Financial Ratios and Dividend Payout Ratio Essay Example

Financial Ratios and Dividend Payout Ratio Essay Which financial ratio indicates the percentage of profit that is paid out as dividends? dividend payout ratio 2. Constant dollars are dollars adjusted for inflation to make them comparable over various years. True 3. According to Schilit, the search for hidden weaknesses in a companys performance is known as forensic accounting. 4. Which of the following is NOT one of the categories of important financial ratios that is mentioned in the text to help assess an organizations overall financial situation? asset management ratios 5. Which financial ratio shows the return on all of the assets under its control regardless of source of financing? return on investment 6. Which of the following financial ratios is not a profitability ratio? asset turnover 7. To get a proper picture of the position of the organization, common-size statements and ratios should be compared to industry-wide average trends 8. When conducting a financial analysis, select and discuss those financial ratios that have an impact on the companys problems. True 9. Net profit margin is what type of financial ratio? profitability ratio 10. Which financial ratio measures the extent to which borrowed funds have been used to finance the companys assets? debt to equity ratio 11. According to Schilit, unusually high good will gains related to recent acquisitions is a red flag, suggesting an underlying problem. True 12. One of the most important categories of financial ratios are the liquidity ratios. True 13. Among the most useful and important documents that can be used to understand why actions were taken are annual reports. 14. Which financial ratio measures the extent to which the companys capital is in cash or cash equivalents? ash ratio 15. The amount of change from one year to the next in GDP indicates how much that countrys economy is growing. True 16. Which financial ratio indicates the number of days of cash on hand, at present sales levels? days of cash 17. At what Z-value level is a firm considered in serious trouble? below 1. 81 18. Inventory turnover and asset turnover are both examples of which type of financ ial ratio? activity ratio 19. Which financial ratio indicates how much after-tax profit is generated by each dollar of sales? net profit margin 0. A companys annual report from the year of the case can be helpful, but the 10-K form is not beneficial for those conducting a case analysis. False 21. If the corporation being studied appears to be in poor financial condition, use Altmans Bankruptcy Formula to calculate its Z-value. True 22. ________ is used worldwide and measures the total output of goods and services within a countrys borders. GDP 23. Which financial indicator is calculated by the ratio of market price per share to earnings per share? price/earnings ratio We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Ratios and Dividend Payout Ratio specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Ratios and Dividend Payout Ratio specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Ratios and Dividend Payout Ratio specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Germany Economy in the Modern Days

Germany Economy in the Modern Days Introduction Germany practices an open economy based on a strong economic base which amounts for a third of the gross domestic product (GDP). German economy is influenced by competitions in the global market especially in international mobile and capital technology. It practices capitalism and free market in order to enhance their competitiveness in the global economic arena. The government only exercises regulation and subsidizes sectors like coal mining and agriculture.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Germany Economy in the Modern Days specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Macro-Economic Picture of Germany In the European Union bloc, Germany has the largest population. In the year 2009, the population of Germany was estimated to be 81.8 million. Its prosperous economy attracts a lot of immigrants from all corners of the world. In terms of nominal GDP, Germany ranks 4th while in terms of purchasing power, it ran ks 5th in the world. Germany is considered a technological and scientific development hub. It is a global dominant actor in the industrial production of machinery, chemicals, vehicles and other household implements. Despite the global recession, German economy was considered one of the stable economies in the world. Figure 1 below indicates how German economy performed during the global financial crisis period from 2007 to 2009. Figure 1 (Economy Watch 1) German’s GDP is one of the strongest in the world. In 2009, its per capita GDP was $34,200, down from $35,500 in 2008. During this period, the rate of unemployment grew from 7.8% in 2008 to 8.2% in 2009. This is largely linked to slow industrial growth to less import productivity (Economy Watch 1). This is indicated in figure 2 below. Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 2 (Economy Watch 1) The current unemployment rate in Germany stands at 7.5%. The following is the current contribution of various sectors to the economy in the year 2010. Major Economic Contributors Agriculture contributes approximately 0.9 percent of the GDP. Among the agricultural products grown are corn, wheat, sugar, barley and hops. Industrial sector accounts for 26.8 percent of the economy. Products from the industrial sector include cars, chemicals, medical equipment, and aerospace equipment. In terms of trade, Germany exported goods worth $1.124 trillion. The major exports were chemicals, motor vehicles, steel, iron and electrical products. Their major markets are France, US and the Netherlands. German imports goods worth $937 billion. Their major imports are petroleum products, manufactured goods, apparel, and electrical products. Their major suppliers are Netherlands, China and France. Germany’s economy is export oriented and forms basis of micro-economic expansion and these exports amoun t to a third of the national income. Germany imports represent 12.56 percent of the economy while exports account for 14.099 percent of the GDP. Nature of German Economy Germany practices social protection where the state is a dominant actor in the economic realm. It does not have natural resources except coal, wood and minerals, hence most of their raw materials are imported (Siebert 19). Germany’s economy is a mix of government regulated and one of a free market. The government specifically regulates social and labor issues. Most of the companies operating in Germany are built around a technological knowledge. Private ownership plays a significant role in the ownership of various companies and hence owner-entrepreneur is the main driving force. There is growing unemployment in Germany. This is associated with wage formation, reservations of wages and weakening demand for labor.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Germany Economy in the Modern Days specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More German Economic Ranking Germany experience low birth rates, this implies that an aging population is inescapable and continues to be an economic challenge in future (Mueller 281). Germany ranks second globally in market and economic competitiveness after USA. This is largely due to ownership laws and its exemplary general law and order. In the 2011 global competitive index, Germany was ranked one step lower than the 2010 ranking in position six with an indicative score of 5.41. Global competitiveness is based on twelve pillars, these pillars are: infrastructure, institutions, macroeconomic environment, health and primary education, higher education and training, goods market and efficiency, labor market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness, market size, business sophistication and innovation (Klaus 57). The economic freedom score of Germany is 71.8 and it is ranked 23rd most free in the world. It has experienced increase in six out of the ten indicators of economic freedom. This ranking is higher when compared with the global average. Germany in the Global Economy Germany has withstood the challenges of the global environment to emerge as one of the most powerful and dynamic economy. It has strong business and investment freedom which is supported by openness to global commerce, excellently protected property rights and favorable business regulatory environment. Germany also treats foreign and local investors equally (Heritage foundation 1). Germany is a deeply divided country in terms of income. There is an increase in the rate of poverty. Majority of the population live in less than 60 percent of the median household income. Children are the most hit by poverty. It is evident from the OECD records which show that the rate of poverty in Germany is growing at an exponential rate than any other OECD country. In order to eliminate poverty, the government has proposed an elimination of part-time employment and temporary jobs and instead it has promoted the revision of wage structure and full time employment. Women and the minorities are relegated in economic activities in Germany.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Ranking of nations is necessary in order to enhance global competitiveness. It enables some countries to utilize their opportunities outside the nation by using its strengths. Germany, with one of the strongest economies in the world exerts a lot of influence in the global economy. Germany plays a fundamental role in arranging the global monetary system. Germany is a major contributor to the European Union hence its solvency problems pose a threat to the refinancing of the EU; it has therefore the responsibility to push for the implementation of sound fiscal policies within the Euro zone (Weidmann 2). Conclusion Germany economy is growing at an exponential rate. The economy is primarily driven by domestic market which comprise of capital formation in machinery, equipment and consumption expenditure. Germany has also experienced growth in exports and imports but the share of export and import contributes less than the domestic market. The government in Germany, unlike in some other c ountries, play limited role in the economy, only particularly that of regulation and subsidizing some sectors. Women and minority groups are sidelined in playing a role in the economy. According to the OECD standards, a significant percentage of the population of Germany fall in the poverty level and it is considered the highest poverty level in the OECD bloc. Being a major contributor to the European Union, Germany is an actor in the global economy. Economy Watch. Germany Economy. Economy Watch, 2011. Web. Heritage Foundation. 2011 index of economic freedom. Heritage Foundation, 2011. Web. Klaus, Schwab. The Global competitiveness report 2011–2012. We Forum, 2011. Web. Mueller, Anthony. â€Å"The German Economy: Europe’s faltering Giant†. The Independent Review 12.2 (2007), 279–283. Siebert, Horst. The German economy: beyond the social market. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2007. Print. Weidmann, Jens. Germany’s role in the global eco nomy. BIS, 2011. Web.

Budget Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Budget Law - Essay Example The case of South Africa and Sweden are especially noted. According to Lienert(2005) many countries have adopted comprehensive and deep reforms as well new and amended laws to transform the role of the state and the budgeting processes that are involved in the working of the state. The issues that have been highlighted include fiscal transparency and political polarization, performance oriented budgeting and financial accountability. Modifications in the legal framework that have changed the role of the state and the budget processes involved or supporting it could be highlighted yet these modifications seem to have been strongest in countries that rely on laws and decrees to introduce changes The emphasis is on performance oriented budgeting and fiscal transparency and considering that the legal framework does help in shifting emphases to the process of budgeting and methodology, the central role of the legal aspect could be well documented and examined. However there are many obstacles to the proper working of the legal framework and its implementation to enhance budgeting and these could be differences between countries in terms of political systems and administrative arrangements or even legal cultures that could prevent the budgeting process from being efficient and transparent. ... Such cycles are usually thought to be present in weak or new democracies although Alt James et al (2006) prove that such electoral cycles could be present in advanced and more industrialized economies as well. The focus on fiscal transparency along with budgeting transparency would bring about questions on the nature of the economy and the kind of legal framework such economies have. Fiscal Transparency If the legal frameworks are strong enough, fiscal transparency could be expected. Fiscal transparency has become one of the most important aspects of governance and financial reporting A definition of fiscal transparency is given by Kopits and Craig: "Fiscal transparency is defined ... as openness toward the public at large about government structure and functions, fiscal policy intentions, public sector accounts, and projections. It involves ready access to reliable, comprehensive, timely, understandable, and internationally comparable information on government activities ... so that the electorate and financial markets can accurately assess the government's financial position and the true costs and benefits of government activities, including their present and future economic and social implications" (1998, p. 1). The authors use a sample of data from 19 OECD countries in the 1990s, to identify a persistent pattern of electoral cycles both in the low transparency, and largely developing countries, although such cycles could not be observed in high transparency countries. Thus the authors suggest that electoral cycles in fiscal balance could be a feature of many advanced economies but not found in high transparency countries. This highlights the fact that not all advanced and developed economies would have very transparencies although some advanced

Rape in women study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rape in women study - Essay Example For example, in primeval times the decrees of society were written and imposed just by men. This resulted in laws that were unfair and that did little to put a damper on men from raping women. Even though the nation has witnessed the rates of crime plummet in current years, rape prolongs to be a key worry in America. In accordance with Annette article, â€Å"Rates of Crime Are Down... However, What About Rape?" in the Ms. Magazine, "an approximated 15 percent of women are molested or raped at some stage in their lives" (Jack 546). At the same time, big cities for instance Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston, and New York have witnessed the rates of crimes that are violent for example, murder, theft, and provoked physical attack plummet, however, rape has not been so providential. In the majority of these cities, where cases of rape have been reported have decreased only by a few proportion points, while in several of these cities, reported cases of rape have in fact augmented. Rape is a pandemic that is gradually infecting our whole nation, and except a few radical actions are taken without delay, this plague may never be alleviated. If we are truthfully concerned in having our homeland purified of this infection, we ought to start by removing from our minds the concept that rape happens just amid the underprivileged (Jackson 8). On the contrary, what surprises me is the manner in which these rapists go free or are given short sentences. This is because the government has neglected this issue by lack of instilling laws that are stern with regards to rape cases (Wood & Eagly 699). Again, the ministry of health ought to be vulnerable by training its staff members on collecting the rape kits appropriately. Additionally, the crime labs ought to be fully equipped. Case is the lab report. The report ought to affirm what examples were assessed, what sort of DNA test was carried out, and which models could (and could

Homelessness in Need Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Homelessness in Need - Research Paper Example This research paper describes the homelessness isue that is a big social problem everywhere in the world today. The United States of America are also not an exception. The researcher focuses on analysis of what makes people homeless today. It is stated in the research paper that changing family concepts, unemployment, structural problems individual problems etc are making people homeless in modern world. It is aldo described that homelessness affects children more than anybody else today and it is important task of governmental and other social organizations to decrease the issue of homelessness arounf children and teenagers in the United States. In March 2009 CNN reported that in the United States of America one of every fifty children faces homelessness, meaning that more than 1.5 million children face this problem, "These numbers will grow as home foreclosures continue to rise†. The reasons for homelessness are different in different countries. In the United States, children who suffer from poverty or domestic violence may develop physical and emotional problems as a result of homelessness and instability. Homeless children are sick at twice the rate of other children. They suffer twice as many ear infections, have four times the rate of asthma, and have five times more diarrhea and stomach problems. To conclude, the researcher expresses his hope that government of the United States, social organizations and the individuals combine well and cooperate well can eradicate homelessness permanently from American soil.

Global Plan to Eliminate New HIV Infections

Global Plan to Eliminate New HIV Infections Abstract The study assessed the progress of 20 priority sub-Saharan African countries in the attainment of the targets outlined in the ‘Global Plan for the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive’. The 2012 progress reports of the countries were extracted from the UNAIDS online database. The global and Prong 1, 3, and 4 targets were analysed with respect to the May 2013 targets and milestones. The 2009 to 2012 and the 2005 to 2010 mid – point estimates were analysed respectively for global target 1 – Reduce number of new infections among children by 90% and global target 2- Reduce AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy by 50%. Estimates were calculated using Spectrum version 4.6 and Wilcoxon ranked test was used for data analysis.Between 2009 and 2012, there was 38% total reduction in global target 1 while between2005 to 2012 there was 25% total reduction in global target 2 for the 20 priority countries. Ghana and South Africa recorded the most significant reduction for global target 1 with 72% and 63% respectively while Nigeria, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic and Lesotho recorded less than 20% reduction. Only Botswana and Ethiopia recorded over 50% reduction in global target 2. There has been significant progress however; the global milestones have not been attained. More effort is needed in Nigeria, Congo Democratic Republic and Angola and sustained momentum in other priority countries to achieve the Global Plan goals and milestones. HIV infection remains one of the major cause of death in children and their mothers in Sub Saharan African (SSA) countries [1,2,3]. Transmission of HIV infection from mothers to their unborn children and infants is mostly during pregnancy, labour and post – natally during breastfeeding period. [4,5]. There has been gradual reduction in new HIV infections among children of HIV infected mothers since the commencement of prevention of mother to child transmission programme (PMTCT) but as at 2009, a staggering 370,000 children were recorded to have became newly infected with HIV worldwide and an estimated 42,000 – 60,000 pregnant women also died due to HIV infection and its complications. [6,7].Over 90% of the countries responsible for this high burden of HIV infection and high mother to child transmission (MTCT) rates are located in SSA. India, which is located in Asia is another country which also contribute significantly to this burden. These countries account for the bu lk of the HIV infected women requiring antiretroviral therapy (ART) in order to prevent MTCT. They also account for over 90% of the paediatric HIV infected children who need ART [7].The case of MTCT presents a big disparity globally with high income countries recording almost zero new HIV infections among children and maternal and infant mortalities due to HIV infection. However; most of the low and middle countries especially those located in SSA record new infections because the number of women accessing HIV prevention and treatment services is considerably very low. The same situation applies to their children and this exposes them to new infections and death [7].The success recorded in reducing MTCT to almost zero and keeping their mothers alive is possible globally. However, this can only be a reality if all involved will ensure that all pregnant women living with HIV and their children have easy access to antiretroviral drugs and other necessary care as indicated during pregna ncy, delivery and breastfeeding. These measures will go a long way in preventing new infections among the children and take care of the health of the mothers as well. Provision and appropriate usage of ARVs as prophylaxis has been proven to reduce HIV MTCT to less than 5% [9]. Other measures that targets HIV infection prevention among women at increased risk of HIV and the unmet family planning needs of women living with HIV will contribute significantly to reduction for subsequent antiretroviral prophylaxis and treatment need [12].In May 2009, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) made a call for the virtual elimination of MTCT globally. This call was supported by many other multilateral and bilateral agencies, regional coordinating bodies, national governments and their HIV/AIDS control agencies . In furtherance of this noble course, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2010 published new guidelines which included the best available scientific and programmatic tools to accelerate the reduction of MTCT and achieve the virtual elimination of MTCT. These guidelines also included advice for safer infant feeding. [6,7] The call for the virtual elimination of new paediatric HIV infection led to the launching of an initiative known as â€Å"Global Plan Towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive † in July 2011 at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS. The Global Plan was developed through a consultative process by a Global Task Team convened by UNAIDS. The Global Task Team included experts and policy makers from 25 countries and 30 civil society organisations, private sector, networks of people living with HIV and international organisations. This plan was designed to provide the foundation for country-led movement towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. The Global Plan covers all low- and middle-income countries, but with a particular focus on the 22 countries with the highest estimated numbers of pregnant women living with HIV. These countries are Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Cà ´te d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These countries were selected based on the fact that they account for nearly 90% of pregnant women living with HIV in need of services. These countries also need exceptional efforts to achieve this goal. The Global Plan also supports and reinforces the development of country-driven HIV national plans [7]. The Global Plan focuses on reaching pregnant women living with HIV and their children prior to pregnancy, through the time of pregnancy until stoppage of breastfeeding. The HIV prevention and treatment needs of mothers and children will be met within the existing comprehensive HIV care programmes.The implementation framework for the Global Plan is based on two global targets and broader four-pronged strategy. The strategy provides the foundation for national plans development and implementation. It encompasses ranges of HIV prevention and treatment indicators for mothers and their children, essential maternal, newborn and child health services and family planning, and as a crucial aspect of efforts to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 [10,11]. Global Target #1: Reduce the number of new HIV infections among children by 90% . Global Target #2: Reduce the number of AIDS-related maternal deaths by 50%. Prong 1: Prevention of HIV among women of reproductive age within services related to reproductive health such as antenatal care, postpartum and postnatal care and other health and HIV service delivery points. Target: Reduce HIV incidence in women 15-49 by 50%. Prong 2: Providing appropriate counselling and support, and contraceptives, to women living with HIV to meet their unmet needs for family planning and spacing of births, and to optimize health outcomes for these women and their children. Target: Reduce unmet need for family planning to zero (Millennium Development Goal). Prong 3: For pregnant women living with HIV, ensure HIV testing and counselling and access to the antiretroviral drugs needed to prevent HIV infection from being passed on to their babies during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding [9]. Target: Reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV to 5%. 90% of mothers receive perinatal antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis. 90% of breastfeeding infant-mother pairs receive antiretroviral therapy or prophylaxis. Prong 4: HIV care, treatment and support for women, children living with HIV and their families. Target : Provide 90% of pregnant women in need of antiretroviral therapy for their own health with life-long antiretroviral therapy. By the end of 2015, the estimated number of new HIV infections in children is expected to have been reduced by at least 85% in each of the 22 priority countries, the estimated number of HIV-associated pregnancy-related deaths reduced by 50% and all countries will have met the targets for elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. There is however need to measure the progress made by these countries and to address gaps and challenges identified. This study aimed to assess the progress made by twenty of the priority countries involved in the Global Plan in sub Saharan Africa. This is coming two years after the formal launching of the Global Plan with the countries making commitment towards the elimination of new HIV infections in children and keeping their mothers alive. This study looked at the progress made so far in meeting some of the targets and milestones set to be met by May 2013.We searched the UNAIDS online database of the 2012 progress reports submitted by the priority countries. The 2009 2012 mid – point estimates were analysed for 20 of the sub- Saharan African Global Plan priority countries. The estimates were calculated using Spectrum version 4.6. The Spectrum files were developed by country teams and compiled by UNAIDS in 2013. However, the estimates from AIDS related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy was from 2005 to 2010 [8].Only 20 of the Global Plan priority countries data were analysed due to non availability of country – specific data for Uganda and India. . In order assess the progress made, the global targets and Prong 1, 3, and 4 targets were quantitatively analysed with respect to the May 2013 targets and milestones. Some of the global and country targets and milestones assessed were : The estimated number of new HIV infections in children is reduced by 50% from 2010 levels in at least 10 high-burden countries. (Country target and milestone). The estimated number of new HIV infections in children is reduced by 50%. (Global target and milestone). The data was analysed using statistical package Stata version 12.1. Overall Targets Between 2009 and 2012, the number of new infections among children in the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data was estimated to have reduced from 315570 to 197170. ( Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 1 and 5). The total reduction in the estimated number of new HIV infections among children was 38% from 2009 levels in the high-burden countries.AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy among the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data reduced from 36000 in 2005 to 29030 in 2010.Prong 1 Target The new HIV infections among women 15–49 years old among the 20 Global Plan priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa countries with country-specific data reduced from 687900 in 2009 to 606000 in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 2 and 5 ).Prong 3 Targets The final Mother to Child Transmission rate (%) among the 20 priority countries with country-specific data reduced from 27% in 2009 to 19% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5 ). The percentage of women receiving antiretroviral medicines (excluding single-dose nevirapine) to prevent MTCT increased from 34% in 2009 to 63% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5). The percentage of women or infants receiving antiretroviral medicines during breastfeeding to prevent MTCT increased from 11% in 2009 to 43% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 3 and 5).Prong 4 TargetsThe percentage of antiretroviral therapy coverage among children 0–14 years old increased appreciably from 22% to 35% in all the Global Plan priority countriesIn SSA,the percentage of pregnant women living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy for their own health increased from 23% in 2009 to 57% in 2012 (Wilcoxon ranked test ;P = 0.0001; Table 4 and 5). Two countries namely Ghana and South Africa have done tremendously well in achieving the highest reduction in the numbers of new HIV infections among children from 2009 to 2012 with 72% and 63% reduction respectively [8]. Others like Botswana, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zambia and Namibia had also achieved remarkable reduction with Zimbabwe, Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania almost reaching the 50% reduction. Angola, Nigeria, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic and Lesotho are still lagging behind in the aspect of reduction of new infection in children. The case of Nigeria is really a concern considering the fact that she has the highest number and about one third of all new paediatric infection in sub Saharan Africa. Angola is also a case for concern, there has been increase in new infections rather than reduction since 2009. Furthermore , there has been reduction in the AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy from 2005 to 2010, although with some exceptions like Mozambique and South Africa. There has been some reduction in new HIV infections among women 15–49 years old in the priority countries but with some exceptions such as Angola, Cameroun, Chad, Cote D’Ivoire, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. There was reduction in the final Mother to Child Transmission rate with Botswana and South Africa leading the pack. These two countries have already reached the 5% target for the reduction in transmission rate [8]. More women are now able to access antiretroviral medicines and thereby reducing the risk of new HIV transmission to their children compared to 2009. Four countries had already surpassed the 90% target for the increase in percentage of women receiving antiretroviral medicines (excluding single-dose nevirapine) to prevent MTCT, however, Angola, Chad, Nigeria and Congo DR did poorly in this area of maternal antiretroviral coverage. The increase in the percentage of women or infants receiving antiretroviral medicines during breastfeeding to prevent MTCT among the priority countries is a commendable step because some of the countries do not have this programme in place as of 2009. There was a significant increase in antiretroviral therapy coverage for pregnant women living with HIV in the priority countries. Botwsana and Namibia had achieved above 90% antiretroviral therapy coverage for pregnant women living with HIV . These increased coverage levels of antiretroviral medicines is expected to translate into lower mother-to-child transmission rates. Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of children who are on antiretroviral therapy but this increase is still not the desired expectation with two third of eligible children been denied the needed medication in most of the priority countries. It is noteworthy that Botswana was already having above 95% paediatric antiretroviral coverage as at 2009. A major limitation of this study is the non availability of Uganda and India country – specific data . Another challenge was in measuring the progress of the initiative because most of the priority countries do not have a direct measurement of the number of new HIV infections among children [8].There has been a significant progress among most of the sub Saharan African priority countries in the bid to eliminate new HIV infections in children as seen by the reduction in the percentage of final mother to child transmission of HIV.The success story so far include reduced number of children newly acquiring HIV infection, improved and increased access to HIV treatment for eligible women and their children, increased coverage of antiretroviral medicines for pregnant women living with HIV to prevent mother-to-child transmission from and reduction in AIDS-related deaths during pregnancy or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy. However, only seven countries has been able to achieve the 50% reduction in estimated number of new HIV infections among children thereby falling short of the expected ten countries target by May 2012 [7]. Also the number of new HIV infections in the countries declined by only 38% against the target of 50%. More effort is needed in certain countries like Nigeria, Congo Democratic Republic and Angola and sustained momentum in other priority countries in order to achieve the Global Plan goals.

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Following hospital/unit specific policies and procedures. Providing privacy while performing all procedures and treatments. Providing patient/ family education prior to performing procedures and treatments. Attempting procedure or treatment no more than twice before soliciting advise e from a more experienced care provider. Documenting according to hospital/unit policies. Maintaining patient/family safety. Following hospital/unit specific policies and procedures related to patient/ family safety and confidentiality. Providing orientation of unit and surroundings to patient/family. Maintaining patient/family confidentiality.Knowledgeable about use of equipment/supplies. Documenting appropriate safety measures per unit. Page TWO Demonstrating positive and courteous manner in dealing with patients, physic scans and coworkers. Handling patients and employee information with appropriate sensitivity and safeguarding to ensure confidentiality. Exhibiting flexibility when work assignments ne ed to be adjusted to meet the needs of our patients. Present a professional appearance and approach with patients and staff. Performing Medical Assistant tasks, including but not limited to, vital signs an Keg's- Preparing patients for physician and practitioner exams.

Edward Said States

What Should I Write About? So you know which schools you’re interested in, and you’ve looked over the applications and read all the essay questions. Chances are you’re wondering, â€Å"What in the world should I write about? † You’re not alone. In fact, it is safe to assume that everybody who has ever had to write an essay for a college application has asked that very question. Unfortunately, the applications don’t give you much guidance. Most of the essay questions are so open-ended that you can write about virtually anything. Since this essay might be the most significant writing you’ve ever done, the freedom to choose a topic can be paralyzing. Although picking a topic will seem daunting at first, it’s not impossible. The key is to narrow your focus and write about something close to your heart. If you follow this plan, you’ll create a lively essay that shows the admissions committee your intelligence and personality. But finding a great topic is not something you can do in five minutes. It will take a little work. Essay Questions from the 2005 Common Application Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. Describe a character in fiction, an historical figure, or creative work (as in art, music, science, etc. that has had an influence on you and explain that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in the college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. Not-So-Common Essay Questions According to astronomer Carl Sagan, â€Å"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known. What unknown would you like to see revealed in your lifetime? Why is this of personal importance? (Northwestern University) In The Moviegoer, a novel by Carolina alumnus Walker Percy, the narrator observes: â€Å"The search is what anyone would undertake if he were not stuck in the everydayness of his own life. . . . To become aware of the possibility of the search is to be onto something. Not to be onto something is to be in despair. † Are you â€Å"onto something† now? If so, what is that something, and why is it important to you? University of North Carolina) On Mars, the latest TV fad among the native lifeforms is Trading Bodies. You're picked to play. Whose body would you inhabit and why? (University of Virginia) Have you witnessed a person who is close to you doing something that you considered seriously wrong? Describe the circumstances, your thoughts, and how you chose to respond. If you discussed it with the person, was his/her justification valid? In retrosp ect, what, if anything, would you have done differently and why? Duke University) Do you believe there’s a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others. (Denison University) What is your academic passion? (Wake Forest University) Prewriting: Think, Think, Think Early on—say, four or five months before applications are due—start thinking about possible topics. Go about your normal routine, but tuck the topic question in the back of your mind. Note what you’re interested in and appreciate in this world. Carry a notebook to jot down thoughts. Give it time, and chances are you’ll come up with some good stuff. If, on the other hand, you wait until the night before the application deadline to choose your topic, you’ll find yourself staring at your computer screen in a cold sweat, frantically wondering whether you should write about your love of the rainforest, that time you stole second base in junior high, or maybe, um, what your bedroom decor says about you. If you wait until the last minute, it’s highly unlikely that your essay will be a thing of beauty and interest. Choosing an essay topic takes time. Brainstorming Brainstorming is the process of getting your ideas and thoughts down on paper. Brainstorming doesn’t have to be logical or tidy—you can scribble down (or type) ideas in any way that makes sense to you. And don’t worry about editing as you brainstorm. No one is going to see this part of the process except you, so let the good ideas and the not-so-good ideas flow freely. When you’re brainstorming ideas for your college application essay, let your mind wander. Think about issues that matter to you; important moments in your life; high school experiences that stand out in your mind; and places and people that left an impression on you. Jot down emotions you often experience, verbs that mean something to you, and smells that bring back strong memories. Don’t limit yourself to happy experiences: Not all good stories are happy stories. Maybe one of your keenest memories is sitting and crying on the steps outside the school auditorium after you found out you didn’t make the varsity team. If a moment was meaningful and you can write with your emotions, your reader will feel connected to your story. The goal is to mine your life for a subject that will pour out instead of trickle. People brainstorm using different methods. Below, you’ll find explanations of several different methods. Maybe one method will do the trick for you, or maybe you’ll find a combination of methods works best. Make a List Many people prefer to use the straightforward list-making approach as a starting point. To use this method, simply jot down possible essay topics. After you have a long list, go back and pick out the most promising ideas. To get the ball rolling on your topic search, write down responses to the following: The 10 coolest places you’ve visited Your 10 most memorable high school experiences The 5 most difficult moments in your life The 5 most exciting moments The 3 most awkward moments Your 5 best accomplishments The top 5 words your parents, friends, or teachers would use to describe you The 5 most important influences on your life Your 5 favorite books Your 10 favorite activities Connect the Words If you think visually, you might want to brainstorm by writing a word or phrase in the middle of a blank piece of paper. Spend ten minutes looking at this word or phrase and writing down everything that comes to mind all over the page. Stop when your ideas stop flowing. Then circle or draw lines between ideas that are connected. Do this again with a new sheet of paper with a new word or with a word from your first list. Repeat as necessary. Draw a Timeline Here’s another visual brainstorming method: write a timeline of your life. Then go back and underline or highlight the high and low points. Also, note any other epiphanies or pivotal moments. Don’t worry if no single experience changed your life; that’s not usually how it works anyway. You can write a thoughtful essay about a change that happened over time, focusing on a particular incident to illustrate your point. Tell a Story from Your Life Pick a word that describes you and write it or type it at the top of a piece of paper. Then write down the title of five stories about yourself that you could tell to illustrate that word. Pick the title you like the most and write that at the top of a new piece of paper. List all the details you might include in that story. Imagine the smells, sights, and sounds that set the scene. Push yourself to come up with all possible details (you can always eliminate some later). Don’t stop until you have exhausted all possibilities. Free-Write Some writers call free-writing â€Å"the mind dump,† because it means dumping everything that comes into your head onto a piece of paper. To free-write, start with a vague idea, like why your favorite subject is French. For a period of ten or fifteen minutes, write down everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, style, or making sense. Just keep writing. If you have nothing to say, just write I have nothing to say over and over again until something else pops in your head. When the ten or fifteen minutes are up, take a break and then go back and reread your words. Underline or highlight everything that is interesting or promising. Free-write as much as you can until you have a good crop of ideas.

Spasmodic

Spasmodic Spasmodic Spasmodic By Maeve Maddox The adjective spasmodic means of the nature of a spasm; characterized by spasms or convulsive twitches; marked by jerkiness or suddenness of muscular movement.   In medical terms, a spasm is a sudden and violent muscular contraction of a convulsive or painful character. Both words are used figuratively. For example, inconsistent or occasional efforts at political reform are said to be spasmodic in the sense of: Occurring or proceeding by fits and starts; irregular, intermittent; not sustained or kept up. A speaking style, such as that of Milla Jovavich in The Messenger, is spasmodic in the sense of Agitated, excited; emotional, high-strung; given to outbursts of excitement; characterized by a disjointed or unequal style of expression. Here are some examples of the use of spasmodic on the web: To a roomful of adoring gays, a spasmodic Pelosi said, Dont ask dont tell†¦will be a memory come Christmas. Spasmodic reform and a little effort before elections will not accomplish much. †¦the electoral parties, always embarked in the rhythmic and spasmodic succession of seductive promises†¦ Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced. †¦there is the most horrendous spasmodic knocking noise coming from inside the [1.2 nova] engine]. Sometimes its possible to reach for the word spasmodic and not quite make it, as in this complaint from another unhappy car owner whose Mini-Cooper engine had been knocking for weeks before the incident described: †¦[the man at the dealership] said that I could have the vehicle towed in at my expense (his estimate was $600 for the towing). I declined due to the cost and the spermatic knocking. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Rhetorical Devices for Rational WritingTaser or Tazer? Tazing or Tasering?25 Idioms About Bread and Dessert

Pampers Brand History Essay

Pampers Brand History Essay Pampers Brand History Essay Pampers Brand History The Birth of a Category The birth of the Pampers brand is arguably P&G’s best example of what happens when there is healthy dissatisfaction with the status quo. In 1956, a P&G researcher, Vic Mills, disliked changing the cloth diapers of his newborn grandchild. So he assigned fellow researchers in P&G’s Exploratory Division in Miami Valley, Ohio to look into the practicality of making a better disposable diaper. At the time, disposable diapers were used in less than 1% of the billions of diaper changes in the United States each year. P&G’s first test market was a fortunate failure. It was conducted in Dallas, Texas during the summer of 1958. The temperature was in the 90s and the plastic pants made the babies uncomfortable. Additionally, the plastic pants were not low cost and consumers told us that they couldn’t purchase them often. These initial design and marketing problems turned out to be a blessing in disguise. P&G went back to the drawing board to create a low cost, better-designed product that consumers could purchase frequently. Six months after the Dallas test market, P&G designed a diaper with better features including zee pleats, superior containment, a hydrophobic topsheet and a plastic backsheet. After 37,000 diapers were prepared, largely by hand, market testing began again. This time, the results were favorable and Pampers began to move out of its infancy. Going Global Touching lives, improving life: this was as important to use in the 1970s as it is today. In 1971, P&G expanded the Pampers brand around the world, working with regional teams to make sure they understood the cultural differences and parenting preferences in order to produce and market an affordable disposable diaper. Whether working to understand the highly discriminating Japanese consumer or to opening the first international plant in Euskirchen, Germany, global teamwork was a critical factor. Today, Pampers is P&G’s biggest global brand, with products serving consumers in 98 countries. And they’ve worked hard over the past fifty years to create the infrastructure to support this growth. In the 1970s, P&G learned that what they couldn’t do alone, they could do with a global partner and joint ventures became as important to us as our acquisitions. Additionally, P&G was the first U.S. company to create a truly global brand, making Pampers as familiar a term in Singapore as it is in South Dakota. Pampers Restage In P&G ‘s continued search to find ways to improve their products, they went to the task of finding a leakage solution. They started working in 1973 to perfect the fitted diaper an hour-glass shaped pad with flexible, elastic gathers. In 1976, they made the fateful decision to test market the new shaped design under a second brand name – an approach that was consistent with their 2 â€Å"new benefit, new brand† philosophy of the time. Since it was an expensive diaper to make, they launched it at a 30% premium price over Pampers and called it Luvs. Although research indicated this cost differential strongly supported a separate-brand strategy, immediately upon launch and national expansion, Luvs began to cannibalize Pampers’ sales. 1984 was a watershed year. In the largest single construction project in P&G history, they invested over $500 million to re-platforming their systems. More than 100 lines worldwide were converted to produce Pampers â€Å"Blue Ribbon,† a new fitted diaper with a thicker core and softer topsheet. But it was Pampers Ultra, with more product innovations since the brand’s inception, that ultimately helped regain market share leadership from Huggies and reestablish Pampers as the #1 share brand in the market. Inspired by Babies By 1990, P

A self assessment on intercultural negotiating skills Essay - 1

A self assessment on intercultural negotiating skills - Essay Example This paper looks at issues surrounding intercultural negotiations. Qualities of a Good Intercultural Negotiator A good cross-cultural negotiator should be a good observer and listener. He is able to observe how people from two different cultural backgrounds communicates and is thus able to develop a common ground where the two parties can understand each other. Another characteristic that a good communicator should bear is the ability to communicate clearly and precisely. He should be able to identify the root problem of the conflict and communicate it to the parties involved (JANDT, 2010: 65). He should then communicate the need to first deal with the root problem as a way of eradicating the problem completely. A good intercultural communicator should never assume anything. When in doubt about something, he should ask for clarification from the parties involved. He should also not shy away from paraphrasing statement to ensure that there is no misunderstanding Assumptions may lead t o the negotiator making decisions based on stereotypes and not fact. This would make the party which is affected by the cultural stereotype to be dissatisfied with the solution and the conflict is not amicably resolved. A negotiator should also be flexible in terms of negotiation (FISHER & PATTON, 1992: 32). It is okay to conduct a background research on the conflict and come up with ways of resolving the conflict before meeting the parties. However, a good negotiator should be able to change his solutions in line with new information acquired during the negotiation process. Self assessment on the Simulation of the role of an Intercultural Negotiator In the case I was negotiating upon as an MP of Dunston area involved convincing Spitzer UK Company to continue operating within the area. The company had invested in the area but was now closing its operations in Duston as it stopped some of its research projects respiratory and allergy. This move would result in 2400 people losing thei r jobs. This is against my promises to the people of increasing job opportunities. I resolved this problem by talking to Duston mayor to find a way that we could stop the company from leaving the district. A meeting was organized between the Spitzer company managers and the mayor. For the company to continue operating in the district, the mayor would provide the necessary infrastructure needed such as roads. He would also relax the tax requirements making this region attractive to Spitzer. This was with the condition that they retain all the employees. The company would then work on its existing researches in Dunston. Eventually the company agreed to continue with its operation but would have to reduce the current employees by 20% in order to cut on costs. One mistake that I made when going to the negotiations is that I believed that the only solution to the problem was having all the employees retained. However, after talking with the parties involved and almost repulsing the Spitz er company manager, I realized that there was another solution. If the company agreed to retain its operations in the district with 80% of employees, it would soon need to employ more people as it started working on new project. The deal may not be what I wanted at the moment but the company would employ more people in the longrun (GIBSON, 2002: 49). If the company refused the deal and moved its

Ethics Awareness Inventory Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Ethics Awareness Inventory Analysis - Essay Example It meant that I value more the propriety of things and circumstances as well as the welfare and feelings of others more than the result or getting a particular task done. It is because I believe that if we are too concern about the result, it may lead us astray and do things that are far from the ideal. It does not mean however that I do not want to get things done. I am also concerned with results but I wanted to do it the right way. My ethical perspective of being more concerned with equity and least concerned about the result is a result of the various factors that influenced my value system. This is the interplay of how my parents brought me up, how my teachers taught me, how my community helped me shape values and my personal assessment of things. My parents taught to always do the right thing regardless of the circumstances and not to do injustice to other people just to get what I want. I have been taught to be considerate to people which explains why equity mattered to me more than result. School also taught me to be ethical. We were taught about the importance and benefit of doing the right thing. In addition, the cases about Enron, Worldcom and other corporate scandals that were rooted in unethical business practices really taught me the value of doing the right thing before the results. These companies, particularly Enron were so engrossed in getting results that they ended up manipulating their financ ial statements to appear profitable when they were not. Of course not all people agree with my ethical perspective. Many people today are driven to get results whatever it takes (even if they have to resort to undesirable actions) and my choice for looking at the ethical aspect of any action, as well as the people concern may be a hassle to them. For me however, I find it more durable to be considerate and ethical because it