Macroeconomics Assignment Essay Example for Free

Macroeconomics Assignment Essay Current economic conditions in the U. S an all around the world are rising to alarming situations, with the dilemma being common that whether its inflation or recession, which is hampering the economy badly. The liquidity issues are affecting the U. S economy badly, the money supply is shrinking although the Federal Reserve is pursuing an accommodative monetary policy, but due to its lesser control and the dynamism of the U. S economy, this policy seems to have a very low effect on the liquidity situation in the overall economy. After a rise in the money supply for few months the money supply has been contracting since then, the M2 component of the money supply, which consists of cash, consumer deposits and checking has been shrinking. While M3 which consists of the above, plus the large time deposits and other items is also changing its direction towards a lower end. The figure depicts the trends of the money supply and how it has dipped gradually. Figure 1: Annual U. S. Money Supply Growth Source: Shadow Government Statistics, 2009 This condition can result into the weakening of economic activity and pulling out money from stocks. Recently the downfall in the consumer spending and the lowering of the stock prices is the sign of scorched liquidity in the economy (Kellner, 2003). In this current situation of economic dilemma, the current economic conditions demands active measures from the new president and the U. S congress to overcome the hazards created by the weakening economy. Government should try to push more liquidity into the market; the FED should try to increase the money supply through lowering the interest rate, pushing more money into the economy by funding the companies and the corporations that can create more stability in the economy. The government should try to create more jobs into the economy by pushing their spending this will surely create more consumers spending and thus providing a ground to combat recession in the economy. These economic measures are the need of the time and they will certainly have their effects on the economy. Thus, by acting proactively on these strategies the government can easily face all the difficult circumstances. References Kellner, I. (2003, November). Where has all the money gone? Retrieved Feburary 10, 2009, from Market Watch : http://www. marketwatch. com/News/Story/Story. aspx? guid=%7BF1B1B20B-EBDE-435F-8349-A19E26DBB945%7Dsiteid=mktwdist=nwhpm Figures Figure 1: Annual U. S. Money Supply Growth Shadow Government Statistics. (2009). Annual U. S. Money Supply Growth. Retrieved Feburary 10, 2009 from http://www. shadowstats. com/charts_republish#m3

Comparison of Saudi Arabia and Europe Human Trafficking

Comparison of Saudi Arabia and Europe Human Trafficking International Human Trafficking Introduction Human trafficking is an egregious example of how globalization can facilitate and grow international crime rings for purposes of economic gains. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines human trafficking as the acquisition of people by improper means, such as force, deception, or fraud with a primary goal of exploiting them (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009). With the emergence of globalization, the world has opened up and people are more integrated. As a result, movement across the international borders in Europe and Saudi Arabia has been facilitated by the open trade policies adopted. Also, the rise of industrialization and emergence of multinational corporations in both Saudi Arabia and some of the developed European countries are some of the factors of globalization that have necessitated the need for cheap labor as industrial competition intensified globally. Therefore, it is important to create a comparison of the primary factors that facilitat e international human trafficking in Saudi Arabia and Europe to understand the influence that globalization has on the issue. Research Question The following research paper will focus on the key question: Does human trafficking have the same characteristics in Saudi Arabia, as it does in Europe? In responding to this research question, the study will focus on various aspects of culture, socioeconomic conditions, politics, and institutional differences between Saudi Arabia and European countries, and how they contribute to international human trafficking. Hypothesis The research will be directed towards the following hypothesis: Globalization has led to a set of differences in economic, cultural, technological and political factors in Saudi Arabia and Europe. Consequently, these factors define the individual characteristics of human trafficking in each region. Importance of the Research Question The research question is a core concept in unearthing various economic, social, cultural, and individual factors that motivates human trafficking, which is currently a global issue both in the developing and industrialized countries in Saudi Arabia and Europe. By understanding the existing differences in various aspects of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia and Europe, the study will provide a general blueprint on how globalization has contributed to increased cases of human trafficking worldwide. The research question will guide on global policies that should be enacted in order to deal with the problem of human trafficking, which is already a global threat. Human trafficking is a multifaceted issue, which makes it difficult to alleviate completely. First of all, international human trafficking is the most common form of human trade whereby victims are moved across the borders to other countries. Differences in policies, border regulation legislation, socio-economical issues, and cultures among countries make coordination of efforts to combat the crime futile. Therefore, the research question will enhance our understanding in terms of policies and legislation in Saudi Arabia and European countries, how these policies either prevent or facilitate human trafficking, and what needs to be done about such policies to curb the criminal activity. Also, the research question outlines the factors that motivate human trafficking in Saudi Arabia and whether the same factors contribute to human trafficking in Europe. Generally, it is known that different regions have specific needs for the victims of human trafficking. For instance, victims of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia are mainly required for sexual exploitation and forced labor. On the other hand, in Europe, human trafficking mainly revolves around the acquisition of people for purposes of forced labor, servitude and slavery and sexual exploitation in equal measures. These differences also complicate global efforts on ending human trade. Therefore, the research question will provide a roadmap to establish the underlying factors in the Saudi Arabia and Europe which dictate the specific reasons for the acquisition of victims of human trafficking. Consequently, it is possible to develop an integrated approach to address this multifaceted issue. Lastly, this research question is a key influence on policies that will guide consensus building among countries in order to address the growing problem of international human trafficking. Currently, the world is dynamic in various ways and, therefore, issues affecting one country are likely to impact on others. This has primarily been a factor of globalization. Through globalization, business relationships, as well as individual interaction, have increased. Consequently, international crimes such as human trade have, also been facilitated by this integration. With the neoliberalism and emergence of globalization, nations are in a rush to build their individual economies and at the same time disregard policies that influence international relations. Being an international problem with universal threats to human security, human trafficking has negative effects on international relations. It undermines individual and state security because it violates all the elements of human security as a result of coercion and exploitation. These elements include environmental, personal, economic, political, health, community, and food. Therefore, the research question is holistic and will facilitate understanding of international human trafficking from political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian dimensions on the lens of globalization. Review of Literature In his study, Rahman (2011) defines human trafficking as the movement of victims usually women and children across borders either legally or illegally. In addition, the victims can either be documented or without any documents, usually heading to unknown destination unaware of the consequences thereof (Rahman, 2011, p. 54). Current forms of human trafficking in both Saudi Arabia and Europe are more subtle compared to several decades ago. In most cases, victims are usually lured by better opportunities, such as jobs. This is the modern day slavery. According to Rahman (2011), human trafficking is a global phenomenon that can be inextricably linked to the current move of globalization in the sex industries that mainly involve women and children. There are differences in demand for victims of sex trade between Europe and Saudi Arabia. While sex trade is linked with human child trafficking in Saudi, Arabia, sex trafficking in Europe usually involve more adults than children. Globalization and the subsequent free international border movement has facilitated international human trafficking (Liu, 2010). The process has made border crossing especially in European countries very easy. In both Saudi Arabia and Europe, the existing supply-and-demand relationship as a result of globalization has led to establishment of criminal networks which facilitate illegal border crossing as countries enact restrictive immigration policies (Liu, 2010). Subsequently, this has also increased the risks and vulnerabilities of unauthorized immigrants already in the countries to all forms of exploitation (Liu, 2010). Also, Liu (2010) suggests that limitation of immigration through restrictive policies also perpetuate inequality at the global level. Free movement of capital has been enabled by economic globalization. However, states have been using the migration policies as nation-state level gatekeeping instruments by allowing multinational corporation to relocate to low-cost ar eas (Liu, 2010). Saudi Arabia is among the Middle Eastern countries alongside United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Cambodia, Venezuela among others that are designated as Tier 2 by the United States Department of States in relation to human trafficking. According to this classification, Tier 2 countries have governments that do not comply with the minimum standards to eradicate human trafficking (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2016). Increased cases of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia are motivated by various factors of globalization such as easier movement of people into the country according to this report. Currently, Saudi Arabia is a major destination for people from East Africa and South East Asia who either move to the country voluntarily or trafficked for purposes of labor exploitation, or other criminal activities such as forced begging (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2016). In Saudi Arabia, although globalization is a primary factor for the current trends in human trafficking, the political situat ion in the country is also a factor that has contributed to increasing cases of human trafficking. According to the United States Department of States 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report, the government of Saudi Arabia is yet to fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2016). Despite the high number of immigrants in Saudi Arabia who come as domestic servants as well as other forms of exploitation, the government is yet to increase anti-trafficking efforts (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2016). Therefore, human trafficking in Saudi Arabia is both a factor of globalization and weak government policies, as per the U.S Department of States 2016 report (Trafficking in Persons Report, 2016). ÂÂ   Globalization has also resulted to economic competition whereby increasing product prices increases the demand for cheap labor as a means of cost reduction. Also, inequalities in economic growth among European countries and Saudi Arabia have resulted to industrialization of some countries while others are underdeveloped (Rahman, 2011). Saudi Arabia is among the Middle East countries that are endowed with resources such as oil and therefore their economy is doing well. On the other hand, the source countries in East Africa where the victims of human trafficking come are usually characterized by poor economic development and high population growth rate. Consequently, commodification of human life has resulted as human traffickers view humans as exploitable resources that are readily available (Liu, 2010). In his study, Liu (2010) asserts that although human trafficking generally has a long history, the criminal network in the human trade has extended to an unprecedented scale as a result of the widening inequality at the global level. With globalization and the rise of neoliberalism, inequalities among countries have encouraged millions of disadvantaged people to migrate (Liu, 2010, p. 2). Liu (2010) further suggests that although poverty and poor working conditions are the historically known causes of irregular migration, the phenomenon is not purely supply-driven both Saudi Arabia and Europe. As an industrialized economy, Saudi Arabia is on the edge of global economic competition. Therefore, most of the sectors of the economy are under intense pressure to minimize their costs and at the same time capitalize on cheap and flexible labor. This form of labor is readily found from migrants whether they moved in the country legally or illegally (Liu, 2010). This is also the driving force behind human trafficking in Saudi Arabia andÂÂ   Europe whereby industrialization, as well as the emergence of multinational corporations, demand cheap and readily ava ilable labor (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2009). Gilbertson (2015) views the phenomenon of expanding human trafficking as an outcome of the industrial changes through the era of globalization. As a result of globalization, the sex industry which initially occupied a marginal position has now taken the central position in the global economy. The industry has grown tremendously in Saudi Arabia and Europe as a result of the huge profit margins, the extensive market demand and the organizational mechanism that is keen on exploiting the demand (Gilbertson, 2015, p. 9). Developing nations in Europe which were initially under the Soviet Union, such as Ukraine and the Baltic states, were left adrift after the Cold War (Gilbertson, 2015, p. 16). Subsequently, organized crime took center stage. This era was also characterized by technological development which promoted cross-border trade, migration covering up and investment opportunities. According to Gilbertson (2015), globalization has affected all aspects of life such as culture, politic al systems, economic systems among others in Europe. Human trafficking is among the transnational organized crimes that have expanded as a result of globalization. According to Gilbertson, (2015) growth of transnational organized crimes especially in Europe has been fostered by various factors of globalization such as enhanced flow of goods, capital and services, global tourism, increase in human migration and increase in outsourcing manufacturing. Gilbertson (2015) also shows a correlation between the international human trafficking as a transnational organized crime that has been promoted by the law enforcements and individual governments in both Europe andÂÂ   Saudi Arabia. For a long time, governments have been focusing on criminal groups instead of criminal markets. The existing market demand for victims of human trafficking promotes the human trade despite efforts to eliminate the criminal networks. In her research, Gilbertson (2015) focuses on three key global drivers of trafficking for sex exploitation. They include war, economic instability, and technological advancements. In all recent wars surrounding the recent age of globalization, sex trafficking has been reported, hence, creating a dangerous environment for women and children living in war-torn areas in Europe. Also, the increased mobility of the people and instability in such zones further provide a perfect environment for human trafficking for sexual exploitation (Gilbertson, 2015, p. 22). This is the case in war-torn European countries. In addition, economic instability promotes the emergence of criminal activities and promotes migration. Globalization and technological revolution has promoted human trafficking in many ways. Gilbertson (2015) also links the expansive human trafficking criminal network in Europe and Saudi Arabia to globalization, which influences technological revolution in term of communication and marketing. Communication and information sharing through cell phones have promoted human trafficking especially for purposes of sexual exploitation (Gilbertson, 2015, p. 27). Also, the Internet has led to an enormous boom in the child pornography industry with latest forms of human trafficking for sexual exploitation taking place online through chat rooms. In Holland and other surrounding Nordic countries, pornography is legal, and this has promoted cases of child trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation (Gilbertson, 2015, p. 28). In addition, globalization has also facilitated advancements in transportation technology both in Europe and Saudi Arabia. The subtle forms of slavery promoted by human trafficking occur when in the process of searching for economic opportunities, migrants are coerced into work unwillingly (Liu, 2010, p. 2). Liu asserts that international human trafficking is not only an international crime but a process of globalization itself especially in technological perspective. Although globalization has contributed to important gains especially in the areas of trade, communication and transport in Europe, it has also opened up new avenues for human traffickers who are able to easily conduct the criminal activities (Liu, 2010). In his study, Brewer (2010) acknowledges the research question by linking the process of globalization as an integral part of growing cases of international human trafficking. In this study, Brewer (2010) asserts that in the wake of globalization, interplay of economic, social and political factors in different parts of the world have resulted to what he terms as global apartheid which has given rise to a new fourth world which is a population comprising of the incarcerated, homeless, impoverished and other socially excluded people (Brewer, 2010, p. 47). This is the group of people who provide most of the victims of human trafficking. The comparative advantage in goods and cheap labor in the third world countries has contributed towards objectifying and exploiting humans for economic ends (Brewer, 2010, p. 48). Based on the suggestions provided by other scholars in answering the research question, I will consider evaluating the existing connection between the process of globalization and international human trafficking. I will focus on providing evidence why human trafficking is not an outcome of globalization but rather a part of it. This implies that even though different states have the option to enact policies and legislation that can minimize cases of human trafficking, there are aspects of globalization that cannot be adjusted. First, I would focus on showing the evidence on how globalization has promoted stiff economic, technological, social, and political competition in both developing and industrialized countries. A primary outcome of this competition is increased inequality between nations. As the industrialized countries continue to develop, the disadvantaged countries are forced to bear the repercussions of this economic competition in terms of slower economic growth, high rate of unemployment, low literacy levels and rapidly growing population. Consequently, I will provide a critical analysis on how these factors provide the right environment which facilitates human trafficking as excessive population makes humans exploitable resources. Also, in answering the research question, I will critically evaluate how political factors such as weak government, corruption and the rise of highly developed organized crimes have led to an increase in cases of human trafficking, especially in the Saudi Arabia. The international community has not yet come into aid of governments with a weak economic infrastructure that can aid in combating this global crime. I will also provide an input on reasons why the weak governments are unable to handle the problem of human trafficking suh as insufficiency of resources, manpower, and technology that is critical in decreasing human trafficking cases in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Also, I wil provide evidence on how human trade has proliferated in European countries where the governments are unable to maintain economic and political stability. Lack of an effective international oversite body to monitor the policies used by individual countries to combat human trafficking also contri butes towards the proliferation of the vice in countries with a weak political system. I will also be critical on Weak relations in the international community and this has also contributed towards the spread of the criminal network dealing in human trade in Europe and Saudi Arabia. Failure by countries and international organizations to effectively monitor and address the problem of human trafficking in individual countries has subsequently reinforced it. In my analysis on the factors in globalization that have contributed to the high rate of human trafficking in Saudi Arabia and Europe, I will also focus on the weak relations in the international community and how they have also contributed towards the spread of the trade as well as how failure by countries and international organizations to effectively monitor and address the problem of human trafficking in individual countries has subsequently reinforced it. With the world moving towards exceeding its capacity, human beings are becoming the most abundant and exploitable resources. Therefore, when answering the research question, I will provide evidence on how countries with a lower Gross National Product (GNP) are more prone to cases of human trafficking in comparison to countries with a high GNP. Also, the answer to the research question will focus on the economic factors in globalization such as increased demand for cheap labor and subsequent influence on international human trafficking . In addition, I will concentrate on issues such as how globalization has destroyed the barriers between countries hence paving the way for illegal inter-border immigration. Increased amount of consumerism in developed countries lead to a subsequent increase in demand for cheap and exploitable labor. Part II Research Methods In order to carry out the research that will help in answering the research question, I will employ various methods of data collection, data analytical tools and assumed data analysis. Primarily, this section of the research will describe the rationale for the application of the specific procedures and techniques in data collection and analysis for the study. This will be a crucial part of the study that will enable the reader to critically evaluate the overall validity and reliability of the study. Data collection and analysis tools that will be chosen for this study are critical because they will automatically affect the findings and by extension, how the findings will be interpreted. The methods that will be chosen for collection and analysis of the data should be appropriate for fulfilling the overall aim of this study in order to come up with informed rationale on the existing relationship between globalization and aspects of international human trafficking in Europe and Saudi A rabia. Therefore, a large enough sample size will be important for this study to generalize and make informed recommendations based on the findings of the study. In this study, aspects of both qualitative and quantitative research will be applied. Study Participants When choosing the participants for this study, it is important to consider the respondents who will provide the best information for this study. Therefore, it is important to think carefully around all the issues surrounding the research question and gain access to the most effective respondents. Secondly, it is important to consider the number of participants who will take part in the study and how they will be selected. The key participants for this study will include government sources who will provide information on policies in place to address human trafficking in Europe and Saudi Arabia. This is because government policies are major drivers of globalization and subsequently, human trafficking. Another group of participants for this study will be identified victims of human trafficking. As study participants, victims of human trafficking are credible sources of vital information regarding the trade such as the methods used by the traffickers to acquire the victims and how they a re facilitated in entering through borders. Information acquired from this group of participants will facilitate the research in terms of creating constructs between border policies in Europe and Saudi Arabia and international human trafficking. Identified victims of human trafficking can be accessed through various recovery centers and focused groups. Another group of study participants who can help in answering the research question include voluntary convicted participants in the human trade who will provide information on various factors of globalization that determine demands for victims of human trade as well as how the cartels are connected in Saudi Arabia and Europe. This group of participants will also provide vital information on how border culture, weak institutions among other factors facilitate the business of human trafficking.ÂÂ   There is no age limit for the study participants because the victims of human trade includes all genders, age groups, race, religion an d socio-economic classes. Data Collection The following research will employ various data collection strategies in order to critically analyze the issues surrounding globalization and how they have contributed toward human trafficking internationally. Both the primary and the secondary data sources will be employed in order to provide a form of analysis on the changing trends in international human trafficking so that the impact of globalization on the vice can be scrutinized. Therefore, the various tools for data collection will be considered in this study. The methods of data collection will depend on their suitability to the target groups and the various issues that require assessment. Also, the tools chosen to collect data will depend on their efficiency in identifying issues such as the outputs and the outcomes of the process. The ability of the instruments of measure to provide similar answers to the same question when administered differently is also a key determinant of the tools to be used in data collection. Variou s data collection tools have their advantages and disadvantages and, therefore, suitability for the study should be the main point of consideration. Data Collection Tools Various methods of data collection critical for the subject include primary data sources from victims of human trafficking. This can be obtained from series of interview, focus groups and case studies in order to obtain first-hand insights into human trade and the similarities in the victims of human trafficking such as countries of origin, economic status and the circumstances surrounding their trafficking. Both qualitative and quantitative data can be collected in relation to globalization and international human trafficking to provide a relationship in between that can guide future approach to the issue. Quantitative data Quantitative data is a useful tool in this research for the informed measure of quantities. This can include statistical data such as numbers of victims of human trafficking etc. Census reports. Census reports are key to globalization and human trafficking studies because it will provide data about every unit in a group of the population. For instance, census reports from various countries can show that age variations among the citizens and also monitor movements of different groups of people both locally and internationally. In addition, through census reports, it is possible to examine the current economic conditions in a given country and how these conditions influence migration of the people. Administrative data. Various international organizations such as UNICEF, ILO, UNODC collect information on a day-to-day basis on operations and economic trends in various countries. The statistics obtained from these organizations annual reports is usually in real time and can be used as an indicator of the conditions on the ground. Administrative data will be useful in this research because it will shows various economic policies operating in different countries influence trade, the emergence of new industries and border movements. This form of data will also provideÂÂ   insights on changing trends on international human trafficking such as the destinations, reasons for the trafficking as well as data on the most preferred victims for the trade. An example is the 2014 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime which shows a changing trend in human trafficking whereby girls are more preferred than boys as aÂÂ   result of growing demands in the sex trade. This report also shows the main reasons behind human trafficking in various parts of the world. In Africa and the Saudi Arabi, sexual exploitation and forced labor are the main drivers behind human trafficking. However, in other parts such as East Asia and Americas, forced labor is the primary reason behind the high cases of human trafficking. Tracer studies. Tracer studies will be an important tool for data collection in this research because they will include a combination of regular surveys which are used as the core tool. The regular surveys will be combined with an in-depth discussion with samples of the surveys as well as interviewing key informants about the human trade. Key informants can be voluntary informants who can be either victim of the trafficking or traffickers themselves. Government sources can also be used to provide key information especially on the interplay between the economic policies put in place and how they promote globalization as well as other outcomes of globalization such as human trafficking. Qualitative data. Qualitative data is critical to this study because it will provide information on the qualities which are not measurable. This includes reasons why a particular group of people is preferred as victims of human trafficking in particular parts of the world as well aa the factors that facilitate human trafficking in various parts of the world. Interviews. Interviewing is an essential data collection tool for this study. Interviews can be done on the identified victims of human trafficking because they will assist in providing first-hand information about the nature of the trade. Essentially, human trafficking is a very discreet trade and much is not known about it. Therefore, by linking the information obtained through interviews, it wil be possible to link various aspects of the trade to the prevailing economic conditions and globalization in general. Case studies.Case studies will be extensively used qualitative data collection tools in this research because they will provide a critical analysis of the issue of human trafficking base on specific cases. In this research, case studies involving a particular individual in the trade or country where human trafficking is rampant can provide general insights on the nature of the trade in other parts of the world and how globalization has contributed to changes in the nature of the trade. Besides, case studies also enable movement tracking whereby the identified victims can provide critical information such as the transport methods used by human traffickers, destination, and communication. Case studies also facilitate the process of identifying various agencies that take part in human trafficking. Literature review for secondary data. Literature materials can also provide credible information on nature on the nature of human trafficking as a result of globalization and also providing a comparison with the earlier forms of human trafficking before globalization. This method of data collection heavily relies on the opinions of the researcher as per their area of study. Through a systematic review of literate, it is possible to identify gaps in research that have not been addressed in relation to globalization as a contributing factor to human trafficking. Various research articles employ different methods of data collection. Therefore, it is also possible to compare the various methods of data collection used and identify the most accurate in terms of the findings. Assumed Data Analysis Data analytics refer to various methods of examining raw data in order to draw informed conclusions in relation to the available information. In this study, various tool for data analysis will be used to summarize the information obtained during data collection in order to illustrate various measures that directly or indirectly link international human trafficking to globalization. Data Analysis Planning During data analysis, it is important to edit the research questions and the alternative hypothesis. The data analysis plan will specify the various statistics that need to be analyzed as per the research question and the assumptions of the statistics. Also, the data analysis plan will provide an appropriate justification as to why the statistics chosen are appropriate. Besides, it is important to justify the sample size and if possible references are made. This is

The Effectiveness Of Hand Washing Nursing Essay

The Effectiveness Of Hand Washing Nursing Essay This essay attempts to investigate whether hand washing is an effective technique in the prevention of the spread of infection. I will do this by analyzing the existing evidence in relation to the hierarchy of evidence. I will then use the Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) (2006) to discuss three studies, while looking at the related literature. Finally in the conclusion I will discuss how the evidence I have analyzed will affect my future practice. According to the centers of disease control (2002) hand washing is the simplest most effective measure for preventing the spread of bacteria, pathogens and viruses. Hamer (1999) reports evidence based practice aims to aid professionals in effective decision making to reduce ineffective, inappropriate possible hazardous practices. The strength of the hierarchy of evidence is that it acknowledges the valid contribution of evidence generated by a range of different types of research. However, hierarchies only provide a guide to the strength of the available evidence and other issues such as the quality of research also have an important influence (Evans, 2003). Cool et al 1992 suggest that the highest form of evidence available should be combined with the highest recommendation range as this suggests superior validity, applying these forms of evidence to practice should be considered. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) guide lines would support this idea that the use of evidence-based practice is appropriate and necessary within the clinical setting. According to Duffy (2008) reflection is a development process, which should benefit the heal th care professional and their practice as a result. The Gibbs (1988) reflection model will be used throughout this essay to help reflect on the chosen aspect of nursing. Gibbs model of reflection (1988) begins by giving a description of the event. While on placement I was caring for an elderly man. In a three hour period this patient had four episodes of a sudden need to have his bowels opened. Each time the stool appeared to be loose. After the third episode I told my mentor who told me to talk a sample the next time he had his bowels opened. We also made other members of the team aware of this. Following these episodes the patient began to vomit frequently. My mentor along with the senior nurse decided that the patient should be place in a side room to prevent the spread of a possible infection the patient may have. Once the patient had been transferred to his room all staff were to wear aprons and gloves when in the room and to wash their hands when leaving the room. My mentor explained to me that these steps were taken to prevent the spread of infection. I have decided to look at the evidence that suggests that hand hygiene helps to prevent the s pread of infection as from talking to other members of staff they knew they should wash their hands for infection control reasons but knew little more. The CASP (2006) tool will be used to appraise the chosen research. Search engines such as Internurse, Journal of advance nursing and Cochrane Collaboration were used. Three main bodies of research will be focused on throughout this essay. Ejemot RI et al (2009) carried out a systematic review to evaluate the effects of interventions to promote hand washing on diarrhea episodes in children and adults. Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias. In order for evidence based medicine to be practiced clinical expertise and clinical evidence from systematic reviews need to be combined (Sackett et al, 1997). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were pooled using the generic inverse variance method and random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CI). This systematic review was carried out in 2009 with 14 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) meeting the inclusion criteria. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are perceived as the gold-standard evaluation method for evidence based medicine and the rest to be a lower level evidence (Fielding et al, 2008). The evidence within this journal is considered to have a high impact factor. The impact factor of a journal reflects the frequency with which the journal s articles are cited in the scientific literature (Saha et al, 2003). The impact factor is used to determine the quality of a piece of evidence (Garfield, 2005). Eight trials were institution-based in high-income countries (7711 participants), five were community-based in low or middle-income countries (8055 participants), and one was in a high-risk group (people with acquired immune deficiency syndrome), these sample sizes are adequate, however the trials were carried out in various countries such as China, Australia, Europe, and North America where resources and materials for hand washing are relatively available and accessible with the exception of China. This may hinder the results. Results showed a 39% reduction in diarrhoea episodes in children in institutions in high-income countries and a 32% reduction in episodes in children living in communities in low- or middle-income countries. The author acknowledges the need for longer follow up periods. Randle et al (2010) performed an observational study which measured healthcare workers (HCWs), patients and visitors hand hygiene compliance over a 24Â  hour period. The study took place in two hospital wards in 2010. This study monitored a total of 823 hand hygiene opportunities. 659 (80%) of these participants were HCWs, 75 (9%) for patients and 89 (11%) for visitors. Of the 659 hand hygiene opportunities available to HCWs, compliance by doctors was 47%, nurses 75%, ancillary nurses and other staff 59%, and allied health professionals 78%. For HCWs, compliance did not vary between the two wards but did by shift with compliance being lower in the morning shift. The author has recognized variables that may have affected the results such as profession, ward type, time of day, type of opportunity and patient or visitors. The author also sates the likelihood of HCWs being directly observed was very high. Such a bias might distort compliance percentages. The fact the study took place in one hospital may limit the findings as the specific infrastructure and organisation of work may influence behaviour. Direct observation is the gold standard to monitor compliance to optimal hand hygiene practice and we conducted observations using a previously validated hand hygiene observation tool. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using the direct observational technique. Evaluation brief (2008) state some of the disadvantages may be, observer bias, people usually perform better when they know they are being observed, although indirect observation may decrease this problem, Can be expensive and time-consuming compared to other data collection methods and does not increase your understanding of why people behave as they do. Advantages to the observational technique have been identified by DeWALT and DeWALT (2002) allows you to directly see what people do rather than relying on what people say they did which does not rely on peoples willingness or ability to provide i nformation. Burnett et al (2008) conducted a quantitative study which aimed to study exploring perceptions of nurses and patients towards patient hand hygiene and addressing current practice in relation to patients who were unable to independently perform their own hand hygiene. From the results of this study it is clears that patient hand hygiene is an important factor in controlling and preventing HCAI, but patients still remain unable to carry out this task independently as they are not given the opportunity to do so. Opportunities for hand decontamination were identified. The results showed, 57% opportunities before meal times, 21% opportunities following use of the commode at the bedside, 2% opportunities after using the urinal, 5% opportunities after visiting the toilet, 4% opportunities following vomiting and expectoration of sputum. Ethical considerations were made such as asking for consent. The senior charge nurse gave verbal consent for the study to take place on the various wards. St aff nurses who agree to take part in the studies completed questionnaires that remained anonymous. Patients who took part in this research were asked to provide written consent and finally all participants were given appropriate information explaining the intent of the study. The Human Rights Act protects the right to respect for private and family life and thus supports the need for consent to participate in research (Masson, 2004). All research involving NHS patients or staff or conducted on NHS premises have to be approved by a NHS Ethics Committee (Center of research ethical campaign, 2009).The study approved by The hospitals Committee on Medical Research Ethics. Banfield and Kerr (2005) suggest that patient hand hygiene as HCAI continue to rise despite hand hygiene research and the implementation of a multitude of intervention strategies, the author acknowledges that there were limitations to the study. Such limitations are that patients do not receive to opportunity to partici pate in correct hand hygiene procedure. The author also recommended that patient hand hygiene practices should become an important focus within infection control intervention strategies and consideration should be given to hand hygiene facilities when patients are unable to independently access hand washing sinks. In conclusion I have recognised that there is a large sum of evidence that can be applied to practice in relation to this topic. Appling evidence-based practice within the health care setting faces many barriers such as staff not having the time or means to access or critique data. The most valuable lesson I have learnt throughout this essay is that just because there is research on a topic does not mean that this piece of work is either valuable of credible. Due to this I have realised research should be analysed to determine whether the information is useful and can be applied in practice. From the papers I have analysed I have realised that hand washing is in fact the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection but factors such as environment time and profession can affect people from washing their hands effectively. From undertaking this assignment I feel that I will continue to access evidence which underpins our practice throughout my career.

The Way Technology Has Changed Man: Hopkins And Wordsworth :: essays research papers

"Where do you want to go today?". We all know this slogan of the most advanced software company in the world, Microsoft. The question we will soon have to answer is were we can't go today. William Wordsworth, a quaint man from the late 18th century and early 19th century, understood the need for change in this world and expressed a pre-mature concern for the future that still applies to this very day in "The world is too much with us". Gerald Hopkins, a poet from the later 19th century, expressed many of same ideas and philosophies as Wordsworth in "God's Grandeur". Their main points were that man's continuous journey towards the future has led us to forget our roots. Though how could two poets from two different lifestyles, Wordsworth the revolutionary and Hopkins the Jesuit, come up with the same basic ideas? They both showed that our continuous journey towards the future has led us to forget our roots as shown by our destruction of nature, by the way the Industrial Revolution has torn us away from our harmony with nature and by the ways we can return back to mother earth.Man continues to destroy nature in an attempt to strengthen himself. Wordsworth and Hopkins talk about man's primal instinct to destroy what is around him. Ironically our destruction of nature leads to the advancements in our personal technologies. This is made evident when Wordsworth says "getting and spending we lay waste our powers." While it is obvious is that Wordsworth thinks we have become to attached to material goods, what does he mean by "lay waste our powers"? Perhaps the only explanation we can give is that Wordsworth believes that Man has, somewhere deep down in him, the ability to be a creator, an architect who can use nature and not abuse it. He also believes that Man keeps destroying nature without realizing the effects this adds to our lives. Hopkins shows this same type of idea but with a higher connection, the power of God. He uses God as a way of showing us the wrong we are doing. He shows Man's disobedience of God as a way to show that we have forgotten nature. Wordsworth thinks our own ambitions have led us to this point and we can't say that Hopkins completely disagrees with that. Hopkins shows how nature accumulates our pollution. They both must have realized the influence these technologies were having on their societies.

Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy Essay -- utopia, insomia patient, go

Essay Option 2: Looking Backward: Government and power imbalance from 1887 – 2000 The vision and ideas in Bellamy’s book Looking Backward that stronger government would create a utopian society were mainly related to the power imbalance developing in the gilded age, the ideas of social theorists like Henry George, workers’ rights movements known as unions and the actions of government leaders in the 19th century. In Bellamy’s book, a major theme in Julian’s journey through the year 2000 and throughout the comparison between 1887 and 2000 is that there is a vision of strong government control over multiple aspects of life more so in the dream 2000 than had been in 1887. Many of those included jobs, education, shopping and business related commercial aspects and people’s daily lives. The most important aspects of life that the government controlled were Jobs and Education because without those, there is no society. Looking Backward is about Julian West, a thirty-year-old insomnia patient born into the 1800’s. During the 19th century, the majority of the world was impoverished and the wealthy people wanted to help but they believed that there was no way to do so without losing their wealth. Julian planned to marry his fiancà ©, Edith Bartlett when their house was built but there were many builder strikes going on at the time and the house wasn’t going to be built for another year. Decoration day was a holiday that had honored union workers and Julian celebrated this holiday with Edith’s family. Due to Julian’s insomnia, he had built a secret sleeping chamber underground to aid in proper sleep. Dr. Pillsbury put Julian to sleep every night but was offered a new job and had to leave. Julian was in such a deep sleep that night and wa... ...d age, the ideas of social theorists like Henry George, workers’ rights movements known as unions and the actions of government leaders in the 19th century. In Bellamy’s book, a major theme in Julian’s journey through the year 2000 and throughout the comparison between 1887 and 2000 is that there is a vision of strong government control over multiple aspects of life more so in the dream 2000 than had been in 1887. Many of those included jobs, education, shopping and business related commercial aspects and people’s daily lives. After looking deeper into the book, the most important and frequently mentioned aspects of life were Jobs and Education because without those, there is no ability to have a higher functioning society beyond poverty and day laborers. Works Cited 1. Edward Bellamy, Looking Backward: 2000 to 1887 2. Retrieving the American Past

Product costing and cost accumulation in a batch production environment Essay

As production takes place, manufacturing costs are tracked in the Work-in-Process Inventory account. Every product is made up of three cost components: direct materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead. After products are completed, the corresponding cost leaves the Work-in-Process account and is debited to the Finished-Goods account. (A merchandising firm buys its goods already completed and directly debits the items’ cost to Merchandise Inventory.) When units are sold, the Finished-Goods Inventory account is credited and Cost of Goods Sold is debited. A product-costing system must be adapted to match the environ ­ment in which it operates. A job-order costing system is used in an industry where products are made individually, or in relatively small batches, and one product or batch is readily distinguishable from the other. Candidates for job-costing systems would be custom homebuilding, custom printing, custom furniture construction, legal cases, medical cases, audits, and research projects. A process-costing system is employed in an environment at the other end of the continuum: the mass production of like units. Users might include manufacturers of chemicals, gasoline, and microchips. This topic is discussed fully in Chapter 4. 4.ACCUMULATING COSTS IN A JOB-ORDER COSTING SYSTEM A job-cost record is used to accumulate the actual direct materials, actual direct labor, and applied manufacturing overhead costs for each job. The recording of costs on this record and in the general ledger is triggered by various source docu ­ments. Material requisition forms authorize the transfer of direct materials from the warehouse to production. In many firms, the requisitions are based on a bill of materials that lists all of the materials (e.g., parts) needed. Supply chain—the flow of all goods, services, and information into and out of the organization. The supply chain often has ramifications for materials, as manufacturers work with vendors to achieve improved delivery schedules and reductions in material cost. Time records are used to gather the amount of direct labor worked on a specific job. Manufacturing overhead is entered on the job-cost record in the form of applied (i.e., estimated) overhead. Source documents, such as invoices for factory insurance and schedules for factory depreciation, trigger a general-ledger entry that debits the Manufacturing Overhead account. 5.OVERHEAD APPLICATION Overhead accounting involves a number of steps. Chapter 3 focuses on the final step: the application of overhead to jobs and products. Although overhead cannot be directly traced to the product, the use of an application rate should allocate an equitable amount of cost to each job (known as overhead application). Step 1: Set a predetermined overhead rate at the beginning of the accounting period. This is done by dividing the period’s estimated (budgeted) overhead by the period’s estimated number of cost-driver units. Step 2: Use the predetermined overhead rate to apply an equitable portion of overhead to each job. As the actual number of cost-driver units used on a job becomes known, it is multiplied by the predetermined overhead rate. Actual overhead costs incurred during the year are debited to the Manufacturing Overhead control account. In contrast, applied overhead is debited to Work-in-Process Inventory and credited to Manufacturing Overhead. The year-end difference between actual and applied amounts is known as over- or underapplied overhead. This figure is adjusted in the process of closing the Manufacturing Overhead account to zero by either: Charging or crediting the amount to cost of goods sold. This approach is acceptable if the over- or underapplication is small or if most of the products made during the period have been sold. Prorating the amount among work in process, finished goods, and cost of goods sold. Teaching Tip: Emphasize that under- and overapplied overhead is the difference between actual and applied overhead, not actual and budgeted overhead. The budgeted figure is used solely in the determination of the predetermined rate. 6. EXTENDED ILLUSTRATION OF JOB COSTING As noted earlier, the Work-in-Process Inventory account contains charges for direct materials used, direct labor, and applied manufacturing overhead. Period costs are expensed and not charged to Manufacturing Overhead. A sale requires two journal entries: one to record the sales revenue and another to transfer the goods’ cost from Finished-Goods Inventory to Cost of Goods Sold. Teaching Tip: Although the text illustration appears relatively complicated, it is simply presenting the details that accompany the flow of goods (and costs) from work in process, to finished goods, to cost of goods sold. 7.FINANCIAL SCHEDULES FOR MANAGERS The schedule of cost of goods manufactured details the activity in the Work-in-Process account (beginning balance, direct materials used, direct labor, applied overhead, and ending balance). The schedule of cost of goods sold details the activity in the Finished- Goods Inventory account. It is similar to the cost-of-goods-sold schedule as shown in financial accounting courses for merchandising companies, except the â€Å"purchases† amount is replaced with cost of goods manufactured. 8.FURTHER ASPECTS OF OVERHEAD APPLICATION Actual and normal costing Accountants prefer predetermined application rates, which are used in a normal-costing system. Such rates help to smooth product costs over time and allow users to cost products/jobs upon completion. In contrast, users of actual-costing systems derive an actual overhead rate at the end of the accounting period. Product-cost information to management is therefore delayed. Choosing an appropriate cost driver Direct labor has been a very common and appropriate cost driver. Past processes were labor intensive, and products incurring more labor often produced higher amounts of manufacturing overhead. Today, many processes are automated and less dependent on labor. Thus, firms now use machine hours, process time, throughput (cycle) time (the average amount of time to convert raw materials into finished goods), and other measures as cost drivers. Single vs. multiple overhead rates Companies commonly use multiple (rather than single) application rates. With computerized accounting systems, multiple rates are easily generated, thus lowering the cost of producing highly accurate information. A single overhead rate is commonly known as a plantwide rate; multiple rates are often known as departmental rates. Two-stage cost allocation Stage one: Overhead is first accumulated in production departments. This frequently requires the allocation of service department costs to production departments. Stage two: As a final step, production department costs are assigned to individual jobs and products via overhead application. 9.PROJECT COSTING Project costing refers to job costing in a nonmanufacturing environment. â€Å"Jobs† in this case refer to cases, contracts, and/or programs. Costing involves tracking the direct, easily traceable costs and subdividing them by project. Overhead is then applied by using a predetermined rate, with a possible application base being a project’s direct professional labor cost. Technology such as bar coding may be used to track appropriate costs to projects, although this is just one of many possible applications. Service providers, along with manufacturers, are also making use of: Electronic data interchange (EDI), which involves the electronic transfer of information from one organization to another by using a computer-to-computer interface. Extensible markup language (XML), which is web-based and allows users to share structured data such as product order lists and price data. Teaching Overview I begin the topic of job costing by explaining that students should not expect to apply a so-called â€Å"textbook system† to any real-world company, because cost systems must be designed to meet a firm’s unique needs. However, the two traditional system models, job order and process costing, give users the ability to build-in various modifications for use in actual situations. The major difficulty that students encounter in job costing is the concept of manufacturing overhead. The first area needing clarifica ­tion is terminology, namely: Estimated = budgeted Applied = allocatedIncurred = actual The second area in need of clarification is the sequence of procedures for overhead application: calculating predeter ­mined overhead rates, using the rates, and adjusting the over ­- or underapplied amount. This problem stems from the fact that students are doing textbook assignments where all the information is given simultaneously. Therefore, the question arises, â€Å"Why use an imperfect predetermined overhead rate when I have all the totally correct, actual data in the next paragraph?† It is helpful to be on the lookout for this line of thinking when discussing homework assignments and to remind students how and when information becomes available in the real world. (I suspect this is a problem mainly for under ­graduates with limited work experience.) Based on many years of teaching, I also find that students struggle with the journal entries required to handle a sale. Two entries are needed: one to transfer the cost of units sold from finished goods to cost of goods sold; another is needed to record revenue. Students often forget one or the other or exhibit some creativity, creating a new account entitled Profit on Sale. Be sure to spend a few extra minutes with this issue. After the preceding issues have been handled, students generally are quite interested in job-costing concepts, particularly those who have worked in a family business or who plan to start their own business. Students are also interested in job costing in a service enterprise (discuss something as basic as the activities of a sports agent who represents clients across the country) and the impact of changing manufacturing techniques (such as the acquisition of new, state-of-the-art production technology) on product-costing procedures. I recommend Exercise 3-35 (manufacturing overhead) and Problem 3-46 (job costing and journal entries) as lecture demonstration problems.

Principles for Implementin Duty of Care in Health and Social Care Essay

1.1Explain what it means to have a duty of care in own work role: A duty of care is a legal obligation imposed on any individual working within the care sector that they adhere to a standard of reasonable care whilst performing any acts that could foreseeable harm others. It is my responsibility that: -Whilst caring for an individual I promote their independency and assist them to understand and exercise their rights. -That I use established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice. -Following practice and procedures designed to keep myself and other people safe from violent and abusive behaviour at work. -Bring to the attention of my Manager or appropriate authority any difficulties that might get in the way of the delivery of safe care. -Informing my Manager of appropriate authority where colleagues may be using unsafe practices of adversely affecting standards of care. -Comply with Health & Safety Polices. -Helping clients and any colleagues to make complaints, taking complaints seriously and responding to them or passing them onto the appropriate person. -Recognising and using responsibly the power that comes from my work with clients and others colleagues. People have a right to expect that when a professional is providing support, they will be kept safe and are not neglected or exposed to any unnecessary risks. 1.2Explain how duty of care contributes to the safeguarding or protection of individuals: Having a duty of care should guarantee the safeguarding of vulnerable adults in my care. Knowing that I have a duty of care towards everyone I work with provides a clear guide to how I should behave, and how I must consider those I work with. By following the codes of practice and thinking about my duty of care means that my practice will be safer because I will stop to think to ensure I am working in the best interest of the clients I am supporting and keeping them safe from harm. Risk Assessments – carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for all the activities we do within our caring role ensure risks are minimised and therefore reducing risk of injury or harm to clients, myself and others. Recognising potential hazards and eliminating them. By following Policies and Procedures we have a clear set of rules and boundaries that ensure adults and those we work with know how to conduct themselves If we conform to legislation and laws such as health and safety and safeguarding we are working within the law which is there to protect vulnerable adults and others who work with us. Understanding signs of neglect or abuse and observing clients means I can notice any signs or symptoms early avoiding putting people at risk, ensuring clients are progressing as is expected, reporting any concerns to my Manager. 2.Know how to address conflicts or dilemmas that may arise between an individual’s rights and the duty of care:- 2.1 Describe potential conflicts or dilemmas that may arise between the duty of care and an individual’s rights: Whilst I have a duty of care to the people I support they also have the right to make their own choices and reach a decision about actions they want to take. Sometimes this can result in a conflict or dilemma and how it is resolved depends on the legal position of the person I am supporting. Most of our clients are in a position to make their own decisions about what they do in their lives, in order to exercise my duty of care I must ensure that any decisions and choices people make are based on understanding the consequences and potential risks of what they want to do. My role is not to prevent clients from doing what they want, but I need to make sure that they know the possible results. This can result in some very finely balanced decisions especially where there are concerns about someone’s capacity to understand the possible risks and consequences of their actions, just because a person has dementia, learning disabilities or a long term mental problem it is easy to believe they lack the capacity to make decisions about important issues affecting their own lives. We would need to think about the Mental Capacity Act 1005 which underpins five key principles:- -A presumption of capacity – every adult has the right to make their own decisions and must be assumed to have the capacity to do so unless it is proved otherwise. -The right for people to be supported to make their own decisions – people must be given all appropriate help before anyone concludes that a person cannot make their own decisions. -That people must retain the right to make what might be seen as eccentric or unwise decisions -Best interests – anything done for or on behalf of people without capacity must be in their best interests. -Least restrictive Intervention – anything done for or on behalf of people without capacity should be the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms. This act sets out clearly how to establish if someone is incapable of making a decision. The underlying principle is that I can give people information so that they understand the potential risks and consequences of their actions but, apart from exceptional circumstances I cannot stop people from doing something they have decided to do. There are some circumstances where I can and should take action, such as: -Is the person likely to act criminally or illegal. -Will it deliberately harm them. -Does it represent a serious risk to others. In these circumstances I must seek advice from my Manager immediately. 2.2 Describe how to manage risks associated with conflicts or dilemmas between an individual’s rights and the duty of care: I must always have the individual’s best interests in mind. An important part of promoting rights, choice and control is that people are encouraged to take the risks that come with day-to-day living but have an understanding of the potential consequences and have taken all possible steps to reduce the possibility of harm to themselves or others. The way in which I can exercise my duty of care in a risky situation is not to take steps to stop someone doing what they want but to access the risks carefully and to look at the protecting factors. I may have to think about what other protecting factors I can put in place so that the risk is managed effectively such as: A client may develop acute symptoms if he does not take his medication – I could reduce the risk by increasing visits to ensure the medication is taken correctly. 2.3 Explain where to get additional support and advice about conflicts and dilemmas: The first port of call if I am unsure about what to do and I am exercising my duty of care is to consult my Manager; they should be able to advise me about the best approaches to take. I could also contact the clients GP or the District Nurse for their advise. Trade Unions might be an option if I feel I am not getting the answers I need to help resolve the situation. 3. Know how to respond to complaints:- 3.1 Describe how to respond to complaints: Complaints to the organisation should be monitored and considered as part of every review of service provision, if everyone simply put up with poor service and no one complained they would never be aware of where the service needs improvement. Should a client wish to make a complaint I would firstly listen to what they have to say, I would explain to the client that I am taking their complaint seriously and that I would need to consult my Manager. It could result in the client following the complaint up in writing or even my Manager visiting them to discuss. Mu Manager would refer to the complaints procedure and report to her Manager. Hopefully through discussions with all parties the complaint can be dealt with effectively, it may however result in a disciplinary being taken against any member of staff who the client is complaining about.