Social Networking and Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills among College Freshmen free essay sample

Growing concern exists among researchers regarding the effects of the internet on youth regarding potential risks to safety, well-being, and skill development. Social networking is a current phenomenon that consists of both web-based communication with internet users through websites (Facebook, MySpace, YouTube) and interaction with others via cellular phones. According to Facebook statistics, there were 526 million daily active users on average in March 2012. Further, the 2010 Media Industry Fact Sheet reported that two-thirds of the population over the age of 13 are connected by cell phones. Social networking has become common in today’s society, especially among adolescents and young adults, and continues to grow in popularity. These activities occur among people who already know each other personally as well as those who have never met in person. Increased utilization of computers and cell phones to communicate, tasks that have historically required interpersonal skills and face-to face interaction, may be altering the means in which young people attain and practice skills that are necessary to function in their daily lives. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Networking and Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills among College Freshmen or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Over the past decade, technological advances have reached all segments of the population across the globe. The 20th century was epitomized by youth staying connected through face-to-face interaction or the use of the landline telephones. Social networks, thought of as a set of people in which support is exchanged or relationships that are important to an individual were typically managed through interpersonal or conventional telephone contact. However, the growth in internet access and software availability as well as advancements of cell phones, combined with a population of youth who have grown up exposed to this technology, has resulted in social networks being replaced online and through telecommunications. The youth of today use technology such as the internet more than any other method through which to communicate and socialize. Recent studies have shown that communication technology is increasing exponentially with each generation and is becoming a mainstay within our society. According to statistics gathered by ComScore Networks, 713 million people ages 15 or older, which were 14% of the global population, used the Internet in June 2006, with 153 million being in the United States. Further, adolescents use the internet much more often than children, but the age of first internet use is rapidly descending. In fact, even young children are online and there are numerous social networking sites that cater to this population. As technological advancements are made, the residual impact of social networking on society’s young generation is of valuable importance to researchers in the social work field. Left unattended, the lack of skills to effectively communicate and resolve conflicts in person may negatively affect behavior and impair the ability to develop and maintain relationships. Once envisioned as an efficient tool for researchers to share files and access data by remote login, commercialization of the Internet has resulted in the creation of email and the World Wide Web. The enormous technical complexity of the internet has expanded to include thousands of networks, millions of computers, and billions of users across the world. The Web 1. 0 experience, which was exemplified by connectivity, internet entrepreneurs, and the potential of substantial monetary profits, has been replaced by Web 2. 0, which is detailed by user-generated content, group formation, and social networking. Combining the tremendous expansion of the internet and the advances in communication technology has resulted in new capabilities not foreseen by the original developers. Modern conveniences such as using cell phones and the creation of social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter) for interaction have shown a variety of influences in the research. Within the social networking spectrum exists the activities of instant messaging (IMing), texting, blogging, bulletin boards, and posting (comments, status updates, and videos). The â€Å"Effects Model† to explain the shift from seeing the Internet as doing something to adolescents to an outlook that consists of adolescents taking an active role in co-constructing their own environments. As with any object, the responsibility falls upon the Internet user or social networker as to the purpose of engaging in the activity and what is hoped to be accomplished. However, technological side effects may not always be apparent to the individual user and, combined with millions of other users, may have large-scale implications. Therefore, each participant has a dual role—as an individual who may be affected by the social environment and as a participant who is interacting with others and co-constructing the same environment. Given that communication plays a central role in personal relationships and that relationships are assessed by the communication skills of others, impairment in the ability to effectively communicate may hinder successful relational development in young adults. This can potentially impact an array of life areas such as family relationships, socialization, school performance, and employment. Further, the failure of young people to effectively resolve conflicts in person can jeopardize safety and may lead to chronic acts of violence that include verbal threats, pushing, grabbing, punching, and fighting. Thus, the lack of conflict resolution skills may lead to the use of human services and involvement in the legal system, requiring the need to access limited financial resources, and also the risk of out-of-home placement. Despite the potential benefits for adolescents who engage in the various types of social networking, such as the sense of being understood and supported by peers the research is showing that the excess use of this technology may underhandedly inhibit proper interpersonal skill development. Due to the nature of the social work profession and its efforts to enhance the lives of youth and plan for their successful transition into adulthood, further examination of the impact of social networking on adolescents is justified. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study to examine the impact of social networking on the skills of communication and conflict resolution within the young adult population. OBJECTIVES: 1. The social networking activities 2. Discuss the quality of social networking relationship 3. The benefits and concern of social networking 4. Communication and conflict resolution skill a. Social exchange theory b. Object relation theory 5. Access to social networking 6. Conflict resolution Social Networking Activities Advancements in technology have resulted in people being able to access a wealth of information and participate in virtual opportunities not previously available. Through the tools of computers and cell phones, society has moved from engaging in face-to-face interaction while performing these activities to endeavours that do not require in-person interaction with others. The devices have therefore become the actual mediators between people and knowledge or entertainment. Within recent years, technology has also made available different avenues for communicating. The capabilities of computers and cell phones have allowed users to develop means to participate in the world of social networking, now making the device the mediator of communication between individuals. Internet surfing. The term â€Å"Internet surfing† appeared after the creation of the personal computer and the Internet and is seen as an extension of â€Å"channel surfing†, where viewers randomly change channels on a television using a remote control with no real physical effort. Internet surfing is activity described as spending time visiting either random or targeted websites on the Internet for non-communication purposes. Users can view websites to gather information, play interactive games, shop, and view photos and movies. Surfing the Internet can be addictive in nature because individuals receive short-term gratification every time they go online, making it very desirable to continue to go online to receive this gratification. Studies have demonstrated that excessive Internet surfing may increase depression and social anxiety. Therefore, individuals who struggle with Internet surfing and also participate in social networking as a means of meeting their social needs may be at risk for a significant decline in communication and conflict resolution skills due to their isolative behaviors. Moreover, someone found that adolescents with low perceived friendship quality reported significantly higher depression and social anxiety. Since excessive computer use can inhibit exploring one’s actual environment and impact the growth of friendships, this is of major concern. Instant messaging. In contrast to surfing, instant messaging (IM-ing) consists of sending real-time online computer messages to another user in a mutually established conversation. Researchers found that IM-ing is the most popular method of communication among teens who go online, with 75% using this medium and 48% doing so at least once a day. This format is typically private and can be an opportunity for adolescents to practice and develop social skills. However, a recent longitudinal study showed that IM-ing predicted more depression among adolescents over a six month period. The effects of Internet surfing and IM-ing on internalizing problems may be closely related due to the finding that adolescents who spend more time IM-ing also spend more time surfing. Texting. The short messaging service (SMS), more commonly known as â€Å"texting†, is the cellular phone version of IM-ing and also results in virtually instant messages between the sender and receiver. Cell phones have been engineered over the past years to accommodate the demand of texting, such as offering a full QWERTY keyboard, and many cell phone carriers offer plans that contain unlimited texting. In fact, in 2003 expected SMS to dominate mobile messaging in regards to both traffic volume and revenue well into the last quarter of the decade. In a Norwegian study of 19-21 year olds, participants sent an average of six texts per day in 2001. When the same age group was measured again in 2007, this number tripled to an average of 18 text messages sent per day. A survey conducted on 2,277 American adults by the Pew Research Center found that 18-24 year olds sent or received an average of 109. 5 text messages per day, which works out to be more than 3,200 text messages per month. In a European study of 635 participants ages 16-55 years old who visited a website and completed an online questionnaire, 48. 9% reported preferring to use their cell phones for texting over voice calls and 26. 1% reported texting too much This study also measured levels of loneliness, expressive control, interaction anxiousness, and conversational involvement. Two significant findings were that 61% of the participants stated they say things in text that they would not feel comfortable saying face-to-face and 64% stated they feel they are able to express their true feelings best in text messages rather than in face-to-face interactions or voice calls. Quality of Social Networking Relationships Personal interaction is and has always been an important function of the human experience. Prior to the technological revolution and creation of personal computers and cell phones, relationships were typically developed and maintained by means of face-to-face interaction and verbal or written communication. With the development of the Information Age, characterized by the ability for people to freely and conveniently access and exchange information through technology, the way in which our society interacts with one another has continued to transform. Technological Determinism Theory attempts to help explain how changes in methods of communication through advancements in technology impacts general society. According to this theory, media technology shapes how individuals in a society feel, act, and think as well as influences how society functions as they move from one technological age to another. In other words, people learn how to think and feel the way they do based upon the messages they receive through the current technology. This theory supports the belief that â€Å"the medium is the message† and that people adapt accordingly and will utilize the means in which society as a whole is using to communicate. As the medium changes, so does society’s way of communicating. If the medium is impersonal, then the message itself is also impersonal. With the creation of the virtual world, individuals have the opportunity to interact with others, both known and unknown, in a variety of ways. With the change in nature of these relationships, it has been of interest to gauge the perceived quality of online relationships. Because Internet sites, such as America Online (AOL) and Facebook, allow groups of users to connect with other groups, users engage in group forming activities that are comparable to face-to-face groups. Social networking sites on the Internet may be used to strengthen relationships that already exist, therefore acting as a bridge between the online and offline worlds. A study by the USC-Annenberg Digital Future Project (2006) on Internet usage found that 43% of Internet users who are part of online communities feel as strongly about their online communities as they do about their real-life communities. In another research study among adolescents, a prominent finding was that participants who had developed friendships and relationships online consider them to be as real as relationships in their actual lives. Further, these online friendships were described as being long-term, trusting, and very meaningful. Because of potential attached meaning to these virtual relationships and the possibilities that human interaction may become volatile and unpredictable, it is of explicit interest to investigate how users, specifically adolescents and young adults, manage to communicate and resolve conflicts within these communities. Therefore, more research is needed in this area. Benefits and Concerns of Social Networking Different theories have surfaced regarding the impact of social networking. It has been found that participation in social network sites provides a number of potential benefits for adolescents. It was found that benefits of online interaction include that it provides a means in which to learn the ability to relate to others, tolerate differing viewpoints, express thoughts and feelings in a healthy way, and practice critical thinking skills. In addition it states that communicating with others on the Internet is an opportunity to explore self-identity and enhance self-discovery. Another perceived benefit is that the Internet increases the possibility to contact peers, thus enhancing self-esteem and feelings of well-being. Further in regards to social networking, the Internet provides a virtual place to spend time and share thoughts and objects with personal meaning, such as pictures and stories, and remain closely connected with friends regardless of geographic distance. Also, it is believed that individuals may feel empowered when using social networking to establish relationships that provide information, mutual assistance, and support. Finally, it was found that teens with difficulties may use online relationships as temporary bridges that bring them into safe and comfortable face-to-face relationships. All of these mentioned benefits to participants, especially adolescents who are attempting to practice social skills and explore who they are as individuals, add to the justification of including social networking into the current developmental perspective. Despite the potential advantages of social networking, there are a number of concerns. A well-known study conducted by Kraut, Patterson, Lundmark, Kiesler, Mukophadhyay and Scherlis (1998) was one of the first to examine the relationship between Internet use and the aspects of social involvement and psychological well-being. The HomeNet field trial followed 93 families in their first 12-18 months of being online. A total of 256 people took part in the study. It was hypothesized that the users would increase their sense of social support and feel less lonely, be less affected by stress, and have improved mental health. However, the results of the study showed the opposite. Associations were found between increased Internet use and decreased social involvement, feeling lonelier, and an increase in depressive symptoms. Another result was that higher Internet use was related to a decrease in communication among family members. The results of the original study were criticized and caused much controversy, prompting a second study. The follow-up study found varying results that contradicted the results of the first study in all areas except life stress. Another consequence of social networking that has been addressed in the research is the issue of cyber bullying. Much data exists regarding the negative aspects of social networking and the incidence of cyber bullying and victimization among users. Traditionally, bullying has taken place during face-to-face interaction. However, advances in technology have opened up new ways for this to occur over electronics, from texting on cell phones to the posting of comments or videos on websites. Regarding text bullying, the prevalence of its occurrence ranges from 15-32%. In nationally representative surveys of 10-17 year-olds, it was found that twice as many youth reported they were victims of online harassment in 2005 as compared to data from 2000. The issue of cyber abuse (bullying, unwanted sexual advances, and stalking) should be taken very seriously due to the detrimental effects on victims, which include feelings of depression, guilt, shame, as well as self-harm and withdrawing from family and friends. Using a phenomenological approach, an analysis of anonymous posts by adolescents revealed a high incidence of cyber bullying from both real-life acquaintances and those who were met online. In another study, it was found that students who were text bullied were significantly more likely to feel unsafe at school than those students who had not been text bullied. Whether due to low self-esteem or poor social skills, adolescents who turn to online relationships because of feelings of isolation by peers may find that online relationships are filled with complications. It is within these relationships that adolescents may be victimized by cyber bullying, unwanted sexual advances, and even cyber stalking. Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills Successfully maneuvering through life requires attaining a set of skills, for example the ability to communicate with others and work through conflicts that are acquired through different avenues during a person’s developmental journey. From the early days of mainframe computers to the present, computers have been mostly used for interpersonal communication. In fact in terms of meaning, communication is the most important use of the Internet for adolescents. Regarding conflict resolution, Chung and Asher (1996) and Rose and Asher (1999) have argued that responses to hypothetical situations involving conflict are similar to responses observed during real-life conflict. This highlights the value in presenting opportunities to practice these skills to prepare for real life situations. However, these hypothetical situations were presented face-to-face to a group by a facilitator and did not include a technological or social networking component. With an overwhelming trend among adolescents and young adults toward the reliance on technology for communication, it is speculated that the decline of face-to-face interaction will result in decreased ability to handle real-life conflicts. In analyzing data from a study of adolescents with close online relationships, it showed that a disproportionate number reported high amounts of conflict with their parents as well as low levels of communication with their parents. In another study, adolescents who engaged in online communication and felt frightened or that they were in significant trouble did not reach out and communicate with their parents. Empirical data in social work literature, as well as other professional journals, on the effects of school-based conflict resolution programs have been positive, suggesting that teaching conflict resolution skills to students increase their knowledge of how to resolve conflict using non-violent means. Although some research exists that examines the activities of social networking and the potential effects, both positive and negative, on its users, there is a gap in the empirical literature. Social networking relies on technology and is conducted over specific devices with no presence of face-to-face interaction, which results in an inability to access interpersonal behavior and signals to facilitate communication. Adding the possibility that relationships can become volatile and unpredictable, no current research addresses how social networking affects the ability for users to resolve conflicts in their daily lives. A concerted effort to focus on how social networking impacts the ability to perform the functions of communication and conflict resolution in real-life relationships would be highly beneficial. The available research did not speak to these particular issues, hence the impetus for this quantitative study. Therefore, this researcher proposes the following research question: What is the impact of social networking on interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills? Social Exchange Theory Social exchange theory is derived from basic principles of economics and compares human behavior to that of transactions in a market place environment. The theory begins with the principle that human social behavior is based upon the drive to maximize benefits while minimizing costs. In other words, during social exchange, one must give in order to receive. However, to allow for maximum satisfaction, the level of perceived rewards needs to be greater than the amount of the perceived costs expended during the interaction process. In social exchange theory, the six main rewards that exist, consisting of both the tangible and intangible, are love, money, status, goods, information, and services. The identified costs in social exchange theory are time and energy. Within social exchange theory, relationships are evaluated using a cost-benefit analysis with an expectation that social relations will be established and continued based on being mutually gainful, a leader in social exchange theory, denied that cultural and social environments impacted behavior and that only psychological factors were relevant. He argued that history is only important because a history of rewards tells an individual what is in his or her best interest. However, many theorists have since added their perspectives to social exchange theory and emphasized the role that social, economic, political, and historical contexts play in social exchange. A major premise within social exchange theory is regarding the issue of power. Whether acknowledged or not, persons with greater resources often hold more power over others during social exchanges. This power can relate to not only control of potential rewards and punishments, but also the ability to influence the thoughts and behaviors of others within social exchanges. The basis for this control exists when one person is dependent on another for his or her own sense of rewards. When applying social exchange theory to the phenomenon of social networking, it can be said that the technological exchanges between individuals capture a mutual cost-benefit structure. The amount of time and energy one designates to texting or posting comments and status updates on Facebook relates directly to perceived rewards, such as number of â€Å"likes† or responses. In other words, given the ability to disperse information efficiently to a mass audience with little time and effort, the potential for rewards in social networking are unrestricted. This drastically differs from conventional face-to-face interaction where more effort and calculated thought is needed for mutually beneficial social exchanges. Further, it may be that the greater the number of people within one’s social network, including cell phone contacts, viewers of videos, and online friends, the greater the amount of perceived status and power the person has by self and others. This power can be exerted over those who are dependent on acceptance and the desire that their cyber social exchanges produce rewards, resulting in potential atypical thoughts and behaviors from the person seeking affirmation. Fear of rejection can be a powerful influence on altering one’s actions and the perceived costs of such rejection intolerable. Another display of power exists in social networking when an individual makes a conscious decision to ignore or deny attempts from others seeking social exchanges. The receiver of such exchanges may perceive limited or no cost to not responding. However, the initiator may perceive a high level of costs and even make multiple attempts to conduct social exchanges, continuing to receive zero rewards. Object Relations Theory With contributions from multiple writers in the psychodynamic field, object relations theory is not necessarily a single theory, but is called so in order to differentiate itself from other theories with common characteristics. With an emphasis on their inner world, object relations theory examines the dual process of people experiencing themselves as separate and independent from others, while also feeling an intense attachment to others. Within this theory, it is believed that all people have an internal and often unconscious world of relationships that differs from, and in many ways are more significant and powerful, than what exists in their external world of social relationships. The focus then is placed on interactions individuals have with others, the way in which these interactions are internalized, and the central role these internalized object relations play in psychological life. Thus, the term â€Å"object relations† encompasses actual relationships with others, as well as internalized representations of others and self. As just stated, object relations include not only the intricacies of external relationships, but also an internal word of relations between self and others. Further, object relations extend to how others have been internalized and ways in which they become part of the self. This is represented in people’s fears, fantasies, wants, and desires. Interestingly, a characteristic that differentiates object relations theory from similar theories such as drive theory and ego psychology is its attention on how needs are met or not met in relationships, which contrasts to the idea of drives and impulses. Since a person’s external needs are to be met by other people, the relationship is placed at the center of the experience. These needs include being viewed and valued by others as an individual, to be accepted for both positive and negative qualities, and to be given love, care, and protection. One important aspect of object relations theory proposed by Donald Winnicott is the importance placed on how a developing person transitions from requiring attachment to others to a position of separateness. Winnicott developed the term â€Å"transitional object† to aid in this transition and to help settle the internal conflicts of attachment and individualism. An object that is in one’s possession to bridge the gap between separateness and internal representations of others is viewed as a transitional object (Berzoff, Flanagan, Hertz, 2008). Basically, anything that assists a person in successfully maintaining a mental representation of valued others in their absence can be considered a transitional object. For children, these objects may include a favorite book read at bedtime, a piece of jewelry from a parent, or even a favorite song that is usually sung together. When considering object relations theory, it may be reasonable to view items such as cell phones, computers, the Internet, and even ringtones as transitional objects. For example, the acts of carrying a cell phone or hearing a ringtone designated to a valued other may create a sense of comfort for someone struggling with independence in that it creates internal images of social networking relationships. Even entering an establishment with the Internet, and therefore perceived access to social networks, may itself ease someone who is experiencing discomfort due to feeling disconnected. Without proper coping skills, individuals who engage in social networking to meet their psychological needs may feel distress that impairs their daily functioning when having limited or no access to these technological transitional objects. In the social networking context, object relations theory highlights the notion that people both desire to establish themselves as separate individuals with status as well as have their need for attachment be met by those in their social network. The significance of these relationships may not be fully understood in reality, but once internalized take on a powerful and meaningful existence and adds to one’s sense of self. Interpretations of the meaning and value of these relationships rely on virtual communication, which can be subjective in nature. Along with the need for attachment, the desire to feel accepted and valued in the social networking environment can create insurmountable pressure. Not only is a person attempting to develop relationships with individuals, but also with their larger social networking group. As object relations theory states, this includes both the good and the bad that individuals bring to relationships, resulting in potential conflict between users. For example, an individual would set aside undesirable characteristics of another in order to maintain the level at which he or she feels valued and accepted. As part of the social networking experience, users may incorporate and digest qualities of communication experiences within their online realm into their own individual identity. The activities of texting and Internet-based communication facilitate a virtual world of relationships and allow users to internalize mental representations of others within their social network. Since no face-to-face interaction exists, people are left to rely on their creative imagination and constructions to incorporate meaning into these relationships. Therefore, each user’s internal world may be vastly different from what the evident facts might suggest in their actual social networking environment. When issues with communication and conflict arise, users are left to reconcile what is presented in reality with their internal definitions and meanings of social networking relationships. Poor communication and the inability to resolve these conflicts may impair both the real status and internal representation of these relationships. Access to Social Networking Social networking is very popular among young adults and that participation in social networking activities is highly common in today’s technological society. As seen in the results, all 22 of the respondents reported access to cell phones and computers, as well as had profiles on Facebook. These findings are higher than the average found in the existing literature and, considering the demographics and the limited number of participants in this study, are not descriptive of the general population. As reported in the 2010 Media Industry Fact Sheet, two-thirds of the population over the age of 13 are connected by cell phones. Also, the U. S. Census Bureau (2010) extrapolated the results of a survey and concluded that an average of 68% of households have a computer with Internet access. Finally, according to Facebook’s statistics, 1 in every 13 people in the world have an active profile on Facebook. Therefore, the 100% participant accessibility rate for cell phones, computers, and Facebook found in this study does not accurately represent what is found in society. It is speculated that even changing the target population to include all enrolled students at the University of St. Thomas instead of only freshmen would illicit different results. An explanation may be that having a

Tuvan Throat Singers essays

Tuvan Throat Singers essays Throat singing is a unique method of singing, or vocal art in which a singer can simultaneously sing, creating two, sometimes three or four notes. This miraculous method of singing is exercised by a number of Asian tribes, and a rich tradition survives in Tuva. Located deep in Siberia surrounded by grasslands, forests and mountains, the presence of humans is rare, in fact the whole population numbers only 150,000. The people who occupy this land, seem to be one with nature, and have a deep heritage tied to the land. The Tuvan throat singers come from a nomadic herding culture in which men would spend hours even days alone on horseback with only their animals and nature to call on for company. It was through this loneliness and place in nature that throat singing was developed. It is a form of stylized storytelling where the music represents sounds of nature: running streams or birds for example. The act of throat singing is highly personal to the Tuvans, as they believe it con nects them closer to the spirit of nature. Throat singing is typically practiced by men because of a taboo placed against female throat singing, based on a belief that it caused infertility. In more recent times some younger women are beginning to practice throat singing. Referred to as Khoomei by the Tuvan natives, its origin still a bit of a mystery, its purpose was to reproduce the sounds of nature. Throat singing usually consists of one low, sustained fundamental pitch (comparing to the drone of a bagpipe) and a second pitch is much higher and more harmonic (similar to a flute or whistle type sound). This second, higher pitch is manipulated to represent the sounds of nature, and alters in pitch unlike the lower tone which stays relatively the same throughout a song. So one human voice is creating two or three separate tones at one time. People in western culture found this hard to believe; one person creating two separate tones, how can this b...

Cursive Writing for Learning Disabled

Cursive Writing for Learning Disabled Its not uncommon for special education students to struggle with writing. Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and various kinds of language-based disorders make themselves very pronounced when children are learning to write. But its less common for teachers to make this counter-intuitive move: Try cursive.   Generally considered to be more difficult for children than writing in manuscript (block letters) and losing ground in the battle for productive class time, script is finding a late-career resurgence with the special-ed crowd. Not only are there benefits to cursive writing that bleed into other skills (for example, the fine-motor workout of cursive writing has salutary effects on similar fingerwork), some scientists believe that children who can write neatly in script are better at math and other analysis. Why You Should Consider Cursive If handwriting is a struggle, give cursive writing a shot. Dont worry that handwriting (and reading handwriting) is becoming something of a lost art- all students, especially special ed kids, benefit from successes. Here are some reasons you may want to flip the script in your classroom: The letters flow much more easily, and usually only one movement is necessary. Children often struggle with the many fine movements required to print. For children with motor-planning issues, remembering where to put the circles and sticks, crossing ts and dotting is, and remembering the orientation of each letter is no easy task. How often have you seen these children confuse bs and ds and put the circles on ps on the wrong side?Spaces separate words in cursive, while the letters are joined. Therefore, phonetics are joined together. Many students find that script writing is conceptually easier to grasp in this regard.  Rarely will you see reversals in cursive writing, unlike printing. Children respond well to the left-to-right flow of writing.Teaching cursive saves time. Why spend time to learn printing first, when children will learn it through reading? Its simply not essential to have students print and learn cursive at the same time.  Most teachers report that children who le arn handwriting exclusively show no difficulties reading print. Thats not always the case when children learn printing first. In fact, many teachers moving to cursive writing instead of print report that it was the best move for their students. Some Advice for Teaching Cursive Stick with it.Begin with the letters without loops (t, i, d, p, m, n, r).Show the child how to slant the paper to make writing more natural.Begin with lowercase letters.Remember that motor skills of children with learning disabilities are often weak, provide dotted cursive writing paper for ease and guide the childs hand. Direct teaching is recommended. Remember to be patient, in the long run youre saving teaching time!

Impact of micro and macro policies on the elderly with dementia Essay

Impact of micro and macro policies on the elderly with dementia - Essay Example For instance, the kind of policies governing the care of children would be very different from those governing adults especially the elderly. Therefore, sensitivity on the handling of these two classes of people is essential to reflect on the absolute care required by them. In this regard, this paper will take a keen look into the micro and macro policies surrounding the provision of quality healthcare in relation to adults with special needs. Moreover, its emphasis will be on the elderly people in the society whose needs appear to be unique as compared to other groups of people. A key eye will be on the elderly especially those with dementia by raising their safeguarding alerts (East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 7). Lastly, it will also be in contact with the effects of one macro policy through the implementation of the micro level processes. Introduction Dementia is a brain related complication characterized by reduced function on the brain’s responsibilities that may incl ude thinking, speech, behavior, and memory function. Mainly, its experience is due to the occurrence of certain brain diseases that create imparity in the normal brain function. Some of the diseases that this loss of brain functionality associates with are Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease; Alzheimer and in some cases AIDS. ... Additionally, this condition interferes with a person’s routine and daily function, as their brains no longer respond to brain commands. Unfortunately, this condition is irreversible therefore; the individuals affected require high attention and care. Further, the condition it has two categories; either being Alzheimer or Non Alzheimer related. Alzheimer is the leading cause of dementia in people who are in their late stages of life. The policy statement formulated around the vulnerable adults outlined that maintenance of the patients health was at the focus of quality delivery of health care services. Each health providing facility’s dedication was on maintaining the dignity and privacy of their patients. The achievement of this heavily relies on ensuring that no possible avoidable harm comes to them. This macro policy realization was to be through trust committees charged with delivering reasonable accommodation for this special group of people. The most vulnerable in this case would be the elderly affected by dementia. Therefore, this made up the Macro policy regulating the code of practice around the provision of specialized care for them. As a micro policy, the Trust committee in East Lancashire’s responsibility was to oversee the latter implementation of the Macro policy. Certain mechanisms came in place to meet the requirements. Concerning accommodation, they have to make sure that each gender has its own place for accommodation to uphold privacy. These include same gender toilet and bathroom facilities other than the bed area. However, same gender interactions would only occur in specialized cases like intensive care and not under any other circumstance. This is subject to choice and preference of the patients and if

American Government Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Government - Personal Statement Example It is feared only a percentage of payment of benefits will be raised from FICA taxes, thus causing an imbalance that will need to be found from the Social Security Trust Fund, which as years go by will diminish. Recent economic events have increased levels of unemployment; meaning less people are paying into the Social Security system. Some may invest into an unsuitable private system or none at all; this raises questions as to what would happen to them and their surviving relatives in the event of disability/retirement or death, thus the effectiveness of privatisation is doubtful. For those who invest privately, this may mean better benefits are paid, than the Social Security system offers (Shipman, 1995). However, an element of risk concerns private investment, whereby people could lose out if private companies collapse/become bankrupt due to the economy (or due to dishonest investments), and that amounts paid could vary according to stock markets (Campbell and Feldstein, 2001). If Social Security is privatised, I will need to give greater thought to the future, much earlier. Private plans need to be put in place to ensure financial stability in retirement, and in case of long-term disability or death.

What Is The Cost Of Capital Structure Finance Essay

What Is The Cost Of Capital Structure Finance Essay The cost of capital is the cost of a companys funds (both debt and equity), or, from an investors point of view the expected return on a portfolio of all the companys existing securities. It is used to evaluate new projects of a company as it is the minimum return that investors expect for providing capital to the company, thus setting a benchmark that a new project has to meet. In order to be a worthwhile investment, the expected return on equity is greater than the cost of capital. The capital cost of the return to capital is expected to earn in an alternative investment with similar risk. If a project similar to the average risk to the companys business, it is reasonable to use the companys average cost of capital underlying the ratings. The companys securities are typically in the debt and equity, the expected, both because of the cost of debt and equity costs of determining the companys capital. The cost of debt is relatively simple to calculate, since the interest rate is paid. In practice, the interest rates paid by the company modeled as a risk-free rate plus a risk component (risk premium), which also includes the expected probability (and the amount of recovery given default). For companies with similar credit risk or the interest rate is largely exogenous (to be explained by the use of external in this context). The cost of equity is more challenging to calculate as capital is not a fixed return to investors. Than the cost of the loan, the cost of equity, broadly defined as the estimated risk-adjusted returns that investors require, which yields a barely known. The cost of equity, therefore, conclude by comparing the investment and other investment (like) with similar risk profiles to determine the market cost of equity. If the cost of debt and equity costs have been established, a combination of the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), calculated. The WACC is then used to estimate the discount rate for project cash flows. In this paper I will explain, first, 1 chapter, the capital as well. From the second chapter, Sources of Capital, and finally, 3 chapter, capital will be explained. CAPITAL Capital, the most basic conditions for the money. All companies need capital to purchase assets and maintain operations. Corporate capital is available in two main forms: debt and equity. Debt refers to loans and other loans to be repaid in the future, usually with interest. The capital, however, generally do not impose a direct obligation to repay the amount. Instead, investors have a rule in the form of ownership shares in the company. The capital, wage describes the various means by which the capital of the people who save money for businesses that need money. Such transfers can be direct, which means that a company sells shares or bonds directly to investors, who own a business in return. Transfer of capital can also be made indirectly by investment bank or a financial intermediary such as a bank, broker or an insurance company. The indirect transfer through an investment bank, is selling the business assets of the bank, which in turn sells them to investors. In other words, the easy flow of capital investment bank. The indirect through a financial intermediary, however, a new form of capital, which is actually created. The intermediary bank or fund raise capital to invest and issue its own securities exchange. Then the broker uses the funds to buy stocks and bonds of companies. 1.1 Capital Structure Because of the small business capital is expensive, it is particularly important for small business owners to define the structure of the target companys capital. The share capital structure of debt and equity is achieved. Trade-offs are involved: increases the risk of liability to the companys revenue, which tends to reduce the companys stock. However, the debt lead to a higher expected return, which tends to increase a companys share price. As Brigham stated, The optimal capital structure is the one that strikes a balance between risk and return and thereby maximizes the price of shares and simultaneously reduce the cost of capital. Capital structure decision depends on several factors. One of the companys business risks and risks related to operations, which the company participates. Companies in the hazardous industries, such as high technology, lower than the optimal level of debt than other firms. Another factor in the companys capital structure involves tax situation. Since interest on debt is tax deductible, debt is usually better to use the company tax rate is high, and not many are able to protect income from taxation. The third important factor is the companys financial flexibility, or ability to raise capital in less than ideal conditions. The companies that are able to maintain a strong balance sheet resources generally can be more reasonable terms as other companies in the economic downturn. Brigham suggested that each company has a power reserve borrowing to defend themselves in the future. In general, tends to a stable level of sales, assets, collateral for loans to be good, and the high growth rate using a higher debt than other firms. On the other hand, the companies that have conservative management, high profitability, or poor credit ratings that they want to rely on equity instead. 1.2 The Modigliani and Miller Theorem 1.2.1 Definition The Modigliani-Miller theorem states that if there are no taxes, bankruptcy costs and asymmetric information, the efficient market, the companys value affects how it is financed with the equity shares or bonds, or a combination thereof, or what is the dividend policy. The kit is also known as capital structure is essentially irrelevant. A number of principles underlying rate, which agrees with the adoption of the tax and no taxation. The two main principle is that, firstly, if there is no tax, thus increasing the benefits of power does not create value, and second, that if there are taxes, the benefits in the form of interest tax shield occurs when you leverage and / or elevated. The price compares to the two companies one unlevered (ie, funded entirely of their own capital) and the second levered (ie, partially financed by equity and partly debt) and says that if the same value in all other ways the two companies are identical. For example, why it must be true, it is assumed that an investor buys a company or a levered or unlevered company. The investor buys shares in the companys levered or unlevered firm buys shares in a loan of an equivalent amount of money borrowed from the levered company. In both cases, the return on investment should be the same. Thus, the cost of the levered firm is the same as the unlevered firm minus the price of borrowed money, with the value of the levered companys debt. There is an implicit assumption that the investors cost of borrowing money is the same as the levered company, which is not necessarily true in the presence of asymmetric information, or in the absence of efficient markets. A company that is risky debt, as debt-equity ratio increases, the weighted average cost of capital is constant, but there is a higher return on equity, due to a higher risk for shareholders in the companys debt. 1.2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Modigliani and Millers Theorem Advantages: In practice, this can be said that none of the assumptions are met in the real world, but we teach the lot, that capital structure is important because one or more assumptions will be violated. Using mail-equations, economists find the determinant of an optimal capital structure and see how these factors affect the optimal capital structure. Disadvantages: Modigliani-Miller theorem, which justifies virtually unlimited economic power has been used to increase the economic and financial activities. However, its use also led to increased complexity, lack of transparency and greater risk and uncertainty in these activities. The global financial crisis of 2008, which saw a number of highly leveraged investment banks, has been partly attributed to the excessive leverage concepts. SOURCES OF CAPITAL 2.1 Debt Capital Small businesses can obtain debt capital from various sources. These sources can be divided into two broad categories, public and private sources. Private sources of debt financing according to W. Keith Schilit in The Entrepreneurs Guide for Preparing a winning business plan and venture capital, such as friends and relatives, banks, credit unions, consumer finance, commercial finance companies, trade financing, insurance, factor companies and leasing companies. Public sources of debt financing from a number of loans granted by the state and federal governments to support small businesses. Many types of debt financing to small businesses, including a private placement of bonds, convertible debentures, industrial development bonds and leveraged buyouts, but by far the most common type of debt financing in the conventional loan. Credits include the long-term (longer than a year) and short-term (maturity of less than two years), or the loan (for more immediate borrowing needs). These may be approved by the signatory, as the government, or secured to the property, debts, stocks, savings, life insurance, stocks and bonds, and purchased the product on the loan. In the evaluation of a small company, a loan, Jennifer Lindsey said in his book Guide to the contractor in the capital, the lenders prefer to have a two-year operating history, stable management team, a desirable niche in the industry, market share growth, strong cash flow and the ability to get short-term loan to supplement the funding from other sources. Most lenders require a small business owner to prepare a full proposal for a loan or credit application. The lender will then determine the application taking into account several factors. For example, the lender will consider the small business credit card, and look for evidence of their ability to repay the loan in the form of previous earnings or revenue forecasts. The lender will also consider how much equity in the business, and that management has sufficient experience and skills to function effectively. Finally, the lender seeks to determine whether the small firms in a reasonable amount of guarantee for the loan. 2.1.1 Cost of Debt The cost of debt is estimated by the risk-free interest rate bonds, whose length is equal to the yield curve for corporate debt and then add a default premium. This is the standard premium will increase in debt increases (since all else being equal, all other factors, increased the risk of increasing debt). Since in most cases, the debt burden of the deductible expense is the cost of after-tax cost of debt is expected to be comparable to the cost of equity (after tax). Thus, profitable companies, is debt at a discount. The formula can be written as: (Rf + credit risk rate)(1-T) where T is the corporate tax rate and Rf is the risk free rate. 2.2 Equity Capital Equity capital for small businesses is also available from many sources. Some possible sources of equity include the Farmer family and friends, private investors (the general practitioner, to groups of local business owners to wealthy entrepreneurs known as angels), employees, customers and suppliers, former employers, venture capital companies , to investment banking firms, insurance companies, corporations, and government-backed Small Business Investment Corporation (SBIC). There are two main methods that small businesses use to obtain equity finance: the private equity investors or venture capital firms, public stock issues. The private placement is easier and more common for young companies or start-ups. Even if the stock still closed with a number of federal and state securities laws, does not require formal registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The main requirements for private equity that the company did not advertise the offer, and you have to do the transaction directly to the customer. However, the public stock offering includes a lengthy and costly registration process. Indeed, it charges, the public stock offering in more than 20 percent of the capital. As a result, public stock offerings are generally a better choice for mature companies, as a starter. Bids may benefit from intervention maintaining control of a small company, but also expand the participation of different groups of investors, but by concentrating it in the hands of a venture capital company. 2.2.1 Cost of Equity Cost of equity = Risk free rate of return + Premium expected for risk Expected Return The expected return (or required rate of return for investors) can be calculated with the dividend capitalization model, which is: That equation is also seen as: Expected Return = dividend yield + growth rate of dividends. THE COST OF CAPITAL The capital required for a productive, as with any other factor is that there is a cost by Eugene F. Brighams book Fundamentals of Financial Management. In this case, the cost of debt capital the interest which the company must pay to borrow. In the capital cost shall be repaid to investors in dividends and capital gains. Since the amount of available capital is often limited, it is distributed in various companies on the basis of price. Business is the most profitable investment opportunities are willing and able to pay most of the capital and thus attract out inefficient firms, or those for which such goods are not in demand, Brigham explained. The good thing is that in most industrialized countries (eg USA, Germany, Japan, Britain, etc.), there are agencies that help individuals or groups of loans on favorable terms. Among those eligible for such assistance to small businesses, certain minorities, and the company is willing to build plants in areas with high unemployment. As usual, the cost of capital for small businesses tend to be higher than the big, established companies. Because of the higher risk for both service providers and charge a higher price for equity funds. Several researchers found that small stock portfolios have consistently achieved the higher average returns than large company stocks, it is called the small business impact. In fact, its bad news for small firms, where small companies effect means that the market requires a higher return on capital stocks of small companies than otherwise similar stocks of large companies. Therefore, the cost of equity is higher for small businesses. The weighted average cost of capital of the companys return that investors expect the various debt and equity issued by the company, according to Richard A. Brealey and Stewart C. Myers, in his book, Principles of Corporate Finance. Table 1 Cost of Capital 3.1 Capital Asset Pricing Model Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is used to determine the economics of the theoretically appropriate price of the asset as security. 3.1.1 The Expected Return on Equity According to the Capital Asset Pricing Model Market risk is generally characterized by ÃŽÂ ²-parameter. Thus, investors would expect (or demand) that: Where: Es: The expected return of security RF: The expected risk-free rate in this market (bonds) Î’s: Sensitivity to market risk to the safety RM: The historical performance of the stock market / stock market (Rm-rf): The risk premium in the market risk-free assets in the assets. Writing: The expected yield (%) = risk-free interest rate (%) * + sensitivity to market risk (the historical performance (%) risk-free interest rate (%)) Other expected yield (%) = yield of the bonds closest to the concept of the project or the projects safety + beta * (market risk premium) historically the market risk premium of 3-5% Comments The models show that investors expect a return on risk-free rate plus a market risk sensitivity of the security times the market risk premium. A truly risk-free rate is the lowest offer price for the bonds market, such as government bonds. The risk premium varies over time and space, but some developed countries in the twentieth century, an average of around 5%. The real stock market returns are roughly the same as the annual real GDP growth. The gains in the Dow Jones Industrial Average is 1.6% per year over the period 1910-2005. The dividend increased by all the real return on average equity in the double, about 3.2%. Sensitivity to market risk (ÃŽÂ ²) is unique to each company and depends on the management to every business and capital structure. This value is not known ex ante (beforehand), but may not be retrospective (past) experience with similar guarantees and undertakings. 3.2 Cost of Retained Earnings/Cost of Internal Equity We must remember that the profits from the component of equity, and thus the cost of retained earnings (internal equity) equal to the cost of equity capital as described above. The dividends (income paid to investors, and should not be) part of the return on capital to shareholders, and to influence the capital cost of the mechanism. 3.3 Weighted Average Cost of Capital What makes the weighted average cost of capital WACC does this mean? This estimate is the companys cost of capital, which is weighted in proportion to their capital. Each source of capital ordinary shares, preference shares, debentures and other long-term debt include the WACC calculation. Each equal to the WACC of a company increases the return on equity beta and the woman, and notes a reduction in the WACC increases and a higher level of risk. The total value of equity (for a company that no outstanding warrants and is the same as the companys market capitalization) plus the cost of debt (the cost of debt should be continually updated as a result of changes in the cost of debt interest rate changes). It should also be noted that justice in the debt-equity ratio of the total market value of equity, no equity on the balance sheet. To calculate the weighted cost of capital, we must first calculate the cost of some funding sources, namely: cost of debt Cost of Preference Capital cost of capital. WACC is calculated by an iterative procedure that requires an estimate of market value of equity. WACC formula is: [Rd x D / V x (1-5)] [Re x E / V] Rd = Bond yield to maturity (Y / Y Calculator) D = Market value (NPV) of debt (1 T) = 1 tax shield on interest deduction for interest expense = Re = shareholder return requirements V = value of total capital (debt equity) Generally, a company or assets financed by debt or equity securities. WACC is the average cost of financing sources, each weighted by its use in a given situation. By taking a weighted average, we see that much interest the company must pay for every dollar it finances. Since a companys WACC is the overall expected return on the company as a whole, and as such are often used internally by company directors to determine the economic feasibility of expansionary opportunities and mergers. This is the appropriate discount rate to use the cash flow risk similar to the entire company. 3.3.1 Example of Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) A Corporation issued 10,000 units of the bonds, which currently sells for 98.5. The coupon rate of 6% this year bonds, the interest semi-annually. The remaining period of these bonds is 3 years. The companys current share price of two million common shares for $ 10 a share. The stock beta 1.5, a 4.5% risk-free rate on government bonds and the expected return on equity of 14.5%. The tax rate is 30% Table 2 Bond and Stock Calculations Bond Calculations Stock Calculations N = 3 x 2 = 6 I/Y = ? (Rd) PV = 0.985 x 10,000 x $1000 = $9,850,000 (D) PMT = (-10,000,000 x 0.06) / 2 = $-300,000 FV = $-10,000,000 P/Y = 2 C/Y = 2 Solution: I/Y = 6.56% Re = Rf + B[Rm Rf] Re = 0.045 + 1.5 [0.145 0.045] Re = 0.045 + 0.15 = 0.195 (19.5%) Market Value of Equity = E Stock price x common shares O/S $10 x 2,000,000 = $20,000,000 V = Total Capital Structure V = 9,850,000 (bonds debt) + 20,000,000 (equity of common shares) V = 29,850,000 3.4 Cost of Capital in Islamic Banking Proper use of investment criteria is important for industry and agriculture as well. Although the assessment can be used for both public and private sectors of the economy, should the public sector in its own special problems considered complementary, because the social costs and benefits. Therefore, we will participate in the private sector and the problems of evaluating investments in various industrial projects. Contradictions abound in the relative merits of different methods of investment valuation. But the most important points with different match. It is worth noting that almost every economist in the treatment discounting as a method of evaluation, as the only possible way to choose between different investments. Essentially two methods frequently used economists, namely the net present value (NPV) and the enlarged internal rate of return (IRR). The concept of internal rate of return (IRR) was JM Keynes (perhaps better known as the marginal efficiency of capital MEC) schedule, called the marginal efficiency of investment (MEI). It is defined as the rate at which the present value of future income exactly equal to the market price for the project. In other words, this is Return on capital employed. It is, committed while the return of the project. NPV of the project is formally defined as the value today of the surplus that the company can do in addition to the investors own marginal. IRR on the basis of the extended to the negative cash flows are discounted back to the companys cost of capital as long as it does not outweigh the positive cash flow. Both methods (the extended NVP and IRR) on its own common deficiencies, such as non-IRR NVP can be used either in the usual way that the correct ranking of projects in situations where the entrance is a rationing system. But there are ways to eliminate gaps and allow them to appropriate methods of investment evaluation. We will have a higher degree of internal rate of return, which is simply called the internal rate of return. A simple rule of decision in cases where the decision is all or nothing about which projects should be chosen from the various investment options, to implement all the projects whose IRR exceeds the cost of capital. Cost of capital, the capitalist system, the rate that a loan company and the investment is likely to be, which is simply the interest. In other words, that cut off rate, in relation to the internal rate of return regulation, which are also found in the literature as a barrier percentage. Note that the NPV approach to investment decisions, it is essential that decision-making, that there is no explicit prior discount rate, which, as already mentioned, is nothing more than to get money market rates. But they did not have a pre-determined percentage of the IRR method, except when its time, where debt capital is rationed in the various projects. This makes it completely independent of the IRR method is very appropriate rate and can be used for investments in the Islamic interest-free option and follow the debate. In the case of capitalism, is the internal greater than or equal to the market, the project will be implemented. The project also encourages companies to maximize profits, which last carried out the projects internal rate of return equal to interest. Apparently, the internal time of a declining function of investment, more projects, which would reduce the internal rate of return (in the same trade, of course). Already adopted (the Western economists) that the interest rate plays a decisive role in determining which projects will be implemented and also how much capital to be invested in various projects. Roll the relationship between these two terms seem to be exaggerated. Since only one project, the established criteria are quite valid and applicable as the optimal size of equity should be considered. As the number of projects increases, the IRR should be calculated for each project will increase so much. Moreover, it happens to all nodes in the two IRRs. This complicates the problem, and this will reduce the importance of interest, especially if interest rates happen to be far from the IRR to the last possible projects. Given that an investors risk-taking entrepreneurs, he is usually in front of the chains of investment options from which to choose allegedly, the first of the highest IRR. Assuming that you know, a lot of project finance, there may be dozens of projects whose IRR is higher than the going rate. There is no doubt that these projects are attractive, but to varying degrees, the contractor and will be selected in descending order rate. This is the case in the real economy, the role of interest rates is rather passive, even useless. This is because in such circumstances, the project IRR rate range. This is beyond that point to the role that a reasonable interest rate, and the role of the cut-off ratio. In other words, it is a long process before the existence of the interest rate becomes irrelevant, because the IRR for a couple of projects related to each other because of the interdependence refers to the ratio of investment is not at all. Exogenous real interest rate in the sector (especially investment), it is ironically suggested the capitalist system and then used to determine the optimal level of investment. In addition, the speculators, who needs money market interest in the products, allowing decisions to lead the business, whose activities are so important to the economy. It seems reasonable to link the contrary, ie, because of the interest, but we assume it to be the real sector, led by the monetary sector, if any. The abolition of an Islamic state, it would not be an external variable such as interest, what type and level of investment. Investment projects, in this framework are competing with each other, and the investment will be needed to achieve full employment, that is, until there are idle production factors in the economy. This is particularly true of human resources make it necessary and inherent meaning, as we see in Islam, the authorities should not keep the unemployed, for the sake of the interests of capitalists. Can easily be shown that in an Islamic context, for each part of the money (ie, the potential capital) that comes out of the interest-free banks to finance various projects under various types of contracts, it becomes possible to go directly to the products and / or services. Is a term, and it is: a prerequisite for an Islamic state is strictly prohibited, and appear to prevent speculation in any market (be it either money or goods). It has long been a misunderstanding among some Islamic scholars in the financial support that speculation can take place, and the abolition of interest is permitted. Easy to show that one-to-one correspondence between the interest (rate), and speculation. Interest rate (rate) is necessary and sufficient condition for the speculation that takes place. Although the lack of clearly illegal-frame-rate, if speculation is allowed in any market, you will definitely be of interest in its own nature. Therefore, the prohibition of interest leads logically to a ban on speculation. This interdependence between interest and speculation is not only very rarely in the economic literature, but also its negligence was the source of serious misunderstandings. Economic relations are rarely a single direction. A collection of the IRR can be measured both by an Islamic bank, Islamic banking sector, an independent agency authorized to appropriate guidance on the nature and viability of the project. This measure is to be used so that the expected profits can be divided into an Islamic bank and finance company demanding. The matrix is very useful for determining how much funding should be allocated to projects that are in the priority list for economic development. To determine the companys share of the profits, various factors, such as the following may be considered: the risk premium, the rate of poverty in different parts of the countrys priorities for economic development plans, the degree of capital intensity, taxes, employment considerations of the burden of rates and the like. All of these factors, or a combination thereof may affect the companys demanding (my fiancee) share of the profits that can be safely manipulated without interfering with the market mechanism. It gives interest-fr ee banking system, the IRR method, the absolute advantage of the artificial manipulation of interest rates, which is quite often the case in capitalist countries, and an obvious interference with market mechanisms. This contrasts with the situation are often held in the Western economists who argue that market mechanisms should be avoided. Add to this the expected negative correlation between interest and investment as both a classical and Keynesian economists have empirically demonstrated that infertile. This is so, while the bill may be taken into account the positive correlation between the rate of profit and investment. This bill provides not only the interest cost of the capitalist system, but also that profit maximization is consistent with the aims of each company. Surprisingly, however, this goal is at the micro level, the capitalist will change textbooks without a logical explanation for the negative correlation between interest investment at the macro level. Using the IRR method of an Islamic state is not only compatible with the goal of maximizing profits (if proof was not suitable for such a system) and to avoid interfering with market mechanisms but it is an absolute advantage in another, so the opportunity cost of capital to zero. The logic is simple. This lack of interest, all projects compete with each other (with due regard to their own priorities), internal rate of return. Also, the fact that the investment projects against each other at each other and there is no reason to ensure that any external factors to determine the same extent as the cost of capital for each project. The capitalist system, the current interest rate to be logically the next best alternative, or the cost of capital for each project. The logic of the independence of the IRR for the project. The second best option not to report to the IRR for a project according to an account must be seen as the opportunity cost of capital. This is because of the interdependence of all projects do not meet any of the BMR in another appropriate opportunity cost of the project, otherwise it would cost hundreds of alternatives to the capitalist framework, while the interest rate will be to measure the opportunity cost of all capital investment. In other words, to allow costs to be met independent state. Failure to consider the interdependencies between projects and independent degree of internal rate of investment has led to that many writers to form the misconception about the opportunity cost of capital. This lack of interest, there is nothing to compare the IRR of the various projects (with the exception of the IRR of the project by themselves). Interdependent and common to the Islamic banks, these proje

In the Country of Men Course Notes Essay

Thorough and insightful understanding of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Complex discussion and critical analysis of the structures, features and conventions used to conduct meaning. Complex analysis of the ways in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Construction of a sophisticated interpretation, which demonstrates an understand of ways in which the text is open to different interpretation by different readers. Considered selection of significant textual evidence and highly appropriate use of relevant metalanguage. Highly expressive, fluent and coherent writing. Hisham Matar Born NY 1970 Returned to Libya as a 3yo Father a diplomat Accused of opposition of Gadhafi’s revolution In 1979 family escaped to Egypt Father kidnapped by Egyptian security in Cairo and handed over in Libya Never heard of again – 2 letters in 1996. Matar biographical details Personal experiences provide a real link to the events of the novel Father of young Libyan captured by security forces and detained for his opposition to a regime which he claims oppresses freedom This novel is NOT a biography, rather a reflection of his own experiences, particularly his relationship with his mother. Matar’s messages uses his own experiences, or memory of these, to illustrate ideas about family and, to a lesser extent oppression. Where is Libya, North of Africa, surrounded by Egypt, Sudan, Chad, Algeria. Near Turkey and Iran. The Problems with Libya Libya was often occupied during its history – Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans all colonised Libya in ancient times – archaeological sites still there 7th century Arabs introduced Islam religion and culture early 20th century Italy colonised Libya after an agreement with British and French to carve up north Africa Italian influence still strong in Libya – evidence in text – Signor II Calzoni, Faraj reads and swears in Italian Post WWII Libya divided up between French and British Given independence by them in 1951 King Idris 1 ruled 1951 onwards Oil discoveries in 1959 made Libya a very strategically important and potentially wealthy country GADDAFI 1969 Muammar el Gaddafi (Qaddafi), a military officer, headed a military coup against the autocratic King Idris – popular uprising Gaddafi known as The Leader Of The Revolution or The Guide Erratic Ruler, became more and more autocratic himself Strange man Formed in the 1980s – Amazonian guards – personal bodyguards – all women Gaddafi claimed that they would be the perfect guards because Arab gunmen would not fire at women Many claimed that the guards were an example of his eccentric showmanship and that he enjoyed being surrounded by beautiful young women He always travelled surrounded by the Guard Women were very well trained in martial arts and were apparently hand picked by Gadhafi himself They had to take a vow of chastity After he was deposed, many claimed they had been raped by him Shades of 1984 Living in Libya, under Gadhafi Most industries and media were controlled by state Most aspects of peoples lives controlled Telephones tapped, sometimes tapper intrudes on conversations ITCOM Easily identified secret police roam the streets watching people ITCOM Extensive surveillance systems – 20-30% of people worked in surveillance for the Revolutionary committees which oversaw and infiltrated every part of Libyan Society. They are able to walk into people’s homes and look for evidence of ‘disloyalty’ ITCOM Press was silenced University students silenced Public excecutions of ‘enemies’ of state, often televised ITCOM People lived in fear of being accused of crimes against the revolution Gadhafi had dissidents living overseas assassinated. His power is evident not just in Libya but also in Egypt where the Matar family escape to, but Gadhafi’s supporters in Egypt capture the father and hand him over to Gadhafi’s regime. Libya was known as a pariah state for many years – one which acts in a brutal way against its own citizens Libya often shunned by other countries because of active promotion of, and sanctuary given to, terrorist groups. Big Brother Cult of personality built around Gadhafi (Recall 1984) Referred to himself as The Guide of Libya, rather than the leader. Called himself a socialist, an Arabist, an African and a Muslim at various times in his rule. He changed according to which way the political wind was blowing and his actions were always about maintaining power. Libya Mainly a Muslim nation. People called to daily prayers from loudspeakers in mosques. Drinking and eating of prok prohibited. Often women are required to cover up in public. Like all religions, followers range from strictly observant to those who are Muslim in name only. Suleiman’s mother drinks when father is away but doesn’t go out when she drinks because alcohol is prohibited (ITCOM) Alcohol is prohibited by both the Koran and the legal system. Arranged marriages (ITCOM) blood feuds, arguments common, particularly in underdeveloped areas What ideas are these covers trying to convey? Cover 3 bleak, dark, tree represents shelter mulberry tree, tree of knowledge. Storm clouds suggest bad luck is coming etc. again the contrast  looks very western Cover 4. Plain white and blue almost white and blue collar shirts, the smart and the dumb, the rich and the poor. and the boy being in the middle almost a shadow, not 100% there. Red the colour of anti revolutionary. How are the colour font and other visual aspects used to convey meaning here? The white colour reflects the hotness of Libya and the shadow of the boy reflect that he’s not entirely there, the colour use of red is anti revolutionary, symbolic of blood. Why do you think that the author chose the title IN THE COUNTRY OF MEN for this book? Muslim way of life, women are almost lesser important, symbolizes no freedom or mention of women at all, almost symbolizes the WWI as WWI was for men only and women didn’t fight at all. What questions are raised about concepts of country, manhood and humanity? The country of men means its really a man dominant country, there is no such thing as a woman almost. Very sexist society How does the title tie in with the themes of the novel and the position of the characters as they struggle in their environment? How does the author use contrasting imagery in the opening passage to set the tone of the book? How does the image of people seeking mercy from the heat reflect the broader condition of the characters? HOLIDAY HOMEWORK How is betrayal shown to be a strong force in the lives of the characters in the country of men? In the country of men suggests that people cannot avoid brutality in a country under a dictatorship. Discuss. What forms of imprisonment are depicted in the novel? How do the characters experience and react to a lack of freedom? Through the mothers alcohol, women are imprisoned by men, in the country of men, means no voice for women. What can we infer about the lives of women in Libya during the time period represented in the story? They are in a mans world with no control. Throughout the novel, Suleiman refers to his mothers alcoholism as her ‘illness’. How accurate is this observation? Do you feel it is a reflection of Suleiman’s naivety in youth or a kind of wisdom about her actual condition? In the Country of Men Themes Narrative voice The novel is written in first person narration, largely through the eyes of 9 year old Suleiman, but with comments at times from him as an adult. Much of it is internal monologue, one of the reasons that matar created Suleiman as an only child. As he had no one to talk to he internalises his experiences, hence making for a more reflective novel. The child-like commentary allows for readers to understand things that Suleiman does not: for example, Mama’s ‘medicine’ and her ‘illness’. Names Names and naming are important in the text. Interestingly, Suleiman’s name can be traced back to Suleiman the Magnificent, the emperor of the Ottoman Empire in the sixteenth century who expanded the empire significantly and instigated enormous social and cultural developments. He is also known as â€Å"Slooma† a family name which is appropriated by Sharief and ‘habibi’ by his mother which means â€Å"my darling† â€Å"beloved† or â€Å"baby† (Innocence) SETTING The setting of Lepcis Magma is used symbolically as a fallen civilization, an example of how every society will one day decay and die. The concerns of its people have long disappeared into time. MOTIFS The heath/summer is a motif running through the novel. At times it represents hell, as Suleiman tries to avoid hell by practising running over the bridge to paradise. Other times, its glare stupefies the people and pushes them indoors, leaving only the children to jostle each other outside. The long days of summer without school also allows for Suleiman to have the freedom where he observes the adults more than usual. The sea is also another motif, the beautiful blue ocean just at the end of the road. At times Suleiman swims in it looking to be cooled and cleansed from the dirty activities he faces day-to-day. He tries to take Kareem into it to seek some solace from his grief but Kareem resists. Interestingly, it is here where he almost drowns Bahoul the beggar, exerting his power and giving into the base urges that he sees in his society SYMBOLISM The symbolism of replacing the picture of Baba with an enormous picture of the Guide in the reception room, shows loyalty to the regime and the strains on family relationships. Also showing that they have nothing to hide to show loyalty. Shows their not related to what Baba did, and the guide is now their father and father of Libya. The games played by the boys, games such as ‘My land, Your Land’ where they try to take power by gaining more land, represents the political ‘games’ of the older men around them. The squabbles and fights are also a microcosm for  the violence in the country in which they are growing up. Much is made of the power of words in this novel. In an act of resistance to the dictatorship. Nasser is seen running through Martyrs’ square after Faraj, clutching a typewriter used for producing subversive pamphlets. In another scene, Najwa and Moosa burn all Faraj’s books to save him from incrimination; however, the image of books burning is redolent of violent regimes trying to rid themselves of intellectuals who might question them. Moosa is a poet and lover of language; he is also closely tied with dissident acts. Linked to this idea, is the power of storytelling. Ironically, Najwa condemns Scheherazade for being ‘a coward who accepted slavery over death’ pg15. She berates her for not standing up to her husband, for staying to look after her children, for being thankful for her life. The irony is that Najwa appears to be restricted as Scheherazade was and she also seems to fall in love with her husband over time. To Suleiman though she is a hero; that she managed to keep telling tales without giving in to fear amazes him. Also, he is a storyteller too, as is Mama. Loyalty and Betrayal: the novel addresses the issue of loyalty. How do the characters experience loyalty and betrayal? Discuss some examples. What do you think is the main cause of some of the betrayals that occur? In chapter 5, Moosa says â€Å"its our obligation to call injustice by its name pg53† Suleiman’s mother replies â€Å"go call it by its name in your country. Here it is either silence or exile, walk by the wall or leave. Go be a hero elsewhere.† What does she mean? Who is right? How do the different characters in the novel face injustice and what are the consequences? Point of view? How does the point of view of the story affect the way that we see the injustices represented in the story? How might this be different if the narrator were an adult? Hisham Matar has much in common with Suleiman. Both left Libya where they were children, although unlike Suleiman, Matar was  accompanied by his parents. In 1990, Matar’s father was kidnapped while living in exile in Cairo and was returned to Libya, where he was tortured and imprisoned. He has not heard from him since. How does knowing the similarities between the author and protagonist affect the way you think about the novel? Role of women Do the women in Suleiman’s life have any true power, and if so, from where is it derived? How has Suleiman’s opinion of his mother changed by the time he reaches the novels closing scenes? Insight into the text What is the effect of reading about this episode in history through a child’s point of view? What clarity does it bring? In what ways do a child’s impulses muddy the truth? When the students visit Lepcis Magna, Kareem states, â€Å"Children are useless in a war.† Do you think this is true? What might the authors point of view be? What profession does Suleiman ultimately choose? Why do you think the author decided to have Suleiman choose this profession? Pg 232 He chose the profession of medicine, being a pharmacist. It reflected the influence his mother had on him with her illness and helped him to understand what it really was. Gadhafi is the most important character in the novel, despite his absence. Do you agree? The novel examines the futility of resisting oppressive power. Discuss. How does Matar use both tension and narrative point of view to engage the reader? How is tradition shown to be a powerful force in the lives of the characters in In the Country of Men? How does Matar develop a sense of time and of place in his novel? Along with confusion, pain and despair, there is a strong message of hope in Matar’s novel. To what extent do you agree? Corruption is not only isolated to the Libyan dictatorship. To what extent do you agree? In the Country of Men suggests that life demands a choice between resistance and surrender.’ Discuss In the Country of Men demonstrates that it is a man’s actions that deï ¬ ne him.’ Discuss In In the Country of Men, Matar shows more sympathy for women than for men. ’Discuss. â€Å"Why does our country long for us so savagely?† Matar’s love of his country and his fears for it permeate his novel In the Country of Men. Discuss. How does Suleiman’s view of the world change during the course of the novel? ‘Despite the horror of the political regime, this is still a novel about the power of love.’ To what extent do you agree?