Multilingual Education Essay

In the long years of educating children, the school and the curriculum designed to use Filipino and English as a medium of instruction. Although English is a foreign language, we use it to serve as our language especially communicating and expressing ideas. By using it, we are being globally competitive that we can align in other countries. And to show also that we are not behind among the competitive countries worldwide in the field of education. Filipinos were considered smart and flexible as we can easily learn foreign language. However in the long time of using it, not all may have the skill to understand and speak it. Those other children could not express their ideas freely because they find it difficult. Sometimes it leads them to have a low self-esteem. One of the changes in Basic Education Curriculum brought about by the new K-12 program is the introduction of Mother Tongue- Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) specifically in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2 and 3 to support the goal of â€Å" Every Child- A- Reader and A –Writer† by Grade 1.† Multilingual Education typically refers to â€Å"first-language-first† education that is, schooling which begins in the mother tongue and transitions to additional languages. It is meant to address the high functional illiteracy of Filipinos where language plays a significant factor. Every area has different lingua franca, the most common language in an area. Mother tongue means we are using the language in our community. The language you already heard and used by the people around. It’s the language that was used in daily conversation with the family and neighborhood. We use our own dialect as we say. During kindergarten and Grade One the child starts to learn how to read. During this stage, they struggle to learn reading. Not all are fast learners; some are poor because they could hardly recognize words especially in English. In this stage they need follow up in school and at home. Many children are found to be poor-readers and having difficulty to comprehend stories and paragraph. That is the common problem in school. A child who suffers this situation became passive and doesn’t want to go to school anymore. When the teacher is having a discussion, a child will not participate and afraid to commit mistakes in answering because they don’t know how to express their answer. The mother tongue was implemented because many children are not comfortable using foreign language as medium of instruction. A child could not express an idea if it is in English because other children find difficulty to use it. Mother Tongue will serve as a foundation to learn Filipino and English easily. Starting kindergarten, the children will use mother tongue. They will learn their lesson using stories, poems, illustrations based on their local culture. Learning will be continuous to the child as they use their own language. They will express ideas freely and have confidence within themselves. It is easy for them to construct sentences, make paragraphs as they identify the terms use. Easy to converse and recite because the words use are familiar and they use it every day. They would count numbers, sing songs, recite poems in the language use in the community. Understanding occurs instantly in them. Studies show that students learn better when taught in their native language than in a foreign tongue. Through the use of the mother tongue, it will develop their reasoning skills and higher thinking skills of the students. Pupils can easily express their different views and ideas during class discussion. Further, students will understand their lessons better; at the same time infuse a sense of nationalism and they will also gain fluency in their L1. MTB-MLE benefit pupils because they easily understand their lessons and the learning skills of students can be easily achieved. The objective in lessons of the teachers can be achieved as pupils comprehend well. They can understand what the teacher is talking in front. They can give examples and interact well in discussion. Their self-esteem develops and confident to deal with the lessons. It is easy to the teacher to establish rapport among her pupils. We are also promoting nationalism because we use the native language rather than the foreign language. If there are benefits we get from this, there are also disadvantages. The implementation of MTB-MLE will demand more time to translate books into different dialects knowing that Tagalog is not the only dialect that Filipino people speak. In different areas in the Philippines, we use different dialects so it will take more time to study and translate it to our own dialect. I find it difficult to other pupils who are transferee .If they come from a school where they had different language use, they will find it hard because they need to adapt and study the dialect of that particular area in order to communicate. It will create confusion also on the side of the child due to different terms use. Example if a child came from Cebu then transferred to Iloilo. Cebuano’s language is different to Hiligaynon. So a child does not know the words to speak or might his/her classmates laugh at him/her. Maybe the child can speak words that had different interpretations to that certain place and could create misinterpretation. And also in Iloilo we have different languages use in every town. We have different versions of Hiligaynon. And every word has different meanings. It would cause misinterpretations and confusions. Because some words are easy but other words are very difficult to understand even it is in Mother Tongue. It is also difficult for those who are comfortable using English as their medium of instruction. They are used to speak and use English well so they could not comprehend well in the Mother Tongue. They become confuse what are the exact words to use when it is translated in Mother Tongue. And some pupils who studied their kindergarten from private schools whose instruction is on English will find difficulty interpreting the translation of the subjects in Hiligaynon because they are not used by it. Sometimes they could not get the instructions well. Their performances were affected of this language acquisition. Another problem with Mother Tongue is when children already familiarized with it, they will be poor in speaking English. They will less prioritize the use of it. They would only stick to mother tongue because it’s the only easiest language for them in order to communicate. Hope that all the programs that were implemented will pave way to an improved and quality education no matter what language should be use as an instruction. And all children will be given equal opportunity to avail the quality of education that the government offers. That will help to lessen non-readers and poor readers of the country. That Mother tongue will make the lessons easy for every child in recognizing and comprehend to lessons and stories. That they will learn to express their ideas well and eliminate illiteracy and become fast readers in the future.

Lord of the Flies- Leadership Analysis on Ralph

A leader is someone who directs or guides a group. However, good leadership is the ability to set priorities and accomplish what needs to be done with the feelings of the group in mind. In Lord of the Flies, Ralph demonstrates many traits that would be considered good leadership. At times he also lacks them, and if he had demonstrated them he could have helped the situation greatly. Ralph understands how people feel and has the ability to respect that and make decisions based off of people’s feelings. He also has the ability to be very serious, which is a good leadership trait if you want to accomplish something.Ralph was also very wise and always made the decisions that he thought were best for the group. In addition, Ralph is very hard working, once he knows what needs to be done he will work very hard to accomplish that task. Throughout the book Ralph demonstrates he is empathetic towards other people’s feelings, he is serious towards his goal, he makes wise decision s, and he is hardworking towards the task at hand. In the book, Ralph was empathetic and showed understanding towards the boys’ feelings. â€Å"‘Trouble is, we haven’t got enough people for a fire. You got to treat Samneric as one turn.They do everything together-’† (138) This shows that, even in a time of crisis, Ralph will consider everyone’s feelings before he acts. This trait also hinders Ralph because he does not realize how unproductive it would be to treat the twins as one boy until Piggy explains it to Ralph. This is an example of how he may understand the boy’s feelings, but he must use his wisdom to make the best decision for the whole group. Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, â€Å"You do not lead by hitting people over the head — that's assault, not leadership. † This is a perfect example of the difference between Ralph and Jack.Jack lacks the quality of empathy, which is what divides Ralph from Jack and leads Ja ck’s group to chaos while Ralph’s still holds onto some civilization. Ralph also cared about Jack’s feelings in the beginning because he felt bad that he had all the power so he told the boys, â€Å"‘Jack’s in charge of the choir. They can be- what do you want them to be? ’† (23) This shows that he is willing to share his power, while Jack will later want it all for himself. In the book Ralph is also very serious most of the time. Ralph is serious because he knows what must be done and how to accomplish it.Ralph’s main goal is to keep the fire going and to get rescued. Ralph often sticks to this idea and prioritizes what they must do, while the other boys just focus on having fun. â€Å"‘You hunters! You can laugh! But I tell you smoke is more important than the pig, however often you kill one. Do all of you see? ’ He spread his arms wide and turned to the whole triangle. ‘We’ve got to make smoke up th ere – or die. ’† (69) This shows that Ralph can be serious, while the other boys do not try to be. In being serious, Ralph is able to focus on the main task at hand and make practical decisions, which in turn makes him a good leader.However, at first Ralph had fun with Jack and Simon when they all went to see if the island they were on was truly an island. This shows that he may have developed leadership qualities once he needed to. Being serious did not always help Ralph, the other boys joined Jack’s group because they thought it would be more fun. Had Ralph been able to have fun while trying to accomplish his important tasks (like keeping the fire going), he may have been able to have more boys stay with him. At the beginning of the book Ralph says, â€Å"‘This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we’ll have fun. † (33) While Ralph was more open to fun, the group of boys held together tighter; the more and more Ralph tries to keep the fire going the more and more nobody listens. Ralph is also very wise for his age. He knows what needs to be a priority for the group, he says, â€Å"‘The fire is the most important thing on the island. How can we ever be rescued except by luck, if we don't keep a fire going? ’† (80) and he continues on to say that they should die before they let the fire go out because Ralph knows that if the fire goes out they are as good as dead, and have no hopes for ever being rescued.He was always wise to try to keep order because he knew if it was lost there would be no way to regain it, he always insisted on sticking to the rules and everyone doing an equal part. Also, once order was almost lost Ralph knew not to call the boys back to the meeting, when they went with Jack, because he knew if he blew the conch then and it failed the power of it would be lost forever to the boys on the island. In the beginning of the book Ralph also knew that building huts should have been the priority over hunting. Ralph says, â€Å"‘If it rains like when we dropped in we’ll need shelters all right.And then another thing. We need shelters because of the-’† (52) At the end of the quote Ralph is referring to the beast all of the children are afraid of. This shows he is wise because he knows what needs to be the group’s priorities. Throughout the book, Ralph was also hardworking. He always knew what had to be done and was willing to put in the work to do it. He knew that it was more necessary to build the huts rather than to hunt and he worked hard, with only Simon’s help, to complete the shelters. Ralph says in an argument with Jack, â€Å"‘People don’t help much†¦ Simon. He helps. He pointed at the shelters. ‘All the rest rushed off. He’s done as much as I have. ’† (54) This shows that even with very little help from the rest Ralph will work hard to accomplish his goal, even if it makes him angry to do so. Ralph also works hard on trying to get the boys to make sure the fire keeps going. He insists on multiple occasions that it is the priority and tries very hard to get that idea ingrained into the boys’ heads. However, towards the beginning and the end of the book Ralph is not as hard working because he doesn’t have the goal of keeping the fire going.Towards the end of the book he gets confused and slightly confused by the savagery, which causes him to forget about the fire at times. Ralph says to the group of children, â€Å"‘The fire’s the most important thing. Without the fire we can’t be rescued. I’d like to put on war-paint and be a savage, But we must keep the fire burning. The fire’s the most important thing on the island, because, because-’† (142) Towards the end of Ralph’s speech he starts to forget the main importance of the fire. He doesnâ €™t recall until Piggy reminds him.Towards the beginning of the book Ralph says, â€Å"This is our island. It’s a good island. Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we’ll have fun. † (33) This shows that Ralph is not as hardworking at first towards the goal of being rescued and takes the idea of being rescued for granted. He does not realize how hard he actually has to work to be rescued until he stayed on the island for longer and realized they must keep the fire going and cannot just rely on luck. Ralph demonstrated many leadership qualities throughout the course of the book.However, in some cases he lacks some of the same traits that would be necessary towards the situation. Throughout the course of the book his leadership skills develop because, at first, the only reason he was leader was because he found the conch. He had to develop some of his leadership traits afterwards to rise to the occasion. He was also not hungry for power; he developed the idea t o remain leader once he was elected. Jack wanted the power to begin with and came with most of the traits he displayed throughout the book, while Ralph develops a lot throughout the course of it.

Case Study for Coca-Cola vs Pepsico for 2009

LP 6. 2 Comparative Analysis Case, The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, Inc. Instructions: Go to the book’s companion website and use the information found there to answer the following questions related to The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, Inc. (a) What were the cash and cash equivalents reported by Coca-Cola and PepsiCo at the end of 2009? What does each company classify as cash equivalents? Answer: On April 9, 2009, Coca-Cola Company reported cash and cash equivalent to be $6,816,000,000 and on December 26, 2009, PepsiCo reported cash and cash equivalent to be $3,943,000,000. Coca-Cola has made almost double the cash and cash equivalent than PepsiCo. Cash equivalent from both companies generally including their time deposits and other investments that are highly liquidated and have maturities of three months or less at the date of as cash equivalents from both companies. Coca-Cola Company typically fund a significant portion of their dividends, capital expenditures, contractual obligations, and share repurchases and acquisitions with cash generated from operating activities. They rely on external funding for additional cash requirements. The Company does not typically raise capital through the issuance of stock. Instead, the company use debt financing to lower overall cost of capital and increase their return on shareowners’ equity. Refer to the heading ‘‘Cash Flows from Financing Activities†. PepsiCo believed that their cash generating capability and financial condition, together with their revolving credit facilities and other available methods of debt financing, would be adequate to meet their operating, investing and financing needs. As of December 26, 2009, their operations in Venezuela comprised 7% of their cash and cash equivalents balance. b) What were the accounts receivable (net) for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo at the end of 2009? Which company reports the greater allowance for doubtful accounts receivable (amount and percentage of gross receivable) at the end of 2009? (c) Assuming that allâ€Å"net operating revenues†(Coca-Cola) and allâ€Å"net sales†(Pepsi Co)were net cre dit sales,compute the accounts receivable turnover ratio for 2009 for Coca-Cola and PepsiCo; also compute the days outstanding for receivables. What is your evaluation of the difference?

Solutions to Reduce the College Dropout Rate Essay

Solutions to Reduce the College Dropout Rate - Essay Example The high college dropout rate also has many financial implications upon the society as the dropout crisis causes a net loss of $319 billion in the earnings (â€Å"President Obama Announces†). Alternative education options, improved parent-teacher and teacher-student understanding, and the implementation of programs to improve the students’ readiness for college education can help reduce the college dropout rates. Lack of interest in education is the reason behind the dropout of 50 per cent of the population of the dropping out students whereas more than 66.66 per cent of these students dropout because they don’t get any motivation or inspiration from the educational institutions to continue the education (â€Å"President Obama Announces†). This means that a student’s decision to leave the college can be temporal and the student may want to resume the studies from where they were left if provided an opportunity. To facilitate such students, the gover nment should provide the students with alternative pathways to education and training. They can be transfer colleges or work-based experiences that would enable the students to continue their academic and professional development even after leaving the education in the proper channel. This way, a student is provided with an opportunity to revert to the regular channel after some time. Colleges should also alter their teaching practices to provide more individualized and personalized support to the students for engaging them more. A teacher’s understanding of the students’ psychology is fundamental to his/her display of appropriate behavior towards them. â€Å"Experience indicates that helping the high-risk student establish a linkage with the college through either a personal relationship with a staff member, involvement in campus organizations, or a campus-based work assignment appears to be the single-most effective means of reducing attrition† (Jones 17). Inc reasing the engagement of parents in the process can also be quite helpful. The teachers should frequently interact with the parents to find out ways to mutually encourage the students to study. This also makes a teacher better able to understand the psychology of individual students. The US President Obama has recently taken some initiatives to improve the condition in the US. He challenged the states to locate the high schools in the US in which the graduation rate is less than 60 per cent and offered funds to change increase it. The Obama Administration has reserved a total of $3.5 billion for funding the measures to improve the graduation rate in the schools that have been persistently showing a low performance on the graduation. In addition to that, the FY 2011 budget prepared by the Obama Administration is inclusive of $900 million for the support of the School Turnaround Grants. President Obama’s efforts are directed at preventing the school dropout in the US and makin g the learning more involving for the students by use of appropriate recovery strategies. The Obama Administration has also prepared a College Pathways Program with an investment worth $100 million for the promotion of a culture of the students’ readiness for colleges in the high schools. The programs prepared to achieve this provide the students with the opportunity to gain the college credit as well as the high school diploma simultaneously. Concluding, the college dropout rates have been on an increase everywhere both within the

Coaching and Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Coaching and Development Plan - Essay Example It reaches into very personal and delicate matters. In many cases, the superior has to play he role both of coach and counselor. d. The new responses to be learnt should not be in conflict with old responses. If they do, the coaching should provide an opportunity for the olds responses to be unlearnt before the new responses are learnt Coaching and development is an organized procedure for increasing the knowledge and skill for people for a definite purpose. The purpose of coaching is to achieve a change in the behavioral of those being coached. aptitudes, skills and knowledge. It helps the newly recruited employees to be productive in minimum amount of time. Even for the experienced workers, it is necessary to refresh and enable them to keep up with new methods, techniques, new machines, and equipments for doing the work. 5. Evaluating the outcomes of coaching with a scientifically designed evaluation scheme. The evaluation programme should involve observation of trainee’s back on the job for some period of time after training and should also determine whether changes observed are attributable to coaching efforts. In any coaching process, after a certain level of proficiency, a span of time arrives in which no improvement takes place in the trainee. This period is later on followed by the increase in skill if the he situation is handled intelligently. The period during which very little or no improvement takes places is known as ‘plateau’. The plateau in the coaching and learning curve can be eliminated by improved method of coaching and instructions. This curve shows that when coaching is given to a trainee he first begins to lean a new style; he is likely to find himself unusually clumsy. During the early stage, the learners need the coaching’s encouragement. The duration of the first stage, will depend upon the complexity and newness of the skill being learnt. After this

The Response of Law Enforcement Agencies and Efforts to Combat Research Paper

The Response of Law Enforcement Agencies and Efforts to Combat Juvenile delinquency and the Effects both have on Society - Research Paper Example After the predication that a new wave of increased juvenile delinquents that would involve itself in serious crime. This era had many terms that described juveniles. The fear that numbers of juveniles would increase in the years that followed made many of the juvenile systems readjust their objects (DIANE Publishing Company 12). Because of the perception that the future juveniles would prove to be hardened criminals without morals and values, the juvenile systems opted to adopt punitive measures in the juvenile system. In real sense, the predicated new wave of merciless juvenile delinquents never appeared. However, the adolescents who committed offences in this era faced a system that treated them like the adults who were committing crimes. During this period, most of the delinquents facing charges received trial in courts that did not factor out that their age limited their competence in undergoing the trial process (Lipsey, et al 2). The results of the punitive juvenile system were devastating. Many of the delinquents ended up with life sentences without parole. Cries from the public about the treatment of juveniles in the justice system called for a change. In addition, psychologists proved that the maturity of the human brain occurred at 22 years. According to the new revelation, it was obvious that juveniles had deficiency in making sound decisions under immense emotional impulses. The scientific evidence and cries from the public forced the juvenile system to reconsider the rehabilitative purpose (Dood and Cesaroni 101). The implementation of the rehabilitative juvenile system needs to consider approaches that will influence the lives of the juveniles positively (Regoli, et al 70). Many approaches that have been in use have proved ineffective.... That juvenile delinquency is a problem in society especially when juveniles indulge in felony cases. Different juvenile systems are using different strategies in combating delinquency. From an examination of the issue, it is clear that there is need for new approaches. Integration of different approaches will offer success. The role of law enforcement officers is critical in addressing juvenile cases. Their attitudes and decisions determine the justice accorded to juveniles. The community has top work in conjunction with law enforcement agencies in combating delinquency. Rehabilitation facilities should present juveniles with opportunities to rebuild their lives and get their focus to the right track. Dealing with delinquents is a delicate matter. It determines whether the juvenile will undergo a worthwhile recollection or indulge in serious crimes. Some law enforcement units have noticed the need of readjustment of their cultures. New approaches such as the community prosecution are proving effective. The law enforcement agencies can still achieve much more in combating delinquency through research and adoption of evidence-based strategies.

Letter to an Extra-Terrestrial Alien Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Letter to an Extra-Terrestrial Alien - Essay Example So, he asked help from the king and queen of Spain who eventually agreed to support him. During his search, he accidentally found land which he thought was Asia but was really the Caribbean islands as they are called now. Columbus eventually made three more trips to the â€Å"New World† and established a settlement on one of the islands. He was made Governor but his abusive rule caused the loss of his reputation, title and wealth. Hernando Cortes or Cortes also came from Spain but his expedition brought him to Mexico. Here, Cortes built a settlement and made friends with the inhabitants, people called the Aztecs. The natives thought that Cortes was part of a prophecy and so they accepted him warmly. Later on, the two groups disagreed with each other. While Cortes was away to fight another Spanish group who was trying to capture him, the Aztec revolted in the capital, Tenochtitlan and eventually the Spanish left the city. In 1521, Cortes and his men returned to Tenochtitlan, conquered the Aztecs and established a new settlement which is now known as Mexico. As you may have noticed when Columbus and Cortez came to the â€Å"New World† there were already people living on the islands. It is believed that groups of people called the Paleo-Indians were already inhabitants of the â€Å"New World† before the Europeans came. The Paleo-Indians were hunters. There are two theories of how they came to America. One is that they supposedly followed mammoths, their source of food, using a land bridge when the sea level was very low. Another theory is that they came using very primitive boats. Either way, this theory is the most commonly used explanation now for the discovery of America. So, people from Europe started to come and live here in America with the natives. Among these was a group supported by the Virginia Company of London. The group arrived at Cape Henry and explored the area of Chesapeake Bay. Part of the people who

Universities and how they are funded PowerPoint Presentation

Universities and how they are funded - PowerPoint Presentation Example The same applies to several Master’s programmes for EU-EEA, Swiss and Finnish students. Erasmus Mundus programmes attract fees for non-EU students, but eligible to Erasmus Mundus Scholarship by application. In general European Union students have the same rights in another EU State. Thus, European Union citizens are involuntarily entitled to education in other European Union’s member states: therefore should not be paying more tuition fees and they must always be able to access a residence permit. Despite European Union financial crisis, its government has managed to present multi annual financial framework for 2014 to 2020 to its Education system that proposes to increase education and training funds by 70%. This is equivalent to 17 billion Euros to support cooperation between institutions, transnational learning mobility, implementation of education policies in the Member States and modernization of education. Alzheimer Europe, 2009, August 21, â€Å"The four main approaches,† Retrieved July 5, 2012, from Alzheimer Europe: http://www.alzheimer-europe.org/Research/Understanding-dementia-research/Types-of-research/The-four-main-approachesAtwater, M., Freeman, B., Butler, B. & Draper-Morris, J. (2010). A case study of science teacher candidates’ understandings and actions related to the culturally responsive teaching of ‘Other’ students. International Journal of Environmental & Science Education , 5 (3),

Retention of Heritage Language as a Means of Encouraging Bilingual Essay

Retention of Heritage Language as a Means of Encouraging Bilingual Education Among Immigrants - Essay Example In this study, we examine the place of heritage language among immigrants and how this can form an important aspect of â€Å"America’s push to becoming a fully integrative and bilingual nation† (Chiswick and Miller 119). It should not be taken to mean that all in the American society share in the view that bilingual is a positive thing. In any case, the debate appears to be a divisive matter among scholars, policymakers and politicians. This study seeks to delve into the overall debate and demonstrate why heritage language is an opportune way of achieving this goal. Close reference will be given to the Hispanics; Hispanics are the fastest growing group of immigrants in United States. Bilingualism is a reality in modern day world. Firstly, the world’s projected 5000 languages are used in the globe’s 200 countries, representing an average of 25 languages for every state; â€Å"this means that interactions between citizens of numerous world countries clearly require extensive bilingualism† (Bhatia and Ritchie 1). At the moment, the processes of globalization are now in progress these developments heighten the extent and character of multilingualism, as citizens across the globe build awareness on the merits of adding a world language to their verbal repertoires (Bhatia and Ritchie 1). One must consider that, far from being exceptional, as most people believe, bilingualism and in extension multilingualism is at present the tenet all over the world and will turn out to be progressively more so in the future. Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two languages. There is a difference between individuals and social bilingualism as well... This paper approves that parents and siblings are typically important in a student’s multi-literacy development. They often provide a literacy ‘eco-system’ where there is mutual support, adaptability, and linguistic survival and spread. Different languages may mean differing roles. This report makes a conclusion that heritage language degeneration is widespread in modern society, especially in U.S. where policies, social, economic as well as political activities are conducted in English. Most immigrants feel alienated mainly due to their insufficiency in the English language. Thus their first step is to learn English and sideline their heritage language albeit to gain acceptance from their native counterparts. This translates to a slow but sure death of the heritage language. This loss is not only a blow to efforts aimed at developing bilingualism but it also affects the culture and identity of the immigrants. Sooner or later, they feel misplaced and isolated as they lack a particular community, or society they can completely associate with. As gathered from this text, these are misplaced fears, as proved, retaining the heritage language does not in any way affect one’s capacity to understand a second language in any case it enhances one’s linguis tic capacity. In this case, there is no need to do away with the heritage language as a prerequisite in understanding English. This fact underlines the main point of this study that immigrants need to foster their heritage language even as they cultivate their understanding of the second language.

Canadian Politics - Senate Reform in Canada Essay

Canadian Politics - Senate Reform in Canada - Essay Example Senate reforms are also looked at from a positive outlook based on the comprehension of their connection with democracy and the legitimate establishment of representative institutions that are linked with democratic processes such as electing Senators rather than relying on an appointment procedure upon the discretion of the prime minister. The essay also aims to shed light upon the effectiveness of Senate reforms by analyzing whether a direct electorate process is applicable in the Canadian political structure and what alternatives can be explored to enhance the legitimacy of the Canadian Senate by using the reforms applied by the Australian Senate as a primary model, so that the Canadian Senate reforms can be categorized as legitimate, democratic and most of all applicable to the nation of Canada. The essay follows an assessment on the prospects of senate reform in Canada to conclude both the negative and positive aspects of its implications and impact to conclude whether Senate reforms would prove to be favorable for the Canadian democracy. Carbert suggested that the possibility of senate reform has always been such that its implications on minorities do not often come under discussion. Understanding the effects of a senate reform whether negative or positive becomes even more important when acknowledging the fact that women constitute of a significant percentage in the Senate compared to any other legislative body in Canada. The Senate Appointment Consultations Act postulates that the Prime Minister no longer holds the authority to appoint Senators rather a voting process should be put into place which allows a democratic placement of Senators (Carbert 1). The proposed elements of the Bill C-20 stand on four crucial tenets which are of a preferential voting system, funding for campaigning, a board of nominations and regional magnitude. A scrutiny of these components of the bill suggest that women in the proposed situation could be at a

The Indianas Religious Freedom Restoration Act Essay

The Indianas Religious Freedom Restoration Act - Essay Example The essay "The Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act" talks about the Indiana’s religious freedom restoration act. Law doesn't grant businesses a right to categorize against anyone. Many followers of this Indiana's restoration act affirmed that they hoped it would help the Christians to evade participation in same sex weddings. Secondly, there is no burden in these laws. Those people behind it emphasize that it is a form of defense so that religious person is not obligated to act in ways that infringe their way of life. These laws were at first described as a way of shielding individuals from harm, for instance, to put off the management from forcing people to go against their beliefs except when there was a sound cause for such infringement and no fine option found. The Indiana law also incorporates a language in it to ensure that parties in private lawsuits or administrative actions can claim a religious basis for their questioned behavior. The supporters view t he law as just the protections for religious freedom. Those people who believe in the Indiana law say that there has been an exaggeration of the likely effects of the law and misunderstanding of how it works. They add that those people who invoke the law to avoid lawsuits should go through a judicial process in which the burden of their beliefs is compared with the interest of the state in imposing a fine or carrying out a mandate. These laws have drawn criticism for having the potential to support discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.

Prevention of teen pregnancy Essay Example for Free

Prevention of teen pregnancy Essay Explain the level of prevention with teen pregnancy (can choose your own level out of the three levels).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Teenage pregnancy has been a major problem not only in the developed world but also recently in the developing nations.   In the US and Canada, due to the increased awareness amongst teenagers, the prevalence of teenage pregnancies is decreasing.   However, in several developing nations, the incidence of teenage pregnancies is on the rise.   In the year 1999, it was found that about 97 teenagers out of every 1000 between the ages of 15 to 19 years were pregnant and about 80 % of them were not desired.    Before the age of 18 years, 80 % of the teenage girls have sex.   The age of menarche has also dropped to 12 to 13 years (Weiss, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Teenage pregnancies may not be intended for social reasons but due to other including medical and psychological.   The chances of the girl to have a miscarriage, abortion, stillborn baby, etc, are reasonable higher.   These girls are usually the ones who belong to the lower socioeconomic groups and the chances of living in poverty are realistically higher.   The financial burden on the woman would also increase, as she would now have to leave her studies and pick up some job in order to support her child.   Children born from a teen mother are frequently underweight and are at a high risk of developing health problems.   Due to a number of causes, it is always preferred that teenage pregnancies are prevented.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are three different levels of prevention when it comes to teenage pregnancies.   These include primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention.   Primary prevention includes measures to prevent pregnancies through physical or other methods.   These include use of contraceptive pills, condoms, etc.   This helps to reduce minimize the risk of getting pregnant.   Secondary prevention includes checkups, scans, etc, to ensure that the girl does not get pregnant.   This is usually followed if primary prevention is not enabled.   Tertiary prevention of includes taking measures to prevent any further pregnancies after one has already occurred in the teenage girls.   The best level of prevention would be primary prevention (Connelly Inui, 2004).  Ã‚               How might this specific level of prevention be addressed in a community experiencing an increase in family violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There are several measures which need to be adopted for primary prevention of teenage pregnancies.   These include health education, sex education, school and college based programs, health services, use of condoms, use of contraceptives (birth control pills), etc.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the teen pregnancy prevention program several people belonging to the community should be involved including the teenagers, parents, teachers, legislatures, administrators, professionals, media, medical professionals, School authorities, etc.   It is important that the entire community be involved in the program, as teenage pregnancy is a multi-faceted issue.   People are advised to develop responsible health attitudes, behavior and practices regarding teenage pregnancy.  Ã‚   The program should be much more than just offering health services and counselling services.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The program should take place at several places including schools, colleges, health centers, public health centers, community discussions, etc.   The targets of such programs should be more realistic and achievable.   Both the boy and girl should actively take part in such programs.   At all stages, it is very important that the family and the parents are involved.   Besides, resources and materials such as condoms, birth control pills, education material, counselling services, etc, should be provided.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the teenage pregnancy prevention program, multiple agencies should be involved.   In the planning and implementation of the program, teenagers themselves should be involved.   The parents should educate and create awareness in their children about sex and pregnancy during the childhood stage itself.   Hence, involvement of the parents is also required.   Mobile services would also help to create awareness in rural and far-flung areas.   The trust should be in creating increased levels of confidence, self-esteem and decision-making amongst teenagers.   Teenagers should also be educated about drug abuse and alcohol abuse.   Drug abuse can affect judgment, which can lead to irresponsible sex behavior. Explain why a comprehensive health program should address all three levels of prevention.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Teenage pregnancy programs need to address all the levels of prevention, as focusing on one single level of prevention and ignoring others would create bias and negative attitudes of the community to those girls who have already become pregnant.   As the rates of teenage pregnancy are reasonable high and a significant number of girls become pregnant during the teenage period, there are high chances that they would lead a miserable life.   This may make it all that more difficult to enable the process of primary prevention.   Several facilities such as health education, medical services for the mother and the child, housing, financial support, nursing homes, counselling, etc, need to be provided.   It is important that teenagers who become pregnant be given all the care and love during the pregnancy period and not be driven out of the house.   Pregnant girls should also be given counselling services as they would not know much of the manner in which their healthcare needs have to be met.   They should be specifically warned about drug abuse and smoking during this period. The focus should be on ensuring that the mother and child are healthy and do not suffer.   During the pregnancy period, the young father should be supportive of the girl.   The young mother should also be educated about the manner in which abuse and neglect need to be tackled. References: Connelly, M. T. Inui, T. S. (2004). â€Å"Principles of Disease Prevention.† In: Braunwald, E., Fauci, A. S., Kasper, D. L., Hauser, S. L., Longo, D. L. and Jameson, J.L. (Eds) Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, New York: McGraw-Hill. Huberman, B. (2005). â€Å"National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month (NTPPM) Planning Guidebook.† Retrieved on December 9, 2007, from Advocates of Youth Web site. Ontarios Maternal, Newborn and Early Child Development Resource Centre and the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (2007). â€Å"Update report on Teen pregnancy prevention.† Retrieved on December 9, 2007, from OMNECD Web site: SHPPS (2006). â€Å"Pregnancy Prevention.† Retrieved on December 9, 2007, from SHPPS Web site. Weiss, D. (2006). â€Å"Reducing Teenage Pregnancy.† Retrieved on December 9, 2007, from Planned Parenthood Web site: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/teen-pregnancy-sex-education/teenage-pregnancy-6240.htm

Caring for the Dementia Patient: Evidence Based Practice

Caring for the Dementia Patient: Evidence Based Practice Lisa Krier The population of elderly people in society is continually increasing, which places demands on the health care system. Drugs are extensively used in the elderly, and when the patients have dementia, this raises their level of vulnerability (Jedenius, Johnell, Fastbom, Stromqvist, Winbald Andreasen, 2011). The administration of psychotropic drugs to dementia patients experiencing out of character responses has become increasingly controversial. Many of these drugs come with black-box warnings from the FDA, have not been approved for use in patients with dementia and are not recommended for the elderly. Many of these drugs have shown to be harmful in the elderly, decreasing quality of life and even leading to death, and have adverse effects (Azermai, Elseviers, Petrovic, Van Bortel, Vander Stichele, 2011). Nurses have two options when dementia patients experience out of character responses, 1) administer a psychotropic medication to calm the resident, or 2) use a therapeutic approach to calm the patient without the potential of adverse side effects that medications pose (Logsdon, McCurry, Teri, 2007). Change Model Overview The John Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Process consists of defining the practice question, gathering, appraising, and synthesizing the available evidence, and then translating the plan into the clinical setting. Nurses with various levels of education have been able to use this process successfully with mentors assisting and the support of their organizations. Nursing professionals find this process beneficial in understanding the elements of nursing intervention and implementing the evidence found into their practice setting (Dearholt Dang, 2012) Practice Question Step 1: Identify an EBP question The population involved in this evidence-based practice question is dementia patients who experience out of character responses. The intervention being utilized is the use of therapeutic approaches to calm the dementia patient, compared with the use of psychotropic drugs to calm the dementia patient suffering an out of character response. The desired outcome is to see a decrease in the number and severity of out of character reactions in the patients, along with fewer adverse side effects that psychotropic medications may have (Jeste et al., 2008). Step 2: Scope of practice question The population of elderly in the United States is steadily increasing and many of these elderly will require the services of a long-term care facility sometime in their life (Harris-Kojetson, Sengupta, Park-Lee, Valverde, 2013). It is estimated that 69% of residents in long-term care facilities were taking at least one psychotropic medication (Galik Resnick, 2013). Out of character reactions are common in patients with dementia, but there is no FDA approved drugs to deal with these responses in the dementia patient. The unlabeled use of psychotropic medications is commonly used, even though many of these drugs come with black-box warnings from the FDA. These drugs can cause postural hypotension, sedation, falls, and even mortality, especially with the use of atypical antipsychotics (Jeste et al., 2008). The cost of fall related injuries are estimated to be between $16 and $19 billion annually for nonfatal injuries and around $170 million for deaths resulting from falls, adding addi tional demands on an already stressed health care system (Currie, 2008). Steps 3, 4, and 5: Team The team members involved in this pilot project consist of the Memory Support Coordinator, the Life Enrichment Coordinator, the night shift nursing supervisor, the day shift nursing supervisor, two Certified Nursing Assistants from the day shift and one Certified Nursing Assistance from the night shift. All of the selected participants have direct patient contact and work in the Memory Support Unit with all of the patients having a diagnosis of dementia. The Memory Support Coordinator will be the projects bridge to the facilitys administration. The chosen team members will be trained in therapeutic approaches to maintain a calming environment and to utilize when any of the patients experiences an out of character response. Evidence Steps 6 and 7: Internal and external search for evidence The quantitative research that was obtained for this projected consisted of three peer-reviewed research articles and one systematic review. One of the peer-reviewed research articles that was utilized for this project was of high evidence, with the other two peer-reviewed research articles containing good evidence. The systematic review that was used consisted of several randomized controlled trials. All of the articles used for this project did make recommendations based upon the evidence cited in the research. Steps 8 and 9: Summarize the evidence One of the peer-reviewed research articles that was obtained was of high strength and evidence. It consisted of a randomized study, a large sample size, a control group, and detailed the physical outcomes of dementia patients receiving psychotropic medications. The study recommends that careful consideration of the adverse effects of psychotropic medication used in the elderly along with further longitudinal studies is necessary to fully explore the impact these medications have on the elderly (Galik Resnick, 2013). The other two peer-reviewed research articles that were obtained were of good evidence and strength. One of the articles consisted of a systematic review of randomized clinical trials and discussed behavioral treatments that were successful in treating behavioral disturbances in dementia patients (Logsdon, McCurry, Teri, 2007). The third peer-reviewed research articles utilized for this project was a randomized study to discuss the prevalence of psychotropic medications used in nursing homes in relation to patient’s behaviors. The article consisted of a randomized study with a large sample size, but the study did not have a control group. Several recommendations were cited, including the withdrawal of psychotropic therapy in the elderly population (Azermai, Elseviers, Petrovic, Van Bortel, Stichele, 2011). The final research that was used for this project was a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials that had adequate sample sizes and control groups. This article discusses the two approaches used in treating dementia patients with behavior disturbances, pharmacological and behavioral. The articles discuss what is known and what is not known in regards to the two approaches and make several clinical and research recommendations (Jeste et al., 2008). Step 10: Recommendations for change All of the articles used in this project discussed the adverse effects of psychotropic medication use in this population and the fact that these medications are not effective in treating behavior disturbances in the dementia patient. When psychotropic medications are used to treat out of character responses in the elderly, they are being prescribed off-label as the FDA has not approved any of these medications for treating behavioral disturbances in the dementia patient. Also, many psychotropic medications come with black-box warnings from the FDA and have been proven to have many adverse effects, especially in the elderly population (Jeste et al., 2008). Two of the articles discuss the success of the use of therapeutic approaches in calming the dementia patient experiencing an out of character response. What makes the use of therapeutic approaches exciting is that there are no adverse physical effects associated with them and the quality of life is not diminished, and may possibly b e enhanced, in the dementia patient (Logsdon, McCurry, Teri, 2007). Translation Steps 11, 12, and 13: Action plan This pilot study will take place in the Memory Support Unit, which is home to approximately 36 residents, all of whom have a diagnosis of dementia. The eight faculty members that will be participating in this study will all attend a three-day training seminar on how to recognize the early signs of residents who are becoming anxious, and implementing therapeutic approaches for these patients to calm them rapidly and efficiently without the use of medication. After the training seminar, the staff will meet on a biweekly basis and carefully review each residents life story to become familiar with their history and likes or dislikes to design therapeutic approaches that are appropriate for the individual patient, as well as thoroughly examine the behavioral monitoring sheets of each resident who experiences out of character responses. The primary emphasis for the team will be to maintain a calm, quiet environment to prevent the onset of out of character responses, and decrease the number and severity of these behavioral disturbances. This project will be evaluated during each biweekly meeting, to see if the therapeutic approaches being used are effective for the individual residents by reviewing their behavioral monitoring sheets. Any changes to the residents individual care plan will take place during these meetings. The pilot study will be evaluated after the first six months to review the effects of any dosage reductions in psychotropic medications for individual residents and the efficacy of any therapeutic approaches utilized to manage their out of character responses. The Memory Support Coordinator will report the results to the administration of the facility and will discuss the findings at the weekly department head meetings. Steps 14 and 15: Evaluating outcomes It is the objective of this pilot study to see dosage reductions in any psychotropic medications being used, and eliminated altogether if possible, and to see the number and severity of out of character responses decreased without the use of psychotropic medication. Residents in the Memory Support Unit who receive psychotropic medications have their records reviewed by the pharmacist on a quarterly basis and recommendations for dosage reductions of these medications are then forwarded to the physician. Residents in the Memory Support Unit have detailed behavioral sheets where any behavioral disturbances are noted, how many times these disturbances occur per shift, any therapeutic interventions utilized before the administration of a prn medication, the efficacy of the intervention utilized, and any side effects noted from the administration of psychotropic medications. The behavioral sheets will be monitored on a weekly basis by the Memory Support Coordinator to see if there have bee n changes in any of the categories previously mentioned. Therapeutic approaches that have proven to be effective for individual residents will be added to their care plans. The individual results for each resident will be discussed at the biweekly meetings attended by the pilot study staff and the Memory Support Coordinator will forward this information on to the administration of the facility. Steps 16, 17, and 18: Implementation As there are dementia residents in every part of the facility, they also have behavioral monitoring sheets where the same information is recorded as those patients residing in the Memory Support Unit. After the initial pilot study staff have been trained and are utilizing therapeutic responses with all of the individuals in the Memory Support Unit, the entire staff in the Unit will be trained and coached by the pilot study staff. After the training has been completed in the Memory Support Unit, staff in the other areas of the facility will be trained and coached by the Memory Support Unit staff and will begin implementing the appropriate therapeutic approaches for their individual patients. The implementation of gradual dose reductions of psychotropic medications, unless clinically contraindicated, is mandated by CMS guidelines, as well as individualized approaches to person-centered care (CMS, 2013). This ensures that the implementations set forth in this pilot study will become per manent. The behavioral sheets for every resident with a diagnosis of dementia and/or receive psychotropic medications will continue to be monitored and discussed at the risk meetings that are attended by all department supervisors on a weekly basis. The results of this study will be entered into a database for forwarded to the home office, to be shared with all of the facilities in the organization. Conclusion The administration of psychotropic medications to elderly patients, especially those suffering from dementia, has been increasingly controversial. Currently there are no medications approved by the FDA for use in dementia patients suffering from behavioral disturbances, and if these drugs are being utilized, they are being prescribed for off-label use (Jeste et al., 2008). Psychotropic medications have shown to have negative effects on the physical function of elderly patients (Galik Resnick, 2013), even leading to mortality (Azermai, Elseviers, Petrovic, Van Bortel, Vander Stichele, 2011). Guidelines from the CMS mandate that gradual dose reductions be attempted for all psychotropic medications, unless clinically contraindicated, and individualized approaches to person-centered care are utilized (CMS, 2013). After thoroughly examining the evidence from the research articles, the pilot study staff will be trained in the use of therapeutic approaches to deal with resident experienci ng out of character responses. As the pilot staff becomes comfortable with implementing these approaches, the staff in the rest of the facility will be trained. The behavioral sheets for each resident will be monitored, and the therapeutic approaches that have proven to be effective for each resident will be added to their individual care plan. The behavioral sheets will be reviewed each week at the risk meetings attended by all department supervisors, and any appropriate changes will be made to the resident’s individualized care plans. The goal of this pilot study is to decrease the dangerous effects of psychotropic drug use in the elderly (Azermai, Elseviers, Petrovic, Van Bortel, Vander Stichele, 2011), as well as improve their quality of life with the use of therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to their individual needs and wants (Logsdon, McCurry, Teri, 2007). References Azermai, M., Elseviers, M., Petrovic, M., Van Bortel, L., Vander Stichele, R., (2011). Geriatric drug utilization of psychotropics in Belgian nursing homes. Human Psychopharmacology, 26, 12-20. Center for Medical Medicaid Services. (2013). Center for clinical standards and quality survey certification group. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=1ved=0CB4QFjAAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cms.gov%2FMedicare%2FProvider-Enrollment-and-Certification%2FSurveyCertificationGenInfo%2FDownloads%2FSurvey-and-Cert-Letter-13-35.pdfei=6g1xVO4V6YmxBMW8gdgEusg=AFQjCNH-POJP2PwdaIXyFpIGmzHN-vDrKw Currie, L. (2008). Fall and injury prevention. In R. Hughes (Ed.). Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26531 Dearholt S. L., Dang, D. (2012). John Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and guidelines (2nd ed.). Indianapolis, IN: sigma Theta Tau International. Galik, E., Resnick B. (2013). Psychotropic medication use and association with physical and psychosocial outcomes in nursing home residents. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 20, 244-252. Harris-Kojetson, L., Sengupta, M., Park-Lee, E., Valverde, R. (2013). Long-term care services in the United States: 2013 overview. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Jedenius, E., Johnell, K., Fastbom, J., Stromqvist, J., Winbald, B, Andreasen, N. (2011). Dementia management programme in a community setting and the use of psychotropic drugs in the elderly population. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, 29, 181-186. Jeste, D. V., Blazer, D., Casey, D., Meeks, T., Salzman, C., Schneider, L., †¦ Yaffe, K. (2008). ACNP white paper: Update on use of antipsychotic drugs in elderly persons with dementia. Neuropsychopharmacology, 33, 957-970. Logsdon, R. G., McCurry, S. M., Teri, L. (2007). Evidence-based psychological treatments for disruptive behaviors in individuals with dementia. Psychology and Aging, 22(1), 28-36.

Reflective essay: Stroke patient

Reflective essay: Stroke patient ASSIGNMENT FROM MOTHER NA A Reflective Essay on significant patient care event within a multidisciplinary setting. This will be a reflective analysis on a significant event that I have observed and experienced in clinical placements. A reflective model was not used, as it was too restrictive for the event being analysed, critiqued and discussed. My focus on this assignment is on assessment on a stroke patient and prevention of pressure ulcers. This was my first experience to nurse a stroke patient and therefore was very interested to know about the disease and how to make an assessment on patients in this situation. All details that could identify any person, clinical placement or trust have been changed to protect confidentiality, in line with The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2008). Reflection is an active process of witnessing one’s own experience so that we can make an evaluation in order to make a decision. Reflection has its foundations in the discipline off learning and experience in a student (Jasper 2003).Jasper (2003) believes that we learn by doing, and realising what came of what we did. There are so many models of reflection however, these are not meant to use for an inflexible set of questions to be answered but to give a construction on how to go about a problem. While on placement I worked with one of the qualified staff on the ward and looked after a lady aged 84 years. Doris had suffered a stroke which developed to impaired swallowing and speech. She was admitted to the ward due to having an ischemic stroke. A stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain and categorised as ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke. This occurs when the blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked or burst. This results in the brain not getting the oxygen and nutrients that it needs and eventually starts to die (Feigin et al 2003). Because of this patients have a propensity to develop swallowing impairment or speech impairment. Ischemic stroke take place as a result of an impediment within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. The original circumstances for this type of obstruction are the development of fatty deposits lining the vessel walls. This condition is called atherosclerosis (Lopez et a l 2006). These fatty deposits can cause two types of obstruction that is cerebral thrombosis or cerebral embolism. In the case of an embolism, a clot breaks loose and enters the blood stream and eventually fails to pass when it reaches smaller brain capillaries. Irregular heartbeats known as atrial fibrillation is another cause for embolism which is likely to form a clot in the heart and later dislodge and travel to the brain (Feigin et al 2003). The National Audit office (2005) report shows that 130,000 of United Kingdom population suffer a Transient ischemic attack (TIA) every year, of which half of the figure the stroke occurs in the people aged above 75yrs, however stroke do happen in all ages (Kwan 2001). Saka et al (2009) explains that the UK economy has to account for  £9 billion per year to cover the costs of stroke related diseases including its management and therefore causing a burden on the economy. Because of the muscle weakness due to a stroke, there’s loose o f control on the bladder sphincter causing incontinence. In addition statistics show that 63% of the population who are hospitalised develop pressure sores over the last 10 years. The figure includes the elderly and patients who have suffered a stroke. Communication was another issue; Doris could not communicate well due to the dysphasia which developed after the stroke and sadly no one in the family or friend had escorted Doris to hospital for health care staff to obtain her past history on admission. Taking a medical history is good practice as it allows health care staff to apply effective assessment which will meet the patient’s needs. It is through effective communication that effective assessment will be implemented. There are other approaches in communication, for example The â€Å"VERA† framework (validation, Emotion, reassure and activity) suggested in a study that it enabled student nurses to counter to elderly patients whose communication and behaviour proved to be difficult. These frameworks give choices to healthcare staff a set of principles to guide them with communication while providing any medical intervention. Childs, Coles and Marjoram (2009) state that the inability to communicate to others cause anxiety and fear. While Happ (2000 cited in Childs et al 2009) think that people who are unable to talk or communicate are â€Å"voiceless† and therefore it increase powerless and isolation in patients. Buckman (2000) emphasised that ‘ effective symptom management is imporsible without effective communication’. . Assessment is a process that involves collecting and organising information and acknowledged as an on-going process associated with the other nursing stages of the nursing process (Thomson and Mathias 2000). Brooker and Waugh (2007) state that decision making and judgement is usually based on information collected. The data is then used to identify the patients nursing problems on the base of need, which hopefully is brought out or recognised assessment (Thompson and Mathias 2000). Timby (2001) identifies two types of assessment a data base assessment and a focus assessment. The data assessment is the initial information about the patients physical, emotional, social and spiritual health, is lengthily and comprehensive. Database information is obtained during the admission interview and on carrying out physical examination. Field and Smith (2008) demonstrate the importance of person-centred assessment and also the need of multi-agency involvement. An observation was made that all t hese areas were met. Although each discipline had achieved assessment in a different way, they are valued for the assessment they will contribute to patient care. Brooker and Waugh (2007) feel that including integrated care pathways in patients care plan is good. This is a single document of which all the multidisciplinary team are able to record their care. To achieve good patient assessment, there is need to collect information from the past medical history and this will allow care to flow with one another. During the ward round a consultant had suggested that an indwelling catheter was to be inserted for easy flow of urine and to prevent the development of pressure sores. It was when the nurse advised that the catheterisation was to be done after all other works has been done on the ward because she had to carry out an aseptic procedure. Whilst on other placement this observation was not done instead catheterisation was carried out as a clean procedure. This prompted me to question, should all health care settings observe catheterisation as an aseptic technique procedure and when do health care staff identify the need of inserting a catheter. This issue has been brought to light by numerous guidelines and theories that have been published relating to and concerning infection control by the Department of Health. Although it is clear that Doris was vulnerable and likely to develop pressure ulcers, was it really necessary to insert a catheter? All parts of the multidisciplinary team carin g for the patients need to have an understanding of each other’s role, to achieve effective care through collaboration and decision making, but some nurses feel disempowered by more senior staff, for example; doctors; consultants, due to intimidation and hierarchy of roles and so can affect the influence nurses have on the decision making process (Coombs 2003). Nurses may come into conflict when collaboratively making decisions with the multidisciplinary team and patients as their personal and professional values may vary. A study suggests that catheter insertion has a potential off introducing micro-organisms into the bladder (Barford and Coates, 2009). In another study, Pratt et al, (2007) mentions that catheterization should be treated as a skilled aseptic procedure to be carried out by trained and qualified staff in order to reduce infection. Health associated infections are acquired while patients are receiving treatment in a care setting and can prolong hospital stay. These infections include any infection obtained as a result of healthcare whilst in hospital or other healthcare settings and can have an effect on both patients and all aspects of the multidisciplinary team, in addition teamwork means everyone has to be involved in the patient care (Nicholson et al 2010). . The Department of health (2006c) released a broad document which includes the generated acute hospital waste and the community practitioners. What is not known is whether the patient acquired the infection in hospital or not. T he patients’ age matters as infection risk increase in the elderly and young people. Patients whose nutritional status as in the case of Doris affects the ability of the body to fight infection and therefore a broad risk assessment is required (Horton and Parker 2002). Grandies et al., (2003 cited in Field and Smith2008) clarifies that in any assessment, the age, nutrition status, circulatory status, mobility, dependence level and mental awareness are to be taken into account. Patients need to be critically assessed for possibilities of developing pressure sores as the cost is huge to both the organisation looking after the patient and the patient herself. Health care staff needs to identify the existing risk factors already presenting on the patient which may lead to developing pressure sores. Iggulden et al (2009) describes pressure sores as damage to the skin and the underlying tissues caused by shearing, friction and moisture while Bick and Stephen in another study say that physical, and psychological well being including the environment is a factor causing pressure Sores. Mallet and Dougherty (2004) add on to mention that the extent of these ulcers if not properly treated may lead to damage of the involving muscles, tendons and the bone. Skin integrity is important in this situation. Due to illness arterial blood pressure may drop causing obstruction of circulation to the skin and therefore an ulcer will develop. It is clear that Doris was vulnerable and likely to develop pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are developed when patients sit or lie in one position for a long time. â€Å"The essence of care toolkit for clinical practice benchmarking has pressure ulcer prevention (department of health 2003). The water low score and Braden (cited in Bergstrom et al 1987) are good toolkits for assessing patients at the risk of pressure sores. However the NICE (2005) guide line instructs nurses not to rely on them alone. Doris’ water low score indicated she was at a risk of developing pressure sores. This was because her mobility and nutrition status were affected after the stroke. There is evidence in study that females are more vulnerable to pressure sores that male. This is because anatomically males are more muscular than females. It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure patients receive optimal nutrition and good hydration while in hospital. In another study statistics show that 63 % of elderly patients with stroke develop pressure sores due to poor mobility and nutrition in the last 10 years. Doris was at higher risk to develop as she typically lost muscle and subcutaneous tissue due to poor nutrition following her difficulties to swallow, poor nutritional status also makes her more vulnerable. Ongoing assessment at this time is crucial as it will trigger on all the possible barriers of poor nutrition and hydration on patients who require help in feeding and drinking (NHS Choices2010). Nutrition and hydration are important in health but in illness there are certain considerations that have to look into because the body needs nutrients in order to recover mostly in wound healing including preventing infections (Royal collage of Nursing (RCN) 2009). The RCN (2009) clarifies that poor nutrition and hydration is a threat to patients who have suffered stroke as this may cause delayed discharge and other complications like low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalan ce which are likely to cause poor circulation and allow a patient to develop pressure sores. Nutrition and good hydration is fundamental in nursing to promote quick recovery and wound healing. However there are patient’s factor which may affect their nutrition and hydration such as stroke which possibly will reduce their independence to eat freely. According to (Green 2011) by improving patients nutrition and dehydration the patients skin and well being will be promoted and this can be achieved through delegation to healthcare assistants to help with feeding at meal times with nurses ensuring proper meals have been given to patients’ e.g. soft meal, puree, low fat or residue meal which are required for patients with dysphasia or digestive problems in line to prevent pressure sores. All patients are prone to develop pressure sores but the emphasis is on the elderly because basic factors are related to immobility, age and illness .Pressure ulcers are preventable if proper nursing measures are carried out. NICE (2001) guidelines state that all patients likely to develop pressure sores are to be on a pressure relive mattress while in hospital. Therefore a decision was made that Doris needed a pressure relief airflow mattress as her score was high. Evidence based practice is essential in nursing, it has the potential to develop and increase patient care outcomes as it will enable nurses to evaluate and deliver care according to patients needs. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) advocate that nurses should make care of people their first concern. Therefore a broad medical history taking form the patient becomes essential so that an accurate diagnosis can be made for the patient to receive optimal care and treatment (Kale 2001). Nurses have a propensity of commu nicating with patients during intimate intervention and it’s during this time that individuals are likely to speak freely which is why Doris’s mode of communication has to be identified through the speech and language team in order to support her. The need for nurses to know their patients better and understand their problems and specific needs becomes fundamental. Nurses may come into conflict when collaboratively making decisions with the multidisciplinary team and patients as their personal and professional values may vary if proper history was not taken. Lloyd and Craig (2007) suggest that although history taking is the cornerstone of assessment in patients, nurses are sometimes not at ease with taking patients history. History taking is not focused on identifying patients’ signs and symptoms of the illness but to involve the whole person in a holistic way which will help the health care staff to plan and evaluate patients’ care (Department of Health 2001). There is need for nurses to develop their history taking skills as this will allow them to acknowledge social, medical psychological and biographical domains of the patient. Fischer (1995) feels that doctors â€Å"make a history â€Å"instead of â€Å"take history† this process becomes complete when both patient and doctor are both satisfied on the causative problem. However Gask and Usher wood (2002) in the article emphasises that successful history taking is based on skilled and patient -centred communication that a therapeutic relationship will begin betw een nurse and patient. It is through this therapeutic relationship between the patient and the nurse that they will work together to make a collaborative decision and address the problem. Therefore health care staff must act as a patient advocate to protect and respect their dignity. Palliative care is in any illness which is progressive and incurable, therefore there is need for the multidisciplinary team to work together and provide a high- quality end of life stroke care. Although there is evidence that Doris is likely to develop pressure sores catheterisation could not be a solution at this point. The department of health (2003) aim to reduce the risks of health associated infection and indwelling catheters are among the common cause of invasive medical devices used in health care settings and, consequently, are a frequent cause of Health Care Associated Infections. Other than affecting patients, HCAI is also having negative burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Patients like Doris are more prone to infection due to that the body mechanism to fight infection is already compromised. Catheter acquire infection can be very distressful to patients and prolong hospital stay. The possibility of Doris going into palliative care is obvious and therefore there is need to plan for it in her care plan or discharge plan. In this reflection it is noticed on admission that Doris is alone. Loneliness has an impact on elderly people. In a campaign to end loneliness research shows that many people have no peers or friends. It is through the general practitioners and district nurses that support to these people can be offered, all decisions made in the multidisciplinary context have to involve the patients’ family (NHSQIS and the University of Glasgow 2010). All parts of the multidisciplinary team caring for the patients need to have an understanding of each other’s role, in order to make a collaborative decision. In conclusion, while reflecting and making recommendations for different ways of approach on situation in practice, holistic assessment followed by full history taking to allow care to flow should be a priority followed by improving nutrition and hydration in very ill patients. Cauterisation could be a last option in order to prevent pressure sores as there other options to do this. The risks that patients who are immune compromise may be exposed to other infections and how it can be avoided needs to be addressed and it is a constant effort, but is fundamental by all areas of the multidisciplinary team, organisations to reduce rates of infection more and to continue at a lower rate. To improve patient safety and continuum care it is necessary for health care professionals to reflect on nutrition and hydration status of the patient to promote good skin integrity and prevent pressure sores. For reflection to occur, health care professionals need to be aware of the implications that pre ssure sores can have on patients and the importance of education from policies and to comply with relevant procedures.

Kate Chopins Awakening Essay -- Kate Chopin Awakening Essays

Kate Chopin's Awakening Kate Chopin's depiction of â€Å"The Awakening† is realistic as she develops Edna Pontellier’s character from a socially and morally respectable individual to an individual that turns her back on everything closest to her as she births her new self-being. Edna Pontellier struggles between her subconscious and conscious thoughts as unusual feelings stir unfounded emotions and senses. Some of Chopin’s characters lend themselves in Edna’s â€Å"awakening†. Through examination of Leonce Pontellier, Robert Lebrun, Madame Moiselle Reisz, Adele Ratignolle, and Alcee Arobin the life of Edna Pontellier turns into her ultimate death. The relationship she has with each one of these characters influences and initiates a lost feeling that has never risen to its complete capacity. As Edna awakens to this new self she becomes self absorbs and chooses herself-satisfaction over her family. Edna and Leonce’s marriage didn’t start as two star crosses lovers, but more of convenience. Leonce pursued Edna and â€Å"fell in love† with her (Kate Chopin 32). Edna wasn’t in love with Leonce, but rather embraced the idea of defying her family. Kate Chopin states, â€Å"And to this violent opposition of her father and sister Margaret to her marriage with a Catholic, there is no need to search for the motive which led her to accept Leonce as her husband† (32). Leonce’s commitment to Edna satisfied her mind set. When Leonce â€Å"goes to join the calvary officer†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (33). Edna finds herself in the depths of the realization that she is left alone. This is the first of many times that Leonce leaves her. Although Leonce takes good care of his family financially, there is the definite absence of intimacy between he and Edna. It seems Edna has never had an intimate relationship, but has had intimate feelings of fascination. Chopin rev eals, â€Å"she remembered feeling enarmored with a Kentuckian Calvary officer who came to visit her father, after he faded from her existence her mind turned to a gentleman who called upon a neighbor. He too vanished from her dreams† (31-32). Emerging from adolescence into puberty can stir a child’s emotions. They can become infatuated with virtually any attractable figure. At this point in a child’s life he needs parental guidance. Since Edna’s mother is dead she was probably somewhat rebellious and though Leonce made her happy in the beginning their relation... ...’t realize that there is anything wrong with her life until she meets those around her that are free from conformity. In Mme. Reisz, Edna admires and desires what she has which is independency. She doesn’t rely on anyone for anything. In Adele she sees the mother that she would like to be, but doesn’t want to bother. She cares more about her own satisfaction, independent of her family. Robert Lebrun stirred something up in Edna that she could not let alone. She felt aware of herself for the first time and she would seek it out until she was satisfied with herself. Edna’s awakening was apparently more than she could deal with, though we don’t really know if she intentionally swam out into the ocean to drown herself or if she just swam too far and was unable to swim back. Regardless of that thought Chopin must have intended for the possibility of either happening or she would have made a clear and precise account for Edna’s purpose. Chopin clearly defined each character in Edna’s life and how each one affected her during her awakening. Each one had a role in Edna’s life and played an important part in her awakening. Works Cited Kate Chopin. The Awakening. Oxford World Classics

Revelation Essay -- essays research papers

The creation of the earth and all that is within the earth is mysterious yet miraculous at the same time. Although there are probably hundreds of different accounts, they all seem to be different while almost identical in text. I will be comparing and contrasting between account one and account two in the book of Genesis. In the beginning, according to Genesis in the bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the two creation accounts God is portrayed in two different ways. In the first account God is portrayed as an ultimate or Supreme Being that creates the world by fiat, which are divine spoken words. An example of this is found in Genesis 1:3, which says; â€Å"Then God said, â€Å"let there be light†; and there was light.† This is the fiat command that creates light in the first account of creation and demonstrates the supreme power of God. In the second Genesis account God is portrayed as a much more mortal being, a concept called anthropomorphism. In Genesis 2:7 God creates man, but it wasn’t done through fiat. It says, â€Å"Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being.† This account of God creating man is much different from the first account because God is physlically- taking part in creating man instead of using powers by way of fiat. Another instance that portrays God as more humanlike is found in Genesis 2:8 where it says God â€Å"planted† the garden in Eden. The use of the word â€Å"plan...

Ecn 204 Final Exam Notes

Macro Final Exam Chapter 10: The Money Systems What assets are considered â€Å"Money†? What are the functions of money and the types of money? * W/o money, trade would require barter > Exchanging one good/service for another * unlikely occurrence that two people e/ have a good that other wants * 3 functions * Medium of exchange: an item buyers give to sellers when they want to purchase g/s * Unit of account: the yardstick ppl use to post prices & record debts * Store of value: an item ppl can use to transfer purchasing power from the present to the future * 2 kinds Commodity money: commodity with intrinsic value, i. e. gold coins * Fiat money: money w/o intrinsic value, used as money b/c of gov’t decree, i. e. dollar bills * Money in Can’n economy * Money supply (Money stock): the quantity of money available in the economy * Two assets should be considers: * Currency: the paper bills & coins in the hands of the general public * Demand deposits: balances in bank accounts that despositors can access on demand by writing a cheque/using debit card * Money Supply = currency + depositsWhat is the bank of Canada and its role? How do Banks create money? * Central Bank: an institution designed to regulate the money supply in the economy * Bank of Canada: the central bank of Canada * Established in 1935, nationalized in 1938, owned by Can’n gov’t * Managed by board of directors appointed by minister of Finance, composed of: governor, the senior deputy governor (7 yr terms), 12 directors (3 yr terms) * Four primary functions: * Issue currency, act as banker to commercial banks & Can’n gov’t, control money supply * Commercial Banks and Money Supply Although Bank of Canada alone is responsible for Canadian monetary policy, the central bank can control the supply of money only through its influence on the entire banking system * Commercial banks include credit unions, caisses populaires, and trust companies * Commercial banks can influence the quantity of demand deposits in economy and money supply * Reserves: cash that commercial banks hold * Fractional banking system > Keeps fraction of deposits as reserves, rest is loaned * Banks may hold more than this minimum amt if they choose * The reserve ratio, R Fraction of deposits that banks hold as reserves * Total reserves as % of total deposits * Bank T-account * T-account – simplified accounting statement that shows bank’s Assets & liabilities * Banks liabilities: deposits(what we put in the bank), Assets: Loans and reserves(What bank keeps) * R= Reserves/Deposits * Banks & money supply * $100 of currency is in circulation, determining impact on money supply: Calculate in 3 different cases * No banking system Public holds the $100 as currency; Money supply= $100 * 100% reserves banking system: banks hold 100% of deposits as reserves make no loans * MS = Currency (loans) + deposits = 0 +100 = 100 * Bank does not affect size of money supply * Fractional reserve banking system * R=10%: Reserves: 10, Loans: 90, Deposits: 100 * MS= $190 * When banks make loans > create money * Borrower gets: 90 in currency(asset), 90 in new debt/loan (liability) * Money Multiplier: The amt of money the banking system generates with each dollar of reserves * Money multiplier = 1/R R =10, 1/R = 10, 100 x 10 = 1000 * The Bank of Canada’s tools of Monetary Control * 1. Open-market operations * When it buys gov’t bonds from/ sells to the public * Foreign exchange market operations: when it buy/sells foreign currencies * MS increase when bank of Canada buys foreign currency with Canadian Currency; and decrease when BoC sells foreign currency * 2. Changing the overnight rate * Central banks act as bankers to commercial banks Bank rate : interest rate charged by bank of Canada on loans to the commercial banks * Since 1998 Bank of Canada as allowed commercial banks to borrow freely at the bank rate, paid commercial banks the bank rate , minus half percent, on their deposits at bank of Canada * Commercial banks never need to pay more than bank rate for short term loans, b/c they can always borrow from the Bank of Canada instead * Conversely, commercial banks never need to accept less than the bank rate, minus half a percent, when they make short-term loans, because they can always lend to the bank of Canada instead * Overnight rate: the interest rate on very short-term loans between commercial banks * Bank of Canada can alter the money supply by changing the bank rate, which in turn causes an equal change in overnight rate * A higher bank rate discourages commercial banks from borrowing from the Bank of Canada * A higher overnight rate discourages commercial banks from borrowing from other commercial banks * An increase in the overnight rate reduces the quantity of reserves in the banking system, which in turn reduces the money supply * Bank of Canada’s control of MS is not precise * Bank of Canada must wre stle w/ 2 problems that come from fractional-reserve banking * Does not control amt of money that: * Household choose to hold as deposits in banks * Commercial bankers choose to lend Chapter 11: Money Growth and Inflation How does the money supply affect the inflation & nominal interest rates? * Quantity theory of money: Price rises when gov’t prints too much money * Most economists believe the quantity theory is a good explanation of the long run behavior of inflation * Asserts that quantity of money determines value * 2 approaches: * Supply demand diagram MS determined by bank of Canada, banking system, consuers * In model, assume that BoC precisely controls MS & sets it at some fixed amt * MD (money demand) how much wealth ppl want to hold in liquid form * Depends on P: an increase in P reduces the value of money, so more money is required to buy goods & services * Thus: Quantity of money demanded is –vely related to the value of money +vely related to P, other thin gs equal (real income, interest rates, availability of ATMs) * * Results from Graph: Increasing MS causes P to rise * How does this work? Short version: * AT the initial P, an increase in MS causes excess supply of money * People get rid of their excess money by spending it on goods & services/ by loaning it to others who spent it * Result: increased demand of goods But supply of goods does not increase, so prices must rise * Other things happen in the short run, which we will study in later chapters) * Equation * Nominal Variables: are measured in monetary units * i. e. Nominal GDP, nominal interest rates (rate of return measured in $) nominal wage($ per/hour worked) * Real Variables: are measured in physical units * i. e. real GDP real interest rate (measured in output) real wage (measured in output) * Real vs. Nominal * Prices are normally measured in terms of money * Price of a compact disc: $15/cd * Price of a pepperoni pizza: $10/pizza A relative price: price of one good relat ive (divided by) another: * Relative price of CDs in terms of pizza: * Price of CD/Price of pizza = 15/10 = 1. 5 pizzas per cd * Relative prices are measured in physical units so they are real variables * Real vs. Nominal Wage * An important relative price is the real wage * W= nominal wage= price of labour $15/hr * P = price level = price of g&s $5/unit of output * Real wage is price of labour relative to price of output * W/P = 15/5 = 3 units output per hour * Classical theory of inflation: * Increase in overall level of prices * Over past 60 yrs, prices risen on avg of 4%/yr Deflation: people will wait for prices to drop on big ticketed items, dropped in the 20th century * In 1970s prices rose by 7%/yr * During 1990s, price rose at 2%/yr * Hyperinflation: extraordinary high rate * Quantity theory of money: explain long-run determinants of price lvl and inflation rate * Inflation is an economy-wide phenomenon that concerns the value of the economy’s medium of exchange * Whe n the overall price level rises, value of money falls * Inverse relationship b/w price & value of money * Value of money: * P = Price lvl (CPI/ GDP deflator) * P = price of basket of goods measured in money * 1/P is value of $1, measured in goods * Example: basket contains one candy bar, P = $2, Value of $1 is ? candy bar * The Classical Dichotomy Classical dichotomy: theoretical separation of nominal & real variables * Hume & the classical economists suggested that monetary developments affect nominal variables but not real variables * If the central bank doubles the MS, Hume & classical thinkers contend * All nom variables (including prices) will double * All real variables (Including relative prices) will remain unchanged * The neutrality of Money * Monetary neutrality: the proposition that changes in the MS do not affect real variables * Doubling money supply causes all nominal prices to double, what happens to relative prices? * Initially, relative price of cd in terms of pizza is * Price of cd/price of pizza = 15/10 = 1. pizzas per cd * After nominal prices double * 30/20 = 1. 5 pizza per cd * Relative price is unchanged * Monetary neutrality: proposition that changes in the MS do not affect real variables * Similarly, the real wage W/P remains unchanged, so†¦ * Quantity of labour supplied/demanded, total employment does not change * The same applies to employment of capital & other resources * Since employment of all resources in unchanged, total output is also unchanged by the MS * Most economists believe the classical dichotomy & neutrality of money describe the economy in the long run Does the money supply affect real variables like real GDP or the real interest rate? The velocity of Money: the rate at which money changes hands * Notation: * PxY = nominal GDP = price level x real GDP * M = money supply * V = velocity * Velocity formula: V = PXY/M * Pizza, Y = real GDP = 3000 pizzas, P= price of pizza = $10, P*Y = $30,0000, M = $10,000 * V=30,000 /10,000= 3, avg dollar was used in 3 transactions * Quantity Equation * M*V = P*Y * V = stable * So, a change in M causes nominal GDP (P*Y) to change by the same % * A change in M does not affect Y: money is neutral, Y is determined by tech & resources * So, P changes by the same % as P*Y and M * Rapid money supply growth causes rapid inflation How is inflation like a tax? Hyperinflation is generally defined as inflation exceeding 50%/month * Excessive growth in the MS always causes hyperinflation * Inflation tax: * When tax revenue is inadequate and ability to borrow is ltd, gov’t may print money to pay for its spending * Almost all hyperinflations start this way * The revenue from printing money is the inflation tax: printing money causes inflation, which is like a tax on everyone who holds money * The Fischer Effect * Rearrange definition of real interest rate: * Nominal interest rate = Inflation rate + real interest rate * Real interest rate is determined by saving & inve stment in the loanable funds market * MS growth determines inflation rate This equation shows how the nominal interest rate is determined * In long run, money is neutral, so a change in the money growth rate affects the inflation rate but not the real interest rate * So, nominal interest rate adjusts one-for-one with changes in the inflation rate * The inflation tax applies to people’s holdings of money, not their holdings of wreath * Fishcher effect: an increase in inflation causes an equal increase in the nominal interest rate, so the real interest rate is unchanged What are the costs of inflation? How serious are they? * The inflation fallacy: most ppl think inflation erodes real income * Inflation is a general increase in price of the things ppl buy & the things they sell (i. e. labour) * In long run, real incomes are determined by real variables, not inflation rate * Shoeleather costs: the resources wasted when inflation encourages ppl to reduce their money holdings * In cludes the time & transactions costs of more frequent bank withdrawals * Menu costs: the costs of changing prices Printing new menus, mailing new catalogs * Misallocation of resources from relative-price variability: Firms don’t all raise prices @ the same time, so relative prices can vary which distorts the allocation of resources * Confusion & inconvenience: inflation changes the yardstick we use to measure transactions, complicates long-range planning & the comparison of dollar amts over time * Tax distortions: inflation makes nominal income grow faster than real income, taxes are based on nominal income, & some are not adjusted for inflation, so†¦ inflation causes ppl to pay more taxes even when their real incomes don’t increase * Arbitrary redistributions of wealth Higher-than-expected inflation transfers purchasing power from creditors to debtors: debtors get to repay their debt w/ dollars that aren’t worth as much * Lower-than-expected inflation tran sfers purchasing power from debtors to creditors * High inflation is more variable & less predictable than low inflation * So, these arbitrary redistributions are frequent when inflation is high * Costs are high for economies experiencing hyperinflation * For economies w/ low inflation ( 0, â€Å"Capital outflow†, domestic purchases of foreign assets exceed foreign purchases of domestic assets * Capital is flowing out of country * When NCO < 0, â€Å"Capital inflow†, foreign purchases of domestic assets exceed domestic purchases of foreign assets * Capital is flowing into the country * Variables that Influence NCO * Real interest rates paid on foreign assets or domestic assets * Perceived risks of holding foreign assets * Gov’t policies affecting foreign ownership of domestic assets * The equality of NX & NCO * An accounting identity: NCO = NX * Arises b/c every transactions that affects NX also affects NCO by the same amt (And vice versa) * When a foreigner pur chases a good from Canada, * Can’n exports & NX increase The foreigner pay w/ currency or assets, so the Can’n acquires some foreign assets, causing NCO to rise * An accounting identity: NCO=NX * Arises b/c every transaction that affects NX also affects NCO the same amt ( & vice versa) * When a Can’n citizen buys foreign goods, * Can’n imports rise, NX falls * The Can’n buyer pays w/ Can’n dollars or assets, so the other country acquires Can’n assets, causing Can’n NCO to fall * Saving, Investment, & international Flows of Goods & Assets * Y = C + I + G + NX accounting identity * Y – C – G = I + NX rearranging terms * S = I + NX since S = Y – C – G * S = I + NCO since NX = NCO * When S > I, the excess loanable funds flow abroad in the form of positive net capital outflow, NCO >0 * When S e =P*/P implies that the nom exchange rate between 2 countries should equal the ratio of price lvls * If the 2 cou ntries have diff inflation rates, then e will change over time: * If inflation is higher in Mexico than in Canada, Then P* rises faster than P, so e rises – the dollar appreciates against the peso * If inflation is higher in Canada than in Japan, then P rises faster than P*, so e falls- the dollar depreciates against the yen * Limitations of PPP theory, why exchange rates do not always adjust to equalize prices across countries: * Many goods cannot easily be traded: * i. e. haircuts, going to movies * Price differences on such goods cannot be arbitraged away * Foreign, domestic goods not perfect substitutes: * i. e. some Can’n consumers prefer Toyatos over Chevys * Price differences reflect taste differences * Nonetheless, PPP works well in many cases, especially as an explanation of long-run trends * i. e.PPP implies: the greater a country’s inflation rate, the faster its currency should depreciate (relative to a low-inflation country like Canada) * Interest ra te determination in a small open economy w/ perfect Capital mobility * Why do interest rates in Canada & the U. S. tend to move up & down together? * Canada is a small open economy w/ perfect capital mobility * â€Å"small† = small part of the world economy * Canada is an economy w/ perfect capital mobility b/c * Can’ns have full access to world financial markets, * And the rest of the world has full access to the Can’n fin’l market * This means that the real interest rate in Canada should equal the real rate prevailing in the world U. S. r= r^w * Perfect Capital mobility: theory that real interest rate in Canada should equal that in the rest of the world is known as interest rate parity * Limitations: real interest rate in Canada is not always = to the real interest rate in the rest of the world b/c†¦ * Fin’l assets carry w/ them the possibility of default * Fin’l assets offered for sale in different Chapter 13: Macroeconomic theory of the open economy In an open economy, what determines the real interest rate? The real exchange rate? * Market of loanable Funds S=I + NCO * Supply of loanable funds = saving * A dollar of saving can be used to finance * The purchase of domestic capital * The purchase of foreign asset * So, demand for loanable funds=I + NCO * S depends +vely on the real interest rate, r * I depends –vely on r * Real interest rate, is the real return on domestic assets * A fall in r makes domestic assets less attractive relative to foreign assets * Can’ns purchase more foreign assets * Can’ns purchase fewer domestic assets * NCO rises * The supply & demand for loanable funds depend on the real interest rate * A higher real interest rate encourages ppl to save & raises the quantity of loanable funds supplied * The interest rate adjusts to bring the supply & demand for loanable funds into balance * At eq’m interest rate, the amt that ppl want to save exactly balances the des ired quantities of domestic investment & foreign investment * Loanable funds market diagram * R adjusts to balance supply & demand in the LF market * Both I & NCO depend –vely on r, so the D curve is downward-sloping * * In small open economy w/ perfect capital mobility, i. e. Canada, the domestic interest rate = world interst rate * As a result, the quantity of loanable funds made available by the savings of Can’ns does not have to equal the quantity of loanable funds demanded for domestic investment * The difference between these two amts is NCO * * How are the markets for loanable funds & foreign-currency exchange connected? The market for foreign-currency exchange exists b/c ppl want to trade w/ ppl in other countries, but they want to be paid in their own currency * 2 side of foreign-currency exchange market are represented by NCO & NX * NCO represents the imbalance between the purchases & sales of capital assets * NX represents the imbalance b/w exports & imports of goods & services * Another identity from preceding chapter: NCO = NX * In the market for foreign-currency exchange, * NX is the demand for dollars: foreigners need dollars to buy Can’n NX * NCO is the supply of dollars: Can’n residents provide/give dollars when they buy foreign assets * S=I + NCO > S – I =NX * What price balances the supply & demand in the market for foreign-currency exchange? * The real exchange rate (E) = e*P/P* The Can’n exchange rate(E) measures the quantity of foreign g/s that trade for one unit of Can’n g/s * E is the real value of a dollar in the market for foreign-currency exchange * The demand curve for dollars (NX) is downward sloping b/c a higher exchange rate makes domestic goods more expensive * The supply curve (NCO) is vertical b/c the quantity of dollars supplied for NCO is unrelated to the real exchange rate * Increase in E makes Can’n goods more expensive to foreigners, reduces foreign demand for Canâ⠂¬â„¢n goods & dollars, does not affect NCO/supply of dollars * The real E adjusts to balance the S & D for dollars * At Eq’m E, the demand for dollars to buy NX exactly balances the supply of dollars to be exchanged into foreign currency to buy assets abroad * Disentangling S&D When can’n resident buys imported goods does the transaction affect s/d in foreign exchange market? * The demand for dollars decrease * The increase in imports reduce NX which we think of as demand for dollars (NX= net demand for dollars) * When foreigner buys Can’n asset, does the transaction affect supply/ demand in the foreign exchange market * The supply of dollars falls * NCO = Net supply of dollars How do gov’t budget deficits affect exchange rate & trade balance? * The effects of a budget deficit * National saving falls * The real interest rate rises * Domestic investment & net capital outflow both fall * The real exchange rate appreciates * Net export fall (or the trade de ficit increases) * Eq’m in the Open Economy NCO is the variable that links these two markets: S = I + NCO, NCO =NX * In the market for loanable funds, supply comes from national saving & demand comes from domestic investment & NCO * In the market for foreign-currency exchange, suplly comes from NCO & demand comes from BX * * * Eq’m in the open economy * Prices in the loanable funds market & the foreign-currency exchange market adjust simultaneously to balance supply & demand in these two markets * As they, they determine the macroeconomic variables of national saving, domestic investment, NCO, and NX How do other policies or events affect the interest rate, exchange rate, and trade balance? The magnitude & variation in important macroeconomic variables depend on the following: * Increase in world interest rates * Gov’t budget deficits & surpluses * Trade policies * Political & economic stability * Three steps in using the model to analyze these events * Determin e which of the s/d curves e/ event effects * Determine which way the curves shift * Examine how these shifts alter the economy’s equilibrium * * * Increase in world interest rates * Events outside Canada that cause world interest rates to change can have important effects on the Can’n economy * In a small open economy w/ perfect mobility, an increase in the world interest rate†¦ * Crowds out domestic investment, * Cause NCO to increase & * Causes the dollar to depreciate * The effects of an increase in the gov’t budget deficit * * Gov’t budget deficits & surpluses * b/c a gov’t budget deficit represents negative public saving, it reduces national saving, and therefore reduces†¦ * the supply of loanable funds * NCO * The supply of Can’n dollars in the market for foreign-currency exchange * Trade Policy: is a gov’t policy that directly influences the quantity of goods @ services that a country imports/exports * Tariff: a tax o n imported goods * Imported quota: a limit on quantity of a good produces abroad and sold domestically * Initial impact is on imports – which affects NX NX are the sources of demand for dollars in the foreign-currency exchange market * Imports are reduced at any exchange rate, & NX will rise * This increases the demand for dollars in the foreign currency exchange market * * * There is no change in the market for loanable funds, and therefore, no change in NCO * B/c foreigners need dollars to buy Can’n NX, there is an increased demand for dollars in the market for foreign-currency * This leads to an appreciation of the real exchange rate * Effect of an import quota * An appreciation of the dollar in the foreign exchange market discourages exports * This offsets the initial increase in NX due to import quota * Trade policies do not affect the trade balance Political Instability & Capital Flight * Capital flight * Is large & sudden reduction in demand for assets located i n a country * Has its largest impact on the country from which the capital is fleeing, but it also affects other countries * If investors become concerned about the safety of their investments, capital can quickly leave an economy * Interest rates increase & the domestic currency depreciates * When investors around the world observed political problems in Mexico in 1994, they sold some of their Mexican assets and used the proceeds to by assets of the other countries * This increased Mexican NCO An increased demand for loanable funds in the loanable funds market leads the interest rate to increase * This increased the supply of pesos in the foreign-currency exchange market * * Chapter 14: Aggregate Demand & Supply What are economic fluctuations? What are their characteristics? * Over LR, Real GDP grows about 2%/yr on avg * In SR, GDP fluctuates around its trend * Recessions: falling real incomes & rising unemployment * Depressions: severe recessions (very rare) * SR economic fluctuat ions are often called business cycles * 3 facts about economic fluctuations * Are irregular & unpredictable * Most macro’c quantities fluctuate together * As output falls, unemployment rises Use mode of AD & AS to study fluctuations * Short run, changes in nominal variables (Ms or P) can affect real variables (Y/U-rate) How does the model aggregate demand & supply explain economic fluctuations? * Aggregate-demand curve – shows the quantity of goods & services that households, firms, & the gov’t want to buy @ each price level * Aggregate-supply curve- shows the quantity of goods & services that firms choose to produce and sell at each price level * Why does the aggregate-demand curve slope downward? What shifts the AD curve? * AD curve shows quantity of g/s demanded in the economy at any given P * Y=C+I+G+NX * Assume G fixed by gov’t policy Increase in P reduces the quantity of g/s demanded b/c: * The wealth effect (c falls) * The dollars ppl hold buy fewe r g/s so real wealth is lower * Ppl feel poorer * i. e. a stock market boom makes households feel wealthier, C rises, the AD curve shifts right; preferences: consumption, saving tradeoff; tax hikes/cuts * Interest rate effect (I falls) * Buying g/s requires more dollars * To get these dollars, ppl borrow more * Drives up interest rates * i. e. firms buy new computers; expectations, optimism/pessimism; Interest rates, monetary policy; investment tax credit/other tax incentives * The exchange rate effect (NX falls) * Real exchange rate= exP/P* Increase real exchange rate, Can’n exchange rate appreciates * Can’n exports more expensive to ppl abroad, imports cheaper to Can’n residents * i. e. booms/recessions in countries that buy our exports (recession in the U. S. ); appreciation/depreciation resulting from int’l speculation in foreign exchange market * Changes in G * Federal spending i. e defense; provincial & municipal spending i. e roads, schools What is the slope of the aggregate-supply curve in the short run? Long run? What shifts AS curve? * AS curve shows the total quantity of g/s firms produce & sell at any given P * Upward-sloping in short run * Vertical in long run Natural rate of output (Yn) us the amt of output the economy produces when unemployment is at its natural rate * Yn is also called potential output/full-employment output * Yn determined by the economy’s labour (L) capital (K), and natural resources(N), and on the lvl of tech(A) * Changes in L/Natural rate unemployment: immigration, Baby-boomers retire, gov’t policies reduce natural u-rate * Changes in K/H: Investment in factories, more ppl get college degrees, factories destroyed by a hurricane * Changes in natural resources(N): discovery of new mineral deposits, reduction in supply of imported oil, changing weather patterns that affect agricultural production * Changes in tech (A): productivity improvements from technological progress * An increase in P does not affect any of these, it does not affect Yn (Classical dichotomy) * Any even that changes any of the determinants of Yn will shift LRAS * i. e. immigration increases L, causing Yn to rise * Over the LR, tech progress shifts LRAS to the right & growth in the MS shifts AD to the right * Ongoing inflation & growth in output * The SRAs curves is upward sloping: * Over the period of 1-2 yrs, an increase in P causes an increase in quantity of g/s supplied * If AS is vertical, fluctuations in AD do ot cause fluctuations in output/employment * If AS slopes up, then shifts in AD do affect output & employment * Three theories: * Sticky wage theory, Imperfection- nominal wages are sticky in the short run, they adjust sluggishly, due to labour contracts; firms & workers set the nominal wage in advance based on Pe, the price lvl expected to prevail * If P>Pe, revenue is higher, but labour cost is not. Productions is more profitable, so firms increase output & employment * Hence, hi gh P causes higher Y, so the SRAS curve slopes upward * Sticky price theory, Imperfection- many prices are sticky in the short run: due to menu costs, the costs of adjusting prices, i. e. ost of printing new menus, the time required to change price tags * Firms set sticky prices in advance based on Pe * Suppose the BoC increases the MS unexpectedly, in LR P will rise * In SR, firms w/o menu costs can raise their P immediately * Firms w/ menu costs wait to raise prices, meantime , their prices are relatively low, which increase demand for their products, so they increase output & employment * Hence, higher P is associated w/ higher Y, so the SRAS curve slopes upward * Misperceptions- imperfection: firms may confuse changes in P with changes in the relative price of the products they sell, if P rises above Pe- a firm sees its price rise before realizing all prices are rising. The firms may believe its relative price is rising & may increase output & employment, * An increase in P can cause an increase in Y, making the SRAS curve upward-sloping * What 3 theories have in common: Y deviates from Yn, when P deviates from Pe * Y(Output) = Yn + a(P-Pe) * Yn-Natural rate of output (LR) * a>0, measures how much Y responds to unexpected changes in P * P, actually price lvl; Pe, expected price lvl * SRAS & LRAS The imperfections in these theories are temp, over time†¦ * Sticky wages & prices become flexible * Misperceptions are corrected * In LR†¦ * Pe = P, Y=Yn, AS is vertical * Unemployment is at its natural rate * Why the SRAS curve might shift * Everything that shifts LRAS shifts SRAS too * Also, Pe shifts SRAS: * If Pe rises, workers & firms set higher wages * At e/ P production is less profitable, Y falls, SRAS shifts left * * Economic fluctuations * Caused by events that shift the AD/AS curves * 4 steps to analyzing economic fluctuations: * Determine whether the event shifts AD & AS * Determine whether curve shifts left/right Use AD-AS diagram to see how the shift changes Y & P in the short run * Use AD-AS diagram to see how economy moves from new SR eq’m to new LR eq’m * I. e. Stock market crash : C falls, so AD shifts left; SR eq’m at B, P & Y lower, unemp higher; Over time Pe fals, SRAS shifts right, until LR eq’m at C, Y and unemp back at initial lvls * * i. e. oil prices rises: increases costs, shifts SRAS Left, SR eq’m at point B, P higher, Y lower, unemp higher; from A to B, stagflation: a period of falling output & rising prices; if policymakers do nothing: low employment causes wages to fall SRAS shifts right until LR eq’m at A, or policymakers could use fiscal/ monetary policy to increase Ad & accommodate AS shift: Y back to Yn, but P permanently higher