Power and Inequality in a Cultural and Linguistic Anthropolistic View Essay

Centuries have passed and the different relationships of power and inequality are still present. Power and inequality have always been an issue and a topic of discussion among many different people in different cultures. Although much has changed throughout history, the struggle between power and inequality is still inevitable. There are many different types of power and inequalities ranging from gender to race and culture. Anthropologists can investigate issues surrounding power and inequality by submerging into different cultures and studying how power and inequality play a role in their society. Power and inequality still play a role in modern human cultures as seen by different struggles of cultures as well as the differentiation of linguistics. Cultural anthropologists can investigate issues surrounding power and inequality in modern human populations as they immerse themselves into understanding the different circumstances of different cultures of today and of the past as well. Throughout the years, there has been a struggle of power and inequality between many, including gender and race. Gender has been an issue in many different cultures, and continues to be a struggle even today. In the past, gender issues have resulted in many problems. For example, after China passed the one child law, many parents wanted to have sons rather than daughters because of the thought that sons were more worthy. This however, has resulted in an imbalance of the male and female ratio as it has reached 144:100, in the rural areas of China (Peters-Golden, 2012). In modern society, it is evident that in most cultures, the male is still the dominant gender. In some cultures, including some in the Middle East, women are looked down upon, mistreated and are not treated as equals. Even in the modern Western culture, there is still evidence that the women are at a disadvantage compared to the men (Feminist Economics, 2003). Along with gender, race has also been a reoccurring issue of as well. Previously, the Western worlds perceived themselves as having more power and were more superior to any other culture. Culture today, according to cultural anthropologists, is learned and is subject to modification meaning that the modern population can adapt to new races and cultures as well as their own. Different societies should be subject to his or her own culture rather than perceiving that one race or culture as superior to any other. Cultural anthropologists believe that â€Å"how people have been accepted and treated of a given society of culture has a direct impact on how they perform in that society† (American Anthropology Association, 1998). Thus concluding that not everybody can see themselves as superior, as it affects the society as a whole as well. The United States is an example of many different cultural prejudices, and its affects are apparent in their everyday lives including the media. Cultural anthropologists have been studying different cultures of the world, and many of them have different opinions of power and inequality as can be seen by the ways the cultures interact. In the modern world, there are many pieces of evidence that power and inequality are still present and is still an issue in modern human populations. Power and inequality have much to do with cultural studies, but can also be interpreted in a linguistic anthropological view as well. Linguistic anthropology studies how language influences social society in cultures. Although not necessarily seen as inequality, many different languages have different words categorising between gender, age, and status among others. Linguistics is also an important part of cultural anthropology as well. In many different languages, the use of words reflects the cultures status on both power and inequality (University of Washington, 2004). For example, in many languages, including French, Spanish, and Persian, noun classification is sorted by gender. In Thai, there are around 13 ways to say the pronoun â€Å"I† each one used in different circumstances, depending on who and what is being said. In both cases, the use of language is separated by power and could be thought of as a social inequality because different people are referred to by their gender or social status. As well as words that play a role in cultures, the different languages does as well. According to Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall (1995), linguistic anthropologists, they say that power is linked with markedness. Markedness is a process where â€Å"some social categories gain a special, default status that contrasts with the identities of other groups, which are usually highly recognisable† and is evident in some countries (Bucholtz & Hall, 1995, p. 372). An example of this is in Zambia, a country that speaks a total of 73 languages, however, only around 7 are considered the ‘dominant’ language as they are positioned above the others, while English is the official language that is unmarked, and considered to be the most important (Spitulnik, 1998). Linguistic anthropology is an important part when studying the different power and inequalities of cultures. Linguistics can show how cultures can interact by languages and determine who is ‘dominant’ or can differentiate people by status or gender. In modern human populations, the existence of power and inequality is still present. Anthropologists, both linguistic and cultural, investigate the presence in struggle of balancing power and inequality. Different times represent different mindsets, however, both power and inequality have been present for basically all of human existence. Prejudice is inevitable in both the past and current human population, ranging from race, gender, different individuals, and cultures, among others. Anthropologists can investigate issues surrounding power and inequality by submerging into different cultures and studying how power and inequality play a role in their society. Studying the language of other cultures by linguistic anthropologists can also determine many aspects of power and inequality in not only the different cultures of today, but also of the past as well.

Client Paper Essay

In society today, there are numerous issues facing human services clients. Homelessness, services having their funding cut, and the association of stigmatization that one might receive while accepting services are just a few issues. Many of those who face these issues may always face substance abuse issues or may be in domestic violence situations. Due to the additional factors, clients may not feel as though they deserve to receive help, and therefore may not seek out the needed help to get their life back on track. One of the largest problems facing society today is substance abuse. The individuals that face this issue are able to receive services from several agencies, whether they need medical health care, mental health care, or drug or alcohol rehabilitation services. They are also able to receive services in all three areas if the individual requests it. (Samet, Friendmann, & Saitz, 2011). While seeking these services, some individual may face the burden of not having health insurance, lack of funds and transportation, or providers may lack the ability to make the best referrals for the individuals. For instance, if a man with a history of methamphetamine abuse who has been incarcerated is released from prison, he may not have family nearby that can house him, may have no where to turn if there is no agency that can take him and house him. In his case, he will need to secure treatment in an inpatient substance abuse program that will be aggressive enough to help him with his addiction. This will help alleviate him being on  the street in search of food, water and shelter which is state in â€Å"Maslow’s Hierarch of Needs† (Woodside, 2011). In recent studies, it has been shown that approximately two thirds of homeless adults would meet the criteria for substance dependency. An additional 20 percent of homeless persons meet the criteria for having severe mental illnesses. Many of these individuals have received dual diagnoses, suffering from substance abuse and also having a mental illness. (Krogel et. Al, 1999). Not only can these clients suffer from substance abuse and mental illness, there can be many other issues they face. Physical disabilities, homelessness, and health issues can be rampant among individuals. Different situations can be the cause of these issues, such as environmental influence or societal changes (Samet, Friedmann, & Saitz 2001). Traditionally, providers would only focus on the issues which are specific to their scope of practice, however, when treating the â€Å"whole client† it is important to remember these issues can go hand in hand. In order to treat one of the issues, a provider must look at how the client got to the point where they are. Treatment, then, would need to be from all models so it would be effective (Samet, Friedmann, & Saitz 2001). For this to take place appropriately, all providers would need to work together with effective and extensive to treat all aspects of issues the client is facing. If this is not executed correctly, the client cannot succeed and may fall through the cracks, or wind up in the same place they were in previously. For example, the gentleman discussed earlier that was incarcerated and has a substance abuse issue may suffer from a mental illness as well as a substance abuse issue. In this instance, a primary provider would need to find a provider who works with addictions, and a provider who works with mental health. Together, the three professionals would need to form a plan with the client and communicate with every party involved in order for the treatment to be effective. If the primary provider could not provide a professional for the substance abuse and a professional for the mental health, the client could easily fall back into old habits and lose all progress that may have been made. This could result in the client injuring himself or another person,  additional jail time, or even death. The gentleman in this example gives us a perfect example of where the treatment provider has been previously aware of issues concerning the client and is able to find the resources and agencies needed to make the community referrals. Unfortunately, there is a commonality that each treatment provider is faced with a client that only has one single issue. However, in this example, the client has more than one issue ranging from substance abuse to mental illness to homelessness. The provider will then need to determine if the client will need additional assistance with other issues that may be outside our scope of practice. For example, if the provider is working in a substance abuse treatment program the primary focus is helping the client to stop using drugs and/ or alcohol. As the client is no longer supposed to use substances or drink, the client can no longer reside in an environment where substances and/or alcohol are being used; this can become a trigger for the client and risk t he client’s sobriety and recovery. This client is now homeless and will need assistance with housing. As the client continues in sobriety the treatment provider may notice that the client appears to be struggling with mental health issues that have not been previously diagnosed; this client will now need to be referred to a mental health provider for further evaluation and possible medication management. The provider has been made aware of these arising situations through communication and effective listening skills while interacting with the client in the group and individual therapy process. The provider will need to be aware of the client’s verbal and non-verbal cues as the clients’ affect may be incongruent with the current situation. The provider will also need to be aware of the client’s cultural issues as treatment may cause the client to have stigmatization within his or her family unit. The treatment provider will also have to work with resistant clients, clients who are over demanding, and clients that are unmotivated. Often times these clients have hidden issues that need to be uncovered and addressed in order to move forward in their recovery process. Working with these clients can be a difficult process however if the provider can find a way of working with these clients in non-traditional manners we will help to uncover these issues and move them forward in their recovery process. Working with  client’s who have substance abuse issues is a very challenging job that poses many challenges not only for the client, but also for the treatment provider. We have chosen to work in a field that is extremely broad and which spans across many scopes of practice. Our clients face a wide range of issues that can be ever changing. Our jobs as Human Services workers will be to help identify and treat these clients and their individual needs to improve the client’s level of functioning within the community and his or her family unit needs to provide the client with the best treatments and solutions. References Samet, J, MD, Friedman, P, MD, Saitz, R, MD (2001). Benefits of Linking Primary Medical Care and Substance Abuse Services: Patient, Provider, and Social Perspectives. http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article (Retrieved on 8 April 2013). Koegel, P, Ph.D, Sullivan, G, MD, Burnam, A, Ph.D, Morton, S, Ph.D, Wenzel, S, Ph.D. (1999). Utilization of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Among Homeless Adults in Los Angeles. http://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare (Retrieved on 8 April 2013). Woodside, M. (2011). An Introduction to Human Services, 7e. www.ecampus.phoenix.edu (Retrieved on 7 April 2013).

Should Teenagers Be Tried as Adults

* Should teenagers be tried as adults? Opinions differ. Some people argue that teenagers don't know what they are doing when they commit a crime and are still too young to comprehend what is right and wrong. I totally disagree. I am old enough to know that committing a crime is wrong and that if I commit one, I will be punished. Anyone who says teens can't tell right from wrong is either too old to remember what being a teenager is like or they are a teenager who has committed a crime and don't want to be tried as an adult. In either case, they are wrong. All teens know that killing is wrong, yet they do it anyway and get away with a light sentence because of their age. Even if a teen didn't know it was wrong, it doesn't mean it's right. They should still be punished. If they aren't, they will think that crimes are okay and continue to commit them. Teens today don't fear the law because they don't think they will get caught. And if they do, they know they have a good chance of getting off because they are tried as teens and not adults. We have to get tougher on crime. There should be a law that everyone over eleven years old will be tried as adults. That way more teens would be discouraged from committing crimes. They would know that murder would get them a very long sentence instead of staying in juvenile hall until they are eighteen. If we want to cut down on teen crime, we have to have tougher laws. ? * I don't think there is any excuse for committing a crime. * i think it depends on the crimes stances. hat if a kid kills their physically abusive parents in those cases there should be special treatment. However crimes of passion and maybe drugs should they should be tried as adults. * Since we're talking about murder cases, I believe that teens should be tried as adults. If not, they are most likely going to repeat the crime knowing that they won't get in any serious trouble. For example, I know people who have stolen things of mine because they figured they were only 10 and there was no one who would really pun ish them if they were caught. Now, at 13 they are still stealing because they think it's okay. Now if you're a teenager, you know that murder is wrong (unless it's in self-defense) so there is no excuse for doing so. * A rising number of juveniles under the age of 18 are not only being charged for crimes as adults, but are serving in adult jails and even serving life sentences. Every state has some mechanism in place that allows juveniles charged with certain crimes to be tried in criminal court as adults. Thousands of children annually are even being â€Å"automatically† transferred to adult criminal court. Much of the change in the laws over the past few decades making it easier to try youths as adults has been in part due to the increase in juvenile crime and public outrage over particularly violent crimes and repeat juvenile offenders. The most common increases in juvenile crime have been noted with respect to gang violence, school shootings, increases in drugs in youth neighborhoods, and even increases in bullying among peers.

Discussion topic Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 11

Discussion topic - Assignment Example On the other hand, quantitative research method has a major merit in that it can be administered and evaluated very quickly and the responses tabulated very quickly. In addition, the numerical data obtained in this method facilitates quick comparisons between groups as well as the extent of congruence between respondents. This advantage is majorly used in nursing research when a comparison is needed after a new nursing intervention is initiated for example nursing rounding (Carr, 2014). Quantitative and qualitative research study methods have some of their limitation in nursing research. A study done by Carson (2011) on the strengths and weakness of research designs involving quantitative measures, found out that experimental research has several methodological limitations. These limitations were seen to jeopardize the internal and external validity of the research results thus limiting their applicability for practice. Some of the threats noted were sampling and recruitment. Sampling technique may have a problem in randomised control trials when the potential participants are not prepared to opt for treatment in randomised basis. Similarly, recruiting subjects to participate in clinical trials may be difficult. On the other hand, qualitative research has been noted to be time consuming and important issues may be overlooked during the study. in essence both methods are appropriate to conduct a research, and can contribute greatly to the scientific body of knowledg e (Carr,

EU as an International Actor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

EU as an International Actor - Essay Example In the contemporary world, a whole host of issues compete for attention due to the proliferation of issues that every world theory seeks to privilege. These theories are realism, liberalism, and constructivism (Lott, 2004, p 58). Realism centers of the changing allocation of power between countries, liberalism focuses on the mounting amount of democratic states and the unrest of democratic transitions. Constructivism (idealism) highlights the changing customs of sovereignty, international justice, human rights and the rising potency of religious ideologies in politics. The impact of these intellectual constructs stretches far beyond classrooms and committees. EU legislators and public observers appeal to elements of all hypotheses when articulating solutions to international issues quandaries. International relations theories inform and shapes and the thinking of the community thinkers who interpret and propagate academic ideas (Kagan, 2004, p 42). Realism theory perceives that global politics are driven by competitive self-interest. As such, its proponents believe that the critical dynamic among nations is a struggle for supremacy in a bid by each nation to preserve and/ or to improve its military security and economic wellbeing in rivalry with other nations. Proponents view the power struggle as a zero-sum game whereby a gain in one nation is inexorably a loss for others. The realism extends to view humankind as inherently being divided by national loyalty to nations or other foci like culture and religion. Realist theory developed resulting from the failure to safeguard peace after the First World War. World War I caught many by surprise, and the blame was directed on the real politic strategies pursued by the major European powers. An idealist movement emerged that campaigned for lofty rules like morality and democracy in while conducting global relations.

Leadership and Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leadership and Communication - Essay Example Leadership and Communication This belief gets my approval for one reason. Most leaders of today communicate with their employees the way this generation communicates to each other. This is reflected in every organization allowing subordinates to express their ideas whether it is acceptable or not. On the other hand, traditional leaders communicate with their subordinates maintaining the â€Å"I am in charge† status. As a result, openness is not acceptable. Employees who are vocal with their ideas are considered not respectful of the leader. Leaders should be flexible with any generation they lead so that they will fit with the requirement of the changes. Leadership and communication in my generation is characterized by giving too much respect and obedience to leaders to the expense of sacrificing personal time. As a result, long hours of works are given without compensation. For instance, even if the required number of hours in a day for an employee is eight, employees can stay in the office beyond the ti me if ask by the leader to finish or rush work. This is so because leaders have the thinking that you have to â€Å"pay your dues† to the company giving extra hours. Leadership does not consider balancing work and life which is evident in not giving vacation to employees who had work hard for the previous years. Leadership style is serving more the company and the leaders. After answering the question, I started writing the introduction based on the body or the answers of the questions.

Six Philosophical Texts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Six Philosophical Texts - Essay Example Aristotle’s â€Å"Nicomachean Ethics† (books from 1 to 3) is absolutely a unique text that considers the cores of what does it really mean to be happy and how to become a virtuous human being. Reading Aristotle made me think that the man knew literally everything, as the things written in the Ethics are absolutely truthful and applicable. This in fact makes them universal, as they may be used by people of all times, because the author manages to describe ethics and moral values precisely as they are, so the text is still relevant. For instance, in the first book of Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle claims that happiness (or eudaimonia) is such thing that all people should strive to achieve, but not because people tend to satisfy their selfish needs, but because good must be itself a goal. But people often consider some wrong values as real happiness and this makes them strive to the wrong values (EN 1095b-1096a). This touched me deeply when I was reading the book, because it made me think of those wrong values like having constant fun or being careless and I realized that this is not how a rational human being should behave. Hence, I think this part of the text was the most affecting and I’m going to think twice before making my choices engaged with right values in the future. Aquinas’s â€Å"Summa Theologica† (Question 94) analyses what the natural law is and whether it is the same for all people.

The Analysis of the Song Run Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Analysis of the Song Run - Essay Example The song is written in a way to highlight a strong or unique vocalist, as it becomes the primary responsibility of the vocalist to imbue the song with life. Similar styles have been witnessed with such vocalists as Nico from the Velvet Underground, or the underground alternative rock artist Cat Power. The music begins with the song’s lyrics start. A snare drum is heard playing slow and hushed-like. An electric guitar plays a minimalist melody. Two to three chords are played, currently, there is no bass being used. After a few minutes, the guitar and drum combo ends. The bass guitar and the drums continue as the vocals finally started. The first three lines state, â€Å"I go away to a place/ Way far out in space/ That is away from the things I know†. This line refers to the imaginative process that I go under when I play music or think in lyrical terms. Additionally, the reference to space refers to the aesthetic qualities of the universe as the great unknown of human experience. The lyrics here are relayed in a subdued tone in accordance with the minimalist melody that has already been established by the bass guitar and drums. Overrated/ But can’t think of/ What to do about it † Here the bass guitar and snare drums continue in a minimalist style along with the vocals. The lyrics are composed in a purposely meandering way. In this way, they do not follow the strict pattern of grammatically correct discourse, but instead, adopt a logic that is acceptable within the confines of music. The lyrics additionally reflect a general existential malaise that is recurrent throughout the track. One imagines the vocalist spending the day alone and lazily reaching over and grabbing a guitar. The music in terms of the vocals and the melody is then improvisational in an aesthetic sense. The bass guitar melody as does not need to be incredibly consistent. Instead, this could even be reinvented for each song.

Philosophy and Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Philosophy and Art - Essay Example He is a philosopher obsessed with clarity and light.Thus, if a discussion in which light, vision, and its abstract are constitutive of its very logic may be called ocularcentric, then it would be difficult to deny that Descartes' philosophy exemplifies ocularcentrism (Levin 1993). This essay discusses the ocular metaphoric and the part in plays in the lives of the contemporary American society today. It will demonstrate the extent to which vision constitutes the essential analogical figure in the readings of Jay, Bryson and Lacan. The paper will examines the role visual imagery plays in these writers main arguments, analyzes why it is so important to their theoretical framework, and considers the rhetorical work it is used to carry out. This essay will attempt to discuss how ocularcentrism shapes the understanding of what is central to the American society and what is peripheral; what is "visible" and "invisible" within the theoretical framework, and what the nature and limits of it are. Thus, the inherited advantages and disadvantages of this belief in ocularcentrism will be discussed, along with its effect on visual art. It is impossible to separ... modernity to be changed in its concepts, Jay asks for it to be seen as a diverse and complex body rather than a harmonious body of theories and practices. This essay claims that maps and plans are necessary to explain the components of modernity. He goes on to divide the body of the essay into three parts: Cartesian perspectivalism, seventeenth century Dutch art and baroque art. In his essay Jay refutes the concept of Cartesian perspectivalism to be the reigning form of any kind of visual model for modernity. While this claim is amongst the first to be made by critics, it does have its flaws. For starters, Jay refuses to create an argument that can fit into a specialized field of visual presentation. It aims at acknowledging local and international ideas which touch a large cultural stratum. The scale implied by Jay is coarse in its ability to touch such a large and dynamic field which is known not only for its various models but because of the centuries of art it covers. Thus, while Jay's argument can be considered inspiring in its attempt to break the routine form of ideological thinking, it is flawed in its ability to cover such a diverse cultural body. Instead, Jay could have used a concept which is smoothed down to a finer level thus allowing the subtle distinctions that arise in different pieces to be observed. Philosophy is a subject which changes over time. As the world develops, old problems fade away and new ones take their place. Art is a perfect display of the different developments in human sciences. It is representative of the cultural forms in any given society. However, another shift has also occurred bringing down the possibility of the art form from a means of human science or public culture. In American history this can be traced back to the 1980's

Recent changes in local laws in various countries set requirements for Essay

Recent changes in local laws in various countries set requirements for National Oil Companies (NOCs) participation in oil and ga - Essay Example Joint ventures are common among the operators within the oil and gas industry in order to tray and minimize operation risks as well as technical challenges often faced while in the normal operations in the industry. Companies involved in exploration of oil and gas, general exploitation of the same as well as appraisal and production activities are in recent times being not executed by single companies but through collaboration by many companies. These joint ventures therefore share in towards contributing for expenditures and other costs incurred and share the proceeds realized in the exploration and exploitation of the commodity according to individual company’s contributions. Joint ventures operate on the platform of sharing on capital investments as well as skills and expertise, which necessitates one company, which would lack such to benefit from the partner(s) in the venture. Joint ventures within the oil and gas industry enjoy such privileges as being unincorporated and hence they are not taxed and cannot sue or are sued for the reason of not having distinct legal personality. The terms of licensure of operations by joint ventures imposes some liabilities on them as stipulated by the governing authority, which the joint operating agreement purposely addresses. The JOA therefore have particular roles in regulating the obligations, relationships as well as the rights that govern the parties in a joint venture. Normally, the agreement is binding over lifetime or until the joint operations ceases because of completion of a task or otherwise as would be determined in termination of a contract. It stipulates the funding procedures as well as the voting procedures and has other stipulations on mechanisms to address corrective measures instituted in the event that a partner fails to act in accordance to the agreement. Therefore, the general infrastructure of the legal framework guiding the joint operating agreements is binding and well laid out. The partie s therefore undertake a critical outlook into the structure of the JOA regarding any unforeseen eventualities, which would occur in the future. However, it is worth noting that the formulation and adoption of a JOA framework must be based on an existing legal structure such as the English law, which then stipulates the institutional framework that would govern the running of the agreement between the parties engaged in the joint venture (Jensen and Failat, 2013, p. 1-13). National governments as well as foreign companies interact in the industry of oil and gas through consent through negotiated contracts. NOC (National oil companies) normally gets involved in the exploitation of and exploration for oil through signing into contracts such as concession agreements, service contracts, joint venture contracts as well as production sharing agreements, which involves collaborating with other external companies in the oil and gas deals. Nevertheless, the operations of such contracts involv ing the national oil companies as well as other external companies necessitates the operation-ization of a structure that would be instrumental in outlining the operations of the agreement and this is formalized through the JOAs. The evolution of legal structures that govern the

Accounting Environment Essay Example for Free

Accounting Environment Essay Learning Outcomes At the end of this chapter the students should be able to: ?Explain the meaning and purpose of accounting ?Describe the role of accounting as a information system ? Describe why accounting is considered as the language of business ? Assess the impact of external environmental factors on accounting Introduction Accounting has evolved and emerged as most other fields of human activity in response to the social and economic needs of society. Today accounting is moving away from its traditional procedural base, encompassing record keeping and related activities towards the adoption of a role which emphasizes its social importance. In this context, this introductory chapter of the course manual deals with the definition of accounting, use of accounting as an information system and the language of business, users of accounting information and the impact of external environment on accounting. Definition of Accounting The question what is meant by accounting has not been answered precisely. Instead there are many definitions on accounting. Some of these definitions are considered in this section to identify the purpose and functions of accounting. The Committee on Terminology of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) formulated the following definition on accounting in 1941. Accounting is the art of recording, classifying and summarizing in a significant manner and in terms of money, transactions and events which are, in part at least, of a financial character, and interpreting the results thereof. This definition of AICPA, USA has been quoted for many years. However, it defines accounting only from the point of view of what it does. Hence, it does not clearly establish the purpose of accounting. On the other hand, the following definition provided by the American Accounting Association (AAA) in 1961 emphasizes the broader perspective of accounting. This definition focuses on accounting as an aid to decision-making. Accounting is the process of identifying, measuring and communicating economic information to permit informed judgements and decisions by users of the information. In 1970, AICPA of USA provided the following definition on accounting with reference to the concept of information. The term ‘quantitative information’ used in this definition is wider in scope than financial or economic information used in previous definitions. Accounting is a service activity. Its function is to provide quantitative information primarily financial in nature about economic activities that is intended to be useful in making economic decisions. Both definitions of AAA and AICPA show that accounting is considered not merely with record keeping. Instead it involves with a whole range of activities. These two definitions emphasize on using accounting information for decision making purposes. Both internal parties of an organization (e. g. managers) and outside parties (e. g. owners, creditors, government) use accounting information in making decisions that affect the organization. Although these definitions have looked at accounting from different perspectives, they have been able to set the boundary of accounting. They have established the nature of accounting and the purpose for which it is used. Hence, based on these definitions, it can be said that accounting is primarily concerned with the provision of information to various stakeholders of an organization to be used in decision making. Accounting as an Information System AAA definition on accounting implies two phases: (1) identifying and measuring economic information and (2) communicating economic information to users (stakeholders of an organisation) for decision making purposes. These two phases show that accounting acts as an information system in an organisation. The accounting process involves recoding and processing of transactions and events of an entity that had occurred during a specific period of time, and communicating the information relevant to processed transactions and events to aid decision-making of various users of accounting information. As an information system, accounting links an information source or transmitter (preparer/s of information), a channel of communication (financial and other statements/reports) and a set of receivers (users of information/stakeholders of an organization). The Figure 1 shows how accounting functions as an information system in business and economic decisions. In the accounting system, transactions and events are the input and the statements of reports given to decision-makers are the output. Figure 1 Accounting as an Information System in Business and Economic Decisions Data Source: Lal, J. (2005), Corporate Financial Reporting: Theory and Practice, second edition, Taxmann Allied Services (Pvt) Ltd, New Delhi. Accounting as the Language of Business Accounting is often called the language of business because it is considered as the main mean of communicating information about a business. This reference to accounting as the language of business is observed by Ijiri (1975) as follows: As the language of business, accounting has many things in common with other languages. The various business activities of a firm are reported in accounting statements using accounting language, just as reported news events are reported in newspapers, in the English Language. To express an event in accounting or in English we must follow certain rules. Without following certain rules diligently, not only does one run the risk of being misunderstood but also risks a penalty for misinterpretation, lying or perjury. Comparability of statements is essential to the effective functioning of a language whether it is in English or in Accounting. At the same time, language has to be flexible to adapt to a changing environment. A language broadly has two components: symbols and rules. In accounting too, these two components are available. In accounting, numerals and words, and debits and credits are accepted symbols and they are unique to the accounting discipline. The rules in accounting refer to the general set of procedures followed in creating financial information for an entity. Anthony and Reece (1991) draw a parallel between accounting and language as follows. Accounting resembles a language in that some of its rules are definite whereas others are not. Accountants differ as to how a given event should be reported, just as grammarians differ as to many matters of sentence structure, punctuation and choice of words. Nevertheless, just as many practices are clearly poor English (language), many practices are definitely poor accounting. Languages evolve and change in response to the changing needs of society, and so does accounting. Users of Accounting Information There is an array of users (or stakeholders) who make use of accounting information for decision making. These user groups include present and otential investors, managers, employees, lenders, suppliers, customers, analysts, media, government, and the general public. However, with the broadening of the accountability of organizations, they are accountable to a large group of stakeholders, some of them not clearly known or identified by the organizations. These users can be broadly categorized as internal and external users of accounting information. The term ‘internal u sers’ refers to parties within an organization that make decisions directly affecting its internal operations and this category usually includes managers and employees of an entity. All other users can be grouped under the term ‘external users’, which refer to parties outside the organization that make decisions concerning their relationship to the organization. These two major classifications of users have led to a distinction between two main areas of accounting: financial accounting and management accounting. The primary concern of financial accounting is to provide information to external user groups. On the other hand, the management accounting is primarily concerned with the provision of information to internal user groups. These users have diverse information needs. However, among these diverse needs too, there are common information needs. The financial statements of an entity that provide information about its financial performance, financial position, and changes in financial position address these information needs common to all users. As these financial statements are prepared to meet the information needs of a cross-section of users, they are known as common-purpose (general-purpose) financial statements. However, these financial statements do not provide all the information that users need to make decisions since they largely portray the financial effects of past transactions and events. The responsibility to prepare and present financial statements lies with the management of an entity. As general-purpose financial statements meet the information needs of users who are unable to command the preparation of financial reports of an entity, the government has imposed regulations to govern these financial statements. These regulations are intended to protect the public interest. External Environmental Factors influencing Accounting The pace and change in external environmental factors have a profound influence on business organizations and the way in which they are managed. These factors could be social, economic, political, legal or technological. Accounting, as the language of business and its information system is also affected by these changes. The changing conditions in the external environment have confronted accounting with a number of challenges that should be recognized, accepted and addressed to ensure its relevance and usefulness. This has made accounting to change and grow over the years to meet social requirements and to guide business and industry requirements. Thus, understanding accounting requires understanding the environment within which accounting operates and which it is intended to reflect. The society has been subjected to political, social, economic and technological change. These changes have resulted in globalization, the rise of informed and selective customers, the development of information technology and etc. These changes in the external environment factors are reflected in business organizations through the shift in business types and cost profiles, increase in strategic decision making and greater emphasis on survival. The changing conditions within business organizations lead accounting to change in order to meet the new requirements resulted from these changes. The areas requiring changes in accounting include selection of data, information processing, dissemination of information, role of accounting standards, assumptions and perspectives of accounting, and uses and impact of accounting information. Thus, today’s rapidly changing environment is forcing accounting to reassess its role and function both within the organization and society. Although challenges imposed by different environmental factors on accounting could be discussed separately, they should be viewed from a holistic perspective. This is because the power of potential improvement lies in the cohesion of the changes rather than in individual items. The changing conditions in the business environment will shape the future for accounting. The environment within which business and accounting function operate has become increasing complex. One of its characteristic features is that many social, economic, political, legal and technological influences that create continual change in that environment and these in turn impact on accounting and its product, accounting information. However, it is sometimes criticized that accounting has not been able to keep pace with this changing conditions in the external environment. Summary This chapter provides an overview of accounting based on its nature and purpose, users of accounting information and impact of external environment on accounting. The primary objective of accounting is to provide information that can be used by the stakeholders of an organization (users of accounting information) in making their decisions. These decisions could have a bearing on the resource allocation process in the country and thereby on the economic growth and development of the country. However, the role and functions of accounting cannot be considered in isolation from the social-political-economic context within which it is operating. The rapidly changing external environment is posing many challenges to accounting and it needs to adapt to these changing conditions. This requires a continual process of renewal and improvement in accounting. References American Accounting Association (1966), A Statement of Basic Accounting Theory, AAA. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) (1941), Review and Resume, Accounting Terminology Bulletin, No. . American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) (1970), Basic Concepts and Accounting Principles underlying Financial Statements of Business Enterprises, Accounting Principles Board Statement No. 4, Anthony, R. N. and Reece, J. S. (1991), Accounting Principles, Richard D Irwin. Ijiri, Y. (1975), Theory of Accounting Measurement, Research Report, No. 10, AAA. Lal, J. (2005), Corporate Financial Report ing: Theory and Practice, second edition, Taxmann Allied Services (Pvt) Ltd, New Delhi.

Peter Paul Rubens Essay Example for Free

Peter Paul Rubens Essay The most sought-after painter in northern Europe during the seventeenth century, Peter Paul Rubens, was also a diplomat, linguist, and scholar. His dramatic artistic style of the seventeenth century is now called baroque, a term apparently derived at a later time from ornate jewelry set with irregular pearls. At its most exuberant, the baroque involves restless motion, startling color contrasts, and vivid clashes of light and shadow. Rubens was born in Siegen, Westphalia, to Jan Rubens and Maria Pypelincks. Born the son of a lawyer and educated at a Jesuit school in Antwerp, Flanders, Rubens learned classical and modern languages. He spent the years 1600 to 1608 studying and working in Italy. Returning to Antwerp, he continued to travel as both courtier and painter. His repeated visits to Madrid, Paris, and London allowed him to negotiate treaties while accepting royal commissions for art. One of Rubens major innovations in procedure, which many later artists have followed, was his use of small oil studies as compositional sketches for his large pictures and tapestry designs. Rather than merely drawing, Rubens painted his modelli, or models, thereby establishing the color and lighting schemes and the distributions of shapes simultaneously. Rubens managed a very large studio in Antwerp, training many apprentices and employing independent colleagues to help execute specific projects. Among his mature collaborators whose baroque works are on view in the National Gallery of Art are Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordaens, Jan Brueghel, and Frans Snyders. Rubens style tremendously influenced baroque painters throughout Europe, even those such as the German-born Johann Liss who had no documented contact with the master. Liss The Satyr and the Peasant, for instance, is Rubensian in its lively gestures and telling expressions. Painted during the 1620s in Italy, it illustrates a tale from Aesops Fables in which an immortal satyr helped a peasant find his way through a winter storm. The goat-legged creature was astonished when the man put his chilled hands to his mouth to warm them. In thanks for the satyrs guidance, the peasant invited him home to eat. The satyr was further perplexed when the man blew on his spoon to cool the hot soup. The satyr jumped up in disgust at human hypocrisy, proclaiming, I will have nothing to do with someone who blows hot and cold with the same breath! The Fall of Man Rubens copied many of Titians paintings. Part of Rubens greatness was due to his eager study of earlier masters and his ability to combine their techniques with his own style. The Fall of Man is an interesting example of a work after Titian, that is very close to the original but in which Rubens has changed some details. The red parrot in the tree is not in Titians painting. The colors in Rubens painting are more yellowish and Rubens has actually improved Titians painting by giving Adam a more natural pose. In fact, Adam looks a lot like Rubens himself. When Rubens made this painting, he had just met his second wife-to-be, Helene Fourment. She was only 15 years old at the time. Adoration of the Magi Religious paintings were fashionable during the time of Peter Paul Rubens and were nearly always reverential. Adoration of the Magi is a good example of how Jesus was expected to be venerated in art. A painting of 99 inches by 133 inches, Adoration of the Magi is an oil on canvas painting that features a group of figures, who are waiting in turn to pay homage to the newly born Jesus. It is painting that was created by Rubens in 1616 and 1617. The Power of Christ The Virgin Mary is depicted holding up Jesus as an elderly magus kisses the babys feet. Rubens clearly shows that Jesus is no normal child, as quite apart from the large group of people who have come to see Christ, the infant Jesus is seen touching the head of the elderly magus as a sign of acknowledgment of the old mans devotion. Rubens also adds power to the image and of Jesus himself, with the ethnic mix of the visitors. This suggests that the men have traveled from many different parts of the world to witness seeing the baby Jesus and are not all, in fact, magi. The age of the men and the way they are dressed indicates men of power, and, consequently, their humble adoration of Christ gives the work an added weight. Though the expression of the figures in the painting are almost universally serious, there is one man who appears to be smiling and acts in a way many adults would normally act on seeing a baby. The Virgin Mary, however, looks very serious, almost severe, but she is concentrating on Jesus not coming to any harm, as he is standing upright to receive the line of visitors. The Propaganda Element As with most religious paintings of the early 17th Century there could be said to be an element of propaganda in Adoration of the Magi, as it is really showing the power of the Church. It is painting that is saying that however powerful leaders may be, the Church is more powerful than any earthly empire. The fact that there is little light in the painting gives it an air of mystery, as one wonders if some figures are deliberately hidden. Some of the visitors to the stable are also partly hidden by other visitors. The horse to the left of the painting infers that animals are also part of the kingdom of God. Adoration of the Magi currently hangs in the Musee des Beaux-Arts, Lyon, France. VENUS IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR Peter Paul Rubens presented his Venus in Front of the Mirror as the ultimate symbol of beauty. She is aware of the viewer in a mirror that frames her face like a portrait. Great play is made of the sensual reproduction of her skin and silky hair, which is further enlivened by the contrast with the dark-skinned maidservant. The few costly accessories, otherwise decorative additions to elaborate clothing, emphasize the figure’s nakedness. The sensual qualities of the painting are created by Rubens’s subtle painterly approach. He alternates sketchy brushstrokes, drawn over the ground like a transparent veil, with compact areas, painted in great detail. One particularly attractive feature of the picture is the contrast between the goddess’s encounter with the viewer, which seems to occur almost by chance, and the representation of her beauty, as if conceived for a spectator. The mirror that Cupid holds up for the goddess reveals an additional level of meaning: the reflection of Venus, which reveals her beauty to the viewer, becomes a symbol of painting that competes with nature to produce an image that is as real as possible.

Essay on setting and work

Essay on setting and work Describe the Setting and the Work it does This report is commissioned by the Local Authority and is the result of a review a Phase One Childrens Centre who currently adopt and integrated model of working. The scope of the review was to identify benefits and limitations of an integrated approach. Furthermore, a brief exploration of the economic implications is provided and recommendations regarding future strategic structure and planning are detailed. Terminology A primary issue with multi-agency working is the inter-changeability and misuse of associated terminology (Morris, 2008; Walker, 2008). This report offers two distinct definitions of multi-agency working and clarifies the use of terms. The first definition describes multi-agency work as a range of different services which have some overlapping or shared interests and objectives, brought together to work collaboratively towards some common purpose (Wigfield Moss, 2001). The second definition contends that multi-agency work is about Bringing various professionals together to understand a particular problem or experienceIn this sense they afford different perspectives on issues at hand, just as one sees different facets of a crystal by turning it (Clark, 1993). These definitions share the ideology of different professionals from separate agencies working with a common goal and attempting to resolve an issue. It is essential to note the differences between multi-agency and multi-disciplinary work. Multi-agency work refers to two or more professionals from different agencies working together, whereas multi-disciplinary refers to the collaboration between different professionals from one agency. For example, (Walker, 2008) suggests that the professional working relationship between a teacher, nursery nurse and teaching assistant within a school is multidisciplinary because although their roles are different, they work within the education agency. However, the relationship between a Teacher, Social Worker and General Practitioner would be multi-agency because it encompasses different agencies (Education, Social Services and Health). (Wilson Pirrie, 2000) make further distinctions between multi-agency and inter-agency and argue the choice of terminology is determined by three factors- numerical, territorial and epistemological. This relates to the quantity of professionals involved, locations, and the amount of innovation in developing new ways of working which considers the philosophical foundations of each professional identity(Wilson Pirrie, 2000). Inter-agency may involve two professionals from different agencies whereas multi-agency involves a minimum of three (Wilson Pirrie, 2000). Furthermore, true multi-agency working requires professionals to enter each others professional environment, both physically and culturally, and establishing or re-establishing a novel and universal awareness and understanding (Coad, 2008; Walker, 2008; Wilson Pirrie, 2000). For the purpose of this report, the term multi-agency shall be adopted throughout and shall refer to two or more professionals from different agencies working collaboratively to address the needs of children and young people. Rationale The emphasis for multi-agency teamwork initiated following the death of Maria Colwell in 1973 (Walker, 2008) which resulted in significant changes to the structure of child services. However, the deaths of children with whom various agencies were involved continued. Such deaths include Jasmine Beckford (1984), Tyra Henry (1984), Heidi Koseda (1984) Kimberley Carlile (1986), Doreen Mason (1987), Leanne White (1992), Rikki Neave (1994), Chelsea Brown (1999), Victoria Climbià © (2000), Lauren Wright (2000) and Ainlee Labonte (2002). Despite enquiries into these deaths only a minority led to negligible changes in policy or guidance and only one led to a radical change in children services (Walker,2008). (Laming) (2003) highlighted significant failings on the part of agencies to work collaboratively to ensure the well-being of children and young people. Lamings (2003) recommendations were broadly adopted into the Every Child Matters agenda (DfES, 2003) which (Walker, 2008) suggests the g overnment were already considering implementing which suggests the it was implemented because it mirrored the ideological perspective of the government. However, van Eyk and Baum (2002) suggest that inquests have provided h3 evidence that agencies should be working together in a collaborative manner to safeguard children and therefore it is unsurprising that the government have adopted this ideological stance. Laming (2003) supports this by indicating the inseparability of the protection of children and wider support to families which has been widely accepted (Morris, 2008) and therefore the need for Local Authorities to have agencies working collaboratively is essential (Coad, 2008; Walker, 2008). Despite the development of legislation and policies, the death of Baby Peter in August 2007 was attributed to the failure of Social Workers and other professionals who had seen him approximately sixty times.   In November 2008 Lord Laming was commission by the government to conduct independent report on the progress being made by Local Authorities to work collaboratively to protect children. Key findings from Laming (2009) included: Social Workers are under-pressure deliver but inadequate training. The Day-to-day running of protection cases has significant problems. Managers are failing to lead by example with an over-emphasis on targets and process. The lack of a centralised Information Technology system is hampering progress. Administration is too complex and lengthy with a tick-box recording system. There is a lack of communication and joined-up working. Data protection laws are not clear nor understood resulting in information not being shared. There is a lack of funding in Social and Child Protection work. There has been a reduction in Child Protection Police Officers. Laming (2009) made the following recommendations: Directors of Childrens Services with no experience with child protection issues should appoint an experienced social work manger. All Local Authority Leads and Senior Managers should have child protection training. Social Work students should get more child protection training. Employers should face prosecution for failing to protect. Court fees for Care Proceedings should be reviewed (currently  £4000 per case) OFSTED inspectors must have experience of child protection Explicit targets should be developed for all frontline services A national agency should be developed to ensure the implementation of these recommendations. Legislation Under Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 the Local Authority has a duty to safeguard and promoted the welfare of children within their area and are in need.   Section 22(3) extends this to include children within care. As the local authority is constructed of many agencies there is an implicit requirement for agencies to work collaboratively. This is stipulated within Section 10 of the (Children Act, 2004) Children which is a development of Section 27 of the Children Act 1989. This places a duty on agencies to pro-actively work with each other to support children and their families.   However, there also conflicting social policies and legislation which may act to limit the effectiveness of multi-agency working. An example may be a single-mother under the care of Social Services because she is over-crowded in her house.   The assessment indicates this is the primary factor from concern and recommends better accommodation from the Housing Department.   The Governments Every Child Matters vision demands that all children be placed at the centre of social action. However, other laws conflict this.   Housing law does not need to consider the Children Act 1989 or 2004, nor does it force Local Authorities to consider the allocation of accommodation on a child-centred basis, but on the basis of reasonable preference (Shelter, 2005, p.www). This leaves the potential for one law to stigmatise with the other to maintain stigmatisation and conflict between agencies arising. Current Model of Inter-Agency Working Integrated Service Model The Integrated Service Model unites various agencies into one hub who deliver a range of services and integrated support children and families within a community. The team share a location, vision, agreed principles and philosophies in developing localised plans to improve outcomes for service-users. This is usually delivered from an early years setting such as a Childrens Centre. The facilities and services of the integrated team are funded by all agencies and out-sourcing funding from voluntary, community and government agencies is also available. Such services may include access to childcare, education, and counselling as well as advice on health, employment and benefits. Furthermore, practitioners actively and collaboratively engage in outreaching activities to identify and target in need families. Parents and children are given the opportunity to learn new skills, discuss their issues (formally and informally), and engage in communal activities. As services are localised it recognises each community is different and has unique needs. Therefore, activities will differ from hub to hub. Furthermore, there is a greater emphasis on co-working and co-training with skills between agencies being shared at a deeper level resulting in better practice and information sharing. However, the benefits of this model can be limited by local factors such as poor management or failing to identify local needs. Furthermore, getting all agencies involved requires an initial financial and personnel investment along with a clear and agreed strategy on how to merge services. Managing the differences in pay between practitioners and the power each agency holds needs to be considered at a macro-level to ensure fairness and consistency. A failure in this may result in practitioners feeling devalued or threatened. Atkinson et als (2001) study found this model is most effective when there is a case lead/manager responsible for co-ordinating services for families which ensures services are aimed at the service-user rather than the organisation or professional.   A review into outcomes for families with disabled children indicates that a key worker integrated model promotes better outcomes (Liabo et al,2001). Although Liabo et al (2001) acknowledge a lack of large scale and robust studies, an integration of the current evidence indicates families enjoy a better quality of life, lower levels of stress and quicker access to services. However, from a critical perspective a systematic review is required to minimise any bias. Although Watson et al (2000,2002) concur, they argue these are opinions rather than fact and call for localised research aimed at measuring outcomes to enable a synthesis of results. Alternative Models of Multi-agency Working Multi-agency Team The multi-agency team model is considerably more formal than the Multi-agency panel model currently employed. Practitioners are recruited as part of a singular team who share a common goal and a sense of team identity and are line managed by a team leader. However, links are maintained with home agencies through supervision and training. This team would share a base, although some practitioners would be required to work in two settings. Such an example might include a School Attendance Officer who would be based within the Local Service Team and at the school which can lead to confusion between job roles. As collaborative working is at the foundation of the approach there is inevitably a sharing of skills and knowledge with communication being uncomplicated. However, recruitment of staff is time-consuming and identification of people not only with the appropriate skills, but also to work collaboratively may be problematic. Also, as this will be new to the Local Authority, time and funding would need to be allocated for team building and development.   There is also a reliance on agencies sharing a good relationship and be willing to partake in meetings, conferences and strategy meetings in addition to service-user discussions. Measuring the Impact of Integrated Working The above has highlighted the implications for failing to work in an integrated manner and there is an assumption that effective integrated working actively contributes to the positive outcomes of Every Child Matters. Therefore this section focuses on studies and literature aimed at measuring the efficacy of integrated working. Cameron and Larts (2003) systematic review reaffirms the findings of Cameron et al (2000) that there is little evidence to confirm the benefits for service users of integrated working. Cameron and Lart (2003) are critical of the lack of evaluations aimed at measuring the effectiveness of multi-agency working and highlight the few that have are methodologically poor. Similarly, few studies have provided information regarding the effectiveness of different models. For example, Atkinson et al (2002) interviewed professionals to assess benefits of multi-agency working to service users. They identified quicker access to services leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, they identified that professionals from different agencies communicated more effectively. However, this study collected the subjective views of professionals and failed to obtain the representative view of the service user.   Webb and Vuillamys (2001) study indicated a reduction in the exclusion of high risk pupils through the introduction of specialist support workers responsible for avoiding inter-agency disputes regarding responsibilities and resources. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim the support workers differentiated between school-focused agencies (such as educational social workers, educational psychologists and teachers) and external-agencies (such as Social Workers, Police and General Practitioners). This study reported a 25% reduction in exclusions. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim this has far-reaching consequences such as a reduction in crime, better educational and vocational attainment, however, this is broad assumptions based on the statistical link between exclusion and crime and is not proven within the study. Challis et al (2004) conducted a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of 256 older people at risk of care home entry. The objective of the RCT was to redesign the decision-making process by assessing the value of obtaining a specialist clinician assessment prior to placing individuals into care homes. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, the first received the standardised assessment process and second (experimental group) received a clinical assessment from a geriatrician or psychiatrist. The collaboration between the clinician and social worker was at the heart of this RCT. The experimental group continued to experience reduced deterioration mental and physical, had minimal contact with emergency services and carers reported lower levels of stress. Furthermore, NHS costs were lower and social services and the NHS benefited from merging skills, developing communication; and improved outcomes for users and carers. Despite the findings from these studies, the majority of studies focus on process rather than outcome, for example a Systematic Review by Cameron and Lart (2003) indicate factors which promote and hinder integrated working. This is supported by the Integrated Care Network (ICN) (2004) who contends that even when outcomes are considered this is narrowly focused and are difficult to measure in the short-term without evidence from a cohort study. The ICN (2004) believes emphasis needs to shift from structure and input to outcomes. Benefits of Multi-agency Working Inter-agency working is reported to improved the knowledge, skills and expertise of professionals (Sammons et al,2003) due to the increased opportunity for professionals development through working with other agencies (Atkinson et al, 2001,2002). This is supported by Townsley et al (2004) who indicate that the process of multi-agency working is having an effect on positive outcomes for families with disabled children. However, this incorporates the views of professionals rather than service users suggesting a subjective and biased view. The study by Atkinson et al (2002) also considers the views of professionals who suggested service users benefited from quicker access to services leading to quicker diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, they identified that professionals from different agencies communicated more effectively. Challis et al (2004) conducted a Randomised Control Trial (RCT) of 256 older people at risk of care home entry. The objective of the RCT was to redesign the decision-making process by assessing the value of obtaining a specialist clinician assessment prior to placing individuals into care homes. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, the first received the standardised assessment process and second (experimental group) received a clinical assessment from a geriatrician or psychiatrist. The collaboration between the clinician and social worker was at the heart of this RCT. The experimental group continued to experience reduced deterioration mental and physical, had minimal contact with emergency services and carers reported lower levels of stress. Furthermore, NHS costs were lower and social services and the NHS benefited from merging skills, developing communication; and improved outcomes for users and carers. Webb and Vuillamys (2001) study indicated a reduction in the exclusion of high risk pupils through the introduction of specialist support workers responsible for avoiding inter-agency disputes regarding responsibilities and resources. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim the support workers differentiated between school-focused agencies (such as educational social workers, educational psychologists and teachers) and external-agencies (such as Social Workers, Police and General Practitioners). This study reported a 25% reduction in exclusions. Webb and Vuillamy (2001) claim this has far-reaching consequences such as a reduction in crime, better educational and vocational attainment, however, this is broad assumptions based on the statistical link between exclusion and crime and is not proven within the study. Counter-Evidence Despite the findings from these studies, the majority of studies focus on process rather than outcome, for example a Systematic Review by Cameron and Lart (2003) indicate factors which promote and hinder integrated working. This is supported by the Integrated Care Network (ICN) (2004) who contends that even when outcomes are considered this is narrowly focused and are difficult to measure in the short-term without evidence from a cohort study. The ICN (2004) believes emphasis needs to shift from structure and input to outcomes. Cameron and Larts (2003) systematic review reaffirms the findings of Cameron et al (2000) that there is little evidence to confirm the benefits for service users of integrated working. Cameron and Lart (2003) are critical of the lack of evaluations aimed at measuring the effectiveness of multi-agency working and highlight the few that have are methodologically poor. Similarly, few studies have provided information regarding the effectiveness of different models. Facilitators to Multi-agency Working Evidence on Removing Barriers Barriers to Effective Multi-agency Work There are apparent dangers to encouraging inter-agency and multi-agency working. As (Walker, 2008) stipulates, different professions are likely to have unique values at their foundation which they may want to protect. To provide an example of different values, cultures and practices consider a social worker partaking in an interview with a police officer. The child who they are interviewing breaks down. The role of the social worker is to consider the well-being of the child (from a child-centred perspective), however, for the police officer it is to provide evidence to consider prosecution. Obvious barriers, conflicts and confusion can arise. (Coad, 2008) offers support to (Walker, 2008) and suggests the primary trigger for such issues is the lack of clarity of roles and authority in decision making. The lack of clarity regarding roles may lead to work duplication or providing advice which conflicts with that of another professional. However, this can be overcome through effective c ommunication between agencies and practitioners (Walker, 2008) and transparency regarding decision making processes (Coad, 2008). In addition, each agency will have its own language, terminology, budgets, targets, assessments and measurement criteria to which other professions may not fully understand. Overcoming the barriers presented is dynamic and complex. As expectations of politicians, academics and service users change so do the barriers which are presented. Therefore, in order to overcome such barriers a model of integrated thinking should be adopted with the development and deployment of a Childrens and Young Persons Strategy. This should be developed through the conduction of research to include all agencies, academic institutions training professionals, and the views of service users. This should be reviewed on a bi-annual basis to ensure it remains contemporary. Recommendations Conclusion Seeking funding utilises large amounts of managerial time and resources.

Miranda in Jennifer Johnstons Fool’s Sanctuary Essay -- Jennifer John

The Irish Psyche as Portrayed through Miranda in Jennifer Johnston's Fool’s Sanctuary In her novel Fool’s Sanctuary, Jennifer Johnston reflects on the Irish psyche and gives an insight into some of the factors that appear to create such a unique culture. This aspect of the novel is explored particularly through the novel’s protagonist, Miranda. She acts like a symbol, the embodiment of the typical Irish person. Miranda’s characteristics, attitudes and values are shaped by the influences of her country, therefore reflecting possibilities that typically set the Irish people apart. These characteristics include a symbolic and surreal outlook on life, a love of poetry and music, the importance placed on memories, a sense of humour, the way they love and an inability to accept happiness as reality. Ireland is a spectacular island whipped by harsh weather, steeped in history and torn by wars that have raged for centuries and it is these aspects that contribute to the Irish psyche. Great Irish writers throughout history, such as Yeats and Joyce, have written about these influences in Ireland and the impact that they have on its people. Johnston equally explores similar concepts in Fools’ Sanctuary. It is a powerful story, Miranda’s story, showing how the turmoil in Ireland in the 1920’s affects an individual’s life and changes it irrevocably. Johnston’s delicate mixture of emotion and caustic observations provide a unique analysis of the Irish psyche. Furthermore, she explores the concept that many of the characteristics that are developed are fundamentally self-destructive. Miranda tries not to be affected by Ireland’s conflict and there are a number of ways in which she tries to escape. However, ultimately this only ends in h... ...trayed by Johnston. However, Fool’s Sanctuary, not only serves as an exploration of the unique characteristics of the Irish people, it also serves as an explanation. It is an explanation, offering an insight into why certain traits are unique to the Irish psyche, what the traits could be attributed to and how they ultimately lead to self-destruction. Jennifer Johnston’s careful and powerful depiction of Ireland at the brink of war, is like a magnifying glass and when examined, it essentially reveals a unique portrayal of the Irish psyche. The Student May Wish to begin the essay with one or more of the quotes below: Out of Ireland we have come. Great Hatred, little room, maimed us at the start..... W.B. YEATS, 1931 The Irishman’s house is his coffin. J.A. JOYCE, 1922 Work Cited Johnston, Jennifer. Fool’s Sanctuary London: Hamish Hamilton 1987 Miranda in Jennifer Johnston's Fool’s Sanctuary Essay -- Jennifer John The Irish Psyche as Portrayed through Miranda in Jennifer Johnston's Fool’s Sanctuary In her novel Fool’s Sanctuary, Jennifer Johnston reflects on the Irish psyche and gives an insight into some of the factors that appear to create such a unique culture. This aspect of the novel is explored particularly through the novel’s protagonist, Miranda. She acts like a symbol, the embodiment of the typical Irish person. Miranda’s characteristics, attitudes and values are shaped by the influences of her country, therefore reflecting possibilities that typically set the Irish people apart. These characteristics include a symbolic and surreal outlook on life, a love of poetry and music, the importance placed on memories, a sense of humour, the way they love and an inability to accept happiness as reality. Ireland is a spectacular island whipped by harsh weather, steeped in history and torn by wars that have raged for centuries and it is these aspects that contribute to the Irish psyche. Great Irish writers throughout history, such as Yeats and Joyce, have written about these influences in Ireland and the impact that they have on its people. Johnston equally explores similar concepts in Fools’ Sanctuary. It is a powerful story, Miranda’s story, showing how the turmoil in Ireland in the 1920’s affects an individual’s life and changes it irrevocably. Johnston’s delicate mixture of emotion and caustic observations provide a unique analysis of the Irish psyche. Furthermore, she explores the concept that many of the characteristics that are developed are fundamentally self-destructive. Miranda tries not to be affected by Ireland’s conflict and there are a number of ways in which she tries to escape. However, ultimately this only ends in h... ...trayed by Johnston. However, Fool’s Sanctuary, not only serves as an exploration of the unique characteristics of the Irish people, it also serves as an explanation. It is an explanation, offering an insight into why certain traits are unique to the Irish psyche, what the traits could be attributed to and how they ultimately lead to self-destruction. Jennifer Johnston’s careful and powerful depiction of Ireland at the brink of war, is like a magnifying glass and when examined, it essentially reveals a unique portrayal of the Irish psyche. The Student May Wish to begin the essay with one or more of the quotes below: Out of Ireland we have come. Great Hatred, little room, maimed us at the start..... W.B. YEATS, 1931 The Irishman’s house is his coffin. J.A. JOYCE, 1922 Work Cited Johnston, Jennifer. Fool’s Sanctuary London: Hamish Hamilton 1987

Essay on Escape in The Glass Menagerie -- Glass Menagerie essays

Escape in The Glass Menagerie In Tennessee Williams' play, The Glass Menagerie, none of the characters are capable of living in the real world. Laura, Amanda, Tom and Jim use various methods to escape the brutalities of life. Laura retreats into a world of glass animals and old gramophone records. Amanda is obsessed with living in her past. Tom escapes into his world of poetry writing and movies. Jim also reverts to his past and remembers the days when he was a hero. Laura retreats into a world of glass animals and old gramophone records. Even when it appears that Laura is finally overcoming her shyness and hypersensitivity with Jim, she instantly reverts back to playing the Victrola once he tells her he's engaged. She is unable to cope with the truth so she goes back to her fantasy world of records and glass figurines. Laura can only live a brief moment in the real. Amanda is obsessed with her past as she constantly reminds Tom and Laura of that 'one Sunday afternoon in Blue Mountain' when she received seventeen gentlemen callers (Williams 32). The reader cannot even be sure that this actually happened. However, it is clear that despite its possible falsity, Amanda has come to believe it. She refuses to acknowledge that her daughter is crippled and refers to her handicap as 'a little defect - hardly noticeable' (Williams 45). Only for brief moments does she ever admit that her daughter is 'crippled' and then she resorts back to denial. She doesn't perceive anything realistically. She believes that this gentleman caller, Jim, is going to be the man to rescue Laura and she hasn't even met him yet. She tells Laura when Laura is nervous about the gentleman caller, 'You couldn't be satisfied with just sitting home', whe... ...he major characters in this play are so warped and their lives so distorted and perverted by fantasies that each is left with only broken fragments of what might have been' (Davis 205). Works Cited Thompson, Judith J. Tennessee Williams' Plays: Memory, Myth, and Symbol. New York: Peter Land Publishing, Inc., 1987. Davis, Joseph K. "Landscapes of the Dislocated Mind in Williams' The Glass Menagerie." Tennessee Williams: A Tribute. Ed. Jac Tharpe. Hattiesburg: Heritage Printers, Inc., 1977. 192-206. Scanlan, Tom. "Family and Psyche in The Glass Menagerie." Twentieth Century Interpretations of The Glass Menagerie. Ed. R.B. Parker. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1983. 96-108. Williams, Tennessee. "The Glass Menagerie." Concise Anthology of American Literature. Ed. George McMichael. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1985. 2112-2156

Grotesque View of the British Society in Howard’s End and Women in Love

Grotesque View of the British Society in Howard’s End and Women in Love Eleanor Roosevelt once said that â€Å"a little simplification would be the first step toward rational living.† (Heartquotes.net) After reading Howard’s End and Women in Love, by E.M. Forster and D.H. Lawrence respectively, it has become quite clear that a little simplification could do the characters of both novels a great deal of good. In these â€Å"condition of England† novels, the ideas of love and marriage, how industrialization has affected British life and the revolution of women’s rights are all presented, analyzed, and even criticized by both authors. However, if one digs deeper, there are less obvious themes which make up the background of each story. Perhaps the most colorful background detail of each author’s portrait of England is the extreme intellectualism displayed particularly by the characters of the upper class. Through both of these pieces, it is revealed that the characters’ analytical approach to life paralyzes the ir ability to take action, has social ramifications, and has a potent effect on the attitudes the characters hold toward love. The importance of discussing how to help society is undeniable. It is fair to say that those who belong in the â€Å"haves† category have a certain moral obligation to provide some aid to those in the â€Å"have nots† category. The paradox comes in when the discussion of how to relieve the poor takes the place of taking that action. A fine example of this paralyzing intellect can be seen in Margaret and Helen from Howard’s End, as they engage in discourse regarding the poor with other members of the elite. The discussion of whether or not giving money to the poor â€Å"would be pauperizing them† (For... ... Whether the characters of Howard’s End and Women in Love have a hard time just loving another person, are paralyzed in action, or affected socially, it is clear that the new intellectualism portrayed in both novels muddles the beauty of their lives’ pictures. Instead of creating a simple, yet elegant portrait of English life, the characters of both novels allow their over-meditation to add blotches of undesirable color to their picture. Instead of a stunning depiction of England’s state, Forster and Lawrence provide the audience with a gaudy, grotesque view of British society. Though the intelligence of the upper-class may give the appearance of a more rational society, it is obvious that the characters if Howard’s End and Women in Love could live more balanced lives if they would, simply, simplify. Works Cited Heartquotes.net. HeartMath LLC. 2004.

Percentages in Our Life

Percentages in real world Keywords: math, divide, percentage, interest, persent change Around the year 1260, the philosopher Roger Bacon wrote: â€Å"Mathematics is the door and the key to the sciences†¦ for the things of this world cannot be made known without a knowledge of mathematics†. Centuries later this is as true as ever. Mathematics is unique. It is both a beautiful and fascinating world of abstract structures and ideas and a down-to-earth, practical subject at the heart of modern science and technology.Much of its attraction comes from studying the relationship between theory and practice – an elegant theorem on complex functions, for example, also governs the lift on an aircraft wing, and apparently highly abstract algebraic results have important consequences in data security. There is one of the way to express how large/small one quantity is, relative to another quantity in math we use percentage. A percentage is a part of something expressed as a valu e out of a hundred. Percentages are an important part of our everyday lives. Some examples include: sales and discounts interest rates percentage chance of rainfall xam results statistics and survey results sports statistics. Percentage is a very handy way of writing fractions. Percentages can be compared more easily than fractions(fraction (from Latin: fractus, â€Å"broken†) represents a part of a whole or, more generally, any number of equal parts, for example, one-half, eight-fifths, three-quarters). A percent can always be written as a decimal, and a decimal can be written as a percent, by moving the decimal point two places to the right. The history of percentages goes back to the ancient Egyptians who wrote numbers (based on tens) alongside pictures called hieroglyphs. The idea of xpressing parts of the whole are constantly in the same proportions, due to practical considerations, was born in ancient times from the Babylonians, who used the sexagesimal fractions. Alre ady in Babylonian cuneiform tables are problems on the calculation of interest. Interest and have been known in India. Indian mathematicians calculated the percentages, using the so-called rule of three, that is, using a proportion. Examples: 1)To calculate a percentage value from absolute numbers Peter scores 25 out of 32 in an exam, what is his result as a percentage? To calculate Peter’s percentage score it is necessary to change '25 out of 32†² into ‘? ut of 100'. So: 25/32=? /100 This is done by multiplying the actual score by 100: 25/32 x 100 = 78% So 25/32 is the same as 78/100 So John got 78% in his exam. 2)To calculate the true value a percentage represents A camera normally costs ?120 but in the sale it has been reduced by 15%. How much discount does this represent? (ie 15% of 120) 15% of 120 = 15 ‘out of 100' of 120. 15 ‘out of 100' can be written as 15/100 So: =15/100*120 =0. 15*120 =18 Therefore 15% represents ?18 discount on the camera, th e sale price being ?102 (?120 less discount ?18). 3)To calculate percentage increases and decreasesPercent increase and percent decrease are measures of percent change, which is the extent to which something gains or loses value. Percent changes are useful to help people understand changes in a value over time. Let's look at example of percent increase and decrease. A particular brand of milk cost 35 per bag last week. This week it costs 42 per bag. By what percentage has the price risen? Percentage increase = Actual increase/Original value x 100 In these example: actual increase = 42 – 35 = 7 original value = 35 Therefore: Percentage increase = 7/35 x 100 = 0. 2 x 100 = 20% The price has risen by 20%. )To compare or combine results with different base values Dina sat two exams last week. In science she scored 68 out of 100. In maths she scored 39 out of 60. Which subject did she do the best in? This is not instantly clear. The results would be easier to compare if they had t he same base – ie they were both ‘out of' the same number. The easiest way to do this is to change them both to percentages. Use the same method as with Peter's exam results earlier. Make them both ‘out of 100'. Science: 68 out of 100 = 68% This one is easy because the mark is already out of 100. Maths: 39 out of 60 = ? ut of 100 39/60 x 100 = 65% So, Dina did better in her science exam than her maths exam. 5)Percentages more than 100% This can seem confusing. Sometimes 100% represents a whole one. For example, in exams you can’t do any better than 100% as this represents all the marks available. Likewise when looking at percentage chances, there can be no more than a 100% chance of rain. This represents a certainty. However, there are other situations where you can use percentages that are more than one hundred. For example, a country experiencing hyper-inflation can have an inflation rate of, say, 300%.If you think of this as 300 ‘out of a hundred', this may seem impossible. However, you could think of it as 300 ‘for every hundred' and then it makes more sense. After all, any percentage gives a score ‘for every hundred'. An exam result of 68% is 68 correct answers for every hundred questions. Looking back at the inflation situation, you now need 300 more units of currency for every hundred units you needed before. If you are not sure whether you can use percentages greater than one hundred in a particular situation, the best way to check is to invent some numbers or an example and see if the result is sensible. ) A table normally sells for J750; in a sale it is reduced by 180%. Does this make sense? First, what is 180% of 750: 180% x 750 = 1350 So, how much would the table be in the sale (750 – 1350 = – 600)? As the table cannot be sold for less than nothing, it does not make sense, percentages greater than 100 cannot work in this situation. b) A shoe manufacturer sells 10,000 pairs of trainers in the month of May. During the World Cup demand increases and by August sales have risen by 180%. Does this make sense? First work out 180% of 10,000: 180% x 10,000 = 18,000So the manufacturer sold 18,000 more pairs of trainers in August than in May. This would mean that sales of trainers in August totalled 28,000 (10,000 + 18,000). This does make sense, so percentages greater than 100 can be used in this context. Why do we use percentages? The use of percentages in many financial situation is so natural that is is worth spending a few moments considering why this is so. If you need to divide something up into portions so that each person gets an appropriate share of the whole then percentages are a good way to go about it.If a pie is divided into two parts so that A gets twice as much as B then the appropriate percentages are 66. 66% and 33. 33%. As long as the pie is shared out into these percentages the two-to-one ratio will be maintained. When relative importance is gauged as a ratio then a percentage allocation is appropriate. However notice that as the total amount to be divided increases the absolute gap between what A and B receive increases. This property of a percentage increase/decrease of keeping ratios fixed is less arguably appropriate when what is being shared is less obvious. For example. f A and B work for an hourly rate of $20 per hour and $10 per hour then a percentage wage rise of 10% will keep the two-to-one payment the same at $22 per hour and $11 per hour. However the differential between the two rates of pay has jumped from $10 to $11. If a percentage increase is repeatedly applied the differential between the hourly rates goes on steadily rising even though the two-to-one ratio remains unchanged. This isn’t necessarily wrong but it is important that all concerned understand that a percentage increase or decrease keeps existing ratios fixed but changes absolute differences.

Intermediate Financial Management

BA – 316 Project Part 1 Identify a company Look at financial statements (from previous years, at least one year) Conduct ratio analysis. Use Dupont equation from results.. Make a financial statement Organize and Analyze Statements Make recommendations – how will you improve the forecast Strengths, weaknesses, etc. Part 2 Forecasting – Statistical Analysis Standard Goal of 10% Determine location of new funds (borrowing, issuance of stocks, capital) ? page to 1 page proposal before starting project Chapter 2 Homework – (5 , 9) & Mini Case (a – i), (#12 for 08/31) *Mini Case (j – m) for 09/12 Correlation Coefficient -> Degree of variability Possibilities of economy on investments ProbabilityRate of Return A Pessimistic. 2513% Likely. 5015% Optimistic. 2517% Realized Rate of Return & Correlation Coefficient ***Calculate Correlation of Coefficient for these stocks Stocks X, Y, and Z Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Avg? X8%10%12%14%16%12%3. 16 Y16%14 %12%10%8%12%3. 16 Z8%10%12%14%16%12%3. 16 Correlation – A statistical measure of the relationship between the rates of return of two assets Correlation Coefficient – A statistical measure of the degree of the relationship between the rates of return of two assets. Positively Correlated – Describes two rates of return that move in the same direction Negatively Correlated- Describes two rates of return that move in opposite directions ?= t=1n(ri,t-ri,avg)(rj,t – rj,avg)t=1nri,t-ri,avg2t=1nrj,t – rj,avg2 Yearr  ? xryrz 18%16%8%Rxy= 2101410 3121212Rxz= 4141014 516816 Diversifiable Risk Company-specific risk Unsystematic risk S&P, NASDAQ, Dow Jones Non-Diversifiable Risk Market Risk Systematic Risk The risk of a portfolio depends on the correlation coefficient of returns on the assets within the portfolio. 1. If rate of return of two assets are perfectly positively correlated, R = 1 2. If rate of return of two assets are perfectly negatively correlated, R = -1 3. If rate of return of two assets are independent, -1 < R < 1 Beta Coefficient – b Measure of the risk that one asset can contribute to a portfolio ry = a + b(rM) When beta is positive, it means that the stock moves with the market And vice-versa if beta is negative Beta measures the non-diversifiable risk of an asset. Find Correlation Coefficient (as a portfolio) Calculate beta – Use S&P What should be the risk of the portfolio? **Pick a pair Exxon & BP Walmart & Kroger Verizon & AT&T Toyota & Ford CAPM – Capital Asset Pricing Model A model that describes the relationship between the required rate of return and the non-diversifiable risk of a portfolio rMrxryrz 55102. 5 1010205 1515307. 5 20204010 25255012. 5 30306015 r17. 517. 5358. 75 b1120. 50 ?111 bx= ? rx? rm? xm = ? x? m? xm SML Equation – ri = rrf + (rm – rrf)bi IF rm = 9% RRF = 3% bA = 0. 5 bB= 1 bC= 2 Slope of SML line provides the riskiness of the market, aka market risk premium. Chapter 3 – page 76 Optimal Portfolio Homework (#7) Covariance COVAB = i=1nrAi- rArBi- rBPi ProbabilityAsset AAsset BAsset CAsset DAsset E .158%4%12%2%4% .20861046 .3088878 .2081061210 .1581241612 r ? 88888 ?02. 522. 524. 662. 52 COV COVxy= ? x ? y(? xy) Solve COVBD, COVBE, COVCD Calculate risk without beta ?p= wx2? x2+(1-w)y2? y2+2w(1-w)? xy? x? y Two key factors for investing How much is the rate of return What is the risk involved If COV is large & positive Portfolio standard deviation will be between the two stand-alone deviations If COV is large & negative Portfolio standard deviation will be minimized (lower than the lowest one) Analyzing portfolio options Asset AAsset B r ? 5%8% ?410 wawbr ? p 100%05. 0 75%25%5. 75 50%50%6. 5 25%75%7. 25 0100%8. 0 ?p ?ab = 1? ab = 0? ab = -1 Linear relationship between increases in portion changes of asset A vs. asset B Percentage change in risk also remains constant if perfectly positively or perfectly negatively correlated Look into financial statements for project, bring to class 09-28 r ? A = 5% ?A = 4% r ? B = 8% ?B = 10% wAwbr ab = 1? ab = 0 ? ab = -1 100%0%5%444 75255. 755. 53. 90. 5 50506. 57. 05. 43. 0 25757. 258. 57. 66. 5 01008. 010. 010. 010. 0 Plot rate of return on y-axis and risk on x-axis The feasible set will be determined Most Efficient portfolio Provides maximum expected rate of return with the least risk. The capital market line Shows the possibility that investors could have an efficient portfolio outside of the feasible set Short-term borrowing and short-term lending

An admission essay Essay

â€Å"Finance is like art† you have to analyse every aspect before making just a decision. I believe that if someone is good at art, he would be good at finance because you need logic; everything has a set order and method. Each piece is placed carefully and has a high significance amongst its environment. You need analytical skills to take apart every piece of information and use it to make your own decisions. After three years studying at University of Tirana- Finance Department I am once again seeking career advancement and this is the reason why I applied to this program. Taking into consideration my foundation and my interests, graduating from this studying program is the next logical step. I have got ambition to climb the career ladder, but in my opinion to reach the highest positions you must be motivated to keep your skills updated and motivation is one of my greatest skills. Motivated from the above sentence my goal is to work in a reputable investment bank or the treasury departments of an international bank. But also I would like to work as a financial advisor, which is my short term goal. My education has provided me with an excellent introduction to business, and they have sparked my interest in finance. I have the ability to pick up skills and knowledge quickly and am independent enough to conduct my own study and research. I have become more flexible in identifying what concepts need to be used and when, thus, helping me achieve the greatest results possible are the studies of this program. This is the way my education contributed to my decision to enter the program. At this point in my life, I consider the studies of the program necessary since I need to gain a broader understanding of finance and to sharpen my analytical skills in order to be successful in corporate finance. This program will assist me achieving my future career goals because it will allow me to concentrate in finance, strengthen my global business perspective, and provide me with the opportunity to study with and learn from people with varied backgrounds. It will also help me to develop my self-confidence and will give me greater powers of resilience. Upon graduation from the program, I will seek a position as an associate within the corporate finance department of a large, Wall Street, investment-banking firm. In three to five years, once I have become adept in financial analyses, drafting prospectuses, preparing business presentations and other financial advisory work, I will move into a senior associate position. Here I will develop my abilities to anticipate client needs and to engineer solutions that address these needs. In approximately 10 years, I will have the experience necessary to take on upper-level management.