L-C framework of management. Through these recommendations, the management will certainly get back on course to revive this business. Coffee Cup is a sole proprietorship business owned by Tom. It started out as a coffee house although it has recently expanded its services to serving sandwiches and salads for lunch and smoothies for breakfast. Tom started the business after leaving his corporate job and has enjoyed fair success as a first-time entrepreneur. The business currently has 12 employees after Tom employed Willie Cheet to fill up the position of the manager. Willie is the only salaried employee in the business with the rest being paid on an hourly-rate basis. The business has seen numerous changes since Willie took up the management position and the business is facing a possible collapse due to his selfish management decisions aimed at increasing his earnings. As earlier mentioned, Coffee Cup is experiencing several challenges that are emanating from Willie’s high-handed style of leadership which has seen the business adopt various changes in products quality and quantity. Willie has also introduced strict and somehow irrational rules in the workplace that have affected the morale of the workers thereby leading to reduced productivity and loss of cooperation from a section of them. The effects of these management challenges have seen an increase in complaints from customers and consequently a drastic reduction in sales.  

Salary packaging and Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Salary packaging and Taxation - Essay Example Fringe benefits tax will apply to both Chris and his employer for this agreement during the FBT year that begins in 1st April 2011 up to 31st March 2012. Superannuation is money put in for a person's retirement. Strict government policy prevent untimely access to conserved benefits except in extremely limited and constrained circumstances, as well as severe financial adversity or on a compassionate basis, such as for medical cure not obtainable through Medicare. Usually, superannuation benefits are in three categories: conserved benefits; restricted non-conserved benefits; and unhindered non-preserved benefits. Mainly superannuation is concessionary taxed at a level charge of 15% at two key points: on contributions, and on salary. Capital Gain Tax inside the fund though is taxed at a charge of 10% if the properties held for longer than twelve months. Contributions whether in the type of employer superannuation, or associate salary sacrifice are levied at this rate. In the majority of the industry funds, the salary tax is paid prior to profits are disbursed to associates so it appears as a lesser level of interest on the worker’s statement. From the time when it was introduced, employers have been obligated to make compulsory contributions to superannuation in place of the majority of their workers. ... Superannuation contributions made by Chris are not treated as fringe benefits but as employer contributions. The initial contribution that Chris was making was $17,000. He however, decided to increase it by $15,000. This contribution has to meet three conditions, which are; it must be an arrangement before service there should be an agreement between West Gate Pty Ltd and Chris and Chris should not have an access to the sacrificed salary (Marsden, 2010). According to the Australian tax office ruling, the superannuation contributions are taxed in the superannuation funds such as 15% (Australian National Audit Office, 1999). West Gate Pty Ltd will therefore, pay the following amount in tax for contribution: 15/100 x $32,000 = $ 4,800 Chris has salary packaged other items apart from the superannuation contributions. The first item is a laptop that one of his children requires for school. It is worth $3,300. This is a fringe benefit for Chris. According to the Australian tax office rulin g S23, the tax is levied at 46.5% for the FBT year ending 31st March. West Gate Pty limited will pay the following amount for the benefit; 46.5% x $3,300 = $1,534.50 Under this, the income test will take into account the fringe benefit received. This fringe benefit is not included in the employee’s assessable income. The employer will be giving a benefit directly to a relative of the employee. Anything is accomplished by the employer in any agreement, arrangement or transaction so as to award any benefit upon any individual other than the member of staff, whether directly or obliquely. The benefit would have been taxed if it had been contracted to the employee. The next item that Chris has packaged is a new car. A taxable benefit is be

Financial statements interpretation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Financial statements interpretation - Essay Example The main reason is that the ratios are simple to calculate. Moreover, they provide a standard for comparison between companies or between the company and the industry in general. They can also be applied to various time periods of the same company and can provide valuable information related to the trend and future prospects (Pendlebury and Groves, 2004). The ratios that are chosen for analyzing VDB Limited include Operating Profit Margin, Return on Assets, Current Ratio, Quick Ratio, Average Collection Period, Stock turnover period. The ratios are computed for VDB Limited based on the financial statements provided for the two years. This will provide a base for comparison of the The profit margin is the measure of the company's ability to earn profit from the generated revenue. This is a very important and crucial ratio as this depicts the earning capacity of the company (Samuels et al, 2000). It is clear from the values that the profit margin has declined steeply in 2008 relative to 2007. Though the revenue is much higher in 2008, the purchases and the expenses are relatively higher and hence lesser profits. This ratio measures the income generating ability of the assets. ... This ratio is necessary, since the income or the earnings is given higher importance and a company should not only have high revenues, but should also earn the income from it. The return on assets is computed as Return on Assets = (Net Income / Total Assets) * 100 Profitability 2007 2008 Return on Assets 10.53% 7.89% It is evident that the assets are not being utilized at the same level as that of 2007. The income generating ability of the assets has come down in 2008. iii. Current Ratio: The current ratio is a measure of the company's ability to cover its current liabilities using its current assets (Samuels et al, 2000). It is computed as Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities Ratio 2007 2008 Current Ratio 3.16 2.96 The current ratio is a measure of liquidity and it indicates that VDB Limited is well positioned in terms of liquidity and will be able to cover its liabilities. Though the ratio has reduced in 2008, it is still very substantial and a healthy value. iv. Quick Ratio: The quick ratio is a measure of the company's ability to cover its current liabilities using its liquid assets. The assets included in this ratio are those which can be easily converted to cash (Samuels et al, 2000). It is computed as Quick Ratio = (Current Assets - Inventories) / Current Liabilities Ratio 2007 2008 Current Ratio 1.5 1.48 VDB Limited has sufficient liquid assets to cover the current liabilities. There is no change in the quick ratio in 2008. v. Average Collection Period: The time period (no. of days) taken to collect the receivables is a crucial measure that illustrates the company's ability to collect the debts (Samuels et al, 2000). It is computed as Average Collection Period = (Average (net) Receivables) / Net Sales) *

Communication and Children Essay Example for Free

Communication and Children Essay Parents are among the earliest person that are in contact and always stay by the children’s side and thus there are many saying that parents are the first teacher of the children. Since children start from zero from the day they are born, they will start to learn something new by watching the adults and imitating them. Example that can be given is when a baby first learning to talk, they will imitate what the adults are saying. The first word that usually teaches by the parents is either papa or mama and the baby then will imitate the word. This is how the children first learn to talk and same goes when an adult is cursing others, they will also recording the words used. Next, children can be said as a mirror that will reflect back what they observed. This can be seen by the conduct of the adults that watched by the children. They will simply copying the conduct as children do not know to differentiate between right and wrong. Example that can be given is when a child observing his father acted violently towards his mother in their house and he will then do the same to others. Some cases reported saying that a violent man or woman usually had experienced those situation since their young age. People will normally hard to change their habits, especially one that they learned from their childhood. An example that can be given is when the adults around the children are smokers or alcoholics, these bad habits usually will be tried by the children when they have access to that stuff. Nowadays the stuffs can be easily be bought even by a minor from the convenience stores such as 7-eleven and other stores. Same goes to good habits such as reading, appreciating others and also helping those needed. When a child used to follow their parent doing charity work, they will never feel hard to help others. Thus it shows that children learn best by observing the adults. In the other aspects such as foods or fashion, and also in respect of their thinking, adult give many influence in these matters. The behavior of adults can give good and bad implication to the children. This is because children always observes what the adults are doing. When an adult wears sexy dress, they will do the same since they used  to see and did not know it is actually wrong. Same goes to the thinking, adult usually ask the children what to do and not to do but sometimes the adult will do to the contrary. This will make the children think whether to do something or to follow what the adults are doing. As the conclusion, it is strongly agreed that the children learn best by observing the behavior of the adult since th e children was born zero and the adults who are the nearest person in contact with the children are those who responsible to teach everything and shape the children. [ 500 words ] 2) What do schools need to do to prepare students for the 21st century? Discuss your opinions. Year 2000 to 2100 is known as 21st century where the society also describes the period as a modern era especially in technology. In order to make sure that the teaching and learning session in this modern era running smoothly as well as to make sure the student may adapt themselves with the era, there are a few steps that the schools need to do in order to prepare the students. The first thing that the school can do is by introducing the technology to the student. In the 21st century, almost all business in our daily life needs the application of technology. Thus in order to prepare the student with technology application, the teaching and learning process can be done using various gadgets such as computers, iPad, projector, netbooks and others. The use of textbook is no doubt still relevant but by using the modern gadgets, the session of teaching and learning will be more adventure and interesting. Next, the school may prepare the student in the aspect of creative thinking and problem solving. In the 21st century, there will be more competition in life thus person will need critical thinking and problem solving skills to survive and compete with others in all aspects. In order to ensure the students own this skill, the school may start by providing or training the students with problem based question. In this session, the students will need to creatively think for the solution to the situation, thus this exercise will boost or force their mind. In respect of communication, there are two kind of communication, either oral or written  communication. Both types are important of all time, including in 21st century, where the communication will be more fast and easy in this modern era. In the development of various types of gadgets, communication between people seems to be easy since we can contact people from all over the world. The school may train the students in both types of communication so that they will be ready to communicate with almost everyone. The students need m ore practice so that they can communicate confidently and perfect. Practice will make perfect. The other skill that the student will need in 21st century is the ability to work with others. This is because although there will be competition in getting something but there is still the need of cooperation to fulfill some task. Example that can be given is in an organization where teamwork is something necessary to fulfill the organization’s goal. Thus, the school may engage students in collaborative groups to conduct investigations, discuss and share learning, and create products that demonstrate what was learned. This will ensure that the students may cooperate with one another in order to produce what their group’s plan. There are many things that can be done by the school to prepare the students to go through 21st century other than discussed above. Students will easily adapt the 21st century with the help of the school’s programs, plans and exercises. [ 500 words ] 3) Technology is making communication easier in today’s world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people chose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face to face contact for its main means of communication? People nowadays prefer to communicate through technology more than face to face and this can be seen almost everywhere. People are busy with their smartphones gadgets although they are sitting together with their family members or friends. Everyone are busy texting, calling, updating their social account such as facebook, twitter, instagram, wechat, and may other modern applications. Although there are many benefits from these  applications but still there are bad effects to the communication. One of the effects is that people will have lack of communication skills where when they always communicate through online medium, they will have no ability or lack of skills to speak face to face with others. They will also will hard to differentiate on how to talk or handle different level of person such as in formal or informal occasion. Communication skill is one of the interpersonal skills of a person and this is one of the most important skills that one’s should have. Next, the person who always depends on online medium of communication will have the problem of lack of confident level. This is because in online medium communication, the person will not need to meet the person to communicate but face to face communication will need the person to meet with others. When someone who has no experience in face to face dealing with others, they will have the problem with their confident level especially someone who has the nervous attack problem. Thus when they need to communicate face to face, usually the deal will hard to be accomplished. The other effect is the technological communication is it may affect the ability to express someone’s ideas clearly. When someone are constantly using short forms and slang while texting or in others online medium communication, it is hard to remember to use proper grammar when they need to write formal emails, letters or papers. Technology may harm the communication skills at work and in school since it may degrading the ability to speak publicly and in writing formally. Sometimes the person will not realize that they are using short forms in their formal works. Technology may also harm our ability to deal with conflict. This can be seen from a situation where we have a fight with our friend, we can just send them a text message or Facebook message to tell what is wrong rather than confront them face to face. Sometime, a personal issue will become a big issue when the problem is posted through the social account with the interventions of others. Many people in society are beginning to take it as an easy way out when it comes to conflict. Although modern technology brings a lot of pleasure in our life but it also may bring harm to us. Instead of having a pleasant conversation with our family, friends or significant others, we are busy to focus on our computer screens. This will not only harm the skills but also will create a distance with our family and friends. [ 500 words ] 4) In your life experience, what is the best advice you have ever received? Advice is given to remind someone what they should do or what they should not do in their life. Usually an advice was given by someone to the person that they care such as by parents to their child, by friend to another friend, and by a teacher to the students. People may receive the advice and translate it according to their understanding. It may be used as guidelines in someone’s life. The best advice that I ever receive is from my parent where they remind me to never give up in whatever I am doing. In my understanding, the advice may be used in many situations. The first situation is during my study, where until now I am still struggle to get the highest education that I am capable to achieve. Although I admit that there are hard times during my study especially in dividing time between work, family, and study but the advice given by my parent are inspiring me to do my best. When I feel stressed during my revision or when I need to faced timeline to send my assignment, the advice keep on playing in my mind to make sure that I will always success in what I am doing. Next, the advice of never give up is also inspiring me in my marriage life, where as a wife and mother who is working and in the same time studying, I feel the pressure but when remembering the advice, I feel strong. I manage to fulfill my responsibility towards my husband and children. I will never give up in fulfilling my responsibility towards my family. I keep reminding myself to stay strong so that I can take care of my family members wherever they need me. In working, as one of the subordinates there will be a lot of pressure given by the employers or high ranking officers. Advice given by my parent is the inspiration for me to be one of the courage and highly motivated staff. I keep on reminding myself not to give up when given many task and always stay calm in facing the situation. In my work, I have to deal with the public, from various levels of life, attitude and race. Thus I have to always give my best to help them although sometime I have been cursed by them but it is my responsibility to give the best service to the public. The advice of never give up given is suitable to use in every single inch of life. It can be regarded as inspiration for us to always do our best in whatever we are doing in life. Giving up is not a mean of facing any difficulties in life since if we give up before giving our best, we will never know what we actually can do, our ability to face any conflict of life. Once we manage to settle any conflict rose in our life, we will feel the satisfaction and we will feel stronger. [ 500 words ] 5) Tourism is becoming increasingly important as a source of revenue for many countries but its disadvantages should not be overlooked. What are some of the disadvantages of tourism? Tourism in a country happens when the outsiders or people who live in other countries come to visit our country. In tourism, the people who come will be call as a tourist and they will usually visit interesting places in a country either because of the custom of the place visited such as village, beauty of that place such as island around Malaysia, or maybe because they like the weather or activities at that place. Although tourism is one of the source of revenue to our economy but it also may bring some disadvantages to us. One of the disadvantages that can be identified is from the aspect of criminal, where there are many criminals happen with the entrance of the tourist. Some of the tourist will come using the social visit pass into the country to do crime such as black money, drug trafficking, prostitution and some others. Many cases reported that all the crime was done by the outsiders who came as a tourist in Malaysia and this will ruin our Malaysian. The other disadvantage is the attire of the tourist that comes to Malaysia. In their country they are free to wear anything that they are comfortable with but in Malaysia there are many attire that they are wearing is not suitable and it can be regarded as not respecting the local’s tradition and customs. Further, there are Malaysian who already influenced by those attires and they start to wear just like the tourist. In Malaysia, there is ethnic’s sensitivity to be respect by the tourist especially Muslims citizen’s sensitivity. Next, in respect of social life, the tourist that come are from different type of religion, for them it will be not an  offence to mix between genders but in Malaysia it is indecent to do it especially in public. In some cases, there are tourists that invite the beach boys to their chalet to accompany them. For the villagers nearby it is wrong and may ruin Malaysian. It is not right for the tourist to do such things in other’s country. Further, since many places have been upgraded to be tourism spot, ma ny things are changes, including prices of goods and services. The local traders are increasing their goods and services price since the place is now full with the tourist and it is the time for them to get more profit in their business. This has led to the local to also suffer the expensive price of goods and services. In addition, the local needs to compete with the tourist to get a place in the public transport and also if they are going to a vacation with their family. The tourist are everywhere and usually in getting a place in the local chalet or hotel in the tourism spot, the tourist will booked months before their vacation but the local will only booked their place in less than a month. The local needs to compete with the tourist although this is their own country.

Fossil Fuels: Contribution and Impact

Fossil Fuels: Contribution and Impact Discuss the contribution of fossil fuel to modern human society and the environmental impact The importance of Fossil Fuels to human society cannot be overemphasized. Public services such as buses, train system, general heating system and electricity are being powered with fossil fuels. Due to the high global demand of fossil fuels, they form the major part of the economy of producing countries and the world in general. However the impact of fossil fuel to the environment has been an issue of great concern. Considering the visible contributions of fossil fuels to modern human society, the environmental implications pose a dilemma to the world leaders. It is crucial that the hazards posed by fossil fuels to the environment be tactfully minimized while taking into account its positive contributions to civilization. The first section of this essay will discuss in a general context the different contributions that fossil fuel had made to the modern human world. It will further discuss the contributions and environmental implications of coal, oil and natural gas. The final sectio n in the form of conclusion will summarize in a general term the contributions and environmental implications fossil fuels on modern human society. Comparing the trends in the rate at which each type of fossil fuel is being consumed in a global scenario will show the impact of the continuous increase in the rate of fossil fuels consumption will have on future environment. The environmental implication of fossil fuels as discussed in this essay is with respect to pollution and climate change. Energy is fundamental to the quality of our lives. In fact most human activities depend on the regular and uninterrupted supply of energy. This makes fossil fuels essential to modern human society, (Baker, 2008).The issues concerning the facts of the global energy consumption can be related to fossil fuels because; they serve as primary source of energy globally. According to Chow, et al. (2003),  the global energy use exceeds 370 (EJ) and fossil fuels contribute about 80% of this quantity of energy. This implies that fossil fuels contribute two third of global energy. Fossil fuels are made up of namely: coal, oil and natural gas. They were formed in the outer layer of the earth from the remains of plants and animals over hundreds of millions of years age (Encarta World English Dictionary, 2005). This implies that fossil fuels are almost non-renewable because its formation process takes a long period and this period is long enough for the world to run out of fossil fuel reserv es. Fossil fuels contribution is noticeable considering how the quantity of energy in a country affects both their economy and social life. In the world today the industrial, transportation, public service and residential sectors are been powered mainly by fossil fuel. Therefore, these different sectors where fossil fuels are majorly consumed underscore their important contributions to modern human society. One of the key uses of fossil fuels is to generate electricity. Coal is one of the major fuel sources for electricity generation. The relative low cost of coal and its abundance  added to the fact that it does not  require the upkeep of pipelines and security issues while transporting coal is an advantage over other sources of fossil fuels for generating electricity. Coal fuels the economy of countries, for example: China has about 30% of the worlds coal reserves and uses coal as their major energy supply, (OECD, 1998). Chinas industrial power which allow for economic growth depends virtually on coal (IEA, 2005). However Chinas dependence on coal has led to the countrys emitting about 39% of the total global CO2  emission. Burning coal produce useful by-product that are been used in the industrial sector mainly in steel plants and cement works, (Rohde, 1998). However, the environmental issues being raised by the global consumption of coal is of major concern. The toxins emitted from the combustion of coal and the waste from it mining process result in climate change and making the soil unproductive for agriculture, (OECD, 1983). Coal in comparison with the two other types of fossil fuels has more environmental impacts. According to the OECDS publication on coal and environmental protection states during exploration of coal to its end use coal has environmental implications: â€Å"During mining, treatment, transport and storage the sources of environmental concern can be summarized as subsidence, land use, liquid and solid waste, dust, noise, vibration and deterioration of surface and subsurface natural water systems. The major sources of pollution during combustion are air emissions of SOx, NOx  and particulates, and solid waste materials.†Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  (OECD, 1998) Source: BP coal consumption table, 2008. From:http://www.bp.com/liveassets/bp_internet/globalbp/globalbp_uk_english/reports_and_publications/statistical_energy_review_2008/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/pdf/coal_table_of_coal_consumption_2008.pdf Figure 1 above shows the increase in the rate of consumption of coal. There was a slight decrease in 1998 and 1999. This might be as a result of a reduction in consumption of coal in different countries. However, generally the rate of increase between years is not very much but if this increase rate is consistent over a period of time the quantity of coal consumed will be astronomical which implies that the environmental issues posed by coal will likewise be on the increase. In recent times, technological development and with some regulatory organizations that manages mining activities, the environmental issues are minimized. A careful comparison of the contributions of coal to the human society and its environmental implications makes the issue of coal controversial, (IEA, 1998). While the environmental implications posed by coal mining and usage are of concern, its contribution to modern human society requires that the action to be taken should be balanced with regards to its economical, energy and environmental impact. Oil like coal has contributed to modern human society in quite a number of ways. Unlike coal, it is easier and cleaner to burn and have a wider range of application. It is consumed the most among coal and natural gas. In fact the increase in demand of oil results in a lucrative international oil market. Therefore this lucrative oil market is an advantage to the oil producing countries because when either the rate of global demand, price or both increases these countries economy will be benefited. The major contribution of oil to modern human society is evident in the industrial and transportation sector. Most machines used in the industries make use of refined oil product. In the transportation sector aircraft and automobiles are examples of machines that make use of refined oil product. In addition, plastic and detergent are byproducts of oil. However, just like the other types of fossil fuels, the processes of exploration, refining, transporting and consumption of oil have an envir onmental implication. Firstly during exploration of oil, loss of drilling mud will result in escape of oil, (OECD, 1973). In an event where oil escapes, the case will be that the soil and/or the sea will be polluted. This will lead to loss of productive land for agriculture and possibly, extinction of the aquatic habitants in the surrounding sea. In addition to loss of drilling mud is the seismic technique for exploration. As a result of the loud and low frequency output, this technique endangers marine lives during offshore exploration, (Kennesaw State University, 2009). Another environmental issues associated with the process of refining oil is the methods which the refinery chooses to dispose oil waste. These wastes are sometime after being treated with a supposedly less harmful chemical is emptied into the sea. This chemically treated waste with time get to the point it becomes poisonous to aquatic life, (OECD, 1971). Also some gases are being emitted during refining and this leads to air pollution which harmful to both humans and animals. These gases can cause cancer and other diseases to humans if inhaled. Oil spill is the major issue with oil transportation. According to the article: Environmental science activities for the 21st  century published by Kennesaw State University: â€Å"Oil spill during transportation of oil account for an estimated 44 million gallons being dumped into the worlds water system, with 29 million gallons of this coming in the form of oil tanker spills†. Natural gas is an important source of energy for reducing pollution and maintaining a clean and healthier environment compared to coal and oil. In addition to being a domestically abundant and secure source of energy, the use of natural gas also offers a number of environmental benefits over other sources of energy, mainly other types of fossil fuels, (BP, 2006). The different uses of natural gas in modern human society make it an essential part of human life. Natural gas domestic uses are part of the many social impact it has on human society. Natural gas is convenient and it is being piped straight to the consumers facility which in contrast, oil must be trucked to the customers location, and truck deliveries are to liable to weather conditions. Natural gas is reliable, (BP, 2006). Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel. Because the combustion process for natural gas is almost perfect, very few byproducts are emitted into the atmosphere as pollutants. The blue flame seen w hen natural gas is ignited is a sign of perfect combustion. Natural gas is mainly used for domestic, commercial, industrial and power generation purposes. Firstly, the residential applications of natural gas are the most commonly known use of natural gas. It can be used for cooking, washing and drying, water warming, heating and air conditioning. Domestic appliances are increasingly improved in order to use natural gas more economically and safely. Operating costs of natural gas equipment are generally lower than those of oil and coal. It is mainly used commercially by food service providers, hotels, healthcare facilities and in office buildings. Also natural gas commercial applications include cooling (space conditioning and refrigeration), cooking or heating. Secondly, Natural gas is used as an input to manufacture pulp and paper, metals, chemicals, stone, clay, glass, and to process certain foods. Gas is also used to treat waste materials, for incineration, drying, dehumidification, heating and cooling, and cogeneration. In addition electric utilities and independent power producers are increasingly using natural gas to provide  energy for their power plants. In general, natural gas fuelled power plants have lower capital  costs, are built faster, work more efficiently and emit less pollution than other fossil fuel power plants, (IEA, 1998). Technological improvements in design, efficiency and operation of combined cycle gas turbines and co-generation processes are favoring the use of natural gas in power generation. Natural gas in a joint- electricity generation produces power and heat that is useful for industries as well as commercial users. This cogeneration reduces pollution emission considerably. Although the combustion of natural gas produces very little NOx, this chemical is however a toxic agents that results to acidic compounds and when combined with water and result in acid rain. Also, the length of the complex and extensive systems of pipelines in which natural gas are being transported through are in thousands of kilometers. Considering that natural gas in the pipe is in a condensate state, in the case of material defects and pipe corrosion to ground erosion natural gas will be exposed to the environment and in effect will pollute the air. Also, the technique of extracting natural gas is one of its disadvantages which are because of the creation of cavities in the ground during extraction. If natural gas is been inhaled in large amounts is harmful to humans. The gas is extracted from a natural gas field. The pressure exerted by the gas helps support the layers of soil above the gas field. When the gas is extracted, the soil pressure increases and cavities are created in the ground. These cavities can sometimes cause the ground to sink and the productive land for agriculture might be lost. Another environmental implication of natural gas is that the gas is toxic and can be poisonous. If the fields from which it was extracted were not treated, it can be toxic. The principle greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxides. Methane being the principle component of natural gas makes it a matter of concern with regards to greenhouse emission that results to climate change. Methane is a very strong greenhouse gas. In fact, it has an ability to trap heat almost 21 times more effectively than carbon dioxide, (naturalgas.org, 2004). Source: Chow, J. et al (2003). Energy resources and global development. Sciencemag.org, vol.: 302. In conclusion the different contributions of fossil fuels to the modern human society are very noticeable. The chart above shows the global fossil fuels consumption by sectorial end use. The contributions of fossil fuels are made evident in the different sectors mentioned above. Form this essay, it can be suggested that the global fossil fuels consumption be reduced and more regulation that will effectively minimize the environmental implications of fossil fuels. it will be helpful if manufacturers consider environmental factors when producing machines and appliances that is being powered by fossil fuels. Moreover, resolving the global dilemma presented by fossil fuels will require a collective effort of every human. Private Finance Initiatives: Advantages and Disadvantages Private Finance Initiatives: Advantages and Disadvantages PFI Principles The PFI, known as Private Finance Initiative, is a type of Public Private Partnership procurement method implemented in UK construction industry in 1992. (Chinyio and Gameson, 2009) As an important part of Governments strategy for delivering high quality public services, Private Finance Initiative requires the private financers to put its own capital at risk to deliver clear defined public projects for a long term period, ensuring the quality of the work delivered within the time and budget. (HM Treasury, 2009) OGC (2007, p.6) defined PFI as Where the public sector contracts to purchase quality services, with defined outputs from the private sector on long term basis, and including maintaining or constructing the necessary infrastructure so as to take advantage of private management skills incentivised by having private finance at risk. PFI has now covered most of public services such as health, education, defence, prisons and transportations. Typically, PFI procurement involves contracting the entire project package including design, construction, finance, operation and maintenance, to a group of private companies which consists of a reasonably skilled construction firm and a facility management firm, for a long period of 20 30 years. The government also provides specifications indicating the services and standards it requests, and leave the control right of design and construction and operation solely to the private group for the contract period. (Bennett and Iossa, 2006) It is only recommended for projects to take PFI route when the capital cost is likely to exceed  £20m. (OGC, 2007) Bennett and Iossa (2009) say that its more likely to use PFI procurement if the externality is positive and the innovation on residual value is large. Advantages Long-Term Relationship PFI is not only focusing on the value for money, it also stressed the development of long term relationship between public sector and private sector. Robinson and Scott (2009) indicates that long-term relationships in PFI projects can provide a powerful incentive in order to learn from each other, share the knowledge, innovate and continuously improve the performance between private sector and public sector in project delivery. Partnering is a crucial key of PFI procurement, the good performance of which will lead to the success of the project. Spackman (2002, pp.283-301) addresses Success can be achieved only if the public authority and the contractor approach the project in a spirit of partnership, wit understanding of each others business and a common vision of how best they can work together. Public Saving PFI/PPP procurement has the potential to reduce the cost, and deliver better quality work with the same cost in other procurements. (Bing and Akintoye, 2003) Research shows that the governments investment using PFI procurement in the UK is now about 10-14% in its total investment. (Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) Local authorities are keen to use PFI to deliver a project via partnership as they do not need to borrow money from the banks. Spackman (2002) finds the government constrains its borrowing because it concerns about future taxation, economic demand, costs of the borrowing, and flexibility responding to future economy shocks. The interest cost of public debit in UK is at 2-2.5 percent, however for the cost of private one is only about 1 percent. (Spackman, 2002) Anon (2009, p.3) declares that In the UK, lack of cash is forcing the government to look at using PPPs for more broadly. The saving for the government is not only from the borrowing tax aspect, but also in total value of the projects compared with traditional procurement. Parker and Hartley, 2003 (in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) claim that PPP contracts for UK defence services save cost range from 5-40 percent compared traditional public procurement. Private Profit One of the benefits for private sectors to take PFI is that under the long term ownership, they can gain incomes and profits under their management and operation, or exchange benefits with the local authorities. Carrillo at el. (2008) indentifies that one of the key drivers for the motivation of the PFI is the steady and long term income stream and higher returns and profitability. Spackman (2002, pp.283-301) also mentions its easier to increase charges to meet a contract with a private operator than by voting in local or national government, and private financiers might regard income from users as a less risky source of revenue. Better Management Skills As private financers are more capable for management in business in various fields, the government believes that the private sector has a better role to offer project management skills, innovative design and facility and risk management. (Carrillo at el., 2008) Spackman (2002) stresses that the monitoring pressures on contractors from private sectors may be stronger than those from the public sector which is leading to a quality work. Long Term Contract In PFI, contractors are tied into a long-term commitment, so that it reduces that a contractor can walk away during the project if no sufficient funding is in place. Even though contracts might restrict this from happening, but it is difficult to design and impose broad articles and clauses in the contract for a long contractual period. (Spackman, 2002) Risk Transfer Risk transfer is also an important element for delivering a good PFI project. Carrillo at el. (2008) claim that PFI will reduce the risk level carried by the government and transfer it to the contractors. Grimsey and Lewis (2005, pp.345-378) concludes that The transferred risk is often a key determinant of value for money in PPPs, and one that may need to be updated as negotiations processed, to allow for variations in risk allocation. Apart from public procurement cost risk, there are also other risks such as site use, site operation and access, building standards, operations and management, financial conditions, maintenances and services, residual value and revenue etc. (Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) Those risks can all be considered and transferred to private side. In UK, there is a long list of samples for public funded projects being delayed or finished with over budget. Such risks being transferred from public sector to private sector through a PPP route is considered to be adding v alue for money for public project, as private sector will solely manage the project cost, time and quality. (Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) Less Construction Time PFI is considered to be one of the procurements which can deliver project under or on time. MacDonald, 2002 (in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) reviewed 50 large UK public procurement projects in the past 20 years, and found 11 were using PFI/PPP, average of which were completed under-time. HM Treasury, 2003b (in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) reviewed 61 PFI projects, 89 percent of which were completed under or on time. Compared with traditional procured projects, 30 percent of which delivered on time, PFI projects could be completed on time with a 76 percent. (UK National Audit Office, 2003, in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) Delivery against Budget PFI is also considered to be one of the procurements which can deliver project under or on budget. HM Treasury, 2003b (in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) reviewed 61 PFI projects, all of which were all finished within the budget. Compared with traditional procured projects finished with 27 percent on budget, PFI projects completed on budget with a 78 percent. (UK National Audit Office, 2003, in Grimsey and Lewis, 2005) Innovation Approach PFI schemes allow the private bidders to explore their appetite to develop creational and unique projects which can also meet the required standards from the government. (Bing and Akintoye, 2003) When the project is under the ownership of public sector, renegotiation between the private financiers and the public clients must be carried out before the innovation is applied. However, when the project is the ownership of private sector, following governments specifications, private financiers has own power and freedom to implement an innovative approach to meet its own requirements. (Bennett and Iossa, 2006) Disadvantages Time Taking Research shows that most suppliers complain that during the procurement, the PFI process takes too long for management decisions. (Spackman, 2002) Li (in Bing et al., 2005a, pp.25-35) claims that the most negative factor associated with PFI/PPP procurement is a lot of management time spent in the contract transaction, length delays in negotiation and high participation cost. Furthermore, Carrillo at el. (2008, pp.138-145) state that PFI projects are complex than traditional procurement taking longer lead-in time before the start of the construction. It also adds It is unsustainable for a private company to have staff involved on a project for a 5 years period without a positive outcome. Risk Allocation It is an advantage for public sector that their risks during PFI have been allocated away to private sections. However, it would be a shortcoming for private bidders to carry the risks somehow. OGC (2007, p.10) indicates that: construction projects are undertaken by the private sector, which are incentivised by having private finance at risk. High Cost According to research from Bing et al. (2005b), PPP/PFI procurement has problems such as high tender cost, complicated negotiation, innovation cost restrains and conflicting in objectives between stakeholders. Carrillo at el. (2008) also find complain from both of client and contractors that the costs for the bidding, design and construction are higher than the traditional procurements. Lack of Expertise There are still many public professionals not experienced with PFI as it is so complex to cope with. Carrillo at el. (2008) indicates that lack of expertise in public sector in terms of experience is one of the issues for PFI process. It adds further that the lack of expertise has negative impacts on the PFI projects, and the local authorities who are limited with the experience are also struggling to keep up the private partners, which influences the partnering development. Government Influence The government is somehow bombarded that it is trying to show positive sides of PFI as much as it can in order to encourage implementation of PFI. The research and studies carried out so far by the government have been using a limited amount of projects with certain focus. It is recommended to call for more independent and third party studies for a wide range of project research and collect feedback from the clients in all types of projects to analysis the PFI performance. (Carrillo at el., 2008) Procurement Comparison In order to procure the project of residential development for Wulfruna University in UK, PFI and Design and Build are taken into account for the project procurement. Comparison and analysis are carried out as following. Design Build Design Build is one of the popular procurement methods implemented in the construction industry. Since April 2000, DB has been nominated as one of the procurement recommendations along with PFI and Prime Contracting by the government body. (OGC, 2007) The basic principle of DB procurement is, as fig.1 shown, the client sets up the requirements and standards, and then forwards them to the DB contractor for the delivery of the work. There is always possible option for client to consult other design professionals for initial innovations and design concepts. Once, the client is contracted with the DB contractor, its responsibility of design involvement is totally reduced. Risks shifts to the DB project team, consisting of designers, suppliers and subcontractors, who will take full responsibility to carry out the design and construction of the projects. (OGC, 2007) Brief Analysis With the intention of analysis the brief, following key points have been indentified: Existing 12,500 students with 800 hall of residence and 450 on proposal Existing 65% males and 60% full timers Proposed 450 bed hall of residence Proposed building with comprised different types of accommodation Proposed building with a modern standard Proposed building to hire out to tourists or public members during holidays Analysis: The current student number is 12, 500, and full time student is about 7,500. But the number of the halls is only 1,250 (including the one on proposal). This figure is only about 16.7% of the current full time student number, if 1,2500 rooms are all counted as single units. There is a possibility of future development of more student halls of residence. If current full time student number is about 7,500 who need student accommodation, there could be about 4,875 male students. It is common that the maintenance and cleaning for the rooms rented out for male students are more likely harder and difficult than the ones for female students. So that the proposed building should be quality ensured with good maintenance scheme in place. 450 bed hall of residence with modern standard and mixed types of rooms could increase the project cost, and it is likely to over the  £20m limit. Such a number of students accommodation also needs a good management and administration. The requirement of different types of accommodation might involve variation during design stage of the project. A modern standard might involve client into the design for its appetite of innovation approach and standard. Renting out tourists and other public members could increase extra income for the owner. Good management and operation are required from experience management firms to provide professional services. PFI versus Design Build Project Time It is clearly indentified in the previous section that the majority of PFI project delivered under or on time. DB comes with 2 options for competing projects normally. One is fixed price project; therefore, the project will be delivered definitely within the budget or no extra costs for the clients if its over. But the time of the project is uncertain. The other option is fixed time project, which can guarantee the project time, but the cost of the work could be more than what clients expects. Therefore, in terms of project time, both PFI and DB are all suitable for the project. Project Cost PFI is considered to be cost efficient delivery, and it always meets the budget or even under the budget. But it may cost more for the bidding cost for the contractors. DB can apply fixed price option so that both procurement methods can meet the requirement of cost even though the cost requirement is not clear in this brief. However, and again, the time will not be guaranteed. Project Quality Due to PFI is involved a long term contract for the contractor and private financiers, it guarantee the quality and maintenance of the project. However, DB is somehow has more chance to deliver a less quality work depending on the morale and motivation of the contractor, contractor might reduce the quality of the work in terms of material or skilled labour etc to save a profit for its own. According to the analysis b, PFI is more favourable for the quality work in this project. Clients Involvement When the private financier claims the ownership, involvement of design is more likely to happen in order to input innovation approach to achieve the appetite of financiers own. Therefore variation is allowed to occur within the PFI. However, DB contractor process the project from design to construction, there is not involvement for the client. Any variation for the project will lead an extra fee to be implemented by the contractor. According to the brief analysis d and e, PFI is definitely better for DB in this case. Risk Allocation In PFI, risks will be transferred to the private financier for the development. In DB, client only have a single contractual link with the contractor, shown as in fig. 1. The risk the client carried is little and passes most of it to the contractor. Project Nature PFI procurement is suitable for complex project, in which the project cost is more than  £20m according to the introduction from OGC. DB, however, is also suitable for the complex project. As in the brief analysis c, it indicates complex types of accommodation requirement, both PFI and DB can procure this project. Partnering Approach It is no doubt that PFI is the only one procurement which required partnering for project compared with DB. Good partnering can lead to exchange of learning, knowledge sharing and improvement of delivery. In the brief analysis a, there is a potential development of student halls in the future if the number of students keeps increasing. Good partnering and relationship are the keys for quality delivery. PFI is then better than DB to be selected. Management Operation Maintenance PFI is a long term contractual practice which involves design, construction, management, operation and maintenance for a period of 20 to 30 years. Private sector sometimes has better management skills than public sector. Analysis f stresses the need of good Management and Operation, and also analysis b again claims the importance of maintenance. PFI, therefore, is once again the only option for this requirement contrasted with DB Selection Recommendation According to HM Treasurys Central Unit on Purchasing, 1992 (in Masterman, J.W.E., 2002), selection of an appropriate procurement method can be achieved following the following steps: Review of contract strategy Analysis Options Selection of best strategy Implementation The document suggests clients or project managers to score how each procurement method meet the requirement of the objectives in various aspects, in which way the evaluation of the procurement is carried out. (Masterman, J.W.E., 2002) As fig. 2 shown, each standard criterion has its own requirements relative weighting range from 1 to 4. A satisfaction score range from 1 to10 should then be given to the procurement matching with the standard criteria. After the scoring, a calculation should be done by using the procurement score on one of the criteria multiplied by the weighing for the matched criteria. Then add up all the results to get a total score. For instance, in fig. 2, the underlined figures show the timing weighing for the project and traditional procurements score on this aspect for the project, so it should be calculated as: 4 X 4 = 16, and 16 is the total score for the traditional procurements performance on timing. Then add the rest scores for variation, project nature et c. The more the score is, the more suitable the procurement will be. It is recommended that the client, the Wulfruna University, should firstly analysis and identify the importance of each objective for the entire project, and provide the scale weighing on the object criteria according to the importance level. Then follow the sample shown above to list common procurement methods and give a score to each one. In the end, to choose the most scored procurement for the student hall of residence project. However, there are also other types of selection, but the main principles are all similar to each other. Conclusion In this report, it has reviewed PFI procurement. The review has recognized PFI can provide quality project within the time and budget scale, freedom of innovation, long term relationship, risk transfer from public sector to private sector etc, but has also underlined some drawbacks such as long decision making, high bid cost and lack of experience for both side etc. Meanwhile, it has compared two chosen procurement types PFI and Design Build, both of which are recommended by the government body. According to the brief analysis, it has listed some key points and requirements for the projects and comparison against each requirement between PFI and DB are carried out. It is clearly that PFI can provide more to meet the requirement of the project brief. Furthermore, a recommendation for procurement selection is also provided with an example of how the procurement is selected is also presented. The recommendation stressed the importance of the analysis and identification of important req uirement of the objectives and standards for the project. References Anon (2009) The big hiccup.Public Private Finance[online]. February 2009:3. P.3 [accessed on 25th November 2009] Available from: Business Source Premier, EBSChost. ISSN 17420334. Bennett, J. and Iossa, E. (2006) Building and managing facilities for public services. Journal of Public Economics, 90(10-11), pp.2143-2160. Bing, L. and Akintoye, A. (2003) An Overview of Public-Private Partnership. in Akintoye, A., Beck, M. and Hardcastel, C. (eds.) Public-Private Partnership Managing Risks and Opportunities. Oxford: Blackwell Science Ltd. pp.3-24. Bing, L., Akintoye, A., Edwards, P. J. and Hardcastle, C. (2005a) The allocation of risk in PPP/PFI construction projects in the UK. International Journal of Project Management, 23(1), pp.25-35. Bing, L., Akintoye, A., Edwards, P. J. and Hardcastle, C. 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