Learning is a major part of life. Essay

People tend to learn in every steps of their life. Learning does not necessarily involve complex terms, it can also be primitive things that keeps happening in day to day life of an individual. Everybody has different interest, likewise they have a different pattern of learning things. Some people learn faster through visual medium, some through audio, and some just writing down the things depending upon what the subject matter is. I believe that learning process does not start when one settles in a formal environment but it start right from the birth of an individual. Walking, talking, decision making etc. are some examples including every other primary things are the result of learning. Every time anyone has to acquire a new skills, they need to be focused and scrutinize the subject matter thoroughly, that is how learning happens. Learning affects the confidence of a person as well. If someone learn things quickly than they have higher confidence in doing things and learning new things as well. After going through the video couple of times I realized that one who puts hard work and devotion in learning new things can automatically adapt into the ways the things are done and will become successful. I myself am very much interested in music and vaguely inspired by the beauty of it. I think music can be the most influential thing in an individual life. Music can make a person relax after a hard day at work, cure the illness, provides maximum level of comfort to an individual. Being so much influenced on music I have managed to learn a very few instruments and it always gives me pleasure and comfort when I am playing them. But I do not want to stop here. I want to learn more about music. I want to be able to read the music and understand every keys and notation in it. I want to be a musician like David Gilmour from the greatest band ever, â€Å"Pink Floyd,† who is able to play any string musical instrument that exists in planet today. I am currently doing my major in Business with Information Technology however in order to fulfill my ambition in music I have also planned to take music as my minor subject and later on carry it as my profession along with my  Business major degree. It is very much important to me because of my vague interest in it, but mostly it makes me very happy. Finally, I am profoundly inspired from the video that I just watched and it helped me to boost up my morale. I do have much respect for the people attempting to make things happen and these people are just one of those few who dare to take the challenges and do something that makes difference to others.

A result Air Asia has to develop

The current business environment is characterized by a considerable level of competitive rivalry and as a result businesses have to constantly reengineer their internal processes in order to develop a sustainable competitive advantage.This is the situation in the airline industry and as a result Air Asia has to develop a sustainable competitive advantage. It is believed that the installation of the e-commerce application will facilitate the implementation of the most important strategy: maximizing access to information.This is one of the most important strengths for the company not only because the company will be in a position to collect more information about its customers, but also because the customers will be able to get more information as well. As a result, this will serve as an advertising tool for the company. In this respect, the company will not be facing any problem because the strategy is being implemented through a joint venture with Microsoft.The airline industry is ch aracterized by a high level of competitive intensity and therefore Air Asia has to constantly reengineer its internal operations in order to build and maintain a competitive edge. In this respect, the strategic focus of the company is cost minimization. According to Michael Porter’s framework for strategy formulation, a business organization has three strategies at its disposal in order to build and maintain a competitive advantage.These are differentiation, cost minimization and focus (cited in Fred, 2006). Although Air Asia might be said to be implementing all three strategies, its focus is on minimizing costs. The company is implementing the strategy of focus by targeting underserved markets while it is implementing the strategy of differentiation by adding value-added services to its repertoire.However the reasoning behind choosing to adopt these strategies has been to locate opportunities for ensuring customer satisfaction through focusing on areas of the market which ha ve not been targeted by competitors. As a result, Air Asia manages to charge lower prices than many of its competitors while maintaining comparable standards of quality.Mobile commerce is an extension of e-commerce according to which computer systems can be accessed through the internet on mobile devices such as PDA, smartphone or a cell phone (cited in Hitt, 2007).Mobil commerce has greater flexibility than e-commerce because it has satellite connectivity. As a result, devices which do not have internet connectivity but which have satellite connectivity can conduct transactions via m-commerce.In this respect, it must be mentioned that m-commerce can conduct video and audio conferencing. Therefore the application of m-commerce leads to greater scope for business-to-business and business-to consumer exchanges. This has become the crucial business model in the current business environment which is characterized by a high level of competitive rivalry.This means that businesses must foc us on the process of cost minimization. This is facilitated through both e-commerce and m-commerce applications as they facilitate the development of B2B and B2C frameworks. However m-commerce is more convenient because of its greater accessibility.Air Asia’s application of Windows Vista can be extended to m-commerce because Microsoft has already developed operating systems for mobile phones. Therefore Microsoft will be in a position to create interoperability between e-commerce and m-commerce through the Air Asia gadget. Although m-commerce is wirelessly connected, it has the flexibility of being connected through e-commerce as well.This means that any solutions developed for e-commerce can be accessible through m-commerce. This will benefit the consumers because they will not have to be connected to the internet once the Windows Vista application is made compatible in the m-commerce platform. In this respect, the costs of conducting e-commerce applications are higher than m -commerce applications.E-commerce requires connectivity via a personal computer. With m-commerce the same amount of information can be processed through a cell phone.Evolution of e-commerce and m-commerceM-commerce is conducted through small hand-held devices. These devices have small screens which might make it difficult for the customers to read the information. At the same time however, these devices are easily carried.Therefore, through m-commerce, the customers can be in greater contact with the source of information. Another great advantage of m-commerce is that they use wireless application protocols. Therefore they do not have connected through wires. This enhances the portability of m-commerce applications. However the problem is that the technology involved in the wireless application protocol has still room for improvement so that connectivity is still limited.This enhances the cost of conducting transactions because the more time that the customer waits for the informati on to arrive, the more costly it is. Therefore money-wise it is still more feasible to use an e-commerce application. However there is no doubt that the issues of user-friendly computing are better addressed through m-commerce.In the case of e-commerce, there is a considerable level of concern with security. These issues are less relevant in m-commerce because of its wireless connectivity.However even satellite services which serve as the platform for m-commerce can be vulnerable to online hackers and therefore mobile phone companies are now investing in this area. However there is no doubt that in m-commerce there is less potential for security issues and as a result this is a more attractive proposition for the customers.The problem is that without additional advancements in e-commerce, m-commerce will not become viable. This is a critical issue to consider because different services such as airlines must focus their resources more on m-commerce than on e-commerce because mobile p hones are more widely used than computers.Therefore any promotional campaigns targeting online business services will gain greater exposure through m-commerce than through e-commerce. The most important contributing factor is that even those consumers who are not comfortable with using computers in conducting online transactions will have used mobile phones for communications purposes.

Chechnya A War That Can

Chechenia: A War That Can # 8217 ; t Be Essay, Research Paper Chechenia: A War that can t be won. History of the independent Chechnya continues on as a bloodsheding struggle that merely can t look to stop. In the summer of 1991, the universe learned that some slackly defined portion of the Checheno-Ingushetia had seceded from RSFSR and the USSR and proclaimed itself an independent province called the Chechen Republic. During the following 10 following old ages the state of affairs in the democracy remained complicated and tense. A 1994-96 war between Russia and Chechnya proved to be lay waste toing to the democracies societal, economical and political construction. Though basking it s de facto independency the democracy was overrun by warlords and their packs that divided the land in between themselves and fought with each other for power. A snatch trade proved to be honoring as many members of human-centered organisations and other aliens were abducted for ransom. The authorities of Aslan Maskhadov, the freshly elected president, was either involved in the condemnable activities itself or was unable to make anything about it. In August 1999, Chechen combatants led by outstanding field commanding officers Shamil Basayev and Jordanian born Khattab crossed into neighbouring Dagestan in order to make an a Muslim province. Repelled by the Russian Armed Forces, the Rebels retreated back in to Chechnya and waited for a Russian invasion that shortly followed. The Russian Federation sent in military personnels in order to penalize the Chechens for a dare assault and besides to destruct the bases of international terrorists that turned the district of Chechnya into safe oasis for felons and kidnapers. The run was labeled as counter terrorist operation and had the support of the bulk of the Russian populace. It was besides a political move by a freshly appointed president, Vladimir Putin, to derive support for his presidential run. With it s military high quality, Russia captured most of Chechnya once more, puting up pro-Moscow authoritiess in local towns and small towns, but the Rebels continue their battle with lo w strength conflicts and riddance s of Chechen functionaries that are loyal to Moscow s government. Today, the brigands are utilizing the tactics of corruption warfare, puting ambuscades on the paths of military convoys and utilizing mines and other explosive devices. The Rebels have a wealth of experience in such operations, because foreign specializers and teachers have trained them. There were two developing cantonments in Chechnya: in Serzhen Yurt and Urus Martan. Fifteen dozenss of explosives were prepared at that place, and five dozenss of this sum was used. Chechnya is non merely a hot topographic point on the map of Russia ; it is an epicentre of international terrorist act and Islamic extremism in the state. It should be remembered that the Chechen war is financed from different including foreign, beginnings, which supply the Rebels non merely with money, but besides with arms and soldier of fortunes. The money is used for enrolling new members, for infiltrating power constructions, and for a elaborate survey and analysis of the military-geographic, socio-political and eco nomical state of affairss in the CIS states with the intent of be aftering subsequent enlargement, including military. The terrorists are besides utilizing internal resources for keeping their combat ability. Known foreign aid comes from the states of Middle East, Baltic States, Poland and Britain. In current winter conditions, despite the snow, the base on ballss are still negotiable and the combatants continue efforts to make the Russo-Georgian boundary line across the Chechen stretch. The debut of the visa government in dealingss with Geor Armed Islamic Group is assisting stabilise the state of affairs on the boundary line of the two states. A peaceable life in war-worn democracy can non be full filled without the aid of local occupants, who have grown sick of eternal wars. The society of Chechnya is split into two cantonments, kins that want peace are largely in the Beloi and Alleroi small towns, which prohibited it s immature people to fall in the illegal armed formations, and soldier of fortunes and local so called warlords to whom war means net income. For illustration, if non for the aid of local well-respected seniors, the federal forces would hold non entered Achkhoi-Martan, northern districts and Chechnyan s 2nd biggest metropolis Gudermes, without a individual shooting. In 1996, the Chechen Rebels answered Russian efforts to sideline them in the mountains with blitz foraies against metropoliss in neighbouring Dagestan and Russia itself. The guerilla subsequently managed to take back parts of their capital Grozny, and Moscow, recognizing the high political and economic costs of keeping on to Chechnya, merely withdrew. To avoid the repetition of those unfortunate 1996 events, federal forces will hold to guard against Chechen motion through the democracy a effort impossible without inhibitory actions against all civilian population. Russian soldiers invariably detain Chechen work forces of contending age into so called filtration cantonments, which are said to be known for awful life conditions, anguish and executings during 1994-96 war. Moscow plans to permanently station 15,000 military personnels in the democracy after the war ends. Currently Russia has approximately 90,000 military personnels in the part, harmonizing to Kremlin s spokesman, Sergei Yastrezembski. Prosecuting the Chechen combatants in the mountains could turn out every bit hard. The terrain makes the usage of heavy weapon and armour about impossible, taking the chief advantage Russia has against a skilled guerilla force of lightly armed Rebels. If the Russian military wants to prosecute the Rebels on pes, it will hold to perpetrate a significant figure of forces and be prepared to digest high casualties. In the nineteenth century, Russian run against modern-day North Caucasus Rebel Imam Shamil some 500,000 military personnels were needed to set down a twenty-year rebellion. The technological progress the Russians enjoy over the Rebels today removes the demand for so many military personnels, but some of the advantages will be lost in the mountains. In an indicant that the armed forces may direct a force into the mountains, Moscow is directing a 3,500 paratrooper elect regiment trained in close combat and endurance accomplishments to the cragged part. Besides trade name new sop histicated assault choppers KA-50 Black Shark, and KA-52 Alligator are to see action against the combatants, but as NATO learned in Kosovo, even the most sophisticated engineerings are comparatively impotent against a skilled enemy. Whether Moscow likes or non, merely a political understanding between the two sides will convey this current struggle to an terminal. Russia argues that all the field commanding officers must give up and confront the charges of mutiny, engagement in illegal armed formations and war offenses against their people before it will get down any sort of dialogues. But ironically, they say that there is no 1 in Chechnya that hasn Ts covered themselves in blood whom they can keep negotiations with and with that determination Moscow is in for a long period of low strength combat. With the casualties lifting every twenty-four hours, it s a affair of clip before the public sentiment and the female parents of dead military mans will coerce the current leading of the Kremlin to come to a some sort of political understanding with the rebellious democracies leading.

The Ecological Impact of the Destruction of Wetlands Research Paper

The Ecological Impact of the Destruction of Wetlands - Research Paper Example Wetlands crop up in places ranging from elevated altitude heap ranges (seeps), throughout to mid-catchment places (mainly marshes), via estuaries at the shoreline. A number of wetlands are continually drenched, but others provisionally dry up. The marshland type present centers mainly on the soil types, precipitation, typical weather and topography. Wetlands are significant to the present biodiversity, and the guarding of wetlands is necessary. Before investigating the consequences of wetlands loss, it is significant to give a description of wetlands and offer the idea of what they are, the locations of wetlands, and the grounds for their importance. With the exemption of Antarctica, these water bodies can be established nearly ubiquitously and are commonly located in the structures of bogs and fens. Even though, wetlands could vary extensively as a consequence of environmental, climactic, and geological differences, commonly speaking, wetlands are termed as domains where infiltratio n with water is the overriding feature formative of the scenery of soil progress and the kinds of life form communities existing inside and also on its exterior. Wetlands are habitats to many earthly and amphibious creatures. They are frequently key locales during propagation seasons as representative genus from transversely the food chain being composed in the soil and swampy land. Several disparities of plant existence survive merely in wetlands and numerous varieties of itinerant birds reproduce and relax in these prolific areas. In wetlands, minute shellfish, and additional marine life flourish and are consumed by land-dwelling animals. Overall, wetlands act as a mini ecological unit and devoid of such areas; numbers of countless genus would be in danger. The wetlands loss poses risks to wildlife in addition to human existence both in stipulations of defense of landscape and an extensive economic sense. Even though endeavors to discontinue the speedy wetlands loss have been a co mparatively current development, it is imperative that efforts carry on or, troubles already encountered could be augmented worse. In any debate concerning the loss of wetlands it ought to be affirmed that a chain effect is going to frequently exist. The spoil or loss of a single feature of wetlands does not merely have a consequence on that scrupulous issue, but possesses more comprehensive penalties that have immense and habitually devastating outcome on human and animal existences in addition to the entire ecosystem. Until lately, there were numerous motivation for wetland drainage, chiefly for industrialized and undeveloped purposes. Widespread actions for instance dredging, building, the conception of levees and dams, in addition to basic chemical pollution have promoted to an enormous diminish in the quantity of wetlands. In the period of 1600s, more than 220 million wetlands acres are contemplated to have subsisted in the subordinate 48 states. Ever since, wide-ranging losses have cropped up, and more than half the innovative wetlands have been exhausted and rehabilitated to other applications. In the last 50 years, anticipated 60, 000 wetlands acres of wetlands were lost. This destruction, predominantly ever since the 1950s has by now outcome in augmented flooding and problems of drainage in addition to the additional unsurprising effects on inhabitant wildlife existences. Besides the human aspects affecting the destruction of wetlands,

The Ancient Egyptians' Wall Painting Techniques Research Paper

The Ancient Egyptians' Wall Painting Techniques - Research Paper Example The research paper studies the changes in the techniques of the ancient Egyptian wall paintings. Several individuals sometimes argue that the ancient Egyptian civilization endured without necessarily undergoing much change for a period of over three thousand years. This claim is partially true because the Egyptian lifestyle changes considerably over a period. Art and craft in the ancient Egypt is far from what people understand today to be art and craft. What is referred to as the Egyptian Art was created originally for magical and religious purposes. The functions and symbols of this art reveal the beliefs of the Egyptians about the world and their effort to comprehend and relate to it. In the religious and social context of Egypt, the works of Art played a practical role whose direct physicality is not easy or simple for the modern viewer to recognize. Most of the basics of Egyptian art were established or created at the beginning of the history of Egyptians and changed little afte r that. Most of the subject matter portrayed by this art remained unchanging over several years creating a mistaken notion or a misconception that the Egyptian art remained the same virtually or similar for a period of three thousand years. Therefore the only reason that would have necessitated a fundamental change in the depictions of Egyptian artists would be an alteration in the purpose of Egyptian art. This article will discuss how the ancient Egyptians' wall painting techniques changed through time from the Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom. The paper will further outline the significances of the paintings and why the Egyptians used that technique to paint the wall. The ancient Egyptian civilization having much stability necessitated that the artistic conventions remain the same or similar for most of the Egyptian art history. However, a closer examination at various art works depicts differences in style showing those of the old, middle, and new kingdom with differences. Art was all round or surrounded entirely the ancient Egyptians. Starting from every temple and public building art down to the pharaohs and their families and ministers’ tombs, the message spreading being that of the God King and his position or place in maintaining order in the world. Starting with the earliest history, the art of the pre dynastic was popular from the funeral offerings. This art was consisted largely of the painted figurines and pottery, cosmetic palettes, carvings, and finely worked weapons (flint weapons). In painting, the monumental treatment was granted to designs such as those drawn in red on buff-colored pottery. The monopolistic figures depicting the gods curved from limestone come up towards the end of the pre dynastic period. The old kingdom period that followed the pre dynastic period or era had the reliefs and wall paintings reflecting the concept of art that served the gods of cult, the dead, and the kings. The traditional poses were combined with the id ealistic features in the royal statuary. The statuary depicted the royalty as physically strong having softened features like touch of realism in some instances. Wall spaces found in the temples and tombs started using paintings and reliefs to depict or show the daily activities in estates, workshops, and homes. The paintings and reliefs were at times executed to indicate or show the activities of birds, animals, and working groups. The raised or sunken paintings and reliefs were proportioned well and composed with extreme or fine details particularly the Saqqara tombs. El Aaal Et all (5) while analyzing the paints argues that the polychromatic decorations of the

ASL Discourse covering Discourse Genre Explanatory and Prosody Research Paper

ASL Discourse covering Discourse Genre Explanatory and Prosody - Research Paper Example The progress of developing sign language in US obligated the materialization of deaf training institutes, which would collect numerous deaf kids collectively for tutoring purposes. The account of ASL started with deaf tutoring. ASL is an acronym of American Sign Language. A minister name Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet in 1815, moved out of his home in Hartford to visit Europe. Dr. Mason Cogswell had inquired Gallaudet to examine techniques of schooling for his deaf daughter, Alice Cogswell. Whilst the purpose of Gallaudet visiting England, was struck by an obstacle when executives of the Braidwood Schools, who educated the verbal technique, denied giving out their techniques of tutoring deaf. In London, Gallaudet escorted with Abbe Sicard, administrator of the Royal Institution for the Deaf in Paris with his two students. Sicard asked Gallaudet to tour the school in Paris. Gallaudet then toured to Paris and cultured with the instructive techniques of the Royal Institution for the Deaf with sign language, a combination of Old French Sign Language and the signs framed by Abbe Sicard. In April 1817, Gallaudet launched the Connecticut Asylum for the teaching and tutoring of Deaf, today known as American School for the Deaf. Deaf learners were educated with French signs and others like Martha’s Vineyard. Therefore, at this institute all the effects amalgamated and turned out to be American Sign Language. 1. ASL Discourse Features ASL discourse features have been acknowledged purposely comparable in linguistics, in view of the fact that Stokoe's have utilized the features 'phoneme' and 'phonology' for all communication channels of ASL. All of linguist persons separated ASL signs into numerous phonemic characteristics known as discourse features. These features are hand contour, palm direction, hand motion, hand position etc. In addition to these discourse features there are others as well for example facial appearance, attitude, posture, and jawing. In early abstrac t techniques, motion was dealt as concurrent or chronological movements of the hand assisted with additional body features. But in numerous fresh techniques, motion is dealt as the pace of the language instead as characteristic. Signs are separated into sections of movement (motion) and hold, every one of which comprises of a group of the additional characteristics of hand profile, course, position, and some non-physical characteristics. In the sign language; distinguishing sign movements (motions) consist of linear, inner, and complex motions. The basic and primary directions of linear movements (motions) are six. These are up, down, in (in the direction of the signer), out (outside the signer), contra-lateral (in the direction of the midpoint or the contrary hand), and ipsi-lateral (away from the direction of the surface of the signing hand). Diagonal motion is identified to be fabricated with these basic directions. Inner movements (motions) contain rotating of the wrist, adaptin g curvilinear of the wrist or fingers, unclosing the hand, enclosing the hand, and squirming the fingers. Complicated movements (motions) incorporates contacting a location, traverse hands or fingers, clutching, inflowing (introducing the hand or fingers flanked by

Sandin v. Conner Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Sandin v. Conner - Essay Example In said action, the District Court granted the officials summary judgement, which was however reversed by the Court of Appeals. The CA ruled that Conner had a liberty interest to be free from disciplinary segregation, for which reason there was a question of fact whether he had been denied due process, under Wolff v. McDonnell (418 US 539). 1. According to the decision in Wolff, states may in certain circumstances create liberty interests that are protected by the Due Process Clause. Those interests, however, will mostly be in the nature of freedom from restraint, in the sense that the punishment imposes an atypical and significant hardship on the inmate in relation to the ordinary and usual conditions of prison life. 3. The punitive measure taken against Conner, which is disciplinary segregation, is not the atypical, significant hardship in which a State might conceivably create a liberty interest. Aside from the fact that Conner’s record was subsequently expunged, segregation was administered as a usual condition of prison life, not more burdensome than similar measures imposed upon inmates in administrative segregation and protective custody. Conner’s discipline did not exceed similar but totally discretionary confinement, in either duration or degree of restriction. This writer agrees with the decision. It is true that prisoners do not shed all constitutional rights at the prison gate, (Wolff, 418 U.S. at 555), but it must be remembered that â€Å"lawful incarceration brings about the necessary withdrawal or limitation of many privileges and rights, a retraction justified by the considerations underlying our penal system† (Price v. Johnston, 334 U.S. 266, 285 (1948)). The court has determined that while the case involves a punitive measure imposed on Conner, it is not a â€Å"dramatic departure† from the basic conditions of his sentence. Within bounds of reason and where abuse is absent, the

Bill Evans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Bill Evans - Essay Example His inescapable influence on the very sound of jazz piano has touched virtually everybody of prominence in the field after him—as well as most of his contemporaries, and he remains a monumental model for jazz piano students everywhere, even inspiring a newsletter devoted solely to his music and influence. Speaking of influences, during young Evans’ life, it was Harry—his older brother—who was his first influence. Harry was the first one in the family to take piano lessons, and young Bill began at the piano by mimicking him. It was during this time that the idea of doing something in music that somebody hadnt thought of opened a whole new world to him. This idea became the central one of his musical career. Evans mother was an influence, too. She was an amateur pianist who had piles of old music sheets, which the young Bill read through. gaining breadth and above all speed at sight-reading. This enabled him to explore widely in classical literature, especially 20th century composers. He once remarked, and I quote: "Its just that Ive played such a quantity of piano. Three hours a day in childhood, about six hours a day in college, and at least six hours now. With that, I could afford to develop slowly. Everything Ive learned, Ive learned with feeling being the generating force.† He further added that playing Bach a lot helped him gain control over tone and improved his physical contact with the keyboard. Evans received a music scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, and graduated with a degree in piano performance and Music Education in 1950. In college, he discovered the work of Horace Silver, Bud Powell, Nat King Cole, and Lennie Tristano, who was to have a profound influence on him. Later, he took postgraduate studies in composition at the Mannes College of Music in New York, where he also mentored younger music students. As a teacher, personal students of

A Problem in the Field of Finance Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Problem in the Field of Finance - Article Example The accounting professionals consider it routine when they have to tell a lie or rip anyone off from their lives’ earnings. The real estate bubble was created in order to get people to buying lots of homes and lands. In the longer run perspective, these investments were not a set of good choices and those who sold these houses were well aware of their nature but regardless of that they pushed people into the extremely dangerous endeavors. This is not the whole story because banks sold mortgages in England on floating interest rates and when rates moved up then the families have to sell everything they had to their names only in order to go bankrupt. The business professionals shamelessly argued that â€Å"it is just business† but they do not know that they have lost being human during the process of fulfilling their filthy commercial responsibilities. The traditional accounting field became plagued with the presence of irregularities to an extent where financial reports have just become irrelevant for investors and they are making their decisions based on the organizational ability to pay dividend s on a regular basis if yes then they deserve the money otherwise investors take their money to some other fruitful opportunity (Leone & Liu, 2010). The accounting’s basic and fundamental purpose of â€Å"creating interest in shareholders† is dying out with the passage of time. Finally, I argue that one should attempt to remain as human as possible due to hardships in this venture. Accounting and financial crimes are unethical in nature and therefore, they have their solution in ethics (Dann & Haddow, 2008). The accounting professionals are supposed to commit themselves to higher standards of human life in order to become good at what they do. The force of Mother Nature blessed every human with a sense of right and wrong. At the end of the day, evil succumb to good and there is a historical proof of that as well. The result of

Answer the questions in Bold Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Answer the questions in Bold - Essay Example My earliest memory of visiting a hospital as a patient was after hurting my thumb during a game of football as a pre-adolescent. It predictably turned out to be a sprain, but the pain and parental concern called for a doctors evaluation. I remember a brief exchange with the doctor, who eventually wrapped my thumb and suggested some type of over-the-counter pain medication before disappearing into the hallway. Later, in my teens, I contracted a mild form of strep throat. This time I ended up at a doctors office rather than the emergency room since it first presented as a potential flu. After an excruciating examination of my throat, the doctor prescribed antibiotics to counter the infection that was present. As I further contemplate the aspects of my healthcare memories, the contributions of various organizations become apparent. The hospital is the earliest interaction with a primary healthcare provider that I can recall, which is fitting since hospitals serve as the foundation of all healthcare delivery services (Weinberg et al., 2012). It was very evident that the place served a massive amount of people, based on the number of patients I noticed and the concise, turn style type of diagnosis and treatment I received. My other stated experience with a direct healthcare provider (at the doctors office for strep throat) was slightly less machine-like. This was probably a result of the scaled-down nature of an office compared to a hospital. However, the process still felt rushed, and I remember feeling that the doctor was more concerned with dazzling my parents via jargon than trying to make me feel comfortable. Spraining my thumb and catching strep throat also resulted in some experience gained with indirect care organizations. As with any professional healthcare delivery situations, my parents, being responsible for me as a patient, had to deal with the consequences imposed by the dreaded insurance

The Efficacy of the Ghanaian Democratic Experiment Essay Example for Free

The Efficacy of the Ghanaian Democratic Experiment Essay The hackneyed, yet apt and succinct, definition of Democracy by Abraham Lincoln as contained in the concluding part of his famous Gettysburg Address as ‘’†¦government of the people, by the people, for the people†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ remains today as the most quoted statement on Democracy. However, a careful examination of our democratic experiment leaves one to wonder if this definition perfectly encapsulates our experience. Our government is, granted, elected by the ordinary people, which bears testimony to the fact that we practise a form of democracy which is ‘’of the people’’. However, I contend that our form of government is not a government whose workings have, wholly, over the years, proven to be in the interest of the people. We are constantly saddled with the unfortunate and despicably capricious abrupt abrogation of government’s contracts shortly after a change from one democratically-elected head of state to another of different political persuasions. Our constitution, under The Directive Principles of State Policy, explicitly, states in Article 35, Clause (7) that, ‘’As far as practicable, a government shall continue and execute projects and programmes commenced by the previous Governments.’’ When a successive Government arbitrarily abrogates a contract, most of the time for political expediency, those who bear the brunt of this ill-advised action have always been the ordinary tax payer. Classic cases in point are the payments of judgment debts by the current and previous Governments, which were shrouded in some amount of secrecy until recent revelations. Governments engage in this reprehensible act in a sophomoric attempt to make their predecessors unpopular. Such a practice does not engender development, which democracy seeks to attain for all. Democracy must result in meaningful development for the populace, otherwise it is of no significance; we do not practise democracy just for the sake of it. It is to afford every single citizen a say in the way the country is governed, and, eventually, respond to their needs. I strongly believe this problem is, partly, caused by the lack of a common national development policy to guide our governments. The deep partisan nature of our politics makes it impossible for government and opposition parties to agree on a common development objectives. Our politics is characterised by the continual applause by Government for doing better than any government of the opposition and the continual representation of Government by the opposition parties for having done nothing. Sadly enough, this happens to be the case in most Western countries,too, and it always raises the question if we cannot adapt our democracy to our peculiar circumstances? For instance, I was surprised to hear that Mitt Romney, the presidential candidate of the Republican Party in the United States of America, who incidentally happened to be the person I was rooting for in last year’s American Presidential Election, imprudently, chose to attack the Obama Administration over the deaths of the US Ambassador to Libya and some American officials who were working at the embassy. I thought that in such a solemn moment, Romney would exercise some political maturity and join President Obama to issue a statement to the friends and family of those who died. But this is how far political opposition can take us! And it is no different from what we, sometimes, witness in our homeland. Political parties in and out of government oppose each other for no tangible reasons. Looking at the development deficits of our nation, it is imperative that we adapt our democracy to be more responsive to the developmental needs of the ordinary people. Another reason that makes me doubt if our democracy is really ‘’for the people’’ is the unfortunate level of participation of the Ghanaian in our democratic experiment. Again, under the aforementioned Directive Principles of State Policy, the Constitution states, inter alia, in Article 35, Clause (6), paragraph (d) that the State shall afford all possible opportunities to the people in decision-making at ever y level in national life and in government. This, to me, sounds pretty laudable in print, but in practice, the story is completely different: The only moment the Ghanaian really takes any decision in our national life is when it is time to elect Members of Parliament and the President. Beyond that time, the Ghanaian becomes merely a passive participant in the governance of the country. We usually hear refrains of ‘’Participatory Democracy’’ in the media being trumpeted by some state institutions, but, unfortunately, our Democracy does not have any real elements to showcase for that. I believe that our Democracy would be more participatory if we create more educated people, who understand the actual essence and imperatives of democratic governance. This, I suspect, would enable the greatest masses of the people to get actively engaged in the entire governance process of the country, and not merely always wait for every four years to queue up to vote. To this end, I fervently pray that Government and all other stakeholders would invest heavily in the education of our people since it is an open secret that true democracy can only thrive on an informed citizenry. And for one to be informed, one needs to have the ability to appreciate the national issues of concern; one must possess the ability of separating useless propaganda from issues which present all sides in an objective manner. This can only be achieved if the citizenry have some appreciable level of education. Another issue that worries me greatly is how our democratic practice is becoming more and more expensive. Most political parties in opposition always promise to have slimmer Government when voted into power, but we all know what happens after they win power. It costs a lot to maintain just one minister of state. Lately, we see more people working at the Presidency, some even without any official designation. It has become common to see lots of Government functionaries who describe themselves as being part of Government Communication Team. All these people are paid with the Tax Payer’s money! It is important that, as a nation, we do something drastic about our size of Government. Let us, however, not for once, delude ourselves into thinking that this problem is peculiar to the executive arm of Government. The most nauseating development, lately, in our national politics is the ritual increase of the number of constituencies by the Electoral Commission almost every four years on the basis of its constitutional mandate given to it by Article 47, clause (5) of our constitution. The foregoing article states clearly that, ‘’The Electoral Commission shall review the division of Ghana into constituencies at intervals of not less than seven years, or within twelve months after the publication of the enumeration figures after the holding of a census of the population of Ghana, whichever is earlier, and may, as a result, alter the constituencies.’’ This constitutional provision is so clear and simple to understand. I am quite worried because the approach of the Commission to this constitutional duty is making it seem as though review of division into constituencies and altering of constituencies automatically mean an increase in their number. Review and alter are not synonymous with increase in any dictionary! When you do your calculations, you can be assured that within the next forty years the country cannot find a place to accommodate our Members of Parliament to conduct Government business if the commission does not stop this practice of increasing the constituencies regularly. Maybe the best way to deal with this problem is to set a ceiling for the number of Members of Parliament in the Constitution since from all indications, the Commission’s understanding of that provision is simply to increase the number of constituencies every eight years. Without doubt, the size of the legislative arm of Government is getting too large, and we must, without any delay, start taking measures to reduce it. Ghanaians deserve quality representation, not quantity. Some Members of Parliament do not make any contribution to parliamentary debates in the chamber of the House, and some, I understand, do not make any meaningful contribution at the committees’ level. The strong brouhaha over the creation of the forty-five new constituencies last year was quite expected. As much as the argument about the unfavourableness of the time, was, sincerely, perfectly in order, the popular belief that a country of twenty-four million is not too huge to warrant more than two hundred legislative representatives is just the point. In the first place, the Commission should not have even created the thirty constituencies in 2004. It is not a matter of legalities; it is a matter of common sense. Anytime any person opposes the creation of the new constituencies, the Commission quickly rebuts that it is its constitutional mandate. Well, the constitution talks of review, not necessarily an increase. Our democratic experiment may be fraught with some difficulties, but my most fervent prayer is that we should never allow any malcontent(s) to truncate this political system. I would hope that we invest in education and strengthening state institutions. These two exercises are critical to deepening democratic culture in our country. I pray that all Ghanaians would get their hands on deck so that we can move forward collectively to truly build a better Ghana.

The NFL Strikes of 1982 and 1987 Essay Example for Free

The NFL Strikes of 1982 and 1987 Essay Introduction The National Football League (NFL) strikes of 1982 and 1987 were considered groundbreaking events in the NFL but not because it succeeded in its aims. On the contrary, they can justifiably be called abysmal failures. In its failures, the two events gained notoriety and a place in history as: the shortest season in the history of football; the first time replacements were used in a professional football game; and focused on the issue of free agency among football players. This paper will provide an overview of the actual events and discuss the how it went wrong. Background In order to understand the NFL strikes of 1982 and 1987, it would be important to give a background on the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The union formed with the Green Bay Packers and the Cleveland Browns agreed to join up in 1956 to demand minimum wage and other benefits of NFL players. They were helped in getting the rest of the players of the 28 teams in the NFL sign in by Don Shula (Baltimore Colts), Frank Gifford and Sam Gifford (New York Giants) and Norm Van Brocklin (Los Angeles Rams). (â€Å"National Football League Players Association,† 2007) The NFLPA was not blessed with much influence with the owners of the league, and were pretty much ineffective in pushing their aims and goals through. An attempt to strike prior to the start of the 1956 season did not even get off the ground. Prior to 1982, players operated under a very loose arrangement with team owners; signing bonuses were unheard of and often there were no contracts. The pay scale was far from standard; rookies could be earning more than players of several years standing, unbeknownst to either player. Usually, it was no big deal, until players found out about, usually during shower conversations. (Forbes, 2001) Players also had the most rudimentary of health insurance and training support in terms of finances from the team owners. It was not a given that player uniforms were paid for by the team owners and that they were paid even when injured and unable to play. Because team owners refused to take the calls of the NFLPA for meetings seriously, declining even to show up, the union leaders threatened to file an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, emboldened by the a recent ruling the Supreme Court in which it denied immunity of the NFL from antitrust laws. The union milked this for all it was worth in the ensuing years, succeeding in winning small victories such as pension and health plans. However, it was not until 1968, twelve years after it was first formed that it became recognized as the official labor union of the NFL. Players went on strike duriong training led by the Cleveland Brown’s Bernie Parrish at the instigation of a major labor union, and the team owners retaliated by locking down the training camps. Afyet a brief interval, a compromise was rached the the NFLPA gained its union contract, such as it was (â€Å"National Football League Players Association,† 2007). The contract was one-sided at best, leaving players with very little leverage during subsequent strikes in 1970, 1974 and 1975 and they were plagued by players crossing the picket line, breaking up the solidarity (Staudohar, 1988). III. The strike of ‘82 The impetus for the 1982 strike was a combination of several factors. After the aborted 1974 strike, lawyer Edward Garvey took over a executive director of the NFLPA. Formerly from the firm representing the NFLPA, Garvey was not new to collective bargaining, and he was determined that the players would get the concessions they have been asking for. It was also at this time that the news spread about an agreement with a television station would almost tripled the owners’ television revenues compared to the previous year. Moreover, the United States Football League (USFL) was slated to start in 1983, effectively breaking the monopoly of the NFL and giving football players more bargaining leverage. All these factors led to the declaration of a strike by the NFLPA on September 19, 1982 and it would last 57 days until November 16 of the same year. The union demanded that players get 55% of the gross revenues of the league. (â€Å"National Football League Players Association,† 2007) Despite the solid front displayed by the players, the NFL refused to give in, opting to shave 7 games off the 16-game season, which was the period in which the strike was ongoing. In the meantime, union leaders organized several â€Å"all-star games† but these did not fare well with the fans nor did it generate sufficient interest for television coverage. In the end, with the networks failing to support the players and the NFL standing fast, the strike ended without the players getting their 55%. When the USFL started in 1983, players were able to bargain for better terms or leave the league. (Staudohar, 1988) The 1987 strike In the interim between the 1982 and 1987 strike, developments in the professional sport led to the demands for better pay as well as the right to free agency. The contract between the NFL and the union was set to expire on August 31, 1987. In 1986, the USFL ceased to operate, emboldening the NFL to allow the strike to happen without fear of the players going to the USFL. The NFLPA had also managed to publish the first NFLPA Base Salary Directory, which provided the basis for salary negotiations for players. (Forbes, 2001) The actual strike was again triggered by a television contract, this time increasing the NFL owners’ revenues to $17,000,000. This time, the union negotiators, Jack Donlan and football player Gene Upshaw have had experience in collective bargaining prior to the strike, and worked well with each other. However, the negotiators had bosses, and the there were a lot of dissenting voices. This is not surprising considering that there was one representative from each of the 28 teams, forming them union’s labor policy making team called the Management Council led by executive director Jack Donlan and another six delegates to form the Council Executive Committee. It was Donlan’s responsibility to promote cohesion in the demands of the union as well as ensure that negotiations keep to limits set by the Council members. Some of the union demands were as follows: minimum salaries severance pay right to free agency elimination of artificial turf (Staudohar, 1988) A football player’s professional life is short, less than four years before becoming too injured to continue playing. Therefore, it is logical that they try to get as much money as they are able to during their productive seasons. However, the 1987 strike did not really emphasize this. What was emphasized by the players who were interviewed and in the subsequent negotiations of union leaders was the right to free agency. Free agency is about a professional player’s right to negotiate with any number of teams for the sale of their services once their contract expires provided they had fulfilled some conditions of tenure. There are five categories of free agency: unrestricted (UFA); restricted (RFA); exclusive-rights (EFA); franchise (FFA); and transitional (TFA). In UFA, a player with at least four years under his belt can change teams without restrictions. RFA dictates that a player of at least three years standing can negotiate for his transfer to another team, but his previous team has the right to match the other team’s offer and retain rights to the player if they do so. If the previous team declines to match the offer, the new team will have to give compensation to the previous team in the form of draft picks. EFA players have less than three years with the league and his team will have to make an offer before the NFL deadline or the player becomes a UFA player. A player designated as FFA is a UFA player for whom a new team, if the previous team declines to match the offer, must remit compensation to the previous team. The TFA player receive an offer from the previous team for minimum higher amount based on last salary i.e. 120% of salary and the previous team has seven days to make the offer. If the offer is not made, the player can sign on with the new team which does not need to compensate the previous team. (â€Å"Free agency definitions explanations,† 2004) The strike was announced on September 22, 1987 and almost immediately, things started to go awry. Because Upshaw as one of the union negotiators was not always present during the bargaining for the new contract, NFL officials complained to the National Labor Relations Board that this was a deliberate ploy to justify a strike due to non-progression in the talks, and claimed bad faith. This strengthened the position of the team owners, and they decided to outface the strikers by bringing in replacement players to play in their stead. The season’s games continued as planned. Replacement players, also referred to as â€Å"scabs† are usually former college football players, or those players who got cut during the draft. This was an unprecedented move by the NFL team owners and was considered a â€Å"dirty† trick. (Farsnworth, 2002) However, the public relations of the NFL got busy in representing the NFL as being in the right, and the fact that by the first week of the strike major players crossed the picket line seemed to reinforce this impression. The break in solidarity, and the failure of union leaders to get the team owners to comply with their terms, led to the ending of the strike on October 15, 1987. The same day, the NFLPA filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL team owners, an arena in which they have been more successful before, much more than on the picket line. Eventually, though the 1987 suit was dismissed, another lawsuit filed in 1989 which was more successful and the courts ruled in favor of the players. After going back to negotiations, the team owners agreed to permit free agency with certain conditions based on a player’s tenure on a particular team. (â€Å"National Football League Players Association,† 2007) Discussion The NFL strikes of 1982 and 1987 were interesting because it illustrated how a weak union can do as much damage or even more than no union at all. The NFL owners understood this, which is why they maintained the NFLPA as the official representation of the NFL players even after numerous attempts at strikes and antitrust lawsuits. (Staudohar, 1988) From the beginning, the NFLPA was considered of no account by the team owners, who did not even bother to show up for meetings in the early days. The only recourse that seemed to work was to enlist the help of the judicial system in the form of antitrust lawsuits. The aim of the 1982 strike was primarily to get a piece of the television revenues, and the union leaders believed they were in a position of strength with the USFL soon to provide competition to the NFL. Apparently, they overestimated their strength as the NFL stonewalled them and simply cut the season to nine games until the NFLPA ended the strike. In the end, their desire for higher salaries for the players was realized through the normal course of events and as a result of market forces. There was no real rhyme or reason for the 1982 strike. It was ultimately the players who suffered, who went 57 days without pay or health coverage. Moreover, the failure of the NFLPA to produce results only hurt their prestige and credibility as effective negotiators in the eyes of the team owners as well as the union members. The incredible thing is history repeated itself in 1987. The same kind of circumstances prevailed, perhaps slightly different in details but the same in context, with one important exception. What were the same? The aim was to get a piece of the television revenues. The union leaders thought they were in a position of strength with the recent arbitration decision against baseball team owners who were accused of collusion to control player salaries by halting all signing of free agents filed by the Major League Baseball Players Association. This is even shakier ground than the USFL scenario. At the very least, the USFL was a reasonable proposition because it is based on market forces. The collusion decision against baseball team owners could not reasonably be used against football team owners because free agent signing is so infrequent that collusion would be difficult to prove. The team leaders had nothing to lose in stonewalling the players’ union. As in 1982, the union failed to adequately prepare for the 1987 strike in terms of financial support for the players. Players were once again bereft of their pay and benefits, and the union had no Striker’s funds to dip into for emergencies. It is no wonder that the former solidarity in 1982 melted in the first week of the 1987 strike. The players, at least, had learned the first time around. One important difference is the supposed main aim of the strike: the granting of free agency to players. The tragic thing about this is that as early as 1975, it could have been theirs for the asking with no need to go on a strike at all. At the time of the 1987 strike, the standard in the NFL for player exchange was based on the Rozelle Rule on free agency, named after NFL Commissioner Peter Rozelle. The rule allowed the NFL commissioner to dictate what kind of compensation the new team of a newly-transferred player would have to award the player’s new team. This put acquiring teams at a disadvantage and only four players were traded prior to 1987. The Rozelle Rule was deemed unreasonable restraint under the Sherman Antitrust Act when the Baltimore Colts’ John Mackey filed a complaint   to the Federal courts. This was a golden opportunity for players to become free agents at the end of their contracts because the constraints to trading had been lifted. Incredibly, however, the NFLPA signed away this advantage by signing an agreement with the NFL team owners in 1977 which stipulated compensation payments for signing free agents. This provision was not challenged in the 1982 contract and remained intact. The whole point of the 1987 strike was supposedly to gain the right to free agency which had already been signed away by the union 10 years ago. It is the epitome of irony that even with the strike they failed to regain that which they had foolishly lost themselves. Worse yet, public opinion during the 1987 strike tended to favor the side of the owners, perhaps because the players themselves seemed unhappy about the whole idea themselves. The television stations also signified disapproval by covering the replacement games, which had come to be known as Replacement Sunday, as if they were the regular games. A consequence of the 1987 strike that is still a matter of interest is the use of replacements in the three weeks of the strike. By most accounts from players who were there, no real animosity was directed at the replacement players, or â€Å"scabs† themselves, but it was still considered â€Å"unthinkable† of the team owners to make use of the tactic to undermine the striking players. Some players recall how they were pulled out from construction jobs and stockbroker interviews in â€Å"scavenger hunts† to fill the positions in the 22-player game. For many, it was an opportunity to play professional football that was too good to be missed. Some stayed on even after the strike ended, and in the case of former college football player Tim Burnham, who played left tackle on the Seahawks replacement team, he was invited to train for the summer. For the â€Å"real† players, all rancor ended when the picket line was pulled down (Farsnworth, 2002). Conclusion From a historical perspective, it seems clear that both strikes should not have happened. The pros and cons were not properly evaluated and it appeared that the NFLPA made a habit of going off half-cocked when it came to striking. The tragedy of such miscalculations is that it is the players who suffer, both immediately i.e. loss of income during strikes and in the long term i.e. loss of collective bargaining advantage. Today, football players get impressive salaries and have the right to free agency. They have sign-up bonuses, health benefits and insurance, and all the trappings of fame and glory. Undeniably, some concessions can be directly linked to union efforts on behalf of the players. The strikes of 1982 and 1987, however, were not among the NFLPA’s most shining moments. References Farnsworth, C. (2002, October 4) NFL crossed the line on Replacement Sunday. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved July 8, 2007 from   http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/football/89817_replace04.shtml Forbes, G. (2001, June 8) ’82 strike changed salary dealings forever. USA Today.   Retrieved July 8, 2007 from http://www.usatoday.com/sports/comment/forbes/2001-06-08-forbes.htm Free agency definitions and explanations (2004, March 1) Detroit Lions. Retrieved July 7, 2007 from   Ã‚  http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=332893 National Football League Players Association. (2007, June 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 05:16, July 8, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Football_League_Players_Associationoldid=139999742 Staudohar, P. (1988, August) The football strike of 1987: the question of free agency. Monthly Labor Review Online,   vol 111, no. 8. Retrieved July 8, 2007 from http://stats.bls.gov/opub/mlr/1988/08/rpt1full.pdf

The Private Pension Industry In Ghana Accounting Essay

The Private Pension Industry In Ghana Accounting Essay Ghana, a role model in terms of economic and political stability has recently been upgraded to a middle-income country following years of implementing sound economic policy and stable political environment and with this upgrade comes its own challenges. Ghanas economy is strong and promises generous future growth and the need for a much more comprehensive social security system is understood to be of great importance. In 2004, the government started a journey to reform the social security/ pension system and these reforms created an opportunity for the participation of the private sector in pension delivery. This proposed business plans seeks to establish a trustee company, which will provide pension related products to the formal and informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy who have traditionally been excluded from the national pension system. The private pension industry is a new and virtually untapped industry offering an opportunity to serve a large proportion of Ghanas workforce, as this section of the working class is key in the success of developing a comprehensive pension system. This industry is estimated to be valued at GHS and will insist of 2nd tier and voluntary 3rd Tier pension system. The national pension scheme has seen an average annual increase in contribution of 10%. The target market for the proposed business is a young adult between the ages of 16 and 45 years. The target market will consist of young professionals, self-employed individuals and those who traditionally do not have access to the national pension scheme namely hairdressers, mechanics, etc. With the growing appreciation of securing ones future, the target group demand quick and efficient services, products that meet their existing and future needs and an industry that responds quickly to their needs. Currently, there is no existing service provider in the private pension industry however the life insurance industry is expected to lead the way and be the dominant players in the provision of these services. The proposed business plan seeks to be consumer focus providing excellent customer services, constant customer feedback and innovative and simple product design and use. The competitive advantage of the proposed business include accessibility through the use of a comprehensive distribution network, excellent customer service and product design based on need. The proposed business is a private pension provider rendering trusteeship, custodian and fund management services. The company is a limited liability company with a proposed stated capital of GHS3, 000,000.00. Each of the business owners will raise GHS90, 000.00 each and the difference will be funded using bank credit lines, private investors and asset financing. Undertaking the proposed business plan provides the following findings: Ghanas economy remains positive and stable providing generous growth now and in the future New pension reforms and creation of new industry provides both threats and opportunity Vast untapped informal market available to the new industry Current shortfalls in the national pension will be catered for by private providers Proposed business provides opportunity for development of local capacity in pension design and management With robust regulatory system and effective strategic planning this propose business has a fair chance of succeeding and growing into a very successful business and being part of the development of the private pension industry in Ghana. 1.0 The Introduction Research Background and Motives Over the years concern had been raised about the current state of the Ghanaian social security system which has been characterized by inadequate benefits which is extremely difficult to live on if not mere impossible. As pointed out by the International Social security Association (2003), Social security systems in Africa are characteristically too exclusive and inadequate of which Ghana is not exception. Like other social security systems in Africa, Ghanas social security system covers only the formal workforce, which constitutes a small fraction, usually no more than 20% of the total labor force. This inherent characteristic of the social security system makes social security exclusive, as those outside the formal sectors do not have access to social security or a national pension. Furthermore due to the relatively small number of contributors to the national social security scheme, benefits under the social security scheme is inadequate. Ghana like many other African countries has institutions, laws and government structures that were adopted from their colonial masters without much modifications and thought. The institutional structures were most often designed to meet the goals and objectives of the colonial masters who at that time were the elite. One may wonder why social security systems that are meant to provide protection for all in society tends to cover only a small fraction of society. The international social security association points out that, most social security systems like many other things were adopted from the colonial masters. These social security systems were really intended to cover a small body of employees who were at the time working in the colonial administration and mine workers. This meant that all others outside this scope fell outside the social security system. This inherently remained, as most countries even after independence were unable to devise social protection programs that were tailored to the needs and circumstances of the people. Based on the background above, I am motivated through this business proposal to highlight the importance of the development of a much-needed private pensions scheme to augment the existing national social security system and also to provide those who are outside the national social security system an avenue to secure their futures and have enough to live on when they retire. 1.2 The Motives The motive for undertaking this business proposal is to bridge the gap created by the current social security structure, which excludes those within the informal sector of the Ghanaian economy. Secondly, private pension plans will also provide extra revenue to those who have retired as the current benefits under the national plan is woefully inadequate. At the end of this start up business proposal I hope to be able to: Understand current economic and business environment in Ghana Understand the structure of Ghanas social security system To analyze current regulatory framework in place and its likely impact on the operations of the start up To analyze the development of the chosen market and industry To determine the essential inputs for the start-up and future development plans To analyze any academic theory on successful business start-ups 1.3 The Objective The main objective of this business plan dissertation is to: Identify if any, opportunities and challenges for a private pensions company in Ghana With the opportunities I have identified and challenges write a start up business plan for a private pension company in Ghana Provide information on procedure to follow when setting up a company in Ghana In this write up the main focus will be on the company operating in one specific area of pensions which is the tier three of the pensions act. Long-term strategies may see the company evolve to extend other pensions/ savings products. 1.4 Research Methodology The aim of this write up is to put together a business plan for a start up private pension company in Ghana based on sound research on the subject matter of private pensions in the chosen market and academic theory on the principles entrepreneurship and business management. The research therefore will mainly be based on secondary data from credible governmental resources and non-governmental agencies. I will also make use of academic articles, journals and industry reports. 1.5 Structure The write up will be split into five (5) chapters with details of each chapter as follows: Chapter 1: The first chapter will have the introduction, which contains the background, the motives and objective, brief research methodology, structure of the write up and a comparative analysis of social security systems in the developed and underdeveloped worlds. Chapter 2: Economic Overview of chosen market, history and importance of social security in chosen market, overview of the social security system now and then, social security structure, and challenges facing the national social security system Chapter 3: Description of the business idea, marketing plan/strategy, pricing, mission and vision, Human Resources. Chapter 4: Chapter four will be the financial plan. In this section will include financial assumptions and financial projections for the next five years. Chapter 5: The conclusion, this section will contain exit strategies and also discuss any immediate or future impact of the proposed business on the Ghanaian economy. This section will also summarize key success factors of the proposed business. Chapter 2 Introduction Under this chapter I will look at the economic overview, economic performance and outlook of the chosen market for the proposed business, I will then go further to look at the development of social security/ pensions in Ghana, and then look at the overview of the social security system of the chosen market, Ghana. As earlier stated under my aims for this project, I seek to provide some insight as to what it takes to start a business in Ghana, therefore under this section I will also provide information or insight in relation to what procedures needed to follow when setting up a business in Ghana. 2.0. Economic Overview of Ghana The Republic of Ghana is a West African country with land area of 92,100 square miles, which is boarded by Cote DIvoire, Burkina Faso, Togo and Gulf of Guinea. Ghana has always been known as a country of great natural resources, hence the nickname, The Gold Coast. Ghana is rich in gold, timber, diamond and cocoa and has an economy that is heavily dependent on agriculture. Ghana remains one of the leading producers of Gold and Cocoa in the world. Agriculture in Ghana accounts for 37% of GDP and employs an estimated 55% of the national workforce. It must however be noted that agriculture is still largely small scale, non- commercial and not mechanized. Ghanas economy is one of the most stable and fast growing economies in Africa and has achieved impressive growth as a result of the discovery of oil and natural gases. With such impressive growth and relative stability in the macro-economic indicators, Ghana attained a lower middle-income economy status according to the World Bank, however youth unemployment and poverty continues to be a major issue. 25% of Ghanas youth are unemployed and 37% of the population currently lives on less than $1.25 a day. Despite a 14.4 % growth in Ghanas economy in 2001 according to the World Bank, Ghanas external debt over the last 3 years has increased by 125% from $8 billion in 2008 to $18 billion in 2011. In terms of investment, Ghana has Africas 3rd largest stock exchange with South Africa and Nigeria ahead of Ghana respectively. 2.1 Economic Performance and Outlook Ghanas economic performance over the last decade has been impressive. GDP average annual growth rate was 6% between 2005 and 2007, increased to 7.3% in 2008 but however declined to 3.9% in 2009 on the back of the global financial and economic crisis. Inflation increased by 41.7% from 12.7% in 2007 to 18.1% in 2008 however due to effective economic policies and austerity measures inflation for the last 3 years has steadily falling to its current rate of 9% as at 2011 for the last 9 months since. Increase in non-oil imports and income outflows widened Ghanas current account deficit by some 38% at the end of 2011. Despite these challenges, Ghanas economy has outgrown the global economy for the past 4 years. Whilst the global economy grew at an annual average rate of 3%, Ghanas annual average growth rate has been 6.5%. The adoption of austerity measures to cut public spending and the stability of macroeconomic indicators have helped Ghana survive probably the worst part of the global economic meltdown and it remains one of the most promising economies in Africa. Based on the indicators above on the economic health of the country, Ghanas medium-term growth remains positive, largely driven by investments in the mining industries, public infrastructure and commercial agriculture according to the World Bank. 2.2 Development of Pensions Scheme in Ghana Pension systems in Ghana date as far back as the colonial era. The first kind of pension system was introduced in Ghana in 1946. The pension system was a non-contributory pensions scheme and its aim was to cater to the retirement benefits of those who worked within the colonial administration and also included mine workers. Kpessa (2010) noted that Ghanas social security system at the time was designed, as a means of encouraging loyalty and efficiency within the colonial service as a result was quite exclusive. Like most programs introduced during this era, old age income protection policies were limited to urban dwellers especially Europeans and a few Africans working in the colonial bureaucracy. It was not until 1950, the Pension Ordinance No.42 (Cap 30) and Superannuation schemes was established in an effort to have a social security system in place that covered a greater portion of Ghanaian workers. It was established as a pension scheme for public servants in the Gold Coast. These schemes covered certified teachers, University lecturers and all government workers however a vast majority of Ghanaians were unable to benefit from this scheme (Adjei, 2000). In 1965, the Social Security Act (No. 279) was passed to cover all private and public sector workers who were not covered under the Pensions Ordinance No.42. The scheme initially started as a provident fund, providing benefit for old age, invalidity and survivor benefit. This Act was repealed and the social security and national insurance act (SSNIT) was established under NRCD 127. The trust was established to administer the new social security scheme. The scheme was later converted to a social security pensions scheme and in 1991 turned into a defined benefit scheme following the enactment of the Social Security Act 1991 bringing some level of adequacy into workers pensions. For a worker to qualify for old age benefit, the worker must have worked for a minimum of 240 months and be at least 60 years of age. Workers in the extractive industries such as mining however have a mandatory retirement age of 58 years under which they qualify for old age benefits. For workers who have been injured at work, they may qualify for payment under the invalidity benefit section of the social security system. Benefit is payable over a period of 12 months. If a retiree dies before reaching the retirement age his or her benefit is calculated as the present value of all contributions and paid to the surviving spouse or dependents. The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has four major functions: Collection of contributions Record keeping keeping up to date records of all contributing members Processing and payment of benefits Pensions fund management 2.3 Overview of Social Security/ Pensions in Ghana A universal social security/ pensions scheme in Ghana has not been in existence for so long having been established in the 1990s; earlier forms of social security were exclusive. The Social Security Pensions Scheme (SSPS) was established in 1991 under the Social Security Law PNDCL 247 and under the trusteeship of the social security and national insurance trust (SSNIT). Twenty-five years prior to this, Ghana run a provident scheme established under the social security act of 1965 (Act 279). Under the 1991 scheme, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust collected the contributions of the Ghanaian worker. The Act provided for compulsory coverage for workers in establishments that employ at least five workers. An establishment with less than five employees had the option to join the scheme, but there was no compulsion (Kumado Gockel, 2003). However, the following categories of workers, although they employed more than five persons, were exempt by law from joining the scheme; members of the Armed Forces, the Police Service and the Prison Service; Foreigners in the diplomatic missions; and Senior members of the universities and research institutions. Funding of defined contribution schemes is based on contributions made by the employer and the employee on behalf on the employee. These contributions are invested and when the employee reaches retirement age, becomes permanently incapacitated or dies prior to retirement; the total contributions together with returns on the investment are paid as a lump sum to the employee or his/her dependents (Kpessa, 2010) Under the scheme the Ghanaian workers total contribution constitutes a total of 17.5% of his salary to the scheme towards his pension and the contribution structure is designed as follows: Employees 5% of employees salary Employer 12.5% of employees salary Total Contribution 17.5% of employees pay Under Ghanas pension scheme there are three basic benefits, which include Old Age Pension, Invalidity Pension and Death Survivor Payment. Pension benefits in Ghana are indexed annually using the average rate of increase in the contributions inflow from the previous year. This is done to prevent any distortions in the financial equilibrium of the scheme. In order to qualify for benefits under the pensions scheme one must meet the eligibility requirement and amounts payable under each section are as follows according to the Social Security and National insurance Trust: Old Age Benefit To qualify for old age full pension payment, a worker should have contributed to the scheme for a minimum of 240 months, which is equivalent to 20 years, and should have attained either the voluntary retirement age of 55 or compulsory retiring age of 60. The law applies differently to persons who have worked in hazardous conditions such as the mines. Such categories of workers under the law qualifies for a full pension at the age of 55 provided the worker has been engaged in such work for 240 months or more. The minimum pension payable is 50% of the average of the 3 best years salary for a minimum contribution period of 240 months. For any additional month served after the 240 months, a worker earns a pension right of 0.125%, i.e. 1.5% for every 12 months in addition to the 50% start off. Thus, a worker can theoretically earn up to 80% pension when he shall have worked and contributed to the scheme for 40 years. As earlier mentioned, workers who opt for early retirement at age 55 or retire anytime before they are 60 years are entitled to a reduced pension. Benefit due is calculated on an increasing scale from the age of 55 years, meaning that those who retire closer to the statutory retirement age receive a higher percentage of their full pension than those who dont. Percentages of full benefit due are as follows: Age 55, 60% of full pension; 56, 67.5% of full pension; 57, 75.0% of full pension; 58, 82.5% of full pension; 59, 90.0% of full pension. Pensions are paid monthly, however retirees have an option of receiving payment in advance equivalent to 25% of 12 years pension as a lump sum and subsequently be on a reduced pension. If a worker before attaining the age of 60 is unable to have contributed the minimum 240 months to the scheme he is entitled to receive all his actual contributions plus interest at half the prevailing interest rate on government treasury bills. DEATH/ SURVIVORS With regard to survivors benefit, if a contributor dies while still a member, his dependents qualify for a lump sum of the earned pension. When a member contributes to the Fund for 240 months before dying, a lump sum equal to the value of his pension for 12 years shall be paid to his survivors. If a member dies without having contributed to the fund for 240 months, the payment to his survivors will be his proportional pension for a period of twelve years. Where a member who has retired dies before he is 72, his survivors will be paid in lump sum the unexpired pension up to age 72. INVALIDITY PENSION To qualify for invalidity pension, a member shall have contributed to the Fund for 12 months within the last 36 months before becoming invalid. In addition, the member should have been certified permanently invalid and incapable of gainful employment by a medical board including 2.4 Parallel Pensions Scheme One may be tempted to think that the pensions scheme being administered by the Social security and national insurance trust covers all workers in Ghana, however as indicated above some sections of the working public are exempt from the national pension scheme. This is because such workers are covered under a different pensions scheme with pre-dates the national pensions scheme. The scheme, which is affectionately, called CAP 30 (name derived from Chapter 30 of the Pension Ordinance of 1946) provides pensions for Civil Servants and the Armed Forces and some teachers. Today there are still members of these working sectors who are covered under CAP 30. Such members contribute 5% of their pre-tax salary, which is nevertheless not saved but recycled into the Consolidated Fund. However, it is still a non-contributory plan for the armed forces, the police, and the prisons services. These employees take home all of their earnings; no deductions for pension coverage. This aside there are other features of the CAP 30 that offers superior value as compared to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust including: 10 years for full retirement vs. 20 at SSNIT; 70% of final salary compared to 50% of average of three highest years salary at SSNIT CAP 30 pension payments are indexed annually to current salary scales Ghanas social security system lacks cohesion as evidenced in the disparities that exists under the SSNIT and CAP 30 an there is an urgent need for the harmonization of the social security system in Ghana by replacing the current systems with a comprehensive all inclusive system 2.4 Pensions Reform in Ghana and overview of National Pensions Act 2008 Over the years concerns have been raised about the disparities and seemingly greater benefit under the CAP 30 as compared to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) pensions scheme. Public sector workers further agitated over the inadequacies of the current social security benefits and its inability to sustain a respectable life during retirement. Furthermore, the current social security system has failed to include those in the informal sector who constitute about 80 percent of the working force. The road to social security reform in Ghana began in July 2004, to provide a universal pension scheme for all Ghanaian workers following the agitations described above which lead to the drafting and passing of the National Pensions Act 2008. The Act is divided into four parts; the first part talks about the establishment of a National Pensions Regulatory Authority that will be responsible for the regulation of pensions schemes in Ghana as well as a three-tier contributory pensions scheme. The second part deals with the basic national social security scheme; Part Three provides for occupational pension schemes, provident fund and personal pension schemes and management of the schemes and finally the general provisions of the Act is contained in part four. According to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust, under the new Pensions Act 2008, there is a three tier contributory scheme, which replaces the current Social Security Pensions Scheme and CAP 30. Under the new scheme a total contributory amount of 18.5% of a workers monthly salary will be paid towards their pension and this is distributed between the first two tiers. The first two tiers are mandatory and the third tier is voluntary. Below are the features of each tier: First Tier The first tier is the basic national social security scheme, which incorporates an improved system of SSNIT benefits. This tier is mandatory for all employees in both the private and public sectors. The mandatory basic national social security scheme is to be managed by SSNIT. Contribution to the first tier will be 13.5% of an employees monthly salary. Whilst this tier is mandatory for all employees in the public and private sectors, self-employed members of the working class have an option to join the scheme and are under no obligation to do so. Of the 13.5%, 2.5% will be deducted and transferred to NHIF. Benefit due under this tier will be calculated using the average of the highest 3 annual salaries ÃÆ'- 50% +1.5% of every additional 12 months contributed. A contributor under the first tier cannot be less than the age of 15 and not older than the age of 45 years when joining the scheme. Second Tier The second tier is occupational (or work-based) pension scheme and it is a mandatory scheme for all employees, however this tier will be privately managed. This tier was designed primarily to give contributors higher lump sum benefits compared to what is presently available under the SSNIT or Cap 30 pension schemes. A total of 5% of an employees monthly salary shall be allocated to the second tier provided the employee falls within the age limit stipulated under the first tier. If the worker however, falls outside the stated age limit, all of the 18.5% contribution shall be transferred to the second tier. The voluntarily provident fund and personal pension schemes are to be managed by approved trustees, licensed by a National Pensions Regulatory Authority and pension fund managers and custodians, licensed by the Security and Exchange Commission and registered with the Authority. Under this tier a defined benefit is payable to a retiree, spouse or dependent after termination of service, retirement or death. Third Tier The third tier is a voluntary provident fund and personal pension schemes, which provides tax benefit incentives for workers who opt for this scheme in addition to the first two. As earlier mentioned, the previous pensions scheme was relatively exclusive and did not provide cover for 80% of Ghanas working population. The introduction of the third tier is an effort to address the issues concerning the old pensions system, which by design excluded those in the informal sector and did not provide avenue for the citizenry to arrange their personal pensions in addition to the state pension. The aim of the third tier therefore I believe, was to provide those in the informal sector to have their future secured by contributing to a private scheme and also provide those already covered under the national scheme to augment their existing benefits should it still be seen as inadequate. This tier is fully funded and is also privately managed by licensed trustees that will want to provide private pension schemes. 2.5 Governance A National Pensions Regulatory Authority (the Authority) has been established to regulate both public and private pension schemes in the country. The Authority will approve, regulate and monitor Trustees, Pension Fund Managers, Custodians and other institutions relating to pension matters. To ensure that contributors interests are adequately protected, the National Pension Act has in-built safeguards. These include stringent approval and registration criteria by the Pensions Regulatory Authority; separation of functions of Trustees, Fund managers and Custodians; on going monitoring among several others. Trustees licensed by the Authority would be required to take out adequate insurance to indemnify scheme members against any losses of scheme assets caused by malfeasance or misconduct of the trustees or their service providers. Among other impacts, the new scheme will ensure improved living standards of the elderly; financial autonomy and independence of retirees; increased national savings and availability of long-term funds for economic development; and the Promotion of growth and development of the capital, mortgage and insurance markets. CHAPTER 3 THE BUSINESS IDEA AND PLAN 3.1 Background In 2004, the government of Ghana started the process of reforming Ghanas pensions system and in 2008 passed the National Pensions Act 2008, which saw the birth of a new pensions system in Ghana, the establishment of a new pensions regulatory body and most importantly the participation of the private sector in the delivery of social security in Ghana. The opportunity presented through the National Pensions Act 2008, is what has motivated me to write this business proposal for the establishment of a pensions trust in Ghana to participate in the third tier of Ghanas pensions System. The new pension scheme will comprise two mandatory schemes and a voluntary scheme as follows: First tier which is a mandatory basic national social security scheme will be managed by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Second tier occupational (or work-based) pension scheme will also be mandatory for all employees but privately managed by approved and licensed trustees Third tier voluntary provident fund and personal pension schemes, supported by tax benefit incentives to provide additional funds for workers in both the formal and informal sectors who want to make voluntary contributions to augment their state pensions benefit. The Second tier and the voluntary third tier will be privately managed by approved trustees licensed by the Pensions Regulatory Authority with the assistance of pension fund managers and custodians registered by the Authority. It is within the third tier that a business opportunity exists for the establishment of a trustee company that will provide pension products to individuals and organizations in Ghana. 3.2 Benefits of the New Pensions Scheme The new pension scheme offers a number of benefits above the old system. According to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), workers within the formal and informal sectors stand to benefit from the following under the new pensions scheme: Provision of Superannuation: Reduction of contribution period from 240 months to 180 months Full benefit increased from 50% of the average of the highest three years earnings to 80% Provision of healthcare premium for all contributors to social security pensions scheme Occupational Scheme: provides lump sum benefits to contributors after attaining the age of 50 years. Survivors benefit calculations increased from 12 to 15 years Using lump sum benefits under the second tier to secure mortgages meaning workers can obtain their own houses by using their lump sum benefit as collateral Better controls over personal pensions under the second and third tier

Gullivers Travels :: essays research papers

â€Å"GULLIVER’S TRAVELS† a Satire Jonathan Swift, an Anglo-Irish writer, was born in Dublin on the 30th October 1667. he was one of the greatest satirists of the universal literature. His pamphlets have a stinging sarcasm through which he accused moral-political vices or religious ones (ex. â€Å"A Tale of a Tub†, †A Meditation upon a Broomstick†) or pamphlets which defend the Irish cause (â€Å"The Drapiers Letters†). His fame was brought by â€Å"GULLIVER’S TRAVELS†. This is a realistic parody of social dynamic, remarkable for the greatness of its metaphors, consciousness of vision and its style. GULLIVER’S TRAVELS is a satire in four parts as the author himself called it. In the first pages of the book we are told that Gulliver began his voyages as a ship surgeon and afterwards as captain of other ships. The four parts of the book represent four voyages: A Voyage to Lilliput; A Voyage to Brobdingnag; A Voyage to Laputa, Balnibarbi, Glubbdubdrib, Luggnagg and Japan and A Voyage to the Country of the Houyhnhnms. Each of them represents a different type of society and in each of them the object of the author’s irony is different. The first trip satirises the moral and spiritual pettiness of humanity, revealing to the reader the foolish reasons for starting a war between two countries that were once good friends; the absurd rules of society. This six-inch tall people of Book I reveal themselves to be as small morally as they are physically. The revelation of their pettiness comes gradually to the reader. Gulliver’s hosts gossip meanly about each other; they fight over such trivial things as which end of an egg should be broken first; and their king is angry when Gulliver refuses to help him bring a neighbour country into slavery. In this book, number I, we encounter satire on travel books and travellers. Swift is mainly protesting against the ridiculous travellers who report absolutely everything about his trip. Book II â€Å"A Voyage to Brobdingnag† is a satire on the wickedness and vanity of mankind. Gulliver, just recently big in a land of little people, is now little in a land of giants. Although it might be too much to say that in this way Swift prepared the reader to expect that Gulliver won’t live very well in this country, judged by the moral norms of big people; but that is in fact what happens. When the judgement is made, it appears that Gulliver’s race is one of â€Å"little odious vermin†.

Karl Marxs Views on how Industrialization Affected Society Essay

Karl Marx's Views on how Industrialization Affected Society The Industrial Revolution was the result of many interrelated changes that transformed society from agricultural communities into industrial ones. The most immediate changes on society because of this revolution were on the products that were produced, where, and how. Goods that were traditionally made in homes or small workshops began to be manufactured in large industrial factories. As a result, productivity and efficiency increased dramatically, thereby causing a radical shift in the long-established economies that existed at the time. The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of cities as people moved from rural areas to the city in order to find work. Marx believed that the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution overturned not only the traditional economies, but also society in general. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, both societal and economic conditions were largely determined by agriculture. Growth was slow, and people relied on traditional means to get by. The majority of the society were farmers and raised other animals. In the eighteenth century, however, the population exploded at an unprecedented pace. There are four primary reasons that may be cited for this growth: a decline in the death rate, an increase in the birth rate, the virtual elimination of plagues, and an increase in the availability of food [1]. This population growth created a surplus of labor. The need for workers in agriculture decreased due to the technological advances in techniques and tools. The surplus of people, as well as other would-be farmers, had to find jobs elsewhere. This is one important factor in the shift of the popul... ...Sherman, Dennis, and Joyce Salisbury. The West in the World. Vol. 2: From 1600. (New York: McGraw Hill Publishers, 2001), 572. 4. Joseph A. Montagna, â€Å"The Industrial Revolution,† Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. 2001, http://www.cis.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1981/2/81.02.06.x.html (22 October 2001). 5. The Acts 29 Times. â€Å"The Industrial Revolution,† April 1999, http://www.acts29online.org/industrial%20revolution.htm, 22 October 2001. 6. James Fielden, The Curse of the Factory System (New York, A. M. Kelley, 1969), 34- 35. 7. Fielden, 34-35. 8. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000, Industrial Revolution, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington. 9. Chris Rohmann, A World of Ideas (New York: Random House Publishing, 1999), 249. 10. Rohmann, 249 11. Marx, 19. 12. Marx, 16.

Project Proposal Essay examples -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Project Proposal INTRODUCTION Topic and Purpose This proposal identifies the need for a document, which will propose and develop reasons why a for-profit transportation service for Kent should be perused. This service should be considered because of the recent parking and commuting problems both on and off campus. There have been many reasons why on-campus parking has become difficult in recent years. Increased student enrollment at Kent State University has posed many problems. The parking lots cannot facilitate the growing need for vehicle parking. Campus officials have undertaken construction projects to curb the parking problem, but these renovations have closed lots in the near term. Also, the increased enrollment of students has caused overcrowding on campus buses. These on-campus parking problems also have indirectly affected off-campus parking problems. Off-campus parking in the city of Kent can be described as dismal. The bus service provided by Kent State University is not geared to individual parking needs and lacks the spontaneity students often crave. Increased challenges of off-campus parking include a higher degree of regulation from City Hall. Furthermore, limitations of guest parking at apartment complexes and leased property have increased at an increasing rate over the past three years. These off-campus and on-campus parking problems serve as catalysts for commuting problems across the board. The transportation problems of Ken...