Health Benefits And Current Health And Social Care Agenda

Introduction and Background Highlight rationale for choice of subject related to health benefits and current health and social care agenda. The rationale provided demonstrates an exemplary understanding with a very high level of evaluation of the supporting evidence from policy and literature. Do I understand the nature of the health promotion activity? Including local, national and professional relevance? Can I discuss with confidence the evidence base for what I am doing or have done? A group of 3 student nurses performed a health promotion topic concerning healthy eating in a local hostel for homeless people aged 16-25. This paper is an evidence based report reviewing the planning, implementation and delivery of the health promotion, highlighting the rationale for choice of subject and paying particular attention to current health and social agenda, health care delivery strategies and promotion thereof. Team working, leadership and graduate skills development during this process will be critically appraised. Furthermore, professional development opportunities as student nurses and the role this plays in their fitness to practice. The theme of healthy eating was chosen as a topic in view of the fact that the World Health Organisation (WHO) (2015) revealed Scotland’s mortality rate as being the highest in Western Europe, additionally Whyte and Ajetunmobi (2012) conclude that although narrowing the gap Scotland has the highest western mortality rate in specific relationShow MoreRelatedHealth Care Reform in Politics Essay1524 Words   |  7 PagesHealth Care Reform in Politics Due to the upcoming presidential election, the two major political parties, and their candidates, have been focusing on the primary problems that the nation will face. Chief among those problems is the future of Medicare, the national health-insurance plan. Medicare was enacted in 1965, under the administration of Lyndon B. Johnson, in order to provide health insurance for retired citizens and the disabled (Ryan). The Medicare program covers most people agedRead MoreGlobal Development Agenda Of Millennium Development Goals1590 Words   |  7 Pages1. Introduction In 2010, the percentage of Americans without health insurance was 16.3%, or 49.9 million uninsured people[ ]. According to the World Health Organization, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is defined as ensuring that all people pertaining to that region can use the health services they require, â€Å"of sufficient quality to be effective†, while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship[ ]. This global issue is currently being discussed amongRead MoreAmerica s The Canadian System1353 Words   |  6 PagesAdditionally, 57 million fewer people would go without medical care because of the cost. â€Å"Roughly 40% of both insured and uninsured U.S. respondents spent $1,000 or more out-of-pocket during the year on medical care, not counting premiums,† the report authors say. And, perhaps as a result, more than 50,000 preventable deaths would be avoided. Although it wouldn’t all be good news and Canada’s free system comes at the cost of greater wait times for a few services as well as more ER visits, it is aRead MoreThe Children s Health Insurance Program982 Words   |  4 Pages000 children in California. Of the nation s 3.5 million children who still lack health insurance, nearly one in five live in Texas. The Problem Our Children Deserve Better†¦ A look at where we are and how we got here: 1997 The Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP, formerly the State Children s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)): was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, enacted Title XXI of the Social Security Act. It has allocated about $20 billion over 10 years to help states insureRead MoreRole Of Policy On Health Care Essay1094 Words   |  5 Pages Role of Policy in Health Care Student Name Institution Affiliation â€Æ' Role of Policy in Health Care Ek, R., Goolsby, L., Wengrovius, E. (2011).The national policy outlook for 2011. Policy Practice, 69(1), 16. The health care executives should actively coordinate in problem planning and preparation activities, striving to ensure that their exigency operations plan fits within the whole community plans and represents an accountable approach to the risks an organization might undergoRead MoreThe Swiss Healthcare Adopted A System With The Principles Of Universality And Equality Essay930 Words   |  4 Pagesindividuals to purchase health insurance on the private market, providing financial assistance to those on lower incomes, and regulating the insurance market to protect those with poor health. The current Swiss health care system came into effect in 1996 under the Health Insurance Law of 18 March 1994, introducing a managed health care system to provide full coverage in basic health insurance, which is regulated by the Federal Office of Public Health, and outlined the level of health care that patients shouldRead MoreIssues In Health Care Policy1452 Words   |  6 PagesHealth care impr ovements in the United States can be accomplished in several ways including the implementation of health care policies. Health care policies are often comprised of rules, guidelines and actions set forth to improve certain health care issues (Health policy, 2017). During the policy formation process agenda are set outlining the issues to be addressed in the policy. The policies intended target audience may receive many benefits such as receiving education on the issue, learningRead MoreThe Need For Priority Direction . The Australian Research1175 Words   |  5 PagesThe need for priority direction The Australian Research Alliance for Children Youth imitated the Nest action agenda and established ‘improving the physical health of young Australians’ as one of the six priority directions (ARACY 2014), aiming to achieve good physical health for all children. Many health conditions are associated with early childhood (Patton Viner 2007). During children’s development, the bodies undergo dramatic physical changes. Puberty that initiates the peaks in neural andRead Morecare guid Essay1590 Words   |  7 Pagesin health and social care Unit number: 24 Level: 5 Credit value: 15 Guided learning hours: 60 Unit reference number: A/601/1639 UNIT AIM AND PURPOSE This unit will provide learners with an understanding of methods used to bring information about contemporary health and social care issues to the public, progressing to examining how these methods can influence public opinion. Learners will also have the opportunity to explore a contemporary health and social careRead MoreEssay about The Flu Shot Should Not Be Mandatory1083 Words   |  5 Pagesshould have the freedom to choose to be vaccinated, the public needs to be educated about the personal, economical, and social benefits of receiving the influenza vaccine. In addition, people who are at a high risk of contracting influenza as well as health care providers should be encouraged to receive an influenza vaccine in order to decrease the major health burden associated with the disease. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory

The Equal Rights Amendment ( Era ) - 1107 Words

Questions from GenderSpeak Text 1. Select one of the movements reviewed in the Prologue in the GenderSpeak text and write about which one(s) have had the greatest impact on you. Why? How? Your answer should be at least approximately  ½ page in length. The Equal Rights Amendment was the one that impacted on me the most because everyone deserves equality no matter what gender, race, sex and color. The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was the second-wave feminists group’s goal to get ratified after gaining the right to vote by first-wave feminists. ERA was started in 1923 but it took 50 years to get passed. In 1972, ERA states that equality of rights under the law should not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. After the ERA passed in 1972, seventy-four percent of houses of Congress ratified the ERA. Soon after, Phyllis Scholarly, a staunchly conservative voice of the time, started a campaign called STOP-ERA. They were spreading that women would be drafted and might have to serve in combat if the ERA passed. Because of that back and forth uncertainty with both parties, time were wasted for long time. Because of that, women were not nominated and missed for big roles and major seats. Even n owadays, people are fighting for their equality for different things all over the world. That’s why I think instead of wasting time on arguments, focus on topic and find ground agreements that most people can live with. 2. Based on chapter 1. How canShow MoreRelatedAlice Pauls Fearless Fight For Womens Rights1544 Words   |  7 PagesPaul’s Fearless Fight for Women’s Rights â€Å"I never doubted that an equal right was the right direction. Most reforms, most problems are complicated. But, to me there is nothing complicated about ordinary rights (Alice Paul).† Alice Paul’s radicalism played an immense role in ensuring women the due right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment, which Congress ratified the Amendment on August 18, 1920. Alice PaulRead MoreThe End Of The Reconstruction1318 Words   |  6 Pagesthere was an Era that started called the reconstruction. The main purpose for the reconstruction was to give African-American people full political and civil equality. However, it was very tough to do this, especially since most white in the south didn’t want the African-Americans to have the same rights as themselves. During this Era there were multiple good things that happened, yet, there were also many bad things that happened. For instance, during the reconstruction the 14th amendment was passedRead MoreThe Fourth Amendment Of The United States Constitution1327 Words   |  6 Pagesfourth amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights, and was introduced to Congress by James Madiso n in 1789. The role of the Fourth Amendment is to prohibit unreasonable search and seizure and a warrant is to be required that is supported by probable cause. Even though the Amendment was introduced in 1789, it wasn’t adopted as an official amendment until 1792, because in December of 1791 three quarters of the states had ratified the amendment. The fourth amendment hadRead MoreThe National Organization for Women and the Struggle for the Equal Rights Ammendment1153 Words   |  5 Pagesstruggle for the Equal Rights Amendment. This topic will be a great way to learn about the background of how women fought for their rights, and how they gained them. This will be a great way to find out how the gender women established their equal rights. Womens rights are really important in todays society, so this will be a great way to learn a little more about how women came upon equal rights. Womens rights didnt just appear one day, they had to fight for what they thought was right. The firstRead MoreWomen s Rights Of The Civil Rights Movement1619 Words   |  7 Pagestheir proposed Equal Rights Amendment, feminists of the 1960s and 70s rallied once again for this change in the Constitution. The amendment, simply stating that, â€Å"Equality of rights under the law shall not be abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex,† quickly gained popularity among activists in the 1970s. This support was not surprising, as this decade was a time of great change and protest. Feminist felt that just as African Americans were gaining civil rights, women, too, shouldRead MoreThe Equal Right Amendments Of The Equal Rights Amendment727 Words   |  3 PagesThe Equal Right Amendment The Equal rights Amendment was proposed to set equality for every citizen no matter the sex. The amendment has three sections. The first one states â€Å"equality of rights under the law should not be denied by the U.S on the account of ones sex.† Section two says that â€Å"congress has the power to enforce this law.† Last but not least, section three says the amendment will take effect two years after ratification. The ERA is a proposed amendment made to guarantee equal rightsRead MorePolicy Project : Women s Rights1603 Words   |  7 PagesPolicy Project Part 1: Women’s Rights Policy Analysis History The first public demand for the Constitutional Amendment of women’s rights began before the Civil War, however, the Amendment for it has still not been ratified in the United States Constitution. The introduction for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) began in 1848 with the Woman’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls. Over three hundred women and men met and eventually agreed that the resolution for women’s rights should be supported. Many supportersRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of The Equal Rights Amendment1239 Words   |  5 PagesThe full text of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) reads as follows, â€Å"Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex† (qtd. in Stewart 33). These twenty-four words would become some of the most controversial of the twentieth century. Under the nineteenth amendment, American women obtained the right to vote in 1920. This amendment inspired Alice Paul to draft the first ERA which she then introduced to the United States CongressRead MoreThe Amendment And The Rights Amendment1341 Words   |  6 PagesPossibly the most conversational amendment to every make it’s way through the Senate and the House was the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972. The Equal Rights Amendment was, â€Å"introduced through the twenties, thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties without success† (Schneir, 369). Various organizations such as the National Woman’s Party (those who proposed it), National Organization for Women, the Women’s Department of the United Auto Workers, and many other feminists worked most if not all of theirRead MoreThe State Of Wyoming Permits1420 Words   |  6 PagesThe state of Wyoming permits the first law in the country granting women over the age 21 the right to vote. Subsequently assembly the Union in 1890s, it turns into the first state to permit women the right to vote in elections, though in 1887, Kansas per mitted women to vote in elections. The colonies embrace the English system of property ownership for married women, implication women cannot own assets in their own name or keep a type of profit. By early 1900s, all states will have accepted legislation

Marketing Plan Australian Domestic Market

Question: Discuss about the Marketing Plan Australian Domestic Market. Answer: Introduction In Australia, the main market that is not frequently relied upon for dairy products is the Australian Domestic market. Apparently, most of the people living in Australia love and feed on dairy products and thats probably the reason why they view dairy products as a very important and vital product for their growth. Market issues and problem analysis The Australians view the domestic market as the best for their dairy products and so do not even have the pleasure of looking for other better markets outside their country. However, since the largest percentage of the sales are those from the exports which is 60% and 40% for domestic sales, then it means that the sellers have no idea of which market is good for their products. Despite the fact that Australians view their domestic market as the bestmarket for their products, the consumption levels in the country is lower than that from outside. From the graphs below, it is clear that the markets are facing some major problems especially with the cheese product. The sales of cheese are fluctuating with every year but those of butter are constant and high as the years pass by. In the beginning of the life cycle, the cheese sales are very low and go increasing with time and then decrease once more while those of butter are high in the beginning but change with just a small variance. How ever, these problems can be solved using the following marketing tools: Sales Promotion The organization find a way if increasing the sales of cheese especially in introductory stages or years of the product. Some of the promotion methods include: price reduction, offering discounts on batch buying, giving free samples of the product for trial to name a few. This will really boost its sales for both nutter and cheese. Advertising Advertising is a way of making the product be recognized and known by the current and potential consumers. The organization should make investments in advertising so that the different varieties and brands of products can be known by the public and especially in the first stages of its products cycles. Price setting By setting the prices of its products as reasonable and affordable by every consumer then it will be able to increase the sales especially in the first stages of the products life cycles. This is because in the business world the customers will always look for cheap but quality products. Product quality This entails offering good quality products always. Therefore, despite the branding. Packaging or target consumers, the products should always be of good quality to be able to attract more customers. Marketing ideas and recommendations Building on the current community- the market should try not to overlook its current consumers just because they are sure of their loyalty and instead they should treat them even better. Knowing the consumers positions- by knowing where the consumers are situated, it will help them to plan how to position their marketing. Development of personal connections- by using the products to have personal connections with the consumers, the sellers will shoe that they not only care about selling the products but also the welfare of their customers (Reid et al, 2005). Use of media to advertise and sell- especially the use of internet and the social media cane help in advertising, promoting and selling of the products as well as conveying a lot of information to the consumers. Develop joint ventures- this will help the markets have a more connected market segment and share that they will be able to sell not only in the domestic markets but also the other markets. Portfolio Matrix Market Growth Rate Relative Market share It is used to indicate a products market share and its growth position in the industry. Stars are products in a relatively high market share and in an industry with a high growth rate and in this case its the milk. Question marks are the products in a high growing industry but have a low market share which in the case of Australia is butter blends. The cash cows are products with a large market share but a poor or slow growing industry which in this case is the cheese products. The dogs are the products in a low growing industry and having a low market share where buy in this case is yoghurt. Approaches to monitoring and reporting Approaches that can be used in monitoring and reporting on strategic marketing performance include: Through doing sales analysis- by doing the sales analysis, one will be able to know how marketable they are, the market status, their market segment and market share among other things. By doing market research- This will help the business people to know their competitors, the organizations market position, market status i.e the levels of demand and supply to name just but a few benefits that may be realized. Doing a market share analysis- By analyzing its market share, a business organization will be able to predict the amount of sales and profits they can make, they will know their consumer population and type, their competitors products among other things. Another approach can be to do surveys on the location of their customers- By finding out the positions of their current customers and potential customers, a business organization will likely be in a position to monitor and report about its strategic marketing performance. If they have maintained their customers and many more want to buy their products, then it has succeeded. Conclusion In conclusion, Australia needs a lot of help to help market and expand its products markets. Therefore, to be able to manage, control, maintain its markets and also expand and diversify its market share, it should follow the stages and strategies named above. References Sax, H., Allegranzi, B., Uckay, I., Larson, E., Boyce, J., Pittet, D. (2007). My five moments for hand hygiene: a user-centred design approach to understand, train, monitor and report hand hygiene.Journal of Hospital Infection,67(1), 9-21. Phringer, S., Taylor, A. (2008). A practitioner's report on blogs as a potential source of destination marketing intelligence.Journal of Vacation Marketing,14(2), 177-187. Sax, H., Allegranzi, B., Uckay, I., Larson, E., Boyce, J., Pittet, D. (2007). My five moments for hand hygiene: a user-centred design approach to understand, train, monitor and report hand hygiene.Journal of Hospital Infection,67(1), 9-21. Vorhies, D. W., Morgan, N. A. (2003). A configuration theory assessment of marketing organization fit with business strategy and its relationship with marketing performance.Journal of marketing,67(1), 100-115. Olson, E. M., Slater, S. F., Hult, G. T. M. (2005). The performance implications of fit among business strategy, marketing organization structure, and strategic behavior.Journal of marketing,69(3), 49-65. Reid, M., Luxton, S., Mavondo, F. (2005). The relationship between integrated marketing communication, market orientation, and brand orientation.Journal of advertising,34(4), 11-23. Porter, M. E. (2011).Competitive advantage of nations: creating and sustaining superior performance. Simon and Schuster. Rosenberg, L. J., Czepiel, J. A. (1984). A marketing approach for customer retention.Journal of consumer marketing,1(2), 45-51. Phelps, R., Chan, C., Kapsalis, S. C. (2001). Does scenario planning affect performance? Two exploratory studies.Journal of Business Research,51(3), 223-232.

The peer pressure free essay sample

?When there is peer pressure, it tends to form cliques of friends, and when cliques form, people can have relationships and might gossip about someone who is alone He might feel pressured and stressed about their peers when they ask them to do certain things that are bad, and might have consequences. (www. aspeneducation. crchealth. com/factsheetpeerpressure/) Many people think that peer pressure is always influencing teens defectively, but thats not true. Actually there are positive effects too. When it comes to improving learning and memory, motivation is way ahead of whatever is in second place. People will learn when they want to learn. Even in the face of bad textbooks, and bad schools, motivated students will learn. Motivation is something that energizes, directs, and sustains behavior. It gets students moving, points them in a particular direction, and keeps them going. The interview was conducted and out of 20 respondents four of them said that motivation to learn is one of the common good effect on peer pressure. We will write a custom essay sample on The peer pressure or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page One of them said that with peer pressure, it encouraged him to learn and discover new things with his peers who are ambitious,motivated to achieve academic success, and determined to learn. Peer pressure motivates him to perform at peak levels. When colleagues know his performance and contributions affects someone else, hes more likely to feel that there is a need to step up efforts so he wont feel down. Peer pressure can motivate towards good as well. This positive influence is everywhere but some dont realize it. Influences from church, community groups, mentors, and other positive family members can bring about the motivation to improve ones self. Motivation directs behavior toward particular goals, thus, it affects the choices teens make. Motivation also increases the amount of effort and energy that teens expend in activities directly related to their needs and goals ,it determines whether they will pursue a task enthusiastically and wholeheartedly. Lastly, motivation often leads to improved performance, teens who are highly motivated and excel in the class tends to be the highest achiever. Another common good effect on peer pressure is teamwork. Teamwork is defined as the process of working collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve a goal. Cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause (http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/teamwork). The interview was conducted and out of 20 respondents only two of them said that teamwork is one common good effect on peer pressure. They said that peer pressure influences them to do things by teamwork like group studies, project making, and time management. Every member of the group contributes thought or ideas that they want to do as well as brainstorming. Teamwork is the concept of people working together cooperatively, supporting each other in order to strive towards a common goal. Teamwork allows a group of people with different skills, interests and opinions to work together as a unit to reach this goal effectively. However this does not mean that the individual is not important, it does mean that efficient and effective team work goes beyond individual accomplishments. As what Henry Ford said, â€Å" Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress. Working together is success. † Lastly, self-confidence is also a common good effect on peer pressure. Self-confidence is an attitude which allows individuals to have positive yet realistic views of themselves and their situations. Self-confident people trust their own abilities, have a general sense of control in their lives, and believe that, within reason, they will be able to do what they wish, plan, and expect. (http://www. counselingcenter. illinois. edu/self-help-brochures/self-awarenessself-care/self-confidence/) The interview was conducted and it was found out that 11 of them chose self- confidence as a common good effect on peer pressure. One of them said that that self confidence is boosted through the exposure of the society. One could think that they can do every thing possible if they have colleagues and theres a presence of belongingness and acceptance in a group whatever the result and consequence may occur. Having self-confidence does not mean that individuals will be able to do everything. Self-confident people have expectations that are realistic. Even when some of their expectations are not met, they continue to be positive and to accept themselves. People who are not self-confident depend excessively on the approval of others in order to feel good about themselves. They tend to avoid taking risks because they fear failure. By contrast, self-confident people are willing to risk the disapproval of others because they generally trust their own abilities. They tend to accept themselves; they don’t feel they have to conform in order to be accepted. Peer pressure is not always bad because it helped teenagers reflect themselves to be able to change for better and to become more optimistic and more confident. Since everyone is different by having various personalities and character, peer pressure can help teenagers understand how people live, share experiences together, and enhance lasting bonds. Peers can listen to ones opinion, and give feedbacks of what they think, and assist what kind of decision to make. Its good because one can be the role model, and may promote good habits. Peer pressure is one of the biggest challenges that teenagers have face in their daily lives, but the only way to overcome it is to say No, and express their true feelings and opinions to their peers. They should have self-assurance, an incredible amount of courage, and self-confidence.

Word Choice Allusion vs. Illusion

Word Choice Allusion vs. Illusion Word Choice: Allusion vs. Illusion â€Å"Allusion† and â€Å"illusion† are both fairly rare words. They also sound similar, making it is easy to confuse them if you’ve never seen them written down. But these terms have very different meanings, so make sure your work is error free by checking out our guide to how they should be used. Allusion (Indirect Reference) An â€Å"allusion† is an indirect reference to something. For example, the title of David Foster Wallace’s novel Infinite Jest is taken from a line in Hamlet. This is an â€Å"allusion† to Shakespeare – rather than a direct reference – because Wallace does not mention Shakespeare or Hamlet in the novel. And while â€Å"allusion† is a noun, the verb form of this word is â€Å"allude†: The title of the novel alludes to Act 5, Scene 1 of Hamlet. Again, the key here is the idea of referencing something indirectly. Illusion (Mistaken Perception or Belief) The word â€Å"illusion† usually refers to a mistaken sense perception, such as a mirage. As such, we could say something like: He saw the hazy outline of an oasis, but he knew it was an illusion. This idea of seeing or sensing something that isn’t really there is also why we say magic tricks are â€Å"illusions,† as well as why we call trick images optical illusions. But we can also use â€Å"illusion† to describe a false belief: I was laboring under an illusion to think I could run a marathon. Here, â€Å"laboring under an illusion† means acting on a mistaken belief. Summary: Allusion or Illusion These words have many letters in common, but they differ in meaning: An allusion is an indirect reference to something. An illusion is a mistaken sense perception or belief. One trick to remembering this difference is the phrase â€Å"Optical illusions will make you ill.† This can remind you that â€Å"illusion† starts will an â€Å"i,† like the word â€Å"ill.† But if you’d like to make extra sure your writing is always error free, you can always ask a proofreader.

Washington Adventist University Admissions Data

Washington Adventist University Admissions Data Washington Adventist University Description: Washington Adventist University, WAU, is a private university affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university occupies a 19-acre campus in Takoma Park, Maryland, about seven miles from downtown Washington, D.C. (see other D.C. colleges). The universitys diverse student body comes from 40 states and 47 countries. Washington Adventist takes its Christian identity seriously, and students will find an active spiritual life on campus with regular convocations, student-led vespers, and prayer groups. WAU is made up of three schools: the School of Arts Social Sciences; School of Health Professions, Science Wellness; and School of Graduate Professional Studies. Professional Studies programs cater to working adults, and roughly a third of WAU students are 25 or over. WAU students can choose from 47 bachelors degree programs, 9 masters degrees, and a wide range of academic minors. Nursing is by far the most popular program at WAU. Academics are supported by a 7 to 1 student / faculty ratio and small classes. Academically talented students should check out the WAU Honors Program for access to special classes, research experiences and cultural opportunities. Student stay active outside of the classroom through involvement in a range of student clubs and organizations as well as intramural and intercollegiate athletics. The Washington Adventist University Shock compete in   the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). Admissions Data (2016): Washington Adventist University Acceptance Rate: 33%Washington Adventist University has test-optional admissionsTest Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 360 / 470SAT Math: 360 / 480SAT Writing: - / -Whats a good SAT score?ACT Composite: 14  / 21ACT English: 15 / 22ACT Math: 15 / 16Whats a good ACT score? Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 1,090  (911 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 41% Male / 59% Female77% Full-time Costs (2016- 17): Tuition and Fees: $23,400Books: $1,200 (why so much?)Room and Board: $8,930Other Expenses: $1,100Total Cost: $34,630 Washington Adventist University Financial Aid (2015- 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 50%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 49%Loans: 33%Average Amount of AidGrants: $11,541Loans: $6,251 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Genreal Studies, Health Care Administration, Nursing, Psychology Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 75%4-Year Graduation Rate: 17%6-Year Graduation Rate: 38% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Track and Field, Basketball, Cross Country, SoccerWomens Sports:  Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball, Track and Field Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like Washington Adventist University, You May Also Like These Schools: Union College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphWalla Walla University: Profile  Bowie State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphOakwood University: Profile  Coppin State University: Profile  Hood College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphDelaware State University: Profile  Towson University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphAndrews University: Profile  Howard University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph   Washington Adventist University Mission Statement: see the complete mission statement at  https://www.wau.edu/mission-statement/ A WAU education is faith based and student focused. The University offers more than 32 majors and academic programs leading to associate, bachelor and graduate degrees. You will experience small, lively classes taught by faculty who are committed to your success. Special options include the honors program, pre-professional programs, bridge program, capital summer session, study abroad, internships for credit and a special first year experience program to assist incoming freshmen in the transition to college life.

The Fall of State Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Fall of State - Article Example Health care, education and pensions for retirement are some of the most popular. These obligations caused states to start taxing their citizens. At this point, some of the richest states in the world are in debt because they can not meet these obligations. A final trend in the state of the state is the blurring of national identities and borders due to technology such as telephone and rail lines. The author argues that technology will continue to erode the relevance of the state because information and trade that was once under the control of the state will now be controlled by corporations that operate with impunity across national boundaries. I think that the most important trend is the second one because it affects people the most directly. Citizens of established states expect to be protected by the military of their respective state, but it usually isn’t something they walk around thinking about all of the time, especially in Europe and North America, where there hasnâ₠¬â„¢t been conflict between states for many decades. What people do worry about is their state pensions for retirement, protection against crime, healthcare and education. The failure of the state in this area is what makes people angry on many different levels. In some states, the basics of economic prosperity and independence such as being able to find employment or have money beyond your immediate needs are not being met. In these instances, the future of those individual states is in question. Even if the state is ruled by a tyrant, eventually a populist uprising is sure to occur. Citizens are not willing to be taxed forever without getting the most basic services from government. This is the most important trend because it is the cause of radical ideas that offer solutions to problems that might actually be worse than the existing problems. My major critique of the article stems from the fact that it is almost fifteen years old and so much has happened in the world since it was written to refute some of the basic premises outlined in the articles thesis. At the writing of this article, the internet was still a novelty. Now it is a major engine for communication and business worldwide. While it has provided challenges for the state, there is no sign that it is really going to replace the state. That the internet and technology such as satellite phones has provided to terrorist organizations is an ease of communication that was not possible in the past. These international organizations pose the greatest real threat to the existence of the state as we know it because they are fluid, dynamic and operate across international borders with relative ease. But the thought that technology is affecting the stability of the state is not valid for states with freedom of communication, expression and press. In the state that prohibits certain communication, especially that which is against the current rulers of the state, then this technology poses a real threat. Anot her critique I have is the supposition that because the nature of a state changes, then the state is weak. Currently, Sudan is breaking into two new states. The author feels that this is somehow proof that states in general are weakening. Actually, what is happening is a replication of a system that most humans have found to be desirable. Simply because there are now two states where there once was one does not show the idea of statehood is weakening. It actually

Proposal assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Proposal - Assignment Example Visit to the industrial site will enable the students to understand and observe practically what is taught in their engineering class. Practical is part of the work that the students should observe after class work for better understanding of what was taught. Trips to different industrial sites are part learning for those pursuing engineering courses. Since the institution does not own the industrial site, the students are forced to travel outside the institution and visit one of the industrial sites for them to learn. When the students complete their studies, they will be employed in the industrial sites, which is necessary for them to understand practically the processes taking place in the industrial sites. It will be disadvantageous for the students who will be employed in various industrial sites without any practical knowledge of the processes taking place in the site. Field trips or a visit to industrials sites is part of learning. The industrial site will be constructed at the University. Construction will start immediately after the responsible officials in the institution have approved the proposal. It is important for the learning institution to have one of the industrial sites in the compound to be used by the engineering students during their practical. It will be convenient and cheaper to the institution as compared to travelling or visiting industrial sites outside the institution. It is because the institution will spend more funds to organize for the trip and even the charges required to be allowed to visit different places in the industrial site. When the institution constructs one of the industrial sites in the compound, it will be expensive to initiate but they will spend once during construction. The subsequent years will be only repairs, which will be cheaper. Availability of the industrial site in the institution will save time for the students and lecturers. It is because

British Airways Marketing Report Essay Example for Free

British Airways Marketing Report Essay Current share price is 225 with a range of between 224 and 289. Marketing is ‘the management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably. ’ BA used to operate in an oligopoly market however throughout the last century this has changed. Previously it was only large national companies that had enough money to provide flights however nowadays the market operates in perfect competition with high barriers to entry. BA can use marketing to promote their product, drive market share, anticipate customer requirements, satisfy customer needs and ultimately make a profit. The Marketing Mix The marketing mix is a combination of 4 P’s (product, price, place and promotion) that should be used in conjunction with each other to ensure a competitive edge over other companies. ‘The marketing mix is designed to produce mutually satisfying exchanges with a target market’. Product BA’s product in essence relates to the flights offered. However, the product can be drilled down into specific areas ranging from the airport lounges around the world, the ‘extras’ that you can buy on board such as model BA aeroplanes or even package holidays. Each of these has been specifically tailored to meet customer expectations (which are highlighted in the section of the report titled ‘target market’). This part of the marketing mix focuses on how BA’s products are managed and in the Guardian case study article titled ‘BA, Iberia and American Airlines tie-up heralds new era of transatlantic travel’ dated 06/10/2010 it shows how BA have made an executive decision to link their websites with other companies to have the possibility to offer a higher number of routes (products) to their potential customers. Price Price is simply ‘the amount of money customers must pay to obtain a product’. BA’s price is generally higher than their competitors although this is because they believe they are offering higher quality. However, in recent times BA appear to be losing the price war against low cost budget competitors such as Ryanair and Easyjet. Following this, BA have undergone marketing strategies to reduce their price and carry out ‘sale discounted’ periods. BA demand immediate payment for their products, do not give credit terms or allowances. Promotion In the early days when BA was a nationalised company and the market was an oligopoly, they didn’t have to promote as much, as competition was minimal. However, with the growth of new players in the market BA have resulted to advertising in the following areas: tube stations (especially the Jubilee Line going towards Canary Wharf to target higher earners), newspapers (such as the Financial Times and Sunday broadsheets), airports (mainly in Heathrow and Gatwick – their primary hubs) and adverts between TV programmes, starting from September 2009 – such as the News, Politics programmes and factual documentaries. BA also use personal advertising techniques with their advert: ‘Come together it’s Christmas’. This uses emotional targeting to encourage people to buy their product to visit loved ones during this period. See Appendix 2. Place Currently BA do not operate from London Stanstead however a marketing decision could be taken to include this to their portfolio. This would give them a higher percentage of UK airport utilisation however a cost benefit analysis could prove this move to be not so advantageous. BA have recently ‘taken on’ Easyjet and are now offering a Gatwick-Marrakech route at discount prices. This gives customers higher choice and allows BA to remain competitive and attempt at satisfying the needs of those who want to pay less. Once BA have exhausted the 4 P’s, a S. W. O. T. Analysis will be completed to determine and examine internal strengths and weaknesses and, external opportunities and threats. S. W. O. T. Analysis Strengths The case study website article on ‘This is Money’ dated 24/01/2011 undoubtedly highlights one of the major strengths carrying BA at present. The merger between BA and Iberia has strengthened its financial position and is a step closer to ‘creating a multinational multi-brand airlines group’. BA take pride in their strong brand, high quality service and offer prestigious first class airport lounges to ensure that their customers are taken care of to the standard they expect for the prices they are paying. This is what has allowed BA to charge higher fares and gives them the image that higher class passengers are willing to pay for. By linking themselves to fellow competitors (American Airlines) and strengthening their position by joining the One World syndicate, BA have encouraged higher revenues from this tactical decision. Following the strong decline throughout the global recession, BA’s strength is ‘bouncing back’ according to the BBC News Article ‘British Airways in first profit for two years’. Although the rise in incomes and ultimately rise in profits was linked to higher cargo fares, BA were able to successfully cut costs and meet their carbon emissions targets also. Weaknesses Despite the above, BA has been renowned for strong continual losses as highlighted in the other BBC News Article ‘British Airways reports ? 164m loss’. The losses were mainly caused by the volcanic ash cloud and staff strikes both resulting in the cancellation of thousands of flights. It’s reported that just ’15 days strikes had cost the airline ? 142m’. The strikes had also had a negative impact on their declining reputation making some people not wanting to fly with them anymore. BA’s reputation was also hit when they were sued ? 10K by competitor Virgin for accessing their private files and consequently trying to poach business. If this wasn’t bad enough, in 2009 BA were fined a massive ? 110m for price fixing – known as a ‘cartel’ and this is illegal. Although passengers accept that flight travel can be dangerous, BA adds to its weakness with its own incidents. These range from a mid-air collision in 1 976, a pilot being sucked out of the aircraft when a windscreen exploded and in 2008 a BA plane at Heathrow missed the runway and crash-landed. More recently, BA has been investigating prices of flights to some destinations that were being charged at 10 times the normal price owing to a ‘system error’ online. This is going to make people think twice when booking with the company. Opportunities While the above 2 sections focus internally, opportunities and threats highlight those factors that can influence BA externally. The lifting of the recession in recent months has allowed passengers to review their spending habits and hopefully create higher disposable income in households and allow the ‘loosening of the belt’ for those corporate company credit cards. BA need to carefully position their marketing strategies at the right time in order to capture these people with that bit of extra money to spend and the report will focus on this issue in the following few pages. BA sold its Gatwick hub airport for ? 1. 5bn, although this was reportedly at a loss (as BA originally paid ? 10. 1bn for it 3 years prior), it gave BA the opportunity to invest its interests elsewhere and concentrate on a smaller number of airports. BA also sold its interest in the London Eye – now sponsored by EDF, to focus on other projects. Threats BA has been hit by threats in recent years ranging from terrorism, bad weather, volcanoes and more recently the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the civil unrest in Libya. Numerous flights have been cancelled to the Libyan capital Tripoli costing BA millions of pounds. Following this, BA has been forced to cancel their entire summer 2011 season of flight programmes. The events in Japan have also affected BA’s programmes with flights to Tokyo disrupted. The case studies provided highlight how BA ‘went into meltdown’ following the heavy snow suffered in the UK during December 2010. The conditions caused hundreds of flights to be cancelled for both cargo and passengers and the title of the article ‘British Airways says bad weather could cost it ? 50m’ sums up the situation perfectly. The terrorist events in the USA in 2001 still continue to make passengers nervous of flying, especially Trans-Atlantic and this is always going to be a sensitive subject that BA would find hard to market against. By doing so, they would not want to seem like they are publicising terrorism but at the same time have concentrated their marketing strategies on the highest standard of comfort and ‘relaxability’. A final threat is shown in an article by the Telegraph where BA is ‘attacked’ by a social media Facebook campaign where Gatwick workers have criticised BA’s Terminal 5 at Heathrow calling it ‘shambolic’ and the page was even designed with videos showing the CEO of BA wrestling with baggage and trolleys. This damages BA’s reputation and makes a mockery of their brand. All of the factors mentioned above in the marketing mix and S. W. O. T. Analysis are important for BA to consider however if the company does not have a target market to aim their products at, the company would not be able to survive. British Airways Target Market and Positioning Strategy In order to ensure BA’s products are directed at the correct audience to maximise revenues and profits, careful market research needs to be invested in to find a target market. ‘The basis of target marketing is market segmentation’; which splits the market into groups of potential customers that have the same characteristics. From the 3 marketing strategies, it’s believed that BA use a ‘differentiated strategy’ as they focus on several specific areas of the market to target. The characteristics below offer ome possibilities that link all of BA’s customers together. Watch the News on television Celebrities Speak a 2nd language Middle/Upper Class Holiday in non-European destinations Read non-fiction In full time employment or retired Have higher disposable incomes By segmenting the customer base to determine a ‘target market’ BA split the market depending on the following variables: * Demographic – age, gender * Geographic – where the target is based * Geo-demographic – size of households, number of cars etc.. depending on location * Psychographic – lifestyle, attitudes Behavioural – the relationship between the target market and the product As the points show in the circle above, BA focus their marketing strategies on those that have higher income and appear in the middle/upper classes of the population, this is evident from the prices of their products and the quality of the service offered. Both genders are targeted equally with the age range (generally) being between 35 to 65. The BA advertising strategies are positioned to target those situations that their customers can relate to and dream about – i. . luxury holidays, comfortable flights and a reliable service. This concentrates on the behavioural variable. Geographically, as BA is a British company, the target market is centralised in the UK however following partnerships with fellow companies such as American Airlines for example, a wider global base is reached. BA have positioned their product away from their low cost budget competitors acknowledging that they offer a more luxurious alternative to cheap travel. Their positioning strategy can lso be seen in the ‘product class membership’ which again, separates BA’s service away from the Easyjets and Ryanairs. By doing this, BA have created their own competitive advantage and have taken an alternative route to satisfy other customers needs that are not centered around saving money. Marketing Recommendations In order for BA to evaluate how successful their target market strategies and their positioning tactics are, the report recommends that the company should see how many levels of ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ are being satisfied from a purchase of a BA flight. This can be seen in Appendix 3. Psychological needs: SATISIFIED: shelter from the cold, provision of food and oxygen * Safety needs: SATISIFIED: provision of a safe environment and reassuring customers * Belongingness and love needs: N/A * Esteem needs: N/A * Self-actualization needs: Possibly relevant to those who are over-coming their fear of flying. Secondly, BA could conduct marketing research to determine ‘why’ customers buy their products in the first place. This could be conducted as a quick questionnaire either in-flight when the customers are all in one place at the same time or as a mandatory set of questions when booking flights. This will help BA to see what criteria are satisfied during the stage of the ‘buyer decision process’. There are 3 possibilities however the report recommends that BA would come across the most popular varible below: * Routine Response Behaviour: Customers who are frequent flyers, possibly members of the Executive Club, they are aware of the low cost competition however have a loyalty towards BA and favour their service. Appendix 4 shows where the report deems BA’s product to currently be in the market. By carrying out the market research above and with the new strong group behind the company, the brand could move backwards in the graph and back and return to the growth stage. This can also be said of Appendix 5, by moving BA from a question mark in the Boston Matrix and positioning it in the ‘star’ category. The report recommends BA to further extend their marketing strategy to concentrate on ‘holidays’ and not just flights. This links closely with an interview carried out by ‘Marketing Week’ and BA’s Head of Marketing, Richard Tams. ‘We are devoting more and more of our reativity in any given campaign to talking about holidays’. BA should extend this further and working with tourist boards of exotic countries to promote cheaper package holidays with the support of the Government in those ‘further to reach’ luxurious locations. Tams states ‘we are looking to move BA. com to much more into the space of a t ravel website rather than a flights website’. The report strongly agrees with this marketing strategy and would fully support BA’s proposals. This widens their product mix and allows a larger more diverse target market to be captured. Conclusion The report has analysed the company British Airways firstly concentrating on the product mix and a S. W. O. T analysis. The report has described the company’s target audience and commented on the current positioning strategy of British Airways. The report has concluded with marketing recommendations that could be put in place to ensure the long time success of the company. Future events that British Airways will have to be aware of include the UK Government adjusting passenger air tax and carbon emission regulations. 2,682 words. Bibliography All referenced throughout. Books Jobber, D. 2001 4th edition ‘Principals and Practices of Marketing’, McGraw Hill International, P 810 * Kotler, P. 2010 9th edition ‘Principals of Marketing’, Pearson * Lamb, C. 2009 6th edition ‘Essentials of Marketing’, Neil Marquardt * The Chartered Institute of Marketing, LSBU lecture notes Websites All accessed between 24/03/2011 and 30/04/2011 * www. bbc. co. uk /news * www. dailymail. co. uk/travel/article-1369100/Libya-action-hits-British-Airways-flights. html * www. guardian. co. uk * www. google. co. uk/finance? q=PINK%3ABAIRY * www. iagshares. com www. letsstartthinking. org/quickreference/maslow-need-hierarchy. asp * www. marketingweek. co. uk/sectors/travel-and-leisure/airlines/qa-with-ba-marketing-head-richard-tams/3019560. article * www. news. airwise. com/story/view/1300492770. html * www. news. cheapflights. co. uk/ /ba-takes-on-easyjet-on-gatwick-marrakech-route * http://phx. corporate-ir. net/External. File? item=UGFyZW50SUQ9ODMyOTJ8Q2hpbGRJRD0tMXxUeXBlPTM=amp;t=1 * www. telegraph. co. uk/travel/3366187/British-Airways-staff-attack-passengers-on-Facebook. html * www. thisislondon. co. k/standard/article-23431527-london-eye-looks-for-new-sponsor-as-ba-pulls-out. do * www. thisismoney. co. uk * http://uk. reuters. com/article/2009/10/21/uk-baa-idUKTRE59K1D820091021 * www. utalkmarketing. com/UTMImages/2/BA_terminal5_2. jpg Append ices 1. ) Group structure of IAG 2. ) BA advert 3. ) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 4. ) Product Life Cycle 5. ) Boston Matrix [ 1 ]. www. iagshares. com [ 2 ]. http://www. google. co. uk/finance? q=PINK%3ABAIRY [ 3 ]. Lamb, C, 2009 ‘Essentials of Marketing’ 6th edition. Neil Marquardt,

Circuit Training :: essays research papers

From reducing risk of heart attack to simply providing more energy, weight training plays an important role in one’s life. One very popular method of weight training is to increase mobility and build strength and stamina. This method is known as circuit training. Circuit training has been around for decades and offers a wide variety of applications and benefits. This workout is performed both mentally and physically. The weight training participant performs one set of an exercise then immediately performs a set of another exercise in succession without rest; one right after another. Exercise can be sequenced in a variety of combinations, which isolate single muscles, a group of muscles, or total body training. Since muscles can only contract for long periods of time when sufficient amounts of oxygen are available, mental focus during circuit training is directed towards the heart and lungs, as opposed just the muscles during conventional training. The cardiovascular and respiratory systems feed our working muscles with oxygen filled blood that is eventually fueled by body fat. During conventional training the focus isn’t on the heart and lungs because the cardio/respiratory system rests between exercises, allowing the ATP to LA cycle to be the energy supplier. (This cycle must be depleted in order for the body to burn fat). By performing circuit training, you don’t give your heart or lungs a chance to relax, which keeps the ATP to LA cycle depleted. In addition to increasing heart and lung conditioning, enhancing your ability to use oxygen, ad burning fat, impressive muscular shape and strength gains will result from doing any circuit-training workout. Research studies consistently show that leans body mass increases with a course of circuit training. A 1-3.2 kg gain in lean body mass can be expected with a consequent decrease in relative fat mass of 1-3%, total weight remaining unchanged. This is a major benefit of circuit training, especially for those who want to get in shape and tone up their muscles. With traditional aerobic training, a decrease in relative fat mass has led to a decrease in total weight with little change in lean body mass. The resistance work involved in the circuits encourages muscle-mass

Effects of Unemployment Essay

Psychological Effects of Unemployment and Underemployment The current state of the economy continues to be an enormous stressor for Americans, with 78 percent reporting money as a significant source of stress (APA, 2009). Unemployed workers are twice as likely as their employed counterparts to experience psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, low subjective well-being and poor self-esteem (Paul & Moser, 2009). Like unemployment, underemployment (e.g., people working part-time because they cannot find full-time employment) is unequally distributed across the U.S. population, with women, younger workers and African Americans reporting higher rates of involuntary part-time employment and low pay, as well as higher proportions of â€Å"discouraged† workers who have given up on searching for a job (McKee-Ryan et al., 2005). Unemployment not only affects those who lose their jobs. Coworkers who are still employed may experience a heavier work load and suffer from anxiety that they too will soon be unemp loyed, (Kivimaki, Vahtera, Elovainio, Pentti, & Virtanen, 2003). Unemployment and underemployment also affect families and communities. ————————————————- Effects on Families According to the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues’ Policy Statement â€Å"The Psychological Consequences of Unemployment,† the stress of unemployment can lead to declines in individual and family well-being (Belle & Bullock, 2011). The burden of unemployment can also affect outcomes for children. The stress and depressive symptoms associated with job loss can negatively affect parenting practices such as increasing punitive and arbitrary punishment (McLoyd, 1998). As a result, children report more distress and depressive symptoms. Depression in children and adolescents is linked to multiple negative outcomes, including academic problems, substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, physical health problems, impaired social relationships and increased risk of suicide (Birmaher et al., 1996; Chen & Paterson, 2006; Le, Munoz, Ippen, & Stoddard, 2003; Verona & Javdani, 2011; Stolberg, Clark, & Bongar, 2002). ————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Effects on Communities Widespread unemployment in neighborhoods reduces resources, which may result in inadequate and low-quality housing, underfunded schools, restricted access to services and public transportation, and limited opportunities for employment, making it more difficult for people to return to work (Brisson, Roll, & East, 2009). Unemployed persons also report less neighborhood belonging than their employed counterparts, a finding with implications for neighborhood safety and community well-being (Steward et al., 2009). High unemployment and growing income inequalities are key factors in declining social climate (International Labour Office, 2010). The United Nations (2010) claimed that growing social inequality fueled by extended, global unemployment will increase social unrest and tension and a growing sense of unfairness. Increasing inequality in advanced economies is fundamentally linked to growing rates of physical, emotional, social and political disorder (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010). â₠¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Unemployment and Stress in Different Populations Unemployment does not affect all groups equally. Rates are higher among Latinos/as (13.1%) and African Americans (15.7%) than European Americans (9.5%). Immigrants (Kochhar, 2009) and people with disabilities (Shapiro, 2009) are also especially vulnerable to layoffs as are those without college degrees (Leonhardt, 2009). Unemployed women report poorer mental health and lower life satisfaction than unemployed men (McKee-Ryan et al., 2005). Women are more likely to report that they have consumed unhealthy foods, or skipped a meal as a result of stress. Women are also more likely to report physical symptoms of stress, including irritability, anger, fatigue and lack of interest or motivation and energy (APA, 2009). In combination with other health disparities, the unequal impact of unemployment on some groups may have devastating effects on already vulnerable communities. ——————————————†”—- Solutions and Recommendations The negative effects of unemployment can be lessened. Individuals who face unemployment with greater financial resources, as well as those who report lower levels of subjective financial strain, report better mental health and more life satisfaction than those who experience unemployment with fewer economic resources and a greater sense of financial stress (McKee-Ryan et al., 2005). Social support can also mitigate the negative impacts of unemployment and underemployment (Belle & Bullock, 2011). For example, being married is a protective factor during periods of unemployment and underemployment (Dooley & Prause, 2004; McKee-Ryan et al., 2005). APA supports critical and proven programs to prevent unemployment and provide support for those who are unemployed, and urges Congress to: Support the National Commission on Employment and Economic Security Act. Sponsored by Representative Alcee Hastings (D-FL), this legislation would establish a national commission to study and address employm ent and economic insecurity and their effects on mental health. The commission would examine issues of economic and psychological insecurity within our workforce due to employment displacement. Furthermore, the commission would provide recommendations to Congress and the President on how to reduce economic and psychological effects of unemployment. Fund job training and reemployment programs that take into account the psychological and emotional needs of workers and help prevent long-term unemployment. For example, the Michigan Prevention Research Center (MPRC), a program funded for 20 years by the National Institute for Mental Health, developed and evaluated the JOBS Program to help unemployed workers effectively seek reemployment and cope with the multiple challenges and stressors associated with unemployment and job-searching. Currently supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the JOBS Program is a group-based intervention that has the dual goals of promoting reemployment and enhancing the coping capacities o f unemployed workers and their families. Reauthorize and expand the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to provide temporary assistance to the long-term unemployed. APA supports more federal support for increased benefit levels for States, more time for clients to access mental health services, and suspending the work first requirement, to encourage training and education.

Reflective Piece †“Why?” Essay

Cast away in the distances, abandoned some may call it searching for a better life, others may utter. Trying to find a better way, Parents may justify. Truly, did you think it would make it any better? Financially†¦ the world you seek to provide an answer? Where’s your justification? Does money make the world go round or does a household make it? You see the fine line drawn, A child thrown into the dark to search for the dim light. On the brink, some may survive Fallen, some never saw the light again, But for both their days were always dark. What does a man left in the wild to be raised by animals become? Nothing– physically, an animal mentally. Who can love a child more than a parent can? Anyone . . . but what’s its value? Just naught for the heart will forever be digging for The original source of love. For the mother, from the father, And when abandoned, the heart will still dig, Digging on a hardened floor, Searching for the light, searching for love, Searching for care and attention, In the wrong place, in the cold ground, Where the humanity sheds, and a lustful soul craves destruction. Depression creates a shell, Suicidal tendencies take the roles of demons And seduces like a brightly coloured snake. Ropes become an attraction, Death becomes a consistent thought Violence becomes a an expression of goodwill, Goodwill that is not even there, How can the unwanted love? How can the empty live unless he has a strong heart And once again, who’s there to love And what do you love with but the heart? Language Analysis The reflective piece, ‘Why?’ is a poem written from a teenagers point of view and it serves to inform the reader of how a teen may feel when their parents have migrated leaving them in the care of somebody else who is incapable of caring for them. Language registers and dialectal variation can be seen throughout the passage and they will be analysed. Language registers refers to the perceived attitude and level of formality associated with a variety of language. A formal register is seen in the piece and this is due to the fact that the writer is talking to a mature audience. This formal tone is appropriate as the subject matter being discussed is one of a serious nature. The stage from childhood to adulthood, that is, teenage years is of paramount importance as this defines what type of person they will become when they are adults. This could be the difference between becoming a juvenile delinquent and a model student. An example of this can be seen in lines 30 – 35. Where the persona speaks of being depressed to the point where hanging one’s self would be the only right thing to do Dialectal variation refers to the spoken and written differences within a speech community. Throughout this reflective piece Standard English is used. The writer may have chosen to use Standard English due to the fact that it they are addressing a mature audience to whom the message is being delivered and in most instances are not au fait with the trending teenage slang. On the other hand the fact that the persona is addressing a mature audience using a formal tone may lead to them using  Standard English. This is so as when addressing persons older than them, teenagers usually speak English. An example of a situation like this could be the classroom setting and the target audience of the poem are persons in authority and parents. Another reason could be due to the fact that the persona sees English as being superior to Patois and as such does not use it.

JFK assassination conspiracy essays

JFK assassination conspiracy essays Adolph Hitler, the former dictator of Germany, once said, The bigger the lie, the more people will believe it. con-spir-a-cy (k n-spir -s ) n. Law. An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime or to accomplish a legal purpose through illegal action. On November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, the President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was driving in an open, minimally protected limousine with his wife and Governor John Connally. The route was originally scheduled to go straight down Main Street, but a last second route change sent the limousine past the book depository, diagonally down Elm Street (Garrison, On the Trail of the Assassins). Gunshots rang out, erupting chaos in the Dallas streets. The President was rendered fatally wounded and Governor Connally had been injured. Shortly thereafter, Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested at a local cinema on charges of murder of the President. He pleaded and publicly voiced his innocence and his only role of being a mere patsy, though he was believed to be a psychotic Marxist who was the perfect candidate for the assassin for the President. A few days later, Oswald was gunned down by Jack Ruby, who also was later believed to have association with clandestine, anti-Communist ope rations. Since the murder of Kennedy and the Warren Commissions investigation, many theories have developed pertaining to the murderer(s) and underlying conspiracies. Many subscribe to the Magic Bullet and single shooter theory, but evidence to vindicate this theory is very diminutive and incredulous. The Warren Commission blatantly omitted great details that could have led to theories other than the single-shooter theory that many pro-government individuals place their belief in. A few years after the assassination, New Orleans District Attorney, Jim Garrison, conducted an investigation in an attempt to both discard the bogus solution put out ...

About the Author Examples (That Youll Actually Want to Read)

About the Author Examples (That Youll Actually Want to Read) About the Author Examples (That You'll Actually Want to Read) We’ve all heard the clichà © that writers have big egos - so it makes sense that there’s a section in every book where you’re required to talk about the author (meaning yourself).That said, it’s crucial to get the About the Author right. Whether it appears on the back of your book, your Amazon Author page, your social media or all of the above, you should make every sentence count (and tailor it depending on where it will appear). For non-fiction authors, who you are can be more important than what you write about. For indie fiction writers, this is an opportunity to let your growing readership get to know you.If you're here to learn the ropes, we’ve already published an extensive guide on how to write one. In this post, we'll be looking at 13 About the Author examples to further illustrate what works (and what doesn't). Writers, writing about themselves? These About the Author examples will show you how.   About the Author Examples: FictionFor fiction writers (especially self-published ones), who you are matters little in comparison to the quality of the story you've written - and an attention grabbing synopsis. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take full advantage when you’re encouraged to talk about yourself. Here are some examples of how to pull it off without soliloquizing.1. Veronica Roth, Divergentâ€Å"Veronica Roth is the New York Times bestselling author of Divergent, the first book in a trilogy that she began writing while still a college student. Now a full-time writer, Ms. Roth and her husband call the Chicago area home. You can visit her online at www.veronicarothbooks.com or on Twitter (@VeronicaRoth).†Why it works: Is this the flashiest bio in the world? Of course not. But that’s exactly why it works. Each word builds on the last, adding new information to her story: her name, her qualifications, her books, their history, her home li fe, and, finally, her online presence. It’s short and simple†¦ but then again, a bestselling author can afford to be.2. Glynnis Campbell, Danger’s Kissâ€Å"Glynnis Campbell is a USA Today bestselling author of swashbuckling action-adventure romance. She’s the wife of a rock star, and the mother of two young adults, but she’s also been a ballerina, a typographer, a film composer, a piano player, a singer in an all-girl rock band, and a voice in those violent video games you won’t let your kids play. She does her best writing on cruise ships, in Scottish castles, on her husband’s tour bus, and at home in her sunny southern California garden. Glynnis loves to play medieval matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where the bold heroes have endearing flaws, the women are stronger than they look, the land is lush and untamed, and chivalry is alive and well!†Why it works: Glynnis Campbell isn’t a household name - but this w ill definitely make her readers remember her. Why talk about your books themselves, when you can make your whole life sound more interesting than a romance novel. This is the ideal approach for emerging genre authors who have plenty of exciting material, but might not be able to carry a bio off the strength of their work alone.3. Jomny Sun, Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Tooâ€Å"Jonathan Sun is the author behind @jonnysun. He is an architect, designer, engineer, artist, playwright, and comedy writer. His work across multiple disciplines broadly addresses narratives of human experience. As a playwright, Jonathan has had his pieces performed at the Yale School of Drama, and in Toronto at Hart House Theatre and Factory Theatre. As an artist and illustrator, he has had his art exhibited at MIT, Yale, New Haven ArtSpace, and the University of Toronto. His work has appeared on NPR and BuzzFeed, as well as in Playboy, GQ, and McSweeney’s. In his other life, he is a doctoral student at MIT and a Berkman Klein fellow at Harvard.†How would you write your bio? Short? Sweet? Side-splitting? We want to know! Show us in the comment box below.

Strategic Plan for Digital Music Organization EMI Essay

Strategic Plan for Digital Music Organization EMI - Essay Example According to a report by Cimilluca and Colchester (2011), in November 2011, the Citigroup announced a deal to sell EMI’s recorded music business to Universal Music Group for $1.9 billion and music publishing business to Sony/ATV consortium for 2.2 billion. This paper will suggest a strategic plan for this digital music organisation by referring to a number of strategic management theories including PESTLE analysis, Porter’s five forces model, SWOT analysis, and BCG matrix. PESTLE analysis Political factors The EMI maintains good relationship with overseas counties with intent to expand its business operations globally. Since the company offers extensive employee benefits including flexible work schedule, family friendly policies, and other flexible benefits; it gets full support from political environment. Economic factors The recent global economic recession has dreadfully affected economies worldwide and many of those economies are still under the process of recovery. Hence, the current economic environment is not favourable for the company. Socio-cultural factors Historically, music is present everywhere regardless of cultural variables such as customs, lifestyle, language, values, and beliefs. Hence, socio cultural factors provide the company with potential business environment. Technological factors The technology sector has been dramatically improving for the last two decades. The emergence of internet was a milestone in the history of music entertainment industry (BBC News, 2000). Therefore, current technological landscape is better for EMI’s business growth. Legal factors Governments worldwide have developed strict intellectual property laws and many of them specifically deal with music piracy issues. Thus, music entertainment industry is encouraged globally. Environmental factors People today are highly concerned about environmental sustainability. Therefore, increasing environmental concerns raise some sorts of challenges to every sector, and music entertainment industry is not an exception. Hence, EMI has to invest more on environmental sustainability so as to enhance its business growth. Porter’s five forces Degree of rivalry While analyzing the music entertainment industry, it seems that degree of competitive rivalry is very high. Since EMI is a multinational company, it struggles to confront with regionally focused rivals that are more knowledgeable about people’s music tastes. Hence, the company is forced to depend upon price cutting and M&A strategies to survive market competition. Buyer power In music entertainment industry, buyer power is relatively high since there are numerous potential sellers. In addition, market giants like Sony offers quality products to customers at cheaper rates; this situation compels EMI to cut its prices in order retain its customers. Supplier power EMI has high bargaining power over its suppliers as the organisation is well reputed for its quality music prod ucts and services. Since there are large number of potential suppliers in the industry, supplier price changes would not affect EMI’s business activities. Moreover, supplier switching cost is very low in the music entertainment industry. Threat of new entrants Threat of new entrants is very high in the industry, particularly because of the

A Question of Corporate Law Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

A Question of Corporate Law - Literature review Example To de Tocqueville, that is a burden of democracy. Limitless influence is dangerous because utter control is the origin of oppression. If people are mistreated, the only place to turn is the majority.    MacDougall v Gardiner clarified the principles of majority rule. If the grievance of a minority is about something to which the majority of the company has the privilege or has done unevenly a meeting may be called, and the majority ultimately gets what it wants. Over the years, the principle of majority rule has become more inclusive, however. We recount some of the more representative policies to make our assessment of the historic nature of the question at hand. A place to start is the generally accepted structure of corporate membership. Members of a corporation have rights against each other and against the business as outlined the company's charter.3 As such minority shareholders usually accept they cannot command the overall control of the organization and must accept the will of the majority rule. Majority rule can be wicked especially when there is a single controlling shareholder. Many exceptions have developed relative to the broad standard of majority rule. Here are some of the more common: Where the majority votes to carry out deception against the minority, judges may allow the minority to sue. Everyone maintains the right to file suit if the majority invades personal rights or, for example, where the company's dealings are not in accordance with the company's foundation. It is possible for minority shareholders to secede in the name of the business when the company is controlled by the supposed wrongdoers.4 In these matters of rights and ethics, the court is supposed to favor the minority. Court involvement in corporate voting has been minimized over the years though. Corporate law has focused on progressive minority protection and shareholders action, but a majority cannot force a dissentient minority to do that which is not allowed by the charter.5 It must allow the minority to express their opinions on the matter of the meeting, but the minority cannot irrationally hinder the resolution of the popular vote by filibuster, for example.6 The minority has no right against the majority with respect to actions of which they do not support if the majority is allowed to do them.   This standard applies where something has been done irregularly which the majority is at liberty to do regularly.8 Nevertheless, the minority may still sue when the majority is abusing power and depriving the minority their rights.9 Again, the court favors the majority while bolstering minority power when there is an ethical question.   

Business Loans at Samba Bank Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Business Loans at Samba Bank - Research Paper Example They have assisted these individuals with the finances and the loan schemes which were more refining than any other Saudi Bank. Being the first private Saudi Bank, they managed to build a strong customer relationship and is known as one of the most trusted confidants of the elite’s wealth in Saudia. Their banking relationship consists of the relationship manger, a personal advisor and understands and advises the individuals in the protection and the growth of the portfolio of the assets. They have some award winning investment and wealth management experts who are working closely with the relationship manager and are known to every minute detail of the account. However they are confidential and trusted advisors, who provide the award winning services to their clients. SambaDiamond, Samba Gold, Ladies Banking, Alkhair Personal Loan, Alkhair Home Loan are some of the many finance and loans opportunities provided by Samba Bank at a personal level. Due to the high success rate and reasonable interest rates where the turnover of the bank is also very high. Due to its long history with high success and confidentiality rate, Samba Bank saw a lot of investors trusting Samba with their money. This is the reason primarily why Samba was shortlisted in the Top Ten Safest Banks of the Middle east and ranked at number four. â€Å"The top ten world’s safest banks 2011 in the Middle East list includes National Bank of Abu Dhabi at the top ladder followed by the National Bank of Kuwait, Qatar National Bank, Samba Financial Group (Saudi Arabia), National Commercial Bank (Saudi Arabia), tie for ranking number six between Al-Rajhi Bank (Saudi Arabia), Riyad Bank (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Kuwait Finance House and Saudi British Bank (Saudi Arabia).† (Saudi Arabia hosts 5 out of 10 safest banks in ME - Arab News ) Keeping in mind the trust and high turnover rate generated by Samba Bank in the personal banking, it introduced the loans schemes in t he corporate sector as well which turned out to be equally successful. It is one of the largest providers of Corporate Banking financial products and strives to set a competitive edge which will help it get differentiated from the competitors. Thanks to the differentiated financial banking and the advisory services, Samba Bank has been able to build a very strong relationship with the government; public, private sectors. The primary focus of the bank is to empower the business owners to pay more attention to their business rather than the bank. Hence, Samba has introduced a number of loans and finances schemes on a commercial level which helps in the achievement of the critical success. It extends a helping hand to those businesses especially which have the potential but not the resources to grow and expand. Therefore, several options like working capital and long/short term loans fulfil the financing needs of the business owners. Some of the loans which are provided by Samba Bank i nclude: Working Capital Loans. Contract & Project Financing. Investment Loans. Islamic Financing Products. For the convenience of the business owners, there is the online corporate banking facility provided by the Bank so that they can access their account information online as well as view, download or print the information of their accounts as per the requirements. There are ecertain products provided as well as the financing schemes which have been designed with the requirement of the Islamic Banking. These products as well as services have been established

Hiv Aids In Nigeria Health And Social Care Essay

Hiv Aids In Nigeria Health And Social Care Essay Nigeria, with a population of 154.7 million (World Bank, 2009) is the most populous country in Africa and represents about 47% of the West African population (World Bank, 2010). The country is divided into six geo-political zones; North-West, North-East and North-Central as well as South-West, South-East and South-South (World Bank, 2010). Being the biggest oil exporter in Africa and with the largest natural gas reserves in the continent (World Bank, 2010), one would think that (economically and in terms of human development) the country would be up in the ladder with the prosperous countries of the world. But one would be wrong. The country is classified as lower middle income with a GNI per capita, Atlas method of $1,170 (World Bank, 2009). The country ranks 158 out a possible 182 countries on the human development index table (UNDP, 2009). Life expectancy at birth is 48 years for men and 50 years for women (WHO, 2009), adult literacy rate is 60% (World Bank, 2008), urban population is 46% (World Bank, 2009) which indicates that the majority live in rural areas, while the total fertility rate (per woman) is 5.5 (WHO, 2009). In terms of health indicators, the country does not fare any better. With an infant mortality rate of 85.5 per 1000 live births, a maternal mortality ratio of 1,100 per 100,000 live births and an under 5 mortality rate of 186 per 1000 live births (regional average- 142 per 1000 live births) (WHO, 2008), it will be safe to say that the country can and should do better. Table 1 (World Bank, 2009) is an overview of quick facts on Nigeria Year 2009 Population, Total (millions) 154.7 Population growth (annual %) 2.3 GNI per capita, Atlas method (current US $) 1,170 Life expectancy at birth, total (years) 47.9 Mortality rate, infants (per 1000 live births) 85.8 Contraceptive prevalence (% of women ages 15-49) 15 Table 1. Source: World Bank: World Development Indicators, Nigeria: Quick facts, 2009 With economic and social indices poor in the worlds poorest countries, world leaders met in September 2000 under the canopy of the United Nations to set a roadmap to reduce extreme poverty with the aim of improving human and economic development through a global partnership (UN millennium declaration, 2000). Thus eight goals with 21 targets and 60 measurable indicators were set (UN, 2000). Focussing on all the millennium development goals (MDGs) is beyond the scope of this paper. This paper aims to focus on one health problem that is a priority of the Nigerian nation. Therefore in the next few pages, you will be taken on a journey on the burden of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Nigeria, its current status and recent trends, issues of equity and spread in relation to income, gender and location (residence), national and sub-national policies to address the problems posed by HIV/AIDS, challenges to addressing these problems as well as recommendations for an improved strategic response. GENERAL BACKGROUND/Current status and recent trends HIV was first discovered in Nigeria in 1986 (DHS, 2008). By 1991, the prevalence rate was reported as 1.8% (DHS, 2008). The prevalence rate then progressively rose to 4.5% in 1996 and then 5.5% in 2001 (National HIV/AIDS prevention plan, 2007-9). However the prevalence rate dropped to 5% in 2003 and 4.4% in 2005 (National HIV/AIDS prevention plan, 2007-9). Notwithstanding the drop and as a consequence of Nigerias huge population, the disease has continued to pile an economic and health misery on the country as 2.86 million people had been infected by 2005 (IBBSS, 2008). Currently, the HIV prevalence rate is 4.6% (NACA, 2009). Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS is 2.98 million, the annual HIV positive births is 56,681, while annual AIDS deaths is 192,000 with females bearing more of the death burden at 105,822 deaths to 86,178 deaths for males (NACA, 2009). The impact of the disease on children is particularly worrisome as evidenced by the annual HIV positive births. It gets worse. According to data released by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2009, 2,175,760 children have been orphaned due to factors relating to HIV/AIDS (FOMH, 2009). Females constitute almost three-fifths (58.3%) of the infected persons in Nigeria (National HIV response Analysis, 2009). Also worthy of mention is the fact that young adults are disproportionately affected with a sero-prevalence of 5.6% in the 25-29 age-group, the highest of any age group (National HIV response Analysis, 2009). As this is part of the productive age group of any country (UNAIDS, 2008), the impact on socio economic development can only be imagined. The millennium development goal 6, target 6 AB is to halt by 2010 and begin to reverse by 2015 the spread of HIV/AIDS and to achieve universal access to treatment for all those who need it by 2010 (UNDP, 2010). The indicators to measure these include: HIV prevalence among pregnant women aged 15-24, condom use at last high risk sex, proportion of population aged 15-24 with comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, ratio of school attendance of orphans to non orphans and the proportion of population with advanced HIV with access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) (UNDP, 2010). The demographic health survey (DHS) implemented by the Nigerian population commission (NPC) and supported and funded by PEPFAR, USAID and UNFPA was carried out in 2008 (DHS, 2008). It showed that 23% of women and 36% of men in Nigeria have what is a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (DHS, 2008). Comprehensive knowledge is considered to be the knowledge that condom use and faithfulness to one partner can prevent HIV infection, knowing that a healthy appearance does not rule out HIV and the rejection of two commonest myths that HIV can be transmitted through voodoo or mosquito bites (DHS, 2008). Using the above criteria as the definition of comprehensive knowledge is a bit thin. A better term would be basic knowledge as the popular acronym ABC (abstinence, be faithful and condom use) constitutes the basics of HIV prevention. The percentage of adults and children with advanced HIV with access to treatment is 32% (DHS, 2008). As the target is universal access to treatment, this shows c learly that Nigeria is lagging behind on treatment despite its preponderance over prevention (Idoko, 2010). The prevalence of HIV among pregnant women between ages 15 and 24 in Nigeria has decreased from 5.8% in 2001 and 2002 to 5.0% in 2003 and 2004 and has steadied at 4.3% in 2005 through 2007 (NACA, ME unit, 2007). The percentage of the population who used condom at last high risk sex has markedly increased from 43.9% in 2003 to 63.8% in 2007 (NACA, ME unit, 2007) while the Federal Ministry of Health reported in 2009 that the number of children orphaned by AIDS increased from 1.97 million in 2007 to 2.18 million in 2009. The ratio of school attendance of orphans to non orphans is said to be 0.86:1 (FMOH, 2009). Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV constitutes a huge gap in HIV prevention in Nigeria (Idoko, 2010). With only 12.5% of pregnant women having access to PMTCT services, Nigeria represents 30% of the global gap of PMTCT of HIV (Idoko. 2010). The progress Nigeria has made in her fight against HIV/AIDS is illustrated in table 2 which compares estimates and data compiled by NACA from 2000 through 2007. It shows a mixed bag of results as the improvements made have either been slow or dawdling (Mid- point assessment, 2010). Target 7: Have halted and begun to reverse the spread of HIVAIDS (UN Millennium Declaration, 2000) Indicators 1990 2000*a 2001 2002*b 2003 2004*c 2005 2006*d 2007*d 2008 2015 Progress towards target HIV prevalence among 15-24 year old pregnant women (%) 5.4 5.8 5.8 5.0 5.0 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.2 To be halted Improving but slowly % of young people aged 15-24 who both correctly identify ways to preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and who reject major misconceptions about HIV transmission 18.3 18.3 25.9 25.9 25.9 NA 100 Improving but slowly % of young people aged 15-24 reporting the use of a condom during sexual intercourse with a non regular sexual partner 43.9 43.9 63.8 63.8 63.8 NA 100 Improving Ratio of school attendance of orphans to school attendance of non orphans aged 10-14 years NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 1.2 Number of children orphaned by AIDS (millions) 1.8 1.97 1.97 1.97 1.97 worsening A, b, c, d are for 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005. NA- not available Table 2. Source: MDG report, 2010 EQUITY Empowering women and girls has a plethora of positive effects on all MDGs (UNDP, 2010). HIV/AIDS is no exception. Despite the fact that HIV/AIDS knows no gender, clear disparities are visible in the way men and women with HIV/AIDS are responded to and cared for (Mbonu, et al, 2010). The demographic health survey (DHS) carried out in 2008 revealed disparities based on gender, ethnicity, location and income quintile in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS, attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and coverage of testing (DHS, 2008). Table 3 (DHS, 2008) shows a variation in the knowledge of HIV/AIDS according to age, residence, ethnicity, level of education and income (DHS, 2008). Of note is the trend that reveals that HIV awareness while almost universal in urban areas (98% and 95% among men and women respectively), is lower among rural men and women at 91% and 84% respectively (DHS, 2008). Awareness of HIV/AIDS was also found to be lower in the Northern region compared to the South, being lowest in women of North-central origin (76%) and men of North-eastern origin (88%)(DHS, 2008). Background characteristics Women Men Age in years 15-24 87.1 91.4 15-19 85.3 88.3 20-24 89.1 94.8 25-29 89.8 94.6 30-39 89.4 94.7 40-49 87.2 94.4 Marital Status Never married 92.9 93.4 Ever had sex 96.5 98.0 Never had sex 90.0 89.0 Married/living together 86.4 93.6 Divorced/separated/widowed 91.3 92.0 Residence Urban 95.3 97.9 Rural 84.3 90.8 Zone North central 75.9 90.7 North east 81.4 87.8 North west 87.8 90.9 South east 97.1 96.4 South South 92.0 96.1 South west 93.4 97.8 Education No education 76.6 80.7 Primary 90.2 92.4 Secondary 96.0 97.1 More than secondary 99.3 99.7 Wealth quintile Lowest 75.5 83.5 Second 81.7 89.9 Middle 88.8 93.8 Fourth 94.5 97.0 Highest 97.6 98.9 Table 3. Source: Nigeria DHS, 2008 In Nigeria, there are clear differences in the proportion of the population with the knowledge of preventive measures of HIV by age, gender, ethnicity and income quintile (DHS, 2008). Overall women were found to be more knowledgeable in urban areas than in rural areas (DHS, 2008). The same trend was also found to apply for men. Most worrying is the fact that those in the lowest wealth quintile have a rather poor knowledge of HIV prevention measures with only 31.3% of women and 53.2% of men knowing that using condoms at every sexual encounter can protect them from contracting HIV (DHS, 2008). The DHS, 2008 also found that respondents in urban areas are more likely to have a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS compared to rural areas (DHS, 2008). This proportion rises with an increasing level of education and income among both men and women (DHS, 2008). The DHS, 2008 exposed a stratum of inequities in terms of coverage of HIV testing services (DHS, 2008). Living in urban areas increases ones chances of knowing where to test for HIV with 66% of women and 78% of men knowing where to test for HIV compared to 39% for women and 57% for men in rural areas (DHS, 2008). Zonal disparities are also evident as women and men in the North-east are least likely to know where to test for HIV (27% for women and 54% for men) (DHS, 2008). Worryingly however, of the people who were tested for HIV in the 12 months preceding the survey, only 7% of men and 7% of women came back for the results (DHS, 2008). Further studies might be required to find out why this is the case. As stated earlier in this paper, there is a huge gap in PMTCT services in Nigeria. The DHS, 2008 made known that only 24% of women who gave birth in the 2 years preceding the DHS received HIV counselling (DHS, 2008). Only 16% were offered and accepted HIV tests during ANC and received the results (DHS, 2008) while only 13% were counselled, offered and accepted HIV tests and received the results. The women most likely to fall in the latter group were those who live in urban areas (35%), those from the south east ethnic origin (35%) and those with more than secondary education (54%) (DHS, 2008). All of these imply that the HIV/AIDS challenge in Nigeria, as well the response to these challenges are in more ways than one determined by equity issues in relation to gender, poverty and location/residence. NATIONAL AND SUB NATIONAL POLICIES AND STRATEGIES After the HIV was first reported in Nigeria in 1986 (National HIV response analysis, 2009), the response was essentially health sector oriented to limit its spread (National HIV response analysis, 2009). However with the increasing spread of the epidemic and the advent of democracy in 1999, the focus shifted from a health sector based response to a multi-sectoral one (Country progress report, 2010). This led to the establishment of the National Action Committee on HIV/AIDS to coordinate the multi-sectoral response (National HIV response analysis, 2009). To further strengthen its central coordinating role and the national response, this committee was transformed in 2007 by an act of the national assembly into full agency status, reporting directly to the presidency (National HIV response analysis, 2009). It became the National agency for the control of HIV/AIDS (NACA). At the sub-national level, the coordination is done at each of the 36 states by the state action committee on HIV/AIDS (SACA) and at each of the 774 local governments by the local government action committee on HIV/AIDS (LACA) (National HIV response analysis, 2009). The plan was for the SACAs (just as NACA) to transform into full agencies to strengthen their contribution to the national response (NACA, 2009). However, only 20 states have transformed into full agencies (National response analysis, 2009). Weak political commitment as well as a lack of ownership at the state level has however continued to be identified as limiting factors for national HIV response (Idoko, 2009). Even the state committees that have transformed into full agencies have had problems ranging from poor funding to poor capacity with most of them working without constituted boards (Idoko, 2009). NACA with the collaboration of relevant stakeholders developed an interim action plan in 2001, the HIV/AIDS emergency action plan (HEAP), a plan that focussed mainly on prevention, care and support (Country progress report, 2010). The need for a more comprehensive plan that includes treatment led to the development of the National strategic framework (NSF) in 2005. The NSF is the common framework for HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria (National HIV response analysis, 2009). All states also have state strategic plans (SSPs) sourced from the NSF and taking into account their peculiarities (Country progress report, 2007). Nigeria developed her roadmap for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in 2006 (Country progress report, 2010). This has been incorporated into the NSF and SSPs (Country progress report, 2010). The country has also developed key policy documents which factored in the development of the NSF including the National Workplace Policy on HIV/AIDS in 2005 to guide HIV programs in the workplace, the National Reproductive Health Policy, the National Gender Policy that ensures gender mainstreaming in the national response, the National Policy on Orphans and Vulnerable children (OVC), to guide OVC activities in the national plan, the National Policy on Injection Safety and Healthcare waste management as well as the National Prevention Plan and National HIV/AIDS Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy to promote prevention and behavioural change activities (Country progress report, 2010). With NACA as the central coordinating body, the NSF as the common strategic framework, there was the need to have a harmonized Monitoring and Evaluation (ME) framework in line with the three ones principle (UNAIDS, 2004). This berthed the Nigerian National Response Information Management System (NNRIMS) with the development of the National ME operational plan, 2007-2010 (National HIV response analysis, 2009). Funding for HIV/AIDS programs in Nigeria is both internal and external (Country progress report, 2008). Internal funding is from the national, state and local government budgets, which has substantially increased as a result of the debt relief gain (DRG). There is also some funding from the private sector. However, bureaucratic bottlenecks in the release of funds, continues to be identified as one of the key problems militating against the response performance at state and local government levels (Idoko, 2009). Figure 1 (National response analysis, 2009) shows the organogram, the institutional structural design of the countrys national response and how it links with sub-national and other non state actors. NACA is at the apex of the response architecture and from this vantage point provides political, program and technical leadership while linking with state and non state actors (National HIV response analysis, 2009). In the same fashion, state and local responses are led by SACAs and LACAs. Together these bodies interface with line ministries, the private sector, civil and human rights groups including faith based organisations and local and international development partners (National HIV response analysis, 2009). NACA STATE ACTORS NON-STATE ACTORS STATES HEALTH SECTOR, LINE MINISTRIES PRIVATE SECTOR LOCALINT. DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS CSOs CONSTITUENTS AND COMMUNITIES CONSTITUENTS AND COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES SACAs, LACAs, LINE MINISTRIES CSO, PRIVATE SECTOR, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS COMMUNITIES AND CONSTITUENTS COMMUNITIES AND CONSTITUENTS Figure 1. (Source: National HIV Response Analysis, 2009) In addition to the entrenchment of the three ones principle, the development of the National Strategic Framework and the correct implementation of all other policy documents by NACA, other specific strategies to achieving Goal 6 of the MDGs in relation to HIV/AIDS in Nigeria include the local production of condoms and ARVs to drive down cost, increasing the number of HCT and ART sites as well as making them free and accessible, providing social security for AIDS orphans and children with HIV/AIDS, strengthening BCC programs, broadening prevention efforts in line with the National prevention plan, getting the MOHs to dedicate more funds to HIV/AIDS at the state and local levels, increased advocacy to states and LGs to drive SACAs and LACAs, as well as support for research on HIV/AIDS (MDG Mid-point Assessment, 2000-7). CHALLENGES While significant progress has been recorded as earlier detailed, significant challenges also exist (National HIV response analysis, 2009). There is an imbalance in the attention given to prevention as opposed to treatment as the focus has been more on treatment than prevention (Shehu, 2007). This is a surprising misplacement of priorities since at least 95% of Nigerians are HIV negative thus requiring concrete preventive measures to make them remain so (Shehu, 2007). By 2007, only 3% of health facilities in Nigeria provided HCT services (WHO, UNAIDS UNICEF, 2008). In 2008, it was estimated that there was only one HCT facility to 80,000 Nigerians (WHO, UNAIDS UNICEF, 2009). This might be related to suggestions that facilities providing HIV testing in Nigeria do not follow international standards about ethics and confidentiality (Physicians for Human Rights, 2006). Also, condom distribution and promotion has been hampered by poor resources and political interference (AVERT, 2010). B etween 2000 and 2005, the average number of condoms distributed in Nigeria by donors was approximately 5.9 per man per year (UNFPA, 2005) while in a 2002 survey, only 25% of health facilities had any condoms (Human Rights Watch, 2004). In 2006, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) started to restrict condom advertisements that might encourage indecency (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks, 2006). Though APCON may have softened her stand, the view that condom advertisements promote indecency has to be balanced with the clear dangers posed by unprotected sex as a main driver of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Other challenges include the inadequate and inequitable distribution of drugs, the high prevalence of stigma and discrimination, violation of the human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), poor funding and low capacity at all levels but especially at the sub-national levels, inadequate monitoring of the quality of intervention, insufficient and inadequate responsive data bases, challenges in program coordination (National HIV response analysis, 2009) as well as the slow involvement of civil society and private sector groups in HIV/AIDS planning and budgeting (Country Midpoint assessment, 2000-7). Poor accessibility and uptake of intervention services is a major problem affecting the national response (Coker, 2009). An example of that is in PMTCT (Coker, 2009). The National AIDS and STD control program (NASCP) reported uptake of PMTCT nationally as 11% as of July 2009 (Coker, 2009). While there were 908 functional HCT sites scattered across the country as at 2007 (NACA, 2007), there appears to be little awareness of the location of these sites (DHS, 2008), hence poor access especially at the community and hard to reach areas (National HIV response analysis, 2009). The joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS identified four major challenges of the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria (UNAIDS, 2009). They include but not limited to: challenges due to empowerment of National leadership and ownership, challenges of alignment and harmonization, reform challenges for a more multi-sectoral response, and challenges with accountability and oversight (Country Midpoint assessment, 2000-7). NACAs organisational effectiveness is still considerably weak with capacity constraints overwhelming at state and local government levels (National HIV response analysis, 2009). There also is a disparity in programs and coordination systems at all levels due to poor dissemination and use of policy instruments (National HIN response analysis, 2009). In terms of ownership and alignment, there is an excessive fragmentation of donor activities, poor collaboration between NACA-donor while donor approaches are not always aligned with national priorities thereby undermining ownershi p (National HIV response analysis, 2009). This may be due to the fact that the majority of funding for HIV programs is donor driven (HERFON, 2007). For instance, Nigeria contributes an only an estimated 5% of the funds for antiretroviral therapy programmes (HERFON, 2007). While this may be due to a country desire to concentrate more and rightly so on prevention, it may also explain why there is a tilt towards treatment. The 2010 country progress report while acknowledging the successes and achievements of the HIV/AIDS response in Nigeria also identified key challenges that needed to be addressed. They include: incommensurate funding of the prevention, treatment, care and support programs compared to the complexity of the epidemic, overdependence on donor support, weak political and financial support especially at states and local governments, the lack of a National HIV/AIDS research agenda, poor coverage and quality of PMTCT, limited knowledge of the drivers of the epidemic, low risk perception at policy making and community levels, inadequate supportive legislation to guide and boost the national and state response, inadequate implementation of the National ME system, the overwhelming focus on intervention monitoring rather than impact evaluation, as well as poverty and gender equality (Country progress report, 2010). Above all, there is the challenge of maintaining current levels and scaling up a sustainable HIV/AIDS response that will tackle demand challenges like increasing new infections and declining livelihoods due to poverty, and supply challenges like inadequate infrastructure, low motivation of health workers and brain drain, governance challenges like poor health, communications and power infrastructure, inadequate health financing, inadequate logistics and procurement as well as declining human resources (Ogunlayi, et al, 2007). The requirement for this is a health systems strengthening approach with a target of improving the health supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, training more people with adequate incentives to man and manage those systems, developing policies that will support national and sub-national sustainability plans including the provision of physical infrastructure as well as mobilizing a responsible, responsive and equitable health financing (National HIV response analysis, 2009). CONCLUSIONS That Nigeria has made positive strides in her fight against HIV/AIDS is not in doubt. What is in doubt is if the current levels can be maintained and scaled up. It is instructive that of the 7 point agenda for action at the inception of the current political leadership, there was no health component. This paper will bring to the front burner the need for greater political commitment from the top on health matters in general and the HIV/AIDS issue in particular. As the evidence in this paper has shown, the impact of HIV/AIDS has been enormous particularly on women and children. While gender has been mainstreamed into the national response in Nigeria (National response analysis, 2009), there is clearly still a lot more to be done. It is particularly sad that Nigeria records annual HIV-positive births of 56,681. There is the need for all stakeholders to speak with one voice and declare this trend as unacceptable. And indeed it is. It should be unacceptable for pure and innocent neonates, infants and children to bear the brunt of the epidemic in a scale as seen in Nigeria. This paper strongly advocates the scale up of both the access and quality of all HIV/AIDS services including but not limited to HCT, PMTCT as well as other prevention, treatment, care and support services and especially for those disadvantaged due to location, income or gender. This paper will bring to the fore the poor state of the response at the state and local government levels. There is the need to strengthen technical, financial and management capacity not just at NACA but at the SACAs and LACAs (National HIV response analysis, 2009). There is a greater need for Prevention programs to be at the heart of the HIV/AIDS response. This need is reinforced (as shown in page 5) by the declining difference in the proportion of people with an awareness of HIV/AIDS compared to those with a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (DHS, 2008). There is a further decline in the proportion of the latter group with the awareness of where to get tested (DHS, 2008). While treatment, care and support programs are indispensable, there is the need for a scale up of prevention programs to cater to the over 95% of the population that are currently HIV negative. While donors should be praised for the huge financial and human resources they have committed to the HIV/AIDS response, there is the need for country ownership as well as the alignment and harmonization of donor priorities in line with country plans and strategies. Health systems strengthening needs to be accelerated for a health systems response that is based on improved infrastructure for an integrated package of care, a functional forecasting system based on verified data, built capacity of human resources, adequate health financing and a strong leadership (Country progress report, 2010). Finally, the MDGs and its targets for HIV/AIDS should not be seen as a destination but a process. A process that emphasizes urgency, quality and equity, and involves the development of a comprehensive package of prevention, treatment, care and support relevant to the country (UNAIDS, 2006).