Impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Impact of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ABSTRACT Extensive researches carried out have pointed to the fact that impact prediction in the EIA process has been problematic and it lacked transparency, scientific rigour or both (Badr et al 2004, Glasson et al 2005). Therefore the aim of this research paper is to evaluate impact prediction in the EIA process by comparing impact prediction practices in three environmental impact statements for one environmental component: Air quality. Methods to identify, access and evaluate impacts were analyzed and how extensively they were used in predicting impacts. A checklist was developed for to comparative analysis and descriptor for symbols awarded to various stages of impact prediction outlined. The result shows that important prediction methods were either omitted or not extensively used in some of the cases. This research paper is therefore in agreement that impact prediction is not practiced in a transparent and scientifically rigorous manner. INTRODUCTION Recent environmental issues that has emerged due to large industrial developments with effects on the environment has led to the birth of the process called Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which can be defined as â€Å"the need to identify and predict impacts on the environment and on mans wellbeing of legislative proposals, policies, programmes, projects and procedures and to interpreter and communicate information about the impacts† (Munn 1979). EIA can also be defined as â€Å"a process by which information about the environment is collected both by the developer and from other sources and taken into account by the relevant decision making body before a decision is given on whether the development should go ahead†(DOE 1995). It can also be defined more simply as â€Å"an assessment of the impacts of a planned activity on the environment† (UNECE 1991). Since the introduction of EIA over 30 years ago, the potential benefits has been widely recognized and it has been adopted and implemented in more than 100 countries by numerous aid and funding agencies (Petts 1999).In essence, EIA is a process that assesses the impact of developments on the environment in a systematic, holistic and multidisciplinary way taking into consideration all environmental components (Glasson et al 2005). EIA as a process involves a number of steps which are as follows Description of project Screening Scoping/consideration of alternatives Baseline studies public consultationparticipation Impact prediction Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) Decision making Post decision making and monitoring The EIA process is a cyclical process with feedbacks and interaction between all the steps and public consultation (stakeholder engagement) involved in all the steps. Aggregated studies have shown that EIA practices in some regions of the world have been and remain problematic, but there is evidence that the quality is improving over time (Lee and Brown 1992, DOE 1996, Cashmore et al 2002). However, disaggregated studies indicate that the quality with which certain components of the environment are addressed is significantly more problematic than suggested by the aggregated studies (Glasson and Heanley 1993, Chadwick 2002, Badr and et al 2004). Impact prediction in the EIA process has been a problematic despite being the key and heart of the EIA process (Badr and et al 2004). Despite its centrality in the process, many studies have underemphasized prediction and it is not often treated as an explicit stage in the process, models are not detailed and there are little discussions of limitations (Glasson et al 2005). Therefore, the research for the effectiveness of impact prediction in the EIA process will focus on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which is the document that holds the pre consented states of EIA, and is often readily assessable component of the process (Badr et al 2004). This research paper aims at contributing to the development of grounded initiatives for enhancing EIA effectiveness by looking at impact prediction practices in three different EISs looking into one environmental component which is AIR QUALITY. The following EISs will be used for this research paper CASE 1-A350 Westbury Bypass EIS CASE 2-River Tud Residential Development EIS CASE 3- Kingshill Recycling Centre Biomass Energy Plant EIS The objective of this research is to analyze how extensively impact prediction practices have been carried out in each of these case studies. The following is the structure of the paper: methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. METHODOLOGY The objective of impact prediction is to identify the magnitude and other dimensions of identified change in the environment with the project or action in comparison with the situation without the project or action. It also provides the basis for the assessment of significance (Glasson et al 2005). According to the EIS legislation (S1.4) impact prediction should include assessment of direct and indirect, primary and secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, reversible and irreversible, positive and negative effects of a project (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). A variety of models are used to estimate air quality impact of sources on receptors to prepare and review new industrial and other sources application and to develop air quality management plans for an area or region and they are the Gaussian, numerical, statistical and physical methods (Jacko and Breche 2003 in salvato et al 2003). There are four stages in impact prediction and they are Impact identification-this brings together the project characteristics and baseline environmental characteristics with the aim of ensuring that all potentially significant environmental impacts are identified and taken into account in the EIA process.( Glasson et al 2005). Ensuring compliance with regulations is an important factor when choosing impact identification methods for assessment. The pathway and receptors are also identified. The methods include checklists, matrices, and quantitative methods and overlay maps. Impact assessment-this involves the detailed analysis of impact to determine their magnitude, significance and expert judgement. There are different methods of impact assessment: professional judgement (qualitative), mathematical methods (quantitative), physical methods, laboratory methods and case to case methods. When choosing prediction methods, the assessor should be concerned about the appropriateness for the task involved, will the method produce what is wanted?, can the method be applied to different projects and allow predictions to be compared? (Lee 1987, Glasson et al 2004). Significance of evaluation- when impact have been predicted, the impacts are then evaluated for acceptability. Criteria for significance include the magnitude and likelihood of impacts, the geographical level. The most formal evaluation method is the comparison of predicted changes in the area to air quality standards, objectives or guideline values, and determining whether they are likely to be exceeded at any location, after taking into account the existing and predicted baseline conditions (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). Dispersion models such as DBRM screening method is used to evaluate significance, and the Gaussian model. Other methods are the cost and benefit analysis, multi criteria method, empirical data analysis and simple criteria. Impact mitigation- This is the measure envisaged in order to avoid, reduce and if possible, remedy significant adverse effects (CEQ 1997). Mitigation measures such as change of technology or modification of industrial processes can be implemented. Monitoring should be continued after completion since numerical prediction models contain uncertainties. Continued monitoring is necessary to access the effectiveness of any mitigation measure proposed in an EIA and to ensure that any potential air and climate problems identified have been minimized or mitigated (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009). A checklist has been developed for the purpose of evaluating impact prediction practices looking at air quality component in three EIS case studies. DISCUSSION Impact identification Case 1 The relevant legislation and policy context was the first method used to identify impacts of the development in air quality. The EU legislation was also looked at, the National Legislative and future legislative measures were also used in impact identification. Relevant policy measures like National planning policy, regional policy and local development framework was used to identify impacts. The limit value of AQS objectives were measured and if it was likely to exceed the objectives declared in the AQMA, then an action plan is to be prepared and implemented. The baseline information was acquired from the local authority and national air quality information archive (NAQIA). Therefore, because of the baseline studies, analysis of the background of air quality data available for the study area showed that the concentration of NO2 and PM10 are generally low in comparison to the relevant AQS objectives and limit value (Wiltshire county council 2007). Future predictions of air quality also carried out. Although qualitative method was used in this exercise, it was not clearly used to identify impacts. Checklists, matrices and overlay maps were not used. Source- pathway-receptor clearly identified. Case 2 Although legislative standards were mentioned, it was not mentioned extensively like in case 1. Baseline data of the environment was obtained from the national environmental technology centre (NETEN) and department of environment. Baseline studies were not used extensively for impact prediction in case 2. Knowledge of baseline conditions is essential because, even when a development is likely to add small amounts of pollution to the area, it could lead to air quality standard of the area being exceeded if air quality in the area is already poor or may become poor in the future(Morris and Therivel 2009). No future predictions of impacts carried out. There was no mention of the use of matrix or checklist for impact identification in this case. The source, pathway and receptor not clearly identified for air quality. Case 3 Most of the legislative standards considered. The UK air quality standards 1989 limits value for pollutants, the air regulations and air quality objectives clearly listed. Baseline studies of the area without the project was mentioned but not considered extensively. Checklists or matrices not used in prediction. Source-pathway and receptors identified. Overall, the main problem of impact identification is the failure to use systematic methods such as checklists, matrices or networks for impact predictions which agrees with Badr et al 2004 â€Å"Most WIA studied failed to provide any information on methods used to identify impacts†. Impact assessment Case 1 Constituent impact stages equally divided and assessed Quantitative assessment method was used for the operational phase of the development for the assessment of local air quality. Impacts on sensitive receptors in the area as a result of the operation of the bypass in the future were analysed using detailed dispersion modelling. DDM was used for the analysis of traffic emissions. Atmospheric dispersion modelling system (ADMS-Roads) was also used and it analysed dispersion of pollutants from industrial and road traffic sources. Qualitative assessment was used in the construction phase of the project. This assessment concluded that emissions will be greater in the operational stage, since the construction was short term, then impact will not be significant. Meteorological data was used for the input into the dispersion model. Case 2 Impacts talked about in construction and operation stages although not extensively. There was no mention of quantitative or computer model to assess air quality impact. The lack of quantitative analysis means that practitioners could not compare predictions with air quality and legislative standards and this is why evaluation of significance is poorly evaluated. (Badr et al 2004) Although qualitative judgement used, but not transparently and scientifically used Metrological data not mentioned at all in impact assessment. Case 3 Construction phase impact omitted and operational phase focused on. Quantitative model used. ADMS model used to assess atmospheric impacts of emission from the project, future predictions considered. Qualitative method not mentioned in impact assessment. Expert opinion provided it is backed up with reason and justification which supports that opinion, such as comparison with similar existing development is a very good method for predicting impacts (Morris and Therivel 2009). Metrological data was used in calculating annual mean of NO2 and SO2 Overall, the problem of impact assessment was the use of quantitative methods. In case 2, for construction emission, it was said that â€Å"it is for the most part not practical to quantify the emissions arising during construction of the dwelling† (South Norfolk County2001).Qualitative assessment only extensively used in case 1 and omitted in case 2 and 3. Future climate baseline levels are usually predicted for the purposes of an EIA, given the major limitations for current models in predicting regional changes, let alone local changes attributed to global warming due to the atmospheric concentrations of green house gases (Walker and Dalton 2001 in Morris and Therivel 2009) Significance evaluation Case 1 Short term mean concentrations of pollutants NO2 and PPM10 were calculated and compared against the relevant AQS objectives. Significance of impacts communicated both numerically and descriptively. Significance also calculated using the comparative method looking at the standard of air quality without the project. Descriptors clearly provided for the significance of air quality based on the magnitude of change in the context of existing conditions. The level of effects of project clearly identified as local effects. Case 2 Although long term mean concentrations mentioned, how numeric values arrived at is not transparent. Comparative method not clearly stated. Level of impact local, national or regional not analyzed. Case 3 Comparative method was used to compare quantitative dispersion ADMS model results with relevant AQS/AQOs. Geographical level of the impact not mentioned although, it was stated in the summary that â€Å"the process design has included mitigation measures to reduce impacts on local and national air quality† (North Wiltshire county). Overall, the significance of impact was well explained in case 1. It was transparent and scientifically rigorous (Badr et al 2004). Methods for significance of impact in case 2 and 3 not transparent although, Comparative measures were used in case 3, the level of impact was not clearly stated. Therefore the main problem of significance of impact was the transparency of the procedure. Impact mitigation Case 1 Mitigation measures were clearly put in place for significant impacts. Construction and operation mitigation plan well listed. CEMP prepared for the project. Alternative technology option also adopted for some impacts. Monitoring not mentioned in mitigation measures. Case 2 Mitigation measures not clearly outlined in this case. Although some preventive measures were outlined, it was not done satisfactorily. No alternative technology options adopted. Monitoring not mentioned in mitigation measures. Case 3 Mitigation measures outlined for construction and operations stages but not decommissioning stage. Alternative technology included in process design to reduce local and national air quality impacts Monitoring of NOx, SO2, PM10, CO outlined. (Annually). The overall problem of mitigation measures is the lack of emphasis on monitoring of air quality during construction and operation phases. A continuous air quality monitoring system for the measurement of selected gaseous air pollutants, particles and metrological conditions over a large geographical area, can make possible immediate intelligence and reaction when ambient air quality levels or emissions increase beyond established standards (Jacko and Breche 2003in Salvato et al 2003). Numerical prediction models contain uncertainties so monitoring should be continued after completion of the development to compare predictions with those that actually occur and continued monitoring is also necessary to access the effectiveness of any mitigation measures proposed in an EIA to ensure that any potential and climate problems identified have been minimized or eliminated (Walker and Dalton in Morris and Therivel 2009) CONCLUSION The aim of this research paper was to evaluate impact prediction in the EIA process by comparing impact prediction practices in three environmental stated for air quality. The research looked at different stages of impact prediction and how the methods for the stages were used and how extensively impact prediction was carried out. Results showed that although impact prediction practices were carried out, it was problematic in the impact identification methods in all cases, methods such as checklists, matrices and networks were not used at all while qualitative method which is used for impact assessment was omitted in a case (case 2). This automatically takes its toll on significance evaluation which uses expert opinion for evaluating significance. Uncertainties associated with the accuracy of a prediction due to the use of inaccurate or partial information on the project or baseline environmental conditions, unanticipated changes in the project during one or more of the changes of the life cycle and oversimplification and errors in the application of methods and models (Glasson et al 2004) was not given consideration at all in any of the cases. Monitoring changes in air quality standard was also a problem. While mitigation measures were proposed, there was no mitigation monitoring plan. Numerical prediction models contain uncertainties so monitoring should be continued after the completion of the development to compare predictions with those that actually occur (Walker and Dalton in Morris and Therivel 2009). Monitoring should be strengthened to enhance impact prediction. It is therefore logical to conclude that different developments or projects determine how extensively impact prediction is practiced. Emphasis is given to air quality predictions for developments like power stations, power plants and road constructions. Emphasis on impact prediction declines for developments such as residential buildings and shopping malls. REFERENCES Badr E,-L, Cashmore,M and Cobb, D (2004) ‘The considerations of impact upon the aquatic environment in environmental impact statements in England and Wales. Journal of environmental assessment policy and management, 6(1):19-49. DOE (Department of the Environment (DOE) (1995) preparation of environmental statements for planning projects that require environmental assessment. A good practice guide. London. HMSO Glasson, J, R, Therivel and Chadwick A (2005) introduction to environmental impact assessment 3rd Edition. London. Routledge Jacko B, La Breche T (2003) air pollution and noise control in Salvato J. A, Numerow N, Land Agardy E, J (2003) Environmental Engineering 5th edition. Canada. John Wiley and sons. Norfolk County Council (2001) proposed residential and associated development at River Tud, Costessey Environmental Impact Statement 2001. Norfolk County Council. Walker D and Dalton H (2001) air quality and climate in Morris P and Therivel R (2009) Methods of Environmental impact assessment 3rd edition. London. Routledge Wiltshire County Council, (2007) A350 Westbury bypass Environmental Impact Statement 2007. Trowbridge, Wiltshire County Council. Wiltshire County Council (2000) Biomass Energy Plant Kingshill Recycling Centre Cricklade North Wilshire Environmental Impact statement 2000. Tollgate, Wiltshire county Council.

Factors that Caused the Financial Crisis

Factors that Caused the Financial Crisis The world had faced two major financial disasters during 20th century. The first crisis happened during 1920-30, which mainly affected the developed countries like Europe and America. Second crisis started in 1997 and stayed till 1999, mainly affected developing economies of Asia pacific. The recent financial crisis which has awakened the whole world mainly resulted from unregulated financial market. It has created serious anxiety because it falls outwards from U.S, the starting point. Alan Greenspan recently called it a once-in-a-century credit tsunami, born of a collapse deep inside the US housing sector. In order to avoid complete meltdown, governments and central banks worked day and night. Trillions of dollars have been allocated to financial institutions by the governments to recover from the crisis in the United States alone Who were the culprits of financial crisis? It is impossible to held just single factor responsible for such a big mass in the absence of other factors. In my research i want to analyse the contribution of each factor but the questions arise in my mind is How did Lehman Brother, the fourth largest investment bank in USA failed? Why majority of financial institutions failed in compare to other institutions? This surly point towards irresponsible activities by financial institutions in their main business LENDING. So focus of my research is to find out the dominant role of easy lending in present crisis along with other factors. The effect of financial crisis 2008 was such sever that even allocating huge amount to address the issues proven insufficient to resolve it. Congress approved $700 billion in response to the problem. Federal reserve spend $1.3 trillion to bail out markets and institution that includes investments in risky assets, loans to bankrupt institutions, sharing such debt which were defaulting at faster rates (Morris, 2008). A further $900 billion were allocated as lending to large corporations (Aversa, 2008), reaching the total of nearly $3 trillion as bailout package so far, without even adding the big amount of corporate debt promised by the U.S government year before the crisis An understanding of the root causes of this colossal failure that has put the entire financial systemà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ at risk (Woellert and Kopecki, 2008) is necessary to avoid such failures in the future. Number of factors can be held responsible for financial crisis which emerged over number of years. Causes propos ed include the following sub-prime mortgages/ easy lending Poor credit rating Failure of regulators Shadow banking Securitization Credit default swap Mortgage backed securities Assets backed commercial paper etc Aims and Objective Aim of this research is to understand the root causes of financial crisis particularly lending practises as a major factor. Objectives To explore the history of financial crisis To evaluate who were the victims and culprits of financial crisis Impact of financial crisis on other countries (UK, USA, India, Japan) What steps are being taken by government to overcome crisis What could be done to prevent repetition of crisis in future? Literature Review: How did we get to this point? Surprisingly it all started from residential mortgages in the U.S. It had become apparent from 2004 that mortgages issued to majority of consumers did not make any rational sense. Situation was more worsted by so called mortgage brokers who issued mortgages to many insolvent consumers in order to generate outsized fees. On other hand new financial vehicles called mortgage-backed securities (MBS) rated by well know credit rating agencies were introduced by Wall Street. These high yielding mortgage-backed securities were bought by investors from all over the world which increased funding for new mortgages. Appraiser ignored all rules to meet the increasing demand of mortgage applications. Federal Reserve board appointed by congress in 1994 to regulate mortgage lenders decided to watch the game from pavilion. Finally as the bubble accelerates, there is necessary reckoning à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" house prices collapsed. This is how greediness and irresponsibility resulted into a biggest financial crisis (Schmudde, 2008). Sub-prime mortgages which are always blamed for financial crisis is only a component of the deeper problem. The value of credit default swaps, which was originally estimated to be $55 trillion by the securities and exchange ( 4 times higher then the actual figure) are totally unregulated and majority of them were contracted over the phone without any verification, is the root cause from which all the problems of crisis started (Simon, 2008). Regulators had forecasted the problem of present crisis years in advance were not taken seriously because of the successful business by the same financial institutions which are either bankrupt or funded by the government (Associated Press, 2008). According to Bernanke (2009) and Portes (2009) global imbalances are the fundamental cause of the crisis and it is not possible to fully understand present crisis without considering the issue of global imbalances. As per Jagannathan, Kapoor, and Schaumberg (2009) imbalances in labour supply can assist to understand the present crisis. Acharya and Richardson(2009), and Acharya and Schnabl (2009) argue that banks were suppose to transfer the risks to end investors while securitising, particularly in the case of asset-backed commercial paper and purchase of AAA-rated tranches but they never did which led them to huge pool of credit risks. Schmudde (2009) documents that no verification of consumers income were done while issuing sub-prime mortgages. Many of them were issued for or close to 100% of the house price. Even borrowers with bad credit history easily managed to get mortgages. This is one of the reasons for huge growth in subprime mortgages which increased from $35 billion to $8 07 billion between1995 to 2005. According to Bartlett (2008) decline of US subprime mortgage triggered the crisis, the impact of the down fall was tremendous; Mark-to-market losses on mortgage backed securities, collateralized debt obligations, and related assets through March 2008 were approximate $945 billion. He further said that it is The largest financial loss in history, in compared to $780 billion of 1990 Japans banking crisis, lost accrued from Asian crisis of 1997-98 about $420 billion. . While explaining the reason how did this crisis turn into a global crisis, Khatiwada and McGirr (2008) stated Many of these Sub-prime mortgages actually never made it on the balance sheets of the lending Institutions that originated them; and such mortgages by rating them high were made attractive to world investors, when sub-prime borrowers failed to repay their mortgages, the originating institution needed to finance the foreclosure with their own money, bringing the asset back on its balance sheet. This left many banks in a financially unviable situation, in a rather short, unmanageable timeframe. According to Mian and Sufi (2008) increased demand for mortgage backed securities led to lending boom which is the root cause of present crisis. Whalen (2008) argues that three main factors are at the root of the problem. First, many companies, banks, and government agencies were encouraged to increase the viability of affordable housing by introducing creative financing techniques. Second, big number of over-the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"counter derivatives and securities were issued by majority of financial institutions due to huge support by the regulators, led to a breakdown in safety and soundness at banks and securities lenders. And the last factor is fir value accounting an ill-advised by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the financial accounting standards board (FASB) to all public company to change the reporting standards. The nations biggest subprime lender, Ameriquest Mortgage co., gave more then US$20 million as a political donation. Other financial institutions like citigroup inc., wells Fargo co., donated huge amount on political side and on lobbying. This donation helped these institutions to persuade legislators to pass predatory-lending laws which might have contributed to present crisis to some extent (Simpson, 2007). According to Shiller (2008) the following factors played very big role in present crisis: Strategy of home ownership which encourage even those who could not afford one. The link between mortgage originator and receiver of payments broke due to mortgage securitization. Because of this there was no reason for mortgage originator to verify the solvency of borrowers. Many loans were issued at low interest rate or even at zero rates with the use of new financial techniques but afterwards rate were increased too high. Research Methodology Methodology plays a very crucial role in how research will be carried out. Methodology is an explanation of why you collected certain data, what data you collected, from where you collected it, when you collected it, how you collected it and how you analysed it (Collins, 2003). The researcher requires an interviewer or observer skills to gather data in the qualitative methods. This method requires collecting and analysing the data and applying the statistical tests (Riley, 2004). Qualitative research interprets opinion of the people in the sample, their way of looking at the subject, what they feel about subject and the dynamic interpret feeling on the subjects (Guari, 2005). The quantitative method mainly uses research instruments to gather, analyse and measure the data. Quantitative approach is more subjective approach. Quantitative approach includes analysing and reflecting on perception to understand social and human activities (Collins, 2003). The main purpose of this chapter is to explain and justify the primary research method which I have chosen to carry out my research. This chapter will also explain the significance of secondary data and state what sources of secondary data i will be using. Source of Acquisition of data Primary data Primary data collection means to collect new data of subjects for specific purpose. The different methods of collecting primary data are questionnaire, interview and sampling (Saunders, 2003). For my research it is very important to get some primary data to understand the topic in practical sense. By taking interview of the head of financial institution, will add extra value to my research and will broaden my understanding of topic as a whole. I will be collecting my primary data through interview with Mr Mitesh Sheth, Deputy Head of Henderson Global Investors. The main focus of interview will be to get their opinion about how did this crisis started, what was there response etc. I am also trying to contact few other key people but too early to mention anything about them yet. Secondary Data Secondary data means data collected previously for some purpose. The main sources of such data are library, internet, articles, business journals, research organization (Saunders, 2003). Methods of data analysis After collecting primary and secondary data the next stage is to evaluate or analyse the collected data. To convert data into graphs will be the easiest way to analyse the data. Hypothesis I will be analysing total amount of lending by US banks to solvent and insolvent borrowers and comparing their rate of default to conclude my research. Work Plan   Proposal submit 21st June literate review 31st July Preparation for interview 5th August Interview of selected person 10th August Analysis of data 20th August Start writing reports 15th September Draft report 10th October Final report October end On successfully completion of my dissertation I hope to come to a positive conclusion. I will utilise all the recourses available to me in order to draw out conclusion. Such as charts, graphs, historical data, interview, questionnaires etc.

Case Study for AcuScan, Inc :: Business Management Essays

Case Study for AcuScan, Inc I am the newly hired Vice President of Organizational Development. My responsibilities include creating the Organizational Development Department. I look forward to working with all of you especially with finding a new and improved product based on our already developed retinal scanning system iScanner. First of all I am going to discuss assumptions made by Kelly Thomas, Pat Lambert, Cliff O’Connor and Chris Martinas. After each employee assumptions will be their arguments and my evaluation of whether the argument is sound or unsound and why. Kelly Thomas – Senior Engineer, Product Development 1. Assumed that Pat, Director of Marketing knew nothing about QC (quality control). 2. Assumed that all the features for the retinal scanner could not be developed in the time frame allotted. 3. Assumed that due to lay-offs last year they would not have the staff to develop a new product. 4. Assumed the customer would be â€Å"short changed† because the company may not be able to comply with the customers expectations. 5. Assumed Pat did not have any technology experience because his past experience was with the cereal business. 6. Assumed Pat was going behind his back because Pat spoke to the programmers first without consulting with Kelly.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kelly argued that new product was much more complicated to produce than Pat had implied. He also argued that Pat had no understanding as to how the iScanner worked and would have a better understanding if Pat took the time to involve him in other areas of the business not just marketing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kelly’s argument was logical and sound because he based his decision on the time it took the staff to develop the iScanner. Past history of creating a new product can give you an idea of how long it would take to produce a new product. He also did not want to jeopardize his reputation or the company’s by producing and inadequate product. Pat Lambert – Director of Marketing 1. Assumed the new product would be a simple addition to the new product. 2. Assumed programmers had plenty of time to work on new product even though he knew staff was cut last year. 3. Assumed because they were not agreeing with him they were not committed to the new product. 4. Assumed that the job could be done by outside contractors in the specified time frame. Also with money being a problem. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assumed a meeting would resolve all problems. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Assumed the customer would be happy with whatever product was developed and launched.

Health Care in the Global South Essay -- traditional medicine

Health care and usage in the global south has always been a phenomenon of interest to both researchers and policy makers alike. This keen interest is embedded in the special demographic characteristics of this part of the world coupled with poverty and underdevelopment. This region has more than 50% (5.8 billion) of the world’s 7 billion population and a natural population growth rate of over 2% (Population Reference Bureau 2013); coupled with this huge demographic character is high rate of poverty, conflict, famine and high prevalence of infectious and communicable diseases. Compound to this plight, is a weak and bad biomedical health system which barely serve just about 20-30% of its population (Neumann and Lauro 1982). However, a phenomenon of interest in this health catastrophe is the traditional medicine system and its wide usage by the population in many countries in the south. The diversity of traditional medicine and its integration with the culture and beliefs of many societies in the south has encouraged studies and research over the years. The aim of these studies have been to understand the nature of traditional medicine and its ability to succeed where biomedicine has failed – access and usage; it is estimated that up to 80% of the population in the global south depends on Traditional medicine to meet their care needs (WHO 2002) With the colonization of many countries in the global south, came western lifestyle and social institutions. These social institutions included religion and health. From the onset of colonialism, the colonial leaders in the global south championed the course of teaching and training the indigenes in this region in western ideologies and practices which will foster their development. This s... ...frican countries. International nursing review, 50(4), 242-250. Twumasi P.A. 1987. Evaluation of Traditional Birth Attendants Programme in Ghana. Ministry of Health. Accra Twumasi P.A. 1988. Social Foundations of the interplay between Traditional and Modern Medical Systems. Ghana Universities Press. Accra World Bank 2010. Poverty and Equity Data. Accessed 20th May, 2014 http://data.worldbank.org/topic/poverty WHO 2000. Development of National Policy on Traditional Medicine. Manila. WHO 2001. Legal Status of Traditional Medicine and Complementary/Alternative Medicine: A World Wide Review. Geneva: World Health Organization WHO 2002. WHO traditional medicine strategy 2002-2005. Geneva: World Health Organization WHO 2007. World health statistics 2007. Geneva: World Health Organization WHO 2011. World Health Statistics 2011. Geneva: World Health Organization

Causes of Poverty in the United States Essay -- Poor Economy Education

Causes of Poverty in the United States The United States defines poverty for a family of four as being less than $16,036 per year, or $4,009 per person (Leone 12). People find themselves under this line for an innumerable amount of reasons. Some of these causes are under one's control and others are greater factors beyond an individual's power. Each family or individual person has unique and separate reasons for living in a state poverty. There is no way to try and define them all. Focusing in, three main topics arise that encompass the most predominant reasons for a person to fall into poverty. Education, family life and influence, along with the business cycle may work individually or together to cause poverty. These three leading causes are presented and discussed along with facts prevalent to the issue in the section below. Education and Poverty Education, or inadequate education or lack of an education, causes poverty. From the early years of preschool, into the years of K-12, without a college education and on into the work force people in poverty may never stop suffering from it if they do not become educated. The United States generally looks at education as a path to success but the people with the longest road towards success are not getting enough education. In the years before kindergarten, children form their basic thinking skills and children who don't learn these at home fall behind everyone else. In most cases children in poverty do not achieve these skills to the extent of middle-class children from their environment at home. When poor children enter school they are generally a year and a half behind the language abilities of their middle-class peers. Already children of poverty are behind in their ... ...ge & Family May 2002. Seccombe, Karen. "Famlies in Poverty in the 1990's: Trends, Causes, Consequences, and Lessons Learned." Journal of Marriage and Family Nov. 2000. Starr, Alexander. "The Importance of Teaching Tots; Given the strong evidence of its benefits to society, preschool education for the poor - and perhaps all children- is a must." Business Week 26 Aug. 2002. "Unemployment Rate of Persons 16 Years Old and Over, by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Highest Degree Attained, 1996, 1997, and 1998" Digest of Education Statistics1999. National Center for Education Statistics March 2000. U.S. Census Bureau. Statistical Abstract of the United States. 2001 Weir, Margaret. "Race and Urban Poverty." Brookings Review Summer 1993. Yapa, Lakshman. "What causes Poverty? A post-modern view." Annals of the Association of American Geographers Dec. 1996. Causes of Poverty in the United States Essay -- Poor Economy Education Causes of Poverty in the United States The United States defines poverty for a family of four as being less than $16,036 per year, or $4,009 per person (Leone 12). People find themselves under this line for an innumerable amount of reasons. Some of these causes are under one's control and others are greater factors beyond an individual's power. Each family or individual person has unique and separate reasons for living in a state poverty. There is no way to try and define them all. Focusing in, three main topics arise that encompass the most predominant reasons for a person to fall into poverty. Education, family life and influence, along with the business cycle may work individually or together to cause poverty. These three leading causes are presented and discussed along with facts prevalent to the issue in the section below. Education and Poverty Education, or inadequate education or lack of an education, causes poverty. From the early years of preschool, into the years of K-12, without a college education and on into the work force people in poverty may never stop suffering from it if they do not become educated. The United States generally looks at education as a path to success but the people with the longest road towards success are not getting enough education. In the years before kindergarten, children form their basic thinking skills and children who don't learn these at home fall behind everyone else. In most cases children in poverty do not achieve these skills to the extent of middle-class children from their environment at home. When poor children enter school they are generally a year and a half behind the language abilities of their middle-class peers. Already children of poverty are behind in their ... ...ge & Family May 2002. Seccombe, Karen. "Famlies in Poverty in the 1990's: Trends, Causes, Consequences, and Lessons Learned." Journal of Marriage and Family Nov. 2000. Starr, Alexander. "The Importance of Teaching Tots; Given the strong evidence of its benefits to society, preschool education for the poor - and perhaps all children- is a must." Business Week 26 Aug. 2002. "Unemployment Rate of Persons 16 Years Old and Over, by Age, Sex, Race/Ethnicity, and Highest Degree Attained, 1996, 1997, and 1998" Digest of Education Statistics1999. National Center for Education Statistics March 2000. U.S. Census Bureau. Statistical Abstract of the United States. 2001 Weir, Margaret. "Race and Urban Poverty." Brookings Review Summer 1993. Yapa, Lakshman. "What causes Poverty? A post-modern view." Annals of the Association of American Geographers Dec. 1996.

Data Analysis for Business Decisions Essay

1. Introduction: destination marketing Honeymoon Destinations is a business that produces video footage that contains resort-specific and region-specific footage regarding the most popular honeymoon destination resorts including: Hawaiian Islands, Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Florida. The marketing of destinations serve to guide newlyweds by means of capturing videos –including rating each resort based on the most important characteristics such as view, cost and accommodations. These footages attempt to generate an attractive, fascinating and informative product on what the newlyweds can expect on their â€Å"once in a lifetime† expedition. (Parry, Mark, 1999) 2. Honeymoon Destinations Market: Studies have indicated that in the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the amount that newlyweds spent on weddings and in the average age of first time brides and grooms. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ findings conclude that in the year 1967, the average age is 23.8 and 21.6 for men and women, respectively. However, the average age has increased to 26.4 and 24.5 for men and woman, respectively in the year 1987. This indicates that because first-time brides and grooms are postponing their weddings, they may more financial resources to spend more on honeymoon expenditures down the line. (Parry, Mark, 1999) 3. Data Analysis: Honeymoon Destinations has developed and administered a marketing feasibility study in order to investigate the impending demand for honeymoon destination videos. A survey has been mailed to 260 recent bridal fair participants in the area. Out of the 260 prospective participants, 91 have successfully submitted a response—with a calculated response rate of 35%. In order to understand the complexity of honeymoon destination marketing by means of video footage to newlyweds, this report attempts to analyze, calculate and investigate various data techniques for business decisions in the area of strategic marketing and management of honeymoon destinations. Additionally, this paper is based on data analysis research pertaining to the honeymoon destination direct mail survey where comprehensive frameworks have been tested and implemented— discussing a broad range of destination marketing channels, sources and references for the company to further improve current and future busi ness decisions in the honeymoon destination marketing industry. (Parry, Mark, 1999) First Case Scenario: The analysis has focused on the company’s marketing and distribution to as few as channels as possible. Additionally, the report has analyzed what the very best channels would be based on what the data indicates. The survey question reads â€Å"From what source would you be likely to purchase the video?† The sources (distribution channels) have been investigated as to look at what sources people utilized to purchase the honeymoon destination video. The descriptive analysis has calculated the count (number) of total recipients who responded—which was measured at 91—and the mode (frequency) of the 91 recipients who responded with a 1 (check) or a 0 (no check) and has calculated the count (number) of recipients. In this section, the table and graph above contains the percentage of respondents who stated that they could be likely to purchase a video from a particular source. The sum amount of responses for variables 45-52 have been divided by the total (count) of the low income group (income level of $25,000-$69,000 and high income group (income level of $70,000-92,000). For instance, using the source Bridal Shops—the sum of this particular variable is calculated at 19. The sum is then divided by the total count of the low income group, which is calculated at 0.35 or 35%. Using the same source, the sum of this particular variable is calculated at 10. The sum of 10 is then divided by the total count of the high-income group, which is calculated at 0.28 or 28%. The data findings indicate that both the low-income and high-income group is less likely to purchase a video from the Bridal Shop source. Another source that would both groups would not be likely to purchase a video from is the Video Rental Store—the data is calculated at 18% and 25% for low-income and high-income groups, respectively. (Parry, Mark, 1999) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S.,2011) Proposal and Recommendations for Scenario One: As a result of implementing descriptive statistics analysis and creating an appropriate graph and tabular representation, the findings conclude that the most popular channel types to purchase videos are from: 1. Bridal magazines: which was calculated that 75% of people in the lower income bracket and 82% of people in the higher income bracket. For this particular channel, people with higher income would be most likely to purchase videos from Bridal Magazines than people with lower income. 2. Travel Magazines: which was calculated that 77.8% of people in the lower income bracket and 82% of people in the higher income bracket. For this particular channel, findings conclude that there is very little difference in the type of income group that would purchase videos from the travel magazines. Honeymoon Destinations should focus more attention on using Travel Magazines and Bridal Magazines as the most effective marketing and distribution channels for advertizing honeymoon video footage to newlyweds—for both the low-income and high-income groups. When it comes to investing in a honeymoon getaway, the travel possibilities can be endless; however the choices and the decision may leave the couples feeling confused and undecided. (Parry, Mark, 1999) This leads an important question— who is primarily responsible for researching a possible honeymoon resort and who makes the decision in selecting the most preferred destination—the bride, groom or both? As indicated in the above graph, the bride takes primary responsibility in researching possible honeymoon getaways measured at 76.9% of the time, 11 % for grooms and 12.1% of the time both take equal responsibility in looking for honeymoon resorts. However, 82.4% of the time both couples share equal responsibility on making the actual decision on a honeymoon destination, whereas a mere 8.8% for brides and 8.8% of grooms take primary responsibility in making a decision. With the stress that unavoidably accompanies wedding planning, Honeymoon Destinations can utilize Bridal Magazines and Travel Magazines as its best marketing and distribution sources to further assist couples in researching and deciding on the perfect destination and itinerary–as a result, the couples can enjoy their once in a lifetime getaway. [ (Parry, Mark, 1999) ] Second Case Scenario: For this particular case scenario, it is believed that the individuals in the target group— Individuals with higher incomes—is more willing to spend at least $15.00 on the Honeymoon Destinations Video. This report tests this hypothesis. The analysis only observed individuals with higher incomes (upper half of the sample; $70,000 or more). A z test could not be measured because it requires knowing more information than what was available in the survey analysis. A z-test requires knowing the value of a population standard deviation (sigma) to be able to compute the standard error of the estimate. In most instances, this is rarely known—such in this case. The data calculated the standard deviation of the sampling distribution (measured at 3.852848874). As a result a one-sample, one-sided t-Test was employed for the sample higher-income group (variable 53) because the population standard deviation was not available in a sample of 91 participants in the direct-mail survey; the sample standard deviation was utilized as an estimate for testing purposes. (See descriptive and statistical analysis below) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Utilizing the one-sample, one-sided t-Test. the test statistic is t = 20.41606. 4. The P value of 0.00001 has been calculated for the possible test condition and compared it to the alpha level of 0.05. Therefore, the P value has determined to reject the null hypothesis. 5. Conclusion: We can observe that 20.41606 > 0.00001 in a one tail test (upper); thus the absolute value of our test statistic is greater than the associated p-value and is in the rejection region (and p-value has determined to reject the null hypothesis). Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis in favor of the alternative hypothesis. Therefore, the data analysis findings can statistically conclude that the sample provides enough evidence that the average amount the high-income group will be willing to spend is more than $15 for the Honeymoon Destinations Video. If the alpha was measured at .01 and .10 with the P –value still at 0.00001, the null hypothesis would still be rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Third Case Scenario: For the last case scenario, the analysis report is more interested in developing an estimate for what the average individual would be willing to pay rather than computing a hypothesis testing. Therefore, 95% confidence intervals have been developed for the average price individuals would be willing to pay: one for the lower-income group and one for the higher-income group. Dividing variable 54 into a low-income group and high-income group and also dividing Variable 53 (Amount willing to pay to purchase Honeymoon Destinations Video)—producing the below descriptive analysis of the sample average, standard deviation and sample size for the low and high income groups. The population standard deviation is not known, therefore, the sample standard deviation for low-income and high-income groups is estimated which is calculated at 6.876349 and 3.852849, respectively—utilizing variable 53. (Parry, Mark, 1999) (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) The sample size (n) of 55 for low-income group measures the sample average amount willing to pay for the video is $8.89 (rounded up). The sample standard deviation is calculated at 6.876349. A 95% confidence interval has been developed for the average price the low-income group is willing to pay for the video at $8.89. The findings indicate that the confidence interval is 7.03 for the lower limit and 10.75 for the higher limit of amount willing to pay for the video, respectively. The margin of error of 1.86 (the degree of accuracy in the analysis) is the t-multiple of 2.005 times the standard error of the estimation at 0.93 which indicates how far the confidence level would extend on each some of the point estimate. Conversely, the sample size (n) of 36 for high-income group measures the sample average amount willing to pay for the video is $28.11 (rounded up). The sample standard deviation is calculated at 3.852849. A 95% confidence interval has been developed for the average price the high-income group is willing to pay for the video at $28.11. The findings indicate that the confidence interval is $26.81 for the lower limit and $29.41 for the higher limit of amount willing to pay for the video, respectively. The margin of error of 1.30 (the degree of accuracy in the analysis) is the t-multiple of 2.030 times the standard error of the estimation at 0.64 which indicates how far the confidence level would extend on each some of the point estimate. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) As part of the comparative analysis between the low-income group and high-income group— assuming that if this procedure were to be repeated on multiple samples—the calculated confidence interval would encompass the true population parameter 95% of the time. Thus, the repeated samples that are taken from both groups, 95% of the time, the average amount people in the low-income group willing to pay will be between $7.03 and $10.75. And, 95% of the time, the average amount people in the high-income group willing to pay will be between $26.81 and $29.41. (Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S., 2011) Proposal and Recommendations for Scenario Two and Three: Although it has been suggested to sell each 45 minute video for a retail price of $14.95, the Company needs to recognize that it’s difficult to appeal to all consumers in the honeymoon marketplace, or at least cannot appeal to all consumers in the same way. Consumers are extremely diverse, widely scattered and significantly varied in their particular needs and purchasing practices. It’s important to note that low-income individuals who are looking to book a honeymoon resort face challenges of economic stability and an increase in the amount spent towards weddings. Since the high-income group is willing to pay more between $26.81 and $29.41, whereas the low-income group is willing to pay between $7.03 and $10.75 for honeymoon destinations videos, the company must shift from mass marketing strategies to both a target marketing and differential pricing method. (See diagram below) Customer-Driven Marketing Strategy: Creating Value for Target Customers First, the company must effectively identify and select diverse market segments (i.e. low income, high income, age, etc), differentiate based on their interest/financial resources and needs—and further improve channels of distribution/products/services tailored to each particular population segment in various affluent and discounted retail store locations. Secondly, Honeymoon Destinations can then implement a differential pricing practice which entails charging the high-income group more, while charging the low-income group less for the same product—which in this case is the honeymoon video. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) Possible implications of differential pricing: If Honeymoon Destinations sells the 45 minute video footage for several different prices, higher income individuals who are willing and able to spend more than $15.00 for the video may end up deciding it’s cheaper to pay for the lower priced video. However, this would force the lower-income individuals to pay more. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) Each difference has potential to either create company costs as well as customer benefits. A difference is worth establishing to the extent that it will satisfy not only the high income group but, more importantly the low income group. The company should look to improve marketing strategies that satisfy both the high-income and low-income groups by meeting the following criteria: 1. Importance: the video will deliver a highly valued benefit to the target group 2. Distinctive and Superior: Emphasize that the company offers a more informative and distinctive video footage over other competitors—which can be tailored based on the target group’s financial resources, needs, desires and personality. 3. Visibility: the video footage is visible and easily accessible to the target audience. Therefore, providing the broadest possible access to the video allows—and encourages differential pricing. Not implementing differential pricing will only ensure that the low-income individuals will have little to no access to purchasing the video they couldn’t otherwise afford. Overall, selecting the best position of the product can be challenging; however, providing a wide-range of choices and prices is crucial to the company’s overall current and future success. (Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark, 2010) References Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., & Murphree, Emily S. (2011). Chapter 9: Hypothesis Testing. In Data Analysis for Business Decisions (Sixth ed., pp. 351-392). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. . Bowerman, Bruce L., O’Connell, Richard T., Murphree, Emily S. (2011). Data Analysis for Business Decisions (Sixth ed.). New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Marshall, Greg W. & Johnston, Mark. (2010). Marketing Management. New York, NY, USA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Parry, Mark. (1999). Honeymoon Destinations. University at Virginia , Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. Charlottesville, VA: Darden Business Publishing. Retrieved December 27, 2012

Apa/Aca Web Site Critique

Glenda Gale APA/ACA Web Site Critique PSY-460-O101 Course Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance April 7, 2013 APA/ACA Web Site Critique I first chose to look at the ACA web site. I thought a lot of things were good there. They seemed To be open to everyone’s opinions and keeping things updated yearly according to feedback they had received. They had a very long and boring list of rules but they were clear at the same time. I feel someone who didn’t have a lot of patience or time would not be able to get through all of the rules.The rules covered everything you can think of, from privacy to sexual relationships not being legal Between a client and counselor. I didn’t think it was mapped out as good as the ACA web site though. The APA web site had options right from the beginning to choose your psychological issues. For example, I chose to click on autism and everything came up that I needed to know. It went down a list of what you need to know about autism, trea tment options for autism, news articles that was about autism, and even a book section where you could choose a book to read for self- help options.Now, as for me, who has an autistic son, I found a lot of clear and understanding information on the topic. I was also pleased to find that there were different books out there that could help me understand different issues I am having with my son. Everything was plain and clear for me to understand and I didn’t have to scroll through a bunch of options that didn’t have anything to do with me or what I was looking for. This site even had an option to tell me what kind of counselor would be best for our needs.The web site helped me to see that I was not alone and that others are facing the same issues. If I had to choose between the two web sites, by which one I preferred, I would choose The APA web site for sure. It was easier to navigate and easier to understand. I know rules and Such are important and the ACA web site had an area for rule as well, but it wasn’t just all thrown In there together. Someone upset and searching for help is going to feel better with options to click on.I felt better knowing that I was reading everything there was about autism and that I didn’t have to Scroll through a bunch of other things to find what I was looking for. When I was going through the APA web site, I felt overwhelmed and lost. I couldn’t find what I was looking for and I just wasn’t Interested in staying there very long. Why is someone going to use a site that doesn’t give you options to choose from and then tell you everything you want to know about that subject only?The APA web site even has options to click on about each ethics code and read about each one individually. In being a counselor, I would find this APA web site easier too. If a client had a question about a ethics code, I could quickly click on that specific link and have their question answered as fast as th ey asked it. If someone is confused, they aren’t going to want to be more confused by reading a bunch of topics all jumbled up together. If a client came to me about a certain topic, like autism, I could quickly give them all the information they needed.I would even have a list of self -help books and what they are about to offer them to read up on the issues they might be having. If you have that information right there and ready, it’s going to show them that you know what you are doing and that would give them confidence in you if they decided they needed a counselor too. Having confidence in you counselor is important. Finding the right information is important too. Getting it quickly is even better. References: http://www. counseling. org/ http://www. apa. org/