Pre-Hospital Fluid Replacement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Pre-Hospital Fluid Replacement - Essay Example Although road accidents form a major part of the accident pie chart, there are still other zones apart from roads where people are accident prone. Workers in factories, fire fighters, miners and virtually all blue collared working force in UK are under constant threat of accidents. Most of the deaths that result due to accidents have been identified to be due to excessive blood loss, a term, in medical terminology known as hemorrhage. Mainly two types of injuries are identified. In 'Penetrating Injuries', the skin is breached by sharp objects such as a knife and leads to potential internal bleeding. In 'Blunt Injuries', the skin is not deeply penetrated and generally remains unbroken. However the magnitude of the injury damages the internal organs. The bleeding that is caused by these injuries must be controlled. If the bleeding exceeds the normal bounds, it leads to the reduction in blood volume, technically known as 'hypovolaemia'. This may even lead to 'shock' which is a state of circulatory failure. In such a state the perfusion of necessary fluids and blood to vital internal organs is hampered. This consequently leads to multiple organ failure. Generally the first crew to reach the scene of accident is the ambulance crew. Apart from the driver and attendant in most ambulances also have a paramedic. According to the JRCALC guidelines for pre hospital fluid replacement, only a paramedic can administer fluids on the site to the injured. In an email communication with the authors of 'Clinical Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of pre hospital intravenous fluids in trauma patients', trauma.org told that, "All patients would be considered for fluids. (Perhaps not all should receive but currently in the UK almost all will) [The] approximate percentage of trauma patients who receive fluids [is] currently 100%" (Dretzke et al, 2003). Administration of intravenous fluids on - site is a traditional approach to handle injuries. This method was supported by early animal studies. The theory behind fluid replacement methodology is that, fluid replacement therapy attempts to reverse the effects of excessive blood loss by increasing circulatory blood volume and blood pressure back to the normal levels and maintains the perfusion of vital organs thereby reducing the risk of death from multiple organ failure (NICE, 01/04). Methodology and Technology The physiological state of the victim of injury is analyzed by the paramedic to identify which pre - hospital fluids are needed. Certain factors are analyzed such as degree of blood loss and whether the hemorrhage is controlled or uncontrolled. The Technology Appraisal of NHS identifies the other indicators of hemorrhage in adults as tachycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction and reduced blood pressure (NHS, 01/04). The shock levels are categorized according to the severity. Intravenous fluids are considered on similar lines as medicines, and are broadly classified as crystalloids, colloids, or combination fluids. Combination fluids consist of hypertonic saline with starch or dextran. According to the JRCALC regulations only paramedics may administer crystalloid and colloid solutions. Crystalloids pass through cell membranes into different body fluid compartments, thereby making up for the fluids lost due to

Risk assessment and risk management associated with Carbon Capture and Literature review

Risk assessment and risk management associated with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) - Literature review Example This gas is produced from industries, vehicle emissions and households. Reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide released from industries would lead to significant cuts in the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere thereby helping to control global warming and save the environment from the devastating impacts of global warming. One option explored in reducing the industrial carbon emission is the carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) (Gerard and Wilson, 2009, p. 1097). They describe carbon capture and sequestration as the process where carbon will be captured from industrial sources and it’s ultimately disposal it by storing it in underground geologic reservoirs rather than releasing it to the atmosphere (Stephens, 2006, p. 4). Carbon capture and storage is an attractive option as it will allow industries to continue using fossil fuels as it helps to stabilize the atmospheric levels of carbon emissions (Newmark, Friedmann & Carroll, 2010, p. 651). Moreover, CCS is both c ommercially viable and technologically feasible. Although CCS remains a viable option in helping stabilize the atmospheric carbon levels, it still has to demonstrate it is a feasible option in terms of cost and harmlessness to the environment ("Warning on carbon capture liability", 2007, p. 8). This means that it is possible to understand the risks associated with this technology and diverse strategies to manage this risk with include risks to the environment and human health and safety (Farret et al., 2011, p. 4193). The technology of carbon capture and storage is a system with four interrelated elements which should be studied in understanding the risks of the technology. These elements include capture, transport, injection and storage (Farret et al., 2011, p. 4193). ... ry, the public, regulatory agencies, customers, governments and in-plant personnel require that companies must demonstrate a commitment to control possibilities of incidents and hazards by conducting environmental, health and health related risks assessment. There are several methods that can be used in analysing risks involved such as Fault Tree Analysis technique (FTA), Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) among others. Some of this techniques have been used other industries such as nuclear, chemical and oil and gas industries but have not been incorporated in analysing the risks associated with CCS although the risks are similar.FTA is an example of these methodologies which have successfully been used in risks assessment in nuclear and chemical industries although it has not been incorporated in CCS. Purpose of the Study This paper will review available literature addressing the risks assessment sand risk management of carbon capture and storage. The main aim of this study is to quantify the main risks associated with CCS project by the use of FTA method. This will consequently be used by the insurance companies to calculate the probability of an undesired event, identify safety critical functions/components/phases and assess the effects of design changes. This will in-turn be used to enable them adjust their present terms and premium rates when insuring CCS projects against risks. Moreover, the findings of this paper will help regulators and policy makers to better tailor the legislations to address the risks associated with CCS. 2.0 Qualitative Risk Assessment "Environmental Risk Assessment’’ (2004, p. 1) explains that risk has varying meanings depending on different contexts. To a common man, risks imply the concept of probability and

Management Structure And Philosophy Of British Airways Management Essay

Management Structure And Philosophy Of British Airways Management Essay British Airways born in civil aviation, the inventory days next to World War 1. This is the first schedule air service in world on 25th August 1919 which passed 90 years and air travel has changed past all acknowledgement. On 25th August 1919, Aircraft Transport and Travel Limited operated first international daily scheduled air service in the world from London and Paris. In 1939 Imperial Airways and British Airways were nationalised and come to a new name British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC). BOAC continued to operate long haul services from South America by British South American Airways (BSAA). This company was combined with BOAC in 1949. After 1970 BOAC and British European Airways newly formed British Airways Board. In 1980 Government passes The Civil aviation Act and sell its share in British Airways. In 1981 Lord King appointed as chairman and make a change in management and restored company for profitability and for privatisation. British Airways have high standard cor porate governance which they are committed. The business view is determined by the strategy setting out the sharing option and located for financial outcome service standards and recognize and according to importance improvement chance to deliver those goal. In an amazing tough trading environment British Airways have to point on strong on more close themselves through the immediate situation, while preparing the business for better economic times. In current year they have planed out for a long -term goal for their business. Which is to be the worlds leading global premium airline. This report is a view of British Airways strategy and strategy evaluation . Management structure and philosophy aligned British Airways is committed top level of corporate governance. For good governance the board is responsible by the company shareholders. The board directors ensure that the companys risk assessment, ability to fined solution on management, strategic planning, operating management. Inevitable functions are given authority to committees, consisting of non-executive directors as containing within this section. The company arrange their board meeting four times a year and in generally when necessary, to except all subject related to overall control, strategy of The British Airways and in successful planning of the company. For these desired effect a schedule of the matters wait for board decision has been growing successfully. these schedule has been reviewed at least once in a year. The board leaded by the chairman and the executive management of the company leaded by the Chief Executive. The Board agenda setting is The Chairman responsibility. The Chairman also ensure that the Board member received timely and accurate and clear information. The non-executive directors try to know detailed of the management performance specifically as to the possession of the company principals , strategy of the financial information and management control and risk. All of the directors regularly and timely get information which is company priority in the board meeting. They can also ask company secretary any other information they need. If any non-executive director have any concern about running of the company they have to discuses with one of the non-executive directors or company secretary or the Chairman. The company main aims were to build on Terminal 5s strengths to upgraded the customer experience, make the business continue more cost effective, grow the company operations and make prominent part of the corporate responsibility in the business. The management need to revise their plan and priority to reset when the fuel price going up global downtown meant. The company vision is become most responsible airline in the world and all their corporate responsibility they have to bought tougher under the banner One Destination. it is a great challenging goals for the company for further reduce carbon emission, recycling and reduce waste underrating air and noise pollution. Organisation culture and growth of strategy Despite reduction in economic, British Airways have continued to become larger or grater where it makes economic main idea and meet the needs of their customers. They opened new routes from London to Hyderabad in India and St Kitts; they also opened open skies, their alternatively flying from continently Europe to North America in June 2008, and afterwards purchased LAvion in July 2008, and they have tell publicly the launch of the first London City to New York JFK service to start end of this year. Investing in well organised and subject to influence on new aircraft makes sense, ever in these tough times. With the delivery of their new Boeing 787s delayed, they contracted six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. In February the one world alliance which involving 10 partner airlines and celebrated its 10th anniversary. The highly success of the alliance is continued, in its development it is now a important point. In august British Airways applied for anti-trust immunity to operate a joint business across the Atlantic where American Airlines and Iberia one world members. The EU and US competition authorities are currently deciding that their major competition in their global alliance, star and sky team already enjoy the route where they should be able to enjoy the same route. Global strategy at the corporate level British airways strategy is global. Most of the countries they have their branch and fly most of the countries of the world. All of the branches of the world, they recruit local people for business communication. British airways most important aim is to make sure that they offer an upgraded service to everyone who chooses to fly with them. They take constantly to large number of customers to get a real understanding of their needs. British airways survey every month on their customer that what is their demand and what type of change their customer want ect. This is vital for the company to secure their position as the worlds leading global premium airline. Their staffs play a vital role in providing the upgraded travel experience. They are committed to excellent service and are investing heavily training customer-facing colleagues. They do training all of the branches of the world they have . Every year the training program rolling which is mainly on service style training. The compa ny has a statement of Business Principles applicable to all employees. The company also has a cod of Business Conduct and Ethics which applies to all employees in global. These are two of a number of Standing Instructions to employees of the group designed to enhance internal control. On the Finance Statement Instructions, these are regularly updated and made available to staff though the Companys intranet. Effective corporate governance remaining key to the business. It maintains a strong and effective internal control environment in global which the company continues to review its control framework to ensure . The producing result of the framework has been under regular review by the management board. The Group will continue to comply with the Combined Code on corporate governance and UK listing Authority rules and apply all of their branch.. Financial performance British airways audit report published on the group and parent company financial statements of British airways Plc for the year ended March 31, and include the Group consolidated income statement, the group and British Airways Plc balance sheets, the group and British Airways Plc cash flow statements, the group and British Airways Plc statements of changes in equity. Under the accounting policies the financial statements set out. Directors remunerations report information describe and also audited. The financial company is made only to the companys members , as a body, in consensus with section 235 of the company Act of the Companies Act 1985. This report have an opinion that is this financial statement give a truth and right view or it is a part of directors remuneration report to be audited. This audit review the corporate governance statement reflects the companys compliance. British Airways all other information included in the annual report and consider either it is reliable with the audited financial statements. The other information include only the directors report and business review, the Remuneration committee, the Chairmans statement, the chief Executives review, the chief Financial officers report and the corporate governance statement are unedited part of the report. British Airways followed the audit in consensus with International Standards on Auditing, issued by the Auditing Practices Board. On a test basis of evidence the audit includes examination which relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and part of directors remunerations report to be audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting systems are adopt to the Group and the company situation, consistently applied and sufficiently disclosed. The Directors whose are listed in Board of Directors are responsible for the annual report and the financial Statement preparing in according to applicable Law and follow international financial reporting standard as adopted by the EU. They are also responsible for protection the assets of the Group and therefore taking reasonable steps for the avoidance and discover of dishonesty and other irregularities. Environmental change and competitive position Climate change is an issue of importance as a airline company and they have long-term commitment to address it. Their climate change programme covered some of the main areas like policy measures to curb emissions growth, support for scientific research, voluntary carbon offsetting. Their target is to reduce their net CO2 emissions by 50 percent by 2050, relative to 2005. Going for this target will require more invest in new technology, sustainable biojet fuels and cost-effective emission which will be reduce other sectors of economy on global carbon trading market. They are investing in silent aircraft and technology and aim to change the way they fly to reduce the noise of their activates. They have set a target in 2015 reduce 15 percent noise in average. British airways aim is to minimise the west they do and their customer. They trying to reuse and recycle and reduce disposal. 1n 2008 they did 35 recycle at Heathrow and Gatwick and it will be increase on 50 percent in 2010. Conclusion and recommendation In response to delivery delays for British Airways new efficient Boeing 787 aircraft, they have contracted for six Boeing 777 due to start arriving in 2010. They ordered two Airbus A318 aircraft for crossing Atlantic service from London City Airport. As well British Airways ordered six Embraer and five E170 aircraft to replace some of the aircraft whose are currently operated from London City Airport. The Company also improve their performance in ground as well. The main activities of British Airways Plc and its subsidiary responsibility are the operation of international and domestic scheduled air services for the carriage of passengers, cargo and mail and the delivery of subsidiary service. The global airline industry is violently competitive, heavily controlled and totally uncovered to changes in customer behaviour and consumer sureness. The current economic environment presents a new challenge. British airways must have concentrate their efforts to seize long-term opportunities f or growth.

To Build A Fire Essay -- essays research papers

Sometimes everyone feels like giving up, and the only thing a person can rely on is his will to survive. Giving up is admitting defeat, in every circumstance. In the story by Jack London, To Build a Fire, the main character learns a hard lesson of reality, when he meets his fate. The result came about because of many factors, mainly the man’s lack of psychological perserverance on the journey, as well as the harsh temperature and surroundings. If there was any hope for the man to survive these conditions, it would rely wholey on his persistance and motivation. The man expected his fate after it was too late to change it, weighing all the variables and realizing there was no probable way to escape his prediciment. The man’s fate was ultimately decided by his lack of imagination and carelessness. Beginning the tale, the man is secure in his journey and firmly believes even though he is traveling alone, he will be successful in his pursuit. He discounted the advice from men from Sulphur Creek, who advised it was potentially hazardous to travel alone. He had false confidence in himself. For example, despite the dangerously cold temperatures, he did not take necessary precautions when he built his first crucial fire. Then, when he realized his mistake, he didn’t realize how serious it was until he could not start another effective fire. If the man would have had an additional human to accompany him on his journey, he would have been initially much safer. He showed carelessness ...

Finding Common Ground: Resolving the Controversy that Surrounds Stem Cell Research

The extensive debate over ethics of stem cell research provides a number of differing points of views. Most of these take potently opposing sides in either justifying or rejecting stem cell research thereby enhancing the dilemma faced by the common man in understanding the issue. The politics of human stem cell research has also added to the impasse with protagonists and opponents using time worn cliches and tactics to sustain their arguments. Lebacqz and Young supplement this debate by providing somewhat parallel yet opposing perspectives. While Lebacqz justifies stem cell research based on the concept of respect which is due to an entity be it living or non living, Young seeks to view the same from an ethical rather than a moral perspective. Thus authors Karen Lebacqz and Ernle Young contemplate the wide gap between acceptance and objection to human stem cell research. Lebacqz believes that it is possible to respect embryos and embryonic tissue by adopting an atypical approach. This can come about by treating a tissue as an entity with value. Lebacqz states, â€Å"I speak of respecting embryos and embryonic tissue, because the creation of embryonic stem cells involves use of an early embryo (blastocyst) from which particular tissue (inner cell mass) is derived and manipulated. † Lebacqz defines respect by alluding to the definition provided by Downie and Telfer in, Respect for Persons. Respect for Persons provides an ends based rather than a means based view of deference. Respect is thus an end in itself rather than a means to gain advantage for the person offering veneration. Lebacqz also adds, â€Å"Having respect involves ways of thinking and feeling as well as ways of acting. In order to sufficiently respect another person, you must exercise empathy. It is important not to inflict anything on that individual that you would not be willing to accept for yourself. However, Lebacqz admits that there are some differences between a fully developed human and an embryo. For instance, embryos lack self-determination an d rational will. Thus applying similar norms to an embryo as that applied to a fully developed human is contentious and sparks many passionate debates. To overcome this deficiency, Lebacqz provides other methods of offering respect than those that could be applicable to embryos. These include the type of value offered to non-persons, sentient beings, plants, and ecosystems. In her essay, Lebacqz thus illustrates how the definition of respect is mutable as it relates to various things and concepts. Lebacqz thus provides a three pointed approach to justify stem cell research to include respect, empathy and valuing it as being part of the overall ecosystem. Ernle Young on the other hand argues that difference in perspective arises because of differential between ethical and moral arguments on stem cells. According to Young morality is, â€Å"An attempt of individuals, or of groups, to live out in daily attitudes and actions their visions of the highest good. † Morality is commonly associated with religious tradition. In contrast ethics â€Å"employs a common public language in justifying assertions about prescribed or proscribed attitudes and actions. † Ethics adopts a more universal and secular academic approach or legislation while morality is exclusivist thereby narrowing opinions to traditional positions. Young believes that the gap between morality and ethics is the main cause of debate in society over stem cell research. In her essay, Young refers to the need to respect an individual’s moral view in accepting the argument on stem cells research. It is important to respect morals and opinions of people of different religious backgrounds. In order to do this, it is imperative to find a common language between groups which can be achieved by replacing moral reasoning by ethical thinking. Therefore Young suggests a secular rather than a pious attitude in viewing stem cell research thereby broadening the argument to a more congruent and contemporary universalistic approach. Rights of non persons are a common thread in the writings of Lebacqz and Young. By attempting to explain these privileges both writers bring more focus to the argument even though their views are diametrically opposite. Lebacqz uses animal rights as an example. Lebacqz explains, â€Å"If respect is restricted to rights (along the model of respect for autonomous persons), the difficulty becomes specifying what constitute appropriate animal rights. However, it is not necessary to use rights language to see animals as deserving of respect. In contrast, Young feels that this sentiment can be taken too far. Specifically, Young criticizes Schweitzer’s philosophy regarding all living things. According to Schweitzer, every living organism has full and equal moral status. Young explains that this â€Å"makes brushing one’s teeth as problematic as killing flies, cockroaches, and mice, or even members of our own species. † Young believes the flaw in this line of reasoning is in the assumption that all living things have a will to live. Then there is the issue of more abstract concepts and their relationship to respect. Lebacqz and Young both mention human consideration for ecosystems. They both establish that sentience alone is not a criterion for deserving respect. Once again, Lebacqz mentions the concept of value in regard to ecosystems. Lebacqz explains, â€Å"First there is the independent value of creature and the ecosystem itself. † Therefore, the struggle seems to be finding a value system that acknowledges the individual commodity of stem cells, while respecting their importance in the web of life. While both authors make strong points, the overall argument may appear unconvincing to many. According to both Lebacqz and Young the goal is to find a method that allows the existence of stem cell research for the betterment of humans, while finding a common moral ground that respects individual beliefs. The essence of the argument on stem cell research thus lies in placing it in perspective with reference to benefit to humans as well as the overall organic eco system. Once this is established as a truism, fostering the idea should be possible by taking a combination of the ethical argument suggested by Young and empathy and respect towards non persons indicated by Lebacqz. Given that stem cell research is an evolving scientific phenomenon which has yet to acquire critical mass; it is believed that once sufficient evidence of its relevance is available adoption of rights, ethics and empathy based approach will lead to its common acceptance. Till such time believers and skeptics will continue to raise numerous arguments to prove their respective points of views.

Valediction Forbidding Mourning

A Valediction Forbidding Mourning Analysis In the poem â€Å"A Valediction Forbidding Mourning†, by John Done, it is about a man who is saying goodbye to his lover as he is about to leave. Done is trying to make his departure easier for his lover so he writes her a poem. He uses many deferent literary elements to enrich his poem and make It more compelling to the reader. He uses onomatopoeia, syntax, euphemism, and similes to Inform the reader about his love. This helps the speaker compare his love to life like features to show how deeply he Is In love. Done first tells his lover that he will not be gone forever.He explains how â€Å"virtuous men pass mildly away. † What Done Is saying Is that his lover has to be able to accept the fact that he Is leaving. Just like someone has to accept death. In most cases people do not make the choice to die. It Is something that happens to everyone and there Is nothing to do to stop It. So overall, Done Is telling his lover that his exit Is going to happen. Done later explains to his lover how people are worried about the earth's rotation. He uses this connection to show how his lover does not have to worry. Done informs his lover how, workstation of the spheres,'Though greater far, is innocent. † In other words Done is saying that his lover fears him going away, but she shouldn't because he will return. What this meaner is that her worrying is pointless. She fears something that is naturally occurring. Her fear of him leaving is not worth worrying about because he will return. Done compares his love to gold in the 6th stanza. He states that their love is not â€Å"a breach, but an expansion. † The meaning of this is that their love will never fall apart, only expand. He Is saying that no matter how far they are away from each other, they will always e together.Done compares this to gold because when it is stretched it expands, it will not break. So he compares his love to this because their love will never break. In stanzas 7 and 8 Done compares his love to a compass. In the 7th stanza he explains how the soul, the fixed foot, makes no show/ to move, but doth, if the' other do. † The fixed foot of the compass stays in the center while the other one makes a circle around it. It doesn't matter how far apart they are, the two feet will always stay together. The axis in the middle is the force that holds their love together.Done also shows how it doesn't matter how far he is away from her. In stanza 8 Done describes how the feet of the compass are compared to him and his lover. When he Is talking about the feet he says how â€Å"It learns and hearkens it,' And grows erect, as that comes home. † What this is saying Is that she must stay at home and Walt while he â€Å"roams† around. But when he comes home she will be excited to see him. She has to know that since their love Is like a compass they will always be connected. That one day he will come home and th at they will be back together again. In this poem,Done starts out by explaining how he Is going to have to leave and that there Is nothing his lover can do about It. He compares this to how people pass away and that they don't have the choice. He tells her that worrying will be pointless and that It will not be worth It because In the end he will return. Done uses the example of how people worry about the earth's natural occurrences and how this is a waste of time. Always stick together. No matter how far one of the feet go, it will not break apart, Just like the gold. And in the end when he has completed his Journey, he will return back to her.

Suicides in Adolescents

Suicides in Adolescents Free Online Research Papers During the last decade there appears to have been a dramatic increase in attempted and completed suicides among the adolescent population (Emery, 1983). Among 15 to 19 year olds the suicide rate in 1950 was between 2.7 and 3.5 suicides per 100,000. By 1977 this figure had risen to 14.2, the highest increase in the suicide rate of any group except 20 to 24 year olds. Further, the tendency not to attribute suicidal motives to young adolescents and the desire to spare families public embarrassment result in a number of suicides being officially recorded as accidents (Husain Vandiver, 1984). As a consequence, some analyses estimate that the actual rates of adolescent suicide may be three times as high as the official government statistics, which show that, in 1983 alone, 6,000 young people killed themselves (Tugend, 1984). Some also contend that for every suicide there are ten unsuccessful attempts, most of which remain unreported. Yet, despite the likelihood of underestimating the actual number of suicides, suicide is still the third leading cause of death among adolescents. According to the national centers for disease control, the increase in youth suicide is primarily due to the dramatic changes in the male suicide rate (Tugend, 1984). From 1970 to 1980 the male suicide rate increased by 50 percent, in comparison to a 2 percent rise for females. Almost 90 percent of the male suicide victims are white, although there are no significant racial differences among female suicide victims. Because males choose the most violent methods for killing themselves, like shooting and hanging, their suicide attempts are far more successful than females attempts. In contrast to males, female typically employ methods that are less lethal and more time consuming, such as trying to poison themselves with pills. The increasing concern about suicide has resulted partially from a number of apparent cluster suicides during recent years (Tugend, 1984; Coleman, 1987). For example, in three of New Yorks northern suburbs, 36 adolescents killed themselves in 22 months; in Houston suburbs, adolescents took their own lives in three months; and in Plano, Texas, seven adolescents committed suicide in one year. Although in some of these incidents the adolescents did not know one another, in others the friendship between the youths suggest that their suicides may have been related. In response to increasing public concern, the national centers for disease control began extensive research on cluster suicides in 1984. In the meantime, the uncertainty over whether too much publicity contributes to multiple suicides has made researchers proceed cautiously about directing too much public attention to the matter. (Coleman, 1987) The suicide behavior of adolescents and adults is similar in several aspects (Husain Vandiver, 1984; Weiner, 1980, 1982). Irrespective of age, three times as many males commit suicide as females, but females attempt suicide three times more often than males. There is more suicide among whites than blacks, more in urban than rural communities, more in higher socioeconomic groups than among poor, and more among Protestants than among Catholics or Jews. Older adolescents and adults usually kill themselves by hanging or shooting, while younger adolescents and children usually take a drug overdose. Most people who fail in a suicide attempt have taken poisonous drugs, a method that increases the chances that someone will discover them before death occurs. Causes Depression Many adolescents who kill themselves do manifest symptoms of depression, but this is not always the case. To assert that depression is the prime cause appears to be overly simplistic. The preponderance of evidence indicates that a number of other variables seem to have an impact on a persons decision to commit suicide (Emery, 1983; Weiner, 1980, 1982) Attempts are being made to identify the types of behavior that might be the cause of a youngsters suicide (Weiner, 1980,1982). Some psychologists contend that depression among young is often overlooked, because the symptoms are dismissed as a normal part of adolescence. For example, in a 1982 survey of 116 adolescent girls from different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, attending San Franciscos public high schools, 23 percent were moderately to severely depressed as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory; and 39 percent reported occasional thoughts of suicide (Gibbs, 1983). Even among adolescent psychiatric patients, fewer than 20 percent are diagnosed as having problems primarily caused by depression, yet half of these young people manifest symptoms of depression including behavior such as self-deprecation, crying spells, suicidal thoughts, and experience feelings of sadness, pessimism, and worthlessness (Weiner, 1980). Data like these have led to the suggestion that adults should become more sensitive to adolescents symptoms of depression. Depression can be perfectly normal yet transitory reaction to negative events in the adolescents life. To begin with, the type of depression that contributes to suicidal thinking often emanates from a serious loss in the adolescents life. The loss might be created by incidents like someones death, parents divorce, or a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend. In addition, feelings of loss can emanate from the loss of self-esteem. Hence, academic failure, social embarrassment, a disfiguring accident, or serious illness can contribute to suicidal thinking (Husain Vandiver, 1984; Weiner, 1980). Further, chronic depression during adolescence tends to be characterized by excessive self criticism, feelings of powerlessness, inexplicable crying spells, and feelings of hopelessness about the future (Chartier Ranieri, 1984). Not all adolescents manifest their depression in the same way. Many will be persistently tired, behave like hypochondriacs, or have problems concentrating at school. In their efforts to escape depressing thoughts, depressed youngsters sometimes become engaged in the quest for continual stimulation and entertainment. They appear excessively restless and become easily bored. They tire quickly of new activities and of former friends, searching for more entertaining substitutes. Still others withdraw into solitary activities, where they need not fear human rejection. Older adolescents often express depression through delinquency, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, and rebellious behavior at home and at school. A few attempt to cope with depression be joining groups that attract attention to themselves for their unconventional values. The study by Angold (1988) reviewed the literature on depression in children. This author is the developer of the Childhood Depression Inventory. Angold reports on the different meanings of the term depression and the differing symptoms which constitute the condition. He also reports on the risk factors which tend to predispose children to depressive symptoms. This is relevant given that the objective of the measurement techniques employed in both assessing depression must make reference to factors which can be identified as high risks for suicide. Angold states that it is the adolescent which is more prone to develop depression. Children younger than 10 years old do not have as high depressive ratings as do children from 12 to 19 years old. Girls also have more depressive states than do boys, although this is a controversial issue (Butcher, 1988). Depressive symptoms also have been found equally in low and middle income families, and in black as well as white families. The one signi ficant issue in the development of depression is the family history of depressive disorders. Children with depressive parents tend to develop depressive personality trait characteristics. Angold (1988) also reviews studies which indicate that certain precipitating factors can lead children to develop depressive symptoms, these include divorce and the loss of a love one. Although there is some controversy about the long range effects of these stressful events on a childs life, there is increasing evidence that some children never get over the divorce and often go into depressive states which last up to 10 years after the stressful event. The study by Deykin et al. (1987) directly relates to the issue at hand. The diagnostic Interview Schedule was used to determine the prevalence of depressive disorders in children aged 12 to 19. The results of the study found that adolescents who reported a history of alcohol and drug abuse were four times as likely to have a history of depressive disorders than controls. This was particularly true with females who were six times more likely to have experienced depressive symptoms. However, the use of alcohol along with the depression was more prevalent among males than females. Because of the pseudo longitudinal nature of the study the authors concluded that the depressive disorder was present prior to the alcohol abuse. Another study ( Holmes Robins, 1987,1988) found that depressive disorders in adulthood could be predicted from parental disciplinary practices. The study assumed that disciplinary actions meant misbehavior in the children who later developed depression. However, the study also found that women were more likely to develop depression and men were more likely to develop alcoholism. The interesting point from this study is that depression and alcoholism were disorders which were most predictive from knowledge about a childs misbehavior. This would tend to imply that parental influences have a strong and lasting effect on the development of disorders, somewhat supporting the contention that early experiences have effects on symptomatology in a normal population. The ability to measure depression in children has been discussed by Angold (1988). The relationship of depression to childhood experiences has also been investigated and supported by a number of studies (Carrison et al., 1988). In addition, the contributing factors which parental concordance of affective disorders with that of the children has been investigated Merikangas, et al. (1988). These authors found that depressive disorders present in parents are also at risk of being found in their children. This is not only true of depression but of other psychopathologies and of alcoholism. This finding is not new but it helps to support the contention being laid here that the presence of depression in youths can be measured, is a reliable construct to use in identifying children who might be at high risk of developing alcohol abuse, and can be used to predict alcohol abuse using expectancy testing as well as depressive scores. Unrealistic Conceptions of Death It has also been suggested that adolescents with unrealistic conceptions about death are prone to suicidal thoughts (Husain Vandiver, 1984; McKenry, Tishler, Christman, 1980). According to this view, the cognitive limitations of early adolescence an distort young peoples understanding of death. In our culture, where death is often presented in euphemistic, vague, or exaggerated terms, the realities of death are too often hidden from the young. The melodramatic or emotionless portrayals of death in the media often sustain the image that suicide is an instructive act that can teach ones enemies and careless loved ones a lesson. The argument has also been offered that rock stars can create a glamour about death that appeals to the young (Attig, 1986). Record albums and stage shows sometimes depict mock hangings and suicidal gestures in an effort to entice the audience. such acts might create genuine confusion among young adolescents, whose views of fantasy and reality may be influenced by the drama of stage limits and illusive images on photo albums. Although the relationship between suicide and our societys portrayals of death in the media or in the entertainment world is still uncertain, the assistant chief of the National Centers for Disease Control states that there is evidence that possible people imitate suicides they view on television or through other media sources. (Tugend, 1984) Several studies confirm the hypothesis that suicidal youths tend to engage in wishful, magical thinking about death (Husain Vandiver, 1984) These unrealistic thoughts about death reflect the limitations of childrens cognitive development, which include egocentric thinking, the imaginary audience, and the personal fable, as cogently described by Piaget and Elkind. For example, a disproportionate number of suicidal youths have been found to believe in reincarnation and to believe that they will remain cognitively aware of events on earth after they die. Adolescents whose suicide attempts failed have explained that they imagined how good it would feel to observe the effects of their act on those here on earth. Some imagined that their suicides would radically transform the world or would cause their lovers who rejected them to feel forever guilty. Suicide is sometimes envisioned as a chance to be reunited with a deceased loved one. Conceiving of death as an escape from problems rather than as a permanent end to life, suicidal youths tend to differ from nonsuicidal children in their belief that death is temporary. Societal Factors According to some cross cultural data, in societies with a high degree of anomie, suicide rates are higher than in countries with low anomie. Anomie is a condition that manifests itself as a feeling of alienation and detachment from other individuals and from society. Anomie is said to arise in situations where personal bonds are discouraged. Societies with the most anomie are those that stress such values as competitiveness, mobility, rapid change, and materialism at the expense of family intimacy and dedication to interpersonal relationships. According to cross cultural comparisons, adolescents in highly industrialized, modern countries like Japan and the United States commit suicide more often than those in more rural, religious and traditional countries. Such suicides are thought to occur partly in response to adolescents feelings of culturally induced anomie. It has also been suggested that modern society creates feelings of anomie and insecurity in adolescents through overemphasizing competition and financial success (Husain Vandiver, 1984). In a society where self esteem and social status are often derived through money, many adolescents grow up under the pressure of having to be number one in social, athletic, and academic pursuits. Pressured on the homefront to succeed, young people may feel overwhelmed by the economic instability, high mobility, competitiveness, and rapid change operative in our technological society. Feeling powerless and lonely in the midst of these pressures, some youngsters may feel so overwhelmed that they opt for suicide. In support of this argument, data regarding rates of American Indian youths are particularly instructive (Berlin, 1984). Reported suicides among Native American youths have increased by almost 1,000 percent during the past two decades, becoming the second leading cause of death in the 10 to 20 year old age group. Environmental factors contributing to the suicide escalation include a breakdown of tribal tradition, the increasing incidence of divorce, and a decline in the importance of religion. As Indian communities have become more acculturated, the factors contributing to the feeling known as anomie have grown. In support of this analysis, it has been noted that the lowest anomie rates exist in tribes with the most traditional customs and in areas where opportunities for employment and education exist within the tribal community. Sex Roles Because three times as many females of every age attempt suicide than do males and use less lethal methods in their attempts, it has been suggested that gender stereotypes may be influencing suicidal behavior (Husain Vandiver, 1984). According to this view, society offers males certain outlets for expressing their aggression and frustration that are typically denied to females. For example, disobedience to elders, sexual promiscuity, and physical aggression are generally condemned more severely in females than in males. Girls tend to learn to turn their hostility inward rather than to express them overtly. This anger directed toward the self contributes to suicidal thinking; although the reasons underlying the higher rate of suicide attempts among the female population are debatable, girls are clearly at a higher risk than boys. Recognizing this, special attention might be directed toward adolescent girls who manifest symptoms of depression. Family Factors Among the variables associated with adolescent suicide a number are related to the adolescents family (Husain Vandiver, 1984) It appears that drug abuse, marital discord, and physical abuse are more common in the families of suicidal than nonsuicidal youths. Suicidal youth often report feeling unloved and unwanted, suggesting that their parents have been unable to create an accepting, loving atmosphere in the home. Many suicidal children also report that their parents are excessively critical and have high expectations in regard to vocational and academic goals. Preventing Adolescent Suicide Some states have assumed legislative initiative in suicide prevention programs (Folk, 1984; Tugend, 1984). In 1984 California and Florida enacted state laws requiring suicide prevention programs in high schools. The programs are aimed at teaching students to recognize suicidal tendencies in themselves and in their friends and to seek help when suicidal thoughts occur. Given the stigma attached to the word suicide some schools are presenting the information under the guise of student stress programs. Brochures are also being provided for parents and teachers. The Florida law further requires that to be eligible for teacher certification, college graduates must receive suicide prevention training in order to recognize the signs of depression and stress in their students. There have been cases where an English teacher would grade an essay by a student- on suicide and return it corrected for grammar (Tugend, 1984). Several authors have outlined the situation and behaviors that often indicate depression leading to adolescent suicide (McKenry Christman, 1980; Husain Vandiver, 1984): 1. Changes in eating or sleeping habits 2. Increasing isolation from friends and family 3. Behaving more aggressively or more belligerently 4. Giving away valued possessions or making comments about getting my life in order 5. Talking or asking questions about suicide 6. A sudden interest in religion and afterlife 7. Experiencing recent losses: a parents divorce, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a friend or relative, a personal injury or chronic illness, the death of a pet 8. Making lower grades at school 9. Complaining often about being bred 10. Breakdowns in communication with parents or other important people 11. A history of repeated accidents 12. Truancy, delinquency, drug abuse, or sexual permissiveness 13. Appearing excessively bored, restless, and hyperactive 14. Verbalizing feelings of helplessness 15. Expressing excessive shame or guilt Recognizing the need for more data to aid suicide prevention and rehabilitation, the National Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Mental Health instituted suicide research programs in the early 1980s. Through these federally funded programs studies are being conducted on the possible genetic, biological, and family causes of suicide. Since children who come from a family where suicide has been committed are six times as likely to kill themselves than are other young people, researchers are simultaneously examining genetic data and investigating the interpersonal interactions within these families. In addition, researchers are continuing to examine the relationship between suicide and the bodys chemicals. For example, low levels of the brain chemical, serotonin, have been correlated with aggressive, impulsive behavior. Since males almost always have less serotonin than females, this finding suggests a possible link between the high attempted suicide rate of fema les and chemically related impulsivity. Such data should eventually yield a clearer profile of suicidal youth and provide a sounder basis for prevention and treatment. From the available data it appears that depression, misconceptions about death, a sense of anomie, family factors, and sex role influences contribute to suicidal thoughts, but two important caveats must be pointed out. First, although crises like losing a job, having a violent fight with a parent, to getting pregnant may appear to account for a suicide, a single incident is seldom the primary motivator. Adolescents who attempt suicide have typically been wrestling for some time with conflicts and concerns that they cannot resolve. (Weiner, 1980) A second caveat is that researchers do not agree that suicides could be prevented if only someone had taken heed of the youngsters cries for help., Some psychologists who have worked with suicidal youths feel that suicide is not clearly enough related to depression to permit us to identify suicide prone adolescents. Most suicides in adolescents come totally out of the blue; either many adolescents give no warning before their suicide or their symptoms are too imperceptible to cause adults much alarm. (Husain Vandiver,,l 984) References Angold, A. (1988). Childhood and adolescent depression. British Journal of Psychiatry 152, 601-617. Attig, T. (1986). Death themes in adolescent music: The classic years. Adolescence and Death. New York: Springer. Berlin, I. (1984, March). Suicide among American Indian adolescents. Washington, DC: National American Indian Courts Judges Association. Butcher, J. (1988). Introduction to the special series. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 56(2),171. Carrison, C., Schluchter, M., Schoenbach, V., Kaplan, B. (1988). Epidemiology of depressive symptoms in young adolescents. Chartier, G., Ranieri, D. (1984). Adolescent depression: Concepts, treatments, prevention. In Karoly Steffen, Eds. Adolescent Behavior Disorders. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books. Coleman, L. (1987). Suicide Clusters. Boston: Faber and Faber. Deykin, E., Levey, J., Weels, V. (1987). Adolescent depression, alcohol and drug abuse. AJPH 77(2) 178. Emery, P. (1983). Adolescent depression and suicide. Adolescence 18, 245-257. Folk, J. (1984). Preventative legislation. Psychology Today 18, 9. Gibbs, J. (1983). Psychosocial factors associated with depression in urban adolescent females. San Francisco: Western Psychological Association. Holmes, S., Robins, L. (1987). The influences of childhood disciplinary experience on the development of alcoholism and depression. Journal of Child Psychology 28(3), 399-415. Holmes, S., Robins, L. (1988). The role of parental disciplinary practices in the development of depression and alcoholism. Psychiatry 51, 24. Husain, S., Vandiver, T. (1984). Suicide in children and adolescents. New York: SP Medical and Scientific Books. Merikangas, K., Pursoff , B., Weissman, M. (1988). Parental concordance for affective disorders: Psychopathology in offspring. Journal of Affective Disorders 15, 278-290. McKenry, P., Tishler, C., Christman, K. (1980). Adolescent suicide and the classroom teacher. Journal of School Health 50, 130-132. Tugend, A. (1984, October 31). Researchers begin to examine youth suicide as a national problem. Education Today, 11-12. Weiner, I. (1980). Psychopathology in adolescence. In Adelson, Ed. Handbook of Adolescent Psychology. New York: Wiley. Weiner, I. (1982). Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. New York: Wiley. Research Papers on Suicides in AdolescentsArguments for Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS)Effects of Television Violence on ChildrenPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyInfluences of Socio-Economic Status of Married MalesCapital PunishmentResearch Process Part OneThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsMarketing of Lifeboy Soap A Unilever Product

Free IELTS Preparation Online - ESL

Free IELTS Preparation Online - ESL The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evaluation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. It is very similar to the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required by North American universities and colleges. IELTS is a jointly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. The test is accepted by many professional organizations in Australia and New Zealand, including  the New Zealand Immigration Service, the Australian Department of Immigration. If you are interested in studying and / or training in Australia or New Zealand, this is the test best adapted to your qualification needs. Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of the following: Academic Reading: 3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes Academic Writing: 2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes General Training Reading: 3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes General Training Writing: 2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes Listening: 4 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes Speaking: 11 to 14 minutes Up until now, there have been few resources on the Internet for First Certificate preparation. Luckily, this is beginning to change.   You can use these materials to prepare for the exam or to check to see if your level of English is right for working towards this exam. What Is the IELTS? Before beginning to study for the IELTS, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. To get up to speed on test taking, this guide to taking tests can help you understand general test taking preparation. The best way to understand the IELTS is to go straight to the source and visit the IELTS information site.   Study Resources Now that you know what you will be working towards, its time to get down to work! Read about common IELTS mistakes and check out the following free practice resources on the Internet.   From the IELTS official site: Sample test questions From the excellent IELTS-Blog:  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹A collection of insightful IELTS writing tips From Exam English: IELTS Resources From IELTS Exam Preparation: Practice tests

Internet Initialisms

Internet Initialisms Internet Initialisms Internet Initialisms By Maeve Maddox Although I’ve adopted a few initialisms such as BTW, LOL, and IMHO in my own informal writing, I’m mostly ignorant of the alphabet soup current on Twitter and other social media sites. When a reader recently introduced me to the combination DRTL, I realized that this new language represents not just a kind of shorthand, but also a new philosophy of written language. This particular construct, DRTL, seems to me to symbolize the new philosophy: DRTL = Didn’t Read, Too Long. Note: A more common version of DRTL is TLDR or tl;dr, meaning too long; didnt read. Strings of commonly understood letter combinations such as FYI (For your information), TGIF (Thank God it’s Friday), and ASAP (As soon as possible) pre-date the Internet, of course, but they never occurred in the profusion that exists now. Readers who share my lack of currency in Abbreviation-Speak may find the following list useful. AFAIK: As far as I know AIUI: As I understand it BTDT: Been there, Done that BTW: By the way F2F: Face to face FOAF: Friend of a friend FWIW: For What it’s worth GAL: Get a life GIGO: Garbage In, Garbage Out HTH: Hope that helps IANAL: I am not a lawyer ICYMI: In case you missed it IIRC: If I recall correctly IMHO: In my humble opinion IMO: In my opinion IRL: In real life ISTM: It seems to me JK (also J/K) Just kidding LOL: Laughing out loud OMG: Oh, My God OTOH: On the other hand OTT: Over the top STW: Search the Web TIL: Today I learned TMI Too much information TTYL: Talk to you later WYSIWYG: What you see is what you get Of course this list is a mere scratching of the surface. And I’ve deliberately left out the ones that contain a gratuitous F. Nevertheless, even a short list may help a few codgers navigate Twitter with a little more comprehension. HTH. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Capitalize Animal and Plant Names8 Types of Parenthetical PhrasesUsing "zeitgeist" Coherently

Analyse Political Discourse in One or More of the comedias you have Essay

Analyse Political Discourse in One or More of the comedias you have studied - Essay Example This creates a weakness in the comedy and changes the value of the play as it is depicted in different times. The main association with Vega is not only associated with the politics of the time. More important, Vega is concerned with creating dramatic effects, showing opinions and working as a motivational and entertaining force for the culture of his time period. Fuentovejuna and Political Discourse The comedy by Vega is one which is defined by political discourse first. The play is one which is defined by the time frame in which it is written and the politics which were taking place at this time. The play begins with describing an event which occurred in 1476 in Spain, located in a small village in Fuente Obejuna in Castile. The main depiction is from the Order of Calatrava, who was a commander at the time and which mistreated the villagers by branding and killing them. The massacre which occurred gathered the attention of King Ferdinand II of Aragon to investigate the villagers. E ven when tortured, none would give the information of the ill treatment and would only respond by stating that â€Å"Fuentovejuna did it.† This depiction is then told in Vega’s description of the play and is shown in the writing from 1612-1614. The main point of this specific event is one which was passed down to several with political discourse, specifically because of the silent rebellion which the peasants took over the king and which didn’t allow the king to have a specific amount of power over the village. The legend became one which was essential in the changes which began to occur in Spain at later dates, specifically with noticed victories that were from the peasants (Edwards, 7). The main depiction of the political discourse is one which is noted throughout the play; however, there are many controversial concepts which are associated with the way in which Vega displays the information. Throughout the play, Vega uses specific characters to represent the historical incident and to show what has occurred during this time frame. However, the discourse is one which is combined with both comedy and with opinions of what has occurred during this time. The result is the understanding of what has occurred with representations of what the politics meant during this time as well as what was most important to the author. More important, more universal themes, such as justice, ending the incident and developing the plot and character become more relevant than the political facts which are associated with the play (Blue, 295). The opinion and the discourse as one which is specific to universal themes and opinions throughout the play are seen from the first portion of the play. For instance, when the commander is speaking about the king, he speaks not of the history which occurred during this incident, but instead alludes to the opinions of the ruler and what was expected during this time. â€Å"Grand Master Don Rodrigo / Tellez Giron, you who have been bourne to this exalted station by the valor of that famous father of yours who, when you were eight, renounced the position of Master in your favor†¦ understand that your honor demands that in this situation you adhere to your kinsmen’

PROBABILITY Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

PROBABILITY - Coursework Example Let the probability of at least one component of B, C and D is working is given by P(BW), P(CW) and P(DW), respectively. Therefore, All tasks (A1, BW, CW, and DW) are independent tasks. Therefore, the probability that the machine completes its process from start to finish after incorporating duplicate set of components for tasks B, C and D is iii. The machine efficiency heavily depends on the first component, as the first component cannot be duplicated. Therefore, first component should be with highest possible efficiency. The probability of the component C is 10/11, which is highest among all components. Therefore, suggested improved order to achieve the highest efficiency possible for the machine is given below: All tasks (C1, BW, AW, and DW) are independent tasks. Therefore, the probability that the machine completes its process from start to finish after incorporating duplicate set of components for tasks B, A and D

Media Report or Treat Violent Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Media Report or Treat Violent Crime - Essay Example The way the media portrays a crime is the way the world will perceive it, the more they exaggerate to increase viewer ratings the more the world lives in fear. Statistics have shown that the crime rate has decreased during the past few years. There was double digit crime inflation during the 1970's. People have that feeling that the crime rate has increased due to the way the media has been portraying each n' every incident! They dramatize the event just to increase their number of viewers. An FBI new release said that the crime rate has increased by only 2.5 per cent nationally. The crime rate has dropped 40-50 per cent since the time it was at its peak. It is funny how none of the media have shown these figures with the same boldness as they do other headlines. As per "Official crime statistics", most of the crime is non-violent, but media reports in many instances have suggested it to be the opposite. It is not only the media's fault. We as viewers are so interested in such news that they can't help it. If they want to make money they will show what the people want to see. There are many other bad things that affect our society, like poverty and inflation. Poverty stories are boring and are not attention-grabbing like blasts, murder, rape and many other such stories.

Health Assessment Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Health Assessment - Coursework Example oncepts of health promotion, I will take this opportunity to inform the patient that it is important for the close observation of the eye injury, whether minor or major as it has the capability of causing blindness (du Toit et al., 2013). The first step in the assessment will require me taking a precise history from the patient concerning the eye. As a nurse, I would take this opportunity to educate the patient on the variety of methods of ensuring minimal damage to the eye in the case of an injury and the immediate actions to take in the case of an injury. Other aspects of the assessment of the eye would include the valuation of the general physical, behavioral, and emotional state of the patient (Dunt et al., 2014). A measure of the visual acuity of the patient is also important in determining the clarity of the eye. I would explain all these procedures o the patient and also their importance for the purpose of allowing the patient to have more keenness in his health and status of the eye. Explaining to the patient the condition of his ear and how the ear is supposed to operate is one of the ways in which I would incorporate health promotion concepts when performing an assessment of the ear. This information would help the patient have the ability to recognize further problems with the ear in the near future. The purpose is to provide the patient with the ability of taking care of his own ear and prevent it from harm. In the shift assessment, I would ensure I disclose to the patient my purpose of the activity and also its importance for the purpose of enabling the patient understand the plan of care that would be admissible to him in order to cure his ear (Jarvis, 2015). While assessing the functioning of each ear, it is important to let the patient know of the purpose of this operation. The patient can later perform these tests while at home in order to keep track of the progress of the health of the ear. This includes explaining such assessment procedures

How the proliferation of nonprofit organizations impacts strategic Essay

How the proliferation of nonprofit organizations impacts strategic management - Essay Example This discussion elaborates strategic management of a nonprofit organization and the impacts it has on management. The word NGO covers an extraordinarily wide range of other organizations close to civil society, ranging from political groups to sports club. NGO executes different roles; it has different rooting when historical events and geographical locations are considered. The non-profit organization is defined as groupings encompassing a function of relieving sufferings from destitute people, and with a dependability of developing communities, creation of social services and protection of the environment. For an organization to be called non-profit organization, there are some appreciable rules. It should always be set up privately and autonomously. It should define its voluntary character, not a political party, and lastly, should always support all development that characterizes its public attention (Kohm & Piana, 2003). Nevertheless, most if not all NGOs depends on the employees who will be volunteering to manage their functions and program, hence the organization is not able to control a satisfactory quality (Agard, 2011). Some of the impact that affects strategic management is supporting the country’s reforms and roles to create surety that there is conspicuous direction and strategy of how to reach their aims and objectives in a certain period. For example, Ditshwanelo had both the mission and the vision statement that exactly reflect business of protecting human right. Democracy and excellent governance are the main aspects of management in the majority of organizations. Many countries in Africa are devoid of egalitarian activities, accountability and transparency, leading to pitiable

Unit 4 assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unit 4 assignment - Essay Example 4. The criminal investigation department has ruled Medicare fraud as a form of crime. What are the views of the people concerning the criminalization of Medicare fraud? (a) Do people consider Medicare fraud as a criminal activity? (b) Do people blame the authority for their misfortunes? A hypothesis is statement that provides a tentative answer to the research problems according to the proposed research designs and methodology (Creswell, 2008). The following statements represent our hypothesis for the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research methods respectively. 1. The choice of the hypothesis was based on the role of government in providing basic healthcare to the citizens. The hypothesis provides a tentative answer to research questions that are related to the role of the medical authority in ensuring equitable healthcare services. In addition, the hypothesis provides a direct comparison between the two main research variables. 2. The qualitative research approach provides answers to research questions that cannot be answered through a quantitative approach. The choice of the research question and hypothesis was based on their ability to respond to questions that are related to the society. Although it is impossible to determine the extent to which different institutions contribute to healthcare fraud, it is necessary to determine reasons that contribute to Medicare fraud through the qualitative approach. 3. In the mixed method approach, a researcher will be concerned with the relationship between quantitative and qualitative research outcomes (Creswell, 2008). Thus, the research questions and hypothesis designated for the mixed methods section provide tentative relationship between different research variables and the respective social

How the proliferation of nonprofit organizations impacts strategic Essay

How the proliferation of nonprofit organizations impacts strategic management - Essay Example This discussion elaborates strategic management of a nonprofit organization and the impacts it has on management. The word NGO covers an extraordinarily wide range of other organizations close to civil society, ranging from political groups to sports club. NGO executes different roles; it has different rooting when historical events and geographical locations are considered. The non-profit organization is defined as groupings encompassing a function of relieving sufferings from destitute people, and with a dependability of developing communities, creation of social services and protection of the environment. For an organization to be called non-profit organization, there are some appreciable rules. It should always be set up privately and autonomously. It should define its voluntary character, not a political party, and lastly, should always support all development that characterizes its public attention (Kohm & Piana, 2003). Nevertheless, most if not all NGOs depends on the employees who will be volunteering to manage their functions and program, hence the organization is not able to control a satisfactory quality (Agard, 2011). Some of the impact that affects strategic management is supporting the country’s reforms and roles to create surety that there is conspicuous direction and strategy of how to reach their aims and objectives in a certain period. For example, Ditshwanelo had both the mission and the vision statement that exactly reflect business of protecting human right. Democracy and excellent governance are the main aspects of management in the majority of organizations. Many countries in Africa are devoid of egalitarian activities, accountability and transparency, leading to pitiable

Study Guide Essay Example for Free

Study Guide Essay Why is Fort Sumner signi? cant in relation to the Civil War? 2. List advantages held by the Confederates at the beginning of the Civil War? 3. List advantages held by the Union at the beginning of the Civil War? 4. Identify a copperhead. 5. Identify writ of habeas corpus. Why did President Lincoln suspend this during the war? 6. What were the three parts to the Union military strategy known as the anaconda plan? 7. Why was the confederate General Stonewall Jackson successful at the ? rst Battle of Bull Run? 8. Identify Union General, George McClellan 9. What was the purpose of the Emancipation Proclamation? 0. Describe the Economy of the north during the Civil War. 11. List hardships experienced by soldiers during the Civil War? 12. What is Andersonville? 13. Who did President Lincoln name as commandeer of union troops from 1864 to the end of the war? 14. Why did General William Sherman burn the city of Atlanta in 1864? 15. Identify Sherman’s March to the Sea. 16. Describe â€Å"total war† 17. What did the Democratic platform consist of during the presidential election of 1864? 18. Why is Appomattox Courthouse signi? cant during the Civil War? 19. Who was the President of the United States during the Civil War? 20. How did John Wilkes Booth impact the history of the United States? 21. Identify the Battle of Shiloh. 22. Identify the Battle of Atlanta. 23. Identify the Battle of Antietam. 24. Identify the Battle of Gettysburg. 25. Identify the Battle of Vicksburg. 26. List characteristics of the Civil War. 27. What was the purpose for the Gettysburg Address? 28. Who was the President of the Confederate States of America? 29. List characteristics of the Union. 30. What was the signi? cance of the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War? 31. List characteristics for Abraham Lincoln. 32. Know general facts about the Civil War.

Impacts of Mergers Acquisitions on Shareholder Wealth

Impacts of Mergers Acquisitions on Shareholder Wealth This dissertation attempts to investigate, the impact of Mergers Acquisition (MA) on shareholder wealth in the European banking industry from 2003-2007 and explains in depth detail of the literature reviewed by the author to provide the basis of the successful achievement of the project. MA has been a popular research topic in finance with broad literature exists on MA. For this review to be achievable, a broad search for information was undertaken by means of the internet and library. The research question will examine the wealth effects (abnormal returns) of MA involving European banks using `event study` methodology over the period of 2003-2007 in both the announcement period and long run post acquisition period. In other words, can MA improves or destroy shareholder wealth of the targets, bidders and combined firms. 1.2 Introduction The decade of 1990 saw the biggest increase in European MA activity. Merger Acquisitions (MA) have been a significant phenomenon in the Europe. and the world economy which symbolizes one of the most important strategic decisions made by managers and shareholders of the engaged firm. Sudarsanam (2003,para1,p.1) argues shareholders and managers may be the most important stakeholders in MA but other groups such as workers, competitors, lenders, customers all have a collective interest in this activity. MA may be undertaken in order to replace an inefficient management, but sometimes two businesses may be more valuable together than apart. Motivation behind the mergers is to maximise the shareholders wealth. However, according to Jensen and Ruback (1983) and Sirower and O`byrne (1998), in almost two third of cases, mergers produce wealth gains for target shareholders and more or less zero gains to acquirers. Various studies have found that, usually the announcement of bank mergers neither create nor destroy shareholders value Pilloff and Santomero (1998). Also, some studies indicates that the announcement of certain types of bank mergers do create value, if that merger reduce costs. Berger, Demsetz, Strahan (1999) identified five fundamental dynamic factors that motivate corporate takeovers i.e. an increase of globalization, technological progress, financial deregulation, changes in customer demand and the integration of financial markets. Arnold (2005, para2, p.1041), defined mergers as the combining of two business entities under common ownership whereas Bruner (2005) states it as consolidation of two firms that creates a new entity in the eyes of the law. According to Investorwords.com acquisition is a acquiring control of a corporation, called a target, by stock purchase or exchange, either `hostile` or `friendly` which also be called takeover. E.g. in October 2007, Royal bank of Scotland (RBS) merged with Dutch bank ABN Amro to clinch Europes biggest ever banking takeover with 86% of ABN Amros shareholders accepting a 71bn euro (Ft.com). Bruner (2005) argues takeover activities are strategic transactions that could turn out to be an excellent investment of capital and resources. 1.3Merger waves Nowadays, MA is well known fact that comes in waves according to evidence from Bruner (2005), Gorton, Kahl Rosen (2005), Martynova Renneboog (2006). Five individual merger waves were observed in the UK economy in the last century i.e. 1900`s, the 1960`s, the 1970`s, the 1980`s and the 1990`s. (Kastrinaki, Stoneman 2007) Brankman, Garretsen, Van Marrewijk (2008) argues that, in terms of economic importance, the dominant merger wave unpredictable is the positive global outcome, suggesting that MA waves are an economy wide global phenomenon. The wave of bank mergers has been established to explain the diverse theories e.g. the `efficiency hypothesis` expect that mergers improve efficiency and help poor banks to survive as competition becomes increasingly rigorous in the banking industry. Gugler, Mueller, Yurtoglu (2004) finds that merger waves can be implicit if one identify that MA do not boost efficiency and doesnt increase shareholders` wealth but instead sited that MA waves are best come across as the answer of overvalued shares and managerial opinion. 1.4Why do MA occur? In various European countries, mergers have allowed banks to increase efficiency by assisting the coordination of the closing of branches. Banks shareholders and managers need to recognize the potential sources of economic gain emerged from MA. Banks can reduce costs and increase value in different ways e.g. diversification. I.e. if mergers generate cost synergies such as economies of scale, banks can reduce expenses. According to evidence from Berkovitch Narayanan (1993), Sudarsanam, Holl Salami (1996), Hannan Pilloff (2006), Martynova Renneboog (2006), the motives for MA have been categorised into the three main groups i.e. economic motive or synergy, managerial or agency problems and hubris. The actual distribution of merger gains between target and bidder shareholders will depend on their individual negotiating strengths. Therefore, following table shows the impact of mergers on shareholders wealth: Merger Motive Total Gains Target Gains Bidder Gains Synergy + + + Agency problems + Hubris 0 + 1.4.1 Synergy Motive The first key group that accounts for MA is an economic or synergy motive which means that two companies can achieve together which they cant achieve single-handedly. Siems (1996) argued that synergy theory projected that the acquiring bank can efficiently create synergies via economies of scale and scope by reducing costs and eliminating redundancies and duplication. Economies of scale occurs when the average unit cost of production declines as volume increases e.g. banking mergers in the UK of Bank of Scotland and Halifax of 30bn merger in May 2001, to create HBOS fifth major force in UK banking sector. The idea was that the Bank of Scotland was operating in north of the country and Halifax was in south by merging these two banks, were trying to reduce cost of processing banking transactions. Economies of scope occurs when the cost of producing several products in a multi product firm is lower than the cost of producing the same products by individual firms e.g. Banc assurance model, British banking and issuance giant Lloyds TSB acquired Scottish Widows in June 1999 for 7bn. Sudarsanam et al (1996) identified the sources of value creation into three main types i.e. operational synergy, managerial synergy and financial synergy. Operational synergy occurs during the recognition of economies of scale and scope, vertical integration, the elimination of duplicate activities, the transfer of knowledge or skills by the bidders management team and a reduction in agency costs by bringing organization precise assets underneath common ownership (Ravenscraft Scherer 1987, 1989 cited in Martynova Renneboog 2006). Sources of value in vertical mergers includes reducing transaction costs in which combining different stages of the production chain can reduce costs of communication and bargaining i.e. one companys output is other companys input and by putting together will make the business efficient. E.g. Microsoft bid for Yahoo in January 2008, worth $42bn that will create more powerful browser or have a better chance of tackling the internet search leader. Having said that, current trends towards outsourcing suggest that, the benefits from vertical mergers are limited. According to Martynova Renneboog (2006), establishments of operating synergies reduce production distribution costs and yielding an incremental cash flow accruing to the companys post-merger shareholders. Sudarsanam et al (1996) argues managerial synergy could occur if the bidder has a competent managerial team and takes over a target with fewer competent managers. Such takeover is disciplinary and likely to improve the wealth gain for both bidder and target shareholders. Having said that, there is a considerable risk of agency problems where the managers do not operate in the interest of shareholders. Martynova Renneboog (2006) argues that diversifying takeovers are likely to gain from financial synergies in which financial synergies may incorporate improved cash flow stability, cheaper access to capital, an internal capital market as well as contracting efficiencies created by a reduction in managers employment risk. Conglomerate mergers allow risk diversification by spreading the income stream of the holding company over a wide variety of products and markets. Sudarsanam et al (1996) finds that financial synergy materialize from three likely sources i.e. the tax advantage of unused debt, the growth opportunities and financial resources of the emerging companies and the coinsurance of debt of the two companies which result in lower costs of capital. 1.4.2 Agency factor The second main motive for MA is managerial or agency factor. Shareholders are Principals i.e. owners of companys assets and managers are employed as shareholders Agents to manage these assets on their behalf. Managers should make decisions that are consistent with the objective of maximize the shareholder wealth, but managers do not share this objective necessarily. Managers will have their own personal objectives which will be mainly concerned with maximizing their own welfare (Sudarsanam et al 1996). Therefore, managerial decisions in acquisitions may result in agent costs that reduce the total value of the joint firm as they do not maximise but weaken shareholders return. Berger, Demsetz, Strahan (1999) argues that one managerial intention may be empire-building. Executive compensation leads to increase with companys size, so managers may wish to accomplish personal financial gains by engaging in MA, although at least in part the higher observed compensation of the managers of larger institutions rewards greater skill and effort. To protect their firm-specific human capital, some managers may also try to reduce insolvency risk below the level i.e. in shareholders interest possibly by diversifying risk through MA movement. Arnold (2005) observes that the managers may enjoy the thrill of the merger process itself and as a result push for such deals to take place. 1.4.3 Hubris The third and final main motive for MA is Hubris which was specified by Richard Roll in 1986. Arnold (2005, para2, p.1055), define hubris as over weaning self confidence or, less kindly, arrogance. The hubris hypothesis states that the valuation of target by the bidder management is over optimistic and per se the bidding firms management overpays for the target. This perhaps for a number of bases such as decisions makers believing themselves, that the value exists when it does not or that their valuation is correct and that the market is not shimmering the full economic value of the combined firm. These managers may perhaps be overconfident or have misplaced faith in their ability to develop the profit performance of the target firm. Berkovitch Narayanan (1993) argues that the hubris maintains that decision makers in the bidding firms simply pay too much for their targets as a result of mistakes in overestimating the value of the targets. 1.5 Factors influencing shareholder returns Shareholders returns are not just affected by MA announcements, but they are also influenced by bid characteristics e.g. method of payment, cross border MA, friendly vs. hostile bids etc. 1.5.1 Method of payment The method of payment is one of the key variables that must be agreed between the buyer and seller to determine the firms` abnormal returns and overall outcome of the bid. According to Huang and Walkling (1989), The form of payment will influence bidding strategy if it affects the anticipated NPVs of an acquisition. Huang and Walkling found that when method of payment and degree of conflict were taken into account statistically, abnormal returns were no higher in tender offers than in mergers. Payment methods can affect NPVs through interrelations with either acquisition cost or the probability of success or both whereas Dube, Glascock Romero (2007) argues that the different stages of benefit growing to the target and acquiring firms shareholders is attributed to the alternative methods of payments. Arnold (2005, para1, p.1059) states that cash payment has been the most popular and most valued method of payment which offers higher return than equity. For example, bidding firm is expected to carry out stock financed merger if the management of bidding firm has better-quality inside information that the existing assets of the firm are overvalued. However, if the bidder firm has confidential information about the target company and trusts it to be undervalued, then it probably offer cash financed merger. Therefore, merger financed with stocks are a negative signal because the use of stocks as a method of payment is more likely to occur when the stock is overvalued, while the use of cash is taken as the firm being overvalued. Alternatively, if target shareholders consider that their bank is overvalued, they will prefer to receive cash. This theory is supported by empirical literature and it demonstrates that at the time of the bid announcement acquirers who propose cash, tend to practice higher abnormal returns than those who offer stock financed merger. The advantage of cash is that the acquirer shareholders hold the same level of control over their company because their proportion of ownership has not been diluted by giving target shareholders stock options in the merged company. Therefore, the returns to the shareholders of a bidding firm will be higher in cash financed merger than the stock. Brealey, Myers Marcus (2004, para1, p.599) states if cash is offered, the cost of the merger is not affected by the size of the merger gains. And if stock is offered, the cost depends on the gains because the gains show up in the post merger share price, and these shares are used to pay for the acquired firm. 1.5.2 Cross border MA The combination of worldwide financial markets has been going together with, increases in the number and tiny proportion of firms that operate in the global market and the globalization process has been to a rational extent encouraged by cross border MA. According to Brankman, Garretsen, Van Marrewijk (2005, 2008) cross border MA are the main medium for foreign direct investment. MA provides fundamental but also limited understanding of this form of takeover, as cross-border MA are most likely related to economy-wide shocks such as economic integration, changes in the legal and regulatory environment or likely asymmetric business cycles. Based on past empirical evidence, though the majority of the domestic MA create significant wealth gains for the targets and negative or zero returns for bidders, cross border MA could have different impact on related firms. Kang (1993) stated that cross border MA are expected to create more wealth than domestic ones because of existence of market imperfections which leads to guide multinational firms (MNC) having a competitive advantage over local firms. Foreign banks have to act in accordance with with both regulations at home and abroad; domestic credit establishments have cost advantages, since fulfilling two diverse sets of regulation enforce additional costs on foreign banks. Also, different regulations reduce the amount of related fixed costs. This decreases the possibility for banks to collect benefits from economies of scale and scope. Economies of scale propose that bank is able to reduce its costs by growing the volume of output of products and services it already produces. As a result of developing into new country, a bank increases its potential client base and benefits from economies of scale. According to economies of scope, banks that diversify activities could reduce costs by providing more services. 1.5.3 Friendly vs. hostile bids Analysis regarding the impact of hostile takeovers has been arguable, varying from the benefits of market discipline for maximizing efficient utilization of resources to the damage of market shortsightedness on the economy, on the society and on value built over years. Dube, Glascock Romero (2007) argues such debates can impact financial marketsand can be expected to expand as developing markets open up to foreign corporations and as economic power is redistributed amongst countries. Hostile takeovers occur, when the management of a firm resists the takeover attempt by bidders. Lambrecht and Myers (2007) state that in some cases a potentially hostile acquirer could be better off negotiating with the target management for a merger and that such a situation reduces the power of the target shareholder to extract value from the bidder. Hostile acquisitions also involve swifter and more drastic changes in target. In both friendly and hostile acquisitions, overpayment can arise due to age ncy reflection of managerial objective maximization by the acquirer management. Goergen and Renneboog (2003) analyzed the market reactions to the different types of takeovers i.e. friendly, hostile and bids with multiple bidders. They found that hostile bids created the largest abnormal returns for the target i.e. 13% on the announcement day. When a hostile bid is made, the share price of the target straight away reflects the expectation that opposition to the bid will guide to upward revisions of the offer price. Various empirical studies have found that the returns to bidders in hostile takeovers are negative; resulting in low possibility of success of a hostile bid. 1.6 Impact of MA on shareholders Almost all of the studies of MA in banking industry are based on US data. As we know, one of the main objectives of mergers is to maximise the shareholders value by the means of increase in dividends and increase in share prices, so the shareholders can enjoy the capital gains. The two most important methods which can be used to assess the impact of MA were explained by Firth in 1980. In the first method, accounting information is used to determine the firms` financial performance profitability. The second method believes in efficient market which can be used in share price movements to estimate the economic impact of the event. The second method, direct measures any increase or reduction in shareholders wealth but also experience from the reality that no market is really efficient which results to mislead conclusions due to movement in share price. In this project, author chose the second method i.e. an event study in which the focal point will be on three different sets e.g. the target, the bidder and the impact of MA on combined firm in the long run. Various empirical studies on MA have concentrated on establishing stock market reaction around the announcement of a deal and whether a merger creates value for the shareholders of target and bidding firm. Delong (2001) examined 56 banks between 1991 and 1995, for focusing mergers that create positive abnormal returns whereas diversifying mergers produce negative abnormal returns. DeLong (2001) has point out that upon announcement the market responds positively to mergers that focus both on the activities and geography, which is consistent with Siems (1996). Delong finds that the cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) of target firm has been increased to 14.8% after merger and the bidding firm loose a significant 2.2%, whereas the combined firm neither created nor destroyed the shareholders value. The result also shows that the long term performance is improved when mergers involve inefficient bidders, payment not just made by cash and earnings are not diversified. Cybo ottone and Murgia (2000) analysed 54 largest MA deals with CARs at +3,41% between 1988 and 1997 on the European banking sector in 14 European markets. They have found that at the time of announcement, there was a positive and an important increase in the market value of the banks engaged in these deals. They have found positive abnormal returns for both buyers and the sellers using the general market index in the short period of eleven days, but found negative market reaction to acquiring bank. In other words, European bank mergers generate value for the combined firms including the target and the bidders do not lose. Various studies have shown that in Europe and the USA, target shareholders earn positive abnormal returns from mergers. Cyboottone and Murgia (2000) stated that bidding firm shareholders earn positive abnormal returns in European studies whereas in USA studies bidding firm shareholders earn negative abnormal returns from the mergers. Shareholders of target European banks achieve more than the bidding bank shareholders, however, the difference is very tiny indeed. So in other words, we can say that Cyboottone and Murgia (2000) results are not consistent with the USA banking literature which shows that no value creation effects are usually found. Martynova and Renneboog (2006) examined the short term wealth effects of 2,419 European MA announcements between 1993 and 2001 in twenty eight European countries. They found that UK target created higher returns (9%) and UK bidders experienced lower wealth losses (0.5%) in comparison to the total European average result. They also identified the share price reaction of bidding firms; on a hostile merger i.e. it generated a negative abnormal return of -0.4%, on the other hand, a friendly acquisition created a positive abnormal return of 0.8%. Therefore, Martynova and Renneboog (2006) have concluded that MA do create value for the bidding and the target shareholders in which target shareholders enjoy majority of gains as they collect large premiums. Beitel (2001) look at 98 large MA of European banks between 1985 and 2000 using the event study in which he found out, the shareholders of the target firm enjoy positive cumulative abnormal returns (CAR), whereas the shareholders of the bidding firm doesnt earn any CARs. However, the combined analysis of bidding and target European bank merger do create the shareholders value significantly. They also notice a change in the results after 1998 that European bidding banks in large deals experienced negative CARs and especially cross border mergers of European banks appeared to have destroyed shareholders value. Table 1: Summary of bank mergers using event studies of previous Abnormal Returns to shareholders MA studies Sample period Sample size Event Window Target CARs (%) Bidder CARs (%) Antoniou, Arbour Zhao (2006) 1985-2004 396 -2 to +2 17.37 -3.32 Cybo-ottone Murgia (2000) 1988-1997 54 -10 to 0 16.1 Not significant DeLong (2001) 1988-1995 280 -10 to 1 16.61 -1.68 Sudarasanam, Holl Salami (1996) 1980-1990 429 -20to+40 days 29 -4 Becher (2000) 1980-1997 553 -30 to +5 22.64 -0.1 Siems (1996) 1995 19 -1 to +1 13 -2 Houston Ryngaert (1997) 1985-1991 184 -2 to +2 20.40 -2.40 Ismail and Davidson (2005) studied 102 merger announcements in European banking industry between 1987 and 1999. They found positive abnormal returns for targets and the return to bidders differs across the deal type, also the merger deals earn higher returns than acquisition deals. They reported that the high competition in the market and reduction in the profitability in the banking industry in Europe is extending a depressing picture of performance of the future. They also reported low positive abnormal returns to target shareholders compared to other findings in the banking industry in Europe. The reason behind is that the bidder not ready to pay higher premiums in a competitive environment in which level of profits are decreasing. Ismail and Davidson (2005) pointed out that if equity is used as a method of payment instead of cash, then merger deals earn lower returns because of the fact is that equity signal to the market that the equity is overvalued which is consistent with fin dings of Huang and Walkling (1987). 1.7 Conclusion A bank acquires another bank because of number of reasons e.g. diversification, market power, managers preference etc. This literature review looks at the motives of MA based on the past academic studies i.e. Berkovitch Narayanan (1993), Sudarsanam et al (1996), Hannan Pilloff (2006), Martynova Renneboog (2006). Having said that, it is still not clear whether synergy gains or personal quest of managers is behind motivating majority of MAs. Evidence suggests that the managers may use the free cash flow for mergers that may produce negative NPV investments, because managers pursue their own interests rather than those of shareholders, resulting in mergers to not create value for shareholders. Whereas hubris, which supports the efficient market hypothesis (EMH) suggests that any bid for the target at premium overpays and it is result of the hubris. Arnold (2005) state it is similar to `winners curse` where the highest bidder will bid typically higher than the expected value of the purpose. However, most of the evidence suggests that the target shareholders gain positive abnormal returns while the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) to the bidders are significantly negative and the combined banking firms seems to improve the shareholders value. Various studies also supports the fact that target shareholders gain at the expense of bidder shareholders and bank mergers do not create value for the combined firm in stock market reaction to bank mergers. Also, evidence shows that shareholders returns are not only affected by the MA announcements but they are also influenced by bid characteristics. 2.0 Methodology 2.1 Introduction Choosing appropriate research methods are clearly vital. According to Veal (1997) it is important for the researcher to be aware of the range of methods available and not to make claims that cannot be justified on the basis of the methods used. This part of this dissertation gives an outline how information was collected, the sample design statistics and which methodology is used by concentrating on European banking sector mergers between 2003 and 2007. Firstly, we have to decide the philosophy underlying this research, which involves choosing a paradigm. Collis and Hussey, 2003, p. 352 define paradi